Now look here, I will not have these vile aspersions cast in my direction! Yes, I know that none of you have actually put it into words but I know what you're thinking! Something along the lines of 'I bet the lazy git has been slumped in front of his 'telly' watching that box-set of "Line of Duty" instead of providing us with elegantly written but highly detailed analyses of the background to world politics' - and I heard that!
Well, I must admit that on an occasional basis over the last three days I have, from time to time, slipped downstairs to watch the odd episode, and it's true that out of the mildest of mild curiosity, I have sometimes stayed to watch the next one, and then perhaps the one after that and, well, heavens to Betsy, before you know it its past midnight! Dammit, I blame that Jed Mercurio for writing and producing the greatest police drama series since "The Wire" and that, brilliant though it was, began to go off a bit in the later episodes.
The entire series is based on the activities of the anti-corruption squad in the police force covering the Midlands. The story lines are deliciously convoluted, they make John Le Carré's plots look simple! However, the main virtue of the series is that it is character-based, not just the leading characters but also the minor personalities. Everyone has their little, or sometimes not so little, secrets! The acting is simply superb but two ladies stand out - Keeley Hawes and Thandie Newton, two ladies who can, by the very slightest movement of the facial muscles in their normally deadpan features, indicate hidden depths.
Keeley Hawes Thandie Newman
But above and beyond all that, there is writing of the very highest quality. The plots are serpentine and beneath the surface of the idealism of the anti-corruption squad there is a juicy vein of cynicism that runs through the entire series. So, yes, officer, I will 'fess up and admit that I have been glued before my TV set for the last 3 days. One thing I have learned is that the very best way to watch a good TV series is via a box-set, er, when you have mastered the intricacies of actually using the 'do-flicker-thingie' that controls the machine - yeah, yeah, I know it's 'easie-peasie' to you lot, but it damned near did for an old codger like me who hardly watches any TV - all those bloody buttons!!!!!
There is a fifth series of "Line of Duty" on the way but alas, it is not likely to appear before 2019. That's the 'Bad News' but the 'Good News' is that Mr. Mercurio has a new story to tell later this year called "The Body Guard" which stars the superb Ms. Keeley Hawes playing the role of Home Secretary and who, lucky gal, will shortly receive my offer for her to become the mother of my children - well, I never seem to get a reply from all the other ladies to whom I make this offer!
Anyway, this is just to let you know that normal service will be resumed here at D&N and yes, I know, "the horror, oh, the horror!"
"Something along the lines of 'I bet the lazy git has been slumped in front of his 'telly'..."
David, I would never accuse you of being slumped! Slouched, sprawled, or maybe draped...never slumped!
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 02 March 2018 at 11:25
The fourth series of Line of Duty was my first encounter with it and like you I bought the box set. I thought Thandie was superb. As it happened, I was also keen to see Jason Watkins (who was brilliant in W1A) but he didn't make it past the first episode!That I gather is a Mercurio trait - happily knocking off key characters.
Posted by: mike fowle | Friday, 02 March 2018 at 11:57
Knocking off key characters......also a GOT meme.
Trust you & yours are also bravely battling the drifts of climate change that arrived here on the 1st day of Spring !
Posted by: david morris | Friday, 02 March 2018 at 12:01
Once again, Whiters, you demonstrate your perspicacity, "draped" is spot on!
Mike, Jason Watkins' face was vaguely familiar to me. One of those jobbing actors/'band of brothers' who people our TVs.
David, I eased the back door open against the mountain of frozen snow outside - and then slammed it shut! I just wish those bloody 'Rooskies' would keep their weather to themselves!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 02 March 2018 at 13:42
Jason Watkins played a blinder in the title role of The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, a two part mini drama on ITV based on true events, who was accused of the murder of a young woman who rented a flat from him. Because he was a bit weird the press had a field day until the real murderer confessed. His role in W1A was again completely different as a scheming weasel who continually bragged about his close relationship with "Tony" (i.e. Lord Hall) sliding away skilfully from any work or responsibility whilst appearing to be genial and helpful.
Posted by: mike fowle | Friday, 02 March 2018 at 15:06