Battle of US TV: Rnd1 Heat 4

[Jedi Shrimper]

Moonlighting (shrimp to 11)
v
The Wire (blues r best)

 

[Jedi Shrimper]

Moonlighting

Moonlighting was an American television series that first aired on ABC from March 3, 1985 to May 14, 1989 with a total of 67 episodes. The show starred Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd as private detectives and was a mixture of drama, comedy and romance that is considered a classic spoof of television detective shows.
The show's theme song was performed by popular jazz singer Al Jarreau and became a hit. The show is also credited with making Willis a major star while providing Shepherd with a critical success after a string of lackluster projects.

 

[Jedi Shrimper]

The Wire

The Wire is an American television drama series set in Baltimore, Maryland, where it was also produced. Created, produced, and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon, the series was broadcast by the premium cable network HBO in the United States. The Wire premiered on June 2, 2002 and ended on March 9, 2008, with 60 episodes airing over the course of its five seasons.
Each season of The Wire focuses on a different facet of the city of Baltimore. They are, in order: the drug trade, the port, the city government and bureaucracy, the school system, and the print news media. The large cast consists mainly of character actors who are little known for their other roles. Simon has said that despite its presentation as a crime drama, the show is "really about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals, and how whether you're a cop, a longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge [or a] lawyer, you are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution you've committed to."
Despite never seeing large commercial success or winning any major television awards, The Wire has frequently been described by critics as the greatest television series of all time. The show is recognized for its realistic portrayal of urban life, artistic ambitions, and uncommonly deep exploration of sociopolitical themes.

 

[Jedi Shrimper]

The first shock of the competition could be on the cards! Moonlighting is leading The Wire by one vote.

Don't forget to campaign people!

 

[maninasuitcase]

The Wire's producers were keen on casting a british actor in the lead role. Their first choice was Ray Winstone, but they eventually went with Dominic West. In a recent interview for the culture show he said that not sounding English was the hardest part of the role.

Personally I prefer the Wire to Moonlighting as although Moonlighting started off quite well it tailed off badly towards the end of its run, ending up as a parody of a parody. The Wire has maintained the high quality of storyline, drama and acting throughout all the episodes I've seen.

 

[blues_r_best]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/09/us/09baltimore.html?hp.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Never seen the Wire but have heard it is a very good programme. Moonlighting it is tho, the chemistry between Bruce and Cybill made it a joy to watch, as did the theme tune.

 

[OldBlueLady]

Never seen the Wire but have heard it is a very good programme. Moonlighting it is tho, the chemistry between Bruce and Cybill made it a joy to watch, as did the theme tune.

Exactly right, and Bruce Willis around this time was rather nice to watch - it's that cheeky smile.

 

[jassyfa1]

Moonlighting all the way, Although Bruce Willis did bring out an album on the back of it.

 

[blues_r_best]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbbNJx2Efbw&feature=related

One of the best scenes in the show, Omar testifying against Bird.

 

[shrimp to 11]

Blimey. I thought moonlighting would get mullered here.. Both top notch shows imo. Err, vote either -everyone's a winner. Addison, Hayes, (and Viola, Depesto, McGilloughcutty etc) get mine- just for old times sake.