This Is England '88 sees Meadows picks up the action in the Christmas of 1988 as Lol struggles to cope with what life has thrown at her. Haunted by the devastating events that took place 18 months previously, she finds her reserves of strength ebbing away. With her soul mate Woody, heartbroken from her betrayal and in self-imposed exile from the gang, Lol becomes increasingly isolated and alone. In the first film it's December 23 and life isn't looking so festive for some. Lol is struggling to cope with new responsibilities and past haunts. Smell and Shaun are still together, just about. Shaun's gone all lothario attending drama college, preparing for the Christmas play with new girl in town, Fay. And Woody has a new girlfriend, the lovely Jennifer. Lovely, but no Lol - the polar opposite to Lol. Milky returns from some time away, but what reception will he get?.
A spin-off from the 2006 film This Is England, and set three years later, it focuses on the mod revival scene rather than the skinhead subculture. Like the film, This Is England stars Thomas Turgoose as Shaun, although Lol and Woody play an even more central role.
The story takes place during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. As Shaun completes his last school exam, he realises he will have to find his way in the world. His friends, who include Woody, Lol, Smell, Gadget and Meggy, are still around, looking for love, entertainment and employment
This Is England - '88 - Episode 1 Synopsis and Schedule