Top ten HBO shows - In My Opinion

It’s only a couple of days to go before the release of A Game of Thrones (coming out 18^th in the UK) and I am excited. So much so that I’ve even started reading the books in anticipation of the TV show. It’s not just that the story is set in a fantasy world (which those of you who read my previous blogs will know I’m a huge fan of), but it’s also because it’s another HBO show.

Now, personally, I think the best shows to come from the states have come from HBO. I really like the quality of programs that have come from this company in the last few years. I love the way that these shows are usually so uncompromising, gritty and realistic when compared to other shows out there. Also, they aren’t afraid to use adult language as well! When you watch a HBO show, you expect to hear a lot of swears – but also well developed characters and complex, yet thought out stories. So I’m certainly interested in seeing how A Game of Thrones turns out.

In honour of this, I’ve decided to countdown the ten best HBO shows I’ve watched. Before I start, I have a couple of things to point out.

1)      This is not a definitive list, just based on shows I watched – so if I miss out something which people consider a classic, it’s probably because I didn’t watch it.

2)      This list is purely based on MY OPINION. It’s not a “be all or end all”, any more than any other list, it’s just subjective based on what I think is the best shows of all time.

3)      This list may contain SPOILERS! I’ll try and keep them down to a minimum, but just in case – you have been warned.

With that being said, let’s count down the top ten HBO shows – In My Opinion.

Number 10 – Extras

This one I’m kinda cheating on as it’s a joint BBC/HBO program, hence why it’s lower down on this list. Written by and starring Ricky Gervais, the show tells of an Extra named Andy Millman battling his way through the mundane life of a film extra. Desperate to try and make it as an actor, Andy has to suffer many painful, and often hilarious indignities as he desperately works his way up the ladder to be a recognised actor. But his goals are often hampered by his inept agent and dopey, yet well meaning friend Maggie, whose mouth often leads Andy into trouble. And even when Andy reaches his goal, he finds it’s not all he expected.

It’s a very funny, yet dark look into the world of show business, and that how fame and fortune doesn’t always come without a price. Nevertheless, the jokes are excruciatingly funny and the amount of celebrities that play fictionalised versions of themselves will probably destroy any clean and cut images you may have had of them. I think my favourite one is Patrick Stewart telling Andy about his idea of a screenplay, that basically involves him using his psychic powers to remove women’s clothing.

Ricky Gervais’s writing is snappy, witty and occasionally quite bitchy about the world of show business. He mixes side splitting humour with real emotional content to produce a very good comedy – which makes us think twice about whether being famous is really what we want.

Number 9 – Rome

Again another joint BBC/HBO show and at the time one of the most expensive shows HBO had ever produced (up until A Game of Thrones). As the title suggests, its set in Ancient Rome – around the time of Julius Caesar and his conquest of Gaul, then carrying on through his assassination and up to Mark Anthony and Cleopatra times.

Those of you who are going into watching this show expecting it to be like Shakespeare, prepare to be disappointed. There are no “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears” speeches here. What you get is a decadent, violent look at a society as it was then. The characters are venomous, selfish and wicked, each with their own desires. Though that Marc Anthony was supposed to be one of the good guys? Well be surprised when you find out he’s actually just as much a power hungry libertine as the other characters!

Nevertheless, the set pieces are just beautiful to look at, a lot of time and effort has gone into creating an authentic looking image of Ancient Rome. Whether the events in the story are historically accurate or not is the subject of some debate, but I say it doesn’t matter. It’s an interesting take on established Roman history and the characters portrayed in the story are complex and interesting enough that, even if you hate them, you still find yourself following their actions and being drawn in. It’s a largely British cast and the acting is for the most part very good, with maybe just a few glitches now and then.

As I say, it’s not quite Shakespeare, but you know what they say “when in Rome...” Whilst it’s not the best HBO drama by far, but at least it has a storyline. Unlike that OTHER show set in ancient Rome (coughs: Spartacus!)

