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hayesmikiet
Reviews
Death and Other Details (2024)
Hang in there... (I blame the director for what doesn't work)
There are hardly any gripping new detective shows... most, understandably, have borrowed from one or another. What is critical for watchability, though, is an otherwise captivating plot and engaging dialogue, superb acting, well-cast actors, great set and filming, etc., etc. The plot of this is very Agatha Christie or Hercule Poirot. Check. The setting is gorgeous. Check. The cast is legitimately interesting and mostly well-cast. Check. The dialogue is actually good. Check. Mandy Patinkin is, well, Mandy Patinkin - a commanding presence even in a purposely nuanced performance such as this. I think he (Cotesworth) and the Imogene character have a lovely and fun platonic chemistry - as he also has with Agent Eriksen. Enjoyable banter. However, there is no authentic chemistry between Imogene and her seemingly best friend, Anna. And even less chemistry between Anna and her wife, Leila. Anna is no Shiv Roy but believable as the competitive sister and daughter of a billionaire in line to take over. While she definitely needs more juice, it's not distracting. That said, there are two main distractions that cause you to want to give up and rewatch Death in Paradise for the fifth time. 1. The forced, dreadful, cringeworthy sexual relationship between Anna and Leila. It's just so out of place, it does not make sense. The lack of chemistry between the actors makes it that much worse. 2. and this is the biggie... Mandy Patinkin, unfathomably, cannot land on an accent, which is indistinguishably bad. Is it British? Is it Australian? Did he live between two continents? It's distracting (and I hate to say embarrassing) at first to the point where you're not sure you can watch the show at all. You just want to ask the director why he didn't suggest that Patinkin drop the accent completely. Just when you think - episode 3? - that you'll be OK with one of many not great English dialects, it mysteriously wanders into Australia. All of that said, I finally have settled into blocking it out and enjoying the acting and the plot and where it's going. I think the fact that Teddy's entire family is on the boat and reports to her is hilarious and feels like there will be a funny story payoff in the end... I could be wrong. My advice is if you like this style, stay with it. Hopefully they'll be a respectful payoff, ala this genre, in the end.
A Biltmore Christmas (2023)
A true Christmas classic... charming fun!
Anyone who rates this film poorly is undoubtedly a Scrooge. This movie is FUN... it combines all the right ingredients to create the perfect recipe. The setting, the script, the stars/cast, the filming. It honestly is extraordinarily well-done. The casting is perfect right down to the ancillary characters. Margaret is adorable and a breath of fresh air. More of her in the future, please! Lenz (Lucy) and Polaha (Jack) have amazing chemistry, and let's face it, never deliver a bad performance in these movies. For anyone to claim there is overacting tells me they've never watched a 1940's film. The particular appeal of this film is nailing that period... the accents and affects, costumes, vernacular. Lenz and Polaha are pretty flawless - funny, charming, talented, believable - in a suspension of disbelief kind of way. Ava and Claude are ideal '40s-type characters. The whole premise of "His Merry Wife" is very likable. Nothing more fun than a movie in a movie. There, thankfully, have been some great movies this season, this is among the best - probably the best.
My Norwegian Holiday (2023)
Different in the best possible way!
This was a Hallmark home run! So warm and endearing. The leads were wonderful and their chemistry was well-developed and charming. The whole cast was so enjoyable - measured but clever and fun. With all the fake British and French accents that abound in these types of movies, it was fun to have Europeans playing Europeans. Don't listen to the reviews that say it's distracting that they're not Norwegian- that's ridiculous. They were all engaging without being cheesy, which is a rarity these days, and the storyline was genuinely touching. I loved that they didn't throw in the normal frustrating obstacle 30 mins before the movies ended. It was just fun.
Lupin: Chapter 1 (2023)
A truly rewarding and fun episode!
After a satisfying end to Season 2, the 3rd season opens in a whirlwind. The entire first episode keeps you on the edge of your seat - rooting for Assane as always. A lot of fun. Flashbacks and -forwards so well done! Awesome beginning to what looks like amazing season. So perfectly cast, and the acting is first rate, with all important characters having returned. All seemingly having matured in their roles... Love the character interactions and new characters. Hoping for many more seasons to come on Netflix. Definitely a sound and obvious investment. If you're looking for fun and upbeat suspense - it's so worth it.
The Righteous Gemstones: For I Know the Plans I Have for You (2023)
What happened!!??
