The 7.39 (A Television Review)

The 7.39 (2014) might have first aired over a decade ago, but its emotional resonance and masterful storytelling have only solidified its place as a BBC classic. Adapted from the novel by David Nicholls, this drama starring David Morrissey as Carl Matthews and Sheridan Smith as Sally Thorn delves into the complexities of human relationships, the unexpectedness of life, and the choices that define us. In an era where many shows push boundaries with sensationalism, The 7.39 manages to balance the racy with the respectful, delivering a nuanced and emotionally intelligent narrative that still feels timeless.

The story follows Carl, a middle-aged man caught in the tedium of his everyday life. His relationship with his wife, Maggie, has become routine and uninspiring. Each morning, Carl boards the 7:39 train to work, a daily ritual that defines his existence. However, everything changes when he meets Sally, a woman with her own troubled engagement to a man she doesn’t love. From their first conversation on the train, an undeniable connection sparks between them, and what begins as a brief encounter quickly escalates into an affair that shakes both of their lives to the core.

While the premise may sound simple, The 7.39 explores deep emotional themes such as infidelity, self-discovery, and the inherent unpredictability of life. The affair between Carl and Sally is far from just a plot device; it’s an intimate journey of self-reflection and personal reinvention for both characters. Carl’s mundane, predictable existence is momentarily disrupted, giving him an exhilarating taste of something more, while Sally, entangled in a loveless engagement, seeks emotional liberation. But what begins as a brief escape soon leads to consequences that neither character fully anticipates, making The 7.39 an exploration of human frailty, desire, and regret.

What truly elevates The 7.39 as a BBC classic is its ability to navigate these emotional landscapes with grace and restraint. Unlike many other portrayals of infidelity, the affair here is not sensationalized for shock value. Instead, it is treated with a level of realism and emotional complexity that makes it feel both raw and deeply relatable. It’s racy without being crude, and passionate without being obscene—a rare achievement for a television drama.

David Morrissey’s portrayal of Carl Matthews is a standout, capturing the character’s quiet desperation and growing realization of the consequences of his actions. As Carl grapples with the repercussions of the affair, his internal conflict becomes palpable, making his eventual self-delusion all the more poignant. His reflection on how he, in many ways, “got away with it,” is a beautifully understated moment that underscores the complexity of his character. His journey from the thrill of an illicit affair to the quiet fallout that follows speaks volumes about the emotional weight the show carries.

Sheridan Smith’s Sally Thorn is equally compelling, providing a powerful performance as a woman seeking a way out of a life she never wanted. Two years after the affair, Sally has reinvented herself, now a mother to a two-year-old and living a new life with a different partner. This passage of time is portrayed in a way that feels both satisfying and bittersweet, capturing her growth while acknowledging the emotional toll of her past decisions. The relationship between Sally and her new partner speaks to the theme of emotional recovery and the courage it takes to move on from a past that defined her.

The 7.39 doesn’t just focus on the affair itself, but also on the aftermath of the choices that both Carl and Sally make. The ending, though not one of tidy resolutions, feels incredibly satisfying. Carl and Sally have both changed, but in different ways, and their individual journeys speak to the broader idea that life is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprising turns. The show leaves viewers with much to ponder about the consequences of our actions, the passage of time, and the possibility of redemption.

As a BBC production, The 7.39 boasts impeccable quality in its direction, cinematography, and pacing. The train journeys themselves, the moments of quiet reflection, and the subtle tension between Carl and Sally all come together to create a beautifully atmospheric piece of television. It’s a show that doesn’t rush to the next dramatic moment, but rather lingers in the emotional subtleties of its characters, allowing the audience to sit with their choices and internal conflicts.

In conclusion, The 7.39 remains a classic not just for its strong performances and emotionally charged narrative, but for its respectability in handling sensitive subject matter with maturity. It’s a rare drama that feels as relevant today as it did when it first aired, and its ability to speak to the complexities of life, love, and personal reinvention ensures that it will continue to be remembered as one of the finest pieces of BBC drama in recent years. This is a show that proves, even in the most predictable of lives, everything can change in a single moment.