My Ratings Explained
| 1 to 4 | AWFUL | barely watchable on any level |
| 5 | OK | Average, with hardly any memorable bits, but is watchable and passes the time. |
| 6 | DECENT | Enjoyable, quite watchable, with some decent moments of quality. |
| 7 | GOOD | Entertaining. Solid. Very enjoyable with numerous memorable moments of quality. |
| 8 | GREAT | Highly enjoyable, with impeccable moments of quality/drama/action that live on in memory days afterwards. |
| 9-10 | AMAZING | Something that hardly dropped from a level of greatness. You’ll never tire of rewatching this again and again. |
Nutshell Reviews
Genre
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Blurb
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E10 |
6
(DECENT)
|
A disappointing end to the season, after being set-up with the "Coming Next Week" segment in previous episode specially crafted to lure us into thinking something might turn up in the final.
Instead, what we had was an aborted dive in 10X and a failed dive in 10X due to a combination of mechanical failure and the object they knew was in the bottom shaft obstructing the diver. I honestly don't know why they haven't tried to clear that obstruction first. Defies belief really. Away from 10X there's the excitement of a Roman sword found nearby (when it was found though is unknown, nor how no one had heard of this before today). It was't actually found on Oak Island so it's really yet ANOTHER indirect clue to proceedings. Of course, the show is naturally intriguing and watchable. It's just a shame that some of their decision making doesn't really add up. They really need EXPERTS on the island. |
TV
|
Occupied
S01E03 |
8
(GREAT)
|
For me, this was the best episode thus far. Combining the fear and concern that's rife in the faces and hearts of the PM and our bodyguard Hans, the case of last week's hit-and-run suspect is tensely dealt with as the Russians take a firm interest in the suspect they claim is a Chechen terrorist. The last few minutes really summarise the political aspects of the show, and the emotions that such issues can induce in people as the prisoner's suicide angers his highly charged son.
"At A Glance" review here |
TV
|
Insert Name Here
S01E04 |
7
(GOOD)
|
The delightful historian Kate Williams didn't get to say much this week sadly. It was left mostly to the team captains to utter the most humour, with the likes of Danny Baker and Robert Webb largely redundant. Regardless, it was the funniest episode since the opener.
|
TV
|
Star Wars: Rebels
S02E13 "The Protector of Concord Dawn" |
8
(GREAT)
|
Really enjoyed this weeks episode. Think it was because nothing was quite going to plan, and peril was everywhere. The whole tactics of the rebel's commander to go in and "take out" the mandalorian group, was the only aspect of the plot I didn't think sounded right. However, the rest was great. Dogfights in ships. Kanan "going all Anakin", by attacking pilot's ship miles up in the air, as well as Kanan's heart-to-heart with the mandalorian group leader who just didn't buy everything he said. One ends up with a reluctant prisoner, which doesn't quite seem the rebel way.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E09 |
7
(GOOD)
|
You can't help but feel from watching this episode, and the last few week's worth, that they are saving up the good stuff for the finale. The sneak-peak at end seems to suggest that too.
Anyhow, this week there's more dives to confirm that there is likely a man-made triangular stone, and maybe another, on the sea bed. A rather padded out segment of the show. Talk of Christopher Columbus being the instigator of the island's secrets was this week's outside theorist proposition. It may be true, but personally he's the less believable I've heard from. Not so much in his evidence, but in his dramatic deliverance. The dive at 10X continues with a practise dive before down goes the expert. With only 3 minutes of the show left at this point, it was disheartening to even begin a dive we was not going to see the end of this week. |
TV
|
Trollied
S05E08 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Considerably better. A finale with plenty of amusement, even with the rather flat treasure hunt sub-plot. Great to see all the cast involved in story and enjoying themselves. 7.
|
TV
|
Trollied
S05E07 |
5
(OK)
|
The case of the spider that wasn't but then was. Not the funniest episode of the season sadly. Hardly anything to really get to excited about.
|
TV
|
Occupied
S01E02 |
5
(OK)
|
Not quite making a 6, our ever pensive bodyguard this week thwarts an assassination attempt on the russian ambassador, before dealing with a delicate situation to get the assassin released from the Russians. Simple plot, but plenty of intriguing promise. At a Glance Review here
|
TV
|
Insert Name Here
S01E02 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Not up to the standard of the opener but still a good amusing half hour with team captains Josh and Richard stealing the show from this week's guests, on the topic of William.
