Entertainment

The Pembrokeshire Murders: Episode 3 review

Published

3 years ago

January 13, 2021

Andy Chandler

TONIGHT, Wednesday January 13, sees the third and final part of The Pembrokeshire Murders air.

From the opening scene, it’s clear that Wilkins needs to act fast to cage Cooper.

Pat’s death is described as natural from the get-go, but theories will no doubt talk about how ‘Cooper must have done it’. He didn’t.

Her passing weighs heavily on Wilkins’ shoulders, you see that when he breaks the news to Andrew and it could be argued that her passing gives the team that extra bit of energy to finally see Cooper caged for his crimes.
11 minutes into the final part, Wilkins gets his ‘Golden Nugget’, Peter Dixon’s blood is found on John’s bathers after the hem is unpicked, they also find a hair from the Dixon’s daughter.

They’ve got him.

Luke Evans’ restrained joy boils over as he gleefully tells the DNA expert that he bloody loves her and that moment of relief is palpable for Wilkins who can now see the end in sight.
Within 120 seconds, we see Cooper collared by police for his crimes and literally dragged off kicking, screaming and swearing as his scheming is finally brought to an end, although it wasn’t filmed in Letterston where it took place in reality.

Caroline Berry as Pat Cooper (L) and Oliver Ryan as Andrew Cooper (R)

The scene where they find Cooper has tooled himself back up to, we assume, kill again, felt a tad unbelievable, a stretch too far even.
I didn’t particularly enjoy how stupid it made the cunning, clever Cooper seem when the race had already been run and I wasn’t entirely sure it served much of a purpose besides showing us how close the writers think Cooper was to killing again. I didn’t believe this scene was based on fact, until I got told by a friend that it was! I couldn’t believe Cooper didn’t know when to call it a day, unless by that point he genuinely felt he had nothing to lose.

It does however set up the face-off between Wilkins and Cooper that we’ve been waiting for 2 days to see.
The battle of the fathers takes place with Wilkins barely saying a word for the first few questions, but his triumphant gaze at Cooper, who now clings to his ‘ask Adrian’ defence, tells you everything you need to know about the calmness of Wilkins character and Luke Evans, again, plays this scene subtley, Allen’s Cooper though is rebellious to the end.
The victims of the Nolton Hill Estate attack get their chance at closure, their dreadful experiences have been somewhat under-mentioned so it felt rewarding to see a human reaction to part of Cooper’s crimes that are easily overshadowed by the double murders, but shouldn’t be forgotten.
As we hurtle towards the end, we see Wilkins steeling Andrew Cooper up to testify at John’s trial by video-link in a scene that, once again, shows the two standout actors of this production at their very best.
A non-threatening but righteous Wilkins coaxes Andrew into doing the right thing in a touching scene where Andrew finally gets the support he’s been lacking, only this support comes from the Police, not his family as he so dearly craved.

Cooper trips himself up in spectacular fashion during the trial as he’s forced to either admit lying to the court previously, or lying to the court now.
That moment, for me, secured his conviction as he’s finally left speechless and, to be honest, a tad pathetic.
Allen nails Cooper’s outburst as he’s taken down and that anger kicks in as he swears at the judge and finally disappears from view to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The Pembrokeshire Murders ends with Wilkins’ son deciding to become a Policeman like his dad and the battle of the fathers is over.
Andrew Cooper hated his dad and wanted to be nothing like him, Steve Wilkins son ends up deciding to be more like his father so Steve Wilkins wins the day. Bravo!

‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ is a story we’ve seen on countless cop shows for years. A cold case, a disgruntled cop with a chequered past is brought in to find the truth, through the course of the story he discovers the truth and in doing so mends himself and the lives of those around him.
It’s nothing special.
Until you factor in the true story elements, the superb performances and, to be frank, the local setting. If this was called ‘The Lancashire Murders’ I dare say that maybe I wouldn’t be as forgiving with the misfires as I am with this.

