Ep 8. 1987

Our Friends in the North season 1 episode 8, titled "1987," follows the four main characters, Nicky, Mary, Geordie, and Tosker, as they each navigate their own personal and political challenges in the year leading up to the 1987 general election.

Nicky, now a successful documentary filmmaker, returns to Newcastle to make a film about the impact of Thatcherism on the city. However, he confronts resistance from the local authorities who refuse to cooperate with him. Meanwhile, Mary continues her campaign to become a city councilor and faces opposition from her own party due to her radical views.

Geordie, now a police detective, is troubled by the return of a former criminal associate who brings with him troubling information about one of Geordie’s colleagues. Tosker, on the other hand, faces the pressure of his new job as a government advisor and struggles to balance his loyalty to his hometown against his personal ambitions.

Amidst these personal struggles, the characters are also deeply affected by the larger political landscape. The threat of Thatcher’s re-election looms over them all, and they must decide how to respond. Mary and Nicky become involved in a protest against the privatization of public housing, while Geordie is forced to confront the corruption and violence within the police force.

As the episode reaches its climax, each character’s individual storylines converge in a dramatic and unexpected way. The tensions and conflicts that have been building throughout the season come to a head, and the characters are forced to make difficult and life-changing decisions.

Overall, "1987" is a powerful and compelling episode that showcases the complex and interconnected nature of personal and political struggles. It is an insightful portrayal of a tumultuous period in British history and a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.