Pramface Couldn't be More Likeable if it Tried *Hulu Exclusive Series*

Meet Jamie, an adorable, fresh faced boy from a nice working class family. Like any sixteen year old boy, Jamie's biggest goal in life is to lose his virginity. Enter Laura, an eighteen year old middle class girl who tries to forget how much she hates her dysfunctional parents by getting drunk at a party. Laura's college plans could be put on hold when that one cherry popping/statutory rape-y night turns into a cross-class unplanned pregnancy. 

Despite Laura's snobbish attitude and utter disgust at having slept with a man-child, Jamie won't give up on being there for her, whatever she decides. He's possibly the most mature sixteen year old boy ever to walk the earth. Spoiler alert! She keeps the baby. It's kinda the premise of the show.

So on one side of the ring, you've got darling Jamie and his hard working, salt of the earth parents who raised him right (ya know, except for the knocking up a teenage girl thing). On the other.....Laura and her well-off, unhappily married mother and father who can barely stand to be in the same room together. When the battle for this baby begins, there will be blows.

Each installment of the six episode first season catches up with Laura, Jamie and family at a different point in the pregnancy. The Brits go with the less is more approach, but with a show this charming, endearing and funny-cause-it-happens, I'd love to see a much longer season. Not only do you have the moments of inadequacy for these soon to be parents and the awkwardness of their undefined relationship, but between their families and friends you've got a whole slew of crazy characters.

If you're looking for an uproarious comedy that is also delightful, hopeful and relatable, check out all six episodes of "Pramface" Season 1 on Hulu Plus/pramface

Season 2 just aired on BBC 3 earlier this year, so hopefully we'll see it on Hulu Plus soon.

Give the PROMO a gander, I promise you'll like it.

*Watch the Guided Tour to see all that Hulu Plus has to offer besides this awesome show. Subscriptions are only $7.99/month and you get free week to try it out. I'll keep blogging about my favorite exclusive content that you can't see anywhere else. Hulu is NOT paying me for this, but if you'd like them to, go ahead and send an email ; ) I'm not opposed. 

"Fresh Meat" is a Must See *Hulu Plus Exclusive Series*

Remember freshman year of college? Did you ever feel like you were fresh meat for the grinder? I'm pretty sure it's a universal feeling. So did Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, creators of "Fresh Meat". When the much favored dormitory halls are full, the overflow are stuck in off campus accommodations, which is sometimes a run down old house with weirdos living in it. Such is the case for these six, bright eyed young uni students in Manchester, England (over there, they call college uni. Learn the lingo people). Not to worry, despite all the quirks, awkwardness and bed hopping, this group of scholars bond and become the best of friends.....sort of.

Meet the fresh meat.

Jack Whitehall is Jonathan "JP" Pembersley, the poshest man in the house. When he's not knee deep in his geology studies, JP enjoys attempting to seduce the ladies with his poshness, talking about how much money he has, and basically being the most arrogant a$$hole in the room. I guess that's what happens when you've got Daddy's money and no direction in life. Every now and then, JP shows his heart of gold. Of course, it's usually when there's something in it for him. That being said, he sort of grows on you.

Kimberley Nixon is pretty and proper dental student, Josie Jones. She may look like a good girl, study for her exams and say all the right things to the parents, but this chic knows how to party. She arrives at uni on a mission to be adventurous, but ties back in Wales leave her conflicted in season one. Especially considering she sleeps with more than one housemate....but you'll have to figure out which ; ) I sort of want her to be my best friend.

Joe Thomas (who you might recognize as Simon from "The Inbetweeners" if you ever watch the Brit comedies I tell you to) is Kingsley Owen aka Kings aka K-Man aka The Pussy Man. If he's not out growing his soul patch, he might be found in his room writing and playing music (if you can call it that). When Kingsley arrives at uni, he wants to impress girls so much that he even changes majors from geology to drama. Could that end any other way, but horribly embarrassing? I heart Simon....I mean Kingsley.

