Reviews

This Britcom made it's US debut not long after it's UK one..after all, it lasted only six episodes! My local PBS station reported (because, having seen only six, we were clamoring for MORE) that the Brits didn't accept Penelope Keith in the role of the pregnant older woman and the series was halted after six.

I run a chatlist for fans of Ms. Keith and one of her "other" series, The Good Life/Good Neighbors. Many of my members have only heard of Sweet 16. It's not available on video nor on DVD, and with only six episodes total, it's almost never seen in repeats. Pity because it really is a well done program. If by chance your PBS station decides to air it, by all means watch!

"Butterflies" bears the unfortunate label of being a "gentle" British comedy..which is something of a misnomer. Dramedy, if that word still exists, would fit the bill better. Gentle, yes, so don't tune in expecting gut-busters or you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, smiles (not guffaws) come from how relatable the characters are and how well underplayed they are. The main storyline (Ria is bored with her marriage and her life; should she succumb to the excitement of an extramarital affair?) won't appeal to everyone but if you enjoy following character development week after week and have an attention span that meets or exceeds 25 minutes, you may well enjoy "Butterflies". In addition to the wonderfully wry Wendy Craig the cast includes "As Time Goes By" favorite/britcom perennial Geoffrey Palmer.

"Caillou" is one of only two PBS for Kids programs who's appeal is totally lost on me...and my children don't like it either. Part of it is the vocal characterization of Caillou-who's whiney little voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Couple this with insipid dialogue and sickly-sweet plotlines and you've got a show that, despite it's intent, few kids will want to sit through, let alone learn from.

"A Fine Romance" is a delightful, gentle comedy that romance afficionados will love. Cleverly written by Bob Larbey, half of the duo that brought us "The Good Neighbors" and wonderfully nuanced performances by Dame Judi and the rest of the ensemble. American Britcom fans will definitely want to check this one out. Even my (non-romantic) hubby was chuckling throughout.