Hello world! Welcome back to another blog and the first on of 2024. As we head into the new year, here are some more shows I've been watching if you want to kick off the year with something new!
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION AS EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT TASTES.
Ghosts
My first recommendation is Ghosts, casted by the brilliant Kelly Valentine Hendry.
This show centres around a young couple who inherit a distant relatives house, and after an accident Alison faces, she gets the surprise of her life.
This show also features the cast of Horrible Histories, and each character gives an insight as to how they became the ghouls they are in the show. My favourite character has to be Thomas Thorne, played by the fantastic Matthew Bayton. That’s not only because of the looks (although he is quite a catch I just say) but how he tries to convince Alison that he is “the love of her life” is just priceless.
My other favourite is Pat, played by Jim Howick. His cute, chivalry and innocent personality is what stiff out to me, and that he always tries to help the other ghosts keep up with modern trends.
Overall I would give this show a 4.5. Because whilst I didn’t necessarily laugh out loud, it’s good to see actors of a favourite tv show doing something different. And now that I've watched all 5 series and the Christmas special, it's definitely one to watch.
Sex Education:
My next recommendation is Sex Education, Starring Asa Butterfield and Emma Mackey.
This show focuses on socially awkward Otis Milburn, who somehow sets up a sex clinic and after using what he learnt from his mum (who’s a sex therapist), he seems to create a community to help those with the Romantic department.
Whilst I was quite surprised by how vulgar it really is (hence the name of the show), there were also moments of issues that society face today. This features sexual assault as seen in season 2 involving Amiee Gibbs (played by Amy Lou wood) and Jackson’s story to raise awareness of testicular cancer in series 4. All of that along with the comedy and of course the “department” really brought the show together.
As the 4 seasons went on you get to know the characters and see their relationships with others grow. These include Adam who had an estranged relationship who is the head of mortals academy, and the reason behind it said it all in the final season. Same with Maeve Wiley (played by Emma Mackey), and how she didn’t open up at first but then once we got her backstory you get to understand why she is the way she is. and her relationship with Otis played a big part in her journey.
Overall I give this show a 5 out of 5. It has it all, a mixture of comedy, heartfelt moments and if you’re prepared to see scenes of a sexual nature (and if you look at the name of the show, it kind of says it all), then this is the show for you.
Time:
My final recommendation is Time, starting Bella Ramsey, Jodie Whittikar and Tamara Lawrence and written by Jimmy McGovern.
This was series 2, where 3 women are transferred to Carlingford prison for different reasons. Each of them have their own stories. Orla not paying the leccy and then caught stealing, Abi for committing a crime which some may find unforgivable, and Kelsey for drug use who goes through a journey to redeem herself.
I’ll be honest at first I thought it wasn’t going to be good as the first series. But this proved me wrong. The stakes were high, the backstory of each character was heartfelt and there were moments of happiness. And there was even a reappearance from Siobhan from the first series who played Marie-Louise O'Dell, a Chaplin within the prison. There were also appearances from other recognisable actors, including Faye McKeever, who played the dangerous Tanya (and I would not like to mess with her), and Julie Graham, who played Lou, who did something unforgivable but managed to find redemption, and was really supportive of Kelsey.
My favourite moment was the end of episode 2. This has it all, and I was literally at the end of my seats. I won’t give away what, but this invoked Orla going to drastic measures to get what she wants, and Abi helping Kelsey when there’s no one else to help. I praise Jimmy McGovern for creating that spectacular moment.
Overall I would give this show a 4.75. It had everything in it, from highs, to lows and after having doubts about this series, this is a fine example of not judging a book by its cover.
And those were my TV recommendations to kick off the new year. I hope you enjoyed this read and if you have seen these shows, let me know your thoughts on them.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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