JP isn't the only Posh in the house. Charlotte Ritchie plays our favorite hipster wannabe Melissa "Oregon" Shawcross. When she isn't dying her hair weird colors, shopping for old hippy clothes or trying to fit in with her common housemates, this literary student lowers her self esteem by sleeping with her professor. It's really his wife that she has a crush on (but only in an intellectual way of course. but she's cool with girl on girl. you know whatever. she's cool. )

Greg McHugh plays the most unusual of housemates, Howard MacCallum. Geology is his life. No seriously. Dude doesn't leave the house unless it's to go  to class or work at the abbattoir (fancy word for slaughterhouse in case you didn't know. It's ok, I didn't know). He's socially inept and incapable of lying, especially to spare someone's feelings. He may freak you out, but you always know where you stand with Howard. Good ol' creep-o Howard.

If there is one person you don't want to mess with at Manchester Medlock University, it's Violet "Vod" Nordstrom. This girl will F you up. Vod is an English major, at least that's what her transcript says. Her extracurricular activities include shagging in the pub toilet, crashing fancy parties and getting so high that she forgets her own name. When you're looking for someone to support you as you're about to do something incredibly stupid, Vod's your girl.

Liquor is drunk, pot is smoked, and property is destroyed. Fun is had by all. It's the college experience. Ok, so it wasn't my college experience, but now I can live vicariously through these characters who are all equal parts cool and lame. Laugh til it hurts while you regret not having a crazier college experience. Is that just me?

Check out this preview of Fresh Meat

All 16 episodes of seasons 1 & 2 are  on Hulu Plus. Let the marathon begin!
(It got renewed for season 3, but who knows when we'll get it. Hopefully by early next year.)

For other hilarious Fresh Meat related content Click Here

Love TV, But Short on Time? Try a British Mini-Series!

Just one of the many things I love about British television is that they embrace the mini-series, but not the kind that we're used to. Across the pond, they cut theirs down to one hour episodes. Sometimes on consecutive nights, sometimes once a week as any other series, but with the intention of one season.

I guess my love affair with television series' sprung out of my adoration of the mini-series as a longer form of storytelling. Remember when the networks would air sweeping epics over three nights? The British sure are talented at packing in a ton of information into each one hour episode. By the end, I feel like I've spent several seasons with these characters....but it's only been a few hours and it doesn't feel rushed. So if you are in the market for some great storytelling and don't have the time to invest in multiple 22 episode seasons, here are some recommendations for British mini-series/short self contained seasons.

Criminal Justice (2008) - You may know him as Q from Skyfall or recognize him from Cloud Atlas or even know him as Freddie Lyon of "The Hour", but Ben Whishaw's breakthrough performance was in season one of Criminal Justice. This five episode season follows a young man through Britain's criminal justice system. Whishaw's Ben Coulter spends a drunken evening with a pretty girl he meets, but wakes up in the middle of the night to find her stabbed to death. He can't remember what happened. Of course, all evidence points to him and he's arrested. A solicitor named Stone believes that Ben is innocent or at least that the case is not as straight forward as the evidence seems. This unsophisticated, schlubby, solicitor (lawyer) who wears bandages around his feet with flip flops because of chronic eczema is wonderfully portrayed by Con O'Neill. Another highlight of this series is the relationship between Ben and his cellmate, an older gentleman who's been behind bars for quite a while and knows the ropes. Hooch as he's known inside, is a listener, which from what I gather means that he gets a few perks for being an unqualified psychiatrist to other inmates. He is brilliantly played by the late Pete Postlethwaite. Oh and keep a look out for "Homeland" CIA head honcho as king of the cell block. This one has my highest recommendation. Stream all five episodes on Netflix. Here's a taste - Criminal Justice Promo

Public Enemies (2012) - Anna Friel ("Pushing Daisies" and Land of the Lost) and Daniel Mays (tons of Brit stuff you've probably never heard of) play Paula and Eddie, probation officer and newly released criminal. Eddie served ten years for the murder of his girlfriend and is now trying to get his life back, only the past and his reputation are making that pretty difficult to do. Paula gave her last parolee the benefit of the doubt and he killed again, leaving her career in shambles. She puts it all on the line to help Eddie when he confesses that he was innocent all along. Friel and Mays have incredible on-screen chemistry. In three short one-hour episodes Mays impresses with the portrayal of a boy, not yet a man trying to begin again. Paula and Eddie's relationship is complicated and messy, which is why it's so damn compelling to watch. Five stars. Stream all three eps on Netflix. Here's a sneak peak - Public Enemies Promo

The Silence (2010) - Genevieve Barr gives a breakout performance as 18 year old Amelia, a deaf girl that witnesses a murder and becomes entangled in her uncle's mission to expose police corruption. Amelia has recently had a cochlear implant and is feeling very pressured to integrate with the hearing world. She starts staying at her Uncle's house in Bristol during the week to avoid all the travel back and forth from the burbs for her speech therapy. While DCI Uncle Jim (Douglas Henshall) is spending every waking hour investigating murders at the cost of his home life, Amelia witnesses one of her own. With Amelia's help, he ties it to a drug related killing and uncovers evidence that his colleagues in the drug squad are dirty cops. It's up to him to uncover the whole truth before they get to Amelia. Props to Fiona Seres for writing a deaf leading character and Dearbhla Walsh for casting a deaf actor. Amelia's struggle with whether or not she wants to be part of the hearing world was just as prominent as the crime, beautifully portrayed by Barr who was born deaf, but had to learn sign language for the role. These four one-hour eps fly by. The action and suspense will keep you pressing play until you've shot four hours of your day, but definitely not wasted. Two ecstatic thumbs up. Stream it on Netflix. This promo doesn't nearly do it justice, but take a gander - The Silence Promo

Prisoners Wives (2012) - You can probably guess what this show is about by the title. Gemma, Francesca, Lou and Harriet all share one thing in common. The men in their lives are serving time behind bars at Her Majesty's Pleasure. Gemma is severely preggers when her husband is arrested for murder. She's shown the ropes by Francesca, a glammed up middle aged woman that dresses like a slutty teenager. Her man (Iain Glen) is on year six of an 18 year stretch for drug trafficking. You might recognize him as Sir Jorah from "Game of Thrones" or Sir Richard Carlisle on "Downton Abbey". This dude likes to be called Sir a lot..... and he's in contention for The Hardest Working Actor in Britain Award. Lou is a mum that deals drugs to support her kid, but her baby's daddy is doing her time. Not sure you could ask for a more supportive boyfriend. She probably can't ever ask him to take the trash out again, though. Harriet is a widow who turned her teenage son into the police when she suspected him of planning a killing spree. Over six 47 min episodes we watch these women deal with their circumstances and even bond over them. Can you still have a relationship when you only see your man two hours a week and have to be strip searched to do so? Season 2 is in the works, but from what I can tell, it will be a whole new cast of wives. Oh and it has a great opening credits including the music. I'm a sucker for good opening credits. Streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer - Prisoners Wives Promo

Inside Men (2012) - If you're a fan of "Luther", you'll love "Inside Men". Warren Brown and Steven Mackintosh of the critically acclaimed and award winning series are joined by Ashley Walters in this high stakes drama about three cash depot employees that plan a multi-million pound heist. The series jumps back in forth in time to different points in the plan. Sometimes irritating, but mostly, it keeps you guessing as to who's all in and who's about to break. Brown, Mackintosh and Walters do not disappoint when it comes to intense, pressure filled scenes that fuel each episode. Keeping a long term caper on track would be difficult for any trio of thieves, but throw in one newly adopted daughter, a crazy wife and a pregnant girlfriend and there are bound to be hiccups. DVD on Netflix or stream all four episodes on Amazon Instant Video for $1.99 each. Take a look - Inside Men Promo

I hope this helps the next time you've got a rainy day with nothing to do or if you just love television (particularly British television) as much as I do.

Any mini-series to add to this list? Disagree? All thoughts welcome. Just leave a comment below.

