I recently re-discovered Home Improvement. As a kid, I watched the occasional episode, but I recently discovered the complete series on Hulu this past month. The show aired from 1991-1999 and follows the life of Time “The Toolman” Taylor as he struggles to navigate family and work. Tim is the host of a television show – Tool Time – that is known more for its comedy, not so much its educational value. Tim is always blowing something up, breaking something, or getting injured. In addition to his television show, Tim and his wife are raising three boys, who add to the chaos of life. Tim seeks advice from his next door neighbor, Wilson, who always has some philosophical advice to offer.
Packed with humor and good family values, this show is a breath of fresh air when compared to a lot of the other content on television today. This is definitely a must watch for any Tim Allen fans or for those who just want some good, clean, fun!
It has been a while since I’ve written a review because, quite frankly, I haven’t listened to or watched anything worth reviewing. I have been exploring different shows that are available through ACORN TV, which I have access to through my county library.
I’ve watched several shows, but nothing that absolutely stood out.
Agatha Raisin
Agatha Raisin is based on the book series by Marion Chesney. It tells of a well-known public relations manager who retires from her city life to live in a little town. While she desperately wants to fit in, Agatha’s city airs do not make it easy for her, and not long after moving there, she becomes the prime suspect in a murder.
The show itself started off promising. Agatha’s struggle to fit in and adjust to country life is highly entertaining, and the characters are kind of quirky. But as often happens with shows, it is not long before the characters are sleeping with each other and sexual innuendoes are frequent. It is a shame, because the show would have been perfect without it. (I would be curious to see if the books contained as much sleeping around and sexual references as the show, or if it was something simply added for TV. So I plan to check out the book series.)
My Life is Murder
Starring Lucy Lawless (Xenia Princess Warrior), this series tells of a retired cop who is constantly roped in to investigating cases for her former supervisor. This show is entertaining. It is not as comical as Agatha Raisin, but there are fewer sexual references, which makes it more enjoyable. (Just FYI: The first episode deals with a murder where the prime suspect is a prostitute, so their are quite a few sexual references in that one. But the rest of the episodes are relatively clean.)
There are a few instances of the “F” word in a couple of the episodes, but it is only said once in those two episodes.
I did enjoy this show and will watch it when future series are available. The characters are believable and the acting is good. Because of the lack of sexual references, I enjoyed this show a lot more than I enjoyed Agatha Raisin.
Mr. & Mrs. Murder
This show does not immediately draw you in like My Life is Murder or Agatha Raisin. But, I like it for an entirely different reason – the only reason I continued watching it actually.
The show is about a married couple who are crime scene cleaners; however, while cleaning up after crimes, they end up solving them.
What I like most about this show is that the married couple truly love each other; they are faithful and loyal, which is something you don’t see on TV these days. For that reason alone, I continued to watch it.
The story was entertaining enough, but the family dynamics were my favorite aspect of the show.
Trailer works (image just doesn’t display).
Queens of Mystery
This show was entertaining as well, a bit more engaging than Mr. & Mrs. Murder. I liked this show simply because it was a different style than most murder mysteries. In some aspects, it reminded me of Pushing Daisies in that it “read” like a storybook. It had a narrator voice over which gave the storybook feel. I also found it amusing how the show will “freeze” at times, and the narrator will tell you what the characters were actually thinking. While not one of my favorites, it is one I will still watch when more seasons become available.
Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries
For some reason, I couldn’t get into this TV series. I watched a couple episodes, and it seems relatively clean. If you like murder mysteries, it might be worth checking out.
These last two months, I’ve binge watched 12 seasons of New Tricks on Amazon Prime.
New Tricks is a BBC show about a British task force that investigates unsolved crimes and open cases. The leader of the Unsolved Crimes and Open Cases Squad (UCOS) is Sandra Pullman who was given the responsibility of establishing and running the unit after a PR fiasco involving the shooting of a dog during a hostage situation.
Pullman views her new position as a punishment, even more so when she learns that her staff will be comprised of retired police officers. These police offers are old men used to the police work of the 70s, when policy and procedure were lax and the idea of women on the force was out of the question.
Needless to say the combination of old and new policing, coupled with the cast’s quirky personalities, makes for a great story, some good laughs, and endearing characters. Definitely worth checking out!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but that’s because I haven’t been reading or watching anything new. Although, a couple of new seasons for two shows I enjoy aired in the last couple of months – Worst Witch, Season 3, and 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, Part 2.
Worst Witch, Season 3 is just as cute and fun as the first couple of seasons. Mildred’s mother plays a larger role in this series, so you are able to see more of the mother-daughter dynamics. For those of you who like Ms. Hardbroom, you even get some of her backstory.
3Below: Tales of Arcadia, which is not as good as it’s predecessor – Trollhunters – still is enjoyable. What I like about 3 Below is Steve’s character arc. Initially a bully when we first met him in Trollhunters, his character continues to develop in 3Below, and you get to see him grow into something more than a bully. That is probably my favorite aspect about this TV series – Steve’s path to finding friends and a purpose. To quote Aja, the Queen in Waiting, one can say that this show is “lively!”
Anyway, if you are looking for some lighthearted and fun shows, check them out!
Another reason I haven’t been posting lately is because I’ve been busy enjoying Death in Paradise. This murder mystery is more my style (unlike DCI Banks). Not nearly as graphic as DCI Banks, this show presents a good mystery with a little humor. I will admit, at first, I didn’t like the show. I watched it simply because it was clean and I needed something to watch. However, after several episodes, I found myself becoming attached to the characters. (I will say, that this show earned a spot on my “favorites” list with the arrival of the second detective inspector in season 3. He brought a level of levity to the show that wasn’t present before.)
I will say Death in Paradise has a very strong cast, especially in the first several seasons (it is always hard when some of your favorite’s leave the show). I enjoy watching it for the characters. And for those of you who like strong female leads, you will enjoy the character Camille Bordey, an outspoken woman whose not afraid to stand up for herself or others, and yet remains a caring and compassionate.
Reading4Fun 