British TV Discussion

[Dasquian Belargic]

This is just a catch-all thread to discuss Brit TV shows, primarily stuff that is currently airing, though if you want to chat about classics or re-runs that's cool too :)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

How can I get a hold of Survivors!? I'm going to have to netflix the dvds for season 2. Season 1 was awesome. Is that it or are they doing a third season?

[Rutabaga]

I got bored with Being Human :(

[Mu Satach]

I'm waiting for the IT Crowd S4 to show up on dvd.

[Dasquian Belargic]

How can I get a hold of Survivors!? I'm going to have to netflix the dvds for season 2. Season 1 was awesome. Is that it or are they doing a third season?

Season 3 has been cancelled, due to poor ratings apparently. It was made by BBC so tax payer funded, so they really need to make sure it's drawing a decent audience. Apparently it wasn't.

The original show from the '70s on which it was based ran for 3 series' though, and was all released on DVD in 2004/5 if you can find it.


I got bored with Being Human :(

How far through did you watch?


I'm waiting for the IT Crowd S4 to show up on dvd.

This only just came out in September this year, so I would imagine it's going to be at least a wait until after Christmas for you guys. On the up side, there is a series 1-4 special edition boxset! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crowd-1-4-Special-Box-Set/dp/B003Z9JHNY/ref=pd_cp_d_h__1

[Crusader]

IT Crowd S4 was awesome :D

I think the D&D episode was one of the best episodes in the entire series.

[Rutabaga]

I got bored with Being Human :(

How far through did you watch?

About halfway through season 2, which just finished here on BBC America last month. I really enjoyed season 1, but I didn't like the direction season 2 was taking. Plus I just found it to be too slow and morose.

[Mu Satach]

IT Crowd S4 was awesome :D

I think the D&D episode was one of the best episodes in the entire series.

:cry :cry :cry - it looks awesome - :cry :cry :cry

:grumble use to be able to cobble together the eps from youtube while waiting

:shakefist IFC!



This only just came out in September this year, so I would imagine it's going to be at least a wait until after Christmas for you guys. On the up side, there is a series 1-4 special edition boxset! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crowd-1-4-Sp...f=pd_cp_d_h__1

Yay for upsides! :)

[Dasquian Belargic]

I really wish I could find more info on what the BBC decided to do with Pulse

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A year after her mother's death, Hannah resumes her training at one of the country's top teaching hospitals. She is soon terrified by strange visions and the threatening behaviour of her ex-boyfriend and star surgeon Nick and wonders if she has come back too soon. But beneath the hospital's reputation of medical excellence she discovers a secret network of dangerous experiments pushing back the boundaries of science.

Pulse was written by Paul Cornell from a story by Ben Teasdale. The show was created by Paul Cornell, Ben Teasdale and Tom McRae.

The pilot was so unnerving and ended on such a bizarre note :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

A History of Horror - http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/v9gy5/

Three-part series in which actor and writer Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who, Sherlock) celebrates the greatest achievements of horror cinema.

(parts 1 and 2 currently available, 3 coming soon!)

[Morgan Evanar]

Really looking forward to S2 of Misfits.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Small update on Being Human series 3

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/beinghuman/2010/10/the_last_day.html


Today, after many months of hard work, perserverance and coffee (lots of coffee) is the final day of filming for Being Human series three. It's a major milestone in the production, with only the edit period remaining between now and the show hitting our screens very early in 2011.

To mark this special day we caught up with Lenora, who gave us a very honest look at the last day through an actor's eyes... Such tear-filled, emotional eyes... *sniff*

[Abarai Loki]

I've been enjoying the horror history series, and lately I've been watching Downton Abbey on ITV and I'm also thrilled beyond words Autumnwatch is back. Third episode airs live tomorrow night on BBC2. And for the icing on my cake of British telly, there's Newsnight and my enduring mancrush on Jeremy Paxman. :love

[Acacius Blade]

There's nothing aside from Doctor Who that I like that's current in British TV.

I'm a huge fan of older TV series such as Red Dwarf, Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses, Porridge, Rising Damp, etc.

I remember seeing a US version of Fawlty Towers - I guess it just didn't fare very well in translating across the pond. The classic scene where Basil attacks his car with a flimsy tree branch (by branch, it's more like a very long, light twig) was just destroyed in the US version where the guy pushed the car off a cliff. There wasn't an ounce of funny. You can't redo Basil Fawlty.

[Yog]

There's nothing aside from Doctor Who that I like that's current in British TV.

I'm a huge fan of older TV series such as Red Dwarf, Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses, Porridge, Rising Damp, etc.

I agree with your list, although I would add to that "Yes, minister", Mr. Bean, Allo! Allo, Monty Python's Flying Circus, Not the Nine O'Clock News, Black Adder, Smith and Jones, Spitting Image, and probably a ton of other shows I can't remember right now.

As you will correctly observe, all of these TV series are old BBC shows, but more importantly, they are all comedy. You see, British TV is probably the best in the world when it comes to make quality comedy shows, but one of the worst at making drama. After all, it is British TV who came up with such attrocities as Eastenders, and most of the drama I seen are either dull or unintentionally funny.

Even Doctor Who it is impossible to take serious. I mean, in the Churchill episode, there was a frickin spitfite battle in space. The Van Gogh episode was good though.

The closest to watchable british drama I seen is murder mystery miniseries based on Agatha Christie, P. D. James and so on.

On the other hand, BBC makes great documentaries, and any nature series with Sir David Attenborough are simply the best. I also enjoyed watching Louis Theroux Weird Weekends, Britain Got Talent and the occasional The Weakest Link gameshow. British TV also made some great travel TV series such as Around the World in 80 days / From Pole to Pole with Michael Palin, and Ian Wright in Globe Trekker is excellent (tough that's Discovery channel).



I remember seeing a US version of Fawlty Towers - I guess it just didn't fare very well in translating across the pond.
What kind of insane TV executive would come up with the awful idea of trying to make a US version of that!? John Cleese is John Cleese, and a classic is a classic.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Has anyone watched Dead Set?

Its playing on IFC around Halloween and I'm going to try to record it. ^_^;

[Dasquian Belargic]

After all, it is British TV who came up with such attrocities as Eastenders, and most of the drama I seen are either dull or unintentionally funny.

Please don't call Eastenders a British drama. It is a soap opera, the same kind of drivel as you would find in any other country.


Has anyone watched Dead Set?

Yup. It was good, although inevitably a fair few references and cameos are going to go over your head, since it deals with the British version of Big Brother.

[Yog]

[Please don't call Eastenders a British drama. It is a soap opera, the same kind of drivel as you would find in any other country.
Alright then! :D Feel free to challenge my ignorance by recommending quality British drama TV series that is a) not crime b) realistic (IE: not sci fi or supernatural) c) not a sitcom or comedy of any kind d) not a costume drama or kitchen drama that puts me to sleep. Bonus points if it runs for more than 12 episodes, although miniseries are acceptable.

And as you said in the original post, classics or re-runs are cool too.

Edit - it kinda violates a), but I read some good things about Spooks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spooks), do you recommend that?

[Acacius Blade]

One of my favourite British TV shows is Takeshi's Castle with Craig Charles commentating :p

What a wazzock!

[Acacius Blade]

Boys From the Blackstuff.

It's not crime. it's not sci-fi, it's not comedy, though there's funny stuff in it.

Starring Bernard Hill and set in Middlesborough about a group of tarmac layers from Liverpool. It's on wikipedia quoting something from the British Film Institute:

'seminal drama series... a warm, humorous but ultimately tragic look at the way economics affect ordinary people... TV's most complete dramatic response to the Thatcher era and as a lament to the end of a male, working class British culture'

[Yog]

Boys From the Blackstuff.

