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Nobody's Listening, I guess.
We've hit a bit of a purple-patch with TV at the moment IMO - there are a few new things about that I'm really enjoying, which seems to buck the trend of the last few years where things seem to have been utter shite by default.
Black Doves: Just finished watching it - fantastic. Production values were very high indeed - London looked absolutely great. But it was the cast and script that really made it. Old-mate Paddington was absolutely superb, as were ALL of the supporting cast (some of which were quite ritchie-esque). Sarah Lancashire was wonderful and Kiera Knightly was really, really good too. It was also genuinely funny - great comedy timing and jokes about Waitrose shoppers and nutribullets really made me laugh. Ben Whitshaws character drives an old BMW - "thats a really cool car" I said to Mrs Batfink, later on it's criticized in passing buy one of the characters as being "ostentatiously cool for a spy" or something like that - in like a wierd (almost 4th-wall breaking) acknowledgement - lots of subtle humorous moments like that between all the characters. My only criticism was that the gunfight sequences were a bit "john wick" - but didn't interfere with my enjoyment.
Day of the Jackal: Haven't finished this yet, but also very good. Similar to black doves - the production values and performances are fantastic. It's lacking the humour of black doves, and you aren't really rooting for any of the characters (even the good guys are bad guys). Redmaine put in a good performance and was doing his best Edward fox impression (complete with cravat!) - and I delight in imagining Laurence fox watching it and seething that he didn't get the part.
The Agency: Only watched the first couple of these so far - and it seems good. Fassbender is a good choice for the lead. Writing seems good - plot seems sufficiently knotty for my taste - promising.
Has anyone been watching The Listeners on BBC? Absolutely stupid. Stupid premise. Stupid characters. Stupid plot. In the end I was hoping that the police would burst in and shoot them all. Including the stupid husband and the stupid daughter. Stupid. Did I mention that ?
I've given up watching that kind of thing on the BBC - Silent Shitness (as it's called in our house), Line of duty, vigil etc...... they are all terrible - you might as well be watching death in paradise.
Other lings I've watched somewhat recently that were decent:
Fargo season 5 (you don't need to have seen the others).
The Gentlemen (I really liked it, although people have mixed opinions).
Veep (hadn't seen it before - fantastic. Basically a whole show of malcom-tucker dialogue)
3 body problem (very interesting plot, but we are supposed to suspend-belief and act like Eiza Gonzalez isn't traffic-stopping beautiful - possibly the worst casting of all time)
Mare of Easttown: Brilliant detective drama - Kate Winslet is fantastic. Kept me guessing right up to the big reveal. Reminded me a bit of the original broadchurch - but set in small town America.
Australian recommendations:
Deadloch: Comedy whodunnit based in small town Tasmania. Reminded me of Hot Fuzz. Very enjoyable, and the humor should travel to the UK well.
Utopia: (Australian version - there is a US show of the same name): Seems to be a copy/spin-off of 2012 and/or W1A - which is no bad thing, equally as funny imo.
Utopia: (Australian version – there is a US show of the same name): Seems to be a copy/spin-off of 2012 and/or W1A – which is no bad thing, equally as funny imo.
Utopia was basically a new version of The Hollowmen from ~2008, which was set in Canberra. Same writers and a lot of the same cast, definite similarities to W1A. I like it, but it can get a bit cringeworthy. I'd say I prefer Rosehaven, written by and starring two of the Utopia actors.
Something I love from NZ is Educators - very funny show about bad teachers.
Has anyone been watching The Listeners on BBC? Absolutely stupid
They are collecting on my Sky box. We did watch the first one. All I can remember is the woman's prominent clavicles and how inappropriately dressed she was for a teacher.
I watched the start of the film 'Luce' on Prime recently, starring Tim Roth and Naomi Watts.
Utter drivel. I think I made it to 20 minutes.
The plot can be summarised as follows: 'nothing much happens' which then spirals into 'something very minor has happened' because nobody actually talks to each other (which could have sorted it all out in 2 minutes).
