Project: Torchwood: 2021-03-07

As far as the pandemic is going, I think the end is in sight. The roll out of vaccinations in Scotland is definitely ahead of everyone else in the UK, and we should all be mask free by the end of the Summer (hopefully).

This month saw a sad farewell to Ronald Pickup who died at the beginning of March after a long illness. He was 80. We’ll be putting an article together in next month’s Issue.

We’ve a bumper edition for you all this month, with reviews from the world of Netflix and Amazon Prime, along with Who Reviews, a Dalek build or two and Lady Mayhurst with another brilliant chapter of her Nightmare Child series.

And because it’s John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd’s birthdays this month, we’ve got double articles from us, and from the fans who have met them over the years since Torchwood. If you would like to add your own pieces to this, do comment in the post below. We’d love to read those.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this month’s Issue, especially to my team, who absolutely ROCK, with covers and articles.

See you all back here in April for our Easter edition. Blimey! That time again. I wonder if there will be a Doctor Who season this year???

This edition is dedicated to a good friend and companion. My dog, Kelpie who sadly died on Tuesday 2^nd March. Greatly missed.

Djak

Articles Happy Birthday John Barrowman (11th March)

Putting aside all the autobiographical things we know about John Scot Barrowman and focusing on what we know post Torchwood (telly version), what do we not know? Well, that’s the tough question, because, John is a social butterfly, so shares all of his stories, his life and his loves on social media, so finding something that nobody else knows, is nigh on impossible. So, we decided that, with everything that John has achieved in his life thus far, that it was probably better to see what he’s been up to since Torchwood ended on the telly rather than find something that probably wasn’t true, and upsetting the guy by posting it.

Torchwood has to be one of the best spin-offs from Doctor Who but since Torchwood ended on our screens in the fourth season – Miracle Day, and with the head of Drama announcing that the BBC were axing Torchwood, millions of fans were heartbroken and desperate for more of their heroes in some form or another.

John was also saddened by the news, so he and his sister Carole, continued with Captain Jack and wrote a few Torchwood comic book stories which followed on from Exodus Code, their novel written in 2011.

In 2015, the very first Torchwood audio arrived from Big Finish and Torchwood was well and truly back, with The Conspiracy taking Torchwood back to its almost beginnings with the full team including Ianto Jones for its second outing. Although Conspiracy only starred John Barrowman, it also featured the late John Sessions who played George Wilson. More cast joined for the continuing stories, and Big Finish brought back Owen, Tosh and Ianto Jones and not forgetting Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys. Suddenly the full team were there, to hear, and to remember, and to get excited about all over again.

John wasn’t just acting though, since Torchwood, he’s returned as presenter for panel shows such as Pressure Pad, as well as being a judge on Dancing on Ice, and performing as singer for other dance off shows, once hosted by Bruce Forsyth. He’s appeared as a performer for the Commonwealth Games, and who can forget that kiss back in 2014. Loved the suit. And guest appeared on Loose Women, making us laugh once more by falling off his seat.

And if we talk about his love of all animals, let’s not forget his time at the Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital, where he got to work with students looking after Scotland’s small and indeed a few larger animals, all needing some TLC.

John does love his animals, especially his dogs, and quite recently took in another wee dog to add to his family. Wee Dixie. What a cutie. On the subject of dogs, John hosted the game show Superstar Dogs, in and around the same time as Animal Hospital was broadcast.

One of the biggest characters that John has been involved with since Torchwood, is Malcolm Merlyn, from the Dark Archer series with Arrow from 2012 – 2019, The Flash between 2015 – 2017, and Legends of Tomorrow from 2016 – 2017. Merlyn, as much as we all wanted to hate him, you couldn’t help but admire the character – and its Barrowman – you can’t hate him for long. Even when he played that dastardly bad guy in Desperate Housewives – as much as you knew he would get his comeuppance, you still kind of rooted for him – right? Oh, just me then!!!

In 2016, John played Munro in two episodes of Reign, where his Scottish accent was less convincing, but his character was quite something – even if he didn’t survive the episode. She was a bit evil, was she not?

Of course, it has to be said, that seeing Jack back in Doctor Who has been well overdue – but being somewhat cynical, I often wonder if it’s not just been because of the flagging ratings. But, and that aside, it’s been wonderful seeing him return, and as Doctor Who time lines are never linear, I’m wondering just how old Gwen’s son is and when Big Finish will bring that into a story!!!

In 2014 John released his fan funded album. You Raise Me Up, which you can hear on Spotify and Apple Music. Plenty of well known tunes to sing along to.

It’s hard to believe that it was 2018 when John was in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. It was also one of the best seasons of the show, because everyone looked after each other. Nobody was bitching and back stabbing, and nobody was a flake. I haven’t seen a single series since or before that one when everyone worked together as a team. And when Scott met up with John in the Jungle, I think I had a lump in my throat. It was such a sweet moment.

