I'm just saying, I wouldn't have thought that the trials and tribulations of a Shakespearian acting troupe could make for an entertaining modern TV show. That is, until I saw Slings and Arrows, an amazing 2003 Canadian TV show that I mainlined last weekend.
Co-written and -created by Kids in the Hall's Mark McKinney, Sings and Arrows tells the story of a big-deal Canadian Shakespeare festival that falls on hard times and must rely on a possibly insane new artistic director to lead them. Each of the short seasons (6 episodes apiece) centers around a different play, and the interpersonal challenges faced by the various stars reflect the themes of Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear in creative and often hilarious ways.
I know, I know. It sounds like a huge drag. That or it sounds like NBC's awful Smash, which I can't even get interested enough in to hate-watch. You'll have to take my word for it—Slings and Arrows is a joy. It's loaded with great actors playing interesting and relatable characters, with no end of sly jokes, real drama, and a shaggy-dog optimism that feels honest and real. Also, it's got Rachel McAdams before she got famous!
I thought I'd take advantage of tonight's off-topic post to recommend the show to you. There are a lot of crappy things in the world right now, and everyone deserves a super good TV show to watch.
Have you seen this show, and do you like it as much as I do? What are some under-appreciated TV shows you wish people would watch? Are there any shows like this that should stay dead forever? Do you also get distracted by the way Canadians say "Sorry"?
Chat about that or anything else, here or over in the Talk Amongst Yourselves forum. Have good chatting, and a nice Tuesday evening.