Favourite British Drama Series

[Moon-Crane]

The Auf Pet Series 1 box set i have is nice. it's got a handle and everything

[Stratman]

One day I'll officially buy the boxsets. I Or at the very least, seasons 3 and 4.

[Mayday Malone]

Prisoner's lumped on one, somewhat ironic considering he always wanted to meet Number 1

[Rodge]

I'm considering getting the first series of Auf Pet whilst it's reduced in Woolworthes. Do you think I'll like it? What set's it apart from the rest of the Uk drama's you've seen... plots, characters, dialogue?

The characters to be honest, obviously the writing/direction leads to this. The plot doesn't really exist, it is basically a fly on the wall look at rough down to earth co-workers intensely living together in squalor on a building site and how they get their kicks. The character building is just superb. You really get to know them and in the end you feel everything that they feel. When I first bought the box sets I just watched non stop from the beginning of the series to the end, as I just could not leave them alone. There are no cliff-hangers, no death defiance (except for them dealing with Magowan!!) it is just great drama/humour.

[Stratman]

I'm considering getting the first series of Auf Pet whilst it's reduced in Woolworthes. Do you think I'll like it? What set's it apart from the rest of the Uk drama's you've seen... plots, characters, dialogue?

The characters to be honest, obviously the writing/direction leads to this. The plot doesn't really exist, it is basically a fly on the wall look at rough down to earth co-workers intensely living together in squalor on a building site and how they get their kicks. The character building is just superb. You really get to know them and in the end you feel everything that they feel. When I first bought the box sets I just watched non stop from the beginning of the series to the end, as I just could not leave them alone. There are no cliff-hangers, no death defiance (except for them dealing with Magowan!!) it is just great drama/humour.

You said it. That's exactly what it is. The second season however, is one long story arc, that's the style of Auf Pet I was used to before I saw the first. Hard to say which of the original series I prefer, they are both incredibly strong, and addictive as hell. I watched them non-stop from beginning to end as well.

[Rodge]

I'm considering getting the first series of Auf Pet whilst it's reduced in Woolworthes. Do you think I'll like it? What set's it apart from the rest of the Uk drama's you've seen... plots, characters, dialogue?

The characters to be honest, obviously the writing/direction leads to this. The plot doesn't really exist, it is basically a fly on the wall look at rough down to earth co-workers intensely living together in squalor on a building site and how they get their kicks. The character building is just superb. You really get to know them and in the end you feel everything that they feel. When I first bought the box sets I just watched non stop from the beginning of the series to the end, as I just could not leave them alone. There are no cliff-hangers, no death defiance (except for them dealing with Magowan!!) it is just great drama/humour.

You said it. That's exactly what it is. The second season however, is one long story arc, that's the style of Auf Pet I was used to before I saw the first. Hard to say which of the original series I prefer, they are both incredibly strong, and addictive as hell. I watched them non-stop from beginning to end as well.

Sadly, I remember actually watching the second series when it first aired, so it always seems to be my favourite, but having watched them all now a few times on vid, then I have to say that the first takes the biscuit. I do like the friendship side to the second series, but the first one with all the character building just does it for me.

[Rodge]

The second season however, is one long story arc, that's the style of Auf Pet I was used to before I saw the first.

POSSIBLE SPOILING

*******


I know what you are saying about the 2nd, mainly revolving around Ally Fraser, but it does sort of have it's 3 sections - Barry's place, for a short while, the country home and then Spain. Most people remember Spain, but I have to say, the Country home bit, the fights with Ally's heavies and the banter with the pub landlord stands out as my highlight.

[DHP]

Probably not, but Pixar don't need to dumb things down to make films that appeal to children and audiences. Like Strat, I don't like it when things are over-simplified for the sake of kids, as they don't need to be. There are a lot of great kids films out there which have so much more to them than Doctor Who. Sadly, all the geniuses who make intelligent entertainment for kids seem to work at Pixar or Aardman these days.

Pixar and Aardman (and The Simpsons) are great at striking the balance I'd agree, but Doctor Who is as well. It may not be too your taste, which is fine - but a good 6 million, maybe more, adults watch Doctor Who each week, so it has to be doing something right, and clearly appeals to lots of different age groups, which is a brilliant achievement as far as I'm concerned. Therefore, the forumla and the combination they are currently using is clearly working well, so why change it, when it's doing it's job and appealing to a wide audience?