Covid-19 may have knocked John’s spirit during the initial start of the pandemic, because after you’ve achieved all your goals in the house, all the catch ups you’ve not been able to do because of work, all completed, he was struggling to get through the day, in much the same way as many other people struggle. But with his fans pulling together and bringing back that sparkle, he was once again taking over the Internet platforms being FAB-U-LOUS once more.

Everyone needs a little sparkle in their lives and John adds it by the bucket load.

Happy Birthday Mr Barrowman from all us fans, from far and wide, and even teenage Weevils.

Articles Fans of John Barrowman

Of course, don’t just take our word for it, regarding John Barrowman, or indeed, Gareth David-Lloyd in this month’s celebration of these two cool stars of Torchwood. Here are what some of the fans have to say about them.

Kirsty

“The first time I met John was about fifteen years ago. It was when he was doing a book tour with Carole, the first time round.

I begged my boss at the time for the day off so I could go, and surprisingly she said yes. Thankfully! John wasn’t due to arrive till 2pm, but something told me to go and wait early. Boy I am glad I did. I got there about 10am, and the queue was already at the end of the store. I met a few new people and have actually kept in touch since then.

The second time I met him was at his second book signing. I was kinda ill, which put a dampener on the day.

But the best time I ever met JB though? I woke up to a text from my friend telling me JB was in town, filming Antique Roadshow with Myleen Klass. I got up, and raced into town. Luckily town is only 5 minutes down the road from my house. We talked for a while, and he told me he was learning BSL for his deaf fans.

Then proceeded to shout after me as I was leaving... um dude?”

Credit

Photos courtesy Kirsty Price

Katherine

“I've met Barrowman a couple of times. John is an awesome man. He's always so nice and patient and such a big kid. It's like meeting a fellow fan. He gives great hugs too.”

Credits

Photo courtesy Katherine Pozarek

Ruthy of Torchwood Australia

I have been a fan of Torchwood since Captain Jack Harkness first appeared in Doctor Who. And let's face it, who wouldn't love a character like Captain Jack???

I got heavily involved with the fandom when I took over the Torchwood Australia Website and Forum in 2008.

I have met the entire Torchwood team at various conventions and I first met John Barrowman personally at one of the Hub Conventions in Northampton. I had seen him in concert prior to this, both in Cardiff and in London. I have to add, and I think most Torchwood Convention goers would agree, those Hub Conventions were the best to attend.... they were just so up close and personal and far surpassed any event that has been held since. I've been very lucky to attend fan events worldwide, in the UK, Canada and Australia.

John is always in fine form and very generous with his time. I remember going to Supanova Sydney with my friend Caroline, and how John donated some signed photos for a couple of her students who were massive fans (Caroline is a school teacher) - John wanted to know all about them, and he had a great chat with Caro. And at that particular event, we went to the VIP night and I think we spoke to Scott most of the time. It was wonderful to finally have a chance to have a good chat with him, especially as John was surrounded by a lot of people so you couldn't really get near him anyway. I think it might've been this Supanova event when the Tim Tam towers took off - I think John should've bought shares in Arnott's Biscuits!!!

One of the most amazing nights 'with John' was when he performed a one-off concert in my home state of Queensland in Australia. He performed this concert in 2019 at the Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Complex, Brisbane - this is a beautiful venue, quite intimate, with gorgeous acoustics. I had seen him in concert a number of times in various places in the UK and I wondered how this concert would go, being that he would have musicians backing him who weren't his usual crew. He did though have Matthew his Musical Director with him on keyboard, and who oversaw the entire show. I must say, our local musicians were brilliant, and I REALLY enjoyed the entire concert. It was a great night - we weren't permitted to take any photos during the concert, but in a way, this was lovely not to have the distraction of photo taking. My friend and I had VIP tix, so we attended the meet and greet after the concert, and had drinks and nibbles, and a photo taken with John.

It was probably the most memorable night with John in concert, particularly having him perform here in Australia. It will be a night I shall never forget.

We of course all look forward to some normalcy returning, when COVID19 is under control, and we can travel again and attend these events to see our favourite actors/performers.

Photos courtesy of Ruthy

Teejay Peacelover

I’ve always been a fan of John...but he’s my hero because he saved my life. Knife in hand, headed for the bathroom to escape the planet once and for all...and John posted a social media post that arrived just as I walked past my phone, two steps from where I was going to end it all. Yeah, I was a mess...but all I needed was a distraction to regain some perspective and pull back from the edge. He gave me that moment...and literally saved my life. I can’t remember what the post was now...just that his smile, his laugh, and genuine love of his fans (that’d be ME folks!) got through to me when nothing else could. So, John Barrowman is my hero...and connected to my soul in the deepest way possible.

I’ve allowed my love of the man to become an obsession...in a good way. I’ve used his singing to help calm me when I’m driving, his panels on YouTube to cheer me up when I needed a laugh, his TV Shows and audio books (Doctor Who, Torchwood, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Big Finish Torchwood audios etc) as escapes when I needed head space, and getting to his events as dreams for me to chase. His smile makes my heart sing, his laugh is contagious, his relationship with his husband Scott is utterly beautiful, and love of his dogs is gorgeous, his sense of humour is wicked, and his innuendo is ‘on point’ 😉

I’ve never had goals before. Ever.

