TV Tuesday - Trigger Happy TV

As a matter of fact ...

One of my favourite and often most overlooked generes of TV is prank shows.

Theres something we humans just love about seeing other people have the wool pulled over their eyes. Call it devious, call it a bit a fun, call it whatever you want. They've been around for years and I don't see any signs of them stopping.

For me, the best has to be Trigger Happy TV.

This is actually one of my favourtie shows of all time. It began in 200 and lasted 2 years on British TV and was fronted by the genius Dom Jolly. Jolly brought the already popular format of prank shows found in America to the British audeicne in a big way, with his own devious twists.

They aren't all grand pranks with 10 cameras and an entourage of actors. They aren't all lengthy and layered. They are, however, totally bizzare, wonderful and unfiltered from the mind of Dom Jolly. It's as if Channel 4 gave him free reign to do whatever prank he liked. The result was a show that might not have broken the mold but ignored the mold  altogether in favour of surreal pranks that became iconic over the show's short span.

Despite only having 17 episodes, the variety within the show keeps me re watching it all the time. From the large cell phone to the furry animal fights, an average episode takes as many twists and turns as the London streets it's filmed on. Oh, and the soundtrack is sublime.

I wanted to share this show with any readers, especially North Americans, who might not have heard of it. The idea came to me when I stumbled upon a 'Best of' video for the show. So what better way to finish off this reccomendation for a classiv TV show than to leave you with that very same video. Enjoy:

TV Tuesday - Breaking Bad: One Year On

As a matter of fact ...

Yesterday was exactly one year since the last episode of the hit TV show 'Breaking Bad.' I didn't start watching the show until just before the last episode aired. I was a bit late to the party. As such, I didn't watch the episode with everyone else, not wanting to spoiler my dinner. 

So one year on, what is there to say about Breaking Bad? Well the results speak for themselves, the show earned 16 Emmy awards and 1 golden globe over its duration. The last episode pulled in a massive 10.3 million viewers in the US alone.

Though this is all great, it's not the numbers that stay with us from this show: it's the characters. Walter and Jesse are obvious favourites but they'd be nothing without their supporting entourage. So here are my favourite recurring characters from the show, still as fresh in my mind as they were a year ago. 

1) Saul Goodman

He had to make the list. Saul is a nugget of comedy gold in a mine of brooding coal characters. He's not just a piece of comic relief for the show, he's a driving force behind so much of what goes on.

He gave the show such contrast. It was easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of death, drugs and destruction that followed Walter wherever he went but it took the humour and absurdity of Saul to see how truly dark and often scary the world of meth money really is.

I loved how we first saw Saul as more of criminal than Walter at the beginning. Walter just needed some business help and was reluctant to entangle himself in Saul's crooked dealings. It's a testimony to how out of hand things got for Walter that Saul ended up being scared of him and trying to run for the hills. He had dealt with some of the roughest, shadiest criminals in Albuquerque and came out cracking jokes, but Walter's escapades left him a broken man on the run, with no business, money or friends and desperately searching for a new identity to start again.

Thankfully, fans of the show can get more of their Saul fix after HBO announced that he will be getting his own show, 'Better Call Saul', which premieres in February 2015. 

2) Gustavo 'Gus' Fring 

A truly chilling character. From his introduction to the show in season 2 he proved a potent nemesis and partner to Walter. 

What I loved about Gus was just how effortlessly cool he was. He wasn't what TV viewers are grown accustomed to when it comes to drug barons. He wasn't loud, obnoxious and trigger happy. He was calm, calculating and used words as weapons. The best part? He was always one step ahead of Walter. Ironically, this proved to be Gus' downfall. Walter went from just wanting to get out of the game and escape Gus, to plotting to kill him. When he eventually succeeded, Gus stayed cool to the end with the haunting sight of him readjusting his glasses with half a face missing. Chilling.

As with Saul, Gus worked well as a way of showing the audience how much Walter had changed. To think that the lowly, meek servant that Walter was to Gus in the beginning and how he went on the kill his master and take his throne just shows the transformation that took place within Walter. 



