As in so many episodes of Call the Midwife, the theme of this year’s Christmas special is spelled out by Vanessa Redgrave as the older Jenny Lee in the opening voiceover. “The most precious gifts cost nothing whatsoever,” she says, before an episode that is all about selflessness and thinking of others. Exploring the power behind simply … >
Look! There, up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a TARDIS? Actually yes, it is. Much missed from our screens this year, the big blue box is back, and bringing with it Steven Moffat’s homage to the superhero movies of old. And as an homage it hits all … >
Grantchester tasks itself with fitting a lot into each episode – mixing personal trauma, familial relationships and a little bit of social commentary in with the homicide and intrigue, it’s no wonder that its murder mysteries are rarely the most devilish or convoluted. That’s not a criticism by the way, just an observation – and … >
The modern era of Doctor Who has brought us some memorable new monsters and villains, but arguably none as deliberately forgettable as The Silence. The Munch inspired creatures were introduced in 2011’s season-long storyline, but their lengthy grip on humanity was promptly loosened by the Doctor; turning their own hypnotic tricks against them in ‘Day … >
Hoorah and thank goodness, Last Tango in Halifax is back! It’s been the best part of the worst twelve months for many people around the world, and not least of all for Caroline in Harrogate. Left holding the baby and mourning the loss of her wife Kate, Caroline makes some drastic moves by packing her … >
Alexander Pope said it: ‘To err is Human; to forgive, divine.’ And if Alexander Pope were alive today and watching Humans (which he absolutely would be, in between penning The Rape of the Lock and watching Homes Under The Hammer in his pants), I’m sure he’d amend that phrase to ‘To err is Human; to … >
Midsomer Murders is back for a nineteenth season, and anybody still disappointed by last year’s killing-free opener need have no concerns this time. ‘The Village That Rose From The Dead’ has deaths galore, from the showy and gruesome (crushed by a tank) to the unexpected (local yokel Hugh Dennis boa-constricted to death). There’s even a … >
The signs weren’t encouraging for Rogue One. The first Star Wars Story was beset by reports of onset troubles and extensive reshoots, let alone set with monstrous expectations after The Force Awakens set out the stall for this new stage of Star Wars last year, so there was every chance that Rogue One could have … >
Available exclusively via the Big Finish website until the end of December, this is the second of two sets of adaptations of comic strips first printed in Diana comic in the late 1960s. Once more Julian Wadham is Steed and Oliva Poulet Mrs Peel. Like the first collection, this is four full-disc stories adapted by … >
It’s the final week for the residents and visitors of Moybeg. With last week’s episode promising us plenty of drama, tension and confrontation at the final leg, I was excited to see how Barry Devlin would fit so much in to this final episode now that he’s finally woken this sleep village. It’s Christmas and … >