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Reviews
Hijack (2023)
A bit silly but genuinely good fun
This is an extended air hijack drama that takes place in what is effectively real time - a seven hour flight shown in seven episodes which are mostly around an hour long. It manages to maintain the drama by cleverly concealing the motives of the kidnappers until well into the story and by mixing the on the plane action with that on the ground as the authorities try to find out what is happening and to deal with it. It's well cast and well acted, especially by Idris Elba who plays an a unusual kind of alpha male passenger who tries to resolve the problems- he's a natural leader but mostly through the power of persuasion rather than that of violence. Neil Maskell is also brilliant as the lead on-plane baddie - genuinely frightening but not entirely one-dimensional.
It's definitely a bit silly - there are several plot points that strain your credulity and there are probably one or two too many strands of story than would be ideal - but on the other hand if you allow your disbelief to be suspended then it is genuinely exciting and unpredictable to the end.
The Bear: Honeydew (2023)
Wonderful television
Just a beautiful piece of work, a joy from start to finish. It's uncharacteristically gentle and contemplative for The Bear, a study of character and also a celebration of the joy and satisfaction of craft and creation. As with any great dish the ingredients are great - one of the series' most loveable characters in Marcus, the beauty of Copenhagen, a fine guest performance by Will Poulter and lots and lots of beautiful looking desserts and pastries - but the way they are put together is just wonderful. It reminded me of the wonderful episode in the second series of Master of None where Dev learns to make pasta in Modena and that is high praise.
The West Wing: Internal Displacement (2006)
Smartly written, tightly structured episode that spotlights Allison Janney.
Written by cast member Bradley Whitford, this is one of the best episodes of the later seasons of The West Wing. Effectively a stand-alone, it benefits from focussing on White House Chief of Staff CJ Cregg, who is in virtually every shot. CJ is the best character on the show, played by the best actor in Allison Janney, and Whitford gives her a lot to work with. She has some drama, some pathos, some romance and lots of sharp comedy. The comedy scenes are particularly strong, with Janney in top wise-cracking Hepburn form with Joshua Malina's Will Bailey as her hapless straight man.
Perhaps underrated because it doesn't advance the main story lines greatly, this is quality television in the best traditions of the show.