richard-is-still-alive Reviews

Reacher (2022– )

It is what it is!

[8/10 · 29 December 2023]

There is nothing subtle about the books or the TV adaptations. And they are both good in their own way.

Okay, so the TV hero is a bit pumped up, but what the heck, that's how he was supposed to be portrayed, And yes, he's a bit wooden, but aren't big muscly guys a bit wooden in real life?

I enjoyed series 1, and I'm enjoying series 2, long may they continue to make the TV versions - so far there are about 16 books, so the cast has lots of work going forward.

In case you're wondering, I don't care that they don't follow correct procedures or rules or stuff like that, I enjoy Reacher purely for its entertainment value - for me, that's what Reacher is all about.

Slow Horses (2022– )

And series 3 doesn't disappoint either.

[10/10 · 29 December 2023]

I've read all the books and the TV adaptations are spot on - of course, they can't follow the books exactly, but they are superbly excellent in their own right.

Gary Oldman and the whole cast shine, each in their own special way. The underrated subtleness of the story lines displays so well just how good the Slough House book series is. There's none of the bang, crash, vroom of US TV and that's very, very good - enough of the mindless violence and senseless car chases. This has violence, but it is controlled and in the right measure. It has ironic humour in spades, and that's good too.

Altogether the most watchable TV at the moment and thankfully Mick Herron has written more in the book series - and more TV adaptions to come, I hope.

007: Road to a Million (2023– )

A sad disappointment!

[1/10 · 22 December 2023]

It should have been good, but it was hopelessly contrived from start to finish. I feel sorry for the contestants, because - even though they won some dosh - they were made to look like idiots for the most part.

The episode editors cut so much of the storyline(s) that I was often left wondering: How did they get there? Where did that item/prop come from? How? What? Where? Why? It just got more and more ludicrous, that in the end, I felt that for all the money spent on the show it was a complete waste - apart from the scenery that was shown.

Such a terrible waste of effort - why didn't they just give them the money and call it quits?

Band of Brothers (2001)

An excellent depiction of what most of us will never experience.

[8/10 · 1 December 2023]

This has got to be one of the very best WW2 series. I can only imagine what the guys went through, and the superb cast depicted the story in a way that made it totally believable. It moves fast - as it has to - and focuses on the key elements of what is essentially a dramatisation of real events.

Yes, it is a TV series, and yes, it is a tru-ish depiction. But we must recognise that is heavily dramatised. However, the horror and pathos comes through from each of the characters, and that's good.

The entire series was riveting and a great example of a no-nonsense, no-Hollywood-hype, masterpiece.

Cardiac Arrest (1994–1996)

Nerve-racking in its reality. Frightening that it's much the same today

[9/10 · 1 December 2023]

The first time I watched Cardiac Arrest, I remember being shocked and frightened by the reality - mainly because I had been in hospital a few years previous. The acting is superb and although cleverly comedic, it's too close to reality to be truly funny - it's tragic - and so well presented

In each episode I can't help but gasp at the traumatic incidents that the doctors and patients go through - and the superb way that the actors portray them. And even though the series is nearly forty years old, it still resonates today in that nothing much has changed for the nurses, doctors or patients. Such clever writing.

The UK NHS is a national treasure, and this series should be repeated so that today's viewers can appreciate its fantastic history and performance in the face of jobs-worth administrators and uncaring governments.

Boat Story (2023)

Yep, this one is a watcher, for sure.

[9/10 · 27 November 2023]

A pitch-black comedy with lots of seemingly gratuitous violence - but very, very good.

The cast is super - every one of them, the settings add a great dimension and the unusual way the overall story is presented add a different slant. For me, the story unfolded clearly and - unlike some less enthusiastic reviewers - I found it riveting and entertaining.

The north England scenery is a bit grey and dour, but hey, that's what I imagine it's like up there. And wow, does it add to the feel of the story.

Yes, it has a good smattering of nasty characters in it, but also has the lovely Daisy - what a star she is.

If you don't mind too much blood and guts, give it a go.

Beckham (2023)

Surprisingly watchable. My respect has soared

[9/10 · 24 November 2023]

Like many reviewers, I have no real interest in football nor celebrities, but my daughter recommended the series. So I gave it a go.

