Τετάρτη 23 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

LEGENDS Episode 207 "The Second Legend of Dmitry Petrovich" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Prague, Kate goes missing, and Martin fears she's been abducted. Martin makes a risky proposition to Nina and Simon in an effort to bring her to safety. Gabi discovers that Blazek may have a dangerous connection to Tamir. In 2001 Prague, Ballard and Gabi use questionable methods to threaten Dmitry. In 1985 England, Alex suspects his friend Terrence has resorted to ruthless tactics.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-7/the-second-legend-of-dmitry-petrovich.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Hang onto your hat, this episode nearly blew my 'ead off with plot twists!

In the present, Martin desperately looks for a way to help Kate, after he finds out she is missing. She is on her way to Chechnya with Tamir's family including his nephew, Beslan, who has worked in the Zakayev operation since he was a boy. Kate is still disguised as a boy, and continues to try to contact Martin for help, even from General (now President) Arsanov's house in Chechnya. Martin begins to think that only "Dmitry" can help Kate now, because of his past connection with Tamir. Both MI6 & CIA don't like it, but they have no choice left. But how to do Dmitry when Martin can't remember? CIA Nina wants to bring in Gabi, who knew him. And Martin also thinks Ilyana can help again. They are both summoned. Martin doesn't remember Gabi, but she sure does him, slaps him hard & tells him, "My friend is dead because of you," referring to Curtis' suicide. Ilyana's reunion isn't much better- she is devastated to learn her "Dmitry" was just a covert operation fabrication. And she told Martin that people had threatened Kate in London when he first saw her there, why they couldn't speak.

In 2001, we see Dmitry & Ilyana together romantically in the apartment, which is being surveilled. Gabi & Curtis confront Dmitry with the damning photos & try to blackmail him. He tries to call their bluff, says they will not hurt Ilyana. But they say that it's Dmitry who is in danger from Doku. Dmitry tells Terrence & says maybe they should tell FBI, but instead he gets instruction from his Russian blackmailer to keep Dmitry cover in place, because they still want General Arsanov. Ilyana has a bigger problem. She is now carrying messages between Doku & Arsanov, and letting Dmitry copy them. Doku, however, is suspicious of Dmitry. He confronts her after seeing Katya's toy, and in a dreadful argument, Ilyana grabs his fallen gun off the floor and shoots him. Horrified, she calls Dmitry for help. He decides to stage Doku's death as a hit, and almost carries it off except for Beslan, who discovers Dmitry & thinks he killed Doku. Dmitry threatens him to never tell what he saw to anyone.

In 1985, we see Alex comfortable in life, taking a teaching job, but he has also defied Terrence's advice & married a nice young woman. He buys a new house out in the country- perhaps it's safe there. But it isn't. She is killed in a supposed motoring accident. Terrence's Russian blackmailers had taken action to bring Alex in. Alex guesses the truth, is angry with Terrence, but takes the government job.

In the present, Martin has enough info from Gabi and Ilyana to attempt his "Dmitry" deception with Tamir, using Ballard as the excuse. At first, it seems like it is working. Tamir is shocked to see him, but he invites "Dmitry" in to talk. Martin retrieves computer info for MI6. Tamir is also careful, he calls his old friend Blazek to get more info. Tamir sends his nephew Beslan with money to Martin. Beslan comes back, and tells Tamir what he dared not say all these years because of the death threat- that "Dmitry" killed Doku, Tamir's brother, from his point of view. Now Tamir wants revenge.

WOW these events nearly turned everything on its head! Martin has a real problem now, how will he deal with it? Will the bureaus try to help him or leave him "out in the cold," as the spy vernacular goes?

