I am, unabashedly, a huge fan of British television. I have actually caught myself talking in an English accent, and no, I regret nothing. But my inability to remember which voice I should be speaking in has nothing to do with what I want to rant about. Or maybe it does. You tell me.
British TV has always been 120% better than American television and I always feel sad and slightly ashamed admitting this being an American. But it's true.
My main cases in point are Doctor Who and, most recently, Sherlock. The Grand Poobah Steven Moffat is currently behind these two shows and clearly his influence has been felt. I am quite unapologetic in announcing that I think he is one of the best TV writers this planet has ever seen. Everything he does is frightening, intriguing and fun. It has a specific flair that can be felt as soon as the episode starts. It's difficult to put into words, but if you watch his shows, you know what I mean.
I have recently become a huge fan of Doctor Who and so I can happily call myself a Whovian, which I do. Often. In public. My favorite episode so far is most definitely "The Girl in the Fireplace" which, as I'm sure you have guessed being the smart reader you are, is a Steven Moffat written episode. Watch it. Trust me.
My love for Doctor Who stems mostly from the show's longevity. It astounds me that this show has been on for so long and has amassed such a large fan-base. I also like the imagination that goes on behind the scenes. Think about all the ideas that get tossed around before they decide on one that they like. I would love to be able to see that collaborative process.
The other show that has recently become a (huge, ginormous, unnatural) obsession of mine is Sherlock. It happens to be an amazing show, due partly (mostly) to Steven Moffat... again. Damn, that man is everywhere (but Mark Gatiss is amazing too). His and Mark bring Sherlock Holmes, sociopath genius, into the 21st century without so much a glitch. He seamlessly integrates Sherlock's practices (drugs, deductions, queer experiments) into modern London and makes Sherlock look hella fine while doing it. The writing remains true to the character while still introducing a few new elements and fudging some things to make the series work. And Jim Moriarty is chilling. Chilling I say.
More on my feelings about British TV at a later date.
