Disqus - Latest Comments for brittvfan

Re: http://danowen.blogspot.com/2009/11/collision-part-5-of-5.html

brittvfan — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:22:01 -0000

It's nice to know that Lucy's performance in Collision has been lauded by several reviewers after some of the not-so-nice appraisals of her role as Lady Marian. I hope she has a successful career and (fingers crossed) gets another part opposite Jonas Armstrong; they had such marvelous chemistry. Looking forward to the U.S. airing of Collision tomorrow night on PBS.

Re: COLLISION: Part 3 of 5

brittvfan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:04:40 -0000

Hi Dan - Apparently our PBS is going to show Collision as a mini-series that will end the Masterpiece season - sadly one of the few watchable dramatic programs we have as BBCA is now almost totally reality and talking heads. I'm looking forward to the first episode Sunday night.

p.s. I have seen the complete S3 of Robin Hood and thought it was terrible except for the eps involving the two Prelates. The best thing about it was the last 5 minutes or so - together again, finally!

Re: COLLISION: Part 1 of 5

brittvfan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:49:05 -0000

Hi again Dan: Those of us across the pond are fortunate in finally being able to view a BBC drama soon after its debut in the UK. Collision will be shown on the PBS Masterpiece Contemporary series 11/17 and 11/22. I am looking forward to seeing Ms. Griffiths' performance as her role as Marian in Robin Hood ended so abruptly. (Series 3, currently airing on BBCA, without Lady Marian, is a disaster.)

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.13 – "Something Worth Fighting For" (Part 2 of 2)

brittvfan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:23:16 -0000

No Dan, it was not an oversight - Mr. Armitage and Ms. Jay are both good actors, I just did not like the characters they played, Djaq and Sir Guy of Gisborne. However, I wish them well also.
p.s. Nicely done - you get an A+
Oops, almost forgot - please note I said "the entire cast especially"

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.13 – "Something Worth Fighting For" (Part 2 of 2)

brittvfan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:36:24 -0000

Amazing! Only the gentlemen seem to find the "puppy fat" remark innocuous. However, upward and onward - no more fixating. It was wonderful to see Lady Marian/Lucy again. Hopefully, if and when Series 3 is shown on BBCA, the finale won't be scheduled opposite the Super Bowl.
To stress the positive - Matthew Evans, who directed the Series 1 finale and some other excellent episodes, did a marvelous job directing Parts 1 and 2 of the Series 3 finale. Best wishes to the entire cast, especially Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Sam Troughton, Gordon Kennedy, Joe Armstrong, Harry Lloyd and Keith Allen.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.13 – "Something Worth Fighting For" (Part 2 of 2)

brittvfan — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:25:03 -0000

I wasn't going to comment but just have to call you on your comment about Lucy. The "puppy fat" remark was out-of-line and not something I would have expected you to write; your comments are usually about the episode and not the physical characteristics of the female cast. Lucy is a beautiful young lady who looks like a woman, not a half-starved stick figure.
p.s. Marian's Arwen style costume was lovely.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.12 - "Something Worth Fighting For" (Part 1 of 2)

brittvfan — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:37:46 -0000

SPOILERS
Even though we knew that major characters were going to be eliminated, it was very difficult to watch how quickly and callously Allan a Dale was killed. Although he has had little screen time since early in S2, Allan was an important part of the original program; he will be missed.
The Locksley theme playing softly in the background when Tuck was attempting to rally the villagers was a nice touch. If there is an S4, I hope that the producers will commission a new soundtrack. Andy Price's score is one of the best I have heard for a television program but Robin's theme and Marian's theme have been used inappropriately. In this episode, Robin's was used for Archer and in others, Marian's was used for Kate. It was refreshing to see more of the regular cast who all turned in believable performances. Kudoes to the Darlin' Robin, Dear Much, Allan and Little John. It's still hard to include SGofG in that group, but he is a good actor. Teresa Banham, who plays Rebecca, Kate's mother, stood out among the guest actors. Matthew Evans did a fine job of directing as he has done previously with some of the best episodes, S1-12/13 and S2- 4&11. I have to admit that I wasn't rooting for either one in the catfight between Kate and Isabella. One small request - as he will undoubtedly be in Part 2 - would someone please give Blamire a throat lozenge?

