TV Times

I know personally I’ve had more time than ever over the last year to watch the ‘idiot box’ (make of that what you will 😊).
Also over the last 15 years there has been a big shift from purely films to binge worthy and top rate tv series. This is for a number of reasons not least the emergence of multiple platforms like Netflix, Disney, on demand etc..

I thought it a good idea to start a thread in which we can discuss all things TV such as the classics, rate our favourites and our last watch.

Myself and the better half and have just finished Bosch.

Harry Bosch is an irreverent homicide detective in Los Angeles. Like any good protagonist he has problems with authority, follows his gut and bends a few rules while achieving the best solved case rate in all of California.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. 8/10

Sherlock Holmes for me. I prefer Jeremy Brett and Basil Rathbone in the role, other do a reasonable job but fall short of these two.

Favourite Holmes Joke:-

Camping on a hill top Holmes wakes Watson

What do you see Watson
Stars Holmes, Millions of them
What do you deduct Watson
Well Holmes it's our galaxy full of lights, pretty lights but years away

What do you deduct Holmes
Somebody pinched the bloody tent  

Does Bosch drill down into the procedural detail?

I like New Tricks. More to it than meets the eye. Seen most of it twice now thanks to all the Drama type channels on Freeview. I’m a tight git and don’t subscribe to anything.

Nordic Noir stuff. Becoming a bit formulaic but still enjoyable. And the style is seeping into British crime drama - dark interior shots, grey decor, discordant bass strings, lingering shots of flat land and sky. At times the Swedish ones are a bit like listening to Taggart. “Ring der Polis. A mon is deid. Der het bin en morder.” The language is interchangeable with Scots 😆.

It’s well done but I think the BBC version of Wallender was a waste of money as there was a perfectly good one they could have bought off the shelf. Why go all the way there to film the same stories?

Loads of old stuff on. For comedy Hardware is a laugh.

Partial to Combat Dealers too. Bruce Crompton is worth the admission fee on his own, and there’s usually some interesting old bits and pieces on it.

Monday night is quiz night. Mastermind, Only Connect and University Challenge. Keep the little grey cells working.

I really need to get out more!

I love Only Connect. I'm rubbish at it but Vicky Coren-Mitchell is worth making myself feel stupid for.

Used to like watching Poker way back when Vicky was either on it or commentating.

At present I am watching WandaVision on Disney Plus and Superstore on Netflix. Don't get the chance to watch too much as the wife and daughter tend to hog the telly.

Quoted from BlackandWhiteBarmy2

I love Only Connect. I'm rubbish at it but Vicky Coren-Mitchell is worth making myself feel stupid for.

Used to like watching Poker way back when Vicky was either on it or commentating.

At present I am watching WandaVision on Disney Plus and Superstore on Netflix. Don't get the chance to watch too much as the wife and daughter tend to hog the telly.

Didn’t realise poker was a spectator sport. Wouldn’t have minded looking over VCM’s shoulder. The missus can’t stand her. I think for the same reason the Wolds don’t like the Peak District.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Didn’t realise poker was a spectator sport. Wouldn’t have minded looking over VCM’s shoulder. The missus can’t stand her. I think for the same reason the Wolds don’t like the Peak District.

Ha! I nearly spat my brew out reading that and I’m not one to waste a good cuppa.
Only connect is addictive and we often watch it. It’s better than most of the prime time game shows.
I have to say that I like house of games too.

Coming back to Wallander, We really enjoyed it. Thought Branagh was great as per. Watched the young Wallander and although watchable we weren’t impressed. No real connection at all so needs to be judged as a stand alone ,but in that case call it something else.

I enjoy the original Laura Norder.

The spin offs were good for a while but Laura Norder: Criminal Intent and Laura Norder: SUV became formulaic. Vincent D'Onofrio's psychotic personality became as distracting as the boobs Margita Hagertay inherited  from her mother.

So I quite enjoy some of the early series with Michael Moriaty and Jill Hennessey.

The early CSI series were good too.

Most of these latest Scandi and UK crime series have too much back story about the detectives, I just wish the writers would concentrate on the solving of dastardly crimes and let their detectives' personal lives only intrude very incidentally. Agatha Christie was good at this.

