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Post by jno on May 24, 2015 19:05:11 GMT
Link to episode on minder.org: www.minder.org/episodeguide/S11E02_InVinoVeritas.htm When I first saw Rik Mayall in this one I thought out was going to be good. However, this for me is probably the worst of the six with very little going and a lot of time going down the Thames on a boat - which I didn't find particularly funny. It was a shame this one was broadcast second and not later on as it is such a weak story. The wine theme is ok and Lex Shrapnel is pretty good in this, but the story is just a very poor use of some of the very good acting talent on offer here. The funniest part of this one are the depressing songs the entertainer is playing on the boat. This one was too eccentric too early on and was not good for the way the series was received by the media I feel. The whole Rik Mayall (Maurice) breakdown thing at the end is just nonsense to me and not even great actors can really save this poor story I feel - 3/10.  From TV TIMES on 11th February 2009:  |
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Post by swainy on May 24, 2015 22:17:57 GMT
I totally agree and I reckon that this was the episode that killed off the series to be honest. It's rating never recovered after this one.
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Post by pr1 on Apr 30, 2017 15:19:54 GMT
If the script for this episode was considered acceptable it makes you wonder what they rejected! This is a bad episode and not just because it's Minder. It's just plain bad. At times it felt like they were just making it up as they floated on the Thames. To be fair there are brief bits throughout the episode that are ok. The so-called wedding singer was mildly amusing.
The final scene celebrating Petra's reopening was the best part of the episode. Archie tells Petra, Dave would be proud. Was there suppose to be a connection between Petra and Dave?
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Post by swainy on Apr 30, 2017 15:43:09 GMT
Petra is supposed to be Dave's daughter.
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Post by jno on Apr 30, 2017 17:06:38 GMT
I honestly think broadcasting this second sealed the killing off of this 'brand new' series - it's a real shame this episode was such a stinker so early on.
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Post by pr1 on Apr 30, 2017 20:01:11 GMT
I honestly think broadcasting this second sealed the killing off of this 'brand new' series - it's a real shame this episode was such a stinker so early on. With only six episodes it would have stood out regardless of when it was shown but making it the second episode was idiotic! |
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Post by westldner on Oct 6, 2017 16:27:36 GMT
Agreed with the first post, I did also find the story rather predictable half-way and knew what was going to happen towards the end. Great acting but story-wise could have been better. Also Tower Bridge as the backdrop made the filming rather amateur in my opinion.
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Post by mybodyguard on Aug 16, 2019 4:04:09 GMT
This started out like it could have been good, with a classic Minder like plot. Jamie having to mind an obnoxious lad about to be married, and making sure he gets to his wedding on time. The script could have taken this episode in a nice direction. It all quickly fell apart when the show completely shifted to the wedding boat, and things turned into an absolute mess. Not even the new Winchester opening could save this one.
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Post by AlanH on Mar 30, 2022 10:28:32 GMT
Series 11 (1) - Episode 2 - 'In Vino Veritas'Having dipped into this thread for a quick gauge of the general response to this episode, again my expectations for this episode were low. There's no argument that it's a step down from the opener, though it does have its moments and a superb cast. Meera Syal is particularly worthy of mention - such a good actress. It's also pleasant to see Rik Mayall in a role I'd not previously been aware of, though his performance is a bit at odds with the naturalistic style of the other actors. There's definitely some credence in what people here say, that the episode loses its way somewhat once the story reaches the wedding boat. The depressive entertainer is a highlight and Lex Shrapnel impresses again - and, much to my surprise, I even found myself warming to Shane Richie's Archie, at least to a greater degree than in the opener. If anything, I felt the episode concentrated too much on the river locations to the detriment of the story, which really did need some beefing up. Not a painful watch as such, indeed quite enjoyable without being particularly satisfying - the Chinese meal analogy springs to mind. It seemed to favour style over substance a little too often for my tastes. However, if this is generally agreed to be the worst episode I reckon the series as a whole will be delivering well above my admittedly low expectations. We'll see... 
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manta
On Wages
What’s French for en-suite?
Posts: 73 
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Post by manta on Jan 17, 2024 10:19:14 GMT
Well my expectations were low and this sank below them. The idea of making sure the groom turns up to a badly organised wedding between two dysfunctional families is a rich seam to mine so there is no excuse not to make a cracking episode with some good talent - like Rik Mayall and Meera Syal - thrown in to help. But fail they did. It really did stagger along and as people have said, it did feel like they were making it up as they were going along - I mean I know that's what Archie was doing later on when he was on the boat but it felt like that from much earlier. I'm sure there were stacks of continuity errors of where the boat was on the Thames as well but that's the least of their problems. The wrap-up at the end could have been written by an eight year old. It sometimes felt like none of them could be bothered! The only one who can still hold his head up IMHO is Archie's lawyer, Dickie Mint (played by Paul Brooke), taking the cheque off Archie in the last frame.
The awful (depressed or was it just drunk?) singer was a reasonable idea I suppose for the wedding but (again, as others have said) the use of atmospheric music throughout is overdone (here and in the first episode). Not sure if they gave the job to the summer intern or what but subtle it ain't.
Speaking of the decent guest talent, I presume that was part of the selling point, what with Rik Mayall and Meera Syal this episode, and John Henshaw (not Benshaw) and Josette Simon last time. I wonder what the guest talent thought of it after the event? I guess they do what their agent suggests and in theory a Minder reboot sounds fine. One stain on the CV doesn't harm - and no doubt they have others - but ho hum and pocket the cheque?
I've got over how Shane and Lex are playing it but they still haven't really bedded in, I'd say. But you've guessed it - another vote in the Rubbish category.
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Post by jno on Jan 18, 2024 16:31:47 GMT
With this the absolute low point of this series, the only way is up from this point.
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manta
On Wages
What’s French for en-suite?
Posts: 73
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Post by manta on Jan 18, 2024 19:06:57 GMT
With this the absolute low point of this series, the only way is up from this point. .................I'll let you know............ |
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