Blandings: back with a second bonkers series & all the better for it!

Affectionate, charming and barmy comedy Blandings concluded its second series this weekend, and like the first, it had me tittering away and left me feeling warm hearted and eagerly awaiting more. Based upon the works of P.G. Wodehouse, when Blandings first graced our screens this time last year, rather modestly and quietly it must be said, it was met with mixed reviews by critics, some declaring it incoherent idiocy and some a comedic gem. I think I could see both sides really, but I along with many others tuned in to six cracking episodes and I thoroughly enjoyed the second seven, which presented more madcap goings on at Blandings castle, in broadly the same wonderful manner.

Firstly, I think we should take a look at the new additions to the Blandings family, which in my opinion only carry the programme from strength to strength. Julian Rhind-Tutt would be a fantastic character as the eponymous Galahad without his fantastic interplay with all the other characters; this affable cheeky chappy is well worth watching any which way. Yet his warm and endearing relationship with his daft brother Clarence, his swarthy tutor-ledge of Freddie, and his aloof brush-offs of Connie are all fantastic to watch.

Also new to the cast, a surprising but positive change, was the replacement of Mark Williams with comedian Tim Vine as tipsy butler Beach. Now don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Mark Williams generally and in Series One of Blandings thought he was very good too. Yet as Beach, I feel Tim Vine might just have edged it, incorporating that much more charm, twinkle and expression into the often exasperated but always essential butler of Blandings. 

I introduced a lot of characters there, featuring other core members of Blandings, so let us turn to them. One area where I feel Series Two is subtly but effectively different, is in the character development of Freddie, played by rising star Jack Farthing. Yes, Freddie is still insanely posh and twittering, strapped for cash, ever telling tales of the "Pink Pussy" and often without a clue at all. Yet he has a tad more luck with the ladies, despite not managing to keep one for longer than an episode (and without the trademark "hair raise" of Series One, which while funny and non too subtle innuendo-wise, did get a bit tiresome to me). What's more the writers have smattered in a few moments where Freddie is sincere, empathetic, and even slightly cunning, making him a much more well rounded character which I feel is definitely a positive improvement.

Core too is Lady Constance "Connie" Keeble, played by the wonderful Jennifer Saunders who is pretty much delivering more of the same from Series One into Two, which is fine by me. Still incredibly socially conscious, ambitious, domineering, scathing, highly amusing but still with a little heart - Connie is very much a presence at Blandings, whose relationship with her brother Clarence is still fraught with ingenious wordplay, chemistry, innuendo and hilarious one-liners.

Of course, we cannot forget Clarence, the Earl of Emsworth himself. It would be easy to soon tire of this character's dithering, forgetful, brainless attitude to life that renders him in essence "a bit of a twit". And yet, and yet! Nothing further from the truth could be so! Brought to life by the great Timothy Spall, Clarence is the star of Blandings if ever there was one, throughout each episode without fail. His endearingly dithering character is played masterfully, down to the last intrinsic mannerism and detail, rendering Clarence one of the most lovable characters in television. Not only that, but his nature and the nature in which his lines are written, are formula for some absolutely cracking lines and moments, that are nothing short of funny as a bare minimum, and breath-takingly hilarious the rest of the time. Indeed, Timothy Small proves his acting prowess and ability again and again within the batty world that is Blandings, and if he is only ever remembered for Clarence (which is considerably unlikely) then I feel he should be proud.

Yes, Blandings has now gifted viewers in their millions two series of pantomime antics that are crafted and delivered in a truly unique fashion. So this really is me celebrating both series and their core elements, as well as marking the end of Series Two. I don't believe it has been announced as to what the future will hold for Blandings, but if you ask me, it certainly has more to give and should be allowed the opportunity to do so in all its glory. Capital!

Stella: Series 3 done and dusted!

You may remember, not too long ago I posted here about my TV elation that Ruth Jones' genius creation had returned to our screens. Now, series 3 of the smash-hit Stella has come to an end, and whilst I am indeed sad about it's conclusion, I still feel that it deserves the utmost praise! We had highs in the form of wonderfully played out character development and cracking comedy, as well as the lows, sort of (but definitely not negative show points!) in the form of incredibly human drama. Such an intrinsic combination almost always coming good, left Stella's Series 3 a fantastic 10 episode romp.

As I said before, mostly the Stella formula from Series 1 and 2 stayed broadly the same throughout, but like Series 1 and 2 a few key elements and characters were either added, taken away or evolved. A crucial change, was the addition of Patrick Baladi as Michael Jackson, the latest love interest of Stella. It took a whole series for their relationship to go from icy loathing to touching love, and avid Stella fans will know it is certainly not the first time that the up and down love life of the titular character has seen a new man. I thought I would grow bored of this repetition of a new romantic relationship coming into play, but thankfully it was quite the opposite (though even I doubt that they can get away with it for much longer so hopefully we shall be seeing more of Patrick Baladi in the future). For one thing, Baladi's character is funny in his own right. I think the minds behind Stella very much wanted to show off this new character addition from the start, thus resulting in some cracking lines and scenarios that Michael is involved in, upon being thrust into Pontyberry life. What's more, over time we get a truly touching, and certainly not simple, relationship that blossoms between Michael and Stella. Whilst I enjoyed Michael as a solo character, some of his developments were slightly cliched, but his relationship with Stella and the other characters more than made up for it.

As for the other characters and actors/actresses of Stella, who are many and just as important as each other, it is again a case of more of the excellent same, with a few intriguing tweaks. Series favorites Dai and Paula Kosh were sadly notable by their absence (though I am hoping they will return) as was Karl Morris, though he made a brilliant come-back in the final episode. Yet we were still thoroughly entertained in Series 3 by the likes of Dai Davis, Ianto, Luke and Zoe, Ben, Emma, Daddy, Bobby and Auntie Brenda, whom we know and love. Talking of Auntie Brenda, though I like many others found her hilarious from the outset when she appeared last series, I was afraid that if she did not receive a slightly deeper character than the "loud mouthed uninhibited Valleys woman" that she brilliantly embodies, audiences might still turn against her directness. Luckily, Ruth Jones and the team seemed to deliver just that, resulting in hilarious lines and moments, along with heady instances of compassion here and there from Auntie Brenda. 

Of course, we cannot forget Stella regular and favourite from the start, brilliant actor and writer Steve Spiers as 'Big' Alan Williams. For the third series in a row, Spiers has written and acted some great moments of TV gold. Along with returning with his telly son 'Little' Al, fans will have no doubt had several 'awwww' moments, as Series 3 saw Alan find love, in the form of new character Celia, played by Emma Rydal. This I feel is another positive cast addition, as Celia and Alan's relationship also blossoms beautifully episode-by-episode, from poignant and comedic beginnings, to the final episode seeing the two Alans and Celia becoming an unlikely but lovingly solid family unit. Another great addition to Stella who I feel deserves a mention is Yasmine Akram , who Sherlock fans will surely recognize, but on Stella as Parvadi she is a lovely blend of feisty, funny and sexy.

Bad cast additions? Well not really. Lawyers and lovers Andy and Janet and young teenage Katie, whose stories are intertwined with Michael Jackson's, are good characters certainly, but I feel again were slightly predictable, and could have come into their own a bit more perhaps? Also Vivienne, Auntie Brenda's wayward rebel daughter, had a brilliant entrance onto Stella that made for some hilarious scenes, but toward the end she just popped up a little half-baked, literally!

Stella may be an ensemble piece, and all the better for it, but we of course cannot forget Stella herself, AKA the wonderful, delectable Ruth Jones. Like Stella, she seems to be ever prone to be moving with the times, being perfectly balanced at every turn in terms of which direction the show should go. Ruth Jones has forever maintained she is immensely proud of Stella, and it shows. Both she and Stella are a fantastic tour-de-force with no signs of stopping. Add to that an actress who simply gives fantastic performances every episode, making every inch of Stella the woman believable, and you have a sure-fire hit that, in my view, has already and rightly attained the status of a "classic" comedy.

David Jason - My Life: the story of a legend in his own words

Another genre I haven't blogged about in a while; the book review. And again, another area I was most keen to return to, so here it is! Just before Christmas last, I received David Jason's autobiography My Life, and I have recently finished it. From a very early age, I have loved the work of Sir David Jason; even before I was old enough to know what an actor was. There have been countless brilliant shows, films, animations and characters that David Jason has inhabited and brought to life, some not so well known and some that will never die in the memory of society. Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, A Touch of Frost, Darling Buds of May, Diamond Geezer, Porterhouse Blue, Porridge, The Wind in the Willows, Snow Queen (the first time I remember seeing something featuring him) Dangermouse...the list goes on and on. I doubt you will find many who do not agree that David Jason is a legend of stage and screen, a supremely wonderful talent, and all round lovable fellow indeed. 

