Fantastic

Talking of things Richard Ayoade/Matthew Holness:

ARMANDO IANUCCI'S TIME TRUMPET

Thursdays BBC2 10pm

A spoof of all those 'I love 1983' shows, I thought this was bloody hilarious. But then anything Armando Ianucci does is fecjing genius. The series is based in 2031 looking back at the year 2007. The year when Charlotte Church vomited herself inside out, when the world found out Camilla Parker-Bowles was Justin Lee-Collins in disguise, and when David Cameron became black for a week. Lots of good people in this incl Adam for Adam and Joe.

Also last night

DRAGON'S DEN

Formula is wearing slightly thin now, particularly as they've now got a new scary woman who looks like a Bond villain. Still quite good TV though given the state of most output these days. Theo Paphitis cracks me up. So dodgy.

And just for good measure

LOST - Series 2

Is officially cack - don't bother. I've watched a few episodes and am now thoroughly bored. Makes Series 1 look ace.

Not sure I totally agree with Sampie about Lost. Yes, it's not as good as Season 1, and there are many more duff episodes, but it's worth sticking with cos there are a few immense episodes too.

no real thoughts on lost, however the Time Trumpet, had the best preview advert.

There's a bloke in the Newnight crowd who says: 'the next person to speak shall be called a tosser' (or something).

Cue lots of cut footage of newsnight guest pausing, about to speak. Then it cuts to Harriet Harman at the table about to speak. She starts to speak, and then..

Guy in crowd: 'Tosser!'

It doesn't sound like much, but trust me it was hilarious!


The program itself was hit and miss, like a lot of Armando Ianucci's stuff.

But definately worth a watch for those absolutely hilarious bits, where you actually laugh out loud, even if you are watching it by yourself.

Arsehole was the word. It was alright but I got bored and read my book instead; Armando doesn't really do it for me.

I agree with Sampie on Lost;I gave up at the end of Series 1 as it clearly wasn't going anywhere in particular. I now let Tart fill me in on the important plot points (like the beard) and I don't have to waste an hour a week watching Dr Jack get all sweaty...though I could spend an hour watching Kate.

Very ditto, I have expressed this point to Jonnyboy, who even if he is not aware, looks at me like I am an urchin, for not appreciating the qualitas. I am not knocking Lost, but hasn't grabbed me as I missed out on a lot of the first shows, where you probably get to know and like the characters.

mmmm, kate.....

I missed the Iannucci thing but I am a fan. However, I think he's going to struggle to emulate the quality of The Friday Night Armistice. I need to try and track down a torrent of it. I don't fancy my chances much.

Yes, and obviously Kate is a hottie.

This is now quite out of date, but did anyone else see the program on alopecia which featured former 'mine and King's favourite woman in the world', Gail Porter? Since those heady schooldays that we spent drooling over her physical and vocal qualities she has lost all the hair on her head, Duncan Goodhew stylee. Anyway, there was a program about it a couple of months back. Was quite interesting. Not sure what made me think of that.

Didn't see it (past my bed-time) but saw her on Rob Brydon's Annually Retentive. As a look it takes some getting used to but she's still kinda nice looking.

Kath and Kim
Tonight, BBC2, 10pm. Quality. Watch it. Thank you. Goodnight.

New series coming soon from the makers of Peep Show. Awesome.

That Mitchell and Webb Look

anyone seen time trumpet on bbc3?

complete madness

Anyone seen Ghost Whisperer? I mention it because it has Jennifer Love Hewitt in it, so even if it's cack there's always the option of turning the sound off and simply enjoying the visual delights (works well for Alyssa Milano in Charmed). I haven't seen it myself, but I might check it out.

Yes, I've seen Ghost Whisperer, being on reasonably late.

I thought it was kinda like Buffy-lite, with the delicious Miss Love-Hewitt (i'm going for a hyphen). She's great to watch in full pout mode for the hour.

I then watched another episode, and realised it was pretty much the same thing:

Someone, alive or dead, goes to JLH and asks for help. JLH then helps them and also either
solves a long unsolved case or uncovers some long covered up truth.

In the end the dead people involved are then allowed to leave the earth by walking towards 'the light'.

And then BA chucks murdoch in the drink.

'You ain't no fish sucka!'

So, all in all, 3 pouts out of 5 for Ghostwhisperer (2 for the show and and extra 1 for JLH)

I cannot bring myself to watch Ghost Whisperer even though I've liked staring at JLH and her more talented friends in the past.

It makes me want to kill her. And then who'd send her off to the light? Hmmm.

Just saw this. Cheers mate. Im now sleeping better for that. mmm...

Almost goes without saying but new series of EXTRAS tonight plus the Mitchell & Webb thing.

Saucy

At this point I would like to express my thanks to Pedro for introducing me to the genius that is Battlestar Galactica. I have just watched the second season (in a very short space of time) and it is qualita, just like the first season. To sum up: spaceships, paranoia, politics, religion, science, hot and feisty women (and hot and feisty men if that's your bag), plus a Vice-President who is in Pete's words 'the biggest liability you could possibly imagine'. It just needs to be watched...so do it!
What I particularly like about the show is its boldness. At the end of the second series the writers decide to completely jettison the original dynamic and take the show in a completely different direction. The last episode of season 2 took my breath away.

Also, I have finally got round to watching some Firefly and I have to say that it is very good indeed. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it's better than Buffy. If you enjoyed the film, then you'll love this because it's more of the same (though the TV show probably leans a smidgeon towards the funnier side than the film).

Finally, Spooks started a new run this weekend. It's still just as ridiculous and entertaining as ever.

Tart can add another two people to his list (of one) telling him to watch BG then.

I am glad that you have come round to the Browncoat cause; Yay Jonnyboy!


but must protest that saying Firefly is better than Buffy is like saying the sun is hotter than the inside of my freezer; true but ultimately doesn't tell you much about either.
I know that sounds arrogant but I liked the similie so it stays.

If I might put my comments re Buffy/Firefly into context: I love Buffy. Always have, always will. Therefore, me stating that I think Firefly may be better is quite a big thing.

And I have to say that I am very far from impressed with Philistines who fail to acknowledge the genius of Buffy. King, you are now have negative brownie points.

Not only is he on negative brownie points with Jonnyboy (ouch) but he also doesn't know how to spell simile!

Honestly how did you always manage to whup me in English A-level? Did Talibard just overlook the whole 'spelling' thing?

(Sorry Mikeyboy but you would have 'corrected' one of us had it been the other way around)
(So ner...)

Yes I would’ve; and I wouldn’t apologise; I’d lambast you until you knew how to spell floccinaucinihilipilification backwards whilst doing handsprings. My spelling has always put me on shaky ground during pedantry. Typos, however, I can handle; I maintain that my fingers got carried away by all the Is. It’s common whatsits that get me; its, dissapointed, their/they’re,our/are and all the rest. As for the Taliban he did once write, “I think it’s extraordinary that someone of your talent seems to care little or nothing for spelling and handwriting” at the end of an essay and gave me an A anyway. So yes in answer to your question.

Anyway, I’m not saying I don’t love Buffy…actually I am saying I don’t love Buffy; I think it’s good and snappy but sometimes turns me off (mainly when it gets mopey). I’m saying I hadn’t realised the level of love in the room; I shall retract my comments (but not the SIMILE) and replace them with, ‘Yay Jonnyboy!’

In the meantime I shall take my negative brownie points like a man; by crying.

Apparently if you go here you can watch the first episode of Aaron Sorkin's new show Studio 60 (which looks pretty shiny) for free.

Unfortunately my computer can't 'retrieve all the data for this content' so I've just seen the intro on Youtube but it does look spanky.

QI starts again tonight. They're up to 'D'.

On a side note: Mitchell & Webb Look = pants

interesting, I've been quite enjoying that, although I did miss last thursdays.

Numberwang tickles me something chronic.

However Extras has not done for me what the original series did. Although once again I miss last thursday's - Daniel is quite good a self-depricating comedy so it might have been quite funny.

i'd have to agree with the tartmeister on this one...

numberwang does crack me up. and although some of the sketches do seem a bit cheapo at first glance, they're growing on me... the bmx bandit and angel thing made me laugh.

and again, extras last season was amazing, but this series seems a bit naff... im still watching it so i hope it gets better...

on a side note, LOST! series 3 starts on wednesday in the US, the time to get increasingly frustrated every week is coming!

Ok yes granted Numberwang is ace.

The snooker commentators thing is poo though. So ner.

Thank you people - that's wangernumb!

Have you started watchiong lost 3 yet?

I think i'll wait til april (or whenever it over) and just watch all of it if I restrain myself. I almost gave up on season 2 half-way through when it got dull but I think it would have been ok if I could have just watched the next ep straight away.

I have started to watch it (God help me). It took just three minutes of the first episode before I went 'what?'.

It's nice to be confused again.

i saw it too, in all its 720p and 5.1 glory....

40" HD at its best. i gotta love torrents. not only can we see tv shows 6months before its on UK tv, but also, its in highdef and surround sound...

coupled with the fact that i downloaded the latest Extras (which isnt anywhere near as good as the first series) at 600KB/s... it doesnt get much sweeter.

back on lost though...
so in 301 we're left with 100's more questions without really answering anything from the last series. as per usual.

if you can wait til the end of the series to watch them all in a row, then it'd help... i cant wait that long.
im in too deep now, i have to find out what happens otherwise i'll smack my head against the wall.

to make matters worse, i saw the catch up (episode 300) which just reminded me of all the weird stuff that they havent touched on, like the polar bear, and the big invisible bird thing, and the black smoke, and the big beasty thing that tries to kill lock

im getting pissed off just writing about it!

