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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
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A new Poirot series starts this Sunday with "Three Act Tragedy." See a preview at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html.
I look forward to the 2011 Mystery season. It's always a fun diversion for summer.
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Thanks for the reminder, Marcie.
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I got their newesletter and came running in, but I should have known you'd all be up on it, in here! hhahaha
Here's what they also say in the newsletter:
Join Hercule Poirot in a new whodunit with a cast of suspicious characters, a tray of dry but potentially deadly martinis, and murder on center stage. Three Act Tragedy airs Sunday, June 19, 2011 on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! Art Malik (Upstairs Downstairs) and Kimberley Nixon (Cranford) join David Suchet as he reprises his signature role as Agatha Christie's suave Belgian sleuth.
Watch Online
For a limited time, reexamine Poirot's cases or select your favorite scenes: watch Third Girl online through Sunday, June 26 and Three Act Tragedy, starting Monday, June 20.
See Marcie's link above.
I love Suchet in this role, can't wait to see this. And one of the magazines I take says that the new episodes of Downton Abbey are ready and will air this fall if I read that correctly, tho I don't see it on the schedule on the PBS site. I DO see Bill Nighy and Allan Rickman tho, wow.
Did anybody here win the contest? They are taking a long time to announce the winner!
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Thanks for the added information, Ginny. We can most always count on PBS for great entertainment.
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My PBS Station re-ran THIRD GIRL last night. I started to watch it, but decided not to finish it. Even though Ariadne Oliver was featured in it, it wasn't one of my favorite Poirot shows.
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Oh, Frybabe, I vaguely remember THE THIRD GIRL. I'm hoping that the three new episodes will be memorable!
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Hi Everyone,
I've been out for a a while because I had foot surgery March 17, and was in two different casts for 11-1/2 long weeks. But now I am in a "walking" boot and am hobbling around quite nicely with a walker. Good to be back.
I watched "Poirot" last night, "Three Act Tragedy" and enjoyed it. It didn't dawn on me until just before Poirot unveiled it, who the bad guy/girl was.
(I'm not going to be a spoiler for those of you who haven't seen it yet.)
It was a good mystery.
Evelyn
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Evelyn, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been in a cast for so long. It must be a relief to be in a walking boot but I hope you can get out of that soon too!
I have yet to watch THREE ACT TRAGEDY. I'll do that soon with my "on demand" cable. It's also available online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html through 7/19.
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I was surprised by who did it. Interesting ending.
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This is my first time here. Do you talk about The American Experience series? Our PBS station is starting a series on Abraham and Mary Lincoln, tonight. It should be fascinating, they are a great psychological study and the serues is narrated by our favorite David McCullough...... Jean
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Jean, We've been focusing on the Masterpiece series, but I'd welcome the addition of the American Experience. I missed the Lincoln series.
I watched Poirot's The Clocks last evening. I thought it included a bit more playfulness... between Poirot and the two girls in their treehouse. The Navy Lt. seemed to fall a bit quickly for the stenographer, after he just lost his former girlfriend but I was okay with that in the stylized 90-minute presentation. I enjoyed the episode.
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Yes, I liked it too. Poirot has gotten less "fussy" in these later episodes, don't you think?
I recognized two of the actors, one Ms. Pettimarch (?) from an earlier Agatha Christie and the other was the fellow that played Lionel (opposite Judy Dench) in As Time Goes By.
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I found it interesting & distracting that the local policeman's name was Hardcastle - which is the surname of Geoffrey Palmer's character on "As Time Goes By". I think that in this current season of Poirot, he has shown more emotion - both in empathy for other characters and in his own strong feelings about issues.
Mary
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Frybabe and CubFan, I agree with both of you that Poirot has been less fussy/fastidious in this series and he has shown more emotion.
I too recognized Geoffrey Palmer and Anna Massey. I like them very much in everything I've seen them do. LOL, I wonder if the name of Hardcastle was in Agatha Christie's original novel. If so, I wonder if the name made someone think of casting Geoffrey Palmer (in that other role).
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This Sunday's Poirot should be a good one. It features Zoë Wanamaker and Deborah Findlay, both great character actresses. Find information and a short preview at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html. Another site for the preview if the previous preview link doesn't work: http://video.pbs.org/video/1979166355/
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Poirot's Halloween was on last night. Such a lot of great British actors in one episode. Very complex, but fun.
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I agree, MaryPage. It was fun how everything tied together! I had a funny feeling all along about one of the prime suspects.
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Why is this site not showing up on the discussion index like it used to?? I always click on new replies. It used to show up there, but it doesn't now. I thought that no one was posting. Glad to see it back.
Sally
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Salan, I'm glad you found this discussion. We opened a new one for the MYSTERY season, after PBS Masterpiece Classic ended. Now that you've posted in the discussion, it will appear when you click SHOW NEW REPLIES.
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I only saw a part of one of the latest mysteries - will have to watch on line I guess. Summer is a bad time for TV in this household, too many distractions.
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A new Miss Marple mystery, The Pale Horse, will be broadcast this Sunday. Learn more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html
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I read Masterpiece Mystery is going to start offering films made of Michael Dibdin's wonderful Aurelio Zen mysteries.
If you have not read Dibdin, start NOW!
I bought every Zen book he wrote. The second one, VENDETTA, I read and passed on to a granddaughter. For some reason, this appears to be the one Masterpiece will start with.
This is truly first rate stuff.
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MaryPage, yes, ZEN will be offered during the last three Sundays in July with the handsome Rufus Sewell in the lead role. I appreciate your recommending the books. I'll check my public library right away. EDIT: I'm glad you mentioned the books, MaryPage, a couple of people already have holds on a couple of the books ahead of me! I'm assuming they are PBS viewers too :-)
The three episodes (with the same titles as Michael Dibdin's books) will be:
Vendetta
Cabal
Ratking
Sidetrack: Rufus Sewell reminds me of a young Ian McShane (Lovejoy, Deadwood, Pillars of the Earth). I searched to see if there was some relation and found that some other people think so too. See the photos at http://cheezburger.com/cyberlis/lolz/View/1133083392
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What I am having a hard time understanding is that the books, in order, should be:
Ratking
Vendetta
Cabal
So why are they doing it the way they are? Each case stands alone, true; but Zen's life moves through the books in a straight time line, and this presentation messes that up. Unless they do not go into his private life at all in this series.
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Oh well; in reading the synopsis of each plot on line, it would appear the writers chose to do exactly that: i.e., change the order of the cases while keeping the order of Zen's personal life. One wonders why, but it will not be at all important when we get into the series, I am sure.