Thus naturally, I was greatly enthused when I heard Sir David had released his memoirs, penned by his own hand. Apparently, part of the reason he chose to write this book (according to an interview given on This Morning I believe) was that he had read a few biographies written without permission of his estate and was dissapointed, and he felt he ought to set any record straight himself. Not only do I respect this decision hugely (because let's face it - with his longevity, success and reputation, he didn't really need to if he didn't want to did he) but I believe Sir David Jason is thoroughly deserving of this. Unlike some 20 year old jump-starts who pop up on TV for 5 minutes, declaring themselves an "established celebrity", then feel they must write an autobiography of a life that has barely begun, Sir David Jason does not need to fear any such negative opinion. What's more, unlike others, David at no point refers to himself, or the reasons for him writing his book, as anything to do with "celebrity". He writes purely and simply, and in my opinion to great effect, as an actor, electrician, and human being.

With all this in mind, I feel My Life is a very good read indeed. Told candidly and with straight forward instinct, yet retaining a great deal of that class and panache that draws us so greatly to Sir David Jason on screen. He appears truly mindful of how wonderful his success is, aware of the struggle it has cost him both professionally and personally, and is truly humbled in his writing by the position he now finds himself in. 

The way in which he talk of his working and social relationship with Ronnie Barker (AKA "The Guv'nor") is wonderfully intrinsic and touching. His familial ups and downs are discussed in not an overly gushing fashion, which I am not complaining about, but with a truly David Jason charm and touch. And yes, all the tales and tidbits from shows such as Frost, Open All Hours and Only Fools are all there, and they of course are brilliant to behold.

Faults? Not many at all. I suppose, in terms of the narrative there are a few too many twists, turns and jumps through time which can be a tad confusing. Having said that, I infinitely prefer that approach to a simple straight line from birth onward. 

Really though, this autobiography is a real gem I feel. Whether like me you are a passionate fan, or whether you just want an interesting read, David Jason: My Life will deliver in spades. At so many points I found myself pausing to smile at that iconic, warm and wonderful man smiling back at me from the front cover. David ends his book in 2005, upon two high notes I'm sure you'll agree - his knighthood and his marriage. But of course, his story did not end there, for we know he has since gone on to produce more great work, and shall hopefully continue to do so for years to come. I need hardly mention his most recent return to Del Boy (along side Nicholas Lyndhurst and brilliantly David Beckham) which was met with rapturous acclaim. Also, after reviving the character at Christmas, he is now set to star in a brand new series of Still Open All Hours, resurrecting Granville. So as we can see, Sir David Jason is incredibly well loved, and for good reason, and he ain't finished yet...lovely jubbly!

The Eagle at Barrow

Another little eatery piece I think, as I have not done one in a while. This one concerns The Eagle at Barrow, close to the intrinsically charming Lancashire town of Clitheroe. It is rather amazing really, as I and many I know have been frequenting this particular establishment for a number of years and up to now I am yet to write about it on this blog, despite having visited at least a couple of times since starting this blogging business. Well - that is thus rectified!

In essence, here and now I can tell you that the Eagle at Barrow has become a very very fine establishment in my opinion, covering pretty much all the bases that most would require. A sleek and welcoming pub, a purveyor of quality local produce, and a jewel of a brasserie offering a varied but often sumptuous menu. It even offers a wonderfully unique deli and butchers.
Though relatively unassuming from the outside (yet that is not to say the external decor is not well done) inside I find the Eagle to be a welcoming, not too intrusive, pleasant place to spend a few hours. Looking back at my last few visits; the food is wonderfully prepared, presented and inevitably consumed. Last time we were fortunate enough to be sat next to the kitchens, and were thus able to clock everything that emerged from it, whilst also enjoying our own orders. Each plate looked greatly intriguing and enjoyable. The staff are endearingly welcoming, remaining professional but approachable. What's more the atmosphere, whether the place is full or not, seems to have been generated just right.

So yes, I am definitely recommending the Eagle to you; do have a visit. Be it to eat, to drink, to partake in the fair on offer to purchase, or even (as I did a few years ago at New Year) to enjoy the function facilities. Enjoy!

Another look back at a good 'un ~ My Week With Marilyn

Quite by chance, I found myself watching My Week With Marilyn this week, as it was premiered on BBC Television for the first time.Though it is a few years old now, I did see this one at the cinema (at an extortionate London cinema price if memory serves!) and I thoroughly enjoyed it then, as I did when seeing it on the telly, so I thought I'd do a piece on it, offering my two penny worth .

In essential terms, the film is based upon the true story of a time during which Marilyn Monroe was in England filming the Sir Lawrence Olivier production The Prince and the Showgirl in 1957. The film focuses upon the ups and downs of the process, as well as the infamous screen star's relationships throughout, including the one she briefly shared with 3rd Assistant Director Colin Clark, upon whose memoirs the film takes inspiration from.

