Inspector Lewis: Dark Matter

Inspector Lewis continued its stellar third series run on Masterpiece Mystery this Sunday with a new episode entitled Dark Matter. Here’s the episode summary from the PBS website:

Oxford professor and amateur stargazer Andrew Crompton emerges from a church confessional, cryptically exclaiming that on Friday at 3:15, he'll have an "excess of joy." Later, Crompton is found dead at the foot of the stairs in the Oxford observatory. The investigation draws Detective Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Detective Sergeant Hathaway (Laurence Fox) into the ethereal writings of a 17th-century astronomer and a modern-day circle of scientists and musicians, and their unexpected connections to the deceased. The cosmos aside, there's a dark deception at the center of the case, one that Lewis and Hathaway won't be able to fully comprehend until Friday at 3:15.

I thought this episode was wildly entertaining, and like the best Lewis episodes I didn’t see the resolution coming. The script, pacing, and casting for this episode was all absolutely top-notch, and the filmmakers packed the storyline with enough red herrings and interwoven relationships that I suspect it will take several more viewings of this episode for me to fully appreciate the precise way in which the story unfolded on-screen.

After last week’s episode, The Dead of Winter (my review), which was wonderfully well done but decidedly dark in tone, Dark Matter was noticeably lighter in tone in spite of its shared murderous subject matter. Let me mention the principle players first – Lewis (Kevin Whately), Hathaway (Laurence Fox), and Dr. Laura Hobson (Clare Holman). This episode was a welcome change of pace in that it gave us some insight into Laura’s life outside of her work as a coroner – she’s a clarinet player in a local orchestra. When Lewis and Hathaway badger her into doing some undercover investigative work, and then she delivered, I nearly cheered – it was so much fun to see how impressed they were with her game and sleuthing skills. And once again I realize this is probably the romantic in me, but I did so hope that Lewis was perhaps sitting up and taking notice of the fact that Laura looked positively gorgeous in her performance dress. But seeing as its Lewis we’re talking about I’m guessing not. *wink* I also LOVED the interaction between Lewis & Hathaway in this episode, especially the very funny moment when they joked about their lack of a social life when they can’t come up with exciting dates for the musical gala (Lewis is taking his boss, and Hathaway had “no takers” – shocking!).

This episode was also chock-full of familiar acting talent. Arnold Raeburn, composer and conductor, is played by Robert Hardy. Hardy is a very familiar face to Harry Potter fans – he plays Cornelius Fudge, head of the Ministry of Magic. Most recently he’s also appeared in Bleak House as Tite Barnacle. Another Bleak House alum makes an appearance in the form of Warren Clarke* who played the character of Boythorn. Here Clarke plays the head porter, an opportunistic, rather sniveling character who quite honestly made my skin crawl. He gets the shock of his life by the end of this story, and I have to say he was just full of himself enough to make me think he deserved it just a bit.

Raeburn’s protégé, Malcolm Finniston, was played by Anthony Calf*. Calf portrayed Colonel Fitzwilliam in “the Colin Firth” Pride and Prejudice from 1995. I don’t think I’ve seen the man in anything since then! Finniston had some unexpected secrets of his own that are revealed by the end of the program – just another one of the script’s fascinating twists and turns that were much appreciated. And finally, Andrew Hawley played the devoutly religious student Jez Haydock. It was interesting to see how the script examined Jez’s character and his struggles to reconcile his faith and his studies, and the contradictions and problems that ensue as a result. Hawley’s career is really just getting started – he first appeared on my radar when he played Hareton in the 2009 Masterpiece Classic version of Wuthering Heights. (Speaking of Wuthering Heights, I think I need to transfer my review of the 2009 production to this blog...)

The "reveal" at the end of this episode left me absolutely gobsmacked...I did not see it coming. If "dark matter" means something muddled and confused and hard to comprehend, well that is an apt description of the twists and turns Lewis and Hathaway discover amongst this particular group of Oxford residents. That's not to say the story doesn't make sense - when this show is "firing on all cylinders" so to speak and all of the pieces finally fall into place, it's quite a rewarding viewing experience. I can't wait for next week's episode!

*I want to thank Laurel Ann at Austenprose for pointing out the Clark and Calf acting credits in her excellent review of this episode, which you can read here.

Casting Call: Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington

Well, I meant to post this over a week ago, shortly after my review of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss…but life has a way of disrupting the best-laid plans, don’t you know? *g* Since so much time has passed, this isn’t going to be quite as comprehensive a “Casting Call” post as my first for Cara Putman’s Stars in the Night. But since these casting ideas have been knocking around in my head ever since I read Victory Heights, I just had to make sure I shared them. As a refresher, here’s a bit about the novel with a link to my review.

