Articles

Crimson Desert review: The Forza Horizon of action RPGs
by Mollie Taylor (from PC Gamer)

Even though I'm 'back into' gaming now, I don't pay a whole lot of attention to new releases — I've got a couple of decades of stuff to catch up on, and a 600-game backlog (and several hundred more wishlisted) because of it — but there's so much hype around this one, I had to at least get some idea of whether it's going to live up to expectations or not.

Based on this, I think the jury's out — and might be for some time: the game's so huge and packed with variety, it's going to be a while before people see enough of it to form final opinions, I think. Which is fine by me — if it's good, maybe I'll buy it on sale in three or four or five years.

Collection Count

Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.

As mentioned last week, my long-awaited order from the US (I placed it eight weeks ago) is finally here, with eight new additions to my collection — although two are upgrades. Even more fun, one is a 4K UHD + 3D Blu-ray combo, only my fourth of that particular setup. The previous three were all recent features (Alita; and, imported from France, Godzilla vs. Kong and Dune: Part One), whereas this is a classic '50s title (I, the Jury). Like I said, fun.

But there's even more to add than that, because (as I also mentioned last week) I've been stung by all the January sales, and so a pile of freshly-ordered titles also arrived. In total, they brought 13 new additions — although another two were upgrades. No odd combos in there, I'm afraid. The most noteworthy thing is that a couple were prompted by my new 100 Films Challenge plans, not least a couple of highly-regarded gialli.

However, what is definitely worth noting is that, altogether, that makes 21 new additions and a +17 net titles increase — a new biggest week ever! It beats the 18 purchases / +16 increase from April 2020. (That was almost three years ago?! Time flies!) Back then, it was among a string of weeks that, even when they didn't break records, all came close. Fun times in some ways, but not for my wallet or shelf space. I kinda hope I'm not about to repeat it...

Also of note: there are changes to every category's numbers this week. Not often that happens — and it nearly didn't this week: the four TV episodes are special feature on a film.

Number of titles in collection: 3,014 [up 17]
Of which DVDs: 1,034 [down 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 1,980 [up 20]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 233 [up 6]

Number of discs in collection: 7,449 [up 34]
Number of films: 3,686 [up 24]
Number of additional cuts: 300 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes: 9,512 [up 4]
Number of short films: 1,031 [up 6]

All of which somewhat overshadows another milestone, as I comfortably sailed past the 3,000 title mark. I thought I might get there in 2022, but then I hadn't factored in that US package taking so long (although, if it had turned up in December, it still would've left me just short). As it is, I've bounded right past it with this big week. I really should slow down...

...but there'll definitely be more new purchases next week. See you then, faithful reader.

TV

Leverage
4x12 The Office Job

Not Going Out
12x05 Jury
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

Richard Osman's House of Games
4x67 Episode 67
If you were wondering why I'm watching such a random week of House of Games (no one was, but still), it's because it's the only week still available on iPlayer that I've never seen. But once it's done, I do have a load of older ones downloaded.
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Deadwood
3x10 A Constant Throb

+ the commentary on episode nine by actress Robin Weigert. This is the only one where it’s one actor commentating solo, which seemed odd, and indeed it wasn't meant to be: intended co-commentators Kim Dickens and Powers Boothe were missing due to jury duty and a job, respectively. The result is a bit of a patchy track, as with so many of these Deadwood commentaries, but when Weigert does pipe up she’s sometimes insightful.

TV

Eurovision Song Contest: Stockholm 2016
As the jury vote was coming to a close, I thought, "The new vote-counting method is a good idea, but it looks like we've got a year where it's not actually going to make a difference." Ha ha ha, how wrong was I? Point made, new system. Point made.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Downton Abbey
2x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
Cliffhangertastic! I wonder if we can look forward to a resolution in the Christmas special or if they'll make us wait until series three?
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

Junior Bake Off
Episode 9 (of 13)
The first semi-final, and suddenly two kids get to go through. I guess we can look forward to a three-part final then? Odd.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

The Jury
2x05 Part 5 (of 5)
I can't say I buy everything that happened here -- the clunky political subplot, for instance; or how the yob and, actually, most of the jurors were ultimately convinced to vote "not guilty" (an 11-1 or even 10-2 split would've been more plausible). It's also interesting how many little things were similar to the first series, for instance how the jurors chose their foreman -- either there is actually some evidence of what goes on inside jury rooms and, by some weird coincidence, most behave the same way, or screenwriter Peter Morgan knows what he'd do and keeps applying it to other people.
Still, overall it was very good.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

