revans-58368

All I can say, Russell T. Davies, you have your work cut out, I watched one or two of Jodie's episodes, and quite frankly, I gave up, so with the new series about to kick off, I thought I'd see what I'd been missing.

You, the poor viewer, is this the standard of the last few years? Sadly it's no wonder that viewing figures have capitulated, this was dross. A poor plot, one which tries to be clever, but is badly executed, Tegan falling god knows how many feet, but was fine.

Those Cybermen, tacky or what, and as for The Daleks themselves, they need a rest.

In terms of acting style, was Jodie aiming for comical, was she genuinely taking it seriously? All I got was comical antics, treating The Daleks as though they were Angered Traffic Wardens.

I've been enjoying watching Jodie in Time, proving she's a talented actress, but for this part, she was clearly badly miscast. I truly hope when Ncuti takes over that the damage hasn't already been done.

I very rarely give a ten it's fair to say, but this episode is fully deserving of top marks. It reminded me of Utopia, in that it's the lead in to the end of the series, but it also felt like it was building up to something big. Clara's demise was exceptionally well done, Capaldi and Coleman produced their A Game for this episode. Clara has been much better this series without Danny's influence. I will just say this, we have been here before with a character dying, should she miraculously come back to life in two weeks time, or turn out to be a Zygon, a hologram, a product of the Tesselector, my score instantly goes from 10 to 1. Mr Moffat do not cheat us! I felt a Torchwood vibe throughout, an episode more satisfying to a more mature audience.

I must applaud the BBC in recent times, we are consistently being given incredibly high caliber dramas, The Last Kingdom is the very latest in a long list that includes The Game, Banished, London Spy etc. What a golden era for drama once again. The Vikings will always make for interesting TV, but it's the whole story surrounding the birth of what we now know as England that makes this exceptional. I have nothing but plaudits for Alexander Dreymon, he's done an incredible job with the lead role, I still struggle to believe he's German, his accent is uncanny. They've not gone overboard with the sex and violence as is the case with some of the similar shows. I see BAFTA awards written all over this serial.

Watching Sleep no more made the Dalek opener seem like Caves of Androzani Episode 4. I admire Gatiss as an actor and as a human being, but his efforts on Doctor Who are missing the mark wildly, does he perhaps have something on the powers that be? A pathetic story line, which they seemed to make up as they went along, dreadful characters, how many clichés make four? terrible monsters, I'm assuming will never see the light of day ever again. All resulting in what was arguably the lowest point since Fear her, found footage was 'in' ten years ago, and was done to death, who on Earth thought it would be a good idea to use it here? Reece Shearsmith does black humor very well, but even he felt incredibly flat and lifeless, it felt like a case of 'jobs for your mates.' His being there reminded me of Ken Dodd having a part in Delta and the Bannermen, a useless character with a 'name' to try and add interest and attract viewers. Sorry team this was a shambles.

Once again our protagonist is close to doom, and once again he survives. The recycled cliff-hanger is becoming distinctly repetitive, either he or Clara is at the mercy of whichever adversary and once again, we the viewers are fully aware everyone will be fine. Plenty of comments made on Peter's speech, rightly so it was a commanding moment for the charismatic Capaldi. At times it got lost in its own cleverness, Osgood being one example, we have two once again, just because, and for what conceivable reason? The Political agenda on Who belongs firmly rooted in the past, at times you could hear the writer on his soap box, preaching his views through the Doctor. Strip back the plot, and several parallels will come to light. Time and place, this was neither. Loyal viewers deserve more.

I can understand why there are some glowing reviews for The Zygon Invasion, it's almost a pity they didn't begin the series with it. It triumphs on several levels, it's well paced, witty, visually appealing. Great location work, I'm sure it helps add to the global appeal of the show. Finally Jenna Coleman is able to showcase her acting talents, easily the best performance, excellent from start to end, I fear her showing in this proves that she has been badly written for in the past. Moving scene at the church, the Soldiers tricked by Zygons, emotive. The frustrations with it are firstly, this regime's inability to kill off a character, we've had more returns from the dead then Plague of the Zombies, it's becoming tiresome. I applauded them for having the guts to write out Osgood. Secondly the Zygons themselves, I can see opinions are divided, there is something rubbery looking about them, which wasn't the case with the original creations. The Sontarans and now Zygons have gone backwards in design. I'll end with a joke....

