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The Franchise: Scene 31A: Tecto Meets Eye (2024)
Scene 31A: Tecto Meets Ey
With a creative team that includes Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci. HBO decides to mock the superhero franchise in this new series.
At least HBO know where to look given the quality of some of the DC Comic adaptations by Warner Brothers.
Daniel (Himesh Patel) is the hapless 1st AD. Tasked to bring the creative vision of arthouse director Eric (Daniel Brühl) who in charge of the sequel to a superhero franchise.
The problem is everyone is at odds with each other. From the production team to the actors such as the theatrical Peter (Richard E Grant.) At one point the head studio honcho turns up to cut scenes and the budget to the film.
When you have Marvel lampooning its own movies in Deadpool and Wolverine. You wonder if the Franchise can cut it.
What it got right was that you feel the atmosphere of a movie set. I just did not find it funny enough. Somehow the biting humour was missing.
Upstairs, Downstairs: For Love of Love (1972)
For Love of Love
The first series of Upstairs Downstairs concludes with a wedding.
It is June, 1909 and the Bellamys are worried with Elizabeth gone missing. Rose knows where she is and secretly visits her.
The Bellamys eventually learn that Elizabeth is shacked up with some Fabians. At least they are intellectuals and thus one step up from socialists.
Elizabeth is keen on a bohemian lifestyle with poet Lawrence Kirbridge (Ian Ogilvy.) He manages to impress Richard and Lady Marjorie. After all he is another spoilt rich kid but has some talent as a poet. Maybe marriage should be on the cards between these two.
Meanwhile James Bellamy has hooked up again with Sarah who is now working in music hall with some success.
The episode looks to have an happy ending. From my vantage the relationship between Elizabeth and Lawrence looks doomed to me. It all felt plodding.
The most important aspect of the episode was the stern talk by Hudson to Rose. That she should not had secretly kept the news of Elizabeth from the Bellamys. It was cheeky of Elizabeth, to talk about the workers. When Rose visits herm she hands Rose her dirty washing to take back.
Murder, She Wrote: If the Frame Fits (1986)
If the Frame Fits
Jessica Fletcher goes to Connecticut to visit an old friend Lloyd Marcus (Norman Lloyd.)
The well heeled area of Cedar Heights and its country club is in turmoil at the moment. There has been a spate of art thefts.
During the next attempted theft, Lloyd's daughter Julia Granger is killed. Lloyd found the body and as he hates his son in law Donald Granger. He rearranged the crime scene to frame Donald, who he regards as only marrying his daughter for money.
Jessica figures out that Lloyd tried to frame his son in law. So the real killer is still out there. While Donald seems to be very close to his late wife's sister, Sabrina.
This was a campy episode, it was an era of Dallas and Dynasty. So the wealthy had lots of hidden secrets with many not working for a living.
In the end Jessica thinks that there had to be more than one culprit for the crimes.
Z Cars: Absence (1974)
Absence
Harry Dance has been a long term informant for Bert Lynch. He has always proved to be reliable.
Now Harry informs Bert of a robbery at the bank. An audacious one with a souped up van with bars in the front to ram into the bank.
It sounds far fetched to some at the police station. A few doubting the reliability of Bert's snout.
Soon Harry disappears. He promised to give Bert more details of the robbery. Now Bert Lynch is worried that Harry has come to harm.
His wife does not seem that bothered. She seems busy getting driving lessons from another man. Later a body is found in the canal.
I found the episode was rather pedestrian. It did show Bert having genuine concern about his grass. In the end it really was a case of who can you trust.
The chase sequence livened it up a bit. I was rather puzzled why two policemen chase a souped up car by foot when they should had jumped in their panda cars.
Quantum Leap: Judgment Day (2023)
Judgment Day
Judgment Day, that maybe because there was a reference to the The Terminator. The series finale takes place in various timelines, as Dr Ben Song needs to save Addison Augustine from Leaper X.
The episode opens in the year 2051 as Ben meets future Ian in a nuclear winter.
