safenoe Reviews

New Tricks: The Russian Cousin (2015) Season 12, Episode 7

The Italian Job

[6/10 · 2 June 2024]

Steve (Denis Lawson, the uncle of Ewan McGregor) is keen to make some quid by renting his flat out to tourists as a luxury short stay venture. He thinks the tourists are Italian, but guess what, they really aren't Italian init, and guess what, they attempt to steal Steve's goods using a white van! He and two cops sort them out. Anyway, there's no Robert Strickland in this episode, and he's sorely missed. Anyway, here we are reaching the end of New Tricks and at least it ran for as long as did init. If New Tricks is ever rebooted then I nominate acclaimed actor Danny Dyer to play a leading role init.

New Tricks: Painting on Loan (2004) Season 1, Episode 2

Giles

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

Painting on Loan guest stars Anthony Head, who of course is whom I remember as Giles from Buffy, a series which is a big favorite of mine. So in this first season episode of New Tricks, Painting on Loan, Head plays the Queen's art collector with much aplomb and authenticity. Gerry has cash flow problems and reveals he was declared bankrupt so can't get a credit card. Tiggy Allen, who plays art gallery assistant, looks like Reese Witherspoon really init. Anyway, I became a fan of New Tricks around maybe eight years ago, and I like the cast chemistry and the London sights that sometimes is gritty.

New Tricks: ID Parade (2004) Season 1, Episode 1

New Tricks

[7/10 · 2 June 2024]

I discovered New Tricks around eight or so years ago, and one thing I like is the chemistry between the original cast, and also the gritty London sights.

Anyway, here Pullman refers to Jack, Gerry and Brian as Stan, Ollie and Rain Man. Chike Okonkwo appears as PC Clarke and contrary to social media, his character is written out without any explanation. Brian pursues the police cell death of Anthony Kaye, which reaches its denouement in season 10 when Brian leaves under dramatic circumstances. Lourdes Faberes appears as Patricia Lee, a possible witness to the death of WPC Kate Daniels. We learn about Sandra's love life, and Gerry learns he'll be a grandfather.

Midsomer Murders: The Killings of Copenhagen (2014) Season 16, Episode 5

Danish biscuits

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

I grew up devouring the Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies, and here its the biscuits that are the center of the crime here, and which involves Copenhagen and the casting of two Danish actresses Ann Eleonora Jorgensen as VPK Birgitte Poulsen, and Birgitte Hjort Sorensen as KA Anna Degn. It's a lot of fun with some cultural differences, although for a real contrast I would like for Barnaby and whoever his sidekick is at the time to travel to Paris or Amsterdam or Madrid or Athens or Rome, and that would mean a lot. Anyway, this episode is the 100th, so well done to Midsomer Murders for reaching this milestone.

Midsomer Murders: Let Us Prey (2014) Season 16, Episode 2

Guest starring Rebecca Front

[6/10 · 2 June 2024]

Rebecca Front, who I remember from another television detective drama, Lewis, plays Reverend Martha Hillcott in Let Us Prey, from season 16 of Midsomer Murders. I'm enjoying reflecting on Midsomer Murders and the impact that all those murders has on the English countryside init, and upon reflection, it's very rare that you see a funeral of any character that's been bumped off, although you do see the coronial bit, and that allows banter between Barnaby (either one), his sidekick and the coroner. Anyway, Let Us Prey dwells on stereotypes but I guess that's TV. The director of Let Us Prey is Alex Pillai.

Midsomer Murders: Master Class (2010) Season 13, Episode 5

Family Matters

[6/10 · 2 June 2024]

James Fox plays master musician Sir Michael Fielding, and one of the creepiest lines was when he proposed to Lydia Wilson (played by Zoe Stock), "Will you bless me with a night together?". One there's a huge age difference, and really quite more significantly, he's her grandfather init! Goodness, wow, imagine what could have been.

Sylvestra Le Touzel and Frances Barber play Sir Michael's daughters Miriam Fielding and Constance Fielding, respectively, and they procure Wilson for their dear father so he can continue the family genes in an icky way that makes you think about family matters init.

