Tag: Jason Durr

Casualty Series 32, Episode 3 ~ Review

The third episode of series 32, and what a belter it was, eh? Wow! Great continuation amongst other things – the show is a class above at the moment. Here are a few of the zillions of highlights! 

Dr Keogh ~ I have to call this one Dr Keogh – the number of times I’ve highlighted Dylan’s scenes is getting ridiculous! However, regardless of his obvious discomfort in this instalment, following his accident and the dislocation of his knee – twice, how hilarious were his scenes? When he kept telling David not to touch his leg I couldn’t contain my mirth! He is the odd-ball of the ED but the character gets better and better, kudos to the writers and of course, Will Beck. Also good continuation of the story with Dylan’s young ward.

Side-kick ~ David has become Dylan’s side-kick, it appeared to be happening gradually over the course of the previous series, but now they’re like the Morecambe & Wise of the ED! David was exceptional in this episode, I can’t help but chuckle upon recalling him falling in to join Dylan instead of rescuing him. Great work from Jason Durr, though. Popping Dylan’s knee back in must have been ‘fun’ to do!

Lily & Iain ~ We had been somewhat left in the lurch as to whether things would pick back up for Lily and Iain following their botched attempt at romance. However, when Iain ends up as Lily’s date to her cousin’s wedding, another part of their journey on the road to love is in place. Their journey to the wedding does not go smoothly, a broken down car and mud being two factors. The wedding itself is a revelation when Lily introduces Iain as a Heart Surgeon… but hearts are a running theme with these two as they bond over Lily’s choking Uncle and it gets a little steamy in the ED lift!

Ethan’s meltdown ~ Ethan has been struggling to hold it together since his deed against his brother’s murderer. This episode brought it all to the fore and resulted in him submitting is letter of resignation to Connie with a full explanation. It seems he was unable to live with effectively ‘getting away with it’.

Connie’s dilemma ~ So, Connie is placed in a sticky situation having received Ethan’s letter. What does the Ice Queen decide to do? Well, Ethan still has a job….

Iain Dean (MICHAEL STEPHENSON) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Credits

Ethan Hardy George Rainsford
Dylan Keogh William Beck
David Hide Jason Durr
Lily Chao Crystal Yu
Iain Dean Michael Stevenson
Connie Beauchamp Amanda Mealing
Charlie Fairhead Derek Thompson
Max Walker Jamie Davis
Noel Garcia Tony Marshall
Robyn Miller Amanda Henderson
Elle Gardner Jaye Griffiths
Sanosi Jemal Tut Nyuot
Raquel Kovak Harriet Thorpe
Mia Kovak Aude des Pallieres
Maxine Parish Skye Hallam
Wong Oi Ling Lucy Sheen
Lee Ming Bruce Wang
Scott Ellisson Will Austin
Stan Miller Peter Benedict
Writer Laura Poliakoff
Producer Gwenllian Gravelle
Director James Larkin
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Casualty Series 32, Episode 2 ~ Review

This week’s instalment of Casualty brought yet more edge of your seat drama, I am extremely impressed with the quality of the episodes. In fact it feel as though the one-shot led the way for the show stepping up to another gear – it just gets better. Sad to bid farewell to a much-loved character, though – here are some highlights!

Robyn Miller (AMANDA HENDERSON), Jez Andrews (LLOYD EVERITT) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Horror for Robyn ~ When a fire is started with malicious intent at Jez’s place, it’s Robyn and Charlotte who are caught up in it. Jez is not at all helpful as his mind wanders back to the baby lost in the previous fire we saw him attend. It’s up to Max to rescue his sister and niece. However, following baby Charlotte’s discharge from the ED, Jez is quick to spot that all is not well with the infant and jumps to action to remedy the situation when she stops breathing. What a day for Robyn, for Charlotte and not least, for Jez.

