S21E1: The Point of Balance. I like Winter's hair being shorter--it looks more cop-like. Now only if he would loosen up those skinny pants, he'd be more professional. The dance atmosphere was gaudy and flat boring in the beginning. But a rainy night murder and lovely English homes made up for it a bit. Then mid episode it seemed the actors got to work; their stories got more interesting and kept my attention to the glittering end. We met John's father who used to be a competitive dancer/absentee father which explains a few things about the DCI (but not his dance skills). Overall, not great, but also not bad. A 7 out of 10!
Thursday, November 10, 2022
S20E6: Send in the Clowns
S20E6: Send in the Clowns. A boring start, what with no murder, ridiculous circus life, council meeting arguments, and did I mention ugly clowns? And then there's the bloody bloody butcher, dirty pigs and their dead carcasses, one head shoved into a locker, not pleasant! What type of viewer enjoys that? By the way, Jamie's ringtone always startles me. And it's cooler when the detectives drive black cars instead of silver. I am a set director at heart. Ha! Characters were not likable and not interesting--and not acted well either. Plot was flat and splat. Oh well, they can't all be winners.
S20E5: Till Death Do Us Part
S20E5: Till Death Do Us Part. The bride's "girls" were the main distraction of the opening scene so I was relieved when she was quickly "dismissed." It's always more interesting when the first murder happens straightaway. And was this the first time Sarah discovers a body? I can't remember. But it takes me back to all the times Joyce did! Of course this a different type of show than the John Nettles' one--but it is, in fact, THE SAME SHOW, so comparisons are absolutely natural. A brief view of an upchuck added nothing. We learn a bit more about Fluer's personal life which adds more depth to her character, however slight. It's slow going after the first few scenes, but other murders soon after, and some funny bits keep it moving (e.g. I'm not made of money, funny socks, John as a tortoise, etc). John shows a bit of emotion (anger) and Sarah (sadness) too, both noticable due to rarity. The murders themselves were rather clean, but the dead animal might disturb some viewers. Lots of suspects, had me guessing throughout, which was fun. Then an exciting bit with Sarah and well-written reveal to wrap it all up.
S20E4: The Lions of Causton
S20E4: The Lions of Causton. This episode reminded me of how much I miss John Nettles' acting skills, his various facial expressions that convey so much. Neil Dudgeon has types of looks too, but they seem repetitive now. Anyhow, this episode was really dull. The Rugby boys, their loud chants full of tongue wagging, and their naked bums were all part of the gross atmosphere. And even Nick Hendrix exploited his body, which was disappointing. And I miss how the other sidekicks wore looser pants. The end scene was sad, as the love between the killer and his man was evident. Some funny bits made things interesting, but there was nothing else very intriguing. Some lovely scenery including an eye popping cake/chocolate shop. The characters were flat, except maybe for the well acted gran. And the regular cast members were rather stale as well.
S20E3: Drawing Dead
S20E3: Drawing Dead: There's some disturbing imagery with the comic books and frightening masks (and not surprisingly the murders!), but still a curious mystery that kept me interested. Lovely countryside and village exteriors. Personally, I did not like the silly costume and comic fest atmosphere. I see the relationship between John and Jamie as partners growing in each episode. Fluer is an interesting gal- She's cool but could use a bit of warming up. Baby Betty is cute but doesn't add much to the show-she needs a quirky nanny or something, someone who could flirt with Jamie, or someone related to Sarah, to give her character more depth. The last bit with the superhero music / comic page with our dynamic duo was very cute.