safenoe Reviews

Death in Paradise: The Complex Murder (2016) Season 5, Episode 1

Beneath deck

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

Anyway, The Complex Murder opens season five of Death in Paradise, of which I became an instant fan when it debuted over a decade ago. I really enjoy watching Death in Paradise, and it's not taxing on the mind after a hard day getting through a world that's crazy and all init. Anyway, The Complex Murder guest stars Emma Rigby and Joshua Hill.

One thing, I wonder how the police obtain the photos of the suspects for their whiteboard, like really at the crime scene do they kindly ask the suspects to pose for the whiteboard init, I don't quite get it. Anyway, more credit should also be given to the two paramedics who turn up at the crime scene.

Death in Paradise: Unlike Father, Unlike Son (2015) Season 4, Episode 8

Season four finale

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

Robert Thorogood, the creator of Death in Paradise, wrote an article about the challenges of producing the series, and one revelatory part of his article was that the show barely breaks even. On reflection, when you think about the production costs, the large number of staff, the cost of flying in the guest actors from the United Kingdom, putting them up in accommodation, well it all adds up init.

Anyway, Unlike Father, Unlike Son is the season four finale, and this episode is worthy for sure. James Fox returns as Martin Goodman QC, the father of Humphrey. Honeysuckle Weeks guest stars as Mae Harmer.

Death in Paradise: She Was Murdered Twice (2015) Season 4, Episode 7

You only live twice

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

James Fox, scion of the legendary Fox family (which comprises Richard "Travel Man" Ayoade amongst other distinguished members) guest stars as Humphrey's father Martin Goodman QC in She Was Murdered Twice, the penultimate episode of season four. Each season has eight episodes but it's a shame there isn't more episodes per season, like say 10 or 12 episodes. Anyway here there's a murder in a travel firm that's visiting Saint Marie and sure, there a lot of convenient plot twists and turns, but really one should enjoy Death in Paradise for what it is - it's a lot of fun and what more can we ask init.

Vega$ (1978–1981)

The 70s!

[8/10 · 11 May 2024]

I can't believe it's taken me ages and ages to finally post a review of Vegas (well, stylized as Vega$), which I watched ages and ages ago when I was much younger, and I recall watching it in the 1980s, and there was so much glitz and glamor galore. I had no idea that the legendary director Michael Mann (his movie Heat is one of the best) created Vegas.

Robert Urich rules Las Vegas as Dan Tanna, and he was certainly the successor to the rat pack. Anyway, Tanna as the detective did much to clean up Las Vegas.

If there's ever a reboot then I nominate acclaimed British actor Danny Dyer to play Dan Tanna.

Death in Paradise: The Perfect Murder (2015) Season 4, Episode 6

Beach volleyball

[7/10 · 10 May 2024]

Joe Absolom, famous for his role in Doc Martin, plays Aiden Parker in the latest murder mystery to hit Saint Marie, and despite the ongoing string of tragedy, island life pretty much continues looking ahead one day at a time. Richelle Neil plays Shelly Kennedy, who is the unfortunate beach volleyball player to get bumped off. Anyway, I'm enjoying reflecting on Death in Paradise after becoming an instant fan when it debuted over a decade ago. At the time this episode debuted, who would have thought that Goodman (Kris "Love, Actually" Marshall) would get his own spin-off series, Beyond Paradise init right.

Death in Paradise: Swimming in Murder (2015) Season 4, Episode 5

Post-Camille

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Death in Paradise is different with the departure of Sara Martins as Camille Bordey in the previous episode, but thankfully her screen mom Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine) remained with the show. Anyway, Tobi Bakare is introduced as Officer Hooper, so the Scooby gang groups together to fight crime in Saint Marie.

Goodman and the Scooby gang investigate an electrifying murder, quite literally, with the lead singer of pop group Flowers of Progress being electrocuted in a swimming pool. Anyway, I became a fan of Death in Paradise when it debuted over a decade ago, and I'm enjoying reflecting on the early episodes.

