BBC TV "WDYTYA?" Series 9 Episode #1: June Brown

[HeatherLynne]

Too much emphasis on June's fags was my initial impression !!

Absolutely!  I was beginning to wonder which tobacco company was sponsoring the episode!  I must say she looks pretty fit for her age though in spite of all the ciggies 

Heather

[bevbee]

I can't say I found it very interesting; I would have preferred a wider search rather than the concentration on one man, but then, that was what she wanted. I found the part when she was "talking" to her 4xG grandmother a bit cringey (if that's not a word, it should be  )

Can't believe she's reached 84 smoking that many cigarettes though! 

J K Rowling next week.

[Lisajj]

It was nice to see an episode with Jewish people in it and not mention the Holocaust.  (not that I am saying anything against Jewish people etc.!)  It was interesting to hear how they have been "moved on" from country to country.  And also interesting to see June being June rather than being Dot (not that I watch Eastenders!)

[Fue]

June wanted to follow that particular line, personally I prefer shows where they concentrate on one line as then there's plenty of detail and flesh on the bones.

I am sure we all know that she did not want to follow a particular line, it was just that this is where the researchers had managed to trace a line in her tree that was of interest  - and it was quite interesting but oooh so dragged out

I would be quite interested if they did a series with the man or woman in the street rather than celebs that can afford to hire a genealogist.From what I have seen on RC there would be many stories every bit as interesting as some of the ones I have seen on previous WDYTYA's.

This arises every time WDYTYA is discussed. I believe it was been tried some time ago, but didn't fare too well.

It's the well known people that draw the audiences, which probably leads to many who were previously disinterested, taking an interest in their own family history.
 

Yes I agree, I think it was tried a while back but it was given next to no advertising compared to WDYTYA so no wonder it failed, hardly anyone knew it was on!

[Siamese Girl]

I've just caught up on it on iPlayer and thoroughly enjoyed it, it was so interesting to see some of the story of the Sephardic Jews for a change - history that was new to me, and you would have to be incredibly hard hearted not to choke back a tear or two when June stood by Rachel's grave and told her all about the son who she had lost contact with and left her a sunflower.

Carole

[HeatherLynne]

June wanted to follow that particular line, personally I prefer shows where they concentrate on one line as then there's plenty of detail and flesh on the bones.

I am sure we all know that she did not want to follow a particular line, it was just that this is where the researchers had managed to trace a line in her tree that was of interest  - and it was quite interesting but oooh so dragged out

Obviously WDYTYA only show lines where they can get somewhere - it'd be realistic but very boring to keep coming up against brick walls!  However I think if I had a family story of a bare-knuckle fighter I'd be very interested to find out about him. 

As for June's 'conversation' with Rachel, it was unconventional but must have been something that she wanted to do.  It's easy to forget that the names we come across belonged to living people and June really empathised with how Rachel's life had turned out.  It was a bit dramatic but then she's an actress   

Looking forward to next week's offering
Heather

[Lisajj]

At least I now know its not just me that talks to random bits of land where a grave is vaguely located!
My 3 x great grandfather was buried in the cemetery at an asylum.  The asylum was sold and made into swanky flats.  The local council took me to the cemetery, which is now just a bit of grass that the kids play on.  When the new estate was built around the swanky flats, the builders removed all the grave markers and used them as road fill.  So when I went along, I had a rough sketch and stood where I thought he was buried.  Appologised to "him" for probably being the only family member to visit ever!  So, I understood why she wanted to tell "Rachel" all those things.

[LizzieW]

Appologised to "him" for probably being the only family member to visit ever!

When I went to France and saw my g.uncle's name on a monument, I apologised to "him" for not knowing he existed previously (his brother, my grandfather gave everyone the impression he was an orphan with no family!).

I was interested in June's journey across Europe to see all those records.  I'd love just to be able to go to Bevis Marks Sephardic synagogue to see if there are any records of my g.grandfather and family.  He's my brick wall, but my gut instinct tells me his mother was a Sephardic jew.

Lizzie

[jc26red]

Lisajj, I agree, most of us do the graveside conversation in silence but that wouldn't have gone down well on TV and June being the eternal actress made the most of it.

The extra scenery bits are there for a good production reason. When the series gets sold to Watch or other channels the programme is only 45 minutes long when you take adverts into consideration, hence the bits where breaks can be cut in.

Personally I really liked the story and very new to me, I can relate to critical dead ends when you reach an interesting person, so tantalising to be left on a cliff hanger! Oh how we would all like to have unlimited professional help here and abroad at this point!  I'm still agog that the researchers were able to take the line back so far after Isaac Bitton.  I feel Maria Perrera probably guided the research crew immensely. A very knowledgeable lady and so pleased that the jewish records are being kept in such good hands.