Lynda La Plante - The Commander - Vols. 1, 2 And 3 DVD

Advantages: Highly Enjoyable Drama
Disadvantages: None

...look at the first two chapters the acting is very wooden. A lot of highly familiar faces turn up, stars from old soaps, Doctor Who & Blakes 7, to actresses that have gone on to be in top Hollywood Blockbusters. When Carlton produced this drama the budget was ridiculously tight, but it does not show, due to the location filming the production looks very glossy. Onto the DVD The DVD has a very good interview with Verity Lambert, who discusses the process of bringing Dolly back to the small screen. The problems that the production incurred and the success it bought Carlton. There is also a text biography of Lynda La Plantes work from Prime Suspect To Killer Net. The DVD also features the trailer for the show, which never actually aired. The Programme is shown in Fullscreen, and has no alternate subtitles or languages. A big bonus... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Best children's show ever
Disadvantages: Lack of extras

...there wasn't enough material focused on younger teens, and persuaded Lynda to let her have her own column; The Junior Junior Gazette. She's often in dispute with Sarah over who should get which stories. Julie In the first series Julie is head of the graphics department and later moves on to become assistant editor in later series, despite her initial comic spelling problems. Julie's known as a bit of an air-head. EPISODES 1. Page One The first issue's deadline is looming and the team are struggling to find a lead. Is Lynda's new lead good enough, or will she have to give the first front page to the disco story-- and more importantly, Spike? The opening dialogue from this episode I feel is the best way to start a show: Lynda: What was today's lead in the Gazette? Anyone see? Kenny: Local couple nearly killed on their honeymoon. Lynda... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Gripping from start to finish
Disadvantages: Only that it ends

...it is true to say that it is because of the role of Jane Tennison. At the time this mini-series was made in 1992, few women were in positions of authority within the police and I think it is commendable on the part of Lynda La Plante to raise the profile of those women that did manage to do well. Tennison is a strong character; she has to be. She is a woman working in a man's world and every other one is waiting for her to slip up so that they can step into her shoes. She does have the support of her boss, but he is running out of patience with her tunnel vision methods of dealing with her job. Helen Mirren manages to portray all of this, but without giving up any of the personal flaws that make her seem so natural in the role. When Lynda La Plante did her research for the programme, she had a female advisor in the police to help her build... Read review

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