Addicted: Vikings on History Channel

When I reach a writing milestone (like finishing a draft or rewriting half a book), I like to reward myself with some form of entertainment that is bound to be utterly addictive and soul-consuming. Sometimes, feeding my addiction comes in the form of a fantastic book (or more likely, a whole series of books). But other times, it's good 'ole TV.

This week, as I drew closer to finishing my latest round of revisions, I rewarded myself with VIKINGS, a dark, gritty new series from The History Channel. And oh, my, am I so pleasantly and thoroughly addicted. The production value on this show is so incredibly high that I feel like I'm there. I can almost smell these people, and their food, and I'm utterly fascinated with the strange ways they talk and eat and sleep . . . it's so wonderful to experience this brand new world. If you haven't yet, you should check it out.

And did I mention the FABULOUS HAIR? I mean, just LOOK at that!

Addicted: Once Upon A Time

(Clip removed because auto-play was driving me nutz) So, Once Upon A Time is back on SUNDAY! If you haven't gotten into the show, well, it's pretty incredible. For those of us dabbling in magic and fairy tales, this show is pure candy. OUAT is the story of fairy tale characters trapped in the real world by the evil queen, who seeks to suppress them all so that she may have her own heart's desires fulfilled. If you haven't seen any of the episodes, most told a dual story: one set in modern day Storybrooke, one set in fairy tale times, and both winding together to advance the story--will the characters remember who they really are? And what will happen when they find out?

From the show's creators:

Once Upon A Time is, at its core, a story about hope.


"For us, that’s what a fairy tale is. It’s that ability to think your life will get better. It’s why you buy a lottery ticket—because if you win you get to tell your boss that you’re quitting and you get to move to Paris or wherever and be who you always wanted to be. And that’s Cinderella, right? One day she’s sweeping up and the next she’s going to the ball. Adam and I just wanted to write about something hopeful that for one hour a week allows one to put everything aside and have that feeling that your dreams just may come true."
 

- Edward Kitsis, Co-Creator/Executive Producer

That sounds like a pretty awesome premise, right? I think hope is something we all strive to share with our stories--hope for a better future, a new dad, a fairy godmother . . . there is usually a wish of some sort that our characters are chasing down, and it is our hope that they achieve it that makes the journey so much fun to write about.

Addicted: Sherlock

If you haven't seen the PBS series Sherlock, you're missing out. The stories are familiar yet modern reinventions of the classic detective tales. The acting is top notch. The sets and costumes are unobtrusive. The graphics can be a bit goofy, but they have that BBC charm.

One of the recent episodes, A Scandal in Belgravia, offered up the most incredible female nemesis I have seen in some time. The casting was spot-on and the writing crisp, seductive, and full of tiny little mysteries. If you're crafting a villain, this is a great bit of TV to watch. The Woman is a character you love and hate. You come to understand her completely while continuing to doubt her motivations. She is a real villain.

This season's episodes of Sherlock can be found on PBS for a limited tim, and the first season is out on DVD. Masterpiece is rocking my socks off these days!

Addicted: Five Favorite BBC Classic Series

Now that I'm whittling away at a historical novel set in Victorian England, I'm revisiting a lot of old British TV favorites. Every time I watch these series, I am reminded of how much I love stories from the past, particularly Victorian ones as told by the BBC. Though these are period pieces, their stories are timeless.

#5--The Forsyte Saga

This is one of the lesser known Masterpiece Theatre series, I think because of the less familiar name. The Forsyte Saga is the story of a family over a generation, and all of the pitfalls and struggles of love with the restrictions of class and money. Gorgeous sets and clothes, with unflinching portrayals of cruelty within a powerful family.

#4--Jane Eyre

The classic story of the young governess Jane Eyre, done by Masterpiece Theatre in sumptuous period setting, with plenty of angst. Casting for this was excellent.

 #3--Pride & Prejudice

Really, do I need to say more than Colin Firth? Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite stories to watch adaptations of on the big screen--I really enjoyed the most recent film, but there's something too awesome about this mini-series. P&P deserves the extra hours to unfold.

#2--Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey isn't quite as early period as the other series I'm spotlighting, but it's undeniably awesome. From the ridiculously detailed sets and costumes to the gorgeous soundtrack, this series is a lush treat that follows the fictional Crawley family, highlighting the changing times and how those events effect both the upstairs and downstairs at an aristocratic estate. Plus, anything created by Julian Fellowes is guaranteed to be off the hook.

 #1--North & South

My novel is also set in the Victorian era, but long before I began writing it, I'd watched this BBC series no fewer than five times. It's crazy--or at least, it drove my husband crazy. But I'm team Thornton all the way! North & South is a four-part retelling of Elizabeth Gaskell's 19th century novel about the unlikely love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton, in a time when England was in a state of intellectual and scientific revolution unlike any seen before. Yearning, conflict, progress--all wrapped up in a luscious Victorian setting. If you missed it, treat yourself.

Addicted! PBS's Downton Abbey

Watching Downton Abbey on PBS is like reading a fantastic historical fiction in record time.  The characters are so rich, the settings so fantastic, and the plot lines so dramatic that I'm worn out after an hour of watching.  It's the same feeling I'm left with when I finish tearing through an amazing read - only without the grieving process, at least not until the season finale....and then there's always next season!

If you're not a fan yet, you will be after one episode, and then you can indulge your Downton addiction by taking a quiz to see which character you are!  One of the great things about this series, borne to us from the UK and Julian Fellowes, is that PBS is experiencing a renaissance because of it's popularity and unparalleled success.  I can't wait for tonight's "Christmas Special" episode - don't miss it at 9EST!