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  #1  
Old 8th February 2011, 01:18 PM
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Default What makes Prisoner:Cell Block H special to you?

With the dirth of uber-crappy soaps that now pollute our screens it is very welcome news that THE best tv drama series ever set in an Australian detention centre is getting a proper series of releases on R2 dvd. Forget the stories you have heard about the terrible acting and abysmal plot lines because they are all lies. In its very long running capacity it has encapsulated all that is good about tv drama, believable characters and settings, exciting stories and plots mixed in with humour and pathos. You never knew what was around the corner, plot wise (and I don't mean the drivel that corrie and its ilk pass off as plot lines) wether it was break-outs involving being whisked away, swinging from a rope ladder attached to a helicopter or riots involving kangaroo courts where the top dog was judge, jury and executioner.

I guess the point Im trying to put across is that you should really give it a chance. It is simply one the the greatest tv series ever made IMO.


So what makes PCBH have a special place in the hearts of our members?
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Old 9th February 2011, 02:22 AM
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The prison setting. The fact it focus's on people (criminals / prisoners) not normally shown on TV at all. Before Prisoner, I had never seen a series focus on people shunned by society.

Love how it pushed the boundaries of what it could get away with. And the dark portrayal it has of life / the world.

Also love the incidental music used and the camera work in some scenes is brilliant.
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Old 9th February 2011, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Chucky View Post

Love how it pushed the boundaries of what it could get away with. And the dark portrayal it has of life / the world.
Good point there. In contrast to the usual bright and breezy outlook that you would normally get, Prisoner offers a frank and realistic view of the world and what can happen if you take the wrong path in life.
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Old 20th February 2011, 09:26 PM
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I enjoy Prisoner because of its truly entertaining plotlines. These include the tunnel escape, the great fire, Marie Winter's riot and Rita's transfer to Blackmoor, amongst many others. When compared with the likes of EastEnders and other continuing dramas of today, the programme is an absolute classic!
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Old 21st February 2011, 10:39 AM
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I can't even watch 5 mins of the soaps you get today without feeling nauseous.
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Old 21st February 2011, 12:49 PM
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I can't even watch 5 mins of the soaps you get today without feeling nauseous.
Completely agree.
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Old 22nd February 2011, 05:24 PM
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It's the strength of the characters that make this series stand out above the rest, I think. Despite sometimes being Over The Top or exaggerated, the characters are essentially real and it's very easy to relate to them. We feel their pain, their elation, we know what makes them tick. That's why Prisoner can make us laugh or cry in equal measure. A splendid meeting of comedy and drama, of great writing and excellent characterisation. Simpl;y brilliant!
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Old 28th February 2011, 06:51 PM
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Default What makes Prisoner Cell Block H special to me?

I was first introduced to Prisoner as a teenager (I'm now 36). As I recall, I was babysitting for a couple up the road. They had blank VHS tapes lying around which I checked through for something to watch. I thought I'd struck gold, when I found some porn to watch. The porn was cool, but among their tapes was some episodes of Prisoner, which of course was more interesting (when you've seen one sex scene, you've seen them all).

Anyway, this got me into the soap, and I eventually watched it at home. I lived in an area that was covered by both Central and Anglia (and if the wind was blowing in the right direction, Yorkshire). I settled on Central as my channel of choice. This meant I saw at least the last year of the show. I still remember sitting, literally, on the edge of my bed, watching the final episodes (didn't Central show the last two as a double bill?). Without trying to spoil it, it felt like the ending I deserved for being a loyal fan.

When it came on Channel 5, I was able to watch it while being paid for a while which was nice. I also loved very much the end announcements by Bill Buckley etc, who involved the viewer in making fun of the show. At the risk of getting trolled by Prisoner fans, I have to say that I love the show for as much as what is terrible about it, as much as what is fantastic about it.

Basically, I haven't seen most of the show. I do love it. However, I'm not in denial about much that is wrong with the show. A lot of the criticisms are cliched and misplaced. We all know the bars were real and very heavy, but also there are those moments about the show that are laughable.

As I've said elsewhere, there are moments of great pathos in the show, as well as moments of hilarity. Over 692 episodes, there are bound to be some slip ups, but overall, this is a show that has aged extremely well.
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Old 28th February 2011, 06:56 PM
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Good post PL. I think all of us love it for what it is, Wobbly sets and all. At the end of the day it's the acting and stories that are important and drive the show along and those are two things that are great about Prisoner.
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Old 10th March 2011, 05:15 PM
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For me Prisoner is THE best soap ever made. I love everything good,bad & ugly about it. Great storylines, characters , acting & characterisation and some of the best one liners !

And I love how I can still watch it over and over again after seeing it for the 1st time over 20 years ago.
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