Marvel "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." TV series, Episode 1, Episode 2, ABC

What's not to like?
Mega-budget, attractive people, spouting Joss Whedon-isms, driving classic (flying) Corvettes or hanging out in even cooler aircraft?
This continuation of "The Avengers" won't disappoint Whedon fans (note the "cosplay" fan reference) and will make some new ones watching on ABC. Like watching a live action "Archer" episode with lots of snappy dialogue - even sending up the acronym title in an early scene. Loved Coulson emerging from a dark corner ("I think a bulb is out").
Knockout Union Station climax. Rousing Bear McCreary musical score. This pilot was a a winner. With a full set of episodes now commissioned by ABC, I hope this series won't wear out its welcome.
No foul language, sex or (only comic book) violence, no wonder the pilot drew 12 million viewers at 8:00 p.m. in the US.
Episode 2, though not written by Joss Whedon, was still loads of fun, showing off the wonderful plane set and ending with a lovely cameo (think: the first "Iron Man").

"Count Arthur Strong" BBC Episode 6 "The Seance" series final review

The series final was big on heart rather than laughs. A nice gag in the opening scene with Katya's stalled coffin. Arthur's line at the seance: "My mother was an extra large medium" and smooching in the dark with Michael and the lovely Sinem (Zahra Ahmadi) made me smile.
Katya's leg send off was a nice touch.
Michael's parting gift to Arthur with its poignant book dedication (which scored an honest reaction from the live, NOT 'canned' audience) rounded off this sweet little series.

"Count Arthur Strong" BBC2 Episode 2 review

You have to be in the right mood for this surreal little show. I must have been. The Christine Keeler reference in the life drawing class got me from the first scene. The running joke about the poor chap being mistaken for a newsagent, ending up being stalked by Jack the Ripper in an icecream van was like a bit of "Father Ted" lunacy. The slow motion shot of Michael through the window, with his finger to his lips as a gobsmacked kid watched the van glide away was the highlight of the episode.
The harried Michael continues to try to research his famous comedian dad (being played by the accomplished actor, Rory Kinnear, son of the comedy actor, Roy Kinnear). This is a tasty bit of casting.
I thought this episode worked better than the first.
But ignoramus Arthur, spouting malaprops could get a bit wearing, if you are not 'in the right mood'.

"Count Arthur Strong" BBC2 Episode 1 review

Hated the laugh track. There were few big laffs. The mucus bit at the eulogy didn't work. Liked Barry Cryer's cameo. Liked the one-legged Polish crone in the ambulance. ("Give her the Heineken Manoeuvre"). Liked the delightful caf characters, especially the frustrated Bulent. "Two teas?"

I didn't listen to the original Radio 4 show. Not sure where this is going, but I'll give it a go next week. Graham Linehan (The IT Crowd, Father Ted) has a good track record. He obviously likes quirky, eccentric (daft?) characters.
Do I want to spend 30 minutes with a silly old fart? (or is he?)
Bring back Father Jack.

"Hannibal" NBC Series 1, Episode 12 "Releves" review

This penultimate episode started with a horrific incineration scene. The comb of death reminded me of the comb the queen/witch/pedlar gives to Snow White in the longer version of the fairy tale.

This series has featured some stunningly conceived set pieces – Will’s surreal dream sequences are highlights. Lots of morphing and weirdly moving/speaking humans(David Lynch “Twin Peaks” territory).

Will (Hugh Dancy) has made the big link between all the copycat killings. But will he be believed? Who was the patient swallowing his tongue with Dr Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson)?  She definitely knows more about Hannibal than anyone else – apart from Abigail, but I don’t think Abigail is long for this world , from watching the final scene.

Jack (Laurence Fishburne) confiding in Hannibal, telling him his latest theories makes for delicious viewing. No, there were no extravagant dinner party scenes this week, except for Chef Lecter brewing up some exotic, but medicinal chicken soup for the disturbed Will.

Gillian Anderson is much in demand on telly at the moment. She seems to have the sexy, but knowing ice queen down pat, if you have seen BBC’s “The Fall” series. Note the lush greenery feature wall in the female psychiatrist’s office (similar to Hannibal’s dining room).  A link or just the style of the set designer?

Liked it when she tells her patient, Lecter, that he needs to “maintain the boundaries”.  Just when you think the FBI is getting closer to cracking the case, the cool, unflappable Hannibal is one step ahead, playing his trump card: Poor Will. Perhaps not that poor – he can afford Business Class seats for 2 (his misguided jaunt with Abigail).

Looking forward to final episode of Series 1.  

"Bates Motel" A and E Series 1 Episode 9 "Underwater" 2013 review

"Why do crazy people keep gravitating towards me?" cries Norma. The funniest line of the night. Her confrontation with Ra'uf and the rest of the stoners was hilarious. One told her to "Chill".
An irate Norma does a Ruth Buzzi/Artie Johnson "Laugh In" tribute (attacks the real estate guy with her hand bag). Seeking consolation, she beds down with Norman.
Norman bonds with his teacher, Miss Watson (with dress and make up like she stepped out of the early 1960's). Dylan and Bradley also do some bonding. Olivia Cooke plays a funny scene after Emma has scarfed a 'herbal' cupcake.
The old killer in the backseat routine is used in the final scene. Come on, Norma, always check before getting into your vehicle.
Next week's series finale should be a doozy.

"Hannibal" NBC Series 1, Episode 7 "Sorbet" review

This episode was a real feast, beginning with an amazing scene showing a journey through the opera singer's vocal cords, Hannibal in the audience looking uncharacteristically emotional, symbolic red ribbons splashed across the stage. The singer was played by Broadway great, Ellen Greene ("Little Shop of Horrors"). For "The X-Files" tragics we had Gillian Anderson (looking more like Jerry Hall) as Lecter's quirky psychiatrist, Dr Du Maurier. Her comment to Hannibal that he was "wearing his person suit" was illuminating. At the same time we have Lecter analysing his Michael Jackson worshipping patient.

The subplot about the organ removal psycho was fascinating. Parallelling organ removal with USB cables??? Will does a particularly graphic mental crime reconstruction. Again we have the mystical deer, central in Will's thoughts.
Hannibal remarks to his socialite friends, "Who's hungry?" The dinner party this week featured pate, with a lot of preparation details.
Good job, Bryan Fuller/Jesse Alexander (script) and veteran director James Foley.

"Hannibal" Series 1, Episode 6, "Entree", NBC TV show, review, few spoilers

This was an intricately structured episode, blending monochrome flashbacks with Jack and the very savvy trainee, Miriam. Eddie Izzard (last seen in as grandpa in Bryan Fuller's "Mockingbird Lane" pilot) has a juicy role as Dr Gideon, psychopath. We all know who the real Chesapeake Ripper is, don't we?
Interesting contrasting scenes: Jack's compassion, then Gideon's cruel mania. Isn't that Dr Chiltern a charmer - smarmy bastard. Hannibal has his number, though.
Are you enjoying Hannibal's weekly dinner parties? They are delicious fun. "Nice to have an old friend for dinner" is Lecter's fun pun of the night. And Lecter finally shows his true colours in the final few minutes. Main Course in a few weeks?
This show is a winner. Pity about the TV ratings.

"Bates Motel" Episode 7 "The Man in Number 9" Series 1 TV show review

This show had a different pace from last week's episode. It focused on character development rather than action. Lots of interesting tidbits, though. Liked the spooky noises in the night at Norma's place. The stray dog and Norman were a great team. Also liked Norman's erotic bedroom fantasy with Bradley. Mr Abernathy (Jere Burns) is a great creepy addition to the mix.
I enjoyed the Hitchcock reference of the cheesy back projection in the car with Norma and Emma. Hope it was intentional rather than a question of budget. Both Norma and Nancy Drew (Emma) are obsessed with Norman. Who knew they would be a team?
The unrequited love scene at  Bradley's door and the dog-meets-speeding car scene cemented Norman's downward spiral into residency at Chateau Weirdo.
Next episode?
Dylan and Bradley hook up? Norman takes pooch to Emma as she has a taxidermy connection. Referencing "Psycho" 1960.
Mid series questions:
What's the story with the sheriff covering up for his deputy? What happened to Jiao? What sort of "sales" is creepy Mr Abernathy group-booking Bates Motel for?

