tealin: (Default)
There has been so much good radio on, I have been too busy listening to it to get this list out in a timely fashion. Therefore some of these shows are expiring fairly quickly, and if you want to listen you should get a move on. For assistance in that, I am providing the expiration date for the first available episode, which I hope may be helpful.

FICTIONAL

Fatherland - This dramatisation of Robert Harris' book knocked my socks off when I first heard it 15 years ago, and the more I listen to it the more I am convinced it is the finest radio play ever made. Alternate history, Nazis won the war, hardbitten detective, pesky lady journalist – practically every noir trope, but it goes places. Oh, it goes places. It doesn't get repeated nearly as much as it used to, so don't miss this opportunity. (7 Sep)
A Study in Scarlet - Bert Coules' radio adaptations of the entire Sherlock Holmes canon (and some extras) are one of the best things ever to happen to radio drama, and 4 Extra has happily repeated the longer ones after a long absence. I have linked to the first episode of A Study in Scarlet but once you launch the player it should take you through The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Valley of Fear as well. (2 Sep)
The 39 Steps - I think I heard this one ages ago, and if memory serves it preserves some rather uncomfortable antisemitism from the book (which I assume the West End play does not) but it is a rollicking good jape otherwise. Plus, Tom Baker! (19 Sep)
Evil Under the Sun - I haven't heard this one yet, but the others in this series of Poirot adaptations have been very good so I assume this is as well. I don't like Christie's milieu as much as Doyle's – what can I say, I'm stuck in 1910 – but that's nothing against the production team here who really know how to put a radio play together. (20 Sep)
Only You Can Save Mankind - The aliens a pre-teen boy is fighting in his video game suddenly surrender, and demand safe conduct out of the war zone as per the Geneva Convention. Terry Pratchett takes the twist of Ender's Game and uses it as a starting place, exploring important ideas about humanity in the process. As a radio production this one leaves something to be desired, but it's still worth listening, especially if you haven't read the book. (18 Sep)
Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Unlike the book, which reads like 'everything we know about geology in 1864 held together with gossamer threads of plot', this adaptation focuses more on the adventure, and does a good job of subterranean atmosphere. (12 Sep)


FACTUAL

The Mark Steel Lecture - Always interesting and engagingly presented, the episode I've linked to is about Oliver Cromwell but everything else Steel talks about is worth a listen too. (1 Sep)
All The Planet's Wonders - A refreshingly joyful exploration of, in this case, astronomy, but the whole series will lift your spirits with wonder and curiosity. (3 Sep)
Radiolab - This series is a huge hit in podcast land, but I find it overproduced to the point of distraction so I've never really got into it. However, live shows cannot be edited to Kingdom Come, and I enjoyed this one – mainly about what killed the dinosaurs – hugely. (8 Sep)
Meet David Sedaris - It took me a while to come around to Mr Sedaris but I know lots of people like him a lot, so if you are one of those people, or wonder if you might be, here is your heads-up that his series of essay readings is back on Radio 4. (27 Aug)
How Perkin Brought Purple to the People - I haven't listened to this programme yet, but I know this story from James Burke, and it's a good one! There is no natural dye that gives you magenta, so a huge range of colours was unavailable to fashion, until someone created one from a fossil fuel byproduct. (indefinite)
The Infinite Monkey Cage - Radio 4's classic irreverent science show is back, this time discussing one of Dreamy Professor Brian Cox's favourite subjects: black holes. Recorded with an online audience! (indefinite)
You're Dead To Me - This series of history podcasts got at least ten pages of my book done. The host is the head geek behind Horrible Histories, then every episode he brings in a different expert and a comedian to discuss a historical subject for just under an hour. I'm pretty sure I've linked to it before, but it's started updating again. (indefinite)
Intrigue: The Ratline - Loving family man Otto Wachter died mysteriously in Rome a few years after the end of WWII. Could this have anything to do with what he got up to when a high ranking officer in the SS? If you enjoyed Fatherland you may find this a good chaser; its incredible twists and turns take you for quite a ride. (indefinite)

