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General Discussion => Chit Chat => Topic started by: rollntider on May 28, 2014, 01:06:50 AM

Title: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 28, 2014, 01:06:50 AM
True detective season 2 info
http://io9.com/true-detective-season-2-location-change-reavealed-and-m-1582214001
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on June 07, 2014, 10:32:27 PM
Orange is the new black season 2... recommended.....

Not as dark as OZ, I dont think women are as evil as men.... ;)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 08, 2014, 02:44:03 PM
OITNB is more lighthearted, but I like it enough.  It's not near as serious as the book, although it did have humorous instances.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Bret on July 10, 2014, 07:09:55 PM
I have adopted a new television policy that I am very happy with...

I absolutely refuse to watch any show until it is concluded!

Why? You may ask...

I am sick to death of the rug being pulled out from under me. No one would buy a ticket to a movie theater wondering if they would get to see the entire movie or not, and I am adopting a similar policy toward television. There are many shows that shouldn't have been cancelled when they were, but what pushed me over the edge is when TNT cancelled Men of a Certain Age. That was a great show with a lot of heart. Even TNT admitted it was a great show, but they were cancelling it anyway. That's when I said "Enough! no more! They're never going to get me again!"

Shows I have already been watching are "grandfathered" in. But, from here on out, the TV industry isn't going to get me again!

I have watched a few series now using my new "TV model", with the help of Netflix and/or DVD sets, and it is much better!
-No commercials
-the "cliffhangers" are only as long as I decide they are
-no waiting months for the next season to start
-no idiotic censorship or trimming down for syndication like some shows do later on
-Before I start committing myself to the show I know whether or not the show was allowed to reach a natural conclusion in its own time or if it was prematurely cancelled, so no unpleasant surprises there.

I am MUCH happier watching my TV shows this way. Sure, I have to wait about seven years to start watching a show, but I don't care...the piece of mind of knowing I won't be left hanging to me is well worth the wait.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 11, 2014, 01:11:12 AM
Alcatraz pissed me off, it was a good show and they cancelled it... but Game of Thrones is a must watch now....

True detective is a one season type of show. Season 2 will be its own thing.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 11, 2014, 11:00:34 AM
Ive been a binge watcher since the "24" days.
I like to let a show get a good three or four seasons in before I consider adding it to my qeue.
Some, like SOA, I caught up with and watch after each season ends so I can blow through without stopping.
If I am all caught up, like now, Ill go with a brief run of something like American Horror Story, but usually I will fire up a long running sitcom ala Cheers, The Office, and watch again from beginning to end again until some of my other shows pass me by.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 11, 2014, 07:12:07 PM
i started the sopranos again
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 11, 2014, 08:51:38 PM
Meh, I don't mind watching shows when I actually have time. Although I do have to be choosier about what I devote time to (since I also don't want to start getting into a show only to see it gone after one season), occasionally I'll guess wrong on a show. For example, I thought for sure Hannibal would be cancelled after one season so I stopped recording it on my DVR last year since I didn't have time to watch. Turns out it finished season 2 a couple of months ago and has been absolutely excellent; I hear Mads Mikkelson is an excellent Hannibal Lecter and the series has been great. I'll have to catch up down the road with that one...and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., too.

Still keeping up on 24 this season (Jack Bauer forever), and I've enjoyed MasterChef too. I also can't wait for Season 3 of The Newsroom to get started.

As far as Netflix goes, been watching West Wing on a regular basis-had forgotten just how much I absolutely loved that show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 12, 2014, 12:50:19 PM
norm, thats one reason why i wait for a show to get three or four seasons ahead.  If it's canceled, then Im not vested.  Secondly, it allows me to see if the show holds up, i.e. great first season, but poor second third or fourth.... etc...
Thats why I waited four seasons on Dexter, SOA, GoT, BB and the like.
Plus, I could power through at my discretion   :-)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: bigbaldben on July 12, 2014, 02:28:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on July 12, 2014, 12:50:19 PM
norm, thats one reason why i wait for a show to get three or four seasons ahead.  If it's canceled, then Im not vested.  Secondly, it allows me to see if the show holds up, i.e. great first season, but poor second third or fourth.... etc...
Thats why I waited four seasons on Dexter, SOA, GoT, BB and the like.
Plus, I could power through at my discretion   :-)

I did the same with Breaking Bad.  Plus it was nice that I didn't have to wait to "tune in next week/season."  :D
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Bret on July 13, 2014, 02:38:52 AM
I also did it with Breaking Bad, and I'm all caught up with SOA. Watched the first six seasons in about as many weeks.

At first, my policy was that I would wait until it became clear that a series wouldn't be cancelled before I started watching it. But, being left waiting for more with SOA and Breaking Bad made me modify my policy to just wait until the series is concluded.

Last summer, the wife and I watched The Wire all the way through in about a month. A masterpiece of a show, and a great experience of doing the entire thing on ourown terms.

Another thought...before SOA, the last show the wife and I "binge watched" was Treme. It taught me that even HBO isn't above pulling the plug two early. HBO gave the showrunners enough notice and a half-season to wrap up storylines, but three and a half seasons just didn't feel like enough time to tell that story.

Since we have some folks who watched Breaking Bad, I want to put a question out there...am I the only one who was disappointed in the finale? To me, it just didn't have that feel of closure, or maybe something was lacking or missing...I don't know. It just felt as if they could have done better.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 14, 2014, 12:20:45 AM
Quote from: Bret on July 13, 2014, 02:38:52 AM
I also did it with Breaking Bad, and I'm all caught up with SOA. Watched the first six seasons in about as many weeks.

At first, my policy was that I would wait until it became clear that a series wouldn't be cancelled before I started watching it. But, being left waiting for more with SOA and Breaking Bad made me modify my policy to just wait until the series is concluded.

Last summer, the wife and I watched The Wire all the way through in about a month. A masterpiece of a show, and a great experience of doing the entire thing on ourown terms.

Another thought...before SOA, the last show the wife and I "binge watched" was Treme. It taught me that even HBO isn't above pulling the plug two early. HBO gave the showrunners enough notice and a half-season to wrap up storylines, but three and a half seasons just didn't feel like enough time to tell that story.

Since we have some folks who watched Breaking Bad, I want to put a question out there...am I the only one who was disappointed in the finale? To me, it just didn't have that feel of closure, or maybe something was lacking or missing...I don't know. It just felt as if they could have done better.
yes i do agree, it could have been better. I feel they did on the other hand wrap it up, and leave it open for a spin off.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2014, 11:33:46 AM
I liked it. A bit over tge top though
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 18, 2014, 10:59:44 PM
they did a better job than Dexter and Battlestar Galactica.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 20, 2014, 10:30:43 AM
Dexter was hugely disappointing.
The worst of it is that they had it set up for a really solid finish
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 30, 2014, 08:31:32 PM
I haven't spent very much time watching WSOP the last few years, but decided to watch the tournament they call "The Big One", with the $1,000,000 buy-in for the players (started I'm assuming as a tourney for the poker pros instead of the $10K main event that many seem to be able to play in). Anyway, witnessed what may very well be the worst bad beat I've ever seen...ouch.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 31, 2014, 03:28:31 PM
that, my friends, is my life summed up perfectly. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: bigbaldben on August 26, 2014, 01:03:29 PM
Quote from: rollntider on July 14, 2014, 12:20:45 AM
Quote from: Bret on July 13, 2014, 02:38:52 AM
Since we have some folks who watched Breaking Bad, I want to put a question out there...am I the only one who was disappointed in the finale? To me, it just didn't have that feel of closure, or maybe something was lacking or missing...I don't know. It just felt as if they could have done better.
yes i do agree, it could have been better. I feel they did on the other hand wrap it up, and leave it open for a spin off.

Couple of thoughts  maybe it could have been better, but given the recent finales of some shows, it could have been much, much worse.  I think Jessie's future is the one thing you can say had lack of closure - I can't imagine it being far from the local psych ward and maybe the writers couldn't either - and maybe they just didn't want to put him there.  But I was satisified with it.  I agree, could have been better I'm sure, but I wouldn't know what to change to make it that way.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 26, 2014, 10:13:41 PM
agreed. it could always be better when you see it even though you don't know what you are expecting.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Bret on August 27, 2014, 01:29:25 PM
If I were writing the finale, I would have had Jesse killed by gunfire, and have Walter end up dying of his cancer.

I felt like the show was, in the later seasons, trying to spin it to how Walter dragged Jesse in to all of this, and basically where ever Walter led Jesse would either follow willingly or somehow be dragged. I'm not trying to defend the Walter character, on the contrary I felt as if he turned into a bit of a scumbag. But, the truth is that Jesse was always in charge of Jesse, and had he never got involved in the meth business at all, be it a manufacturer, a dealer, or a user, his life would have been much better than it was.

I say all of that to make the point that, were the show to go on and were it at all realistic, Jesse himself would be dead within a year or two, anyway, even without Walter around. I've lived in enough ghettos for a long enough amount of time to know that living that life has two endings: either premature death, or prison. Or, in some cases, both.

Quote from: bigbaldben on August 26, 2014, 01:03:29 PM
Quote from: rollntider on July 14, 2014, 12:20:45 AM
Quote from: Bret on July 13, 2014, 02:38:52 AM
Since we have some folks who watched Breaking Bad, I want to put a question out there...am I the only one who was disappointed in the finale? To me, it just didn't have that feel of closure, or maybe something was lacking or missing...I don't know. It just felt as if they could have done better.
yes i do agree, it could have been better. I feel they did on the other hand wrap it up, and leave it open for a spin off.

Couple of thoughts  maybe it could have been better, but given the recent finales of some shows, it could have been much, much worse.  I think Jessie's future is the one thing you can say had lack of closure - I can't imagine it being far from the local psych ward and maybe the writers couldn't either - and maybe they just didn't want to put him there.  But I was satisified with it.  I agree, could have been better I'm sure, but I wouldn't know what to change to make it that way.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 27, 2014, 04:53:17 PM
I think Jesse would had died because of that girl if she had not od'd. It was a matter of time for pink man as long as she was alive
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 27, 2014, 06:57:57 PM
I actually think Jesse was closed out pretty well although on screen we were left with a feeling of emptiness because it wasn't as final as the Walter character.
Recall what Jesse had said and done.  He had nowhere to hide, nothing left to bargain with.  Yea he was free from this instance, but before long every door he opened was about to slam shut.  Jesse was cooked, pardon the term of art.

To bret's point, I think Walter did have a hold over Jesse in the sense that Jesse had nothing else and he knew it.
To say he would have been better off without Walter and the meth biz is misleading.  Sure he was in charge of himself at all times but squeezing through a tiny window of what his life was or waltzing through ball room doors with Walter is not an equal choice.
But it is a choice he made and I believe that is what the writers wanted the viewer to experience about him.  Like all of us, reconsidering our decisions and where are in life because of them.
My .02 anyway.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Sakura on October 22, 2014, 04:32:45 AM
The Thick of It starring Peter Capaldi (who would later go on to play The Doctor in Doctor Who) is a pretty good political spin series revolving around British politics.  Very good show, but unfortunately far too short.  The first two seasons comprise of six episodes in total, and all four seasons of the show is 21 episodes in length.  The Malcom Tucker character would also star in the movie In The Loop.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 22, 2014, 06:59:27 PM
Finally got around to finishing Californication. I had that on pause for a couple of years.
Waiting for SOA and Walking Dead to finish up so I can blow through them, and I think True Blood is over, so I will have to finish up the last season there, other than that, I've pretty well exhausted my list.  Ill have to get back to adding to it again.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 07, 2014, 07:29:59 PM
I forgot all about True Blood that I had keyed up so I watched the last season a couple of days ago.
TB sorta went the way of Dexter IMO in that there was a bit of a drop off but TB didn't mail in the final season like Dex.
In similar situations Ill say Im glad I saw it, for closure, since I was heavily invested in the series.  While I really enjoy TB, I really coulda done without this one.
There was nothing over the top that put me off about it, it just didn't keep me reeled in like before.
Watch it if you are up through season 6, but if you are only to season 5, thats a good place to stop unless you are like me and have to see it through.

Hurry up SOA!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on November 24, 2014, 03:14:59 PM
A recent show I loved was Longmire.  It was canceled but has been picked up by Netflix  http://www.enstarz.com/articles/51593/20141122/longmire-season-4-news-crime-dramas-robert-taylor-overjoyed-by-netflix-pickup-his-new-message-to-fans-video.htm
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 02, 2015, 02:01:31 AM
While waiting for Newsroom and Homeland to finish up their current runs, I decided to fire up The Office...again...for the fifth time...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 02, 2015, 09:15:00 AM
Quote from: Crewe on January 02, 2015, 02:01:31 AM
While waiting for Newsroom and Homeland to finish up their current runs, I decided to fire up The Office...again...for the fifth time...

Love that show, but it's been awhile-need to fire that one up again. Have you checked out Parks & Recreation? That's been one of my favorites of late, I think you'd enjoy that one.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 02, 2015, 04:06:16 PM
I just can't stay away, the Office is so watchable.
I have not seen P&R. I might have to give it a shot. I initially strayed from it because Im just not a fan of Amy Poehler, I tend to think she is given too much credit. But, since I am running out of things to line up, perhaps I should whisk away my perceptions and go with it...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 05, 2015, 01:56:47 AM
Quote from: Crewe on January 02, 2015, 04:06:16 PM
I just can't stay away, the Office is so watchable.
I have not seen P&R. I might have to give it a shot. I initially strayed from it because Im just not a fan of Amy Poehler, I tend to think she is given too much credit. But, since I am running out of things to line up, perhaps I should whisk away my perceptions and go with it...

Ah, gotcha-absolutely love her, but the cast overall just works great together. Ron Swanson might be one of my all-time favorite characters.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 05, 2015, 02:41:42 AM
I've got it in line, and I should add, I haven't seen enough of her work to make a fair assessment, just a pre conceived notion based on nothing lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 05, 2015, 07:33:27 PM
I'd also recommend Castle, but I don't see that streaming anywhere.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 10, 2015, 01:42:22 AM
uhhh, P and R IS The Office!
Completely killed it for me. Female Michael Scott, Dwight, Jim.....ugh.
Almost made ith through season one, might try again later but now.... fail.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 12, 2015, 06:05:10 PM
so I was right in the middle of an Office run when I veered off to give P&R a chance so although I am firm in my stance that it is the Office part 2, I will probably give it another chance after I complete this run and let a little time pass so they wont be seen so close together.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 12, 2015, 06:20:57 PM
btw, HOC S3 trailer...

I would not be surprised if this is the last season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU9QTLXYCCc
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on January 13, 2015, 04:27:25 PM
it is supposed to be according to rumors.... but there is nothing left for him to do after this season anyways.... except maybe become a greeter at the "wall marks"    ???
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: thaima1shu on February 17, 2015, 11:57:04 PM
Any of you guys watching the show Fresh off the Boat? Man I'm loving this. So much of this that I can relate to growing up that it's scary. So funny, though!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 18, 2015, 10:38:09 AM
Quote from: thaima1shu on February 17, 2015, 11:57:04 PM
Any of you guys watching the show Fresh off the Boat? Man I'm loving this. So much of this that I can relate to growing up that it's scary. So funny, though!

My new favorite too, and I absolutely agree-there's a lot I can relate to as well. The mom is my favorite by far, and young Eddie cracks me up.

I really want to check out the book now, heard plenty of good things about it!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 02, 2015, 10:18:18 PM
House of cards Season 3... weekend time sink ........
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 10, 2015, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 12, 2015, 06:05:10 PM
so I was right in the middle of an Office run when I veered off to give P&R a chance so although I am firm in my stance that it is the Office part 2, I will probably give it another chance after I complete this run and let a little time pass so they wont be seen so close together.

Probably gonna be an unpopular opinion, but: I think Parks & Rec was better than The Office. Sure, the first season might've seemed like a retread, but it gets so much better in later seasons. The characters develop, they don't make Leslie out to be as ditzy as she was in the first year...yep, absolutely love this show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 11, 2015, 12:03:49 AM
So this just dropped on Netflix today, another addition to the Marvel Universe: Daredevil. First two episodes are really really good, and worth checking out.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on April 12, 2015, 10:37:18 PM
Yep Liking daredevil. Game of thrones started today also.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2015, 04:34:38 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on April 10, 2015, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 12, 2015, 06:05:10 PM
so I was right in the middle of an Office run when I veered off to give P&R a chance so although I am firm in my stance that it is the Office part 2, I will probably give it another chance after I complete this run and let a little time pass so they wont be seen so close together.

Probably gonna be an unpopular opinion, but: I think Parks & Rec was better than The Office. Sure, the first season might've seemed like a retread, but it gets so much better in later seasons. The characters develop, they don't make Leslie out to be as ditzy as she was in the first year...yep, absolutely love this show.
hey, Im the one that goes against the grain ;-)
But yea, you're on your own here. I cannot see myself ever suggesting P&R is better than the office, but Ill let it marinate for a bit and try again.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 22, 2015, 09:18:20 AM
Finished off Season 1 of Daredevil, and I was impressed. Probably one of Marvel's best series yet...and the only drawback is now I have yet another comic book character I'd like to know more about. Series totally makes up for that joke of a movie from 2003.

Also has been confirmed that there will be a Season 2.  :woot:
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on April 22, 2015, 10:28:49 AM
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/galaxy-quest-tv-series-works-790532

Galaxy quest.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 22, 2015, 12:05:54 PM
Some awesome new things popping up on Netflix and Amazon Prime video the last few weeks.

Masters of None with Aziz Ansari: watched the first two episodes so far and really enjoyed it. Mild NSFW trailer - language.



Marvel's Jessica Jones just dropped on Netflix this past Friday...really need to getting around to watching this one, trailers have looked amazing.



While I've never read the book, Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle was turned into a series by Amazon that also just premiered this last Friday. First episode was great, and can't wait to have time to watch a little bit more.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 29, 2015, 07:08:16 PM
Jessica Jones
Krysten Ritter

Ritter does a good job and the MU was integrated fairly well, but the storytelling/directing left me wanting and wondering too often.
However, it almost seems forgivable due to Ritter's performance which was solid all the way through, not stellar, but good.
Overall, I feel sorta meh afterwards; not like it was a waste of time, but moreso wondering if I want to see what's next.
i probably will, but I'm not truly excited about it.
3.25/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 07, 2016, 12:59:49 AM
Better Call Saul

An easy 10 episode season watch for the Breaking Bad prequel.
Can I spoil a prequel since you already know...?
Nevermind, Ill avoid potentials. Obviously this is a ride to find out how Saul arrived in BB and let me say the ride is entertaining. The interesting thing is, there is a timeline here so Im not sure how they will compact or expand the story as it relates to the number of seasons for Saul.
That said, its a good story, well told with some obvious foreshadowing, simply by virtue of being a prequel
but it still captures mystery and edginess.
Makes me want to go right into BB now...

4.25/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 13, 2016, 11:56:42 PM
Mr. Robot

Norm, I feel as though I must apologize. In another thread some time ago, I was all caught up on my watches and asked for suggestions. You brought up a couple of shows on USA and I scoffed, mumbling something about that network just making cartoony hour long sitcoms.
Not so. I happened upon this series and was immediately enthralled and engulfed in this cyber thriller series.
Its unlike any hacker fest ive seen, in that they keep hacks reasonable and relatable, not a lot of techno babble or inventive fictional scenarios.
Christian Slater and Rami Malek are superb throughout. Some of the support is a toych weak, but such an envigorating, deep story covers those flaws.
Its also unique in that it breaches the 4th wall, but not in the style of House of Cards...I cant elaborate, but youll see.
After the seeing the debut season, I did a quick read about the inception and turns out tjis was initially scripted as a film but was scrapped for tv because there as simply too much of a story to cram into 2 hours. The season finale represents the end of act one in the film.
I coyld say much more about the concept but it would involve spoilers.
Check this out.

4.5 / 5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 14, 2016, 12:51:18 AM
Dammit, I've been meaning to watch that one but got so busy this summer I just lost track of it. Gonna need to catch up because I've heard that show was incredible. Thanks for the heads up!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 14, 2016, 12:34:19 PM
Yea, Id A list that one
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 15, 2016, 12:29:55 AM
30 for 30
Fantastic Lies

You should know by now that I seethe with serious hostility when the Duke Lacrosse case is mentioned. Part of me didn't want to watch this but the part of me that wanted to won out.
Bottom line, watch it.
Media. Good lord the media. They are inching so close to politicians in a battle for the the lowest in decaying behavior.
Im not alone when I speak about my severe disdain about the so called journalists in this country. Barely a shred of integrity and especially objectiveness exist in this shithole we call America and this case magnifies how it has negative consequences of monumental proportions and yet it continues to spew whatever agenda is put forth to be most beneficial to them or that of their puppeteer.
No one held responsible, no one is sorry, certainly not that twat Nancy Grace. Well, wait, one reporter in the show did offer a printed apology, granted, maybe there were others, but if so, they were of such small consequence, no one noticed. Retractions sure weren't worthy of year long coverage.
And then there's Nifong, who luxuriates in retirement. Oh sure, he's disbarred, but so what? Yea he has lawsuits against him but so what? he's protected by bankruptcy. And don't you think its ironic that this self righteous, ego maniacal common criminal, who attempted to mete out punishment to so called elitist white well to do criminals who hid behind wealth and class, is doing that very thing?
He spent one day in jail.
One fucking day.
God Bless America.

/rant
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 17, 2016, 10:13:03 PM
This season of House of cards has improved. Although it will be hard to capture that 1st season success, its still better than the last season. So if you like me did not like season 3, season 4 is better.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 04, 2016, 12:03:28 AM
I didn't think Walking Dead could botch the intro of a new character like Negan, but they did it with that cliffhanger. What a bunch of crap...all the emotional build up and they do that. Lame...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 04, 2016, 12:27:08 AM
I agree about HOC.
Spoiler
Although, why must every single political show have the cliche assassination?
I get why they did it, to strengthen Claire, but still
Spacey and Wright are simply, money.
Underwood is the white collar Tony Soprano. He's a bad guy but he is so charismatic and good at what he does, we root for his success and demise at the same time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on April 04, 2016, 10:52:22 PM
Walking dead

Spoiler
Agree, we could have seen who was beaten. Also being the apocalypse, no way they are that organized.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 05, 2016, 12:22:11 PM
Quote from: rollntider on April 04, 2016, 10:52:22 PM
Walking dead

Spoiler
Agree, we could have seen who was beaten. Also being the apocalypse, no way they are that organized.

I'll agree with the first part of that statement. A brand new show pulling that off, I don't have much of a problem with. An established show like TWD that uses the gimmick on a regular basis, to me that's just lazy. Read somewhere that even the actors don't know who died yet, which just leads me to believe that even the writers aren't sure who they want to off yet...make a damn decision already.

As far as post-apocalypse organization, I disagree. If you figure that the series is probably at least 1-2 years post outbreak, I can see groups of survivors being organized in small communities at that point.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on April 06, 2016, 04:03:16 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on April 05, 2016, 12:22:11 PM


I'll agree with the first part of that statement. A brand new show pulling that off, I don't have much of a problem with. An established show like TWD that uses the gimmick on a regular basis, to me that's just lazy. Read somewhere that even the actors don't know who died yet, which just leads me to believe that even the writers aren't sure who they want to off yet...make a damn decision already.

As far as post-apocalypse organization, I disagree. If you figure that the series is probably at least 1-2 years post outbreak, I can see groups of survivors being organized in small communities at that point.
[/quote]

I could see that, but they are too organized.

also
Spoiler
a few plot holes or Issues I do have with the story so far.

#1 Abraham is former military, Eugune is former genious nerd, neither could figure out a plan to scout ahead and keep from getting caught?
#2 Daryl ran off hot headed and got them caught. He has been doing this how long now?
#3 Abraham can't drive a stick?
#4 your doctor is out on scavenge missions? Why not let her satisfy her need to get out on a smaller closer to home mission?
#5 eugene is going to make bullets? OK they are not picking up their brass casing, and where will they get the other supplies? Making lead is the least of the problems with that. Consult a gun nut first :)


Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 16, 2016, 08:13:16 PM
Making a Murderer

I resisted watching this show because I knew it would raise my ire and that I had to be in a mood to even take it in.
Well, it did, I was and I did.
Story revolves around Steven Avery, a redneck in rural Wisconsin who was imprisoned for a sexual assault and exonerated some 18 years later.
He then is arrested for the murder of a woman all the while proclaiming his innocence yet again.

The series begins with his release after 18 years and then we are dealt his backstory in smaller doses while examine the evidence and laying groundwork for the upcoming scenario.
By then, you are up to episode four or so and the rest of the ten deal with the murder trial and related investigations.
This crime doc is really well put together, amazingly so in fact, at least for me.
Three things were at the forefront of my mind after this and one was, what amazing patience, tenacity and focus these filmmakers possessed. Somehow, they were able to obtain access to the Avery family throughout this ordeal and were able to capture emotion of events as they transpired as well as working with official footage from the courts and police and other legal endeavors, weaving it in and out of the storyline to give the viewer a clearer picture.
Ill reserve other impressions due to spoilers, however, I can tell you one of the other three things in my mind not only after this, but before and during.
Don't
talk
to
the
cops!
EVER!

That, was beyond infuriating in this series, but maybe thats just me. And Ill add, just for my own reasons, I don't mean if you get pulled over, yea sure, where you going? Home. Where were you? Work, and on and on. I think most of us rationally sane folks could detect when to shut up if we visualized a My Cousin Vinny situation brewing, but if you are being interrogated, at home, street, wherever...shut the fuck up!
This is not a cop hating thing, even cops tell you, don't talk to the cops.
/soapbox

So yea, give it a look. Put together seamlessly, pacing is slower, more methodical at times, mainly due to the nature of the topic, and admittedly, that could be because, if you are like me, I want to blow through to the end as you see, Im the hipster binge watcher and was one long before there was a term to coin this type of event  ;-)
Watch it examine our justice system and scrutinize for your self and then come back here and talk to me because I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Spoiler

Anyone who ever followed pro wrestling, or is familiar with Hitchcock could've seen the outcome, because it is entertainment, after all.  Nonetheless, absolutely fascinating story about our justice system
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 19, 2016, 11:42:51 AM
didn't i see in the news that guy was just released or is being granted a new trial?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Sakura on August 22, 2016, 06:18:34 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on August 19, 2016, 11:42:51 AM
didn't i see in the news that guy was just released or is being granted a new trial?
His nephew was released based on prosecutorial misconduct from a statement given under coercion.  He himself is still held, the white house has issued a statement that they can't do anything on Avery's behalf that it must be via the county and state legal system, and the entire legal system of the state refuses to even hear his appeal; they continue to reject any and all appeals.  There's proof of evidence tampering and the same Sheriff's department which was being accused of evidence tampering and producing false evidence made themselves part of the investigation into the matter; they "managed to find evidence" (when the actual designated police department wasn't present) that is damning, that other teams failed to find.

It's believed by Avery and his family that the entire murder case is a hush operation, as Avery had a $36 million lawsuit against the state justice department after his exoneration from an overturned conviction where he was railroaded to be convicted of raping a woman for unknown reasons; now they believe that the latest reason is because he was trying to sue for those millions.

I didn't watch the series, this is what I read on wikipedia, and I have no interest at all in watching it; but this kind of thing really does piss me off.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 22, 2016, 11:17:24 AM
I watched the show I also watched some rebuttals from various sources.

My take is I am not sure what to think. The rebuttal videos pointed out the show left out a lot of information. But the show pointed out some inconsistencies that would/should/could cause reasonable doubt in a trial. If you watch the show, i think one should see the other side also.

Spoiler
A few things from that show that even the rebuttal people have not been able to explain

#1 they found a shell casing that supposedly killed the lady, in a nasty dirty garage, but no blood spatter or DNA anywhere?
#2 the very cops that hated the man found damning evidence in the middle of the floor hours after a 3rd party sherrifs office was investigating that spot for hours?
#3 Her brother or friend was deleting messages on her phone after her death? WTF is that about?
#4 Blood evidence in the blazer is too convenient
#5 The coerced testimony from the kid and family not that bright and easily confused.



My opinion is that the lady was murdered by someone not affiliated with Avery
The crooked sherriffs dept then framed the man and began to plant suspect evidence. 

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 23, 2016, 12:18:13 AM
To sakura's statement about evidence tampering, there was none against Dassey, and I mean no tampering because there was no evidence, none. They lied, cajoled, played on his emotional instability/weakness and flat out "made a murderer."  All they had to convict him were his statements, and theirs that they attributed to him.

As for the lawsuit retaliation, I firmly believe that was simply dramatic license. Like I said, this was entertainment ultimately.
We can discuss Avery all day long. After seeing what evidence was not covered in the doc as well as extracting the guided emotions from what was presented I feel he's guilty.
To tiders points
Spoiler

I don't recall #1 but I can believe there were aspects of tampering as well as unanswered questions; I too wondered about #3. As for 2, well, I can believe that too if you truly visualize the scene. Cops sweep the room, not really physically poking around unless it's moving covers on the bed, floor etc...
Next batch comes in and conducts a deeper search, rattles the nightstand and there ya go. The way it was presented was to illicit ire but seems reasonable to me. Also Avery seems just that stupid too.

It's been a while but what else bothered me was that they said she was killed in the bed but there was no blood and they never discussed that fact.
Something about the fire pit bothered me too but I can't remember exactly. Something about driving to the pit, but, the pit was right outside the garage where she was supposedly killed, again.
I'm usually one to err on the side of innocence and had I been on the jury maybe I would have, but given everything I've read, seems a lot of evidence against him, much of it not in the doc.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 23, 2016, 01:45:03 AM
https://justiceforbradcooper.wordpress.com/2016/01/05/analysis-of-evidence-in-the-teresa-halbach-investigation-making-a-murderer-documentary/

this is a pro Avery site be fore warned.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 23, 2016, 11:36:16 AM
I might take a look at it on some down time. I think there was obviously some questionable behavior by cops, et al, but that doesn't mean he's not guilty. I think this case is akin to OJ

Edit to add; I just re read my previous post and it sounds curt, but that wasn't my intention.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 23, 2016, 05:21:13 PM
Its cool Crewe,  but that site shows the shell casings I was talking about.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Sakura on August 24, 2016, 06:11:29 AM
Just saying, but maybe the Avery discussion should get its own thread.  :D
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 24, 2016, 11:27:26 PM
Quote from: rollntider on August 23, 2016, 05:21:13 PM
Its cool Crewe,  but that site shows the shell casings I was talking about.

There's so much information around this case it's difficult to sort through. Things I found put forth as bona fide fact turned out later to be false and people still cite as true. Way too much information for me to make an informed decision about Avery. I will say that Dassey most certainly should be freed and his attorney thrown in prison. The interrogating cops need their asses beat.

I enjoy the discussion, and yea maybe needs its own thread
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 25, 2017, 02:52:55 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy9sKeCE8V0

will give that a shot
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on June 27, 2017, 02:37:57 PM
stuff leaving netflix

9/11: Stories in Fragments

America's Secret D-Day Disaster

American Pie Presents: Band Camp

American Pie Presents: Beta House

American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile

An Unmarried Woman

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

Batman

Black Wings

Blazing Saddles

Blondie's New York

Bombs, Bullets and Fraud

Day of the Kamikaze

Death Beach

El Dorado

Flicka 2

Futurama, season 1-6

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Ghost Whisperer

Hello, Dolly!

Hip Hop: The Furious Force of Rhymes

History in HD: The Last Bomb

Hugo

Kate & Leopold

MacGyver

Mystery Files: Hitler

Nazi Temple of Doom

Samurai Headhunters

Secrets: A Viking Map?

Secrets: Richard III Revealed

Secrets: The Sphinx

Shuttle Discovery's Last Mission

The Hunt for Bin Laden

The Incredible Bionic Man

Titanic's Final Mystery

While You Were Sleeping

Working Girl

July 3

The Last Samurai

Two Weeks Notice

July 6

Los Heroes del Norte, season 1-2

July 11

Opposite Field

July 12

Adventures of Pepper and Paula

In the Basement

Sleeping Beauty

July 13

Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain

July 15

All That Glitters

Lessons for a Kiss
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 28, 2017, 11:29:40 AM
Nothing on my list there.
I was able to get to The Hustler before it was removed recently. Such a good flick
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Luggnutz on June 28, 2017, 02:54:12 PM
Better hurry and catch "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" before its gone then !
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on June 30, 2017, 09:32:28 PM
lol whats that
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 29, 2017, 01:26:01 AM
Alright, I'm caught up, again.
I need suggestions on decent....scratch that....good tv shows, and I mean depth. I hate the paint by number storytelling.
Off the list, recently.
Better Call Saul
Americans
Bloodlines
HOC
The Killing
The Fall

shelved Vikings, just couldn't get into it. Perhaps I'll revisit it

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 29, 2017, 09:15:05 AM
I've heard Justified is good, but I've never seen it.
Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but Parks & Recreation is pretty good.  :P
Chuck was one of my favorites, but I don't think it's available anywhere streaming at the moment.  >:(
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 30, 2017, 12:01:08 AM
I've heard that about justified as well but I think it was abruptly cancelled after 2 seasons. They did that with deadwood, but maybe I'll give it a look.
I'd hate to really enjoy it and then have an unplanned end.
I'm Office and decidedly not P&C whereas I know you are the opposite 😋😋😁
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 31, 2017, 09:51:43 AM
Justified went six seasons, so you should be good. :)
As for Parks & Rec/The Office, I enjoyed both...just felt The Office went a season or two too long.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 01, 2017, 07:14:19 AM
Six? You know, I think I may be getting it mixed up with that Dennis Quaid series a while back. Can't recall the name but I think it got cut too early.
Agree on the Office although I still watch season 8. Nine was salvageable and a good enough finish.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on November 02, 2017, 01:31:09 AM
Just finished up stranger things. Liked 2nd season better.

It started slow and got better. I really enjoyed it. I am curious how they keep it going.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: thaima1shu on November 02, 2017, 12:13:53 PM
Think I feel the same, thought the second season was a tad bit better. Loved both seasons regardless, though.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 03, 2017, 05:37:25 PM
I need to give this one a spin now. I liked the first season. I wasn't in love with it though. Maybe I should add this in the unpopular opinion thread ;-)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on November 03, 2017, 07:52:27 PM
I'm the same way. My girlfriend and I quit watching the first season after 3 episodes. Eventually she went back and watched the rest and convinced me to do the same. I didn't outright hate it, but I wasn't anywhere near as enamored with it as THE ENTIRE REST OF THE COUNTRY apparently is.