Goal 1, to meet him in person. Check! 2am at Auckland airport (New Zealand) - yeah, I know, stalker MUCH?! But while he could have said hi and walked away...he chose to spend time with me and chat for 15 mins or so while he waited for Scott and Kelsey to get their bags...he asked me to wait with him. I love him even more for that. He also grabbed my phone and took photos of me with him, and with Scott when he caught up...unasked for, blissfully happy moments! Photos taken by John...him just off a plane ‘looking unshaven and dishevelled’ to use his words, and with me a puffy eyed mess in the middle of him and Scott! lol Yeah, I cried...he saved my life after all! I told him. He hugged me. Told me to talk to his fan family if I ever felt that way again - they’d be there for me, and yeah, they truly have been there for me because I can share my joy and love of the man with other people who understand.

He’s a genuinely beautiful man/soul.

Goal 2, to see him do a panel at a convention. Check - Auckland Armageddon - twice. Auckland Armageddon 2017 - BEST 4 days of my life - I got hugs and photos and autographs! And I made a great friend, an Aussie no less 😉

Goal 3, to see him in concert. CHECK! Melbourne. Omg omg omg. Truly fanbloodytastic concert. AND I listened to him rehearse for a couple of hours first. Bliss.

Goal 4, to see him at another convention for new stories - Melbourne check!

Then booked for Brisbane Australia - Supanova 2018! Check. I’ve since travelled to conventions in Australia multiple times to see him – and have many photos and hugs and autographs on my walls now that make me smile every day.

Goal 5, to see John in concert in Glasgow in his Scottish accent, his home town - Check, 2019. Thanks to the truly excellent planning and booking skills of an aunty in the UK who knew how the UK systems and trains etc worked, I then followed John to Edinburgh and nine other UK destinations for the concert tour - that cost an arm and a leg - but absolutely worth it! VIP tickets, sound checks, concerts, heaven. Took me a year to pay off the debt for the trip – totally worth it.

Goal 6, to get his autograph tattooed on my arm, tried at multiple conventions - finally got the autograph at the sound check prior to a concert in the UK thanks to another fabulous fan who also wanted one. We both got them done at the same tattooist between the meet and greet and the actual show, so I got to show it to John after the show at the VIP photo session! Lol Got the autograph tattoo from John and Captain Jack’s too!

Goal 7 - to stay alive to see more of John, to see more concerts, to hear more of him singing...I finally lost my life long death wish mid 2019 while following his tour around the UK. It shocked me to the core. I’ve never wanted to be alive before, and I’m really quite stunned I finally kicked the ‘kill myself’ urge. My obsession with John keeps me alive, happy, and attached to the planet. He is my anchor, my hero, always there on CD or YouTube etc when I need him to calm me down or cheer me up or distract me. It’s VERY handy being able to self-medicate with a fabulous sparkle-tastic person who has SO many social media posts and shows and CDs to enjoy.

November 2019 - I headed back to the UK, to see John in concert with his Fabulous Christmas tour. The aim was to get my happy Xmas vibe back. I lost it years ago. This concert run was HUGELY emotional for him, and it’s something he’s genuinely excited about (long story) – it was huge for me too. This last UK trip was extra huge for me as I planned and booked the whole thing myself (I’m strangely terrified of forms and numbers, and booking online is all about forms and numbers!), it’s challenged many of my fears and self-doubts - and I’ve beaten them all thanks to Barrowman.

I was relatively recently identified with autism. I’m now 52, and was only told I was autistic a couple of years back. It explains SO much. I’ve always struggled with crowds, travel, forms, bright lights, noises, textures, overwhelming fears etc etc - since allowing my Barrowman obsession to flourish I’ve ticked SO many things off my bucket list! From 4-wheel driving to jumping off the Auckland Sky Tower, to bungee jumping, to traveling to Australia and the UK alone. He sings to me in the car and at work on night shift, he’s always there. He is my soul, my joy, my inspiration, my life. The wonderful relationship he has with his hubby Scott, seeing the love and life they have together, gives me hope.

John Barrowman is the reason I’m on the planet, and my reason for staying.

Articles Happy Birthday Gareth David-Lloyd (28th March)

It’s fair to say that Gareth David-Lloyd will always be remembered for playing Ianto Jones, no matter which other role he plays in the future. It’s where many of us first got to know him. Others may of course have seen him as lead singer of Blue Gillespie and followed the band’s successes until their final home turf gig on 3^rd August, 2013, and their last US gig in Atlanta, Georgia on 30^th August.

He’s married to Gemma James and they have two beautiful children, daughter Lily Christina born 4^th June, 2012 and son Eli Andrew born 10^th August, 2014, and still live in Newport, Wales.