Pointless
3x40 (8/11/10 edition)
The 100th edition! Oo-ooh.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Children in Need 2011
Being the post-midnight stuff, of course, which this year was back to being mostly repeats unfortunately. Great total though -- the highest ever by over £5 million!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

Family Guy
It's a Trap!
Family Guy complete their run through the original Star Wars trilogy with this spoof of Return of the Jedi, released on DVD & Blu-ray last December and later aired (in an edited form) as the end of season nine back in May.
And that's it, because they're not bothering with the prequels. Unless they change their minds, of course. Which I doubt.

House
8x05 The Confession
Some people have been really laying into this series of House, but I've liked it. However, I do agree that getting the old team back in this episode gives it a real boost.

The Jury
2x04 Part 4 (of 5)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

Merlin
4x08 Lamia
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]

Pointless
3x39 (5/11/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

Spy
1x04 Codename: Bookclub
I think this is the best comedy on TV right now. Love it.

In the unlikely event anyone is curious, I've now decided to give up on Wilfred. Having watched the first four episodes a while ago, I just don't care enough to spend another three-and-a-bit hours of my life watching the rest.

TV

Junior Bake Off
Episode 8 (of 13)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

The Jury
2x03 Part 3 (of 5)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x06 Episode 6
So, when given a gun, the girl misses and the rapper shoots someone in the face. Nothing like reinforcing stereotypes.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

Pointless
3x35 (1/11/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Have I Got News For You
42x04 (4/11/11 edition; extended repeat)

House
8x04 Risky Business

Junior Bake Off
Episode 7 (of 13)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

The Jury
2x01 Part 1 (of 5)
2x02 Part 2 (of 5)
Nine years after the first series (which, as you may remember, I watched last month, if you fancy a read of my thoughts), the second run of The Jury (shown in its entirety last week on ITV1) naturally features an all-new jury, all-new barristers and an all-new case. Same theme music though, which slightly surprised me. Once again we're not only following the trial but also the lives the jurors, which I suppose helps make it more than just "yet another crime drama, but dressed differently".
[Watch parts one and two (again) on ITV Player.]

Articles

Joss Whedon on his secret film of Much Ado About Nothing: 'This is the best vacation I've ever taken' by Adam B. Vary
(from Inside Movies at EW.com)
First interview with Joss (plus stars Sean Maher and Amy Acker) about the just-wrapped/just-announced adaptation. Unsurprisingly, there's a tonne of new details in here.

The Jury returns after nine years in retirement by Vicky Frost
(from the Guardian)
Interview-y article about the Julie Walters-starring second series of The Jury, speaking to Walters and writer Peter Morgan. (Much better than Mark Lawson's faintly embarrassing article, where he goes on about it being a remake when (as numerous commenters point out) it isn't.)

TV

Home Cooking Made Easy
1x04 Simple [final episode]

The Jury
Part 5 (of 6)
Part 6 (of 6)
I suppose in a way the verdict was unsurprising, but I'm still glad they reached it. A good final pair of episodes too, generating genuine tension and wrapping everything up satisfactorily -- which, in some cases, meant leaving it ambiguous or unfinished. I don't really understand why this was so ignored at the time and isn't more often mentioned as an example of great British drama, because I think it deserves to be. Looking forward to the sequel, whenever that's on.

Pointless
3x22 (30/9/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Derren Brown: The Experiments
1x01 The Assassin
Brilliant (as ever from Derren), with some perhaps unexpected conclusions. Watching some of the extra video interviews online, it seems even the experts were surprised how things went.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]

The Jonathan Ross Show
1x07 (15/10/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

The Jury
Part 4 (of 6)

Merlin
4x04 Aithusa
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]

Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

Perfect Couples
1x06 Perfect Crime
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]

Pointless
3x20 (28/9/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

The Jury
Part 3 (of 6)

Pointless
3x19 (27/9/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

QI
9x06 Inventive (XL edition)
I like Nina Conti, but I'm not sure how well a ventriloquist is suited to a panel show. They had a large section on ventriloquists, at least... most of which was cut out of the regular episode. Another tick in the box for XL editions, then.
[Watch QI XL (again) on iPlayer.]