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I liked The Pale Horse. There was something a bit different about it compared to most of the other Miss Marples. Did anyone else think so? Too bad we are only getting one this season.
I am looking forward to seeing the Zen episodes. I've seen Rufus Sewell before somewhere. His eyes are so penetrating, very unforgettable.
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Did any of you recognize the land-lady? Pauline Collins. I just love her. First saw her in the movie Shirley Valentine, one of my all time favorite movies! Of course, she had aged quite a bit since them; but haven't we all???
Sally
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I was wondering where I had seen the landlady before. Of course, Shirley Valentine! Thanks for jogging my memory.
I rather liked "The Pale Horse" too. All those British actors hamming it up. What a treat.
Evelyn
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I dozed off for a little bit toward the end of The Pale Horse but I think it's because I was very tired; not that the episode was boring :-) I like Julia McKenzie in the role.
I remember Pauline Collins from Upstairs, Downstairs. You can't forget her dimples.
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Don't forget that the new ZEN series starts tonight!
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I just love the Italian detectives. I've beeen through all the Guido Brunetti books by Donna Leon, and the Salvo Montalbano. While waiting for the next installment of these, I'm looking forward to ZEN. I recently returned from a trip to Italy where I got to see Brunetti's Venice. I'll be watching ZEN tonight.
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I haven't read the books yet. I just watched the episode. I loved it. I thought the style, especially the opening credits, was very 1960s. Rufus Sewell is wonderful in the role. I thought all of the actors were very good. I missed a little of the dialog but figured it out. I'm looking forward to more of this series.
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Thanks, Marcie, for naming Pauline Collins (dimples). I knew I recognized that face, and just couldn't place it at all! I can now quit pondering that little bit of mystery! LOL. Don't you hate it when someone's face is imminently familiar, and you can't for the life of you, remember a name, a movie, a series they appeared in? Even happens to me in "real life"!
P. S. - I watched "Zen" and loved every minute of it!
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I loved "Zen". I also missed a little of the dialogue but also figured it out. Looking forward to more in this series of mysteries.
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I guess I was being a bit prudish last night. I stopped watching it after about a half hour or so. I didn't care for the number comments about and attempts by some of the characters indulged in to get someone into bed with them. I might attempt to watch it again on the rerun Saturday night.
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Frybabe, what you heard was so TYPICALLY Italian! Seriously! And Dibdon has been dead since, oh, I think about 2007, but no one wrote better as to how the culture works there. In fact, as a big fan of his, I have to say I really believe that after the obvious desire to be a published writer and make money, his whole focus was to uncover the Italian commercial, government, and family soul. He makes you see the connections people have and why they are careful not to antagonize politicians, police, and jurists; let alone criminals. In short, why people "get away with murder" in that country!
There was NO sex scene in the entire show, other than a passionate kiss in an elevator with all clothing intact: just those insinuations. I am told you cannot walk down a city street in Italy without having your butt pinched or being invited to have sex. I do not know from personal experience whether that is a gross exaggeration or not; but I sure do hear and read it over and over.
I loved the show, highly recommend the books, and will tune in next week. Too sad for words that some of your PBS stations could not afford to run it.
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The article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/mar/02/zen-bbc-axed-second-series, published in March, says that BBC isn't going to renew the series (after these three episodes) but it gives hope that one or more of the markets outside Britain might have enough demand to cause another company to commission more episodes. I hope so!
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Very sorry to hear there will only be 3, as I thought the first outstanding. All of the stories are excellent and the writing (books) was top-notch, first-rate, superior writing. Dibdon had a way of capturing emotions and describing them almost visually that was beyond compare.
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I'm sorry to hear that there will only be three in this series. My husband and I both enjoyed it.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
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It's possible that some other production company will continue the series. Hopefully, it will get a good response from viewers like us in the U.S.
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There are some entertaining short videos of Rufus Sewell talking about the books, character of Zen and why he wanted to play the role at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/qa_sewell_stoppard.html.
I think I've only seen Sewell before in intense roles in period pieces. I didn't realize he had such a sense of humor.
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Thank you, Marcie. All of those videos were great.
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CABAL will be on Masterpiece Mystery tonight. Excellent tale of Rome, the corruption in the police and many other places, with a fascinating twist of a story re a fashion house. A bit of Milan, too. Could have been titled Vertigo.
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Ok, so it was the mood I was in last Sunday. I watched the whole program last night and found it pretty good. Will watch tonight.
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From what I read on the PBS site, the film script has been changed considerably from the book.
The book begins with a man, who turns out to be a prince, falling to his death from inside of the top of Saint Peter's dome in Rome right in the middle of a mass being heard there.
The film changes the site to a bridge over the river Tiber.
I do not know how much more has been changed, but apparently The Vatican State and its officials are not going to be part of tonight's plot.
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My power went out for most of the evening. Luckily it came back in time for me to watch CABAL. MaryPage, it sounds like they changed the plot quite a bit from the book (which I've not read). A Cardinal, apparently part of the Cabal, did make an appearance at the end of the program.
I enjoyed the episode and found Zen to be a bit more playful/humorous in this one, from time to time.
Frybabe, I'm glad you liked the first episode.
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Well, I enjoyed the show last night very much indeed, but I have to tell you that it just picked up the barest smidgens from the book. It did not follow the book properly AT ALL! Very, very different story!
The book is fantastic, but I figure it would take a minimum of SIX hours of film to do it credit and give you all of the nuances of the plot. For one thing, in the book the prince dies in The Vatican, falling (being sent, actually) down from the cupola of St. Peter's. For another, the girl who plays the prostitute in this film is not one at all, but a mad woman who is second cousin to the murdered prince and who remains a prisoner in her home, where she dresses her dolls all day, every day. Her brother makes an incredible name as a fashion designer, but all of the designs are HERS. She does not know this. He is the one plotting and having a hand in the death of the prince and the other plotters. He is also a cross dresser, so he is seen at certain places in the book as a woman. Dibdin's descriptions of Rome and of The Vatican State are exquisite and very interesting. Also the relationships of the various departments and agencies. I love the Italians, but am happy not to be one, as there is no such thing as a direct way to get things done there.
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Cabal was good too. For a guy that is supposed to be one of the incorruptables, he sure is getting acquiring favors - no budget cuts for the department, the new apartment (and what an apartment it is). I like how he manages to get things to come out to everyone's satisfaction without doing any really dirty deeds.
Good heavens, MaryPage, I think I will just stick to the TV productions.