Comeuppance for Denise ~ The fire was an attack against Jez, with the Ellisons still at large the suspect in the frame was Denise. Following a careful ploy concocted by Jez, Iain and Mickey to catch her out, Mrs Ellison was carted off to prison. The introduction of the Ellison family which began in series 31 has not ended well for any of the characters involved, except maybe for Mickey.

Dylan’s dicing with danger ~ Some of the team are still in France and following the tragedy that played out in last week’s episode, Dylan is attempting to leave France with a stow-away! David is not on board with the idea, but leaves it to unfold when Dylan informs him that he will be taking the blame if the worst happens. How they escape the authorities and get away with their plan is a mystery!

Farewell Jez! ~ Mickey is moving abroad and he wants Jez to go with him. It’s all a bit of a last minute dash to catch up with the remaining Ellison as Jez finally decides to join him, and a will they/won’t they ensues. All’s well that ends well and the pair head off in the sunset together. The sadness being that we lose Jez, and I will miss him – Lloyd Everitt is a fine actor and I hope to see him in another role soon.

Inside Soap Awards ~ Casualty are fairing well at the Inside Soap Awards which are voted for by the public, so why not vote now? Here’s the link: Inside Sopa Awards 2017 Voting Link

Categories that Casualty are nominated in….

Best Drama Star

Amanda Mealing (Connie Beauchamp, Casualty)

George Rainsford (Ethan Hardy, Casualty)

Cathy Shipton (Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin, Casualty)

Derek Thompson (Charlie Fairhead, Casualty)

Best Drama Storyline

Cal’s murder (Casualty)

Charlie & Duffy’s wedding (Casualty)

Helicopter crash (Casualty

Credits

Jez Andrews Lloyd Everitt
Dylan Keogh William Beck
David Hide Jason Durr
Alicia Munroe Chelsea Halfpenny
Louise Tyler Azuka Oforka
Connie Beauchamp Amanda Mealing
Iain Dean Michael Stevenson
Robyn Miller Amanda Henderson
Ethan Hardy George Rainsford
Charlie Fairhead Derek Thompson
Max Walker Jamie Davis
Lily Chao Crystal Yu
Noel Garcia Tony Marshall
Mickey Ellison Mitch Hewer
Denise Ellison Lucy Benjamin
Sanosi Jemal Tut Nyuot
Cameron Hamilton Cian Barry
Hadia Maher Laila Alj
Said Guessous Nabil Elouahabi
Emile Coudert Raphael Desprez
Fida Hamad Lara Sawalha
Officer Lambert Eric Geynes
Writer Dominique Moloney
Producer Dafydd Llewelyn
Director Steve Brett
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Casualty, Series 32 Episode 1 ~ Review

A brand new series of Casualty and what an episode it was! An absolutely stellar instalment with terrific performances from all concerned and ‘heart in your mouth’ scenes. Here are some highlight while I catch my breath! 

Dylan ~ Reluctant hero of the hour, Dylan is at the centre of the action as some of the team help out in a French refugee camp. He’s ‘befriended’ by a young lad and can’t walk away when a situation has him torn. The episode is an opportunity to show another dimension to the character and of course, Will Beck embraces that and brings the right amount of heart to the role when it’s needed.

Alicia ~ Alicia seems ill-equipped to deal with the dire situation before her and cracks open the booze – a decision which sees her side-lined when she needs to be at the hub. Not the wisest move there, Doctor!

David Hide (JASON DURR), Dr Dylan Keogh (WILLIAM BECK) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

David ~ David seems to be firing on all cylinders again after last series saw him plunge to the depths of despair, his mental health in tatters. He’s forging quite the formidable double act with Dylan.

Connie ~ Connie had been making great strides in her relationship with Grace, but it’s cut short when Sam absconds with their recuperating daughter. It seems he’s fed Grace a line that her mother is in on the plan and the youngster couldn’t be happier. Whereas Connie…. interestingly she drops the ball with a patient, and I expect that’s only the start.

Ethan ~ From Ethan’s behaviour, I’d say he is not going to find it easy to hide his secret. The fact that it’s eating away at him is clear and ultimately he does have too much integrity. I anticipate an implosion!

