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TV Series Review

The Rig – Series 2 – Review

The Rig – Series 2 Review

The Rig Series 2 starts strong, exploring deeper mysteries, but falters by focusing too much on human conflict rather than a cohesive overarching story.

First Reaction – The Rig Series 2 lacks the depth for the bigger story.

Watch The Rig on Prime.

Director: John Strickland

Writer: David Macpherson (Creator)

Cast

Plot: A group of workers on a remote Scottish oil rig are due to return to the mainland when a mysterious fog enshrouds them and supernatural forces take hold.

Runtime: 50 Minutes Per Episode

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Rig Series 2

Episode 1

The returning episode follows the crew relocated to a remote base by Coake (Addy). They are offered a deal to keep quiet, as Rose (Hampshire) and Magnus (Glen) must discover what the company is all about. Elsewhere, the countries are recovering from the devastating tidal wave which hit the coastal areas in the North Sea. The crew get to learn more about the organisation as they prepare to help solve the problems the supernatural threat leaves them facing.

The returning episode creates a bigger mystery and unlocks a bigger one. It grabs our attention and reunites us with the crew. This has leaned more into the sci-fi and away from the horror now, but that has helped by embracing the final sequence of the last season. We are prepared for the bigger battle they are facing and left wanting to see what can be unlocked. (4/5)

Episode 2

This episode follows the team facing an emergency. They both have somebody trapped on the bottom of the ocean and they must put their differences aside to rescue them. This involves a daring operation to move the base and see the dangers on the ice. Elsewhere, other members of the team return to the mainland to see the aftermath of the destruction and hope to find their loved ones.

This episode sets up everything moving forward. It creates the sides on the station between Rose and Coake. Elsewhere, we see what is happening on the mainland. The sides have been drawn and now it becomes the battle to stay ahead of each other. It is a nice set up episode, as we wait to see what is going to happen in the future. (3/5)

Episode 3

This episode starts with Coake seeing an opportunity to take control. Elsewhere, Hutton and Cat continue their search for Cat’s wife. The team on the base face challenges for control and the mystery behind the connection and the ancestor takes over.

This is a slower episode, it focus more on the human conflict over the bigger problem. It struggles to get going on the same level it needed to after the first two episodes. (2/5)

Episode 4

This episode follows the aftermath of the incident on the base. It sees Magnus and Rose needing to make the big decision on what to do next. However, the battle for power remains strong. Elsewhere, Hutton and Cat continue to clash over what to do on the mainland.

This episode moves the battle for control forward, as we see Magnus and Rose use their strengths to maintain control. However, the search for motivation takes control making it difficult to stay in power. It is a slower episode keeping things around the human battle for control and not diving into the supernatural side of things enough. (3/5)

Episode 5

This episode starts with Bremner needing to be talking down, while his reasoning comes to light. Elsewhere, Cat prepares to help with her wife’s medical treatment as the mainland problems are spiralling out of control. Meanwhile, Magnus leads his team through an encounter they never expected to get.

We are now finding ourselves in the third episode with the same story of control happening. Everything on the base is getting repetitive. Even though the stuff on the mainland is still interesting seeing how the battle for power in the organisation has. The most interesting side of the episode comes from the mystery about the Ancestors. (3/5)

Episode 6

This episode starts with the team recovering from the incident and deciding what to do next. It leaves them with a startling revelation that changes their position on control. The company is still trying to cover up the incident and Magnus and Rose lead the charge to expose the truth, but they need proof.

For the final episode, we get the see the unity between the original team as they look to save the day. It shows how quickly the company look to solve their problems and it doesn’t matter who gets in their way. Sadly, it feels more like a mid-season finally as it leaves too much open for a potential new season. (3/5)

Overall

The Rig Series 2 continues on from the cliffhanger ending of series 1. It starts promising with the bigger picture of what is going on. However, it struggles to keep the momentum, as it stumbles through a lot of human battles instead of the bigger connection to what is happening. It doesn’t help that the show is more interested in leaving things open to the next season, rather than completing a main story.

Final Thoughts –The Rig Series 2 starts well, but doesn’t get into the bigger story enough.

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TV Series Review

Dalgliesh – Series 3 – Review

Dalgliesh Series 3 – Review

Dalgliesh Series 3 features slow episodes but culminates in a captivating finale, showcasing complex mysteries and compelling character dynamics.

First Reaction – Dalgliesh Series 3 has a couple of slow episodes but a great last one.

Where to Watch

Dalgliesh Series 1 – 3 DVD Box Set, courtesy of Acorn Media International on 23 December 2024.

