Well, today I'm going to talk about my favorite BBC shows. English people and English humor, I'm all for it. In fact, there was a time last year after I had gone through my BBC TV phase when I started watching an American fantasy show and couldn't even finish watching the first episode because "they don't have English accents!" I'm not that bad all the time. I swear!
Anyway, here are my favorite BBC shows starting from the oldest (with some links to scenes):
Fawlty Towers (1975)
*Hint: If you like Monty Python, you will love this. It has John Cleese in it.
*Synopsis: About an incompetent inn owner and the guests that come and stay in his hotel.
*Hilarious! One of my favorite episodes involves Germans.
*Hint: Just watch the first three seasons. They took a 8-year break or something in between the third and fourth seasons, and changed one major actor. I don't think I made it through the first episode of the fourth season.
*Synopsis: About a young man who becomes a veterinarian in a small York town pre-WWII.
*Absolutely hilarious! The members of the town are so funny. There are also some very heartwarming parts. I remember this one part about a man and his dog that made me cry. Based on the real life and memoirs of James Herriot
As Time Goes By (1992-2005)
*Synopsis: Two people who fell in love when young find each other in their "golden years" and fall in love again.
*Okay, there is so much good to say about this series. First: Dame Judi Dench. Second: Geoffrey Palmer. Third: Alistair. The great thing about this is that it just shows that people can fall in love no matter what stage of life they may be in. And it's funny
Marple (2004?)
*This one is hard to say because they are actually little short minis instead of an actual series. Started in 2004, I think. There are a lot of Miss Marple's out there, but Geraldine McEwan is the best.
*Synopsis: A little old woman uses her skills of observation to solve mysteries.
*Just homey and fun to watch. Miss Marple is a wonderful little lady. Based on the book series by Agatha Christie
Doctor Who (2005-present)
*Hint: So, I don't really know where to put this because it is actually a continuation of the 1968 series. But you don't need to watch all forty years to understand it. And if you do want to go back and watch some of the older ones, watch Tom Baker's doctor. He's one of the best.
*Synopsis: About a time-traveling alien called simply Doctor. His adventures with his companions as he fights other aliens and saves the world, and the universe.
*Everyone who knows Doctor Who has "their" doctor. My Doctor is David Tennant, the tenth doctor. The Doctor is satirical, serious, funny, scary, good, kind, and intense. Watch it, you will love it. Sometimes I just have to go back and watch all my favorite episodes (which ends up being almost all of them).
Robin Hood (2006)
*Hint: So much better if you watch with someone and make cookies. :)
*Synopsis: It's Robin Hood, there's not much else I can say.
*It's a little cheesy. But fun. Everyone needs a little Robin in their life.
Merlin (2008-present)
*Synopsis: The story of the young Merlin as he tries to hide his magic in a kingdom where it is illegal all while saving Prince Arthur with it.
*I really like this, but I've been having a hard time watching the third season, though I'm sure it is just as good.
Sherlock (2010-present)
*Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes updated to this time. Follow him and Dr. Watson as they solve mysteries and deal with the mysterious Moriarty.
*This is absolutely wonderful! It has a very dry humor, which is actually pretty characteristic of the English. Be warned though, watching the first season will leave you wanting much, much more!!
So, there you go! Maybe next time I'll tell you all about my favorite British miniseries! Have a good one.
Have you ever watched Poirot? He is another Agatha Christie sleuth. I started out on Marple and was a little hesitant to check him out. But he is awesome. Also, Alistair, love him. "Woof." Also, they are doing a remake of Upstairs, Downstairs. And check out Lark Rise to Candleford. I know I have told you that a million times, but it is awesome.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I miss you. And this summer I am going to finally check out Robin Hood on netflix.
Whitney, you should check out Downton Abbey! You will LOVE it! They are making a second season which airs this fall. SO excited. Also, I have pretty much seen every Jane Eyre in existence, (I personally think the 1944 version is the best). If the new one is out in Provo (preferably at the dollar theater) want to see it while I am in town?
ReplyDeletePS- I also liked Merlin but got a little peeved when Morgana went bad. They switched everything else up... also, adored Sherlock Holmes. They did a great job with the characters in the new season.... I was wondering about All Creatures, I've been eying it on Netflix. Glad to know it's good.
ReplyDeleteAlso, try Monarch of the Glen, too. It's Scottish based, but I have a soft spot for the Scots. The first two seasons are good, the third isn't terrible, and after the third season they do something stupid and it dies hardcore. But I enjoyed it until then. And dreamed of England and Scotland in the meantime. :D OKAY, I am going to bed now before Matthew physically removes me from my computer. Love ya!
I like "Allo allo!" too!
ReplyDelete