Wednesday 24 June 2015

WDYTYA? USA - Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Last night's Who Do You Think You Are? USA on Watch was Jesse Tyler Ferguson's episode - Jesse is probably most famous for his role as Mitchell on modern family.

I don't know whether it's something to do with the air, but WDYTYA? USA tends to involve more historical murder trials than the UK series. We plunged straight in at the deep-end with the story of Jesse W Uppercu(e) - Jesse's great-grandfather. Honestly, I think that there could be a TV series just about this man - he seems to have led an interesting life to say the least. I recommend you find the episode on an on-demand or streaming service if you missed it last night - it really is one of the more interesting stories they've featured. It's difficult to explain too much without giving the game away - but I, for one, really enjoyed the episode.

I also have to mention just how likeable Jesse Tyler Ferguson is himself - if acting doesn't work out, I'm sure a career in presenting wouldn't go awry. I love him (and his sassiness.)

Thursday 18 June 2015

WDYTYA? USA - Cynthia Nixon

OK, a day later than expected (sorry!) but here's my write-up of Tuesday's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? USA.

Cynthia Nixon's episode hit the ground running for this series. It was genuinely interesting - and there was axes and murder, always good for the dramatic side of things. I'm not kidding, there was actual axe-murder. I won't say more than that, you'll have to watch it yourself.

The episode was very focussed - which to be fair only served to make it concise and stop it from becoming ungainly. I'm always struck, however, when watching the American series, just how much product-placement there is. Maybe this strikes me because the UK series is made by the good old BBC where there is no product-placement or sponsorship. I will also say that's it's amazing how exact supposed 'searches' are when it comes to finding results - their searches magically turn up a single result. What are the odds?

Don't let that put you off though - Cynthia Nixon's episode is one heck of a story and I guarantee that anyone interested in history will find it an enjoyable and fascinating watch. Cynthia herself is genuine throughout, though there is the odd moment where she perhaps comes over as a little naïve.

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Just a reminder...

Hey everyone, just a reminder that Who Do You Think You Are? USA series 5 starts tonight in the UK on Watch at 9pm. The first of this 5-episode-run is Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon. I'm hoping to put up a write-up on here at some point tomorrow, like I do with the UK series, so keep your eyes out for that!

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Learn the Lingo - MIs

MI


An MI is, quite simply, a memorial inscription - this is the inscription found on a gravestone or other memorial. Usually, this is referred to as an MI when it has been transcribed or indexed on its own or in a database.

Friday 5 June 2015

WDYTYA? USA series 5 on Watch

Watch has the new series of Who Do You Think You Are? USA starting Tues, June 16, at 9pm. The revealed line-up for this series is: Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City,) Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell from Modern Family,) Rachel McAdams, Valerie Bertinelli, and Kelsey Grammar (Frasier.)

It looks like an interesting series all-in-all, though they do seem to keep changing the air time so I'll try to keep you up-to-date with the details. Should be good!