 

Credits

Dylan Keogh William Beck
David Hide Jason Durr
Alicia Munroe Chelsea Halfpenny
Louise Tyler Azuka Oforka
Connie Beauchamp Amanda Mealing
Charlie Fairhead Derek Thompson
Ethan Hardy George Rainsford
Jacob Masters Charles Venn
Robyn Miller Amanda Henderson
Max Walker Jamie Davis
Iain Dean Michael Stevenson
Grace Beauchamp-Strachan Emily Carey
Sanosi Jemal Tut Nyuot
Mariam Jemal Adelaide Obeng
Cameron Hamilton Cian Barry
Emile Coudert Raphael Desprez
Chanda Perry Shobu Kapoor
Steve Perry George Rossi
Writer Dana Fainaru
Producer Dafydd Llewelyn
Director Steve Brett
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Casualty ‘One’ ~ Episode Review

Oh my! What a series finale for Casualty, and what an incredible year they’ve had! The National Television Award win, all of the amazing storylines that have rolled out as the series has progressed. Many plots carried over week to week giving even more reason to keep tuning in. Tonight, history was made and I couldn’t be prouder of website Patron, Cath Shipton – for leading the pack as they took a brave step. Here are just a few highlights from an episode I shall remember for a long time to come…

Duffy ~ Well, Cath gave one of the performances  of her career didn’t she? As the hub of the activity, the responsibility for the episode lay on her shoulder. She shouldered it brilliantly, the natural ease with which she appeared to take the helm was quite something. I feel that this history making episode will always be associated with Cath, and that’s quite an accolade.

Work Experience ~ The work experience girls were a fantastic addition to the chaos, they fitted in brilliantly and speaking personally as one who worked for the NHS and has taken charge of students, the opposite behaviours of the pair were on point. What I especially loved was how much Duffy inspired them both. Will we see then as trainee nurses in the future? I hope so!

Picture Shows: Jez Andrews (LLOYD EVERITT) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Adrian Heap

Jez ~ Jez loses his cool as he realises that a patient he has pulled from a burning building has left a baby behind in there and he hasn’t the opportunity to go in after her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the paramedic so in-glued and I feel that recent events have taken their toll on him. Well played by Lloyd Everitt who knocked his performance out of the park in extreme circumstances.

Trouble in Triage ~ Missing a Receptionist? No problem? Wrong! The lack of Noel means that triage is not in hunky dory order and a patient is put at risk as a result. A good reminder of how all members of the team in a hospital environment (or indeed any working environment) are integral cogs.

Picture Shows: David Hide (JASON DURR), Di (JENNY PLATT), Alicia Munroe (CHELSEA HALFPENNY) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Adrian Heap

One Shot ~ Finally, congratulations on the entire team on pulling off no mean feat as a finale de force. It was very clear that the episode had been filmed in one take and therefore gave a different feel, ambience and atmosphere to the overall show. A gamble that paid off, undoubtedly!

Casualty Episode Cast

 

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Casualty ‘Somewhere Between The Silences – Part 2’ ~ Episode Review

Well, well, well – Ethan certainly took revenge to a whole new level in Saturday night’s episode didn’t he? I could almost see that end coming, and then convinced myself that Ethan wouldn’t have it in him – but he did! Here are the highlights while I try to come terms with what the young doctor has done!

Picture Shows: Mickey Ellisson (MITCH HEWER), Denise Ellisson (LUCY BENJAMIN) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Screen Grab

….murdered by his brother? ~ We picked up from where we left off, with Scott lying on the floor not looking too clever after his brother had accidentally ‘thrown’ him over the railings on the upper floor. It’s all hands to the pumps, of course as the wounds are assessed and Scott has certainly survived the fall thus far…

Ethan’s dilemma ~ Ethan is in turmoil when he discovers the situation – he’s out for revenge for Cal, so here is an opportunity to take it. However, professionalism takes over, to start with at least.