Doctor Doctor why didn't you take the Tardis? Answer because Zygon Clara couldn't fire a rocket at it.

I'll start by pointing out that last week's offering I didn't give the brightest review of. My expectations for the Woman who lived weren't stratospheric. What a pleasant and unexpected surprise, played out largely as a two handed episode, Maisie Williams was exceptional, a far stronger, multi faceted, literally more grown up performance. It was perhaps Peter Capaldi's best performance of the series so far. The interplay between the two was exceptionally well done. People are criticizing the brief appearance of the Lion man, he wasn't the main purpose of the story. The core of The Woman who lived was the relationship between The Doctor and Ashildr, the impact he's had on her life. The small scene with Clara was cleverly done, you could see the mixed emotions the Doctor had seeing her, he knows the fate that awaits her.

I found it a rather strange choice of material, most people I know are haunted by School lessons, being made to decipher Shakespeare, most often Macbeth. Not a film many would wish to see I would have thought but I went as I like Fassbender, a strong character actor, fantastic as Steve Jobs. As Macbeth he performs well, as do his peers. The problem with this production is it's very much a film you need to be in a particular kind of mood to enjoy. It is particularly dark in tone, the material as we all know is rather bleak. It's the kind of film i'd deem heavy, some of the dialogue at times was a little difficult to pick up. A film I'm sure will be the stuff of nightmares for School children.

Come on people, please give this comedy a chance. This was a really nice, fun, lighthearted show, how sad we're only initially getting three episodes. I for one will be hoping we get many more episodes of it. Early days, but the characters are truly funny, really well created. I doubt Maureen Lipman, Robert Lindsay and Matt Lucas would have agreed to do this show, had it not been appealing. Slapstick comedy can make anyone laugh and cheer any mood, it never dates. Please UK Gold put it on earlier then 10 P.M. it's a show that all the family can enjoy. It's been a good time for comedy shows recently, Cradle to Grave, boy meets girl, the Kennedys, good time for laughs.

When I first saw the trailer and spotted vikings with horned helmets I knew the lay of the land. An attempt at creating a Game of Thrones styled episode fell flat on its face, even Arya couldn't save the day. It felt like an elongated retelling of Robot of Sherwood, it's virtually the same story. Capaldi is being treated the same way poor Colin Baker was, a talented actor attempting a new direction with the part but continually given badly written serials. It felt farcical, slapstick in Doctor Who? Is Graham Williams back in charge? Before this review is ultimately slated please consider the point i'm trying to make, lots of reviews are heralding this episode 9/10 or 10/10 superseding seminal serials such as The Satan pit and The Family of Blood.

We are drowning in adaptations of the Hound of the Baskervilles, some are better then others, but only one I would class as outstanding, and that is this one. It's all about Jeremy Brett, he was to Sherlock Holmes what David Suchet was to Poirot, he was the defining characterization, he made Holmes real and relevant, and during this particular production I would say he was at the height of his mastery. Supported wonderfully by Edward Hardwicke, who seems to get more screen time then Holmes, he is wonderfully solid. Neil Duncan is great too, good strong scenes between him and Brett when they discuss his skull. In many of the adaptations the hound is the problem, in some it looks like a model, and in others it looks like Scooby Doo, they got it right this time round in this excellent TV movie.

I've been a fan of Question Time since it started, it really is essential viewing, David Dimbleby is the perfect host. Each week a guest panel take questions from the Public and argue their beliefs. The panel consist principally of Politicians, but also Journalists, Authors, Commedians, even Charlotte Church and Joey Barton. There was an occasion when they decided to have Katie Hopkins on there too, naturally I switched off. Always healthy discussion, it's been years since I was lucky enough to be in the audience in Oxford, it was so different seeing it for real. If I could ask a question directly to Mr Dimbleby it would be could you please let me know where you purchase your ties, the man has an awesome taste in ties, especially the one with the insects and moths.

