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TV Series Review

Darby and Joan Season 1 – Review

Darby and Joan Season 1 – Review

Director: David Caesar, Ben C Lucas, Mairi Cameron, Jovita O’Shaughnessy

Writer: Keith Thompson, Paul Bennett, Phillip Gwynne, Andrew Anastasios, Guila Sandler, David Hannam, Adam Zwar, Beck Cole,Ainslie Clouston (Screenplay)

Writer: Phillip Gwynne, Glenys Rowe (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Two lone strangers trekking on the road – a retired Australian policeman with a dog as his only company and widowed English nurse – meet each other and embark on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia.

Runtime: 50 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Darby and Joan Season 1

Episode 1 (D. David Caesar)

This starts as Joan (Scacchi) learns her husband has died but is shocked to learn he was in Australia when it happened. 6 months later, she travels down under in an attempt to learn about his mysterious life. It doesn’t take long for her to meet local Jack Darby (Brown) and the two join forces on the travel. However, the pair meet a small group of people struggling with the sale of their property and when one is found dead on the beach the pair have a mystery to solve.

This is a great introduction to the characters, giving them a chance to meet and bond over a journey. While not looking for a case, they find themselves solving a crime. The two make a great partnership and Joan’s adventure for answers is only just beginning. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. David Caesar)

This starts when Jack requests a detour to a friend’s banana farm. They meet up with farmers Declan (Bisley) and Felicity (Milliken) who have had a robbery of their gun supply. As Joan meets the family and workers, she uses a more personal connection to learn about answers. While Jack finds a bigger story going on between his family friends.

This is a very different episode than what you might come to expect. Instead of a murder, we have a robbery. This takes a lot of the more serious moments in life and ends up becoming one of the best episodes of recent years. (5/5)

Episode 3 (D. Ben C Lucas)

This starts when Joan learns about another secret from her late husband’s life. She learns he has a daughter leading Jack to need to help calm and reassure Joan. However, the next discovery opens up even more questions. Meanwhile, the camping site they are staying in has a theft, leading to the pair trying to solve the mystery.

This opens a bigger mystery for Joan to deal with, it becomes the central part of the story, which keeps us coming back for more. Elsewhere, the theft becomes a side story, which lets Joan learn more about the people who have their own problems similar to Joan’s. (4/5)

Episode 4 (D. Ben C Lucas)

This starts by showing why Jack was driving the way he was when he first met Joan. Meanwhile, Jack takes Joan to enjoy her first Christmas down under. They run into a newlywed couple on their honeymoon with friends and join them on a diving trip. However, an incident leads to one of the divers getting injured, with Joan saving their life.

This is a nice Christmas episode taking us to an Australian Christmas. It has a nice mystery to solve, but it is starting to add plenty of levels to the bigger mystery about Joan’s husband. This leaves us shocked by the reveal while showing more of Jack’s former life as a detective. (4/5)

Episode 5 (D. Mairi Cameron)

This starts with the pair getting standard for New Year’s Eve, forced to share a motel room. They must work at the motel for the night to cover the room when they find themselves in the middle of a mystery. It sees one of the staff members dealing with threatening behaviour from an outsider. All while dealing with the owner’s personal problems in the area.

This continues to prove the show has lighter mysteries going on. However, the main spotlight is placed upon Joan’s husband and his true identity. It opens more doors and now she wants to understand who he was and why he was wanted by the police.

Episode 6 (D. Mairi Cameron)

This starts when Jack gets a phone call from someone from his past. It leads to the pair travelling to a place from Jack’s past to help prove an Ironwoman failed a drug test costing her a championship. Jack must investigate the championship rival and friends to clear her name. All while tackling his past demons which still haunt him at night.

This does a great job at diving more into Jack’s past, it shows how people trust him with his criminal mind, but not his personal mind. It puts Joan in a difficult spot meeting people from Jack’s past, showing how isolated she can become in the area. On the mystery, we see one with plenty of suspects, being one of the most difficult to solve for the show. (4/5)

Episode 7 (D. Jovita O’Shaughnessy)

This starts with the aftermath of the shocking arrival of Joan’s daughter Rebecca. She wants to make sure she is doing ok and talk her into coming home. However, a strange case sees Joan and Jack getting involved with a family’s troubles. While Joan decides whether to break the truth to Rebecca, the three find themselves helping the family find a missing loved one.

This continues to bring the mystery life the husband had to life. All while remaining relatives deal with life after them. The case they get involved with has a nice approach, which handles a dysfunctional family and their problems. However, the bigger mystery about Joan’s husband is easily taking over the series. (3/5)

Episode 8 (D. Jovita O’Shaughnessy)

This starts when Jack and Joan find themselves tracked by a former friend Summer. It ends up with Jack lying in a hospital with his daughter taking the case. However, a former partner on the force Bill Carlton (John Jarratt) visits Jack. Elsewhere, Joan deals with another secret from her husband’s life and tries to help them deal with the loss.

This is a nice final episode, which completes the mystery about Joan’s husband. It also adds brings some more closure to the journey and Jack’s past. The mystery about Joan’s husband is the focal mystery and we get the answers needed to help overcome the uncertainty. (4/5)

Overall

This is a nice series following an unlikely pairing trying to solve the mystery of one of their husband’s deaths. It sees them travelling around Australia in search of for clues solving crimes. This is nice to step away from murders, by having more traditional crimes along the way. We get to learn mysteries about both characters as they bond after feeling lost in life. Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi are both fun to watch. We could easily return to see what the pair get up to next on their journeys. Meanwhile, nothing is too violent, gory or anything along those lines.