Gus was a haunting and incredibly essential addition to the show. Without him, Walter never could have become the true villain. 

3) Mike Ehrmantraut 

Mike was arguably the only hero of the show. Although he was Gus' right hand man, his wasn't corrupted or obsessed with drugs, money or power. He was truly loyal and level headed among all the chaos around him. Even more than the apparent 'good guys' he often fought against. 

He was a rough around the edges, gnarly, bitter old man but I just wanted to hug him whenever he came on screen. There was something so sad behind his eyes. He took everything in his stride in a way that made me think he wasn't scared of death anymore as he'd already lost something worth living for. 




There were plenty of funny, serious, angry and scary characters but Mike was the only one who was sad. It's a testimony to the writers that they can pull of melancholy and murder in one guy. 

I've just realised I might have put a few spoilers into this piece so I won't say anymore about Mike. Needless to say, his last scene in the show is probably the most heart breaking in the show. Made even more so by a beautiful side story with his grandaughter. 


---
An amazing show that's talked about one year on. The first of many I'm sure. 

TV Tuesday - 3 Reasons Why The UK Office Beats The US Office

As a matter of fact ...

I prefer the UK version of The Office. I'm sorry to all those fans out there who prefer the US version. I really am; but the original is just superior.

If you've watched one, both or neither of them. Hear me out. Here are 3 reasons why I think I'm right. I might seem bias because I'm from the UK but I think I have reasons to back it up ...

1) David Brent vs Michael Scott

Michael Scott is funny. I'll give you that. In fact, Steve Carrell is one of my favourite American actors. I do like what he did with the awkward, egotistical manager of The Office. The problem is: it just wasn't enough. I cringe at Michael Scott but I don't pity him. For me, that's the key. Ricky Gervais makes David Brent pitiful. On face value, he is just a sad individual. Out of context of the show, I would probably find Michael Scott quite funny. The stuff that comes out of his mouth are the kind of things that my friends might say and we will all roll around laughing.

David Brent is the opposite. Every comment creates a stifling silence that would happen in real life to the point that its unbearable. In a sitcom format though, I find myself smiling through my hands that cover my face. The character stays true to what I love in sitcoms: making the ordinary, believable and relate-able traits we encounter in people very funny. In those three categories, David beats Michael hands down.

2) The length of the show

I've often seen this brought up by key board warrior defender of the US version. They always claim that because the US version went on for so many seasons and the UK version was just two; that somehow makes the US version better. I think the opposite. I feel like the US version was dragged out. They beat a dead horse for what? Money? I cant think of any other reason. Even fans of the show that I know agree it went on for too long. Especially the romance. I know Americans like a happy ending but the marriage thing just ruined the awkward dynamic and sucked humour out of Pam and Jim's relationship. Tim and Dawn go togther at the end of the UK Office but we see nothing more There is an art to revealing things in TV shows and an art of hiding it; keeping the viewers guessing. The UK Office won outright at that for me.

With the UK Office, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant knew they were going to do two seasons and then get out, despite being offered a lot of money to do more. I like that integrity but it also helped the show in the long run. I feel like a sitcom should be a snapshot into a surreal world. A quick photograph or a peak through a window into a world that you grow to love and want more of. That's what keeps you coming back to watch the DVDs of it years later: there never seems to be enough. That's great. That shows that in a short time, the show achieved what it was meant to. It's that open and shut window that makes sitcoms so adored and nostalgic for more. The US Office is less of a window into their world and more of a reality TV show. One that never ends and covers every angle until nothing is left to the imagination and you feel like you know the characters better than you're Grandma. That doesn't make me nostalgic and it wont make me run back for more any time soon.

3) The Original vs The Copy

This isnt me just saying 'The 1st one is better.' There are plenty of shows that are re-makes or re-hashes of other shows and they do a lot better the parent version.

It's a different story with The Office though. As a screenwriter myself, my utlimate goal is to write something that truly breaks the mold. The UK Office did this. If the US Office 'opened doors' for similar shows to follow, then the UK Office blew it off the hinges. Each time I watch the UK Office, I have to remind myself that this came out in 2001. Thirteen years ago, there was nothing like this. Sure, there had been a couple of mocumentary shows dotted around (Spinal Tap, Alan Partridge) but nothing birthed the fly on the wall genre more than the UK Office. I rememeber my Dad watching it for the first time and not even knowing if it was real; thats how strange, realistic and totally new it was to the public.

On the other hand, the US version came out among the tidal wave of documentary that followed in the UK Office's wake and from the first episode, it feels like a sitcom. Of course, you might say: well it is a sitcom. True as that may be, The Office was never meant to feel like that. It originally created to showcase drab and painfully awkward people in an equally drab and soul sucking office. The UK Office does this from the first episode whereas the US Office just reminds me that it's talented, successful and happy Hollywood actors who are pretending to be anything but that. I know that's what they are, but it shouldn't be at the forefront of my mind after every scene.

I might be wrong. I might be bias. You might agree or disagree. That's great! It's a testimony to both shows that they create this kind of debate. If either one was truly awful, there wouldn't even be a discussion. You don't here people comparing the Italian version to the Brazilian one. I like the discussion and I'd love to hear how you feel (even if you're wrong) ...

TV Tuesday - Three British Shows You'll Love

As a matter of fact ...

Here in Canada, I often get asked what TV shows are like back home in the UK. Well, they're different. I love many shows from North America and all over Europe but British shows just have something to them; something unique I cant put my finger on.

This is most obvious in the comedy. Every time someone says to me 'You're British? Have you heard of this show called ...' it is usually a comedy show. I usually have seen it and then ask them if they've seen another show that is very similar. They shake their head. Although a fair amount of people here have seen British comedy shows, not many have seen more than a handful of the most popular ones.

If this sounds like you then fear not; I've come up with three British comedy shows you might not have heard of but will probably find very funny and thank me for it later. Wordy title I know. Here we go:

1) Peep show

Created by comedy duo David Mitchell and Robert Webb, this brilliant show lasted 11 years on British TV, finishing just this year. It follows the lives of housemates Jezz and Mark as they venture from their twenties to their thirties whilst trying to keep their head above water. 

Aside from the hilarious and often ridiculous scenarios they get themselves into, I find Jezz and Mark's relationship a shiny piece of comedy gold. Jezz has nothing to live for at times but lives twice as hard anyway whilst Mark has a comfortable job and life but is crippled by self doubt, pessimism and an attachment to Jezz that forever seems to bring him down. In reality, the pair are a perfect match. 


Their believable and relatable nature are only helped by the show's unique filming style, where the entire show is filmed from the eyes of the characters involved. You see what they see and it only makes it funnier.


With 8 series, there is a lot to get your teeth sunk into.




2) Father Ted

THIS IS NOT BRITISH. It is Irish. Just had to start by saying that. I couldn't leave it out though as it has been lovingly adopted by British people over the years and held up as the poster boy for what we find funny on this side of the pond.

This 90's show follows the antics of Father Ted, Father Dougal, Father Jack and Mrs Doyle as the inhabitants of a Catholic parochial house on the fictional Craggy Island. Ted, the self appointed leader, was moved to the Island after his gambling addiction landed him in the red. He's been trying to escape ever since.

Ted having to deal with his own problems is funny enough. However add in the dim witted Dougal, alcoholic Jack and straight up weird Mrs Doyle and you have a show that is as ridiculous as it is timeless. 

From hunting for the island's 'beast of the moors' to kicking a bishop up the arse; this show is as visually funny as the consistently witty dialogue. 

A must watch for those who want something different and love the absurd. 

3) Fawlty Towers

I mentioned my love for this show in this blog's first ever post and I don't care if I'm repeating myself: it is brilliant. Fronted by Monty Python's John Cleese as hotel owner Basil Fawlty, this 70's masterpiece is on another comedic level.

Fawlty Towers is a crummy hotel run by a crummy manager in the form of Basil Fawlty. He sees guests as a burden unless they're rich, he sees his wife as a killjoy in a loveless marriage and he sees his staff as incompetent despite the fact they repeatedly dig him out of his own holes.

As you can expect from one of the Python crew, the show is as slapstick as it is witty. Don't worry if you don't think slapstick is your thing, many people I've shown this show too said that at first. However they soon realise that it's not the physical comedy that makes the show: it's the buildup to it. Every episode will rip your sides apart watching these timeless characters try to plug the sinking ship that is Fawlty Towers.

With just two seasons to its name, you really have no excuse to not go and watch it right now.

So there you have it. Three shows you might not have heard of but will probably find very funny and thank me for it later. You're welcome. If you have any suggestions for similar shows, feel free to leave a comment! Happy viewing. 

TV Tuesday - Are The Simpsons Dead?

As a matter of fact ...

Last week I talked about Fawlty Towers; a show that lasted just two seasons. In contrast to this, I want to talk this week about a show that's been running for a whopping 25 seasons over as many years - The Simpsons. Yes that's right, your favourite yellow friends have been on the air now for a quarter of a century. Other shows have come and gone as The Simpsons marches on. 

I was watching one of the early seasons the other night and thought; what's their secret? How have Homer's family and the people of Springfield kept our attention for so long where others have failed? When did we fall in love with them and are we falling out of it?

It hasn't all been plain sailing from the start. Despite its huge fan base, The Simpsons has had fluctuating approval ratings to say the least. The graph to the right is taken from IMDB's rating database. As you can see, it's been wavering at 7/10 for the past 10 seasons now since its mid 90's 'golden' years. That's not bad. Not too shabby. However when you consider that this rating is lower than when it first came out, it makes you wonder: what happened? 

Some blame the writers, claiming that a show with so many collaborators over the years (including Conan O'Brien and Louis C.K) loses a part of its soul once they inevitability move onto other things. Others point at the voice acting for the same reasons. Although necessary for such a long running show, new voices mean a change that some fans just simply aren't comfortable with.

But I think both of these are just symptoms of a bigger problem, one that lies with the fans and not the show - nostalgia. Just like your momma used to make. When The Simpsons first aired it was undeniably groundbreaking. The format was new and the writers exploited this to its full potential; getting the public and the media buzzing every week. As the show moved on, this groundbreaking and innovate show became a staple of a TV viewer's diet. It was no longer shocking or new by any means. 

The Simpsons original strengths of being edgy, new and counterculture worked against them as the show became acceptable, older and part of the very culture it mocked each week. That's not to say The Simpsons doesn't still hit gold every once in a while but it is clearly not as biting or satirical as it used to be. 

Yet I still find it doesn't matter how long it's been since I last saw an episode. Those faces you remember as a kid have never changed. Those buildings, streets, characters and their personality have remained largely the same since its heyday and always bring back memories of childhood for me. Nostalgia is a two way street. It make you despise change but keep you helplessly glued to it anyway.



Whether you're a die hard follower or a distant fan like me, most people will always be drawn back to the familiarity of The Simpsons. Realistically, nobody watches The Simpsons to see the same cutting edge satire we grew to love in the beginning. We go back and watch it because it's a living part of our childhood right there on our screens.

We know this. The Simpsons knows this. They are sticking to their formula that got them to the 25 year mark. The world has changed around them including their viewers and they are still, undeniably, huge. With all this in mind, whose to say they don't make 50?

TV Tuesday - Fawlty Towers and Connie Booth

As a matter of fact ...

The popular 70's British TV series 'Fawlty Towers' was written by and starred John Cleese and Connie Booth. Though many may be familiar with the formers hand in the shows creation, Connie Booth is mostly only remembered for playing the ever resilient Polly Sherman.







On screen, she was the maid to Basil Fawlty's (John Cleese) farcically run hotel. Off screen, however, she was the co-writer and creator of the show. What may come as even more of a surprise is that she was married with a child to John Cleese when the show first aired in 1975.

By 1978, the couple had divorced but remained friends and continued to work on Fawlty Towers. The second series aired the following year.

Often overshadowed by her former husband, Connie Booth was an integral part to this sitcoms creation and success. Her acting, writing and commitment to the show even after her marriage dissolved, shows an integrity matched only by her on screen creation, Polly Sherman.