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thecosmichobo
Reviews
Warehouse 13 (2009)
Not Quite There
Having heard about this series a few times, and then more recently a comparison regarding it and Stargate Universe (re the fact that W13 pulled better ratings), I decided to give the pilot episode a viewing.
There haven't really been many sci-fi/fantasy shows (ever) that haven't held my attention and appealed to my nerdy requirements, and whilst I was keeping an open mind, I struggled to keep watching the full 90 minute double episode.
The lead actors (McClintock and Kelly) just didn't quite "do it" for me... they were kind of interesting characters, but ultimately neither made me passionate to continue. One of the reasons I didn't switch off early was Raul Subinek, who I've enjoyed since ST:TNG days, but even his always interesting portrayal isn't enough to convince me to watch any further.
The premise is interesting, though the idea of having a massive warehouse full of deadly "oddities", yet only 1 person on hand to deal with them, is absurd. Whilst I'm sure some story arcs develop over the season, I can see a lot of Reaper-like-repetition ahead, which also doesn't interest me.
The special effects were also rather disappointing. About on par with Reaper or Merlin, which in those shows is acceptable, as they are more comedy than drama. I don't know if it was deliberate or accidental, but some shots left my eyes hurting (eg external of the Warehouse).
The direct comparison for me would be The Lost Room, which I think offered a lot more promise than this pilot. I felt too much like Lattimer and Bering's characters were being force fed to me, rather than a real natural progression. Whereas in Lost Room, everything was left that bit more confusing and unanswered; more for the journey.
Here Comes the Grump (1969)
Long Remembered, but not for revisiting
"Here Comes the Grump" would have to be one of those shows that you used to watch as a kid on a Saturday morning along with all the other cartoons - both old and new, but unlike "Voltron", "Transformers", or even "He-Man", you don't really feel a dying urge to see again.
Just watching the titles sequence on youtube.com is probably enough of a memory trip without the need to actually watch an episode. Yes, it wasn't completely manufactured by one's imagination. Yes, there was a "Yosamite Sam" type character that rode a fire sneezing dragon. Yes, there was a princess, dashing young lad, and a weird pet. That is truly enough to know and see.
Educating Marmalade (1982)
Childhood Favourite
You know those shows you watched as a kid but forget about until something triggers a memory... I used to tune in to watch Educating Marmalade every Sunday morning on ABC TV (AU) in the early 80's. Such a rebellious delightfully wicked character could only be loved by kids who would love to be able to follow in her shoes.
I hope this gets a release on DVD one day soon, as it would be nice to be able to properly return down memory lane. It was quite a shock to discover that Charlotte Coleman was the quirky sidekick from Four Weddings & a Funeral... and even more of a shock to read she died from an asthma attack a few years ago.
Here's to a great show.
Fatty & George (1981)
Through the clouds of Time...
I don't know how many times I have posed the question on the aus.tv newsgroup - "Does anyone remember a show in the early 80's in which there were these kids trying to find their scientist father who has disappeared, and are being chased by some evil lady who is trying to steal some special crystal wand they possess which can freeze time..."
It took years to find out the title, and then do a search here in IMDB, to find - nothing. This is to at least allow anyone else who has gone through a similar search to be able to put their mind at ease.
Yes, I remember the show... Yes, it really does exist... No, I can't really elaborate any more than I have above. I wonder if the ABC will ever air it again...
The Sharp End (1991)
Plot Outline
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This series sees Gwen Taylor's character widowed and wondering what to do with her husband's Debt Collection Agency. She decides to run the business herself, much to the chagrin of a rival, ruthless debt collector.
Gwen employs a muscle-man, Carmichael, an illiterate hermit who rides around on a push-bike with a tape recording from Gwen of what he is to do. Together they manage to keep the business running, despite attempts from the rival collector to shut them down.