I Am Your Father (2015)

Due credit to David Prowse

[9/10 · 2 June 2024]

I Am Your Father is a documentary that attempts to give due credit to David Prowse, the English actor (who must be one of the tallest actors to play a Star Wars character) who played Darth Vader, but without his voice (which was provided by James Earl Jones) and his face in Return of the Jedi was Sebastian Shaw. I think Prowse's English accent didn't really match the persona of Vader, so I guess James Earl Jones was the prime candidate. Anyway, I am Your Father was released five years before Prowse passed away, so at least he got to enjoy the documentary and finally there could be due respect to his role.

Mystery Diners: Security Issues (2013) Season 4, Episode 10

It seems so real

[5/10 · 2 June 2024]

I remember watching Security Issues at a time when I thought there was a high level of authenticity to things, but really, how could all the key players (including the alleged culprits) arrive on cue for the investigator to bust them and call them to account. But over time I did wonder, and really, one must appreciate every episode of Mystery Diners as like a "professional wrestling" match, and really the performances are outstanding, but yes, it it what it is init. So here the investigators head to Philadelphia, after there are rumors of a night security guard being too rough with customers at Del Rossi's Cheesesteak.

New Tricks: The Wolf of Wallbrook (2015) Season 12, Episode 4

Wallbrook

[7/10 · 2 June 2024]

Anyway, I liked New Tricks, although I think the last two seasons got a bit off-track when one of the New Tricks teams started displaying superhuman powers that would have made the Marvel characters envious. Anyway, here in The Wolf of Wallbrook, you have a photo of a man being pushed, and it immediately gave me a reminder of Keith Sapsford photo falling from plane mid-air, which is sadly a famous photo. Anyway, I think in the final season the decision had been made to axe New Tricks pretty much at the beginning, so the actors were quite professional at least. If New Tricks is ever rebooted then please can Danny Dyer be cast.

Cooks vs. Cons: Juicy Resolutions (2017) Season 3, Episode 7

Cook or Con

[9/10 · 2 June 2024]

The cook won, and no real surprise here, in Juicy Resolutions. I like Cook v Cons, as we try to work out who is the cook and who is the con or the amateur chef. Sometimes there are upsets, but still, I like the element of surprise.

The director for this episode Juicy Resolutions is Luke Riffle, and starring Geoffrey Zakarian, Filip Jeremic and Daphne Oz. Anyway, I want to support the underdog, and so really having the con win over the cook (or chef) would be inspirational, uplifting and give the amateur chefs a new lease of life to continue with their craft and maybe one day be the cook in Cooks vs Cons.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...: Valencia (2017) Season 5, Episode 2

Valencia

[10/10 · 2 June 2024]

Richard Ayoade travels to Valencia, Spain, with Sara Pascoe, a comedian. I always enjoy watching Richard Ayoade's travels, and here Ayoade and Pascoe stay in an impressive hotel, and they partake in Zorbing water balls which is quite exciting. I've been to Spain only briefly, to Tarragona. I haven't been to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia but after this episode, I want to go to Valencia.

The DV Director is Arjun Singh Panam, The director is Nicola Silk.

Anyway, I like Ayoade's deadpan style, and I would like for him to have Danny Dyer accompany him on a trip say to Slovenia or Slovakia init right.

Tales of the Unexpected: The Luncheon (1983) Season 6, Episode 10

Written by Jeffrey Archer

[6/10 · 2 June 2024]

I was looking forward to watching The Luncheon, which is from season six of Tales of the Unexpected, because it was written by the acclaimed English author of the twist-in-the-tale, Jeffrey Archer himself. I've read some of his books and Archer is the master storyteller who draws you in from the beginning. So The Luncheon (if it was here in America it would be called The Lunch) draws you in, but as some imdb user reviewers have commented, what was the point init. Like really, Susan could have arranged for the restaurant (owned by her fiance) to pay for the meal (37 quid in 1983, so that's a lot even now init), but Tony having to take the bus home, like what, was that the twist, the unexpected from the tale init. I wonder if Archer's original script was watered down by the producers or what init.