Loved the first two seasons. Loved!! Hilarious plots. Hilarious lines. Season 3? I was actually embarrassed for the actors... All of them... I literally had to turn it off several times to keep going. I forced myself to get to the end, just in case it improved. Spoiler alert... It did not. I think, in the final analysis, they've lost the original spark. They've become campy caricatures of themselves. It's forced. They're all trying too hard. The magic just seems to be gone. The swearing, which used to be funny and irreverent, is now counted upon to camouflage lazy, bad writing. Makes me sad... I don't think I can make it to episode 2. Come on guys... you're all better than this schlock.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2023)
Miscasting will be its downfall
I get Hallmark's desire to try again and not waste the talents of Marilu Henner and Steve Bacic (with no new Garage Sale Mysteries), but Hallmark should have left well enough alone. The Ro and Sally characters are tragically miscast. While the cast could likely hold its own with an independent storyline, they couldn't do the original justice. This feels like Hallmark trying to stick it to Candace C. Bure for leaving... but it backfired. The girls don't look like they would grow up into adult versions of Ro and Sally, and the personalities are too different to even suspend disbelief. It's just all wrong. Take the name Aurora Teagarden off the series, and let the cast find its way under a new concept. Good luck.
Beyond Paradise: Episode #1.6 (2023)
Now that's an ending!! Season 2 - please!!
I sobbed when Humph returned to the island! Then to see the Selwyn, Neville, the Saint Marie police team, and Katherine...it just made me so happy! Humphrey is so at home there... he and Martha seemed so buoyant, which gives me hope for a more balanced season 2. I was not a fan of the infertility plot or the initial tensions in the police office. All seems to have been resolved on both of those plot points, and for that, I am elated! Kris Marshall is fantastic in this role... I hope the writers can regroup a bit and develop plot lines better suited to the personalities of these actors. I love the location and music, and even the crime plots were solid. I just think the writers missed on some of the character development. That can be fixed. I hope they think to read these comments, as it's clear how deeply devoted so many fans are to Marshall and his ongoing work as Humphrey. Not to mention, six episodes is a very short season to try to establish characters, plots, relationships, etc. Here's to a quick renewal and 12 more seasons!
Beyond Paradise (2023)
High hopes for this series - dump the infertility drivel!!
I have very high hopes for this series!! DI Humphrey was my very favorite in DIP. So happy to have him back. He's not lost one shred of his charm or appeal and is as wonderful and funny as ever!! He was the heart of the DIP series during his time and was surrounded by a fun, upbeat, and quirky supporting cast.
I am trying to get used to the differences in this cast. I'm only on episode 4, so I want to make sure I give everyone a fair shot. Williams and Hartford continue to grow on me... But the oh-so cantankerous and sarcastic Margo is not - her obvious unfounded disdain is tiresome and trite. The actress looks like she could be a lot of fun and add a lot of pizzazz to this... but, frankly, she's being miswritten. I'm ambivalent about Martha... I want to like her, I'm just not sure she has the right energy. So is it her or is it the fact that the writers saddled her and poor Humph with an infertility plot right out of the gate - such a mistake. Then a handsome and charming ex biz partner? Too much. Pick a plot. I say keep Archie - ditch IVF and the monthly hopeful ups and morose downs. It's making Martha dreary - and squandering all Marshall has to bring to Humph and this new series. I so hope the infertility plot doesn't continue throughout this season. In fact, it makes me hope that Martha runs away with Archie... And if not her, maybe Humphrey and Archie can run away together! (JK) The music is wonderful. The environs are terrific. The crimes are well thought out and interesting. It's really got so much going for it!! With awesome acting, a fantastic setting, terrific crimes - it's the writers game to lose. Ditch the difficult receptionist - make her fun and smart. Ditch the IVF. Rewrite Martha to be light-hearted and interesting - and with more chemistry between her and Humphrey - or let her run away with Archie - and then introduce Humphrey to a firecracker!! Here's to 13+ seasons for BP!!
