After Thomas

[gerx13]

After Thomas  ITV1 Boxing day at 9pm. Why am I plugging this drama? Well it is the story of my nephew and his pet dog Henry, not Thomas well I'm sure you all know how TV and film makers like to change things. It was originally meant to be done by the BBC, set in Gourock with names like Daniella Nardini and Robert Carlyle being mentioned. The BBC commissioned several rewrites before dropping the project. After being in cold storage for a few years it resurfaced in the form it is now, set down south with Keeley Hawes and the marvellous Shelia Hancock as my mother-in-law.

I have not seen the completed drama, but I have read its script which was very good, though a bit uncomfortable to read. It has been strongly tipped for BAFTA's come March. I have always admired the drive and tenacity of the couple who went through **** for their son, the boy and his dog are a terrific couple as well.  Its one for the wives and the guys who are more in touch with their feelings.

A nice way to come down from Christmas and to prep yourself for the wild celebrations of the following day.  :001:

[+L_G]

A number of things stopped me seeing the beginning of this programme, but I really enjoyed what I did see.  It was a great story and it made it better knowing that it was 'really real'.  Thanks for the tip off.

[Heilandee]

Superb stuff gerx13,respect to all concerned,highlights the difficulties involved and the predudices and ignorance of folk

[gordyfromsneck]

Superb stuff gerx13,respect to all concerned,highlights the difficulties involved and the predudices and ignorance of folk

Hi Ger, really enjoyed it. Glad it was a happy-ish ending. I let the kids stay up late to see it, and the 12 year old got a lot from it. As the title implies, the real story starts "After Thomas". Keeley Hawes is so gorgeous too.

[gerx13]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it. As it was my own first viewing of the drama, I wasn't 100% sure how it would work. I liked it, thought it worked very well and helps to dismiss 'the Rainman' myth about autism.

How much of it is true? Almost all, though the time scale of events have been squeezed and some of the characters were composites of several people. My nephew has grown up to be a fine young man and a credit to his parents. Sadly Henry, the dog, passed on earlier this year. But like all good doggy dramas there is a Henry II.

Thanks for your nice comments.

[+L_G]

Now I don't suppose anyone recorded it.  My friend has a daughter with special needs and was really interested in the programme, as they too have been advised that a pet might help.  Unfortunately they missed it last night.  If no one has a copy can you keep an eye out for a repeat.  Cheers

[gerx13]

I have a it on video if you PM me I'll get it to you.

[strathyjags]

Now I don't suppose anyone recorded it. My friend has a daughter with special needs and was really interested in the programme, as they too have been advised that a pet might help. Unfortunately they missed it last night. If no one has a copy can you keep an eye out for a repeat. Cheers

i could relate to it as amongst other htings my son,s autistic so noticed a lot of similar things,i recorded it on sky+ and have a dvd recorder if anyone wnats it on dvd?

[strathyjags]

Keeley Hawes is so gorgeous too.

agreed she,s a stunner

[+L_G]

A DVD would be good.  I've PM'd Gerx13 about getting the video, but if I could have a copy on DVD that would be great. 

[strathyjags]

yup shouldnt be a problem i,ll get a dvd tommorrow,but wont be at st mirren game so next home game after that b4 i can get it to ya