ICYMI, LEGENDS has been cancelled by Turner/TNT, but hope remains for another media outlet to pick it up & we continue to immensely appreciate Sean's brilliant performances!
Although episodes 208-210 will all be shown at once, I'll still be writing a column for each of them, one week apart as usual.
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Πέμπτη 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

LEGENDS Episode 206 "The Legend of Tamir Zakayev" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Paris, Martin prepares Kate for a dangerous job that Simon isn't sure she can handle. In Prague, Gabi confronts the intelligence agents about Martin Odum. She knows they're hiding something. In 2001 Prague, Ballard and Gabi discover Dmitry has a vulnerability. In 1984 England, Alex is recruited for a distinguished position, but finds that it comes with a demand for a personal sacrifice.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-6/the-legend-of-tamir-zakayev.html
 

SPOILERS AHEAD!!
The episode opens in the present with Gabi's grief & Kate's having to memorise her story for Tamir that explains MI6 custody absence. Kate recites to Martin- she was at a friend of her friend Jamal's house, where the mum was a nurse & stitched her wound. Sounds good. Kate is still sore afraid of Martin's plan of getting her into uncle Tamir's house and stealing info from his computer, but Martin keeps telling her there's no other way & she can do it. She's a brave young woman & understands that Tamir is planning something bad, so she agrees. They give her an emergency phone number & a flash drive disguised as a necklace. How not to get caught? "Stay as close to the truth as you can," says Martin. Kate makes the call to Tamir.

Tamir sends his nephew, Doku's son, to pick up Kate. She has to disguise herself as a boy to get out of Paris and into Prague, where Tamir still lives. They greet her warmly, but Kate is still terrified she'll be found out. She tries to do what Martin said but only manages the signal that she's in- the computer is nowhere in sight. She panicks and runs, but Martin convinces her to go back. She begs Tamir's forgiveness for her fear- and lack of faith. Then he announces that they are all going to Chechnya.

Because of her grief about Curtis & the subsequent unfinished business with Dmitry, Gabi presses harder in her confrontation with MI6 Simon and CIA Nina about Martin. They try to evade again but she's having none of it. Left with no choice, they finally confirm her suspicions.

In 2001, Gabi Miskova, Czech Police, and Steve Ballard, FBI, make a plan to create evidence in order to trap Dmitry Petrovich & arrest him again. They finally discover he has a secret flat and are surprised to find that Ilyana Zakayeva, Doku's wife, is meeting him there. They think it's an affair, so they set up a hidden camera. It turns out they are correct about Dmitry's feelings for Ilyana, who also feels for him.

 
Also in 2001, Doku learns from Ilyana that his messege bearer, Jamilla, has been discovered. He asks Dmitry to take Tamir with him and teach him to eliminate the problem. Tamir does it, hates himself.

In 1981, young Alex, who we last saw in 1975 as a child learning harsh lessons from Mr. Sedley at The Sedley School, has been accepted to University of Leeds. He is a bit of a partier, but he is smart & has natural talent for languages that attracts the attention of government intelligence, namely one Terrence Graves. He makes Alex a proposal which he eventually accepts, but doesn't realise the extent of the committment until he is asked to part with his girlfriend, whose parents are Communist supporters.

In the present, Martin is shocked to learn Tamir Zakayev plans to take his family - and Kate - to Chechnya, where war criminal & MI6 target General Arsanov is now President. What can Martin do now? He looks at all the MI6 files that were delivered to him as promised by CIA Nina, fingers one in particular. Perhaps it was time for Dmitry Petrovich to come back from the grave.

I think I have all the puzzle pieces now! Just don't make him a son of a Lienz Cossack. But it won't surprise me if the show does, LOL, since Sean had a hand in the story development! I love the way this show addresses European security issues at a very personal level.

ICYMI, LEGENDS has been cancelled by Turner/TNT. I've been told that the ratings were too weak to continue it. I'm very saddened & disappointed that the show didn't receive more support. I'll be watching to see if Howard Gordon decides to shop it to another media outlet. Look, the LEGENDS social media accounts posted this graphic with the caption "Martin will be born again" - so I am hoping!!
Martin will be born again

I'll still be writing a column for each of the remaining episodes 207-210!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Δευτέρα 14 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.06 "Lost and Found" Finale Wednesday on ITV Encore!