Top Gear USA
1x01 Episode 1
It's not as good as the original British version -- the presenters are a bit weak, and certainly don't have the same camaraderie/rivalry as our lot; it's not as well made, either, lacking the slickness of direction the British one often shows -- but for all those faults it's a surprisingly entertaining re-make of the format.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

TV

Joanna Lumley's Greek Odyssey
Episode 1 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]

The Jury
Part 2 (of 6)
This is almost 10 years old now, which makes it an interesting one for considering how TV drama has changed in the last decade. In many respects, not much -- it doesn't feel as old as a 10-year-old drama felt as little as three or four years ago, I don't think. In terms of things like camerawork, acting, pace, and so on, I wouldn't be surprised if this was new. You wouldn't get that similarity if you compared a production from 1991 to one from 2001.
That said, there are chunks of the story you'd have to change if making it now. Take the juror who's spent two episodes searching for someone he used to know, for instance: never mind phoning round old friends and employers, now he'd get her in a few seconds on Facebook. But these a minor points (and there aren't many of them) compared to that general stylistic one.

Spy
1x01 Codename: Loser
An original comedy… on Sky?! Starring someone from (ugh) My Family?! Oh dear.
But no, not oh dear -- it's actually really good. Because to say Robert Lindsay is "from My Family" is to underrate him; and it actually stars Darren Boyd, who's had supporting roles in all kinds of things for ages and deserves a lead role; and there's The One You Remember From Horrible Histories to provide some able support. Super.

TV

Ask Rhod Gilbert
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]

The Jury
Part 1 (of 6) [2nd watch]
I watched this first episode when it first aired way back in 2002, but I don't think I got any further with it. It's actually pretty good, so I don't know why. It's also packed with familiar faces, some who were well known at the time but others who've gone on to be movie stars and the like in the decade since. Anyway, ITV3 are repeating the whole series this week before a new version/second series begins on ITV1 sometime -- what a good opportunity to give it another go.

Pointless
5x35 (14/10/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]

this week on 100 Films

3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, though I've been up to something else too...

Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

It’s so thorough, accurate and real that it is (reportedly) still used as a working example in law education. The complete lack of flashbacks or definitive truth is a perfectly judged part of this: we only know what Biegler would; only hear what would come up in trial; can only be as certain as he and the jury are of the motives and testimonies of all involved.

Rock n Roll Nerd (2008)

What this tale creates is an unusual rockumentary. It’s obviously not a concert film, nor a tour film, nor a retrospective on someone’s career; instead, it’s the chronicle of someone’s relatively meteoric rise to fame, from two unique perspectives

Son of Rambow (2007)

Hilarious and touching in equal measure, you’d need a heart of stone to remain unmoved. A triumph.

Also this week, I've begun to include pictures in some reviews, to help break up the blocks of text and make the blog an easier/prettier site to read. The first new review to include images was Anatomy of a Murder (though I belatedly added some to Rock n Roll Nerd) and a few older posts have been updated to include them -- so far, these are my review of M and my summary of 2007's Best Picture nominees (plus posters on each review from the latter). I don't intend to give all archive reviews a similar treatment (at least, not any time soon), but this will be the new standard for future reviews and the occasional archive update.
More next Sunday.

the British Injustice System

(Do you see my clever pun there?)

A yob accused of robbing a driving instructor walked free from court - after a judge ruled that the victim was too believable as a witness.

Judge Jamie Tabor praised Denise Dawson as 'honest, utterly decent and brave' when she identified a man as her alleged attacker and gave evidence against him.

But moments later he halted the trial and ordered a not guilty verdict on Liam Perks, 20.

The judge said Mrs Dawson's good character and compelling evidence could sway the jury, even though she had had only a fleeting glimpse of her attacker.

[source]

What a moron! Surely the point of evidence is to sway the jury?

And this is the same judge who...

set free a woman who killed her husband just to stop him seeing his mistress [source]

let off a famous photographer who took indecent photos of a 15-year-old girl [source]

suggested rape victims shouldn't bother pressing charges [source]

let a paedophilic choirmaster go with a lighter sentence because one boy he abused seemed to be enjoying it [source]

let a defendant break his curfew to go to a holiday camp!

I appreciate that most of these articles being from the Daily Mail rather weakens the case against anyone, but it was the top Google result. See the main story covered by The Independent, The Times, The Telegraph, or even The Sun. (I also looked on The Guardian's site for a leftest-of-the-left view, but couldn't find an article on it.)

Judge Jamie Tabor -- the sort of person that makes you wonder why being in contempt of court is a crime.