Cheers!

Random Musings of a TV Addict

The older I get, the more I procrastinate. I guess to get myself back in the swing of writing, I'm just going to put down some random thoughts about television in the new year.

"House" is coming to an end after eight seasons. It's the only show that I can remember hitting it's prime in season 6. I'm a little behind due to Monday night traffic on my DVR, but I hear last week's ep was one of the series' best. As of right now, my opinion is that the season 6 premiere where House is in the mental hospital is the best episode of the entire series. How often can you say that? With the departure of key cast members, it feels right that it ends. Just hope they make it satisfying. 

Idris Elba wins the Golden Globe! These two seasons of "Luther" have been some of the best hours television ever. No, I'm not exaggerating. If you haven't seen Elba's performance, find a ruler or stick like object and smack your hand. You deserved that.

I wasn't sure about "New Girl"after watching the pilot, last fall. It was funny, but there was too much quirk. The writers have since toned it down and focused on the interaction of these four Los Angeles roommates. Result - once a week (when there aren't reruns) I nearly pee my pants and/or hyperventilate from laughing so hard. If you are 17ish - 35 I highly recommend it. It's a bit too hip and young for the old folks.

"Justified" is back. Once again, I hope this will be the year that Walton Goggins is recognized for his amazing talent. Figured it would be hard to top last year's banner season with Margo Martindale but season 3 is well on it's way. One thing I can count on besides great guest stars like Neil McDonough, Jere Burns, Todd Stashwick, and James Le Gros is that I will always be surprised.

"NCIS" just celebrated 200 episodes. Quite a feat. I've been asked by non watchers how the hell a run of the mill procedural has stayed on the air so long. My answer - the wonderfully dysfunctional family dynamic unlike any other on television. No one watches "NCIS" for the weekly case, it's the characters and their interaction. Oh, and Mark Harmon's hair.

"The Fades" airing on BBC America's Supernatural Saturdays is my new favorite other worldly series. They've got a new take on ghosts - body regeneration. With a complex mythology unlike any I've come across before "The Fades" has me hooked. Only problem is that there are only six eps in the first season and it's uncertain whether there will be a second. Think "Skins" meets "Supernatural".

MTV is back on my radar (for the first time since I was 14). I raved about "Awkward" last summer and now another dirty scripted comedy has caught my eye. Based on the novel of the same name "I Just Want My Pants Back" follows a group of twentysomethings in NYC being very naughty and looking for something more. I'm not sure raunchy is the best descriptor, but MTV sure doesn't pull any punches on this one. Only seen the first 2 eps, but I'll be back for more.

The other reason I haven't been blogging lately is because I joined Twitter a few months back. It's so much easier to tweet random thoughts than to wait until I've got enough to say to fill a blog post. If you're already on there, follow me @TVMaven and if you aren't but love television as much as I do, join. It's so great to follow my favorite show runners, actors and other bloggers. I find articles, interviews and a ton of other random links that I wouldn't have on my own. This is a great age for fans. Take advantage.

"Outnumbered" Was Underwhelming

Just checked out BBC America's newest edition to The Ministry of Laughs, "Outnumbered". The series, created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jerkin follows the daily life of a South London family. Sue and Pete definitely have their hands full. Jake is eleven and too big for his britches. He may not be a teenager yet, but he sure acts like it. Ben is a hyperactive eight year old that also happens to be a pathological liar. Cute little Karen is a five year old with lots of uncomfortable questions. In addition to the craziness at home, Pete teaches history at an inner city public school and Sue is a part time personal assistant.

In this first episode, it's Jake's first day at a new school and he doesn't want to be late. Fat chance of that when his younger brother is searching for a show-and-tell item (items include: Dad's laptop, an old fashioned radio and a power drill). Of course he's lying that show-and-tell is today. Sue can't find her keys and Karen has head lice. Too bad there's no time for a delousing this morning. So off to school they go. Cut to evening in the Brockman home. Jake avoids all questions regarding his new school. Sue picks nits (British lice) out of Karen's hair and Ben kicks a ball around the house.

