There's been a slew of Edwards-related diaries over the last 24 hours, and of course we're deep in the general election stuff. How about a little change of pace.
What TV shows that are no longer around or are out on lesser watched channels (broadcast or cable) would you like to recommend people check out? So many are out on DVD that's it's easy to go back and discover some gems that never really got a chance or were canceled for reasons not related to ratings (that does happen on occasion). Or I can think of some shows from, say, Canada or the UK that people might want to check out.
I'll start the ball rolling with a few favorites of mine.
- Dead Like Me: a former Showtime series about an 18 yr old young woman who is killed by a toilet seat from a Russian satellite that has broken up and fallen down to earth. Rather than going onto the great beyond she meets a group of "Reapers"- grim reapers to be exact who aren't necessarily grim and don't walk around in long robes with hoods and don't carry sickles. Ultimately she becomes a reaper herself and begins to learn a lot about herself. While this is going on there's a parallel story line about her surviving family and how they're family dynamic changes after her death. I love this show. From what I've learned it had good ratings on Showtime, but it sounds like behind the scenes politics had a lot to do with it getting pulled. Really a shame. Both seasons are available on DVD. Also, there is a direct to DVD movie coming out in early '09. If there is a good response to this, they may look into bringing it back somehow for an extended run. Very dark humor, with moments that are very moving and touching. I can't say enough about this show. Ful disclosure- it took me several episodes to get into this show, but after about 4 episodes I found I was completely hooked.
Find out more about the show here:
Dead Like Me
- Miracles: OK, now I'm going to get a little lazy and cut and paste a bit to explain the show:
God Is Coming...
Paul Callan (Skeet Ulrich, Scream) is an investigator of modern miracles. While consistently disappointing hopeful believers by finding simple explanations for "miraculous phenomena", Paul finds his own faith sorely tested.
Then something happens.
While investigating Tommy Ferguson, a young boy with the power to heal, Paul is given a new lease on life, literally. An accident puts Paul near death, and Tommy uses his power to save him – but Tommy pays for this miracle with his life. Just before this happens, they both see the words "God Is Now Here" written in Paul's blood.
Read the rest here:
Miracles
This show really got a raw deal in my opinion. Well written and genuinely creepy. It had the mis-fortune to come in in '03 as a mid season replacement RIGHT before we went into Iraq. Thus it kept getting preempted by coverage of "our glorious campaign" to bring democracy to Iraq. It got canned after about 6 episodes. The entire 1 season is on DVD. I highly recommend it.
Finally I'll suggest "The Industry" or as it is known in Canada, "Made in Canada". Again I'll have to cut and paste:
Made in Canada is a program about the trials of a Canadian media company (Pyramid / Prodigy Productions). The show is incredibly satirical, and extremely funny. Made In Canada airs on CBC, and was airing on Bravo in the US under the name "The Industry"
This show ran on Wisconsin Public Television for a couple of it's seasons and my wife and I were devoted fans. Truly a hilarious show. Real biting satire directed at the television industry. The first season is on DVD, but for some strange reason no other seasons have ever come out as far as I know. Any Canadian Kossaks want to comment on why this may be?
Some info about the show here:
Made in Canada
I hope others join in for a Saturday afternoon diversion.