Number 8 – Six Feet Under

This show is kinda hit and miss – but when it gets it right, then they produce some of the most powerful pieces of drama I’ve seen in ages, without being too over the top.

The show is about a family run undertakers, the two brothers taking over the business after their father passes away. And it’s through the characters that this show maintains its story. Each of them have their own idiosyncrasies that make you both love them and feel sorry for them. Nate, the older brother, finds himself a part owner of the undertakers through no fault of his own. Stuck in a job he doesn’t really want, his only refuge is his psycho girlfriend who has tons of issues. Not really a stable life!

You also have the other brother David (played by Michael C Hall – everyone’s fav serial killer Dexter), the workaholic who is very strict about his work and often bosses Nate around whenever he can. Struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality, David is constantly tortured by the fact that he believed he was a disappointment in his fathers eyes. Then you have the mother, who is by far the most tragic of them all. Unable to really come to terms with her husbands death, she seems unable to be happy – her only refuge the two men in her life. Then you have Claire, kinda your typical teenager, trying to find some meaning in her life. With her family surrounded by death pretty much everyday, Claire herself seems to question her own existence, wondering if her life really has any meaning outside the usual mundane tasks that we as humans undertake (if you pardon the pun).

Not exactly the most stable of families, but it’s the way in which these characters interact with each other (and the other characters in the show) that drive the story. The underlining theme for me questions the meaning of life, and what we do in life can affect us in our death. The only real problem I have with this series is that, after a while, the story becomes a little predictable. Every episode starts off with someone dying and it becomes very formulaic. After a while, the show almost conditions you to expect death, so there is little shock value as the show goes on. That’s not to say that there aren’t some genuinely shocking deaths and emotional moments in the show. As I say, when this show gets it right, it really does move you.

All in all, a very good show – but if it wasn’t for the characters being so well developed, I wouldn’t be into this show as much as I was. Still, it’s worth a look.

Number 7 - The Pacific

One of the HBO shows which I never got round to seeing, which everyone said I should have seen, was “Band of Brothers”. I dunno why I never saw it, maybe I was just put off by David Scwimmer being in it. Proof that you should never judge a book by its cover!

I think I saw this show as a way of making it up to myself. But I’m glad I did. This show is epic on a major scale. Set during the Second World War, when the Americans battled the Japanese, each episode details a section of a battle the American Marine Corps had to face. Right from the introductions of real life soldiers that had survived the conflict, from the really sweeping and emotional opening theme, we are then thrust into the soldiers conflict as they battle an enemy in almost untameable terrain. Bogged down by heavy rain storms, quicksand like mud and terrible disease, you really feel the soldiers pain and hopelessness as they battle on despite insurmountable odds.

Perhaps one of the most emotional episodes is the final one. Whilst I don’t want to give too much away, it is by far one of the most bittersweet endings to a war drama ever. It even includes a real emotional scene where one soldier breaks down by just going on a simple hunting spree. Yet more proof on what the horrors of war can do to people.

Is it as good as Band as Brothers? I’ve heard people say no, but as I never saw that, I can’t make that comparison. Myself, I think this show is a worthy piece of drama in its own right. It’s not something those who are easily upset should watch as the violence is very real and the fights don’t hold back. But if you have the stomach for it, I urge you to give this show a chance.

Number 6 - Boardwalk Empire

One of the more recent shows on my list and one I’ve just recently finished. Starring Steve Buscemi and set in America during the time of prohibition, Boardwalk Empire is another masterpiece of drama, directed by the legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese.

The show follows Nucky Thomson, a corrupt and very powerful city official, as he uses the illegal trade of liquor to make his money and rise to power. With Mayors and even the Police eating out of his hand, Nucky seems somewhat invincible. Until other rivals try and challenge him for a piece of his action. Nucky also has the Prohibition agent Nelson on his tail – a pious, yet troubled man who sees it as his holy mission to bring the liquor trade down, a seemingly impossible task. Nucky uses every single contact he has to stay on top, but his life takes an interesting turn when he meets a young woman named Margaret (played by Kelly MacDonald of Trainspotting fame).