That being said, we both felt season two was a HUGE improvement, minus episode 7. Much happier with this season than last. And pretty much everyone acts the hell out of it, but special props to the guys and kids playing Jim, Will and Steve. Plus Sean Astin because of course Sean Astin deserves props.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 04, 2018, 05:55:44 PM
After some prodding, I watched Godless recently.
Lets start at the end...did I like it? Yes.
Love it? No.
Watch it again? No

Pros: Beautifully captured and presented. Original story with a few original characters. Jeff Daniels as the baddie was awesome.
There was depth to some main characters and it was well acted and directed through and through.

Cons: The series left me with serious questions about some plot points in an otherwise well told saga.
Other characters should have been explored more given the length of the series.

Spoiler
The ending was entertaining and fun to watch but wasn't based in reality too much.
The entire logic of being enclosed in an "iron and brick dwelling that won't burn" is simply flawed.
Gunfight in the town of black soldiers did not follow the foreshadowing that these were all witty, tough, prepared Civil War veterans when they were simply wiped out by Daniels and hiss gang.
The newspaper man who instigated the entire ending massacre didn't receive one ounce of comeuppance.
Oh and the preacher who finally arrived, sheesh.
Alice Fletcher, at the end, basically traded from one dude to another. it just screamed, Im done with her, your turn.
I know Im interpreting that scene in a jaded sense but I can't be the only one with that emotion.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 06, 2018, 03:15:34 AM
Black Mirror Season 4

You know what it is and if you liked it before, nothing I say here will stop you from watching.
The social commentary is prevalent as you would expect but season 4 is, by far, the worst of the four seasons.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 14, 2018, 06:53:09 PM
Just found out that Hulu acquired the streaming rights to ER...about time a streaming service picked this one up. This show was my jam back in the day.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 12, 2018, 12:00:22 AM
From the tv challenge thread, buc said Six Feet Under was his favorite show bar none.
I recently finished up my current watches and had nothing on tap so I tackled season one.

Six Feet Under, S1

A family business that is a funeral parlor. Mom, dad, two boys and a girl, some ten plus years behind the boys all living in a house attached to a funeral home complete with an undertaker lab. Great setting for telling the story of family life in America.
It's mostly serious, some comedy but with real direction thus far.
I like the cast, and I can see why if this had any bearing on Michael Hall landing the role of Dexter. Although, I'm not really sold on Krausse, he's fine n all, but just doesn't resonate enough with me. Lauren Ambrose and France's Conroy are serious money.
The storytelling leaves me wondering at times but a first season is usually to find footing so let's see what happens.
On to season 2
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 23, 2018, 01:33:46 PM
So, at work, if things aren't breaking left and right then there's not much for us to do, since our job is to communicate when things are breaking left and right.

So some people watch Youtube, look at reddit, facebook etc during downtime. So I've decided I'm going to watch the entire Twilight Zone series on Netflix. Obviously not binge watching all at once, but still.

I've seen maybe 3 or 4 episodes my entire life, and I've always wanted to, so might as well.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 26, 2018, 11:14:38 PM
Started 6 feet based on Buc. 6 episodes in.... so far its ok, its quirky, but I am still trying to figure it out.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 27, 2018, 11:24:41 AM
I got sidetracked after Season 1, I need to jump back in. I began er watching The Wire again
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 27, 2018, 11:38:27 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 23, 2018, 01:33:46 PM
So, at work, if things aren't breaking left and right then there's not much for us to do, since our job is to communicate when things are breaking left and right.

So some people watch Youtube, look at reddit, facebook etc during downtime. So I've decided I'm going to watch the entire Twilight Zone series on Netflix. Obviously not binge watching all at once, but still.

I've seen maybe 3 or 4 episodes my entire life, and I've always wanted to, so might as well.

Missed this a few days ago...love the Twilight Zone, some episodes are absolute classics.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 27, 2018, 05:20:17 PM
I'm hooked, which I expected to be. I love anthology shows. Black Mirror, Easy on Netflix (highly recommended), Room 104 on HBO. But of course, Twilight Zone is an absolute classic.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 28, 2018, 10:38:54 AM
man, I haven't watched the Twilight Zone in decades
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 28, 2018, 01:15:30 PM
I usually catch quite a few of the episodes during SyFy's NYE marathon...not a bad way to spend part of the day.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 03, 2018, 03:17:42 PM
Anyone here a fan of The Wire?
Im on my 3rd time through and I really appreciate the depth of the storytelling.
The first time I tried to watch, I was about two episodes in and dumped it. After about a year I started over and stuck with it, which you have to do because it is an unbelievably slow burn. Id suggest turning on subtitles your first time if you are not tuned in to the urban lingo lol
Sopranos, Deadwood and The Wire are my top 3. Many include The Shield up there but Ive only been through it one time. I would run it in my top 5 right now.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 03, 2018, 09:34:41 PM
Love The Wire! Easily one of HBO's best shows.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on April 04, 2018, 10:53:04 AM
Might have to give the wire a shot. I am almost done with season 2 of 6 feet.

Spoiler
I hate Nate's GF/ Fiance` with a passion, she fucks anything and gets pissed at him for a one time indiscretion. I hope they dont get married. Its a good show but they are not consistent in my book. Seems like you can go several episodes without a dead person hallucination then you have several.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 04, 2018, 11:59:34 AM
ive got to get back to six feet, Ill be starting season 2.
id be interested to hear your thoughts on the wire if you give it a look
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 04, 2018, 12:05:32 PM
Never seen The Wire, although I have heard that it hasn't aged well. Is that an accurate statement, do you think?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 04, 2018, 12:10:17 PM
People say that because the Wire references wiretaps and the show starts out tracking gangsters using pagers and pay phones, so in that respect, yes and thats fair. But its also missing the point, which is how the wire progresses with technology and ultimately the star is overlooked which is the city of Baltimore and its institutions as well as those of our society.
If you despise paint by number traditional prime time tv and have the patience, The Wire may be for you. And if you make it through once, you'll then like it more as you re watch, ala most of the top tier programs.
That of course, is only my opinion.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 06, 2018, 09:50:42 PM
I was really apprehensive at first when it was announced, but Cobra Kai was impressive. I was worried they were going to make a mockery of the original source material, but they treated it with respect and this was a smart, well written show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 07, 2018, 11:39:15 AM
Hi everyone, I am here to tell you, quite simply, to watch HBO's "Barry," with Bill Hader, because it's easily the best show on TV right now.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 10, 2018, 11:45:44 PM
Relevant because I finally started watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine this year...of course. The shot at MSU hoops in this post cushions the blow a little bit. :D

https://twitter.com/sbell021/status/994770088837382144
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 11, 2018, 10:55:07 AM
Lost in space is a decent show. Its not the best, but it was good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2018, 06:10:05 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 06, 2018, 09:50:42 PM
I was really apprehensive at first when it was announced, but Cobra Kai was impressive. I was worried they were going to make a mockery of the original source material, but they treated it with respect and this was a smart, well written show.

I just saw the trailer for this. Interesting. Worth a watch?

Anyone watched or heard about Killer Eve?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2018, 06:58:13 PM
I've seen people rave about Killing Eve online and on Twitter. Girl and I finished Barry last night (well, it was the season finale last night), so I think we may pick that up.

Also, seriously guys, watch Barry. It was only 8 episodes and absolutely incredible.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2018, 08:26:00 PM
I saw that when flipping through...HBO, was it? Might have to flag the one too as Im running low in my queue
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2018, 09:24:50 PM
Definitely do. You won't regret it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on May 17, 2018, 05:01:51 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on May 14, 2018, 06:58:13 PM
I've seen people rave about Killing Eve online and on Twitter. Girl and I finished Barry last night (well, it was the season finale last night), so I think we may pick that up.

Also, seriously guys, watch Barry. It was only 8 episodes and absolutely incredible.

Agree this show is great
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 17, 2018, 11:44:11 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 14, 2018, 06:10:05 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 06, 2018, 09:50:42 PM
I was really apprehensive at first when it was announced, but Cobra Kai was impressive. I was worried they were going to make a mockery of the original source material, but they treated it with respect and this was a smart, well written show.

I just saw the trailer for this. Interesting. Worth a watch?

Anyone watched or heard about Killer Eve?

Absolutely, yes if you really enjoyed the original Karate Kid...since that's a Top 5 80's movie for me it was a foregone conclusion that I'd at least check it out. Worth the time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 21, 2018, 09:35:45 PM
Where I work it seems like the tv in the break room is on one of two channels (until I change it anyway): Food Network or HGTV. I couldn't care less about most of the shows on either of those channels, but Love It or List It is one I've found quite addicting.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 22, 2018, 11:36:41 AM
I like chopped and diners drive ins and dives
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 28, 2018, 11:27:39 PM
I meant to post this the other day, but I ramped up Six Feet Under again and just finished Season 4
So spoilers just in case
Spoiler

thus far I like the show.
I never realized what a good actor Michael C. Hall was until seeing his diversity in this series. I still don't think Krausse was the right guy for Nate, but he's not bad. Claire is spot on.
The storytelling is pretty good so far, it seems to stay on target pretty much although lagging in spots which any series will do given a good run.
A few characters were given more screen time than necessary and also used as fillers, i.e Billy Chenowith for example.
Really no surprises, I mean early on you know exactly what will happen to Nate but its how they approach it and still direct a good story.
Ill add that I seriously doubt intake interviews with the families are so consistently therapeutic as shown here. None of the funerals Ive had to head up resemble anything close the emotional scenes depicted on Six Feet, but I get it, we need drama.
Im enjoying it thus far and hope to finish up soon....
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 28, 2018, 11:43:24 PM
I'm so proud of you Crewe. I love that show and it's one of the best.

Meanwhile the fiance and I have been watching Riverdale, which is absolutely campy trash and we love every moment of it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 29, 2018, 12:02:02 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 28, 2018, 11:43:24 PM
I'm so proud of you Crewe. I love that show and it's one of the best.

Meanwhile the fiance and I have been watching Riverdale, which is absolutely campy trash and we love every moment of it.

lol campy trash
yea, I would have never given this a look had you not touted it here. Im enjoying it
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 30, 2018, 01:59:04 PM
Throwing this out there again: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is pretty damn funny and worth checking out.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 30, 2018, 02:41:39 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 30, 2018, 01:59:04 PM
Throwing this out there again: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is pretty damn funny and worth checking out.

My kid's in the middle of watching this so I've heard snippets while he's been visiting. I think the fiance and I will pick it up once we're done with this season of Queer Eye and season 2 of Riverdale. Finally caught up on MasterChef so that's one less show on the list (although we still need to watch the Preacher premiere).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 04, 2018, 12:51:32 AM
ok six feet under complaints, however trite they may be, still piss me off, not only here but in every show or movie...

Brenda is supposed to be somewhat knowledgeable about recreational drugs, so for gods sake could someone at least teach the actress how to hit a bong?
And ole lady Fisher, whose character admittedly doesn't like tequila, swigs about the equivalent of two to three shots like it was water with no reaction, at all. Look, I like tequila, and I drink it often, but no flipping way I can take a chug like that and shrug it off like it was iced tea.
Fuckin hell man, its not that hard to impart some semblance of reality. It just grinds my gears.

Sorry. As you were...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 05, 2018, 08:42:02 PM
I did 2 seasons of six feet under. I need to get back to it
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 15, 2018, 10:33:40 PM
I just completed Six Feet Under, and with a caveat, I must say that is the finest tearjerking finale Ive ever seen.
Spoilers....
Spoiler
Now, Im sure Im misinterpreting this bit, but the finale ending was fine, it was great, until, we started flashing forward 80 years seeing all the cast die off in a music montage. Was this supposed to be for the viewer? Was it Claire reconciling life? I just can't see a need to add that in on top of what was a stellar closing scene. In any event, I really liked the show. Is it one of my top ever? I dunno, it could possibly squeeze The Shield out.
So here's my take on the characters:
Chenowith family.
They are all fucked, especially the mom which I guess was the point of Billy and Brenda being so messed up. That said, Billy was on a level all his own and I felt like they squeezed an arc in for him just because he was Brenda's brother and contributed to her convoluted life. Speaking of, Brenda, with her IQ and attitude was a twat like her mom, albeit not as bad. Her fears and torment are real and palpable, I just didn't enjoy her selfishness much.

Ruth Fisher is in contention for one of my favorites although that was an epic act of treachery dumping George like that, making him think they were moving in together.
I truly felt for her and the scene with her at Nate's funeral was downright devastating as was her scene in the finale with Claire. It made me think of Sally Field in Steel Magnolias.

David & Kieth. I liked these guys. We were allowed to see why Keith had his issues, but we didn't dive in further than we needed too and David's journey, although a bit amped up at the end, was really well told and supremely acted.

Federico and Vanessa were up and down, but overall I liked them. I didn't like Vanessa's sudden turn to good after being cold to Rico despite inviting him back him just to do chores. However, I did enjoy Rico's character devolve. I man we see him on a high note from the start, but as the series moves on, we get to see what a socially awkward inept man he really is and had he not found Vanessa in high school, who knows how he would have turned out. He could never get out of his own way, always screwing things up for himself, after separating of course.

George was one I didn't really latch on to after the shock treatments. I felt it was just glossed over that he was back to normal, but I really enjoyed the dynamic he brought to Ruth's character.

Melissa was a good one too but I sometimes felt she was filler, but maybe not as she played an integral part with Nate at the end.

And speaking of Nate, it was interesting seeing him develop as the main character, I mean it could have been anyone really, but him being tied with Brenda and all that baggage from the outset, well you knew that was the centerpiece.
I wasn't sure, even through two seasons that Krausse was the best actor for Nate, but afterwards, I think he did a wonderful job.
His character was always on the verge of understanding what he wanted his life to be and that happiness was the key but he cold never fully dive in without being jerked back into the old ways.

Lisa Fisher was one I really liked, a lot, until she trapped Nate. She ended up being the catalyst for Nate's demise, sending him back to Brenda without a chance of sincere happiness. I don't think they had to turn her into such a hard villain, but I suppose it worked, especially once we discover the means at which she met her end.

Then we come to Claire the teenage angst, the artsy lisberalwith no direction of life, the outcast. I appreciated how she was developed, without a loss of devotion to her family despite her darker path for a while. And by the way, what the ever lovin fuck with so many strangers living at that house?
Strangers at the family breakfast table no-ones ever seen before taking part in family business....that was really a stretch for me.
Strained relationship with her mom in later seasons only naturally reconcile through growth and maturity on both their parts. To have her take off like that, by the seat of her pants? I think thats something that is relatable to more than a few of us, or Ill speak for myself, but wonderful storytelling.
I don't know that I could watch it again, but I dont know that Id have to
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 18, 2018, 05:46:13 PM
So what's everyone watching right now?

Current seasons of Masterchef and Food Network Star are on, so the fiance and I have been keeping up with those while we work our way through Riverdale on Netflix (as I said in another thread, it's absolute, soap opera, campy trash and we love it for it).

We're thinking, once we finish Riverdale, of doing a comedy and a drama. Possibly Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Americans, although there was another show she brought up the other day we could watch but it's escaping me right now.

Sharp Objects on HBO has been absolutely incredible so far, and I can't wait for Last Week Tonight to return from hiatus (although she says the show just stresses her out these days which...yeah).


Oh, and we have season 3 of Preacher on the DVR, but it's been pretty disappointing it's first two seasons, so we're waiting to have all the episodes and then we'll binge it. The first two seasons would have worked a lot better in a binge format than a weekly format.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 07:53:44 PM
Americans is good. Thinking of getting into Sharp Objects too.
I opted for a little TV standard fare right now and am trying out Justified.
Homeland is one I need to catch up on, but I can't recall where they are now season wise.
Not much else going on now, IM kinda in limbo since finishing Six Feet Under
Killing Eve is one that was recommended to me so maybe Ill peek at that one too
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 18, 2018, 08:08:05 PM
I liked Killing Eve, although I thought it was a bit over hyped. There's a few plot holes, but as long as you can overlook that it's good. The acting is definitely good. Sandra Oh is fantastic.

I always forget about Justified. That's one I need to watch, although I imagine I may have to convince the fiance, but she likes Timothy Olyphant thanks to Santa Clarita Diet so maybe I can use that as a pitch, haha.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 10:15:22 PM
I think Ill give it a go.
Justified is fun thus far because of Timothy Olyphant. I think he's a good actor and I thought he was tremendous in Deadwood.
Otherwise its pretty much standard TV fare, but IM only two episodes in, so...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: thaima1shu on July 20, 2018, 12:19:06 PM
Been watching The Crown. Never would've thought this would interest me but am 1/3 of the way through season 2 after beginning the show last week.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 20, 2018, 12:22:45 PM
Quote from: thaima1shu on July 20, 2018, 12:19:06 PM
Been watching The Crown. Never would've thought this would interest me but am 1/3 of the way through season 2 after beginning the show last week.

I keep hearing how good that show is. It's probably one my fiance has been watching without me, but if not, I may need to make that our next show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: thaima1shu on July 20, 2018, 01:35:54 PM
Yup, wife started watching it and I happened to be around and started watching during the middle of episode 3 or 4 of season 1. Been hooked since.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on July 24, 2018, 07:58:25 PM
Watching Last Chance U season 3. Nice change of pace from the first 2 seasons.  But I have played on 2 highschool teams, we were more organized than those jokers were. No where near as talented LOL.  But I can promise that Malik Henry would not play for a real coach with that mouth.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 25, 2018, 04:23:23 PM
Quote from: thaima1shu on July 20, 2018, 12:19:06 PM
Been watching The Crown. Never would've thought this would interest me but am 1/3 of the way through season 2 after beginning the show last week.

Same her except Im were you were. I cannot imagine myself being the least bit interested in this subject. But jump in you say?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: thaima1shu on July 25, 2018, 05:02:21 PM
I'd give the first episode a shot if you're at all interested in period pieces or history. In hindsight, I probably should've seen it coming that I'd enjoy it because I do tend to like movies/shows based on interesting points in history. It's well written and has an excellent cast with great performances.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 25, 2018, 05:54:09 PM
maybe I will ...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 29, 2018, 07:03:26 PM
It might be me, but this cold open still cracks me up. What a terrific show Cheers was...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idBHtrs-Xy4
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 31, 2018, 01:17:02 PM
The Americans

I love Cold War projects and this endeavor was quite reasonable and although amped up a bit, certainly believable.
It seems a little forced when FBI agent Stan Beeman just happens to move in next door to the Russian spies (well played by Noah Emmerich btw)
but once you accept that, it all works to push the story.

Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) are seemingly normal Americans with a small travel agency and two kids and thats just what they want you to think. At first, it took me a bit to warm up to Matthew Rhys but he seemed to find his groove with the character and with enough charisma to make me believe him. Keri on the other hand was full tilt from the word go, for me at least.

In this newer era of TV, characters and their stories attempt to have more layers to them and The Americans is no exception.
The Cold War is the perfect vehicle to explore such vast makeups of the players and not to mention the tension of the times.
The show runners do a pretty decent job of maintaining the look of the era which really adds the show, and it also, at least for me, reminds how much easier it was to get away with most anything back then.

This show runs six seasons which I fell is a good amount of time, not too much, not too little in order to tell a great story.
I just finished the series finale and let me add...
Spoiler
that while I really hate to use terminology like best ever etc, The Americans had a finale that was simply stellar my mind.
The arcs throughout the series are addressed and thats just about all I can say. Please don't go in expecting to be blown away because I don't think you will be, however, what you will witness is a terrific story and consequences that are well thought out and executed.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 20, 2018, 08:19:09 PM
After watching 3 seasons of last chance u, all I enjoyed each in their own way.
Started watching training days Rolling with the tide. Or First chance U LOLOf course i will be biased but looking forward to this.
Episode 1 here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7nIyBAoJ14

if you are wondering who will be the QB at Bama, it will be Tua,  I love Jalen, but he isnt a passer. He cannot hit the sideline
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 21, 2018, 12:13:07 PM
So for my easy fun watch I just blew though The Good Place. Ted Danson was fantastic, Kristen Bell, meh, coulda found someone better I think.
Plowing through Justified and while I like it and especially Timothy Olyphant, its deep in spots but still too much typical tv standard writing.

Looking for another series, lest I dive back in to the Sopranos or Deadwood since I finished the Wire again not long ago.

Considering the Crown, but what else is out there thats worth a damn?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 21, 2018, 12:33:58 PM
If you like campy, quirky fun, kind of like The Good Place, I can't recommend Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet enough. Olyphant and Drew Barrymore are both great and the kid from the new Vacation movie is actually hilarious. Fiance and I loved it, can't wait for season three.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 21, 2018, 01:02:19 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 21, 2018, 12:33:58 PM
If you like campy, quirky fun, kind of like The Good Place, I can't recommend Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet enough. Olyphant and Drew Barrymore are both great and the kid from the new Vacation movie is actually hilarious. Fiance and I loved it, can't wait for season three.

Might just have to give it a go...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 22, 2018, 05:19:37 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 21, 2018, 12:33:58 PM
If you like campy, quirky fun, kind of like The Good Place, I can't recommend Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet enough. Olyphant and Drew Barrymore are both great and the kid from the new Vacation movie is actually hilarious. Fiance and I loved it, can't wait for season three.

I enjoyed season one a lot and season two slightly less but overall it is very good for all the reason you mention.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 27, 2018, 10:43:15 AM
Did anyone watch Sharp Objects on HBO? Limited series, only one season, based on the book and adapted for the channel by Gillian Flynn, starring Amy Adams? Because it was insanely good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 31, 2018, 09:59:03 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 27, 2018, 10:43:15 AM
Did anyone watch Sharp Objects on HBO? Limited series, only one season, based on the book and adapted for the channel by Gillian Flynn, starring Amy Adams? Because it was insanely good.

It's on my watchlist.

Watched the first episode of Amazon's Jack Ryan series last night, been looking forward to it since it was announced. Decent pace and well written, really looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. Always enjoyed this character from the Clancy books, and I'm hoping this is a good reboot. The character deserves it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 06, 2018, 01:00:00 PM
Justified
Seasons 1-6
Timothy Olyphant Walton Goggins


Justified tells a good story with a couple of main characters that firmly grab you and raise your interest in their arcs. Some others, not so much.
Olyphant plays Ralyan Givens who we meet straight away and are immediately introduced to the gray area he lives in as a Deputy US Marshall.
After the opening act our hero is transferred from Miami back home to Kentucky where he has a series long battle with local frenemy Boyd Crowder, played expertly by Walton Goggins of The Shield.

His former love interest, Ava Crowder, annoyingly portrayed by Joelle Carter, has a constant presence used primarily as an irritant or plot device revolving around Givens in one respect or another. She does, however, have substance as a character but it was primarily the way she was written that upset my waters.
Nick Searcy is the Chief and had brought Raylan in primarily to sack Boyd Crowder but as you can imagine he soon regrets his decision as Givens tends to go the Gary Cooper route more often than not. He does add to the cowboy tint that Justified unapologetically revives. He and Givens are flanked by two other deputies, Erica Tazel and Jacob Pitts. Both do god job in supporting roles although Tazel does seem a shade out of her element when
Spoiler
she is promoted to interim chief.
but that doesn't diminish any real value of the series.
The backdrop for Justified is the dying coal mining industry and a county that depended on that element to survive. Within that scope, we are subjected to rednecks galore, meaning moonshine, weed and anything else you would guess a poor rural community would engage in in order to not only pass the time but to make a buck as well.
I seriously doubt the US Marshalls would have such a presence in everyday law enforcement activities, we are asked to go along with it, which we do and it is a fun, interesting ride.
The story is deep and compelling, told with a tinge of reality and an abundance of tv tropes.
What bothers me most is that everyone
Spoiler
is shot and everyone recovers so remarkably well, and quickly, and heres the bigger issue; it wasn't even required in some instances in order to tell the story.
Thats entertainment and I get it, but it really gets old.
Characters acting out of their realm because more drama is needed, i.e.
Spoiler
Winona Hawkins, aka Natalie Zea, taking $100 from evidence who takes it to a bank to see if it was real...first off, wt actual f of a reason is that? Her character, a court reporter, would certainly know this already plus be well aware of the risks. Secondly of course she and the bank were then robbed giving us our secondary arc for the season.
I find Im in the minority on these complaints but even so, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment. This was a perfect vehicle for Olyphant to become a more visible and bankable star. I see it is a rather highy regarded series by many and I applaud and ride along with that recommendation, just dont expect The Wire, Sopranos or Deadwood.

4/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on September 14, 2018, 08:09:09 PM
I like Ozark, season 1 was pretty good, and season 2 is even better so far
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 12:20:23 PM
so buc, yea, just blew through Sharp Objects and was thoroughly engrossed.
Spoiler
Im still not sure about Alan and although it was obvious to me Adora nor John killed Natalie and Ann, I wasn't ready for it to be Amma. I was so tuned in to Alan and Johns gf, I didnt see that coming at all. Funny thing is, now that I know, its so obvious.
However, we never discovered about the blood found in Natalie's home suggesting her brother was the killer, or I missed it if we did.
Was that where she was killed? I couldn't tell from the quick scenes in the credits.
Finally, two times in this series, the director used Led Zeppelin's In the evening but just the start of the song where Plant sings, "In the evening..." but cuts before the music starts. The fact he used it again in the final scene and let it play was amazing.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 20, 2018, 12:58:39 PM
Here's my thoughts Crewe:

Spoiler
I'd been thinking it was Amma and her friends ever since the scene in the convience store (which I think the finale flashed back to) where the girls said that the popular girls aren't being murdered. I think the show wanted you to believe they were just ambivalent teenagers, but perhaps due to watching too many of these or because of Amma's swings (like when she confronted her sister with the detective and stuck that gum in her hair, which is freaking disgusting and cruel). So I wasn't caught off guard, surprised by how it got there though.

As for the blood, in that brief clip at the end which shows each killing, she can clearly be seen killing that girl under the bed. Now, why no one knew they were together, how she kept from leaving any fingerprints or anything (or maybe, since they were friends, her fingerprints being there didn't come into question), I dunno, but yeah, they do show it. The other girl was the one getting held down by the two friends while Amma was doing her thing. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 02:09:30 PM
Spoiler
I was thinking thats where it happened because that was an obvious plothole if not. I didnt examine the credit scene but I probably should.
I dont recall the specifities in the convenience store scene you're referring to, but I obviously didnt lend it much weight. I am generally on top of these types of shows and am miffed I got swerved lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 02:16:50 PM
Jack Ryan

Blew through this one right before Sharp Objects.

I really like John Krasinski and I can get behind him as Jack Ryan, most of the time, but, sometimes, all I see is Jim.
However,
Spoiler
I kinda like the fact that he's not a super bad ass just yet and they really had to temper the "Im just an analyst" personality because it could have been too much. I thought Wendell Pierce (Bunk from The Wire) was a great addition but I hope he's not a one season character.
They did invest a little time in to telling his story so maybe he will be back.

I wasn't overwhelmed but I am interested to see the net installment.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on September 20, 2018, 04:57:01 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 02:16:50 PM
Jack Ryan

Blew through this one right before Sharp Objects.

I really like John Krasinski and I can get behind him as Jack Ryan, most of the time, but, sometimes, all I see is Jim.
However,
Spoiler
I kinda like the fact that he's not a super bad ass just yet and they really had to temper the "Im just an analyst" personality because it could have been too much. I thought Wendell Pierce (Bunk from The Wire) was a great addition but I hope he's not a one season character.
They did invest a little time in to telling his story so maybe he will be back.

I wasn't overwhelmed but I am interested to see the net installment.

I think I've got about 4 episodes left of this one and really want to finish it off, but got sidetracked by Spider-Man and football season lol.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 21, 2018, 12:49:31 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on September 20, 2018, 04:57:01 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 02:16:50 PM
Jack Ryan

Blew through this one right before Sharp Objects.

I really like John Krasinski and I can get behind him as Jack Ryan, most of the time, but, sometimes, all I see is Jim.
However,
Spoiler
I kinda like the fact that he's not a super bad ass just yet and they really had to temper the "Im just an analyst" personality because it could have been too much. I thought Wendell Pierce (Bunk from The Wire) was a great addition but I hope he's not a one season character.
They did invest a little time in to telling his story so maybe he will be back.

I wasn't overwhelmed but I am interested to see the net installment.

I think I've got about 4 episodes left of this one and really want to finish it off, but got sidetracked by Spider-Man and football season lol.

So yea, priorities lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 23, 2018, 12:38:23 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 20, 2018, 02:16:50 PM
Jack Ryan

Blew through this one right before Sharp Objects.

I really like John Krasinski and I can get behind him as Jack Ryan, most of the time, but, sometimes, all I see is Jim.
However,
Spoiler
I kinda like the fact that he's not a super bad ass just yet and they really had to temper the "Im just an analyst" personality because it could have been too much. I thought Wendell Pierce (Bunk from The Wire) was a great addition but I hope he's not a one season character.
They did invest a little time in to telling his story so maybe he will be back.

I wasn't overwhelmed but I am interested to see the net installment.

Finally wrapped this up...thought it was enjoyable enough and paced pretty well, and the story arc was interesting for a lot of characters.

Spoiler
Agreed with Wendell Pierce as Jim Greer, he was awesome. And the fact that he was made Station Chief in Moscow really has me hoping they may tackle the events of the "Cardinal of the Kremlin" novel a bit in Season Two. Always felt that was one of Clancy's best books in the Ryan series.

The drone pilot's story was meh...I get what they were trying to do with it in regards to the human cost and what not, but feels like it went nowhere. Also thought his little encounter with the dude at the casino and his wife might play into something more, but nothing.

Anyone check out the new Doctor Who yet? Really enjoying Jodie Whittaker so far.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 23, 2018, 12:45:21 PM
Im pretty much on par with you there norm
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 23, 2018, 01:05:41 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 23, 2018, 12:38:23 PM
Anyone check out the new Doctor Who yet? Really enjoying Jodie Whittaker so far.

Fiance and I have been watching it. I'm not a huge Who fan, I don't get into a lot of that BBC stuff, but I've seen some Matt Smith episodes and a lot of Capaldi, and even I can already tell the writing this season has been extraordinarily sharp. And yes, Whittaker is great as the Doctor.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 04, 2018, 01:32:25 AM
Just watched making a murderer s2.
For me, it's really compelling to see the legal system at work in this process and to hear arguments from both sides.
I've listened to lawyers dissect a seven word sentence in a civil procedure rule book that seemed black and white to me, but that's interesting and educational, if not frustrating at times.
As for this show, 10 eps same as the first season.
This follows Avery's attorney as she attempts to dismantle the states case and takes the viewer through multiple court hearings and motions. It's a fascinating peek into a stressful, demanding, time consuming process. I don't really give a shit about the family stuff, some of its pertinent but most of its filler depicting the hardships of the Avery family which we were subjected to in S1.

And not for nothing, but I'm curious, does anyone believe that Dassey confession was not coerced?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 07, 2018, 06:29:52 PM
House of Cards S6

Im a fan of Robin Wright, and she was wonderful in the final season of HoC sans Frank Underwood.
However, the show had ben sloping downward and it jumped off the cliff in its last hurrah.
They strip stories from today's world which is certainly welcomed, and performances by the ageless Diane Lane plus Greg Kinnear add needed depth to the story, but recurring flat characters and a narrative that is just too far outside reality, even for this day and age, is just too much.
Robin Wright did what she could and I really enjoyed her performance, but its not enough.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 12, 2018, 01:15:07 PM
Designated Survivor S1
Kiefer Sutherland
Maggie Q

I was browsing Netflix and happened upon this series which I really had no intention of watching, but decided to give it a go.

Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, a low end Presidential cabinet member presiding over Urban Housing. We learn he was Designated Survivor during the Presidents State of the Union and you can guess what happens since he becomes sworn in as Commander in Chief soon after we meet his character.
Kirkman is a mild mannered, soft spoken, meek but even keeled thinker who's not a Washington insider by trade, nor does he ever have such aspirations.
His Chief of Staff, Aaron Shore (Adaon Canto) is more assertive and protects his new boss with as much vigor as you can imagine he did for his previous one. He clashes early on with Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) who was Tom's right hand as Urban Secretary who feels as Kirkman's current staffer she should be in the right hand seat. Unlike Canto, I can't decide if Ricci is way over her head or poorly written or a combination of both, either way she's not believable in this story.
The ever smoking hot Maggie Q is Jack Bauer....I mean FBI agent Hannah Wells who is investigating the attack. Incidentally, not that I mind, but Maggie is always decked out in these supremely tight T-shirts and tops with two or three buttons unclasped and its rather obvious the intent. Or maybe she just looks tight in anything, but I digress.
President Kirkman has a Josiah Bartlett aura about him and I don't think that is unintentional here as Designated Survivor seems to blend several genres in to this project.
Soon after his inauguration, while heaving up in the restroom, he hears speechwriter Seth Wright demeaning his President, and Wright was not aware who he was talking to until he exits the stall. It's here we are introduced to the accepting Tom Kirkman who invites Wright (played expertly by Kal Penn)
to help him through this by writing a speech addressing the nation. He further nails his role as Press Secretary, a serious highlight on this show.
He and Rob Morrow produce some of the best albeit brief comedy scenes which are portrayed naturally and not forced in such a situation.

I watched this show because it was fairly high rated, but I had my reservations as it was a network tv program.
This is largely 24, hence my reference earlier to Agent Wells. It's by no means, blow everything up and kill everyone kind of 24, but you can't deny the feel. hell, even the outro music to commercials is the same as 24's was, only truncated by a mere second or two. many times I was hearing the beep boop beep boop beep
Speaking of 24, say hi to Brian Hastings, Jason Pillar and President Keeler.
We have small arcs that are tightly wrapped up ala an episodic series and never referred to again.
Ill spoiler this one
Spoiler
the first son is busted by mom in the White House with a huge stash of ecstasy and a wad of cash. She confronts him, he doesn't know why he did it, she lets it go and its never brought up again. I guess thy just needed a dramatic scene?
The most absurd part of this show is the timid socially awkward but unheralded mastermind IT hacker that assists Agent Wells at every road block by pounding away at his keyboard for a few seconds and then viola. Just way beyond the realm of believability.
Spoiler
Baddie's just walk in to the Pentagon, access the most secure network in the world and walk right out, I mean, not even in a cartoon universe would this fly.
Oh yea, and people get shot and recover instantly, never again showing signs of said wound (ok except one, but still a remarkable recovery)
T bone a car in a massive crash, get of your vehicle instantly and the bad guy is gone already. yea ok. You get where I'm going with all these examples right?

