What TV shows are you watching? [Archive] - Page 2 - The Rock, Paper, Shotgun Forums

The JG Man

30-01-2012, 12:58 AM

Hmm i have to say no to that, i mean I love Farscape dontt get me wrong but i think the themes of Battlestar Galactica are a lot more powerful.

What themes, exactly? Religion? Covered in Farscape in a multitude of ways. Survival? Got that in bucket loads. Character development? Farscape's far eclipsed anything BSG did both in depth and variety; when characters were down, they weren't just down, but beaten, bloodied and more importantly, on the loosing side. In BSG? You get fat! Yeaaaaah. I knock BSG only because I'm ambivalent to it; I'm glad I watched it once to see what it was and it kept me going till the end, but the only thing it had over Farscape was clearly a superior budget and whilst the CG won't look as dated as quickly, I'd say it was an insignificant 'win'.

Anyhow, I've proceeded to finish off season 2. The chills. The descent into "How can we really screw up all of the characters?" takes off with a ridiculous pace, only for me to remember the end-of-season cliff-hanger AND all of season 3's depression. The concluding 3-parter is so well executed, but even that is topped by the last episode, 'Die Me, Dichotomy'. I remember watching it when it was first on what, around ten years ago? I had exactly the same feeling going into it, that sense of dread. Despite knowing what would happen, it was still a punch to the gut and highlights the magnificent acting of Ben Browder, Claudia Black and Wayne Pygram. Still, I have too many games and DVDs in backlog to carry on with the third season immediately, so I'm taking a small wait. Yup, I'm making my own cliff-hanger gap, even though I know how it all gets resolved.

Before watching this back, I heralded Firefly as the best sci-fi I'd seen, but no. That was wrong. Farscape is simply excellent and embraces its crazy for all its worth and then some.

cjlr

30-01-2012, 03:13 AM

A modern Farscape/Firefly
Uh, wouldn't Farscape and Firefly be the modern Farscape and Firefly? It's been less than ten years since either ended.

What themes, exactly? Religion? Covered in Farscape in a multitude of ways. Survival? Got that in bucket loads. Character development? Farscape's far eclipsed anything BSG did both in depth and variety; when characters were down, they weren't just down, but beaten, bloodied and more importantly, on the loosing side. In BSG? You get fat! Yeaaaaah. I knock BSG only because I'm ambivalent to it; I'm glad I watched it once to see what it was and it kept me going till the end, but the only thing it had over Farscape was clearly a superior budget and whilst the CG won't look as dated as quickly, I'd say it was an insignificant 'win'.
...
Before watching this back, I heralded Firefly as the best sci-fi I'd seen, but no. That was wrong. Farscape is simply excellent and embraces its crazy for all its worth and then some.

Farscape is SO ACE. Crackers Don't Matter! Revenging Angel! Won't Get Fooled Again! It's definitely head and shoulders above Galactica. Galactica's not even really any better than Space: Above and Beyond.

Blake's 7 forever, though. I didn't actually watch it until a while after I'd seen Farscape (given the impossibility of getting a legitimite copy in Canada), but, uh, Grayza. Servalan. Need I say more? Well, how about the series ending? How about Blake? That episode is so Farscape. The general weirdness of the universe? Unfortunately it takes some serious suspension of disbelief to get past the fact that Blake's 7 had all the effects budget of a late night infomercial at times.

Xercies

30-01-2012, 11:48 AM

What themes, exactly? Religion? Covered in Farscape in a multitude of ways. Survival? Got that in bucket loads. Character development? Farscape's far eclipsed anything BSG did both in depth and variety; when characters were down, they weren't just down, but beaten, bloodied and more importantly, on the loosing side.

I ddo believeyou were talking about Battstar Galactica as well, god the second and the start of third season. The first season with that episode 44 minutes, the absolutely brutal revolution that happens in the fourth season. Powerful stuff!

Shane

30-01-2012, 11:58 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rOzXsqoJhtE

The JG Man

30-01-2012, 12:04 PM

Without getting into total spoiler territory too much; the first episode where they were timed to their jumps was well done, I won't deny that. Hell, I'm not saying the show was categorically bad, although it definitely had some weak moments (just like Farscape, but even the filler episodes were quality). The problem with the start of the third season though was that it could have been done well if it'd have bee subtly handled. As it was, I felt like I was being hit on the head with a brick while being shouted at that "Humans sometimes do bad things to survive." Was the battle sequence that ended that arc cool? Sure!..but to what end? It was a cool set-piece, but that was kind of the pinnacle of the show and one of the few stand-out moments.

That same idea in Farscape was handled far better due to using sleight of hands; the amount of crap Crichton does to survive that seemingly comes with inevitable destruction doesn't go unmentioned, but you see it reflected in him. Even then, these things didn't always work completely successfully, which gave it that air of authenticity; the crew is flawed and it shows. I didn't really get this idea in BSG; Adama was basically perfect, apart from his moustache.

And, by 'brutal revolution', I can only imagine you're talking about who the 'final five' were? I thought that was hilariously awful. It was like they picked random characters, with no justification, to shoe-horn in the bizarre notion they had. I think BSG was satisfactory drama, but it was a poor sci-fi. Farscape excelled in both those categories.

Xercies

30-01-2012, 04:04 PM

Oh no I didn't mean that I meant to two episodes which focused on the revolution of the prison guy tuned politician against the ship.

I agree that the main storyline kind of got a bit ridiculous and I do think that it kind of wasted its potential after season 2. I just think that BSG is to me a lot more powerful then Farscape was, to be honest i didn't really get the powerful themes that Farscape was about, but I was a bit younger back then so I might have to rewatch it to see.

Ethyls

30-01-2012, 06:06 PM

I'm partial to BSG myself. One of the shows I liked the most.

I didn't care much about the actual space battles, although they were quite nice (and they use newtonian physics, which is always a plus). But the story and the characters, now, that's great stuff.

You may despise this or that character for whatever reason you might have. But everyone should enjoy watching the development of Gaius Baltar. I don't want to spoil anyone, so I won't. But his lines are brilliant, the actor's amazing and the situations he ends up in (and especially the way he gets out of them)... really, great stuff.

And the music. The score is extensive and the quality ranges from average/good to masterpiece (this may be a hyperbole, but you catch my drift). Bear McCreary is a great composer. He's so great I played through Dark Void, and that game was absolutely awful (although it's so awful it ends up being fun, especially when you play with a friend beside you so you can both make fun of what's going on).

BillButNotBen

05-02-2012, 07:58 AM

I heard BSG really went downhill after the 2nd(?) season. Where they were suddenly living under cylon rule. I got that far, and didn't really like the look of where it was heading... so i stopped there. Did they manage to pull it back from the brink, because some parts of that show were awesome (the jumping every few minutes one in particular).

Kadayi

05-02-2012, 08:43 AM

I've been watching 'Borgen' on the BBC 4 which is a Danish political drama. It's pretty good. Made by the same people who were behind the killing. Denmark's not a huge country so a lot of familiar faces from that series turn up in roles which can be a little disconcerting in initially, but it's well acted and an interesting take on true coalition politics in effect Vs the BS we have to put up with under the Tories. Still available via the BBC Iplayer if you fancy Marathoning it (UK only though): -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b019c0dy/Borgen_Series_1_Decency_in_the_Middle/.

I heard BSG really went downhill after the 2nd(?) season. Where they were suddenly living under cylon rule. I got that far, and didn't really like the look of where it was heading... so i stopped there. Did they manage to pull it back from the brink, because some parts of that show were awesome (the jumping every few minutes one in particular).

The first few episodes of Season 3 were really pretty tense, but after that the entire show spirals into a madness, the biggest flaw of which is this 'final five' story line that essentially undermined the earlier actions of a number of characters throughout the show. I stuck with it to the end. but it was a real disappointment tbh given how brightly the show started off.

