With the clocks set to leap forward this weekend and the Easter holidays around the corner, it’s undeniable: spring is finally here.
And what more fitting way to spend a seasonal March weekend than by imbibing some of the best culture on offer. Whether it’s TV series, films, music, art shows or theatre, there is a plethora of options over the next few days, and The Independent’s team of critics and culture editors have hand-selected some of the best.
Chief art critic Mark Hudson reviews a flawed but possibly essential modern art exhibit at the National Gallery. TV editor Ellie Harrison celebrates the return of the best show on television, Succession, and features editor Adam White looks at three very different film releases, including the fourth John Wick, out in cinemas today. Meanwhile, music editor Roisin O’Connor sings the praises of Lana Del Rey’s new album...
And what more fitting way to spend a seasonal March weekend than by imbibing some of the best culture on offer. Whether it’s TV series, films, music, art shows or theatre, there is a plethora of options over the next few days, and The Independent’s team of critics and culture editors have hand-selected some of the best.
Chief art critic Mark Hudson reviews a flawed but possibly essential modern art exhibit at the National Gallery. TV editor Ellie Harrison celebrates the return of the best show on television, Succession, and features editor Adam White looks at three very different film releases, including the fourth John Wick, out in cinemas today. Meanwhile, music editor Roisin O’Connor sings the praises of Lana Del Rey’s new album...
- 3/25/2023
- by Culture Staff
- The Independent - TV
Comedian and actor Kieran Hodgson’s video of his hilarious Happy Valley impressions has gone viral.
Hodgson, who recently co-wrote and starred in Channel 4’s Prince Andrew: The Musical, shared a video online in which he recaps the third and final series of the hit BBC show. Hodgson speaks in character as the Happy Valley stars.
During the video, he imitates Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine Cawood and her sister Clare, played by Siobhan Finneran.
He also delivers impressions of Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) and his teenage son Ryan (Rhys Connah).
Other moments see Hodgson take on Susan Lynch’s Alison Garrs, Conn O’Neil’s performance of Clare’s boyfriend Neil, and the Pe teacher Mr Hepworth (Mark Stanley).
Hodgson shared the video on Twitter, writing: “A little treat for fans of #HappyValley Bad TV Impressions.”
Viewers have disagreed with his assessment, however, and are commending him for his efforts.
Hodgson, who recently co-wrote and starred in Channel 4’s Prince Andrew: The Musical, shared a video online in which he recaps the third and final series of the hit BBC show. Hodgson speaks in character as the Happy Valley stars.
During the video, he imitates Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine Cawood and her sister Clare, played by Siobhan Finneran.
He also delivers impressions of Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) and his teenage son Ryan (Rhys Connah).
Other moments see Hodgson take on Susan Lynch’s Alison Garrs, Conn O’Neil’s performance of Clare’s boyfriend Neil, and the Pe teacher Mr Hepworth (Mark Stanley).
Hodgson shared the video on Twitter, writing: “A little treat for fans of #HappyValley Bad TV Impressions.”
Viewers have disagreed with his assessment, however, and are commending him for his efforts.
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
After nine years, 18 episodes and a lot of effing and blinding, Happy Valley aired its fiery, heart-squeezing finale last night (5 February).
*Warning: this article contains spoilers*
Following Tommy Lee Royce’s (James Norton) escape from prison, the scheming villain and Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) had their long anticipated showdown in her kitchen.
“I forgive you,” Tommy told her. “You forgive me?” she spat back, her taser pointed at his chest.
After an agonising face-to-face (summarised in full here), Tommy poured petrol over himself and lit a match, signalling the end of the years-long reign of terror he had over Catherine and her family.
She was later notified of his death via a text that simply read: “Tlr dead.”
Fans of the show have called the finale “absolute perfection”.
Writer Terri White tweeted: “Absolute perfection. Every word. Every breath… The way Sally Wainwright writes villains and victims is entirely radical.
*Warning: this article contains spoilers*
Following Tommy Lee Royce’s (James Norton) escape from prison, the scheming villain and Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) had their long anticipated showdown in her kitchen.
“I forgive you,” Tommy told her. “You forgive me?” she spat back, her taser pointed at his chest.
After an agonising face-to-face (summarised in full here), Tommy poured petrol over himself and lit a match, signalling the end of the years-long reign of terror he had over Catherine and her family.
She was later notified of his death via a text that simply read: “Tlr dead.”
Fans of the show have called the finale “absolute perfection”.
Writer Terri White tweeted: “Absolute perfection. Every word. Every breath… The way Sally Wainwright writes villains and victims is entirely radical.