All of that said, it is an interesting walk through as a non Washington insider is vaulted to the Presidency and has to figure out how to re assemble a government from the ground up. We get glimpses in to how the news affects everything as well politics certainly, even in times like this.
Everything is pulled from today and you can grasp what that entails Im sure.
Is it worth a watch? It is if you like tv fare and there are certainly some great actors such as those Ive listed and some Ive left out include Natasha McElhone of Californication who plays the First Lady, Virginia Madsen as reigning Speaker of the House and Malik Yoba who plays Wells' boss Jason Atwood.
This is not a deep thinking show nor is it overly entertaining but there are some bright spots and some decent overall storytelling, but by and large, if I read this review first, I wouldn't watch it, to be sure.

3/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 27, 2018, 08:23:48 AM
Quote from: Crewe on August 21, 2018, 12:13:07 PM
So for my easy fun watch I just blew though The Good Place. Ted Danson was fantastic, Kristen Bell, meh, coulda found someone better I think.

Finally started watching this on Sunday, and finished the first season in a day-absolutely loved it! If I'd have known it was from the same guys that created Parks & Rec and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, I would've started it sooner. Love Kristen Bell though, she's perfect for this.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 27, 2018, 11:11:49 AM
Is S2 out yet?
I don't mind Bell so much but it just feels like her wackiness is too forced at times but that's just me.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on November 27, 2018, 11:32:14 AM
Season 2 has been out. Season 3 is currently airing.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on November 27, 2018, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: Crewe on November 04, 2018, 01:32:25 AM
Just watched making a murderer s2.
For me, it's really compelling to see the legal system at work in this process and to hear arguments from both sides.
I've listened to lawyers dissect a seven word sentence in a civil procedure rule book that seemed black and white to me, but that's interesting and educational, if not frustrating at times.
As for this show, 10 eps same as the first season.
This follows Avery's attorney as she attempts to dismantle the states case and takes the viewer through multiple court hearings and motions. It's a fascinating peek into a stressful, demanding, time consuming process. I don't really give a shit about the family stuff, some of its pertinent but most of its filler depicting the hardships of the Avery family which we were subjected to in S1.

And not for nothing, but I'm curious, does anyone believe that Dassey confession was not coerced?

My biggest problem with what occurred in season one was the lawyers not making a big enough deal about the lack of blood.  They supposedly cut a woman's throat in the bed room.  Where was the blood? The room would have been soaked in it, and there was not one drop?  Have not watched season 2 yet hope its worth the time to view.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 27, 2018, 01:34:21 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on November 27, 2018, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: Crewe on November 04, 2018, 01:32:25 AM
Just watched making a murderer s2.
For me, it's really compelling to see the legal system at work in this process and to hear arguments from both sides.
I've listened to lawyers dissect a seven word sentence in a civil procedure rule book that seemed black and white to me, but that's interesting and educational, if not frustrating at times.
As for this show, 10 eps same as the first season.
This follows Avery's attorney as she attempts to dismantle the states case and takes the viewer through multiple court hearings and motions. It's a fascinating peek into a stressful, demanding, time consuming process. I don't really give a shit about the family stuff, some of its pertinent but most of its filler depicting the hardships of the Avery family which we were subjected to in S1.

And not for nothing, but I'm curious, does anyone believe that Dassey confession was not coerced?

My biggest problem with what occurred in season one was the lawyers not making a big enough deal about the lack of blood.  They supposedly cut a woman's throat in the bed room.  Where was the blood? The room would have been soaked in it, and there was not one drop?  Have not watched season 2 yet hope its worth the time to view.

After S1 aired, I expressed that very thought. Its amazing to me how that wasn't even brought up, much less glossed over.
Especially when they show you the bed lol Only way someone died in that bed was by disease
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 27, 2018, 10:41:38 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on November 27, 2018, 11:32:14 AM
Season 2 has been out. Season 3 is currently airing.

This right here. I want to start it but I'm afraid I'll lose a day watching that like I did the first season lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 03, 2018, 04:35:11 PM
Bosch
Titus Welliver
Jamie Hector


Adapted from the novels of Michael Connolly, Bosch is the story of a stoic, hardened, war veteran who is a homicide detective in LA.
While I would call this show realistic, I would hesitate to say its a gritty crime drama. To me, that's The Wire, The Shield, etc, however, there is a place for Bosch.
Its not really a polished show in that its a glossy paint by numbers cop show, but more of a well crafted program with long running arcs that avoids the dreaded "finales," mid season or otherwise.
First off, you have a deep character already established in Harry Bosch. Secondly, you have a stellar cast albeit perhaps unheralded. Sarah Clarke (24) plays his ex, and another 24 alumni is Annie Wersching who plays a rookie cop.
Jamie Hector and Lance Reddick of The Wire play cops as well. Hector, in a far cry from his Wire role, does a superb job as Harry's partner and REddick, more in line with his Wire character, plays the Deputy Chief.

Bosch is a so called rogue cop who won't let go of a case until he solves it despite instructions otherwise or seemingly dead ends in every direction.
One to typically follow the evidence, he isn't above putting a target in his crosshairs but will also play a case close to the vest which doesn't often sit well with his peers or superiors.
Hector plays J Edgar who offers balance to the duo and brings a soft but stern chemistry which is a welcome mix to the show. A sometimes tenuous relationship still achieves results that their peers respect, if not via the methods.
There are one or two really over the top antagonistic moments designed to give the viewer an insight to Bosch, but certainly could have been played better. Despite that, and a few other minor flaws, this series provides a well thought out, evenly planned main arc with compelling characters, not all of whom shine, but the main cast permeates the minors enough to carry the few shortfalls.
I blew through all 4 seasons, each containing 10 episodes quite easily as it is an addicting watch. Slow moving parts with no quick fixes and no abandoned storylines equals a series certainly worth watching.

4.25/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 28, 2018, 08:53:52 PM
So, I was down with food poisoning for about 5-6 days and powered through some of my list, one of which was The Walking Dead S8.
So, right up front, Ill tell you that TWD long ago went the way of True Blood which is not a good thing.
The overall arcs can be compelling and some stellar character developments are certainly achieved, but the manner in which these stories are related to the viewer are just atrocious. Ive kept up with it just out of sheer morbid curiosity and the fact I was emotionally vested before shit went downhill.
Ive pointed out similar stories in previous reviews, but its just so damned silly, there's no way I can be the only one.
General spoilers follow:
Scene:A group ambushes a caravan on the road. Combatants in the cars empty out and take cover behind said vehicles. Nearing the end of the melee, one of the survivors makes a break from cover and runs in the direction of the ambushers. You knew the intent was that the character escaped and you knew that's what happened, but the evasive jaunt was obviously supposed to be to the other side.
There are just countless scenes of this kind of shit.
Three soldiers standing side by side a few feet apart, facing one enemy combatant in the street 3-5 feet away in an empty street. Not around a corner, not behind a dumpster, face to face in an empty street, negotiating. When one of the three approaches and decides to kill the enemy, at that very dramatic moment, a spear gouges through the guys neck from behind an as he falls, there's this guy from behind who nobody in the world saw or heard. They are all absolutely shocked and stunned. Its just absolutely astonishing that they get away with shit like this.
Well, I know why they get away with it, because people like me watch it.
But on and on and on and its just absolutely terrible. I just keep wishing for this series to end but apparently it has seven or so more seasons of this shit.
In-sane.

Anywho, on to thoughts of the actual story...

Spoiler

So Negan is the leader of the Saviors and Glenn was fed to him at the beginning of S7 to fuel the Maggie character who now leads Hilltop.
Rick, et al, try the long game of planning an extravagant in depth plan to unseat and kill Negan. In the meantime, there's a lot of back and forth with a couple of characters that may or may not be turncoats which adds to the drama.
Darryl engages in selfish behavior along with the laughable barbie doll turned hardened "soldier" whatever her name is (most of these girls are so bad at acting in these roles) to try and end Negan early, which backfires, of course. Then Rick himself aborts his plan risking it all in order to try to cut the head off early, and he too of course, fails.
Then on to the showdown where we knew D was compromised in his double agent endeavor and Negan had Rick trapped in an open field with the high ground.
But alas, at the height of this most tenuous moment, we discover Eugene the bullet maker had truly been converted by St. Gabriel to vow his allegiance to Rick by sabotaging the ammo so it would blow up in the hands of the Saviors. Now how in the hell Negan, et al, wouldn't notice the bullets deformities is beyond anything one could even dream up. Especially when the paint by numbers director showed you first hand what the ammo looked like when altered during Eugene's crisis of conscience.
Then, Rick yells charge and they take out Negan, but Rick leaves him alive in order to imprison him at Hilltop forcing him to witness what harmony and hard work can build, much to Maggie's chagrin as she wants him dead in order to avenge her husband Glenn.
And as the season ends, we are focused in on the antagonist for S9 since Negan isn't a threat anymore. Maggie and Darryl now plan to overthrow Rick for leaving Negan alive.
Oh yea, how can I forget the "key?." this one woman, impeccably dressed with two young, soft pasty white louts acting as security, riding around in a van, chock full of supplies, but somehow never gets attacked or hurt. One who is magically "watching" groups trying to build small communities decides who she thinks will act accordingly when given the key to society, such as instructions on irrigation, electricity, food, you know, all the things we need to live.
I don't know, maybe I was just in a rotten mood, but its just astonishingly laughable to me, it really is.
That said, Ill watch S9 when it airs too, so maybe Im the moron.


If you watched S7 and liked it, you might as well watch S8 too. It at least has some real growth and expansion so there's that.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 31, 2018, 09:42:47 PM
Better Call Saul S4

I really like the backstory they've created for Jimmy McGill.
When I first heard of this project, I wasnt interested despite th fact I loved Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad.
However, Once I started, it was hard not to be captivated by Bob Odenkirk and his struggles with his brilliant albeit disturbed brother, Chuck.
We continue our exploration of how and why Jimmy wanted to be a lawyer and yes, he's a con artist and a thief, but he's also a salesman, and a good one.
Jimmy understands his clients and he understands the law and as a lover of the protections of the constitution, he usually abides by it.
I believe I read there will be six seasons so on one hand, it kinda feels like they are really close to the beginning of Breaking Bad, but on the other, a season could cover a very short time span so lets see what shakes loose. In the meantime, its certainly worth a look.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 31, 2018, 11:44:55 PM
They've said it won't have more seasons than Breaking Bad. I have a feeling it'll end with Walt and Jesse showing up, but who knows.

Also, amazing show, so great. I thought the same as you, why so I need a prequel about freaking Saul, and yet it's been amazing (minus some of the Cartel stuff. Nacho disappeared for episodes at a time last year and Gus works better in small doses, which is not how the show uses him).

I was worried about season 4 for....season 3 reasons. That character and that actor were AMAZING for the first 3 seasons and I wasn't sure if season 4 would hold up without them, but it did. Utilizing some amazing flashbacks too.

Oh, and season 4, that other character, and that phone call in the finale. Holy, crap. My jaw was hanging open.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 11, 2019, 02:41:51 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on December 31, 2018, 11:44:55 PM
They've said it won't have more seasons than Breaking Bad. I have a feeling it'll end with Walt and Jesse showing up, but who knows.

Also, amazing show, so great. I thought the same as you, why so I need a prequel about freaking Saul, and yet it's been amazing (minus some of the Cartel stuff. Nacho disappeared for episodes at a time last year and Gus works better in small doses, which is not how the show uses him).

I was worried about season 4 for....season 3 reasons. That character and that actor were AMAZING for the first 3 seasons and I wasn't sure if season 4 would hold up without them, but it did. Utilizing some amazing flashbacks too.

Oh, and season 4, that other character, and that phone call in the finale. Holy, crap. My jaw was hanging open.

Agree with all of this
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 01, 2019, 10:52:50 AM
If you have Netflix do your self a favor and watch the umbrella academy.  It is a very well done superhero show that is somewhere between the campy feel of the DC shows and gritty feel of the Marvel show.  For a brief explanation, it's a dysfunctional x-men.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 01, 2019, 11:45:07 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 01, 2019, 10:52:50 AM
If you have Netflix do your self a favor and watch the umbrella academy.  It is a very well done superhero show that is somewhere between the campy feel of the DC shows and gritty feel of the Marvel show.  For a brief explanation, it's a dysfunctional x-men.

Fiancee and I just finished this last night. I enjoyed it, some people are out there acting like it's the greatest thing to ever be on TV and I think THAT'S a bit too high of praise, but it was definitely an enjoyable show. A few things are hit and miss, and you do have to shut your brain off (I mean, one of them can time travel and time travel in just about ANY story always makes people go "but what if....").

But yeah, the cinematography and especially the conclusion were really great. I am looking forward to it if they decide to continue it with another season.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 01, 2019, 03:11:20 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 01, 2019, 11:45:07 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 01, 2019, 10:52:50 AM
If you have Netflix do your self a favor and watch the umbrella academy.  It is a very well done superhero show that is somewhere between the campy feel of the DC shows and gritty feel of the Marvel show.  For a brief explanation, it's a dysfunctional x-men.

Fiancee and I just finished this last night. I enjoyed it, some people are out there acting like it's the greatest thing to ever be on TV and I think THAT'S a bit too high of praise, but it was definitely an enjoyable show. A few things are hit and miss, and you do have to shut your brain off (I mean, one of them can time travel and time travel in just about ANY story always makes people go "but what if....").

But yeah, the cinematography and especially the conclusion were really great. I am looking forward to it if they decide to continue it with another season.

Not the best thing ever, I agree but it's pretty good.  All super hero shows require a bit of brain shut off.  They are fiction after all.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 01, 2019, 04:46:12 PM
I just blew through Russian Doll. I would have ignored it based on the trailers but a friend who has similar taste to me suggested it so I plowed through the brief 8 episode season.
It raises some interesting questions while avoiding the Groundhog Day feel which is what the trailer expressed to me.
Give it a look and hit me with your thoughts.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 01, 2019, 04:48:51 PM
 I've been wanting to watch that, I've heard good things.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 01, 2019, 07:40:16 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 01, 2019, 04:48:51 PM
I've been wanting to watch that, I've heard good things.

I liked it. id be interested in other opinions as well
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 01, 2019, 10:10:06 PM
Russian doll is on my to do list.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 06, 2019, 12:50:47 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlR4PJn8b8I
#Gameofthrones trailer
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 06, 2019, 06:22:31 AM
Finished The Defenders last night and enjoyed it, now to jump in to Daredevil. Yeah, I know I'm late.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 06, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
You should like it.  I think of all the Netflix marvel properties Daredevil was the best with Jessica Jones being a close second.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 07, 2019, 12:37:44 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 06, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
You should like it.  I think of all the Netflix marvel properties Daredevil was the best with Jessica Jones being a close second.
I liked Daredevil the best and Jessica Jones the least LOL. Luke cage I thought was the 2nd best. Jessica Jones had her moments though.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 07, 2019, 11:14:36 AM
Quote from: rollntider on March 07, 2019, 12:37:44 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 06, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
You should like it.  I think of all the Netflix marvel properties Daredevil was the best with Jessica Jones being a close second.
I liked Daredevil the best and Jessica Jones the least LOL. Luke cage I thought was the 2nd best. Jessica Jones had her moments though.

LOL well, at least we agree on which is best. I liked Luke cage but struggled to finish it.  It seemed to drag in the middle. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 07, 2019, 11:33:27 AM
Should clarify, jump into the third season of Daredevil (first two seasons were incredible). Had to finish off Defenders first since it leads into where we find Murdock at the beginning of the last season.

Will probably check out Punisher after that since I haven't seen either season. Same with Jessica Jones (love Krysten Ritter) and Luke Cage. Probably gonna skip Iron Fist completely because the dude annoyed me lol.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 08, 2019, 12:09:48 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on March 07, 2019, 11:33:27 AM
Should clarify, jump into the third season of Daredevil (first two seasons were incredible). Had to finish off Defenders first since it leads into where we find Murdock at the beginning of the last season.

Will probably check out Punisher after that since I haven't seen either season. Same with Jessica Jones (love Krysten Ritter) and Luke Cage. Probably gonna skip Iron Fist completely because the dude annoyed me lol.

Punisher is good.  The first season much better than the second but both watchable. I agree about the guy in Iron fist but I wanted all the story so I watched it.  The second season of Iron fist is much better than the first INMO.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 13, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
I have finally begun to watch The Office for the first time in my life. That is all.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 13, 2019, 12:38:00 PM
haha Im curious on your thoughts. You are either with it or against it, Ive never seen anyone in the middle.
And FWIW, get through the first short season ASAP because like most series, they were finding direction.

I usually have one light sitcom type series and one heavy drama Im watching at once. Right now its Frasier (which I started immediately after finishing a rewatch of Cheers) and I just began Mad Men.
I had started it years ago, ala the Wire, and left off after about 4 episodes and now Im back in it and will see how it goes.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 13, 2019, 02:55:27 PM
The fiancee and I do the same thing with the drama/comedy combo!

She was gone for a week last week (great grandmother passed :( ), and at some point during the week I finished my latest rewatch of the entirety of Bojack Horseman (it is my obsession). So, not wanting to start a new show that she hasn't seen yet, I started a show I haven't but I knew that she had.

I used to be super opposed to The Office when it first came out just because I hated the mockumentary format back then (and, goodness, how many years ago WAS that?) And, it's funny, because you say it's finding it's footing in season 1, but the second episode, Diversity Day, is almost always on the "top 10 best episodes" lists.

Anyways, maybe it's because I'm no longer a content snob or just I'm more open-minded now that I'm older, or maybe it's Washington and the marijuana, but I was cracking up the entire time I was watching it. I'm on season 2 already, I can't remember which episode I'm at now, maybe 2 or 3 or 4 of the second season, but yeah, definitely been loving it so far.


As far as together goes, right now our drama is Ozark, and I think we're going to watch Russian Doll as our comedy (it is a comedy, right, like a dramedy, drama-comedy mashup?) after we get done catching up on everything on the DVR.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 13, 2019, 02:58:44 PM
Per my last comment: Outside of streaming, are there any shows you guys DVR?

As far as what's currently on, we've got Riverdale (although admittedly I'm cheating, we watch it through the CW app since PS Vue doesn't have CW, so, technically not DVRing), Miracle Workers (TBS, Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, this has been HILARIOUS), Bobs Burgers, Family Guy/American Dad (again, weed, but also they're funny enough for a one-off episode right before bed when a new episode releases), Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We recently added AP Bio, it's an absolutely ridiculous show but it's very funny in a cable sitcom sort of way.

They're not airing at the moment but we also have Archer set, MasterChef and Next Food Network Star, Killing Eve, The Detour (second season was....not great, third was ok), Rick and Morty and Atlanta. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 13, 2019, 03:09:44 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 02:58:44 PM
Per my last comment: Outside of streaming, are there any shows you guys DVR?

As far as what's currently on, we've got Riverdale (although admittedly I'm cheating, we watch it through the CW app since PS Vue doesn't have CW, so, technically not DVRing), Miracle Workers (TBS, Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, this has been HILARIOUS), Bobs Burgers, Family Guy/American Dad (again, weed, but also they're funny enough for a one-off episode right before bed when a new episode releases), Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We recently added AP Bio, it's an absolutely ridiculous show but it's very funny in a cable sitcom sort of way.

They're not airing at the moment but we also have Archer set, MasterChef and Next Food Network Star, Killing Eve, The Detour (second season was....not great, third was ok), Rick and Morty and Atlanta.

Well, we have been streaming only in my house for close to 15 years now, so no DVR.  To answer your Russian Doll question, it is a comedy but its a dark comedy.  It is a nihilistic life is screwed kind of vibe.  It is NOT groundhog day.  It was worth a watch and has already been green lit for another season.  We currently watch Brooklyn 99, The Orville, Flash, Arrow, Game of Thrones, Barry, Ozark, Hell honestly the list is too long.  We have a lot of shows.  We typically don't watch daily.  We will let a few episodes build up and then binge watch 3 or 4 in an evening.  On another note, I love the office.  I think I have watched it start to finish a total of 6 times over the years.  I am that way with parks and rec to a lesser degree as well.   
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 13, 2019, 03:14:20 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 02:55:27 PM
The fiancee and I do the same thing with the drama/comedy combo!

She was gone for a week last week (great grandmother passed :( ), and at some point during the week I finished my latest rewatch of the entirety of Bojack Horseman (it is my obsession). So, not wanting to start a new show that she hasn't seen yet, I started a show I haven't but I knew that she had.

I used to be super opposed to The Office when it first came out just because I hated the mockumentary format back then (and, goodness, how many years ago WAS that?) And, it's funny, because you say it's finding it's footing in season 1, but the second episode, Diversity Day, is almost always on the "top 10 best episodes" lists.

Anyways, maybe it's because I'm no longer a content snob or just I'm more open-minded now that I'm older, or maybe it's Washington and the marijuana, but I was cracking up the entire time I was watching it. I'm on season 2 already, I can't remember which episode I'm at now, maybe 2 or 3 or 4 of the second season, but yeah, definitely been loving it so far.


As far as together goes, right now our drama is Ozark, and I think we're going to watch Russian Doll as our comedy (it is a comedy, right, like a dramedy, drama-comedy mashup?) after we get done catching up on everything on the DVR.

Were there many mockumentary's back then? I don't recall, but yes, you're right, Diversity Day is certainly up there.
Russian Doll is not a comedy per se. Based on the trailer I thought it was a Groundhog Day ripoff, but its not, at all and luckily it was suggested to me by people with same taste as me or I never would have given it another look. Is it a dramedy? Yea, Id say so, mores than comedy for sure.

To your second post, I don't DVR anything really, unless I see a one off something by chance I want to record. If I want to see something, I find it and stream it. I have such a backlog anyway, I doubt Ill ever run out of programs to enjoy.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 13, 2019, 04:06:03 PM
OH man, Barry. Not on the DVR because we have HBO Now, but, what a show, love it. So excited for Season 2.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 13, 2019, 04:16:02 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 04:06:03 PM
OH man, Barry. Not on the DVR because we have HBO Now, but, what a show, love it. So excited for Season 2.

agreed its a great show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 14, 2019, 09:56:33 AM
I DVR Jeopardy episodes and the occasional PBS special I want to check out, but other than that no new shows have really caught my eye and most that do (MasterChef, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, Star Trek Discovery) end up on Hulu the next morning or are exclusive to CBS All-Access.

Speaking of CBS All Access, decided to get it because I wanted Star Trek Discovery and am also looking forward to Jordan Peele's Twilight Zone reboot on April 1.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 14, 2019, 11:01:22 AM
See, I can't justify getting CBS All Access just for Twilight Zone, but I REALLY want Twilight Zone.

Never been a huge Star Trek fan myself, so TZ + Discovery isn't enough for me to justify subscription :(
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 14, 2019, 11:34:31 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 14, 2019, 11:01:22 AM
See, I can't justify getting CBS All Access just for Twilight Zone, but I REALLY want Twilight Zone.

Never been a huge Star Trek fan myself, so TZ + Discovery isn't enough for me to justify subscription :(

+1 I have been tempted because of Discovery but can't make myself pull the trigger for one show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2019, 01:16:45 PM
Mad Men

I just finished up this series for the first time and I really enjoyed it.
For one, I love the era and two, the show integrates the culturally significant events of that time. Everything from the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kent Stat, MLK, moon landing, etc...
This show is about loneliness in life and in the business and how people deal with that internally. It also is a great representation of the cultural shift from the early 60's to the 70's. The misogyny and sexism are off the charts and for me at least, its tough to watch sometimes, but necessary.
Excellent character growth here among several main players, well portrayed all the way around.
Mad Men is a heavy drama in a slow burn and I think it's worthwhile. It may even edge in to my top five all time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 15, 2019, 01:23:29 PM
Quote from: Crewe on April 15, 2019, 01:16:45 PM
Mad Men

I just finished up this series for the first time and I really enjoyed it.
For one, I love the era and two, the show integrates the culturally significant events of that time. Everything from the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kent Stat, MLK, moon landing, etc...
This show is about loneliness in life and in the business and how people deal with that internally. It also is a great representation of the cultural shift from the early 60's to the 70's. The misogyny and sexism are off the charts and for me at least, its tough to watch sometimes, but necessary.
Excellent character growth here among several main players, well portrayed all the way around.
Mad Men is a heavy drama in a slow burn and I think it's worthwhile. It may even edge in to my top five all time.

This and Breaking Bad were the first two shows that my fiancee basically made me watch from start to finish on Netflix when we started dating. Preferred Mad Men, myself, although both are excellent at what they do.

I had some issues getting into the show during it's first season, for sure, but basically from "Mr. Campbell, who cares?" onward it was incredible. The JFK episode absolutely had me in tears, admittedly, and I love that time period (mostly the music?) and how faithfully they recreated living in it.

Also, it's kind of nice to explore ads when they were still figuring shit out, and not just "scream as loud as you can and use a lot of bright colors and piss poor jokes!" like it is nowadays.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2019, 02:10:25 PM
Yea, the JFK episode was just like my parents described it to me. Really sad and tragic.

I liked BB, but I just can't see it as an all time greatest like everyone else does. To me, it just doesn't carry the breadth that the other top shows do.
Not necessarily a bad thing but its just not in my top 5. Now, Better Call Saul...? Thats a different animal, I actually like it better than BB
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 15, 2019, 02:43:08 PM
BCS IS better than BB, and it's rather funny that the Cartel stuff that was obviously the main proponent of BB is easily the worst part of BCS (or, at least, needs to be refined to go back to focusing on Nacho and stop doing the fan service thing with Gus).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2019, 04:10:23 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on April 15, 2019, 02:43:08 PM
BCS IS better than BB, and it's rather funny that the Cartel stuff that was obviously the main proponent of BB is easily the worst part of BCS (or, at least, needs to be refined to go back to focusing on Nacho and stop doing the fan service thing with Gus).

No need to convince me lol  ;-)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 15, 2019, 04:33:18 PM
Revelation that will surprise no one: I just like to hear myself talk.

or, BSB'd, I suppose: I just like to read my own words.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2019, 04:45:19 PM
in this instance its as if I was reading my own words because I agreed with everything lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 05, 2019, 01:08:46 AM
I'm at the age where SNL episodes get me emotional. That was a helluva show by Sandler. Got me in the end with that tribute to Farley.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 08, 2019, 07:05:42 PM
I usually wait until Im through with a series prior to posting about it, but I have to say with regards to Shameless (U.S.)....
I don't think there's been a more despicable, morally bankrupt, loathsome, contemptible asshole than Frank Gallagher.
Beautifully played by William H. Macy.

Im through Season 2 and am really enjoying this show despite some major writing miscues that I have a hard time forgiving, even to make a point in the story, but nonetheless, the cast and the rest of the plot are making up for it and then some.
More when Im done...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on May 20, 2019, 11:58:15 AM
The Patriot

sorry if this has been posted before but I did not see it.  If you have not tried this show out you should.  It is a prime exclusive.  It's about an American spy that is questioning his place in the world and his chosen profession. Which leads him to be depressed and operating at a less than optimal level.  It is for lack of a better description a black comedy.  It will not be everyone's cup of tea but for those that it hits a cord with they will love it. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 21, 2019, 11:29:16 PM
Game of Thrones, been a big fan of the series since the begining, loved the show the characters etc. Totally was not buying the backlash to the show, figured I would give it a shot before I fell for the hate.... well the final season is justified for the hate. It was a lazy cash in for it to "wrap up"

The characters they took seasons to develop, were not themselves. They made choices that seemed to only be made because the writers wanted to fit a plot in. Can't wait till they do the same to star wars when they want to hurry up and move on to the next project.


On a positive note, The Orville is the new star trek. You can tell the show pays proper respect to trek, it does have a joke here and there, but it reminds me of TNG. The 2nd season is better, they found their footing. get HULU and watch it, i love it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on May 22, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
Quote from: rollntider on May 21, 2019, 11:29:16 PM
Game of Thrones, been a big fan of the series since the begining, loved the show the characters etc. Totally was not buying the backlash to the show, figured I would give it a shot before I fell for the hate.... well the final season is justified for the hate. It was a lazy cash in for it to "wrap up"

The characters they took seasons to develop, were not themselves. They made choices that seemed to only be made because the writers wanted to fit a plot in. Can't wait till they do the same to star wars when they want to hurry up and move on to the next project.


On a positive note, The Orville is the new star trek. You can tell the show pays proper respect to trek, it does have a joke here and there, but it reminds me of TNG. The 2nd season is better, they found their footing. get HULU and watch it, i love it.

I agree with you GOT assessment but I am not as incensed as others are.  The Orville is great. I watch it with my daughter who ironically hates Star Trek but loves the Orville.  She gets mad when I tell her they are basically the same thing. The show is great and I agree get Hulu and watch it!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 22, 2019, 04:54:26 PM
I agree with you that the orville is the new trek. But I was not a fan of trek, I watched it because of my significant other at the time was in to it. It was ok and found it boring mostly. The orville is like trek done right.

As for the got hate I feel it is warranted. Totally disappointed
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on May 24, 2019, 03:19:49 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 22, 2019, 04:54:26 PM
I agree with you that the orville is the new trek. But I was not a fan of trek, I watched it because of my significant other at the time was in to it. It was ok and found it boring mostly. The orville is like trek done right.

As for the got hate I feel it is warranted. Totally disappointed

I can see your point about trek but I like it.  I see Orville as the what if Star Trek was real.  In other words, the characters are more relatable to our reality. When it comes to GOT, dont get me wrong I was disappointed but I can see why they did what they did.  In order to have handled Dani's demise correctly, they would have needed 12 shows minimum, not 6.  I dont know why the season was so short, writers, producers, actors or a combination of them all.  However whatever the reason I blame the short season for most of the show's problems.  It did not allow the plot to develop naturally and instead felt rushed or out of character.  That was my take anyway.   
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 28, 2019, 05:02:33 PM
This dude on Jeopardy! is amazing, all I have to say for now.

https://deadline.com/2019/05/jeopardy-champion-james-holzhauer-extends-streak-28-wins-closes-in-ken-jennings-record-1202622979/
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 28, 2019, 05:24:48 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 28, 2019, 05:02:33 PM
This dude on Jeopardy! is amazing, all I have to say for now.

https://deadline.com/2019/05/jeopardy-champion-james-holzhauer-extends-streak-28-wins-closes-in-ken-jennings-record-1202622979/

I can't fathom this accomplishment.

Changing topic...
Anyone on board for the Deadwood movie?
I am really looking forward to it since the series was abruptly canceled in season 3 leading to a truncated, unsatisfying finish.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 31, 2019, 02:10:18 PM
Oh, I'll definitely be checking that out when I get the chance to. Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 31, 2019, 05:49:05 PM
ok, I can finally chime in on GoT.
I really enjoyed the earlier seasons, but as it continued, it became...not watered down, but, lesser, to an extent?
Avoided all spoilers for the final season but didn't avoid the hate. I was reading all of this thinking it was a Dexter like finish, but I was already invested so I was going to complete the series.

It was not a satisfactory season for me.
Spoiler
I think everyone knew Daenerys' heel turn was coming and I didn't really have a problem with it except it was obvious that Jon was going to kill her.
However, even knowing that arc doesn't mean it still can't be entertaining and thats my problem, the season just wasn't enjoyable. I mean, it was good, but just flat.
GoT has been eye for an eye, hell fire and brimstone, but they decide to get artsy and poetic with Cersasi's death?
And speaking of, Daenerys going scorched earth on King's Landing was cool...for the first five minutes. Did we really need thirty freaking minutes of that nonsense? The viewer was bludgeoned to death with the message and it became moot.
The director was sold on these painfully long close up shots, hoping we will emote with the characters but it just killed the storytelling.
The plots were ok. Arya sailing off and Jon going back to the wall were acceptable ends.
Bran being the democratic king, I mean didn't we all kinda know anyway? That election scene though was quite cheesy dialogue.
Ill say that throughout, these characters ha terrific arcs; Jamie for instance, had one of the best developments in the series as did Arya.

All that said, Ive seen far worse. I was glad I watched it, didn't really hate it, more just indifferent about it.
But to me, I wasn't a GoT fanatic. Greatest series of all time? It wouldn't even crack my top ten I don't think.
Id have to think about that actually.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 04, 2019, 09:48:04 AM
Season 2 of Cobra Kai was almost as good as the first season and I'm already looking forward to what they could have in store for Season 3. You really need to give this show a shot. :)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 04, 2019, 10:31:31 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 04, 2019, 09:48:04 AM
Season 2 of Cobra Kai was almost as good as the first season and I'm already looking forward to what they could have in store for Season 3. You really need to give this show a shot. :)

Isn't it only on Youtube Red though, and isn't that a pay service?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 04, 2019, 11:12:36 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 04, 2019, 10:31:31 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 04, 2019, 09:48:04 AM
Season 2 of Cobra Kai was almost as good as the first season and I'm already looking forward to what they could have in store for Season 3. You really need to give this show a shot. :)

Isn't it only on Youtube Red though, and isn't that a pay service?

Thats what I recall because I couldn't get too far into the series, but I was interested though.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 04, 2019, 12:03:27 PM
Shameless
Seasons 1-9

I stated earlier that Ive never seen a more loathsome, vile, deplorable, morally bankrupt character than Frank Gallagher as depicted by William H. Macy in Shameless. After blowing through 9 seasons, I stand by that opinion wholeheartedly.

