The first episode of BBC drama Marriage aired on Sunday, August 14. Viewers have been quick to give their opinion on the new television series.
The four-part series stars Sean Bean, who many will know from his roles in Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones or Sharpe. Alongside Bean is Nicola Walker - star of Annika, Unforgotten, Spooks. And yet despite this stellar cast, some viewers say they found themselves switching off early on in the programme.
Marriage delves into the ups and downs of long-term relationships. The series revolves around Ian and Emma, a couple who have been married for almost 30 years, as well as their families, friends and colleagues.
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The first episode opened with Ian and Emma having a ten-minute-long argument over a jacket potato, reported Birmingham Live. It then went on to show Ian struggling to adjust to redundancy after returning from holiday, all while growing suspicious of Emma's boss. Later on, they were less than thrilled to meet their daughter Jessica's new boyfriend, Adam.
But many viewers weren't happy with the pacing of the first episode, with several complaining that it was moving too slowly. One Twitter user wrote: "#marriage I’ve left - so boring." Another was equally unimpressed, adding: "I give up. After 30 mins I’ve switched over to any other programme than watch this rubbish #marriage."
The comments continued: "#marriage has to be one of the worst things I've ever ever watched on BBC 1." Another viewer added: "Well I gave it 35 minutes and I was almost asleep! Such a shame cos 2 great actors! Not for me this #marriage." And another said: "I was looking forward to this but that's it, I'm done. #marriage." Someone else agreed: "What on earth is #marriage on the old @BBC all about. Managed 20 minutes and gave up. This does not fit Sean Bean one bit."
However, not everyone thought it wasn't worth a second watch. One social media user said: "Can't understand people slating #marriage. It was full of simmering tension. Sean Bean is about to crack and that boyfriend is a psycho. Nicola Walker is just trying to be human glue holding it together with a displaced husband, selfish dad and creepy boss. Subtle and compelling."
Another added: "Brilliant concept. Well cast. Reading been the lines and the inability to communicate. Lonely after losing his job, jealousy. Didn’t see it as boring at all. #marriage"
The full series of Marriage is available to stream via BBC iPlayer now
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