I think they key problem with a lot of TV writing is that they tend to do their world building as they go along and subsequently a lot of 'garbage' gets introduced as a series progresses in terms of mythologyand then the writers find themselves having to justify why things are that way (it seemed cool at the time, but doesn't hold up under scrutiny) . BSG suffered from this in the latter stages, but LOST is probably the biggest offender by far.

Xercies

05-02-2012, 11:15 AM

I would say its good just to do the first 4 and last 4 episodes of season 3 and stop season 4 after they do the two parter revolution episodes because there is some good points in both those seasons but they are very weak seasons...and don't even get me started on the ending of it.

The JG Man

05-02-2012, 11:53 AM

Whilst the opening arc to season 3 is good, it's not incredibly subtle, although your mileage may vary on how much that impacts your enjoyment. I'd generally agree though; 1 and 2 are far better, with episodes from 3 and 4 popping up nicely, though the bulk of them are otherwise iffy.

I think they key problem with a lot of TV writing is that they tend to do their world building as they go along and subsequently a lot of 'garbage' gets introduced as a series progresses in terms of mythologyand then the writers find themselves having to justify why things are that way (it seemed cool at the time, but doesn't hold up under scrutiny).

And I'll agree with this. Something to be said for British brevity; I felt like no time was really wasted in, say, Ashes to Ashes (particularly its final series). I'd say though that this issue was the biggest offender for BSG; pretty much everything else I could accept or pass-off, but some of the decisions came off as being simply inane at best or completely detrimental at worst. Seriously, what the bloody hell was their plan?!?! Argh. I'm always wary of shows with incredibly slow to uncover mythos because it suggests that the drip-feed is that they can keep up with writing more stuff for it. Another reason I enjoy Farscape so much, because it does this in reverse, revealing things that are connected, but without the context to make you realise why. The revelation is retroactive and makes previous things make more sense. Season 2 is a shining example of this very fact.

Xercies

05-02-2012, 04:26 PM

Something to be said for British brevity; I felt like no time was really wasted in, say, Ashes to Ashes (particularly its final series)

Actually i would argue against this, there is something about British TV and serialization that I hate, its like you get 40 minutes of your episode and then you get 10 minutes of the guy who is supposed to be in the serialized parts tell you nothing new and just is there so you don't forget he is there. At least at some level a lot of american TV isn't that god awful about its serialization with the serialized stuff actually being part of the episode.

The JG Man

05-02-2012, 07:35 PM

I'd say there were of the same thing and denote bad writing. That is something that permeates every country's shows, unfortunately!

Danny252

05-02-2012, 07:53 PM

Was down at a friend's last week, and the almost-customary season's worth of Coupling was watched with them and their housemates over a few days.

Ian

16-02-2012, 02:10 PM

Drake Sigar

21-02-2012, 10:59 PM

*Sigh* Back on Walking Dead in the UK - episode 8. As usual a character had to momentarily lose all cognitive function in order to put themselves in immediate danger and leave you wondering just how this group survived as long as they have, and there was a pointless zombie jump scare. This happens every single episode to distract you from the fact that NOTHING IS HAPPENING. I hope to god they move out soon, because this farm has practically killed the series for me.

On the plus side, that Rick scene was almost worth the 50 mins of nothing. Almost.

sabrage

21-02-2012, 11:42 PM

Finished season 3 of The Wire. I think I took to this series more quickly than the second one and I really liked some of the characters who got more screentime. Looking forward to making a start on season 4 soon.
The Wire is one of those few shows that starts out excellent and only has an upward trajectory in quality. By that virtue, I'm head-over-heels in love with Season 5, and I think that Clark Johnson is my favorite cast member in any season (which is saying a helluva lot)

I've been watching Party Down recently. I'm constantly surprised how well-written it really is, but unfortunately it panders a little too much to US Office-style workplace romance subplots. Not a hideous sin, but for all its edgy humor and its rather brilliant structure (each episode focuses on a different party, so the setting is always different) the foregone conclusions about who's fucking who are just tedious.

Oh, and I marathon'd through the first two seasons of The League the other day. Fucking brilliant show; it's a more grounded version of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, with the caricatures toned down 12 degrees.

Keep

22-02-2012, 01:00 AM

The Wire is one of those few shows that starts out excellent and only has an upward trajectory in quality. By that virtue, I'm head-over-heels in love with Season 5, and I think that Clark Johnson is my favorite cast member in any season (which is saying a helluva lot)

S'funny, I just went through my own marathon and season 5 I felt was the weakest. Still brilliant mind, but something just a bit...stretched?...about it. Some characters had sort of exhausted their appeal and the plot didn't have as many feints and changes to it as I felt other seasons did.

(For example, the serial killer [veiled for spoilers] story: it kicked off in, what episode 2? "McNulty has a plan". Episodes 3-7 were "Will the plan pay off?" Episodes 7-9 "Yes". And only by the finale did we get "The shit hits the plan".
Felt a bit dramatically thin for me.

Plus, removing the media aspect from it, it was all pretty well-tread ground for the show. And even with that aspect, I didn't feel it had enough punch to it as compared to the light shone on other areas in other seasons. That was a huge exciting thing to explore. I felt dissatisfied by what got done.

/nitpicking an awesome show

Jockie

22-02-2012, 10:04 AM

S'funny, I just went through my own marathon and season 5 I felt was the weakest. Still brilliant mind, but something just a bit...stretched?...about it. Some characters had sort of exhausted their appeal and the plot didn't have as many feints and changes to it as I felt other seasons did.

(For example, the serial killer [veiled for spoilers] story: it kicked off in, what episode 2? "McNulty has a plan". Episodes 3-7 were "Will the plan pay off?" Episodes 7-9 "Yes". And only by the finale did we get "The shit hits the plan".
Felt a bit dramatically thin for me.

Plus, removing the media aspect from it, it was all pretty well-tread ground for the show. And even with that aspect, I didn't feel it had enough punch to it as compared to the light shone on other areas in other seasons. That was a huge exciting thing to explore. I felt dissatisfied by what got done.

/nitpicking an awesome show

Yeah, season 5 was probably the weakest for me, although season two starts very slowly and jarringly moves away from characters we're invested in - I know a lot of people who threw in the towel during season two and had to be prodded repeatedly to get back on the wagon.

But it's still better than pretty much any other tv show around.

Good news for Community fans yesterday also, it's returning to air on March 15.

Regarding the Walking Dead, it's starting to piss me off, every week we get at least one awesome bit, surrounded by dreary melodrama and Stupid People Doing Stupid Things, During An Apocalypse (which I still maintain should be the show's name). If the writers can accept their shortcomings and give it some urgency and drive, without resorting to idiocy it could still be potentially great, but right now it's some way off.

If I were writing a show about a zombie-infested apocalypse, setting the show on a safe backwater farm would be pretty much the last thing I'd do. It's almost like the zombies are an inconvenience, detracting from their sub-standard soap opera storylines, when for any sane viewer, it should be the other way around.

Theblazeuk

22-02-2012, 11:24 AM

Regarding the Wire, I felt the 5th season was the weakest - didn't feel like it really added anything beyond showing how Carcetti couldn't really turn things around like he promised and actually intended. However on consideration I came to the conclusion that was almost the point; nothing has really changed. The real power is out of their hands and at best, there's been a marginal improvement to the people of the city.

It's almost like the zombies are an inconvenience, detracting from their sub-standard soap opera storylines, when for any sane viewer, it should be the other way around.

Budget :/ We're seeing on-the-cheap episodes at the mo I feel, hopefully saving up for some great bigger pieces later.

Xercies

22-02-2012, 11:34 AM

Good news for Community fans yesterday also, it's returning to air on March 15.

OOO THATS NICE!

Has anyone seen the latest season of American Dad? The first episode was absolutly insane, being a kind of musical about a hot tub that is voiced by Cee Lo Green that perverts Stan. It was the most funny and weirdest thing I've seen on TV in a long time. And the other episodes are following it I think. Probably the best Animated series on TV right now and Family Guy can suck it.

