Below are some descriptions of the shows I like - and why I like them - please feel free to violently disagree with me! What shows do you like?
I'm sorry, I know many people have said it and maybe you are a
fan yourself, but, I have to say it too. Babylon 5 is probably
one of the best TV series ever made. It is certainly the best
Science Fiction series ever made. But why? Probably because it's
full of surprises. Its creator, J Michael Straczynski says that
it's story is A - B - C. Other series, like Star Trek are frequently
A-B-A. So what's it all about, for those who don't know what it's
all about, visit Lurker's Guide -
a fantastic Web Site, with all the information you'll need!
Why is it so enjoyable? Breath-taking effects, a bit of sardonic
humour and an intricate, intriguing and enthralling story line.
You may disagree, but Babylon 5 is one of the few programmes which
is at times, exciting, poignant and moving, enthralling, funny,
inspiring and downright enjoyable. Few other programmes come close.
On UK TV, there are a few other programs I have enjoyed - can
you tell me what programs you have enjoyed - and why?
Yes, Vic and Bob's zany quiz show. Now nearly at the end of its run, love it or hate it, there's nothing else really like it on TV. Their humour won't appeal to all, but it's original, mostly harmless and the guest stars hardly get a look in amongst all that cooing and showing of handbags. The schoolboy antics of the unrufflable show hosts always amuse and it's entertaining to watch the guests trying to make sense of it all. "I use Dove soap because I like to keep my skin in Beak Condition". Excellent stuff. (See the Sound Zone)
Rory Bremners range of impressions is staggering and the speed and fluency with which he switches between them is sometimes exhilerating to listen to - the man is a genius of mimicry and he is supported, in the main, by excellent satirical scripts. Some of the songs he has done have been inspired. It is a show where one all too often learns of depressing political facts.
John Bird and John Fortune provided a relaxing break from Bremner's quick fire style and are offer a humourous and enlightening insight the behaviour of the rich and politically powerful.
A well-written and well observed US comedy show with unusual and interesting characters who are all totally different. Frasier is an errudite and intelligent lover of fine arts / music etc, but is seen to be victim to all those episodes of bad luck that seem to befall so many of us.
What is about Chris Evans that makes him enjoyable to listen to and watch? I think it's his incisive style of getting directly to the guests and an ability to finely tune in to people - both his guests and his audience. A show which has its tongue firmly in its cheek and always springs one or two surprises. Chris Evans comes across as an intelligent and sensitive host, who nevertheless is not afraid of tackling controversial and delicate issues directly. If you listen to him on Radio 1 or watch him on TFI, you can't really help but feel your watching a group of friends really enjoying themselves - and knowing that they're passing on that enjoyment to others.
For the moment a list of my top ten films, what are yours?
| Return of the Jedi | Dated now, but the final part of a "Fairy Tale" in space told with fantastic special effects and exhilerating escapist action. |
| Jason and The Argonauts | Who can forget the scenes in this marvellous film - the Okapi attacking the blind man, The Giant Talos coming to life to protect his treasure, the Fighting Skeletons, The Golden Fleece Healing - greek mythology brought to life. |
| Star Trek II, the Wrath of Kahn | The best of the bunch - with all the classic Star Trek elements. |
| The Dead Zone | The film is even better than Steven Kings book - frightening, poignant and intriguing. Christopher Walken is perfect. |
| Airplane | Hilarious "laugh a minute comedy" with great visual and verbal gags - more than just a parody. |
| Monty Python's Life of Brian | Great political satire - why is it blasphemous? God gave us the gift of humour! |
| Forbidden Planet | Excellent S.F. film with an intriguing story line (but a crap romance) and some interesting characters. |
| Raiders of the Lost Ark | Marvellous adventure with humour and swashbuckling action, but unusually, a macabre supernatural sequence which departs from the rest of the film's "James Bond" style. |
| Back to the Future | An unbeatable combination of action, tongue in cheek humour with a soupcon of Science Fiction. Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox are an unforgettable combination. |
| Into the Night | Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer before they became really famous in this excellent comedy thriller where they beat the bad guys at their own game. |
| The Thing | Excellent John Carpenter horror film with bizarre and gory effects - this will make you weak at the knees! |
| Bridges of Madison County | Two established actors surprise us with this refreshingly simple and moving love story. |
(OK - so that's more than 10 - who cares?)