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie’s fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the local Boeing plant, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her “Seattle’s Own Rosie the Riveter,” and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie’s strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent…but will it claim victory over love?

**Here’s a link to my review of the novel.**

Barbara Stanwyck as Rosalie

Rosalie Madison, played by Barbara Stanwyck: You know those fabulous “Rosie the Riveter” posters from World War II? Well, it’s no coincidence I’m sure that Rosalie is quite similar to that image which inspired countless women to leave their homes and join the war effort. However, if Victory Heights was going to be made into a film (and I do so wish it would, I think it would be perfect – Hallmark, are you listening? *g*), I was stymied as to what actress could represent Rosalie’s combination of strength and vulnerability. I finally settled on Barbara Stanwyck. She’s not only a class act, but she’s got an all-American, girl-next-door kind of look that would be perfect for this story. As to whether or not Stanwyck is the best actress to portray Rosalie’s strength and vulnerability on-screen – I must refer you to films like Annie Oakley, Ball of Fire, The Lady Eve, and East Side, West Side – no one can balance spunk, sass, and vulnerability like Ms. Stanwyck!

John Payne as Kenny

Kenny Davenport, played by John Payne: I have a very definite image of on-screen reporters during the World War II time period – fast-talking, fedora pulled low over the forehead, always wearing a suit. It’s hard for me to put the ideal description that resides in my head into words, but when an actor’s got that “it” quality, I know they’d be perfect for the role. In the case of Kenny, the reporter who struggles with his career aspirations and serving his country, I kept coming back to John Payne as being the perfect actor. Kenny is an absolute sweetheart, kind, handsome, and with a great sense of humor, all qualities that Payne embodies in many of his classic Hollywood films (plus, I think he’d have great on-screen chemistry with Stanwyck – the sparks would fly!). Personality-wise, I think Kenny’s character is best represented best by Payne’s role in Miracle on 34th Street, as well as a few of his turns in musicals, believe it or not (thinking Springtime in the Rockies or Hello Frisco, Hello to name a few).

Peter Lawford as Nick

Nick, played by Peter Lawford: Nick is Kenny’s close friend, and described as very handsome, a charismatic ladies’ man. And when I think charismatic ladies’ man, Peter Lawford is one of the first actors from classic Hollywood that comes to mind. Nick worked overseas for a contract ambulance service, and when he was severely wounded in the leg he was sent home with no benefits, since he didn’t work through the Army (even though he served on the front lines). His character comes across as almost overly suave and compelling as a way for him to mask his emotional and physical wounds. Since Lawford was British, and possessed this almost aristocratic bearing, it seems like he played many roles where he comes from a rarified, privileged background and he has to work to overcome the bias that comes as a result of that. For some good examples see his appearances in films like Good News, Little Women, or Easter Parade.

Veronica Lake as Lanie

Lanie, played by Veronica Lake: Lanie was an interesting character to cast. She’s described as a head-turning, gorgeous blonde who rather improbably works at the Boeing aircraft plant with Rosalie. She’s also a singer, which is how she meets Nick. Half the time Lanie seems incredibly sweet and nice, and the other half of the time I wanted to smack her upside the head for being, well, a snake in the grass. Who better to play a woman of such contradictions than the lovely Veronica Lake, renowned femme fatale of the silver screen? Now in the Lake films I’ve seen, I’d say I end up liking her more than Lanie (*g*) – my favorite role of hers is in the film noir classic The Blue Dahlia (which really, REALLY needs to come out on DVD already!). This picture is from Lake’s appearance in the military-themed drama So Proudly We Hail!, and I thought it was wildly appropriate given that she looks like she could be working a shift at the Boeing factory.

Jane Powell as Birdie

Birdie, played by Jane Powell: Birdie is Rosalie’s best friend, and the two decided to room together when Birdie got work at the plant after her husband was deployed overseas. Birdie’s another girl next door, all-American type, extremely kind but with a backbone of steel. Jane Powell seems perfect for the part. If you’re familiar with Powell’s work, you can probably guess the role that inspired my choice – yep, I’m thinking of her turn in the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Powell’s turn in that film embodies her balance of delicate beauty, spunk, and strength.

Lana Turner as Lana :)

Lana Turner, played by Lana Turner of course! I cast Lana Turner in my first Casting Call post, but this time around she gets to play herself so of course I had to include her. Turner plays a critical role in Rosalie and Kenny’s “meet cute” and the subsequent direction of their relationship. Victory Heights takes place in Turner’s pre-blonde days – she was a stunner whether brunette or blonde, no?

