PoochJD
Distinguished Member
Afternoon Everybody,
Well, another month is nearly over, and the last week or so has given us plenty of things to cope with, from tornado's and extremely wet weather , to the IRA declaring peace and the capture of the London bombers! It's all go in the world at the moment, and the same can be said for the TV industry. As TV schedulers start to announce some of their Autumn schedules, there are plenty of big-hitters for us to enrage and enlighten our eyeballs and brains! And, so, it's down to me, to highlight some of the more unusual or better programming that you can enjoy on TV over the next seven days. As always, details are correct at the time of posting this message. Enjoy! P.S. I need to ask a favour from someone, if I may. Please see details, at the end of this post. Thanks.
Saturday 30th July
House Weekend 2 - 7:00-11:00pm
Hallmark seem to be changing this show's schedule, although I can't confirm why this is. Anyway, it would now appear that Hallmark is showing several new episodes this week, starting from tonight. Tonight, you can see Episodes 9 through 12. Continues tomorrow night. (Hallmark Channel)
FILMS: Ginger Snaps Trilogy Night (18) - 10:00pm-3:40am
Tonight, you get the chance to see an entire movie trilogy in one go: "Ginger Snaps", "Ginger Snaps II - Unleashed" and "Ginger Snaps Back". Ignore the unusual title, as its meaning will become obvious once you've seen the first movie in the series. The story follows two teenagers. The eldest, Ginger, is obsessed with death. The youngest sister, is a rebellious teen, who finds life rather too much to deal with. When Ginger is attacked, and slowly realises that her body and mind are altering, it's down to her younger sibling to try to save her. But from what, or whom? The original is the best of the series, with some great effects and a dark, witty and savage script. Having said that, the other two titles aren't too bad either. Unusually, this is a low-budget Canadian series, that became a worldwide hit in horror circles, after word-of-mouth spread about it. Recommended! Contains graphic violence, gore, strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. (Sci-Fi)
The Shield - 11:05pm-12:10am
It's Season 4, Episode 2, and the Barn has a new police chief. Vic is up to his eyeballs as always, and things are running less than smoothly for Aceveda. There's been discussion about why Five airs this show after 11pm: tonight, you'll see why! Contains explicit adult sexual material! (Five)
FILM: Isle Of The Dead (15) - 12:45-2:00am
Rare screening of this classy Val Lewton horror chiller, starring Boris Karloff. It's old, (as it was made in 1945), but it's still a gem nonetheless. Some mild violence and gore. (BBC2)
Sunday 31st
House Weekend 2 - 7:00-11:00pm
The second night of Hallmark's second weekend of "House" episodes. Tonight, you can see Episodes 13 through 16, of which two new episodes (15 and 16) are being aired from 9pm. The series returns back to its usual one-episode-a-week, as from next Sunday 7th August, at 9pm, with episode 17. (Hallmark Channel)
Trevor's World Of Sport - 10:00-10:30pm
When this comedy series was originally aired, BBC1 pulled it after just two episodes, saying that it didn't fit into their Friday night comedy line-up. The show was then dumped into a late-night Monday slot, where it died. Thankfully, the BBC has decided to repeat the entire series on Sundays at 10pm. If you've not already caught this show, it's actually far better than everyone claimed. From the creator of "Drop The Dead Donkey", Andy Hamilton, comes a comedy set in the world of the sports agent. Neil Pearson stars as Trevor, a man who seems to be going nowhere fast. In the middle of a separation from his wife; with a son who loathes him, and surrounded by staff who are less than competent, Trevor is frustrated. As a sports agent, he meets the best and worst of sports celebrities. It is within this setup, that we follow Trevor trying to find out what he wants in his life with spectacularly disasterous results. If you enjoyed "Drop The Dead Donkey", then you will probably enjoy this as well. You don't need to know much about sports or sports celebrities, but this is quite a clever satire. Hamilton himself can be seen as one of a trio of football fans who Trevor frequently visits for some (less than useful) advice on life. (Hamilton is the fellow, with a beard and moustache.) (BBC2)
Deadwood - SCHEDULE CHANGE
Those of you following Season 2 of the acclaimed and brutal western series, may be wondering what Sky 1 is playing at, with the changes. Well, alas, it seems that this show is now deemed as unsuitable for Sunday nights. I don't know the specifics, but it also may be to do with viewing figures being lower than Sky had hoped for. As such, the show is now premiering each week, at 10pm on Monday nights instead! Therefore Episode 3 can now be seen on Monday 1st August (tomorrow night) and each Monday thereafter. All other (repeat) showings are unchanged. (Sky 1)
Monday 1st August
Bravo Daytime Cult TV - 9:00am-Midday
Cult TV fans definitely have a good start to August, and Bravo brings back three of the most enjoyable adventure shows, which haven't been seen for many a year.
