Doctor Who- Heaven Sent review

The Doctor is alone. But his bravery and wise words from Clara brings him home. Heaven Sent is luxuriously indulgent and absorbing. The visualization of the story is so artistic and creative; frozen flies, the Tardis lighting up and the Doctor underwater being only a minority of the many.

As the audience, we are given an introduction that is both intriguing and mystifying in seeing the Doctor really scared of this cloaked figure- the Veil. I found the lyrical narrative completely fascinating like melting cookie dough- soothing and delicious.

The plot leads to a really intricate crafting of timey-wimey loopholes that see the Doctor endlessly dying for billions of years, each time punching a hole through the azbantium which is blocking his way home.

I found this metaphor beautiful and definitely a perfect tool to seed into the explanation for the millions of skulls that were found. I can't even imagine how brutal and infinitely exhausting it must have been for the Doctor, and seeing his bloodied face and hands was very saddening.

Therefore, it's quite unpleasant to realise that that this was a cruel trap crafted by the Time Lords; the Doctor did save their entire planet in the only way to ensure their survival and they torture him like this. Murray Gold's score brought so much atmosphere that fitted each scene collectively. The harmonicas were so endearing and classical sound of the violins were beautiful.

The teasers about the Hybrid made that concluding revelation a spine-tingling moment where I gasped behind a cushion, my palms sweating and brain bouncing up and down at the sight of Gallifrey!

A spell-binding, tragic piece of storytelling from the magnificent Steven Moffat!

Doctor Who- Face the Raven review

The story of Clara Oswald has turned its final page, and what a story she was! The impossible girl thought she was saving Rigsy when there was no need, it was all a mystery created by Ashildr to lure the Doctor into the trap street. 

So lets start there, the return of Rigsy sees him finding a strange tattoo on his neck that is counting down, a fake death sentence to entice the Doctor into finding out who had killed Anna, a new alien janus who has two heads.

I found it lovely to see that Rigsy has evolved and created a life for himself, a mature, loving father and husband. The story is an intelligent and fantastical driven notion of streets that house aliens that we don't know about.

The sequence of the Doctor, Clara and Rigsy walking the streets of London to find these hidden streets made the story feel more personal because I could imagine bumping into them in passing.

Everything about this episode screams creativity from its set design, costumes and the creation of some new aliens who make an immediately impact on human empathy. A particular awesome scene was when Clara almost fell out of the Tardis but loving the adrenaline and near death experience. An absolute representation of her addiction to the Doctor's lifestyle.

The trio splits up, trying to find who the real murderer is. This is what infuriated me about Ashildr, Rigsy never was going to die but she couldn't possibly believe that Clara would even think about facing the raven herself. 

There are some incredibly indulgent and witty lines from Clara,"Me and Jane Austen play pranks on each other, she is the worst I love her, take that how you like", a possible assumption to her fancy of the famous author.

Also, there is an atmosphere in this episode that is completely unique and new, I found it so magical and yet it felt so sci-fi at the same time. The fateful cliffhanger that befalls Clara, the Doctor looks on horrified as does Ashildr when they realise Clara now wears the quantum shade was daunting and terrifying.

Her fate is brought to a tragic and bound by a stupid mistake that she thought the Doctor would be able to fix her. A stupid and pointless mistake that costs Clara her life. What I loved about the emotionally draining conclusion is that she doesn't complain or fight but accepts that she needs to brave and face the raven. 

She does so with such courage and grace, her last gift to the Doctor is reminding him of who he is. Jenna Coleman has given us an impeccable performance once again with such heart and energy that I felt quite numb after watching the second time. A truly iconic summation of Clara Oswald- "I will die and no-one else will suffer".

For any fans who didn't like her because they thought she was too perfect, too like the Doctor then after this, know that there is no such thing a perfect human being but there is such a thing as extraordinary, and that's what Clara is and always will be- the Impossible Girl.

Doctor Who- Sleep No More review

Mark Gatiss helms a scary tale but it feels scattered and unsure of its objective. After watching Sleep No More, I felt very confused as to what had actually happened.

The story felt very disjointed in that I didn't feel like the story was layered enough or brought a plot that was uniquely interesting.

However, there are some wonderful unique elements that we have here. The decision to have the story from a found footage perspective was very ambitious and creative. It's purpose served the scariness of the Sandmen as they hovered in the dark and we got to feel like we were one of the characters, in direct contact with the Doctor and Clara.

Additionally, the angles and lighting was very creative in how the red/purple hues illuminated the characters only slightly to leave us wandering what could be hiding in the dark.

