BBC's 'The Split Up' Offers Bollywood Flair in Manchester

BBC1's legal drama 'The Split' has relocated from London to Manchester for its spin-off, 'The Split Up.' The move aligns with the BBC's presence in Media City and the opening of a Downing Street North in Manchester, prompting a broader geographical shift for television productions.

While the series maintains its focus on the intricate personal and professional lives within a top family law firm, 'The Split Up' introduces a new cast and centers on a second-generation British-Indian family. The patriarch, Dhruv Kishan, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar, is a key figure, and the show emphasizes the family's Hindu culture. The core narrative structure, which involves the firm handling individual divorce cases each week for high-profile clients, remains consistent with the original series.

The central characters are the three Kishan siblings, whose complicated love lives mirror the dramatic entanglements of their predecessors. The show explores themes of cultural identity, family traditions, and personal relationships. Writer Ursula Rani Sarma incorporates elements of cultural stereotypes for comedic effect, such as the patriarch recounting his arrival in the UK with limited means, and the younger generation's use of 'Aunty' for any middle-aged woman, regardless of relation.

The series also delves into more poignant aspects of family life, including the lingering presence of Dhruv's late wife, whose memory is honored through a shrine in their home. The engagement party featured in the first episode serves as a vibrant celebration of the family's Indian heritage, complete with traditional costumes and a choreographed dance, suggesting a significant integration of cultural elements into the drama. This blend of legal drama and cultural celebration brings a distinct flavor to the Manchester setting.

However, the show also features subplots like podcasters Alex and Tash, portrayed by Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks, whose on-screen marriage struggles are put to the test when Tash is involved in a paparazzi-documented affair with a younger woman. The reviewer noted a lack of chemistry between Henry and Horrocks, which detracted from the believability of their long-standing marriage.