Last episode of the series! It has been absolutely terrific, and I'm also left wondering if there's more story to tell about Sean's John Marlott. The tale has been way too short.

The 6-part series begins in Spain 15th December and airs on premium Wuaki.tv beginning 18th December!

Still waiting for air date announcements by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking
 

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep6week51/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 6: Lost and Found

Marlott pieces together the links in the chain to connect the supplier of corpses with the his final suspect.


Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).


Who is going to be revealed as the real murderer? Can't wait to see!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Πέμπτη 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

LEGENDS Episode 205 "The Legend of Terrence Graves" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Paris, Nina and MI6 agent Simon Hardy (Gershwyn Eustace Jr.) offer Kate a deal that Martin doesn't like, but Martin may not have a choice. Ballard convinces the FBI to let him take down Martin. In 2001 Prague, Dmitry enlists Ilyana as an MI-6 operative and gives her an assignment. In 1976 England, we learn that Terrence has a secret life.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-5/the-legend-of-terrence-graves.html
 

SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Reiterating that I'm focusing this column mostly on Sean's Martin Odum & Dmitry Petrovich, plus Kate & Ilyana Crawford because I like their relationships with Sean's characters. Also a reminder that this show does a lot of time jumps, which I mention where necessary.


In the present day, Martin & Kate are being held by Nina & MI6's Simon in order to get information from Kate on the Paris terrorist bombing and, not only to hold him for the Americans, but to also find out what Martin knows about this plot. Martin refuses to cooperate unless they let Kate go free, which is not happening. He manages to break out free for a few minutes, yells for Kate to not say anything to their captors. "Don't say a word!!" he shouts. She wisely follows his lead.

After his attempt, CIA's Nina finally tells Martin the real reason why they want to talk to Kate. Tamir Zakayev is planning another terrorist attack, and they think she can get vital info from him- her uncle.

In the same present, rogue FBI agent Curtis Ballard is closing in on his own chase for Martin/Dmitry via Kate, whom he discovered from her mother Ilyana that she was in Paris. He goes there & searches again, finds out that they have been captured. He uses his FBI badge to get past the police line, calls his home office to get authorisation to arrest Martin. They agreed to overlook his method & call MI6, who order Simon to release Martin to Curtis' custody. Nina was outraged, tries to circumvent. Neither she nor Simon knew of Curtis' history with Martin's Dmitry. Curtis made sure he told Martin what their history was, when Martin asked about it. Martin said again that he didn't kill the FBI Director, but Curtis doesn't care. This justice is for all of his own pain suffered. Suddenly the CIA show up with papers to regain Martin to their custody. It's too much for Curtis to handle. He calls Gabi, then ends it.

In 2001, Dmitry is instructed to give Ilyana her first task as an MI6 operative: find out who is passing messages to her husband Doku about war criminal General Arasanov, whom MI6 wants to capture.
The Czech police, Gabi, and Curtis search Dmitry's office & discover the gun that Tamir hid to frame him. They tried to offer Dmitry a deal but of course, he refused, in keeping to his own agenda. Alex, the state attorney, is told to release Dmitry. He informs Doku, who then suspects Tamir, but Alex also tells Doku that he wants money to release Dmitry. Doku is upset with Tamir. Curtis is furious to learn of Dmitry's release, suspects a payoff. Ilyana goes through with her task. Dmitry confronts the Zakayevs.

The reveal from Terrence's life in 1976 is that he was secretly homosexual, which at that time in the UK had only recently become legal and still frowned upon in general society. He was being blackmailed for it because he was married to a woman & had children. He goes to deal with the blackmailer in order to keep his freedom, family life, and career intact. Then he discovers Russians behind it, and agrees to their terms. He nearly suicides but can't because of his kids. The Russians outline his new agenda, which persists into 2001.


Martin wants to regain control. He demands to handle Kate alone in the CIA operation, as well as receive all the files with info about his legends as he's done wondering about it. But Kate is scared.