Classic TV theme took me back decades, Wooden Tops, Bill and Ben etc. Then I thought of Town and not much changed over the last few years!

Quoted from Sandford1981

Ha! I nearly spat my brew out reading that and I’m not one to waste a good cuppa.
Only connect is addictive and we often watch it. It’s better than most of the prime time game shows.
I have to say that I like house of games too.

Coming back to Wallander, We really enjoyed it. Thought Branagh was great as per. Watched the young Wallander and although watchable we weren’t impressed. No real connection at all so needs to be judged as a stand alone ,but in that case call it something else.

Don’t get me wrong, the Branagh version was good. I just don’t see the point of the Beeb spending all that money when there was a perfectly good one already to repeat.

I like Unforgiven on ITV with Nicola Walker.

on first lockdown came across live individual and team jigsaw world championships.  Riveting.  I was in pieces after 10 mins.

I watched a doc about shipbuilding around 1900 and how they got all those iron panels to stay together. It was riveting.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I watched a doc about shipbuilding around 1900 and how they got all those iron panels to stay together. It was riveting.

😂

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

I like Unforgiven on ITV with Nicola Walker.

on first lockdown came across live individual and team jigsaw world championships.  Riveting.  I was in pieces after 10 mins.

Nicola Walker comes top of my Angst Table, second is Anna Friel followed closely by Suranne Jones, Sarah Lancashire and the vastly overrated Helen Mirren.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

I like Unforgiven on ITV with Nicola Walker.

on first lockdown came across live individual and team jigsaw world championships.  Riveting.  I was in pieces after 10 mins.

You mean Unforgotten😀
I’ve just caught on to this and watched all three series back to back, series 4 out next month so looking forward to that.

Quoted from Humbercod

You mean Unforgotten😀
I’ve just caught on to this and watched all three series back to back, series 4 out next month so looking forward to that.

Yeah I’m with you on that. We’ve really enjoyed unforgotten.

Your Hono(u)r.

Latest vehicle for Bryan Cranston about a judge who's son runs down and kills the son of the local Mafia boss, and his attempts to cover up the crime using his inside knowledge of the law.

It was ok, but not as good as I was hoping. Some of the plotlines were a bit stretched I thought.

6/10

The Great.

A very irreverent telling of the Catherine the Great marriage to Emperor Peter of Russia. It portrays Peter as a thick as p1gshit oik with way too much wealth and power. It's very funny in parts and is a different slant on the costume drama, most of which I can take or leave. I enjoyed it, but t'other half got bored with it after a few episodes.

8/10

Quoted from ginnywings

Your Hono(u)r.

Latest vehicle for Bryan Cranston about a judge who's son runs down and kills the son of the local Mafia boss, and his attempts to cover up the crime using his inside knowledge of the law.

It was ok, but not as good as I was hoping. Some of the plotlines were a bit stretched I thought.

6/10

I had really big expectations for this and I too was disappointed. Could have been brilliant and only the presence of Cranston saved it for me really. Far too many plot holes to ignore and some really silly decisions from people that should know better. I can suspend my belief but this was a step too far.

Gave It's a Sin on all4 a go last night and watched the first 3 episodes in one sitting. It's set around the beginnings of the AIDS crisis in the UK at the start of the 80s and follows a bunch of friends effected by it. Obviously it's pretty heavy and tragic but one of them powerful and engaging modern-period dramas that Channel 4 can do so well. I'll maybe finish it in the next day or two which must mean it's good as I rarely binge stuff and usually just watch 1 episode at a time.

I don’t have Sky but I do watch Sky Arts. There are some cracking documentary series on there, particularly Discovering ..........  which is on every early evening.

The film directors ones are really good. They go from De Mille to John Ford to Hitchcock to Sam Mendes to Tarantino and all points in between.

The Hollywood Actors series picks out stars from Chaplin right through to people like Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams.

Quoted from ginnywings

The Great.

A very irreverent telling of the Catherine the Great marriage to Emperor Peter of Russia. It portrays Peter as a thick as p1gshit oik with way too much wealth and power. It's very funny in parts and is a different slant on the costume drama, most of which I can take or leave. I enjoyed it, but t'other half got bored with it after a few episodes.