Quite recently I’ve been catching up with Classic Casualty and watched an episode from way back in 2003 where Gareth played a young soldier, who was dabbling in illegal substances and died because of it. Gareth returned to Casualty many years later, in 2018 -2019 to be exact, to play another character, Joshua Bowers for four episodes, I’ve not got to that part yet. Previous to that, and I’m quite amazed how time has flown, he was in the spin off series Holby City playing Rhys Hopkins for 4 episodes. I think he worked for the hospital but am unsure to be fair, what role it was. I remember watching one or two of the episodes as well, but yet, mind is completely blank and Google is not my friend today. No help, whatsoever!!!

Also, going with classic television shows, I caught up with Waterloo Road, on BBC iPlayer, last year and saw him as a character in that, and for once, not a nice one either, and as with nearly all bad characters, they get their comeuppance in the end.

But it’s not just acting roles in front of the camera that Gareth has worked on. Let’s not forget the video games he’s voiced characters for, and not just Dragon Age: Inquisition either, but Red Faction: Origins and Red Faction: Armageddon, as lead character Adam Hale. And the latest video game for Windows in 2019 Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey in which he’s the voice of Sir Lancelot Du Lac an immortal knight of the round table who works alongside sorceress Morgana Le Fey in an adventure that takes them to the smog filled streets of London in search of the infamous Jack, the Ripper in 1888. Gareth also narrated the book Enoch the Traveller. Tempestas Viator by Lady Soliloque which premiered on 22^nd February 2014.

When you play characters in sci fi, horror and psychological thrillers, I suppose it’s only natural that you’d want to broaden your horizon by playing Jacob Fitts, a man who becomes infected after he’s attacked by a zombie. His lone struggle with life and the end of life, is played through his video camera in the horror film I Am Alone.

Coming back to Earth slightly less zombified, Gareth has played several roles for the UK independent web series Twisted Showcase, created by Rhys Jones and the much missed Robin Bell. Short films by new and upcoming writers, directors and producers of horror, sci fi and psychological thrillers and comedy, Twisted Showcase is the perfect platform to start from. Gareth played a role in three episodes, one of which he played two characters. Peter & Paul in 2012, Chris in Payback and Lucifer Jones in Be My Head which was possibly my absolute favourite of them all in 2017. Gareth also wrote and directed this episode.

From Twisted Showcase to Black River Meadow. A crowd funded project that produced one episode in 2018 called The Hiding, that was possibly the most gruesome episode I’ve seen in a long time, that provoked a lot of shouting from me, at the screen, of ‘Don’t be an idiot.’ ‘Don’t put your hand in there, you silly man.’ ‘OMFG’

In 2019, Gareth played the role of Owen in the Prime Original drama mystery The Widow starring Kate Beckinsale and Charles Dance. He’s only in for one episode though. Could be my next muse I think for something to watch of an evening.

Again, for one episode, Gareth played Matt in Warren, a comedy series about a pedantic driving instructor played by Martin Clunes. Always worth a punt, I think.

On stage, in 2015, Gareth played the role of Juror 12, for the play 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose for the UK Tour. Playing Brick in the Stage Play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 2016 at Theatr Clwyd, Wales, and played Walt in the 2018 stage play of Blueberry Toast by Mary Laws in Soho Theatre, London.

Here, in 2021, we can at least take comfort in those audio dramas of Torchwood by Big Finish, where Ianto lives to fight another day, and it’s all before that fateful 456 episode, where to be fair, if the Doctor hadn’t cancelled out Jack’s VM, he might have managed to get Ianto and indeed himself out of that room, safely.

However…

One thing is for sure, it’ll be some time before we do hear the last of Ianto Jones. Because for as long as the actors are happy and willing to play the characters, the writers will continue to create outstanding stories of Torchwood for us all to listen to.

Happy Birthday Gareth

Articles Fans of Gareth David-Lloyd

When we began putting this article together, we were a little stuck on some of the credits to add. A lot of the meetings between the fans and Gareth aren’t on Wiki, and to be fair, Wiki isn’t a reliable source of information these days, with anyone altering the data to suit themselves, so hunting for information led me only to one major source. The fans.

Naturally, if we had every fan of Gareth’s or indeed John’s fans to write a short article, this upload would last till the end of March 2022 – so we’ve just added a few for this birthday celebration article.

Here goes:

Kirsty (biggest fan)

“The first time I met Gareth, I totally fangirled. I was shy and quiet, not me at all. That lasted all of ten minutes. I am profoundly deaf as some people will know, and HATE when the batteries for my Cochlear Implant go dead. I like being able to hear, so there’s me, saying quite loudly and rudely, how unhappy I was at having to change them, just as Gareth walked past with his dogs.

Embarrassing.

My auntie was holding a charity fun day at our local vets, which she used to own.

The 2nd time I met him was at a signing for an audio book he spoke for. What was the point in that you ask? I can’t hear ... its Gareth that’s why. After waiting outside Forbidden Planet for a good few hours, (it’s a small shop), we made our way upstairs, where Gareth was signing stuff with a sharpie. Me, being my normal cheeky self, commented that the pen stinks. He apologised. Gonna take the guy a while to get used to me... After all, this was only the beginning.

