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Reviews
With Intent (2021)
Brilliant winter fare
Firstly this show is called Lie With Me not With Intent, which is surely costing it reviews. I've been on a Christmas binge and discovered it along with lots of great shows on catch up. I describe this a best kept secret as I'd never heard of it when it first came out apparently in 2021. It's a relationship drama about a woman who seems crazy and neurotic but then you realise she's actually being set up by the people closest to her. It keeps you hooked as it seems it will go in one direction but then it goes in another. Charlie Brooks is excellent, if you've ever seen her in EastEnders this will show a completely different side. I also thought the husband is brilliant too. The end screams sequel so hopefully there will be more.
The Inheritance (2023)
Enjoyable escapism
I enjoyed the concept of this series and found it very interesting and relatable. I have a similar situation in my family with a split family and siblings though in my case it wasn't a shock that came out at the reading on the will! I liked the dynamic among the siblings and the first two eps especially kept me hooked. Like many mysteries it lost its way a little toward the end and didn't know how to resolve in a clever way but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. Good Christmas viewing on my5 and I recommend it with the caveat that you take it for what it is. Final question that went unanswered- where was it meant to be set?
Heat (2023)
Good series from down under
There are a few good dramas coming out of Australia lately and this is one of them. It's a slow burn as you get to know the characters however just when you think you've got it figured out everything gets turned on its head. The inland forest setting felt quite different to what were used to seeing of down under and added to the tension of the bushfire approaching. The final episode is thrilling and the ending not what you are expecting. Reading some other reviews I think the one thing letting it down might be the casting of Danny Dyer. His acting isn't the strongest and it's a shame he didn't tone his accent down, but he works in an ensemble.
Bodyguard (2018)
Tense thriller
The opening of this series is among the best around. It really made me hold my breath until it was all over! The first three episodes are impossible to switch off especially after the shock death of one of the lead characters, you seldom see such a thing happen. Where it lost a couple of points is towards the back end. It sort of went from 10 stars to 6 by episode four which is why I gave it an average of 8. I won't say too ,much but the logic around the cctv footage got a bit lazy for me, it didn't live up to the high standards of the early episodes. But I appreciate its very hard to keep the momentum up. All in all enjoyable and I think a prequel could be interesting.
Broadchurch (2013)
Good series stands test of time
I've been meaning to go back and watch this show after watching a couple of episodes when it came on years ago. I decided this Christmas was the perfect time to binge watch the first season. I enjoyed it and particularly loved Olivia Coleman, so it was quite fascinating to see her early work and the future star potential on display. I will say the central mystery and twists and turns were not especially clever or surprising, I'd go as far as to say the formula is stock standard small-windswept-town-with-secrets type stuff. But it's done well and the partnership between the two leads makes it watchable. Perfect winter viewing.
Vigil (2021)
Great series
It's rare that a show lives up to the hype but I really enjoyed this one. The submarine setting is really tense and makes a change from most other murder mysteries. I found the first couple of episodes the best which is not uncommon of such shows. It did get a little convoluted by the end as the writers tried to take the unexpected route and in the process got a bit confusing with the political aspects but all in all I found it held my attention.great to see the lead character is a gay woman. No big deal was made of this which is as it should be. I'm looking forward to watching the next season.