8/10

It’s great entertainment. I love it. Best to take note of the blurb at the beginning “occasionally true”.

From what I’ve read previously, brief history, Peter III was grandson, not son, of Peter the Great. He was an aristocrat from Kiel in north Germany and taken to the Russian court by his aunt (Empress Elizabeth) after his parents died. He got married to the woman who became the Empress Catherine (also a German aristo and his second cousin). He was nominated by Elizabeth as her heir so when she died in 1762 he became Emperor (or Tsar).

Russia had been at war with Prussia (not Sweden*) for years (the Seven Years War) and Peter was a major fanboy of soldier king Frederick of Prussia (also called ‘the Great’). Peter declared a ceasefire and gave back all the Prussian territories that the Russians had occupied (for nothing, except I think for some British ‘subsidies’ - we’d been involved because of our rivalry with France and they were allied with Austria and Russia). Frederick gave Peter the Order of the Black Eagle and made him a Major General in the Prussian army which chuffed Pete to bits. Think he said he would rather be a sergeant-Major in the Prussian army than Tsar of All the Russias. He agreed to ally Russia to Prussia in the on going war between Prussia and Austria. So clearly he was batshit. This saved Fred’s neck (they were on the verge of defeat when Elizabeth died) but outraged some of the Russian court and army, so they backed his wife in the overthrow of Peter.

She did a much better job as ruler than anyone ever expected.

* though they did have several wars against the Swedes in the 18th century, they were actually allies against Prussia at the time Pete became Tsar.

Bounce.

One for the oldies. BBC4 repeated Mark Lawton’s interview with Galton and Simpson. Superb programme. Fascinating subject obviously. Lawson think interviews people very well, displays his knowledge but he doesn’t let it get in the way, in fact it helps move things along. Simple format. 👍👍👍

Just finished re-watching the original Office.
An absolute gift. I forgot how funny It was.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Bounce.

One for the oldies. BBC4 repeated Mark Lawton’s interview with Galton and Simpson. Superb programme. Fascinating subject obviously. Lawson think interviews people very well, displays his knowledge but he doesn’t let it get in the way, in fact it helps move things along. Simple format. 👍👍👍

I watched some of that, but unfortunately I fell asleep half way through. Getting old.

I'm a fan of Lawson too.

Pennyworth.

Into the second season of this and it involves the story of an ex SAS man, who along with a couple of mates, after the war, goes into the security business and becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the monarchy by a secret society.

He also comes into contact with a CIA agent, who in the future turns out to be the father of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Pennyworth is the man who eventually becomes Batman's butler. None of this is mentioned in the series, but I read it in one of the blurbs for the show. It sounds like it ought to be dreadful, but it's not.

It's quite dark in places and also quite funny too, sort of a black comedy in parts. It's also quite explicit, which I like and the post war period is portrayed well.

The Young Offenders 7/10

Coming-of-age drama about lovable rogues Conor and Jock as they navigate their awkward teenage years, hatching plans and adventures to help distract from their tough home lives and their inability to stay out of trouble at school.

Me and the better half have just finished watching this series. I enjoyed the film when it came out and this is just a continuation of it. Daft but disengage the brain and it’s easy watching and amusing.

Quoted from ginnywings

Pennyworth.

Into the second season of this and it involves the story of an ex SAS man, who along with a couple of mates, after the war, goes into the security business and becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the monarchy by a secret society.

He also comes into contact with a CIA agent, who in the future turns out to be the father of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Pennyworth is the man who eventually becomes Batman's butler. None of this is mentioned in the series, but I read it in one of the blurbs for the show. It sounds like it ought to be dreadful, but it's not.

It's quite dark in places and also quite funny too, sort of a black comedy in parts. It's also quite explicit, which I like and the post war period is portrayed well.

Brilliant Ginny. Had this on my watchlist for some time and havent got round to it. Good rating on IMDB (my bible) but was waiting for someone to recommend it and convince me. Job done.

I finally got round to finishing the last series of Homeland last week (the joy of insomnia). It’s one of my favourite ever series.

Quoted from Sandford1981

I finally got round to finishing the last series of Homeland last week (the joy of insomnia). It’s one of my favourite ever series.

