Watch it, Read it, Listen it; "I need a new series to get into"

So with uni break upon us, I've been having a lot of conversations with people who "need a new series to get into" and I usually rattle off a list that goes something like this; "Have you seen: Gilmore Girls, The Office, Scrubs, Community, Gossip Girl, Dr Who, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, New Girl and Black Books?" but let's be honest, for most people that are into TV shows this is just a pile of "been there, seen that" shows. So today I thought I'd give you a taste of three TV series that, when I suggest to people, they either haven't heard of or they've forgotten about. Hope it gives you that new series you need on your much needed break!

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 // Dawson's Creek // 

I'm going to assume that most people have heard of Dawson's Creek, and know that it's a show about a small town with a guy called Dawson and that there's a creek involved. At least that's what I knew anyway. But recently, with James working full time and me working from home a lot, I decided that I "needed a new series to get into" and, whilst scouring the video store came across this 90's teen drama.

No, I'm not an expert, being only 10-or-so episodes in, but it definitely has satisfied my cravings for something to get pulled into. It's all pretty stock-standard; a group of friends "coming of age" as they move to high school and start figuring out "who they are". Some characters are likable, some aren't, but you end up caring a lot more that you thought you would about them all.

One thing this show has that many don't is painful 90's fashion and sing-along-able 90's soundtrack. You're bound to get a little reminiscent if you get on board and I really hope you do!

Dawson: Your emerging hormones aren't developing a thang for me, are they?
Joey: A "thang"? No, I'm not getting a "thang" for you, Dawson. I've known you too long. I've seen you burp, barf, pick your nose, scratch your butt. I don't think I'm getting a thang for you.

 // Greek //

This series appeared in my life a few years ago when my friends and I were looking for, again, "a new series to get into." We came across this show advertised in TV-Week along with some other shows, encouraging readers to vote for what they'd like to see on TV. It never aired, despite us voting, but we ended up watching it anyway. Now James and I have picked it up again and I haven't come across anyone else who's ever heard about it.

Greek stars Rusty, a college freshman, and his quest to join a fraternity. Rusty is a bit of a nerd, despite his sister Casey being high-up in the ranks of a college sorority, and ends up getting caught in the politics of "Greek" life while trying to break into the system.

Other than Rusty's roommate Dale adding a confusing version of Christianity to the plot, Greek is pretty darn watchable. It's on the dramatic side of reality but still bearable, and the characters, whilst mainly a little predictable, have a certain charm. Then there's Cappie.

Cappie: You know there are these moments in life when you
are confronted with something that you think is monumental but 10, 20 years down the road you'll look back and you'll laugh?

Rusty: Yea.

Cappie: This is not one of those moments.

 // Veronica Mars //

So with the recent kick-starter project for the Veronica Mars movie, this TV series has been on peoples radar, but I often find that people still haven't seen it. If you're in that boat, I suggest you ignore everything else I've said in this blog, get off your computer, and go get this series. The plot is one-of-a-kind, mixing teen drama with private investigation. Veronica Mars is a high school girl and daughter of the town sheriff who was dethroned when Veronica's best friend Lilly was murdered, and he accused Lilly's father before someone else confessed.

The first season follows the ongoing investigation of Lilly's murder, as well as a new investigation every episode. As if trying to figure out the answers wasn't enough, there's the dual plot-line of relationships with in the town.

The characters are more complex than you'd expect of a teen-drama and you find your self loving, hating, crying and laughing along with them. The script is well written (another genre anomaly) and I'm sure you'll find yourself saying "no way." "I knew it" and "that was so clever!" over and over again. As a side note, while I've introduced James to many series over the years, this has been his favourite - so girls and guys, get ready to start loving Veronica Mars.

Keith Mars: You know what, this is important. You remember this: I used to be cool. 
Veronica Mars: When? 
Keith Mars: '77. Trans-Am, Blue Oyster Cult in the 8-track, a foxy stacked blonde riding shotgun, racing for pink slips. Aw, wait a minute, I'm thinking of a Springsteen song. Scratch everything, I was never cool. 
Veronica Mars: I don't know which bothers me more, "foxy" or "stacked"

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