Valentino (1977)

Rudolph Valentino

[6/10 · 10 May 2024]

I'm remember seeing Valentino on television ages ago, probably in the late 1980s or early 1990s during the day, in fact I think it was the lunchtime movie. Rudolf Nureyev plays the legendary Rudolph Valentino, with Leslie Caron as Alla Nazimova

Carol Kane, famous for her role in Norman Loves Rose, plays Fatty's Girl. Anyway, I wonder if Valentino, which was released nearly 50 years ago, would better work as a mini-series or something like that, with perhaps say acclaimed actor Danny Dyer or David Schwimmer playing the role of the legendary silent actor. Anyway, Valentino is worth watching once.

Death in Paradise: Damned If You Do... (2015) Season 4, Episode 3

Guess who's coming to dinner

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

I became a fan of Death in Paradise when it debuted over a decade ago, and I think I've seen every episode. Anyway, I'm enjoying reflecting on Death in Paradise, and also how the formula for success remains pretty much the same throughout its run. Here David Bamber guest stars, and I remember him in an episode of Inside No. 9. I would love for Death in Paradise to bring in some other guest stars such as Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer, any of the Spice Girls, Lee Mack, Brad Walsh, Jennifer Aniston, Bill Hader. But maybe in future seasons we'll see them. Here there's a deadly dinner, and someone is to blame big time.

3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001)

Cosmic sitcom

[7/10 · 10 May 2024]

In the fine tradition of My Favorite Martin from the 1960s, we have Third Rock from the Sun. I became a semi-regular view of this cosmic series when it debuted in 1996, which is nearly 30 years ago, and it stands the test of time.

I had forgotten that Wayne Knight made several appearances as Officer Don, fresh off his success in Basic Instinct where he starred alongside Sharon Stone, with a supporting role by Michael Douglas. At the same time Knight was also famous for his role as Newman in Seinfeld, so double duty.

The idea of aliens disguised as humans brought new hilarious situations and all.

The Twilight Zone: Sensuous Cindy (2002) Season 1, Episode 16

The inspiration for Black Mirror perhaps

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

I think the second revival of The Twilight Zone hosted by Forest Whitaker was unfairly maligned, and some episodes stand up quite well upon reflection. For example, this episode Sensuous Cindy (or more like Sensuous Cyber-Cindy) is quite prescient, with its virtual reality equipment, online relationships, infidelity, twosomes from the same side, it's all there. In some ways it's the inspiration for Black Mirror.

Greg Germann, before he became famous in Ally McBeal, plays Ben Baker Jaime Pressly is Sensuous Cindy. Tiffany Lyndall-Knight plays Baker's fiance Samantha. The twist at the end is one that Black Mirror would be proud of.

Also, I sometimes wonder what happens to actors after they leave the acting profession. Tiffany Lyndall-Knight became an academic, getting her PhD, and lectures at Flinders University in South Australia in Australia.

Death in Paradise: Hidden Secrets (2015) Season 4, Episode 2

Guest starring Claire Goose

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

Richard Signy directs Hidden Secrets, the second episode from season four of Death in Paradise. By now, Kris "Love, Actually" Marshall has more than settled into his role as DI Goodman, and anyway this episode guests stars Claire Goose as Katie Peters. Goose later starred in The Coroner, which sadly got axed after only two seasons, which is a shame because it was a high quality program, like Death in Paradise. Anyway, who would have thought that there would be a spin-off series from Death in Paradise starring Marshall, and we did, with Beyond Paradise init. Anyway, Hidden Secrets is worth watching.

Death in Paradise: Stab in the Dark (2015) Season 4, Episode 1

Guest starring Don Gilet

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

This is a landmark episode because it guest stars Don Gilet as Andre Morgan. Only just recently, Gilet became the new DI Mervin Wilson, replacing Ralf Little who decided to move on.

I know there's been a bit of internet chatter from die-hard fans expressing discontent about Gilet becoming the new DI because Gilet had already played a different character in a past episode of Death in Paradise, being this episode. But funnily enough no-one expressed discontent when Ralf Little became the new DI even though he had played a different character in an earlier episode. Funny that init. You must wonder why there's that discontent about Gilet's casting init.

Death in Paradise: A Dash of Sunshine (2013) Season 2, Episode 6

Guest starring Ralf Little

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

There's been a bit of online chatter of late expressing discontent about Don Gilet becoming the new DI following the departure of Ralf Little. Why you may ask, well these chatters disapprove of the fact that Gilet had already played a different character in a past episode of Death in Paradise. But funnily enough no-one expressed discontent when Ralf Little became the new DI even though he had played a different character in an earlier episode. And it's this episode. In this episode Ralf Little played Will Teague. This episode also stars Neil "Between the Lines" Pearson. Anyway, A Dash of Sunshine is worth watching init.

Death in Paradise: The Man with the Golden Gun (2014) Season 3, Episode 7

The Fresh Prince of Saint Marie

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Joseph Marcell, famous for playing Geoffrey in Fresh Prince of Bel Air (the original one) guest stars. Believe it or not, Jimmy Akingbola guest stars, and a few years later he played Geoffrey in Bel-Air, which is like a reboot of Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Anyway, the title of this episode is drawn from the James Bond movie from the 1960s (the one with Sean Connery. Anyway, I've been reflecting on Death in Paradise since it debuted over a decade ago. There's so much I look forward to in each episode, the sun, the rapport between the Scooby gang, the laid-back atmosphere init. Anyway, DI Goodman is settling in well.

Death in Paradise: The Early Bird (2014) Season 3, Episode 6

A little birdy told me

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Robert Quinn directs The Early Bird, from season three of Death in Paradise. I've been a fan of Death in Paradise since it debuted over a decade ago, and sure, you have to suspend your disbelief sometimes, but so what, you have to enjoy Death in Paradise for what it is init. Here it's birdwatchers who are caught up in the death of one of their team, and it gets quite heated and competitive when it comes to spotting the prized bird. I guess it comes down to a matter of trust because can you really know if the birdwatcher really saw the bird. Anyway, DI Humphrey Goodman is settling in well in Saint Marie.

Death in Paradise: Political Suicide (2014) Season 3, Episode 5

Political intrigue

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

I've been a big fan of Death in Paradise since it debuted over a decade ago, and I don't think I've missed an episode, but I really liked the political intrigue of this third season episode, as it's an important issue in real life. Anyway, Haydn Gwynne, famous for her role in Drop the Dead Donkey, guest stars, alongside Simon Shepherd, who plays Jacob Doran, a minister who is the victim in this episode. Anyway, I wonder if the Saint Marie government, rocked by a whiff of scandal, could have fallen like the Profumo Affair brought down the Conservative Government back in the 1960s. Kris Marshall, who I first saw in Love, Actually and then in Citizen Kahn, is settling in well as DI Humphrey Goodman.

Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty: A Country Cake (2023) Season 1, Episode 3

Buddy's country

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

International country superstar Walker Hayes commissions Buddy to bake a Dukes of Hazzard style cake for Hayes and his family. I'm not sure if Walker Hayes is related to the legendary Isaac Hayes, but still, it's always informative and entertaining to see Buddy and his dedicated family dedicating themselves to the task, and we see two of his children developing savory dishes for the public, as Buddy is thinking of introducing savory dishes to the public. Anyway, A Country Cake is worth watching, and I'm enjoying watching Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty, and I hope it can continue to season two init.

The Good Ship Murder (2023– )

Cruising

[7/10 · 10 May 2024]

As one imdb user reviewer said, The Good Ship Murder is what it is, and I think if you're entertained by the unbelievable and statistically impossible murder investigations of amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, then surely you can enjoy The Good Ship Murder. I know that Gogglebox UK trashed the opening episode, especially where Jack sings Daydream Believer, but The Good Ship Murder isn't supposed to be one of those gritty noirish crime dramas set in the untouristy parts of London or anywhere in Scandinavia. But enjoy The Good Ship Murder for what it is, fun, sun and romantic tension between the two leads.

