BBC 1 WDYTYA: Series 11, Episode 5, Sheridan Smith

[Retriever]

I enjoyed this much more than last week's about Brendan, but I did cringe a bit with the singing.

I still prefer the old format of tracing the family, not just one part.

[chirp]

I'm in the camp which thought it was simply OK. I prefer the episodes which don't concentrate on just one individual; I like to see the subject's family tree take shape a little bit. It's in danger of  moving away from Who Do You Think You Are to I Have An Interesting Ancestor. Just personal preference of course but I like the bigger picture.

[smudwhisk]

The bits minus the singing were OK, but it really was padded out this week, as with the Tamsin Outhwaite programme.  I have to admit I enjoyed last weeks, even though I have no known irish ancestry, I found it far more interesting than the programmes either side of it, but as has been said, different formats appeal to different people.  I don't mind the single person programme as it shows ways of researching individuals in more detail, but it doesn't work with the padding.  OK you could say it's letting them experience what their ancestors did, but in some ways its just indulging the individual and not that interesting for spectators.

I know people keep banging on about returning to the old format with the paper trail of certificates, census, etc, but that was getting rather stale too.  Yes it may help newbies but isn't going to appeal so much to all the seasoned researchers out there who are perhaps now looking for different ways to research and lets face it, many of the programmes are shown time and time again on other digital channels.  OK it may give some people the impression its easy to research with all the hand holding, but that has always been shown in the earlier series too.  I can still remember Mum saying her brother had asked if we got the same sort of help as the celebrities a few years back and that was when the "old format" was being used.

[silvery]

All the 'wow's began to get on my nerves.   And I couldn't believe that she'd never picked up or tried a banjo before, being as her father played one.   
After half an hour I turned over to the drama on BBC1, which was very good. 

[WelwynGC1]

I really enjoyed the episode from start to finish, but will admit to being a big fan of Sheridan so she was kind of already sold to me.
Cant understand the person on a previous WDYTYA thread saying they didnt know the name and thought she was a fella?? Seems that person likes the programme but doesnt watch the opening titles.
Really heartwarming episode after the dross of last week.

I agree with those that say the Brian Blessed episode has been the best this current series.

Keep watching folks as the differing opinions are so good to read, would be very boring if we all thought the same. Love this website!!

[rosie17]

I'm in the camp which thought it was simply OK. I prefer the episodes which don't concentrate on just one individual; I like to see the subject's family tree take shape a little bit. It's in danger of  moving away from Who Do You Think You Are to I Have An Interesting Ancestor. Just personal preference of course but I like the bigger picture.

Must agree think they spend to much time on one individual 

[miriamkinga]

My favourite is still the Brian Blessed episode and I agree that I like to see more than one individual covered, still great television though (and much better than football)

[Finley 1]

Cant understand the person on a previous WDYTYA thread saying they didnt know the name and thought she was a fella?? Seems that person likes the programme but doesnt watch the opening titles.

Forgive me for not watching the opening titles............   I had never heard of her / him   
As I choooooose the progs I watch carefully and they dont include SOAPS of anykind....
Or Celeb...stuff. normally.

My ONLY reason for watching WDYTYA is its historical content.

This one had very little of that in my mind - although she was a lovely happy young lady.. I would have preferred not to listen to the singing and banjo playing..

But then I am me.....


each to their own  without criticism  would be nice.........

XINIA

[jess5athome]

Hi, I enjoy them all, some better than others. 

Frank.