And I don't think there are kids films out there that have 'so much more to them than Doctor Who'. This is coming from someone who thinks 'Shrek', 'Toy Story' and 'Wllace and Gromit' are masterpieces. Doctor Who does the emotion, the horror and the domestic very well when it wants to, and considering its tackled themes like the devil at 7pm on a Saturday night just shows that it doesn't talk down to its audiences and isn't afraid to push the envelope. It's also completely different each week - which is something it's got going for it over about 99% of all other TV shows.

Sorry, but I'm afraid I basically disagree with all your points there about the pros of Doctor Who. Also, 6 million regular viewers is all well and good, but doesn't say much to me about quality I'm afraid. The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 were the biggest films of last year, clearing $700,000,000 and $1,000,000,000 respectively, but that didn't turn them into a reincarnated Godfather. I guess we'll have to disagree here. If people enjoy it and are happy watching it, good for them. I personally don't see the charm or the quality. Maybe one day I will, but for now I'm afraid I'm a lost cause.

For TV, whoever wrote Only Fools & Horses (John Sullivan I think)

Sublime in his prime, one of the greatest TV writers ever - but The Green Green Grass suggests he's past it..

Nobody's perfect. Just look at The Age of Innocence, 1941, Planet of the Apes and Mr and Mrs Smith for missteps by Scorsese, Spielberg, Burton and Hitchcock respectively. I agree with you though, he's past his prime. I'd say he peaked between 1988 and 1996 (excluding Fatal Extraction, which I always felt wasn't quite as good as the specials that came immediately before and after).

[Cake for Brains]

Sorry, but I'm afraid I basically disagree with all your points there about the pros of Doctor Who. Also, 6 million regular viewers is all well and good, but doesn't say much to me about quality I'm afraid. The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 were the biggest films of last year, clearing $700,000,000 and $1,000,000,000 respectively, but that didn't turn them into a reincarnated Godfather.

I wasn't saying the fact that 6 million adults watch it every week necessairly makes it good - I was simply saying that to have such a regular fanbase of grown-up fans shows that the show can appeal to a large range of age groups (families), just like Pixar/Aardman films. Surely, 6 million adults (four times the amount of children who regularly watch) wouldn't sit down every week and watch something that was childish, overly simplistic and silly? If that was the case, the ratings for programmes on CBBC would be a lot higher. The fact that Doctor Who is considered as an adult drama (it won a BAFTA last year in that category) and frequently given 5 stars in TV suppliments just proves my point that the show obviously has something to offer that appeals to the grown-ups too. What don't you agree with?

Pixar and Aardman make great films - but they're comedies, and comedy is a different ball game to drama, and therefore has to achieve different things from its audiences. Therefore, I don't think comparing Doctor Who to stuff like Toy Story and The Incredibles is fair, because they fall into different genres.

[DHP]

Firstly, winning awards doesn't mean something is good. Chicago won Best Picture at the Oscars, but it really wasn't the best film that year. Worse still, most people don't feel it was anything above average at best.

Secondly, Big Brother is also watched by people of all ages, and I understand it has figures that rival Doctor Who. I've got no time for that either though, and it's really not well-made television at all, as many uncontrolled situations have proven. I'd refer to the films I mentioned in my post as the big sellers of last year. Many people who watched those films saw them more than once, but that still didn't represent the quality.

But the Pixar films aren't laugh-out-loud comedies. They have a lot of heart, and the jokes certainly aren't at the rate of Aardman films. From what I've seen, Doctor Who tries for humour which often falls flat, and I simply don't care as much about these real people as I do about Pixar's animated creations, who are much more emotionally engaging for me.

[Cake for Brains]

Firstly, winning awards doesn't mean something is good. Chicago won Best Picture at the Oscars, but it really wasn't the best film that year. Worse still, most people don't feel it was anything above average at best.

I'm not trying to say the show is good. I'm just responding to your point that the show is 'dumbed down' to appeal to the kids, and feel obliged to defend it. Have many episodes have you watched anyway - I'd like to get some idea on what your opinion is based on.

