Intelligence (2006-2007)

Created by Chris Haddock, starring Ian Tracy, Klea Scott, and John Cassini, this drama takes you into the heart of Canadian government just as it takes you into the depths of their organized crime syndicate. Organized crime and the Organized Crime Unit work together despite opposite goals in exchange for a “blind eye” from OCU/information from Jimmy Reardon of the Vancouver syndicate.

As Mary Spalding and Jimmy Reardon make their deals, there is more going on at OCU. Deals are being made, and not just with informants. As Mary begins to take over her position as head of OCU, it becomes clear that corruption is the name of the game for our friends to the north. No one wants her to take the position; her life is in danger, as is every informant she has put in place, many of whom are hardened criminals. Mary’s goal is to clean up Canada. She thinks that means starting at the bottom, but soon finds out that she may have to start at the top.

Life begins to get a little dicey for Mary, but she is a smooth customer, and doesn’t spill a drop of her single malt whiskey. Back alley conversations, drive by rendezvous, hotel lobbies, Mary doesn’t stop. She is a master ringleader, and she takes care of every faithful informant and employee she has.

As the series winds down, it is spellbinding how Mary choreographs her people into place. It’s a Butch and Sundance ending, but we all know that Mary did her best, and that her heart was in the right place. She didn’t fail. Mary never fails. The luck just wasn’t in the cards. It’s a risk you take living in that world. And who know? Butch and Sundance might have made it?

Hey–I’m on my way home from my trip, and anxious to start writing again! Have you been checking in on Gayle’s page? There’s more to see than her daily blog. She also has a great “Overheard” section in which I show up a couple of times

Stella (2005)

“Stella” is one of the most brilliant comedy shows I have ever seen. To that end, it was only aired for a total of 10 episodes. Naturally. If it’s good, it will be canceled. This will be a recurring theme throughout this meme. Well, Reaper probably needed to end. But “Twin Peaks” probably could have gone another season, and Hotel Babylon was one of the most enjoyable shows/casts I’ve seen in a long time…Hence, the cancellation.

Anyway, enough about me. “Stella” is a “made for TV” rendition of the “Stella” comedy troupe stage show and short films. This troupe is made up of Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain, “three infantile men who always dress in suits, live together in a New York apartment, and apparently have no jobs.” While each episode clearly follows a central plot, there seems to be no continuity, thereby rendering it almost of the sketch comedy genre. Having watched the “Stella” series before watching one of the live stand-up shows, it is apparent that the sketches have been much cleaned up for TV. The live shows are much more sexual in nature, even venturing into the taboo. I don’t say this to be critical, just to forewarn. I highly recommend “Stella” as one of the funniest shows you could ever possibly watch. I would hate for you to either start with the comedy show and be turned off and never get to the series, or watch the series and then decide, after having seen the show, that you don’t really like them after all.

In the show, the guys get into some really ridiculous scrapes, getting themselves out in unbelievable ways. For example, in the first episode, they get kicked out of their apartment. After one “miserable” day of living on the streets, they manage to fool the apartment superintendent by wearing false mustaches and regain the lease on their apartment. Hilarity ensues, and the day is saved. Episodes continue in this way, but sadly, only the 10. It was over much too soon. You seriously have to add this show to your repertoire. You will be a better person for it. Trust me.

Gayle has been writing about movies this month and I encourage you to check out her page…I’ll be back tomorrow…

Hotel Babylon (2006-2009)

Ah, 5 Star Luxury. Who wouldn’t want to be pampered in the hands of a deluxe hotel in the heart of London? Welcome to Hotel Babylon, where you can check in, relax, and have the time of your life. But what do you know about what really goes on behind the scenes??

Meet general manager, Rebecca Mitchell as she tries to hold the hotel together every day as it seems her employees conspire against her. In the first episode, Charlie Edwards gets promoted from head receptionist to deputy manager after being cruelly challenged by Rebecca to test his not only his ability to perform under pressure but his loyalty as well. Charlie is replaced as head receptionist by Anna Thornton-Wilton, a former lover from a previous job. Ah, the plot is thickening already…don’t you want to check in??

Don’t get excited yet…how racy do you think it gets working in a hotel? Well, Charlie gets involved with Jackie Clunes, the head of housekeeping, who knows every room that is Unoccupied…and his best friend is Tony Casemore, the head concierge. Trust me; we all need a best friend who is a concierge. It doesn’t hurt to add to our friend list the head barman, Gino Primarola, and the food and beverage manager, James Schofield. Joining Anna behind the desk is Ben Trueman, an absolute gem, although the two of them shamelessly compete for every man with any potential at all.

I LOVED this BBC show! Every episode was something new and hilarious, and every time there was someone acting rash with someone there to be a good friend and a good employee. There was always the general manager, needing to act in the interest of the hotel, with the employees there to show her she needed to buffer that determination with a little heart for the human element. Or a department manager vying for her employees’ rights against a system that is unfair, using the hotel’s resources behind the manager’s back—to the danger of all involved—to save her employees. Will they continue to support her? Or save themselves? Each episode is cute, funny, heart-warming, but always with a message, always with someone willing to sacrifice themselves for a friend or a cause.

