Victoria Series 2 Episode 6 Review: Faith, Hope and Charity

Another late review unfortunately, as I had to rely on TiVo for this one! But still I couldn't go without my Victoria review, especially when this episode was so poignant. It got people talking about a time in history that people do not always cover in school.

So this episode covered the Irish Potato Famine, an awful occurance killing a million Irish people over the course of about seven years. I think that Victoria did the event justice the best they could, bearing in mind it was only one episode. The scenes on the famine were harrowing, and it made my blood boil that people were denied help simply because they were Catholic, and they should 'learn to live within their means'. I had never heard about this in detail, so I did some research on it, and it is sad to hear how little te government were said to have done.

I guess this is where the show was at a crossroads. They have been showing Victoria as a strong feminist figure, but how could they do that when from the outside it looked like she did nothing to stop the people. Well, her hands were tied by her Prime Minister who wanted to maintain his power over his party. Thus, no matter what she wanted, she could not do much.

I thought focus on one particular area through the eyes of Dr Robert Traill, played by Martin Compston was genius. He saw people starving in his parish, and wrote to Her Majesty, resulting in an invitation to Buckingham Palace to tell her in person how bad things were. It brought a more personal level to the disaster, which made it more effective to tell the story in one episode. Furthermore, Traill was a real person, as we tragically saw at the episodes end.

This was the main focus of the episode, so I wanted to make my review around it, but I will also talk about Miss Cleary, and seeing her suffer as her family starved. It was real, especially when her family were forced to emigrate to survive. It reflects very strongly with today's issues, and it showed the discrimination her faith suffered, and how not everyone agreed with it. I loved the scene when Lahzen apologised to the Queen for hiring a Catholic, and she just went 'what does it matter?' I wanted to applaud her! 

I liked this episode very much, despite the dark storyline, and I am interested to see what the series covers next.

What I've watched on TV this week!

Thank goodness for TiVo!

So I wanted to do a little write-up on some of the TV I've watched this week...there's a lot! I've watched soaps, reality TV, dramas and a bunch of other stuff in between.

So let the showcase of my couch potato lifestyle commence! Spoiler alert of course!

Scorpion
So after a so-so season premiere last week, the second part was much MUCH better. Not only did it feel more intense, but there was just a lot more drama and less genius jargon. While my theory about Collins did not come true, I was 100% correct that he is still as crazy as he was before. I hope we see him again this season! And we have been left hanging about Cabe's fate. How can they arrest him for that? 

Will and Grace
YES! Just over a year after a Trump sketch got the ball rolling the sitcom finally returned and I watched the premiere episode. Like all other TV events/shows at the moment, it decided to get political, and to be honest I didn't like it. I like my Will and Grace a bit more whimsical, although there were some fabulous Jack moments that always make me smile!

How to get Away with Murder
Ah Shonda Rhymes you always know how to baffle me! Not only have the Keating Four been given the boot, but what is going on with Laurel? Why is she in a white room? Why is Annaliese's therapist involved? Where is Laurel's baby? So many questions! The premiere has set a fabulous mystery in motion, and I can't wait to see where it leads!

The Great British Bake-off
As I write this, I am watching Pastry week, with the pie showcase making me substantially want a meaty masterpiece like the ones I am seeing. Right now I am team Liam, but Yan's science knowhow and her inclusion in baking makes me root for her too. This show is so cosy, and I love watching it every Tuesday!

Strictly Come Dancing
My favourite primetime talent show, my list of predictions is already crumbling. I am not particularly surprised to see Alexandra and Aston nailing it already, with strong scores. My favourite Brian Conley has struggled so far, and my man Jonnie Peacock has been utterly sensational! Bring on Movie Week this week. I haven't seen the dances yet but I. Am. Excited!

Liar
Like most of Blighty, I was wrong as to who was lying, and now I love that they have gone full psychopath with Andrew for the remaining episodes. I really really hope they catch him, especially after what he did to Vanessa this week. 

Soaps
I am a bit inconsistent with my soap viewing so I am lumping Corrie and Emmerdale in together. They are both in the middle of seriously intense weeks, and I just watched the big fire/explosion/shooting in Emmerdale. All I will say is I seriously hope a certain character dies that is due to leave. I need her to die now! And after watching last nights Corrie, I was applauding Bethany for her taking the stand against Nathan! Take that evil man down!

Scorpion Season 4 Premiere Review: It's Back!

My favourite show is finally back! To say I was excited for the return of Scorpion is an understatement, and so of course I am going to write a review of the Season 4 Premiere episode. That I wanted to blog something and I could not think of anything else. I will do a quick catch up for those of you who don't watch it, so spoilers ahead!

For a more general show summary, see my Top 5 Favourite Shows on TV right now

So at the end of Season 3, they will-they-wont-they couple Paige (Katherine McPhee) and Walter (Elyes Gabel) finally got together, after the team were rescued from a desert island which they survived on for two weeks (yes this show is a bit far-fetched). Toby (Eddie Kaye Thomas aka Finch from American Pie) and Happy (Jadyn Wong) got married and all seemed right with the world.