Ben then goes back to 2018, the night he had his first date with Addison. He decides to tell her everything, that he has has come from the future to save her life.
Addison is disbelieving as it is the plot to the Terminator. All the while Leaper X is about but just whose body has he entered?
The fun was Ben revisiting his leaps in the first season. Some of the time travel conundrums were a big hokey. There was no big return from the original show but it all ended rather satisfactorily.
Shine on Harvey Moon: Goodnight Vienna (1984)
Goodnight Vienna
Harvey Moon is a fast learner. In politics he manages to quote from some politicians and writers. Useful when he ends up serving wine at a political do for his boss, Dick Elliot.
At the office he uses his savvy to make peace with his senior clerk Ryder who clearly detests Harvey.
At home, he is getting cosy with Frieda. She is painting a portrait of him. The fly in the ointment is their relative Yossela who has come to stay with them from a camp in Palestine.
Yosella cannot get over the trauma he has endured. Always hungry, he steals food. He carries a knife and is jealous of Harvey's relationship with Frieda.
It soon becomes clear that Yosella cannot settle in London.
A rather glib treatment of some a psychological affected young lad. Then again if it was too heavy, it might not had suited the comedy drama part of the show.
This episode also introduces Pauline Quirke as Veronica. She is Maggie's friend and will become a series regular.
Nightsleeper: Episode #1.5 (2024)
Episode 5
There was a hidden intruder on the train. Joe has found him. In the chase, Arran Moy gets shot. The train guard Billy McCloud has something to hide. The intruder turns out to be a damp squib.
He is Caleb Mahmoud, an illegal immigrant that Billy got on the train. I was surprised why Caleb could not just buy a ticket.
Back at the National Cyber Security Centre, the pressure is on Abby Aysgarth. She is taken in for questioning. Her bosses suddenly think she is a liability. Maybe in league with hackers.
All of sudden Joe loses a valuable contact. Pev and others wonder just why would anyone want Abby out of the way.
From the sublime to the ridiculous all in one episode. That very much sums up Nightsleeper.
At one point you think Abby's boss has something to hide. That Abby has been framed. They you end up groaning at all the silliness going on in the train.
2 Dope Queens: New York (2018)
New York
Phoebe Robinson is known as a comedy writer. Jessica Williams was a correspondent for the Daily Show.
Both got together to do a comedy podcast and they were picked up by HBO for a series of comedy specials in 2018.
2 Dope Queens in essence is a variety show format. Featuring both women doing stand up comedy and chatting to guests as well as introducing other comedians.
Tig Notaro directed the first four specials. The format is aiming to be easy going. It starts with both women talk about living in New York or not able to afford to live in the metropolis going by the size of their rooms.
They talk to Jon Stewart who tests pizza. That had a Letterman riff. Other comedians are introduced who did a short stand up routine.
Now it might be I am watching this six years after it was broadcast. By which time there was nothing too special about the opening show, nothing that was too funny. Even the guest comedians did not offer much more than average material.
The Law and Mr. Jones: The Last Commencement (1961)
The Last Commencement
Guy Llewelyn Morgan (Rhys Williams) was the principal of the law school where Abraham Lincoln Jones graduated from.
Now the venerable leader is about to retire. His son David is expected to take over. All that goes awry when David is arrested for a hit and run.
An old man died at the scene of the accident, there were witnesses who took down the number plate. It is David's car.
In a twist George Forrester, the nervy, stuttering nephew that Guy brought up like a son takes the rap.
It does not take Jones long to figure that George never drove the car. That he is shielding David who was out with another woman.
The story is a morality tale about facing up to the consequences of your actions. Guy has a dilemma as he tries to persuade his son to turn himself in to the police.
The Law and Mr. Jones: No Law for Ghosts (1961)
No Law for Ghosts
An anonymous benefactor has sent $150 to Abraham Lincoln Jones to defend someone.
Jones has no idea who his client is going to be and why the money was sent to him.
The client turns out to be a an alcoholic hobo, going by the name pf 'Professor' Jason Phillips. He has been charged with murder, he has been accused of killed a woman while drunk.
