BLOODIED TOGAS! THE RETURN OF 'I, CLAUDIUS'

Blood and glory- an empire witnessed in I, CLAUDIUS. Images: BBC.

The Ewings, Carringtons and Borgias may know a thing or two about family conflict, but they're still in the nursery compared to the court of the Roman Empire at its peak of power, debauchery and murder, as seen in the history telling of Robert Graves supreme dramatic epic: I, CLAUDIUS, adapted by Jack Pulman for the BBC, and one of the corporation's greatest dramas - a true international success that has indomitably served the test of time. It's now getting a deserved seven part re-airing on the UK's BBC 4, weekly from tonight.

A respected theatre talent, Derek Jacobi launches his TV acting career to great acclaim and audience appreciation with his incredible lead performance as the likable, clever and all-round decent Claudius-the overall storyteller/narrator of this fine and often bloody piece charting the history of the nest of vipers power players that ruled an empire across the world, and of their eventual and deservedly epic fall from grace. Claudius's only weakness was to be born with a stammer, which hampered his progress amongst his family, friends and peers, who all considered him the runt and fool of the litter when, in actuality, he was anything but. Intelligent, clever and resourceful, knowing when to keep his head down and say the right words at the right time (sometimes, even, caught in events by accident or through the vagaries of cruel fate), he learns to adapt and survive the many hurricane-like incidents that the mistress of history throws at him...

Derek Jacobi as the downtrodden Claudius.

With the kind of supporting cast that most casting directors these days would kill for, including Brian Blessed as the wise but brash Augustus, Sian Philips as his wife- the true serpent in Eden- Livia Drusilla, and John Hurt and Christopher Biggins, both of whom thoroughly scare and totally repel as the insane figures of Caligula and Nero, there's also a whole wealth of superb supporting stars adding much to the tapestry, including a curly wigged Patrick Stewart as Guard Commander Lucius Aelius Sejanus, Ian Ogilvy as Nero Claudius, Margaret Tyzack as Antonia Minor, Patricia Quinn as Livilla, and so, so many more...

John Hurt, truly terrifying as Caligula.

BAFTA winning, I, CLAUDIUS is rife with classic moments of character and incident, quiet beauty opposite brutal terror. Pulman's memorable adaptation is concise and effective, capturing Grave's work beautifully for the small screen. Shot entirely in studio, the direction by a Herbert Wise (also launched onto an even greater film/TV career from this success) is lavish and atmospheric-a storyteller who knows how to get the best out of his actors and the environment they bring to life so vividly and decadently. If you've never seen it before, you're in for a treat-one of the real gems of mid-to-late seventies British television.

Iconic title sequence: I Claudius episode 1 A Touch of Murder opening - YouTube

URBAN WARFARE! 'SPIRAL: STATE OF TERROR' ARRIVES ON UK TV

Parisian protector Captain Laure Berthaud (Caroline Proust) and her loyal police squad return in SPIRAL. Images: CANAL+.

Fiery lady detective Captain Laure Berthaud, as played with distinctive French style by Caroline Proust, returns with her loyal comrades, sometimes not operating within the full bounds of the law, to pursue a ruthless emerging band of home grown militant anarchists with explosive intentions, in the fourth series of the acclaimed international hit crime/legal thriller SPIRAL, sub-titled STATE OF TERROR, which debuted its weekly double episode run on UK TV last Saturday evening on BBC 4 (but why no HD!?), in another worthy co-production with SON ET LUMIERE and the CANAL+ group.

If the opening episodes are anything to go by, this new twelve-part run, delving into the murky, always controversial world of racial discrimination and immigration control, with its often tragic decision making and consequences, is going to be just as gruesome and downright gritty as ever. (The gripping opening scenes quickly showed us a handless, blood soaked body of a young man being dumped by his friends in a park!) As ever devoted to her job and career, Berthaud doesn't just have the terrorists to contend with. She herself is at the centre of a continuing internal affairs investigation, after deliberately shooting a brutal serial killer who was taunting her with his next victim: an incident covered up by the majority of her team mates, whilst one of her finest, the reckless and often unstable Gilou (Thierry Godard), frustratingly becomes involved with a group of Egyptian gangsters which will surely lead to no end of conflict and future brutality. Then, on top of all that, there's a slimy and ambitious new police chief, wanting to increase the city's crime clean up rate and soon obsessed with the team and it's reputation, who will surely add sparks to the steaming pressure cooker.