Boardwalk Empire, like most HBO shows, contains a lot of seedy and in many ways deplorable characters, each out for their own, motivated by only money and lust. Nucky himself enjoys his pleasures – who wouldn’t, but on meeting Margaret, she brings up feelings inside him that he never realised he had – or didn’t want to believe. It makes us think that maybe he isn’t entirely beyond redemption.

Cool, jazzy and with some colourful set pieces, not to mention one of the most colourful and symbolic opening sequences in a TV show, Boardwalk Empire is a powerful drama that deals with politics and corruption, all forming into a well rounded story set in the seedy underbelly of gangster America. And if’s that not enough, you even get to see Stephen Graham as, a then unknown, Al Capone. A Liverpudlian playing an Italian-American? What’s next, an Aussie playing a Scottish guy? Wait...

Number 5 – Treme

Another new entry to HBO’s list of quality dramas. However, this one deserves a special mention for one particular reason. Most of the shows I’ve included in this list are, for all their dramatic genius, quite dark and depressing. Treme, on the other hand is a far more upbeat show, with plenty of music to get you moving.

Set in the months after Hurricane Katrina, the series follows the people of New Orleans as they struggle to put their lives back together again. Many businesses and shops have been badly affected by the story and many have lost their livelihood. How do they cope? Through the power of music of course!

It seems like every five minutes, someone has to burst into song and dance, pick up an instrument and start playing, but this is where the joy of the show comes in. It’s through the music that the people are carrying on with their lives – the spirit of New Orleans lives on through this music and the dancing. And the music is brilliant! Those of you who love your jazz will love this show – you might even find yourself getting up and dancing!

It’s not without its drama though and there are some quite tragic stories to be found here. One of the subplots features a lawyer trying to find a missing boy that was lost in the storm – even though it seems hopeless and the fates are against her. Another features a struggling cook, trying to keep her restaurant open, despite the fact that the storm damaged most of her equipment and she struggles to even keep the restaurant open on a daily basis. So it’s not all joy.

However, there is still plenty of fun to be had with this show. Mainly in John Goodman’s portrayal of Creighton Bernette (based on real life political blogger Ashley Morris) who becomes an internet sensation through his political rants on Youtube (baring in mind Youtube was still fairly new at this point in time). I also like Davis, a stoner music lover who decides to run for Mayor, even though he is totally unqualified for it. Hell, if any Mayor runs with the slogan “Pot for Potholes” then they have my vote!

All in all, it’s a fun show and a real testament that the human spirit can survive even in the most troubling of disasters.

Number 4 – Deadwood

Of all the shows on my list, this one is by FAR the most underrated of them all. Mainly because no one seems to talk about it anymore. But it’s a brilliant show that deserves a mention, hence why I’m including it here.

Deadwood is a western set in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, just after Custer’s Last stand. Deadwood is a town outside the boundaries of any state laws, so you would expect it to be a pretty dangerous and violent place. However, because it’s set near a valuable goldmine, many come here to make their fortune – high risks equate to high rewards. Also, the town seems to have bloomed into a fully functioning society with its own sense of order despite the lawless nature – proof that order can indeed come from chaos.

Our main character comes in the form of Al Swearengen, owner of the Gem Saloon. Al is a foul mouthed, entrepreneural character that seems to run most of the towns goings on. Whilst most of his methods usually involve the use of whore houses and some other illegal activity (which usually involve murder), Al is a far cry from your typical villainous character. Played by Ian McShane, Al is actually a rather gentlemanly type character who genuinely cares for his workers, despite the rather harsh way he treats them on regular occasions. Also, he has a code of honour and doesn’t go around harming people indiscriminately if he knows it will affect him badly. Nevertheless, he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, or slit the throat of anyone who crosses him – even his own men.