It's not crime. it's not sci-fi, it's not comedy, though there's funny stuff in it.

Starring Bernard Hill and set in Middlesborough about a group of tarmac layers from Liverpool. It's on wikipedia quoting something from the British Film Institute:

'seminal drama series... a warm, humorous but ultimately tragic look at the way economics affect ordinary people... TV's most complete dramatic response to the Thatcher era and as a lament to the end of a male, working class British culture'

Sounds interesting. Will check it out. :)



One of my favourite British TV shows is Takeshi's Castle with Craig Charles commentating :p

What a wazzock!
I'm ashamed to admit I'm a sucker for japanese gameshows.. :p

[Dasquian Belargic]

Alright then! :D Feel free to challenge my ignorance by recommending quality British drama TV series that is a) not crime b) realistic (IE: not sci fi or supernatural) c) not a sitcom or comedy of any kind d) not a costume drama or kitchen drama that puts me to sleep. Bonus points if it runs for more than 12 episodes, although miniseries are acceptable.

And as you said in the original post, classics or re-runs are cool too.

Edit - it kinda violates a), but I read some good things about Spooks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spooks), do you recommend that?

Spooks is good :)

Okay, no comedy, no crime, no sci fi or supernatural, no kitchen sink drama, no period or historical drama... which 'genre' are you looking for, Yog? :mneh

[Yog]

Okay, no comedy, no crime, no sci fi or supernatural, no kitchen sink drama, no period or historical drama... which 'genre' are you looking for, Yog? :mneh
Historical drama is fine. But they got to have substance. That is usually when there is an appealing story. What I don't like is when the characters waltz around in their fancy costumes inviting each other for tea having dull conversations (antique version of kitchen sink drama). The characters should be conveyors of the historical events, not passive bystanders. I love TV series like John Adams (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472027/) and Rome (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384766/), and adore the movie Gettysburg (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107007/). I like historical drama about extraordinary people and major events that changed the world. Stuff portraying World War II, or former British monarchs, or other major events is interesting.

I like contemporary realistic stuff, such as 'Boys From the Blackstuff', which Acacius linked to.

The reason I say "no crime" is, there are way too many police investigation TV series, so please not another one of those. If anything fits outside that mould, it would be nice. Spooks is about secret agents, so I guess that is acceptable, even though the concept is hardly original.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Rome is classed as a British drama series, who knew!

Off the top of my head:

* I, Claudius
* Red Riding
* Elizabeth
* The Lost Prince
* Brideshead Revisited
* The Jewel in the Crown
* Upstairs, Downstairs
* Hustle
* Gormenghast
* The Singing Detective
* Jonathan Creek

I wonder how the government's planned 16% cut to the BBC budget will affect what's on TV :\

[Dasquian Belargic]

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:eee

[Yog]

Rome is classed as a British drama series, who knew!
Ah yes, well, I always counted that as a HBO series. After all, HBO spent like $85 million on the series making it the most expensive TV series of all time (BBC contributed $15 million), which largely accounts for the high production values. BBC can make very good drama if they throw money at it (this is the core of the issue). Sadly, BBC pulled out after the end of their 2 year contract with HBO, and the series got canceled after only two seasons.. :\



Off the top of my head:

* I, Claudius
* Red Riding
* Elizabeth
* The Lost Prince
* Brideshead Revisited
* The Jewel in the Crown
* Upstairs, Downstairs
* Hustle
* Gormenghast
* The Singing Detective
* Jonathan Creek


Excellent, just the kind of list I'm looking for. :cool:

I had forgotten about I, Claudius. That is indeed a classic.

[Droo]

Speaking of British TV, they really should bring back The Big Breakfast. Pleeeeeaaaaassse! :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

The Witchfinder General (with Vincent Price) is on iPlayer at the moment: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0078tnd/The_Witchfinder_General/

Sin City, too: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b008m2f9/Sin_City/

[Lilaena De'Ville]

They're airing Sherlock (series 1) on PBS on Sunday nights at 9 pm. They started yesterday.

It was good! I'm going to watch the rest of it now. :)

[Salem Ave]

Pity there is only 3 episodes |I At least we know there is more coming.

[Rossos Atrapes]

The short-haired blonde chick on BBC International's 'Primeval' is pretty damn cute. Has anybody else seen it?

[Dasquian Belargic]

The short-haired blonde chick on BBC International's 'Primeval' is pretty damn cute. Has anybody else seen it?

The blonde is Hannah Spearritt :)

I know Jace and Dee are fans. I have a boxset of series 1 & 2 that I haven't even opened yet :uhoh

[Nen Lev'i]

Hannahhannahhannahhannah! :love


...I don't like Primeval at all. Haven't even seen it. Ever.

Honest. :uhoh

[Mitch]

Two words: Top Gear.

[Dasquian Belargic]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00plcmt/Blade_Runner/

Blade Runner on the iPlayer

[Dasquian Belargic]

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/misfits/4od#3137103

Misfits, Series 2 Episode 1

[Dasquian Belargic]

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/misfits/4od#3137638

Misfits, Series 2 Episode 2

I love this show.

[Dasquian Belargic]

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/misfits/4od#3139835

Misfits, Series 2 Episode 3

What. The. Eff. Superhoodie :o

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Would David Suchet's run as Poirot count to put on your list? I know it's an older set, but every one of them is classic, plus I believe they're going to be trying to make the last three Poirot books that Christie wrote, including Curtain.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Consider it added to the list! I hadn't really seen much Poirot until Burning Nerd, but I have been on the look-out for cheap DVDs since then.


Any Brits watching Any Human Heart on C4?

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There are a bunch of Poirot episodes on youtube. I don't have any of the DVD's myself, so that's where I go when I need my fix ^_^;

[Oliver Queen]

Would David Suchet's run as Poirot count to put on your list? I know it's an older set, but every one of them is classic, plus I believe they're going to be trying to make the last three Poirot books that Christie wrote, including Curtain.

They're still being made. Murder on the Orient Express (staring Brian J. Smith from Stargate Universe) came out / comes out around now, and there was another new one earlier this year... and talk of more new ones next year too.

There are a couple of books that David Suchet hasn't done, and he wants to complete the set.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Oh I know they're still being made :)

Orient Express is already out, yes. I've been watching them since I can ever remember, and I already know that I'll be both overjoyed and heartbroken when they make the last one :/

[Dasquian Belargic]

How does Misfits manage to get better with each episode? How?!

[Wyl Staedtler]

Explain Misfits in one... two... three... go!


p.s yes I could google it but that's not nearly as fun or lazy.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I'll let The Guardian do it for me!


"If she can hear what I'm thinking, does she know I want to shag her? Oh shit! She can hear that." This is not the sort of thing a TV character usually wonders when they first encounter someone with superpowers. But then Misfits is not a normal superhero show.

For a start, it's British – almost defiantly so. Instead of nerdy cub reporters or billionaire playboys taking up crime-fighting in their spare time, it's about a gang of asbo (anti-social behaviour order (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Social_Behaviour_Order)) teens working out their community service. Scruffy trainers and bright orange jumpsuits replace flowing capes and tight lycra. To be fair, the teens do spawn their superpowers (invisibility, telepathy, the ability to turn back time) after being caught out in a mysterious lightning storm, but the series is so grounded in its inner-city setting that it doesn't feel like you're being asked to take too much of a geek leap to enjoy it.

Misfits is not your average superhero show – this gang of asbo teens aren't that interested in saving the world, but they are brilliantly funny, rude and occasionally quite moving.

It also won 2010 BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series!