The Sandmen themselves were very creepy in their deficit in wanting only to digest and kill and with their stretched mouths, they were definitely gruesome. The Tardis duo have some great and funny lines with each other, especially the Doctor pondering why people put the word space in front of future technologies

The supporting characters didn't feel like they had much depth, layers or personality to them which made me feel distant from them and when they all eventually died, I have to admit I didn't really feel anything.

But the story idea of the Sandmen being sand dust and that their visual receptors are the mini cameras floating in the air makes for unusual but insightful ideas into what sleep means to us.

I thoroughly enjoyed the climax because it was unexpected and intelligent that the footage itself was the Sandmen's way into digesting people.

My concluding thoughts to this, as the Doctor says, "None of this makes any sense"!

The Zygon Inversion Review

The concluding part to this incredible Zygon two parter- The Zygon Inversion is something groundbreaking and completely divine.

At the beginning, Bonnie's interrogation was fast, intelligent and tense with Clara's slices of humour and terror at not being able to lie being most gripping.

I particularly felt that the approach to how Clara interferes with Bonnie was very creative and cool.

It was a nice escape for the Doctor and Osgood to have parachutes and those scenes that they shared delved deep into the Doctor's vulnerability at the possible death of Clara and his nagging want to know if Osgood is human or Zygon. But this is the main theme of the story, it doesn't matter, it's about accepting both races and ensuring peace between them.

More so, we've been some wonderful moments to see the Zygons from a different perspective. The Zygon that was filmed by Bonnie felt vulnerable and scared and I felt genuinely sad for him because the majority of its race just wants to live in peace. It was painful to see it kill itself.

It's where the conflict takes off as Bonnie discovers that there are two Osgood boxes, who no doubt will become some kind of merchandise in the future.

This is the moment where the twelfth Doctor is given his own time to try and persuade Bonnie that war isn't worth the beauty of peace.

Peter Capaldi brought so much gravitas, truth and conviction to his performance and I felt like I couldn't breathe as I watched him sparkle. There were so many levels and I could truly feel the pain that he continues to carry with him. It was saddening but empowering and inspiring. This is why I love the Doctor and why he is my hero.

With so much that correlates with society today, I feel that these episodes should be commended for their prevalence, ambition, sophistication and intelligence in telling a rich and valuable story.

Peter, Jenna and Ingrid's performance were creative, unique and delicious to watch. I have always wanted to see two Clara's in one episode and now it's happened. I have a new respect for the Zygons and I would gladly live amongst them myself. There aren't enough good words to describe this two-parter.

Agents of Shield S3 Among Us Hide Review

Among Us Hide shows that you can never know who some people really are. We're right back into the action with Andrew having survived the explosion with his version of events explaining what happened.

May certainly isn't entirely forgiving towards Hunter as she tells Coulson that she is back on the team and ready to hunt down Ward.

There is an exciting action scene between her and Mockingbird which May was using as a test to see if she was ready to get back into the field.

Whilst this is all going on, Daisy is taking up a lead to find out who Lash really is and thinks it's something to do with Rosalind's second hand man. It was a lot of fun to see Mac, Daisy and Hunter working on their own mission as it gave us time to see them work through their issues with each other; Hunter nearly getting Andrew killed being the main focus.

In addition, it seems like everyone has got their individual missions  going on as Coulson tags along with Rosalind to see her secret base where they contain the Inhumans they capture. I wasn't surprised to see what they were doing with them as their reputation doesn't really do much for their moral values. However, I think that the audience needed to see into Rosalind's character a bit more to understand her motivations and her husband's death lends itself value.

We get a glimpse into the progression of Fitz and Simmons relationship; Fitz becomes doubtful into getting Will back as Hunter points out, there could be competition. But this is what I love about Fitz, he doesn't think that way, he's always seeing it from a unique perspective- he saved Simmons's life so he believes he owes Will. Wonderful!

As the episode concludes, the reveal of Lash was very cleverly built up as May interrogated Von Strucker as he bled to death. I had my theories that Andrew could have been Lash but I didn't think that it would be true because I always Andrew was the more human side to the team- he didn't have fighting skills or superpowers but a great mind. It will certainly be fascinating to understand how long he has been hiding this and why he has been killing all of the other Inhumans.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing how May and the team try to understand Lash's identity as I could see from May's reaction that she seemed utterly terrified that she doesn't really know who Andrew is or why he's been killing the Inhumans. I don't know where the story will end up but it always does end up being the person who the plot never really focuses on.

Very clever writing, slight humor with marvelous and thrilling action sequences!

Agents of Shield S3 E5 Review

4722 Hours- that's how long it took for us to see how special Gemma Simmons is. She has a whole episode dedicated to her time on the alien planet and what we see is something I certainly wasn't expecting.

