The Stone Tape — Retro TV

16th January, 2016: The Stone Tape.

You know, it’s not THAT often I get a Saturday night off.

But when I do, and if I’ve nothing else to do, I like to try and catch a movie.

Or a TV series.

Dr Who is a perennial favourite: but I’ve been binge-watching Penny Dreadful and House of Cards, over the past few months.

I’m ALSO planning to catch series two of Gotham: week by week, as and when it’s aired here in the UK.

Occasionally … ?

Just occasionally, I find a TV show that’s not a series: doesn’t get anywhere near being a series, or beyond pilot.

Or … can I be frank?

I’ve spent tonight watching an old ‘made for TV’ PLAY: the Nigel Kneale penned, Peter Sasdy directed, The Stone Tape.

And it’s rather hard to explain, unless you know a little background.

~≈È≈~

The Fades: Episode 6. Top THAT, Mr Production Crew … !

(Originally posted on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar on 26 October 2011 22:20:00 GMT.)

Whoah … !

Now, I’ve got to admit to being impressed with the end of that … !

Hmmm …

I’d better grab a sip of this steaming hot mug of tea, AND a deep breath, and tell you what I’m on about, hadn’t I … ?

««•»»

As you’ve possibly noticed, Grub and me* do tend to have our different views on thangs.

Or possibly even things … !

But I’m thinking he may be impressed with tonight’s sixth episode in the first series of The Fades.

Although how the show’s writer, Jack Thorne, can continue in any given series two, I can’t imagine … !

You see, tonight‘s episode … ?

Went for the BIG finish …

Sort of …

««•»»

Episode six of The Fades follows on directly from last weeks: we find that in his quest to try and … ah … persuade Paul to do things his way, Neil has kidnapped Mac.

AND managed to take Anna, Jay, and Meg hostage, as well.

And, in the course of taking Paul to the confrontation with John — who’s been depopulating the town, and replacing bodies with modern-day ghouls — manages to kill Jay …

««•»»

27/10/2011

Hmm …

Yes, you can sort of tell I’ve managed to get suitably enthusiastic about that, can’t you … ?

I’m managed to post that up, last night, feeling dog-tired. I think it shows, doesn’t it … ?

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, last’s night’s episode of The Fades sees the final confrontation between Paul and John.

Complete — if I haven’t already mentioned it — with Neil having taking Mac, Meg, Anna and Jay hostage to persuade Paul to kill John and the rest of the reborn Fades.

Instead of using Paul’s plan to re-open an Ascension point.

««•»»

Now …

After all that … ?

I think I’m personally going to go “Phew”, after that.

Now, I’m not sure what Grub made of The Fades: although I’m very aware one or two friends of mine weren’t keen.

Personally … ?

I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed this first series: and wouldn’t mind seeing a second.

Although, quite how, I don’t know …

No, scrub that thought.

Last night’s episode ended — as I’m sure those of us who saw it would agree — on a very apocalyptic note: with visions of an on-coming extreme storm provoked by Paul’s opening of a new Ascension point, under the shopping centre where it all seemingly began, back in episode 1.

And the death of Jay, along the wayº.

Frankly … ?

I think I’ve not seen something as enjoyably dark or bleak as this for a long time.

I’d like to see more.

I think I’ll leave both the producers and writers of The Fades with a question.

When’s Series 2?

Ascension’s been f*cked with.

The central character’s an emotionally wrecked angel who’s seen his girlfriend killed in front of him.

I’d like to know what happens next.

* And the man who alway’s forget’s his capital ‘I’s when talking about himself … will no doubt correct me for that …

º It’s not THAT often I’ve seen the death of a character in a piece of genre TV: in fact the last series I can remember to do so — although with less of a budget†ª — was Blake’s 7, many years ago.

ª I know Kevin D will possibly give me an argument about that: but I’m thinking, The Fades probably had a smaller budget than Blake’s 7. But — and this is the important bit — didn’t make as many demands on it: in terms of special effects, sets, props, or model work.

