Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spells &amp; Karma" data-source="post: 426572" data-attributes="member: 23">As Series Nine sees yet another reboot, I find myself wondering about the regular changes in format. Under most circumstances these would be red flags pointing towards problems behind-the-scenes, which could range from actors becoming unavailable to writers wanting to put their stamp on things to personality clashes. With this series, though, the changes feel somewhat organic. It could be viewed that they're necessary to stay true to a free-spirited character who is defined by his unconventional outlook. Perhaps tying him down to one setting and cast of characters for too long would undermine this... certainly post Fran. The final few episodes of Series Eight introduced a relatively small change to the status quo when Carol was dispensed with off-screen. We simply heard from Graham that she had left him, which led to the running gag of Graham being perpetually depressed (the resulting suicide gags harking back to the early days of the series). I am curious about the reasons for this sudden, mid-series change, but Caroline Langrishe's IMDb listing suggests her commitment to Chancer would be the most probable reason.No sooner has this format established itself, though, than Series Nine rips up the floorboards again, moving Shelley into a completely new setup with a new ally. Now he has taken up digs in a condemned house owned by a grouchy old slob who refuses to sell up. And there's something about this back-to-(very)-basics premise that feels right for this series. It gives Shelley the opportunity to get his teeth into a cause (there's already a sense that he feels protective towards the man being harassed by developers - and to bond with someone who is equally cynical (albeit in a different way). Both of which allow the series to keep its edge. It does also mean that both Graham and Phil are out. Neither is a particularly killing blow for the series. Both were decent enough, but more functional than essential (of the three supporting players Carol was the most fun). I also never saw the point of having an Brit playing an American here, since nationality never had any significant bearing on the role he played in the series, barring one or two observations of the "You Brits and your..." variety). It looks like Phil will return in one further episode, so hopefully there's some kind of closure or, at least a last hoorah for the character.Since it looks like Ted Bishop appears in every one of the remaining episodes, I suppose the current format is also the last, and this is what we'll have for the final two series. Already I find myself wondering how the series will end.</blockquote>

Verification: What month follows July?

Poison your name this Hallowe'en

There's plenty of time to choose your spooky October username

Click here for more details

Reply to thread