geoff-spurr Reviews

Great Coastal Railway Journeys (2022– )

The BBC at it's best

[10/10 · 23 April 2024]

Portillo has been making these programmes for years but the quality shows no sign of dipping. It remains much the same but now the Bradshaw has gone to give a fresh dimension. He has a genuine passion for gaining knowledge, understanding history and meeting people, having a natural interaction even with people from a different background or political opinion. He is intelligent, respectful, well mannered and conducts himself with dignity and integrity.

The researchers are the real unsung heroes, they do a great job, the show is always interesting and entertaining, maintaining an element of surprise. I continue to learn so much more about my own country from a programme which is supposedly just early evening light entertainment.

The Lacemaker (1977)

Unforgettable

[9/10 · 15 April 2024]

I first saw this film as a boy and the emotional power stayed with me for over 40 years until I saw it again; and it was just as powerful.

The movie created a lasting impression on a young man about the emotional stakes involved with love and relationships. Huppert's performance is stunning, her character is young, naive, innocent and she falls in love with someone who is from a different intellectual and cultural circle, it was doomed to failure and she is discarded like some disposable domestic product - it destroys her.

In a similar way her older, more experienced colleague is just as vulnerable to the ups and downs of relationships, her story gives the film even more depth.

The final scene is quite remarkable and as unforgettable as any I've ever seen. A wonderful film.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1998 TV Movie)

Watch both TV versions, read the book, watch both again!

[10/10 · 6 December 2023]

I've watched both tv productions of Tess several times and decided to read the book; Wow, the book is wonderful; then watched both versions again and gained an even greater appreciation. Now Tess is firmly established as my favourite novel and the tv movies as something special to be watched over and over again. Tess is definitely one of those stories where you more watch/read it the more you appreciate it.

What are the differences between them? The BBC version with Gemma Arterton is 4 hours whilst the ITV version with Justine Waddell is 3 hours. The BBC has a good track record with period adaptations but ITV can be hit and miss (their Mansfield Park was unforgiveable!). Both versions are beautifully made, stay mostly true and do justice to the book and have excellent performances throughout. I prefer this ITV version mainly because Waddell's performance as Tess is just incredible, similar to her performance as Molly Gibson in Wives and Daughters; I'll never understand why she didn't become a megastar.

Both versions capture the vulnerability, tragedy and emotional rollercoaster of Tess' life but do less well in capturing her physical strength, resilience and remarkable love/loyalty for Angel which is much clearer in the book. The book is very long so there has to be cuts. I'm surprised both ignored the bizarre scene on their wedding night when Angel's mental and emotional torment leads to him sleepwalking, picking Tess up, carrying her across a stream on a narrow plank and placing her inside an empty coffin in a ruined church; perhaps stretching credibility but so dramatic. Hardy clearly considered this scene important as it is referred to in the book's final scenes. I was so struck by the way the book tells the story of Angel and Tess falling in love so beautifully, it happens so slowly, and even his marriage proposals are repeatedly refused before she finally gives way; it was impossible for any screen version to match the book in this respect.

Angel is portrayed slightly better in the BBC version but Alec is markedly better in this version. An advantage of the BBC version is that it includes Angel's parents; his father is a key figure and it is easier to understand Angel's behaviour as the context is clearer. Tess' key visit to Angel's parents is only mentioned by this version but features in the BBC version. The book adds more detail; Tess gets up at 3am on New Years Eve to walk 15 miles, only to miss them and walk 15 miles home; her strength and determination is difficult to grasp in modern society. A highlight of this version are the remarkable scenes at the boarding house in Sandbourne between Tess and Angel; and then Tess and Alec. Waddell's performance is spectacular and memorable.

It is surprising that this version, at one hour shorter, has cut so many scenes which do appear in the BBC version. It barely features Retty or Liza-Lu and misses out Groby, his confrontation with Angel on Xmas eve is a key scene. ITV also miss out Angel's offer to Izz to accompany him to Brazil. The use of a narrator helps and overall impact of the cuts is not as significant as you might expect. That this version is my favourite is an indication of the importance of the role of Tess and the superior quality of Waddell's performance.

Few novels can match this one for getting the reader so emotionally involved with the main character, you become desperate to see her happy. The ending is shocking but well chosen by Hardy as the emotional impact is more dramatic and the choice of the Stonehenge setting adds even more drama.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008)

Watch both TV versions, read the book, watch them again!

