Lilies

Lilies is a compelling and heart-warming period drama that aired on BBC One in 2007. Set in post-First World War Liverpool, the show offers a vivid depiction of life amid societal change and the dichotomy of traditional values and emerging dynamics.

At the heart of the drama, is the captivating story of the Moss sisters, Iris (Catherine Tyldesley), May, and Ruby. In the shadow of the temporary merriment which follows the conclusion of the Great War, these three young women of the working-class strive to grapple with the mundanity of their everyday existence and dreams of a better future.

Catherine Tyldesley, in her seminal role as Iris Moss, delivers a brilliant performance. She embodies a subtle grit as she portrays the complexity of her character, Iris, the eldest of the Moss sisters who assumes the domestic responsibility of the household in her mother's absence. The character represents a woman who lives an ordinary life with extraordinary resilience. In fact, the fascinating interplay amongst the Moss sisters provides immersive storytelling, where each sister adds a distinct color to the canvas of this intricately woven narrative.

The character of May Moss is the soft-spoken, sweet-natured middle sister, offering a nurturing element to the family, while the youngest, Ruby, is an ambitious, firecracker keen to chase her dreams in a world ripe with opportunities. These dynamic characters navigate their way through hardship and happiness, love and grief, as they embark on their respective journeys towards self-realization in a rapidly changing world.

The setting of Liverpool following the First World War provides the perfect backdrop for this drama. It becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the changes, the hardships, and the societal shifts during this tumultuous time in history. The series meticulously captures the city's evolving landscape - aesthetic and socio-cultural, the bustling shipyards, the busy markets, and the quaint, friendly neighborhoods - all contributing to the detailed setting.

Lilies is further enriched by a diverse cast of secondary characters - a composite of various personalities who mirror the society's different layers. The Moss family patriarch, Dadda, is a conventional man who works as a casual laborer on the Liverpool docks, a character battling his own demons and struggling to raise his daughters in uncertain times. Then there are Billy and Billy Jr., father and son, who strike a contrasting picture - the older, rugged by life experiences while the younger, buoyant with the recklessness of youth.

One remarkable feature of Lilies is how it highlights various relevant themes. It explores women's evolving roles in society, the impact of conflicted masculinity in the face of war-engendered emotional turmoil, the struggle between traditional morals, and the predilections of an evolving generation. Despite the period it is set in, the drama depicts issues relevant to contemporary viewers.

The show is penned by Heidi Thomas, who's well-known for her ability to create detailed and vividly real historic dramas. With Lilies, Thomas melds historical accuracies, deep-rooted emotions, personal struggles, and societal norms into a fascinating tapestry. The series' writing excellence is underscored by its ability to gracefully oscillate between intense emotional drama and small moments of keenly felt joy, thus resonating with a wide range of audiences.

Additionally, the show's authentic costume design and its stirring soundtrack composed by John Lunn further enhances the viewing experience. The series' costumes convey the period’s fashion nuances, while the soundtrack breathes life into the era with gripping symphonies that reflect the emotional undercurrents of the narrative.

In conclusion, Lilies is a jewel in the crown of BBC One’s drama collection. With its phenomenal performances, particularly the riveting portrayal by Catherine Tyldesley of a strong, young woman grappling with life's ups and downs, the show offers a potent mix of emotional depth and historical insight. It's a captivating representation of life, love, and loss in post-war Liverpool, channeling the spirit of the time through the stories and experiences of its characters. The eight-episode series of Lilies, despite being short-lived, remains an enduring favorite for those seeking a rich, evocative drama imbued with authenticity and emotional complexity.