Ok, the knee-jerk answer is "there wasn't anything good on TV in 2004", and if you're just refering to the likes of "Who's Your Daddy" or "Marry a Midget" types of "reality shows" well, yeah.... that's just crap.
You have to look beyond the drek, and you can find a few bright spots.
Among the drama's, newcomers "Lost" and "House" shows that occasionally network TV can come up with something new. I still enjoy the entire "Law & Order" franchise and for my money the best news show on TV is MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann"
The really difficult find on TV though is for that rarest of breed, a truly FUNNY comedy.
On the networks' beside the occasional "The Simpsons" which unfortunately has seen better days, the only comedy standout is the excellent "Arrested Development" (given "Arrested Development's" low ratings, it proves once again that the majority of the American viewing audience are idiots.)
All of the above are very good shows and could easily win as Best of 2004, but for my choice, well... I cheated a bit. I choose the incredible BBC comedy, "The Office"
(Yes I realize this first appeared on the BBC a few years ago, but I didn't see either the first or second season until this year.)
A quick synopsis of "The Office":
Set in the offices of a fictional British paper merchant, The Office is filmed in the style of a reality television show. We follow several of the office workers annoying team leader Gareth, sweet receptionist Dawn, frustrated sales rep Tim and insufferable office manager David Brent.
It's a comedy with no obvious jokes, no punch lines and scenes that, quite frankly, are difficult to watch.
But that's what makes it so good.
There are only six episodes per season and only two seasons (plus a Christmas Special) so it doesn't get old or suffer with weak episodes. It leaves you wanting more.
Do yourself a favor, if you want to watch something that's more daring than your typical drab sit-com rent either season (or check it out on BBC America)
But do it quick, before NBC releases their version! (anyone remember the American version of "Fawlty Towers" starring Bea Arthur????
*shudder*
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment