I absolutely loved this; I thought that it might end up being something without substance and simply geared towards being a light-hearted/crime caper....but it is so much more than that.
All the main characters are definitely either likeable or "iffy" as they all portray both the best and worst sides....in other words "human"...but of course Freddy is portraying the very worst while Jackson is the complete opposite in his ever-optimistic outlook; leaving Lola and Baba as the in-betweeners of a mix of problematic personal issues creating who they are unwillingly allowing to intrude on the better side of themselves.
I found the entire 6 episodes really watchable enough to hope there will be more......and the very moment this series "had me" was in the "Something's Gotta Hold of My Heart" song then taken over with the strains of the late,wonderful Gene Pitney.
An original series with great actors known and upcoming,both thrilling and humorous by turns this,for me is an absolute hit and I recommend to anyone looking for something different yet satisfying....you'll just adore Jackson and feel for Lola and Baba.
Freddy..(Fredrika)?....well....she's on another Planet,that one...and a dangerous one at that!
Reviews
4 Reviews
Bloodline
(2015–2017)
Am I going doolalley?!
25 November 2016
Hi...can anyone tell me if I'm right in thinking Bloodline is also a very,very similar tale not too distantly shown on T.V....I think perhaps BBC4 then on Arts.....called "The Family" or some such title?
I only ask because I'm now on episode 9 of the first series and right from the very first one I've had a feeling all along that I've seen pretty much the same storyline and now,in the 9th one there is talk of a previously owned restaurant belonging to Danny burnt out which has cemented for me that I'm definitely watching the same story but very much more in-depth being played out in all the episodes of Bloodline.
I'm absolutely certain I'm not going wayward....which will be proved if I'm correct in thinking Danny has a lot more to do with the destroyed eaterie as the episodes progress.
I'm really enjoying Bloodline as it is really taking time to unfold without dramatic happenings all in the space of 90 minutes,just as in real family life....secrets and even mundane happenings do not happen in just one day!
The steady build up of all that lies beneath the surface of each family member,particularly Danny,is compelling viewing and I'm now going back to it but I simply needed to write this in utter frustration as I just know I'm right but cannot find the other drama referenced online unless I'm not remembering the title correctly. All I remember properly is that it was some few months ago,Swedish,Danish???...a drama just like this,focused on an errant son who had had troubles abroad in prison in Thailand etc., with a sister and brothers trying to cope with a rather dilapidated hotel following the death of the mother and problems with the will. It all ended rather happily,despite revelations of a very bad father,drowned in the hotel swimming pool and one of the sons implicated.
All not EXACTLY the same but very,very much based I'm certain on Bloodline or vice versa.
I only ask because I'm now on episode 9 of the first series and right from the very first one I've had a feeling all along that I've seen pretty much the same storyline and now,in the 9th one there is talk of a previously owned restaurant belonging to Danny burnt out which has cemented for me that I'm definitely watching the same story but very much more in-depth being played out in all the episodes of Bloodline.
I'm absolutely certain I'm not going wayward....which will be proved if I'm correct in thinking Danny has a lot more to do with the destroyed eaterie as the episodes progress.
I'm really enjoying Bloodline as it is really taking time to unfold without dramatic happenings all in the space of 90 minutes,just as in real family life....secrets and even mundane happenings do not happen in just one day!
The steady build up of all that lies beneath the surface of each family member,particularly Danny,is compelling viewing and I'm now going back to it but I simply needed to write this in utter frustration as I just know I'm right but cannot find the other drama referenced online unless I'm not remembering the title correctly. All I remember properly is that it was some few months ago,Swedish,Danish???...a drama just like this,focused on an errant son who had had troubles abroad in prison in Thailand etc., with a sister and brothers trying to cope with a rather dilapidated hotel following the death of the mother and problems with the will. It all ended rather happily,despite revelations of a very bad father,drowned in the hotel swimming pool and one of the sons implicated.
All not EXACTLY the same but very,very much based I'm certain on Bloodline or vice versa.
New Blood
(2016)
A Breath Of Criminal/Semi-comedy Fresh Air
9 July 2016
In this era of hardly ever being able to turn on almost any television programme be it drama,comedy,even daytime shows such as This Morning and Loose Women without sex the main focus to get attention then I'm afraid I'm going to be in a sad minority of really enjoying something that is obviously not to be taken seriously but nonetheless has entertainment enough in the dynamics between two very different,very handsome guys who are neither full of ego or muscle....simply gradually working toward a friendship that was not easily attained at first but is definitely growing because of their intertwining adventures bringing them both into both dangerous and also at times,hilarious predicaments.
I have to impress upon anyone taking time to read my review that I'm VERY far from being a prude....I've watched and been enthralled with the entire six series of GOT....loved Breaking Bad...currently watching House of Cards and Versailles...adored Happy Valley,Line of Duty et al.
However,I have mind enough to recognise a wonderful bit of escapism and bromance which is watchable by pretty much anyone without causing offence and embarrassment if a family settle down for an evening together; let's face it,that is becoming increasingly difficult now.
Surely there is room enough with all the many,many channels available and online viewing,too to make the odd hour available for some outlandish,fun,attractive guys bringing smiles and heartwarming moments during their adventures!
