Things that make me happy: BBC

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Things that make me Happy… Downton Abbey from the BBC

What makes this British Drama about the lives of English nobility and servants that work for them a crowd pleaser starts with the outfits and finishes with romance, suspense, strong plot lines, and a glimpse early twentieth century history. The show has grown rapidly in popularity over the past three years both in the UK and now in the US. Now season 4 has started and for those that have been hearing about this show can discover it for themselves via streaming services like Netflix, or Amazon.

Season 4 Trailer

The show was created by Julian Fellows (Godsford Park), and stars Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, and the legendary Maggie Smith (as Violet Crawley). The family owns and runs an estate in early twentieth century England. It follows the family and the staff that serves them through as the world changes around them forcing them to adapt to change expectations and culture in the UK.

For long time fans of the show here is a Q&A Panel before the beginning of season 4.

Pros:
1. Great ensemble cast. Great writing. Interesting plot lines.
2. Good historical drama for those that enjoy learning about cultures throughout the years.
3. Maggie Smith… Best one liners!!

Cons
1. A bit of a soap opera feel. More like Dallas.. than One life to live type though.
2. Three seasons available via streaming, but Season 4 has limited run on PBS which could be a bit hard to find.
3. First episode is a bit slow so tough to pull you in… but after about 3 episode it hooks you.

Spend a cold snowy weekend catching up on the first few seasons.
S.F. Guru

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Things that make me happy... Sherlock on BBC

Things that make me happy... Sherlock on the BBC

Sherlock is a british TV series that just completed its second season on the BBC One channel. Season one had 3 ninety minutes episodes that got critical recognition and won the UK's BAFTA 2011 award for best TV drama series. Although the series airs in the US on PBS, you can catch season one on DVD or Netflix. Season two should be out on DVD in early 2012.

The series, based on the Sir Author Conan Doyle stories, stars Benedict Cumberbatch (also featured in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Star Trek, and several other recent movies) as Sherlock and Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins, and several other British TV shows) as Dr. Watson. What makes this series work is Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes in modern day London. Not only does he capture Holmes uncanny genius, but also his social indifference to anything not relevant to the work at hand. Despite his rude, narcissistic tendencies, Sherlock is still charismatic and charming in his own way. The use of technology, edgy style, and new (and very clever) mysteries will keep you wanting more episodes each season.

Pros
1. Cumberbatch performance as Sherlock - Genius!!
2. The writing - Classic Holmes type mystery but more contemporary.
3. The look and feel. Very edgy and smart. Great use of technology (texting...email) to tell the story. Check out Dr. Watson online diary. Great integration of new media within the TV show.

Cons
1. The only produce 3 episodes a season. In the US this would be 20+ shows per season. One more reason against public television. No motivation to make money. Shameful.
2. Poor Marketing. So few people have hear about this series. But I think the word is getting out.

Unlocking Sherlock Part 1