Mort & Spunky the awesome cat

This was, generally, another fair-to-adequate episode in an fair-to-adequate revival of what had been a great series with one exception: I've never seen a guest actor make an episode like this before. According to IMDb, this is the first thing I've ever seen with Patricia Heaton.

While all the other actors (whose talent sometimes shines through the mediocrity with which they work) are essentially sleep-walking their way through a phoned-in script, Patricia Heaton steals the show. Her timing, facial expressions, everything about her was exemplary. If this had been the first episode of this second life of 'Frasier' I'd seen, I would have assumed she was a regular.

I can't believe that the reviewers before me (except one) saw the same production I did. Honestly, as it was concluding, I was amazed I'd enjoyed it as much as the very best crime thrillers I've seen from Britain, Scandinavia, Belgium, and elsewhere. I found it exhilarating.

It may not have been flawless, but I thought everything was above average to exceptional. The main actors were phenomenal (two secondary parts were a few beats off but not terrible). The photography and editing were great. The story was compelling for nearly the entire four hours. The third episode slightly faltered for me. In the end, that may have been best: I'm not sure I blinked during most of the fourth episode.

Perhaps other reviewers had seen this specific story done (like Professor T, another great one, it seems to be a popular remake) before. They walked into it with expectations that weren't met (too similar or dissimilar)? Don't let them dissuade you. If it's caught your interest, give it at least 20 minutes. I can't help but think most will enjoy. I wish they'd have continued the story. Instead, I'll have to look for other works by the makers of this fine series.

It's been years since I've been this sad to see a film end. Wish I were more eloquent, so that I could do it justice.

Two twenty-something brothers are struggling with the loss of the only parent they've really known and to find their way - especially one. They head north to their dad's fishing cabin. It's a great visual, emotional and intellectual adventure. The three main characters, our two leading actors and Quebec's north, are fantastic in their roles advancing that adventure. And the crew put it on film beautifully.

One of the things that struck me is how well the film shows the confinement of emotion generally expected of men. The cast and crew deal with this and so much more, brilliantly. I was deeply moved.

I'd highly recommend. I may be the first '10' vote, but I won't be the last.