Britain's Got Gremlins
The first 3 days of the semi finals for Britain's Got Talent have been hit. The first night show was hit by a power cut that took off the show from TV screens for around 10 minutes, this was blamed on back weather. The next night a stage invader managed to hit all the judge's buzzers before being caught. And last night host Declan Donelly had to stall for time because a comedy striptease routine was not ready to performed. It can not be said that series has not been memorable but just for the wrong reasons.
Thursday, 31 May 2018
Wednesday, 30 May 2018
Joint venture?
News has emerged of a possible link up of BBC and ITV to buy UKTV. Currently jointly owned by BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the BBC) and Eurosport owners Discovery, UKTV emerged from the old UK Gold channel which was owned by BBC Enterprises (the precursor to BBC Worldwide) and then ITV franchise owner Thames Television. Any such move would need to be approved by the Government.
News has emerged of a possible link up of BBC and ITV to buy UKTV. Currently jointly owned by BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the BBC) and Eurosport owners Discovery, UKTV emerged from the old UK Gold channel which was owned by BBC Enterprises (the precursor to BBC Worldwide) and then ITV franchise owner Thames Television. Any such move would need to be approved by the Government.
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Madeley on the warpath
For 12 years from 1988 Richard Madeley (along with his wife Judy Finnigian) the ITV daytime programme This Morning. For each edition the couple would introduce items about health, fashion, food and the couple would conduct an interview with a celebrity. However Madeley had a much more sober background in working for various local Radio and TV new programmes. It was this background that saw him standing in for Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain. In an interview with Britain's Sectary of Defence Gavin Williamson Madeley asked him about his attacks on Russia and the language used. Williamson repeatedly did not answer the question at which point Madeley declared that he was terminating the interview. Some have compared the incident to something Alan Partidge would do, Madeley has said that he is a fan of the character. One has to wonder if Alan had an influence on Madeley's technique today.
For 12 years from 1988 Richard Madeley (along with his wife Judy Finnigian) the ITV daytime programme This Morning. For each edition the couple would introduce items about health, fashion, food and the couple would conduct an interview with a celebrity. However Madeley had a much more sober background in working for various local Radio and TV new programmes. It was this background that saw him standing in for Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain. In an interview with Britain's Sectary of Defence Gavin Williamson Madeley asked him about his attacks on Russia and the language used. Williamson repeatedly did not answer the question at which point Madeley declared that he was terminating the interview. Some have compared the incident to something Alan Partidge would do, Madeley has said that he is a fan of the character. One has to wonder if Alan had an influence on Madeley's technique today.
Monday, 28 May 2018
Star Wars - Revenge of the Fans
This weekend saw Solo: A Star Wars story post a very disappointing 83 million dollar opening. Now most films would be happy with that sum but given this is the Stars Wars Franchise we are talking about this is a massively disappointing figure. So would say that this a result of hard core fans fury at the direction the films have taken since Disney took over in particular the treatment of classic characters in particular the turning of Luke Skywalker into a misanthropic hermit. 3 more films in the franchise are due to come out soon, the final part of the new trilogy and 2 spin offs featuring Ewen McGregor's Obi Wan Kenobi and the bounty hunter Boba Fett. We shall see if there any change of plans.
This weekend saw Solo: A Star Wars story post a very disappointing 83 million dollar opening. Now most films would be happy with that sum but given this is the Stars Wars Franchise we are talking about this is a massively disappointing figure. So would say that this a result of hard core fans fury at the direction the films have taken since Disney took over in particular the treatment of classic characters in particular the turning of Luke Skywalker into a misanthropic hermit. 3 more films in the franchise are due to come out soon, the final part of the new trilogy and 2 spin offs featuring Ewen McGregor's Obi Wan Kenobi and the bounty hunter Boba Fett. We shall see if there any change of plans.
Sunday, 27 May 2018
Roger Cook and the iron bar
probably one of the best known investigative journalists the UK has ever known is Roger Cook. He shot to fame with the Radio 4 programme Checkpoint where he confronted wrong doers with evidence of their crimes. One such instance was his clash with notorious Rock manager Don (father of Sharon Osbourne) Arden which had Arden threatening Cook with a writ that never was served. Arden's career was never the same again. Cook would do work for other BBC Radio and TV programmes such as Newsnight for which he did a piece about dealer selling fake antiques as the geniue article. Having caught one such dealer on tape to admitting to his crimes, Cook confronts him with the evidence only for the dealer to attack him and the rest of the crew with an iron bar with Cook himself suffering 3 cracked ribs. Cook's big claim to fame was when he moved to present The Cook Report for 12 years between 1987 and 1999 which saw him tackle issues like protection rackets, big game poaching and terrorism in his own unique manner.
