This Is England ’90 Review: Episode 3 ‘Autumn’

With just four episodes rounding up the final series of the THIS IS ENGLAND franchise, THIS IS ENGLAND ’90, it’s within its penultimate episode ‘Autumn’ that we discover the rave has ended before it really begun, as Shane Meadows‘ pulls no punches in piling in heart wrenching drama for this familiar TV family. 

From the very beginning of the episode there’s no doubt that the horror the past will continue to pick away at whatever happiness the group has left as Lol (Vicky McClure) is plagued by horrifying nightmares of her abuser and Father; with Meadows’ taunting audiences with images of Mick and his despicable actions against both Lol and Trev. Set against scenes of Combo reciting his appeal for release, there’s an absolute sense of impending resolution in the most uncertain sense. Combo’s redemption is real and heartening, promising more of the brilliant Stephen Graham and his raw, effortless talent.

Meadows continues to taunt his faithful audience with reminders of the past with a haunting pause within the living room where so many lives were totally shattered. Trev’s rape, Mick’s murder and Combo’s sacrifice all echo within the four walls of the seemingly ordinary of the everyday as we see Kelly, her Mother and Trev head to Lol and Woody’s for a mysterious gathering. It’s here that the historic pair decide to break the news of not only Combo’s return, but also the shocking truth behind Mick’s murder.

Lol declares the truth with almighty bravery in the most intensely painful and emotionally charged scene of the series so far. As vulnerable Kelly must hear the truth about her father, one’s heart breaks for her devastation as she crumbles at the news. Chanel Cresswell‘s wildly spectacular performance as Kelly is remarkable and it’s within this scene that she truly blows audiences away with the depth of her dramatic talent. The devastation continues to rip through the family as the psychological damage of not only having to hear the truth about her father, but also dealing with the idea of being left out of this momentous secret leads Kelly to lash at Lol, Trev and her Mother. 

Gadget continues to be a beacon of strength for Kelly as she removes herself from her home and takes up residency with Gadget and Harvey. A sea of self pity engulfs her as she refuses to accept the truth about her Father, with her delusions of Lol’s actions threatening to poison Gadget and Harvey’s minds about what really happened. We see Kelly’s self destruction reach dizzying heights as Meadow’s rounds up the episode with images of Kelly smoking from a crack pipe; eye’s rolling back into oblivion.

However, it’s not just Kelly that must deal with the realities of Combo’s return to the gang’s lives as Milky reels at the news of Lol and Woody’s decision to take him into their home. The aftermath of Combo’s sacrifice shatter his relationship with his family as deep scars from the past threaten to rip open. Milky refuses to allow his daughter to live in the same house as Combo, fearing another racially fueled attack like the one he was forced to endure at the hands of Combo all those years ago. 

Combo’s actual return is an emotional one as Woody’s gratitude spills from him in unapologetic desperation; allowing Joe Gilgun‘s talent to shine through. It’s within these emotional scenes that we’re able to recall the true sadness that Woody has had to endure, often as a bystander of everybody else’s destruction, picking up the pieces and continuing to hold on to his endless love for Lol. 

Within such a dark episode Meadows ensures that there is still joy to be found as we experience some genuine happiness for Shaun, seeing him not only spend quality time with his mother and his late father’s extended family, but he’s finally accepted back into college. With this comes hope that next week’s final episode will see some sweet resolution for our long suffering friend.

The depth of the scars from the franchise’s past dramas continue to showcase the commitment the actors have made to their character and the continuing love and pride Meadows has for them also. With the final episode looming in sight, it’s with great anticipation that one can imagine the carnage to ensue with the words of Milky’s phone call in the show’s final scene carving out the drama to come. 

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