This series depicts the life of a south side Chicago family of 6 as they struggle in poverty with no parental figure.
Frank Gallagher is an absolute waste of space and is deluded in to thinking he is a great father all the while his eldest, daughter Fiona (Emmy Rossum)
has donned the patriarchal perch of the Gallagher clan. An addict and alcoholic father with a mostly absent bi polar drug addicted mother, the youth are left to their own devices, the south side way. Scams and thefts lead the way for the fam to pay bills and keep the household running.
Fiona makes sure "her kids" are fed, schooled and clothed as much as she can while trying to scrape together a living working menial jobs.
Her best friend, V, who might just be the best character on the show IMO, and her husband Kev use each others homes as their own, displaying the tight knit nature of this extended family.
Flanked by her high school aged younger brothers, Lip (Phillip) and Ian, Fiona (21 in S1) focuses mostly on her younger sister Debs, 11, brother Carl, 10 and baby brother Liam, 2, who is black by the way, Fiona gets along as well as she can all the while trying to find romance beyond her one night stands and seemingly doesn't have time to wonder if she has a future.
Lip is the smart one of the bunch and his arc stems from going from scams and hoodlum like behavior to finagling his way in to college where he finds for the first time, he's a fish out of water. Truly an interesting series long arc uses Lip to demonstrate the obstacles someone in that situation might not be able to overcome.
Ian has an equally intriguing storyline as he is a gay teenager in a tough hood. That along with another serious flaw which I won't spoil here are welcomed tropes to be examined.
Deb and Carl seem to get the lesser storylines but still are a vital part of the show, however gimmicky and oner the top some might be at times.
Liam, the forgotten one is basically an anchor until later seasons, primarily season 9 when he finally gets some screen time and makes it count on every occasion.
As you follow this family of misfits, you have the backstory of Frank essentially ruining and infuriating his family and the viewer at every single turn with his self righteous right wing propaganda. His life is all about the high and the score with zero remorse nor regard for whomever he hurts, even his own kids. Using them at every turn makes you wonder why they keep him around. And that is addressed throughout th series.
Macy was absolutely magical as Frank. His home away from home, or the street as the case may be, is a small dive bar called The Alibi which is run by aforementioned neighbors Kev and V who get quite a bit of fascinating and pertinent arcs themselves.
With his pockets full of cash from his government, Gallagher vehemently protests liberals and all the hand outs that are running this country. its just one of the many maddening ways Frank worms his way through life. After the apocalypse, he will still be around, just like a cockroach.

I couldn't go this in depth without giving a shout out to Joan Cusack for her tremendous role as an uptight agoraphobic mom whose only release is through her sexual experiences which rival Kev and V and you'll just have to watch to see what I mean.

Overall, its a terrific cast led by Rossum and Macy whose experiences we see probably rival the real world hardships of folks in similar situations and its a harsh reality when you keep the big picture in mind.
That said, 9 seasons is a long freaking time for an hour long dramedy series and the storytelling does suffer quite a bit. By season 9, I was ready for it to just be over, but there is a season 10 forthcoming but Im not sure Ill watch because
Spoiler
Fiona and Ian are not coming back. Plus, where the other kids were headed isn't all that interesting

Despite a couple of seasons sagging, the writers were still able to maintain the integrity of some of the major character arcs that we should be interested in even if accompanied by some ridiculously circus like material that makes you wonder how it was greenlit.
Despite some cartoony bullshit, the series survives, even though its so long.

A few notes with spoilers
Spoiler

The storyline of Fiona is an amazing one, especially season 9 which is essentially the fall of Fiona.
Ian has a great, deeper meaning arc, but the ginger gay Jesus stuff was seriously, wtf. I can't believe it lasted as long as it did.
And his true love, Mickey, was not a good actor for the neighborhood tough guy closeted gay, but maybe that's just me.
Joan Cusack's development was terrific until the Indian lover came along. Her riding off in a stolen RV while the dealer is 50feet away is just so out of this world, again, I can't imagine how this made it in to the script.
I love the fact that there are many serious opportunities for Frank to man up and do the right thing when it comes to particular situations involving his kid, but he never does, he stays Frank, true to his character.
Lip's arc had me really pulling for him and when he gets in college, you are hoping he doesn't blow it, but he does, of course. He becomes a raging alcoholic, as all Gallagher kids are prone to do obviously. He recovers, but has been long expelled and can't get back, now he becomes a working stiff, a father and now caretaker of his younger siblings now that Fiona is gone. Its really a sad story, but a necessary one. He has some of the most human moments in the show.

I would recommend Shameless. Id have it somewhere above Justified but below Six Feet Under. Maybe around Mad Men level with not as good storytelling.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 04, 2019, 12:11:53 PM
Shameless always had a way of introducing some really interesting storylines to either A) forget about them, B) abandon them entirely, C) fail to maintain character consistency during them or, worst of all, D) not stick the landing, at all, whatsoever even when they manage to avoid A-C.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 04, 2019, 01:53:16 PM
I cant recall any being abandoned altogether, but I agree with C and D.
And btw, I have to say, since I forgot to do it earlier,
Spoiler
That storyline with Kev banging V's mom just to have a baby was....I mean, is that even remotely reality based? Am I that far out of the loop? Geez that was terrible.

*dit to add, I guess that one I listed is an example of one being abandoned lol so there ya go...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 04, 2019, 02:28:01 PM
Kev and V are a big part. They have stuff happen but it feels like they have their own spin-off occurring during Shameless. Like, they'll BARELY interact with any of the Gallaghers and yet have their own subplots about that Russian chick or yeah, the thing with V's mom. I missed the early seasons when Fiona and V were best friends, the show just kept creating new characters for Fiona to hang out with and I'd understand a bit more if they effectively showed Fiona evolving and growing apart from V, but since they barely interacted we never got anything remotely close to this.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 04, 2019, 05:46:27 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 04, 2019, 10:31:31 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 04, 2019, 09:48:04 AM
Season 2 of Cobra Kai was almost as good as the first season and I'm already looking forward to what they could have in store for Season 3. You really need to give this show a shot. :)

Isn't it only on Youtube Red though, and isn't that a pay service?

For now it is, but I believe later this summer or fall they're changing it up.

https://www.newsweek.com/youtube-says-cobra-kai-will-have-season-3-time-its-free-1423147

Doesn't say it in this article but I'm pretty sure later this summer they're releasing seasons 1 and 2 in installments, but with ads.

I know that article says season 3 will be free with ads, but I'm hoping they offer the option to just pay up and keep it ad free (yeah yeah, I'm spoiled).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 04, 2019, 11:26:18 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 04, 2019, 02:28:01 PM
Kev and V are a big part. They have stuff happen but it feels like they have their own spin-off occurring during Shameless. Like, they'll BARELY interact with any of the Gallaghers and yet have their own subplots about that Russian chick or yeah, the thing with V's mom. I missed the early seasons when Fiona and V were best friends, the show just kept creating new characters for Fiona to hang out with and I'd understand a bit more if they effectively showed Fiona evolving and growing apart from V, but since they barely interacted we never got anything remotely close to this.

I never actually put that together. Nice
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 04, 2019, 11:39:03 PM
ok, Im sad to say, I al caught up on my queue, pretty much anyway.
Im not down for a re watch of any of my faves just yet, although I am about to fire up Band of Brothers for D Day.
Im also considering considering starting Brooklyn 99 for my comedy fix. Never seen it before, so hopefully its pretty good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 06, 2019, 02:21:44 PM
It breaks me every time, but still, firing this up today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wlYPlwjGOY
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 06, 2019, 02:50:52 PM
One of HBO's best ever.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 11, 2019, 11:43:05 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 06, 2019, 02:50:52 PM
One of HBO's best ever.

just finished it up, and it still gets me, sometimes more than the time before.
This and the HBO doc about the Miracle on Ice never fail to turn me in to a sappy little girl, but Im ok with that.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 02:29:53 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
I have finally begun to watch The Office for the first time in my life. That is all.

how goes this?

Also, give me ideas on something else to watch. ive been going with Brooklyn 99 as my lighter show, and its entertaining, but I guess it just seems Ill get tired of it really quickly. Ill still give it a go for a bit.
I need a heavier drama to latch on to now. Im in between my re watches and caught up on my other ones, that I can recall.
A friend suggested Lucifer, and after a few looks Im seeing standard TV cop fare drama.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 20, 2019, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 02:29:53 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
I have finally begun to watch The Office for the first time in my life. That is all.

how goes this?

Also, give me ideas on something else to watch. ive been going with Brooklyn 99 as my lighter show, and its entertaining, but I guess it just seems Ill get tired of it really quickly. Ill still give it a go for a bit.
I need a heavier drama to latch on to now. Im in between my re watches and caught up on my other ones, that I can recall.
A friend suggested Lucifer, and after a few looks Im seeing standard TV cop fare drama.

So, firstly, finished watching the entirety of The Office and not even a week later started rewatching (although I'll probably stop once Carrell leaves the show this time).

As far as the rest of your inquiry goes:

If you have HBO, I've been hearing amazing things about Chernobyl and Big Little Lies (probably our next drama watch). Sharp Objects, if you missed it, should be available in its entirety and was freaking incredible.

I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the 2 seasons of Ozark on Netflix, and am excited for the third when it comes out.

For lighter fare, obviously The Office, if you haven't yet. We started Parks and Rec recently so we'll see how that goes. There's also shows like Archer, Easy (on Netflix), Bojack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie (both Netflix, same producers, both hilarious shows with truly dark subjects).

Honestly, it's on Hulu, but AP Bio. Unfortunately, it was cancelled after its second season (still hoping it gets saved), but I enjoyed the first season and the second season was truly remarkable. Glenn Howerton from It's Always Sunny is the lead actor, and Patton Oswalt is in it as well. But honestly, the students and the principal's assistant (played by Paula Pell, who's apparently a standup and a former SNL writer?) are the standouts here.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 20, 2019, 02:38:23 PM
Oh, and my goodness, what an oversight on my part to not include Barry, on HBO, above. Again, if you have HBO: watch Barry. 2 seasons so far, 12 episodes total, and it will absolutely destroy you. Bill Hader is amazing in it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 02:51:41 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 20, 2019, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 02:29:53 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on March 13, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
I have finally begun to watch The Office for the first time in my life. That is all.

how goes this?

Also, give me ideas on something else to watch. ive been going with Brooklyn 99 as my lighter show, and its entertaining, but I guess it just seems Ill get tired of it really quickly. Ill still give it a go for a bit.
I need a heavier drama to latch on to now. Im in between my re watches and caught up on my other ones, that I can recall.
A friend suggested Lucifer, and after a few looks Im seeing standard TV cop fare drama.

So, firstly, finished watching the entirety of The Office and not even a week later started rewatching (although I'll probably stop once Carrell leaves the show this time).

As far as the rest of your inquiry goes:

If you have HBO, I've been hearing amazing things about Chernobyl and Big Little Lies (probably our next drama watch). Sharp Objects, if you missed it, should be available in its entirety and was freaking incredible.

I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the 2 seasons of Ozark on Netflix, and am excited for the third when it comes out.

For lighter fare, obviously The Office, if you haven't yet. We started Parks and Rec recently so we'll see how that goes. There's also shows like Archer, Easy (on Netflix), Bojack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie (both Netflix, same producers, both hilarious shows with truly dark subjects).

Honestly, it's on Hulu, but AP Bio. Unfortunately, it was cancelled after its second season (still hoping it gets saved), but I enjoyed the first season and the second season was truly remarkable. Glenn Howerton from It's Always Sunny is the lead actor, and Patton Oswalt is in it as well. But honestly, the students and the principal's assistant (played by Paula Pell, who's apparently a standup and a former SNL writer?) are the standouts here.

lol that's awesome. I still go through all 9 seasons although Nellie is by far, the worst tv character, bar none, and that includes Andrea from TWD and Skylar from BB.

Chernobyl! Holy crap, can't believe I forgot about that, good call.
I was always on the fence about Ozark, kinda like Peaky Blinders, for no reason really. I did see and loved Sharp Objects!
Is Big Little Lies a comedy, sitcom-esque?
I am interested in Barry, but I usually like to let shows get going a good 3-5 seasons before I check in just because I don't like waiting ;-)
And that just made me remember I could go back to The Deuce. I was blowing through S2, not realizing it was a currently airing program so I had to stop about 4 episodes in and shelve it for later lol
What about Riverdale? What kind of show is that? I recall you mentioning it here before.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 20, 2019, 03:11:47 PM
Hahahaha, Riverdale is pure soap opera trash. It's absolutely absurd, ridiculous, campy, and just wild. I think the fiancee and I like it because 1) we're not very serious people, if you haven't been able to catch that about me, and 2) weed. Lots of weed.

Big Little Lies is a drama, based on a book, although season 2 is going beyond the book, from what I understand. All-star cast: Alexander Skarsgaard, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep (although only season 2, I think?)


Also, I can't believe I forgot to mention Better Call Saul. I feel like we've talked about it, you've probably seen it already, but if not get on Netflix RIGHT NOW and binge all 3 seasons so far (or was it 4?...shit, I think it has been 4 now).

Also, don't wait for season 3 of Barry, season 2 just ended. Trust me. You will not be disappointed. I guarantee it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 03:33:20 PM
lol no, no, I get it, I may not be the most perceptive person, but yea, I picked up on that many moons ago.
I am up to date and in agreement with BCS. I plan to investigate your suggestions, sans Riverdale, although if Im I a funky mood, who knows
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 20, 2019, 03:37:05 PM
FTR: Riverdale is an adaptation of Archie comics. So it's Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty, and their parents and classmates.

Again, it gets ridiculous, campy, soap opera-y, melodramatic and absurd, but we find it entertaining basically for those reasons. It is not because of good writing.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 20, 2019, 03:40:13 PM
I was an avid Archie comics reader in my youth, so I guess thats the only sort of link to my interest.
Curiosity might get me to take a look....
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on June 21, 2019, 10:54:22 AM
Buc is 10,000 times correct when it comes to Barry.  Go watch it now!  Ozark was great! My wife loves Riverdale, me not so much. If you can do subtitles a show called how to sell drugs online fast just came out on Netflix and its a light-hearted of beat comedy about a nerd that is trying to get his girl back by becoming a drug dealer.   
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 21, 2019, 11:25:31 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on June 21, 2019, 10:54:22 AM
If you can do subtitles a show called how to drugs online fast just came out on Netflix and its a light-hearted of beat comedy about a nerd that is trying to get his girl back by becoming a drug dealer.   

It's so upsetting to me that my fiancee does not do subtitles. I've never minded them, but can't watch anything with her that's subtitled.

I'll have to check this one out on my own time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on June 24, 2019, 04:09:18 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 21, 2019, 11:25:31 AM
Quote from: Rigg44 on June 21, 2019, 10:54:22 AM
If you can do subtitles a show called how to drugs online fast just came out on Netflix and its a light-hearted of beat comedy about a nerd that is trying to get his girl back by becoming a drug dealer.   

It's so upsetting to me that my fiancee does not do subtitles. I've never minded them, but can't watch anything with her that's subtitled.

I'll have to check this one out on my own time.

The strange thing is that even though it's subtitled it did not need to be.  I could understand them as it was. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 04, 2019, 02:56:09 PM
Ive had Boardwalk Empire on my list since its creation. I like to let programs run for several seasons, many times to completion, before I engage simply because I don't like to wait for production to catch up with my schedule.
So here we are, 5 years after its final season and I've completed my indulgence.

Creator Terence Winter (Sopranos) said he loved Deadwood, rightfully so, but when he watched it, he kept waiting for the fate of Wild Bill to occur, and also googled other characters based on real folk to see their fate. He wanted to avoid that with Boardwalk. My wonderment was, how did he ever expect to do that with people like Lucky Luciano, Al Capone and the like? I thought that was interesting, but nonetheless, Boardwalk Empire is historical fiction that centers around the life of Nucky Thompson (based on Nucky Johnson) played by Steve Buscemi.

Thompson is the Treasurer for Atlantic City during the Prohibition Era and is a corrupt politician and bootlegger.
His brother Eli (Shea Wigham) is sheriff who struggles throughout to feed his family of eight in the shadow of Nucky who more or less raised his younger sibling. Based on Nucky Johnson's real brother, sans the marriage and family and...well, you'll see.
Margaret Scroeder, beautifully played by Kelly Macdonald, is a local resident, abused wife and mother and member of the Temperance movement spearheading prohibition. Also based on a real person, Schroeder plays the demure, proper role of the Victorian age woman, although the age of a young flapper, who befriends Thompson when pleading for help with her situation. Macdonald is a continued strength in this series with her arc being one of the more interesting ones of all the characters an as I say, she knocked it out of the park.
As Prohibition begins, we find Atlantic City to be a preferred port of entry for illegal booze which brings other, real gangsters in to the picture. The liaison for that bridge? Michal Pitts who portrays the fictional Jimmy Darmody. I think actually he might have been real but really fictionalized as the real person was nowhere near the character we see, but nonetheless. He is the son of Gillian Darmody (Gretchen Mol) who comes back from the war looking to earn.
having been a protege of Nucky, he feels he's passed over for promotions and while running pesky errands for Thompson, he meets a young upstart named Al Capone (Stephen Graham).
Before I get to him, lets jump back to Gillian for a moment. Her ties to Nucky are explored and parsed out in a story viable and worthy of being told as it is a primary thread in Nucky's arc that is being told to the viewer. Her love for Jimmy pushes his characters demons to the forefront as he struggles with other devils from his past, namely the war. Enter Richard Harrow (Jack Huston) a war veteran who meets James in the vet hospital. I can't describe how interesting this character was, not to mention the physical acting Huston pulled off, donning a reconstructed facial mask to hide the horror of his wounds in the war. Darmody connects with his brethren and brings him in to his world as Jimmy's only real friend.
Back to Capone. We are introduced to him as a young 21 year old assistant to Johnny Torrio, a Chicago mobster heading up the South side.
At the same time, we meet Luciano, Arnold Rothstien, Meyer Lansky and a bit later, Bugsy Siegel. All true gangsters of course.
Winter takes liberties here, admittedly so, in order to tell a story. Did they know Thompson? Probably. Did they have such deep networking interactions with him? Probably not. At least not firsthand. He tries to stay true to the essence of each character defined by what we know, although rarely do we see them at such a young age on screen so its easier to buy in to what the creators are telling us. However, as a voracious mob story reader, I was tuned in to every detail of these portrayals because it fascinates me.
I won't go in to every character here but it would be a disservice to omit Michael K. Williams who plays Chalky White.
You will immediately recognize Williams as Omar from The Wire and if not, get to it!
He brings that same magnified presence to the small screen here as Mr. White, who, like many others, is a real person, but much younger and a pro boxer, not a representative, mover and shaker of the black community. White is behind the scenes power in AC, working with Thompson to keep the workers happy in order to avoid a strike or other uprisings.
For a season maybe, I felt like maybe Buscemi wasn't the best actor for this role but if you give it a bit, he seems to find the Thompson character and the writers work his arc towards his talents. He's not an Al Capone, heavy-handed enforcer type, that much is apparent. Buscemi fits the more level headed glad handing politician who's rugged capabilities are tucked underneath that glossy veneer.
I feel like the story really hits its stride in movie story telling fashion, peaking around the mid to late season 3-4 with a terrific buildup and payoff.
At only five seasons, it's a relatively comfortable watch and is quite entertaining throughout.
Winter captured the essence of the real life gangsters, Luciano, et al, all the while stretching their stories in to fiction to fit his narrative. Certainly, liberties were taken, and I feel like some of the characteristics, cetainly of Luciano and Siegel, were off the mark early on, they did fit the story.
Oh one more thing, Michael Shannon, lord how could I forget this guy. You can't tell a prohibition story without having a Prohibition Agent.
Nelson Van Alder is his name, and man, talk about a slow burn. He is the silent generation all rolled in to one character and his arc may be one of the most wide reaching in the series.  The droll, monotone Van Alden, so well acted, just perfect.

Other things the casual viewer may not pick up on is we see J. Edgar Hoover having a passing interest in this network of bootleggers, not yet called the mafia. This was true, up until his death, the FBI really never focused on the mob as he didn't believe it existed, hence their strong presence and golden age.

There was a female assistant US attorney who did prosecute bootleggers and gangsters.

It's subtle, but during this story, you see the growth of Lansky and Luciano under the tutelage of Arnold Rothstein and over the years, they see the Mustache Pete's (the old guard, Torrio, Maranzano et al) as short sighted. Not willing to worth with Jews or the Irish, but the younger guys see opportunity. This was how the modern mafia came to be and its interesting to see Winter's take on this story.

I also find it interesting that you can tell a story of these guys with no Vito Genovese making an appearance but I guess you have to draw the line somewhere.

Boardwalk Empire did one other thing and that is, crowded my top 5 al time list something fierce. Id really have to sit down and see where it fits for me.
What does all of that mean? Watch there series, you'll enjoy it.

Spoiler

Season 5 had an amazing ending with a beautiful arc to Nucky Thompson but otherwise I felt it fell short of the other seasons. I do absolutely love how they jump forward about is years to get to the eventful 1931 as it relates to mobsters. Winter littered season 5 with need to know references about the St. Valentines Day Massacre, death of Arnold Rothstein and the like. Those were vital components of any mob related story but would have taken up way too much on screen time to tell. That was a great bit of storytelling right there.
The kidnapping of Bugsy Siegel and an assistant US attorney? Get the fuck outta here with that nonsense. This is taking a leap with fiction IMO. But, by now, I was so wildly invested I let it go, I mean its television and it never presented itself as a documentary, so...

Loved the arc of Gillian. I thought it was so suitable for her to die in her own house of a heroin OD. I was really irked when she lived through that an appeared the next season. However, I was pleasantly surprised about her arc. Ron Livingston as a Pinkerton? Insane asylum? Old school hysterectomy to remove the insanity? Holy shit.

Can Michael K. Williams not get killed in a series?

So, the deputy who actually takes part in the killing of Mrs. Schroder's husband being hung out to dry had to be one of the best minor subplots in the series. A faithful servant. Does what he's told, but then gets his ass kicked by his own people then is double crossed in court and is saddled with a lifetime prison sentence. LOL That was pre freakin gold.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 04, 2019, 03:43:51 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 04, 2019, 02:56:09 PM
For a season maybe, I felt like maybe Buscemi wasn't the best actor for this role but if you give it a bit, he seems to find the Thompson character and the writers work his arc towards his talents. He's not an Al Capone, heavy-handed enforcer type, that much is apparent. Buscemi fits the more level headed glad handing politician who's rugged capabilities are tucked underneath that glossy veneer.

I'll have more once I'm at a proper PC and not my phone, but I think a lot of this goes into what Jimmy tells him, I believe, at the end of season 2 (but maybe earlier): "You can't be half a gangster."

Nucky wants to have it both ways. All the young mafiosos we know: Luciano, Lansky, etc, they all see a better way but, as we know, the mafia wasn't some charitable organization. It was corruption, and murder, and if you wanted to play the game like Nucky did, you had to play it totally.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 04, 2019, 05:28:46 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 04, 2019, 03:43:51 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 04, 2019, 02:56:09 PM
For a season maybe, I felt like maybe Buscemi wasn't the best actor for this role but if you give it a bit, he seems to find the Thompson character and the writers work his arc towards his talents. He's not an Al Capone, heavy-handed enforcer type, that much is apparent. Buscemi fits the more level headed glad handing politician who's rugged capabilities are tucked underneath that glossy veneer.

I'll have more once I'm at a proper PC and not my phone, but I think a lot of this goes into what Jimmy tells him, I believe, at the end of season 2 (but maybe earlier): "You can't be half a gangster."

Nucky wants to have it both ways. All the young mafiosos we know: Luciano, Lansky, etc, they all see a better way but, as we know, the mafia wasn't some charitable organization. It was corruption, and murder, and if you wanted to play the game like Nucky did, you had to play it totally.

Exactly. And I thought the creators showed him straddling that line throughout the series even while realizing the game was headed down Luciano's path.
Btw, I thought Michael Pitts did a terrific job too, so many well acted roles in this series.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 05, 2019, 05:26:15 PM
Alright I was trying to quote your post and go through but that was taking me too long because my brain works slowly, so:

Boardwalk Empire

To go off what Crewe said above: yes. But let me highlight a few things, because, quite frankly, I love this show.

#1 - The freaking DETAILS. Crewe got everything right: the actors, the writing, everything about this show is of a high caliber and quality. But, my god, the production design on this show. Every cigarette, car, the boardwalk itself, the musical choices in-episode and for some credits as well. The production crew for this show felt no limitations on, if not being historically accurate, at the very least presenting an alive and believable 1920s down to the very nitty gritty in detail.

#2 - So, about that cast. Crewe covered it about as well as can be covered, but let me add a tiny bit more:

First off, Richard Harrow was, in my opinion, the single greatest part of this show, and Jack Huston's performance is a huge part of it. I'm surprised to see he hasn't done much since the show, because the way he inhabited Harrow who is a deeply, deeply hurt person, was truly remarkable and gave a character that, in lesser hands, could've been perhaps one-note or even cartoonish, but Jack imbued him with the humanity that the writers clearly anticipated.

Also was my introduction to some people who have popped up in a lot of places since. Kelly McDonald was the voice of Merida from Brave, after this. Stephen Graham, who plays Al Capone, has been in a few films since, as well as Paul Sparks as Mickey Doyle, who was another great actor in this who's had some mild roles outside (his role in Thoroughbreds, while small, was fantastic, whereas his role in The Greatest Showman, LIKE EVERY OTHER ROLE IN THAT MOVIE AND REALLY THE ENTIRE MOVIE ITSELF, was a little bizarre). Michael Stuhlbarg as Rothstein, another one who pops up everywhere now since this show and who's acting style I enjoy.

Charlie Cox, many people probably know from Daredevil as, well, Daredevil, but Boardwalk Empire was probably his big national break. It's a little hard to talk about his character, Owen, who was probably my second favorite behind Harrow, as his entire arc really gets into some big spoilers, but again, another character I loved.

For me, the biggest thing was the setting itself. I know that we tend to romanticize our own history, and with the 20s you have, obviously, Prohibition, the Great Depression, obviously all leading into WWII. But, man, watching this show, there's still a certain...calm, to all of the chaos. There are no nukes. There is no internet. The world is large, but it's small, and every character on this show still thinks they have a chance to run it all.


Also, while every season truly is a triumph, two big things: #1 - the first half of every season is always tediously slow in setting up its pieces, and the back half is always a freaking avalanche. It's fantastic.

#2 - Season 3 best season, easily. Two words: Bobby Cannavale.


I still work "When I was handed my first nickel, I thought, 'a nickle is fine, but a dime would be better.'" into everyday conversations.

I know this was mostly rambling, but, whatever. Go watch the show.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 06, 2019, 11:05:48 AM
I was so tied up in writing about the mob and acting stuff I completely ignored the art direction and cinematography and didn't even realize it until you brought it up.
Perfect description and I agree.
Huston was amazing. To become Harrow and find his embarrassment and shame while wearing his war wounds, mentally and physically was just amazing. When introduced, I thought he might be a passing character.
Also found it interesting how the mobsters were really indifferent to the war and the veterans.
Owen Sleater, man, just another well written and acted character.
I thought that Mickey Doyle
Spoiler
meeting his end when and how he did was rather unnecessary, but didn't really affect anything. I guess it was easier than having him cause a rift about still running the nightclub under a new owner

For me, the biggest thing was the setting itself. I know that we tend to romanticize our own history, and with the 20s you have, obviously, Prohibition, the Great Depression, obviously all leading into WWII. But, man, watching this show, there's still a certain...calm, to all of the chaos. There are no nukes. There is no internet. The world is large, but it's small, and every character on this show still thinks they have a chance to run it all.

This is a really poignant thought because so many times while watching this I kept thinking, they really captured the essence of the "roaring 20's" without  bludgeoning you with overstated direction.

#2 - Season 3 best season, easily. Two words: Bobby Cannavale.

I liked S3
Spoiler
but I also thought they overplayed the Rosetti character a bit. Still an amazing season though

I still work "When I was handed my first nickel, I thought, 'a nickle is fine, but a dime would be better.'" into everyday conversations.

This provided as much context around Nucky as one sentence could.

Like I said, this is causing me to revamp my top 5....
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 06, 2019, 09:11:53 PM
Worthy read about the Dick Van Dyke Show and the barriers it shattered, social color barriers, how families were portrayed at the time etc...
I absolutely love this show, and I know many others do too, but I think you'd appreciate it even more after reading this brief article.

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/12/dick-van-dyke-coast-to-coast-big-mouth-carl-reiner
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 10, 2019, 10:01:04 PM
When They See Us

Netflix dramatization of the Central Park 5.
This will be brief: it was good, but for a four ep series, it was pretty drawn out.
the filmmakers fast tracked the trial, once again, overlooking and or ignoring procedures, you'd think they would at least hint at what the fuck stage of the process they are in so it can help propel the story.
No matter though, its a good watch and it will fill you with rage, as it should and if you take nothing else from this story, know that Linda Fairstein is an unethical criminal twat of epic proportions and she deserves ten fold the backlash she's getting right now. And of course, no consequences for the cops, ever.

All that said, if you want a better dramatization, see the OJ series by Netflix.

Edit to add; I know this shouldn't be here, but, if we started paying victims out of the police pension fund instead of via taxpayers, I bet you'd start to see a lot less of this bullshit.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 12, 2019, 11:05:44 PM
This is pretty much my thread as of late lol

Fleabag

Written and created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag is a welcome marvel of television.
I dove in to this series based on a recommendation, but otherwise knowing nothing of it's substance. After the first episode, Im thinking its a dramedy esque sitcom.
Waller-Bridge plays Fleabag, an early thirties single Londoner with a tawdry sex drive, quick wit, full of snark and master of the side eye.
Her charisma is off the freaking charts and no-one is really even close to her in that regard. However, thats not to downplay the rest of the cast, beginning with her haughty, uptight sister Claire, played by Sian Clifford.
She is what an American would consider a textbook Brit, complete opposite of her younger sibling. The two of them together are quite an entertaining pair and we, or at least I, was sure the affection was one sided, as most things were with our star.
Fleabag breaks the fourth in such clever fashion, and thats not to say its original, but I dare say its the best use so far. I just can't get in to any of it without divulging spoilers.
Suffice it to say, this series is hardly a sitcom. It has substance, style, grace and serious unforeseen depth.
Do yourself a favor and check this out. Its only a 2 season run with 6 episodes a season so its easy to plow through and you will love it.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 13, 2019, 07:22:52 AM
Watched flea bag it was pretty good. Also watch the boys on amazon.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 13, 2019, 08:43:41 AM
Sometimes, all you need is some good martial arts action and this looks like it'll deliver. All on board for this, just need to start watching.

https://youtu.be/3tXQMq967PY
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 31, 2019, 03:51:49 PM
Killing Eve
2 Seasons (3rd currently filming)
Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer

I've been a fan of Sandra Oh since Arliss. If you had to take a second to recall that show, I suggest it for your next archive pull.
After recently watching Fleabag and being exposed to the talent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge I moved Killing Eve up in my queue.
Normally, I wait until a series runs its course, or at least runs 3-5 seasons so Im not stuck in binging purgatory. But I made an exception here, as I did with Barry.

Sandra Oh plays Eve Polastri, an MI6 intelligence agent who is is fascinated by serial killers, is brought in to help solve a series of fascinating murders.
Her colleagues scoff when she offers her opinion that the killer is a woman so she lets it drop until she's approached behind closed doors by Carolyn Martens played by Fiona Shaw.
Eve is told she is on the money with her assessment and Martens wants her to head up an off book operation to apprehend this killer.
We are introduced early to Jodie Comer who plays said psychopathic murderer Oksana Astankova / Villanelle.
Through her handler (Kim Bodnia as Konstantin Vasiliev) Villanelle learns of Eve and her teams daunting task.
In short, they become obsessed with each other. Villanelle continues with her flamboyant ordered executions and relishes the thought of maintaining Eve's attention.
Like I said up top, Ive always been a fan of Oh and her acting ability and she performs very well throughout this series, but if you Google anything about this series, you are likely to hear about Jodie Comer early, and often. Deservedly so.
She plays Villanelle with such a cold empty heart, its enthralling to watch. The often humorous dialog, expressions and actions she delivers within the scope of this characters are rich, quirky and desires attention.
Ill desist on the character unraveling so you can enjoy for yourself.
The story unravels into a government vs evil cabal mystery thriller in addition to the cat and mouse game between our two female leads.
Oh and Martens close out the trinity of main characters with top notch performances in their own right. A good supporting cast and excellent writing rival Waller-Bridge's Fleabag offering....for Season one anyway.
In season two, she leaves the writing to Emerald Fennell and for Season 3, the honors go to Suzanne Heathcote while staying on as Executive Producer.
No spoilers, but Ill say that Fennell is sort of boxed in at the start of Season Two in her defense, but overall, it can't maintain the momentum of its predecessor. But don't write it off because while it has its wtf moments and some awfully directed sequences, it is still worthy of your time and attention.
Oh and Comer alone demand that much, and you won't be left in a Dexter like state either, I promise.
At eight episodes each, its an easy breezy binge and you can look forward to season three, although I have no idea who it is set to air.

4.25/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 19, 2019, 08:51:39 PM
My queue is exhausted. I need a good drama series to sink my teeth in to, and I dont want a paint by numbers CSI esque pitch.
But something, Sopranos, Wire, Deadwood, Boardwalk, BCS like. Even something like SOA or Justified would be good, as long as it has real depth, development, directing and is correctly cast.
I just watched the first episode of Hunted with Melissa George playing a top spy and covert operative. Within the first 10 minutes we've already seen she runs like, well, a girl, and fight scenes are cut so supremely fast in order to cover the inability of the actress to make me believe her hand to hand combat skills. One episode and Im done with that nonsense.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on September 21, 2019, 12:38:24 AM
Lol, I wouldn't even know what that means. I just keep adding more shit and then end up watching the same group of shows over again (Parks and Rec, West Wing, Batman The Animated Series, The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Archer).

Jack Ryan Season 2 drops in November.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on September 21, 2019, 03:11:26 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on September 21, 2019, 12:38:24 AM
Lol, I wouldn't even know what that means. I just keep adding more shit and then end up watching the same group of shows over again (Parks and Rec, West Wing, Batman The Animated Series, The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Archer).

Jack Ryan Season 2 drops in November.
was going to watch season 2 until I realized this lol
Im thinking of firing up The Shield again. I've only see it once.
I might try Breaking Bad because of the new Aaron Paul project, but I'm one of those that doesn't classify BB as one of the best ever.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 10, 2019, 02:26:51 PM
So I did decide to go with Breaking Bad again in order to refresh for the movie, especially since it apparently takes place directly after th S5 finale.
Ill re iterate, BB was not one of the greatest of all time in my mind. Top ten? Yea. Top 5? No way.
Ill jump right in to one of the most hated characters on tv, Skylar White.

Spoilers btw....

