TV Critics: Clothes to Die For; Long Lost Family; Royal Marines Commando School; Every Breath We Take

“The film, directed by Zara Hayes, went into appallingly dark corners — but it also had a skilled eye for context, and even for light and optimism. It wove in the background of Bangladesh and the emancipation the clothing industry had brought to many (and especially to women).”
Alex Hardy, The Times

“It is not just saying: boo, sweatshops. It’s not overly worthy, or preachy, or sentimental. But nor does it let you forget that it’s a desperately sad story about people.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“The most awful thing in this catalogue of horror is that it seems fully possible that people on the other side of the world will one day again be drinking their own body fluids and detaching their own limbs to keep us in mini-skirts and tank tops.”
Serena Davies, The Telegraph

“It might seem a bit slow in coming; the disaster was covered extensively in the international news at the time and other documentaries have already been made, but Clothes to Die For felt like the definitive – and most devastating – account.”
Ellen E Jones, The Independent

“It wasted the first ten minutes with a plodding account of the rise since 1979 of the rag trade in Dhaka. It was worse than formulaic — it risked inducing boredom.”
Christopher Stevens, The Daily Mail

“The Bafta-winning reunion show Long Lost Family plucks at your heart strings like a concert violinist, and yet it never seems cynical or cheap.”
Ellen E Jones, The Independent

“I have a theory that before having children you cry at One Born Every Minute, and afterwards you cry at Long Lost Family. I’m speaking for women here; and making the assumption that women form the majority audience for each show.”
Serena Davies, The Telegraph

“In places the producers stuck too closely to the Educating Yorkshire template. This series has the potential to map an extraordinary environment. It would be a dreadful waste if the programme-makers opt instead for formula TV.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“It’s compelling viewing”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“Presenter, chemist and writer Gabrielle Walker’s quiet, measured delivery made a welcome change to the bouncing, chirping, children’s TV kind of science presenting.”
Matt Baylis, The Daily Express

“Every Breath We Take provided a very relatable chemistry lesson on how air fuels life. There were some fantastic airborne animations to help tell the story, and Dr Gabrielle Walker curated the film clearly and with joy.”
Alex Hardy, The Times