Voon

22-02-2012, 01:34 PM

Semi-related, I'm watching Malaysia vs Japan in a football match. Live.

/sigh

timeric

28-02-2012, 08:48 AM

I am watching CSI NY..

Shane

28-02-2012, 01:52 PM

Watched the first season of Sons of Anarchy. It's shit. Still, I find myself watching the second season.

Spartacus. Now, it has its shortcomings, a non-existent plot, simplistic characters, atrocious acting, the nauseating camera cuts and overused slow-mo, yet I found it to be quite enjoyable. It lost me in the season finale though which was was perhaps one of the worst I've seen (still enjoyed it). Downloading the prequel mini-series.

The Wire: watched a couple of episodes, and I'm in awe of the realism and grittiness on display here. You wouldn't believe such a thing could come out of america after watching shit like CSI, Bones, Castle and every other police drama.

Ian

28-02-2012, 02:29 PM

Drake Sigar

02-03-2012, 10:12 PM

Another episode down, again with no black guy in sight. I think the longest he's been on screen since episode 1 & 2 was during the mid season barn shootout. You'd have more luck finding Waldo in a candy cane factory than the elusive mythical creature known as 'T-Dog'.

Rath

02-03-2012, 10:26 PM

If anybody here has forked out for the Farscape Blu-Ray set, have you noticed to your annoyance that the audio conversion process they've used for some reason means that audio seems slower? I swear, the main title theme seems to be dragged out longer than it is on the DVD.

Kadayi

02-03-2012, 11:47 PM

Regarding the Walking Dead, it's starting to piss me off, every week we get at least one awesome bit, surrounded by dreary melodrama and Stupid People Doing Stupid Things, During An Apocalypse (which I still maintain should be the show's name). If the writers can accept their shortcomings and give it some urgency and drive, without resorting to idiocy it could still be potentially great, but right now it's some way off.

If I were writing a show about a zombie-infested apocalypse, setting the show on a safe backwater farm would be pretty much the last thing I'd do. It's almost like the zombies are an inconvenience, detracting from their sub-standard soap opera storylines, when for any sane viewer, it should be the other way around.

TBH Jockie, that pretty much sums up the comic book series. It's basically East-enders with zombies and guns. The premise was good, but Kirkman is a pretty limited writer truth be told. When Frank Darabont introduced the idea of Daryl and his crossbow, Kirkman was all 'I never thought of that'. Also albeit the show is set where the comic series takes place, Kirkman also singularly failed to realise there was a CDC (centre for disease control) in Atlanta.

corbain

03-03-2012, 04:26 AM

Been watching the 1st season of The Wire on Sky Atlantic, week by week, so no marathon binges.

I'm finding it really slow paced and hard to get into i must admit. At this point (episode 8) I feel like i'm forcing myself to watch the show, expecting a sudden upturn of brilliance.

I'm finding it hard to really connect with any of the characters, sometimes I can't even understand what they're saying they use so much street jargon that my home counties ears can't follow. I also find the 4:3 aspect ratio really distracting and alienating, feels really unnatural to watch it on my widescreen TV.

I will of course press on till the end of season 1, and then re-evaluate it. Am i missing something? I found the Sopranos to be totally captivating and addictive in contrast.

Theblazeuk

03-03-2012, 12:17 PM

Been watching the 1st season of The Wire on Sky Atlantic, week by week, so no marathon binges.

I'm finding it really slow paced and hard to get into i must admit.

I tried to watch Boardwalk Empire with my parents on Sky Atlantic when the channel first launched and was free-to-view. The adverts completely ruined the pacing of the show, disrupting things way more than I ever thought possible. Everything seemed disjointed because the show wasn't following the general TV formula of 10 minute narrative chunks and arcs which are guaranteed to reach some kind of conclusion within the hour. The difference between the original HBO broadcast and this was profound and whilst I never watched the Wire with adverts, I imagine it would be the same.

You're not the only one who struggles with the dialogue though, my parents didn't get into the first season until they tried subtitles :) It also helped when they finally stopped trying to read or talk through the episodes like we do with most TV shows thanks to the clear signposting of important developments that you need to pay attention to. The bloke behind The Wire wrote a great piece about how HBO was the only place he could have made his show because it was trying to abandon most of the conventions of TV fiction, particularly where crime and policework is concerned.

Also, The Sopranos in many ways is a more conventional show than the Wire, with each episode being relatively self-contained. There's also a clear protagonist - well, and many other differences when you really get down to it. Tthe two don't really compare that well beyond being great in different ways.

Xercies

03-03-2012, 01:20 PM

I would definitly try to stick with it since i think its very rewarding considering the later seasons and i got used to the language involved. It definitly is more of a acclimatisation thing and whenever i have it on its always speakers up.

squirrel

10-03-2012, 04:07 AM

Hi, you mates know I can locate a copy of an old Japanese TV drama named "Tokyo Love Story". Really want to watch it but it's too old that no CD stores here stock it anymore.

sybil44

10-03-2012, 04:03 PM

I'm waiting for Breaking Bad to come back on! I've given up on Dexter (I think) and The Walking Dead.

Shane

10-03-2012, 04:43 PM

Any news on when the fifth season would be aired?

maggihussy

14-03-2012, 04:25 AM

I loved to watch justified and Once upon a time. Both shows are my favorite . I never missed any episodes to watch.

squirrel

17-03-2012, 01:58 AM

Hey, you mates watched a Disney cartoon series "Duck's Tale"? About an old duck Uncle Scrooge (you all know where this name comes from) asked by his nephew Donald Duck to look after his three small nephews (i.e. Scrooge's great nephews).

I first watched this cartoon when still being a kid. Scrooge was portrayed as a seemingly cool-hearted rich old duck which concerned nothing but his personal fortune. But his three small nephews forced him to reveal his true character: a warm-hearted man who always wanted to achieve greater good for everyone in the society, and to achieve such goal he needed enough (or what he considered to be enough) capital. That is the true goal of the pursuit of personal fortune, which was never for personal satisfaction.

Now I watch this again. It recalls my kid memory of how idealistic this world can be. Too sad this isn't real.

Cable

17-03-2012, 02:48 AM

Any news on when the fifth season would be aired?

They're filming now, and I think I read somewhere Bryan Cranston said July, they've split the fifth season into two mini-seasons of 8 episodes though. Only the first 8 are being filmed now.

Also community is back so I'm watching that!

Fumarole

17-03-2012, 03:28 AM

Here's what me and my Special Lady Friend watch regularly:

Archer
Dexter
Full Metal Jousting
Justified
The Walking Dead
Game of Thrones
Shameless
House of Lies
American Family
Community
Family Guy
Sons of Guns
True Blood
Spartacus: Vengeance

squirrel

17-03-2012, 06:30 AM

Strange about this experience. I am watching downloaded TV dramas on my 24" 16X9 monitor. It really doesn't make a difference between 720p and 480p resolution. I mean, the visual difference is very very distinct, and after watching some 720p video I thought I would be addicted and could not go back to 480p. However, I soon realized that I am wrong. I am still absolutely okay with 480p that I am just indifferent with the two resolutions while watching TV dramas. I dont know why, especially because it makes a huge difference for me for watching movies.

And 480p videos occupy about one-third of disk size of 720p videos.

Fumarole

17-03-2012, 03:31 PM

Dear me, I forgot the Gervais trifecta:

An Idiot Abroad
Life's Too Short
The Ricky Gervais Show

The JG Man

17-03-2012, 04:55 PM

Strange about this experience. I am watching downloaded TV dramas on my 24" 16X9 monitor. It really doesn't make a difference between 720p and 480p resolution.

At that size, you probably wouldn't notice any significant difference unless it was at 1080. Similarly, HD becomes a lot more pronounced on bigger TVs. Watching Frozen Planet at 1080 on a 32' TV and swapping between it being shown on HD and not was a really ridiculous change. Then again, they were using the absolute latest tech available, so it wouldn't surprise me it was so damn good.

I will say though that on my 21.5' monitor, I'm happy watching shows in 480, although just barely.