I was a staunch opponent of hers after my first and only watch during the original run.
After a second viewing, I've softened on her a bit, but still hate her, although for more varied and nuanced reasons.
Skylar is a me me me me person and its irritating AF. Beginning with her "intervention" of Walt, she's so selfish and when her sister Marie sides with Walt, she goes ballistic. Bitch.
Fast forward, to her behaviors regarding Walt, the marriage and kids. Nothing here really increases my dislike of her even though Jr seems to channel the rage towards her most fans feel.
Then comes the cheating with Ted and the whole, "I fucked Ted" scene. This created more disdain from me. Walt was not a good guy, nor a great husband, but Skylar knew none of his bad deeds at this point. Her cheating was to hurt him, specifically. It was revenge for something, but she didn't know what.
Walt at least cared about his family at this time and was undeserving of the Ted bomb.
Things changed once she discovered he was a meth dealer. She saw that bag of cash and became so turned on. Now she's on board with him, but, once again, it's all about her. She has to know and run everything.
The storytelling waivers quite often with her character build. One instance, she chastises him for spending 3 bills on wine, or champagne, saying how stupid a decision that is because its a red flag. Walt spends I don't know how many scenes telling us and Jesse how to be careful. He wouldn't do something like this but the writers need a Sklyar plot.
Towards the end, she becomes fearful of Walt after the "Im the one who knocks" scene. Her behavior in this scope is rational to the character and believable but the overall arc is really annoying to me.
I realized that part of it may be I dont think Anna Gunn was the best choice to play Skylar, maybe its just me. But with that, or in addition to, her scenes just are not entertaining or are not delivering pertinent information. Squeeze all of those factors together and yea, Skylar White is a terrible character.
I have to add that Walter is as well. And what I mean is, I dont really root for Walt either. Know who I pull for? Jesse.
Now that is a well written and supremely acted character.
The range Aaron Paul displays is really special in my eyes. He is supremely sympathetic and I truly believed him having to kill Gale for instance.
I care about Hank. Such a locker room personality, tough guy talk, bury your feelings kind of fella. He's sort of annoying at first until you realize, he kinda is a tough guy, and not in a super hero manner. On top of that, he's really good cop. We see him second guess in private. We see his fear in private. In front of others its all bravado and a modicum of modesty when required.
I remember not really liking the ending and Im mid season 5 right now so we will see if my opinion changes but as of now, my opinion on BB still stands.
It's top ten because of the direction, cinematography, acting and writing. Its not top 5 because of the story idea.
His cancer was a pointless arc. It doesn't even matter through much of the story. You could have used any device to turn Walt into an asshole criminal.
Marie is a springboard for Skylar and a method to raise antagonism in a scene. What happen with her kleptomania? What was the point of that nonsense?
I also felt the BB world wasn't up to snuff, like say Sopranos is, BB is just about Walt, and that's ok, but to me, keeps it out of my top ten.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 10, 2019, 04:02:40 PM
I think the cancer thing definitely makes Walt more sympathetic than simply "I need money for x," but I do understand your point. It's basically a mcguffin and not really much of a plot point.


Also, ++ on the Hank thoughts. I HATED Hank when I first started watching. By the end, he was my favorite character (yes, even more than Jesse or Mike, but it's close. It's CLOSE).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 10, 2019, 05:05:27 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on October 10, 2019, 04:02:40 PM
I think the cancer thing definitely makes Walt more sympathetic than simply "I need money for x," but I do understand your point. It's basically a mcguffin and not really much of a plot point.


Also, ++ on the Hank thoughts. I HATED Hank when I first started watching. By the end, he was my favorite character (yes, even more than Jesse or Mike, but it's close. It's CLOSE).

yea, I really like how they molded him throughout. He could have been a very cartoonish character but as you say, ended up being one of the best
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 10, 2019, 10:19:20 PM
Haven't seen a single episode of Breaking Bad lol.

Went through a Good Place rewatch (for the third time lol) in preparation for Season 4...not ready for this series to be over. 😕
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 11:00:10 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 10, 2019, 10:19:20 PM
Haven't seen a single episode of Breaking Bad lol.

Went through a Good Place rewatch (for the third time lol) in preparation for Season 4...not ready for this series to be over. 😕

When is S4 due out? I just finished three recently
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 11:29:45 AM
I thought Skylar confronted walt as being a drug dealer when she found out about the money for the hospital Bill's and before sleeping with Ted. But agree with you on the characters. Skylar was a bitch. Hank grows on you. Pinkman is one of the faves. Marie's klepto does kinda go away like chuck Cunningham.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 11:33:10 AM
Quote from: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 11:29:45 AM
I thought Skylar confronted walt as being a drug dealer when she found out about the money for the hospital Bill's and before sleeping with Ted. But agree with you on the characters. Skylar was a bitch. Hank grows on you. Pinkman is one of the faves. Marie's klepto does kinda go away like chuck Cunningham.



She banged Ted prior to knowing he was a meth dealer IIRC but I could be wrong
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 12:56:07 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 11:33:10 AM
Quote from: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 11:29:45 AM
I thought Skylar confronted walt as being a drug dealer when she found out about the money for the hospital Bill's and before sleeping with Ted. But agree with you on the characters. Skylar was a bitch. Hank grows on you. Pinkman is one of the faves. Marie's klepto does kinda go away like chuck Cunningham.



She banged Ted prior to knowing he was a meth dealer IIRC but I could be wrong


I could be also rewatching it now.... will let you know lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 02:53:55 PM
Quote from: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 12:56:07 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 11:33:10 AM
Quote from: rollntider on October 11, 2019, 11:29:45 AM
I thought Skylar confronted walt as being a drug dealer when she found out about the money for the hospital Bill's and before sleeping with Ted. But agree with you on the characters. Skylar was a bitch. Hank grows on you. Pinkman is one of the faves. Marie's klepto does kinda go away like chuck Cunningham.



She banged Ted prior to knowing he was a meth dealer IIRC but I could be wrong


I could be also rewatching it now.... will let you know lol

I just watched it and am not 100% sure lol so yea, let me know
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 11, 2019, 04:49:30 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 11:00:10 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 10, 2019, 10:19:20 PM
Haven't seen a single episode of Breaking Bad lol.

Went through a Good Place rewatch (for the third time lol) in preparation for Season 4...not ready for this series to be over. 😕

When is S4 due out? I just finished three recently

S4 started up on NBC a couple of weeks ago. Episodes should be on Hulu now...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 05:00:17 PM
I dont Hulu. I watched it on NF, or Prime maybe?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 11, 2019, 08:44:10 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 05:00:17 PM
I dont Hulu. I watched it on NF, or Prime maybe?

First three seasons are on Netflix, current episodes on Hulu for now...why don't you Hulu?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 10:51:24 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 11, 2019, 08:44:10 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 11, 2019, 05:00:17 PM
I dont Hulu. I watched it on NF, or Prime maybe?

First three seasons are on Netflix, current episodes on Hulu for now...why don't you Hulu?

commercials.
I already have NF and prime. its pretty much all I need. Anything else I want, I can usually find ;-)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 14, 2019, 10:02:49 PM
Peaky Blinders

Its about UK gangsters in the 1920s.
I really enjoyed Boardwalk Empire which was AC in the 20's so this was same thing, but across the pond.
I say the same, but not literally, only in the gangster aspect.
In any event, 5 seasons, 6 eps a season. Im in S2 and really not overwhelmed. It's been in my queue because its highly rated b critics and audiences, but Im having a hard time becoming submerged.
Storytelling is a bit weak to me, just doesn't gel for me.
Anyone watch this? Like it? Hate it? What am I missing?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 15, 2019, 02:56:35 AM
Haven't seen a single episode, but it's been on my list for years lol. If you know me then you know it's probably gonna get passed over like almost everything else on my list for a Parks & Rec/West Wing/Good Place rewatch 🤣
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 15, 2019, 12:42:52 PM
thats me too lol
Its been on my list for ev er!
Im just out of things to watch now....I guess I could growth Jack Ryan S2, forgot about that
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on December 16, 2019, 03:10:36 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 14, 2019, 10:02:49 PM
Peaky Blinders

Its about UK gangsters in the 1920s.
I really enjoyed Boardwalk Empire which was AC in the 20's so this was same thing, but across the pond.
I say the same, but not literally, only in the gangster aspect.
In any event, 5 seasons, 6 eps a season. Im in S2 and really not overwhelmed. It's been in my queue because its highly rated b critics and audiences, but Im having a hard time becoming submerged.
Storytelling is a bit weak to me, just doesn't gel for me.
Anyone watch this? Like it? Hate it? What am I missing?

Not sure what it is but I have tried to start this series three or four times and never get through season one.  It just seems "shallow" for lack of a better word. I don't know if its the casting or the direction but something is just off and I never really become all that invested in it. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 16, 2019, 05:28:50 PM
yea, Im the same in that it just doesn't grab me. Im going to try to get through S2 and see if anything changes.
There's some directorial issues for me, albeit minor, but still affects the story. And to me, this show seems like, one season, one problem. That's not always a bad thing, but in this case, like you say, it's just, off.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 23, 2019, 08:24:56 AM
If you haven't seen the Eddie Murphy hosted SNL yet, you need to. Dude's still got it.

As for Bill Cosby's publicist (why does this sick bastard still have a publicist anyway, not like he's gonna be working anytime soon) getting mad about a joke Eddie made? Cosby hated on Eddie Murphy for ages, and Eddie handled it throughout with class. He got off easy. Fool needs to take a pill and maybe go to sleep over it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 23, 2019, 01:59:38 PM
Anybody watching the new season of Mrs. Maisel? We're up to episode 4, as usual, it's been excellent so far.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 23, 2019, 03:58:37 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on December 23, 2019, 08:24:56 AM
If you haven't seen the Eddie Murphy hosted SNL yet, you need to. Dude's still got it.

As for Bill Cosby's publicist (why does this sick bastard still have a publicist anyway, not like he's gonna be working anytime soon) getting mad about a joke Eddie made? Cosby hated on Eddie Murphy for ages, and Eddie handled it throughout with class. He got off easy. Fool needs to take a pill and maybe go to sleep over it.

Ill defer to Richard Pryor who said tell Bill I said to have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 23, 2019, 04:00:08 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on December 23, 2019, 01:59:38 PM
Anybody watching the new season of Mrs. Maisel? We're up to episode 4, as usual, it's been excellent so far.

Never heard of it. Do I need to be interested?
I just now fired up S4 of Mr. Robot which finally finished yesterday, been waiting over two years for this, and its a good example of why I dont like to watch shows as they air. Ive spent so much damn time rehashing the first three seasons because I can't remember fuck all about them.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 23, 2019, 05:02:15 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 23, 2019, 04:00:08 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on December 23, 2019, 01:59:38 PM
Anybody watching the new season of Mrs. Maisel? We're up to episode 4, as usual, it's been excellent so far.

Never heard of it. Do I need to be interested?
I just now fired up S4 of Mr. Robot which finally finished yesterday, been waiting over two years for this, and its a good example of why I dont like to watch shows as they air. Ive spent so much damn time rehashing the first three seasons because I can't remember fuck all about them.


It's an Amazon original that has won multiple Emmys for its first 2 seasons (being a big competitor to Barry last year, if I recall correctly). It's written by the lady who did Gilmore Girls, which I never watched, but it's a highly enjoyable and funny show (Mrs Maisel).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 23, 2019, 06:25:17 PM
never saw Gilmore Girls and I dont know who this lady is but when Im done with Robot, maybe Ill check it out.
My queue is essentially empty. There's some in there Im just hesitant to get ack to, Narcos for one...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 05, 2020, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on December 23, 2019, 01:59:38 PM
Anybody watching the new season of Mrs. Maisel? We're up to episode 4, as usual, it's been excellent so far.

So I was out of shows to watch and took your advice. I blew through Mrs. Maisel and enjoyed it pretty much
Spoiler
I thought the third season was quite a reach and didnt hold up to the first two. I seriously doubt people have such rapid fire witty conversations like that on such a consistent level, but it wasn't a big negative, however I thought Alex Borstein was increasingly over the top and Bailey De Young was too cartoonish to be taken serious.

All told, I really liked the main arcs and subject matter that was tackled, blending history with fiction seems to be an increasing theme in entertainment and I enjoy that trend when well done. Here, they obviously fidget with the Lenny Bruce timeline here, but again, not detrimental.
The era was fun to live in for a couple of season, and it was immersive enough to take seriously.

Thanks for the suggestion, not sure I would have given this a second look otherwise.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on January 13, 2020, 12:27:36 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 23, 2019, 06:25:17 PM
never saw Gilmore Girls and I dont know who this lady is but when Im done with Robot, maybe Ill check it out.
My queue is essentially empty. There's some in there Im just hesitant to get ack to, Narcos for one...

Narcos was in my Que forever.  When I gave in it consumed me and I watched it all in like two weeks.  Then I watched Narcos Mexico, it was ok but not nearly as good as the original.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 13, 2020, 06:44:50 PM
Is Narcos Mexico season two?
Ive watched the first episode of season two but it just doesn't grab me.
mainly because I was interested in Pablo
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on January 14, 2020, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 13, 2020, 06:44:50 PM
Is Narcos Mexico season two?
Ive watched the first episode of season two but it just doesn't grab me.
mainly because I was interested in Pablo

I don't know maybe it's after Pablo is dead and its all-new agents dealing with the Mexican cartel.  The guy from Ant-Man is the main agent. I watched it and its ok but not as good as the original Narcos.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 14, 2020, 03:47:29 PM
If I really get bored maybe Ill give it a run, or unless Im told it is really good but I just haven't heard much one way or the other
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 20, 2020, 12:53:36 AM
Mandalorian
Pedro Pascal

Our main character, given name Din Djarin, is a Mandalorian bounty hunter.
This series, created by Jon Favreau, is set 5 years after Return of the Jedi and 25 years prior to TFA.
The Republic has restored order to much of the galaxy, sans the outer reaches where this story takes place.
Our Mandalorian accepts bounty jobs from the guild (Carl Weathers) and this particular one is for a small sect remaining from the fallen Empire.
Soon, we discover the package is a baby Yoda, for lack of a species identification.
After the exposition, I really was sort of on the fence about this series for a couple of reasons. One was, I couldn't figure out if it was trying to be serious or not and two, I couldn't latch on to a theme.
The episodes are short and with only 8 of them it is an extremely quick and easy watch.
We see a fusillade of one shot guest appearances from a wide range of actors such as Bill Burr, who I thought did a terrific job, given the thin nature of his script. Amy Sedaris who convincingly plays a shipping bay landlord and Natalia Tena, who by the time she shows up, was the only character that had real zest and appeal in her character.
Gina Carano, who I absolutely love and have followed since her early days at Elite XC plays Cara Dune, a Rebel Shock trooper who is now a mercenary and 
partner with Mandalorian.
Nick Nolte voices (and looks like) Kuiil, a farmer who befriends Mandalorian on one of his early quests and becomes a trusted ally as we move through the story.
The narrative of this series follows the tropes of a space western, but it really seems, I dont want to say pointlesss, because we know the plot, it just feels, compartmentalized. The early episodes were tough for me to be head over heels for because I couldn't grasp any sort of development that was supposed to be occurring within our hero.

Spoiler
The village episode was just sad. Bryce Dallas Howard failed miserably with the battle scenes, unable to structure a believable scenario. An AT-ST is at its desired range to relentlessly fire on defenseless villagers, but waits inexplicably while Dune almost singlehandedly gets it to take the last step, literally, in to the trap they exhaustively set.
Oh and said villagers, women, kids and teenage boys? They were all taught within hours how to fend off said AT-ST and veteran marauders who have raided the village umpteen times.
Ok, that's enough of that....
Episode to episode, we traipse through a new land with new characters in entertaining fashion but to me, the story just feels, simple.
And the entire show feels like a cross between a comic book and Xena Warrior Princess. As an avid Star Wars fan, I allow my minimal frustration to abate and the series does seem to find its legs, much like a successful program might not have a great first few episodes, or first season even until everyone and everything is fleshed out.
By seasons end, the shortcomings are there, but acceptable as we do get an established theme but the character arc is minimal, if it's there at all.

If you are remotely interested in Star Wars, you most certainly should give this a look. If you are fairly unfamiliar with Star Wars, give this a look.
If you hate Star Wars, this I dont even know why you are reading this post.
What's great about it is what we have wanted, for the Skywalker saga to end and the ability to explore the universe and the millions of potential stories out there that are tied to the OT and ST, but are not overstated. Kind of like the Tarantino universe.
The other wonderful instances are that while there are subtle nods to the OT, even as a SW fan, you might not pick em all up, but they are there and its nice to have undercooked nostalgia.
The bad things are really just storytelling bumps but if you look at it on the grand scale of the SW timeline, it certainly has a place and creates a fastener to the established stories we've already been told.
I was so excited for this because I noted that critics and fans alike had this rated wy over 90% and I thought, wow, it's impenetrable to negativity.
As I began watching, I was caught shaking my head more than a few times wondering if I was on a Biff Tannen timeline, but as I said, it works it self out if you give it a chance, and you should.

Spoiler
Who was that leaning over the body of Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen)? Are we to believe that A) Fennec isn't dead and/or that B) that is the much heralded Boba Fett who has returned somehow from the pit of Sarlacc? That would be the biggest return from certain death since Bobby Ewing. It is likely just another bounty hunter on the trail of Mando who arrived late.

This is a bit of a spoiler but not really, but better safe than sorry
Spoiler
I spoke earlier of exploring the vastness of the SW universe and in TFA we realized that it was not common knowledge regarding the Jedi, et al when Rey and Finn encountered Han Solo.
That subject is again approached in Mandalorian when in the final episode, they are discussing baby Yoda force sensitivities (they are ignorant of the force so obviously didnt state it in that manner) with the Armorer and she tells of stories of the Jedi run ins with the Mandalorian (Fett again) and all seem surprised, although Cara shouldn't have been caught off guard by that information.
Mando even asked, "Enemies?"

Ill go ahead and tag this one too
Spoiler
The two Stormtropers who capture baby Yoda in Ep 8 are awaiting clearance to enter the village. While they wait, its an entertaining few minutes as these two bring as much life and story to the screen as Mando did over several episodes.
One of the pair is just dying to take a look at the swaddled up Yoda while the other rejects those requests with an ensuing petulant dialog ripe with humor.

We also see one of those nods to the universe when the two are trying to kill time shooting debris akin to a canteen scene in a western missing wildly, furthering the past evidence that Stormtroopers are terrible marksmen.
While I'm here, Ill throw in this directorial flub that just grinds my gears every single time I see it.
So these two are waiting out in the dunes although quite flat in their visible range. During their discussions, the nurse droid suddenly appears and they are startled, like wth, where did you come from?
As if Ray Charles couldn't have seen nor heard that approach, I mean honestly, get freakin real would you? That occurs in several instances during this series and its just lazy storytelling. Weak weak weak.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 28, 2020, 12:57:50 PM
Haunting of House Hill

This won't be a long harangue ala my Mandalorian review.
Ten episodes at an hour each, easy binge watch.

The Crain family patriarch flips houses which is how they came to Hill House. The 5 kids begin to see things that make them believe the house is haunted, of course mom and dad shrug it off.
Mom starts to devolve somewhat but dad is concerned with the ongoing repairs he has to make to turn the house in to something a buyer wants.

We are shown two timelines, one when they first move in, and one some 20 odd years later so we can see the effects of their experiences and how their lives turn out. Early on its a bit tough, or it was for me, to keep up with the confusing weaving back and forth, mainly because I couldn't separate which characters were which.
Beautifully filmed and edited, Haunting is a creepy watch. Yes it has a few jump scares to get the adrenaline going, but they aren't of the cliche variety, nor are they just for the purpose of the scare. It's a great story, well told and acted.
There will be a season 2, but apparently its going to be of the anthology variety, ala AHS, so for all intense and purposes, the Crains are done...maybe.

Watch this
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 03, 2020, 04:44:20 PM
Not really sure what I'm going to watch now that The Good Place wrapped up it's four season run last Thursday night (loved it). Maybe time to jump back into Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or give Superstore a shot.

Not a big fan of reality shows either other than MasterChef or Hell's Kitchen, but the LEGO Masters show debuting on Wednesday is one I'm looking forward to.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 03, 2020, 05:44:06 PM
Bojack Horseman - Season 6, Part 2 - The Final 8 Episodes (and, really just, overall)

TL;DR, this is now my favorite show over Six Feet Under (and same number of seasons, too, I think. Or maybe SFU was only 5....)

The non TL;DR version.....



Anyone who's met me in person at pretty much any point since 20....16, has likely heard me talk about this show. I caught on late. I remember hearing about it, how "serious" it was, how good Will Arnett was, and thinking "that...cartoon show with the talking horse?" I finally caught up on the first two seasons right before the third season released, and then plowed through that season too.

I can't explain what this show meant to me. It's a show overwhelmingly about mental illness. Having been  diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in 2011 and struggled with it since (and, well, before the diagnosis, really), a lot hit home for me. Combine that with the fact that Bojack appeared to also be afflicted with BPD (although, amongst many other disorders) and it's endless parade of general puns, movie/tv-related puns, entertainment industry lingo and general sense of humor, all I can say is I felt a little less alone.

Bojack felt like the kind of show I'd make if I was creative and smart enough to write such a thing. I love movies, everyone knows this about me. And there's TV that I love, maybe not as much but there's definitely shows that are far and above (Six Feet Under, Better Call Saul, Bojack of course, Mad Men) the rest. But while I can be interested in the happenings of a family that owns a funeral home, or a lawyer with issues regarding his ethics, or a 1950s ad man who just wants his privacy (sort of?), nothing ever felt like it was literally made for me like Bojack did.

I hate that expression, "it's like it was made for me." It's pretentious. Yet, those who know me close and have watched Bojack, and it's mile a minute chatter, background easter eggs that you blink and miss and countless references to...goodness, anything pop culture related would probably tell you that sounds like a conversation with me.

When the show goes dark, and really digs into the mental health of its characters and the low, depressing times, the endless anxieties and the feelings of being lesser than those around you, those extremely close to me would say that sounds familiar too.

So there was me, and there was Bojack. Bojack, who through 5.5 seasons to this point, had hit multiple rock bottoms, and yet kept rising above them. He'd fall, get back on his feet, fall, get back on his feet. It reminded me of myself, too. The Navy. My failed move to Columbia. Failed marriage.

Bojack could never let go of his past, though. He carried it around with him. When a character talks to Bojack, they are talking to EVERY Bojack. They're talking to child Bojack, teenage Bojack, adult Bojack, senior Bojack (I mean, senior, he's only in his 50s), all at once. I've been like that too. When you carry your baggage with you every minute of every day, that's what it is.

As far as these final 8 episodes go, I can't go into too much detail. They just released on Friday and I'm not the spoil it for others type. What I can say is that, although there is somewhat of a rushed feel, partially because Netflix cancelled the show and gave them this as their final season (as to why it's rushed), and because it's 16 episodes as opposed to 12 (thus why it's "somewhat" of a rushed feel, they gave them SOME room to breathe), they still brought it home. I don't think the cancellation hurt it, Raphael Bob-Waksberg has said the show ended as he always intended it to. That being said, the final two episodes are...just an absolute masterpiece, while being so terrifying to confront. The need to cut out toxic relationships. The ever looming spectre of death.

And then there's Season 6, Episode 15, "The View From Halfway Down." Somehow, "Free Churro," an OUTSTANDING episode from season 5 lost an Emmy to The Simpsons in 2019. THE SIMPSONS. IN 2019. If The View From Halfway down fails to win an Emmy, I can only assume collusion on the parts of voters. This episode is an absolute masterpiece, and as far as where the title comes from, it's easily the most painful part of the episode. It's that soul crunching nihilism that this show does so well. The finale is the chaser.

I can tell you how I loved the jokes, the visual gags, the psychological and philosophical discussions. I can tell you why I found the characters great, Bojack, despite his proclivities (and, lets remember, none of them are real people), is a fascinating character study. Diane Nguyen, voiced by Alison Brie, proves to be, over time, the heart of the show (something of a mirror to Bojack). Mister Peanut Butter, who Paul F Thompkins brought such life too, and managed to be interesting despite his personality being "dimwitted optimist." He started off as a joke and, like pretty much every other character, became a 3-dimensional character with his own issues and pathos. Todd Chavez, voiced expertly by Aaron Paul, never failed to make me laugh. And Princess Carolyin, Amy Sedaris, the one-woman who could do it all. Princess Carolyn should be everyone's role-model.

Those characters became just as important as our main one, Bojack, but there's simply no way this show could work as well without his voice actor: Will Arnett. Arnett had his own battles with alcoholism and depression, never to the depths of Bojack (at least, I hope). He brings that with him to the show and you can hear it in certain scenes (oh, can you hear it).

This show has absolutely redefined what television can be to me. It's less a TV show than a large, large group of creators reaching out to the world and saying "It's going to be ok. You have the power to get through this." Yes, it's tough at times. No, it's pretty much never easy (although, it gets easier, but you gotta do it every day. That's the hard part).





In real life, you talk about things you enjoy and sometimes you get shut down. Sometimes you get told the things you enjoy are stupid, or ridiculous, or why don't you take an interest in thing x, a real hobby? For about 6 hours, every season (and every rewatched season....), I got to spend my time with people who had all of the same interests as me. They had all of the same fears as me. And they were open and honest  about their issues (well, most of them. Looking at you, Bojack). It's all been conversations I need to hear, wanted to hear, and enjoyed to hear.

Now, it's over. There is no new Bojack Horseman in my future. These writers, these actors, these animators, they'll move on to other things. Maybe some will be better! Maybe some will be worse. But this original cast of characters has cut us out of their lives. We no longer get to look on. I'd be sad, but then again, that was kind of the whole point of the show, to a certain extent. Things move on. They only don't when we cling to them, and if we cling to something that isn't there anymore, we're only hurting ourselves (and, quite likely, those around us). So we have to move on.

But the final moments of the show tell you what you need to know. It'll be hard for me to move on without this show. But watching the final moments, as with so many other times while watching this show and seeing/hearing a sentiment, opinion, etc, I know one thing for sure: the feeling is relatable. As we watch two characters say goodbye, but neither one get up to leave, the moment wavers as "Mr. Blue" plays, it's obvious: as hard as it is for the audience to move on, it's just as hard for them. I'll miss all of them.

Until the next rewatch, Bojack.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 12, 2020, 08:52:19 PM
Might have to actually give this a look.

Cobra Kai
Seasons 1 & 2

Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence renew and age old rivalry and slowly devolve their lives and those around them, back to high school.

Cobra Kai is a love letter to The Karate Kid, to the 80's scene in all its glory, for better or worse.
Now a successful high end automobile dealership owner, LaRusso is high end with the everyday man mentality, so he thinks. With his incessant references to Mr. Miyagi's teachings, you'd expect him to not be such a narcissistic asshole, but he is, indeed.
Then there's Johnny. His life didnt turn out so well. He isn't a bad guy, he's just a caveman. its charming to a degree but it just adds to the cheesy nature of this show. In 2018 a barely 50 year old isn't going to know what a smart phone is or an app, or how to turn on a computer? Yes, really.
80's hair band fill the air waves as do his high school attitudes about women and wimps. At one point, his friend is setting him up on a dating app and asks what are his interests. he thinks for a moment then says, Iron Eagle, pauses, and adds, oh and Iron Eagle 2.
Ok that bit was pretty funny, and most of it is, really, I mean, once you accept the whole Karate Kid world and if you watch for more than five minutes, then just know, you've accepted it.

The series builds nicely and actually has a nice message with recurring themes dating back to the original film.
Story arcs leave a lot to be desired as does the storytelling, but hey, as a guilty pleasure, I think you'll enjoy it. If you liked karate Kid, I promise, you will love it.

But can I just say
Spoiler
that season 2 final episode? LOL What a shit show! I mean really, even for something this inelegant was below par.
You knew Johnny was out as soon as Kreese showed his mug and of course Miguel's mom blames him so now he's all alone as we didnt see where he stood with his son but we did see he wasn't aware Ali responded to him.

There's still some story left to tell as there will be a season 3, well I say that, I dont know for sure, but I do know a series cannot end the way this one did, not intentionally anyway.
I dont even know when or if it's due out but I do know, at 10 episodes and 35 minutes pe, its an easy breezy mindless nostalgic romp that you will probably enjoy.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 12, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
I loved that show so much, was one of my favorites from the last two seasons. Sure it was cheesy in parts but that's some of the charm I think. Really looking forward to S3 whenever it drops.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 13, 2020, 03:34:33 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on February 12, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
I loved that show so much, was one of my favorites from the last two seasons. Sure it was cheesy in parts but that's some of the charm I think. Really looking forward to S3 whenever it drops.

yea it works amazingly well, and even when it doesn't, it's not a real blight on the show and just sorta melts away
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on February 13, 2020, 04:48:59 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 13, 2020, 03:34:33 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on February 12, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
I loved that show so much, was one of my favorites from the last two seasons. Sure it was cheesy in parts but that's some of the charm I think. Really looking forward to S3 whenever it drops.

yea it works amazingly well, and even when it doesn't, it's not a real blight on the show and just sorta melts away

I loved season one.  I just haven't gotten around to watching season 2
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 15, 2020, 02:58:31 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on February 13, 2020, 04:48:59 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 13, 2020, 03:34:33 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on February 12, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
I loved that show so much, was one of my favorites from the last two seasons. Sure it was cheesy in parts but that's some of the charm I think. Really looking forward to S3 whenever it drops.

yea it works amazingly well, and even when it doesn't, it's not a real blight on the show and just sorta melts away

I loved season one.  I just haven't gotten around to watching season 2

Id be interested to hear your thoughts. I liked one better, but two was still good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on February 20, 2020, 04:02:58 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on January 14, 2020, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 13, 2020, 06:44:50 PM
Is Narcos Mexico season two?
Ive watched the first episode of season two but it just doesn't grab me.
mainly because I was interested in Pablo

I don't know maybe it's after Pablo is dead and its all-new agents dealing with the Mexican cartel.  The guy from Ant-Man is the main agent. I watched it and its ok but not as good as the original Narcos.

So as a follow up to this season two just came out.  I watched it and it definitely gets better as it goes along.  I think it you liked Narcos you will like Narcos Mexico as well.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 20, 2020, 05:21:36 PM
thats good to know. I liked Narcos because I really enjoyed reading about Pablo Escobar, so I wasn't sure if I would like S2 since he was no longer around ;-)
thanks for the heads up
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:42:01 PM
I just finished The Good Place. It was entertaining throughout, campy and never serious.
A show like that has no business having the strong finish that it did, that really was a pleasant surprise.
Ive been a fan of Ted Danson since Cheers and Im so glad he's been able to avoid being pigeon holed as an actor because he is really gifted and I enjoyed his role as Michael.
I was really here nor there about Kristen Bell, but it didnt affect anything. Also really loved the Judge, thought she was great and damn, adding Timothy Olyphant for that cameo was absolute money! lol
Good stuff.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 26, 2020, 10:56:17 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:42:01 PM
I just finished The Good Place. It was entertaining throughout, campy and never serious.
A show like that has no business having the strong finish that it did, that really was a pleasant surprise.
Ive been a fan of Ted Danson since Cheers and Im so glad he's been able to avoid being pigeon holed as an actor because he is really gifted and I enjoyed his role as Michael.
I was really here nor there about Kristen Bell, but it didnt affect anything. Also really loved the Judge, thought she was great and damn, adding Timothy Olyphant for that cameo was absolute money! lol
Good stuff.

You might really enjoy the podcast that went along with it; it's run by the guy that played the demon Shawn and has a lot of good background info on the show.
Maya Rudolph was amazing as the judge! And honestly I felt this show ended up perfectly cast. Great chemistry throughout from all of them, although Chidi and Janet may be my absolute favorites.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 09, 2020, 05:46:02 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on February 26, 2020, 10:56:17 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:42:01 PM
I just finished The Good Place. It was entertaining throughout, campy and never serious.
A show like that has no business having the strong finish that it did, that really was a pleasant surprise.
Ive been a fan of Ted Danson since Cheers and Im so glad he's been able to avoid being pigeon holed as an actor because he is really gifted and I enjoyed his role as Michael.
I was really here nor there about Kristen Bell, but it didnt affect anything. Also really loved the Judge, thought she was great and damn, adding Timothy Olyphant for that cameo was absolute money! lol
Good stuff.

Another podcast? lol
Ive gone from never hearing one to having a queue deep enough to span the rest of this year lol


High Fidelity
I haven't seen it and honestly, not sure I want to simply because its a blatant rip off just to give it a nod to women.
That and the fact I loved the movie. Is anyone able to give an opinion on this show other than my ignorant close minded naysaying opinion? lol

You might really enjoy the podcast that went along with it; it's run by the guy that played the demon Shawn and has a lot of good background info on the show.
Maya Rudolph was amazing as the judge! And honestly I felt this show ended up perfectly cast. Great chemistry throughout from all of them, although Chidi and Janet may be my absolute favorites.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 09, 2020, 06:03:13 PM
Not sure what the High Fidelity bit is about in the quote above, as I can't find the original post.


From my understanding, the show is a pretty direct copy of the movie, albeit it with some added flourishes (I think the side characters get some more fleshing out as well). Although Rob is a woman now, she's still an asshole and fully up her own ass, just like Cusack's version. Basically, from what I hear, the spirit of the character is the same, although the show has more freedom to explore more with it (whether it succeeds is where there seems to be some division).


We're in the middle of Good Girls on Netflix, and I think we want to watch that new Devs show too, but at some point I will check out the High Fidelity show. Absolutely one of my favorite movies, so I can't say no. I was Rob, once. Pretty sure 95% of guys are Rob at some point, hahaha.


(Also, if High Fidelity is the high point of record store movies (give or take an Empire Records), and Clerks is, well, basic clerks, it makes me really wish we'd gotten the videostore equivalent. Although, I guess Clerks has one scene of what that movie would basically have been, haha).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 09, 2020, 06:38:00 PM
High Fidelity had no thread previously, I just brought it up here.

When you peek at it, let me know what you think.
Also, what is Good Girls?

I just finished up Ozark not long ago and The Good Place. Im about to fire up Better Call Saul but I think im on empty after that, at least until Killing Eve resumes in April I think
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 09, 2020, 07:07:54 PM
Ugh, since moving to Hulu+ Live TV, I don't have AMC anymore and it's KILLING ME that I'm missing the new season of Better Call Saul.

Good Girls is like pre-school Ozark, sort of. I think it premiered on CBS, we've been catching up on the first 2 seasons on Netflix, but it's Christina Hendricks, some other girl and Retta from Parks and Rec (and, although it's called Good Girls, I'd be remiss to not point out also that Mathew Lillard, aka Shaggy from the Scooby-Doo movies, is also in it).