A Magical Christmas Village (2022)
So much better than these reviews would have you believe
Hallmark is clearly having a rough year with plots and political correctness and bad chemistry between leads. This movie, for the most part, is an exception. The cast is actually quite lovely and enjoyable. Note: It takes a while for the movie to warm up and get its groove. But these reviews are perplexing. Marlo Thomas is an absolute gift in this movie. Has she had abysmal plastic surgery... Yes. Is it distracting... At times, a little. But her performance is incredible. She's adorable. For 85, she's seriously a dynamo! Her energy. Her timing. Her mobility. Her wardrobe. Her spirit. Her chemistry with the entire cast - all amazing! AS and LMcF are terrific together. No. 1, they play an architect and an engineer... obviously not silly over-the-top characters. Their performances are more nuanced but perfectly believable for this movie. The magic village element works well... the progression of the pieces of the village as romance moves forward makes perfect sense! And the daughter is darling as she essentially figures it out. Not sure why the hate re: the magic. This isn't a God wink movie - sure, it hits a bit hard on the "Universe," but Thomas' character is a bit of a hippy - and ultimately, it works. The ending doesn't necessarily cover new ground, but is it disappointing!? In no way. Take a chance - watch the entire movie!
We Wish You a Married Christmas (2022)
Eeeeesh - Hallmark get back on your casting game!
I'm not really certain what's going on... this is one of two super cringey Hallmark movie I've watched today - both with the same problem - miscast leading ladies. I never leave mediocre or bad reviews for Hallmark movies because they are what they are... predictable and oftentimes cheesy. But in many ways that's what we love about them. This year, there seems to be a major disconnect in the chemistry between the leads. It's been really disappointing. This movie is a perfect example. While Kristopher P. Always delivers a great performance, and has believable chemistry with everyone, in this, he has little to no chemistry with this actress - and her energy level and affect is just off - too heavy and dense. I can think of a handful of other Hallmark regular actresses who would have made this plotline adorable. I truly can't imagine anyone honestly rooting for this couple - that's a shame. Perhaps Hallmark is just trying to rebound from the exodus. I've not spent any time on that other network, but chances are, it's taking a toll.
A Maple Valley Christmas (2022)
Not Hallmark's year?
I'm not really certain what's going on... this is the second cringey Hallmark movie I've watched today. I never leave mediocre or bad reviews for Hallmark movies because they are what they are... predictable and oftentimes cheesy. But in many ways that's what we love about them. This year, there seems to be a big disconnect in the chemistry between the leads. It's been really disappointing. This movie is a perfect example. While Andrew Walker always delivers a great performance, he has little to no chemistry with his leading lady. I can't imagine anyone is honestly rooting for them. Truth be told, she doesn't really have much of a rapport with anyone she interacts with in this movie, including her family. Perhaps she was just miscast - I don't recognize her. I also wasn't wild about the casting for his father. Perhaps Hallmark is just trying to rebound from the exodus. I've not spent any time on that other network, but chances are, it's taking a toll.
Travelers (2016)
Does Hallmark produce every Canadian show?
Observations
First of all, does the Hallmark Channel produce every Canadian show? The three seasons of "Travelers" featured a cavalcade of Hallmark actors. I get that same sensation whenever I rewatch old Stargate-SG1 episodes, too - of course that's thanks to Brad Wright. I was waiting for Kavan Smith or Teryl Rothery to make appearances - oh wait... she did!
So, clearly the cast knew it was end times by the series finale. Nice wrap up of the storyline and characters. It did feel like the right time to shut it down; plots, or perhaps energy, had begun to run their course. The W&G reboot must have been filming simultaneously, as Eric M. Slipped into Will a couple of times. Still, he owns the series. Did an awesome job. He brings humor and charm to every role. As a viewer, I had immediate confidence in McCormack, and Mac, as an FBI agent. The elevator scene was an inventive way of quickly making him part of the traveler team and revealing the method for bringing travelers to the "21st." Who, though, wouldn't be nervous waiting to see if he would be revealed or not up to the challenge of FBI agent.
The actors who played the rest of the "base team" were also seriously terrific: Reilly Dorman (Phillip), MacKenzie Porter (Marcy), Jared Abrahamson (Trevor), Nesta Cooper (Carly). I was only familiar with Dorman from a couple of previous roles. The ensemble was synergistic, believable, and enjoyable; the younger actors deserve major kudos for the maturity they brought to the characters, who were clearly older in their future lives than the 20s/30s actors playing them.
But to me, the break-out star was Patrick Gilmore as David. He was funny, warm, compassionate, and convincing. He drove the plot forward in many ways. I was happy to see that if there were to be a reboot, after Version 1 was a fail, that David and Marcy would seemingly be integral. That's if I understood the final scene of the finale.