On the mend ~ Some good news in an otherwise grim episode, Grace is on the mend and demonstrates the benefits of her physio to Charlie! Connie is also delighted of course and it seems that her relationship with her daughter has also healed. Connie’s offer for Grace to move back home is met with a big smile. Happy days! Although it’s not all plain sailing and by the close of ‘play’ Grace has come to terms with the fact that her mum is always going to be busy. The gal’s growing up!

David’s date ~ Noel and Grace play a trick on David, he’s still mooning after a love life and a series of text messages lead him to believe he’s got a date… until the pesky pair’s meddling is uncovered!

Pay-back ~ Scott is still waiting for a full assessment of the injurie he’s sustained – he signs his own death warrant by admitting it was he who murdered Cal, but tries to convince Ethan that he brought it on himself. Not really the best way of going about things. So, when Scott starts to choke, what does Ethan do? Leaves the room. Revenge might not be so sweet, though….

Full cast list can be found here:

Casualty Episode Cast

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Casualty ‘Do Not Sit At My Grave And Weep’ ~ Episode Review

This week’s episode has been anticipated since the fateful moment that a much-loved character was murdered – Cal (Richard Winsor) is finally laid to rest in ultimately touching scenes. Here are a few highlights:

Picture Shows: Ethan Hardy (GEORGE RAINSFORD) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Dylan under pressure ~ Dylan is still finding it tough to come to terms with Cal’s death – although he was on fire tonight with his quips and one-liners. His ‘run-in’ with Ethan was very telling though, simultaneously it was understandable that he wanted to save Ethan from the knowledge that his brother had been aware of the severity of his situation.

David ~ David has been off the radar since Robyn’s baby arrived in dramatic and traumatic scenes. However, tonight we saw him on shift and being rather tactless. When his conversation with Dylan indicated that he is still struggling with the drugs he’s taking… I felt there will be more to come from this plot, which is quite a factually accurate way of moving forward considering his condition.

Ethan says goodbye ~ Having dealt very well with a young patient who was unwittingly being treated for HIV, Ethan packs up the bag filled with his farewell ‘gifts’ for Cal and arrives at the church for the funeral. Before he can go in and see it through, he vomits following his binge on a bottle of Whiskey – nice one Ethan! His tribute and idea of packing a bag to see his brother on his way was extremely touching and fitting. Re-visiting his young patient afterwards and mentioning his own Huntington’s Disease diagnosis was a brave move. However, spotting Cal’s murderer lurking at the cemetery was not how I had envisaged the episode would end. Is Ethan going to bring him to justice?

Charlie to the rescue ~ When Ethan can no longer hold the floor and as expected, breaks down during his tribute to Cal, it’s up to Charlie to step in and pick up from where he leaves off. You can always bank on good old Charlie and he’s been chomping at the bit to do something useful in a hopeless situation.

Lily & Iain… finally! ~ I’m not going to pass much comment, except to say that this pair finally got it together. In the back of a hearse! I won’t forget that for some time to come!!

Click here for the: Cast List

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Casualty ‘Life’s For Living’ ~ Episode Review

Casualty has really upped its game this series and their recent plot involving David’s (Jason Durr) Bipolar has been unsettling yet fantastic to engage in. The climax that the storyline reached in this week’s episode was extraordinary, here are a few highlights:

David Hide (JASON DURR) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Dylan’s dire warning ~ Dylan (Will Beck) makes a frantic (or as frantic as it gets for Dylan) telephone call to Robyn (Amanda Henderson) who is currently a passenger in David’s car. Everything is put into perspective when Dylan reveals that the Psychiatrist David has talked of is a figment of his imagination. Having to keep an expressionless face and calm persona so as not to alarm the driver is surely one of the toughest challenges Robyn has had to handle so far – and yet there’s so much more to come!

Determined David ~ David is enjoying the freedom of the open road and completely oblivious to the fear or predicament of his passenger. Declaring that he wants to live in the now, he throws Robyn’s mobile phone out of the car with thoughtless abandon and cuts off her line of communication. I was biting my nails and hiding behind a cushion, I don’t know about you?!

