Finders Keepers

I note that Fay Ripley is the latest to abandon traditional dialogue for a bastardised American version.

I couldn't believe it when she said "For God's sakes", yes with an 's' on sake. At least the English version means something, the Americanism is nonsensical. Why do we pander to potential American audiences? And what's so great about America that we have to copy everything they do?

Next thing we know she'll be washing diapers under the faucet. Take a look in the 'meer' Fay, you're English.

As for the show itself, once again a thin plot line is padded out to 6? Episodes that could easily have been 4 ............Yawn......... zzzzzz(ok...Felt like 6).

It's a blatant ripoff, and we all know of what, don't we?

Casting is fine (except for Neil Morrissey, as he's always creeped me out), dialogue is fine, cinematography is fine, blah blah.

It's fine, it's just the blatant-ness of the ripped-offed-ness is so up in your face that it utterly detracts from everything else.

Perhaps it would be less problematic if everything wasn't just "fine".

Don't you find that the minimum character count on IMBD reviews these days is utterly ridiculous, and that if you did use an AI app to create one, it'd be less problematic? I didn't use an AI, and I'm struggling, TBF. Oh, wait, passed the limit.

A fairly promising start makes way for a ludicrous penultimate episode followed by a finale with more holes in the plot than could be reasonably expected from a drama about detectorists.

At best, it's daytime tv fodder but with lots of swearing added to make it seem like it's a show for grown ups.

Was it supposed to be a comedy?

The actors, at least the most recognisable ones, all should know better but seemingly don't care; take the money & run?

One actor in particular should be ashamed of wasting his talent & performing to type as requested by the producers whims. If he's reading this, he'll know what I'm referring to (three languages & all you did was squeak!).

Even the music, apparently from Alabama 3, alternates between sounding like Last of the Summer Wine & a cheap horror movie with an obtrusive harmonica score one moment & a creepy organ the next.

Truly dreadful & a complete waste of time.

Some reviewers have the opinion that the plot was unrealistic, if they are referring to the find not being declared and an attempt made to sell it illegally, then that part is based on a real event, in 2019 two men were jailed for not declaring a Viking hoard with an estimated value of £12m.

The sweary and violent baddie was a bit cartoonish and was added no doubt for "dramatic reasons" but this is not a documentary, and no mention was made of it being based on a real event, even if it was.

It's to be hoped that this drama will put some crooked treasure hunters off not declaring, but it probably won't.

From the creator of 'The Good Karma Hospital' this new series also has a feel good beat underpinning the drama. There's a strong cast led by comedy stalwarts Neil Morrisey (Ageing ever so well) and James Buckley.

But don't be deceived by the comedy opening there are some very dark deeds ahead about to be uncovered...

This is a decent middle of the road comedy/drama written for a wide audience with lots of nice twists and turns that'll keep you guessing. If that sounds like your boat jump on board, the four episodes will fly by.

Had some nice touches with the supporting characters and actors too. Not going to blow your socks off or win any Bafta's but an easy watch.