Cutting It: Series 1

Starring: Andy De Emmony, Catherine Morshead Original UK Premiere: 2002 Dvd Release: 19th May, 2003 Number Of Discs: 3 Format: PAL, Region 2 Encoding

Article Index: [Background Info] [DVD Review] [Articles/Resources] [Link To This Article] Looking To Buy? Buy This DVD Here

Cutting It was a popular BBC programme which ran for 4 series between 2002 & 2005. Its main character was Alison Henshall. In the first series she & husband Gavin own a hair salon together. A rival salon opens opposite & is ran by the wife of Allies former lover, Finn. Finn & Allie reignite their affair & after rediscovering their grown-up daughter, Ruby, whom they gave up for adoption almost two decades earlier, decide to stay together, resulting in Allie leaving Gavin. In the second series, Gavin & Ruby have a passionate relationship, which results in her getting pregnant. Allie also gets pregnant, but only by having an affair with Gavin, Finn is not the father & Finn knows it, as he secretly had a vasectomy. Series 2 ends with Gavin having to stay with Ruby & Allie having to stay with Finn. The third series saw the departure of Amanda Holdens character, Mia. Allie & Ruby both give birth, Allie has a boy while Ruby has a girl. The series ends with Ruby deciding to leave Gavin & Allie & Gavin re-igniting their relationship once more. Finn leaves at the end of the series.

One of a growing number of female-centred dramas, the first series of Cutting It was a sleeper hit for the BBC. Though its rival hairdresser premise seems fluffy, its classy gloss, off-beat scripting & strong cast make it as addictive as many of the outstanding TV series coming from the US. The drama unfolds when ambitious hairdresser Allie Henshall wants to open a second salon. But her husband & business partner would prefer to start a family. Even when she puts in a bid for a property opposite her salon, Allie is beaten by rival hairdresser Mia Bevan . As a business war begins between Allies Henshall Ferraday salon & Mias Blade Runner, Allie has to overcome the reappearance of an old flame, Mias husband, who is happy to rekindle his relationship with her.

As the relationship histories among the characters become absurdly intertwined, it is to the casts credit that the human dynamics of the story surpass its plot. Though there are certainly moments of parody & questionable twists, Cutting It gives its leading ladies some sharp & funny lines to work with & the space to do so. Both Parish & Holden run the gamut of emotions despite the seemingly clear-cut good woman / bitch divide between their characters initially. Their actions may strain the limits of credibility, but these women hold attention effortlessly.

©2004-2008 DVDArk.co.uk