The six-part drama based on Graham Norton’s bestselling novel explores themes of dementia and hidden pasts
Category: Arts & Culture
Channel 5's new six-part thriller, Forever Home, has begun airing, captivating audiences with its blend of dark humor and mystery. Based on the bestselling novel by Graham Norton, the series features a star-studded cast, including Amy Nuttall as Carol Crottie and Douglas Henshall as her partner, Robert, who is battling early-onset dementia. The story, set primarily in an Edwardian house at 7 Stable Row, revolves around a mysterious odor that leads Carol to investigate her partner's troubling past.
The plot thickens when Carol discovers that the smell emanating from the basement is linked to a corpse defrosting in a faulty freezer. This corpse belongs to Robert's first wife, who disappeared twenty years ago, allegedly running off with Robert's brother. As Carol unravels the mystery, she grapples with her fears about Robert's deteriorating mental state and the secrets he may be hiding.
Henshall's portrayal of Robert is particularly poignant, as he navigates the challenges of dementia and the guilt associated with his past. He explained in an interview, "Robert is a man under constant stress. He has paranoia to a terrible degree and awful guilt. He is constantly having to check himself for everything he says and does. ‘Am I being consistent with the lies?’" This internal struggle adds depth to the character and reflects the broader themes of the series, which include the fragility of memory and the consequences of buried secrets.
As Carol examines the mystery surrounding Robert's first wife, she finds herself entangled in a web of deception that reveals long-hidden family dynamics. The show tackles various themes, including infidelity, abuse, and even modern issues like gay surrogacy, all intertwined in a narrative that keeps viewers guessing. The identity of the killer has been altered from the original novel, introducing additional surprises for those familiar with the source material.
Filmed in the picturesque Northeast of England, Forever Home takes advantage of its stunning setting, with many cast and crew members praising Northumberland as the perfect backdrop for the story. Denise Welch, who plays Moira, Carol's mother, expressed her enthusiasm for filming close to home, noting that most of the crew had previously worked on the popular ITV series Vera. Welch humorously recounted her experience on set, saying, "I loved it because I was surrounded by Geordies all day and every day."
The adaptation has shifted the setting from Ireland, as depicted in Norton's novel, to North-East England, providing a fresh perspective on the story. This change, along with new character names and plot twists, has created a version that diverges from the book, making it a unique viewing experience. Critics have noted that the show, though not aiming for the prestige of HBO productions, delivers entertainment akin to a gripping airport novel, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Critics have pointed out that the series's tone fluctuates between dark humor and serious drama, often leading to a chaotic narrative. Some viewers may find this blend jarring, but it also provides moments of levity in an otherwise tense storyline. The show's ability to tackle serious subjects like dementia with a touch of humor, albeit clumsily at times, adds to its charm.
As Forever Home continues to air on Channel 5, viewers can anticipate more twists and turns in Carol's investigation. With the series already establishing a reputation for its unpredictable plot, audiences are eager to see how the story will develop over the remaining episodes. Each installment promises to peel back layers of family secrets, raising questions about trust and the impact of past actions on present relationships.
Douglas Henshall shared his hopes for the series, stating, "The baseline of what I do is I am an entertainer. I am part of a business which is trying to entertain people sitting in their house of a night. And hopefully if they turn on this show, they will be able to get caught up and find it a bit funny and a bit creepy as f***." This sentiment reflects the show's ambition to engage viewers with a mix of suspense and dark comedy.
With the series airing every Tuesday at 9 PM, fans can look forward to unraveling the mystery surrounding Robert's past and the true nature of the relationships within the Crottie family. As the plot thickens, audiences will undoubtedly remain on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what lies beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic home.