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Cheshire55
Reviews
Rebus (2024)
Maybe not as good as the hype.
This had a couple of seriously good reviews and I was looking forward to episode 1. I suppose I was mildly disappointed.
Nothing too bad, simply a little predictable. I'm not a huge fan of police show back stories but this is now common place and this is no exception. I prefer more focus on detective work and solving crime and less of the marital (and extra marital) stuff.
Also a mention of some annoying camera work. The current 'edgy' style of moving the camera slightly and jerkily in some scenes simply detracts. I don't really understand the obsession some programme makers have with it.
Will watch episode 2 and decide.
London Kills (2019)
Made it through 2 episodes
Started watching S1 Episode 1 and then Episode 2 the following day. I was initially alarmed at a) the camera work (usual 'modern' style of not holding the camera steady, thus slightly nauseating to watch) and b) the quality of writing.
I fully accept it's increasingly difficult to find a new way to commit crime and then make it into a watchable TV drama, but there have been some excellent police programmes over the years (Unforgotten/Line of Duty) and this is a very poor relation.
The script is bland, the actors do their best but it's all a bit predictable and simply didn't grab our attention. Perhaps subsequent seasons improved, but not for me.
The Dog House Australia (2021)
Just curious
Are there any people at all, seeking a rescue dog, that are just normal? I understand the producers efforts to try and make the show more 'interesting', but the constant stream of people with various disabilities, recent bereavements, relationship nightmares, divorces, gender dysphoria etc. Etc. I sort of get it...a dog can help in difficult situations etc. But the odd happily married couple, a fit and healthy family or a single person seeking a canine running partner would be nice now and again.
It's the same in the UK version of the show (not sure which came first) and is now really rather tiresome.
Great Expectations (2023)
Not for me!
I was looking forward, immensely this new adaption of the Charles Dickens classic. However, after one episode, I will not be watching anymore.
I find it, frankly, depressing that to bring great expectations up to date, we have to litter the dialogue with bad language. Probably says more about the current climate and society than it does about the production team.
I'm not sure what else to write, if you enjoy, classic stories, retold, with unrealistic, casting, unrealistic, dialogue, and characters, given rather bizarre tastes, then this is probably right up your street.
If you enjoy classic literature and like to see it on the screen reasonably faithful to the original, then this really isn't for you.
Silent Witness: The Penitent - Part 2 (2023)
Dreadful
The usual argument, against complaints of unbelievable plots in drama programmes, is to get over it and remember it's a drama not a documentary.
Fair enough, but this programme used to be an excellent forensic drama with the science front and centre. It has descended into a farcical show which even the 'drama not documentary' viewpoint now stretched too far.
Absolutely ridiculous 2 episodes with an increasingly unlikeable and shrill main character.
We all have the option to not watch and I will be exercising this option. My wife still likes the show to be fair, and finds it easy to ignore the tosh being served up.
Unforgotten: Episode #5.2 (2023)
Early days
I think this is shaping up. Standard excellent Unforgotten fare in terms of criminal plot, but the introduction of DCI James as an unlikeable replacement for Cassie Stewart is fascinating.
The interaction between the two leads is increasingly hostile and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out. One minor criticism would be that as a DCI, the new character seems lacking in detective ability. You'd hope, to reach DCI, she would be pretty switched on...perhaps she will shine later?
I still love to see how the crime is linked to seemingly disparate characters and I am looking forward to he denouement in a few weeks time.
All Creatures Great & Small: Merry Bloody Christmas (2022)
Not the best, but still worth a look
Apart from the special effects department's efforts to shoot a Christmas special in late summer, another very decent outing for one of our favourite reboots.
I'm not sure the little girl evacuee character, taken in by the household, added a huge amount to be honest, but trying not to be Grinch like.
The story line, involving Siegfrieds attempts to keep his brother away from the horrors of war, was fair enough. His tactic of injecting a horse with something to enable it to race was, knowing how Siegfried always puts his patients first, was rather unbelievable.
Normally a 10/10 for this splendid remake but this particular episode wasn't quite on th money for me.
Two Doors Down (2016)
Doesn't get much better
Just watched the latest episode (S6 Episode 6) and this show never disappoints. The replacement character for Kathy (Anne Marie) is equally appalling but very different. Her grown son Jackson's circumcision is a running joke and she brings it up whenever possible. Much to the aghast looks form the rest of the cast.
The writing is outstanding, Characters saying out loud what many of us think, but won't say, in case of offence (welcome to 2022)!
A welcome return of Michelle's deaf friend. I'd be more than happy to see her as a regular.
Looking forward to the Christmas special on 23rd December already.
The Old Man (2022)
Such a great start...such a disappointment in the end.
Like so many of the more recent posts, I was absolutely hooked by the first couple of episodes. Interesting characters, terrific action scenes (I hope I'm that capable when I'm 72!) and we couldn't;t wait for the next episode.
Having watched the finale last night, I'm amazed at the 7.7 score this series has attained. Each episode has become less and less interesting with the pinnacle of 'seriously average' being the finale which should have been titled verbosity in Range Rovers. Two excellent actors given scripts which are dull, a plot which increasingly lost my interest and a 'cliff hanger ending' which didn't make me want to watch season 2...'The even older man'???
Really thought this had potential but sadly, I won't be bothering.
House of the Dragon: The Black Queen (2022)
Just don't get this score
Huge GOT fans, our household finds this turgid at best. We don't understand the gushing reviews, it's okay..:nothing more.
Acting decent with the exception of Paddy Considine who was excellent.