I have probably met Gareth now, more times than I can actually count, because

One, he’s a Newport boy so I see him in town a few times and…

Two, I ended up enjoying Blue Gillespie music so I have been to quite a few gigs.

The first gig I went to sticks in my mind, not for a good reason. It was the second time I had ever experienced disability discrimination. Someone, who I had gone to school with as a young girl, knew I was deaf and told me, I didn’t belong there because of it.

Don’t worry it all became good after she said that (she wasn’t drunk so we knew it wasn’t the drink that made her say it) one of the guys from a different band heard this remark and wasn’t happy. Security was called and asked to remove nasty bigoted person from premises.

More gigs after that came along, some I attended with friends, some on my own. Each time I got to know Gareth even more, and found him to be a good bloke, funny too. He got used to me and my quirky ways. Got to know Gemma, his wife, more too.

The last time I saw Gareth was August 3rd 2013, the last home turf gig of Blue Gillespie. Their last gig ever was in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on August 30th.

Ooh no, tell a lie. I saw him at Newport Comic Con in 2018. He wasn’t really expecting me as I had tweeted to say I was unable to make it, so to have him come round the table and give me a massive cuddle was really nice. Always nice to have someone of his profession recognise you straight off the bat."

Katherine Pozarek

"I met Gareth at Dragon Con and I don't remember much, but he was awesome. I had a photo op and there was a mix up, not sure who screwed up, but they were able to get Gareth down to the photo area so I could get my pic and then rushed him out to a panel. I'd share that pic as well, but all my photo ops and autographs were stolen last year."

Ceri Marie Milton

"I met Gareth when he was a student living in Newport."

Beyond The Hub Shark Attack 3: Megalodon by DJ Forrest

The Terror Has Me in Stitches

Everyone has a turkey of a film somewhere in their credits, and this may be one of Barrowman’s. The acting is a little ham fisted and the dialogue a little over done in places, but I actually enjoy watching it, weirdly. Perhaps because Barrowman’s role isn’t completely overdone – apart from in some places, when he’s whacking a rubber shark, I mean Megalodon that’s popped through the bottom of the boat they’re on, to say HI Mom, what’s for dinner, I fancy human tonight. And the swearing is a little Oh God. Oh Shit, which I may have added a little more emphasis on and perhaps added the odd, Oh F**k, especially if I’d just seen a very large aquatic beast pop up to the surface of the water and take down an entire speed boat and owner?

The film is set off the Mexican coast but filmed in Bulgaria, and begins with a diver being attacked by a large shark as he installs a power cable at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Six months later, and lifeguard Ben Carpenter, played by Barrowman is out catching lobster for his supper, and comes across a shark tooth embedded in the broken cable, only it’s too big to be a Great White Shark. Taking it back to his apartment he uploads the shark tooth he’s photographed and asks anyone what it might be. This attracts the attention of Cat Stone, a natural history researcher played by Jenny McShane, who comes down and investigates further, with two of her friends.

What I hadn’t realised, till I researched a little, was that Shark Attack is a series of films which involve Ben Carpenter, but these are not all played by Barrowman. Jenny McShane played a different character in the first film. Am not entirely sure how well her first character came across but this one really struggled to engage with the audience especially me, on any of the emotional situations she came across.

Mind you, the antagonists in this story didn’t seem to have much of a pulse either. The big bad in the film is a businessman called Tolley, who needs the power cable to work because of his business which I think was in tourism, and because of the threat to his trade, he wanted the big shark found and killed, so he could return to making more money.

The film has become something of a cult classic, especially amongst Barrowman fans, who always talk about the worst scene in the film possible, and of which doesn’t involve him whacking a baseball bat at a rubber shark and screaming DIE! DIE! DIE!

No, it’s the ‘pussy’ one, which John ad libbed to evoke a reaction in his female co-star. It, as far as I am aware, didn’t work but the comment was kept in – on DVD. It’s not however, on the streaming channel known as Amazon Prime. It’s not there at all. Plus, the audio is out by a millisecond and enough to really ruin a bad film altogether – that and the crap acting, by most of the cast. If you are going to watch it, I’d advise purchasing the DVD.

This film came out in 2002, so it’s not a digital copy, which means that it doesn’t travel well to a streaming channel. It’s not crystal clear, and with the audio failing on the lip sync it’s a hard one to watch. But I persevered, because I have the DVD and I just wanted to watch a Barrowman film that night.

Barrowman’s role as Carpenter is entertaining to watch – but then, Barrowman is always entertaining to watch.

To be fair, both he and Ryan Cutrona were perhaps the only two actors in the entire film that were worth giving a hoot about. The rest – well, it was early on in their careers, I guess I shouldn’t complain too much.

It is a laughable film from the rubber Meg in the boat being whacked with a baseball bat, to the big momma Meg rising from the depths to take out a speedboat and a jet ski, and various other people in a raft escaping the sinking ship. It’s absolutely, side splittingly hilarious from then on in, which is sad really, because, when it first starts, there’s promise, and interest, and hope.

It’s not Jaws. It tries to be. But it’s not.