Ravelle

20-03-2012, 07:06 PM

My viewings are:

Cartoons
- Adventure Time
- Regular Show
- Archer
- Avatar: Legend of Korra
- Family Guy
- Southpark

TV Shows
- Walking Dead
- Community
- Californication
- Game of Thrones

Ian

21-03-2012, 02:45 PM

Ravelle

21-03-2012, 04:07 PM

Is he right? (http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-reasons-the-walking-dead-has-to-get-better_p2/)

I accidentally stopped watching The Walking Dead one episode into the second half of the most recent season and when this occurred to me after about three missed episodes I realised I didn't care enough to try and catch up.

But reading that and having read what happens in the episodes I've not seen things look like they might be looking up.

He is on most points.

He says no more red shirts which is not entirely true, because that black dude, T-dog? was his name? is still around for some reason, which I just don't understand. He's the one character that didn't have any involvement in two seasons, sometimes didn't even show up in episodes. They managed to kill of the wrong characters but not random dude #2.
Second, It's the walking Dead and everyone wears a red shirt, except Rick of course because he's the main character and all.

They spent a whole season on that damn farm and yes they're finally moving on with the plot, and it seems like they also decided to pick up the comics storyline again in season 3, if they stick to it this time at least.

Not sure if you've read the comics but Season 3 will pickup when they arrive at the Prison stakeout,also Michonne makes her appearance, the only thing left is for Tyrese to show up season two is forgiven.

You've read the article so you know what went on, my advise is to skip season 2 and start watching Season 3 again in fall.

ChiYeon

22-03-2012, 06:41 AM

it's chukie

crazy horse

22-03-2012, 08:00 AM

Currently watching Breaking Bad and rewatching the Deadwood series for the second time with someone who has not seen it before. Deadwood still remains my favourite television creation.

As to Walking Dead.. I really wanted to like this show and the first few episodes it showed some promise but currently it's no more then mildy entertaining. In a setting as versatile as a zombie apocolypse the script writers somehow chose to focus most of the writing on a tedious and predictable love triangle. Yea, I know that's what most shows focus on regardless of the setting but in this case the characters (with one exception) are predictable and unremarkable. The true star of the show is the unique setting but it's not nearly enough to carry it alone. A shame only because the genre is one of my favourites. The good news is I've heard that the actor/character that annoyed me the most is going to get killed off so maybe there is hope of improvement.

If anyone is interested in some lesser known yet good/cheesey post-apocalyptic films:

The Road
6 String Samaruai
A Boy And His Dog
The Quiet Earth

Namdrol

22-03-2012, 09:52 AM

The problem with the walking dead is that they fired the creator and amc is not like HBO in that quality and fan satisfaction trumps all. AMC is unfortunately a mix of old skool TV thinking, and the newer HBO thing (selling the show to an above average audience, and that requires high quality narrative). I mean, HBO would never have aired that Breaking Bad fly episode, which was only made because the show's producers had run out of money but had to make an episode.

Game of Thrones 1 just came out on blu, and I'm lovin it.

Xercies

22-03-2012, 10:38 AM

squirrel

22-03-2012, 12:02 PM

Thanks to you mates' recommendation, I started watching House of Lies. I have heard of management consultants even since I was in college, and many of my schoolmates were so eager to apply for management trainee positions in those firms. Some Western management consultant firms do maintain operations here in the east, and their business is really good.

I dont know if those management consulting houses are really consisted of cheaters who do no good contributing works. As least from the 1st episode, I think that loan amnesty programme was a cool thing to come up with (no conscience, not doubt, but business is business). Those people were portrayed as dirty as they could be, a lot of dirty sex. But I really feel for them who took blame for economic downturn. There are too many factors contributing to the recession. Pointing fingers doesn't help at all.

But this is a good drama, very very cool. Thanks for the recommendation.

Lukasz

22-03-2012, 12:29 PM

Today i watched Legend of Korra episode 1. it was awesome. so gonna get a BR when it comes out.

Ravelle

22-03-2012, 06:16 PM

The fly episode was about the violent nature of man and how futile it is because its trying to destroy something insignificant.

Anyway watching the first season of How I Met Your Mother after catching a few episodes on TV and liking it. Really loving it so far, not really caring about the mother storyline its a really good hang out with some nice characters show.

Oh lord that fly episode was killing me, 44 minutes I kept thinking Just F***ing stop it you're gonna bump something over and Guss is going to cut your throat!

crazy horse

22-03-2012, 08:42 PM

Yea, that was a painful episode in more ways then one. Still I enjoyed it for what it was. I think it was around that episode that I realized Jesse Pinkman needed to die for the show to get good again. I kept hoping one of those machines would collapse on him or he'd stupidly put something toxic in his mouth.

Ravelle

22-03-2012, 10:04 PM

I didn't think they show became less good to be honest but the going back and forth off jesse and walt was a bit frustrating.

Xercies

23-03-2012, 10:01 AM

I do agree that the fly episode was a bit to wtf for me as well but dont mind it because the show picked up after that and well season 4 was excellent.

Drake Sigar

24-03-2012, 08:19 AM

Ravelle

24-03-2012, 09:19 AM

Fumarole

24-03-2012, 02:28 PM

Also, a helicopter just happens to lead a horde of zombies in the direction of the farm, and this horde just happens to be passing by as a gun is fired, and the group just happens to flee in the direction of the prison. We're one coincidence away from a Tony Jaa movie.That's what makes drama. If things don't happen to incite the characters to action, you're watching a bunch of people repairing fences and washing clothes.

But yeah, the infinite shotgun was a bit much.

mrpier

24-03-2012, 05:52 PM

Watching Dirk Gently, seen two episodes so far. Thought Stephen Mangan was great in Green Wing so I gave it a go. Not sure if I like it yet.

Xercies

25-03-2012, 02:06 PM

I like it its not Douglas Adams level of good and probably has nothing to do with the book but for what it is its quite enjoyable in its own way.

Winged Nazgul

25-03-2012, 05:09 PM

Today i watched Legend of Korra episode 1. it was awesome. so gonna get a BR when it comes out.Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware this was out yet. Huge Avatar fan after Netflix suggested this might be something I might be interested in even though I never gave it much thought before. Devoured the entire series in about a week and was hungry for more.

I can't believe they teased us like that about the fate of Zuko's mom in that first episode.

thegooseking

26-03-2012, 01:09 AM

Having been a big fan since the pilot aired, I was somewhat disappointed in the ending of the fourth series of Being Human, yet I feel compelled neither to furiously demand a better ending from the BBC, nor to complain to the relevant oversight authorities. Am I doing it wrong?

CohenAdrian

26-03-2012, 07:30 AM

hey :)
i watch Revenge TV series
it REMOTELY reminds The Count of Monte Cristo.
I like it because it differs from other tv shows.
i also watch House M. D.

Kadayi

26-03-2012, 08:37 AM

Final episode of Walking Dead. Watching the team get perfect headshots from moving cars in a battle that was over in the first 15 minutes. Once again the team are as proficient or stupid as the plot needs them to be. Sometimes they didn't even bother looking where their gun was pointed before firing, and despite being awesome, Herschel is rockin' that infinite ammo cheat.

Also, a helicopter just happens to lead a horde of zombies in the direction of the farm, and this horde just happens to be passing by as a gun is fired, and the group just happens to flee in the direction of the prison. We're one coincidence away from a Tony Jaa movie.

Indeed.

I really wish that Darabont was still on board as he kept the ludicrous excesses of Kirkmans plotting in check. Unfortunately it seems that without Darabont's ability to ground things not only are they now hell bent on following through with the insanity of the Prison next season rather (cue more melodrama) than going their own direction, but they've also introduced Michonne with her always sharp, cuts through everything Katana (a great case of the 'fantasy' overwriting the reality). /facepalm

Jams O'Donnell

26-03-2012, 09:53 AM

I just finished watching the first season of American Horror Story, and it was sort of okay, I guess. The last episode was just awful though, and if people are tempted to watch the show I'd suggest just ending at episode 11. Episode 12 is just Beetlejuice without Tim Burton.

