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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/wallandermasterpeice.jpg) | The new Masterpiece Mystery series, "Wallander" ~ is based on the bestselling Swedish crime novels by Henning Mankell.
Detective Kurt Wallander, brilliantly played by Kenneth Branagh, martials his wits to solve a series of bizarre crimes while his personal life and health spiral out of control.
"He's distant from his daughter, estranged from his father and looks like he's in perpetual need of a good night's sleep. The depressive detective sometimes seems paralyzed by indecision in his personal life."
Branagh, the renowned Shakespearean actor, sees the weary detective as everyman in his daily stuggles.
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
Watch the episodes online: "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and "One Step Behind" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html)
Charlie Rose interview with Kenneth Branagh (http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10297)
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? Let's discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of three of the Wallender novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. (4 sets left!) Are you interested? |
Contact: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
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Count me in. OPB will surely broadcast this series once pledge drive is over.
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PS: The novels I prefer are Sidetracked and One Step Behind. Thanks.
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Ok, Jackie. I've got your "order". (Actually, the two available to us are Fireball and Sidetracked.
I'm sure you'll find a rebroadcast of the first episonde soon. find. Now let's see who else is interested!
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OH, JOAN! PLEASE SEND ME BOTH. HOPE I CAN SEE THIS ALL THE WAY THROUGH LATER.
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OK, that's two sets spoken for, Ann! No, there's me. That's three. I just watched the first episode again this afterrnoon with Bruce...and for the second time, I cried at the ending. (I saw Bruce's eyes were damp too.) If you ask me, it even was better the second time around.
Do you think we should open a discussion? We'll see how many more are into the Wallandars - before we decide.
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I would like the books also, Joan. If there are any sets left.
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I'm in. Please send me a set too.
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Please count me in too.
I watched the first episode and am eager to read some of his books now. I think I mentioned in some other place that the NYT review of the show said that Wallander listens to opera in his car but that they left that out of the TV series - afraid that it might sound too much like Inspector Morse who was also a music lover. That's the kind of thing that really humanizes the characters, I think.
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Ooops! I forgot to say right out that I'd like a set! Sorry!
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It looks like we'll have a discussion of this series - the tv program, or the books. That's great. My husband was telling me at dinner that this is the best show he's seen on TV in a long time.
The following are on the list for a set of the books:
mrssherlocik
Ann
JoanP
Frybabe
Tomereader
JoanR
Mippy
Marcie
Marjv
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Well, this Wallander character is all new to me - haven't seen anything about it on TV but no doubt it will come shortly - haven't read the books or even heard of the author. No use sending me a set as the postage will be prohibitive and I may not receive them until next Christmas. :D I'll take a look in the library to see if they have the books and if not I'll look at the bookstores... you've certainly roused my curiosity - any character who listens to opera in the car will get my vote - and Kenneth Branagh as a detective ..hmmm...he certainly looks the part in the header.
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So...I just checked catalogues for two nearby libraries - both have several of Mankell's books including some Junior and Young Adult stuff...
Many titles are sitting on the shelves including Sidetracked and Firewall so once you get going I'll be able to read along with you even if I don't join in the actual discussions. Depends if it grabs me ..I'm not much into mystery/detective books but I do enjoy them once in a while.
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I love the Mankell Wallender series. Didin't realize they were going to broadcast on PBS. I rarely check our PBS sched since most of what is run here I am not interested in except the Mystery theater.
Oooops - just checked the online sched and they did show the first one here on the 10th! :(
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Netflix as 2 episodes on 1 disc I just now discovered:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Wallander_Sidetracked_Firewall/70117884?lnkce=seRtLn&trkid=222336&lnkctr=srchrd-sr&strkid=394794888_0_0
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Gum, how much is postage to au? It's great that your library has the books! You won't believe this detective - like no other I've ever met. Probably giving away something, there's a scene where W. breaks down and sobs, "I just can't do it anymore" - he becomes completely human, not just a tec who likes to solve mysteries.
MarjV - they rebroadcast during the week following each episode - check the schedule in your area. If you miss it altogether (please try not to) - there will be a whole new episode this coming Sunday. Are you interested in a set of the books?
EDit - see your post now - Netflix has it? Good information!
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Good morning!
Could I please be included also? I posted into Books into Movies yesterday, but
arrived here today. It sounds excellent!
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I posted this reply in "Books and Movies", so I'll just copy it here.
Well, I don't know about a Wallender club. After we finished the books, what would the club do? Maybe a PBS Masterpiece club would be more useful. I checked with my library and fortunately it does have the first two books, so I would not need one of the free sets to participate in a discussion.
I checked and found that the PBS presentation was repeated at 2 a.m. this
morning, so it is now on tape. I'll be watching it at the first opportunity and get back to you.
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Mippy, yes, I've added your name to the list - I forget, have you seen the first episode yet? I hesitate to say much yet until those who missed Episode 1 on Sunday pm get a chance to see it. Please post when you have seen it.
Babi - that's an idea - a PBS Mystery Club. The link to the upcoming mysteries is in the heading. There was never a plan to have a permanent "Wallander" club - just to discuss the PBS May series and for those who wish, to read and discuss the books. For me, the film production is so good, I'm curious to read the books now - Can the books be better than the film?
Let me get the schedule for the future PBS Mysteries to see what you think...
Take a look -
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
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Mippy, yes, I've added your name to the list - I forget, have you seen the first episode yet? I hesitate to say much yet until those who missed Episode 1 on Sunday pm get a chance to see it. Please post when you have seen it.
Babi - that's an idea - a PBS Mystery Club. The link to the upcoming mysteries is in the heading. There was never a plan to have a permanent "Wallander" club - just to discuss the PBS May series and for those who wish, to read and discuss the books. For me, the film production is so good, I'm curious to read the books now - Can the books be better than the film?
Let me get the schedule for the future PBS Mysteries to see what you think...
Take a look -
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
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The description of the PBS series as "gritty" left me wondering if it might be very bleak but your reviews so far make me want to see it. I've enjoyed the older Mystery series on PBS (Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Campion, Morse and others).
I missed the first showing of the first episode of Wallander but see that it will be available a few other times this week so I'll be able to see it. I'd appreciate your sending me a set of books too and I'll join the discussion.
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Oh Goodie, more Poirot and Miss Marple.
I've not seen any of the Inspector Lewis series. How does it hold against Inspector Morse. Laurence Fox, is he any relation to Edward Fox? He has the blond hair and long thin face. Off to investigate!
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Nope, I've not seen the first one, due to babysitting with our new 5-week old grandson
(at his house). It's not exactly babysitting, it's mommy-helper duty.
I'll try to catch the next one, if possible. Thanks for asking!
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Answered my question. Edward Fox, uncle of Laurence. James Fox is his father. It was James who I was thinking of, remembering his role in King Rat and Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.
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Netflix as 2 episodes on 1 disc I just now discovered:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Wallander_Sidetracked_Firewall/70117884?lnkce=seRtLn&trkid=222336&lnkctr=srchrd-sr&strkid=394794888_0_0
I just ordered this set from Netflex....which one was on this past week? I'll only watch one and wait for the next PBS airing.
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Sidetracked is also available for viewing onine -- for a limited time-- at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html
Rainbow, the TV schedule is at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html
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Oh thanks, Marcie! I see the Netflix disc isn't available til June.
No, I don't want the books, thanks. Our lib has them all.
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Wallander sounds like my cup of Tea. Is this the first episode or the 2nd? It doesn't say.
Wallander: Sidetracked
The gritty and engrossing "Wallander: Sidetracked" stars Kenneth Branagh as Swedish crime author Henning Mankell's scruffy police detective Kurt Wallander, who investigates a 15-year-old girl's self-immolation and several ax murders.
I am assuming it is the first and ti-Vo'ed it. If it is the 2nd - well--- a day late....
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MARCIE, 'gritty' is good, but 'uniform gray' strikes me as more accurate. My reaction to this one is not wildly enthusiastic. Wallender seems to be very popular, tho', so maybe he grows on one with acquaintance.
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Once again, is Sidetracked the 1st of the series?
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Andy, yes, Sidetracked is the first, followed by Firewall and then the third is One Step Ahead (or behind)
Babi - gray and gritty, yes. I felt the same way. It was the second time I watched the first episode that it got to me. Give it another try would be my advice. You get another prospective or something...
I'm late, will be back this afternoon-
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Merci, mon amie. I will set up the TiVo.
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Sidetracked is also available for viewing onine -- for a limited time-- at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html
Rainbow, the TV schedule is at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html
Thanks for the info Marcie, I will watch it on my PC. I can't find a repeat on our PBS station.
This way, I'll be up to date for this week's episode.
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When is this discussion likely to start - will discussion be of the TV series or the books?
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Finally thought to check my month's schedule from OPB and found that Wallander will be 'cast one week behind the rest of the country. Haven't tried to watch on the'puter but I have watched Netflis DVDs that way and its OK if not great. Speaking of which, have any of you pdated to HD big, big screens yet? I'm debating whether to set aside one of my quarterly checks to one about 42". I have a 37" now, not HD, it's one of those big, heavy clunkers, seems to take up half the room.
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We bought a 40" about three years ago. We just got our HD upgrade from our cable provider HD here and now we really enjoy our large screen. The 40" are harder to find, 42" is more standard but our living area would not support that size. It's a Samsung which was quite a bit cheaper than the Sony and, we think, just as good. Now I'm off to watch Wallander on my PC.....
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Gum, without having seen the books yet, I want to say that the discussion will be of both the film - and the books. Who knows, the film might not be true to the book. Detective Wallander might not resemble the character in the book - might be Kenneth Branagh's interpretation of him. That might be the real advantage of discussing both at the same time.
Babi - I've been thinking about the advantage of viewing the episode more than once. Oh, yes, it was grim, bleak, gritty and gray. The first time I was concerntrating more on who dun it - and the grizzly murders/suicide the detective was drawn into solving. The second time, I was more aware of what was going on his personal life - and the impact it had on his job. It was the second time around that I felt I knew the man - and prepared me to watch him more closely in future episodes..
Welcome, Rosebud - yes, viewing area is the deciding factor when choosing TV screen size. Our flat screen is only 32 " - but with the HD (high def) it is amazingly bright and clear (even the gray Swedish landscape) and suits the small room just fine. You don't need huge, unless your room is huge, Jackie.
Gum, I have been waiting to hear that most have had a chance to view the first episode before we begin to talk about it -
Shall we say we'll begin tomorrow? I keep letting out my thoughts of the first episode anyone - without intending to.
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Good afternoon, everyone ~
Please don't wait for me to begin the discussion. With so many hours spent
with our new grandson, I'll not be likely to watch what I miss. Maybe in June?
But I'll lurk or ask questions, anyway.
So ... is the game afoot?
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Well drats! I checked our local listings and was told that part I would be aired on Friday AM. When I wnet into PBS to TiVo it, it gave me Sesame street or Curious George. grrrrrrrrrr
I will keep my eye out and if that is wrong I will watch the video on the computer.
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I watched part one on my PC this afternoon. Of course, it was not the same as on our 42" HD TV. I was mostly interested in the plot and characters so that I can view the upcoming episode with some background. I won't make any reference to the plot until we are all ready to discuss this.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/wallandermasterpeice.jpg) | The new Masterpiece Mystery series, "Wallander" ~ is based on the bestselling Swedish crime novels by Henning Mankell.
Detective Kurt Wallander, brilliantly played by Kenneth Branagh, martials his wits to solve a series of bizarre crimes while his personal life and health spiral out of control.
"He's distant from his daughter, estranged from his father and looks like he's in perpetual need of a good night's sleep. The depressive detective sometimes seems paralyzed by indecision in his personal life."
Branagh, the renowned Shakespearean actor, sees the weary detective as everyman in his daily stuggles.
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
Watch the episodes online: "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and "One Step Behind" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html)
Charlie Rose interview with Kenneth Branagh (http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10297)
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? Let's discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of three of the Wallender novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. (4 sets left!) Are you interested? |
Contact: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
You're probably right, JOAN. When you are meeting a person for the first time, you don't really get to know them. First impressions may be somewhat off-putting. (I think that's an English phrase. Awkward, isn't it?)
