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Neighbours: Episode #1.9118 (2024)
Terrible writing destroyed the Rebecchis
Sad to see Toadie depart - grown up with him - but this was inevitable since the awful Fake Dee plot and Sonya/Steph's unrealistic surrogacy storyline. Unfortunately, yet again, the writers just ran out of decent ideas so I finally quit watching after viewing from episode 1 as soon as I heard they were killing off Sonya because they didn't value her and the Rebecchi family, The show desperately needed and still needs a long-term, stable household that will last after Karl and Susan finish. I popped back for the 'finale' thinking that Toadie marrying Mel had slightly rectified his situation, as well as the bad decision to break up Melanie and Joe Mangle. However, when the show undid that too, wedding Toadfish for a fifth time the very next episode in the reboot, I literally threw up! Whilst this new pairing was actually good in many ways eg professional equals and fun at times, and longevity of both characters, it was too fragile to keep me watching. And I could never adapt to Nell's enormous age leap.
Toadie, sorry to see you go, but even more sorry that your storylines got so terrible.
Big thanks and best wishes to Ryan x.
Beauty and the Billionaire (2022)
Good for background
This movie is perfect to have on in the background, especially once into the beach location. It verges on being an unoriginal flick, but the lead's various interactions/friendships etc make this a more interesting watch - not so much classic 'best friend' but brother and work acquaintances. There's a bit of intrigue with business scenarios and movement in storyline. I like that the characters develop, but still have their traits. The production is slightly clunky in places, but not overly dramatic nor too noisy, as some soundtracks can be. It is pretty suitable for all ages, with a child character in the mix.
Just Add Love (2022)
Came good in time
I wasn't sure about this movie at first, but the bits that bugged me were actually plot lines rather than poor movie-making. Whilst the basic format is of course is typically unoriginal for this genre, there are some fresh details and modern incidents that bring something new. Whatever you think of the content, it is still worth watching for the scenery and I also prefer the relatively small casts of these covid-era productions - these two elements give the film a more laid back feel. Being set in the warmer months, it both celebrates summer and provides escapism from a cold winter, so great to view any time of year.
Midsomer Murders: A Grain of Truth (2022)
Part great part boring - but good location so would watch again
Really good start and ending but the middle was unoriginal and boring. I prefer these less spooky, more light-hearted episodes and nice to see the dog again. Great location setting and I liked the mill montages with the theme and music etc. I also enjoyed the mystery of why chalk-and-cheese Sarah and Vanessa are friends - I'd actually quite like to see Vanessa again, she mixes up the regular dynamic. There's a bit of drama/action thrown in to add interest later on. I don't quite understand why UK is so far behind other countries with shows like this - always makes nervous when ITV delays showing stuff as they had so much Heartbeat saved up, they axed it.
This Little Love of Mine (2021)
Good but a bit repetitive
There's nothing nasty about this movie so it passes the time nicely. However the plot has little originality and is quite repetitive. There's a good age range of adult characters and the main setting is beautiful. The opening music has been used a lot on British TV factual shows, so it is slightly weird to hear it in a movie, but not a problem. Also weird to hear Saskia Hampele as a non-Australian having watched her for a few years on Neighbours a good while ago, although this different accent helped me expect former characters a bit less - I kept expecting Kyle Canning and Bossy the dog to run on screen at the start!
Love's Last Resort (2017)
Silly, Serious, Sad, Sweet
Jesse Hutch does some beautiful movies and some zany ones - this is both, starting silly but ends sweet, a bit like his Snowmance flick. The characters are a bit over the top, but quite realistic too. I wish the older friend had a bigger role to give more age variety - she gets ousted for a while by the hotel event planner, which is unusual for the TV romance format, but this movie is definitely a break from the normal fare, indeed it feels a little bit like Julia Robert's My Best Friend's Wedding, rather than a Telly production. I possibly would watch again, but it took a bit too long to set up.
