The Middleman (2008)

Television needs as many cool, hip fantastic fiction shows that are chock-a-block with savvy pop-culture references, quirky plotlines and engaging characters as it can possibly get. The Middleman fills the bill. Matt Keeslar plays The Middleman who works for an organisation even he doesn't know about. He's the go-to guy when you have an "exotic problem" like super-intelligent apes taking over the local mafia, trout-eating zombie infestations, boy bands that are actually invading aliens, succubi and cursed tubas from the Titanic. His new assistant Wendy Watson (Natalie Morales) is also a conceptual artist. Her room-mate Lacey (Brit Morgan) is attracted to The Middleman, whose offices are run by an android from outer space (Mary Pat Gleeson) who resembles a chunky middle-aged woman with rotten dress sense and is more sarcastic than an insult comedian.

The episodes are all deeply layered with snappy dialogue, hip pop-culture references and themed ideas. Mario Bava, Dario Argento, Frank Herbert's Dune, The Zombies, Joe 90 and Randolph Scott movies all get referenced during various episodes. Every episode contains the famous Wilhelm Scream, too. This show rocks.

The production blog of Middleman creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach is here. Just beware of spoilers. Definitely a show to enjoy when it comes on locally or when you can point your torrent client at the download.

The trailer for the start of the series is below. Enjoy!