The Riches
“Pilot”
I wanted to like this series as I’m a fan of both Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver. I wanted to like it, I really tried to like it, but ultimately I failed. Its uneven mix of comedy and drama is one reason; it’s clearly trying for a similar blend to The Sopranos but falls way short. The concept is both too contrived and too unbelievable; it would work fine as a half-hour sitcom but for a one hour drama series you have to believe in the situations, not to mention the characters. And it’s the characters that are another major stumbling block; we are supposed to believe that Izzard’s Wayne Malloy can play golf like a pro and quotes Socrates when arguing with his wife (something I doubt even Socrates did). Izzard and Driver both try very hard and Driver is particularly good as the junkie jailbird wife but all their hard work is for nothing if we can’t suspend disbelief. A shame.
“Believe the Lie”
My second attempt at this show fared no better. This time Izzard adds expert marksman to his list of accomplishments and one wonders if there is anything he can’t do. It’s clear that the series is trying to show that these travelers are just like us, with the female neighbour who knows how to break into a house and also supplies Driver with drugs a clear indication of this. Ultimately, though, The Riches left me with the same feeling such people elicit in real life, namely that we don’t really want them living anywhere near us but when they’re not around we don’t really give them much thought. You don’t have to like the characters to enjoy a series but you do have to feel something, and this series just left me with a feeling of apathy.
UK TV
Life on Mars
Episodes 4-6
More nostalgic '70s fun as Sam goes undercover at a wife-swapping party in order to find a killer with Annie as his wife in episode four. Things get a little more serious next as Sam must find a man’s wife and daughter who’ve been kidnapped by someone hoping to force the police to reopen an investigation into a young girl’s murder. Next racism rears its head again, and Sam has a personal involvement as one of the targets is the mother of his girlfriend in the present.
The series features a perfect mix of comedy and drama (the writers of The Riches should take note) and pitch perfect performances. John Simm doesn’t get to have as much fun as his co-stars but his performance is at the heart of the show; with a lesser actor in the lead it would all fall flat. That’s not to say that Philip Glenister isn’t important, in fact he’s probably as responsible for the show's success as Simm, maybe more so. Plus he gets all the best lines – “You great, soft, sissy, girly, nancy, French bender, Man United-supporting puff!” must go down as one of TV’s great insults.
Article comments
1 - Margaret
You're allowed your opinion of Blood Ties but as a fan I feel you're wrong. It's supposed to have somewhat of a dark look. It is well written, well acted, humorous, camp, just exactly what a vamp show needs to be. Thank God not everyone believes critics or if they do, they occassionally watch the show to see if you know what you're talking about. Either way its good as you draw attention to the show. You just happen to have the wrong opinion about the show though, its great.