When did plots become like this? (plot-driven-by-silly-communication, PDBSC)
I've watched two episodes of Senna on Netflix - what a pile of crap! The stand-out crapness is the racetrack they've used to film scenes which took place at Snetterton (Norfolk) with a mountain range in the background. Hilariously bad dialogue / acting / casting all round.
Black Doves: Just finished watching it – fantastic. Production values were very high indeed – London looked absolutely great. But it was the cast and script that really made it. Old-mate Paddington was absolutely superb, as were ALL of the supporting cast (some of which were quite ritchie-esque). Sarah Lancashire was wonderful and Kiera Knightly was really, really good too. It was also genuinely funny – great comedy timing and jokes about Waitrose shoppers and nutribullets really made me laugh.
Yes,very good and enjoyed the final twists and turns in the last two episodes.
It should be left there,but Netflix being Netflix,I expect them to kill the quality with a second series.
All I can remember is the woman’s prominent clavicles and how inappropriately dressed she was for a teacher.
She played the young girl in The Camomile Lawn, so maybe her style guidance was mis-oriented at a susceptible age.
Hilariously bad dialogue / acting / casting all round.
It was a Brazilian-led production so probably worked better in its home market. I was quite impressed with the efforts that went into the cars (there is also a "making of" episode which talked about the cars and racing scenes).
Snetterton (Norfolk) with a mountain range in the background.
Yeah, it was filmed in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay - hardly the Fens!
The "James Hunt, the commentator" character was accurate though - complete with glass of wine and chain smoking whereas "Murray Walker" was completely over-shadowed! 😉
Part way through Black Doves- really enjoying the twists.
Only niggle- the civil servant that was shot by a sniper thought he was being followed, but the sniper was the other side of the river. How did he know the guy would walk down there or get in place after following him!
And then despite being ex SAS, he was offed by the undercover spy- how did she keep up her training as the wife of a defence minister and mum?
Day of the Jackal.....weak and unsatisfying ending
Day of the Jackal…..weak and unsatisfying ending
The episode started with a lot of promise!
No spoilers but yes, could have been better. Still I guess it's set up for a S2.
This is the problem with films and series these days. They're all on the search for the next big franchise, spin-offs, prequels etc so they have to end like that.
We're all loving SW Skeleton Crew...already watched the first 3 episodes. Episode 3 last night was kind of everything I want from a Star Wars episode but just a shame it wasnt longer; hope it sustains it. Neel & SM-33 are already popular characters in this house.
Enjoying The Listeners, some good folk horror vibes
Veep (hadn’t seen it before – fantastic. Basically a whole show of malcom-tucker dialogue)
That's Armando Iannucci for you.
Black Doves was great, slightly faded at the end when wrapping up the loose ends, but very bingeable. It had some Killing EveNess about it, and potentially fleabag. Didn't watch any credits as Netflix only gives you 3 seconds, but I wonder if there's any overlap in personnel. It felt like there were a few nods to other franchises in there too (guy Ritchie eastend gangsterism; mission impossible Southbank rendezvous (pl?) and entry to impossible buildings; Bourne, you're looking tired Pam, get some rest )
Madness was good too.
For those doing down the Beeb, watch McMafia and Night Manager, they'll change your mind
Had high hopes for The Listeners.. Turned so absurd that I turned off the last episode. Pretentious drivel. Why do all these type of programmes insist on people living in contemporary, arty, £m+ homes, yet they have average job. It's a bit like the cliche of old Volvo estates being the car of choice in similarly produced series'.
Black Doves on the other hand, really enjoyed it. Fast moving and engaging. If a little confusing at times if you aren't concentrating. Not sure on the comparison to Killing Eve though (that became so drawn out and utterly ridiculous that I gave up on the latter episodes too back when it was on)
Having said all that I don't always watch this much TV, honest!, but recovering from an op which is my excuse.
Had high hopes for The Listeners.. Turned so absurd that I turned off the last episode. Pretentious drivel.
I agree - gave up after 2 episodes.
Killing Eve though - that became so drawn out and utterly ridiculous that I gave up on the latter episodes too
Yes - started out well but just became increasingly silly.
Black Doves on the other hand, really enjoyed it
Never heard of it, but as you seem a viewer of good taste I am tempted to try it.