Drake Sigar

26-03-2012, 12:30 PM

That's what makes drama. If things don't happen to incite the characters to action, you're watching a bunch of people repairing fences and washing clothes.Drama is created from characters having to overcome plausible obstacles. When they shove Glenn down a zombie-infested well and tie the supporting rope to a rusty old faucet instead of the caravan, drama is greatly overshadowed by sheer disbelief. Actually, I'm still not clear why they went down there in the first place.

What about when Rick's boy stands behind a deer at the exact moment it gets shot? They can only play the major coincidence card once before writers start looking like amateur Dungeon Masters, totally reliant on random encounters shaking up their monotonous questline because their dismal attention span couldn't think up believable drama. Their entire deck of cards is filled with nothing but jokers. How about the zombies teleporting in behind them on the highway?

Indeed.

I really wish that Darabont was still on board as he kept the ludicrous excesses of Kirkmans plotting in check. Unfortunately it seems that without Darabont's ability to ground things not only are they now hell bent on following through with the insanity of the Prison next season rather (cue more melodrama) than going their own direction, but they've also introduced Michonne with her always sharp, cuts through everything Katana (a great case of the 'fantasy' overwriting the reality). /facepalm
Michonne sounds like a great character, but she simply doesn't belong in the world this show has established. If the show adhered more closely to it's comic book origins from the beginning, my eyes would remain in their forward position.

Theblazeuk

26-03-2012, 02:34 PM

Kadayi

26-03-2012, 07:54 PM

I'm not sure if its such a bad thing Darabont is gone. Did you see that proposal for the first episodes in series 2? Briefly summarised this would have abandoned 'the group' and followed a squad of national guardsmen as they fought their way out of the middle of Atlanta, crossing over with Dale, Andrea et al as they went - ultimately ending with the last survivor bitten and trapped in a tank.... dying and then eventually providing Rick Grimes with a second handgun, a safe shelter and a hand grenade.

If that was even briefly entertained by Darabont then maybe he's not the voice of sanity we hope.

Why not? Sounds like a great opportunity for them to infill some of the characters from series before Rick met them, plus undoubtedly give a bit more of an insight into the wider nature of the virus through military broadcasts, etc. As it stands they've now gone with retconning the guy at the CDC discreetly telling Rick that Laurie was pregnant to telling him that everyone in fact carries the virus (in which case he'd of known to shoot Shane in the head then and there).

Theblazeuk

26-03-2012, 08:08 PM

Reducing the cast to bit characters for the first few episodes of the second series after only just introducing them in the first? Nah. But the main objection is feasibility, they would have had to stay on the farm for 3 more seasons to balance out the cost of what was originally proposed. I also think that military broadcasts about the wider nature of the virus are things better left out of TWD, much like CDC scientists and their explosive laboratories.

Its odd how much people are making of the fact that Rick didn't shoot shane in the head immediately, I thought it was always a case of putting the rising to the test + also dealing with gutting your best friend + then seeing your son point a gun at you 5 seconds later. But it was always 50/50 with me what Jenner told Rick - though I do think that one is slightly more plausible than the other from the mentalist determined to take everyone with him, I disagree it was a retcon.

Xercies

26-03-2012, 08:21 PM

Finished watching How I Met Your Mother Season 1 and I can already see there going to have a problem with the Ted characer: he is one of these mentally ill people who wants perfection and thinks every girl he comes across is the one and is horrible. In fact Ted is a really douchy character sometimes and its painful to watch the more dramay elements because of that fact. The saving grace is that despite that its quite funny and there all really good characters in there own way.

skitfarlig

26-03-2012, 09:40 PM

The Walking Dead
I was about to stop watching, too much drama in Season 2. But something in the last episode of S2 made me go "OMFG YES", then I decided I love the show again.

The JG Man

26-03-2012, 11:23 PM

Finished watching How I Met Your Mother Season 1 and I can already see there going to have a problem with the Ted characer: he is one of these mentally ill people who wants perfection and thinks every girl he comes across is the one and is horrible.

After about a year of insistence from various friends, I started watching it. I watched the pilot, thought it was alright, then had a friend sit with me while we watched the following 4/5 episodes. I think it's okay, but not especially good. I have so many other shows on DVD that are so much better (so far at any rate) that I don't really know why I'd want to give this too much time, other than when flicking about and leaving it on the station if I come across it.

I also think you're right about Ted. He's...well, not great. Pretty cringe, actually.

mrpier

27-03-2012, 07:26 AM

HIMYM gets better, I think I saw 7-8 episodes before it really clicked, I'm thinking I should rewatch season one to see if the show just needed time to settle or if season one is just not up to scratch. Of course, the last few seasons have been average and sometimes downright terrible so I don't know how much I should recommend the show anymore.

Xercies

27-03-2012, 08:44 AM

ALarsen

27-03-2012, 09:11 AM

I wouldnt say its the best show in the world and pushes the medium to new heights but i would say i am enjoying hanging around with these characters and it does make me chuckle quite a few times so i think im going to carry on watching it. Also Marshal and Lily are probably one of the best depicted loving couples i have seen in a TV show for a really long time and probably my favourite characters in the show.
I can't call it the best of the best as well, it's just rather entertaining to watch How I Met Your Mother and also Big Bang Theory. I'm usually not into sitcoms, I prefer series like Grey's Anatomy and House MD. I recently started watching Walking Dead and it's good and really scary and I wouldn't like to watch it alone:)

squirrel

27-03-2012, 02:07 PM

What the hell is wrong with this episode (11th) of House of Lies? Fortunately I watched it an hour after dinner, otherwise......

DrSlek

27-03-2012, 11:29 PM

Just finished rewatching both seasons of Wakfu.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2JrWJfdoqk

Now rewatching HIMYM.

katyperry979

29-03-2012, 11:30 AM

Simpsons
Family Guy

_____________________

icupnimpn2

29-03-2012, 02:34 PM

Since I'm living on the Navajo reservation now, I've set the dvr to record National Geographic Channel's Navajo Cops. Life on the Rez is a bit strange and the show is at least mildly interesting. The problem with it is there's a lot of good set-up (like investigating reports of supernatural animals, etc) but poor payoff (no supernatural animals exist :<< ).

ColOfNature

31-03-2012, 03:18 PM

I never read the GRRM books and my enjoyment of fantasy petered out a long time ago, but I find (against all expectations) I'm enjoying the Game of Thrones serialisation. But I'm enjoying Boss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_%28TV_series%29) even more. I've been a fan of Kelsey Grammer for a long time, but his Tom Kane deserves all the awards.

csk2summitt

01-04-2012, 03:21 PM

I was watching The Vampire Diaries Season 3 episode 6 online. Its great show and my favorite too.

The JG Man

03-04-2012, 12:40 AM

In my mission to watch TV show DVDs within a year of actually buying them, I've started off with Mad Men. I've watched 6 episodes of the first season and I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying it. Well written, good characters, a great score and a very detailed presentation; it's very nice to simply watch. Shame it's taken 4 months to unwrap the shrink-wrap, but I'm very glad I have done. Compared to HIMYM above, I'm enjoying this as entertainment far more.

FunnyB

03-04-2012, 08:58 AM

I'm currently watching The River and I'm really enjoying it. I like the whole documentary/blair witch concept, with the characters having the cameras with them. And it's held my interest so far. Here's hoping it continues to be as good.

eRa

03-04-2012, 04:28 PM

Stargate Atlantis on blu-ray. I do so adore David Hewlett, his smug face in HD is glorious. I'm just in the middle of season 2. Still can't believe it only lasts for 5 seasons, makes me a sad panda even now.

Also the amount of spambots is really getting out of hand now.

Feldspar

03-04-2012, 08:35 PM

I'm quite enjoying Homeland, although there seems to be an increasing amount of filler as the series goes on.

