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Bad Girls - Series 8 [2005]


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The Final Series of Bad Girls
Review date: 2008-06-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

I'm a Bad Girls fan, and was dissapointed when I heard series 8 would be the final series of the lot. I was also used to watching Bad Girls every summer, which lasted nearly the whole season. It was strange not watching a new series in 2007, nor this year. This series I found quite dissapointing. Yeah I like this series, but it's not like what Bad Girls used to be. Perhaps it's because that there's only three characters left, that have been in Bad Girls since the very beginning (Sylvia Hollumby and the 2 Julies). Or it could be because that the storyline for this series mainly revolves around the relationship between the new G-wing governor Lou Stoke and another new character Dr Rowan Dunlop. The other series mainly revolved around certain prisoners, and stories involving the screws would be just a story in the series, such as the relationship between Helen Stewart and Nikki Wade in series 3 and Jim Fenner's relationship with Karen Betts in series 3.

And speaking of Jim Fenner, his absence in my opinion has really changed Bad Girls. I thought it was great (and I still do) when he was killed off at the end of series 7, and now without him, well it's very different. You must admit that despite what a b*stard Jim was, he was still a great character.

There were things that puzzled me, which were merely the sudden absence of four characters; Sheena Williams, Die Barker/Fenner, Arun Parmar and Kevin Spiers. I couldn't understand why they were all suddenly gone. Di and Kevin is obvious. Di being a prisoner at the very prison she worked at, not to mention being on the very wing she worked at would of course put her at high risk (even though she got on well with the prisoners). Either that or Julie J confessed to Jim's murder and Di was therefore released. I saw in one review that this series features some extended episodes and you actually see Di and Kevin leave. I've never been able to find them personally.

The absence of Kevin is again obvious. In the christmas episode in series 7 the new chaplain Christie MacKay caught him having sexual relations with Natalie Buxton and filed a report. Buxton had her killed of (with use of a psycho) so Kevin could destroy the report, but (unless I'm mistaken) he never did, so it was obviously found by Masterton and he was sacked. As for Sheena, it becomes clear in episode 5 that she was released, as she fails to turn up to see Pat. Arun's absence I couldn't think off. However. Janine Nebeski mentions that she has 18 months left of her sentence (a year and a half) and in series 7 she had been sentenced to 5 years and Arun 3 years. The only logical explanation is that this series is set 3 and a half years after series 7. Either that or they made a mistake (they did a similar thing with series 5 and series 7).

One thing I do find dissapointing is Joy Masterton. In series 7 she's as hard as nails (you get the idea as to how strict she is) and was therefore an interesting character. In this series however she's a lot softer. It would have been interesting to see a very strict governing governor.

There were a few interesting things in this series. The relationship between Dr Dunlop and Lou stoke was interesting. Then there's Janine's relationship with a new officer, Donny Kimber, and let's not forget the final showdown between Pat Kerrigen and Natalie Buxton in episode 6. This series also had an excellent beginning, with the legionaire's disease on G-wing. There are 10 episodes in this series, plus the christmas special (which is based on Charles Dickens's "Christmas Carol" and had Sylvia in the position of Scrooge). The episode was rather lame, but also very good. Here's a brief guide to the episodes...

Episode 1

A suspected teorrist bomber Hassan Al Jahani's house is raided. He does a runner and his wife Emira is sent to Larkhall. Soon a mysterious disease on G-wing (resulting in 2 deaths) causes panic and alarm and Emira is the no 1 suspect.

Episode 2

Janine's mother has passed away and Janine goes to her funeral. Buxton uses this opportunity to blackmail Janine into sneaking drugs in from the funeral.

Episode 3

G-wing sees a new inmate; Angela Robbins. It however becomes crystal clear that she ought to be in a psychiatric hospital due to the fact that she has a split personality; her nice kind self, and her viscious, nasty, abusive boyfriend Andy. Janine in the meantime (to get rid of her depression) turns to drugs.

Episode 4

Yet again G-wing sees a new inmate - Stella Gough; who is very fond of Joy Masterton and G-wing is quick enough to suspect them two might be having an affair.

Episode 5

Joy has decided to ship out Stella, but Lou is detremined to get some answers. Julie S is thrilled when she learns from her son that not only is he getting married, but his fiance is also pregnant. Buxton in the meantime reveals another sick and evil side to her and it's not long until Pat Kerrigen uncovers the truth behind the evil scheme.

Episode 6

Larkhall holds a wedding blessing for Julie's son David and his fiance. Natalie plans to escape and Pat has decided it's time she was wiped of the face of the Earth.

Episode 7

Natalie Buxton is missing, but her whereabouts are unknown to anyone - except Kerrigen - then the 2 Julies, who find themselves helping Pat to find places to hide her body. Tina in the meantime goes to her trial. She's determined to remain in prison and does everything she can to ensure this, but ends up back in the streets nonetheless. Will she make an effort to begin a new life this time? Or will she find another way to get herself locked up again?

