kristanmarieanderson Reviews

Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie (2023)

Surpasses the original

[10/10 · 11 December 2023]

I am an admitted huge fan of the original tv show. I was excited to see the movie, but if my childhood taught me anything it is that movies from tv shows and movie sequels may at best be enjoyable, but will never come close to the original. This movie was the exception. And no one is more surprised than I. The writing is absolutely brilliant. It sticks tightly to the tv show in tone, premise, and flow. But, the jokes and story are taken to another level.

I found the most impressive thing was that our beloved characters were not added without a need. Randy, Stottlemeyer, Dr Bell, Natalie and Molly were added only when needed for the sake of the story. Character updates were also minimal. What have Julie, Sharona, Benji, TK and more been up to? Your guess is as good as mine. I would have loved to have a wrap up on these characters! But, it would have been to the detriment to my enjoyment of the movie/episode.

True to Monk, our family sat together and watched it on the 10th, as we knew Monk preferred 10 over 8. Thank you to all involved for this gift.

Endeavour: Exeunt (2023) Season 9, Episode 3

The most bittersweet sendoff

[10/10 · 29 August 2023]

Fans and casual watchers have seen throughout Inspector Morse, Inspector Lewis, and Endeavor a melancholy Endeavor Morse character. In Inspector Morse ( which on a timeline occurs after the Endeavor time period) Inspector Morse is single and lonely. I had always hoped he married Joan Thursday, but that sadly she passed away or the marriage didn't last. It was heartbreaking to see Morse, yet again, have things not work out. He cares and gives his life and heart, but not once did I ever see him get a piece of luck one deserves.

I love the character in all the series for the depth of character development by the writers and actors. You are drawn in and there are such deep feelings. One comes to feel a part of the character's journey and emotions. It is truly an amazing work of art.

Thank you to all involved in the three series for the opportunity we were given. One last heartbreaking Wow, and another finale with tears streaming down my face.

Death in Paradise: Murder Begins at Home (2019) Season 8, Episode 8

An outlier for the series?

[8/10 · 28 July 2023]

Fans of the series will notice that this episode is very different in form. I agree that the murder part of the episode is weaker. However, the murder is more of a subplot to the character development. We see deeper emotions and stories for each of the team's characters , as a whole, than any other episode. Yes, there have been deep stories, but generally not to this depth for all characters in one episode.

Also, this seems to be one season finale without a cliffhanger.

As much as I enjoy the repeating formula, it is nice to see the writers take the risk, which in turn allowed the actors a chance to showcase their depth! It wasn't as much my favorite episode, but rather wanting to see how the characters stories played out that kept me enthralled with this episode.

If you want the repeated formula, maybe skip this episode.

If not, enjoy the ride!

Death in Paradise: Painkiller Thriller (2022) Season 11, Episode 5

Issues with Darlene character make me cringe

[4/10 · 24 July 2023]

The return of character Darlene is cringeworthy. Actor Ginny Holder does a fantastic job, playing a meek, 180 degree version of the previously seen Darlene. However, for fans of the show, and the tour-de-force Darlene who put Dwayne in his place, this drastic change is frustrating and not something one can buy into no matter how much we want to. I wish her boisterous personality had shown through as she re-enters the storyline. Seeing her push her way into the police station group would add some spice to some benign characters and hum drum storylines.

This must also be stifling for the actor and I feel her talents are lost. I am not sure if the casting loved the actor enough to want her back, but the fit in this character in this storyline is all wrong. Having watched 12 seasons this is my biggest frustration, even beyond how annoying they made Nevin, initially (annoying and hypochondriac is one thing, but this extreme was cringe and almost unwatchable). This all comes from a true fan who wants to enjoy every morsel.

Beyond Paradise (2023– )

Death in Paradise meets Midsommer Murders?