Fun show, very similar to Ozark but in a "made for cable TV" sort of way. Not my favorite, not the worst, usually gets a few laughs out of us and has a few inspired moments. We're still on the first season though and not very far in, so it may get way better for all I know.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 10, 2020, 10:43:36 PM
Ah man!
For some reason I thought it was a seasonal release, not weekly.
I began watching it the other day, then hit episode 4 and couldn't go any further and was confused.
now I know why. Sonofagun.
I cannot do week to week crapola, now I have to wait another month and a half for the show to run.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 11, 2020, 02:30:06 PM
BCS is so amazing though, and there's 4 seasons on Netflix before you reach the current season airing on AMC, unless you're already caught up?
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 11, 2020, 06:06:15 PM
oh yea, caught up for sure. I had been waiting for season 5 to drop and thought it was an all at once deal. lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 22, 2020, 09:55:58 AM
I've got a few days off and since I'm not spending it watching hours upon hours of March Madness basketball, I decided to give the musical drama-dey Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist a shot. Premise was interesting enough to me: after a strange incident the protagonist can now see and hear people singing their innermost thoughts to her. You know how some shows it's where 22 minutes feels like a second, and other shows 43 minutes feels like a three hour slog? This felt like the latter to me. I wanted to enjoy it but the first episode was kinda meh. Might come back to it down the road but maybe when I'm more in the mood for it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 22, 2020, 02:47:43 PM
never heard of it but thanks for that input, now my decision is made if I ever run across it lol.
Let me know what else you dive in to, and enjoy your days off!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 25, 2020, 03:48:37 PM
I may be alone in this but so far the new season of West World is Meh.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 27, 2020, 10:44:13 AM
Watched the first episode of High Fidelity on Hulu last night, starring Zoe Kravitz. Promising, really enjoyed it-feels like the Nick Hornsby novel.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 29, 2020, 03:13:32 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on March 27, 2020, 10:44:13 AM
Watched the first episode of High Fidelity on Hulu last night, starring Zoe Kravitz. Promising, really enjoyed it-feels like the Nick Hornsby novel.

keep me posted. but IM so tuned in to Cusak's version which wasn't all that long ago, really soon to be rebooted to me, but nonetheless, for those reasons, I simply will not give it a chance unless you guys just rant and rave about it. Or I watch everything else under the sun ;-)

Ozark Season 3
I dont know what you have seen so I won't spoil Season 2 for you.
Marty, Wendy, Charlotte and Jonah are back for more. Incidentally, I thought the S2 ending
Spoiler
was really well done and open ended in case the show wasn't picked up for another season. Cant say the about season 3 lol

I have always enjoyed Laura Linney and certainly Jason Bateman prior to this series but man, they are both so tuned in to these characters, it really makes for a tension filled ride.
Janet McTeer (Helen Pierce) wedges her way in to the fold a bit more which is good for me since I love her character as well.
She is almost a mediator between Marty and Wendy as the show almost splits in to two different series, one for Marty and one for Wendy.
It's really well told and periphery characters have strength and a place in the series, all except for maybe Three (Carson Holmes) who is merely a brief plot device.
I'd be remiss if I didnt mention Julia Garner's Ruth who is on full display with her accent and rural characteristics.
She has perhaps the biggest development arc and Garner plays it perfectly believable. She, as part of the Ozark well known cursed family along with her cousin Wyatt (who has quite the arc in his own right - my reaction omitted for spoiler purposes) and the aforementioned Three.

Season 3 has a huge story revolve around Wendy's brother, Ben (Tom Pelphrey) who, it won't hurt to tell you, is bi polar.
At first, I think he's just an insert for attention purposes, but it actually becomes quite a revealing and supremely well acted plot point that (potential spoiler maybe)
Spoiler
ended up being far more material than I thought.
and for me, he does one more thing.
Nudge me bacak in to Wendy's corner a little bit. I say that because you see, while I love Laura Linney and she makes Wendy so condescending, so infuriatingly maddening that it worked. I hate her character.
Every single thing in S3 is her fault. Everything. And she still blames Marty. It's a level of narcissism between the two that is a searing force in the plot that just makes me combust, almost.

And now, the problem with binge watching...how long do I have to wait for season 4?? lol
In any event, give this a look, highly recommended. All seasons are on Netflix and all are equally good, although I do like two and three better.

Guess Ill go finish up GLOW now  ???
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2020, 03:50:42 PM
Gearing up for season 3 soon, we loved the first two seasons of Ozark.

We've been watching Good Girls, which is sort of the all-female, CBS-drama equivalent to Ozark. The first season was ok, not my favorite but entertaining enough to keep me watching, but the second was vastly improved. If you like Ozark, I'd recommend it. First two seasons are on Netflix and the third is currently airing on CBS and on-demand on Hulu.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 29, 2020, 04:04:05 PM
id like to hear what you think of S3, I liked it.

CBS, really? I swore off network shows decades ago because of what I call CSI tv.
Maybe Ill give it a look if you think its worthy.
Thanks!
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2020, 04:14:31 PM
We both like Christina Hendricks (both because of Mad Men and uh, obvious other reasons) and Rhetta from Parks and Rec, and with the quarantine it was worth giving it a shot. I like it, I think any fan of Ozark would like it as well. Great cast, Matthew Lillard is great as the husband to Hendricks. Definitely worth a look, despite the CBS aspect.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 29, 2020, 04:28:11 PM
maybe I will then. Always looking for something new.

I remember the days when my queue was so full, I thought Id never finish it, but for about a year now Ive been pretty flush.
I mean there's tons of docs and a few films, things like that that are always there but, otherwise, Im looking for new stuff.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 30, 2020, 07:45:16 AM
GLOW Season 3

I dont know what happened here. Suddenly, meaning season 3, GLOW became directionless.
Straying and disappearing plot lines are accompanied by statements about society and mores, which isn't a bad thing you understand, but thats completely void of what Season 1 and 2 were about, altogether.
The actors are strong and timing is good which carries the show somewhat but it just cant over come a big nothing.
By episode 7, I was tuned out, honestly didnt care what happened, because whatever it was, it was going to be meaningless.
And I wasn't disappointed.
If you watched the first two seasons, just pretend the show was canceled.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 30, 2020, 01:59:17 PM
Now here's a fun little exercise: Presenting The Ringer's Best TV Character of the Century Tournament. Voting for each round ends each day at 6pm ET.

Also: vote for Janet.

https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/3/30/21197143/best-tv-character-of-the-century-bracket-intro-round-1
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 31, 2020, 12:44:21 AM
Quote from: Crewe on March 29, 2020, 03:13:32 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on March 27, 2020, 10:44:13 AM
Watched the first episode of High Fidelity on Hulu last night, starring Zoe Kravitz. Promising, really enjoyed it-feels like the Nick Hornsby novel.

keep me posted. but IM so tuned in to Cusak's version which wasn't all that long ago, really soon to be rebooted to me, but nonetheless, for those reasons, I simply will not give it a chance unless you guys just rant and rave about it. Or I watch everything else under the sun ;-)

Ozark Season 3
I dont know what you have seen so I won't spoil Season 2 for you.
Marty, Wendy, Charlotte and Jonah are back for more. Incidentally, I thought the S2 ending
Spoiler
was really well done and open ended in case the show wasn't picked up for another season. Cant say the about season 3 lol

I have always enjoyed Laura Linney and certainly Jason Bateman prior to this series but man, they are both so tuned in to these characters, it really makes for a tension filled ride.
Janet McTeer (Helen Pierce) wedges her way in to the fold a bit more which is good for me since I love her character as well.
She is almost a mediator between Marty and Wendy as the show almost splits in to two different series, one for Marty and one for Wendy.
It's really well told and periphery characters have strength and a place in the series, all except for maybe Three (Carson Holmes) who is merely a brief plot device.
I'd be remiss if I didnt mention Julia Garner's Ruth who is on full display with her accent and rural characteristics.
She has perhaps the biggest development arc and Garner plays it perfectly believable. She, as part of the Ozark well known cursed family along with her cousin Wyatt (who has quite the arc in his own right - my reaction omitted for spoiler purposes) and the aforementioned Three.

Season 3 has a huge story revolve around Wendy's brother, Ben (Tom Pelphrey) who, it won't hurt to tell you, is bi polar.
At first, I think he's just an insert for attention purposes, but it actually becomes quite a revealing and supremely well acted plot point that (potential spoiler maybe)
Spoiler
ended up being far more material than I thought.
and for me, he does one more thing.
Nudge me bacak in to Wendy's corner a little bit. I say that because you see, while I love Laura Linney and she makes Wendy so condescending, so infuriatingly maddening that it worked. I hate her character.
Every single thing in S3 is her fault. Everything. And she still blames Marty. It's a level of narcissism between the two that is a searing force in the plot that just makes me combust, almost.

And now, the problem with binge watching...how long do I have to wait for season 4?? lol
In any event, give this a look, highly recommended. All seasons are on Netflix and all are equally good, although I do like two and three better.

Guess Ill go finish up GLOW now  ???

just finished season 3..... WOW..... not a fan of Wyatts story arc, but Ruth I loved her story....but

Spoiler
a little upset that Marty did not avenge her beat down
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on March 31, 2020, 12:45:56 AM
Also finished You on netflix..... very good show that was Dexter like sorta... different premise, this dude is disturbed, but pretty good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 31, 2020, 01:25:04 AM
Quote from: rollntider on March 31, 2020, 12:44:21 AM

just finished season 3..... WOW..... not a fan of Wyatts story arc, but Ruth I loved her story....but

Spoiler
a little upset that Marty did not avenge her beat down

haha, I like the Wyatt character. Genuinely had sympathy for him, but like you, I didnt really like that path. However, I can say, eat least it had meaning to the story.

Re: your spoiler
Spoiler
I thought that was a great way to display how well Marty understands the situation. It ultimately did buy into that TV revenge trope but still, it wasn't empty.
But with Marty, it was almost like Dr. Melfi in the Sopranos, not telling Tony about her rape in order to get revenge. Both were acts in self preservation. Melfi saves her conscience in the order of a high moral center and Marty acts to save himself and his family.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 31, 2020, 01:27:18 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2020, 04:14:31 PM
We both like Christina Hendricks (both because of Mad Men and uh, obvious other reasons) and Rhetta from Parks and Rec, and with the quarantine it was worth giving it a shot. I like it, I think any fan of Ozark would like it as well. Great cast, Matthew Lillard is great as the husband to Hendricks. Definitely worth a look, despite the CBS aspect.

So, I gave this a peek yesterday, and I bailed on the first episode. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind, but to me, just the way it was filmed and directed just screamed paint by numbers tv.
Perhaps Ill get back to it when Im a bit more on the cheerful side, I was kinda ho hum after just finishing GLOW, so maybe that had an effect.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 31, 2020, 08:21:30 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 31, 2020, 01:27:18 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2020, 04:14:31 PM
We both like Christina Hendricks (both because of Mad Men and uh, obvious other reasons) and Rhetta from Parks and Rec, and with the quarantine it was worth giving it a shot. I like it, I think any fan of Ozark would like it as well. Great cast, Matthew Lillard is great as the husband to Hendricks. Definitely worth a look, despite the CBS aspect.

So, I gave this a peek yesterday, and I bailed on the first episode. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind, but to me, just the way it was filmed and directed just screamed paint by numbers tv.
Perhaps Ill get back to it when Im a bit more on the cheerful side, I was kinda ho hum after just finishing GLOW, so maybe that had an effect.


Frame of mind matters. I'd say push through. I'm not going to say the show's for everyone, but even I wasn't fully sold through the first season, although I enjoyed it. The show didn't really get its hooks in until season 2. Season 2 takes bolder choices (and walks back some of them, but still).

I enjoy the humor aspect of it too, but yeah, the production budget is NOT HIGH. Plan on spending a lot of time inside their homes. LOT of time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 01, 2020, 02:16:44 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 31, 2020, 08:21:30 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 31, 2020, 01:27:18 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2020, 04:14:31 PM
We both like Christina Hendricks (both because of Mad Men and uh, obvious other reasons) and Rhetta from Parks and Rec, and with the quarantine it was worth giving it a shot. I like it, I think any fan of Ozark would like it as well. Great cast, Matthew Lillard is great as the husband to Hendricks. Definitely worth a look, despite the CBS aspect.

So, I gave this a peek yesterday, and I bailed on the first episode. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind, but to me, just the way it was filmed and directed just screamed paint by numbers tv.
Perhaps Ill get back to it when Im a bit more on the cheerful side, I was kinda ho hum after just finishing GLOW, so maybe that had an effect.


Frame of mind matters. I'd say push through. I'm not going to say the show's for everyone, but even I wasn't fully sold through the first season, although I enjoyed it. The show didn't really get its hooks in until season 2. Season 2 takes bolder choices (and walks back some of them, but still).

I enjoy the humor aspect of it too, but yeah, the production budget is NOT HIGH. Plan on spending a lot of time inside their homes. LOT of time.

Maybe I will. Im in S2 of Altered Carbon right nw, and then Im being urged to dive in to Tiger King.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 01, 2020, 02:27:20 PM
Hahaha, I want to watch Tiger King but the fiancee is uncomfortable about the treatment the tigers themselves get. Funny thing, Doc's whole thing is in Myrtle Beach. I never went and am certainly glad I didn't, but that's about the kind of people you can expect from Myrtle.

So happy I left there.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 02, 2020, 11:57:43 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on April 01, 2020, 02:27:20 PM
Hahaha, I want to watch Tiger King but the fiancee is uncomfortable about the treatment the tigers themselves get. Funny thing, Doc's whole thing is in Myrtle Beach. I never went and am certainly glad I didn't, but that's about the kind of people you can expect from Myrtle.

So happy I left there.

I dont even have a clue what its about. Could be legit, could be corny as hell, I have no idea, but I guess Ill start it soon because I just finished

Altered Carbon Seasons 1 and 2 (no 3 yet)

This is a futuristic film about everlasting life and love, literally. It also puts forth the age old rich folks get everything story.
What you need to know and what will help you going in, is that bodies are considered sleeves and if you die, you can be re issued another sleeve.
If you are not rich, you get the equivalent of a court appointed attorney sleeve, but if you have the cash, you get the Olympic choices.
So, yes, you can die over and over again, and its a bit more nuanced than that but thats the basic idea. That is, unless your stack is destroyed.
You stack is basically your brain in a small device in your neck. That gets destroyed, you have just entered real death.
That should get you started.

This series takes place in 2348 I believe and Takashi Koavcs is lifted from ice storage by a meth; oh yea, a meth is one who has immortality via backups and clones, so, rich guy. So meth, James Purefoy, wants Kovacs, Joel Kinnaman, to investigate who murdeered him. Its too long and varied to get I to here, but you'll see...
In true noir fashion, Kovacs takes the job and ends up following revealing leads and has to determine if they are relevant to his case, and if not, does he follow up anyway just because of the mystery.

Martha Higareda is a police officer who has a vested interest in Kovacs who is an Envoy (rebel soldier with heightened sense and reactions) by the way, and also a CTAC soldier (A Protectorate force)
Outwardly, she shadows him because he's a terrorist, as she deems all Envoys.

Dichen Lachman is superb as Rei, Kovacs sibling, and RenĂ©e Elise Goldsberry  plays the rebel leader and inventor of the stack, Quell.

As I noted before, this is a detective story at its heart, but its a feisty fighting hi tech futuristic action drama as well with a pretty good story.
You may pick up on the technology sooner than I, but if you want, google Altered Carbon terms and you can punch up on all the lingo and meanings you need to keep up. Otherwise, they do a pretty good job of enlightening the viewer.
Up to now its all season one, which Ill give an A.

Season 2, not so much. We have no completely abandoned the structure of the previous season and moved 300 years in to the future.
I dont want to spoil a bunch, but let me just say that season 2 is well layered and thats not always a good thing, especially when dealing with science, it can and does become very confusing, and not knowing what's going in, in the chaotic and logical sense, deprives me of any enjoyment.
Spoiler
Bsically, there's two of everyone, no-one that dies is dead and one guy can be two people and without the same memory while existing in the same space.
A couple of times during the 8 episode run, I finally catch up and figure out what's happening, only to be thrust right back in to a confusing state of techno
happenings.
It all does come to fruition toward the end and you get the ohh I see moment, but at that point, was it worth it?
Ill say yes, only because season one was so good and once you delve beyond all the layers in S2, it actually is a good story. Seeing as how its only 8 episodes, id go ahead and bang it out.
Season 2 gets a B- for me.
Thats a pretty good overall grade though, so dig in and let me know what you think
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 03, 2020, 01:40:40 PM
Tiger King

So I had zero idea what this was about, whether it was a program or a documentary or what.
Well, it's a documentary about a reality show being filmed which follows around a gay flamboyant outlandish narcissistic tiger zoo owner and breeder who's at war with a so called tiger preservationist.
The nuts and bolts, as near as I can figure out, are as follows.
Joe Exotic has a tiger zoo in Oklahoma which I guess is legal. He breeds tiger cubs which I think is illegal. That's what the rednecks in the show say but I dont trust anythign any one of them says so...
Some lady in Florida also has a zoo and blasts him for.....having a zoo, and exploiting tigers for cash.
Just like she's doing.
Yea, I dont get it either.
On top of it, there's a producer who is a main participant in this doc who was the show runner of Joe's live internet show and recording him every minute of every day (his words) for his own documentary.
You hear about the tiger trade with others in the US and Florida lady is all holier than tho and her and Joe war over the airwaves and go public as big as they possibly can. Extracting and propagandizing any detail that could be used for gain, both act like children, its exactly like a small town gossip feud.

Oh yea, not such a small tidbit, Florida ladies husband mysteriously disappeared. Oh and he was a millionaire, oh and he took her off the streets and out of a very bad marriage, and nobody has a clue what happened to him. Investigation still open.
So that was used by Joe and the doc makers to up the drama.
This is one big shit show. Its like Making a murderer with way more colorful characters who are unbelievably petty and childish. I almost, almost think Id watch an episode of the Kardashians than this BS.
On second thought, Id rather just shoot myself.


Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 09, 2020, 06:25:02 PM
Money Heist

While looking for something new to watch, I encountered Money Heist. It had good reviews on RT, both audience and critic. I mostly side with the audience reviews though because critics by nature can sometimes be way to haughty. So can I when it comes to reviews, in fact, this may be one here.

I didnt realize it foreign made and dubbed, so get ready for that first of all.
The mastermind, whom we know as the Professor, scours for a team to pull off the biggest hist ever, the Spain mint.
The show starts with Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó) and we given a short exposition and then how the Prof comes to her.
Unlike other movies of this sort, we move right past the intros and setup and on to the gig. We do the rest in flashbacks throughout the brief series.
This project felt like Anonymous and you'll see why, quickly. But that isn't a knock so much, I mean everything has to be like something. It matters how the story is told and acted.
For the most part, some decent actors here, a few, not so much, at least not early on.
The overall main arc is pretty good, Im on the final season (4 which is 8 eps) but as we get backstories, they are more and more fickle to me.
The main gist is about Tokyo (the team members are named after cities, but unlike another heist flick, they do get to pick their own names.
Anyhow, Tokyo has this love interest on the team which is specifically prohibited and while we follow that, which is tabled from time to time, we then focus on the Professor's relationship with the Inspector (Itziar Ituño) and negotiator trying to defuse and/or capture these guys.
Their cat and mouse is interesting as it really develops both characters, mainly the professor as you will see.
I cant really divulge more without spoiling the ride.
How can I best describe this?
Not campy, nor exaggerated...what would you call a series that takes itself serious, but has ridiculous execution of some plot points, while seemingly making up on the fly other arcs that are there just to fill time, I guess.
Not lazy, just, not well executed, how's that?
it's a good story, and most character arcs are good enough ideas but just dont come to fruition naturally.
The score is quite amazing and the cinematography holds well and keep in mind, Ive stuck with it, so somethings there for sure.
I just dont buy all the hype, sometimes, I just dont see how its as well received as it is, but its probably me.
That's not saying it sucks terribly because its a tense show and entertaining, but there are a few eye rolls with it too.
Im just starting the final few episodes and Ill say it does get better as we move along, kinda like a first season or a pilot episode is not the greatest, but the rest is, ala Sopranos. Felt like they found their stride, fleshing things out, but we will see.
now, spoilers

Spoiler

I hated the lead, Tokyo, from early on once the team was inside. So grandiose and volatile. All of the problems they have stem from her, singlehandedly and its maddening that she never learns. Once things fall apart and she wrecks it all, she pulls out the femininities, crying, saying she's a fuck up etc...and then everyone's oh, it's ok. Fuck that.
The most satisfying part was when Berin strapped her sorry ass to a homemade stretcher and rolled her right out the front door to the cops. I laughed my ass off and pumped my fist, fuck yea you stupid twat.
And once she was in the hands of the cops, I was completely on her side again lol

I liked the mock execution of the Inspector, now that was good storytelling, although I have a gripe.
All through this, they were seen as Robin Hood's, good guys if you will, that was the script.
So, they mock execute the inspector which sends the professor in to a rage, declaring to his team, this is war against the system now.
Ok, fine, understandable.
Next, the cops aggravate the situation by using one girls son as a decoy to draw her in to the open and assassinate her.
That's, well, ok. Sniping a mom through a window when she isn't shooting at you, but just adoring her son...seems kinda low life to me.
So, still good guys as this all happens and these are consecutive scenes so its not evens with a good span of time in between.
Now, the cops get the armored military vehicles ready to enter. the team already had their RPG's in place because, war, right?
Instead of eating for the cops to actually drive in to the building, the thieves open up the door, target the vehicle and blow them in to oblivion.
So, reasonable reaction if you ask me. Take the Inspector's death out of the picture. Wouldn't you expect something like that to happen? And of course the cops knew they were armed to the hilt.
But somehow, now, they are the bad guys.
It's this sort of lapse in the story that just takes all the fun and believability out of it for me.
Maybe its just me, I dunno, but it just seems silly and pointless.
Then there's the normal lazy stuff, girl shot through the thigh but no limp hours later, same with another asshole, its just off putting and sloppy.
I guess a real issue I have too is that the characters are just so damn stupid. And yea, I know, criminals are stupid, but man, this is just, bad.

Ill come back after I finish this in order to finalize it, but Id really like someones opinion who's seen it or will see it.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 10, 2020, 11:09:44 PM
ok, so ive got two epsiodes left and this is just laughable. It's NCIS TV.
It's entertaining sure, but its void of any logic and the cheaters are as dumb as any you'll ever see. Think Gilligan dumb.

Forget it and dont waste your time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 18, 2020, 09:27:39 AM
Line of Duty
Seasons 1-4

Ive been blowing through this one lately. Police crime drama, which always worries me, but again, good ratings on RT, so I gave it a whirl.
It's 6 episodes a season revolving around AC12 which is essentially an internal affairs unit.
Our introduction to DS Arnott (Martin Compston) and Fleming (Vicky McClure) demonstrates how they came to be officers in this unit which then leads us to the exposition of the series.
Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) is the incorruptible an steadfast leader of the unit who delve in to questionable officers actions.
It's a cat and mouse game through and through and while the season stories are essentially the same, this series really ratchets up the tension with good character development and storytelling all while avoiding my NCIS tag. Keep in mind, there are some scenes where a Benson will come waltzing in with timely input to a case conversation, but it happens seldom enough to ruin the nature of the program.
The interrogations are the driving force of this show because that's where everyone is confronted and unlike other cop shows, it follows a rigid protocol of all involved and it's actually nice seeing rules adhered to, even by wrong or incorrectly charged.
As one who records depositions, I absolutely love the interrogations because it vividly demonstrates how a simple fact or small set of facts can be woven together to tell a negative story, despite being truthful at heart. Brief tangent; this is also why you never talk to the cops, period.
One sided questioning is a hallmark of cop shows and many give poor examples. The Line however, seems to reel itself in, based on a modicum of reality in fact.
What really grinds my gears is police officers on some shows, whose characters would certainly know better, end up talking without representation and dig deeper just like ordinary criminals. Not so much here. I mean, it happens yea, but they always have a solicitor (lawyer) and a formal setting. Ok, not always, that would be dull, but still, quite the anomoly for this type of genre.

While tearing through this, my mind constantly compared this show to 24 believe it or not. And obviously not in the terror or violent aspect, but in the series long meaningful story arcs and of course the gritty tension.
Kind of like a marriage between SVU an 24, but more believable in all aspects. And its British.

Id suggest giving this one a look. It can eat up some quarantine time but also not be to voluminous to plow through if you so choose.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 18, 2020, 11:17:00 AM
Been meaning to check that...couple of questions, though:

What's your NCIS tag? And what's the Benson strolling through phrase mean? Lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 18, 2020, 12:18:30 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on April 18, 2020, 11:17:00 AM
Been meaning to check that...couple of questions, though:

What's your NCIS tag? And what's the Benson strolling through phrase mean? Lol

It's just my way of calling out the direction and writing standard for these shows that are just convenient if not lazy writing.
The Benson thing is just a reference to SVU when they are all in the bullpen talking about a case and the very second they touch on a certain topic, in strolls someone who just happened to have a relevant follow through or discovery.
Another example is cops ride over to location x and once out of the car they talk about the subject and its just...what? You wouldn't have said a word about this all the way over there?
Just my nitpicky stuff for hour long weekly shows.

I think you would enjoy this show, all my whiny standards aside lol

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 20, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Just finished season 5 norm, it may be the best of all.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 29, 2020, 03:36:55 PM
Waco

I just watched this on Netflix and it's not a documentary but more a miniseries reenactment ala the OJ Simpson program a while bak.
First thins first, we all know there is dramatic license taken with efforts like this and that the higher end productions try to stay historically accurate.
Secondly, if you aren't familiar with this incident, it was a severe clusterfuck and there are gaps where we will never know what really happened.

We start with the ATF at Ruby Ridge which was straight up murder btw and the series doesn't show it as black and white but certainly taints the ATF's actions heading to Waco.
Taylor Kitsch is an amazing doppelgÀnger for David Koresh and was really well researched and acted. He had to walk a narrow line of sanity in order to achieve the sort of neutral portrait the show runners were apparently after here. I say neutral and that's probably not the right word, but maybe chaotic good?
The show focuses on both the Davidians and the law enforcement agencies, meaning the ATF and FBI.
Our look inside the compound is pretty calm and not church revival evangelical esque if you will and the flock are seemingly normal except when they calmly discuss David marrying 14 year old girls and having children with them.
After the ATF bungles the initial raid, the FBI takes over and we focus on Michael Shannon, the main negotiator, who is in a constant battle with Glen Fleshler who is overseeing the entire operation. On his right hand is Shea Wigham as Decker who plays the strategist, i.e. stormtrooper, played with surprising stoic restraint much of the time. John Leguizamo as Jacob Vazquez plays a small, but important part in this story from the FBI perspective.
Within the ranks of Koresh we have Paul Sparks who gives a great performance as Steve Schneider, the primary go between the two sides when Koresh is in a huff and not talking to Shannon.
Filling out the compound are some great characters played by Julia Garner (Ozark) the young wife of Koresh. Rory Culkin did an amazing job as David Thibodeau who
Spoiler
not only survived but was an advisor on this production

We spend seemingly equal amounts of time on each side of the standoff which hits high points instead of painstakingly going through all 51 days in this six episode presentation.
Surprisingly this series does ask some questions that really need to be asked when talking about Waco, such as, was all of this necessary to serve a warrant? Just how many illegal guns did they have and what were they doing with them?
The creators bridged the sexual abuse questions by using real footage of newscasters and talking heads discussing such allegations as well as the cult aura which lent itself to Koresh being psychotic.
Most importantly, who fired first?

The Waco siege is submerged in ambiguity which this series acknowledges. The wrongdoings by the Davidians is subtly addressed as noted above, with passing nods to sexual abuse and they do delve in to Koresh's marriage and kids by both sides, but depending on your personal view of the real life situation is how you are going to interpret this I think.
All in all, I definitely suggest watching this show. It's a brief six parter that allows plenty of depth to be investigated and presented.
It's high end production and uses real life news footage to piee together storylines, oh and I should note as it tells in the opening credits, it's based on books by the negotiator and a survivor, so its not completely out of the realm of reality, not that you would think that anyway.


Now, Ill offer my personal view.
I remember talking to friends back in the late 80's early 90's (Waco in 93, Ruby Ridge in 92) about how the police were transitioning in to something more akin to the military. We discussed actions by police locally (again no internet) where citizens were killed in questionable circumstances, no knock raids and the like.
Gone were the police officers with the neatly pressed uniform and polished shoes. Now were are seeing them in combat boots, tactical gear and becoming more and more aggressive and belligerent.
And when these events transpired, it was like, well, duh.
Keeping in mind, I was of the opinion at the time that they should have come out because it's obvious this was not going to end well.
We can discuss citizens rights and the actions of the gestapo afterwards, but for now, do what they say.
It's just interesting to me, to see things evolve, especially those things you were tuned in to as your younger self but this was one that isn't for the better and its obviously extremely prevalent today and worsens by the minute.
There's not a Serpico among you.

Focker out.



Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 08, 2020, 12:12:47 AM
Somebody give me something good to watch...
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 08, 2020, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 08, 2020, 12:12:47 AM
Somebody give me something good to watch...

Just added something called "Taco Chronicles" to my Netflix queue that'll be getting watched shortly, so there's that. Watched the first episode of #blackAF and I thought it was enjoyable, just need to find some time to watch the rest of the season. Also need to get back to High Fidelity on Hulu, really liked the first episode. Same with Jack Ryan on Prime, only seen the first episode of Season Two so far. Upload on Prime also looks promising, and added to my queue.

That's what's on my immediate radar anyway.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 08, 2020, 12:35:39 AM
I bought Dog Day Afternoon today. Always worth a watch.

I think Upgrade is free on HBO Now. Fun little sci-fi movie from the director of the first Saw movie and The Guest.


Edit: Norm beat my reply by THAT much
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 08, 2020, 12:36:59 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 08, 2020, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 08, 2020, 12:12:47 AM
Somebody give me something good to watch...

Just added something called "Taco Chronicles" to my Netflix queue that'll be getting watched shortly, so there's that. Watched the first episode of #blackAF and I thought it was enjoyable, just need to find some time to watch the rest of the season. Also need to get back to High Fidelity on Hulu, really liked the first episode. Same with Jack Ryan on Prime, only seen the first episode of Season Two so far. Upload on Prime also looks promising, and added to my queue.

That's what's on my immediate radar anyway.


I really liked the High Fidelity series, and I love the movie. I liked a lot of the changes they made, I felt it still stayed true to the themes of the film.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 11, 2020, 11:22:01 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 08, 2020, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 08, 2020, 12:12:47 AM
Somebody give me something good to watch...

Just added something called "Taco Chronicles" to my Netflix queue that'll be getting watched shortly, so there's that. Watched the first episode of #blackAF and I thought it was enjoyable, just need to find some time to watch the rest of the season. Also need to get back to High Fidelity on Hulu, really liked the first episode. Same with Jack Ryan on Prime, only seen the first episode of Season Two so far. Upload on Prime also looks promising, and added to my queue.

That's what's on my immediate radar anyway.

Never heard of taco chronicles and no idea what #blackAF is either.
Im really skeptical of High Fidelity because Im such a fan of Cusack's version but you guys seem to like it so maybe Ill give it a look.
Jack Ryan is pretty good actually. The character is not an action hero and is more believable to me
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2020, 09:29:10 PM
Dead to Me Season 2
Cristina Applegate and Lisa Cardinelli

I did a Season 1 thing on this show and S2 is worse.
You may like it, but it's a far reaching comedy that tries to be an amp up drama with forced and unbelievable arcs.
While I love Applegate personally and professionally, Cardinelli constantly steals the show as the empath, Judy Hale.
Cristina is not really outshone, it's just that her character is so easily hatable, and I dont mean with redeeming qualities ala Tony Soprano (vile comparison I know) even when they loft her character softening up story lines, I still wished ill upon her.
The directing feels like it tries to be too cute too often, trying to have the two mains play off of each other in every interaction involving a third person, the quick, say the opposite thing then try to cover each other trope works, but only if you are a talent, like say, Abbott and Costello. Not here.
I didnt hate it mind you, but I was just tired of it by the time the ten episode season was done.
If you are up to date in your queue or just want something light hearted to balance out a heavily involved viewing schedule, this would work.


3/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 10, 2020, 05:06:47 PM
Going through Deadwood again.
I know it has a huge fanbase, but I feel like it doesn't get the rep it deserves. It is one of my top three without question, bookended by Sopranos and the Wire.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 06, 2020, 02:12:52 AM
High Fidelity cancelled after just the one season. On the one hand, we got a great companion to the film, that's able to go more in-depth, expand it's view, tackle some modern subjects and arrives at a different conclusion that really stands on its own. On the other, I would've liked to have seen where they went with it from here.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 02:28:44 AM
thats why I dont get involved in series until they have legs. Thats not an always kinda thing but more often than not.
Speaking of not...

Hannah (TV series)
Never saw the movie.
It's two seasons (7-8 EP's) with a third ordered.
Its a great idea for a story.
In a nutshell, the govt buys unborn babies from mothers without means and trains them to become assassins.
They know nothing of the real world except when they are shown in their very limited education.
Hannah was rescued by the guy that recruited while still a newborn.
Raises her in the woods with her never seeing another living soul until she's abut 16/17 when the series starts.

The editing and directing in these types of series really aggravate me. Even for a series, everything is condensed except what shouldn't be.
Throw in some tired old cliches and you have a really ho hum first season.
the second season was exponentially better than the first. As for the third season, whenever its due...I probably won't be watching.
id pass on this if I were you.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 06, 2020, 12:10:57 PM
Quote from: Crewe on July 10, 2020, 05:06:47 PM
Going through Deadwood again.
I know it has a huge fanbase, but I feel like it doesn't get the rep it deserves. It is one of my top three without question, bookended by Sopranos and the Wire.

