TV Recaps Reviews

Although there are many different spy movies (James Bond, the Bourne Trilogy, Mission Impossible), there aren’t that many spy TV shows. Coming up with interesting plots around spies and secret agents is pretty tough, especially if you’ve got to keep an intelligent and perceptive audience entertained.

Thankfully there have been some cracking spy thriller TV series in the last 10 to 15 years, so here are some of your favourites. Have we missed any?

1) Burn Notice

Heading into its 7th season, Burn Notice stars Jeffrey Donovan as a former spy, Michael Weston, that has been disavowed and is working to get back into the game. With the help of his trusted colleauges, Fiona Glenanne, Sam Ax and Jesse Porter, Weston plays the role of a modern-day Robin Hood by helping out various clients in Miami while fending old enemies and tracking down the people that ruined his life. Gabrielle Anwar (Fiona) adds spice to the show as Weston’s bomb-happy ex-girlfriend while Bruce Campbell (Sam) shines in his role providing witty banter and strategical expertise.

2) Chuck

A winner of two Primetime Emmy’s, Chuck remains one of the hottest shows on television. Zachery Levi is Chuck, a computer geek that finds himself a wanted man after gaining knowledge of all of the US government’s darkest spy secrets. The secrets are downloaded to his brain after he receives an embedded e-mail from a former friend that works for the Central Intelligence Agency. Formerly stuck in a dead-end job, Chuck now finds himself in the line of fire as a top recruit for the CIA and NSA. The two CIA agents are assigned to help Chuck add an interesting dynamic to the situation as they help Chuck complete the mission while also making sure he keeps his second life a secret to the people he is closest to.

3) Spooks

This multi-award winning show just concluded its 10th and final season. It was a spy drama like no other, featuring tales about the British Secret Service. The show was known for pushing the limits of television with its unique style that included changing its main characters numerous times after having them die in violent display. The series drew several big name stars to be a part of its cast, including Peter Firth, Hugh Laurie, Matthew Macfadyen and Lara Pulver. The final episode of the show aired Oct. 23, 2011.

4) Alias

Alias stars the stunning Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow, a young, college student that gets lured into the world of undercover ops by a secret agency within the CIA, known as SD-6. After SD-6 has her boyfriend killed for getting too close, Bristow discovers that SD-6 is a rogue international organization with an evil leader. She decides to become a double agent and take down the organization she once worked for. She battle traitors, terrorists and assassins while working to protect her friends by keeping her second life a secret.

5) The State Within

Nominated for a pair of Golden Globes, this show was a politically-charged thriller that ran for six episodes on BBC. Sir Mark Brydon, played by Jason Isaacs, is the British Prime Minister to Washington and works in a world of turmoil. Brydon deals with several personal demons while also attempting to prevent a war and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the governments of the Western Hemisphere. The show also featured Ben Daniels, as an MI6 agent, and Sharon Gless, as the US Secretary of Defense Lynne Warner.

6) Bugs

A four-series show, that ran from 1995-98, Bugs brought viewers into the world of four tech guys turned crime fighters. Ed, Alex, Beckett and Ros are a team of specialists that use their technical skills to help a government organization take down criminal factions. With plenty of explosions and fireworks, this series blended the aspects of an action thriller and a spy drama with a sci-fi twist.

7) 24

One of the most popular spy shows of all time, 24 followed the drama that was the life of Counter-Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, played by Keifer Sutherland. Each episode chronicled a day in the life of Bauer as he attempted to foil numerous terrorist plots by any means necessary. A typical show involved several plot twists and turns before inevitably ending up with Bauer facing the dilemma of turning on his own morals in order to be the hero. At eight seasons and 192 episodes, 24 was the longest-running spy drama in television history and won numerous awards. It has since spawned a movie, that is currently in production.

Image courtesy of IMDB.com

About the author: This is a guest article by Dan Harrison, an avid fan and collector of spy gadgets and covert spy cameras. Some of the gadgets in his collection include some very bond-esque spy cameras hidden in watches!

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Chicago is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the American Midwest (sorry, Indianapolis). Its light shines far and wide and permeates the fabric of our culture, inspiring creative thought, political action, and sweet TV shows.

Yes, the city has produced some of the world’s most significant television shows, which have in turn created some of our culture’s most beloved characters. Here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorites, both new and old.

