Paul Bedbrook

I see others have given The Last Anniversary high ratings, but my high expectations were not fulfilled. Was it is that every person on the island was neurotic and unable to get over their long ago past, or was it the celebration of bad behaviours and over wrought persons living an introspective, island existence. None of it was close to modern real life, nor how the majority of women behave. It played to a narrow audience, and lived off previous TV series written by the same author.

It's good, fine performances of the lead characters (especially Lejla), suspenseful, weird stuff and doesn't drag, but there are flaws that spoil its quality. Examples: 1.why does Lejla always go out to places to meet people on her own? Not normal in her situation, only in lessor dramas. 2. What, out of the blue the creepy baddy is the guy who has been exceptional goody in the first five episodes. No clues! 3. And what, with all these kidnappings, deaths, etc, the case still stays in the hands of the local police? Surely, the National police would be swarming the location. Despite all this nonsense, we watched it...and only six episodes (tick).

The Drum is an archetypal ABC talkfest for professional talking-heads and advocates where their words and babble are their product for sale. Tonight's show (April 12) typified the weakness of the Drum, having an appalling segment on company directors duties which purported that the Corps Act 2001 list of duties only supported the objectives of profit and greed. It was like an undergraduate take, with evidence only from the Hayne royal commission considered. All Companies and directors were bad and corrupt.There was no balance, or other points of view.Where were the experienced directors giving their views? The ABC's Charter guides the ABC to do a lot better than this. Grow up ABC and realise the complexity of most issues.

Wit is a movie that demonstrates how a great screenplay, about a timeless subject, performed by class actor's can outdo any other type of movie, no matter what the budget. This is a riveting, enthralling and life affirming movie about death(!) and many other things along the way. It's funny in places yet devastatingly sad as it progresses. Memorable and timeless, go rent it and watch.

Yes, yet another totally why am I again watching unlikable people doing unlikely, despicable things to others and each other dressed up as art. Oh yes, my better half suggested it, again. And, these shows are so professionally produced, good to look at, with talented actors and yet something feels not quite right. They are depressing, demoralizing and with plots and time shifts that slyly manipulate us. Oh, and they move so, so slowly. At least it was only four episodes and I didn't need to be up too late.

What initially seems ridiculous, ends up being funny, serious and by the end makes sense and we smile. Great pathos at times. Overall, abovecaverage entertainment. And some familiar music from from other more suspenseful Hollywood movies (Hitchcock, or ?).