Thursday, June 16, 2011

A Taste of the Strange


Lately I've sampled a slice or two of television shows focusing on weird and wonderful characters; unexpectedly quirky flavour mixes, the entertainment equivalent of pizza dipped in fudge sauce. If you love a tv menu where all the programs are topped with lashings of loopiness, these specials might appeal:


Misfits (British).
An odd little British gem about a group of youths sentenced to community service. After a bizarre storm, our less than stellar young citizens discover they all now possess a different 'gift'. In contrast to the slick production values favoured by Americans, this program's take on the supernatural scene is gritty, violent and believably awkward. The script is irreverent and often hilariously funny, making the adventures of this motley crew irresistible viewing.



Wilfred
The American version of this show is only now set to launch, so this is as much prediction as recommendation- but I really enjoyed the original Australian series, and I love Elijah Wood. Wilfred US should be great, looped-out viewing. Basically, the main character sees his neighbour's pet as a man dressed in an enormous dog suit. Yep, where everyone else sees man's best friend, he sees a bloke in a bad costume, making for a truly surreal (viewing) experience!



Ugly Americans (animated).
This cartoon takes the idea of illegal aliens to a whole new level. In an alternate dimension version of New York, our protagonist Mark works at the Department of Integration, helping strange creatures adapt to life in the Big Apple. The problems are endless, and endlessly BIZARRE. Also, Mark's on/off affair with his boss Callie (who's a TAD demonic) brings new meaning to the term dysfunctional. Not for those with a weak stomach, you'll either love or hate the oddball series.



Bored To Death
If you've never caught an episode, make time to indulge in this quietly cult series. A bored guy pretends to be a Private Investigator, thereby livening up his life a little. Frankly, who hasn't been tempted to try the life of a PI once in a while? (Oh, just me, then?). It's like he's starring in his own procedural. Sometimes bordering on almost too hip, it's still enormously fun. The main character is a writer, which allows for a certain level of believable eloquence.




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