TV review: The Mist

I really enjoy the Limited series that have been coming out recently (formerly called mini series. LOL)  I was excited to see that The Mist had been made for tv.  I have loved it ever since the Original Novella a long time ago.  That said, since then, there is another version of the novella and the 2007 Movie.  All of which have different endings etc...  That is one thing I find fascinating, that the story could be told so many ways.

So, as for the TV show on SPIKE, really enjoyed it.  Definitely updated for the new century with lots of interesting characters.  Absolutely loved Frances Conway (as always).  There was also a really good buildup as the people start turning on each other. 

The thing I hated was that it ends without explaining anything.  All the explanations have been set up but it is another predictable cliffhanger season ending which is now quite common.  They are trying to set it up so there is a season 2.  Manipulative and frankly, annoying.  I feel like something called a LIMITED series, should be finished at the end.  This also happened with The Family and other limited series.  Then guess what?  It is not picked up for the second season!  So there will never be answers.

Have closure for an enjoyable  viewer experience -- don't try and force a second season by such cheap storytelling.  Then if there is a second season, you can BE CREATIVE and find another way to start off.  A really good writer certainly can do that - instead of cheap tricks.

Terri

TV Review: Mindhunter

I finished the first season of the Netflix Show and really enjoyed it.

It tells the story of the beginnings of what is now known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as made famous on Criminal Minds.

Mindhunter on Netflix

It stars Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany and Anna Torv (who I loved in Fringe!)

It is based on John Douglas' books from his experiences (which I have read and loved)

All in all, the show is really interesting as the Douglas character interviews people like Edmund Kemper and Richard Speck.  It highlights how new all this applying psychology to understand serial crimes and use it to catch criminals.  AND how much the Bureau had trouble accepting what they were doing. It also shows that they are learning as they go and make mistakes.

I will say that if Douglas was as arrogant as portrayed, they are lucky it worked. LOL

Looking forward to another season.

Terri

Review: Star Trek Discovery -- the First two episodes

I was very much looking forward to this for so many reasons.  I have always loved Star Trek.  Even DS9 which my brotherly refers to as The Vulcan Chess Match.

Then - Sonequa Martin-Green!  Absolutely loved her as Sasha on The Walking Dead.

After lots of delays -- it has finally made it to watch!

So, the basic story -- Michael Burnham (Green) survived a horrific Klingon attack as a child and was fostered by Sarek of Vulcan - the first human in the Vulcan Science Academy.  Brilliant, and definitely conflicted  trying to balance emotions and logic.  Michael is first officer on the Starship Shenzhou - and along the edges of Federation space they find an alien relic and are quickly in conflict with a bunch of Klingons with religious ideaology wanting to provoke a war with the Federation.  

The cast is stellar and the twists are intriguing.  There is obviously a lot going on that has yet to unfold and I think the ride is going to be fascinating.

The only annoying this is you have to subscribe to CBS' streaming service.  Yet another monthly charge beyond cable, hulu, netflix, Acorn etc....  

Terri

TV Review: You the Jury

You the Jury

A new show on Fox friday nights.  I watched the first episode because it seemed like an interesting and yet bizarre concept.  In one hour, they present both sides of a civil case and then the watchers have 4 minutes to vote for or against the plaintiff.  I could not imagine how they could present enough facts etc... for people to make an informed decision.  Well, they really didn't

The first episode was the case of Gary Giardano.  I remembered the case, he went snorkeling with a friend, Robyn, and she was supposedly swept out to sea in Aruba.  He was never charged with anything.  Her sister was suing him for wrongful death.

Her lawyer - Joe Tacopino, his - Jose Baez.  Each case present testimony some of which is just video recordings of people.  The court is full of clapping and cheery or boos when they like or dislike a point.  Really?  talk about not appropriate...

The 'evidence' was a lot of supposition and not a lot of facts as far as I can tell.  Obviously presented in flamboyant ways - this is all about playing on tv.

What astounds me is that people would agree to have their cases settled this way.  The verdicts are binding but how can people make unbiased fair decisions based on a few minutes presentation of dramatic soundbites?

I watched rather like a deer in the headlights and was horrified that they could call this craziness justice.

Terri

TV Review: The Family

Joan Allen stars as the town Mayor and family Matriarch who is running for state Govenor.  After ten years, their missing son, Adam shows up after escaping his captivity.  The family struggles with the past and present trying to cope with all that has happened amidst a political campaign run by their daughter played wonderfully by Allison Pill.  The series is full of twists, turns, machinations, and betrayals and secrets.  Relationships are tested and the investigation is led by a detective trying to deal with the fact she got it wrong.  Finally, there is the man who spent 10 years in prison played by Andrew McCarthy who returns as a pariah despite having not committed the crime.  I liked the complexities of the characters and the cast was superb together.  (It was funny hearing Rupert Graves with an American accent after Sherlock).  They had me all the way until the end and I was completely satisfied until the last ten minutes with the 'phone call that changed everything'.  At which point I was disgusted and deeply disappointed.  I felt it was completely unnecessary to the story arc and a blatant bid for a second season (which it did NOT get).

