Good Omens — Series 3 Episode 1 — “The Finale” — A Review

20th May, 2026: The Introduction.

It’s officially the case: that I’m starting to catch up with myself.

Or, at least, that I’ve got dinner on the go, caught up with the Teasers and released a video: about copying blu-rays discs.

Frankly?

I’m glad I found the ‘drop shadow’ feature in Final Cut Pro.

I don’t know if it does much for the opening titles … but at least the shadowing helps, I think.

At any rate … ?   And with that out of the way?

I can move on.

And catch up with a few things.

One thing I meant to catch up with?

Is a few TV shows.

So, tonight?

I’m going to eat dinner, wash up, boil the kettle … 

And watch the last ever episode of Good Omens.

Given this review will take a while … ?

I expect to have this written review done by Friday, 22d May, and expect to have the video done the same day.

I hope you’ll be sticking around for … “The Finale” … 

~≈🪽≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 6 — “Every Day” — A Review

29th September, 2023: the Introduction.

It’s official: I’ve been into town, today!

Strangely enough?

It was the second time I got out of the flat, today: I posted a letter, the first time.

The second time was to have an eye test!

The excitement’s overwhelming you, isn’t it … ?

At any rate … ?

I’m now, officially, cooking dinner.

And … ?

Kicking myself for not telling people about this video, by an old friend:

I can’t think who the extra presenter is!

At any rate … ?

Dinner is being cooked.

Stuff has been transferred from an external drive, to TV.app.

And, more specifically?

Once I’ve eaten, I’m going to be settling in with “Every Day”, the last episode of Good Omens … then tell you about it, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then.

~≈👹≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 5 — “The Ball” — A Review

22nd September, 2023: The Intro.

It’s Friday: and … ?

I officially live in a ground floor flat.

And have just seen three — count them, three — whole police vans go past.

Police Technical Support vans, so you know.

Quite what’s happening at the other ens of my street?

I think I’d rather not know!

~≈👼🏻≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday night.

Which means?

Well, as ever, it’s fish and chips for dinner!

Next … ?

I’ll be watching the next episode of Good Omens: then telling you about it, tomorrow.

Assuming we’ve not been arrested.

~≈👼🏻≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 4 — “The Hitchhiker” — A Review

15th September, 2023: the Introduction.

Right … 

It’s officially Friday.

And … ?

Potatoes have just been chopped up: then boiled … and shoved into the oven.

Fridays, for the past few months have taken a vague form.

Make and eat dinner.

Watching a video whilst having dinner: and old friend is doing some interesting stuff about Judge Dredd.

Then … ?

Once I’ve eaten, washed up, cleaned my teeth, done the hoovering, conquered the world, and ensured a meaningful peace in the Middle East … ?

Or, at least, washed up … ?

I’ll be watching the next episode of Good Omens’ second series: and telling you about it tomorrow night.

I’ll be back, then!

~≈😈≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 3 — “I Know Where I’m Going” — A Review

8th September, 2023: the intro.

Right … I’m writing this on Friday.

And, if you’re in my part of the UK … ?

You’re as aware as I am, that it’s damn hot!

Hot enough to make cooking dinner decidedly uncomfortable.

Frankly?

I can only hope that it cools down at some point over the next few days.

Blistering hot summers aren’t supposed to last into September!

~≈👼🏻≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m writing this on Friday, 8th September: whilst dinner’s doing.

And?

Once that’s done, a video about Judge Dredd commented on, and washing up out of the way … ?

I’ll be posting my reviews of “I Know Where I’m Going”: and find out exactly what that title means!

Back, tomorrow … 

~≈👼🏻≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 2 — “The Clue” — A Review

1st September, 2023: the Intro.

Right … I have to admit to starting this post, very early.

At roughly 11:30 on a Friday morning.

A lot earlier than usual: normally I’m cooking dinner.

But?

I’m looking after my nephew, today.

And I’ve started this review post early, to save time, later.

At ANY rate?

I’m going to be watching another episode of Good Omens, tonight: and telling you about it, tomorrow: I’ll see you then.

~≈😈≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 1 — “The Arrival” — A Review.

25th August, 2023: An Introduction.

It’s official: it’s Friday.

And I’ve just turned down my chips.

Turned down the heat of the oven that’s cooking my chips, I should say!

At any rate, it’s Friday: and I’ve had a few weeks off.

At least from watching a TV show, then telling you about it.

The last series I caught?   Was Star Trek Strange New Worlds’ very impressive second series: something that climaxed with the tenth episode, “Hegemony”.

