The Royal

Very disappointed why do this??? loved every episode of The Roral! I finally caught up on Britbox, living in Virginia... Why on earth did ITV shelve at such a truly critical point? What in the actual heck???

This series centers on a small community hospital in northern England during the so-called "swinging" 60's. There are a number of fascinating characters especially Matron, head of nursing, Mr. Rose, consulting surgeon and the two main physicians, Doctors Ormerud and Wetherill. Unlike Gray's Anatomy the plots have as much to do with the practice of medicine as the personal lives of the characters. For the most part the drama is not sensational, but thoughtful and gentle. If you want some respite from the barrage of violence, gore and bedroom antics of most other television fare, you should enjoy The Royal.

But how on earth could they leave viewers hanging like that?! I say it's high time for a reunion special!

This show exemplifies the quality of British television. The writing, dialogue and character development is on point. The music, location scenes, casting and attention to period realism is also top notch. This show can make you laugh and cry all in the same hour. It's a little bit medical drama, and a little bit soap opera but only in the best ways. It also is the basis of a drinking game for me and my family. If someone questions the competence of the "Woman" doctor Jill Weatherall, you have to take a shot. If it's her husband doing it you take two shots. If you see a doctor smoking, you take a shot. If Dr. Rose tells someone their (whatever) days are over, you take a shot. If he's smoking his pipe while he says it, you take two shots. Example "I'm sorry good sir, I'm afraid your horse riding days are over", or I'm sorry ma'am, I'm afraid your childbearing days are over". Follow these rules and you'll be drunk before a half hour.

While I truly enjoyed bingeing on this whimsical dramedy set in North Yorkshire, it was re-visiting the 60s British pop hit singles that made every episode for me- From Manfred Mann's cover of Dylan's "The Mighty Quinn" to Freddie and the Dreamers' "I'm Tellin' You Now" to The Spencer Davis Group's "Keep on Runnin" it's a thoughtful musical journey back in time accompanying the goings on at St; Aidan's Royal Free Hospital.

I wish the producers or distributors had the forethought to get agreements for a couple of soundtracks/playlists It would be a fun listen. Maybe another reviewer will gather the titles from every episode...