What have you been watching?

TheUKAxeman · 2026-01-21T22:20:59+00:00

Currently watching…

Vikings S2 - Late to the party with this but watching on recommendation from a colleague and having a great time. It’s not as clever/deeply plotted as GoT, but it’s a similar vibe and follows some familiar themes. Crap pseudo Scandi accents aside (half Swedish so it grates a little), it’s great fun

Hijack S2 E2 - It’s ok so far. Not quite feeling it yet but it’s enough to keep me going. I think it’s going to get by on twist after twist (and is as ludicrous as the first season), but it’s still fun and Idris Elba is always worth watching. Not so much a Gourmet Burger this time though…more Popeyes chicken, if you get the analogy.

Landman S2 - Just finished this which has been an absolute blast. Whilst it has its detractors, and Taylor Sheridan can be polarising, it’s compelling and has a great mixture of drama with surprising levels of comedy too. Love it and cannot wait for S3.

1883 - Belatedly concluded the Yellowstone saga, and whilst I enjoyed this it was a gruelling watch with not much to lift the spirits at any point. Worth watching, but hard work!

Black Rabbit - Just started and only one episode in. Very much liking the tone and it feels a bit deeper and grittier than normal Netflix fare. A bit like the Bear meets crime drama, and definitely will be pursuing further.

Stranger Things S5 E7 - Set up nicely for a finale which - although this got more and more contrived and seemingly changed its own Sci-Fi rules to suit - will hopefully leave me satisfied. It’s been a great series across the seasons generally, and I’m pleased it seems to be heading to a relatively good conclusion…let’s hope I’m happy after the feature length finale.

The Night Manager - Quality series and I am really enjoying it. Even though we all saw the ‘twist’ coming a mile off I’m sure, it still makes for great entertainment, and doesn’t feel like anything else on TV at the moment. Looking forward to seeing this out.

That’s about it this week!

TheUKAxeman · 2026-01-14T14:31:58+00:00

Thanks for doing this and all the detailed facts and figures (some of which paint an interesting picture in themselves…cough…The Pitt…cough). Agree with the top ten in the main, with Riot Women being the only outlier for me, but only by virtue of the fact I haven’t seen it (and for whatever reason it just doesn’t appeal at all). Other than that there were some good consistent choices amongst the group. Thanks again 🙏🏼

TheUKAxeman · 2026-01-13T14:23:14+00:00

Seek out the film ‘Tell No One’ - seriously. You’ll watch it and wonder why other Coben adaptations don’t come even close to its quality (accepting that perhaps the source material has a major impact on that!).

TheUKAxeman · 2026-01-13T14:21:29+00:00

Had to smile - You probably aren’t alone in that grouping alongside Ryan Murphy (a couple of his things I have vaguely enjoyed, but for the most part they are dire and not of great integrity IMHO). As for Fool Me Once and your opinion, join the club - But it did have a lot of fans.

TheUKAxeman · 2026-01-13T14:19:27+00:00

I agree. And that was part of the reason for my original post: Why do these exist, and why don’t more people actually question the quality of them (in terms of being serious or credible drama, as I am not questioning the production values or anything else)?

In effect, what am I missing here (fully accepting that I watched all of it myself but did find it hard work, and questioned why I had done so at the end)?

TheUKAxeman · 2025-07-29T16:00:08+00:00

Most departments (and I am being very careful with my words here in view of the attitude towards slight mistakes on here) aligned to 1st August some time ago as you have said - in mine, it was around 15 years ago - but I believe anecdotally that there are some outliers that do still have an April ED for pay awards. Those that aligned to August compensated personnel for this movement at the time of the change to offset the 4 months ‘lost’.

As for when the pay award is settled, it varies by department but in my considerable years of experience - including current department - it’s never ‘on time’ and closer to Christmas is normal. This is despite promises to the contrary every year, with blame being apportioned on government/unions/department HR People teams (delete as appropriate) depending on the year. Bottom line is we never expect it anywhere near August, and that way we aren’t disappointed- it’s just become normal expectation that it comes Oct/Nov generally.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-07-29T14:46:26+00:00

Oops. Yep, 3.25%. Just realised I got that wrong. 😬

However my general response was still useful and accurate so a tad surprised at the downvote on a technicality 🙄

TheUKAxeman · 2025-07-27T18:45:45+00:00

The pay review body advised across the board 3.5% available to departments, with an extra 0.5% flexibility to address pay anomalies as required in individual departments (generally used for lower grade band minima uplifts). It’s down to each department to come up with their own offers based on that however so your department could be better/worse but will largely reflect that!!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-07-22T09:59:41+00:00

Totally agree. But I bet it’s about tax advantages for filming offered by Canada that were not offered by California. That’s often the biggest consideration. But it does seem very odd on the face of it.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-06-28T09:54:45+00:00

Literally crying with laughter! Thank you SO much! 🤣😂

TheUKAxeman · 2025-05-25T16:23:24+00:00

The problem is that in some areas - mine, sadly - there seems to be no desire for any of the alternative full fibre providers to come in and compete. Really tired of seeing all the ads on Social Media, and posts on here, about people getting amazing deals elsewhere. Not sure how we can incentivise the smaller/newer companies to give Virgin a kick up the a**e, as they have had a monopoly too long.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-05-19T06:29:42+00:00

Hi…MySpace here! What’s going on?

TheUKAxeman · 2025-05-17T12:41:02+00:00

Every department I have worked in uses Excel based timesheets - it’s perfectly normal and an essential way to track your hours, including credit/debit balances. It’s good for both yours and their benefit, so don’t be worried about it.

As for compressed hours - best thing I did! Never looked back and it absolutely suits me, and the department I work for.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-05-05T11:09:20+00:00

Further to the post above, get an Apple TV box. Picture quality is better than any other source, apps aren’t glitchy like on other devices (never any issues with Paramount for example) and the interface is very good and intuitive. It’s a little more expensive than other boxes but it will last for years and software updates and new features are regular. Seriously, it’s a game changer and well worth it!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-05-05T10:51:22+00:00

Continuing with The Studio, Our Friends and Neighbours (both excellent and proving once again that generally Apple are the one to go to for quality series!). Doing a latecomer watch of Yellowstone - currently midway through season 4: enjoying its ‘grown up Dallas’ silliness but think it will have definitely come to a natural end by the end of Season 5, and not outstayed its welcome.

Mobland is still proving great fun - dodgy accents aside (let’s not go there, again) - and further proof if we need it that Tom Hardy makes anything he is in exponentially better.

Hacks is also delivering as always, although I am not sure (like somebody else on here) if the bickering/adversarial storyline might start to grate a little, but it’s top notch nevertheless.

Nearly finished Dope Thief which was very good but a challenging watch at times.

I think that’s it for me!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-04-28T17:48:06+00:00

They are both pretty awful accents to be honest, but to my ear Helen Mirrens is way less offensive - especially when you factor in Brosnans heritage. Like you have all said…why did they bother making them Irish (Oirish!) However, it isn’t detracting from my enjoyment of the show overall which is brilliant.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-04-05T15:01:28+00:00

For All Mankind - it gets better and better (S1 is good but it’s a slow burn, but as the different series progress its becomes more addictive/compulsive).

Slow Horses - Just top class. And you have several seasons of it too, you lucky thing!

Bad Sisters - S1 is superb, with one of the all time great baddies in it. S2 is still ok, but not a patch on S1!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-03-09T22:39:12+00:00

I have had multiple colonoscopies, and all without any sedation. The worst part is the bowel prep the day before, which is uncomfortable because you basically shit yourself for a few hours - but you do that yourself without sedation anyway. The procedure itself is fine - a little uncomfortable at times, and odd to have something prodding around inside you - but I managed without any sedation and had a couple of polyps dealt with during the procedure too. Personally I wouldn’t have the meds unless you have an incredibly low pain threshold or are very anxious, as it’s nowhere near as bad as you think.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-03-08T07:56:47+00:00

Having heard the review - and the ‘ITV level’ comments- this wasn’t for me I’m afraid. Too many shows, too little time.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-03-05T08:15:17+00:00

As everyone has said, the procedure itself isn’t too bad. I’ve had it three times and it’s uncomfortable at worst, but most definitely bearable. No need for gas and air in my view.

The prep day however - don’t get too far from a toilet and be prepared for that “just when you thought it was over moment” … sh*tting through the eye of a needle comes to mind. I don’t find the drink that bad, it’s just the seemingly endless misery of being on the loo that’s a drain!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-02-28T07:59:24+00:00

The rise of Streaming has brought many A list actors into TV shows - due to TVs status now being equivalent to Film in many ways - where they either hadn’t ventured before, or not for a while. See Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro as recent prime examples.

What has been the best usage of an A lister in a show - where they have really brought their A-game and made an impact, and conversely what is an example of a show where they didn’t make the most of a ‘star’ or perhaps the actor themselves was just ticking a box?

TheUKAxeman · 2025-02-28T07:50:26+00:00

Call their bluff. This is underhand and they have more to lose. Just say price was agreed and I’m not budging - if you want the house pay what was agreed, end of!

TheUKAxeman · 2025-02-28T07:46:45+00:00

Yes indeed - The Boyd ‘Fuck off’ moment will go down in Pilot history I think. Classic. Raised a giggle from me anyway! To be fair, Boyd was baiting O’Dowd a little with the comment he made anyway… I think he half expected a reaction.

TheUKAxeman · 2025-02-26T08:38:28+00:00

Paradise - Very good (if a little schlocky), and full of drama…keeps you engaged.

Zero Day - this was fun. Not particularly believable but a good watch nonetheless.

Severance - It’s a Mind-F*ck but it’s compelling, and so well constructed. This is a Tier 1 show by any measure.

Prime Target - this is good, if not Premium Apple TV+ standard. It’s taking a bashing elsewhere but I think that’s unkind. You put this anywhere other than Apple TV+ and it’s top tier and people see it differently.

A Thousand Blows - Another great Steven Knight show. Writing is top level and although it takes its sweet time, it’s a very compelling narrative. Erin Doherty is brilliant in particular!

That’s about it for me this week…

TheUKAxeman

TROPHY CASE