Episode 8

Lou gives her sister Vicky a job as a music teacher at Larkhall, and Vicky finds out that Rowan is cheating on Lou and has lied about his seperation from his girlfriend (who is pregnant) and threatens to tell Lou the truth. Tina in the meantime feels suicidel after accidentally killing a bank customer, only to hear from his widow that he was a nasty piece of work anyeay and his widow is heartily glad that he is dead. Pat and the Julies finally find a place to dispose of Natalie's body.

Episode 9

Donny Kimber takes Janine on a day out to visit her mother's grave, where the two have a great time and things are great until Janine does a runner. When Vicky is caught giving drugs to Oswyn and Tull and claims they were trying to give HER drugs, the three of them are forced to do a urine test and Vicky sees to it that Rowan switches samples with Bev and G-wing has a protest with regard to the injustice.

Episode 10

A woman named Catherine Earlham joins the inmates on G-wing and quickly befriends everyone. Only Bev suspects something sneaky and manipulative about Catherine. Janine in the meantime is pregnant and Donny is off course in deep trouble.

Episode 11 (Christmas Special)

In the final episode of Bad Girls the inmates are once again celebrating Christmas. Sylia becomes an unpopular woman with the officers and her family; she's cold towards her son Bobby Darren because of his homosexuality, she's unsympathetic when Mandy's girlfriend leaves her for another woman and ignores the alarm when Janine goes into labour. But a visit from Buxton's spirit transforms Sylvia overnight.

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Reviews


Hmm...Somethings missing here...
Review date: 2007-04-21 Rating: 6 out of 10

First of all, I have to say, as an avid Bad Girls and Footballers Wives fan, I am not out to mock this dvd. Secondly, I would agree with most of its tv viewers by saying that Bad Girls is one of the best tv dramas to air in decades- Series 7 in the popular drama series is spectacular, as is series 6, but when it comes to series 8 (which of course is the last series) it appears as if something is missing. I have come to the conclusion that given time the writers simply had to hurry up the process of writing and filming, thus giving us what may appear as a lack in storyline.

Its so sad to say goodbye to such classic characters as the Julies and Natalie Buxton, especially when it is seems the makers were rushing the process. After nearly 10 years with the bad girls, we are quickly ushered out of the series with little emotion. We are never told if, say Julie J recovered from her cancer, or if Tina actually DID end up leaving the prison. Its as if the makers expected us to just 'forget' everything and move on. which is such a shame, especially for the hard-hearted fans.

I am not going to say series 8 isnt gripping like its ancesstors, because it is, and the final showdown between Natalie and Pat Kerrigan is explosive, however I would only reccomend buying this if you are a collector of the series. Otherwise, I would just stick to watching one of the older series (or the brilliant series 7) again...

In terms of extra's there really is nothing to gawp about. The interviews and sneek peeks from previous series have vanished, leaving us with only polished camera shots of the set and cast.

7/10

Good show, bad DVD
Review date: 2007-01-02 Rating: 4 out of 10

Season 8 for me was average at best however I still would of bought the DVD were it not for the following: All 3 extended episodes are just the aired 40 min versions. This is especially noticable on the first episode in which the removed scenes dealed with the departure of Di & Kevin Spiers. Also the christmas special song (YMCA) has been changed but the inmates are all dancing to the removed song still! The last point is that there are virtually no extras (a photo gallery).

Maybe if your a die hard fan of bad Girls its worth a pick up simply to complete your collection but as a casual viewer or simply a fan this release in my opinion isn't worth it. The company responsible for this set could have done a much better job on this release had it not being rushed.

It has been despatched!
Review date: 2006-12-21 Rating: 10 out of 10

So happy! Last nights xmas special was excellent. Just gutted it is over, although considering it hads not been filmed specially as the last episode, last night served it very well.

Cannot wait to see if the full versions of the episodes are on this dvd, although I have a horrible feeling they aren't. x

One of the best series ever written for TV.
Review date: 2006-11-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

I cannot wait for 26 Decmeber as soon after Bad girls Series 8 will be available which I have pre-ordered. This is excellent TV. Well written, well acted. I have them all and never tire of watching them. Such characters, Debra Stephenson [Shell Dockley] is abaolutely wnderful. There is something about all of the charactersApart from Claire King there are no well known actors in it. How we love to hate Jim Fenner and love Yvonne Atins. Her death, you could realy feel for her. One of the reviews said some people found it distressing, I can understand this, but be better if these persons did not watch it. It shows how horrid prison can be, but on the other hand it shows how the girls/women get on with it. The two Julies are a scream and very clever the way they speak together etc. Helen Stewart and Nickie Wade I was sorry to lose. ITV are being silly making series 8 their last. You can always get new characters in and make an interesting case, or new Governor. I do hope Sylvia Hollingby is still in it and the two Julies. Michelle Dockley could always come back, Debra has done a stint in Coronation Street,she is so different in this, a calm lady. She is having a baby soon, but could maybe come back afterwards if not already commited. All the actors in this could be picked for other roles as their acting ability is so good.


Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Amanda Donohoe
Helen Fraser
Colin Salmon
Ellie Haddington
Dannielle Brent

Creators:
Amanda Donohoe (Primary Contributor)
Helen Fraser (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014138600990
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: Anamorphic, Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2006-12-26
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 600 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: English (Original Language)

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