Topic: Never Ending TV Marathon (short reviews)

[samuelrichardscott]

Glee: Season 1 Volume 1 (2009)

Overview:
A high-school Spanish teacher becomes the director of the school's Glee club, hoping to restore it to its former glory.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- The music is suprisingly good, even if it is extremely cheesy. Best song is "Imagine" with the deaf kids.
- Jane Lynch. This women is fantastic and her lines are comedy gold for the most part.
- It's pure escapism, pure and simple. Compared to the dark shows we have all become accustomed to in recent years, this is a shock to the senses.
Cons:
- Some of the cast are a bit ropey.
- Sometimes the writers really overdo it with trying to make the plot fitting around certain songs.
Overall:
Cheese of the highest order, but daft fun. Just don't let your mates know you enjoyed it! 3.5/5

[Tom]

Just don't let your mates know you enjoyed it! 3.5/5

Tell me about it 
I once let it slip that I enjoyed the songs of this series when talking to a colleague 

[samuelrichardscott]

My young cousin played Hannah Montana on my previous X-box. My mates saw it as being played because they are on my friends list and I still get ripped for it.

[samuelrichardscott]

James May's Big Ideas: The Complete Series (2008)

Overview:
Featuring mind-boggling ideas that could shape our future, join Top Gear's James May on a hugely fascinating and action-packed journey as he attempts to turn some of the world's most extraordinary ideas into reality....well, sort of!!

My Thoughts:
Made for the BBC's Open University educational series of programmes that play in the early hours of the morning, James May's Big Ideas is a very short series with just three episodes, each spanning a couple of minutes under an hour. James May is a very good host and brings that knowledge and searing wit with him from Top Gear. He's obviously extremely interested in each of the subjects (transportation, man and machines, renewable energies) but goes about informing the viewer in a way that is accessible to all. If you're a fan of these educational documentary shows then there are better out there, but this is still worth picking up. Recommended. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Primeval: Series 3 (2009)

Overview:
The Primevil team are back and Nick Cutter is fighting to re-focus his embattled team who are still reeling from Stephen's death and the scale of Helen's betrayal.
Cutter's crew are joined by some new recruits in the form of maverick policeman Danny Quinn, sparky Egyptologist Sarah Page, and the new leader of the ARC's security forces Captain Becker. But as the anomalies continue to present an unrelenting series of threats, the task in hand seems almost impossible.
With events getting even wilder, creatures steeped in ancient folklore begin to make an appearance and it becomes clear that the origins of myths and legends are linked with the mysterious anomalies. But it's not just deadly creatures the team has to contend with, the cloak of secrecy behind which they have been working is beginning to slip and questions are being asked as the conspiracy spreads it's net wide.
And as deadlier creatures continue to rampage through the anomalies - the team faces a threat to the future of not just the ARC bit of mankind itself.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- They killed off the one character I dislike (see spoiler).
- I love the way they've thrown mythology and history into the mix.
- Some good new characters that have fitted into the dynamics well, particularly Quinn.
Cons:
- It didn't have as good a conclusion to the series as series 1 and 2 both had.
- Why doesn't Juliet Aubrey who plays Helen Cutter get as much screen time as she deserves, especially when her character is so integral to the overall show?
Overall:
If you enjoyed previous series, you'll enjoy this one. 4/5

(click to show/hide)

Cutter

[samuelrichardscott]

American Dad!: Volumes 1-7 (2005-2012)

Overview:
Defend your right to laugh out loud with this American Dad! collection that’s bulging with pride and bursting at the seams. With all seven outrageous volumes on 21 discs--that’s over 100 episodes, plus more special features than you can wave a flag at--it’s the ultimate weapon of mass distraction. So come join the party with Stan, Francine, Hayley, Steve, Roger and Klaus in American Dad!

My Thoughts:
Family Guy is my favourite animated show of all time. It's much more consistent than The Simpsons, Futurama and King of the Hill and I've never found South Park even remotely funny. With American Dad coming from the same mind as Family Guy I definately looked forward to this set when I started working through it some months ago and although it isn't as good as Family Guy or The Simpsons, it is still worth checking out. The one thing that stops American Dad from getting a higher score from me is that due to the set-up of the CIA working father, a lot of the storylines focus on reasonably similar settings instead of being a bit more varied. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Bones: Season 5 (2009-2010)

Overview:
Get more of Booth and Bones while they pursue each other and murderous criminals in exclusive extended episodes. Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) are back for more mystery, murder and mayhem in Season Five of Bones. Relying on Brennan's unparalleled scientific abilities and Booth's streetwise instincts, the sexy, crime-solving duo and their team face everything from modern-day witches to murdered rock'n'rollers as they scramble for evidence to stop a gruesome serial killer. This spectacular new season brings a wedding, the show's landmark 100th episode and decisions Bones and Booth must make that could change their lives... forever.

My Thoughts:
Apart from the London based fiasco of season four, I have enjoyed practically every minute of Bones and this hasn't changed with a viewing of season five. Again, this procedral show is different to the usual CSI/NCIS/Law & Order show because it revolves around the bones of victims. The special effects of the victims are absolutely fantastic, such as the skin falling off a dead guy in an Aston Martin, the cast are brilliant, and the interaction and relationships of the characters done very well (though I wish Booth/Brennan would just hurry up - I know it's coming!). Also, Sweets has really started to settle in as an integral cast member, the various squints are a lot of fun and can add a whole new dynamic to an episode and we got Stephen Fry back for a short while. Best episode? Episode 21, The Boy with an Answer in which we get the court case of The Gravedigger. Highly recommended. 4.5/5

[DSig]

Another great series, Bones has very seldom let me down.  I really thought the 'London' episodes were fun.

But when they started to get serious about each other is when the show started losing it's edge.  This is something that really changes lots of shows.

[samuelrichardscott]

Teachers: Series 3 (2003)

Overview:
Kurt, Brian, Penny, Matt and Lindsay are the teachers no parent would want teaching their kids. And they’re back for a new 13 part series that sees them making friends, falling out, trying to figure out the opposite sex, smoking in the playground… and dealing with lippy pupils. It’s business as usual for the young teachers specialising in immaturity rather than the traditional subjects. Brian and Kurt are still dreaming of getting laid, and they’ve met their match with new biology teacher Lindsay – she can drink a pint in 1.3 seconds, she likes curry and she can out-blunt any of the boys! Back in the photocopier room, Matt (married with kids) and Penny have managed to find the perfect work/play balance and are enjoying some extra curricular activity of their own. And what of everyone’s favourite teacher who quit teaching to go travelling in the last series? Andrew Lincoln returns as Simon, and he doesn’t receive the welcome he had hoped for when he surprises! his old mates.

My Thoughts:
Series three of teachers removes several of the main cast members, Jenny, Susan and, most importantly, Simon (played by Andrew Lincoln - The Walking Dead), who has gone travelling around the world. Although Simon makes a short comeback, we do of course have a new teacher in Lindsay, a Geordie lass who can drink them all under the table. The new teachers and old teachers gel quite well but the chemistry that was there with the original cast would be missing if not for Brian, Kurt and Bob. The writing is quite strong and there are no poor episodes, but none that really shine through either. Overall, you'll probably enjoy this if you liked the first two series, just maybe not as much. Just squeaking the .5 to get recommended. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

My Name Is Earl: Season 1 (2005)

Overview:
Earl's (Lee) life has been full of poor choices and mistakes. Upon discovering that he is the holder of a winning ticket, Earl is hit by a car and the ticket blows out of his limp hand as he lies unconscious in the street. While recovering in the hospital and watching television, Earl has a karmic epiphany, thanks to Carson Daly, who attributes his success to doing good for others. A light bulb goes off in Earl's dim head and he sets out to right every wrong he has done.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- The guest stars are great. In the first season the two best were definately Juliette Lewis and Jon Favreau.
- The use of flashbacks is done well without becoming pointless time fillers.
- Some of the humour is quite dark but never feels misplaced.
Cons:
- Some of the characters need a little more screen time to develop. Mainly Darnell and Catalina.
Overall:
I look forward to picking up season 2. Recommended. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Primeval: Series 4 (2011)

Overview:
It's one year on and following the death of Johnson, the ARC has been shaken by the long-term disappearance of Abby, Connor and team leader Danny. The government has appointed entrepreneurial-scientist Philip Burton to take charge of the operation, with a brand new building and new team. Ex-soldier and zoologist Matt, the highly efficient if unconventional Jess, the mysterious Gideon and anomaly-travelling Ethan all join the team, but are they ready for the challenges ahead?
As Connor and Abby finally escape the terrifying creatures of the Cretaceous to an uncertain welcome back at the ARC, Danny continues to fight his way through a Pliocene age Rift Valley, desperate to return to the team with a vital secret that will change their whole outlook. With a new team and new creature threats, the ARC team are facing their toughest challenges yet…

My Thoughts:
After debate and mass petitioning by fans, ITV finally agreed to join the BBC and Impossible Pictures in financing a further two series of Primeval which started with this series. Connor and Abby are still around, as is James, but series four introduces many new twists and characters including one from the past, one from the future and one we found out about from a previous episode concerning Danny. There is even a brief return of an old member of the ARC team. Add these new character developments in with anamolies and the creatures and you get another fun set of episodes. Recommended. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Glee: Season 1 Volume 2 (2009-2010)

Overview:
A high-school Spanish teacher becomes the director of the school's Glee club, hoping to restore it to its former glory.

My Thoughts:
The second half of the first season develops some of the characters really well, especially my favourite character Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) who is really a kind person on the inside and not just the vindictive selfish bitch that everyone thinks she is. The music is again very good throughout and we get some really good guest stars including Neil Patrick Harris, Olivia Newton John and the return of Josh Groban. The very bright cheery feel isn't for everybody, but I've enjoyed it more than I had any right to and have already ordered season 2. Recommended. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

That Mitchell and Webb Look: Series 1 (2006)

Overview:
Does Numberwang mean anything to you? Relive the entire hilarious series 1 of That Mitchell and Webb Look on DVD from October. The DVD is bursting with well loved characters such as Sir Digby Chicken Ceasar, Angel Summoner and BMX Bandit as well exclusive extras including, outtakes, behind the scenes and an M&W documentary. A must for any fans of Mitchell & Webb and the hit series Peep show.

My Thoughts:
Like with any sketch show, That Mitchell and Webb Look is hit and miss throughout. The big hits for me were Sir Digby Chicken Ceasar who is a homeless drunk version of Sherlock Holmes with the segments filmed in a similar style to that of the opening ten minutes of Trainspotting, and Angel Summoner/BMX Bandit who are unfortunately underused. Numberwang is horribly overdone and not funny and is the biggest miss for a recurring sketch. Joining Mitchell & Webb, we also have Olivia Coleman who also stars in Mitchell and Webb's much superior Peep Show. Slightly more hit than miss, I've already ordered series two to see how the humour develops. Rent it. 3/5

[samuelrichardscott]

My Name Is Earl: Season 2 (2006-2007)

Overview:
The complete second season of the popular US comedy series starring Jason Lee as Earl. He's still trying to do good for others and make up for past transgressions. Episodes comprise: 'Very Bad Things (1)', 'Jump For Joy (2)', 'Sticks & Stones', 'Larceny Of A Kitty Cat', 'Van Hickey', 'Made A Lady Think I Was God', 'Mailbox', 'Robbed A Stoner Blind', 'Born a Gamblin' Man', 'South of the Border Part Uno', 'South of the Border Part Dos', 'Our 'Cops' is On', 'Buried Treasure', 'Kept A Guy Locked In A Truck', 'Foreign Exchange Student', 'Blow', 'The Birthday Party', 'Guess Who's Coming Out of Joy', 'Harassed A Reporter', 'Two Balls, Two Strikes', 'G.E.D.', 'Get a Real Job' and 'The Trial'.

My Thoughts:
Season 2 of My Name Is Earl is essentially more of the same except it feels a little more polished and better structured. Characters are starting to develop, storylines are ongoing throughout several episodes (2.20 and 2.21 where Earl goes back to school and gets a job are my favourites so far) and the laughs come faster. The guest stars here are also brilliant, especially Burt Reynolds and Marlee Matlin. Whilst I may have merely recommended season 1, I highly recommend season 2. 4.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

ER: Season 4 (1997/1998)

Overview:
The season was originally broadcast in 1997/98 with developments including a new baby, an engagement and an emotional visit home. Maria Bello and British actress Alex Kingston joined the cast creating explosive new stories. Episodes are: 'Ambush', 'Something New', 'Friendly Fire', 'When the Bough Breaks', 'Good Touch', 'Bad Touch', 'Ground Zero', 'Fathers and Sons', 'Freak Show', 'Obstruction of Justice', 'Do You See What I See?', 'Think Warm Thoughts', 'Sharp Relief', 'Carter's Choice', 'Family Practice', 'Exodus', 'My Brother's Keeper', 'A Bloody Mess', 'Gut Reaction', 'Shades of Gray', 'Of Past Regret and Future Fear', 'Suffer the Little Children' and 'A Hole in the Heart'.

My Thoughts:
Season 4 is the best season of ER so far in my opinion. The characters are now very well developed, and then they can still surprise you with storylines that include Clooney and Edwards going West after Clooney's Dad kills himself, his girlfriend and a father of six drink driving and Wyle's cousin's downfall as a junkie and then ultimately vegetable. The new characters played by Alex Kingston and Maria Bello fit in well and have both developed quickly and some of the supporting cast members are now getting more screentime, although my favourite character Jerry didn't get as much after blowing up the ER! Season 4 comes highly recommended. 4.5/5