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James Patterson is an incredible author who created a modern day legend in Alex Cross. The first 6-8 books are essential reading and whilst later revisits to the Cross character aren't quite as strong every book is a real page turner. The stories are unique, detailed and intense giving all the ingredients for great screenplays. So why is it that the movies were so dull despite starring 2 of the greatest actors around? Now this series attempts to make something watchable and entertaining with the character but whilst the story is pretty solid there is too much "background" nonsense with family and WOKE at work rubbish all detracting from the plot.

I really wanted to love this but once again it isn't a patch on the books and maybe that is the problem, the books were just so incredible there is no way to recreate them on screen? I will continue to watch Cross as it's not bad but I hoped for so much more.

Ok, where to start? So the plot starts out as blatantly obvious as the title suggests. By episode two the con is on and the money has been transferred to Niko's bank despite the ridiculously short time they have been together. So if this is the obvious yet ridiculous premise of this show then how to fill the next two episodes with the fight to get the money back. Well I was still engaged at this point despite the wobbly start and acting but what follows goes beyond the preposterous, there a plot holes everywhere and ridiculous storyline after ridiculous storyline culminating in an equally unlikely ending.

I watched all four episodes of this as I was stuck in hospital at the time. I wouldn't recommend either experience!

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Arthur Askey and his music hall inspired gentle humour but I have to acknowledge that his movies were very hit and miss. Ghost Train is one of my all time favourites but others are sometimes hard to sit through.

I thought I had all Arthur's cinematic releases but only recently discovered this one. I think I'd assumed it was lost but obviously I was wrong. So I sat down to watch this later period effort noting that it was written by the legendary Talbot Rothwell of Carry on fame and the strong supporting cast.

I think I was only 2 minutes in when I realised it wasn't going to be a classic!

There are a couple of funny moments as Arthur and his family win the honour of giving lodgings to visiting Russian dignitaries but overall it is very very dated and a most out of the ordinary performance from Askey . It's certainly watchable but by no means essential. For Askey completists only I would suggest.