While there are a lot of story threads to weave together (even Charles Dickens might blanch) like Theresa's near-miss wedding, Shazza's nearly lost career, the impact of Geraldine's pregnancy on her car dealership, and Jo's discovery of her true parentage, how can you not like a soap where wives dress up like their husband's favorite Spice Girl in bed or fall pregnant by a brother-in-law? You find yourself sucked in just to see what's going to happen next.

Even without the suds, though, the show offers a pretty good image of women in all their many pursuits - seeking a career, following a dream, running a business, searching for a family, trying to fit in - and, most of all, yearning to make a mark, however small, in a rushed, heedless world.

In addition to casting, its strongest point is the quality of the writing. The women seem real, like you might know them from work or meet them at a friend's house. And, best of all, they strive to understand, help, and shelter one another. That's nice to observe since television women are often shown trampling one another in pursuit of a man. . . or a pair of shoes.

I wish that we had the entire series here in America, rather than just the first two.


Great emotional entertainment   January 12, 2001
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Playing the field is one of the best dramas the BBC has brought out for years. It tells the story of Castlefield womens football team, the players lives and loves. What it lacks in real football skills it makes up for in gritty drama with some humour thrown in. A real must see.