British TV on DVD: "Foyle's War" Set 7 Starring Michael Kitchen

Post World War II intrigue and drama take center stage in the recently released Foyle's War Set 7 DVD collection. The three full length films included in the set mark my first exposure to the long running British television series, starring Michael Kitchen as Christopher Foyle, a former police superintendent, who is reluctantly recruited to work for MI5, the British Intelligence service. In the first film, "The Eternity Ring," Foyle is tasked with investigating a Soviet spy ring in London, but soon learns that enemies and allies are sometimes difficult to distinguish.

In the second feature, "The Cage," Russian defectors working for British Intelligence are being murdered in alleged safe houses. After a fourth agent dies in the hospital, Foyle arranges a meeting with the doctor who treated him. However, the doctor is soon murdered and the only clue Foyle has to work with is a phrase the dying Russian blurted out before he died - "Ten-eye." The final feature, "Sunflower," finds Foyle having to work with a former Nazi, Karl Strasser, who is providing important information to MI5. Soon thereafter, American authorities arrive and demand that Strasser be handed over to them. Foyle is then torn between helping the intelligence agency and protecting a war criminal.

All three films are well made and intelligent and there is a lot going on in each of them, so viewers must pay close attention. That is easy to do considering the performances are generally outstanding. Michael Kitchen is superb as the low-key, but cerebral Foyle, who is not afraid to bend the rules or disobey his superiors in order to get to the truth. Foyle is always the smartest person in the room. Kitchen is ably supported by Honeysuckle Weeks as Samantha Stewart, Daniel Weyman as Adam Wainwright and Ellie Haddington as Hilda Pierce.

There are a large number of characters introduced throughout each film and I initially found that to be distracting. However, they each play an important part in the intricately woven stories that demand your attention. In addition to the strong writing, direction and performances, Foyle's War boasts outstanding costume and set design that allows viewers to feel as though they have stepped back through time to the beginning of the Cold War. Overall, the three films in this collection are equally good and highly recommended.

Foyle's War Set 7 DVD collection is now available from Acorn/RLJ Entertainment.

"Skins" Series 5 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The first four seasons of the British television series Skins have been released on DVD in the United States, but seasons five through seven have not. That is particularly irritating to those of us who cannot get enough of the series that has featured actors Nicholas Hoult (Warm Bodies), Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones) and Dev Patel (The Newsroom), to name three of the talented alumni. For those not familiar with Skins, the cast is changed almost completely at the end of every second series. As a result, series 5 features a brand new cast of characters, but they still live in Bristol, England and attend Roundview College. I recently had an opportunity to watch the eight episodes that comprise series 5 on Netflix and once again creators Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain have developed interesting and relatable characters and have cast talented young actors to fill the roles.

Something old refers to the setting, and two employees of Roundview College; David Blood (Chris Addison) who appeared in series 3 and 4, and Doug (Giles Thomas), who is the only character to appear in all of the series (and he is hysterical). Their presence adds another degree of continuity to Skins, which is appreciated by regular viewers. Something new would apply to the majority of the characters, including Alo, Franky, Mini, Grace, Matty and Nick. In my opinion, they do not resemble any of the cast members of the previous two generations, either in looks or personality. However, both Rich and Liv appear to be extensions of Sid and Jal from series 1 and 2, so I consider aspects of the characters to be "borrowed.". However, both characters are likable and interesting, even though Rich (especially when he cuts his hair) reminded me of Sid and Liv is basically Jal 2.0. They even look enough alike to be related in some way. Finally, the blue refers to Dakota Blue Richards, who portrays Franky.

The themes of the first four series, including broken homes, drug use and sexuality, are present in series 5 as well. For instance, Franky is adopted and has two dads, Nick and Matty's mother is not seen or talked about, Liv's father is absent and Mini does not discuss her parents, who are divorced. Rich and Grace live with their parents and both seem relatively stable, while Alo is not quite as stable, but just needs to grow up. The drug use is rampant, like it was in previous series and I assume that this is at least a somewhat realistic depiction of actual teenage behavior. If it is, I am glad that I do not have children or I would be worried about them 24/7. There is no central gay character in series 5, but Franky's aforementioned fathers are a seemingly happy couple and both Matty and Liv appear to have bisexual tendencies.