Uh, oh! Company. Gotta go.
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LOL, MaryPage. I, too, can see why they changed the plot for TV. I look forward to reading the book, though.
Frybabe, I agree with what you said
Cabal was good too. For a guy that is supposed to be one of the incorruptables, he sure is getting acquiring favors - no budget cuts for the department, the new apartment (and what an apartment it is). I like how he manages to get things to come out to everyone's satisfaction without doing any really dirty deeds.
I think that's part of what drew Rufus Sewell to the role. The character is not what would be a boring (to him) goody-goody.
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I also enjoyed the 2nd episode of Zen, but I'm still missing part of the dialogue. I think it is one of those series I need to watch more than once to see what I missed. :)
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FlaJean, yes, I forgot to mention that. I get the gist but also missed some of the dialog, especially when Caterina Murino (who plays Sewell's girlfriend) speaks.
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Flajean and Marcie
Why don't you use the close captions?
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I just can't use close captions. I get so busy looking at the words I miss the picture. My hearing is good but the accents are what gets me.
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jeriron, thanks for the suggestion of close captions. I hadn't ever taken the couple of minutes to look up how to set up close captions, which I've just done. I'm sure it will be helpful for several TV programs. I appreciate your reminder about that service.
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Flajean
Once you get used to using them you won't have a problem.
Marcie
You're welcome!
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Getting quite deaf at 82, and have been using Closed Captioning and/or Subtitles in English for the Hearing Impaired for simply years and years now. Cannot watch ANYthing without that wonderful invention!
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Marypage
Neither can I.
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I agree. It's a great technology!
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Well, tomorrow night they are to present their version of RATKING, actually the first in the Aurelio Zen series. It will be interesting to see how they change it, as he had an American girlfriend named Ellen and did not begin a relationship with Tania until the second book, Vendetta. Ah so.
Dibdin became famous with Ratking. It won the Golden Dagger Award. It takes place in Perugia. Dibdin actually lived and taught there for 4 years. It is a place I would dearly love to see.
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Thanks, MaryPage, for the reminder about RATKING on Sunday. I've gotten the book from the library and have just begun my first Michael Dibdin. I like his style. He includes quite a bit of criticism of the government in Italy but also love for its people. In the book version, Zen is almost 50 years old and he's done something on some case that has gotten him banned from criminal cases... but, of course, the ban isn't holding since they need someone on a kidnapping case to appease someone important in Perugia.
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Oh, Marcie! It makes my heart happy to know you are reading Dibdin. You will love him. You will also, like me, wind up yearning to visit Perugia. Did I mention Dibdin taught at university there for four years? He knew it well.
Dibdin is very much a reality writer. He shows the good, bad, strengths and weaknesses of Aurelio Zen. I wound up not in love with Zen, but liking him well enough to want to have him as a friend if he were a real person and I knew him. The only truly amazing gift he has is an ability to connect the dots in a criminal case. He definitely cannot connect them in his love life, but he is one whiz of a detective!
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I appreciate your enthusiastic recommendation, MaryPage. I'm glad to have this new-to me- author on my "to read" list.
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Well the tv movie of RatKing takes place in Rome. I enjoyed it and I wish it wasn't the last one. Can't understand why BBC did continue.
I have Cosi Fan Tutti on my Kindle to read. I really wanted Dead Lagoonbut it wasn't on Kindle and hard to get from Amazon so I skipped it and went to the next one. I haven't started it yet though.
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I very much enjoyed Ratking. I'm sure it wasn't very true to the book, which I haven't finished, but I like Rufus Sewell's portrayal of the detective. He always seems to land on top of whatever mess the Ministry gets him into.
I hope that some other company picks up more episodes.
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I enjoyed every moment of the show last night, but it had almost no resemblance whatever to the book Ratking.
The book is set in Perugia. Zen has been sent there to investigate a kidnapping at the request of a highly placed and wealthy citizen of Perugia. The kidnapped man, an extremely wealthy one with FOUR ( 4 ) children (only 2 plus a son-in-law last night), is being held for ransome and this friend of his is pulling strings to try to get him back alive. Zen is sent, even though he has been disgraced and is in a boring desk job at the Ministry; he is no longer ranked a working detective. But no one else is available at the time, and besides, Zen has distinguished himself in the past by solving kidnappings and getting people back successfully. Zen lives with his mother, who is not a bit like the one in the film, and has an American girlfriend named Ellen in Rome.
Everything is quite, quite different. Just a few threads of the original (and most excellent) story remain. Oh, and in the book Zen does NOT get promoted to Chief. He just gets his old job plus a promotion in it, but he is not running things. Ratking is Book One of the Zen series. At the end of the book Ellen breaks up with him and goes home to the United States. In Book Two, Vendetta, Zen takes up with Tania, the secretary at the Ministry.
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Thanks, MaryPage, for the comparison between the books and TV versions. This seems to be one of the few mysteries where we enjoyed both the book and the adaptation, when both were very different.
I like both the character depicted in the book and the one depicted by Rufus Sewell.
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I think Sewell is a most wonderful Aurelio Zen; I quite simply am bowled over by him. The expressions that flit over his face are SO much fun. It is as though we can follow his thinking and real reactions a little bit, while the people he is conversing with cannot at all. Feels as though we have the advantage of them. In the meanwhile, Sewell is giving us some really extraordinary acting, don't you think?
I guess that was his best buddy, Gilberto, who came along, unseen by us, and switched the case full of money before the police swooped in on Zen in that piazza. I tell you, Zen is Brilliant!
Gilberto is the one who always says: "Never Again!" He had to have come all the way from Rome to do that! He and Zen are an amazing pair. In Cabal, they just barely escape through a very high up near the ceiling small window and over the rooftops to escape the police!
The police! ? ! Zen IS one! Yet that is precisely what they did. I recommend you read all 3 of the books that have been filmed, as the books are much, much better than the films. Then go on to the rest of the series. There will never be any more books, as Dibdin is dead.
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MaryPage, yes I enjoy seeing the twinkle in Sewell's eye and his almost-smiles. You can definitely tell there is a lot going on in his mind that he has to hide from various people.
I used the close captions last evening and they were very helpful.
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I decided to add this here about Downton Abbey2.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Downton-Abbey-Spoilers-1035915.aspx
Starts in January.
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Thanks, Jeriron. That should be interesting!
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Our PBS is raising money again so no Sunday night mystery.
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Till Downton Abbey starts and Upstairs Downstairs resumes I've been whetting my appetite with the original Upstairs Downstairs which I found on youtube in several installments. It plays well and quickly and even tho it's darker than what I recall, it was so interesting I was hooked with the first one and pulled out my entire old set which I have had for quite a while and am enjoying watching it. It's fascinating, and not as dated as you might think, and really telling of the time period. Drags you right back in. Gordon Jackson (Hudson) is just incredible, it's quite a cast. I did not realize until this year, and may have mentioned it here, a spin off for Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Bridges was contemplated but I believe he died.
What inspired all this was the actor Simon Williams (James in the original series) who was this past July currently appearing on the London stage in Yes Prime Minister. I would have liked to have seen him, but it did not fit in my schedule at the end. I'm not sure I'd want to see it without Nigel Hawthorne, anyway, I was such an admirer of him and his work. At any rate the Sunday Times I think it was did a huge article on Williams which was quite interesting, if you remember James.
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Mapp and Lucia, by the way, has many of its episodes also on youtube, if you're a fan.
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Ginny, thanks for the info about those PBS shows on youtube. It turns out that my public library has the whole series on 24 DVDs (3468 min.)!! That's a lot of youtube viewing ;)
They also have the two seasons of Mapp & Lucia. I look forward to seeing them again.
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Masterpiece mystery will air a movie next year that is a PREQUEL to Inspector Morse. It is for the anniversary ofColin Dexters death. It is called Endeavour.
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Thanks for that alert, Jeriron. It seems like it might be a new series starring the younger Morse. See http://tellyspotting.org/2011/08/09/pbs-endeavor-looks-at-early-days-of-inspector-morse/
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Marcie
Thanks for posting the Link to that article. I still haven't figured out how to do that on my IPAD.
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I envy you your IPAD, Jeriron!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
ANYONE who has not read the Mapp & Lucia books should give themselves a treat.
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Marcie
I was sure glad to have it this week. My computer had a really big virus and I had to have it worked on. At least I had the IPAD. I really like it.
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Oh, it's too bad about your computer virus, jeriron. It's great that you were still able to go online with your IPAD.
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I'm looking forward to seeing the new Inspector Lewis series. It looks like, though, the Sept.11 show will not be aired. My station has a Mahler concert scheduled for that time. I hope that doesn't mean they are going to be begging again. They just did that for two weeks earlier this month. Come to think of it, there will be a lot of 9/11 memorial things going on on Sept. 11.
I know someone reported Francesco Quinn's death earlier but I can't find it just now. Here is an article from the LA Times.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/08/francesco-quinn-mourned.html
I knew his face was familiar; he's played in a lot of the TV programs I watched, including NCIS and most recently, The Glades. If anyone does pick up production of a new Zen series, I won't be surprised if the cast is all new.
I hope the Wallander series is still on for October here at my PBS station. I hear they cut back several programs recently,but I believe most or all were local productions.
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Frybabe, It looks like the new Inspector Lewis schedule skips September 11.
I'm sorry to see the news of Francesco Quinn's death. Yikes, he bicycled 300 miles a week but likely died of a heart attack. I liked his role in Zen. I hope they won't lose Rufus Sewell if the series is picked up.
I don't see the October schedule yet for my PBS station. I too hope that Wallander will be shown.
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Our local PBS was raising money for several weeks so we finally got to see the Inspector Lewis mystery last night. It was a rerun but we enjoyed it anyway. Next week's is also a rerun but don't remember it that clearly. Actually, I sometimes enjoy a second viewing better than the first.
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I feel sad about Quinn, and he is a loss to film, friends and family. My son-in-law and I were just having a conversation this very afternoon about the fact that exercise is good for a long healthy life, but pushing the body to extremes is NOT a good thing. Between us, we recounted a number of instances, and here is another one.
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The new Inspector Lewis series starts this Sunday with "Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things." Learn more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/faroffthings.html
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Marcie, a Sgt. Lewis rerun is scheduled for us on our local PBS. We don't seem to be on the same schedule as other stations. Don't know why.
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Every PBS channel or radio station is independent of all others. They draw from the same pool of resources, but each has its own budget and its own sources of fund-raising. Those less affluent simply cannot afford to pay for the new shows when they become available.
At least, this is what I have read. My understanding may not be perfect.
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Our PBS broadcasts from U of FL and they do have a lot of fund raising. Maybe they just aren't getting enough funding.
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Oh, that's too bad, FlaJean. It looks like my station will be showing the new Inspector Lewis on Sunday.
The episode should be available for viewing online on the PBS Mystery website starting on Monday.
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My PBS station is having an Inspector Lewis marathon---four or five old episodes to be followed by the new one! I have DVR'd them to re-watch at my leisure.
Sally
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I saw the new Inspector Lewis last night, and it reminded me so much of Dorothy Sayers Gaudy Night, which was also my favorite of all of hers. The Sayers was the better of the two, but the new Lewis was quite good. Enjoyed it.
At Oxford a gaudy is a college feast. Remember the song we used to roar at the top of our lungs: Gaudeamus Igitur? That is said to be what it sprang from.
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Mary Page, Ginny makes sure that all her Latin students know Gaudeamus Igitur and I'm half singing it as I write.
I saw the new Inspector Lewis last night and enjoyed it, but have a couple of things I question, but don't want to be a spoiler. For a certain murder I'm unable to come up with a motive. Also don't understand why a certain character was included, and thought one part rather predictable and unbelievable.
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Pedln, I may have to watch the whole thing again on the re-run next Saturday. I also don't know why one murder occurred. It appears unresolved in my mind. About the time when Lewis and Hawthorne put all the pieces together, I got a phone call. I missed the crucial ah-hah moment. All-in-all, it isn't going to make my list of favorites.
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I saw the new Inspector Lewis mystery last night and plan to watch it again as we do get more than one PBS station here, so it will be on another station during the week.
Pedln questioned the murder of one person, I wonder if it's the same one I wondered about.
I really enjoy most of what Masterpiece Theatre and the BBC offer but I seem to be having trouble understanding many of the actors accents. I never had this trouble before but lately, possibly due to age and maybe hearing problems, I cannot understand all the dialogue, very frustrating!
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HallieMae, I have the same identical problem, but the closed captioning fixes all for me.
I found it not at all clear. I cannot help but think if the writers were not so hell bent on making us think the murderer could be any one of half a dozen different characters, the unfolding of the plot would have made more sense. Instead, I became very confused as to who was blackmailing whom and why; how did so many look so young after, wasn't it 20 years?, had passed. Why did the gal who visited her sister who was in a coma live in smallish Oxford and never, ever run into that guy, Eddie? If Poppy had seen the original murder of the young womanizer, or at the least help hide the body, why was she not murdered until 20 years later? Color me utterly confused. But the scenes are always, or nearly always, marvelous; as are the actors.
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how did so many look so young after, wasn't it 20 years?, had passed.
Now that you mention it, MaryPage, I was wondering the same thing too, last night.
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Oh, yes. I'm in agreement with all of your questions and comments. I love what you said, MaryPage: "I cannot help but think if the writers were not so hell bent on making us think the murderer could be any one of half a dozen different characters, the unfolding of the plot would have made more sense."
Does anyone who has not seen the episode mind if we start to ask our questions more directly now, or should we wait a couple more days? There seems to be several things that are confusing.
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MaryPage, all good questions, you get so caught up in the story, trying to sort it out as it goes along, you don't have time to think about whether it makes sense. And if I'm not mistaken, there was one girl murdered who would have been a baby 20 years ago.
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That's the one, Hallie Mae -- what was the motive for murdering her?
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I'm jealous. We still don't have the new Inspector Lewis series--just the reruns.
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pedln, she couldn't have slept with the original person who was murdered, right? Can't say anything more don't want to be a spoiler.
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You can watch the episode "Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things" online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html through 10/4.
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Well, I watched "Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things" again, and I still don't know why or by whom the third person was killed.
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Thanks, Marcie. I used your link and watched it tonight. I don't want to spoil it but I'm pretty sure I understand why the third person (former policewoman who had worked on the original case) was killed and why. I think it was one of the more interesting in the Inspector Lewis series.
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Jean, I was thinking of the young girl who came back late from her date and jumped the fence to get back in. She was never explained. Was she the same one who discovered Poppy's body???
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Frybabe, Remember the young girl was coming back too late from her date? I believe she saw Diana when she was leaving to go kill the ex-policewoman. Diana (the professor) knew it could come out that she had left the house that night and the young girl would surely have told someone she saw the professor. Diana simply killed her in cold blood to protect herself. She was a very cold blooded woman.
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I missed that connection, Jean, twice ::)
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I think they should spend a little more time with these films and test them with their own people and see where they have failed to connect the dots.
You are right on, of course. They never went into her death at all. It must be that it was so there would be NO ONE to ever say they saw the professor, but with so very little about it you really have to think back on it to make that connection. Frankly, I had forgotten to count her in as a death after the show was over!
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I see that Downton Abbey won four Emmys.
There were some very familiar faces in this week's Inspector Lewis that I enjoyed seeing again. And, I liked the references to Jacobean revenge tragedies. Overall, however, I thought the episode was so-so.
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I enjoyed Lewis. I was wondering if they are going to continue making them after this season with the remarks from Lewis about retiring (won't mention why) and Hathaway saying if he left he would too. Hmmm
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Our PBS finally showed one of the new Inspector Lewis series! I also enjoyed Inspector Lewis and the remarks do leave one wondering about their futures.
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I agree that the episode was interesting and the guest actors were good. I hope that there will be more Lewis next season. Kevin Whatley is 60 years old. I hope he doesn't want to retire yet!
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I thought last night's episode was delicious, as I love seeing the scenes of Oxford and I love the ancientness of it all. My, though, how complicated all of the relationships were!
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Now that you mention it, MaryPage, I liked the house that the Goff's were in with the narrow stairs and the old wood paneled walls. I don't recall seeing any outside scenes of that particular house though.
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In celebration of their six Emmy Awards, Downton Abbey has all four episodes available for viewing for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/
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Six Marie? I must have missed two in the count.
Oh yes, I see I missed the two Creative Arts Awards. They were not on the list I saw, which apparently was the Primetime Emmy Awards. So, what is that all about putting up two separate lists I wonder.
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I got the "six" info from an email from Masterpiece. See the list at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/classic/emmys.html
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
Well, my PBS station didn't show Insp. Lewis -- they're going to show TWO this coming Sunday.
Guess I'll have to tape them, because they'll end after my bedtime.
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Pedln, I'm sorry your station is "off schedule" but I'm glad you'll be able to see the series. I think it's very good.
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I got the "six" info from an email from Masterpiece.
I saw the e-mail a few hours after I posted Marcie. What I was looking at was something off the Emmy site which for some reason saw fit to seperate their lists into Primetime and Creative. I only looked at one the first time, which only listed four. The other two were in the Creative list. Beats me why they did that.
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Yes, I guess the Emmy and Oscar shows give some of the awards ahead of time so they are not part of the broadcast. Maybe staff who list the awards sometimes forget to check "both" events!
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I watched the new Lewis last night, and as usual, loved it. The scenery is to die for, the acting superb and the plot interesting. I do have the SAME big beef I have had with these writers, and that is that they try TOO hard with each episode to make other people look like they did it. You wind up hating everyone, except those who die; you do change your opinion of them after they've been murdered in their turn.
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I watched and enjoyed it very much too. MaryPage, I agree that the writers do make everyone seem very suspicious.
Inspector Lewis is making a bit of progress on the personal side; he went for "something stronger than coffee" with the coroner at the end of the show. ;)
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I was cheering!
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:D
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I was also cheering!
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Only one more Lewis left. I hope they make more of them.
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Me too, jeriron. I look forward to next Sunday's episode and already want more. I like the characters of Lewis and Hathaway and the other continuing characters. The guest actors for each episode and excellent too.
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Well, Lewis is not going to be on my PBS channels tonight. They are going to show Ken Burn's Prohibition instead. Oh, well.
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Mine too, MaryPage. It looks like Lewis is not scheduled until next Sunday. I don't know if I want to watch the Prohibition thing or not. I may take the time to continue studying for my next Accounting test. I feel quite shaky on several points.
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Prohibition will be shown on my PBS channel too.
Good luck, Frybabe, on your Accounting test.
I hope we'll all be able to see the last Inspector Lewis episode for this season next week.
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I watched part of the Prohibition program last night. It was very interesting, pointed out some things about prohibition that I hadn't realized or hadn't thought about before. "Unintended consequences" Where have we heard that recently?
It seems people jumped on the bandwagon for prohibition, many of them not realizing what it meant to them personally. (Or to the economy.)
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I watched most of all three "Prohibition" programs and found the series very interesting. I can remember when I was growing up, my aunts drinking their drinks from coffee cups with saucers yet. And this was way past prohibition.
The first two shows were very good, but I found the third one kind of boring. A lot of time was spent on Al Capone and Chicago. As I am a native of Chicago, I have had my fill of Al Capone. He was a colorful, ruthless mobster, end of story.