[8/10 · 23 July 2023]

For fans of Death in Paradise this definitely has a difference feel. This grasps the feel and personalities of a stranger invading a close knit community. As St. Marie did not take initially take to Humphrey, he continues to have endless optimism and brushes it off to do his job. A show is boring with similar characters; it is the eccentric ones who may be annoying, but that also is the secret sauce on TV and in life,

One needs to want a true British village feel to enjoy this show. Change your expectations and you will enjoy this new adventure, too.

I already see great acting, writing and directing! For people new to the former series prequel, this is a new installment, continuing a storyline elsewhere. It is not scary detective drama, but a Hallmark type easy watch, akin to Murder She wrote. Relax, grab tea, light a fire, and relax and escape for a few minutes. No stress. And, enjoy. Sometimes this is exactly what I need and I it brings me to a place of comfort TV.

I hope you enjoy it half as much as I have; and that it gets better and better, as we get deeper into characters and storylines.

Death in Paradise: Fake or Fortune (2021) Season 10, Episode 6

Prime example of weaving characters

[10/10 · 14 February 2022]

This episode is another prime example of how the writers have brilliantly weaved characters in and out and back in and out of the series. It is tough to see characters (and actors!) come and go. And, i have rejoiced to get another small glimpse of them again. I have never seen a series to it so expertly and manage to avoid turning iff viewers. Thank you to the writers and actors for this joy.

MacGyver (2016–2021)

Updated review- kudos to Meredith Eaton

[3/10 · 6 January 2022]

I wrote a brutal review, previously. I feel I need to make a note that Meredth Eaton brought a lot to this series and the vibe and quality significantly changed. Kudos to her on her fantastic acting chops, that caused a seismic shift. 👍💓

MacGyver (2016–2021)

Unwatchable

[3/10 · 29 November 2021]

George Eads is the only reason any of this show is watchable. And, even that isn't enough. Wow. I hate to be negative, but this is just awful. Bot sure how it made it past a couple of episodes.

Death in Paradise: The Man with the Golden Gun (2014) Season 3, Episode 7

Another great episode beyond a great mystery

[9/10 · 28 October 2021]

I adore this show for so many reasons. This episode highlights one often overlooked reason- downtime with the Team. During the storm we get a chance for the gang to hunker down, talk as more than coworkers, and we see them enjoy time playing cards together. I find this a special extra within this show. It isn't extreme or extended, but rather just small tidbits and insights sprinkled throughout the seasons. It is the secret sauce for me. I hope you enjoy and kudos to the weiters for the well crafted work. 💓💓💓

Clarkson's Farm (2021– )

This pair is pure gold.

[10/10 · 25 August 2021]

I stumbled upon this show and SO love it! Kaleb is pure. It is mind blowing the knowledge he spews just in passing as if it were obvious to everyone. Jeremy is also such a treat. He gives farming a good effort and tries to be snarky, but is actually much more patient than I could ever hope to be. I just really enjoyed the series and the storyline.

Why Women Kill (2019–2021)

The best since Revenge

[10/10 · 14 August 2021]

This is such a guilty pleasure. It is my favorite since I watched Revenge.

Wings (1990–1997)

True sitcom of old

[8/10 · 18 July 2021]

This show reminds me of classic sitcoms. It is hokey and ridiculous. But, that is what I tune in for! I enjoy watching the series in full, decades after it ended. It is a sweet show.

Leverage: Redemption: The Too Many Rembrandts Job (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Getting the band back together

[10/10 · 10 July 2021]

This show is and was always escapist fun. Not high art, but a fun ride. I am really happy that for the fans of the original, the reboot exceeds expectations. Well done and thanks to the entire crew and team!

Loki: Glorious Purpose (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

I wanted to hate it.

[10/10 · 10 July 2021]

I enjoy the superhero movies. But, am not a rabid fan. I can take it or leave it. I really wanted to hate Loki and troll big Disney and the fan base.

