Three Shows You Should Consider Watching

During my summer holidays from Uni, I managed to get a decent chunk of new tv watching in. While my taste in shows is generally towards the science-fiction/fantasy genre, there have been quite a few different shows that have piqued my interest. I also have a high tolerance for otherwise terrible shows, the good bad shows, if you will but I’ve put that aside to bring you the top three good shows. Ok, I partially lied, two good shows and one good bad. So, if you’re looking for some new shows to watch, then you’ve come to the right place. Potential (light) spoilers ahoy!

The Musketeers

The Musketeers is a new BBC series adaptation of “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas. If you’re hoping for something that sticks close to the novel, I’m afraid you probably won’t find it here, but what you will find is something that is pretty darn awesome. The show follows the story of D’Artagnan (Luke Pasqualino) and his journey to joining the Musketeer corp, the finest members including Athos (Tom Burke), Aramis (Santiago Cabrera) and Porthos (Howard Charles). I instantly fell in love with this show. It has action, adventure, romance and friendships. Oh, the friendships. It also has some great actors and isn’t afraid to make some “controversial” changes to the story. Whilst the story is ultimately about the relationship between the Three Musketeers (plus one), there is also the inclusion of some of the ladies. Milady (Maimie McCoy) one of the main antagonists of the series and assassin, and a new character Constance (Tamla Kari). Unlike most historical based shows, it isn’t whitewashed and we see three of the four lead actors being people of colour. It’s only five episodes into a thirteen episode season but it’s already been renewed for a second. Peter Capaldi, as everyone might know, has been chosen to be the next Doctor so it’ll be interesting to see how they deal with the character of Cardinal Richelieu. I can’t recommend this show enough.

Almost Human

Ahhhh, Almost Human. In a world where the current life-span of a science-fiction series is about half a season, Almost Human is fighting a battle to get renewed. I know it sounds off putting but let me tell you some things about Almost Human. The year is 2048 and technology has become out of control. In order to combat new forms of crime, the police force are now using androids that are partnered with human cops. Enter John Kennex (Karl Urban), a cantankerous cop who is reinstated to the police force after a period away. He is paired with Dorian or DRN (Michael Ealy), a discontinued android who was made to experience human emotions. Due to the way that Fox has decided to air the show out of order (flashbacks to Firefly anyone?), it’s probably going to feel a bit out of synch. However, ignoring this aspect the show is amazing. Dorian is the clear highlight of the series. He’s funny, sassy, endearing and the growing friendship between the two leads is great, as is the banter. The support cast are well suited and I particularly like Captain Maldonado (Lili Taylor) and Rudy (McKenzie Crook). While there are plenty of episode only stories going on, the overarching plot looks like it’s going to be a doozy. The show explores the concept of souls and the ethics of artificial intelligence through Dorian but does so in a way that it isn’t forced upon the viewer. If you love science-fiction, then Almost Human is definitely one to catch. Plus, the special effects are pretty. Please don’t let this show get cancelled.

Sleepy Hollow

As most of my friends can attest, I talk a lot about Sleepy Hollow and have prodded several into watching the show. Sleepy Hollow is very loosely tied to the movie version starring Johnny Depp. Whilst normally horror related media is on the very bottom of my list to see, Sleepy Hollow sucked me in from the get go. Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) dies during the revolutionary war and revives in 2013. He gets blamed for the murder of a local sherriff and ends up teaming up with Deputy Abigail Mills (Nicole Beharie) to stop the Headless Horseman and the Apocalypse. Sleepy Hollow should be watched for a number of reasons. 1) Ichabod’s outrage at modern life. 2) The diversity on the show, which includes a number of people of colour in leading roles and people with disabilities and 3) the twist at the end. The show revolves around friendship, trust and family as well as the sometimes ridiculous plot lines, you’ll know which one I’m talking about when you get to it. Sleepy Hollow makes no apologies for its ridiculousness. I love that the show has so many people of colour in it, and how it only adds to the series and makes it more realistic than only having a cast of white actors. Plus the actors are perfect. Orlando Jones as Captain Irving, the new boss of the Sleepy Hollow department who suddenly has to deal with the prospect of supernatural driven crimes. Nicole Beharie is my hands down favourite though and I enjoy how Abbie is a well-developed character who isn’t just around to provide a foil for Ichabod and actually is the real lead of the show. I also like the growing relationship between Abbie and her sister Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood) and how they have to repair the broken trust to become sisters again. Lady friendships guys, there needs to be more of these. I could go on and on about this show. The series had also been renewed for a second season after three episodes, with several guest stars being upgraded to regular cast spots.

Other recommendations: Continuum, Falling Skies and Ripper Street.