Where to Watch

It is coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – Darby and Joan Season 1 is a delightfully comfy journey.

Discover the captivating journey of Darby and Joan in Season 1. Follow their epic odyssey in the scenic outback of northern Australia.
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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 – Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 – Review

Experience the thrilling mystery of Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3. Starring Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent, and Alex Gaumond.

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 45 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3

Christmas Special (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Judith and Jeremy take Jean, Dom, Gloria, and Caron away for Christmas. They have a deal with a potential partnership in business. However, their host has planned a murder mystery weekend. But the night takes a dramatic turn when the party turns into a murder. It leads to Jean and Caron needing to solve the murder.

This is a fun episode taking the characters to a new location. It uses a more traditional murder mystery gone wrong to bring us a new crime to see unsolved. This is a welcome return to the show and prepares the core cast for more adventures to come. (3/5)

Ocean (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a marine exploration group loses one of their divers on a routine dive. It looks like cardiac arrest and happens to be on Jeremy and Judith’s boat again. Jean is asked to investigate why the diver had a coin worth thousands and sees Dom struggling with his daughter not returning. Elsewhere, Gloria is struggling to deal with her visiting father.

This is a welcome return for Jean, Dom and Gloria. However, it has fallen into the same pitfalls the last season struggled with. A crime is connected to Jeremy and Judith, without them ever being considered a suspect, just somewhere they are doing their next wild plan. The crime is interesting to see unfold and plays into the bigger love for treasure. (3/5)

Duel (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Gloria discovers a dead body, and the victim has a connection to Simone. Jean goes undercover with one of Simone’s biggest clients. Elsewhere, Judith and Jeremy must work with Gloria to revamp the bar, now Niall and Selina have left the area.

This feels like the most dangerous case Jean has been involved in. It introduces a potential recurring threat with a criminal side in the village. Elsewhere, it is disappointing that the show confirmed writing Niall and Seline out of the show now. The side story brings a lot of comedy to the episode, and it is nice for the episode not to require Jermey and Judith to be around the crime happening. (3/5)

Jackal (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a nanny is shot in clear daylight where Caron (Gaumond) is close to the incident. It happened right outside the pub, but no gunperson can be found. Elsewhere, Jean continues to build her shop inventory with Charlie. However, the victim happened to shop at Jean’s shop before the incident. It all leads to a much bigger series of events happening in the village.

This brings us an interesting mystery surrounding a first edition copy of a Charles Dickens book. The mystery takes us into the business of special edition books. Meanwhile, the pub finds a new landlord to cover the chaos, bringing a calming presence into the pub. (4/5)

Fashion (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a fashion show sees one of the hosts having a near-fatal fall, with the suspects lining up. Jean is asked to investigate who pushed her and question who would want to see her dead. However, Jean finds herself getting too involved in the case, while the other visitors discover a secret about Gloria’s new boyfriend.

This gives us a more unusual case, as it does not start with murder. It mixes up the formula and offers the most twists in the series. Outside, the bigger case the story between the friends in the village takes a dramatic turn leaving one of the characters lost and confused about their life. (4/5)

Kidnap (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Jeremy and Judith host a party with friends. Jean and Dom are guests too, but when one of the guests and close friend gets kidnapped. Caron joins the investigation, however, Jean and Dom learn more secrets about Jeremy and Judith that could have been a motivation for the kidnapping. Elsewhere, Charlie and Simone try to cheer Gloria up after sending Cooper away.

This episode does have one of the best mysteries to witness unfold. It lets Jean get involved with a series of different criminal groups while trying to solve the case. The side story with Gloria gets additional laughs which can lighten the mood of the more series crime. (4/5)

Windows (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Uncle Patrick (Tony Robinson) receives a call from his past. He needs Jean to help uncover the mystery behind the treasure from a card game decades before. However, the person he got sent to prison wants the treasure and Patrick fears for his life. Elsewhere, Dom needs to focus on his health, which could bring him devastating news.

This is a nice season conclusion. It has a toned-down mystery but focuses more on Jean and Dom’s lives away from crime. If this is the ending of the show for good, it is one of the most satisfying endings of a show in years. (4/5)

Overall

This season continues to the typical comfy mysteries, even taking a step back from only being murder. It continues to use antiques being the main reason the crimes get solved. However, it does struggle with a shrinking cast. If you have been enjoying the series before, you will still enjoy this. However, if you were to step into this series, it might be harder to grab your attention. The cast is still strong throughout the series as Sally Lindsay has put herself into a role which sees her among the best detectives in the entertainment industry.

Where to Watch

Coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 is a sweet, comfy third season.

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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 2 – Review

Unlock The Secrets Of Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 2

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 45 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 2

Episode 1 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Inspector Caron’s (Gaumond) wife is murdered, and he turns to Jean (Lindsay) for help. His past with the lead inspector leads him to become the prime suspect and only believes Jean can save him. Elsewhere, the rest of the village is coming together for a Christmas celebration, as Dom (Edge) welcomes the family.

This is a nice welcome back to the characters, Jean needing to go further to help Caron is a big addition to their crime-solving partnership. Meanwhile, seeing the villagers getting into trouble preparing for Christmas shows the community closer than ever. However, writing out Dom’s daughter and Gloria’s son does take away a little party of community. As for the mystery, seeing the case unfold is entertaining too. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when local resident Jeremy (Askwith) finds a dead body after a night of drinking on his boat. It causes tension with his partner and as they are hosting a celebrity chef makes that difficult for them. Jean comes in to help with the case, as the residents prepare for the return of one of their own from jail. Meanwhile, Dom takes this case more personally than any of them before.