Why do all these type of programmes insist on people living in contemporary, arty, £m+ homes, yet they have average job.
That bugs me too. Like the cops living in flats with a Thames view.
On the subject of The Listeners, having got her mum the sack, and denounced as a pedophile and rapist, how come the daughter didn’t shut the f up? I may be a very bad parent but I wouldn’t be taking advice from a know-it-all teenager who’d just wrecked my life.
Day of the Jackal…..weak and unsatisfying ending
The episode started with a lot of promise!
No spoilers but yes, could have been better. Still I guess it’s set up for a S2.
I thought it was pretty good. But yeah, should have realised they'd want to leave it open for a another series (or more....)
We’re all loving SW Skeleton Crew…already watched the first 3 episodes.
I watched eps 2 & 3 last night, it really is one of the best SW things they've made and great fun.
You're right the eps feel a bit short, but I suppose that works for the younger audience.
But yeah, should have realised they’d want to leave it open for a another series (or more….)
I feel this ruins a lot of (most?) series in the end, especially those based on books (limited source material). Wish more producers were brave enough to just do a limited series of say 8-10 episodes then just finish it!
I feel this ruins a lot of (most?) series in the end, especially those based on books (limited source material)
John le Carre's kids doing series 2 and 3 of the Night Manager when there was only one book, and another son writing an additional George Smiley book. Not sure how those derivative stories will fare. Tho the Smiley book got reasonable reviews - one for the Xmas list.
Subservience, a Netflix film. Failed the 20-minute test, inevitable plot line even from the beginning, stereotypes galore
I'm enjoying The Queen's Gambit (also Netflix) and I know nothing about chess
Bloodline (Netflix) Good season 1, fading in season 2, I'm giving up on season 3
@zilog6128 - strong agree; the recent “Lessons in Chemistry” was a rare example of a single season based on a single novel.
Just finished Crá on BBC iplayer, not too bad but a bit of a disappointing ending. Presume it did well for the Donegal tourist board.
Mr Calzaghe on Prime, I’d forgotten just how good he was, 46-0 despite having loads of hand injuries and retired at the top. So today’s ear worm was “super, super Joe, super, super Joe, super Joe Calzaghe”, non stop……..all day
Anyone checked out The Gorge on Apple TV? Anya Taylor Joy, usually a.sign of quality... But my god, I only watched the trailer and was in fits of laughter. Looks like some kind of parody.
Season 2 of SAS rogue heroes coming to bbc in Jan. Which means it's the perfect time to watch/rewatch season 1.
Dear god, I’ve just endured too many episodes of Masters of the Air on Apple TV. What utter drivel. How can you spend the fortune they’ve obviously spent and produce such total rubbish? Completely incoherent, disjointed and rambling and just felt like Team America…. AMERICA, * YEAH!!! Apparently nobody else was involved in the second world war
What was most irritating though was the soundtrack. Absolutely everything has to be accompanied by a full brass section, a full string action, or both. The shmaltz is laid in about a foot thick
That and the unbelievably patronising ‘let’s shoehorn some black people in’ bit at the end
Seriously… just * off. I actually carried in watching it just to see how bad it could get
If you’ve not watched this, don’t bother
Apparently nobody else was involved in the second world war
Hi, you must be new here. Welcome to the entertainment industry's version of history. On the rare occasions that they do feature another allied nation they are displayed as caricatures; the Brits are all chinless toffs, the French are cowards, etc.
Exactly! It’s actually insulting to everyone other than the Trump supporters in shitsville Idaho who I’m sure absolutely loved this utter rubbish
SASRH is tongue in cheek, MotA takes itself far too seriously.
Apparently nobody else was involved in the second world war
TBF it wasn't about the second world war, the story arc followed a unit of the US Eighth Army Air Force which was, oddly enough, predominantly American. Whatever you do, don't watch "Saving Private Ryan", where you'll see a depiction of the landing on Omaha Beach carried out almost exclusively by Americans. It's almost as if the Brits and Canadians are attacking completely different beaches.
I wasn't a fan of Masters Of The Air btw, largely because, as you say, it was "incoherent, disjointed and rambling".
