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TELEVISION
This could easily have become a simple list of shows I like that are coming back in 2012 ( The Vampire Diaries , Merlin ) but rather than that, I’ve highlighted new shows that have piqued my interest and returning shows that seem likely to be of extra interest for one reason or another.
Being Human
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It’s all change on Being Human , with a new, posh vampire, Hal (Damien Molony) filling a Mitchell-shaped hole, and Tom (Michael Socha) returning to become the alpha werewolf now that George (Russell Tovey) has been confirmed as leaving at some point too.
At first, this all sounds a bit worrying. How can a show survive the loss of two of its main three characters? On the other hand a big change in the format might be better than a little one. After all, Hal won’t have to try to be a replacement Mitchell if he doesn’t have to share the spotlight – and form a relationship – with George; instead a whole new dynamic can be forged with Tom. And from what we’ve seen of the chemistry Malony and Socha in action on set, they have the potential to win over fans. Sure, it’s a nerve-wracking time for everyone involved in the show, but series four has the feel of a new beginning.
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Eternal Law
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From the creators of Life On Mars and Being Human (we won’t mention –ahem – Bonekickers ), an equally high concept series for ITV about a pair of angels who become lawyers. And there was us thinking that lawyers were all devils in disguise.
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Alcatraz
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Despite the protestations otherwise of all involved, the new show from the Abrams hit factory does seem to be a bit of a case of Lost Take 2. There’s an arc plot predicated around a mystery, flashbacks and a spooky island. Not to mention Hurley. Well, Jorge Garcia, anyway, this time playing Diego Soto, a comic book nerd and expert of the infamous prison island of the show’s title.
The plot involves former Alcatraz inmates, who disappeared decades ago, reappearing in the present day. It’s a lot more complicated than that, with Sam Neill as government agent Emerson Hauser, playing one of those “I know everything, but I’m only going to let little hints slip every week” characters that make sure you know there’s A BIG CONSPIRACY GOING ON HERE!
Despite any “here we go again” misgivings, I have to admit, the trailers have been stylishly promising. And let’s be honest – most of the new telefantasy shows that have debuted in the States in the last six months have been decidedly yawnsome, so I’m just hoping that Alcatraz reverses the trend.
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Game Of Thrones
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Season one was the best thing in fantasy television last year. Can season two maintain the quality? Hell, even if it’s only half as good, it’s still going to be the best thing in fantasy television this year. Dare we even hope it gets better? In HBO we trust…
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Misfits
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Sure, series three had its problems, but it remained a massively entertaining show. And while I acknowledge that Rudy was a divisive character (he had a thankless task, really, trying to make us forget about Nathan), personally I bloody loved him. Especially his power. Gilgun was hilarious as Jiminy Cricket Rudy, chastising his wayward other half. And with series four of the show, it looks like we’re in for a Being Human -style reboot, now that Antonia Thomas and Iwan Rheon have confirmed they’re not coming back. For some, this may mean that show has lost all its best characters, but for me, it’s a exciting chance to mix things up a bit. So yeah, I am excited to see where the show might be heading.
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Powers
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Powers is a new superhero/cop show hybrid from FX, the US cable channel that’s home to American Horror Story , Wilfred and Sons Of Anarchy . It’s based on the Brian Michael Bendis comic about two detectives, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim who work in a special homicide division called Power, investigating cases involving superheroes and supervillains. FX is apparently aiming for a gritty show with the vibe of The Wire or David Fincher’s Se7en . If they manage to achieve that, we’ll be watching. But if just turns out to be Alphas with more sex and swearing… maybe not.
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Doctor Who
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Okay, no shocker I’m putting this on my list, rather than, say, the next season of Merlin, because everyone knows I love Who . But I’m not being entirely partisan. While I love Merlin , the end of series four didn’t really finish with the promise of any great developments to come in series five. Doctor Who , though… well, the series that starts this year will be the one that’s paving the way for the 50th anniversary celebrations, so that gets me excited for a start. Plus, there’ll be a new companion, and I always love getting to know a new companion. We’re also promised a heartbreaking end to the Amy/Rory arc. So yeah, Who ’s not just in this list for old time’s sake. Season seven should be something very special indeed.
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Chuck Finale
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No, this is not a sarcastic inclusion in a “I’ll be glad to see the back of this” kind of way. Chuck may be far from perfect, but I am extremely fond of it, and will be very sad to see it go. But it has had a good run, and it’s had the chance to plot its final season knowing this is the final curtain. So if Chuck’s ability to produce a stonking season finales in the past is anything to go by, then we should be in for a brilliant series finale. It’ll be a bittersweet experience indeed.
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A few things not to get too excited about on the next page…
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