14 replies to this topic

[marktmurphy]

I saw a trailer for ITV's new Danger Man-type series The Outsiders last night, and it looks rather fun. Nigel Harman and Brian Cox (!) star, and the plot's aload of old tosh about an old super-safe breaker being hired by a shadow organisation hidden under the British Museum etc. Sounds like a load of rubbish, but just the sort of rubbish I like!

And for you Bond fans out there, old Colin Salmon pops up too.



http://www.digitalsp...le/ds36928.html

[David Schofield]

Seen the adds, too, MTM.

Looks absolutely cringe-worthy. Another speculative star vehicle for an ex-soap star.

I rather get the feeling that Salmon and Cox (particularly) are slumming it.

[marktmurphy]

Yeah, I'm not convinced it looks great either (Liverpool stands in for various cities across the world!), but I like bad things like that. There's ninjas in it!

I was surprised to see Cox in it and he probably is slumming it a bit; not sure Salmon is, though- he's not exactly an actor who usually chooses projects of quality and distinction!

[David Schofield]

Yeah, I'm not convinced it looks great either (Liverpool stands in for various cities across the world!), but I like bad things like that. There's ninjas in it!

I was surprised to see Cox in it and he probably is slumming it a bit; not sure Salmon is, though- he's not exactly an actor who usually chooses projects of quality and distinction!

Well, I USED to enjoy that sort of thing, too, but it tended to be made in the 1960s and early 70s at the latest, and had the kitsch/style (delete as you feel appropriate) of the period. I think I/we are a bit too sophisticated now for an updated version, unless it totally parodies itelf (which I cannot see it doing). I mean, how many episodes of the new Doctor Who can one watch without chucking the towell in and saying, "God, this really is just as crap as it used to be. Why am I kidding myslef?"

And Salmon not slumming it? He used to co-star with Pierce Brosnan, don't you know.

[marktmurphy]

I mean, how many episodes of the new Doctor Who can one watch without chucking the towell in and saying, "God, this really is just as crap as it used to be. Why am I kidding myslef?"

Quite a few, I'm afraid!
The producer of this has said the new Dr Who is the main reason for the revival in entertainment drama, just like The Outsiders. Good stuff, I say!
The Radio Times review does say this takes itself too seriously, which is a shame. Although they also mention this as a problem with the current 007 movies too...

And Salmon not slumming it? He used to co-star with Pierce Brosnan, don't you know.

Ah yes; isn't that the chap who starred in such classics as 'Taffin'; 'Death Train'; 'Live Wire'; and 'Victim of Love'? I think I've seen his stuff on late night

[David Schofield]

And Salmon not slumming it? He used to co-star with Pierce Brosnan, don't you know.

Ah yes; isn't that the chap who starred in such classics as 'Taffin'; 'Death Train'; 'Live Wire'; and 'Victim of Love'? I think I've seen his stuff on late night

Leave off Taffin! One of the finest peaces of "post many pints in the pub followed by takeaway on the knee in the early hours" entertainment ever made.

[marktmurphy]

Oh heavens- I plead guilty to finding much enjoyment in Live Wire! 'She's gonna blow!'

[David Schofield]

Oh heavens- I plead guilty to finding much enjoyment in Live Wire! 'She's gonna blow!'

Indeed. "There go the judge".

Dubious American accent apart, I DO think PB's turn in Live Wire would have made for a far better Brozza-Bond than the one we got (ansty, sensitive) if they let him run with it. Perhaps a bit 80s, American TV, but more the genuine, unhindered Brozza.

[DamnCoffee]

I'm really looking forward to 'the outsiders' i've seen the trailer on TV and it has elements of CR aswell and, IMO in a few years maybe when he's Craigs age he will be right for Bond, he's sexy, gritty and dark and when i saw him on the trailer especially when he punched that guy in the helicopter) i thought - he could be Bond

[Bond Bombshell]

Unfortunately, I think The Outsiders is a one-off drama as opposed to a series, although the possibility of a series exists if it is well received.

Having grown up in the 60's and 70's, and in the halcyon days of Lew Grade, I have long lamented the absence of British made escapist action/adventure type series. However, in recent years, the BBC seems to have revived the genre with the likes of Dr Who, Spooks and Life On Mars. Presumably, The Outsiders is ITV's attempt to climb on board and add variety to an appalling schedule of soaps, reality TV, and detective dramas. The premise for this show reminds me of a short-lived early 70's series called Codename, starring Anthony Valentine and Alexandra Bastedo. This featured a secret spy network operating out of Cambridge University, whereas The Outsiders is based in the British Museum. I bet there isn't many CBn members who can remember this show!

As for Nigel Harman, I tend to be a bit sniffy towards ex British soap stars, but I'm trying to overcome the prejudice. If Australian soaps can launch the careers of Guy Pearce, Naomi Watts, and Julian McMahon, perhaps we'll see a British equivalent eventually.

If ITV are really serious about bringing back the thriller genre, they should bring back The Professionals, and I understand that there are ongoing talks about this. Cancel the vulgar Ultimate Force, forget about The Outsiders, and use the money saved to bring back Bodie and Doyle!

[marktmurphy]

If ITV are really serious about bringing back the thriller genre, they should bring back The Professionals, and I understand that there are ongoing talks about this. Cancel the vulgar Ultimate Force, forget about The Outsiders, and use the money saved to bring back Bodie and Doyle!

Sky already messed that up a few years back with CI5: The New Professionals. Didn't see a single episode, but I can't imagine it was any good.

[spynovelfan]

That looks like a still from a Bond film.

Harman for Bond!

[marktmurphy]

That looks like a still from a Bond film.

Harman for Bond!

Haha! How about this one:

[DamnCoffee]

He definetly has the look for Bond

[Bond Bombshell]

Sky already messed that up a few years back with CI5: The New Professionals. Didn't see a single episode, but I can't imagine it was any good.

I saw it all, and you're right it wasn't that good, especially compared to the original. With Edward Woodward and one-time Bond hopeful Colin Wells on board it should have been better. Strangely, this series was more like cheap Bond for TV, as opposed to a gritty Professionals remake. It was made by an independent company. Sky was the only network interested in buying it!

I notice on Dave Matthews' official Professionals site, there's been no news of a new series since May of this year. At least, we know if it does return, the new series will have nothing to do with CI5: The New Professionals. Perhaps Nigel Harman can play Bodie!