Speakerine

This mini-series about a female TV host in the Sixties has many strong points, with a few surprising weaknesses. It's certainly watchable and even fun up to a point. Setting it at just that junction has a number of advantages - the predictable sexism, the intrigues of the OAS, De Gaulle's over arching presence, the tentative dance of the French with the Americans. There is one almost caricaturally evil schemer, sometimes too predictable (she notably recalls a recurring villain on "Law and Order: CI"), but with some surprising wrinkles as well. The fact that the father, sometimes a mushy corporate pawn, is also an ex-Resistance fighter adds some texture. There are hints of "Eyes Wide Shut" - lite. Those who track wardrobe will enjoy the under garments, etc. (and the lead's hairdo is virtually a siganture in itself). The story is a little shaky morally, cutting despicable people a little too much slack and blithely gliding over at least one real crime. But it does move along well and, if not really "Mad Men" in tone, does share that series' ability to recreate an era little known to many today.

The first four episodes are worth eight stars, but the last two drag the series down. All the previous subtlety goes out of the window and we have a scenery chewing villain, and numerous story lines not followed up. It seems that there was a possibility of another series, but that idea was abandoned and the writers told to just finish things up quickly (and unsatisfactorily). It's a great shame because it was an interesting era politically, and the initial four episodes promised much.

Nothing remarkable perhaps, but the ebb and flow, and unmistakable French flavour did provide audience interest.

Much admired was the way in which the politics of the period are elucidated. This never felt forced and certainly added to our understanding of the life and times of the characters.

Less impressively, the early episodes raised expectations that an explosive finale could be in the offing - a promise that was not satisfyingly delivered upon.

Nevertheless, the 1960s period authenticity was to be applauded, and I found the storytelling reminiscent of the French dramas I enjoyed in the 80s and 90s. - 8.0/10.

The storyline got darker and more intense as the drama progressed. Somewhat implausible, but at 6 episodes was the right length. Featuring the political situation relating to Algeria and the role of the OAS was possibly something better suited to a different drama rather than this one.

Marie Gillain and Barbara Probst were both excellent in different ways. The latter creating a screen villain that rivals many more notable characters in screen history.

Attitudes of the time, 1962, were capture in the blatant sexism and the incessant smoking.

This is a relatively light-hearted French whodunnit TV series (hints of Les Petits Meurtres de Agatha Christie, especially in the production, look, etc) but set against the intriguing backdrop of the growth of television as a power across France and the globe and, more effectively, the messy and indeed very violent end of French occupation in Algeria. It's impossible to imagine a mainstream American show tackling anything like this kind of subject but somehow here (thanks to excellent acting, great direction and some stunning locations brilliantly used) it all comes together in a truly surprising little gem that is well worth a few hours of your lockdown time. Viva la France!