If you’re a Barrowman fan you’ll want to watch it, just to know what it is that the fans are talking about – but buy it on DVD – don’t wait for a streaming channel to air it. They cut out all the best bits!!!

Beyond The Hub It's a Sin by DJ Forrest

Everybody Hurts…Sometimes.

Bravo, Russell! You’ve once again reduced me to a blubbering wreck.

It’s been at least 14 years since this happened last. I remember it well. It was the Doctor Who episode where Rose Tyler was thumping against the sealed wall of Pete’s World, with tears and frustration and the 10^th Doctor had his ear pressed against the other side of the wall, and my heart broke. It broke again during their final meeting on the beach at the end of the episode. Although I think Murray Gold’s excellent music score had something to do with that too.

Dear god man, and you do it to me again, with another powerful ending to an absolutely beautifully put together drama. Where even the music played for each episode, and yes, Everybody Hurts. Sometimes.

Russell T Davies makes excellent dramas. Dramas that kick you where it hurts. That tug at the heart strings. That take the air from your lungs. That shock you where no other drama can, and he does it with feeling. Like Years & Years, where the stark reality of life and death are played before your eyes. It’s a Sin, does exactly the same. It reaches parts of you, that you’ve kept buried for years, and brings it all up to the surface. It keeps you awake at night, staring at the ceiling, playing over the last few episodes, picking out moments from your own memories, of a time long since gone, but not completely forgotten.

You remember those characters, through friends of your own, and although you never shared a flat with any of them, you remember those that were close, and those who were not as close, but equally missed. You remember the friendships forged and those who never reached the address book. But you remember, all of them.

AIDS began in 1981 and in its lifetime, it has taken the lives of more than 25 million people, with 65 million people infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. We lost not just friends, and relatives, but actors, singers, cinematographers, writers, tennis players, and not to mention famous ballet stars. There are over 200 celebrities listed on IMDB who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS related illness since it began.

Back in 2007, Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook corresponded over emails for the duration of a year. They produced two big books called The Writer’s Tale. And The Writer’s Tale: The Final Chapter. It was the final year of RTD’s tenure as showrunner for Doctor Who, and during this time, Ben, and indeed us, the readers, learnt a lot about Russell. The one thing in particular that I discovered is that he doesn’t get rid of a single…story…idea.

In one particular email, he spoke about a story, which would become a semi-autobiographical drama involving a group of boys who all move to London, to find fame and fortune and over the course of a few episodes, their lives would change forever. He talked about it in some detail. The story ideas are those that come from family and friends and close associates, and indeed in some part, come from the writer, and Russell had expressed that his story was about his life moving to Manchester. The gay scene in the 80s and all that went along with it.

When I caught up with Nathan Sussex, during one particular lockdown special, he mentioned his role in the new upcoming drama series which was initially titled ‘Boys’, where he plays a small character role. Then, a few months later, advertised on the telly one evening – It’s a Sin was announced, and in there, a quick glimpse of Nathan, in a bar, huddled with a group of guys at a table, with Olly Alexander, parading into the bar with his friends, pointing out the whole AIDS epidemic as something not to worry about. It’s wonderfully played out and hooks you in from the off.

As with Years and Years, also an idea that was talked about in 2007, Russell throws NOTHING away. And maybe that’s an idea for all of us.

Ideas – keep hold of them – you never know when you could use them.

It’s A Sin, has a wonderful cast – from Olly Alexander, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Callum Scott Howells, Neil Patrick Harris, Lydia West (from Years and Years), Omari Douglas, Nathaniel Curtis, Keeley Hawes and Shaun Dooley, and not forgetting Susan Brown.

It shares the highs and lows of the five young people, from their initial journey to London, to where we finally see them, and it makes you laugh, and it makes your heart ache and at the very final episode, it makes you cry. There are some seriously poignant moments in this drama series.

Nobody really knew about the disease when it first happened and how it would affect people. It reminded me of that episode of Eastenders when Arthur’s Son Mark, played by Todd Carty told his parents about his HIV/AIDS, and how his Dad reacted. It was reflected in the episode, when Lydia’s character is paranoid over the pink mug Gloria drinks from that she thought could be infected with AIDS and so paranoid one night gets out of bed, after scrubbing the cup severely earlier on in the episode, chucks it in the bin, then retrieves it and smashes it completely.

Without fully being aware of the facts and how to deal with a situation, none of us react how we should. It says an awful lot about how some of us have reacted during this pandemic.

What It’s a Sin did show, was that, unlike all the images we’ve come to associate with AIDS in gay people, those mole-like marks on the body, there were other associated illnesses that I wasn’t aware of, such as the epilepsy that poor Colin was afflicted with, and there was me thinking that he was going to get into bother for the posters he was creating in the shop he worked at.

Also, what I wasn’t aware of, but I think I’d read somewhere quite recently, was that, those who had been infected by AIDS had been kept isolated in locked hospital rooms, where a guard stood outside and they weren’t allowed out for any reason at all, and nobody was allowed in. It was treated like a tropical disease, that could be passed on to others, and not just if you were gay.

