Will there be a season 2? - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2009) Discussion

[–] sweetcherry4282 15 years ago

HBO would be crazy not the make a second season. This show is amazing with Jill Scott and Anika Rose. I love all of the characters and the setting is so beautiful. I can not get enough of this show. I can't wait to see more.

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[–] TinaKimo 15 years ago

Same here. Good quality show. Seeing Africa in a refreshing light is really nice. As soon as its out on DVD, I'll get it!!

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[–] erlomo 15 years ago

I hope so!! I LOVE this program.

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[–] erather 15 years ago

The show was developed by the BBC. There were 13 episodes filmed. Why HBO elected to only show 7 is beyond me, and leaving with obvious cliffhangers such as the maid with the gun, and no puffery about a second season to look forward to, is most mysterious.

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[–] missnyc09 15 years ago

So you're saying that UK viewers saw more, right ?
They really cheated us. LOL Did you see all 13 ?

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[–] erather 15 years ago

What I know is this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7289129.stm/ Apparently, the BBC showed the 90-min. pilot last year, and 6 episodes this spring, so I assume there are 6 more episodes in the can somewhere. No idea why they didn't go on with the whole series... 7 shows is an awfully short season. At the very least, they could have told us to look forward to the next season instead of leaving us with a cliffhanger and no prospect of resolution.

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[–] kimkikikim 15 years ago

So has anyone heard any new news about the possible second season?

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[–] badblokebob 15 years ago

Not quite correct. Originally they just made the pilot movie, then after that was a success the BBC/HBO commissioned 13 episodes. For whatever reason they then only made 6 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/11_november/28/ladies.shtml).

It's also very common for season (or series, as we'd call it) of a British show to only be 6 episodes; in fact, until recently, it was incredibly rare to be any longer or shorter. (These days there's a lot more variety, with some very cheap shows getting US-like lengths, expensive-but-popular shows getting 10-13, and a lot of 3 or 4 part miniseries.)

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[–] boone426 15 years ago

Pay TV networks are known for their short seasons, Weeds, Dexter, and soul food so this fits right in place. I hope it comes back!!!!

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[–] barbiekemp 15 years ago

I hope so too. There are ten or eleven books... one came out this April, so there is still a lot of the author's original writing that can be used for material.... It's like Harry Potter: Each book is good by itself, but you still want to read all of them..... and I want to see ALL the books done on Film... This would be a real shame, if they gave up on this great series. And it means a lot to the local economy too. I like how they use Botswana actors, when they can.

Every performance by every actor was spot on.

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[–] missnyc09 15 years ago

Yes, I think there will be another season, cause it's from a book series. Hopefully HBO picks it up.
I'll be patiently waiting for it. This was a very good show.

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

The show is kind of boring. I think it has been a ratings disappointment, and HBO is kind of on the fence about a 2nd season. If you recall, HBO said Trueblood was picked up for a second season after 3 shows aired. This is another "John from Cincinatti", which isn't a bad thing, but it simply lacks widespread commercial appeal. It is a show in Africa, and is kind of culturally exclusive. I would be interested in seeing it's ratings numbers.

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[–] missnyc09 15 years ago

Why do you think it's boring ? Just asking.
I agree that it lacks widespread appeal, because Africa doesn't really interest people. But there are lots of other shows that are culturally exclusive.
This isn't the first. It would suck if they didn't pick up a second season though.

This probably one of the few HBO shows, that lack sex and violence, and that's a good thing.
I would like to know what are the ratings like for this show ?

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

I watched the pilot episode and really had to force myself to finish it. I've been popping in on it, and it just can't GRAB me. I think being a 25 year old white male is the problem. The show has little to offer me. This is the downfall, and I give HBO credit for giving this show a stage. Even though I don't like the show, I respect the courage to put it on Television. In response to the sex, violence critics, honestly without the success of "The Sopranos" and "Entourage", shows like this wouldn't even get a chance. The commercial successes open the door for pet shows like this one. This show will never reach that level, and it shouldn't be expected to. It is a show revolving around a group of African women, which will limit its appeal.

