Thursday, September 25, 2014

My Boyfriend, The BBC

It probably started with my love of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Something about reading and/or watching either one always made me feel smarter and more cultured. Years of Pride & Prejudice parties on Super Bowl Sunday (same snacks, just fancier) and you have the makings of a girl who was bound to fall in love with British television.

So today, I'm sharing my love of the BBC and my vast appreciation for Netflix. Without them, I'd probably have more of a social life! Anyway, here are a few of my favorites:

Doctor Who
Doo-wee-doo! There's something about a man who's seen so much horror and continues to value human life and fight for what's right. And the fact that he's quirky, brilliant, and hilarious? Well, that just makes him more appealing. Matt Smith incarnation of the Doctor with his affinity for bow ties, fezzes, Stetsons, and dressing like a substitute science teacher will always be my Doctor. I will forever be listening for the TARDIS and hoping he's the one nabbing me for an adventure. 

Sherlock
Admittedly the first time I saw Sherlock, I thought, There's sure a lot of nudity... (It was Scandal In Belgravia, which was my favorite until the antics of Drunk Sherlock.) I was quick to learn that nudity and profanity weren't a staple for the show, because Sherlock is all about the brains.

I blame my Sherlock obsession on a dad who read mysteries to his children and introduced us to Columbo and Poirot during our formative years. Who dunnits still draw me in. And really, do I have to say it? I'm a little bit in love with Mr. Cumberbatch. I just want him to read me bedtime stories I his sexy, low voice. Or, you know, recipe cards.

Downton Abbey
My love for period dramas and romance attracted me to Downton, though not initially. I watched the first episode and thought, I don't get it. What's all the fuss about? Weeks later on a lazy Sunday afternoon I thought I'd give it another try. I still haven't turned it off. The unique upstairs/downstairs interactions, the stunning fashions, and the ooey gooey romance keep me coming back. As my friend explained to someone who's apparently been living under a rock and knows nothing about it, Downton is a period soap opera. 

Too true. And we eat it up.

Call the Midwife
A friend brought Call the Midwife to my attention. She was intrigued by the ins and outs of midwifery portrayed in the show and she's absolutely addicted to the 40s. However, the videos of childbirth from my Human Development courses were as close as I wanted to come to live birth, at least from that angle. But, when I had a moment free from Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Downton (yes, I did fly through them all in a matter of months) I pulled up Call the Midwife and watched a couple of episodes. Here's what I love about it: the cadence, the heart, and the class. It's as beautifully choreographed as a dance. Give it a try. Maybe you'll love it. And maybe you'll learn to do your hair in victory rolls too.
* * *
I'm pretty sure I could go on. I haven't even mentioned The Paradise, Merlin, or Robin Hood, which are fantastic examples of what I love about British TV. Classic literature, myths, and legends revamped with the perfect blending of drama, comedy, and humor. As a writer and/or couch potato I can get behind that. 

And hey, who doesn't love a good accent? Tom Hiddleston is also more than welcome to read me bedtime stories. Or the ingredients on the back of the cereal box.
* * *
Anything else I should check out? Leave me a comment and tell me what you're obsessed with! As always, for reading! If you'd like to learn more about my geeky tendencies, revisit Fan Fiction & Fairytales or Geek Chic

11 comments:

  1. Yes to all of this.

    A friend was recommending some show to me and I told her "I'll try it once I finish watching all my BBC/ITV etc stuff."

    Have you tried MI-5 (Spooks)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been in my Netflix queue FOREVER. I've just never gotten to it. I'll have to check it out! Thanks, Amber!

      Delete
  2. I love Downton of course, and Call the Midwife is great too. My problem with BBC is I have a hard time understanding what they are saying. I don't know if it is a clarity of sound from the recording or if I am just going deaf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dad says that about everything on TV these days. I do think they film things at a lower decibel than before. Which is particularly annoying when it's too quiet. I've been known to pop on the subtitles... ☺️

      Delete
  3. I obsessed with all the shows above except Call the Midwife. I've never heard of it but I'm sure I'll be forever in your debt for cluing me in! Best of luck with Becoming Beauty's launch! Let me know if you need any help with promotions! Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Great programming... May as well get obsessed!

      Delete
  4. That should have been I'm obsessed! (though possessed might be more accurate)

    ReplyDelete
  5. And there's me, loving The Wire and Breaking Bad and 24 and Sons of Anarchy and Ray Donovan - all that street sharp US stuff! I actually don't watch any of these, though I know Sherlock is supposed to be very good. I can't stand Downton, most of all because it IS a soap opera - in reality, the servants of upper class houses in those times were worked half to death and never interacted with their masters at all. However, I can see the escapist attraction! Nice one, Sarah xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that's a subject for another blog: Great US shows. After all we do have a broad variety of reality TV shows. (Kill me now!) but really there are some fantastic series out there. Thanks, Terry!

      Delete
  6. I love Doctor Who! I can't wait to get to know the new Doctor better and see how he interprets the character.;)
    I seriously need to watch Call the Midwife...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The new doctor is so much fun! He still has the Doctor mojo but in a crusty old frame. I can only say that it works! And Call The Midwife is a delight! So sweet & heartfelt with all the fun of that time period. Love it!

      Delete