If you have a character that hasn't had much screen time to focus on, putting her in a situation where we get to see her motivations, hope, helplessness and sheer determination to get home is what makes this episode so special. Not only in storytelling but in the cinematography, pace and direction.

Elizabeth Henstridge brings a stunning performance to Simmons with her frustration at not being able to see the sun, to killing a monster plant and eating it. Her time on this planet proves what real strength really is; it's not about the fighting skills but the will and instinct and adaption to survive.

There were still so many mysteries to the planet that we didn't get to explore but I think that makes the thought of Simmons going back even more terrifying. Each scene was handled with raw emotions that went back and forth and felt truly real to the eye.

When Simmons met Will I was fascinated at where the story as going because I certainly didn't think there would be any other humans, let alone an astronaut who had been on the planet for fourteen years.

I can completely understand why Simmons would fall in love with this man- his brave, strong, courageous and smart and the only other person she had at a time where she felt completely hopeless. I did feel a punch in the stomach though because I was thinking, 'But what about Fitz'?. Then I realised, that if anyone was in Simmons situation then of course you would cling onto the only other person with you.

Marvel have managed to construct a really clever, thought provoking story about survival and love with added layers of humour with a wonderful performance from Elizabeth Henstridge. This season is seriously going somewhere new and delightfully exciting!

Doctor Who- The Zygon Invasion Review

What a stonker of an episode that was ! My god I was shrieking , literally gasping for breath at that cliffhanger!

A prequel to the 50th encounter with the Zygons, this time we see full blown Zygons, who I find astonishly terrifying; their snarls and hisses and their sneaky ways of having already started their invasion without the Doctor or UNIT realising is ghastly.

The Doctor talking to the two seven year old commanders whilst having a go in the slide and monkey bars kind of sums up the Doctor for me and was hilarious in its entry point into where the Zygons are now with twenty million of them living amongst us.

Personally, I loved that we got to see the Doctor, Clara and UNIT travelling to different points in the world, it reminded me of Torchwood a little which was quite strange but entirely thrilling.

As a lover of the UNIT 70's Earth adventures, I very much welcomed the return of UNIT as they add such an epic layer to the story that when we find out that they have been fooled by the Zygons as well as the Doctor, I got really scared for the planet.

In addition, this episode felt so grown-up but with so much sophistication and interpretation of modern day society issues regarding benefits and immigration. Something entirely new but with the blobby jokes layered within that, it makes for wonderful storytelling.

When I saw the little boy's parents dragging their son in a bag into the lift, I was really shocked at how dark that looked and really felt scared for what the Zygons were capable of. I have to mention Osgood because I love her so very much; she is the bearer for us fans, cosplaying the Doctor's in marvellous fashion.

Finally, we get to the cliffhanger, now I was so blown away with this twist that I was kind of gasping, shouting 'No' and squealing with how cool it was at the same time. Jenna Coleman plays evil so slyly like she knows that she can have fun with this.

When I look back at the little things that Clara does; tying her hair back, calling Jac middle-aged, holding a gun and saying that she's enjoying herself are all slight but in your face clues but one in particular did make me worried about Clara, and that was the middle-aged stint. When I first heard Clara say that to Jac, I actually believed that Clara could actually say that, now that she seems to be becoming more reckless and arrogant. I find that quite scary in where Clara is heading but I have hope that she will do good in the end.

And we're not even given enough time to digest that because she's already firing a missile at the plane that the Doctor's in, and he has no clue whatever! I really don't know how he is going to get out of this one but I am going to come up with lots of theories to fill the time until next week.

Doctor Who- The Woman Who Lived Review

In this week's episode of Doctor Who, Catherine Tregenna has delivered a delicious script with an integral insight into what being immortal actually is like. There has been snippets with Captain Jack where he has spoken to the Doctor and in Torchwood but with Ashildr, it focuses more on living day after day and not having enough head space to remember her family and experiences.

I adored the 16th century setting and the dark lighting was a warming change with a wonderful artistic success for the location setting and costumes. Maisie Williams delivered the script with such weight and conviction that I was compelled to her character. Being the same age as her, I was really astounded by her performance, she made every word mean something that just took the story to so many places.

These two would make a remarkable team and yet when they were having that conversation at the end, I couldn't help but feel scared. Just by their perspective on life which obviously changes the way they see people who fleet past them.

My most geeky moment was when the Doctor mentioned Captain Jack, I would love to see Jack and Ashildr together! An immortality club, I just imagine them sharing stories about the different ways in which Jack has died.