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[–] missnyc09 15 years ago

Oh come on, are you really using your race as an excuse to why you can't watch the show ?
I dont know how you, being white has to do with watching the show. I'm 20, black and I watched Gossip Girls and The Hills.
LOL I definitely dont relate to rich white girls, but I liked the show anyway cause it's entertaining.
I could understand why you can't relate to the show (I dont either)...but I like of the show cause it's different, it shows Africa in a different light and I like the idea of the story. This show could possibly reach commercial appeal, but I'm not gonna assume it's outcome.

Do you think a show revolving around European women, would limit appeal ?
Regardless, what they lookelike it still would. Whether it be Asian women, Arab women....all shows are directed at a certain group of people.

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

Yes, every show usually has a target demographic. This show is targeting black women, which is a minority viewership. I've never even heard of any of those shows you just mentioned, and I think you just proved my point. I would be all for this show if the women were oiled up with bisexual tendencies.

This is a soap opera revolving around black women with annoying exaggerated accents. Here is a critical review by someone with an aptitude and credentials to critique:

The Times' reviewer said "The problem is that Precious Ramotswe does not really live in Africa but in a verbal universe that is McCall Smith's own. His dialogue, so natural on the page, turned out to be unutterable, at least by the actors assembled here, who struggled to attain end-of-term play standards."

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

Do you think a show revolving around European women, would limit appeal ?
Regardless, what they lookelike it still would. Whether it be Asian women, Arab women....all shows are directed at a certain group of people.
---------------------------------------------------------------
YES, YES, AND YES

Any show that is exclusive to one group.

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[–] cool_splash1 13 years ago

I believe it if it was Asian, Hispanic, Black, but you can't convince me that if it was about white women that the show would get that same treatment. There are so many wp who don't go to see a black movie, or watch a tv show, because they don't think they would relate just because the characters are black. Sorry, but we all know that every race goes to see a movie with wp or watch tv shows about wp. I think people have to ask themselves why is it that blacks, hispanics etc. can watch movies and tv about wp, but wp will say they can't relate because the cast is black.

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[–] fredrik_bat 15 years ago

I'm with missnyc09 in this.
I am a 34 year old male and I like the show.

Just because of where and who is in a show doesn't make it made for a specific group of of people. It is what the series is about that makes if for a specific group of people.

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[–] mteel 14 years ago

cdc12583 -- Did you really just say that it has limited appeal because it is a show revolving around African women? So what was the widespread appeal for a show about male Italian mobsters from New Jersey? How are they more fascinating? Who is their target audience? Using your logic, it would be Italian men with a low IQ. Are their really that many out there? If I am a 40-something year old white woman from Nebraska, does that mean I couldn't possibly have any interest in anything about another culture or country. Or is it the fact that they are intelligent women that makes it difficult for you to enjoy? As some of my more broadminded junior high students would say, "Puh-leaze!"

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[–] JJJitters 14 years ago

Are their really that many out there?

YOU teach junior high and you don't know the correct spelling of "there"? Now that is sad, and frankly it obliterates any credibility you might have previously had. I truly hope you don’t teach English.

"Steward, your face has a most ghastly pallor!"

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[–] mteel 14 years ago

I do agree that when one makes a mistake in a written response, it is distracting and can reduce the credibility of the author in the mind of the reader. Since we are not in a professional or academic setting, I am not going to lose sleep over this. Yes, I do teach English, and I will teach you something that I teach all of my students -- mistakes are inevitable. It is fallacious reasoning to say that my grammatical mistake invalidates my argument. I can only assume that you are unwilling or unable to formulate an intelligent or original reply. When debating a point, it would better demonstrate your critical thinking abilities by arguing the content instead of the form.

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[–] hershell99 14 years ago

Very good points.

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[–] eviltwit73 14 years ago

after i made him watch it - he's a white male - age 37 - didn't seem to make any difference to him - considering the quality of the show

i watch it - i'm of Indian descent - i think this show is universal (as the book is), though it is certainly set in a country i don't live in

----
"I tolerate this century but I don't enjoy it." - The First Doctor

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[–] katnim 7 years ago

It is universal. I completely agree with this. I m a European woman and I thoroughly enjoyed that show. So weird that someone would think this doesn't appeal to people outside of the cultural group that the show revolved around. By that logic black people would not enjoy anyhthing only white people star in

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[–] 7 years ago

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[–] boone426 15 years ago

It is no secret that the networks make money on sex, drugs and violence. No. 1 Ladies had a great season minus all of the above and the ratings remained high. I think we will see another season. If there were no future seasons I would think they would have made a bigger deal of the last episode/season finally.

