The ex-soldier has marched 36,000 miles since he left Hull in 1998. He’s crossed the Americas, Asia and Europe, fallen in love, been held at gunpoint and been deported, in between nearly drowning, nearly dying of thirst and nearly being eaten. But that’s just the start of it …
Something Old:
In this crazy VUCAA world I’ve been diving into drama – especially escapism, gritty, quirky, humorous, larger-than-life stuff.
IQ not tested. EQ needed.
Starting with some old favourites:
- Fauda – Series V. High octane, gritty, post October 7th reality with some depth and intimacy for all sides of the conflict. Three gripping characters – Doron, Gabi and Eli. My favourite series – just ahead of 3 and 1 because of its slower, more emotionally complex pace. (Netflix)
- The Diplomat – Series 4. Breaks on October 15th. The delicate US/UK relationship, the threat of Russia and the escalating professional/personal relationships between the ‘core four’ – US President, Vice President, First Gentleman and Ambassador Kate Wyler heats up – and up and up. Revisit the last two episodes of season 3 to brush up before October 15th. (Netflix)
- Another big personal favourite – Slow Horses – Series 6. On Apple. Beautifully shot, well staged, a clear, credible, well-told story, easy on the eye and predictably action packed. 8/10.
- Mobland – Series II. On Paramount+ / Prime. The back story of Tom Hardy / Helen Mirren was all over the media. And has been dampened down by Paramount with ‘on set tensions’ relieved – and Tom (Harry da Souza) having signed on for a season 3. (So we also know he’ll survive season 2 – which is off to a super-fast, super-violent, super-surprising start in episodes 1 and 2.) All a bit like the EPL and Man City – which I hope will end in a similar way – with City still in the EPL – winning Championships – in 2027/onwards. And the EPL (just about) saving face.
And a reminder in case you missed them:
- Professor T – Series 1 – 5 on Amazon Prime. The English version with Ben Miller as the charismatic lead.
- The Paris Murders – Series 1 – 7 (Profilage) or Profiling is a TFI production that ran for 10 seasons – 2009 – 2020, and seven series are currently available on Amazon Prime. Criminal psychologists working alongside Paris Homocide. With one stand-out star in particular – Odile Vuillemin who plays the eccentrically brilliant profiler Chloe in seasons 1 – 6.
- The irrepressible Omar Sy returns as Lupin in Lupin Part 4 on October 23rd. I’ve enjoyed the humour/cleverness of the show so far. I’m hoping for more of the same.
Something New:
- The Cage. A BBC1 show – with my friend and huge talent Hilary Martin – a free Lancastrian spirit – executive producing. Stars Sheridan Smith and tells the story of a Lancastrian/Liverpudlian thriller with real Northern humour. A must watch.
And now for something completely different.
- France 1504. An assassin and his daughter. “If you want a long and peaceful life, never have children” – the opening scene. Nero The Assassin. It’s irreverent, funny and action packed. French drama in a golden period – action and thriller wise. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m enjoying it (in small doses, one episode at a time).
- Sweet Pea. New to me – but one season in (2024), with season 2 on its way early next year. On Sky Atlantic. Dark British humour at its best. A Starz original. Ella Purnell is impossible to forget – balancing timid naivete with chilling, unhinged rage. Impactful to say the least.
- Two other Amazon Prime series. Reacher spin-off Neagley (I loved her in the books and Maria Sten brings her to life here). And a great crime show Task (HBO) on Prime – with top tier performances by Mark Ruffalo as a troubled FBI agent and Tom Pelphrey as the bad guy. A slow burn start, accelerating into a non-stop final episode.
That’s all Folks.