Sparkles and Sticks

Best British TV Shows: Spaced

The Gist: Two recently homeless strangers meet in a cafe.  They pretend to be a couple in order to rent a great flat that is available for a "professional couple only."  Fantastic visual pop culture references and hilarity ensue.

Favorite Episode:

S2 E5: Gone  Tim and Daisy embark on an impromptu night out in Camden.  I love their very different ideas about where they should go and what they should do, and I love how their plans are represented visually.  I love Daisy's drunk babbling and Tim's drunk head bobbing.  I love the faux fighting connection that "all men have," and I love the "you clever girl" Jurassic Park reference near the end.

Favorite Character:

Daisy. (above, caught in an embarassing moment in a job interview).

Most Quoted Lines (in our house):

"This, is the good shit." -Daisy.  Every time I cook with oregano I say this line to myself in my head and giggle.  Honestly, sometimes I think I add oregano to our meals just so I can make myself giggle.

We quote Spaced on a regular basis at our house.  Most quotes are minor references, but when said with the correct tone they give my husband and I a good chuckle.

Does It Translate?:

Yes.  There are some references to British pop culture that not all Americans will "get," but since their flat is obsessed with American film, comics, and TV, most references are obvious.  One thing Americans do need to know for the sake of the show is this: Jaffa Cakes are a popular type of cookie.  Trust me, it's important.

Why I Love It:

Because of scenes ike this:

 

Watch it: On Hulu or Instant Netflix.

Best British TV Shows: Coupling

The Gist:  Bloke dates babe.  Their friends tag along.  They all obsess about sex and the opposite gender.  Hilarity ensues.

Favorite Episode:

Season 3, Episode 2: Faithless.  The awkwardness that has ruled Jeff's life turns out to be his saving grace in this episode.  RESULT!

Favorite Character:

Richard Coyle as Jeff Murdoch.  Clearly, I am a sucker for a Welsh accent.  And faces that look like my husband's.

Does It Translate?:  Yes, I think that Americans will understand Coupling fully.  While Americans may not understand the technicalities of all of the British cultural references, they will understand the implications. 

Why I Love It:  This is the first British Show that I found on my own accord, rented from the fantastic independent video rental place in my town (that my BFF worked at in High School and has since, sadly, been put out of business by little read envelopes), and watched all four seasons of.  I loved how each episode started out not-too-funny, and then built on itself until I was laughing out loud.  At the TV.  All by myself.  In an empty flat.  With little to no wine present.

Coupling is the show that made me fall in love with British television, and I have not looked back since.

Best British TV Shows: Black Books

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  AKA, Happy The-Day-Where-Everyone-Who-Isn't-Irish-Pretends-They-Have-A-Wee-Bit-Of-Irish-Heritage-So-They-Can-Have-A-Legit-Excuse-To-Get-Smashed Day!

I've continued the Best of British Television series over on my friend Erin's wee St.Patty's Day blog party.  Hop on over and find out why I love...

Best British TV Shows: Gavin and Stacey

This post is the first in a series chronicling my favorite British Television Shows.  We begin today, St. David's Day, with my favorite Welsh show: Gavin and Stacey.

The Gist:  English boy meets Welsh girl.  Love blooms overnight.  Cultural and familial hilarity ensues.

Favorite Episode:

Season 1, Episode 6: The Wedding.  Reasons: Bryn and Stacey in the limo.  The guest enthusiasm during the Grease Medley.  The comedy and romance in general.

Favorite Character:

A tie between the lovably bizarre Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) and the brawny and mysterious BFF Nessa (Ruth Jones).

Most Quoted Lines (in our house):

"Did anyone order a Chinese?" -Chinese Alan, who is not actually Chinese but is so nicknamed for his love of Chinese takeaway food.

"Dwi'n Hoffi Coffi.  It either means I like a coffee, or I'd like a coffee." -Uncle Bryn

Does It Translate?:

I can't imagine anyone understanding this show without either being Welsh or English, or without having spent a considerable amount of time in either country.  I encourage someone who doesn't fit that description to watch and prove me wrong.

Why I Love It:

Watching this show makes me feel of oooey goooey love.  It's like going home and seeing family.