This isn’t your standard period drama, Harlots is done in a similar vein as Peaky Blinders but with worse writing and some really annoying male leads. I could overlook the modern soundtrack and the overall style if there was an interesting story behind it all but it’s not there. it feels cheap and hollow.

Most of the men are just so unbelievably horrible you can’t wait until they’re off the screen. Problem is they are central figures in the show so they’re in a lot of scenes. The ones that seem like they could be interesting, like Margret Well’s partner, are written so thin it’s a wonder they have a last name.

Another thing that stood out is the cavalier way Harlots handles serious subjects such as rape, murder, pimping etc. Like mere formalities it has to go through before it can go back to showcasing the characters jaunty antics. There are moments when characters reflect the emotions you’d expect for a given subject but it rarely leads anywhere. There is very little growth overall.

I don’t understand the great reviews this show has. I gave it until the third episode in season 2 to improve but if anything it only got worse.