Science Fiction Authors Say Smart Things: Sagan on TV

Over on his blog science fiction writer Nick Sagan (author of fun books Idlewild, Edenborn, and forthcoming Everfree) has a post about his favourite TV shows.

Now, while all five shows he lists are good shows, his numbers 5, 4, 3, and 2 would not make my list of “all time best” shows. (How can you make a list of all time best shows and not include Sandbaggers?)

However, we agree on what the all time best television show ever is, which means that Sagan is saying smart things. (Yes, I think that agreeing with me in matters of subjective taste is a sign of raw intelligence. Check out the ego on me.)

1: Cracker (1993-1996)
First off, do not confuse this amazing U.K. show with the ill-fated U.S. show of the same name. This is the original Cracker, starring Robbie Coltrane. If you only know Coltrane as Hagrid from the Harry Potter films, you really haven’t seen what the man can do. This is the role that won him three BAFTA awards–1994, 1995 & 1996–for best actor in a TV series. He plays Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald, expert in criminal behavior. Fitz cracks cases, punctures alibis and catches criminals–a well-honed, natural talent, which almost makes up for his vast assortment of character flaws.

Many shows are centered around detectives profiling violent criminals, getting into the mind of serial killers, rapists, etc. Cracker is the show those shows aspire to be. The cast deserves massive credit, but it’s the storytelling that’s off the scale. Jimmy McGovern is an incredible talent, something of a magician as far as I’m concerned.