† I’m also thinking that The Fades put me vaguely in mind of Blake’s 7 and Star Cops, the latter, especially: I’m also thinking BBC 4 would have been a fantastic home for the latter.

The Fades: Episode 5: Blood, Guts … And TRIPE … !

(Originally posted on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar on 20 October 2011 15:05:00)

You know, I’ve GOT to confess, I’ve left it a bit late to do the post-The Fades write up a touch on the late side.

But have to admit, that’s what walking into town — or, at least, as far as Brentwood High Street — can do for you.

Or, at least, one after a late night episode of The Fades.

»»•««

Do you remember, last week, that I said I was annoyed about episode 5 of The Fades being shown — last night, in case you’re losing track — at 10, instead of nine?

I’ve got to admit, I was mildly annoyed about that, finding that Outcasts being booted around the schedules being a part — although quite a small part — of taking a serious nose-dive in the ratings.

I think that’s not going to be an issue with The Fades.

Not by a long shot*.

»»•««

At ANY rate … !

Episode 5 opens with Paul having been let out of hospital: to a very worried immediate family.

And sees Paul, Mac, Jay and Anna’s school opened as an crisis centre.

It seems the small unnamed town that the story is set in, is being plagued by a series of disappearances.

We can guess why, can’t we … ?

It seems the Fades have found a very handy way to both collect bodies and recruit … more bodiesº …

Actually, one of those collected almost recruits is Jay, Paul’s girlfriend, who get’s rescued in a dramatic rescueª, from the school’s boiler-room^.

»»•««

Which is where the episode closes, or near enough.

Actually, no, that’s me misjudging things.

Jay’s rescue is roughly half way through.

The rest of Episode 5 sees our heroes dealing with the results of the decisions that have lead here.

Including Paul’s newly found abilities to bring death unto‡ the reborn Fades.

Inspector Armstrong’s™ decision to make sure people start evacuating town.

Neil’s decision to kidnap Mac, in order to blackmail Paul into confronting — and killing — John.

And Sarah’s decision to go and see her ex-husband, after her experiences in tonight’s episode≠.

I’m thinking the first series of The Fades … ?

DEMANDS both a suitably wonderful climax.

And re-commissioning for a second series.

Buffy: The Vampire Slayer was never this dark …

Or this good.

* In a post about the show for The Guardian, Ben Dowell wrote “It is difficult not to watch BBC3 and E4 and think channels which target the under 35s are emerging as among the best places for boldness and innovation in UK TV drama.”. And while I’ve not seen either Skins or Misfits — I know Grub has, so I hope he’ll be able to comment — Mr Dowell has a very good point about both Being Human … and The Fades.

º One of whom is Anna’s boyfriend, Steve, who ultimately comes to a sticky end …

ª Hmmm … Cue references to Orpheus …

^ Which is either an extremely oblique reference — in a series that, so far, has been covered in them — to the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, or to Orpheus, as I’ve already mentioned …

™ Who, don’t forget, is investigating the assorted murders, missing people and earth-tremors … And is also Mac’s father, in case I’ve not mentioned it before.

‡ Yes, Grub, ‘unto the reborn Fades’ is possibly one of the ponceiest phrases in the post, but it’s THAT kind of show …

≠ I’ve got to give Natalie Dormer, who plays Sarah, a lot of credit, here: I don’t think acting training includes being in a bath and covered in tripe …

The Fades: Episode 4: Blood and Guts and Throwing Up … !

(Originally reposted on Nik Nak’ And Grub’s Who Peculiar on 12 October 2011 22:26:00)

Whoah … !

Yes …

I think we can definitely say that’s nasty …

AHEM!

And I have to admit, I’m going to really spoil Grub’s evening, if he’s managed to miss tonight’s episode of The Fades.

Hmmm …

You’re doing it, again, aren’t you … ?

Wondering what the hell I’m talking about … ?

»»Å««

You see, I’ve been following the BBC3 series, The Fades, over the past few weeks, as has Grub.

And to be fair to him, Grub’s finding it difficult to keep up, what with one thing and another.

