Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers

Well, I certainly didn't intend on falling behind in my Inspector Lewis-related blogging, but at least with my recent battle with bronchitis and pneumonia I have a good excuse. *wink* Thankfully I'm well on the road to recovery, and with that behind me and the recent release of the Series 5 DVDs, I fully intend on catching up!

The second episode of Inspector Lewis's fifth season on Masterpiece Mystery features two of my favorite things -- Shakespeare and Toby Stephens (I figure by this point my passion for Lewis and Hathaway goes without saying, lol!). Here's the episode summary from the PBS website to get things started:

Elizabethan tragedy collides with 21st-century technology when a lonely feminist Shakespeare scholar, humiliated in a viral video leaked from a dating site, takes her life in despair. Miranda Thornton had numerous enemies who might have relished her downfall: a property developer, a former student, a jilted romantic hopeful, and an anonymous online gadfly. Determined to assign blame for Miranda's anguish, Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately) begins his investigation at the scurrilous video-hosting blog, TheBarker.biz, and before long, he is convinced of Miranda's murder. But when an Oxford youth connected to the case is violently killed, Lewis and Hathaway (Laurence Fox) fall victim to TheBarker's sensational accusations. In social media stripped of identity and humanity, mirroring only loneliness, Lewis and Hathaway must cut through swathes of Internet anonymity to penetrate a Generation of Vipers. Toby Stephens (Jane Eyre) guest stars. (90 minutes; TV-14)

This episode opens with what is perhaps one of my favorite Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Hathaway (Laurence Fox) moments in the entire show's run to date. They're out in the field, on the perimeter of an operation taking down a large marijuana-growing operation led by a new-to-the-show member of the force, Detective Inspector Peterson (Jason Durr). It's an incredible treat to see Lewis and Hathaway out of their element, in the field -- and supposedly far away from the center of the action -- discussing the more "action-y" side of police work. But when a member of the drug operation makes a break for it and heads straight for their stakeout point on the perimeter, my favorite Oxford investigators really get a moment to shine -- getting in a tussle with the runaway suspect and ending up on the news! Lewis and Hathaway are generally so cerebral it was a real treat to watch them in a physical take-down. *wink*

Meanwhile, Oxford English professor Miranda Thornton (Julie Cox) is running into trouble with some of her students. Years earlier, Thornton had written a paper that gained her a certain measure of notoriety on why women don't need men. But the Shakespeare-savvy professor (whose clothing choices reveal her to be sadly stuck in something like 1992) has had a change of heart -- longing to find a romantic soulmate she filmed a dating video for the Heart & Soul website. The intensely personal video was stolen from the supposedly secure dating service site and posted on TheBarker.biz, garnering a host of cruel and thoughtless comments. After being confronted by a would-be (and very married) suitor, reporter Francis Mitchell (Alexander Hanson), and running into a professional nemesis, the wealthy David Connelly (Toby Stephens), whose plans for turning an idyllic Oxford field into cheap, affordable housing, Miranda returns home to nurse her wounded feelings -- and is discovered dead the next morning.

I thought this was a fascinating episode on multiple levels. Not only does it address the media-saturated nature of our society, where people can be bullied and humiliated online, dehumanized really behind the "safety" of a username, it also says much about the destructive nature of secrets and grudges -- and on a happier, but no-less wistful note, reveals a very human side to Lewis the investigator, as this is a case that hits very close to home for our titular hero. Everyone assumes that Miranda committed suicide, her humiliation and loneliness to heavy a burden to bear. But Lewis is sure that the professor was murdered, as he cannot fathom a woman of her intellect -- a woman willing to take a risk, willing to open herself up to the possibility of love -- would take her own life so easily without fighting back against whoever exposed her to ridicule on The Barker's website. And that, my friends, is just one of the many reasons I love Lewis -- he may be taking WAY TOO FRIGGIN' LONG to ask Hobson (Clare Holman) out on a proper date, but he has LOADS of compassion. Miranda's case makes for a solid mystery film on its own, but Lewis's response to it elevates the script and reminds us of the very human toll of "anonymous" internet cruelty and harassment.

It took me a while to place Julie Cox when she first appeared on-screen. I remember her most from an early role in an episode of the Richard E. Grant-helmed The Scarlet Pimpernel television series. Cox has also appeared in Miss Marple and more recently, an episode of Zen. She's got a youthful, almost waifish appearance, and that combined with her flowing, oversized clothing choices emphasizes her character's emotional vulnerability -- traits she conveyed heart-breakingly well during her time on-screen.

