September Watch List

Pinch Punch First of the Month!

(Happy first day back to Hogwarts to all you wizards out there!)

It's the beginning of a new month! And that means a new watch list! This month's watch list features some of my current favorite British shows. I have been completely caught up in British fever this summer, what with the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation, Andy Murray's win at Wimbledon, and, of course, the birth of little Prince George. But when am I not caught up in British fever?! So here are some of the shows that I have been totally gushing over! 

Broadchurch

Britain's most talked about show this year, Broadchurch centers around the murder of an eleven year old boy in the small town of Broadchurch. After murder victim Danny's body is found on the beach, DCI Alec Hardy (Doctor Who's David Tennant) and detective Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) are forced to play a game of "whodunit" in order to find the anonymous killer. Broadchurch offers a suspenseful story accompanied by superb acting. Be prepared for your jaw to drop. 
  

Why It's A Must Watch: The Story

This story grabs you and never lets go. You don't know who to trust or what to believe.Everyone is a suspect, but who is the killer?  I love a good mystery show, and this show delivers. What makes Broadchurch unique, in my eyes, is the story doesn't drop off after the climax, but allows the aftermath of the case to be seen. You'll never want to stop watching!

Currently airing on BBC America Wednesday's at 10/9c 

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey represents the best of British period dramas. Set on the Yorkshire estate of Downton Abbey in the early decades of the 1900's, the Crowley family and servants help to depict the difference in the lives of the aristocrats and the working. Downton Abbey contains a spew of great characters that brings the drama to this period drama. Garnering multiple awards, Downton Abbey is one of the most critically acclaimed series in Britain. 

Why It's A Must Watch: The Production

Downton Abbey is well know for their outstanding costumes. The dresses worn by the ladies in this show are breathtaking. The styling of the actors is on par, and puts the viewer directly in the mindset of the time period. For anyone who appreciates fashion and styling, this show is a must. Bravo, to the costume and makeup department. Also, Highclere Castle is one of the most important players in this show. Used as the exterior and some interior shot, this castle puts the audience right into the life of the aristocrats.  

Downton Abbey returns to ITV September 22 for it's fourth series

Luther

Following a must watch first series (I nearly had heart failure!), DCI Luther faces even more disasters while bringing down the criminal creeps that puts his and other's lives in danger. This psychological crime drama deals with dark subject matters not intended for a weak stomach.

Why It's A Must Watch: Idris Elba

Starring as John Luther, Idris Elba creates a character that can't be put in a box. Luther suffers guilt, passion, sorrow, destruction; he is suffocated by the job he dedicates his life to. Luther isn't your typical tough detective, but he has a range of emotions that both hinders and helps him. Elba's portal of him is spot on. He makes Luther human, even in his most inhumane moments.  

Series 3 of Luther airs on BBC America beginning September 3rd. 

Parade's End

Yet another well done British period drama, Parade's End is adapted from Ford Madox novel of the same title. Set in the World War I era, this story tracks the lives of Christopher Tietjens and his vindictive wife Syliva. After Christopher encounters Valentine Wannop, a love triangle forms; friendship turns to pent up love for Christopher and Ms. Wannop. All the while, Tietjens is sent to the trench leaving behind all he loves. As a righteous man, will Tietjens follow his heart or his mind?   

Why It's A Must Watch: The Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch holds a very special place in my heart. He is always a trill to watch, and this project is no exception. Christopher Tietjens, who normally a very bland, dry character, is brought to life by Cumberbatch's performance. You feel sorry for his desperately sad character, and you want him to do nothing other than follow his heart. Rebecca Hall's annoyingly brilliant portal of Syliva Tietjens is outstanding. Hall knows just how to make Syliva even more vile each time we see her (I found myself having the urge to slap her in the face). Yet, she keeps her humanity with glimpses into why she's so awful. At points, you can see beyond the mask into the troubled soul she truly is.

The Hour

Set in 1950's Britain, The Hour is centered around a budding new news program of the same name. The show tackles political affairs including the Hungarian Revolution, the Suez Canal Crisis, and the Soviet Missile scare. Freddie Lyon, the home desk reporter for the program, leads his own stories of spies and corruption. Series one follows Freddie as he tries to discover a Soviet spy within the BBC, and series two tracks Freddie's attempt of revealing police corruption within London. This show trails the lives of The Hour's team, love affairs and all. 

Why It's A Must Watch: Everything!

You will find that I talk non-stop about this show. To start, the cast is exquisite. Lead by Ben Whishaw, Dominic West, and Romola Garai, no actor in this cast is under utilized. They all fully embrace their characters and hold nothing back. Everyone brings so much to their characters, that each time I come back I pick up new quirks and personality traits from each character. Each character has a story. Each character has a purpose. From Freddie to Mr. Wengrow, I feel I know each as a friend, a confidant, a colleague. I can understand Bel's frustration at Freddie's persistent arrogance because I know Freddie. I feel Marnie's pain when Hector doesn't come home because I live Marnie's life with her. These characters are impeccable! The story is another aspect that keeps me coming back for more. From the first series uncovering the Soviet spy to the police corruption highlighted in series two, this story never fails to intrigue. I never felt bored or got distracted away from the screen. Subplots keep the story fresh and constantly moving (Bel and Freddie's story line moves me to tears every time). You're constantly keep in anticipation for what will happen next. Finally, the production. From costumes to cinematography, The Hour delivers top quality programming. I find myself wanting to mimic Bel's or Marnie's outfits. Freddie's causal style make me squeal with glee. The direction of this show is probable the reason I want to become a director myself. The clean shots and crisp image is so beautiful that I want to hold it in arms and never let go! And the cinematography, just perfect; I can't even put it into words. The Hour is a definite must watch! 

Now, I shall speak directly to you, The Hour fandom. We shall rise, march on the grounds of the British Broadcasting Cooperation, and demand the shows return! Please BBC, bring this wonderful, beautiful show back! Or at least give us a conclusion! 

             

Doctor Who fans: Peter Capaldi stars in series two as Randall Brown. 

A fantastic performance that will give you faith in your new Doctor.    


Photo Credit: kouchpotato.in, projectfandom.com, posterandphoto.blogspot.com, bbc.co.uk, imdb.com