OK, OK, so I'm 10 years late - again!

Alas, the new Atlantic Channel has been slightly more 'miss' than 'hit'.  Boardwalk Empire seems to me to be an example of over-emphasis on costumes and sets to the detriment of character - and there is a complete lack of humour.  My new Sky+ Box-thingie is recording every episode but if the series fails to improve then the 'obliterate button' will have to be pressed - if I can find it!  Also, Blue Bloods is hopeless.  The premise that the NYPD has a Commissioner, Tom Selleck, whose entire family seems to be employed by it in one respect or another is hard to swallow but when one of his sons seems to get every juicy case that crops up, and when his girlfriend is the reporter, one of hundreds in 'Noo Yawk', to whom a suspect confesses, then my credulity is well and truly stretched.  Selleck appears to possess only two expressions; he pulls down the corners of his mouth under his massive moustache, frowns, and attempts to look either stern or magisterial - and that's it!

Both of these shows sink without trace in comparison to BBC4's superb Danish murder story, The Killing.  This is a police procedural combined with complex personal story lines made to the very highest standards.  It has already entered my Top Ten TV programmes ever seen - and I'm only on episode 6, I think it is!  If you have missed the beginning then do yourself a favour and buy the DVD because, although BBC4 seems to be producing a steady stream of excellent television films, one cannot be absolutely sure they will be reshown on BBC1 or BBC2 - and this particular film must be seen.  It's up there with Tinker, Tailor - than which one can praise no higher.

Now to explain my 10 year tardiness.  Has anyone heard of The Sopranos?  Alright, alright, no need to shout, take that as a YES, shall I?  Well, of course, even I had heard of them but as I missed the opening series, mostly because they were broadcast long past my cocoa time and, as I told you in an earlier post, I could not master the intricacies of getting my old multi-zillion pound recorder-thingie to actually record.  It may have had something to do with me stamping on it in a rage, I cannot be sure!  Anyway, they are repeating the entire series on Atlantic and my all-new, all-singing, all-dancing Sky+ box-thingie which is idiot-proof (thanks, 'Rupe'!) is recording them all.  I almost applauded James Gandolfini in his very first entrance before he had even spoken a word.  It's the scene when he enters the psychiatrist's office for the first time.  Just the slightest of swaggers as he crosses the room, the equally slight but uneasy smile, the way he sits in the chair as though he owns it, and immediately rests the ankle of one leg on the knee of the other as though, again, to state his proprietorial rights - not that he owns any of it but he knows that he can steal all of it anytime he cares to snap his fingers.  But he is a man, a gangster-man, aware of inner weaknesses and Gandolfini, in just those brief few seconds of movement only, sums up the situation and his character by just using body language with great subtlety.  They should show that sequence to every student of acting.  Also, and unlike the heavy-handed Boardwalk Empire, the show has a streak of bleak humour.  Tremendous!

Comments

[JK]

I thought you said you'd "... not nbe caught dead watching the BBC."

Now I understand why you've not been writng so much. Feeling better, I hope?

[David Duff]

BBC 'news', JK, everything else is OK-ish.

[Dom]

I think you'll like the Sopranos, but the idea behind it is very different from The Wire. For one thing, each show is sort of self-contained, and what happens in one show does not get picked up in the next, although there are a few themes that run throughout. What bothered me, though, is that later in the series, the story lines get a little unbelievable. Scores of people are killed, but for some reason, the police aren't even looking for the killers.

[David Duff]

That's the problem with run-longing series, they run out of good story lines because they've run out of good writers. Still, I really enjoyed the first episode.

[HELENA]

'The Killing' is brilliant. It's my 'cannot miss' at the moment, the only thing on tv that I look forward to!
Actually the Danish title 'Forbrydelson' translates as 'The Crime' and there is more to come- they already have made and transmitted Forbrydelson II and Forbrydelson III is in production. Let's hope that the BBC buys up and shows these follow-ups too!!!

[David Duff]

Yes, Helena, "cannot miss" is exactly right, and you have begun my day with a smile because the thought of more series to come is really good news. What I particularly like is the way the different characters are slowly revealed under the pressure of events. Personally, I have my eye on that formean chap who works for the dead girl's father. Haven't heard too much about him - yet! Also, I like the parallel political story - who's the traitor within the gates? Excellent TV - for a change!

[Angela Groves]

Yes can't agree more. Can't miss. Refused a night out this week as couldn't bear to miss the next two episodes and have not got my recording box thingy working yet.Actually had my eye on Theis, dead girls father for a while but it has to be Troels surely!!! Can't wait for next episode.Well worth the license fee.

[David Duff]

Hello, Angela, and how wise you were to stay in! The finger is suddenly pointing at Troels but I think there are 20 episodes so it's a bit early yet. And what a terrific performance from the chap playing Theis, few words but his presence is monumental.

By the way, I'm glad you have 'recording box thingies' like me!

[Trish]

Oh what bliss on a Saturday night to watch the wonderful Danish "The Killing". The characters are beautifully drawn and the acting brilliant. I love the way the Larsen family have been portrayed, I had tears running down my face when they told the two young brothers of Nana that she was dead. I hope they are making more and that the BBC will but them. I'm also a huge fan of the Swedish Wallender Series so at the moment the scandinavians have all my attention.

[David Duff]

Well, Trish, according to Helena above there are more series to come. I wonder if they will maintain the standard? One of the things I like about it is that they take their time. I admire slick American-style editing but sometimes a more leisurely approach is to be preferred. However, Wallander is altogether too leisurely for me, either the British or the Swedish version. Endless shots of Branagh's whiskery face - why does he never shave? - gazing into the middle distance - irritating - very!

[Wilf]

I don't often contribute to these posts but have to throw my weight behind "The Killing". Excellent TV of the highest standard - but I don't need to tell you guys, if you're reading this you've already found it. I hadn't realised it is 20 episodes though, that's brightened my weekend!

[David Duff]

Welcome to D&N, Wilf. And I'm fairly certain I read somewhere that there 20 episodes - but I'm easily confused these days.

[Katrina]

The Killing is a MUST SEE......really enjoying it... as for the traitor, i'm leaning towards Morten and hubby is convinced that he's also the murderer, time will tell !

[David Duff]

You could be right, Katrina, but I've given up guessing. Can't wait for the next episode.

[SB]

Totally and utterly hooked on 'The Killing'. Amazing series - very glad to hear that there are more to come! If you have enjoyed this series I would suggest that you check out Arnaldur Idridasson's crime novels set in Iceland, especially 'Jar City' or 'Tainted Blood' as it is also known. The books have a Wallanderesque character in Erlendur, but the story is just as good as 'The Killing'.
I have recently finished The Wire (loved it) and would welcome suggestions for other series/ crime novels.

Thanks

[David Duff]

Thanks for that SB. As for recommendations I am about to post on the subject of yet another terrific crime writer - or to be precise, a pair of crime writers - so stick around. Also if you have the time just skim down my posts under 'Odds & Sods' and you will spot the occasional posts where I have recommended various excellent 'pulp fiction' writers.