HBO lockdown Bad Girls for a remake

This news is slightly old, but for those who aren't aware of it, Alan Ball is producing an HBO remake of UK women's prison drama Bad Girls, with help from Eileen Gallagher, who co-created the original series which ran for 8 seasons from 1999-2006.

However, Ball isn't running the show; he has handed the reigns to Nancy Oliver (Lars and the Real Girl, Six Feet Under) who will be showrunner. Apparently she is a big fan of the original series and doesn't want to stray from the original stories, at least while they are good - the series lost the plot a little during the last couple of seasons.

I have no doubt Alan Ball, Nancy Oliver and Eileen Gallagher will create something really special, but I'm worried about casting. Obviously the feel will be quite different as the element of 'bogan' will be lost with the remake - an aspect that can really only exist in the UK and Australia. Most of you probably won't know what the fuck I am talking about - but hopefully a couple do. The characters I am worried about the most are Shell Dockley and Yvonne Atkins, hypothetically, the rest could be casted fairly easily.

I was originally worried the series would be too campy, and not as serious as it should be. But the dynamic was held greatly by the original series, for the majority of the show. Now that I know Alan Ball can handle camp (True Blood) and Nancy Oliver is a big fan of the show, I have been put at ease. Now I really don't mind what they do with the series as long as the casting is good - a serious character-study, a campy over-the-top soap-opera, or a mixture of both like the original, as long as it's good!

What do you think the transition will affect? Have any favourites to play a character in the remake? Let it rip down below!

Hopefully it will be hitting the screens next year. However, HBO are developing A LOT of shows at the moment, and eight will be picked up, so we just have hope and pray to the made-up man upstairs Bad Girls will be one of them. If you haven't seen the original series check it out with an open mind - it is fucking badass, to say the very least - but seriously, it is really good. Also, there is a REALLY good interview with Eileen Gallagher on her thoughts of the remake below!

http://www.afterellen.com/people/2008/6/eileengallagher

True Blood - S01E12: You'll Be The Death Of Me

Alan Ball's decision to use a teaser or cold open on True Blood was a very wise one. They are not required to use them on HBO as there are no ad breaks but True Blood uses this marketing tool which has developed into an artistic decision (and a fine art) to its full potential, as did The Wire. The other show that employs it famously is Buffy - both vampire shows, however, Alan Ball has admitted that he has not seen Buffy, or read much vampire fiction, for that matter. Anyway, the last shot of the teaser is Sookie assuring Jason that she is close to finding out who the killer is. Off this, the camera focuses off Sookie and Jason and on Renee. This is a very neat directional technique that often doesn't work for me but was used perfectly by Ball. Thinking about it, Ball's direction was so well thought out and executed in this episode and was definetely the best of the season. The worst may have been the last episode, directed by Nancy Oliver - she makes up for it with fantastic writing in just about everything she has done, and I hope she will continue it when she becomes showrunner for Bad Girls next year on HBO.

Anna Paquin's acting seemed considerably better this episode, not that it was bad to begin with, but there were some iffy moments - perhaps this can be credited to actors director Alan Ball. I know it sounds like I jerk off over him seven times daily, but he really deserves all credit given. Poor Sookie, she has been through so much this season, and has done a pretty good job of being the most unlikeable character. I hope we can like her a bit more next season - she really seems to be backseat to Jason and Tara sometimes, which still worked out great - no problems there.

One of the most intriguing things about the last two episodes has been Maryanne. Intriguing because we don't know what the fuck she is or what the fuck is going on... Why does she do that shaking thing? What is she? Why does she walk the nighttime lonely road accompanied by a pig? What does she want with Tara? How does she know Sam? What does she want with Sam?

I really hope Lafayette isn't dead, but it looks like that will be the case. I really thought something was being set-up for him with that politician guy - but it was ended quickly, and probably only employed to give us another suspect to pointlessly wrap our brains around until next year.

I wasn't too fond of the idea of Rene being the killer, but I liked the result - even if his motives were kind of weak and we didn't see much of his true character to help us acknowledge his motive. This show was just what the magical land of television needed, and I am looking forward to the second season, hopefully followed by plenty more.

And to wrap up I should like to add, Bill = Freddy Krueger, and Alexander Skarsgård is a tank.

The Life and Times of Tim

Has anybody been watching The Life and Times of Tim? The new animated late-night HBO show is created, written, directed, and starred by Steve Dildarian, who is known for creating some popular Budweiser commercials when he was an advertising copywriter.

I haven't seen all that much buzz on in the internet about this new show, and I'll guess that is has a very small audience that is growing each episode. HBO are probably fine with the low ratings, and expected it, due to the very late time slot they air it in (No doubt I'll take that back at some point).

The series has a very minimal and understated feel to it - similar to Dr. Katz and maybe Dilbert, but with obvious influence from Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The situations that Tim is put in are supposed to be the worst social situations imaginable - but the characters rarely conflict by means of shouting and getting terribly upset. Instead, they often cannot believe their eyes at what they have witnessed, and don't talk about it much, aside from a reaction statement. For example, Tim's girlfriend and her parents somehow forgive him for all of the horrible things he does or gets himself into, but still know what a douche he is. Tim is really a decent guy, and wants to be a decent guy, but people are constantly pushing and manipulating him into awful situations, which admittedly, he falls straight into after some hesitation and skepticism - sometimes it's like he knows that it is really not going to end well but still goes along with it for whatever reason.

I think that this series won't be for everyone, as the purposefully sloppy animation and tone takes a little bit of getting used to, but I see it reaching great heights if HBO give it some time to settle. If you are a fan of cringe-comedy or Seinfeld type humour then give it a shot. I'm glad I did.

Desperate Housewives - S05E03: Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else

Desperate Housewives has always had the coolest Big Bad's since Buffy, and Dave is no exception - in fact, I think he is the greatest so far. He is played to perfection by Neal McDonough (Tin Man, Band Of Brothers). I find him so utterly convincing and charming, except when it comes to McCluskey - he has blown his cover there - not that he doesn't have other tricks up his sleeve. Also, his last name Williams, is also shared by crazy maniac and now dead George Williams. Could he be back to avenge the death of his... brother? They are probably unrelated as he would be smart enough to use an alias if his real name was Dave Williams, but still.

Lynette has become so unlikeable this season, and that is saying something because she has always been treading the line between likeable and total bitch. Suppressing and whipping Tom and fucking with her kid on the internet are probably new lows for her. Dave trying to get close to Tom for ultimately sinister reasons is bad and everything, but the things he says to Lynette about Tom are absolutely true, and he seems to be genuinely helping him. It is hard not to like him, but when we see the result of his plotting I am sure my mind will be quickly changed. Anyway, Mike, Tom and Dave should get together and play some gigs at the Pizzeria - that is something I would not miss.

Danielle is back with a new husband who is a lawyer and Jewish, and Benjamin. Ultra-conservative Bree is surprised and revolted at Danielle's family being vegetarian, liberal and Benjamin being Jewish. So revolted that she decides to connive Benjamin into eating a hot dog which ends up all over their floor a while later. As a vegan I may be biased, but that was truly messed up. Bree is horrible for doing that. Her irrational opinions on vegetarianism are hilarious and true to life as well. Danielle finds out and they decide to leave - no more Benjamin. Orson blames Bree for losing Benjamin which has added more tension to their already strained relationship.

I don't really care much for Gabrielle's contribution, as far as I'm concerned she deserves to get ripped off by Andrew. And I am finding her quite boring and deserving of her punishment to low-class - although I feel sorry for Carlos, how could you not.

Another great episode to a so far great season. Dave's cliffhanging scenes are creepy, and always great. Much like Desperate Housewives episode closers in general really, but we know Dave is fucked up beyond belief and we are just waiting to see the man behind the Tony Robbins mask.

True Blood - S01E05: Sparks Fly Out

Bill appears before the town, and reminisces on his past and an early Bon Temps. Sookie goes on a date with Sam. Jason tries some more V. And Lafayette smacks down some white-trash.

For anybody who doesn't know, True Blood has already been picked up for a second season - this is very good news. Alan Ball has said hypothetically the series could last 8+ seasons, if they followed the book series.

This episode features some really great flashbacks that do not look tacky and have a genuine feel, unlike many other shows that flashback to the 1880's. They tell some really great back story of Bill: How he became a vampire, what happened to his family, and some of what happened in the battle at Bon Temps.

