Welcome to the June issue of the Acorn TV Dispatch.
Featured in this month’s issue is an interview with the creator and co-writer of the forthcoming Acorn TV Original London Kills – a must-read Q&A for fans of British procedural dramas. With The Ladies’ Paradise returning for its second season later this month, we take a look at society and fashion in 1950s Italy through the lens of the Italian period drama.
We’ll also explore what the Brits mean when they talk about “cooking tea,” and test our knowledge of British food and culinary customs in this month’s quiz. And for fans of Agatha Raisin, there’s a behind-the-scenes look at the cast’s first read-through for Series 2. And, plenty more.
Enjoy the issue and happy streaming!
In this issue:
- Q&A with Paul Marquess, creator of Suspects and London Kills
- The meaning of Britishism “cooking tea”
- British food and culinary customs quiz
- A look at 1950s Italy, fashion, and The Ladies’ Paradise
- Behind the scenes of Agatha Raisin Series 2
- Shows to binge with Dad on Father’s Day
- What it’s like to attend a royal wedding
- What Acorn TV fans are saying about Keeping Faith
- Answers to this month’s Ask Acorn TV questions
An Insider Look at London Kills
Creator and co-writer Paul Marquess chats with Acorn TV
Acorn TV Original London Kills, set to premiere in the winter, tells the story of a team of top murder detectives through fast-paced plots and documentary-style filming. Creator and co-writer Paul Marquess (Suspects) has said he is “…delighted to be making London Kills for Acorn TV,” and describes the series as “…a sharp, smart, timely procedural drama.”
As production gets underway, Acorn TV sat down with Paul to chat more about his vision for the series, what’s behind the title London Kills, and why you should be excited for the upcoming Acorn TV Original.
That’s quite a title. How did you come up with “London Kills”?
I’ve had “London Kills” in my mind for years. It’s a play on words. “Kills” can be a noun, referring to the murders that take place. But it’s also a verb, an acknowledgment of what the city can do to the people who live here. In a sense, London is a character in the series.
What’s the series about?
It’s about a team of four top murder detectives. Every episode begins with finding a body. The detectives solve the crime during the course of a one-hour episode.
But there’s also a longer narrative running through the series. That story surrounds the disappearance of the wife of the lead character, Detective Inspector David Bradford.
What kind of person is DI Bradford? How would you describe him?
Bradford’s a man under pressure. His missing wife represents all of his neuroses and the failures of his life. If he can’t find his wife, how can he be a good detective? That’s the thought that torments him. So the two sides of his life, the private and the professional, keep coming together.
And all the time he’s working and living in this fast, diverse, baffling, terrifying city. As the pressure notches up, London is killing him.
Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole seems to be “the other woman” in Bradford’s life.
She is, in a way. Bradford’s wife didn’t stand up to him. But Cole does. In episode one, Bradford returns to work after being off on compassionate leave after his wife’s disappearance. Cole has been leading the murder team in his absence. Now that he’s back, tensions begin to rise.
Cole is a profiler, a bit of a cold fish. In a murder investigation she’s not that interested in the victim. She sees each case as a puzzle, and it’s her job to solve it. All four detectives are very different. But to succeed as a team, they have to see those differences as strengths.
You’ve said the series will be shot like a documentary. What will that look like?
We’ll get very up close and personal with the detectives – almost in a voyeuristic way. I want to make it feel like the camera is eavesdropping on them.
I’ve made a lot of cop shows, and over the years I’ve talked to a lot of cops. One thing has always struck me: Detectives are different. When they walk into a police station, you know there’s a different quality about them. I’ve tried to capture some of that in London Kills.
Why did you set the series in London?
London is the whole world in one city. I’ve lived here for 25 years, and as I’ve walked along its streets I’ve always wanted to do a police procedural drama here.
I wanted to make something I would want to watch. Something to match the city. Something contemporary, slick, fast moving. And with an energy to it. There was nothing on TV like that.
Will viewers recognize the London in London Kills?
This is a vibrant city – growing and changing all the time. The series provides a view of London that might surprise many viewers.
But they’ll also see iconic settings like Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath – there’s no better view of the city skyline than from there. Other settings include Soho and Marble Arch. And down by the Thames there’s Limehouse Basin, Canary Wharf, London Bridge, and the Shard.
London really is the perfect backdrop for a contemporary police drama. For me, it’s the most exciting city in the world.
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Not Your Cup of Tea?
When “tea” can mean drinking, eating, or both
Last month’s Acorn TV Dispatch carried an interview with actor John Nettles, who played DCI Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. (In case you missed it, you can read the Q&A here.) During the interview, Nettles made a comment that has left more than a few newsletter readers scratching their heads. When asked what he missed most about Midsomer, the actor joked: “I miss not having to cook my own breakfast, lunch, and tea.”
Not having to cook his own tea?
Did Nettles misspeak? Did he instead mean to say “cook my own breakfast and lunch – and brew my own tea”? Well, no – the actor meant exactly what he said. In this instance, he was using a particular little Britishism. Let’s take a look at it. What’s the meaning of that most British of words? Just what can be meant by “tea”?
