Reviews

After he denounces a valuable painting as a fraud, art critic Max Aaronson is killed in a bit and run accident, but who possibly could have done it?

Better than I was expecting, definitely better than some of the comments would suggest, it's a very pleasing mystery, one with a couple of decent twists and turns.

There's a good scuttle at the end, with some decent looking fisticuffs, not always a success at this point in time, but they work here.

If you're a fan of all things 1960's, like I am, then there'll be something here for you, even if the story isn't quite your thing, you'll enjoy the fashions, styles, music and of course Genevieve's fabulous bubble car.

Solid performances throughout, everyone plays their part well, Genevieve was a cracking character.

7/10.

A woman is found dead at the scene of a car accident, the post mortem reveals that she wasn't killed by the crash, but had been murdered first and placed. Jasper finally learns what happened to his father. Duane Vermorel is suspected.

This show is getting better and better, this was a truly brilliant episode, I'd argue the best episode of Professor T to date, excellent in every respect.

That ending was shocking, talk about heart breaking.

The main crime was great, but Jasper's back story was incredible, and that scene between mother and son was incredible. Will be see a different Professor T in series 4, he's definitely been set free.

Gerald Kyd is definitely one of those actors I take notice of, he's excellent. Ben Miller, another league, the best of our Professor so far.

Superbly made, it looked and sounded great.

10/10.

Jasper retains his role at The University, but his former replacement is given the honour of delivering a key note speech. Jasper is annoyed at being snubbed, but soon finds himself investigating his replacement's murder.

Another good episode from this rather impressive third series, a very pleasing storyline, with Jasper right in the thick of things, but unfortunately for him, in the land of nod.

We see Jasper back to his prime, Prison must really have been a torment for him, that scene where he's cleaning his bed, in a full suit, that's wild.

The main question I guess, what's in the attic? What impact will the findings have on our Professor?

Is this the end for Donckers? I hope not, she's really grown on me as a character.

8/10.

Donckers and Winters investigate a spate of poisonings, which are linked to a chocolate manufacture, worse for them, their new boss, Maiya Goswami, refuses to allow Professor T anywhere near the case.

It felt like a factory reset, the first half of the series, the prison years, felt very different, like a hangover from series 2, but it worked so well.

I liked this episode, an enjoyable story, perhaps a little too easy to work out whodunnit, and possibly the sub plot also, but who doesn't love a poisoning storyline, reminded me of a Taggart mystery from a long time back.

The reset is decent, I liked Sunetra Sarker's new character, she's definitely going to be a tough cookie, good though, he'll have to win her over.

The music as always, brilliant.

Those chocolates didn't exactly look particularly appealing. Poor Kafka.

7/10.

Memories of a tragic, accidental death, after Dalziel investigates the death of Alec Jordan, a sixteen year old pupil and musician. Andy has a vested interest in the case after accidentally running over and killing his mother some years back.

It's a very strong start to series six, one of the show's best runs. Walls of Silence feels a lot more modern than it actually is, the story and characters feel fresh and current, only the clunky phone really does date it.

I've always found this one rather sad, it's very bleak, the deaths are all tragic and unnecessary, it's far from a run of the mill whodunnit, it's definitely a little different.

Several taboo subjects, date rape drugs, underage sex, drugs at school, it's a story ahead of its time.

The ending came as a surprise, not the outcome I'd expected, worked well.

Very well acted, Paul Brennen and Sarah Smart both stood out.

8/10.

Who's killed Jim Baxter, a retired racing car driver and owner of the motoring firm, could it be his stepson, protégé or his wife.

It really was the basis for Cluedo, but better for my money. Look after actors they managed to get on the show.

I didn't spot any of the clues in this one if I'm honest, it got me, an interesting enough mystery, with a nice set of suspects.

Aimi MacDonald continues to be an absolute joy, the way Pertwee chats with her, so sweet.

Jon Pertwee looks incredibly elegant in that hideous outfit, only he could get away with wearing that monstrous set.

Mr PM Larkin didn't look too happy to have won the competition, I'd have been jumping about the place.

Simon Williams is a scream, and definitely had a bit of fun with Pertwee.

7/10.

Freddie is convinced that the building is surrounded by ghosts, and to that end he buys a ghost catching device from Latvia, he sets a trap baiting the machine with an Oreo cookie, what could go wrong?

Definitely one of the cuter episodes, not a classic, not particularly funny, but definitely a couple of sweet moments. It may have been nice if they'd decided to make Pete out to be a hero for a change, too obvious to have Thor playing the big man.