9:00-10:00am - MacGuyver (Richard Dean Anderson's spy/adventure show, starts a rerun, from today, with the Pilot Episode.)
10:00-11:00am - The Dukes Of Hazzard (It's Bo, and Luke and Daisy Duke, in that show! Here's the first episode from Season 1.)
11:00am-12:00pm - Manimal / Automan (The listings for this time-slot seem to vary, depending on where you look. So, I'll list both, and you can be certain one of these two shows will air. The former is the short-lived crime drama starring Simon MacCorkindale and Melody Anderson. He plays a detective who can magically transform into a Black Panther. It's corny as hell, and even quite dumb in places, but it was nothing short of unique. "Automan" was a short-lived sci-fi adventure show, about a man who was inexplicably linked to a futuristic car, and was able to fight crime. Again, corny, and dumb, but fun nonetheless.)
Each show, airs at the same time, each weekday, or one hour later on Bravo +1. (Bravo)
Lois And Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman - 11:00am-12:!5pm
Wahey! BBC2 starts its (temporary) revised daytime holiday schedules. Thus, over the next few weeks you can see some of the most fun cult TV shows, of the 20th century! Today, and every weekday at approximately the same time, we have the show that introduced the world to actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Lois Lane. Its the full-length Pilot Episode of the show, and Clark Kent (Dean Cain) arrives in Metropolis, and ends up working as a reporter at the Daily Bugle newspaper. It's not long, before Lois falls for Clark, but is it Clark or his alter-ego of Superman, that she's really in love with. Showing uncut. (BBC2)
Thunderbirds - 12:15-1:05pm
BBC2's revised daytime schedules continue, with a repeat of all 32 episodes of the original Gerry Anderson puppet adventure show, showing in the new digitally-remastered versions, that are currently available on DVD. "Trapped In The Sky" introduces us to the Tracy family, and to the advanced technology that they have access too, to help save Earth from the many evil escapades of their arch enemy The Hood! If you haven't seen this show before, or want to reminisce, sit down and watch this show, as despite its age, it still holds up surprisingly well! Fun for all the family. Showing each weekday, at approximately the same time. (BBC2)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air - 8:00-9:00pm
Okay, so it was shown to death on BBC2, but here's a chance to see the show, totally uncut, and with some of the material the BBC decided was too risque for a teatime transmission. Here are the first two episodes, from Season 1, of the long-running comedy, that made Will Smith a household name. (Bravo)
Hollywood UK: British Cinema In The 60's - 9:00-9:50pm
New five-part series about the best in British cinema, at a time when Britain was a force to be reckoned with in the world of the movies! From Malcolm McDowell and Tony Hancock, to Michael Caine and Alan Bates, Britain had a wealth of talent, willing to make films that could do battle against anything Hollywood could put out. The show discusses the people behind and in front of the camera, and asks why we were as powerful as we were, and how did we get there. A selection of the best in 60's British cinema will air directly after the show, each Monday night. Tonight, sees "Whistle Down The Wind" accompanying this documentary series. (BBC4)
Cannibals - 9:00-11:00pm
All-new documentary about this dark and uncompromising aspect of humankind's upbringing. Do cannibals really exist? Is it just a myth that was widely abused in the movies, as a way of depicting colonial and ethnic tribes? Is cannibalism really possible, and if so would it ever be acceptable? These issues and many others, are discussed in this one-off show. Contains adult material, and scenes that some may find offensive. (The History Channel)
Deadwood - 10:00-11:10pm
New time-slot for the brutal and uncompromising Western series, starring Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant. Contains violence and explicit language. (Sky 1)
The Wicker Man: A Cast And Crew Special - 2:30-3:10am
Documentary about the cult British horror film "The Wicker Man", including all new interviews and discussions with key personnel and cast members, including Britt Eckland, Christopher Lee, and Edward Woodward. (BBC4)
Tuesday 2nd