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[–] Greycatclimber 15 years ago

The whole this show appealed to me is BECAUSE they're "a bunch of african women." I love to watch shows about people who ARENT me. I suppose you could its studying other cultures, if thats not too pretentious. This shwo has opened me up to a whole world I knew nothing about.

I havnt heard any extra news in England. The BBC are being very quiet.

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

Why do you post the same EXACT thing on two threads? What a troll lol

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[–] carolyn38104 15 years ago

"... every show usually has a target demographic. This show is targeting black women, which is a minority viewership" said a previous poster. I believe, however, that the show targets a broader audience, as the books have been best-sellers and obviously read by a wide group. I am an older white mystery reader, and I have been enchanted with the show and hope it's renewed.

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

"... every show usually has a target demographic. This show is targeting black women, which is a minority viewership" said a previous poster. I believe, however, that the show targets a broader audience, as the books have been best-sellers and obviously read by a wide group. I am an older white mystery reader, and I have been enchanted with the show and hope it's renewed. "
-------------------------------------
I've read in publications such as "The Times, out of the UK, The show has veered a bit from the series of books. I've never read the novels, but I have read the show hasn't done the novels due justice. I've seen the show, and it's boring.

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[–] SleepTight666 15 years ago

I am a 20 year old latino male and I adore this show.

if you can't see the quality of the show, then you do not know much about television.

It is like saying that you cannot enjoy 'The Wire' because of the African American cast.

Or can't enjoy a movie like Brokeback Mountain because it's about gay cowboys.

_____
Go to My Forum:
http://cityofangels.freeforums.org/portal.php

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[–] religiouspeoplescareme 15 years ago

"... every show usually has a target demographic. This show is targeting black women, which is a minority viewership" said a previous poster. I believe, however, that the show targets a broader audience, as the books have been best-sellers and obviously read by a wide group. I am an older white mystery reader, and I have been enchanted with the show and hope it's renewed.

It's a wonder I was able to enjoy Harry Potter, me not being a wizard and all.

I guess I should also throw out my Brokeback DVD, I don't know how a lesbian like myself would find a love story between 2 dudes appealing.

Hey lady, why don't you try to relate to the story on a human level like the rest of us, it's something you have in common with all people regardless of race.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance"

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

This thread is a grand example of "out of context".

Anyone with sense could discern that this show is targeted towards the African-American audience. I guess alot of guys in their mid 20's watch "Will and Grace". The main problem with this show I have is it's weak storylines.

"Harry Potter" is Fantasy, and it shouldn't be used in comparison with drama.
If one of these women used telepathy to solve cases, maybe lol

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[–] DirkDigglerStyle 15 years ago

I'm 27, white, male, and I thought the show was very good (never quite great, but definitely very good...with some great moments)

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[–] jeff_the_dj 15 years ago

Sit Down CDC, I'm a 21 year old white male and I find this show fascinating. My mother is a 50 year old white female and she to finds this show Fascinating. Apparently you have no clue what your talking about.. So as I said.. Please sit down.. :-)

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

So everyone who likes this show is uber smart, and everyone who dislikes is uber dumb? Brilliance!

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[–] Talulazoeapple 15 years ago

Why are you on a thread for a show you DISLIKE SO? Give it a rest.

I love the show. I frequently watch movies, shows, plays about cultures other than my own. Join the rest of humanity.

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[–] jeff_the_dj 15 years ago

The fact that you keep saying Uber just shows that you spend way to much time on the computer guy.

This is a great show and you are in the deep minority. Why even come on here and start trash with people just because you don't like the show? Let us enjoy talk about it and you can go talk about whatever show you like. Ya dig?

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

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[–] kim0512 15 years ago

I hope so!! I was just doing a search to find out when season 2 starts.

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] cdc12583 15 years ago

I project a few criticisms, and I become a target. What a bunch of fanboys!

It isn't a horrible show, but I thought it dragged at times.

