ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS JOANNA LUMLEY

Absolutely Fabulous is an irreverent British comedy series about two self-indulgent, image-obsessed, drug-guzzling, fame-starved, chain-smoking, alcoholic and prosperous over-40 women, created by Jennifer Saunders. In a nutshell, not your standard prime-time fare, but funnier than the Pope playing bongos on a nudist beach. One has to see it to believe it, since there isn't one single show on American TV to which it may be compared. Saunders, who also plays the lead role of the utterly immature Edina Monsoon, had the wisdom to cast 70s bombshell Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone, Edina's best friend, wing woman and constant encourager of deviant behavior. Lumley, who achieved cult figure status portraying sexy hi-kicking agent Purdey in the 70s spy-action series The New Avengers, truly shines in her role, revealing an uncanny gift for comedy and self-deprecation. Lovers of irreverent comedy cannot go another day without discovering Absolutely Fabulous. It's like loving Italian food, but never having tried pasta.

When will the L Word get an award?

Only priests and Christian Coalition members are not supposed to watch the L Word, the Showtime TV series that follows the lives of a close group of lesbians, bisexuals and transgender women, their families and entourage in West Hollywood-land. Without going into a deep review, let it be said that the writing is superb, the drama high, the sex-factor hot, cleverly staged and just a few frames short of avoiding an outright ban from television. And the whole thing is performed by one of the best female casts ever assembled (yes, a lot stronger than Sex in the City and Desperate Housewives). After Flashdance, those who forgot how great Jennifer Beals could be, will be reminded. The magnificent Pam Grier (Foxy Brown) is in the house, along with Mia Kirshner, Rachel Shelley, Katherine Moenning, as the tom-boyish heartbreaker, and Sarah Shahi, as Carmen, the curvaceous good-girl Hispanic lesbian that would make a straight woman regret her genetic orientation. A-list stars pop up left and right and viewers are left constantly wondering how the producers manage to get away with some scenes and situations. The L Word is landmark TV into its 6th season. And what about that weird theme song by Betty? Check it out:

Black Lagoon: Those crazy Japanese

"Black Lagoon combines the dark and cynical nature of Fight Club with the non-stop action of a John Woo film. This anime series is rife with cigarette smoking, foul language and significant bloodshed. It is, however, startlingly accurate in the portrayal of the life of a soldier of fortune immersed in the criminal underworld of the China South Seas." (Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, July 2007). I must admit many manga and Japanese animation series go over my head like an Olympic pole vault jumper. I'm not a devoted fan and only engage in cosplay on special dates. My favorite is still the 7,000-page saga Lone Wolf and Cub. Black Lagoon, though, is a world of shameless fun. Filled with sexy, bad-ass characters, exotic locations and awe-inspiring action sequences. The anime series, based on the original graphic novel by Rei Hiroe, has legions of fans and countless YouTube uploads. To get your fresh DVDs, go to the official U.S. web site.

All hail Charlie's Angels

A trip down memory lane, lest we forget our pioneers. We think now that Charlie's Angels was all fun and games. Sure, it's not quite Law & Order, but, people, this show was an important historical landmark. See what Wikipedia says about it: "Charlie's Angels is a television series about three women who work for a private investigation agency, and is one of the first shows to showcase women in roles traditionally reserved for men. The series was broadcast on the ABC Television Network from 1976 to 1981 and was one of the most successful series of the 1970s. Charlie's Angels was created by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts and produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg." The DVDs of the original series are available and you will find many clips on YouTube. Check out the opening title sequence of the fifth season, featuring Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd and Tanya Roberts.

Karen Cliche: Will have you in stitches

My friend Karen Cliche is constantly voted by genre fans as one of the hottest action/sci-fi women on TV, featured in series such as Flash Gordon, Mutant X, Adventure Inc., Young Blades and Vampire High. This is perhaps due to her ability to recite Hamlet backwards. What you fans, producers and directors may not know is that behind her tough-as-nails screen persona hides one of the funniest babes in Canada. Somebody give this lady a good comedy! Filmmakers, if you have something interesting to propose, I'll let Karen know you're thinking of her in exchange of a Peking duck dinner.