|
TV
|
Black Sails
S03E01 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Always going to be difficult to match the amazing second half of the second season, especially when you're having to set the scene for the new season. Thus, most of this episode is full of dialogue that brings up up to date on what happened once Captain Flint returned back to Nasseu. Seems at least 3-4 months have passed. Looks like Blackbeard is back? Other than that, this episode is light on action, but there is great promise of hell coming the way of the pirates over the course of the season.
|
TV
|
Occupied
S01E01 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Norwegian Prime Minister gets kidnapped. Bodyguard does a lot of running around and looking anxious, lots of authoritative figures debate things, a restaurant isn't dong very good business, a reporter gets a scoop and the Russians start to arrive.
A decent opener, intent on personalising the drama much like The Returned rather than concentrating purely on the action. The use of subtitles, a camera view that pans widescreen a lot and lead permanently anxious bodyguard, helps tremendously to inject fear and concern into almost every situation. There use of showing on-screen what characters see on their mobile devices is interesting but unnecessary and slightly childish. "At A Glance" Review here |
TV
|
The Sky At Night
Christmas Special - The Star of Bethlehem |
7
(GOOD)
|
Ignoring UFOs, Maggie & Chris go through the most likely explanations of what the star could have been, whilst the man who keeps turning up on BBC programmes, Dallas, does the historical work to come up with some real proof of an astrological event at that point in history. For me, he does the more interesting pieces, as Maggie & Chris whittle the suspects down to a comet, the one option that most people think was likely anyway. Nevertheless, an intriguing and hour long look at the star.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E08 |
6
(DECENT)
|
One could surmise this episode with the results they found from their investigations; nothing but soil and a possible triangular stone on the rock-bed. There's as ever, nothing tangible found, but there's no doubt that the seabed discoveries this week do look more possible to actually tell us something than previous revelations.
|
TV
|
Star Wars: Rebels
S02E12 "A Princess on Lothal" |
6
(DECENT)
|
Back from the Christmas break, and it's another guest into the Rebels universe, Princess Leia. I don't mind guest stars but unlike previous, this didn't quite feel right. Largely it worked. Lots of rather child-friendly plot-work to disguise Leia actually working with the rebels. And how easily did Kanan bring down an AT-AT? I think Luke made hard work of it in Empire Strikes Back!
|
TV
|
Insert Name Here
S01E01 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Surprisingly better than the synopsis might suggest. It helps that Josh Widdicombe is there (one of my favs) but everyone chips in nicely on what is essentially an excuse for a comedy panel show. Some great LOL moments.
|
TV
|
Trollied
S05E06 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Continuing on strongly, the love feast between Gavin and Trudy reaches fever pitch, leading to some LOL moments from Lisa, who is the star this episode.
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E10 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Interesting twist at end for series cliffhanger, with Rogers snaring Abe, but he's only one man, so you'd think he'll fail next season anyway. The big battle was not overly dramatic but guess battle were just people shooting each other like target practice back then? Strategic perhaps, but not great TV viewing.
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E09 |
6
(DECENT)
|
A little skippy, with scenes jumping quickly in order to reach some resolution. Intriguing build up over Simco and Hewlitt. The New York Chap's conversion to being a rebel seems rushed, when previously it was being drawn out. To happen as a flashback is also disappointing and somewhat diluting the emotion for me. Disappointed.
|
TV
|
Trollied
S05E05 |
8
(GREAT)
|
This is the show at its best. A series of unfortunate mishaps excellently executed with numerous lol moments. The happy birthday sing song was an accumulated build up throughout the episode that paid off big time.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E07 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Heart-warming to see Fred Nolan join the team, and end decades worth of fighting. A first dig on his land brings up a small wooden post, which they get more excited about than one might imagine. Witnessing the Reader's Digest author revisiting the island after 50 years was also great to see.
