Trans-atlantic Television

Since obtaining a TV a few weeks back, it's always interesting to hop through the channels from time to time, to have a look at the quality of the programming - and, aside from a couple of gems, it's largely rubbish - so much the same as UK TV then. However, on occasion, it's been quite a surprise to come across a home-grown show. So far, we've had "Keeping Up Appearances", "Are you Being Served?" and "Last of the Summer Wine". Quite what our American cousins make of this last show, given that it's not set in a city or London, i have no idea - anyone i've spoken to hasn't seen it. Anyway, as you can imagine, these aren't necessarily the best shows the UK has to offer (although they DO get "Absolutely Fabulous" which is, well, fabulous - at least in the earlier years - and "The Office" which, although i've never seen, i'm assured is very funny). The reason for this, usually, is that the Americans often decide to do their own versions instead - that largely sink without a trace. Take "Ab Fab" - as i understand it, this was remade with Roseanne Barr in (I know!) and it promptly vanished. "One Foot In The Grave" - an excellent and acerbic British comedy - was remade as a vehicle for Bill Cosby. Only trouble is, they took away all the nastiness, grumpiness, bitterness and general 'life is out to get me'-ness of the main character which, y'know, kinda defeats the point of it. Again, it promptly vanished. Hell, even "The Office" which is regarded with some reverence over here was subjected to a remake using exactly the same scripts (why they felt the need to do this, i have no clue). Trouble is, the main guy is no Ricky Gervais (so i've heard). Plus, there is the fact that some (read: most) Americans just do not get the English sense of humour.

Anyway, one recent show that successfully made the trans-atlantic hop that isn't a quiz or reality show (talking UK to US here btw) is "Queer as Folk" - of which the UK version was set in Manchester (for those who haven't seen it). Building on the two UK series, this was developed into a successful and critically acclaimed 5 season series over here. On a wander downtown last week, i saw the first series on offer and promptly bought it out of curiosity. And it's largely very good indeed. Again, those harsher edges have been smoothed from time to time, but it is largely a succesful translation. Whilst the initial plotlines are lifted straight from the UK show (and, indeed, some whole scenes and dialogue as well), these have been given tweaks as the show has progressed to make them more interesting and, y'know, different - what's the point of remaking the show if it's gonna be identical? (Makers of "The Office" take note). Of course, over in the UK, we've had our fair share of American shows on TV - but the main thing is that we have the common sense not to try and remake it. Cause, let's face it, the original is usually best.