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Babi- I have learned that my "first impression is not only a lasting one but one that is usually 90% right on the target. "
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There is a video of a very interesting interview by Charlie Rose with Kenneth Branagh at http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10297. It only has a few minutes directly about Wallender in the middle of the 32 minute interview but, if you want to know more about Branagh and his approach to the work he does, this interview is very thoughtful and fascinating.
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Good point, ALF. My 'impressions' have frequently been sadly correct.
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Unlike Andy, I admit, my first impressions are often way off. (What does this tell you about me?) I'm interested to hear your first impressions of the filmed adaptation of the novel. I have viewed the program three times now, and finally am finding answers to the questions I had after the first viewing.
I still have questions about what I saw - or think I saw - do you?
The film begins in broad daylight - bright sun, the bright yellow blooms of the fields almost blinding. And then the young girl pouring petrol over her head and setting herself on fire right before the eyes of Wallander, who's been called in by the farmer who has spotted the crying girl.
From there on, the scenes are dark as the killer murders one after the other.
Did you have a difficult time keeping track of who they were, and their relationships?
I believe the plot will be easier to follow once I have book in hand. At least I can flip back and reread what I had forgotten. PBS Masterpiece has provided some interesting questions for discussion. I want to post one of them here today - because I was amazed to read it!
To some degree, all three novels on which these films were based give the reader some access or insights into the mind of the murderer, yet we never see that perspective in the films. Why do you think the filmmakers made that choice? What is gained or lost?
I'm really interested to hear what you thought of this? We have no idea who the murderer was until the end of the film, do we? Or did I miss some clues?
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Have just found this discussion. Have not read any of the books but saw all the Wallander episodes on UK TV. The series has won a deserved award.
The "background" is so bleak and austere, I recall, but ties in somehow with Wallander himself and the gritty dramas in which he is involved.
Absorbing stuff!
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I have viewed the program three times now, and finally am finding answers to the questions I had after the first viewing.
I still have questions about what I saw - or think I saw - do you?
... the scenes are dark as the killer murders one after the other.
Did you have a difficult time keeping track of who they were, and their relationships?
I believe the plot will be easier to follow once I have book in hand. At least I can flip back and reread what I had forgotten.
To some degree, all three novels on which these films were based give the reader some access or insights into the mind of the murderer, yet we never see that perspective in the films. Why do you think the filmmakers made that choice? What is gained or lost?
I'm really interested to hear what you thought of this? We have no idea who the murderer was until the end of the film, do we? Or did I miss some clues?
Joan, I too have not read any of the Wallander books so I don't know how the film differs from the book. Sometimes, especially with mysteries I think, the film version differs in significant ways from the book. In mysteries the writer deliberately hides the perpetrator and many of the reasons for the crime... up until the end. In my opinion, the author can hide more in books than he can in a film. The film has to "show" rather than leave as much to the imagination in an ambiguous written clue. If the film shows too much, you more quickly figure out who must of "done it." Also, the tv show has to compress a whole story/ book into 90 minutes.
Louise's brother seems very open with Wallander. I didn't suspect him but his response to Wallander's question about whether their father ever touched Louise sexually was evasive. He said something like "these questions are weird. How am I supposed to know something like that?" Maybe the brother felt he should have known more, earlier or should have acted on suspicions he might have had.
I've only watched the episode once, online. I'll have to watch it again...especially the scenes with the brother....to see if there were some clues (or if there weren't in order to keep the ending a complete surprise).
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Overall, I think that the first episode in the Wallander series was interesting and I want to see more...mostly because of the character of Wallander and the quality of the production. The photography was up to the great BBC standards. I thought the acting was superb.
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I liked the first episode, too, and immediately moved a Wallender book I had on my reading pile to the top. I liked that as well (The first in the series --Faceless Killers. Not sure why they filmed nos. 4-6 first, but they are now filming the first three.
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Don't forget to tune in to Second Episode tonight. I'm out of town, but will be back home tomorrow pm and look forward to comparing notes then.
Enjoy!
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Yes, room size should dictate what size screen you get. Our liv. room is only big enough to accomodate a 32". I purchased 32 because it had to fit in an existing entertainment center, and does so nicely. The installation man said, "no, you don't want anything bigger for this size room". I bought JVC as I have had such good experiences with previous JVC tvs, sound systems, VCR's and DVD players.
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JoanP,
Yes, I would like a set of the books, if there are any left.
I checked with our library and they do not have any books by Henning Mankell.
When I tried to watch Episode 1 last Sunday, the lips and voice were out of sync, very distracting. Then the signal kept going haywire and finally nothing. So, I tried to watch again at 2:00AM lips and sound still out of sync. Sooo, I'd love to read the book.
Evelyn
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I just finished watching Episode #I on the INet. I love this guy with his trouble, tired, sleep deprived demeanor. I an anxious to watch tonight's story.
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I just finished watching #2. I like the character and the story but - the sound track is awful! Background music and noises are too loud and detracted from the performance. Could hardly hear the actors at times. I don't think I'll watch the third episode.
juliak
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I thought I was going to have to pass on the Wallander series. I missed last week (fell asleep when they reran it at 1AM). Tonight they are not running the 2nd until 2AM. However, I discovered I can watch the episodes on the net. I just downloaded the necessary Quicktime, but will have to use the Internet Explorer because Firefox doesn't recognize it. First and Second episodes will be available for viewing via internet until June 7. FYI, PBS also has a contest going to give away Wallander Series books.
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Can't you record TV shows to be played at your convenience, FRYBABE? Val and I do that all the time. There are so many shows we like that are on at the same time, we wind up recording the 'extras' for later viewing. Val 'taped' that 1a.m. show for me, and I watched it the next day.
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I watched the second episode last night. I couldn't understand some of the dialogue, it moved to quickly and I had a napping spouse so it wasn't as loud and I maybe needed it to be. But I was interested, and if I can I will watch it again. I have read at least one of the books, but there are none in our library so someone must have loaned me a copy. I don't know that I would get any of them through the library system in time to read.
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Oh, golly, so glad to read that I was not the only one ...
Sound track was awful ... fell asleep halfway through the 2nd episode ... oh, dear !
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My biggest complaint was how darned stupid he was!!
What detective or trained policeman walks into a house with gun drawn, proceeeds and then puts his stupid gun BACK into the holster before checking further?
DUMB!!!
I kind of liked the order he gave to the apprentice kid about the Falk murder: He said " Dig around his life, you know, the thing that he just LOST!" ::)
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My biggest complaint was how darned stupid he was!!
What detective or trained policeman walks into a house with gun drawn, proceeeds and then puts his stupid gun BACK into the holster before checking further?
LOL, ALF/Andy...yes there were a few things Wallander did that didn't seem to follow police procedure/common sense.... such as walking into that foggy forest after the bad guy when he couldn't see more than a few inches in front of him. But I liked this episode even better than the last. I think that the "mystery" was more complex. It seems like Wallander might be able to move on with his life now, after his wife apparently has left him, even though he has had that terrible experience with the first woman he "dates."
I agree that the Wallander character seems to mumble a little bit sometimes and I'm not used to the accents so it is difficult to understand all of the dialogue but I think I got most of it.
The woman detective on his team is always looking at him with an odd expression. So far, her role doesn't seem very developed. I guess that's true of everyone else in the office too, except for Wallander. I like the character of his daughter.
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Marcie- funny that you mention the female officer as I , too, was thinking, "what's wrong with that picture" when daughter, Linda was trying to fix up her dad with Ella. Amazing how they just happened to check out the internet dating site right after Wallander began questioning the teens about the murder of the cabbie. Why was Ella involved to begin with in this crazy scheme?
AND_ Marice- wasn't that ludicrous, the fog? It was like soup? this dude with NO assistant back up. NOT!
I loved the "hacker kid" and wish that I personally knew someone like that. ::) That kid counld do his own PBS presentation with his skills.
Also as far as character development, Wallander IS the only character developing. It was fragmented (IMO) and seemed as if the plot of revenge and creating panic and chaos were just too contrived. This is why I don't do mysteries. I always criticize the plot developments. ::)
I love PBS but I personally do not believe that Wallander is up to their prized showings.
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Since I missed episode #1, I made sure I watched #2, last night. I liked the show, but was totally with Alf on the Police procedure things. I told my husband, during the fog scene, why don't you just wait in the house until the villian comes after you instead of floundering around in that fog! Also, the entering of the house and putting the gun away, dumb. I hope PBS shows #1 again so I can view it. I had my DVR set to "The Tudors" on Showtime, as that was the next-to-last episode for this season.
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Tomereader, there is a link to online videos of the first two episodes in the heading at the top of this discussion page.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html
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Tome- I watched episode #1 thru the link that was provided here. I enjoyed siting at my 'puter being able to rewind and listen more closely when Branoff mumbled something inaudible.
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I can hardly wait to read the Wallander books:
reason #1 is that no matter how hard they try, there is no way that everything in the book can be squished into an hour and a half program - so of course one misses out on things that would round out the plot and the characters.
reason #2 ( and a very important one to older folks) is that no matter how you boost up the volume, you are going to miss some dialog. And in the case of a dialect, even a British one, the problem is hugely magnified. I asked my audiologist why I couldn't understand BBC programs and she explained that the brain has to process the sounds it receives from the ear and that with the toll time takes, the whole thing works more slowly so no matter how great one's hearing aides are, there will still be issues with dialects, accents, and rapid-talkers.
Too bad that the BBC shows don't have sub-titles!!!!!
When I get the books, the characters will have ready-made faces for me - and in this case, that will be a good thing since the casting seems superb!
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Posted by: Babi
Can't you record TV shows to be played at your convenience, FRYBABE?
I don't have a DVR. The very old VHS machine I do have was never hooked back up to the TV. I never used it enough to remember how to set it without getting the out manual, and that is probably still boxed up somewhere. :-[
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Finally got to see Sidetracked this past weekend. I enjoyed it, but had trouble at first keeping track of who was who. It was almost like, "Did I come into the middle of this? Is there something missing?"
Firewall was taped last night. At least, something was taped and I hope it was set on PBS. It's an old machine, but it still works. But I'm in the market for DVD player/recorder. Current DVD player is abomnitable. What kind of luck have you all had with recorders? I don't want a DVR because I"m not going to pay a monthly fee just for the purpose of recording.
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Having read most of Mankell's Wallander books I was expecting to find myself comfortable in the retelling of this story. BUT I was as lost as all of you. Part of it is the visual, my Wallander does not look like Kenneth Branaugh. Another part is that the time spent in the book where we are sharing Kurt's thoughts is extremely important to putting us into the frame of mind needed to keep track of the many threads to the story. His relationship with his father takes up more of the narrative than in this treatment; his daughter is also more than a brief interlude. Lacking also is Kurt's perceptions of his collegues which adds depth and color. Seems like they just skimmed the surface. Read the book; it will worth your while.
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I watched Sidetracked from the link in the header and enjoyed it all.
Then I watched Firewall Wed. night and liked that also.
Like all the actors.
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I watched Episode 2 last night and enjoyed it immensely. I sat on the couch close to the TV and was able to see and hear it, and I was able to understand the dialog. In the past I have had trouble with some of the PBS British mysteries because of the heavy accents, but Kenneth Brannaugh talked clearly enough.
I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect to.
However, I am looking forward to reading the books, so I can get the background mrssherlock mentioned.
And thanks, Marcie, for the link to the online video to the past episode, and thanks, Frybabe, for the info that we have until June 7, to view it.
Evelyn
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Thanks for the link to the online broadcast. I watched some of last night's #2, the sound was okay on my computer. I am wondering if the local PBS station where I live is at fault. There is often a lot of bad transmission on the station - no explanation as to the cause.
Juliak
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I just got around to watching Firewall. I was thinking I wasn't going to take to it because of the bleak and gray comments. I am not up to bleak and gray right now. However, I really enjoyed it. The really dumb moves bits were noted. It is funny to me how some otherwise smart characters have a habit of doing really dumb things. I suppose that if they did everything right, there wouldn't be as much excitement. What struck me at the end was when his daughter came into his office saying it was 4am but when they left, presumably shortly afterwards, it was nice and sunny out. Does it get that bright in Sweden at 4am?
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Frybabe, I noticed the same thing about the end and Wallander and his daughter walking in bright sunlight at "4am." I noticed a few other people on the street too. I also was wondering if it would be so sunny at that time.
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I am really lucky to be at my daughter's house, where she kindly taped the series for me,
and ... having only a bit of time ... I watched the first part of Firewall. Amazingly, I can
understand the dialog, although I could not at home. PBS transmits poorly to some areas, I suppose, or perhaps the age of the TV itself has an effect.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the books, so that I can figure out what makes this
such a popular series ... unless someone here can help me understand. ???
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Do you get the feeling that you are struggling to keep up - to follow the plot? Or is it just me? Sometimes I feel stupid, and sometimes the confusion adds to the excitement of the experience.
After watching the second episode, I'm beginning to see a pattern - seemingly unrelated murders or incidents...fleeting references to other events - that finally come together at the end. For instance, in the first episode - why was the five year old stabbing his eyes with a fork? In the very beginning, one of the police officers made reference to a report of this - and then as the show went on the little brother was always crying...until it became clear that his eyes had been "forked" ...but I never did get that part. Can anyone explain?
I enjoy the healthy doses of philosophy and wisdom injected into the most uncomfortable situations as the murders go unsolved.
Andy, I do love Wallander - maybe because he does do things a trained officer wouldn't do...stupid things. I think he follows his instincts, rather than correct procedure. He does nearly get himself killed, but his instincts seem to prove right and save the day just in time.
And so far, there have been emotional moments in both - that show the detective to be human. Ella turned out to have a heart -she did care for the poet detective who didn't see the big picture, just does his best to get along in his own small corner of the world. Can anyone explain how Ella got in touch with him so soon after Wallander's daughter submitted his name to the online dating site? Did that strain credibility?
I'm sorry we have only one more episode to go. I feel we are just getting to know the man. Is one more episode enough?
Jackie, I'm looking forward to reading the books too. They arrived today. I intend to get them shipped tomorrow. Will find out the media rate, which might take too long - and let you know. Masterpiece sent sets of three! We can stay open to talk about the books, even after the PBS series is over. I'm looking forward to comparing the two. Maybe you will appreciate the book form more, Mippy. The books have been best sellers - and the film adaptation has been well received. Perhaps different audiences?
ps I'll need the addresses of all of you who expressed interest - and your real names. Can't send them on otherwise.
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JoanP,
I sent you an email with my name and address, if you have enough sets to send.
Thanks,
Evelyn
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Can anyone explain how Ella got in touch with him so soon after Wallander's daughter submitted his name to the on-line dating site? Did that strain credibility?
Joan, maybe the book version will have an explanation. For a hacker, I imagine a lot of systems are relatively easy to hack into. It could have been a case of hacking into his email at just the right time to see that he had been signed up - A coincidence that was to the bad guys' advantage. Then Ella could have legitimately signed up with the dating service, or she and her partner could have sent a "spoof" email mimicking the dating service and using a fake reply address.
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Greetings -
I have found it very beneficial to use captioning on TV whenever possible. Most PBS programs include captioning. It helps with any program that involves an accent. It also keeps me more focused on the program. I also like captioning with the news programs in general because sometimes I want to be sure that what I thought I heard and what I did hear are the same thing. It takes a bit to get used to the words constantly on the screen but most programs have gotten pretty good about keeping the script from interfering with the picture.
Although the initial purpose for captioning was to assist the hearing impaired it is also beneficial to those learning English or needing to improve reading skills. When used with educational programing it helps all children learn as they see and hear the vocabulary at the same time. The captioning itself has improved greatly over the past few years. Mary
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I started reading Firewallafter seeing it this past weekend. I'm about 90 pages into it and I'm already getting a much clearer picture of Wallander. He certainly is a man in a midlife crisis. :( I don't know how he manages to carry on with his job successfully. I didn't notice this deep depression in the TV series although he certainly was a dark character.
I became aware of the change in the film from almost black and white to brighter color depending on the scene. Very interesting visual effect.
Thanks CubFan for the tip on the closed captions, that's a great idea. I sometimes have problems with the accents, especially the British productions. We also find that the audio portion is hard to hear but think it is our PBS station.
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Just wanted to explain my picture.....It was taken about two years ago up in Victoria, BC. I was vacationing with a life long friend who lives in Wa. We were walking down on the water front and saw this mime. He was dressed all in white and standing absolutly still. As I approached him, he came to life and gave me a hug. My friend captured the moment! What fun :)!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/wallandermasterpeice.jpg) | The new Masterpiece Mystery series, "Wallander" ~ is based on the bestselling Swedish crime novels by Henning Mankell.
Detective Kurt Wallander, brilliantly played by Kenneth Branagh, martials his wits to solve a series of bizarre crimes while his personal life and health spiral out of control.
"He's distant from his daughter, estranged from his father and looks like he's in perpetual need of a good night's sleep. The depressive detective sometimes seems paralyzed by indecision in his personal life."
Branagh, the renowned Shakespearean actor, sees the weary detective as everyman in his daily stuggles.
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
Watch the episodes online: "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and "One Step Behind" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html)
Charlie Rose interview with Kenneth Branagh (http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10297)
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? Let's discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of three of the Wallender novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. (4 sets left!) Are you interested? |
Contact: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
I became aware of the change in the film from almost black and white to brighter color depending on the scene. Very interesting visual effect.
Rainbow, I hadn't noticed the color change depending on the scene- but will certaily be watchful in the next episode.
By the way, I see that the third episode will not be aired in the DC Metro area this Sunday because of a Memorial Day special on PBS. - We must wait until May 31st for the final episode. Is this the case in your corner of the world?
This lull between episodes will give those reading the book some time to comment on your impressions -perhaps to compare the two. I remember being surprised to read that the book version sees the action through the eyes fo the killer - in the first episode at least.
By the way, the books were shipped yesterday, so those who requested them should be receiving a nice set of three books in the next day or so. If YOU find you are now interested in receiving a set, (free, except for the shipping fee) - please email me. (Jackie- are you getting my emails? I need your address.)
Frybabe - yes, for these hackers, it would have been easy to get into the Detective's emai accountl. Rememeber though that it was the daughter who submitted her father's name to the online dating site...she is so sweet, worrying that poor dad needs to get a live now that Mom has just informed him she wants a divorce so she can remarry. Isn't it a bit soon to start dating? He's still wearing his wedding ring when he meets Ella for lunch. Didn't you think it was a bit odd when she didn't react to the fact that he is a married man - yet she was ready to walk away when he was late for their first date. I have to admit that I was a bit suspicious when she appeared on the scene. Not suspicious enough though!
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Rainbow (I was wondering about your photo with the white figure!) I vividly remember the color of the yellow rapeseed flowers in the first episode and have an impression of the many dark settings of episodes. I'll watch more carefully for the changes. Thanks for bringing this up.
Joan, I wasn't suspicious of Ella at first. You had good instincts!
Thank you for mailing the books. Will you let us know the cost of shipping so that we can reimburse you?
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Another revelation about Wallander's personal life that I thought was very interesting was that his father has always painted the same scene in all of his thousands of paintings! The father says that he sometimes intends to paint something different but he always returns to the same scene, finding some new variation in it. I'll have to replay the part where he tells Wallander this and gives his son advice on how to cope with life from his experience of painting like that.
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Remember though that it was the daughter who submitted her father's name to the online dating site...
I see your point Joan. If the very first contact he had with the dating agency was Ella's email, then they would have had to have been hacking into his daughter's machine or the dating agency. Not likely! I wonder if there is more detail in the book - like, was there some "casual" contact between the bad guys and the daughter suggesting she submit his name? Was one of the techies servicing the agency's computers/website recognize his name and take advantage of it?
I noticed the ring incident and remember thinking uh-oh, he has some explaining to do. But the moment passed, nothing was said, and I forgot about it until you mentioned it. I wonder if he and his wife had been separated for quite some time before she actually asked for a divorce. The daughter might had expected the eventual divorce for some time prior to the actual event. I don't know what separation/divorce laws are in Sweden. In Pennsylvania, at least 25 yrs or so ago, if you separated but were not divorced it was still considered adultery if you messed around with someone else before the divorce. (At least that was my perception) It counted against you if you were looking to gain custody of the children. My neighbors went through this.
I am looking forward to receiving the books. Will probably look at episode two over the weekend.
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Marcie, do you know who plays the role of the father? He seems so eerily familiar - and with a voice like that, he must have been in many productions. Like Branagh, he seems to be (or have been) a Shakespearean actor.
I thought that was the most moving episode - the man who is beside himself knowing that his mind is going - suddenly becomes so lucid and eloquent as he responds to his son's tears that he cannot continue his gruesome detective investigations, day after day.
I'm eager to learn whether this scene from Henning Mankell's book, or part of the PBS adaptation. Hopefully I can begin reading tonight.
Frybabe, I just love the little hints, that turn out to be important clues as the story develops. After the first episode I am now watchful for them from the very beginning. As soon as I saw the boyfriend with the three computers set up, I noted the connection with the online dating site. Anyone with three computers sitting next to one another - just had to be a suspect!
But what I like most about the first two episodes is the portrayal of the detective as a man living on the edge, with family worries all mixed in with the terrible crime all around him. I have to ask - is Sweden undergoing some sort of crime wave? I've always thought of Sweden as a free, easy-going society - with little cirme. But these murders are so...gruesome! I found this article on the popularity of crime novels in Europe (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/29/publishing)...
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I'm back after a few days of no computer access. I admit I didn't watch episode 2. We had just had an earthquake 20 minutes before, and I was trying to find information about it on TV. When I turned over to PBS, I had missed the first ten minutes. I watched for awhile but found I couldn't understand anything that was going on -- they were talking about things I'd missed. So I gave up. I was kind of shook up anyway (only the second earthquake I've been in since I've moved to California, and the most severe. We Easterners aren't used to those things) and wanted to call everybody and see if they were all right.
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You must have been terrified, Joan! Are you sure you wouldn't like a set of the you like the books? We have some extras...
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Your first big earthquake, Joan! That's scary. You might want to try watching the episode on your computer. The link is in the heading at the top of the page. I was skeptical but it's quite easy to view and hear through your computer screen.
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Joan, Wallander's father is played by David Warner. He looked familiar to me too but I'm not sure in what I remember seeing him. See Wikipedia article on David Warner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Warner_(actor))
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Oh Marcie, thank you!!! I googled David Warner and look at this!
David Warner's film and stage performances (http://www.filmreference.com/film/14/David-Warner.html)
Didn't I say I thought he sounded like he might be a Shakespearean actor? - ::)
Stage Appearances
Conrade, Much Ado about Nothing, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, England, 1962
Jim, Afore Night Come, New Arts Theatre, London, 1962
Snout, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Royal Court Theatre, London, 1962
Cinna, Julius Caesar, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre,Stratford-upon-Avon, England, 1963
Title role, Henry VI, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre,1963
Trinculo, The Tempest, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, 1963
Henry VI, The Wars of the Roses, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, then Aldwych Theatre, London, 1964
Mouldy, Henry IV, Part II, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, 1964
Title role, Richard II, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, 1964
Valentine Brose, Eh?, Royal Shakespeare Company, Aldwych Theatre,1964
The Rebel, Royal Shakespeare Company, Aldwych Theatre, 1964
Title role, Hamlet, Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, then Aldwych Theatre, both 1965, later Memorial Theatre, 1966
Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Twelfth Night (also known as Twelfth Night, or What You Will), Royal Shakespeare Company, Memorial Theatre, 1966
Postmaster, The Government Inspector, Royal Shakespeare Company, Aldwych Theatre, 1966
Julian, Tiny Alice, Royal Shakespeare Company, Aldwych Theatre, 1970
Claudius, I, Claudius, Queen's Theatre, London, 1972
Hammett, The Great Exhibition, Hampstead Theatre Club, London, 1972
Title role, Uncle Vanya, Goodman Theatre, Chicago, IL, 1990
"Quartermaine's Terms," The Play's the Thing, L.A. Theatre Works,Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, 1997
Andrew Undershaft, Major Barbara, Roundabout Theatre Company, American Airlines Theatre, New York City, 2001
Karl Johnson, The Feast of Snails, Lyric Theatre, London, 2002
Title role, King Lear, Chichester Theatre Festival, Minerva Theatre, Chichester, England, 2004
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Wow, Joan, that's quite an impressive Shakespeare resume. I wonder how their common experiences as Shakesperian actors affect Branagh's and Warner's interactions in Wallander.
