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Reviews
Vigil (2021)
Great suspense
I'm a big fan of Suranne Jones and this series didn't disappoint. I wouldn't normally like a show set in a submarine and I was initially worried that all the navy jargon would be off putting but instead I found it really refreshing. There are a lot of characters and subplots to follow and in tradition of mysteries just as one suspect is eliminated a new ones comes centre fore. All while this is going on there is the ongoing mystery of Surannes past which gets told in flashback. You really understand why being trapped in an under sea vessel is the most horrific thing for her to experience. Great British drama.
With Intent (2021)
Fantastic drama keeps you guessing
I'm late to the party with this show but I'm glad I finally got around to watching. Charlie Brookes is a stand out, giving a great understated performance as a woman on the edge of a nervous breakdown. The story basically follows her attempt to regain her power and turn the tables on the very people who are messing with her mind. What I loved is everyone is playing mind games and it's obvious someone is going to die but not necessarily who you think. The very final scene has stayed with me overnight since viewing, it's a small moment from Charlie but quite open to interpretation.
Very odd to see the title With Intent, presume that was the title in Australia?
Riptide (2022)
Great Jo Joyner drama
I've noticed Jo appearing in a few short form dramas lately and this is the last one on my list to catch up on. I enjoyed it a lot as well as the Australian setting, though I couldn't tell what part of the country it is meant to be. Without giving it away the biggest twist is that you don't need to wait too long to find out who the killer is, instead it very quickly becomes a story of 'stranger danger' which is refreshing. I felt for the Alison character a lot and wanted her to have a happy ending, but then again I liked that it wasn't all wrapped up in a bow. Only disappointment is that we didn't see more of my teenage crush Peter OBrien!
The Gilded Age (2022)
Brilliant after a little patience
I'm a huge Downton fan and initially struggled to get into this. On first attempt I found it style over substance but I gave it a second chance and I'm glad I did because I really loved it.
Easily the stand out characters are Ada and Agnes who give a real Downton quality to the whole thing. It's a fascinating period in history and good to see an American side as often we associate these kinds of characters with us Brits.
The ending to series two is just begging to be continued so I hope we see another series. The 1930s would interesting too if a sequel is ever on the cards. I'd also love to meet Ada and Agnes as very old women. Did somebody say Maggie Smith?
The Crown (2016)
Last season missing something
I really enjoyed seasons one and two he most due to the casting of Claire Foy. I being the series set deepest in history it was easy to suspend belief as it's quite apparent much of the narrative can't possibly true. Yes the real life public events are likely recreated well but nobody knows what went on behind the closed palace doors. The middle era - aka Olivia Coleman - was the least effective for me. I love Olivia but I just couldn't see believe her as the Queen. The final era was better for the casting of Imelda but then it was also the hardest to believe, it felt like I was watching a live action tabloid with Charles and Di. I know they had a challenge portraying Di's accident but it's done so sparingly, hence my description of it missing something. Bravo to the cinematography throughout.
The Drowning (2021)
Started strong
I'm a big fan of Jill Halfpenny and this series started out strong. Unfortunately it feels like a lot of effort was concentrated on episode one and it enough on 2, 3 and 4. I say that as someone who stuck through it rather than gave up quickly. It's an easy binge but you really can't take it too seriously as the plot holes start to add up. The biggest problem is definitely the ending which defies any logic or real tension. But on the plus side Jill does carry the whole thing to the end and I kept watching just for her. If you are okay with predictable twists and outlandish behaviour then this one is easy viewing.