Director: Geoffrey Sax, Bertie Carvel, Roger Goldby

Writer: Colette Kane, Helen Edmundson (Screenplay)

Writer: P.D. James (Books)

Cast

Plot: Follows Dalgliesh’s crime-fighting career from 1970s England to the present day.

Runtime: 45 Minutes per episode

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Dalgliesh Series 3

Death in Holy Orders

Death in Holy Orders follows the murder of Archdeacon Crampton. He is visiting the local church, which is already battling a scandal and a potential sale. The suspects include the religious figures there and the other visitors. DCI Dalgleish (Carvel) and DS Tarrant (Brammer) investigate the murder. The pair meet the suspects and look for answers to the murder.

The first case back moves at a slow pace despite being set in and around church grounds. It presents plenty of suspects and secrets the people hold. There is a look at how the church operates and covers up factors. However, the mystery doesn’t seem to get going and struggles to get out of first gear as no character is sticking out from the crowd. (2/5)

Cover Her Face

Cover Her Face follows a live-in maid who dies overnight in the aftermath of a big celebration. The host family has plenty of secrets and they must get exposed if Dalgleish is going to learn who is behind the murder.

This continues the idea of putting the detectives in a more singular location with a big household with secrets. It touches on a more sensitive subject for the era the show is set, with an Asian family being the one with wealth and people looking down on them. While the situation is an interesting twist on the class system, the mystery ends up feeling overly long for what we end up getting. (2/5)

Devices and Desires

Devices and Desires follows a potential serial killer operating near Kent. Dalgliesh is assigned to join his former partner DS Kate Miskin (Peer) investigating the murders. The victims worked for a power plant company and they have faced campaigns against their work. Meanwhile, Kate has her own challenges with this case as the pair work together to solve the case.

This is easily the best episode of the series and reunites Dalgliesh with Kate. The pair’s past takes over the episode even with the mystery being fascinating with them hunting a potential serial killer. It feels like a lot more is happening and far more engaging compared to the previous two. (4/5)

Dalgliesh Series 3

Dalgliesh Series 3 is the return of the series following the 70s detective solving more complex cases. Sadly, the show struggles to get going, with the pace of the episodes being way too slow, everything seems too serious and lacks any sparks. It could be argued it reflects more realistic detective work. The singular locations can make them feel like murder mysteries, rather than actual murders.

Final Thoughts –Dalgliesh Series 3 brings a calming presence to the murder mysteries.

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TV Series Review

All Creatures Great & Small – Series 5 – Review

All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 – Review

Get your cozy fix with All Creatures Great & Small Series 5. Don't miss the exciting Christmas Special and the ultimate box set.

First Reaction – All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 returns with a comfy series of adventures.

Where to Watch

All Creatures Great & Small Series Five inc. the 2023 Christmas Special will arrive on DVD on 2 December 2024 followed by the bumper All Creatures Great & Small Complete Series One – Five Box set on 16 December 2024 courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its transmission on Channel 5. 

Director: Brian Percival, Stewart Svaasand, Andy Hay

Writer: Debbie O’Malley, Maxine Alderton, Matt Evans, Robin French (Screenplay)

Writer: James Herriot (Books)

Cast

Plot: James Herriot, fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, pursues his dream to become a vet in the Yorkshire Dales. He discovers that treating the animals is as much about treating their owners, and the Dales’ farmers are a tough to please.

Runtime: 45 Minutes per episode

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on All Creatures Great & Small Series 5

To All Our Boys

To All Our Boys follows Siegfried (West), Mrs Hall (Madeley) and Helen (Shenton) dealing with demands back in the village. Meanwhile, James (Ralph) is preparing for his first big mission in his World War II duty. However, James learns he is suffering from an illness which could affect his active duty. Elsewhere, Siegfried leaves Richard (Anthony-Rose) alone for the first time and it could give him a chance to ease the load.

This episode isn’t a big welcoming return due to the circumstances we find our characters in. It is a good thing because it builds the strain the characters are suffering during World War II. This leaves the big question on whether James should stay in the active service or return home and builds on his sense of importance. Back home we get moments of humour between Siegfried and Richard, which lightens the mood too. (4/5)

Holding the Baby

Holding the Baby follows James returning to work and getting used to caring for the baby. Elsewhere, Helen struggles to see her sister Jenny want to move to a bigger city away from the farm work. Meanwhile, Siegfried clashes with the air raid warden and Mrs. Hall’s role in the department.

