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algytaylor
Reviews
Jackanory: The Dribblesome Teapots: The Queen of Sypso-Sweetleigh (1978)
Masterclass in storytelling
Rik Mayall once said that the secret to a great story is a great storyteller, and this is absolutely the case here. The source material is a decent story, but nothing that would stand out ahead of a hundred other similar fairytales.
It's a simple tale - the queen's favourite teapot begins to dribble tea everywhere. Chaos ensues when she rashly promises half of her kingdom in exchange for a teapot that *doesn't* make a mess of her tablecloth.
What sets this story apart, though, is Williams' masterful storytelling. He pours his soul in to the story, filling each character with life and personality. He'll contort his face in ways only he seems to be able to pull off, and knows exactly what he needs to do to extract the maximum amount of humour from any given line.
Without wanting to seem disparaging about them, I can't help but feel it's a bit of a shame that he's mainly known for his work in the Carry On films. Supremely talented comic actor, who went too soon.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Great show that loses it's way
This really needs 2 separate ratings. Series 1 & 2 are a tour de force. The plot twists & turns, giving little indication as to how events will unfold. The characters are amazing, dealing with everything from tricky romantic engagements through to PTSD caused by the great war; life for the poor of Birmingham to Irish nationalism. The soundtrack is out of this world good, particularly the subtle theme tune, which draws together the industrial landscape of the Midlands (where the viaduct looms like a bird of doom) and the Irish nationalism that underpins the first 2 series (the red right hand - of Ulster). Series 1 & 2 are solid 10/10 material for me.
Series 3 & 4become more sensational though, and feel like they need to keep upping the ante. It's not to say they're bad, but they don't hit the same heights. Maybe a 7/10 effort, watchable but just not quite ever getting it as 'right' as it once was.
For me, the jury is still out on series 5. It has potential, but just doesn't follow through. It's currently a 6/10 for me, but a good final (sixth) series could elevate it massively.
Man Like Mobeen (2017)
Inconsistent, but strong
(Series 1-3)
It's difficult to think of a sitcom that hits the heights of Man Like Mobeen. I watched one episode, in full, 3 times in a row the first time I saw it because I missed a large chunk of the episode through fits of laughter.
It is inconsistent, though. Some episodes feel a little laboured, and perhaps focus on the plot to a point where the jokes become secondary. At it's lows, the scenarios can feel a bit contrived.
The characters & casting are brilliant. Eight, Nate, and Mobeen are played to perfection. Officer Harper too. Uncle Shady is a delightfully oddball character. Special mention to the girl who plays Aqsa, who can crack me up with her facial expressions alone.
All in all, it's worth a watch. Some of it is *incredibly* funny and stands up to repeat watching. Hope there'll be another series.