Blue Murder: Set 3 (2007)

Excellent Service!

Sorry for the delay in submitting this review. As per usual, this order was handled swiftly and accurately. I'm impressed with this service. Thank You! November 2, 2008

Britian Does It Again

When it comes to murder, the British seem to do it best. I had never heard of this series and bought it hoping for something good. My hopes came true, it's a very well done series, although it seems to leave holes in the underlying family story, sort of skips. But the murders are good, you don't always know who-done-it and there are a lot of twists. It's an intelligent series and I hope there are more than 3 sets. I liked the main character so much, that I really want to know what happens to her and will she ever get some romance in her life. October 15, 2008

Serving Up Another Helping of Everyone's Favorite Domestic Detective

Set Three of this quirky British crime drama anchored by Caroline Quentin was so eagerly awaited, I purchased it sight unseen. It was great to be reunited with DCI Lewis' Greater Manchester priority homicide squad: dishy DI Richard Mayne (Ian Kelsey), with whom Janine shared a steamy nocturnal kiss at the end of last season; resident comedy duo Shap and Butchers, the yin and yang of detective sargeants, and young junior detective Lisa Goodall, played by Rhea Bailey. I was happy to see everyone again, but rather disappointed in the storylines this outing, which fail to hit the very high mark set by last season, the finale episode "Steady Eddie" in particular. These are forgettable at best, though an episode focusing on murder on a military base does remind viewers this side of the Pond that there are other countries involved in the Iraqi conflict. A bigger disappointment still is that there are only three measly episodes in this set, compared with 6 in the first season and 4 in the second. An entertaining behind-the-scenes featurette is good fun and shows us that this cast gets along as well behind the camera as they do in front of it, but it doesn't make up for an entire episode. British series tend to make up for in quality what they lack in quantity, but three episodes is thin by any standard, for the price. After getting hooked on this and other quality British crime dramas, it's hard to be satisfied with "Law & Order" . . .but we need more! The endless revolving door of nannies and the child actors playing Janine's children can make it confusing to keep up with the domestic side of Janine's existence, but her work 'family' keeps her grounded in her particular brand of frazzled reality. October 9, 2008

So Much Fun

I have been following this series on DVD since the first one and I find myself eagerly awaiting the next season. So far, I have never been disappointed. The mysteries are fun but the main attraction are the detectives. It is a wonderful team, with the fabulous Caroline Quentin and Ian Kelsey at the top. The rest of the team is quite delightful but it is the unrequited sexual attraction between the two top detectives that keep the interest in the show. Adding to the mysteries are glimpses into Janine's(Quentin) rather full homelife, a single mother with 4 growing children. Things are often a bit chaotic and out of control, but it is so true to all our lives.
I love this show---I hope the series lasts for years to come.


























































































































































































































































September 30, 2008

The Familes

"Everywhere you look now
Murder incorporated
Down on your knees
Murder
Everywhere that you turn it's murder
Murder
Everywhere you look there's murder."
Bruce Springsteen


Detective Chief Inspector Janine Lewis is one of those great women characters who is able to run her work family, and her home family with equal distinction. It's a great balance but she is also warm and emotionally available, endearing her to her family at home, and the ones at work. There is good humor in both places, and, at the same time the seriousness of both jobs come through. Janine lives and works in Manchester and her team at work is a an interesting mix of personalities and unique strengths. They work well together and even disagreements are looked at realistically. Janine is looked at as the leader with great respect by her team. In fact the popularity of the show, this is their fifth season, lies in Caroline Quentin's hands as DCI Lewis.

The cast of the British, BBC series is superb and through the five years we get to know each one. Ian Kelsey plays DI Richard Mayne. He is the good looking, best ass in Manchester is his call, man who once was Janine's equal until he left for the South. He is back, divorced, and quite attracted to Janine. Janine's husband left her for a younger woman, and she is available and playful but not quite yet.

Nicolas Murchie is DS Tony Shap. He is a short man and plays to that weakness and is known at times to play a little loose with the rules. He is a good chap and works hard.

Paul Loughran is DS Ian Butchers, a roly poly lad, who loves his job and worships DCI Lewis. He can be counted upon to take on the toughest,most mundane jobs and find information no one else can uncover.

Rhea Bailey plays DC Lisa Goodall, she is new to the team and technically inclined. She wants above all to be one of the team, and DI Mayne has taken her under his wing. She goofs up at times, but is learning the ropes.

This is an entertaining new detective series that will appeal especially to British mystery buffs. The episodes, 4 in each DVD, are expertly written, directed and acted. The city of Manchester in the UK looks alive and welcoming in this series. The crimes are as they would be in any large city, murder sweeps the streets, and it is up to DCI Lewis and her team to solve them. And, as is not true in real life, each murder is solved, with twists and turns that are unexpected. This is a series that will captivate you. It is essentially about families, the relationships of families at work and at home. The tensions and stress we all live and feel, and the good times are shared. They are shared with us, the viewing family.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 09-21-08

Just a Minute 2 (BBC Radio)

All or Nothing at All
September 22, 2008

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