McDonald & Dodds: Wedding Fever (2024)
Feels a bit too clever
There's a lot to love about this episode, but something makes me feel really uncomfortable too. On the face of it, this edition has it all -the cunning mystery is complex and original, McDonald's story is clever (albeit a bit predictable), there's hints of romance and of course the complementing cross-generational interaction that is the essence of the entire run. But ... it the writing feels a bit too convoluted and arrogant even. The Olive staffs' interactions are as good as usual, but this is not the strongest finale and feels a bit flat, don't know why. Maybe there are too many guest characters. But overall an enjoyable fourth season.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9076 (2024)
Sad but comforting
With lots of nods to past times and former characters, this episode is sad but uplifting. We've all experienced loss in one form or another and some days life feels unbearable, but Jane has found a hope for the future - and that is a comfort for us all. I hope Toadie finds his peace too. Neighbours is better for having long-standing characters and respectful connections to the past, and it is never as good when there's too much new blood. As we lose the current classic characters, the show will need to bring back some from the Nineties and Noughties - Lucas, Vanessa and kids would be good, I feel like they've been in the wings for a long time. In all honesty, it won't be as good as the current spread of eras though, but that's inevitable going to be gone.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9075 (2024)
So sad for The Toad x
Although we're the same age, it took me a few years to appreciate Toadfish Rebecchi, but, having been through a lot of loss myself, I totally get how overwhelmed he is with memories. I've been saying for a while that I need to move away for a fresh start because everywhere I go locally, I just cry for the past. Whilst I'm already grieving for Toadie's imminent departure, because the show and I need his fun side, I feel like it's a sign I'll be gone soon too. Weirdly, I couldn't watch Sonya's death because I had my own bereavement and additional family cancer situation at the time, and another now as the Toad is about to bid farewell. I'm not sure if watching helps or makes things worse - probably a bit of both, but thank you Ryan M for being part of my family's daily life for 30 years x.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: How to Murder a Tune (2024)
Glory Be! Another Amusing Spoof
This fun and uplifting episode is another spoof of a long-running screen series, namely Songs Of Praise. Whilst there aren't the detailed jokes of the Agent Best / James Bond season opener, there is a lot of Great Slaughter humour, with Mrs Clam and the nuns. The series packs a lot into 40 minutes blending the mystery and village storylines well. Sister Boniface's reveries get more and more random, but still entertaining whilst adding to the crime's solution. We are missing her scooter a lot this season, especially after just finding out it was inspired by Mrs Divine when Boniface guested for the second time on parent show Father Brown. I also miss Ruth Penny, and would love to see the different dynamic of her and Sam as an actually married couple because we don't have a regular couple in the SB universe, despite this being a 60s semi-rural drama.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9070 (2024)
Wish Sky, Dylan and kids were back.
I know Sky's with Lana now, but really the show could do with Sky, Dylan and the kids back in Ramsay Street. It would be interesting to see them together a couple of decades on. Neighbours has had so much partner swapping, that we haven't seen enough long-term relations develop. Would also love to see more interaction between cousins Jane and Sky plus Toadie and Dylan now they are all older.
Whilst I like Toadie and Terese, I just heard that Toadie's departure has been likely since before the reboot, so I really wish he'd left with Sonya or stayed with Melanie because having a fifth marriage was too far-fetched unless it was for the future of the show eg being the new Karl and Susan in a few years. I really have no interest in Neighbours weddings now, because they disintegrate so fast.
I wonder if Ryan Moloney (Toadie) and Scott Major will swap jobs, and Scott will take a break from directing to return as Lucas with Vanessa and family.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: A Fragrant Scandal (2024)
Different to the spoof episodes - fun final scene.
I've enjoyed the recent James Bond / Doctor Who spoofs, but it is good to have an original story here. As the time isn't spent on TV references / jokes, there are several twists here, some of which are really fun and cute - indeed for a murder mystery, it is very upbeat. It is nice to see more of Mrs Clam with her relative here, who would be a good addition to the series, if they could make her work relevant, maybe on the forensics side. I really love the friendship of Sister Boniface and Sam - they have such a different view on relationships, but that actually makes them very safe and therefore comfortable around each.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: Professor Y (2024)
Lots of fun - even the end credits!
