Trouble on Set: When Real Life Imitates Art for BBC’s ‘This City Is Ours’

The BBC’s gangster drama, “This City Is Ours,” apparently got a little too real during its second season. Word is a crew member became a burglary victim while filming in Marbella, Spain. The irony isn’t lost on anyone. A show about crime… experiencing crime? You almost can’t write it.

“This City Is Ours,” which follows the gritty lives of Liverpudlian gangsters, has resonated with audiences, drawing comparisons to “The Sopranos,” but with a Scouse twist. Sean Bean heads the cast, adding a touch of gravitas to the criminal underworld. The first season really took off, with strong viewership numbers. It captured viewers with its blend of brutal realities and surprising moments of dark humor, like the infamous golf buggy scene set to “Ride of the Valkyries”.
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Yet, this recent incident raises a few eyebrows. Was it merely an opportunistic crime, or something more targeted? The Daily Star reported that no filming equipment was stolen. If true, it points towards a random act. Still, the location near a major production does invite questions. Did the thieves know who they were targeting? The incident occurred last month. Producers have so far been silent.

Now, while this off-screen drama might provide good fodder for tabloids, consider the broader context of crime dramas. Some trends are emerging. Viewership seems to be shifting. There’s evidence that audiences are tiring of gratuitous violence. A recent survey shows that a significant percentage of viewers find graphic violence and true crime programs off-putting. Many viewers seem to prefer implied violence over the explicit kind. Shows like “Murder She Wrote” and “Diagnosis Murder” are seeing a resurgence. Perhaps viewers crave something more comforting than another bleak portrayal of the criminal world.

Perhaps the market is reaching saturation. The surge in streaming services has flooded the screen with dark, violent content. It has to wear thin eventually. People watch tv shows to feel good after a tough day at work. So, is “This City Is Ours” swimming against the tide? The show’s initial success suggests otherwise. The blend of family drama, criminal intrigue, and moments of humor clearly resonated.
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However, taste does shift. What worked last year might not work this year. The challenge for “This City Is Ours,” lies in its ability to adapt, or double down on its existing formula. Either way, they risk something. It would not be surprising if the writers of the show, included this incident into the plot of the new season.

The incident itself also sheds light on the practicalities of filmmaking. Location shoots can be challenging, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Security becomes paramount, not just for equipment but also for the well-being of the cast and crew. The incident underscores the need for robust security protocols, especially when filming in locations with known crime issues.

So, where does this leave “This City Is Ours”? The show possesses undeniable appeal, bolstered by strong performances and compelling narratives. However, the incident on location, coupled with shifting viewer preferences, presents a formidable challenge. It remains to be seen if the show can navigate these choppy waters and maintain its grip on audiences. It is probably best to wait and see.

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Keywords: This City Is Ours, BBC drama, gangster drama, Marbella burglary, Sean Bean, crime on set, Liverpudlian gangsters, viewer preferences