This is without a doubt one of the hardest movies I have ever sat through, I can cope with a lot, but this one purposely makes you feel uncomfortable. It is very grim, violent and often disturbing, some of the scenes made me feel genuinely uncomfortable. I love Paddy Considine as an actor, he proved by writing and directing this that his talents are vast and many. Peter Mullan is superb as Joseph, Eddie Marsan is incredible as Hannah's violent husband, he made me feel guilty for watching the film. It is the performance of Olivia Colman that makes this movie something special, she is a totally likable actress, but in Tyrannosaur she proved that she can be a superb actress, her performance was on another level.

Vincent and the Doctor proves Doctor Who can appeal to everyone, this was an episode that tried to do something that the original early episodes did, took a historical figure, and constructed a story around them. The story is almost irrelevant, as it's the complex relationships between The Dr, Amy Pond and Vincent that drive the story. If you can ignore some of the flaws such as Vincent's accent and pair of ears, as well as ignoring the rather badly designed monster, you can witness possibly Doctor Who's best story to date. It doesn't matter how many times I sit and watch this, I never tire of it. One day let's all hope that more historical figures are brought into the show.

I'll start by pointing out this episode at this point in time has 47 reviews (now 48!) It's an episode that evokes extreme feelings, disgust and adoration. Looking back on the show's highs and lows this has to be the lowest of the low. Awful from start to finish, Peter Kay is a funny man, and was allowed to play the funny man in Love and Monsters. Everyone plays for laughs at every moment, it is like a sketch Cannon and Ball would have put together thirty years ago. Awful from the off, the ending was terrible, a smutty reference that also belonged thirty years ago. When you allow Blue Peter into Doctor Who this is the result.

Prior to Downton Abbey, this was the best drama series of the last twenty years. I appreciate that's a bold statement, but it really was that impressive. Many years since i'd seen the black and white TV series, that ran for so long it became a little tiresome. Damian Lewis was nothing but captivating as Soames, playing him in a way that at times you questioned whether he was the victim or the villain. The casting of Gina McKee at the time I wasn't crazy about, but seeing it over a few times I find her pretty good. Nyree Dawn Porter will never be bettered as Irene.

Series one 10/10

Series two 6/10

I started watching this when I broke my arm and had time off work, mercifully when I went back I suddenly had a horrible realization. I'd started to breakfast watching this man and his hoard of horrors.

Who does he think he is? The moral godfather of the UK's scumbags.

Why do the 'guests' all shout, all wear tracksuits, all swear, all have rotten teeth, and all be job free?

I love how Mr Kyle plays the big man, giving his opinions, all behind the safety of a security guard, big man.

Might I suggest replacing him with a dentist who specializes in elocution lessons, fashion sense and works part time in a job centre.

Okay I can see what they were trying to do, either bravely or foolishly they attempted to make a true Doctor Who and independent spin off. There has to be a line between a fan mad fest and a watchable piece of drama, and in my humble opinion this teetered uncomfortably towards the former. On paper the story sounds an attractive one, but the trouble is the realization is not that great, it doesn't flow as well as it could have, it's a little disjointed. Some of the problems come from the characters themselves. The much loved Sarah Jane Smith is woefully underused, they manage to keep her in character but she has so little to do. Victoria is one of the main problems, never at any stage did I feel that this Victoria was the same character that had once travelled with Doctor number two. Mark Trotman and Peter Silverleaf looked like fans that had wandered onto the set. That said it's still enjoyable enough to watch, provided the viewer doesn't pitch their expectations based on something that may have been produced by the BBC. It's the Doctor element that's the main failing.

I was left rather dumbfounded by the previous week's episode, it offered up so little to the viewer. Hopes are always high for the finale, and especially when it's a two parter. The eight series I've found to be one of the most disappointing so far, it's felt a little tired and forced. Finally this episode took the show to where it needs to be, dark and shrouded in a veil of mystery and intrigue I liked the tone of this episode, very bleak and lots of trouble brewing. Missy is pretty mad cap, I liked her cameos throughout the series, but the revelation that she's The Master, left me feeling a little underwhelmed, why the need to constantly use old characters, why not have the creativity for new ones. Missy's identity proved my only real bugbear, the rest of the story was enjoyable enough. Sad that we've lost Danny, he was a pretty good character, I wonder if later down the line we'll see a return from him.