This episode shows us the different problems the village is facing and how unprepared people are for the war. From the air raid warden setting up rules, he doesn’t understand the rules he is setting up. The local animals hear new noises and James enters parenthood. It brings the lovely charm we know the series has to life. (4/5)

Homecoming

Homecoming follows James and Helen preparing for little Jimmy’s Christening. Siegfried is preparing a speech and James’ parents have come to visit. However, a telegraph for Seigfried leaves Mrs Hall worried about the news. Although, it seems like it is good news about Tristan (Woodhouse).

This episode does what we have all been waiting for, the return of Tristan. The show has missed him for the last season and his return clashes with the Christening of Jimmy. This presents more of the busy lives and has turned from an uncertain start to a celebration together. (4/5)

Uninvited Guests

Uninvited Guests follows Tristan meeting Richard and having to adapt to having each other around. They are sent to Mrs Pumphrey’s (Hodge) home to search for a missing snake. It is reflected in how Mrs Pumphrey has been dealing with changes in her life. Elsewhere, James deals with a challenging case where he can prove himself to more of the farmers.

This episode is taken with a lighter heart with the bonding between Tristan and Richard and their adventure. However, James is showing early signs of the problems he is having in the aftermath of his service. This is the perfect example of an episode that can manage moments of comedy and serious subject matters. (5/5)

Pair Bond

Pair Bond follows Richard getting his exam results and searching for advice in love from Tristan and Siegfried. However, the roles get reversed when Siegfried takes notice of their latest client. Meanwhile, James is struggling to keep up with Tristan’s restlessness and Mrs Hall clashes with Mr Bosworth about an item that landed in the local area.

This episode feels like the most relaxed episode of the series so far. It is filled with the most laughs, even if there is an air of pain lingering over James and Tristan. This also highlights the struggles people from the big city have when it comes to dealing with things changing in the area. (4/5)

Glass Half Full

Glass Half Full follows Tristan and Siegfried back on the rounds, as Siegfried struggles now Richard has stepped away. Elsewhere, James is in a surprisingly good mood. However, Tristan and Siegfried clash on their methods leading to a comedic series of events. Meanwhile, James is showing signs of his illness that is making him act strangely and it could have a lasting impact on his career.

For the closing episode, we finally get a comedic episode with Tristan and Siegfried. It entertains to cover up the serious subject going on with James. The two mix nicely and we find a conclusion episode that leaves us wondering what is happening next for the characters. (4/5)

All Creatures Great & Small Series 5

All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 is back with a bang tackling serious subjects in how characters react to moments from the war. The welcome return of Tristan brings a lot more comedy to the series and helps lighten the mood. Meanwhile, the more serious subjects linger around as we wait to see how James and Tristan might react to the little things in life. It is also filled with big decisions for the characters that could shape the direction of many of their lives.

Final Thoughts –All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 gives us plenty of comfy stories.

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TV Series Review

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol – Review

The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol – Review

Where to Watch

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book Of Carol and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 1 & 2 Box set

Director: Greg Nicotero, Daniel Percival, Michael Slovis

Writer: Shannon Goss (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Carol maps a path toward Daryl; Daryl, Isabelle, and Laurent define their roles at the Nest.

Runtime: 50 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol

Le Gentilesse des Étrangers (D. Greg Nicotero)

Le Gentilesse des Étrangers follows Daryl (Reedus) continuing to teach Laurent (Scigliuzzi) survival tricks. Elsewhere, Carol (McBride) starts her mission to find Daryl, meeting the last known contacts in America. After she learns about the French trip, she sources somebody who could help her get there. Meanwhile, Daryl is getting restless knowing the threats in France could come back to haunt them.

This is a good return for the show, it proves Daryl still has a desire to get home. However, it shines as we see how Carol starts her mission to save him. After the bombshell of her return in the final sequence of the first season, her connection to Daryl is so strong that is easily going to become the driving force of the show. (4/5)

Moulin Rouge (D. Daniel Percival)

Moulin Rouge sees Daryl dealing with a new threat heading toward the Nest. Meanwhile, Carol and Ash make a stop in Greenland where they meet a couple of survivors. However, they want something more from the pair and Daryl starts to question who he can trust.

This moves both the main characters along, creates a new threat and introduces us to new potential allies. However, it doesn’t seem to be as creative as the last episode and we know the news Carol must break to Ash is going to destroy their friendship. Meanwhile, the Daryl side of the story doesn’t seem as deep as it should be and leaves us not getting enough out of what he gets up to. (2/5)

L’Invisible (D. Michael Slovis)

L’Invisible follows Carol continuing her search around France for Daryl, she meets another group of strangers who offer her clues. Meanwhile, Daryl continues to plan his escape with Laurent, but tragedy strikes and the cult they are living with starts putting their plans in place.

