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Reviews
Burgers, Brew and 'Que (2015)
Michael Symon and the burgers et al
Michael Symon is the enthusiastic and ebullient and effervescent host of Burgers, Brew and 'Que, and I discovered this only recently, so I'm catching up on some of the episodes. Like one of the reviewers said, Michael Symon really looks like Telly "Kojak" Savalas, and it's no surprise given he's of Greek (along with Italian and Eastern European) descent so that explains it somewhat. Anyway, Burgers, Brew and 'Que takes us across the country to explore just burgers but also delightful cuisines. This, along with Burger Land, is essential viewing for burger gourmets so that's for sure init right.
Burgers, Brew and 'Que: Sausages, Franks and Dogs (2019)
Ribs, burgers, sausages
Michael Symon, a chef, is very passionate about discovering burger joints. Anyway, here in Sausages, Franks and Dogs, from season five of Burgers, Brew and 'Que, Michael Symon takes us to Sagaponack, Columbus and Indianapolis. I'm not kidding, but Symon has a passing resemblance to Telly "Kojak" Savalas. Anyway, I like these food shows, having also recently discovered Burger Land hosted by George Motz, who like his Burgers, Brew and 'Que counterpart, travels around the country searching for perfect burgers, although in the latter show some of the episodes look beyond burgers. Anyway, worth watching.
The 1% Club: Episode #2.3 (2023)
The One with Daniel
Daniel O'Halloran entered the 1% Club by answering 5 to win the 99,000 quid, so that's a big deal. He also has a tribute band, and it's amazing how he got the answer, because really could anyone have done it, and he had Lee and the rest of contestants (who were all eliminated) in suspense because when he answered 5, he dejectedly said, I should have said 6, but he said he did that to add suspense, and he did.
Wow, as a reviewer said, this is what game shows are about, taking the risk, going for broke, the agony and ecstasy of defeat. The reason why the grand prize wasn't 100,000 quid is because one of the contestants walked away with the 1,000 pounds to breed more rabbits.
Parker Lewis Can't Lose: The Parker Chronicles (1991)
Introducing Tony Nittoli as Donald Yemano
Tony Nittoli guest stars as Donald Yemano, and this episode, The Parker Chronicles, is his first appearance. Yemano appears in his second (and final) episode later in season two. Rather mysteriously, the internet is silent on Nittoli's life post-acting, just like with Gregory Eugene Travis, who played Remmel in two episodes in season two of Parker Lewis Can't Lose. Anyway, the Parker Chronicles is more about relationships, and the importance of friendship to Parker. I sometimes wonder if this episode presaged the move to the relationships angle that dominated season three. Anyway, still worth watching.
Parker Lewis Can't Lose: Aging Gracefully (1991)
The Age of Grace
I became a fan of Parker Lewis Can't Lose upon it release over 30 years ago, and I'm enjoying watching the episodes again, which are available thanks to the internet. Anyway, here we have Aging Gracefully from season two. I think people who are 40 years or over can relate to the struggles Principal Musso experiences. Anyway, this episode is the penultimate appearance of Gerrit Graham as Dr Pankow. Also, this is the first appearance of Gregory Eugene Travis as Remmel, who is Pankow's loyal sidekick. But Gregory Eugene Travis only makes one more appearance, and I had a look on imdb and the internet generally and there appears to be no information about his life post-acting. Mark DeCarlo makes an uncredited appearance, and this was after he became famous hosting Studs.
Silk Stalkings: Squeeze Play (1992)
Take me out to the ballgame
I first heard about Silk Stalkings back in the late 1990s I think, and I was intrigued by it, especially as it was created by the legendary Stephen J. Cannell (who created The A-Team and Renegade, which I loved!). Anyway, I'm now finally watching some Silk Stalkings episodes thanks to them currently being available on the internet. Anyway, in Squeeze Play, we have shenanigans with a major league baseballer and his past with Sergeant Rita Lance (Mitzi Kapture), and also the seductress who won't let anything in the way of fortune. The ending was shocking and unexpected that's for sure. No way did I expect that.