Yes, tea is a drink
Sometimes it’s simply that – a cup of tea. And the British drink lots of it. About 900 “cuppas” a year per person, in fact. They drink it with milk and sugar, with lemon, or just plain.
British people are always ready to “put the kettle on.” One popular break for tea during the day comes at 11 o’clock in the morning. Elevenses, as it’s sometimes known, fills the gap between breakfast and lunch. It includes a light snack such as biscuits (cookies).
The Australians have their own term for this midmorning tea break. They call it “mornos.” But Aussie slang can be a world of its own – perhaps a subject for another day.
In Britain, afternoon tea is taken around 4 o’clock. This can be a quite formal social event. Traditionally, it involves the use of a china teapot and cups. And the tea is served with a particular selection of food – savory or sweet sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and cakes (usually homemade).
But tea can also be the evening meal
This is the kind of tea that Nettles was referring to in his interview last month. That’s because “tea” can refer to the main evening meal. Such usage of “tea” is common in the north of England and in some other parts of Britain.
So bear all this in mind for future reference. And if a British person invites you for tea, make sure you know what to expect.
One final thought about John Nettles and tea
Being from Cornwall, the actor would be all too familiar with one other popular type of tea that is especially associated with the southwest of England. In this case, too, it’s not just a cup of tea. It comes with scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam.
Do you know what this type of tea is called? To find out, you’ll have to take our “What’s Cooking?” culinary quiz below.
What’s Cooking?
Test your knowledge of the British and their food
We’ve got some food questions for you – a baker’s dozen of them. The first one looks at the tea question at the end of “Not Your Cup of Tea?” above. The last one comes from an Acorn TV member. See how many you get right.
TAKE THE QUIZ
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A Matter of Style
The Ladies’ Paradise returns June 18 for Season 2
With The Ladies’ Paradise (Il Paradiso delle Signore) returning for its second season later this month, it’s the perfect time to revisit the glamour of 1950s Italy. Inspired by Italy’s past and loosely based on Emile Zola’s acclaimed novel, The Ladies’ Paradise recounts the rise of a modern department store in 1950s Milan – a transformative era for both Italian society and the world of fashion.
From “made to measure” to “ready to wear”
Italy’s “economic miracle” of the 1950s and ’60s brought a marked improvement in the standard of living for most of its people. There were more jobs, a renewed outlook, and a profound change in the consumption habits of Italians.
Up to that point, articles of clothing would have been homemade or custom tailored. Wealthy women (like banking heiress Andreina’s mother in the show) would consider it a point of pride to have their clothing made-to-measure.
But all of that was starting to change. Mass-produced, ready-to-wear garments were beginning to take over the clothing industry, allowing more and more people to be able to buy quality, affordable fashions off the rack. As the advertising slogan for the Ladies’ Paradise department store promised, “beauty for everyone” was within reach.
Creeping hemlines
Social standards began to change, too. Nowhere was this more evident than in the country’s fashion trends – from the shortening of hemlines to the introduction of the bikini, which (as we saw in the first season of The Ladies’ Paradise) caused quite a stir.
In fact, Italian law prohibited wearing the new belly-baring swimwear on public beaches in the 1950s, and the Vatican called the garment “sinful.” While the bikini’s growing popularity could not ultimately be halted, some of the old attitudes still endure today. A number of Italian seaside towns still fine bikini-wearers for showing too much skin.
From rural south to urban north
Italy’s economic miracle saw many Italians from the undeveloped south moving to the booming cities of the north in search of jobs. The beautiful and ambitious young sales assistant Teresa Iorio (played by former Miss Italy, Giusy Buscemi) is one of them.
We first meet her in her small Sicilian village – a drab place full of older men in flat caps and older women in black. It’s clearly not for the spirited Teresa. After confronting her cheating fiancé, she leaves the village behind for the vibrant new colors of Milan.
After arriving in the big city, Teresa applies for a job at the recently opened Ladies’ Paradise department store and is hired as one of the “Venuses,” as the store’s posh sales assistants are known. And so Teresa finds herself in the changing world of Milan fashion, as she navigates unrequited love, impossible choices, rivalry, scandal, and passion.
WATCH SEASON 1
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Behind the Scenes of Agatha Raisin
Pictures from the first read-through of Series 2
The first behind-the-scenes pictures of Agatha Raisin Series 2 are here! Emmy-nominated actress Ashley Jensen and the rest of the Agatha Raisin team recently gathered for the first read-through of the Acorn TV Original’s newest season – take a look below!
The critically acclaimed Acorn TV Original follows Agatha Raisin, London PR whiz turned amateur sleuth, who becomes entangled in mischief, mayhem, and murder when she opts for early retirement in a small village in the Cotswolds. Click here to see what Acorn TV fans are discussing about the series.
WATCH SERIES 1
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Shows Dad Will Love
What to binge on Father’s Day
From Steve Delaney’s laugh-out-loud performance in Count Arthur Strong to Erik Thomson’s heartwarming dad in 800 Words, we’ve got the perfect series to share with Dad this Father’s Day.