CGI okay but nothing special for what would have been a huge budget.
Wanted to like the programme as much as GOT but it has none of the stunning action scenes, occasional humour (think Ariya and The Hound) and visual effects which wouldn't be out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster.
We won't be bothering with season 2 but really hope those on here that give this 10/10 and think it is so fantastic are happy.
Big Timber (2020)
Season 1 terrific...season 2 dire.
The title says it all. Season 2 is simply boring. Repetitive episodes of beach-combing for logs...repetitive commentary...pity. Only so many machinery breakdowns I can take, only so many Kevin moaning about his predicaments. It might be a Vancouver island thing, but half the personalities seem to be well...a bit barmy? Please don't make a third season unless there's something really interesting to film. Maybe Kevin buying a new piece of logging machinery or a successful project. Actually very disappointed, as season 1 was really engaging. Not sure what else to add struggling to make the 600 minimum characters.
Silent Witness: History - Part Two (2022)
There's suspending belief and there's suspending belief
All in the title. Awarded 3 points for professional acting from the cast. Again a ridiculous plot and some laugh out loud moments. Aware many enjoy this programme, but it simply doesn't bear any resemblance to the actual work done by pathologists other than the PMs and crime scene forensics.
Trigger Point: Episode #1.1 (2022)
Hurt Locker it ain't
I had high hopes for this. Sadly formulaic and our group accurately called out each plot 'twist' with unerring accuracy. There is some good stuff out there - if you look hard enough - but this wasn't in that category. Maybe 2 is harsh, but the writing really is very average. The actors, of course, can only work with what they're given but we even found the usually reliable Vicky Mclure to be slightly grating.
Silent Witness: Matters of Life and Death: Part 1 (2021)
Time to call it a day?
Silent Witness remains a decent watch in episodes which focus on the very real and fascinating search for the truth via forensic/scientific analysis and (occasionally) good police work.
Unfortunately, the producers/writers have decided that it needs more than the 'core' material and we are now subject to increasingly unbelievable plots and back stories which add very little.
I'm addition, my wife thinks David Caves is increasingly resembling Dracula!
20 Odd seasons. Time to call it a day.
Silent Witness: Reputations: Part 2 (2021)
Oh dear
Starting to think 24 seasons might be enough. The usual format, including the increasingly unbelievable relationship between police and main characters. A denouement involved the newest (and actually quite interesting) character being killed off, as he turns his back on the newly identified murderer to make a phone call. The baddy thoughtfully revs his car up (to alert his victim?) before running him over. I think we're done.
Keeping Faith: Episode #3.1 (2021)
Not sure why, this show sends me to sleep
As in previous seasons, Faith's wistful gazes (with accompanying 'appropriate' music) are used to excess. I want to like the programme, but it simply bores me. Predictable writing, decent acting, just not particularly attention grabbing. Maybe me...
The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice: Dessert (2020)
Running out of steam
A fan of both Bake Off and Extra Slice, I feel both are beginning to lose a little sparkle. Tom Allen is the saving grace and the 'celebrities' are a bit hit and miss these days. Tonight's show - in good C4 and Jo Brand style - had a go at Boris Johnson...fair enough, an easy target possibly, but not particularly funny. A bit of a shame really...
Selling Sunset (2019)
Simply awful television
Horrible people with nil self awareness. Only managed 2 episodes...
Cardinal (2017)
Better than most
Just found this series and have never read the books. Have to say I'm enjoying season 2 and thought season 1 was very well done. No real negatives apart from the usual cop drama nonsense - torches in basements and never try the lights! no back up etc etc. The bizarre whispering lead actor detracts a bit but overall a very good drama.
Van der Valk (2020)
Not as bad as some reviewers say.
Really not as bad as some reviews suggest. Episode 1 Kept my wife and I thoroughly engaged. Don't be put off. Yes usual PC nonsense but underlying decent whodunnit.
Have I Got News for You: Steph McGovern, Miles Jupp, Helen Lewis (2020)
Please retire this once great show
Just caught up with this show. Notwithstanding the challenges of a lack of studio audience to create some atmosphere, HIGNFY is simply no longer very funny. The halcyon days of Angus Deayton seem a life time ago and the increasingly curmudgeonly Ian Hislop's efforts at amusing satire are generally way off the mark. The occasional funny comment from Paul Merton is not enough to save the show. Series link deleted!
White House Farm (2020)
Not nearly as poor as user reviews make out
Like another reviewer, I suspect there's some criticism of this drama driven by personal views of the actual case and subsequent conviction. As a stand alone crime drama I think it's very watchable. The acting is really pretty good with the conflict between the Stephen Graham and Mark Addy characters being especially riveting. A mention for Gemma Whelan too...understated but believable. So, make up your own mind....episodes 1 and 2 kept me very engaged. Hope it maintains its standard.
Have I Got News for You: Alexander Armstrong, Nicky Morgan, Jon Richardson (2019)
Bitter luvvies spoil a once hilarious show.
I know it was an 'election special' but at one stage Paul Merton openly joked he was trying to hurry up and finish the show. I felt for him. Hislop and Richardson were clearly distraught at the election outcome and proceeded to do all they could to ensure humour was secondary to point scoring. Merton looked aghast. Used to be such a funny show -
Mum (2016)
I'll miss Mum
Just watched final ever episode? Great cast, superb writing and funny and poignant at the same time. Sorry to see it finish.
Killing Eve: God, I'm Tired (2018)
Great start - got sillier and sillier
Nothing to add really - enjoyable blackish comedy etc. Descended into nonsense.