Team Chuffy ~ Team Chuffy aka Duffy and Charlie (Cath Shipton and Derek Thompson) are on the case helping Max (Jamie Davis) to track Robyn’s whereabouts. Luck favours their efforts when they are able to trace Robyn’s mobile phone, which is of course lying in the wet road. Their discovery means it’s time for the rescue team to jump into action, thank heavens!

Robyn Miller (AMANDA HENDERSON), Charlie Fairhead (DEREK THOMPSON), Lisa Duffin (CATHY SHIPTON) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Grave danger in the graveyard ~ David’s destination of choice is that of a church, the graveyard of which is home to his brother’s remains. It seems that David is not the only member of the Hide family to suffer with mental health issues and his brother’s Depression led him to suicide. Robyn is in labour, meanwhile and with a drained car battery and no answer at the church, she is forced to have David as her unwitting midwife. While she lies on his brother’s grave, and it pours down with rain. The scenes between Henderson and Durr are nothing short of outstanding. I will stick my neck out here and say they’re probably some of the finest that I’ve seen Casualty produce. Robyn’s baby girl arrives alarmingly quickly and to add to the already horrendous situation, the new mum has retained the placenta which means she’s bleeding out. It’s fortunate that Team Chuffy and their sidekick, Max are on the scene before long – but it doesn’t look good!

Help is at hand ~ It may have been the very last thing that David wanted, but help is at hand in the form of the Mental Health team and he goes along willingly. Whether he would have done without a pep talk from Dylan? Who knows? Dylan puts some responsibility onto David’s shoulders by advising him of the tribunal that he’ll face for a Nurse on his shift having to be sectioned. It seems to catalyse the lightbulb moment for David, fortunately for all concerned.

 

 

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Casualty ‘The Good Samaritan’ ~ Episode Review

Casualty continued to highlight the impact of David’s (Jason Durr) mental health on his job and in his life in general. The latest episode was quite harrowing to watch, yet extremely brilliantly done. Here are some highlights:

Picture Shows: Arnie (PAUL CHEQUER), Lisa Duffin (CATHY SHIPTON) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Dapper David ~ David (Jason Durr) has stopped taking the pills that keep his Bipolar highs at bay. He thinks that he is seeing a Psychiatrist who is suggesting that the route he is taking is the right one and that staying off his meds is the best way forward. He is widely inappropriate while on shift and is pulled up by Jacob (Charles Venn) plus he kisses Duffy (Cath Shipton) to wish her happy birthday. It’s not a simple peck on the cheek and she doesn’t seem too thrilled with the advances! Eventually, he is asked to leave, however, he arrives back to work resembling the Cadbury’s parrot in his purple suit and with highlighted hair. It’s a downward spiral for David, now.

Happy Birthday Duffy ~ Duffy’s 56 years old! Except Noel (Tony Marshall) thinks she’s 60 and has put that age in icing on his home-made birthday cake. Ah well, the thought was there! Add David’s inappropriate kiss, his subsequent thievery of her headscarf and the fact that Sally (Pam St Clement) eggs him on to be the stripper at Duffy’s celebration at the pub. It’s been an odd birthday for Duffy, that’s for sure!

Robyn’s ‘rumblings’ ~ Robyn (Amanda Henderson) seems to be having a few extra stirrings from baby. Not quite so concerning at first until she jumps into the car with David and the trailer for next Saturday’s episode aired. Robyn’s not had the luckiest time of late, it doesn’t look as though it is set to get any easier.

Pam’s back ~ Pam St Clement made a resplendent appearance in the 30th anniversary episode last year, playing the role of Sally. It was great to have her back giving Charlie (Derek Thompson) jip and throwing her weight around despite the fact that she has had a car accident and a man is in the ED with serious burns off the back of that incident. I hope Sally’s a returning character, she’s a joy to see on screen.