So Season 4 picks up hours after Season 3 ended, with a musical number. This was built up heavily in marketing for this season, because it's a musical number in a show that's not Glee! I should have loved it, but I didn't! It just seemed and jarring, and I was impatient to get the show going after five months of hiatus.

The main focus of this episode is the return of villain Mark Collins (there's a LOT of backstory on him) and his help needed in a case. Of course I don't trust him, and his promise that he's not a crazed psychopath anymore. Since we have Part 2 to come, my theory remains that something will happen and Collins will die. Morbid, yes. Intense, very! Just what this show needs!

Not suprisingly, Walter and Paige are already seeing problems, with genius Walter not understanding how to treat Paige. Is she a girlfriend or a team member beneath him? Hopefully they don't drag this out too far, because we had a bit of this at the end of last season, and I'm ready for it to end. 

But, as always, newlyweds Happy and Toby are classic selves. Bickering as always, while still affectionate. They provided some lighter moments, and from what I've read, I am very excited to see where their storyline goes this season.

So I enjoyed the episode, but in the scale of episodes it's average. Maybe I will like after seeing some more of the season. We shall see!

Victoria Series 2 Episode 5 Review: Entente Cordiale

Yes another Victoria review! And it was a happy episode, much less soapy angst this week that I very much enjoyed!

I think I've happily entered a stage of ignorance as to how historically inaccurate the show is at this point. I know people moan that it's a bit out of order, but I don't care, because it's not like we are watching Victoria in 2017 getting Ubers to France and taking phone snaps of Albert in the lake.

So while it was nice to see Victoria meet foreign sovereigns and try to establish international relations, the main thing I enjoyed about the episode was the fact they were in France! It's so different to England in so many ways, but also it felt more like today. Girls being catty about Her Majesty, wearing makeup, and getting busy with Ernest in the hedges, it was like watching a reality show!

I'm glad they have not dragged out Albert's father storyline, because it was a real downer, and made the character a bit of a downer. Seeing Victoria accept him in that way, was probably a bit TV-esque, but touching all the same. Tom Hughes and Jenna Coleman have the best chemistry.

And I can't skim over the skinny dipping scene, because it was skinny dipping and it was funny and a bit random but I still loved it.

Also I felt really sorry for Miss Cook, because she blatantly had feelings for Ernest, and he's off doing dalliances with the French ladies. She looked so upset! I don't like that she's so heavily belittled by her aunt. Hopefully she will have a spine by the end of the series, and if she gives some epic speech, I will go all Braveheart and shout FREEDOM!

Was I surprised their trip was all for nothing?! Not really. It keeps things interesting in TV-land, and I don't actually know how much of that is history, so as I previous mentioned, blissful ignorance!

I'm happy to watch a lighter episode, which is back up in the levels of the first episode in terms of quality. Once more unto the breach onto next week!

Victoria Review Series 2 Episode 4: The Sins of the Father

Yes my review is a bit late! But still, better late than never! Although it will be briefer as I have another review I want to do!

This episode was very uneasy, which isn't surprising considering the subject matter it covered. Victoria's suffering of post-natal depression after the birth of her son was very sad, and I can see why it's been praised on social media. 

And Albert's history, or alleged history, was very surprising, although the whole introduction of it did take the show away from it's historical roots. It felt very soapy. Hopefully though that will the end of it for now. The show is stretching its historical roots more and more, and so far each episode hasn't topped the premiere yet.

Also, I was so glad Miss Skerrett was allowed to keep her job, considering her cow of a cousin ratted out her story to the press. She was trying to support her family with the job, and they threw it back at her. I hope she cuts all ties with the cousin now. And I was sad to see that the blame was pinned on the chef because he had treated himself with his pay rise. Lahzen is the worst housekeeper ever! She clearly wants to look good in front of her seniors and I just find her character annoying. 

So yes a very brief review, but there was nothing in particular from this weeks episode that truly stood out for me. Hopefully next week will be better!!

Emmys 2017: The shows I'm rooting for

The Emmy's host for this year aka Stephen Colbert aka Late Night star

IT'S THE EMMY'S TONIGHT aka the Oscars of TV (or US TV at least). I am extremely excited about the awards this year, because there are shows that I have actually watched that are nominated for awards! 

So I thought it would be fun to write about the shows I am supporting, and actors that I really want to win awards.

I won't be doing it category-by-category because there are a lot of awards, and in some I do not have any show or actor to support.

Let the showering of TV fan praise commence:

The Crown
This one has to go first because it is up for the most awards, and has the best chance of a big win, with five major nominations.
It's basically a shoe-in for John Lithgow to win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama, because his performance as Winston Churchill was stellar, so this is their best shot. Claire Foy is also in with a shot for Best Actress due to her Golden Globes win, but I am a bit conflicted on this one as there is another actress I am rooting for which I shall get to momentarily. 
I loved The Crown, and it's one of a lot of 'new' shows getting nominations, instead of the repeat winners. But it is a very 'critic-friendly' show, which could help it get a win! 

