As Time Goes By - Reunion Specials Review

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(More customer reviews)"As Time Goes By" is the gentle, funny story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two people who used to be in love in the early fifties. When Lionel went off to fight in the Korean War, the two lost touch. They meet again 38 years later, quite by accident, and what is at first an awkward friendship slowly morphs into a warm romance.
The show first aired in 1992, and continued production through 2002. A lot had transpired in the lives of Jean & Lionel and their ever-growing extended family during those ten years, and the series ended with Jean's daughter Judith marrying her on-again, off-again book publisher boyfriend, Alistair Deacon. Jean's secretary Sandy moved to Canada with her boyfriend Harry for a one-year attachment to the Royal Mounties.
The Reunion Special DVD consists of two 45 minute episodes produced in February 2005, which pick-up where the end of the series left off. Judith and Alistair are trying to have kids, with nothing to show for it, and Sandy & Harry are back from Canada, with Harry wanting to try out for a dangerous police job, much to Sandy's dismay. An unexpected visitor arrives from Lionel's past, which causes a minor stir. Many of the old favorite supporting characters are back, including Penny & Stephen, Rocky and Mrs. Bale.
I enjoyed the two specials quite a bit. They came as a welcome return to form after the last series (season) of the show. That series was only four episodes, and felt rushed. One of the hallmarks of "As Time Goes By" is its slow, gentle pace. That is once again on full display here with these two specials. The first 45 minute episode is probably the better of the two. It has a little more plot than the second episode, although both are generally good. My main qualm comes with the end of episode two (which, at this point, constitues the end of series). It relies a bit too much on coincidence for my tastes, but that is a relatively minor quibble.
It's rare to find such a consistently well-produced and entertaining show as "As Time Goes By." The writing, acting and directing have almost always been top-notch, and it's a pleasure to have these two new specials. In fact, we're treated to even further deepening and exploration of the Lionel character through the arrival of the person from his past, a feat which isn't often accomplished 13 years after a character has been introduced. It's yet another testament to the quality viewing experience that is "As Time Goes By."

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The lyrically funny romance of Jean and Lionel continues its whimsical course in the Reunion Specials as Jean Pargetter's (Dame Judi Dench) great anticipation for grandchildren is revealed much to husband Lionel's (Geoffrey Palmer) dismay. With son-in-law Alistair and daughter Judy having problems things don't look too promising. But will Jean's dream of becoming a grandmother come true when Sandy and her husband Harry return from Canada?

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Doc Martin: Series 2 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)What makes this British Drama TV series so funny? What's so funny about a surgeon who is mentally and physically indisposed at the sight of blood? Why do you find yourself laughing at the sight of the townsfolk in this serene, beautiful little seaside Cornwall town of Portwenn? It is what happened with most scenes, in all 9 episodes of this 3 DVD series. In almost every scene, I'd lift my eyebrows to the Mrs (we watched together), she'd pick up a corner of her mouth, and we'd both begin laughing.
We thoroughly enjoyed the stories and the quirky British people of this small town. Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) and his stern, grumpy, all-business, rude, and seeming heartless bedside manner, just adds to the hilarity--as he fails to see any of the joy in the village. The medical conditions he is faced to address are often as hilarious as the character that complains of the symptoms. Mix with that a love triangle the Doc in involved in, but fails to acknowledge, and you have a season of some of the best British Comedy/Drama ever produced.
This second season (Doc Martin: Series 2) is even better than the previously released first season.
___For starters, it's 50% longer, 9 50-minute episodes rather than just the 6 in Series One.
___The episodes seem to have several plots woven together, much more complex stories, than in the original set. The action moves quickly and keeps you spellbound every minute. You'll be so happy, that by owning the DVD, you don't have to wait a week for the next episode. Episodes do tend to have a carry-over link.
___And this series, unlike the original set, has SDH subtitles, something we found to be helpful with some of the dialect as well as British terms. Their biscuit is our cookie, tea is a meal, etc.
___Extras include some star cast filmographies.
___I still recommend you watch Series One as well, but it's not completely necessary. But after watching series 2 you will want the earlier set.
After seeing the zany activity in Doc Martin's surgery (GP office), I decided if American doctors had patients as quirky and strangely symptomatic, all of them would give up and turn to plumbing or painting.
This comedy series about a doctor's practice, reminded me of the hugely funny comedy "Pie In The Sky", a British comedy/drama about a detective who really wanted to be a cook. I've reviewed both and recommend both.
Just a few Details:
Episode 1__Doc Martin gets a new receptionist (Katherine Parkinson as Pauline) only better in some ways. He gets in hot water with Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole), because of her friend Muriel, who's son Danny, reunites with teacher, Louisa (Caroline Catz), whom Doc just recently kissed, a carry-over from Series One. I told you this had some woven plots.
2__Doc gets stuck with childcare for Peter while his mother gets stuck in the hospital. Bert Large (Ian McNeice), handyman, fries fish.
3__Doc has to compete with a herbal/nature remedy seller who is the sis to Mark (town cop) plus help the odd family with multiple problems who strongly object to house calls. Romantic question: Is Bert the REAL father of Al Large, now falling romantically for the new receptionist after being jilted by her sister?
4__Local radio host drinks and Mr. Cooke stinks--really, really stinks. And what's the new town's female bombshell doing with the local cop?
5__Mr. Pratt blames Doc for his wife's death but takes revenge by using pesticides that threaten Aunt Joan's organic farm license. Romance is muddled between cop/bombshell, Al/receptionist, and Doc/Louisa while another local teacher battles obsessive-compulsive disorder.
6___Doc's parents arrive in town to vex Aunt Joan. Doc forgets his manners while dealing with rapid weight gains of a local 50-year-old lady. Doc has to help his rival in the romantic triangle with Louisa. Doc, finally get's his own often used phrase, "Shut Up", told to him.
7__Mark (cop) and Al (his best-man after Doc rudely said "NO") get lost in the woods, Marks get's a snake bite, they get lost, the crazy forester who lived with a giant squirrel (season one) leads Doc toward them, and of course they both get lost too. Just another day of laughs in the forest.
8__Mark has an anatomy problem, his fiancee has her own problem, Doc is involved & making more problems, Danny and Louisa have a problem, the pharmacy neck brace lady has a problem, and Doc muddies the lives of all.
9__Birdwatchers, lunatics, explosives, guns, knives, romance and tourism all tickle the funny bone to an explosive degree.
Some touching moments, but mostly just beautiful scenery and hilarious activity in the life of a doctor in a small town. You will want more. But you'll have to wait for Series 3. That's the only negative I can state for this DVD set. "I want more."