Legal eagles Pierre (Gregory Fitoussi) and Josephine (Audrey Fleurot) reach a crossroads in Season Four.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the justice system, Berthaud's least favourite person, striking red-head defence counsellor Josephine Karlsson (KOOL TV's ever popular Audrey Fleurot) defends one of the suspected anarchists, as well as being unable to escape the world of crime she was previously caught up in, or shake off the needs and personal interest of a fixated Russian gangster, Ousmanov (Anton Yakolev), despite her personable legal partner Pierre Clement (Gregory Fitoussi), also soon caught up in a dark defence case, doing his very best to keep them separate, and his friend safe. In his typically wily manner, embittered magistrate Judge Francois Roban (Philippe Duclos) also returns to the world of courtroom conflict, offering his experience and unique advice to friends and police colleagues, but what set of circumstances will set in motion his agenda against those bitter and antagonistic rivals opposed to him in the upper echelons of power?

It looks like it's going to be a very volatile and engaging Spring for our intense, dedicated Parisian folk...

Spiral / Engrenages - Season 4 - Trailer (Totally Serialized 2013) - YouTube

Official French site: Engrenages - la série TV - Production CANALPLUS.FR

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: 'BORGEN's SIDSE BABETT KNUDSEN

Diplomatic responsibilities for the lovely Sidse Babett Knudsen in BORGEN. Image: DR.

Doing a difficult but better job of running her fictional Coalition Government than anything British Prime Minister David Cameron could ever do in reality, the talented Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen gives a marvellous and subtly compelling heart and soul performance as double life juggling, devoted mother and career woman for the people, Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg, in the addictive European political/personal serialised drama BORGEN, currently taking UK audiences by storm on the BBC 4 and BBC HD channels with its excellent, high quality second year of ten episodes.

Title sequence: Borgen / Government - title sequence on Vimeo

Tough decisions are made, with support from Spin Doctor Kasper Juul (Johan Philip Asbæk). Episodic images by Mike Kollöffel, Courtesy of DR TV. 

Recently divorced from her husband, with a young daughter caught in the middle of the family conflicts and suffering from anxiety attacks, the emotional pressure is on for an often isolated Birgitte, who also has vying outside worries to contend with from her ambitious political foes and rivals looking for weakness in her leadership decisions, moving in for the kill as her once trio coalition loses key support from the Green Party. So, lots of upheaval and great drama here for the actress to mine (backed up with high-calibre scripts from creator Adam Price and his team), as the Prime Minister equally tries to keep her country from sinking into economic debt whilst also wanting to usher in a tide of positive change and growth for her country and its citizens. Despite such good intentions, the last part of Season One and the early part of this new season intriguingly saw a darker side emerging from her character, too, as Birgitte's need to do the right thing sometimes challenged her personal convictions and nurturing instincts as both a woman and a mother, and saw her run afoul of her loyal friends and loved ones, whose affections and allegiance she only just wins back. As we head towards the final episodes (and the eventual third and final season), political and personal change is surely in the air once again for the character and her life and career, giving Knudsen further character building blocks on top of an already accomplished, multi-layered and compelling performance.

A fractured family life with ex-husband Philip (Mikael Birkkjær) and daughter Laura (Freja Riemann).

In her life and career before and since BORGEN (whose series international success proved surprising to her), Miss Knudsen's body of dedicated, critically acclaimed film and TV work in her native land has been diverse, from heavy personal drama (the noteworthy AFTER THE WEDDING with Mads Mikkelsen) to light comedy (SOVER DOLLY PA RYGGEN?). With her excellent spoken English, backed up with a radiating intelligence and personal style, a mature sex appeal, plus one of the most charming and giddy smiles I've yet seen, it surely won't be long before her career branches off further with exciting work offers from both the UK and US.

Interview: BBC News - Borgen actor Sidse Babett Knudsen on Scandinavian drama

A winning smile for the people in Season Two's final episode.

Seasons One and Two of BORGEN are available on Blu-ray here: Borgen - Series 1 [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Johan Philip Asbæk, Mikael Birkkjær, Søren Malling, Adam Price: Film & TV and Borgen - Series 2 [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Johan Philip Asbæk, Jannik johansen, Jesper W. Nielsen, Louise Friedberg, Miikel Nørgaard: Film & TV

BACK IN TIME FOR 'FAMILY GUY's 200th EPISODE!

Meltdown! The Griffins celebrate in style for the upcoming FAMILY GUY Season Eleven. Images: FOX.

Classic comedy moments from the the past get a brand new twist for fans of FAMILY GUY, what with its well-deserved celebratory 200th episode, titled Yug Ylimaf and airing tonight in the US, as Brian and Stewie Griffin's time machine usage goes into world altering meltdown in the wackiest What if Christopher Nolan's INCEPTION hit Quahog? scenario, after Brian breaks it whilst impressing the most recent of his "skank" girlfriends. Look out for time in fast reverse Peter/Chicken fights and the infamous vomiting scene where our Griffin family stars get an absolute internal stuffing!

Sneak Peek: 200th Episode | Family Guy | Animation on FOX - YouTube

The classic vomiting scene gets an even grosser new spin!