'
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Okay, I just finished watching Sidetracked and liked it very much. When they showed a brief closeup of a TV guide, I noticed that the shows listed were American.
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Okay, I just finished watching Sidetracked and liked it very much. When they showed a brief closeup of a TV guide, I noticed that the shows listed were American.
LOL, Frybabe, I wonder if they did that on purpose :-)
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JoanP, just got my set of books. Many thanks. Now all I have to do is decide which I want to read first. Are we going to discuss the books one by one or keep it more general?
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Marcie, are you able to see the schedule for the last episode - One Step Behind? I think it will not air until May 31, but want to make sure. Here's the schedule published in a newsletter I received -
Sidetracked
When a young woman sets herself on fire in a field, Wallander leads a search for her identity. Could her suicide be connected to a string of grisly murders?
May 17, 2009 at 9pm
Firewall
Wallander and his team investigate the murder of a taxi driver by two teen girls. Can Wallander fight crime and find love at the same time?
May 31, 2009 at 9pm
One Step Behind
Three young people are ritually gunned town in a meadow. Wallander always seems to be one step behind the killer.
I think we can find plenty to talk about between now and next Sunday - especially if we can have some input from those who are reading the books.
Frybabe - I'm glad you received your books. I believe you are the first. I've started to read Sidetracked first - since that was when I was first introduced to Wallander in the first episode. I must say I am loving it. Can't wait to see if some of our unanswered questions are answered.
If anyone else would like me to send on a set of books, please speak up. I do have several extras.
Jackie, please email me - this set has your name on it, and your email rejects me.
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I found some information in a Masterpiece newsletter that came in email form - on Crime in Sweden. I hope to figure out how to get a link to the article in its entirety here, but until I do, I thought you might find this interesting.
I found the murders in the small port town so grizzly - out of sync with the buccolic environment. At first I thought the author was going for the dramatic effect, simply to hold a certain type of audience - until I read this interview with the author, Henning Mankell.
The Sweden of the Wallander books is a more troubled place than many Americans may have thought. What would you like your U.S. audience to know about your country?
For many years now there has been a sort of mythological image of Sweden that was not created by us but by you. Sweden has always been, yes, a decent society, but also society with many kinds of problems. Even the Swedish sun has its dark side.
Why did you choose the small port city of Ystad as the settings for the stories?
If I had been in the United States, I would have chosen a border city like Brownsville, Texas. Border cities have a special dynamism because of all the different people who meet there. You have to remember that Ystad is in the southern part of Sweden on the Baltic Sea, which is like the Rio Grande between us and the continent. Another reason I chose Ystad is that about twenty years ago, when I started to write about Wallander, something very unfortunate was happening in Sweden. It became possible to buy any kind of drugs in Ystad that before you could only get in big cities like Copenhagen. The difference between the small city and the big city disappeared, and I wanted to show that development.
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Yes, Joan, the third episode, ONE STEP BEHIND, also will air on May 31 in my area. The website says that the episode will be available online from June 1 - June 7.
Thanks for posting that information about Ystad--very interesting.
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I like the Wallander series but did not like the TV version--to dark and slow and I don't care for the British fashion of chopping up the story line. I found that each successive one of Mankell's books became a little more nasty and bizarre. The books flyleafs all recommend the Swedish authors Maj Siowall and Per Wahloo who wrote 10 detective stories back in the 60s (I think). Then he died and she didn't write any more. They are the best detective series I have ever read, bar none (and I love detective stories.) If you haven't tried them I very very highly recommend them. The first in the series is Roseanna.
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I thought that the plot of FIREWALL was very timely and forward-looking--as it involved "information technology terrorism of financial institutions." I hadn't thought about the fact that the book was written over ten years ago. There is a brief Q&A with the author Henning Mankell about that aspect of the plot of FIREWALL at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/mankell.html
It says:
Q: Firewall, which you wrote more than ten years ago, involves an assault on the European banking system. Clearly you perceived vulnerabilities that are now playing out in the world economy. Could you comment on that?
A: After that book had been published in Sweden, there was a professor who wrote an article protesting that what I wrote wouldn't be possible. Then just two weeks after he produced that article, exactly the same thing happened in Finland. People say it's very difficult to talk about the future, but I don't believe that. Naturally, you cannot say whether there will be a natural catastrophe or a terrorist attack or such things. But there are so many things that you can predict, if you sit down and think a little. I must say that I wasn't all that surprised when we had this big financial crisis, since everything was building up for it during the last few years.
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From the same interview as I cited above, Mankell also talks about the development of the Wallander character that he strives to portray. He said that Wallander grows more radical in the later novels. In a "series" I enjoy seeing the main characters develop in ways that you trust--in ways that show that the author has control over his or her portrayal and is being thoughtful. Some television shows betray that trust. I think they call it "jumping the shark" when a show starts portraying absurd or silly departures from character and you get the feeling that the creator/producers are toying with you.
Mankell seems like a very thoughtful writer and Branagh strikes me as a very thoughtful actor.
Q: One of your ambitions has been to show Wallander as a man who is always changing and never fixed. How has he evolved?
A: I'll give you one example. After, I think, the third novel, I spoke with a friend who is a doctor. I asked her, what kind of disease would you give Wallander? She said immediately, diabetes, because of the way he's living. He's a little overweight and he doesn't move around a lot. I thought about it and said, OK, I'll give him diabetes. As a result he became even more popular. Can you imagine James Bond getting diabetes? Of course not! But Wallander is more like a real person. And what is true about human beings is that we're always changing. This not only goes for our health or physical appearance; it also goes for our thoughts, which is the reason Wallander today is more radical than he was when I started to write the novels.
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I was curious to see the order in which the Wallander mysteries were written:
1. Mördare utan ansikte, 1991 (Faceless Killers)
2. Hundarna i Riga, 1992 (The Dogs of Riga)
3. Den vita lejoninnan, 1993 (The White Lioness)
4. Mannen som log, 1994 (The Man who Smiled)
5. Villospår, 1995 (Sidetracked)
6. Den femte kvinnan, 1996 (The Fifth Woman)
7. Steget efter, 1997 (One Step Behind)
8. Brandvägg, 1998 (Firewall)
9. Pyramiden, 1999 (The Pyramid, short stories)
Apparently, there is a final book in the series that Mankell is writing now.
He also wrote a book about Linda Wallander, Kurt Wallanders daughter:
Innan frosten, 2002 (Before the Frost)
We might keep the chronological order of the books in mind as we talk about the character of Wallander.
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Dana, we were posting about the same time. I haven't read any of Wallander's books yet. The PBS series is my first introduction. It will be interesting for me to experience the same story in book form. I look forward to receiving the books that Joan has sent and I'll look for some of the earlier ones in my local public library.
Thank you for the information about the other Swedish authors Maj Siowall and Per Wahloo.
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Dana, I can't say that I dislike the TV series - but I do agree with you. I love Henning Markell's writing! I've read the first 150 pages of Sidetracked - and feel much more comfortable following the plot than in the series.
For example - did you ever understand why Stefan dressed as Geronomo when he scalped his victims? In the novel we are introduced to the murderer even before he goes after his second victim!
And the young girl who committed suicide at the start of the film? We meet her in the very first chapter when she is born and baptized Dolores Maria Santana. Remember the gold necklace engraved with the initials DMS?
There's something very different in Sidetacked regarding Wallander's marriage to Mona - but I'll leave that for you to read for yourself.
As for Wallander himself- maybe it's because I first met him as Kenneth Branagh - well, his appearance, his portrayl continues in the reading of the book. Important here is the way he can stomach the most gruesome murders - except where children are concerned. Then he loses it. These stay with him and he stops at nothing to find what has happened to them.
I can understand how the detective's character will get darker, more depressed as the series continues - especially if he has to deal with more crimes involving young people.
Marcie -it was interesting to read that One Step Behind was written the year before Firewall - and yet Masterpiece chose to run it after the Firewall episode. That tells me it doesn't matter.
We might keep the chronological order of the books in mind as we talk about the character of Wallander
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Will we see a change in his character between One Step Behind and Firewall?
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DANA: that's interesting. Have you mentioned it in the Mystery corner?
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Just taking a little break from Firewall, which I’m liking much more than Sidetracked, probably because I know what’s going on. It’s one good mystery, and from what many of you have said, I feel the books will be even better. The background information that you all have posted, about Ystad and Menkall’s character have really helped for watching this one that I’ve taped.
I’ve becme addicted to Google Earth, and there are wonderful photos there. Here are three of the city – population about 17,000. I thought the author’s comment about things in the small towns becoming more like the ways of the big cities very interesting.
Click on the photo to change the size.
Ystad street scene (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/2615861.jpg)
Doll houses? (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/2721440.jpg)
View from the harbor (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/12685409.jpg)
Intermission over. Back to the show.
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In the Center of Ystad (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/414116.jpg)
Couldn't resist -- Is this where Ella and Kurt met for beverages?
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ohh, thanks for those photos, Pedln. I didn't think to search for photos of Ystad. It looks very quaint and lovely.
I received the 3 books in the mail and will start reading asap! (Many thanks, Joan. My check is in the mail.) My library system has most of Mankell's mysteries so I'll be able to read the chronologically earlier ones also.
It seems like the chronological order doesn't matter to the PBS series portrayal of Wallander.
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My check is NOT in the mail. It was out for the mailman to pick up, but he apparently didn't see it. It was still there when I got the mail he left for me. Hmmmmm!
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Greetings
According to our PBS schedule tonight - after the Memorial Day Concert is Wallender - One Step Behind.
I checked both the print and online schedules and both have him listed.
Mary
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Mary - it seems you will be One Step Ahead of the rest of us. :D
I've been reading Sidetracked - almost finished - can't put it down. Even though I know the outcome having seen the first episode. Go figure! Maybe because I'm learning more about what was going on from the book.
Pedln - the Google Earth photos are fanatastic! Tell me what I'm looking at - are they photos taken from zeroing in using Google Earth? My son put Google Earth on my computer - but in an attempt to clean up my computer to make it move faster, I took it off. I'm beginning to think I made a mistake seeing what you have posted.
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JoanP, the photos are from Goggle Earth. You really aren't aware of photos until you start zeroing in on a particular location. Don't ask me how they got there. I've become addicted to Google Earth -- first wanting to see where the NY and California daughters were buying homes, then really got excited about it while reading Three Cups of Tea. You can see maps, you can see actual landscapes (I don't know how it's set up, but in the city scapes they've taken gazillion pictures (as opposed to the scenic photos depicting Ystad), so you can find what any street look(s)(ed) like.
There's a learning curve with this software and I've a long way to go. The link below is a pretty good guide.
Google Earth Basics (http://www.gearthblog.com/basics.html)
I finished Firewall last night. REally enjoyed it, but some of those shots were pretty grisly, some scenes kind of hokey. Looking forward to the next one.
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You can also see photos of some places without the google earth application. Just google for ystad, sweden and click MAPS. You'll see photos on the left. Click one. You can then click satellite to get an aerial view of the location too.
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I just picked up my mail, and my books are here.
Thank you so much, JoanP, for sending them. I will put my check in the mail tomorrow, but, of course, it won't go out until Tuesday.
