MovieChat Forums > The Coroner (2015) Discussion > A bit old fashioned

A bit old fashioned

posted 8 years ago by strangebedfellows
8 replies | jump to latest

I liked the series for the most part - the scenery was stunning - the actors likeable enough - the plots not to complex - and suitable for family viewing.
There were irritations - the mother and lover being somewhat OTT - the compulsory sexual tension between the two leads - will they, wont they, did they. But the most annoying was the writer's disregard for normal police procedures and the sophistication of today's viewing public. Does a coroner really accompany the police in their investigations? Do they really enter houses and hide in cupboards and overhear incriminating conversations? Do they casually search people's homes without a warrant?
Maybe in times gone by, but certainly not today I would have thought.
But hey - I'm no expert and the proof of the pudding is in the watching - and I plead guilty !!

[–] CobblersAwls 7 years ago

All too true! :-)))

After the second series, I've just come to the conclusion that some of the wiser decision makers at the BBC have sussed (especially in the afternoon drama slot) that there is still a healthy market of viewers who like the model of "Midsumer Murders" or "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" types of crime shows.

It always seemed amusing to see Barnaby and Troy walking into a house and tromping around the murder scene in street shoes and fondling all the evidence in bare hands.

I read an interview with the creator of "The Coroner," who said the afternoon viewing slot for this show was pulling numbers that some evening dramas would like to have and even surpassing those ratings in some cases. It also apparently has been sold internationally to eager buyers. So their market seems quite strong.

We used to forgive MM and Miss Fisher (especially forgiven since it took place 70+ years ago) for not following the more rigorous expectations of modern evening procedurals.

So, am guessing while "The Coroner" is far more meticulous than those shows, it might still be slightly less precise.

Coroner Kennedy seems also to possibly be modeled after the female pathologists in "Silent Witness."

Way back when Amanda Burton first created her character, 20 years ago or so, folks were complaining about her in print and on early boards, "Why on earth is that busy body pathologist doing all the POLICE WORK? This is silly."

Some things never change do they? haha

[–] strangebedfellows 7 years ago

Thanks for your reply. I am surprised they have such a strong market - but it's an easy going show fit for all ages - maybe that is the reason.

[–] CobblersAwls 7 years ago

Yes, a very strong market. If memory serves the writers room article by the creator said they were pulling in around 2.5 million or so viewers per episode last year.

That's really good for even an evening BBC drama.

Not in the 9 million scale for the 1 or 2 per year that are the gargantuan shows. But very good apparently.

It's the world wide sales that seem to be making it the hit it is. And also getting a second and third series.

The creator said they make it on a comparatively shoe string budget--and then when she said it was being sold worldwide and making huge viewing figures internationally, the sounds of cha-ching was ringing in the background. haha

[–] levitt-97156 7 years ago

these type of shows would get even better viewing figures if they showed them in an evening,far better entertainment than watching minor dead beat celebs messing around in a jungle .

[–] strangebedfellows 7 years ago

Oh how I agree with you Levitt-97156 !!!

[–] CobblersAwls 7 years ago

I agree, as well.

The evening slots are filled now with some pretty dark stuff. "NW" for one. Talk about needing a drink (or antidepressant) after that outting!

And Rillington speaks for itself. Oh, such an uplifting hour that is. Yikes.

"Red Rock" struck me also as a show that viewers went gaga over but unlike in Ireland where it was an evening "soap," was relegated to the BBC afternoon slot.

I always thought "Indian Doctor" was also of a calibre to be an evening program. Am sorry we haven't seen more of the good doctor. "WPC56" good, as well--still highly watchable even after the departure of the likeable, original WPC.

It does seem a slot for nostalgia shows, even when they are current day like "Red Rock." RR has a kind of old fashioned vibe, even though they deal with current issues. Also, still awaiting series 2 and 3 in that afternoon slot. Hey come on Beebie. Heard a rumor of summer 2017 for more on Beeb.

As for Amazon Prime having more eps in future, cannot find anything definitive, yet. Gah.

[–] Mr_Fluffykins 7 years ago

In america this would not be considered family viewing, it would come on at 9, on a network, with adverts and be rated tv-14DLS(disturbing content, language, and sexuality)

conversely in the the UK this airs during the day,
glad i grew up with a british mum,
been to the beach where beth was "learning to surf"

[–] iluvnyc 7 years ago

Very much so, in fact, it's shown on "PBS" aka "viewer funded public television" the channel that airs Sesame Street and all children's educational daytime TV and mostly British/BBC (Sherlock, Endeavour, Midsommer Murders, Miss Fisher, Last Tango in Halifax etc) & music like Austin City Limits, Metropolitan Opera & classical music concerts, science documentaries (NOVA, Nature) at night. This program has been airing (Season/Series 1) late at night with repeats at 3 a.m. Definitely NOT considered "family" viewing at all. Welcome the USA, a country hijacked by the Puritans since the early 17th century!