Douglas Is Cancelled

This show is a strange animal, but also somewhat entertaining, thanks in no small part to its brevity. The plot moves quickly and mercilessly, similar to the way the public internet court can pass judgement on someone like Douglas. As with everything written by Steven Moffat, the dialogues take center stage: they are snappy and spirited, often relying on quick repartees to drive the narrative.

The lead cast is excellent across the board, and I could listen to Karen Gillan's soft Scottish accent all day long. Where the show slumps however, is when the secondary players get any screen time. It's hard to believe that Moffat is the creator of such pointless characters as Douglas' unbearable daughter, or his clueless manager, or Nick the comedy writer, whose lifeless sense of humor is certainly meant to be ironic in and of itself, but really only ends up being discordant.

All in all, it's an interesting project and it's topical enough to generate discussions worth having in this day and age. I just wish Moffat had been more judicious when choosing his characters and a little braver when detailing the actual cancelling.

One of the best mini series I've watched in a long while. The acting by everyone is absolutely top notch probably because the writing and direction is of an extremely high standard. Not to mention the editing which often goes without the praise it deserves. The emotional delivery of quick fire line after line demonstrates the quality of this show throughout. I'd usually call out the lead actors for their brilliance, but in this case everyone played an important and valuable role, however small, in making this an enjoyable watch to the very end, and watching to the end is so worth it, trust me. Highly recommended.

ITV has been in the lead over the BBC in the drama department for a few years now, and Douglas is Cancelled is another feather in their cap.

Like Sir Bates VS Post Office this takes on some very topical (if not historical) issues which feel very relatable.

The premise is a simple one - television presenter Douglas has been overheard making a sexist joke at a relatives wedding. The nature of this goes viral, dividing his fans, co-workers and the country alike. Should he be cancelled in a world where everyone finds absolutely anything offensive?

The cast here are all superb especially Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillian as the two TV presenters, rounded out by a great supporting cast which includes Alex Kingston and always pitch perfect Ben Miles.

The show tackles a number of immediate and contemporary issues, not least of which is trial by social media, which is becoming a bigger and bigger problem these days, just ask Jay Slaters parents.

While this is Sunday night packaged entertainment that never gets on the wrong side of dark drama, its skillful and well made television.

This story grabs you from the off and feels extremely relatable from the get go. I'll be doing a deep dive on it on my Podcast tomorrow, but in the mean time, this comes with my strong recommedation.

Take on those big issue topics ITV, you do it so well.

It starts off slowly and you wonder where it is all going. But I am so glad I stuck with it as it builds to a phenomenal climax.

The cast are fantastic with Hugh Bonneville, Ben Miles and Alex Kingston And really shows off Hugh Bonnevilles's slightly befuddled expressions and Miles being a predatory nightmare.

Karen Gillan is outstanding in a challenging role. You never know how to take her until the very end. A hugely difficult role and perfectly executed.

I absolutely hated her at the beginning and my sympathies were all in the wrong places. And then everything starts to shift and I wound up actually crying. An absolutely stellar performance from all the cast. The writing and direction were excellent.. Douglas and Madeline are brilliant and well worth any awards for their performances.

8/10 Britbox.

I nearly turned off a couple of times near the start (and I see that many other viewers did, their loss) but ended up bingeing all four episodes in the early hours. I have great respect for writer Stephen Moffat and it was a great cast. I confess to being a Dr Who fan and this reunion of Karen Gillan and Alex Kingston in the main female roles and as powerful characters from kept me glued to my screen (other Whovians from and in smaller roles also featured). The third episode is scary, and skin crawling, but wait .... the fourth is the key. Keep watching. There's always a twist at the end. Yes, I know that's Russell T Davies, but honestly, do keep watching or you'll always be wondering. 100 stars to Karen Gillan in this.