A great adaptation of a meaty story that does what it can with a story seen a thousand times before, the performances of Luke Evans, Keith Allen, Alexandria Riley, Oliver Ryan and Caroline Berry bring real heart and soul and set this apart from the rest. 4/5

Check out this weeks Herald where we’ll be taking another look at a confusing local double murder some say bares all the hallmarks of John Cooper….

Entertainment

Music at the Manor returns for an exciting evening of entertainment

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE is proud to announce the return of Music at the Manor on Friday 10^th May at Scolton Manor for an evening of fantastic entertainment.

More than 150 Pembrokeshire young musicians will showcase their talents in the beautiful surroundings of Scolton.

This is the third Music at the Manor event, expanding on the success of previous years to bring an exciting evening of musical celebration from across Pembrokeshire.

Gates open at 4.30pm for a 6pm start and guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and arrive in plenty of time to relax, soak up the atmosphere and grab something to eat.

Food lovers will be well catered for with Daps Baps, Pembs Pizza co and Worley’s Ice-creams on hand and Absolute Events Bars to provide a drink to enjoy along with the music.

Face painting by the talented Gabrielle Swales will also be on offer.

Performing are:

Pembrokeshire Music Service (PMS) Youth String Orchestra
PMS Youth Wind Band
PMS Youth Brass Band
PMS Rock and Pop bands “Nebular” and “Broken Strings”
PMS Youth Woodwind ensemble
PMS Training Orchestra featuring the Second Steps ensemble players

Cleddau Chamber orchestra and Pembrokeshire Music Service Community Choir will also perform.

Compere for the evening is Ysgol Greenhill Headteacher David Haynes.

Tickets are £8, £4 Concessions and £18 family ticket.

You can purchase tickets online or alternatively contact Angela White on 01437 775202.

Tickets will be available on the night but to reduce potential for congestion please pre pay where possible.

Entertainment

Classic car extravaganza returns to Carew Castle this Bank Holiday

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ONE of the highlights of the Pembrokeshire calendar is set to return this Bank Holiday, as Carew Castle prepares to host some of the finest classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles from across South Wales.

The Carew Castle Car Show will take place on Monday 6 May, with plenty of entertainment for all the family, including music throughout the day by local folk band ‘Razor Bill’, and a variety of vintage funfair rides and games from Pembrokeshire Attractions.

For an extra cost of £2, younger visitors will also be able to take part in a Brilliant Birds Trail around the Castle

Manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes, said: “We’re delighted to host the ever-popular Car Show at Carew for another year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts and families alike to admire the beauty of classic and vintage vehicles in an equally impressive vintage setting.

“There is no need to book tickets in advance – just turn up on the day to make the most of this fantastic event.”

Nest Tearoom will be open from 10am onwards to serve bacon rolls and hot drinks, with the usual mouth-watering selection of homemade lunches and cakes available throughout the rest of the day. Visitors are welcome to explore the majestic Castle and Tidal Mill during their visit, to find out more about the events and colourful characters that shaped this site’s fascinating history.

While the car show itself is currently at capacity and no longer accepting new entries, anyone interested in securing a spot for their vehicle on the reserve list are encouraged to register their interest by following the link at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/spring-events.

Carew Castle Car Show will take place from 10am-3pm with the Castle open from 10am-4.30pm. Normal admission charges apply: Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children £6 and a Family Ticket (two adults and two children) £25.

Please note the event may not take place in the event of bad weather. For more information visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle’s Facebook page (Carew Castle and Tidal Mill) for event updates.

To learn about other events that are taking place in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this Bank Holiday and throughout the rest of the year, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.com/events.

Entertainment

Trends Shaping the Future of Online Gaming: A Comprehensive Analysis

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2024

Design Team

Online gaming has recently started having its moment. From people looking for online gambling in sa to playing mobile games during their commute, gaming reaches new audiences every day.

