I think most people would agree that the vast majority of programmes on TV are dull. Paul Abbott (writer of Shameless), narrows it down to drama.

The writer of hit series Shameless has said TV drama is “under-ambitious, predictable and needlessly boring”.
Paul Abbott criticised Footballers’ Wives for “regressing to lower standards” while praising US show Lost for setting “a new benchmark”.
From the BBC

I had to chuckle to myself when I read that comment about Footballers’ Wives. That particular ‘drama’ (not sure I’d call it that), is utter dross. It’s barely better than the 80’s shows like Dynasty (from which I’ll move swiftly on, baaaad memories there!).

Shameless however is a breath of fresh air. It’s both incredibly funny and powerfully tragic. The antics of the various family members in Shameless are surreal, yet at the same time hover very close to a societal truth. Each and every episode is a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, laughter and sadness, with conventional boundaries crossed rather than diverted.

That is what modern drama should aspire to be. I hope Paul Abbot continues to shake up the world of drama with his fresh and innovative style of writing.

For the fans of Footballers’ Wives out there – really, you may as well just go and read a copy of The Sun. But then I bet most of you already do. ;)

I’ve just got back from the cinema after watching Star Wars Episode III. Keeping in mind that after seeing the first two I was a little sceptical…

It was amazing! Absolutely fantastic fight scenes, plenty of lightsaber action, and best of all, no Jar Jar Binks annoying the hell out of me!

I won’t say more than that, as I wouldn’t like to spoil it for those who haven’t seen it yet. But I was definately not disappointed with this one.

Something I read recently has sparked me to list some of the programmes I used to watch during the latter years of my childhood but would probably only laugh/cringe at now.

1. TJ Hooker
2. Wonder Woman
3. Dr Who (not referring to the new series here).
4. The A Team
5. Blakes 7
6. Dallas
7. Worzel Gummidge
8. CHiPS
9. Miami Vice
10. Hart to Hart

So there it is, my top 10 cringeworthy programmes from my past. I could find more, but by now you probably have a bad enough idea of my childhood as it is…

After only one episode being shown, Christopher Eccleston has already quit as Dr Who.

Actually I think I’m pleased about that, if a little surprised. He’s quit to avoid being type cast, and I can’t say I blame him. Not that I’m a particular fan of Dr Who (at least not since I was around 7 years of age anyway), but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with the first episode – it lifted my low expectations a great deal.

Seems that Billie Piper will stay, though a replacement Dr Who for the confirmed second series has yet to be decided on.