Dean Jagger as Rev. Davenport

Reverend Davenport, played by Dean Jagger: Just in case you don’t recognize Dean Jagger’s name, I have two words for you: White Christmas. Yes, Jagger is the name of that guy who plays Major General Thomas F. Waverly, who never fails to bring tears to my eyes every time I watch White Christmas. I think he’s perfectly suited to play Reverend Davenport, Kenny’s father, who is sent stateside when he’s wounded overseas and ends up losing a leg. Jagger’s turn in White Christmas is the perfect embodiment of Reverend Davenport’s patience and kindness, plus I think he could do a decent job passing for John Payne’s father in the looks department! *wink* Note on the photo: I'm not sure what film this still is from, but since Jagger is in uniform I had to use it to illustrate this post!
 
The world of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, is populated with many more characters that need to be “cast,” but this post represents most of the characters that made the biggest impression on my mind when I read the book. These characters just begged to be brought to life by some classic Hollywood legends. If you haven’t read the book, I hope you get the chance, and if you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my casting call!
 
And just for fun, here's a photo of John Payne from Miracle on 34th Street - his stance in this photo really "fits" the character of Kenny in my opinion! :)

Kenny interrogating Santa :)

Campaign to bring North and South to PBS...

I've seen a couple of posts about this campaign around the Richard Armitage-related blogosphere recently, and then a friend of mine kindly sent me this Facebook badge link. Well, I am willing to promote anything Richard Armitage or North and South-related, don't you know. :)

Click the link below to get information on how to participate in a postcard-writing campaign to bring North and South to Masterpiece on PBS. Personally I don't understand how on earth this production never made it to PBS! Think of the new fans to be gained!

Bring North & South to PBS

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More Inspector Lewis on the way!

After Sunday's stellar Inspector Lewis episode on Masterpiece Mystery, I'm more excited than ever about the upcoming episode this Sunday, entitled Dark Matter. Here's a bit about the story:

See an all-new episode of Inspector Lewis Sunday, September 12, 2010 on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY. In Dark Matter, an amateur stargazer is dead in the observatory. Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Hathaway (Laurence Fox) delve into the work of a 17th-century astronomer on the way to the black hole of deception at the center of this case. (One episode; 90 minutes; TV-PG).

Inspector Lewis: The Dead of Winter

Yesterday Inspector Lewis continued with the second episode of series three to air on Masterpiece Mystery - The Dead of Winter. I really, really enjoyed this episode - the primary reason because it was so Hathaway-centric. :) Here's a bit about the story from the PBS website:

An Oxford academic is dead on a tour bus and none of the other passengers even took notice. The curious case leads back to Crevecoeur Hall, a vast, history-rich Oxford estate, and as it happens, the setting for much of Detective Sergeant Hathaway's (Laurence Fox) youth. Hathaway reconnects with his past — and Scarlett Mortmaigne, the daughter of the estate's owner. But is he also consorting with a main suspect? It's a case that threatens to expose the shortcomings and secrets of a wealthy family, cloud Hathaway's judgment and ultimately put his relationship with Detective Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately) in jeopardy. Nathaniel Parker (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) guest stars.

The episode opens with Hathaway giving evidence in court for an extraordinarily difficult case - he was the officer who found the murdered body of a young girl. Hathaway and Lewis played these opening scenes extraordinarily well, as usual (*g*). I love the dynamic of how these are two co-workers who really do like and care about each other, but they are both such "closed books" they would never dream of actually talking about something that's bothering them, unless they are really hard-pressed. Thankfully, the coroner, Laura Hobson (Clare Holman) is there to give Lewis a much-needed kick in the pants. It was nice to see Lewis and Laura relaxing at the pub for a change - I really do wonder how long Lewis is going to be in denial that they are meant for each other. Or is that just the romantic in me? ;-)

I loved when the investigation moved to Crevecoeur Hall, the estate where, shockingly, Hathaway grew up. And how much fun was it to see Cromwell-era re-enactors instead of the usual Civil War or Revolutionary War re-enactors we see in the states (the former, especially if you live in the south like me). Seeing Hathway still carry a torch for the lord of the manor's daughter, the lovely Scarlett (played by Camilla Arfwedson, a veteran of the Miss Marple series in the episode Murder is Easy) was an interesting experience. Hathaway is a character I've come to value for his quick wit and insight, and seeing his Achilles' heel, if you will, as regards Scarlett was rather eye-opening. It seems my brilliant Hathaway isn't perfect, and even he is susceptible to some deep-rooted class envy. *sigh* I have to say watching Scarlett play Hathaway, no matter the fact that to her, her reasons "seemed" valid, it did make me want to smack Hathaway upside the head, just to wake him up. :) Fox really got multiple chances to shine in this episode. From his unrequited feelings for Scarlett, to his barely restrained rage when he discovers that Briony, the groundskeeper's daughter, is cutting herself, this story provided some "cracks" in Hathaway's armor. Love, love, loved the insight into the usually quiet, stoic character.

