Mile High

Mile High is a British television drama series that aired on Sky1 from 2003 to 2005. The show revolves around the lives of the cabin crew members who work for the fictional airline Fresh!, focusing on their personal and professional lives as they navigate through the turbulent skies. Starring Nichola Theobald, among others, Mile High proved to be quite a popular watch among fans of drama and comedy-drama during its two-season run.

One of the main draws of this daring series was its unapologetic approach in addressing the less romanticised aspects of the aviation industry. While it delves into the glamorous allure of a high-flying job, the show also candidly explores the highs, lows and mitigating realities that come with it. Mile High touches upon the excitement, glamour, constant travelling, new experiences, different cultures you are immersed in and parties all over the world - the things that make the life of an airline worker seem enviable.

Yet, in giving a somewhat voyeuristic view into the lives of cabin crew members, every episode also exposes the facades that shroud this admired profession. It peels back the layers to show the sobriety that comes after the approaching high, showcasing the profound difficulties cabin crew members confront during their vie for professional achievement and personal satisfaction.

Nichola Theobald's role is thoroughly engaging and steeped in complexities. Her character portrays the human struggles that come with the job while also dealing with her own interpersonal relationships and emotional ups and downs. The ensemble cast adds colour to the plot with characters brought to life by a talented line-up of actors. Each character on the show is carefully considered, and their stories are interwoven to make for an engaging viewing experience.

The creators of Mile High should be given credit for developing a series that uses its unique setting to its advantage. Besides the drama onboard airplane cabins and within airport terminals, the show makes creative use of different exotic locations, offering viewers a mini tour of the world from the comfort of their couches. Mile High stands out for its innovative storytelling, amplified by its atmospheric settings that transports viewers along with its flight crew. The cinematography and music choice perfectly add to this experiential tour while neatly tying each scene together.

Behind the anxieties, love triangles, scandals and professional rivalries that characterise the plot, the emphasis on characters' personal growth and the exploration of human relationships remain a central element in the story arc of Mile High. The personal interactions not only add to the unpredictable plot twists but also create an emotional depth to the characters. They are rounded individuals that are as flawed as they are relatable, making for complex and intriguing storytelling.

Yet, despite dealing with serious issues and complicated relationships, Mile High strikes an admirable balance between drama and comedy. It has managed to intersperse moments of levity that lighten the mood and add a delightful charm to the series. This blend of drama and humour ensures the show never gets too heavy, offering viewers a pleasant break from the more serious aspects of their own lives.

What Mile High accomplished during its two seasons was to give viewers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry while keeping them entertained with the interrelationship drama. It did so successfully by combining clever plotlines, well-developed characters, a unique premise, and an enjoyable mix of comedy and drama. For those looking for a television series that offers more than just predictable plots and historical accuracy, Mile High is definitely a must-watch.