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He’s surly, tactless, self-centered, and uptight--but he’s the only doctor in town.
As a hard-charging London surgeon, Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes, Men Behaving Badly) didn’t need a bedside manner. His patients were unconscious, so he could be as rude and arrogant as he pleased. All that changes when he develops a crippling fear of blood and is forced to give up surgery. Now a GP in a sleepy, picturesque Cornish fishing village, Doc Martin offends everyone in town, including the one person he wants to impress, beautiful teacher Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia). Getting her attention proves even more difficult when Louisa’s old flame returns to the village and becomes his new rival.
Martin Clunes shines in this award-winning comic drama set amid eccentric townsfolk and spectacular scenery. As the doctor says, "It’s good to be loathsome."
DVD FEATURES INCLUDE photo gallery and cast filmographies.

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Doc Martin: Series 4 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)FUN LOL BRITISH COMEDY. If you've not experienced DOC MARTIN prior, get every series now. Series 4 picks right up with the dramatic falling apart of a wedding ceremony from the ending of Series 3. So what can get worse? Everything. About the only thing that compares to the eccentric characters in Portwenn is way back to Mayberry RFD. Is Portwenn a British Mayberry? May-be! It's Cornwall corny. And also a Cornwall (filmed in Port Isaac) beautiful quaint fishing port.
Every weird local is back for Series 4. Rude, grumpy Doc (Martin Clunes) still gags at blood; Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole) is poorer thus less sane; teacher Louisa (Caroline Cutz) has an obvious situation; receptionist Pauline (Katherine Parkinson) is outrageously funny wanting a man, maybe Large Jr., son of Bert Large (Ian McNeice)plumber turned chef (ugh, don't order the soup); and newcomer Edith (Lia Williams)in charge of romantic mayhem. That's just the short-list of a crazy cast that keeps a tapestry of sub-plots moving fast.
A great family series, which does have a 'graphic medical scene' warning due to numerous accidents involving some blood for Doc Martin to gag or spew from. A surgeon afraid of blood is just part of the absurd humor. If you love English seaside village views and homespun humor, this will do & make you beg for more. Episodes carry over to the next and all with SUBTITLES. Some of the best British Doctor Comedy/Drama ever produced.
Need more evidence of greatness? Episode details:
1 BETTER THE DEVIL-Louisa left Portwenn & Doc is out-grouching his own sour records. Doc's ex-girlfriend from med school arrives. Will he soon be London bound? His blood phobia may decide.
2 UNEASY LIES THE HEAD-Louisa returns (much heavier) and town tongues tell tales. She doesn't want Martin involved. Edith becomes Louisa's doctor. Aunt Joan sides with Louisa & tells Doc to do right by her. The school headmaster acts stranger than the routine eccentric of Portwenn.
3 PERISH TOGETHER AS FOOLS-Local copper's bro is ill. There is romance all about--but not what you expect. Doc shows a rare sign of tenderness with seeing the baby scan.
4 DRIVING MR McLYNN-Louisa wants to be school head again, Joan needs money, & Doc tells Edith he applied for a surgery position but...what about the blood?
5 THE DEPARTED-Doc falsifies his blood fear problem in a surgery job interview. Doc's newly widowed patient is talking with her departed. A mental problem? Not uncommon for Portwenn. Joan gets sued.
6 MIDWIFE CRISIS-A midwife & Doc disagree on Louisa's care. Joan is told of Doc's new London job but who should tell Louisa? Bert's restaurant has a new cook, followed by an emergency.
7 DO NOT DISTURB-Word gets out the Doc is leaving Portwenn. Doc accompanies Edith to a conference but it ends differently than expected. Joan starts taking in B&B guests-paying guests.
8 THE WRONG GOODBYE-Doc's last day at Portwenn includes abundant patients, too many expressions of affection, Edith wanting an apology, Aunt Joan's on his back over his unborn baby, and...oh dear, an emergency at an emergency.
Bottom line recommendation: By all means watch it, but after Series 1, 2, & 3. Once you see Series 4, if not already owned, you WILL buy the others. Might as well watch them in order. Treat yourself. Laughter is good medicine.

