Raw? It does exactly what it says on the tin…
From rte.ie (c)
Some dictionary definitions of the adjective raw…
Uncooked. Powerfully impressive. Not processed or refined. Cruel and unfair. Outspoken; crude. Stark. Naked. Fresh.
I tuned in to the new drama series Raw on RTÉ last night. And I was certainly impressed. Maybe not powerfully so but it’s early yet. Raw certainly felt fresh and, in ways, unrefined. And in that same vein, it also felt, at times, crude and outspoken, but that’s in no way meant as a criticism. Drama shouldn’t feel safe and warm at all times. A bit of bawdiness is sometimes necessary to stir up emotion, create tension and drive conflict and Raw doesn’t fall short on of any of those.
RTÉ’s blurb describes Raw as thus…
A six-part drama series set around the heady world of a top Irish
restaurant. Sharp and contemporary, Raw explores the true friendships,
bitter rivalries and unexpected passions that emerge in the
heat of the kitchen of an up-and-coming Dublin restaurant
And it’s not far wrong. Irish audiences want to see Irish settings, Irish characters, Irish stories and naked Irish skin. And Raw ticks all the necessary boxes.
Raw deserves a wide audience. It felt organic, it felt like a real, grown-up drama regardless of its nationality. The direction was spot on, nicely cut and very well cast. Good location work too, Dublin looked great. The music worked, wasn’t overly invasive. In fact the choices of Neo-Supervital and Underworld on the soundtrack were inspired.
There were mostly positives but some flaws. Particularly the unoriginal relationship, and moreso, the lack of chemistry between Bobby and Rebecca. Some plot points were a little loose, some devices formulaic but there were unexpected twists and turns that worked a treat.
I’m not entirely sure if I love the look of the show (ie, the cinematography). There’s lots of high contrast, high key exposures and video doesn’t usually like too much peaking, HD or otherwise. I’ll have to have a look at the second installment before I make up my mind. That said it was nicely shot, framing and shot selection were spot on and the camera moved when it needed to. It was also nice to see some of Maser’s fine work featured. I wonder was he consulted?!?
Home-produced drama has been improving year on year. There have been some duds but plenty of successes, on both RTÉ and TG4. So both must be commended. So much so that I feel, in Ireland, we make better TV drama than we do cinema. But that’s for another post, another day.
We’ll see how Raw develops but for the moment I’m liking the menu. All in all an appetite-whetting starter.
Episode One can be watched here.
On another note, the Raw microsite on rte.ie is really quite cool. Some nice behind the scenes interviews, tracklistings, downloadable ringtones (?) and even some cookery demonstrations. So hats off to those involved for such a professional endeavour.
B'dum said,
September 9, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I thought it was crappy.
NaRocRoc said,
September 9, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Fair enough B’dum. Horses for courses I guess but I enjoyed it.
B'dum said,
September 9, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I always thought that was whoreses for courses
J said,
September 9, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I think it has potential. Have to give it a chance to see how it develops
James said,
September 10, 2008 at 1:05 am
Loved it – at last something good, proper irish drama – i’ll be tuning in next week – very funi in places also
NaRocRoc said,
September 10, 2008 at 10:30 am
J, it does indeed have potential, plots have been set up nicely and ep 1 had a good ending to work from. Hopefully it keeps up the pace for 6 episodes.
James, there were some funny moments alright but not too many. I shall also be tuning in next week for more.
Lottie said,
September 12, 2008 at 10:39 am
Noink!
NaRocRoc said,
September 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Lottie, Noink you say?!? Do elaborate!
Laura said,
September 14, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Caught this last night – thought it was brilliant – felt a bit sea sick at the start so much was happening but soon settled in – can’t wait to see it tomorrow night now.
NaRocRoc said,
September 15, 2008 at 12:00 pm
@ Laura, yeah it seems to have been quite divisive, some loved it others weren’t convinced. I obviously enjoyed it and I just hope it can sustain the energy of the first episode over the series. We’ll wait and see I guess.
j said,
September 16, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Episode 2 was good, I thought. It’s shaping up well.
NaRocRoc said,
September 16, 2008 at 5:27 pm
j, I agree. It picked up nicely where ep 1 left off. Granted it’s not the Sopranos in terms of drama or standard but it’s still enjoyable and engrossing.
sandra said,
September 23, 2008 at 12:10 am
at last something to look forward to on the telly. i think raw is brill im ragin its only on for a few weeks charlene plays a blinder. she’s a great actress.
NaRocRoc said,
September 23, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Indeed Sandra, indeed! New post today on last night’s episode.
tracey said,
October 5, 2008 at 9:37 am
i love raw never miss aweek i even record it and watch it again as things that go on in
raw happen in real life i am a big fan of jo jo she giong places that girl.
NaRocRoc said,
October 6, 2008 at 12:41 am
Welcome Tracey, yeah it’s goin down well for the most part. I enjoy it anyway! ANd yeah Charlene McKenna as JoJo is very good indeed.