Highbrow, lowbrow

I've got two tv shows to recommend this week: one that aired originally a few years back but is still fabulous; and the other a new show that's just ended its first season and whose future is up in the air.

I just caught a fabulous episode of the PBS program Nature entitled Queen of Trees. It's a largely unnarrated film about the ubiquitous fig tree (there are 1000 varieties, who knew?) and its direct and indirect role in sustaining many lifeforms (the show's summary implies this is just about a tree and its dedicated wasp, but really the show is about one tree and the entire ecosystem it feeds). Beautifully filmed in high definition and thoughtfully edited, I found myself contentedly oohing and aahing repeatedly (such as when the guy patiently smokes out the bees then digs out the honeycomb, or when the alligator waits with its mouth open at the rockfall in the stream). And for what it's worth, even Adam was enthralled. (Before you ask, I will admit to allowing my 8-month old to occasionally watch nature programs and nonviolent sporting events with me, an extent of tv viewing I think reasonable for the next five years or so.)

The second show I recommend is the season finale of 10 Things I Hate About You. Loosely based on the movie of the same name (which was a loose adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, one of several modernizations of classic stories that I also heartily recommend), this 30-minute ABC Family teen show features a solid cast, amusing storylines, and some very clever writing.

Cameron: Despite everything, I still feel that Bianca and I are meant to be together. Haven't you ever known something deep in your heart?
Michael: I'm fifteen, I know things deep in my pants. That's why I don't waste time on chicks that aren't into me.

Okay, so it's not Proust. But it's cute and contemporary and generally compelling, and it could use a few more viewers to ensure its return. Check it out.

There's a time and a place for expanding one's mind, and there's a time and place for relaxing it. I'm proud to offer you opportunities for both.

UPDATE 9/17/09: The 10 Things season finale, that I enjoyed so much, drew this response from David (imagine him looking completely unimpressed as he says...): "This is the episode you were so excited about?" Well pttht to David. I for one am quite happy the show was renewed, and I know he'll be right next to me as I watch them.