If I'm alone in this,I really don't mind.....but I hope that by some magic both actors and others who genuinely agree with me might just read this and nod their heads even if only in quiet acceptance!
What's not to like??! Two handsome,utterly likable men get into scrapes during their investigations and are gradually,grudgingly forming a friendship that is obviously going to be cemented eventually.
One has twinkling eyes and a truly engaging,winning smile...the other,dark brown serious eyes,the kindest of hearts and intelligence that more than aids in every case.
Both more or less pretend to themselves they're unsure of the other,especially Rash...but in truth they are so drawn in on every investigation that it all intrudes upon their personal lives,too.
A great little series and leaves you feeling good. That means success so I suppose it also means the death knell once the series finishes.....not hard enough,violent enough,"realistic" enough. Ho hum........
I have to impress upon anyone taking time to read my review that I'm VERY far from being a prude....I've watched and been enthralled with the entire six series of GOT....loved Breaking Bad...currently watching House of Cards and Versailles...adored Happy Valley,Line of Duty et al.
However,I have mind enough to recognise a wonderful bit of escapism and bromance which is watchable by pretty much anyone without causing offence and embarrassment if a family settle down for an evening together; let's face it,that is becoming increasingly difficult now.
Surely there is room enough with all the many,many channels available and online viewing,too to make the odd hour available for some outlandish,fun,attractive guys bringing smiles and heartwarming moments during their adventures!
If I'm alone in this,I really don't mind.....but I hope that by some magic both actors and others who genuinely agree with me might just read this and nod their heads even if only in quiet acceptance!
What's not to like??! Two handsome,utterly likable men get into scrapes during their investigations and are gradually,grudgingly forming a friendship that is obviously going to be cemented eventually.
One has twinkling eyes and a truly engaging,winning smile...the other,dark brown serious eyes,the kindest of hearts and intelligence that more than aids in every case.
Both more or less pretend to themselves they're unsure of the other,especially Rash...but in truth they are so drawn in on every investigation that it all intrudes upon their personal lives,too.
A great little series and leaves you feeling good. That means success so I suppose it also means the death knell once the series finishes.....not hard enough,violent enough,"realistic" enough. Ho hum........
The Returned
(2012–2015)
Amazing series that holds adult audiences....
10 October 2015
Whenever "Vampire" or "Zombie" or "Horror" films or series are made they are almost certainly done so with mainly a teenaged audience in mind,mainly with rather inane gore,slasher and obvious shock-horror content.
All perfectly okay for maybe 90 minutes of fun and other than the really memorable greats,it really is true that for the main part,the rest are watched and then immediately forgotten,having no real substance.
However,"The Returned" is something altogether different!
I didn't realize just what I had missed until recently receiving a e-mail from C4 to announce the upcoming new series along with the opportunity to see the entire last "box-set" on All4 before the next lot starts on Friday,Oct.16th.
SO....I thought,what the heck,I'll give it a go.
It is unlike any other "undead" story I've ever seen or heard of ever before.
Mature in its' telling..yes,it DOES involve 'teens and children....but so,so different to the "norm".
The entire first series has so much to offer,being a tale of every human emotion and not anything remotely like the usual blood and gore,with someone creeping up from the shadows!!
Don't think it is simply based on turmoil of human complexities,though.....there is plenty by the way of shock value and disturbing events to more than capture anyone's interest from 'teen to adult and I am just so,so glad I was given that opportunity to get to see it before Friday and the second series.
I watched every single episode avidly of the first series while the chance arose over three evenings and now can barely wait for the next episodes!
It is difficult to emphasize just how truly good this is because in no way would I want to spoil anything for anyone....all I CAN say is,if you thought this might be the usual empty zombie/horror kind of thing,you're in for a treat.
I've never written a review here before despite my absolute love of films,great TV series,etc.etc......hope that says a lot for anyone considering watching The Returned!
All perfectly okay for maybe 90 minutes of fun and other than the really memorable greats,it really is true that for the main part,the rest are watched and then immediately forgotten,having no real substance.
However,"The Returned" is something altogether different!
I didn't realize just what I had missed until recently receiving a e-mail from C4 to announce the upcoming new series along with the opportunity to see the entire last "box-set" on All4 before the next lot starts on Friday,Oct.16th.
SO....I thought,what the heck,I'll give it a go.
It is unlike any other "undead" story I've ever seen or heard of ever before.
Mature in its' telling..yes,it DOES involve 'teens and children....but so,so different to the "norm".
The entire first series has so much to offer,being a tale of every human emotion and not anything remotely like the usual blood and gore,with someone creeping up from the shadows!!
Don't think it is simply based on turmoil of human complexities,though.....there is plenty by the way of shock value and disturbing events to more than capture anyone's interest from 'teen to adult and I am just so,so glad I was given that opportunity to get to see it before Friday and the second series.
I watched every single episode avidly of the first series while the chance arose over three evenings and now can barely wait for the next episodes!
It is difficult to emphasize just how truly good this is because in no way would I want to spoil anything for anyone....all I CAN say is,if you thought this might be the usual empty zombie/horror kind of thing,you're in for a treat.
I've never written a review here before despite my absolute love of films,great TV series,etc.etc......hope that says a lot for anyone considering watching The Returned!
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