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11 December 2009
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Your Reviews: Series 5, Story 4: Straw Dog

Trevor Eve as Boyd and Sue Johnston as Grace

We asked for your comments on Waking The Dead, you said:


"I believe only one phrase can do Straw Dogs justice - 'The return of great British drama'.

In all honesty, I cannot think of a programme I have enjoyed watching more in the last five years. Sue Johnston's performance was nothing short of phenomenal - the rest of the cast were on fine form as usual, but Sue really did the story justice.

The story itself was unbelievable - taut with the first realisation of a new victim, deeply saddening at Grace's loss and pure exhilaration at the final climatic scenes. I actually felt my heart speed up. Awesome."

Peter Knowles, Langley

"This story was spectacular and the suspense was gripping. It was flawless, original and exciting.

The character of Grace Foley is fantastic. Sue Johnston is a superb actress and I think we need to see more episodes focused around her and less around Boyd. The only flaw in this fantastic show are the annoying flashbacks, which annoy me and completely confuse my dad."

Rory Evans, Bristol

"How could Grace be expected to read a file in that darkness?"
"I love the new series, but I feel that my sense of belief is compromised by the dark offices and forensic suites. I realise that the production team might wish to use symbolism and artistic licence, but, how could Grace be expected to read a file in that darkness? Sue Johnson is terrific. She balances Trevor Eve brilliantly. He is excellent but I hate to think that the real police detectives use his means to get to their ends. It is a bit over the top."

Cynthia Murphy, Norwich

"Whilst this programme is very interesting, we do not see why there is a need to show such horrific crimes, like the finger cutting, on TV. Especially in these days of disarray in the world, it gives people ideas which should not be encouraged. Less explicit content would make for more enjoyment."

Brian Taylor, Sevenoaks

"What a fantastic performance from Sue Johnston in this story. She really ran the gamut of all emotions possible.

I hope that the BAFTA committee were watching, Sue really deserves some recognition for her gritty portrayal of Dr Grace Foley."

Collin, Manchester

"The emotional impact was all provided by Sue Johnson."
"Miles better than the other episodes of the series but that was because the emotional impact was all provided by Sue Johnston's Grace rather than Trevor Eve's continued, spontaneous, and utterly charmless shrieking. The man's acting is terrible."

Phil Hattie, Glasgow

"This series is a powerful blend of drama and tension. I have enjoyed the storylines, although I did suss out the murderer in this episode. Trevor Eve, as usual, is brilliant, and plays the part of Boyd to perfection. Sue Johnston seems to have come into her own in this series. As Grace Foley she displays her private and professional life with powerful emotion. Waking The Dead is compulsive viewing and I would not miss it."

Sandie Allison, Somersham

"Boyd and Spencer seem to have swapped attitudes."
"I've noticed as the series is developing, Boyd and Spencer seem to have swapped attitudes. Spencer used to be friendly. This series he seems to be moody. Boyd on the other hand can't seem to find a medium. Yes he has found a more friendly caring side, but as shown in this episode, he can be a monster at times."

Sophie, West Yorkshire

"This is a marvellous series not so much for the storylines as for the acting. It is like evesdropping on reality TV. All of the actors are brilliant but especially Sue Johnston as Grace Foley. It is hard to remember that she is only acting."

Patricia Leaden, Co Antrim

"This was a great series, but not any more. Wil Johnson's Spence seems to have changed character completely (into a puffed up, scowling prat) and his acting is appalling. Similarly, Félicité Du Jeu is not a good actress and her character doesn't come close to that developed by Claire Goose as Mel.

Sadly, the dynamics of the new team seem to have rendered the programme into a farce. There is little chemistry between the actors, with the exception of Grace and Boyd - but even that struggles to attain reality at times. The plots are convulated and improbable. I feel that the characters need a bit of rethink, and possibly replacing with better actors."

Maggie, Herts

"I would like to advise the BBC that they are grossly underusing Wil Johnson, the English Russell Crowe.

I watch Waking the Dead not only for Trevor Eve and the good scripts, but also to see if Wil's part is increasing so that the BBC will have no excuse for neglecting this national treasure.

Wil has the presence and the looks of Russell Crowe* and needs more complex/romantic roles."

Liz Bridgett, Bangor

"Many a time had I wondered about Grace’s past and this episode provided a beautiful explanation to all the questions we needed answering.

The story was interesting and gripping. The acting was perfect, especially by Sue Johnston. It also played beautifully on the relationship between Grace and Boyd. There is obviously genuine affection there and it was wonderful to see that Boyd was willing to risk his own life for Grace. Congratulations to all involved and I hope that the remaining episodes are equally as fantastic, although I don’t think anything could top this."

Emily, London

"I had to bite a cushion most of the way through."
"This has been the most gruesome series so far. However, all episodes have been totally gripping, none more so than looking into Grace's past. I had to bite a cushion most of the way through Sunday and Monday night to stop myself from screaming.

The storyline was cleverly structured so that Grace, who had lost a child when she was a younger woman starting out on her career, was at the end cradling the young man who had been so brutally and horribly tortured. One can only be thankful that the perpetrator of the cruelty injected Kevin with pain killers. I found this story much easier to follow than the story a couple of weeks ago that dwelt on Boyd's dubious past which ended very ambiguously."

Madeleine Brierley, Chorley

"This was very touching and beautifully acted by Sue Johnston. The audience really felt her grief and love for the handsome but worthless young copper. I was also impressed by the young Grace who did not overdo the litle physical and behavioural characteristics of the mature Grace.

But why didn't Grace slug the mad doctor with a piece of furniture or one of the crutches before he had chance to go and get his gun. I know the tension must be maintained but she and the young lad were sitting ducks. She should have had a go, even if it was not successful.

I also like the way all the stories have a rounded ending, and do not show the credits as soon as the villain is caught."

Kate Sutton, Surrey

"I don't appreciate the implications made in this episode. It was suggested that sound engineers, lighting engineers and roadies are untalented wannabe musicians. It should be said that the vast majority of us cannot play an instrument or sing and don't have the slightest wish to be on the stage. Also most of us have more talent than many musicians.

Another point is that the body in the flightcase which was found in the back of the van - a flightcase is NEVER left on it's wheels in a vehicle unless it is blocked in with other very heavy cases. Plus, the policeman who opened the case failed to open the butterfly catch at the far end of the case."

Louise, Sat Down


Series 5, Story 4 synopsis & video clip »


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