TV shows: Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Merlin

[karen9]

I'm sad Doctor Who is over until Christmas and very sad that Amy and Rory have gone. I think that trio was the best of the modern Doctor Who and companion(s). 

I'm enjoying Downton Abbey, especially Maggie Smith. It's a shame that Branson seems to have feet of clay. There were some good lines, e.g. "There's always something of Johnny Foreigner about Catholics," "Diligence and hard work count for more than beauty in the real world' - "If only that were true." 

I watched the first episode of Merlin series 5. I was so disappointed in series 4 that I'm not expecting much. The episode was okay. I think maybe the writers and producers should have stuck to the formula of the first three series because I think they haven't managed to convincingly make the show maturer and "darker." They don't have the scripts, the resources or the actors. For example, we saw the Round Table, but they can't afford to have all the knights of legend, so it's Leon, Gawain, Percival and Elyan plus different extras every episode. There should also be a vacant seat for Lancelot. I think Game of Thrones has made me more critical of the four young leads. Katie McGrath is just a poor actor and I find Angel unconvincing. Bradley is good at comedy and I think he did well at the drama last series, but he's not Richard Madden by miles.

I've also been watching Suits. What strange and unreal lives! 

I've tried Copper, but none of the 'hosts' I can use to watch it work well. I'm also not into police shows right now, though it is different and interesting.

Comments

[mickey2x5.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen the last Dr Who yet. I'm not sure how far behind we are at the moment. I only dip in and out of the show, but I'm hoping to catch the Pond farewell episode when it happens. Failing that, there'e always You Tube!

I lost track of Downton Abbey. I think I missed a few episodes from S1, and never really caught up. I still like the premise of it though, so will try and catch S2 when it airs.

Merlin S5 airs here next weekend, so we'll only be 1 episode behind; however, a week is a long time in fandom, so I downloaded it a few hours after it aired in the UK. So glad I did! I loved this episode overall. Bradley/Arthur's reactions were hilarious in the juggling scenes, and I thought all the on-screen friends seemed very comfortable and relaxed with each other. I think that has something to do with them all getting on so well off-screen as well. I still(!) haven't seen GoT, so can't compare the production values etc. I totally agree with your comment about Katie being a poor actor. I get major second hand embarrassment at times with her scenes.

[karen9.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you enjoyed the new Merlin episode. I wish I still enjoyed the show as much as I did for the first 3 series. I agree with you that Bradley/Arthur's reactions were hilarious in the juggling scenes, and I thought all the on-screen friends seemed very comfortable and relaxed with each other. I wish I could feel the magic again.