Sleepin_Dragon

Tamara Granowski makes the case that Geoffrey Appleton plagiarized her work, and that despite being dismissive and condescending about it, he actually wanted access to her research.

When I saw the cast list of Eleanor Bron, Cyril Luckham, and Geoffrey Whitehead, together with a wonderful lineup of regulars, I was excited; unfortunately, several polished performances weren't enough to save this one. I was somewhat glazed over throughout; only copious amounts of black coffee were enough to save the day.

Towards the end, I couldn't even remember what happened in the first episode. I'm glad the judge was confused because I certainly was. This wasn't a favorite, but I will applaud the excellent performance of Eleanor Bron; she just deserved better material.

5/10.

Geoffrey Appleton continues giving his evidence; he is grilled by Mr. Lotterby, who argues that he clearly knew Granowski better than he had claimed and that he was definitely aware of her work. Victor Pritchet, the porter at the laboratory, identifies Granowski as being at the faculty the day the rats were killed. The next witness, Sir Walter Hutton, states that Appleton's work was impressive but admits that Granowski was a key figure in the field.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the general story; it isn't holding my interest. There are some nice broad ideas and some great concepts, including the escaped virus and immunity testing, but it somehow gets lost in handling rats and open house research facilities.

Had they expanded on the great concept of MX07, perhaps with a leak or a death, it would have worked so much better.

I did enjoy Leslie Dwyer's performance; it is dry but amusing, very similar to his much-loved character from Hi-De-Hi. Cyril Luckham was perfectly cast as an intelligent scientist.

I'm wondering if Mrs. Thatcher is sitting directly in front of Mr Lotterby, in that rather incredible piece of millinery.

I'm hopeful that Eleanor Bron can bring a little sparkle in the final episode, it's in need of some inspiration.

6/10.

Mr Justice Mitchenor hears the case against psychotherapist Michael Lucas, he's accused of causing the death of 18 year old Benjamin Merton, who jumped into an oncoming train. The Prosecution claims that Lucas's 'dabbling' led to his death, his 'Marathon' therapy sessions. The Court hears from Benjamin's mum, his friend, another of Lucas's patients and Lucas himself.

It's the first of the single story episodes that I've been lucky enough to see, if the others are anywhere near as good as this one, then I've got several hours of quality TV to come.

This show is truly addictive, and this is another wonderful episode, I loved the storyline, format, performances and the wonderful cast.

Michael Byrne has always been a wonderful actor, he's excellent here, lovely to see a young Zöe Wanamaker, in one of her earliest roles, she's so good.

I know one or two people who've actually been advised to take their anger out on a stash of cushions, both had marital breakups and found the therapy hugely benefit.

Olwen Wymark wrote some cracking episodes, in addition to this one, check out Vermin, No smoke without fire and her father's daughter, all are very good.

This was terrific.

9/10.