A handful of familiar faces populate the home of Hathaway's youth. Philip, nephew to the lord of the manor, is played by Nathaniel Parker. Parker is the face of the Inspector Lynley mystery series, as well as appearing in everything from Stardust to the Bleak House miniseries. Philip is "accidentally" shot during the re-enacting fracas, which is the first reason the police are brought to the estate. We discover later that Philip is having an affair with his uncle's much-younger wife, Selina. Selina is played by Juliet Aubrey, and since the last major role I remember seeing Aubrey play was the villainous Helen in Primeval, seeing her play an adulterous wife was no stretch, just sayin'. The final face that I recognized was Father Jasper, the Jesuit priest staying in the folly on the estate, played by Hugh O'Conor. Now this is going back a bit, but it will tell you how much I adore the movie - back in 1993, O'Conor played King Louis in Disney-fied Three Musketeers. Since then, he's also appeared on Masterpiece in the fantastic adaptation of Northanger Abbey, where he played James Morland.

I think the writers did a fantastic job weaving together the seemingly loose and unrelated threads of the mysteries that populated this episode. First, there's the death of one Dr. Black, discovered murdered on a city bus. That death is traced to the estate, and raises numerous questions about why the professor would have a connection to the estate and end up murdered in the chapel. Then there's the supposed suicide of the groundskeeper, which seems to point to a murder-suicide since letters surface that appear to indicate that Dr. Black ran off with the groundskeeper's wife years before. As with the best Lewis episodes, nothing is as it seems, and everyone Lewis and Hathaway encounter has hidden fresh motives or previously unknown connections to the deaths. I found myself so absorbed in the storyline, I didn't see some of the final twists coming until the reveal was practically upon us. And perhaps the best part of it all was how this episode once again tested the limits of Lewis and Hathaway's partnership and friendship. Seeing them once again work through the challenges and stresses of a new case proved to be a rewarding viewing experience, as always.

For me, this episode had the cast and crew firing on all cylinders, every piece of the puzzle falling into place perfectly, revealing dark secrets and bringing long-buried truths to light. The Dead of Winter ranks (so far), as my favorite episode of this season, and one of my favorite all-time Lewis episodes. I love watching the team of Lewis and Hathaway work - they've grown so much since series one - and the world they inhabit is beautifully brought to life on-screen. In spite of Oxford's disturbing tendency toward murder and mayhem, it's a trip I don't mind taking as long as Hathaway is my guide. :) Can't wait till next week's episode!

Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Love Me TenderSummerside Press (September 1, 2010)

byJanice Hanna

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna, She got her start in the industy writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over fifty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fictio Writers).

She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Frelance Writer" has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievious dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As "Love Me Tender" plays in the background, Debbie Carmichael determines to salvage her family's restaurant, Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe, when her father's health fails. Teen heartthrob Bobby Conrad agrees to perform at a fundraiser concert. But just two weeks before the highly publicized event, Bobby backs out of the benefit. Enter Johnny Hartman, a young, unknown singer to take Conrad's place. Debbie soon realizes the twists and turns leading up to the concert are divinely orchestrated. And it isn't dreamy Bobby Conrad who has stolen her heart - but the tender love of Johnny Hartman.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Me Tender, go HERE.

Next on Inspector Lewis

Tomorrow Masterpiece Mystery continues with series three of Inspector Lewis, starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox, with the episode The Dead of Winter. Here's a bit about the story:

The second of five all-new episodes of Inspector Lewis airs Sunday, September 5, 2010 on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY. In The Dead of Winter, the discovery of a body on a bus leads Lewis and Hathaway to a sprawling Oxford estate where Hathaway spent much of his childhood. Nathaniel Parker (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) guest stars. (One episode; 90 minutes; TV-PG).

In addition to featuring Nathaniel Parker of Inspector Lynley fame, this episode also features an appearance that should be of interest to Primeval fans - Juliet Aubrey guest stars as Selina.

Pearl In the Sand by Tessa Afshar

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Pearl In The SandMoody Publishers (September 1, 2010)

byTessa Afshar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tessa Afshar was born in a nominally Muslim family in Iran and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She survived English boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her mid-twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDIV from Yale University where she served as co-Chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the

Divinity School. She has spent the last twelve years in full and part-time Christian work and currently serves as the leader of Women’s and Prayer ministries at a church in Connecticut.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes. At the age of fifteen Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father. In her years as a courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walks Salmone, a respected leader of Judah. Through the tribulations of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true
source of one another’s worth in God and find healing from fear and rejection.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pearl In The Sand, go HERE



Watch the book video: