Gritty documentary series not for the faint hearted (Life of Grime (1999))

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Life of Grime (1999)
Date:	04/02/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: intriguing

Disadvantages: gory

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
This gritty documentary follows the work of the Environmental Health Office in inner city London. Narrated by John Peel, the show often follows hygiene inspectors, animal welfare officers, and those unlucky council workers who get to empty out the flats of dead or evicted tenants.

IS IT ANY GOOD:
This has to be one of the best documentaries around; it offers a fascinating insight into the often disgusting work these people do. For example, a man dies on the toilet, and isn't found for days. After his body has been removed, we get to follow the cleaning crew who (now get this) clean the bit of head that got stuck on the bathroom wall. I mean, THAT is sick! And therein lies the whole appeal - you get to see how dirty and disgusting the country is, from the comfort of your own home.

In a previous review of 'How Clean is your House?', I said that the appeal is to become a voyeur and feel happy about your own life, well the same can be said for this show, that quite often has us saying "thank God we're not like that".

The characters in the show are hit or miss - I don't really enjoy the rat catcher bits as they're very cocky and arrogant, but the food hygiene inspector (the big Greek guy) is great. He's fun, bubbly and lovable, but he does a good job in sorting out the disgusting state of kebab shops around the capital!

John Peel's tones are just right for the pitch of the show, and it's very sad that he's now gone - he'll be missed.

THE BAD BIT:
The worst thing about the show is how it can sometimes be painfully gruesome to see the disgusting state of things, and if you have a weak stomach then it may be too much for you.

IN CONCLUSION:
It doesn't come more gritty than this!

Summary: watch it if you dare!