I am big enough to admit I am now binging the series. Episode 1 blew my mind and I wanted to cheer. Say what you want about the Disney and Marvel machines- but how do they keep being SO creative? The stories and artwork within the scenes are amazing. Nothing else comes close.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Bodies in Motion (2005) Season 6, Episode 1

The band gets back together

[7/10 · 2 July 2021]

Feels like a happy ending in the middle of the series. Fans love seeing less drama and the band getting back together.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–2015)

Never loses a step

[10/10 · 2 July 2021]

We all get invested into characters. This show was so different and fantastic all around- writing, directing, producing, acting. It was top notch.

It was difficult to see main characters leave. But, more than any other top notch show, CSI never lost a step. In different ways, I came to be vested in all of the new characters I didn't want to like as they replaced monuments.

The highest praise I can say is I cared about characters in a show full of graphic death and gore. The murders and death were overshadowed by deep people we came to know.

Thanks to the team who brought this show into our homes.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: It Was a Very Good Year (2012) Season 13, Episode 4

Classic Greg

[8/10 · 26 June 2021]

This episode is one of many where we get to see Greg geeking out over his beloved Las Vegas. They are all fun and some of the most enjoyable story arcs in the series.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Family Affair (2009) Season 10, Episode 1

Great episode

[10/10 · 14 June 2021]

I really enjoyed this episode. It was very fun, with great writing and filming. I do find it odd that Grissom is barely mentioned. There are brief lines explaining where Grissom and Reilly are.

Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears (2020)

My Miss Fisher et al fix

[10/10 · 30 March 2021]

I waited over a year to watch this, because I am not sure if this is the last we will ever see or Miss Fisher and the group. It was well paced and all the enjoyable parts we loved so much of the show- the fashion, the sass, the romantic tension, and a crime. I definitely would have preferred the tv length- I think the feature length caused some changes, when I prefer the formula on endless repeat. I missed the supporting cast and the adventures in Australia. I am sure they spent a huge budget traveling, when I would have preferred had they stayed out. All of this considered, the movie was as good as I had hoped.

Thanks to all who made this event happen, for us Fisher Fans. 💓💓💓 And thanks to the cast and crew for the joy you give us all.

Wild Bill (2019)

Really hit its stride. Gone too soon

[8/10 · 24 March 2021]

This show kept getting better and better, and I was gripped by the characters. I am so bummed that it ended so quickly.

City Homicide (2006–2011)

A fantastic cop drama

[10/10 · 4 February 2021]

This is as good as the best of the cop dramas. Very gripping mysteries each episode, plus the character developments are second to none; Dt Simon Joyner is palpable and hard not to feel in your bones the pain. Kudos to the entire team on this show- directors, casting, writing, acting,...etc.

Murdoch Mysteries: Twentieth Century Murdoch (2012) Season 5, Episode 13

Sign of the future?

[10/10 · 8 January 2021]

I really hope when this series concludes that the final scene is akin to the dream Murdoch had while time traveling in this episode.

Still Standing (2015– )

Niche humor and information

[10/10 · 24 November 2020]

This series is incredibly sweet. I tuned in as a fan of Murdoch Mysteries. But, I so enjoyed learning about life in small town Canada. It was positive and sweet and funny. Such a fantastic way to produce a documentary type series. I am it is clear the love Jonny has for these towns and this is such a fantastic body of work.

Bloodline: Part 33 (2017) Season 3, Episode 10

What happened?

[1/10 · 9 October 2020]

I am not sure if Netflix canceled the show with little notice, or what. But the last two episodes were terrible and didn't fit with the tone or story of the show. This is the most disappointing finale since The Glades.

Monk: Mr. Monk and the Actor (2006) Season 5, Episode 1

One of the best episodes in the series

[10/10 · 12 September 2020]

There are other episodes that I laugh at more, that pull at my heartstrings, or that I am sentimental about. But, the acting in this one is really fantastic. Stanley Tucci is exceptional, and his reflection of Monk shines a mirror into the man beneath the surface ,and the pain of his struggles.