Jones has trouble getting much by way of details from Philips. All he wants a drink. Jones notices an abrasive attitude from District Attorney Tom Starkowski. A man Jones regards as fair and as a friend.
Eventually Jones has concerns why the DA hates homeless bums so much.
The story might be hokum, it has an interesting psychological edge about Starkowski's past.
Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense: Czech Mate (1984)
Czech Mate
Czech Mate is very much a espionage paranoia drama that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
Vicky Duncan (Susan George) is a journalist who has identified a high ranking soviet military general who keeps out of the limelight.
She has also been suddenly whisked off to Prague by her ex husband John Patrick Duncan (Patrick Mower) who wants her back.
As soon as they arrive in Prague, Vicky ends up in a kafkaesque nightmare. John has disappeared, he rushed off to a business meeting. Their passports have gone. She has no money.
Vicky goes to the British Embassy for help, she meets Roger Brown who promises to help. Later Vicky comes across a dead body, some strange men following her and the Czech police take her away for questioning.
It is not much a shock that her ex husband was using Vicky. He planned to use her passport to smuggle his new Czech girlfriend into the UK. She looks a bit like Vicky. Roger Brown knew this as he works for British intelligence.
John Patrick Duncan is being used, his new girlfriend is an east european spy. Brown wants her to get to the UK so the British authorities can track her.
Vicky is determined to stop all this but at what costs?
The story does not gel and is too uneven. Vicky is out of her league and she is meant to be a journalist. The story toys for a moment that Vicky was set up because of her investigation on the military general.
I really did not buy the ending. Did her colleagues not worry where Vicky got to?
A Man Called Harry Brent: The Flowers (1965)
The Flowers
Just who is Harry Brent? A question Detective Inspector Alan Milton (Gerald Harper) pinders by the end of this episode.
Milton has been called in to investigate the murder of Tom Fielding. He was shot by Barbara Smith who he was interviewing for the role of secretary. Fielding had never met her before.
His current secretary is leaving, she is Carol Vyner engaged to marry Harry Brent (Edward Brayshaw) who also works for the company. Carol used to be engaged to DI Milton.
Harry also claims he never met Barbara before apart from the train journey to the office. DI Milton finds some apparent link but Barbara Smith is never going to talk again.
An intriguing opening, the 30 minutes format makes it zip along. Whoever was guarding Barbara was careless.
The Adventures of Robin Hood: Carlotta (1957)
Carlotta
Little John is in love, with the sultry gypsy girl Carlotta. Joan who was his squeeze is not so happy.
The Merry men are suspicious of Carlotta. She spends a lot of time dancing for the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Carlotta is also keen on Robin Hood to steal a gold shipment planned for Prince John's coffers. In fact she positively encourages the outlaws.
It makes Robin Hood suspect if Carlotta is setting up a trap. Robin needs to make sure but this could break Little John's heart. Carlotta has taken him for a gullible fool.
The final episode of the second series very much goes for a bit of domestic strife. Little John is in love. Joan should had told him to sling his hook at the end.
Batman: The Riddler's False Notion (1966)
The Riddler's False Notion
The Riddler plans to split Robin into two. He leaves some devious clues for Batman to follow.
When Batman arrives to save Robin, he finds the Boy Wonder is just a dummy. Batman needs to find Robin's location.
He captures Pauline but she refuses to squeal. So he takes her to the Batcave to make her talk. Commissioner Gordon comes along in case Batman goes too far.
Meanwhile the Prince if Puzzlers is planning to make his silent masterpiece, for film collector Van Jones. It is just another scam for the Riddler to come into some money.
The riddles were bats. The story is campy as hell. Gorshin is a marvel in this story.
I Didn't Know You Cared: Chez Us (1976)
Chez Us
Newlyweds Carter and Pat are having early nights. Maybe they should had put a lock in their bedroom door.
As they kept getting interrupted by everyone. Uncle Mort, Mr and Mrs Brandon not realising that Carter and Pat might want some privacy.