Mental Health ~ Mental health has always been such a taboo subject and there is still so much stigma around it. I put my own hand up to having suffered from low moods, anxiety and even panic attacks. Nothing to be ashamed of? Well, no, but it’s not easy to open up about either. It feels like something to be ashamed of, to me it does, anyway. Bipolar isn’t entirely alien to me as I have mixed with a few people who suffer from the condition. Jason Durr’s portrayal is spot on, so amazingly accurate and he is playing it out so naturally, too. Casualty should be applauded for keeping this plot going and not merely dipping their toe in the water then leaving it alone.

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Casualty ‘It Starts With The Shoes’ ~ Episode Review

Casualty was all about David (Jason Durr) this week and I felt it demonstrated how well the show is tackling, highlighting and engaging in mental health issues. When you’ve a strong actor like Mr Durr taking on such a role, plus a talented team around him, it has great potential to work. I think that this episode worked… and then some! Here are the highlights:

Programme Name: Casualty 30 - Series 31 - TX: 04/03/2017 - Episode: Casualty 30 25 (No. 26) - Picture Shows: David Hide (JASON DURR) - (C) BBC / Alistair Heap - Photographer: Alistair Heap
Picture Shows: David Hide (JASON DURR) – (C) BBC / Alistair Heap – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Disaster for David? ~ David has been reducing the amount of meds he take for his Bipolar. This is self-imposed and in his case, highly non-recommended. However, his inability to feel emotions, especially in relation to his son, have led him up this path. Now, his son is going to have to move to Spain and David behaves even more bizarrely as the moment he has to let him go, approaches. Hiding him in the ED and letting him have a day off school, having run-ins with Jacob (Charles Venn) into the bargain. His intelligence and know-how in matters appertaining to mental health come to the fore and help immensely in a crisis with a Schizophrenic patient. However, his emotions run so incredibly high once he waves goodbye to his son (applause to Harry Collett who plays Oliver), that David takes matters into his own hands and throws away his meds. Oh dear!

Squirrel Robyn! ~ Robyn (Amanda Henderson) is by far one of David’s closest confidantes. She picks up on a comment about secret squirrel, tonight and asks if he’s calling her one because of her red hair. It’s a sweet and very telling moment in itself, not at all a scene to be dismissed. I fear for Robyn with David being such a pal, though – especially as she will be clueless to his current arrangements re: meds.

Programme Name: Casualty 30 - Series 31 - TX: 04/03/2017 - Episode: Casualty 30 25 (No. 26) - Picture Shows: Oliver (HARRY COLLETT) - (C) BBC / Alistair Heap - Photographer: Alistair Heap
Picture Shows: Oliver (HARRY COLLETT) – (C) BBC / Alistair Heap – Photographer: Alistair Heap

Elle’s ear ~ Elle (Jaye Griffiths) hands over to David in this instalment, holds her hands up to his knowledge where mental health is concerned and listens to his opinion. That’s quite a step forward for her, and also carries its risks, especially if David goes off the rails once he is completely off his meds. However, there’s no denying that Elle showed strength of character when she allowed David to be heard.

More trouble from Gem ~ Gem (Rebecca Ryan) is working in her newly acquired job and Iain (Michael Stevenson) is relieved that she has a reason to stay on track. However, when she gives the wrong change to a patient, alarm bells ring. With further investigation it seems that she is not thieving but lacks basic maths and indeed reading skills. Iain’s test in the ambulance bay proves the theory, it looks like there’s a long way to go for his little sister, but I am loving Rebecca Ryan in the show. I hope she becomes a long term fixture.

Lilly ~ Crystal Yu couldn’t be more different to Lilly in real life, two interviews with the lady herself have been proof enough of that. Crystal has been one of my favourite interviewees to date. Lilly as a character has evolved hugely since she first started in the ED and her involvement with Iain and his sister has played its part in that. What’s remarkable is the lighter side to her personality that is gradually emerging. I hope that we continue to see more light and shade to her persona. I quite like this new side to Lilly and hat’s off to Crystal, she plays the part brilliantly.

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