Nigel Marston

I thought nothing would ever compete with 1883 for the sense of freedom portrayed - of a world bestowed upon mankind before the complete industrialisation shrunk distances between cities and even countries to merely "hours". However, by shifting some of the story to Africa, 1923 retains some of earth's sheer scale. It's funny how many Christians seek to whitewash the horrific history of their churches which persisted into modern times. It happened so get over it. Most religious establishments ruled by bullying of some sort or another - yes *most*. Listen to modern - still alive - Irish people brought up by sadistic nuns in recent history. Only weeks before Christmas I listened to a radio program from Nigeria where Christian children's homes exhibit this sort of behaviour today. The treatment of indigenous people of all countries is a stain on any colonists of their era. Their stories need telling. If we cannot learn from history, then what good are we doing? It's uncomfortable viewing but so it should be. Our discomfort, while watching from the safety of our sofas is nothing compared with what they endured. Watch, cringe, learn. The portrayal of PTSD for post WWI soldiers is another worthy storyline. So many men were traumatised by wars in the 20th century and it took the world far too long to recognise this and to help them. Even today "help" is inconsistent and usually insufficient but at least it is acknowledged. Hopefully in generations to come, we will have evolved enough to help properly. The light in all this is the very last scene in episode 2. The freedom expressed in running away. The hope for a future of adventure and love. It's brief but powerful.

Garbage. Expensive, high production values but ploddingly slow storytelling. Dull, boring and even Rosamund Pike looks bored.