He basically plays the same character here as he does in Foyle's War. Don't get me wrong, I like him in that show, but it was very disappointing to see his lack of acting ability. Maybe he's just one of those actors who has done so much television, he does everything the same. Almost all TV actors fall into the same trap.
shareI have to disagree with you about Michael Kitchen's acting ability. In my opinion he is one of the finest actors around of his generation. If you watch programmes that were produced around the same time like Reckless, Alibi and Falling you will see him ably portraying different characters - arrogant & jealous, bumbling & helpless and manipulative & nasty. I think there are some similar elements between both Christopher Foyle & Peter Walsh, that's why the portrayals seem alike. They have both lost the loves of their lives and are having to cope in a time where real emotions had to be hidden.
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I think Michael Kitchen is a great actor who sometimes has a hard time finding his niche. He has played a great variety of roles over the years, and while some have been convincing (such as his turn as Berkeley Cole in Out of Africa, which I loved), others haven't (I couldn't get into Hostage, and I felt like he fell into the same trap as the other actors: trying to make the most of a less-than-stellar script). I think he's still got a good many more roles left in him yet, and it'll be interesting to see what he does with them.
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If you think he lacks talent, try seeing something in which he plays a more morally-complex character. Start with "The Hanging Gale"; he's absolutely brilliant.
shareCheck out Reckless. He plays a hypocritical, self-righteous, annoying character and yet makes that character oddly likeable. It's a really complex part and MK does a great job with the part.
shareThere's a HUGE difference between Peter Walsh and Foyle. Walsh is a very emotional man who's private life is a mess. Foyle is much more intelligent and totally in control of his emotions.
To get an idea of Kitchen's range, check out Dandelion Dead where he plays an upperclass twit to perfection, or Falling where he cusses, chugs liquor, looks at porno magazines and is physically and mentally abusive. This as far from Foyle as you can get.
Liked him a lot in Enchanted April.
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