As a complete departure from the original story, this adaptation should not sit with the other Branagh offerings despite what you think of any of them. This one was particularly bad, given how Ariadne Oliver is portrayed here. I'm looking at you Tina Fey, but also at the direction. Poirot would have Orient Express level reaction at betrayal from a friend, especially the way Suchet and Wanamaker solidified it in the TV series. Ariadne's character seems like a plot device here, whereas if their connection was deeper, there would have been a little more hope for the unfolding of this version. Brannagh and Fey - your friendship was never believable here.
Reviews
9 Reviews
Eh?
11 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
At first, like so many other reviewers, I thought I'd missed a step. A flashback to Covid when Covid was touched upon in a previous season did not make sense.
However, I will defend this episode for a couple of reasons.
The Hal drama at the end is Morning Show worthy and the vehicle showing us Bradley's pandemic makes it worth the watch.
It also sneaks in characters and story arcs that may not have made it otherwise.
I do think that the writers underestimated the understanding of their audiences with this episode because it felt like an exposition dump for those who couldn't make connections between the 2nd and 3rd season.
Now since we now have SAG back we will not forgive these missteps Apple.
Pay your writers, because this episode proves how much you need them.
However, I will defend this episode for a couple of reasons.
The Hal drama at the end is Morning Show worthy and the vehicle showing us Bradley's pandemic makes it worth the watch.
It also sneaks in characters and story arcs that may not have made it otherwise.
I do think that the writers underestimated the understanding of their audiences with this episode because it felt like an exposition dump for those who couldn't make connections between the 2nd and 3rd season.
Now since we now have SAG back we will not forgive these missteps Apple.
Pay your writers, because this episode proves how much you need them.
The Fake Sheikh
(2023– )
Creating convictions for Validation
10 October 2023
Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Overview of the man who manufactured situations and manipulated people to create stories for the tabloids in the UK.
It is just a shame he didn't investigate or use his 'skill' on the more deserving criminals of the 90s.
Mind you, if he had journalistic integrity, Rupert Murdoch would have probably fired him from the News of the World.
He didn't land megascoops, as the documentary suggests; he created them.
It is an interesting watch about the pseudo sheikh who spent decades fabricating his brand of news and his downfall when he became the story.
Overview of the man who manufactured situations and manipulated people to create stories for the tabloids in the UK.
It is just a shame he didn't investigate or use his 'skill' on the more deserving criminals of the 90s.
Mind you, if he had journalistic integrity, Rupert Murdoch would have probably fired him from the News of the World.
He didn't land megascoops, as the documentary suggests; he created them.
It is an interesting watch about the pseudo sheikh who spent decades fabricating his brand of news and his downfall when he became the story.
Schitt's Creek
(2015–2020)
Not ashamed to say I initially didn't get it
3 September 2023
I encountered Schitt's Creek when it first came out. I watched the first episode and did not connect with it at all. What I realise now is that my disconnect from the character's personalities in the pilot as an audience member was integral to the character arc. That was how connected it was to the viewers from the beginning and I didn't even realise.
I tried again a few years later it is now one of my top shows ever. The clever writing, fantastic characters, brilliant acting and themes that resonate to such a wide audience is astounding - how dare I miss this first time around! Some of my all time favourite characters are from this show. I want to be Moira when I grow up. Best wishes, warmest regards.
I tried again a few years later it is now one of my top shows ever. The clever writing, fantastic characters, brilliant acting and themes that resonate to such a wide audience is astounding - how dare I miss this first time around! Some of my all time favourite characters are from this show. I want to be Moira when I grow up. Best wishes, warmest regards.
You & Me
(2023–2024)
Not a comedy
25 February 2023
Yes, this has been billed as something it wasn't. I went into it thinking light-hearted dramedy but soon realised that is not what it is. Should the rating be punished for this error? No. A bittersweet tale of lives connecting in the aftermath of grief? Yes. It is a well-written drama highlighting love and loss at an age where many of their peers have yet to experience, to their fortune, what that means. The 1* does not reflect the show, only what the reviewer's little expectation was based on a marketing tagline. I accidentally stumbled upon this and found a cleverly written contemporary human drama.
Anatomy of a Scandal
(2022)
Look at the story
15 April 2022
While some may look at the complex social commentary and frame this from that standpoint, I am not reviewing from there.
I am looking more from the lines of taking a plotted novel to the screen. From that point of view, I enjoyed this.
There are subtle nuances from all of the characters involved that make this an engaging and clever adaptation.
I am looking more from the lines of taking a plotted novel to the screen. From that point of view, I enjoyed this.
There are subtle nuances from all of the characters involved that make this an engaging and clever adaptation.
The Woman in the House
(2022– )
Subtle Parody
16 February 2022
This parody may be a little too subtle in places for some, but I enjoyed it. I agree with others that it could have worked better as a movie.
Without giving anything away, the final episode pays true homage to the spoof genre.
Without giving anything away, the final episode pays true homage to the spoof genre.
Hawkeye
(2021)
Did not enjoy until ep 6
22 December 2021
So, I am not the biggest MCU fan, but admittedly a few of the films and series have roped me in.
Loved Loki and Wandavision (not here to talk about their merits) and found myself looking forward to this.
Was sorely disappointed with the first five episodes. Wanted to like it, but everything seemed to fall a little flat.
However, in episode six they seemed to find their mojo. On par with the multiverse/real life humour we know and love.
You got a different writer in, didn't you? Keep them 😁
Loved Loki and Wandavision (not here to talk about their merits) and found myself looking forward to this.
Was sorely disappointed with the first five episodes. Wanted to like it, but everything seemed to fall a little flat.
However, in episode six they seemed to find their mojo. On par with the multiverse/real life humour we know and love.
You got a different writer in, didn't you? Keep them 😁
A show for comedians, not comedy.
21 June 2020
The premise is ok.
It's a show that will appeal to other comedians, rather than an audience. They are just trying to goad each other into laughing, while not being particularly funny. It seems like this is a magnified version of the stuff they pull on each other in the green room before comedy circuit gigs.
Bits of silly humour with spots of outlandish behaviour, which feels like an in joke where the audience don't get the punchline.
It will definitely appeal to some and it may get better as the amount of comedians decline.
However, if you are looking to enjoy these comedians at their best, this is not it. Not that they care of course, they're just competing in a game show with a pretty decent prize.
Good Luck to them!
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