Remade in America

It's apparent to the majority of people I meet that I love British television. Sometimes, I feel the need to stick up for it. Like now.

With CBS having announced its intention to air Elementary, a modern day telling of Sherlock Holmes, I can't help but wonder why. The BBC has already beat them to the punch with Sherlock, which brings the characters and stories to present day London. With great performances by Benedict Cumberbatch (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Martin Freeman (currently filming The Hobbit), it's hard to picture a world in which CBS will have the better version. Especially since Elementary would take place in NYC. What? 221B Baker Street in America? I can't see that working out well. Plus, I love that Freeman's Watson blogs about his adventures with Holmes. :)


So all this has got me thinking about American remakes of British television shows. Do they really work?

If the program is a reality show or aired in the 1970s, yes.
Hell's Kitchen, American Idol and the game shows Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? were all hits brought to the US from across the pond. And have you heard of Till Death Us Do Part, Steptoe and Son or Man About The House? Probably not. But I bet you know All in the Family, Sanford and Son and Three's Company. Again, all three were major hits in the United States.


But what about recent remakes?In past years, many of the shows brought over and redesigned have flopped.

Viva Laughlin (Blackpool) was cancelled after two episodes.


The American version of Life on Mars suffered declining viewership and never made it to a second season.


Let's not forget Skins. MTV pulled the plug on its version after The Parents Television Council attacked the program leading to loss of sponsors and viewership.



Being Human has its counterpart on Syfy and while averaging 1.9 million viewers makes it the network's top winter series, the numbers would not hold up on networks like USA and TBS.


In all fairness, there is one fairly recent show that became a major hit when converted for American audiences. The Office. The first season struggled, but the show hit its stride during the second season and gained a vast audience. It's currently in its 8th season. The best part is that a lot of fans love both versions.


So what's my point in all this? I think that Americans should give the original British shows a shot over here. Just look at the recent success of Doctor Who and Downton Abbey. Hey! Wouldn't that make a great crossover.

And by the way, if you can't understand the accent, there's always closed-captioning.

Downton Who

So I've started this blog as a place where I can publish my random thoughts to the world. Some are weirder than others and most of them will probably have to do with the world of entertainment. Without out further ado, let me begin.


I've just recently become addicted to the ITV/PBS series Downton Abbey. For those unfamiliar with the program, it revolves around the upper-class family and servants who reside at Downton towards the beginning of the 20th century. And with any period piece, I can't help but wonder what would happen if The Doctor visited the country estate.

(Photo belongs to Metro)

And what sort of menace would be plaguing the inhabitants of Downton? Is Thomas really an evil alien? Has Daisy mistakenly sent a smoke signal to outer-space, bringing chaos to the countryside? What if Lady Sybil's been kidnapped by cybermen due to her compaigning that the term is sexist and there should be cyberwomen as well? Whatever it is, there is no question that The Doctor can sort it out with the help of Mary, Anna, Matthew, William and Lord Grantham. Although, I doubt Mr. Carson would approve if a police telephone box appeared in the library. He's only just gotten used to answering the phone in his room.

(Graphic not made by me)

And how awesome would it be for Maggie Smith to be on an episode of Doctor Who. And in this role? Oh god that would be amazing. The Dowager Countess would definitely be a match for The Doctor and his eccentric ways. According to this woman, electricity and telephones make her feel as if she were living in an H.G. Wells novel. I say that we put her in the Tardis and see what she makes of it.

(Photo is property of ITV)

But no matter what, let's not forget Penelope Winton. The actress plays Isobel Crawley, but Doctor Who fans would know her as Harriet Jones, former Prime Minister.

(Photos belong to ITV and BBC)

The Doctor could have some fun with this, possibly telling Mrs. Crawley, or her son, that their descendent will be one of the most powerful women in England. Until The Doctor takes her down, that is. Both characters played by Winton are strong and won't get pushed around. It's easily believable that Jones would be related to the Crawleys.

There is just no denying that this would be an awesome crossover. While odds are non-existent on it happening, it at least keeps my mind occupied. :)