Good Times

This classic ’70s sitcom brought the lives of the working class Black family into homes around the nation. Very few television shows connected with such a diffuse audience the way that “Good Times” did with its blend of gritty urban drama, heartwarming family dynamic and slapstick comedy. Though the slapstick would ultimately supplant the more serious themes and become the downfall of the series, the show ran for five and a half years and addressed issues facing contemporary urban America such as poverty, underage sex, activism and racism; the show’s title is brilliantly tongue in cheek, and offered the view that despite being surrounded by crime and poverty, the working class family would stick together to find the pleasure in their toil, which was a message many needed at the time.

The show also launched the career of Janet Jackson, which automatically qualifies it for a win in my book.

Cultural Cache: “Dy-no-mite!”

Kenan & Kel

Older audiences may not agree with (or care about) this choice, but that’s why I’m writing and they’re reading. For many late-80s babies, Kenan (Thompson) & Kel (Mitchell) were the first comedic duo that meant anything to them. Their show, appropriately titled “Kenan & Kel”, was a spin-off of the popular (and first) kids sketch show “All That” on Nickelodeon. Their misadventures through the sordid world of adolescence took place in their Chicago neighborhood (where Kel grew up) and resonated with kids in the city and nationwide. The duo would continue in comedy, Kel performing standup and touring, and Kenan landing a spot on the cast of Saturday Night Live.

Cultural Cache: “Who loves orange soda? Kel loves orange soda!”

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Wondering what festive shows to watch as Christmas counts down? Here is a list of Christmas themed shows and children’s movies that are just right for the holidays, perfect for entertaining children, families or just about anyone who can’t get enough Christmas. Check your local listings for more information.

December 13
Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABCFAM) 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM) 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM) 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABCFAM) 8:00 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABCFAM) 10:30 p.m.

December 14
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM) 6:00 p.m.
Pixar Short Films (ABCFAM) 6:30 p.m.
Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo (ABCFAM) 8:30 p.m.

December 15
A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM) 6:00 p.m.
Beauty and the Beast (ABCFAM) 9:00 p.m.

December 16
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM) 6:30 p.m.
Christmas in Washington (TNT) 8:00 p.m.
The Bishop’s Wife (ABCFAM) 8:00 p.m.
Christmas in Connecticut (TCM) 10:00 p.m.

December 17
Disney Pixar’s Up (ABCFAM) 6:00 p.m.
Frosty the Snowman (CBS) 8:00 p.m.
The Story of Santa Claus (CBS) 9:00 p.m.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM) 10:00 p.m.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 11:00 p.m.

December 18
Disney Pixar’s Toy Story (ABCFAM) 6:00 p.m.
Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 2 (ABCFAM) 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

December 19
Aladdin (ABCFAM) 6:30 p.m.
Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles (ABCFAM) 8:30 p.m.

December 20
Deck the Halls (TNT) 9:00 p.m.
The Polar Express (ABCFAM) 9:00 p.m.
Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas (NBC) 9:00 p.m.

December 21
The Santa Clause 8:00 p.m. (ABCFAM)
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM) 10:00 p.m.

December 22
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (ABCFAM) 9:00 p.m.

December 23
Scrooge (1970) (TCM) 6:00 p.m.
Olive, the Other Reindeer (CW) 8:00 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABCFAM) 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CW) 9:00 p.m.

December 24
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM) 6:00 p.m.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM) 7:00 p.m.
Miracle On 34th Street (1947) TCM 8:00 p.m.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM) 8:00 p.m.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM) 9:00 p.m.
A Christmas Story (TBS) (marathon begins at 8:00 p.m.)
It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC) 9:00 p.m.

December 25
Disney Christmas Parade (ABC) 12:00 p.m.
The Polar Express (ABCFAM) 8:00 p.m.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (ABCFAM) 10:00 p.m.

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This summer has a lot to offer for TV programming. Some networks better than others. The more promising shows are on the networks NBC, Fox, and ABC. There are also some mentionable shows on MTV and Oxygen.

What NBC has to offer us in this warm weather is the increasingly popular show The Voice with stars such as Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine. This show, while heartwarming, can at times be reminiscent of American Idol. So, if you are an American Idol fan, this might be the show for you. Another similar show NBC is rolling out is a new season of America’s Got Talent. Although the show was much more entertaining with David Hasselhoff as a judge, this season is sure to bring out the interesting in America. Nothing thought provoking or eloquent about this show, but extreme entertainment none-the-less.