Patience brings roses? Well, Curtis Ballard's end in the present was blooming abrupt! Plus new info about Doku. But there's still more of Ballard's story to be told, so we aren't done seeing him yet. What about his missing leg? Dmitry is as canny as ever in his time, and Martin seems to have a plan for Kate after the present day tangle with agencies. What's next? I'll be watching!

#DONTKILLSEANBEAN off of TV!!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Δευτέρα 7 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.05 "The Frankenstein Murders" Wednesday on ITV Encore!

Two more episodes to go! It's really been an amazing series, with all the puzzle pieces of the mystery, famous people and how it all fits together, plus one of Sean's finest performances yet. You won't be disappointed!

Yet another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network.


 
Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking


The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week50/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 5: The Frankenstein Murders

Boz publishes his newspaper article, The Frankenstein Murders, which causes a public outcry and infuriates Peel on the eve of the Anatomy Act. Mary Shelley follows her own line of enquiry into the medical practice of Sir William Chester, uncovering secrets from the past. Marlott decides to go back to Greenwich to where it all began, is there something he is missing?



Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).


Who is going to be revealed as the murderer? Can't wait to see!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Πέμπτη 3 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

LEGENDS Episode 204 "The Legend of Ilyana Zakayeva" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Paris, Kate is a fugitive as a result of her link to a violent attack. Martin puts her into hiding and attempts to use Nina Brenner (Kelly Overton) to get Kate out of trouble. Meanwhile, Ballard learns some useful information from Ilyana that could lead him to Martin. In 2001 Prague, when Ilyana asks Dmitry for a dangerous favor, he offers her a deal instead. And Tamir tries to save his own skin by using evidence that could help Ballard and Gabi finally nail Dmitry.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-4/the-legend-of-ilyana-zakayeva.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!
When we last saw them in the present day, Kate was wounded from Ifti Bulfati's terrorist attack on the Parisian Muslim protesters and Martin was acting to get her away from the chaotic scene before the police could catch them. He was well aware that this is a complication he didn't need, with every security bureau looking for him, but he had to help her. Using his training, he gained access to a relatively safe place and tended Kate's wounds. Martin also told her the truth- that he was once a spy- and that she needed to stay put until he could arrange for her safety. He was willing to turn himself in as trade for her freedom, but that deal went upside down when his CIA contact Nina Brenner, who is Martin's former FBI partner Tony's Rice's friend, was overridden by MI6 in their pursuit of Kate Crawford whose name they had when investigating the Paris terrorist attack. Kate still couldn't believe Ifti did such a horrible thing.


In the meantime, because of MI6 Simon Hardy's pressure from his superiors to make an arrest in the Paris terrorist attack, Ilyana Zakayeva Crawford had been under surveillance in case Kate called home. This move paid off as she did, because in the course of the operation, Ilyana went on television to plead for Kate to do so. As it happened, present day Curtis Ballard, the FBI rogue agent also chasing Martin because he had been Dmitry, happened to see it and told his Czech police ex-partner Gabi that he was going to speak to her. Gabi wasn't pleased because in 2001 when they had had evidence on Dmitry via Chechen gangster Doku Zakayev's brother Tamir, the state attorney Alex Blasik (her future husband) had refused it (he was in the criminal's pay.)

In 2001 Ilyana Zakayeva, as wife of Doku, was a desperate person. Dmitry seemed literally like a life preserver for her, since Doku planned to return to Chechnya and that would mean more Islamic faith restrictions placed upon her, as well as a bleak future for her daughter, Katya. She liked learning, the idea of working outside the home, and was furious when Doku destroyed her school books. She was furious enough and scared enough to ask Dmitry for the unthinkable- permanent removal of Doku. Dmitry had said if she needed anything, she should ask him. But he also liked her, and that scared her too.

