Gone to Seed
Gone to Seed is a British comedy-drama series created by Tony Grounds, a standalone spin-off to his earlier Gone to the Dogs. With much of the cast returning—albeit in new roles—the six-episode series follows the Plant family, who have run a garden centre in Rotherhithe since Dickens’ time, surviving both war and redevelopment. But now, family rivalry threatens to poison their unlikely paradise when matriarch Mag refuses to hand over control to her triplet children. Frumpy Hilda has only one passion in life: Milwall FC. Country/western singer Monty dreams of turning the run-down nursery into a floral oasis in the heart of Docklands, whilst his one-eyed jobless builder and part-time wrestler Winston doesn’t know a begonia from a buttercup! Meanwhile, local conman Wesley Willis lurks in the shadows and knows the true-worth of prime-location London real-estate.
Insights
Plot Summary
A small-time criminal becomes entangled with a sadistic mob boss while trying to retrieve stolen money. His efforts to survive and protect his loved ones lead him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The film explores themes of desperation, loyalty, and the consequences of a life lived on the edge.
Critical Reception
Gone to Seed received a mixed to negative reception, with critics often citing its derivative plot and uneven tone. While some performances were noted, the film struggled to find a consistent audience or critical acclaim, often being overlooked in the crowded genre landscape of the early 90s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty atmosphere and some strong performances, particularly from Robert Loggia.
- Criticized for a convoluted plot and a lack of originality in its crime thriller elements.
- Found to be a forgettable entry in the crime genre, failing to distinguish itself from similar films.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available suggest a mixed reaction, with some appreciating the genre elements and performances while others found the film to be predictable and lacking impact.
Fun Fact
Despite its limited release and critical reception, the film is sometimes cited for its early role of David Spade in a dramatic, non-comedic performance.
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