It’s a luxury hotel, and it’s a fairytale for those of us who check in, but it’s real life for them. It’s Hotel Babylon.

Remember to head over to Gayle’s page to see what she’s writing about today. I’m still out of town, having a great time, but I’ll be back soon…Keep reading, and keep watching!

Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

Set in the small Washington town of Twin Peaks, this show began with the quest to find the killer of one of the town’s beloved high school girls, Laura Palmer. Special Agent Dale Cooper of the FBI arrives to help the investigation, linking Laura’s death with another local girl found walking along the railroad tracks across the state line. Laura’s death matches another murder Cooper worked on a year ago elsewhere in the state, leading that investigation to Twin Peaks.

“Twin Peaks” was directed by David Lynch, of Blue Velvet fame, and Mark Frost. As with much of Lynch’s work, “Twin Peaks” borders on the edge of horror, while also hovering ever so close to the realm of a soap opera. The macabre and evil direction that the murder takes reveals a double life of almost each character, which is a somber moral epithet of society today.

Once the murder of Laura Palmer was solved, mid-season two, the series began to decline. Character plots that seemed to be going somewhere started to spiral nowhere as it looked like the show was going to be canceled. Resolution of each storyline was haphazard and left in a cliffhanger as the series came to a close.

This is unfortunate with a cast and crew as strong as the one on “Twin Peaks.” Watching it all these years later, I’m curious to think what these actors could have done with one more season. Sure, the show was bizarre. I’m not disputing that. But it was actually brilliantly bizarre, and well executed, and wow, what I wouldn’t do for a cast like that today. Kyle MacLachlan, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Joan Chen, Piper Laurie, Ray Wise to name a few, not to mention the producers and directors, and cinematographer, Caleb Deschanel. What a load of talent!

For 30 episodes or so, this one is worth your time. It’s fun, it’s campy, and it’s got a cast of thousands. You’ll be better for it, if not a little weirder…

Let me comment here that the shows I’m writing about are definitely on the grown up side of things. I’m either watching with my son, who is heading off to college in a couple of months (if I can get things like transcripts and financial aid under control), or with my husband, who enjoys either a good crime drama or a tongue-in-cheek comedy, or by myself, when I have a chance to watch something that appeals to neither of them and solely to myself (i.e. girl stuff). So unless I specifically note that I would watch this with my darling niece, Celia, assume any show about which I write is not for the kiddos. Chances are it has language, adult themes, violence, and, if we were lucky, all of the above.

And, as always, don’t forget to check out Gayle’s latest installment of her movie meme. It’s sure to delight!

Reaper (2007-2009)

From creators Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas comes this two season dramedy starring Bret Harrison, Tyler Labine and Rick Gonzalez. The storyline is dominated by the premise that Sam Oliver’s parents sold his soul to the devil before he was born. On his 21^st birthday he discovers this secret and becomes a bounty hunter for hell, returning escaped souls back to hell. His best friends, Sock and Ben, are in on it, and help him through each mission, all while helping him get the girl of his dreams, Andi. Meanwhile, subplots run rampant, such as the relationship between Sam and Satan, the plot to get Sam’s soul back, and the community of demons apparently residing outside of Seattle.

On the subject of demons, a delightful plot twist comes in 2^nd season when Michael Ian Black and Ken Marino join the cast as a gay couple living next door to the guys who happen to be demons. It turns out they started out as angels who joined the devil in his rebellion against God and were cast out of Heaven. Living as demons, and in constant shame of their betrayal, they have made it their life’s goal to take down the devil. I find it an interesting addition to the plot that “Steve and Tony” were specifically added in as Fallen Angels and gay…clearly placed in the Heavenly Realm and a joy to God in their created homosexual state, and fallen due to their collusion with the devil, and no other reason. In the course of the show, a failed plot to take down the devil results in the loss of life of Steve, who is then forgiven for his original betrayal and restored to his heavenly state.

As the show reaches its final episodes, the battle between good and evil wages on. The devil, played by Ray Wise, known for his demonic role in “Twin Peaks,” is deliciously likable and easy to root for. The series ends with nothing solved, but with a sense of hope for the future, and a realization of where we all fit in the scheme of life.

PS Don’t forget to check out Gayle’s meme! She’s so witty and pithy and such…It’s already going and I can tell it’s gonna be good! click here to go to Gayle’s meme I’m headed outta town, so I’ve got a couple of these lined up for the next couple of days. See ya!

Let Us Entertain You

I realized earlier this week that since last July (or around about then) I have watched at least 48 television series in their entirety. That’s a lot of television. I owe this to Hulu Prime and Netflix and don’t know if I should be embarrassed, impressed, or simply apathetic . Because I understand the challenge in finding quality shows to spend your time on, I hope to use my talents to broaden your horizons and share my experiences with you. Over the next month I would like to take you on a tour of some of my favorite (and perhaps least favorite) of this list and tell you a little about them.

While I’m at it, my sister, Gayle, will also be writing. Gayle has a passion for movies, and will be sharing this with us at www.gayleamy.com. The challenge is to write every day and bring you something new to interest you and maybe entertain you…stay tuned!