IT [TV Mini-Series] (1990)

In 1960, seven outcast kids known as "The Loser Club" fight an evil demon who poses as a child-killing clown. 30 years later, they are called back to fight the same clown again.

Something is clearly amiss in the town of Derry, in the Great State of Maine. Throughout the years, many kids have been missing and or killed and the only guy with a clue as to what's happening, is a librarian. Finding a pic of a small boy who died years ago, he calls up an old friend, Bill, and simply says, "He's back."

The Characters:

A small group of bffs who banded together as kids to fight bullies, build dams and destroy evil. They reunite 30 yrs later to once again save the day [and maybe rebuild the dam if there's time].

The bullies [Including Belchy, the lackey who's sole dialogue consists of belching]

Pennywise the Murderous Clown aka IT aka the Ancient Evil aka The Eater of Worlds.

Officer O'Malley [who's sole line is: "top o the mornin' lads" and you just know he practiced that for weeks.]

The Situation:

An evil being who can somehow read  minds and project people's worst fears, has taken the form of a clown named Pennywise, and terrorizes a small town in Maine for the past few centuries. Killing children, eating worlds, you know, the usual supernatural demon stuff.

Pennywise torments his victims before killing them and a group of kids who've, at some point, all had a run in with the clown, band together determined to take him down. They make a promise to come back and finish the job if they don't get it done. 30yrs later, they reunite  as adults, to put him away for good. Pennywise hasn't forgotten them and although we warns then away, he is focused on finishing what he started years ago.

How They Escaped:

30 years ago, they banded together, went into his lair and busted up his head with some rocks and battery acid. They managed to flee in the chaos.

30 yrs later, they go back into his lair and find his true form, [discover the hard way that rocks and battery acid were child's play] and eventually find a way to  muderize it,  Finishing the job once and for all. They neglected to eat his heart and gain his powers though.

I hate clowns. But it's Halloween and what's better than a killer clown flick? (A: Zombie clowns, but that's neither here nor there) with that in mind, I finally decided to nut up and watch this film.
For as creepy as IT is, only in a movie about a killer clown, can your heroes be a librarian, an asthmatic and a stuttering author.

Georgie a small child, who was taken by Pennywise a long time ago. Apparently, Bill, Mike and a group of other kids got rid of him, but he's returned to wreak havoc and snatch up more kids for food.

The narrative jumps between the past and the present and we eventually get the whole story.

A good chunk of the beginning is basically "getting the band back together" as the central characters are introduced and their story is told. Tim Curry puts in an amazing performance as Pennywise. Equally disturbing and darkly comedic.

What I hated about IT, besides it's length, was the ending: A bike ride? Seriously?! Since when does a bike ride cure autism?! You know what? Fuck you, Stephen King! You can't write an ending for shit.

Stray Quotage:

• Some people have no class.
• Some people's parents are janitors." [Little kids are so fucking hurtful]
• Nobody kicks me! [Nobody makes me bleed my own blood! Nobody!]
• I hate you. My mom says you're only here because it's our Christian duty!
• You get the hell back here Bevy! or by God I'll whip the skin off you!
• Stem is a Jew. That means he's really smart and says 'oy' a lot.
• Are we men, or are we mice? (In unison) We're mice!
• You don't need any friends Eddie, except for your own mom!" [Friends are the debil, Bobby!]
• Kill? Me?  I am eternal, child! I am the Eater of Worlds. Eater of children. And You Are Next! [Line of the film, btw.]
• Just let go! You all taste so much better when you're afraid!

Violence? OffScreen
Explosions? No
Nudity? No

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30 Rock (2006) [TV Series]

This smartly crafted sitcom stars Emmy-winning series creator Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, an unlucky-in-love New Yorker who heads up a ragtag team of writers on the fictional NBC variety show "TGS with Tracy Jordan." The top-notch ensemble cast also features Alec Baldwin as pompous network executive Jack Donaghy, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski as the pampered stars of "TGS," and Jack McBrayer as a relentlessly upbeat NBC page.

30 Rock was one of the best scripted series on television. Jack Donaghy is easily one of the best "boss" characters on television and Alec Baldwin is awesome in that role. His only legitimate competition being Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson.

I was debating on whether to do the extended write-up or not, but i think I'll just get right to the clips:

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Killer Girl K (2011) [TV Series]

After her mother is kidnapped and killed, a young woman who was (already quite bad ass) joins a shadowy group to get the revenge training she needs. When she eventually accomplishes that task, she wants to retire. But to do so she'll have to fight her way out of the company.