Top Cat - 12:35-1:00pm
He's back, as part of the new BBC2 holiday schedules. The one who's the most indispensable he can now even keep his original name! See him, Benny, Cujo and all the others play havoc with Officer Dibble, each weekday at roughly the same time. Just to clear-up the myth: yes, this show was originally called "Top Cat", NOT "Boss Cat", and here's why. When the show originally aired, the BBC changed the name from "Top Cat" to "Boss Cat". This was because, in the late-60's through to the mid-1980's, there used to be a British product called "Top Cat" cat food. As BBC policy prohibited product placement at the time, the show was renamed "Boss Cat" and the music re-dubbed, to alter the lead character's name in the opening credits. However, BBC bosses weren't too clever, because the character always remained known as "TC" (and "Top Cat") in the show itself, leading to many bemused viewers wondering who TC was, and why he was known as "Boss Cat". (BBC2)
Gender Swap - 8:00-9:00pm
Two celebrities - Vicky Butler-Henderson and David Dickinson - perform an experiment, to undertake to swap genders, (through prosthetic make-up and specialist coaching), and try to fool friends and colleagues into thinking that they are new people they have simply never met before. Worth watching, especially when Butler-Henderson takes a car for a test spin around a race track, with her brother in tow! (Five)
CSI: Miami - 9:00-10:00pm
It's here! It's back! All-new Season 3 starts tonight on Five, and this season is supposed to be even better than ever! As usual, Horatio Caine, Alexx Woods, Tim Speedle, Eric Delko and Calleigh Duquense return to dissect more criminal acts, but are now joined by two new colleagues! (One, a permanent fixture from Season 2, and another all-new guy!) Tonight is the first of 24 episodes, and sees the team dealing with a violent ransom demand. (Five)
FILM: Angel Heart (18) - 10:00pm-12:10am
Dark thriller set in the world of Voodoun (the plural of Voodoo!), with a detective trying to uncover a missing singer, in 1950's New Orleans. Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke star, in Alan Parker's uncompromisingly disturbing movie. The version ITV are showing is actually unique: unlike the current UK DVD print, a scene involving cock-fighting is seen in this TV version, in its original and uncut form. (The UK DVD has this scene edited, but the US has it uncut.) However, some graphically violent material seen in the UK DVD, but not the US DVD, is missing from the TV version also. Also, the TV version has different credits. The uncut version, should show a lift descending slowly, whilst the credits run over them in white lettering, with just the sound of the lift, and no music. The alternate, censored version, just has a black-screen or a frozen image, with the credits moving vertically upwards, accompanied by music. The TV version, should have the original (and director-approved) "lift sequence" version, which adds an interesting ambiguity to the ending of the movie. (I can't explain more, as I will spoil the end.) Essentially, what you are getting is a hybrid version. Thus, irrespective of whether you have the UK DVD, the US DVD, or the ITV print, you cannot see this film, totally uncut. Weird, huh?! A great film, but one not for the easily offended. Contains graphic violence, sexual material, strong language and scenes some viewers will find offensive. (ITV2)
Wednesday 3rd
Third Rock From The Sun - 7:00-7:30pm
Another chance to see all 136 episodes of this US comedy, starring John Lithgow, as the head of an alien family arriving on Earth. (ITV2)
How To Start Your Own Country - 10:00-10:30pm
New comedy-documentary show, that follows author and journalist, Danny Wallace, trying to start his own real, 100% bona-fide country. His first task is to find somewhere in the world, an island, he can legally purchase and then name. He is then required to create laws, invite immigrants to move their, and set-up a complete, real-life, world system, including a form of power (electricity, water, gas, wind, et al), a council and government system, housing, schools, businesses and a public transport system. Can he do it? Very funny, but also a brilliant insight into our own life and country's way of living. First of six episodes. (BBC2)
Nip/Tuck - 10:55pm-12:55am (or 11:05pm-1:10am)
