NerdSpawn’s UK TV List: Watch … or Don’t

Here’s my rundown of what’s on TV here in the UK that’s worth watching, what’s sitting on the fence or what’s complete rubbish.

Honey, you don’t know what you’ve been missin’ (Watch It):

The Wire (on FX)

Currently in its 3rd season. Cop and inner-city drama based in Baltimore, Maryland, US. Good guys aren’t always good, bad guys aren’t always rotten: It shows it from all sides. Intertwining threads of story. Not sure how you’ll piece it together if you start watching this far in. At any rate, it is an excellent series and extremely well written. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s “Stuff White People Like” but it’s brilliant TV.

House (on Channel 5)

Now, last season this would’ve been more of an “if you have the time” show. This new season’s showing promise. Sure, it’s still formulaic. There are still gratuitous shots of Cuddy’s bangers.

And although we’re only a few shows into the season here in the UK, I’m worried they’ll go for the same combo as before: Conflicted black doctor, sensitive eat-a-sammich white chick doctor and <insert random other schmoe doctor here>. Still the same great rapport between House and Wilson. Same hilarious quips from House, gotta give a thumbs up to his snarky Big Love (wonder when that’s returning to Ol’ Blighty) comment to the black Mormon doctor vying for the new team. So far, so good this season.

Other Must-See shows on UK TV:

Reaper (E4)

If you can get past the obvious similarities between the supporting character “Sock” and Jack Black, it’s a decently funny show. It’s worthwhile watching simply to see the best casting of Satan ever: Jack Wise.

Big Bang Theory (E4)

More of a guilty pleasure of mine since MotH is a physicist. It’s a stereotype of scientists and nerds but there’s an element of truth to it so it’s painfully funny in a good way. Although, you’ve got to try and stomach the laugh track and the annoying “like, duh” token female character.

The Apprentice (BBC 1)

Another guilty pleasure. We’re not talking the American version but the infinitely-more cool UK series. I love Sir Alan. And what’s not to love - he came from nothing and turned himself into a multi-millionaire (that’s almost a couple billion if you’re counting in $$$). He exudes badassness. The clips of him berating these idiots are worth the price of admission alone. Another episode on tonight, can’t wait.

If you’re bored (Undecided Maybe) TV:

Mad Men (BBC Four)

Stylish. Drama about advertising executives set in 1960’s New York. I love the attention to detail and a glimpse of what women must have dealt with in the workplace. Still not sure whether it’s great or not but it’s getting interesting enough to keep watching.

Dirty Sexy Money (Channel 4)

Just watched the pilot and first episode. Not keen on the Grey’s Anatomy-like epilogue. A priest in need of anger management therapy and Donald Sutherland as one of the main characters, “Tripp Darling”: The characters add enough interest at this point to keep it on series link.

Complete Rubbish TV:

Although I didn’t think so in the first couple of seasons, Lost has become an utter bore of a show. The writing is horrid. They’ve run out of twists and have ventured into complete ridiculousness. Who gives a flaming shit about Michael or Jack or Kate? Most any of them for that matter. Sawyer is the only character that remains slightly interesting or at least he’s worth a chuckle every now and again. Shame the strike didn’t kill the show.

Speaking of formulaic hospital shows, I’m dreading the return of Grey’s Anatomy here in the UK. I’ll, of course, dutifully watch it but damn if it didn’t get almost unbearable last season. Who knew a show about such attractive, young and supposedly brilliant people could be so boring.

I’m sure there were a few others that have been removed from our Sky+ list of recorded shows but not much else on recently comes to mind.

Coming soon:

Anxiously awaiting the return of Dexter for the second season, Big Love and Heroes. I’d also love to see Moving Wallpaper and Echo Beach return to ITV.

Just added to my Sky+ series link: Pushing Daisies, Celebrity Come Dine with Me and Chuck.