Dancing on the Edge

Stephen Poliakoff is one of the most interesting creators of original drama on British TV and this 2013 miniseries is one of his best. Dancing on the Edge follows the fortunes of a black jazz band in 1930s London, where success fans the flames of racism as a wave of nationalism rises among the wealthy who are sympathetic to Germany's fascist government and white supremacist policies. When the band's singer is assaulted and dies from her injuries, the band's leader (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is set up to be the prime suspect. Matthew Goode is a music journalist who promotes the band through his magazine, while other members of the superb cast include Janet Montgomery, Jenna Coleman, John Goodman, and Jacqueline Bisset. Poliakoff defies the conventions of British murder mystery tradition, instead focusing on character drama to present a more complex world featuring hints of conspiracies and shady business dealings, corrupt aristocrats protected by money and the code of the secret society of Freemasons, and a culture where racism can run as deep as it did in America. The miniseries serves up a damning portrait of the English upper classes of the era balanced with the loyalty and commitment of friends who pull together to help out one another in the face of great risk—all enlivened by a swinging soundtrack of small group jazz and dance music. Although officially a five-parter, a sixth episode offers a postscript that delves further into the lives of the band members. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette with the cast and crew. A superb drama offering an eye-opening look at an aspect of British history rarely explored in film or on TV, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)