Finders Keepers

I really do get fed up with TV writers portraying anyone outside London as dumb, floundering idiots waiting to be saved by some almighty Londoner.

In this, the stupid local police are saved by a fantastic whizz detective from London. Without her they would not know any crime was committed, wouldn't have a clue how to investigate, or assist witnesses or victims.

As we actually know it is quite the reverse as other forces outside the Met lead on most aspects of crime.

Good storyline and acting, just ruined by these clichés in the writing which show the writers to be so wildly ignorant of anyone in the Shires.

Channel 5 have been banging out a load of 4 part dramas with mixed results. Most have been crime dramas but Finders Keepers is more of a black comedy.

Fay Ripley who seems to be in all these C5 shows stars along side Neil Morrisey who along with his future son in law James Buckley, discover buried Roman artefacts worth a small fortune. The find soon turns out to be a curse leading to theft, murder and bribery.

If you can put the glaring plot holes aside you have a half decent enjoyable four hours of television.

The performances are pretty solid throughout and the aerial shots of Glastonbury are truly stunning. 7/10.

I note that Fay Ripley is the latest to abandon traditional dialogue for a bastardised American version.

I couldn't believe it when she said "For God's sakes", yes with an 's' on sake. At least the English version means something, the Americanism is nonsensical. Why do we pander to potential American audiences? And what's so great about America that we have to copy everything they do?

Next thing we know she'll be washing diapers under the faucet. Take a look in the 'meer' Fay, you're English.

As for the show itself, once again a thin plot line is padded out to 6? Episodes that could easily have been 4 ............Yawn......... zzzzzz(ok...Felt like 6).

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, quite different to the average drama. It starts off gently but intriguing, with may be not the best dialogue or acting times but with humour. Then it takes a sudden turn to something very dark. There are many twists and turns and quite unexpected events but then back to normal family life. The characters play their parts well. Even when you can see the possible outcome, things suddenly change and it keeps you guessing. I wouldn't say it is a gripping drama but enjoyable and certainly held my interest. Also it was only four episodes which I think is a bonus. I would recommend it for its quirkiness. Well done to the author and the actors. I loved it.

Overall an entertaining mini series worth watching once . The cast performed well and the storyline , although implausible at points was generally engaging and entertaining. The reasons for not scoring it higher are based aroind the script and plot . Whilst entertaining , bits of it were almost waiting to get going on a more involved and new tack. The kidnap , the very rich collector and the missing business partner to name just three. The portrayal of the police and some other aspects , were with a sort of comic edge but not wildly funny and it left you wondering is this trying to be comedy or drama because it didn't really sit comfortably with the level of mix.

Despite this it was definitely entertaining .