Yeah, I really enjoyed it too but I thought it went on just a little too long and became a bit patchy towards the end.

Don't know if you have watched the Americans, which is espionage based and to my mind a lot better than Homeland. If not, it's highly recommended.

Quoted from ginnywings

Yeah, I really enjoyed it too but I thought it went on just a little too long and became a bit patchy towards the end.

Don't know if you have watched the Americans, which is espionage based and to my mind a lot better than Homeland. If not, it's highly recommended.

If I was being critical I think there’s some yardage in what you are saying. A lot of programmes make the mistake of going a series or two too long. With some tele nowadays one or two series are too many. I can’t lie though it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of it in the slightest.

I haven’t seen the Americans but I am aware of it and it’s on my ever expanding watchlist.

I do get through a shed load of tv series and films. More than I care to add on here for fear on boring on. Lockdown and not always being the greatest sleeper has and does aid the volume I get through. I think there’s a tendency to look down on it, but I’m big in to good tv series and films.

Bloodlands 5/10

Northern Irish police officer DCI Tom Brannick connects a kidnapping with an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance.

Had promise but failed to deliver and avoid the normal tropes.

Latest series of Unforgotten
8/10

Thoroughly enjoyed this and possibly my favourite one yet.

Derek 9/10

Derek is a loyal nursing home care assistant who sees only the good in his quirky co-workers as they struggle against prejudice and shrinking budgets to care for their elderly residents.

Despite being a big fan of Ricky Gervais’, I’d resisted people’s recommendations on the misguided assumption of what this programme was and the misconception I wouldn’t like it. I gave in, as part of an agreement with a mate who hadn’t seen ‘extras’.

So glad I did, it was surprising and had me crying tears of laughter and sentiment too. Shares a lot in common with ‘after life’. Brilliant!.

American Gods.

Just finished series 3 of this. It's a bit weird and is very graphic in a comic way. The story of the battle between the old traditional gods and the new gods of the media and telecommunication, for the hearts and minds of the populace.

The excellent Ian Mcshane plays Mr Wednesday, who is really the God Odin the All Father, who rallies around to unite the old gods to fight against what they see as a threat to their existence as nobody believes in them any more.

I really enjoyed this but a mate of mine hated it, so definitely an acquired taste.

8/10

Quoted from ginnywings

American Gods.

Just finished series 3 of this. It's a bit weird and is very graphic in a comic way. The story of the battle between the old traditional gods and the new gods of the media and telecommunication, for the hearts and minds of the populace.

The excellent Ian Mcshane plays Mr Wednesday, who is really the God Odin the All Father, who rallies around to unite the old gods to fight against what they see as a threat to their existence as nobody believes in them any more.

I really enjoyed this but a mate of mine hated it, so definitely an acquired taste.

8/10

So basically Lovejoy is Grim. Grim being one of Odin’s personas. 😁

Cardinal 8/10

Set in Canada with a Scandinavian noir to it.
Just finished the last episode. Really good. Shame there will not be more.

Quoted from Sandford1981

Bloodlands 5/10

Northern Irish police officer DCI Tom Brannick connects a kidnapping with an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance.

Had promise but failed to deliver and avoid the normal tropes.

I’m definitely with you on this one too. Not a fan of James Nesbitt at the best of times. It was ok up until the end of episode 2 (I’ll avoid spoilers) then it just became silly.

Waste of a good cast. Chris Walley (Young Offenders) stole the show and Michael Smiley (Luther, Kill List) always provides plenty of dark humour. Quite a few of the ‘Derry Girls’ actors were in it too.

Nesbitt’s a scum fan too and not ashamed to shout it from the Mournes.

Quoted from Sandford1981

Cardinal 8/10

Set in Canada with a Scandinavian noir to it.
Just finished the last episode. Really good. Shame there will not be more.

I forgot about Cardinal.

Watched the first series, maybe the second too, can't remember.

I too thought it was really good. Will check out the ones I missed. Maybe watch again from scratch.

Watergate on BBC4 is a documentary series about the demise of Nixon told through the mouths of those who took part. It was made by the Beeb in 2004 I believe, thirty years after the event. So it has input from people who have since died. I must have missed this first time round as I remember Watergate well and Deep Throat of course but this is good, informative and I'd recommend it to anyone who wasn't around at the time and wants to know what US Presidential politics is all about.