Sherlock
OK so now my TV fangirl is showing a bit. Sherlock is just one of those shows that I love regardless and I will root for in any awards show.
It has won nine awards in previous years, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman winning in 2014 after the third series. Although neither were there to accept so they better be there tonight, especially since it looks like Sherlock will not be returning to our TVs. Or at least have Steven Moffat there, he gives really nice acceptance speeches.
This year it is up for two major awards and two technical ones, so it has a decent chance for a win. One episode is classified as a 'TV movie' making it a cut above some other TV movies! Fingers crossed!

Stranger Things
I am seriously rooting for the Netflix brigade this year! I love Stranger Things (Season 2 needs to hurry up!) and its been a bit of a surprise in the awards circuit. It's up for four major awards, including Best Drama, and has had Golden Globe nominations and won the SAG as well (shoutout to Winona Ryder's facial expressions during that speech!). 
I'm already eager to see the kids walking the red carpet together, and if this show wins it will be so huge for supernatural shows in terms of their awards pedigree!

Viola Davis
Because Viola Davis! She is one of the best actresses working in the business, and she has an Oscar already! She has won the Emmy before, but the past season of How to Get Away with Murder was so good I think that she can win again! She is a total badass! But Best Actress in a Drama is a very strong category so it could go to anyone. The Handmaids Tale is a bit a of a force to be reckoned with this year. Fingers crossed!

So who's going to win? Who knows? There are very few repeat noms this year, so it's been made wide open. We shall see! 

Strictly Saturday: Predictions!

Yes I know Strictly Come Dancing isn't back until next Saturday, but since there is little to watch this weekend (until Victoria tomorrow at least) I thought it would be nice for me to post my predictions for this years lineup! I am beyond excited for Strictly's return! 

I am going to split my views into two separate areas: Should do well, and rooting to do well. Sometimes I love a dancer that I know may struggle slightly, so I like to show my support for them as well. Although last year I was glad to see my favourite dancer take home the crown. Go Ore! Here's his famous jive if you fancy a trip down memory lane! 

Now I want to precede this with the note that these predictions are in accordance with my opinion on the celebs, mainly from watching Strictly for over a decade, and what many others are saying about the lineup. I'm not a dance expert, so I'm going on how similar celebs have done in previous years. There could be wildcards in there. No one pinned Ore as a winner, along with Jake Wood doing so well a few years ago!

So without further ado here are my Strictly predictions:

SHOULD DO WELL
Gemma Atkinson
Gemma is very fit with the kind of body that could easily take up dancing. She's been partnered with Alijaz, and I can see them making a very nice pair. He's won before with Abbey Clancy. Also her actress background means that she can 'act' the dance very well. She's got the cha-cha first, which is a nice one to start on, so we shall see. Also her acting past, mainly Emmerdale, will get the public voting for her.

Aston Merrygold 
We all know JLS can dance, and while some people like to moan that Aston's background means he has an advantage, JLS dancing is different to the Strictly kind. But the experience will definitely help, and so I can see him taking to the faster dances quite easily. I am not so sure about ballroom, but with a foxtrot as the first dance I could be proven wrong! And I am sure I do not need to say that JLS fans will want to vote for him, so he has the fanbase behind him.

Alexandra Burke
This is kind of the same points as Aston. She can dance from her music and stage career, and that will always help on Strictly. However, I would say it is more helpful in the Latin routines, so with a waltz first, I am very excited to see how it will be performed. I can see her being very delicate in ballroom, like Abbey Clancy again.

Mollie King
People are already pinning her as a good dancer, because of her performing background, and the fact that Frankie Bridge was also stellar when she competed. I cannot hugely elaborate much else, except that she is doing a jive first. I LOVE a jive! I can see high scores for her from the outset.

Davood Ghadami
The only reason I am including Davood here is because he has a similar build as Danny Mac, who was amazing last year. His samba blew me away! He could be very very good, but we have also seen similar guys struggle. A cha-cha could go either way. 

All of the above celebrities have established fanbases from their main works that can be very vocal in their voting. Sometimes that's a good thing, and sometimes it isn't. It can save them on a bad week, or keep them in the running when better dancers are voted off. Obviously we cannot call anything yet until we see them in action!

ROOTING TO DO WELL
Ruth Langsford
Hands down my favourite celebrity this year. I love Ruth on This Morning, and I was over the moon to see her paired with Anton! Ruth could be a good dancer, and I am so desperate to see Anton do well again after so many duds. He's one of two OG pros from the show, and it's clear he is an amazing teacher. I can see him putting together fabulous routines for Ruth. And with a waltz up first, I am very excited! Also I will be Eammonn spotting in the audience each week.

Simon Rimmer
Me and my Mum are both on the same page with Simon, as he could be a dark horse a la Ore, Jake Wood and Chris Hollins. He's been partnered with Karen Clifton who has done well in the past with Mark Wright. That and I just like him in general!