On the other hand, Kat was so incredibly tedious. Exhausting, in fact. I was sad that she made it through the entire series. It felt like Mac would have been better untethered from her self-absorbed drama. I had a tough time deciding if it was the character or Leah Cairns the actor that I didn't care for but realized it was the character, so Cairns did a great job of being so annoying and needy. To be fair to her, whenever writers resort to pregnancy issues / baby trauma as a theme, it's going to be predictable, contrived, and boring (except for a nearly 30-year-old "ER" episode, "Love's Labor Lost." Full credit to those writers).
In terms of host jumping, which there, thankfully, was not a lot of, J. Alex Brinson's Jeff, did a far better job hosting 001 than Amanda Tapping, surprisingly. She was pure "Samantha Carter," and I didn't believe for a second she was actually sneaky, crazy 001 / Vincent. I, however, knew immediately that Jeff was actually 001. Also Brinson was awesome as a despicable cop / drunk, who I despised. I wish I could say I was impressed with Tapping as Perrow, as I'm a big fan of her previous work and was thrilled to see her again. While she was warm and believable as the doctor, she also seemed lackluster and tired - not at all the energy she used to bring to roles. Maybe the moral of the story is, for double threats like Tapping, stick to directing or acting in a single episode...
Jennifer Spence as Grace was a seriously wonderful addition to the show - would have liked for her to have become even more integral to the team. Spence is just terrific - a heavy weight. The second Grace, if you will, is the same character as her "Traces," Kathy, but overall she has great range and always pulls off brilliant believably. She's that bull in the china shop who says exactly what everyone else is thinking but doesn't have the courage to say. Her real-life husband was very good as Teslia (hat-tip to N. Tesla?). Perhaps with more time, the writers could have explored a relationship between them, given the Director / Elsa connection.
The show needed MUCH more of Derek. His character was always a breath of fresh air in any scene he popped into, as M. A. Anderson is always witty and entertaining. Big miss there.
Enrico Colantoni is a fabulous addition to anything - "Travelers" was no exception. Same with Louis Ferriera, who you love and hate in this, but he's always screen commanding, just like Colantoni.
I can't decide if the character of Yates was miscast or just miswritten or if I'm just used to seeing Kimberley Sustad in funnier / more poignant roles on the Hallmark Channel. It seemed like she and McCormack should have had better chemistry and awesome back and forth witty banter, but her role was serious and humorless, so that felt like a giant squander of talent. I would bet that off set, they were hilarious together.
All in all, it was an A series. In some ways, the Director was supposed to represent a God-like figure, sometimes responding to supplicants, other times ignoring them, many times testing the team, but it was clear, it was all human-programmed machinery so not God, per se. I wasn't interested in trying to interpret what the veiled message might be, if there even was one. Grace's relationship with the Director was in some ways sweet - even though she was greatly responsible for the programming / algorithms that created or course-corrected its being, reasoning, persona. Clearly there was enough of a sentient being in there somewhere to hug, thank, apologize. An episode focused on the Director would have made for an interesting one.
On occasion, resorting to the protocols seemed a bit of a lazy way to skirt plot holes (or wheel in the crane with a deity - the old convenient Deus ex machina device, but in terms of the overall writing, the three seasons were logical and made complete sense. Episodes / plots weren't overly complicated. The writers stuck to sci-fi and didn't get tripped up on nowhere-to-go spirituality (like "LOST" or "Manifest," I fear). And while I would have liked a few more glimpses into the future, the writers answered the majority of my questions. The rest would have just satisfied idle curiosity.
All in all, it's a solid series that's totally worth a weekend binge.
God's Favorite Idiot (2022)
Sincerely adorable and hilarious!
I came upon this series by happenstance, not having heard a single word about it. What a fun little gift it was!! I've just binge-watched it in one sitting ... and I have to say, I don't know when I have laughed this hard. Out loud. Over and over. It's the kind of belly laughs that made me wish I had been watching it with someone so we could share the hilarity and repeat the funny lines - like "collaborative overlapping!" Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone are always so natural and comfortable together, and they have the most lovely, authentic chemistry. You just can't help but to root for them. She was hysterical and in rare form, as she always is. But the big surprise for me was that he could carry the lead role in such a believable and likable way. Don't get me wrong... I've liked him since I first saw him in a Target commercial ages ago and in roles like the front desk manager in "Identity Thief." The entire cast is zany, hilarious, and extremely talented, and the script is inventive. I wouldn't change one single person in the cast. How often can you say that? I loved them all, and each enhanced not only the overarching plot but the ethos of every episode. Week to week, the plot never meandered and was always moved the storyline forward.
