Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Whatcha Watchin' Wednesday ~ Television A to Z - Awesome A's Part Four!

So this is my version of the A to Z Challenge Television Style. I am listing the shows having the biggest impact on me, not necessarily the best shows in each category. I thought they were the best when I was watching them. 

See the whole list of A's Here!

The Americans (2013-Present)

A pair of deep-cover Soviet spies masquerades as a typical DC couple whose children, neighbors, coworkers & friends are completely unaware of their activities. At home, they're the stereotypical parents of stereotypical kids; at work, they pose as travel agents; but at night, they weave a web of confidants, lovers, dupes, and historical figures from the Reagan-era Cold War. The startlingly realistic plot twists force the viewer to consider the real cost of an undeclared war, what it takes to protect one's beliefs -- if it's worth it-- and if it worked for either side. Written by Steve83

For me, this show works simply because of the chemistry of the cast. Kerri Russell and Matthew Rhys are truly magnetic (proven by their off-screen marriage and child in 2016). Without the electricity of these two characters and actors, this show would never have worked. It is a great look at the politics of the Regan years, the cold war and the dirty deeds of both sides in a time when the words Top Secret held real value. 


APB (2016-2017)
 
After witnessing a violent crime, a tech billionaire purchases a troubled police precinct, rebooting it as a private police force. 

I have to admit I enjoyed this show. The mesh of crime fighting and new technology was really interesting to me. The show addressed issues of privacy, a police state, and protection while still wildly entertaining. A great cast of characters, and well-paced writing kept the show moving. According to the latest reports, FOX has canceled APB. If you can catch it on Netflix or Hulu do so, you will not be disappointed.

Stars: Justin Kirk, ,


Ally McBeal (1997-2002)

Ally McBeal and Billy Thomas were going steady throughout their childhoods. Ally even followed Billy to Harvard law school despite having no interest in law. But when Billy chose to pursue a career in law away from Ally, their relationship came to an end. In the present, an old classmate of Ally's named Richard Fish gives Ally a job at his law firm, where Billy and his new wife are also working. Ally finds herself in a predicament since she still has feelings for Billy which she's laboring to get over. At the office, Ally puts up with a nosy, gossiping secretary named Elaine, and an oddball lawyer named John Cage never seems to lose a case. At home, Ally's friend and house-mate Renée regularly advises her on her love life. The series follows Ally's trials and tribulations in life through her eyes and caricatures her personal thoughts and fantasies. Written by Ondre Lombard <olombard@lombard.cyberverse.com>

To be honest, I only have a few memories of this show. My Mom adored the program, and so I felt I needed to add it to the list for her. From what I remember this show reinvented the Dramedy. Ally McBeal Incorporated the drama of a soap opera, the realness of a heavy law drama, and the absurdity of comedy into one 47 minute show. Ally McBeal is one of those shows that is a must-watch in scripting, theater, acting and directing classes for its out-of-the-box style, thinking, and dialog. A few have attempted to duplicate, but Ally McBeal was a once in a lifetime phenomenon. An all-star cast who have all gone on to do bigger and better things, it is a show worth watching – experiencing at least once. 



Did I miss any? Please let me know, I would love to hear from you! On to the Badass B's! Get a sneak peek here!

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