I also just finished watching Episode 1, "Side-Tracked". It was gruesome. The acting is so good and it was fast paced and suspenseful. I was touched by the ending. I have seen the actor who plays his father before, either on TV or in a movie. I recognized him immediately although he is older than I remember. It is good to know his name and that he has such a long list of Shakespeare credits.
Episode 3 "One Step Behind" will air here May 31.
Thanks, Pedlin, for posting those Goodgle Earth photos. Ystad looks like a nice clean town, very picturesque. Thanks also for the "Googe Earth Basics".
I'm going to give it a try.
It is raining cats and dogs here. Has been all day, and both our front and backyards are getting little ponds of water in low spots. It's supposed to rain all night and tomorrow too. So, I suppose the power will go out. :(
Evelyn
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Evelyn - I'm so glad to hear that you received the books. I was about to tell you to read Sidetracked now, while the film version is fresh in your mind (it will make so much more sense, I think) - but then realized that when the power goes out, that won't be possible. Take care!!!
Pedln, thanks for the link!
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JoanP,
Our power is still on and I am going to start "Side-Tracked" tonight.
Evelyn
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Just a heads up to anyone here who may have missed some Masterpiece Theatre "gems" from the past. If you have Netflix, type Masterpiece Theatre in the Search Box, and there are many, many wonderful programs there, most of which I missed, but have started ordering them from Netflix to view these 'masterpieces'.
Also, anyone who is an inveterate PBS watcher, please tell me if I have been dreaming, but: It seems like there was a presentation about the Life of Giuseppi Verdi in which Burt Lancaster portrayed Verdi. I know there is one he "narrated" but was there another? And was it PBS?
I have searched Netflix, ImDb, etc. and don't find one he "acted" in as Verdi. ???
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I started "Side-Tracked" last night. It is a very good read. A real page turner. So many things are explained that I was wondering about after watching the video.
I had to do laundry today and of course all the the other housewifey chores, but kept going back and reading more pages when I could. I am about halfway through the book now, but wanted to stop in and say how good this book is.
Well, back to Wallander and "Side-Tracked"---
Evelyn
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Evelyn, I know what you mean - I can't put the thing down - and I have so many "house-wifey" things to do too! What is really funny - I'm turning these pages so fast - and I already know who dun it from watching the first episode on PBS!
You're right - so many things are explained in the book that I didn't catch watching the film. But there was ONE SCENE in the film - probably my favorite - that is not to be found in the book! I guess it was part of the adaptation process. I'm not going to mention it yet, because you and others may not have finished reading "Sidetracked."
Tomereader - that's good to know about Netflix. Don't know about Verdi/Lancaster. Will scout around after lunch...
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I finished reading "Sidetracked" last night. As you've all mentioned, it was hard to put down.
It was interesting to read a book where you are introduced to the murderer from the beginning. Mankell seems to provide a lot of information as the story evolves but you're still basically left in the dark as far as the mystery elements are involved. He's very good at that. Since I knew from the TV show "who did it," I don't know what I would have figured out and when if I had read the book before seeing the TV production. But I agree with what Joan says, I was really engaged in the book even though "I already know who dun it from watching the first episode on PBS!"
One thing that was funny to me was how much coffee Wallander and some of the other detectives drank. Maybe because I'm not much of a coffee drinker, I noticed the mention of coffee drinking multiple times a day!
The TV series is definitely a rewriting of the book. Some events are the same but the television version is its own story with different plot developments.
One key thing that I don't think is really explained in either the book or the tv episode is how a 14-year old boy could have the knowledge and skills to plan and commit the murders. He must have been a near genius.
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Tomereader, from my searching on google, it looks like the only Verdi program in which Burt Lancaster played a part was the 1983/84 PBS program that he narrated. See an article about the program at http://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/24/arts/tv-italian-life-of-verdi-in-6-parts.html
There is a DVD (2 discs?) available for about $30 and free shipping at http://www.deepdiscount.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=5750550
There seems to be a comprehensive filmography at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Lancaster
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/wallandermasterpeice.jpg) | The new Masterpiece Mystery series, "Wallander" ~ is based on the bestselling Swedish crime novels by Henning Mankell.
Detective Kurt Wallander, brilliantly played by Kenneth Branagh, martials his wits to solve a series of bizarre crimes while his personal life and health spiral out of control.
"He's distant from his daughter, estranged from his father and looks like he's in perpetual need of a good night's sleep. The depressive detective sometimes seems paralyzed by indecision in his personal life."
Branagh, the renowned Shakespearean actor, sees the weary detective as everyman in his daily stuggles.
PBS Summer Mystery Schedule & Coming Attractions (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html)
Watch the episodes online: "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and "One Step Behind" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html)
Charlie Rose interview with Kenneth Branagh (http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10297)
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? Let's discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of three of the Wallender novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. (4 sets left!) Are you interested? |
Contact: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
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I noticed the same thing, Marcie, they sure do drink a lot of coffee all hours of the day and night. Interesting.
I agree, JoanP, we know who dun it, but it is still a very good read. This is the best book I have read in a long time. I am really enjoying it.
Evelyn
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Not tea drinkers, are they? I guess the caffeine keeps the detectives awake, as they are all sleep-deprived - but wouldnt'you think they'd be on edge, as they drain cup after cup??
Another thing I've noticed - Markell really keeps us informed about the weather, doesn't he? It's an important feature in crime-solving - and also in describing the detectives' moods.
I just started "Firewall"- and am struck by the frequent weather entries in the narrator's journal. Even the temperature seems important. I learned from "Sidetracked" to pay close attention to the smallest details...
Am a bit puzzled about the sequence - are you reading "Firewall" next? I see that it was written AFTER "One Step Behind" but the series presented it as the second episode. Don't know exactly what to expect in the third episode. But in "Fireball," Linda had submitted her dad's name to the dating site, which is how he met Ella. Linda thinks he needs to "date" because he's down when learning that Mona has gone ahead with the divorce so that she can remarry.
But in "Sidetracked," the divorce had already gone through - and Wallander has a significant new friend - Baiba. This should be interesting to see how things develop in Firewall. Maybe things didn't work out with Baiba. She did make him smile in Sidetracked though.
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Yes, I noticed the weather references too. I think that Wallander's moods are affected by the weather. I keep forgetting that there is less daylight time in Denmark and they seem to have a shorter summer season than we do.
I'm reading Firewall now too (after Sidetracked) since we've already seen the TV episode.
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Thanks so much for the Wallander books, JoanP - my check should have reached you by now.
I read Side-tracked first (after seeing the program) and it all made a lot more sense to me. The film was so compressed that although it was true to the book, it was hard to keep track of what was going on! Of course my bad hearing is no help! I enjoyed the book a whole lot more and could hardly put it down to fix meals.
I'm reading "One Step Behind"" now and it is another one that is hard to put down. I wanted to read it before seeing the film. That's a much more satisfactory way for me and I like to have my own picture of the characters and the settings ahead of time. That way the film adds to one's enjoyment rather than filling your head with a pre-set experience and preventing the author from guiding you to your own picture. I think I garbled that whole statement but maybe you know what I mean!
Our Wallander really needs somebody to make him take care of his health!!
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I finished "Side-Tracked" last night and must say, it was riveting until the end. Although we knew who did the deeds from watching the program, he also let the readers know early on in the book, when the killer was mulling over his given name and deciding what his alter-ego was going to be named. Especially as the story continued and we met the various characters. (I am being careful not to be a spoiler.) So then we were wondering if Wallander and the other detectives were ever going to catch on to all the clues dropped in front of them.
I agree about the weather, it always played a big part.
About the coffee drinking, I made a pot of decaf last night as I finished the book. It was unconscious and then all of the sudden I realized why I made that coffee. Talk about living in the moment and being influenced. I couldn't believe it. ;)
I am trying to finish "China Road" before I have to return it to the library. And then I will start "Firewall".
Evelyn
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LOL, Evelyn about making coffee after reading the Wallander book. I hope we all don't start taking up some of his habits...gallons of coffee, sweet rolls, pizza and insomnia!
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Oh Evelyn, that's funny! I just started Side-Tracked this afternoon so I am not too far into it yet.
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Frybabe, let us know what you think of "Sidetracked." We promise to try not to spoil the experience for you by revealing too much - about the book. Even though you already know who dun it. :D
You will be relieved to learn in Firewall that Wallander has been watching his diet because of his diabetes, Marcie. (He has not given up on the coffee consumption, however. Watch out, Evelyn!)
JoanR, I am really looking forward to hearing what you think of the third Masterpiece episode - after you've read One Step Behind. In the back of my mind I still hope to read both Firewall AND One Step Behind before Sunday pm - but I really don't think that will happen. You really can't read these books too fast, can you?
I'm interested to see the emergence of characters from past cases while reading Firewall. For example, Wallander attends the funeral of the 14 year old murderer from Sidetracked - at the invitation of the boy's mother. I'm getting hooked on Wallander. Does anyone know if all of the other books in Henning Markell's Wallander series have been translated and are available? Ann was telling me about another book she read - much about Linda, his daughter. Right now she's a rather mysterious character - even to Wallander, it seems.
Have you been noticing the frequent references to the social problems in Sweden? I have to admit that I had been totally unaware this, but really shouldn't be surprised that the country is experiencing the same changes as other modern nations. Nevertheless, it was a surprise to read Markell's words about his own country -
"Sweden has become a place that people try to escape from, he thought. The ones who can afford to. And those who can't afford it, join the hordes who scavenge for enough money to leave." Firewall p.83
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JoanP I've been specifically looking for mention of Sweden's social problems.
I recently read a book called While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam Is Destroying the West from Within by Bruce Bawer. An American, Bawer lived in the Netherlands for a year or two and then moved on to Sweden where he still lives. Sweden's social welfare system is being strained mightily by immigration, many of whom are Muslim. It's very PC about multiculturalism trying to stay neutral or bending over backwards to accommodate things that are unacceptable to Swedes but are part of Islamic religion/culture. Their policies, as in other European countries, encourage separatist behavior as does the Muslim religion. Muslims are NOT integrating into society like the Europeans would like even after three and four generations. An interesting book, if a bit "alarmest" in tone (he has a reason to be). Here is his website/blog: http://www.brucebawer.com/
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I too have found it interesting to learn a bit about Sweden's social problems from these books.
Joan, I found some interesting information about the Wallander books and their publication dates. It looks like all the novels have been translated into English (he may be still working on the last one "Worried Man"-2009) but the order in which they have been published in the U.S. is NOT the order in which he wrote them!!
See http://www.inspector-wallander.org/guide/timeline.html
Timeline of the Kurt Wallander Mystery Series
# Title Series Original Swedish Publication Date
1 The Pyramid Kurt Wallander 1999
2 Faceless Killers Kurt Wallander 1991
3 The Dogs of Riga Kurt Wallander 1992
4 The White Lioness Kurt Wallander 1993
5 The Man Who Smiled Kurt Wallander 1994
6 Sidetracked Kurt Wallander 1995
7 The Fifth Woman Kurt Wallander 1996
8 One Step Behind Kurt Wallander 1997
9 Firewall Kurt Wallander 1998
10* The Return of the Dancing Master Stefan Lindman 2000
11 Before the Frost Linda Wallander 2002
12** The Grave Kurt Wallander 2004
13 The Worried Man Kurt Wallander 2009
* "The Return of the Dancing Master" marks the creation of a new Henning Mankell detective named Stefan Lindman. It is unknown if this will become a continuing series or if it is a single work. Interestingly, associates of one of the murder victims from the Kurt Wallander novel Sidetracked make a substantial appearance in this novel.
** The following Kurt Wallander work has not yet been translated into English:
Händelse om hösten (The Grave), a short story from 2004 published only in The Netherlands.
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I started "Firewall" last night. It is just as riveting as "Side-Tracked" and I stayed up until 2:00 AM reading it. I still have more to go, but never got to pick it up again today. (Those housewifey chores, ugh)
Hopefully, I'll be able to continue tomorrow.
I want to finish it before the final episode Sunday night.
