Dodger

I'm baffled by the negative commentary and low ratings. It's definitely something a family could watch together.

I've watched two episodes (just getting set for the third) and am happily enjoying it. It was a long time ago that I read Oliver Twist so I'm in no position to comment about how faithful this series is to that portion of the novel. However, I am enjoying seeing the story through childrens eyes, particularly The Dodger, aka Jack Dawkins.

I only wish my adult grandchildren were much younger so we could watch it together and use this program to launch a conversation about what the world was truly like for children in Dickens' era.

Some commenters on here seemed to have missed the fact that this is Children's TV, and for that it is entertainment, nothing more. Yes, there is a bit of forced ethnicity which is unrealistic, but at least children (and indeed the disabled) see themselves represented. If you think that's a bad thing then you have swallowed the Anti-BBC newspaper's spin. Think about why Sky-owning Murdoch wants the BBC shut down eh?

It's amusing and good family viewing. You kids will love it.

Well produced, written and acted show. The characters are rounded and likeable. London is well realised and the score deserves a special mention for being based around exceptionally funky percussion.

It's funny how many negative reviews appear for a Childrens tv show by adults, complaining about ethnicity, plot, acting and even make up of the child actors. There are many children who happily watch all manner of shows that do not stand up to a critical review.

If the kids like a harmless show - let them watch it.

If you like it as well - great, (But if you can't say nuthin' nice - don't say nuthin') Steve And I love Pratchett.

By coincidence, my favourite book is Dodger and I only wish there had been time to possibly start a series in the style of the Tiffany Aching series... (Though if they were produced by CBBC it would host a vast number of negative reviews!)

It's a childrens programme, made for CBBC. It is being aired on BBC1 for family viewing. It's over acted as most childrens drama is, to make it more enjoyable for children. Just as pantomimes are. So the harsh comments on here are not justifiable. You can't compare it to Oliver or any other Dickens stories/drama's. It is loosely based upon the Artful Dodger. Nothing more, nothing less. With regards to the 'diversity' comments - does it really matter? It's a story. Do people think only 'white' people existed in London in the 1830's? It's a childrens drama. Diversity should not matter in the slightest. After all, children do not know any different.

The set and costumes are excellent.

Yes the acting is OTT. But you do have to remember it's a Childrens programme. For the age of 6 upwards. If it was acted as per any normal Dickens type drama children would lose interest as it would be too serious for them.