Note: I have had considerable trouble trying to post a photo here and now I have given up - sorry and all that!
Night after night here at Chateau Duff we go through exactly the same old routine. She asks what's on the telly tonight and, after scouring the listings, I reply the same old 'sweet f.a.' and we both go back to reading our books. But, of course, there are always exceptions which is irritating because otherwise I could toss the telly out of the house. One such took place last night with the final, alas, episode of "Unforgotten" - simply superb!
Always, when I try to assess a play or film or TV series I always look to the writer and in the "Unforgotten" series they have one of the very best in the form of Mr. Chris Lang. Even so, I am aware that behind every good writer there absolutely must be some talented people in all departments in order to maximise the brilliance. In this case the talent over-flowed! As a former director myself (not just 'am' but exceedingly 'am'!) I am never slow to acknowledge the almost imperceptible hand of a really good director which for this series was provided by Mr. Andy Wilson.
However, as an ex-actor (just as 'am' as my directing efforts) I still appreciate really good acting and this Series III provided tons of it. It is deeply unfair to pick out just one from a truly excellent cast but Mr. Alex Jennings provided, right at the end, a performance as the creepiest, most evil villain I have seen for years. He has that ability to keep a straight face but with just the merest hint of quizzical, ironic humour beneath the skin that tells you he knows something you do not and he is secretly enjoying it. Absolutely brilliant!
If I may finish on a personal note, MESSAGE TO 'S.o.D'! If you are stuck for something to give your dear, old Dad for Christmas - and I heard that! - then a box-set of the all three series would be much appreciated.
Haven’t yet watched the final series, but the first 2 were eminently watchable.
Posted by: Wigner’s Friend | Monday, 20 August 2018 at 12:43
Do not miss, Wiggers, that's an order!
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 20 August 2018 at 13:09
Wilco Duffers.👍
Posted by: Wigner’s Friend | Monday, 20 August 2018 at 15:11
Quite superb ,direction,story, acting. ITV are just much better at thrillers than the BBC. Case in point 'Keeping Faith' a Welsh based BBC mystery that moves at a snails pace over 8 episodes,but only three for us,it's so slow and tedious . The director opting for long shots of Welsh scenery as a time wasting series stretcher instead of a plot.
Posted by: graham b | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 09:33
You may be right, Graham, but there's always an exception to the rule, in this case the BBC series "Line of Duty" which was simply superb. Incidentally, the creator of that series, Jed Mercurio, has a new show starting next Sunday (I think) called "Bodyguard" and it stars Ms. Keeley Hawes who is a very fine actress but a very silly woman because she never replies to my letters!
None of that, of course, obviates my sincere wish that the entire BBC should be privatised!
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 10:50