schnappi_croc Reviews

1600 Penn (2012–2013)

Give it a Chance

[6/10 · 14 January 2013]

I read the discouraging reviews on here and saw the abysmal ratings for this show. Based on those criteria, I almost didn't bother watching at all. But the first two episodes were on the DVR, so we thought we'd give it a try.

The first scene of episode 1 reminded me of something like "Animal House", not a good recommendation from my point of view. However, we persevered, and actually found it to be quite enjoyable. We then watched the second episode, and enjoyed it more than the first.

1600 Penn is fast-paced, quirky entertainment. With a bit of time to develop the characters, it might be more than that.

The Indian Doctor (2010–2013)

An entertaining, Multi-tiered Story

[9/10 · 12 December 2010]

I loved this programme! The casting is excellent, from the doctor and his wife, to the receptionist and her boyfriend, to the mine boss and his wife, to the miners, to Dan, the little boy.

There is no shortage of subplots in this series. We meet a supercilious mine boss with his pathetic wife. We meet a young receptionist in her search for love. We meet an Indian doctor and wife who are newly-arrived in a small Welsh village, suffering the difficulties of fitting into a new culture, and the townspeople who, in many ways do not know what to make of the foreigners. In addition, a young boy and his father are struggling with life with little money and troubles of their own.

The music in this series is of its time. Excellent choices of music run throughout, adding to the authenticity of the series.

I recommend The Indian Doctor highly, and hope that the BBC sees fit to continue it. There are many loose ends left to tie up!

Father & Son (2009– )

A Fascinating Story, Well Told

[10/10 · 14 June 2010]

This is a contemporary four-part series, set mainly in Manchester. The father, Michael, is an ex-con who has been living a quiet life in Ireland. When his son (Sean) gets into some trouble in Manchester, Michael goes home to offer his support. There are many sub-plots in this story, some of them confusing. Don't watch this when you are weary! You might miss some really important detail. There are many twists and turns along the way, making you unsure about who the "bad guys" really are. The acting is superb. I was especially impressed with Reece Noi, the young actor who plays Sean. This is mainly a story about crime. However, the family aspects which are explored are also an important ingredient. I recommend this series highly.

Glasgow Kiss (2000– )

A Delightful Series

[10/10 · 10 June 2010]

Glasgow Kiss is a wonderful story. The main characters, Cara and Stuart, are well cast, with chemistry that one can only hope to find in real life. Stuart's son, seven-year-old Denis, is an amazing young actor. Unfortunately, I could find no biographical information on him. I hope he continues to act! This six-part series, set in Glasgow, captures the mood of the city very well. The supporting cast are superb, especially the actors who play Cara's sisters. There is a lot of humour in this series, as well as some serious issues which are dealt with sensitively. Highly recommended. I would like to mention that Iain Glen (Stuart) is excellent in everything I has seen him in, especially "Wives and Daughters" and "The Diary of Anne Frank".

Garrow's Law (2009–2011)

Excellent Series. Unfortunately, Too Short

[9/10 · 16 April 2010]

This series is clever and thought-provoking. The period dress and the way that court was conducted are historically accurate and fascinating. As well as the serious cases which are considered, there are the humorous incidents which help to balance the series.

Many British period dramas focus on the upper class folk. This one, by contrast, brings us face to face with the working class, with their appalling living conditions, clothing and poor hygiene.

Our hero is based upon a real-life figure, William Garrow (1760-1840). He is idealistic, trying to make the law work for those who are unable to help themselves. Thanks to him, many of the rights we now take for granted, came to be accepted.

There are just four episodes of this fine series. I hope that the BBC will see fit to make more, as there is a lot more to be said.

As of November, 2010, I am delighted to report that continuing episodes of Garrow's Law are currently being broacast in the UK!

Parenthood (2010–2015)

Well worth watching

[9/10 · 31 March 2010]

I wonder why this program hasn't received the Emmy or Golden Globe nominations it deserves. The family members aren't perfect, which is one reason I love this show so much.

Even the "good guys (or gals)" make mistakes, just like we all do in real life. Each of the story lines is interesting, and every week I wonder where the writers will go with each story.

The younger actors in this series are impressive. Their acting is often subtle, which must be difficult for those who are so young to accomplish. The way they are portrayed is realistic, in that they are all likable in some way, but not so likable in others. As a mother, I appreciate the parenting difficulties which come along in this series, but I can also relate to the teenagers as they try to make sense of life. The character "Max" is truly remarkable.

Others who have commented have mentioned the high quality of the adult cast. I agree that they are all good, but I particularly like the work of Dax Shepard.

Stick with this show. These multi-dimensional characters will only get better with time.

The Good Wife (2009–2016)

Love this Show. Hate to see each episode end.

[9/10 · 13 December 2009]

This is the best new show of the season. The "story within a story" method is used to great effect, as we follow Alicia's marital woes, the inter-office politics, the husband's efforts to get out of prison, and the family ups and downs at home. Interwoven with these ongoing plot lines, there's a new legal case to tackle each week. I find this show a rich combination of humour, pathos, romance, mystery...

Kudos to the young actors who play Alicia's children (Makenzie Vega and Graham Phillips). They are likable teenagers, neither bratty nor too-good-to-be-true. In fact, I think this show is very well cast overall.