Reviews
DNA (2019)
Excellent Surprise TV Series, topical themes
Wow, these two TV series were a brilliant surprise for someone who normally doesn't watch sub titled stories.
Set initially in Denmark the story quickly revolves around various European countries and interaction between the different Police forces involved.
Very topical subjects including people trafficking, baby smuggling, illegal organ doner trafficking and various different continental mafia groups working together.
Apart from his personal loss and frustration. Top detective Rolf battles on pressuring the the 'higher ups' to investigate and resolve the various issues.
Some excellent acting from Rolf (Anders W. Berthelsen), his wife Maria (Johanne Louise Schmidt), Julita (Zofia Wichlacz) who loses her baby in the first series, Neel, Rolf's gung ho sidekick (
Olivia Joof Lewerissa) and the amazing Claire, French Police Investigator (Charlotte Rampling).
Gripping at times, I was hooked from the 1st episode.
Stopping me from giving 9 was the fact it wasn't always obvious that during some episodes we were actually going back a bit (i.e. A '3 months ago' would have maybe helped). There is room for a 3rd series, I hope that's on the cards.
Blue Lights (2023)
Superb NI Police Drama, bough back many memories..
Having stinted in NI 1973-1981 this thought provoking drama brough back some happy, and a lot more unhappy memories of NI (during 'the troubles').
Realistic, excellent action and tension, my only very minor point of technical correctness would be that when 'out on a shout' you always parked up with your vehicle 'pointing' outward to enable a speedy 'escape' should matters turn nasty (as they often did).
The early scenes in the Creggan like area were so very typical of what was happening in those days, and I guess from recent news coverage what is still happening right now.
Every police character had been well thought out, so believable, and inner tensions were excellently captured.
Like other reviewers I sincerely hope there will be more series to follow. Once again, well done to the BBC drama dept, sometimes you just 'hit the nail on the head' e.g. Line of Duty, Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax etc.
Absentia (2017)
Wow, great recommendation....
Reading the Weekend magazine (Mail on Saturday in the UK) this Prime series was recommended. Just watched the 1st episode and Wow, lots of promise here. 6 years after her 'death' Emily Byrne mysteriously returns being found by her husband who, at this point has remarried. Lots of intricacies are thrown up in episode 1, this series could run and run. Very dark, very watchable.....
Lad: A Yorkshire Story (2013)
A lad growing up in Yorkshire
Wow,set in the beautiful landscape of The Yorkshire Dales, "Lad. A Yorkshire Story" tells the poignant tale of Tom, his mother and brother. After the sudden loss of his father Tom starts to go downhill. Brother Nick escapes by joining the Army.
His mother fears they will lose there house to 'the bank' and Tom takes it upon himself to show 'the bank' his feelings, this was classic.
All could have badly for Tom' but then he's taken under the wing of Park Ranger Al. Al straightens Tom out, and along the way he (Tom) starts to experience true grit.
The acting was first class from a relatively unknown cast, the sense of atmosphere was both brooding and comical, and all this set in 'Gods own County'.
A great family story, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too.
Red Rock (2015)
Red Rock rocks the BBC daytime viewers
I learnt of this TV series via an article in The Mail's TV planner. It promised to be punchy, and punchy is exactly what you get. For quite some time now daytime telly drama has proved to be weak, watered down and frankly boring. What a huge and pleasant surprise this Police Drama turned out to be. I was hooked from the very 1st episode. The 2 series aired on the BBC 1 channel have touched base with such subjects as murder, drugs, gangland warfare, paedophilia, inter family disputes, bribery, you name it, Red Rock has it. The show is a credit to Irish TV, I have never heard of the cast names before, but I'm well and truly hooked. The sad thing now, is that UK viewers have to wait until 2017 for series 3.....Roll on 2017 I say....
Happy Valley (2014)
Gripping, Powerful, Tense, 100% drama at it's best
Happy Valley......not for most of the residents! The BBC tend to (every now and then) come up with a block busting drama series. This one had (and has) me gripped to my seat from the start. Clever interaction between all the cast and 'Superb' acting on the part of every actor/actress including Corrie's Sarah Lancashire and Benidorm's Steve Pemberton. Great Yorkshire setting, the atmosphere oozes out of every brick & stone. Edge of the seat stuff, every episode ending in a cliff hanger.. Please let there be more BBC, you do have an awful habit of killing of great drama series just when everyone is hooked (e.g. Garrow's Law). Bring on season two please (writer) Sally Wainwright