HL-UK

Matching the original series was always going to be a tough one. However, the main deficiency in my opinion is to do with the supporting characters. In the original show we had 4 supporting regular characters, each of which was an independent force to be reckoned with. They were original and interesting. That is why there wasn't much need to bring guest roles. The different combination of interactions and personality clashes amongst the 5, coupled with the superb writing and acting, was enough to entertain. The characters in the new show are uninteresting at best with very little depth and appeal to the extent that they cannot hold a scene in their own right. It ultimately all falls on the shoulders of Mr Grammer. Unrealistic and clowny characters such as Nigel's son and Moose the fireman, cheapen the show and suggest that the writing is not able to do its job. Frasier's son and the waitress do not have the potential for interesting content. It will never lead to anything like the great Frasier and Ross chemistry. On the plus side, it has been refreshing to see Ross and Lilith guest star.

I think that what they spent on locations they saved on hiring proper writers. The scenery is breathtaking but that is all there is. The original plot is interesting and enticing. However, they spend too much time on parties and sex scenes and then seem to run out of time to unravel everything. The last episode is like an editing disaster. The acting is atrocious, except maybe for the actress playing the wife and the young gigolo waiter. All others are like glossy cardbord figurines. Very beautiful indeed but as shallow and unbelievable as they can be. However, I doubt even good actors could have done much better with such abismal writing. The final scene is a complete joke and if it is the prelude to a second season, we have to expect comedy.

The plot is very interesting and current. It can be a minefield for a long series. The main actress was brilliant in The Americans. Main reason I started watching. However, unlike The Americans, this show is one of those where drama is lightened up with a few comedic secondary (luckily!) characters and scenes that really negate the main narrative. At first, the unique relationship between the Ambassador and her husband comes accross as interesting and intriguing. However, it starts getting a bit too unreal with the husband becoming so laid back it is almost impossible to see him as ever having had a serious career in politics. The main two problems I see are: The main character is not hugely likable and (at least until episode 5) still obscure as to what drives her. It isn't easy to relate to her as a result. Whilst certain mystery can be good, at some point, you start withdrawing your unreserved loyalty and that can be a huge downer when it is the principal subject of the show. Secondly, the writers appear to be up-to-speed in some important UK foreign policy topics but why do they fall in that endless cliche trap of portraying all British characters as starchy snobby with posh accents drinking tea and having biscuits!!! Good example is the stereotypical uptight and sneering housekeeper. Do some more research! A Brit in a high political office would never speak to his team and express himself in public (esp in front of foreign alley officials) anywhere near the way that the Prime Minister on the show does. It takes away a lot in return for what might be a rather lame "funny" moment.