The next series I’m planning to catch … ?

Is the second season of Good Omens.

It’s something I’m looking forward to.

With a certain amount of trepidation.

I’m a fan of Terry Pratchett: the original novel, by he and Neil Gaiman, is something I’m fond of.

As was the original series.

So?   I’m looking forward to this second series: knowing it’s not based on a second book in the universe the pair worked on.

I’m looking forward to it … with some trepidation.

Frankly?

We’ll have to see what I make of this.

I will, as ever, have this first written review up on 26/8/2023: with the video version not long after.

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-9-2020: World Rabies Day

28th September, 2020.

Right … 

It’s a Monday morning … 

And it’s — metaphorically, at least — nose to the grindstone time.

Back to job-hunting … and the mild depression that comes with minimal cash.

Hey … ho!

~≈ß≈~

I’ve not been paying much attention to the Covid-19 situation.

But I’m very aware that the new NHS Contract tracing app is now available … and been updated, over the weekend.

But … ?

It seems the original version, the one that got tested on the Isle of Wight … ?

Worked on more phones.

Additionally?   The initial version of the new app, released last week?

Gives false positives in a third of cases.

I hope that gets updated.   Again.

I know newly released software will have some bugs in it … but that’s a bit much … 

~≈ß≈~

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 6 — The Very Last Day Of The Rest Of Their Lives — A Review

5th July, 2019.

Sad times can be very sad.   As you’ve possibly realised.

There’s upsides: although these are bitter sweet.

IN my particular case?



Simply a touch of money inherited from my stepfather: with the help of my two sisters, Anna and Ruth.

I’ve been able to replace a few big ticket items around the house.

I’ve a new oven due, for example.

A new tumble dryer’s* been delivered, as has a new microwave oven.

Bits, bobs, clothes, a new book or two: the Dune Encyclopedia looks good.

And unbelievably detailed.

The other thing I’ve picked up: with a bit of a story too it?

Is a new TV.

Which is now in place: in front of my favourite armchair, and loudly playing some Eno inspired ambient.

Having just been used … 

To watch the last episode of Good Omens …

Did anyone else catch the Dr Who† reference … ?

~≈§≈~

Episode 6 — The Very Last Day Of The Rest Of Their Lives — opens with a brief glimpse of the future: showing us Crowley (David Tennant) being put on trial by his peers.

Stepping back … ?



It shows us why.

Shows us Adam (Sam Taylor Buck) confronting Gabriel (Jon Hamm) and Beelzebub (Anna Maxwell Martin) … 

Confronting — and winning out against — the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse … 

And finally?

Confronting Satan (Benedict Cumberbatch) himself.



And then … … ?



Then having to deal with his annoyed father, Arthur (Daniel Mays).



Sometimes, the only way to stop the Antichrist … ?

Is to ground him … 

~≈§≈~

Now … 


Good … ?



I have to say yes.



This episode of Good Omens is a very light and fluffy climax: for what’s been a faithful adaptation.

Fluffy … ?



Might be the wrong word … 

Light might be the better one.



Good Omens, much like the novel itself?

Is both satirical: taking the proverbial Michael out of human foibles, out of our deep tendency to view our side as the good guys … and the other side as demons incarnate.



But also shows us something else.

We’re human.



All of us.

Good or bad, black or white, male, or female, Antichrist or otherwise, what we are … ?



IS sometimes less important than who we are.

~≈§≈~

As a final thought … ?

As a final thought, I have to admit, I’ve always had an ambiguous relationship with the film — or TV show — of the book.

I find the details that reach the screen don’t look anything like the ones that have crawled off the page and into my head.

Neither do the actors.

I believe I share that with a lot of fans.

I worried about how Good Omens would turn out.

I don’t think I should have.

This is a very good adaption: true to the book, and with a cast that’s top notch.

It’s I think will delight fans … 


And, hopefully, interest non-fans.

Can I suggest that, if you’ve read my posts about the show, and been encouraged to watch Good Omens?



That you do me a favour, and read the original novel.

I think it’ll will repay you.

*        The thing’s got an accompanying app.   An app, for God’s sake!

†        About half way through the episode, Adam is eventually taken home by his dad.   Arthur’s car’s number plate?   Spells out SIDRAT: the copied imitation TARDIS created by the War Chief and sold to his masters in Patrick Troughton’s last Dr Who‡ story, The War Games.

