A wonderful plot device, a reunion, of sorts, of three murderesses from prior Brokenwood episodes. Series six never disappoints, and was well worth the wait. We're looking forward to Series 7.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Murderess Redux
6 February 2020
"Coffee..."
4 January 2020
Sharon Maughan's character, an emotional Kate Donne, is offered a cup, takes a sip, and then remarks, with a grimace, that she hates coffee. It's a clever, ironic peeling back of the fourth wall, since between 1987 and 1993, Maugham would co-star in a popular series of TV commercials for Nescafé coffee.
Bravo
27 August 2019
A reviewer suggests Shakespearean aspects; could not agree more. This entire series, with Ep. 4 as capstone, was "Endeavour" at its finest. Eager for series 7, if it were to wrap now, however, I would be satisfied. (I remain rather bruised from the conclusion of the brilliant "George Gently" series.)
Anton Lesser's ACC Bright's performance brought me quite uncharacteristically to tears three times in this episode; taking command at the structural crisis, throughout the storyline with his dear wife, and that epic moment of so few words of restoration with his team at the conclusion, particularly towards Morse. I almost expected the appellation, Inspector, but was grateful for what we do see, instead.
The performance of Caroline O'Neill as Win Thursday, served as an important force in helping to define the tone of the sixth series; such a departure from the early days, long gone the predictable sack lunches for her husband.
Anton Lesser's ACC Bright's performance brought me quite uncharacteristically to tears three times in this episode; taking command at the structural crisis, throughout the storyline with his dear wife, and that epic moment of so few words of restoration with his team at the conclusion, particularly towards Morse. I almost expected the appellation, Inspector, but was grateful for what we do see, instead.
The performance of Caroline O'Neill as Win Thursday, served as an important force in helping to define the tone of the sixth series; such a departure from the early days, long gone the predictable sack lunches for her husband.
Bacchus & Coles?
12 November 2017
Having been a fan of this series throughout its run, the finish was a disappointment. But not one without tears. However, what it begs is the potential for a Bacchus & Coles 'next generation' series akin to Inspector Lewis on the heels of Inspector Morse. Lee Ingleby and Lisa McGrillis have a solid chemistry, one that is refreshingly free of the archetypal sexual tension between male and female leads in a cop drama.
John Denver: The Wildlife Concert
(1995 TV Special)
A Master of the Craft
16 July 2007
I know I'd seen this show on PBS in the past, but tonight I happened to flip over to NHPTV with the laptop on my lap and John Denver on the TV. An earlier post here said it best that Denver was at his pinnacle with this performance.
He demonstrated a true respect for the original arrangements but managed to make them into something he'd not done in the earlier recordings some 20 years prior. It brought forth my memories of working the hay on the farm in the early-mid 70s, so thankful to have music that actually helped enhance my appreciation of the country roads with the sunshine on my shoulders.
He demonstrated a true respect for the original arrangements but managed to make them into something he'd not done in the earlier recordings some 20 years prior. It brought forth my memories of working the hay on the farm in the early-mid 70s, so thankful to have music that actually helped enhance my appreciation of the country roads with the sunshine on my shoulders.
Lassie's Great Adventure
(1963)
It still works
2 April 2005
We were with friends and family viewing this Lassie movie at a restored theater in Vermont. With two intermissions, the movie was a wonderful family experience that can't be replicated with entertainment aimed at children today.
Corny? Yes. Did some of the adults laugh when a wonderful "raft" appears, replete with nicely cut edges? Absolutely. Just as many who teared-up when Lassie collapsed after being gored by the wild boar. And "Lurch" played a great deaf-mute-good guy.
I can only hope that there will be a new generation of Lassie films; one can only hope that they will take the ultimate risk and go "retro" with the respect and dedication to message as the original. Kids need this today, now more than ever.
Corny? Yes. Did some of the adults laugh when a wonderful "raft" appears, replete with nicely cut edges? Absolutely. Just as many who teared-up when Lassie collapsed after being gored by the wild boar. And "Lurch" played a great deaf-mute-good guy.
I can only hope that there will be a new generation of Lassie films; one can only hope that they will take the ultimate risk and go "retro" with the respect and dedication to message as the original. Kids need this today, now more than ever.
The Pride of the Yankees
(1942)
It's still a hit
13 January 2004
Just watched Pride of the Yankees last night. Gary Cooper's acting was phenomenal. What a scene when he meets an older "Billy" later in the film. We witness the humble nature that Coop depicted, coupled with the genuine feel of the film and a more innocent age - of both films and the game.
Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle
(2003 TV Movie)
Lansbury at 78 rpm
9 May 2003
Just checked out this latest issue of Murder, She Wrote. As it was airing, I clicked over to IMDB to clarify Lansbury's age of 78. She's an amazing actress and it is clear that she is doing what she enjoys. The setting was okay, but the plot was formulaic and predictable enough for the franchise. Nonetheless, great to see Angela Lansbury is still making great TV that even my kids can watch.
Two for the Money
(1972 TV Movie)
Mercedes McCambridge GOLD
30 November 2002
Even if you don't like this police procedural, you will need to jump to around the 58 minute mark where the Mercedes McCambridge master class gold starts. Working with a young Richard Dreyfus, McCambridge's brief performance would give this young kid in 1972 nightmares.
Her incessant rant was limited to Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing with portions of Balthasar's song in Act 2, Scene 3:
Sigh no more ladies, sigh no more, Men were deceivers ever, One foot in sea and one on shore, To one thing constant never.
Then sigh not so, but let them go, And be you blithe and bonny, Converting all your sounds of woe Into hey nonny, nonny,
Of interest is that Mercedes McCambridge, who played her Mrs. Castle character so flawlessly, would, herself, struggle with alcoholism and mental illness in real life. And there is a most tragic end to her son's life in which, in a murder-suicide, he would take the lives of his wife and two children, but not before penning a pointed note to his mother.
Her incessant rant was limited to Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing with portions of Balthasar's song in Act 2, Scene 3:
Sigh no more ladies, sigh no more, Men were deceivers ever, One foot in sea and one on shore, To one thing constant never.
Then sigh not so, but let them go, And be you blithe and bonny, Converting all your sounds of woe Into hey nonny, nonny,
Of interest is that Mercedes McCambridge, who played her Mrs. Castle character so flawlessly, would, herself, struggle with alcoholism and mental illness in real life. And there is a most tragic end to her son's life in which, in a murder-suicide, he would take the lives of his wife and two children, but not before penning a pointed note to his mother.
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