clairedoobie

The Return It's important to remember that this is based on (a small part of) a work of fiction. That is, something that is made up. There was no historical character called Odysseus, even the Trojan War was made up. So I can't quite see how it matters that there are black actors in this film. Unless you don't like seeing black actors on your screens. Yes, the Ancient Greeks were (mostly) white, and the Ethiopians were (mostly) black. And in many cases, quite wealthy. There was a lot of trading with sub-Saharan Africa. It's not inconceivable that some may travel to a Greek island to seek their fortune. So that explains the presence of black characters does it not?

Other problems some reviewers here had. The shabby state of the buildings and the clothing. Did anyone miss the bit where Ithaca had been more or less under siege by a group of thugs wanting to marry the rich widow? Several characters mentioned how people had fled the island and left the others to fend for themselves with few resources. The island was impoverished.

One reviewer asks how come the queen didn't recognise Odysseus when he returned. In the original story, the dog was the first to recognise his master. I fact, the queen did recognise him when she sat with him in front of the fire, once he started speaking to her. You can see it in her face if you're paying attention. Perhaps her talking about her husband in the third person ('did my husband ...') confused some people. She realised he was Odysseus but wasn't sure that she wanted to know him at that point!

Look, this film is a slow burn. There are no car chases, not even chariot races. The war is long over so there are no battle scenes, no Trojan Horses. It's about a war-weary man who is severely traumatised returning to a woman who definitely resents her husband being away for so long and who isn't sure that she wants him back at all. Its about emotions and relationships, about the cost of not just war, but a long absence partly beyond the control of the protagonists - if I were Penelope I would have packed up and moved to Athens and found another husband after five years absence, definitely after being besieged by would-be suitors. If I were Odysseus I would not have attempted to achieve a reunion with a long-neglected spouse, I'd know I didn't deserve it. But that's not the same story.

I really liked this film and recommend it to any thoughtful person.

Enjoying this. Great characters (some perhaps a bit stereotypical). Music is great. Punk version of 9 to 5? Yes please, Dolly would approve I'm sure. And I agree with the reviewer who mentioned dudes mansplaining punk. 'Punk means you believe in nothing does it? I was there matey. Some pu is did apparently believe in nothing or so they said. But really punk was/is about not being told what to think and that includes being told that you can't believe in feminism (or even religion if that's your bag). I seem to remember quite a few punk groups who clearly believed in feminism, anti-capitalism, and yes, anarchy too, so shut it.

And rock on ladies.

Please I'm begging you. If you don't like a show which has an apparent lack of straight white men in it, just watch something else and leave those of us who either don't care about the ethnicity or sexuality/sexual identity of the characters or who even appreciate the diversity therein to enjoy it. Extraordinary that this needs saying in the 21st century. Especially as there's so many other programmes to watch, including TOS. I really couldn't be bothered to control watch something I wasn't enjoying; life's too short.

Thank you.

PS this was a good episode with some gripping moments and good character development.

It's certainly as good as much of TNG.