Things to Watch

I am a student, and therefore people assume I have unlimited free time. Well, it turns out, this term I actually do find myself with a fair amount of free time on my hands, so I have been watching a lot of programmes recently. I thought I'd write a post on what I watch in case people are stuck channel surfing.

Cucumber, Banana and Tofu-Thursdays 9, 10 and 10.30 p.m. Channel 4

Channel 4's trilogy of programmes depicts LGBT relationships, written by Russel T. Davies. Cucumber follows a middle aged gay man, sexually frustrated and frigid at the same time, causing his relationships to fail. He ends up squatting in a luxurious apartment with two younger men, one gay and one bisexual, and being the third wheel to the younger men's parties and orgies.

Banana leads with a different character each episode, each character being young LGBT people. A few of the characters from Cucumber can be spotted in Banana, although usually not playing the leading character of the episode. Banana cast the first transgender actor in a transgender role in a UK television series, with Bethany Black playing a post operative transsexual. The characters in Banana are more open about their sexuality than the older characters in Cucumber.

Tofu is a documentary in which some characters from the show, alongside porn actors, Youtubers and average people off the street are interviewed about their sexuality, with different themes running through each show.

Overall: Great to widen your perspective in LGBT relationships and good for a laugh

The Comic Relief Great British Bake Off- Wednesdays 8.30 p.m. BBC 1

We get a bit obsessed with The Great British Bake Off in my house, so when it isn't on we feel a sense of loss. Luckily, the Beeb like to bring it back occasionally in between series' for charitable spin-offs. This series sees different celebrities competing against each other, while baking easily achievable cakes and biscuits. This is to encourage people to raise money for comic relief through cake sales; the programme basically sets examples to the public of the types of cakes they could make. With the loveable presenter's occasional double entendres and unforgivable puns, the viewer is wrapped up in a Carry On-esque Britishness, that is only added to by the vintage decor and good sportsmanship.

Overall: It's great to see celebrities be terrible at making easy cakes, plus a nicey nice cosy atmosphere

24 Hours in A&E- Wednesdays 9 p.m. Channel 4

Following the workings of a hospital in the space of 24 hours, this series really shows the hard work put in by people who work in hospitals. With a little backstory in to patient's lives, the programme is particularly humanistic and evokes empathy for the patients through interviews with their family, so they aren't simply defined by their injuries. Speaking of which, a number of serious injuries come through the hospital doors, and the staff have to be ready to deal with whatever they see. Some scenes can be particularly gruesome, however you do see the odd patient with a bit of Lego in their ear or similar amusing minor injuries.

Overall: At times, not for the squeamish, generally feel-good, but can be an emotional rollercoaster

Lucius II: The Kawaii Prophecy- PressHeartToContinue Youtube

The sequel to the first game, which left off with an AntiChrist character Lucius being trapped in an insane asylum. I do not know the entire backstory to the first game, but I am sure it can be found on various Wiki pages (I haven't read them in fear of spoiling). For people like me who are quite bad at strategic video games, watching someone else play them gives you the ability to find out the story, with the added bonus of journeying through the game with someone else, plus the fact you don't have to become frustrated at yourself for being so bad at video games! "Dodger", a female gamer on Youtube, has recently released two parts into a play-through of the game. She may irritate pro-gamers, as she isn't extremely adept at games, but she is a fun companion to journey with (for me personally) as I would probably be far worse, and she goes into the game with such emotion; her screams in surprise will probably make you jump more than the game does.

Overall: Personal taste

Dexter

This series finished a while ago, but I think I may have to rewatch it. Built around the life of a blood spatter analyst/secret serial killer, the story follows Dexter Morgan as he simmultaneously solves murders and creates murders. Dexter was traumatised as a young child when he witnessed his mother being brutally murdered in front of him. His adopted father noticed homicidal tendencies in young Dexter, so embarked on a kind of training to hone his morality. This leads Dexter in his older life to only kill people "who deserve it". This usually leads to him killing the murderers from his investigations; being one step ahead of the detectives in order to do so.  The series plays devil's advocate and you often finding yourself empathising with the serial killer, which can be worrying. 

Overall: Exciting and tense with a dry humour

*I think all this blog post proves is that I have an extremely varied taste in what I watch*