Bookish

I am currently in hospital and needed something good to watch and this has done the trick. I've been waiting for this to start for some time now. The show is Well written, funny , brilliantly acted and the first 2 episodes have such clever lighting. The sets have such detail they just take you right back to that era. I've watched 4 of the six so far and want to saver it but I need to know what happens next.such a shame there are only 6 episodes but I'm sure it will be a hit and another, hopefully longer series will be in the pipeline. Well done to Mark Gatiss for this tremendous new show, another thumbs up from me.

Having watched all six episodes in the first series I can vouch for its high entertainment value, but it requires a degree of wit and patience to keep on board with the intricate plotting. Mark Gatiss's script is witty, full of mischievous allusions and cryptic jokes, but this element is counterbalanced by the human story of Jack's relation to Gabriel Book, a story which will no doubt be further explored in the already commissioned second series. It is imaginatively filmed, well acted and strong on atmosphere. Nine stars out of ten because there were a few occasions when I found it difficult to make out what the actors were saying to each other.

I find very climactic the already well-known British device of presenting the episodes with an initial sequence apparently not related to the main timeline, but whose relevance will later be revealed (see Vera, Endeavour and many etcs.) This is, to me, the 'antipasto' for a most palatable 'crime dinnertime'.

I warn against the not-very-realistic reviews of people who don't even deign themselves to watch a full first episode and, based on a few minutes of hasty viewing, mark poorly a whole season or the show altogether. If you will take the time and trouble to write a review, at least take the time and trouble to see the whole season first. Otherwise, what worth is there in assessing something you haven't actually watched?

For those who have really watched Bookish, the experience seems to have been delightful. And Mark Gatiss plus Polly Walker, what a fantastic cast. A crowd-pleaser of course, but always delivering!

I liked the atmosphere, the bookish thing in itself, the character development and the 'magnetic' traction of the show, which drew myself in from the very beginning. So what else can I do other than recommend it, especially for those lovers of British crime series.

Mark Gattis always writes interestingly different stories and his performances are very truthful. This is quite an interesting and unusual series. The London portrayed doesn't quite look like any London that I know on deeper examination It isn't London at all.

Possibly because of economy the production decided to shoot the series in Belgium. Very sad that a quintessential English series is filmed in a foreign country. The streets the buildings the supporting artists all look wrong. I hated the filming.

The lighting was incredibly harsh. I don't know whether this was trying replicate old-fashioned lighting but it certainly didn't work. None of the actors looked at all their best. But well done Mark for bringing us an intriguing series full of humanity.

I must admit that I had been looking forward to this debuting from the moment I found out of its existence.

I was not disappointed.

I love the characters. Book and Trottie are a wonderful couple, tender and loving. But at the risk of divulging spoilers, I shall say no more on that.

At the time of writing I have only 'binged' four of the six episodes (why are there not more?!). The supporting cast are equally compelling, hinting at depths not yet explored.

The cinematography, direction, set and costume design are all superb.

The storylines are well thought out, with allusions of other famous whodunnits, but with spins on them that only bring them to light during the denouement.

Gatiss is a superb writer, like all of his works he knows his subject matter and he sprinkles Easter eggs and nods throughout whilst creating something truly original.

I am sad that only six episodes have been made. So far. The series, the characters, the mysteries, deserve many, many more outings. If there is any justice, we will see Book and co. Again.

10/10.