TV Critics: Remember Me; The Great Wall of China; World’s Greatest Food Markets

“Writer Gwyneth Hughes is resurrecting an ancient form with her old-fashioned tale, Remember Me. She understands that it’s shadows, creaks and echoes that really scare the socks off us — and the most terrifying moments come when nothing is happening.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“Two weeks in and the mystery series was still very original and very creepy. But even mysteries need to stop bewildering their audiences and get on with the story. I felt towards the end of last night that if I saw another dripping tap, tumbling shell or contorted woman in a sari I might switch off.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“Scarborough Spa’s open-air dance floor made an impressive setting for the final showdown. Sadly, it was mostly a case of ‘nice scenery, shame about your script’, as another episode ended with no sense of forward momentum. Next week’s finale has a lot of explaining to do.”
Ellen E Jones, The Independent

“If Remember Me were a two-hour drama, instead of three episodes, it could suck viewers into its atmospheric setting and unnerving story. And it could cut some of the repetition. Because, even though Remember Me is not scary, I know that if I see one more shot of Tom’s staircase, I will scream.”
Terry Ramsey, The Telegraph

“Drip drip drip, ominous black clouds, drip drip drip, even more ominous, blacker clouds. Plus a hint of the mysterious orient. Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme … not the Simon and Garfunkel one, but another version, lots of other versions. Older, spookier versions. Where’s Michael Palin gone, though? Boo! There he is. Woooooooooo. Scary.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“People didn’t just find things out, they discovered ‘one of the wall’s greatest secrets’ or made an ‘amazing discovery’. It was as if the programme makers felt we had to be convinced. Overall, this was a watchable, if at times too try-hard, investigation into the wall’s science and history.”
Terry Ramsey, The Telegraph

“I could do with less hyperbole. It doesn’t need it; it’s interesting enough in its own right. Just the one disappointment: you can’t see the wall, or walls, any of them, from space. That’s a lie.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“The problem was the historians and writers telling its story knew too much, and wanted to cram it all in. Their contributions needed a strong editor, to highlight essential details; instead, we were buried under a sandstorm of facts.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“I really admire how the director Jamie Balment has fashioned something worthwhile out of a format that does not really work. It was informative, unexpected and rather sweet.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi market is a place that makes Billingsgate look like a chip van in a layby. The only fishy note for me in this highly watchable programme was when Roger Barton got all misty-eyed about the Hindu communities. He makes a quirky but likeable guide and I’d like to see more of him.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express