30 Days of “Ashes to Ashes” - Days 11 & 12
Day 11 - What’s your favourite Chris moment?
When Alex first met Chris, she called him “the nervous one”, to which he contradicted by saying “I’m not nervous, I’m just cautious”. In that very same episode, he started showing signs of growth: he passed from accusing Alex for Shaz’s predicament, to pursuing and capturing Markham while he mocked him for not having what it takes. Cut to 2 years later, and after having learned important things about himself thanks to the experiences he shared with this team, Mr. Nice Guy Chris Skelton found his footing, defended his opinion and spoke up to Gene Hunt!
“You are the best DCI I’ve ever met and I’ve been proud to work with you, but I’m not going to be your doormat anymore, Guv.”
Definitely Chris’ finest moment on the show and yet another testament to the exceptional way “Ashes” handled character development, both for him and for Gene-I-don’t-do-hugs-Hunt. I can’t say how much I was nodding and clapping the first time I watched this scene. And how much I tear up every time I rewatch it. THIS BLOODY SHOW!♥
What’s your favourite Shaz moment?
Yet another testament to the brilliance of “Ashes” and the clear evolution from “Mars” was the introduction of a WPC that was smart, talked back, defended herself and her beliefs, did not hesitate, fought for feminism and diversity and in general was AWESOME! You can’t not love Shaz Granger! She’s a brilliant young woman and an ambitious copper that got better day by day. And how could she not, when she had the finest mentor possible?
Alex and Shaz’s friendship is yet another of my favourite things in “Ashes”. Because while Alex was Shaz’s superior, she never patronised her, but treated her with respect and from her part, Shaz did not hold back from calling Alex out when she disagreed. Not to mention how hilarious and awesome were the scenes they talked about boys!
This moment might be Shaz at her psychological lowest, yet it’s beautiful. She opens up about her worries. She does not hide that the team might as well be responsible for causing her all those doubts about herself just to make Alex feel better. And she calls Alex out on being rubbish at following people. It’s not an exchange between a boss and her subordinate. It’s a real conversation between friends. Bravo, “Ashes”. Seriously. Bravo.












