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TOP BOY: SEASON 3 REVIEW

Writer's picture: ShantíShantí

Did we get closure?





TOP BOY is an outstanding television crime series that explores the intricate details of British gang culture. It uncovers hidden truths that resonate with those who have been involved in such a life. The show is based on a fictional summerhouse estate located in the London Borough of Hackney. It follows the lives of two infamous drug dealers, Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson).


The series spans across five seasons with 32 episodes in total. The first season was aired on Channel 4 in 2011 and concluded in 2014. However, the show garnered renewed interest after Canadian rapper Drake endorsed it. It was announced in 2017 that the series would be revived through Netflix, with Drake and his team serving as exclusive producers.


The third season of the show sparked numerous discussions and debates on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter. This season was particularly emotional due to Stefan (Araloyin Oshunremi) and Aaron's (Hope Ikpoku Jnr ) separated lives, Lauryn's death (Saffron Hocking), and the desperation of some to escape from the gang life. Nonetheless, the question lingers: Was the storyline appropriately connected?


At the conclusion of season two, the viewers were left to mourn the untimely death of Jamie (Micheal Ward), one of the show's main characters. This event marked a turning point in the series, as it hinted at the possibility of future events that would further divide the already fragmented loyalties of the characters. Despite this, there was a glimmer of hope in the life of Lauryn, who experienced a breakthrough that gave her the chance for a happily ever after and her sister Jaq (Jasmine Jobson) to rekindle their broken relationship.


Sully's statement in the trailer, "If we're not monsters, we're food, and I could never be food," perfectly encapsulates his character arc this season. The writers have previously impressed viewers by revealing new facets of each character, which has undoubtedly contributed to the show's continued longevity and well-deserved acclaim.


But the question is why didn't it connect in the final series and why weren't questions answered?


We learn in season three that Sully is ruthless, un-compassionate, and unmerciful due to his insatiable hunger for power. Then in the course of the story, it becomes apparent that Dushane may not have a clear sense of purpose or direction in his life. As a result, he seems to lack the conviction and confidence needed to maintain control over his situation. This is exemplified in his interactions with Sully, where he is easily swayed and convinced to relinquish his power without putting up a fight or asserting his masculinity and dominance. In fact, Dushane seems to almost welcome Sully's control, perhaps because it relieves him of the burden of having to make difficult decisions and confront his own shortcomings. We also see Jaq's commencing a new life with the objective of securing her nephew's safety has been subject to scrutiny with questions arising as to whether her actions were driven by heroism or naivety. It is worth noting that while her motives have been questioned, Jaq remained resolute in her decision.


The third season of "Top Boy" left many fans with a sense of disappointment. Despite featuring a diverse range of storylines, viewers felt that none of them were thoroughly explored or connected. This was particularly true of Stefan's pursuit of justice for Jamie, which received insufficient attention. Instead, the show heavily emphasises a teenage romance, and the once robust partnership between Sully and Dushane is replaced with a rivalry. Additionally, the final season left several storylines and questions from the second season unresolved, leading to a lack of satisfaction among fans.


The incorporation of the Irish mafia in the show's final season left something to be desired and had minimal impact on the overall storyline. The six-episode season felt hurried and unfinished, leaving fans feeling dissatisfied. Many viewers assert that the show would have benefited from additional episodes and a more developed narrative arc. A greater number of inciting incidents and a more even distribution of attention across all the storylines would have kept viewers captivated and eagerly awaiting the next episode.


According to the renowned Syd Field, "All drama is conflict. Without conflict, there is no action; without action, there is no character; without character, there is no story."


This quote holds true for most successful screenplays, including Top Boy. However, the conflict in the show was occasionally unclear, leaving the audience wanting more for the final saga. Nevertheless, the season was enjoyable overall, leaving us with the tantalising question of who was responsible for Sully's death.




Written By,

Shantí





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