Stuff I Watched: 6th Dec – 12th Dec 2009

Yes, I realise that I’m publishing this on the 15th, but I’ve not seen anything worth writing about in the last few days.  Don’t hassle me, man.

The Human Power Station: BBC HD (Recorded 3rd Dec Watched 6th Dec)

This was a ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ special in which they attempted to power a house for 12 hours using 80 cyclists.  It sounds like a bit of a silly gimmicky show, and it was, but it was also a really effective way of showing how much energy the average household uses.

I was quite enthusiastic at the time, but I’ve kind of forgotten most of it.  The main thing that stuck with me is that they cooked a chicken using two standard light bulbs.  Why hasn’t everyone got a light bulb oven?

The Baader Meinhof Complex: SkyPremiere (R 29th Nov W 7th Dec)

Another ridiculously long, but excellent, subtitled film.  I’m going to have to watch an short, English-language movie soon, just to try and redress the balance.

Anyway, it’s the true story of a student, left-wing terrorist group who operated in Germany in the 60s and 70s.  I’d heard the name ‘Baader Meinhof’ before, but I had no idea what they were all about, or just how much mayhem that they caused.  The film was totally engrossing as well as being an excellent history lesson.

It would have been quite easy for the film-makers to glamourise the young, attractive protagonists, but they showed them warts and all.  What seemed to start as an idealistic reaction to the Nazi generation, soon degenerated in to an orgy of ego and violence.

Russell Brand: Skinned: Channel 4 (R 8th Dec W 8th Dec)

I like Frank Skinner. I like Russell Brand.  I listen to Frank  Skinner’s podcast.  I used to listen to Russell Brand’s podcast -  before he left the BBC.  I was looking forward to watching them in conversation.  It’s just a pity that such a low proportion of the show featured them actually talking.  When they were shown in conversation, it was very interesting and Frank asked him some really challenging questions about his womanising lifestyle.  Hopefully Channel 4 will broadcast an extended interview edition instead of the glorified tour video\advert that this was.

Gavin & Stacey: BBC HD (R 10th Dec W 12th Dec)

I’ve not commented on this new series so far, because I’ve not had a great deal to say.  It’s been enjoyable but probably not quite up to the first two series, with the drama element seemingly taking over the comedy.  So what is it that has motivated me to write?

Is it just me or is Stacey the most miserable woman in the world?  Nothing ever makes her happy.  Her big issue in series 2 was her homesickness, which Gavin had to give in to, but now they’re in Wales, all she does is moan about wanting a baby.  Why has it never been addressed that she clearly has a personality disorder?

Misfits: E4 (R 10th Dec W 12th Dec)

This was probably the best episode so far, even better than last week’s time twister.  Plot-lines included Curtis being unable to split up with his girlfriend, without instinctively turning back time (he couldn’t stand to hear her cry), and a super baby managing to brainwash Nathan, until he realised that he is ‘a prick’.  Best of all was the climax to Sally’s creepy stalking of lonely Simon; it was both disturbing and yet strangely understandable.

The show has really hit its stride now, just as it’s about to end.  It’s cleverly shown the low key, very British problems that might occur if ordinary people really were to get super-powers.   It certainly compares favourably to the histrionics of Heroes.