Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be talking about some more tv shows I’ve watch, all of which from the BBC. One of them being in a second series, one where it’s got a new head teacher, and one where I got to see a different side to an actor who normally does drama related stuff.
Sherwood:
The first show I’m going to talk about is Sherwood, written by James Graham and casted by Jonny Boutwood.
As seen on on an article from Deadline in 2024, the plot for series two goes as follows:
"The second season will introduce two new families, who become entangled with the Sparrows from the first run, entering a complex web of local gangs, old rivalries, revenge, and betrayal. At the same time, a new Sheriff of Nottingham fights passionately against a proposed new mine, which brings the promise of much-needed new jobs, but unwelcome reminders of the legacy that has mired the community."
returning characters
Because this is an ensemble heavy piece, I’ll mention briefly on some of the returning cast and also key moments from the new cast. Ian St Clair (played by David Morrisey), was a bit help to the new case, but also learnt about where his loyalties lie. And his connection with Julie (played by Leslie Manville) got closer and I had a feeling it would. The Sparrows led by Daphne (played by Lorraine Ashbourne), also still showed that they’re not a family to be messed with, but it’s obvious that Ronan (played by Bill Jones), doesn’t want to be here clearly.
There were also some characters that are new but boy did they make their mark. These included the Brandon’s led by Ann (played by Monica Dolan), Sheriff of Nottingham Lisa (played by Ria Zmitrowicz), and her wife Sandy Waters (played by Aisling Loftus) and Stephie (played by Bethany Asher), who had revenge after the tragic fate of her careers Denis and Pam Bottemley (played by David Harwood and Sharlene Whyte). But the main new character I liked was Harry Summers (played by Michal Balogun), who you could see was easily affected by what happened, and along with the surprise discovery of his colleague Marcus Clarke’s (played by Jordan Myrie), connection to the Branson's, he’d do anything to help pay for what happened in his past.
I don’t think I have any downsides personally as it was all really good. But I would’ve liked a glimpse of someone knowing Stephie's secret, but sometimes things like this are best kept a secret. I would’ve also liked to know more about the Branson's son Nicky (played by Sam Buchanan), as I wonder if he was a bad person?
Overall I would give the show a full house. It was entertaining, it was suspense and along with the regulars, it was nice to see some new faces, including one who I’ve watched in a kids show, and I do wonder how they look so youthful at the age they are now.
Waterloo Road:
The next show I’m going to talk about is series 14 of Waterloo Road!
As always this show focuses on some of the modern day issues and how they overcome them, all the while the teachers keep the school together! Like work Sherwood, this is an ensemble heavy show, so I’ll briefly mention some of the characters in it.
Steve savage (played by Jason Manford), definitely made his mark at the academy! Let’s just say he has an interesting approach to being in charge, but things got more complicated when his son Billy (played by Oly Rhodes who is also a brilliant singer), gets involved in a case which changes both of their lives forever. Also new students Luca (played by Danny Murphy), and Jared (played by Matthew Khan who made a quick connection with Libby), had a real impact on the school, and I loved how for people like Luca, we get to experience what it was like living in their world.
The other students from previous series have also grown in confidence. These include Noel (played by Liam Scholes), who yes is abit of a clown at times but he has a good heart really, Preston (played by Noah Valentine), who finds a newfound passion for music and also knew what he wanted by the end of the series, Schuey (played by Zak Sutcliffe) who continues to cause trouble but really I feel it’s jealousy of Portia's (played by Maisie Robinson) foster family, and Libby (played by Hattie Deynevor) who after experiencing horrible threats finally gets her life back on track. But the biggest development for me was Kelly Jo (played by Alicia Forde), who wants to make a change and learn not to make the same mistakes she has done. And even though some of her tactics are abit wild, I love her determination. I can’t wait to see what she does with it. I also admired the teachers growth as well, two of which being Coral (played by Rachel Leskovac) who uses sign language she learnt from a relative to help get through to Luca, and Val (played by Shauna Shim), who after yes despite making a rash decision after a secret is revealed, she stood her ground on doing what’s right for her students.
I think I only have a few downsides which are just minor things. One of them being Tonya's (played by Summer Violet Bird) and Dwayne’s (played by Thapelo Ray) relationship being unknown after Dwayne makes a mild error. But the other is the outcome of Nicky and Donte’s relationship. I won’t say in fear of spoilers but just be prepared for the tears.
Overall I would give the shoe a full house. Once again it had drama, heart warming moments and realities of what it’s like for the teachers to run a school! And with spoilers of a new head teacher, I can’t wait to see what the next series has to offer.
Daddy Issues:
The final show I’m going to talk about is Daddy Issues, starring Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrisey, casted by Aisha Bywaters.
This tells the story of Gemma who, after getting pregnant from a one night stand, has to prep for motherhood whilst having her slightly crazy dad Malcom for support.
Amy did a brilliant job at playing Gemma, and I felt like she took a lot of the character of Aimee from Sex Education into this piece. Even at the worst times she still was able to crack a joke but also showed some vulnerability on the prospect of being a new mum. And David Morrisey also did a great job at portraying Malcom. And it was also good to see a different side to him, as so far most of the stuff I saw him in was serious crime drama. And whilst he managed to put a smile on my face, he also shared a caring vulnerable side, particularly when helping Gemma prep for the baby.
The other characters in the show really helped carry Gemma’s journey along. These included Derek (played by David Fynn) who I find has a very interesting relationship with women if he doesn’t get what he wants, Cherry (played by Taj Atwai), who reconnects with Gemma to help her with her baby, and Xander (played by Arian Nik), who Gemma also met and helped her with her pregnancy. He is a fine example of what a true gentleman is, as he still really liked Gemma despite being pregnant. If that’s not the sign of the perfect boyfriend then I don’t know what is. There was also a nice appearance from Sarah Hadland who played hairdresser Rita, who seemed to have had abit of a crush on Malcom, which I found quite amusing at times.
I think I only have two downsides to it. The first one being that for me personally the ending seemed abit abrupt, and the second being Gemma’s relationship with Xander. I know that they’re now on good terms after the situation with the father of Gemma’s baby, but I could never know if they’re in a relationship now. Maybe it’s just an autism thing but I do hope if there is a second series they do end up together. Otherwise cherry will definitely give him a grilling.
Overall I would give the show a 4. Whilst there weren’t any moments where I personally didn’t laugh out loud (although I did chuckle at a few moments when appropriate), it made up for heartwarming moments, especially at the end. And fingers crossed there is a series 2, as I would like to see Gemma’s next step as a parent, her relationship with Xander and also Malcom’s journey as a grandad.
So those are my reviews of some awesome tv shows I've seen. Let me know if you've seen them and what your thoughts are, and if you haven't, then not to worry. They are all now available to stream on BBC iPlayer if you need either a drama, some school time shenanigans or in need of a good laugh.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
The is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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