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Possibly the worst drama I have ever watched from beginning to end. But I have to confess that by E9 I had begun speeding it up to the highest setting that Netflix allows.

Absolutely nothing to commend it. A plot that steadily became more and more messy, complex and confusing. Dialogue that was appalling from start to finish. Many of the characters spoke in the same way and it felt like the writer had been challenged to include a million F words. Each character seemed to be using the F word as a kind of entry card. The Syrian character was the only sympathetic character -- all the rest were uniformly unpleasant. And then, as I got to the end, came the news that there is going to be a second series. How can viewers be so gullible?

I was hovering between 7 and 8 but went generous because the whole show is a very impressive achievement. A massive cast and it tells a convincing tale. For me it fell short of perfection mainly because of issues with pacing and plot. The writers did a good job considering the challenges they faced en route. So it was clear that the end must have been revised, perhaps several times. On the pacing I had a real issue with S5. Having discovered that it wasn't available on Netflix UK I grumpily splashed out on a month of Paramount because I wasn't going to miss it. But the dialogue in many parts of S5 disappeared in favour of country & western music and annoyingly repetitious rodeo sequences and picture postcard scenery. But despite all that, I liked it. I'd seen 1883 before and enjoyed that too, but I think I will give 1923 a miss. I'm quite curious to know how accurately portrayed were the conflicts between the main groups. But it made for decent drama.

Westerns are not normally my preferred genre but I am so pleased that I took a recommendation to watch this. The last time I awarded a 10 was 93 items ago, but this totally deserves it. It really ticks all the important boxes. The plot is interesting and well written, with a plenty of dramatic tension. Characters develop beautifully and are totally convincing. The character of Elsa and the acting of Isabel May were superb. I especially loved the thoughtful and insightful narration. And most of the other leading actors were also first rate. Special mention of the amazing camera work.

Recommended without hesitation.