One particular thing of note in Deadwood is the language. HBO has never been shy of letting it’s language being quite harsh and adult – but here it has a certain amount of eloquence. Think of a bunch of drunken yobs trying to do Shakespeare (replacing many of the words with “cocksucker” and other such words) and you’ll get an idea of what I mean. But even with its coarseness, the language flows very smoothly and it is quite fun to listen to.

But I think the highlight of this show was seeing Robin Weigert and Keith Carradine as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok respectively. Carradine plays the role of a famous gunslinger with so much humanity and forlornness that it’s almost painful to watch sometimes, but it’s done with the usual Carradine charisma that you can’t help but be mesmerised. Weigert’s Calamity Jane is a far cry from the musical version, playing her as a constantly drunk and dirty mouthed cowgirl, unable to cope with the death of the man she loved.

I said that this show was underated and I stand by that. I really hope that Sky Atlantic reshow this sometime soon so that others might get a chance to see how great a show it was.

Number 3 – The Wire

Whilst I’m not really one to watch cop shows, it was actually my cousin that suggested I watch this show. And I’m glad I did, for this is definitely a show that completely rewrites the script for cop shows.

Set in the gritty and violent city of Baltimore, which has been ravaged by crime and drug trafficking, The Wire has been known for its realistic take on a city that is slowly falling into hell. The areas where they filmed are real areas of Baltimore, adding to the realistic feel. The story is about a battle between the police of this city and the drug dealers/criminals. But if you think this is going to be your typical “Cops and Robbers” stunt, think again.

For the most part, the police are actually really unlikeable and, to be quite frank, utter pricks! They aren’t trying to capture the criminals because it’s their duty, but rather out of their own vanity and higher opinion. That’s not to say there aren’t any honest cops amongst them, but for the most part, the level that some of these police are willing to go through to make an arrest make them almost as bad as the criminals they are trying to capture.

By the same token, the drug dealers are by no means evil. They are just streetwise thugs trying to make money the only way they know how, it just so happens that this is through illegal means. Whilst they are by no means entirely sympathetic, you do at least get an insight as to why they do what they do – because society has given up on them and they are just out to make a living.

As the series progresses, we see just how far the corruption in the city spreads, right to its politics. As with most of the shows on this list, there are no heroes or villains, just people looking out for themselves. At the end of the day, you have to make up your own idea who you think the good guys and bad guys are – if any!

The characters, as you would expect from a show like this, are all complex and developed enough to make them realistic and stand out from most characters in cops and robbers shows. Standout performances for me are Dominic West as McNulty, who takes the word maverick cop to whole new levels, Idris Elba as Stringer Bell, a cool and charismatic drug kingpin who you will despise for his actions, but love for his rich, sexy voice – and Michael K  Williams as Omar, a robin hood type criminal that steals drugs from other dealers and has a strong moral code.

My only major gripe is that I missed the last series of this show, which I still need to get round to seeing. It’s an excellent piece of drama and another testament to HBO’s grittiness that sets them apart from other television companies.

Number 2 - Curb Your Enthusiasm

Just to show that it’s not just drama that I like from HBO, I also included this show, a comedy set in the life of Seinfield creator Larry David. Let me tell you, this is by far the funniest show to ever come out of America. Almost every episode I see has me in stitches, even if I’ve seen an episode before. This show has such a strong cult following that it inspired comedians like Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervais.

The show follows Larry David, portraying a fictional version of himself, enjoying his retirement after Seinfield is finished. The only problem is that this version of Larry is incapable of living his life as he has no clue of the “rules” that govern society. He lives by his own sets of rules and speaks his mind. It’s through these actions that he more often than not gets himself into trouble, whether it is upsetting other people or just doing something that sets him in a bad light, often with hilarious and painful results. One of my favourite scenes in in the first series where he misspells an obituary letter that is supposed to say “beloved aunt”. I don’t think I can say what the spelling error is, but those of you who have seen the episode will know what I’m talking about.