KOOL TV can't wait to see the episode-part of the series eleventh season- when it eventually airs on either BBC 3 or FX HD sometime next year in the UK, alongside other future plots including Brian becoming a meth dealer, Meg falling for her brothers look-a-like, Quagmire accidentally marrying a hooker, and the Griffins deciding to climb Mount Everest! In another fun time travel spin, two versions of Brian and Stewie may end up on a road trip adventure to Las Vegas towards the end of the season. Voice guest stars this year include Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds and, in the ultimate series crossover, Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson!

Climb every mountain! The Griffins do Everest in an upcoming episode.

HER LAST STAND. SARAH LUND RETURNS IN 'THE KILLING' SEASON THREE

Could THE KILLING's final season storytelling prove too high a price for even Sara Lund (Sofie Grábol) to handle? Image: DR 1 TV.

Sales of Faroese jumpers are likely to got through the roof again-and just in time to help desperate Xmas stores sales figures!-with the arrival of the third and final thrilling case for clever and intuitive Detective Sarah Lund to investigate, back into the dark and chilly streets, warehouses and high tech power worlds of Denmark in Forbydelsen-or THE KILLING for us Average Joe's in the UK. Having created the new term of Nordic Noir with it's two previous well-crafted and critically acclaimed seasons, whose success have also made it the envy of its TV making rivals and inspired a wave of imitators not just in native Denmark but worldwide (including the US's very own, only partially successful, re-make), THE KILLING's lead star Sofie Grábol, a noted thespian of her native land and now a well deserved television sensation and attractive sex symbol outside the series, along with its distinctive creator Soren Sveistrup, promise that the show will go our with a resolute and satisfying high-quality bang fireworks cocktail of drama, thrills, mystery and murder.

This time out, our heroine is about to celebrate her 25th year of ups and downs as a police officer- the only career she's ever known and loved, of which she's pretty much sacrificed everything in her life in the line and sake of her duty- when she's called to action investigating the mysterious and seemingly random death of a sailor, whose body is found in a scrap heap. What follows over the next ten weeks is a collision course return into the unstable mixing realms of social and political agenda, and its resultant grey palette of emotions, revelations and ideologies. The heart of the worlds financial institutions-already a hotbed of scum and villainy if I ever I saw any!- comes under Lund's almost fearless microscope and then into the very corridors of the Danish Prime Minister no less! In her prior rocky dealings with state and power brokers she has already fallen foul of her country's own security service and its paymasters, resulting in the death of one of her detective partners. Now, on the fierce eve of the country's all-important election, is it possible that, this time around, she may have strayed too close to the fire in her dogged pursuit of the truth?

Trailer: Forbrydelsen 3 (The Killing Season 3) - YouTube
The Killing (DK) Season 3 starts on 17 Nov 2012 [BBC4] - See description for music - YouTube

Despite a few preposterous story and character moments here and there- drawbacks that come with the need to create a controversial and powerful tale capable of living up to heavy viewer expectations generated from the original smash-hit premiere- the second season of the KILLING, with its military theme and the cover-up linked to Danish soldiers in Afghanistan, was solid and entertaining, but ultimately lacked the emotional involvement of the previous story, as well as proving far too short, coming to a close just when it was getting interesting. It's story-telling roots more centre stage in Denmark, with it's people and multi-layered, recognisable problems, here's hoping that this final, surely emotional run, really does live up to it's promise when it starts on the UK's BBC 4 channel from 17th November.

Coming soon to UK Blu-ray and DVD...

More on THE KILLING SEASON THREE here: The Killing creator Soren Sveistrup: Sarah Lund will go out on a high in series three | Radio Times

Sofie Grabol, aka The Killing's Sarah Lund: 'I took off my, jumper and my gun, and cried all, the way home' - Features - TV & Radio - The Independent

Sofie Gråbøl: 'There's not going to be a fourth Killing' | Television & radio | The Guardian

UK FACEBOOK page for the series: Forbrydelsen II (The Killing) BBC Four

WINE, WOMEN AND CRIME. 'INSPECTOR MONTALBANO' RETURNS...

Back within Italy's atmospheric streets, Luca Zingaretti returns as INSPECTOR MONTALBANO. Image: RAI TELEVISION

Vigáta’s finest detective, the sharp suited and amiable Inspector Montalbano, continues his new to the UK run of sophisticated and filmily glossy adventures on the BBC 4 channel every Saturday evening, yet again a critical and audience success, and a welcome tonic to the gloom of summer nights starting to draw in to the subtlety’s of Autumn.

