Marina Penzner

The British version of Ten Percent makes me miss the French version. The characters are missing the gravity, the substance that the French actors had, and the subtle comedic sense. The face of Montalembert, innocent yet has the need to achieve; the serious yet light touch of Cottin; Sidney having a lost yet tenacious quality; Montel's shabby tenderness and lack of finesse is so endearing; Rovère and Celma give their roles character without pouts or display. I adored all of them. None of the characters in the British version have any of that, enough depth. The most effective character in the new version is the introduction of McInnerny's character. But I started to wonder why they kept him on whereas in the French version, the camaraderie and empathy is apparent for an actor who doesn't make the grade. The story-line seems rushed and as much as Davenport is good in other series on BBC, I just don't believe him here. And the secretary's transformation at the bar where she takes him is just not believable either. I've stopped watching it.