I have a rule for evaluating new TV shows: All tv shows are bad unless proven otherwise.
This “guilty-until-proven-innovent” policy has served me well. Occasionally I miss out on a good show until years later, but it’s a worthwhile sacrifice.
This past year, I became aware of the un-badness (with apologies to George Orwell) of two shows, both from the CBC. First, Davinci’s Inquest, which has been running on the CBC for years, has become one of my favourite shows. A top-secret source tells me that it was considered for syndication on A&E, but was passed over for being too specific to a particular region (it is set in Vancouver). The show follows the coroner of Vancouver and my people on the ground on the West coast tell me it is remarkably true to life in the city. The season finale (2hrs) runs Sunday night on CBC.
Another CBC drama that has defied my expectations (which were admittedly quite low) is the new series This Is Wonderland. The show follows the dizzying work-life of Alice, a rookie defence layer, and Toronto’s Old City Hall serves as her wonderland rabbit hole.
The premise isn’t really that important. They key is that the show is well written, well directed, and well acted, all of which contribute to a compelling set of characters. It is somewhere between drama and comedy, being too funny to be a drama, and too heart-wrenching to be a comedy.
The second season starts Tuesday night on CBC. Recommended.
Comments
Martin - January 23, 2005 7:30 am
I think there's also a corollary to this (it may well be called Tarantino's Corollary, since he said it first:
"No TV show or movie is so bad that it's not worth seeing - even if it is merely to serve as a mad example".
Martin - January 23, 2005 7:45 am
Of course, that should be *bad* example, but "mad" works just as well.
Willem - January 23, 2005 8:51 am
<blockquote>It is somewhere between drama and comedy, being too funny to be a drama, and too heart-wrenching to be a comedy.</blockquote>
Such shows are the best. Laugh & Cry.
Daniel Schierbeck - January 23, 2005 11:34 am
The best TV show I've ever seen: Riget
It's Danish, but you can probably find a DVD with English subtitles.
Wayne R. - January 24, 2005 11:59 am
I agree, this is an excellent show. Another ensemble that makes TV a tolerable thing.
Red Baron - January 25, 2005 12:00 am
An Orwell Fan! Remember the Minitrue: War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength. In any event, Network TV is agreeably useless, but cable, small independent stations, and paid programing does offer a glimmer of hope for the future. With Network television, I just don't bother anymore. If it's a series worth watching, I wait for it to come out on DVD and then watch all episodes back to back. This way, I get the continuity originally intended by the production team, and I don't have to suffer through the mindless commercials. It's worth the rental just for that alone.
Michael Heilemann - January 26, 2005 11:01 am
I run by the same rules myself, only I replace TV Shows with just plain TV.
As for Riget, it is indeed a great show; recently raped and pillaged by Stephen King, a guy I otherwise respect. But damn he made a mess of that show...
Rusty - January 26, 2005 1:52 pm
Watched the season premier last nite. Typical overacting and overwriting found in Canadian television. Not funny enough to be a comedy, too absurd to be a drama.
Lou Quillio - January 27, 2005 2:36 pm
"Gut-wrenching", "heart-rending" (as in "tearing").
Holding the line, here, even if it's futile.
LQ
Mella - January 28, 2005 2:20 pm
I agree with Rusty -- I saw Wonderland this week for the first time because someone on CBC Radio recommended it, and I remember specifically noting that the acting was exceptionally bad. I mean I <i>want</i> to like more Canadian TV, but sometimes actors are so bad that I'm embarrassed <i>for</i> them.
And there's something awkward about Canadian comedy on TV...No such thing as subtlety for some reason.
Ted Healey - February 2, 2005 2:06 pm
I'm biased. I have to watch "Wonderland" because of my brother.
But it's charm is in it's accuracy. Ever been to Old City Hall? Truly the writers spent a lot of time getting the kinetic, frustating atmosphere right.
As for the acting, I believe that Canadians are tainted by hours of American celebrities and have a "default setting" that doesn't jive with Canadian acting. And yes, Canadian shows seem to try too hard at times (North of 60, anyone?). My recommendation is to shut off CSI:Wherever and tune into live theatre.
Greg - February 7, 2005 1:38 pm
If you want great characters, writing, direction, acting, etc. then you must check out Arrested Development.