Evelyn
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I finished Firewall also and am reading One Step Behind. I really like the Wallander character and his investigative approach. I'm learning something about Swedish society too. I love these books. They are hard to put down... and I'm neglecting the housewifey chores!! :-)
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Not yet finished with Firewall, but it sure is giving an unvarnished picture of Sweden's problems - not only the immigrants who are not assimilating into Swedish life, Frybabe, but the young people seem to be in crisis. I'm wondering whether it is just those in trouble with the law we are hearing about. Is the suicide rate as high as it seems - or are these isolated incidents. Motorcycle gangs, yes - and children who feel unwanted.
I remember - a loooong time ago, spending a summer in France, taking classes. The Swedish girls were all the rage with the boys. Not only were they beautiful, but they very uninhibited - especially in comparison with the American girls. I wonder whether their views on free sex didn't create some of the problems with today's young people.
I'm over half way through Firewall. Don't think I'll be done in time to read One Step Behind before this week's episode airs. I'm getting a stronger impression of Wallander - whose job is to apprehend murderers - at any cost. I like his "investigative approach" too, Marcie. Intuitive. I do wish he'd take better notes though - what will happen if his memory starts to fail.
He does seem to play fast and free with proper police procedure though. Seems to feel above it all. I do question some of his actions - he seems to feel he was justified in flattening the teenager - or at least slapping her because she slapped her mother. I know that would not be justified here. Police brutality. Even if Eva had not fallen to the floor - should he have slapped her? Would that have been okay in Sweden?
I can see where the police force has been strained to the limits. Do you think Henning Mankell is basing his stories on the real situation in Sweden?
I'm wondering whether Ella is going to make an appearance in the book version of Firewall...will there be an ad in the personals, do you think?
Am looking forward to tomorrow night and Episode 3. Surely some of the characters from the two earlier episodes will reappear.
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I've finished reading "One Step Behind" so now I'm all primed to watch tonight's episode! I think it will be more clear this way than previously when I watched before I read.
I must say that I figured something out early in the book that took the detectives a long, long time to cotton to. Can't say what it was before the program airs! Most likely a lucky guess!
There was a "red herring" clue that I fell for, too. I leap to lots of conclusions, I suppose!
Several people mentioned all the coffee drinking. On page 265, Nyberg says that he drinks more than 20 cups a day to keep his energy up. Wallander answers "Police work wouldn't be possible without coffee"
I'm really hooked on this series now and will have to ferret out the rest of the books.
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With any luck I will be able to see tonight's episode. No work here, so I am just about ready to go home. I don't want to repeat last episode where I waited up to see the 1am showing and promptly fell asleep and missed the whole thing.
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I just finished "One Step Behind." This will be the first one that I've read BEFORE the TV episode. I think this one was the best of the three I've read. I don't know if that's because I hadn't seen the TV version first. I'm looking forward to seeing how the TV version is similar to and different from the book.
I really like these novels. I too have questions about Swedish society from the information and comments in the novels.
Let's add the words spoiler alert to our posts if we give away any information about the book or tv show that someone might be surprised to know if they have not read the book or watched the show yet. I've done that for you, Frybabe, in your next post. I hope you don't mind.
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SPOILER ALERT!
Well, THAT was depressing. Just finished watching One Step Behind. I hope the book has a little ray of sunshine in it somewhere.
Amazing acting by Branagh. I was upset by Svedberg's and Esa's deaths. I could see that Svedberg was trying to ask for help. Wallander and Esa were just beginning to acquire a certain rapport, emotionally opening up to each other.
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Fybabe, I agree with you that the TV version of One Step Behind was depressing/sad. I didn't like the motive that was expressed by the murderer. It's different from the motive in the book.
I think that the TV version of One Step Behind differed the most from the book. I realize that they have to leave out a lot and change things in order to fit into a 90 minute TV format, and maybe they want to change things so that someone who has read the mystery might still have some surprises.
Since this was the first time I had read the book first, I don't know how much my impressions of the TV episode were colored by that but I didn't enjoy this TV episode as much as I have enjoyed the first two. What do you all think?
I don't want to give away too much about any of the books or TV episodes for those of you who have not finished reading/viewing. I hope that we can discuss all of the books and episodes soon.
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Remember that all three episodes are available for viewing online only through June 7. See http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wallander/watch.html
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I finished "Firewall" Saturday night. It was a good book.
I was prepared to watch "One Step Behind" last night, but at the last minute was unable to. Sooo, I'm glad it will be available on-line for a few more days. I'm looking forward to reading the book.
The implications of "who controls the electric grid controls the financial world, utilities, news, etc." is mind-boggling isn't it?
Evelyn
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I agree, Evelyn, that Firewall is very timely to our digital world's financial vulnerability. The original was written in 1998 but I think it's even more relevant to society today.
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Marcie, I am pleased to learn that the motive differed in the book from that on the TV show. After it was over , I scratched my head and said "No way were all of those murders committed because of THAT!" No way. I agree with the terrific acting both by Branaugh and by the gal playing his daughter but other than that the plot left a lot to be desired.
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I just finished One Step Behind, watched it on line.
It was sad.
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I agree, Nlhome, about the TV version. The book is somewhat different (not to say that there isn't sadness in the book version; there are still the murders). You might want to read it.
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NLHOLME - Nan, your set of books are on the way. I have three sets left if anyone is interested. Nan, I just watched the final episode, One Step Behind and all I'm going to say - read the book! No, maybe I should say this - we're among friends here.
I am astounded at the liberties the "adapter" has taken with Henning Mankell's stories! I think they are well acted, settings are superb - often breathtaking. And I think we are given a true picture of modern Sweden.
BUT - I am confounded at the liberties taken with the story line. For one thing, I don't understand why the series ended with the One Step Behind episode. It was "sad", I'll agree with you. BUT those who read the book know that this episode took place before the second episode - "Firewall." Wallander has had the diabetes diagnosis, eats right, lost weight, etc.
Linda has reached a major career decision - she's going to become a policewoman.
Why not end on a more upbeat note? I'm going to start to read "One Step Behind" tonight - to see why the third filmed episode left me cold...
ps Andy, would you like a set of the books?
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Thanks, Joan. I'll look for them.
I keep hearing that line, "We should get a drink." Spoken at the beginning and the end - and it just seemed so sad - it's not the actual drink, it's the getting it together, I think.
Anyway, yes, I will read the book.
Thanks.
Nan
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JoanP- I thank you for your generous offering but no, I don't think I would like a set of the books. I am inundated with books offered and sit idly by, patient for my attention. :D
Enjoy your babies at Disney.
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Masterpiece was extremely generous providing Henning Mankell's books, along with the Kurt Branagh's film version of Wallander.
I understand, Andy - so many books, so little time. But these books are exceptional. Reading them ne can understand why they are the rage in Europe. I'm not sure that the reason comes through in the adaptation.
Because they are so different, the written word and the adaptation, I find myself wondering whether Masterpiece wanted us to see this difference -
or whether they thought we would experience Mankell's "policeman poet" in these two different media presentations. (Ella never called him a poet in the book - they hardly knew one another.)
The adaptation leaves so much of what I thought was important - on the cutting room floor. With a few exceptions. The moving conversation between Wallander and his dad (played by David Warner) does not happen in the book. And I don't think words could describe the breathtaking Swedish scenery.
I'm still reading "One Step Behind" - but am having the exact same feeling I had when viewing the film - this should have been Episode 2! Wallander is experiencing the symptoms of diabetes - and has just been diagnosed. He's trying to diet and exercise... In Firewall, (Episode 2) Wallander has succeeded - he's has lost weight, and feels much better. His big problem in the book version of Firewall comes from his problems within the station - Detective Martinsson is trying to get him fired from his job - and Ann tips him off. We miss all the tension within the police force without these scenes. In "One Step Behind", the two detectives are working together - as if nothing has happened between them- because it hasn't!
One of my favorite and touching scenes in "Fireball" (the book) was when W. came to the realization that others were better suited for his job - but then there was the delightful scene in Lisa's office, she was the (police chief) - who tried to get him to step aside during the investigation into the Eva Perrson incident - and he stood his ground, threatening to leave the case firewall alrogether.
Can someone explain to me what was gained by portraying "One Step Behind" as Episode 3? I feel I'm missing something! How did you feel when Episode 3 ended?
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SPOILER ALERT
Joan, I've been thinking about the decision to reverse the order the in which the books FIREWALL and ONE STEP BEHIND were written when they produced the TV version of those episodes. It might have been due to some technical reason (eg, the availability of one of the actors or something like that) If it was an intentional decision, I'm wondering if they wanted to end the 2009 series with something spectacular such as the hostage-taking of Linda and potential murder of her and/or Wallander. That scene wasn't in the book.
As I said before, I thought the book version of ONE STEP BEHIND was good. I didn't enjoy the TV episode. I don't think it was because of the order (though you are right, Joan, about Wallander's health issues and other events) but because of the motive that the TV version gave the killer.
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spoiler alert, also, agreeing with Marcie
I agree, the ending of ONE STEP ... was not necessary to the plot, or even believable, whereas in the book the more drawn-out apprehension of the killer was more effective. Actually the film of ONE STEP was the weakest of the three, and the book was excellent, in contrast.
I really liked the scenery in all three of the films, but the books are far superior, IMO. I'm going to look for more of the series, even though usually I don't like to read police procedural mysteries.
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The minute Linda said she'd get her dad a shirt you knew what was going to happen. I'm glad I saw all three even though the first one left me befuddled. I liked Firewall the best of the three. But I look forward to reading the books later this summer. From what those of you who have read them have said, they sound much richer than the films could ever be.
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Mippy - I do agree with you - about the books and. the filmed version. I heard an interesting interivew with the author, Henning Mankell - he was thrilled with the film adaptation! The interview also included Kenneth Branagh, who told of his preparation for the Wallander role. He read ALL of the books - in a ten day period! He immersed himself in the character - and according to Mankell, he nailed it!
I'm thinking that there are two kinds of people who enjoy the Wallander series: those who enjoy mysteries - especially those involving crime. Such people certainly find plenty to like in the Wallander books - and film. And then there are those who get more involved in character development. I have no quibble with Branagh's Wallander. In fact, he is my Wallander I see when I read the books.
It's just that you can get into his head in the books, you can see exactly what he's thinking, feeling, what makes him sad, glad - how he is worried about his diabetes, which is all out of control in "One Step Behind" - but he doesn't have the time to do anything about it - or even keep appointments because there aren't enough hours in the day to solve the crime.
I think for those who are looking for more than crime-solving, the books are preferred. Again, this is not to say that "we" don't care about crime solving - we can hardly put the books down. But I find there is a whole dimension to the books, that you don't experience in the film.
Am I making any sense?
Pedln, your books are here waiting for your visit. You'll be amazed how the befuddlement lifts! I look forward to seeing you!
I still have two sets left - for the taking. If anyone is interested, email me! You'll love these books, I'm sure.
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I definitely enjoyed the books. In fact, I've taken a couple more out of the library. I enjoy mysteries though, I have not read many. I also really like the character development of certain sleuths.
I enjoyed the TV version and, as you say Joan, Kenneth Branagh is now my vision of Wallander. Although I didn't like the motive of the killer in ONE STEP BEHIND in the TV version, it didn't stop me from appreciating some of the rest of that episode. I liked the other episodes. As you say, Mippy, the photography and scenery was great.
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The minute Linda said she'd get her dad a shirt you knew what was going to happen.
Yes, Pedln. I felt the same way when Linda said she would get her dad a clean shirt. It took a while for the action to get back to Linda in Wallander's apartment so I think that it worked okay in the plot.
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Thanks again for the Wallander books - they are terrific. I read "One Step Behind" before I saw the show -and what a difference!!!
Even the ending is different. Also, in the book, Linda is not the one to go get the shirt.
It is Ebba.
How could Henning Mankell have been so pleased with the TV versions of his books when they changed or left out so much? Unless of course it was it was Kenneth Branagh with whom he was pleased and not necessarily the script. Branagh really IS Wallander, isn't he? A great job.