There are only 6 episodes per season, so it won't take you long to catch up on season 1. Season 2 is currently airing:)

[Wyl Staedtler]

This sounds great! I shall have to legally aquire it asap since now I have no shows. :(

... come to think of it, I should probably watch that one show with Sam Tyler in. The one before Ashes to Ashes.

[Dasquian Belargic]

That would be Life on Mars!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Misfits season finale - soooo good. Who knew that a guy with the power to control dairy products could make a credible villain?!

[Droo]

Finally saw the first episode of the second Misfits series. It's off to a brilliant start and Nathan's as hilarious as ever!

Edit: So I did a bit of a Misfits marathon and I'm up to speed - just the Christmas special to go tomorrow. And I have to admit, I thought this series was an improvement over the last, it just seemed more condifent and fun. Not that I didn't enjoy the first one, of course, but this time I was returning to characters I loved, rather than being introduced to them. One issue I had with it was that each episode did fall into the Smallville trappings of the super-powered freak-of-the-week formula about which the episodes drama would unfold. In fairness though, the character drama was satisfying, particularly the episode with Nathan's brother and the relationship between Alisha and time-travelling Simon.

By and large, Nathan stole the show, he gave me plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in every single episode, but I really like Kelly too, she has fantastic one-liner put-downs and a refreshing no-bullshit attitude, however, of all the characters, I think Simon remains my favourite, simply because he's the nice guy and I love seeing him mature and become more confident. Now I have the Christmas special to look forward to tomorrow, and I have absolutely no idea what to expect with that one.

[Dasquian Belargic]

"-and then we're kickin the shit out of Jesus!" :lol:lol:lol

What a great Christmas special. I can't wait to see which powers everyone has now! I'm guesing Simon must have time-travel, for him to have come back as Superhoodie - but what about everyone else?!

[Morgan Evanar]

I love Misfits

[Wyl Staedtler]

Nathan's accent - is that Irish? It reminds me of Chris O'Dowd.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Yep, Nathan's a Paddy.

[Chaz de Coventina]

And a granny fucker, apparently :uhoh

[Dasquian Belargic]

There is nothing he will not do.

[Droo]

Being Human, Series 3 begins at 9pm on Sunday, 23rd January. I cannot wait! :D

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Just out of curiousity, why do British TV shows have shorter 'serieses' instead of U.S. ones? For instance, a lot of U.S. shows have 20-24 episode seasons, while British shows have 6-8. Why's that?

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think one of the reasons is that the BBC in particular is constrained when it comes to budget. It is entirely tax-payer funded, so there is an implied onus to create programming of certain quality, whilst also entertaining the largest possible audience. Whether or not they always meet the standard they are aiming for is of course up for debate - but the fact remains that there is no way any of the British production companies can really compete with their US equivalents, least of all the BBC. They don't have the same advertising revenue to rely on (the BBC itself has none) but of course are expected to reproduce the same glossy, high-production values we see in US shows on a fraction of the money.

One exception is of course Doctor Who, which has proven itself over time to be a consistent hit. It generally gets a longer season as a result.

It often seems, too, like we have fewer writers working on each show.. so perhaps it's not as easy to hammer out 20-odd quality episodes per season with fewer writers involved?


Being Human, Series 3 begins at 9pm on Sunday, 23rd January. I cannot wait! :D

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:eee

[Aurelias Kazaar]

That makes sense. Okay stupid question: what is the BBC iplayer?

[Dasquian Belargic]

It's like a BBC version of Hulu. You can watch just about anything that has aired on BBC recently, on demand, and often in HD. It's also possible to watch BBC live through the iPlayer, rather than having to watch on an actual TV. I believe you can also stream content through the Wii or PS3.

[Captain Untouchable]

Re: Season length, it's also a scheduling decision. In the US, you quite often have your 20+ episode season broken up over Christmas, interrupted for a week because of the superbowl or Thanksgiving, and that sort of thing. Rather than break up a series in that manner, a lot of British shows run a shorter series so that it fits between those events, rather than having to be split over them.

Also, it's partly because of the number of channels. In the amount of time it takes the US to air one season of 21 episodes, the BBC would broadcast three seasons of 7 episodes... but the US easily has three times as many channels, and it's very common for US viewers to have some sort of cable/network TV access. In the UK there is still a sizeable portion of the audience who still only have a small selection of free channels; so the free channels are forced to try and cram as much variety in as they possibly can, to ensure they draw in as many viewers as possible, etc.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Plus a lot of cable TV shows opt for the shorter seasons (see "The Sopranos" "Sons of Anarchy" "Eastbound and Down"

[Dasquian Belargic]

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:ohno

[Droo]

Personally I can't wait to see (Series 2 spoiler...) Herrick again. :eee

[Dasquian Belargic]

This is mostly for Droo's benefit.. but I watched the Adam's Family episode of Being Human today. I was not expecting that gimp! Interesting episode, though I am a little o_O about what is going on with Mitchell, after he went through so much to bring Annie back.

[Droo]

I think it's a number of things. He's feeling guilty about the Box Tunnel Twenty and would like to run away instead of facing it: remember what he said to Adam about surrounding yourself with better people so that when you fail, you will have to face their disappointment? I think he's terrified of his friends finding out. Also there's the implication of what will happen to not only him but his friends, should the authorities catch up with him. Plus there's the wrath of the elder vampires to face should he decline their offer. And I think the only thing keeping him put is Annie. Because, you know... :love

There was much I loved about this episode, and there was so much of that wonderful Being Human humour back in full force: George and Nina make a hilarious team, "George... you are chatting to a gimp!" and, of course, George reprising a classic line: "WHO WANTS SOME OF MY PLANT!?" Mitchell's job interview was hilarious, and Annie was as brilliantly kooky as ever, plus the situation with Adam just lent itself to comedy.

Oh, and the next episode is titled Type 4! :eek

[Dasquian Belargic]

Just have to share a little love for BBC's Outcasts.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x8fw4

It's an 8 episode sci-fi series billed as: A group of courageous pioneers face a unique opportunity: the chance to build a new and better future on another planet.

There are 4 episodes on the iPlayer so far. I'm just onto the 2nd but it's surprisingly good - both in terms of plot, and production.

[Anna Fernandez]

I tried using a proxy but it didn't work with the ones I tried, I guess I have to wait. :(

[Captain Untouchable]

There are 4 episodes on the iPlayer so far. I'm just onto the 2nd but it's surprisingly good - both in terms of plot, and production.

I've got the second lined up for tonight. Given the episode length and the sheer level of content, I'm not sure my brain can handle more than one episode in a single sitting!

Surprisingly good is definately right. I don't know if I went into it with low expectations or what... but I'm properly impressed. It doesn't feel like it's trying to "be" anything aside from itself, and the quality of production, CGI, and storytelling seems to be setting the bar fairly high.

There's only one thing I don't like about the series so far.

I think you know what I mean, Jenny. :cry

[Dasquian Belargic]

It's only failing so far, as of episode 3, is the obviously limited special effects budget. As always with Brit productions, this is typically the thing that makes it difficult for me to 'suspend my disbelief' - which is a pity when the acting is so solid.

[Droo]

Series Three of Being Human has been a slow-burner and you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait? Oh my God! What an amazing episode! All of those intricate strands of story suddenly came together in a breath-taking sixty minutes of television. I was stunned by it, and literally sat on the edge of my bed shouting "Oh my God! Oh my God!" as everything finally unravelled in brutal, violent fashion. There was so much tension, and drama, and moments of real horror, that's Being Human, and next week cannot get here fast enough!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Oh know, right?! What an episode! Did you notice what I said, about the use of sound? The songs they used History Repeating... >D as well as some scenes without any music e.g. Mitchell returning to the empty, silent house really stood out for me.

