Flash of genius?

Slick sci-fi drama FlashForward started this week on Five but will the American program be a hit with UK television audiences?

FlashForward will try and follow in the footsteps of established cult classic Lost by attracting large audiences in the UK and the US, leaving viewers scratching their heads as the mystery and drama develops.

Although producers will try and avoid the tag 'the new Lost' (not a bad thing after the show's continuing success), the comparisons are clear and so the endless amounts of teasing storyline threads and the cliffhanger ending will come as no surprise to viewers (and neither will the appearance of a few Lost favourites in Dominic Monaghan (Charlie) and Sonja Walgar (Penny) along the way).

The first episode started with the whole world (well nearly - that being the first question the audience are left to ponder at the end of episode one) blacking out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds, just enough time for each to see visions of their whereabouts and happenings in 6 months time (at 10pm, 29th April 2010 to be precise).

Inevitably the whole world blacking out leaves everyone in chaos; which is where coincidentally we are first properly introduced to the brooding male lead Mark Benford played by Joseph Fiennes and colleague Demetri Noh played by John Cho (who unfortunately sees nothing in his blackout, a terrifyingly interesting twist - is he dead in 6 months time?)

As the first episode develops we are given enough teasers about many of the main characters and potential plot lines to keep us interested and coming back for more, without the story becoming too complicated within the first 60 minutes.

The first episode, which aired on Monday (9pm, Five) achieved impressive viewing figures with 3.19m tuning in in the UK, whilst 12.41m American viewers watched the American premiere only days before.

There is no doubt that FlashForward delivers on the high-paced action and explosions, intriguing mysteries and interesting characters but it must avoid going down the road of so many other sci-fi shows by losing focus (i.e. Heroes and to some extent Lost).

The fact that the producers apparently already know what will happen when the show ends will hopefully mean we avoid this pitful, whether audiences will still be watching at the end is unclear but so far Five's new drama has lived up to the hype.

Picture from Screen Rant

Dunwoody thrown out at first hurdle

Jockey Richard Dunwoody and his partner Lilia Kopylova were booted out of Strictly Come Dancing last night after losing the dance-off to Craig Kelly and his partner Flavia Cacace.

Dunwoody becomes the second celebrity to leave the show after tennis ace Martina Hingis was voted off the show last week. The Champion jockey's exit came as no surprise after a mediocre set of scores for his Waltz on Friday and a lively yet technically poor Cha Cha last night. His poor set of scores and non-existent fan base meant it was inevitable that he would face the judges in the dance-off.

Whilst Dunwoody and the other celebrities had to face the judges stinging criticism it was one judge herself who was also being scrutinised by the public and the media. New judge Alesha Dixon came under fire last week for her poor performance when commenting on the dances but this week Dixon had improved and was offering some constructive points to the celebrities (even at one point openly disagreeing with head judge and dancing expert Len Goodman).

Whilst Alesha's performance and place on the judging panel will still not please all the pro-Arlene fans it seems, like the celebrities, she too is becoming more comfortable with her new role on the dance floor.

Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle was the star performer over the two nights as he scored an impressive 33 for his beautiful Waltz and 32 for a raunchy Rumba. With such high scores early on Whittle could be the one to beat as the competition progresses.

We have now seen all the celebrities and their pro dancers perform and next week the fourteen remaining stars will go head-to-head on the dance floor with either a Quickstep or a Paso Doble.

Picture from Telegraph.

X Factor beats Strictly in ratings war

After my speculation on who would come out on top in the Saturday night viewings figures and the much-publicised 'ratings war' between X Factor on ITV and Strictly Come Dancing on BBC it was Cowell's X Factor that triumphed.

The talent contest averaged at 9.27 million viewers, peaking at 10.72 million at 8.55pm. Whilst Strictly, on it's second night back averaged only 7.72 million viewers, with a peak of 8.68 million at 9pm.

One show was bound to suffer due to the head-to-head schedules and Strictly received the first blow in the Saturday night ratings battle that will continue over the coming months.

Picture from Mirror

The sequins and celebrities are back!

Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens tonight with eight of the sixteen celebrities waltzed and tangoed their way round the ballroom. But how did the first show shape up?

Well firstly after watching the full 90 minute programme I am still not sure which celebrity looked more awkward, nervous and out-of-place; World Champion boxer Joe Calzaghe or new judge Alesha Dixon?

Whilst Joe Calzaghe sat at the foot of the leader board after a terrible tango with partner Kristina Rihanoff, Alesha also put in a disappointing first showing as Strictly's new judge. Her comments were vague and lacked any technical expertise and whilst she seems a nice girl, with an endearing personality surely Arlene Phillips or ex-pro dancer on the show Karen Hardy would have made a more suitable inclusion?

Just like the nervous celebrities, I am prepared to give Alesha time to settle into her new role but she will need to improve if she is to win over myself and the hoards of fans who were left angered by Strictly's decision to install her over tough-talking Arlene on the judging panel.

Anyway back to the dancing and Strictly didn't disappoint with an opening night mix of the good, the surprising and the awkward. Ali Bastian and Brain Fortuna were clearly the best on the night with a beautiful waltz, whilst Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan passed my early expectations with an enjoyable routine.

Whilst Hollins was surprising in a good way, boxer Joe Calzaghe surprised me with a boring Tango. He seemed awkward and struggling with the basic moves throughout but with Rihanoff at his side and the potential I hope that he can find his feet quickly for the Latin round tomorrow. The rest including presenter Rav Wilding and tennis star Martina Hingis were unremarkable, each putting in a good effort but at the same time all needing to show more.