You can see Roger Cook's run in the fake antiques dealer on Youtube
probably one of the best known investigative journalists the UK has ever known is Roger Cook. He shot to fame with the Radio 4 programme Checkpoint where he confronted wrong doers with evidence of their crimes. One such instance was his clash with notorious Rock manager Don (father of Sharon Osbourne) Arden which had Arden threatening Cook with a writ that never was served. Arden's career was never the same again. Cook would do work for other BBC Radio and TV programmes such as Newsnight for which he did a piece about dealer selling fake antiques as the geniue article. Having caught one such dealer on tape to admitting to his crimes, Cook confronts him with the evidence only for the dealer to attack him and the rest of the crew with an iron bar with Cook himself suffering 3 cracked ribs. Cook's big claim to fame was when he moved to present The Cook Report for 12 years between 1987 and 1999 which saw him tackle issues like protection rackets, big game poaching and terrorism in his own unique manner.
You can see Roger Cook's run in the fake antiques dealer on Youtube
Friday, 25 May 2018
Thursday, 24 May 2018
More Poirot on the way.
John Malkovich has been announced as playing Herclue Poirot in an new BBC TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders. The story sees Poirot being taunted by a serial killer who leaves a copy of the ABC guide at the scene of their crimes. Among Malkovich's co-stars include Rupert Grint putting aside Ron Weasly. There had been a previous TV version which was part of David Suchet's run in the role and you can find it in my Best of: Agatha Christie's Poirot list. Kenneth Brannagh is also planning to make a big screen reprise of the character after last year's Murder on the Orient Express. Brannagh's second take on the role is expected to be in an new version of Death of the Nile which was previously a film in 1978 starring Peter Ustinov and a 2004 TV version starring again David Suchet.
John Malkovich has been announced as playing Herclue Poirot in an new BBC TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders. The story sees Poirot being taunted by a serial killer who leaves a copy of the ABC guide at the scene of their crimes. Among Malkovich's co-stars include Rupert Grint putting aside Ron Weasly. There had been a previous TV version which was part of David Suchet's run in the role and you can find it in my Best of: Agatha Christie's Poirot list. Kenneth Brannagh is also planning to make a big screen reprise of the character after last year's Murder on the Orient Express. Brannagh's second take on the role is expected to be in an new version of Death of the Nile which was previously a film in 1978 starring Peter Ustinov and a 2004 TV version starring again David Suchet.
Wednesday, 23 May 2018
Best of: Sharpe
Sean Bean is Richard Sharpe a lowly Infantryman promoted after he saves the Duke of Wellington (first played by David Troughton then by Hugh Fraser) from a French raid in the series based on Bernard Cornwell. These are the 5 best episodes.
1. Sharpe's Eagle
When the regiment's colours are sized by the French, Sharpe aims to reply the favour by capturing a ceremonial eagle touched by the hand of Napoleon himself. Featuring in an early role Daniel Craig wearing a black wig.
2. Sharpe's Siege
British forces lay siege to a heavily fortified French Fort. During this engagement Sharpe comes an old foe, Obidiah Hawkeswill played by the much missed Pete Postlewaite
3. Sharpe's Sword
Sharpe finds himself on the trail of a French spy in the British High Command while helping a novice (Emily Mortimer) from a traumatic attack.
4. Sharpe's Honour
When he is accused of the murder of a Spanish General, Sharpe in his efforts to clear his name finds a French plot to break up the Anglo-Spanish alliance.
5. Sharpe's Challenge
Sharpe is sent to India to head off a revolt by masterminding by a rouge British officer played by Toby Stephens. Bean and Stephens played Pierce Brosnan's First and Last antagonists during his reign as James Bond.
Sean Bean is Richard Sharpe a lowly Infantryman promoted after he saves the Duke of Wellington (first played by David Troughton then by Hugh Fraser) from a French raid in the series based on Bernard Cornwell. These are the 5 best episodes.
