Strike

[Hepzibar]

Liking it.
Casting excellent.

I agree Pebbles, Jonathan Creek was dire.

I loved the Strike books & I'm loving it on TV too

I have never read the books but enjoyed this. I like the pace and not finding out every detail of back story in episode 1. But I find myself watching more and more tv shows from 20 years ago which were more character and talking, less gruesome and fewer action scenes. So although I agree with the comments about not chasing the lowest common denominator and that the bbc have started making drivel, for me there isn't anything else like this on tv. Apart from strictly and who do you think you are I don't know what the last thing I actually watched on uk tv was.

Just me that loves Jonathan Creek then

I like a good Scandi drama as much as the next woman, but gah - does everything have to be so dark and gritty? I watched Rellik last night, and gawd, talk about gruesome. Perhaps I'm getting old.

I'm loving Strike.

TheWitchAndTrevor
I was also disappointed at the motorway accident being changed for a bizarre jaunt across fields.

Not read the books so I don't know the detail here. A few people have mentioned this alteration and I wonder how on earth a production company would go about staging the motorway scene - I'm guessing it would be impossible (I doubt you can hire motorways/something that looks like a motorway for a film/tv shoot involving an accident) and even if it weren't, the logistics and cost would be hideous.

futuristic
It also feels a bit odd watching the sexist cliches go unchallenged - like Strike tolerating that writer fella not wanting to talk in front of Robin.

Presumably that was to get as much out of Chard as he could and to enable Robin to pick up information elsewhere. It seems she had a look round (the old going to the toilet trick) and received an odd comment from Manny which may/may not be relevant.

I don't agree with the comments suggesting the programmes are pedestrian. I'm struggling to find fault - very well put together and seems far more rounded than other detective stuff on television.

@ ShoesHaveSouls - no way! I love Jonathan Creek too! Creek knows what it is and does it perfectly.

@ fascicle - I understood the purpose of the sexist plot device - I just don't hold with the 'necessity' of its use in a modern drama - unless of course, the 'modern' drama is comic or Midsummerish.

I watched Gogglebox once where Murder in Paradise was featured and the 'Boxers found the use of heavy plot devices bizarre. I believe Murder in Paradise is aimed at the 'unsophisticated' viewer, the 'unknowing' viewer.

This is exactly where Strike, the one-legged man at the top of the stairs, fits on the drama spectrum for me.

But, you know, I accept Murder in Paradise is really, really popular. My 90yr old aunt loves it, and Midsummer, and Father Brown - but she couldn't relate to, for example, Line of Duty or any other 'knowing', modern crime drama.

Each to their own.
I get that it seems Strike is probably more relevant to dyed in the wool Potterites/Rowling-fans - it's a thing - I get it.

Not in my name though ;)

I wonder how on earth a production company would go about staging the motorway scene - I'm guessing it would be impossible (I doubt you can hire motorways/something that looks like a motorway for a film/tv shoot involving an accident) and even if it weren't, the logistics and cost would be hideous

Well it wasn't massive accident I think it was a lorry Jack knifing?, the main part was she avoided it by taking adversive action. So not some big budget explosions and multi crashing cars,

Quick shot of lorry, rest could have been in car shots of her driving then show the car being skidding around. It Didn't even have to be on the motorway. Anything would have been better then the Sunday drive through the countryside used.

But if they did need a motorway they could have hired this one.

TheWitch
Ok (good research), the facility exists. I still think it would be difficult/expensive in terms of resources; choreographing the accident; lots of people in vehicles; Robin's evasive action; getting the right shots to make it a credible event.

futuristic
I think you're reading too much into the sexist plot device as you call it. It's essentially a comment/detail about Chard's character. As for your 90 year old aunt not relating to knowing, modern crime dramas like Line of Duty - LoD is fantastic drama but it's also deeply implausible with a strong requirement for suspension of disbelief.

As an unsophisticated and an unknowing viewer and licence payer, I am enjoying these series very much. As you said yourself, there are so many high brow challenging dramas, that us simple folk need to have some simple viewing as well. Especially with cbeebies finishing at 7.

I agree about the gorgeous green dress and how beautiful Robin looked in it. Woder what her fiance thought of it? Can't imagine him being happy.

@Dillite2 - nobody likes feeling patronised but programmes are made for different audiences with differing intellectual demands and abilities

@fascicle - "LoD is fantastic drama but it's also deeply implausible with a strong requirement for suspension of disbelief."

Do I need to say more than one-legged veteran who rents offices on the top floor of a building on one of the most expensive streets in the world, walks everywhere and seems to have no money.

In the Cuckoo episode the villain gave Strike £1000 (and there's more where that comes from) - oooh!

That was like Dr Evil holding the world to ransom for £100,000. - ridiculous.

A temp in London would cost minimum £500a week (not counting agency fees) plus his rent etc etc etc etc and beer - whatever - it's just hokum

Love Strike as much as you like but don't argue it's anything other than a kids' programme in an adult slot.

a kids' programme in an adult slot.

That's rather harsh.

I'm really enjoying it. I don't know the books at all so came to it fresh. I agree it's a bit hokey ('famous writer' murdered like in his book and all) and there are some implausibilities; but there are in most TV dramas, including more 'highbrow' ones.

I think the two leads are massively watchable and their relationship and chemistry are great. The stories are interesting and twisty enough to hold my attention. The jokes/comedy is good and not overdone. I like recognising all the bits of Soho he trudges round, and the seedy cafes and pubs he frequents.

And my intellectual abilities are quite high, thanks very much.

"LoD is fantastic drama but it's also deeply implausible with a strong requirement for suspension of disbelief."

futuristic
Do I need to say more than one-legged veteran who rents offices on the top floor of a building on one of the most expensive streets in the world, walks everywhere and seems to have no money.

