TV Blurbs...
Thoughts about what I’m currently watching.
Unforgotten
Now we know why Jessica's sister wasn't in a rush to call her back, wow.
Unforgotten
It could really be any of them, except the son. Kinda like the Mom for it, but feels too obvious. Maybe it’s her beta boyfriend? Curious to see how they all figure into it.
Unforgotten
Jessica and Sunny are really passive aggressively taking their shit out on each other. Nice to see other team members get more lines and airtime.
Unforgotten
Brutal morning before starting the new job for DCI Jessica James. Forgot how sad the intro song is.
The Killing
Made it to the end of series 1! Kinda glossed over the serial killer part. Gonna take a break with a zippy 6 episode series elsewhere before moving on to series 2, which thankfully is only half as along.
The Killing
No way, I was right! First thought, best thought. Pretty sure Pernille knows, or at least strongly suspects.
The Killing
Spoiler alert!
Oh no, just when I was starting to like Meyer! Looks like my initial distrust of Rie was correct. Think there's a decent chance it was Leon's brother. Or that Vagn killed Nanna and is trying to frame Leon, who killed Mette.
The Killing
Only three more episodes to go!
The Killing
For a moment I thought my early money flier on Vagn might be right, but Leon the cab driver also works for Theis. Turns out the scene with Cafe Guy in episode 4 did have a tie-in, but only vaguely.
The Killing
Think there's a decent chance Brix is the serial killer. Lund's mother and Swedish boyfriend are frustratingly undermining. Only five more episodes in this series! 🎉
The Killing
Finally a real lead! Now they'll spend the remaining six episodes trying to convince Brix it's not Troels. Nice to see Meyer come around to Lund.
The Killing
Ugh, Troels. Just tell them where you were! Currently leaning towards Holck as the caller who duped Olav. Or maybe it's someone we haven't met yet? No longer think it's Morten.
The Killing
Who is Troels' driver they keep mentioning? And who was the person Olav called to confirm holding back info from the police a few episodes back. And who is messing with Lund's apartment?
The Killing
Now Troels is in the crosshair! Don't think he had an affair or killed her, but Detective Chief Inspector Brix sure looks a lot like the guy in the grainy surveillance video. And LOL the club's name is Boils??
The Killing
Starting to think Morten did it, Vagn's not clever enough for that level of cover up. Nice that Lund's Swedish boyfriend is being more supportive and helpful. Enjoying the undercurrent of how much the media sways law enforcement and political decisions.
The Killing
Spoiler alert!
As suspected about Rama, funny to see the blood drain out of Lund and Meyers faces when they learned the truth. Disappointed that Lund jumped on the "Rama did it" bandwagon with Meyer. My money is still on Vagn.
The Killing
I think Rama's hiding something that might even be illegal, but I don't think he's the killer.
The Killing
There it is with Rie and her Dad, good on Troels for not being bullied. Funny: more often than not Lund or Meyers are snacking when they question people.
The Killing
Slowly winding our way through potential suspects. Currently thinking Rie is trying to install Troels as mayor to benefit her Dad.
The Killing
Was the moment between Theis and Cafe Guy about his rent, and how he previously never acknowledged Cafe Guy for "reasons" relevant to the plot or unnecessary slice of life? Will report back.
The Killing
OK, it's growing on me. I don't trust Rie and think she's a campaign mole, irrationally don't like the Swedish boyfriend, and my early money flier is on Vagn.
The Killing
Honestly feeling a bit slow. In fairness they're setting up a lot, and there are 20 episodes in the first series alone. 20! I'm gonna be watching this show for a while.
The Killing
My "Classic of the Genre" viewing for 2023 has begun! Off to a good start, enjoying the warm 2007 film quality and cinematography. Bring on the twists and turns!
Enemy of the People
Spoiler alert!
Would've liked to have seen some consequences for Janika and newsroom fanboy, but overall very enjoyable. Good tale of corruption and grift, even if the mainstream investigative journalism aspect was a fairy tale.
Enemy of the People
Spoiler alert!
Oh, Janika. What are you doing? Nice touch to have the grifter get grifted.
Enemy of the People
Now we know the full scope of the grift and all that's left is to prove it. Of course the newsroom fanboy is leaking info, probably to the construction guy.