Killer Girl K/Little Girl K is an action filled Korean series. It doesn't break new ground, but it does look good and the fight scenes are well done.

             

Sexy. Bad Ass. Women. They even did an their own stunts.

Here's a fight scene that I think you'll enjoy. Decide for yourself if it's worth checking out or not:

Violence? Yes
Explosions? No
Nudity? Yes

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The Dresden Files (2007) [TV Series]

 Sci-Fi series about a modern day wizard looking to do good to reform for killing his uncle with black magic. Aided by his family servant Bob, He sets himself up as a Private Investigator and helps the police with "unusual" crimes and cases that can't be solved by "conventional means."

I'll be the first to admit that this show isn't for everyone. But it is pretty decent. Some episodes drag, some pick up pretty quickly, but each has that combination of humor, magic and storytelling that can keep you watching through the better part of a season.

Apparently, the show is based on a series of books that the TV series ruined but it has somewhat of a cult following online.

Fan Made Trailer:

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The Jeselnik Offensive (2013) TV

I like Anthony Jeselnik. His Comedy is just the right mix of snark and deadpan offensive to which a lot of people won't even know why they're mad, just that they should be.

I'm not a fan of his opening monologue as that seems kinda forced. It looks like he's trying to do the best he can with it, but Jesus Christ dude, you don't have to read your headlines before getting into the joke. It's not funny when Leno does it and it isn't funny when you do it either.

My only other gripe involves the panel. While I find the panel concept hilarious, how many times can one possibly say the word panel. It just bothers me. makes me do like he's again trying, which comedians shouldn't do.

It reads like I'm being negative, but I'm not. I really do enjoy this show. The jokes are funny, the guests are funny, even the audience is funny when prompted. I just hate when I feel like a comedian is trying to be funny. Comedy Central built a whole show around him being offensive, so now he has to live up to it.

Anyway, check out some of this stuff out and judge for yourself. You can find his show on Comedy Central if you're interested.

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Orphan Black (2013)

Imagine if you were walking down a street and saw your exact duplicate as they killed themselves. What would you do? If you were looking for a way out, you'd assume their identity and use the opportunity as a means to escape. What you may find however is that there is no real escape; You've just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Thus goes the story of Sarah Manning a.k.a. Orphan Black.
Sarah was a street urchin, a con woman in an abusive relationship who was just looking for a way to gain custody of her daughter and escape that life. She assumes the identity of Beth Childs, and gets more than she bargained for when she learns that Beth was a cop who may or may not be dirty, but definitely has some secrets. As Beth, she learns that there are 9 other women who are her but with completely different lives.

Orphan Black is crazy. I really didn't think this show would be that good. Shit is crazy. How do you watch yourself die twice in a week, pretend to be you as a cop, chase down and nearly kill an assassin that is you and imitate a suburban clean cut version of yourself all within the span of a month?

It seems like a lot, but everything is actually well thought out and more importantly, it's presented in a way that's intriguing, clear, concise and gripping. Orphan Black will not be the best Sci-fi show you'll see, but it's damned good. Plus there's a sassy gay guy, a former military contractor and a shadow org that intends to "clean things."

I think the girl that plays Sarah does all her clones (otherwise that is simply incredible casting) and she does an amazing job. Each character is completely different, from their speech patterns to their body movements to how they interact with other people. Even when she pretends to be one of the others it seems as if she's trying to be something she isn't. I'm blown away by her performance and dare I say it, I think she's earned a fan.

Enough gushing, here's are some videos


The Trailer:

Bad girls do it well:

Who are you really?:

Behind the Scenes:

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Kitchen Nightmares

Kitchen Nightmares has become my official guilty pleasure show. I still think reality shows are stupid, but there's something about this one that draws me in.

In case you were wondering, there is not much of a difference between the British and US versions. The US version puts on that reality show sheen while the British version is more of a regular TV show and in line with what Gordon preaches: "Simple is Better."

Speaking of simple, The narrative is just that and stays the same across the pond:

[Somewhere, there is a restaurant that is failing, Gordon Ramsey answers their call for help, butts heads with the chef/owner, says "Fuck," a lot, changes the decor and eventually everyone triumphs. (At least for a night.) and all of this happens within a week.]

