Reviewed by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
State of Play is the best show I have seen on television this year.
Originally aired in 2003 in Great Britain, it spawned a movie of the same title in 2009, that must have been pretty forgettable because I remember seeing it and nothing else about it.
The BBC produced six-part series on the other hand calls for compulsive watching.
Directed by David Yatesand written by Paul Abbott, State of Play follows a group of journalists, John Simm, Kelly Macdonald, Bill Nighy, and James McAvoy investigating the death of a young assistant to a Member of Parliament, David Morrissey.
These British know how to create good drama and this one is absolutely enthralling.
If you haven’t watched it yet, please go to BBC America ‘video on demand’ on your TV and watch the first four episodes. Then, starting next Wednesdays at 10/9c you can enjoy the rest.
Apart from having a great storyline, the series is perfectly cast. Watch for an Oh so very young James McAvoy and a wonderful Kelly Macdonald playing a Scottish lass. I love her accent.
And if you are like me looking forward to the second season of Downton Abbey (http://goo.gl/6zF2I), another great British drama, you can watch now an encore of the first season on PBS Masterpiece Theater Sundays at 8PM.
And these, dear readers, are my last recommendations for this year.
Happy New Year to All!
Hi Joanne,
I wonder if I should watch the movie again. I’m sure the plot is good as it is a remake of the series.
And, as you say the actors are good.
I just don’t remember it at all!
Carmen, the movie “State of Play” with Russell Crowe is one of my favroite movies–and not because I am a fan of Russell Crowe. I think it is clever, has an intricate plot, and has a stellar cast.
That being said, I am definitely looking forward to this version and I thank you for the recommendation.
Happy New Year!