Brilliant new Brit dramas on PBS
They’re back - London detectives Cassie (Nicola Walker) and Sunny (Sanjeev Bhaskar) return for the third season of Unforgotten with a brand new murder to investigate. A band new old murder, that is.
When the body of a long-lost teenager is dug up in the middle of the M1 by road workers, the gruesome discovery also unearths many deep-buried emotions and secrets from the past. The police investigation leads to four former school friends, played by
Neil Morrissey et al.
With its complex plot and detailed character developments, the latest installment of this ITV cold case series will keep you guessing “whodunit” till the very end.
Set a reminder, and don’t forget (bad pun, sorry!) to watch Unforgotten on PBS Masterpiece from Sunday April 7.
Mrs. Wilson, a powerful three-part drama starring Ruth Wilson, is inspired by the true story of her own grandmother.
This gripping BBC production switches between London in the 1940s and ‘60s to 1930s British India. These were the days of poised reserve, repressed emotions and social civility when family crisis was superficially quelled with a cup of tea (poured from dainty teapots into matching china cups and saucers, naturally). The whole show is stylish and polished with brilliant acting by Wilson as well as Keeley Hawes and Iain Glen. There’s tons of intrigue, shocks and surprises, and enough twists to keep you guessing about the secret life of the mysterious Major Wilson.
The personal connection here, with Ruth Wilson playing her real-life gran, makes this drama even more compelling and quite unique.
Don’t miss it.
Mrs. Wilson on PBS Masterpiece from March 31st.
Brace yourself, America - Bodyguard is now on Netflix
Forget Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston and a movie with an almost identical name. To describe Netflix’s latest UK import Bodyguard, I only need three words: intense, intense, intense.
Created by the brilliant Jed Mercurio (acclaimed writer of Line of Duty),
this riveting new BBC TV drama stars Keeley Hawes (also from Line of Duty) and Richard Madden, who hubby immediately recognised from Game of Thrones.
With a storyline centered on political intrigue, terror threats, divided loyalties and numerous explosive twists, this series was a record-breaking success back home; more than 17 million Brits watched the final episode in August, giving the BBC its highest drama viewing figures of all time.
A word of warning, however. Now that Bodyguard can be streamed instantly on Netflix, binge-watching episodes 1 and 2 consecutively left me emotionally drained. This is gripping, nail-biting stuff. I strongly suggest several deep breaths and a spot of meditation between each of the six parts.
In my personal opinion, the only flaw is the casting of Pippa Haywood as a police commander. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help having flashbacks of her playing the comic but long-suffering wife of Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire circa 1992 (but that’s just me - don’t take any notice). She’s actually a fine actress and I really should know better. In any case, the fast-paced,
action-packed plot leaves little time for such frivolous distraction.
If you enjoy tension, shocking surprises and edge-of-your-seat suspense, you’ll love Bodyguard. Admittedly, you may need a lie-down in a darkened room after watching, but it's well worth the stress.
Trust me.
Created by the brilliant Jed Mercurio (acclaimed writer of Line of Duty),
this riveting new BBC TV drama stars Keeley Hawes (also from Line of Duty) and Richard Madden, who hubby immediately recognised from Game of Thrones.
With a storyline centered on political intrigue, terror threats, divided loyalties and numerous explosive twists, this series was a record-breaking success back home; more than 17 million Brits watched the final episode in August, giving the BBC its highest drama viewing figures of all time.
A word of warning, however. Now that Bodyguard can be streamed instantly on Netflix, binge-watching episodes 1 and 2 consecutively left me emotionally drained. This is gripping, nail-biting stuff. I strongly suggest several deep breaths and a spot of meditation between each of the six parts.
In my personal opinion, the only flaw is the casting of Pippa Haywood as a police commander. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help having flashbacks of her playing the comic but long-suffering wife of Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire circa 1992 (but that’s just me - don’t take any notice). She’s actually a fine actress and I really should know better. In any case, the fast-paced,
action-packed plot leaves little time for such frivolous distraction.