This episode takes Carol and Daryl into new threats and shows how they are prepared to do what they need to, to survive. Carol has the most interesting side of things to do, as she finds herself mixed with his enemies. Meanwhile, the religious cult side of things is not as interesting considering how late into the apocalypse we find ourselves. It is the death of a more enjoyable character which stands out most in this episode. (3/5)

Le Paradis Pour Toi (D. Michael Slovis)

Le Paradis Pour Toi starts with Marion’s attack on Losang. Carol finds Isabelle injured and the two put together their plan to save Daryl. However, the battle finds everyone panicking and the search for Laurent intensifying. It leads to the moment, we have been waiting for, the reunion of Carol and Daryl. In their attempts to get home, they must search for Laurent, meeting other strangers along the way. However, they are left wondering whether to trust their new friends.

This gives us the reunion we have been waiting for, it is held back well, which is nice and not over dramatic. It shows Daryl’s parental nature which has been the backbone of everything he has done in the main series too. This brings a lighter side to everything, despite knowing there will be a bigger threat to come. (4/5)

Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir (D. Daniel Percival)

Vouloir C’est Pouvoir follows Daryl and Carol preparing to reunite with Ash. However, where Carol left him has come under attack. The pair must search for help as Daryl is forced to break the news about Isabelle to Laurent. He wants to offer him a route back to America, but Laurent is starting to see his importance to the cause in France. However, Losang has been searching for Laurent, forcing Daryl to turn to unlikely friends.

This episode increases the peril they are facing, creating a race against time to survive. It leaves everything on edge leading into the season finale. This is the best of the season so far, even if it continues to the similar problems the show has with disposable supporting characters. (4/5)

Au Revoir Les Enfants (D. Daniel Percival)

Au Revoir Les Enfants picks up with Daryl and Carol needing to make a difficult decision. Ash’s plane can’t carry the four of them, meaning someone must stay behind. Daryl and Carol battle to see who should stay or go. Meanwhile, the locals are trying to get the plane before they take off. The question leads to what is next for Daryl and Carol and can they all find a way home?

This is a solid conclusion to the series, it has struggled to create a bigger threat for Daryl to face. The best sequence comes from the next solution to escape and it is a place we could gladly return too. It doesn’t feeel like a season finale, more of a mid-season set up to the next chapter. (4/5)

The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol

Overall, this is a welcome addition to the series, and giving Daryl another original character is great to see. There is no doubt Carol and Daryl’s relationship has been the heartbeat of the show, and they are always around when the other needs them. However, away from their connection, the story feels more of the same, Daryl trying to get Laurent to America. Elsewhere, most of the characters we met in the first season and pushed to supporting roles that don’t seem to mean much anymore. The reality is Daryl is always going to be the drawing point. He is one of the most popular characters in the franchise and we know he can join any adventure to search for survivors and help people. It leaves us in a place with plenty to come in the next season and the potential for even more worlds to explore.

Final Thoughts – The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol continues to be the shiny light of the spin-offs.

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TV Series Review

Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1 – Review

Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1 Review

Director: Christiaan Olwagen, Karen Jeynes

Writer: Annie Griffin, Karen Jeynes (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Andrew (Books)

Cast

Plot: Tannie Maria sees food as “medicine for the body and heart”. She envies romance as much as she enjoys cooking and eating. But it’s death that shakes up Tannie Maria’s life, when one of the correspondents to her column is brutally murdered.

Runtime: 45 Minute Episodes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1

Bereft Woman (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

Bereft Woman starts when Tannie Maria (Kennedy) loses her job at the local newspaper with her cookery column. She must compete with younger writer Jessie September (Fisher) to write the best answers to personal ads. They both submit responses as Tannie to help people. However, Tannie gets more attached to her letter wanting to help solve a potentially disturbing series of events. she uses her ability with food to help solve the problem, believing food can heal any wounds.

The opening episode shows Tannie evolving from the typical column to create something fresh for the readers. It shows how she wants to find the best in something anyone can pick up and learn and that food can bring people together. Meanwhile, her past might come back to haunt her. It creates a bigger mystery and shows Maria’s ability to make the most of smaller stories. (4/5)

Sex Cake (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

Sex Cake starts in the aftermath of the murder. Tannie wants to help prove who was behind the crime, while the police conduct their own investigation. Everything gets complicated and Tannie wants to help get the right person behind bars. Meanwhile, she tackles the latest letters helping someone struggling to find love.

