As I mentioned I'm reading the book at the moment and had to laugh when Ben's character was described as a fat man. However, I found a quote that applies quite well to Sherlock and John:

"It was an odd friendship, but the oddnesses of friendships are a frequent guarantee of their lasting texture."

I started reading the article and was very impressed, but I'll continue after I've finished the book. Too many spoilers from our well-read boy. 

It's interesting, but not so easy to read. There's stream of consciousness and sometimes the chronological structure is broken up. The characters are very well drawn and I'm looking forward to the parts that take place during the war. Tietjens is  an interesting character and of course it's great that Tom Stoppard wanted Ben to play him from the very beginning although there is not much similarity regarding their looks. He must have felt that Ben was able to convey the various facets of his character convincingly (which he did, of that I'm sure). You have to read it with concentration.

But there are some funny passages as well, especially between Tietjens and Valentine. Intelligent banter.

Unconfirmed date of 16th August on BBC2 For Parade's End

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/new-images-of-benedict-cumberbatch-adelaide-clemens-rebecca-hall-in-parades-end-20120806

With a little luck, I might be able to watch at least the second episode directly on BBC

Thanks for the link, Kazza, I like the one with the tweed cap best. 

And here's another interesting quote from the novel:

"And she knew, too, that he was telling her that he, like her, was … oh, say on the side of the angels." 

Last edited by SusiGo (August 7, 2012 9:25 am)

Susi, you'd waste time talking?

Some brilliant pictures from the series here

Certainly some serious costuming going on there.

Reading these 2 articles, the 'love & respect' Ben has for this character has certainly made me want to get to know him more too!


Christopher is not just another toff in a period drama ... he’s truly heroic

"SHERLOCK star Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed his latest telly role is the toughest yet ......."


"I have such a huge affection for Christopher — more so than almost any other character I’ve played.............."

Well going by Ben's words, I cannot wait to 'meet' Christopher Tietjens!

Benedict Cumberbatch returns in Parade's End - A world away from Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch's latest television role sees him playing a repressed civil servant

Benedict Cumberbatch has fallen in love with an overweight civil servant called Christopher. 'I am enamoured of his principles, his virtue and the goodness he stands for,' he says, grinning the wonky grin of the hopelessly smitten. 'I love him. I really do think that Christopher Tietjens is the character I'm most fond of ever having played.'

Very insightful articles.