Well, one way of escaping is by watching TWO WEEKS IN AUGUST (BBC1, Saturday, 9pm and iPlayer) – an eight-part holiday drama about a dream vacation which quickly turns into a nightmare.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Set in Greece, ‘Two Weeks in August’ tells the story of a woman who goes on holiday with her family and friends to rediscover joy in her life. But, here in paradise, what starts with an illicit kiss quickly turns the dream vacation into a nightmare.
Zoe (Jessica Raine) begins to act on her deepest desires and the holiday she hoped for becomes a reckoning for a group of adults who refuse to grow up.”
The spokesperson added: “When they discover they are trapped on the island, and become faced with real life-or-death situations, the group soon turn on each other to find out who is to blame.
Is Zoe responsible for the drama and destruction around her or, as heaven turns to hell, are bigger forces at play? We are in Greece after all, the land of the ancient Gods…”
Jessica, whose impressive CV includes “Call the Midwife”, “Baptiste” and “The Devil’s Hour”, said: “It was clear the first time I read the script that Zoe was a woman on the cusp of breaking. I thought she was relentlessly polite and I found that hilarious to read. I could see this woman tamping down her real feelings to make everything okay within the friendship group – it was obvious she was in trouble.
“The island is a character in and of itself. It initially looks like paradise, but it soon becomes a hellscape. The beautiful, isolated location turns into utter loneliness and there is a sense of dread that the group can’t escape. I think what is great about this situation is that there’s a real sense that everyone is being polite, which is a typical British quality. These people were great university friends, but their lives have taken different paths.”
She added: “Catherine’s (the writer Catherine Shepherd) Catherine’s clever use of Greek mythology was the cherry on top for me; the show is so well written. The social dynamics are funny and serious at the same time, but then you add this mythological aspect, where strange things keep happening to and around Zoe.
“These mythological flashes feel very real to her. The ‘Fates’ play a huge part – the Moirai, the three figures of Greek mythology: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Hag. I always felt the tone had to strike the right balance of comedy and tragedy. It’s a delicious mix of humour and epic philosophies and ideas. I think everyone is going to love it!”
The series is also available to binge lovers on iPlayer.
THE swelling orchestra over a gorgeous Montana sunset can mean only one thing – yes, everyone’s favourite cowboy family is back in DUTTON RANCH (Paramount +) – the second spin-off from the blockbusting “Yellowstone” franchise.
And, whereas it would be fair to say that “Marshalls”, which follows the youngest clan member Kayce (Luke Grimes) as he joins the US law enforcement agency, received somewhat indifferent reviews – (to put it nicely!) – it looks like creator Taylor Sheridan has pulled out all the stops for this baby!
The new series follows the show’s most popular stars (behind Kevin Costner of course!) feisty Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and her rough n’ tough hubby Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they start up their own ranch after the demise of Yellowstone.
The script is bang on, the pair’s chemistry is as strong as ever and with guest stars of the likes of Ed Harris and Annette Bening, this show looks on course to become as big as its powerful, ratings’ busting predecessor.
British actor Kelly told People: ““Beth and Rip were always such warriors, and they’re hoping that they may not have to be warriors. They’re always going to protect each other. They were protecting a place and a dream of John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) for five seasons. Now that cycle, that burden is over. It’s dead. And so, who are they together now?”
And, of their new co-stars, Harris and Bening, Kelly added: “We needed some heavyweights alongside us to tell a new story. We’re deeply flattered that they wanted to come on to a show with us.”
And with the new remake of CAPE FEAR (Apple TV) – with its power trio of Javier Bardem (so memorable in “No Country for Old Men”), Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson (more about that next week) – here’s hoping it’s a summer to remember!
Oh, almost forget, there’s also some football competition called the World Cup – so put the barbie on, open the cold beers, cosy up and watch some fabulous tele!
Catch you next week for some more TV chatter – till then, stay safe!
Author: Steve
Editor of Hartlepool Life and author of TV Life