I'm looking forward to Inspector Lewis next week.
Evelyn
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Hurrah! Lewis is ON my PBS stations tonight!
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Yea! Both Inspector Lewis programs come on tonight. One at 8 and the other at 9:30. Can't wait.
Sally
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I'm looking forward to the Inspector Lewis tonight also.
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I thought the show was very good last night. The new series, Case Histories, looks interesting too.
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I wish there were going to be more of the Lewis series but the new series does look interesting.
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I enjoyed "Inspector Lewis" last night. It's too bad that was the final show. It portrayed Lewis and Hathaway each respecting each others differences and different personality traits. And Lewis finally has a love interest, (maybe?).
Hopefully there will be more "Inspector Lewis" in future seasons.
I agree "Case Histories" looks interesting.
Evelyn
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I loved it! This from Wikipedia:
"Following the airing of a pilot in 2006, a first series of three episodes was broadcast in February/March 2007. A second series of four episodes aired in early 2008. A third series of four episodes was aired on ITV1 and ITV-HD from March–April 2009. A fourth series aired throughout the UK from 2 May 2010, and a fifth series from 3 April 2011, each again of four episodes. In June 2011, ITV announced that a sixth series of 4 episodes has been commissioned for airing in 2012. PBS broadcasts the series, as Inspector Lewis, in the United States and British Columbia, Canada, as part of its Masterpiece Mystery series."
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I really enjoyed both episodes. I am hoping one of you can help me. Who was the actor that owned the Irish Pub? Where have we seen him??? It's driving me crazy. Help!
Sally
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I can't say that I am familiar with Lorcan Cranitch (what a name), but I am sure I've seen him in some of the TV series. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186475/
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I enjoyed the episode too. I wish there was a little more banter between Lewis and Hathaway. Thanks for checking, MaryPage, to see that we'll have more episodes in 2012.
I didn't recognize Lorcan Cranitch but I've probably seen him.
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Thanks Frybabe, I thought I remembered him for BallyK. I also watched Hornblower, so those 2 programs are probably where I saw him.
Sally
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I ordered the first 2 Kate Atkinson mysteries featuring Jackson Brodie so I can read them prior to that series coming on Masterpiece Mystery. They sound really good.
http://www.kateatkinson.co.uk/jacksonbrodie/
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It's good to know we'll have more Lewis and Hathaway next year. Also, I understand that Downton Abbey 2 will be shown starting Jan 8, 2012. Hope so.
I've read one of the Kate Atkinson Jackson Brodie books. Don't remember the title -- it took place during the Edinburgh festival.
I think this last L&H episode is one of my favorites of the series.
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Was the book any good, Pedln?
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"Scottish private investigator and former policeman Jackson Brodie is busy "investigating" Binky Rain's lost cat when he is drawn in by cries next door. Two sisters have found a blue mouse toy, one that their sister Olivia held when she vanished 30 years ago, and that now has appeared in their deceased father's belongings. Brodie, a father and a survivor of a family tragedy, feels compelled to take the case. "
Episode 1 of the new Case Histories series which will be broadcast on Sunday evening is based on the Kate Atkinson mystery which gives the series its title. Learn more about the first episode and the series at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html
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Well, as stated, that is why I just purchased the first 2 books from that series. The descriptions of the stories sound great; I do not know why I have never heard of her books.
Despite that lapse in my education, I Will Be Ready when the series comes on my PBS channel!
Thanks, Marcie.
Hey! We have a TWO HOUR SHOW tonight! Hurrah!
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My on demand has the Sunday night mystery all week starting Sunday BEFORE it shows tonight. I always watch it earlier in the evening then 9PM when it's on here at night.
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LUCKY you! My On Demand does not get PBS channel programs at all!
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My on demand has the Sunday night mystery all week starting Sunday BEFORE it shows tonight.
I noticed that Jeriron. Usually they don't post it to On Demand until after it airs. I think they did that last week too.
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I did not think the 2 hour show last night was nearly as good as the Lewis ones.
But I did enjoy the scenery immensely. I thought the little girl who played Brodie's daughter was fantastic.
The story lines simply did not consume my interest. And I am SO tired of fractured families. I know they exist in abundance, but sometimes it feels as though that is ALL we get!
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I did not enjoy the program last night at all. In fact, I turned it off half way through and went back to my interesting book. The story was just too convoluted for me.
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I agree, I have mixed feelings about the show, but I did like seeing some of Edinburgh again. I had a few "Hey, I was there" moments.
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The Edinburgh scenes were great. As for the show, I felt I had come late to the party and everyone knew everybody else, where they were from, what they did, etc. I only watched half and have the rest taped (Oh VCR, don't fail me now) to watch tonight.
MaryPage, the Atkinson I read was One Good Turn, which I see is on the not yet available Disc 1 of the DVD series. It's been a while and I don't remember much, but am assuming I liked it. I don't read many series any more except for Margaret Maron, whose books I devour and remember.
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I did not enjoy the program last night at all. The story line did not interest me. In fact, I turned it off after a few minutes and just read a book.
Did anyone else have trouble understanding what was being said?
Evelyn
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
I don't usually comment on this site . I usually like PBS Mysteries but this one, which my husband and I watched to the impossible end, was awful. We won't continue with this series since it is sort of moronic. A PI solving four cases in a two hour show, weaving back and forth between the cases without rhyme or reason, rhe detective's relationships with at least three different women in one segment...ye gads, not for me.
I prefer my Supermen to wear capes.
And I don't like my detectives dragging their young daughters to crime scenes. What an idea whose time has not come.
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I got in late to the show, but don't feel I really missed anything because the parts I did see were so bloody confusing. I loved the Edinburg scenery, loved the lead actor. Put on my Closed Caption so I could understand all the dialogue - - BUT, didn't make a lot of sense to me, and I supposed I will read the rest of the books. I have read some of Atkinson already.
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The episode did seem fractured to me too. Quite a few storylines! I think that the character of Jackson Brodie and his relationship with his young daughter is interesting. It looks like he went into police work because his sister was murdered and did it seem to you that his brother committed suicide? I don't think that we got to know Brodie very well. I hope that the next episode will reveal more.
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It was just OK. It took me half of it to get into it. although I did think it was a lot better then some American mysteries. A lot going on. I guess they will explain about the sister and him leaving the police force.I much prefer Police then private investigators.
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Am now reading Kate Atkinson's "Case Histories," the first of her Jackson Brodie books. By the way, Brodie is a family surname in my second husband's very Scottish family. He being the father of my son Chip, it also belongs to him. We have owned a dog, now deceased, with that name. He was, of course, a Scottish Terrior and I could not abide him!
But I do like this book, so far. I look forward to more Jackson Brodie tonight, and hope it will be a better put together show. I think they tried to put too much in last week.
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I found the novel, ONE GOOD TURN, in a thrift store yesterday. Since it is the second book in the Jackson Brodie series I think I'll wait to read it until I find the first one.
I just checked the synopsis for tonight's episode (based on ONE GOOD TURN). It looks like there are three different mysteries in this one also. Maybe that's how the author develops the books. It might be too much for a television episode to include them all.
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I thought this one was better than the first. all the stories fit into one another.and I got used to the character.
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Starting new on Nov. 13th
Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson star in The Song of Lunch, about a book editor and his former lover who reconnect over lunch.
Nov. 6th
Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Michael Gambon and Ralph Fiennes star in the spy thriller Page Eight about an MI-5 officer caught in a conspiracy.
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I liked this one better too, Jeriron. It was smoother and easier to follow.
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I have the same opinion, jeriron and Frybabe. I liked the stories all fitting together. What terrible events Jackson Brodie went through as a child. We're only given glimpses. I wonder if his parents were around?
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I liked the stories all fitting together
Well yes, but there were still a heck of a lot of stories to fit. I enjoyed it and watched it all, even though I had recorded it. Perhaps it the TV format that makes it seem like so many subplots.
Jeriron, thanks for the info about what's coming up. They sound good.
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I liked this one better than the first, as well; I expect because it did not include a child being killed. Anyway, the book is MUCH better than the film. I am, of course, referring to the first one, as that is the book I am on. I also own the second book, and will buy the third if I like the first two.
Still adore that little girl: his daughter.
Brodie himself as a character, I do not much like. He gets no sleep at all, which drives me crazy. He is good hearted and truthful, but not very forthcoming. I really, really hate the smoking. And, as good a swimmer as he is, I am left wondering why he could not have pulled the body back to shore with him. I expect the book will cough up a reason. Maybe it was just too icy cold to take on that burden and get himself back to shore. There are all sorts of ways you learn to do this in lifesaving courses, which I have taken; so I can only think it was the cold. There are times when you just have to make a choice to save yourself, and the body was quite, quite dead.
Anyway, Masterpiece beats the heck out of commercial television for quality entertainment.
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Well, I have read Kate Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES and will go on and read her One Good Turn, but I have to tell you, I do not believe I will buy any more of her books.
I find her a truly gifted writer. She sets a scene and puts you right into it. You see every detail in living color and practically hear people speaking and breathing. BUT _________
But her characters are all so flawed and sleazy and unkempt and flaky and of a part of this world I have been just terribly lucky not to be part of or involved in; nor do I want to be in my escapism reading. Mysteries, for me, are clever puzzles to be solved, and I like them to be peopled with clever, witty, well educated and spoken people with normal habits and lives.
Does this make a a weirdo? I'm feeling Atkinson writes about weirdos.
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I meant to ask: "does this make me a weirdo?", but by the time I got back in here and saw my error, it was too late to change it.
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MaryPage - if it does, that makes two of us as I feel exactly the same way. Mary
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Mary Page and Cub Fan,
I agree, so that makes three of us.
Evelyn
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Four of us!
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Yay!
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Tonight I'm going to watch the last Case History for this season. It also concludes Masterpiece Mystery for the season.
Next week, we start Masterpiece Contemporary. See http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2636.0
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Well, this last Case Histories was the best of the lot, IMO. Interesting how all the different elements tied together.
Prior to this last show, my PBS station reran Poirot's Halloween episode. I forgot to watch it. Boo!
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I thought this last Case Histories episode was good too. It was far-fetched that he would bring young Reggie with him to find the kidnapped victims but I liked the young girl.
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I enjoyed it last night, as well. On the whole, despite his heart being in the right place, I would not like Jackson Brodie. I found myself wishing him well, but he has disgusting habits.
The books take place in Cambridge. I have no idea why they moved the place to Edinburgh.
"To date, Jackson Brodie has appeared in four of Kate Atkinson's novels. Each can be read in isolation, but are best enjoyed in order of publication: Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News?, Started Early, Took My Dog."
The 3 shows we have seen are each about 1 of the first 3 books in the series, but for some reason they named the whole series after the first book.
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Thanks for that info, MaryPage, about the relationship of the series to the books.
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I watched the last show of "Case Histories" on DVR yesterday. Did I miss something? Did they ever explain about his sister. Now I'm sorry I deleted it because I think I would watch it again. They'll probably show it on the other PBS station. Maybe they plan on making more.
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The first book, the one that is actually titled Case Histories, explains it very well.
He grew up in Yorkshire, where his dad was a coal miner. He had great parents and a much older brother and sister. The sister was only a year younger than the older brother, but he, Jackson, was an afterthought, or change of life, or just flat out mistake or something. Anyway, they lived happily ever after until his mother died. Then his sister took care of them while working in the town. The older brother often picked her up at her bus stop. This one rainy day he did not. She reached the bus stop near her home after work, but was abducted and raped and murdered and thrown in the canal between there and their home. I think they said it was on the first anniversary of her death that the older brother could not handle the guilt any longer and he hung himself. So Jackson was left alone with his dad at something like 12 years of age. Then his dad died, and he had no other relatives whatsoever.
So he really treasures that one little girl he has.
The film also did not tell us that Binky Rain, the old woman who lived in the house with the huge garden and apple orchard behind the house the Land sisters lived in (there was an alley way between the yards and the yards were fenced, with gates) and it was her place Olivia Land was buried in, oh, and also she had all the cats, well, Binky died and left Jackson about two million POUNDS, so he is Rich. And he remains rich in the following books. Seems he was the only one who was always kind to Binky.
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MaryPage
Thanks for the explanation. So I didn't miss it because it wasn't told in the movies. And they never caught the killer right? Well with all he's bad things going on in his live maybe he should be forgiven for some of his personality quirks. Wonder if they'll make anymore.
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Thank you, MaryPage, for letting us know what happened to his sister.
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I've enjoyed watching all the Case Histories, even if some of them get a little confusing. It's hard to figure out sometime, why they have to include all the sub plots. In this last one, for instance, did I miss something about the Moores. Did that little vignette add that much to the story.
I think the brother Francis, who hung himself, is still alive, but lives in a nursing home. Brodie went to visit him in the show previous. I wondered at the time if that was his brother, then later in the show Brodie told another character that he had beeen up to visit his brother.