Thanks for the chronological list of the Wallander books. The first one of them that my library has is "The Dogs of Riga". In this one, Wallander meets Baiba who is in all the rest of the books it would seem and has become the love of his life, apparently. Also Svedberg is alive and well which made me feel a bit sad since now I know his fate. A good reason to read a series in the proper sequence!
I do wonder which books they will choose for the next PBS series. Anyone know?
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JoanR - I wish had had found the time to read "One Step Behind" before seeing the film. I've just finished Part I in the book and already so much of what I saw in the film is finally making sense. There is SO MUCH in the book that wasn't there in the film, or maybe I just missed. I remember seeing the three young people's corpses unearthed, but don't remember seeing them all set up as they were at the original party...with the wine glasses freshly filled. All of this escaped me when I saw it.
I cannot turn these pages fast enough to see what happens next - and I SAW the FILM already!
Was Baiba ever mentioned in the films?
What's next - take a look and tell if you are interested in receiving the books. I don't think I've read much of Agatha Christie - though I've seen countless tv presentations. I'm wondering now whether the books are more satisfying an experience than the films!
Agatha Christie Mysteries (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/christie/index.html)
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The scene where they found the three bodies in the beginning of the TV episode went by very quickly. I don't think they gave us any details. The book had lots of details regarding that murder.
I don't recall that Baiba, Wallander's "girlfriend" from Latvia, was mentioned in the TV versions.
I can't wait until next Spring for the next Wallander mysteries. I'm already missing the series!
What fun to talk about Agatha Christie next!!
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Those look like good Agatha Christies, JoanP. And with a new Miss Marple, Julia McKenzie. The last Agatha Christie series on PBS, with Geraldine Paige, was not well-received. Paige was fine, but the mysteries themselves were very loosely based on the books.
Hopefully that will not be the case with this upcoming series. I've always enjoyed David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, and at any rate, it's always interesting to compare the different versions. The other day I checked out from the library a much older version of Mrs. McGinty's Dead, called here, Murder Most Foul. Marple is played by Margaret Rutherford and she is a surprisingly obtrusive, annoying Miss Marple. Not at all the Jane Marple I know.
Now to figure out the taping because I'm out of town most of those dates. Set the VCR and pray for no thunderstorms or power outages.
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The 3 episodes of Wallander with Kenneth Branagh are available on DVD with extras. See http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001VLBDB2/inspectorwall-20
I've seen one of the Miss Marple's with Margaret Rutherford andI agree, Pedln, that she was a very odd Miss Marple. It will be interesting to see the new version.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/masterpiecehdg.jpg)
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/images/christie.jpg)
Six 90-minute mysteries — Sundays, June 21-July 26, 2009
"With grey cells firing and knitting needles clicking, Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) and Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) star in Six by Agatha, a half-dozen whodunits by the greatest mystery author of all time, Agatha Christie." (PBS Masterpiece Mystery!)
Would you enjoy discussing these new PBS mysteries? Reading the books adds a whole new dimension, as we learned reading Henning Mankell's novels.
We can send you a set of three of Agatha Christie's novels just for the cost of the postage as the supply lasts. Thank you, for promoting reading, Masterpiece! Are you interested?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/poirot_cat.jpg) | June 21, 2009 at 9pm
Hercule Poirot: Cat Among the Pigeons
Something is amiss at Meadowbank School for Girls, where hidden rubies, kidnapping, and murder disrupt the term. |
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/poirot_mcginty.jpg) | June 28, 2009 at 9pm
Hercule Poirot: Mrs. McGinty's Dead
A man is about to hang for a brutal murder. But did he do it? After learning about 30-year-old homicides, Poirot concludes a ghost from the past has returned. |
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/marple_pocketfullofrye.jpg) | July 5, 2009 at 9pm
Miss Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye
A killer who seems obsessed with a nursery rhyme commits a string of murders. Miss Marple and a local detective (Matthew Macfadyen) join forces to investigate. | | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/marple_murderiseasy.jpg) | July 12, 2009 at 9pm
Miss Marple: Murder is Easy
Miss Marple investigates a string of "accidents" after a woman on a train tells her about murders in a local village. Benedict Cumberbatch co-stars. | | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/marple_withmirrors.jpg) | July 19, 2009 at 9pm
Miss Marple: They Do it With Mirrors
During rehearsal for an amateur show a murder occurs, and Miss Marple must decipher the elaborate conjuring trick played by the killer. Joan Collins co-stars. | | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/mysterychristy/marple_askevans.jpg) | July 26, 2009 at 9pm
Miss Marple: Why Didn't They Ask Evans?
The last words of a dying man lead the sole witness and a socialite to investigate. Miss Marple joins them as they land in a hotbed of homicide and intrigue. |
Contact: Babi (Ssbjs3@aol.com ) |
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I've read every Agatha Christie I could find, and Miss Marple was definitely my favorite. The new Miss Marple looks appropriate; I look forward with anticipation to seeing the new films.
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First, let me tell you that my husband really really enjoyed the TV Wallander series - and hasn't read the books. He likes mysteries and couldn't stop talking about how well done the series was. He had no trouble following the plot.
I'm wondering whether Masterpiece made the books available to enrich the enjoyment of the TV series - never dreaming that some readers would be comparing the two. If that's the case, then I have to say that reading the books has helped me to understand the films better - answered the questions that I had when the films ended. In that sense, reading the books and watching the films combined for quite and exciting and enjoyable experience. Thank you Masterpiece, for introducing us to the Wallander series and Henning Mankell's work.
(I'm not going to mention the nightmare I had three nights ago - involving a corpse. Bruce said this was due to the Wallander immersion.)
My quibbling is personal - directed to the adapters who wrote the screenplay. Why the changes to Mankell's already excellent writing? To improve the suspense? Honestly! JoanR points out an excellent example. In the film, Wallander has stained his shirt with coffee. By the way, Wallander makes a funny comment in the book on the detectives' coffee consumption which we had noted earlier here...
"Police work wouldn't be possible without coffee," says Wallander. " No work would be possible without coffee." One Step Behind -
(I agree!)
In the film, Wallander asks the long time secretary or assistant, Ebba, to go to his apartment to get him a clean shirt. She heads out - not knowing of course that the killer is in the apartment, with an itchy trigger finger. For some reason, the adapters thought they'd send Wallander's daughter, Linda for the shirt. Why do that? That's the kind of editing that I have objected to all along, JoanR!
There were so many marvelous things about the film series, but why such changes on Mankell's work? Unless of course, Mankell had something to say about it? Maybe he worked with the adapters to improve on his own story? What do you think?
Nan, that's an interesting explanation for the differences between the books and the films. It was intentional? Hmmm. I'm going to have to rethink this! Read on and let us know what you think.
Babi, stay tuned for more exciting news on the upcoming Agatha Christie series!
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spoiler alert
The writers would have to make some changes in order to adapt the long book into a 90 minute format. I would think that would mean they would not include all of the characters in the book, such as the receptionist. In the book, nothing came of the receptionist going for the clean shirt but, in the TV episode, it puts Linda in danger. The scene with the murderer holding Linda hostage was not in the book and it is a MAJOR change. I don't know why they made such a big change.
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I've finished Side-tracked. Very interesting. The epilogue made a nice ending on an happier note.
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Frybabe, I liked the Epilogues too - tied up loose ends - especially in One Step Behind where they really needed tying.
What did you think after reading Sidetracked? Did it answer questions - especially about Stefan Fredman? I really missed a lot in the film. Maybe I just need to be able to go back and reread pages!
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JoanP, I really think that I need to rewatch Side-Tracked since I read the book. There are a lot of details that were missing in the film and a few I want to double check. For instance, I thought that the Fredman family lived out in a wooded area, not in a flat in town. I thought his basement hideaway was part of his home, not elsewhere. I don't remember anything said about the mental hospital in the film and especially not his gruesome little ritual outside of said establishment. The book made no mention that Wallander ever saw the diary, but he did in the film. Lots of differences. Having said all that, I liked both.
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PBS Masterpiece Mystery!
A habit acquired and nurtured by this discussion.
So last night I watched
"Foyle's War: Broken Souls," about a doctor's murder.
The plot had a real surprise ending.
I'll be waiting for Agatha Christy. (Used books by her sell first at our used book sale)
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I finished "One Step Behind" yesterday afternoon. It was very good, riveting, and once again I could barely put it down. I enjoyed the books much more than the films. I found the films very confusing. They changed the story lines so much and seemed to jump abruptly from scene to scene. The books were very understandable and moved along quite smoothly. I cannot remember when I have enjoyed reading such suspenseful mysteries as much as these. --- Our library does not have any Henning Mankell books so if I want to read more, I'll have to buy them.
I'm looking forward to the Agatha Christie series. I always enjoy reading or listening to her books.
Evelyn
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Thinking back on the Wallander TV episodes (I only watched each episode one time), what I remember and like the best is:
-- the way that Branagh plays Wallander. He is a very good detective. He has some personal flaws but he cares about the people he comes across in his cases.
--the relationship Wallander has with his daughter. I really like the actress who depicts her and the chemistry between them.
--the photography was fantastic.
-- the stories were good and, even though there were some gruesome murders, the depiction of the crime scenes were done well, without over-the-top violence and gore.
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All considered, I'll give the Wallander series 4.5 stars.
When I read the books, I might change -- but, like Marcie, I thought the Photography was good, and I liked Branagh.
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Frybabe, I can remember how the lights went on - once I read Sidetracked. I really had very little idea of what went on with Stefan Fredman and his sister. I don't think he "rescued" Louise, his sister, from the institution - and she died in the TV series, was it? Was he planting the scalps under her window in the institution?
I agree with you, Marcie. The most gruesome murders were quickly depicted and not dwelt on - thank goodness!
Evelyn, I'm glad you said that - I thought it was me - I had trouble keeping up with the action too, but maybe that was a way to keep the suspense high at all times.
Frybabe, I can't wait until you read the other two. Even though the Firewall episode aired second, I recommend that you read One Step Behind next.
Pat, I bet you give the books a 5.0!
I too am missing Wallander. I hear they are filming more of the books. I missed Foyle's War on Sunday.
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Here's the schedule for PBS Masterpiece Agatha Christie series -
June 21-28, 2009
Hercule Poirot: Series IX
David Suchet reprises his role as suave Hercule Poirot in two new episodes. Suchet's varied roles have included financier Augustus Melmotte in Masterpiece's The Way We Live Now and Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII. He was recently seen in the feature film The Bank Job.
July 5-26, 2009
Miss Marple: Series IV
One of Agatha Christie's signature characters returns to the schedule, with Julia McKenzie taking over the role of spinster sleuth Miss Marple in three new episodes. McKenzie is familiar to Masterpiece fans for her recent performance in Cranford as Mrs. Forrester, the sprightly widow devoted to her cow.
Masterpiece is making sets of these books available to SeniorLearn - yours for the shipping. I'm not sure which titles yet - I know there are four books. If you are interested, let us know.
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Joan, I'd love a set of books and look forward to the discussion of the two series.
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JoanP ~ If you have run out of sets of the Wallender books, I'd be willing to give up the ones you sent to me and mail them to someone else who is waiting. They were very good, but I'll not be likely to re-read them. Please email or post here if you need them.
I also missed Foyle's War last Sunday, and last night it was not up on the PBS Video web site.
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Count me in Joan, I would love to participate and receive the book sets. I particularly like to watch Poirot. I read several Poirot stories years ago and one or two Miss Marple. While I enjoyed reading Miss Marple better than the Poirot, I like watching Poirot better than Miss Marple. Strange. Maybe we can come to a reason for that in our discussion.
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I would like the Christies. My copies are either lost or falling apart. Those are all good Christies -- among her best. Why not -- with 50 or 60 books to choose from, why shouldn't they pick the best. Some of them haven't been done for awhile.
my daughter and I were just laughing about how critical I am of those who play Miss Marple. Margeret Rutherford and Angela Lansbury were BAD (although great in other roles). Most people looved Joan Hickson, but I could never understand what she was saying. She mumbled and talked in a low voice, and I couldn't make it out. Added to the fact that the films were very dark, and I could never see what was going on, those were pretty much a loss for me.