Continuing its adaptations based on the book series created by Andrea Camilleri, this new season has so far shown a lot more drama and a bit of action for our hero, nicely played by Luca Zingaretti, who brings vulnerability and likeable warmth to the part-and a very real human quality- alongside his skills as a top TV ‘tec. The cases remain as luxurious and occasionally complex as before, charmingly mixing light humour and drama, of which the shows incidental music atmospherically highlights its contrasting natures. The cast of characters also remains interesting and diverse (and let’s not forget the way in which, each episode, there’s always the obligatory and desirable beautiful femme fatale managing to cross paths with Montalbano (who still, amazingly, manages to stay faithful to his often frustrated partner, Livia (the equally lovely Katharina Bohm)!). An individual beauty in it’s own right is the shows picturesque settings: it’s rolling hills and countryside, alongside the stunning and lavish architecture of ancient and modern Sicily. (Oh, how our beloved Inspector Morse would have loved it there!) It’s all so sumptuous you immediately want to go online and book a holiday there!

Salvo Montalbano is once more backed up with his reliable team of policeman, including sometimes rival, and friend, the always women troubled Mimi (Cesare Bocci), and the bumbling but likable street cop Catarella (Angelo Russo) who, despite his tense, sometimes hyper, and seemingly bewildered emotional states that often provide pure comedy gold, has been proving his worth to his colleagues and superiors.

Titled Turning Point, the first new episode saw our hero as a bit of a tormented soul, ready to quit his job in disgust at the corruption of his superior officers, but soon realizing just how much he needs the job, and vice versa, when he busts an horrific Tunisian child slavery ring. Having kept a relatively low profile in Season One, the second story, Equal Time, saw the Sicilian Mafia come to the fore for a tense run-in for Montalbano, and the possibility of gang war rivalries flaring up. As this well-made and enjoyable run continues, we’re looking forward to future episodes even more…

Fun Season One clip compilation: Inspector Montalbano, the best cop drama on British TV! - YouTube

Season One of INSPECTOR MONTALBANO is available on UK DVD: Inspector Montalbano: Series One (5 Disc DVD): Amazon.co.uk: Film & TV

SWEDEN'S NEXT SUMMER NIGHTMARE. 'WALLANDER' RETURNS...

Sweden's unique police officer, Kurt Wallander, as played by Rolf Lassgard, returns in a new case for UK viewers. Image:  YELLOW BIRD FILMS.

UK (and US) mass audiences may be enjoying Kenneth Branagh's often dark and miserable interpretation of "the Swedish Morse", Kurt Wallander, as originally created in the beautifully crafted novels of Henning Mankell, but the original European versions starring Rolf Lassgard and Krister Henriksson remain the best interpreations in my opinion, full of great acting, atmosphere, drama and interpreted twists and turns that don't feel forced, alongside cinematography that isn't over stylised but feels natural within the storytelling. The UK's BBC 4 have showed all of Henriksson's episodes (and will hopefully show the next batch of new 13 episodes currently being made, too), but not all of Larsson's run have been so lucky. Now, viewers get nearer to that ambition as the channel shows SIDETRACKED, showing in two parts starting this Saturday (28th July).

It's certainly one of the best of Mankell's novels-with a fiery start that got me ever more hooked on the character and Mankell's work in general in the early 2000's- and has our crusty detective in a terrifying cat and mouse game, as well as in a sometimes very tense race against time, to capture a dangerous tomahawk/axe wielding murderer calling himself Geronimo, after the famous American Indian warrior. This dark prowler of his unsuspecting victims, himself born from terrible circumstances and an air of modern day horror that remains chillingly prescient in our life and times, has a method to his madness in whom he chooses, stalks and eventually slays. Branagh's story adaptation, in a more condensed one and a half hours, proved disappointing in it's BBC 1 premiere a few years back, so I'm hoping for better here...

TRUE GRIT: 'SPIRAL' SEASON TWO

Sorting out the trash. The cast of the acclaimed SPIRAL Season Two. Image: CANAL+

The scum and villainy of the Parisian underworld comes out to play in the welcome repeat of the second season of the hit French police/legal crime thriller SPIRAL, created by Alexandra Clert and Guy-Patrick Sainderichin for CANAL+, starting in double episode screenings on the UK's BBC 4 from tonight (their European TV strand a stand-out treat, and deserved success, on weekends this past two years). And if you thought that first season was tough and uncompromising-a true character drama precursor to the kind of successful elements taken up a more stylistically brutal notch in BRAQUO these days, then you haven't seen this one, as a burnt out corpse found in a car, at first thought to be a singular case of disturbing gang retribution violence branches out into something far more rotten and corrupt for the detective team led by the spirited and volatile lady detective Captain Laure Berthaud (the very French Caroline Proust) and her loyal but always in trouble, always in-fighting team (including a noteworthy performance from Thierry Godard as the in and out of drugs rehabilitation Gilou), often just as dangerous as the criminals they pursue, delve into the dangerous undercurrents of international trafficking and arms dealing- a world of money, power and violence in which rising star Audrey Fleurot's hot-headed, spunky, overly ambitious lawyer Josephine Karlsson, broke and looking for a way to get her life together, will soon be caught up in its vice like grip and seemingly unable to escape.

Trailer: Spiral / Engrenages - Season 2 - Trailer (Totally Serialized) - YouTube


Seasons One to Three of SPIRAL are available on DVD from the BBC/2ENTERTAIN.

ON TROUBLED WATERS: 'THE BRIDGE'

Converging murder: Saga Norén (Sofia Helin) and Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia) join forces in the new Euro drama THE BRIDGE. Image: DR TV.

There's always been a kind of friendly antagonism between Sweden and Denmark over the years, but now this relationship looks set to be tested to its limits when an unusual body is discovered on the borders of Malmo and Copenhagen, in the tense and atmospheric new ten-part Danish/Swedish thriller co-production, BROEN (aka UK title THE BRIDGE), created by Hans Rosenfeld, starting on BBC4 next Saturday.

Any dead corpse that's discovered is never going to be a pleasant experience, but when that body comprises the top half of a Swedish politician and the bottom half a Danish prostitute, then the situation becomes even more dark and disturbing in its implications, as a joint Danish/Swedish taskforce soon assembles- comprising the fascinating and compelling team-up performances of female Swedish detective Saga Norén (Sofia Helin, attracting the press for her character's wearing of leathers-the next evolutionary stage on from Sara Lund's jumpers!) and male Danish detective Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia, who appeared in the original first series of the Danish THE KILLING), in an often tense and friction-packed pairing of resources and intuition (intriguingly adding to the drama, the character of Norén also has Asperger syndrome)- tackling an adversary who, with a long-term plan now initiated, seemingly manages to stay one of ahead of his/her pursuers, within a case that spirals into even more dark and sinister territory than first thought...

A dark road ahead for Saga and Martin.

Atmospheric title sequence: Bron | Broen Intro - YouTube

BROEN looks set to continue the fine trend of stylish and addictive Swedish/Danish dramas over the last few years that have just completely knocked their US/UK counter-parts, and now rivals, out of the water with regards to continuing and inventive storylines and great characters.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO 'INSPECTOR MONTALBANO'

A new style of crime-fighting: Luca Zingaretti is INSPECTOR MONTALBANO. Image: RAI TELEVISION.

They've conquered the world with icons like Sophia Loren, The Mafia, Pizza and Ice Cream, and now Italy goes one step further, as it's RAI television company gives us the continuing adventures of their top small-screen TV detective Inspector Salvo Montalbano, the often grumpy but lovable rogue- also an astute and adaptive cop- as played by actor Luca Zingaretti, from the imaginative and delightful book series created by Andrea Camilleri. A full ten episode run of the series, mixing drama and light comedy, has finally been purchased by the acclaimed UK BBC 4 channel, screening weekly from tonight (and critically helping to fill in the popular strand left vacant by another popular European series, BORGEN, which ended its triumphant first season run last week).

It's presence will also help viewers annoyed by the recent axing of another Italy based detective series, the successful ZEN, which previously starred Rufus Sewell, made by BBC 1. INSPECTOR MONTALBANO will surely be a welcome tonic that truly captures the flavour of Italian life and crime, mixing romance with bloodshed, humour with occasional grim revelations, against a sunny and beautifully picturesque backdrop of old and new world within the fictional city of Vagata, filmed in Sicily, as only its originators know how. The previous two feature length episodes of the series ("Excursion to Tindari" and "Montalbano's Croquettes") re-shown last year on BBC 4 had been very enjoyable with viewers, and KOOL TV looks forward to seeing what escapades befall our hero and his memorable team of detectives come casanovas, over the next few months- a warm and hopefully inventive set of ingredients to fight against the cold, dark nights of Winter.

INSPECTOR MONTALBANO is also available on Region 4 DVD release.

THE NEXT "IRON LADY" OR A "WOMAN OF STRAW"? "BORGEN" SEASON ONE

Fielding press fire, Birgitte Nielborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen) takes to the political spotlight in BORGEN. Images: DBC.

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Well, rising star politician turned Prime Minister Birgitte Nielborg (played by the lovely Sidse Babett Knudsen) is going to find out whether this is true the hard way in the new Danish political drama series BORGEN, created by Adam Price, showing in double-bill episodes starting from tonight on the UK's BBC 4 (and BBC HD): a channel which continues to deserve its great success and accolades in showcasing great overseas drama within their now unique and unmissable Saturday night strands, having first hit the big-time when they lucked out with the incredible popularity and general addictiveness that was the original and best version of THE KILLING. In fact, one of BORGEN's likely strengths is that its from the same producers/writers of that show, which had strong doses of government intrigue and skulduggery hard-wired into its sub-plots, so we can expect high quality writing and characterisation, strong casting and atmospheric direction within the cold, often repressed, but intriguing climes of Denmark. Borgen is the actual setting for the show, the name of the Danish parliament (also known as the Gothic sounding "The Castle"!) where all the drama begins for the aforementioned Nielborg, a sharply intelligent and determined woman whose rise to fame in the political arena as both a politician and role-model wife/mother sees her quickly having to live up to the strong ideals she promised her constituents when originally elected to office. But with so much corruption, power plays, forged alliances, frightening Spin Doctors and back stabbing from both colleagues within her own party and from her bitter, revenge fuelled rivals, is it possible to maintain such a strong defencive wall to forge ahead with what needs to be done, and at the same time maintain a healthy and happy family life against the pressures and consequences of office? Will the unwanted road to compromise surely become inevitable?

Family values. Birgitte with husband Phillip (THE KILLING's Mikael Birkkjaer) and children at a press frenzy.

Terrific series title sequence: Borgen - Title sequence & identity on the Behance Network

With a strong and believable central performance from Knudsen, and fine acting support from the likes of Johan Philip Asbaek as Birgitte's clever Spin Doctor Kasper Jull, and Birgitte Hjort Sorenson as his ex-girlfriend, fiery and ambitious newswoman Katrine Fonsmark, adding interest to the series concurrent sub-plot strands, its no wonder that BORGEN's original ten episode run, dubbed by some critics the "Danish West Wing" would go on to great critical and public acclaim within its home territory, along with sure-fire second and third season commissions. Plans are also underway for a re-make by the US TV channel NBC, following the prior AMC success in adapting THE KILLING, where it will surely be intriguing to see who they cast in the lead role, and whether the chosen actress can live up to what has been established on screen by the charismatic Knudsen...

Birgitte holds her own in a political debate during the opening episode.

Birgitte with her main men: advisers Bent Serjo (Lars Knutzon) and Kasper Juul (Johan Philip Asbaek) 

BORGEN will also be released on DVD in the UK from 6th February from AMAZON: Borgen - Series 1 [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Johan Philip Asbæk, Mikael Birkkjær, Søren Malling, Thomas Levin, Emil Poulsen, Freja Riemann, Adam Price: Film & TV). 


Season Two of BORGEN is also available on DVD outside the UK. 

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE: "SPIRAL" SEASON ONE

Minds for murder. The cast of the super French drama series SPIRAL. Image: CANAL+

Fans old and new of the French thriller/legal drama series SPIRAL will get the chance to go back to the full genesis of the series and see how its familiar characters comes together when the UK's BBC 4, continuing to successfully capitalise on the screenings of critically acclaimed European series shown on Saturday nights (which kicked off to high audience viewing figures with the first series of the Danish version of THE KILLING), starts a much welcome repeat of its opening series in double length episodes every Saturday evening starting tonight. Stylish, atmospheric, brutal and uncompromising alongside its pure and uniquely appealing continental flavour, the series gets off to a sprinting start as our main cast of Caroline Proust (as fiery Police Captain Laure Berthaud, who acts as a kind of mother hen to loyal male team), Gregory Fitoussi (as the ambitious but sometimes naive Deputy Prosecutor Pierre Clement), Philippe Duclos (as the troubled family man whose work has taken over his life, Judge Francois Roban), Thierry Goddard (as Laure's bull-dog like second in command, "Gilou" Escoffier-one of the series best characters, a good man to have on your side despite his complex drinks/drugs problems), and the striking redhead Audrey Flouret as the calculating and very resourceful young lawyer Josephine Karlsson,  whose work in defending criminals leads her into lots of shady dealings that she may ultimately have trouble escaping from long term) converge to investigate a web of corruption linked to the discovery of a murdered Romanian woman found in a Parisian rubbish dump

I came into watching the series with its third season, so I'm greatly looking forward to catching up on what I've missed from 2005, as originally created and written by Alexandra Clert and Guy Patrick Sainderichin.

Outside of SPIRAL, the equally acclaimed BBC 4 channel is in grave danger of being shut down by the BBC due to the stress of recent budget cuts. From the start BBC 4 has been one of the best arenas of British television you can get, combining all types of arts programmes, drama (old and new) and music, which we (the British public) are paying for with our license fees, and which, instead of filling outrageous sums of money into the pockets of TV presenters, over-rated comedians, chat show hosts and lead series stars who aren't worth millions of pounds, the money should be properly finding its ways in to keeping quality channels like this alive and on the airwaves. There's a  FACEBOOK campaign to SAVE BBC 4. Please add your support to it here: Save BBC Four | Facebook

SCREAM II! THE DARK RETURN OF "FORBRYDESLEN" (AKA "THE KILLING")

Fighting dark times and dark crimes requires a unique combatant: the return of Sarah Lund (Sofie Grabol) in FORBRYDELSEN 2. Images: ZDF/YELLOW BIRD FILMS.

Those dark and heavy clouds of murder, intrigue and complex emotion remain more omnipotent than ever around the city of Copenhagen with the upcoming sequel to the hit Danish series FORBRYDELSEN-better known to UK BBC 4 viewers as THE KILLING. This new series, originally shown in its home territory in 2009, soon returns to British television and looks set to be even more atmospheric, fast paced, unsettling and downright addictive than the original first series run, which quickly became a wild-fire, word of mouth hit here (and now begins a daily episodic re-run on BBC 4 starting this Sunday evening-a much welcome lead-in to Season Two). The fictional world of great TV detective heroes welcomes back the terrific Sofie Grabol as the dedicated and often fearless Sarah Lund-one of the only women in the world who can make wearing Faroese jumpers and rain proof coats look reasonably cool!- now languishing in a demoted job position in Southern Denmark after the tragic events regarding her almost obsessive investigation into the Nanna Birk Larssen case, until she's suddenly and unexpectedly recalled back to help her once superiors investigate the brutal murder of a very successful, high profile female lawyer within her luxurious home. At first despised and unwelcome by her old colleagues, especially after the brutal death of her ex-detective partner Jan Meyer (Soren Malling), and having to enter into a new working relationship with an equally uneasy police officer, Ulrik Strange (Mikael Birkkjaer), and a tough new Justice Minister, Lund's analytical and intuitive skills soon begin to unravel the clues and break through the mist of alibis and potential motives from the dead lawyers family, work associates, not always so moral clients and friends, and leading her into a dangerous new realm of abusive power and control linked to a scenario that looks unlikely to leave the world's current headlines any time soon...

Trailers (contain possible spoilers): The Killing season 2 - Trailer - YouTube
Trailer - Forbrydelsen 2 - YouTube

New case, new partner: Lund with new Detective Ulrik Strange (Mikael Birkkjaer).

So, with such gargantuan acclaim for the prior season from audiences and critics alike, can this second season possibly top the original? Its a shorter run than the first-ten episodes instead of twenty-but they often say that less can certainly be more when done right. We surely hope this is indeed the case, and look forward to more of the talented Miss Grabol, and Detective Lund, in the future.


Look for more on FORBRYDELSEN 2 on KOOL TV in the not too distant future...

COMING SOON: "WALLANDER" SEASON THREE...

Wallander (Krister Henrikkson) and Isabelle (Nina Zanjani) duck for cover from a crazed gunman in WALLANDER Season Two. Image: YELLOW BIRD FILMS.

Fans of Henning Mankell's WALLANDER TV series, as played in the Swedish version by the excellent Krister Henrikkson, can rejoice with the news (revealed by Mankell himself, in yesterday's SKY ARTS 1 HD HAY SESSIONS 2011 literary event) that a brand new series of feature length TV movies will soon begin shooting later this year and that, as with the prior two seasons (which have been shown worldwide and on the UK's BBC 4 (currently showing the second season once again)), the author will be fully involved in all areas of their creation-from coming up with the intriguing story lines to having the final say on everything from the choice of casting and which directors are selected.

Great news, considering what a well-written downer the last book, THE TROUBLED MAN, was in its final pages with regards to the fate of our hero...

A further series of three WALLANDER novel adaptations (including THE DOGS OF RIGA and THE WHITE LIONESS), starring Kenneth Branagh in the title role, are also underway for the BBC.

A COMPLEX WORLD: "WALLANDER" SEASON TWO RETURNS...

Aiming high! Krister Henriksson is back as WALLANDER. Image: YELLOW BIRD FILMS.

Continuing their screenings of quality European drama, BBC 4 repeats weekly from tonight the second series of the hit crime drama/thriller series WALLANDER, based on author Henning Mankell's brilliant Swedish detective novels, as played on screen by Krister Henriksson. This time around, grumpy but loveable Kurt, finding old age to be a constant irritant, has sadly gone his separate ways with his police daughter, Linda (played by the late, and much missed, Johanna Sallstrom), and in life compensation has bought a retirement house by the sea, gotten himself a lovely new pet dog named Jussi, and is showing a healthy interest in a possible new relationship with new Police lawyer Katarina Ahlsell (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO's Lena Endre). But, as usual, theres no rest for the wicked, as he soon has to investigate more lies, betrayals, gruesome murders and political machinations within the picturesque but deadly town of Ystad.

There are thirteen very enjoyable tales this season (a series which the British press has humorously dubbed "Inspector Morose",what with its occasionally very grim nature), and all are superbly made, but my particular favourite has to be episode 10, Valnaden, an atmospheric and bloody tale set in a Swedish high summer, which sees Wallander and his young police team investigate the death of a couple in a mysterious beach hut explosion, which then leads to further foul play within a business relationship and a very exciting, action packed finale.

Season One (Episodes 1 to 7) of Krister Henriksson's incarnation of WALLANDER are now available on DVD, and highly recommended by KOOL TV.

