Staying alive

Dame Harriet Walter and Frances O’Connor star in a comedy drama that takes a wry look at death.

Euthanasia and suicide aren’t everyday themes for a TV comedy, but Sky Atlantic’s bold new series The End tackles the usually taboo subjects head-on.

Dementia, depression, family trauma and a transgender journey are all covered, too, and the result is a poignant and fantastically funny 10-part series.

The first episode introduces us to depressed widow Edie (Dame Harriet Walter). After a suicide attempt, she leaves her quiet village to live with her daughter, Kate (Frances O’Connor), and grandchildren in Australia.