No, this isn’t an endorsement for AM/PM despite the theft of their slogan. I hate those commercials, btw. It looks like they cast those ads by grabbing the sketchiest people they could find and telling them to turn their creepy dial up to eleven. Pedophiles AND food that gives me diarrhea? Where’s the closest one???
No, the title is a reference to the abundance of good television that’s available at the moment. Between cable, Hulu, and Netflix instant titles I’m probably following more series than I ever have before. When you’re trying to publish a webcomic, edit your last film, write your next one, and keep up with bill paying gigs it’s simultaneously exciting and frustrating to have so many distractions at your disposal.
I finally got around to watching The Walking Dead and it was as incredible as I’d heard. The second episode wasn’t quite as gripping as the premiere, but I love the way they’re sticking to the source material and expanding upon it at the same time. By the time this blog goes up the third episode will have aired which means the first season is already halfway over. AMC took the same approach with Mad Men, though and a more expansive second season of TWD has already been given the go ahead.
I’m also addicted to FX’s new show Terriers, which apparently no one else is watching. For shame. The guy that created The Shield has a hand in it and I’m begging you to check it out. It’s on Hulu. I don’t think you can start with the first episode anymore, but still- give it a shot. The characters are so well-drawn and the acting is insanely good. Especially the two leads. I’m a sucker for P.I. stories and this is one of the best modern examples of the genre I’ve ever seen.
On top of that, I’ve recently discovered the BBC’s Sherlock from writer Steven Moffat. This guy is a genius. He just is. Hands down one of the most versatile screenwriters working. I adore everything he’s done- which includes penning EVERY episode of Coupling, the best episodes of Doctor Who seasons 1-4, and taking over season 5 of Who. I haven’t had a chance to watch Jekyll yet, but sweet Christ is his version of Sherlock Holmes spot-on! I wasn’t crazy about the Robert Downey Jr. blockbuster and I think this series does a MUCH better job of reinterpreting the character while staying 100% true to the spirit of Doyle’s stories.
Those are the three I’m most into right now, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg friends. I’m amazed not only by the quality of what’s out there but at how easy it’s become to attain it. Television is widely regarded as being much kinder to writers than movies and for me that’s become quite obvious.
I hesitate to ask for recommendations on more good shows since I’ve already become far less productive than I should be, but at the rate I’m speeding through these titles I suppose I’m perpetually on the lookout for more.
Must… resist… urge… to click… on… Netflix.
See you next week!
