linda-frances Reviews

Vikings (2013–2020)

Glamourising savagery

[1/10 · 6 July 2023]

So dramas have a habit of getting you routing for the main characters no matter what they do and this is a good example. The Vikings or pirates were a bunch of savage brutes who slaughtered, raped and pillaged their way through Europe and beyond. Peaceful villagers and townsfolk wiped out mercilessly. My country was such a victim, Ragnar has lovely eyes in this drama and a quirky personality, so let's just be on his side as he slaughters innocent monks and take slaves.

I gave this a 1 because people whether we like it or not see these fictions as historical facts. If it was a fantasy show set in a different world, I would give it a 10.

Troll (2022)

Aaw I really liked this

[10/10 · 7 December 2022]

I've seen the reviews and even Norwegians are feeling embarrassed about it, but I don't know exactly why, but I loved it! It was fresh and original, ok I suppose I'm a bit of a child, but it was a great ride.

I learnt a bit about trolls from Norwegian folk lore I loved the 'crazy old man' great fun. It was even very scary at times, especially when the old couple went to hide in the cellar, but What about the dog? I cried, but happy to hear him bark later.

I ended up feeling really sorry for the troll and had a few tears in my eyes at the end, but the very end suggests there maybe a sequel! Yes please, can't wait!

Ghosts (2021– )

Loved it

[10/10 · 22 November 2022]

I'm a great fan of Ghosts here in the UK and thought I'd give the US version a go and I found it just as funny. Same premise, young couple inherit mansion haunted by ghosts from its past history. The woman bangs her head and starts seeing the ghosts. Whole host of hilarious ghost characters, some different characters in this one, but it works. I do miss Kitty, Robin and Mary , but the Viking, Native American and 1920s singer are great characters too. I prefer the husband in this one, much funnier, but no one can replace Robin, although Thor comes really close.

Great fun and I would highly recommend it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Not sure about this yet

[7/10 · 3 September 2022]

Definitely visually stunning and the story line is easy enough to follow, but I have some reservations. Sir Lenny Henry was saying how inclusive it is, but I found it a little divisive. Hobbit-like characters are Irish, Dwarves are Scottish and Elves English. Just waiting for the Welsh characters to appear. Why has this been done? Also Galadriel slaughters a snow troll single-handedly whilst her male comrades are either killed or stand around helpless looking on? Elves who are supposed to be fearsome warriors, I suppose only the women?

There were other bits and bobs that I found more in keeping with 21st century ideas than Middle Earth 2nd age, but find any film or drama that doesn't do that these days.

Overall it's made a very promising start.

Atypical (2017–2021)

Here we go again

[7/10 · 26 August 2022]

Really was enjoying this series, I have 2 young grandchildren with autism, so it was interesting to see how Sam tackled the many challenges he had to face as a teenager. But then, as per usual these days, his sister's lesbian love story took over, so annoying and unnecessary, spoilt the whole series for me.

Ricky Gervais: SuperNature (2022 TV Special)

Count the laughs, count the votes

[10/10 · 29 May 2022]

I deliberately went to the worst reviews on here, which, let's face it, are not that many and also noted how many people gave the thumbs down to those reviews, which were in the majority. Most of them state that Ricky Gervais is not funny or relevant, well I heard the audiences laughing constantly during this special and the evidence from all of this is that he is as funny as hell and not only relevant but speaks for the majority of people who feel silenced as if living in a brutal dictatorship and feel unable to say how they really feel. Bravo Ricky !

Murder, Mystery and My Family (2018– )

Interesting, but very sad

[10/10 · 21 May 2022]

Two barristers and a judge revisit old cases where the accused were convicted and sentenced to death. Not only do we get to hear the details of each case and the possibility that evidence was flawed or insufficient but we learn about the social mores of the time, how even one unfortunate woman was not even given legal representation and was hung possibly as a result of that. Many of the accused, not all, were very poor, uneducated, and could not afford to hire good legal counsel. Women who were victims of prolonged domestic abuse, who had no way out except to kill their tormentor, unsubstantiated police 'verbals' that judges directed juries to take as gospel, it's all quite horrific, so very sad, one hopes that things have greatly improved since then.

Remember Me (2014)

Unusual case of Stockholm syndrome?

[10/10 · 5 May 2022]

Maybe not everybody's cup of tea, but I love a good yarn and this drama didn't disappoint. There's the actors to begin with, the lovely Michael Palin, great to see him in a straight role, a young Jodie Cromer and Mark Addy of GOT fame. Loved the dark northern atmospheric vibe and the scary soundtrack. The ghost was frightening at times and certainly made me want to sleep with the lights on. The story was a sad one of a man living for 110 years (at least) but being more or less held captive by a loving but possessive ghost, but the twist at the end is that he can't live without her either.

I enjoyed this drama and I think it's well worth a viewing.

Bridgerton (2020– )

Disappointing

[5/10 · 26 March 2022]

I really wanted to like this and it is indeed visually stunning, but for me it failed in so many ways. I didn't mind historical inaccuracies, what period drama doesn't have its fair share, but I disliked the oh so predictable story lines, the what comes across as an attempt to be Jane Austenish on the one hand and then incorporate 21st century attitudes on the other, not really sure what it was trying to be. My favourite character was the Queen, loved her which is why I give it 5 stars.

This Is Going to Hurt (2022)

Most realistic medical drama I've ever seen

[10/10 · 17 March 2022]

Excellent series showing our NHS service in all its glory, warts and all, told from a doctor's perspective. As a nurse working in an NHS hospital, I usually avoid medical dramas, Holby city, Casualty etc, they just annoy me and I annoy others with ' that's not right, we don't do this blah blah blah' but this drama whilst funny is also showing it as it is, the shortage of staff, overwhelming workloads, poor equipment, hospital politics, challenging patients and the constant threat of being struck off like the sword of Damocles swinging above your head. But also the underlying truth that people who do these jobs do it because they care about people and no other job compares to it.

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Disappointing 4th series

[5/10 · 2 March 2022]

I was a big fan of the previous series and originally gave it a 10, but I have now revised it to 5 after watching the first episode of series 4 last night, what a load of nonsensical rubbish !

Bel-Air (2022– )

Loved this

[10/10 · 14 February 2022]

Great remake of Fresh Prince, I was hooked on it from the start , I really don't understand the negative reviews.

There were more details concerning Wills back story and the circumstances that led to him leaving Philadelphia, the characters had more development, but the humour is still there.

Ozark (2017–2022)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 31 January 2022]

For me the storyline, although intriguing, is by the buy, what I love about this drama is the great character development. The two stand out characters to me are Marty Byrde and Ruth Langmore. I can literally feel the stress mounting on Marty as he finds himself in an increasingly complex situation forcing him to do things he, as a basically decent man, would never do, his sense of guilt as he sees the consequences effect those around him, in contrast to his wife he seems to blossom and thrive under the pressure and the fear in his face for realising he is married to another Darlene. And poor Ruth, who seems to be constantly fighting to change her circumstances, downtrodden, used and abused by her obnoxious father, having to keep taking charge of situations she shouldn't really have to and getting no credit for doing so, you really feel for her.

Great drama and compelling viewing.

Around the World in 80 Days (2021– )

What an adventure!

[10/10 · 16 January 2022]

I wasn't sure about this at first, the story as well as two of the main characters were quite different from what I remembered and I felt this was to satisfy the political correctness of todays world. But the characters grew on me and I found myself enjoying it more and more with each episode and judged it on its own merits without comparing it to previous films or the book.

The Tower (2021–2023)

Really?

[5/10 · 10 November 2021]

The main criticism of this drama for me is that you are dealing with refugees from Libya, they have fled oppression, the police there would probably pulverize them rather than look at them, if they were lucky, yet we are led to believe that they get so terribly upset and freak out over a few rude remarks?!! Oh please, the female policewoman Lizzie comes across as a complete jobsworth, who attempts to kill herself because she told a lie? Talk about OTT. This drama is all about showing how racist our police are, do give me a break.

