And now (with apologies the Monty Python) for Something Slightly Different.
I’ve been exploring the results of my descent into binge madness during the recent pandemic. Most of what I watched was British TV. But it wasn’t the only stuff I watched. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand provided some outstanding stuff. And a few from the USA snuck in as well.
Letterkenny – For sheer audacity, bald faced honesty and creative use of profanity, I can only put it next to another show I loved, “Brockmire”. Jared Keeso gives us a cuttingly funny look at life in a small rural town in Canada. Wayne, his sister Katy, Daryl, Squirrelly Dan, Stewart, Roald, Gail, Riley and Jonesy, Bonnie McMurray (sigh, Bonnie McMurray) and all the rest of this delightfully deviant town are one of the best things I found during the “lost time”. Not for the easily offended, but stunningly funny. It’s hockey, drinking, fighting, talking dirty, and filled with gorgeous young women. I guess the guys are OK too. (10 seasons, new episodes later this year)
The Brokenwood Mysteries – Again, want a comparable? It’s Midsomer Murders. Except it’s in New Zealand, and Detective Mike Shepherd brings a lot more personal and professional baggage than either of the Barnabys do. And Brokenwood has its own issues that differ from the quiet county of Midsomer. Outside of that? Shepherd does things his own way, much to the consternation of his colleagues, and enjoys good wine and country music. Forget the comparison, it’s a great show in its own right. (New episodes just landed, 8 seasons)
OK, no more comparables.
Blue Heelers – This Australian cop show is a blend of the usual murder/crime/mystery with a bit of soap opera. But it works well. “Blue Heeler” is a small town nickname for the cops. Lots of the usual stuff, the crusty old sergeant, up and coming younger officers with ambition. The storytelling territory is familiar, but the cast makes it all worth your time. It’s one of the highest rated and most awarded television shows in Australia. (13 seasons)
Mystery Road – Looking for a little more grit in your police drama? Look no further! Jay Swan is an indigenous police detective back in his hometown to solve a murder. Other than police work, he’s really good at alienating people. The local white establishment, his own people, his daughter. This show brings more darkness, and angst the previous. Outstanding work by the cast, gorgeous scenery in the Outback of Australia. (3 seasons)
800 Words – I promised to name the show I loved the most, and here it is. This is a New Zealand show about a dad trying to start over after the sudden, tragic death of his wife. So he packs up his teen-aged daughter and son and moves them to a tiny beach village in New Zealand. His vague memories of vacationing there as a child don’t match the reality. 800 words is the length of the popular magazine column that was his source of income. This is a brilliant combination of comedy and drama, as all the characters struggle to find their futures together. I loved this show! (3 seasons)
Two special mentions, both American mini-series.
The Booth at the End – In certain cafe, in a booth at the end, sits a man with a book. Tell him what you want, and he will tell you what you have to do. It may be simple, it may be hard, and it’s up to you to do it or not. This show (along with the next) tucks right below 800 Words as my favorites of this period in my life. Creepy and smart, it offers a look into the souls of everyday people. I was honestly sad that show ended. Sadly, there are only 10 episodes available.
The Lost Room – There’s a run-down motel in the middle of nowhere. It’s also the middle of everywhere. One room can take you anywhere. The question is if you can come back. Super creepy thriller as a detective tracks down anyone who knows about the lost room in a search for a little girl who went in but never came back. Nothing is simple, nothing is obvious, and, as the tag line says, “Some doors are better left closed” (6 episodes)
While I’m no longer bingeing, I’m still exploring all kinds of television. Here’s the current list:
The Murdock Mysteries – Where history meets mystery! This Canadian series centers on the rather Holmesian detective William Murdock, who solves mysteries while single-handedly creating the 20th century. Fun with a side of subtle silliness, the Canadian writers aren’t afraid to show some attitude about their bossy neighbor to the south.
Father Brown – base on G. K. Chesterton’s classic mysteries, Mark Williams (“Harry Potter”, Arthur Weasley) is perfect as the quiet country priest who solves mysteries. This is the current series, not the 1970s one.
Only Murders in the Building – Coming into this series, I would have said I like Steve Martin, I’m “meh” on Martin Short, and I know very little about Selena Gomez. All three of them have charmed me in this murder mystery series set in an old school New York apartment building. The veteran comedians play off each other and find plenty of talent in the youngest member of the cast.
Reservation Dogs – A biting, funny look at four indigenous teenagers growing up on a reservation in Oklahoma. The teens walk a path between the grim reality of their lives and the spiritual world of their people. It’s a challenge that takes them from bureaucratic insanity to typical teenage issues to a spirit warrior who’s a little confused himself. Great stuff.
English TV Americans Will Never Understand
(One of the choices is SO wrong)
Stories Are My Life 
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