Distant Shores (2005– ) User Reviews (5)

A Little Gem that keeps me watching.

[bsobottka · 8/10 · 17 May 2006]

Have found this series by accident on Vision TV in Canada. Have enjoyed Peter Davison in The Last Detective and was pleased to see another series starring Peter. Unfortunately I have started this at Series Two and have not seen the first.

The scenery is beautiful, the stories and acting extremely natural -something it seems only the British can do. There is terrific development each week of the characters and the plots are very realistic. It is not hard to get drawn into the series with such a strong and talented cast. The story lines in Series 2 have all been well written and I look forward to each weekly episode. This series has strong bones and could continue for many more seasons.

Hoping for Series 3 - I will be watching along with many other Candians.

Distant Shores

[andyarmstrong · 10/10 · 27 January 2008]

Hi, Distant Shores was filmed not far from where I live in Northumberland. (Mainly Craster, and Alnwick and District). To my knowledge series 2 was indeed filmed and has yet to be shown on British television. Distant Shores was very well received by the viewing public as a good humoured show on North Northumberland every day lives. The village of Craster which is a favourite place of mine and well worth a visit if you are travelling to Northumberland. The pub, which is actually in the village is called The Jolly Fisherman, well worth a visit for its excellent food and drink as well as friendly atmosphere and views. Dunstanburgh Castle which features in the series is a mile or so away and is a great place to visit. The "Mermaid" was added to the Harbour for the show and has remained to this day, maybe this could be for a possible third series? I understand that the studio where indoor sets were made was in the dis-used sports hall of a Middle School, this is now re-opened and not available for use. However with Newcastle not that far, storage and studio use shouldn't cause a problem. A very good show, set in a stunning location. Use Google Earth or Search Engines to find Craster, you will not be disappointed. Feel free to contact me with any more questions on the show and I will be happy to help. Andrew

series 2

[purdhams · 7 April 2006]

For anyone who enjoyed the first series the good news is that a second has been made. the bad news is that ITV don't appear to have any plans for showing it. I wonder if the success of Doc martin with a similar theme of a doctor moving to a rural community has anything to do with this? Trying to find out anything about this second series has been like trying to pull teeth from a chicken. ITV's awful web site has no information and it was only on my third attempt with the ITV 'help'link that I actually got an answer (which was wrong!). Fortunately information about the series did leak out via the craster online web site and a blog from one musician who recorded for the series (and who thought it was to be shown in January). No news on any merchandise such as a DVD but as ITV seem to have forgotten anything about the series this isn't surprising.

point me to episode titles and synopsis.

[axkathy · 21 January 2007]

WYCC channel 20 in Chicago "WISE TV" PBS station started airing this program recently. It isn't listed by our cable station or broadcast station by its title. Itis listed as "to be announced". I like the series but know very little about the beginning. Started watching at the episode where they are moving the clinic back to the tavern. Any idea what episode this is and where I can find a list of episode titles and brief explanations? Is this series still being filmed? Since the station this is airing usually shows old BBC programs and programs that had a short life, I assume Distant Shores is also no longer being filmed. I do like Peter Davidson. First watched him as one of the Dr. Whos'2

Mixture of quirky humor and fallible people

[duaneevenson · 27 October 2005]

This is an engaging (too) short series of a small isolated community. Its mixture of quirky humor and fallible people and their very real seeming emotions draws a person into the story. We like and care for the characters, even Bill while he's being an ass.

The last episode is probably the most uneven episode and thus the weakest. Duncan's death has a feel of being too convenient; sort of a "Deus ex Machina." There are good parts to this episode, I liked the start, where we see the family at breakfast. They are clearly dysfunctional but are still closer now than at any other time in the series.

I think this is the major effect on the family members. When they come to the island, they are rather cool individuals. During the time they spend on the island, they become more caring and closer. All is not rosy though as they make mistakes and hurt each other in the process. The Islanders' example of calm acceptance of each other's flaws helps the family forgive and accept each other. They end up being closer by knowing each other better and accepting the other's flaws.

As you can see, this story is primarily character driven. Thankfully, the actors are excellent in creating warm, flawed characters we are interested in knowing. Well done.