"Dmitry" wasn't permitted by MI6 to kill their lead to the Chechen general. He instead proposed getting Ilyana and Katya out of the country, if Ilyana would help them capture the war criminal.

SO how is Martin going to get out of this one? I'm trying to figure out if he really expected a trade- him for Kate- to blow up in his face, or did he expect it and has a plan to implement? As Tamir astutely observed when the agents tried to use him to catch Dmitry: "He is very smart." I was also thrilled to see another longtime fave, Nick Brimble, among the cast this week!! He played the British MI6 boss.

Here is TNT's brand new mid-series LEGENDS S2 survey! If you've seen episodes 201-204, please let them know what you think! It's important- despite acclaim for Sean's performances, ratings numbers haven't been all that great. https://www.tvinnercircle.com/S.aspx?s=648&r=QT4tg3jY0vG1633oa4Vh5M&so=true&a=1311&fromdetect=2

#DONTKILLSEANBEAN off of TV!!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Δευτέρα 30 Νοεμβρίου 2015

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.04 "The Fortune Of War" Wed on ITV Encore!

Halfway through the series & I'm LOVING it!! Events are progressing but it seems slow because of the deliciously intense detail that Sean knows how to play OH so well.
At this point we've already seen John Marlott's demons, how he ties into the Frankenstein story that Mary Shelley wrote, and how it is connecting to the mystery that Marlott is investigating, along with the legal wrangling of pending vote on The Anatomy Act.


Gah, I don't want to say any more to avoid spoiling! When it comes time to write episode reviews for the American & European broadcasts (and hopefully wider UK access) I'm going to be quite garrulous!! :-)

Yet another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking


VIDEO preview for episode 1.04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltE3ZMPnnEE

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep4week49/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 4: The Fortune Of War

Marlott takes a terrified Pritty on their assignation to meet the men who kill for money – they find themselves in the tunnels under Smithfield market, which run from the Fortune of War pub to St Bart’s Hospital.

Flora has returned to Marlott’s lodgings, but now she is back Marlott intends to use her as bait for the murderous gang, much against Nightingale’s wishes.


Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Closing in on the culprit(s), very eager to see the next episode!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Τετάρτη 25 Νοεμβρίου 2015

LEGENDS Episode 203 "The Legend of Curtis Ballard" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: It's a race against time as Martin searches for Kate in Paris. He's convinced the peaceful protest she's attending may turn violent at the hands of her friend Ifti, a boy with radical beliefs. In 2001 Prague, Dmitry discovers that the key to getting close to Doku Zakayev (Visar Vishka) may not be his brother Tamir (Nikola Djuricko), but instead Doku's wife, Ilyana. In 1991 Lithuania, a younger Ballard is involved in an incident that will affect the rest of his life.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-3/the-legend-of-curtis-ballard.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Because of the unplanned delay of this episode due to the nature of its content in relation to the real tragedy of terrorist attacks in Paris, it's been 2 weeks since episode 2, so let's recap what is happening with Martin in the present time. He has discovered he had a relationship with a young woman, Kate Crawford, that began years ago when Martin, an MI6 agent posing as Russian mobster Dmitry Petrovich, was in pursuit of a war criminal general, believed to have ties to Chechen gangster Doku Zakayev. Martin had decided to befriend Kate's mother Ilyana in order to get inside Doku's organisation. After getting nowhere with Ilyana in the present, he connected with Kate, and in the process, found her mixed up with young Muslim students planning to do violence at a peaceful protest in Paris. Martin feared she could get hurt so he asked his former partner Tony Rice for help getting into France. However, Tony's MI6 & CIA contacts aren't happy about that, especially when the tip he gave them about a terrorist didn't pan out.
Episode 3 opens with Martin & Tony successfully getting into France and are on the way to Paris when they are intercepted by French police. They ditch one car for another, do some fancy driving and avoid capture. But then Tony decides to split up, let Martin get to Paris alone while Tony draws attention.