|
TV
|
War and Peace
Episode 2 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Not up to the opener's standard. We get whiffs of the war in bits and bobs. Mostly it's Pierre wondering around his home looking baffled by everything, whilst not seeing his wife's affair, until the last minute, whilst I'm continuously confused between Andrei and Boris. It's not been easy to ascertain an A to Z of everyone thus far.
|
TV
|
War and Peace
Episode 1 |
8
(GREAT)
|
Fantastic costumes and scenery as one would expect from the BBC. A very intriguing story and instantly likeable characters combine with the visual delight, makes for a story I was hooked into from the off. Only downer is that the Russians are very English in this adaption.
|
TV
|
And Then There Were None
Episode 3 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Not the finale I was hoping for. Almost two hours of watching this slagging off match, moody atmosphere, deaths, and mystery, and the ending didn't really deliver. It was unexpected to find out who was behind it all, and that everyone was just as bad as each other, but it didn't really give me any satisfaction for having watched this show.
|
TV
|
And Then There Were None
Episode 2 |
5
(OK)
|
People die. People accuse each other and we get back-stories to everyone's past. Yet, hardly ever does anyone behave as you'd expect. They should all stay in the one room and stay together, but no, they all repeatedly go off singularly and then cop it! Fancy that!
|
TV
|
Live At The Apollo
|
7
(GOOD)
|
Christmas Edition and 45 minutes! Nina Conti does the hosting, but largely does the same old trick with the monkey and face masks that really weren't anything more than average (6). Tanyalee Davis likewise did a decent effort (6) but the stand-out entertainers for me were Hal Cruttenden (7) and Josh Widdicombe (7) who had me laughing.
|
TV
|
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
|
?
(?)
|
TO BE WRITTEN
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E08 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Very good for most part, except for the romance bits that again felt dragged out. Rogers betrayal was a good twist and underwater rescue plan and mission very entertaining.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E10 |
7
(GOOD)
|
The Finale. Not quite the send-off I was hoping for, because there are numerous unanswered questions, not least where is the real Pope now? The Turk Army was defeated by the super weapon in dramatic style, but it's the way things were dealt with regarding the other main "bad" guys demises, namely the Sultan, that felt a little undercooked. We lost several more central characters along the way, but we did get to see a big battle, and a resolution at least for Da Vinci. A surprising turnaround for Carlo though.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E09 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Disappointing again, somewhat. At least Sophia had less to say this week. The big speech to army built things up for a battle which we only saw aftermath off. Vlad easily stealing a tank makes you wonder how he can't just win the war alone. Carlo's trial was anything but one. His visit by cult leader also means we may not yet see his full redemption.
|
FILM
|
Nativity 2
|
1
(DIRE)
|
Don't bother watching. Very few amusing moments or anything that will generate a smirk. Probably a film only for children of a young age as adults will find it just too ridiculous to enjoy anything about it. Not a patch on the first film.
|
TV
|
And Then There Were None
Episode One |
5
(OK)
|
Intriguing and very atmospheric with scenery and background music but for me there were too many puzzling elements and unknown qualities to the main characters for me to really be drawn in to the central story and care about if any of them survive.
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E07 |
5
(OK)
|
This episode consists of a long drawn out, bore of plot line with Washington haunted by having to make a decision over Hewitt being hung or pardoned. Ridiculously cheese-fest to watch and rather uninteresting. However, a gripping five minutes at the end helped a lot.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E05 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Highly intriguing exploration of 10x by remote "robot" this week. They seemed to look around the bottom walls but ignore looking for body or chest?? Very Odd.
Also, Plot six was interesting to learn about. Even though they are behaving better than previous hunters, they don't seem to be documenting or being careful. Need experts and more of them!! |
TV
|
Turn
S02E06 |
6
(DECENT)
|
There's much more drama with Abe stuck in jail and his stubborn dad and the main ladies in the show trying everything to find ways to free him. As ever, it's hard to work out Simco. Probably he's just nuts but his motives were intriguing. More love story with British guy was charming I guess but filled up a decent wedge of this episode.
|
TV
|
Arrow
S04E08 "Legends of Yesterday" |
5
(OK)
|
I've long given up on Arrow, but this was no usual Arrow but essentially much like Flash as it's part two of the crossover. All pretty daft and cheesefest really. Interesting back-story maybe, but too much stupidity in how the plot played out for me. The whole time jump thing was the icing on the cake.
