Bingeworthy TV
Obviously, I’m already addicted to new BBC drama Vigil two episodes in, which started with killing off a main character (remember Spooks?), and am still loving Ghosts. I’m also working my way through rewatching Detectorists, which is just lovely.
I was inordinately excited to discover that zombie spectacular The Walking Dead series 10 was now on Disney Star with the final series 11 airing later in August. I devoured series 10, and am now getting weekly doses of 11. It’s building up to a grand finale, I’m sure.
I’ve also started rewatching Bosch on Prime, based on the books by Michael Connelly. It’s fab, and Titus Welliver as Detective Harry Bosch is perfect in the role.
Finally, I’m not sure what to make of the return of Changing Rooms. I’ll watch it for LLB of course, whom I always enjoyed, but it is missing Linda Barker. Tibby the chippy is sweet but too good at just getting on with it. But at least they’re honest now about there being a handful of trades involved, not just all Handy Andy.
Movies on the Big and Little Screens
I went to the cinema again – on my own, which I’m very happy to do. The film I went to see was The Courier – whch is based on the amazing true story of businessman Greville Wynne who was persuaded to courier Soviet secrets for MI6 from Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet military intelligence colonel, who was the highest Soviet source Britain ever recruited.
Benedict Cumberbatch excelled as Wynne, as did Merab Ninidze as Penkovsky. I didn’t know the full story, so the suspense over whether they’d get caught, or if Penkovsky could defect was tremendous. The acting all the way down was superb with Jessie Buckley as Wynne’s wife, Rachel Brosnahan as the CIA lead, Angus Wright for MI6, and the chap who played the KGB man was truly scary.
A thrilling espionage story – all the more so because it actually happened.
I only watched a couple of other films via the telly this month. The only one I can remember was High Society which was on one afternoon – gosh Grace Kelly’s character was so annoying!
What have you been watching last month? Any recommendations?
I was hooked on Changing Rooms first time around! I’m enjoying Michael Douglas in The Kominsky Method and looking forward to starting The Chair tonight with Sandra Oh
Oh yes, The Kominsky Method is excellent, but I’m mourning Alan Arkin now just as I mourn Simon Callow’s character in Four Weddings and a Funeral even though both actors are still alive!
But one programme of Changing Rooms was enough for us, no more…
I’ve been saving The Kominsky Method, and will add The Chair to my list!
I think The Courier is streaming here. I was thinking of watching it but — I’ve seen so many bad movies was hesitating, so your recommendation carries weight!
A few weeks ago I went to the cinema for the second time since the pandemic began. I really miss the physical act of attending, it was always such a nice little treat.
Bosch IS really good, isn’t it? Titus Welliver was born to play that role. Did you know a spinoff is in the works, also with Welliver, in a new incarnation as a PI?
I’ll definitely investigate the BBC series you mentioned but getting BBC things on U.S. channels can be a bit frustrating. . .
He’s exactly as I always imagined Bosch from the books. Perfect. In the later books, he’s left the LAPD, so maybe that’s the spinoff?
My thoughts exactly (I had initially forgotten that Connelly had him leaving the LAPD). That the spinoff might still be following the books is promising (I think Connelly is an executive producer or something); also, Harry’s personality is tailor-made for LA noir!
I rely on Emily to choose TV we’re both are likely to enjoy, as a result I get to watch things I wouldn’t usually opt for! Big contrasts, for sure. We watched the completely mesmerising but wordless Aquarela which was shown after the first of the H2O programmes on BBC Four, and if you have the patience to experience it for an hour and a half it’s beautiful and thought-provoking. On the other end of the spectrum we watched Gossip Girl which I sort-of enjoyed despite my inclinations.
We also watched comedy-drama The Chair on Netflix that everyone’s been raving about, with the very watchable Sandra Oh, so do catch that if you can.
And of course The Detectorists is worth any number of repeat viewings, I agree. Have you tried Mackenzie Crook’s Worzel Gummidge? It’s another of his gentle but heart-warming mini-series (just two films so far) that restores faith in human capacity for kindness and a touching love of ancient traditions.
The Chair is on my watchlist. I watched the Worzel Gummidges when first aired – they were lovely. Crook is very talented.
The film shown on BBC 4 this week “Witness for the Prosecution” with Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power 1957. 5**** in Radio Times and worth it. Directed by Bily Wilder who was also one of the screenwriters