taita

As an ardent supporter and voter of Jacinda Ardern I was very disappointed when she resigned as our Prime Minister, however, after seeing this documentary on her life in the top seat I can see why she bowed out. She was concerned that if she encountered yet another catastrophe she would not have enough in the tank to deal with it. This was a rational and valid concern after five years that included tragic events and a strong Covid response that prevented the deaths of hundreds of people.

Do not expect a comprehensive multilayered story featuring detractors and critics, this is about her personal journey and I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.

I didn't know Danny Dyer, I do not follow any soaps at all, but I watched this episode anyway and was fascinated with how this wide boy EastEnder was able to get his lineage tracked back so far and so so SO impressively. I don't care much about the person they follow, to me it is about the social history, but frankly I thought this was a marvellous episode precisely because of who he was and where he ultimately came from. I bet his wife did too.

I am surprised it did not score a bit higher, I certainly think it is worth the 9 points I gave it. They are often only able to go back a few generations but this was a case of more is definitely more.

Another great performance by the late and very much lamented Victoria Wood. Her portrayal of Nella Last, a woman emerging from under the thumb of a somewhat dictatorial husband is stellar viewing.

Despite her continued anxiety Nella blossoms during the war years and seems to find her niche in assisting the WVS and Red Cross efforts. It is based on the very real diaries of Nella Last.