UKTV's latest period drama Outrageous lives up to its name, with its telling of the real-life Mitford sisters' controversial story.
Bridgerton's Bessie Carter is the magnificent lead in this '30s-set mini-series, yet despite her coming from a show known for its raunchy escapades, Outrageous turns up the heat in an entirely different way.
Set against the backdrop of a looming World War II, this story centres around six very different sisters whose wildly differing political ideals and strong desires to bring about change send them down conflicting paths, with devastating consequences.
In another person's hands, the sisters' foray into politics could have been drier than a cream cracker. But here writer Sarah Williams follows their various seductions into either communism or fascism in a way that is fiery and passionate.
These are energised women, fuelled with a burn-your-bra attitude, that makes those combative moments explosive. They are also grounded, feeling their hurt deeply, which makes them all the more alluring the closer you get.
Those hoping for a thrilling rush won't be disappointed. Their sexual exploits may not have you staggering to the chaise longue, but the tension in this period drama will certainly have you clutching your pearls.
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It is particularly lovely to watch Carter, known for her portrayal of Prudence Featherington, step out from the sidelines and really own the centre stage as eldest sister Nancy (author of Love in a Cold Climate).
In that Netflix role Carter had already proven that she has flawless comic timing, but the character of Nancy allows her to showcase her ability to handle vulnerability too. Carter is especially wonderful in how she delivers a quiet, impactful devastation.
However, she is not the only strong performer. In fact, it would be difficult to find a weak link in the bunch.
Shannon Watson is stunning as Unity; she channels her strong will in an almost haunting way. Meanwhile, Joanna Vanderham's Diana has that cold and unfeeling mask down to a tee, so much so that when her brewing emotions finally do slip through, it is richly rewarding to watch.
The show is packed: Outrageous really gives its actors a lot of opportunity to shine between the sisters' infighting, their chaotic love lives and the precarious tightrope of the family's future.
As a by-product of the tensions that encircle the Mitford's lives, scandals and betrayal on various fronts are a frequent occurrence. Yet despite all these many plot points and themes, Outrageous is, for the most part, well paced.
Williams' last words will not only leave you hanging but will tease you into hoping for a second season.
All episodes of Outrageous are available on U and U&DRAMA from 19 June.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