‡        There’s a few former Dr Who cast members in there.   Dan Starkey (Strax) turns up as a passerby, Anna Maxwell Martin (Beelzebub) was in a Christopher Ecclestone episode called The Long Game, Michael Sheen was in The Doctor’s Wife.   Then there’s David Tennant’s whole family …

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 5 — The Doomsday Option — A Review

3rd July, 2019

I think we can say this: that we have to live with the consequences of our actions.

The one I’m worried about … ?

Is simply the fact I now have a green screen set up … !

OK, it’s not working perfectly: the thing only got unpacked a few hours ago, and needs ironing.

Which accounts for the speckled look.

But … ?



I know have a green screen: and I’m wondering where to put in between uses!

~≈Ü≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve got a green screen that — once it’s ironed — I can use to do all sorts of basic compositing: including the effects seen in the video intro.



All that … ?



All that because I like talking about TV shows?

Well, yes: I always did like that Max Headroom effect.

At any rate … ?



And while we on the subject of TV … ?

Yes: I’ve seen another episode of Good Omens … !

~≈Ü≈~

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 4 — Saturday Morning Funtime — A Review

1st July, 2019.

Yep: it’s been enough of a quiet day … 

To do a little shopping.



For practical stuff: rather than going on electronics.

I’m now expecting a tumble-dryer on Friday.

And more clothes … 



I don’t know about you, but I can only afford cheap stuff: which barely lasts for five minutes.

And means I end up spending more than someone who gets something of better quality … 

The good stuff lasts.



Hmm …



Remind me to tell you about Terry’s Pratchett’s boots theory.

Talking of which … ?



Did I tell you I watched more TV, tonight … ?

Yes … 

Good Omens … 

~≈¥≈~

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 3 — Hard Times — A Review

27th June, 2019.

Yes!

My kitchen sink is not making hideously horribly glugging noises.

As you. Possibly aware, I had an issue with it, last night.

Something seemed to be coming up the pipes.

Quite why, or how … ?

I’m still not sure.

But … ?



At least I’ve managed to report it to my landlord.

~≈Ç≈~

At any rate … ?



Unemployment means I have time on my hands.

Time enough to get snotty: if my AppleTV starts playing up at a crucial moment.

OK: I can reset everything by switching it off, pulling out the power cable, then plugging it back in again.

But it IS awkward … 

And thankfully, something I didn’t have to do, before sitting down with episode 3 of … Good Omens … 

~≈Ç≈~

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 2 — The Book — A Review

26th June, 2019.



Yep: it’s a thing … 



I have a kitchen sink that’s misbehaving: and upsurged a couple of times, tonight.

And yes: I have managed to clean that sink.

And unblock the drain.

All to no avail.

I still get upsurging.



And … ?

On the advise of my landlord’s out of hours service?

It’s something I’m going to have to chase up in the morning.

I just hope it doesn’t get so bad, it floods the place.

At any rate … ?

At any rate, it’s another quiet night: which means another episode of … 

Good Omens … 


~≈¥≈~

Good Omens — Series 1: Episode 1 — In The Beginning — A Review

25th June, 2019.

You know, there’s upsides and downsides, to life on the proverbial dole.

The length of time between interviews … the boredom …

It can leave you feeling … 

Mildly depressed, to say the least.

For me personally?

A couple of family deaths hasn’t helped.

Something I AM grateful for … ?

Is simply the amount of films and TV shows I’ve got access to: and the fact I can air my thoughts on what I see.

Yes: you’re right.

I’ve finally managed to access Good Omens: the series based on the book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

~≈§≈~

Frost/Nixon: Talking Heads Are Rarely This Good …

23/08/2012 22:58

Do you remember me saying, a while ago, now, that there seemed to be a rule — for certain kinds of horror or thriller movie — that says Keep ’em isolated, it’ll scare ’em senseless … ?

Well, I did.

And I hate to admit it, I think I’ve ALSO come across something else, here, too.

Sometimes … ?

Riveting drama is just two people talking.

At least, Silence of the Lambs famously showed us that.

As did the movie I’ve just caught, tonight: the 2008 film, Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon … 

‹‹·››

24/08/2012 21:53

Based on the play of the same name, Frost/Nixon tells the story of the by now famous series of interviews of disgraced former US president, Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) by David Frost (Michael Sheen): including Frost’s efforts to both fund — and sell — the interviews to US networks.

And Nixon’s efforts to throw his interviewer off track: something that’s not always as successful as he wants.

Oh … Just to show you how accurate that was … 

You can tell this is going to end badly, can’t you … ?

‹‹·››

Now, I have to admit, I’ve not seen Michael Sheen in his breakout role — as Tony Blairº in The Deal — but have always been impressed by him in those appearances of of his I have caught*.

