TV Critics: Roots; Climbing The Property Ladder; Four Rooms

“This harrowing tale of human subjugation and suffering has lost none of its power to shock. It should be required viewing for anyone with just an abstract idea of what slavery actually means.”
Julia Raeside, The Guardian

“This Roots is better than the original. It takes more trouble to be authentic in its locations and its facts. Yet the production feels old-fashioned: linear, unsubtle, afraid of jokes. Soon enough this vital history lesson will need another remake.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“As Kunta/Toby, Malachi Kirby has a magnetic presence and brilliantly negotiates the transition from foolish young pup to stern rebel who makes his bid for freedom on a white charger. But this new Roots can’t quite match the sheer force of the original.”
Jasper Rees, The Telegraph

“Every attempt was made to horrify, sicken, enrage and ultimately overload the senses of those watching. I don’t doubt the real slave trade contained sights even more revolting than those in last night’s TV drama. I do, however, doubt whether the warts-an-all approach is always effective.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“Climbing The Property Ladder isn’t interested in advice on decor or tips for getting a quick sale. It is edited to highlight every disaster and zoom in on the tantrums. The upbeat ending left a nasty taste too.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“This TV show makes the whole business look a nightmare. Property’s crock of gold, just for once, didn’t look all it was cracked up to be.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“The programme quickly becomes mechanical, just one haggle after another, as the buyers pretend they’re not interested and the sellers get carried away by greedy fantasies. The only interesting item to come out of the hour was a book containing talentless and incompetent doodles by Brit-art star Damien Hirst.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail