Viewers of The Hardacres were left underwhelmed mere minutes into the new drama, criticising the show for ‘lacking something’.
The series charts the lives and fortunes of the Hardacres family in 1890’s Yorkshire, as dock worker Sam Hardacres and his kin transition from a grimy fish dock to a sprawling country estate.
In the inaugural episode, disaster strikes when Sam sustains a hand injury, rendering him unable to work.
Matters deteriorate further when Sam’s wife Mary makes a desperate plea to Sam’s employer for an advance on his wages, only to be left dumbfounded when he demands sexual favours in exchange.
Mary rebuffs his proposition and is subsequently dismissed. With rent looming, the family are compelled to act swiftly, reports .
The Hardacres: Episode 1 had mixed responses from fans (Image: Channel 5)
They find themselves with no alternative but to seek employment to avoid eviction. The venture gets off to a sluggish start, and Mary’s plan to establish a fried herring stall hits a snag when her son Harry is robbed at knifepoint of their earnings.
However, the family refuse to be deterred, setting up the stall once more and finding unexpected success, amassing a substantial sum of money. They proceed to invest their profits and launch a family business which flourishes.
Ultimately, viewers witness the Hardacres arriving at their new grand residence, signalling the commencement of their new existence. As the series progresses, the family will have to navigate their newfound affluence.
Viewers at home remain unconvinced, taking to social media to voice their opinions. One viewer expressed: “Disappointed from the beginning. Absolutely nothing like the book. #TheHardacres.” (sic)
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The Hardacres made its debut tonight (Image: CHANNEL 5)
Another questioned: “Is there any evidence that fisheries workers in 1891 would have used the expression ‘get a wriggle on’? Sloppy scriptwriting. #TheHardacres.” (sic)
A third viewer commented: “Lacking something. Hope it improves #TheHardacres.” (sic)
However, not all viewers shared this sentiment, with one tweeting: “Liking this already #thehardacres.” (sic)
Another posted: “Definitely hooked.”
A third viewer admitted: “I wasn’t sure at first but I’m really enjoying #TheHardacres for now.” (sic)
The Hardacres airs Mondays at 9pm on Channel 5 and is available to catch up on My5.