[10/10 · 6 December 2023]

I've watched both tv productions of Tess several times and decided to read the book; Wow, the book is wonderful; then watched both versions again and gained an even greater appreciation. Now Tess is firmly established as my favourite novel and the tv movies as something special to be watched over and over again. Tess is definitely one of those stories where you more watch/read it the more you appreciate it.

What are the differences between them? The BBC version with Gemma Arterton is 4 hours whilst the ITV version with Justine Waddell is 3 hours. The BBC has a good track record with period adaptations but ITV can be hit and miss (their Mansfield Park was unforgiveable!). Both versions are beautifully made, stay mostly true and do justice to the book and have excellent performances throughout. I prefer the ITV version mainly because Waddell's performance as Tess is just incredible, Arterton gives a fine performance but is miscast and doesn't portray the range of emotions as well as Waddell.

Both versions capture the vulnerability, tragedy and emotional rollercoaster of Tess' life but do less well in capturing her physical strength, resilience and remarkable love/loyalty for Angel which is much clearer in the book. The book is very long so there has to be cuts. I'm surprised both ignored the bizarre scene on their wedding night when Angel's mental and emotional torment leads to him sleepwalking, picking Tess up, carrying her across a stream on a narrow plank and placing her inside an empty coffin in a ruined church; perhaps stretching credibility but so dramatic. Hardy clearly considered this scene important as it is referred to in the book's final scenes. I was so struck by the way the book tells the story of Angel and Tess falling in love so beautifully, it happens so slowly, and even his marriage proposals are repeatedly refused before she finally gives way; it was impossible for any screen version to match the book in this respect.

Angel is portrayed slightly better in this version but the key role of Alec is markedly better in the ITV version. An advantage of the BBC version is that it includes Angel's parents; his father is a key figure and it is easier to understand Angel's behaviour as the context is clearer. Tess' key visit to Angel's parents is only mentioned by the ITV movie but features in the BBC version. The book adds more detail; Tess gets up at 3am on New Years Eve to walk 15 miles, only to miss them and walk 15 miles home; her strength and determination is difficult to grasp in modern society.

It is surprising that the ITV version, at one hour shorter, has cut so many scenes which do appear in the BBC version. ITV barely feature Retty or Liza-Lu and miss out Groby (although the BBC take liberties - he didn't work at the D'Urberville mansion), his confrontation with Angel on Xmas eve is a key scene. The overall impact of the cuts is not as significant as you might expect.

The scene where Tess and the parson discuss why Sorrow cannot be buried in the churchyard is one of the most significant in the book and has many deeper hidden meanings; it is one occasion where Arterton surpasses Waddell's performance.

Few novels can match this for getting the reader so emotionally involved with the main character, you become so desperate to see her happy. The ending is shocking but well chosen by Hardy as the emotional impact is more dramatic and the choice of the Stonehenge setting adds even more drama.

Endeavour: Exeunt (2023) Season 9, Episode 3

Exeunt scores high as a soap opera but with some flaws

[5/10 · 13 March 2023]

Endeavour fans will be glad to see series 9 as a worthy end to 102 episodes of Morse/Lewis/Endeavour. Endeavour had been going from bad to worse with a poor series 7 and a woeful series 8 ending with the truly appalling Terminus, the worst episode of all 102!.

Russell Lewis sensibly went back to the tried and trusted formula of corruption in the police force which worked so well building up to Neverland (series 2, the best of all 102 episodes!) and Deguello (series 6). The final series was, like series 7, essentially a 3 part serial about the unresolved issues from Neverland and a chance to resolve the futures of the main characters. This was a departure from the original Morse which could all be viewed like a standalone movie. It worked well for regular fans but anyone just watching a single episode would find it hard to follow. As usual Lewis included lots of subtle references within each episode (the Sgt Lewis reference in Exeunt was nice) which added to the intrigue for fans but probably went straight over the heads of most viewers.

