Sleepin_Dragon

Sisters, Lady Helen and Lady Bragwaine have inherited their father's estate after hid death, Helen is keen to marry her brave knight, Sir Oringle, but there's a plot to marry her off to a nearby King.

A slightly average episode, it's not bad, it just feels like it was played for laughs on too many occasions.

A fair maiden in distress, it's a plot that's been recycled several times, and Lady Helen was something of a one dimensional character.

The fun comes from Sir Kay, who was bumbling and clumsy, but somehow amiable and very likeable, of course it's Sir Lancelot who saves the day, but at least Kay is in the middle of the action.

It seems strange to see an episode in black and white, but I believe this was the final episode not to be in colour.

Once again there's Derren Nesbitt cutting a dashing figure as a secondary hero of the piece.

Not bad, most are just better.

5/10.

Duckula has his sights set on a new venture, becoming a famous jazz musician in Mississippi, he, Nanny and Igor transport there, and he is instantly offered a job by Captain Clarke Hammer, only there's a mix up with the job description.

Well, we learn that The good Count isn't perhaps musically talented, his musical offerings were perhaps worthy of a swim with the crocodiles.

There are several funny scenes to enjoy, the best of them coming from Nanny as usual, her chuckling away at the jam session, then ending up in the water with the crocodiles, funny moments.

Duckula's frustrations at Nanny being awarded the medal were fun too, the poor duck.

It may not have been a classic episode, but it still had some fun moments.

7/10.

Eric has mortgaged the house and cashed in the insurance policies, he's bought a greasy spoon, and convicted Hattie to work there, it's cost him £4500.

It's a somewhat surreal end to the first series, but it's a funny episode, definitely one of the more zany ones, but it does have some very funny scenes.

The main mystery, how and why is Eric now living a life of luxury, smoking fancy cigars, driving a new car, and employing a butler?

Lots of great scenes, Eric's early CCTV, the dumbwaiter and the moment where he and Hattie reveal themselves to the landlady, best of all though was Hattie's transformation from chic, French maid to bawdy waitress.

Slightly surreal, this was fun.

8/10.

Soon after the death of their son, Scientist Terrence Morton and his busy wife Laurie adopt James from a children's. From the very moment that James enters their lives, all manner of accidents and mishaps begin.

Unfortunately, this is one of the weakest entries, it is surely one of the least memorable. It actually has some fine ideas, the thought of a scientist trying to cultivate a protein rich plant, to feed a planet is a good concept.

The main issue I had here, the characters, at no point do any of them seem realistic, they're all caricatures, even during the shocking conclusion, they all just behave in the most bizarre fashion.

There is a certain amount of atmosphere, and there are one or two decent scenes, that sequence in the car was a good one, and instantly tells us that something is up with James, but sadly it doesn't amount to much.

The scene with poor Nipper, as he goes on a doggy attack is absolutely hilarious, it's like something from a Carry on film, with the 'savage' Rotty joining in the jaunt up the garden path.

Matthew Blackstad does a decent job here, making James a little odd, a little creepy, he certainly needles his new parents, but let's get honest, he's no Damian.

Some of the acting is a little below par, there are some very experienced actors here, at times it doesn't show.

5/10.

DC Paul Bethel is part of a team investigating the murder of two young women, he tries to link a third woman, but his superiors block him, years later, with the advent of DNA testing, DCI Paul Bethel is given a lead.

This is a fantastic four part series from The BBC, being from the area myself I can confirm that this case did indeed cast a big shadow over the whole area.

I am a massive fan of writer Ed Whitmore, he has written some great dramas over the years, including the excellent Manhunt series, once again he gets the balance of fact and entertainment spot on.

Of course there are some dramatic changes, new characters etc, but the heart of the story is very much still here.

Production values are spot on, it looks fantastic, the music, sets, clothes and cars are all on point. There is one scene where my old haunt, The Top Rank on The Kingsway is recreated, again they got it spot on.

A super cast, Aneurin Barnard, Keith Allen and many others, Philip Glenister steals the show with a superb performance as Paul Bethel, at times it feels like we've got a real life Gene Hunt, less The Quattro.

9/10.

Through familial DNA tests, Paul has managed to windle the list of suspects down to 13. Back in 1973 the team reach a point of desperation, and bring in a Dutch psychic, who gives them a very specific profile of the killer.

