Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Telly addicts

Related: Film discussion forum.

Original poster

The Singapore Grip

34 replies

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 13/09/2020 22:14

Did anybody else watch?

I loved the music and the outfits, really looking forward to next week.

I have to admit it isn't a bit of history I know that well, so I'm hoping to learn something from it too.

OP posts:
Boredsilly · 14/09/2020 08:47

I watched it found it hard to follow though so not to sure will give it another episode

Potionqueen · 14/09/2020 09:22

Loved it and will definitely watch the series.

stumbledin · 14/09/2020 13:25

Is it meant to be a comedy?

Apparenlty it is meant to be political satire.

Seems more like an end of term farce.

Thesuzle · 14/09/2020 13:28

I found it very ‘jumpy’ didnt always catch characters names, husband noir impressed so will have to do catch ups later

Original poster
PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 14/09/2020 13:40

It did jump about in time a bit. The bit that I did misunderstand slightly at first was that there were two houses very close to each other and they keep moving between the two, not that they all live together.

I stopped ironing to watch it because I didn't want to get confused in the very first episode by not paying enough attention.

OP posts:
thistimelastweek · 14/09/2020 13:42

I was disappointed. Wooden acting and two-dimensional characters.

Greenteandchives · 14/09/2020 13:44

I looked up Singapore Grip. Grin.
Not sure why it’s called that as yet. I quite enjoyed it, but it was a bit disjointed in parts.

Original poster
PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 14/09/2020 13:58

I'll probably read the book when the series has finished.

I read Troubles by the same author years ago, and it was definitely satire. I think this should be, but since the first episode is all a bit introductory, we haven't really got beyond "isn't your English good?!" and "Americans are a bit vulgar".

OP posts:
mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 15/09/2020 12:57

I've read the book (twice, I think but not recently) as I discovered JG Farrell by accident years ago and think he was an exceptionally good writer. Sadly, he died after only about 3 books in an accident in Ireland whilst fishing by the sea. It takes a while to get into as there is a fair bit of scene and character setting to get into. It is better later. His subject matters are actually quite serious but some dry humour pops in at times and I liked the book. I am not sure I'd call it political satire - IMO, it is a fictional depiction of the fall of Singapore and colonial British life at the time, but Farrell always did his research thoroughly so I suspect it is an accurate depiction of events.

stumbledin · 15/09/2020 13:47

Thanks Mrs Joy - I will stick with it.

I shouldn't believe what tv review say - including the one that reviewed the first episode and gave away the plot about one of the characters!!!!

woodhill · 20/09/2020 13:34

I quite enjoyed it and costumes were delightful

Original poster
PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 20/09/2020 22:15

The music is fab.

The Blacketts are all pretty awful!

OP posts:
Davros · 28/09/2020 21:19

Strangely lightweight. Reminds me of Indian Summers. Enjoying it though, great costumes, music and sets. I LOVE David Morrisey in anything

rookiemere · 28/09/2020 21:45

Just watched episode 2. Joan is absolutely dreadful, can't imagine anyone falling for her. I don't really like it, would prefer a straight drama but it passes the time.

CaptainMyCaptain · 29/09/2020 07:29

The bit that I did misunderstand slightly at first was that there were two houses very close to each other and they keep moving between the two, not that they all live together.
Thanks for clearing that up, I couldn't understand why the Blacketts were living in Matthew's house.

ShortFatandDumpy · 02/10/2020 03:05

Quite dissapoonted. Its got the same shiteness to it as The Durrells. Not sure what the problem is. Maybe the cheap sets and poor acting??

Anyway, I love anything set in this era and habe a general interest in British colonial history so sticking with it and am enjoying the storyline.

monkeyonthetable · 02/10/2020 08:22

I am fascinated by the history and the social politics but don't think they've handled the satire very well. It should work like Decline and Fall - a satire that has an almost plausible storyline. But it seems to jump from straight historical romance to really coarse farce. (The women unbuttoning and ripping off bras in front of Matthew.) So the actors play some scenes straight and then suddenly lapse into panto. It doesn't come together. But I'm carrying on because I want to know more about colonial Singapore.

rookiemere · 02/10/2020 10:59

Yes the changes in tone are very jarring. I wish it could just be a straight drama as those bits as much better. However I am enjoying the handsome Luke Treadaway.

icelolly99 · 17/10/2020 18:16

Is it the last one this Sunday? Anyone still watching?

mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 19/10/2020 12:43

I've been away so caught up on episodes 3 and 4 yesterday - have yet to see final one. The sudden changes to farcical situations are JG Farrell's slightly mad sense of humour and better and more acceptable when you read the book. I thought episodes 3 and 4 very good (I LOVE The Human Condition) and am looking forward to seeing last one today or tomorrow.

Nat6999 · 19/10/2020 13:07

I binge watched the whole series on Britbox, it was one of the best series I have watched for ages.

stumbledin · 19/10/2020 16:05

So disappointed. Not against jaded view of the British colonialism but this was neither funny nor informative.

David Morrissey and whoever played his daughter were just so hammy, it was embarrassing.

Also unconvincing that Japanese would kill everyone in a hospital but quietly escort of group of men drinking on a veranda without any violence.

And as for the scenes at the end - just too twee for what was a terrible time for PoW.

Does anyone remember Tenko?

ImAncient · 19/10/2020 18:05

Was coming on to say Tenko was much better acted than this. I loved Tenko.

MabelFurball · 19/10/2020 20:04

It looks like it has been left open for another series.

Potionqueen · 20/10/2020 15:42

The hospital massacre was carried out by a junior Japanese Officer and his men. The junior officer was then executed by a Senior Japanese Officer.
This explains why they just escorted the men from the front of the house.

Swipe left for the next trending thread