Spambots sure watch a lot of TV (although mostly online by the looks of it).

squirrel

06-04-2012, 08:11 AM

Touch

Martin Bohm (starred by Kiefer Sutherland, "Agent Bauer") was forced to quit his career as journalist after his wife died in 911 attack, to look after his autism son Jake. Jake is specially gifted in number, can predict the future by studying sequences of numbers. Social Service was concerned that Martin didnt have enough income and time to look after his son and therefore decided to take over the guardianship from him, sent over a social worker Clea. Martin tried to prove to Clea that Jake started to communicate with him through numbers and, to get closer to his son, follow his hints to do the good deems.

Not really much about mathematics for this drama, but it's quite warm themed. It's more about how we can be linked to seemingly unrelated strangers.

Timofee

06-04-2012, 06:30 PM

Touch...
...Not really much about mathematics for this drama, but it's quite warm themed. It's more about how we can be linked to seemingly unrelated strangers.

Is it any good? Admittedly my only real exposure to Keifer Sutherland is 24 and his casting in this seemed so left field.

I'm watching a lot, but recent high points include: -

Game of Thrones: So glad its back on, although its a strange experience watching S2 as I've read all the books since S1 came out so coming into this with a distinctly different viewpoint.
Community: The most recent pillow vs blanket fort episode encapsulates why I dearly love this show and why I hope it gets renewed. As a side note: incredibly disappointing to see the stuff between creator Dan Harmon and cast member Chevy Chase
Archer: Fantastically funny show, I cant recommend this highly enough. Its depressing how few people seem to be aware of it
Psych: I'm delighted to live in a world where Castle and Psych can exist, but if I had to pick one it'd be Psych
Fringe:Since they switched to mythology heavy episodes rather than Monster/Mystery of the Week this show has gotten better and better. That said, I'm still somewhat unconvinced with the path chosen this season and the character 'reboot'. Sadly I suspect this is for the axe this season.

Ravelle

08-04-2012, 10:26 PM

Lukasz

09-04-2012, 04:36 AM

Community: The most recent pillow vs blanket fort episode encapsulates why I dearly love this show and why I hope it gets renewed. As a side note: incredibly disappointing to see the stuff between creator Dan Harmon and cast member Chevy Chase
uhu... there is no community without Chase and fourth season is not picked up.
fucking harmon. his fault.

Theblazeuk

09-04-2012, 09:16 AM

Timofee

09-04-2012, 09:21 AM

uhu... there is no community without Chase and fourth season is not picked up.
fucking harmon. his fault.

Harmon definitely made the issue much worse, but didn't Chase kick the whole thing off by saying the show wasn't funny?

Anyone who likes Archer should check out the Venture Bros. Far superior, at least once they really get going with it. Like Archer the first few episodes are more like rough sketches of the show they're going to make (weirded me out watching the first episode of Archer where Carol is meek HR woman)

Thanks! Shall check it out

Jockie

09-04-2012, 01:07 PM

Harmon definitely made the issue much worse, but didn't Chase kick the whole thing off by saying the show wasn't funny?

He gave this very grumpy and ungracious interview (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/community-chevy-chase_n_1393823.html), it's entirely possible he was just in a bad mood, but he does have a bit of a rep for this kind of thing.

Gerbick

09-04-2012, 01:34 PM

Currently watching Breaking Bad via Netflix (last 2 eps of Season 2 to go, season 3 is now on netflix and have *acquired* later series). Really enjoying it.

Also watcing Afro Samurai: Resurrection and Hey Arnold!.

Ravelle

09-04-2012, 01:41 PM

He gave this very grumpy and ungracious interview (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/community-chevy-chase_n_1393823.html), it's entirely possible he was just in a bad mood, but he does have a bit of a rep for this kind of thing.

It's funny hearing that from a guy that did so many horrible lapoon movies.

Winged Nazgul

09-04-2012, 01:48 PM

It's funny hearing that from a guy that did so many horrible lapoon movies.

That just means he's a pretty good expert on what's not funny.

IMO a lot of the comedy is probably too cerebral for him and just goes right over his head.

Kadayi

09-04-2012, 02:26 PM

Anyone who likes Archer should check out the Venture Bros. Far superior, at least once they really get going with it. Like Archer the first few episodes are more like rough sketches of the show they're going to make (weirded me out watching the first episode of Archer where Carol is meek HR woman)

I think you mean Pam, Carol is the ditzy secretary, but yeah they do change her role as the series progresses. Also Venture Bros is pretty funny and well worth a look, though a little creaky in the early episodes.

Lukasz

10-04-2012, 05:02 AM

Harmon definitely made the issue much worse, but didn't Chase kick the whole thing off by saying the show wasn't funny?

he did bitch-talked to him in front of his daughter and wife which i find completely unacceptable no matter what Chase did (he walked out from the set before shooting his last scene was the main cause apparently)
As much as Chase is a dick, a fucking prima donna, it is harmon who is in the wrong here. making the voice mail public just added heat.

DaftPunk

11-04-2012, 10:37 PM

Watched first 2 episodes of Firefly and i have mixed feelings,i expected something better from 9.3 on IMDB.

The JG Man

11-04-2012, 10:39 PM

Problem with expectations that high...give it a bit of time, just let yourself enjoy it. By the time you'll have made up your mind if you wanted to carry on watching it, you'll have actually finished the series. That being said, the extended pilot (Serenity) is much better than the second episode which was hastily thrown together as a new pilot for Fox because the first wasn't actiony enough. Which is ludicrous considering it starts in the middle of a war.

ColOfNature

11-04-2012, 11:08 PM

I never much rated Firefly/Serenity. It was okay. But I came to the party late so I missed out on the whole zeitgeist.

The Innocent

12-04-2012, 01:17 AM

Finished the third season of Justified today. My goodness, I did not see that ending coming. "Slaughterhouse" was an apt name for it, on more than one level. Just another great episode in an incredible series. The last ten minutes were haunting, right down to the last line of dialogue.

Xercies

12-04-2012, 08:42 AM

I also watched two episodes and didn't really get the fuss that was about it and had other better TV shows to put my time on...maybe I should go back to it since I did love Serenity quite a bit.

TillEulenspiegel

12-04-2012, 06:40 PM

I never much rated Firefly/Serenity. It was okay.
Yeah, it's puzzling. The characters are decent, the movie was good, but I can't see where all the hype comes from. Firefly could have become great if it hadn't been canceled, but it's done.

Buffy and Angel are still the highlights of the Whedonverse for me.

The JG Man

12-04-2012, 06:45 PM

I think the could is what gets most people. I actually had this discussion with a friend recently and we've come to the conclusion that yes, Firefly is a great show, but it's more a collection of ideas for something better. The fact it isn't complete really is a detriment to it, much like anything would've been in the same situation. I'm glad I've watched it as much as I have, but over the last year or so, my thoughts on it have tempered a little.

EOT

13-04-2012, 02:14 PM

Rii

13-04-2012, 02:58 PM

//tee-vee wot is this tee-vee?

I can't seem to find the premiere of HBO's "Girls" on the internets yet, any help?

Oh, and Game of Thrones, obv. No interest in reading the books, but the combination of texture and (lack of) substance is appealing enough in one-hour bites. Also, boobs.

Interesting thing about Firefly in comparison to the rest of the Whedonverse is how strong it is right out of the gate, particularly compared to BtVS (we'll just pretend Dollhouse never happened). Course that raises the question of whether it would've gone on to still greater heights, or flamed out early, or what. There was certainly a long-term plan for the series, Serenity gives us many hints in that respect, but I guess we'll never know.

Anyone seen Whedon/Goddard's new horror thing?

DaftPunk

13-04-2012, 05:02 PM

I am quite disappointed by Game of Thrones season 2 so far,first episode was interesting but second one was quite lousy,hope the second season will be on par with first one.

Alex Bakke

13-04-2012, 05:33 PM

Regarding the Chase-Harmon schism:

Chase started it by walking off the set because it was a day where the script was still being doctored as they were filming - He was unhappy with not having a script, or having it changed etc. so he walked off in frustration. Completely unacceptable.