If you've got Sky: The Flight Attendant.

Veers from comedy to dark drama. Great cast. I watched the first one thinking 'I'll give it a go..' but really enjoyed it.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

If you've got Sky: The Flight Attendant.

Veers from comedy to dark drama. Great cast. I watched the first one thinking 'I'll give it a go..' but really enjoyed it.

Yeah, I enjoyed it too.

Quoted from ginnywings

Pennyworth.

Into the second season of this and it involves the story of an ex SAS man, who along with a couple of mates, after the war, goes into the security business and becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the monarchy by a secret society.

He also comes into contact with a CIA agent, who in the future turns out to be the father of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Pennyworth is the man who eventually becomes Batman's butler. None of this is mentioned in the series, but I read it in one of the blurbs for the show. It sounds like it ought to be dreadful, but it's not.

It's quite dark in places and also quite funny too, sort of a black comedy in parts. It's also quite explicit, which I like and the post war period is portrayed well.

I’ve watched the first 2 episodes and I’m not yet decided.
I really like the Bet Sykes character but the lead actor and his accent is grating a little bit. Also he’s about as threatening as a sleepy kitten and we’re meant to believe he is ex special air service. Hopefully these are teething issues and I’ll be won round.

Quoted from Sandford1981

I’ve watched the first 2 episodes and I’m not yet decided.
I really like the Bet Sykes character but the lead actor and his accent is grating a little bit. Also he’s about as threatening as a sleepy kitten and we’re meant to believe he is ex special air service. Hopefully these are teething issues and I’ll be won round.

2 more in. Scratch the above. I was wrong 😂

Glad you're enjoying it. Bet Sykes and her sister are my favourite characters.

Great acting by Paloma Faith and a convincing Northern accent given that she's a Southerner. She took inspiration from Vera Duckworth apparently.

Quoted from ginnywings

Glad you're enjoying it. Bet Sykes and her sister are my favourite characters.

Great acting by Paloma Faith and a convincing Northern accent given that she's a Southerner. She took inspiration from Vera Duckworth apparently.

Ha! That’s even better, though I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch it without hearing Vera now!
Dave Boy is very amusing too.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

If you've got Sky: The Flight Attendant.

Veers from comedy to dark drama. Great cast. I watched the first one thinking 'I'll give it a go..' but really enjoyed it.

My better half have and I watched this over the last week or so. I had low expectations but I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did Mrs Sandford.

Pennyworth 8/10

Just finished the second series. I really enjoyed it. A strange mix of graphic novel, dark humour and violence that perhaps shouldn’t work but does. Bet and Peggy Sykes are brilliant.

Gods Of Snooker

Whilst it's not up to the levels of that Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance, I thought this was a cracking sports documentary series. Set across the lifetime of Alex Higgins it goes deep on the rock n roll, tragedy and unlikely massive popularity that Snooker and it's many personalities had in the 80's. Snooker generally bores me and I don't think I've ever watched more than 5 minutes of it on the TV but having grown up through the 80's I was well aware of it as it crossed over into mainstream culture with the Chas N Dave song, spitting image puppets and tabloid headlines. Thoroughly enjoyed this and thought it was a great document of the time. The first episode was last Sunday on BBC2 but all 3 episodes are already on the Iplayer.

Yellowstone 9/10

Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, under constant attack by those it borders - land developers, an Indian reservation, and America's first National Park. It is an intense study of a violent world far from media scrutiny - where land grabs make developers billions, and politicians are bought and sold by the world's largest oil and lumber corporations. Where drinking water poisoned by fracking wells and unsolved murders are not news: they are a consequence of living in the new frontier. It is the best and worst of America seen through the eyes of a family that represents both.

Watched 2 seasons. About to start the 3rd. Brilliant show in my humble opinion. Looks stunning too.

The last Ride
10/10

This Limited Series Event gives the WWE Universe a rare inside look at Mark Calaway, the man behind The Undertaker, as he prepares for what could be the end of his legendary career.