Silk Stalkings: Shock Jock (1992)
Talk Radio
Four years after Oliver Stone's Talk Radio was released, we have Silk Stalkings with their first season episode Shock Jock, and Lorenzo (Rob Estes) gives some very thoughtful insights about the damaging influence of shock jocks like Jack Fellman, played by Rodger Bumpass who later became famous voicing Squidward Tentacles in SpongeBob SquarePants. Anyway, Lorenzo manages to out that it was Fellman who committed the crime, and I think an episode of Death in Paradise (an English police drama) used a similar plot device many years later in one of its episodes. Anyway, I'm enjoying watching Silk Stalkings.
Midsomer Murders: Shot at Dawn (2008)
Midsomer dawn
Shot at Dawn is the first episode of season 11 of Midsomer Murders, and it features a galaxy of prominent supporting stars to help out with the drama going on, for example the car explosion which doesn't happen often in Midsomer and its surrounds. Anyway, George "Minder" Cole plays Lionel Hicks, Samantha Bond (who was in several James Bond movies as Miss Moneypenny. Donald Sinden, who I first saw as a senior judge in the TV court drama Judge John Deed with Martin Shaw in the title role, guest stars as Colonel Henry Hammond. Anyway, reflecting on Midsomer Murders, you rarely see a funeral for any character bumped off.
Midsomer Murders: Left for Dead (2008)
Gruesome
Renny Rye directed the episode Left for Dead, from season 11 of Midsomer Murders, and Rye has directed quite a lot of episodes of Midsomer Murders. Anyway, there's a relatively high body count in Left for Dead, and it's no surprise there was a different more family friendly version for daytime broadcast because of the gruesome aspect. Anyway Left for Dead goes back to the past to help explain the motivations of the current crimes, and really, Barnaby, as skilled as he is, should have called in Scotland Yard to sort out the crimes and make the streets of Midsomer safe again. Left for Dead is worth watching.
David Bowie: Absolute Beginners (1986)
Superb
It's hard to believe David Bowie's Absolute Beginners was released nearly 40 years ago, and it's timeless, it's inspiring, and I love it. I must admit, I haven't seen the movie Absolute Beginners which features this song, but anyway the song definitely stands on its own. The music video was directed by Julien Temple and there's a 1950s noir aspect to the music video which is appealing even in 2024. Vanessa Walker appears as the Zebra Girl. I was having a look at the social media comments and saw some comments from people who were present at the filming of the video, with some meeting David Bowie between takes.
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist: New Phone System (1997)
Phoning it in
I discovered Dr Katz: Professional Therapist back in the 1990s, and back them I managed to watch a handful of episodes, but thankfully I'm now able to finally catch up on episodes that are thankfully on social media. David Mamet is probably one of the few non-comedians to be a guest star on Dr Katz, and it happens that this episode, New Phone System was released in 1997, the same year that The Spanish Prisoner, written and directed by Mamet, was released. Jonathan Katz himself had a role in that movie. The phone back and forth between Dr Katz, Ben and Laura was absolutely hilarious init right.
Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty: Spumoni Suprise (2023)
Caddyshack
I'm enjoying watching Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty, and here we have the episode Spumoni Surprise. So anyway, Buddy and family help out with a golfer cake for a club he's had a long association with, and also Buddy's daughter Sofia bakes an impressive cake for the confirmation of her two younger brothers, and that kind of in a way sets off a power struggle between Sofia and Junior as to who could succeed Buddy when the time comes. Anyway, we also see the men and teenagers on the golf course, and it's a lot of fun seeing the teenagers' attire. Anyway it's fun all around but let's wait for the succession.
Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty (2023)
We are family
I'm enjoying watching Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty, especially as I haven't seen any of Valastro's other cake reality shows, so maybe I'll have to search social media for those episodes init. Anyway, what I like about Buddy Valastro's Cake Dynasty is the family aspect, that family matters, the family dynasty, the amazing cakes, the drama, the tension, the succession (is it going to be Junior or Sofia to take over, we shall see init). Anyway, I like seeing the baking staff and the skills they have on display under pressure to meet a strict deadline. One thing though, why doesn't Buddy have an assistant accompanying the cake at the back of the van during the bumpy delivery runs to ensure the cake doesn't tip over like those castells in Spain where people are human towers.
Poirot: The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor (1991)
Spooky
The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor is from season three of Poirot, and it has that Midsomer Murders touch to it, which isn't that surprising considering The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor was directed by prolific Midsomer Murders director, Renny Rye. The haunted mansion aspect is one that was a regular motif in Midsomer Murders. Anyway, the Scooby Gang is present sans Miss Lemon, but hopefully she'll return in the next episode init.
Ian McCulloch plays Jonathan Maltravers, Geraldine Alexander plays Susan Maltravers, and Alastair Duncan plays Captain Black. I especially liked the beautiful scenery around the mansion.
Midsomer Murders: Midsomer Life (2008)
Tumbled
Selina Cadell, famous for her role in Doc Martin, guest stars as Eleanor Crouch. In fact, this is the second of her three appearances to date in Midsomer Murders, all playing different characters. In fact, Cadell has the distinction of starring in the very first episode of Midsomer Murders. One very memorable scene in this episode, Midsomer life, is when Cadell's character, Crouch, was bumped off and despatched to a tumble dryer spinning around and around and around. Anyway, there's always debate about which Barnaby is better. I think Tom (John Nettles) set the tone although he mumbled a bit too much init.
Midsomer Murders: Habeas Corpus (2016)
Introducing Dr. Kam Karimore
Habeas Corpus is the season 18 opener and we are introduced to Dr Kam Karimore played by Majinder Kirk, who hails from Coventry, England. It's a shame Majinder Kirk was only in 10 episodes of Midsomer Murders. Anyway, I liked the wide camera angles in some of the shots with also slow motion. Anyway, Helen Baxendale, famous as Ross Geller's British girlfriend in Friends, guest stars. Anyway Little Malton is the setting for this, and also DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) is settling in.
Gwilym Lee, who plays DS Charlie Nelson, will soon became a superstar with his portrayal of Queen guitarist Brian May in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody.
Poirot: The Veiled Lady (1990)
Poirot's other side
I must admit I haven't been a regular watcher of Poirot, and it's only in the past year or so that I've started catching up on the episodes. I prefer the ones with Poirot and the Scooby Gang (Hastings, Japp, Lemon) rather than where Poirot kind of went out on his own in the later seasons.
Frances Barber guest stars as Lady Millicent, and Terence Harvey guest stars as Lavington, and Poirot indulges in his dream to be a criminal so he can I guess walk on the wild side init. I liked the scenes in Burlington Arcade in London, and I would have loved to observe the filming of the scenes and other bits.
Hall & Oates: Kiss on My List (1980)
Kiss on My List
It's hard to believe Hall and Oates's Kiss On my List is nearly 45 years old, and it endures. I was moved to post an imdb user review because I was sad to see the interview that John Oates gave recently about the dispute with Daryl Hall over song catalogs, and it's a shame that they are at that stage in life where they are in a dispute. Kiss on My list was written by It was written by Daryl Hall and Janna Allen. Allen sadly passed away in 1993 of leukemia. I didn't know that the music video for Kiss on My List was the 204th that aired on MTV's first day of broadcast so that's good to know init.
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist: Big Fat Slug (1997)
Television
Of the two comedians who guest starred in Big Fat Slug from season three of Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist, definitely Caroline Rhea was certainly far superior and drew the laughs and insights, whereas David Cross just tried too hard and was digging into the depths of whatever humor he could find.
Anyway, I'm enjoying catching up on Dr Katz, having discovered it back in the late 1990s, and thankfully the episodes are on social media. The plot about Ben's television viewing habits (being too much of it) resonates big time in an age before streaming and social media and the like. Powerful observations indeed.