Sasappis getting to spend time with Jessica was cute, and an understanding Jay buying the car was nice. Although I'm glad that Jessica didn't become a regular, only so far you could go in a car.

Flower and Thorfinn, that really would be an interesting date, she'd drive anyone nuts.

7/10.

The Jurors are made to stay at a hotel, as information about a previous crime has leaked. The twelve deliberate, and reach their final verdict, but will Kate's story be believed?

A solid conclusion, it goes the way you'd expect, but maybe the series was never about the case, but about the Jurors, that's certainly where the focus is.

It's quite a sweet ending, for most of them, and maybe a little too syrupy in parts, but there's a nasty twist waiting in store.

There are two genuinely strong performances here, Sam Neill and Kate Mulvany, the two were excellent, and their final scene together was an outstanding moment.

I'm assuming if you're reading this, that you've made it all the way through, was she lying, was she telling the truth, I'm not soel, sure.

7/10.

Kate Lawson stands trial for the murder of Claire, her niece, despite having no body, The Crown make a convincing case for the prosecution, A Jury of twelve have to decide whether she is guilty or innocent.

Overall, it's good, but one thing I have to point out, it's taken me four months to go from start to finish, and there's something in that. Some episodes are truly excellent, some are agonising.

What would have made a huge difference, is if had been over six episodes, at ten, it's just way too long, it drags on far too long.

ITV clearly got frustrated with it, and I imagine so did the viewers, which is why it ended up being shown at random, late times, I get why people got frustrated with it.

I would have liked more focus on the Kate story itself, too much filler when it came to the jurors, some stories were interesting, some weren't.

Interesting to see how the system works, and how day to say stresses can have a big impact on a Jury, it can be a tough thing to do.

Of course Sam Neill is wonderful, when isn't he, but he's in some good company here, I have to highlight Brooke Satchwell, I think she's excellent as the tormented mother, walking on eggshells. Standout for me, Kate Mulvany, with that hair and those lips, she's packing charisma, I really rate her.

7/10.

It comes to light that Nathan has donated perjury, an angered case decides to vent, and takes to the stand, against Colby's better judgment. The Crown takes Kate to task.

It's definitely starting to move up a few gears, it's the first time I've felt like binge watching a couple of episodes, I'm not keen to know whether Kate is guilty or not, that shocking revelation at the end makes it look as though she certainly has the capacity.

This was truly well acted, Mulvany once again standing out I'd say, what a presence she is, I just love her style too.

Even the juror's stories had my interest here, poor Georgina, you can see the cycle of abuse she's stuck in, it's truly well realised. Vanessa once again, boils my blood.

Two big questions, did she kill before, did she kill this time?

8/10.

Claire's boarding school Mistress takes to the stand, and makes an incredibly bold statement, one that could have a massive impact on the trial. Claire's ex boyfriend Colby is questioned, and a random phone call seemingly from Claire raises alarm bells.

Slow to start, frustratingly so, but as it gets going, it opens up so well, this one really ended with a bit of high drama, arguably the best episode for some time.

Jamie is definitely coming across as the villain of the piece, he's such a controlling, evil monster, has worse than Kate.

I'm definitely going to highlight Brooke Satchwell, I thought she was terrific here, and you really do get a sense of Georgina's fear of her husband.

8/10.

Having been dormant for some years, Doctor Phibes is back, and searching for a powerful set of scrolls, with the hope of bringing his dead wife back to life.

I cannot count how many times I've watched this film, it truly is the perfect pick me up, sure the story is nonsense and seemingly made up as it goes along, but in terms of entertainment, this film delivers.

At times it looks great, some sets and scenes are really good, but unfortunately it also looks very low budget too, let's say it looks imaginative.

A good drinking game, is to count how many times Price delivers the wonderful name..... 'Vulnavia,' honestly, you'll be saying it in your sleep.

I don't think it's Price at his best, he doesn't exactly have the material, nor do I think Quarry is all that good, but some of the performances are sublime, Hugh Griffith, Beryl Reid and a fleeting performance from John Thaw.

The film's magic however, comes from Peter Jeffrey and John Cater, the detective duo are side splitting, they should have gotten a spin off.

Sure it's funny, but the death scenes are great, the scorpions, the phone ..... enough to have given me many nightmares as a youngster.

Low budget, camp, but huge fun to this day.

8/10.

