After a three year hiatus, I've decided to give this blog another go. Having discussed what to blog about specifically with many people, it has come down to two things: television and movies that went under the radar that shouldn't be missed. So, since I just completed a marathon run of Homeland season 3 (thanks to Junior), I'm going to go with television.
Let's talk about crime/police/detective shows. I will do my best not to disclose any cliffhangers and ask anyone who leaves comments to do the same. There are a lot that I really like, but I'm going to narrow it down to eight that have aired within the last ten years.
1) Endeavour. Two Birds with one stone. A great detective story and a period piece. This series (third season to come out 2016) is a prequel to the popular BBC series Inspector Morse.
2) Fall. Only one season so far. Gillian Anderson is back on the small screen (as the best ice queen since Patty Hewes) as a detective brought in to help catch a serial killer.
3) Foyle's War. Considered too old to fight in WWII, Foyle has to stay behind and catch the criminals still in England. Seasons 1-7 take place during the war, and season 8 right after. Season 9 (TBA) will delve into the Cold War and I can't wait!!!!
4) Killing. This one stuck with me and probably will for quite a while. The first two seasons are based off a Danish show, and deal with one case: Who killed Rosie Larsen? Seasons 3 and 4 are separate cases with the same detectives. Brutally awesome.
5) Sherlock. Like nos. 1 and 3, this is a Masterpiece Mystery Series. I cannot think of better way to redo these stories, and they way they've brought it into the 21st century is nothing short of genius.
6) Spiral. It's similar to the Wire, but French and way more graphic. By graphic I mean nudity and instead of showing the violent act, they show the results of the violence. Each season follows one case from all sides. The cast in this is absolutely fantastic. Four seasons so far.
7) Top of the Lake. This is the result of an amazing film director getting into television. It's only one season that is completely submerged in absolute beauty midst the darkest secrets in a small town.
8) Wire.. This is everything that television has the potential to be. With stories brought to life by excellent writing and unflinching acting, this show has given us a social commentary that cannot be ignored and perhaps the greatest characters of all time. You can ignore and dismiss everything else, but you cannot do so to the Wire.
If you have seen all of these and want more recommendations, I have 10 more I can throw at you. I haven't decided whether or not to do a rating system. Any relevant thoughts or comments are welcome. Thanks for reading.
k.