The titular role belongs to Michelle Williams. In this film, Michelle Williams is Marilyn Monroe, and that's an end of it. As far as I can see, she was pretty much perfect. Portraying Marilyn Monroe's roller-coaster of a life, even in this supposedly short time frame, to a tee, she thus gives us as an audience a crisp, authentic and emotive representation of the woman generally; all encompassing, in minute detail, and everything in between. Michelle Williams' Marilyn Monroe is to me, the perfect blend and combination of sheer mesmerizing beauty, tense fragility, charming naivety, sassy sensuality, cheeky and hilarious charm, and utter stardom with every move made. There is no doubt in my mind that she was utterly deserving of this role and this film, possibly even so far as to say she was born to play Marilyn Monroe. 

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Michelle Williams is very much the stand out star of the show as Marilyn Monroe, but no. Another big casting piece of My Week With Marilyn, comes in the form of Sir Kenneth Branagh, who plays Sir Lawrence Olivier; a brilliantly iconic actor playing another brilliantly iconic actor. Like Williams as Monroe, Branagh as Olivier is another one of those incredibly poignant, and almost tailor made casting decisions. The resulting scenes with Kenneth Branagh give us numerous fantastic moments of measured drama, smoldering chemistry, hilarious eccentricity and cinematic gold.

Yet that is again not all. In fact, when you look at it, My Week With Marilyn becomes a wonderful ensemble production with a truly fantastic cast, almost all of which deliver fantastic performances that stand out brilliantly. Of course we have Eddie Redmayne as a principal character, but we also have wonderfully well received appearances from the great Dame Judi Dench who is simply and sweetly endearing, Dougray Scott portrays legendary playwright Arthur Miller, and we even see another legend in the form of Sir Derek Jacobi. And that is still not all; I haven't even mentioned Emma Watson, Dominic Cooper, and Simon Russell Beale, along with many many more, and all of them seem perfectly fitted into the film.

So yes, the cast are mostly all brilliant, the script and story are fantastic, the locations and cinematography are beautiful, as is the music; My Week With Marilyn is shaping up to be a great film.

I mentioned rising star Eddie Redmayne, who broadly speaking gives a very good performance as Colin Clark. The film in many ways centers around Clark just as much as it does Monroe, and why not? It is a film based on his diaries, and as I say Redmayne is great in many of his scenes. He is charming when it comes to Clark's determination to get into the film business, as well as when it comes to his relationship with Emma Watson's character. Yet I feel that when Eddie Redmayne takes on the task of emphasizing the sheer admiration for figures like Sir Lawrence Olivier and also crucially his sheer love and obsession with Marilyn Monroe, I don't think it is as believable as it could be. It's difficult to put a finger on why, but I think it's either because he ramps it up slightly too high, so the chemistry becomes a tad too clichéd (which in a film as great and unique as this you don't really want) or in trying to be subtle, we see a lack of emotion from him, being slightly dead behind the eyes, and leaving one as an audience member dead in the water. These occurrences are rare, if noticeable (and in fairness I thought Kenneth Branagh was prone to this on occasion too, yet it did not damage his overall performance) and as I say the majority of Eddie Redmayne's screen time is just as warranted as that of the rest of the cast. And crucially, when you see Colin and Marilyn firmly together, it does seem to work, which is of course an integral part of the film

So as I say, My Week With Marilyn is a truly great film. All of it's components come together beautifully and 9 times out of 10 the effect is seamless, majestic, and uniquely perfect. I have no doubt that My Week With Marilyn is a truly remarkable true story fantastically told. I also have no doubt that it will go on to become a future classic, if it has not become so already.

Fleming - The Man Who Would Be Bond

Bond...James Bond. But no, this is the story before Bond, the story that inspired Bond. This ladies and gentlemen, is Fleming, a 4 part mini-series from Sky. Apparently it's Sky who are behind it, as they're quoting it as an original Sky production, yet Wikipedia claims Fleming comes from BBC America (make of that what you will). Anyway, Fleming I found to be a rather enjoyable, slickly told, smoothly executed look at Ian Fleming's war years, where the budding author (played by Dominic Cooper) tries to prove himself amid the second world war, whilst also dealing with his far from simple relationship with Ann O'Neill, portrayed by Lara Pulver. As I say I mostly enjoyed it, and would certainly reccomend it, yet I feel there were some areas that held Fleming back from being a TV mini-classic, for which I certainly feel it had the potential to be.