Brian Conley
Yes I squealed a bit with delight when Brian was announced. It was a shame to see him leave I'm a Celebrity so early, so I am already buzzing to see how he gets on. I can imagine him going the 'entertaining' route with his routines, which I am OK with as long as it is not overdone. Judge Rinder did something similar last year, and I loved him!

Jonnie Peacock
I am team Jonnie all the way! Mainly because I love his appearances on The Last Leg. He's been partnered with Oti who put together some amazing dances with Danny Mac last year (back to the samba again! And the jive! And the Charleston!). I am a fan of his, so fingers crossed!

----------------------------------------------

So that's my main Strictly predictions. I haven't mentioned everyone, as I wanted to focus on the main people I can see doing well or I will be supporting. Strictly is such a fun show, so whoever does well I will root for, but these are my thoughts ahead of the first dances next week.

I am not sure if I will be blogging every single week, but I will try to live-tweet @bylauramfox if I am watching it live! 

So watch this space, and in the meantime....keep dancing! (sorry couldn't resist!)

Kindle Chronicles: Top 5 weird books!

So I've been reading a lot about Darren Aranofsky's new film mother! which comes out this weekend. I have no desire to watch that film, since Black Swan was enough Aranofsky for my liking. That film was weird. One of my favourite critics online called it 'horror ballet porn'!

While I am sure his films have some amazing deep meanings, the main result of this internet binge is that it got me thinking about some of the weirdest books I have ever read! As a former Lit student, there are some books I have read that just made my brain hurt, or were just plain weird but I loved them anyway. So what else could come of these musings but a blog post?

So, in my objective opinion (MY opinion! Obviously read the books yourself to see what you think!) and no particular order, here are the top 5 weirdest books I have ever read in my life!

1.The Golden Notebook (1962) by Doris Lessing

This book is the story of Anna, and the four notebooks she uses to record her life. I think the main issue I had with this book is that the narrative is very erratic, in the way it floats from one notebook to another, without much of an actual plot! And it's a long book too! Since I'm not sure what the novel was supposed to be about, I couldn't even analyse what sort of meaning it was supposed to put forward!

2. Crash (1973) by J.G. Ballard

This was a divisive book in terms of me and some of my friends. They really enjoyed it, mainly because it's pretty filthy. Now I am not a prude, but some of the stuff in this book just made me think 'what is the point in all this?' It could be interpreted in how people try and express their sexual desires, but some of is just so weird I wanted to smack my head against the wall!

3. Trainspotting (1993) by Irvine Welsh

Now I understand the film is a bit of a 90s classic, and I love Danny Boyle because of Slumdog Millionaire and the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. But the book was just a bit confusing for me. I get that it's about drugs and is trying to show the effect of drugs on the human psyche, but I just couldn't grasp this one! I think I found the narrative a bit jarring as well.

4. Poor Things (1992) by Alaisdair Grey

Now this book was weird, but I LOVED it! Yes really! I read the whole book in a day, and was very passionate about it during theory lectures. It was about this woman Bella Baxter, and provided all these different themes of life, identity and memory in a Victoria setting. The Victorian element is what sells me on it. Bella is quite an erratic person, and the plot doesn't really have a start and end point. In this case, it worked for me, although when I finished the book I laughed as to how absurd the entire novel was!

5. The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) by James Joyce

I remember seeing a statue of James Joyce in Dublin and wincing a bit. I get that he's one of the iconic authors of Irish literature, and the above book is a biographical one in some sense. I may be bending my own rules here as well since its not so much weird, but I just found it a bit confusing. I couldn't even finish the novel! I think if I want to learn about James Joyce I will read a bio about him. I did learn a bit about him when I visited the Irish writers museum in Dublin as well!

I would be intrigued to see if my views are shared in terms of some of these novels. None are substantially modern, so it would interest me to see if they all have a legacy still today, regardless of film adaptations. The novels have to be considered on their own (hence why people moan about film adaptations so much and how they don't do the book justice). 

I think I prefer my Victorian classics at this time, and I plan to re-read Pride and Prejudice soon!

TV Review: Liar Episode 1

Yes I know this is a poster for the American broadcast, but it's quite slick and I like it!

It's days like today that I love social media! I saw the memedom go to town on Liar after it aired last night on ITV. So of course I had to watch it to see what all the fuss was about (in between my Call the Midwife marathon. That will be reviewed when I catch up!) 

For those of you who do not know, Liar is a drama starring Joanne Froggatt (Anna from Downton Abbey, and she played a serial killer in Dark Angel last year) and Ioan Gruffudd (Captain Fantastic in Fantastic Four, or the really dishy one who almost seduced Beckett in an episode of Castle) as Laura and Andrew, a teacher and a surgeon who meet for a date, and the ensuing events lead to two VERY different accounts. Laura accuses Andrew of rape, while Andrew denies anything happened.

So the million dollar question, and the main plot line, is who's lying? And I am sure the writers (who wrote the Missing too) will have us flip flopping between the two over the next six episodes.

