Series recs?

[vilakins]

We recently joined an online DVD mail-order rental company similar to the US's Netflix. We have a deal where you pay so much a month and can queue up and watch as many DVDs as you can, three at a time. So far we've been through Burn Notice season 1 (which I'd missed), some Aardman, and assorted films like War Games. I say that next we go for West Wing which neither of us have seen.

Which other series do you think we'd like? (No serial killers or occult stuff.)

Comments

[toft]

I've heard Chuck is very fun, it sounds like the kind of thing you might like...

[vilakins]

Thanks! I've had that recced by a few people now, and it sounds very like the sort of thing I'd love. :-)

[vandonovan.livejournal.com]

Oh, everything I can think of you've probably seen. Quantum Leap, Sliders, Sapphire & Steel... maybe something like Xena? I really don't know how into fantasy you are, ahahahha. Have you ever heard of a quaint little British scifi show called Blake's 7? XD

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I'm watching Quantum Leap; I should have said that was one of the series we're working our way through. I could watch Sapphire and Steel! I'm considering the Midsomer Murders, a detective series (in which Michael Keating guest stars at one point).

I have indeed heard of B7! I've been told there's a character I'll like.

[jhall1.livejournal.com]

I'm sure that you'll get lots of recs for SF and gantasy series, so for a bit of variety I'll suggest a couple of comedy series:

The IT Crowd - set in a company's small IT department, this is a brilliantly funny series by the same guy who was responsible for Father Ted. It's as much farce as comedy (in the same way that Fawlty Towers was). So far there have been three seasons of six half-hour episodes.

The Big Bang Theory - is an American series about two geeky physicists who share an apartment, two of their equally geeky friends, and their non-geeky female neighbour from across the hall. There have been two seasons so far, each of twenty-odd half-hour episodes. I only discovered it midway though season 2, so have some catching up to do, but I understand that season 2 is supposed to be a substabtial improvement on season 1, so ut might be best to start with that.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I love The IT Crowd--and Spaced and Hyperdrive!

I shal add the The Big Bang Theory to the queue, if they have it. It sounds just what I'd like. Thanks very much.

[san-valentine.livejournal.com]

Have you seen the BBC adaptation of Bleak House from 3 or 4 years back ? I borrowed the box set from the library and ended up watching virtually the whole lot in one day. It's beautifully done in every detail and the casting is just spot-on throughout,

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I'll see if they have it! Oh and I must watch those Austen adaptations I have stored on HD...

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

Dresden Files? I've recently got it - the writing is actually not very good, but the acting is, and I can't help liking the guy who plays Harry...

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Nope. I don't do occult. I borrowed the first book and was almost immediately creeped out.

[snowgrouse.livejournal.com]

Hm, I wonder what you've already seen. Of course, I'd recommend more OldWho (the other War Games!);). I can't even remember if you've seen The Mighty Boosh yet. I'd personally anti-rec The IT Crowd myself, even though I know it's popular. I just didn't find it very funny and some of the jokes were poorly delivered (as well as every episode having hi-la-ri-ous jokes about how women are too stupid to understand computers and only care about shoes. Oh, lololol). Ohhh, and if you're going through animationy stuff, the 80s Cosgrove-Hall Wind In The Willows is always wonderful.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I'm always prepared to see Wind in the Willows! I've even seen it on stage: wonderful!

I did consider working my way through some old Who. I already bought a few DVDs, but I'll have to see what they have. Their War Games certainly sounds excellent from what you and others have said.

[bramblyhedge.livejournal.com]

Seconding the recommendation for the Dresden Files (wizard detective ^__^), and adding in Tin Man (version of the Wizard of Oz ^__^).

Have you seen the new Battlestar Galactica? It's...well, words fail to describe it. It's amazing. Depressing, but amazing.

For non-fantasy/science fiction, NCIS is top notch. And has David McCallum (warning for autopsy scenes, though).

Um, also you might like some older stuff such as the Avengers and the Prisoner (oh, you like the Pretender - you'll definitely be interested in the Prisoner).

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

No to Dresden FIles; it's occult. I like to be entertained, not terrified--or for that matter depressed or bored, which is why I stopped watching BSG in season 2.

I rarely watch police drama; sorry, I should have said. So much of it's just too violent, esp against women. I do enjoy a good classic detective story though. Actually I really liked the idea of a wizard detective, but when I borrowed the first book, I was so repelled by the bloody scene with a demon that I stopped right there.

I love The Avengers (owning one season and wishing I'd bought the others when they were cheap last year) and The Prisoner is Greg's major fandom, so we have that too, along with Danger Man. :-)

[Edit] Forgot to say: I'm watching Tin Man! We're half-way through and got distracted for some reason. Thanks for reminding me; I must get back to it.

[kerravonsen]

I second the recs for Sapphire & Steel and Tin Man.
I expect CSI and Bones are out (too gory). Have you seen The Professionals? That's a classic cop show, it had good "buddy" stuff. It was made around the same time as B7.

Highlander; how are you with sword fights?

Cadfael: Mediaeval murder mysteries.

Space: Above and Beyond (my favourite character was one of the supporting characters, actually).

The Sentinel; another great buddy cop show; this one has a bit of an SF twist.

[acanthaster.livejournal.com]

Yes! Yes! Space: Above and Beyond is GREAT. Highly recommended. It doesn't start off that strong, but it gets better and better as the season goes on until it's breathtaking. My favorite character was one of the supporting characters, too, but I liked them all.

Another show I am REALLY enjoying is Chuck, but season two isn't out on DVD yet, and it would be a huge tease to watch season one and then have to wait for season two. This series is so geeky and makes me so happy every time I watch it. It took me a few episodes to be sure about it, but now I'm hopelessly devoted.

[executrix.livejournal.com]

I can't remember if you've seen The Middleman, but I think you'd really enjoy it.

I had a lot of fun with Dirty, Sexy Money (awful title!)--a soap opera about rotten rich people in New York City.

My icon is from Drive, which was abruptly ended after only a few episodes, so who knows what the hell it was really about (theoretically, a kind of Amazing Race reality show, possibly about The Meaning of Life, but they canceled it before the metaphysics started flying)--silly, but a lot of fun.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

The Middleman sounds interesting! Thanks! [adds to list] If of course they have it. :-)

[nautile26.livejournal.com]

I really like the David Suchet series of Poirot. Such a stylish era.

Midsommer Murders is an old favorite, as is Morse.

I'd second NCIS, not your usual police drama as it's crime related to Naval personnel. And David McCallum plays a good role. There is the autopsy thing, but it's generally pretty well handled in this show.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I love the Poirot and Miss Marple series, and have seen most. I have some on HD still to watch. :-) I've seen all the Morses and am now watching Lewis, the sequel.

Hmmm. I'm wary of police shows with gore and autopsies after Bones--great characters but it squicked me badly in S2.

[astrogirl2.livejournal.com]

I really liked the first season of Slings and Arrows when I watched it recently. You might enjoy that. It's about, um, eccentric theater people, I guess. :)

Otherwise, I'm pretty sure just about anything I can think of you've already seen!

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

You know, I looked that up recently and loved the idea of it. If they have it, I'll get it. Thanks for reminding me. :-)

[veritykindle.livejournal.com]

I just started watching The Big Bang Theory with my brother and some of our friends, and I very much second that rec! We started from the beginning, and I also heard that it gets better as it goes along, but I am loving these early episodes, as well. I can see that they hadn't quite gotten in the groove yet, and sometimes I think they go a bit too far, but overall, I can't get over how true to life their geeks are. I didn't expect to love the show as much as I do already. :)

Also, I've been watching The Wire, because I'd been hearing a lot of good things about it, and I think it's probably one of the best shows I've ever seen, so I also recommend it. Out of all the TV cop shows I've ever seen (and I've seen quite a few), this is the one I believe is the most true to life. (With Homicide: Life on the Street, made by the same creator, a close second). I'm on season 5 right now, and I'm planning to rewatch the earlier seasons with the closed-captioning turned on, because I don't want to miss anything. It's a disturbing series, though, the sort of series that doesn't pull any punches, and there is quite a bit of violence, so you should be prepared for that.

Oh, and I remember talking to you about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, but I don't remember if you'd seen it or just read the books. If you haven't seen it, I would recommend it, as well. :)

Aside, from that, I think the West Wing is a great choice. And I second the Slings and Arrows rec, as well. :)

[jhall1.livejournal.com]

You've seconded on of my recs, so it's only fair for me to second one of yours. :) The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is marvellous, and the two leads are absolutely perfect for their roles.

[bigdamnxenafan.livejournal.com]

I also second the recommendation of the West Wing. It's a wonderful show.

I really enjoyed ALIAS and I would suggest giving it a chance. It's like the Avengers amped up and modernized. Sydney Bristow is Peel and Steed all rolled into one and Gina Torres is great as her nemesis in the early seasons.

From the previous posts I take it that you aren't really into detective/police shows, but I have to recommend my favorite Homicide: Life on the Streets. Best cop show EVER! So good I haven't been able to enjoy one since. executrix is also a fan.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

We have West Wing season 1 to watch. I've seen bits at a friend's place and it looks excellent.

We saw the beginning of Alias and didn't really get grabbed. It gets better? I do adore The Avengers.

I'm not into police shows--too violent and gory--but I do like a classic detective show (Morse, Monk, Lewis etc), or police series with a difference (e.g. New Tricks, about three retired policemen called into form a unit to solve old cold cases--lots of character-filled fun).

[kalinda001.livejournal.com]

Lots of recommendations. Life, which is a quirky detective series.
The Closer, intense and character driven. Sapphire and Steel, has great stories and actors. Alias is good, lots of intrigue by the man who brought us Lost. Also Firefly and Numbers.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Tell me about Life. If it's interesting and not serial killers and women haters, I could go for it.

[looks up The Closer] Hmm. I like that a female is the star. If it's not as above, I could be interested.

I've seen all of Firefly! Numbers I rejected because they had serial killers and terrorism early on, and not nearly enough mathematical geekiness. They used maths like magic.

I wonder if I should give Alias another go. It does have Terry O'Quinn, I hear, and he's wonderful on Lost.

Thanks!

[luinielle.livejournal.com]

You've received some great recommendations. :o) I second (or third or fourth) recs for "Space: Above and Beyond" and "Chuck". "S:AaB" is a terrific but short lived sci-fi series with wonderful acting and great stories, some that really make you think. Highly recommended. "Chuck" is a wonderful little show - completely brings out the geek in me. :o) Plus I love Adam Baldwin (from "Firefly") and he's terrific in this show. "West Wing" was terrific the first few seasons.
Did you ever watch "Babylon-5" and the spin-off series "Crusade"? "Firefly" (which I absolutely completely loved)? "Primeval" - the first season was great fun.
Oh, I also highly recommend 'Eureka'!! It's quirky, set in a secret town full of scientific geniuses. Highly highly rec this show. :o)

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

"Chuck" already sounds wonderful--and it has Adam Baldwin? Win!

Did "Space: Above and Beyond" end properly, or just get chopped? It wasn't too gory, was it? I do remember seeing an ep or two: chiggers!

Ahahaha, "Babylon-5", "Crusade", "Firefly", and "Farscape" (if you haven't seen that, you should!) are favourites!

I've seen the first season of "Primeval" and it was fun. Should I see more, or not? We've been watching "Eureka" but I think we must have missed the last season. I must catch up; thanks for reminding me. There are some great characters.

[san-valentine.livejournal.com]

On a completely different note, I highly recommend Tales From The Green Valley/The Victorian Farm, if you can get them.

Both are BBC documentaries, featuring a team of historians and archaeologists who spend a year living and working as farmers. In Tales from the Green Valley, they are living in the 17th C and Victorian Farm is set in the 1880's

These aren't the usual, slightly depressing 'reality' shows. Everyone is there for the duration and they know what they're taking on, so no one squeals at the hard work, smelly animals etc. The historians love having the opportunity to try out historic farming and domestic skills and it's fascinating to watch. You can learn so much about the day to day details of how people used to live and work in the country. Everything from using a wooden hand plough to gathering wild fruit and making chutney.

Fascinating to watch - I'm watching reruns of both series at the moment. Both series have been released on DVD and are available on the rental site I use, but I've no idea if they'll be available in your neck of the woods. I hope so.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I usually avoid reality TV like the plague it is, but that does sound interesting. I'll see if the online rental has them. Thanks!

[jaxomsride.livejournal.com]

Primeval is good though the science is shaky.
Robin Hood, the new series is good. Funny and full of modern refs it doesn't try to pretend to be a historically accurate series though.
Yes Minister and Yes, Prim Minister if you've never seen them.
I'm hooked by "The Journeyman", I think you might like the main character too. (no not Micaheal Keating)
"Warehouse 13" is fun too though again the science stinks.
"Space Above and Beyond" is good and I love Tim Morrison!

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I've seen S1 of Primeval, and it was fun. Is it worth continuing?

"Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister" are classic--intelligent, witty, and just wonderful! Yep, seen 'em, but I always watch if I happen to come across an ep.

Is "The Journeyman" based on a game?

Not sure about "Warehouse 13"; it looks as if it's supernatural rather than SF, in which case nope.

Wow, everyone's pushing "Space Above and Beyond"! Did it end properly? I'd hate to watch a series with no resolution.

[redstarrobot.livejournal.com]

Foyle's War is very good. And "West Wing" is pretty darn amazing.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

[looks up Foyle's War] Ooh, now that sounds good! I hope the rental site has them.

West Wing is definitely on the list. We have S1 already to watch; must get round to it. We've been on a Burn Notice / Quantum Leap / Psych kick lately spiced with Mythbusters. :-)

[trixieleitz]

Sapphire and Steel has quite a creepy and sinister atmosphere - not explicit, but I thought I should mention it.

Have you seen The Lone Gunmen? X-Files spinoff, focusing on the geek trio.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I do vaguely remember it and I don't think it bothered me.

Seen it! Well, except for the first ep which was banned and the last one in X-FIles which I heard about. I did love those guys.