The Worst Journey in the World

It's been on TV (29-04-2007)

Why does it still say the programme is in post-production when it was on UK TV (BBC Four I think) a few days ago?

I'll say no more as I missed it and am awaiting it to be repeated as it will surely be over the next few weeks as they do that on the digital channels these days here in the UK.

"Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time which has been devised. It is the only form of adventure in which you put on your clothes at Michaelmas and keep them on until Christmas, and, save for a layer of the natural grease of the body, find them as clean as though they were new. It is more lonely than London, more secluded than any monastery, and the post comes but once a year. As men will compare the hardships of France, Palestine, or Mesopotamia, so it would be interesting to contrast the rival claims of the Antarctic as a medium of discomfort. A member of Campbell's party tells me that the trenches at Ypres were a comparative picnic. But until somebody can evolve a standard of endurance I am unable to see how it can be done. Take it all in all, I do not believe anybody on earth has a worse time than an Emperor penguin."

I've just seen this on BBC Four, and I never realised how a program sixty minutes featuring three men travelling to the south pole would be so fantastically fascinating. It was amazing to watch, and beautifully written. It even made me cry, and that hardly ever happens!

Even though the budget was probably not very high, the special effects and creative shots were perfect. As acting goes, the talents of Mark Gatiss and Lee Ingleby never cease to amaze me, and was originally the reason I watched it. Every detail added up and it made me feel as if I was there with them. The realism described and acted is superb.

Before I watched it, I knew hardly anything of these characters, but I have learnt a lot as well as enjoying a good period drama. It made me stare and sit on the edge of my seat, it sent shivers down my spine and made me cringe (there are a few gruesome parts) because of the reality it portrayed so phenomenally.

If you get the chance, I thoroughly recommend you watch this brilliant piece of drama.

We know the story and the outcome from the very start. The production probably cost less than the "original" Doctor Who programmes that Marl Gatiss is such a fan of. It features no famous names, Gatiss himself aside maybe, and an overall cast of about eight people. But it is one of the most unmissable and memorable single dramas of 2007.

Why? Obviously the basic subject matter itself is fascinating and a classic, but that is never enough to guarantee success. However, Gatiss is - frankly - a genius word-smith and faultless character actor in an increasing number of roles. And in this production he is at his best.

Its all here - the daring-do, the British pluck - but also the questioning of why, and the open admission that it was all largely pointless. A flawed hero, driven almost mad by his heroism is captured with precision.

It also has a curious old-fashioned feel to it as well, which is no bad thing. There is so much said in small words, gestures and silences.

Cherry-Garland, who Gatiss plays himself, was famous in his time but as maybe been forgotten in recent years. Its good to welcome him back from obscurity.