I love television…a lot. And I take great comfort in knowing I’m in really good company. Even the post-hippie anti-establishment folks love TV (although they’d never admit it). But I grew up in a household where TV was Taboo! So when asked, “What was your favourite TV show growing up?”, it’s difficult to answer, because I could only watch television in five-minute “snippets" - stolen moments, usually at a neighbor’s house. The Official Tee-Vee Takeover didn’t kick-off until I "grew up" and could finally embark on my life-long binge marathon!
Below, in no particular order, are my “Top Five” all-time favourite television shows!
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Draw the blinds, stock up on soylent greens and hunker down for the best bingefest ever! Polar bears, a mysterious locked hatch, Others, Tailies, Terry O’Quinn and a fabulous group of castaways on a tropical island. On every level, it was pure magic.
Favourite Actor: It’s a tie! Terry O’Quinne (as John Locke) and Josh Holloway (as Sawyer).
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Jews playing Nazi’s during WWII, while the Vietnam conflict plays out before our eyes on the same TV channel - brilliant! Is this what the network big-wigs meant when they proposed to improve TV?
Favourite Actor: Larry Hovis as Sgt. Andrew Carter. It goes without saying, the entire cast is brilliant, but I have a soft-spot for Carter.
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Sometimes I turn on the TV purely for entertainment and not education, and this all-American family comedy is no exception. It’s funny, charming and quaint, just like me.
Favourite Actor: Don Knotts! His comedic timing and physical humour still has me rolling on the floor! I also loved him in “Three’s Company” and the "Apple Dumpling Gang”!
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Sometimes I turn on the TV purely for education and not entertainment, and this English soap is no exception. I watch six episodes each week to learn “Londonese". It’s gritty, edgy and rough around the edges, just like me.
Favourite Actor: Since 1990, Jake Wood, has played EastEnders’ character Max Branning.
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Kilts, time travel and unpronounceable names keep me tuned in each week to this “Scromance” (aka Scottish Romance). I started reading the Outlander series in 2007, much later than the millions of die-hard Outlander fans that put author Diana Gabaldon on the coveted New York Times Best Seller List! But regardless, I was hooked! Outlander fans are rejoicing with this well adapted television series.
Favourite Actor: Duncan Lacroix, who brilliantly plays Jamie Fraser’s cousin and right hand man, Murtagh Fraser. Having said that, the entire cast is brilliant, but Duncan’s Murtagh has stepped up and stolen every scene he’s in!
April 30, 2016
