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TV Series Worth Watching.
#1
Breaking Bad.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903747/

Quote:When chemistry teacher, Walter White, is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given only two years to live, he decides he has nothing to lose. He lives with his wife and teenage son, who has cerebral palsy, in New Mexico. Determined to ensure that his family will have a secure future, White embarks on a career of drugs and crime. He proves to be remarkably proficient in this new world as he begins manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with one of his former students. The series tracks the impacts of a fatal diagnosis on a regular hard working man and explores how a fatal diagnosis affects his morality and transforms him into a major player of the drug trade.

Without doubt my favourite tv series to date. First series you need to stick with as it's building complex characters, plots and relationships that recurr throughout the full five seasons. Once you get to series 2 it starts moving, and from S3 on its a rollercoaster that you don't want to get off.
Now is a great time to start watching as they are filming the second half of series 5 which will end BB for good. It's due to be finished and broadcast later this year.
Some fantastic characters in this series (Walter, Jesse, Saul and Mike to name a few) and the acting just gets better and better as you go from season to season. 10/10.


The Wire.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306414/

Quote:Set in Baltimore, this show centers around the city's inner-city drug scene. It starts as mid-level drug dealer, D'Angelo Barksdale beats a murder rap. After a conversation with a judge, Det. James McNulty has been assigned to lead a joint homicide and narcotics team, in order to bring down drug kingpin Avon Barksdale. Avon Barksdale, accompanied by his right-hand man Stringer Bell, enforcer Wee-Bey and many lieutenants (including his own nephew, D'Angelo Barksdale), has to deal with law enforcement, informants in his own camp, and competition with a local rival, Omar, who's been robbing Barksdale's dealers and reselling the drugs. The supervisor of the investigation, Lt. Cedric Daniels, has to deal with his own problems, such as a corrupt bureaucracy, some of his detectives beating suspects, hard-headed but determined Det. McNulty, and a blackmailing deputy. The show depicts the lives of every part of the drug "food chain", from junkies to dealers, and from cops to politicians.

Was my number 1 until I watched Breaking Bad. Brilliant acting and written by people who had lived and worked in the heart of their subject matter. You have to watch closely at times so you learn how everything runs in the drugs/gang scene, but its well worth it. Another series where you need to stick with the first one as it is so complex at times its almost oo much info to take in - but if you do its brilliant. McNulty, Stringer Bell, Omar and Bubbles are all great characters, but there are too many to list. 9.5/10


Sons of Anarchy

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124373/

Quote:Sons of Anarchy, aka SAMCRO, is a motorcycle club that operates both illegal and legal businesses in the small town of Charming. They combine gun-running and a garage, plus involvement in porn film. Clay, the president, likes it old school and violent; while Jax, his stepson and the club's VP, has thoughts about changing the way things are, based on his dead father's journal. Their conflict has effects on both the club and their personal relationships.

Watched it initially just because of the bike theme, but enjoyed it from the off. You will recognise a few of the cast from films/series as there are a lot of established actors. The story is based around Jax and his life within the MC as he tried to learn about his father (previous VP) and influence how the club moves forward. Lots of violence, fair bit of nudity plus bikes ... whats not to like! Wink 8/10


Will add more when I get chance. Boardwalk Empire, The Killing, Homeland, Prisoner of War etc. If anyone else has watched any (or those ^^ I've mentioned) then add comments or reviews. Would be good for alternative opinions or new shows to take a look at.

Am currently enjoying watching 'The Sopranos'. I'm upto series 2 so a bit previous to write up on it, but so far it looks like it will be up there with Breaking Bad and The Wire as it's been brilliant.

On a side note - I'm also recording 'Utopia' on C4 terestrial. Bit wierd but good so far. Just 6 episodes all in I think, so will stick with it as and when I get chance. Worth a watch if you aren't already doing.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#2
Banshee.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2017109/

Quote:Lucas Hood (Antony Starr), an ex-con and master thief assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff where he continues his criminal activities. His past seems to haunt him by those he betrayed years earlier. This ex-con imposes his own brand of justice where violence erupts at every turn in the not so quiet Amish town, Banshee, Pennsylvania.