I really felt like I was supposed to like it, but the Brockman family didn't seem funnier than any other. The one thing I thought was funny was how the parents keep blaming the kid with lying problem for things he didn't do. My guess/hope is that it gets better since they are actually in their third series (that's season for us Americans) and they've won several awards. I've also read/Chris Hardwick said that there is a lot of improv incorporated into the show. Maybe the first episode was more scripted than those that follow. *Fingers crossed* I'll give it another couple of episodes, but we'll see. It didn't grab me right off. Anyone else seen it? Please tell me it gets better.

Saturdays at 11:00pm on BBC America

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/441/index.jsp

Will You Be Attending "Friday Night Dinner"?

Last night was the BBC's Ministry of Laughs premiere of "Friday Night Dinner". Created and written by Robert Popper ("The Inbetweeners", "Peep Show", "The IT Crowd") the show is about the weekly dinners of a British family that although they are Jewish, not in the strictest sense. With "The Inbewteeners" ending last week, I was overjoyed to see Simon Bird (Will) still in the line up. He plays eldest son Adam who is a musician but pays the bills writing jingles. Adam's practical joke loving brother Jonny is played by newcomer Tom Rosenthal. Paul Ritter is Martin, the patriarch with a hearing aid and shirt phobia. I was very excited to see that Mum Jackie is played by Tamsin Greig (most recently seen in "Episodes"). To top off a great cast, neighbor Jim is none other than Mark Heap (Simon Pegg fans like moi will remember him as Brian in "Spaced").

In the first episode, Dad has a problem down his pants, Adam's first jingle is about to air on the radio and Jonny keeps sending horrifying texts to Adam from Mum's phone. I LOVED IT! If you've seen the promos over the last few weeks, you probably figured as I did that it was going to be a smash. It may be a family show, but there is a youthful, hip feel (I'm quite aware how old that statement made me sound, thank you).

I liked the opening title sequence which used some cool graphics and a dancey version what I think was Miike Snow's Animal. It was reminded me of the opening titles for "The Inbetweeners" but brighter and only slightly less catchy. This first episode was great because there were no gimmicks, it was just plain funny. Let's face it, we all have embarrassing parents, it's just a matter of how embarrassing. The Goodman boys love their Mum and Dad, but I wouldn't blame them if they didn't want to be seen in public with them, well Dad anyway. Jackie's not that bad, a typical mom. But she does have a problem giving to charity...or maybe it's because creepy neighbor Jim is doing the fundraising. Who knows.

Good job BBC America on slipping in a new show to hold off my Inbetweeners withdrawals. Not an easy task. Check out this clip and stay tuned Fridays at 11:30pm on BBC America.

Bloody Knee - Season 1 - Friday Night Dinner - Video - BBC America

MASTERPIECE Theater is Actually Cool!

Growing up, the only time I ever heard about Masterpiece Theater was in comedy sketches poking fun at some British, boring movie….or something. Well now I’m all grown up and I watch PBS because I want to. A little background, shall we?......The Masterpiece Trust was founded back in 1971, partners with UK producers to bring high quality material to America’s PBS. It started out with the classics (Austen, Dickens, the Bronte sisters). In 1980, they added Masterpiece Mystery! (Sherlock Holmes anyone?) Now, they’ve also got Masterpiece Contemporary. It's shown in three “seasons” on PBS (Sunday nights). Four months of each. Here some awesome suggestions that I’ve recently seen.

Sherlock

Based on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mysteries, creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss add a modern day twist. To be honest, I was skeptical, but within five minutes Benedict Cumberbatch had me enthralled. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the legendary private dick was BAH-RILLIANT! To put it more accurately, he is a consulting detective with the help of physician friend John Watson (played by the adorable Martin Freeman). The two actors have such amazing chemistry. Not only do the performances draw you in, but the style as well. They express the technology being used on screen (i.e. we see floating text of a text message that is being read). Important information, kids! Sounds kind of corny, but it worked marvelously. London is a major character. The way the city was shot with this dark and twinkling softness is like nothing I’ve ever seen. There are three 90 minute episodes and series two has been given the green light. Can’t wait for the return! Check out series one on Netflix.

Downton Abbey

Although, the material seems as though it’s based on a classic novel, this early 20^th century period piece is original programming (as of 2010). Julian Fellowes created this a series around a British, Aristocratic estate. Not only does he delve into the secrets and naughty behavior of the family living there, but the servants who work in the house within a house. Hugh Bonneville plays the patriarch, Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley. Years ago he married an American heiress so that he could keep his title and estate. Said heiress is none other than Elizabeth McGovern (you know, from all those ‘80s movies). They have three very different daughters and a slew of hired helpers. Unfortunately they don’t have a son which causes much commotion over who will inherit the estate and title when the Earl kicks the bucket. British law was still very sexist back then, as well as the men.  On the surface, it seems like this could be quite a boring tale. I assure you that it’s not. You’ve got intrigue, murder, blackmail, romance and women trying to trick men into marrying them. What more could you want in 1914 rural England? Series two begins filming this fall! Do yourself a favor and Netflix it these four 90 minute episodes.  

Wallander

Kenneth Branagh *swoon* plays Swedish detective, Kurt Wallander. The series is based on books by Henning Mankell. Although this is a crime series, I hesitate to call it a cop show. It’s so much more. The writing (credit to Mankell and co-screenwriter Richard Cottan.) is PHENOMENAL! It’s not our dumbed down, digestible bites of American rubbish. These are stories that make you think…. about life, about humanity, about society. Branagh’s quiet, yet intense performance has earned him nominations for an Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA (which he won). If you’re not hooked by the first scene of the first installment, you might as well pack up and go home. Wallander faces astonishing, horrific crime on a daily basis while trying to hold himself together. His family falls apart around him and relationships with co-workers are strenuous at best. All this adds up to a captivating character investigating the most intriguing cases in Southern Sweden (there’s actually a lot of them apparently). The crimes may be ugly, but the cinematography is breathtaking. Plus, I think the director really likes agricultural. Check out series one and two on Netflix. Only three 90 minute episodes per series. It’s worth it! More to come, including original stories….so stay tuned.

This morning I started watching Any Human Heart starring Jim Broadbent and Matthew MacFadyen. It chronicles one man's life through the better part of the 20th century. So far, so good, but I'll let you know how it turns out. 

So what have I learned? Masterpiece does NOT equal boring, rather incredibly great programming. When they say high quality, damn if they don’t mean it. Decide for yourself.

Do you have any favorite Masterpieces?

"Law & Order: UK" Just Keeps Getting Better

In this week's episode, Ronnie and Matt investigate the assault of a woman who's been stalked for the last two years by her supposed attacker. Turns out she just faked it to get the police's attention so that they'd take her seriously. I guess she didn't figure that these coppers would know how to do their jobs. They figured out she was lying. When she turns up dead, they feel a little more than guilty for not pursuing her case.

Matt stands by his report that there was no attacker the first time around. Ronnie decides that the only way to bring her murderer to justice is to establish the escalation of his crimes. He goes back,  "finds new evidence" and testifies that he was wrong the first time around. Unfortunately, he drags Matt into it after their boss expressly told them to stay away from it.

There is a scene where Matt confronts Ronnie about dragging him into it and putting his career in jeopardy. The heated encounter is so out of the ordinary for this usually familial partnership. Ronnie's the father figure and Matt's got a lot to learn, but he's no rookie. And he wasn't wrong. Things just turned out all messed up. I'm curious to see how this changes their friendship.

The other stand out scene was Crown Prosecutor James Steel ripping Matt to shreds on the stand. I know he didn't enjoy it, but damn if he didn't do it well. I have a feeling this relationship will change too. Alesha asked him not to, but he had no choice if he was going to put a murderer behind bars. What exactly is going on between Matt and Alesha? There's definitely something. Sometimes, they're great friends, then sometimes it seems flirty. Will they ever get together? I think they'd make a cute couple.

