Diana and I

In the week that follows Princess Diana's tragic death on 31 August 1997, four separate stories unfold as four ordinary lives are all affected in different ways.

Jack is a shy 19-year-old, the only child of an adored mother who dies the same night as Princess Diana. He struggles to come to terms with her death while computing the loss of an icon who meant so much to both of them. Estranged from his father, he seeks help from a young neighbour, Russell.

Yasmin is unhappily married to Hassan, an unsuccessful businessman who can't admit his failure. Affected deeply by news of Diana's death, Yasmin's patience snaps when their television is re-possessed while she is watching the coverage. Making a pilgrimage to London with their only daughter Aalia, she arrives unannounced on the doorstep of her Uncle Zaheer. Inspired by the public outpouring of emotion at Diana's death, Yasmin goes on a journey of self-discovery.

Michael is a junior reporter on his honeymoon in Paris with his new wife Sophie when news of Diana's death breaks. A fluent French speaker, Michael teams up with the charismatic Laura, a star reporter flown in to cover the story. Spending more and more time on the story at the expense of his honeymoon, Michael struggles to balance his career with his fledgling marriage.

Mary is a Glaswegian florist. Living alone with her mother who is battling Alzheimer's, she struggles for money. Mary hatches a plan to drive to London and sell flowers before Saturday's funeral. With the help of her adoring friend Gordon, she travels to the capital in an old coach filled with flowers. Unexpectedly caught up in the public expression of love for Diana, Mary discovers emotions she thought were long lost.

BetaSeries' opinion

Discover the Depths of Drama with Screen Two: A Must-Watch Anthology Series

If you are a fan of thought-provoking narratives and high-quality dramatic performances, then Screen Two, a seminal British television anthology series, deserves a spot on your watchlist. Airing from 1985 to 1998 on BBC2, this series brought forth an array of standalone dramas that captured the essence of human experiences through its innovative storytelling. As a spiritual successor to the beloved Play for Today, Screen Two marked a significant shift in how stories were told on British television. Each episode is crafted as a cinematic gem, filmed entirely on location rather than confined to studio sets, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in each narrative.

One of the standout features of Screen Two is its commitment to quality over quantity. With 15 seasons comprising 168 episodes, each installment offers a distinct tale that reflects varied aspects of life in Britain during its time. The first episode sets the tone for what’s to come: depicting a gritty encounter between British soldiers and civilians at the Northern Irish border—an intense opening that resonates with historical context and social commentary. This approach not only engages viewers but also encourages them to reflect upon societal issues through the lens of drama.

The anthology format means that you can jump into any episode without needing prior context about previous installments. This accessibility makes Screen Two perfect for binge-watching or casual viewing alike; whether you have an hour or an evening free, there’s something here for everyone. Fans of other acclaimed shows like BBC Drama, On the Edge (2018), or even theater-inspired pieces like Great British Theatre will find comfort in familiar themes while discovering new dimensions in storytelling through this series.

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