Added bonus: Lia is back in the finale! :love

[Droo]

Well, I'm still feeling raw about tonight's episode. I honestly didn't think it would go where it went, right at the end, but it just goes to show the bravery of the Being Human writers. It's strange now. I can't quite think of anything else about that episode but the ending and, when I do, it still gets to me. And I can't even get excited about the next series. Granted, the finale didn't boast the cliff-hanger ending that Series Two did, but it's not that. Being Human just won't be the same without Mitchell, or George, or Annie, or Nina for that matter. Colour me depressed about this one.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Being Human has been confirmed for a 4th series, but I'm with you Droo - the finale left me feeling a little... numb.

After last weeks episode, this one felt like a bit of an anti-climax. It could have just been me, but it felt as if some of the characters lacked consistency. Mitchell in particular was flopping all over the place to such a degree that by the end I was actually shouting for George to stake him. Lia also seemed to do a one-eighty in a matter of moments, after a little bit of a guilt trip from Annie. I know that they had to write out characters like her, since the story arc was coming to an end, but she had been full of such vitriol and mischief...

I was also sad to see Herrick go. He was such a great character and the new 'big bad' didn't arrive with any kind of dramatic flair or impact befitting of his so-called power and standing in the vampire community.

I do wonder now whether they will bring in a new vampire character to ally themselves with Georgie, Nina and Annie...

[Dasquian Belargic]

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:ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

Luther - Series 2 Episode 1 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0120z2z/Luther_Series_2_Episode_1/) - Still plagued by (series 1 spoiler) the death of his ex-wife, Luther returns to work to face a surreal and nightmarish case of a masked murderer determined to enter into folklore. As the body count rises, Luther must use all his skills to stop the killer, at the same time trying to rescue an old acquaintance's daughter from the dangerous world of prostitution.

*

Great series opener and as always the clips for the next episode leave you wondering wtf is going to happen next... :ohno

[Captain Untouchable]

Has anyone been watching Camelot on Channel 4?

It's sort of "Rome does King Arthur" in terms of tone - quite dark, gritty, and realistic... and it's actually surprisingly true to the source material (I'm a bit of a King Arthur geek). Visually fantastic, and a superb cast, too.

There's been the feature-length first episode and a second episode thus far; the third is this weekend. I highly recommend catching up on 4oD if you get the chance!

[Droo]

I've just watched the first episode of Sherlock. It's brilliant!

And I'm always late to these things...

[Dasquian Belargic]

It's brill, isn't it? :D another Stephen Moffat triumph

[Nikolai Odell]

I still haven't watched it yet. ^_^;

Where did you find it, Droo?

[Droo]

Wow. Finished the third and final episode of the first series. Now, I can't recommend this series highly enough; Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible in the title role and Martin Freeman plays off him wonderfully as the straight man. They had a real chemistry right from the start.

I have to admit, I'm disappointed that Mark Gatiss didn't turn out to be Moriarty, I could almost taste that revelation on the tip of my tongue, and wished for it so hard, but nevertheless, the build up towards the actual reveal was thrilling, even if I didn't really care much for the Saw/Professor Quirrel twist. It's a minor gripe though, really, and it won't deter one iota from my enjoyment of the second series next year.

Between this and watching the third and fourth series of Skins, I've enjoyed some stellar British television these last few days. Does anyone have any other recommendations? I'm in need of a fix until the good Doctor makes his return!

And finally, I really think this 90 minute episode malarky might just be the way forward, even if only we're treated to three episodes a series. Each episode is practically a feature-length film and not a second of it dragged. That'll do, BBC. That'll do!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Did you watch any Luther yet?

[Droo]

I haven't, actually, and I don't know the first thing about it. I'll look it up.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Ohh, there's a new supernatural-y type show on BBC 3 called The Fades. Here's the first ep: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0151prg/The_Fades_Episode_1/

Also a new comedy from the makers of Peep Show on Channel 4 called Fresh Meat. Supposed to be like Peep Show but about students: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/fresh-meat/4od

(I'm just about to watch Fresh Meat)

[Inyos Aamoran]

Doesn't Fresh Meat have that posh skinny comedian guy, and one of the guys from The Inbetweeners?

[Dasquian Belargic]

Yes and yes. It was alright, will probably give the 2nd episode a go.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Could there be a new series of Blackadder on the way?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/10/01/rowan-atkinson-hints-at-a-fifth-series-of-blackadder-115875-23458128/

[Dasquian Belargic]

BBCs The Fades is actually worth checking out.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0151prg/The_Fades_Episode_1/

There's 3 eps on iPlayer so far. And it has Natalie Dormer :love

[Atreyu]

Could there be a new series of Blackadder on the way?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/10/01/rowan-atkinson-hints-at-a-fifth-series-of-blackadder-115875-23458128/
I'll believe it when they announce they have started production on a new series, nothing before. Quite frankly I think the article's title presumes far more than the actual content - it reads more (to me) that Atkinson was simply asked a direct Blackadder question and was just providing some musings on the idea, that's all.

(having said that, more Blackadder would be awesome :))

[Dasquian Belargic]

This looks like it will be hilarious:

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[Dasquian Belargic]

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[Dasquian Belargic]

If you haven't already, you should watch Holy Flying Circus!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0162zbx/Holy_Flying_Circus/

[Dasquian Belargic]

There's a new Derren Brown thing on at the minute that was interesting to watch:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/derren-brown-the-experiments/4od

The first episode was him brainwashing someone into assassinating Stephen Fry!

Also, Misfits is back next weekend :ohno (without Nathan :()

[Captain Untouchable]

Just stumbled across Misfits on the TV On Demand stuff with my cable service.

I just binge-watched the first series / six episodes in a single sitting. What a wonderfully different bit of television! It felt like it was treading totally new ground. Loved the concept; loved the characters...

I'm slightly worried though. I think I'm dating a toned-down version of Kelly. :uhoh

[d'Art Lefou]

How is dating Kelly a bad thing? :O

[Captain Untouchable]

What's wrong with dating a psychic chav with anger management issues who, taking aborted timelines into account, has already caved in two people's skulls? :|

[d'Art Lefou]

Hey, she calms down after the first series. :) And besides... Phoawr.

[Captain Untouchable]

She hasn't calmed down y-

OHMYGOD SIMON FROM THE FUTURE IS THE MOST AWESOME THING EVER!!!!! :eee

[Droo]

Glad to see you're enjoying Misfits. I caught the first episode of Series 3 on Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The new addition to the main cast is hilarious and so fascinatingly complicated.

[Captain Untouchable]

I just got to episode 6 of season 2 (yeah... ^_^;).

Lactokinesis man is EPIC. :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

^ The most random, hilarious super power ever

[Droo]

Has anybody been watching the BBC's Frozen Planet series? The second episode aired tonight and it is thus far on par with Planet Earth in its scope and execution and stunning beauty. When tonight's episode finished I was left smiling and felt full of joy, it's sheer magic that's alone worth the licence fee.

[d'Art Lefou]

^ The most random, hilarious super power ever

And surprisingly deadly!

[Captain Untouchable]

Is it just me, or did anyone else get a "Simon Pegg's creepy brother" vibe off that guy?

Just caught up to the new / Series 3 episode. Not sure how I feel about new guy. He's an interesting character with an interesting power, but he's no Nathan. Is he gone-gone, or is there a chance he'll be back?

Loving some of the new powers as well. Kelly as a rocket scientist is awesome... especially since all she can do is design rockets, and nothing else! Anyone reckon we're going to end up with a rocket-powered ASBOmobile? :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

Anyone else watched Misfits 3x02?

Curtis :o

I thought I would really miss Nathan, but honestly so far this series has been great without him.

[Droo]

The next episode of Frozen Planet airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.

[d'Art Lefou]

In case you missed it, Mongrels is back. :D Warped adult puppet humour!

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I really love Peppa Pig and so do my kids.


...what! It's British television!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Do you get Octonauts in the US at all, Holly? The character design is adorable :3 I don't know exactly what age range it's for but it's for kids.

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Explore! Rescue! Protect!

[Lilaena De'Ville]

:lol Owen just asked if he can watch it again. I don't think we have this available here, but I'll look because it is adorable. :3

[Dasquian Belargic]

If you search on Youtube/Google videos, most of the episodes are actually available there - although the video quality isn't great.

[Captain Untouchable]

Damn it, Jenny. I only just got the theme tune out of my head from my last babysitting session. :grumble

I love that they have a ton of random "GUP" mini subs labelled with letters, just so they can have a cheesy "GUP-E" pun. That's a Jaceworthy level of commitment to cheesy puns.

[Droo]

The new series of Sherlock returns on New Year's Day with A Scandal in Belgravia. Much much sooner than I thought! :D

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/dec/08/sherlock-returns-bbc

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Do you get Octonauts in the US at all, Holly? The character design is adorable :3 I don't know exactly what age range it's for but it's for kids.

<object height="315" width="560">


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Explore! Rescue! Protect!

This is coming to the Disney channel in January. :D

[Dasquian Belargic]

The new series of Sherlock returns on New Year's Day with A Scandal in Belgravia. Much much sooner than I thought! :D

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/dec/08/sherlock-returns-bbc

:eee brilliant. how soon after that will we see the rest of the series?

[d'Art Lefou]

Has anyone in the UK been watching Charlie Brooker's new drama, Black Mirror, on Channel 4? If not - go, watch it. 15 Million Merits is the best of the two that have aired so far, but both episodes have been brilliant.

[Droo]

:eee brilliant. how soon after that will we see the rest of the series?

I'm not sure but it was worded in the article like that was the start of the series so presumably the next couple of episodes would just follow on as usual. In the first series the episodes were just a week apart so hopefully they'll follow suit with Series Two, and what a way to start the new year.

[Captain Untouchable]

Did anyone else watch Misfits this weekend?

If you didn't, you really should. Asbo kids versus zombies... and Rudy is apparently scared of cheerleaders. :lol

[d'Art Lefou]

Just finished watching The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff. For anyone in the UK, either find it on iPlayer or watch its reshowing on Christmas Eve. Robert Webb, David Mitchel, Stephen Fry, Katherine Parkinson, Johnny Vegas... It's wonderfully silly, all around.

[Dasquian Belargic]

^ I was just spotted this in a couple of Twitter mentions today. Definitely need to watch it.

Speaking of bleak things... I also need to catch up on the third episode of Black Mirror :(

[d'Art Lefou]

We have The History of You sitting on our PVR too.

:( Mongrels is over for another year. It has to be renewed again, it really does.

[Regan Altink]

Watched the season finale of Misfits this evening.

Will... Not... Cry...
































:cry

[d'Art Lefou]

I have the whole series recorded. I think we're going to have a marathon of that and American Horror Story on New Year's Eve.

[Dasquian Belargic]

We have The History of You sitting on our PVR too.

:( Mongrels is over for another year. It has to be renewed again, it really does.

Did you watch this yet? After the first two Black Mirror episodes, it was such a let down. They were all pretty depressing but there was really nothing likable about the main character in the last of the three. It felt like Fifteen Million Merits would have been better placed as the finale, if not for the fact that they wanted to have it show right after the X Factor finals.

[d'Art Lefou]

I watched it a few days ago - definitely a let down. Eerie, yes, but 15 Million Merits was the strongest of the three by far.

[Droo]

Sherlock! Absolutely brilliant! In my opinion the best of the lot so far! Roll on Sunday! :eee

[Dasquian Belargic]

Oh, Sherlock. You can belittle and humiliate me any day :swoon:

[Captain Untouchable]

A new US-import sitcom started on one of the Channel 4's last week. Normally I wouldn't sully our British TV thread with such news, but this one is called New Girl, and stars Zooey Deschanel. :swoon:

She pretty much seems to be playing herself (or at least, she's playing what I hope she's like in real life :love), and it's surprisingly subtle when compared to the US comedy we get in the UK: there's no laughter track, no running gag of the week, and it's the situations and characters that are funny.

It doesn't seem like the kind of show that will make you wet yourself laughing, but there's enough there to keep your brain ticking over while you stare misty-eyed and longingly at Zooey... and it's only an episode in, so it's definately worth grabbing a look at the first one on 4oD if you get the chance.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Love New Girl, it's really good. :):thumbup

[Dasquian Belargic]

I enjoyed the first episode, though if I didn't enjoy just the act of looking at Zooey Deschannel it wouldn't be half as good.

Anyway! Back on to British TV... another new episode of Sherlock is on BBC1 tonight at 8.30pm. Watch it :D

[Lilaena De'Ville]

It gets better after the first episode, just sayin. Once you hear someone say 'she looks like Helena Bonham Carter' it's all over. I think that's in episode two. HiLARious. :lol

[Dasquian Belargic]

We've got a preview for Being Human series 4, featuring Mitchell's replacement!

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I'm not sure what to make of Hal. He's got some big boots to fill and his character profile does not fill me with confidence:


Hal has been a vampire for over 500 years and the temptation for blood and carnage still rules his every waking thought.

Since meeting best friends Leo (a werewolf) and Pearl (a ghost) in 1955, Hal has managed to stay off the blood by sticking to a rigid structure and keeping away from all people. Coming to Honolulu Heights is a huge disruption for Hal. And he doesn’t cope well with disruption. At first, Hal – the stand-offish, posh vampire – and Tom – the common, feral werewolf – find themselves at loggerheads, but once a mutual respect is gained, we see this odd couple become close.

He sounds a little too much like Mitchell, with the ghost/werewolf best friends. I will watch the new series, though - to see what the dynamic between Hal, Tom and Annie is like.

[Droo]

And with Russell Tovey leaving in Series 4, I doubt I'll be half as interested anymore, I mean with no Mitchell or George, and with no sign of Nina thus far, it just won't be the same. :(

[Dasquian Belargic]

It will be strange, and it's hard to think what direction they'll go in. Here's something from Toby Whitehouse on what we can expect from series 4: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/beinghuman/

[Captain Untouchable]

They are apparently making a US remake of Misfits: they're working on a pilot episode for the autumn/fall pilot season. :cyduck

I get why US versions of Being Human, The Office, Life on Mars and what-not got made: they have a unique concept that is worth sharing internationally, and they tried to strip off the British humour and cult references to make things easier for a US audience to understand.

With Misfits though, the unique concept is that they're British. While it is extraordinarily well-written (and some of the plot arcs are pretty damn cool), a lot of the themes it touches on are tropes of the superhero genre: the show is unique and different because British people handle things differently.

Since Misfits is already the British version of something American, wouldn't an American version of Misfits cancel a lot of that out? Surely, you'd just end up with another example of a teenage superhero show with some relationships, angst, and time travel / causality in it? Not sure American television needs another one of those.

I guess it could be interesting if they pull a Torchwood and do a spinoff that is set in America (rather than a straight remake) so that it keeps a little of that Britishness... but as it stands the entire concept makes my brain hurt. :cyduck

[Dasquian Belargic]

Sherlock reactions? I am still :whaa-ing

[d'Art Lefou]

I think I might be the only person in Britain that just doesn't like Sherlock. :|

[Peter McCoy]

I don't normally watch these kinda shows but I was forced to watch Dancing on Ice on Sunday. But it was kinda cool as it has Corey Feldman in it - aka Mouth from The Goonies - this series.