This spin-off is just so much more captivating to me than the others. Without having watched the others for a long time, I'm still betting that the stories are similar, but it's the way they do it. Plus, I love seeing London as a backdrop. If you haven't seen this BBC gem, check it out Fridays at 10pm or OnDemand.

Dickey Moves Across the Pond Now. How Lovely For Us

In “Law & Order: UK”, Jamie Bamber, better known as Captain Lee Adama of “Battlestar Galactica” is D.S. Matt Devlin. In the first episode, he, along with his partner Ronnie Brooks investigates the death of an infant that is left in the car park of a hospital (that’s parking lot to most of you). Mum leaves the child by himself until the babysitter can get there. She never comes and carbon dioxide kills the baby. The $%#*hole building is falling down and a development company wants to buy it, only the property owner can’t sell until the leases are up. Apparently UK leases are waaaay longer than ours, like 5 years longer. Big surprise, the landlord tampered with the heating and gas to get people out with the help of a dirty building inspector. Scumbags.

“Doctor Who” fans will be glad to see Freema Agyeman as Jr. Crown Prosecutor Alesha Phillips. I really like Ben Daniels who plays Sr. Crown Prosecutor, James Steel.

In the second episode, the team investigates the death of a teenage boy found alone in an alley. He ran away from foster care after his mum went to rehab. At least he was away from the boyfriend that was beating on him. Turns out the foster bro killed him. So much for social services. The killer’s lawyer makes a case that the boy was genetically predisposed to violence. Interesting topic. Killer boy begins thinking he’ll never change and tears fall as his mother calls him a monster in court. He pleads guilty. Emotionally complex case. I like it.

They’ve got some snazzy opening credits with a new theme song, but they kept that damn noise and that stupid bit about “in the criminal justice system, people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups”.  I think we’ve got it by now. It’s only been 20 years and if you haven’t seen at least a couple dozen episodes, you’ve probably been living under a rock. There is a familiar “L&O” feel, but something new. Guess it’s that British twist. Part of that twist is wigs and robes. Not the saucy kind, the repressed him. All in all, pretty good. I’ll keep watching.

Fridays at 9pm on BBC America

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/411/index.jsp

Stay Tuned….

Series I Picked Up Over the Summer

Over the summer, I picked up a number of shows. Some are still running, others have met their end. In any case, you can check out past episodes OnDemand and/or Netflix (and Watch Instantly).

“Robin Hood” (BBC….Cancelled)

When this show first premiered, I watched the pilot and turned it off after 10 minutes. I liked the promos and it seemed like a good spin on an old tale, but I remember the dialog being horrendous. While looking on Netflix Watch Instantly for a new series to get into, I decided to give it another shot. One thing that is true about me is that I have to be in the right mood at the right time to get into a show. It could take a few years, like with this one. Turns out, this show is f-ing FUN! It’s humorous and action packed, plus it’s stacked with very attractive people. Alan A Dale, I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Robin’s gang fights for the little guy against the Sheriff of Nottingham (a role that is intentionally overacted by Keith Allen, which sometimes makes you want to throw a shoe at the TV). Marian uses her influence with Guy of Gisborne (the Sheriff’s right hand man played by Richard Armitage) to help Robin played by Jonah Armstrong.

Yes, it can be corny at times, but for me, it was very addictive. I had marathons for the first two seasons and was in agony waiting for the third on DVD. Now, all three seasons are on Watch Instantly. “We are Robin Hood!”

“Pushing Daisies” (ABC…Cancelled)

I remember seeing the billboards for this show when I first moved to L.A. and thought it sounded like the dumbest show. And I like supernatural, sci-fi, weird stuff. After many people telling me how great this show was for a couple of years, I finally gave it a chance. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The mix of humor, fantasy, noir and pie is a winning recipe. There is a sweetness about each character that makes you fall in love with them.

