Really wanted to love the final episode of this quirky and endearing series. In some ways it really delivered: the odd and always lovingly and strongly-bound cast of villagers were well represented and in true form, there was a bit of Highland mysticism, some solid advancement and promise of what is yet to come on the romance front, and emotional tug on both the happy and sad sides of the scale. Then there were the problems...the laws of biology, mechanics, and simple chemistry (e.g. how does fire work...) were ignored to ludicrous levels and since they affected major plot points, the problems were distracting to the point of disintegration of what was built up by the lovely character interactions. Another distraction were the poor performances of the episode guest stars. Add to that the lack of logic driving simple character actions and parts of the episode were just painful to watch. The saving grace was Hamish himself and finally getting a real sense of future direction for Hamish and Isobel. Robert Carlyle was wonderful to watch - no, to experience. Truly the saving grace.
3 Reviews
Love it!
keysam-026101 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This review is for both parts.
Watching on DVD allowed me to binge both parts together, which I think helps but regardless I love this finale, apart from the fact that it IS the finale because frankly I would have loved Hamish Macbeth to carry on for several more episodes.
Yes, the whole thing is preposterous but it's also funny and sad and dramatic. TV John's brother is a deeply unpleasant character but his bad luck (right down to an easily missed incident near the start with a box of matches) truly is epic and funny. The rich exiled Scot is also nasty and OTT, but makes a useful device to hang the plot on - he wants to buy the Stone of Destiny which starts the whole rigmarole off.
I honestly really enjoyed the whole story, with its spooky content and the innate goodness of TV John saving the day: the hypnotist helps him swap out the stones because he saves her life.
It was also great to see Hamish and Isobel *finally* getting their act together (love how Hamish is fixated on how they could have been 'at it' all this time rather than the more romantic 'together' that most shows would go for!) with the help of Herman and his money-fuelled fire.
There are too many enjoyable parts to this story to list them all. Another one is Lachie and Junior with their own names for engine parts and then letting Rory & the Colonel think their decimal point prank has lasted all these years.
Daniel Boyle has basically thrown everything into these final two episodes. No, it doesn't all quite work, but it's a highly entertaining couple of hours.
Personally I think the Lochdubh guys should just leave the Stone hidden in the hills though. Trying to swap it back now, in these times of better security is going to be a different kettle of fish from the original escapade in the chaos of war!
I wish them Slàinte Mhath!
Watching on DVD allowed me to binge both parts together, which I think helps but regardless I love this finale, apart from the fact that it IS the finale because frankly I would have loved Hamish Macbeth to carry on for several more episodes.
Yes, the whole thing is preposterous but it's also funny and sad and dramatic. TV John's brother is a deeply unpleasant character but his bad luck (right down to an easily missed incident near the start with a box of matches) truly is epic and funny. The rich exiled Scot is also nasty and OTT, but makes a useful device to hang the plot on - he wants to buy the Stone of Destiny which starts the whole rigmarole off.
I honestly really enjoyed the whole story, with its spooky content and the innate goodness of TV John saving the day: the hypnotist helps him swap out the stones because he saves her life.
It was also great to see Hamish and Isobel *finally* getting their act together (love how Hamish is fixated on how they could have been 'at it' all this time rather than the more romantic 'together' that most shows would go for!) with the help of Herman and his money-fuelled fire.
There are too many enjoyable parts to this story to list them all. Another one is Lachie and Junior with their own names for engine parts and then letting Rory & the Colonel think their decimal point prank has lasted all these years.
Daniel Boyle has basically thrown everything into these final two episodes. No, it doesn't all quite work, but it's a highly entertaining couple of hours.
Personally I think the Lochdubh guys should just leave the Stone hidden in the hills though. Trying to swap it back now, in these times of better security is going to be a different kettle of fish from the original escapade in the chaos of war!
I wish them Slàinte Mhath!
Idiotic
ablbodyed-26 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This episode really sums up my feelings toward this series. The first season was truly enjoyable. The quirky towns-folk were endearing and quite believable, and Hamish's rationality was a strong anchor. The stories were not silly or patronizing, just amusing light drama. However the quality of the writing and the story lines deteriorated, though the actors maintained their competence. The third season was hit-or-miss: the singing competition episode brought tear to my eyes, though the repetitive shinty was just a filler. However the last two episodes were absolute drivelDrivelDRIVEL The acting was terrible, the whole concept was nonsense. As a person who is 3/8ths Scotsman, I expected more. I watched all the episodes though it had become va chore. Was I glad that this was the last one? Well, absolutelyAbsolutelyABSOLUTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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