There's loads packed into this episode, with the weekly story, ongoing character arcs / jokes and a different kind of mystery. I'm surprised this followed so soon after the 007 spoof Agent Best, but it is very different. I love the outfits - what a great production to work on for costume and props crew, supporting actors and music too. This series portrays the era context and resulting generational differences well, proving drama and humour. The characters continue to be mild-to-very quirky, but they do have depth and the community interacts together really well. So far, this season has been the most consistent having settled into its own style.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: House of Misfit Dolls (2024)
Good ending and not too creepy for dolls!
It was always gonna be tricky after this season's epic opener and it took me a while longer to get into this story, but plenty of the villagers pop up as the episode develops, which helped. This wasn't too creepy for a doll theme, although it is quite sad but the ending is really sweet / has a cliffhanger so doesn't end downbeat. Sister Boniface's little reverie is a bit different this time. As usual some of the dialogue is too modern, plus younger people rarely called older people by their first name, even in my little rural village in 2020s you have to check with them as it can cause offense. Looking forward to seeing how the season story arc evolves.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: Never Too Deadly to Die (2024)
One of the best episodes
I really enjoyed the previous episode (Christmas Special) and this is just as good. It's a fun action spoof from start to finish with a tiny hint of heartbreak thrown in, just like we'd get in a Bond movie. I was wondering how Boniface, Sister Boniface (best line of many good ones) would fantasise this time and it was spot on for her character. It works well have Ruth Penny pop back, rather than be in every episode as she and Sam are so intense. I thought she might have had his kid whilst away, but I'm glad she hasn't for her career but mainly I'd much rather see him settle down with her in the traditional way/order in a later season because it would be that he was finally ready and not out of duty etc. Love the new arrival at the end too.
Neighbours: Episode #1.8904 (2023)
I threw up at the twist - even though I saw the clues and feel it does make sense longterm.
I've watched Neighbours for nearly four decades since episode one and this is the first time a 'shock' has made me actually vomit! I even figured out what was going to happen earlier in the episode, but I just didn't want it to! It's not that I dislike the scenario in itself - I can totally see the necessity of it for the longevity of the show and it does make sense for the characters in certain ways - but undoing the 'finale' was just too much after over a year looking forward to things continuing.
UPDATE: Nine months in and I've recovered a little! They have to stick with the twist now - really can't undo things up again. It's taken too long, but the show has finally settled into a good comedy/drama balance, much better than 2010s. I love there being so many classic characters back but I'm really not interested in many of the newer characters - I fast forward them (sorry). Oh, and the age jumps are totally disorienting - Nell's upped too many years, and Karl/Susan have got much younger, as Susan took 'early retirement' from the school! However, I love the throwbacks - eg the pic of Lou and Harold in the cafe is great.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9055 (2024)
So much packed in!
This episode is an excellent range of plots! Sometimes the show gets fixated on a narrow selection of stories (especially the affair obsessed 2010s) and all the characters and plots become bland, but this is an example of Neighbours at its best. With a wide spectrum of ages, moods and genres, there was so much to hold my attention - and many old friends is always great! It is fun to see Jane as the Nan - I really like the Stone family interaction so I wish Vic was sticking around. Of course Harold back in the cafe is very comforting - Eirini Rising is the best idea Jason Herbison has ever come up with.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9050 (2024)
Harold & Melanie on the credits together - yay!
Well, who would have thought all those years back when Mel, Joe, little Sky then Harold had left, and later when Harold had returned, and teen Sky told us the devastating news Mel and Joe had split up, that another 20 years later Mel and Harold would be on the credits together! Amazing. Also love the attention to detail that they are buying the cake for the pool party at the end - although they prob should have got it from Harold's cafe! I wasn't sure the reboot was going to work, as the 2010s increasingly lost classic characterisation and warmth, but this episode especially has the old-style feel. However the balance of characters still isn't quite right - what does Neighbours have against young families with a mum and dad?! And I really hope Vic isn't dying - the Stone family is having so many great scenes.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9049 (2024)
Harold's back! (At his new Number 24).
Harold's returns always take me back to that awesome moment when he finally came back from his big swim! However it's sadder since Madge passed - today's toast had me crying buckets! I wish Neighbours would look after actresses better - losing Madge and Sonya were the show's two biggest mistakes, It kills off too many mums - Daphne, Kerry, Didge, Abigail's mom etc ... and with several surviving mothers coming out as gay - Steph, Sky, Elly - I feel I'm running out of younger women to relate to!
