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.