Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episodes 7 & 8 (B+)
If this season has to end so quickly, at least we get a double dose of it as a parting gift. The first of the two episodes was alternately amusing and shocking. The male escort was very funny, and it was entertaining to see Belle in the other role and how she tried to act differently in order to get the full experience. His reaction to her confession that she was doing research was equally enjoyable. The big surprise is that Duncan isn’t actually a good guy, and even though his duplicity was revealed at the same time that Belle was stepping out on her beau, so to speak, the important thing to remember is that he did it with no prior knowledge of any of her activities. The look on Bambi’s face when she recognizes Duncan contrasted with the blissful ignorant happiness on Belle’s is just heartbreaking. Fortunately, Bambi’s wedding wasn’t at all ruined by her having to tell Belle about Duncan’s true color. Playing the song “Wonderwall” softly in the background while Bambi was breaking the news to Belle was also quite effective. Belle had some great quotes in this episode, including “everyone’s got something; it’s just a case of finding out what it is” and “you don’t have to be a prince to marry a princess.” Belle continues to prove that she is excellent at her job, helping her regular client to do something he’s never done before by encouraging him to dress up as a woman, something it seems he’s always secretly wanted to do. The way she said “I love my job” at the end of the episode was just spectacular. It’s great that Ben is around to be a good friend for everyone, and I enjoyed what he said to Byron: “who needs family when you have friends?” His reaction to Belle’s use of the non-expression “nervous as a kitten” was hilarious, and it was really nice that he forced Belle to finish the chapter, and I love how she disseminated it to Duncan’s entire office. Ben asking Belle out was insanely cute, and I love all of his drawings. We’ll have to see where that goes, and I’m truly hoping that this show gets renewed for a fourth season. Basically, Belle going public could have been a failure for this show, but instead it was a roaring success and probably the best season of this show yet.
Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Billie Piper
Showing posts with label Series Three. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Series Three. Show all posts
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 6 “Series 3, Episode 6” (B+)
I love the characters on this show, and it’s truly spectacular when those who have not yet met come together. In the last line of my review last week, I hoped that Duncan would have the opportunity to meet Ben and Bambi. Fortunately enough, Duncan and Ben do interact in this episode, and it’s just great. Even more entertaining is the relationship that Ben forms with Bambi’s fiancée. I very much enjoyed the book than Ben wrote and even illustrated, titled “Duncan is a prick.” The way Belle is so disappointed in Ben is a far more dramatic twist to this show, but it’s absolutely fascinating and completely terrific. The run-in at the bar with Belle’s 007 client started out fun and then took a turn for the horribly awkward, and seeing Belle get so upset at Duncan was intense. Following it up with Belle defending Duncan from the mockery and drunkenness of Ben made it resound even more powerfully. The opening scene to this episode was pretty incredible, watching Belle prepare for her client who wanted to act out a James Bond fantasy and getting even more into it than him. It goes along with the primary premise of this show, with which some people no doubt take issue, that Belle is prostitute who genuinely enjoys what she does and who likes having sex, going against the common notion that it’s a profession that is a last resort under the most dire of circumstances rather than a passion. I, for one, find it very intriguing, but I know that many do not, and those people probably aren’t fans of this show.
I love the characters on this show, and it’s truly spectacular when those who have not yet met come together. In the last line of my review last week, I hoped that Duncan would have the opportunity to meet Ben and Bambi. Fortunately enough, Duncan and Ben do interact in this episode, and it’s just great. Even more entertaining is the relationship that Ben forms with Bambi’s fiancée. I very much enjoyed the book than Ben wrote and even illustrated, titled “Duncan is a prick.” The way Belle is so disappointed in Ben is a far more dramatic twist to this show, but it’s absolutely fascinating and completely terrific. The run-in at the bar with Belle’s 007 client started out fun and then took a turn for the horribly awkward, and seeing Belle get so upset at Duncan was intense. Following it up with Belle defending Duncan from the mockery and drunkenness of Ben made it resound even more powerfully. The opening scene to this episode was pretty incredible, watching Belle prepare for her client who wanted to act out a James Bond fantasy and getting even more into it than him. It goes along with the primary premise of this show, with which some people no doubt take issue, that Belle is prostitute who genuinely enjoys what she does and who likes having sex, going against the common notion that it’s a profession that is a last resort under the most dire of circumstances rather than a passion. I, for one, find it very intriguing, but I know that many do not, and those people probably aren’t fans of this show.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 5 “Series 3, Episode 5” (B+)
I love when Belle has a client she truly likes. The way she talks about him and the way he treats her is just wonderful. In this case, their close relationship allowed them to have a very open and honest discussion about the prospect of dating, and also enabled Belle to hallucinate him while she and Duncan were beginning to engage in some non-professional activity. Watching how befuddled he gets and how annoyed she so easily becomes only because of what’s running though her head is extraordinarily amusing. When she yelled at him that her name wasn’t Belle I realized that she probably wouldn’t much appreciate me referring to her constantly as Belle rather than Hannah. Bambi’s current situation isn’t entirely unexpected, and hopefully he’ll either pass Belle’s harsh test of loyalty or get out of Bambi’s life quick enough for her to rebound and get happy again before the season comes to an end in only three episodes. I’m not sure why they have to be so short, since it feels like we’re only beginning to dive into the lives of these wonderful characters. Belle having run-ins with Stephanie not one but two times was typically enjoyable because of the way they talk to each other, and I’ll go ahead and concur with Stephanie’s delight at getting to see her twice. With Jackie out of the picture and Bambi hitched, there haven’t been many ensemble scenes to speak of lately, so hopefully the whole cast will get together soon enough and decompress. I’d love to see Bambi and Ben interact with Duncan, but I don’t imagine that’s on the horizon.