The suspects that Lewis and Hathaway uncover during the course of their investigation weave into a tangled web of red herrings and venomous grudges worthy of one of Shakespeare's plays. There's Sebastian Dromgoole (Freddie Fox), a student involved in a recording project of all of Shakespeare's plays who resents Miranda for refusing to recommend him for post-graduate work in the US. Freddie Fox is Laurence's cousin, most recently appearing in The Three Musketeers as King Louis XIII and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The Fox family has a veritable monopoly on the acting profession. I loved the moments when Hathaway got all up in Sebastian's face when he mouthed-off or refused to answer questions -- given that they're cousins one has to think they had some fun making the smart-aleck remarks about each other that the script required. *wink*

Sebastian's girlfriend Briony is played by Roxanne McKee. Similar to how Miranda's death gets under Lewis's skin, Briony gets to Hathaway. She's an employee of The Barker, and he correctly surmises that of anyone they've encountered, she has the heart to want to help -- and when she does, she ends up dead, her death leaving Hathaway clearly guilt-stricken and rattled. She's not the only character to test my darling investigator -- Chief Superintendent Innocent (Rebecca Front) orders that he partners with Peterson late in the investigation while Lewis follows a separate line of inquiry. Peterson and Hathaway couldn't be more dissimilar -- their brief scenes together were a fun glimpse into what the world of the show would be like should Hathaway be partnered with someone who (initially, anyway) drove him up the wall. :) Peterson also expresses an interest in Hobson, something Lewis is quite unable to wrap his head around. I can only hope that someone like Peterson will finally prod Lewis into actively pursuing Hobson, because frankly it BREAKS MY HEART that they aren't an official couple. Also, is it just me or did this show really do a great job giving increased screentime to the officers that work with Lewis and Hathaway, like DC Lockhart (Kemi-Bo Jacobs)? Long overdue, IMO!

In the trademark fashion of this show, everyone Lewis and Hathaway meet who seems, at first blush, barely tangentially connected to the case, turns out to be somehow involved. One could argue it's coincidental...but personally I love how the show brings a dash of soap opera to its storylines. Almost without fail the twists and turns in each episode are smartly done, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and providing a wholly satisfying hour and a half of mystery viewing. In this case, three individuals from Miranda's past converge on her present, and her death leaves Lewis and Hathaway to sort out the tangled mess of threads her death leaves behind. First up is Kit Renton (Daniel Lapaine), owner of TheBarker.biz -- and a total jerk as he gives my beloved Lewis and Hathaway a bit of bad press on his stupid website. :P Lapaine is a Mystery vet from way back when Jericho aired, as well as making an appearance in a Poirot episode. Then there is Samantha Earnshaw (Kate Maravan), the seemingly classy owner of the Heart & Soul dating service. Appearances are incredibly deceiving sometimes, hmm? :P

The biggest draw of this episode for me was Toby Stephens as wealthy, embittered investor David Connelly -- a poor boy who made good and never quite lost the chip on his shoulder brought on by his time at Oxford with Miranda, Kit, and Samantha. Toby looked AMAZING in this episode -- those sharp suits! Excuse me while I swoon! :) And his brooding and angsty behavior...all it did was remind me of what a wonderful Rochester Stephens played -- and a reminder like that is never a bad thing. I do wish he'd played a more...um...likeable? character here, but I can't even hold that against him...it's such a treat to see him on my television. :) I LOVED how the script handled the revelation of David and Miranda's college love affair, and how tragically it fell apart -- and years worth of heartache could've been avoided, if only David's STUPID PRIDE hadn't kept him from reading Miranda's letters. *headdesk* Stupid Toby. :P

A Generation of Vipers is Lewis at its finest, serving up a deliciously twisty story full of secrets, grudges, and revenge plots years in the making. I loved how this story showcased Lewis's compassion, particularly in how he could relate to Miranda's desire for a "simpler," tech-free life. Lewis himself is anything but tech-savvy, so forcing him to navigate the murky waters of the internet was a nice touch. I also loved how this episode forced Hathaway to confront the tragic results of his choice to get a civilian, Briony, involved when their investigation seemed to stall. It was also a lot of fun to see him deal with the blunt, direct Peterson. :) A thoroughly enjoyable episode -- I'd love to discuss! :)

Inspector Lewis continues this Sunday!

Inspector Lewis continues this Sunday on Masterpiece Mystery, and as if I wasn't already excited enough about Lewis and Hathaway on my TV screen, this episode features Toby Stephens! TOBY STEPHENS!!! SQUEEE! :) Here's a bit about the episode:

When a lonely Oxford professor's dating video goes viral, she is humiliated before her students and colleagues. But humiliated enough to take her own life? Lewis thinks not. Watch an all-new Inspector Lewis, Generation of Vipers, Sunday, July 15 at 9pm. Toby Stephens (Jane Eyre) guest stars. (90 minutes)

And here's a short preview:

Watch Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

Team Rochester

Traxy at The Squeee is in the middle of hosting a "Wuthering Week" blog event (you may remember Traxy's name from her All Things Jane guest post a couple months ago). After a Team Rochester vs. Team Heathcliff guest post, Traxy posted links to a whole slew of wonderfully fun Team Rochester badges she created, free for anyone to download!

I just had to share a couple of my favorites:

Michael Fassbender - I know ya'll aren't really surprised. :)

Toby Stephens - no surprise here, either, I'm sure. :)

To check out the rest of Traxy's creations, click here. She's got a badge for just about every incarnation of Rochester in existence!