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.11 - "The Enemy Of My Enemy"

brittvfan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:20:17 -0000

Hi Dan: You did mean twit, didn't you?
Not my favorite episode but ...
Best parts - Allan and LJ had more than one line each (even though GK mangled one of his), Robin patted Much on the shoulder as he left with Gisborne, Robin gave us that delightful cheeky chappy grin after knocking the businessman out and taking his money and if you can blot out Kate (with Marian's theme in the background, once again, grr) Robin spoke to her in that soft voice.
Worst parts - anything with Isabella; overkill to convince everyone that Archer is a ladies' man (Note to Archer: watch your big bro, Robin - that's the way to the ladies' hearts!); anything with Kate, especially when she ducked out from under Much's comradely arm; the York Castle cgi and anything with Tuck.
Sorry Standen fans, I don't particularly like the Archer character - and yes, we do get the message.
Perhaps I'm being unfair in making comparisons to the lovely Lucy, but, oh dear, there's no polite way to say this - the most attractive female guest star in S3 was the young woman who played Meg, who bears a slight resemblance to LG. I have read several references to Kate's actions being reminiscent of a junior high school crush - I agree. Isabella - does anyone remember the Adamms Family? Nuff said.
What a shame that our Darlin' Jonas won't be in RH after the end of this series; he is so comfortable and convincing in this role!

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.9 - "The Dangerous Game"

brittvfan — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:39:25 -0000

Note to SaneFaith - I am delighted that you were not being critical of Jonas and hope you understand that my comments pertain to the characters as written, not the actors who portray these characters.
I do wish the writers had retained something of the legend of Robin Hood, rather than going off on a tangent.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.9 - "The Dangerous Game"

brittvfan — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:32:57 -0000

Dan: Did you just hear that bolt of thunder and lightning? I think we agree on part of this episode!
The Good
The Darlin' Robin looked wonderful yet again. Much did not leave as originally planned - that would have been unforgiveable.
The Bad
Much was once again expected to sublimate his feelings in favor of Robin.
Isabella remains on the program.
The Ugly
The now-main character who has committed cold-blooded murder, tortured innocent victims, attempted infanticide and regicide and performed treasonable acts for almost three seasons is redeemed because a young woman sacrificed her life for his. Clever how tptb used this to manipulate fan opinion, i.e., his expression of compassion intended to show how he really felt about destroying Lady Marian (who might say "You know full well most people believe in redemption.")
Perhaps if the writers had allowed Robin to kiss Lady Marian as spontaneously and passionately after a few episodes as they have done with Kate, we might have had a program about Robin Hood, rather than Sir Guy of Gisborne.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.7 – "Too Hot To Handle"

brittvfan — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:18:32 -0000

Regarding repetition - "Bored now" was timed and delivered better by Keith Allen* in the opening fight scene in Series 1, Episode 13, which by the way was one of the best, appropriately accompanied by strains of Marian's theme when Robin et al. thought they were avenging her death. That beautiful guitar solo should never be used for Isabella or Kate. It was nice that the writers stopped ignoring Marian's death and showed a little of Robin's grief - yes, it was appropriate to hear Marian's theme in those scenes.
*To jog your memory, Keith's full line was "Bored now - kill them."*

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.6 – "Do You Love Me?"

brittvfan — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:33:50 -0000

Once again we'll have to agree to disagree. I do want to thank you for being civil, so many folks who blog and comment (hummm, that sounds like a book title) need to take a course in common courtesy 101. Again, thanks.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.6 – "Do You Love Me?"

