Back when Helena Bonham Carter gave new life to a controversial classic in 'Nolly'

Helena Bonham Carter Channels Noele Gordon and It's Pure Gold

For those who might remember (or have tried to forget), the British soap "Crossroads" once ruled the airwaves from 1964 to 1988. Known for its shaky sets and often bewildering plotlines, the ITV classic had its moments of pure, unadulterated campiness. But the series found its grounding in screen veteran Noele Gordon, who portrayed the graceful Meg Mortimer. Fast-forward to 2023, and the streamer ITVX decides to pay homage through a miniseries, "Nolly," starring none other than Helena Bonham Carter.

Breaking Ageist Stereotypes While Perfectly Portraying a British Icon

Gordon was no slouch; she was a force to be reckoned with. But what makes Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal particularly compelling is how she encapsulates the essence of a woman fighting against an industry that often dismisses older talent. As reported by Variety, Network boss Charles Denton (Tim Wallers) labeled Gordon a "difficult asset," a phrase Bonham Carter registers in the most nuanced way. 

The Return of "Crossroads": A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take

ITVX's "Nolly" doesn't just stop at reviving iconic characters; it delves into the very fabric of "Crossroads." The set design, the lighting, and even the narrative pacing are crafted to mirror the original soap, making for an uncanny but delightful viewing experience. “Revisited from 2023, it’s as poignant as it is funny,” the Variety article reported.

The miniseries allows us to jump in and out of this world-within-a-world, although some may argue it leaves us yearning for more. While U.S. streamers tend to overflow their episodes, their U.K. counterparts often fall short. In "Nolly," this compression leaves us hanging, thirsting for more insight into the characters and the world they inhabit.

As the show wraps up, it accomplishes something quite unique: it bridges the gap between early '80s soap opera and today's high-quality streaming drama. “Yet, sporadically, Davies, Hoar, and Bonham Carter bring Gordon back to life, in happier, more forgiving circumstances than she found herself in 40 years ago," the Variety article notes.

The Nolly Paradox

"Nolly" may not inspire a mass rush to pick up that 94-disc boxset of "Crossroads," but it does serve its purpose. It takes us on a ride through time, breaks down age-old stereotypes, and offers a glimpse into a bygone era of British television. And for those reasons, it's more than worth the watch.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.