Mrs Biggs

This much-acclaimed series, Mrs Biggs, from ITV is an engrossing mix of romantic drama, crime intrigue, and historical context. A five-part dramatic retelling, airing in 2012, the miniseries stars the award-winning actress Sheridan Smith. Produced by ITV Studios, it was shown on the ITV network in the United Kingdom, with later distribution internationally.

The series adeptly tells the unlikely yet true story of Charmian Biggs (Sheridan Smith), wife to Ronald Biggs (Daniel Mays), one of the notorious participants in the Great Train Robbery, a heist which shook the nation of Britain in 1963. The narrative is told through the perspective of Charmian herself, which lends the series its unique female viewpoint and emotional depth, seldom seen in heist stories with a predominantly criminal and male focus.

Sheridan Smith puts up an extraordinary performance as Mrs Biggs, her character personifies strength, resilience, and a ceaseless fight against circumstances imbued in life, love, and the burden of legal repercussions. Smith impeccably brings to life Charmian's journey from her innocent youth, through her incessantly testing marital life to the emotionally charged aftermath of the robbery.

The narrative is as much about Ronald Biggs' life, played convincingly by Daniel Mays, as about the tumultuous journey of Charmian Biggs. The script skillfully creates a dimensional character arc for Ronald, countering his criminal actions with his human nuances. This exploration of Ronald's character gives the viewers a chance to see his life beyond the lens of his crime.

The series starts with the blossoming love story of a young and head-over-heels Charmian and Ronald. It explores how love unknowingly guides Charmian into a life of hardships, leading her to face trials she could have never anticipated. It illustrates their budding romance, the intrigues of a secret marriage, and their journey into parenthood.

As the narrative unfolds, the audience becomes a witness to how increasing financial pressures and the allure of easy money push Ronald into participating in the infamous Great Train Robbery. The series artfully depicts the crime and its immediate aftermath, capturing the enormous national interest, police investigation, and subsequently the trial.

The implications of the crime aren't explored solely through the lens of societal judgement or from the perspective of the criminals involved. Instead, it's the ripple effect on the lives of these men's families, and specifically Mrs Biggs, which drives the narrative. The series throws light on Charmian's courage in the face of adversity, her tireless attempt to shield her children from the harsh realities, while struggling to cope with life as the wife of an international fugitive. The narrative illustrates her struggles of separation and the tireless fight against social stigma.

The time period the series is set in is depicted with fidelity, the late 1950s and 60s England evoked with a palpable authenticity. The sets are elaborately crafted and the cinematography adds a vivid quality to the narrative. The depiction of the socio-political environment, societal norms, prison sentences, women's liberties, and media involvement make the series an enjoyable watch for history buffs.

In complement to its powerful dialogues, the series boasts some mesmerizing music tracks that closely follow the narrative's mood. The soulful melodies amplify the emotional resonance of its poignant scenes.

Mrs Biggs is truly an immersive television experience, with immaculate production, engaging storytelling, and skillful character portrayals. Sheridan Smith's stellar performance as Charmian Biggs, a woman pushed to be resourceful, brave, and tireless to protect her children, stands out. Smith's Charmian is a celebration of her resilience and a touching portrayal of a woman whose life was unwittingly intertwined with one of the most significant crimes in British history.

In many ways, Mrs Biggs reflects ITV's commitment to showcasing a gamut of emotions and experiences unique to the human spirit. This dramatic miniseries deftly leads its audiences through a lesser-known path in the well-trodden tale of the Great Train Robbery, effectively drawing a heart-rending portrait of one woman's resilience amid adversity. A must-watch for lovers of history, crime dramas, or anyone who appreciates engaging and emotionally-charged narration.