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Top 10 TV programmes

It has recently come to my attention that my tastes in most things are... quirky and on occasion eclectic. So I thought I would share this with the world in a series of top 10's.

This week I wanted to share my top 10 TV programmes.

10, Sons of Anarchy
Reason I started watching: Lots of tattooed bad boys on motorbikes.
Cast of any note: Don't know many but does have the mum from married with children.
Synopsis: Motorbike gangs in turf wars among other things. Lots of violence, drugs and hairy men getting into scrapes and fighting to be top dog.
Summary: Only watched one series so far but quite hooked already. It is gritty and rough but with good story lines developing.


9, Once upon a time
Reason I started watching: My five year old daughter is obsessed with fairy tales and this takes on a modern and unique spin of the old classics.
Cast of note: Robert Carlisle plays an awesome Rumpelstiltskin/ Mr Gold, Ginnifer Goodwin makes a modern day snow white and Emilie de Raven from Lost plays a believable Belle.
Synopsis: All the characters from fairy tales have been transported to the 'real world' and have no memory of their former selves due to a curse Snow whites wicked step mother has set. In this 'real world' they live in a town called storybrook where the wicked stepmother is mayor. Each episode centres on a different character and flashes back to their former lives giving you a different take on fairy tales you thought you knew - ie the dwarf, grumpy, was originally named dreamy and we get an insight into how his name changed.
Summary: The storyline is very cleverly written and covers many layers. It throws up constant surprises and keeps your interest. The cast were suitably chosen and make for a very typical American look and feel. I'm just finishing series 2 and cannot wait for series 3 to begin. The story is a little too complicated for my 5 year old but she still enjoys the wonder and magic of the whole thing.



8, Spartacus
Reason I started watching: Half naked men (no other reason needed)
Cast of note: Andy Whitfield played an awesome Spartacus in the first series but sadly lost his battle with Cancer shortly after and was replaced. Manu Bennet makes for some serious eye candy with an older Zena warrior princess putting in a great performance. For me though it is the Ashur (Nick E Tarabay) and Batiatus (John Hannah) characters that steel the show.
Synopsis: A very gory telling of the story of Spartacus and his journey into the world of slavery and how he became one of the most formidable gladiators in history. We also see his fight for freedom and the following crusade of freeing all slaves and becoming a hero.
There are many other themes and storylines running in between which mainly centre on the greed, deceit and lust of wealthy Romans.
Summary: Lots of full on nakedness, sex and baby oil. Lots of characters that are so awful you just can't help but love them. The story stays very close to what is found in the history books and the fight scenes are some of the most gruesomely awesome things I have ever seen. It ran for 3 seasons and a prequel and I am gutted it is now over.


7, Supernatural
Reason I started watching: Jensen Ackles... that is all
Cast of note: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Jim Beaver and Misha Collins
Synopsis: The Winchester brothers have been raised by their father to be hunters of anything supernatural. The series follows the brothers crossing the country killing supernatural beings, some of which are pretty creep especially the episode with the killer clown.
The first series sees them searching for their missing father, then it moves to follow a particular yellow eyed demon. Unfortunately there are a couple of series where it seems to loose its way a bit and each episode seemed a bit pointless but soon got back on track with the introduction of angels led mainly by a very funny Misha Collins.
Summary: Two very attractive brothers fighting some scary monsters. Jared Padalecki met his now wife on set and there are a few snidey piss takes added into the script.


6, Hannibal
Reason I started watching: Looked very intriguing and cannibalism disturbs me more than anything else which makes it even more fascinating.
Cast of note: Hugh Dancy, Lawrence Fishburn and an outstanding performance from Mads Mikkelsen (the bond baddie from Casino Royale).
Synopsis: The series explores the early relationship between the renowned psychiatrist and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathise with serial killers.
Summary: This is a new TV show and I am only about four episodes in so far but it is very gripping already. Well worth a watch.



5, American Horror Story
Reason I started watching: Saw it being discussed on social media and was intrigued.
Cast of note: Zachery Quinto, Jessica Lang, Connie Britton, Joseph Fiennes to name but a few with a welcome bit part from Adam Levine until he has his arm ripped off and dies.
Synopsis: This is an anthology series that centers on different characters and locations each series. These have included a haunted house, an insane asylum and the new season is centred on a witch coven. It is creepy, eerie and made me want to sleep with the light on.
Summary: Every cast member is on top form with the stories full of intrigue and tension. If you like to be scared give it a watch, even the opening credits and music scare me to the point I have to fast forward that bit (not making it up)


4, Parks and Recreation
Reason I started watching: I heard Rob Lowe was in it so had to watch that fine looking man!
Cast of note: Rob Lowe (eventually), Aziz Ansari and my favourite is Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson.
Synopsis: This is a mocumentary that follows the absurd antics of an Indiana town's parks and recreation officials as they look after the local parks to make their city a better place.
Summary: Very funny and so worth it when Rob Lowe does eventually appear. All characters are great and this is my sort of humour.


3, Arrested Development
Reason I started watching: FX were playing the entire show at a time I was loving Jason Bateman so thought I would check it out.
Cast of note: Jason Bateman, Potia de Rossi, a very young Michael Cera, David Cross and a brilliant Will Arnet.
Synopsis: Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoilt, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.
Summary: This is a very funny series that has multi layers of hilarity. There are running themed jokes that are kept up throughout. Buster and Gob are by far the best characters. There are so many famous faces that pop up and Ron Howard gets quite a beating throughout. Take the time and watch the whole thing. I have started watching it all over again.



2, Game of Thrones
Reason I started watching: I loved Lord of the rings and this looked to have a similar feel plus Sean Beam was in it so always willing to watch anything starring him.
Cast of note: Too many to name but I particularly like Peter Drinklage as Tyrian. Also look out for quite a few ex Hollyoaks actors popping up.
Synopsis: Lots of different houses fighting to sit on the iron throne and rule. Big battles and impressive landscapes this programme holds your interest even though there are so many characters and you quite often lose track. I tended to completely forget about some characters as they wouldn't appear for a few episodes and then there they are again and you think oh yeah!
Summary: Very complex story but if you can keep up it is well worth it. It hasn't won lots of awards for no reason!

1, Dexter
Reason I started watching: Was on maternity leave and a bit bored.
Cast of note: Michael C Hall proving again that he is an amazing actor. Also Jon Lithgow and Colin Hanks (Tom's son) make for extremely memorable performances.
Synopsis: The show centres on Dexter Morgan who is a blood splatter expert for Miami metro PD but also has a secret life as serial killer. His, adoptive dead father appears as his moral compass after raising him to contain his murderous urges and instead to use them for good by killing people that deserve it. Each series has stayed fresh and take on slightly different focuses. John Lithgow as a serial killer gave me chills and the entire program explores the rights and wrongs of what Dexter is doing. You end up siding with him and his strange logic but can he really have a happy ending?
Summary: I love this so much I named my son after the main character (very true). I am awaiting the final season and will be so sad when it is over. You must watch this!

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