Secondly, Big Brother is also watched by people of all ages, and I understand it has figures that rival Doctor Who. I've got no time for that either though, and it's really not well-made television at all, as many uncontrolled situations have proven. I'd refer to the films I mentioned in my post as the big sellers of last year. Many people who watched those films saw them more than once, but that still didn't represent the quality.

That's nonsense, I'm afraid. Series 2 of Doctor Who averaged just under 8 million viewers, whereas the average for last year's Big Brother was about 4 million. And the amount of children that watch Big Brother, quite rightly, is nowhere near as high as the amount of people that watch Doctor Who. The two shows shouldn't be compared anyway - I don't really see what Big Brother has to do with anything.

And as you say, just because something's popular, doesn't make it good. However, the critical acclaim it receives, does count for something. And awards may not constitute quality for you, but on the whole, a programme that can win a 'Dennis Potter Award for Writing' and 'Best Drama Series' must have something going for it in terms of quality? The show is recognised as being a great drama.

But the Pixar films aren't laugh-out-loud comedies. They have a lot of heart, and the jokes certainly aren't at the rate of Aardman films. From what I've seen, Doctor Who tries for humour which often falls flat, and I simply don't care as much about these real people as I do about Pixar's animated creations, who are much more emotionally engaging for me.

The humuor in Doctor Who can sometimes fail, I'll give you that - but you can't like everything. It does affect the quality for me anyway. And once again, you say you can't warm to the characters in Who - but I gather that you've seen very little of the programme?

[Rodge]

Frankly, I think you are arguing from totally the wrong angle here.

I firmly believe that Doctor Who is actually a show for kids/teenagers but also appeals to adults - not the other way round. How can you complain about a show being for kids when that is the target audience! My favourite times of Doctor who was when I was when I was 10-14 years old.

Also I really have to agree with Cakey here,

Firstly, winning awards doesn't mean something is good. Chicago won Best Picture at the Oscars, but it really wasn't the best film that year. Worse still, most people don't feel it was anything above average at best

That is a somewhat arrogant statement; as if your opinion is more important, and who are these "most" people? I would rather look at a programme and see what awards it has won over the years to see if I want to buy it, rather than take the opinion of an individual, who really does seem to be coming across overly harsh, just to try and win a point over someone who is obviously a fan.

[DHP]

For crying out loud, it's an OPINION!!! I don't like the show!!! Get over it!!! It's not arrogant to have an opinion, nor is it arrogant to use the term 'most people' when referring to people you know, as loads of people do it. Oops, sorry, was that arrogance there?

I just don't enjoy it, and from what I've seen I don't really want to watch more of it. The same's true of everyone here with other shows. The West Wing won a peabody award. Does everyone acknowledge it as brilliant? No. Should they? No. Do I care that they don't? No. Do I care if they insult it? No. It's their opinion, and they're entitled to it, and for something as trivial as a TV show, it doesn't bother me in the grand scheme of things that people don't see eye to eye with me. Read a couple of posts back and you'll see one single post I made about my reasons for voting for [/i]Pride and Prejudice. I have not argued with anyone or tried to convince anyone else that they should admire it too.

For what it's worth, I've seen about a dozen or so episodes with Jon Pertwee as the Doctor, the Paul McGann special (which I thought wasn't too bad and was disappointed he wasn't a regular to be honest), one episode with Christopher Eccleston, and 3 episodes with David Tennant from Series 2. I admit, I haven't seen every episode of the show, but I've seen more than most people would before leaving it alone and don't feel it's necessary to watch more to form an opinion.

As for the remark about kids not watching [i]Big Brother, again I guess it depends on who you know. I run a youth group for kids 11-13 on friday nights from the local council estate, and they all watch it and discuss it in great depth. As for the viewing figures, I was referring to previous years. I'm sadly not up to date with current stats.[/i]

[Cake for Brains]

I just don't enjoy it, and from what I've seen I don't really want to watch more of it. The same's true of everyone here with other shows. The West Wing won a peabody award. Does everyone acknowledge it as brilliant? No. Should they? No. Do I care that they don't? No. Do I care if they insult it? No. It's their opinion, and they're entitled to it, and for something as trivial as a TV show, it doesn't bother me in the grand scheme of things that people don't see eye to eye with me. Read a couple of posts back and you'll see one single post I made about my reasons for voting for [/i]Pride and Prejudice. I have not argued with anyone or tried to convince anyone else that they should admire it too.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to argue - I just felt it necessary to defend my favourite show (as you may have done if I'd criticised Pride and Prejudice), because I don't think it's 'dumbed down' for kids, but we won't say anything more about it, because we clearly don't agree! And like you said, that's fair enough - and we're both entitled to our opinions. Just for the record, I was never trying to make it sound like you *should* like the show, neither was I trying to convince you of it's quality. I don't think you should 'admire' the show at all. Sorry, if there have been any misunderstandings there.