Why we love Mr. Rochester

I am thrilled to welcome my friend Rachel from a Fair Substitute for Heaven to the blog today as my first guest blogger for my All Things Jane celebration! Rachel and I "met" last fall when we both served as judges on the historical fiction panel for the inaugural INSPY Awards. Since then we've discovered a shared appreciation of things like Siri Mitchell and Lynn Austin novels, the television show White Collar, and ROCHESTER (to name a few).

I was so excited when Rachel accepted my invitation to write a Jane Eyre-themed guest post - and when she said "give me a post that is ALL ABOUT ROCHESTER!" - I said go for it. :) I couldn't be happier with the result - when she sent me this article yesterday I loved it so much I read it four times in a row. And then I was overcome with terrible pangs of jealousy because I wish I'd written this myself. *wink* Enjoy...

Face it ladies, we love us some Rochester. He is the epitome of the brooding Byronic hero sparking reincarnations from Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series to Edward in the notoriously disturbing Twilight phenomenon. His miscreant past, dark and enigmatic demeanor and total infatuation with Jane (not to mention his ability to call to her across the moors) make him one of the most resounding heroes of that ever-so-heroic-19th Century. If you’re a female of the imaginative, bookish sort then, at one point or another, some form of Rochester has been your literary leading man.

Rochester (and his ilk) possessed my brain in teenage-hood through my early university years. For years, it was Bronte or Bust. Every hero I fell for: from Neil MacNeil in Catherine Marshall’s Christy, Paul Emmanuel in Charlotte Bronte’s (I would argue) better and more autobiographical, Villette, Dean Priest of the Emily of New Moon trilogy by LM Montgomery( read her journals: she was a MASSIVE Rochester fan---even going so far as to write Rochester into Dean) were Rochester-esque heroes with dark, hovering thoughts just waiting for heroines to draw light from the vapid recesses of their bleak centers.

Why do we sit through fabulous adaptations of Jane Eyre ( including the 2006 Toby Stephens version---which remains my personal favourite and the recent Michael Fassbender) and the not-so-fabulous Jane Eyres (the awkward Orson Welles, to the acting-so-hard-to-brood-I-scare-myself Timothy Dalton, to Ciaran Hinds bellowing his way through the 1998 screen treatment) in hopes of catching yet another glimpse of a character so often reincarnated and so steeped into the literary cultural consciousness?

Well, for one, who doesn’t want a hero who bemoans: “Why did you waste your tears on that callously, cold stoop when you could have had my shoulder” (or something drippingly romantic like that…. ?) We are infatuated with Rochester’s Jane-infatuation. From the moment he arrives on ebony horse near stormy, crumbling Thornfield, to the earliest conversations that pry secrets by candlelight out of Jane’s direct glances, we know that we have reached a partnership of equals. Rochester challenges Jane; he covets her thoughts and yearns to penetrate her mind to extract what she thinks of him.

For a gender that spends the better part of our lives discussing what his “signs” meant and whether he will call on Day 3 or 4 and what did his picking up the cheque mean and “ do you think he thinks this makes me look fat?” and having friends log into his facebook profile (you know… the usual)…. having Rochester spend the better part of his connection with Jane bafflingly attempting to unravel her utmost core is a welcome opposite--- a pleasant reprieve.

Plain Jane she may be; but Rochester is besotted nearly from the beginning.

Is it not interesting to note that the same title that sits listlessly on the top of Works of Great Female Fiction is also known to reduce women to sappy romanticism? Can we really pair our viewing of Jane Eyre as a proto-feministic work that speaks for women’s independence, self-worth and value while still falling hard for the hero who inspires her to pen: “Reader, I married him”, leaving her days of independent willfulness behind? ABSOLUTELY--- because this is a marriage of equals.

Rochester inspires hope for the besotted Bookish gal: a rich, tortured man with means and connections who could have had (and has had) his pick of the most beautiful women recognizing that his true self yearns for his soul mate: a willful governess whom he deems his intellectual equal.

Jane attests that her love for Thornfield stems from her feeling of equality and asserts: “I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom ,conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave,and we stood at God`s feet, equal-as we are……” We want equality, gals: in relationships and out of them. Women still make 75 cents to every dollar a man makes. We see that while Nicholas Cage can play a romantic lead, only the thinnest, most toned heroines can grace Hollywood’s celluloid screens. Equality is sexy and brooding, enigmatic, puzzling, perplexing, demanding and problematic Rochester seems to view Jane on his level. It allows room for our own frailty and shortcomings. It inspires us to yearn for something that doesn’t require us to put our make-up on or regret that extra brownie or feel guilt about that body pump class we missed.

The 19th Century male was circumscribed to believe women were naught but lowly, fallible creatures prone to hysterics who should never be out of reach of their smelling salts… ha! Rochester fell for Jane and Rochester proved it wrong.

Jane Eyre is the tough chick’s love story and Rochester, all scarred and swarthy, with deep belting voice and a rather ungentlemanly past, is the perfect tough chick foil.

Most of all, he allows us to believe that we can find our ultimate happy ending….simply by being our opinionated, self-conscious and problematic selves.

Thanks again, Rachel, for joining in my celebration of All Things Jane. WELL SAID. Long live Rochester and Jane! :)

Tomorrow on Masterpiece!

