DHDancer

Well, I'll be the naysayer: I didn't enjoy the episode very much and in fact laughed pretty hard through the battle: where were the shieldwalls? Such crappy tactics wasting the cavalry. And Ivar/chariot was just laughable: trotting around like he was taking a drive in the park. And frankly I don't buy into the destruction of the fort/town: the Vikings aren't stupid: they would just take up residence and enjoy the comforts. I sort of understand the destruction of the scrolls and other Christian trappings, but not the buildings or walls. I was totally unmoved by Floki/Helga except from the point of Helga actress being producer's family being written out. I DID LOVE Ecbert's final revenge except of course he was the King of Wessex and Mercia, NOT of East Anglia (that was a separate kingdom) so it didn't matter about him abdicating to Aethelwulf anyway. But hey, I'm sure Hirst has never let history or geography interfere with a good yarn. It will be interesting to see if he sends Ivar off to Ireland and leave Ubba and Halfdan to the English Kingdoms. Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales has spoiled me I guess... PS and while I don't mind JRM, did they have to introduce him with such an awful sex trope (it wasn't even sexy).

Yes, it's Alex Jennings.

Maybe they thought sitting at big tables on benches constituted "family style"? I wouldn't be surprised given how screwed up their thinking was... Count me among those who would have hi-fived a double elimination. Slightly tangential: I would LOVE to see a challenge where no fish, no crudo/raw anything, no short ribs are allowed -- I'm so sick of these and I'm sorry, I think fish, esp scallops, and crudo are a cop-out (disclosure, I hate fish, fatty meat, and offal). I'd love to see a challenge where they are asked to make a meal for 4 people under $20 (or better yet, $10!) that had to meet a balanced nutritional goal as well. And how about going for broke and, let's make it a full vegetarian challenge, lol!!

Hmmm, I thought I heard Leamington (as in Leamington Spa). Haven't rewatched as it's really not that important....

I really liked the episode although there were a couple of jarring moments. I also agree that Truelove feels wrong: why was she the one to do the briefing of the body in the alley? Shouldn't that have been done by Strange, or another constable? That felt very forced for me. I didn't mind the reveal about The Kinks being banned in the US -- that did dovetail well. The other thing was the pop group right at the beginning: what was that all about as it seemed like they were making a music video which felt to me anachronistic. Maybe it was some taped stuff for the TV show but it was hardly clear. And yeah, I don't understand the last scene -- it certainly smacks of Joan-in-trouble, but why the anger/frustration/phone throwing by Morse?

Re Episode 10: So did anyone catch which mayo came out on top? Was it Hellemans/Best Foods or Blue Plate? Or was it Dukes? I know it wasn't Miracle Whip (ee gads...)

Jaime was totally responsible for screwing up what should have been a simple dish: prepared well, chicken satay is delicious. He could have fixed the grill problem if he tried but I also remember the judges commenting on the flavor (marinade/satay sauce) being strange and I think that was really the issue. And frankly he didn't have to make chicken satay. Heaven forbid chicken is a blank canvas, ripe for innovation (they had plenty of truffles, remember). Yes the peanut butter was potentially a challenge, but it wasn't an impossibility to produce a decent sauce or coating. I am truly sorry to see Jim gone: he was such a highlight being a good cook and a nice guy. He reminded me of Gary who won the Masterchef UK professionals this season (sorry, spoiler if you intend to watch it).

WTF: No way that Jim goes home! Does he go to LCK????

I loved the Gisla/Rollo reunion! She just loves that man with a passion (ah, so do I Gisla, so do I). I roared when she punched him in the nose! I presume the language of the formal court is Latin, and so the use of French for the personal interaction was for contrast. All the Vikings are starting to merge together for me. Apart from our original characters, I'm losing my way with the others. No matter, the gist is still there and still enjoyable.

Ooh, now we would be moving into Mary Russell territory! (Laurie R King's books about Holmes and his apprentice-then-wife Mary Russell). I'm taking everything at face value right now, not trying to strain my brain thinking about plot twists etc. I just want to enjoy the program and what will transpire, will transpire. I personally love Lindsay Duncan as Lady Smallwood as a foil for Mycroft but who knows where that will go. Did I mention how Mrs Hudson had me screaming "You Go Girl" at the TV? Ha!!

Don't know the rules for posting links but it's a legitimate source (not a youtube pirate). Google ITV Hub or Endeavour and you'll find the link. :)

Excellent episode. I don't care for Ms Smartiepants Truelove -- she's too smart and it feels fake to me, not genuine. I was so sad that Thursday and Morse were at odds with each other for most of the episode, and not really reconciled at the end: it will take news of Joan I think to heal that rift (assuming Joan is alive and well of course). So glad we can watch this on UK time so we don't have the endless wait AND editing of PBS.

Am I the only one who had not dry eyes during the Watson/Holmes heart to heart at the end? To me there was a strong feeling of Freeman/Cumberbatch going on in that exchange because of the fact that Martin and Amanda have split up (before filming this series I believe). Maybe it's just sentimental ol' me. Anyway really loved the episode! Definitely back on track with the show.

Go Viggo!! Glad to see he's still making movies. There will never be another Aragorn!

So she's Sharon Stone's daughter? I wonder that these awards not smack slightly of nepotism (oh wait, this is a Hollywood event, duh)

Was there ever any explanation for why The Martian was categorized as a comedy?

Oh the French Lieutenant's Woman! How long ago was that!! I just love Meryl's body of work, with my fave being Julia Child I think. But seeing all those clips reminds me just how many great roles she's played and how many of her films I've enjoyed.

Wow, this is a very poetic tribute. Well done Viola!

Well, that was RUDE ... not allowing time for an acceptance speech.

Yay for The Crown. Absolutely great series! Claire Foy is tiny!

Too funny. I got appreciation for Kristen Wiig after seeing Paul (several times). And Steve Carrell in Little Miss Sunshine.

Ugh, what's with the see through lace trend? Not good on camera...

Ah, so now I know why Erin won Project Runway!! Yellow is the new black!!

Finally, something I actually watched (along with The Crown). Laurie and Hiddleston weren't the best performers in The Night Manager, but it will do.

Ooh, liking this lilac number: some beautiful draping there.