"Plebs" TV series ITV2 Episode 5 "Bananae" review

A nice surprise seeing Mr Roper from "Man about the House"/"George and Mildred" (Brian Murphy) in the first scene as the plucky war veteran. I collapsed when he nutted Marcus. Lots to like in this episode.
Beware Thracian women bearing gifts (in this case bananas). Watching Flavia eating her first banana was hysterical.
Liked the word play: Stylax's nightly "napsturbation" (I think that's what Marcus said) and picking on the immigrants means you might be "Thracist".
Pretty sure a second season will be commissioned on the strength of this one. Last episode next week!
My wife and I (50+ old farts) love this show.
Funniest sitcom since "Friday Night Dinner" and "Miranda"

"The Mimic" TV series, Episode 3 review

I wasn't enthused about this week's episode. Starting with the cringy scene in the computer store, this episode was more pathetic than pathos. The blind woman scene in the zoo was mildly sweet. There was a quick David Mitchell bit that made me smile. The best scene was the visit to Martin's family. Nice to see Denise's uncle from "The Paradise" as Martin's dad and Mrs Warboys ("One Foot in the Grave") as Martin's caring old gran.
Hope next week's episode has more chuckles.

"Bates Motel" Episode 2 "Nice town you picked, Norma" review

"Nice town you picked, Norma" sums up the episode.
A whole can of worms has been opened in ep 2. This town has as many skeletons in its closet as "Twin Peaks". Sorry, that was a crap sentence. The writing in this episode is a LOT better.This is a pretty smart series, so far.
For a start Momma Bates' (Norma.... who knew?) first born appears, Dylan (Max Thieriot). What a charmer, not.  Needless to say the bros don't kick it off. Norman has a new study-buddy (Emma) with cystic fibrosis (terminal, as Norma indelicately enquires on their first meeting). Emma is a great little detective, as well as a William Blake fan. It is hard to run from rifle toting dudes when you have an oxygen bottle strapped to you.
Momma Bates is being seduced by dodgy Deputy Shelby, who hints at the underbelly of his town. Don't f**k with the city fathers. Well for a start, they have some sex slavery ring going on - see sketches of semi-naked Asian girls from last week - Norman found a pad last week in a motel room (No 4?). Two people have been incinerated in a 24 hour period - one in a BMW 7 series, another hanging artistically in the town square. Nice location photography in British Columbia, by the way.
The labyrinthine plot has nods to Psycho.  Check out the Norman's girlfriend's taxidermy store. The whole of the Bates' house and motel is stuck in a 1960 time warp - that decor in the kitchen!  Norman watches a classic black and white movie in his room.
Weird observations:
Is it just me or is Vera Farmiga looking more and more like Felicity Huffman? No relation, the former having Ukrainian parents.
The sheriff resembles Anthony Perkins circa 1960's - that haircut.

Bring on next week, it's gettin' good. Can the scriptwriters maintain this cracking pace? I am wearying of "The Following", it's running out of puff....Ryan better catch some high ranking dudes pretty fast, perhaps in ep 10...but I digress).

"The Mimic" TV series, Episode 1, Channel 4, review

I know this is The Brady Bunch, but I got lazy.

My wife and I watched  a sweet little comedy last night.When you aren't expecting much, television can surprise you. Blending poignancy, gentle humour and excellent voice impersonations, this show works. Terry Mynott spouts Terry Wogan, Gok Wan, Owen Wilson, Al Pacino, Allan Carr and in a delightful final scene, Sir David Attenborough.The impersonations support the storyline, rather than detract from it.

Best 'dramedy' since Coogan and Brydon's "The Trip". Looking forward to next week's episode.