Thus let us naturally take a look at the iconic man himself. Part of the problem I think, is that at no point were the minds behind Fleming clear cut about who they wanted Fleming to be, or at least if they were they did not really show it. The Lothario ladies' man, the aspiring soldier, the genius spy sleuth and tactician, the brutish cad, or the hero of the day. Of course, in actuality Fleming is portrayed as all of these, as the series very much takes us through his journey throughout the war. If they pulled off a character that was portrayed as a brilliant balance of all these elements and more that would have been great, but somehow I feel they just didn't. Another part of the problem I'm afraid, is the actor they got to play Fleming. Dominic Cooper's Fleming was solid do not misunderstand me, but in terms of him playing any depth or diversity in his character...oh dear. As for Fleming's make up, I think it's also confusingly unclear as to whether they wanted him to be true to Ian Fleming the man, or be more reminiscent of James Bond the legendary character, and what's more which character traits are meant to go with which and/or both. Cooper is fine with the action and adventure side, and he easily slips into the smooth-talking aloof ladies' man in a suit, but when it comes to all the other facets; the depth, the gritty, emotive and raw drama (physically and emotionally) I feel he misses the mark more often than not. This results in a central character who only seems suitable half of the time, which in a mini-series like this just isn't enough, and the other half seeing the character rushing into everything in a scene all guns blazing, with an arrogance that (part of the character or not) doesn't seem totally deserved. I don't blame them for the casting of Cooper as Fleming, at times I praise them for it, I just wish he were a tad more watchable and believable.

Where Cooper fails however, he is saved by Lara Pulver who plays Ann O'Neill opposite him. Feisty, emotive, formidable, loving, lustful, deep, vulnerable, sexy, somber I could go on and on; Lara Pulver is brilliant. Having made quite a name for herself with shows like Spooks and Sherlock, she had a lot to live up to as I'm sure many were watching her performance closely in Fleming, but they had nothing to fear. At almost every turn Lara Pulver encapsulates perfectly the character and story of Ann, who is trapped by marriage and circumstance during World War II, and who embarks upon a tempestuous relationship with Fleming, eventually culminating, as Fleming fans will know, in their marriage.

For me, she is definitely the stronger of the pairing, and what's more she only enhances the dynamic that is so crucial to this story. Ian Fleming and Ann O'Neill work brilliantly when portrayed by Dominic Cooper and Lara Pulver, chiefly because each compliments the other so well, and one knows when to rescue the other when they are falling so well.

Fleming is by no means a tale of just two characters, oh no. They are surrounded with a rather wonderfully talented crop of actors who bring to life characters that are just as engaging. Lesley Manville is great as Fleming's scheming and snobbish mother. Yes on the one hand it is slightly clichéd as she does at times fall into the "domineering mother" role, but even this she does brilliantly, alongside some incredibly subtle and slithering scenes that somehow put me in mind of a Bond villain at times. Samuel West plays Rear Admiral John Godfrey, Fleming's commanding officer and the perceived inspiration for the Bond character M. West again is greatly suited to his role; a perfect blend of pompous upper class admiralty, along with roguish flair and admiration for Fleming and his escapades. Popular and staple Thespian Pip Torrens is ideally cast as Esmond Rothemere. And finally we have Anna Chancellor as Second Officer Monday, or Moneypenny to some. Hers is the character I feel mirrors her Bond counterpart the most in Fleming, but by no means is she a simple and boring character to watch, as she lights up every scene with oodles of wit, charm and presence.

Looking away from the cast for a moment, the other key reason Fleming doesn't work as well as it should have is the Bond element I mentioned earlier. Naturally I know that with anything that looks at Ian Fleming, Bond certainly couldn't be absent, and in many areas I applaud them for emphasizing the connection. Some of the cinematography, sequences and locations are magnificently Bond-esque, particularly the opening of episode one where we get a look at "Goldeneye". Also listen closely to the soundtrack and you will notice a healthy smattering of Bond chords played throughout, often to wonderful effect. It's just in terms of the plot developments, and some of the cast/characters where I found myself wishing they'd make up more of their minds. Either tell the story of Bond through the eyes of it's origins, or tell the story of Fleming whilst keeping a stylized, tactful and weather eye on the James Bond legend to come. Or something to that effect anyway. Trying to mold everything together, as it often seems those behind Fleming have done, and as an audience member one is left with a twisting, turning and confusing state of limbo between historical, factual drama, and slickly paced and stylized fantasy.

Limbo or not, Fleming is very much in the eyes of the beholder, and I suspect most beholders will enjoy it as I have. It does have just enough historical content, which is then glamorized in quite a pleasing and watchable way for television, resulting in an enjoyable and individual British pre-Bond romp.