Category: Box Sets

Annika. BBC IPlayer.

Written by Nick Walker and starring Nicola Walker Annika is a Scottish crime drama television series, based on the BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded.

Sharp, witty, enigmatic. DI Strandhed takes on unfathomable murders washed up in Scotland’s waterways – confiding in the audience as she hunts the killers. (BBC)

Unusual and innovative with a very talented cast this was my new obsession. I am a huge fan of Nicola Walker and this is different again from her other roles. I liked the historical references tied up with the cases. I liked the subtle humour. I also liked the fact that each episode is 47 minutes long. It is brilliant!

Race Across the World. BBC IPlayer.

Race Across the World Series 3.

I want to do this!

Five pairs of travellers participate in an epic race that will take them across Canada. However, there is a catch, the pairs cannot take planes, must leave behind their smartphones and credit cards, and will not have access to the internet. Provided only with the cash equivalent of their airfare from their starting destination to the finishing line, they must find innovative ways to manage their budget and conduct their journey. If they run out of money, they must earn some more to continue the journey. The duos must also pass through a number checkpoints along the way.

Narrated by John Hannah.

Canada was amazing and I love the idea of living on your wits with no tech to help you on your way.

HerStory.

I watched two French drama series recently, both starring the same three actresses: Audrey Fleurot, Camille Lou and Julie de Bona. Both loosely based on a true event and both HerStory. The woman’s side of historic events.

Created by Célile Lorne

In 1914, German troops advance, men leave for the front lines, and four women grapple with the devastating consequences of war at home in France.

creator: Catherine Ramberg

Amid a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women see their destinies turned upside down by forbidden love, identity theft, betrayal and emancipation.

Both were mini series of eight episodes each, with three brilliant actresses. Even managed to get past the dubbing.

Luther. Netflix.

Written by Neil Cross and starring Idris Elba.

A serial killer is terrorising London while disgraced detective John Luther sits behind bars. Haunted by his past failings, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job and capture a cyber-psychopath who has been taunting him.

Dark beyond your wildest imagination. Deeply disturbing but compelling viewing. Spent most of the time looking away from the screen. Luther fans won’t be disappointed.

Charlecote Park. Warwick.

Spent a fascinating morning at the National Trust property Charlecote Park last week.

Overlooking the river Avon on the edge of Shakespeare’s Stratford and home to the Lucy family for over 900 years, Charlecote Park is an immaculately preserved and presented Victorian family home. I love a Victorian House and this is one of the best- especially the kitchens and courtyard areas. After a wander around the house, the surrounding gardens and parkland provided a great walk with the family. The weather was cold and crisp; a perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/charlecote-park/things-to-see-and-do-in-the-house-at-charlecote-park

The Piano.All 4.

Claudia Winkleman hosts the search for the UK’s best amateur pianists playing at four UK train stations. The winner will play at the Royal Festival Hall.

With world famous pianist Lang Lang and singer Mika as judges, I thought this was going to be a bit ‘twee’. It was actually powerful.

Daisy Jones and the Six. Amazon Prime Video.

Starring Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Camila Morrone, Suki Waterhouse, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse and Sebastian Chacon.

Based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid and loosely based on 70s iconic band Fleetwood Mac. Set in late 1970s LA, the series charts the rise and fall of the fictional rock band, Daisy Jones and the Six.

I absolutely loved this and there is a great soundtrack on Amazon.