Les Misérables

Well readers, I am beside myself with excitement ... the BBC have just announced that they will be adapting Les Misérables, my favourite musical and one of the greatest books ever written, into a six part drama. While there may not be any singing, the new adaptation is going to be written by Costume-Drama God Andrew Davies, and will be produced by the team that created the astonishing War & Peace. Could it involve any more of my favourite things? Well, potentially. The success of this could all hang on its cast, so who's going to get the call? My friends and I have been imagining our dream line-up ever since we heard the news.

The Best TV Dramas of 2014

Christmas is but 6 days away and I can smell the panic in the air. Need some last minute gift ideas? Well roll up roll up for I, a recognised television connoisseur have drawn up a list of 2014's best British dramas. Head on down to your local Woolworths Megastores and pick up a boxset or five.

The Imitation Game

It's been a tough few months waiting for this one but we made it through. The Imitation Game is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year - turns out it might also be one of the most important. Now The Optimist offers you less of a recommendation and more of a shove towards the cinema. Mark my words, you'll be glad you've seen this when award season comes around.

Eddie Vs Benedict

Is it award season again yet? The Optimist's already getting a bit too excited about next year's Oscar-hopefuls. This past fortnight's seen the release of not one but two inconceivably gorgeous trailers - could one of our favourite Brit-actors be about to win a little gold man?