Guilty Pleasures on TV

[SteveH]

The solution is simple, don't watch it!

As I said earlier, "it's addictive - like junk food". Do try to keep up.

[Robbie]

The thing about 'Casualty' is that no-one ever just goes in, gets their cut finger or sprained ankle seen to, says "thank you very much", and toddles off again - there's always a dramatic back-story. I'm sure real A&E departments aren't like that.

I've been told by medic relatives that it's quite realistic in the basics. Obviously there's more drama in the telly programme, not only concerning the patients but the staff.

I recently watched 'Wives and Daughters', based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel which I read a long time ago, on UKTV play. Remember it when it was on TV in the 1990s, also saw an earlier version as a child. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and it was very well cast with Bill Pattison, Francesca Annis & Keely Hawes. An everyday story of countryfolk with depth (women certainly did have funny hair styles in those days).

[SteveH]

Loved the book. I think I saw the TV version - I certainly remember the TV version of her 'North and South', another great book.

[Robbie]

Cranford is good too.

[floo]

Cranford is good too.

We used to enjoy Cranford.

[floo]

Has anyone watched 'Trauma'? I have seen mixed reviews on other forums. My husband and I thought we might look at the first episode on the iPlayer later.

[SweetPea]

I have just been reading the thread NS started about 'Inside No 9' which seems to have impressed quite a few posters - I've not seen it so I can't comment but I'll try to catch up with it.

However I was thinking more towards the other end of the TV spectrum where lurks some strange programmes that you feel ought to be good but somehow aren't, but aren't worthy of being disposed of as rubbish in the manner of say Judge Judy or Jeremy Kyle.

My entry in this field is Kay Mellors "Girlfriends" which finishes its first run tonight (I doubt there will be a second - although secretly I hope there will be).

I offer this because it started off as a fairly standard comedy drama, but quickly descended, or ascended maybe, into high farce. What with demented grandmother, son on probation with one of those ankle bracelet things,  an avenging wife, an astonishing portrayal of a family argument that just would not happen (gay son, 2 kids by lesbians, living in a  sort of upper middle class commune) husband lost overboard on a cruise ship, heart attack, kitchen fire, stalked by mad woman with knife - or is she? Phew - and I've only skimmed the surface. I am ashamed to say I am addicted.

High art it is not. Enjoyable it is for reasons I can't really define. But I think it is safe to say Kay Mellor has probably damaged her reputation considerably with this and with her preceding effort "Love, Lies & Records" also enjoyable for many of the same reasons!

So what is your guilty pleasure?

Trent..... have to say, I really enjoyed 'Girlfriends'. The interaction between the women at times was hilarious. All three actress were very good in their parts.... I'd say Zoë Wanamaker can play most anything.

My guilty pleasures are Home and Away and Sue Thomas FB Eye. The latter being utterly cheesy but I love the actress that plays Sue.

[Nearly Sane]

Has anyone watched 'Trauma'? I have seen mixed reviews on other forums. My husband and I thought we might look at the first episode on the iPlayer later.

Robbie watched it, was mentioned on the Collateral thread as the battling John Simm drama clash

[Robbie]

Yes I did, it was very good indeed, a real human interest story with a bit of madness thrown in. Food for thought.

(Still planning to watch Collaterol but there have been several series in recent times that I've let slip by. Can't watch everything but I feel Collaterol is my sort of thing.)

[floo]

We watched the first episode of 'Trauma' last night, it wasn't to my taste, but my husband says he will watch the next two episodes as it interested him.

[Robbie]

It wasn't a comfortable series at all,I 'felt' what the characters were experiencing. Not everyone's cuppa. I choose to watch and listen to things that make me ponder & that did so was worthwhile for me. Some of it I thought was unrealistic but the ending was realistic enough, not all happy and smiling.

[Humph Warden Bennett]

"Bottle Boys".

Only joking, it was cringingly bad even in 1984. The only good thing about it was it's catchy theme tune.