Currently recording this. Its on Sky Atlantic and is three episodes in. So far its a good ride and worth catching up with. We have an anti-hero (Hood) who is ending up doing the right thing but for the wrong reasons. His past is being drip fed each episode and there are some good characters in it so plenty going on. It's fairly violent. So far so good for me.



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Hannibal

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2243973/

Quote:Explores the early relationship between the renowned psychiatrist and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers.

I've got to say I'm a Hannibal fan. I watched 'Manhunter' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091474/) in the 90's which was the first introduction to Dr Lecter and Will Graham before the Silence of the Lambs.

This series is pretty much a prequel to Silence of the Lambs where agent Will Graham works with Dr Lecter. I've only seen the first episode but enjoyed it and am looking forward to the second (recorded and waiting for a chance to watch this weekend). Mads Mikkelsen who plays Lecter is perfect for the part. He was Le Chiffre in Quantum of Solice and his looks and demeanour really suit this role. Hugh Dancy looks a good choice for Will Graham too.

Another series worth recording if you get the chance.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#3
The Killing.

I'm talking about the US version. I acknowledge that the Danish version is the original and arguably the best but I simply can't be arsed with subtitles so it's US version for me and I've thoroughly enjoyed both series. (Both are on Netflix UK).

Series 1: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637727/

Quote:In Seattle, Det. Sarah Linden is on what is supposed to be her last day on the job. She and her son Jack are supposed to leave that evening to join her fiancé in Sonoma. Her replacement, Det. Stephen Holder, is ready to take over but they answer a call from a patrol car who have found a bloodied sweater in a field. When the missing girl, Rosie Larsen, is found in the trunk of a car at the bottom of a lake it turns out the car is registered to the campaign committee for councilman Darren Richmond, who is running for mayor. Linden delays her departure for what she hopes will be only a few days.


Series 2: Follows on from series 1 - quite literally the next day. I won't add anything as it would spoil series 1. You have to watch them in order.

As good as series 1 is (and it's very good) series 2 is more enjoyable as it all draws to a close. There are some good plots and subplots going so you are never sure just who is responsible until it is unfolded for you. I'd def recommend.

Def worth a watch - especially as you could get a free month on Netflix and cane these two series plus Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#4
Lilyhammer.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1958961/

Quote:Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt), is a former New York mobster, who after testifying in a trial in the United States, joins the witness protection program. Intrigued by the place after watching the Winter Olympics in 1994, he is relocated to Lillehammer in Norway. The transition from being a feared and respected gangster in New York, to becoming an unemployed immigrant in Norway, is not simple. Frank soon discovers that in order to succeed in this rural Norwegian society, he must resort to his old ways.

There are only two series of eight episodes each. Both are on Netflix. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it's dark, but has a lot of humour so has a good balance. Some cracking support actors and the visuals are stunning most of the time (Norway). Really hope they do a series 3.

Oh, and without spoiling anything Soprano fans will enjoy the series, but will shit a brick at the last episode which is in parts superb.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#5
Another heads up. Currently re-running on ITV late Friday. Caught the pilot last week as I remembered someone saying it was a good watch. I'm enjoying it. Quite a lot. Good, strong acting, well written and good sub plots which you are just waiting to take on a life of their own.

The Americans.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2149175/

Quote:A pair of deep-cover Soviet spies masquerades as a typical DC couple whose children, neighbors, coworkers & friends are completely unaware of their activities. At home, they're the stereotypical parents of stereotypical kids; at work, they pose as travel agents; but at night, they weave a web of confidants, lovers, dupes, and historical figures from the Reagan-era Cold War. The startlingly realistic plot twists force the viewer to consider the real cost of an undeclared war, what it takes to protect one's beliefs, if it's worth it, and if it actually worked for either side.