800 Words
This refreshing family drama hailed as “wonderful” (Tribune News Service) follows recent widower George Turner’s impulsive decision to start afresh in the New Zealand coastal town of Weld, where he spent his summer vacations as a child. The Aussie invaders quickly become the center of attention in this small town populated by weird and wonderful locals. Watch 800 Words
Count Arthur Strong
Co-created by British comedy legend Graham Linehan (Black Books, The IT Crowd, Father Ted), this BBC sitcom stars Steve Delaney as Count Arthur Strong, an elderly, pompous, out-of-work actor with delusions that he is a show-business legend. Rory Kinnear (Penny Dreadful) co-stars. Watch Count Arthur Strong
Detectorists
This “wistful, subtle” (Guardian, UK) BAFTA Award-winning comedy follows the eccentric members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club as they search for treasure in the English countryside. Written and directed by star Mackenzie Crook (The Office), Detectorists also stars Toby Jones (The Hunger Games), Rachael Stirling (The Bletchley Circle), and Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones). Watch Detectorists
Scotch: The Story of Whisky
In this engaging documentary series, discover the history, culture, craftsmanship, and legacy of the beloved amber liquid from its origins in Scotland centuries ago to today’s lucrative, multinational super industry. Watch Scotch
East West 101
This “terrific, satisfying drama series” (The Sydney Morning Herald) follows driven and ambitious detective Zane Malik (Don Hany, Serangoon Road) as he investigates terrorism and other major crimes on the streets of Sydney. Winner of numerous awards — including Best Drama Series and Best Actor — this gritty and cinematic series tackles complex themes in a realistic, riveting way. Watch East West 101
George Gently
In this acclaimed BBC detective drama, Tony nominee Martin Shaw (Death in Holy Orders) stars as Inspector George Gently, an incorruptible cop transplanted from London to the North East of England in the mid-1960s. Gently and his cocky young protege, John Bacchus (Lee Ingleby, Line of Duty), investigate brutal crimes as they confront the social and political changes of the era. Watch George Gently
🎁 Still gift shopping for Dad? Acorn TV gift memberships are easy and instant! He’ll get everything you love about Acorn TV, including your favorite dramas, comedies, mysteries, and more – and it’s only $49.99 for an entire year. Click here to give the gift of world-class TV.
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Be Our Guest
Our royal wedding insider returns
While many of us dream of attending a royal wedding, U.K. travel and royal history expert Andrew Lannerd knows what it’s like to be an invited guest at a royal event. He recently attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the invitation of the Royal Household.
As our royal wedding insider, Andrew shared his unique experience on our Instagram Story (you can watch it here). This month, he shares what it’s like to be a royal wedding guest in a detailed account on his blog.
READ ANDREW’S ROYAL WEDDING RECAP
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Acorn TV Fans Facebook Group
Each month, we highlight comments, discussions, and recommendations posted on Facebook by Acorn TV fans across North America. Join the Facebook Group and share your comments too!
Trending Topics
📣 800 Words Season 3 is now streaming on Acorn TV! See what fans are saying about the new episodes.
📚 Did you know Agatha Raisin is based on a book series by M.C. Beaton? Join the conversation about it here.
🎵 Watch Detectorists, then share your thoughts in this discussion about the theme song.
What Fans Are Saying About Keeping Faith
Watch Keeping Faith
What Fans Recommend After Keeping Faith
Watch Acceptable Risk
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How can I listen to the music from The Good Karma Hospital?
There are so many things that make The Good Karma Hospital a fan favorite — from great acting and compelling writing, to a beautiful, string-led score featuring authentic Indian instruments. The show’s music is composed by Ben Foster, best known for his scores for dramas Happy Valley, Torchwood, and more recently ITV’s reboot of Thunderbirds Are Go, for which he received a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Music.
And you’re in luck — a soundtrack album was just released last month and is now available on Amazon.
For more series with standout soundtracks, we recommend Detectorists, Brokenwood Mysteries, Striking Out, and Love, Lies & Records. What’s your favorite Acorn TV theme song? Share your answer with other fans, in the Acorn TV Fans Group.
My friend and I love Faith’s yellow jacket! Where can I get my own?
From its own Twitter account to being worn by BBC Breakfast presenters, the bright yellow raincoat worn by Faith in the latest Acorn TV Original has seemingly become the star of the show!
Keeping Faith fans on social media have donned their yellow jackets for selfies in honor of the Welsh noir. The raincoat is from Joules (available here) — the quintessential British brand and favorite of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
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Up Next on Acorn TV
Queue up your watchlist for these upcoming premieres
Groundbreaking miniseries Tales of the City premieres June 4
Belonging, starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera), premieres June 4
Charming Irish comedy Trivia Season 1-2 premieres June 11
The Diary of Anne Frank, starring Ellie Kendrick (Game of Thrones) as Anne Frank, premieres June 11
Italian period drama The Ladies’ Paradise Season 2 premieres June 18
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Past Issues
The Acorn TV Dispatch: Issue No. 3, May 2018
The Acorn TV Dispatch: Issue No. 2, April 2018
The Acorn TV Dispatch: Issue No. 1, March 2018
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