I love when Belle has a client she truly likes. The way she talks about him and the way he treats her is just wonderful. In this case, their close relationship allowed them to have a very open and honest discussion about the prospect of dating, and also enabled Belle to hallucinate him while she and Duncan were beginning to engage in some non-professional activity. Watching how befuddled he gets and how annoyed she so easily becomes only because of what’s running though her head is extraordinarily amusing. When she yelled at him that her name wasn’t Belle I realized that she probably wouldn’t much appreciate me referring to her constantly as Belle rather than Hannah. Bambi’s current situation isn’t entirely unexpected, and hopefully he’ll either pass Belle’s harsh test of loyalty or get out of Bambi’s life quick enough for her to rebound and get happy again before the season comes to an end in only three episodes. I’m not sure why they have to be so short, since it feels like we’re only beginning to dive into the lives of these wonderful characters. Belle having run-ins with Stephanie not one but two times was typically enjoyable because of the way they talk to each other, and I’ll go ahead and concur with Stephanie’s delight at getting to see her twice. With Jackie out of the picture and Bambi hitched, there haven’t been many ensemble scenes to speak of lately, so hopefully the whole cast will get together soon enough and decompress. I’d love to see Bambi and Ben interact with Duncan, but I don’t imagine that’s on the horizon.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 4 “Series 3, Episode 4” (B+)
Well, this episode just continues the trend of this show being incredibly stunning this season. It was always good, but it feels like it’s getting even better now. All of that sploshing stuff with the food was pretty crazy, and to see even Belle turned off by the idea was intense. It was reassuring that the guy who was into all of the weird stuff was actually incredibly nice and didn’t get angry with her when he realized she wasn’t into it. Fortunately, the equally funny and disturbing ending shot of an excited-looking Belle plopping down with the guy into whatever cake that was leaves us with the notion that Belle is trying to be happy in the midst of her relationships with everyone around her. I was going to mention how consistently impeccable the music choices were about halfway through the episode, and then on came the heartbreaking “Breathe Me” by Sia, used in the final moments of the unforgettable “Six Feet Under” series finale. And then there was “The Scarlet Tide” from “Cold Mountain,” not as great a song but just as effective. The montage with Bambi moments was marvelous, and I love how this show functions so well as both a comedy and a drama. Belle’s comment “who needs boys” was amusing, and having Bambi’s new boyfriend show up only seconds later with a tremendous show of affection for his belle worked very well to alienate Belle, forcing her back into her investigation of kinkiness to find some companionship and release. What magnificent characters there are on this show, including the two males with questionable ties to two ladies in a certain family.
Well, this episode just continues the trend of this show being incredibly stunning this season. It was always good, but it feels like it’s getting even better now. All of that sploshing stuff with the food was pretty crazy, and to see even Belle turned off by the idea was intense. It was reassuring that the guy who was into all of the weird stuff was actually incredibly nice and didn’t get angry with her when he realized she wasn’t into it. Fortunately, the equally funny and disturbing ending shot of an excited-looking Belle plopping down with the guy into whatever cake that was leaves us with the notion that Belle is trying to be happy in the midst of her relationships with everyone around her. I was going to mention how consistently impeccable the music choices were about halfway through the episode, and then on came the heartbreaking “Breathe Me” by Sia, used in the final moments of the unforgettable “Six Feet Under” series finale. And then there was “The Scarlet Tide” from “Cold Mountain,” not as great a song but just as effective. The montage with Bambi moments was marvelous, and I love how this show functions so well as both a comedy and a drama. Belle’s comment “who needs boys” was amusing, and having Bambi’s new boyfriend show up only seconds later with a tremendous show of affection for his belle worked very well to alienate Belle, forcing her back into her investigation of kinkiness to find some companionship and release. What magnificent characters there are on this show, including the two males with questionable ties to two ladies in a certain family.
