Masterpiece Theatre

Let me just begin by saying I grew up on Masterpiece Theatre. Some Americans think I speak with a slight British accent, and if I do, it might possibly be because I watched so much Masterpiece Theatre. And I still watch Masterpiece Theatre, but I really don't understand what's going on behind the scenes. I mean, it's not even called Masterpiece Theatre anymore. Instead it's either Masterpiece Classic or Masterpiece Contemporary or Masterpiece Mystery or some such nonsense, depending on what kind of show they're airing.  And while they still do intros, they now have actors delivering information in the most snarky voice possible. What's with that? Do the producers think snarky means hip?  More intelligent? More in keeping with British television? More modern? Or do they secretly despise the very shows they're airing? Personally, I just don't find contempt a very nice prelude to a show like Downton Abbey.

Pioneers of Television

I just spent the nicest hour watching Pioneers of Television. The episode was about the birth of science fiction, interviewing past stars of Star Trek, Lost in Space, etc. and you got to find out what fascinating people Gene Roddenberry and Irwin Allen were. But what was really a surprise was the attitude of the show, relaxed, good-spirited, fun. There wasn't anything snarky or muckraking, no "so and so were doing drugs" and "so and so were sleeping together". Nothing juvenile. I felt a little like I'd gone back in time, watching a tribute show from the 70s.

Behind the Scenes of Nature's "Hummingbirds" Episode

Usually, behind the scenes stuff is pretty boring, something to fatten up a DVD package and nothing more. But this look at how Nature's "Hummingbirds" episode was shot is pretty interesting.  You should enjoy it whether you are a wildlife nut or a photography nut or both.  Or if you're just a plain nut, like I am.

This clip is also a clever marketing bid by PBS.





I hope this clip whets your appetite for the whole episode. Hummingbirds are amazing creatures. And I'm not being hyperbolic. Hummingbirds are the Albert Einstein of birds. Wish the series went a little bit more into that! But never fear, because I have a whole blog post about their spectacular behavior at Moving to LA.