The storylines depicted in series 5 are what you might expect - youngsters trying to find their way to adulthood and making emotional decisions that come back to haunt them along the way, which includes the seemingly constant rebellion against authority figures. In addition, they are all looking for someone to love, but are not mature enough yet to separate physical attraction from emotional well being. Franky's attraction to Matty is an excellent example. Despite the character flaws and the bad decision making, I found myself liking all of the characters and rooting for them to make their lives better. One way they attempt to do that is through the strong bond of friendship, which helps in settling internal disputes and allows them to move forward together. They pose a united front against parents or adults who try to stop them from living their lives and being happy, or at least doing what they think will make them happy.

One interesting aspect of the casting for the fifth series is the heartthrob brothers, Matty and Nick, who are portrayed by Sebastian de Souza and Sean Teale, respectively. Usually, average looking actors are cast in the principal roles, so this is a welcome change. However, I never want to see a series of Skins featuring a group of beautiful people, that would not feel right and would be boring. The ensemble cast all deliver fine work in their respective roles, but I want to single out Jessica Sula as Grace, Laya Lewis as Liv and Sebastian de Souza as Matty. Sula has a strong and confident screen presence, Lewis plays conflict, uncertainty and hurt very well, and de Souza has the exotic good looks that make Theo James (Golden Boy) so appealing.

While I enjoyed series 5, I will not render a verdict on the overall quality of this generation of Skins until I have watched series 6, but I am impressed so far. In the past, I have posted a blog entry on individual episodes of each series, but I do not plan to do that for series 5 until I can purchase the DVD set. For those interested in reading my thoughts on seasons 1-4 of Skins, use the search box or click on the label "Skins" that appears at the end of this blog entry. For those Skins fans who have yet to see series 5, you will not be disappointed. Finally, like the first four series, music is used superbly throughout each episode and helps to further the various storylines.

Peter Capaldi is the new "Doctor Who"

I cannot say that I have ever been a fan of the television series Doctor Who, but I am tempted to start watching since the announcement was made that the sublime Peter Capaldi will take over the beloved and iconic role. Capaldi's work on the British television series Skins, as Sid's father, Mark Jenkins, was award worthy. He also delivered excellent work in Torchwood: Children of Earth and in the 2009 feature film In the Loop. Most recently, Peter Capaldi played a doctor working at the WHO (World Health Organization) in the hit movie World War Z (and I made a joke about Doctor Who in that review, which you can read here). Congratulations to Peter Capaldi for landing such a great role!

Holiday Gift Ideas from Acorn Media: Agatha Christie's Poirot and Thomas & Sarah

The DVD/Blu-ray releases listed below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the titles to read my reviews. 

For the mystery lover on your list, Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 3.....and

.....Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 6 - Starring David Suchet

Fans of the classic British television series Upstairs Downstairs can follow the adventures of two of its popular characters, Thomas & Sarah, in their titular series. 

New on DVD: "Thomas & Sarah" Continues the Adventures of the "Upstairs Downstairs" Characters

The short lived British television series Thomas & Sarah (cut short due to a writer's strike in the late 1970's) is now available on DVD from Acorn Media. The series follows the exploits of the titular characters, who were originally created for the award winning series Upstairs Downstairs. In fact, the majority of the 13 episodes feature at least one reference to Upstairs Downstairs, which adds a strong degree of continuity to Thomas & Sarah. Although the characters are in love, Thomas has yet to ask for Sarah's hand in marriage. Of course, considering their vagabond life style, that makes sense in some way. After all, the idea of getting married and settling down usually means staying in one place for a while, which is something Thomas & Sarah never seem to do.

The series begins with a reunion of the main characters, who have been apart for some time. Sarah is working as a nursemaid when Thomas re-enters her life and asks her to take him back. She agrees and for a short time they have some stability, thanks to Thomas's burgeoning business as an automobile mechanic. However, after tiring of the day to day laboring and not getting anywhere, they decide to purchase a trick from a traveling magician in "The Vanishing Lady." Of course, nothing is ever easy and soon the not so happy couple find themselves in financial straits, so they decide to concoct a matchmaking scheme, in the episode "Made in Heaven," which is actually successful, but they are using the residence of a vacationing family for their business. The authorities eventually become involved, so Thomas & Sarah have to leave in a hurry to avoid legal problems.