Terri

Downton Abby

Who watched "Downton Abby" last night? I thought the premire was great last night. I especially loved the interviews and behind the scenes.
Since I loved this series I really am sad that after season six it will end.
one of my favorite parts is that Edith is actually embarking on her new life. I am one of those who wants her to be happy.

Did you watch last night? Do you have any thoughts on season six? What do you think will happen. They mentioned that as in life not everyone will have a happy end to their part.

Sunday night have become more exciting.
On a completely different note Kansas City Chiefs won their tenth game yesterday afternoon. Which is my team so I had a great Sunday!

Love,
Pamela 

TV Review: Best Time Ever with Neil Patrck Harris

To watch episodes

Okay, NPH's show debuted last night.   Is it the Best Show Ever - well...no BUT

It was a lot of fun!  Silly moments - Carrot Top with a Holy Mackerel, Celebrity Guest announcer (Reese Witherspoon)

who also does insane stunts, Big time Pranks on The Voice judges.  You really don't know what he is going to pull next.

He surprises honeymooners with proof that he stalked them (he photobombed their wedding pics) beforehand and gives them an Oprah moment honeymoon.  He has karaoke with Gloria Gaynor and home viewers who (to their shock) become participants in the show.  And of course - the big show finale with pogo stunts, Cocktail-style mixology, and a Marching band.

All in all, unexpected moments, laughs and lots of fun.  A nice diversion from regular tv fare.  Light and silly and very very NPH.  I set the DVR to record the series.

Terri

An Interview with Ann Cleeves

Interview With Ann Cleeves:

By Pamela James

MM2:Ann, let's with your backstory. How and why did you become and author?

I always loved reading and dreamed of being a writer, but I never thought I might make a living at it. I started writing properly when we lived on a tiny tidal island. My husband's an ornithologist and he was warden of the nature reserve there. We were the only residents, we had no mains water or electricity so it was a very peaceful place to write.

MM2: When was that golden moment when you knew that you had made it as an author?

I suppose the big breakthrough came 20 years after I was first published. I won the Gold Dagger for Raven Black. That meant I could give up the day job and write full time.

MM2: Where did you get the idea for Vera?

I was born in the mid-fifties and grew up still in the shadow of the war. There seemed to be lots of single women who were strong and competent, but not very glamorous. They were hospital matrons and school teachers. I think VERA grew put of my memory of those women.

MM2: Vera and Shetland are very popular series both in writing and television. Lead us thru the process of how television came about?

Quite by chance. The first VERA book was picked up in a charity shop by a TV company books scout. She went on to commission the series and ended up as executive producer on both shows. I've been amazingly lucky. I still think of her as my fairy godmother.

MM2: Give us an example of a day in your home and writing life?

I like to write early in the morning. That's when I'm most productive. I have 6 grandchildren, all of whom live close by, so I have some childcare duties too!

MM2: Tell us what you like about where you live?

The sea. I live in a small, rather shabby seaside town on the north east coast. We have lots of good friends from all sorts of different backgrounds. North East England, where VERA is based and filmed has a remarkable variety of landscapes.

MM2: Do you have favorite books you like to reread?

I love traditional Golden Age crime novels and go back to Dorothy Sayers and Margery Allingham. And Simenon's Maigret.

MM2: What are you currently writing and promoting?

I'm building up to the promotion of The Moth Catcher, a new VERA novel and working on a new Shetland.

MM2: Describe to us your favorite place to write?

I can write anywhere: in trains, airport lounges and strange hotel rooms but my favourite place is on a laptop at my kitchen table.

MM2: Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received? What was the advice?

I can't remember who first said this but it's very important. 'Kill your darlings' That is, don't be afraid to dump writing that doesn't work, even if you're attached to it.  The best publishing advice was given by the rep selling my first book: 'Don't ever give a book to someone who would be prepared to buy one.'

MM2: Is there something you would like to say to your television fans and readers?

Just a big thank you for continuing to buy the books and watch the shows.

MM2: What has writing and fame brought to you your life?

I don't have to worry about the car breaking down anymore. When I first started writing we could never afford a reliable car.

MM2: Now for some fun questions. Where is your favorite place to vacation? Your favorite movie, song and dessert?

I still love going back to Shetland. The Third Man. Graham Greene is one of my favourite writers and it was a great film. And cranachan, a Scottish dessert made with oatmeal, raspberries, cream and a dash of whisky.

MM2: Lets talk about Shetland. Tell us about the books, the BBC series and actors?

The sixth Shetland book, Thin Air, has just been published. It's set in the most northerly island in the UK which lies on the same line of latitude as parts of Alaska. The islands in the archipelago have a total population of just over 20,000, so it's a hard place to keep secrets. The lead actor is Douglas Henshall, who has the great skill of portraying a strong man who is also kind. I've been very fortunate with both my leading actors. Double Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn is magnificent as VERA.