Firstly, it's about the man... and what a man he has grown in to. The show celebrates his enormous successes, and his despairing lows - and nothing is glossed over. In the days before mental health was so even talked about openly, David endured the vitriol mostly by himself - but with super-human help from is mum, dad, Victoria and his teammates. The press were disgraceful, and the so-called 'football fans' who lambasted him are/were nothing more than sub-human cretins.

He is human and a super guy. And in spite of his wealth and fame, he shows himself to be very dignified. Good on you, David.

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The Brittas Empire (1991–1997)

It's funny over and over again.

[9/10 · 12 November 2023]

Well, I'm about to start watching the whole thing from start to finish for the third or fourth or fifth time, and I just can't wait.

Okay, so it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is so funny. I have to say that I'm saddened that some folks don't get it, and don't understand why anyone would rate this less than 9. I can only assume that they must be blessed with a narrow sense of humour.

What's so good is that Brittas is so bloody annoying, he makes me cringe, as does Colin. The entire supporting cast is terrific and makes for a uniquely British comedy series that shines.

Yes, it makes your toes curl up sometimes, but boy is it terrific.

All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Truly, truly awful.

[1/10 · 8 November 2023]

I have not read the book, but this four part adaptation must surely be a sad disappointment to the author - if indeed it is a good book as has been said by other reviewers. It has no redeeming characteristics: the cast is diabolical, the script is cringe-making and the graphics are amateurish - sets are okay. The entire story is preposterous from start to finish, and, dare I say it, an insult to the viewer. It simply does not make sense.

The acting is wooden and not one of the characters displays any feeling for the part. The lead character is so obviously is not blind - it comes as a huge surprise that the casting team searched the 'entire world' for the right actor of that role. And why High Lawrie thought that it would be a good idea to be a part of this series is beyond me - he is such a great actor.

Seriously not worth the effort. There are millions of better WW2 programmes to enjoy.

Lessons in Chemistry (2023)

A delight

[9/10 · 8 November 2023]

So incredibly refreshing. No blood, no guts, no shoot-outs, no bombs, no high-speed car chases, no gratuitous violence or sex, just sheer entertainment. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved in bringing this to the TV screen.

Brie Larson is superb. In fact, the entire cast is spot on and contributes so much to bringing this show to life. Sets are great and the whole feel of the series takes one back to what I imagine was California way back then.

Not being American, I hope that the warm interracial connections depicted were really like that - if not viewers should watch and learn and embrace. Oh, and I just love six-thirty!

Bad Sisters (2022– )

Thoroughly entertaining. Very Enjoyable.

[9/10 · 18 October 2023]

I can understand why this series is so highly rated; it sparkles at every touchpoint. It is held together by a superb cast headed by Sharon Horgan - but it's unfair to single out one actor in particular - they are all excellent in their respective roles. The casting was perfect. And like a good book that you can't put down, I needed to see the next episode as soon as possible. Compulsive or what?

I can often see holes in a story's plot, but not in this case. It was entirely believable, and it flowed smoothly and enjoyably. The script contained the right blend of drama, humour, pathos and sadness to keep the interest bubbling.

As you will probably guess, I loved it and would recommend it wholeheartedly.

The Walking Dead (2010–2022)

Hardly worth the effort

[2/10 · 17 October 2023]

Having read the reviews and after watching series 1 episodes 1-4 I've come to the conclusion that it's not what it's cracked up to be. Already the gaping chasms in the storyline have appeared, and they are a distraction from what could be a good prog.

Yes, yes. I know it's not real, but the thought processes of many characters are deeply flawed. The violence is inherent in the episodes that I've watched (as in too many of the US TV series), but I've come to expect that - seeing as it is an ever-present part of modern American life.

The Last of Us is far better in every way, and I highly recommend that series. Can't wait for S2.

The Woman in the Wall (2023–2024)

Dark and moody, but compelling. Highly recommended.

[9/10 · 3 October 2023]

For me, it was riveting from start to finish. Yes. I had to concentrate - particularly in the first two episodes - but the effort of engaging my brain was worth it.

