Remains Of Last Year

I was meant to actually do this TV jumble earlier in the week when it was still 2013, but I got distracted by other things, so here it is at last ...

Downton Abbey: As much as I still massively enjoy this show and have every intention of watching the fifth series, I can't help feeling that the writing is seriously beginning to lack at times now. 2012's Christmas special wasn't exactly brilliant but at least with Matthew's death and the birth of baby George, it felt like something actually happened. Here, nothing apart from Edith giving birth offscreen and coming up with an overly complicated plot to stay in her baby's life actually happened. Rose's coming out ball was pretty much meh as was the attempts of a Royal scandal and while Harold and Martha were fairly enjoyable guest characters, they didn't really do much that was truly memorable. And that's not mentioning the frustration with other plots being dangled about as well. A shame because this should've been a great one.

Death Comes To Pemberley: The BBC and their costume dramas, eh? You're never far away from them and while I wouldn't say this was the best one they've ever done, it was very well done and nicely spread out over three nights during the Christmas period. The not very praised sequel to Pride & Prejudice managed to translate slightly better onscreen than it did in book form but that was mainly down to the stellar cast in question. Hats off to Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin who made a better job of the source material and gave a delightful performance throughout the three episodes. The supporting cast were pretty decent as well, but it really was Rhys and Martin who shone the most here.

Him And Her: The Wedding: It's amazing that in the space of four series from the BBC3 comedy I went from being coldly indifferent to the series to oddly gripping to slightly disappointed by the ending of it. Which is a shame because for the most part, I do actually think they managed to keep the pace of Laura and Paul's wedding going for five episodes and it was a wedding that would've made the Red Wedding look like a tea party in comparison. That being said though, I just found the ending rather unsatisfying and I kind of felt it derailed some of the growth that Paul was actually displaying as a character too. It also didn't help that Becky and Steve virtually became bit players in their own show as well. Overall, while it wasn't the worst ending to the series, it really could've been a lot better too.

Mrs Brown's Boys: Is it wrong that I get a perverse pleasure in the fact that the critics scorn at this show and it continues to top the UK ratings? Probably but I seriously do not care. While the Christmas special wasn't as funny as the 2012 ones, the New Year's episode was one of the funniest they've done in some time. It's a shame we'll have to wait until the summer for the movie version and even longer for a fourth series but these episodes were nice enough to have until then. I can see why this show might not be for everyone but it's a hell of a lot more funnier than other sitcoms at the moment and I love that it continues to perform well in the ratings as well.

- There's rumours of another Marvel spin-off being in the works. This time one focusing on Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter and will be titled Agent Carter.
- Vince Gilligan's character in Community will come between Annie and Abed when he appears on the show.
- Luke Grimes has exited True Blood and the role of James will be recast.
- Game Of Thrones was the most pirated show of 2013.
- The second season of The Americans will return to FX on February 26th.
- Josh Peck will be playing an archenemy of Stuart in an upcoming episode of The Big Bang Theory.
- Nick Nolte has been cast in Gracepoint, playing the role that David Bradley did in Broadchurch. Elsewhere Josh Hamilton will be playing the husband to Anna Gunn's character.
- Tina Fey's comedy set in a women's college has been given the greenlight by FOX.

Festive Treats

Christmas might be nearly over but here's a look at some of the other programmes I managed to watch over the last few weeks.

Downton Abbey: Okay - who didn't see Matthew's death coming? Seriously, even if you were unable about the hemming and hawing with Dan Stevens involvement with the show, then the fact that creator Julian Fellowes is incapable of subtlety surely didn't help matters? In the space of two hours during the only non Christmassy Christmas special going, Mary gave birth to a baby boy and lost a husband while the servants attended a fair, we've gained Rose for all of next season and well, not much else aside from Branson being made feel slightly embarrassed about his new position by Edna. The special wasn't quite as awful as some critics have made out but it was certainly lacking something.

Him And Her: I enjoyed pretty much all of the third series and this little one off special was also a lot of fun as well. A fun, simple solid way of enjoying Christmas with a nice emotional centre as Steve and his father had some catching up time together while Laura proved that she can even make karaoke ten times more painful than it usually is. On the down side, the lack of fall out from the previous episode bothered me a bit though.

Homeland: Um, the last two episodes weren't as good as I'd hope they would be to be honest. While I do think the second season has been enjoyable, I am beginning to wonder if logically this show can really sustain itself for a third season and beyond. Even the finale, while hugely enjoyable seemed like it could've ultimately been a series ender for the show as a whole (with some tweaking). That being said, at least we've seperated Carrie and Brody for a bit and next season with Saul could be very interesting as well.

Merlin: The final three episodes of this show really did seem to hurtle towards a rushed conclusion. Why did the writers wait until literally the last minute to reveal everything? I think my apathy towards the show has made some of the deaths we got in the last episode in particular less moving as well (I only cared about Gwaine and Mordred - Arthur and Morgana, not so much) and it really feels that after five series, the writers didn't really live up to the promise of Merlin actually making a difference at all. Maybe I need to watch these episodes again. I might not feel as disappointed as I did.

Mrs Brown's Boys: This will never go down as a politically correct show but with RTE1 due to air the third series tonight, I have to admit the two-part Christmas special was a lot of ridiculous fun. Only this show would make a holy shambles of the nativity, only for Maria to salvage it with a version of A Spaceman Came Travelling. Without a doubt, one of the funniest things to air all over the Christmas period. You might not want Agnes Brown as your mammy but she's certainly a riot to watch.

- Charlene McKenna will be guest starring in the final series of Skins. Her role hasn't been revealed yet.
- Ashley Fink will be reprising her role as Lauren Zizes for an upcoming episode of Glee.
- Mockingbird Lane has not been picked up by NBC.
- Happy Endings and Apartment 23 will be moving to Sundays now, following the cancellation of 666 Park Avenue.
- Leverage has been cancelled after five seasons.
- Game Of Thrones is the most pirated show of 2012.
- Julian Morris will be returning soon as Prince Philip in Once Upon A Time.
- Allen Leech will have a bigger role in the upcoming fourth series of Downton Abbey, following the departure of Dan Stevens.

Slay Bells

Yes, this one is a little Christmas themed, but hey, appropriate given that we're a few days away from the big day itself.

American Horror Story: Asylum: I've been loving the sheer craziness of this season and with the Bloody Face reveals, the role reversal with Sister Jude as well as the deadly partnership with both Arden and Sister Mary Eunice but more importantly, Lana really is coming across as our main protagonist, especially with escaping the hands of a madman and even interacting with the angel of death (as did Grace and Jude) and the Christmas episode was certainly a joy to watch with Ian McShane as a deliciously twisted Santa in his own way. I can't wait to see where the last five episodes go.

Glee: Not the greatest selection of episodes. Even I am beginning to think that the show's balancing act between the newbies at McKinley and the old gang isn't working so well. Also, everytime we see someone like Santana, Quinn or Puck, I realise how much I miss them more as characters and it hasn't helped that Marley's eating disorder plotline hasn't been particularly well handled either. And did we really need something else for Kurt to be upset by? I really hope they don't get rid of Burt but I am glad that Blaine has taken a little backseat in the last few episodes.

Him & Her: I've been watching all of the third series (and am looking forward to the Christmas special on Sunday) and this show really has become a lot better than when it first began. Sure, Laura's nastiness has escalated since her pregnancy, Paul's suddenly got a secret life and Steve took a whole six episodes to actually propose to Becky but having the usually shy Shelley verbally annihilate Laura has been one of my favourite moments from the show so far. I don't know if this show will get picked up for a fourth series but I'm starting to hope it will now.

Misfits: This show really has improved. The last few episodes have been inspired and added a renewed sense of fun and mischief in the series, while neatly introducing Abbey who really does work a treat as a character. The finale did kill off Nadine a little too quickly for my liking and it might have been nice to have had more with the four cyclists of the apocalypse but they were better than the tedium of Jess/Alex/Finn and it's nice that Nadine managed to show a softer side to Rudy as well. Looking forward to seeing where this show goes next year.

The Vampire Diaries: I've enjoyed the last set of episodes, even to the point where the idea of an Elena/Damon relationship bothers me far less than it seems to with Stefan and Caroline. On the flip side, while it was nicely have a weirdly gory Christmas episode, would it hurt the show just once to actually have a scheme against Klaus succeed? And the fact that he decided to bump off Tyler's mother only makes me dislike him that tiny bit more but at least April and Hayley managed to get moments to surprise and I'm quite liking the Silas and Jeremy storylines this season as well.

- Rose McGowen has been cast as a younger version of Cora for an upcoming episode of Once Upon A Time.
- Chloe Bennett has become the final cast member added to Joss Whedon's upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. She'll play a superhero obsessed agent named, Skye.
- Showtime's The Vatican will explore the inner workings of the Catholic Church and it's pilot will be directed by Ridley Scott.
-The CW are doing a version of Robin Hood called Sherwood focusing on a female vigilante who teams up with Robin and his Merry Men.
- Fringe's series finale will be simulcast in the UK on Sky1 (1.10am) the same night US viewers can see it on FOX. It airs on January 19th.
- Davis Zayas will be appearing in the upcoming Kevin Bacon series, The Following as Tyson, a former operative who is friends with Bacon's character.
- Rosie O'Donnell will be making a cameo appearance in Smash.
- Oliver Kieron Jones will be playing a love interest for Kurt in the second half of Glee's fourth season. UK viewers can catch the new series at Sundays 8pm on Sky1 from January 6th.

Here Piggy Piggy

And here's a blog covering some of the stuff I've been watching over the last few weeks.

American Horror Story: Hmm, this show is continuing to interest me, even if I'm having a little bit of a hard time actually liking the main characters. The Halloween two parter, introducing us to murdered gay couple, Chad and Patrick was interesting, Luke the security is the nicest character we've probably met on the show, Hayden's batshit crazy in death and Tate's secret of murdering a bunch of students in the 1990's felt horribly in character for that guy. Why Violet is willing to give him a chance after knowing that is baffling. And as for Addy's death and the Piggy, Piggy legend - those were things I didn't expect. Vivian's baby being potentially evil though - yeah, who wouldn't have seen that coming?

Glee: This show has had an odd set of weeks. From absolutely deserved criticism over the mishandling in parts of Santana's coming out to the rather quick way of dealing with Quinn's vendetta towards Shelby, it's fair to see why people have criticised the writing for the show but there have been some enjoyable moments. The Christmas special for all it's cheesiness was the slice of feel good banter the show's needed for a while and I can't help but enjoy Kurt's verbal smackdown of the odious Sebastian as well, even if the writers love affair with Blaine is beginning to do harm to the show. Oh and Sam returned but honestly, it actually felt like he never left in the first place though.

Him And Her: An interesting set of episodes. It's amazing how I've gone from being rather unimpressed with the series when it started to actively enjoying it's second run. I think it's the cast whose flourished the most because the writing hasn't changed dramatically. Even the finale, which introduced Steve's annoying ex and could've easily split him and Becky for a bit ultimately decided not to go down that path. Still, there was at least one episode where I felt bad for Dan and Laura managed to utilise that bitchy streak of hers in a good way. Interesting that both of those things came directly from the unpleasant Anita.

Merlin: Oh dear, this show has had some strange episodes over the last four weeks. The worst ones have involved Elyan talking to ghosts and Arthur with another almost love interest in Mithian. Fortunately, the use of magic and Lancelot meant that Morgana finally had one successful plan with tearing Arthur and Gwen apart and the season finale tradition of invading Camelot managed to deliver a solid episode that also managed to introduce both Tristan and Isolde. Here's hoping the last episode will rid us of the tedious Agravaine while we're at it.

Misfits: This show has been hitting it out of the ballpark for the last few weeks now. Coma patients taking over Kelly's body, Rudty nearly having his wang removed, Simon/Alisha's relationship still a solid point and even Curtis/Melissa getting pregnant. All of that obsolete to the sheer madness of zombie cheerleaders in last week's episode and tonight's finale looks similarly mad as well. TV would be a duller place without this bonkers show, wouldn't it?

- Amy Acker will be guest starring in an upcoming episode of Once Upon A Time as a love interest for Grumpy and Leroy.
- Gloria Estefan has been booked to play Santana's mother in an upcoming episode of Glee. Ricky Martin will also play a Spanish teacher in a seperate episode.
- Michael C. Hall has recently stated that he doesn't believe things can end well for Dexter.
- Jane Fonda will appear in Aaron Sorkin's new drama, Newsroom, which will air on HBO in 2012.
- William Devane has signed up for two episodes of ABC's Revenge, playing Grayson patriarch, Edward.
- The identity of the mysterious A will finally be revealed in the second season finale of Pretty Little Liars, due to air in March.

A Geek Joke Too Far

Sorry, I know I was meant to get this done during the weekend, but I ended up getting caught up with some other things but here's my second TV jumble.

Grey's Anatomy: I've always had a love/hate relationship with this show - the actors are brilliant but the characters are often badly/inanely written and most of the time, this show comes across as chick-lit set in a hospital. If the first few episodes of the eighth season are anything to go, by maybe it's time ABC decided to bring this show to an end because the episode where a bunch of geeks attending a sci-fi conversation had every offensive cliche chucked out for any geek's belittlement. Thanks, Shonda Rhymes. You really are the producers who keeps on giving - rubbish!

