8.0
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The Lakes fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence5
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Lakes is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacingYou're watching with family
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Episode ratings
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About
The Lakes is a mystery drama created and written by Jimmy McGovern for BBC1. The first series – comprised of four episodes – broadcast from 14 September to 5 October 1997. A second series of ten episodes ran from 10 January to 14 March 1999.
Danny Kavanagh leaves Liverpool for the Lake District, finding work at a hotel and love with a local girl named Emma. Yet Danny remains an outsider in the close-knit community, and through the machinations of fate, he finds himself implicated in a tragedy. The secrets, lies, and crimes, of the seemingly tranquil community continue to be revealed.
Gritty DramaRural NoirSocial RealismCharacter StudyPsychological DepthCatholic GuiltSmall Town SecretsHuman ConditionMelancholicSlow Burn
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Lakes
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lakes worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Lakes rated?
Sexual contentStrong languageViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The Lakes have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 14 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
When did The Lakes air?
S1S2
It ran from 1997 to 1999 and has ended.
What language is The Lakes in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Lakes?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Lakes in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Lakes use?
Black Bra and PantiesGood Girls Avoid AbortionBe as Unhelpful as PossibleUnderdogs Never LoseOop NorthAdults Are UselessClose-Knit CommunityScenery PornHappily MarriedInterrogation MontageJerk with a Heart of GoldHot for Preacherand 20 more
TV Tropes lists 32 storytelling tropes for The Lakes, including Black Bra and Panties, Good Girls Avoid Abortion, Be as Unhelpful as Possible.