Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Ten Pound Poms
When the inaugural season of Danny Brocklehurst’s drama Ten Pound Poms premiered in 2023, it brought with it a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of the heartfelt yet slightly dramatic Sunday night television staples. This series dives into a lesser-known chapter of 20th-century history: the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, which enticed many Brits with glossy newspaper advertisements promising a fresh start in Australia for just £10. However, as the show poignantly illustrates, the reality of this new life was often far from idyllic. New arrivals faced grim housing conditions, underpaid jobs, a chilly reception, and a host of systemic injustices that challenged their dreams. Thankfully, we can safely say that such issues are a thing of the past, right?
As we transition into the second season, set in 1957, we reunite with the Roberts family—Terry (Warren Brown), Annie (Faye Marsay), and their children, Pattie and Peter. After enduring a year of unmet expectations in Australia, they remain crammed in a dismal hostel, further complicated by the recent arrival of teenage Pattie’s baby daughter. The narrative quickly unfolds as Terry searches for better employment, leading him to a dilapidated tenement where he uncovers the bleak realities faced by the vulnerable residents.
During his exploration, Terry meets Benny, a charming landlord who extends an enticing job offer that seems almost too good to be true. As Terry grapples with the ethics of his situation, the storyline hints at potential moral dilemmas that may lead him down a precarious path. The introduction of a beautiful single mother, who captures Terry’s attention, adds another layer of complexity, especially considering Benny’s dubious character. This evolution in Terry’s journey is a refreshing departure from the previous season, which faced criticism for portraying the British characters as paragons of virtue.
Meanwhile, we also follow the story of nurse Kate, played by Michelle Keegan. Having traveled across the globe to reclaim her son Michael, who was taken from her due to postnatal depression, Kate’s journey takes a dark turn when she abducts him from his adoptive parents. Her attempts to escape to New Zealand with him are thwarted, leading to a tense campervan escapade that cannot last. The emotional turmoil escalates as Michael longs for his adoptive mother, whom he affectionately refers to as “Real Mummy.” This storyline ventures into darker territories than one might anticipate, showcasing Keegan’s strong performance as she navigates the complexity of doing what is right for Michael without losing him completely.
The pacing of the series is measured, yet it is filled with a multitude of engaging subplots. In a series of touching moments, hostel manager JJ (Stephen Curry) secretly visits his lover Sheila (Emma Hamilton) in a mental institution following her suicide attempt. Additionally, a new character, the brash Irish gardener Ray Skinner, is introduced, promising to stir up trouble, while Annie’s boss Marlene resorts to increasingly desperate measures to avoid her ex-husband.
Overall, Ten Pound Poms is a delightful series that seamlessly fits into the Sunday evening lineup alongside Call the Midwife. It is a well-crafted period drama with sincere performances and endearing characters. However, the constraints of Sunday evening broadcasting, which require a gentle challenge to viewers and a balance of darkness with light-hearted moments, means that the serious themes the show addresses are often wrapped in a comforting cocoon that doesn’t always do justice to their depth.
Catch the next episode of Ten Pound Poms next Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
