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Reviews
Spooks: Episode #10.6 (2011)
Almost Full Circle
I have just binge watched the whole 10 seasons of Spooks and about to watch the movie. I loved this programme first time around and perhaps this is the 6th I've binged it.
Seasons 1-9 had such strong characters that in some ways season 10 was a season too far.
For its maiden season it introduced Tom Quinn who we watched as he cracked under the pressure of the double life, the failure to find a family life, the spectacular breakdown to him walking away. Never to be mentioned again, apart from a cameo in the closing scenes of the final episode. We also had Danny who seemed to want the bond life but we saw him change and the end sacrificing himself for Adam's wife.
Chloe was brilliant but this started the rapid, out of the blue character endings. Suddenly we are in court and then she's packed off to South America.
Adam Carter was a superb character. We saw him with a successful marriage and a child. Again she was terminated by her ex husband who appeared out of the blue. Adam's reaction to this was a slight, tightly held grief.
We had Ros Myers who was - well someone you wouldn't want angry with you.
The strength of the characters surrounding Harry Pierce reminded me of a saying of an old boss " To look good you surround yourself with good people"
In season 10 the team around him wasn't as strong and really they were there to support the Harry & Ruth romance.
Sir Harry Pierce was a constant throughout, a sense of right and wrong but did the wrong thing for the right reasons when needed. Whilst everyone else came and went through all the seasons he was a constant. Peter Firth played him superbly.
I thought it appropriate that the Home Secretary said the assassination of the group leader in the final 5minutes had been outsourced. Tom Quinn walked up the path to the Russians house as the assassin. His story after he left MI5 would be a good one to watch.
The Harry & Ruth story came about a little cliched. She had bought the idyllic cottage. Harry finally said he was resigning and wanted to be with Ruth and then she gets killed.
Still stand the test of time. Different to Slow Horses but both have departmental in fighting ( remember Oliver Mace ) but the characters are almost diametrically opposite and..... that's ok!
24: Legacy (2016)
Kept Thinking "What Would Jack Bauer Do"
I've just watched 24 Legacy all the way through. Tried before but couldn't get past ep 3. I am a massive fan of the Jack Bauer 24 and still think they need one more season to get him back from Russia. The main character was too young, showed no character. Someone earlier commented that the person playing his brother would have better and I agree.
The IT team were hopeless and needed a Chloe type character. The appearance of Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard ) was a bright spot in fact maybe he should have been the hero in a 24 Redemption?
I saw Kiefer Sutherland was actually a Producer how did he lets this get through?
Go back to Jack Bauer giving testimony before a Senate committee - we don't want people like him but we need people like him to do the things that have to be done - No way did the main character come across that way
I've given it a 4 simply because of Tony Almeida.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Humanity not Divinity
I saw this when it was first released, in fact I stayed in my seat in the cinema and watched it again. I was then and now an a athiest, but I thought the on screen relationship between Ted Neely and Carl Anderson. They played the two halves of the same movement to perfection and for a number of times afterwards.
The setting of a group of travelling actors picking a spot in the desert amongst Roman ruins was perfect. I found that the Jesus Neely portrays has events happen to him rather than being the leader. Judas, however the eternal "baddie" is the man of the people the man that really cares about the poor, hating the 300 pieces of silver spent on pampering Jesus rather then being given to the poor.
Where Jesus comes to life is in the Garden of Gethsemane when he talks to "god" this is a magnificent piece of cinema with the Rice and Lloyd-Webber's ( who disliked the piece) words and music. The anger and bitterness Neely portrays as he points out "what we started. What you started I didn't start it"
The point at which he capitulates either from an answer he hears that we don't or a resignation brings the song to its inevitable conclusion.
It is a film with a large ensemble but it's the relationship of Anderson and Neely mainly that stand out but there are only real characters are Elliman as Mary and Dennen's Pilate
The closing scene fascinates me. All the actors return to the coach both Judas and Pilate stare back at the Cross. We never see Neely return. Is he still on the cross?
The music can be kitsch and very 70's but it is still valid 50 years later.
It didn't change my views of religion but gave me some understanding of these characters
One final message for Tim Rice and especially for Andrew Lloyd Webber - this is a great film it's not an anti or pro religioun it's a fabulous exploration of two men wanting to achieve the same object but from different perspective.
Don't Blink (2014)
Wasn't sure at first but found it watchable.
I tend to wander around the cable channels looking for something to watch, especially movies. Saw the title and immediately thought of the Dr Who episode Blink.
I'm watching Blink and thinking about the differences and similarities between the two. Apart from David Tennant and Mira Sirvano the cast of either aren't really well known but both put in a good performance.
In the Dr Who Blink you know pretty much what is happening, who is doing it, how, and why. In Don't Blink there is no explanation of what/who/how/why.
Don't Blink starts as many US movies a group of 20/30
somethings go off to a remote location for fun. Think Wrong Turn, Tucker and Dale vs Evil ( great film BTW ). The hotel is the land equivalent of the Marie Celeste, the first disappearance is subtle but then becomes a little more predictable.
