Minder

While the 21st Century version of the classic 80s comedy-drama 'Minder' was always going to have a lot to live up to, the first episodes gives cause for optimism.

There was outcry amongst fans when TV personality and sometime TV presenter Shane Ritchie was cast as Archie Daley, nephew of the infamous Arthur, but while Ritchie is not much of an actor, he gets an 'A' for effort here. If anything, he should tone down his 'cheekie-chappie' enthusiasm, in favour of portraying a veneer of reputability, but, as the series will take time to hit its stride so will Ritchie.

The plot exists to be disregarded - an entirely nebulous storyline fulfilled its purposes of introducing us to the principals, via a series of non-descript villains. While Petra (who I take to be a relative of the gravel-voiced Dave, proprietor of the Winchester Club in the George Cole original) is a spirited character and looks set to be a series regular, it was Lex Shrapnel who gave the standout performance. Carrying the show with an understated hard edge and an air of seen-it-all-before weariness, he already seems as able a Minder as either Dennis Waterman or Gary Webster.

It was during the commercials that I stumbled across Waterman on the other side, and while I thought I would be pining for his gravelly tones and acknowledge considerable presence, I feel that the show, in its infancy, will survive without him.

There are some shows that people really want to return, but know that she probably shouldn't come back as they'll be pale imitations of the original version.

This remake (or continuation) of 'Minder' is a good example of this.

It's not bad actually, but it suffers hugely in comparison to the original show.

Shane Richie does well, but his character is basically just Alfie Moon (his Eastenders character) under another name.

Crucially the writing isn't great, and the plots aren't the best.

It's a noble effort, but it just didn't capture the public's imagination in the same way as the original.

I am a fan of the original Minder series and think the Terry and Ray years are both examples of real quality television. I have to confess I watched this re-boot/sequel series out of pure interest.

As with the "Yes, Prime Minister" re-boot, you're given the impression nobody involved in the making of this actually bothered watching the original series. Or if they did, they failed to see the point of it. Shane Richie (who I've always thought was a one-note actor) is completely mis-cast. The script is clearly calling for somebody similar to George Cole's character, but Richie just looks and sounds far too tough. By contrast, his minder is half his size and lacks any of the wit, charm or on-screen presence of Arthur's minders. The scripts are uninvolving and, worse still, lack the quirks which made the original Minder such a unique show. The Minder of old was about surviving in the grubbiest wilds of inner-city London. This, on the other hand, is all fancy office blocks, spotless streets and designer apartments, making it look more like an episode of "House of Cards". Even the appearance of guest stars like Rik Mayall and Meera Syal can't lift this from the level of the decidedly humdrum.

I guess if this is seen as a sequel then one would be in for a surprise. On it's own it has some good points, but the chemistry that was Minder is gone. It has good locations, some sequences are fun, and the acting varies from quite good to dreadful. After just a few mins I'm ready to reach for the off button, unlike original series that keeps you hooked into the storyline. They cast the wrong actors, and handed them a weak script. If anything it's the stories that makes it drag. Minder original had action scenes, and nobody can deny the initial sequence with taxi was fabulously put together, yet when this duo meet it is a bit of a let down.

It is more like a tourist information video for landmarks of London, padded out with action sequences, and incongruous storylines.

I think it's a shame as Minder could have been so much better, even in a more modern context.

George Cole though basically made the show, without him as a likeable rogue, it's not the same.

Actors are different today, that alone would make it hard to find someone with such charisma as George.

Maybe someone will try again, and another Minder appear, unlikely, but it would be possible even now, but the format would have to be a bit retro really, with modern bits integrated.

I loved the original minder. I was expecting an upset but was pleasantly surprised. Shane Richie is ace He's probably the best Arthur possible (sorry Archie) he's got all his mannerism down to A tea. really plays the lovable rogue well.

Lex shrapnel is a little on the small size for a minder but so was Terrence if I recall but like terry his character should grow as the Show runs.

Excellent!

The fight choreography was iffy but I'll allow it !. Just improve that and I'm sold.

Only thing that could make it any better is a few cameo appearances' from the original show to show some continuality.

Welcome back to my heart MINDER my long lost friend.