Next up is the Fox network. Fox has the great repeat reality shows So You Think You Can Dance, and Hell’s Kitchen this summer. So You Think You Can Dance will be sure to offer up some inspirational stories and festive costumes as well. While Hell’s Kitchen on the other hand will berate you into watching it! If you cannot handle constant screaming over undercooked lamb chops or overcooked risotto than you should stay far away from this show!

ABC this summer has the Chinese adoption Wipeout. This is the perfect show for watching people make complete fools of themselves, and get all kinds of hurt. I still think the original version is better.

Some of the mentionable shows are MTV’s Teen Wolf and Oxygen’s The Glee Project. Both are geared for the ‘teen’ audience, but I’m sure will be loved by all. This is especially true if you’re going through Twilight movie withdrawals and needing to sing and dance your way off the stress, while simultaneously gazing at a fake Jacob. Its ok, we’re all hurting.

Summer programming usually doesn’t offer the same satisfaction as the regular TV season, but luckily there are a couple of shows to hold us over till then, or at least keep us mildly entertained.

Image courtesy of http://www.rickey.org/.

About the author: Kristine Esser is very much attached to her DVR. When she is not watching her favorite TV shows back-to-back she is baking, walking her dog, and writing about scarves for her day job.

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Gone are the days when a new series ran its course for a season, in some cases shows last for a few episodes and are pulled from the schedule. I’m surprised really at the number of shows cancelled on Fox. There were a number of dramas cut from Fox’s schedule which makes you wonder what they are going to substitute them with. It seems to me that a little more time invested in the following shows on Fox, NBC, and ABC would yield the ratings networks are looking for.

The biggest surprise cancellation on Fox was The Chicago Code. I’ve been watching the Sean Ryan cop show since it premiered and from the beginning, the direction, storyline, genuine character development, and excellent acting made it well worth watching. Ryan’s success in The Shield on FX can’t be duplicated on network television, but certainly The Chicago Code was as close as you could get in terms of high quality television. The cast was outstanding, particularly Jason Clarke, Jennifer Beal, Billy Lush, and Delroy Lindo. There isn’t a good reason, at least from where I sit, why this series wasn’t given a second season to gain more of an audience. If you haven’t had a chance to watch The Chicago Code catch the series finale tonight, Monday, May 23 at 9:00 p.m. on Fox. Ryan’s Terriers on FX was also cancelled earlier in the season and deserved a second season. Sean Ryan made FX’s name with The Shield, losing Terriers and Chicago Code from the FX/Fox lineup seems like a real mistake. The Chicago Code is one show I wish a cable channel would snap up, similar to TNT’s resurrection of Southland, this show deserves a second chance.

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When you think of the most influential comedians to ever grace the television screen, somewhere on that list there is bound to be Dave Chappelle. His hard working comedic style and ability to connect with audiences has won him the respect and admiration of his peers as well as the international public.

Behind every legendary career is a story, and with Chappelle this is no exception. He has enjoyed some of the best times a comedian can imagine having gotten his own TV show, rave reviews of his stand-up routine, fame for his hilarious impressions of Rick James, and more. Mixed in with these incredible upswings of success and increased fame came their counterparts, those times when things didn’t go so well.

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Television bio George Carlin: One of the most famous comics of his generation.

George Carlin was not only one of the most famous comics of his generation, but one of the most famous comics in the history of the world. He broke boundaries with his comedy, and made a huge impact on pop culture as we know it.

During his career he had 14 HBO specials, the first of which was taped in 1977. Originally his comedy was based on different characters that he had created, but eventually into the 90s and 2000s changed his comedic direction entirely.

Carlin’s most famous bit, more talked about and referenced than any other, has been the “Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV.” While making him get into controversy with the censors, it also increased his image and fame in the eyes of the public. Later on he even went so far as to expand his list of offensive words, and became known for this routine.

As Carlin began to age and his mindset began to settle into the changing decades and social issues, so did his comedic style. He began to talk about the problems with modern society as we know it, and would reference these problems in both a funny and satirical way.

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On Mar 23, 2011, the world received the sad news that screen legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from problems related to congestive hearth failure. The actress passed away surrounded by her four children. On this day, many people contemplated the life of Elizabeth Taylor and the impact that she had on movies and pop culture in general.

While Taylor was revered for her acting skills (she won two Oscars for Best Actress) she was probably even more well-known for her scandalous personal life, her striking beauty and her sometimes bizarre behavior. And now that Taylor has passed away and left a palpable hole in the world of popular culture, which young Hollywood starlet will step up to fill her salacious shoes? Let’s take a look at a few likely candidates.

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