Tomorrow night on Masterpiece Mystery, Miss Marple concludes with a new adaptation of the story The Blue Geranium. Here's a bit about the tale (and the exciting guest stars!):

Miss Marple concludes this Sunday, June 27, 2010, with a brand-new episode on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! In The Blue Geranium, Mary Pritchard is found dead, reportedly from the shock of seeing the pink flower in her wallpaper turn blue. The tension and accusations in Pritchard's small village blossom wildly. Can Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) untangle this case rooted in desire and greed? Sharon Small (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) also stars in this adaptation of an Agatha Christie short story.  

What this summary doesn't mention is that this film also features TOBY STEPHENS!! And the world rejoiced. ;-)

Sharpe's Challenge

Since the Masterpiece Classic season is about to draw to a close, I really need to catch up on my blogging. *sigh* I'll blame the two Sharpe films - I've never been that excited about the film series to begin with, plus I watched Sharpe's Challenge years ago when it originally premiered on BBC America. However, these films are often fun showcases for favorite and familiar actors, so let's discuss for a bit. Here's the summary of this episode from the PBS website:

War weary and retired, Colonel Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, The Lord of the Rings) is summoned by the Duke of Wellington to find a missing agent, but he resolutely declines. When he learns the MIA officer is his old friend Sergeant Major Patrick Harper (Daragh O'Malley), fighter and free spirit Sharpe quickly reconsiders, and begins a perilous adventure amidst rebellious forces in British India. Sharpe's seemingly impossible mission: storm an impenetrable fortress, rescue the daughter of a British general and quell the rebellion. With the odds stacked against him, Sharpe confronts shifting allegiances, incompetent leadership within the British troops, the conniving seduction of Madhuvanthi (Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef) and an explosive confrontation with an old foe. Has Sharpe finally found one challenge he won't be able to conquer? Sharpe's Challenge is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

The Sharpe films have always reminded me of my beloved Hornblower film series starring the even more beloved Ioan Gruffudd in the title role. I've got to say I always preferred the nautical Hornblower films more - Gruffudd trumps Bean (sorry Sean!) and that series quit while it's ahead in my view, while the Sharpe series currently stands at a staggering sixteen films.

I really can't think of an actor better suited to play the rough-and-tumble soldier, honorable, and *of course* a hit with every woman he meets Richard Sharpe than Sean Bean. He's just got the look for it, know what I mean? In this film, he's pulled out of retirement by the Duke of Wellington. This rank-and-file soldier earned an "in" with the illustrious Wellington when he saved the duke's life years earlier. Wellington is played by Hugh Fraser, who is always fun to see. I became a big fan of Fraser after watching him play Captain Hastings opposite David Suchet's Hercule Poirot in the long running mystery series. Sharpe agrees to return to India when he discovers that missing British agent Wellington wants to find is his long-time friend Harper (Daragh O'Malley). Now's as good a time as any to mention the setting, which is one of this movie's strongest points. Colonial India is a setting you don't see a whole lot of in period dramas, and that fact alone makes for a refreshing change of pace. The British attitude toward the native Indian soldiers (and vice-versa) also seems to be pretty realistically and doesn't shy away from the prejudices and racial tensions of the day.

Dodd, the villain of this piece is played by the deliciously yummy Toby Stephens. :) I love it when Stephens plays a romantic hero (as he did so memorably in Jane Eyre), but let's face it, the guy specializes in villains (Prince John in Robin Hood, Gustav Graves in Die Another Day). Stephens has a real knack for making bad appealing, plus he's quite easy on the eyes. Just sayin'. The experience of watching Sean Bean face off against Toby Stephens is enough to make this movie worthwhile on that point alone. *wink*

When this film first aired in 2006, I completely didn't appreciate the fact that it features Lucy Brown as one of the heroines - better known now as Claudia/Jenny in the television show Primeval. I definitely prefer Brown's later role. Here she exists as little more than a romantic option for Sharpe, so there's not much in the script for her to work with.

So that's about it...long time fans of the film series or the novels are sure to enjoy this installment in the series. It's a decent little adventure flick - not great, not bad, I'm just rather ambivalent about the whole series I guess. :) Thoughts?

Masterpiece Classic returns with Sharpe's Challenge

After a few weeks off, Masterpiece Classic returns tomorrow with Sharpe's Challenge, starring Sean Bean. This film aired a couple of years ago on BBC America, but this broadcast marks the first time it's aired on PBS. Here's a bit about the show:

Soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) comes out of retirement to find a MIA officer (his old friend Patrick Harper) and to quash a rebellion in British India. Sharpe faces shifting allegiances, the conniving seduction of Madhuvanthi (Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef) and an explosive confrontation with an old foe. Will this be Sharpe's ultimate challenge? Sharpe's Challenge is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

If that doesn't convince you to watch, this program features appeareances by Lucy Brown from Primeval and TOBY STEPHENS (!!!). :)

Review: Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

Silent on the Moor (A Lady Julia Grey Novel #3)
By: Deanna Raybourn
Publisher: MIRA
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2614-4

About the book:

Despite his admonitions to stay away, Lady Julia arrives in Yorkshire to find Brisbane as remote and maddeningly attractive as ever. Cloistered together, they share the moldering house with the proud but impoverished remnants of an ancient family: the sort that keeps their bloodline pure and their secrets close. Lady Allenby and her daughters, dependent upon Brisbane and devastated by their fall in society, seem adrift on the moor winds, powerless to change their fortunes. But poison does not discriminate between the classes…

A mystery unfolds from the rotten heart of Grimsgrave, one Lady Julia may have to solve alone, as Brisbane appears inextricably tangled in its heinous twists and turns. But blood will out, and before spring touches the craggy northern landscape, Lady Julia will have uncovered a long-buried legacy of malevolence and evil.

Review:

How is it possible that Deanna Raybourn’s third Julia Grey novel is even better and more thoroughly enjoyable than the first two in the series? The mind boggles at the possibility, but it’s true – in my book Raybourn has achieved the rare feat of crafting characters and stories so engaging that each installment is more enthralling and satisfying than the last. Where the second book in the series, Silent in the Sanctuary, gave readers a more self-assured Lady Julia, now more than ever she wants and isn’t afraid to flout every convention society holds dear in order to live life on her own terms. Having reached the tipping point in her maddening on again, off again romance with Nicholas Brisbane, Julia decides to take matters into her own hands and force a resolution or walk away from him forever. Accompanied by siblings Portia and Valerius, she descends on Brisbane’s newly-acquired estate, appalled to find Grimsgrave in disrepair, the house occupied by the mysterious Allenby ladies with ties to Brisbane’s past, and Brisbane himself shockingly cold towards her. Never one to take no for an answer, Julia settles in for the duration, determined to break through the barriers Brisbane’s installed around his heart. What she doesn’t bargain on is the revelation of Nicholas's painful past, coupled with the discovery of horrifying secrets Grimsgrave manor has sheltered for years.

The biggest draw of this series isn’t the mysteries themselves (though I do think those have improved with each successive book), but Raybourn’s unique and engaging characters. It’s been so much fun to watch Julia embrace her unorthodox March family heritage, and grow into an independent, unconventional, wickedly funny and sarcastic heroine. That would perhaps be enough, but Julia’s wonderfully realized family of eccentrics and rebels tips the scales in the character development department from excellent to brilliant. Julia’s relationships with the various members of the March clan play a big role in what makes visiting her world so much fun, and such a sheer joy to read about. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this third Julia Grey novel is that finally, at long last, Raybourn gives us some answers regarding the frustrating yet ever-appealing Nicholas Brisbane’s past. Brisbane's past has always been closely guarded, shrouded in secrecy, but with Julia more determined than ever to break down his defenses we finally get to learn the man's secrets. It's a mark of just how much I love these characters that learning their secrets doesn't make them any less interesting - rather, all the revelations about Nicholas's character make me love him and his relationship with Julia all the more.

The atmosphere of the moor is the perfect setting for a story where long buried family secrets come to light and isolation fosters insane schemes for revenge. The setting seems to owe much inspiration to stories like The Hound of the Baskervilles and most especially, Wuthering Heights (some villagers are even named Earnshaw – loved that!). The mood and the long-festering revenge schemes all put one in mind of Ms. Bronte, only with Raybourn’s own unique and colorful spin. Her books have proven to be highly addictive; the only downside to this is that one tends to read them far too quickly. I find myself wanting to savor my time with Julia and Nicholas and the friends that people their world – but I fly through the pages of Raybourn’s novels at lightspeed (there’s worse problems, right? *wink*). Nicholas and Julia's story has been one of the best romances I've read in recent memory, each scene positively crackling with romantic tension. I only hope this isn't the end of Nicholas and Julia's adventures, as they're one of the most fascinating - and fun - pair of detectives you'd ever hope to come across. Ms. Raybourn's next book release can't come soon enough to suit me!

Click to read my reviews of the first two Julia Grey novels: Silent in the Grave and Silent in the Sanctuary. Oh, and in case you were wondering – after reading this installment of Nicholas and Julia’s romance, the verdict is in – Toby Stephens IS Brisbane in my book, hands down. Now we just need to get the BBC behind the idea of adapting these wonderfully entertaining books... :)

Review: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Silent in the Grave (A Lady Julia Grey Novel #1)
By: Deanna Raybourn
Publisher: MIRA
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2525-6

About the book:

“Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.”

These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.

Prepared to accept that Edward’s death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth.

Determined to bring her husband’s murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward’s demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.

Review:

It’s taken me two years to finally read Deanna Raybourn’s novels, and after finishing Silent in the Grave I can’t believe I waited that long to lose myself in Lady Julia Grey’s world. Thanks to every book blogger who’s reviewed her work and inspired me to check it out. This book was just spectacular. It’s been years since I’ve read a novel that hooked me so utterly and completely from the first page that I had to carry it with me everywhere I went, so I could read a few pages here and there every time a chance presented itself. Grave has the romance of Jane Eyre, the dark passions of Wuthering Heights, and the dangerous atmosphere of Sherlock Holmes’s best adventures (think The Hound of the Baskervilles).

This isn’t your typical mystery novel. Silent in the Grave is a little less about what killed Julia’s husband (that investigation doesn’t really kick into high gear until about three quarters of the way through the book) then it is more about Julia’s growth from a traditional society wife to an independent, adventurous woman. Julia has always been the most “proper” member of a rather unorthodox, free-thinking family, and Edward’s death and the subsequent investigation into its cause forces Julia to come to terms with unsavory truths that force her to decide the type of woman she wants to become. I absolutely loved Julia’s voice – she’s funny, sarcastic, and at times painfully honest – a unique heroine to spend time with.

Julia’s partner in her investigation, the enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane, is an absolutely delicious character. He’s dark, brooding, intense, mysterious, and totally and completely swoon-worthy. :) A heady mix of classic figures such as Mr. Rochester, Heathcliff, and perhaps just a touch of Darcy-esque aloofness and control, Brisbane is the ideal character to rock Julia’s perfectly proper world. I loved the way Raybourn builds Julia and Brisbane’s relationship throughout the novel. The romantic tension unfolds at a maddeningly leisurely pace, but the fact that Raybourn always left me wanting more just goes to show how utterly and completely hooked her characters had me.

Silent in the Grave isn’t for everyone as Raybourn definitely explores the seamy side of Victorian life. It’s also a little overly long and occasionally meandering, but since I loved the world Raybourn created I can’t really complain. :) But the mystery, and what brings Julia to the point of learning all sorts of unsavory details about her husband, isn’t really the point of the book (it wasn’t for me, anyway). It’s the choices Julia must make, and how she rebuilds her life when everything she’s known, or thought she knew, turns her world on end, that makes Raybourn’s first novel a compulsive, unput-downable read. Silent in the Grave is a rich, meaty historical that’s moody, atmospheric, romantic, and unforgettable. Raybourn is now on my must-read list.

As an extra special bonus (haha), I thought I'd share my casting choice for the role of Brisbane on-screen (better yet, a BBC miniseries - please!!). I give you Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester...he's ABSOLUTELY perfect. Enjoy. :)

Robin Hood 3.8: The King Is Dead, Long Live the King

Spoilers...

For episode eight of this season, the writers of Robin Hood drag out the ol' is the king dead or is he not plot, and can the usuper successfully stage a coup/fake coronation (any guesses as to how that always turns out? ). The episode opened with an assassin/knight called Lord Sheridan (who just happened to train Robin back in the day) played by Robert Pugh. He looked very familiar so I checked out his IMDB page - turns out he's appeared in Marple, Poirot, Bleak House, The Virgin Queen, and Torchwood, to name a few appearances. The fact that Sheridan's joined John's camp is a textbook chance for Robin (Jonas Armstrong) to act all brooding and angsty. Why oh why doesn't the whole world see things Robin's way? Poor guy. *sigh* Two things about this first segment of the episode - did anyone think it was weird/odd that such skillful wax artisans were around in King Richard's day? Maybe I am just not up on my history in that era. Also, is it weird that Isabella (Lara Pulver) would be making a play for the position of sheriff? Also - three things, I lied - part of me really loved how over-the-top hammy Prince John's (Toby Stephens) response to the news of his brother's "demise was - Stephens seems like he's really had a heckuva lot of fun with this role and it shows. He's in on the joke - I only wish Prince John had been able to make an appearance in season two, which for my money was the most consistent and well-scripted run of episodes.

The Gisborne siblings sure are messed up, aren't they? Despite the fact that Isabella jumped the shark and became completely unhinged in episode seven, I loved the nuance that Richard Armitage gave Guy's character in their first scene together. Sure, Isabella ends up smooth-talking her way out of imminent danger by offering reconciliation and promising to speak to the prince on Guy's behalf. But for a few brief moments, it seems like Guy hesitates killing Izzy because he's changed, because he can't quite make himself cross that line and kill family. The Marian thing still haunts my favorite dark and brooding anti-hero. ;-) He's still got a LONG way to go though, as he walked right into that whole drugging and betrayal scenario, didn't he?


You know I've got to say, it cracks me up that Robin & Co.'s bright idea for stopping Prince John is stealing the crown so there can't be a coronation. Seems flimsier than usual, even by this show's standards, but what do I know? *rolls eyes* I do have to say, though, that I got a kick out of Robin navigating the obstacles in the booby-trapped strongroom. Just like the good ol' days of Indiana Jones-style action in season two. ;-) Speaking of crowns and coronations, I have to call out the actor playing the archbishop - Ian Gelder. He was most recently seen as Mr. Dekker in Torchwood: Children of Earth.

Love, love, loved Guy going off on Isabella and Prince John ("I can't be disfigured for my coronation!!" - HILARIOUS!). This is what I've wanted to see since the beginning of this show, practically - Guy exploring his potential good side and being forced to realize that the corrupt, power-hungry people he's banked on don't care about him, they only care about him as long as he's useful to them. However - in case you haven't figured this out yet, the showrunners really dropped the ball on running the show this season in my opinion, the lack of focus directly leading to the cancellation of the show. Tragically SQUANDERED potential. *sigh*

You know what this episode really made me miss? Storylines that actually made me interested in the various members of the gang. Storylines like Allan's (Joe Armstrong) betrayal in season two, that made me care about his character more than every other one in the show (save Guy, of course). Now all Allan and Much (Sam Troughton) are good for is crushing on Kate (Joanne Froggatt), and all she's good for crushing on Robin and engineering a play for a little upward social mobility. Even when Marian was at her most annoying, she had Kate beaten by a mile.

A few words about the coronation scene. First - the outlaws' play to stop the proceedings by impersonating Richard behind shiny shields? Completely lame. LOVED Guy's appearance and how he and Robin seem to be able to set aside the past to some degree and recognize that for the first time ever, they have common enemies. Also got a chuckle out of the fight turning into a fist fight after the archbishop threatens anyone who draws blood in the church with eternal damnation. Way to work around that little problem. ;-) Final verdict: this episode had one or two good moments, but it's one of the weakest of season three so far.

Robin Hood 3.7: Too Hot to Handle

Spoilers...

A drought's hit Nottingham in episode 7 of Robin Hood - a potentially deadly situation exacerbated by Prince John's need to be loved by the people. Robin (Jonas Armstrong) and Isabella (Lara Pulver) still have a thing for each other. I mean you know its real when Robin waltzes into town to bring his lady luv strawberries. The double entendre in that scene had me rolling, LOL! But I have to say, how freaking stupid do you have to be to stage your little strawberry rendevous in full view of Prince John's (Toby Stephens) window. Yeesh. *rolls eyes*

So Prince John sees Robin and Isabella together and orders Guy (Richard Armitage) to follow the two of them around to determine her where her loyalty lies. At this point like there's any question about that, but whatever, I get it, it's not like there's no precedent on this show for characters being really dense. I loved every single scene Toby Stephens appeared in, the man's portrayal of Prince John is everything I wanted and then some. It could be a bit disturbing to analyze how easily he plays characters that are so in love with themselves, but where would the fun be in that? ;-) I also enjoyed Guy's interaction with the Prince - poor Guy, he obviously thought getting rid of the Sheriff would mean great things for him right off, but that dream has not played out according to plan (huuuugggge shocker, right? LOL). And maybe I'm reading too much into Guy's expression, but Armitage gives the performance a layer that almost, almost makes you believe he feels bad about the whole situation with his sister.

I've got to give credit to the fight choreographers for the way they staged the three-way fight between Guy, Robin, and Isabella - with Robin and Isabella shackled together, no less! (Seriously, Robin is losing his touch - to let Guy sneak up on them like that is tremendously pathetic.) But I thought the fight scene was quite entertaining. And once again Richard comes through as the finest actor on the show by making it seem just barely possible that he wants Isabella to choose him over Robin. Does he not want to lose his one remaining family member? Does Izzy remind him of Marian? Am I completely and overly obsessed with every nuance of Richard Armitage's facial expressions? The questions are endless.

So once Robin and Isabella escape Guy (for now), Robin reveals just how seriously deluded he is about the whole Marian/Guy relationship. I cannot believe he actually tells Isabella, with a straight face, that Marian never gave Guy a reason to feel anything for her. What planet was he living on for the last two years?!

Anyways...Robin & Isabella manage to make it to where the water is blocked, followed (of course) by Guy who locks them in and leaves them to drown. Poor Guy is once again missing a critical principle of this show, that is, if you don't kill someone right off they will always find a way to escape. In the ensuing scene Isabella reveals just how badly she's pinned all of her hopes for escape & a new life on Robin, and not-so-shockingly Robin begins to cave under the pressure. He just can't go there because of the whole Marian debacle - as an outlaw, he can't have it all. Poor boy. So after this revelation, Isabella goes all Gisborne on us and turns on Robin, who has never learned the idea that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. As brilliant as he likes to think of himself, Robin is not the brightest star in the sky, is he?

One of my favorite Prince John quotes: "Oh please, don't go all enigmatic on me Gisborne. Are they dead?"

So Isabella turns on Guy and Robin, and Guy just can't believe the sister he sold would throw him under the bus, but whever. This leads to not only another solidly staged and entertaining fight scene in the dungeon, but some freaking hilarious humor courtesy of Prince John. One of the strongest points of this episode are John's scenes - Stephens gets the chance to throw around some really funny, dry one-liners over and over - LOVED it. Now that Isabella has screwed up Guy's plans for royally-sanctioned power and position, he's got to go rogue...that makes me very happy. Just sayin'. :) I think it could be way healthier for Guy and Robin to bond over being dissed by Isabella (as opposed to the whole Marian mess).

Every scene with the rest of the gang bored me to tears - Tuck (David Harewood) comes off as really pompous and annoying to me, and Much (Sam Troughton) is just sad with this hopeless crush he has developed on Kate (Joanne Froggatt). I have to give Kate some credit for annoying me less this episode than she has in all of her previous appearances. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that her hairstyle has changed? I don't know, but don't worry, I'm not about to jump ship and become a Kate fan. ;-)

Robin Hood 3.6: Do You Love Me?

