Jasmine Sahu is well suited with this new American drama exclusive to Dave.
Lois Cameron explains why this series is much more than your average cosy period drama.
The last episode of this series sees Sherlock and Moriarty attempt to solve the final problem with devastating consequences.
With major cast changes afoot, Jacob Martin ponders whether Being Human can live up to its own scarily high standard.
Catherine's Choice - The Crimson Petal and the White
A very difficult choice, but The Crimson Petal and the White (adapted from Michel Faber’s novel) was Victorian period drama at its finest – and grottiest. There was no doubt that Romola Garai would be fabulous in her role as the much-desired Sugar, yet it was Chris O’Dowd, playing the flawed and complex character of William Rackham, who impressed the most. This miniseries is not for the fainthearted, containing many a grim twist, but I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Jacob's Choice - Being Human
As with any insanely popular show entering its third series, Being Human seemed to have more criticism levelled at it than it has before. But, for the life of me, I can’t understand why, as it was almost certainly the best it has ever been. It’s never been funnier. It’s never been quite so nail-bitingly gripping. It’s never been so tear-jerkingly sad. And Nina has never been more brilliant. A-woo!
Catherine's Choice - Rev.
Though the second series may have only just come to an end, it’s safe to say that Tom Hollander and James Wood’s take on inner city church life was one of the best comedies of the year. The writing remains sharp and the character of Reverend Smallbone (Hollander) becomes even more loveable. However, it’s Miles Jupp and Simon McBurney who fight to steal the show as Nigel and the Archdeacon respectively; I think Jupp just about wins, as Nigel’s over-zealous attempt at an exorcism is surely the crowning moment of the series.
Jacob's Choice - Psychoville
Now, I’m not saying that Psychoville is for everyone (a couple of screws loose certainly don’t go amiss), but that doesn’t mean I can’t take this opportunity to say just how wicked (in both senses) it is. This year’s second and (sob) final series more than lived up to the might of the first, with its bold approach to killing off characters making for compulsive viewing. And it had Imelda Statunton in it which can only be a good thing in my book.
Catherine's Choice - The Killing
It really couldn’t be anything other than The Killing, could it? Moody detectives, moody soldiers, moody politicians – heck, even the rain was starting to look depressed. As soon as Sofie Grabol returns as the quick-thinking killer-catcher Sarah Lund the action doesn’t stop, leaving the viewer gripped right until the very end. Subtitles really do make everything much more exciting.
Jacob's Choice - Dexter
Having blitzed the boxset of season 5 in mere days, I think it’s fair to say that Dexter was on its usual killing form this year. With another twisty, gripping plot, and Julia Stiles showing off her acting chops as Lumen Pierce, it proved to be utterly compulsive viewing. My only complaint is that it’s not advisable to start watching it when you’ve got a mountain of work to do at the same time…
Catherine's Choice - Torchwood
Oh Torchwood, I knew you’d be a bit rubbish – that’s part of the charm, after all – but Miracle Day was just so terribly meh. No criticism here of Eve Myles’ performance, as Gwen becomes stronger with each episode, but we expected a Children of Earth-scale epic and all we got was a hole in a wall. Perhaps it was worth it for Bill Pullman’s fantastic turn as Oswald Danes, but to be honest, it’s just not the same without Ianto.
Jacob's Choice - Life's Too Short
The Office. Extras. Two comedies that took sublime to new levels. Life’s Too Short, however, failed to reach the heights of its predecessors. Had it not been made by Gervais and Merchant, critics everywhere would have been complaining it was a poor imitation of their work. Alas, as it was, it was probably the most disappointing TV event of the last five years. But at least it wasn’t Torchwood.
Catherine's Choice - The Great British Bake-Off
To be clear, there’s nothing guilty about cake itself. However, there’s something intensely addictive about watching a nervous contestant frantically whipping up a chocolate ganache, fastidiously constructing a beautiful layered sponge and then, at the last crucial second, knocking the entire masterpiece onto the floor. Not even the most carefully scripted drama could create so much heartfelt empathy from the viewer.
Jacob's Choice - Doc Martin
Before this year, I had never watched an episode of Doc Martin. But, this year, I took the plunge and became utterly immersed – so much so that I would tell everyone every week that it was Doc Martin night, and didn’t know what I was going to do when it finished. I’ll tell you what I decided: ‘I’ll watch the boxset of series 1-4!’
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