‘Downton Abbey’ writer returns to ITV with ‘Doctor Thorne’

Julian Fellowes will adapt Anthony Trollope’s novel Doctor Thorne for ITV. The three-part drama will begin filming later this year. Downton Abbey creator Fellowes commented: “As a lifetime devotee of Trollope, my own favourite among the great nineteenth century English novelists and certainly the strongest influence over my work that I am conscious of, it … >

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Is Clara the most important ‘Doctor Who’ companion of all?

I doubt Jenna Coleman knew exactly how important her character Clara Oswald would be to Doctor Who when she took the part back in March 2012. Like her or not, Clara – thanks to Steven Moffat’s masterful planning and/or serendipity – is the most important companion of all. This has nothing to do with favouritism. … >

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‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ movie review (contains spoilers)

Marvel’s ambitious shared cinematic universe is now officially the biggest film franchise of all time. Much like Avengers Assemble marked the culmination of the characters’ first individual adventures, so Age of Ultron marks the culmination of Phase II of the project (even if this summer’s Ant Man officially still part of Phase II). But while … >

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‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ Episode 5 review: ‘Fireflash’

In previous weeks, we’ve observed how Thunderbirds Are Go is at its best when offering something new in terms of plot. So, along comes ‘Fireflash’, a remake of the classic series’ inaugural episode ‘Trapped in the Sky’. Not a straight-up verbatim remake, but a remake nonetheless, ‘Fireflash’ has all the key ingredients of the original … >

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‘The Game’ preview: Our verdict on Toby Whithouse’s new spy drama

At last, espionage drama The Game is about to air on British shores. Like so much spy intelligence, it has passed through American hands first, premiering on BBC America last November. Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse’s first original drama series since Being Human was largely well-received by what the show calls ‘the cousins’ when it … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Season 1 episode guide

Set in a car showroom, BBC One’s Ordinary Lies is a new six-part drama from Shameless writer Danny Brocklehurst. With drama, tragedy, warmth and humour, each episode focuses on one of the colleagues and friends of JS Motors. From party-loving receptionists, Tracy and Viv, to enigmatic salesman, ‘Paracetemol’ Pete, each new and individual story questions … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 8 review

Upping the ante this week, the Critical team’s patient is one of their own. The patient is burned so severely as to be unrecognisable, but even before Fiona has asked “Has anybody seen Lorraine today?” the audience is ahead of her. A member of staff, rescued from the female locker rooms – who else was … >

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‘Banished’ episode guide

Banished is BBC Two’s new convicts drama from Accused writer Jimmy McGovern. From the makers of Top Of The Lake, the seven-part series stars Myanna Buring (Ripper Street), Russell Tovey (Being Human) and Julian Rhind-Tutt (The Hour). > Order Banished on DVD on Amazon. The cast also includes David Wenham (Top Of The Lake), Joseph … >

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