Depending on whether or not "Butt Munch 6" overruns again (as it has done most Wednesday nights), two more episodes of "Nip/Tuck" will show, leading up to the final three episodes. Unfortunately, Channel 4 have decided to pull the show, and after the end of Season 2, they will not be buying the rights to subsequent seasons of this great drama. (This is also the reason they've been showing two episodes per week - so they can get the show over and done with quicker.) This means, only Sky 1 viewers will now get to see the show in the UK! I don't think the fact that the DVD of Season 2 came out before Channel 4 started airing it, helped matters, but it looks like fans of the show will now have to write, phone or e-mail Five to see if they would be willing to continue the show instead, from Season 3! I so wish Channel 4 would stop buying US shows, and then dumping them, just because they don't get enough viewers! It then buggers-up other channels chances of getting viewers, as has been ably demonstrated when C4 dumped "Angel", and "Alias", after butchering the shows for teatime transmissions! (Channel 4)
The Body Of J.F.K. - 11:15pm-12:15am
Documentary about US president John F Kennedy, and how his body was constantly ill and in need of medical care or treatment. Using CGI animation, the documentary explores why he was so ill, and shows us what his health was like, prior to his untimely assassination. (BBC3)
Wonderfalls - SCHEDULE CHANGE - Midnight-1:00am
Oh dear, oh dear! UK viewers are having a hard time, it seems. This quirky new US drama appears to be being dumped into a late-night, post-Midnight slot, again because of lower-than-expected ratings. At 8pm, Sky 1 would rather you watch "The 50 Greatest Celebrity Animals" and "When Sharks Attack!" instead! So, enjoy (!) the new time-slot for this show, for the last ten weeks or so! At least UK fans, are getting to see all 13 episodes, unlike viewers in the US, who only saw three episodes period! Oh, to be a TV scheduler! I could make such a difference! (Sky 1)
Thursday 4th
Touching Evil - 9:00-11:00pm
All-new US crime drama series, (about a detective returning to work, after a near-fatal shooting ended not only his career, but his life too). gets its UK premiere tonight, starting with the feature-length "Pilot Episode". I have no other details at this time, about the cast, director, but there are only 13 episodes. Sorry! (ITV3)
FILM: The Man With The Golden Arm (15) - 11:50pm-1:45am
Frank Sinatra stars as an aspiring musician who finds life hard-going, when he becomes addicted to heroin, and has to deal with his wheelchair-bound wife! Contains some violence and strong language. (BBC4)
Friday 5th
Committed - 7:30-8:00pm
New US comedy show, starring Josh Cook and Jennifer Finnigan, as Nate and Marni - two youngsters who find themselves in the complex world of their first love for one another. Good feedback from the US, and the fact it's going out prime-time on Five, suggests positive results. (Five)
And here endeth another 7 days of goggle-box viewing! Now, as I mentioned way, way back at the start of this thread, I would like to ask a special favour, if I may, of any of the AVForum members:- Unfortunately, due to my own incompetence, I missed the final 3 episodes of the excellent US comedy "Arrested Development", which aired on Thursday 28th July 2005, on BBC4, between 11:40pm and 12:50am approx. If anyone has these on VHS or DVD, and would be kind enough to let me borrow them, I'd be immensely appreciative. I only want to watch the episodes, so I can then join Season 2, when it starts on BBC4 and BBC2 in the Autumn.
I'd also like to ask, if anyone would be kind enough to record (onto VHS or DVD) the "Cannibal" documentary which airs on The History Channel on Monday 1st August 2005, between 9pm and 11pm (or on The History Channel +1, between 10pm and Midnight). I don't have access to Sky at the moment, and I don't have any friends who have Sky or Cable either. I need the documentary for some research I am doing at the moment, and so, if anyone would be kind enough to record this for me, it would be immensely appreciated.
I apologise to burden someone else with these two requests, but if anyone could help me out, I'd be very grateful! PM me, if you can help.
Cheers Folks, and I'll see you back here, next week, for more news on what's hot and what's not, on TV! Auf Wiedersehn!