This keeps us close to the villagers with the latest crime. It shows how together they are when a crime gets committed and how they stick together. While the case doesn’t have as big of a mystery behind it, it seems to take on the simple side of the murder mystery. There is a bigger message about fallen stars trying to recapture their spark. (3/5)

Episode 3 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a member of the theatre dies leaving Judith and Jeremy facing closure and redevelopment. However, a familiar face returns to town for the funeral, causing tension because of her previous actions. It gives plenty of drama for the villages, as the mystery takes Jean to learn more about people outside of the area.

This episode focuses more on the bigger drama in the village surrounding a theatre. While also offering up a bigger mystery from the past. It spends a lot of time on the case while dealing with bigger returns to the village. Gloria and Dom must decide on how they want to treat a returning guest. (3/5)

Episode 4 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts with Judith and Jeremy’s latest investment has a grisly discovery. Caron leads the investigation of the dead body and Jean is called in to help with an artefact the deceased was holding. Meanwhile, Gloria gets wooed by a new member of the village, while Dom is forced to speed up the process.

This episode shows the continuing decline in the bigger mysteries going on. We are now 4 episodes in, and we still haven’t picked up any more clues to the cliffhanger left behind. However, the side stories continue to entertain and bring laughs along the way. (3/5)

Episode 5 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Jean’s friends David (Les Dennis) and George (David Ames) visit for their honeymoon. They find themselves receiving a strange gift which could be connected to a curse. Elsewhere, Babara (Caffrey) returns as she looks to get back at Jean, using her familiar connection.

This is an interesting episode which does get to explore other members of Jean’s life. There is more of a wacky case going on, as the villagers must solve their own problems. It is nice to give us an early tease of the returning Barbara for the bigger story. Even if the case doesn’t have as big of a mystery. (3/5)

Episode 6 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a local musician is killed when nobody else is in the room. It leads to Jean getting called to help try and solve the mystery, which once again circles Judith and Jeremy’s lives. This takes Jean and Caron on the latest case, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Elsewhere, Gloria gets a visit from her father to meet her new fella.

This brings another mystery around the funny adventures of Judith and Jeremy. The mystery has the typical twists and turns along the way, without being too complicated. However, it is the small bigger storyline starting to take over which keeps us wanting more. (3/5)

Episode 7 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a local businessman is found murdered in his shop. Elsewhere, Barbara continues her plan to get back at Jean and take back what she believes is hers. Meanwhile, Judith and Jeremy continue to be involved in the latest case without having anything to do with it. However, Gloria’s new boyfriend Cooper becomes one of the prime suspects in the murder.

This is a nice final mystery to see unfold, which sees another close friend in danger. However, the biggest mystery is what Barbara wants to do to Jean as her plan is getting closer to unfolding. (3/5)

Overall

This series continues Jean’s adventures in the small French village. While she still gets close to Dom and helps solve the crimes. The mysteries are fun to see unfold and continue to include antique-related reasons to solve them. However, the series shifts away from using the bar as the main location. It means a couple of season-one regulars have been dropped from this season. We still have a nice interesting series of mysteries but it does feel like a bit of a step down from season one.

Where to Watch

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 2 is coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 2 continues to be an enjoyable cosy series of mysteries.

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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 – Review

Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 – Review: Antiques Expert Turns to PI

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 50 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1

Episode 1 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode starts when Jean White (Lindsay) learns her husband Rory has died in an accident in France. She is forced to travel to France to sell off the business and learn the life he had there. However, Rory’s death looks suspicious, and the killer is watching her every move. Jean teams up with local cabbie (Dom (Edge) as they search for answers, which includes a missing ring Rory was carrying. However, the village is filled with more mystery about Rory and another life he might have been living.

This is a strong opening episode for the series. It gives Jean a massive mystery to figure out a clue or two. While learning about the secrets from her husband’s secret life.  It gives us a great introduction to a host of locals we are going to be joining throughout the series. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode follows Jean starting to learn more about the locals, while a TV producer arrives in town. Elsewhere, Jean is recruited to help an elderly resident learn about an item left by her mother. It sends Jean and Dom on a treasure hunt involving the Nazi treasure hunt. All while the village gets swept up with the chance of stardom.

This episode gives Jean a reason to stick around waiting for a chance to learn about her husband’s killer. Without giving away anything behind the death. Instead, we get to see the personal connection she can have with people. It shows that items can have a connection to people and brings a moving story. All balanced with a comical side story to lighten the mood in places. (4/5)

Episode 3 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode starts with a mysterious death at Judith’s (Holderness) anniversary party. It rolls back to see her guests arriving in town for the party, creating a host of potential suspects. However, it shows the complication with Judith and Jeremy’s family as the village comes together to celebrate.

This gives us a chance to see Jean becoming part of the community. She gets involved in solving a murder working with the local detective, using her antiques knowledge. Once again, we get a nice comical side story involving Gloria and her visiting father. It is starting to become an enjoyable series of stories waiting for the truth. (4/5)

Episode 4 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a local art dealer is attacked during a robbery, only one piece is stolen. Jean is called in to help figure out what the missing piece could be worth and uncover why he might have been targeted. Elsewhere, Jean helps another art dealer who is struggling with buyers returning fakes.

