John Lloyd, writing in the Financial Times (8th May), likes Strike Back. “Three other hard men made their debut this week. In descending order of hardness, they were John Porter in Chris Ryan’s Strike Back (Sky1 Wednesdays), Luther (BBC1 Tuesdays) and Lewis (ITV1 Sundays) – all characters devoted to keeping us safe from harm. [*too bad there's not a pale 'orangey'(clue to it's original founders) shade to coordinate with the FT]
In the first, Porter, ex-SAS, is haunted by an action in which two of his comrades are shot, perhaps through his misplaced act of mercy. He sets out to redeem a debt of honour, and rescue a captured journalist. Richard Armitage, who plays Porter, is back in secret service land – he plays Lucas North in Spooks. He’s one of the best action men on television, with actorly reserves enough to bring to life private griefs as well as public derring-do. Strike Back is fine for tension, good on sub-Bond dialogue; if some of the characters are cardboard, and the storyline makes Spooks look true to life, still it’s thrilling."
[Ricrar note: thrilling is an understatement, altho' those who've read the book - or the excerpt at this blog - of the only HOT scene in the novel, will be disappointed to learn that the 'action' between Danni & Porter in SB, eps 1&2, was moderated to tepid:( On the bright side, there is the possibility that they've extended their relationship into the next 2 adventures:) Therefore, there could be renewed steam ahead....choo!choo!]
(*Mr Lloyd also comments on recent UK election results - go Cameron! Can’t resist poking my nose in where…oh well;) Entire article here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/bbd083d6-595c-11df-99ba-00144feab49a.html
Sincere thanks as always to: http://www.acemarsupial.co.uk/
3 comments:
I'll be surprised if there isn't a second series of Strike Back. Sky seem to be going all out to pinch some of the BBC's finest actors. Philip Glenister of "Ashes to Ashes" fame is getting his own series too I hear.
I loved the new series of Luther by the way, although it does seem to have a slightly American feel to it, but it's really good. I don't think Richard would have been right for the part though in all honesty.(Remember some fans thought that Richard might get the role of Luther some time back?)I don't think Richard can do real aggression (okay I know he's good at shooting and killing in acting roles but his eyes never seem to contain the anger or hatred necessary sometimes, perhaps that's why he's so good at portraying troubled characters best because he's able to convey a certain vulnerability).
Hi Sue, I've learned more about UK audience expectations since that foolhardy initial poll asking how many millions watched the first showing of SB. Here, with an over 300M population, anything under 4-5M is considered 'cancel' material. Good news is that Sky tripled it's audience share during both eps on Wed. Most likely means, as you've said, they'll commission at least one more series.
That would make Richard happy - he's mentioned often the desire to return to the Porter character. Did you notice in one of his first SB interviews his remark "we thought it had balls." hahaha Really hit my ears, because altho' Porter often drops an 'F' or 's_it' I'd never heard RA use that language in person. Suppose after playing John he considered it 'polite conversation' compared to the other two:)
Is there a clue what reporters were talking about when they'd state 'Hollywood is on the table'. Sounds as though RA might be in negotiations for a role. After the 'Charlie' episode, we know how lengthy that entire process can be.
p.s. Ep 3&4 will definitely give John Porter more quality time w/Danni.
Is Luther the detective/private investigator show that RA was rumored to star in? Maybe there wasn't enough action to suit his taste.
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