The underlying story that has the Doctor and Me search for a purple alien amulet felt like a refreshing supporting role for the overall story. The villian Leandro was a striking figure that the modern series hasn't really scene before and I was delighted at his slight vulnerability and selfish nature.

I did feel quite sorry for the Doctor though, he just thought he had saved a young woman but didn't think at the time the consequences that would befall Ashildr. I think these needed to be addressed because he does need reminding of some bad decisions he has made. But I don't think that Ashildr becoming immortal was a bad thing because she is a good person, she just forgot how to be one.

When Clara stepped back into the Tardis, I felt like I hadn't seen her for ages and I really missed her! That shot of the Doctor recognising Ashildr/me gave me so many thoughts; he seems scared and glad to see her at the same time because he now knows that she has lived for centuries, what does that do to a person?

I'm sure we'll find out because I've recently heard that Maisie Williams is returning for episode ten which is very exciting news! 

Overall, this has been a wild ride, an incredibly stunning script with some genuinely funny moments with conflict, twists and a look into the Doctor's guilt.

Doctor Who - The Girl Who Died Review

The Girl Who Died  felt like the comedy romp that presides every series in Doctor Who and then features a cliffhanger that changes the tone so drastically, I certainly wasn't ready for it.

The opening scene of Clara floating in space was so cool, I have to give praise for the special effects team who captured the visual beauty of space so eloquently.

When the Doctor and Clara arrived I was a bit confused when Odin appeared in the sky as I it took me a while to understand who he actually was as I felt like everything happened so fast, I didn't have time absorb the story.

More importantly, I think that the strength in this episode was with the comedy value between the Doctor and the Vikings.

There was also some valuable scenes with the Doctor and Clara at his realisation of what he has made of her. Their evolving partnership seems to be be building towards something huge and life changing.

Maisie William's character-Ashildr was very intriguing and mysterious especially when she tells the Doctor that she has always felt different. I did for a moment wander if she was a lost Time Lord that the Doctor thought he knew.

I was very astounded when she so suddenly died and then was brought back, leading to her immortality. This was something very new and unique in terms of story. I think it makes the story more exciting and refreshing.

I have to mention the nostalgic moments of the Doctor finally realising why he gave himself his face. It felt really weird seeing the Tenth Doctor and Donna, so long ago.

The Doctor translating what the baby was saying was outrageously funny and seeing a Viking trying to work out how to use an iphone was a fleeting moment of joy.

The story was not what I expected but in a brilliant and unique way. I loved the idea of Ashildr being a Hybrid and the Doctor becoming tired of losing people. I did find that the Mire didn't feel particularly powerful or scary really. It was no-one's fault but I just think that they didn't make much of an impact of a formidable opponent.

Thoroughly enjoyable, historical, funny and emotional adventure with a very different and exciting cliffhanger!

Doctor Who- Before the Flood Review

The concluding episode of Under the Lake delivers highly in its explanation of who the Fisher King is and how the Doctor cheats death, although he doesn't really- it was a hologram! It's strange because I was speculating in my head about whether the ghost Doctor was actually real, and I thought, 'Maybe it's a hologram' but then I dismissed it and then I found it to be true! I felt quite proud.

It was so cool when the Doctor began talking to us all, it felt so personal like he was talking to me. It so rarely happens I was thrilled and the rock version of the theme tune should definitely be made official, it was glorious!

So the Doctor arrives in 1980 with Bennet and O'Donnell tagging along, I was thinking what the twelfth Doctor would be like with a couple as companions and thought it would be quite nice and refreshing. O'Donnell's glee at the Tardis being bigger on the inside was adorable, I couldn't help but smile and think that is exactly what I would do... and then she dies.

This was a shocking moment and my body felt stunned, I genuinely couldn't believe it. I think this gave Bennet time to show multiple sides of himself which was to be expected but I was relieved that the supporting characters arre given different material to work with.

It enables the Doctor to respond in new and strange ways, I would expect him to stab Bennet with his eyebrows and argue back when Bennet says about O'Donnell dying was a part of the Doctor's theory.

Back in the base, Clara is mirroring the Doctor's attitude towards using people to 'do what has to be done' as she calls it. I find this evolution of Clara fascinating, I think everything that has happened with Danny and the Doctor regenerating has not had the most positive impact on her and it shouldn't. I like that the writers are showing what can happen to the Doctor's companions when they kind of lose all they are, and that this life with the Doctor isn't always inspiring and fun, everything comes at a cost, and if Clara wants to have this kind of life she's going to have to change to fit in with it.

Her order to send Lunn out of the faraday cage to get her phone back was hard to watch in a way because I love Clara but seeing her this narcissitic was quite worrying. Essentially though, I think that it gave good cause because we got to see that wonderful interaction between Clara and Cass. The atmosphere was intense, Sophie Stone did magnificently well portraying the worried friend and ashamed colleague.

Onto the monster- the Fisher King was a mighty looking alien, and alien he felt. His immense size and the skull like head with boney skeletel structures were vile and menacing bringing some quality villiany.

The pace kept its rhythm as I was completely enthralled by the Doctor and Clara's conversation about time and escaping death, Cass being stalked by Moran was genius and the Doctor popping out of the stasis chamber was entirely what I thought would happen. Not that it was predictable, but I knew it would be something that the Doctor would do, to fool everyone.

By the end, I could feel the coldness and empty space between everyone as the effect of the crewmembers dying being felt hard here. This was lit up beatifully with Bennet ordering Lunn to tell Cass that he loves her. It shred some hope for these characters and knowing that these two were safe gave me some comfort.

A compelling, thrilling, emotional, heartmwarming and shocking conclusion to a story that I value highly as what Doctor Who should be.

Doctor Who- Under the Lake Review

Under the Lake feels like a mix of wonderfully delicious underwater fun that delves into an extremely fascinating ghost story.

I loved the visuals of the story; the illuminated green, dirty corridors that add history and depth to the setting.

From the beginning, the suppporting characters feel very appealing and charismatic as they extend towards their own personality. The script allows us to see glimpses of who these people could be. Of course, we could have seen more from them but I think the sudden deaths lend itself to the frightening realisation that the Doctor, Clara and the team literally have no idea who these ghosts are- are they real or not?

One of the most memorable highlights was the ever evolving relationship between the Doctor and Clara; a sparkling conversation where the Doctor tries to tell Clara not to go Native. Clara has become scarily like the doctor with her wrecklessness attitude seemingly obvious in this episode.

However, it does give us some playful, quirky and fun moments; Clara wanting to high five the Doctor and the Doctor's social cards (I could do with some of those) all adding to a sprinkle of fun in the midst of some fascinating investigating.

More so, the script holds brilliant tension and suspense; the ghosts were incredibly scary with their silent movement and their slight appointment to trying to kill but always staying close behind their victims.

I have a high interest in stories involving water which I think stemmed from The Waters of Mars, the wavy effect reflected on the corridor walls and the water separating the Doctor and Clara gave me shivers.

The mysterious symbols, the spaceship gave the story some unique qualities in that the characters and the audience believe that these ghosts could be real ghosts, but with a nagging sensation that there has to be more to be uncovered.

A slick, funny, compelling, suspenseful with a rocky music score that gives a classic Who story a very modern sheebang! 

Doctor Who- The Witch's Familiar Review

Wait, Clara and Missy aren't dead- well, that wasn't much of a surprise but Missy's explanation of how she managed to teleport instead of disintegrating was very helpful.

The opening of when she's describing one of the doctor's past adventures was visually very dynamic and slick; the black and white colour and freezing of time.

Two parters always need to have the level raised in the second installment and the Witch's familiar definitely amped up the quality of this story.

I'd only ever seen Davros in Genesis of the Daleks and the series 4 finale so I never felt like I knew much about him and his past.

Being able to see his motivations and manipulations take hold in such a deceiving manner was quite ruthless and shocking. I really felt like you could see into the cracks of the doctor and Davros personalities; their guilt, regret and honesty albeit slightly not in this case. 

The doctor and Davros are both playing each other, well, they know each other so well. Davros knows that the doctor's weakness is compassion and uses that to manipulate him. 

He is a very complex enemy of the doctor because he's not evil but just wants to protect his race and ensure their survival.

I found it a bit hypocritical of him when the doctor second guessed his plan, Davros then asked for the his help.

In contrast to all the complex conversations between two old scientists, there is Missy and Clara who, after threatening to kill each other with a pointy stick, seemingly begin to like each other. I can definitely see Missy flirting with Clara at some points, her manic laugh and bonkers range of accents is beyond funny. 

I feel like these two could have their own spin-off show which has led me to wander whether Missy has travelling companions and then kills them after their adventures together. Just a thought.

Oh, and she had a daughter, what? I wouldn't be surprised if she had killed her own child. If she believes that being friends with someone means trying to kill them, then who knows what goes on in that maddening Time Lady brain of hers. There is so much to like about the Dalek sewer scene; Clara inside a Dalek, Missy being Missy and a lone Dalek who has no idea what its gliding into.

The doctor taking a little ride in Davros chair was quite a sight and the comedy value that comes with it was extraordinary. As the decaying Daleks come squelching through the pipes, explosions are a foot and Missy cannot help but try to make the doctor kill Clara! 

