165 Eaton Place in the 21st Century

“This is not a remake but a completely new version, set in a different era with a whole new cast of characters.” That quote, in itself, from Piers Wenger, head of drama at  BBC Wales, makes me really wish it was 2011 already when the new Upstairs Downstairs comes to PBS’ Masterpiece series to celebrate their […]

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Stars would align for Vicar of Dibley return

The stars definitely would align, but, in this case, so must the writer. In a recent interview, James Fleet (Hugo Horton) revealed he would return to Vicar of Dibley should the opportunity arise. Fleet mentioned the same sentiment earlier this Spring when we interviewed both he and Trevor Peacock for the upcoming PBS special on […]

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Have I mentioned MI-5 is better than 24 recently?

Spoiler alert – if you haven’t seen any of season 7 of MI5 (Spooks) don’t read on. For those of you that have seen or are in the middle of an unbelievably gripping season 7 on public television stations nationwide, you no doubt are aware of Lucas North’s return to the safe confines of MI5 from […]

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Robin Hood vs. Robin Hood

Ok, yes, one was directed by Ridley Scott, stars Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and William Hurt and probably had a budget well beyond 10 times the other one. The other, the BBC series from Tiger Aspect, stars Richard Armitage (MI5, Vicar of Dibley) as Sir Guy of Gisborne and Irish-born Jonas Armstrong as Robin of […]

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US v. UK – a view from the 'other side of the pond'

Debra Craine with the TimesOnline opens the debate as to “Who Owns the Small Screen Now?” by asserting that, quite possibly, the Americans are winning the battle. One quick note, she’s talking solely about British vs. American drama here, not comedy. While I can agree with some of what she says when citing the likes […]

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Death at a Funeral – Netflix queue alert

This weekends release of the Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence film, Death at at Funeral, just firmly puts the ball on the tee and gives me yet another opportunity to rant once more about American remakes of British comedies. The new film, which also stars Danny Glover and Tracy Morgan has a chance based on cast […]

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What ever happened to…

We all know our favorite British comedy stars for just that…being our favorite British comedy stars. For many, however, there’s been an entire lifetime of roles and, well, life, since that classic series we all watch over and over. Just to catch you up on a few favorites as to what they are doing now: […]

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The 39 Steps on PBS vs. Closing ceremonies – no choice

Ok, I know the Olympic closing ceremonies are on tonight. But, there will be another closing ceremonies in 4 years, so it’s time for you to take a stand, DVR it, and then watch the newest adaptation of The 39 Steps instead. The show airs as part of the Masterpiece series tonight (Sunday) at 8:00pm CT […]

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MI5, Hustle, Life on Mars – what's next?

Post, post BBC Showcase random thoughts…. Kudos Film & Television, the producers of MI5 (Spooks), Hustle, Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, have just been commissioned by BBC One to make a futuristic drama, Outcasts. Set in 2040 and created by Ben Richards, the eight-part series that follows a group of people setting up […]

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Screenings and Sherlock in the 21st Century

Day two – more screening, more wind, rain and cold weather, then more screening. Another 10 hours of screening yesterday which means another opportunity to see some of the best television being produced today. Some highlights from the day: Hustle – from the producers of MI5 (Spooks) and Life on Mars, comes a really great […]

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