He was a pretty lousy skater in the show I watched but next week is Movie Week. If he doesn't skate to the Fratelli's Chase music from the opening to The Goonies, I won't be happy!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Being Human series 4 starts at 9pm tonight on BBC3

[Droo]

The clips I've seen don't exactly fill me with confidence, but I'll check it out nonetheless.

[Droo]

Mitchell gone. Nina gone. Now George? And it looks like they have Annie's ghostie replacement lined up already. Decent episode but the show's changed too much too suddenly for me. :(

[Rutabaga]

I finally watched the first episode of Sherlock on Netflix streaming last night.

I am in lurve. :love

If you're a Holmes fan and haven't tried it yet, OMG, what are you waiting for? :shakefist

[Rutabaga]

I just thought I'd pop into this thread and say that I've now also joined the masses who've fallen totally in love with that luscious bon-bon known as Downton Abbey. I was able to watch the first season on Netflix streaming, but for season 2, it looks like I'll have to get the discs.

Maggie Smith plays a catty aristocratic bitch to the absolute hilt. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

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[Halajiin Rabeak]

I cannot wait for that to become reality. It looks like real, old-school Red Dwarf, and that's perfect!

[Dasquian Belargic]

For Brit posters: all 4 series of Jonathan Creek are now on Netflix UK :3:

[Droo]

Just caught an episode of Accused tonight on BBC One. I've never seen this programme before but, fook me, what a remarkably powerful and engaging bit of television. It was one of those shows that I happened upon and within moments I was gripped right until the end. I strongly recommend at least tonight's episode to anyone who has access to it, but a word of caution: it's quite an emotionally draining experience, the stark and harrowing kind of drama at which we British seem to excell.

I'll definately catch the next episode, it seems the episodes are unrelated to each other so you can pick up at any time, and a glance at Wikipedia suggests that the series boasts some stellar British acting talent, too.

[Droo]

Tweeted yesterday by Steven Moffat, regarding the new series of Sherlock:

"Last year it was Woman, Hound, Fall. This year's three words revealed tomorrow..."

Meaning today! :eee

Update:

"So. The three tease words for the next run of Sherlock ... Rat. Wedding. Bow."

[Dasquian Belargic]

Anyone else seen the adds for A Touch of Cloth? :lol

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Also, it has Suranne Jones!

[Rutabaga]

Tweeted yesterday by Steven Moffat, regarding the new series of Sherlock:

"Last year it was Woman, Hound, Fall. This year's three words revealed tomorrow..."

Meaning today! :eee

Update:

"So. The three tease words for the next run of Sherlock ... Rat. Wedding. Bow."

And it sounds like series 3 won't hit our tellies until at least next August. :cry

I am SHERlocked. :love

[Droo]

Anyone else seen the adds for A Touch of Cloth? :lol


Never heard of it until now. This looks like essential viewing to me!

[Dasquian Belargic]

New series of the BBCs political satire The Thick Of It has started:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00wsskj/The_Thick_of_It_Series_4_Episode_1/

No sign of Malcom Tucker yet, though :(

[Dasquian Belargic]

There's going to be a new Jonathan Creek episode next year! :)

http://www.cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/4689-alan-davies-confirms-new-jonathan-creek-special

Also, if you aren't watching The Thick Of It yet, you should be.

[Captain Untouchable]

Does anyone watch Merlin at all? I saw a little of it when I was staying with one of my sisters, but I've never really got into it properly... but the trailer that kept airing before Doctor Who made it look surprisingly badass. Is the TV spot deceptive, or is it worth a look-see?

Also, aside from Sherlock and Luthor, are there any more awesome Brit shows that I need to make sure I'm up to speed on?

[Dasquian Belargic]

I have watched Merlin series 1 and though it took a while for me to start really getting into, I think by the end of the first series it starts to get noticeably better. I will be getting series 2 and the rest at some point, providing it continues to be entertaining. The first episode of series 1 appears to be on the iPlayer at the minute, if you want to give it a watch: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dq8tn/Merlin_Series_1_The_Dragons_Call/

I haven't really been watching any other new series recently, tbh.

[Rutabaga]

I think I might have to give Merlin a shot. There's a lot of love on Tumblr for it.

Just as an aside, I'm not surprised to see that BBC America is going to start rerunning Hex next Saturday due to the fact that Michael Fassbender's fame has risen so much since that series. I watched it when they first aired it a few years ago and enjoyed it. I'll probbably watch it again.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

If anyone didn't know yet, Sherlock season 2 is finally on Netflix. :) I just have the Reinbech Fall left to watch. :D And yes, I know I misspelled that.

[Rutabaga]

If anyone didn't know yet, Sherlock season 2 is finally on Netflix. :) I just have the Reinbech Fall left to watch. :D And yes, I know I misspelled that.

I watched it when PBS aired it in January. The Reichenbach Fall is just devastating. Almost as devastating as having to wait until next year to see season 3. :shakefist

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Well we can blame The Hobbit for the delay.

[Captain Untouchable]

Actually, it's more likely to be Star Trek II that's responsible for the delay, bearing in mind the whole of Mr Cumberbatch is in that movie, rather than just his voice. ;)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Well, the whole of Martin Freeman is in The Hobbit trilogy. :colbert

[Captain Untouchable]

...touché.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Just watched the first new episode of Red Dwarf.. better than I expected :)

http://video.uktv.co.uk/dave/red-dwarf/series-10/episode-1

[Droo]

New series of Misfits starts next Sunday at 10pm. Get in.

[Dasquian Belargic]

You see 'Hebburn' yet, Droo? (BBC2 comedy with Vic Reeves)

It may just be cause it's set locally to me, but I found it surprisingly funny!

[Droo]

I've just been watching a few clips from that, Jenny. I love the gran. :D

Also, Saturday night's are now Merlin nights.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Last ever episode of The Thick of It is on BBC2 right now. Satire at its best.

[Dasquian Belargic]

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"SHUT UP, look cool and moody!"

[Glen Fiddich]

Oh god. When he drops it on his foot? :lol

[Droo]

Well, the new series of Being Human kicked off with real panache. After the hit-and-miss quality of the largely transitional Series 4, it seems like the show and its new cast is really hitting its stride. There's plenty of wit, a loveable trio, and a strong developing narative which will surely underscore the rest of the series. What I love about this show is there's never a character that feels wasted, and the variety of supporting characters are bold and fun, each getting a moment to shine.

Misfits, take note, this is how you revisit a much-loved television show.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Do I need to watch series 4 to be able to understand the new episodes?

[Droo]

Yeah, I would recommend it. There's a fair bit of transition that goes on in the fourth series and without watching it, I expect you may find the sudden changes jarring. There's plenty to like about Series 4, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it, but having said that, it's probably the weakest series of the show.

[Rutabaga]

I started watching Ripper Street when it first premiered on BBC America a couple weeks back, and I'm enjoying it tremendously. :thumbup

BBC America is advertising Orphan Black like crazy, saying it's premiering in March. Looks intriguing...dunno if it will air the same day here in the US that it does in the UK.

[Droo]

The fifth series of Being Human is officially its last. Gutted. :(

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/beinghuman/posts/Toby-on-the-conclusion-of-Being-Human

[Dasquian Belargic]

Look what's replacing Merlin!

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/02/11/misfits-and-merlin-creators-combine-forces-for-the-bbcs-atlantis/

[Captain Untouchable]

Look what's replacing Merlin!

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/02/11/misfits-and-merlin-creators-combine-forces-for-the-bbcs-atlantis/

I cannot express how insanely excited I am right now. A Merlin approach to Greek mythology? Yes please! :eee

[Droo]

While I'm still in mourning for Merlin, I'm glad I have this to look forward to on those cold Saturday nights when the Doctor is absent.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Anyone watching the new series of Black Mirror?

