brent_a_graham Reviews

Touch (2012–2013)

"Touch" Will Touch You

[10/10 · 28 January 2012]

If you love "Fringe" fantasy, you'll love "Touch".

If you love heart warming drama, you'll love "Touch".

And even if you just love seeing Jack Bauer being afraid of heights, you'll love "Touch".

Granted, this review is based on just what I saw in the first episode, but if that is any indication of the future episodes, we are in for a real treat!

Brilliant writing, solid acting (except for the social worker), and a compelling glimpse into what the human condition could be. It all adds up to a ground-breaking show that will capture our attention just as the last show Kiefer was in did.

Unforgettable (2011–2016)

What's Wrong with You People???

[9/10 · 13 November 2011]

How is it a fantastic show like "Unforgettable", that improves every week with wonderful character development, and a superb lead actress (Poppy Montgomery as Carrie Wells) fails to stimulate the US viewer? Yet ridiculous shows like "Amazing Race" or "Survivor" drone on year after year. I just don't get it.

Oh, wait... I *do* get it. Most viewers are not interested in any show that demands a bit of thinking. Hence the disappearance of such gems as "Life", "Dollhouse", "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip", just to name a few.

This imaginative show is quite reminiscent of "Monk", with a lead character who has a special ability - "a gift AND a curse" - and a cast of supporting characters who have to figure out their roles.

Dive in to this delicious soufflé - you'll love it!

Prime Suspect (2011–2012)

Give It a Chance!

[9/10 · 12 November 2011]

This show is like a good wine - best if savored slowly, not in one gulp. Unfortunately, most TV execs seem to think a show has to be a "10" on episode #1. There are so many shows from years gone by that would never have had their long run if today's execs had been in charge. Just think "Hill St. Blues".

"Prime Suspect" started slowly, and with many stereotypes, but has matured nicely into a better-than-average drama. The character development is good and promises to continue, and lead Maria Bello as Jane Timoney is fabulous! Great supporting cast and improving writing should guarantee a 2nd season, but we viewers have to give it a boost.

Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Perry Mason (1957–1966)

Perry Mason - a Classic!

[10/10 · 10 June 2011]

The actors and writers took it all seriously, when they could have played it as a spoof. That's what made this TV series one of the best ever.

It's a bit of a shock to see pre-Miranda law enforcement, but what seems like egregious behavior today was foiled by Perry's fast-and-loose actions, always in defense of his client first and the truth second! Of course, Raymond Burr is PERFECT as Mason, but Barbara Hale and William Hopper capture Della and Paul exactly as Gardner envisioned, I suspect. Add Ray Collins with his indefatigable politeness as Lt. Tragg and William Talman as the down-but-never-out Hamilton Burger, and the scene is set. All that's left is to translate some of the best "legal drama" novels into a series of 1-hour shows and voilà - TV magic.

You owe it to yourself to find and watch these gems again.

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Iconic Comedy of the 20th Century

[10/10 · 19 November 2010]

There are no misses in this fabulous spoof. From the opening scene to the rolling of the credits, Young Frankenstein is a masterpiece. As fresh today as the year it was made, it can be watched over and over again.

The actors are delicious. The writing is superlative. The comedic timing is impeccable. The medium - black and white - is spot on. Even the music is perfect?!

There's a reason people can quote whole sections of this movie - it makes a lasting impact! You owe it to yourself to own this movie and watch it at least once a year.