How I Met Your Mother
3x10 The Yips
3x11 The Platinum Rule
Picking this back up after a break over Christmas. E4 are now well into season 4, so there's certainly some catching up to do.
Poirot
12x01 Three Act Tragedy
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Articles
Out of Time by Michael Beek
(from Music from the Movies)
Long interview with incumbent Doctor Who composer Murray Gold about his work on the final specials, some of his initial thoughts for the next series, and his future plans in general.
(from Music from the Movies)
Long interview with incumbent Doctor Who composer Murray Gold about his work on the final specials, some of his initial thoughts for the next series, and his future plans in general.
Monday, 4 January 2010
TV
2009 Unwrapped extra [2nd watch]
The Graham Norton Show
6x13 New Year's Eve Special [season finale]
Feels slightly odd watching a specifically New Year's Eve-y special several days later, but then it was filmed far in advance anyhow so what does it matter? Still, this is a much preferable choice to the dross BBC One have been offering up on New Year's Eve for the past few years, so I hope it was a success.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x10 Wilson
An exceptional episode of the show, which (as the title may suggest) centres on Wilson rather than House, as the latter's usual activities continue in the background -- always a nice comedic touch (see Buffy episode The Zeppo for a similar thing). Even more unusual is how unChristmassy it is -- House is usually very full of the festive season for several episodes each year.
Spooks
8x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
Cliffhanger-tastic.
Top Gear
14x07 Episode 7 [season finale]
"How short can a one-hour programme be?" Jeremy Clarkson wonders towards the end of this episode. It's ironic, not that he realises it, because Top Gear almost always overruns by 5 to 10 minutes, which is a right bugger if you're intending to watch something on the other side. And, indeed, it's almost exactly 60 minutes into this episode that he actually muses that, before continuing to go on for a couple more. Clearly they need much, much better timing.
Still, fun episode, even if it was supposedly made with no money and -- here's a real surprise -- was actually full of car reviews.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
6x13 New Year's Eve Special [season finale]
Feels slightly odd watching a specifically New Year's Eve-y special several days later, but then it was filmed far in advance anyhow so what does it matter? Still, this is a much preferable choice to the dross BBC One have been offering up on New Year's Eve for the past few years, so I hope it was a success.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x10 Wilson
An exceptional episode of the show, which (as the title may suggest) centres on Wilson rather than House, as the latter's usual activities continue in the background -- always a nice comedic touch (see Buffy episode The Zeppo for a similar thing). Even more unusual is how unChristmassy it is -- House is usually very full of the festive season for several episodes each year.
Spooks
8x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
Cliffhanger-tastic.
Top Gear
14x07 Episode 7 [season finale]
"How short can a one-hour programme be?" Jeremy Clarkson wonders towards the end of this episode. It's ironic, not that he realises it, because Top Gear almost always overruns by 5 to 10 minutes, which is a right bugger if you're intending to watch something on the other side. And, indeed, it's almost exactly 60 minutes into this episode that he actually muses that, before continuing to go on for a couple more. Clearly they need much, much better timing.
Still, fun episode, even if it was supposedly made with no money and -- here's a real surprise -- was actually full of car reviews.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Producer: 'Bond 23 is up in the air' by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Oh dear.
Sherlock Holmes 2 plans in jeopardy? by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
An over-dramatic headline if ever there was one (which is probably why they added the question mark). The story boils down to if the filmmakers decided to pursue a suggested thematic strand, which they probably won't, then the copyright holders would probably tell them not to, in which case they'd surely just do something else instead anyway.
Digital Spy: always good at telling us what people aren't and won't be doing.
(from Digital Spy)
Oh dear.
Sherlock Holmes 2 plans in jeopardy? by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
An over-dramatic headline if ever there was one (which is probably why they added the question mark). The story boils down to if the filmmakers decided to pursue a suggested thematic strand, which they probably won't, then the copyright holders would probably tell them not to, in which case they'd surely just do something else instead anyway.
Digital Spy: always good at telling us what people aren't and won't be doing.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
TV
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2009
A particularly funny year for what has now become something of an annual tradition on C4 (this is its fifth year). Nice to see Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross both back and on one team too, though my personal favourite contestant was the ever-excellent Rob Brydon.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Doctor Who [new]
4x18 The End of Time Part Two [2nd watch]
Caught the final 20 minutes of this by accident. Still brilliant -- what a send-off.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin & Stacey
3x06 Episode 6 [series finale]
A fitting conclusion to what has consistently been an excellent series (even through the occasionally awkward second season). In keeping with the overall tone: not too sentimental, not too neat, but far from depressing. Nice job.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin and Stacey: The Out-takes
Outtakes can be a mixed bag, and often reek of "it must've been funny if you were there". Thankfully, this bunch are mostly pretty good, even sustaining a full half-hour, aided by commentary from Ruth and James.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
5x06 (1/1/10 edition) [season finale]
Love Reginald D. Hunter, there wasn't enough of him. Not that the other two weren't good as well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x06 Genius (extended repeat)
A particularly funny edition, I felt. I imagine much of the silly riffing was cut the for the half-hour version, so it's a shame that's the only one available on iPlayer.