The final series and particularly the final episode, Exeunt, were always going to be high on emotion. Episode 1, Prelude, was a return to form without being one of the better episodes, the one murder solved within the episode had a ludicrous murder method but much of the story was setting the scene and building the suspense and tension for the following two episodes. Episode 2, Uniform, built superbly on the suspense and the return of Jakes was a great ending, eventually ending up as best man as Morse was typically absent sorting out everyone's problems. There were great expectations for Exeunt but mostly failed to deliver, the Blenheim Vale scandal fizzled out, Lott a second rate DS on the take in the Pilot was an even less convincing Mr Big than DS Jago in series 6. Fred's false alarm heart attack at the same location as the attack which killed Thaw's Morse was cheap and crass.

The dream sequence at the wedding just made me cringe, there was good on-screen chemistry between Morse and Joan in the early series but they clearly didn't have much in common at all so she was better off with Jim (she liked pop music, dancing, bingo and socialising, Morse liked opera, singing, crosswords and enjoyed being on his own). True Morse fans will know the love of his life was Susan, his fiance at university, when she left him he dropped out just before his finals and never completed his degree. This love was a key part of the Morse episode Dead on Time set many years later and featured in the Endeavour episodes Rocket and Lazaretto, Lewis shouldn't try to re-write Morse history. There were some great storylines surrounding Joan in earlier series but perhaps she should have been sidelined to an occasional character like Sam.

The final episode scored highly as a soap opera, good for sentimental long-time fans, but the murder mystery was very weak (a murdering spree just because he didn't like their letters in a paper was completely ridiculous) and the Blenheim Vale conspiracy disappointed after promising so much in Uniform. The original series never descended into soap opera, it was simply a quality detective drama, yes with complicated and sophisticated plots but the motives always made them believable; something Endeavour often failed to achieve. Too many otherwise excellent Endeavour episodes were spoilt by plot conclusions which were simply ridiculous.

Lewis was at his best in the way he created and developed the Endeavour characters, you could really see how Shaun Evans' Endeavour could turn into John Thaw's Morse, the one exception being that Endeavour was too successful with the opposite sex (the nurse, French photographer, Fred's niece, Ludo's wife ....) whereas much of the popularity of Thaw's Morse was his being completely hopeless whenever he was attracted to a woman; clumsy, naïve and lacking confidence. Viewers have always seen Morse as a great detective but flawed person which helps us to connect with him.

The great success of Endeavour was Roger Allam's Fred Thursday, who became a much loved character, so many memorable one liners! His crime in defence of his son in Exeunt was dramatic, a secret to be kept just between Morse and Fred as they all went their separate ways. Some people see this secret as the reason Fred was never mentioned by the older Morse but there was no reason not to mention Fred, only the secret they shared. Fred as a killer, Morse as an accessory after the fact was unsatisfactory. Thankfully Bright's verse and the Blenheim Palace scene were better choices and a more fitting ending.

Like many series Endeavour's success led to it going on for too long, unlike the original series. The highs of earlier Endeavour series were not to be repeated but Morse will always be one of British TV's great characters thanks mostly to the original series but Endeavour is very much part of that legacy.

Secret Army: A Matter of Life and Death (1978) Season 2, Episode 11

Excellent but Max?

[10/10 · 28 February 2023]

One of the best Secret Army episodes but after numerous views I still don't understand Max's actions. Why did Max inform on Francois? He knew he needed to kill Francois but informing Kessler put himself and the whole of Lifeline, which he was aiming to take over, under threat. The risks just don't make sense.

Francois would be using false papers, and Lifeline members always made it clear that dying while trying to escape was a better option than getting caught with an airman, being tortured and then executed but what if Francois had only been wounded, or arrested without any chance of escape? It is very likely, given his youth and inexperience, that he might have been forced to talk which would have meant the end of lifeline and everyone associated with it, including Max. Also the captured airman at the station would have known all about the communists who sheltered him, why not just kill Francois?

Yes, of course it made dramatic tv, one the most emotionally powerful moments of the whole series, Natalie's reaction lives long in the memory, but the holes in the plot are surprising.

Secret Army: Trapped (1978) Season 2, Episode 4

The best of all Secret Army episodes?

[10/10 · 22 January 2023]

It is no surprise that this episode has the highest rating from all three series; it has all the qualities which make the series so special but delivers them better than most.

The story is brilliantly conceived and the performances quite outstanding. The daring rescue of Monique moments before Kessler arrives is breathtaking in it's suspense and drama but also succeeds in being believable and credible. Lives are at risk as Lifeline has to make a dramatic plan achieve what seems impossible. The finale of the badly injured Monique singing at the Candide to eliminate any lingering suspicion is also brilliantly conceived and executed.

The secondary storyline of Kessler meeting Madelaine for the first time is an important moment in the development of the series and equally well delivered.

Secret Army: The Execution (1979) Season 3, Episode 13

Wonderful final scene but...

[7/10 · 24 October 2021]

Series 3 of Secret Army was the best, particularly the second half of the series so much was expected from the final episode. It should have celebrated Lifeline, but in an effort to be shocking and surprising the main story was the unconvincing court martial and execution of Major Reinhardt, which didn't work on many levels. Kessler would not have risked being discovered by going after Reinhardt, who could have identified Kessler himself anytime up to his final words. The biggest error of all, and of the whole 3 series, was allowing Monique to arrange Kessler's escape documents, completely out of character and unthinkable by the Monique we all knew.

At least the final scene at Le Candide was something very special.

An Inspector Calls (2015 TV Movie)

Astonishing

[10/10 · 17 October 2021]

I've watched this production several times now and it just keeps getting better and better with each viewing. When it was first shown I was sceptical because Alaistair Sim is one of the greats of British cinema and so how could a remake compare favourably? The play is brilliantly written, full of suspense, drama, emotion and mystery and this adaptation showcases those qualities in an exceptional way and the production is faultless. In particular the guilt, shame and hypocrisy of each member of the family is portrayed perfectly by an outstanding cast. The negative reviews and low ratings are perhaps from people who are uncomfortable with some of the feelings it generates (seeing a communist agenda makes me shudder). I think if we are honest with ourselves we have all behaved in a similar way to one of the family at some stage and that realisation hits home hard. This is an astonishingly powerful drama, great entertainment but one which also makes us look at ourselves and think about how we might become a better person and treat others in a better way. Few dramas have been effective in that respect as this production.

Endeavour: Terminus (2021) Season 8, Episode 3

What's happened to Endeavour?

[3/10 · 29 September 2021]

Terminus has received an unprecedented number of negative reviews for an Endeavour episode and it doesn't surprise me. It was sad to see such a drop in standards for my all-time favourite TV series. The makers had stated their intention to end Endeavour after 33 episodes, the same number as the original Inspector Morse and Lewis, as a mark of respect, it would be disrespectful to make more.

If Terminus is the last episode, it's a sad way to bow out. Comparing Terminus with any episode from series 2 makes for uncomfortable viewing. More importantly, it is a sad departure from the traditions and quality of Morse/Lewis, I dread to think what Colin Dexter would think of Terminus. In contrast the excellent Foyles War finished with it's best ever episode.

Russell Lewis is a brilliant writer, series 2 reached a height no other TV series has reached, and standards remained mostly very high until series 6 ended with the outstanding Deguello. For some reason Russell Lewis decided to change the style, it must have been deliberate. Too many times the episodes of series 7 and 8 were filled with caricatures rather than characters, giving a surreal feeling more in common with Midsomer Murders. Midsomer was innovative when it arrived with the bizarre and surreal met with John Nettles playing it completely straight. I don't know why the writer took Endeavour in this direction. Of the 99 Morse/Lewis/Endeavour episodes I would put Terminus at the bottom of the list (with the rest of series 7 & 8 for company) which is sad considering much of the top 10 would be from Endeavour series 1/2/pilot.

Series 7 was an ill-conceived 3 part story not helped by the ridiculous characters of Ludo and his wife. The slanging match between Fred and Morse was a real low point, so out of character after all they had been through together. There were some highs, the outdoor performance of Ave Maria by the final towpath victim and sung by a real opera singer Charlotte Potter would have graced the original series with distinction, there just hasn't been enough classical music in series 7 and 8.

So much of Terminus was poorly done and the plot was, in so many ways, completely ridiculous. What was the point of the Sam storyline?, it wasn't resolved, just to give Mrs Thursday and Joan some scenes?, likewise the Ms Frazil scene seemed to happen just to give a regular some screen time. Win completely losing it at Fred was out of character and didn't ring true. Even fiction needs to convince viewers it is believable, on an evening when everyone was snowed in, Fred was here, there and everywhere!

