STACK February 2017 Issue 148

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Mr Holmes, do you not ruminate upon the labelling
f a mere three episodes as a 'series' being a tad
reposterous?” “Indubitably!” Still, as this is the fourth
uting of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as
rthur Conan Doyle’s beloved dick and sidekick, Holmes
nd Watson, we’re used to it. We certainly won’t complain
bout the dramatic punch contained in the three movie-
ngth episodes contained within, either, each of their own
ut also supporting overarching intrigue. ‘The Six Thatchers’
involves ex-PM Maggie busting out in China, death and a
classic Holmesian mystery. ‘The Lying Detective’ features both cereal and
serial killer, while the finale – appropriately named ‘The Final Problem’ – is a
trip. Family matters, and this possibly final episode – despite Cumberbatch
being signed for a fifth outing – is, well, it is what it is... AF
Peril and parenthood.
SHERLOCK: SERIES 4
Release Date: 15/02/17 Format:
ith the episode count upped from six to fifteen, and
mid-season break in between, the second season of
is prologue to the zombie apocalpyse emerges from
e shadow of its more popular sibling series, although it
oes share some of the problems that continue to plague
WD – namely cheats involving the fate of some of the
haracters, who'll begin to grow on you after an alienating
troduction in season one. FTWD season two charts a
ifferent course, with Madison (Kim Dickens), Travis (Cliff
Curtis) and family setting sail for a safer port – zombies
can't swim, right? – only to encounter a different kind of peril on the
ocean (have none of them seen Dead Calm?). Much of the second half
takes place in Mexico, where every day is the Day of the Dead. AMC have
renewed the show for a third season, which is due to air this year. SH
Death knows no borders.
FEAR THE WALKING DEAD: SEASON 2
Release Date: 08/02/17 Format:
This Doctor Who spin-off is set in Coal Hill Academy –
the school that has been a part of Who history since
1963. Peter Capaldi's Doctor pops in for a cameo in the
opening episode, but the series is primarily concerned
with a group of students and faculty members – some
of whom are human and some not. And when a hostile
alien race called the Shadowkin threatens Earth, the Coal
Hill gang have more than an algebra pop quiz to worry
about. Combining sci-fi with adolescent issues and Buffy
the Vampire Slayer heroics, Class is aimed at young adult
viewers rather than kids who cower behind the sofa at the first sight of
the Daleks. It also features killer flowers, a coach with a dragon tattoo,
and a lot of heart(s). Look out, too, for a subplot involving a familar
Doctor Who monster that leaves the door open for a second season. SH
School of shadows.
CLASS
Release Date: 01/02/17 Format:
ith the big twist revealed midway through the first
ason and much of the original source material from
lake Crouch’s books now exhausted, a fresh approach
as always going to be required for a second series of
ayward Pines. As hinted in the final episode of the first
ries, Wayward Pines is now ruled by the Hitler Youth-ish
rst Generation, led by the ruthless and fanatical Jason
iggins (Tom Stevens). However, his authority is challenged
most immediately by the newly awakened town doctor,
Theo Yedbin (Jason Patric). Moreover, the community’s food
stocks are dwindling and there are signs that the bloodthirsty creatures
surrounding the Pines may be smarter and more organised than first
thought. No word as yet whether the series will be back for a third round,
but if it doesn’t return, this provides a most satisfying conclusion. JF
Who shall inherit the Earth?
WAYWARD PINES: SEASON 2
Release Date: Out Now Format:
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