My mother was telling me the other day the first two episodes were boring, but it picked up after that. I only watched the first episode, and dozed off during the second one. Maybe the show just was slow out of the gate.

For the lady who questions my cultural tolerance, try again. I've watched more foreign films than you can probably name. I frequent the Indy plex bi-weekly. I'm very open to culture. Hell, I was raised a Baptist from Tennessee, and I used to work for a Jewish Rabbi. I also spent a whole year in RCIA and converted to Catholicism. I think I'm pretty open to new ideas.

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[–] mackay254 15 years ago

I really liked this show. I read the first book when on holiday; picked it up off the hotel shelf because it was one of the few English books. I twisted my face a bit because it looked like a 'chick' book but had to read something. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good read, but I wouldn't go out to buy the next book in the collection.

When the programme came out I enjoyed that too. I can fully understand someone not enjoying it. cdc, you're right, this certainly does not have universal appeal and I do think this will appeal more to black people than white; it will also appeal more to women than men.

If there were another series, I'd watch it, but I won't be weeping if they don't make one.

It annoys me when any criticism of a show elicits the response- "why comment on this board if you don't like it.." etc. The answer is simple- when you have watched something and liked it, you want to see what others think and vice versa. It is permissible to say something is cr@p, boring etc. It makes discussion more interesting.

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[–] jeff_the_dj 15 years ago

I think I owe CDC an apology for my previous comments towards him/her. But the thing is CDC, if you don't like this show then thats fine to say you don't. But If you don't like it then tell everyone then move on, I've done similar matters on shows like Lost and Ugly Betty, I don't like those shows. I've made a thread on those boards, telling why in a very professional manner (well as professional as I could get it LOL) and then I moved on - I DO not go back to those boards and keep posting. And MacKay, that's your opinion that black people would enjoy this show more. I totally disagree - Just because all of the main characters are black does not mean nothing, you must have a diversed mindset to enjoy this show period. I'm white, I'm from Arkansas for that matter, and I love this show. My grandmother who is 73 - Born and raised in Arkansas, loves this show as well, and she's really never had any interaction with African americans or any other minority for that matter. It has nothing to do with race unless you want to try to make it that way. That's my opinion on the matter.

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

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[–] mackay254 15 years ago

And Mackay, that's your opinion that black people would enjoy this show more.

Of course it's my opinion. That's what a forum like this is for.
Please read what I wrote carefully...

'I do think this will appeal more to black people than white; it will also appeal more to women than men.'

If there is something wrong in what I wrote, please point it out.

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] jeff_the_dj 15 years ago

You wrote nothing wrong, I was just pointing out that I disagreed with your opinion :-)

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

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[–] mackay254 15 years ago

Oh, well that's fine.
You're wrong, but that's fine.
I will defend your right to disagree with me, even when you're wrong.

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[–] jeff_the_dj 15 years ago

But how can I be wrong when It's just my opinion? :-D Lol C'mon now neither of os are wrong if we're just sharing our opinion right Mack'Ay

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

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[–] mackay254 15 years ago

Quite so old fruit!

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] JanieJane96 15 years ago

Found this on the show's message boards on HBO.com:

"In another thread someone speculated that HBO tends to cancel shows people like, and while that used to be true for some time ("Carnivale", "Rome", "Deadwood"...), they became aware of that hopefully just in time to change their ways and return to their former glory.

Things are looking good so far with renewals for "True Blood", "Hung" and "Eastbound & Down", and they have some pretty awesome stuff in the pipeline ("Game of Thrones"!!). However, when there was no word about another season of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" I became quite wary and started investigating.

I did indeed find someone who is in direct contact with HBO and with Richard Curtis, and here's the deal:

There may not be another season of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency", but it is not HBO's fault. They want another season, and so does the BBC. The problem is that the showrunner doesn't really feel like doing it. The schedule for a full-blown TV series, even with a six-episode season, is discouraging him, mostly because the former showrunner died, and he would prefer making a movie or two for the "No .1 Agency" franchise.

There is no way to know if those TV movies will happen either, because HBO and BBC would prefer a full season of six regular episodes (and so would I, by the way).

