Highly Overrated But Still Good

good back-story, and good acting

Beautiful, moving film.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

I'm a fan of David Tennant, and I recently had the chance to watch Blackpool. I was a bit hesitant in watching this mini series, because I hate musicals (or people breaking into song in the middle of a sentence). But I was really surprised at how wonderful this show actually is. All of the characters have a strong presence and personality. I was really impressed with David Morrissey-his brash and overly confident interpretation of Ripley Holden could have gone overboard, but he manages to bring compassion and depth to his character-especially in scenes involving Ripley's children. Sarah Parish is understated and intense, but she lights up the screen when she shares scenes with both of the leading actors. David Tennant reaffirms my belief in his abilities as an actor with his conflicted portrayal of Detective Peter Carlisle, the man who compromises his reputation and investigation because he falls in love with Parish's Natlie Holden. While I honestly could have done without the musical numbers in the series, the inclusion of these musical acts makes Blackpool original and unique. I highly suggest watching this great BBC program.

I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention when this was aired in Australia, in the second half of 2005. Silly me, because, after a rather circuitous route, via this and "Casanova", leading to All Things Tennant, I have now watched the DVD of "Blackpool" many, many times and am absolutely smitten not only with David Tennant's portrayal of DI Peter Carlisle but with the style and plot of the entire series. What an innovative way to turn the over-used genre of TV crime-fic on its head! Yes, there is more than a nod in the direction of the genius, Dennis Potter, in the way musical numbers are interpolated into the screenplay, but even apart from this, "Blackpool" has such heart and soul that it surely is a delight for jaded TV viewers. I like that we have two male leads who are emotionally and ethically flawed; I like how the Woman is also morally compromised, not some unapproachable madonna figure. I like how the kids are decent enough in so many ways but have their own demons. And don't start me on the support characters! That poor woman and her perpetually upset stomach will haunt me for a long time! I found the sub plot involving the Holden daughter and her older lover tedious and, frankly, I fast-forwarded through many of their scenes, in my quest for more and still more Carlisle moments. But Danny, the Holden son, was a great character, full of paradoxes that were not all resolved, which makes for a nice change, in my opinion. All in all, this is one of my top most favourite TV series of all times. I adore it. I play my favourite scenes often. The leads are all splendid; most of the minor characters have an authentic credibility; the direction is sharp; and the script is wonderful. I love "Blackpool" unreservedly. Well, apart from the daughter and her bloke, both of whom I could easily dispense with. David Tennant is magnificent as Carlisle. He is such a thorough and clever interpreter of a character. Comparing him as Carlisle and as Casanova and as The Doctor, it is so clear that he is 'different' in mannerisms, style and persona in each role. Carlisle is slower or more weary in movement; he's a bit scruffy; he's been burned by life's experiences and it shows. Yet his keen intelligence also shows through, and his propensity for the subtle yet sarcastic comment, often at Ripley Holden's expense, is a delight. Holden's wife, and Carlisle's love-interest, is played by Sarah Parish. She is a skillful actor with a good range and I found her chemistry with both her on-screen husband and her lover to be excellent. She managed to convey the internal conflict of her character very affectingly, while losing none of her essential pragmatism and humour. The moral compromises that all the characters make are real and credible ones, given the plot, and there are no guarantees as to outcome. I liked that.Highly recommended.

This series is so different, so interesting, so well put together and above all so well executed, that it is impossible to fault. The Series is a musical - crime drama.After a man is found dead in Ripley Holdens casino, he finds himself under investigation by the clever D.I. Carlisle. Knowing himself to be innocent doesn't help him in the difficult task of keeping the D.I. off his back....and there is also the little fact that his wife is sleeping with Carlisle...Perfect acting Perfect direction Perfect writingPerfect!

Blackpool is a comedy/drama. It was great acting by the whole cast and every episode ended on a cliffhanger which left you wanting to watch the next episode straight away! The way the songs were done was brilliant and the chemistry between David Morrisey and Sarah Parish was good. There are a lot of twists in the whole story which make it even more fun to watch because it is unpredictable. The music, the dancing and the singing make this drama a part comedy because however serious the song is it still manages to make you laugh. I really liked the way the director used the songs and put them into the mood of the scenes as well, it helped you to understand what the characters were thinking and feeling with out them telling you. Overall I think this is one of the best dramas the BBC has produced in years!