It portrayed the anguish and inner turmoil of the situations in a way that was entirely believable - I can't begin to understand what those mothers went through, and although this is a fictionalised drama of actual events, it lets the viewer live the story as if it were really happening to them.

Every actor is a star in their own right and the whole series is a credit to the writers, the actors and the researchers.

How disgraceful (and godless) are the organisations the really did engage in these despicable activities.

Who Is Erin Carter? (2023)

Hardly worth the effort.

[2/10 · 8 September 2023]

I wanted to like this series, because I thought that the plot and cast - particularly Douglas Henshall - were worth giving it a go. First off, this series did nothing for Douglas's CV.

As it goes on, it gets more and more ridiculous... It's deeply flawed at almost every turn of the story, the whole thing turned into a farce. The Spanish folks in it were pretty good, but the leads were just not credible.

And the story itself was full of holes and many scenes totally ridiculous. Take the police car chase... Erin was forever looking over her shoulder, while all the time having rearview mirrors. Duh...

The writer needs to buck up his ideas if he wants to sell TV companies more - unless the show buyers are just not up to the job.

Guilt (2019–2023)

Enjoyed every twist and turn crafted by a superb cast.

[10/10 · 16 August 2023]

I knew it would be good when I saw the cast, but it excelled at every viewer touchpoint.

Over the 12 episodes it grew and grew and the characters just exploded with acting professionalism. The cast melded the story into one intensely watchable series that is up there with the best that TV has to offer.

The black comedy added a contrasting touch to a dark story and worked so well. Each character obviously understood exactly how their part should play out - and they performed it with style and obvious skill.

Needless to say that I'm a fan of Mark Bonner, and I've never seen him in a roll that does not maximize his abilities.

I'd encourage all lovers of good drama to watch it.

World on Fire (2019–2023)

I so wanted this to be good... but I feel let down.

[3/10 · 14 August 2023]

I've stuck with it in the hope that in series 2 it would improve, but alas not. The Polish actors are excellent and the settings are pretty good too. However, Jonah Hauer-King is so very poor with no empathy for the part he is playing, and for me spoils the whole series.

Each episode jumps around all over the place and so much detail has been omitted that it's hard to follow and believe. And, as has been said in other reviews, it's not a real reflection of what was going on at the time, nor the emotions of the characters, but it should be just that. What's the point otherwise.

Series 1 was held together by the superb Lesley Manville and Sea Bean, series 2 is missing their joint support. But I'm hopeful that the superb Mark Bonner will hold the faulting series together. Boy does it need him.

What a shame.

London Kills (2019– )

The best cops in London... Not.

[2/10 · 3 August 2023]

After enduring 3 series, I was sincerely hoping the series 4 would be better. It's not. It's the same sorry format - hopelessly unbelievable. I'm not blaming the cast, they are okay, but the scripts and sequencing leave a lot to be desired.

It's all too quick: here is no flow to the stories or the sequence of investigations. It seems to be a publicity film about how lovely London is in the sunshine - which it is not - all the red buses and the sights, etc. Furthermore, it's as if the stories are incidental. What a shame.

NOTE TO CAST: Ask your agents to get you more challenging jobs, your careers depend on it.

Little Bird (2023)

After just one episode.. Much, much more than a TV series.

[9/10 · 10 July 2023]

It was certainly very, very emotional. Beautifully presented by the first-nation actors, who themselves must have been deeply moved by the storyline.

I was teary-eyed. I was seething and railing against the evil system and the police as they were portrayed. How could this have happened and possibly still is happening?

The series needs to be shown in every school to demonstrate the plight of less fortunate people (in many countries, I'm sure) and the wickedness of people who are supposed to care for and protect society. I'm sure that I will be moved by each heart-tugging scene in each episode.

The Gallows Pole (2023)

I started, but didn't finish!

[1/10 · 8 June 2023]

From the off, it was a struggle to understand what on earth was going on. The moody intro went on too long and by the time that the story began I had already gone to put the kettle on to make tea,

I know, I know I should have stuck with it - after all I'm really interested in this period of British social history, and I wanted to learn - albeit through fictionalised drama. But it never stood a chance. ... and why all the mumbling and whispering - was it the authentic period rotting teeth and gums that did it?

The West Yorkshire accent is so strong that I can only imagine that anyone from south of Castleford (my mother-in-law was from there, and I struggled to understand her) would never get to grips with it, and that's a shame.

It missed an opportunity, for sure.

Spy/Master (2023)

Tense and nerve jangling - compelling watching

[8/10 · 3 June 2023]

At first, I was a bit confused by the switching from one language to another, but with the subs turned on, it all became clear. I'm not a fan of subtitles, but for me, they were essential and didn't detract too much from the suspense of the storyline.

It's a great spy series and compelling viewing. The characters are believable and well-rounded, the story is interesting and different, and the dialogue excellent - delivered in a great deadpan style that suited the atmosphere.

The whole series knitted together nicely, and it is refreshing to see new-to-me actors doing a great job. The period atmosphere and the settings made the whole thing believable. I particularly liked the fact that the characters were able to project the nervousness of that moment in time.

Loved it and can't recommend it highly enough.

Colin from Accounts (2022– )

Not that good.

[2/10 · 3 June 2023]

I was looking forward to a good laugh, but this failed to deliver on all counts.

The plot seemed to promise a great show, but the actors simply didn't have any connection with the viewer, and the whole thing went down like a lead balloon. The dialogue was stilted and the delivery poorly timed and over acted. It was so clichéd, with heaps of tasteless add-ins for effect.

Not one of Australia's finest - it's not that they can't do good comedy - there are many, but not this show. If you've ever watched a really good comedy series, you'll appreciate that this one is not amongst them.

A bitter disappointment.

Ten Pound Poms (2023– )

Not worth switching channels for!

[2/10 · 27 May 2023]

Like many on this forum, I was looking forward to the series, But, Oh! What a shame. And what a missed opportunity.

The storylines are preposterous and seemingly written by people who have not done any research. So far, all that is missing is a terrorist bombing and a mass shooting - almost everything else conceivable has been covered. This is just the usual dull, over-dramatic, yet unimaginative, soaps - but in an Australian setting.

The acting is wooden and the dialogue dire. And I would imagine that the actors, once seeing the finished episodes, would be thoroughly embarrassed... or at least they should be.

I do love the settings and the (true, authentic) period vehicles and props - they are great.

A Town Called Malice (2023)

Plain different and enjoyable

[9/10 · 19 May 2023]

I've been waiting for something as enjoyable to come along for a while. And I know it's not 'proper East End' stuff, but as far as I'm concerned, anyone that comes from east of Wiltshire talks like what they do. The purist seem to be up in arms about the accents:I just don't care about that. No worse that Brits trying to talk American and vice versa.

For all that, it's a great watch and a refreshing change from the heavy tripe that's on our screens. The music tracks - all a bit too short - take you back to a different time, and the costumes remind me of why the world of fashion had to move on.

Sit back and enjoy it for what it is.

Under the Vines (2021– )

Hard to beleive that there is a secon series

[1/10 · 11 March 2023]

Well, I like pretty much all that Rebecca Gibney has done in the past - starting with Flying Doctors way back. But this is a sad disappointment. I was expecting so much more from such a credible actor and such a great location.

I settled down to watch the first episode: I expected it to be slow to set the thing going... but it never even fizzled. Episode 2 was no better, and the rest just struggled along, going nowhere very slowly. The concept is bland, the story line is bland, the characters are bland, and even worse, it's all so unbelievable. 10 out of 10 for the setting; it's very charming.

Why did I watch it? I don't know, I must have been drugged. Will I watch series 2? No way. Save your time and effort by watching something else.

Darby and Joan (2022– )

Lacking... well. everything.

[3/10 · 23 September 2022]

Sadly, this series misses all round - it never really hits the spot. Plots are dull and unimaginative, and the dialogue is dreadful. Scenery is good though.

It's a real shame, because I rate Brian Brown highly and Ms Scacchi has such a distinguished career. The idea is good, but it's badly let down by the dreadful writing and (in this case) the wooden acting. The writers don't appear to have put a lot of effort into the show, and the actors seem to be just going through the motions.

If it's raining, and you have nothing else to watch, give it a go. Otherwise, move on. Altogether, the viewing public expects and deserves more.