I, for the life of me, can't understand the poor reviews... I can only feel sorry for the sad, negative lives of those without senses of humor and suggest they form a Council of Curmudgeons (COC) and spend evenings wearing matching T-shirts and grousing together. I gave it a solid 10 because I honestly appreciated M&F taking a chance on a quirky, whimsical plot like this in today's world. Only once in eight episodes did I hold my breath, worried that a subtle one-liner could have larger implications, but it didn't, and the writing - purposeful or not - steered clear of political subject matter. Thank you! I am hopeful that McCarthy and Falcone - if it gets a second season - will keep the show as fresh, earnest, and playful as season 1, without any of Hollywood's obsessive and predictable need to be woke and divisive. Bottom line... Absolutely loved it!
Law & Order: Free Speech (2022)
It's a shame there isn't a 0
This show is a pathetic cliche. Every woke partisan subject is front and center and presented in the most biased manner possible. The writers are clearly a bunch of basement dwelling propaganda pushers - clearly desperate to sway public opinion. Done trying to give it a chance. Had high hopes that Jeffrey Donovan could rescue it - perhaps undo the tedious myopic arrogance of Anthony Anderson. But the writing is too bad. This episode is the worst yet - so sickeningly slanted - to the extent that it adulterates the characters and paints them as partisan hacks that can't be trusted to fairly interpret or prosecute the law.
Law & Order: The Right Thing (2022)
Thank goodness for Jeffrey Donovan!
Thank goodness for Jeffrey Donovan! Jeffrey Donovan saved this episode - and I'm betting the same will go for the entire season. Watching Anthony Anderson in this was mind numbing as he phoned it in... same with Sam Waterson and Carrie Lowell. Donovan's acting and energy eclipses Anderson exponentially. They need a strong partner for JD so that he can use his full range of skills. I'm all for resurrecting this show... But I think it might be time to move on from the former cast and move in a new and less woke direction.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Epic
Was seriously not prepared to love this as much as I did. Spider-Man has never been my favorite superhero, although I have loved his addition to the Avengers. I won't rehash all of the great commentary in these reviews... But have to say that all of the old villains coming back was super awesome. But nothing is as fun, funny, and heartwarming as the three Peters together. I would not have predicted the unbelievable chemistry between the three of them. I could have watched them for hours! Some lovely moments - especially "the hug." The acting across the board was just tremendous. I worried about Zendaya, as so many Disney child actors are over the top and can't tone it down. She did a great job. Ned's new found gift was fun. Some of the highlights included Doctor Strange, whose command of the screen was just enormous. He really eclipsed almost everyone. But it was Tom Holland's movie. Marisa Tomei was amazing as always! And having Matt Murdock was an unbelievable treat! JK Simmons - fun. Jamie Foxx - terrific! Wong and Happy - fun seeing them. I wanted so badly for Happy to remember him at the grave... As if he had some special ability not to forget. I was hoping the same to be true for Doctor Strange. Not sure yet... I love any crossover! Tom Hardy mid-credits scene... odd but love the implication (if the Symbiote was left behind) and he'll be in a Marvel feature. Could say so much more... But will leave it at that.
Luke Cage: They Reminisce Over You (2018)
"See... You're not polite anymore. That's how it starts."
Truer words. Re: Season 2: Well, the ending was probably not what people expected, but perhaps it was what the series needed. It would've been interesting to see where Season 3 would've taken Luke - so many possibilities - and Harlem. It made sense to remove Bushmaster from the scene when they did and not make the season's ending about his justice - much better for Mariah, rightfully, to be dealt with for the pain and shame that her family caused more overarchingly. The acting was where this series shone - superb performances: Luke/Mike...the heart and soul of everything, with steely charisma. Mariah/Alfre - seriously sensational - owned it. Shades/Theo - amazingly nuanced performance. Misty - terrific and Tilda - wow-voice! Loved how Claire - always awesome - cross pollinates and the Danny crossover. Definitely deserved a third season. Hope they at least bring back the Defenders. Luke is gold. At least use him - and Danny - in JJ or DD. Don't squander talent that is integral to the overarching storyline.
The Defenders (2017)
Loved it!!
