11 Feb ‘10

“Rare is the natural history programme that is as lavish with its language as its pictures, but Macfarlane is a writer an English don, and it shows.”
Lucy Mangan, The Guardian

“A dreamy, poetic sort of affair, sustained by Macfarlane’s intelligent, thoughtful narrative and some exquisitely beautiful, haunting photography.”
Sarah Vine, The Times

“This wasn’t nature telly in the Attenborough or Oddie style. It was a poet’s view of the landscape, quietly nudging us to  see the beauty at the edge of the landfill and the wonders underneath the pylons – and amid a seemingly permanent slew of programmes about our ‘vanishing world’ it was a treat to find one that says it’s still here to be seen and enjoyed.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“There’s no better way to get inside a society than by looking at its schools – each class seems like a whole country, just turned up a notch or two.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“The star of the first episode… was undoubtedly Amal Hassan, the utterly wonderful headmistress of the Zaki Al-Arsuzi Girls’ secondary school.”
Lucy Mangan, The Guardian

“I reluctantly came to the conclusion that Susan is now so stupid that it would be a kindness to both her and everyone around her simply to have her put down.”
Lucy Mangan, The Guardian

“Inflated melodrama, clichéd delivery and two-dimensional characterisations.”
Sarah Vine, The Times

“Sharp dialogue, rigorous storylines and uncompromising aesthetic.”
Sarah Vine, The Times

“Close to exemplary in its quiet wit and patience and relish for paradox.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent

“Interesting enough if you’re interested, I guess, but I found Hilton’s advocacy of the undead counterproductive.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent