Antwar Saloon

[Deckard]

Because MI-5 (Spooks in UK) is such a spectacular show and Top Gear is the best show of its kind in history, I've been giving BBC shows a lot of chances. There are quite a few clunkers, but Wire in the Blood is fantastic.

WitB follows Dr. Tony Hill, a criminal psychologist, as he helps the detectives of the fictitious city of Bradfield, England track down a string of serial killers. Granted, that one town would have so many serial killers stretches credulity, but look what happens in Dexter and we don't complain. This series is superbly written and skillfully acted. Robson Green plays Tony Hill to the nines. Hill is a quirky, sorta Columbo-esque character in that he talks to himself and comes across as unassuming and harmless to everyone. Therefore his is constantly, and believably, underestimated. Hermione Norris of the later MI-5 episodes does duty in the first few seasons as the detective who comes to rely on Tony increasingly and we get that whole awkward sexual tension thing that annoys me but keeps my wife ridiculously interested. I watch to see what twisted shit is coming next and she watches to see if they're gonna do it finally. Regardless, Wire in the Blood is something I can whole heartedly recommend. The gore is shockingly gruesome and utterly realistic as well, and made more effective by the genuinely human reactions portrayed by the actors. Green's portrayal of Dr. Tony Hill is one of the finest characterization I have ever seen.

As to be expected, the modern marvel of our time Netflix has every season up on instant. Some pointers:
1) The first season has two episodes under each "play" button. Let the credits roll after the first one and you'll see what I mean. I didn't figure it out and I skipped to the next episode, which didn't continue the storyline. Weird. Anyway, watch for it. Netflix has one play button for each episode form Season 2 onward, so no problem there.
2) Skip the movie stand-alone where Tony comes to America. It's atrocious. Robson Green needed a paycheck on this one.
3) There is a jarring shift with the cast after season 3. The first episode there is not so hot. Give it a chance, it gets good again.
4) Finally, the bad news is that the jackoffs at ITV cancelled WitB after the sixth season (2008), so once they're gone, they're gone.

This show is everything CSI could be if the writers were better. The inventive camera work and superlative acting are up to the normal BBC standards plus some. Watch it and thank me.
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"I've done . . . questionable things. Nothing the God of biomechanics wouldn't let you into heaven for." -Roy Batty

[AUSKAR]

I remember watching Wire in the Blood and liking it. But I also remember getting it mixed up with Touching Evil which I liked better, starring the same British actor (Robson Green).

Touching Evil was also a short-lived American series starring Jeffrey Donavon. He is now in Burn Notice.

By the way, I like Fiona and Sam on that show (Gabrielle Anwar and Bruce Campbell). Those two should have their own show.
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Visit my web site at LloydDistrict.com.

[Axeminister]

I really liked Touching Evil as well. I think it lasted about a week. =(

Deck, you ever watch Torchwood? It's a Dr. Who spin off, but completely different types of shows.

Axe

[Deckard]

No, I haven't. Is this a hot tip? I've had my cursor hovering over Torchwood's play button more than once. Right now I'm powering through The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 1. Shockingly good.
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"I've done . . . questionable things. Nothing the God of biomechanics wouldn't let you into heaven for." -Roy Batty

[Axeminister]

Yeah, Torchwood is pretty good. I was surprised by how not like Dr. Who it is. They separated themselves pretty early. The only episode I didn't like much was the second one, but I believe they made it to shock people. If you decide to check it out, you'll see what I mean.

You might want to check out the first season of Dr Who first. Well, they call it the first season, but it's like the 24th. Anyway, it's the one from 2005. First episode titled "Rose". It introduces the character Jack who is the leader of Torchwood, but it's not necessary.

The only thing you really need to know is Jack spends several episodes with the Dr. and something happens to him he wants the Dr. to explain. But because the Dr. travels through time, Jack doesn't know if/when he'll ever see him again.

Axe

[AUSKAR]

I didn't like Torchwood. I did like Sarah Conner, but only because River (Summer Glau) was the good Terminator. That way there is a perspective. Torchwood was too "fakey."
_________________
Visit my web site at LloydDistrict.com.

[Axeminister]

I've been watching WitB pretty steady now.

Thanks for the tip.

And don't listen to Terry about Torchwood... If you like these Brit shows you'll dig that one.

Axe