Enemy of the People
Enjoying the send up of the newsroom crypto grifter fanboy, there's always at least one.
Enemy of the People
Spoiler alert!
Juho with the last minute of change of heart! Total fantasy that publicly berating your boss has the desired outcome. And LOL Verso Coin.
Enemy of the People
I wish mainstream journalists wrote pieces half as ballsy as Katja's, ah fiction. I think Juha and Jarrko know what's up.
Enemy of the People
They are absolutely not wasting any time, I also didn't recognize Johannes Holopainen at first. Can't wait to find out the details about what's being covered up.
Enemy of the People
I love a good corruption tale, and this one is off to a good start. Kreeta Salminen (lead character Katja) always delivers a strong performance.
Silent Witness
Glad the Aoife storyline ended after two episodes, it was too soapy even for this soap. Think Velvy and Cara are going to be a thing.
Silent Witness
Won the DI Abbas bet! Kind of love how the new young assistant type is always going through some big life transition. Seems like Velvy will be on his way out soon enough, enter Aoife for a bit of drama.
Silent Witness
Back with this pathology department soap, my money is on DI Abbas giving birth at the Lyell. And aw, Velvy at a rave.
Full Circle
It wouldn't be a US show without a schmaltzy quasi-feel-good ending, overbearing music, and annoying camera work. It was OK filler though.
Full Circle
Spoiler alert!
Should've known Claire Dane's character was a baddie when she was the only one of the Rich People OK with the stalker kid get murdered.
Full Circle
Enjoying how everyone in this show is wreck. The unlikable rich family has a load of secrets. Power struggles abound in the Mahabir organization. And Mel is a hilarious mess, but looks like she's also always right.
Full Circle
Not loving the camera work and the music is too loud. "Wild guess", the bumbling rich people are gonna let them kill the stalker kid.
Silent Witness
Took awhile to get through eps 3-4. Kind of like the "Velvy making friends" minor storyline. Putting this aside for now to watch Full Circle.
Silent Witness
A twisty, but not terribly surprising end. Nice that they name checked Clarissa as referring the new guy.
Silent Witness
Back with this soap opera for now. Last season was pretty good, this season seems like it's the same old so-so over dramatic, yet twisty, storylines.
London Kills
I guess we'll see if there's another season, with or without Bradford. I like the rest of cast so dropping him and coming back would be great.
London Kills
Are Bradford and Rafiq shacked up or his he couch surfing? I didn't make it through the episode last night, perhaps I'll find out tonight. I think he's couch surfing.
London Kills
Progress, made it through this episode in one night! Enjoyed the styling of the girl gang and revenge of the overlooked sister angle.
London Kills
Progress, it only took me two nights to get through this episode.
London Kills
It took me three nights to make it through the first episode lol. Show is mostly face acting, and I can't stand DI Bradford, yet here I am, sucked in with whatever that hush-hush intrigue was between Bradford and DI Rafiq at the end of the episode.
Man in Room 301
Show can be summed up as a cautionary tale of Karening where the kids were all way better people than the adults. At least it ended with a bit a redemption.
Man in Room 301
The truth finally comes out. No doubt one of the sisters is in danger, but with all the misdirection I bet it's not Tytti. Also wish Leo had kept the cash as a fuck you.
Man in Room 301
Leena is the only non-objectionable adult in the Kurrti famly (so far!). Kind of hope Tytti and Elias/Ellu fall in love.
Man in Room 301
Too much cutting between the time frames to build drama, but didn't see the twist at the end of this episode coming. So who's Leo?
Man in Room 301
I guess the concept of the citidot weekender type is international. Seppo taking Elias to "talk to his parents" after Elias keyed the car was prime citidot vs local cringe. And it looks like Seppo is gonna pay for it.
Banking District
Well that was fun, especially watching Elisabeth go from family outcast and bank hater to ruthless Madame la Directrice. Judging by the last five minutes they seem confident about a third series, hope they're right!
Banking District
Virginia and Madame Borova, the Russian oligarch arms merchant (lol), have serious chemistry. And it looks like Neri is an informer for the Americans as a part of a plea deal. But also looks like Paul shitcanned what he was trying to put together.
