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Chicago Tribune
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘Code of Silence' review: A deaf woman helps police crack a jewel heist
In the BritBox crime thriller 'Code of Silence,' a deaf woman working in the canteen at a police station in Canterbury, England, is recruited by detectives when they need someone to read lips on surveillance footage. That initial premise can only take the show so far — watching someone stare at a video and decipher what people are saying has limited storytelling possibilities — so 'Code of Silence' finds ways to complicate the endeavor. Alison Brooks doesn't have much excitement in her life. She lives with her mother, who is lovely but a little needy, and she also has an ex-boyfriend who keeps showing up, trying to understand why their relationship ended. Both her mom and ex are deaf, and there's an important intimacy that comes through in their interactions that she doesn't have with hearing people. But she's also just generally bored, and being looped into an investigation is a welcome change of pace. The police are watching a small group of criminals who meet in outdoor locations that can't be easily bugged. Video is possible with hidden cameras, but the department's professional forensic lip-readers are busy working other cases, hence the need for Alison's skills. As played by Rose Ayling-Ellis, Alison is an intriguing mix of naivete and risk-taking, with a side order of sex appeal. Most people underestimate her because she's deaf. She's too self-confident for that, but also worn down by the struggle of her working-class reality, and the exciting details of the case — turns out, they're planning a jewel heist — prove too thrilling for her to ignore. Initially, the detectives try to limit just how much Alison knows for her own protection. But when she's alone, she finds the group's computer hacker, a guy named Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), on social media. With just enough information to pique her curiosity, she gets a bartending job at the pub he frequents. He's nice enough, in a rough and tumble way, and he takes a liking to her. He's also charming, which complicates everything. Suddenly, Alison finds herself functioning as an undercover informant for the police. For the first time in her life, people are taking her seriously. Maybe that's why she's a true believer in the police in ways that seem naive. It makes sense that law enforcement would care about the heist, but the show doesn't explore why we, as viewers, should agree that there's a major injustice afoot if an obnoxious rich person might be robbed of what is just one more expensive bobble in their collection. Like 'Patience' on PBS, this is a British cop show that features a disabled person whose skills become an unexpected asset to police work. And to 'Code of Silence's' credit, it's told from the point of view of Alison, rather than the police. Disabled actors playing disabled characters should be more commonplace generally on television, but I appreciate that, in these two instances, they are being incorporated into a genre that has otherwise never made much room for them. And the show (from creator Catherine Moulton, who is partially deaf herself) has an intriguing way of illustrating Alison's experience lip-reading. Early on, as she's busing tables in the canteen, she looks over and sees two people deep in conversation. 'I'm o in razee here,' the subtitles read. Then the words adjust as Alison puts together what's being said: 'I'm going crazy here.' The man continues: 'ewe se ewe leaf im,' and a moment later the words on screen become 'You said you would leave him.' This format continues throughout the series, and it's an effective way of conveying some of the guesswork involved. She explains that the letters B and P and M all look the same when reading lips, which is why she's initially unsure if Liam's last name is Barlow or Marlowe. But also: 'It's not just about seeing words.' You also need context. 'It's who's talking and what you know of them.' The detectives are a mix of annoyed and concerned as Alison keeps putting her neck on the line, courting danger. What is she getting herself into? 'I know what I'm doing,' she says firmly. She does not know what she's doing. But she's brazen, and that gets her further than anyone anticipates. 'Code of Silence' — 3 stars (out of 4) Where to watch: BritBox
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Hamilton couple celebrate 60th wedding anniversary
Retired teachers Alison and Jim Rafferty celebrated their diamond occasion with family and friends. A happy Hamilton couple had a sparkling celebration as they celebrated an incredible six decades of marriage. Retired teachers Alison and Jim Rafferty enjoyed a top-class occasion with family and friends as they marked their diamond anniversary, just days after another special family event. They were joined on their big day by special visitors Alison Plummer, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who presented commemorative certificates and gifts in honour of their 60th anniversary. Alison and Jim married in 1965 at St Margaret's Church in Ayr and moved to Lanarkshire five years later where they taught in a number of local schools. Jim taught French and Spanish and was principal teacher of guidance at Holy Cross High in Hamilton and later at Cardinal Newman High in Bellshill, while Alison was head teacher at St Patrick's Primary in New Stevenston. They are the proud parents of daughters Helen and Jacqueline, who are both solicitors working in Edinburgh and London and are respectively married to Martin and Simon, and are grandparents to Maria, Megan, Gregor, Honor and Claudia, all in their early 20s. In a special week for the family, Alison and Jim were thrilled to attend granddaughter Honor's law graduation at Aberdeen University two days before their anniversary. They celebrated their diamond occasion at their Hamilton home, where they were joined by their surprise civic guests. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Alison presented a certificate on behalf of King Charles marking the couple's achievement, while Provost Cooper gave a gift of flowers and a certificate on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders & The Bill actor at war with neighbours after wife had hand bitten by tiny dog Ziggy
