Misfits has been a trip and a half this season (series).

Without being too spoilery, how does S4 compare with S3? I was disappointed in S3 -- Too much focus on Rudy and too much emphasis on powers that were either silly (Curtis's gender bending) or underutilized (Kelly's rocket scientist).

I have to confess that I gave up on Misfits after S3.

Jon,

After the first couple of episodes I was a bit worried about S4, but I now like S4 better than S3. They seem to be slowly doing a better job. They are not fixing all the issues, but it is better.

Consuela, I have given up on Primeval:NW.

I confess to loving the original formula, stupidity and all.

Sadly, once Connor and Abby came back from the great beyond, it lost it's flavor, but I kept watching, hoping it would get better.

I realize now that the stories have always been dumber than dumb, but I liked the characters. The NW crew is so bland and uninteresting that I could not hold on.

They are not fixing all the issues, but it is better.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement! But, if I have time, I'll give them a shot.

Any comments on the Downton Abbey Christmas special? I don't want to say anything for those who haven't seen it yet.

I just finished watching. I don't know how I feel. Shocked at what happened and how it was shown, but knew it was in the air. I just wonder how things will continue on from here.

Also, looking back on events in s. 3, it now makes sense why they are keeping Branson around w/o Sibyl. I was starting to think he was going to be like Spike...kept around b/c they liked the actor after his storyline had played out. But they need a viable young upstairs man.

I know lots of people think series 3 was a return to form, but there was something off about it for me. The rhythm of the narrative always seems rushed. I wish it was ending here because I feel like it's all downhill from here. I think Fellowes would be wise to bring in other writers. There's so much about this show that has me yelling at the TV, yet I can't stop watching.

And shirtless Branson, hello!

Warning: Sue's white-fonted comments are regarding series 3 as a whole, NOT the Xmas special!

I am dubious about the actor's choice to leave the show. You, um, enjoy your lack of success elsewhere, okay? But I kind of felt the same way about Tennant leaving Who.

I do love Thomas. He's a total bastard, but then they keep making him a woobie and I keep falling for it. (Note to keyboard: not a "wookie." That's a little different.)

I hope I didn't spoil you Jon. I'll edit to make that clear.

Dana, I wonder if he's not pulling a Caruso. I like him on Downton, but I don't know if he's all that as an actor, or all that versatile.

Full credit to Rob James Collier for making Thomas work. He's been really great. Also I was happy to see in S. 3 Allen Leech can act. I wasn't all that sure after s. 2, even if I did think he was adorable. Those endless garage scenes w. Sibyl left me cold.