CLIFF-43 Reviews

Diagnosis Murder (1993–2001)

Let's not forget Norman

[4 September 2001]

We in the UK have just enjoyed a summer during which I have enjoyed Hallmark TV reruns of the Diagnosis Murder series it showed earlier. I must agree with most other commentators that this is a great series with good plots, scripts and humour in which the four leads really do 'gel' to make a thoroughly enjoyable series. Dick van Dyke is truly one of the greats and yet never seems to outshine the other who clearly enjoy their work -- a fact that shines out of the screen in every episode.

However, this week both Hallmark and BBC have begun showing new series ... which are probably several years behind those being run in the US, but imagine my disappointment to find that the fifth stalwart of the team no longer appears.

I refer of course to the wonderful Norman Briggs (Michael Tucci) whose character, plotlines and timing made him an equal with the other four ... a truly enjoyable character. If he was deemed unnecessary by the producers of this series then I say "For shame - Community General Hospital will never be the same without him", but if Michael Tucci has moved moved on to other things of his own volition than I say, "Thanks for the humour Michael, and all best wishes for your future projects -- Community General will still be a poorer place with out you".

To the rest of the regular team however ... thanks for your great work on a fabulous series ... please carry on your sterling work. It truly is much appreciated.

The Count of Monte Cristo (1964– )

Superb

[10/10 · 2 August 2001]

There aren't enough superlatives to express my thoughts of this sixties' serialisation of Dumas' classic novel. It is one of my vivid memories of my teenage years having been one of BBC TV's superb Sunday teatime serials which were a staple television diet at that time - along with the "Dr Who" serials on a Saturday. With the superb Alan Badel as the ultimate 'Count', subsequent portrayals have been pale in comparison - even Gerard Depardieu in the recent French language adaptation. My only wish is that someone, somewhere, would seek out this production and give it a well-deserved rerun - all thirteen half-hour episodes, which omitted little from the novel. A truly superb and memorable production. 'They don't make 'em like this anymore' ;-((