Totally wasn’t expecting this, but whatever – Here is the SCOOP on the final episode of Waking the Dead. I knew Glee was popular but this is ridiculous. Usually, I’m a spoilerphobe but this is worth it. I pinched it from an advanced copy of a press release.
—————-
date: 01.04.2011
The BBC pulled the covers back from one its most closely guarded secrets and announced that the final ever episode of the venerable crime drama Waking the Dead will feature musical numbers performed by the cast. The score weaves renditions of popular hits into the “Waterloo” episode scheduled to air later this month.
The writers of the episode were mindful of alienating long time viewers by departing from the standard format. A spokesperson for the BBC commented that the writers have assured us that each song is appropriate to the scene and most importantly, the characters performing the songs, noting that the benchmark of this drama is continuity for the stories and characters.
Trevor Eve, who portrays Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd, reportedly was very excited by the challenge. Boyd is a very intense individual, he relishes life and so any number he performs had to be a showstopper. Insiders were reluctant to disclose the actual tunes but did say that Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” Poison’s “Every Rose Has It’s Thorns,” and Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” were candidates.
In addition to solos, there will be two ensemble numbers and at least one duet, “Islands in the Stream,” made popular by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Nickelback’s “Someday” and “The Show Must Go On,” a hit for both Leo Sayer and Three Dog Night, topped the list of ensemble possibilities, according to a set insider.
The finale will say goodbye to the current drama and provide a segue to the upcoming vehicle starring Tara Fitzgerald as Dr. Eve Lockhart. In a twist, Eve will be joined by former lab Queens Frankie Wharton, played by Holly Aird and Felix Gibson, played by Esther Hall. No word yet how these characters will be re-introduced. The BBC spokesperson noted that being able to bring back characters justified sending them off without explanation in the first place.
The most recent Waking the Dead episodes routinely reach over 6 million viewers and in past years averaged close to 8 million. When asked why the BBC was not renewing such a proven fan favourite, the BBC spokesperson told us he found a lovely corsage to present to his partner in honour of the upcoming royal nuptials.
Finally, when asked why “Waterloo” was not chosen as one of the songs since that was the name of the episode, the spokesperson shrugged and commented that it was on the list but that it had been bumped by The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes.”
Sue Johnston’s special about Shangri-La