The Critic: From Chunk to Hunk (1995) Season 2, Episode 5

Chunky Hunky

[7/10 · 2 June 2024]

From Chunk to Hunk is from season two of The Critic, which was a superb series from the 1990s in my humble opinion, but sadly mistreated by two networks when it deserved far more respect. Anyway, from Chunk to Hunk is funny but probably the best parts are the pop cultural references and send-up of movies, celebrities and current events. Anyway, it's hard to believe this episode debuted nearly 30 years ago, and there are some hilarious moments. For example, one episode in season two had the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation dancing on Hee Haw (you have to see it on social media) and that makes me laugh big time.

Degrassi High (1987–1991)

Defining

[10/10 · 2 June 2024]

I am a huge fan of Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, and I learned so much about Canadian culture and they way they say "about". Anyway, I've watched every episode, some more than once. In many ways, Degrassi Junior High (and its successor Degrassi High) pretty much caught the teenage angst with everyone under the sun that was more realistic than perhaps we would like to admit.

What was quite shocking was the passing of Neil Hope, who played Wheels, and how long it took for his passing to be reported quite tragically. I watched a few episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation when it debuted but it couldn't quite capture the zeitgeist of Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High.

The Critic: A Song for Margo (1995) Season 2, Episode 4

Margo and the rock star

[7/10 · 2 June 2024]

I'm really enjoying very much catching up on season two of The Critic. The Critic's first season was broadcast on ABC, but it got axed after one season before another network. Anyway, for me the pop cultural swipes are hilarious, with Howard Stern and Robin Quivers being sent-up in an amazing parody. I think David Letterman was the subject of a parody in this episode, A Song for Margo, with his famous Top 10 list and his interaction with the band. Anyway, here Margo falls for a rock star, but it turns out he's two-timing Margo, and it ain't pretty. Anyway, I look forward to seeing the rest of season two.

Cake Wars: Cobra's Curse (2016) Season 4, Episode 6

Curses

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

Cobra's Curse is this episode, and yes, the it really fell. It had to happen, with a team's cake falling (literally) as it reached the podium and there was much weeping all around. It really happened. The perils of bigger is better to the maximum. Thankfully the chefs didn't take out their ire and sorrow on the two assistants. I wonder how the winners transport their winning cake to the finale event? Maybe they make another one?

Anyway, I enjoy watching the Cake Wars episodes, and seeing the drama and toil and sweat and tears going into each cake init. Anyway, do yourself a favor and watch Cake Wars.

The Critic: Sherman of Arabia (1995) Season 2, Episode 7

Jay's journey

[10/10 · 2 June 2024]

I'm enjoying finally watching season two of The Critic, after having discovered it back in the 1990s. Anyway, this episode is hilarious, with one scene being absolutely hilarious, being where the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation on Hee Haw. The clip is also on social media and the comments attest to just how hilarious it is. Anyway, here Sherman talks about his rescue and sure, it's one shaggy dog tale, but it's quite funny. It's a shame The Critic wasn't renewed for season three, although yes there was the season three of 10 webisodes a few years later, but still. Anyway, definitely worth watching.

F Troop (1965–1967)

Classic 60s comedy

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

I remember watching F Troop after coming home from school, and that, along with Batman (the one with Adam West and Burt Ward), Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, The Brady Bunch was pure after-school fare. Anyway, F Troop was lots of fun and whilst it didn't exactly fill-in all the Civil War history (you would have to see Patrick Swayze's North and South for that), it was a lot of fun. Season one had 34 episodes, and season two had 31 episodes, which was probably normal at the time. Anyway, if there's ever an F Troop reboot then perhaps some English actors can play the roles because they have impressive American accents.

The Critic: Sherman, Woman and Child (1995) Season 2, Episode 1

Season two opens

[10/10 · 2 June 2024]

Jay Sherman and the rest of his motley team return for season two of The Critic, but this time on a different network (the one that screens The Simpsons). The Critic was on ABC in season one, and in this season two opener, Sherman, Woman and Child, there is a potshot at ABC. Anyway, the opening theme (which kind of resembles Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue) is slightly different to the one in season one, but quite significantly, Sherman falls in love with Alice Tompkins (voiced by Park Overall, who was a regular in Empty Nest). Alice has a daughter, Penny (voiced by Simpsons regular Russi Taylor).

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Saturday Night Live

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

I remember seeing Saturday Night Fever at an end of school send-off, and it's interesting to reflect on the success of Saturday Night Fever. We know the movie was based on a 1976 New York article, Tribal Rites of the New Saturday night by British music writer Nik Cohn, but many, many years later he admitted that it was pretty much a fictional account. Anyway, so what, Saturday Night Live, I mean Saturday Night Fever is still entertaining and it was produced at a time when John Travolta was setting the TV world alight with his role in Welcome Back, Kotter. Anyway, many years later Travolta was in Look Who's Talking and Pulp Fiction.

Diagnosis Murder: Wrong Number (1998) Season 6, Episode 4

Dial M for Sloan

[7/10 · 2 June 2024]

Wrong Number is from season six of Diagnosis Murder, and by Diagnosis Murder standards there were more imdb user reviews than usual for this episode, with three when I logged in today to post a review. Anyway, sure the logic in this episode requires suspension of disbelief, but we're watching drama TV not a re-enactment she wrote if you know what I mean. Anyway, there's a random and Dr Sloan gets in the way quite literally when the ransom pickup is made. Eva LaRue guest stars as Steve's old Orlando flame, FBI agent Kathryn Wately, and LaRue's career exploded when she played Natalia Boa Vista in CSI: Miami.

Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)

The Panther seeks revenge

[8/10 · 2 June 2024]

Revenge of the Pink Panther was released in 1978, so awhile ago, yet it's a lot of fun and we have Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau played by the legendary Peter Sellers, and for many in a generation Sellers was defined by his role as Clouseau. Herbert Lom is Dreyfus, and the legendary Burt Kwouk plays Cato Fong. Dyan Cannon, who was married to Cary Grant (and their daughter is actress Jennifer Grant). Anyway, we see Clouseau and the Scooby Gang in Hong Kong, England and France. Anyway, I'm not sure if it's possible to have a reboot but if so, I nominate Danny Dyer to play Clouseau definitely.

Diagnosis Murder: Santa Claude (1999) Season 7, Episode 11

The Santa Claude

[9/10 · 2 June 2024]

Leon Russom plays Claude Campbell, a hospital worker who has a bit of a past, but thankfully with the amazing investigatory skills of Dr Sloan and his son Steve, we know he's really innocent. Dr Joyce Brothers guest stars as Dr Hazeltine, and I was rather surprised she didn't get special guest star billing because she is very famous for sure. Anyway, Santa Claude is a Christmas episode, being broadcast on Thursday 16 December 1999, and also there's a Fugitive element as well, with Richard Riehle as Deputy Sheriff Harmon Tolliver, although strangely he wasn't credited in the credits. Anyway, Joanna Cassidy makes another guest appearance as Madison Wesley.

Rowan Atkinson Live (1992 TV Special)

Keeping it live

[9/10 · 1 June 2024]

Thomas Schlamme directed Rowan Atkinson Live, which was filmed in Boston. In fact, this pretty much launched Atkinson in the public consciousness here, as before that he was popular in England, United Kingdom

Rowan Atkinson stars of course, as does Angus Deayton. Also Schlamme is famous for directing the live episode of E. R. (east and west coast versions), and also being married to Christine "Chicago Hope" Lahti, and being executive producer on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip which starred Matthew Perry. Anyway, the sketches are funny across the board, and the roll call is one many remember init.

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Hilarious

[9/10 · 1 June 2024]

I remember discovering Mr. Bean (played by English comedian Rowan Atkinson) back in the early 1990s and I remember watching an episode with a College friend and we could not stop laughing and laughing and laughing at the exploits of Mr. Bean. I'm not joking, it was so hilarious. I haven't seen all the episodes but I will have to catch up, so hopefully they are on social media. Richard Curtis, famous for directing Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Boat that Rocked, along with Notting Hill, is one of the creators of Mr. Bean. Anyway, the way that Atkinson can animate the character is amazing init.