If I had to pick a theme that best summarised what was going on in this week’s Mr Selfridge, it would be ‘how the war has changed people’ as this episode’s main storylines are drawn from everyone finding their place in a post-war society. A major point in the story is the letting go of … >
Even more than a regular episode of Call the Midwife, this instalment is about the roles that women play in public life. Whether it’s Trixie being silenced by an important bishop, prostitutes dealing with getting syphilis so that they don’t lose clients or the worries of a man who thinks a daughter couldn’t carry on his family … >
There’s an old joke that was told to me by a former girlfriend many years ago: what do two women do on their second date? They hire a moving van. While I’m typically inclined to roll my eyes at any such a stereotype, this does apply itself to Banana’s third episode with staggering accuracy. The … >
In the wake of Camille’s departure from Saint Marie last week, it is business as usual as the Honore Police department investigate the murder of an ageing rock star, found electrocuted in his swimming pool. However, it’s the ‘business as usual’ elements that make it the weakest episode of the season so far. Certain basic … >
Say what you like about Russell T Davies as a writer, he doesn’t crave anyone’s approval. Tackling the unsettling topic of teacher-pupil grooming this week, Davies eschews sermonising – and avoids Queer as Folk territory – by showing the retrospective consequences of such an affair. A game of sexual cat and mouse is played between … >
We’re halfway through BBC Two’s six-part series now, and it’s time for Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) to get his Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on. He’s bursting through doors, slamming people up against the wall, stomping through brothels, threatening to bash Thomas More’s head into the cobbles. It’s not as if Wolf Hall has … >
As we hit the latter half of the season, the main issue is when Broadchurch would start delivering answers to its central mysteries and developing those involved in them. Luckily, this episode strikes a near perfect balance. Alec and Ellie’s friendship and professional policework continue here, providing some lovely material for David Tennant and Olivia … >
Settled in after last week’s opening episode, Selfridges is back to business as usual. This week, the launch of the Lanvin fashion range is the store’s key priority, yet what is happening elsewhere with the stores staff is much more dramatic. Whereas last week focused on Rosalie Selfridge (Kara Tointon), with her wedding, marital troubles … >
Robbie and Gillian’s big day has arrived. Gillian has pre-wedding jitters, which is to be expected – especially when you’re marrying the brother of your first husband, who you murdered. Nicola Walker is a perfectly tormented Yorkshire bride to be, leaving us guessing ‘Will She or Won’t She?’ It’s a tried and tested formula for … >
For the first time in the show’s run, Call the Midwife devotes an episode to discussing attitudes towards homosexuality, and the fact that it was considered a crime during the period in which the show is set. The third episode of Season 4 is primarily about the struggle faced by Tony, a closeted gay man caught by … >