Endeavour might yet see Series 9, there are unresolved storylines, but already Fred and Bright are too old to be convincing working policemen. We were told that Morse's great mentor was McNutt, it would have been so much better if the writer had called Fred McNutt but Morse's promotion to Inspector can't be too far away so that doesn't leave much time with McNutt.

It's been a great journey with Endeavour but it probably should have ended with series 6.

Endeavour: Striker (2021) Season 8, Episode 1

Welcome return of old favourite

[7/10 · 15 September 2021]

The disappointing series 7 was shown just before the pandemic so it seems like an age waiting for my favourite show to return. Endeavour is showing signs of it's age (as we all do!), Striker had many of the qualities we associate with Endeavour but the plot seemed tired and too many characters were full of cliches. Football and TV drama don't mix well, the action scenes were weak (clean shirts was an avoidable goof). St Albans City's ground is a much loved non-league ground because it is little changed (since the 1970's) and retained it's character but wasn't convincing as the home for Oxford Wanderers and a big FA Cup tie and superstar player. This was filmed in April 2021 during a national lockdown, perhaps that explains Bright's long hair but surely they had special rules. Anyway everyone should be congratulated on producing drama in such difficult circumstances. The period references were, as usual, well done, especially the This Is Your Life scene. Morse is beginning to show more of the cynical, bitter and hard drinking traits of the John Thaw performance in the original series.

At times it felt like watching a favourite singer, whose voice is failing, energy diminished and lacking the inspiration of younger days, the favourite songs are still there and likewise our favourite characters are still in Endeavour (although Strange seemed to have lost a lot of weight). The incredible heights of series 2 will never be reached again, fans are understandably reluctant to let go but the time for the series to end is coming near.

Endeavour: Home (2013) Season 1, Episode 4

Improves with repeated viewings

[10/10 · 14 September 2021]

As with all Endeavour episodes repeated viewings allow a greater understanding and appreciation of the story but this particular episode is one which demonstrates this better than most. This story delves deeper into the characters of Morse and Thursday than other episodes and is one of the best, the drama and emotion is more subtle than some episodes and all the better for it.

The Architecture the Railways Built: Wingfield (2021) Season 2, Episode 10

Wingfield station is a great story

[10/10 · 26 March 2021]

Great way to finish the series with the story of the remarkable Wingfield station being saved, I was totally unaware of the station despite living only a few miles away. Tim Dunn excels yet again, can't wait for series 3!

Around the World in 80 Treasures (2005)

Outstanding series

[10/10 · 26 March 2021]

This is a remarkable series, repeated by the BBC in 2021, and just as good as when first broadcast. Dan Cruickshank is one of the great documentary makers/presenters, every one of his series and one off programmes has been outstanding, his knowledge is second to none among architectural historians and he is excellent at communicating it. I can't understand all the hate directed towards him in other reviews. Presenters should be themselves, Dan happens to be upper class, his enthusiasm is infectious, and he only makes programmes about subjects he has great knowledge and interest. This series is remarkable as it was filmed as one nearly six month trip, a huge investment by the BBC and personal challenge for those making the series. Many of the treasures are the obvious usual suspects but I also saw many places I'd never seen before on TV and that helped to make the series special.

Inspector Morse: The Infernal Serpent (1990) Season 4, Episode 1

Shocking story, sensitively played by brilliant cast - best ever Morse?

[10/10 · 21 March 2021]

I can't understand why this is rated near the bottom of the list of Morse episodes by IMDB users. This episode is full of twists and turns, you never really understand the stories, there are two separate stories, until near the end. The main story is truly shocking but so sensitively portrayed it would be easy not to fully comprehend the horrors of the crimes committed. The performances by an incredible cast are among the best you'll ever see on TV, possibly John Thaw's finest as Morse. For me, this episode, along with Second Time Around, are the best Morse episodes and just as emotionally powerful 30 years later.

Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein (2011– )

Excellent gardening series

[10/10 · 14 March 2021]

Like many people I watch Gardeners' World every week but series on gardening are not as common as you would expect for the 'nation's favourite hobby'. Carol can often be a little overwhelming in the plant marquees at shows but for this series she struck exactly the right balance, relaxed and natural but with her passion and knowledge shining through. There have been few series on gardening on the BBC as good as this one, no wonder it is repeated so regularly.