Belle Hammond visits psychic medium Claire Moss, who predicts a fire, on a second visit she predicts care trouble, Belle breaks down, another prediction is made. Humphrey and Martha are interviewed by the adoption authorities.

One of the show's best episodes to date, this was excellent.

So good, so so good, I loved the story, I loved the sun story, the humour, and one scene in particular struck a chord, that moment where Humphrey is being interviewed, and gives an honest account of himself, tremendous, Marshall at his best.

That scene between Martha and Esther, wonderful, the acting throughout this episode was really top notch.

Of course there are a few moments of humour thrown in, and once again Anne's social life provides plenty of entertainment.

Even better, it's got Peter Davison.

9/10.

The true nightmare of The Island is revealed, and the true puppet master is identified, Jamie is sent to the island, and has to make a terrible choice.

I think it beats the first series hands down, it's been a lot more consistent, it's had more humour, more gore and more surprises.

The final revelation was unexpected, a twist I hadn't been expecting. Jamie's choice, that scene was entertaining. Joseph and Devon were definitely an interesting duo.

Jamie, he doesn't have push your buttons, he really is a very confused young man isn't he.

I'm glad they recapped all of the deaths, fair to say there have been plenty of them.

Will there be a third series?

8/10.

Karen hatches a plan to do away with the entire Devereaux family, after further tragedies, everyone is in favour, with the exception of Jamie.

This was heaps of fun, imagine Halloween meets Midsommar, meets EastEnders, and set it in a gay bar, there you have your answer.

Beaker was so much fun once again, he really is so outrageous.

Finally we learn what the change maker program is, sounds interesting.

I am started to lose it with Jamie, has he lost his sense of reason, I'm definitely team Karen in this instance, with all that's happened, he wants them simply to carry on, it's bonkers, he's become somewhat irritating, too much whining.

Casting Alan Dale was a stroke of genius, what a legend.

9/10.

Jamie and Vivian decide to stay at the camp, but the rest jump into the van and escape, unfortunately they run into a spot of bother.

This was exciting, shocking and somewhat moving, once again you have to credit the writing team, for being brave enough to bump off the main characters.

Once again I find myself binge watching the series, so it must be pretty good, and hitting the mark.

I'm definitely expecting some sort of a twist, and I don't know why, but right now I'm expecting it to come from Jean, she's definitely going to have a part to play.

I was really starting to take to Sophia. I'm still really unsure as to the part Karen has to play, I'm not convinced that she's a good guy.

Loving that name in the credits, simply The Creep, but who or what is Martin.

Very entertaining.

8/10.

The guests are set to start arriving, little knowing what's in store for them, Jamie and his mates go searching the local area, and make a very grim discovery. Jamie learns who helped him in the woods.

It's at the midway point, and my interest has definitely even maintained, in some ways I think I'm preferring it to the first series, it's a little more consistent somehow.

Loving Karen and her story, although I'm very unsure of which side of the fence she's sitting on.

The writing team do a good job at showing the state of play, we've got a misunderstood Karen, and we also have the fascinating Miss Devereaux, she presents as being so kind, so polite, but underneath she's an utter monster, controlling and oppressive, but all done with a smile.

What's the plan?

Next.

7/10.

Jamie's world has changed dramatically after his recent discovery, he is pressured into leaving the camp, but as always, decides to soldier on.

I chuckled the whole way through, this really was an entertaining 45 minutes, it's cheeky, it's naughty, but exciting with it, possibly the most bloodthirsty episode so far, some of those scenes were pretty brutal, especially poor Baby's treatment.

I'm liking Devon Devereaux and Jean, they're definitely an interesting duo.

Clever title, it seemed as if it related to Jamie's discovery at the very beginning, whereas it's of course the surprising twist at the end.

It now transpires that nobody can die, even those that popped off in episode one are bound to put in some sort of appearance in the finale.

7/10.

Jamie and Vivian desperately try to expose Velorum, but the whole world believe that they're cranks and making the story up. Velorum have paid off most of the crew, but have picked up their activities, this time in Slovenia.

There are echoes of Scream here, Duck face is back, terrorising everyone that was on board that ship. I really like that mask, it's a bit cutesy, but in the context it works.

It's a decent start to the second series, it's quite bloodthirsty, with several characters killed off, and more deaths likely. There's a good sense of mystery, what on Earth is going on inside that camp, and what was that balm, Tiger balm?

A couple of humorous moments, some jokes land, some don't, it looks like there's bigger roles for some of the characters that were perhaps less visible in the series, it's a good thing, it changes things up a bit.

