TV shows roundup - From Wolf Hall to NHK

I have been catching up watching my TV shows especially during time in bed while soldiering through the obligatory winter cold...

I've said it before but we live in the golden age of television.
It seems I don't watch movies unless I am on a long haul flight nowadays.

Just thought I would share with you some shows I think you might enjoy.

The buzz about Wolf Hall the TV adaptation of the book by Hilary Mantel has been strong in the English speaking world.

The pop culture comment made about the show - apart from the superb acting 
( I normally get annoyed when people say things like that until you see bad acting / or when the acting is superb ) is that the show is so dark. Not thematically but literally. 

Mark Rylance deserves every acting award out there.

To keep the ambiance authentic, the show was filmed either with natural light or candle light so there is a definite mood that will most likely be parodied.
People are already referencing dark areas by saying it is so "wolf hall".


Damien Lewis has proven his merit by leaving Brody well behind and bringing Henry back to life.
It's so good that even though you know what happened, one still feels suspense.
Do not miss it when it comes to where you are.



Wasn't Broadchurch one of those zeitgiest-y cultural shows that 
even got its own article in the New Yorker?
Season two just ended here to mixed reviews.
I watched because I was already emotionally invested as I saw the first season but it makes me want to just stay and live in London. 



What was superb in all its 5 seasons was Breaking Bad.
I actually finished it late last year after one huge binge watch.
Even though it deserves a thesis - I shall keep it short.
WATCH IT!
Top best 5 shows ever made.

I kept thinking about all the characters in the show and 

then its spin off show just started called 

Better Call Saul. 

Israel has been producing great dramas that America has been modifying and remaking for their own audiences.  Homeland was based on the Israeli series called Prisoners of War.

If you thought Homeland was good, then you are in for a treat.
This makes Homeland look like a Disney show made for teenage boys.
It seems many are thinking this might be too political and avoiding it yet oddly it isn't.
Strange to say but it really is about people and politics play third fiddle.

This show stays with me still and is one of the most powerful and moving shows I have ever seen.
But it has controlled tension and it isn't needlessly heavy because there is plenty of action to move things along without being burdened.  Great viewing for couples because there is lots to talk about.

Another Israeli drama that has been turned into an American drama is Hostages that is being shown on BBC4 presently.  
I have only seen 4 episodes so far but each show has so much action that it has the entertainment value of a blockbuster.

I am happy it is so good because I was just getting over the end of the French crime drama "Spiral".

France has its strengths but television shows are not one of them but this show makes up for what is lacking on their t.v. stations. It also has a beautiful redhead siren who I can't believe hasn't been picked up yet as a potential love interest for James Bond.

This isn't her best angle but this show has it all: 

murder mystery, comradery, social commentary, and love interests.

I have also been watching Girls.

I will keep it quick and simple.

I can't bear Hannah. 

She is one of the most annoying fictional characters ever and 

is making me a misogynist.  I have a draft post about her faults and it won't be posted but it was cathartic writing it.

Reinventing the Royals on the BBC just aired this week. 

This was the 2 part documentary that Prince Charles was trying to stop.

Prince Charles needs a better communications team.

I won't get into the royals perse in this post.

Only unusual thing about it was that an Australian head media person said that Prince William is very controlling and his persona was rather different from the public one. No surprise there but it's one of those things that most royal watchers think but don't say because we all still feel bad about Princess Di.  Was relieved to hear it out loud though and it took a non sycophantic Aussie to say it.  Americans tend to see the royals through a Disney prism and I have rarely heard a balanced journalist's view from the States. It was odd to see a show about the royals which wasn't the usual forelock-togging as it has been for the past decade.

  If you are one of those people who don't watch television and you are still reading then I must suggest a lovely series on NHK called Artisan and Designer.

Each episode features the collaboration of various people involved in creating a product such as this pure white enamel kettle.

It is for design / manufacture geeks and I always suggest this show to creative types because it is so inspiring and it is available on YouTube here.

I hope you are well where you may be and it is either warming up or cooling down. x