This was a great turn of events  because as you can't help liking Missy, you always need to remember that she is a mad, bonkers Time Lady who always has plans of conquering worlds and dominating them. There's not much warmth in those two hearts, well only for the doctor.

After this phenomenal two parter opening, I think we have a staggeringly fabulous series of adventures to come! Now I want to know about the vampire monkeys......

Doctor Who-The Witch's Familiar Review

Here at the beginning of a new chapter of adventure, and what a beginning it was.

It was a tidal wave of ideas, history and monumentous dialogue. A beginning of a battlefield ensures we are immediately entranced and questioning where is the doctor?

This is the question on everyone's lips.

The evolution of the doctor and Clara as individuals and their relationship is seemingly intriguing- she feels stronger, knowledgable and constantly searching for a new mission. Her teaching job looks like it has become her secondary priority.  He looks more relaxed, caring, and fun showing off.

There were so many obsurd and wonderful aliens/ creatures to feast our eyes upon as Colony Sarff, a creature made of snakes, searches for the doctor on behalf of Davros! DAVROS, I truly was shocked and my jaw did not return to its original position for quite some time- The Shadow Proclamation, Maldovarium and planet Karn. Also, encountering old faces- Judoon, Hath and that fish alien from Torchwood! 

He has to be one of the most disturbing creatures in the show- the creepy and spooky way that he travels and the slimy serpents collaborate into one almighty foe!

So the frozen planes in the sky was just Missy trying to get UNIT's and Clara's attention- it's such a Missy thing to do and I love her for it especially the despicable texting, she loves to play games.

Her opposition from playful to killer was completely frightening and added definite devleopment to her character.

Clara and Missy find him in Essex ( my hometown!) 1138AD pleasing the crowds with his guitar! 

I was flabbergasted at this sight but that's the magic of this show- it's imagination and unpredictability is unlimited. 

As a knowing trap ensures, the doctor is confronted with the realisation that he made Davros and that he's standing on Skaro, Clara and Missy have been killed, so the doctor has gone back to when he first met Davros to ultimately, Exterminate him. 

Well, that was certainly a cliffhanger!

Davros depicting that the Daleks are willing Clara to run like hunters toying with its prey was a twisted and horrifying revelation, that made me even more afraid of these tank monsters.

One of my favourite episodes and it's only episode 1 - this is going to be magic!

Partners in Crime N or M? Episode 5 review

As the second story almost comes to an conclusion, this installment is definitely worth tons of comedy value!
Tuppence shows immense bravery; lying that she is working by herself with a gun pointed at her, Tommy blunders in and blows it. Thankfully, Major Caan doesn't seem the kind of man to kill the people who are looking for the same spy as he is.

He lets them go but they follow him to a ball; Tommy trying his hardest to get in without a ticket when his wife has already found a way in by posing as a waitress.
I could certainly see the Tuppence's head pounding as she watched Tommy dancing with Mrs Sprot.

Their childish bickering over who N really is has been ramped up as whenever N is mentioned they both mention Mrs Sprot and Mr Denim, who have both been flirting with them both throughout the third episode.

More so, their evolution as a couple is clearly evident; they don't seem to get very far without each other - they suspect people but when it comes to delving deeper into the mystery, that's when they come back together.

All of this bickering has deterred them from the married couple staying in the hotel but even they are only found to be fraudsters.
Also, there are developments with Mrs Sprot; Tuppence finds some intimate letters she wrote to Major Caan in her draw, she is caught but Mrs Sprot explains she knew that Caan did kill himself because she knew him. Could this just be another cover up?
At this point I can't tell but I still feel like she is hiding something.

Tommy does discover something quite mysterious though. As Commander Haydock pushes him into going bird watching with him quite drunkenly, Tommy scarpers and finds an entrance to some caves with old wooden boxes scattered on the beach.
He brings Tuppence and they explore, one of Tuppence's fears is revealed- fear of the dark. A very human fear that saddles me with a perplex understanding of what they're doing.

Oddly, it leads back to the hotel, a perfect way for N to retreat without anyone noticing. It's then Tommy's turn to investigate Denim. Tuppence has to distract him but doesn't really succeed but I'm guessing it is quite hard to flirt with someone who could be a spy and responsible for the detonation of an atomic bomb.

It seems likely that Denim is N- he's actually German and has a pistol, oh and he also hits Tommy over the head and kidnaps him onto his boat. I would have like Tuppence to have been the one in danger as I think it would have given Tommy's character that space to show how he deals with his wife being missing and how strong his relationship is with Tuppence.

