The Castaways - Channel 5 TV review

The Castaways is a five-part thriller serial from Paramount which has just aired on Channel 5. Unlike so many TV shows, it didn't outstay its welcome, and I enjoyed it, with relatively few reservations. The premise is that an aeroplane flying to Fiji disappears and crashes on an uninhabited island. But is it possible that this was more than a tragic accident? Celine Buckens, who plays Erin, the sister of Lori Holme (Sheridan Smith), who was on board the flight, wants answers. And we want to know why Erin wasn't on the flight, as planned...

Sheridan Smith and Celine Buckens make unlikely sisters, I have to say. Fortunately, their acting ability is considerable and their tense relationship was well drawn, and well portrayed. The script was written by Ben Harris and based on a novel by Lucy Clarke, which I haven't read. In some ways, it's the ultimate airport thriller - a lively book involving odd goings-on connected with a flight - but the pace is pretty relentless, and that helps the viewers to suspend their disbelief.

So too does the structure. We switch back and forth between the present day, with Erin - six months after losing her sister - desperate to find out whether Lori is still alive, and the events before and after the plane crashed. Surprise, surprise, Lori survived - but the mystery surrounding the crash is cleverly maintained. Alas, the final plot twist was not a great idea, in my opinion, but it didn't really matter. 

This is good, undemanding light entertainment. Yes, the story is implausible, but I was never bored, and that's a lot more than I can say for certain other TV serials. I've enjoyed Sheridan Smith's performances for years (she was a great Cilla Black!) but I was equally impressed by Celine Buckens, while of the supporting cast, Brendan Cowell is good as the dodgy pilot.