If you enjoy tension, shocking surprises and edge-of-your-seat suspense, you’ll love Bodyguard. Admittedly, you may need a lie-down in a darkened room after watching, but it's well worth the stress.
Trust me.
More Brit flicks on Netflix
The Great Train Robbery
Hubby and I almost overlooked The Great Train Robbery, a BBC production from 2013 that’s been sitting on our Netflix list for quite some time. Having finally got round to streaming it last night, I have nothing but great things to say about this great British TV drama that’s almost as clever as the crime itself.
From the creator of Broadchurch, this miniseries features a distinguished cast and more than enough 1960s fashion, music and cars for a decent nostalgia trip. It also presents two different perspectives on the group dynamics and power struggles behind the real-life multi-million pound robbery in 1963, which stunned the nation and still remains Britain's most notorious crime.
The stellar cast of familiar faces includes Tim Pigott-Smith, James Fox, Martin Compston, Robert Glenister and Jim Broadbent (briefly reunited with Gwyneth Strong, who he also appeared with in
Only Fools and Horses).
It’s a drama divided into two parts: first, the tale of the criminal gang who pulled off the £2.6 million theft, followed by the story of the subsequent police investigation in part 2.
On a superficial level this could be mistaken for a classic cops and robbers saga, but it actually goes deeper than that.
Both installments are linked by a focus on the leaders:
daring criminal mastermind Bruce Reynolds
and chief detective Tommy Butler of the Metropolitan Police.
These fascinating character studies reveal a few stark contrasts but many more surprising similarities between two personalities on opposite sides of the law. We learn that it’s not easy to pull together and hold together an elite team to execute/solve the crime of the century. Life is lonely, stressful and tough at the top, regardless of whether you are in charge of the Met or the “train gang”.
Although the infamous robbery took place a few years before I was born, hearing about and seeing old familiar places such as Aylesbury and Mentmore on the telly brought back fond memories.
Even lovely Luton gets a look in, albeit only on a road map!
And here’s my “parental guidance” announcement: why Netflix rated this as “TV-Mature Audience” escapes me. There’s no sex, the brief violence is certainly not graphic, and the only profanities occasionally uttered are typically British “bleedin’, bollocks” and “wanker”. I’m not spilling any beans by revealing that villainous deeds are not glorified here and there’s a strong moral message that crime doesn’t pay. Netflix’s rating seems as excessively severe as the sentencing during the subsequent trial.
In terms of a refreshing recount of a legendary heist, The Great Train Robbery is highly recommended. As this two-parter sharply explores, there are two sides to every story. Oh, and the quality of acting and attention to period detail is outstanding.
It would almost be a crime to miss it.
From the creator of Broadchurch, this miniseries features a distinguished cast and more than enough 1960s fashion, music and cars for a decent nostalgia trip. It also presents two different perspectives on the group dynamics and power struggles behind the real-life multi-million pound robbery in 1963, which stunned the nation and still remains Britain's most notorious crime.
The stellar cast of familiar faces includes Tim Pigott-Smith, James Fox, Martin Compston, Robert Glenister and Jim Broadbent (briefly reunited with Gwyneth Strong, who he also appeared with in
Only Fools and Horses).
It’s a drama divided into two parts: first, the tale of the criminal gang who pulled off the £2.6 million theft, followed by the story of the subsequent police investigation in part 2.
On a superficial level this could be mistaken for a classic cops and robbers saga, but it actually goes deeper than that.
Both installments are linked by a focus on the leaders:
daring criminal mastermind Bruce Reynolds
and chief detective Tommy Butler of the Metropolitan Police.
These fascinating character studies reveal a few stark contrasts but many more surprising similarities between two personalities on opposite sides of the law. We learn that it’s not easy to pull together and hold together an elite team to execute/solve the crime of the century. Life is lonely, stressful and tough at the top, regardless of whether you are in charge of the Met or the “train gang”.
