“Top Boy” Season 5 Review: A Powerful and Explosive Finale to this Canadian Masterpiece

Top Boy Season 5: A Powerful and Explosive Finale

After over a decade since its debut in the UK, the hit series Top Boy has come to a close with its highly anticipated fifth season. The show, created by Ronan Bennett, has consistently captivated audiences with its unrelenting portrayal of life on the Summerhouse estate. With its final season, helmed by directors Myriam Raja and William Stefan Smith, Top Boy continues to explore themes of family, criminality, community, and struggle with its characteristic tension and superb performances.

A Series with a Long History

Top Boy revolves around the lives of protagonists and anti-heroes Dushane and Sully, played by Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson. The series is set in and around the Summerhouse estate in East London and follows their dealings as drug dealers. While Season 4 took the story to Spain and back, Season 5 brings the focus back to the Summerhouse estate, providing a fitting conclusion to the series. Filming took place at the Samuda Estate in London’s Isle of Dogs, as the original location, Elephant and Castle’s Heygate Estate, was demolished in 2014.

In its final season, Top Boy delivers exceptional performances from its cast, including Jasmine Jobson, Simbi Ajikawo (known as rapper Little Simz), Saffron Hocking, and Araloyin Oshunremi. This season also introduces new additions to the cast, such as Barry Keoghan and Brian Gleeson, who play members of the rival Irish gang threatening Sully’s territory.

A Season of Consequences

Top Boy Season 5 picks up where Season 4 left off, with the shocking murder of Jamie, played by Michael Ward, at the hands of Sully. This event sets off a chain reaction, with Sully and the other characters scrambling to regain control amidst the chaos. As always, the series excels at building tension, using handheld cameras, intense close-ups, and superb blocking to highlight the characters’ struggle to maintain control.

Throughout the series, Top Boy masterfully depicts the characters’ attempts to make a living within a system stacked against them. They face various obstacles rooted in socioeconomic instability and systemic inequality. The arrival of the Irish gang adds another layer of complexity, further challenging Sully’s efforts to protect his family and stay on top.

Grief and Loss

Death, loss, and grief have been recurring themes in Top Boy, and Season 5 continues to explore these emotions. The character of Stefan, played by Araloyin Oshunremi, grapples with the loss of his brother, Jamie. Oshunremi’s portrayal of Stefan’s grief and his quest for revenge is compelling, demonstrating a deep connection between the characters.

Another standout performance comes from Jasmine Jobson as Jaq. Jobson brings nuance and vulnerability to her character, showcasing a range of emotions as Jaq navigates the complexities of her circumstances. Her performance adds an extra layer of depth to the series.

Moments of Empowerment and Social Commentary

Amidst the scramble and losses, Top Boy also offers moments of uplift and empowerment. One of the season’s most powerful scenes involves a peaceful protest led by Mandy, played by NoLay, as the community rallies against police and Immigration Enforcement. Through such scenes, the series addresses police brutality, systemic racism, and the injustices faced by marginalized communities.

The series has always used music as a central element, with British rappers and artists such as Little Simz, Dave, and more playing prominent roles. Season 5 features another outstanding playlist, curated by music supervisors Abi Leland, Ed Bailie, and Toby Williams, showcasing the best of British talent.

In Conclusion

Top Boy has left its mark on British television, becoming a masterpiece in the genre. With its explosive and powerful finale, the series remains as relevant and impactful as ever. It has consistently tackled themes of family, crime, and inequality, offering a social commentary on the realities faced by many in the UK. Top Boy Season 5 is a must-watch for fans of the series, bringing closure to the characters we’ve come to know and love over the past 12 years.

Top Boy Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.