Ali “AliB” Browne

Season 12. This is so so slow. Lots of ‘are you okay’? Where are all the sub-plots? Back stories. Earlier series had so much going on. Fast paced - lots of action and noise. This one is weird. It’s all so basic. All talk very little action. There’s no vibe at all. Better change it up or it’s over.

Really enjoyed this. Don’t usually watch this sort of drama. Glad I did. Although the history isn’t particularly factual and the use of the terms ‘Scots’ and ‘Scotland’ seem to mean all of Scotland which isn’t true. The majority of Scots in the most populous areas, the lowlands, were mainly happy to be British & had very senior roles right across government & the military. I loved the characters & they’re well rounded and casting is brilliant. Incredible love story with real chemistry between Jamie & Claire. Wonderful actors I’ve never seen before. My only gripe would the daughter Brianna - poor casting! Apart from lacking blue eyes! both Jamie & Claire have beautiful blue eyes. Her acting skills leave a lot to be desired. As for her character, she’s soft, spoilt, not savvy or smart & has no skills! Maybe it’s the 20th C materialism, who knows but anyone brought up by Claire would be tough & capable not whiny. I’m hoping she goes back to her time (1968) very soon. I’m looking forward to the next episode & the American adventures. 8/10 ( missing marks due to Brianna casting).

Latest series Ep15. Horrendous. It’s a soap opera now. Ruzak and Kim! What a state. Neither are professional and should be out of the unit. Ruzak is more of a criminal than a cop and an obnoxious one at that. Kim is just self-absorbed now - she used to be funny and quirky. The other two now married are just boring and should go. As for Kevin - he’s stayed the same solid guy. This show is just a shadow of its former self when Antonio, Erin an Al were there - and Hank was at his manipulative best - they were all brilliant handling complex cases and subplots. The show should end now as the cast and script are poor and not worth watching. I won’t watch again.

Brilliant writing and casting. Loved it. Would’ve had a different ending but I won’t spoil it for anyone still watching!

Just watched series 1 and 2 again - superb! Will watch the rest again - apart from the one about Brody’s daughter! Awful. I’m afraid the last series 8 hasn’t much substance. It’s a huge disappointment so far. Characters are shallow and there are no worthy sub-plots. Carrie is the only competent rounded character left. No Dar Adal, Quinn, Brody, Yorkshire Gold, Mike, Estes, Carrie’s sister Maggie, Otto, Jonas Vince & Max, senators Lockhart or Paley, Fara, Allison, Astrid & the rest. Saul’s there of course as the consistent symbol of failure -he’s failed at everything in every series. Can’t believe this is the end. Brilliant writing and casting. I’ll miss it.

One of the best tv series ever made. Series 1-3 was outstanding. The cast are brilliant. The writing, casting and music should win ever award. Not so sure about the later series though. Would love to see Pedro Pascal and Boyd Holbrook together again.

Utterly brilliant documentary. Seeing his vivid story was inspiring. Old Govan. 130,000 at a match. How he left Rangers. The sectarian issues in Glasgow. A story of sheer hard work, honesty and solid decent values I think may have gone in the world now. He’s a big Labour man and believes in equality and fairness. Great leadership. Just loved this story. What a man.

Very different from Braveheart I’m glad to say. Interesting highlighting the lifelong on/off relationships between the Bruce family, the Scottish aristocracy & Edward I and II. They all grew up together during battles abroad. Never ceases to amaze me how so many betrayed one another. Excellent cast - every one of them - Chris Pine was terrific, a quiet thoughtful character. So was the Edward II character Billie Howle and James Douglas character Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Great set and scenery as well. The final battle was epic. As a Scot - these films always make me feel rather melancholy. Enjoyed it though. I’d give it 8/10.