Harmon then decided to try and get the cast and crew to chant something like 'Fuck you, Chevy' to him at the wrap party, whilst his wife and daughter were present. Also completely unacceptable.

Chase sent an angry voicemail, full of naughty swears, to Harmon. Rude, but understandable considering what had happened. Sort of.

Harmon then retaliated by playing the voicemail in public to people. Rude.

Harmon apologised, Chase hasn't so far, but I don't think he will. I just think it's a case of two very opinionated and blunt people colliding - In the long run I hope it won't affect the show, but I'm disappointed in any community fan who happily says things like 'Get rid of Chevy, replace him with another actor/character'.

Ravelle

13-04-2012, 11:13 PM

I am quite disappointed by Game of Thrones season 2 so far,first episode was interesting but second one was quite lousy,hope the second season will be on par with first one.

The first two were just to set things in motion I think, I did enjoy Tyrion's parts in the second episode.

DaftPunk

13-04-2012, 11:15 PM

I though of that myself to,but look at walking dead season 2,it needed five episodes to become interesting :D

Ravelle

13-04-2012, 11:18 PM

Man, don't get me started on the walking dead, they needed two seasons for that. The first 2-3 episodes were great, then nose dive and at the end of season 2, that last shot, bam! Skyrocket.

icupnimpn2

14-04-2012, 06:58 PM

Catching up on some Adventure Time while the rest of my family is off visiting their family. On the surface it is a one-note parody of the "in your face awesome!" Saturday-morning cartoon ethos. Think back to the cheesy dialogue of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (or Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles if you are British and are jealous that ninjas are so awesome but were invented by a country of barbarians), with constant exclamations of "radical!" and etc.

That aside, the show has tons of funny, smart, and quirky references to roleplaying, fantasy, and video game tropes. And it is so very, very strange. Bizarre strange, more so than practically anything on TV. Hallucinatory, at times. The characters are not quite as likely to break out in song (usually set to chiptune backing) as they are to chop the heads off of some undead elves, but it does happen. And when it does it is often... touching.

The setting is not discussed much but is apparently some post-apocalyptic Earth or similar where magic now works but some remnants of technology exist. Finn the human was adopted as a child by Jake the dog's family. Finn may be the last human on the planet, and Jake can inexplicably change the shape and size of his body. Why? Because it's awesome, that's why.

They typically go on quests. Basically every female on the show is either a princess, a ghost, a ghost princess, or a vampire. Townfolk are made of candy and desserts.

Yeah, the show is pretty strange. And knowing that it is strange on purpose does not diminish the joy of it.

Timofee

14-04-2012, 07:13 PM

Mostly Suits, Game of Thrones and (oddly for me) SyFy's Grimm. Which is an enjoyable enough supernatural/crime drama.

I was watching The Walking Dead for a while but, frankly, I prefer the comics. Something about the series' departure from source grates at me something rotten.

Aww, I got excited that there was new episodes of Suits but no such joy - I guess you're just behind ;P Oh well!

Regarding the Chase-Harmon schism...[snip]...
Harmon apologised, Chase hasn't so far, but I don't think he will. I just think it's a case of two very opinionated and blunt people colliding - In the long run I hope it won't affect the show, but I'm disappointed in any community fan who happily says things like 'Get rid of Chevy, replace him with another actor/character'.

Ta for the summary. Disappointing all round really. I do hope it gets another season but as time drags on it looking increasingly unlikely.

The first two were just to set things in motion I think, I did enjoy Tyrion's parts in the second episode.

Peter Dinklage is increasingly excellent and to think I wrote him off after that god awful sci-fi show from a while back about sea monsters or some such - Threshold was it?

I've read the books so clearly I have a good idea of what's coming but to ensure I don't spoil anything I'd suggest you look at S1 as a similar template. That very much built up and up to climax - arguably things only truly got going when Ned made the proclamation about the Mountain and summoned Tywin Lannister to account for his crimes

I though of that myself to,but look at walking dead season 2,it needed five episodes to become interesting :D

I gave up on Walking Dead after ep 1 of season 2. In my view only the pilot was any good and it was down hill from there. So many of the characters were incredibly unlikable.

Timofee

14-04-2012, 07:18 PM

Fumarole

15-04-2012, 12:32 AM

Just NHL playoffs this time of year baby.

Keep

15-04-2012, 01:02 AM

Adventure Time

A friend turned me onto this, it's crazy isn't it?!

I really appreciate how it doesn't pander or dumb down. Kids must be getting their minds blown with it.

Xercies

15-04-2012, 08:42 AM

Ive been watching latest season of game of thrones and actually really enjoying it more then season 1 its a lot more smoother and the characters are presented at the important moments instead of having another conversation about the horribleness of winter. Wondering how there going to adapt a few things later. Also is it me or has the sex and nudity ramped up more as well.

Theblazeuk

15-04-2012, 09:22 AM

Ah you really shouldn't start with season 3 of Venture Bros. Season 2 would be all right but in 3 they decided to start building up a billion different subplots with the characters that originally appeared as throwaway gags.

And I love Adventure Time. Something very wholesome about it whilst at the same time the odd undercurrent of twisted madness seeps through.

DaftPunk

15-04-2012, 10:56 AM

By the way, I tried watching Venture Brothers, it was...odd

It probably didn't help that I could only find Season 3 which clearly seems to have been made with an idea that you'd know who everyone was. But it seemed to jump around from episode to episode to focus on completely different character.

There were some good laughs but after 8 or so eps I found it...well...odd! Not sure if I'll push through and try and watch the rest

You should stick watching Season 2 of Walking Dead,few episodes at the end of season were all like WOOW NO WAY o.O

I loved Venture bros,but you need to start from first episode (Season one obviously xD)to get feeling for humor in series,but after few episodes youwill be laughing like crazy believe me :D

I recently watched STAR WARS:Clone Wars (from the creator of Serious Jack),and its pure action,i liked it.

sendmark

15-04-2012, 12:57 PM

Yeah Venture bros works best starting from season 1, the beautiful bit of it is how some characters change pretty radically over time. Archer is definitely the better show though, just on a different level of writing quality.

Veep should be on shortly, worth looking at how Ianucci handles an american show.

Rii

15-04-2012, 04:53 PM

Ok so I worked out the reason Girls isn't on the internets yet is because it hasn't premiered yet. Oops.

jhonebrin

19-04-2012, 01:43 AM

These shows..
1 Dexter
2 Fringe
3 Revenge
4 Gossip girl

Fredjones

19-04-2012, 02:03 AM

I watch these show regular :-
1 Naruto
2 Bleach
3 Family Guy
4 Simpson
5 homeland

how can i watch homeland online (http://homeland.seriesgate.com/) TV Show online.

Jockie

19-04-2012, 08:03 AM

Ok so I worked out the reason Girls isn't on the internets yet is because it hasn't premiered yet. Oops.

I found the first episode kind of quirky and amusing, but the characters are so out of touch with anything close to reality that I found it pretty hard to enjoy without wanting to point at the screen and shout at them all. Maybe this has something to do with it being set in NY.

squirrel

19-04-2012, 11:05 AM

Awake, about a detective who lost a family member in a car accident. He used to have a wife and a boy. Who he lost is the puzzle, because he was trapped in two universes: one that he lost his wife and in another lost his son.

It took me sometime to recognize the detective is played by the actor who starred Captain Steel in the film Black Hawk Down. Hey, a man can looks so different with and without hair. haha~

Bracket

22-04-2012, 11:21 AM

Did anyone catch The Bridge (Bron/Broen) last night (BBC4)? I thought it was pretty interesting, not sure it deserved some of the hype it's been getting. However from what I've read it appears to be a bit of a slow burner.

I've never heard of Venture Bros. Just started with Archer which Is quality, so I may give it a go.

Also, series 2 of Grandma's House? very good.

