The TV thread

[BojackHorsefella]

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.

[Crewe]

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.

[Crewe]

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


 

[Crewe]

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

[Crewe]

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

[BojackHorsefella]

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).

[Crewe]

yea, its on NF. The way it started was what piqued my interest as well.

[Crewe]

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 Skarsgård (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.

[TheNorm]

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

[TheNorm]

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.

[Crewe]

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.

[TheNorm]

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

[Crewe]

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: show

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.

[Crewe]

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.

[BojackHorsefella]

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   

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.