This is an interesting mystery going on, which is fun to see unfold. However, it does start to take away from the bigger mystery going on about Rory’s death. The village is filled with colourful characters who have their own secrets going on. This continues to grow the world and the bigger villain known only as the dealer affects many lives. (4/5)

Episode 5 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts well when a strict local priest is murdered in his church. A relic is stolen during the murder and Jean is called in to help uncover who could have taken it. It sees her getting into religious material which faces a different market. Meanwhile, a family visit sees a gentler side to the story through this episode.

This episode gives us more of a proper murder case (not saying the others weren’t) that Jean takes front and centre in solving. It offers the most twists along the way and prepares us for the final episode. (4/5)

Episode 6 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Jean gets her missing ring back, facing the reality the murderer could get away with it. Her sale on the villa is coming together, while Dom realizes Jean might be leaving soon. However, Dom’s estranged wife returns with more breaking news causing greater tension within his family. Meanwhile, Jean gets to learn the shocking truth about her husband and must decide whether to stay or go.

This is a nice conclusion to the series, showing Jean getting some closure about what happened. It also leaves the show open to return (Spoiler, it does) but also gives it a rounded finish if it didn’t.  With this ending the series is on a high, it completes a well-rounded show throughout. (4/5)

Overall

This is an entertaining series using another style of detective. By using antiques expect, adds another layer to uncover the truth behind the crimes. The show creates a welcoming community while having an overarching mystery for the series. It reminds me a lot of how ‘Monk’ was solving crimes while searching for answers about his murdered wife. The show keeps things light, never being gory when it comes to any of the murders. Sally Lindsay and Steve Edge are great to watch. While guest appearances from the late Paul O’Grady and Paul Chuckle give the UK fans someone to watch shine.

Where to Watch

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 Coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 is a cosy, enjoyable mystery series.

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TV Series Review

Hidden Assets – Season 2 – Review

Uncover Hidden Assets season 2 With C.A.B’s Claire Wallace

Uncover Hidden Assets season 2 With C.A.B's Claire Wallace

Director: Thaddeus O’Sullivan, Kadir Ferati Balci

Writer: Mary Fox, Marty Thornton, Sinead Collopy, Peter McKenna, Susan E Connolly (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A year on there is a new boss and old enemies. Criminal Asset Bureau’s Claire Wallace finds herself at odds with CTU’s Christian De Jong when CAB is drawn back to the Antwerp investigation. A familiar face returns but can she be trusted?

Runtime: 50 Minute Episodes.

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Hidden Assets Season 2

Episode 1 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode starts with the sudden death of Bibi’s (Kirby) father-in-law and her unwelcoming appearance at his funeral. Sean (Monaghan) heads to Belgium to help wrap up the case, while Emer has moved onto a new career. Christian (Hendrickx) is still investigating the larger investigation in Antwerp. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Claire Wallace (Noone) has stepped into Emer’s role. The Irish office comes under a viral attack, losing the data which is crucial for the safety of the officers. Meanwhile, Christian believes a new threat is coming to Antwerp.

This is a great way to bring the case back to life. It shows how the two different sides have remained at odds after what happened. However, a new member of the team replacing Emer, shows a more distant side to herself. It poses a new question as the biggest questions were never answered at the end of the first season. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode sees Bibi come to offer up more evidence behind the previous attacks. She reveals who was behind the terrorist attacks and what they wanted from it. Now both teams must use their skills to track down the next bomber. This involves them looking to open an investigation to someone in higher ranking roles that could cause them to believe they were behind it all.

In this episode, we get to see more of the biggest conspiracy taking over. It keeps the two sides apart, only communicating through calls. This is building up nicely and we are prepared for the next big moment to unfold. However, it is going slower than season one, wanting to put the potential of suspects being lined up. (3/5)

Episode 3 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode starts with the reveal that Bibi gave Claire. Now, she must turn to Christian as they start searching for potential answers behind a mole. While the two sides are clashing over who should question Bibi, the assassin looking to clean up loose ends has arrived in Ireland. However, a fresh series of clues put the spotlight right back on Bibi.

We continue to see more being built up for a wider series of events. It continues to show Bibi as someone not to be trusted and danger is around every corner for everyone involved. We continue to see the two forces being kept apart, which takes away the dynamic the first series offers. It also feels like everything is being held back a little bit more than expected. (3/5)

Episode 4 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

This episode picks up in the aftermath of the attack on Bibi’s home. Claire’s team is searching for the suspect, creating tension with Christian. This leads to Claire leading an operation in Antwerp without informing Christian. Meanwhile, Christian offers protection for Bibi’s family. However, the tension between the two starts to rise as things start getting out of control.

This episode builds the tension between Claire and Christian, offering something different from the previous series. By committing to the two sides having a different operation, we can see just how far Claire will go for answers. Even if it means treading on other feet. The bigger mystery seems to be putting things in line for the wider threat. However, the damaged relationship between the forces could cause bigger problems. (4/5)

Episode 5 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

The episode starts by showing the suspects looking to clean up the loose ends the authorities started getting close to. It forces the hand of the highest-ranking member of the group, who finds himself needing to make a deal to clean up the mess. Meanwhile, Claire believes the team has everything they need to bring down the people behind everything. As she starts working with Christian to bring down the people who took the lives of many the year before.

This shows the teams needing to uncover the mole within the Belgium office. However, they have covered up their tracks extremely well. Now the teams are facing the dangers they have seen before, as the prime suspect is pressing for more answers. It is setting up for a showdown between the sides, that could finally expose the truth. (4/5)

Episode 6 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

The final episode Claire and Christian must put aside their differences to finally find the people behind the terrorist attack. It means Christian must turn on the people he trusts as he searches for the mole. However, what he doesn’t know is the mole is a lot closer than he imagined. It leads to a much more intense episode which leads to Claire’s team open to working with Bibi for answers.