The couple find their way to jobs at a private school for boys, where Thomas actually ends up teaching. The episode, "Alma Mater," is the best of the 13 featured on the DVD release. After learning that the headmaster is taking financial advantage of the student's families, Thomas and Sarah decide to make things right. The fact that they care enough to help the children speaks volumes for the often self centered couple, who do the right thing for a change. Perhaps that is why things are looking up for them in "The Poor Young Widow of Peckham," as Thomas's new occupation as a photographer reaps financial rewards. However, an illness threatens to derail Thomas's career and even his life. Another strong episode, "Return to Gethyn," finds Thomas visiting his mother and brother at his childhood home. However, they are not welcomed by everyone, which drives Sarah to distraction. However, after uncovering a long kept secret, Sarah decides to help Thomas and correct a problem from the past.

One of things that sets Thomas & Sarah apart from Upstairs Downstairs is the use of exterior shots, which are a hallmark of the series and add a degree of realism. However, the two series do share the same outstanding writing and strong performances from real life couple Pauline Collins and John Alderton. In addition, Alfred Shaughnessy created both series and played a regular role in the development of Thomas & Sarah, and his influence enables the series to be consistently creative and entertaining. While it is difficult to improve on the masterpiece that was Upstairs Downstairs, Thomas & Sarah is a worthy successor and who knows how successful it could have become had the writer's strike been averted.



British TV on DVD: "The Crimson Petal and the White"

Victorian England comes alive in the 2011 British mini-series, "The Crimson Petal and the White," starring Romola Garai and Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids). Based on the novel, of the same name, by Michel Faber, the story centers around William Rackham (O'Dowd), an aspiring writer and heir to a perfume business, and Sugar (Garai), an intelligent and capable woman living her life as a prostitute. William, who is married to the emotionally fragile Agnes (Amanda Hale), finds comfort in Sugar and soon becomes a regular, even requesting from her madam, Mrs. Castaway (Gillian Anderson), that he be Sugar's only "customer." Of course, William has the ability to pay for Sugar's exclusive services. Over time, William comes to depend on Sugar's advice and intelligence, which becomes valuable concerning business matters, especially when he has to start working for the family business after his father stops financing his writing venture.

Over time, William provides Sugar with an apartment and their physical relationship continues unabated. Sugar, who is also a writer, has been working on a book outlining a revenge scheme against the men who have used and abused her and her friends. She often fantasizes about killing William as she is penning her explicit and violent book. However, the ever clueless and selfish William is too consumed with his own life and assorted problems to see Sugar as a potential threat. His marriage continues to fall apart and his brother, Henry (Mark Gatiss), denies his sexual urges in favor of his spiritual beliefs, which causes both him and William much grief. In addition, William is almost completely unlikable. He treats the women in his life with little regard, except Sugar, who he eventually takes on as an employee and allows her to live in the same house with him and Agnes. While there, Sugar is charged with taking care of Sophie, the only child of William and Agnes.

 

Sugar may feel like she is the center of William's universe, but after she moves in, he appears to lose interest in her. As a result, Sugar struggles with her feelings for William and soon discovers that she is pregnant and fears what will happen when the paternity is uncovered. While it takes her some time, Sugar eventually recognizes the real William and how poorly he treats all of the women in his life. She utilizes her intellect to devise a plan to make things right for her, Sophie and Agnes, but she faces many obstacles in their path to freedom.

 

Chris O'Dowd tackles his first dramatic role in "The Crimson Petal and the White" and rises to the challenge of playing a very unlikable character, who is completely different from the role he played in the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids. O'Dowd displays solid chemistry with Ramola Garai, who portrays Sugar with a gentle strength that only seems to grow stronger with each setback. Sugar is a silent force to be reckoned with and always seems to outsmart the men she encounters, who all seem to underestimate her. The supporting cast includes the beguiling Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files"), as the nasty Mrs. Castaway. Her relationship with Sugar is much deeper than viewers are originally led to believe and she also possesses a quiet force about her that should scare those who think about crossing her.

