I have seen so many television series on DVD that I found to be spoiled. Now I can’t watch my old fashioned shows on television. Being exposed to traffic, the hassle of logging in and what not seems to be just old fashioned. I love the convenience of watching as many or as few episodes as I want, as often as I want, without interruption.
There are times when a short, whole series fits and appeals. It is far longer and more difficult than even the longest epic film, yet it is complicated enough (for each 45-minute story) to lift the flow of the story without any loss.
Whether you are going to road trip, (as a passenger of course) you will find yourself under the storm, or in the mind for a great some short television series, below are some recommendations that will satisfy. All listed are one-time only, either partial (due to cancellation) or mini-series.
They are available on DVD, from Netflix Instant Viewing, or from Hulu, as indicated. Netflix now offers unlimited viewing for free to account holders, and Hulu is free (and exquisitely so, with short and limited commercial breaks) and is available online in its entirety, without a click-and-watch account.
Jekyll
6 episodes – available instantly on Netflix and on DVD.
My sister recommended this to me in an email with a subject line that read “Best Series Ever.” The letter said, “Run, don’t walk, watch Jekyll.” That’s right. FIRST SCENE I. Hook. In fact, everyone I know who has watched it will say the same thing: it is the best series ever, well-acted, properly creepy, atmospheric, and suspenseful. That’s a good thing.
For those who can roll their eyes at the thought of the current narrator of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story-good news. Although it incorporates the same themes of dual personalities, it is much more. Run, don’t walk.
Journeyman
13 episodes – all available at Hulu
Although most of the canceled series has fans lamenting, this is one that inexplicably deserves such an outcry. It was one of those rare shows that seemed to be fully formed, comfortable in their own skin. The characters are well developed, also complex. He has one of the first opening credits and songs on recent tv shows.
The Time Traveler escapes and paradoxes, heroes and heroines, lost loves, sub-plot journals. these things and even more. It’s just a cryin’ shame there’s only 13 episodes.
New Amsterdam
All 8 episodes are available on hulu
The preview for this show seemed to start a year before it was ever shown, and once it was on the air, I’d rather forget about it all. It seemed like the appeal-through clips reminded me of a bit of everything I loved about the original Highlander movie; a young man, living in a modern city, but belonging to antiquity. I love any fiction or mythology that deals with immortality, so I tried to observe it.
Fortunately, Hulu. I’ve watched all the episodes, and it’s a good sci-fi detective series. Not on par with the Journey as it stands, but certainly well-seasoned. I wish it were.
The lost attic
6 episodes- Available on DVD
This series rivals Jekyll‘s best sci-fi mini-series ever. It’s like an impossible, high-altitude mix of Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock, Holmes, CSI, really complicated jigsaw puzzle , and other great stuff.
Singular, Lost, a mundane motel room exists mostly outside of space and time, and some of the unfathomable lost works are at the heart of this series. Very simply.
Dresden File
All 12 episodes are available on Hulu and Sci Fi
Perhaps more along the lines of fantasy than strictly science fiction, The Magic of Dresden (incorporates magicians, old spirits, spells, amulets, paranormal, etc.) into the private stories of the detective heroes.
This series has developed a cult-like status, as it is based on Jim Butcher’s series of books, so you’d better start looking like you’re not it lacks all warmth.
