‘I’m still in tears’: Fans of BBC’s ephemera share their emotional reactions to the latest episode with Martin Compston in heartbreaking drama about euthanasia
Fans of BBC’s ephemera have shared their emotional reactions to the latest episode with Martin Compston.
The hard-hitting drama, based on the 2020 novel by Andrew O’Hagan, which some have expressed as having “still had tears in their eyes” after watching it, has heartbreakingly proven to be a hit with audiences.
Tully, played by Tony Curran, finds out he has terminal cancer, and Jimmy, played by Martin Compson, is reunited with his pal 30 years after “the prime of their youth” to learn of Tully’s horrific diagnosis.
Heartbreaking: Fans of BBC’s ephemera have shared their emotional reactions to the latest episode with Martin Compston
Difficult: Some say they still had “tears in their eyes” after watching the hard hitting drama based on the 2020 novel by Andrew O’Hagan has proved a heartbreaking hit with audiences
A fan wrote of the emotional second part of the two-parter: “Phew that was a clock, two hours of silence here and a sad look at the end. Well done to everyone involved. It moved us. Drama at its best.’
Another added: “Done 10 minutes ago still have tears in my eyes.”
A third added on social media: “What a watch. Loved the book and I cried my eyes out at the TV show even though I knew the story. So powerful.’
“Remarkable performances by all involved,” wrote another. “Ultimately, I saw it as a story of human strength and spirit taking control of an impossible situation rather than succumbing to an oppressive and depressing ending.
Hard observation: Tully, played by Tony Curran, finds out he has terminal cancer, and Jimmy, played by Martin Compson, reunites with his pal 30 years after “the peak of their youth” to learn of Tully’s horrific diagnosis Experienced
“Tough watch but I was cheering Tully the whole time.”
Someone else added: “Just watched #Mayflies what great drama.
“I’m all for euthanasia, but when I look at it from the other side, when someone is left behind, I can see how hard it must be. Amazing acting and writing.’
Another was impressed: “#Mayflies is one of the most touching shows I’ve ever seen.
‘Tears in my eyes’: One fan wrote of the emotional second part of the two-parter: ‘Whew was that a clock, two hours of silence here and a sad look at the end’
“The production, the flashbacks, the music and most importantly the plot of a taboo subject.
“Hug the person closest to you a little more tonight. Thanks @martin_compston @TonyCurran69.’
Set against a backdrop of 1980s Britain, Compston sees Mayflies as one of two young men who form a close bond through a shared love of music, film and rebellion.
Woman in love: Tully is pictured with his wife Anna, who finds it difficult to watch him sign his life before proceeding with euthanasia
Best Friends: Jimmy watches the moment Tully, with the support of his wife Iona, agrees to death by euthanasia
Key cultural moments, including Manchester’s burgeoning indie scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s, are highlighted as the two friends share a vow to live life on their own individual terms.
But three decades later, their bond is strained when Jimmy’s old friend calls with devastating news “that will test their friendship, love and loyalty.”
The show will also star Ashley Jensen – best known for her performances in Ricky Gervais comedies Extras and After Life – in a role to be announced and is being developed by Scottish production company Synchronicity Films for the BBC.
Emotional: There seems to have been no time for Tully and Noodles (Tony Curran and Martin Compston) since they were schoolmates and hit the clubs to the tune of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and New Order in the 1980s