"DOCTOR WHO": A BBC TRIBUTE TO ELISABETH SLADEN IN "THE HAND OF FEAR"

Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) captured by THE HAND OF FEAR. Image: BBC

In tribute and remembrance of the lovely actress Elisabeth Sladen, who sadly passed away last month, the UK's BBC 4 channel are showing her classic DOCTOR WHO swansong story as regular companion Sarah Jane Smith- THE HAND OF FEAR-alongside the great Tom Baker as the Time Lord, in double bills over two nights from today and tomorrow evening.

Accidentally caught in an explosion in an English quarry, The Doctor and Sarah, recovering from the almost fatal incident, are soon embroiled in the discovery of an alien hand, and a ring with unusual properties that soon takes over the Doctor's loyal companion. The hand's objective: "Eldrad must live!", and by any means possible.

Trailer: YouTube - Next Time - Doctor Who - The Hand of Fear

Though not classic WHO, THE HAND OF FEAR, written by series stalwarts Bob Baker and Dave Martin, is nonetheless a very enjoyable story showing our heroes in their prime as a duo, alongside some fine and memorable creepy moments (especially the hand scenes-a nice tribute to the classic B/W horror film THE HAND OF ORLAC), and a great guest star performance from Judith Paris. The tale's weak finale is ultimately compensated for by the charming writing/acting of the departure scene between Sarah Jane and The Doctor (a sequence mostly improvised at the time of filming by the actors), which, with Sladen's tragic loss, is now even more poignant and moving than ever...

Outside of the main WHO series, the BBC have recently revealed that Sladen's highly popular spin-off series, THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES, will be showing its last six completed episodes later in the year.

Many of Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen's classic WHO stories are available on DVD from 2ENTERTAIN.

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: "SPIRAL"s AUDREY FLOURET

A born survivor in the dramatic world of SPIRAL: Audrey Flouret as the opportunistic lawyer Josephine Karlsson. Image: SON ET LUMIERE/CANAL+ 

In up to her lovely freckled neck in her liaisons with corrupt prosecutors and killer mobsters, this weeks KOOL TV BABE is the lovely French actress Audrey Floret, who plays Parisian public defender  Josephine Karlsson in the enjoyably complex crime/thriller series SPIRAL, of which its third series, subtitled The Butcher of Villette, is approaching the finish line the week after next in its fast paced double bill instalments (screening on the UK's BBC 4 channel), and its been a highly enjoyable run so far, full of great twists and turns within its uniquely continental atmosphere. Fleurot's performance in particular within the ensemble cast series has been very good-showing occasionally vulnerability as Josephine, she is for the most part a complete bitch who's intriguing to watch: totally ambitious and out to make the big time wherever she can. Escaping her corrupt and randy ex-boss after almost being killed by one of his mobster friends (when a prior money pay off went badly wrong), and now setting out on her own with a boy scout'ish legal partner, she's quickly stealing money to pay off high debts whilst making the most of her unique talents and feminine wiles as a lawyer defending a Mexican immigrant (who may or may not be a serial killer), of which she's determined to reap the rewards of the associated notoriety as well as the likely future legal successes and financial dividends such linked-in publicity will surely bring. Its a dog eat dog world out there and Josephine may yet have the sharpest teeth on the block!

Certainly making an impression in this glamorous French photo shoot. Images: ULIKE.

With her striking looks and sassy attitude, Fleurot has been with SPIRAL pretty much since it started in 2005, and she's quickly become one of France's most in-demand actresses, with other diverse TV series work in her native land including AFFAIRES ESTRANGERES and World War II period drama UN VILLAGE FRANCAIS. If Josephine survives the intensified events of this seasons SPIRAL, KOOL TV looks forward to seeing the actress not just in future seasons of the hit series (at least two more years are planned) but in all other types of genre, too!

PLOTS AND PARANOIA: THE BIRTH OF "RUBICON"

Where can a man run when the whole world may be against him! Discover the dangers of unravelling RUBICON. All images: AMC.

It may not have fared so well with American viewing audiences in its one and only season run of thirteen episodes on the US AMC channel, but any chance of having an intelligent, stylish thriller series to watch will certainly grab my attention and deserves highlighting on KOOL TV, and RUBICON, a modern take/homage to the wonderful conspiracy thriller movies of the seventies like THE PARALLAX VIEW or THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR, beginning its run on the UK's BBC 4 tonight, sounds likes its worth tuning into, and has the excellent young actor James Badge Dale (from 24 and THE PACIFIC) in the leading role, whose intelligent book worm/code-breaker like characters investigation into his friends death, and that of a billionaire, unravels and brings to the surface a dangerous series of revelations worldwide from within the dark and dangerous arena that is the US intelligence community.

James Badge Dale (centre), as Will Travers, heads the API team to discover the truth behind global events.

Check out our previous KOOL TV link to the RUBICON series, from last year, for more behind the scenes information...