Category Archives: TV Series

Slings & Arrows (2003)

From NetFlix:

With a new job running the New Burbage Theatre Festival, has-been actor Geoffrey Tennant (Paul Gross) is at loose ends since the death of his beloved mentor Oliver Welles. Fortunately, Geoffrey soon discovers that his dearly departed friend is still present, in spirit, to help him reinvigorate the Shakespearean troupe. The only things in their way are an overly commercial marketing department, a hostile leading lady and a slightly dim male star.

The above is a NetFlix description for season 1 of several seasons.

This is NOT mystery. It is a Canadian series about a troupe of dysfunctional
professional actors. The language can be foul. Activity is no-holds-barred
outrageous at times. But the first season ends perfectly when a teen-age
idol against all expectations becomes a really good Hamlet. His performance
was wonderful to behold.

Lost (2004)

From NetFlix:

Stranded on a tropical island after their plane crashes 1,000 miles off-course, a group of castaways must learn to survive in their new home — as well as avoid the gigantic something crashing through the trees and determine whether they really are alone. Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O’Quinn, Dominic Monaghan and Naveen Andrews head up a diverse cast in creator J.J. Abrams’s Emmy winner for Best Drama.

“Lost” concerns the adventures of the survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island. It is very imaginative. There is much violence. Plot twists are inventive. The fun never stops. If this kind of story appeals to you, once you get into “Lost”, you will be trapped. The above NetFlix description is just for Season 1. At the time I am writing this, the series is still going strong on TV.

The Best Of Youth (2003)

From NetFlix:

This sprawling Italian drama sweeps from the ’60s to the 21st century,
tracking the journey of two brothers, Nicola (Luigi Lo Cascio) and
Matteo (Alessio Boni). The two take different paths: After traveling,
Nicola becomes a successful psychiatrist, while Matteo becomes a policeman
intent on catching criminals. Their politics diverge as well, straining
the family bond. Originally aired as a miniseries on Italian television.

NetFlix offers this Italian TV miniseries on 2 disks. There are subtitles. You really do get the modern history of Italy in a memorable way by watching the series. You realize how much Italy has suffered (floods, Italian terrorists, etc). The characters are appealing. Warning: do not expect a happy ending. Life just goes on.