800 Words

800 Words was recently broadcast on PBS, and watching the 1st season made me buy as many series of it as I could get my hands on. The premise of the show has been discussed in other reviews, so I won't repeat it, but I'll give my opinion as to why the show is so good. The characters, actors and scripts are excellent, as is the scenery. The way it takes the trope of a quirky small town with "outsiders" adjusting to life there works so well because the show is very funny and very serious at the same time. That combination of laughing and then thinking - wow- this has something important to say about being human, grieving, family dynamics, making mistakes, loving and muddling through. It isn't preachy. It steals your heart because you fall in love with the characters. Even the town "villain" is likable in a way because the quirky characters are fleshed out human beings. The handyman is laid back and might be taken as a fool, but as with the Shakespearen fool, he has the role of helping his employer see the lay of the land and the people in it- plus he has a heart of gold. There are special characters throughout that show up in one episode (the has-been surfer dude is one of my favorites) and townspeople who make regular appearances. I like comedy to be meaningful, and meaningful drama to contain comedy. This show hits the bullseye.

It's the best series since Parenthood, every character is endearing, the writing is excellent, the dialogues aren't trivial but compelling and believable. George's struggle with the loss of his wife is palpable and tears your heart out! George is vulnerable which adds an extra layer of attraction to the quirky and beautiful women of Weld. Tongue in cheek humor is cleverly laced throughout the storyline and I can't wait for each new episode!

Great family show about a man whose wife was recently killed in an accident, he makes the impulsive decision to move his family consisting of a teen girl and boy to small town New Zealand. Along the way we are introduced to a cast of locals who eventually accept him and his family as part of the community. A very sweet and kind show which shows the struggle of surviving a great loss and learning to live again. Great family fare and heartwarming. One of my favorite shows of all time.

I love this show, Strangely about words and so much more and yet I struggle now to write why I love this show. Something for everyone perhaps; Clever for sure; Cliché for certain; but entertaining - absolutely. Out of a tragic beginning comes a show worthy of 42 minutes of my day. Watch and enjoy. I was and am still a huge fan of the 90's show Northern Exposure, and Chris' monologues, summary or prequels - insightful, prophetic, thought provoking and just plain good stuff; This simple 800 word show is up there for this fan

..is it gripping TV.. of course not.. but while there is sooo much lesser stuff still on-air.. this one could really have been given more life..

..for three seasons, they all made it entertaining and most all times wide-audience friendly.. would one or two more really have been so bad..

..best of luck guys.. and like Erik said.. you did deserve better from the powers-that-be..

..and how can you possibly cancel a show with Melina Vidler in it..