Other series could do with a diagnosis
Other series could do with a diagnosis
THE old adage that things get better with age rarely applies to the world of television.
No-one could tell me, as it approaches its 50th birthday, that Coronation Street is as good as it has ever been. If anything it's worse than ever.
And the likes of X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and the returning Britain's Got Talent have certainly run their respective courses.
BGT - as it is so annoyingly shortened to - faces the horrific task of trying to top the ridiculously over-hyped Susan Boyle saga.
Only desperate moves will manage to beat Boyle - so expect a rapid downturn in fortunes, starting this Saturday.
It is understandable that television series' would diminish in quality, as it is difficult to maintain a strong flow of quality ideas the longer something continues.
So it is highly refreshing when a programme surprises you by actually getting better as time goes on.
Hugh Laurie's US series House is one programme that has managed just that.
The first three or four series mainly focused on individual episodes where the ascerbic Dr House and his team would attempt to work out which bizarre complaint was affecting a patient admitted with a mystery illness.
The only thing tying it all together as a series, was the exploration of House, as the complex character he is.
House has always been excellent viewing, but the format was becoming tired. What was needed was a re-jig. And the writers came up with the goods.
Now the focus is on the characters with the medical diagnosis storylines pushed to the back more.
The hospital sets are used on a less-regular basis, with plenty of time spent at House's, er, house - that he now shares with best mate Dr Wilson... something that has certainly upped the comedy factor.
Characters other than House are explored - the perfect example came with the standout episode of season six so far which focused entirely on hospital boss Lisa Cuddy and started to parody the original series format.
The major shame about House is that Sky1 has the monopoly on it. One of the terrestrial channels really should pick up a repeat run.
That way, the writers and producers of other series might get a look at what a format re-jig can do for a series.
And we might be spared yet another Ken Barlow affair.
SOAP BUBBLE
In Corrie, Molly accuses Kevin of trying to kill her. Sophie is thrilled when her feelings for Sian are at last reciprocated.
Eastenders' Denise is aghast to discover Chelsea's secret. Ronnie declares her love to Jack, and Leon is roped into Zsa Zsa's latest scheme.
Declan drives a hard bargain on Emmerdale, but this impresses Natasha. Meanwhile, Jimmy is surprised to find Nicola and Carl getting on.
Zak is still drink ing his Hollyoaks troubles away. Lauren is desperate to reunite her family, but her plan does not quite work out.
Home and Away's Britt faces trouble as Nicole and her classmates band together for revenge.Justin has flashbacks at the crash site, revealing what happened to his father.
Sophie takes desperate measures in Neighbours to protect Callum from Dean.
FILM PICK
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
Sunday, 7.05pm, Five
Classic comedy following a hapless pair of news vendors in New York - one deaf, one blind - who are blamed for the murder of a customer and are forced to go on the run.
A frantic chase ensues, as both try and evade police capture, all the while picking up clues as to the identity of the real murderer.
Stars Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder as the pursued.
DIGITAL PICK
House
Sunday, 10pm, Sky 1
Marvellous US medical drama with Brit Hugh Laurie playing the maverick, anti-social Dr House.
He and his team visit a medieval community to help a 'knight' called Sir William who claims he is dying from a mystery disorder.
The team are baffled by his illness, which could be connected to environmental factors. Meanwhile, Wilson attempts to re-concile with one of his ex-wives.
TV PICK
Greatest Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones
Thursday, 9pm, ITV 1
Jones returns with a new series in which he explores some of the world's most exciting centres, starting with Rome.
He discovers what life is like, living in a city of 2.5m that is over 2,000 years old.
He also meets a silent order of nuns, learns how to direct traffic at Europe's busiest road intersection, and talks to the mayor.
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Thursday 23 May 2013
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