I loved the show but I think the reason it doesn't get the props it should is its conclusion.  The movie the did recently to "wrap" things up did not help.  I at least was disappointed in it. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 02:13:14 PM
That may be true, but I always tell people before watching it to realize that it was cancelled right before season 3 aired, so it was in no way the fault of Milch. There wasn't even time to try to rewrite and shoot any scenes to "close out" the series.
Season three was setting up longer storylines which play as truncated and lazy now since the show was cancelled.
The movie had some fan service but I thought it was pretty good and wrapped up as best it could given the circumstances.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 07:06:22 PM
edit to ask, where is Deadwood on your al time list, or is it even on there? Curious
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 18, 2020, 05:04:30 PM
So I am knee deep in another re watch of The Wire.
Halfway through the series and it's just so good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 19, 2020, 09:52:25 AM
Been meaning to watch that again. Finally started S2 of Stranger Things, after finishing S1 last September lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 24, 2020, 11:02:29 AM
Finished the Netflix High Score limited series documentary yesterday. Pretty decent look into the history of video games, including an episode on fighting games (and the controversy on violence in them), the birth of RPGs, and the Nintendo v. Sega battle. Only six episodes and the longest episode may be 50 minutes. Worth checking out. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 24, 2020, 03:18:41 PM
Started a rewatch of Hell on Wheels recently.  This show is one of my favorites in recent times.  The Swead is one of my favorite villains in recent memory.  I enjoyed how the show never or rarely rushed plot lines and let them develop over time. 
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 24, 2020, 08:47:52 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on August 24, 2020, 11:02:29 AM
Finished the Netflix High Score limited series documentary yesterday. Pretty decent look into the history of video games, including an episode on fighting games (and the controversy on violence in them), the birth of RPGs, and the Nintendo v. Sega battle. Only six episodes and the longest episode may be 50 minutes. Worth checking out.

How did I not know about this? never mind, why am I not watching this? lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 24, 2020, 10:59:56 PM
Lol, I think it just landed on Netflix not even a week ago so that's probably why.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 26, 2020, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 07:06:22 PM
edit to ask, where is Deadwood on your al time list, or is it even on there? Curious

For me, it doesn't crack the top ten for T.V. shows.

My top five shows in no order, would be

Breaking Bad

Hell on Wheels

Justified

Game of Thrones

Stranger Things/ Jack Ryan (really to soon to call on these since they are still in progress) 

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 26, 2020, 09:52:22 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on August 26, 2020, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 07:06:22 PM
edit to ask, where is Deadwood on your al time list, or is it even on there? Curious

For me, it doesn't crack the top ten for T.V. shows.

My top five shows in no order, would be

Breaking Bad

Hell on Wheels

Justified

Game of Thrones

Stranger Things/ Jack Ryan (really to soon to call on these since they are still in progress)

Interesting. I can see how it's not for everyone, but for me, it's a staple in my top 3 of Wire, Sopranos, Deadwood.
Top 5? Depends on my mood, could be Mad Men, Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Better Call Saul (depending on how it finishes out)
The Shield maybe....too tough, but my top 3 have been that way for years and I dont see it changing.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on August 27, 2020, 11:34:27 AM
Quote from: Crewe on August 26, 2020, 09:52:22 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on August 26, 2020, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 07:06:22 PM
edit to ask, where is Deadwood on your al time list, or is it even on there? Curious

For me, it doesn't crack the top ten for T.V. shows.

My top five shows in no order, would be

Breaking Bad

Hell on Wheels

Justified

Game of Thrones

Stranger Things/ Jack Ryan (really to soon to call on these since they are still in progress)

Interesting. I can see how it's not for everyone, but for me, it's a staple in my top 3 of Wire, Sopranos, Deadwood.
Top 5? Depends on my mood, could be Mad Men, Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Better Call Saul (depending on how it finishes out)
The Shield maybe....too tough, but my top 3 have been that way for years and I dont see it changing.

In all honesty my top 5 fluctuates depending on my mood as well.  To be accurate I would have to break it into categories: Comedy, Drama, SiFi etc.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 27, 2020, 02:14:35 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on August 27, 2020, 11:34:27 AM
Quote from: Crewe on August 26, 2020, 09:52:22 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on August 26, 2020, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 06, 2020, 07:06:22 PM
edit to ask, where is Deadwood on your al time list, or is it even on there? Curious

For me, it doesn't crack the top ten for T.V. shows.

My top five shows in no order, would be

Breaking Bad

Hell on Wheels

Justified

Game of Thrones

Stranger Things/ Jack Ryan (really to soon to call on these since they are still in progress)

Interesting. I can see how it's not for everyone, but for me, it's a staple in my top 3 of Wire, Sopranos, Deadwood.
Top 5? Depends on my mood, could be Mad Men, Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Better Call Saul (depending on how it finishes out)
The Shield maybe....too tough, but my top 3 have been that way for years and I dont see it changing.

In all honesty my top 5 fluctuates depending on my mood as well.  To be accurate I would have to break it into categories: Comedy, Drama, SiFi etc.

Me too, but then, so much more to choose from! lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 09, 2020, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on May 08, 2020, 12:35:39 AM
I bought Dog Day Afternoon today. Always worth a watch.

I think Upgrade is free on HBO Now. Fun little sci-fi movie from the director of the first Saw movie and The Guest.


Edit: Norm beat my reply by THAT much

I was scrolling back through...I missed this the first time. I absolutely love DDA.
I had a cousin of mine who for years didnt know that was based on a true story.
The real guy believe it or not, ended up getting off pretty easy.

I came here to type out a review for the Expanse but as I was, I had a moment of deja vu. Have I discussed this show already? If so, carry on, if not and interested, let me know lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 09, 2020, 09:35:43 PM
https://youtu.be/l--4gu4CQBM

I'm really really hoping they do this book justice.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 18, 2020, 01:09:55 AM
The Boys
S1 & 2


Im not a huge super hero movie (tv) fan as you may know. I like them, and a few years ago I did watch most of the MCU films to get caught up so I could enjoy the last couple in order, but still, I think it's overdone.
The Boys. You know what it's about so I'll spare you.
The nuts and bolts; I liked S2 more than S1.
And here's the nitpicky stuff, and I dont know why, but zeroing in on these things cancels my immersion.
I seriously dislike the super quick cut fight scenes. It's used to cover up the lack of athleticism from the actors, I get it, and I dont know the answer. Get better actors? Because if you dont do those tight shot quick cut scenes, you get to see the full Jackie Chan like shots, which are great, unless it's Drew Baryrmore's wire work in Charlie's Angels. Not sure which is worse.
I digress.

In the interest of brevity, Ill just say, it was entertaining. Not overly though and I probably wouldn't suggest it to anyone that wasnt a super hero fan because it is quite campy while trying to take itself a bit too serious IMO.
Spoiler
I did really like the tone of S2 along with the message seemingly swiped right out of today's social and political happenings.

3/5

Haunting at Bly Manor


I really enjoyed Haunting of Hill House and wasn't disappointed with Bly Manor.
Spoiler
Can anyone recall when telling a story via flashbacks and including different realms became a thing?
I pride myself on being able to keep up with stories like this but I was quite dumbfounded fora bit during this run.
Where's the McGuffin? Watch for the slight of hand, beware of jump scares. Be ready to call BS on cliche jump scares and other horror tropes.
During all that, I was mystified.
Sometimes, a story can be so spiraling and abstract, Ill just say the hell with it, I'm out. That didn't happen here. Good storytelling kept me interested and the acting was quite good despite several actors with limited experience.
I'm tired and this is all I can remember, so watch it, and tell me what you think.

4/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: bigbaldben on October 18, 2020, 04:47:28 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 18, 2020, 01:09:55 AM
The Boys
S1 & 2


Im not a huge super hero movie (tv) fan as you may know. I like them, and a few years ago I did watch most of the MCU films to get caught up so I could enjoy the last couple in order, but still, I think it's overdone.
The Boys. You know what it's about so I'll spare you.
The nuts and bolts; I liked S2 more than S1.
And here's the nitpicky stuff, and I dont know why, but zeroing in on these things cancels my immersion.
I seriously dislike the super quick cut fight scenes. It's used to cover up the lack of athleticism from the actors, I get it, and I dont know the answer. Get better actors? Because if you dont do those tight shot quick cut scenes, you get to see the full Jackie Chan like shots, which are great, unless it's Drew Baryrmore's wire work in Charlie's Angels. Not sure which is worse.
I digress.

In the interest of brevity, Ill just say, it was entertaining. Not overly though and I probably wouldn't suggest it to anyone that wasnt a super hero fan because it is quite campy while trying to take itself a bit too serious IMO. I did really like the tone of S2 along with the message seemingly swiped right out of today's social and political happenings.

3/5


Thanks for not spoiling anything - I'm a couple episodes into season 2.  I am a big superhero movie fan and even some of the tv stuff.  So I'm guessing I'm not this show's target audience, but I dig it.  Karl Urban is fantastic; Judge Dredd, Riddick, Star Trek and even liked his take on Skourge in Ragnarok but not sure he isn't at his pure best here.  Not much of a fan of the gore and twisted sex but almost has to be there in a world that lets Homelander exists.  I am interested in how they keep him at bay.  Still a little more than I'd like my kids to see but now school and things are opening up I hope to have a shot to plow through season 2.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 18, 2020, 06:56:37 PM
damn, I thought I spoiler tagged that but I did a strikethrough instead. Glad I didnt accidentally spoil anything  :o
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 30, 2020, 10:18:29 PM
IMO the two best tv shows last year (and the beginning of this year I suppose) were The Good Place and The Mandalorian. With TGP having run off into the sunset, that leaves only Mando as the returning show...and the first episode of season two hit Disney+ today. Without spoiling anything...this season is gonna be fun. What a way to start off Season Two.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on October 30, 2020, 11:22:14 PM
When will the complete season be released? I wont watch until then
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 01, 2020, 06:48:14 AM
Quote from: Crewe on October 30, 2020, 11:22:14 PM
When will the complete season be released? I wont watch until then

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Not sure if it's an 8 or 10 episode season, but should wrap by the end of the year? Dammit need people to discuss that have seen the first season lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 01, 2020, 01:05:09 PM
Oh I have seen the first season, just wont watch the second until it's completed. so fire away  :D
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 01, 2020, 04:32:10 PM
Nah but I want to discuss the second season too lol. I won't spoil anything, I shall chat about it elsewhere lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 02, 2020, 01:31:12 PM
haha Fine! ;-)
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 10, 2020, 09:45:43 PM
I have time for a quick drive by but wanted to alert you to Queen's Gambit.
I'm sure you've heard the buzz. Ill refrain from hyperbole, but will say emphatically that it is worth a watch.
Casting was spot on here, so well acted. The art direction was top notch in recreating the vibe and feel of 60's suburbia and even though the topic is chess, something many of us, or speaking for me, know little about, the series doesnt outsmart you with the story, is not haughty or high brow so I would certainly give it a watch.
7 episodes, it's a one and done thing, easy breezy and you'll be a better person for it.

Later.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 30, 2020, 04:07:09 PM
I dont know why, but every couple of years, I catch up on The Walking Dead.
Same reasons I guess I kept up with GoT, Dexter and True Blood.
Good shows that turned into cash grab vehicles, or in Dexter's case, corporate interference.

The storytelling and directing are so weak in this series, it just seems like patchwork.
There are some decent character arcs mixed in with some good long term story narratives, but holy crap, everything else in the middle?
How do shows like this survive?
I know I know, because of guys like me, right?

The obvious music cues, the cliche close up jump scare plots...a protagonist is traipsing through the woods all cautious like then stops because they sense something even though the director just gave us a 360 degree pov showing nothing.
Camera continues to swing and BAM, bad guy two inches from the face of the character. Never heard a thing.  :popcorn:
It's just laziness and a desire to get everything in the can so they can piece it together with scotch tape, roll it out and collect their millions.
That's just one absurd example mind you, but this show is just littered with nonsense like this.
The pacing is awful except when we have our midseason finale and season finale...why ever the living f*%k
we need that Ill never know, the ubiquitous near death battle followed by a perfectly healthy non gimpy participant who's just fine now, minutes later.
New people come to camp and within one episode for some reason, one or more of them are suddenly camp elders because....? I dont know. They killed others without a story behind it, because they needed a shock scene for the ending?
It's just absolute crapola, and yet, here I sit, watching it, again.
Ok, not all of it. I fast forward through most of the so called heart to heart shit between basically non essential characters because, a) it's the exact same conversation that's been had for years by hundreds of other vanilla characters just like these and, b) the writers are trying to get you to care about them in these two or three minutes because they are about to die in the upcoming battle.

So don't watch this nonsense if you havent and if you have, dont, Im paying for sins here.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 30, 2020, 05:24:26 PM
Lol I gave up on TWD years ago, a bit after Negan burst onto the scene. Show just got too dark (even for me), and combine that with all the other shit going on in the real world I didn't need to take up any more hours seeing the worst that humanity could do. I was reminded of something either the writers of TWD (the comic, although maybe the tv series too) or someone connected closely to it said: ultimately, the zombies aren't the biggest enemies...it's your fellow human beings. That stuck with me.

Similar reasoning for why I just couldn't get too much into Man in the High Castle either. That alternative reality stuff is typically my jam...but when real life starts looking a little too similar I don't need it as much. It's not really escapism if the shit's trying to happen in your backyard...I said what I said.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on November 30, 2020, 11:39:29 PM
that's certainly a true enough quote, for TWD and reality.

Right now, I'm just out of things to watch.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 01, 2020, 02:06:47 AM
Quote from: Crewe on November 30, 2020, 11:39:29 PM
that's certainly a true enough quote, for TWD and reality.

Right now, I'm just out of things to watch.


Queens Gambit!

And if you've got HBO, you have to, HAVE TO, watch How To With John Wilson. It's hilarious and yet, strangely wholesome. Think "Nathan For You."
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 01, 2020, 12:00:49 PM
Ive run through Queen's Gambit, but never heard of the other two
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 01, 2020, 01:02:24 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 01, 2020, 12:00:49 PM
Ive run through Queen's Gambit, but never heard of the other two

So, Nathan For You was on Comedy Central, and is on Hulu to watch. Basically, it's one of those "improve your business shows," but Nathan Fielder instead comes up with insane, whacky ideas. I remember one episode, he had a mom and pop TV store put a massive TV on sale for $1, and then Nathan himself tried to get Best Buy to match it, of course they wouldn't. Meanwhile, at the store, anyone who came and wanted to buy the $1 TV had to be in formal wear, and also pass through a tiny room with a live alligator inside of it. That's just one example.

It's one of those weird shows that are goofy and funny, but are all about human connection, because the Nathan "character" is this sort of loner, monotone, robotic type, so it's sweet and wholesome too. Very much worth watching, some of the zany stuff is just so out there, the things people say on camera.

John Wilson I don't know how to put into words. You just have to watch it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 01, 2020, 05:05:50 PM
Watched the first episode of The Animaniacs revival...feels like old friends coming home. I've missed this show so much. :)

Queen's Gambit is definitely added to my shortlist...which if you're familiar with me by now means I'll get to it sometime in 2022.  ;)

Season Two of The Mandalorian however has been absolutely on point.

Also been recording Jeopardy! episodes, just because. Growing up in Michigan it was easy to catch because it was always on at 7:30pm ET, convenient for post dinner time. When I relocated to Chicago, the show airs at 3:30 CT here and that always seemed weird to me...so I missed them a lot. Now I'm just trying to savor Trebek's final episodes...damn he'll be missed.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 05, 2020, 01:32:51 PM
forgot to post that I watched Maniac.
I was really sort of meh about it.
Also watched Leah Remini's show on Scientology.
I always heard they were crazy but didnt really know how controlling and abusive they were, plus I didnt realize the "church" was so vast. And even further, I cannot believe that the IRS can take down Al Capone, but Scientology can beat them down and scare them off?
And by using bullying methods, it's actually kind of impressive, and scary in the sense that if you have money in America, you can do what ever the fuck you want.

And while Im here, you really should check out a doc on Hulu about Frank Serpico.
He has always been a favorite of mine and everyone should be aware of him.
People always talk about how there are no good apples on the police force, well, I bring up Serpico.
I do believe there should be more like him. All those guys who truly believe in what the police should be about, those guys are all gone now. As I like to say, there's not a Serpico among you.
If you arent in to docs, then watch the Pacino film, it's pretty damn accurate and a good flick to boot. As a matter of fact, I might fire it up anyway.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 06, 2020, 03:57:48 PM
Ill add I also watched Unbelievable.

It's a 8 EP miniseries beginning with the investigation of a single rape in which Kaitlyn Dever plays Marie Adler with such emotion and vulnerability.
Eric Lange and Bill Fagerbakke, and I digress for a moment but I kept eying Fagerbakke saying I KNOW this guy, where's he from?? And it dawnd on me, the Coach sitcom!
So ultimately, Marie is shaken, understandably and her story waivers which causes the detectives to question if the rape actually occurred.
Then we move to Merritt Wever investigating another rape, who, btw, who was marvelous in this series.
Ultimately we meet another detective played by Toni Collette who was great also, but Wever was maxed out.
The story begins leading you, or me, to think it's about the believability of the witness but while that arc is maintained, it also blends in to the investigation of other assaults.
A slow methodically paced story evokes empathy and is able to hold interest.
Well acted and narrated, I think it's certainly worth seeing.
I did not know it was based on actual people an events which makes it even more worthwhile


Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: bigbaldben on December 06, 2020, 04:41:01 PM
The fam and I have just finished Community.  We haven't watched network TV regularly since we had kids so we're catching up.  :-D
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 06, 2020, 10:07:56 PM
Community was incredible.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 07, 2020, 06:32:09 PM
Quote from: bigbaldben on December 06, 2020, 04:41:01 PM
The fam and I have just finished Community.  We haven't watched network TV regularly since we had kids so we're catching up.  :-D

I havent seen Community all the way through :yikes:

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: bigbaldben on December 07, 2020, 06:45:55 PM
It was great, but it felt inconsistent to me.  Afterward reading about the behind the scenes stuff made so much more sense.  Season 4 definitely felt "off" but I didn't think it was terrible.  Season 5 was good.  Season 6 was weird - the lower budget was apparent - but there were still some really good episodes (esp. the last 3 I think).

We're actually circling back to watch it again.   :popcorn:
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 09, 2020, 10:38:44 AM
Can't wait

https://youtu.be/LcDQqGJG8pA
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on December 09, 2020, 11:19:12 AM
actually looking forward to this myself
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 12, 2020, 12:22:06 PM
Best shows of 2020...since most of you know my viewing habits this is going to be a really short list.

The Good Place - It finished it's run in 2020 so I'm counting it as such. To me, this show is the 1A to Parks & Recreation when it comes to shows in the Schurniverse. Smart, well-written, with some amazing character performances throughout the series. Absolutely hated to see the series end, but I appreciate that this was a story they felt they could tell in four seasons and they stuck with exactly that.

The Mandalorian - Season 2 of this Disney+ show has been amazing from the start, as has the entire series. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have created a world that reels you in every week and tells one hell of a compelling story. They've also managed to reintroduce some characters and do it in a way that feels organic and not forced. Plus Baby Yoda/The Child is cute as ever. The season finale next Friday is going to be something.

High Score - short docuseries on Netflix about the history of video games that I finished in a day, which for me is something lol.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 01, 2021, 05:57:14 PM
Search Party

You know how you say to yourself, these characters are awful, when watching a mob movie or the like?
In Search Party, these people are awful! I mean, vapid, shallow, selfish vile creatures.
This is among the newer genre of today, cringe comedy if you will, and it is every bit just that, cringe.
When I think satire in tvland, I think All in the Family featuring an over the top character that is meant to house feelings and views of many viewers, however, there is a grounded reality and believability because that's how he reaches the audience.
These fuckers? Sheesh.
It is so absurd that...well, wait a sec, I was going to say that noone would act like thse guys but based on the last couple of years, I guess I have to take that back.
However, that doesn't diminish the outlandish nature possessed by this gaggle of friends.
So, Dory (Alia Shawkat) muddles through her lost rudderless existence with no purpose. In a sexless or at the very least, odd, sexual relationship with Drew (John Reynolds) she pours herself in to her routines and one day she sees a "Missing" poster of a college acquaintance which grabs her in an unsettling way. Barely knowing her, Dory is drawn i to try to find out where Chantal (Clare McNulty) has disappeared to, and why.
Her immediate group of Drew, Portia (Meredith Hagner) and Elliott (John Early) are dismissive of the entire situation, but they endure Dory because why not?
Portia is an actress who is narcissistic and saturated with selfishness to an alarming degree and is by far one of the most shallow characters you might ever venture across. Meanwhile, Elliott, who shares an apartment with Portia (btw, how do these guys get such nice digs in NYC while being bums?) is gay, outlandish, full of himself and quite outspoken. He will go wherever the winds take him. Whatever gets him the most adoration, he's down.
Dory continues her quest as it gives her purpose but in doing so, she alienates herself from Chantal's family because of what she thinks she knows.
Her friends however, begin to invest in the fun. they take this on more as a parlor game rather than an actual real life situation,which is certainly on par for them.
Search Party is 4 seasons, thus far. I dont know anything about it, if this is the end, if there's more or what. I didnt know anything about when I found it, and still don't. I noticed it was highly rated on RT and I wanted something to watch that was interesting.
This, wasnt interesting.
That isn't to say it isn't fun to watch or that it cant be addicting, because it is and it can be.
Each season is a distinct part of the story. I know, you say, well, duh. But, I cant really divulge anything here, but let's do it this way...not a lot of time passes during each season and not a lot, if any, passes between seasons.

During the run, there are indeed some good story arcs that show thought and reason, but then, the very next step, we are in Wile E. Coyote land with such a preposterous scenario, it just leaves you gaping at the screen with your mouth open.
At some point the show tries to take itself really serious and it just detaches everything, like really? Now? Youre going to pull this shit now?
It's absolute mayhem as far as continuity and logic are concerned. But, I guess since it's really cringe, they don't care. Maybe that is supposed to be the viewers leap of faith, or suspension of disbelief.
Beyond that, the characters are rich and vibrant and full of vigor and all of them have some really laugh out loud moments at some points.
There is a coherence to the long term arc and you do have to watch all four seasons to get there. I deeply suspect there's more to come based on the ending of S4.
This show involves, comedy (dark, cringe) mystery thriller and shades of horror even.
You absolutely cannot take any aspect of this show seriously on any level and if you go in knowing that, you will have a good time.

Ill have to spoiler these, but know that there are some salient scenes worthy of appraisal IMO
Spoiler
After Dory is arrested, she is confronted in the interrogation room and she refuses to fall for the threats and repeats multiple times, lawyer. I just shouted YES! Thank you Jeebus! Finally!
And to balance that, later we see Portia interrogated who does the same thing initially, but it so stylishly and effortlessly shows how her weak character and a cunning officer can manipulate the situation and the witness. Then later, she is used at trial against her friends.
I just thought this was a perfect technique to demonstrate just how those situations can and usually do unfold.

I loved that Drew was a half a step away from getting away clean early on

The cop who accidentally murders the FBI informant shows how corruption and self preservation by those in power can lead to innocents in jail.


Give it a look. At only 23 minutes an episode, you can blow through this thing in no time.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 01, 2021, 07:58:38 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 01, 2021, 05:57:14 PM
Search Party

This brings up two very quick, funny (maybe just to me?) stories:

1) We just finished watching Community, and I brought up Search Party as a potential next watch (still want to, I've heard great things, although I can see where it'd definitely be cringe content). Fiancee hits me with "Big Sky" instead, some ABC cop show that she says her friends like. We made it through three episodes before we gave up, however, this was my FIRST "filmed during the pandemic" show, as it was only partly through the first episode when the sheriff, talking about a bar, said "the owner's going to sell it to me, whenever the pandemic's over," and suddenly I realized there hadn't been more than 3 people in a scene together in this show, NO extras, and everyone's staying fairly apart from each other. In addition to just not being our cup of tea, it was just WEIRD.

2) So, instead we started Snowpiercer, another choice of the fiancee's (which led to us watching the movie first, per The Movies Thread). That being said, while the BASIC premise of the show is the same, the beginning is a bit different: Daveed Diggs, playing the Chris Evans character, is pulled from the back of the train because he used to be a homicide detective, and there's been a murder in the forward cars.

Yup, Snowpiercer is ALSO a cop show. Or is it? We haven't finished the first season, there was just a bit of a twist in the story, so we'll see if the cop shenanigans continue or if a train revolt goes underway (I suspect the latter will still happen, or at least a friendly combining of forces, perhaps, given that there's a season 2. I dunno). May come back to rate this one later, but I'm looking ahead to Search Party already.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 01, 2021, 09:54:42 PM
dont know anything about Snowpiercer, so lmk, and also Id be interested to hear your thoughts if you get to Search Party
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 11, 2021, 09:55:24 PM
Crime Scene
Case of Elisa Lam and Cecil Hotel

This is a 6 part series on the infamous Cecil Hotel in LA and the death of a Vancouver student tourist.
The crux of this show revolves around the elevator video we've all seen and how Elisa Lam wound up dead in a water tank on the roof of the hotl where she was staying.
Ill shortcut this by saying, if you love internet sleuths who are so fucking narcissistic that they believe their irrational thoughts and quirky fallacious questions and summations are somehow relevant, then boy is this the show for you.
More time is given to them than to the police.
If you love watching YouTuber so called sleuths loving themselves, then by all means, check it out. Otherwise? Go play tic tac toe by yourself for 6 hours, it'll be a lot more entertaining.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 12, 2021, 01:49:23 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 01, 2021, 05:57:14 PM
Search Party

You know how you say to yourself, these characters are awful, when watching a mob movie or the like?
In Search Party, these people are awful! I mean, vapid, shallow, selfish vile creatures.
This is among the newer genre of today, cringe comedy if you will, and it is every bit just that, cringe.

When I think satire in tvland, I think All in the Family featuring an over the top character that is meant to house feelings and views of many viewers, however, there is a grounded reality and believability because that's how he reaches the audience.
These fuckers? Sheesh.
It is so absurd that...well, wait a sec, I was going to say that noone would act like these guys but based on the last couple of years, I guess I have to take that back.
However, that doesn't diminish the outlandish nature possessed by this gaggle of friends.
So, Dory (Alia Shawkat) muddles through her lost rudderless existence with no purpose. In a sexless or at the very least, odd, sexual relationship with Drew (John Reynolds) she pours herself in to her routines and one day she sees a "Missing" poster of a college acquaintance which grabs her in an unsettling way. Barely knowing her, Dory is drawn i to try to find out where Chantal (Clare McNulty) has disappeared to, and why.
Her immediate group of Drew, Portia (Meredith Hagner) and Elliott (John Early) are dismissive of the entire situation, but they endure Dory because why not?
Portia is an actress who is narcissistic and saturated with selfishness to an alarming degree and is by far one of the most shallow characters you might ever venture across. Meanwhile, Elliott, who shares an apartment with Portia (btw, how do these guys get such nice digs in NYC while being bums?) is gay, outlandish, full of himself and quite outspoken. He will go wherever the winds take him. Whatever gets him the most adoration, he's down.
Dory continues her quest as it gives her purpose but in doing so, she alienates herself from Chantal's family because of what she thinks she knows.
Her friends however, begin to invest in the fun. they take this on more as a parlor game rather than an actual real life situation,which is certainly on par for them.
Search Party is 4 seasons, thus far. I dont know anything about it, if this is the end, if there's more or what. I didnt know anything about when I found it, and still don't. I noticed it was highly rated on RT and I wanted something to watch that was interesting.
This, wasnt interesting.
That isn't to say it isn't fun to watch or that it cant be addicting, because it is and it can be.
Each season is a distinct part of the story. I know, you say, well, duh. But, I cant really divulge anything here, but let's do it this way...not a lot of time passes during each season and not a lot, if any, passes between seasons.

During the run, there are indeed some good story arcs that show thought and reason, but then, the very next step, we are in Wile E. Coyote land with such a preposterous scenario, it just leaves you gaping at the screen with your mouth open.
At some point the show tries to take itself really serious and it just detaches everything, like really? Now? Youre going to pull this shit now?
It's absolute mayhem as far as continuity and logic are concerned. But, I guess since it's really cringe, they don't care. Maybe that is supposed to be the viewers leap of faith, or suspension of disbelief.
Beyond that, the characters are rich and vibrant and full of vigor and all of them have some really laugh out loud moments at some points.
There is a coherence to the long term arc and you do have to watch all four seasons to get there. I deeply suspect there's more to come based on the ending of S4.
This show involves, comedy (dark, cringe) mystery thriller and shades of horror even.
You absolutely cannot take any aspect of this show seriously on any level and if you go in knowing that, you will have a good time.

Ill have to spoiler these, but know that there are some salient scenes worthy of appraisal IMO
Spoiler
After Dory is arrested, she is confronted in the interrogation room and she refuses to fall for the threats and repeats multiple times, lawyer. I just shouted YES! Thank you Jeebus! Finally!
And to balance that, later we see Portia interrogated who does the same thing initially, but it so stylishly and effortlessly shows how her weak character and a cunning officer can manipulate the situation and the witness. Then later, she is used at trial against her friends.
I just thought this was a perfect technique to demonstrate just how those situations can and usually do unfold.

I loved that Drew was a half a step away from getting away clean early on

The cop who accidentally murders the FBI informant shows how corruption and self preservation by those in power can lead to innocents in jail.


Give it a look. At only 23 minutes an episode, you can blow through this thing in no time.




Search Party (Season 1)

So, I'd been reading about the show since it's debut on TBS or so, and had read really good things although often saw it referred to as "very millenial" or, in one review, literally "painfully millenial," so I knew I was in for....something.

And, dear lord, it IS painfully millenial, I really wasn't prepared for just HOW cringe it gets. But I love cringe! And I love ANXIETY. So I wasn't the test subject for this, my fiancee was.

She HATES Curb Your Enthusiasm. She HATED Uncut Gems (fully for the non-stop anxiety-inducing antics of Howard). So, I wasn't sure how this was going to play for her.

She absolutely loves this show. It IS a ridiculous show for sure, and if you're the kind of person to go "No one would behave like that" or "There's no way you could get away with this," it may not be the show for you. Search Party is much more about tone (and, dear god, what a BIZARRE tone it is. There's a scene played 100% seriously at the end of the first season, with at least four characters crying, with the camera spinning around them, but in the context of everything it's just the most ridiculous, insincere moment for at least one of them).

The amount of times in the first season alone where we'd either just be mouth agape, or doing the hide your face "oh god no why are they doing that" type of deal (Drew's hallway "argument" with his neighbor was a particularly uncomfortable moment, but those just keep on coming in this show) was absurd, but that's just kind of the show it is.




I know bits and pieces about the seasons. I know season 3 is a legal drama, season 4 is a kidnapper bit (although, I know what you're referencing regarding continuity and logic Crewe, and I'm curious to see how that'll play for me when I see it/how it'll lead into Season 5, considering the show was just renewed). We're 2 episodes into Season 2 and I'm getting Twin Peaks vibes (season 2 is the season I know the least about), but enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 12, 2021, 02:36:33 PM
Sounds like we are on the same page lol
That's what I was hoping to at least get across, that you cant take it seriously and if you can ascend over that note, you'll have a good time.
Incidentally, the Uncut Gems reference...I liked the film too, although, seeing an anxiety ridden show like that as my norm, I probably wouldnt sign up.

Back to search party, keep me posted; I wanna hear what you think about the rest of it  :popcorn:
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on February 21, 2021, 03:25:21 PM
The Sinner
Bill Pullman

Three seasons of eight episodes a season with one case per season.
Youre familiar with the adage good, better, best?
The Sinner operates in a backward fashion with regards to their seasons meaning it goes best, better....crappy.

Bill Pullman is a police detective who finds him self always seeking more in a case, or in other words, seeing what's under the surface to a case everyone else sees as open and shut.
Season 1 we get Jessica Biel, who is also EP for all three seasons, who commits cold blooded murder in front of witnesses on a beach.
From the very beginning we are given quick flashes of of the past, but of course we have no idea what it means. The storytelling mode is backwards, or, reveal as you go kind of thing. We are supposed to be putting together pieces the same as our protagonist and it is directed well enough to work, for two seasons.
Pullman's character does have a slow burn 3 series arch which is interesting and while seasons one and two were good, they just tried to go next level on three and missed. I wont see completely because it was actually a good idea, straddling normalcy and madness, question what is and isnt, but they just could not find a good way to demonstrate the third act IMO.
I wasnt going to watch the third because of the reviews, but, decided why not, only 8 episodes, go wtih it.
It wasnt the worst thing Ive ever seen by far but its just not on par with the first two.
Give it a go...


Archive pull...Road House

This movie just gets worse and worse every single time I see it and it's freakin awesome.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 25, 2021, 05:01:03 PM
Search Party Seasons 2-4

So just to see this thing through and get some quick thoughts out, we finished up the rest of the series a bit ago. Seasons 2 and 3 are pretty much in sync with season 1, as the events of that season lead into and inform the events of those two seasons. All-in-all, I was very happy with them, season 2 probably being the highlight for me (and probably the darkest season of all four).

Season 3 was a bit of a genre change and provided some delightful moments (Elliott's lawyer, as played by Chelsea Peretti) and down moments (as Crewe pointed out in the spoilers above, there are mirrored scenes early in season 3 with Dory and Portia, and the Portia part is just so heartbreaking to watch).

Season 4's probably the biggest break, with a pretty out-there concept (that takes from multiple Stephen King stories, but mainly Misery) and the group split up. I think I liked this season the least out of all four, as it seems the most disconnected from what we've seen so far, which isn't a bad thing, just an adjustment. That being said, the ending isn't quite as ambiguous as I had been lead to believe. It's very reminiscent of the penultimate episode of
Spoiler
Bojack Horseman
, so I don't think the continuity is destroyed, but I imagine it'll have a large effect on the character involved.

Regardless, a very good show, highly worth a recommendation. At 10 episodes a season, about 22-23 minutes per episode, it's a pretty quick watch (especially during quarantine), but very rewarding.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 07, 2021, 04:10:42 AM
WandaVision

The MCU's initial entry in to tv via Disney+ gave us this offering about two of the lesser known (but no less important) Avengers from the films and the season did not disappoint. Some people might've thought it started off a bit slow but I enjoyed it enough; I liked the uniqueness of a sitcom setting for each decade and it kept me coming back for more because you just knew it was building up to something big...and it did. Props to the creators for striking the right balance of bringing back some characters from past films, dropping some Easter eggs while also telling an engaging story that sets up nicely for whatever the MCU has in store for their next phase. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany shine in their roles, and I've been a fan of Kathryn Hahn since her guest stint on Parks & Recreation.