I have been eagerly waiting for Strictly's return and tonight's showing didn't disappoint. Some celebrities made a good start but others, including the one occupying a seat on the judging panel will need to improve to impress me tomorrow night in the always-more-exciting-than-the-ballroom Latin round.

Pictures from Mirror

Reality TV wars

The battle between the two biggest reality programmes on TV re-ignites this weekend when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday night (7.25pm) to go head-to-head with X Factor (Saturday, 8pm).

The popular dancing show, which sees celebrities paired with professional dancers returns to our screens tonight but only clashes with X Factor tomorrow night. Many TV viewers, like myself, are avid fans of both shows so many across the country will have to decide whether to go with Simon Cowell's singing stars or Brucie and his band of dancing celebrities.

Broadcasting clashes have occurred in previous years between the two shows but last year Strictly suffered after being shown in an earlier Saturday evening time slot. This year though it seems both shows with regularly overlap as ITV and the BBC head for a ratings war.

Sky+ will save some fans from not missing both shows (including myself) but one show will undoubtedly lose out as the two try to pull in viewers on a Saturday night.

Strictly picture from Broadcast
X Factor picture from Guardian

EastEnders goes live!

EastEnders will mark it's 25th Anniversary by screening their first live episode next year, it was announced yesterday.

The 30-minute episode will be broadcast from BBC Elstree on the 19th February 2010. It will be the culmination of a special week of episodes and will see the resolution of a big storyline. Whilst the special story lines to be broadcast at the time are still unknown EastEnders' executive producer, Diederick Santer has promised viewers the "the high drama and excitement they expect from EastEnders."

This won't be the first time that a soap or television drama has broadcast live though. Shows including The Bill and ER have risked live transmission, whilst soap rivals Coronation Street broadcast live in 2000 to mark their 40th anniversary.

Picture from BBC.

The fantastic tales of Miss Marple

I have always been a fan of the grim murder mysteries on televisions; not for their countless bloody murders but the excitement of trying to follow the clues and find the killer. Some may be more enthralling than others but one that is sure to captivate viewers is the classic tales of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.

Based on the adventures and discoveries of Miss Jane Marple ITV's second episode of the new series, Murder is Easy (Sunday, 8pm) was a complicated and twisted tale that lead Miss Marple to the door of terrified locals residents, countless victims and an unlikely killer.

The tale started when the lady detective meet distressed Whychwood-under-Ashe resident Miss Pinkerton on a train to London where she was about to visit Scotland Yard after a spate of unusual deaths in her village. After hearing of Miss Pinkerton's 'accidental' death before she got the chance to tell all led to Miss Marple paying the residents of Whychwood a visit. She soon became friends with the dashing former policeman Luke Fitzwilliam and together the pair are faced with the task of unearthing the killer before they strike again.

But more local villagers soon start to meet their fate; including GP Mr Humbleby and maid Amy leaving Miss Marple with another case to unravel. The impressive cast, including Sylvia Syms (Miss Pinkerton), Shirley Henderson (Honoria Waynflete) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Luke Fitzwilliam) create a set of brilliantly mysterious and masked characters, each with a secret or two to tell.

But the star of the show once again is Miss Marple herself, Julia McKenzie. After the departure of Geraldine McEwan and the end of the last series the sleuthing shoes of Miss Marple were larges ones to fill but McKenzie has been a fine replacement so far. McKenzie's Miss Marple has the inquisitive wit and gentle charm that let audiences follow and support the character through the many cases that befall her. In truth she may just be a nosey, yet extremely observant and clever old lady but just like her predecessors McKenzie makes the character endearing and watchable.

Along with the fine cast comes an enthralling story that draws you further in as you too try to solve the case; making the two hours of programming draw to a speedy conclusion. The show twists and turns, becoming to confusing to follow at times yet too engaging to stop watching.

Like most murder mystery programmes I watch I like to follow the best I can and make my guess at who the killer really is, unlike last week's A Pocket Full of Rye I was correct in guessing that reserved Honoria Waynflete (Shirley Henderson) was in fact the culprit. But this hunch was based on completely the wrong conclusions as a back history of assault and adoption began to unravel.

The genre of murder mysteries may be popular, our television screens graced with all manner of sleuthing detectives but when it comes to family entertainment, superb casts and twisted tales few can match the marvellous cases of Agathe Christie's Miss Marple.

Picture from The Sun

Big Brother bows out

After glamour model model Sophie was crowned winner of Big Brother 10 viewers and TV critics will have a chance to reflect on the penultimate BB series.

It came as little surprise when Channel 4 announced back in August that Big Brother was to be axed after next year's, the eleventh series. After falling ratings throughout this series and a notable decrease in media interest the fan base seems to have dwindled beyond repair. The tired format now seems repetitive, with the producers turning to stranger characters to try and interest viewers. For example this year has included a mix of characters; including Russian former boxer Angel and Siavash, who last night left the house in an odd Borat-esque outfit.

This year's series had the familiar cat fights and romances, tasks and challenges but the show has moved far away from the original structure, where the social experiment saw ordinary members of the public were placed in the house and forced to simply live together. The show simply has nowhere else to go after it has had to continually change and become more extravagant in an effort to keep viewers interested.

It remains to be seen what producers will do next year as the show bows out but no one can doubt the success of the television phenomen over the last 10 years. It may not be popular with everyone but Big Brother has revolutionised the reality television genre and the show will be remembered long after many of its contestants and winners fall back into obscurity.

Picture from Telegraph.