British TV/General Discussion

@BritMystery wrote:
Appara, thank you for taking the time to get me caught up with the storyline, I enjoyed your synopsis immensely! 

 

I am living on "Monsieur Spade" at the moment .... I look forward to every new episode drop. I am eating it up as I have come to realize that it has been quite a while since I watched any noir (style) drama  - and how much I miss it.  Deedee, I know you have most likely cashed it in by now (on the series) - I can see (feel) that it probably has gotten on your last nerve. I'm happily rolling with it though, even with the few imperfections that it might have.🙂

"Death in Paradise" has changed so much through years... Di Poole, the OG!  The latest season is coming to Britbox in February. I read somewhere that there is going to be another spin off - not sure what (or who) that involves. 

Whoa, you are in my head, Brit! You are quite right.

I look forward to the next season of Miss Scarlet and The Seaside Hotel, hope it won't be too long.

Interesting on the staying power of DIP, I couldn't begin to count the cast changes. It's still watchable, and at least Parker has stopped getting bug bites.

Brit, in Monsieur Spade I feel that I am starting to get a handle on the spies, murderers, monks, and thieves.  I thought the Hooded Monk was important, but it appears he's a hired gun, nothing more. But, now we have an American Monk that seems to be a wee bit shady.  LOL

The only ones I've written off as harmless are Marguerite and JeanPierre. Well, maybe not Marguerite, just yet!

Watching on PBS, only two more episodes remaining of this season's Miss Scarlet for me! Nash has just returned to revive his business, and there now seems to be a bit of chemistry between these two. With title being 'and the Duke'  I am now curious how the Duke will remain in her orbit after accepting the job in New York?  I guess the majority of that separation will be the jump between this and season 5.

As well, only two more All Creatures remaining. I'm starting to enjoy the new young vet-in-training - Carmody - that they've hired to take on part of the load now that Tristan has gone off to war. I was smiling the whole way through Farnum and Mrs. Hall teaching him how to connect with the animal and also the owner, but in the end it was proved how valuable books and research can be. He's now earned his spot in this family.

Must have been out to the Frig.  appara  and not caught the  explanation  ( if there was one )  as to why Tristan  signed up and went off ta fight in the war.   Thought  Seigfried  mentioned that  Vets . were in a  category   where they were deemed  essential  to the home front  and thus spared  the call to arms.  Only 2 Eps. left  ,  pity.  Missing it all ready .  Nothing better than sitting  back , feet up with a bag of  Doritos when that  theme starts ta play .   lol    

Soler, I think Tristan, as a vet, had the option to remain at home, even when he was called up. He is part of the Veterinary corps in the army, and is working with the horses and dogs of the war. There is also an undercurrent running through this last couple episodes that James might be called up in the near future too. Hence, the decision to begin a family sooner rather than later, and I think also why James went around Farnon and brought Carmody into the practice. 

Through the years I have read quite a few of his books, so some of the stories in my head may not be part of this series!  LOL

Nothing better than sitting back , feet up with a bag of Doritos when that  theme starts ta play .  

Bingo! You nailed it, Solar. Nothing quite like sitting down with a favorite snack (love a Dorito) and hearing the first cords of a beloved show. That there is self-care at its highest. 

I watched two episodes of "Last of the Summer Wine" last night. The two last of S8, which is as far as the series goes on Britbox. They were both good ones - I am like this and that with this series, it really isn't my vibe, but every now and then I get drawn to it. I enjoyed the last episode in particular, I was actually laughing out loud, something that rarely happens with me. 

I jumped in and watched the episode of "All Creatures" when the new assistant showed up. I didn't know until then (and I did some research) that the actor that played Tristan had left the series. I am wondering how they are going to deal with this as time goes on - it is only so long he can be away at war if the series continues on for another season or two. Anyway, I enjoyed it and plan on finishing to the end.

And, yes Appara, I was surprised that James was hinting that he may get called up in the draft. That would mean that the series would be losing two main characters. Although, with James, they could include shots of him writing home or visiting on leave to keep the continuity going if the actor is willing to stay on-aboard the series.

@appara wrote:
Brit, in Monsieur Spade I feel that I am starting to get a handle on the spies, murderers, monks, and thieves.  I thought the Hooded Monk was important, but it appears he's a hired gun, nothing more. But, now we have an American Monk that seems to be a wee bit shady.  LOL

The only ones I've written off as harmless are Marguerite and JeanPierre. Well, maybe not Marguerite, just yet!

I trust no one in this series Appara, except for Spade (and the child that everyone is hunting down.) Other than that, all bets are off with this group. Mother Superior was a good egg, I liked her... it was so sad that she and the other sisters were victims of this story. What that story is, I still don't know - everyone has an agenda and we don't know what anyone's truly is. 

Can't figure out the what or the why of the Philippe character. Supposedly horrid person everyone wanted to see the back of and here is is dead center in the middle of this. I am wondering if any of this is tied to Spade's wife, if something in her past crossed in to this intrigue (other than her ex Philippe). Idk, I have no clue where we are going and can't wait for the next installment to find out more. Addicted! 

Yes, the American monk who is "on your side" ...okay, side of what - what does that really mean 'cause there is more to that story. I don't think for a minute that Spade is fooled by his resident artist or his partner - really, do they think that Spade can't see through that disguise?! I give him credit though for keeping cool - granted he doesn't know that they have bugged him - but they both look suspicious enough I would have tried to "persuade" (cough, cough) them  to get some information . Somehow though, I think they are good guys, I just get that feeling. We'll see! 

Speaking of shows I can't watch (Spade) what is everyone's feeling on The Funny Woman? You know when you get something caught in the back of your throat and you can't get it out? That is how that show hit me.

And what or who thought Capote vs the Swans was a good idea?

On Spade, anyone ever watch Homicide: Life on the Street, imo one of the best police procedurals ever made. Among many others, Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson, they of HLOTS, are behind Spade.

@deedee713 wrote:
Speaking of shows I can't watch (Spade) what is everyone's feeling on The Funny Woman? You know when you get something caught in the back of your throat and you can't get it out? That is how that show hit me.

And what or who thought Capote vs the Swans was a good idea?

On Spade, anyone ever watch Homicide: Life on the Street, imo one of the best police procedurals ever made. Among many others, Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson, they of HLOTS, are behind Spade.

I did not know this. I looked it up after you mentioned it. I remember "Homicide: Life on the Street", not the stories much, but the characters. Wow, that seems so long ago, eons.... just checked, it was aired eons ago - 1993-1999. I like the fact that people involved with a hit TV series from the '90's are still working and producing programming. Kudo's to them and the fact that it is doing so well. I know it isn't for you, but the response to it is good and it is nice to see that they haven't been written off in an industry that is known to be ageist. 

Talking about not for you, 'I can't imagine "Funny Woman" being up your alley. I am really enjoying it, I think Gemma Arterton is great in the part of Barbara. First time I have ever seen her although she has consistently been working since 2007 (based on IMDB). Well, when you think of it, that is not surprising as much of what I have watched through the last twenty or so years starred/featured British actors that (unfortunately) are no longer with us. All those familiar faces we saw in various TV productions -  many times (character) actors that we couldn't recall their names off the top of our heads, but we certainly knew their faces. So yeah, there will be a lot of "new" actors to me from this point on. Sigh.

This has not been your PBS season, Deedee. Though there is "Seaside Hotel" and "Astrid". Both stellar.

Interesting fact I just realized - actor Matthew Beard has major roles in both "Funny Woman" and "Monsieur Spade". It just hit me as I was writing this, and I checked to see if I was right and I am. 

I don't really get in to the feud style drama - gets a lot of hipe and I think maybe I should give it a try, and then I don't because it seems like more work to watch than it is worth.

Brit, Matthew Beard seems to be in every other series that I've watched lately!  LOL  I quite enjoy him in Vienna Blood too. 

Funny Woman was one that aired for me earlier, loved the 60's vibe & Gemma Arterton fit the role to a Tee! So expressive, she can bring the happy and the sad, and was a joy to watch in this series.  I loved her flatmate too, and have to say they did a great job putting that cast together!   And to be really shallow -  I thought her blond locks really suited her! 

I remember rumours after Andre Braugher's death that Homicide might become, or might already be, available on a streaming service - likely Peacock?

Thanks  appara  ...   that point was nagging at me .  Of course ,  horses  were used in  WW ll  and they  would need  Vets. to  look after them.   Big  changes  if  Carmody was brought in to replace James ....   Tristan  and  James off the show  ...  takin' a chance with that  /  I've only  seen it work with  Midsomer ,  thou  it can be argued  , changes for the worst as is my opinion with  Midsomer , thou I still watch.  Don't know if  ' All Creatures '  would survive it. 

 '  Last of the Summer Wine '   Brit  runs hot and cold with me .  Took it out  of  PVR  ....  1  good  Ep.  followed by 2 or 3  bad ones  ,  got  tired of it. 

dee ..    I used ta watch   ' Homicide :  Life on the Street '   ...  didn't realize it was that far back .  lol   ..  Read that one of the leads  Andre  Braugher   recently  died   ( 61  lung  cancer ) ..  he made the show  for me.     BIG  ..  BIG   snow  dump  going on here ..  20 to 25 Cm.  and blowing around ,  see  ya'll  in the Spring .   lol   

Yes, yes to Matthew Beard, appara! An excellent, undersung actor. Not only Spade, and Vienna Blood, but Magpie Murders as well. I hope he is in the - name escapes me - follow on to Magpie.

You're scaring me, Brit! No, the lead in Funny Woman grated big time. But as you noted, Seaside and Astrid and Miss Scarlet were excellent.

solar, Andre made the show, but the supporting cast was outstanding..........until Bayliss started sleeping in coffins Every show, it seems, outlives its quality timeline. As Doc Martin has, but there is only one episode left, so I will see it off happily.

Funny, I loved All Creatures I, and All Creatures II is well acted, but I can't get into it. Oh well.

Isn't it great that our tastes are divergent?!

