THE BBC
As I was eagerly awaiting KILLING EVE to come out, another couple of shows piqued my interest, BODYGUARD, from writer of LINE OF DUTY, Jed Mercurio, and PRESS, which, I realised as the opening credits rolled, is from the writer of DOCTOR FOSTER, Mike Bartlett. I like Line of Duty and Doctor Foster. I knew Bodyguard was Mercurio’s latest project and after a lot of hype, I finally had “time” to sit down and watch a couple of episodes over the weekend. I did the same with Press (and yes, Killing Eve), but Press I had come upon through social media disdain for the show. I was intrigued. I thought Bodyguard was great and I laughed at what the social media-phere mocked of Press. Nothing was terrible and all in all, alright viewing.
I also watched Killing Eve. I love it, I want to devour it all, but I know once I watch it, it’s gone - I’m trying not to binge… Though it was hard last night.
Anyway. As I am the usual latecomer to shows, I watched all of these on iPlayer. So I started looking at what else is on there. That’s when I came across BLACK EARTH RISING. This is (one of the reasons) why I’m writing this post. I had read the little blurb on iPlayer and seen the little image and honest to god thought to myself, that doesn’t quite sound like my cup of team, but I want to check it out to support bame arts/artist. I was drawn in by the opening exchange and looked forward to what this show was about. As I continued to watch, the authored credit (also directed by) came up - Hugo Blick. It’s a name I didn’t recognise (though later realise I have seen his work). I have often assumed by a name, so I thought to check who this Hugo Blick was. And it appeared I was right to assume. Which I’m very disappointed about.
Whilst I’m here, there is another bugbear I have, especially with BBC television. The majority of shows are written by one person and one person only. I know that BBC series’ are short, mostly between 5-6 episodes. I do find it frustrating that, although there are strands for developing talent, I think it would do our industry some good to adopt a writers’ room approach to their dramas. Even directors are used to such regularity as writer/creators, which I believe has even less of a talent scheme behind it - though don’t quote me on that, I haven’t actively looked for directing schemes.
Anyway, just some thoughts on what I’m watching. Not what I’m watching, but why I’m watching. Which, really, is lack of variety. Despite the options.