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
A particularly funny year for what has now become something of an annual tradition on C4 (this is its fifth year). Nice to see Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross both back and on one team too, though my personal favourite contestant was the ever-excellent Rob Brydon.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Doctor Who [new]
4x18 The End of Time Part Two [2nd watch]
Caught the final 20 minutes of this by accident. Still brilliant -- what a send-off.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin & Stacey
3x06 Episode 6 [series finale]
A fitting conclusion to what has consistently been an excellent series (even through the occasionally awkward second season). In keeping with the overall tone: not too sentimental, not too neat, but far from depressing. Nice job.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin and Stacey: The Out-takes
Outtakes can be a mixed bag, and often reek of "it must've been funny if you were there". Thankfully, this bunch are mostly pretty good, even sustaining a full half-hour, aided by commentary from Ruth and James.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
5x06 (1/1/10 edition) [season finale]
Love Reginald D. Hunter, there wasn't enough of him. Not that the other two weren't good as well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x06 Genius (extended repeat)
A particularly funny edition, I felt. I imagine much of the silly riffing was cut the for the half-hour version, so it's a shame that's the only one available on iPlayer.
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Saturday, 2 January 2010
TV
2009 Unwrapped extra
Red Button off-cuts from the excellent 2009 Unwrapped. These are mostly just as good, so one can only presume they were cut for time. They could've replaced some of Alone in the Shed in my opinion.
It's a shame Red Button content doesn't last long and is only sporadically available online, because these deserve to be more accessible. Two of the best are available online however: Hole in the Wall with Nick Griffin, and the pandemic compilation CD advert.
Doctor Who 2010 Trailer
Ooh, that looks exciting. So much to see...
Top Gear
14x06 Bolivia Special
Mad.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Victoria Wood: What Larks!
Behind the scenes of Victoria Wood's new Christmas special, which turns out to be an entertaining bit of comedy in its own right.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Red Button off-cuts from the excellent 2009 Unwrapped. These are mostly just as good, so one can only presume they were cut for time. They could've replaced some of Alone in the Shed in my opinion.
It's a shame Red Button content doesn't last long and is only sporadically available online, because these deserve to be more accessible. Two of the best are available online however: Hole in the Wall with Nick Griffin, and the pandemic compilation CD advert.
Doctor Who 2010 Trailer
Ooh, that looks exciting. So much to see...
Top Gear
14x06 Bolivia Special
Mad.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Victoria Wood: What Larks!
Behind the scenes of Victoria Wood's new Christmas special, which turns out to be an entertaining bit of comedy in its own right.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday, 1 January 2010
TV
Doctor Who [new]
4x18 The End of Time Part Two [New Year special]
After being a little disappointed by Part One, I thought that was excellent. A little indulgent at the end, maybe, but when you have such a beloved lead leaving it's OK to be a little indulgent within the show itself -- after all, it's not made for those who don't care that he's going, is it?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
James May's Toy Stories
1x06 Hornby [season finale]
Marple
4x03 They Do It With Mirrors
A pretty good one, til the over-done ending that didn't fit. Oh well. I guessed the solution also, but I like to think that's more me being clever than a fault with the programme.
4x18 The End of Time Part Two [New Year special]
After being a little disappointed by Part One, I thought that was excellent. A little indulgent at the end, maybe, but when you have such a beloved lead leaving it's OK to be a little indulgent within the show itself -- after all, it's not made for those who don't care that he's going, is it?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
James May's Toy Stories
1x06 Hornby [season finale]
Marple
4x03 They Do It With Mirrors
A pretty good one, til the over-done ending that didn't fit. Oh well. I guessed the solution also, but I like to think that's more me being clever than a fault with the programme.
Articles
Tennant's last interview before leaving Doctor Who by Lizo Mzimba
(from BBC News)
Is it? Is it really? I doubt it. But still, in this brief video he has a few things to say of passing interest. Likely there'll be much more interesting stuff to say once the post-broadcast interviews appear in Doctor Who Magazine and what have you.
Entertainment review of the decade by Mark Savage
(from BBC News)
BBC News look back over the decade in entertainment, taking in Top Ten lists across awards, ratings and sales for cinema, music, literature and TV. I like a good list or twenty.
(from BBC News)
Is it? Is it really? I doubt it. But still, in this brief video he has a few things to say of passing interest. Likely there'll be much more interesting stuff to say once the post-broadcast interviews appear in Doctor Who Magazine and what have you.
Entertainment review of the decade by Mark Savage
(from BBC News)
BBC News look back over the decade in entertainment, taking in Top Ten lists across awards, ratings and sales for cinema, music, literature and TV. I like a good list or twenty.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
TV
2009 Unwrapped with Miranda Hart
A look back over the year's big news stories and entertainment events... except none of them are real. A triumph for comedy and (admittedly, basic these days) special effects, it's particularly enjoyable on New Year's Eve.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross
Episode 28 Films of the Year
Despite the title, they don't seem to bother with the reader-voted Best Films of the Year list any more. Which is a shame, because surely that's what such shows should be about? There's the UK Box Office Top 5 -- commented on by the staff of the UK's best independent cinema (and, clearly, it wasn't their intelligence that won them that accolade) -- but that's not a real assessment of quality, is it, cos the masses flock to crap -- Transformers 2 is in there, for one.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
New Year Live
I like that the BBC have cut this down to just half an hour -- and half of that the fireworks display -- rather than the over-long content-free indulgence it used to be.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
A look back over the year's big news stories and entertainment events... except none of them are real. A triumph for comedy and (admittedly, basic these days) special effects, it's particularly enjoyable on New Year's Eve.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross
Episode 28 Films of the Year
Despite the title, they don't seem to bother with the reader-voted Best Films of the Year list any more. Which is a shame, because surely that's what such shows should be about? There's the UK Box Office Top 5 -- commented on by the staff of the UK's best independent cinema (and, clearly, it wasn't their intelligence that won them that accolade) -- but that's not a real assessment of quality, is it, cos the masses flock to crap -- Transformers 2 is in there, for one.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
New Year Live
I like that the BBC have cut this down to just half an hour -- and half of that the fireworks display -- rather than the over-long content-free indulgence it used to be.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
[#94 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
And that's the end of that. And I didn't make it, for the first year ever (of three). Better luck next year...
[#94 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
And that's the end of that. And I didn't make it, for the first year ever (of three). Better luck next year...
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
TV
Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra
What a brilliant show this is -- informative, educational, funny and entertaining at the same time. Highly recommended. (It was shown by the BBC back in May, though at only 60 minutes -- on the DVD it's a full 49 longer, and worth it.)
QI
7x05 Groovy (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
What a brilliant show this is -- informative, educational, funny and entertaining at the same time. Highly recommended. (It was shown by the BBC back in May, though at only 60 minutes -- on the DVD it's a full 49 longer, and worth it.)
QI
7x05 Groovy (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
'Hellish' Celebrity Big Brother house unveiled by Neil Smith
(from BBC News)
It looks gorgeous. I'm almost tempted to watch just for the set. But I won't.
Ramis preppingGhostbusters 3 for 2011 by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
Fingers crossed they can pull it off...
Thriller, Muppets selected for film archive by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Along with 23 others -- some definitely worthy, others I've never heard of.
(from BBC News)
It looks gorgeous. I'm almost tempted to watch just for the set. But I won't.
Ramis preppingGhostbusters 3 for 2011 by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
Fingers crossed they can pull it off...
Thriller, Muppets selected for film archive by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Along with 23 others -- some definitely worthy, others I've never heard of.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Articles
Blunt album is decade's biggest seller by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
Well, that's just going to annoy some people. (Read the article for the full top five. It's not any more heartening, though at least there's no Coldplay.)
Sutherland 'wants 24 film set in Europe' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
I wish they'd get on with it then -- it's a great idea, for all the reasons (well, reason) Sutherland says.
(from Digital Spy)
Well, that's just going to annoy some people. (Read the article for the full top five. It's not any more heartening, though at least there's no Coldplay.)
Sutherland 'wants 24 film set in Europe' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
I wish they'd get on with it then -- it's a great idea, for all the reasons (well, reason) Sutherland says.
Monday, 28 December 2009
TV
Cranford
2x02 Part Two: October 1844 [final episode]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Cranford: Under the Bonnet
Not your usual behind-the-scenes, exploring the history of the books and world the series is set in rather than how they filmed it and how everyone gets on famously.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x02 Part Two: October 1844 [final episode]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Cranford: Under the Bonnet
Not your usual behind-the-scenes, exploring the history of the books and world the series is set in rather than how they filmed it and how everyone gets on famously.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Cinderella (1965)
[#91 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Three days to watch nine more films, amongst other Christmassy duties? Not to mention Christmas TV. Nope, doesn't look good...
[#91 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Three days to watch nine more films, amongst other Christmassy duties? Not to mention Christmas TV. Nope, doesn't look good...
