The affable duo, composed of film critic Mark Kermode and veteran broadcaster Simon Mayo, were commissioned during the period of lockdown to do a light entertainment show about streaming services. They touch on contemporary shows, film re-releases and highlight perennial favourites. It's not essential viewing really, and if you're an avid television consumer like myself you'll have seen a lot of what they're talking about, but the unique charm of this particular show rests on their chemistry.
Mark is open-hearted and whimsical, Simon is a little more parochial and staid - between them they have the charming and slightly sharp banter of two old friends who are equal parts fed up and enamored by the other. A classical double act basically and the heart of the show once they've warmed to the distance. There are some nice interviews here, especially in the final episode with the charming Guillermo Del Toro, and it serves as a pleasant visual companion to their long-running radio series. Also, Mark's huge double-bass looms throughout BUT HE NEVER PLAYS IT. Should've ended with a bass solo.
Mark is open-hearted and whimsical, Simon is a little more parochial and staid - between them they have the charming and slightly sharp banter of two old friends who are equal parts fed up and enamored by the other. A classical double act basically and the heart of the show once they've warmed to the distance. There are some nice interviews here, especially in the final episode with the charming Guillermo Del Toro, and it serves as a pleasant visual companion to their long-running radio series. Also, Mark's huge double-bass looms throughout BUT HE NEVER PLAYS IT. Should've ended with a bass solo.