It continues to be the most engrossing watch, the story of the psychic was so interesting, and the insight into the lack of funding and budget cuts, quite extraordinary.

It's so clever the way they've done it, in both time spans they're working towards a conclusion, to point zero as it were, only I'm not too sure what the conclusion from 1973 will be.

Paul is very much the focus, the case in present day, the case in the past, and his relationship with his incredibly devoted and loyal wife. Their story has been sincere and interesting, it was never overplayed or overdone, but it was in the background until this point.

Philip Glenister continues to steal the show, he's been fantastic throughout.

8/10.

Gordon wakes up to a random noise in his bedroom, Ashley has mistaken his bedside cabinet for the bathroom, her mother arrives, and suggests a replacement unit from Costco.

Perhaps not as sharp as the opening episode, but still funny, Colin doesn't actually feature much here, the relationships between the pair is the developing story.

Funniest scene is perhaps that surreal opening sequence, Gordon learns that Ashley has a bit of an issue.

We learn a bit more about Gordon, we learn that he's had cancer in the past, and that there's potentially a blip.

Ashley's mother was very funny, hopefully we'll see more of her. Gordon's date was funny, she was a nightmare, funny scene, a definite whiskey thief.

7/10.

A young maid travels from Cheddar to The Court of King Arthur, she begs Lancelot for help, and explains that King Meliot is taking the men of the village, and selling them to The Saracens.

I have enjoyed the recent run of episodes, this one though, it freels like a few steps backwards, very much like one of the snows earliest episodes.

It's very corny, but worse, it's a bit boring, nothing much gets explained. Who were The Saracens? Was King Meliot a rugby fan, did those men form the origins of the club?

King Meliot was a bit one dimensional, one of the lesser successful Kings so far, William Russell however is reliable as Lancelot.

This one was something of an effort.

5/10.

Compo has picked up a motorcycle and side car, naturally he causes a bit of mayhem at the wheel of it.

Series two has been decent, but I am glad to have reached the end of it, Series three for me is where the show really got going, and perhaps entered into its purple patch.

This was a very average end to the second series, a few chuckles, but there's nothing particularly special here, it's a somewhat run of the mill, unremarkable episode.

Michael Bates would sadly pass away a few years after leaving Summer Wine, but he continued acting. This may be controversial, but I never cared a great deal for Blamire, the character never seemed to fit somehow, that isn't me knocking Michael Bates, a cracking actor, but comparing him to Foggy, for me there was no comparison.

It was interesting to learn that Bates and Bill Owen continuously clashes, as I've watched this second series, that doesn't really surprise me a great deal.

Not a favourite, 5/10.

Compo, Cleggy and Blamire encounter a stranger by the river, who's lost his canoe, the man, Arnpepper is desperate to make the name famous, and is fully aware that he is descended from a string of no hopers.

This feels like the first caper episode, it's pretty much the blueprint for future episodes, a plot that could and would have been used thirty years on from now.

It's amusing enough, but it is quite raw, it's the penultimate outing from Series two, and I can't lie I'm counting down for Series three, for me that's where the show really did come to life.

The best sequence had to be the Pie eating competition in Sid's café, of course Ivy came to spoil the fun.

Those bathing suits!!! I've never seen anything like them in my life, pretty funny.

6/10.

Compo, Cleggy and Blamire head to the local pub for a few drinks, enjoying his usual freebies is Mouse, the guys set a mission, to get Mouse to buy a round of drinks.

I'll credit Roy Clarke for presenting something very different, Quiet Drink bizarrely doesn't feel like an episode of Last of The Summer Wine, it feels so out of place, it doesn't follow any of the rules, and doesn't have the usual format, instead it is exactly as the title suggests, a Quiet Drink.

Lots of fun, new characters, ones that we've not seen before, including that tight fisted Mouse and drunken Tina. Tina had to be the best of the bunch, she was great fun, Jean Burgess was good, a shame she didn't return to the part.

Funniest sequence had to be the moment with the wig, in spite of the reference to the late and disgraced Jimmy Saville.

Not on The US DVD release, that's a shame, it's not a classic, but it's very different, and has a couple of funny sequences.

7/10.

It's mother's day, and just before the girls head out to lunch, the girls all share a trip down memory Lane, recounting various stories from their respective pasts in which Mother's Day touched them.