Although the infamous robbery took place a few years before I was born, hearing about and seeing old familiar places such as Aylesbury and Mentmore on the telly brought back fond memories.
Even lovely Luton gets a look in, albeit only on a road map!
And here’s my “parental guidance” announcement: why Netflix rated this as “TV-Mature Audience” escapes me. There’s no sex, the brief violence is certainly not graphic, and the only profanities occasionally uttered are typically British “bleedin’, bollocks” and “wanker”. I’m not spilling any beans by revealing that villainous deeds are not glorified here and there’s a strong moral message that crime doesn’t pay. Netflix’s rating seems as excessively severe as the sentencing during the subsequent trial.
In terms of a refreshing recount of a legendary heist, The Great Train Robbery is highly recommended. As this two-parter sharply explores, there are two sides to every story. Oh, and the quality of acting and attention to period detail is outstanding.
It would almost be a crime to miss it.
The Great Train Robbery is also available on DVD and streaming from
Amazon:
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Exciting news:
Poldark returned to PBS Masterpiece on September 30th
Poldark fans rejoice! The 18th century period drama starring gorgeous Aidan Turner as the dashing Captain Ross Poldark and Eleanor Tomlinson as lovely Demelza (or “Esmeralda”, as she’s known in our house!) has returned to American screens.
Hubby and I were lucky enough to watch all of season 4 (please don’t ask how - that’s top secret!) when it aired on BBC earlier this year.
No spoilers here, but I can reveal that the latest series involves:
Of course, there’s romance, intrigue, tension and tons of stunning Cornish scenery shots that Poldark fans have come to love. Oh, and brace yourself for a shocking season ending (I will say no more!).
If you missed the start of Season 4, (or if, like us, you are cord-cutters who’ve said cheerio to cable TV) you can order it on DVD, stream the episodes you missed or even the whole story from the very beginning using my Amazon affiliate links:
Hubby and I were lucky enough to watch all of season 4 (please don’t ask how - that’s top secret!) when it aired on BBC earlier this year.
No spoilers here, but I can reveal that the latest series involves:
- a new career move for Ross
- difficult dilemmas for Demelza
- big changes for Dr. and Mrs. Enys
- George as haughty and scheming as ever
- Elizabeth, moody and pouting as always
- little Geoffrey Charles all grown-up and played by the son of actor Peter Davison/brother-in-law of David Tennant (two Doctor Who connections there).
Of course, there’s romance, intrigue, tension and tons of stunning Cornish scenery shots that Poldark fans have come to love. Oh, and brace yourself for a shocking season ending (I will say no more!).
If you missed the start of Season 4, (or if, like us, you are cord-cutters who’ve said cheerio to cable TV) you can order it on DVD, stream the episodes you missed or even the whole story from the very beginning using my Amazon affiliate links:
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Comedy Clips
A few of my favorite funny folk from the UK.
I hope these clips will make you smile.
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For everyone who has kids, and everyone who doesn’t. So basically, everyone then! |
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Looking for a way to stop scams forever? Joe Lycett has the answer! Most of his material is based around sending emails and texts, and I just love his delivery (excuse the pun!).
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Not sure I can relate to much of the Girls’ Night In (except maybe the 8 bottles of Cava!), but the Boys’ Night Out is so hubby and me that it’s actually spooky! |
These are oldies, so apologies for the poor picture quality.
But Gina Yashere’s character "Tanya" on The Lenny Henry Show regularly had me in fits during the '90s, and these clips still make me laugh out loud today.
But Gina Yashere’s character "Tanya" on The Lenny Henry Show regularly had me in fits during the '90s, and these clips still make me laugh out loud today.
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And just for balance ...
my favorite American in London
my favorite American in London
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If you enjoyed these clips, you can find more laughs through my Amazon associates:
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.