I'm sure more thrills and spills await, I'm glad it's just six episodes and no longer.

Super camp entertainment.

7/10.

Matthew tries his hand at playing Cupid, arranging for his mother Sue to pay a visit, the scene is set, the romantic music is playing, only neither is happy to see the other.

A fine end to this cracking first series, it was a nice surprise to see John Thaw's real life wife Sheila Hancock playing Sue, definitely a degree of chemistry is evident.

There's a funny, bittersweet feel to this one, you can really appreciate Henry's bitterness and anger.

Sue isn't the most pleasant of people, you can see why the pair didn't work together.

Favourite scene had to be Sue encountering Mrs Thompson, her jealousy was amusing.

It's been a very enjoyable first series, and this is a strong conclusion, it gives you a real sense of how the pair ended up in this situation.

8/10.

Henry has finally had enough of Matthew's lazy attitude, he's been pinching the small change and generally doing nothing, he takes him for a visit to The Job Centre.

They created two very nice nice characters in Henry and Matthew, one a little sour, a hard working company man, who's been used to a bachelor lifestyle, and the hand grenade, a layabout who wants everything handed to him on a plate, it's the clash that makes the show so watchable.

I may be easily pleased, but this had me laughing several times. Henry has a definite caustic wit, he's sarcastic, and when his buttons are pushed, he lets rip, but he did do his best by his son here.

Favourite scene, that moment in the business meeting where Henry spots his son in the restaurant. The Job Centre scene, also a very amusing moment, like guy was really pushed to the limits.

It's been a fine first series.

7/10.

A mixed group of criminals kidnap Abigail, a young ballerina, and daughter of a powerful business mogul. The gang think they're coming into millions, but Abigail has a shocking surprise waiting for them.

One of the horror highlights of 2024 so far, it's done well at The Box Office, and it's easy to understand why, it's definitely a crowd pleaser.

A seemingly straightforward thriller very rapidly turns into a genre crossing horror movie. Abigail is a real mix of styles, it's goofy, it's funny, it's well paced, and of course there are plenty of jump scares.

Very nicely made, well shot, with some good music, which surprisingly doesn't become too intrusive.

You really can't fault any of the performances, credit very much to that young Alisha Weir, excellent as the title character. Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens are both good, but Weir steals the show.

A cheeky And then there were none reference too.

7/10.

Small time crook Frank Murray cracks a safe, and strikes if lucky, grabbing £10k for his troubles, the day after however, he discovers that the man who's safe he hit has been murdered. DI Verity has Murray down as his main suspect.

Definitely one of the more action packed E W mysteries, and one with good characters, and a really strong storyline.

For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially that action packed finale, although we bare witness to the world's worst gunman, how he managed to miss everyone and everything is beyond me.

Sadly the wonderful Bernard Archard doesn't have a whole lot to do, but Paul Stassino plays the villainous James Helder very well.

Clever and entertaining.

7/10.

A fly on the wall look at 24 hours at Tesco Cheshunt.

What planet is that manager on, 'we have staff to help customers?' get a job in Tesco, and see how much time you have to help customers, you don't, you have a huge workload, I'm stunned Nikki had time to talk to the cameras.

To start with, this isn't a documentary, there's no balance, this is basically a PR exercise for the giant retailer, I imagine they show this video to new starters. There's no balance, it's all about how incredible Tesco are.

The clubcard, it simply serves as a way of capturing data, basically giving you Asda prices, you may not be getting the bargains you think you are.

I'll hand it to Tesco, they have really turned things around over the last few years, it's a business model to applaud.

Cookies, if Tesco hadn't won that competition, I'd have pulled the plug off the TV, at least they had the cheek not to make the Tesco one beat Heinz.

4/10.

After the shocking crash, Lindo manages to get Mariam away, and deduces that there is a rat in the team.

Well, blow me sideways, this was exceptional, series two started well, and just got better and better with every passing episode, this was truly good.

They obviously decided to go big and bold, and they certainly succeeded, edge of the seat viewing, very tense and truly entertaining.

Lindo is constantly berating Bart over her promotion, every time he sees her, he's having a pop at her, to my mind, she doesn't say a word, is he a little jealous.

The scene where Mallick confronts Macmillan was a great moment, a scene that took the show to new heights, Dawn Steele once again, she really is a cut above.

Just when you think it's hit peak drama, it goes up another notch, pacing here was terrific.

I genuinely never thought I'd be saying this, but BBC please let's have Granite Harbour 3!

9/10.