Channel Hopping

Flashing forward on the year to come

So, 2010 is here and I am looking forward to what is to come. I like even numbers and I prefer double digits to single. I loved turning ten and I haven’t looked back since.
Therefore, I am more than excited to see what this year will bring to my little box in the corner. I am currently filled with great hope and, as I read the various 2010 previews, it does look as though we are set for some very good viewing. Of course, there will also be a lot of terrible nonsense that will send us all into a blind remote control wielding rage but enough about that, we are going to begin the year with a positive air.
And so without further ado let’s move on and talk about some of the programmes that have already begun but are definitely worth sticking with. Flashforward began on Monday on RTÉ Two and although I had my doubts about it when I saw the trailer, I feel this season is at least worth taking a look. Whether it will be able to continue to deliver as the episodes move on remains to be determined and I am definitely not sure about a second season but right now it has potential.
The premise, for those who have not seen it, is quite simple. The world is moving along as normal when suddenly everyone on the planet blacks out for 2 minutes 17 seconds. What follows is a series of events that will both bring people closer together and push people apart.
During the mass blackout people see a glimpse of their future. For some it is a happy and fulfilling experience, for others it is disastrous and for more it doesn’t even seem to exist. These flashforwards are at the root of the plot and in the first episode the main players must decide if they are going to accept the future or if they will try and change it. In fact, the idea of destiny is very much at the centre of this storyline.
The series has been adapted rather loosely from the novel of the same name by Robert J Sawyer and the production team behind the series have also worked on many other science-fiction shows. This is key to its success because, as a work of hard-core science fiction, it doesn’t have as much melodrama as Lost. Taking its cues from X-Files-alike, Fringe, isn’t the worst idea in the world though, so hopefully it stays on this course.
The main characters are a mixed bag of people. There are nine main stars but, as the episodes move along, we will begin to see a few more familiar faces cropping up.
Joseph Fiennes and Jack Davenport are probably the best-known names and the programme rests very well on their square shoulders. By and large the acting is pretty good and the dialogue moves quickly without being confusing. It is in its infancy but the programme does look very promising. A second season has been commissioned and it seems set to go ahead. Only time will tell if this is a good move but right now I think it’s best if we all just sit back, relax and see where the story brings us. Watch it on RTÉ Two, Mondays at 9pm.
Now, as much as I enjoyed X-Factor this year, due mainly to the antics of Jedward, I am a much bigger fan of dancing programmes. The singing can get very boring as they all try to out-Mariah each other with vocal gymnastics. And I must say that while I believe anyone can sing, although some better than others, not everyone can dance.
Having said that, if you are going to watch a dance programme the one to watch is the UK version of So You Think You Can Dance. There have been some wonderful seasons on American TV that of course have also been aired here. This show is great because they routines are always fresh, new and exciting. Those taking part are genuinely talented and it is a recognised entrance into the professional world of dancing.
Many of those participating have danced professionally at one stage or another or have been semi-professional for some time. The judges are also better and don’t go for the headlines in the same way that Simon Cowell and co. do. Nor do they bicker in the same childish manner. On this show, it is about the dancing.
Hosted by Cat Deely, the preliminary rounds were dispensed with in one go and from next week on we are on, to the eliminations. Arleene Philips is back on our screens, thankfully and she is joined by producer and reality TV veteran Nasty Nick and, surprisingly, Louise Redknapp who, it seems, is a trained dancer. If it’s dancing you’re after and looking to be wowed by some lovely routines then this is the show.
However, if you want to be annoyed by Davina McCaul and her antics then the Sky dancing programme, Got To Dance, will do. I however, will be tuning into the BBC on Sunday nights.
So Celebrity Big Brother has started…yawn! Enough said.
And finally… a moments pause for the passing of David Tennant from Time Lord to mere mortal. Oh it was a great episode but that’s all I am going to say as I fear Dr Who has dominated this column of late.
So it will suffice to say that it was an excellent episode and in the spirit of the New Year and all that brings I will say good luck to the new Doctor, he fills the coat quite well.