River has amassed quite a cult following since the shown was shown on Netflix (the show was part financed by Netflix).
One fan asked, “Stevie was supposedly shot in the face, ie she saw who it was in the car coming towards her, so she should know who her killer was. In that case, why is it that throughout the series, we only see Stevie’s head wound from the back?”
Nicola : Because Stevie is dead. Stevie does not exist. The Stevie River talks with is a manifestation of his own imagination and grief. He loves her so much he imagines her in a way that is comforting to him.
In one letter sent in by a fan, she said, “I am a Jungian analyst. As such I see many teaching opportunities in River. It is soulful, astute, and a piece that helps viewers to care about people in oh so many ways. I am definitely intending to ask candidates in training to watch River as a serious way to understand two full-day sessions I will be teaching from a book, written by Greg Mogenson: “Greeting the Angels: An Imaginal View of the Mourning Process.”
Nicola : We all knew River was special. Abi [Morgan] had clearly written an exploration of grief disguised as a “cop show”.
Have you received similar comments on other roles you have played? If so, which character(s) resonated most with fans and why do you think that is?
Nicola : I’ve had amazing letters about my character in Scott & Bailey and lots of people relate strongly to Gillian [Last Tango in Halifax]. I think because they’re complicated and messy and very human.
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Loved it! Unique, and moving. Writing superb, especially the resolution of some of his grief in such a way that he can live on with happy memories. The use of I Love to Love and the singing and dancing scenes where wonderful. Fitting to have closed the story that way. Again, loved it.
Both leads should have received awards. Where is everyone?