Think I might have been watching a different show to all the other reviews! I normally love Suranne Jones in any drama and so I'll start with the relationship side of this series. Whilst her character in Gentleman Jack was utterly engrossing and dominating on screen I found the rather pointless side story here with Rose Leslie just a bit cringe. The Scottish accents of all the cast were so hard to understand I had the sub titles on the whole time. There were elements of the story that didn't tie up and just petered out (unless I wasn't paying enough attention) and the lack of accuracy was laughable. I am not of any military background but my husband has some knowledge and he found the size of the sets ridiculous. He said it just ruined the authenticity of it for him. I had a good chuckle at the arrest and "interview in handcuffs" on a park bench. I'm not a police officer either but I would imagine that's not what happens under arrest. Nope, it was all just disjointed and just a bit under whelming. There was very little tension compared to when I think of Suranne in Doctor Foster I still get a little shiver for the way that drew you in completely and held you. The only highlight here was the cliffhanger of episode 5 in the torpedo tunnel. The Beeb just doesn't seem to be able to make good dramas anymore...I certainly wouldn't be rushing to see a second series.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Riveting account of recent history
13 September 2021
Harrowing, riveting and essentially a crash course in a very specific subject matter of recent history. As someone who isn't American and therefore has no strong "left" or "right" opinion on American politics I found it relatively unbiased and factual, especially given the calibre of the majority of the interviewees - senior staff who appeared to have direct personal experience of the military and political history of Afghanistan, of the 9/11 attacks and the US political decisions thereafter, which gave it a certain gravitas. Hindsight is always a dramatic tool in these instances but nevertheless this is still a sobering and recommended watch.
Firefly Lane
(2021–2023)
Classic chick flick pleasure
25 March 2021
Well I didn't know it was based on a book, though I quite fancy reading it now I do, I've thoroughly enjoyed binge watching this. Nice characters and acting, lovely sets and costumes / clothes..:love the retro scenes. It's like a perfect combo of Beaches and Sex & The City, so for women of a certain age who grew up loving these what's not to like here?! Hoping there'll be a season 2!
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse
(2020 TV Movie)
A festive charm
29 December 2020
Absolutely delightful, and should be taken for what it is - A beautifully scripted and scenic cinematic festive tale. The lead actors were all wonderful - Dawn french is a gem as the older and well renowned more grouchy Miss P, the young boy playing Roald is a delight and Jessica Hynes as his mother is simply lovely. I also adored the cameo roles of the wonderful Alison steadman, Bill Bailey and Rob Bryden. True fans will have noticed the delightful subtlety of Mr Twit appearing in the rude bearded man at the funeral and the BFG in the strange talking, big eared friendly train driver and even possibly the Witch of The Witches in Miss P herself. I think it was lovely that the actual interaction between the two writers was so brief at the end of the film so as to be faithful to what probably actually happened in real life. Thank you Sky, I've thoroughly enjoyed this festive treat!
Ghosts
(2019–2023)
Kids TV for adults!
14 November 2020
And not in a weird way! The fab team behind BBC's children's Horrible Histories have created this Bobby dazzler. Quite frankly I totally love the HH team and their shows - even more then my young sons, but this is fab on another level! Wickedly cool for the grown ups who still want to be kids really and actually laugh out loud funny....what's not to love?! More please!
Away
(2020)
Shame on Netflix!
3 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Such a crying shame that Netflix has cancelled this show after just one season. I think it has been a very compelling and powerful watch with great acting, enticing and emotional story lines and a lingering feeling for the human impact, mental strength and drive such a challenge presents. Up to episode 8 now and there hasn't been one so far that has had me distracted or bored, quite the opposite reaction infact. I really hope Netflix will come to its senses and reinstate this show or that another network can pick it up....we need to know how it ends!
This Is Us
(2016–2022)
Sublime
8 October 2020
There aren't enough adjectives available to describe how wonderful this show is. Everything has come together so perfectly (as we know it can once in a blue moon for a certain show...thinking of the likes of Sex in The City etc) with an ensemble cast that creates pure chemistry, magical writing and storylines and great sets and wardrobe. It embodies the 3 'S's' ...smart, subtle and sophisticated. Each episode draws you in entirely and commits you to being in that moment as it plays out and then leaves you wanting more. The cast and production deserve every accolade. I love the characters and their stories so much that I don't want to believe they are just played by actors, so much so I refuse to even google the actors for fear of ruining the images I have created! I can't bear the thought of the show ending (rumoured to be season 6) and not having the Pearson's in my life anymore. But the best shows should know when to quit I guess in order to avoid the fall from the glorious high (ER being an excellent example of a brilliant show that was stretched too far). And one thing I do know is that when the sad day comes for This Is Us to end I'll be forever grateful for having gotten to know the Pearson's.
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