FUNNY

That Mitchell and Webb Sound - After taking their show to roaring success on TV, David Mitchell and Robert Webb returned to radio for one last go in 2013. They have lost none of their genius. (31 Aug)
Cabin Pressure - R4 has apparently finished its rerun of the best radio sitcom ever with Series 2 – I can only assume they're saving the rest for when the country needs a laugh again this winter. If you've missed it up till now, you can still listen to the last four episodes. (23 Aug)
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme - More genius sketch comedy! Honestly the name should be enough to get you to listen, but if you need further convincing, well, there just isn't a dud sketch in the whole show, and it's up to, what, eight series now? (3 Sep)
Old Harry's Game - The sitcom set in Hell really hits its stride in Series 2, when the overcrowding situation in Hell forces Satan to try to make humanity a little less sinful. (indefinite?)
Listen Against - This started as a topical comedy, where the week's programming on Radio 4 got chopped and boiled into an absurd gumbo, but it's funny enough that it keeps getting rerun as a comedy in its own right. Possibly the most self-referential thing R4 has ever made. (29 Aug)
Agendum - In a similar vein of spoofing the news, this one cocks a snook at in-depth investigative reporting and punditry. (7 Sep)
Radio Active - Dipping back into the deeper archives for this one, another sort of mock news programme from the 1980s, with roving reporters and funny names and running gags ... It should be tired by now but it still makes me laugh. (2 Sep)
The Wildebeest Years - Never before have so many puns been crammed into 28 minutes. (28 Aug)
Talking and Not Talking - A rare female-fronted silly sketch comedy; one of the best for recurring characters, including Carol who is Fine and the magnificent China Lion Lady. (1 Sep)
The Horne Section - I suppose it's a variety show, but I think of it as 'a children's show for grownups,' with skits, songs, and a generally uplifting gentle whimsy that I think we all need right now. (4 Sep)
I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue - The antidote to panel games which has now become the model for panel games. They're rerunning some classic episodes so fill yer boots with such immortal rounds as One Song To The Tune Of Another and Sound Charades. (2 Sep)
Reincarnathan - R4's comedy output has not been stellar of late; this sitcom about a failed human trying to make good through a series of animal reincarnations is not genius, but is the best new thing I've heard in a while. (29 Aug)
King Cutler - Some people will listen to Ivor Cutler and think 'Is this a joke?' Others will listen and think 'Is this a joke?' but not be able to stop listening and, perhaps, in the right mood, double over with laughter. Which are you? (20 Sep)
Paul Sinha's General Knowledge - The quizmaster comes back with his arms full of facts, which he effortlessly strings together in front of our very ears. (18 Sep)
tealin: (catharsis)
No spoilers this time. I was working through this episode so maybe didn't pay close enough attention to think much about anything, but I'm inclined to think I got the better end of the deal this way.

Breakups are always a handy device for drama – shouting, weeping, the tragedy of what might have been – but what doesn't get dramatised so often are the relationships that end with both parties basically going 'Yeah, you know what, we probably would both be happier going our own way.' I don't know if that's a happy ending, but it's a peaceful one, and best for all concerned. That's how I feel, anyway. 'Leave them wanting more' can be a bit overrated.

We got the Shipping Forecast and another completely gratuitous aviation callout, so, you know, not a total loss.

It's been a real slice. We'll always have series 1. ♥
tealin: (writing)
Well, why not make it a thing this series.

I'm going to try to be short, because I have to get back to work. (Hah! Short.)

Immediate Impressions of the Just-Aired Episode of Sherlock, Series 4 )

Back to francophone radio for me now; have fun out there, fandom.
tealin: (Default)
Just watched 'The Six Thatchers' – first reactions –
Super Spoilery Sherlock Somethings )

And that's the point at which my recollection expires ...

Lest you think I am being too critical, I did really enjoy watching it, which to be perfectly honest I was not expecting to do. It's a nice feeling, that buzzing of the fannish nerve; I thought it might be a thing of the past. There have been so many media disappointments, and it seems prohibitively difficult to carry a franchise on this long without dropping the ball somehow, especially when it's got an enormous and very vocal fandom which is tempting and/or rewarding to pander to (or mess with). They've walked a very narrow line with this show and so far done it remarkably successfully ... we'll see if it lasts the whole series!

The List

Feb. 3rd, 2016 02:44 pm
tealin: (catharsis)
Like the whole rest of the world, I watched the Sherlock Christmas/New Year's special ...

I definitely enjoyed it, despite having problems with it. It's so rare I can kick back and enjoy something fun, I'm not going to let a few misgivings get to me if the rest of it has me in its palm. One of those misgivings regards where they're going with Sherlock's character – part of the appeal of the show was how faithful they stayed to the original despite updating the setting, and in this episode they've given themselves an exit door from that fidelity. I thought it was a very important and perspicacious distinction in his character that the drugs were a response to boredom, but Moffat & Gatiss seem to have their own direction on this. However, I must say I am becoming more and more a fan of ambiguity in story: The Lady or the Tiger? annoyed me to high heaven when I read it in Grade 9, but I find I don't really care whether Sherlock Holmes is a Victorian dreaming of the Future or a Modern dreaming of the Past, so long as it's interesting and handled well. Those qualities appear in increasingly short supply, so it seems a pity to waste them.