Tens of thousands of pounds have been spent on the dispute DOG'S BREAKFAST EastEnders & The Bill actor at war with neighbours after wife had hand bitten by tiny dog Ziggy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star John Blundell is locked in a four-year legal battle with his neighbours after his wife was bitten by their dog. The bitter dispute started when John's wife, Mercina, was nipped by a Chinese crested dog, called Ziggy, while the couple were staying at their holiday home near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Eastenders star John Blundell is locked in a legal battle with his neighbours Credit: IMDB 7 Their relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the dog bite Credit: Facebook 7 The pair own a lodge at Fritton Lake resort Credit: Fritton Lodge The actor's relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the incident in June 2021 - which left Mercina with a scar on her wrist. Since the bite, the Blundells claim that they have been harassed by their neighbours. Mercina accused the pair of targeting her and her husband by singing "who let the dogs out" and filming them when nearby. But the Girdiefski's have denied these claims, explaining that relations between the two couples had been fine before issues with insurance cropped up. Mr Girdiefski said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. "They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge. "Suddenly - out of the blue - they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim." Alison added: "We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. "But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed." The bite occurred two months after the Blundells purchased their lodge at Fritton Lake resort, which has more than 100 lodges for sale - ranging up to £350,000. The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton and features 5,000 acres of countryside, a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts and a floating sauna. The Bill star John and his wife had been in their neighbour's lodge when she was bitten. Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- Her wound was later treated at the nearby James Paget Hospital. They made a claim on their neighbour's pet insurance, but were denied because it didn't occur in a public space. It was from this point that Mercina claims the couple started verbally abusing her and her husband. She said: "They would sneakily film us and hurl abuse at us. "Alison would drive past really slowly. She would call us all the names under the sun and try to irk a reaction. "When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. "They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. "All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. "At some points, I have literally broken down. "We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want." John added: "We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. "This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare." 7 Alison and Andrew Girdiefski have spent tens of thousands of pounds on the dispute Credit: Facebook 7 The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton, pictured here with his wife Credit: Archant 7 John played PC Willis in Eastenders Credit: BBC They contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023, reporting the dog bite and harassment. Ziggy was placed on the register of dangerous dogs and the couple were given a talking to by cops. John and Mercina then launched a civil case after police confirmed no further action was to be taken in relation to harassment. The Girdiefskis have already spent tens of thousand of pounds on legal fees, with final costs yet to be ruled in court. Mrs Girdiefski fumed: "These sums of money are just ridiculous. "This is the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut. "We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? "From day one, we have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. "We wanted it settled and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them." John responded: "This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. "It is simply about accountability." A final settlement figure will be decided at Norwich County Court later this year.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders & The Bill actor at war with neighbours after wife had hand bitten by tiny dog Ziggy
EASTENDERS star John Blundell is locked in a four-year legal battle with his neighbours after his wife was bitten by their dog. The bitter dispute started when John's wife, Mercina, was nipped by a Chinese crested dog, called Ziggy, while the couple were staying at their holiday home near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. 