One thing that keeps gaming so fun for all is the technological advances that move this digital entertainment forward. For example, even classic online slots are not the same anymore. Today, gamers enjoy a variety of adventure theme slots at online casinos, choosing what they want to see in terms of design and special features. So, let’s see what tech trends are shaping how we will perceive online games of the future.

Cloud Gaming Takes Off

Forget expensive consoles! Cloud gaming lets you play top games on your phone, tablet, or even an older laptop. Here’s the twist: powerful computers in the cloud run the games. You just stream them like a movie. No downloads, no fancy hardware needed. Just a good internet connection unlocks a world of high-quality gaming without the hefty price tag. Cloud gaming is still new, but it could change everything. Imagine conquering epic adventures or dominating online matches on your phone during your commute.

Cross-Platform Gaming

Remember the struggle of wanting to play with friends stuck on different consoles? Cross-platform play fixes that. Now, players on PCs, Xboxes, Playstations, and even phones can team up or battle each other in the same online games. It’s like breaking down walls between gaming systems. Suddenly, you have a much bigger pool of people to play with. No more being left out because your friend has a different console. Cross-platform play is all about uniting gamers, no matter what they use. This creates a more inclusive experience, where friendships can form regardless of your chosen device.

Esports & Competitive Gaming

Forget just playing for fun. Esports turns video games into major league competition. Pro gamers train intensely, compete for millions in prize money, and even have cheering fans. It’s like watching traditional sports but for video games.

Esports even have their tournaments streamed live, which attracts massive audiences today. In a way, this type of gaming has stopped being simply entertainment. It is now a sport and career for many.

VR and AR

VR and AR are reshaping how we play. VR lets you completely enter the game world with a headset, feeling like you’re battling enemies or exploring landscapes. AR overlays digital elements onto your reality – imagine battling aliens in your backyard! Both are still young, but they offer a more immersive and interactive way to play.

Such playing experiences practically erase the line between the digital and our worlds, making all you do in the game feel real. This level of interaction creates an entirely new form of gaming, inserting players into the gaming realms.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

AI is changing games from the inside out. Instead of battling predictable enemies, AI can power realistic foes that learn from your tactics and adapt their strategies. This creates a more challenging and engaging experience. AI can also personalize your gaming journey. By analyzing your data, it can recommend content, adjust difficulty, or even craft unique quests tailored to your interests. Essentially, AI is making games smarter and more fun.

The Metaverse & Persistent Online Worlds

The Metaverse isn’t just another game. It’s a persistent online world – a constantly running virtual space. Here, people use avatars to work, play, and socialize. Imagine attending concerts, conferences, or even shopping sprees, all online. The Metaverse aims to be more than games. It could become a thriving online world that merges aspects of gaming, social media, and even the real world. Think of it as a seamless blend of your physical and virtual life. The future might involve living and working beyond physical limitations, all within this vast online Metaverse.

Focus on Diverse & Inclusive Narratives

Diverse narratives are on the rise, featuring characters and stories that reflect the global audience. Imagine playing as a strong female lead or exploring a world inspired by different cultures. This inclusivity makes games more relatable and enjoyable for a wider range of players. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a gaming experience where everyone can see themselves.

Mobile Gaming

Developers are looking for more ways to reach a growing audience as modern smartphones have become powerful enough for serious games. Smartphone gaming stands for affordability and convenience. People can play whenever and wherever they want, using only their phones and a few minutes of their free time.

With mobile gaming exploding, developers work on more complex and high-quality products. In fact, cloud gaming and controller support are even making mobile a severe contender to hardcore gamers. Just like that, mobile gaming has become the most accessible form of gaming yet.

Games as Social Hubs

Games are no longer solitary experiences. Developers focus on features that encourage social interaction, teamwork, and community building. Imagine joining guilds, chatting with teammates, or participating in online events – all within your favorite game. This creates a sense of belonging and keeps players coming back for more than just the core gameplay. Social features transform games into social hubs, allowing players to connect, collaborate, and forge lasting friendships through shared experiences.