Catching the Brit Programming and it's Big Shows
BBC America, the network that introduced Chef Gordon Ramsey to the living room of millions has been on a spree with several TV shows gaining popularity. Skip past the news broadcasts, which for anyone who has ever spent time across the Atlantic should know that the around the clock journalism is near overkill of accents and stories. The shows now running on the network channel spun for America still keep the British actors on screen and most all of it's shows take place in England. So if a proper persona isn't your cup of tea then the channel's shows may not be for you.
Many of the shows though have much to offer like The Hour, involving a Cold War era news station environment that is preoccupied with the media frenzied nuclear armament situation. The first season was nominated for an Emmy. And a second season with the same cast, including Dominic West from the HBO hit show, The Wire, will return to form in November.
The Tudors, an appropriate topic from a country still greatly enshrined with their allegiance to the crown, captures the long reign of Henry XIII in England. It's plots traverses the royal landscape of the period, exploring the societal tendencies, the great Schism of the Catholic Church and dubious romances of the king with Queen Anne Boleyn and Catherin of Aragon. Another season is scheduled to air in November.
Law and Order UK takes a similar tone to the original but intentionally reveals the comedy of a justice system where lawyers where ridiculous white whigs and refer to judges as lords and ladies, easing some degree of seriousness. The prosecution teams up in compelling relationships of investigation and judicial prowess that gets the viewer intrigued to follow along.
The most highly acclaimed show on BBC America's line up is Luther. It's been nominated for five Emmy's in outstanding miniseries, outstanding directing, lead actor, and two outstanding writing awards. The show traces a husband traumatically set back after the death of his wife and decides to return to the London police force where some of the most egregious crimes are uncovered. The show airs 10pm eastern on Wednesday.
The premier of the new, much discussed, Copper, debuts this Sunday. Set in 1863 New York City, immigration predominates as the standard of life for survival in a melting pot that witnesses a plot to overtake a bandit of bank robbers in the teeming neighborhood of Five Points. With cinematography, sets, and costume design owing to a major production, the appeal is convincing. The show may offer an exciting alternative to HBO's hit BoardWalk Empire. The scheduling is a challenge though, sharing slots with HBO's The News Room and AMC's Breaking Bad. It will be a hard-pressed to compete with Sorkin's new drama but On Demand won't preclude viewers from revisiting this show on your own time if other Sunday prime time has already got you committed.