This shows us the bond growing between Tannie and Jessie as they use their strengths to deal with solving crimes. It is nice seeing a story running between episodes while also giving us a softer to continue Tannie’s work. This show is doing a good job of building the pairing, expanding the crime and keeping the comfy feeling for the stories told in letters. (4/5)

Do You Lick Everything? (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

Do You Lick Everything? Starts in the aftermath of Tannie and Jessie getting caught at the crime scene. They escape the suspect returning to the scene while another victim is taken and the case becomes more intense. Meanwhile, Tannie’s past connections continue to try and contact her and a new crime from Jessie’s mother gives the pair something new to investigate.

This continues to move the bigger mystery along nicely while showing the community coming together more. It shows the best in the residents despite the crime which has happened. This shows the bigger determination between the pair to solve the crime and food having a connection to larger crime. (3/5)

Operation Vetkoek (D. Karen Jeynes)

Operation Vetkoek sees the community come together to lay the latest victim to rest. Tannie and Jessie continue their investigation into the original crime. However, a visitor distracts from the investigation and causes a stir in the community. Meanwhile, Tanie continues with her letters that solve people’s problems with cookery tips.

This episode slows down the bigger mystery, with it mostly lingering in the background to the events of the episode. It is starting to feel like the series is making the bigger story longer than it needs to be instead of focusing on smaller stories from Tannie’s column. (2/5)

A Shoe Murder (D. Karen Jeynes)

A Shoe Murder starts when Tannie and Jessie continue their investigations alone. It follows them learning more about the victim and the people in their lives. Meanwhile, they avoid the office, leaving Hattie to find somebody to talk to. The community continues to try to solve their problems as others try to solve the murder.

This continues the larger focus on the community rather than the bigger murder case. It shows tensions built in the community and the problems Hattie has been facing. This has moving moments for a grieving mother, but struggles to move enough of the bigger picture going on. That includes the mystery of Tannie’s past. (2/5)

Breakfast for Dinner (D. Karen Jeynes)

Breakfast for Dinner follows Tannie and Candice following a new lead after the prime suspects escape the hospital. However, it leads them down a dead-end leaving Jessie and Regardt to deal with their romantic tension. Meanwhile, Tannie continues to help the locals with her column.

This continues to build the bigger mystery of the original murder by extending the suspect pool. We get a new victim in the series of deaths connected to it. Elsewhere, Tannie deals with her own traumatic memories and starts to wonder what could happen next in her life. It moves things along at a better pace than the last couple of episodes. The shift to the bigger mystery is important and learning more about Tannie helps us understand her determination to remain silent about her past. (4/5)

Enough Sweet Potatoes (D. Karen Jeynes)

Enough Sweet Potatoes starts when Tannie deals with something from her past, deciding if she wants to reconnect with an estranged family member. Meanwhile, Jessie uncovers a new clue to the potential murderer. However, it only causes them to reach more dead ends. Elsewhere, Hattie tries to maintain the newspaper’s reputation and the locals want to remove their advertisement.

This episode brings the newspaper team closer than ever as they deal with a threat. The mystery is kept rolling without much unfolding. Meanwhile, the personal lives of everyone involved are what keep this episode moving along nicely. (3/5)

Pomegranate Juice and Vodka (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

Pomegranates Juice and Vodka continue Tannie and Jessie’s investigation into the murder. Meanwhile, the prime suspects continue to bond as they want more answers from the police. Jessie pushes the limits to how close she will go to solve the case. Elsewhere, we learn more about the police team and their personal lives.

This episode feels delightful for getting to know the community, it shows how food can bring us closer again. However, the bigger mystery seems to take a bit of a step back, causing it to leave little to drag along. Even though the community growing story helps us feel like part of the story unfolding. (3/5)

Scrambled Eggs (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

Scrambled Eggs starts when the police and Tannie start searching for Jessie after her bike is found abandoned on the road. Elsewhere, Tannie dives back into her past and why she ended up in a small town in South Africa. The detectives rush to solve the mystery of who has taken Jessie only to learn that Tannie has discovered who is behind the murder.

This episode cracks up the intensity of the series, putting one of our main characters in peril. Along with Tannie getting to learn more about what is happening. We also learn a lot more about her past and what caused her to escape Scotland in the first place. It leaves us prepared for the final episode and how they will get out of the situation. (4/5)

I Only Wanted Advice, Tannie (D. Christiaan Olwagen)

I Only Wanted Advice, Tannie starts as the desperate search for Jessie continues as Tannie faces something about her past. The suspect is still on the run and the race to capture them and solve the murder is running out of time. Meanwhile, Tannie must face her past and why she is there now, which can bring up disturbing memories.

