Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be giving my reviews of three more TV shows I've seen. And trust me you do NOT want to miss out on these shows!
Fool Me Once:
The first show in this blog to review is Fool Me Once, based on the novel by Harlan Coben and starring Michelle Keegan and Joanna Lumley. This told the story of Maya Stern, who tries to figure out what has happened and who killed her husband Joe Burkett.
I knew this would be a series to watch, as after stay close I knew that this would not disappoint. The opening titles were an example, as I loved the different transitions of scenery and how they flowed together. I think for me as soon as the titles play and you’re hooked you know it’s going to be good.
Michelle Keegan played the role of Maya effortlessly. And just like Georgie lane in our girl, Maya was the sort of person who tried to be the strong one for her loved ones when really she has her own demons to fight. Adeel Akhtar who played DCI Sami Kierce also played a brilliant part. Sami was the kind of person who doesn’t want to put any burden on the ones he loves, and that he only did it for their protection. But I was glad when he was featured in the ending, as after a massive secret was revealed linking to the Burketts, which shocked the life out of me, he deserved the happy ending.
I think there were some moments I was expecting but didn’t. One of which would be the aftermath of Abbie’s and Daniel's discovery on their half brother Louis and the relationship developing by the time lily is an adult with a child of her own. It would also have been great to see eddies kids himself all grown up as even though they were mentioned, it would’ve been great to see it first hand.
Overall I would I give it a 4.5. Like many Harlen Coben books it was a good watch, with twists and turns I was not prepared for and for once the ending was rather beautiful to see.
Waterloo Road series 13:
The next show is series 13 of Waterloo Road. This was followed the death of Danny Lewis and how each student coped with it, along with other challenges both teachers and pupils have faced.
One of the biggest stand out moments for me is how these characters have grown from when I first saw them. One of them being Kelly-Jo (played by actresses name). This is the series where she discovered her roots and after a huge decision and a betrayal from someone close to her, the end of the series showed her true worth and knowing what she wants. Yes she may have had then off moment of madness (and who doesn’t) but the way she dealt with it was so much more mature compared to the last few series. Other characters who I’ve seen matured and grow is Donte (who entered a relationship with Nicky, knowing that Chlo would want him to be happy), Izzy (who by the end of the series made a decision which yes impacted her family short term but in the long term is the right thing to do) and Miss Campbell herself (where after being so dedicated to the school for so long, she managed to make a decision for herself with an unexpected ally close to her).
This series also saw some new faces, the two main ones including Schuey (played by Zak Sutcliffe) and Libby Guthrie (played by Hattie Deynevor). They were also a fine example of how not all characters were born evil but something in their personal life triggers their erratic behaviour. For Schuey, it was something in his personal life linking to his dad. I won’t say what but I knew that something wasn’t right the moment I saw his father with him. And Libby it wads the separation of her parents that’s made her father cut contact with those around him so she can have him all to herself. As maybe that's what she really wants… attention. Let’s be by next series she’ll have learnt her lesson and that Schuey will start to redeem himself after what’s happened. But both Zak and Hattie have done a brilliant job of developing those seemingly hateful to deep down emotionally vulnerable characters flawlessly. Well done you two!!
I think my only thing do would’ve like to have seen more of was what would happen with the students after the series. As I know that Kai has his path and that Kelly Jo knew what she wants. But after hearing the news that Samia (played by Priyasasha) would be leaving the show it never mentioned what her route would be. I also didn’t get a chance to hear about Stacey’s plans (played by Tillie Amartey) after Schuey discovery, but if she does return for the next series, I wonder if recent events will shift her attitude and her outlook on life.
Overall I would give this show a 4.75. It had moments of light and shade, it showcased the main students individual stories, and with a new headmaster making his way in September, I have a feeling that Waterloo Road will soon be shaken up.
After The Flood:
The final show I’m reviewing in this blog is After The Flood, with all 6 episodes directed by Azhur Salem, produced by Nicola Schindler at Quay Street Productions, casted by Andy Pryor and starring Sophie Rundle. This tells the story of PC Jo Marshall (Rundle) who after a devastating flood discovers something which then turns into a huge murder mystery.
Sophie herself did an excellent job of playing the role of PC Marshall. Despite the character being 7 months pregnant (and how they made her look it is insane) she’s still eager to crack this case before starting her next steps in life as a mother. And once she’s onto something you don’t want to get in her way, and as she longs to be like her dad (who died before the premise of the series) it makes her even more eager to solve this mystery and become a detective.
There are other characters who also played a big role in the show. These include Molly (played by Lorraine Ashbourne) who longs for change and does everything she can to help the community after the flood commenced. Another character is Tasha Eden (Played by Anita Adam Gabay, who I don’t know if she’s actually French or not, but ) the feisty lady linking to the crime where like Jo she will not stop until she gets answers, Lee Ellison (played by Jonas Armstrong) who seems like a hero when really there’s a side to him that is quite morbid and emotional. But the biggest surprise for me was DS Phil Mackie (played by Nicolas Gleaves) who seems like a nice guy but if you watch it until the end of the series you’ll see a different side to him that you will not expect.
I think the only negative thing for me is that the show went up and down like a rollercoaster. Don’t know what I mean? Well throughout the first 3 episodes it had all the stakes needed, then by episode 4 it was abit slow, then by 5 and 6 it literally got me hooked again after a secret by Molly and Jack Radcliffe (played by Philip Glenister) and a revelation from Jos husband Pat (played by Matt Stokoe) really got me hooked. I think if that didn’t happen then it would’ve let the series down but it didn’t.
Overall I would give the show a 4.80. It had drama, it had twists and turns, and that if those slow moments didn’t happen I would give it a full house. And I’m hoping for a second series of the show so then we can find out how Jo adapts her life as a new mother after the revelation from Mackie changes everything.
And those are my reviews. And as we are at the end of the first quarter of 2024, and heading into quarter 2, be sure to check out these awesome shows.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress Signing off :)
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