|
TV
|
Trollied
S05E02 |
5
(OK)
|
Not on a level with the opener but nevertheless it was an ok offering this week. A new character is introduced. She's not too offensive, unlike those from last season, so that's a good start for her. Otherwise, it's just an average episode with little to LOL about, and instead just maybe a little smirk.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E08 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Oh dear. After the previous episode I was thoroughly disappointed. Da Vinci's newly discovered sister, Sophia, becomes an adult version of a really excitable child, annoying me whenever she started to act nothing like she had in her previous guise as a rather troubled prisoner. Just too much to believe in one go I'm afraid. Riario's confession to Lorenzo is understandable but only serves to delay progress of the main storyline. Vlad is great entertainment though. Carlo and Da Vinci's battle was good but underwhelming for what should have been a much bigger deal.
|
TV
|
Trollied
S05E01 |
7
(GOOD)
|
Almost a return to form, after what was a dire previous season that I only managed to get half way through before I gave up. Some of the new characters from last year are actually much more bearable, along with some genuine fun lol moments this week, amongst the general daftness of the episode.
|
TV
|
Live At The Apollo
S11E06 |
5
(OK)
|
Somewhat of an improvement on what has been some really unfunny shows recently. Russell Kane (6) does a decent job, although rather too crude on far too many occasions. Roisin Conaty (5) was bearable, with Nick Helm (5) having a mixed performance with opening naff shouting voice gags, followed by a bizarre but amusing singing segment.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E07 |
8
(GREAT)
|
Sublime entertainment this episode, with dramatic work from a crazy troubled Lorenzo returning unexpectedly to Florence. Absolutely great plot twists and turns along the way, and another unexpected death of a central character.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E06 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Riario is a great charector, and the one guy you all root to "come good" and have a manly hug with Da Vinci. Superb work with him this week. plus Lucrezia and the now crazed former Pope aide, who tortures women.
|
TV
|
Josh
S03E05 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Enduring comedy that continues to grow on me with great affection. It's ridiculous yes and my beloved Jack Dee still seemed out of place in the show, but the way the plot unwinds each week is magical, creative, amusing and sometimes LOL.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E05 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Much better, as the complex plot continues to unwind. Despite Da Vinci spending much of the episode acting even crazier than normal, at least we knew it was likely to head to conclusion. The ending, what with another main character dying, really makes the threat feel great.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E04 |
4
(AWFUL)
|
I don't like fantasy worlds, especially ones that really just seem like filler. I largely skipped through the large segments of Da Vinci's hallucinations whilst being drugged by the "bad guys".
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E04 |
5
(OK)
|
Not a lot of progress this week. Aside from clearing out yet more junk from 10X, the gang headed down country for some historic lesson about a stone with symbols on that one researcher thinks is linked to Oak Island. Curiosity is intact as ever. But little new information this week.
|
TV
|
Live At The Apollo
S11E05 |
4
(AWFUL)
|
Sadly I just couldn't enjoy this on any level other than boredom. Katherine Ryan did an average job (5) but Henning When disappointed me greatly (4), whilst the last guy, James Acaster (2) I didn't find amusing in the slightest.
|
RADIO
|
I'm Sorry I haven't A Clue
S64E03 |
5
(OK)
|
Games This Week:
Doomed Charities 5
Sing A Song To Tune of Another 5
In my pants 5
Medical Conditions 6
Appraisal 5
Retirement Home Films 5
Not the best of weeks. Highlights are a decent medical condition segment and Sandy Toksvig's Singing. Other than that, the biggest laughs come from Jack Dee's interludes.
|
TV
|
Da Vinci's Demons
S03E03 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Just about getting a 6/10 from me, thanks largely to the successive complex plot that spins the head so much, that I find myself enjoying being baffled. Quite a gruesome episode, as another main character bites the dust in this final season.
|
TV
|
Josh
S01E04 |
5
(OK)
|
No seriously LOL moments for me this week. The cast is quite likeable and the stories amusing enough to make it worth the half hour watch. More celebrity extras this week, not least, The Chuckle Brothers!