So that's the way it is. HBO stated at the recent TCA event that they are not sure about "No. 1"'s future and that they are in conversations about it, and now you know what those talks are about. Let's hope they can convince Curtis to give us more "Detective Agency" for I really, really love this show. Anyway, if it doesn't happen, it is not HBO's fault, which is good to know."

http://boards.hbo.com/topic/1-Ladies-Detective/Season-2/2000008000&#msg2000592442

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[–] SrEditor 15 years ago

Hmmmm.......

This does not speak to the information someone had about 13 episodes having been filmed even though we only saw 7. What was that all about?

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[–] projectmanster 14 years ago

Definitely in favor of the cancelation. The show just didn't have staying power like other HBO greats (The Wire, Six Feet Under, True Blood, Entourage, Big Love). It's too bad, because I really liked the pilot episode. Unfortionately, after that I couldn't keep interest.

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[–] tungrian 14 years ago

An amazing reaction by some of the reviewers here - I am a 67 year old Brit (white,as if it matters) and I loved the series. My wife is Swedish, fluent in English but could not understand the books, but then she watched the series and was hooked. A friend of mine worked in Botswana for some years and tells me that that the accent is spot on.
Slow, poorly acted? What nonsense! This is a prime example of really good TV!

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[–] ellediva-1 14 years ago

Personally I think anyone is entitled to their opinion on which show they choose to like or not like. I am an African woman who was born and mostly raised in the United States and I love the show. It is authentic and although the accents are a bit extreme, I still love the fact that they gave it their best shot. I especially love Anika Noni Rose in that role. I don't think the show should cater to any particular demographics IMHO.

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[–] robble-1 14 years ago

There are many demographics they could cater to with this show. I am a white woman in her 30s from NE Texas. I looove this show and I love the books. I like mysteries—check. I am interested in Africa-check. I like shows that tell an interesting story with interesting characters-check. I like shows that don't have scads of violence, language and sex scenes-check (although I love the CSI and NCIS shows). I love the music-check. I am interested in any show set in what to me is an exotic place-check. It's nice to see a show about Africa that is not about genocide, disease or famine-check. Let's face it-that is all the nightly news gives us of Africa. I am a big woman, so it's nice to see a "traditionally built woman" in the lead-check.

I also read Tony Hillerman, who wrote mysteries revolving around American Indian tribal cultures in the Four Corners area in Arizona, New Mexico etc.. These stories were full of mystery and wonder for the land and the people. They also were respectful of the beliefs of the many peoples in the books. They also talked about more than justice. They talked about balance and bringing order to things. Loving justice but doing mercy. I think this show, set all the way over in Botswana, reflects those same values. So--check.

Mma Ramotswe loves her country-so do I-check.

I like humor. The show is humorous at times-check.

I like to people watch-check.

Lots of demographics. Hang demographics. LOL. Story and character are the most important!

"I see the people from the big jet plane. The woman looks Teutonic. She drinks a vodka tonic ... "

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[–] tommypeters 14 years ago

"In another thread someone speculated that HBO tends to cancel shows people like, and while that used to be true for some time ("Carnivale", "Rome", "Deadwood"...), they became aware of that hopefully just in time to change their ways and return to their former glory.

They didn't cancel Carnivale because people liked it, but because the guy they stole the idea from threatened to sue them...

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[–] dssd-5 14 years ago

I have read a bunch of these books and was so excited they were making a movie. Then the excitement grew when I found out they were making an entire series. Now I am in limbo wondering what is going on. My whole family loves this series. There is more than enough material to make more great stories. It seems HBO would prefer to keep less family friendly shows.

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[–] ciocio-2 14 years ago

I loved this show when it ran, as did my dad (re. demographics, we're both white-bread Texans, ages 51 and 91, neither of us ever having been to Africa). What I loved about it:

Characters I really could care about as I got to know them, as beautifully played by good actors. This holds true all through the roster, from main roles to small ones.

Uplifting stories that also have dark aspects along with the sunny, humorous, sweet tone.

Beautiful scenes, well filmed. I couldn't help but think that tourism would spike somewhat in Botswana, due to this show.

Good music throughout the series.

The chance to look into and learn about life in modern-day Africa (primarily Botswana, but with forays into issues of other regions).

Lots more reasons, but the main thing is, I love this show, and hope more episodes get made and televised.

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