Bottom line, did I enjoy it? Well yes, as much as one can given the subject matter. The episode blatantly sets you up to believe Laura, until a thing at the end (no spoilers don't worry). And her originally idyllic supportive sister isn't so perfect by the end. I kind of guessed that beforehand. After Broadchurch (RIP) I kind have to over-deconstruct every character in a show like this. 

Right now, the show feels like it is laying on extra elements to make the show worthy of a six episode run. With just the main story, I would have made it three or four tops. I will be interested to see where the side plots go. Also I'm a bit rubbish at pointing out the real culprits in these 'who is it?' format. But I am on a mission to get this one right.

I'm not sure if I will review this every week at the moment, but I will definitely try if each episode has enough to write about. I have a lot of my TV back in the next few weeks so I might have to prioritise! 

If not, I try to live tweet when I watch things live (or as close to live as I can) so drop me a follow @bylauramfox! 

TV Review: Victoria Series 2 Episode 3 'Warp and Weft'

Victoria was emotional this week...RIP to Lord M

It's that time of the week again! Time to review Victoria. This time I actually pre-warned I wasn't going to write my review until today because of two reasons. One: It was late and I was in the midst of a Call the Midwife marathon and Two: That stuff was emotional and I needed time to grieve

So now I'm a bit more composed, time to review! Spoiler alert of course! 

Well I'm glad that they are not shoving Victoria's second pregnancy down our throats. We got the jist with her first, and we all know she had eight more children, so just let it happen and deal with the new little one when it arrives. And by the looks of the synopsis for next week they are speeding up the process nicely.

But can we talk about Lord M? That was emotional! I know he doesn't die for a few years after the point the series is at, but by the looks of it, this is the last time we will be seeing him on screen. I teared up a bit when he got his little canary contraption. 

And I don't care that it's not historically accurate, I wanted him and Victoria to get together so badly! Rufus Sewell plays a handsome PM as well! I couldn't believe how old he was when I Googled him as well! 

And for the second death of the episode, Victoria's dog Dash, I can understand why it sent Twitter into absolute mourning, but I'm not a dog person so I just went 'aww' and that was that. 

I have one big gripe about this episode though, and it's about Victoria. She's meant to be a strong independent woman who doesn't need male advice to rule, but the idea of throwing a lavish costume ball was just a bit dim. If she was a proper queen, she would know about the problems with the people, and she didn't need a dramatic look out of the window to figure that out! The mirroring to problems today did make me laugh (MP expenses/extravagant spending anyone?) 

So I felt the emotions this week, but they laid the political stuff on a bit thick for my liking. There were some weird montages of people eating and all the food that just didn't seem to fit with the tone of the show. I suppose we shall have to see where it all goes, but Lord M you will be missed! 

Soap Sunday: Who won and who lost

So this week was a week in soapland which some would rather forget. And I'm not just talking about the characters. 

Now I want to start this post with a disclaimer that I will not be talking about one of the 'Big Four' soaps since I don't watch it. But I wanted to talk about the other three because it was such a mad week, and not all of it was good. 

And it goes without saying SPOILER ALERT! I'm basically going to deconstruct what happened throughout the week in Eastenders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale! And I will define characters by their names and not their actor names so feel free to Google if in any doubt.

So let's start with my winner of this week: Emmerdale! I know my demographic are not huge fans of this Yorkshire soap, and that in generally appeals to the older generation. But the past couple of years, it's really stepped up its game and I've become a big fan!

Some of the highlights are the huge stunt last October with the motorway pile-up, Ashleys dementia storyline, and one my personal favourites is the Robert and Aaron relationship (I am crossing my fingers they will reunite).

This week was set up to be a fairly standard week in soap land. No big stunts, twists or dramas, and Emmerdale didn't tease anything like that in advance. Their big stunt week is coming again in October.

But far from it! So many bombshells this week, particularly in Thursdays episodes. Not only did Leyla find out about Pete and Priya's affair, which led to some epic speeches by Leyla, but the Nell twist came out of nowhere.

I just assumed her whole pregnancy thing would implode and she would leave. But I had no idea that her entire past was made-up, and the fact that Jai spotted it with that photo in the department store blew me away. Since it's already been confirmed that Nell is leaving soon, I can't wait to see how it ends!

Emmerdale didn't tease any of this from the outset, so rather than building it up to fall short, like another soap did this week, it seemed better than expected. 

Second up is Corrie. It wasn't a particularly groundbreaking week plot-wise, because the show is building up to the start of a sixth episode a week, with the climax of Eva's revenge. I am immensely excited about that, so this week didn't overreach, or provide any shocking twists, so I'll keep my thoughts brief.

And last up is Eastenders. They teased this week as '24 hours that will shatter the square' and dragging it out over the course of a week just made the whole thing feel like overkill. It's become very over the top as of late (that Abi scene that set Twitter off had me in stitches too!). And after red herring after red herring, the anticipated death was the one that everyone called beforehand because the exit was already announced! 

I found the whole thing a bit over the top, like the bus debacle at the beginning of the year.