- 2/6/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Warning: contains Happy Valley Series 3 Episode 6 spoilers.
It’s become so commonplace for beloved TV shows to piss their goodwill up the wall with a disappointing ending that it’s getting to be a tradition. Not this one. The Happy Valley finale gave us a Catherine vs Tommy showdown to beat the band and the conclusion we all wanted – peace for her, him gone, and Ryan safe.
Not just safe, but good. Wise. Loving. This whole series has been balanced on a fulcrum, waiting to see which way Ryan would tip. If he’d sided with Tommy, the skies would have darkened, oceans would have boiled, and despair would have reigned. By siding with Catherine and having the grace to pity Tommy, Ryan made the sun come out on this story. Hence Catherine’s need for shades as she strode off in that final scene.
The shades were a fan-pleaser,...
It’s become so commonplace for beloved TV shows to piss their goodwill up the wall with a disappointing ending that it’s getting to be a tradition. Not this one. The Happy Valley finale gave us a Catherine vs Tommy showdown to beat the band and the conclusion we all wanted – peace for her, him gone, and Ryan safe.
Not just safe, but good. Wise. Loving. This whole series has been balanced on a fulcrum, waiting to see which way Ryan would tip. If he’d sided with Tommy, the skies would have darkened, oceans would have boiled, and despair would have reigned. By siding with Catherine and having the grace to pity Tommy, Ryan made the sun come out on this story. Hence Catherine’s need for shades as she strode off in that final scene.
The shades were a fan-pleaser,...
- 2/5/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: this Happy Valley review contains spoilers.
Well, this is embarrassing. Every acting award for this year has already been engraved with the name Sarah Lancashire, but now someone’s going to have to take a sharp screwdriver to a couple and scratch ‘James Norton’ over the top. He deserves one for his guileless delivery of the line “I’ve never been abroad,” and at least one for that episode-ending voice chat.
That was some scene – ultra-tense and skilfully done. We hung on every word, pained by each step Ryan seemed to take closer to the lion’s mouth. Listen carefully though, and it was far from a straightforward exchange. They both sidestepped the other’s questions, changing the subject and withholding their locations. Dodge and feint, dodge and feint.
They played it with real skill, but it was Norton who shone, taking Tommy Lee Royce from smug euphoria...
Well, this is embarrassing. Every acting award for this year has already been engraved with the name Sarah Lancashire, but now someone’s going to have to take a sharp screwdriver to a couple and scratch ‘James Norton’ over the top. He deserves one for his guileless delivery of the line “I’ve never been abroad,” and at least one for that episode-ending voice chat.
That was some scene – ultra-tense and skilfully done. We hung on every word, pained by each step Ryan seemed to take closer to the lion’s mouth. Listen carefully though, and it was far from a straightforward exchange. They both sidestepped the other’s questions, changing the subject and withholding their locations. Dodge and feint, dodge and feint.
They played it with real skill, but it was Norton who shone, taking Tommy Lee Royce from smug euphoria...
- 1/29/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: this Happy Valley review contains spoilers.
Behold, the cold fury of Catherine Cawood. The hurt rage radiating off her in that final scene could power a warship. The next time we see Clare, she’ll just be a scarf floating in a puddle on the floor of that Sheffield cafe, Catherine having disintegrated her with a look.
Instead of Hulk-smashing her way out of the gaffer’s office and heading straight for Clare as expected when Catherine learned of her sister’s betrayal, she absorbed the shock and kept it all inside. It was an excellent dramatic choice that meant an episode of extra-flinty stares and heavyweight tension. Every domestic scene – Catherine and Clare, Catherine and Ryan – bore the heft of that unexpressed anger, turning each exchange into the split-second after a grenade’s pin has been pulled but before it’s thrown. The explosion’s coming, but when?...
Behold, the cold fury of Catherine Cawood. The hurt rage radiating off her in that final scene could power a warship. The next time we see Clare, she’ll just be a scarf floating in a puddle on the floor of that Sheffield cafe, Catherine having disintegrated her with a look.
Instead of Hulk-smashing her way out of the gaffer’s office and heading straight for Clare as expected when Catherine learned of her sister’s betrayal, she absorbed the shock and kept it all inside. It was an excellent dramatic choice that meant an episode of extra-flinty stares and heavyweight tension. Every domestic scene – Catherine and Clare, Catherine and Ryan – bore the heft of that unexpressed anger, turning each exchange into the split-second after a grenade’s pin has been pulled but before it’s thrown. The explosion’s coming, but when?...
- 1/8/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.