jlfittro Reviews

Inside Man (II) (2022)

Two stars for David Tennant and Stanley Tucci

[2/10 · 28 September 2022]

I am sorry to see a series that was intriguing for the first 15 minutes degenerate so quickly into ridiculous farce. A sensitive subject matter that could have been handled in an intelligent, thoughtful way is made absurd, more so by the hysterical wife, not by any stretch of the imagination a realistic partner for the David Tennant character. I may be watching the wrong program, this is supposed to be a farce. Certainly not smart enough to be satire. Fans will tell me to go elsewhere. And I do, to the better productions of past years. I see this type of programming as the continuation of extreme dumbing down of it's target audience. I didn't realize it was supposed to be farcical or perhaps I wouldn't be so disappointed.

Utopia (I) (2013–2014)

Bad politics, ultra violent

[3/10 · 31 March 2017]

I agree with other reviews, that the population politics in this series should be discredited. What a wasted opportunity, or perhaps intentional, to wage a real conversation instead of the simplistic eugenics tale. Unfortunately this series mirrors popular misconceptions, and continues the propaganda. It looks great, the characters are interesting, it can be mesmerizing. It is also nauseatingly violent. I confess to watching in entirety, and feeling sick and disgusted. But I couldn't look away. Reminded me of many other movies and shows, Pulp Fiction, Hannibal, Terminator. And Clockwork Orange, but where it was ultimately anti violence, this show celebrates it, tenderizes us so we become accustomed to it. Mesmerizing crap. Just my opinion.

The House of Eliott (1991–1994)

Highly recommend excellent story for women

[10/10 · 26 December 2016]

This series was created by women, and I did see that the first episode was written by Jill Hyem, who also wrote the excellent Tenko, another highly recommended series about women and with majority female cast.

Really enjoyed this excellent series one, with intelligent dialogue and strong female characters (not caricatures) who did not act "out of character," as in so many dramas for women which are dumbed-down (U.S. mainly) soap operas. These are women struggling to make a living after being left virtually or relatively I should say penniless (they do still maintain a beautiful, grand home and a servant). I enjoyed the history conveyed- the lack of opportunities for work and independence for women (this setting is after WW1 when returning men once again filled the few jobs available), the paternalistic and hypocritical attitudes of men towards women, the plight of the really poor and homeless. I don't understand the low ratings for individual episodes on season one (6.4, etc., seems low to me). My only disappointment was with the final episode which did not spend enough time on the introduction of the sisters' own line of clothing, instead veering off into soap opera territory with the jealous competitor. I'm afraid this is an ominous sign for future seasons, so I thank you newatt-2 for the heads up. Not sure I will continue as I don't want to spoil the joy of season one. Highly recommend season one.

North & South (1975)

Very good even in competition with the Richard Armitage version

[10/10 · 23 November 2016]

If you have seen the 2004 version it's pretty impossible not to compare the two, initially. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this version very good in it's own right. Patrick Stewart plays a more emotional, warmer, and sincere character, with a real passion for learning and applying his lessons to real life. Margaret in this version is also very good. She expresses with subtlety her innate pride and snobbery, but without malice or cruelty. She simply seems not to understand another way of behaving, until she comes to know the northerners she is forced to live with. I could better understand this character and her actions. The supporting characters were also very well done, all of them, a although played differently in this version. The understated musical score is touching, and very sweet, I found it a little mournful. But you have to pay attention, it is not swelling and intrusive. I think the 2004 version is magnificent. This version is excellent also. Highly recommended.

Sapphire & Steel (1979–1982)

Absorbing, complex, slow paced

[10/10 · 6 January 2016]

The slow pace of this show, the methodical way the main characters investigate and solve their assigned dilemmas, is what makes it so believable and realistic for a fantasy drama. There is history, curiosity, mystery, suspense, chemistry, and even humor in this unusual series. Joanna Lumley and David McCallum play off of each other very well- Sapphire with endless beauty, patience and humanity, and Steel living up to his cold, but not uncaring, nature. I don't want to criticize it for dated sets and special effects because these are irrelevant to the character development and stories. Highly recommended. ( I wish some reviewers would not give away so much, especially the ending. A major spoiler for those who have not seen the show. Why not keep that discussion for the message board.)

Sensitive Skin (2005–2007)

Excellent

[10/10 · 23 November 2014]

Excellent, warm, witty, mature drama/comedy. Perhaps the wife is discontented and missing something in her life, but she also loves her husband deeply. She has reached the age where time is finite and wonders what life is all about. The comedy is understated but still found myself laughing out loud. I think season two may be even better than one. Joanna Lumley is beautiful but looks her age which is refreshing. Denis Lawson is fantastic and funny. Nicholas Jones and the rest of the supporting cast are wonderful. This reminds me of the 1970s comedy Butterflies. What is most refreshing to me is the lack of cynicism and biting one liners that pass for comedy in many U.S. productions. Characters seem real because they seem to genuinely care about each other and go out of their way not to hurt each other as they metamorphose.