Lee Pace and Anna Friel play Ned and Chuck. Ned the pie maker has the capability of touching the dead and bringing them back to life, but when he touches them for a second time, they croak again. As children, Ned was secretly in love with Chuck. So….when lonely tourist Charlotte Charles was killed on a cruise, Ned had to bring her back. Pace and Friel are accompanied by Chi McBride, a P.I. that Ned partners with to solve cases, Kristen Chenoweth, a pie waitress who is hopelessly in love with Ned and Chuck’s shut-in aunts played by Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene. There is an endearing quality to this show that makes it a must see. It was cancelled after only 2 seasons, but you can see them both on Neflix Watch Instantly. 

“Primeval” (BBC…Season 4 coming in 2011)

In this show, scientists study “anomalies” which are like big gateways to other places in time….namely prehistoric. Dinosaurs and other creatures that may or may not have actually existed come through these anomalies terrorizing England. Douglas Henshall plays Nick Cutter, a professor of paleontology studying the anomalies. He is accompanied by his team: teaching assistant/partner in crime Stephen played by James Murray, student and uber cute dorky kid Connor, personified by Andrew Lee Potts and lizard lady Abby, incarnated by Hannah Spearritt. Adventures are had by all as they are chased by ginormous creatures leading them back through the anomalies to make England a Dino-Free Zone. Season 3 a had shake up in the cast. I won’t spoil anything, but Jason Flemying of Snatch and Layer Cake joins our dorky-in-a-sexy-way scientists. Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix Watch Instantly. They haven’t released an airdate for season 4 on BBC America, but it will premiere in the U.K. in January 2011.

“Chuck” (NBC….Season 4 premieres Sept. 20^th!)

I finally picked up this action/comedy after everyone I know told me I needed to be watching it. Soooo glad I did. Chuck is dork (in the very hottest way, played by Zachary Levi) that works for the Buy More Nerd Herb (think Best Buy Geek Squad). When his ex best friend from Standford, who is now a spy sends him a very special email, Chuck downloads a CIA super computer into his brain. The original super computer is destroyed, leaving the hot dork with all the government secrets. The CIA sends super sexy spy  Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and the NSA sends dangerous and grumpy John Casey (Adam Baldwin) to protect Chuck/The Intersect.

Hilarity and action ensue as this gangly, sweet guy tries to fit in as one of the spies. The first season is best as Chuck is naïve when it comes to the spy game…..and is falling for super sexy spy Sarah. He also has to keep his spy life a secret from best friend Morgan, sister Ellie and her man Captain Awesome. The show definitely evolves the longer Chuck is a spy, as it should. I’m not sure where they are going to go for the upcoming 4^th season, but I can’t wait to find out. If you are looking for a show that is light, fun, and action packed, check out “Chuck”. You can get it on DVD or Blu-Ray from Netflix. The new season starts tomorrow! Woo Hoo! 

“Friday Night Lights” (NBC….Season 5 premieres Oct. 27^th!)

Anyone that knows me probably knows that I don’t like football which is why I was hesitant to watch this show. After all the critical acclaim, I decided to give it a shot. I was instantly addicted. It’s all about the relationships and what goes on around the football. Yes, the games are a big part, but it’s more about the players and their families. The competition keeps you on the edge of your seat, but so does the drama.

Coach Eric Taylor (brilliantly portrayed by Kyle Chandler) leads the Dillon Panthers, a high school football in Texas aka the Holy Land of football. His wife Tami (Connie Britton) is the school guidance counselor and his teenage daughter is dating the quarterback. I like this show because it’s down to earth. It’s dramatic at times, but mostly sweet, touching and earnest. Characters that you hate at first grow on you (I’m talkin’ about you Tim Riggins!) You quickly become invested in these kids’ futures. Eric and Tami have the marriage that I hope I’ll someday have. Not only is this a great show, but it’s a family show. Even my mom would watch it. You can check out the first three seasons on Netflix Watch Instantly. The forth is only on DVD/Blu-Ray which I am feverishly awaiting…so no spoilers please! The new and final season starts October 27^th on NBC and DirecTV.