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Inside No. 9: Sardines (2014)
Wardrobe Express
Agree that this needs a few viewings to appreciate. The ending was brilliant, with Ian transforming from wardrobe flower to being firmly in control. I wondered whether this was a kind of reverse Murder on the Orient Express, with all of the final wardrobe occupants somehow deserving of their implied end. There was adultery and some unpleasant traits in some, in addition to the obviously culpable father, but I'm not sure this was an intended theme. A great start to this wonderful series.
Inside No. 9: Wise Owl (2022)
The dark side of the 70s
This was brilliant and I have not much to add to other reviews, save to mention the two scenes that sent real shivers up my spine. Firstly, the scene in the hospital where the Owl tells Ronnie to keep quiet about what happened - for the first time shifting in tone from patronising to sinister . And secondly, the hideous cut to the Owl clutching a bottle of whisky, telling the kids its OK to light the candles - and worse. I personally did not see much comedy in this episode, save for Steve Pemberton's mullet, a sly misdirection as to the time period. Ronnie's pudding bowl haircut was also a throwback to the seventies but rational as he remained trapped as a child. Just so good.
Inside No. 9: Mr. King (2022)
Episode deliverances
Brilliant episode. As others have said, highly reminiscent of Wicker Man and somewhat (to me) of Deliverance. A "sophisticated" interloper stumbling upon a tight knit rural community with dark secrets. A key difference here though is that the new teacher did not get his comeuppance for trying to impose his moral code where it wasn't wanted - he was doomed from the outset.
The early passive-aggressive exchanges between new teacher and amiable but enigmatic headmaster had me laughing until my spleen hurt.
Minder: A Nice Little Wine (1980)
Wine but no cheese
As a Minder aficionado, I believe, in hindsight, the first series was not great. But, it is was really getting into it's stride by this episode in series 2. However, the sublime character of Auther Edward Daley had not yet been completely matured, The fully formed, prudish version would never have indulged in innuendo about massages, nor resorted to outright nastiness as he did in with Bettina at the end of this episode. Having said that, this was thoroughly enjoyable and it was onwards and upwards from here.
Inside No. 9 (2014)
Devilishly Good
Another cracker from this endlessly creative team of Shearsmith and Pemberton.
The strength of their writing is that the ending is always better than the set up - the reverse of what usually happens. Pemberton's acting range is extraordinary. He is rarely - but thankfully is sometimes - remotely recognisable as Mick Garvey of Benidorm.
This Time with Alan Partridge: Episode #2.5 (2021)
Brilliant
A bit bizarre I know, but whilst fully in favour of free speech, I get illogically concerned that negative reviews may evolve into a groundswell that will cause the end of this best ever comedy character. For 25 years, when feeling down, a six episode boxset from knowing me knowing you to this time, accompanied by a half bottle of the good stuff, had me coming out the other side thinking life is not so bad. Here's to the next 25 years.
Highlights from this episode, the achingly funny initial encounter with RAF man Roger That, and for only the 2nd time (after his DVLA coup in series 1) our man managing to best Ruth Duggan.
Inside No. 9: Simon Says (2021)
Return to Form
Relief to see to this fantastic series back on track after last week's mediocre opener to series 6. Darkly multi layered in its exploration of fan obsession with a TV series and how the most ardent are far more invested than the the writers themselves.
This Time with Alan Partridge: Episode #2.1 (2021)
Timeless Partridge
Over 25 years since Alan set out on his own in "Knowing Me, Knowing You". Although the 7 episodes to date of "This Time" are not in my view the strongest incarnation of AP - that accolade belongs to the sublime Mid Morning Matters - it is still a joy. And as a bonus, this 1st episode of the 2nd series contains arguably the funniest line ever spoken, anywhere: In referring to monks' vow of silence, the great man imparts: "monks keep a lid on it because they think God will like it, and who am I to argue".
Dad's Army: My Brother and I (1975)
Sibling Rivalry
A terrific entry based on the tension between the uptight, disciplined Mainwaring and his drunken, dissolute brother. After a frenetic episode, the change of pace at the end -with Godfrey musing to himself on the high quality of his sister's cucumber sandwiches - was a deft touch.
Above Suspicion (2019)
Technically very good
I thought this was extremely well made and acted, with first class attention to detail. Skillful and nuanced with no clear villains or heroes.
The one bug bear I have is that I found it hard to understand the accents. I found this infuriating at times. I would have forked out for subtitles. I probably failed to pick up a quarter of the dialogue. This was compounded during the hospital scene between Mark and Susan, after the latter was attacked by her ex husband. Here, Susan had an injured mouth and was acting an impeded speech effect. I did not pick up a word she said in this scene, including during the potentially significant final exchange. This is all ironic as I am from UK and so were both lead actors.
Poisoned Passions: Mob Girl (2013)
Ridiculous
This is absurd, a collection of semi- tall tales randomly put together. Georgia is married to the mob and routinely commits crimes over many years, yet somehow none of it is her fault, she is victim of others or circumstances as she tweely explains. As broad an interpretation of "True" Crime as you will get.
The Voices (2014)
Good versus Evil
Coming from UK, I was never a fan of Ryan Reynolds, who was mainly known here for advertising a major UK company. That changed with this film; he is absolutely brilliant as the good natured average Joe, victim of past events leaking into his subconscious, leading him to fight between the good and bad elements of his soul.
I am sure my soul is bad as I found the simple, good-hearted Bosco and the malign, smart assy Mr Whiskers equally adorable!
The Twilight Zone: Meet in the Middle (2020)
Be careful what you wish for
I thought this a terrific addition to the TZ canon. A blistering study of alienation in the modern world.
Agree with others that it went a twist too far. The (false) reveal that our anti hero WAS hearing voices sent a real chill up the spine. When this was overturned by the final twist - ie that telepathy was the catalyst - I felt a bit flat. However, without this there would have been no supernatural element and the show deprived of that mandatory ingredient.
Inside Porton Down: Britain's Secret Weapons Research Facility (2016)
Not bad, a bit hammy
This is not a bad documentary on Uk's secret defence establishment. But, and this is only a personal view, programmes on such a serious subject matter are best done as objectively and unemotionally as possible. On a couple of minor quibbles, the ominous music was an irritant and the opening car tour with the scripted lines "Q what's that building for A we can't tell you that, etc etc" was a bit tiresome. But the nadir was the presenter apparently suffering severe nausea from exposure to tear gas. This was clearly fabricated as made clear by awful acting. This stunt was unnecessary, and tended to call into question other no doubt authentic elements of the programme.
Bonanza: The Reluctant American (1971)
Good stuff
Very enjoyable, and the English portrayed in a good light, with just a little teasing.