Clichés in the writing, too. Julia writes a try-out song; her husband reads in the paper that a certain reviewer mentions it in his column. Julia immediately goes on a rant about what an awful critic he is, his taste is all in his mouth, etc. It's so obvious a set-up that we know the review is going to be favorable and Julia will have to do a quick about-face. Oh, ha ha ha. Like we've never seen this before?

I've had my first taste of Borgen; it was episode 7, "See No Evil, etc." It didn't grab me the way The Killing did, but that could be because I missed the first six episodes. I took an immediate dislike to the TV reporter -- but that's probably a good thing, if the characterizations can be made so clear so quickly. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing; is the PM going to stay idealistic through the rest of the series? "Spin-doctor" appeared several times in the dialogue, and one unexpected "Smurf" as well.

I'm going to try to watch the rest of the series, but Link TV isn't making it easy. The promised three showings today have now been reduced to one, and it's the same episode that was shown yesterday. Two different episodes are scheduled for next weekend, the second-shown to be the first in the series (the election). Do you get the feeling Link TV isn't the most stable channel in the world?

This season of "Downton Abbey" seems to have come to its end.I suppose we'll see the 1920s next year.

I thought another season of "Upstairs, Downstairs" was going to be made. Did it lose out to Downton or something?

I hadn't heard of a new season of Upstairs, Downstairs. It would have to be a remake, with an all-new cast.

Crazy ending for the first leg of TAR. Those two sisters were eliminated because they didn't see Phil at the pit stop, and he was standing RIGHT THERE. Chris, did you watch?

Yes, the new season of Upstairs, Downstairs started yesterday: http://tinyurl.com/74sktme

Hmm, that writer didn't think much of the new U,D.

Lorna, yes, I did watch, and I'm glad I didn't miss that ending! All those girls had to do was turn their heads and look to the side...but no, they just kept plowing straight ahead. Fatigue, no doubt. Not thinking straight.

I was not wildly impressed with the new USDS when I saw it the first season...But I am hooked on Downton Abbey...
got to get home and catch up on the episode I missed last weekend.

Anyone catch Awake last night? This one looks promising.

Yes, it has potential. It all depends on how much the two realities interact once the novelty of the situation has worn off. For instance, I am thoroughly tired of the ghost in A Gifted Man, and the alternating lives in Awake could go the same way. They're going to have to keep on their toes. It's a good cast, though, and the direction so far is nice and taut.

Wicked Awake last night, especially with the revelation that Britten's alternate lives are being manipulated or at least monitored.

One thing is puzzling. Every time he goes to sleep, he wakes up to his other reality. One day he wakes up to a living son and a dead wife, working one case with a rookie partner, and visiting a confrontational shrink. The next day he wakes up to a living wife and a dead son, working a different case with his longtime partner, and visiting a nurturing shrink. Doesn't anybody in either reality notice that this guy is around only every other day?