And 'The West Wing' won a Peabody - hooray! A deserved win IMO.

For what it's worth, I've seen about a dozen or so episodes with Jon Pertwee as the Doctor, the Paul McGann special (which I thought wasn't too bad and was disappointed he wasn't a regular to be honest), one episode with Christopher Eccleston, and 3 episodes with David Tennant from Series 2. I admit, I haven't seen every episode of the show, but I've seen more than most people would before leaving it alone and don't feel it's necessary to watch more to form an opinion.

Thank you. I just wanted to be clear as to which era of the show we were talking about, and how much you'd seen to form your judgements. You've clearly seen more than enough to make an informed decision about it.

[DHP]

Thanks. Glad we can leave this with a bit of mutual respect for each other's views. I honestly have no problem with other people liking things, or expressing disgust at what I like, as long as it can be left as an opinion. Otherwise it can escalate and get a bit out of hand.

For the record, Pride and Prejudice isn't my favourite BBC drama. It's just my favourite on the list. As I mentioned in another post, I missed the 'other' option first time round. My favourite BBC drama is Band of Brothers.

[Rodge]

For crying out loud, it's an OPINION!!! I don't like the show!!! Get over it!!! It's not arrogant to have an opinion, nor is it arrogant to use the term 'most people' when referring to people you know, as loads of people do it. Oops, sorry, was that arrogance there?

Woah, chill out DHP. As you say it's only TV, there's no need for that reaction, just because we disagree with you!
But as you have decided to take that tone then:- using the phrase 'most people' when referring to people you know, is actually quite arrogant as it basically states that your group of friends is as important or is the consensus of the whole nation.

[DHP]

"Loads of people" in reference to the majority of the people you know is a Mancunian expression. Sorry if that offends, and I understand that you weren't to know it was just a casual expression used around these parts.

But I wasn't the first to make this heated, or throw the first personal insult. That's why I got angry, as I don't feel there's any need for that kind of tone in any part of this forum, as I know others would agree. Even in the religious discussions I've had with the likes of BN in the past, even though we've disagreed, there have never been insults and it's always been civil and respectful, even in light of obvious difference of opinion. And I wasn't trying to win a point. I simply said I didn't like the show. I was asked why, so I explained. What's overly harsh about that?

[Cake for Brains]

For the record, Pride and Prejudice isn't my favourite BBC drama. It's just my favourite on the list. As I mentioned in another post, I missed the 'other' option first time round. My favourite BBC drama is Band of Brothers.

I have Band of Brothers on DVD, so I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to watching it. It looks brilliant.

But I wasn't the first to make this heated, or throw the first personal insult. That's why I got angry, as I don't feel there's any need for that kind of tone in any part of this forum, as I know others would agree. Even in the religious discussions I've had with the likes of BN in the past, even though we've disagreed, there have never been insults and it's always been civil and respectful, even in light of obvious difference of opinion. And I wasn't trying to win a point. I simply said I didn't like the show. I was asked why, so I explained. What's overly harsh about that?

Oh God, is this my fault? I'm so sorry if I've been disrespectful or personally insulting in any way to you DHP. It wasn't meant that way at all, I promise.

[DHP]

For the record, Pride and Prejudice isn't my favourite BBC drama. It's just my favourite on the list. As I mentioned in another post, I missed the 'other' option first time round. My favourite BBC drama is Band of Brothers.

I have Band of Brothers on DVD, so I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to watching it. It looks brilliant.

But I wasn't the first to make this heated, or throw the first personal insult. That's why I got angry, as I don't feel there's any need for that kind of tone in any part of this forum, as I know others would agree. Even in the religious discussions I've had with the likes of BN in the past, even though we've disagreed, there have never been insults and it's always been civil and respectful, even in light of obvious difference of opinion. And I wasn't trying to win a point. I simply said I didn't like the show. I was asked why, so I explained. What's overly harsh about that?