Maid (2021)

Solution worse then the problem

[5/10 · 22 October 2021]

From the start she leaves her home with her child, almost penniless with no where to go. Ok she has a partner who gets aggressive when he's had a drink, but he hasn't hit her or the child. Why oh why if she wanted to leave didn't she plan it better??! Instead she leaves her child with her crazy mother, she gets involved in a car accident which could of killed her child, she sleeps rough with her poor little child and so it goes in. I'm sorry but I can't watch this ridiculous series anymore. The situation maybe be bad at home, but the danger she put herself and her child in was so much worse.

Gogglebox (2013– )

Guilty pleasure

[10/10 · 21 September 2021]

I shouldn't really like this, I mean a tv program about people watching tv? But it's so addictive and I've really become very fond of my families, they are so funny and at times laugh out loud funny. Me and my husband talk daft like some of them, might start drinking wine too.

The Blood Lands (2014)

Not much of a story

[3/10 · 16 September 2021]

To begin with I don't understand why it's called 'White' settlers, maybe I've missed something as all involved are white. It had potential but lacked substance. The only story line I could come up with was that the family of the dead man who lived in the house before decided to take it back by forcefully evicting the new owners and dumping them back in England. Very strong undertones of Scots hating the English and Vice versa considering the attitude of the English bloke at the beginning. There were some moments of suspense and the acting was good, but it couldn't save the poor story line.

Domina (2021–2023)

Loved this

[10/10 · 15 May 2021]

To me this is like a prequel to I Claudius, which I loved. To see the early history of Lavilla and how she evolved into the master schemer of her day. First time to hear her motive was to get power for her son so he could hand it all back to the senate. The Lavilla I've know in other sources simply wanted power and to be a goddess.

I was particularly impressed by the young actor who portrayed Tiberius magnificently.

It was also interesting to learn about the social customs that restricted women's lives and how men enjoyed great sexual freedoms , and women if they were discreet.

Exterminate All the Brutes (2021)

Interesting watch, but...

[7/10 · 11 May 2021]

Informative documentary looking at Europe's colonial past and the horrific consequences of mans inhumanity towards man based on colour and creed. There was nothing really new to me, except perhaps the details, but I do take issue with one thing, colonialism and genocide did not start with the crusades in the eleventh century, it has gone since time immemorial ie the Mongols, Persians, Romans, Vikings etc etc.

Friday Night Dinner (2011–2020)

RIP Martin, 'a lovely bit of squirrel'

[10/10 · 10 April 2021]

Have watched this series several times in the past, but have just watched it again due to the sad news of Paul Ritter's death. He definitely was the funniest character in this entire series and I can't see how they can make another as how can anyone replace him? A sad loss RIP Paul Ritter.

Your Honor (II) (2020–2023)

Oh what a tangled web we weave

[8/10 · 7 March 2021]

Don't really understand the poor reviews, sure there were some unbelievably bad choices made by the son, but that's what this whole story is about. A decision to take off at the scene of an accident leads to more and more very bad consequences for so many people. The father of Adam digs a bigger and bigger hole for himself and it was all eventually for nothing. It is a tragic story and forces you to ask yourself what would you have done if you were in the father's shoes? We hope we would do better. I love Bryan Cranston and he didn't fail here, brilliant performance.

Behind Her Eyes (2021)

Loved this!

[10/10 · 23 February 2021]

This caught my attention from the start, I liked and cared about the lead character, Louise and her son. The rest of the cast were great, never knew for sure who was or were the bad guys, each time I thought I knew where we were going with this it took a different direction. Kept me guessing til the very end and then there was one final twist at the end, brilliant!

The Great (2020–2023)

Unadulterated c**p

[1/10 · 12 January 2021]

Didn't even make it through the first episode, total rubbish

Pink Floyd: P. U. L. S. E. Live at Earls Court (1994 TV Special)

Absolutely bloody amazing

[10/10 · 3 October 2020]

Have been a Pink Floyd fan for many years, Dark Side of the Moon my absolute favourite album, to see them sing the whole album live, well it was such a rare treat, I wished I had been there. The legend that is David Gilmour, he's still got it!