Thought it was a terrific ride! So sad there won't be a season 2. Such a waste! It was entertaining, cohesive, captivating... great performances. Terrific chemistry between the leads. Loved the crossover characters - as always. But it was more than simply crossover characters, this time it was the cast of each of the series, which made it even more all encompassing and convincing. Luke Cage was a particular standout. I think he was amazing both in this and in Jessica Jones... Shocked that his series was canceled. The heroes worked terrifically together - plot-wise. Loved the team approach. Would love to have seen Frank Castle in the mix! I did find Gao's obsequiousness odd after the strength and leadership that she's shown in all the other series. Watching her kowtow to Sigourney Weaver's Alexandra, who by the way was awesome, somehow just did not feel authentic. Still, she was great! While I believe that all of the other series, except the Punisher, had too many episodes per season... I could've used a few more of the Defenders!
Iron Fist (2017)
Worth the investment of time.
I honestly don't understand the hostility that this series has received: lower than deserved ratings and complaints about the plots and acting. Nonsense. I thought the cast was solid in every way. All the leads were stellar. I thought the overarching plot was better than either season of Daredevil or the first of Luke Cage (I've only seen one... watching them all in order), both of which were very good series. All in all, Harold Meachum was a far better and more interesting, cunning, and sinister antagonist than Wilson Fisk, Cottonmouth, or Diamondback. I typically enjoy D'Onofrio, but he became tedious for me in that role. The finest villain in these shows, for me, will always have been Kilgrave in Jessica Jones. Outstanding! Danny was a super likable hero and the Meachums were terrific. I absolutely love the crossover characters in all the series... Clair, Gao, Hogarth; the synergy there is fantastic. If you love Marvel and love plots with mystical aspects, this is terrific! One last thing... All four of the series that I've watched thus far have suffered from too many episodes - especially Daredevil and Luke Cage. I would have given them nine, possibly 10, episodes per season. Jessica Jones and Iron Fist did better with the allotted time, but that said, could have done it all in about 11 full episodes. I would probably give it an 8.8 for the entire season... But I gave it 10 to offset some of the ridiculous low scores.
Jessica Jones: A.K.A. Sin Bin (2015)
Truly awesome acting all the way round!
David Tennant is nothing short of a tour de force... inevitably, I'm sure, he'll meet just ends, but I'd rather see someone help him to convert his powers for good. Would never work, of course, but he's super easy on the eyes and just a gift to watch! What a score it was for the casting team - his taking this part, that is!
Jessica Jones: A.K.A. WWJD? (2015)
Two words - David Tennant
While the acting in this series is superb, David Tennant owns this episode - in fact, any he has a major presence in. What an actor - his range is astounding: sinister, heartbreaking, dastardly, charming, funny. You practically end up rooting for the guy, even though he's all but soulless.
Funniest line of the series: "Bi'o'tches. Right?"
Wild Bill (2019)
Definitely earned a second season
Sad that it ended... it was awesome show. Interesting storylines. Great cast - Lowe was exceptional. Happy, though, that he landed on 9-1-1 Lone Star! I think the series was misnamed... Wild Bill didn't really do the series or the main character justice.
Shetland: Episode #4.6 (2018)
Superb in every way
In a world that wants every crime solved in one hour... in a world where everyone wants the abbreviated version... In a world where people skip to the last page - this series takes the necessary time and goes to the effort to explore every possible detail and build each character. I can only imagine that the people whose reviews say this season was three episodes too long are not readers. The pay off after six episodes was highly worth it. This was beautifully crafted, written, acted. There aren't enough positive things to be said about the acting... across the board - excellent. There are not enough superlatives to describe the nuanced performances of Douglas Hershel - and most especially Stephen Walters, who deserves a BAFTA.
Death in Paradise: Christmas Special (2021)
What a fun Christmas gift!
I was so looking forward to the start of the new season, and I had no idea that a Christmas special was looming! I was so excited to learn of this special episode! It did not disappoint. It was delightful having the cast back together, and a visiting Dwayne made it that much more festive. I do think it would have worked just as well to have Florence and Dwayne in the entire episode together. For just a moment, I was hopeful that perhaps Humph would make a special appearance in the London scene ... He will always be my fave; that said, I have enjoyed them all immensely! I loved the plot line... And while early on, I realized the women are in cahoots, it was nearly impossible to figure out the crime. By the time the mystery unravels, it's not difficult to see the last twist, though...still, it was fun to see Colin triumph! Zelda Moncrief would be a fun and wonderful addition to the cast. Grateful for a Christmas dose of DIP!
My Christmas Family Tree (2021)
My new favorite Hallmark movie of all time!
I just loved it. Perfectly cast. So well done - it could've been overly corny, but it was not. Just so heartwarming and lovely in every way. A sensitive subject handled beautifully.