1. Sharpe's Eagle
When the regiment's colours are sized by the French, Sharpe aims to reply the favour by capturing a ceremonial eagle touched by the hand of Napoleon himself. Featuring in an early role Daniel Craig wearing a black wig.
2. Sharpe's Siege
British forces lay siege to a heavily fortified French Fort. During this engagement Sharpe comes an old foe, Obidiah Hawkeswill played by the much missed Pete Postlewaite
3. Sharpe's Sword
Sharpe finds himself on the trail of a French spy in the British High Command while helping a novice (Emily Mortimer) from a traumatic attack.
4. Sharpe's Honour
When he is accused of the murder of a Spanish General, Sharpe in his efforts to clear his name finds a French plot to break up the Anglo-Spanish alliance.
5. Sharpe's Challenge
Sharpe is sent to India to head off a revolt by masterminding by a rouge British officer played by Toby Stephens. Bean and Stephens played Pierce Brosnan's First and Last antagonists during his reign as James Bond.
Tuesday, 22 May 2018
Monday, 21 May 2018
Sunday, 20 May 2018
Peter and the verdict
Tonight on BBC1 see the start of A Very English Scandal a drama written by Russell T Davies about the illicit relationship between Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thrope and Norman Scott. Thrope is played by Hugh Grant continuing his break from the Rom Com roles that seemed to dominate his career since the mid 1990s and Scott is played by Ben Wishaw best known for being the current Q in the James Bond films and the voice of Paddington Bear. The affair ended with a murder attempt on Scott's life. Thrope and 3 others were put on trial However the Judge hearing the case made great play of Thrope's previous good behaviour and all 4 defendants were cleared of charges. This did not go down well in some circles. Famed satirist Peter Cook did a routine at the 1979 Sercert Policeman's Ball. The routine mocked the one sided nature of the summing up case. Cook even used such phases as player of the pink oboe (suggested by none other than Billy Connolly) to illustrate the judge's out of touch attitude.
You can see the routine on Youtube.
Tonight on BBC1 see the start of A Very English Scandal a drama written by Russell T Davies about the illicit relationship between Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thrope and Norman Scott. Thrope is played by Hugh Grant continuing his break from the Rom Com roles that seemed to dominate his career since the mid 1990s and Scott is played by Ben Wishaw best known for being the current Q in the James Bond films and the voice of Paddington Bear. The affair ended with a murder attempt on Scott's life. Thrope and 3 others were put on trial However the Judge hearing the case made great play of Thrope's previous good behaviour and all 4 defendants were cleared of charges. This did not go down well in some circles. Famed satirist Peter Cook did a routine at the 1979 Sercert Policeman's Ball. The routine mocked the one sided nature of the summing up case. Cook even used such phases as player of the pink oboe (suggested by none other than Billy Connolly) to illustrate the judge's out of touch attitude.
You can see the routine on Youtube.
Friday, 18 May 2018
Red Box - a view on the mid 1980s Pop scene
Tonight on BBC4 the repeat of an edition from 1985 of Top of the Pops features a performance by Red Box of their Top Ten hit Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo). They would have a further hit with For America, a scathing commentary on American Politics. After that they slid Pop into osbcurity. There was 20 year gap between their second album 1990's Motive and their third Plenty. To promote the release of Plenty singer Simon Toulson-Clarke gave an interview in 2010 to the Youtube channel of Cherry Red Records who were releasing the record. In the interview Toulson-Clarke talks about how he get started, the changing nature of the music scene, why Red Box had limited success and the reason for the long gap between albums. One highlight is when Toulson-Clarke talks a performance of For America on kids TV game show Cheggers Plays Pop in which the band performed among kids waving the Stars and Stripes thereby giving a contrast between the song's lyrics and the visuals on show.
You can see the interview on Youtube
Tonight on BBC4 the repeat of an edition from 1985 of Top of the Pops features a performance by Red Box of their Top Ten hit Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo). They would have a further hit with For America, a scathing commentary on American Politics. After that they slid Pop into osbcurity. There was 20 year gap between their second album 1990's Motive and their third Plenty. To promote the release of Plenty singer Simon Toulson-Clarke gave an interview in 2010 to the Youtube channel of Cherry Red Records who were releasing the record. In the interview Toulson-Clarke talks about how he get started, the changing nature of the music scene, why Red Box had limited success and the reason for the long gap between albums. One highlight is when Toulson-Clarke talks a performance of For America on kids TV game show Cheggers Plays Pop in which the band performed among kids waving the Stars and Stripes thereby giving a contrast between the song's lyrics and the visuals on show.
You can see the interview on Youtube
Thursday, 17 May 2018
Wednesday, 16 May 2018
Short orders
The fate of 3 US TV shows have been revealed and it is mixed news for all of them. Gotham, Marvel's Agents of S.H. I. E. D. and Lethal Weapon have all been renewed but with shorter episode counts. Lethal Weapon has found a replacement for Clayne Crawford in the shape of Seann William Scott best known for his role in the American Pie films. Fans of AoS will have to wait for the next season as it will shown next summer with some believing it will tie into the next Avengers film. While others belive Gotham will end with Bruce Wayne taking on the mantle of Batman.
The fate of 3 US TV shows have been revealed and it is mixed news for all of them. Gotham, Marvel's Agents of S.H. I. E. D. and Lethal Weapon have all been renewed but with shorter episode counts. Lethal Weapon has found a replacement for Clayne Crawford in the shape of Seann William Scott best known for his role in the American Pie films. Fans of AoS will have to wait for the next season as it will shown next summer with some believing it will tie into the next Avengers film. While others belive Gotham will end with Bruce Wayne taking on the mantle of Batman.
Tuesday, 15 May 2018
Monday, 14 May 2018
BAFTA TV Awards winners 2018
Among those going away with trophies were Sean Bean for his role as a Priest in Jimmy McGovern's drama Broken. After 4 years on air Peaky Binders won Best Drama Series. The big surprise of the night was when Casualty beat both Coronation Street and Emmerdale to the Best Soap & Continuing Drama award
Among those going away with trophies were Sean Bean for his role as a Priest in Jimmy McGovern's drama Broken. After 4 years on air Peaky Binders won Best Drama Series. The big surprise of the night was when Casualty beat both Coronation Street and Emmerdale to the Best Soap & Continuing Drama award
Sunday, 13 May 2018
Eurovison 2018
This year's contest was won by Israel with Netta singing Toy. Hosts Portugal suffered the indignity of finishing last. The UK meanwhile finsihed third from last but the main talking point was a stage invasion that happened midway through British entrants SuRie performance. The singer turned down a chance to perform again. It appears that the stage invader has previous form in having performed a simaller act at this year's National Television Awards, he is currently helping the local police with their enquires.
This year's contest was won by Israel with Netta singing Toy. Hosts Portugal suffered the indignity of finishing last. The UK meanwhile finsihed third from last but the main talking point was a stage invasion that happened midway through British entrants SuRie performance. The singer turned down a chance to perform again. It appears that the stage invader has previous form in having performed a simaller act at this year's National Television Awards, he is currently helping the local police with their enquires.
Friday, 11 May 2018
Awful quiz show answer of the day 11-05-2018
On today's Pointless contestant were asked to identify one of the Top 20 best selling singles ever in the UK with the only clue being the act who performed it. One contestant thought Bryan Adam's Summer of 69 was one. As everyone knows It was Everything I Do, I Do It for You was Adams big seller while Summer of 69 did not make the top 40 on it's release.
On today's Pointless contestant were asked to identify one of the Top 20 best selling singles ever in the UK with the only clue being the act who performed it. One contestant thought Bryan Adam's Summer of 69 was one. As everyone knows It was Everything I Do, I Do It for You was Adams big seller while Summer of 69 did not make the top 40 on it's release.
Thursday, 10 May 2018
The quality of the challengers
Just 2 more editions of 20th anniversary Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? to be shown producers have been dealt an unexpected blow, the below par performance of contestants. So far the series has seen more than half of the challengers have walked away just a thousand pounds. Not the celebrations anyone was expecting.
Just 2 more editions of 20th anniversary Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? to be shown producers have been dealt an unexpected blow, the below par performance of contestants. So far the series has seen more than half of the challengers have walked away just a thousand pounds. Not the celebrations anyone was expecting.