Miss Marple: Nemesis (1987)

The best of the classic Miss Marple adaptations

[10/10 · 8 March 2021]

Nearly 35 years later and after repeated viewings this is still a brilliant, timeless drama, Joan Hickson's performances as Miss Marple in all of the series are just perfect, but this one is the pick of the bunch. You get the usual suspense, red herrings, twists and turns you expect from Agatha Christie but this particular story also has a strong emotional dimension. Wonderful escapism to watch over and over again, the BBC at it's best.

After watching Nemesis many times I finally decided to read my first Agatha Christie novel! I always thought Christie was the perfect source for screen entertainment and I restricted myself to TV and fiilms which I loved.

(Some slight spoilers here) Of course I enjoyed the book but not as much as I expected, it does meander at times with a few irrelevant characters. Staying 90% faithful and maintaining the essence of the book a number of small changes were made by the BBC which actually improved the story, particularly having Michael never charged with the murder whereas in the book he is in jail, convicted on rather dubious circumstantial evidence. The first death in the modern day story benefits from being changed to a more believable incident. Liz Fraser's incredible performance in the memorable scene as Nora's mother doesn't appear in the book, another excellent choice. Miss Temple doesn't send a letter to Clotilde in the book and this works well in this production, similarly the addition of Jane's visit to Verity's uncared for grave. For some reason the Archdeacon arrives from Australia in this production, in the book he lives within 60 miles!

A few of the irrelevant characters on the tour are sensibly written out by the BBC but the one questionable change is the addition of Jane's Godson Lionel, she needed someone to help and share her thoughts (there is no Inspector Slack or equivalent here) but a more expanded role for Professor Wanstead would have worked better. Overall a great story, well told with excellent performances.

Abandoned Engineering (2016– )

Good but awful production

[5/10 · 8 March 2021]

This is a good series but could be so much better. I've bought books on ruins and abandoned buildings so I was really looking forward to the series. The stories are always interesting, some remarkable, but the style of production is so annoying, the equivalent of finger nails scratching a blackboard! I'm now at the point where I now don't bother watching. The fake suspense about the actual previous use of the building is so annoying and having studio based experts pretending they've actually been there instead of being shown a few seconds video and given information just doesn't work. The programme should stick to the local based guides who are far more effective and cut out the fake suspense.

Winter Walks (2020– )

Wonderful treat

[10/10 · 23 February 2021]

BBC4 comes up trumps again with the kind of programme no other channel would make. This series is a wonderful treat for walkers or anybody that likes lovely countryside scenery or simply a well made programme!

Lark Rise to Candleford: Episode #1.3 (2008) Season 1, Episode 3

My favourite Lark Rise episode

[10/10 · 26 January 2021]

This is my favourite Lark Rise episode, the Patty/old Amos/young Amos storyline was one of the best and should have been extended over several episodes. Peter Vaughan is a great guest star and his scenes with Brendan Coyle are memorable. The chemistry between Dorcas and Sir Timothy is well written and brilliantly portrayed and Lady Adelaide's emotional turmoil adds a dimension to the series. Dawn French is far less irritating than in the first 2 episodes and the final concert scenes are heartwarming.

Lark Rise peaked with series 1, it's strength was the wide range of characters, some irritated but most were loved. The loss of Sir Timothy and Adelaide was a blow, the new characters added in series 2-4 couldn't save the programme and losing the excellent Brendan Coyle to Downton Abbey was the final straw.

Seventh Heaven (1937)

Beautiful movie

[9/10 · 27 November 2020]

If you're in the mood for a black and white weepie, this movie is right up there with Letter from an Unknown Woman and Waterloo Bridge. I first saw it as a kid and it made a big impression on me, didn't see it for 40+ years, managed to find it, it's still a lovely film. Wonderful performances from the leads, James Stewart is my favourite actor and I think it stems from this film, but Simone Simon more than matches him. I can't understand why it's never shown on UK tv, I first it saw on the BBC and it's perfect for a cold, wet winter afternoon.

Wives and Daughters (1999)

BBC's best ever period drama adaptation

[10/10 · 19 November 2020]

As a Jane Austen fanatic I always thought nothing could ever beat the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice but, finally, after watching Wives and Daughters for the third time, I have to admit that this is a greater achievement. This series has much of the same behind the scenes team (Producer, Andrew Davies' screenplay) as the 1995 classic so it should be no surprise this is also a classic. The costumes, dances, dinners and locations are perfectly presented. The strict confines of the English early 19th century class system is ever present throughout the story similar to Austen's novels.

