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Time now for a look at another of BBC Three's drama pilots, Mrs In-Betweeny.
From Shameless creator Paul Abbott, the show begins as three kids learn that their new guardian is to be their estranged relative, Uncle Brendan. On arrival, however, Uncle Brendan has transformed himself into "Aunt Emma".
What's Good About It:
Now for some updates on the other pilots:
Phoo Action: Bizarrely, this was commissioned for a full series before the pilot even aired, probably on the strength of Jaime Winstone alone. Its pickup does not affect the chances of the other shows, however.
Being Human: A very strong pilot with a good shot at going to series. An internet petition calling for it to be commissioned has already received over 1,500 signatures. As for what could happen if the show does go on to series, werewolf actor Russell Tovey tells me: "I think you're going to see Adrian Lester's part, Herrick, developed further . He's going to whip up all the vampires of the world to turn against humans and [we see] Mitchell's struggle with that. And I think I come face to face with another werewolf at some point..."
West 10 LDN: Airs on March 10. Click here for our preview.
Dis/Connected: Follows a group of friends in the build-up and aftermath of a suicide. Was due to air this week but was postponed after a spate of real-life suicides. Will probably air on March 24.
The Things I Haven't Told You: Due to air on March 17. As a follow-up to the sneak peek I posted on Tube Talk last year, I can now reveal a website that offers more clues. More next week!
What do you think of the pilots so far? How do the upcoming ones sound to you? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry.
If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
From Shameless creator Paul Abbott, the show begins as three kids learn that their new guardian is to be their estranged relative, Uncle Brendan. On arrival, however, Uncle Brendan has transformed himself into "Aunt Emma".
What's Good About It:
- The cast is full of instantly likeable characters, and Amelia Bullmore puts in an admirable performance as our transgendered lead
- It's very much a softer version of Shameless - not unrelentingly outrageous and with lots of emotional blanacers
- While nothing new, the humour does hit the spot, from a wanking headmaster to a self-pleasuring alcoholic mother
- The lead is played by a woman - and although her chiselled face lends itself to the role - she does actually look like a woman. Casting a man instead would have given more credence to the backstory
- This formula of showing the outrageous behaviour of odd family units has been done a million times before. There's nothing particularly new here.
- In the final scene, Aunt Emma reveals all for the camera - but did we really need to see it?
Now for some updates on the other pilots:
Phoo Action: Bizarrely, this was commissioned for a full series before the pilot even aired, probably on the strength of Jaime Winstone alone. Its pickup does not affect the chances of the other shows, however.
Being Human: A very strong pilot with a good shot at going to series. An internet petition calling for it to be commissioned has already received over 1,500 signatures. As for what could happen if the show does go on to series, werewolf actor Russell Tovey tells me: "I think you're going to see Adrian Lester's part, Herrick, developed further . He's going to whip up all the vampires of the world to turn against humans and [we see] Mitchell's struggle with that. And I think I come face to face with another werewolf at some point..."
West 10 LDN: Airs on March 10. Click here for our preview.
Dis/Connected: Follows a group of friends in the build-up and aftermath of a suicide. Was due to air this week but was postponed after a spate of real-life suicides. Will probably air on March 24.
The Things I Haven't Told You: Due to air on March 17. As a follow-up to the sneak peek I posted on Tube Talk last year, I can now reveal a website that offers more clues. More next week!
What do you think of the pilots so far? How do the upcoming ones sound to you? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry.
If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
Your Views
5 Comments
Your Responses
Caroline, Oxford, on March 2nd, 2008
Being Human was a great take on supernatural beings and showed the start of being something great. When I tried to explain Phoo Action to a friend she thought I was making it up, which says it all really!
Being Human was a great take on supernatural beings and showed the start of being something great. When I tried to explain Phoo Action to a friend she thought I was making it up, which says it all really!
Sam, Liverpool, on February 29th, 2008
I think this looks interesting, but personally Being Human is by far the best. I don't get why Phoo Action deserves a full series and BH still hasn't got a green light. So much for the BBC being a public service.
I think this looks interesting, but personally Being Human is by far the best. I don't get why Phoo Action deserves a full series and BH still hasn't got a green light. So much for the BBC being a public service.
Greg K Nicholson, York, on February 29th, 2008
“The lead is played by a woman - and although her chiselled face lends itself to the role - she does actually look like a woman.” Contrary to popular belief, there *are* some transsexual women who don't look like David Walliams. “Casting a man instead would have given more credence to the backstory” No—it would've only reinforced misconceived stereotypes.
“The lead is played by a woman - and although her chiselled face lends itself to the role - she does actually look like a woman.” Contrary to popular belief, there *are* some transsexual women who don't look like David Walliams. “Casting a man instead would have given more credence to the backstory” No—it would've only reinforced misconceived stereotypes.
Ian, Merstham, on February 29th, 2008
Loved Being Human, looking forward to West 10 LDN on the strength of 'Kidulthood' - it's from the same writer and director (in fact. why did this even need a pilot?). Phoo Action was bizarre, not sure why it needed a full series - perhaps I'm not the target audience at 33 years old!
Loved Being Human, looking forward to West 10 LDN on the strength of 'Kidulthood' - it's from the same writer and director (in fact. why did this even need a pilot?). Phoo Action was bizarre, not sure why it needed a full series - perhaps I'm not the target audience at 33 years old!
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Phoo Action was a completely wonderful hour of tv. But that's all. I am very doubtful that it could survive more episodes. Whereas Being Human was much more like an actual pilot for a series - nowhere near as innovative or as fun as Phoo Action, but with much more potential longevity.