[Brighton] Grace ***May Contain Spoilers***

[vegster]

Yeah - last nights didn't really grab me either tbh....not the best. Really enjoyed previous episodes, but it all seemed a bit too far fetched yesterday.

And I know it shouldn't - but it still really bugs me that they use aerial shots of cars going eastwards on the A259 towards Rottingdean, then they magically appear next to the pier again in the next shot. I swear at one point last night they even mirrored the shot so it looked like they were going westwards past Roedean back towards Brighton, but the cars were all on the wrong side (ie lane furthest from the cliff side?)

I remember in one episode the bad guy tried to flee in his speedboat in the canal at Shoreham ...no panic I thought, just pick him up at the lock gates.

 

[Silverhatch]

I definitely recommend the Reacher series, once I started watching it was difficult to not binge watch the whole lot.
I’m looking forward to A Town Called Malice

Reacher series is great - as is Alan Ritchson; not 6’5” and 230lbs but pretty close and so much better than the Cruisemeister.

 

[GT49er]

Tried watching a couple of episodes - but no, nothing, zilch for me. Haven't even stuck them out to the end. Maybe I should try reading one or two of the books - so many TV adaptations/films are so much better (e.g. Harry Potter, Sharpe, LOTR, etc.) if you've read the books first. So much in all those that I wouldn't have known what was going on (in depth) if I hadn't read the books.

 

[FindonFan]

Tried watching a couple of episodes - but no, nothing, zilch for me. Haven't even stuck them out to the end. Maybe I should try reading one or two of the books - so many TV adaptations/films are so much better (e.g. Harry Potter, Sharpe, LOTR, etc.) if you've read the books first. So much in all those that I wouldn't have known what was going on (in depth) if I hadn't read the books.

You’ve missed nothing. I have read several of the books and thought they were all just average police procedurals. The current ITV series is, in my opinion, just awful. Very poorly scripted and very poorly acted.

 

[GT49er]

You’ve missed nothing. I have read several of the books and thought they were all just average police procedurals. The current ITV series is, in my opinion, just awful. Very poorly scripted and very poorly acted.

So, you're recommending I give the books a go, then?

 

[Binney on acid]

It's all done by smoke and mirrors. The average viewer is so busy marvelling at the shots of Brighton, that they are oblivious of the fact that the story lines are mostly implausible, and that the acting is poor. Peter James is a very clever bloke, but he'd probably make a better accountant than author.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

I wonder if that is because each story is only one episode. I’m not sure that can do a book justice. The typical format for most dramas is around 6 episodes, to develop characters and plot.

The one that is closest in format, 2 hours long and a new story each time, is Vera.
I wonder whether the Geordies critique that as we do Grace?

I've found some of the 6 or 8 week, 1-hour dramas seem to drag too much?

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

I wonder if that is because each story is only one episode. I’m not sure that can do a book justice. The typical format for most dramas is around 6 episodes, to develop characters and plot.

I found myself thinking exactly that after the last episode. I enjoy the books, am entertained by the TV versions, but couldn’t help thinking it was a mistake trying to distil one book in to one programme.

 

[Dancin Ninja BHA]

Got excited last night watching the latest Grace, as I saw my old flat on Powis Road (by the Crescent pub) where the unfortunate American cyclist got squished......

The 'Grace' books started off very well in my opinion, and then have definitely tailed off. Similar to Reacher, the ones written with his brother (not read the latest) have been so formulaic and a bit boring. Earlier Reacher were excellent

 

[Beach Hut]

Last episode was the only actual book I have read, as stated by many seems to be flat lining

 

[Silverhatch]

Great to see Brighton panoramas. In a show that seems to have spent all its cash on a couple of actors, it's good that they still have money for a drone. The production is not tight. Lighting and sound and script editing is off. A good adapted screenplay with sharp dialogue and direction can make a flabby book much better. Feels rushed. Still distracting and enjoyable though - especially playing location bingo.

 

[BN9 BHA]

Got excited last night watching the latest Grace, as I saw my old flat on Powis Road (by the Crescent pub) where the unfortunate American cyclist got squished......

The 'Grace' books started off very well in my opinion, and then have definitely tailed off. Similar to Reacher, the ones written with his brother (not read the latest) have been so formulaic and a bit boring. Earlier Reacher were excellent

Agree with you about Reacher, the books were far better before Lee Child’s brother got involved, probably run out of ideas after so many books in the series.

 

[Brightonfan1983]

It's all done by smoke and mirrors. The average viewer is so busy marvelling at the shots of Brighton, that they are oblivious of the fact that the story lines are mostly implausible, and that the acting is poor. Peter James is a very clever bloke, but he'd probably make a better accountant than author.

I don't think it's better nor worse than your average ITV crime drama. As has been mentioned on here before, John Simm didn't sound overly enthusiastic about the source material in initial interviews, but the they've changed the writers for the current series and to me anyway, the first episode felt less ropey, less like an adaptation, and more enjoyable, engaging. They do make Brighton look quite nice too!

 

[Brovion]

Well we've watched all of them, and whilst I think 'rubbish' is a bit strong, I will settle for 'not very good'. I agree with all the criticisms; perhaps we've been spoilt recently, but when compared to the likes of Unforgotten, Line of Duty, Happy Valley and Blue Lights 'Grace' really doesn't measure up in any respect.

We only watch to see the real star - Brighton. And then only so we can say things like "Oh look there's that tyre place by the viaduct!". And even then I don't think Brighton looks that good. The weeds in the pavement!

 

[LamieRobertson]

Filming at my local hospital recently….failed to get in a shot and was carted off by security

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

I know its not everyone's cup of tea - but filming is underway for the new series.
They were out by The Book Nook in Hove a couple of weeks ago, and they're filming today at the Whitecliffs Cafe in Saltdean on the Undercliff Walk.

 

[Beach Hut]

Filming on Shoreham beach this Friday

 

[Is it PotG?]

 

[Super Steve Earle]

I'm reading the books now to keep ahead of the series. No spoilers guys, especially re Sandy.

 

[Is it PotG?]

ITV’s adaptation of Peter James’ best-selling Roy Grace novels is getting a fifth series.

John Simm will return as Grace for another four feature-length films, which will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

ITV says that series five will comprise of the following four films – Dead If You Don’t, Dead At First Sight, Need You Dead and Find Them Dead.

Also reprising their roles for series five are Richie Campbell who plays DS Glenn Branson, Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl and Sam Hoare as ACC Cassian Pewe.

Series four is imminent.