Pooch
Well, another month is nearly over, and the last week or so has given us plenty of things to cope with, from tornado's and extremely wet weather , to the IRA declaring peace and the capture of the London bombers! It's all go in the world at the moment, and the same can be said for the TV industry. As TV schedulers start to announce some of their Autumn schedules, there are plenty of big-hitters for us to enrage and enlighten our eyeballs and brains! And, so, it's down to me, to highlight some of the more unusual or better programming that you can enjoy on TV over the next seven days. As always, details are correct at the time of posting this message. Enjoy! P.S. I need to ask a favour from someone, if I may. Please see details, at the end of this post. Thanks.
Saturday 30th July
House Weekend 2 - 7:00-11:00pm
Hallmark seem to be changing this show's schedule, although I can't confirm why this is. Anyway, it would now appear that Hallmark is showing several new episodes this week, starting from tonight. Tonight, you can see Episodes 9 through 12. Continues tomorrow night. (Hallmark Channel)
FILMS: Ginger Snaps Trilogy Night (18) - 10:00pm-3:40am
Tonight, you get the chance to see an entire movie trilogy in one go: "Ginger Snaps", "Ginger Snaps II - Unleashed" and "Ginger Snaps Back". Ignore the unusual title, as its meaning will become obvious once you've seen the first movie in the series. The story follows two teenagers. The eldest, Ginger, is obsessed with death. The youngest sister, is a rebellious teen, who finds life rather too much to deal with. When Ginger is attacked, and slowly realises that her body and mind are altering, it's down to her younger sibling to try to save her. But from what, or whom? The original is the best of the series, with some great effects and a dark, witty and savage script. Having said that, the other two titles aren't too bad either. Unusually, this is a low-budget Canadian series, that became a worldwide hit in horror circles, after word-of-mouth spread about it. Recommended! Contains graphic violence, gore, strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. (Sci-Fi)
The Shield - 11:05pm-12:10am
It's Season 4, Episode 2, and the Barn has a new police chief. Vic is up to his eyeballs as always, and things are running less than smoothly for Aceveda. There's been discussion about why Five airs this show after 11pm: tonight, you'll see why! Contains explicit adult sexual material! (Five)
FILM: Isle Of The Dead (15) - 12:45-2:00am
Rare screening of this classy Val Lewton horror chiller, starring Boris Karloff. It's old, (as it was made in 1945), but it's still a gem nonetheless. Some mild violence and gore. (BBC2)
Sunday 31st
House Weekend 2 - 7:00-11:00pm
The second night of Hallmark's second weekend of "House" episodes. Tonight, you can see Episodes 13 through 16, of which two new episodes (15 and 16) are being aired from 9pm. The series returns back to its usual one-episode-a-week, as from next Sunday 7th August, at 9pm, with episode 17. (Hallmark Channel)
Trevor's World Of Sport - 10:00-10:30pm
When this comedy series was originally aired, BBC1 pulled it after just two episodes, saying that it didn't fit into their Friday night comedy line-up. The show was then dumped into a late-night Monday slot, where it died. Thankfully, the BBC has decided to repeat the entire series on Sundays at 10pm. If you've not already caught this show, it's actually far better than everyone claimed. From the creator of "Drop The Dead Donkey", Andy Hamilton, comes a comedy set in the world of the sports agent. Neil Pearson stars as Trevor, a man who seems to be going nowhere fast. In the middle of a separation from his wife; with a son who loathes him, and surrounded by staff who are less than competent, Trevor is frustrated. As a sports agent, he meets the best and worst of sports celebrities. It is within this setup, that we follow Trevor trying to find out what he wants in his life with spectacularly disasterous results. If you enjoyed "Drop The Dead Donkey", then you will probably enjoy this as well. You don't need to know much about sports or sports celebrities, but this is quite a clever satire. Hamilton himself can be seen as one of a trio of football fans who Trevor frequently visits for some (less than useful) advice on life. (Hamilton is the fellow, with a beard and moustache.) (BBC2)
Deadwood - SCHEDULE CHANGE
Those of you following Season 2 of the acclaimed and brutal western series, may be wondering what Sky 1 is playing at, with the changes. Well, alas, it seems that this show is now deemed as unsuitable for Sunday nights. I don't know the specifics, but it also may be to do with viewing figures being lower than Sky had hoped for. As such, the show is now premiering each week, at 10pm on Monday nights instead! Therefore Episode 3 can now be seen on Monday 1st August (tomorrow night) and each Monday thereafter. All other (repeat) showings are unchanged. (Sky 1)
Monday 1st August
Bravo Daytime Cult TV - 9:00am-Midday
Cult TV fans definitely have a good start to August, and Bravo brings back three of the most enjoyable adventure shows, which haven't been seen for many a year.