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
Lethal replacement needed
The second season of the TV version of Lethal Weapon has just finished in the US and one person will won't be coming will Clayne Crawford who plays Martin Riggs. The reason for his sacking is on set behaviour. The role of Riggs will be recast for the next season. There will be those drawing comparsions with the actor who first played Martin Riggs in the cinema, Mel Gibson.
The second season of the TV version of Lethal Weapon has just finished in the US and one person will won't be coming will Clayne Crawford who plays Martin Riggs. The reason for his sacking is on set behaviour. The role of Riggs will be recast for the next season. There will be those drawing comparsions with the actor who first played Martin Riggs in the cinema, Mel Gibson.
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
Monday, 7 May 2018
Sunday, 6 May 2018
TV ratings 5-5-2018
After all the hype the week of special editions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The first edition to be hosted by Jeremy Clarkson was seen by just over 5 million viewers. Though perhaps the most pressing concern for ITV is the standard of contestants with 2 of the first three leaving with just a thousand pounds each after they both answered the sixth question wrongly. We shall see what the next 6 episodes bring.
After all the hype the week of special editions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The first edition to be hosted by Jeremy Clarkson was seen by just over 5 million viewers. Though perhaps the most pressing concern for ITV is the standard of contestants with 2 of the first three leaving with just a thousand pounds each after they both answered the sixth question wrongly. We shall see what the next 6 episodes bring.
Friday, 4 May 2018
Who wants to leave with nothing?
With the return of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to our TV screens it is time remind ourselves not everyone will be fortunate. In order to leave with some money contestestants had to answer the first five questions correctly or leave with nothing. The following is one contestant who reached the fifth question.
Question: Which Girls name is the the title of a Jane Austen novel
Options: Margaret, Jane, Emma, Susan
Contestant answer: Jane
At which point host Chris Tarrent told the contestant they were wrong and the right answer was Emma. The contestant then walked away in defeat.
With the return of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to our TV screens it is time remind ourselves not everyone will be fortunate. In order to leave with some money contestestants had to answer the first five questions correctly or leave with nothing. The following is one contestant who reached the fifth question.
Question: Which Girls name is the the title of a Jane Austen novel
Options: Margaret, Jane, Emma, Susan
Contestant answer: Jane
At which point host Chris Tarrent told the contestant they were wrong and the right answer was Emma. The contestant then walked away in defeat.
Thursday, 3 May 2018
Once everywhere but now?
There are some personalities that were omnipresent but are now are somewhat forgotten. Here are 3.
Lee Hurst
Made his name on the sports related comedy panel game show They Think it's Over. Took on less media work only to come back into the spot light after making remarks seemingly condoning torture.
Tony Slattery
From appearing in films with the likes of Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson to starring in his own sit com Sattery was every where. But he suffered burn out in part due to having Bipolar Disorder.
Nick Hancock
With both Room 101 and They Think it's Over Nick Hancock had sigficen TV presence. However Since then the programmes Hancock has worked have failed to have the same impact as those 2 shows.
There are some personalities that were omnipresent but are now are somewhat forgotten. Here are 3.
Lee Hurst
Made his name on the sports related comedy panel game show They Think it's Over. Took on less media work only to come back into the spot light after making remarks seemingly condoning torture.
Tony Slattery
From appearing in films with the likes of Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson to starring in his own sit com Sattery was every where. But he suffered burn out in part due to having Bipolar Disorder.
Nick Hancock
With both Room 101 and They Think it's Over Nick Hancock had sigficen TV presence. However Since then the programmes Hancock has worked have failed to have the same impact as those 2 shows.
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Who Piers does not like
During an heated debate on this morning's Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan was accused by Labour MP Rupa Huq of trying to be like Jeremy Paxman. Paxman will go down in British TV as one of the most combative interviewers. Morgan responded I do not like Jeremy Paxman. This may go back to the evidence Paxman provided to the Levenson Enquiry into press intrusion in which he related how Morgan told him how to hack a mobile phone in front of a group of other people while at a dinner party they were both at.
During an heated debate on this morning's Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan was accused by Labour MP Rupa Huq of trying to be like Jeremy Paxman. Paxman will go down in British TV as one of the most combative interviewers. Morgan responded I do not like Jeremy Paxman. This may go back to the evidence Paxman provided to the Levenson Enquiry into press intrusion in which he related how Morgan told him how to hack a mobile phone in front of a group of other people while at a dinner party they were both at.
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