Svlad_Cjelli

Here in Australia our ABC is currently doing a repeat screening of this top notch British legal drama/comedy, and not a moment too soon. 10 episodes is just not enough of North Square and it's completely criminal that more were never made.

North Square may not be a realistic portrayal of legal life (though my own experiences as a law student and one-time article clerk do make me wonder if there is a grain of truth in North Square) but it has witty dialogue and fascinating characters. It's hard to pick a favourite part of North Square but my vote goes to barrister Tom Mitford's method of swaying juries and judges - with quotes from The Merchant Of Venice....it's adaptable to any case, even indecent exposure.

But there are heaps of great moments in this show. Find a copy, watch it, and let it endear you to the legal world of Leeds.

Yes, I admit it, all my comments here are coloured by the fact that I loved this high quality, well written, funny, intelligent, crime-drama-comedy show since the pilot episode (The Wrestler's Tomb).

Jonathan Creek is one great show: seemingly impossible murder mysteries combined with an interesting sexual tension between the two leads (at least, it was in the first 3 series when we had Maddy, not that I disapprove of Julia Sawalha) and some good comedy. The writing was great, the acting was likewise, and the show saw Alan Davies become a new "thinking woman's sex symbol" almost overnight. :P

But seriously, Jonathan Creek deserves not only its BAFTA but also a place in the UKTV hall of fame.

I wasn't quite sure what to make of We Are History. First of all it is a take-off of the many UK history shows (you know, Elizabeth I, the wives of Henry VIII, that kind of thing). Second, well, the humour is a cross between absurdist and slapstick. Third, a key feature is the use of real life locations and volunteer participation by enthusiastic members of the public in recreations of famous historical events. The episodes are about 10 minutes long, and the history is the concise version with gags.

So does it work? When it works it works well, but when the jokes fail they fail dismally. As a distraction between main event programming the show works well, but I doubt it could be promoted by itself.

I recommend it to anyone with an insane sense of humour, or, alternately, anyone watching late-night weekend programming (that's when the show normal airs here on Australia's ABC) who's had a few drinks.