So …

Bare in mind that — when I talked to him, this afternoon — he’d not managed to catch up with episode three.

So bare in mind we’ll have to be gentle with him … !

»»Å««

Tonight’s episode takes place in the immediate aftermath of Paul being knocked down by a truck in front of Mac.

With what’s left of Paul hooked up to several life support machines, surrounded by both his grieving family and friends, it’s left to Chief Angelic Neil to let Mac know — in that oh so blunt way of his — that Paul is dead.

Neil can tell.

Paul’s Fade is standing next to Mac, making assorted “It’s not you fault,” noises!

»»»Å«««

The other thread to this plot-line … ?

Is that the chief Fade, Polus, is now embodied and calling himself John.

And … ?

And, as he tells Paul, Polus is willing to bargain with the a newly Faded Paul — who’s stuck on a hospital roof — in order to find the Fade he loves, Natalie.

Polus also reveals a little more of his own personal history in this episode.

Seemingly … ?

Seemingly, Polus had died at the age of 22, during World War 2. Leaving behind a wife who he still loved, but couldn’t touch.

Until the day of her suicide …

When he tried communing with her: incidentally drank some of her blood along the way.

»»»Å«««

Phew … !

If you’ll excuse the phrase … ?

At any rate, I’m hoping Grub will be able to catch up with this show, I really do.

He’s missing both a very enjoyable show, and one that manages to pick up some very old myths — ghosts, vampires, zombies, out-of-the-body-experiences and forms of shamanism* — and put them together in a very modern and accessible way.

OK, granted tonight’s episode finished in a very obvious way — with Paul’s fade being rejoined to his body at the moment of his ascensionª, and Sarah volunteering to spy on the enemyº — but it’s an entertainingly well written‡ series, with solid acting performances from its cast, and plenty of scares to keep people coming back for more.

I’ve just a couple of questions, at the moment.

For starters … ?

Why the HELL has BBC 3 shifted the start time to 10 o’clock, next Wednesday? I hate that when it happens … !

And why on EARTH do a pair of 17 year-olds know THAT much about Mork & Mindy … ?

* Very English forms of shamanism, I should say: or possibly ritual magic, I think I’d need to talk to an old friend about that, see what she says …

º Inevitably. (Well, she IS the only one qualified — and motivated — to do the job.)

ª And his life-support-machines being turned off.

‡ By a chap called Jack Thorne: who I have to admit, is relatively unknown to me.

The Fades: Episode 3: Flesh, Birth … Apocalypse … And Adolescent Sex …

(Originally posted on Nik Nak And Grub’s Who Peculiar on 6 October 2011 20:16:00)

You know, I’m REALLY going to have to start thinking of more tags to add to the list at the bottom of this post, I REALLY am … !

Because, believe it or not … ?

I think I may need one or two … !

Because I think I’m getting to the point where I’m going to admit …

I can see WHY they haven’t put The Fades on BBC 1.

I think fornicating teens might just get some grumbling … !

»»•««

Hmmm …

Now, you’ve probably already worked out I’m talking about last night’s third episode of The Fades, haven’t you … ?

Episode three’s SOMETHING of a complicatedly multithreaded one, so bear with me while I try and explain it.

For one thing … ?

One thread sees Paul getting ever closer — extremely so, in fact — to his sister Anna’s best friend Jay.

Which is nice: just don’t ask about the wings!

Another … ?

Another sees our hero almost completely forgetting the simple fact that it’s his best friend’s birthday.

And yet a third — phew — sees him healing the almost dead Neil: who’s been both seriously injured as a result of last week’s encounter with some seriously nasty fades.

And healed in a way that forces the soon to ascend — and very dead — Helen to admit he can do thing’s she couldn’t, while she was alive …

»»•««

It doesn’t stop there, either.

Seemingly … ?

Seemingly the chief Bad Fade — referred to as POLUS — has managed to changed itself into a complete human form, AND start cropping up in Paul’s vision of the end of the world …

»»•««

Episode three ALSO has something of a sudden ending.

