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About Us: Mark Greig

Here is the next installment of our About Us Interview series. Mark Greig reviews Community, Merlin, and retro Doctor Who; he has reviewed The Fades and The Killing, as well, but he doesn’t like to talk about that last bit.

What area of the world do you live in, and what do you do? (Because we all know you don't make any money doing this.)

I live in England, in the North, home of a direwolves, weirwoods and a giant wall of ice we built to keep out the wildlings (hey, the Scots wanted their independence, they've got it). Right now my employment status is in flux (I am working but I am not technically getting paid), but in the past I've been a teaching assistant, an administrator, a call centre agent (don't hate me) and a shop supervisor.

If we just handed you a million dollars (you never know), what would you spend it on?

A doomsday machine. Or a pony. Maybe two ponies.

What random skill would our readers be surprised to know you have?

I have an excellent sense of direction. I have never got lost once in my life.

Are you a dog person or a cat person, or is there another animal involved?

Neither. I'm just not an animal person at all. Please don't hate me.

What show would recommend everyone finally get around to watching this summer?

Nikita. I just finished watching the second season and it was brilliant. And, with season three about to start soon, I recommend everyone catch up with the BBC's Wallander series starring Kenneth Branagh.

Of all the shows we don't cover, list your: (1) guilty pleasure, (2) favorite reality show, and (3) favorite from childhood.

Guilty pleasure would be Legend of the Seeker. It was the kind of by-the-numbers fantasy I usually despise, but I found it entertaining when it was around. I have no favourite reality shows. They are a plague upon mankind, our punishment from the almighty for not appreciating Time Trax when we had the chance. And a childhood favourite would have to be Batman: The Animated Series. Only cartoon I watched as a kid that I still watch now.

Fill in the blanks: If ___ weren't already reviewing ___, I'd want to do it.

Probably Once Upon a Time or Sherlock. But I doubt I could do as good a job as Panda or Paul (well, maybe Paul).

Which character do you identify with the most?

Giles. I often feel like I'm surrounded by youngsters who don't understand anything I say or appreciate my taste in music.

What's your favorite television show of all time? (Okay, top five will do if you can't narrow it down to one.)

Doctor Who. My favourite show as a kid and is now my favourite show as an adult. Buffy comes a very close second along with DS9, The Wire and Battlestar Galactica.

You are hosting a dinner party for eight TV characters and/or actors. Who would you invite?

Regina Mills to help out in the kitchen. Say what you want about the Evil Queen, the woman can cook. Walter Bishop for the same reason (also the drugs). The Doctor because he's always the life of the party (even when he's grumpy William Hartnell). Chloe Sullivan because why wouldn't I invite Chloe? Katherine from Vampire Diaries. Yeah, she is awful, but I like her. Rick Castle because I need to invite someone played by Nathan Fillion and would probably be a more fun guest than Mal. Morgana Pendragon because I need someone to hopelessly flirt with. And Eric Northman because I need someone else to hopelessly flirt with.

18 comments:

  1. Nikita!!! I'm so pleased :) The show needs all the support it can get. Fun interview Mark!

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  2. I love Wallander! I can't wait for the 3rd season...

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  3. Time Trax! I loved that show. I remember hardly anything about it now, but I was really into it back in the day. (So reality programming is clearly not my fault. Whew! That's a load off my mind.)

    I loved all your reasoning for why your various party guests were invited, Mark. Fun!

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  4. "But I doubt I could do as good a job as Panda or Paul (well, maybe Paul)."

    *sigh* So true!

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  5. Hurrah! I'm not the only one who vaguely remembers Time Trax. I feel so happy.

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  6. I'm very jealous of your internal compass. I have to work so hard at not getting lost, and I still require a huge landmark to help me stay oriented. (Thank you for existing, Pacific Ocean and Hollywood Hills.)

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  7. I'm with Josie. I got lost today in Terminal 5 of Heathrow! Sad.

    Great answers, Mark. I laughed out loud.

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  8. Mark,

    a) LMAO for the Wall
    b) Please, buy the ponies (and a GPS for Josie)
    c) Sylvester McCoy will always be my fave Doctor.
    d) Call center ? Been there, done that. Still there (collection) and still doing it. Not hating you. Sending you my deepest sympathies. And congratulations : you have survived.
    e) Finally, about the animals. I don't hate you. I forgive you.

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  9. Love the pic. Kermit is awesome. I hope the work you are doing and not getting paid for is at least enjoyable. As I've said before, I love learning about everyone. You make Northern England actually sound interesting :)

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  10. Thanks, celticmarc. And you have my deepest sympathies.

    Josie, when I get that million, the GPS will be in the post. And one for you too ChrisB

    drnanamom, it wasn't, but luckily I am no longer doing it.

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  11. Thank you Marc and Mark, but no GPS for me! Once I start letting a robotic voice tell me where to drive, I'll never be able to find my way back.

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  12. Josie

    Plan B

    A book of maps always with you in the car ! That's what I do. Neat (and a great tool to develop your independence)

    Forget plan C when you ask that weird guy behind the counter at the gas station. Luckily, in MY area, I know a gas station where everyone is GORGEOUS (and of the female gender) behind the counter...(and they DON'T wear cheerleading outfits)

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  13. Marc, I have a ginormous collection of maps of the US, both at home and in my car. I'm fascinated by maps and cartography.

    The LA/SoCal area has a famous book of maps (well, as famous as a book of maps can be): the Thomas Guide. It's like map porn.

    Like I said, I work really hard at not getting lost. I should have added that I'm usually successful. :-)

    (Some of these captchas aren't numbers. They're just metallic blurs.)

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  14. My map porn (too, too funny!) are the English OS maps. They are simply amazingly detailed. Even I can follow one. I have a GPS. It's saved me many, many times.

    But, thanks for the offer, Mark.

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  15. Nice to meet you! I loved it when you started reviewing Merlin, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say on season 5 as soon as it starts! :o)

    I think I'd rather have Mal as a guest than Castle, less of an ego to deal with, plus those tight pants! ;o)

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  16. Dear Josie,

    Another reason why I badly wanna join the Canadian branch of your fan club (I'm entitled of having the card number # 00001). So, please tell me where do I sing and to whom I make the check to.

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  17. No need for a check, Marc. The cost of admission to the Super Selective Josie Fan Club is one new laptop and two koalas.

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