Extremely funny, the plot with spontaneous plans which gives it a never a dull moment feel. The characters are laced with charm, mystery, strengths and weaknesses that we can all relate too, especially the Beresfords. 

Just a quick mention to the costume department who have done an exquisite job; I've been blown away by the array of stunning and lascivious outfits.

Partners in Crime- 'N or M?' Episode 4

The infamous sleuths are back for a brand new and entirely different tale from the first with a sparkly glamour and far more witty lines that had me giggling like an uncontrollable clown.
So Tommy is now in the Wig business much to Tuppence's dismay as they rather enthusiastically make their way to the opera.
Carter gives Tommy another mission to complete- he must find an atomic scientist Gilbert who has gone missing and that someone or something that is connected to him is resided at the Sans Souci Hotel in Cromer.
The setting and costumes were very sparkly and beautiful which gives you a flavour of the period and energy of the time.
You think that the couple may just be spending a lovely evening out but oh no, one Mr Harrison has fallen down and died. Tuppence clearly thinks that something fishy is going on as she raises the question of whether his drink may have been poisoned.

Never before have I seen the London fog displayed with such wonderful lighting. The reds and yellows illuminated the characters beautifully and I certainly did not expect the policewoman to start shooting at Tuppence. I tensed up and hoped that my favourite character would not be hurt. 
Maybe not physically but I think it was right that they should show the psychological strain on the human mind when they nearly come face to face with death. She's a brave and strong woman who surely would not let some pathetic killer stop her from doing what's right.

Off they run to their friend Albert who seems to have taken a liking to the new drama teacher as he asks her to get him a crumpet.
These are some valuable slices of humour that the story needs to give it a lift and show that the lives of the people around them continue to live in a way that we can relate too and that not everyone is being murdered.
Albert reveals cyanide was the culprit which leads Tuppence to lead the investigation.
However, as Carter pops over Tuppence is told to hide upstairs. Does Tommy not know his wife and think that she wouldn't be eavesdropping on their whole conversation? I guess not.
One of the many qualities of Tuppence I admire greatly is her determination, curiosity and capability to take on a mission  that requires spontaneous thinking, cunning and wit.

Tuppence is already at the hotel when Tommy arrives and she has blended comfortably with the rest of the guests especially Carl Denim who openly flirts with Tuppence and likewise Mrs Sprot with Tommy. Injecting more layers of comedy doesn't shift from the drama as it fits nicely as you can use their interactions to try and work out the people behind the names. 

Likewise, it enables Tommy and Tuppence's relationship to evolve and spread open in terms of how their marriage has been affected because of the investigating and other people showing interest.
More so, Tuppence definitely feels betrayed that Tommy would swear that nothing was going on when she clearly knew different. I think she feels the same towards Tuppence because he knows how capable and brilliant she is at investigating but because of the period she is cut out due to being female.

But that is why we need more female roles like Tuppence on television who are not afraid to say that they can do the same things as men. And that they are not weak but stronger mentally because they know that they deserve to achieve the same things and go on adventures that proves their value. 

Partners in Crime 'The Secret Adversary'- Episode 3 review

As the beginning of the episode started I felt a great deal of empathy for Tuppence as she had to just sit and wait for Tommy to come home. And she didn't have any idea what had happened to him.
Thankfully, he returned but had to try and hide the fact that he is now working for Brown which he didn't seem to manage very well. Tuppence just followed him until he told her which I think shows courage and bravery because he had to have a big weight of having no-one to turn too to keep his son safe.

Fortunately, Tuppence had a plan and they were well on their way to delivering the Linden Tree file to Brown's men.
Sneakily, Albert and Tuppence to fit trackers onto the men's cars and they followed them, only to discover that the brakes of their car wasn't working.
This added well to the increased amount of danger and thrill of not knowing how far Mr.Brown would go.

They come home to discover that their home has been ransacked which leads them to Jane Finn's book.
The couples relationship is given a lot of changes from Tommy keeping what happened to him in Soho secret, the excitement of them realizing that they work better together and the unexpected betrayal of Peel who is revealed to be the infamous Mr.Brown. 
It was quite shocking as I was more inclined to believe that it was Julius as he was the one brandishing a gun and threatening the pair.

We find out that he is in fact Jane's lover and just following orders from Brown to find the tape recorder and destroy it. Which Tommy and Tuppence discover was hiding in with his queen bee in the Shed after they realise that, 'Anassa' is in fact translated as Queen.

I have to mention the music again as there is some fabulous twangs, twinkly soft tones that bring the adventure and chilling scenes to life, especially in the deserted warehouse where Tommy hands the file over and we see what has happened to Annette. 
My body felt very tense and I was genuinely fearing for Tommy's life with the silence, then a quick flash of torchlight illuminating a figure with a gun.