Spoilers...

Do You Love Me? is probably my favorite episode of season 3 of Robin Hood to date. At long, long last we're treated to the introduction of Toby Stephens as Prince John. I freaking love Toby Stephens - whether he's playing a baddie as he does in Die Another Day or a romantic hero as he does in Twelfth Night or Jane Eyre, he does it brilliantly. And to have Stephens playing opposite Richard Armitage (who smolders more than usual as Guy in this episode - yay!) is a bit of a dream come true.

I think it was my friend Kaye who made the comment that any episode that starts off with a shirtless Richard is sure to be good. ;-) I think that's a very good rule of thumb, just sayin'. The episode begins with Guy being dragged before the Prince and ordered to kill the Sheriff (Keith Allen) - since he's failed to deliver Robin Hood's head on a platter, it follows that he doesn't love his prince enough. Right away Stephens gives the character of Prince John the perfect balance of vanity and menace. And he speaks about himself in the third person, just hilarious! I think Prince John is a bit of a tricky character to get right. It's too easy to make him a complete fop, you know? However, since the showrunners made King Richard a complete & total loser (as seen in the season 2 finale), I wanted Prince John to be a legitimate threat. Thank goodness Toby Stephens was cast as the Prince...that is one thing the showrunners got right this season. John may be wonderfully vain and full of himself, but he's a real threat to doofus Richard's claim to the throne.

Likewise, this episode is a fantastic showcase for Guy and the Sheriff's deteriorating relationship. Guy is on fire here - once the prince gives him the sort of approval and validation that the Sheriff never has, he's out for blood (and an intense, smoldering Guy is always fun to watch). :) It's also interesting to see Allen play the Sheriff with a little uncertainty. He knows, or suspects, that Guy is out for his job, but he also recognizes that Prince John isn't to be trusted. It's a case of the devil you know, or the one you don't, I guess you could say. When Guy and the Sheriff start their fight, wowzers, was that a satisfying scene. The Sheriff's been manipulating Guy for over two seasons now, and to see Guy snap - and how he blames the Sheriff for driving him to kill Marian - made for fantastic, dream-come-true viewing. It was a total Richard Armitage fangirl moment. :) Guy wasn't after the Sheriff to curry favor with the prince - this was a moment for him to try & kill the Sheriff's control over his life. Easily the most intense fight scene in the show's history, very well executed.

Isabella (Lara Pulver) makes her second appearance here - and she's two-for-two as far as appearances go & my liking the character. She's a resident of the castle, but makes it clear that she doesn't approve of the Sheriff, Prince John, or her brother's methods. She's apparently biding her time - not sure if we're supposed to get that she's out to revenge herself against Guy for selling her into a bad marriage or what. I have to say, I did enjoy Isabella's little moment with Robin (Jonas Armstrong) after she helps him put out the fire started on the prince's orders in Locksley. Pulver and Armstrong have some serious on-screen chemistry in this scene, and it's a good little moment for Jonas Armstrong reveal some rakish charm. ;-) I also liked Isabella's scenes with Prince John - he's so obviously smitten with her, and she plays him like a fiddle - their moments together are quite humorous.

The biggest downfall to this episode is, once again, Kate (Joanne Froggatt). This episode is just mean...Kate goes and gets herself wounded when the outlaws attack Prince John's decoy, and then she has the nerve not to die. *sigh* The potential there just crashed & burned. And to add insult to injury I had to watch Much (Sam Troughton) and Allan (Joe Armstrong) trip all over each other with concerns for her welfare (GAG!), and then, THEN she goes and has the nerve to make eyes at Robin. SERIOUSLY?! We had to go THERE?! Brace yourselves, people, I'm sure it's only bound to get worse. *sigh*

That annoyance aside, the Prince John-Guy-Sheriff dynamic made this episode one of season 3's best. There were many, many more moments of Toby Stephens' brilliant portrayal of Prince John that I could have gushed over, but I'll refrain. :) And yay for Guy finally snapping and turning on the Sheriff. It's not quite the same as owning to his mistakes, but it's a step in the right direction that's been a long time coming. Love it.

Robin Hood - Prince John arrives!

Because I have no patience when it comes to BBC America deciding to air Robin Hood season 3, I've been watching it on YouTube. It's a complete pain, but since I started I'm hooked. Episode 5, "Let the Games Commence," introduces Isabella (Lara Pulver), Gisborne's sister - who's promising to be a MUCH more interesting character than I'd ever dreamed. So far I like her better than Kate (Joanne Froggatt), the girl from the village (though she's much less annoying this week than she was in her previous episodes). I found the trailer for episode 6 online...and people I am so happy to announce that Prince John FINALLY arrives in Nottingham. And Toby Stephens looks to be every bit as bloody brilliant in the role as I'd hoped he would be! Watch while you can for the first glimpse of Toby Stephens as the Prince.

Edit: Video removed from YouTube, post updated 8/18/11.