In the Dr Who episode it is driven by an Easter Egg found on 17 DVDs but you have in the background you have this pushing, driving, video section telling people Don't Blink.
What intrigues me is the way the two are the same but yet different - the TV show is driving, a race against time. This movie slowly grows and becomes a race for existence.
Ultimately Don't Blink has no satisfactory, neatly tied up ending. No killer that dies then disappears . Someone has suggested a set up for a sequel, as of yet there hasn't been a sequel and that's ok. A sequel may spoil our own thoughts and ideas on what is happening.
The one thing niggles me is that one of the characters announces she is going - everyone else didn't.
The Recruit (2022)
I actually watched all episodes !
At the moment there seems to be many new tv series on streaming sites, actually many old terrestrial ones too.
Most of them I struggle to get past episode 2 because there isn't any "hook" to keep me watching. OK there are exceptions ( Wednesday, The Orville, Ted Lasso etc.) I've seen the first episode of Breaking Bad at least 6 times. If I'm honest I put on the recruit for some background noise.
First thoughts - This is Chuck ( without the brain upload ) or a Jack Ryan rip off with humour. I'd never seen the main actor or his partner before but I realised (thank you IMDB ) that Max was played by Laura Haddock in a role completely different.
It is a programme with many important characters that maybe I should have written them down to keep track. Then again, is the CIA the star with its secrecy and if you get told anything then you have to look.
But for me it was enough to find the hook and by episode 4 I was hooked.
There are some fantastic characters I particularly liked the two "co-workers" who were actively trying to get him dismissed, the demanding girlfriend, the ex girlfriend/house mate all come in and out of Alex and Max's adventures. Sometimes though it seemed that a character was introduced to deal with a potential plot hole such as his house mate/ ex girlfriend/ will they won't they? Had a mother with connections perfectly positioned to help out.
If you watch this don't look for serious spy drama such as Jack Ryan, Treadstone etc It doesn't take its self that seriously. It has moments of action, a story of a man who doesn't want be his father and join the military, and humour. I understand a season 2 is in the offing and this season left so many cliffhangers that we will need at least one more season to resolve them all.
The Orville: Future Unknown (2022)
There seems to be a mixed reception to this final episode
For me this has been the best sci programme since Babylon ( seasons 1-4 anyway ).
It has developed through its 3 seasons probably 75% comedy 25% drama to 50% / 50% and this last season 25% / 75%
Seth MacFarlane has taken on some serious themes from Suicide to the effects of Time Travel - in an unusual, novel and ultimately heartbreaking way.
I think that this final episode had good and bad bits - watching the Elvis Bortas and Isaac with nipple tassels will stick in my mind ( or nightmares anyway ).
When The Orville went into the darkness my first word started with B and ended in ARD!!!
Why? Seth - what about Ed's Daughter and his relationship with her Krill mum not to mention with Kelly. The new power shift and, and....
The contract options for all the actors have been terminated. So this could be the very end of The Orville - the actors have all said that they were up for more. The ratings have been superb as has the viewing figures.
Let's hope Hulu, Disney get their heads together. I'm going to start doing the UK lottery.
The Orville: Domino (2022)
The subtly of writing in this season is amazing
The themes that this season has covered; suicide, trans-gender politics and now genocide.
Intentional or not there was a nod to Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb.
I'm really sad that the next episode The Orville flies into the galaxy. Watching the broken man given a job turning into the Captain whose superiors trust his opinions really came to the fore.
Seth McFarlane really should be proud of what he has achieved not to forget fellow actors, writers, and range of directors .
To the studios out there put your hand in your pockets and commission an fourth or even fifth season.
The Orville (2017)
Please Please - Don't end this at the end of this season
I know that there have been a few negative reviews especially for the first episode. Personally I thought it was a sensitive look at suicide.
I've always considered The Orville, not to be a comedy show but a homage to Star Trek but it's developed to have its own identity, a bit like Star Trek without the Gene Roddenberry.
The characters of all the species are deeper and so well written.
This episode with its time travel theme seems more realistic and not so squeaky clean. And is the better for it.
It needs to be picked up for other seasons. This is the best Sci Fi on tv at the moment ( and yes I love Marvel, Star Wars et. - but this has heart )
The Orville: Shadow Realms (2022)
Counting Down :(
I've written about The Orville before. Here we are at Episode 2 of Season 3 and there are many negative comments. Not saying this was a perfect episode but I, for one, would prefer to watch a 7/10 episode of The Orville than no Orville at all.
Unfortunately it looks like that the negatives have won as the studio has released the options on the cast.. So no more The Orville after the end of this season.
Maybe it's not 50:50 humour now but it has matured, as does everything. Would shows like Friends, Buffy and the Office have suffered the same fate and there were some really bad episodes in these seasons.
I for one will enjoy what I have seen and will see and mourn when the credits roll at the end of this season.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Last Day Pt 2 (2021)
Endings are so difficult
We all have so high expectations for the ending of any treasured series. Over 80% do not meet even mediocre expectations.
How did B99 do?
I did find a few of the situations forced - Jake suddenly deciding he wanted be a full time father. As someone has said he couldn't cope with being on suspension.