It's a wonderful episode, a superb end to the third series, it's funny, sad, moving and quite enchanting.

First off it's Dorothy, back to a time where she was still with Stan, the pair pay a visit to his mother.

Alice Ghostley was terrific as Old Mother Zbornak, that was a hilarious first sequence.

The second sequence features Blanche visiting her mother Margaret, a discussion about Blanche's rebellious early years, so funny, but equally so sweet and tender. Margaret maybe has a touch of dementia, sweet and sad.

Rose is up for the third time, a very funny sequence in which she spends her time with an elderly lady, who makes a few observations about the residents of St Olaf, again a mix of very funny, and so sad.

The forth and perhaps the best sequence sees Lynnie Greene back as a young Dorothy, and the roles reversed for Arthur and Getty, it's a fabulous sequence, one of the show's best scenes.

Loved it.

10/10.

DSU Jackie Roberts launches Operation Magnum, and the huge DNA swabbing begins. The Police now officially state that Geraldine, Pauline and Sandra were all killed by the same hand, a serial killer.

Definitely a more straightforward timeline than in episode one, with the majority of it being set in the early 2000's. This was an excellent second episode, which sees The Police get down to the nitty gritty of finding the killer. It's well paced, gritty, and there's a definite ill wind blowing through it.

Despite being aware of the identity of the killer, it's funny how an actor stirs feelings in you, Matthew Gravelle is such an actor, ever since Broadchurch, it's hard to look at him, and not think, he did it.

The visuals are striking once again, the designers did a fantastic job recreating 1973.

Great acting again, Keith Allen really stood out for me, as he so often does.

8/10.

Fur coats are big business, and a gang are targeting shops, stealing their stocks, and then rebranding them, but a silent alarm system, The Mechanical Watchman is alerting The Police.

What an interesting episode, I had no idea that such a wonderful instrument existed, how fascinating to read the trivia and learn more Boud The Mechanical Watchman, I imagine that led to many an arrest.

Writer Ken Taylor did a fine job here, it's an imaginative storyline, he penned the screenplay for Joan Hickson's Sleeping Murder, so a writer with a degree of talent.

This is one of the more memorable episodes I'd say, I really enjoyed it. Fur coats of course have a very different standing now, in 1959 they were regarded as the ultimate luxury, I remember as a child my grandmother having one, she used to say it made her feel like a Million Dollars.

I liked the way in which Maguire accidentally tipped off the actual miscreant of exactly how The Police are being alerted so quickly.

A good cast here, Arthur Lowe is unmistakable, but uncredited. Delphi Lawrence was very good, one of those actors that just seemed to work so hard, her, Derren Nesbitt and Frank Thornton seemed to pop up in many different parts.

This was so interesting.

8/10.

Sam and Ruth go undercover to a health farm, posing as husband and wife, their aim is to track down Baron Battenburg, a wealthy businessman that vanished five years ago, his wife is now with The Baron's brother.

Just like Kembleford, Great Slaughter houses all manner of weird and wonderful destinations, this time it's a curious retreat. Definitely a lighter episode, with a few humorous moments, and an interesting enough crime. We actually get to learn a little about Sam and Ruth, finally the pair let one another know how they feel.

Sister Boniface is almost a bit player here, we don't see her for some time, and then she's essentially just in for the kill. A stoned Sister Boniface, I never thought I'd see that, absolutely hilarious.

I was worried that Ruth had exited, but here she is, and central to the episode, Raison is excellent here, so often she seems like the adult in the room, and gets to wear some incredible outfits, poor Sam on the other hand doesn't.

Emily Bruni was pretty good I thought, she does quirky characters very well, but I'd argue it was Raison that steals it.

Worth noting just exactly what LSD was used for at that time, it was considered very differently, and back then would have been used as a treatment.

8/10.

Jeff Ryder receives a visit from Ingrid Brandt, a widow who's husband's plane crashed in Canada some five years ago, a plane that's said to be full of gold, gold that belonged to a series of investors that he conned.

So, it's not one of the more serious introductions, but half way through it takes a rather dramatic turn, very much becoming a whodunnit, it may not be too hard to work out who the culprit is, but it's still an enjoyable mystery.

