farewell to EH

[eleanor]

I really enjoyed EH, some episodes more than others. I think Rufus enjoyed playing the part of Hood and he said himself that he enjoyed playing a very humanitarian character. The reason I think that he felt 'underused' was because it was a US TV show. Rufus is very used to putting his all in to a role, being very emotional and pushed to the limit (which he is superb at). There are of course certain restraints in such a role as Hood; he was playing a character that was very restrained in a lot of ways and I guess there are only so many ways a character like Hood can be played; it had its limitations. I would love to see EH back again with Rufus as Hood and hopefully that will happen sometime, with Stephen Gallagher writing many more of the episodes.

[phyllis]

I really hope so, Eleanor. That would be great if it comes back, but I doubt it. I think the subject matters were too brainy for most people. Some of it went over my head, I have to admit, but I tried hard to pay attention and getting to look at him was my biggest reward. The other show, The Mentalist, took off right away, but the subject matter was easier to understand and there's a lot of comedy in the show, which mostly lacked in EH, except for a few exchanges between Dr. Hood and Rachel.

Well, maybe this happened for the best for Rufus. TV parts can sometimes pigeonhole you into a certain character and then it's hard for the public to connect to you in a movie role that is different in character. I just hope Rufus gets a big budget movie starring role that will reward him handsomely for his great looks and excellent acting talents. I think this hunk has been greatly under appreciated.

[eleanor]

I have alweays thought Phylis, that Rufus was underated and underused as an actor. Here in the UK, we know him well and I have followed his career on and off for many years. Rufus is very choosy regarding the roles he plays and as other conversations on this have gone before, he prefers it that way. If a role does not come up that he wants, then he would rather be poor and unemployed than play a mediocre role for money and be unhappy...and I totally understand that and am glad that he has that attitude. He is an actor of substance and deserves the best of roles, by that I mean the roles that satisfy him artistically and fulfill his desires. I personally am looking forward to seeing him act some Shakespeare; in a recent interview, Rufus mentioned that this may happen sometime next year!

[travelover]

Dr. Hood had many possibilities which Rufus would have great at revealing. They touched on his family life with his sister and nephew - I wanted to see more of this dynamic - he was apparently a geek in school - show us how he GREW. They touched on his mourning his dead wife and trying to restart his own life by finally dating - have flashbacks show us what he and his wife went thru. So many things they neglected. Then they should have shown HOW he got involved in what he was doing with the FBI. And, they could have involved him in some romances - show that part of his life intruding in his work, etc. Maybe even show some jealousy with his "co-worker".

BUT in my humble opinion, they did not know what they had! TV today is mostly GARBAGE. People behaving like animals in reality shows. I don't watch ANY of them. I want to be inspired. I want to be "taken away"!

But I must say - television's loss is OUR gain. Rufus Sewell DESERVED better. And God willing he'll finally get it - and it will be a treat to see him do it.

As I said before - MORE romances, please, Rufus. More "inspirational" roles. Lord knows we could sure use it these days.

[phyllis]

Well, the EH storyline was coming along. They just didn't give the show enough time. He had started being interested in his wife's best friend and there was definitely a sexual tension between him and Rachel. I loved when he told her she had been drooling in her sleep but he thought it was cute.

He was obviously a very nice guy and they could have rounded out his character by showing more of his personal life and feelings. I really hated that they left the show hanging in the air, without a closure of any kind. I didn't mind at first because I took it for granted it would resume in the fall.

I think EH suffered the same fate as Dark City, they would have needed to "dumb it down" for TV viewers who would rather watch reality shows where they don't really have to use their gray matter to understand what is going on.

Anyway, like I've said before, it's probably a blessing in disguise so that now Rufus will be able to play in many movies and use his monumental acting talent in all sorts of characters and not be limited to Dr. Hood. And I am definitely buying the EH DVD when it comes out, I'm signed up for one at Amazon. I'll still be able to watch my beloved Dr. Hood.

[numbat]

My favourite show (because of course i never got to see EH) was Life. That had a monumental backstory involving Charlie Crew's 12 years of false imprisonment and his obsession with finding out who had put him there following his release and re-instatement as a detective. Without that conspiracy arc, the show would have just been a week to week police procedural - it seems that was what EH was perhaps missing from what you have been saying above.

Maybe it would have helped to show more of Jacob's personal life & backstory - maybe not. Life was cancelled too.

[eleanor]

Yes numbat, that character was played by another great english actor, Damien Lewis wasn't it? He is now married to Helen McCrory (a Rufus connection) and they have two children. I never saw Life but I read the reviews and they were very good.

[phyllis]

Numbat, if you do get the EH dvd, H2O was my most favorite. Just that one episode will be well worth the price of the whole dvd. LOL When he was in the shower scene and they were showing his wet face I just about melted. Even my daughter said she was aroused by the scene. He was just gorgeous in that scene. I also liked the one about miracles in the drinking water, forget the title of it.

[peach]

I think what ruined this show was the quality of story lines and overall writing in general. His talent was wasted in what could have been a very promising show, with so many possibilities that it could have had a very long run indeed. I don't think the studios know what to do with him, they see a face and they think he can do only one part. He is so very talented and his range so varied that he should be offered so many parts. I would love to see him do more stagework and more indie films, there's much more freedom in that but quality parts don't come around that often. Just a thought.

[numbat]

Oh Phyllis - that episode DOES sound, um, thought provoking (mind you, i can probably do without any more arousal these days!!!!). Did they only show his wet FACE though!!!!

Ellie, you must see Life if you get the chance. Best to start from the beginning of season one as the very first episode explains so much of what follows. Damian Lewis is sublime (as usual).