Wrestling and particularly the Undertaker was a massive part of my childhood. An absolute legend and my favourite of all time. I think I’ve said previously the story behind the  wrestlers is more interesting than what goes on inside the ring. So this is a perfect combination for me. Enjoyed every minute.

Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet.

Highly recommended series from HBO about a small town detective looking for the killer of a young mum.

Great cast, storyline and dialogue, with a few twists along the way.

9/10

Quoted from ginnywings

Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet.

Highly recommended series from HBO about a small town detective looking for the killer of a young mum.

Great cast, storyline and dialogue, with a few twists along the way.

9/10

I absolutely agree with this. We really enjoyed it too.  

Turn
Washington’s Spies
8/10

A Long Island farmer bands together a group of childhood friends to form an unlikely group of spies who turn the tide in America's fight for independence.

Not quite sure how this has flown under my radar but it did and has. Just at the end of season 2 but I have really enjoyed it.

Quoted from ginnywings

Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet.

Highly recommended series from HBO about a small town detective looking for the killer of a young mum.

Great cast, storyline and dialogue, with a few twists along the way.

9/10

Thanks for the recommendation Ginny, loved it.

Breeders
7.5/10

Breeders explores the paradox that every parent knows but never admits: you would willingly die for your children, but quite often you also want to kill them.

Easy watching with some good performances from Martin freeman and Daisy Haggard.

Turn
Washington’s Spies
9/10

A Long Island farmer bands together a group of childhood friends to form an unlikely group of spies who turn the tide in America's fight for independence.

I have finished this series now and I have increased my rating. I’ve been really impressed by the series and there are many great performances and characters. I highly recommend Turn to anyone who enjoys a good drama.

9/11: Inside the President’s War room
9/10

9/11 from the President's perspective, with exclusive access to information from the one's that had to take decisions during the World Trade Centre’s attack.

Surviving 9/11
9/10

A film about 9/11, moving between personal accounts of the day and the 20 years since.

Incredible accounts. Heartbreaking, inspiring and very moving.

Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror.
9/10

A cohesive chronicle of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., offering illuminating perspectives and personal stories of how the catastrophic events of that day changed the course of the nation. From the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 to the country's breathtaking collapse back into the hands of the Taliban just weeks before the twentieth anniversary of the attacks, history continues to be made.

Great mini series 👍🏻

Back to Life
8/10

After 18 years behind bars, Miri Matteson returns home and stumbles back into adult life in the claustrophobic coastal town she once knew in this half-hour comedy series.

Me and Mrs Sandford have really enjoyed this comedy with its off beat and situational humour. Brilliant cast and really well written.

Quoted from Sandford1981

Back to Life
8/10

After 18 years behind bars, Miri Matteson returns home and stumbles back into adult life in the claustrophobic coastal town she once knew in this half-hour comedy series.

Me and Mrs Sandford have really enjoyed this comedy with its off beat and situational humour. Brilliant cast and really well written.

I watched the first series and enjoyed it too. Yet to dip into the second series.

Quoted from Sandford1981

9/11: Inside the President’s War room
9/10

9/11 from the President's perspective, with exclusive access to information from the one's that had to take decisions during the World Trade Centre’s attack.

Watched this when it was on. It showed how much of a psychopath Dubya was/is - rather than immediately mourn the dead he was thinking about retaliation within seconds of hearing about it. Didn’t do much for quashing conspiracy theories that it was an inside job. The insight from others was very interesting though.

It’s the first time in a lot of years that I’ve watched the footage of that day back and you really don’t appreciate how mad a day it was.

Anyway: I came here to say Vigil has tailed off very badly.

Quoted from LH

Watched this when it was on. It showed how much of a psychopath Dubya was/is - rather than immediately mourn the dead he was thinking about retaliation within seconds of hearing about it. Didn’t do much for quashing conspiracy theories that it was an inside job. The insight from others was very interesting though.

It’s the first time in a lot of years that I’ve watched the footage of that day back and you really don’t appreciate how mad a day it was.

Anyway: I came here to say Vigil has tailed off very badly.

I’m persevering with Vigil for Mrs Sandford but I think it’s really poor. There’s suspending your belief and then there’s totally obliterating it (with a nuclear warhead from A Sub perhaps) Shame really as It’s a waste of a very good cast.