Delena Kidd is incredibly striking, she's quite good, only that accent does very from Nordic to RP on several occasions.

One thing that really did surprise me, Rustie is played by Paul Eddington, I'd hardly have recognised him, he looks older here than he did in Yes Minister.

Some pretty decent location work, I think it being in black and white helps somewhat, Canada looks a little too much like rural England.

An enjoyable mystery.

7/10.

Jonathan Amber is a businessman with no morals, a shark that will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his ambitions, to make money regardless of how or why, his only Achilles heel, his daughter Ann.

A well paced, intriguing episode, it moves by quickly, the characters are what make it, they're all so well realised.

Good use of Jack Flood in this episode, he's sometimes underused, but he's much more involved here, good to see.

I did enjoy the scenes between Amber and Harvey, they were tense and uncomfortable, the characters were so well established.

Jonathan Amber is definitely a memorable character, he is charmless, ruthless, he's believable, he's played very well by Luther Adler, he's almost a spoilt child, demanding he gets his own way. One thing you have to learn, was Amber totally wrong about his newly acquired son in law?

Notable for one thing in particular, directed by the legendary, Oscar winning Sydney Pollack. It's very well filmed, it looks so good, it's well paced.

I rated Claire Griswold, Linden Chiles and Cloris Leachman, the characters were all so well realised.

7/10.

Professor Ben Fields is visited by a strange young woman, who's there for the post of his assistant, Regina, holds a very strange secret, and is there for one purpose alone.

First off, I love the title, ZZZZZ, plain and simple, from that you know exactly what the topic is going to be, and it doesn't disappoint. It takes a bit of time to develop, but when it does, it's another classic, unforgettable episode.

It instantly put me in mind of a great, memorable episode of Tales of the unexpected, called Royal Jelly, if you've not seen it, check it out, I can't help wondering if ZZZZZ had some degree of inspiration for it.

Joanna Frank is captivating as Regina, she exudes quality, she is beautiful, but sinister and odd in equal measure, you could imagine Ben would eventually fall for her charms. Those eyes of hers are quite something.

Philip Abbott and Marsha Hunt are very good as the devoted couple, but it's the intruder that held my attention.

Best scene has to be the final confrontation between Ben and Regina, it's quite a moment.

8/10.

Have cared of his ill wife Alice for some time, James Parkin places his her in a care home. He sets off to one of their romantic haunts for a visit, and finds a ring on the beach, taking it with him, he is soon haunted by a malign force.

It's fair to say that Neil Cross heavily rewrote the story, to the point where chunks of it are virtually new, but he's a good writer, having penned Luther, and two episodes of Doctor Who (one awesome, the other best forgotten.)

I've come to enjoy this over the years, when it first went out I didn't really care for it, however I've grown to enjoy the atmosphere, Parkin's torment and the superb acting.

Pacing I'd say is moderate, it's slow to start, but builds as it develops. I'm not going to say it's up there with the classics, The Ash Tree and Signalman etc, but it's still very watchable, and quite unsettling.

John Hurt can do no wrong in my eyes, and he delivers a terrific performance here, very well supported by Gemma Jones, Sophie Thompson and Lesley Sharp.

7/10.

DCI Paul Bethell hopes to take the lead on a case which is set to be reopened, the murder of three young women in Port Talbot back in 1973, DNA has provided a new lead.

A terrific first episode, growing up ten minutes from the area I can confirm it is a crime that really did haunt a community for decades. I was hoping for a sensible, factual telling of the story, and credit to the team behind it, they got the mix of drama and entertainment spot on.

I have commented many times about my respect for writer Ed Whitmore, whatever he touches I enjoy, he seemed to apply a good deal of respect, and chose not to sensationalise events. It's not often you watch a drama that's very easy to follow, this was.

It does span the ages, so you so need to concentrate, the music and styles should help.

I can't believe the visuals, The Top Rank/Odeon building on The Kingsway, the club the girls visited has long since been pulled down, it looks exactly as I remember it, it's quite extraordinary.

Philip Glenister was excellent as Bethell, I am a little biased as he is one of my all time favourites, but he did a great job, I hide behind my hands when people put on Welsh accents, Stephen Graham still haunts me, but Glenister got it spot on, it's like seeing a real life, actual Gene Hunt, less The Quattro of course.

I thought this was a great start, 9/10.

