It’s a hot one here! Breaking records all around: 117 yesterday! A record for June. Stay hydrated people!
I decided that today I’d review a few things, one new show, one old show, and a music discovery!
Family Tree
This is a new show, written by Jim Piddick and Christopher Guest, with episodes directed by Guest and it is definitely in Guest’s canon. The mix of odd, quirky, and straight men seem to fair well in this episodic form. I am enjoying it very much, though I’m not entirely sure of the main character’s, Tom Chadwick (the lovely Chris O’Dowd), motivation. I know his character’s lost a job and a girlfriend, but there really hasn’t been a statement of ‘I’m going to do this to help make me feel like a human again’ or ‘I want to know what’s wrong with me’ or ‘I can’t be the craziest one of us out there’ – though this last one is definitely proving true. Tom’s journey doesn’t always involve zany family members, but also those who might be able to ‘help’ his search. Familiar faces from other Guest projects show up, such as Michael McKean, Ed Begley, Jr., Fred Willard, plus Piddick and Guest themselves. A nice addition is Nina Conti, whose stand-up I watched on a showcase Brit comedy special a few months ago and wasn’t too keen on, but here, I think it really shines. Her shtick is ventriloquism, which is what I’m usually not keen on, but on the show they explain it’s a therapy trick and it talks for her in situations – mostly to give rather astute commentary on the situation. The only other thing I think it could include more is the faux documentary they incorporate occasionally. I know Guest’s done this in his films, but even then I feel there is more of it, or even a feeling of it’s presence. When the mockumentary stuff comes up during an episode, I think ‘oh, right, that’s part of this’. But you’ve got me, Guest, I’m along for this ride. I hear there are only eight episodes in this incarnation. That’s cool, I’m used to that sort of series length.
Sherlock Rewatch
Since screening Star Trek Into Darkness, I decided to do a Sherlock Rewatch. I just have to say I am a Steven Moffat’s projects, but I have friends that aren’t, which always cool, because why would I want everyone to like the exact same things? How boring. Anyway, during this rewatch, I realized I hadn’t seen “The Reichenbach Fall” or the end of “A Study in Pink”, which really bookends the series. Watching all of them within three days (hey, some of us have work) really can lend your attention to details, but a lot of what I noticed I think is the genesis of the character Sherlock. His character seems very different in series 2, less subdued and more willing (though not completely) to interact with others – I imagine this can be explained by John being in his life (at least from a writer’s perspective). The stories in both seasons are fantastic, but I think I like series one better, only because we get to see him solve more crimes, and be a little more intimate with the crimes he’s solving. Series two seems to be more about his fame as a detective, and that he doesn’t get the chance to actually solve crimes as he used to. Which is where a fantastic character like Moriarty comes in and bring Sherlock back to those mysteries. I must say, Andrew Scott is an amazing villain and I can’t wait to see what he does next and I’m glad he received a BAFTA for his work on the show. By the time “The Reichenbach Fall” rolled around, and he appeared, it was enough for one to think ‘uh oh, what’s he gonna do now? This guy’s a nutter.’ Good work, sir, good work. Overall, I think my favorite might be “A Scandal in Belgravia” (even after all I wrote comparing the series) but only for Sherlock’s interactions with Lara Pulver’s Irene Adler. They electrify the screen when they are on together, each an enigma to the viewers and to each other. With Series three airing in the UK later this year and in the US sometime after that (though it would be nice if it was simultaneous) I can’t wait to see what adventures come up next.
Paloma Faith
Now I imagine some of you know who this is, and some of you don’t. Either way, if you like people such as Adele and Ellie Goulding, well you’re in for a treat. I first saw this little firecracker on The Graham Norton Show which I watch on BBC America. She was not only a guest but a performer and she sang her single “Picking up the Pieces”. Which I enjoyed very much. Then earlier this year I saw her performance on the BAFTAS, which I enjoyed the song, as well as the film montage, I thought her headdress was interesting, though I suppose if you’re going to wear something like that the BAFTAS would be the place. All I can say is, after adding her to my Pandora, it’s compelled me to buy her entire album. I recommend anyone who likes the aforementioned artists to do the same!
Anyway, I’m off to lunch, so Cheers!
Redheaded Rewrites 