They never stray from the formula and after he leaves, it's up to the restaurants themselves to keep up their successes. I find myself surprisingly interested in the fate of these places.

People love to hate him because no one wants to cheer for assholes and I'm favorably biased towards competent assholes so I like him. Here's the thing you need to accept about Gordon Ramsay, he is the way he is because:

1. He has to be. These people have been coddled and are living in their own world. They've never heard any criticism or taken it well and sometimes tough love is the only way to get through to someone and tell them to stop being so goddamn stubborn.


2. He knows his shit. Anyone would be hard pressed to argue with his track record/body of work. So why don't they deserve to be called out when they do?


3. He could just go away and sleep on a bed of money. He payed his dues and he owes no one anything yet takes time from his own schedule to legitimately help falling business get back on track. He genuinely cares. (or he's the greatest actor ever)


4. He's effective. Obviously he knows what he's talking about so why give him shit for helping (So what if it is in a non PC way)?

He's an asshole with a heart of gold (at least that's how he presents himself) but the fact of the matter is: Your personality/actions will almost always be excused if you know what the fuck you're talking about. Would you take shit from the people you've decided to help? Especially if you're paying them to let you help?

Anyway here are some goodies:

Bonus: A clip from the recently aired Amys Restaurant, the only place he's ever walked out on.

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Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (2010) [TV Series]

A book of awesome power -- one that will make your deepest, darkest desires come true but at a horrifying cost -- is loose in Crowley High. Thankfully, four teenagers stand between The Book of Pure Evil and the end of the world as we know it.

Todd and the Book of Pure Evil is a Canadian horror comedy that was only allowed two years of awesomeness before it was shut down by the Canadian Government. At it's core, TatBoPE was about a high school slacker stoner who discovers that he is the "pure evil one," a being destined to bring about a new age of death and destruction. Todd decides that he ain't about that life and rejects the book. However, the book has the power to grant anyone's desires and usually anyone that uses it meets a grisly fate. With the help of his friends, he has to track it down before it gets into the hands of his nemesis Atticus Murphy Jr., the school counselor/secret Satanist who intends to use to book for his own evil deeds.

I've read that paragraph maybe six or seven times trying to improve it. Don't let that description fool you, Hands down, TATBOPE is one of the best tv shows ever made and just about guaranteed to be the one show that can only be enjoyed by me...and maybe a few folks in Canada. Everything about this show is amazing. The story, the monsters, the music, and most importantly there's blood, guts and swearing. Aside from Metalocalypse, there's no show like it and it's relatively uncensored for the most part.

They've even saw fit to bless us with some choice swears:

Shit Rooster (my personal favorite)
JizzMagician - (because you make jizz disappear.)
Cock Holster (known, but still comical)
Cock Lamp
Ass Taxi

Todd and the Book of Pure Evil has got to be one of the best shows I've ever seen and I completely understand why it was not renewed. There's no way a show this awesome could last on television and there's no way to censor it that wouldn't completely ruin it. At least it had two seasons and a proper ending.

Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? Only in Monster Form

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Neverland (2010)

A man known as Jimmy, uses a group of young pickpockets to do his bidding. A heist goes wrong at an antiquities store when Jimmy finds and drops an orb and the entire crew suddenly vanishes. Captured and led aboard a pirate ship, (helmed by the smoking hot Anna Friel) Jimmy bests the crew and he reveals himself to them as James Hook. He is soon seduced by power when Captain Bonnie shows him her magic fairy dust (wink wink) and promises that they can rule this world by capturing the mineral dust from the tree fairies that inhabit the land. Once Hook is involved, he desires to get the dust, return home, and rule London.

Peter, meanwhile, is taken in by a group of Indians who have also fell into the doorway over 200 years ago. They have become protectors of the tree spirits since the pirates arrived. While in their company, he discovers that one of the natives also has similar dreams about an island somewhere in the realm. When the chiefs daughter points out that the island is real, Peter goes with her to see if they can find a way out. Eventually, he finds more info on Neverland among a forest utopia, and not too long after, Peter meets the tree fairies and is given the task of retrieving the orb and saving the realm from the pirates. To aid him, the fairies have given him the power to fly and have also sent one of their own, Tinkerbell, to assist him. Peter accepts the task and sets out on his mission. He will eventually engage the Pirates in a battle that would change Neverland forever.

Neverland is a SyFy Mini series featuring a retelling of the story of Peter Pan. For the sake of clarity, Neverland is a dimension at both the corner and the center of the universe and anyone inside of it never ages. Hence the name. This version starts in the real world of 17th century London. There, it attempts to establish a quick exposition of the characters before life in the fantasy realm fleshes them out further. James Hook isn't flat out evil, just shamed by his peers and blinded by his lust for revenge. He's also a surrogate father to Peter and his crew. Peter has an innocent heart and is willing to do anything for his adopted father.

I thought it was a decent series overall, but nothing that would make me want to watch a series religiously. If the film stayed in London or even if Hook was female, that would have scored it some major points as far as remakes go. But overall, it was okay. Standard faire brought to life with stunning visuals and computer generated graphics.

 

When I first saw her, I thought Anna Friel would be captain hook. A change in genders would have definitely made the story fresher, but that didn't hurt it overall.

Out of Five? 3.5

Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? No

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Bob's Burgers - [TV Series] (2012)

Blending the structure of a family sitcom and a workplace comedy, this animated Fox series centers on Bob Belcher and his ragtag clan of burger flippers, who are desperate -- really desperate -- to get their greasy spoon off the ground.

The great H. Jon Benjamin voices Bob in this awesome cartoon that is one of the funniest shows you haven't been watching. I've been sleeping on this show, and I have no excuse. I just didn't think it would be that funny, but the writing, the dialogue and the chemistry of the cast combine to produce an awesome series.


 
Via Wikipedia, Here's a primer to catch you up:

	Bob Belcher The husband of Linda, the father of Tina, Gene, and Louise, and the main character of the series. He is the proprietor of a burger restaurant which he enjoys almost more than anything else.
	Linda Bob's wife and the mother of Tina, Gene, and Louise. She stands by Bob's side through thick and thin. She is always trying new things, even if she has no idea how exactly to go about it or hasn't the support of anybody else.
	Tina The eldest Belcher child and the "goof" of the family. She generally speaks in a monotonous voice, works part-time at the restaurant and is often the voice of reason among the Belcher children. She is trying to come to grips with her entry into adulthood, and claims to have a complicated relationship with zombies.
	Gene  The only son of the family. He is very enthusiastic about almost everything and enjoys playing his keyboard. He often promotes the restaurant by wearing a burger costume, and dreams of one day being a famous musician.
	Louise The youngest of the Belcher siblings. She enjoys pulling pranks on people, and is more than willing to exploit people if there is anything to be gained. She has an offbeat sense of humor and picks locks as a hobby.
	Hugo Habercore A health inspector who used to date Linda but got jilted by her for Bob, a fact that causes him no end of frustration, which he takes out on Bob any chance he gets.
	Jimmy Pesto  The owner of the Italian restaurant across the street and Bob's personal nemesis. Their rivalry often seems to border on stalking each other, even though their families get along well.
	Mr. Calvin Fischoeder  An eccentric local businessman (who dresses in a white suit with a white eye-patch) and Bob's landlord. He owns or has a stake in just about everything down on the harbor (and many things in town). He likes Bob despite Bob always being late with his rent (partially because Bob knows a legendary burger recipe that he greatly enjoys).

Clips:

Violence? No
Explosions? No
Nudity? Yes

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Supernatural [TV Series] (2005)

Raised by their dad to fight supernatural forces, grown siblings Dean and Sam crisscross the country in their 1967 Chevy Impala, investigating paranormal activity and picking fights with deadly demons, ghosts and monsters.

Sam and Dean Winchester are brothers who hunt the things "that go bump in the night." Throughout the series they battle demons, angels, werewolves, Djinn and anything else apart of monster or religious mythology all while making angsty comments and pop culture references.

I slept on this show. Found it on Netflix and I've been hooked ever since. I find it has the right mixture of action, scifi, pop culture, snark, and supernatural elements. Plus the show isn't afraid to occasionally poke fun at itself or its fans.

Honestly, There were a few seasons that I felt moved slowly or included a lot of filler. Part of that was because of the writers strike, some of it was because the show was renewed at the last minute. Overall though, it's a good series and presents itself better than a few other monster hunting TV shows. (* cough*Grimm *cough cough*)

Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? No

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Jon Benjamin Has a Van [TV Series] (2011)

Funnyman Jon Benjamin has a van but he's not some perv; He's just a journalist sticking his mic where it doesn't belong. Whether pushing buttons in ambush interviews or taking riotous trips to the absurd, Jon is going where no van has gone before. 

 

What do these four characters have in common? They are all voiced by Jon Benjamin. The awesome part? All of his voice work is done in the same voice, yet each character is completely different.

 Jon Benjamin has a van is a parody of news crews and special interest reporting. Set as a news crew on the beat, Jon, his sound guy, cameraman and producer usually cover stories that generally starts simple and quickly goes to the absurd.

I kinda slept on the show during its first weeks, but once I pieced together who H.J.B was and how talented he is, I tuned in. I wish the show was given another season. As with any show with segments, some will hit and some will miss. I've highlighted a few I thought were not only funny, but also showed off the show's creativity and absurdity.

WereJew - Jon  becomes an Orthodox Jew during a full moon.
Kidnapped Soundguy - After the soundguy is kidnapped, Jon and the crew race to get him back.
Border Crossing - Jon tries to make amends for a prank war gone bad. 
Hot Beef Injection - Jon does a retrospective on the man who coined the infamous phrase.

Out of Five? 4.5

Violence? Simulated
Explosions? A few
Nudity? No

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The Black Panther [TV Series] (2009)

***All this week, I'll be reviewing Marvel's Avenger related films. 

Today's feature: The Black Panther (The Animated Series)***

The Black Panther is 12 episode motion comic introducing (or even re-acquainting for the comic savvy) The Black Panther and the sovereign county of Wakanda to the world. 

The Black Panther is the the title given to the leader of Wakanda. Every year, there is a contest where anyone can challenge the King, for the right to the panther crown. T'Challa our reigning King, took the throne after defeating the his uncle at the last battle.

The United States Govt having grown increasingly concerned about the sovereign country (whose military, tech and wealth are vastly superior), have resigned themselves (along with a few other countries) to send in "special forces" to try to kill/assist the Panther and gain a foothold in Wakanda. Their intel has discovered that the Black Panther is no one to be trifled with. He's defeated Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and countless other people who have appeared on his land. The nation of Wakanda itself is equally strong, having never been conquered, holding advanced technology and cures to nearly all diseases and never having or needing to tap it's vast oil reserves to create wealth. In Wakanda's eyes, everyone is after wakanda to profit from the resources that they willingly share with their people. This is why they remain isolated and shun everyone outside their borders. They feel the world is too selfish for their own good.

Proving their point, the US decides to finance an invasion of Wakanda. Putting it in the hands of "The Claw," a top mercenary and assassin who was ultimately responsible for the death of a previous Panther, T'chaka, T'challa's father. As the villains breach the border and start to invade Wakanda, it's up to T'challa to show his might as the Panther and save his country while also avenging his father's death.

Captain America makes a cameo and proceeds to get his ass handed to him. To be fair, they turned him into a bloodthirsty agent as opposed to the diplomatic guy he is today. But an ass whipping could also do that to you as well. The Juggernaut is recruited by the villains, but he's there solely to fuck with the wildlife and utter the world famous line.

He's the Juggernaut, Bitch!

The series, although filled with exposition, gets better as it goes along. I'm surprised they threw in so many cameos from other Marvel characters, but it shows the importance, relevance and influence of both the Panther and Wakanda. There are a few "eye-roll" moments, but it doesn't stray too far off the beaten path.

  Out of Ten? 8

Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? No

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Sherlock Holmes (TV Series) - 2011

In this modernized version of the Conan Doyle characters, using his detective plots, Sherlock Holmes lives in early 21st century London and acts more cocky towards Scotland Yard's detective inspector Lestrade because he's actually less confident. Doctor Watson is now a fairly young veteran of the Afghan war, less adoring and more active.

Basically this show brings Holmes, Watson and his mythology into modern times. Cell phones, internet, and all of our modern amenities are all features.

 Benedict Cumberbatch. Yes, that's his real name and no he could not be anymore English.

Holmes describes himself as a high functioning sociopath and he only takes the cases that are interesting to him. Everyone else describes him as a psychopath, and they fear the day that he stops solving crimes and starts causing them.

Within the first series, we're introduced to Moriarty, a man who's intelligence is directly on par with Holmes and we have a standoff between these two giants of intelligence.

Another fantastic series from the BBC. If you're a fan of mystery, you're a fan of sherlock holmes. Why not give this version a chance?



Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? Maybe, but no.

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Quick hits #9

Flick's Quick Hits - Rapid fire reviews and thoughts on a few movies at once.

Featuring: Portlandia, Samurai Champloo, Damages, and Sons of Tuscon

	Portlandia (2011) - SNL's Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein start in this sketch comedy is basically centered on portland and all it's hipsterish activities and citizens. it's funny in spurts. Out of five? 3.5
	Samurai Champloo (2004) - An Anime set during samurai era japan and overlayed with hip hop beats. Mugen and jin are swordmasters who basically are stopped from killing each other by fuu, who recruits them in the search for her father. Eh. Not a bad anime. If you're into swordplay and/or the samurai era, this may interest you. Out of 5? 3.5  There is a lull between action scenes, but when it's time to fight, shit gets real.
	Damages (2007) - Unscrupulous lawyer drama. Glenn close plays patty hewes, a no nonsense attorney specializing in corporate fraud, who will do whatever it takes to get money back to the people who were cheated out of it. She's a master manipulator. Expect a lot of mental chess and the desperate CEOs will do whatever it takes to keep their money. So expect deaths too. Out of 5? 4. Dramas bore me a bit, but this one was okay. Story jumps back and forth through time both giving and taking information. Kept me engrossed.
	Sons of Tuscon (2010) - Canceled after 4 episodes, Sons of Tuscon is actually a pretty funny series with a basic premise. After their father is jailed, for securities fraud, 3 young kids set out to find a guy to poise as their father. They find Ron, an adult slacker in need of a home + money and more they're a family. I'm not afraid to say that this was one of the shows I slept on when it aired, but it was canceled after 4 episodes. Neither Tuscon nor I had a chance to connect. Then I found it on Netflix. Out of Five? 4

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Being human (2008 TV Series)

 So, another day, another BBC series. 

Being Human is the tale of 3 supernatural beings who live together and help each other deal with the reality of their situations. George is a werewolf, Mitchell is a vampire, and Annie is a ghost. The show itself, is a Sci-Fi/Drama hybrid, but it has enough action and plot to keep you interested and watching. I like it, and I think you should give it a shot. If you don't like it, your girl will, and if you watch it with her, you'll get the goods. Which makes it all worthwile.

Series Premiere Trailer:

Out of 5? 4.

Violence? Yes. Vampires are ruthless killers
Explosions? Yes.
Nudity? Teased, but you might catch a nipple if you're lucky.

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Beyond Scared Straight - 2010

'Beyond Scared Straight!' will once again show young offender intervention programs, only these have evolved since 'scaring teens is no longer as easy of a task.' Each episode will focus on a different prison program, following a group of at-risk teens and preteens going through the program and then catching up with them two months later.

Remember the old scared straight videos they used to show in schools? Basically a bunch of troubled teens were confronted by inmates who were in their position at one point in life. Look at the little kid in the poster. He had know clue what he was getting into and he was just posing for a fucking advertisement.

In this series, the spirit is the same, yet the delivery is different. Instead of everyone meeting in a neutral studio setting, the Teens (both make and female) are sent to a correctional institute where they become inmates for a day and receive a crash course on life in prison and each episode gives you a bit of background on the youths, (namely who they are and why they are there) and at the end you get a quick follow up as to their current situation (at the end of production).

The show makes a case of who is in a better position to help the troubled youth? Parents, prisoners, or government? Overwhelmingly, the answer seems to be both prisoners and a taste of prison life. These kids think they are on top of the world. Nothing can touch them, no one can tell them anything and they can do whatever they want. Damn the repercussions. The inmates give them that hard dose of reality that their parents, for whatever reason, have been unable to provide. The guards contribute too and often, yet they aren't as impactful as the prisoners.

The male inmates are pretty straightforward. "I was like you, I effed up. I don't want you to make the same mistake. You're not tough." The stories with the female inmates, however, are the bread and butter of this show in my opinion. Female inmates are ruthless, they look like dudes, and yet because they are women, they can still be nurturing when it comes to helping the teens stay on the right path. Diabla, Green Eyes, and everyone else in there take great strides to help these kids. But they make certain to let the kids know that if push comes to shove and they do end up in the system, they will be owned.

Do you want to get on the wrong side of Diabla? 

My only real gripe with the show is their heavy anti weed status. On one hand, weed really isn't that addictive and it isn't an out and out life ruiner. (2 out of every 10 smokers become addicted.) On the other hand, when you do start so young (some as young as 12 in this show) it does has a higher chance of impeding your decision making, as presumably, you wouldn't have developed that will power as of yet.

