The Doors Will Re-Open For A Third Season Of ITV Hit “Mr Selfridge”

Originally published on For Your Excitement.  20 February  2014.

ITV’s Mr. Selfridge has been picked up for a third season. The Radio Times is reporting that ITV has ordered more of the period drama starring Jeremy Piven and Amanda Abbingdon.

The show documents the real life story of department store owner Harry Gordon Selfridge and his employees. Having revolutionized the shopping industry with his decadent store, Mr. Selfridge must now contend with a Britain that is on the brink of WWI. With a large ensemble cast, the series also stars Aisling Loftus, Polly Walker and Samuel West.

In the promo on PBS, Selfridge tells his staff, “It may be my name on the door, but you are the ones that matter.” He may as well have been talking straight to viewers.

Mr. Selfridge has struggled to lure viewers away from BBC1’s The Musketeers, which airs in the same 9 p.m. slot on Sunday nights. However with the BBC’s recent decision to cancel the rival show The Paradise and with season two set to premiere on PBS on March 30th, viewers may be starting to shop at Selfridge’s after all.

Mr. Selfridge airs on ITV Sundays at 9pm and will begin airing on PBS’ Masterpiece on March 30th at 9 p.m.

Best and Worst Women of Downton Abbey

Originally published on For Your Excitement.  9 February  2014.
With only three episodes left in Downton Abbey series 4, American audiences are in full period drama mode. Having already listed the best and worst men of the series, it felt only right to also do the same for the ladies of Downton Abbey. Who is the finest and foulest of them all? Warning: spoilers through series 4, episode 6.

So let’s begin with the best of the Abbey

5. Sybil Crawley

Photo: PBS

We all know that she was the best sister. Sybil was unfailingly compassionate to all, confident and beautiful. She stood up for her beliefs and her man, even when her own family was (wrongly) opposed to both. We cheered for her and loved her like she was our own sister and her loss is still deeply felt.

4. Anna Bates

Photo: PBS

Whether it’s her adorable smile or her persistent yet sweet (and successful) pursuit of Bates, everyone has always had a soft spot for Anna. She makes us all feel as though she is our friend, which made her being attacked this season especially heartbreaking. There is no kinder, gentler and more loving soul in all of Downton, and I sincerely hope she gets her much-deserved happy ending.

3. Mary Crawley

Photo: Daily Mail

The eldest Crawley daughter has the kind of sarcastic demeanour that we all secretly admire. Plus, her determination, confidence and passion make her relatable to us 21st century women. While she’s had her momentary lapses, especially when it came to men, Mary has never failed to garner our respect, sympathy and highest regard.

Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery Spoofs Herself In New Funny Or Die Video

Originally published on PopWrapped.  5 January 2014.

Lady Mary shows off her Funny or Die side in a new video. Actress Michelle Dockery spoofs her Downton Abbey daintiness in a fake promo for a new TNT cop show, Tough Justice. 

Featured alongside Michael Chiklis, Dockery shows off her detective skills and spot-on American accent as the aptly named Connie Tough. The actress looks perfectly at home in her blazer, badge and handgun as she puts away criminals and keeps her macho partner (Chiklis) in check. Snippets of Lady Mary still peak through though, such as some elbow length crime scene gloves and three hours breaks for tea. Plus (SPOILERS) catch the special dig to fans still heartbroken over the death of Mary’s beloved Matthew. Thanks for reminding us, Funny or Die.

Tough Justice with Michelle Dockery from Michelle Dockery

Downton Abbey season four airs for American audiences Sunday, January 5, on PBS’ Masterpiece Theater.

PBS Showcase Superheroes With A Celebration Of Comic Books

Originally published on PopWrapped.tumblr.com.  12 September 2013.

PBS’ “Superhero Night” has a new air date but the same awesome line up. Now airing on October 15^th, the three-hour special program is hosted and narrated by Liev Schreiber and is built around the documentary Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle. The film, from Emmy-award winning producer and director Michael Kantor, chronicles the history of comic books and some of the most beloved characters of all time.

Featured in Superheroes are a slew of cultural icons such as Stan Lee, Adam West, Lynda Carter and Geoff Johns. The late comic book creators Jerry Robinson, who co-created the Joker, and Joe Simon, co-creator of Captain America, are also included.

The documentary begins with the dawn of the comic book era and details how the Great Depression and World War II influenced the creation and popularity of heroes who embodied the American spirit. Part two moves into many of the Marvel characters we know and love. The contrast between characters like Spider-Man and the Hulk, who had problems adults identified with, and earlier heroes paved the way for contemporary social issues to be addressed within the comic book pages.

The final part of Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle focuses on the modern enthusiasm for heroes. The transition of costumed saviors like Batman into darker, more complex personalities is made possible by TV, film, and the ever-changing American culture.

Superheroes was originally intended to air over the course of three weeks beginning on October 8^th. Now the documentary will play in full on October 15^th, at 8 pm ET.  More information about the special is available at www.pbs.org/superheroes.