Personally, though, I thought the real scene stealer was Frank Langella as Nixon: incredible stuff!

Either way, I am seriously going to suggest you catch this film, even if you — like me — aren’t as au fait with the Watergate Scandal, the original play, or the original interviews as you could be.

You’ll catch a bloody good drama … that boils down to two people talking …

Frost/Nixon★★★★

*        Do I mention The Doctor’s Wife, here … ?   Sheen voiced House … 

º        Although I don’t know if it’s as good as John Culshaw’s … 

Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans — Barking at the moon …

Well, now there’s a thing!

Adrian and I actually managed to catch the third instalment of the “Underworld” trilogy tonight,“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

And I’ve got to admit that it’s actually — of the three — the one I found myself enjoying the most.

We’ve had the big angst-ridden bit, with the first two entries in the series; “Underworld” and “Underworld: Evolution”.

Which both did rather well.

But “Rise” kept that to a mimimum.

Just so you know, the series is about the war between a race of high class vampires, and their former slaves, the werewolves; or Lycans, as the trilogy calls them.   “Rise of the Lycans” is the first entry in the series to tell its tale from a werewolf view.

In this case, the view point of Lucian, beautifully reprised by Michæl Sheen.   And if you’ve seen the original “Underworld”, you’ll probably be able to guess that “Rise of the Lycans” tells us the story of Lucian’s love affair with Sonja — nicely played by Rhona Mitra, who last graced my TV screen in “Doomsday” — daughter of recurring “Underworld” villain, Viktor; as Neo-nazi as ever, and played with the usual twitchy panache, by Bill Nighy.

In one sense, it’s nothing new.   It’s re-telling the story of the illicit affair between Lucian and Sonja.   But it does show us the story from Lucian’s viewpoint, which I was pleased about; in part because it gives both Sheen and Mitra to put in some very competent performances.   But also because it tells the story from a new viewpoint.

And one I felt was much better written than in the original film.

It’s just a shame that the inevitable Hollywood production and finances meant that “Rise of the Lycans” was the third entry in the series; this would possibly have been better as the first.

Seeing these things done arse backwards is a pain in the bum, isn’t it … ?

Underworld: About Last Night …

Well, there was a nights work; trying to get myself back on-line.

Don’t even GO there.

But I will thank me two kid sisters for helping me out.

Anyway, I managed to catch “Underworld”, last night, with Adrian. And thoroughly enjoyed it.

But with reservations.

It’s a great little film; visually, at least.

And certainly worth seeing, just to see Kate Beckinsale in latex.

I think Adrian’s right, pert is definitely the word to use …

But Underworld does suffer from being a fantastic looking film, with a wonderfully worked-out setting and background that really could’ve done with a bit more work on the dialogue.

Good characters, which were wonderfully acted. Bill Nighy and Michæl Sheen stood out, for me, as Viktor and Lucien. Michæl Sheen, as the sympathetic werewolf leader, Lucien, in particular; I can see why his name gets a mention, at Oscar time, based on this. Both did very well, with what they got …

It’s nicely plotted, as well.

But the dialogue could really have done with work. It felt a bit stiff and artificial in places; it could’ve done with a bit more polish to finish it off, and make it feel more naturalistic; something the sequel improved on, thankfully.

The script for Underworld definitely comes as over as though it’s someone’s first, I think.   Someone who’s keen to show off his thesaurus, as well.

As to the setting … well; the producers legal wrangles with White Wolf, the games company behind “Vampire: The Masquerade” over various copyright violations, came as no surprise to me.   When I originally saw Underworld, its background caught my eye, and had me assuming the people who’d written it had played, or read, Vampire: The Masquerade. The idea of a war between werewolves — or lycans, as the film calls them — and vampires, that both had a much more organised society than outsiders realise, and that both have very complicated politics and history, is central to the game.

It’s a shame “Underworld” couldn’t acknowledge its sources a little more openly.   I always think there’s creativity in games that should be acknowledged.

But it doesn’t necessarily make for a good film, but it IS there.

As a counter balance to that bit of controversy, though, the back story is meticulous …

Underworld is a great film, visually, and worth seeing for that. But I always watch it with the awareness that, for once, the direct sequel is one heck of an improvement. And that somebody wanted to show off their thesaurus …

Cast
Kate Beckinsale	Selene
Scott Speedman	Michael Corvin
Michael Sheen	Lucian
Shane Brolly	Kraven
Bill Nighy	Viktor