I have to come clean, I have a b-i-g soft spot for the programme Spender. That's not to say however that I think it's up there with top quality television such as Dexter, Revenge or Damages. I find it difficult to review it - I even struggle to separate the goods from the bads because there is good and bad in many of the key facets. Probably the most polarised view comes when considering Jimmy Nail......most people in the region consider Jimmy to be 'a total knob' his excruciatingly jarring 'posh Geordie' accent is viewed as nothing short of a betrayal to his roots. His acting is wooden. Compare this with his character Oz in Auf Wiedersehen Pet where he behaves 'naturally' and where he's one of televisions classic comedy characters. The soundtrack/titles almost approach hauntingly beautiful and menacing as befits. I love the local setting. Stick's one-liners are right up there with the best. My personal favourite - when served rare lamb in a swanky restaurant - he looks in horror at the plate of meat and so the waiter enquires if there is anything wrong with it and then explains that the chef does do the lamb 'a bit pink' Stck responds; "Pink!....a good vet could have this bugger on its feet again" For me compulsive watching if you can just overlook that blasted accent!
Review of Spender