At the very end of the teaser of 'Sparks Fly Out', we see that dog staring at Bill with some dramatic music in the background. We have been beaten over the head with this over the duration of the series, and I think they are trying to tell us that Sam is a werewolf - or a cute dog, which might be cool in a Beethoven kind of way, but not in a rabid killing machine way - so we will go with werewolf. This episodes cliffhanger could be put down to this theory, which would be absolutely disturbing.

Jason continues on his sexcapades and may even be pinned for another murder in light of this episode. He takes V for the second time, but this time takes the recommended dosage so we get to see it in all it's glory. He hallucinates that sparks are flying out of the flowers of a bush, and that Tara is some sort of goddess at a waterfall.

Great episode! As usual I can't wait until the next.

Dexter - S03E01: Our Father

As always Dexter kicks off its season by laying down some foundation for itself to work on:

Dexter somewhat breaking free from Harry and developing his own code. It isn't the first time Dexter has promised to evolve, try new things, and break from the code. But we have never seen him go the whole way about it - I think we will this season as he seems to have banished Harry from his mind once and for all, although I am sure he will still pop up occasionally. He even dogs Harry's posthumous yearly birthday celebration with Deb, as he has moved on from Harry.

A new problem arises for Dexter when he unintentionally breaks the code, in a bad way, while out on a typical hunt. This injects new suspense into the show, since the last season tied off most of its plot strands. Jimmy Smits joins the cast as a recurring character, i assume. I am really excited to see him on the show; as I think he fits Dexter perfectly, and is just a great actor in general - he deserved a good role after Cane was axed. This episode gives a few hints as to a growing relationship between Smits as Miguel Prado and Dexter - it is never explicitly talked about, but at the funeral Dexter is at the coffin and from behind Miguel can see Dexter look deeply saddened, but really he is just stressed or guilty or something. Miguel Prado looks on at him for longer than one usually would. Some would say he is suspicious of Dexter, but I didn't feel that at all.

Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington, Rescue Me) joins the precinct, as a possible love-interest for Deb, a cop, and as an ambiguous character with a past, as Deb begins to find out from a bureau employee, Yuki Amado (Liza Lapira, Huff), who wants her cooperation with investigating him. But Deb won't rat on a fellow cop, yet.

The episode ends on a massive cliffhanger involving Rita, and in turn, Dexter. Great episode and I have no doubt this season will be just as great as the last two. Although, the first 2-3 episodes of the second season will be difficult to top.

Californication - S02E01: Slip of the Tongue

It feels awesome to have Californication back, and this episode does not disappoint. In fact, I think it is one of the best, if not the very best episode so far.

Tom Kapinos pens the season opener and David Duchovny directs - and does a fine job, as he did when he did a few episodes during The X-Files. We are tricked for a second into believing Hank and Karen getting back together was a dream, and that the wedding has not yet taken place, but we are quickly relieved of our anxiety when Karen wakes Hank up. In an interview, creator Tom Kapinos (Dawson's Creek) asks that in movies the guy gets the girl and they drive off into the sunset - but what happens after that? Apparently, that question will be answered throughout the next four episodes.

I'm not going to spoil too much - just that the gang head to an LA party, and there is a case of mistaken identity, followed by a run in with the law. Oh, and an appearance from renowned dickhead Pete Wentz. Tom Kapinos truly smashes him with words.

I really fucking love the dialogue on Californication. I loved it on Dawson's Creek too. This episode has some of the wittiest and funniest dialogue of the season. The actress who plays Becca is still as wooden as a block of wood, but as usual the rest of the cast's delivery is spot-on. Oh, and good luck to David in rehab, I hear from Tom Kapinos he is making a recovery.

Family Guy - S07E01: Love Blactually

I haven't watched family guy since early season five - but I thought I would check in and see what the season seven opener has to offer. This is a decent episode, and going from the thoughts people have on Family Guy season six I have observed - it may be an improvement.

Brian meets an atheist, liberal, and pretty all around 'hip' girl. As opposed to all of the girls he has been with lately who all have large flaws he cannot get past - but this girl seems fine for Brian. As they are about to seal the deal, Stewie tells Brian not to go through with it, as that is why all of his relationships fail - because they have sex too early. Cleveland also joins in on this story and may potentially reconcile and get back together with Loretta at some point soon. For the spin-off?

Something I noticed in this episode was a lot of pushing of liberal agendas. Apparently creator, Seth MacFarlane has been using Family Guy as a platform for these views for a while, and has become loud and persistent with them in recent times. I have no problem with these views, as I couldn't agree more for most of them - but this episode was the only time where it actually took me out of the show for a second and I realised that it was being ultra-preachy. One notable scene was the one in which Brian and Carolyn are having dinner and they joke about religion being stupid and God not existing for a considerable amount of time. I agree with them one hundred percent but it took me out of the show and I found it to be overly preachy. I have no problem with, and actually enjoy these views on Family Guy, but only to a certain extent - and where I don't have to think whether views are being pushed upon me, or if there is some left-wing agenda trying to be pushed by FOX.

I love the scene where Stewie keeps pronouncing 'ruined' 'rueened', and Brian, irritated by this, tries to correct him. It reminded me of the 'cool whip' scene in an earlier season. Chris and Meg nowhere to be seen - oh well.

Sons of Anarchy - S01E04: Patch Over

'Patch Over' is noticeably better than last weeks episode - if only for the fact that there is a bad-ass firefight. And it seems they have started to get a few of these long-term storylines in motion.

To my understanding, 'patch over' is where a smaller club merges with a larger and more established one. I think club symbols and labels being patched on the clothes of members and in their establishments is the meaning behind the term 'patch over'. Anyway, the club merges with a smaller club in Nevada and they celebrate with a party. But beforehand Jax and Bobby see a guy sitting on Jax's Harley. The guy admits to beating his girlfriend who is trying to take a picture of him and the Harley, so Jax beats his face and takes off with the girl - she happily obliges. The girl is given some sort of initiation by another girl from the club that recently merged with the Sons. When Jax's new girl sees the other girls being passed around like a bong, and the firefight between the rival gangs, she decides to leave with her old boyfriend - going back to her old life, and uncovering a harsh truth about a world she most likely fantasized about.

Jax searches out an old writing on a rock in Nevada where his father wrote something about his idea of the club, freedom, and the dream. Every episode seems to have a scene or two from this narrative thread, and will continue to challenge Jax - though I don't think we will see any big events happening from this at the moment, just little developments, gradual revelations, and after a while Jax might do something big with what he has learnt. So far it just seems like he is reading it, without adapting it - which he probably couldn't do yet even if he wanted to - maybe he has a little, but for the most part he is just living the life the other guys are.

The best part of this episode was the gunfight between the Sons and Mayans. Jax is being chased by the Mayans and leads them back to the others at the club. The Mayans waste no time and start shooting through the walls of the club, so the Sons quickly prepare and come out firing with pistols and shotguns. There are a lot of guns and a lot of gunfire, but only a few guys take hits.

The episode ends with Tara in the hospital looking upon Jax and Gemma with the baby, as she opens a letter containing a photo of Jax and his short-term Nevada girl having sex. I wonder how that happened? And who the hell did it?

90210 - S01E04: The Bubble

Either this episode is the worst so far, or I am getting a little bored of 90210 already. The only characters that are semi-interesting are Nat, Kelly, and Brenda from the old cast. As well as Dixon and Silver from the new cast.

Annie has been getting way too much screen-time, and her plots are very dull. Her chemistry with Ethan is boring, as is the whole love triangle set-up. Also, the other guy she likes is a shit actor which only makes matters worse. The story with Naomi's dad cheating on her mum is a tad less boring, but still uninteresting due to AnnaLynne McCord being the worst actress in the cast. Jessica Walter is given some decent screen time this week, unfortunately it is with Annie. She directs the play Annie is in until Brenda takes over. But the story isn't given time to develop, it is simply there one minute and gone the next.

I think a big problem with the show is the lack of drama. All of the conflicts tend to be resolved simply, for example; Dixon's money problem, Kelly and Brenda's 'fight', and Annie trying to win back the rich guy. There are on-going plot strands, for instance; Dixon not feeling like he fits into the family, the drug-addict kid, and Silver being homeless. All of these plots are mentioned very briefly when they are not being immediately dealt with, but there is no drama or tension surrounding them. This is the problem with the fast-pace of the show. We cannot care about Ethan and Naomi getting back together if we don't see them apart for very long, the most emotion and time spent on the plot is a simple close-up at the end of the scene where the character may have a sad face. They break up, and then it is mentioned again in a random scene that they aren't together anymore, then they will have the getting back together scene. We do not care. Give it some time - but not just time - give it some weight too, meaning more scenes.. This is a problem with nearly all of the stories on 90210.