Anyway. It should be no surprise I have identified rather strongly with Sherlock from the beginning; while he's straying out of bounds a bit as a character, the whole 'drugs' thing hasn't changed that. Goodness knows I'm a junkie of the worst sort, albeit not on psychoactive chemicals ...





I'd never dream of taking all of those in one go, though; I wouldn't sleep for a week ...
tealin: (Default)


If you've seen the first episode of the new series of Sherlock ... this is what you don't see, at the end.
tealin: (introspect)
"There's an east wind coming, Watson."

"I think not, Holmes. It is very warm."

"Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age. There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared. Start her up, Watson, for it's time that we were on our way. I have a cheque for five hundred pounds which should be cashed early, for the drawer is quite capable of stopping it if he can."

– Sir A. C. Doyle, "His Last Bow"

tealin: (Default)
O Internet ... you who are so wantonly led astray by Robert Downey Jr and the arguably much more worthy Benedict Cumberbatch ... You need some Clive Merrison. (And Michael Williams.)

There are three episodes so far but it looks like they're running at least The Adventures so there's bound to be more if you keep an eye out.

A Scandal in Bohemia - Irene Adler!

The Red-Headed League - Arguably the most boring Sherlock Holmes story, so of course this is the one they chose to represent the whole series in my Grade 9 English class.

A Case of Identity - or, more aptly, A Case of Conan Doyle Wishing He Were Writing a Victorian Melodrama but Working In Sherlock Holmes Because That is What the Public Wants.

Enjoy, and be educated!
tealin: (catharsis)
My sister and I had a Sherlock Exchange today: I brought the BBC series and (in a roundabout way) she provided the Guy Ritchie film. So: I have now SEEN IT. (Yes, more than a year late, hush.) Because more than a few people have asked my opinion on it, I will share.

MY THOUGHTS, IN DESCENDING ORDER:

OMG Production design haaaaaagh.*

It was a great deal of fun

It wasn't Sherlock Holmes.

Nevertheless, I suspect Arthur Conan Doyle would have enjoyed it immensely.

I'm pretty sure electricity doesn't work that way.

Robert Downey Jr's performance really reminded me of someone, in something I've seen recently, but I don't know. Colin Farrell maybe? But in what?

It was more amusing than I had imagined to watch Hypothetical Birdie cavort about the screen

If one goes into great depth detailing someone's very particular eye colour, it would generally be considered wise to invest in some coloured contacts for the actor playing the character whose eyes are being described, especially if you cut to a medium closeup of him immediately following the description.

Surely one could have stopped the awesome-looking steampunk device simply by interrupting the flow of electricity between those two balls at the top, or taking a hammer (or other large heavy implement) to the glass gas-generating canisters. Is that Occam's Razor?

Luckily it is still possible to have the CD as my Herbert West soundtrack.

*that's a Homer Simpson drooling onomatopoeia in case you couldn't tell
tealin: (catharsis)
HEY AMERICANS (and Canadians with cable)!

SHERLOCK IS ON PBS THIS SUNDAY (Oct 24)!

Check local listings! It will be on the show entitled 'Masterpiece: Mystery!' (two birds with one stone, I suppose)

AND THEN THERE WILL BE A REGION 1 DVD!! (I need to use fewer paretheses.)
tealin: (Default)
I figured this out this afternoon and thought I might as well share, because life is just more fun when you have Sherlock's Adventure Time theme stuck in your head.



Proof my musical education has not gone entirely to waste – with suggested fingerings for violinists! I apologize for errors in notation; theory was never my strong suit. Too much like math. Circle of fifths, WTF, just gimme some music to play. (You may have noticed I am not a professional musician.)
tealin: (Default)
This may only make sense if you are familiar with downtown LA (and Inception of course):



In short: Downtown LA has many Famimas. (Famima!!s?) They did not escape inclusion in the film. They made me laugh. A drawing happened. The end.

I dunno about the style – I've been working in a different style at work so it's anarchy in my sketchbook at the moment. This looks all hip and indie on the page, but scanned and on the screen it just looks odd. Or maybe it doesn't?