New Tricks: Lottery Curse (2015)
Getting to the end
Jack Deam, who later starred in Vera and Father Brown, plays Terry in a lottery win gone very, very wrong. Anyway, Lottery Curse, the title of this episode, is the third last episode ever for New Tricks. I discovered New Tricks around a decade after it debuted, and I've enjoyed very much watching it, with the chemistry of the original cast, which eventually moved on, with Dennis Waterman being the last of the core cast to leave. But one constant was DAC Robert Strickland (played by Anthony Calf) who steadied the series and he was always a welcome appearance. Anyway, the final season still holds up init.
New Tricks: Life Expectancy (2015)
Almost over
Ramon Tikaram guest stars Evan Langley in the penultimate episode of New Tricks. Anyway, in some ways New Tricks defied the odds to last as long as it did, and I think it ran as long as it could, bringing entertainment to so many people around the world. Sure, the original cast lead by Amanda Redman was perfect in many ways, but really it couldn't last forever and like the title of this episode, there really was a life expectancy to this init. Anyway, perhaps New Tricks can be rebooted, and if so, I nominate Danny Dyer to play the Dennis Waterman role, and Uma Thurman to play the Amanda Redman role.
Midsomer Murders: The Village That Rose from the Dead (2016)
Introducing Nick Hendrix
So in this season 19 opener, The Village That Rose from the Dead introduces Nick Hendrix as DS Jamie Winter, with Gwilym Lee basking in the glory after playing Brian May in Bohemian Rhapsody. Anyway, I can't exactly remember when I first starting watching Midsomer Murders, but maybe it was in 2015-2016, and I enjoy watching them regardless of which Barnaby is in it. Anyway, here there is a ghost village and there's lots of intrigue, scenes set in pubs of course, and Barnaby working hard to solve the crime and make the streets of Midsomer safe. Anyway, I'd like to see an episode with Danny Dyer guest starring.
New Tricks: Romans Ruined (2014)
Dan's family
Anyway, I became a fan of New Tricks I think maybe in 2016 or 2017 or thereabouts, and I enjoy reflecting on the episodes. I think I've seen every one, and here this is a poignant episode, with Danny (Nicholas Lyndhurst) visiting his wife in care, which is his duty. But Danny has moved on emotionally and relationally because his girlfriend is Fiona Kennedy (Tracy Ann Oberman), and it happens I guess in some relationships in real life. Also Steve uses the selfie term in this episode, which has an unresolved ending. Anyway, I know some people didn't like the final two seasons of New tricks but it was alright and okay.
Silk Stalkings: The Sock Drawer (1992)
A shoe-in
The legendary television creative artist, Stephen J. Cannell, who created Silk Stalkings, guest stars as Roy Conroy, who isn't above using unscrupulous methods to seek his way to higher officer, and we see how he does that in the end with the videotapes of slow-growth figures and fast developer figures. So how did he united them to support him in his run for district attorney you may ask. Anyway, I heard a little bit about Silk Stalkings back in the 1990s but it's only now that I've discovered the episodes on social media and I'm enjoying watching them. Anyway, William Lucking, famous for his role in The A-Team (also created by Cannell) guest stars as a corrupt cop.
New Tricks: In Vino Veritas (2014)
Niamh Cusack guest stars
In Vino Veritas guest stars Niamh Cusack as Joanne Gibson, and Niamh was famous in Heartbeat, and also she is from the famous Irish Cusack acting dynasty, and also is the aunt to actor Max Irons.
Dan's superhuman skills soccer skills on display in In Vino Veritas was a bit left-field (no pun intended at all) and really it didn't add much to New Tricks really init.
This episode was quite a serious episode, very multi-layered. Anyway, New Tricks is an English TV police drama that I discovered maybe in 2016 or 2017, and whilst Amanda Redman was sorely missed towards the end of the series, it still had worthy episodes init.