What a horrible existence – and what a way to die – neglected and alone. Thank god, that was challenged and changed.

Every character was played exactly as you would have expected them to play if this was a documentary and you were watching it for this reason. The reaction of Gloria’s parents when they found out the truth, and how taking him home, wasn’t exactly the best choice in the world. In fact, when all the boys went home, you knew you’d never see them again – and perhaps their legacy was frowned upon at that time – I wonder if those remaining family members feel a sense of shame for how they reacted back then?

I was 15 in 1981. There were no computers back then. No mobile phones and definitely no social media, and if I remember correctly, only three channels to choose from on the TV, till 1984 when Channel 4 broadcast some cutting edge dramas and its first soap opera.

My only regret about this series, is that Neil Patrick Harris wasn’t in it for long enough. He played the ‘quiet gay’ who didn’t publicise his sexuality at work, as that would have lost him his job. His grasp of the English accent was flawless. But he was important for the Colin character to evolve.

Brilliant cast. Brilliant storyline. Perhaps, stock up on hankies before you give it a watch, if you haven’t already.

And Russell, do allow me some time to recover before you produce another first-class series, where we know I’ll need a year’s supply of hankies and perhaps somewhere quiet to cry.

Beyond The TARDIS Bad Samaritan by DJ Forrest

This film starts out kinda pedestrian, goes abbbbsolutely tonto – Tony J Fyler

Robert Sheehan plays Sean Falco, a photographer with high dreams of going places with his girlfriend Riley Seabrook. However, the cold hard reality of it all, is as much as his photography gets him a little money, it'll never get him the fame and fortune he so desperately wants. Riley can probably see this and so pursues her own career by working through university, something Falco was never keen on. Education. Good Job!

Falco does have another money-making scheme however, that pays dividends, but at the expense of others. He's a small-time thief working as a valet alongside his friend Derek Sandoval. They set up outside Nino's Restaurant, (it's part of the service by the restaurant), except Nino doesn't know that their side-line is driving the cars to the owner’s homes and robbing them blind, while they sit unaware inside.

This scam has been going on for some time and they're making enough to get them by, but when Cale Erendreich pulls up in his Maserati, things take a walk on the very wild side. It's Falco who gets behind the wheel of the car, but already Cale creeps them both out with threats if his car comes back in less than pristine fashion, there'll be trouble.

Using the inbuilt sat nav in the Maserati, Sheehan's character Falco, heads up to this really big and expensive house built on the side of a hill, where nearly every part of the house is worked remotely by a click of a button operated by a mobile phone app. You've seen them, right, those setting the Hive timer for the heating. Putting on the kettle so it's hot for a cuppa when you get in? Checking who is ringing your door bell or sneaking a peak through your windows?

When Falco arrives at the house, the car operates the controls for the garage and in he drives. Once in, he's got the run of the house, except for the locked room. Falco finds a letter for a new credit card on the bedside table, and activates it. It's a black credit card, which I’m assuming would buy him everything he would ever want, and more.

This house is all about minimalistic value. There are obvious signs of wealth but as far as living there, it's more of a single person's abode who has little interest in dust collecting items on shelves. So, no good for me.

The film so far is, as Tony remarks, completely pedestrian. Until we reach the locked door.

When Falco finally opens it, he finds an office in darkness, but a computer screen lit up, and takes a seat beside it. But when he looks up from the screen, he sees something across the room that shakes him to his very bones.

Chained up and gagged, in a chair facing the monitor is a young woman, who has been there for some time, given the marks on her body and face. Releasing her from her bonds however, is another problem that unfortunately he doesn't have time for. Cale needs his car back, and he's checking his phone to see that everything is how it should be in the house, not a thing out of place.

When Falco later calls the police about the woman in the house, Cale is one step ahead. From here on in, it's all goes abbbbsolutely tonto!

It's brilliant casting and Tennant plays a bad guy as if he was born for the part. In fact, there's something to be said about Tennant's characters, from Des, Barty Crouch Jr, and his character in Jessica Jones. He just really plays a blinder. The anger and rage behind each and every scene when Cale begins to lose control is frightening, and his despicable acts of violence against the young Riley Seabrook is chillingly brutal.

Falco is under his skin. He is everywhere, determined to find the woman he found chained in the office, but every time he gets close, he's always two steps further away. Then Cale starts dismantling Falco's life, piece by piece.

So now, it’s personal.

Sheehan often plays characters who you never really, completely gel with, but Falco has to be the best role I've seen him in since perhaps, The Umbrella Academy or Geostorm. You can't help but root for him.

Tennant is awesome as Cale Erendreich whose backstory we learn about as the film unfolds. He's cold. Fierce. Likes to be in control. And he's not scared about beating a young person senseless and throwing them down the stairs, to make a point.

There is a moment at the end though, where he reminds me of Barty Crouch Jr, be sure to look out for that. You can't miss it really. In that chair.

Bad Samaritan was written by actor and writer Brandon Boyce, who also plays the FBI Supervisor in this.