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/black-mirror/4od

[Amos Iakona]

On iPlayer at the moment is the first four episodes of "Wonders of Life", a nature documentary presented by Brian Cox.

For lack of a better explanation, it's a documentary series proving evolution. The first episode was a bit fluffy - a recap of GCSE biology, basically - but the episode I just watched was about the senses. instead of the "this is how your eye works" stuff you may have done at school, he looks at why that's the way your eye works, and how it evolved to be that way, comparing it to other species that have similar / better / different stuff.

It's definitely a Brian Cox documentary - plenty of shots of him staring whistfully into the sunset - but it's a little bit self aware and fun: more like the TV lectures he's done. If you haven't given it a look yet, you really should.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

So I just discovered Starhyke on a random youtube video search. Only being able to see the trailers and looking at the wiki article about it, it seems an interesting take on the evolution of humans coupled with the hilarity of having to deal with emotions. I'm sorely tempted to grab it on amazon. Have any of you guys seen it, and is it worth purchasing?

[Dasquian Belargic]

Good grief, the White Bear ep of Black Mirror was hard to watch

[Rutabaga]

Okay, this isn't British TV, it's British radio, but...I'm almost done with all 4 series of Cabin Pressure.

Dammit, that's some extraordinarily well done and funny stuff. :lol

[Droo]

Today is the last day of Being Human. Forever.

DO. NOT. WANT!

Edit:
TgJmk3kYIz8

I just discovered this! :lol

Edit 2:

Also, this article. Take heed, BBC! :mad

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/mar/08/being-human-bbc-right-kill-off?CMP=twt_gu

[Droo]

kRSGZLsw4yw

They sprung that on me! :cry

[Droo]

Also, Benedict Cumberbatch confirms Sherlock... SERIES FOUR (http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/sherlock/24791/benedict-cumberbatch-confirms-sherlock-series-4)!!

Just... take a moment for that to settle in, will you? Feels pretty damn good, doesn't it? :D

[Rutabaga]

Oh yes, yes indeed.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/Rutabaga64/animated%20gifs/Cumberbatched/excitedfiveyearold_zpscfd41f35.gif

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

^this right here :eee

[Dasquian Belargic]

There's a new three-part zombie thing starting on BBC Three

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00szzcm

[Rutabaga]

OOoooooooo...looks promising. I hope it's something that BBC America will pick up.

[Rutabaga]

Filming on series 3 of Sherlock officially started today. :eee

And we now have the name of the first episode: The Empty Hearse. :ohno

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Orphan Black has me captivated - I've watched every single episode and let my Doctor Who's pile up on the DVR :uhoh

[Dasquian Belargic]

In case anyone missed The Fades (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fades_(TV_series)) when it aired on the BBC originally (like me!) I just spotted that it's now on UK Netflix.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Some saucy lookin War of the Roses drama starting on BBC One tonight

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[Rutabaga]

The White Queen is definitely something I'll take a look at if it airs on BBC America. Hopefully it will be a much more successful adaptation of Philippa Gregory's work than The Other Boleyn Girl was. (Although I do so enjoy the glimpses of Benedict Cumberbatch in Tudor-era frills.)

In The Flesh aired on BBC America over 3 nights last week, I'm not sure if we got it on the same days that it aired in the UK. I really, really liked it, it was something different for a zombie tale. And I hear there's going to be a second series that will air next year.

BBC America will be showing Broadchurch in August, and I've heard nothing but good stuff about it, so I'll be watching it for sure.

[Callista]

I wasn't introduced to Orphan Black until weekend before last. Boyfriend had me watch the pilot and then this past weekend we watched the entire rest of the season (boy am I glad it was all out by then)... I am so hooked. I love the characters!

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Allison is the best! Wait until episode 6, it is unbelievable.

[Rutabaga]

Allison's awesome, but I liked Cosima and Helena the best. :)

[Callista]

Allison is the best! Wait until episode 6, it is unbelievable.

Yeah...we watched it all Sat and Sun morning :) It was a lazy darn weekend!


Allison's awesome, but I liked Cosima and Helena the best. :)

Yessss, I love Cosima!

[Dasquian Belargic]

I need to get into Orphan Black somehow... I don't understand how it hasn't been airing here but it's on BBC America :whaa

[Callista]

It's Canadian :) Who knows, lol

[Rutabaga]

From what I understand, Orphan Black is an original BBC America production, like Copper. Hopefully it will air in the UK eventually, since it's gotten a lot of attention here. Tatiana Maslany won the Critics' Choice Award for best actress in a drama last week, which I think was well deserved.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I also love and adore Felix. He's just so sassy! :lol

[Rutabaga]

I was watching something on Starz this weekend, and they advertised that they'll be showing The White Queen later this summer. I'll definitely be watching it. Especially since James Frain is in it, yay! :eee

EDIT: And Rupert Graves too? OMG. :dance

[Droo]

They're showing the Reichenbach Fall right now on BBC One, and the BBC has advised viewers to watch to the very end. What surprise could we be in for? Can't wait to see!

Edit: We got a quick tease of the first episode of Series Three. :D

llGXWICGsD4

Edit 2: Apparently, that footage was shot specifically for a trailer and features no actual footage from Series Three at all! Give us a bloody date, already! :shakefist

[Rutabaga]

I think the Sherlock fandom is wrapped up in one giant collective shock blanket right now. To get new footage of any kind...OMG, it's almost orgasmic.

:eee

[Rutabaga]

Well now....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/Rutabaga64/series3trailer_zps5a732bb4.jpg (http://s207.photobucket.com/user/Rutabaga64/media/series3trailer_zps5a732bb4.jpg.html)

[Rutabaga]

BBC America finally started showing Broadchurch this week. I had to DVR the first episode because of work, and I watched it today. I'm already devastated. OMG. :cry

[Dasquian Belargic]

Is anyone else in the UK as giddy as I am about The Great British Bake-Off being back on? :3:

[Dasquian Belargic]

Anyone been watching the new historical/fantasy drama Atlantis? It's being pitched as a successor to Merlin

It has Mark Addy (who played Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones) as Hercules! Also Hannan Arterton, younger sister of Gemma Arterton :love


When Jason goes in search of his father, he washes up on the shores of a strange and mysterious land. A world of mythical creatures, soothsaying oracles and palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants; this is the lost city of Atlantis. But it seems the newcomer has chosen the wrong time to arrive in the fabled realm, and Jason soon finds himself at the mercy of a deadly ritual, from which there is no escape...

Episodes 1 and 2 are still on the iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01crz3s/Atlantis_The_Earth_Bull/

[Rutabaga]

It's coming to Supernatural Saturdays on BBC America in the next few weeks, they've been advertising it heavily. I just might have to take a look.... :)

[Captain Untouchable]

Anyone been watching the new historical/fantasy drama Atlantis? It's being pitched as a successor to Merlin

It has Mark Addy (who played Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones) as Hercules! Also Hannan Arterton, younger sister of Gemma Arterton :love


When Jason goes in search of his father, he washes up on the shores of a strange and mysterious land. A world of mythical creatures, soothsaying oracles and palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants; this is the lost city of Atlantis. But it seems the newcomer has chosen the wrong time to arrive in the fabled realm, and Jason soon finds himself at the mercy of a deadly ritual, from which there is no escape...

Episodes 1 and 2 are still on the iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01crz3s/Atlantis_The_Earth_Bull/

Just watched the first episode.