Friday, February 19, 2010
What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 3 “Series 3, Episode 3” (B+)
The start to this episode was nowhere near as beautifully choreographed and musically accompanied as the previous two installments of this show, and it was fantastic. Belle’s narration of her exploits where she mistakenly counted three feet was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. As she says, she’s much better with the actual actions than with her words. There was such clever editing in this episode, like when Belle and Bambi were talking over the phone looking into mirrors and the two frames were placed across from each other and positioned as if they were looking at each other. Belle’s animal-obsessed client was quite weird, and Belle’s confusion at his command to make the sound made by a ewe was funny. Jackie’s continued presence is not an annoyance but rather a guilty pleasure, and though it’s taking her an awfully long time to deduce Belle’s true profession, what she’s doing in the meantime is plenty amusing enough. Her asking Belle if Ben ever did a specific something and Belle getting unbelievably grossed out was great, and Belle’s realization that she should have thrown them out instead of herself since it really was very cold was extremely funny. It’s nice that she still has her friendship with Bambi, even if the less experienced call girl is beginning to blur the lines between client and boyfriend. Belle’s end-of-episode declaration that she doesn’t fancy her editor which quickly turned into an admission that she did a bit, but only in the same way that you might fancy one of your teachers, was wonderful, and it’s lovely to see her finding a kindred spirit who’s well aware of her profession before they ever jump into bed together.
The start to this episode was nowhere near as beautifully choreographed and musically accompanied as the previous two installments of this show, and it was fantastic. Belle’s narration of her exploits where she mistakenly counted three feet was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. As she says, she’s much better with the actual actions than with her words. There was such clever editing in this episode, like when Belle and Bambi were talking over the phone looking into mirrors and the two frames were placed across from each other and positioned as if they were looking at each other. Belle’s animal-obsessed client was quite weird, and Belle’s confusion at his command to make the sound made by a ewe was funny. Jackie’s continued presence is not an annoyance but rather a guilty pleasure, and though it’s taking her an awfully long time to deduce Belle’s true profession, what she’s doing in the meantime is plenty amusing enough. Her asking Belle if Ben ever did a specific something and Belle getting unbelievably grossed out was great, and Belle’s realization that she should have thrown them out instead of herself since it really was very cold was extremely funny. It’s nice that she still has her friendship with Bambi, even if the less experienced call girl is beginning to blur the lines between client and boyfriend. Belle’s end-of-episode declaration that she doesn’t fancy her editor which quickly turned into an admission that she did a bit, but only in the same way that you might fancy one of your teachers, was wonderful, and it’s lovely to see her finding a kindred spirit who’s well aware of her profession before they ever jump into bed together.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Season Premiere)
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 1 “Series 3, Episode 1” (B+)
That opening shot alone makes me so excited to have this show and its inimitable star back. This is the first time I’m following along with the show as it airs, and there’s something really great about looking forward to new episodes and storylines each week. In this newest season, the show is far more structured than it ever has been before in terms of an ensemble, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Bambi and Ben have both always been fantastic supporting characters, and it’s nice to see them featured prominently again. Bambi’s attempt to search for herself in Belle’s book was funny, and her realization that there was a lovely character in the book based on her was touching. Ben being mistaken as Belle was particularly hilarious, especially because of how inept he was in trying to assume her identity and how he was the subservient one rather than the woman he was supposed to be taking for a wild ride. He did fall right into that trap testing his authorship of the book. I particularly enjoyed Bambi, Ben, and Belle (lots of names starting with Bs) getting together to celebrate at the close of the episode. New cast member James D’Arcy is a welcome addition as book publisher Duncan, and it’s great to see “Virtuality” actors getting some more work. Belle trying to have interesting experiences to then write about for her new book is a great new way of framing the show. The surprise appearance of Belle’s sister at the end of the episode is an intriguing twist which should take the show in a completely unexplored direction, and I’m very excited about that.
That opening shot alone makes me so excited to have this show and its inimitable star back. This is the first time I’m following along with the show as it airs, and there’s something really great about looking forward to new episodes and storylines each week. In this newest season, the show is far more structured than it ever has been before in terms of an ensemble, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Bambi and Ben have both always been fantastic supporting characters, and it’s nice to see them featured prominently again. Bambi’s attempt to search for herself in Belle’s book was funny, and her realization that there was a lovely character in the book based on her was touching. Ben being mistaken as Belle was particularly hilarious, especially because of how inept he was in trying to assume her identity and how he was the subservient one rather than the woman he was supposed to be taking for a wild ride. He did fall right into that trap testing his authorship of the book. I particularly enjoyed Bambi, Ben, and Belle (lots of names starting with Bs) getting together to celebrate at the close of the episode. New cast member James D’Arcy is a welcome addition as book publisher Duncan, and it’s great to see “Virtuality” actors getting some more work. Belle trying to have interesting experiences to then write about for her new book is a great new way of framing the show. The surprise appearance of Belle’s sister at the end of the episode is an intriguing twist which should take the show in a completely unexplored direction, and I’m very excited about that.
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