elmmickleburgh Reviews

Rebus (2024– )

Rocky start but it is worth sticking with

[9/10 · 22 May 2024]

The opening scene when Rebus nearly kills Big Ger nearly put me off but I'm glad I stuck with it.

And I'm very glad it's nothing like Irvine Walshes Crime which I found unwatchable.

Richard Rankin as Rebus is superb. His mannerisms are so Rebus and they're subtle not forced.

As a fan of Rebus you like him as a character but you know he's a git and terrible at his personal life interactions and he is prone to violence. I'm glad they didn't shy away from the real Rebus in an effort to make him softly appealing.

I was skeptical at first but this has been written perfectly. The first season told us who Rebus is but in a show not tell way and was very well done.

Richards physical appearance as Rebus is less shambolic than he is in my head! His bottom is way too pert!

However his life and the way he navigates through it is and this fits together perfectly. In true Rebus form he manages to do a kind of right thing at the end for his brother.

I've nothing to compare this adaption to as I've not watched the other TV Rebus shows as Ian Rankin has said he didn't like them so I never bothered with them.

I like how it's not a slavish rewrite of the books but a new take on it. I like how when I read the books and listen to them my Rebus in my head will be the same and now I have another version which I can also enjoy.

I didn't think I'd like updated Rebus, I do very much and can't wait for season 2.

Sliced (2019–2021)

Well written

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

At first I wasn't sure I liked it. But as with all new series you must persevere. I'm glad I did as I came to appreciate Sliced for it's sneakily good writing albeit in a caricature style. In particular you warm to the characters Joshua and Naomi, which I kind of think is the point. Theo's acting as Ricky does grate at times but he seems to settle into the role as the series progress. It has important set pieces of how otherness affects individuals that are set apart by societal attitudes. It highlights this in a way that makes it so 'oh yes that's so obviously not the right way to treat someone' obvious. That's the absurd comedy edge right there. I would like another slice of Sliced please.

Henpocalypse! (2023– )

Refreshingly brilliant

[10/10 · 20 August 2023]

I am compelled to leave this review as I am baffled at the amount of bad reviews this has gotten. Every set piece in this comedy is played out just right. A teetering tip further and it would of warranted the poor reviews but it never fell into that territory. Elizabeth Berrington is in her element here, Cat Stark with balls or should we change that saying to ovaries?! I've yet to watch the final episode therefore cannot comment on the outcome however I have faith in the writing and acting that I won't be let down. The inclusion of Danny Dyer is inspired. Also the introduction to all these female actors has been a joy and I hope for season 2. If you don't get it well crab measles to you 😂