This is a great conclusion to the series, it brings the bigger mysteries to a conclusion and has moments of peril. It shows us what we were built towards and lets everything unfold perfectly. (5/5)

Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1

Recipes for Love and Murder is a cozy detective series. It uses the connection between culinary love to connect to a murder. However, it is more about the one bigger murder and everything that happened because of it. It isn’t a different crime per episode, more a personal column reply that drives the story forward. The show is a couple of episodes too long for the bigger mystery to continue, as some of the episodes do very little to move the story along. We get strong performances and the important will they won’t romance carrying through the series.

Where to Watch

Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1 starring Maria Doyle Kennedy will be available on DVD and digital on 30 September.

Final Thoughts –Recipes for Love and Murder Series 1 has a cozy feel to solving a big mystery.

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TV Series Review

Mr. McMahon – Review

Mr. McMahon – Review

Explore the controversial reign of Mr. McMahon in this captivating documentary. Discover the highs, lows, and scandals behind the iconic wrestling promoter's career.

Director: Bill Simmons, Chris Smith

Plot: WWE experienced record-breaking highs and crushing lows under Vince McMahon’s leadership and the mogul’s controversial reign.

Runtime: 50-55 Minutes per episode

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Mr. McMahon

Mr McMahon is a documentary following the career of the iconic wrestling promoter Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr. It follows his rise in the business to create the WWF, now WWE. However, his career has been ruined by scandals.

In episode 1, Junior focuses on the history lesson of how Vince destroyed the terroristic business of wrestling to turn it into a singular national company. Most wrestling fans know the basics of the background, but for non-wrestling fans, this gives us a quick lesson on how we got to where we are. We learn about the relationship with Hulk Hogan and the importance of making history along the way. However, it shows the first couple of scandals the company faced.

In episode 2, Heat follows the continuing rise of the WWF with the biggest Wrestlemania in history, Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant. However, despite the success, the scandals started to consume the company. These ranged from sexual abuse and steroid abuse. Add in the rise of WCW the biggest competition the WWF ever faced.

In episode 3, Screwjob follows Vince dealing with wrestlers not following his instructions, believing he had the only power. While the term Screwjob is most famous for another incident, we see how he did it first to Wendy Richter. Meanwhile, he still battles the steroid scandal with his most trusted friend Hulk Hogan turning on him. We see how Vince dealt with his biggest names walking away and the infamous Curtain Call.

In episode 4, Attitude follows the rise of the biggest and most popular era in WWF history, the Attitude era. It was built off the back of dealing with Vince struggling to get back on top. The creation of his on-screen persona who fights against his stars on camera. It created some of the biggest names in the history of the business, Stone Cold, The Rock and Triple H. However, it also saw the rise of the over-sexualisation of women wrestlers. It puts back on moments that could never happen now, with a string of controversial moments for the era, before one of the biggest tragedies in WWF history.

In episode 5, Family Business dives back into Vince’s personal life and how he claims to put any problems behind him. Along with following Stephanie and Shane’s life in the shadow of their larger-than-life father. It focuses on the family drama on screen and the building reputation Vince created behind the scenes. This looks more into the early problems Vince created in the working environment and how people became victims of his wrath.

In episode 6, The Finish we follow how Vince tried to stay important during the Ruthless Aggression era. It built up to one of the most controversial storylines, where Vince was killed on screen. However, it happened days before the Christ Benoit murder-suicide. It shows how the company dealt with concussions in hopes of never allowing the same tragic event to happen again. Add in the unhealthy amount of wrestlers dying younger than they should have.

Overall, this doesn’t dive deep enough into the scandals even if it touches on them in places. It would have been a lot more interesting to explore them and learn more from people who aren’t company people. This feels like a biography documentary, rather than anything which exposes the bigger problems caused over the years. We don’t get into the current issues until late into episode 6 and it is less than 30 minutes of information. It felt like this was made too early before more of the truth came to light.

Where to Watch

Mr McMahon is available on Netflix now.

Final Thoughts – Mr McMahon is a good history lesson into Vince’s history in WWE.

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TV Series Review

The Chelsea Detective Series 2 – Review

The Chelsea Detective Series 2 Review

Explore the thrilling Chelsea Detective Series 2. Join DI Max Arnold and DS Layla Walsh as they solve crimes in the affluent elite of Chelsea.

