Wednesday, January 9, 2013

the telly.


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With the return of Downton Abbey season (or series, to be Brit-accurate!) 3 last Sunday, I can't be the only one with my Anglophilia flaring up.  Luckily for us all, their fantastic television extends far beyond the world of the Crawleys.  Below, some favorites and some on my to-watch list:   

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The Hour
BBC America
Come for the Mad Men feel and costume eye candy, stay for the 1950s London 
cold war intrigue and the preciousness (Exhibit A) of Ben Whishaw.  
Seriously, this show is bloody brilliant (Britishisms!).  Only 6 episodes 
per season so you can catch up easily.  
Series 1 available on DVD
Series 2 available through XFinity On Demand if your 
cable package includes BBC America

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Sherlock
PBS
I am dying to catch-up on this; I have heard nothing but amazing reviews.  
I mean I think I already love this show, sight unseen, based on the casting of 
Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman as Sherlock and Watson alone!
Series 1 & 2 available on Netflix Instant

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Dr. Who
BBC America
If you've never heard of this 30+ year old scifi show, you honestly might not like it.  
C and I have been debating diving in to the Whovian world and catching up 
from the time Matt Smith took over as the 11th Doctor.  A big undertaking, 
but I have a feeling we'll fit right into the fandom.
6 series available on Netflix Instant

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Coupling
The Brits' answer to Friends with lots of - ahem - Coupling.  
NBC tried and failed to make an American version of this show back in 2003 
(which I watched cause ugghhh), but the British version, also from the 
early 00's, is fantastically quirky and silly and witty.
All 4 series available on Netflix Instant.

This post could go on forever; the Brits just know how to do good TV.  Want more suggestions?  I've heard very good things about Being Human - U.K. version (BBC America - I actually watch the U.S. version (about 3 roommates who happen to be a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost, respectively) and really enjoy it.  The Brits claim their version is WAY better, of course!); Luther (BBC America - starring the effortlessly handsome Idris Elba); Torchwood (BBC America - If I understand my Dr. Who mythology correctly - and I know the Whovians will correct me if I'm wrong! - Torchwood is a spin-off series); and Call the Midwife (PBS - Casee Marie of The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower did a fantastic write-up of this show back in the fall.  Actually, I believe she's the reason I started watching The Hour last year as well!).

Enjoy!  if you end up watching any of the above (or have other suggestions!), let me know what you think.

xo. di.

6 comments:

  1. The BBC does great television. Sherlock is amazing - I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, and usually sort of hate modern takes on it, but Sherlock is an exception to that, it's great. And Benedict Cumberbatch...best name ever. Dr. Who is good, but it will take over your life trying to catch up on all the episodes - probably worth it though! And you forgot Top Gear!!

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  2. I'm obsessed with Dr. Who and Sherlock, I haven't seen any of the others, well I've seen Downton Abby and I love it. One day I'll make it to England, but for now I'll be in Southern Louisiana. xo, Maria

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  3. First tip, never type "Dr." again! It's Doctor Who. And you're really hurting yourself if you don't go back and start with 9 - Christopher Eccleston. (I had a friend who wanted to watch and start with Matt's run, and when I told her it was like watching ONLY season 7 of Buffy she changed her mind!) He's only the Doctor for a short time, then David Tennant takes over. But it's worth it to get a better handle on who he is, and Rose is just the best! Plus with 9 you meet Jack Harkness, who is in Torchwood. Yeah, there are quite a few eps that could be skipped - they don't do anything to move the overall story along - but it's a fun show! Matt's certainly not my favorite Doctor, but Amy's the best companion since Rose.

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  4. Exactly the advice I was looking for, thanks for the comment, Sara!

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  5. thanks for the suggestions, E! I can't wait until I catch up with Justified so I can start on Sherlock next.

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thanks so much for the note! i love reading your comments. xo. di.

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