The trio of Nemesis agents investigate a trio of suicides, in which three Agents inexplicably take their own lives.

This episode gives a whole new meaning to the term, Dangerous Agent.

I don't disagree with some of the comments about this episode, bud this is another one I feel that has a slightly more Avengers vibe to it.

I think the opening sequences are more than enough to snare your interest, I really wanted to learn what was happening, and what was causing them to defy their basic instinct for survival. The title, A case for Lemmings couldn't have been more apt.

Plenty of action sequences, and one very dramatic ending, this one will keep you entertained until the very last. Some nice stock footage, and the studio tie ins don't look too bad.

Edward Brayshaw was very good as Del Marco, a much better character than Sharron's wig that is.

A very good episode.

8/10.

A Signalman working at a lonely and isolated Station is met by a cheery stranger, The Signalman meets him with a degree of suspicion, but after a somewhat strained introduction, The Signalman shares a supernatural tale.

One of the most memorable entries in the series, notable for being a story penned by Charles Dickens, as opposed to MR James.

Some of the dialogue is outstanding, for the whole duration your attention is held, as you watch, you hold on to every word.

It boasts atmosphere in abundance, the location and music add a great deal to the story itself, this is one to get watched late at night.

I can't complement the acting enough, Denholm Elliott and Bernard Lloyd are fantastic, not just the dialogue, but the body language, the timing, the pair are terrific. You get a true sense that one disbelieves the other, they view one another with a degree of unease.

An outstanding Ghost story.

10/10.

Sir Richard learns of his Uncle's death, and having been left his estate, he returns from Italy to take over, he is instantly distracted by strange goings on, disturbing sounds from a nearby Ash tree haunt him.

True to form, there is one incredibly creepy scene, but you have to wait for it, as it comes in the final few minutes, until then it's more of an unsettling psychological thriller, I'm not saying it's bad, far from it, The Ash Tree is one of my favourite entries.

In terms of atmosphere it packs a real punch, it's just over thirty minutes long, it passes by very quickly, the tension builds in a very measured manner, the ending however delivers.

I enjoyed each of the performances, Edward Petherbridge and Preston Lockwood are both very good, personally I loved Lalla Ward and the excellent Barbara Ewing.

It's intensely creepy and disturbing, The Ash Tree delivers.

8/10.

The young Lord Peter Dattering enlists the help of The Reverend Justin Somerton to cast a shadow of doubt over the séances his mother delights in holding most evenings, after the event, the pair look for hidden treasure, the clue a stain glassed window.

The Ghost Story for Christmas series is still going strong, despite a lengthy hiatus, very much split into the classics, and the more modern episodes. The Treasure of Abbot Thomas is very much a classic episode, dating back to 1974, The Treasure of Abbot Thomas is another classic.

The short running time allows for a well paced and chilling ghost story, it is atmospheric and unsettling from the very start, a treasure hunt with a psychological twist.

It is very atmospheric, at times it feels very claustrophobic and leaves you feeling tight chested, lots of impressive moments, the séance scene looked terrific, the voices helped add a bit of ghoulish vigour, until Somerton resorts to a little bit of cleverness that is.

I loved the ending, a scene that is very much the stuff of nightmares. They knew how to put the frighteners up you in 1974.

Michael Bryant is excellent as Somerton, he's an intellectual, he's determined, he's fairly opinionated, a good contrast to Paul Lavers, who plays Dattering as a somewhat mild mannered, quiet chap.

8/10.

Michael O'Hara, a retired Irish paramilitary stands and watches as his pregnant wife is shot dead by Henry Tempest, an SAS Officer. O'Hara has one clear motive, revenge.

It's an intense game of cat and mouse, a fast moving thriller set during the troubles. An excellent, fast faced, action packed movie, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I know the film is set in the 70's, but the wonderful music gave it kind of an 80's flavour, lots of wonderful synth going on.

The visuals are fantastic, it's a great looking film, the sets are spot on, The Streets, cars, fashions and hairstyles are all authentic, right down to those hideous plants in baskets. If I had one criticism, I thought that some of the dialogue sounded a little bit muddled at times.

That scene where the device was triggered, that was some moment, again, amazing visuals.

Colin Morgan was excellent I thought, such a good performance from him, a great supporting cast, including the wonderful Mark Strong.

8/10.