Oh God, is this my fault? I'm so sorry if I've been disrespectful or personally insulting in any way to you DHP. It wasn't meant that way at all, I promise.

It is a great series, definitely something to look forward to. I've watched it all the way through a few times now and never get tired of it. You didn't insult me Cakey, I don't mind discussing anything. I did feel that the discussion was going on a bit, but that wasn't what got me a bit upset earlier, so don't worry about it. In fact, I'm quite happy with the way it ended, agreeing to disagree with a bit of mutual respect. A nice theme that's recurrent on this site I've noticed.

[Cake for Brains]

For the record, Pride and Prejudice isn't my favourite BBC drama. It's just my favourite on the list. As I mentioned in another post, I missed the 'other' option first time round. My favourite BBC drama is Band of Brothers.

I have Band of Brothers on DVD, so I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to watching it. It looks brilliant.

But I wasn't the first to make this heated, or throw the first personal insult. That's why I got angry, as I don't feel there's any need for that kind of tone in any part of this forum, as I know others would agree. Even in the religious discussions I've had with the likes of BN in the past, even though we've disagreed, there have never been insults and it's always been civil and respectful, even in light of obvious difference of opinion. And I wasn't trying to win a point. I simply said I didn't like the show. I was asked why, so I explained. What's overly harsh about that?

Oh God, is this my fault? I'm so sorry if I've been disrespectful or personally insulting in any way to you DHP. It wasn't meant that way at all, I promise.

It is a great series, definitely something to look forward to. I've watched it all the way through a few times now and never get tired of it. You didn't insult me Cakey, I don't mind discussing anything. I did feel that the discussion was going on a bit, but that wasn't what got me a bit upset earlier, so don't worry about it. In fact, I'm quite happy with the way it ended, agreeing to disagree with a bit of mutual respect. A nice theme that's recurrent on this site I've noticed.

Well, that's something we both can definitely agree on - the brilliance of this site!

[DHP]

For the record, Pride and Prejudice isn't my favourite BBC drama. It's just my favourite on the list. As I mentioned in another post, I missed the 'other' option first time round. My favourite BBC drama is Band of Brothers.

I have Band of Brothers on DVD, so I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to watching it. It looks brilliant.

But I wasn't the first to make this heated, or throw the first personal insult. That's why I got angry, as I don't feel there's any need for that kind of tone in any part of this forum, as I know others would agree. Even in the religious discussions I've had with the likes of BN in the past, even though we've disagreed, there have never been insults and it's always been civil and respectful, even in light of obvious difference of opinion. And I wasn't trying to win a point. I simply said I didn't like the show. I was asked why, so I explained. What's overly harsh about that?

Oh God, is this my fault? I'm so sorry if I've been disrespectful or personally insulting in any way to you DHP. It wasn't meant that way at all, I promise.

It is a great series, definitely something to look forward to. I've watched it all the way through a few times now and never get tired of it. You didn't insult me Cakey, I don't mind discussing anything. I did feel that the discussion was going on a bit, but that wasn't what got me a bit upset earlier, so don't worry about it. In fact, I'm quite happy with the way it ended, agreeing to disagree with a bit of mutual respect. A nice theme that's recurrent on this site I've noticed.

Well, that's something we both can definitely agree on - the brilliance of this site!

And of course, Frasier itself.

[Rodge]

I'm intrigued to know who voted for I Clavdivs??

[Mayday Malone]

Nor I but someone did. Someone not for Who!

[Mr Blue Sky]

All Creatures Great And Small!

Strat, mate, you're taking the piss!

I'm tempted to vote for 'other' as I loved the Francis Urquhart trilogy of drama series in the early to mid nineties. Ian Richardson was spellbinding in those.

I haven't voted yet, but I'll probably be boring and vote for LoM or Doctor Who, as they're my two favourite current shows.

[Cake for Brains]

I'm tempted to vote for 'other' as I loved the Francis Urquhart trilogy od drama series in the early to mid nineties. Ian Richardson was spellbinding in those.

Is that 'House of Cards' BN? If so, I was very tempted by that in HMV last week.

Doctor Who vs Life on Mars - how could you possibly choose?