TheLittleSongbird

'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' "Garland's Baptism by Fire" (2020)

Opening thoughts: What is meant by that is that the 'Law and Order' franchise has varied wildly whenever it has tackled any story revolving around religion. The original 'Law and Order' made a fair share of compelling and hard hitting episodes, but then there have been episodes from especially latter seasons 'Special Victims Unit' that represent it in a very one sided and heavy handed manner. The subject though is an interesting one and 'Special Victims Unit' has proven many times that it can tackle heavy themes really well.

This is apparent in "Garland's Baptism by Fire". While not a great episode, it has a lot of great things (more so than the not so good) and is one of the better episodes of a mostly disappointing season. And it is not near as heavy handed or as one sided as some 'Special Victims Unit' episodes centered around religion (it's certainly no "Conversion" from Season 18, thank goodness). Its approach to the subject is scarily uncompromising and shocking, and when it comes to the character development episodes from Season 21 "Garland's Baptism by Fire" is one of the better ones.

Good things: "Garland's Baptism by Fire's" good, no make that great, things are many. Photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed. The script is tight, full of punch and thought provoking, while managing remarkably to not be preachy.

Furthermore, the story is very interesting that finally gives some much needed and overdue depth to Garland. Which is done very well indeed, being emotionally investable without descending into melodrama. It also shows very well how scary it is when there are close knit communities that criminals hide in or are well respected in, which is why coming forward against them is hard. Garland is developed beautifully here, in some of the season's best character development (so much better than "Redemption in Her Corner's" attempt with Tamin) and is relatable in a very hard situation for him, which saw him very perceptive yet conflicted. The acting is very strong, especially from Dermot Barnes, bringing sincerity and dignity to Garland. Did feel for him.

Bad things: It is admittedly though a rather predictable episode, the truth never being in doubt with it not being much different from episodes with similar cases. Did think that some of the content later on felt over-stretched when the case thinned a little.

Did feel that the supporting characters could have been written with more subtlety and been less one dimensional.

Closing thoughts: Overall, not a great episode but an impressive and very well done one. 7/10.

'Christmas Magic' (2011)

Opening thoughts: The premise, while not novel, did sound very sweet and moving as well as easy to relate to. Have seen some other work starring Lindy Booth, and both her performances and filmography are variable. Have been watching Christmas films (namely Hallmark), as someone who has always loved the holiday (if not quite as much in recent years for obvious reasons), as part of a completest quest started around 2018/2019, and 'Christmas Wish' was part of the quest.

Seeing it, 'Christmas Wish' is above average and has quite a lot of good things. At the same time, it could have been better, with some things that easily could have done better. Not one of the best Christmas films seen, but also a long way from being one of the worst. Booth comes off well, though the rest of the cast varied more. As far as Christmas films go, 'Christmas Wish' is in the somewhere in the middle and a little above mixed feelings category.

Good things: Booth is the best thing about the film. She is absolutely radiant, and succeeds in bringing depth to a flawed yet likeable character. The other casting standout is Derek McGrath, in a charming and sincere performance in a voice of reason sort of role. Most of the characters are easy to connect with, as are enough of the situations, and are developed quite well, particularly Booth's.

It is a good looking film, very nicely shot with beautiful scenery. The music is soothing and never seemed too loud or at odds tonally or in placement. The direction is confident enough, and appropriately low key without indifference. Tue film has a honest, thought-provoking script that doesn't sound awkward or too soapy. As well as a charming, heartwarming and moving story with inspiring messaging.

Bad things: However, Booth did deserve a better male lead than wooden, uncomfortable looking Paul McGillion, who also didn't look that happy to be there. Also standing out in a bad way is an incredibly annoying Teresa Pavlinek, her character really grated to the point of inducing a day long headache.

Detected very little chemistry between McGIllion and Booth and the relationship itself felt underwritten and mismatched. Admittedly, despite delivering on the emotional impact the story is predictable and is at its weakest with the very rushed, too schmaltzy ending. That also came over as far-fetched because of its unrealistic patness.

Closing thoughts: Overall, decent but not great.

6/10.

'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' "Un Cadavre au Petit Dejeuner" (2019)

Opening thoughts: "Un Cadavre au Petit Dejeuner" is notable for three things. One is that it is a rare 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' episode to not be based on an Agatha Christie (my personal favourite author and coined the Queen of Crime for good reason) book. One is that it is the last Swan Laurence and Alice Avril episode, always did love Alice though Swan and their chemistry took time to warm to but came on leaps and bounds. The final interest point is that it is a musical episode, and there have been musical episodes of shows that have worked surprisingly well ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer's' "Once More with Feeling").

Surprisingly well is a very good way to sum up the Season 2 finale "Un Cadavre au Petit Dejeuner". 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' is an uneven series, ranging between average and great with no bad episode. "Un Cadavre au Petit Dejeuner" couldn't have been a better farewell to this pairing and is a great episode in its own way. Despite not being based on a Christie story, it surprisingly was not as blatantly obvious as feared and was honestly expecting it to.

Bad things: Maybe there could have been a little more of the Swan and Alice partnership, but that is not too major a quibble.

Good things: Everything else is truly excellent. Expectedly, the production values are typically handsome and so lovingly recreated, makes one nostalgic. The beautiful photography complements expertly. When a musical episode, the music/songs makes or break the episode in question, luckily in "Un Cadavre au Petit Dejeuner" the songs are little joyful bonbons that are a mix of uplifting and emotionally impactful while never coming over as cheesy. They are choreographed and performance in a spirited fashion too, and it never felt like the action was being slowed down or that the songs were not relevant.

Furthermore, the dialogue is entertaining and thought provoking with lots of funny and intriguing lines. The story is never dull, always intrigues and is always easy to follow while with enough to keep one guessing. It is suspenseful, is an illuminating insight into Alice's past and done in a way that makes feel and root for her and does a good job with staying true to the tone of the rest of the series and of Christie's style (not an easy thing to achieve). All while with affectionate nods to Rochefort and Hitchcock.

Alice is a joy and Swan has come on such a long way as a character. They interact very well together. The acting is very good, particularly from Blandine Bellvoir.

Overall, was shocked at how excellent the episode was.

9/10.