So we shall we see where the soaps go in the next few weeks, but I mainly wanted to gush about Emmerdale in this situation.

Victoria Review: "The Green Eyed Monster"

After I loved the season premiere of Victoria so much, I was worried that the following episode would be a let down. And while I still prefer the previous episode, I cannot deny that I enjoyed this episode too.

And that is for one reason, and the reason Twitter rejoiced. Lord M (Rufus Sewell) has returned! He was one of my favourite parts of the first season, despite the historical inaccuracies, and while I was worried that his return would be forced, since historically at this point he was no longer Prime Minister, they have implemented it into the plot nicely.

Seeing how Lord M is still able to help Victoria (Jenna Coleman) with some of the most difficult decisions in her marriage is fascinating. Due to her sheltered upbringing, she has little experience in the obstacles of marriage. Her and Albert feel more and more like a real couple, with bumps in the road (some bigger than others! No spoilers don't worry.)

Considering Victoria takes place a century before any idea that could eventually become computers, and as a bit of a tech geek, I found the inventions of engines and early computer programs fascinating. The fact that it stems from a woman, Ada Lovelace, makes it even better. After a bit of research on the real Lady Lovelace, I am a fan. Seeing Albert (Tom Hughes) attempt to push these new advances is welcome in an era grounded in tradition and historical values. Just think, without these ideas, there would be no hub of knowledge and technology that we are so reliant on today.

If I had to give a negative for this episode, I just cannot grasp any interest in the 'below stairs' characters. I understand how the writers are trying to boost interest in them in an attempt to copy Downton Abbey, but it's just not working. Maybe the series needs to run for a bit longer but right not I'm not sure.

And finally, while I like the humour in Victoria, I find Dame Diana Rigg's character (Mistress of the Robes) a little bit tiring at this point. Her one-liners come across as general complaints, from an old woman so desperate to maintain her ways. I love her niece, especially as she is so passionate and intelligent, but the Duchess just ties her back. I frustrates me, as a lover of the passionate female in Victoria literature.

So, good episode as a whole, though not as good as episode 1. And with Lord M returning next week, the series is heading in the right direction!

An Ode to Iris Murdoch

I wanted to write a blog post for today, and I've sat for ages thinking about what I could write the post about. There hasn't been any massive celeb news for me to write (or rant) about. And Victoria is on later so I can review that tomorrow.

And then it hit me. My literary queen! I should write about her! 

For those of you who don't know, my literary queen is Iris Murdoch. The 20th century writer of fictional stories with philosophical ideas about being good, morals, religion, relationships and women (believe me, that list could go on!)

I could write a very long paragraph about why I like her novels, and hows it deeper meanings led me to think very hard about life and why is lived and how one should be good to others. That's kind of true.

But really, it's the romantic element of Murdoch's novels that I love. Some are not even romances and yet I feel the emotions (or 'feels' in Tumblr speak) between characters. A lot of her novels are first person, and it is these ones where I can understand exactly how the characters are feeling. Some of the titular characters have particularly mundane lives, in small country towns, and yet they are still made to be interesting. There are all kinds of relationships in Murdoch novels, some good, some bad, but the good ones are SO GOOD! You feel the passion.

I will add at this point, Murdoch is the not the most morally clean of authors. There are affairs, a bit of incest, and some other stuff as well. But it's all in the best taste it can be! The 20th Century Britishness covering it means you are not cowering or wincing at all.

My favourite, and the first, HAS to be The Bell. A mid-1950s novel set in an Anglican religious residence overlooking an enclosed nunnery. It came across as slightly cult-like at the start, but I warmed to it, and how it can show a woman that decides to leave her husband and how it didn't mean the end of their life. Considering the social stigma of divorce at the time, it's fascinating. I sped through the book in a couple of days, although me and my friend clashed heavily about it! But then, she loved Virginia Woolfe! I wrote a 1000 word essay on the novel in my first year of uni, so I remember it fondly.

And, of course, my third year Special Study at uni was Iris Murdoch. I have this notebook which I used to record the novels I wrote, reviews, notes and general musings. I got a first for engagement, and I still have it. There was a 6000 word essay as well but it killed me a bit!

Murdoch has stayed my favourite author since I first read her novels three years ago. I've read ten of her 26 books so far. I wish there were more adaptations of her work out there, for film etc. to widen the audience. But never mind. She's still great!

What's in my (very small) makeup brand

I'm not a beauty guru, or at least one who tries product after product. I'm a woman of routine, who finds one product and sticks to it. Or maybe it's because I'm not particularly adventurous in my makeup search.

That being said, I though it would be nice to share my 'must-use' products that I use on a day-to-day basis, and in some cases, I get through at an alarming speed. Silver lining of that is that I acquire Boots Advantage Points at lightning speed. 

No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

This is definitely my splurge product. I think if you invest in one beauty product it has to be foundation. I like a foundation that actually covers, and if I can skip concealer I will because foundation does exactly the same task. Also if you go to the No7 counter they use that clever gadget to find your exact shade!