Saving Private Ryan didn’t find it necessary to have a soaring orchestral score whenever anyone so much as farted. I actually found that the most irritating thing about it.There we’re many contenders for that title
When Nihal used to do the TV reviews on Five Live he had an expression for the tipping point when you’re a few episodes into something and you’re faced with the dilemma of abandoning it completely or sticking with it in the hope it’ll get better. I can’t remember what it was, but I left it far too long before bailing out (no pun intended) from this rubbish
The oddest thing about MotA which we abandoned after a few episodes was how such a mediocre programme managed to get so many 5* reviews. It got a good slagging here a few dozen pages ago. Anyway, basically a reason for the existence of this thread
already watched the first 3 episodes. Episode 3 last night was kind of everything I want from a Star Wars episode but just a shame it wasnt longer
I've watched the 1st 2 and it is pretty good as Star Wars 'prequels' go. But decided to watch the episodes in pairs, so its a longer watch.
The oddest thing about MotA which we abandoned after a few episodes was how such a mediocre programme managed to get so many 5* reviews. It got a good slagging here a few dozen pages ago.
After Band of Brothers, which was obviously one of the greatest series of all time, and The Pacific, which was well received, I think there was an element of expectation driving reviews.
Its main problem was that effectively the same thing seemed to happen every week. Crews meet up for briefing, fly off to the sound of stirring orchestral music, <loud noises>, a few of them come back, go to the pub. Rinse and repeat. Enjoyed the first couple of episodes, but never really felt anything about any of the 'characters', got bored pretty quickly, and never finished it.
a few of them come back, go to the pub
...and get off with a sexy 1940s lady... lol
recent playlist for the wookie household:
Lioness, S1 was good, S2 was also good,
Black doves as others have said is great.
Temple: bit late to it, but enjoyable. Quite like Mark Strong as an actor (as opposed to my hairdresser, for example)
The diplomat: S1 I really really enjoyed. my wife now watches it with me so we've only got a little way into season 2, but still as good and well paced.
Mayor of Kingstown, still on my list, season 3 now, still very watchable, dark and bleak
Hannibal: late to the party again, but losing the will for it in S2, maybe its too deep for me, maybe it's disappeared up it's own bum.
day of the jackal: really good, ending felt a bit rushed.
Dune prophecy: there's a plot in there somewhere. Travis Fimmel acts like only Travis Fimmel acts. watchable but not brilliant.
Fortitude: S1 is good, then it all gets a bit out there. looks cold. again, watchable whilst eating your tea.
most of these I'm part way though.
I'd love a decent sci fi, but haven't really found anything worthwhile. Last thing I watched was War of the Worlds, with the robo dogs, which I enjoyed, and westworld, which redeemed itself in the final season. I'm not including dune into scifi as it's a bit more of a politi-fi (is that a thing?), on another world. could be anywhere, well, maybe not Cumbernauld.
I’d love a decent sci fi
I'm halfway through the final one of the three 'Expanse' books that weren't filmed after it got cancelled. I hadn't read the others, just enjoyed the TV version, but the books are good - add depth to what I've watched previously while taking the story forward to (hopefully) a satisfying conclusion.
dafoj
Mr Calzaghe on Prime, I’d forgotten just how good he was
Great recommendation, thanks for that 🙂
forgot another one.
the new dexter original sin has started.
I've only watched ep1, but it's lining itself up to be almost a reboot, which is not a bad thing for me as I really liked the original dexter as a bit of light murdertainment.
the casting is really good, or rather the accurate character acting is really good, or both, I'm not sure.
I’m not including dune into scifi as it’s a bit more of a politi-fi
It's turning out to be very much like I imagine fantasy stuff like Game of Thrones to be. Not entirely sure because I really can't stand fantasy so don't watch it. Dune may be going the same way
On a more positive note - saw that "Love Lies Bleeding" is on Prime. Watched it at the cinema and thought it was great. Slightly odd, how I like my films.
montgomeryFree Member
All seven seasons of The Shield are now up free on Prime.Wonder how it holds up now.
Three seasons in three weeks and loving the murky morality (again).