Solar?!?  You getting snowed in? I have friends in Cape Breton with 150cm! 

Yes  appara  ...   record breaking  for  C.B.  and  Nfld.  Makes my  25  feel like a dusting . 

"Death in Paradise" has changed so much through years... Di Poole, the OG!  The latest season is coming to Britbox in February. I read somewhere that there is going to be another spin off - not sure what (or who) that involves. 

@BritMystery 

There's a version called Return to Paradise set in Australia about " Australian ex-pat Mackenzie Clarke is the seemingly golden girl of the London Metropolitan police force – with an intuitive approach to detective work, she has built a reputation for being able to crack the most impossible of cases. However, she’s suddenly forced to up sticks and move back to her childhood home of Dolphin Cove, a beautiful, coastal paradise... and Mackenzie’s worst nightmare."

https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2023/australian-death-in-paradise-spin-off-return-to-paradise-to-premiere-on-abc-and-i-view-in-2024#:~:text=Search-,Australian%20Death%20in%20Paradise%20spin%2Doff%20Return%20to%20Paradise%20to,and%20iPlayer%20in%20the%20UK.

Dee, the 2nd part of of Magpie Murder is, as far as I know, going to be released as Moonflower Murders. I had read late last year that PBS is still involved in the production, but whether that means it will be released the same time as the UK, I'm not sure.   :(

In the coming soon section of Masterpiece, all I see is Alice & Jack, and Nolly

That actually sounds like it might be a fun series to watch Sheerwater, I hope that Return to Paradise is released on one of my channels over here!

Thanks, appara, I am in for Magpie and will be for Moonflower.

As I am for DIP. My favorite is still Ardal O'Hanlon, but it is still enjoyable. I too would like to see Return to Paradise, Sheerwater.

Crazy weather here in Westchester, 51 degrees on Friday.

What's  goin' on with my show . ( All  Creatures  ...  )   Suddenly my feel good show  doesn't feel so good anymore .   Loosing  Tristan  was  unfortunate  but actors move around  and  Callum  Woodhouse  off to answer the call of other  projects ,  happens.  But  James ...  off to the  RAF   .... HUUUU  .. was this necessary .  Is  Nicholas  Ralph  off  to answer the call  of other projects ??   .. and won't be back ???  Two of the  major players in the show  gone  ...  and that's not all  .   Mrs. Hall has a suitcase  packed by the front door and  is ready to leave as well.   Is this show winding down ????   Makes me wonder.    Glad they saved the cat .

I thought her blond locks really suited her! 

Appara, I loved her whole look as a blonde, she is quite stunning - every time I look at her I think she is the epitome of what one thinks of when referring to someone being pretty, she is pretty in spades. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I am just calling it as I see it.

Okay, I looked up Peacock to see what is of offer and they don't have "Homicide" in the inventory, but I found a great one to binge and spent the whole afternoon on Sunday watching the first season (nearly finished it) as I munched through lunch, dinner and a few snacks. (The Hubs was out for the day, so I had nothing on the agenda and wanted a cozy day at home as we were out late the night before.) The series is "Departure"... now, this is not an earth shattering production, it won't wind up in the halls of "the best" ten years from now, but it is a solid, interesting story with a good amount of intrigue, no grizzly violence and perfect to binge because it is easy to follow. I very much like the lead character Kendra, played by Archie Panjabi. Ignore her son because he (and his acting) will get on your last nerve. Not a hard thing to do, because the rest of the cast does hold up. Give it a few episodes before you decide whether you like it or not, it needs a little time to warm up. 

Solar, if you can get the Peacock station I think you will like this - perfect for you to binge while you are at home surrounded by snow.  Appara, not sure if you would enjoy it, it may not be hard hitting enough for you, but it could be a good balance given you are watching "True Detective", which will scare the bejesus out of anyone; and Deedee, I don't think it will keep your interest, it moves fast, but Ibam not sure whether you will have patience for the story line. 

I liked it enough that I am moving on to S2. So thanks Appara for suggesting Peacock! 

Deedee, I am still in my "Doc Martin" watch and I am also like you enjoying this finale season. I've been going slowly trying to savour it, because as much as it is time for the series to end, this season is so reminiscent of the earlier ones when the series had that endearing quality to it - which to me, it lost through the years. And yes, Matthew Beard in "Magpie Murders", I forgot that!  And another yes to you Appara, he's all over the place these days! He's having a well deserved moment.

Solar, close your ears - guys, the weather by me is warm enough for me to go out with a light coat. Close to yours Dee, I hear we are going up to the sixties next week - at least for a few days. Loving it!

What's  goin' on with my show . ( All  Creatures  ...  )   Suddenly my feel good show  doesn't feel so good anymore. 

Was thinking of you Solar, they really are doing a number on you, I know how much you enjoy it. I am wondering it they are planning on continuing the series. One main character gone you can move on, but three in the course of one season - that's a hard one for fans to swallow. We will see what comes next because maybe Mrs. Hall will only move down the road and be back regularly like Mrs. C. in "Grantchester" and James (Nicholas Ralph) though at war, will return.