The Long Song puts heavy emphasis on the racial and social identity of its characters, which can overshadow other aspects of characterization or thematic nuance. The series foregrounds identity-based struggles and injustices, sometimes at the expense of a more balanced or complex depiction of all its characters, leading to the feeling that narrative comes second to social commentary.

Traditional British cultural, religious, and familial values are largely sidelined. The show strongly critiques colonial-era norms, with masculinity and authority typically framed in a negative light, while revisionist takes on history put modern ideological values front and center. Religion and family are more often tools of oppression than sources of guidance.

Alternative perspectives, particularly those offering nuance or sympathy toward traditional figures, are rare or caricatured. The show leans heavily into one modern worldview, with dissent typically portrayed as villainy or ignorance, allowing very little room for ideological diversity within its storytelling.