MM2: What comes next for both Vera and Shetland? No secrets just writing plans?

There will be more books in both series and both TV dramas are filming now so there'll be more broadcasts too.

MM2: In closing what writing advice do you have for series authors?

Stop writing the series when you stop enjoying it.

MM2: I am sure you have awards and go to conventions. Tell us about those and are you part of a writing group? I guess what I am asking they say it takes a village to write and  publish your work. Who are the people in your village?

I'm part of a collective called Murder Squad. We are friends who live and work in the north of England. We run events and have put together collections of short stories. The most recent has been inspired by some beautifully atmospheric photographs. And I have a wonderful agent and great publishing team. This year I'm programming chair of the Harrogate Crine-writing Festival, the biggest of it's kind in Europe.

MM2: Are there television series you make time to watch?

No. I dip in and out and don't have regular viewing habits.

MM2: Oh there is one more thing to ask. Do you have a writing pet peeve? What is the hardest and best part of writing your books?

The middle of a book is always the hardest. The beginning is the easiest. Before you start you believe you can write a great book...

MM2: Leave us with a Vera quote about you?

Here's a quote from the very gracious Brenda Blethyn: 'I'll always be grateful to Ann for creating VERA.' Well I'll always be grateful to Brenda for bringing her to life.

TV Review: Gotham - Season 1

     When I first heard they were making Gotham, I was quite excited.  Though Batman's story begins the same - with the murder of his parents, this really isn't the story of the Batman (yet anyway).

     It is the story of a city - the fictional Gotham City.  State?  Who knows?  It is bleak and over ridden by crime and corruption. It is ugly and bleak.  In comes Detective Jim Gordon played brilliantly by Ben McKenzie.  He is idealistic and became a cop for all the right reasons.  But he soon finds out that in Gotham, things just aren't that easy and criminals run the city.  He is partnered with Harvey Bullock played by Donal Logue.  Bullock knows how Gotham is and really has no intention of fighting the status quo and is frustrated by his partner's quest to make things better.

    Meanwhile the city is run by mob bosses who have carved up the city into their own territories.  Enter Oswald Cobblebot - "The Penguin" who has manipulation down to an art form as he plays them against each other, trying to carve his own path.  Playing Penguin is Robin Lord Taylor who takes the character and owns it.  I would say his performance is my favorite.  The villians are over the top at times - Jada Pinkett Smith is wonderful as Fish Maroney- and we see familiar names that will be future villians over time.  Power, control, money, insanity - the forces that drive these villians make them ruthless (and entertaining).

     Bruce Wayne and his not-so-nice (with lots of history yet to be explored) butler, Alfred Pennyworth are part of the story and we all know where that is heading.  Yet Bruce's interactions with the others is what will make him the man he becomes, he has to be there - just not the focus.

    There is tons of violence, betrayals, lies, crazies, corruption and so on.  There are also those who (reluctantly) stand up with Gordon to begin to fix things in this endless cesspool of a city.  Most of the storylines are engaging and move it all forward.  A few, such as Milo Ventimiglia's deranged serial killer and his kidnapping of Jim's ex-girlfriend Barbara made no sense and didnt seem to fit at all.  Sometimes the writer's seem to be still searching for their direction.

Yet the story is just beginning, characters are evolving and it keeps me wanting to see how it gets there.  Because Gotham is what makes Batman, without it, there would be no need for him.

Terri

TV Review: The Slap

I just finished watching the final episode of this short series. It had an amazing cast and premise.  During a backyard party, an unruly child is slapped by an adult who is not his parent.  The story is about the repercussions from this; legal and emotional on all the parties.

It is more than the story of what happened: it is the story of how it effects each individual and their relationships with others.  It is a story that makes you think.  Where do we draw boundaries?  What is okay and under what circumstances?  It makes you think about your feelings about what is deserved or not.  And you find yourself making judgments about the characters and their behaviors. 

 

Zachary Quinto plays Harry, the man who slapped the unruly child swinging a baseball bat at his own children while the child's parents are oblivious.  He is not a nice guy and IMO, not a likeable one.  But did I think he should go to jail for the situation?  That is the question isn't it?  I am still not sure of my answer.

And then there is the mother - Rosie.  I could not stand her.  All the while she was screaming and sobbing about the 'trauma' to her child, all I could think was it was her reaction that was intensifying the trauma.  And for all she was on and on about how it was about her poor son, it really seemed all about her...

Each episode focuses primarily on one person from the party, their perceptions, and their secrets and pasts and how they are relevant to the current situation they are faced with. 

 

What I liked most about the show is that the characters were rich and complex and nothing in the story was simple.  Including the way I reacted to it.  I think this is a great show for starting a dialog with.

 

And of course, it also is based on a book (which I have not read yet).  The style of the show makes me think of Jodi Picoult and the way she used many POVs in her books to get you to think about the issues.  So, now I am curious to read it and compare.

 

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

 

Terri