Director: Richard Signy, Sarah Esdaile

Writer: Glen Laker, Peter Fincham, Liz Lake, Laura Poliakoff (Screenplay)

Writer: Peter Fincham (Creator)

Cast

Plot: Arnold, whose lifestyle on a battered houseboat in Chelsea’s Cheyne Walk contrasts sharply with the affluent elite whose crimes he helps solve alongside partner DS Layla Walsh.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Chelsea Detective Series 2

The Blue Room (D. Richard Signy)

The Blue Room follows DI Max Arnold (Scarborough) and his new partner DS Layla Walsh (Emme) investigating a murder at an art gallery. Max and his team Connor (Bankole) and Jess (Phelps) set out to learn about the people who attended the show, creating a big pool of suspects. It includes the gallery owner, their family and the victim’s husband.

In the return episode, we get a new pairing with different challenges for Max. The case helps build their friendship and ability to use each other strengths to solve the case. As well as Layla learning to adapt to the rest of the team. When it comes to the case, we get plenty of suspects, twists and turns along the way. It is a welcome return for the show, and the ability to bring in a new member effortlessly shines through. (4/5)

Golden Years (D. Richard Signy)

Golden Years follows Max and Layla investigating the suspicious death of a resident at a luxury care home. The victim has lived a life of luxury in the aftermath of other’s suffering. Meanwhile, the other suspects have secrets and Max must deal with the final change in his ending relationship.

This takes us to the Chelsea elite and keeps us wondering with a long list of suspects. It dives into a host of different potential suspects away from the normal inside the luxury care home. This touches on a few serious subjects which still need dealing with in real life too. It keeps you guessing well and gives Jess and Connor a bigger impact on the story. (3/5)

The Reliable Witness (D. Sarah Esdaile)  

The Reliable Witness starts when psychologist Iain Frankland is murdered during an online session. It looks like a known stalker could be the prime suspect as they have targeted the doctor before. However, the deeper they dive, the more they uncover about the doctor.

The third episode takes us into the secretive life of psychologists and what goes on behind closed doors. It once again touches on serious situations, dealing with mental illnesses and how people deal with the problems. While the crime isn’t as intense as others, it continues to follow the more traditional twist-filled story. The highlight comes from the subject matters being discussed over the crime solving. (4/5)

A Crime of Passion (D. Sarah Esdaile)

A Crime of Passion follows the team investigating the murder of a fruit and vegetable businessman. He has a reputation for being a player and they must figure out if it was a crime of passion or a business problem.

In the final episode, we complete the series with a more traditional concept. A mystery where the victim has many secrets which creates many different suspects. It shows the team working perfectly together and continues Max’s changing life. However, for the mystery, it feels more like another episode, rather than something bigger like you might expect from the season finale. (3/5)

The Chelsea Detective Series 2

Series 2 brings us four new crimes for Max Arnold and his team to solve. Vanessa Emme steps into the co-leading role and does a great job opposite Adrian Scarborough. We follow her adapting to the team and Max adapting to his changing relationship. This feels like more of the same, it brings a less grizzly type of crime stories and uses the busy Chelsea district of London to bring the many different worlds together.

Where to Watch

The Chelsea Detective Series 2 and 1 & 2 Box set will be available on DVD and digital on 23 September

Final Thoughts – The Chelsea Detective Series 2 is a great series of crime stories.

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TV Series Review

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 1 – Thoughts and Feelings

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 1

Discover the journey of Daryl Dixon after The Walking Dead. Explore his spin-off show and the new adventures he embarks on.

When The Walking Dead finished, I thought it ended perfectly for a show that at times had overstayed its welcome. It fell into the group of shows where the actors were announcing they were leaving long before their characters were written off. To make matters worse the spin-off shows were all announced before the end, so you knew Daryl, Negan and Maggie were going to make it to the end. Rick and Michonne returning for their own spin-off ‘Ones Who Live’.

However, Daryl left the last episode to continue searching for more survivors, so his spin-off show could have gone in any direction. Today, I will look at what I did and didn’t enjoy in the show.

Daryl finds himself in France floating a shore and meeting Isabelle at a monastery. He reluctantly agrees to guide her, Laurent and Sylvie to a safe haven in exchange for a connection to get him back home. On their journey they meet other survivors, some ready to help, others with their own agendas.

The Positives

Daryl exploring a new country with new threats is interesting and stepping into the bigger cities, including Paris brings a new dimension to the show. We get to see castles and monasteries used for safety, bringing a more natural defence to the undead.

Daryl has always felt like a lone wolf figure, but reluctantly helps people in need. He can build connections without many worlds and here he does the same. Even if he ends up going on another babysitter-like adventure, having spent the last few seasons looking after Judith and RJ.

The new types of walkers, this is a positive and a negative. The positive comes from the threat they possess, with the fight club battles being the highlight of the dangers. However, despite being tougher, they are still just as easy to overcome for Daryl. This becomes negative because the original show introduced the idea they were evolving and now neither show has shown as any more of this.

The Negatives

The show jumps between his time in France and how he got there. He has somebody hunting him for the whole show and it mostly falls flat by the end. It is difficult to know which timeline is which until the very end of the season.

The series feels more like an opener for something big, that is because the big bad feels nothing more than an early test, instead of an Alpha sized threat. Everything feels like it was designed to give Daryl a side quest because he was one of the most popular characters in the show. It doesn’t do anything to make him feel more important and it is harder to get invested in newer characters in a show who often introduces to someone, just to kill them off.

Overall

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon felt safe, it gives us an interesting journey with beautiful backdrops. However, it never feels like a threat is being faced and struggles to introduce the new characters. Season 2 should improve things now we have got used to the core team and built a potential connection to the rest in America.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 1 arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 30 September 2024, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

Categories
TV Series Review

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live – Thoughts

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live – Was It Worth It?

Discover the twists and turns of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Explore whether it was worth the wait for this spin-off show.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is the first of the spin-off shows to make it to the UK. No date has been set for the Daryl Dixon or Dead City shows. It follows Michonne finally finding Rick and wanting to bring him home. However, not everything is going to be as easy as she expected.

Rick’s Departure

Rick left heroically, saving Alexandra from a massive hoard of Walkers. While the audience knew he survived, the characters were left unsure of whether he survived. In reality, Andrew Lincoln had been asking to leave and was due to return for a 3-movie deal. Covid-19 stopped happening and we were left with this as the main option.

This was not ideal, but Rick left in the right way saving loved ones. Weirdly it might have been nice to see his character finish there. However, the graphic novel has him sticking around much later in the story.

Michonne’s Departure

Michonne’s departure felt a lot worse because she left during Season 10 in the middle of the battle with the Whisperers. She left Judith and RJ to go in search of Rick which seemed like a stupid thing to do. It was a strange decision for the character to leave in the middle of the deadliest conflict. It wouldn’t have been as bad if it was in the aftermath of the battle, but in the middle, it leaves things feeling empty.

The Missing Years

The show sets up Episode One to follow Rick’s journey and attempts to escape. It shows how he became helpless faceless soldier and finally cut off his hand. He has spent time trying to escape and learning about a group that has plans to change things.

Episode Two follows Michonne’s journey, she meets up with the people she was trying to return safely. She travels with them before facing a big struggle and losing the people she became close to.

The show didn’t spend too much time going over the journey to get here and didn’t seem to do enough to cover itself in glory. Everything felt rushed and despite a strong meeting point, it left us wanting more.

Did We Need to Return to The Couple?

One of the biggest questions comes from asking, do we still care about the pair? Now, this is more to do with how well the original series concluded, without either of them around. The battles against The Whisperers and later threats brought the characters together. Judith became the best Grimes character and Daryl the leader needed. Many others stepped up and gave the show a worthy conclusion.

The return of the pair meant introducing another large group of characters who barely stick around. Jadis returns and is a bigger threat, but otherwise, we only follow Michonne and Rick trying to get home. Rick had become a tired character in the main series and Michonne doesn’t feel as slick as we remember her to be.

The Series

The series falls into a trap of only wanting to follow the pair trying to return home. It doesn’t do enough to show the scale of the CRM even though we know the threat is massive. There isn’t enough to make them have a villain that could cause major problems and some of the episodes drag along. By the time we learn what Major General Beale (Terry O’Quinn) is planning, it gets solved the same day.

General Beale might have one of the twisted concepts, but he never feels like as big of a presence as the leader of the Reapers Pope. Pope felt like a disturbing figure in this world and stuck around a lot longer. Beale has his moments, but the show fails to put enough focus on him and his plans.

In the end, this feels a lot more like fan service to give people a more satisfying conclusion to Rick and Michonne’s story. It adds very little to the bigger picture in this world and the fans have become a lot more invested in the characters (actors) who stuck around in the main series to the very end. To make matters worse it used the end of the core series to put a glorified trailer for this season into the mix.

Same Old Problems

The show is guilty of the same problems the main series got caught up with in the middle seasons. It introduces characters who seem interesting before killing them before the episode is over. This fails to gather enough reason to see the change and leaves us wanting to spend more time learning about the short-lived supporting characters, than the core pair.

The Future

If we look to the future, it feels like it might be nice to see this be the end of the chapter for the characters. I feel it would be a mistake to return for a story exclusively with the pair. However, if we did return, it would be more about Rick’s place in Alexandra and the neighbouring communities. He would need to earn the trust of the characters he never met, and it would present a much more complex story to see.