Sunday, 27 December 2009
TV
Doctor Who Confidential
4x18 Lords and Masters
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x00 Christmas Special
As utterly brilliant as ever. Hurrah for Outnumbered.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
The Gavin & Stacey star/writer hosts a festive chat/variety special, shown only on BBC Wales -- which of course means it's rather Welsh. Good fun though, particularly Ness interviewing Russell T Davies and Katherine Jenkins.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
4x18 Lords and Masters
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x00 Christmas Special
As utterly brilliant as ever. Hurrah for Outnumbered.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
The Gavin & Stacey star/writer hosts a festive chat/variety special, shown only on BBC Wales -- which of course means it's rather Welsh. Good fun though, particularly Ness interviewing Russell T Davies and Katherine Jenkins.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Saturday, 26 December 2009
TV
Gavin & Stacey
3x05 Episode 5 [2nd watch]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Gruffalo
[#89a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
[Watch it in HD (again) on iPlayer.]
Hamlet
[#90 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The RSC's award-winning version starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart, here converted to a film as a Christmassy treat.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer, and in HD from tomorrow evening.]
Poirot
11x04 Appointment With Death [season finale]
It's over a year since ITV last bothered to air a Poirot -- here, finally, is the last episode in the eleventh series. There's not only more already filmed (with one airing in just over a week), but more still currently filming.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Victoria Wood With All the Trimmings [2nd watch]
Her 2000 Christmas special. The cultural references are technically a little dated, but it's amazing to remember the state of things a decade a go... including how little's changed.
3x05 Episode 5 [2nd watch]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Gruffalo
[#89a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
[Watch it in HD (again) on iPlayer.]
Hamlet
[#90 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The RSC's award-winning version starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart, here converted to a film as a Christmassy treat.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer, and in HD from tomorrow evening.]
Poirot
11x04 Appointment With Death [season finale]
It's over a year since ITV last bothered to air a Poirot -- here, finally, is the last episode in the eleventh series. There's not only more already filmed (with one airing in just over a week), but more still currently filming.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Victoria Wood With All the Trimmings [2nd watch]
Her 2000 Christmas special. The cultural references are technically a little dated, but it's amazing to remember the state of things a decade a go... including how little's changed.
Friday, 25 December 2009
TV
Doctor Who [new]
4x17 The End of Time Part One [Christmas special]
Well, that was a little disappointing. For every moment of brilliance -- the Doctor/Wilf scene in the cafe, the Master in numerous humourous outfits at the climax -- there were several of utterly fan-centric public-excluding science-fiction/fantasy-overloaded groaningness -- the Master's technobabble-stuffed resurrection, the unusually slow pace, the po-faced narration.
It was an episode of two halves, then... just two halves that occurred concurrently, flicking back and forth between the two. Fingers crossed Part Two can pull off a better goodbye for the Tenth Doctor.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin & Stacey
3x05 Episode 5
Here's a new way to create a Christmas special: just show an ordinary episode of the series. It's a very good one mind.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
5x05 (24/12/09 edition)
Gina Yashere's been living and working in the States... and you can tell. It's her pacing, repetition, the way she addresses the audiences -- stylistically it feels slightly more American stand-up than British stand-up. At least she was quite funny, though I preferred Ed Byrne's and Adam Hills' routines.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x04 Geography (extended repeat)
Why have they suddenly reintroduced QI XL halfway through this series? Not that I'm complaining really, but it is a tad odd. Though, once again, they're not bothering to put it on iPlayer. Sometimes the BBC really let themselves down.
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
Christmas Special 2009
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
4x17 The End of Time Part One [Christmas special]
Well, that was a little disappointing. For every moment of brilliance -- the Doctor/Wilf scene in the cafe, the Master in numerous humourous outfits at the climax -- there were several of utterly fan-centric public-excluding science-fiction/fantasy-overloaded groaningness -- the Master's technobabble-stuffed resurrection, the unusually slow pace, the po-faced narration.
It was an episode of two halves, then... just two halves that occurred concurrently, flicking back and forth between the two. Fingers crossed Part Two can pull off a better goodbye for the Tenth Doctor.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Gavin & Stacey
3x05 Episode 5
Here's a new way to create a Christmas special: just show an ordinary episode of the series. It's a very good one mind.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
5x05 (24/12/09 edition)
Gina Yashere's been living and working in the States... and you can tell. It's her pacing, repetition, the way she addresses the audiences -- stylistically it feels slightly more American stand-up than British stand-up. At least she was quite funny, though I preferred Ed Byrne's and Adam Hills' routines.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x04 Geography (extended repeat)
Why have they suddenly reintroduced QI XL halfway through this series? Not that I'm complaining really, but it is a tad odd. Though, once again, they're not bothering to put it on iPlayer. Sometimes the BBC really let themselves down.
[Watch the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
Christmas Special 2009
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
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