Him And Her: This show has started to improve quite massively, despite the fact that apart from Steve and Becky, I actually don't like most of the other characters. Laura and Paul especially are two horrible individuals, who I wouldn't mind chucking in front of a bus and Dan is the type of person I hope I'd never have for a neighbour. Actually, only poor Shelly seems the most sympathetic character from the entire show and she seems to be belittled (mostly by Laura) at nearly every turn. Still, the episodes surrounding Steve and Becky's parents and a fight between Paul and some unseen fella does show that the quality of the show has picked up from it's less than impressive first year.

Pan Am: This show can't seem to do right for doing wrong. Not only does it look like it's going to be a one season wonder for ABC, but most critics seem to be taking joy in pointing out that it's not as good as Mad Men (I can think of 20 shows more enjoyable than that one). The last two episodes centring on the girls antics in both Berlin and Jakarta were amusing though. I'm going to enjoy this show while it lasts. I have to catch up with episodes five and six on Thursday.

The X Factor: Damn it, Janet. You leave and I feel bad for you. I blame Twitter. Some people are a bit too nasty (and no, Alan Sugar, contestants aren't axed because you don't like them) on there but like Craig the week before, Janet messed up and unfortunately for herself got the boot in the process. So I guess, it's gonna be a Marcus or a Little Mix win. Misha B might be talented but I can see her going next week and I'm not sure if Amelia can win (though she's a dead cert for the last week).

- Justin Hartley will be guest starring in the same episode of Castle as Hilarie Burton, playing her character's boyfriend.
- Hart Of Dixie will air for UK viewers on Really while Alcatraz will air on Watch. Both shows will air over here in early 2012.
- Will Young, Jessie J, Will I Am and Tom Jones are rumoured to be the judging panel for the UK version of The Voice, set to air in January 2012.
- Jennie Garth will star in ABC Family pilot, Village People, playing a career woman who adopts a baby.
- Frances Sternhagon will be appearing in Parenthood, playing the mother of Zeke.

Just A Little Tap On The Nose

Sorry, I was meant to do this earlier but I got delayed with stuff but my second TV jumble is here now.
Him And Her: I watched the opening episode of this last year and I wasn't particularly blown away but I gave the first series a second chance and it's sort of improved. Catching up with the first two episodes of the second series, it's still not a perfect show but it's definitely become likeable, even if a little trite that all the action seems to take place in Steve and Becky's flat. Still, with characters like Laura around, you can almost feel sorry for Steve a little, right?

Mongrels: Confession time - I've not seen the first series of this and I only caught the first two episodes of the second year last night and I'm bloody hooked. Politically incorrect puppets are funny, whether it's a pigeon killing a man with a rickshaw, a female dog singing songs about domestic abuse (really wrong but horribly funny), a cat striking a friendship with a fish or a fox inadvertently killing five Beagle dogs. I think I'm bloody hooked.

Smallville: It's been ten seasons in the making and for a finale, I think this show ended on a high. There were some lovely character moments - Clark/Lois marrying, flash forwarding into the future, Lex's brief return and of course that final moment in the two parter. Overall while this hasn't always been a perfect series, this was a perfect way of ending ten years of Clark Kent's storyline.
Threesome: Good set of episodes. I liked the one dealing with Mitch's irresponsibility (after all, we did see Alice and Ritchie's) and the one focusing on Ritchie's birthday was pretty nice too. Five episodes in and this has proved to be a fun series, even if the scenes with Ritchie and the hunky Dave are a little lightweight. I still hope that this comes back for seconds though.

The Vampire Diaries: Finally saw the last two episodes of Season 2 and will start watching the third season in early 2012. As an ending went, I felt the penultimate episode which seems to be more of bloodbath than usual was the stronger episode and probably should've been the ending but complete with Stefan in Klaus's thrall and Jeremy's new ability, the second year did end on a rather interesting note.

The X Factor: Ah, we've lost Johnny, The Risk, Frankie and Kitty thanks to the powers of votes and someone's stupidity and regained Amelia Lily in the process. The most shocking thing was The Risk exiting the competition. Any other year, the boyband would've been a shoe in for the finale but maybe we've finally reached saturation point with the boybands. As for the judges, time to tune out with their pointless arguing.

- Joe Manganiello has said that Alcide will have a bigger role in True Blood's fifth season. Dale Daley will be appearing on the series as Marcus's mother.
- Misha Collins will appearing in the 14th episode of Ringer, playing a man called Dylan with a past to both Bridget and Siobhan.
- Paul Bettany is in talks to appear in a series for Showtime called Masters Of Sex.
- Weeds has been renewed for an eighth season.
- David Anders will be playing a patient in an upcoming episode of House.
- Nicholas Lea will play real life lawman Elliot Ness in an upcoming episode of Supernatural.

A Bunch Of Slackers

I've had to make a hasty edit to this blog because I foolishly forgot to talk about The Road To Coronation Street. Apart from the fact that this should've been on ITV instead of BBC4, this was powerhouse television as Daran Little broke down into 75 minutes, creator Tony Warren's struggle to get the longest running British soap on television. If you've got any interest in the series history or want to be a writer in general, then I strongly recommend seeking this excellent one-off, especially for Jessie Wallace's convincing turn as Elsie Tanner actress, Pat Phoenix.

It took me a few days to catch up with the second part of Merlin's two parter season premiere and while it wasn't as good as the first half, it certainly was a delight. The use of the dragon in this episode was a nice one but it was Merlin and Morgana's sparring that really set the episode apart. Even though I'm liking the fact that she's finally embracing her darker nature, I thought I could see some doubt shrouding Morgana as well. Also I got a sense that Morgause might have felt betrayed when her plans to get rid of Uther and take over Camelot were squandered as well. The second episode was certainly solid on action packed moments and Morgana keeping within Uther's favour but the Merlin/Arthur dynamic really needs to switch gears at this point.

When it comes to reality TV, The Apprentice might be one of the few left with a point to it - people actually get a job from it and while I'll have to wait next for Alan Sugar to return on BBC, the third series of Bill Cullen's one certainly kept me entertained. As for the contestants, it's hard to go on much with the first episode, apart from Cathal's 'oopsy daisying' himself out of the series and Tara and Barry being the more obnoxious of the bunch. The magazine shows You're Fired and At Home are also a pretty nice addition to a franchise that's becoming a success for TV3.

BBC3 seem to have a habit of comedies that only take place in largely one set. Their latest addition, Him And Her is another one of them. Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani play lazy couple, Steve and Becky who spend the first three episodes coming up with plenty of reasons not to work, avoid birthday celebrations and fancy dress parties. It's not the funniest series on TV but it's definitely a diverting half-hour and I have seen far less funny programmes on that particular station.

The X Factor's move to two nights a week for the rest of the year certainly is going to be an obstacle for a lot of programmes in the next couple of months but seeing as we're heading for boot camp, things shouls get a lot more interesting in the next while as well. Nicole Scherzinger was a decent enough judge ("I think you need to work on your vocals" - indeed) and whether or not there is a prostitute amongst the contestants, you can still guarantee that the Dark Lord Cowell is laughing his way all to the bank as the tabloids obsession with the series remains intact.

I have not seen one but two new episodes (for me) of The Vampire Diaries recently and I'm still enjoying the series. It's a pity that Vicki couldn't have had a similar plotline like Jessica in True Blood and remain on the series as a newbie vampire but I'm sure the series will eventually go there. As for Stefan's old friend Lexie and Bonnie's increasingly showing of powers - this is way more exciting stuff than the Stefan/Elena/Damon triangle.

- Teri Hatcher will be appearing in Smallville as the mother of Lois Lane. Well, she did play the intrepid reporter once upon a time. Justin Hartley's wife will also appear in the 8th episode of the final season.

- Dave Annable's real life fiance, Odette Yustman will appear in Brothers And Sisters as a potential love interest for Justin after his marriage to Rebecca collapses.

- Nancy Travis has been cast as the mother Brian Austin Green's character for Desperate Housewives. It's also rumoured that Bree will have menopause this year.

- The current series of The Inbetweeners is to be it's last. The producers have announced that the show will not be returning for a fourth run.

- Gwyneth Paltrow is rumoured to be appearing in two episodes of Glee as a love interest for Will and a replacement teacher. Channel 4 will be airing Season 2 in January 2011.

- Amber Benson will be appearing in the new series of Grey's Anatomy, playing an estranged daughter of one of Cristina's patients. She's already appeared in spin-off series, Private Practice.

- ABC have decided not to make a US version of Gavin And Stacey after all. Now if Showtime's version of Shameless could not suck, then we'd be home dry.