In Paris, Martin quickly finds the address he found in Ifti's apartment and tells Ifti's parents that he is her stepfather and that Ifti plans some kind of violence, to call police. Ifti's father goes with Martin to the square where the protest is taking place, but they are too late. Just as Martin reaches Kate, Ifti opens fire on the crowd, people are hit, and he is killed by return fire from police. Kate is wounded and Martin hastens to get her away from the terrible scene before the police can act.

Other flashbacks depict how "Dmitry" and his MI6 handler Graves made more surveillance plans and how Dmitry acted to befriend Ilyana and her little girl Katya, who is present day Kate.

The remainder of this episode focused on the origins of titular Curtis Ballard, the FBI agent that chased Dmitry and is now chasing Martin. Curtis was shown as a teen employed in Lithuania as a Mormon missionary, and not too happy about it. One rebellious act after another led to a tragedy: his friend was killed in a dispute over paying whores. It was that act that decided Curtis on a path to law enforcement & the FBI, He wanted to make a difference now, in this life.
The depiction of shooting violence on a peaceful crowd was very graphic, and I fully understand why TNT chose to delay the broadcast of this episode. My deepest condolences to terrorist victims' families.
But I also think it's important for people to see how such violence can happen, why one must be vigilant of surroundings. I continue to enjoy Sean's depth of character with Dmitry and Martin, and now I see why sticking with just 2 legends in Series 2 was a good idea. I've seen some dissatisfaction with the rapid jumping of timelines, but I've been able to track all the people and Martin's just fine so far. For example, Gabi's current husband was her superior in the past, and is also in with Doku's mob.

#DONTKILLSEANBEAN off of TV!!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Δευτέρα 23 Νοεμβρίου 2015

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.03 "All The Lost Children" Wed. on ITV Encore!

I've seen 2 episodes & I'm hooked! Just dying to talk about it, but I'll still refrain until larger TV markets see it, to generate wider interest when the time comes to post. I just want you to know that your wait will be worth it! Because of the deeply personal themes, I think this might be one of Sean Bean's finest performances yet.

Another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired for broadcast by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking


VIDEO preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S8ZeskOzWoU



The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep3week48/frankenstein-chronicles


Episode 3: All The Lost Children

Having escaped the clutches of Billy Oates, Flora throws herself on Marlott’s mercy.  Believing her to be a key witness to Alice’s disappearance, he brings her to his lodgings for safety.

As the investigation continues, Marlott travels to Kentish Town to interrogate Mary Shelley. The connection between her monster and the child corpse cannot be a mere coincidence…

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).
Keeps getting better, can't wait to see the next episode!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Δευτέρα 16 Νοεμβρίου 2015

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.02 "Seeing Things," Wednesday on ITV Encore!

I saw this with my subscription & loved it! But I've thought about it & I think I'll wait until the wider official broadcast in Europe & the US to write formal blog post reviews. Hopefully it will get wider UK release too!

There's a ton to talk about, including some surprising Marlott character facts that link to another Sean role. I still plan on posting weekly previews from ITV.

And a reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired for broadcast by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
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The following info is from ITV's Press Centre: http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep2week47/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 2:  Seeing Things

Marlott (Sean Bean) visits the house of artist and printmaker William Blake (Steven Berkoff) who is on his deathbed, but he receives Marlott as a prophet of things to come.

Marlott confers with Nightingale (Richie Campbell) who has been keeping watch on a public house, The Fortune of War, which is situated opposite St Barts hospital in Smithfield.  This is where the body snatchers gather, along with their “goods” which they sell at the hospital.  Marlott identifies one body snatcher, Pritty (Charlie Creed-Miles), as potentially helpful, and he and Nightingale set up a cunning ‘sting’ which brings him into their service. Pritty is most indignant; body snatching is not illegal.  He considers himself to be a businessman and hotly denies anything to do with the sutured child – though he does know of a gang who might not shrink at darker acts.  Marlott charges him to arrange a meeting with them.


Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.

Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).
Can't wait to see this next episode!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)