9:00-10:00am - MacGuyver (Richard Dean Anderson's spy/adventure show, starts a rerun, from today, with the Pilot Episode.)
10:00-11:00am - The Dukes Of Hazzard (It's Bo, and Luke and Daisy Duke, in that show! Here's the first episode from Season 1.)
11:00am-12:00pm - Manimal / Automan (The listings for this time-slot seem to vary, depending on where you look. So, I'll list both, and you can be certain one of these two shows will air. The former is the short-lived crime drama starring Simon MacCorkindale and Melody Anderson. He plays a detective who can magically transform into a Black Panther. It's corny as hell, and even quite dumb in places, but it was nothing short of unique. "Automan" was a short-lived sci-fi adventure show, about a man who was inexplicably linked to a futuristic car, and was able to fight crime. Again, corny, and dumb, but fun nonetheless.)
Each show, airs at the same time, each weekday, or one hour later on Bravo +1. (Bravo)
Lois And Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman - 11:00am-12:!5pm
Wahey! BBC2 starts its (temporary) revised daytime holiday schedules. Thus, over the next few weeks you can see some of the most fun cult TV shows, of the 20th century! Today, and every weekday at approximately the same time, we have the show that introduced the world to actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Lois Lane. Its the full-length Pilot Episode of the show, and Clark Kent (Dean Cain) arrives in Metropolis, and ends up working as a reporter at the Daily Bugle newspaper. It's not long, before Lois falls for Clark, but is it Clark or his alter-ego of Superman, that she's really in love with. Showing uncut. (BBC2)
Thunderbirds - 12:15-1:05pm
BBC2's revised daytime schedules continue, with a repeat of all 32 episodes of the original Gerry Anderson puppet adventure show, showing in the new digitally-remastered versions, that are currently available on DVD. "Trapped In The Sky" introduces us to the Tracy family, and to the advanced technology that they have access too, to help save Earth from the many evil escapades of their arch enemy The Hood! If you haven't seen this show before, or want to reminisce, sit down and watch this show, as despite its age, it still holds up surprisingly well! Fun for all the family. Showing each weekday, at approximately the same time. (BBC2)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air - 8:00-9:00pm
Okay, so it was shown to death on BBC2, but here's a chance to see the show, totally uncut, and with some of the material the BBC decided was too risque for a teatime transmission. Here are the first two episodes, from Season 1, of the long-running comedy, that made Will Smith a household name. (Bravo)
Hollywood UK: British Cinema In The 60's - 9:00-9:50pm
New five-part series about the best in British cinema, at a time when Britain was a force to be reckoned with in the world of the movies! From Malcolm McDowell and Tony Hancock, to Michael Caine and Alan Bates, Britain had a wealth of talent, willing to make films that could do battle against anything Hollywood could put out. The show discusses the people behind and in front of the camera, and asks why we were as powerful as we were, and how did we get there. A selection of the best in 60's British cinema will air directly after the show, each Monday night. Tonight, sees "Whistle Down The Wind" accompanying this documentary series. (BBC4)
Cannibals - 9:00-11:00pm
All-new documentary about this dark and uncompromising aspect of humankind's upbringing. Do cannibals really exist? Is it just a myth that was widely abused in the movies, as a way of depicting colonial and ethnic tribes? Is cannibalism really possible, and if so would it ever be acceptable? These issues and many others, are discussed in this one-off show. Contains adult material, and scenes that some may find offensive. (The History Channel)
Deadwood - 10:00-11:10pm
New time-slot for the brutal and uncompromising Western series, starring Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant. Contains violence and explicit language. (Sky 1)
The Wicker Man: A Cast And Crew Special - 2:30-3:10am
Documentary about the cult British horror film "The Wicker Man", including all new interviews and discussions with key personnel and cast members, including Britt Eckland, Christopher Lee, and Edward Woodward. (BBC4)
Tuesday 2nd