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He’s surly, tactless, self-centered, and uptight--but he’s the only doctor in town.
"A smart, gentle comedy with loads of wit and zest" --The Globe and Mail (Canada)
After his wedding day disaster, Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes, Men Behaving Badly) is even grumpier and ruder than before. His former fiancée, Louisa (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia), has left the village to avoid embarrassment. The doctor himself plans to return to London as a surgeon--if he can conquer his fear of blood. But it’s hard to leave a place as charming and full of eccentric characters as Portwenn.
Matters quickly become complicated when Louisa moves back with startling news. Meanwhile, Martin’s old flame, Edith Montgomery (Lia Williams), takes a job at the local hospital and sets her sights on the doc. Sparks and rumors fly as patients crowd his office: a shouting oil rigger, the inept local constable, a woman who sees her dead husband’s ghost, and a man who eats his own hair. Facing all this, will Doc Martin leave Portwenn after all?
Contains graphic medical scenes.

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Hustle: The Complete Seasons 1-4 Review

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(More customer reviews)This series with its slick production values and plots that keeps your brain engaged is a rarity in the world of series television. I have to admit it I am a dyed in the wool Anglophile and this show was a delight, sassy and set in London what more could I want ? Each of the characters in this "family" of grifters is distinct and wonderful to watch in action. From Mickey who is so cool and suave that you expect that just to be near him your temp would drop ! Stacie who charms the socks off of every man she meets, Danny who is so much fun to watch since he is his own greatest fan, Ash who pulls equipment and skills out of thin air and finally to Albert who shows that cool can age gracefully , these folks are fun to watch. Never assume that they are the bad guys since from the first episode they remind you that you can't cheat an honest man and they spend episode after episode helping right some wrongs and lining their pockets - treat yourself right buy the whole series - and sit down and have a mini-marathon - You won't regret it !

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The art of the con is not dead. You merely can't see it. If you do see it, then it is inevitably always too late. It is an invisible crime built on the premise of finding some one who wants something for nothing and then giving them nothing for something. Choose the mark, reel them in, play on their desires and set them up. It doesn't matter whether they're black or white, male or female but they must be strictly major league. There are no quick fixes. Patience is truly a virtue in this game. All you have to do is make them believe... If you're rich, greedy, a taker... then beware! This team is driven to extract the cash from the amoral and the undeserving. They don't just con anyone and they aren't interested in your life savings. They have one golden rule: you can never con an honest man. They are con artists with a conscience. The marks are people we love to hate and can't wait to see being taken down a peg or two. The art of the con is not dead. You merely can't see it. If you do see it, then it is inevitably always too late. It is an invisible crime built on the premise of finding some one who wants something for nothing and then giving them nothing for something. Choose the mark, reel them in, play on their desires and set them up. It doesn't matter whether they're black or white, male or female but they must be strictly major league. There are no quick fixes. Patience is truly a virtue in this game. All you have to do is make them believe... If you're rich, greedy, a taker... then beware! This team is driven to extract the cash from the amoral and the undeserving. They don't just con anyone and they aren't interested in your life savings. They have one golden rule: you can never con an honest man. They are con artists with a conscience. The marks are people we love to hate and can't wait to see being taken down a peg or two.

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