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E04 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Yes, I missed an episode here ... anyhow, there's some strong showing here from Hewlett and his love of the stars, some romantic moments, and confrontations both verbally and physically. It all makes for a rather meaty episode with more passion and emotion evident than for a long time.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E03 |
7
(GOOD STUFF)
|
Finally felt like something was happening which would bring tangible results. They got the diggers in! One spot turned up nothing, but the search at the money pit did at least seem to help them relocate the original pit. Intriguing stuff and excellent back-story segments. Still would be nice to have some actual archaeologists on site though.
|
TV
|
Star Wars: Rebels
S02E09 "Legacy" |
6
(DECENT)
|
Skipped along a little in first 10 minutes as the rebels hasty retreat from the Empire. This felt like it was just getting in the way, and rushed. Seriously though, a tractor beam can be knocked off? Very flimsy for a powerful weapon. Don't quite get why we went through Ezra's chase for a sad conclusion, but I did feel a little emotional there for a moment. Guess the intention is that this is the end of this part of Ezra's story.
|
TV
|
Live at the Apollo
S11E04 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Romesh Ranganathan as host does a very good job in his sketch, being consistently amusing, 8. Irish comic Jason Byrne managed a few LOL moments 7, although sadly Stewart Francis was largely just average laughs, 5.
|
RADIO
|
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
S64E02 |
5
(OK)
|
Games played this week were:
'Uxbridge English Dictionary' - Clever and funny. 8
'Pick up song' - Sadly just average. 5
'Sound Charades' - Amusingly creative. 6.
'Mornington Crescent' - Not my fav game
but 4th Umpire was amusing. 5.
'Complete Playground rhyme' - Average responses largely. 5.
'Prisoner Songbook' - Just ok really. 5.
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E02 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Much better this week, with the dastardly needs-a-good-punch-in-face Simco taking charge of the British "Rouge" guards and Abe doing a lot of reconnaissance with a rather nervy conclusion.
|
TV
|
Turn
S02E01 |
5
(OK)
|
A rather tame and average opener, showing a comedy British King and the former "Rogue" guards leader pathetically gaining a role in retrieving a stolen document. Really nothing amazingly gripping or interesting happened but it helped set the scene for how things are after the season 1 finale.
|
TV
|
The Curse of Oak Island
S03E02 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Actually felt that something was happening this week. Although they only cleared out pipes from 10X hole, and dug up another bit of rust metal, you feel this has cleared the way for better discovery. The intrigue of mystery about this island just keeps one watching.
|
TV
|
Star Wars: Rebels
S02E07 "The Future of the Force" |
6
(DECENT)
|
Aside from some rather cheesy lame plot developments in first five minutes (not least with baby's mum dying within 10 seconds of Ahsoka arriving) this is a rather simplistic and familiar story but has some rather decent light-sabre battles, not least with the two inquisitors versus Ahsoka.
|
RADIO
|
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
S64E01 |
6
(DECENT)
|
Games played this week were:
|
TV
|
Live at the Apollo
S11E03 |
5
(OK)
|
Host Noel Fielding (6) was surprisingly funnier than I expected and even Dane Baptiste (5) had his moments but I didn't find Al Porter (4)anything more than largely annoying and unfunny.
|
TV
|
The Walking Dead
S06E08
|
5
(OK)
|
Mid-Season Finale which gives us the usual mix of running, killing zombies, hiding, death and buildup of tension. Sadly though, none of any of the above was in any great quantity or quality. Very hard to distinguish this season from any of the previous five.
|
TV
|
Josh
S01E02 |
6
(DECENT)
|
An improvement on the opening episode, with some genuine LOL moments, largely all reserved for Josh. The supporting characters are pleasant, but they seem to endlessly waffle and produce mild humour that's filler for all the bigger laughs for Josh. That's ok, but it does mean that things can drag a lot at times.
|
TV
|
Star Wars: Rebels
S02E08 "Stealth Strike" |
6
(DECENT)
|
A procedural episode in the style of a classic "being captured and rescued" plot. It's entertaining, with some kick-ass action, but adds very little to character background or the season's Darth Vader pursuit. Seems to be here just to make Rex/Kanon kiss and makeup. How old is Rex in this? He can't shot straight or out muscle stormtroopers.
|
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