The Catherine Tate Show: Series One

I used to love the old Tracey Ullman show, but I don't think even she—a true goddess of comedy—quite approached the astonishing range of ingenious characters presented by her heir apparent, Catherine Tate. The British comic's hugely successful eponymous show (showered with tons of awards) has aired on BBC America, but for those who missed it, these six 30-minute episodes—comprising the entire 2004 debut season—will offer a fantastic introduction. (Some will recognize Tate as the “runaway bride” in an episode of the new Doctor Who series airing on the Sci Fi Channel.) From Lauren (the apathetic schoolgirl who isn't “bovvered” by anything) to Elaine (the impossible romantic engaged to a serial killer on death row) to Nan (the senile, foul-mouthed granny), Tate doesn't merely bring these characters to life: she is all but unrecognizable as she morphs through something close to the full spectrum of contemporary womanhood (other characters include an annoying office worker, a sleep-deprived mom, a yuppie neurotic, and a sweetly excitable dimwit). These are women that TV often likes to pretend don't exist: angry, aggressive, sexual, opinionated, passionate...and very, very funny. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)