Reviews
Tom Jones (2023)
About what we expected
It's really hard to believe that 60 years after original Tom Jones things couldn't have been done better. It is sterile, without any real emotions or life of its own.
I am old enough to remember the original Tom Jones with Albert Finney & Susannah York. Now that was funny & raucous! . This pales in comparison, but it's what one comes to expect from PBS....nothing to offend viewers. It's like it's made not to offend ANYONE!
Although we still watch PBS from Canada for some other fine shows with some more depth and substance and, dare I say, swearing. This must have been quite costly to produce....too bad there is no real life substance to it.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
A beautiful satirical look at the books
I know 600 words are required here so let me begin by saying, we watched this because we couldn't find anything else. We are vacationing in Hawaii, so stumbled across this. At first we thought this wasn't very good at all, but Kristen Bell was in it, so we decided to give it a go. It took is awhile to finally "get it." This is a parody, satire, of the books that were so popular. So e decided to carry on & once out mind set changed we enjoyed this immensely. We doubt there will be a season 2, but if you watch it go in with the mind-set that this a parody/satire. If you haven't read the books, but watch with this in mind, it's lots of fun!
Extras (2005)
Another hit from Ricky!
While Ricky is usual comedic self, Ashley Jensen steals the show as Maggie. Brilliant stuff by all concerned. Ricky is his usual acerbic guy, and Ashley completes the picture.
Bang (2017)
Excellent
We almost didn't start this show because of the 6.6 rating. But we have learned over time that some "foreign" shows don't get a good shake.
We enjoyed it a lot because it's quite atmospheric & quirky. Probably if you like American cop shows this isn't for you.
We are hoping for s season 3.
The Vice (1999)
Under-rated!
So, I;m just curious how ALL the episodes get 8 ratings & the overall rating is 7.6. No one has yet explained that to me. This is a great series with great writing, acting & tense dialogue. Too bad it doesn't get the praise it deserves on IMDb.
You Don't Know Me (2021)
Amazing show!
We stumbled across this & are so glad we did. We don't get the 6.9 review, but we would give it 8.5.
The acting is first rate & yes, it's a slow burn but very emotional. What a great perspective for most of us.
The Responder: Episode #1.5 (2022)
Must See
We were quite surprised at the quality of the writing & acting in this show. Down & gritty policing in Liverpool. Martin Freeman was remarkable! The other British character actors were fun to watch. Sure hope there is a Season2! This show deserves way better than a 7.4 rating! I will always think of Martin Freeman as the guy who fell thru the hole in the ice in Fargo, but this changed my mind big time. Surely an Emmy coming up!
Annika (2021)
6.7????
I almost always check out IMDb before I watch a show. I think Nicola Walker is a great actress, so we will watch it for sure. But how do the 6 episodes get: 6.9/7.1/7.4/7.7/7.6/8.1 for an overall rating of 6.7? It's probably some complicated algorithm of something, but I will look for other sites in the future.
Slow Horses (2022)
I love this show!
I din't know quite what to expect because I have read all of the Slough House books by Mick Herron. I was astounded & pleasantly surprised how faithful this is to the books including the characters. Gary Oldman is the perfect Jackson Lamb. Bravo!
A Touch of Cloth (2012)
Flat out hilarious
I really don't know how the actors kept a straight face through this. We would love to see the outtakes.
Double entendres & puns abound! Kind of Monty Python in a cop show. We love it.
It makes Inspector Clouseau look serious!
Pieces of Her (2022)
Terrible
Except for a few scenes with Toni Collette, this is the worst show ever. Stiff acting like a very amateur production.
Time shifting for no discernible reason. This is so bad we had to keep watching.
If there is a season 2 we will not be watching.
Trial & Retribution (1997)
We quit
After 4 seasons we gave up on this because the character of David Hayman was just obnoxious, egotistical and abusive, especially to women.
This behaviour would not be allowed on any police force even in the late 90s. We just couldn't watch it anymore. It would bet an 8 from us with better character development or growth, maturity or decency.
Treme (2010)
One of the best things ever on TV
I don't know how this show got 8.2. I guess if you don't like New Orleans music maybe, but this is the most entertains mix of music & drama ever.
This is my second time watching it. As usual, David Simon et al deliver. Just the logistics of this production are mind-boggling. WOW!
The Beautiful Lie (2015)
Beautiful Work of Art
This show is a beautiful amalgamation of writing and actin and directing. We were totally immersed!
Sarah Snook (whom we know from Succession) is brilliant as are the supporting actors. Kudos to Acorn TV here in Canada!
Bad Blood (2017)
Great series
This is a very compelling & driven series. I am proud to say most of it is Canadian!
We sure hope it continues. We hope CBC is taking notice. Great acting & writing.
Cuffs (2015)
Best cop show ever!
This is a jewel of a show. It is certainly the best show in this genre we have see. Never a dull moment.
We Just wish there were more seasons. Maybe the title misled viewers, but entertainment at it's finest!
Vigil (2021)
One Great Show!
Suranne Jones never fails to impress. It is a tightly scripted drama aboard a nuclear submarine. The tension it creates is palpable.
Highly recommended!
Crime (2021)
top notch drama
This show is really good! Dark & some what gritty, but the writing is excellent & Dougray Scott is compelling as a caring & conflicted guy. Highly recommended!
Dark Heart (2016)
British shows generally get lower ratings
This is very well done show. It is gritty, well-acted & written & yes, dark. We generally don't pay attention to IMDb reviews for British or Aussie shows.
Maybe there are not enough reviews for the aggregate scores to kick in. Believe me, this show is NOT Vera. Wish there were more seasons.
Secret City (2016)
One of the best
This is one of the best shows we have seen during the pandemic (which is a long time). Excellent writing & acting by everyone.
A true nail-biter with lots of espionage & intrigue. We only wish there were more seasons.
Shetland (2013)
Easily the best detective show
Superbly written, directed & acted. Far & away the best show we have seen during the pandemic.
Douglas Henshaw is at his grizzled finest. We hope season 7 comes soon in 2022.
Hidden (2011)
6.8??? More like. 8.6
This is a great show which is why I take IMDb reviews of British, Scandinavian, Aussie shoes with a grain of salt. Too bad there aren't more episodes.
The Victim (2019)
Best
We thought this was the best thing we have seen on TV, maybe ever. The acting & writing was superb! Kelly MacDonald & the supporting cast were amazing! This is creative writing & scripting at its best!
Grace (2021)
Pretty good
We quite liked this show for its somewhat unique & gruesome plots. But I am quite tired of the head honcho coming down on the cop who bends the rules a bit, but produces great results. It has become a tope that is increasingly tiresome in this (our favourite) genre.
Craith: Episode #1.4 (2018)
Slow burn
Yes it's a slow burn, but very atmospheric & dark. I would rate this 8.5 if IMDb let me. Spooky & very human. Ignore the naysayers...this is great TV.