On a happier note, seeing so many old friends again is such a comfort - who'd have thought we'd be watching Harold Bishop and Jane Harris 40 years on? Fantastic! I hope Harold gets visits from his great grandchildren soon. Susan and Karl's should be written in too.
I'm really glad they had the non-alcoholic wine - lots of people don't / can't drink for a variety of reasons, which rounds out the characters and added to the complexity of the storyline here.
ADDITION: Just saw on a BTS video that Harold's new home is another Number 24 - genius touch. Hope his family photos get more prominent and we see some of Kerry and Joe too.
Our Welsh Chapel Dream (2024)
Loved eps 1-3 but 4 was too much about non-chapel stuff eg old life & shipping container.
When this program focuses on Capel Salem and the local community, it is brings something new to TV. However the fourth episode is too much about Keith and Marj's old life in England and their temporary shipping container home, along with the English director / activist who inspired their decoration of it. I hope later seasons stay on topic, because there are so many Welsh chapels to be repurposed and this show normally has a great balance of respecting the history of Wales and its current inhabitants. I would probably watch more episodes, if it left out the irrelevant/former/English stuff and re-focused on their Welsh Chapel Dream.
Our Welsh Chapel Dream: Episode #1.4 (2024)
Too much off-topic
Poor episode to end an otherwise excellent series. This instalment was so disappointing- I really wanted to see what would be done next with the actual chapel building and continue to learn more about the local history / culture, however the bulk was converting a shipping container in the style of an English artist / gay rights activist and repurposing an old mortuary slab as the kitchen island! On the upside, Marj and Keith are lovely and it great to see them interacting with locals and repurposing a neighbour's local items. Plus it was fun to see the shots of him at The Great Pottery Throw Down recording!
Paris, Wine & Romance (2019)
Lovely cast/characters but competition plot and accents/dialogue not entirely realistic
This is a really cosy and comforting movie, even for a non-wine person like me. Despite the competitive element, the emphasis is very much about taking life a bit slower and not being too pressured. At times, the awards plot isn't realistic, but I love that it encourages us to hang on in there whilst not getting too obsessed with work. Also the "French" accents are not entirely European - too many North American pronunciations etc slipping in. Despite my niggles, this is rewatchable long-term as the characters' ages are quite vague, so I don't feel I'd grow out of it. The movie is also very calming before sleep.
Father Brown: The Scars of War (2024)
This season finale has it all.
There's loads packed in to this edition and a multifaceted season conclusion, including an excellent and fun Father Brown / Sullivan dialogue. I do enjoy the zany relationship of Edgar and Mrs Divine, and I'm fine with it feeling quite a different show to the earlier cast because there are already so many fabulous episodes with them, and several pop back anyway. The series in general has a good balance of remembering the war whilst getting on with life, and this episode definitely does that. I'm really looking forward to seeing what is in store in 2025 - another Father Brown / Sister Boniface crossover would be fun.
Father Brown: The Dead of Night (2024)
Not as weird as I expected
I'm not a fan of the weirder Father Brown episodes, so wasn't going to bother with this one, but actually it is much more comical than expected. There's some silly yet deeply touching scenes with Mrs Divine and Sullivan, which hints at what they will be like in the following season. I used to really enjoy that the show was pretty much couple-free as it contrasted with Midsomer Murders / Hallmark Mysteries, but having this romantic arc does add a lot of uplifting comedy / cute moments. Death in Paradise did the same thing, meaning episodes aren't so self-contained and you need to watch them in order, so it does change the way I rewatch these seasons.
Father Brown: The Last Tango in Kembleford (2024)
Really fun episode - glad to hear it will be expanded on in the following season!
This episode was so much fun, especially the Judge - I hope they do more guest stars in future. I'm so glad Tom Chamber returned - I always felt he left too soon. Whilst the feel has definitely changed with the new cast, I like the fresh start because the Fifties were for many people and so is post pandemic life for some of us. Plus previous characters make brief returns and we re-watch earlier episodes anyway, so still enjoy 'old friends'. Mrs Divine is a great mix of tragedy and comedy/joy which I find really empowering. I also enjoy the stories not being too dark - some in early seasons were too weird.