The Blues

Box-Set Blues – Christmas Stocking Edition

On November 28, 2010, in Box Sets, Christmas, Television, by Rosie

Don’t worry. The Britch of Christmas past will be back soon, complaining, whinging, writing as a feral Scrooge on menopausal roids.

It’s just that she has to think about gifts, recalled last year’s festive post about DVD Television and decided that it was time to brush off the recommendations again.

There’s nothing like watching television in a box set format (or episodes back to back). Recently, when I had computer issues and told sister Alli that I might not be able to access the good telly as easily, she exclaimed, ‘Oh, my cutter (coz we are all about the c-word in this fam) that cannot happen. Get that mother cutting computer fixed immediately, ffs! A lot of people depend on you for their shows.’

Jeez. I wonder if she’d be so enthusiastic if I said my kidney was malfunctioning and I needed one of hers. (biatch)

Anyhoodle, it’s simply a (deranged) way of saying that watching TV programmes all at once (or in a ‘lump’) is sensational, the only way to go and really exciting. I always compare it to the luxury of reading a book. One episode is like one chapter and many of my television guru friends at Livejournal have reminded me that it’s how the series should be watched. As a whole.

So, without further ado-da, here’s a list of 5 series that you might seek out for your Chrissie stocking this year. Click on the names to find a good deal for purchasing and happy viewing!

1. Breaking Bad (seasons 1-3)

So many things about Breaking Bad turned me away initially. The premise. The length of the first season (7 eps – in that I really prefer the season to be around 12-13 episodes) the major ‘thing’ that the characters were doing.

Pip’s best friend’s dad got us a copy ages ago, and although I thanked him with a grateful smile, I was a bit hesitant to start. (sorry Dale). Now, I cannot get enough. The acting is amazing, the story arcs are amazing, the reasons behind the premise are amazing. It’s character-driven and such a slow, smoldering build up to events, you can’t help but want more.

In the words of a friend from Livejournal (thanks Michelle) it is the best. TV. ever. Whatever you think will happen, doesn’t and what does happen is nothing you could have imagined!!

Incredible television.

2. Dexter (seasons 1-4)

Still fabulous and the final three episodes of season 5 are due to be shown in the US before Christmas. It’s a viewing extravaganza. You laugh, jump, get revolting, gasp, giggle, wonder, debate ethical standards, wow, muse, incredulate (that’s when you become ‘incredulous’) find yourself in two minds about who to support.

It’s so much more than a police show. It’s so much more than blood, killing, gore, revenge. Dexter uses the setting of Miami to its fullest, gives us a kaleidoscope of complex characters, weaves the entire notion of good versus evil with a thread of grey … all this, and it entertains too.

Seasons 2 & 4 have been my favourite so far, but the entire ride is thrilling. Great script, beautiful, talented people, wonderful television. Watch it before I cut your cheek with a knife and mount the blood on a microscope slide.

3. Mad Men (seasons 1-4)

It’s interesting. I’ve recced Mad Men to a few people with mixed results. Some love it, others haven’t warmed to it at all, which makes me wonder whether it’s slow to start but really fires up for Season 3. It’s a character driven, plot heavy show without special effects, zombies, supernatural appeal or car chases.

It doesn’t need glitz. It’s so high standard, it’s won about 13 Emmys, is often parodied and provides visual 50s & 60s spectacular in each episode.

Perhaps it’s my early addiction to shows like I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched, combined with an interest in the 60s & 70s that generates a love of Mad Men. Or maybe it’s the fantastic, multi-layered story, the stunning people, the fashion, sets, decor that sets it apart as remarkably special. Mad Men is fabulous.

4. The United States of Tara (seasons 1-3)

As with ‘Breaking Bad’, I wasn’t keen on the premise initially. Tara (Toni Collette) is a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder. We watch as she comes off her medication and her alters reappear.

Although this is considered ‘comedy’, each 30 minute show makes commentary on mental illness, the effect on family, the role of society and childhood in the development of the disorder, the importance of support. There are funny moments. There are scenes that make you cringe, cry, worry. It’s a wonderful show, strongly acted, ably written and regardless of its premise, very, very entertaining.

Can’t wait for next season.

5. Arrested Development (seasons 1-3 complete)

Sitcoms aren’t my thing. American half-hour sitcoms with laugh tracks don’t appeal to me, they don’t hit my funny bone, they annoy more than delight.

That was before I met Arrested Development. For what it’s worth, AD doesn’t have a laugh track (thank goodness)

I have Livejournal friends to thank for introducing the three seasons of this show, and after watching them, we now long for a movie, more seasons or just a rewatch of the entire 53 episodes. It’s so ridiculous. It’s absurd, ludicrous, hilarious. It relies on ‘in jokes’. It throws curve balls you never see coming, is clever and slapstick and sometimes just wrong. It’s mixed up and crazy, the humour can be incorrect, stupid, mimicry, scathing or self deprecating. Or simply good, old fashioned, silly fun.

During the pilot, I wasn’t convinced, but by mid way through season 1, it’s hard to let go of Arrested Development. It may well be my favourite American comedy ever, hermano. With guest stars including Liza Minelli, Charlize Theron, Henry Winkler, Adam Sandler and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, it’s wonderful viewing. A must for some laughs over summer. Or winter.