I Think She's Having a Pee, Sir

I was happy to learn that the British government is much more warm, open and welcoming than our own somewhat hyper-secure and paranoid U.S. government. Or that was the inescapable message conveyed by the program Me and Mrs. Jones. The journalist Liam Marple (who writes his gossipy column under the "Me and Mrs. Jones" pseudonym) has no problem attending a function at 10 Downing Street (under an false identity that is taken on face value). Once there, he's also able to slip away from the crowd, go upstairs unmolested, and hide a tape recorder in the Prime Minister's private rooms. Later, of course, he's able to retrieve the secret-filled recorder without anyone noticing him.

The Prime Minister happens to be a very attractive woman, Laura Bowden, who is embroiled in personal and professional difficulties. Naturally Liam, played by the always interesting Robson Green, becomes attracted to the Prime Minister, and must decide if his loyalty is to her or his job.

There are some lovely shots of London, particularly night shots, so this light romantic comedy is easy to watch. Just suspend your disbelief about the lack of security and you'll be fine.


Final Verdict for Me and Mrs. Jones: Two Gherkins, for an enjoyable, if not completely true-to-life relationship drama

Read More

Old blue eyes

A while back, BBCAmerica showed the drama series Wire in the Blood. I watched it, and although the main character, Dr. Tony Hill, played by Robson Green, was a bit weird, after a while he grew on me. After the first three seasons, however, co-star Hermoine Norris left, and I didn't feel he had the same sort of chemistry with her replacement. Also, I started to feel that it was increasingly odd that the police seemingly couldn't make a move without consulting Dr. Hill.

I was interested to see what else Robson Green had been in, and was happy to watch Touching Evil. In this series, he plays an officer, Dave Creegan, who doesn't play by the rules. He has no problem with kicking in doors, beating up suspects or even taking the law into his own hands when he feels it's necessary. Creegan recently survived being shot in the head and a subsequent year off from the job to recuperate. In the meantime, his marriage fell apart and his wife moved another man into their house. So perhaps it's not entirely unexpected that he should have his little quirks.

This series has its inexplicable moments, such as when characters disappear and aren't mentioned again. Or when suspects are shown in a bright, blinding spotlight (are the police supposed to be "shining a light on evil?"). Creegan breaks the law nearly constantly himself, but when he hears of a fellow officer doing so, he turns him in (although even then he withholds evidence). I guess since the criminals are much worse, we are to allow the rogue cop leeway in doing whatever is necessary to catch them.

Still, given Robson Green's heavenly blue eyes, I'll buy whatever story they want to spin!

Final Verdict on Touching Evil: Three Gherkins, for being a gritty, modern police drama

Read More