Sherlock Spoils Inception )
tealin: (Default)
For [personal profile] infiniteviking, who made the mistake of mentioning it. :)

What do I do during Dailies? I pay attention.

Here comes a cut:
Snip Snip )


Unfortunately Sherlock suffers from the same 'fault' as Dr Horrible: it's fantastic and makes me want to draw but all the best scenes are already depicted onscreen by people who are much better at acting and, well, being them than I am. So I don't know how much will actually end up drawn ...
tealin: (h.briss)
HOW DO I LOVE THE NEW SHERLOCK, LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

OH WAIT I CAN'T BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY



One of them is vindication, though. HAH!
tealin: (Default)
I went back on my word and actually revised Sunday:


Funny how apparent it is (to me anyway) that I drew this one on a day I did not go to life drawing ... And because the following page on my sketchbook was taken up with something else, I drew this on the back of the old one, hence the mirroring. Art is all about cheating!

I have to admit my initial mental image of Sunday was largely (haha) influenced by Watson in Action Sherlock Brain Theatre. I am not proud. But I am amused.
tealin: (Default)
Sherlock Holmes: His Last Bow - One might expect such a long-running and popular series to end with a bang but I rather like this quiet, evocative piece. It does an amazing job of setting the period in sound, too.

So Wrong It's Right - I've been listening to Radio 4 for coming on to five years now and I think this is the first panel show that has ever dissolved into outright yelling. It's good, though! Just don't bring up Twitter. Plus Josie Long! Have I mentioned I love Josie Long?

Running Away: Hugh Dennis - Back to the Sussex downs but in the present. Another lovely sound picture, and a welcome bit of peace and quiet after the anarchy of So Wrong It's Right. This one made me all warm and happy when I heard it this morning. Plus Hugh Dennis!

Unfortunately I seem to have completely missed the second part of God on my Mind. Sorry ...
EDIT: Thanks to [profile] isaluna you can listen to Part 2, here. It only works till Monday, though, so listen up! This one's on neurology.

More Radio

May. 2nd, 2010 12:43 pm
tealin: (4addict)
Lots of work = lots of radio, not much of anything else.

Charles Augustus Milverton – Possibly the only Holmes radio play that could be called a 'romp' – the scene where Watson demonstrates his skill at arts and crafts is enough to justify listening in itself, but there are so many other priceless scenes besides.

Red As Blood – One of the positive side effects of the recent popular fixation on vampires is this rerun of a take on Snow White that totally blew my mind, and successfully overrode the warbly milquetoast ingenue image ingrained by Disney. It only lasts till Tuesday, though, so if you're going to listen, do it soon!

The Caesars: Nero – I've never been much interested in classical history but these dramatized biographies are really compellingly done. Nero's is my favourite, though a significant factor in that may be that it's told by a Nero watching his grave being dug. ... and then I wonder why I seem to have a different threshold for 'dark' than the people who run Disney. Of course, being Nero, it has, erm ... 'adult concepts.' But it comes with a Kate Beaton comic!
tealin: (4addict)
My memory failed me; I picked the wrong P word.

The Lighthouse, the Politician, and the Trained Cormorant – Part 2!

... though they've retitled it anyway, possibly out of respect for the mystique of the reference. A cracking good drama.
tealin: (Default)
The new drama on Radio 4 is quite good but it does make me miss Michael Williams, who used to play Watson opposite Clive Merrison. Well, lo and behold, Radio 7* has Ye Olde Series playing, so you can enjoy Michael Williams too!

The Engineer's Thumb – Evil Germans! Diabolical devices! Hairsbreadth escapes! Missing digits! Trains!
The Red-Headed League – which has the dubious distinction of being the only Holmes story they made us read in school, and which is (if I may be so bold) the most dull to read, and therefore put me off the series for years. Way to misrepresent the great stories and characters, curriculum setters.
The Man with the Twisted Lip – For some reason I picture the title character as Mark Williams (Mr Weasley).
The Five Orange Pips – Americans and their crazy transoceanic schemes!
The Noble Bachelor – Is it just me or did Doyle have a 'thing' about Americans? Specifically westerners. Maybe what he really wanted to write was Westerns but it was Holmes that paid the bills ...

*When did they switch from BBC7 to Radio 7? I remember they used to get all bashful when they mixed up the names before, and now they do the same thing but in reverse. Do they actually get broadcast on the actual radio now?

Syndicate

RSS Atom

Most Popular Tags