Editha

I found the ending of Shetland disappointing. I was going to start reading Ann Cleeve, but I don't think I will now.

mikelincs

Don't forget that both Shetland and Vera are 'based on characters and stories created by Ann Cleeve' they are not dramatisations of actual stories she has written. So the books will be somewhat different from what we see on screen

Editha

True. The 'Midsomer Murders' books are very good.

bandrui

Sometimes we just like different things. I thought the ending of Shetland was excellent and quite unexpected but haven't watched Midsomer Murders in quite a while now. It's a bit silly now that we get such good edgy dramas.

Editha

I'm not sure I made myself clear. What I meant was that the Midsomer books are good compared to the TV, which is rubbish.

IMO, it is a distinguishing feature of poor detective drama, that when scriptwriters have difficulty resolving a plot, they make the murderer a mad person. In that respect, the last episode of Shetland was no different to any episode of Midsomer Murders.

bandrui

Ah. I see. I haven't read the books so can't comment on that.

lf1

Gardeners' World returned to BBC1 last Friday.. There is a new addition to the team, a puppy named Nellie. It was fun to watch her playing with Nigel.

Monty Don is also hosting another series of Big Dreams Small Spaces, BBC 2, Thursday @ 8.00. Started a few weeks ago, but I forgot to post details.

Editha

Dr Thorne starts this evening. It is a measure of Julian Fellowes success that he is getting bigger billing for adapting the book than Trollope who wrote it.

It means that Tom Hollander is on two channels simultaneously because he is also in The Night Manager.

bandrui

The last Johnathan Ross show had Tom Hollander as one of the guests. he was hilarious. Haven't laughed so much in ages. Recommend watching it on iplayer.

bandrui

I'm really disappointed that Vera seems to be over already. That's it? 4 episodes? It feels as though it just got started again!

curleytops

They're two-hour episodes, I think that may be why they only do the four at a time.

fulwood

I didn't like Dr. Thorne but loved Tom Hollander and Ian McShane in their roles. There is another Scandi drama on BBC4 called Follow the Money. Would recommend it..

bandrui

Yes, watching Follow the Money, also Thicker than Water and Blue Eyes on Channel 4. Thicker than Water is good. Just about to watch episode 1 of Blue Eyes.

Wow Line of Duty is back with a bang!

fulwood

I will check out Thicker Than Water. Love Line of Duty series. I read they are doing a Season 4 as well!

bandrui

I forgot about Match Day on Channel 4. It's good. By the same director as Spiral.

Really enjoyed episode 1 of Blues Eyes. It's a Swedish political drama.