The last one they did (I forget her name -- was it Geraldine Brooks?) was much closer (although she tried too hard to "twinkle".
My favorite Miss Marple of all time was Helen Hayes. She did two, many years ago-- I used to have them on tape -- I'll have to look for them.
Poirot must be aalmost impossible to play. Suchet was certainly the best. I guess I'm more foregiving because Poirot is such a characture.
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The only other Poirot I ever remember seeing was Peter Ustinov. Suchet has pretty much cornered the market. And whatever happened to the guy that played Hastings? It seems to me that the last couple of Poirots I saw he was missing.
Starting on the next Wallander tonight, One Step Behind.
PS: just went a googling to find out what happened to Hugh Fraser. He is still around and is doing a voice bit in a movie coming up in 2010 (forget the name). He must be a very private person. I can't find any info on him other than he is the son-in-law of Jeremy Hawk and married to Belinda Ling. No age, no bio except for his filmography.
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JoanP - I would love to receive a set of the books. It is so nice of Masterpiece to offer us (SeniorLearn) these free books.
I listened to a Poirot mystery on audio books narrated by Hugh Fraser. I get a bang out of him when he says "I say" in that distinctive way of his.
Our library has new CD's of different Agatha Christie mysteries, and I have been listening to them on and off. But there is nothing like curling up with a good book.
Evelyn
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LOL, Evelyn. Thanks for reminding me of Hugh Fraser's "I say!" I can still hear him.
Everyone, there is a listing of the two Poirot episodes and the four Miss Marple episodes at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/christie/index.html
Two of the Miss Marples are stories I'm familiar with through previous TV productions: "A Pocketfull of Rye" and "They Do It With Mirrors."
It looks like "Murder is Easy" is a TV adaptation of a book by Agatha Christie that didn't have Miss Marple in it. A wikipedia entry on the TV production says "It deviates significantly from the novel by removing, adding, and changing characters [including adding Miss Marple!], adding subplots, and changing the murderer's motives."
I think that the book, "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?" (originally called the Boomerang Clue), didn't originally have Miss Marple in it either.
Hopefully, we'll enjoy these additions and variations!
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JoanK, "twinkle" -- I love that. I liked her (Geraldine McEwan) too, and also Joan Hickson.
The last one they did (I forget her name -- was it Geraldine Brooks?) was much closer (although she tried too hard to "twinkle".
Marcie, that list is interesting. I just finished watching Margaret Rutherford in Murder Most Foul -- "a mystery inspired by Mrs. McGinty's Dead." It was a most foul production. I'm looking forward to seeing how it's done with Poirot/Suchet.
Now I just hope I can get these shows taped without mess-ups while I'm out of town. Our PBS station seems to have connection problems whenever there's weather most foul.
Regarding Poirot -- I thought Albert Finney did a great job in Murder on the Orient Express.
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I missed the Foyle's War -- was it a new one? I think I've seen just about all of them. Our library has them all up to series four or five.
After reading all your comments, I"m really looking forward to reading the Wallendar books.
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Pedln, in our area, the first episode (Broken Souls) of Foyle's War - (I missed it too) will be shown again this coming Sunday - at 9pm, followed by the second episode (All's Clear) after that. (I'll be asleep!) I think they are new , Pedln. You might want to check your local schedule. Maybe they'll do this in your area too - Foyle's War episodes (http://www.weta.org/tv/programsatoz/program/65720)
Frybabe - prepare to meet a pitiable Wallander in One Step Behind! Honestly, I don't know how he got through his days. We'll remain open to all Wallander comments as you finish the books.
Mippy, that is generous of you. I have one more set on my dining room table, but will keep in mind if anyone is interested in yours. Maybe we can do the same thing if we run out of the Christie books - pass them around. I still don't know what the four titles are - my contact at Masterpiece didn't know! But they are four of the six described above.
Evelyn, I see your order. I think I have your address.
May I ask you all to send me your addresses (and real names) again, so I'll have them all in one place for the Agatha Christie books? Thanks!
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JoanP,
I will send you my address today.
Evelyn
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Joan, do you still have my address from the Wallander series?
Margie
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Wow I just wandered onto this site. Sort of like meandering through the woods and coming across a wild raberry bush.
I have seen all of Foyles War Videos-Loved the series.
Wallander- Well I just saw what appeared to be the last in a series. When you enter at the end point It didn't have any impact on me even though Kenneth Branagh is a great actor. I had never heard of the author either. Be happy to give the books a try though as I am a voracious reader (known as Bookie Monster)
I pepper my serious reading with mysteries so that my brain doesn't get too overwhelmed with important ideas.
Agatha Christie was one of the first "Adult Writers" I read when I was about eleven. I even remember the book and the plot_Ten Little Indians.
How do we send you our addresses?
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Welcome to this discussion, Jude. We should have a great time talking about the Agatha Christie mysteries.
To request a set of the Christie books email your name and mailing address to JoanP. Her email address, jonkie@verizon.net, is in the "Contact" link at the bottom of the "heading" in the first post on each page of this discussion.
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Jude, as Marcie says, email me your name (real name) and address and I'll send you the books...but I thought you were asking for the Wallander books -
Wallander- Well I just saw what appeared to be the last in a series. When you enter at the end point It didn't have any impact on me even though Kenneth Branagh is a great actor. I had never heard of the author either. Be happy to give the books a try
When you email your address, tell me which set interests you - or both?
The Christies might arrive here as early as tomorrow.
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Having finished Side-Tracked just a few days ago, I was horrified to see that some @#&!#@** killed at least 20 cats in Florida somewhere and partially skinned them. I hope they catch the "blankity-blank". Some of the folks down there are afraid this "person" will eventually start in on people.
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PEDLN, it looked to me like the Foyle shows were re-runs. I don't think they made any new ones. They were so good, tho'.
Joan, I considered asking you for a set of the Christie's, since thought I've read as many of them as I could find, I don't have any copies. However, I did a quick check with my library, and since they list 174 copies of Christie books, I think I'm covered. :o :)
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Frybabe, a chilling thought! You've been reading too much Mankell, too! (Yes, I think there can be too much of a good thing - in this case.)
Thanks for the information on Foyle's War, Babi - I was unable to find out the year this series was filmed. I wish I knew the titles of the four books - will know that any day now. Let me know if your library carries all of the titles in the heading...
I must say I'm enjoying reading the books and watching the films together!
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This looks fabulous, a new actress playing Jane Marple! AND are there new Poirot episodes too?
I've read all of Agatha Christie's books. I once signed up for (you may remember how these series used to go, you get one free and find yourself indebted for the entire series), but it was worth it to me: she wrote more than mysteries. I love her two autobiographies, one of which starts out hilariously with "Modom," as the shop keeper calls her, trying to find something for the hot sun in plus sizes to go on a dig with her new archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan. Anybody who is not stick thin and is of a certain age who has tried to find something nice to wear for hot climates can relate, it's hilarious.
That was such a match. Her former husband, Major? not sure Christie was a rotter but she made a perfect match in archaeologist Mallowan. She often laughed that it was his love of "old things" which made him attracted to her. She had no pretensions, she'd sit on a dig under a tent with her old manual typewriter wherever they were and write her books.
But that one scene in the dress shop in "Come, Tell Me How You Live," is worth the entire book which does not disappoint in any way.
Christie very much disliked Margaret Rutherford's portrayal of Jane Marple, but she did like Joan Hickson's, and in a former PBS outing Hickson read a letter from her saying she would write a new book for her, alas that was not to be. Hickson in her 80's stooped making the Miss Marples as she said she didn't want to be "typecast." hhaaaa I prefer Hickson,myself. To me, she IS Miss Marple and Geraldine McEwan's last effort did not quite work: she will always be Lucia of EF Benson's Mapp and Lucia novels, to me.
I sure do like the look of this new Miss Marple however, how exciting! Hopefully the PBS show will stick to (as Pedln says) the plot.
David Suchet and his sidekick (who has a lucrative business in audio books reading the Christie books: he's GOOD, and he's got David Suchet almost better than David Suchet) are perfect in those parts, to me.
AND as if all this is not topical, there's a brand new DVD out on Agatha Christie's Gardens at her home, I've got it but haven't seen it yet, but it looks sumptuous.
This is going to be a great addition to our Books!!! Thank you for bringing it to us, Pearson!
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Here's an interesting web site - all about the different Miss Marples - and an interesting little poll for your favorite, Poirot or Miss Marple. (Look to the far right of your screen.) I think you will be surprised at the result -
Your favorite - Poirot or Miss Marple? (http://www.agathachristie.com/about-christie/christie-on-screen/)
Just after returning from shipping the last of the Mankell books to Jude, UPS dropped off a big box of Agatha Christie. For some reason, a "mystery" according to our friends at Masterpiece, the shipment included three, not four novels per set. "The Case of the Missing Christie."
But hey, this is a very nice set.
I'll try to get these sent off tomorrow so you have plenty of time to get ready for the first series to be aired on June 21. Here are the titles just received -
Hercule Poirot: Cat Among the Pigeons
Miss Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye
Miss Marple: They Do it With Mirrors - (also called - "Murder With Mirrors." - thanks, Marcie!)
Let me know if you would like a set -
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We'll, It's fun to have our own mystery here. I've emailed you, Joan.
In case anyone is looking on their bookshelves or elsewhere for one of the Miss Marple mysteries, I found that the book, "They Do It With Mirrors," was also called "Murder With Mirrors."
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re: A C not liking M Rutherford's Miss Marple...
Sorry to be a dissenter, but I thought she (Rutherford) was hilarious - especially for way back then - and I really liked Mr. Stringer her sidekick.
isak
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Oh and it's got the interview with Joan Hickson which mentions (sorry Isak and welcome) that Agatha Christie did not quite see Rutherford in the part.
I love that website! :)
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I wrote to Joan mentioning that "Ten Little Indians" which is known now as "Then There Were None" has sold 100 Million copies and is the seventh world wide seller of ALL TIME ! I don't think there is a language left in the world that hasn't translated her books.
How did she get it just right?
Personally I know that if I start one of her books I have to finish it as soon as possible i.e. sleep and other important duties fade under her charm.
Another book translated into innumerable languages is Harry Potter. When I went to China I remember seeing it on the shelves of every grocery and drug store the tour bus stopped at. I remember thinking Harry Potter in Chinese. How does it sound?
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JoanP: I have to have the Christies (if you aren't out) for that forth book! I'll send you a message in Senoiurlearn, in case you've lost my address. Since I owe you postage for Mankell, is it oK if I send one check (for $9?)?
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A reminder to those who missed the first episode of Foyle's War last Sunday. In most places - the first episode (Broken Souls) of Foyle's War will be shown again tomorrow night - at 9pm, followed by the second episode (All's Clear) after that. I hope you can stay up for it. It will rebroadcast during the week, I'm sure.
Isak - it is good to hear a new voice in our midst! Welcome! Don't you wonder what Agatha Christie would have thought of the new Miss Marple, Julia McKenzie - can she out Marple Margaret Rutherford, do you think?
Jude, it is amazing that AC managed to "get it right" over and over again. Which was her last book, does anyone know? Ginny? She must have loved what she was doing!
JoanK, I'm not too sure we have "the fourth book" to which you refer. Do you mean the fouth book installment that will air - on July 12 - Murder is Easy? I'm afraid we don't have that one in the set either. See if you can use any of these - The sets we have -
Hercule Poirot: Cat Among the Pigeons
Miss Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye
Miss Marple: They Do it With Mirrors
I'm off to Disney with 7 little grandchildren for a week starting next Sunday and won't be here for the first installment of the Agatha Christie mysteries. Babi has graciously agreed to step in as your contact in this discussion - many of you know her love of mysteries. Thank you, Babi!
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JoanP ~ Enjoy the grandchildren! You sure have more energy than I do! Just one at a time is plenty of sleep-deprivation for me, over the past 2 months, but I love it anyway!
I contacted Frances by email directly, so don't worry about it ... I'll mail books to her!
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Come join the continued discussion of
PBS Masterpiece Mystery! ~ Six by Christie ~ beginning June 21 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=617.0)