Pat is determined to get a house of her own. So she and Carter go to a new building development. The rest of the family follow.
The new builds are of shoddy quality. Uncle Staveley gets locked in the bathroom in the showhome.
Pat remains undeterred. Uncle Mort takes them all to where they all once lived during the war. Houses built to last, but they are now derelict.
I did like the shoddiness of new homes in the 1970s. I also liked camp Count Jugular the wrestler. Those old houses did not look so enticing though.
Batman: Death in Slow Motion (1966)
Death in Slow Motion
The Riddler has turned over a new leaf. He has become a Charlie Chaplin impersonator. Or he might just taken a vow of silence.
The Riddler goes to the movies as he takes over the Gotham film festival. He steals a few dollars but he has another plan in mind.
The Riddler wants to cause mayhem. He wants to make a silent masterpiece. Batman and Robin will have a starring role.
It is just a case of hoping that the audience do not have a temper tantrum. The Riddler has interfered with the lemonade.
Well it could be a split decision on Robin's performance.
Frank Gorshin is having fun and puts on a great physical performance. The riddles make you groan. As the original comic strip featured the Joker. I did think this was more of a Joker story.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Lame Canary (1959)
The Case of the Lame Canary
This is a very tricksy story with some sleight of hand.
Ruth Prescott is unhappily married to Walter Prescott. A loveless marriage and he was only after her money.
When she was single she had an affair with another man and they had exchanged love letters. Walter has them and demands a large some of money to give her a divorce.
When Ruth leaves the house, truck almost runs her over and ends up injuring another man. He seems to have been ordered to so by Walter.
Later Walter is found dead and Ruth is caught burning the love letters by his secretary.
When arrested for her husband's murder she engages Perry Mason. He looks into Walter's business dealings.
There are several plausible suspects. Walter was a nasty piece of work. I enjoyed the twists with Perry eventually putting together just who was meant to be the victim.
Worzel Gummidge: A Fair Old Pullover (1980)
A Fair Old Pullover
Worzel Gummidge escaped from the farmer's field again. The Crowman will not be pleased.
He steals Mr Braithwaite's hat, goggles from a helper and hitches a ride to town on top of the wagon. The site of Worzel on top of the car causes consternation to the onlookers.
Once he arrives at town, he goes to a shop to get a new sweater. Worzel thinks he does not need money to buy it, the shop advertised giveaway prices.
The shop workers mistake Worzel as a tramp. The store boss thinks the scarecrow is someone to put on display in the gardening department.
That is until Mr Braithwaite recognises his own scarecrow with his own hat.
Meanwhile the Crowman has a secret elixir that cures various ailments.
The best bit was Worzel on top of the wagon riding about the country lanes. I hope Jon Pertwee or his body double was tied safely.
Elsbeth: Artificial Genius (2024)
Artificial Genius
Quinn Powers (Elizabeth Lail) was once a victim of crime. The police knew her attacker had hurt others in the neighbourhood but did not warn the public. Quinn was left with a limp.
Now she has created an app called Cerberus. It will help victims of crime by making sure that any crimes are reported to the subscribers of the app, by other members of the public. Thereby bypassing the police who decide what to release to the world at large.
On the eve of her company going public. Journalist Josh Johnson plans to expose Quinn Powers. She has exaggerated a lot of things and her app contains several flaws. One of them is it can create false alerts based on duff information fed into it.
This was an enjoyable episode partly because Lail is such a hissable villain. Her false perkiness even grated Elsbeth.
There was something about the way the murder was constructed that reminded me of an old Columbo episode. Then again if you are going to steal, steal from the best.
X-Men '97: Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 3 (2024)
Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 3
The X-Men either those following Professor X or Magneto decide to bury their differences and team up to take on Bastion.
The Prime Sentinels continue to create havoc around the world.
Bastion upgrades himself and flies towards an asteroid. He plans to use the asteroid to destroy all life.
The American military fire missiles at Bastion. The X-Men try to stop the asteroid crashing on Earth.
