Lovejoy - Complete Series 5 DVD

Advantages: Well characterised and acted, good family entertainment, plus lots of interesting detail and lovely scenery.
Disadvantages: It is tempting to watch them all in one sitting.

...We first watched Lovejoy on the television in early 1986. We had just moved into a rather-more-dilapidated-than-we-had-realised, 18th century farmhouse in rural west Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District, it was bitterly cold, the Rayburn fell to pieces, all the pipes froze and watching Lovejoy (wrapped in duvets in an attempt to keep warm) was just about the only bright spot in our week. Life gradually got easier, but we were hooked and didn't miss a single episode in the years that followed. It remained one of those series that you think, "I wish that would be repeated" and so when I saw Lovejoy DVDs listed in a catalogue I receive from time to time, I just had to start collecting them and the obvious place to start was at the beginning. Episode One, "The Firefly Cage" sets the scene well, introduces you to Lovejoy's life... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Grippingly real with a wonderfully crafed storyline
Disadvantages: A lot of swearing

...If you like gritty westerns then i can highly recommend this series. Featuring characters such as Wild Bill Hiccock and Calamity Jane it documents the rise of the town of Deadwood, situated outside of the US in Sioux territory and operating with no law. Murder, gambling and prostitution are constant themes and if these or bad language- VERY bad language- offend you than steer clear. If you can handle the swearing i guarantee that you'll enjoy this. Historically correct, we see characters battle property claims, drug abuse and even a small-pox outbreak as well as struggling with deep moral dilemmas. Ian McShane proves that he can do more than just Lovejoy and David Caradine's brother does a wonderful Wild Bill. Fans of Lord of the Rings can see Grima in a whole new light. Each episode ends with a hauntingly appropriate song. Sometimes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: feels how you think the real wild west would be.
Disadvantages: the language

...programme with well thought out storylines that have to be followed. The main cast are excellent. Ian McShane is worlds apart from Lovejoy. He portrays the evil bar owner / pimp Al Sweargen brilliantly, hes monstrous but you will find yourself routing for him instantly. Powers Boothe plays Als nemesis, a rival (but higher class) bar owner who moves into his territory. His over-the-top persona clashes perfectly against the caustic McShane. Seth Bullock is first on the credits, which isnt really warranted at this stage, he starts off a hardware store owner with a moody confidence and a sense of justcie about him. His partner Saul Starr is the more business minded one of the pair. Their characters slowly build up throughout the two series - as do they all infact - but theirs come more to prominence. The Doc is a favourite of mine, hes kind... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful