GOOD TV

[Stanley]

I liked it. They are following the book very closely, even to much of the dialogue. Yes the 'F' word was common then.... Very well cast....

[Nolic]

I enjoyed it even though I struggled with the book. Damian Lewis as Henry VIII is superb casting......he does menace very well. Nolic

[Wendyf]

We recorded it to watch later, I watched a programme on Appaloosa horses instead which was very interesting. Always thought to have originated in Spain and then to have been introduced to America by the conquistadors, the programme follows the search for original Appaloosas in Kyrgistan after an American breeder spotted one being traded in a travel show. Here's a link to the trailer for the programme. Worth watching, even if you have no interest in horses!

[Stanley]

The programme that was on before Wolf Hall was one on pets and I found it fascinating. For instance I didn't realise that the way a cat's claws stay sharp is because the whole of the outer sheath comes off.

[PanBiker]

I had a hamster when I was a lad but never knew that their cheek pouches extended more or less to their back legs. Fabulous photography from the same team that does the amazing stuff with wildlife filming (robotic penguins, egg cam and duck cam etc.)

[Wendyf]

Caught up with Wolf Hall last night and found it gripping. Nice to see wonderful Berkeley Castle (where I did my governessing) used as the set for Esher Place.

[Stanley]

One thing that impressed me, and no doubt a bit confusing for those who have not read the book, is that they are flagging up some of the minor incidents which are referred to much later on in the story. Looking forward to Wednesday.....

[Stanley]

I thought of Wendy's retired horses as I watched the Pet programme on BBC1 last night. Lovely to see them grooming each other. Once again a very instructive programme.
And then I watched the second instalment of Wolf Hall. Superb television. Mantel is giving us clues to what comes later and I think that anyone who hasn't read the book will wonder about the Smeaton reference and 'Call me Risley' They crop up later...... I love the low light levels especially when Joanne was extinguishing the candles.... We forget that light levels were very low in those days....

[Nolic]

It is good Comrade.Best TV for ages. Nolic

[Stanley]

Glad you are enjoying it Comrade. I agree with you.....

[Bruff]

I’m saving these up to watch in one go. But what’s Mark Rylance like? It’s a rare treat to see him to TV. You normally have to go to the theatre where he is quite mesmerising.

Richard Broughton

[Wendyf]

Mesmerising...even on the small screen.

[Stanley]

I'm going to decline the shed today on the excuse of my bad back. I shall read Wolf Hall despite the difficulties so that I am well prepared for next Wednesday.....

[Stanley]

Reading Wolf Hall yesterday was weird because I was covering the ground in the last episode and they have kept to the original text so well that I felt as though I had started in the wrong place!

[Tripps]

I'll continue to watch it, but I'm not too impressed. Mark Rylance's character had his wife, and two daughters all die in quick succession in episode one. I heard a quote yesterday that covers it - He showed the full gamut of emotions from A to B.

[Tizer]

Wolf Hall - is that the one with the Prince of Wales in it?

[PanBiker]

"Our Guy in India" Channel 4 - Guy Martin discovering the real India on a 500 Royal Enfield Bullet. In two parts I think, recorded the first part and have just watched it, magic TV. Search it out. Hope Technology badges on his leather jacket as well.

[Stanley]

Wolf Hall 3 tonight......

[Wendyf]

We have enjoyed everything Guy Martin has done on the TV. Did you see his series called "Speed"? In one of those he broke a speed cycling record, and Hope Technology were involved in that challenge.

[PanBiker]

Yes Wendy, he's easy to watch isn't he. No heirs and graces, a genuine northern lad.

[Tripps]

Wolf Hall.
Perhaps not the best day to remind us that burning alive was once practiced here.

[Stanley]

Or that Wolf Hall was a hotbed of sexual impropriety! I was riveted to the screen. The programme before about Alaska was excellent as well.....

[Nolic]

Cromwell is much more likeable than history would have us believe whereas Thomas Moore is portrayed as a bit of a demon. Not just Mantel who takes this stance CJ Sanson in his Shardlake novels is quite sympathetic to Cromwell. Nolic

[Stanley]

Comrade, historians still argue about it but on the whole the evidence stacks up in favour of the Mantel view. The latest research confirms her assessment of Cranmer as well, a far more human figure than the old interpretation would have us believe.

[Moh]

Yes Wendy, he's easy to watch isn't he. No heirs and graces, a genuine northern lad.

He comes from Lincolnshire.
Enjoyed the Alaska programme on BBC2 last night - it was Spring - Summer to follow in next episode.