The final episode leaves us with a dark twist to everything, taking the investigation in a new direction. It does feel like we get a shock value moment too late in the series. Which while effective, could have been even more shocking earlier in the series. As for uncovering the truth, we kind of know what to expect with the direction everything is going in. (3/5)

Overall

Hidden Assets Season 2 does struggle to get going and feels the loss of Emer (Angeline Ball) not returning for the 2nd season. Nora-Jane Noone does well to create a different character a more distant one. The idea the case takes place a year later leaves more questions than answers. When it comes to the main case, the bigger mystery is starting to feel bigger than anything the police authorities could handle.

If you are a fan of the mystery thriller that constantly brings more twists, this is going to be a show you will enjoy. However, I feel this goes a bit too far for the overall truth of events. It takes away the small people involved, leaving us down a path of waiting for the big twist, rather than giving us a big twist.

Where to Watch

Hidden Assets Series Two is set to arrive on DVD on 22 January 2024, alongside Series One & Two Box set, courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its BBC Four transmission. Both series are available on digital now.

Final Thoughts – Hidden Assets Series 2 continues the big mystery but relies on creating more shocking twists along the way.

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TV Series Review

Hidden Assets – Season 1 – Review

What Hidden Assets Season 1 Reveals About the Crime World

What Hidden Assets Season 1 Reveals About the Crime World

Director: Thaddeus O’Sullivan, Kadir Ferati Balci

Writer: Peter McKenna, Morna Regan (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A routine raid by the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau turns up diamonds that are linked to a series of bombings in Belgium. Detective Sergeant Emer Berry teams up with Belgian anti-terrorism cop Christian de Jong, to work the linked cases.

Runtime: 50 Minute Episodes.

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Hidden Assets Season 1

Episode 1 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode starts when DS Emer Berry (Ball) leads a drug bust on a notorious dealer. However, what they find is something unexpected. Elsewhere, in Belgium a terrorist attacks a famous show. Emer and her team make a connection to Antwerp and she decides to head to Belgium to see if she can identify the diamond’s owners. Once in Belgium, Emer meets local officer Christian De Jong (Hendrickx) who is investigating the bombing. The two worlds collide when the apartment in question connects both of their cases.

This is a strong introduction to the two detectives from different worlds. It takes our Irish detective to Belgium for a case which ends up becoming a lot bigger than she imagined. Now, the two are going to have to work together as they look to bring down a terrorist organisation. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode picks up in the aftermath of the murder of the prime suspect. Back in Antwerp Richard Melnick (Ironside) arrives to finish off his business on the docks with his daughter-in-law Bibi (Kirby) running operations. Bibi goes on the defensive, as it is her former employees who have become a prime suspect in the terrorist attack. Emer and Christian return to their homeland in search of potential answers, as their clues start coming together. Meanwhile, Bibi finds herself targeted by extremists who don’t like her words against their leader.

We continue to see the bigger case being brought together from both departments. Each clue is slowly tying things together and the suspects are starting to line up. Outside of the police operation, the personal side of businesswoman Bibi is taking centre stage to what could be a bigger secret. (4/5)

Episode 3 (D. Thaddeus O’Sullivan)

This episode shows Emer leading the investigation into Fionn Brannigan’s (Coonan) property. All this after she has made a connection to her previous deceased suspect. In Belgium, Christian starts his investigation into a recently captured suspect. This all leads to a tense showdown between Fionn and Emer, as he looks to clear his name or face the same fate as the original suspect.

In this episode, we see the investigation getting more intense and the family getting targeted. There is a lot more focus on the Irish side of the investigation, as the hunt for evidence continues. The limited time in Belgium puts a lot more focus on Bibi’s battle to keep her business, as she turns to people who can help clear her from the suspect list, despite her commitment to helping the investigation. This does hold the story back a little bit more, as it does feel like we are going through the same loop as the previous episode. (3/5)

Episode 4 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

This episode starts as Emer returns to Antwerp in search of Fionn. She teams back up with Christian, as Bibi searches for her estranged brother. Christian and Emer explore different leads in Antwerp, while Emer’s team continue their investigation back in Ireland. However, a discovery starts to unlock an even bigger conspiracy going on.

While the bigger picture is slowly building up, it doesn’t seem to be moving forward as fast as it could. We are now in episode 4 and it never feels like anything hinted in episode one feels as relevant. It also moves away from the potential bigger subject, that ends up going in a more terrorist cell. (3/5)

Episode 5 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

The episode starts as Emer and Christian start looking deeper into the place the prime suspects are coming from. It leads to their next question, how did they get into the country? Siobhan Brannigan arrives to identify her husband’s body, while potentially offering up more answers as to who was behind it. Emer’s team get caught up spending too much time on the case, struggling to find anything to connect the two suspect lines.

This episode reveals who is truly behind everything. However, the officers face a race against time to capture them. It leaves everything in the balance as they rush to stop the next terrorist attack. Even if the truth feels a lot more farfetched than anything suggested so far. (4/5)

Episode 6 (D. Kadir Ferati Balci)

The final episode sees the prime suspect captured. However, their latest threat is now at large in Antwerp. Christian and Emer must track down the terrorist before they unleash the new attack on the country. However, not everything is as simple as it looks, as the threat remains at large. With the clock ticking the race to stop the threat is real.

The final episode does tie up most of the loose ends, while never reaching the intensity levels you would have imagined. As with most series, it presents the next big mystery to watch unfold in the next season. (3/5)

Overall

Hidden Assets Season 1 is an entertaining mystery thriller following two detectives from different worlds teaming up. One follows an Irish officer working with a Belgium officer. The bigger mystery keeps us guessing, however the twists and turns feel unrewarding. Many of them come out of nowhere and make the previous one feel out of place. It could easily be compared with a 24, as each chapter offers up a new twist we never saw coming.

Where to Watch

Hidden Assets Series Two is set to arrive on DVD on 22 January 2024, alongside Series One & Two Box set, courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its BBC Four transmission. Both series are available on digital now.

Final Thoughts – Hidden Assets Series 1 is an entertaining mystery thriller series.

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TV Series Review

Mayfair Witches Season 1 – Review

Rowan Fielding & The Legacy of Mayfair Witches

Rowan Fielding & The Legacy of Mayfair Witches

Director: Michael Uppendahl, Axelle Carolyn, Haifaa Al-Mansour, Alexis Ostrander

Writer: Michelle Ashford, Esta Spalding (Screenplay)

Writer: Anne Rice (Novel)

Cast

Plot: Follows a neurosurgeon who discovers she is the unlikely heir to a family of witches. She must contend with a sinister presence that has haunted her family for generations.

Runtime: 1 Hour Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Mayfair Witches – Season One

The Witching Hour (D. Michael Uppendahl)

The Witching Hour as promising surgeon Rowan Fielding (Daddario) has an unusual event at her work. She turns to her adopted mother for more answers about her real parents. However, the answer is the same as always. Elsewhere, Cortland Mayfair (Hamlin) continues to entertain at his parties. When Ciprien Grieve (Chirisa) starts investigating Rowan’s past learning as he continues to help protect her from the truth.

This is a great introduction to the series, showing the powers that are getting out of control in Rowan. All while highlighting how controlling the Mayfair family is. Each character is prepared for what is going to come next without learning anything about the existence of people around them. (3/5)

The Dark Place (D. Michael Uppendahl)

The Dark Place starts a Rowan gets a startling discovery about her adoption. She has been struggling with the death of her mother. Elsewhere, her real mother Deirdre (Gish) is starting to recover from her position left to her by her family. Meanwhile, Rowan finds the pressures of her work getting to her, until an unlikely visit from Ciprien offers to answer the bigger questions. However, Rowan’s search for answers grows as her connection to Deirdre grows.

This continues the build for Rowan to learn about her family. It shows how her mother has started to gain more strength and reconnect to the rest of her family. All while, her powers grow. We are still shimming along to the darker truth, but moving at a nice pace. (3/5)

Second Line (D. Axelle Carolyn)

Second Line continues to show an event from the older times, with one of the first encounters with magic. This continues what we have seen before moving back to the modern era. In the present day, Rowan deals with the shocking first encounter with her mother, in the moment she is murdered. As Ciprien offers shelter, Rowan gets her first encounter with the biggest danger she will face Lasher (Huston).

We continue to shimmer along without too much happening between Rowan and the threats. However, the darker side of everything is coming along nicely in the background. We get an interesting first meeting between Rowan and Lasher, which offers more questions than answers. (3/5)

Curiouser and Curiouser (D. Axelle Carolyn)

Curiouser and Curiouser starts as Rowan deals with her interaction, keeping it from Ciprien. Cortland prepares for the family to meet Rowan, while Carlotta (Grant) continues to offer up plenty of mystery.  The family get together for the funeral of Dierdre and a series of unusual events continue to add mystery to the life Rowan is walking into.

This is the first episode we start feeling the family connection coming together. It continues to give us an introduction to Rowan’s point of view before things get too intense yet. We are left wondering more about each side in the battle leading to the bigger events to come later in the series. (3/5)

The Thrall (D. Haifaa Al-Mansour)

The Thrall is Rowan and Ciprien closer than ever caught in a world where they are a couple. However, not everything is as it seems following the events in the previous episode. The two find themselves trapped in a loop surrounded by the ghosts of the victim. They must figure out how to break the spell before becoming the latest victims.

This episode feels creepier than most of the ones we have seen. It absorbs us into the bigger threat we could be facing, which is good to see. This feels like the show is ready to kick on to the next level and present more horror elements involved within the world. (4/5)

Transference (D. Haifaa Al-Mansour)

Transference sees Rowan getting caught up in wanting to defend herself from Lasher who has found a way into her mind. Ciprien continues to help guide her through the new world she finds herself in. Rowan continues to try and navigate the world, which sees her getting closer to Cortland as each member of the Mayfair’s offers up different stories for her. Meanwhile, the truth about the bigger war between both sides is revealed and Rowan must decide where she stands in it.

This does continue to build up everything, focusing more of the reveal of what started everything. It shows that Rowan still isn’t convinced of who to trust and by the time she gets the closest encounter, she must face the truth. However, it does feel like more of a step back from the creepy environment created in the last episode. With a lot of almost things happening, rather than creating enough to make us want more. (3/5)

Tessa (D. Alexis Ostrander)

Tessa sees the newest holder of the key being held by witch hunters. Rowan wants to help find the missing member of the coven while dealing with her problems. Meanwhile, the witch hunters decide what is the best way to deal with their latest victim. Elsewhere, Ciprien goes face to face with Lasher, after he reveals himself through a series of memories.

This episode starts to show the much bigger war going on. It highlights how Rowan is willing to jump head first into solving the problems, while others have a much more long-term plan to get ahead. This still leaves plenty up in the air going into the final episode of the season and which side most of the characters are fighting on. (4/5)

What Rough Beast (D. Alexis Ostrander)

What Rough Beast starts as Rowan is still filled with rage after what happened in the last episode. It sees her unleash Lasher from his holding to do the dirty work. Lasher continues to try and help Rowan find out her family’s past. Meanwhile, Ciprien starts to learn more about the group he works for and their intentions with the Mayfair family.

For a season finale, this feels like an anti-climax. It doesn’t answer enough questions to leave things where they do. Sadly, it proves that the show slowly fizzled out to not very much. Most of the 8 episodes could have been condensed down more to have a much more engaging conclusion to the show. (2/5)

Overall – Mayfair Witches – Season One

Overall season one of this show struggles to get going. It shows Rowan learning more about the world she was never invited to. However, the mystery is created about who is fighting for which side takes over. It does feel like it gets dragged along too long, despite having a couple of creepy episodes. This all seems to leave more mystery than anything else, without giving us enough going through the show. Unlikely the much more interesting American Horror Story Coven, we get way too much drama for a show that wants to talk about the mystery of what is going on.

Where to Watch

Mayfair Witches – Season One comes to Blu-ray and DVD on 8 January 2024

Final Thoughts – Mayfair Witches – Season One spends a long time creating a mystery without solving enough of them.

Join Alexandra Daddario as she walks the path of her family's secrets in the thrilling Season One of Mayfair Witches.
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TV Series Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4 – Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4 – Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4 - Review

Director: Stewart Svaasand, Andy Hay, Jordan Hogg

Writer: James Herriot, Helen Raynor, Maxine Alderton, Lee Coan, Jamie Crichton (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: The numerous adventures of a countryside veterinarian practice in 1930s to 1940s Yorkshire, England.

Runtime: 45 Minutes per Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4

Broodiness (D. Andy Hay)

Broodiness sees James and Seigfried trying to hold the clinic together while Tristan is still away at war. Siegfried is trying to change himself, while Helen is thinking about starting her own family after seeing all the children in the village. James sees a troublemaker in town mistreating their dog and tries to do the best thing for the animal.

This first episode back sees James’s challenge unlike anything before. However, it never explains why he got to return from the war and Tristan didn’t. Siegfried brings comedy to the episode with his actions, but this isn’t as bright as the previous season. It keeps an uncertain tone to everything going on throughout the episode due to the war in Europe. (3/5)

Carpe Diem (D. Andy Hay)

Carpe Diem sees tension rising between James and Siegfried about how the practice is run. However, Siegfried has hired a professional bookkeeper in Miss Harbottle (McIntosh). He must reluctantly hand over the reins to someone from outside his familiar circle to help him. However, he struggles to adapt to her organisational skills and finds himself challenged by how things are handled on the business side of things.

This has a little bit more comedy involved with Siegfried clashing with the new bookkeeper. It struggles to reach the serious nature of everything going on within the world, returning to a comfier calm approach. This is entertaining and still gets the importance of animals coming first through. (3/5)

Right Hand Man (D. Stewart Svaasand)

Right Hand Man sees the practice getting a new assistant vet Richard Carmody (Anthony-Rose). James sees this as a chance to give him more time with Helen so they can get around to starting their family. Siegfried deals with the farmers who are facing their challenges with their farmers away at war. Mrs Hall faces her past as she looks to move on with her life and blossoming relationship with Gerald.

This is continuing the comfy feel this season is going through the season. It does feel like it is holding back the biggest storylines for later, while Siegfried is maintaining his worry about Tristan. The village continues to show their struggles through the war in Europe, which takes over the biggest story involved. (3/5)

By the Book (D. Stewart Svaasand)

By the Book sees new farmers coming to the area wanting to do more for the country. Richard continues to struggle to get on with the locals as his people skills make it difficult to connect. Siegfried looks to take him under his wing, as James and Helen prepare for the next chapter of their life.

This is a continuing trend for this season, everything seems to have calmed down a lot and you can see it missing Tristan. There are still serious subjects going on, but the lack of humour is holding a lot back this time, as the serious moments don’t seem to take over enough. (3/5)

Papers (D. Jordan Hogg)

Papers follows James struggling to teach Richard how to drive, forcing Siegfried to push him to the next level. However, it leads to an accident and James must convince Siegfried to accept Richard before James leaves. With Helen showing signs of their baby, the difficult decision is coming to life. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall receives bad news leaving her hopes of a future with Gerald in doubt.

This episode looks to answer the question left lingering after the start of the season. We finally get to learn why James hadn’t been called up until now. This episode brings the serious side to everything we are about to see unfolding. It also gets to make more out of Richard and Siegfried’s relationship, which is shown more from James’s point of view, knowing how difficult it is to connect with Seigfried. This still lacks the spark the previous season brought to the table, but it is starting to feel more connected. (3/5)

The Home Front (D. Stewart Svaasand)

The Home Front sees Helen dealing with life with James away at Devon. She still has her father and sister around to keep her calmer as she prepares for their baby. Elsewhere, Mrs Hall decides on her future, one that will leave Siegfried with his own doubts. Helen decides to help back at the farm, while Richard must continue to prove his worth to Siegfried.

