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johnbirch-1
Reviews
The Worst Journey in the World (2007)
Absolutely brilliant - a spell-binding hour
We know the story and the outcome from the very start. The production probably cost less than the "original" Doctor Who programmes that Marl Gatiss is such a fan of. It features no famous names, Gatiss himself aside maybe, and an overall cast of about eight people. But it is one of the most unmissable and memorable single dramas of 2007.
Why? Obviously the basic subject matter itself is fascinating and a classic, but that is never enough to guarantee success. However, Gatiss is - frankly - a genius word-smith and faultless character actor in an increasing number of roles. And in this production he is at his best.
Its all here - the daring-do, the British pluck - but also the questioning of why, and the open admission that it was all largely pointless. A flawed hero, driven almost mad by his heroism is captured with precision.
It also has a curious old-fashioned feel to it as well, which is no bad thing. There is so much said in small words, gestures and silences.
Cherry-Garland, who Gatiss plays himself, was famous in his time but as maybe been forgotten in recent years. Its good to welcome him back from obscurity.
Lads Army (2002)
Going downhill with each new series
What began in series one as a recreation of 1950s National Service by series 4 has degenerated into a mildly sadistic sham with any real "recreation" thrown away in favour of more beasting and the random full frontal (male) nudity.
Which is a shame, because the initial series WERE good, and interesting, and asked questions about how relevant or effective National Service might be.
However - even with the first series - the major, overwhelming, problem is that these questions are never properly asked or discussed. The "soldiers" end their course and... we never hear of them again. No follow up (except for at the end of series three where the follow up was barely weeks, so not worth it).
Did the experience have any long-term effect? Did those who join the "real" army stay the course? Where are they now? Could such an experience provide any solution to problems of youth behaviour? Without this it really is a pointless show, and clearly by series 4 ("Extreme") ITV know it. So we now have the "recruits" following a course that bares no resemblance at all to any real 1950s course all with the "prize" of the "winner" going on a parachute jump.
Less "Who dares wins" than "Who cares who wins"! Series 1 deserved 8 stars - but deduct a star for each successive outing!
Mind Games (2003)
Low budget, old fashioned, but no worse for that
This is clearly a show that does not put a significant strain on the licence payer, but is still a pretty enjoyable - even cerebral - 30 minutes of so. If you are into logic problems and those old mathematics puzzles that begin "a train leaves Edinburgh travelling at 50mph..." then this really is for you.
No props (beyond the occasional distinctly homemade ones that the contestants supposedly provide - actually more likely the work of the contestants children), a set that would have looked inexpensive on a 1960s panel game, no prizes whatsoever, and some fiendishly quirky questions. I love it! There is a relaxed bonhomie between the contestants - none of whom are really contesting - and a score is kept, not that anyone cares overmuch. Its the questions that are king, and some (such as the poser set at the end of each show) can keep you happily musing for some time afterwards.
And finally - of course - there is the sheer joy which comes from occasionally working out the answer long before the assorted Brains Trust members have even got close. "Its obvious!" you shout at the screen, conveniently forgetting the other dozen questions that had you floored. Priceless.
Brainiac: Science Abuse (2003)
Its fun, frivolous, but there is some science in it....
I suspect from other reviews that some overseas viewers are not seeing the full show which (with ads) runs to an hour in the UK, not half-an-hour.
Yes there is some silly stuff. Indeed some really stupid and utterly pointless stuff. But buried in there are the occasional titbits of real science - generally science of the more pyrotechnic variety, but nonetheless it is there. They do often explain why the bang happens, for example! A rip off of Mythbusters? No. Brainiac aired in the UK before the latter show arrived. Actually its rather more clearly a development from Richard Hammond's other show - BBC's Top Gear - which frequently includes utterly pointless and silly items, like - well - playing conkers with caravans and seeing how much damage a Toyota pick-up truck could take before it died. Such items would not be out of place on Brainiac.
The great thing about it is that it makes science fun and accessible - even cool. Which is no bad thing.