Saw this and was very excited - it's in the top 3 TV series I've watched (far far better than Breaking Bad or Mad Men), based on watching it 15 years ago, and that final series is one of the best seasons of TV ever made. I've wondered if I'd go back and watch (or get the OH to do so).
Is S2 still just v confusing how the overarching plot line ends about halfway through the series, then there's an entire flashback episode, then some filler??
Mayor of Kingstown, still on my list, season 3 now, still very watchable, dark and bleak
Interesting. We finished S1 & 2 and it was good. Unfortunately the arc of S2 was fairly obvious after the end of S1, given who the 2 most charismatic characters are. But it is really bleak, and the way it writes women is really not good; so we never got to S3 (and now I've cancelled Paramount+)
Unfortunately the arc of S2 was fairly obvious after the end of S1, given who the 2 most charismatic characters are.
yeah it was, but I tend not to mind things that are predictable, means I can look at the detail moreso, but this only works if there are fairly well developed characters.
Same with Ozark, really liked that, the characters were nicely developed, not overly so, but enough to retain interest in the plot.
It turns out that Carry-On (Netflix) isn't a reboot of the classic Brit comedies of yore.
As far as cheesy Xmas action films go, the body count is lower than Die Hard and Jason Bateman is a homegrown baddie. He's no Alan Rickman, but don't let that get in the way of the often predictable plot. Put your brain into autopilot and enjoy the ride. Btw, whamageddon survivors beware.
it’s watchable but basically a shitter version of Die Hard 2!
With some elements of Phone Booth thrown in! (2002 Colin Farrell film if you don't remember).
La Palma (Netflix) popped up on my recommendations. 4-episode Norwegian (dubbed into English) disaster drama about an eruption and tsunami wiping out the Canary Islands. Gripping stuff! I watched the first two episodes back to back last night.
And then despite being ex SAS, he was offed by the undercover spy- how did she keep up her training as the wife of a defence minister and mum?
Yes, it veered away from the otherwise wholly realistic depiction of events in the rest of the production 🙂
We got three months of Apple TV+ free with a recent apple purchase and...
Slow Horses is astonishingly good.
Ted Lasso is massively watchable in a gently funny way.
And there's plenty of other decent stuff on there too. My mission is to watch it all before my three free months expire.
ocrider
It turns out that Carry-On (Netflix) isn’t a reboot of the classic Brit comedies of yore
Hand Luggage is a much better title. Managed about 10 mins before I knew it wasn't for me.
As zilog put it, it's very much a brainless crimbo action thriller.
Still, an improvement on the Hallmark Xmas style content that seems to have grown way out of proportion this year.
@BadlyWiredDog - when you’ve finished Ted Lasso (which is fantastic!) try Bad Sisters. Probably the best thing Sharon Horgan has ever done and that’s a high benchmark
La Palma (Netflix) popped up on my recommendations. 4-episode Norwegian (dubbed into English) disaster drama about an eruption and tsunami wiping out the Canary Islands. Gripping stuff! I watched the first two episodes back to back last night.
we just binged all 4 straight through! Really good I thought, there are some annoying unbelievable moments in the last episode though (won't spoil it!)
Did anyone watch Presumed Innocent? Found the first few episodes quite gripping, but the characters are all dislikeable lunatics or assholes in some way or another. I was going to say I find it difficult to believe people high up in law behave like these do, but then remembered the POTUS.
We got three months of Apple TV+ free with a recent apple purchase
Severance is spectacularly good too, S2 out in January, I think.
we just binged all 4 straight through! Really good I thought, there are some annoying unbelievable moments in the last episode though (won’t spoil it!)
Just came back to this thread to say that sadly the last episode was off into absolute fantasy land but it's still a very good series. At least it's only 4 episodes too, not the usual fare of stretching out a series into 8 or 10 episodes of filler and fluff!
We watched The ink black heart on iPlayer the other night, I've read all the strike books and imo this is probably the worst adaptation so far.
when you’ve finished Ted Lasso (which is fantastic!) try Bad Sisters. Probably the best thing Sharon Horgan has ever done and that’s a high benchmark
Yeah, we watched the first episode the other night, really good. Also Shrinking, Bad Monkey seem good at first watch.
Severance is spectacularly good too, S2 out in January, I think.
