A booksmusicfilmstv.com Guide To Some Of The Best Of British Telly In 2006

ITV's 'Extinct' was a noble attempt to focus on eight of the most endangered creatures on the planet - the giant panda, mountain gorilla, orang-utan, hyacinth macaw, leatherback turtle, polar bear, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant. Proceeds from phone votes went to help the creature voted for, though you can't list one creature above another really. Still, an important programme in getting us to think about important issues. We need a lot more similar shows.
ITV - Extinct
WWF-UK

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After the BBC's triumphant 'Doctor Who' revival, the Beeb have now breathed life into another familiar character - Robin Hood. Relative TV newcomer Jonas Armstrong makes a charismatic Robin, and though Robin's been a familiar subject for filmmakers, the BBC have bought a freshness to it, with Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham obviously relishing playing one of the most reviled characters in folklore. Richard Armitage is nearly as nasty as the hapless Sir Guy of Gisborne, continually outwitted by Robin.
BBC - Robin Hood - Homepage

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'The Royle Family' one hour special, screened by BBC 1 in October, was excellent, with Liz Smith's beautifully moving portrayal of Nan outstanding. I won't spoil the ending for those of you who haven't seen it, but this was a throwback to the classic era of sitcoms.

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Hats off to Johnny Briggs for his moving portrayal of Mike Baldwin's decline through Alzheimer's Disease. After 30 years in 'Coronation Street', and years feuding with his nemesis, Ken Barlow (William Roache), it was appropriate that he should die in Ken's arms. But Mike Baldwin's exit was probably topped by Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Sadie's (Patsy Kensit) exit from 'Emmerdale'. The plot was ingenious, and the acting superb. Here's a history of bad boy Cain here.

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'Hustle' is another fine BBC 1 drama, with an excellent cast and good stories. It's a series with morals, as only those who deserve to be fleeced are fleeced!
Wikipedia Hustle article/Hustle DVDs
BBC - Drama - Hustle

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'Life On Mars' maintained its quality through its eight episode run, and fans will be pleased to see its return on the Beeb next year. It'd be good if DCI Hunt turns out to like doing a spot of needlework in his spare time. Somewhere in TV Heaven, there's a cop show with Hunt and Jack Regan sorting out the bad guys...
Paul Rance's first episode review here.
BBC Drama Life On Mars - First Episode Review

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The soaps were are also good in 2006, particularly 'Eastenders'. Sad to see arguably the best British TV actor, Billy Murray, leave the latter show, and Louisa Lytton too. Louisa's a star. Hopefully fame won't go to her head.

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Bravery award to the BBC for screening an episode about animal experiments on 'Judge John Deed'. Not sure the Government will be happy, but animals being used for experiments is an emotive issue, and can't be swept under the carpet. Martin Shaw is charismatic as the tough but fair Deed.
BBC - Crime Drama - Judge John Deed

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From 'The Goodies' to his wildlife programmes, Bill Oddie is always entertaining, and his 'How To Watch Wildlife' series is no exception. Read Paul Rance's review for Amazon here.
Bill Oddie - How To Watch Wildlife

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And, finally, good old 'Doctor Who'. New Doctor David Tennant made a good impression as a replacement for the likeable Christopher Eccleston, but it was sad to see Rose (Billie Piper) bow out.
The Cybermen returned in series 2. Read Paul Rance's review here, of
Rise of the Cybermen

- Paul Rance, booksmusicfilmstv.com.