I really liked it; and I though casting "Mr Charles Dickens" himself (Simon Callow) as Dickens was a great move. Not only was he really good - it was a signal of intent. This was a return to the show that took itself seriously - and attracted big name guest stars - in the way it once did.
Really, only one part failed to work for me - and that was the discussion in the coach. As you say Eccleston was a tad hammy; and Dickens's dialogue was really over written.
CD: "A fan?" [Dickens mimes fanning himself, with a puzzled expression]
was all it needed. What we saw was terribly over-written, over-thought, and laboured.
Other than that, great stuff all around; and next week looks great...
no subject
Really, only one part failed to work for me - and that was the discussion in the coach. As you say Eccleston was a tad hammy; and Dickens's dialogue was really over written.
CD: "A fan?" [Dickens mimes fanning himself, with a puzzled expression]
was all it needed. What we saw was terribly over-written, over-thought, and laboured.
Other than that, great stuff all around; and next week looks great...