TV.com

show: Tales of the Unexpected

The Bottom Line: "Superb"

Tales of the Unexpected looks very old-fashioned now, but that is all part of its charm. After twenty years or more, it's still around on channels in many parts of the world: a tribute to Roald Dahl and the other writers and producers of this major show of suspense and mystery.

All of the early episodes were based on stories by Roald Dahl himself. As the years went by, original stories by a host of other 'twist-in-the-tail' writers were used, but they were always substantially re-worked by the producers at Anglia. Not only were the names of characters changed, sometimes even the plot itself was recast.

Tales of the Unexpected is out there on DVD as well as VHS video-tape, so it's going to be around for anyone who wants it for a long time to come. Classic show, period piece, well worth keeping around.

show: Shoestring

The Bottom Line: "Superb"

Shoestring was quirky, intriguing, challenging, topical, down-to-earth, and the 'cutting edge' English detective drama series of its time (though Eddie Shoestring wasn't strictly speaking a detective). It had a big following. The show is set in Bristol, in the West of England, which at the time was also quirky and down-to-earth.

Goodness only knows when Shoestring was last shown on our screens in the U.K.! It must be around twenty years ago. Or perhaps it's still around somewhere? This is one of those old shows which will be well worth reviving when the new technology allows selective broadcasting.

Shoestring was completely unglamorized, and those who remember it will probably be amazed, if they see it again, by how much the world has changed since then. For instance, Eddie used to call in to his radio station from the old red telephone kiosks, and computers were on another planet for him. He had a droopy moustache (a little like something out of the Beatles) and like most Englishmen at the time looked as if he had had a hair-cut some time last year.

Eddie was more than a little hung over from past mental illnesses. This made him thoughtful, and he seemed to understand people on the edge.

Bring it back!