Articles by:

Dale Cowan

‘River’ finale review: A more than satisfactory resolution

With so many loose strands needing to be tied up, this week’s final episode of River really needed to deliver. Luckily, BBC One’s six-part drama gave us a satisfying story and delivered more than a few shocks along the way. “You are caught in what is called a paradox, my friend. The closer you get … >

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‘River’ Episode 5 review: ‘What the hell was she up to?’

With only two episodes left, River moves all of its plot lines along speedily this week, overlapping the personal and professional relationships of everyone concerned, building anticipation for next week’s finale. Stellan Skarsgard continues to be excellent, and – despite the emotional beats of the script – the scenes where he is at his best … >

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‘River’ Episode 2 review: A beautifully raw performance from Stellan Skarsgard

The second episode of BBC One’s River, having established the main plots in last week’s debut, focuses this week on redemption and relationships, as we see John River (Stellan Skarsgard) say sorry, say goodbye and speak some necessary truths. Thor star Skarsgard continues to be brilliant as the emotionally fragile policeman, haunted by ghosts and … >

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‘River’ Episode 1 review: A beautiful performance by Stellan Skarsgard

BBC One’s River had a lot going for it before it aired, given that it boasted Hollywood star Stellan Skarsgard in its lead role. However, was this just stunt casting? Another example of film stars quietly commuting to television for more character-based work between big superhero movies? Or does the new six-part crime drama offer … >

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‘Doctor Foster’ Episode 5 review: Suranne Jones’ drama ends on a high

As adultery drama Doctor Foster bows out this week it ironically gives us the best episode so far. Tightly constructed and with real tension, the five-part series ends on a high. Mike Bartlett’s theatrical background is put to more solid use in the confrontation scenes between Gemma (Suranne Jones) and Simon (Bertie Carvel) but especially … >

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‘Doctor Foster’ Episode 4 review: Gemma’s professional life crumbles

After the seemingly climactic events last week in BBC One’s Doctor Foster, you’d be forgiven for thinking there was no more drama to be drawn from the Foster’s marital turmoil. How wrong you’d be. “So he still hasn’t admitted it?” inquires Gemma’s best friend Ros (Thusitha Jayasundera). “I doubt he ever will…we’re just moving on, … >

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‘Doctor Foster’ Episode 3 review: Bertie Carvel is brilliant this week

Now halfway through BBC One’s new five-part drama, this week’s episode of Doctor Foster catapults all the stories forward greatly, while providing startling revelations about life in the Foster household. With Gemma now intent on divorce, her plan to bring her husband down has its own share of setbacks. Suranne Jones continues to be excellent, … >

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