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jsholmes-51944
Reviews
Slow Horses (2022)
An outstanding adaptation of Mick Herrons books with a stellar cast
This is a series not to be missed. A group of disgraced MI5 agents are banished to Slough House - a crumbling backwater left to slowly rot both literally and metaphorically. MI5 hopes the humiliated agents will resign from the service after enduring endless days of made-up paper work. However, led by a disheveled and foul mouthed Jackson Lamb (a role inhabited to perfection by Gary Oldman) , the Slough House irregulars end up involved in dangerous but exciting situations brought about primarily by the greed and ambition of both politicians and MI5 high ranking officers (not to mention incompetence). The plots are compelling - often funny - and reveal the dark side of spy craft in contrast to the James Bond type of portrayal. The characters are memorable with their own weaknesses and limits on display but come together when one of their lot is endangered. This series is among the best ever.
Father Brown: The Kembleston Olimpicks (2024)
Father Brown episodes increasingly dull with uninteresting characters beginning with cast changes in season 10
The loss of original Father Brown characters has proved disappointing and the series has become almost unwatchable since the season 10 changes. The replacements (new widowed housekeeper and young woman being mentored by Father Brown) introduced in season 10 are dull and lack any kind of spark or dramatic tension. Even Father Brown seems uninterested. The first episode of Season 11 was tedious - the murder was quite pedestrian, the relevant characters lacked dramatic interest and the sub plot about the housekeepers sons jealousy of his mother's romance with the Inspector was totally boring. Sadly, i think it is time for Father Brown to call it quits.
The Diplomat (2023)
An excellent series but second season needs to pivot away from marital tension
The first season of The Ambassador was very good. An exciting plot with interesting twists throughout and well developed believable characters. Keri Russell carries the show. My only concern is that the constant focus on Hal and what he is up becomes tedious by episode 8 and I hope he is either sidelined or out of the show should there be a second season. He remains an egotistical, manipulative character who seemingly has convinced his wife (and himself)that she is wanted because he comes with her. The constant teetering of their relationship - whether he should stay or go - should not be the focus of the series. It is not the actor; rather it is the character that is off-putting. Hopefully there will be a season 2 and it will focus on plot lines other than Hal and his machinations.