Banking District
This show is a full-on soap opera, and I'm OK with that. Also, the mother is the biggest viper in the den.
Banking District
Elisabeth has traded her Freitag bag and messy bob for a Boss Lady with a blowout vibe. The old guard is out (for now?). And Neri goes from the guy to the trust to... I guess we'll see.
Banking District
Spoiler alert!
I did not have attempted filicide on my list of potential outcomes! Also thought the decision Alex and Elisabeth made seemed like a stretch. And of course Paul woke up. On to season two!
Banking District
This show is equal parts super soapy family drama and intricate high finance corruption. I'm enjoying it.
Banking District
Elisabeth, Jeanne and Luc are a sweet side storyline. Also enjoying Elisabeth's ever present jaunty pink and red Freitag messenger bag. I think the only time she didn't have it on was the in the shower. And wow, did not see that last scene coming.
Banking District
Enjoying how almost every scene uncovers a potential "so that's what's going on" twist. The Luco / Luna storyline was a bit too subtle, but it's the WASPy old money private banking set, so I guess it was playing on the hush hush aspect.
Banking District
Think I'm going to stick with it. Alex and Neri are up to something and Elisabeth is bound to uncover it. Unclear if Bartholdy can be trusted.
Banking District
A Swiss banking corruption show! Not sure if I'm going to stick with it, could go either way. The little intro explainers are funny and the music is hilariously bad, we'll see.
Lost: Those Who Kill
Nice twists, as usual. Especially the Sebastian one. Top notch show, hope it comes back for another series.
Lost: Those Who Kill
I bet that kid is Sebastian and Alberte stole him. But is Jon the father, or Jon's former partner Sebastian?
Lost: Those Who Kill
Louise played Jon perfectly and is now walking into a shit storm. Nice parallel between Louise's father and Maria preferring to leave the past behind rather than dealing with it. Looks like the consequences for Maria will unfold shortly.
Lost: Those Who Kill
Spoiler alert!
Wasn't expecting it to be broken up in two separate cases across years, but think they'll wrap up on the Maria and Sebastian storyline. And that the whole thing is somehow related.
Lost: Those Who Kill
Spoiler alert!
Quite the (somewhat) unexpected twist to kill off Bjørn half way through the series. Nice backstory addition on Louise's father given her ability to have empathy for and understand people with horrible parents.
Lost: Those Who Kill
It's the brother, but interesting that he only kills out of hate / personal rage. Had his shot with Frederik and passed. And Frederik should've given the bear back to the little girl!
Lost: Those Who Kill
My early money is on the sister instead of the brother, no doubt all the unsavory horror of their motivations lie ahead.
Lost: Those Who Kill
Back with Louise! The first two series were great, especially the first. She's already tipped the investigation in the right direction, but is it the right suspect?
The Tower
Good twists and simultaneous plots, hope it comes back for a third series.
The Tower
I really should've rewatched the first series because I can only remember the broad strokes and feel like I'm missing a few things. Off to a good start though.
Hjerson
Fun twist on a classic franchise. Would love to see another season, but seems unlikely.
Hjerson
Spoiler alert!
Three for three for Fancy Lady killers! Admittedly there were multiple Fancy Ladies in this storyline so the odds were stacked.
Hjerson
Spoiler alert!
Two for two storylines where the Fancy Lady did it.
Hjerson
Men padding around their homes in dressing gowns appears to be a theme.
Hjerson
Good old Agatha Christie, this time in Sweden. It took an episode to convince me to stick with it. Enjoying the sets and styling.
Slow Horses
Spoiler alert!
The rogue agent was Standish's former boss, not the elder Cartwright. Forgot that bit from the first series ender that made him the front-runner. Nice touch that the terror attack was all ultimately a FSB redirect to take out a potential political competitor, and kind of hilarious that the cicada was a Cotswold mom. Looking forward to the next series.
Slow Horses
My money is on River's Grandpa setting up Lamb with the forged signature on Katinsky's papers.
Slow Horses
All the bickering reminds a bit of Homeland, is spy bickering a thing? Also, an early wager on Sid being a cicada.
Slow Horses
Silly me, I always think the best thing about crime drama is the crime drama, but always find myself enjoying character-driven shows. Ending the first series with more detail on Lamb's backstory was a thumbs up.
