BBC America has finally come to DirecTV, your humble correspondent's telly source, and I've had quite a few e-mails from people looking for viewing guidance. So here is a quick rundown on just a few of the wonderful programs currently on offer to DirecTV viewers and all the other lucky souls who receive this godsend of a channel.
Crime and Mystery
Between the Lines: A cop show so hot it'sa wonder the Playboy Channel didn't pick it up years ago. Actually it would have to be a Playgirl channel because the heat is usually generated by series star Neil Pearson (Drop the Dead Donkey, Rhodes) as Tony Clark, the CIB (Internal affairs) copper with the soulful eyes, great hair and serious commitment problems. Pearson is brilliant as the flawed, yet sympathetic, Clark. who seems to spend nearly as much time boozing and wenching as he does chasing down the villains. Between the Lines carries on the great tradition of UK cop shows that includes classics like Z Cars, The Sweeney, Taggart, Prime Suspect and Inspector Morse. As with the best crime dramas, and all shows really, the strength of the supporting cast often makes the difference. Between the Lines surrounds Pearson with some solid performers (including Siobhan Redmond and Tom Georgeson , and this is where British Crime shows always seem to outshine their American counterparts (with the exception of shows like NYPD Blue and Homicide). The American leads may be strong (Peter Falk's Columbo for instance) but the second rate supporting and guest casts sabotage the series. (Between The Lines)
Hamish Macbeth: While we're chatting about sexy cops I suppose I might as well mention that BBC America's also showing Full Monty and Ravenous star Robert Carlysle's turn as Scottish lawman Hamish Macbeth, based on the M.C. Beeton books. Set in the sleepy town of Lochdubh, it unfolds at a leisurely pace and sense of humor and has garnered a well-deserved cult following. (The Wee Hamish Macbeth Page / Original Robert Carlyle Page)
Fans of this year's Oscar darling Shakespeare in Love will want to check out star, and another Full Monty alumni, Tom Wilkinson's earlier turn as Resnick. According to BBC America's web site...
"“Shambling, overweight and emotionally damaged… jazz-loving Resnick is an original”, wrote The London Times. In this drama he tracks down a serial killer who preys on women through the pages of a lonely hearts column."
Sounds good to me. Resnick:Lonely Hearts premiers April 18 on BBC America.
Operating more in the Agatha Christie/Dorothy L. Sayers mode is the Inspector Allyen Mysteries (seen previously in the States on PBS and A&E). Based on the
