Common as Muck

This was a truly excellent series. It followed the lives of a group of binmen and their adventures in trying to carry on whilst their jobs are privatised and they are being hounded by their boss who wants them out. I got into this show as I had myself worked for the local council and this showed it in a quite realistic light. Being a binman is a dirty, tiring job, but the bond between workers was strong, (at least as I experienced it), and Common As Muck reflected this.

Best described as a Comedy-Drama, this show has some very unsettling moments of violence (see when Ken attacks Sunil when he thinks Sunil and his wife are having an affair), coupled with genuinely funny scenes. I defy anyone to not feel for all of the guys after a few shows, even Ken - superbly played by Neil Dudgeon.

The second series sees the lads moving on and is not quite as good, but still better than much on TV before or since. I strongly recommend viewing this show. I would dearly like to see it released on DVD.