Slow Horses
Love that the A-team at Regent's Park are top notch careerist and only so-so spies.
Slow Horses
OK, it's won me over. Especially enjoying the careerist one-upmanship and petty bickering.
Slow Horses
Not a fan of Apple TV productions, but this one's in my wheelhouse so I'll give it a shot. Good cast, just OK so far.
Silent Witness
Spoiler alert!
Nice touch to have the privacy invading, data-hungry billionaire asshole and his PMC (professional managerial class) hencher/enabler be the bad doers.
Silent Witness
The moment of truth is almost upon us! Is Sam a shitbag or trying to do the right thing? The son is definitely involved, but there's always a twist. Think the jerk cop could be involved, and Mr. Number 10 Special Advisor is also a contender.
Silent Witness
Spoiler alert!
I like where this is going. Bold move to reprise the original lead character and make them a (potential!) villain. I heart crime soap operas!
Silent Witness
Back to the Pathology Department Soap. Enjoyed how the fancy police AI sent them in the wrong direction, and the tech shitbag grifter privacy invasion angle.
Seven Kings Must Die
Spoiler alert that's not really a spoiler alert: Uhtred fixes it. Missing a few major characters but otherwise a nice wrap up on the story.
Seven Kings Must Die
Nice to see campy old Uhtred and gang one more time, now with a forbidden gay love twist. The "Oh no! How is Uhtred going to fix it?" plot is inline with the series.
The Bay
Nice twist at the end that tied all the disparate seeming storylines together.
The Bay
My money is still on the senior McGregor using the Goodfellas theory of "we gotta get it outta there".
The Bay
Currently feels like it's more about the reoccurring characters than the series/seasonal story, but my money is on the "let me know if you need me to take over any of your work" friend/former colleague guy.
The Bay
Nursing my Dead Ringers rollercoaster ride hangover with this predictable standby. Which one of the family members will end up being responsible, indirectly or otherwise?
Dead Ringers
I don't typically enjoy shows about rich Manhattan sociopaths, but this was dark, clever, and funny. Also, there's no way Genevieve doesn't know.
Dead Ringers
So that's what Greta was up to. Clever twist that adds a new dimension to the character and the entire story.
Dead Ringers
A lot of enjoyable physical comedy moments. The blood covered tantrum hitting the rental car with the overnight bag might be one of my favorite parts so far, along with Greta's goth dance party.
Dead Ringers
Michael McKean’s character almost makes the Mantles seem not creepy by comparison.
Dead Ringers
Strong opener with It's My House by Diana Ross as the backdrop for the party entry lap.
Dead Ringers
It's not hard to imagine VC dickheads playing that game.
Dead Ringers
Enjoyed the dinner party Sackler-esque ghouls getting excited over the Frankenstein pitch.
Dead Ringers
Hoping this is a good Midwife chaser and palate cleanser.
Call the Midwife
Despite the cloying theme music and breathy intro/outro, the show continues to do a good job with many topics such as mental health, poverty, racism, aging (and others). Even if it is occasionally schmaltzy.
Call the Midwife
Hope the cute little dog becomes a regular character.
Call the Midwife
Trixie and Matthew had vanilla, safe-for-TV, 1968 phone sex.
Call the Midwife
I still can't believe I like a show about nuns and babies. 1968 kicks off with lesbians, xenophobic racists, and a possibly annoying new sister.
Silent Witness
Siân Philips is always an enjoyable addition to any episode. Going to come back to season 25 when I need a filler.
Silent Witness
Spoiler alert!
Not a fan of co-workers becoming romantically involved, but at least they waited 10 years.
Silent Witness
Lesbian drama and the Tina Turner Night career advice dispensing relative are a welcome soapy addition.
Silent Witness
This show is really a soap set in a pathology department, but the whodunit twists and turns until the very end.
Silent Witness
I don't love this show, but I'm biding my time until a couple of others on my watchlist are available.
DI Ray
Saw a review that characterized the show as "Line of Duty but with more racism", spot on.
DI Ray
Gemma Whelan is quite good as the asshole unsupportive boss.
DI Ray
In true Line of Duty fashion there are bent coppers afoot and it could be any of them.