Top Cat - 12:35-1:00pm
He's back, as part of the new BBC2 holiday schedules. The one who's the most indispensable he can now even keep his original name! See him, Benny, Cujo and all the others play havoc with Officer Dibble, each weekday at roughly the same time. Just to clear-up the myth: yes, this show was originally called "Top Cat", NOT "Boss Cat", and here's why. When the show originally aired, the BBC changed the name from "Top Cat" to "Boss Cat". This was because, in the late-60's through to the mid-1980's, there used to be a British product called "Top Cat" cat food. As BBC policy prohibited product placement at the time, the show was renamed "Boss Cat" and the music re-dubbed, to alter the lead character's name in the opening credits. However, BBC bosses weren't too clever, because the character always remained known as "TC" (and "Top Cat") in the show itself, leading to many bemused viewers wondering who TC was, and why he was known as "Boss Cat". (BBC2)
Gender Swap - 8:00-9:00pm
Two celebrities - Vicky Butler-Henderson and David Dickinson - perform an experiment, to undertake to swap genders, (through prosthetic make-up and specialist coaching), and try to fool friends and colleagues into thinking that they are new people they have simply never met before. Worth watching, especially when Butler-Henderson takes a car for a test spin around a race track, with her brother in tow! (Five)
CSI: Miami - 9:00-10:00pm
It's here! It's back! All-new Season 3 starts tonight on Five, and this season is supposed to be even better than ever! As usual, Horatio Caine, Alexx Woods, Tim Speedle, Eric Delko and Calleigh Duquense return to dissect more criminal acts, but are now joined by two new colleagues! (One, a permanent fixture from Season 2, and another all-new guy!) Tonight is the first of 24 episodes, and sees the team dealing with a violent ransom demand. (Five)
FILM: Angel Heart (18) - 10:00pm-12:10am
Dark thriller set in the world of Voodoun (the plural of Voodoo!), with a detective trying to uncover a missing singer, in 1950's New Orleans. Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke star, in Alan Parker's uncompromisingly disturbing movie. The version ITV are showing is actually unique: unlike the current UK DVD print, a scene involving cock-fighting is seen in this TV version, in its original and uncut form. (The UK DVD has this scene edited, but the US has it uncut.) However, some graphically violent material seen in the UK DVD, but not the US DVD, is missing from the TV version also. Also, the TV version has different credits. The uncut version, should show a lift descending slowly, whilst the credits run over them in white lettering, with just the sound of the lift, and no music. The alternate, censored version, just has a black-screen or a frozen image, with the credits moving vertically upwards, accompanied by music. The TV version, should have the original (and director-approved) "lift sequence" version, which adds an interesting ambiguity to the ending of the movie. (I can't explain more, as I will spoil the end.) Essentially, what you are getting is a hybrid version. Thus, irrespective of whether you have the UK DVD, the US DVD, or the ITV print, you cannot see this film, totally uncut. Weird, huh?! A great film, but one not for the easily offended. Contains graphic violence, sexual material, strong language and scenes some viewers will find offensive. (ITV2)
Wednesday 3rd
Third Rock From The Sun - 7:00-7:30pm
Another chance to see all 136 episodes of this US comedy, starring John Lithgow, as the head of an alien family arriving on Earth. (ITV2)
How To Start Your Own Country - 10:00-10:30pm
New comedy-documentary show, that follows author and journalist, Danny Wallace, trying to start his own real, 100% bona-fide country. His first task is to find somewhere in the world, an island, he can legally purchase and then name. He is then required to create laws, invite immigrants to move their, and set-up a complete, real-life, world system, including a form of power (electricity, water, gas, wind, et al), a council and government system, housing, schools, businesses and a public transport system. Can he do it? Very funny, but also a brilliant insight into our own life and country's way of living. First of six episodes. (BBC2)
Nip/Tuck - 10:55pm-12:55am (or 11:05pm-1:10am)
