Rocket From The Crypt. They either support or demolish your argument.

Yeah, but he was a huge presence onstage, in pics, in interviews, and just in the general aura of the band. He took a lot with him.

I would go for a compilation, as some of their best singles weren't included on albums. 'Snap' was their self-chosen career overview, if you can get it in the US.

And what about a band that starts off as a quartet but ends up a trio through tragedy, like Manic Street Preachers?

They were a great singles band, but not quite up to standard album wise. Though Paul Weller's solo career has really taken a good turn in the last few years  - he threw off the trad rock rut he was in and started experimenting like Bowie's Berlin period. 'Wake Up The Nation' is probably his best album.

You should look out for a French actress, Jenna Thaim:

The Jam mentioned, but only in passing. I'd be interested in hearing what their standing is in America. At the time in the UK they were more popular than The Clash, though they're not quite as revered as them nowadays (not far off, though).

Wonder what Kinski was like behind a wheel.

And Saul was wearing Walt's shade of green. From this I deduce … I don't know what.

My area is called Longbenton, which was naturally changed to Long Bent One. Curiously enough, a nearby area is called Wide Open. I wish to God I lived there instead.

Shit on it - I swear this wasn't here when I picked this tit as well.

I only remembered because I rewatched the last couple of episodes at the weekend as a refresher. Yeah, you're right - we're supposed to acknowledge the justice of Mike's comment.

Englebert Humperdinck.

Colonel - they note down some kind of numbers on the trains, so have to get up close and personal. This hobby might've died out by now, after years of cliched abuse.

Have you noticed there's someone on here calling themselves PostyMcPosterson? It's evolution in action.

In the UK we have 'trainspotters' - obsessive males who loiter on platforms, logging train details. You could perhaps say they're on the spectrum. It's an age-old insult over here.

Best Male British Authors (Living)

Sapphire and Steel or GT, etc.

Scrawler is right about the younger Patrick in Bad News, though. Maybe Domnhall Gleeson, or however it's spelt.

Events in episode 1 would, I fear, thin the audience out a little, but not to worry.