Holmes is off the the coast to convalesce with companion Watson, but tragedy strikes at a nearby house, and the Tregennis family are almost wiped out, all except brother Mortimer. The reason for the deaths seems almost supernatural, and soon after Mortimer himself dies in similar circumstances. Holmes is battling his heroine addiction and Watson does his best by his friend Holmes. I think this is one of the best in the series, firstly, the setting, most episodes are dark, and set in bleak surroundings, but the Cornish coast is so beautiful it makes an interesting contrast, murder happening at such an idyllic location. I always enjoy a mystery with an alternative and different method, and Devil's foot certainly has that. It's incredibly dark, we see Holmes's drug taking, and the surreal imagery of him using 'the lamp' also looks good (a little dated now I grant you, but still powerful.) There is a closeness between Holmes and Watson too. A brilliant episode. 10/10

Series 8 had been pretty average overall, Mummy on the Orient Express proved to be the high point. This mess of an episode failed on almost every level, logically flawed from start to finish it failed to engage the viewer, it just left me not caring what happened to any of them. Missy has sat in her office watching the Doctor, whilst taking all the dead people on Earth to a base to transform them into Cybermen. The plot is as implausible as it was tedious to watch. Some of the most boring lines I've ever had to suffer whilst watching the show. Can anyone explain why Missy had attempted to kill the Doctor, then tries to hand over control of the useless Cybermen to him. As for turning Lethbridge Stewart into a Cyberman, I didn't appreciate that. Bored out of my tiny mind throughout most of it.

The first offering was such a wonderful film, it was funny, moving, warm, the kind of film you'd want to watch again. They tried desperately hard to recapture that magical spirit in the second offering. In some ways they did, but in others it fell a wee bit short. The acting masterclass from both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench continues, both display their true caliber. Richard Gere was rather wasted in this film, I didn't think he was given enough to do, he didn't add a great deal. I loved parts of it, Judi Dench sealing the fabric deal was brilliant, I liked that. I didn't warm to Penelope Wilton in the first film, I really enjoyed her part in this one, even though she wasn't given the best send off. The bit I didn't really rate was the lack of conclusion for Maggie Smith's character Muriel, it felt like it was building up towards something big, and absolutely nothing happened, what was that all about. Some great one liners, moving, just a big of sparkle missing.

After watching it, I have no real idea of what to say about it, I think the word I'll use is unusual, it was a particularly unusual drama, I gather though that large chunks of this story were actually true. There was indeed a Lady Worseley, and her husband was indeed a voyeur. I think people find it unimaginable that such deviancy occurred back in 1782, but clearly they did. I knew nothing of the story beforehand, I put it on expecting the usual high quality, serious BBC drama, I really wasn't expecting it to be like this. I liked some of the costumes, but some of them, and some of the make up and hair styles looked very much out of place. All in all I think it worked fairly well, it will need a re watch in a few months.

1997's TV version was pretty good, I enjoyed it, it was dark and fairly true to the book. In 2010 they decided to make a spot for Jane Marple in it. Some of the reworked stories worked and some failed miserably. This was the success story. The basic premise of The Pale Horse is maintained, the main difference of course being that Jane Marple is included, I seem to remember The Seven Dials Mystery was due to be made and it was shelved in favour of this. I'm glad they did, this was a very dark, slick and enjoyable production. Julia McKenzie was an excellent Jane Marple, and she fitted in very well. The parts involving the witchcraft in the Hotel itself were brilliant, I loved Thyrza and Sybil, they were very sinister. Miss Marple once again proves to be more intelligent then the Police, as you'd expect. Plenty of surprises in store.

Right back to the start, and the elements were already there, I absolutely love the first episode, it is so funny. Eddie's promised daughter Saffy that she's giving up drinking, but as we all know that wasn't going to happen. Eddie's doing the PR for a fashion show and naturally has the bad influence of Patsy. Some of the one liners in this episode are utterly genius, I love the entire cast, but Jennifer Saunders delivery is particularly brilliant here, she is just so funny. I think the flashback to a younger drunken Eddie returning home to mother is just eye wateringly funny, as is the ending when Saffy refuses to let her mother in. No wonder this show became the phenomenal success that it did, Series 1 set the bar tremendously high.