Depending on whether or not "Butt Munch 6" overruns again (as it has done most Wednesday nights), two more episodes of "Nip/Tuck" will show, leading up to the final three episodes. Unfortunately, Channel 4 have decided to pull the show, and after the end of Season 2, they will not be buying the rights to subsequent seasons of this great drama. (This is also the reason they've been showing two episodes per week - so they can get the show over and done with quicker.) This means, only Sky 1 viewers will now get to see the show in the UK! I don't think the fact that the DVD of Season 2 came out before Channel 4 started airing it, helped matters, but it looks like fans of the show will now have to write, phone or e-mail Five to see if they would be willing to continue the show instead, from Season 3! I so wish Channel 4 would stop buying US shows, and then dumping them, just because they don't get enough viewers! It then buggers-up other channels chances of getting viewers, as has been ably demonstrated when C4 dumped "Angel", and "Alias", after butchering the shows for teatime transmissions! (Channel 4)
The Body Of J.F.K. - 11:15pm-12:15am
Documentary about US president John F Kennedy, and how his body was constantly ill and in need of medical care or treatment. Using CGI animation, the documentary explores why he was so ill, and shows us what his health was like, prior to his untimely assassination. (BBC3)
Wonderfalls - SCHEDULE CHANGE - Midnight-1:00am
Oh dear, oh dear! UK viewers are having a hard time, it seems. This quirky new US drama appears to be being dumped into a late-night, post-Midnight slot, again because of lower-than-expected ratings. At 8pm, Sky 1 would rather you watch "The 50 Greatest Celebrity Animals" and "When Sharks Attack!" instead! So, enjoy (!) the new time-slot for this show, for the last ten weeks or so! At least UK fans, are getting to see all 13 episodes, unlike viewers in the US, who only saw three episodes period! Oh, to be a TV scheduler! I could make such a difference! (Sky 1)
Thursday 4th
Touching Evil - 9:00-11:00pm
All-new US crime drama series, (about a detective returning to work, after a near-fatal shooting ended not only his career, but his life too). gets its UK premiere tonight, starting with the feature-length "Pilot Episode". I have no other details at this time, about the cast, director, but there are only 13 episodes. Sorry! (ITV3)
FILM: The Man With The Golden Arm (15) - 11:50pm-1:45am
Frank Sinatra stars as an aspiring musician who finds life hard-going, when he becomes addicted to heroin, and has to deal with his wheelchair-bound wife! Contains some violence and strong language. (BBC4)
Friday 5th
Committed - 7:30-8:00pm
New US comedy show, starring Josh Cook and Jennifer Finnigan, as Nate and Marni - two youngsters who find themselves in the complex world of their first love for one another. Good feedback from the US, and the fact it's going out prime-time on Five, suggests positive results. (Five)
And here endeth another 7 days of goggle-box viewing! Now, as I mentioned way, way back at the start of this thread, I would like to ask a special favour, if I may, of any of the AVForum members:- Unfortunately, due to my own incompetence, I missed the final 3 episodes of the excellent US comedy "Arrested Development", which aired on Thursday 28th July 2005, on BBC4, between 11:40pm and 12:50am approx. If anyone has these on VHS or DVD, and would be kind enough to let me borrow them, I'd be immensely appreciative. I only want to watch the episodes, so I can then join Season 2, when it starts on BBC4 and BBC2 in the Autumn.
I'd also like to ask, if anyone would be kind enough to record (onto VHS or DVD) the "Cannibal" documentary which airs on The History Channel on Monday 1st August 2005, between 9pm and 11pm (or on The History Channel +1, between 10pm and Midnight). I don't have access to Sky at the moment, and I don't have any friends who have Sky or Cable either. I need the documentary for some research I am doing at the moment, and so, if anyone would be kind enough to record this for me, it would be immensely appreciated.
I apologise to burden someone else with these two requests, but if anyone could help me out, I'd be very grateful! PM me, if you can help.
Cheers Folks, and I'll see you back here, next week, for more news on what's hot and what's not, on TV! Auf Wiedersehn!
Pooch