7 Eastenders star John Blundell is locked in a legal battle with his neighbours Credit: IMDB 7 Their relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the dog bite Credit: Facebook 7 The pair own a lodge at Fritton Lake resort Credit: Fritton Lodge The actor's relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the incident in June 2021 - which left Mercina with a scar on her wrist. Since the bite, the Blundells claim that they have been harassed by their neighbours. Mercina accused the pair of targeting her and her husband by singing "who let the dogs out" and filming them when nearby. But the Girdiefski's have denied these claims, explaining that relations between the two couples had been fine before issues with insurance cropped up. Read more in TV Mr Girdiefski said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. "They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge. "Suddenly - out of the blue - they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim." Alison added: "We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. Most read in TV "But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed." The bite occurred two months after the Blundells purchased their lodge at Fritton Lake resort, which has more than 100 lodges for sale - ranging up to £350,000. The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton and features 5,000 acres of countryside, a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts and a floating sauna. The Bill star John and his wife had been in their neighbour's lodge when she was bitten. Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- Her wound was later treated at the nearby James Paget Hospital. They made a claim on their neighbour's pet insurance, but were denied because it didn't occur in a public space. It was from this point that Mercina claims the couple started verbally abusing her and her husband. She said: "They would sneakily film us and hurl abuse at us. "Alison would drive past really slowly. She would call us all the names under the sun and try to irk a reaction. "When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. "They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. "All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. "At some points, I have literally broken down. "We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want." John added: "We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. "This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare." 7 Alison and Andrew Girdiefski have spent tens of thousands of pounds on the dispute Credit: Facebook 7 The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton, pictured here with his wife Credit: Archant 7 John played PC Willis in Eastenders Credit: BBC They contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023, reporting the dog bite and harassment. Ziggy was placed on the register of dangerous dogs and the couple were given a talking to by cops. John and Mercina then launched a civil case after police confirmed no further action was to be taken in relation to harassment. The Girdiefskis have already spent tens of thousand of pounds on legal fees, with final costs yet to be ruled in court. Mrs Girdiefski fumed: "These sums of money are just ridiculous. "This is the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut. "We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? "From day one, we have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. "We wanted it settled and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them." John responded: "This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. "It is simply about accountability." A final settlement figure will be decided at Norwich County Court later this year. 7 John and his wife Mercina have insisted the dispute is not about money Credit: B176
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
You can now binge all 4 episodes of 'achingly sad' BBC drama
If you didn't get your fill of tearing up at Jim Sturgess in 2011's One Day, he has a new heartbreaking romance to fill the hours. Mix Tape has arrived on BBC iPlayer this week, with all four episodes of what has been described as a 'perfect summer treat' now ready and waiting. The show sees Sturgess's Daniel reunite with Alison (Teresa Palmer) years after they dated as teenagers, with plenty of nostalgic needle-drops (Joy Division, The Cure). The four-part Irish-Australian drama follows two timelines: Alison and Daniel (with Florence Hunt and Rory Walton-Smith as their younger selves) as lovestruck teenagers in the 1980s and the pair in the present day after they went their separate ways. In the former, we see Dan first spot Alison from across the room at a house party in Sheffield. As you did then, they get to know each other over – show title incoming – mix tapes, hence the many good music cues. Those feelings first sparked in the 80s lie unresolved in the present day and the show becomes a question of whether these crazy no-longer-kids can make it work as adults instead. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Based on Jane Sanderson's novel of the same name, Dan has wound up a Sheffield-based music journalist while Alison is a bestselling novelist living in Australia. Dan sends Alison a friend request years later and the pair reconnect, to touching results. Filmed on location in Sydney and Dublin, Mix Tape won the South by Southwest film festival TV Spotlight Audience Award this year. The show was described as 'the perfect summer treat' by the BBC's head of programme acquisitions Sue Deeks, ahead of the romance's arrival on the Beeb's streaming service this week. The show already aired in Australia earlier this year, after which viewers shared their emotional response to Alison and Daniel's story. Taking to Google reviews, Dale Jordan described the show as one of 'achingly sad themes' and said it had been 'beautifully made'. More Trending 'Gatsby-esque hope and longing – highly recommended,' they wrote. Justine Thorneloe wrote to say they had already finished the series and that the fourth and final episode left them 'in tears'. 'Heart warming tale that stretched across time and continents, complimented with an outstanding 'mixtape', reviving memories of times past,' wrote Matthew Farrelly. View More » Mix Tape is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Gary Lineker tops BBC salary list again with over £1,300,000 paycheck after controversial exit MORE: Nadiya Hussain claims BBC 'will keep you till you're of no use to them' MORE: BBC asked John Torode 'to resign and blame mental health' after racism allegation