Also, the prison experience has a tendency to "break" some of the younger kids. Like the kids that are aged 8-13 really have no business being in the program. 1) Their minds are too young to comprehend why they are even there in the first place and 2) they are waaay to easy to break. And once they're gone, they are way more likely to become withdrawn and enter the system themselves as they get older.

Anyway, enough talking, here are some clips:

Solid series. I think the show is awesome. You can't beat the entertainment value of a "tough as nails" teen reacting to 20+ dudes calling him a bitch and telling him that his ass in danger.

Beyond Scared Straight airs on A&E and season 1 may be available on Netflix Instant Watch.

Violence? No
Explosions? No
Nudity? No

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Luther - 2010 (TV Series)

In this BBC series. Idris Elba wrecks shop as Luther, a self destructive cop who sits firmly in the gray as it relates to his job. The show follows the case of the week format for a few episodes, then it jumps into a cat and mouse style battle of wits as the brilliant but flawed DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) Luther matches wits with the equally as brilliant but obviously flawed psychopaths of the city. As unorthodox and or unethical as it seems, he gets shit done.

Make no mistake, Luther is a cerebral show. But the twists and turns it takes to resolve its cases will draw you in and help you appreciate quality shows such as this. So far, there are 2 seasons or series as they are called across the pond, and I look forward to another two. Maybe it is because the quality of our TV has really gone down, but I'm realizing that the BBC has really stepped up their game lately. Between this show, Sherlock (2010),  Jekyll (2007), and Dead Set (2008), I am 100% impressed and open to viewing nearly anything they have to offer.

Luther definitely cracks my top 10 series list (top 5 in british shows).
It is currently on instant watch. Why not give it a shot?

                                                                      

Violence? Yes. Psychopaths abound. People die.
Explosions? Rarely. There may be one or two
Nudity? There may be a titty or two. The british aren't as uptight about showing boobs as we are.

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Pulling - 2006(TV Series)

On the Day before her wedding, Donna decides her life is boring and she wants to be single. She then calls off the wedding moves in with her two single best friends. Thus begins a series I'd describe as a raunchy romantic dramedy. Don't let that description turn you off. It is definitely comedy first, using their drama and romantic failures as the setup to it's punchlines.

The show is funny and actually pretty well written. To me, the mark of a good show is when I find myself invested in the characters, and to it's credit, I got sucked in. Each of the ladies are equally comical and they support each other while getting the chance to shine individually.

Canceled after 2 seasons, they were allowed an hr long special to wrap up outstanding plot lines. But that was clearly disjointed. They jumped forward in time about 6 months and You could tell that the series was being rushed to it's conclusion. Plot lines, new loves, and bad situations, just to name a few things that were left hanging or unanswered by the series finale. The hr special was supposed to help alleviate, but it only highlighted the burden of the show's sudden departure.

A clip. Just because I can:

Out of Five? Four. Another good production unfortunately hurt by it's untimely cancellation. 

Bonus: Sharon Horgan(Donna) wrote and starred in this raunchy female led BBC series. You can see her currently as the love interest in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.


Violence? Comedic
Explosions? No
Nudity? Surprisingly, none.

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The Good Guys - 2010 (TV Series)

Jack is a by-the-book detective whose habit of undermining himself has resulted in a dead-end position with the Police Dept. His partner Dan, a drunken, lecherous veteran hangs onto his job only because of one heroic act years ago.

The good guys is a buddy comedy about a burned out 70s super cop and his straight arrow partner who have been named partners due to their previous transgressions.

Dan Stark is a "Screw procedure! Let's bust some punks!" type of cop and his partner Jack Bailey, (played by Colin Hanks) is a by the books straight arrow cop. The comedic timing/pairing of this odd couple only gets better as the crimes on the petty crimes list they've been assigned to suddenly become much larger and dangerous.

This show was unfortunately canceled after it's first season and that's only because no one watched it. Which, again is partially my fault, as well as yours. I, like all red blooded Americans, didn't believe anything starring Colin Hanks would be worth my time. Then I found this show. Unfortunately, it was way too late to save it.

The Good Guys is currently available on netflix instant watch. If by the time you read this, the show is not there, find some other way to watch it. It's worth it.

Also, the quietly foxy Jenny Wade costars.

How can you pass this up?

Out of Ten? 5

Solid cop show. Plenty of laughs and a lot of action scenes. 

Violence? Yes
Explosions? Yes
Nudity? No.

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