This episode sees our characters facing difficult life choices. It leaves plenty on the table for what could happen next for the characters. There is an overrunning serious nature to this episode, one that reflects the fact the war has changed everyone’s lives. It is the best episode of the series, as shows us a life not many of us could ever imagine. (4/5)

Overall

Season 4 sees the series facing the most serious time in history, World War II, Tristan has gone, while James has signed up when required. James and Helen also look to start their own little family. Elsewhere, Seigfried must decide on a new assistant vet being bought into the practice. Sadly, the series struggles deeply with the loss of Tristan and actor Callum Woodhouse, who was most of the comic timing in the show. While it is explained and understandable for his character not to be around, the replacement struggles to replace him. It does remain comfy but the serious subject matter looms causing a darker cloud to cover the series.

Where to Watch

All Creatures Great & Small Complete Series One – Four Box set on 11 December 2023

Final Thoughts – All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4 is the most serious the show has been, but it has a gaping hole without Tristan.

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TV Series Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 3 – Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 3 – Review

All Creatures Great and Small – Season 3 - Review

Director: Brian Percival, Stewart Svaasand, Andy Hay

Writer: James Herriot, Ben Vanstone, Chloe Mi Lin Ewart, Karim Khan, Jamie Crichton (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: The numerous adventures of a countryside veterinarian practice in 1930s to 1940s Yorkshire, England.

Runtime: 50 Minutes per Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on All Creatures Great and Small – Season 3

Second Time Lucky (D. Brian Percival)

Second Time Lucky starts as James and Helen prepare to get married. Siegfried is struggling to cover James taking the time away and the war in Europe starts getting closer to home. However, when the guys take James out for a drink the night before the wedding, they must put together what happened to make sure he gets back in time for the wedding.

This is a welcome return and using the panic of the wedding to show the teams calm under pressure. There are some comical moments leading up to the wedding. However, this season tackles the serious side to what is happening in the world going forward. It looks like we are going to be following James dealing with another major decision in his life. (4/5)

Honeymoon’s Over (D. Andy Hay)

Honeymoon’s Over follows James and Helen returning from their honeymoon. They have moved into the veteran house together, and Mrs Hall starts remembering they have their own life. James is left surprised by being promoted to partner, however, it has come at a cost. He discovers he will earn less than Tristan and Helen offers to help look over the accounts of the surgery, much to Siegfried’s surprise.

This episode continues to show the growing relationship between the new household. It shows the new challenges they face as James looks to push Siegfried into new ideas. Tristan watches on with a calm approach which adds some laughs. However, it feels like we are setting up a conflict between the two for a future episode. (4/5)

Surviving Siegfried (D. Brian Percival)

Surviving Siegfried sees Seigfried remembering the horrors of the First World War. It sees him showing less patience than ever with Tristan and his ability to keep things tidy. James continues his belief the locals should look at a new long-term treatment. Meanwhile, Siegfried helps a former friend as his love for horses helps one feel more comfortable with human contact.

This episode gets to dive a lot more into Siegfried’s past, something we haven’t seen too often. It shows why he can be so impatient with people and for good reason. Meanwhile, seeing James and Helen work together and understand the problems locals could have with James’s forward-thinking ideas. This ends up being the best episode of the series so far, really showing the traumas Siegfried has been through and the balancing change in medicine. (5/5)

What a Balls Up! (D. Andy Hay)

What a Balls Up! follows James facing the consequences for taking time to get the TB testing started in his area.He is facing the pressure to make sure he is doing everything by the book. Elsewhere, Tristan agrees to help cover James’s round, while Mrs Hall’s romance with Gerald starts to blossom. All the while Siegfried starts getting too close to Tricki.

This episode shows James getting himself in deeper than he would like to face challenging times with the local farmers. Siegfried gets one of the most humorous storylines in the show with Tricki and Tristan’s growing independence gets to him. It is continuing to show the enjoyable series thriving in the third season. (5/5)

Edward (D. Andy Hay)

Edward follows Mrs Hall getting a chance to meet up with her estranged son leaving the boys to look after themselves. Siegfried assigns Tristan the job of covering for Mrs Hall which backfires on Seigfried. He finds himself having to mentor a local schoolboy who has dreams of becoming a vet one day. Elsewhere, Helen gets concerned her younger sister has left school to work on the farm and requests James’s help to get her to change her mind.

This episode brings the most serious side out in the characters. Mrs Hall gets the biggest emotional moment of the group, while James takes a much-needed backseat in this episode. Siegfried sees something in a schoolboy that gives him hope for the future. Overall, this is the best coming-together episode and easily the most emotional episode. (5/5)

For Whom the Bell Tolls (D. Stewart Svaasand)

For Whom the Bell Tolls starts with the tragic news that Britain is going to war with Germany. James’s sense of duty starts to take over, while Helen’s family try to convince him he should stay. Elsewhere, Tristan gets to meet Florence’s family, even if it is Siegfried’s rival vet. Meanwhile, Siegfried and Mrs Hall find a stray and must decide what to do with another mouth to feed.

This episode concludes the season with a reality check for James and Tristan. With the country going to war, they question their place for duty, while both stepping into their first steps of family life. This has importance issues and great stories for each character, a fitting conclusion to the season. (5/5)

Overall

Season 3 is the tour du force for the series, taking everything, we have previously seen to a new level. There is a massive emotional engagement with the characters. The humour balances out the serious side of the story and we are left with a dangerous next chapter for the series. This season has the best episodes, the strongest stories and best performances. Anna Madeley alone in ‘Edward’ will leave you in tears with her powerhouse performance.

Where to Watch

All Creatures Great & Small Complete Series One – Four Box set on 11 December 2023

Final Thoughts – All Creatures Great and Small – Season 3 takes the show to a new outstanding level.