Vigil
5/10

Poor. Really cliched. Cringeworthy in places. Shame.

5 is generous. Loved the comedy Royal Marines uniforms in tonight’s episode: berets they could have landed that *RAF* Sea King on.

Quoted from LH

5 is generous. Loved the comedy Royal Marines uniforms in tonight’s episode: berets they could have landed that *RAF* Sea King on.

😂👍🏻

You are right regarding my generosity-I think it’s for the cast who did their best with what rubbish they were working with.

Anyone else loving the current series of Gone Fishing? The show just goes from strength to strength and is absolutely perfect viewing to ease the Sunday night dread. So relaxing, funny and at times poignant, it sort of reminds me of the sitcom Detectorists.

The Last Mountain (BBC - iPlayer)

8/10

Moving and at times, slightly weird in a fatalistic way, documentary on the children and husband of Alison Hargreaves, who was the first woman to scale Mount Everest alone, without bottled oxygen.

In August 1995, just months after setting the record, she was killed as she returned from the top of K2, the world’s second highest mountain, at the age of 33.

Great cameo from 'Big Ibrahim', a retired Pakistani sherpa.

Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac ( 2021)
6/10

Last Man Standing takes at look at Death Row Records and how L.A.'s street gang culture had come to dominate its business workings, as well as an association with corrupt L.A. Police Officers who were also gang affiliated. It would be this world of gang rivalry and dirty cops that would later claim the lives of the world's two greatest rappers: Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.[tr]

It’s well made as such and watchable but really adds nothing significantly new to existing documentaries or programmes. It’s a shame because I like Nick Broomfield a lot and wanted to like it more than I did.

How on earth do you get time to come on The Fishy Sandford? You must be glued to the box 24/7.  

Quoted from Les Brechin

How on earth do you get time to come on The Fishy Sandford? You must be glued to the box 24/7.  

Insomnia helps

McCartney 321.

Paul McCartney in the studio with Rick Rubin discussing the songs of the Beatles in 6 half hour programmes.

They use a mixing desk to dissect the music, picking out the different elements that went into some of their greatest songs.

Being a big fan of the Beatles, I really loved this show and it gave a fascinating insight into the dynamic of the band.

Will be watching this again for sure.

Maid
8.5/10

After fleeing an abusive relationship, a young mother finds a job cleaning houses as she fights to provide for her child and build them a better future.

I went in to this with zero expectations and more so for Mrs Sandford and brownie points in truth but , I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed every episode.

Quoted from ginnywings

McCartney 321.

Paul McCartney in the studio with Rick Rubin discussing the songs of the Beatles in 6 half hour programmes.

They use a mixing desk to dissect the music, picking out the different elements that went into some of their greatest songs.

Being a big fan of the Beatles, I really loved this show and it gave a fascinating insight into the dynamic of the band.

Will be watching this again for sure.

What platform is this on mate? I want to watch. Massive Beatles fan too.

Quoted from chaos33

What platform is this on mate? I want to watch. Massive Beatles fan too.

It was originally made and released by Hulu, which isn't available in the UK (unless you have a VPN  ) but is now available on Disney+ in the UK, for which you need a subscription. They also have the Peter Jackson documentary The Beatles: Get Back, which I haven't seen yet but is supposed to be very good.

Ok. Thank you my friend. Hope you’re well.

Yeah, fine thanks.

Don’t get to watch many programmes these days that aren’t kids tv (although I do find the Cartoon bluey quite watchable!)

I’ve recently started watching top gear again and although it will never be as good as when clarkson, may & Hammond did it, I think the line up of Harris, flintoff and mcguinness are the best since (not that difficult considering some of the presenters!).

Have found a lot of drama series tedious recently and have found a lot of good ones that have flown under the radar (for us) appeared on STV. Currently watching Bancroft which has started ok’ish. Innocent, too close, hollington drive, manhunt, des, we’ve really enjoyed

Anne
9/10

Devastated by the loss of her fifteen year old son, Kevin, at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, Anne Williams fights for the truth about the tragedy. Standing along side other parents who lost children in the match and refusing to believe the official investigation results, Anne seeks her own evidence in a relentless quest for justice.