 

The Victorian era is brought to life via outstanding art direction, costume design and expert use of lighting in this four hour mini-series from director Marc Munden and screenwriter Lucinda Coxon. The extra features include Deleted Scenes, Interviews with Romola Garai, Chris O'Dowd, Marc Munden and other crew members, and Character Biographies.

 

"The Crimson Petal and the White" is now available on DVD from Acorn Media. 

Blu-ray Spotlight: "Agatha Christie's Poirot" Series 6 - Starring David Suchet

David Suchet returns as Hercule Poirot for four full-length mysteries based on the novels by the legendary Agatha Christie. The remastered episodes are in their original U.K. broadcast order and include Hercule Poirot's Christmas, Hickory Dickory Dock, Murder on the Links and Dumb Witness, which I believe is the best of the bunch. Joining Poirot once again are Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson), Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) and Hugh Fraser (Captain Hastings), who all appear in at least one installment.

Hercule Poirot's Christmas finds the titular detective planning to spend a quiet Christmas alone, until his flat's heating unit decides to fail. When he calls for service, he is informed that the heat will not be restored until after the holiday. However, Poirot then receives a call from Simeon Lee (Vernon Dobtcheff), a very wealthy man, who asks Poirot to come stay with him and his family over the holidays because he suspects that his life may be in danger. Poirot accepts the offer, but only after he confirms that the house has heat. As Simeon Lee's extended family are gathering for Christmas, there is much dysfunction present, so the holiday is not as joyous as it could be. In addition, one of Lee's sons, Harry (Brian Gwaspari), returns after a long absence and no one appears to be happy to see him. On Christmas Eve, Simeon summons his family members together to announce that he plans to draw up a new will that will give a portion of his estate to Harry. This news means less money and property for Harry's brothers, George (Eric Carte) and Alfred (Simon Roberts), and, of course, they are both furious with their father. Later than same evening, Simeon is murdered in his room. Poirot, who, of course, has been observing every guest's behavior from the moment he arrived, begins his quest to solve the mystery. There are plenty of unexpected plot twists and interesting discoveries along the way, including the arrival of a presumed dead family member and the revelation of the true paternity of one of Simeon's children.

Hickory Dickory Dock finds Poirot searching for a killer at a student hostel. However, before anyone is murdered, a series of petty thefts occur, which arouse the suspicions of Poirot, who typically does not concern himself with such matters. Among the curious items missing are a stethoscope, light bulbs and a torn rucksack. Poirot is able to find the thief with little effort, however, very little time passes before a murder is committed and during the investigation, there are many strange twists that must be maneuvered around in order to determine who is responsible. As the list of suspects grows, another murder is committed, so Poirot is once again in a race against time to find the perpetrator.

In Murder on the Links, another solid entry in the series, Poirot is joined by his good friend Captain Hastings, as a murder mystery unfolds on a golf course. In this instance, Poirot finds himself being manipulated early on, while Hastings falls for a potential suspect, which makes the situation even more complicated. In addition, Poirot must contend with Giraud (Bill Moody), an overbearing police official, who hampers his investigation and appears to look down on the celebrated detective. Not to be outdone, Poirot suggests that they wager a bet on who is able to solve the mystery first. Both men have their work cut out for them, as there are several suspects, assumed identities and plenty of back story to work their way through.

Dumb Witness is an exceptional mystery featuring a lovable fox terrier, Bob, who holds the key to solving the murder of his former owner, Emily Arundell (Ann Morrish). Emily was a wealthy woman whose last will and testament holds surprises for her family and friends, including two sisters, Isabel and Julia Tripp, who experienced a premonition about her death. The eerie atmosphere is perfectly conveyed and accentuated by the mystical sisters who conduct seances and add a different perspective to Poirot's investigation, but they are also suspects. Dumb Witness shows a softer side to Poirot, who comes to care very much for Bob and is entrusted with his care, at least for a while. This episode also features outstanding cinematography.

"Agatha Christie's Poirot" Series 6 is now available on Blu-ray, from Acorn Media. For additional information, go here.