4.5/5

Thought I wrote about it a while back but finished S3 of Cobra Kai in a day (like New Year's Day). Loved every moment of it and can't wait for S4.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 12, 2021, 05:35:55 PM
Whenever we start a new show, we usually give it at least three episodes before we quit if we're not feeling it. So, although I'm watching this show alone, figured I could give it a review since I just watched the third episode.

Superman and Lois

I'm honestly already head over heels for this show. I never got into any of the superhero TV stuff, I didn't watch Gotham, I never watched any of the other CW shows (Green Arrow, Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman), and I haven't watched a single episode of WandaVision, so this isn't simply me being a comic book geek. I'm picky of my live action TV.

That being said, I also have a preference for my Superman (Supermen?) I enjoyed Cavill's performance in the latest Superman movies, even if I didn't care much for that Superman's characterization (nor much of the movie around him in at least 2 of his latest showings).

Superman and Lois' Superman/Clark Kent is played by Tyler Hoechlin, reprising the role he played in CW's Supergirl (and the "Arrowverse" in general). I don't know much about the CW DC-verse, except they had some multiverse shenanigans which are supposedly all settled, but may be playing into the plot of this show.

The first two episodes work as a sort of two-parter, with the initial pilot running longer than a normal episode. The pilot begins with the usual recap that rushes through what we already know: Krypton, baby rocket, Jonathan and Martha, Superman, Lois. Then it keeps going, and now we see in addition to the usual (Daily Planet, Metropolis), Lois and Supes also have two teenage boys this time around.

The show plays as a family show, for sure, and I like that about it. This is back to the big blue boy scout, aw-shucks type Superman, but takes him out of his element by giving him this family to care for in addition to the entire world (live action-wise. In the comics, Superboy's been around as well as other Kent-Lane kids I think, and of course Superman Returns broached this subject a bit, but nowhere near as in depth as this show).

The main premise is simple: After returning to Smallville for a brief period, Lois and Clark decide to move back to get their kids out of the big city for more family time, and so Clark can give back to a community he sees as having raised him. Naturally, this doesn't solve everything, because he's still Superman and has to spend time away, and meanwhile a Jeff Bezos type, Morgan Edge, is eyeing Smallville for his next big project (bring jobs to the town type of thing), despite the last town he bought out failing to achieve anything he promised which sets Lois Lane on her own investigative journey. Things become even more complicated when Superman is attacked by a mysterious, powerful figure who seems to know who he is, where he's from and his entire history. Naturally, all we know about him is that he goes by the name "Captain Luthor," but it's not QUITE what you think.

Being on the CW, I was expecting something not particularly great, as I'm pretty much only familiar with Riverdale from the CW (and Sabrina, which was Netflix show, but made by the same people). Superman and Lois is NOT that. The two teenage boys are actually pretty realistic, rather than just angsty teenage stereotypes (I wouldn't even refer to Jonathan as an angsty teenager, which is great!), and the show really solves the Superman problem by grounding it in Smallville with the attention being how he goes about raising these kids and working on his marriage with Lois, while also still trying to be the world's hero.



Lot of great stuff in these first three episodes. The Captain Luthor bit takes up time in the first two episodes, and I found the payoff there (so far) to be really satisfying. I'm enjoying Lois having her own sort of villain in Morgan Edge, and the boys high school storyline is actually keeping me interested (it never gets super melodramatic, or feels inauthentic to the highschool/teenager experience, like a Riverdale, and also leads to a pretty amazing football montage in the third episode). I'm excited to see where this goes, but have been very happy with the first three episodes so far. Apparently the pilot was one of CW's most watched ever and it's also their most streamed show already (which seems surprising given that Supernatural is one of theirs....)


Anyways, if you haven't checked it out yet, like your goofy Clark Kent type Superman, I'd highly recommend it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2021, 01:01:07 PM
The Knick
Clive Owen

Story surrounds doctors and others centered around the KNickerbocker Hospital in NYC in 1900.
Strong social commentary as well as historical look at medical practices and innovations.
Good character development on a wide array of actors.
This should get more notice I think

The Terror
Season 1 only

I was interested, but sort of put off for some reason I cant identify. I had to have subtitles on because I cannot understand these guys completely and was tired or rewinding, especially on Prime because their interface sucks.
I liked it well enough to suggest you wtch it but i wasnt enthralled.
It is based on Captain Sir John Franklin's sailing dont know anything about the true story so I cant comment.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 15, 2021, 02:31:10 PM
Succession S1

This series, despite having characters with terrible vile traits, somehow made them sympathetic to me, at times anyway. It's certainly an interesting fun ride.
Branded as a dark comedy, I find it more of a dramatic piece with natural comedic tendencies.
Kind of along the lines of the Sopranos, but please note, that is not in any way a direct comparison because we know that show is another level.

The Roy family, led by its patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox), is dysfunctional as one would expect a super rich out of touch family to be, and it starts with Roy.
He is fleshed out as the hard nosed, unsympathetic corporate mogul, fascinated with the directing the message of the country via TV stations and other electronic media. Sound familiar?
He has several wives and several kids that span those wives and while some are kinder and gentler than he is, they are still despicable beings, but fun to watch.
Some plot points are tropey but still maintain believable.
It's a familial copororate driven show, think Dallas, almost.
Im about to start S2 so we shall see how it unfolds.
Give it a go, I think you'll like it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 17, 2021, 01:32:17 PM
I'll have a review once the season finale drops next week, but The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been absolutely amazing. Easily the best show I've seen this year...a whole lot of levels to this show (the sociopolitical and racial commentary too) and the character development has been stellar.

I enjoyed WandaVision but Marvel has stepped up with this one.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 20, 2021, 11:13:10 AM
Succession S2

Better than S1, not that season 1 isnt good either.
I really ended up enjoying this story.
It's a look in to the rich and elite corporate and political world. It most certainly depicts our society, accurately I might add.
At one point, a true outsider who would have 5 million dollars and mentioned retirement. Everyone scoffed at him, 5 million is nothing, cant retire on that little etc.
Gives you an idea of the people we are talking about.
Watch it
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 24, 2021, 03:07:18 AM
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

The thing I'm noticing about this and WandaVision is the focus on growth for the characters involved. I've already mentioned I enjoyed WandaVision, and that still holds...but damn this show was just an incredible season. The growth of Sam Wilson and Bucky from their starts in the MCU, the start of this series, all the way to the finale was fun to watch for me. That growth wasn't just limited to them either, as characters we'd seen in the past like Sharon Carter and Baron Zemo also get their time to show that they aren't just one dimensional characters. I also love that Marvel doesn't duck around the topics of class, race, and the complicated history of the US government, they just go right at it. This show made me laugh, made me think, more than once made me say "yep, that's exactly right" and I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed this season. I'm really looking forward to how they move forward with these characters in a future season or even movie.

5/5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on April 27, 2021, 11:07:12 AM
I was sorta surprised by the depth of the social commentary too.
My memory of what Ive seen in the MCU is pretty spotty. I dont retain it as well as say SW, so I had to pause to look up a few things from time to time, like Sharon Carter, but overall I enjoyed it.
I get kinda bored with the oh so tired tropes from time to time, but sometimes you just have to push the story forward and within the confines of the MCU, it's acceptable.
The fight scenes are filmed a little better now which helps.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 13, 2021, 05:36:30 PM
When my fiancee got her new Macbook around Xmas, it came with a year free of Apple TV+, but we didn't actually activate it until recently. Turns out, there's some decent shows on there! At least two! Dickinson was weird though, we stopped watching.


Anyways.

Ted Lasso

Absolutely fantastic. Jason Sudeikis is just incredible, and the whole cast is really great.

The show is about a football team...well, a soccer team, in England, whose ownership goes through a divorce, and the wife is left with the team. To spite her husband, she fires their head coach, and hires a little known coach from a Division III NCAA football team from America. Hijinx ensue

It's the kind of show that delivers hilarious gags, while also promoting a wholesome message and dipping into SLIGHT Bojack territory dealing with issues of depression, insecurity and the like. Deserved all those Emmys it won, can't wait for the new season.



Mythic Quest

I was wary of this one, shows about videogames can either be really good (.....I've got no examples. Reboot, maybe?) or really bad and dip into negative stereotypes and stupid reference humor. Mythic Quest isn't that.

Sort of "The Office, but at a game company" and sort of "Always Sunny, but everyone's not the worst type of human being ever" (obviously the fact that it stars Rob McElheny, from Sunny, and Charlie Day is one of the main writers is unsurprising).

But what a cast! We've got Abed from Community, McElheny, Leslie from the show Good Girls and effin' F. Murray Abraham. The main female lead, the character of Poppi, I'm not as familiar with but she's been able to match McElheny's energy and charisma each episode for an all around great ensemble.

We just finished the first season, and I've heard some things about the second season, mainly that while the first season found more gags in the gaming industry itself (some of the gags regarding game bugs and loot boxes are pretty fantastic), the second season supposedly gets more into the characters and a Parks and Rec/Office style of comedy, so we'll see how that goes. That being said, I went in expecting to hate this, and both me and the fiancee ended up really loving it.







Dickinson

It's just weird, man.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on May 13, 2021, 06:06:58 PM
well then, no apple tv so...off to other sources lol
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on May 21, 2021, 02:37:06 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 13, 2021, 06:06:58 PM
well then, no apple tv so...off to other sources lol

No sir, no apple tv for me. Maybe when their lineup gets a bit more
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 21, 2021, 07:43:50 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 21, 2021, 02:37:06 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 13, 2021, 06:06:58 PM
well then, no apple tv so...off to other sources lol

No sir, no apple tv for me. Maybe when their lineup gets a bit more


Yeah, Ted Lasso and MQ are really good, but we don't use it for anything else, and had we not gotten the first year free I wouldn't have signed up. Still though, if anyone in the family gets a Macbook for like, college or something, just make sure they give you the sign-in info because there's still some gems.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 24, 2021, 12:14:52 PM
Black Sails Season 1-4
Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold

This was on my radar for a bit, and had pretty decent reviews. I held off because my gut was telling me it was Game of Thrones on the water.
It started out that way, admittedly my own biased opinion, but I typically allow a few episodes up to a season to allow a series to shore up its direction.
The story revolves around the status of Nassau during the early 1700's. As the war between Spain and Britain rages, Nassau is under the control of Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New) who is part of the Guthrie aristocracy and has a tolerance for piracy, seemingly understanding the trade is vital to her islands survival.
We begin with Flint as a Lt. in the Royal Navy tasked with arriving at a solution for Nassau. His reasonable logical nature becomes a staple of his character throughout while still offering deep character development.
We do flashback ten years from 1715 to 1705 so we can see how we arrived at our current situation.
As other main characters are introduced its not overwhelming to keep up with them in the beginning but the storylines do become quite muddled amidst an abundance of swindles and back room deals.
The story is complicated by the vastness of the world in the sense that each characters story is constantly changing unbeknownst to their counterparts wherever they may be.
The cinematography is beautiful and choreographed wonderfully. If you binge watch, you might notice that the sword fights seem repetitive at times but I feel those are elements that pop to my nitpicking nature at times.
The tone and hue are excellent as well as the art direction, there really isnt much to dislike here.
Now, although Im not a language historian, I know the verbiage of the show is quite modern, if not poetic, but we give such things a pass because it simply wouldn't work any other way.
If one would declare Aaron Sorkin as the inventor and or subsriber to the "walk and talk" scenario, Black Sails adheres to the two in a room setup.
I cannot count how many times a scene will start with "give us the room please" and it becomes monotonous, again, at least to me, but these interactions are usually important to the story but I cant help feeling that there should be other options to arrive at such a setting.

Additional cast includes Jessica Parker Kennedy as Max, a whore who endures and has visions of her own. Zach McGowan as seasoned pirate Charles Vane, a fundamental, albeit frustrating element to the makeup of the island.
Toby Schmitz plays rookie unseasoned Captain Jack Rackham who is intent on making a name for himself.
At his side is Clara Paget as Anne Bonny, a ruthless individual in her own right.
Luke Arnold plays Silver. He's introduced to us straight away as a seemingly virgin pirate who relies on his wits and his ability to charm and persuade others to his view of the world instead of brawn and brutality.

During the series, there are decisions by characters that are glaringly head shaking choices used to drive the plot. these situations are not necessarily out of character but instead so obviously not a great option. it's not as if the writers worked themselves in to a corner, so I dont address it as weak or lazy writing so much so, but just lack of creativity in my mind.
Of course this is a strategy driven series for all involved so some have to appear to be weaker planners in order to show the brain power of the superior game planners. To that end, we see some Mighty Mouse moments, but it doesnt diminish the overall storytelling or depth of characters.

Im writing this review with two episodes left before I conclude the series, but Im on a job and Im bored, so here you go.
Ill check back in with a quick yay or nay after I wrap it up.
Unless its something dramaticly different that alters the entire series, Id say check out the series.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on June 28, 2021, 06:41:00 PM
Ive watched so much and yet I ant recall what the hell it was lol

Giri / haji
Did I do that one already? Cant remember, but if not, go watch it. 8 ep mini, worth it.

Bosch S7
Just finished it.
I liked watching it just because I was invested in it, but its not overwhelming in any sense. I think Id prefer Jack Ryan maybe.
Super odd moment though; in one episode, while J Edgar (Jamie Hector) and Bosch are talking with a gang unit cop about a sus, he says she's like a female Stringer Bell and asks Hector if he's ever watched The Wire. hector calmly says, I binged it.
Felt really out of place and forced, but ok lol

Oh yea, the Girlfriend Experience. This one Ill delve in to a bit.
So this is an anthology series 3 seasons long ( and counting? I dont know) however, only watch S1.
We follow Christine Reade (Riley Keough) who is a 1st to 2nd year law student. We catch up to her as she is just gaining an internship at high level law firm.
One of her friends is an escort and Christine is intrigued.
Reade is a steel nerved self assured prospect who who see as a hopeful young attorney but not without other interests.
I found this a fascinating series of episodes for a few reasons. One is, the direction felt like a woman's point of view which is absolutely necessary here, but also I felt it offered more than that on the surface.
I found myself watching, seeing how women have to roll through a common day in society, how men watch them, interact with them, both the good and the not so good.
Now this isnt to suggest this has never been attempted before nor was this some sort of groundbreaking product, but it just played really well not only to the story, but outside those confines as well.
Secondly, Riley Keough is a good actress and man, Im just a fan of Presley women.
She has that lit smile of her mom and grandad and just carries herself with that aura.
There's sex to be sure and its not anything we havent seen nor heard before but thankfully, its not garbage. By that I mean, it's not trashy in the shock value sense. It's all pertinent to the story and falls within the modern sleek style art of the series.
This is a deep character study series, well at least season one is and I think its 8 episodes? Maybe 10, I cant recall, but either way, Id give this one a look because I really enjoyed it.
I began watching season 2 and the dynamic changed so dramatically, it wasnt the least bit interesting.
GFE leapt right in to tired old movie and tv storylines we've seen a million times before and honestly I was bored to tears after the second episode. there was no mystery, no wondering what the character was going to do, they were all 2D pieces and it was just meh.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, which is what I reference when I am interested in something, S3 is the worst of the worst and considering I couldnt manage two episodes of season two, well, season three certainly wont get a look. But Season one? Yes.

I think Ive reviewed everything else...I did The Sinner and something else...ah well, Ill come back if I remember lol


Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 03, 2021, 08:55:58 PM
Mare of Easttown
Kate Winslet

Mare (Winslet) is a detective in the small community of Easttown where she grew up.
Like most small towns, she is familiar with many, some of which dont take her too seriously, or at least, less respect.
At the outset, we learn there has been a missing teenage girl for a year whose case is still open.
While that is boring through her head, another goes missing and Mare is determined to solve the case.
This limited series progresses through splendid character development, solid storytelling...some 2d townsfolk, sure, but overall an enthralling television.
Evan Peters is Detective Zabel who is loaned out to assist because he solved a missing peson cold case recently. Naturally, we get the pissing match between the two all the while trying to rach a common goal.
Jean Smart (First Lady Logan in 24) adds to Mare's anxiety as her live in mother, but with some terrific comedic bursts right out of a rich sitcom.
These scenes are blended so well in to the characters lives it just feels real.
Go on a deep dive here for seven episodes and let me know what you think
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 09, 2021, 12:51:47 PM
Travelers

Just a quick drive by here.

Mostly unknown actors with good chemistry and screen presence.
Series is three seasons with a solid premise.
Hundreds of years from now, society is doomed. Historians link present day to be the most destructive to the future, so in order to save mankind, an AI "director" sends travelers back in time.
Instead of the Terminator route, jumping in to bodies, killing the person, travelers consciousness dives in to a host at the precise moment that person would have died, thereby, not killing anyone. the new consciousness then lives out the life of that host, hopefully with noone being wise.
At the same time, the team that jumped continues to complete missions in order to preserve the human race.
Each team has a doctor, a historian, a team leader, a tactician and I forget what else
Despite some filler dialogue typical episodic editing and directing, the story arc is well thought out, profound and meaningful.
This series has elements of a procedural but I would hesitate to identify it as such.
Its worth an investment at just three seasons long
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 09, 2021, 01:19:04 PM
Quote from: Crewe on July 09, 2021, 12:51:47 PM
Travelers

Just a quick drive by here.

Mostly unknown actors with good chemistry and screen presence.
Series is three seasons with a solid premise.
Hundreds of years from now, society is doomed. Historians link present day to be the most destructive to the future, so in order to save mankind, an AI "director" sends travelers back in time.
Instead of the Terminator route, jumping in to bodies, killing the person, travelers consciousness dives in to a host at the precise moment that person would have died, thereby, not killing anyone. the new consciousness then lives out the life of that host, hopefully with noone being wise.
At the same time, the team that jumped continues to complete missions in order to preserve the human race.
Each team has a doctor, a historian, a team leader, a tactician and I forget what else
Despite some filler dialogue typical episodic editing and directing, the story arc is well thought out, profound and meaningful.
This series has elements of a procedural but I would hesitate to identify it as such.
Its worth an investment at just three seasons long


This a Netflix show? That's a real interesting premise.

We just started For All Mankind on Apple TV+, but literally only one episode in so not much I can say about it now. The alternate history of Russia landing an astronaut on the moon before us in that pilot episode was a heck of a starting gimmick though, curious to see where the rest of the show goes (admittedly, months ago, I had the second season ending spoiled for me, but that's what got me wanting to watch because it sounds intense).
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 09, 2021, 09:34:57 PM
yea, its on NF. The way it started was what piqued my interest as well.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on July 14, 2021, 01:07:20 PM
Big Little Lies
Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shaeilene Woodley

There's been a murder in the affluent community of Monterey. We come in at the end not knowing who died, who the murderer was or why it happened.
As we transition to reverse storytelling we are invited in to the interrogation room where we hear evidence from the community who also attended Trivia Night, which was a school fundraising function, which is where the murder occurred.

Now back in the before, we are introduced to Madeline (Witherspoon) who I think was a phenomenal character. She quickly befriends Jane (Woodley) and her son in the queue during the first day of school.
This is where we meet the nucleus of the show including Celeste (Kidman) who is still a looker, btw...but thats not to diminish her role either because Kidman arguably had the most complicated role among the cast. Laura Dern plays Renata, who you will wish was the one murdered because she is annoying to the inth degree. That means she did a wonderful job, as did most in this cast, sans Madeline's husband Ed played by Adam Scott. Not terrible, but just doesnt fit the community in my mind.
Zoe Kravits joins the cast playing Bonnie who is married to Madeline's ex Nathan, played by James Tupper.

The story is fleshed out in 55 minute episodes sprinkled with snippets of exam room interrogations we saw in the beginning.
I dont think I would be spoiling anything by saying these scenes are tools for misdirection while you soak up the lives of these families.
The scenery is posh as all, sans Jane who is a newly arrived single mother, of these people have grand homes along the Pacific, right on the beach.
Crisp with its color and modern art direction, we live as the other half and it isnt always good. But it should be.
In my mind throughout, Im constantly thinking how petty, petulant, conniving and damaged these people are. They have it all and literally look for dysfunction.
That is not the sole reason we are here though.
The primary arc is that of the parents and kids, you see, on day one of school, Laura Dern's daughter Annabelle is physically abused, literally choked by a school chum.
This all comes out after school when every kids mother has arrived to pick them up. For some insane reason, the teacher makes this known at this point, in front of everyone. To further astonish you, she makes this girl point out her abuser, again, in front of every mate and mom in the class.
She says Ziggy was the culprit.
Amid gasps of pearl clutching horror, Ziggy swears to his mother he's innocent.
Madeline who had friended Jane minutes earlier takes the new mom's side and we are off and running.

Alexander SkarsgÄrd (True Blood) helps round out the cast as Nicole Kidman's husband along with Jeffrey Nording (24) in this dark drama.
I doubt I would have watched this on my own but it was suggested by a trusted resource and as it turns out, I really enjoyed it.
I thought the characters were well fleshed out over the course of a season while keeping the story moving along, which did hold up and was certainly believable.
Take a look and let me know if you agree.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 16, 2021, 01:21:42 PM
Loki

I didn't think Marvel and Disney+ could top Falcon and Winter Soldier...but the more I think about it they really did it with this series (already confirmed for a season two). The outcome of this series will definitely have far reaching effects on what happens next for the MCU. Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson were amazing in this, as was the rest of the cast...including one person in particular that I won't name right now simply because I don't want to spoil anything. All I will say is that this person steals the scenery once they show up. So hurry up and watch the episodes so I can talk to people about it. Lol.

5/5

MCU Disney+ Series Rankings:

1. Loki
1a. Falcon & Winter Soldier
2. WandaVision
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 24, 2021, 11:12:44 PM
Jumping in way late to this, but I can see why Ted Lasso received all the critical praise it did. Only a couple episodes left in S1 for me and I'm absolutely hooked. What a pleasant, funny, and heartwarming surprise.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on August 20, 2021, 11:33:04 PM
Underground Railroad

This 10 episode mini series is quite the visceral experience.
I love the direction here, effective and creative use of dolly and tracking shots along with the framing just creates the tone for this project all too well.
The tones and hues coupled with seemingly accurate art direction and beautiful cinematography become part of the emotional storytelling.
Toss in the score, which cant be understated and I really cant find much wrong with this series.
Granted there is one big liberty taken and I wont spoil it for you, but I do see how it was necessary to tell this story.
This is not a feel good show, so be warned.
I didnt get a definitive year in which this takes place, but it is sometime between the Missouri Compromise and the Civil War.
probably closer to 1850 than 1860 but that was just my feeling.
If you watch this, tell me if Im, I wouldnt say over exuberant, but perhaps quite pleasantly surprised and impressed at the high bar this series achieves.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 22, 2021, 04:54:56 PM
Marvel's What If?...

Animated on Disney+, another addition to the MCU's foray into television content. In keeping with the growing Multiverse theme, the episodes are pretty much what it says it is: each episode focuses on a different scenario (for example, Episode 1 ponders how things play out if Agent Carter had to take the Super Soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers). The animation and storytelling are great, but some of these episodes get really dark.

4 out of 5


Hawkeye

Inspired by Matt Fraction's 2012 Hawkeye comic run, we get introduced to young Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) who unwittingly pulls Clint 'Hawkeye' Barton (Jeremy Renner) back into hero duty around Christmas time in a post-Endgame NYC. As with the previous MCU Disney+ entries, there's a good plot and they weave the story really well throughout. Clint and Kate have great chemistry and an enjoyable mentor/mentee relationship. Also wouldn't be Marvel without a twist or five, and some cameos...and since I'm staying spoiler free I won't say who. Worth checking out.

4.75 out of 5
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on January 25, 2022, 12:21:54 PM
So I watched  Dont Fuck With Cats finally.

These crime docs are like reality tv to me in that I have a love/hate relationship with them.
This one was Emmy nominated or won one and some well regarded reviews so I gave it a look.
A guy films himself killing cats and posts the video. Facebookers go insane, rightfully so, but then they go full on reddit.
A group is created in order to locate this cruel individual.
We are introduced to Deanne Thompson and another guy, I think his name is Green, and they are the two "leaders" of the gang.
You should know, as desensitized as we all are by now, I still feel they showed too much of the cat snuff videos, just sayin.

These internet sleuths set out to make the world right for themselves and it really is a commentary on our society today and how narrow these peoples views are related to the world.
Attempting to be self aware about their involvement is somewhwat refreshing until they whatabout their way out of it. Like  many of these docs, there are just too many red flags and it is glaring to me, but like my attorney friends say, never let facts dilute a good story.
At the end of the day, you are watching narcissists validate their lives while trying to put off this low key vibe and its really off putting.
At the conclusion, the girl says, oh I have like 10,000 fans, friends, whatever it was, and 9,999 of them are great. They tell me I should join the FBI ya know *flutters eyelashes* and when I was a kid I wanted to be in the CIA...as if that somehow contributes to her involvement. And the guy is even worse.
And the irony of it all? Throughout the video, they constantly talk about how this guy wants attention, and cant live without it, but yet here we are, and who is on the Today Show and Good Morning America? It's just so pathetic.
Ill not divulge more because the story itself is indeed quite fascinating and horrifying, but Ill spoil...

Spoiler
I just love how these two gloss over the fact they directly contributed to an innocent guy killing himself.
And then openly wonder if they elevated the killer going from cats to people by giving him all the attention they say he wanted. Oh but wait, they cant shoulder that responsibility without you and I accepting the blame for watching the story they fucking created.

And this is the best part of the delusion; One, they cant resist calling out the cops, why didnt they listen to ussssssss????
And two, they didnt fucking solve anything. The cops did, which they would have done anyway without these clowns.
I will grant them that sure, maybe a murder might have been prevented had the cops just dropped everything and listened to a couple of well adjusted self anointed internet sleuth detectives who say some guy posted a video of hismelf killing cats. Then again, if you think about it, even if they caught him red handed, waht could they have done? He mmost certainly would have killed anyway so your self important narcissistic ego maniacal too good for the FBI detectives will just have to go back to their empty vapid lives.
And by the way...I will put it out there that a seriously substantial portion of the worlds population could have done the same thing as these guys if your desire was to sit in front of the computer for endless hours obsessing constantly for two years. You arent special, just self important.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Crewe on March 12, 2022, 09:21:00 PM
Ive been on a documentary tear as late trying to clear out my queue.
Serial killers, cults, injustice, con men, scammers, corruption, the mob, street gangs, cartels, societal ills, nutrition, old west, Ive been scouring through it all. If you have something to suggest, lemme hear it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 01, 2022, 02:58:08 PM
I haven't had AMC since I switched to Hulu Live, so when I say that Severance, on Apple TV+, is the best show on TV, know that I'm actively excluding Better Call Saul   ;D

But yeah, if you have Apple TV+, Severance. It stars Adam Scott as a man grieving his wife, who elects to join a corporation (Lumon) that "severs" part of their work force - a process that involves planting a chip in the employee that allows them to swtich from their "Outtie" to their "Innie" upon entering the severed floor of the workplace.

The show starts off with clear metaphors and themes regarding work/life balance, but is also so much more. The cinematography and use of colors; religious allegories (many which go above my head, thanks for decoding Reddit!), and just the overall cast (Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, John Turturro, and many more) are incredible in their performances, especially Scott switching between his innie and outtie over the course of the season.

To say much more would be to risk giving way too much away, as the show's mysteries are central to the intrigue, although it never feels like a show that you're just waiting on reveals, thanks to the character and world development.

Many episodes are directed by Ben Stiller, who was involved in the creation of the show, but isn't it's main writer. Stiller previously received accolades for his Showtime limited series Escape from Danamorra, which I did not see, but from what I understand his strengths in that show are apparent here, mainly with regards to visual composition and episode pacing. Sometimes Severance packs a LOT into its hour runtime, but it never feels like a slog through exposition. Even sequences of characters walking through long, winding, blinding white maze-like hallways somehow pop despite the minimal action.

Anyways, that's my big pitch. You have Apple TV+? Check out Severance. Do it. Do it now. That and Ted Lasso are about the only shows I'd truly recommend on the service so far. Avoid Invasion.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on June 16, 2022, 11:08:05 AM
Been watching the Rookie with Nathan Fillion, pretty neat.
Also watching an older show called Elementary. Love it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 30, 2023, 09:46:40 AM
The Last of Us on HBO...phenomenal first 3 episodes so far. You should watch it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on February 17, 2023, 10:37:30 AM
I watched up to episode 3, haven't progressed further due to life getting in the way. That means I get to binge 2 episodes when we sit down or 3 episodes. Girlfriend works 7 on 7 off (nurse) and can't watch with out her.

I will say I did not like the first episode. It was a little boring. Episode 3 was pretty sad. It did hit home even though I am not into gay porn lol. ( I know it's not porn) just not my preference but the story I thought was done well. If I cried at shows I could imagine a little leak would occur.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 24, 2023, 10:06:02 PM
I do like Last Of Us, but having played the game (not the sequel though, never got around to it), the sometimes 1:1 adaptation of a scene and dialogue kinda makes me feel like I'm a little punished for having already played the game, story wise; but Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal are killing it in their roles.

I do feel weird they took the time to devote an entire episode to a side character from the game, only because I feel like - risk of some spoilers here if you're not caught up to episode 5 -
Spoiler
they made it to Wyoming and then the university really fast after that. If you're going to pad it out, pad it out. Give us more Ellie and Joel moments not from  the game or give us more of Melanie Lynskeys characters backstory and I dunno, maybe keep her alive to some capacity?
That's extremely nitpicky though, ultimately I've been enjoying it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Rigg44 on February 28, 2023, 10:56:08 AM
I think so fat they have done a fantastic job with the Last of US.  Some of the changes I have not enjoyed as much as others but overall it's a great show. Great game, a great show so far.  They last of us 2 is one of the best games I have ever played for those that have not indulged yet.

Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: Sakura on June 30, 2023, 01:28:28 PM
I find myself not really a fan of much in the way of new content. Maybe it's just me being my usual stubborn self, maybe I just reject modernity when it comes to content, I don't know (nor do I really concern myself with it). I've been rewatching The X-Files with a group of my friends, and one of the things I've noticed is my growing contempt for the show. When I was younger, I loved the series. When I watched through it last time, it was with someone else that I no longer associate with, and even then, some of the episodes ground my gears all wrong.

Yesterday we watched Humbug and The Calusari. Humbug is one of my favorites, whereas the Calusari I absolutely despise. And as much as I like the concept of the series, as fondly as I think of the series, I kind of only really like the first season. Some of my favorite episodes are not in the first season, but the first season has some of my favorites, like Ice and Darkness Falls, Jersey Devil. Of course it has Tooms, a villain I didn't really like. We're finally coming to an end to season 2, we should have been way beyond season 2, but like a prick I've put off watching X-Files with them and instead we watched other stuff. But like a bad case of leprosy, it's just kind of dangling out there, ready to fall off, so finally I shrugged and we're going to finish season 2. Only 9 more to go! Seasons 6-9 are just god awful, and season 10/11 are thankfully short. I haven't even seen the final season, to be honest, the revival series filled me with the same dread I had for Twin Peaks: The Return, and just like Twin Peaks' revival series, I didn't much care for what I saw in s10.

Reinvestigated some old series that they don't even play anymore on TV, like Spicy City and First Wave. They're both a bit rough around the edges, but they're not the worst. First Wave reminds me of The Outer Limits (90s revival series) where they throw in sex scenes, but it was regular network TV, so any nudity was always off-screen. I hate those scenes for the same reason I hate nudity in an HBO series, it's just not content I ever cared for in TV.

We watched the original Ghost Adventures "documentary", and then the first season of the show. Yeah, don't do that. Usually I have a pretty strong tolerance for crap, but I'm a hard skeptic and that one just made me want to punch holes in the wall. Zak Bagans is like Adam Sandler, if you get joy out stupid, you might like it.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 15, 2023, 11:45:59 PM
Quote from: Sakura on June 30, 2023, 01:28:28 PM
I find myself not really a fan of much in the way of new content. Maybe it's just me being my usual stubborn self, maybe I just reject modernity when it comes to content, I don't know (nor do I really concern myself with it). I've been rewatching The X-Files with a group of my friends, and one of the things I've noticed is my growing contempt for the show. When I was younger, I loved the series. When I watched through it last time, it was with someone else that I no longer associate with, and even then, some of the episodes ground my gears all wrong.

Yesterday we watched Humbug and The Calusari. Humbug is one of my favorites, whereas the Calusari I absolutely despise. And as much as I like the concept of the series, as fondly as I think of the series, I kind of only really like the first season. Some of my favorite episodes are not in the first season, but the first season has some of my favorites, like Ice and Darkness Falls, Jersey Devil. Of course it has Tooms, a villain I didn't really like. We're finally coming to an end to season 2, we should have been way beyond season 2, but like a prick I've put off watching X-Files with them and instead we watched other stuff. But like a bad case of leprosy, it's just kind of dangling out there, ready to fall off, so finally I shrugged and we're going to finish season 2. Only 9 more to go! Seasons 6-9 are just god awful, and season 10/11 are thankfully short. I haven't even seen the final season, to be honest, the revival series filled me with the same dread I had for Twin Peaks: The Return, and just like Twin Peaks' revival series, I didn't much care for what I saw in s10.

Reinvestigated some old series that they don't even play anymore on TV, like Spicy City and First Wave. They're both a bit rough around the edges, but they're not the worst. First Wave reminds me of The Outer Limits (90s revival series) where they throw in sex scenes, but it was regular network TV, so any nudity was always off-screen. I hate those scenes for the same reason I hate nudity in an HBO series, it's just not content I ever cared for in TV.

We watched the original Ghost Adventures "documentary", and then the first season of the show. Yeah, don't do that. Usually I have a pretty strong tolerance for crap, but I'm a hard skeptic and that one just made me want to punch holes in the wall. Zak Bagans is like Adam Sandler, if you get joy out stupid, you might like it.

I am enjoying Twisted Metal and futurama reboot
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 17, 2023, 02:09:39 PM
Xfinity took away subscribers free Peacock Premium so I have not checked out Twisted Metal. However, I did hook up my wife's PS2 and she inexplicably still owns Twisted Metal 2 and 3, so I have that going for me 😂

And yeah, Futurama reboot is Futurama. Not groundbreaking but good for some laughs.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 17, 2023, 02:11:03 PM
I should add that, if you have Peacock, check out Killing It with Craig Anderson. I can't speak to the second season that just released today for the reasons mentioned in the post above this, but the first season was good.
Title: Re: The TV thread
Post by: rollntider on August 18, 2023, 11:56:31 PM
will check it out