The Ties That Bind

I guess people just didn't have the time or the money to shave those bad boys off their faces back in the day. Those things are bold!

After watching the third of the series we watched #1, #2, and now #4. "The Tie That Binds" is the best of the set. The plot unfolds carefully and is not trite. Whicher is a tenacious detective and does not cower from unpleasantness. In this ephisode, we see a man with a big heart and pretty much free of prejudice and bigotry that is common in the heart. We like that he is not intimidated by the bluster of bullies. We have no intention of giving details of the story for its twists are delightful as well as surprising.

The acting, the stories, the sets, costumes.... so authentic to the period. This is the best period mystery/drama ever. Wish that it had continued.

Despite my disappointment at the shortness of this series one must reserve one's deep admiration for the quality of the writing, acting, stage setting and all the rest of the production effort that raises this brief series up firmly into the Golden Standard of film for television.

The layers of plot development were not forced by anything more than Wicher's own admission that his search for the Truth is his driving force alone. Paddy Considine achieves a remarkable sincerity in his delivery and non-speaking reactions that truly hit home in so many subtle ways other histrionics could never touch. A careful application of the less-is-more style works beautifully here.

The ending is very satisfying too.

A quiet contentment for a finale.

Love this series of movies. This was even more intriguing then the others. They are all great IMO. Are there more?