The funny thing is that Larry actually doesn’t mean any harm in his actions, he just seems to have a natural talent for getting on the wrong side of people. Even the smallest thing he does can have a lasting consequence that will bite him on the butt by the end of the episode. And just when you think you have the punchline all figured out, it takes a swerve that makes you laugh your ass off even more.

Those of you who looked at my list so far and thought that the shows I recommended were depressing and dark, this one will set you straight. Every episode will leave you in agony from laughing too much, tears of laughter will blind your eyes. Sometimes I’m laughing so much that I have to pause the TV as I can’t stop bawling. No other comedy I’ve seen in years has that effect on me. Trust me, you HAVE to see this show!

And now...

Number 1 – The Sopranos

Was there any doubt that this show wasn’t going to make my list? Or that it would be number one? Well, it may seem like a clique to put this show as number one, seeing as it always appears in many peoples’ top ten lists. But there is a reason why I’m having it as number one... because it’s a brilliant show!

I’m sure everyone has heard of The Sopranos so I probably don’t need to go too in depth into the story, about a Mafia Boss named Tony Soprano as he struggles with life in the Mafia, as well as his family life. But let me tell you why I enjoyed this show so much. It’s the TV show that got me into HBO in the first place.

Before The Sopranos, the kinda shows I watched from America were shows like the Simpsons and 24, both had adult elements, but were still kinda had family friendly elements to them. The Sopranos changed ALL that for me and I never looked at any American show the same way again! I was amazed by its lack of restraint, it’s violence and, most of all, it’s realistic language. But at the same time, I was quite taken aback that a show can have such monstrous characters – yet I still find myself shocked by how well written they are.

A common trend in TV shows, or films, is that the main characters have to be relatable, otherwise the audience will not sympathise with them. This however, proves otherwise. The characters in The Sopranos are horrible, unlikeable creatures that will main and kill without a second thought – but then go back to their family life and pretend like everything is normal. But it’s the way that they keep both these lives separate as much as they can that makes them interesting. It goes to prove that characters don’t have to be relatable, they just have to be developed enough so that they are believable to the audience.

And that’s the key thing with The Sopranos – they are portraying realistic elements of human mentality. In real life, there are no heroes or villains (in my opinion), because even good people can be deceitful and selfish, just like bad people can sometimes be compassionate. It’s almost like The Sopranos is holding a mirror to the audience and saying “this is what humanity really is”. Even if a character looks like they are about to have some moment of redemption, they are quickly brought back into the real world and show their true colours.

One of the key discussions about The Sopranos is the level of violence in the series. For me, though, I actually think the most disturbing element is the anticipation of violence. We know it’s in the background, for the world these characters inhabit is a dangerous one. Even if a scene looks calm and peaceful, it can turn into a bloodbath in the blink of an eye. Even main characters that were in it from the first series can be killed of as if they were minor roles and then forgotten about, only occasionally being brought up.

But the heart of the show comes from Tony Soprano, played with such vigour by James Gandofini. A manic-depressive mob boss that finds life hard to cope with, struggling to keep his personal and business life apart, a man that is incapable of showing his true feelings as he believes it’s a sign of weakness. Yes, he is a bastard and does some horrible things, but he is TRYING to be a good father as best he can. And because most of the emphasis is on him, we can’t help but maybe cheer him on, even when we know he is doing the wrong thing.

So what it is that makes this such a great show? Good acting? Good script? Brilliant directing? Or the fact that the show partially symbolises our own way we live as humans – trying to bridge the boundaries between violent animals and compassionate creatures. For me, it’s all the things, but so much more. In the end, you’ll have to make your own mind up as to whether it’s as good as people say it is. For me, I see this as not just the best show from HBO, but possibly the greatest drama ever to come from the States.

And that’s my list. How will A Game of Thrones fare? We’ll have to see when it’s shown over here on 18^th April.

What did you think of my list? Do you agree, disagree? Did I miss a show that you think is worth mentioning? Whatever your thoughts, please leave a comment below.

Peace out!

Pandragon