British Telly

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

When you're done, try the US version!

Ooh! I didn't even know there was one. Are they on separate but equal footing in your mind, or is one better than the other?

[Happy Monkey]

I haven't seen the British one, unfortunately.

The US one rests on the acting abilities of the dad and daughters, who are excellent. Especially the oldest daughter, who can really make you feel the joys and pain of her character's life. The rest of the show is good, but I'm sort of waiting to get back to her story when it's following someone else.

[Ibby]

Having seen the first few series of the British Shameless, but not any of the US version -
from what I've heard, the value American Shameless totally rests on how much you appreciate William H. Macy. As a fan of his, and as a HUGE Coen brothers fan, I think I'd like it. But if you don't really dig William H. Macy, from what I've heard, you won't dig the American Shameless at all.
One of these days relatively soon I plan to catch up on the British version, and then start watching the American. I'll give my little bit of criticism that I can, when I do. But I can definitely say that I've LOVED what of the British version that I've watched.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

And now I've gone and done it. I've started watching Shameless.

Subtitles are a requirement, of course. But it's quite fascinating so far. Besides just being a good show with funny writing, it's a depiction of a world that just doesn't exist in the US. Our poorer classes don't look like that, they contend with different problems and different attitudes.

And now I've got 6+ seasons to take my time with! It's a mother lode of entertainment.

Thanks Clodfobble. You're absolutely on target with the warning for Americans to watch with the subtitles on. Twil and I are streaming it here at my place. The Roku does not support subtitles, but the PS3 does. We've watched a couple episodes on each and even after getting some help from the subtitles watching without is almost hopeless. I get the tone, and the volume, but I can't make out more than half of the dialog.

We gorged ourselves on the whole first season and the beginning of the second season just this weekend. Now, I've promised to wait until we're together again before I continue watching. It will not be an easy promise to keep.

[DanaC]

Here's a really nice little four part drama to look out for. It's halfway through and I'm really enjoying it.

Good Cop:

[DanaC]

Also: Accused. Each week a different story.

Here's the series trailer:


One of the early Shameless actors in one of them, and Sean Bean [Ed Stark] in another.

[DanaC]

And finally, some comedy. Whites

[monster]

OMG I find it hysterical that you guys need subtitles

[Clodfobble]

You have to admit, Shameless accents are a lot harder than Downton Abbey accents. I can understand the posh folks just fine.

For those who haven't seen the show--watch the intro to the clip below. I bet not one American on this board can understand more than 50% of what he's saying.

[Happy Monkey]

Here's one who could. But I didn't quite catch what they all "know how to" do when the cops show up just before the title appears.

[DanaC]

They know how to throw a party

Cant see the clip, but remember the line :P

I loved the first two series of Shameless, but once Fiona and Posh Lad left I dropped off it. I'd watch every so often but didnt keep up.

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

Here's one who could. But I didn't quite catch what they all "know how to" do when the cops show up just before the title appears.

You understood why they won't let Carl grow his hair out?

[Happy Monkey]

On another listen, I didn't get:

Name of the neighborhood (probably because it's a proper name, so no context)
What Carl's hair standing on end makes him look like, and the second reason (something loves him?)
Debbie, between "total angel" and "she'll go miles"

[BigV]

Chatswood Estate

because it makes him look like Toyah, second, nits love him.

...total angel, you're to check your change but she'll go miles

And, absent from the end of that intro but present in the regular series after "know how to throw a party" is the shout "Scatter!" but it sounds like "Scaa-ah".

I get the gist, but details like Chatswood or Toyah do make a difference. One word that does appear in the subtitles but I don't have a ready translation for is "owt". I have substituted "anything" in my American mind.

Still, despite CLODFOBBLE'S MASSIVE, JUST MASSIVE SPOILER up there, I intend to (try to) continue to watch it.

As for me, *****SPOILER ALERT*****

I'm not kidding. highlight and be illuminated at your peril!

Well. You know Ian and Kash? How they have a satisfactory love life? Didn't feel good to learn that Ian actually has someone like Kash? I know I felt that way for him. He's a sympathetic character and I want the best for him. That he's gay isn't something I find distasteful. I also don't find it especially titillating, I'm just happy that he's got a love life in the face of a daunting social milieu. Yay Ian.

Now, remember when Frank was faced with seduction by Karen? I didn't like that pairing. I even said, no, he's not gonna do it. I clearly jinxed him because in the very next scene, they're humping away at about 7.5 on the richter scale. Oh, no, shit!

Somewhat later, Kash and Ian are talking and Kash chastises Ian saying "OI! Hands off the married man!"

Freeze frame!

I actually paused the playback when it hit me that these two sexual pairings are practically the same, a married adult man having sex with a middle-teenager. In both cases, all the parties involved are willing, enthusiastically so! But my reaction to each one was **very** different. I was happy for young Ian to be getting some lovin', physically and emotionally. I was disappointed, angered that Frank would be succumbing to his baser instincts by taking advantage of Karen's underage seductions. Where's the adult in the room?!

Now... wait a minute? They're the same thing, adult man, under age partner. One gay, one straight, but I don't think that was the rub. Why did I have such dramatically different reactions?

***** END SPOILER ALERT *****

[monster]

OK it's getting better

I totally understand the need for subtitles, it just makes me laugh.
in the 1980s there was a series called Auf weidersehen, Pet. Full of Geordies. I left my cosy Dormitary suburb near Manchester for a year and went off to live near there. Came back a year later -when the series started, with the accent. was the only one who could understand it! Once a week translation services were requested.....