What makes this series so special is the quality of the performances from just about every member of the cast. Michael Gambon probably tops the list, it has to be his finest performance of a wonderful career but Justine Waddell is not far behind, making Molly Gibson one of the great screen heroines, her wonderful personality lingers long in the memory. Francesca Annis and Keeley Hawes also give outstanding performances in the roles of flawed characters. Bill Paterson is just perfect as Molly's father and yet is overshadowed by so many. The squire's sons, Roger and Osborne, also give wonderful performances, showing such a wide range of emotions. Iain Glen is excellent as he warms up for his similar Downton Abbey character and Barbara Leigh-Hunt reprises her memorable Lady Catherine role from Pride and Prejudice. Lady Harriet is not a major character but her few appearances play significant parts in the story, brilliantly played by Rosamund Pike, she was clearly destined for bigger things. The wonderful Miss Browning sisters are only supporting characters but their scenes are also memorable.

Jane Austen is great escapism, but you know it's going to end happily, there is a wider range of emotional depth in this story, especially dealing with death (Penelope Wilton is also outstanding in her role). There are two deaths and the emotional pain so movingly portrayed thanks to Gaskell's novel, Davies' screen play and the wonderful performances that they are heartbreaking for the viewer. More than anything this is a story about love, the love between a father and daughter, a father and sons and so many romances I lost count of the refused proposals, jilted engagements and marriages. There are also numerous very funny scenes throughout to add balance to the heartbreak and romance.

There are so many dramatic scenes, twists and turns packed throughout the five hours, which never drag, and it takes several viewings to take it all in. Gaskell digs deeper into the characters and personalities and it does take repeat viewings to really appreciate just how good this story and this adaptation is. I look forward to enjoying this series many more times.

Secret Army: Second Chance (1977) Season 1, Episode 5

Excellent episode

[10/10 · 29 October 2020]

Excellent episode, chilling finale, but I recognised the voice of the downed airman immediately, so distinctive, but couldn't place the face or where I'd heard the voice. It was Mr Mason, William's father, in Downton Abbey, many decades later!

Secret Army: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? (1979) Season 3, Episode 14

Dreadful mistake quite rightly never broadcast

[4/10 · 26 October 2020]

As a huge Secret Army fan (my review called it the best ever BBC drama), I wanted to see this extra episode for the final series, set in 1969 as a reunion of lifeline, just to see if it really is as bad as suggested. It was never broadcast but has leaked onto the internet. Yes, it is bad, on a scale barely believable, so many things are done poorly in complete contrast to the original series even though it was recorded at the end of series 3. Lifeline members seemed bitter and angry, often about things not relevant to lifeline, and the comraderie was completely missing on what could, and should, have been an extremely emotional episode. The decision not to show it must have been an easy one.

Secret Army (1977–1979)

BBC's best ever drama

[10/10 · 25 October 2020]

I first saw Secret Army in 1977 at the age of 12, it really opened my eyes to the potential for quality drama to be something more than just entertainment. The WWII evasion lines which enabled the escape of thousands of downed pilots is an heroic story of incredible bravery by the Belgium people involved and this series more than does the story justice. As someone with a passionate interest in history I usually prefer documentaries to historical drama but this series tells the story in so many ways better than any documentary could. The series really captures the dangers, the risks and emotions involved. The series is also notable for the way it shows the many character dimensions and dilemmas facing the German occupiers.

This was drama at it's best, great stories, wonderful performances, well written, produced and directed. The suspense and tension in just about every episode is quite remarkable. Sadly overshadowed by it's spoof imitation comedy, 'Allo Allo' (in a way an acknowledgement of how good the original was) but I've watched all the episodes several times in the many years since and it is always just as compelling, quality is timeless and Secret Army is highly recommended to anyone who hasn't seen it and wants to see drama at it's very best. The DVD box set of all 3 series is excellent, Andy Priestner's accompanying booklets are so informative, so I bought his excellent nearly 700(!) page book on the series which has helped me to appreciate the series even more. Modern viewers should not be put off by some of the studio sets which show the age of the series, it is the quality of the drama which shines through.

This series is so underrated and is one which should be constantly repeated for new generations to enjoy and never be forgotten or cast aside.