Paul Hardcastle: 19 (1985 Music Video)

19 in the 80s

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

One curious aspect of the 1980s is just how many movies (usually from America) that were released about the War in Vietnam (otherwise known in Vietnam as the American War), such as Born on the Fourth of July, Hamburger Hill, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket (filmed in the United Kingdom though). Anyway, here we have Paul Hardcastle, also British, with his release of 19, about the average of American soldiers in the war (although I'm sure the generals were older than 19 init). Anyway, one year before 19 was released, the Australian bang Redgum released I Was Only 19, which had more of a ballad feel.

Death in Paradise: Ye of Little Faith (2014) Season 3, Episode 4

Mile high

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Dusan Lazarevic directed this third season episode Ye of Little Faith, and I'm enjoying reflecting on Death in Paradise, having been a fan since it debuted over a decade ago. In fact, it's interesting seeing Kris Marshall settling into his role as the new DI, Humphrey Goodman, following the unexpected and tragic loss of DI Richard Poole. Anyway, here we learn that Saint Marie Airport is large enough to handle the airlines that fly in, but we have to suspend disbelief, and that's fine. Anyway, it's good to see that Marshall ended up with his own spin-off series, Beyond Paradise which is enjoyable to watch.

Wham!: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (1984 Music Video)

Wham!

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

Wham!'s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go was released 40 years ago, wow four decades ago, an it's a timeless song. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is so energetic, it's full of fun, it's inspirational especially for those wanting to exercise and lose a few lbs along the way init. Anyway, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley dominated the pop charts in the 1980s, and Wham! Lives on to this day and will continue to do so. Helen DeMacque and Shirlie Kemp also feature in this energetic and inspirational video, and to this day Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is playing in my head such is the power of the song init.

Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty: Secretariat of Cake (2023) Season 1, Episode 2

Buddy's Lifetime

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

I'm enjoying Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty, and here in episode two, Secretariat of Cake, there's a lot going on everything, everywhere all at once. Buddy's been commissioned to do a Secretariat cake for the Belmont Mother's Day lunch, the staff are working overtime getting the Mother's Day cake orders out, and quite significantly, Buddy is an actor in Lifetime's Christmas movie Yes, Chef! Christmas and he was filming scenes at his factory. The movie starred Tia Mowry, but it wasn't necessary for her to be present at the filming. Anyway, I like Buddy's interaction with his family and staff who work under extreme pressure.

Death in Paradise: An Artistic Murder (2014) Season 3, Episode 3

Just a gigolo

[9/10 · 9 May 2024]

Steven Cole plays an "escort" (or gigolo to put it more bluntly) Carlton Paris, who is the victim in this episode, An Artistic Murder. Anyway, I've been reflecting on Death in Paradise recently, as I became a fan when it debuted over a decade ago with Ben Miller stamped his persona as the DI Richard Poole, against whom all future DIs would be measured against whether you like it or not init. Anyway, I would love to have learned more about the social lives of Humphrey Goodman's team, like what were their hobbies, did they enjoy being indoors or outdoors. Still, An Artistic Murder is worth watching.

Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place: Two Guys, a Girl and Someone Better (1998) Season 2, Episode 1

Missing Bill and Mr Bauer

[5/10 · 9 May 2024]

I became a fan of Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place (although with the Oxford comma it would be Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place) in the first season because of the presence of Julius Carry as Bill and David Odgen Stiers as the eccentric Mr Bauer. Sadly, this episode, the season two opener, no longer has the two characters and unfortunately there's no explanation for their absence (although you see in the background of the pizza place a character who looks like Bill managing the place albeit with no speaking lines). Anyway, Ryan Reynolds has gone onto bigger things by being a co-owner of a British soccer club.

Death in Paradise: The Wrong Man (2014) Season 3, Episode 2

Guest starring Peter Davison

[9/10 · 9 May 2024]

I've enjoyed watching Death in Paradise since it debuted over a decade ago, and I've been reflecting on the early episodes and reflecting on the line of DIs who have graced Saint Marie. Anyway, here Humphrey Goodman is settling in as the new DI following the untimely and unexpected death of Richard Poole (Ben Miller) in the previous episode. Peter Davison, who I remember from his role as a general practitioner in A Very Peculiar Practice, guest stars as a screenwriter who endures a lot of grief from the actors who think they know better. Anyway, an enjoyable episode which debuted a decade ago.