brittvfan — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:15:15 -0000

Oh Danno, I must have been watching another program - "perhaps one of the five best..."??????? The scene at the camp when they are planning how best to steal PJ's gold was American sit-com acting and directing at its worst - each character says a line and then moves position. As far as acting is concerned, Keith Allen (in S1) could have given Mr. S a few lessons in going over the top while not falling down the other side - A Clue - Prince John was just too precious! Ms. Pulver is a good actress but I just don't buy a romance between her and the Darlin' Robin (and didn't he look wonderful!) Wow, a whole three months and it's time for Robin to replace his murdered wife - a little callous considering this is one of the great love stories. As for the rest of the cast, much as I like them, it seemed as though everyone was just going through the motions - they could have mailed in their parts.
There was some good news. The burning church scene was quite effective, particularly as they used the Locksley theme as background music. Speaking of music, why must they use Marian's theme whenever Kate has a problem? Surely they could hire a few less "guest stars," e.g., the goggle-eyed physician, and use the money to pay Andy Price for some new themes (although I love the original soundtrack.) I have to agree with you regarding the Vaisey/Guy fight - as one of my friends observed, there must be several knives and swords laying around Nottingham Castle for it to have gone on so long. I did laugh when Keith wiggled his fingers (of course we all knew it was too soon for him to die.) It would have been ironic if Gisborne threw the Sheriff off the battlements as Vaisey did to the scribe in S2. Oh well .........

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.5 – "Let The Games Commence"

brittvfan — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:27:55 -0000

As you are no doubt aware, they have been several theories floating around the net regarding the "real" reason for Ms. Griffiths' departure from the program. Some of these definitely do not bear repeating and hopefully everyone reading them will do so with the caveat that NONE have been substantiated. Personally, I do not accept some of the statements made by tptb, given their track record - does "family entertainment" ring any bells?
Regarding the chemistry between Robin and Marian, many of us felt that it was definitely there, especially in Series 1. Take another look at the dungeon scene in S1 Ep2 or the marketplace scene in S2 Ep 1 and perhaps you will recognize it also.
When making unfavorable comments I refer to the characters, not the actors, that is probably best left to the professional critics. I do recognize the talent of the entire cast - enough said.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.5 – "Let The Games Commence"

brittvfan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:23:39 -0000

Once again, we'll have to agree to disagree - I thought this episode was passable, although the writers do seem to have run out of original ideas. However, anything is preferable to last season's interminable triangle with the unattractive Sir Guy (sorry, he doesn't set my heart a-flutter - more a gagging reaction). Keith Allen did a good job initially projecting his insecurity about SGofG usurping his position with Prince John and then reverting to his usual haughty, gloating self with one of his famous lines "He's snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." Nice little pun there considering the lion. RA did have a good line when he referred to Vaisey’s “incompetent, ill-conceived interference – guess they aren’t a couple, anymore.
Gisborne's sister, Isabella, like Kate, doesn't appear to be a satisfactory replacement for Lady Marian. However, we'll see what develops in future episodes. It is nice that Gordon Kennedy had a bit more screen time, but his sub-plot was definitely unoriginal, shades of S1 Ep11 and S2 Ep5. Mathilda from Ep5 was a far more interesting character.
The saving grace to this episode was once again our Darlin' Robin, Jonas Armstrong. In addition to his other "qualities" he can now add marathon running to his resume.

Re: Robin Hood finds a new Sherwood?

brittvfan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:55:11 -0000

Oh dear, dingier and darker - as opposed to the light-hearted S2 with the death of Sir Edward, the murder of Lady Marian and Vaisey's full-on descent into madness. How clever to replace the wonderfully able, darlin' Jonas with the naughty Eastender refugee, Mr. K.; let me guess - this is another of Foz Allan's ideas to think "outside the box?" Thanks, but no thanks, end the program with Series 3.
Many of us will miss the fine supporting cast, in particular, dear Much played so well by Sam Troughton, Gordon Kennedy as Little John, Joe Armstrong as Allan A Dale and Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham. First and foremost, we will miss Jonas Armstrong, the Robin Hood for this generation. We wish him and the other cast members success in their careers.

Re: ROBIN HOOD 3.4 – "Sins Of The Father"

brittvfan — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:14:17 -0000

I agree that parts of this episode were good; we differ on which parts. How nice it was to be rid of the murdererous Sir Guy, for at least one more episode. Also, as one of the program's original and loyal fans, I watch it mainly because of Robin Hood, i.e., Jonas Armstrong, and it was wonderful to see some of the cheeky chappy we loved in Series 1. Unless there is a radical change, Kate is a poor substitute for Marian; however, she might be an appropriate companion for Allan, who returned as the gang's naughty, but charming rogue.
If you are going to do a review, it would be nice if you were to learn the correct names of the cast members - it is Gordon Kennedy, not RAMSEY! Have we been watching too many cooking shows???????