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Reviews
Grantchester: Episode #8.2 (2023)
Just a couple of things though
So, Will gets off scot free, seemingly with no lasting guilt?
In fairness, the man he killed did run into the road, but surely a road user is still partly culpable if they are driving so quickly as to have no chance of stopping? Will appeared to be travelling at a fair old speed on a road Geordie agreed was a dangerous one, so he should have been extra vigilant. Fortunately for Will though, everyone rallied round (as always) to ensure he suffered as little as possible.
Oh, and the rather obvious plot hole with the speedometer. Geordie proved that it had been broken for some time, yet up to that moment Will had not thought to mention the fact in his defence. Are we to assume he had not noticed?
Sorry, but Will's character becomes more irritating by the episode and Geordie's actions here were just not believable either. Rather poor writing lately, I'm afraid.
The Job Lot: Episode #2.4 (2014)
Series 2, different writers
Loved series 1. Series 2 comes along and it's good in parts, however I feel they've gone all out for mostly sexual humour-focussed storylines at the expense of some of the more subtle comedy, which I personally liked and now miss. I still enjoy it though, just feel they've taken the modern/easy route and gone for more of a lowest common denominator appeal.
I do like a comedy, or indeed a drama, where the stories are built around the setting - the JobCentre as a workplace in this instance. Sure, you need some of the humour to revolve around the human interaction and relationships between staff members, but I'd love more intriguing plot devices about the customers and their personal circumstances. Maybe catch the audience out occasionally with a poignant moment or two. Just an observation.
Breeders (2020)
Oh-so-cool parents who think they're hilarious
I'm not entirely sure who this series is aimed at. A couple of 'Yuppie' pseudo-parents who seem eternally high on speed, constantly bolstering each other's egos and laughing smugly at how clever and hip and rude they are being, even though they are supposed to be professional class people with privilege and significant workplace responsibilities. Let's face it, actual people in such positions have a little more finesse to them.
Much has been said about elsewhere about the swearing, and I tend to agree. Coming back to my main complaint above though, I think the couple often use swearing to reinforce their self-image of being latter-day super cool teenagers - "We can still be rude and cute, can't we?"
Somehow, both children seem to develop into well adjusted, articulate young people as the series' progress. Lucky them, but - how?
Overall, the writing relies heavily on the forced 'aren't we so funny' little chats between the two leads, and I find it all tedious and actually quite depressing.
Thank God for the grandparents - the only watchable characters, and the reason for my two stars.
Jimmy Carr: His Dark Material (2021)
Surprisingly poor
I'm a fan of Jimmy Carr, generally. I've seen him live, and watched many of his stand up shows on TV. This was disappointing, a little depressing even.
Many others have described his performance as 'desperate', which I agree with, but I would also use the adjectives 'nervous' and 'anxious', neither of which I would ever expect to associate with Jimmy. One of the things I've always admired about his stage persona is his easy delivery: well paced, articulate and natural so that he draws you in to his way of looking at the world. This performances was nothing like that. To me, he sounded on edge, trying too hard. Too shouty, too much swearing - well beyond his normal level. His entire tone, body language felt, well yes - desperate.
It felt like watching a has-been trying to rekindle his previous success and failing in an embarrassingly obvious manner. I feel sad for him, and just hope he can somehow get back to where he was a few years ago.
The Outlaws (2021)
Well-written, layered comedy drama
I loved both series. I'm a fan of Stephen Merchant anyway, but wasn't sure what this would turn out to be so held my breath prior to watching.
But, I needn't have worried. All characters were given properly thought-out back stories and the plot, and multiple sub-plots, kept my interest and contained the right balance of excitement, humour and pathos.
Well acted by all of the ensemble cast, with a particular nod to Darren Boyd: Some of his scenes (e.g. His job interview where he experienced clear discrimination for being a middle-aged, middle-class white male) was spellbinding. Refreshing too, given that this is a BBC show.
I also grew to love Rhianne Barreto (Rani) and - all of them really! This was my first experience of Eleanor Tomlinson outside of a period drama: She is clearly an extremely accomplished and versatile actor, being so natural in both types of role.
Thanks Mr Merchant - you deserves some awards from this.
Friday Night Dinner: Lord Luck (2018)
A high point of series five
Most reviews of this episode criticise the 'Ben' character, yet for me he played his part perfectly: The set-ups needed him to be in despair to make the payoffs work.
Ben's interaction with Martin was spot on, as he descending more and more into anxiety and fear with each new revelation. A prime example is when he discovers the dead crow in the bin:
'How did you kill it?' (Asked with growing trepidation)
'With a hammer' (Loudly, with no tact or explanation!)
Wonderful stuff, with Paul Ritter in his usual top form. A versatile, talented actor, so sadly missed.
The Responder (2022)
Kept my attention
This seemed a huge challenge for Martin Freeman, taking on a very specific northern accent for five long episodes. In the end though (although I can't truly judge, not being from the area myself), I'd say he did well with it. The story was well paced and detailed: I bought into the characters and their individual problems to the extent that I cared about them, which makes the series a significant achievement in storytelling.
I would also compliment the writers and director for not turning this into a piece of woke/anti-police social commentary, as so often happens now with BBC dramas.
Well worth the watch, this deserves the description of 'gripping'.
Derek: Christmas Special (2014)
A worthy finale: Possibly needed more time
I'm a 'Derek' fan, and enjoyed this greatly. Not as carefully focused on Derek himself as you may expect from a 'Ricky Gervais Christmas Special', but that's OK - I for one had anticipated that this episode would mostly revolve around Kev.
Some strong messages came out of 'The Special' as you would expect, but I did feel that some aspects were a little rushed: The time between Kev's ejection from Broad Hill and the police arriving to inform Hannah of his hospitalisation was an obvious example. OK, maybe most people watching were aware that Kev was going to end up in a bad place, but some relatively unconnected scenes after his dismissal by Hannah and before the arrival of the police would perhaps have added to the impact?
Despite this the performances were fine, and it's quite possible that a second viewing will improve my impression.
'Derek' as a whole has been a noteworthy creation by Ricky Gervais, breaking new ground as always. I respect the work that has gone into this series.