There were many twists that filled the conclusion of the story and I felt very statisfied with how it ended. I would have prefered Peel to have not killed himself but I understand why he did it.
The most exciting and thrilling aspect of this episode was the two main stars who continue to bring so much wit, warmth, comedy, love and spontaneity to the roles that I just want to see more!

Partners in Crime 'The Secret Adversary' Episode 2 Review

Well, that was an incredibly tense and nasty cliffhanger. Tommy was about to be beaten with a hammer but luckily Mr.Brown phoned just in time to give Tommy a job to do.
His son has been threatened which highlights the vicious and callous nature of these criminals.
It really feels like the opposition has been raised as we along with Tommy and Tuppence realise how dangerous these men are. 
The couple's decision to completely ignore Carter and continue with the investigation is a wonderful development as they seem to enjoy delving more into the mystery.
As the pair separate into their own little adventures, I have been able to see vulnerability and uncertainty within both of them.
Tuppence is trying to find new ways in which to sneak a peak into Rita's room that needs a set of keys to be opened, pointing out the fact that if someone locks a certain room then there is definitely something fishy going on.
Neither of them know what is going to happen and yet they still stay strong and try there best to save Jane Finn. They are scared for themselves but are willing to take the risk and there is courage and bravery in both of them.
These scenes were by far my favourite; Tuppence becoming increasingly annoyed at Rita's cat and her using a tape recording of a type writer being used just to get out of the job she is meant to be an expert in.
Tommy's undercover work is equally amusing, he doesn't show much expression that he is the Mr.Brown who everyone is afraid of. 
As he gets into his stride, I did feel for him when he had to watch whilst the man who knew he was an imposter, who was killed right in front of him.
I like the change in direction that this episode takes when Tommy and Tuppence have to drug Mr.Drennon so they can get the thousand pounds they need to give to the beastly criminals. But the money drops out of his jacket and is given to the police so they have to spontaneously have to think of a new way in which to acquire the money. 
I thought this was a clever way of dropping some reality into the story to tell its audiences that not everything goes the way you hope it will.
After the mystery of the word- 'Anassa' I am counting the days for episode 3.  

Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime Episode 1 Review- The Secret Adversary

The BBC has always produced high quality period dramas and this new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence  novels has really drawn me into Christie world with sparkle, gravitas and style.
Obviously, I was aware of the ITV Poirot and Marple stories but they never seem to interest me. I don't think it had anything to do with the plots themselves because I always admire writers who can create a really chilling, complex crime story.
But I have found with the Tommy and Tuppence novels in particular, it is the characters themselves that have made me actually obsessed with the show and it's characters.
Importantly, I think that is extremely valuable to have a female lead who refuses to be what society expects of her. Tuppence is independent, curious, intelligent, caring, loving and witty with this incredible love of investigating and living life as an adventure.
To me, I find that very appealing as a viewer and if there are any Agent Carter fans are out there who also watch the show, I hope you see the similarities between Peggy and Tuppence. They both know their value and they're not going to let anyone tell them otherwise which is how it should be.
In particular, I love that Tuppence is willing to masquerade as different people and put her own life in danger for the sake of her country. Not to say that Tommy doesn't do the same. I have seen some extraordinary bravery from him in this episode, those crooks he encounters are terribly creepy.
There were some fabulous flirty moments that I found hilarious because there is something so original about a married couple in the middle of solving a mystery who are then smirking at each other in the midst of almost being seriously hurt or worse- killed.
However, I think at that moment they don't really understand how much danger they are putting themselves in, either that or they are just providing some light relief for each other.
I must highlight the decision to bring this story into the 1950's. Personally, I think that it benefits the story brilliantly because if we had seen the pair when they were just starting to fall in love then I think that there would be too much focus on them and the plot would drift off into the ether.
Admittedly, it means I get to smile at the beauty of the 50's fashion- the little hats that Tuppence wears are adorable and I was very pleased to see women of the time actually wearing trousers.
Television soundtracks don't really get mentioned much but I happen to think they bring so much a story. Tim Philips (composer) has done a brilliant job at capturing the twang and swing of the 50's that fits the adventure like a delicious and compact sandwich.
I have been so engrossed into this series that I have even the novels from my library so i can enjoy more Tommy and Tuppence novels and see their journey unfold. 
Such a unique mystery/adventure series with lots of cracking characters, blissful settings and costumes.
The writing and direction has encompassed the essence of the era as have David Walliams and Jessica Raine for their characters. I feel another obsession have already brewed.