Maybelline Matt Maker Powder 

I have to give an honourable mention to the Revlon Powder here, as it was one I used to use for a long time. But then I simply decided that spending that much on a powder was a bit pointless, since I get through them at lightning speed (no really!). So I ended up going for this one, mainly because it's matte, and pretty cheap.

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

In Essex we like a bit of bronzer, so I like a bit too. Mainly because I hate being pale, and it warms me up a little bit, especially in the winter. I'm not particularly fussy about my bronzer. Rimmel London is a pretty safe brand with affordable prices. I think I picked this up at random and it's served me well.

Rimmel London Soft Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

I actually own this eyeliner in black and brown, with the brown getting used more as a daily choice. It's quite light and has just enough 'makeup' in the look without looking heavy. That and its much easier to remove. I also have an Avon eyeliner pen in black which is a bit heavier for a real impact.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara

I'm definitely team eyes over lips, so a good mascara is an absolute must. I think at one point when I was at school I would apply four at the same time! I've been using this Rimmel Mascara for a very long time, and I still use it now because it never lets me down!

I don't have a specific lipstick or lip-gloss I use day-to-day. I prefer to just apply a slick of Vaseline, or a tinted lipbalm.

And before you think, what about scent? Well I am so fickle, I don't have a signature scent, although I love the small of vanilla!

So there you go, my makeup essentials. Unfortunately they are not particularly exciting, or extravagant. But I thought it would be a fun, girly thing to post about!

I've discovered The Great British Bake Off!

As crazy as it sounds, considering its sky high ratings, innuendos and memes making many hours of happy posts for an avid tweeter, I have never watched The Great British Bake Off. It just never drew my attention. Also when I was on a diet seeing all the cakes (and the bread. OH THE BREAD!) just made me a bit food-sad.

So when the show made a move to Channel 4, causing massive backlash and the departure of three of its key players, Mel, Sue and Mary Berry, my interest was peaked.

This wasn't because I had an expectation that the show would be completely reinvented on a new channel, but actually something far more boring.

I was looking for a new show to check out, upon the end of Love Island, in the lead-up to the return of all my favourite US shows in late September (see my previous post about what I'm watching on TV right now). So I had nothing to lose, and set my recording since adverts irritate me.

And the verdict? I enjoyed it very much! I haven't grown very emotionally attached to any of the bakers yet, so Peter's elimination did not fill me with any permanent sadness. However I like Steven and Flo as of now, and the gentlemen who made a spreadsheet to nail his cake is officially one to watch. Baking admin is always a win in my book (although his chocolate mini rolls ended up being of weaker quality. Perhaps a signature challenge in Powerpoint form would have been more to his style)

But I felt the drama and stress when bakes were not going well. That intensity of whether a bake would deliver when a first attempt ended up in bin. And it was cake week this week. I love cake!

In terms of the new hosts, I do like them. There is no forced humour, and I find 'The Mighty Boosh' nostalgia on Twitter very funny. That was a big thing when I was at school.

It actually surprised me how much Prue Leith sounds like Mary Berry, so I don't see any substantial difference there either.

It's easy TV, so I can just cosy up in bed and enjoy it without much thought. And it's very understated, with minimal dramatic music and long pauses for effect. 

If it sounds like I'm saying stuff that has been said about Bake Off many many times before, then that's probably the case. That being said, I like it, I am a fan, and though I am seven years late to the party, I will be sticking around for the forseeable, soggy bottoms be damned!

TV Review: Victoria Season 2 Premiere

It's finally back! One of my favourite period dramas finally returned, and I was ready when it began, tea and biscuits at my side (yes I'm that traditional). 

When it was announced Victoria was returning for a second series, I was slightly worried. When I watched the first series, I viewed it as one with a start and an end. In a way it is still like that, but I wondered where they would take Victoria's story. Would there be a time jump? What elements of Victorian history would be focused on? WOULD LORD M BE RETURNING?

I can say, after a few minutes of this episode, I relaxed into the sofa knowing that we are in safe hands. The episode begins with Victoria (Jenna Coleman) confined to a wheelchair six weeks after giving birth, something Her Majesty is not happy about. It leads to one of her first brilliant lines of the episode, and it made me laugh. 

That's my first positive. The humour in this episode is out in spades, far more than the first series. While I began this with shades of The Crown in my mind (mainly as I finished the series yesterday) it soon separated itself. The tone is lighter even with the darker tales interwoven within the story, that are starkly true.

As a history-buff, I found the story about the invasion of Afganistan fascinating. Not only did I know nothing about it, leading to some immediate Googling, but the mirroring between that war and the Afganistan war on terror today is very poignant. Using the 19th Century framework to document these modern events captivated me, especially in the scene where Her Majesty meets the sole survivor of the Khyber Pass crossing out of the 4000 soldiers. The ongoing theme of 'The Soldiers Daughter' as the episode is titled was very smart on Daisy Goodwin's part.

Even that early in the Queens motherhood, she was making waves, as a monarch and woman. I had never heard of the concept of being 'churched', and it sounds ridiculous today. Not so much as a religious act, but that she had to undertake it in that manner. She was treated as an invalid after having a child, and you can see how we far we have come since time. Can you imagine a woman going through all that today? I don't think so!

Without getting all feminist, the two highlights of this episode that made me want to stand up and applaud, where firstly the scene where she reprimands her husband Albert for trying to keep secrets from her about Afganistan. As the wife, she is expected to submit, but as a Queen she rules. Torn between two worlds, it was great to see her bite back. (Shoutout to the Duke of Wellington here, hes one of few characters who treats The Queen as she should be treated: as a person. I like his character a lot.) And secondly, one of the concluding scenes in which she stands on HMS Trafalgar after the loss of troops in Afganistan. Not only was her speech just plain epic, but I viewed the scene as her saying "We are British we carry on!" I've seen that a lot recently in British historical media I've watched and read, and I just love it.

And as a hopeless romantic, I also loved the dynamic between Victoria and Albert (Tom Hughes). I'm still a hardcore Victoria and Lord M (Rufus Sewell) fan so hear me out! If you read my review of The Crown I sound like I am repeating myself here, but never mind. They feel real, and not in that 'real' way you see in reality tv land today. I mean they actually loved each other, they wanted to be intimate for them not for the needs of the royal bloodline. As Her Majesty greatly said, in my favourite line of the episode: "The country needs a Queen not a broodmare." 

I could write another paragraph about the acting, but I will save the words and typing time. Everyone is excellent. The Queens Mistress of the Robes (Dame Diana Rigg) is also great, and I mainly liked her because of her no-nonsense approach towards some characters I really dislike.

As it is only the start of the series, I won't give a substantial verdict just yet. I'm beyond excited for the return of Lord M next week, so we shall see where this series goes. 

TV Review: The Crown Season 1

So I know I'm a little late to the party on this one, since The Crown came out last November. But after a lot of planning to watch it, my Mum telling me how good it is, and a little bit of chance time off, I finally sat down and watched it! I'd like to say no spoilers, but all this stuff is British history, so it's a bit hard to spoil.

For anyone who doesn't know, The Crown is the story about our Queen Elizabeth II, from her marriage to Prince Philip right through until the present day.

The first season covers her engagement to Philip in 1947, coronation, and concludes with the dissolution of Margaret and Group Captain Townsend relationship. So in timeline terms, it's from 1947 to 1955.

I've always been a sucker for a good period drama, so I always planned to watch this show when it came. With it being on Netflix I knew there was no rush, especially since Season 2 isn't due out until December.

Despite it coming from the land of the binge-watch, each episode is very heavy and lush, so I wouldn't call it a show you can binge in one sitting. I couldn't watch more than one or two episodes before I had to take a break. That being said, if you like a challenge, or being one of those people who is found sitting in the living room muttering sweet nothings at the end of a TV binge, then knock yourself out!

The performances are solid too. For a bit of extra info, to faithfully document the entire life of the Queen correctly, the main characters are going to be recast every two seasons, with six seasons to cover the entire story, so the actors you see in this season will only feature in Season 2 from then on and that will be it. No news on the recasts just yet.

Claire Foy blends perfectly into the role of Her Majesty, presenting that 'fish out of water' idea as she was thrown into the role very early following the death of her father (sidenote: For a bit more background on George VI, Colin Firth does a fabulous job in The King's Speech). She starts off the series happily married, living a nice life in Malta with her two children, and then that all disappears as soon as she becomes the Monarch. She puts duty first, and some would say that is why she is still so well-loved today.

And while I was very excited to see Matt Smith play the Duke of Edinburgh, mainly as I am a big Doctor Who fan, I did not find his performance quite as compelling. Smith captures the mannerisms perfectly, but he just does not have as much to do. And that's fine, since I still enjoy his performance. I just hope we get to see more in later seasons of the way he is viewed today, for his quips and one-liners. I'm very intrigued who they get to play him next.

All props go to John Lithgow who plays Prime Minister Winston Churchill. His performance is by far the best in the show, in a role it would be very easy to stereotype. He plays Churchill in his second term of Parliament, when he had been viewed not as highly as in previous years, mainly due to his health and age. He was pushed to step down, and eventually he did. That being said, he absolutely nails the role of this fiery man trapped in an old mans body, and I'm sad he won't be in any future seasons.

Last mention goes to Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret. I knew nothing about her going into this, so to hear about her somewhat controversial past was fascinating. Her relationship with Townsend was very romantic, something out of Austen, and I am a bit of a sucker for that sort of thing. Her rebellious nature is something of an anomaly for the royal family (or at least in the 50s it was, not so much now), and I just loved it. 

I very much enjoyed The Crown, if I could sum up now. I can't deny that I've been obsessively Googling royal history to get more info, but as I'm a history buff that's pretty normal anyway. Bring on Season 2!

If you like reading my reviews, follow me on Twitter @bylauramfox. I live tweet some of the shows as I watch them.