On the one hand, it's goofy and fun, has Mark Addy being awesome; plenty of jokes/references to make me chuckle from time to time, and enough clues/spoilers so that I can feel occasionally smug. On the flipside, it's about as true to the source material as Merlin was... which is to say almost not at all. In fact, it seems like they're merging various different Greek characters/legends - Theseus and the Minotaur, Perseus and Medusa, judging from the teaser for episode two, etc - into a single Greek super-hero.

That's perfectly fine; Merlin did the same and was pretty fun. I dunno though, the "take a bunch of Greek stories and have them living together in a house" premise feels more like something that Tumblr would think up and illustrate through the medium of gifs, rather than the kind of thing I expect from BBC drama.

Also... dude. Your name is Jason. Have you seriously not worked out who you're supposed to be? :uhoh

[Dasquian Belargic]

Final series of Misfits starts tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 :o

[Droo]

Did anyone get through the last series? I lost interest about halfway through. It was at exactly the moment when we discover that lad had his nob stolen. I guess it was supposed to be funny but it just made me roll my eyes, killing my interest dead.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I don't think I watched any of the previous series that was on. More than anything, I was surprised that it was still going when I saw the advert for the 'final series' - I thought it was already over!

[Droo]

Here's a new one for you guys: Peaky Blinders.

EM12mcTEI88

Described as a gangster family epic, Peaky Blinders is set in 1919 Birmingham, where the men are home from the front lines and the whiff of communism is in the air. The powers at play, chiefly, the criminal fraternities and the law, are all equally corrupt and complex. It stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, a war veteran who means to move his family up in the world, and Sam Neill, as a puritanical inspector drafted in from Belfast. The whole cast is top notch, though, and the tone of the series owes a debt to American gangster movies and even westerns. It's stylish, in terms of direction, music choice, and awesome razor-lined flatcaps. I cannot believe this was commissioned by the BBC because it looks like a fortune has been spent on it.

Jenny and I binged on this series over the last couple of days, and we were both thoroughly impressed. I'm chuffed I can put this series in the rarefied company of the likes of Sherlock and Doctor Who, because a second, and possibly third series of this show has been commissioned and I'll be anticipating its arrival with the same kind of enthusiasm as the aforementioned BBC gems.

I'm not sure when Americans can expect to see it, or indeed if it has started airing over there already, but keep your eyes peeled. And Brits, you have about four days left to catch the whole series on the iPlayer, and in HD no less.

[Dasquian Belargic]

In The Loop (the film of The Thick of It tv series, starring Peter Capaldi) is on the iPlayer at the minute: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rf174/In_the_Loop/

[Droo]

Sherlock Series 3. Coming to a TV near you on 1st January. :D

http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/sherlock/28416/updated-sherlock-series-3-starts-on-january-the-1st

[Rutabaga]

Needless to say, I'm quite excited. :eee

Although those of us in the US have to wait until January 19th...I'm just gonna have to blacklist anything Sherlock-related at Tumblr and avoid a lot of stuff so that I don't see any spoilers.

That publicity stunt with the hearse that they pulled in London today was classic. :D

[Dasquian Belargic]

Brit posters - if you haven't already, check out Charlie Brookers "Video Games Changed The World" documentary on 4OD

[Dasquian Belargic]

what, no reaction to the new Sherlock?

(I haven't seen it yet but I thought someone else might have!)

[Rutabaga]

what, no reaction to the new Sherlock?

(I haven't seen it yet but I thought someone else might have!)

Wonderful Tumblr pals pointed me in the direction of TunnelBear, and I watched The Empty Hearse on the BBC iPlayer a few hours after it aired in the UK.

It was well worth the 2 year wait. :eee :eee :eee

I really don't want to say much more at this point, because all you would see would be paragraph after paragraph of gray spoilerized stuff.

The Sign of Three airs today, and early word on it is that it's really different from previous episodes and is chock full of memorable goodies. :eee

[Lilaena De'Ville]

It doesn't air "over here" until the 19th. I'm protesting by not pirating it.

[Droo]

The Sign of Three airs today, and early word on it is that it's really different from previous episodes and is chock full of memorable goodies. :eee

And, for me, possibly the second best episode of Sherlock. It was totally different. [I loved the way the wildly convoluted twists and turns divulged during the speech were all pulled tight by its climax.] This episode was bloody hilarious, and while some may bemoan the experimental new humanish Holmes, that's too bad because it's called character development. Despite the wedding, this was more about Sherlock and John, and I loved that - one last hurrah for the boys before one is swept up in marital bliss. Having said that, I love Mary, I think she adds wonderfully to the dynamic. The whodunnit was intriguing and satisfying without detracting from Mr. and Mrs. Watson's big day. The surprise at the end was a genuine surprise and I found myself really quite pleased with the revelation, and then damn, that ending. Who couldn't feel sorry for Sherlock as he left alone while everyone else was happily dancing away? The coat and the scarf even made a return, and I get the feeling that it means the third episode will bring us back to business as usual with a dark, high stakes finale.

[Rutabaga]

Oh yes, The Sign of Three was just...OMG, I don't even have the right words to describe it. Absolute perfection. And laugh-out-loud hilarious at times.

It just makes me think that His Last Vow is going to be ripping our hearts out and stomping all over them even worse than The Reichenbach Fall did. :eek

[Dasquian Belargic]

For anyone who didn't catch it on Sunday... Charlie Brookers 2013 Wipe: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03n2yzk/Charlie_Brookers_2013_Wipe/

[Droo]

I stumbled upon that on iPlayer the other night and ended up having a crazy late one because of it. If you haven't seen his Video Games Changed the World show, I'd look it up. Unfortunately, it's no longer on 4oD, but I'm sure it's floating around in the internet ether. Also, watch out for Weekly Wipe, starting tomorrow night.

[Droo]

Some thoughts about the series finale:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!!! :whaa

[Rutabaga]

Some thoughts about the series finale:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!!! :whaa

I couldn't have said it better myself. :eek

[Droo]

Anybody interesting in The Musketeers? It starts tonight at 9pm, BBC One. I know bugger all about the period, but this looks promising!

pmDWE8Jy9EE

[Tristan Alastor]

I'll be watching because... Capaldi :D

[Rutabaga]

I will most definitely be checking this out :)

[Droo]

Well, I thought it was bloody brilliant! Opinion appears to be divided on Twitter, some claiming it wasn't gritty enough, that it was too juvenile and silly to fill the gap that's left behind by Sherlock, and while I agree that it is definately has a softer touch than one would expect from a 9pm drama, I'd argue there's nothing wrong with that at all. This felt like a real swashbuckling adventure with fun characters in a great setting. I know bugger all about the original stories from Alexandre Dumas, so I have no stance on how the show is apparently a departure from them, but there are some people having a whinge about that. But, to be honest, if someone watched that and wasn't entertained, I'd have to wonder if they were watching the same show as me, because it had me hooked right from the start. :)

[Anna Fernandez]

Finally watched "The Empty Hearse." I liked it a lot.

The end.

[Captain Untouchable]

Finally watched "The Empty Hearse." I liked it a lot.

The end.

I love how [they didn't explain how it happened, and instead just filmed various fan theories instead] :lol

Also, Mary is fantastic. And Sarah broke my brain by pointing out that John and Mary are the name of the Winchester parents. :|

[Rurrick Grov]

Someone may have pointed this out already... but you know how the Sherlock fandom keeps drawing Sherlock as an otter, and Watson as a hedgehog?

And you know how you're supposed to check inside your bonfires for hedgehogs before you light them?

... :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

Gaius Baltar was on the BBC Three Musketeers this weekend :)

[Droo]

http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/peaky-blinders/29310/tom-hardy-joins-the-cast-of-peaky-blinders-series-2

Tom Hardy joins the Peaky Blinders cast for series 2. :D