It sees Paul …

Hit by a truck.

I’m glued … !

Again … !

I’d like to see how this resolves itself … !

The Fades Episode 2: They’re STILL here. And Made FLESH!

(Originally posted on Nik Nak & Grub’s Who Peculiar, 28 September 2011 22:15:00)

You know, I’ve GOT to admit, this is going to be one of those posts I’m going to start late …

And finish in the morning … !

Mostly … ?

Because to be frank, I feel godawful!

Absolutely no energy to me!

What HASN’T helped … ?

Is that today’s been one of the hottest September’s in the UK for a very long time!

I’ll catch you in the morning … !

»»·««

29/9/2011

Oh, that’s better, that, a good night’s sleep.

Although — as I think I mentioned here — I think I hate early mornings … !

Lets get moving on, shall we … ? Before Grub gets sarcastic …

»»·««

Last night’s second episode of The Fades follows on a short time from episode one: it show’s us Neil dealing with the aftermath of the death of Helen and Sarah.

And Paul having visions of the death of his mother and sister: something that worries Mac enough to make a comment or two.

And something that confirms to Neil the course of action he takes.

Dragging Paul to an abandoned care home, to speak to the fade of a former angelic called Eric.

Who, in his own sweet way, confirms that Paul is going to be “important … ”

»»·««

Now …

I’m blowed if I know what Grub’s going to say about last night’s episode.

Personally … ?

I’ve enjoyed it, again.

It’s kept up a fair level of creepiness, advances the plot, tells us more about both good and bad* Fades …

Personally … ?

I’m STILL watching … !

* The bad ones, so you know, are able to interact with this world because they’re finding bodies, and eating them. Or MANUFACTURING bodies, so they can eat them.

The Fades Episode 1: They’re HEEEEEEERE!

(Originally Posted on Nik Nak & Grub’s Who Peculiar, 21 September 2011 22:29:00)

Now, wait a minute, Hang ON … !

I’m not — despite what Grub may say later — impressed.

Really.

I’m not.

You see, I’ve caught something on TV, and not impressed.

No.

I’m stunned.

Stunned, I should maybe say.

Although, being honest … ?

That means I’m missing a VERY good chance to use the phrase, ‘gobsmacked’ … !

‹‹•››

Right …

You’re probably what the hell I’m burbling on about, now, aren’t you … ?

I’ll be frank … ?

I’ve just seen the first episode of BBC3’s new supernatural drama series, The Fades. And been frantically tweeting about it, as well, along with quite a few other people!

And I think I can safely say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed what I’ve seen!

After a frantic pre-title teaser, that sees a woman called Sarah being killed, Episode 1 of The Fades sees two schoolfriend, the deeply troubled Paul and his friend Mac on something of a dare, to an abandoned town centre shopping mall: in the belief that it’s been used by a film company to make a horror flick. A film company that’s maybe left a few bits and bobs lieing around.

During that opening few minutes, the pair become separated.

Which is where Paul meets a mysterious figure that he only later finds out is called Neil.

A mysterious figure who immediately starts threatening Paul with a loaded handgun …

And who only stops shooting …

When a body comes through the roof of the basement.

‹‹•››

Now …

I was saying about gobsmacked, earlier … ?

Too damn RIGHT I was gobsmacked!

You see, I’m thinking that this opening episode of The Fades is quite possibly one of the best openers I’ve seen in a very long time.

I’d put it somewhere on a par with Rose, the opener for Christopher Ecclestone’s one and only season as Dr Whoº.

It shoves us — hurly-burly — into the middle of things, introduces us to its main characters and how they relate to each other: and explains the shows premise* in a way that doesn’t feel patronising or preachy.

‹‹•››

Hang on, lemme just have some of this tea that’s going cold at me …

‹‹•››

That’s better … !

Now, where was I … ?

Yeah …

Episode 1!

Now …

I’ve told you I’ve enjoyed this, haven’t I … ?

And I suspect — although I could be wrong, granted — that Grub will have done, as well.

Or, at least, by the time he sees it. (He happily admitted he’s got his long term girlfriend, over, tonight.)

After all … ?

The Fades had us happily nattering about it in Brentwood Library, today.

And both happily admitting it looked good.

I think I can safely say tonight’s first episode … ?

Both lives up to the hype.

AND has me wondering why the BBC put it BBC3 …

When The Fades has so easily outclassed The Body Farm, on BBC1 …

* The fades of the title are — according to Neil — the souls of those who’ve died, but, for some unknown reason, can‘t get through to where-ever they’re supposed to go to next: they’re seemingly stuck here, on Earth, and become bitter and angry as a result.

º I couldn’t help but feel this way, in part, because Neil’s first word to Paul, mirroring the Doctor’s to Rose, in that episode: “RUN!”

The Crow: Death, Revenge and Heavy Make-up

You know, Movie Night Adrian, Kevin and Sarah D, and Squeaky, have managed to catch something I know I think of as a bit of a Gothic Oddity, tonight.

Well …

Maybe oddity is the wrong word, there …

But Gothic … ?

Gothic is definitely the right word, I’m thinking.

And that’s whether you’re defining ‘gothic’ as wearing tons of white make-up and black leather fetish wear.

Or anything literary or architectural that’s covered in gargoyles and suicidal maidens in white …

Forlorn ones, that is.

Umm …

Forlorn gargoyles, I should add.

If that building’s got suicidal maidens on top of it, I’d be able to pretty much guarantee forlorn doesn’t begin to start …

AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!

I’m burbling, here, aren’t I … ?

≤≤≤•≥≥≥

But, at any rate, I think I can definitely say that the Movie Night Gang have managed to catch — bless, at Sarah and Squeaky’s insistence — the 1994, Alex Proyas directed film version of James O’Barr’s comic book, The Crow.

And, as I think I’ve mentioned already, ‘gothic’ is definitely the word, here.

For starters, the fact that the late Brandon Lee — son of the equally late Bruce Lee — died as a result of a shooting incident whilst making it, certainly adds an gruesome touch!

Then there’s the plot …

Hmmm …

Actually, the plot’s fairly easy to follow.

Eric Draven — Brandon Lee — is a rock musician murdered by a gang of thugs, after they’ve broken into his home and gang-raped his fiancee, Shelley.

And is brought back from the dead by a mysterious crow, tapping on his grave-stone, in order to try and avenge her death.

Which is where the post-movie discussion only started, actually …

Seriously!

My word, didn’t the post-movie natter go around the houses …

I think we managed to cover everything from modern trade union strike tactics, through how exactly one defines a favourite something — book, movie, song — all the way to whether wrestling has an equivalent place to EastEnders — and other fantasy works — as a form of positive escapism: something I know Terry Pratchett defined as escaping to, rather than escaping from.

But I’m also very aware that we had something of a gender split, as well.

And I’m thinking it’s on how — to an extent — to define The Crow.

You see, I’m very aware that both Sarah and Squeaky thoroughly enjoyed The Crow as a gothic romance.

And not just a Mills and Boon style love-story, here: if I’ve understood the history of these things, properly, the Gothic literary movement of the 18th century emphasised passionate love affairs — whatever the mortal state of either one of the lovers — and had occasional works in the genre where a dead girlfriend/boyfriend/fiancee/wife/husband comes back as a ghost, and makes an appeal for either vengeance or declarations of love.

Or appeals for deliveries of Marmite.

Just don’t quote me on that last one!

Of course, the other end of the split … ?

The other of the split saw Adrian and Kevin D, in particular, argue that the romance side of The Crow wasn’t as important as the fact that The Crow was a vigilante movie.

With the three of us arguing about exactly how good a vigilante movie it was. And getting some very meaningful looks from the female half of the room in the process …

Which brings me to the other cross-gender split.

About any potential remake …

I think I can safely say me and Kevin D are decidedly interested, Movie Night Adrian’s possibly interested, and both Squeaky and Sarah are definitely against.

Hopefully, they’ll post up their reasons.

But here’s what I’m thinking.

I believe this original version of The Crow has a lot going for it.

Over all … ?

It’s a well paced, and visually stunning piece of work: I’m told that favourable comparisons have been made between it, Bladerunner and the two recent Batman movies, as well as the two Tim Burton Batman films, back in the day.

But the fact that Brandon Lee died so tragically young, as part of the filming … ?

That, for me, gave The Crow a very unfinished feeling.

I, personally … ?

I’d’ve loved to have seen The Crow, as it could have been done.

Or maybe should have been done.

Considering that the comic-book original has now added quite a lot of extra material, for the comic’s anniversary …

Well …

I think the remake may be a very different film, altogether.

I think seeing it — and knowing a living Brandon Lee’s opinion of it — would’ve been nice.

≤≤≤•≥≥≥

The Night Watch

You know, it isn’t that often I watch a subtitled film.   Not that often, at all; I think the last one I saw was Luc Besson’s “Nikita”.   But the few times I do watch them, I pay attention.

After all, one has to, with subtitles.

And, as with “Nikita”, paying attention to the Russian made, Timur Bekmambetov directed, “Night Watch” pays; or that’s my thinking.

I also know that an ex-girlfriend of mine wouldn’t have wanted to see it, given her severe dyslexia.*

Even if — as she was — you’re not one for subtitles, I’m told there’s a dubbed version doing the rounds;  you may wish to track this down, as I believe Nightwatch worth at least one watching, dubbed or subtitled.

It would be a shame to lose out on those, though, as the films makers use them them in very interesting ways.   As one example, when one of the characters, Yegor, is having a nose bleed in a swimming pool, the subtitles are red, and swirl out of sight, as if they were blood dissolving into the pool; at other times, they appear from behind parts of the set, only to disappear behind characters as they walk across the screen.

It’s a very watchable way of turning a necessity into a minor work of art. 

That’s not only where Night Watch scores, I feel.

It has a very different emotional feel to it, I think.

I’m reminded, here, of William Gibson’s Neuromancer, as well as the film version of Trainspotting in that both have an world weary, streetwise feel to them, although, of the two, I feel Night Watch shares its tone more with the latter.   They both want to show that their subject is incredibly sleazy.

Saying that, Trainspotting — dealing, as it does, with with the lives of a group of Edinburgh heroin addicts — has its roots in the real world.

Night Watch, however, is more supernatural in the tale it has to tell

The prologue telling us how the truce between Good and Evil is formed by its leaders and policed by the Night Watch —the Light Others— and the Day Watch — the bad guys, if you don’t mind my putting it simply — and how they are expecting a prophesied Great Other to tip the balance in one or the others favour.

That’s the films basic premise, although it opens with its central character, Anton, going to see a very urban witch, to hire her to cast a spell for him.

It turns out the witch is being watched.

By the eponymous Night Watch.

In the process, Anton discovers he’s an Other, and has to make a choice.

Which is where the film gets going …

I think I’ll leave that there.   But I will point you to Night Watch entry on both IMDb, and on Wikipedia.

But that opening scene …

The witches insistence that Anton assume the sin of what he asks her to do — something I’m told is a feature of real-world paganism — is what caught me, and the feeling that it was telling you a sleaze ridden story of a supernatural vice squad is what kept me watching.

And seriously has me wanting to watch the follow-ups …

Cast
Konstantin Khabenskiy	Anton Gorodetsky
Vladimir Menshov	Gesser
Valeriy Zolotukhin	Kostya's Father
Mariya Poroshina	Svetlana
Galina Tyunina	Olga, the sorceress
Yuriy Kutsenko	Ignat
Aleksey Chadov	Kostya (Anton's young vampire neighbor)
Zhanna Friske	Alicia Donnikova
Ilya Lagutenko	Andrei
Viktor Verzhbitsky	Zavulon

* The lady in questions was a qualified chêf, and had an IQ somewhere in the upper 120s; I’m told that’s pretty good, and is certainly brighter than me.   Nasty temper she had, though, I seem to recall …