Yes, you need to say much, much more than that. Those are minor things. There's a credibility about the central characters in Strike and the dialogue between them, and the script overall is well-written and natural. This makes it possible to believe in the programme overall.

Line of Duty on the other hand, which you rate as superior... so many implausible events, it's hard to narrow them down, but some notable unlikely occurences from the last series:

• Steve Arnott, miraculously surviving a fall from four floors and quickly returning to work.

• Roz Huntley, on the floor, miraculously regaining consciousness, just in time to avoid being sawn up, and going on to dispense with Tim Ifield (who seemed to think she was dead - rather an oversight for a forensics specialist).

• Roz Huntley and her ability to function, undetected by colleagues, with a very nastic septic wound eventually resulting in the amputation of part of her arm.

The thing about Strike is that the programme is very well rounded. It's not just about procedural investigation. Characterisation, script, humour, setting etc make it very watchable. Line of Duty is very dramatic, also very watchable but doesn't work on as many levels. It's no more grown up than Strike.

Not to mention that climactic scene of DS Kate whatsername hanging off the side of a lorry thundering down the street while shooting at someone.

Indeed, although I think that was the series 3 finale. Spoilt for choice with examples. (There is also the small ongoing matter of Kate's ability to go undercover/infiltrate other teams whilst behaving with a complete lack of subtlety).

Yeah, I know, but it's stuck with me!

I agree about her ALWAYS getting found out. They need a new undercover copper really.

@ fascicle

"LoD is fantastic drama but it's also deeply implausible with a strong requirement for suspension of disbelief."

futuristic
Do I need to say more than one-legged veteran who rents offices on the top floor of a building on one of the most expensive streets in the world, walks everywhere and seems to have no money.

Yes, you need to say much, much more than that. Those are minor things.

Those are minor things. Minor things?

The entire backstory and modus operandi of the main character?

Fair enough. If that's a minor thing for you then there's too much distance between our critical assessments for us to have a meaningful debate.

Of course LoD has it's issues - absolutely unbelievable in places (like Strike) but it is a contemporary drama dealing with pertinent issues to today's society - that's what makes it adult for me.

Child abuse, political and police corruption are adult themes in a way that the 'mysterious' deaths of supermodels and famous writers aren't.

Fair enough. If that's a minor thing for you then there's too much distance between our critical assessments for us to have a meaningful debate.

I'm not sure why you want to continue to debate a drama which is not for you. I don't think your critical assessment covers much ground (unlike Cormoran Strike ) - just a restatement of the same quibbles, which for me, are not problems - they don't detract from enjoying the programme or the feeling that it has overall credibility. As said prevously, the stories extend beyond police (or in this case private inspector) procedural drama and I think there are plenty of contemporary issues in Strike away from the investigating. Plus it's early days - Line of Duty is very well established (although I have watched it/enjoyed it from the off, without getting distracted by the impossibilities).

Erm,it's entertainment folks,we don't have to do an A level paper on it at the end of the series

Erm,it's entertainment folks

Yes, but for which audience?

@fascicle

"I'm not sure why you want to continue to debate a drama which is not for you."

Because like everyone one else who pays for a tv licence, I, paying for the BBC's output and if I don't like it - I'll say so and I'll say so on this forum where I think many people are clearly suspending their disbelief to a ridiculous degree.

If 'fans' want to blow kisses at JK all day that's fine but everybody else is free to complain about it.

If you only want 'good' comments then maybe a fan board is better for you.

If 'fans' want to blow kisses at JK all day that's fine but everybody else is free to complain about it.

What a bizarre thing to say. Anyone saying positive things about the show (and in most cases backing them up with robust or at least fair examples and statements) is a 'fan' 'blowing kisses'?

As my posts state, I'm enjoying the show despite not knowing the books or any of Rowling's/Galbraith's work. Am I 'blowing kisses' too?
Weird.

I love Call of Duty and I love Strike I loved Tin Star and I love Death in Paradise and Midsummer.

I like Drama that shocks and makes you think and sometimes I like a nice easy to watch story.

I love Strike the main characters are easy to like and nice to look again and it's all quite fun. I don't care if that's a bit shallow or low brow for some people and they want to look down on me.

Oh and I love Harry Potter but hated JK Rowling's other tv series. I've never heard of The Strike books so I'm not blowing kisses at her

Seems like the people complaining it's childish and low brow are the ones making the most childish comments

futuristic
If 'fans' want to blow kisses at JK all day that's fine but everybody else is free to complain about it.

Sadly, my consumption of J K Rowling's books thus far is limited to The Casual Vacancy. I didn't set out to enjoy the programme because the adaptations are based on her books (in fact I watched the first programme on the basis of the trailer).

As for the license paying bit (which I think is a bargain at 40p per day) - I don't watch much telly, but I do understand that the vast majority of stuff I don't watch, and am not interested in, will be enjoyed by other people.

I don't think it's very clever to try and make people feel stupid ("unsophisticated and unknowing") for liking Strike, Midsomer, Murder in Paradise etc. I love those shows - it is escapism - and no danger of being confronted with something very upsetting/gruesome. It doesn't signify a lack of sophistication imv.

I do love the darker series too - but find there's no difference in the willing suspension of disbelief needed to enjoy them... they can be rather depressing though. When the news is so depressing every day, it doesn't make one a thickie to want to watch something more lighthearted.

(I do blow kisses to JK all the time - I love her )

I don't like JK R at all, don't like Harry Potter and turned the latest film off hers off. Was surprised she was involved as I said upthread. I'm really enjoying this. I also have leg issues and I like the fact he's portrayed as sexy. Too often people with disabilities aren't.