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!

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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!)