I noticed elements that have previously been used in the 20th Century Fox X-Men movies. I felt Phoenix emerging and dealing with matters made everything look too easy, but I expected her to appear.
I found the finale overlong as it also tried to set up the second season. Overall this was enjoyable first series.
Ludwig: Episode #1.2 (2024)
Episode 2
Peter Williams concerned wife contacts the police. Her husband has gone missing.
His company Cambridge Luxury Wellness, dealt with exclusive memberships to a luxury spa retreat. They had been holding a staff motivational workshop at a country hotel owned and managed by Lady Camilla Bryce (Felicity Kendal.)
The rest of the police did not take the missing person enquiry so seriously. Later assuming that Peter has killed himself when his car is found in a remote spot. Peter Williams had a history of failed business ventures.
John Taylor suspects foul play. There is something in the CCTV footage that does not align.
Both John and sister in law Lucy also delve more into her husband's disappearance. An altered charge sheet reveals an important clue.
Another enjoyable episode and it ramps up at the end as John rounds up the suspects. Once again it is difficult for the viewer to work it out. The solution is all in John's head.
I liked the useless motivational speaker. I am not going to single the actor out, they all worked together as a team.
The Cuckoo Waltz: Babysitter (1976)
Babysitter
Joanna Lumley brings a touch of class as the horse loving new office temp Harriet Paulden. She is only working as she needs the money for the horses. Joanna also sports darker hair.
When Fliss and Chris urgently need a babysitter. Harriet steps in and Gavin eyes an opportunity to surprise her. He does not tell that he also lives there and so far she has rebuffed his advances.
Fliss is off with her mother to watch a mucky movie. Chris is playing football with the lads.
When Gavin realises that Harriet likes the sporty type. Gavin agrees to play football with Chris at the next match. Only Gavin is far from the sporting type and gets concussion while heading the ball.
The second series and it is also very spirited by the cast. The script is just average.
Mitch: Nature of the Beast (1984)
Nature of the Beast
Mitch would not be my first choice to be an undercover reporter inside a white supremacist group.
He is too old and probably too well known. However a racist group targeting buildings and groups with bombs. There are further threats against politicians.
The group has allied with far right German racists to step up its campaign in Britain.
Mitch finds himself in some bother. His cover is blown and his girlfriend Jo is in danger. She is a social worker and therefore a do-gooder. Which automatically makes her an enemy.
It wants to be hard hitting but once again, the story never gels properly. A trouble the series has had in general. I just could not buy into it.
The Howerd Confessions: Episode #1.1 (1976)
Episode 1
The Howerd Confessions was a short lived comedy vehicle for the comedian at Thames Television.
Each episode was a playlet as Frankie talks to the audience over some hitherto unmentioned aspects of his life.
In the first episode, he tells the audience that as he was short of money. He decided to get into computer dating in order to inherit some money.
The computer came up with a widow in the buxom form of Nellie (Joan Sims.) She is game and she is a good cook. The latter, Frankie likes the taste of.
When the cat dies, Frankie wonders if Nellie is a poisoner.
This is not quiet Up Pompeii. The sharp wit of Talbot Rothwell is missing. It is enjoyable enough with a few witty jokes.
Frankie was lumbered with a bad toupee by ITV here. I thought it was going to slide off several times.
The Lloyd Bridges Show: The Last Lion (1963)
The Last Lion
Jack Bell (Lloyd Bridges) is an engineer who as part of the peace corps has gone to africa.
His job is to help build a road. Improved transport links will improve the standard of living for the local community and bring prosperity.
Only for a death to occur. A man was attacked and killed by a lion, the third death in recent weeks. The locals are scared and it might be a sign to stop the development.
Jack suspects neighbouring landowner Clare (Barbara Shelley) has something to do with. She is against the modernization of these African countries.
Jack decides to stay the night and take the lion head on.
This is certainly a problematic story of its time. The show does not even know that Africa is a huge continent with different countries, races, cultures and religion. It somehow treats it all as one.
Even the attack with some implement to resemble a claw looked odd.