Dean Devlin directed the film. His list of credits is amazing and perhaps not surprising that Robert Sheehan played a role in this, considering Devlin was the writer of Geostorm - in which Robert played the bad guy.

Bad Samaritan was nominated for the Saturn Award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Film, USA in 2019 for Best Thriller Film.

You can find Bad Samaritan on Amazon Prime. Book yourself a seat on the sofa for 1hr 50 mins. Bring provisions. Get comfy and strap yourself in. You're in for one hell of a ride.

Credit

Special thanks to Tony J Fyler for heading quote.

Beyond The TARDIS The Dig by DJ Forrest

Starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes

In 1939, at Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk, Edith Pretty, hired Basil Brown to excavate one of the large burial mounds at her rural estate. He unearthed, not Viking, but an Anglo-Saxon ship, complete with a treasure trove and gold coins. Soon, news of her dig reached Cambridge archaeologist Charles Phillips played by Eric Stott, who declared the site to be 'of national importance' and took over the dig by Order of the Office of Works. Basil Brown was retained only to keep the site in order, but Edith soon stepped in and as she had hired him, on her land, he was soon reinstated and allowed to dig.

Going into the film blind, you’re given nothing at all about Mulligan’s character Edith Pretty, apart from the fact that she came from a wealthy family, living on an estate complete with household staff and she has a young son, Robert. Her son is highly imaginative and spends a lot of time with Basil, learning about ancient pasts, and archaeological digs, and Basil enjoys Robert’s company, as he and his wife were unable to have children of their own, and so Basil and Robert form a kind of close bond.

You’re aware that Edith’s husband is no longer around, and that she tends to his grave, but you’re unsure what he died of. But given that era, you’re aware that he probably died in military service somewhere, or at least connected to something military, given the sad glances at the soldiers walking through her village where they’re billeted, as she heads towards the railway station for her private appointments in London.

That being said, the film in general touched on a certain part of Edith's life, which was primarily about the Dig, and how much Basil meant to her son, and indeed her, during the whole excavation of the mound. At one point, you wonder if the two of them will actually get together. Set in the English countryside and with a moving soundtrack, it was a story without guns and without fighting, but it did have a tragic plane crash and a community working together to rescue the crashed pilot.

Despite the setting, the house, and the lady of the manor, as it were, the story wasn’t really about Edith, but Basil, the man who came to work on three of the 18 mounds on her estate, and despite his earlier thoughts on one of the smaller mounds, her persistence that he digs the largest one, eventually happened.

It was Edith’s determination regarding the unearthed ship, that kept Basil on the job when the Museum came begging for a piece of the action. With the ever-creeping War, the excavation of the burial mound would have to cease, so it was literally, as many hands-on decks as possible, to unearth the rest of the finds, and pack them away in a bunker somewhere safe, till after the War had ended.

Edith insisted that Basil’s name be mentioned alongside everyone who was at the dig, reminding them, that he was the one who had unearthed the find in the first place. However, his name did not feature anywhere in the credits of the dig. It was only when the items were put together for an exhibition at the Royal Museum in London, many years later, that Basil's name was added, posthumously. Which seems terribly unfair, because if it hadn't been for Basil, who unearthed the find, the Museum would have nothing to show of a bygone era.

The underdogs always go unnoticed.

What you discover, when you do a little research.

As much as I know that Carey Mulligan is a wonderful actress, and going in blind for this film, you see a woman completely in control of who she hires, and you see how much her health is debilitating her, and confining her to her bed more than out in the fields, watching over the dig, with her son, you’re fooled into thinking that Edith was a young woman when she was mother to son, Robert. Truth be known, Edith was 47 when she gave birth, which is quite an age really, and for there to be no complications either, as is often the way of the world nowadays. So, during the time of the dig, Edith would be in her 60^th year, as young Robert, as far as I could tell from the film was about thirteen. So, Carey was much too young, I feel to play such a role.

Also, I was led to believe that her husband had been killed in battle. It turned out, that after the First World War, Frank Pretty, remained within the Suffolk regiment obtaining rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the 4th Battalion, and died at the age of 56 from stomach cancer.

If it’s the only quarrel I have with the film, it’s a small one.

For everything else, this film, is a wonderful look back at a bygone era, where life seemed far less fraught as it is today. Summers seemed to stretch out for months, and the premise was relaxing and easy on the mind. I could rewatch this film countless times over and not be disappointed. Except perhaps only with the less than credible casting, and then only because I did my research. Curses!

Carey Mulligan wasn’t the only Doctor Who actor in the film, Danny Webb (Impossible Planet) was the butler, Arsher Ali (Before the Flood/Under the Lake) also starred and Chris Wilson (Torchwood 2006 – 2011), who was involved with the Museum crowd – which means I’ll have to watch it again!!!

The Dig was a 2021 film directed by Simon Stone and based on the novel by John Preston. The book was published in 2007, and I might just look that one out. The film is currently streaming on Netflix. Book yourself a seat on the sofa, with popcorn and maybe some ginger beer!

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Sunday, 7 March 2021

Articles Welcome to Issue 89 Happy Birthday John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd