TV Show: Last Resort

An American nuclear submarine receives an order to bomb Pakistan but when the Captain (Andre Braugher, Homicide: Life On The Street) and crew question the order they are met with a hostile response from their own government.

Finding themselves faced with inevitable destruction they decide to fight back and threaten to unleash the warheads contained on the sub…directly at Washington DC.

I didn’t expect too much from this drama, partly due to the 8pm UK tv timeslot, but the opening episode was filled with tension from beginning to end.

Braugher and the rest of the cast which includes Scott Speedman, Robert Patrick and Bruce Davison, turn in terrific performances and the plot will appeal to fans of conspiracy thrillers like Homeland and 24.

Hard to see how this will span an entire series but the brilliant start means I’m keen to find out.

Last Resort is currently being shown on Sky1 in the UK.

Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended.    

TV Show: Dallas

The Ewings are back!

Following an amazing gap of 21 years, Patrick Duffy, Linda Grey and Larry Hagman return to their roles as Bobby, Sue –Ellen and J.R respectively.

The world is a different place since Dallas’ previous 13 year stint ended and this is reflected in the show. Bobby is happy breeding cattle on Southfolk and J.R languishes in a nursing home suffering with clinical depression. Meanwhile J.R’s long-suffering ex-wife Sue- Ellen is running for political office.

The oil business wheeling and dealing is now done between the younger generation of Ewings. Bobby’s son Christopher is investing in alternative energy while J.R Jr.  follows in his Father’s footsteps by attempting to locate a new source of oil.

In a TV & movie market saturated with re-makes and re-boots it’s very refreshing to see original characters, played by the same actors, brought into a current setting.

Dallas has enduring appeal, thanks largely to the lack of choice available when it first aired, and the team behind this version have shown guts and guile by employing a strategy aimed at attracting both old and new fans. The series also promises cameo appearances by other original cast members.

This is a must-see for anyone who saw the original show and an interesting alternative US drama for those bored with formulaic detective type series.

Look out for show-stealing 80 year-old Larry Hagman’s name when it’s TV awards time.

Dallas is currently showing on Channel 5 in the UK.

Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended.           

TV Show: Alcatraz

The famous prison is now a well known tourist attraction and while visiting it a young girl sees a man asleep in one of the cells. We follow the bemused looking chap as he emerges into what is, for him, a completely new environment. He is Jack Sylvane, prisoner of The Rock back in 1963 but the interesting fact is that Sylvane has not aged.

So begins the latest tv drama from the producer of Lost, J.J Abrams. The premise is that all the inmates and guards from Alcatraz vanished upon the closure of the prison and they are now re-appearing with personal vendettas and other more sinister instructions.

This has limitless potential. Sylvane was on a mission of revenge but I can imagine many varied stories in the weeks to come.

Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) heads the cast as a former Alcatraz guard who is now in charge of a team that must find out what happened to the men and stop them from causing havoc in the present day.

This was unexpectedly enjoyable but I’m reluctant to get too carried away as I also enjoyed the first few episodes of Lost before (correctly) deciding it was a waste of time.

The pilot episode has given the Watch channel great viewing figures here in the UK so try to catch it if you can.

Ric’s rating: Highly Recommended

TV: Homeland

Damian Lewis, star of the very under-rated tv cop show Life, returns to our screens in this Showtime drama series which premiered in the UK last night.

Lewis is Nicholas Brody, an American soldier rescued after almost ten years as a POW. Brody returns to a Hero’s welcome but CIA analyst Carrie Matheson (Claire Danes) suspects that he has been turned and his loyalties now lie with the terrorists who held him captive.

This is gripping stuff which is very relevant in today’s society. Lewis is excellent as the troubled war veteran and Danes is even better as the maverick analyst who has her own secrets.

Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride) appears as Matheson’s mentor and tv favourite Morena Baccarin (V remake, The Mentalist) is Brody’s wife, a woman who has lived her life believing her husband to be dead.

A great story and first class performances make this must-see tv.

Ric’s Rating: Essential

TV Show: American Horror Story

The first episode of this horror tv show from the USA hit UK screens this week and I managed to catch it.

When psychiatrist Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott) is caught having an affair he decides his family needs a fresh start. This comes in the form of a new house, it's a fantastic property at a knock down price but the house has a tainted past.

I almost switched this off at the end of the opening scene due to the appearance of my least favourite horror character, the scary kid. Hollywood listen up, the little girl in The Ring was scary but now every time I see a little kid running around killing people (especially if it's a girl with long black hair, which isn't the case here...yet) I burst out laughing.

Anyway, I continued watching and was pleasantly surprised. There is allsorts going on here. From deviant sexual practices to a seriously deranged teenager and creepy neighbours.

The performances too are pretty good, McDermott and Connie Britton are engaging as the couple trying to work things out but Jessica Lange steals the show as the unhinged neighbour Constance.

I will be tuning in again so hopefully it continues to surprise instead of going down the unintentional comedy route.

Ric's Rating: 70%

TV DVD: The Kingdom I & II

This cult 90’s haunted hospital tv series from Denmark is the brainchild of controversial producer / director Lars Von Trier, the man behind movies such as Dogville and Antichrist.

Strange things are afoot as the staff and patients go about their business. The sound of a miniature bell ringing signals the arrival of the ghost of a little girl who wanders the passages, unable to rest in peace.

Mrs.Drusse, a patient, can communicate with the dead and she continuously has her son, a hospital porter, ferry her all around in search of the spirit so that she can help it pass over.

This fascinating show has a lot more to it than the ghost story. We also have brain surgeon Helmer who is spiteful of the fact that he has left his beloved Sweden (under a cloud) and has to take a position in a Danish hospital. Dr. Hook, who does not like the arrogant and abrupt surgeon, begins a relationship with a fellow doctor who is carrying another man’s child. A medical student who thinks removing a head from a corpse is a great prank and the hapless boss who creates fantastic comedy scenes worthy of shows such as The Office.

Von Trier himself appears at the end credits of each episode with a brief explanation of events and some accompanying philosophical observations. This (surprisingly) works very well, the man obviously has great pride and enthusiasm for his work and it’s infectious.

Visually this isn’t appealing, it is grainy and almost colourless and the acting can be cheesy in a Europop kind of way but if you can see past these shortcomings this is captivating stuff. The many plotlines combine to create great drama in which the ghost story often takes a peripheral role.

The dvd box set contains both series in full and is loaded with interesting extra features. A planned third series was scrapped following the deaths of two of the leading actors but the show did get a Hollywood revamp in 2004 with Stephen King involved in proceedings, it was re-titled Kingdom Hospital.

Step out of your comfort zone and give it a try.

The Kingdom I & II dvd box set is available in the UK from July 4th 2011.

Ric’s Rating: 74%

TV: Jean Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors

This compulsive reality show follows the hectic life of the action movie star as he attempts to regain his former Hollywood status.

In each episode he travels far and wide, often for small roles in foreign films, but inevitably ends up partying the night away. All while he should be training for an upcoming kick-boxing bout with a former Olympic champion.

Van Damme comes across well for the most part, showing himself as someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and who would rather spend time with his beloved dogs than jetting off to appear in low budget movies.

Highlights include: Accidentally kicking an extra full in the face while filming. His reaction to hearing that he won’t be a part of the upcoming Bloodsport remake. Striving to make up for past misgivings to his long-suffering wife and realising that, at 50 years of age, the proposed fight might not be such a good idea.

The finale is due to be broadcast here in the UK next week and the dvd box set will be available soon.

Highly recommended for past and current fans of the Muscles From Brussels.

Ric’s Rating: 80%

TV Show: The Walking Dead

The hook here is that this is a tv series based around the typical horror film premise of a handful of survivors battling against huge numbers of shuffling zombies.

Sceptical? Me too but I was sufficiently impressed to make a point of catching episode 2.

There was nothing new here (is there ever?) and most of the pilot episode felt like the opening scenes of 28 Days Later with Andrew Lincoln replacing Cillian Murphy as the man who wakes up in hospital to an entirely new world.

Lincoln himself is pretty impressive and his American accent is spot-on. The rest of the cast (including Prison Break's Sarah Wayne Callies) didn't have much to do but are sure to feature more as Lincoln's character searches for his family while fighting off the brain-munching masses.

The effects here are as good as and even better than some zombie movies but with Frank "The Shawshank Redemption" Darabont on board I expected a bit more. Hopefully it'll pick up.

Ric's Rating: 58%

Blogfest: Top 10 TV Shows

Here is my post for Alex J Cavanaugh's top 10 tv blogfest.
I seem to have misplaced the little list I had jotted down for this so there are bound to be glaring omissions but it's a testament to current US drama that the majority of shows here are fairly recent or current. Remember to check Alex's own list and Dezmond's at Hollywood Spy via the links listed in Visit These Places.

1. PRISON BREAK - Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) decides that the only way to get his brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) out of Death Row is to become a prisoner himself and use his engineering skills to escape Fox River prison, which he helped design.

A premise more suited to a movie you might think but this fantastic drama lasted 4 seasons (series to us in the UK) and had me rooting for an amazing cast of characters as they attempt to make their escape and clear their names. Special mention must go to Robert Knepper who managed to make the despicable Theodore "T Bag" Bagwell everyone's favourite character.

2. NYPD BLUE - David Caruso made a big mistake leaving this show after a year but if he hadn't I suspect it wouldn't have become the show it did thanks to Dennis Franz's Andy Sipowicz. In a multi-award winning performance Franz takes the alcoholic cop and makes him one of the most loved tv characters in history. Jimmy Smits played Bobby Simone for 5 years and he was Andy's favourite partner, he even returned for a couple of cameo appearances towards the end of the final series.

3. V - Forget the current re-make, the original show is by far the best and despite the dated look it still stands up today. Marc Singer and Michael Ironside head the resistance against the alien invasion.

4. Dexter - He's a serial killer but you'll love him. Michael C Hall plays the blood spatter specialist with the dark secret that he struggles to maintain while leading an ordinary life. Series 5 starts soon and I can't wait.

5. Dream On - Recently divorced Martin Tupper (Brian Benben) re-enters the dating game. Martin's thoughts are illustrated by cuts of old black & white movies that he grew up watching and it works surprisingly well. A fantastic comedy for grown ups, it lasted 6 seasons in the 90's.

6. Sons of Anarchy - This hard hitting drama follows the Sons Of Anarchy motorcycle club (biker gang) and has just started a 3rd series on US tv. Starring Britain's own Charlie Hunnam and Tommy Flanagan it's a refreshing change from cop based drama.

7. Only Fools And Horses - The only British show to make my top ten is one of the best loved comedies in UK tv history and it's easy to see why. London market traders try to make it big with hilarious results.

8. Monkey - This madcap Japanese show might not stand up today but I remember it so fondly it deserves a place. Join Monkey, Sandy and Pigsy as they help Tripitaka on his Holy quest. It got me hooked on martial-arts movies and some of the fight scenes were great.

9. Californication - Clearly inspred by Dream On this show follows the misadventures of struggling writer Hank Moody (David Duchovny) who just wants to get back with his Ex.

10. Life - Undeservedly cancelled after 2 series this cop drama starred Damien Lewis as Charlie Crews who upon his release from prison for a wrongful conviction returns to his job as a detective and attempts to find the people who framed him.

All of these shows are available on DVD and are highly recommended.

TV Show: Castle

America's latest police procedural show arrived on UK screens last
night. The little known Alibi channel has pulled off a coup here as this show deserves to be every bit as popular as it's similar rival The Mentalist.

Nathan Fillion is Richard Castle, a successful crime novelist who, thanks to friends in high places, gets to ride shotgun with NYPD Homicide Detective Kate Beckett (Satna Katic).
Bringing an alternative viewpoint he is able to help the cops with their most tricky cases.

In the pilot episode the duo must solve a spate of killings based around stories in Castle's books.

The show is good, light hearted fun that often plays for laughs despite the grim subject matter and Castle's home life proves to be just as challenging as working with the police. He has his teenage daughter (Molly Quinn) and aging actress Mother (Susan Sullivan) to contend with.

All cast members have great chemistry and seem to be enjoying their work.

Give it a try.

Ric's Rating: 74%

TV Show: Steven Seagal: Lawman

In this reality show we join action movie star Steven Seagal as he goes
on patrol with real life cops.

Seagal has supposedly been a serving deputy sheriff for 20 years and has just now decided to make this public. Income from the straight to dvd market can't be so good.

In the three episodes I have caught so far Seagal looks better than he has done in his last few movies, gone is the long leather coat, and he seems very comfortable on camera in some potentially dangerous situations.
At one point a suspect reaches under the seat of his car after announcing that he has a pistol. Up steps Big Steve to unceremoniously wrench the guy from the car and send him sprawling across the street. When things settle down the unfortunate induividual comes to his senses, looks around and whispers to another cop "That's Steven Seagal over there" when the cop tells him it was Seagal that threw him out the car the guy becomes starstruck. From menacing thug to starstruck fan in two minutes, priceless.

Elsewhere we have Seagal and the team helping out with rebuilding houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and Seagal and his band (he is an accomplished musician and I happened to catch a gig in Glasgow in 2007 where he put on a great show) performing a charity concert for a local children's hospital.

Far better than any film he has made in the last few years so highly recommended for any Seagal fan or anyone who enjoys any real life cop shows.

Look out for Seagal's return to the big time in the upcoming film Machete in which he stars alongside Robert De Niro.

Rick's Rating: 88%

TV: Six Degrees

This American drama of inter-twining lives in New York failed to find an audience in the USA and was pulled from the schedules after only 8 of the 13 episodes had been aired.
In the UK, ITV screened all 13 episodes but the show was given a ghastly time slot. This was a real shame because it is a highly entertaining drama that unusually doesn’t feature cops or any great degree of violence, I suppose that explains why it failed in the U.S, wait a minute, there were no hospitals either so I suppose it was fighting a losing battle all along.
Hostel’s Jay Hernandez plays Carlos, a young Public Defender who meets the enigmatic Mae (Erika Christensen) after she is arrested. The relationship between the two serves to connect some of the others in the series.
Meanwhile photographer Stephen Caseman (Campbell Scott) just wants a second chance in both his personal and professional life after battling to overcome his addictions. This role was intended for William Hurt but Campbell Scott delivers an excellent performance as the talented Caseman attempting to get his life back on track.
Other characters, who all connect somehow, include Laura (Hope Davis) who is dealing with the death of her husband, Whitney(Bridget Moynahan) a successful businesswoman who has a troubled personal life and Damien(Dorian Missick) the ex – con trying to redeem himself.
Terrific performances all round and a quality script help to deliver a great grown-up drama that could easily have continued into a second series if more people had tuned in. Worth seeking out if it ever gets repeated or crops up on DVD.

Rick’s Rating: 83%