It's quite violent and dark in places, but where it needs to be. Well worth a watch.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#6
Utopia.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2384811/

Quote:When five strangers from an online comic book forum agree to meet after gaining possession of the original manuscript for the cult graphic novel 'The Utopia Experiments', they find themselves pursued by a shadowy organisation known as The Network who are in pursuit of the manuscript - and they are prepared to kill to track it down.

It's on Channel 4 - so series 1 will be available on 4OD.

I loved this. Brilliant short series. Great acting, very atmospheric and I loved the dark, macarbe but often tongue in cheek storyline.
I'd agree with Imdb and give it a worthy 8.5/10. A must see little gem.

Series 2 kicks of with a 'Prequel' set in the 70's on Monday 14th July, then series 2 proper on Tuesday 15th.

You have to watch series one first though.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#7
Another one to throw into the mix .....

The Bridge

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2406376/

Quote:Two detectives work together to take down a serial killer operating on both sides of the Texas-Chihuahua border.

Marco Ruiz is a homicide investigator for the state of Chihuahua, Mexico living in Ciudad Juárez. A family man, Marco is one of the last good men in a corrupt and apathetic police force that is out-gunned by the powerful drug cartels. He's sharp, charming, and observant and painfully aware that his city is in a state of chaos. When a body is dumped on the bridge that spans the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border, Ruiz is forced to work with his American counterpart, "Detective Sonya Cross."

I tried to watch the original Danish series of this. But, just like 'The Killing' it was subtitled and if there is one thing I can't stand it is subtitles, unless of course it is used within programmes for emphasis.

This won't spoil it, but just incase you do wonder if Sonya is 'away with the faries', she isn't - she has aspergers. The casting is very good and the original series won many plaudits. Much in the same way 'The Killing USA' was extremely enjoyable I found this a really good watch too. Whilst it feels a 'slow burner' at times, that is because alongside the main plot there are several subplots we visit which slowly become entwined.
The first episode is a fantastic piece of writing. Worth watching just for that.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#8
Head up on a few series currently on and worth watching:

Sons of Anarchy. Final series ever. Guaranteed to be pure madness until the very end.

Ray Donovan. Series 2. Has really come on during this series. Aside from hoping Rays wife gets bludgeoned to death with a baseball bat, all other main characters have had good storylines and have fitted in well. Some great subplots and humour to break up the dark side of Ray too. Well worth watching and has been renewed for series 3.

Boardwalk Empire. Another one concluding this series. It's been hit and miss for me. Occasionally very good, often a bit "meh" but first two episodes into this mini series finale and it's hotting up nicely. Won't be sorry to see it go, but am looking forward to an enjoyable few episodes to see it out.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#9
Gotham.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3216414/

Quote:James Gordon and Harvey Bullock are assigned to track down the killer of Thomas and Martha Wayne.

I've just watched the pilot episode and its good.
It is the story before Batman - when Bruce Wayne was a boy and his parents were killed. It shows how the City is controlled by warring mob factions and also introduces us to very young Catwoman, Riddler, Poison Ivy and Penguin amongst others.
If you have watched and enjoyed the Batman films (or DC films in general) then there is a good chance you will enjoy watching this just to take in the dark emotive setting that is Gotham and to see how the characters develop.
[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Croft 2005, Cadwell 2006, Cadwell 2007
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#10
Don't know how you find the time matey.

I have just 2 episodes of breaking bad to watch, must say it's probably not one I'll watch again, Jesse Pinkman's character just pissed me off too much although the lawyer Saul Goodman was brilliant, and I understand he is getting his own series.

Sopranos is the best series ever so far, watched it twice now and will probably continue to watch it through every 5 years or so.

Followed closely by 24, I've never watched anything that grips you so much and makes you watch the next episode into the early hours of the morning. Fantastic.

The Shield was pretty good but a bit predictable towards the end.

So after BB is it Auf Weidersehen Pet for the third time or The Wire for the first time ???
All the gear, No idea.

[Image: Crashtestmonkeyredsmall_zpsfc1e3d39.jpg] Too many to remember
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