3. Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit (1989)
Based on the novel of the same name by literary heavyweight Jeanette Winterson, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit deals with the the growing up of Jess in a strict, cult like religious family. Due to her extraordinary brains and independent spirit, Jess is able to pass by the religious nonsense she is immersed in and give in to her lesbianism with her girlfriend Melanie. Whenever the church finds out about their affair, the two girls are treated to exorcism like vicissitudes. Melanie becomes 'straight' again and Jess earns a place at Oxford University, thus escaping her fanatical religious roots. Geraldine McEwan (as Jess's mother) and Charlotte Coleman (Jess) both give amazing performances in the drama. It is certainly very compelling to watch as Jess rebels against her religious roots. The scene that makes me chuckle is when the next door neighbours are having audible sex and Jess's mother goes out to sing hymns and make a racket in the back yard to stop them from fornicating'. The romance between Melanie and Jess is very touching and for my money, it is one of the best TV dramas about lesbianism that there has ever been. They unfortunately do not make them like this anymore...