DI Ray
Parminder Nagra sets the tone perfectly with DI Rachita Ray's world weariness.
The Last Panthers
A lot of visual parallel construction going on in general, but enjoyed the transition of Zlatko watching cartoons with his son to Khalil eating cereal and watching cartoons alone.
The Last Panthers
I didn’t like the Bowie intro song at first but it’s growing on me.
The Last Panthers
Off to a “you can never go home again” start.
Bullets
Spoiler alert!
As it turns out, Madina and Mari were perhaps the biggest bullets of all.
Bullets
Even Dragomir gets a sad backstory.
Bullets
Sibel Kekilli is so amazing as Madina. Balancing her fierce yet understated ruthlessness and utter emotional upheaval. Really spectacular.
Bullets
Can't believe I'm rooting for Timo, but Pustola is such a dirtbag.
Bullets
Mari's backstory has shades of Peter Quinn's in Homeland.
Bullets
Love the slow unwinding of Madina and Mari's respective backstories.
Bullets
Not convinced the "you dropped your wallet" guy is on the up and up.
Bullets
This show has been on my watch list for a couple of years, happy to finally watch it. Scene prior to intro and credits makes a good first impression.
Der Ireland-Krimi / Irish Crime
Overall I'm liking this show, but what I like the most about it is that I fall asleep within 20-30 mins of turning it on.
Der Ireland-Krimi / Irish Crime
Also not loving how Cathrin, the main character, is constantly belittling Emma, the junior Garda.
Der Ireland-Krimi / Irish Crime
Scratch that, everyone is speaking German even though it's mostly set in Ireland. Even the Garda! The signs are in Gaelic and English though.
Der Ireland-Krimi / Irish Crime
Was hoping since it's set in two countries that there would be some English spoken, but the German main character speaks Gaelic.
Vera
Spoiler alert!
No queer storylines or characters, but also no queer killers.
Vera
In addition to the queer storyline, this episode includes a trans character played by a trans actress (Mary Malone).
Vera
Two for two episodes that include a queer storyline.
Totenfrau / Woman of the Dead
Spoiler alert!
Seems like it's a similar storyline to the first season of True Detective where the town rich people are part of a weirdo mask wearing sex cult and the murdered husband was trying to rescue a girl out of the cult. Going to put in on the shelf for the moment, like the main character and the scenery is breathtaking but not feeling the story at the moment.
Totenfrau / Woman of the Dead
Not loving the quasi-scifi talking to the dead angle but seems like it could be a good tale of corruption so I'll give it a shot.
Kosta / The Paradise
Really enjoying the camaraderie, mentoring and support Hilkka is giving Luisa. Very understated, non-smarmy and respectful.
Kosta / The Paradise
I feel like Miriam is struggling and her conscience might get the best of her. Also, interesting twist with Toni (Hilkka's boyfriend).
Kosta / The Paradise
Third series of the year, a trifecta of good music. And you know Hilkka’s doctor boyfriend with the condo in Fuengirola is going to be involved
Kosta / The Paradise
Mancuso should've apologized to Salinas, not the other way around.
Kosta / The Paradise
Previous show ends with Rubin's dance party, new show begins with Hilkka's dance party. No awkward sex scene though, but almost!
Tatort: Streets of Berlin
Wow this episode is depressing, with the exception of Rubin's home dance party and impromptu comical, awkward, quick (!) sex scene.
Tatort: Streets of Berlin
Spoiler alert!
I bet the pretty boy Karow brought home planted the gun.
Tatort: Streets of Berlin
Even the supposed not nice apartments are great.
Tatort: Streets of Berlin
Rubin's apartment, wow.
Sherwood
Spoiler alert!
Now Neel will never know what a bitch his wife was.
Sherwood
Great orchestral bumper music.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
The cuts between scenes feel abrupt compared to the series. The production value of the series felt more like a film and this film feels more like a series than the series.
Transport
Shaping up to be a good one so far, telling a complex story through many different people/angles. All the women have to deal with men who are controlling/manipulative, less intelligent and in a position of power.
Karen Pirie
Opening scene has excellent mid-90’s hair. Seriously hoping the main character does not turn out to be the adopted daughter of the murder victim.