I got the impression that these are all the same thing. At least, I hope they are, otherwise I doubt I will be able to cope with remembering all the things that need to be tied up.
I agree with Ween on the frustration front, but I thought that the main problem with 301 was that after the first 5 minutes, the rest of episode was kind of dull.

Having never read the books I had no preconceptions. Except that I think David from Six Feet Under (or whatever his real name is...) is very good.

I have just watched the pilot and thought it was bonza - dark humour - you just can't beat it. Plus it actually got me interested so I will be watching more.

Garth Marenghi is finally out on DVD

£11.99 on play.com.
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/STTS8/3-/92412...es/Product.html

Just watched Episode 4 of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica. What an absolute gem. Some of the best action you'll ever see on telly together with some of the best writing.

Also watched S03E03 of Lost. They've decided to throw a bit of common-or-garden clairvoyance into the mix. There was also a bit of polar bear action. Was a vast improvement on the first 2 episodes of the season.

The bear is the only thing that interests me when it comes to Lost.

There's an interview with Garth Marenghi and Dean Learner on Empire

did anyone watch that dean learner show on friday the other night?

For those of you who like Stephen Colbert (er Pete? Jon? Jennie?), try checking out

STRANGERS WITH CANDY

I dont know how easy it is to get a copy but its pretty funny. American TV series, pretty twisted.

Worth watching just for the expressions on the Dad's face every time.

Jungle is massive

Been watching Heroes. Is pretty good. Everyday people discover that they have superpowers. UK residents will have to Bit Torrent it though.

Also, The State Within on BBC 1 on Thursdays is good. Conspiracy-laden stuff, just how I like it.

Howard Goodall has been a hero of mine for some time now, what with being the composer of (amongst many others) the theme tunes to Blackadder and Red Dwarf. He also does a very good line in factual programmes on the history of music. His latest, called How Music Works, is qualita. Channel 4 on Saturdays at 6.15 (ish). Check it.

i heard a few mentions of shooting stars over the past week or two from you lot... so i thought i'd point out that on uknova someone has uploaded the first 5 series to download....

i think a few episodes might be missing, but theres enough to last you a while.

Omg.

Watch Peep Show again...

Super Hans is Drew

He's got the same kind of mocked up druggy cockney fuckwit about him

Scary

This Friday 23 March 2007 8.30pm, BBC 1:

A Class Apart

BBC's synopsis: One-off drama in which an outspoken single mum falls for a public school headmaster after he gives her ragamuffin son a scholarship place at his school.

The reason that this is newsworthy is that it was filmed almost entirely at Haileybury and there's a strong chance that my brother will make an appearance!

Come on Haileybury! Up the college!

I noticed that in my RT this morning and thought 'That'll be a load of cliched crap then. Not worth even...hang on; that's chapel. I'll be there.'

Didn't do this sort of thing in my day mark my words.

The Apprentice is back this week.

Yes, the press launch was at the Stock Exchange and yes I did steal a press pack. No I didn't get to meet the great Sir Alan but I do have his mobile number! I kid you not! What shall I say when I ring/text him? Suggestions welcome.

For those of you who like it as much as me (highly unlikely because I love the bleedin' fing) here is a link to the best bits of last series.

The A-team clip still cracks me up.

Wednesdays at 9 on BBC1.

Apprentice Series 2 highlights

live from abbey road

i've only seen a few of these but the david gilmour and john mayer sessions stand out...

check the re-run of john mayer on monday night on the same line-up as norah jones and richard asscroft (just remember to switch over during after mayer and noraj....i f*cking hate asscroft...)

if anyone is interested live from abbey road doesnt appear to be on uknova, but im getting hold of the tvrips for the whole series.

HAs anyone got into TimeTrumpet

Armando Ianucci is the Greatest thing to happen to british comedy over the last decade. He is in part responsible for Partridge, Brass Eye, The Day Today, and more.

For those of you not privvy to this programme, It's set in 2031, it's essentially a Nostalgia show lookng back from 2031 to 2006,7,8,9 ish. Sometimes ridiculous, sometimes insightful always funny. The Muller Light Beating is simply sublime! Tom Cruise IS Tom Cruise in 23 years. Jaime Oliver HA! & Anne Robinson (Anne & David's Saturday Night Kick About)

Lovely Stuff

time trumpet is absolute quality...
i posted a while back about its geniusness

i think all the episodes are still on uknova

Result

My favourite current adverts:

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Sammyboy: I'm gutted that you weren't present when I saw the second Cravendale one for the first time. I was sitting in front of the telly on my own laughing like a twat for about 5 minutes.

Both Cravendale ads are fecjed in the napper and yes I pissed myself too.

On a side note, Have I got news for you had a stellar lineup tonight, although i think it slightly failed to live up to potential. Bill Bailey chaired, Adam Buxton (of Adam and Joe) and Armando Ianucci were the guests. Was v funny but Buxton hardly said anything the whole time. Paul Merton as ever was the best thing about it.