The whole heist seemed to come out of nothing and there didn't seem to be a coherent story.
All negative so far so why a 10/10
The relationship between Jake and Holt subtly changed throughout the eight seasons. I rewatch ( and binge ) shows such as this and maybe that way you see the changes more prominently.
The Jake, Charles and Amy dynamic was fabulous and it was written in a way that didn't make Jake manipulate.
The humanisation of Rosa from a sort of two dimensional angry, intensely person to having such a close friendship with Amy also developed over the whole 8 seasons. Although the introduction of Adrian Permento ( I bet he enjoyed that completely OTT role - my hero ) was maybe the switch that "turned on" Rosa.
Sarge was fantastic - Will Terry the Captain refer to himself in the third person?
Gina, Hitchcock and Scully whilst not the "stars" they were just important ( I've just watched the episode where Gina stops Hitchcock and Scully arguing by treating them as dogs )
We had lots of.cameos Melipnos, Bill ( Charles' double ) Amy's Pilsner loving ex boyfriend.......
But where was JUDGE JUDY
I've tried be somewhat objective and if Judge Judy had been there I might has started a petition for an 11/10
Good luck to all the cast and crew you gave us eight seasons of pure entertainment.
The Orville: Electric Sheep (2022)
Waited for a long time for this.
I've waited for season 3 of The Orville for what seems years. It did not disappoint.
I'm old enough to have seen the majority of the sci fi series Star Trek, The Next Gen, Deep Space Nine, a bit of Voyager and deliberately none of the Scott Bakula season. I've seen all the Star Wars, Dr Who, a little Firefly, avid consumer of the vast majority of the MCU
The two I haven't mentioned are what I consider the best sci fi shows ever written. Babylon 5 (up to the end of season 4) Stazinsky's vision was amazing and forced Deep Space Nine into a story ark.
The other is The Orville. Wasn't sure what we would get but he put the original Star Trek, The Next Gen and a fantastic cast in a bag shook out all the Gene Roddenberry idealism.
People have criticised this episode because there were no jokes but the sensitivity in which he dealt with some serious issues. His delicate treatment of suicide and reconciliation showed how Seth Gordon isn't all about a talking Bear.
Bravo Seth
As for season 4 - they have let the options on the actors go. It's better to leave a classic before it gets tired - The Original Star Trek perfect left people wanting more, Babylon 5 went on a season too long.
Glee: Journey to Regionals (2010)
Just caught this episode on Netflix
Firstly I'm probably not the target audience for Glee. My wife watched it faithfully and I caught a few bits.
I had seen the Journey medley before and to be fair they do a fabulous job.
What happens next is so bad and really offended me. Bohemian Rhapsody - This song needs Freddie's unequalled voice and Brian May's sublime and unique guitar.
From what I can see the Journey songs were performed by the Glee characters. Bo Rho had a different, not good not bad, lead voice. The rest though are taken from the Queen Original Track. Starts with someone pretending to play guitar like Brian ( his was made by his dad and he uses a coin as a plectrum".
The rest of it was of quality approaching the 9.1 but this one thing is so bad it takes away 7 stars.
The Gentlemen (2019)
Nearly as good as Snatch!
I love Snatch - Brad Pitt's performance is fabulous. Guy Ritchie has been away from this genre for a while. He has done some different films too ( I liked King Arthur )
I was really concerned as Charlie Hunnam always seems to be playing Jax Teller but the one on one with a slimy Hugh Grant ( The character was slimy not our Hugh) linked everything together really well.
This film had Ritchie's lots of interacting plots but at a different social class level than Snatch.
Thoroughly enjoyed the film and watched it again. The opening song was perfect and it's now on my playlist. It's up there with Snatch, better than Lock Stock.... It sits nicely between them. A perfect afternoons Ritchie binge watch.
Ted Lasso: Beard After Hours (2021)
Pointless?? Can't you see the beauty of this episode
Up to now Coach Beard has been just there about 3ft away from Ted Lasso.
Over the weeks various characters have had the spotlight on them. None of them have had the microscope on them like Coach Beard during this episode.
The three facets of Beard ( the massive loss, Jayne unwilling to tell Beard she loved him and his own insecurity) are woven together beautifully.
This episode will be a bit like Marmite you love it or hate it. My wife and I absolutely loved it. We got lost in the amazing story. Also who knew Coach Beard could dance!
Ted Lasso: Carol of the Bells (2021)
Yes I Know it's August but that's not the point
There was one simple comment made by Higgins that ( In my opinion ) shows the impact that Ted Lasso had on the whole club.
He said "we are normally joined by a couple of players in the afternoon". This "Christmas they all turned up except Roy Kent and Jamie Tart )That showed where the club was. Now on Christmas ( it's based in the UK so we don't have Thanksgiving so it had to be Christmas)
We see Ted sat alone after being blown off by his son. To have Rebecca take Ted under her wing.
Yes it's Christmas and you had the cheesy poster bit from Roy's Niece but when the boy is told if he isn't nice he will have to deal with her Uncle Roy - that takes some of the cheese away
All this and The. Fairy of New York, To me it all makes sense and we have got the best Christmas but not in December Episode of any show.