I thought this was done with dignity and sensitivity but it was well acted and directed. What has happened to the families is nothing short of despicable and Will forever be an indelible stain on this country, it’s politicians and police.  

After Life (Series 3)
10/10

Follows Tony, whose life is turned upside down after his wife dies from breast cancer. He contemplates suicide, but instead decides to live long enough to punish the world for his wife's death by saying and doing whatever he wants. Although he thinks of this as his "superpower", his plan is undermined when everyone around him tries to make him a better person.

I absolutely love this show. Brilliant!

The Responder
8.5/10

A crisis-stricken, morally compromised first-responder tackles a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool, while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.

I was really impressed with Martin Freeman which is no shock but his accent was brilliant. At times pretty dark and bleak but punctuated with some humour too. I look forward to series 2.

Ozark season 4.

7.5/10

Money laundering, drug cartels, the mob, FBI etc, so you get the drift, but it is set in the deep south for a change. It has improved with each season. Some really good acting, especially from Julia Garner, who plays Ruth.

The 5th and final season is to come later in the year.

Quoted from ginnywings

Ozark season 4.

7.5/10

Money laundering, drug cartels, the mob, FBI etc, so you get the drift, but it is set in the deep south for a change. It has improved with each season. Some really good acting, especially from Julia Garner, who plays Ruth.

The 5th and final season is to come later in the year.

We haven’t started season 4 yet but This is a brilliant series and Laura Linney and Jason Bateman make a great team. I really think the actress who plays Ruth is brilliant in it too though and often steals the show but I can’t remember her name.
Alas there is no season 5 though! Series 4 is split into part 1 and 2 and will be the last in the show.

The Servant, series 3 has started. Excellent writing and very well made…

I’m still not entirely sure what on earth is actually happening but it’s worth a watch.

I tried Ozark but I just couldn’t get in to it.

Afterlife 3…I could cry thinking about the final episode…again, expertly written and real life.

Quoted from aldi_01

The Servant, series 3 has started. Excellent writing and very well made…

I’m still not entirely sure what on earth is actually happening but it’s worth a watch.

I tried Ozark but I just couldn’t get in to it.

Afterlife 3…I could cry thinking about the final episode…again, expertly written and real life.

Took me a while to get into Ozark, but I stuck with it and as I say, it's got better.

Afterlife was very good, I agree.

Quoted from ginnywings

Ozark season 4.

7.5/10

Money laundering, drug cartels, the mob, FBI etc, so you get the drift, but it is set in the deep south for a change. It has improved with each season. Some really good acting, especially from Julia Garner, who plays Ruth.

The 5th and final season is to come later in the year.

Can I jump into season 4, or do I need to watch 1-3?

Quoted from smokey111

Can I jump into season 4, or do I need to watch 1-3?

You 100% need to watch from the start in my opinion mate, otherwise you’re missing some really good tv and it won’t give you the same satisfaction or ‘buy in’ with the characters.

Quoted from ginnywings

Ozark season 4.

7.5/10

Money laundering, drug cartels, the mob, FBI etc, so you get the drift, but it is set in the deep south for a change. It has improved with each season. Some really good acting, especially from Julia Garner, who plays Ruth.

The 5th and final season is to come later in the year.

I couldn’t have been awake when I replied this morning - apologies Ginny. I didn’t even register this bit.
Glad it isn’t just me. I was drawn to her in the same way as Bet Sykes in Pennyworth which you put me on to, way back.

Quoted from Sandford1981

You 100% need to watch from the start in my opinion mate, otherwise you’re missing some really good tv and it won’t give you the same satisfaction or ‘buy in’ with the characters.

Will give it a go from the start.

Quoted from smokey111

Will give it a go from the start.

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed but let us know how you get on with it.

Quoted from Sandford1981

I couldn’t have been awake when I replied this morning - apologies Ginny. I didn’t even register this bit.
Glad it isn’t just me. I was drawn to her in the same way as Bet Sykes in Pennyworth which you put me on to, way back.

No worries mate. I'm not a morning person myself.

Smokey- I would watch from the start but it took me a few episodes to get into it, so may be worth persevering with. If it's not grabbing you by the end of season 1, probably abandon it.