Yes, MaryPage, that Binky business was confusing too. So Brodie and the Lands and Binky were all neighbors.
I wonder how pleased Kate Atkinson is with the TV adaptations. It's hard to put a 400-500 page book into a 2 hour TV show, even without time taken for commercials.
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Good points, Pedln. Yes, it seems that his brother is still alive but seriously brain damaged.
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That was just something they added in the film. Well, at least, in the FIRST book Jackson's brother is dead and buried. I have the second book, but have not read it yet. Mebbe they resurrect him in the second book. The first book was quite final about it, however. Atkinson went to great pains to explain Brodie's overwhelming love for that little girl by listing all the dead in his life and explaining he had NO living blood relative other than his daughter and that the daughter would appear to be the only child he would ever have. Really; I did not make this up, nor is it my opinion. Atkinson wrote it all out in the book
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Thanks, MaryPage, for the additional info.
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I enjoyed this program even if it was confusing at times. I got tired of the constant flash backs of his sister's death. I got the picture and didn't need to be reminded of it so frequently. All in all it was still so much better than most of what is now on tv.
Sally
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I may be totally confused, but I could swear I saw four Case Histories. There
were the original three, then a couple of weeks later a fourth one appeared.
No one else had mentioned that one. Our recorder is set to automatically
tape all first-run shows from Masterpiece Mystery.
I wish I could tell you the title, but I don't seem to 'file away' that kind of info.
anymore. I'm sure it will turn up on other stations eventually.
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Salan, I agree that even when a PBS series isn't completely satisfying, it is much better that 99% of what is on regular stations now.
Babi, since the episodes were 2 hours long on most stations, it looks like some places show them as three episodes but others count each hour as one episode, so there would be six altogether this first season. See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1748888/episodes
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I was really disappointed in that series. Just couldn't get into it at all, and I always look forward to Mystery. Maybe I should have read the books first.
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Perhaps that explains why the last show I saw seemed longer than the
others. It's really somewhat confusing, since I certainly didn't see six separate
episodes. Oh, well, they're done...for now, anyway.
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I didn't know where to put this bit of news so I put it here.
Downton Abbey
Just as Season 2 of Downton Abbey reaches its conclusion in the U.K., Britain's ITV announced Thursday that it has commissioned a third season of eight episodes.
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Fantastic!
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Thanks for the info, Jeriron. That should be fun!
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http://www.kateatkinson.co.uk/jacksonbrodie/books.asp
http://www.amazon.com/Started-Early-Took-My-Dog/dp/0316066737
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
Masterpiece Mystery 2011 presents the best British mysteries. See the complete 2011 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY schedule (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html).
NOW DISCUSSING
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterycasehistories/casehistories.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Case Histories (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/index.html)
Three 120-minute mysteries — Sundays, October 16-30, 2011
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) stars as private investigator Jackson Brodie in a series of interlocked mysteries based on the gripping bestsellers by Kate Atkinson. Set in brooding, beautiful Edinburgh, the crimes are a mix of cold cases and fresh bloodshed that only a maverick ex-cop like Brodie can solve. October 16: Episode One (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode1.html) (based on the novel Case Histories); October 23: Episode Two (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode2.html) (based on the novel One Good Turn); October 30: Episode Three (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/episode3.html) (based on the novel When Will There Be Good News?)
PAST PROGRAMS
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterylewis/lewisIII.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Don't miss the following encore presentations of Inspector Lewis: The Point of Vanishing (Aug 7), Counter Culture Blues (Aug. 14), The Dead of Winter (Aug. 21), Dark Matter (Aug. 28), Your Sudden Death Question (Sept. 11) and Falling Darkness (Oct. 2). [Note: These episodes will have limited TV airings, so check local listings. These episodes are available to view online for a limited time at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html after they air.] Past SeniorLearn discussion of Inspector Lewis (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=707.0).
Inspector Lewis (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/lewis/index.html)
Four 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, September 4 - October 9, 2011
In the all-new 2011 season, Lewis and Hathaway tackle four cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (Sept. 4), Wild Justice (Sept. 18), The Mind Has Mountains (Sept. 25) and The Gift of Promise (Oct. 9).
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/zen.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
ZEN (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/index.html)
Three 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, July 17 - 31, 2011
What does an honest cop do when corruption rules on both sides of the law? Detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell, Middlemarch), based on the novels by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not.
Vendetta (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/vendetta.html)
July 17, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Solving a politically-charged murder and winning a beautiful woman's heart nearly prevents Zen from learning that he is the object of a psychopath's murderous vendetta. With Stanley Townsend (Sherlock). Watch online 7/18 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Cabal (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/cabal.html)
July 24, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a playboy plummets from a bridge, Zen must determine suicide or murder, all the while navigating the possible existence of a powerful shadowy conspiracy group. Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) co-stars. Watch online 7/25 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
Ratking (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/ratking.html)
July 31, 2011 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
When a set of kidnappers won't play by the rules, Zen must work against the clock — and his tyrannical new boss — to save the life of a politically powerful industrialist. Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga) co-stars. Watch online 8/1 - 8/30 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zen/watch.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/marple6_palehorse.jpg) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
The Pale Horse (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/palehorse.html)
July 10 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie - Cranford) seeks justice, armed with little more than a mysterious list of names sent by an old friend only moments before he was murdered. JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey) guest stars. Watch online through 8/10/11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mystery_2011/poirot11.jpg)
Hercule Poirot: Season XI (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/index.html)
Three Act Tragedy (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/threeacttragedy.html)
June 19 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/19 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
The Clocks (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/clocks.html)
June 26 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 7/26 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Hallowe'en Party (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/poirot/halloweenparty.html)
July 3 at 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Watch online through 8/2 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and marcie (marciei@aol.com)
I don't know that this is the right place to post this, but just to say, if you like Downton Abbey you must have a look at the Comic Relief spoof of it on YouTube it's called 'Upstairs Downton Abbey'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5dMlXentLw
My daughter found it last night, there are 2 parts to it and they are both hilarious. Jennifer Saunders, Kim Cattrall, Joannan Lumley and co at their best.
Last episode tonight! We are all agog in this house (except husband of course) to see who will succumb to the Spanish Flu. Of course we've got a pretty good idea, but no matter - can't wait!
Rosemary
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Is YouTube only seen on-line? The spoof looks like great fun and I'll tell my daughter about it,
but I'd need it on-screen and cc'ed.