Thanks, I shall seek it out 🙂
Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned on here already, but Industry on BBC iPlayer is mad but sometimes spectacularly great, the Rishi episode in the latest season is astonishingly good in a gut wrenching way.
I still don't think anything can match Doctor Odyssey on Disney + it's far and away the best 'bad TV I've watched for ages. The captain, I realised belatedly, is played by Don Johnson from Miami Vice. At one point he has a thing with Shania Twain, I mean, how can you possibly match that?
A bit of a throwback, but if you want Belleville Rendezvous, it is on ITVx.
I’ve read all the strike books and imo this is probably the worst adaptation so far.
I haven't read any of them, but from what I've read it's a pretty terrible book. I didn't really concentrate on the plot, but it was enjoyable enough.
Saw this and was very excited – it’s in the top 3 TV series I’ve watched (far far better than Breaking Bad or Mad Men), based on watching it 15 years ago, and that final series is one of the best seasons of TV ever made. I’ve wondered if I’d go back and watch (or get the OH to do so).
Is S2 still just v confusing how the overarching plot line ends about halfway through the series, then there’s an entire flashback episode, then some filler??
I'm currently finishing Series 2 of the Shield whilst sat on the turbo trainer, still brilliant
For the person above steaming through the Apple TV content, Silo is good and there is most of two series on there
Very late to the party on this one, as we’ve only just got Disney+ but The Bear is up their with the best telly I’ve ever watched. Fantastic! We’ve just binged series one and it may have got a bit dusty at the end of the last episode. Absolutely top notch stuff!
Right!… seres 2…..
Very late to the party on this one, as we’ve only just got Disney+
A nice holiday time treat.
The Bear.
Aye,when it's good,it's very,very good.
Then it sometimes goes full (OTT) shouty mode and you want them all to dial it down.
Shogun was the other big watch for us this year,most excellent.
as we’ve only just got Disney+
Other recommends:
Shogun, as above. Probably the best series released this year on any platform.
Mr Inbetween. You'll like that one.
Even if you aren't particularly into Star Wars, Andor is worth a watch. Mandalorian Series 1 is decent.
Cheers guys. They’re going on the list
2 episodes into Landman (Paramount+) and it is superb. Same writer as Yellowstone but set in Texas with oil the main subject. Billy Bob Thornton plays the lead so it shouldn't disappoint and there have already been some cracking lines. Despite having left him for a man Tommy describes as “a fat-ass ATM”, there she is on his phone, taking a break from her latest poolside holiday to thrust her chest towards the lens and taunt him about what he’s lost. Tommy is unmoved: “Enjoy the beach,” he says, before he once again hangs up. “Your tits look great. Don’t get syphilis.”
Binged Squid Games 2 today. Won’t say anything to avoid spoiling.
Watched that Christmas film on er, Amazon, I think - "Red-One" , was utter rubbish as an adult, but if you have 6-10 year olds, would be a fab watch! 🙂 bit scary for the younger ones maybe. (But yes, I quite enjoyed it )
Cheers @Creg. Its going on the list.
On the Disney+ front, I've well and truly dissapeared down the 'Welcome to Wrexham' wormhole and have been binging them over Christmas. I'm into my footy but I don't think thats a prerequisite for enjoying it. In fact I find all the 'lets go behind the scenes and watch City win the Premier League for the 4th time' Netflix things spirit-crushingly tedious. Who wants to watch that?
Its just a great documentary about Wrexham, the place, the history, the people and the club and doesn't shy away from the less media friendly bits, ie the hooligan element and just general disgruntled moaning fans. Theres an air of Ted Lasso about it all, which can only be a good thing, only more real and a lot swearier.
Don't know if Day of the Jackal has been mentioned, could be my series of the year.
However, I haven't watched The Bear or Shogun - they're both on my list.
Currently watching Industry which I'm enjoying for being a bit filthy and raw in a polished world.
Binged Squid Games 2 today. Won’t say anything to avoid spoiling.
You could say if you think it's any good without spoiling anything!
Despite enjoying the first series, I am feeling no desire to watch this season for some reason, it just feels like its time has passed somehow.