Rii

22-04-2012, 12:29 PM

I found the first episode kind of quirky and amusing, but the characters are so out of touch with anything close to reality that I found it pretty hard to enjoy without wanting to point at the screen and shout at them all. Maybe this has something to do with it being set in NY.

I didn't laugh once, but I'm not averse to watching another episode or two. Mostly it's a zeitgeist thing: if 'everyone' is going to be talking about it I'd like to have a frame of reference. Or at least that's my excuse.

Amidst all the praise I found a hater (http://motherjones.com/mixed-media/2012/04/tv-review-girls-hbo-lena-dunham) review. Those are always fun:

When watching HBO's new, hotly hyped Girls, one thing is clear from the get-go: Hipsters are really going to like this show. Which is to say that it is as profoundly bland as it is unstoppably irritating.

The central character is an unsympathetic victim of First World Problems who mumbles her way through a Brooklynite's perdition of unpaid internships and missed orgasms. In its first three episodes, the comedy series establishes a new low for the premium cable network, even surpassing John From Cincinnati in its level of sheer unwatchability.

P.S. Brienna's "I'm no lady" in Game of Throne S02E03 was almost as painful as whatsherface's line "I'm no man" in Return of the King. And that was pretty bad.

Lambchops

22-04-2012, 05:28 PM

I've been watching The Voice UK. It's a damn good light entertainment show. Trying a bit to hard to force "characters" on each of the contestants in tried and tested sob story fashion and the hosts so far have a knack of just repeating the same phrases over and over (yes, yes it'll be a tough decision get on with it!) but hopefully these irritances will become less of a factor once the live shows start. There's some fantastic performers involved (unfortunately a few good ones have fallen by the wayside too soon) and the judging line up are quite likeable. Particularly Will.I.Am who has been upgraded from an idiot who makes mostly shit music to a rather amusing and likeable fellow who makes mostly shit music and overuses the word "dope."

The JG Man

23-04-2012, 02:38 AM

So, what exactly is Girls? I've seen it mentioned here and there.

Anyhow, I've been in the loving throes of Mad Men and am 2/3 of the way through the third season. Good god, this show is mighty. Other than having a massive plot point spoiled for me (immediately after saying I didn't want to talk about it as to avoid spoilers, sigh) I'm just totally in love with it. Presentation and music are perfect, the characters are fantastic, script that is clever and highly witty and is generally so enjoyable to watch.

Xercies

23-04-2012, 06:37 AM

There's some fantastic performers involved (unfortunately a few good ones have fallen by the wayside too soon)

I do have to say the voice has been a bit ruthless with its decisions(and I would argue WRONG! with them as well) they've paired some really good ones together and in any other reality tv show those would probably be going for a few weeks.

Particularly Will.I.Am who has been upgraded from an idiot who makes mostly shit music to a rather amusing and likeable fellow who makes mostly shit music and overuses the word "dope."

Yeah I'm down with this, he is quite funny. But really that last of the blind auditions when he cried a lot was quite facinating to me, he kind of turned likeble then. Also he made me realise he really did sell out a lot if he was writing stuff like that and Where is The Love to Humps and Imma Be.

The JG Man

23-04-2012, 12:52 PM

Not that I'm incredibly knowledgeable about Black Eyed Peas, but I'm under the impression from the people who are that Fergie basically came in and ruined them, or at least the style they had before. Still, I will always make fun of him because his stage name is Will.I.Am and that is unforgivable.

Ravelle

23-04-2012, 07:08 PM

Rii

24-04-2012, 04:38 AM

So, what exactly is Girls? I've seen it mentioned here and there.

Yes, I've heard of these so-called 'girls' also. *snicker*

Ok, sorry.

It is being pitched (or perhaps received) as Sex and the City for a new generation. It is being awarded bonus points for starring a non-photogenic female (http://www.salon.com/2012/04/10/dunham_girls_sex_scares_men) (who is also the show's creator) and having them taken away again (http://www.racialicious.com/2012/04/19/dear-lena-dunham-i-exist) for featuring an all-white cast in a show set in New York City.

The JG Man

24-04-2012, 04:51 AM

Whether or not you think it warrants handing in my Man Card (although I'm certain that should've been rescinded long ago) there's a certainly quality to SaTC that makes it so bad it's good. You know those times when you would be in the same room as the person who had control of the remote and you'd just sit there watching whatever was on? That was SaTC for me. I mean, Carrie is a self-indulgent bitch, Samantha has no real personality outside of "Ohhhh, a guy I haven't slept with yet!" and Miranda and Charlotte existed to have some semblance of rooting in reality. The men aren't that better.

But then there are hilarious moments, like dumping someone by a post-it note. Ha, this is the same guy who happily watched Desperate Housewives (although I gave up with the final season. The show had long become a parody of itself, something I was unwilling to recognise for a bit) and probably a variety of others aimed-at-the-female-persuasion. I'll give this show a go. I've spent worse 30 minutes, I'm sure.

While I'm on the topic, I've rattled through more Mad Men and just finished the season 3 finale. I'm not going to spoil it, but damn, if that episode wasn't one of the best episodes of anything I've watched. 45 minutes of television perfection, as far as I'm concerned. There, that's my masculinity restored.

Rii

24-04-2012, 06:18 AM

The Innocent

24-04-2012, 07:16 AM

I finally got around to watching The Walking Dead season 2 episode 1. It took about four hours to watch, because I'd watch ten minutes, get exasperated, pause the show and do something else, realize the player was still open and turn it back on. Repeat a half-dozen times.

I've been told it gets better later on in the season. Is this true?

ado

24-04-2012, 12:20 PM

Watching Game of Thrones (like everybody else) and Mad Men.

Not much to say about GoT that hasn't been said really; it's pulpy fun with some rather awesome performances. I tried watching season 1 again before s2 started but I couldn't get myself through it; so I guess the show doesn't really hold up to repeat viewings for me. Still enjoying season two immensely.

Now Mad Men is a different beast. It's an absolute thrill to watch this show for me because the craft and detail at display is unparalleled in the medium, and it's extremely entertaining to boot. I watched the previous four seasons in two weeks before season 5 kicked off. It's a very rich show that just keeps on giving and I also find it very rewarding to dissect the show with my friends. It provides a lot of entertaining conversation. Probably the best serialized drama I ever had the opportunity to watch.

Ravelle

24-04-2012, 02:16 PM

The latest Madmen was crazy.

@The Innocent , eh, yes at the last episode of season 2.

notebook

24-04-2012, 03:55 PM

I finally got around to watching The Walking Dead season 2 episode 1. It took about four top 10 (http://www.best-electric-tooth-brush.com/top-10-electric-toothbrush-reader-favorites/) hours to watch, because I'd watch ten minutes, get exasperated, pause the show and do something else, realize the player was still open and turn it back on. Repeat a half-dozen times.

I've been told it gets better later on in the season. Is this true?

I hope it does... I was looking forward to watch that second season!

I usually hate CSI-style cop shows, but been kinda following Hawaii FIve 0. I'm a big fan of Bones and House. I watch The Big Bang Theory, but I think the show is losing its steam, this season Sheldon has been nowhere as funny as he used to be.

I started watching that show with the lawyer, the Firm, but I find that the show is going nowhere, seems like every bad guy becomes an ally and leads to an even bigger bad guy... the same scenario has been ongoing forever and feels like nothing has happened yet :S

Xercies

24-04-2012, 05:54 PM

Girls - Hmm don't know what to think about this one, I quite enjoy it but its not totally funny and sometimes what the characters do and say are either annoying or I don't get because I'm not a girl. But there are soem things that I really do relate to since i'm going to be at their stage coming out of uni myself and it does scare me/interest me/think its funny. So yeah I think I will carry on watching it.

Veep - New Armando Iannucchi show, and basically it is The Thick Of It American style with all that entails. Its got the same potty mouth and the same things go wrong for the main character while they scramble to fix it. Its quite funny even not knowing that much about American and American politics to much but I understand a little to get a few jokes. I don't think it has the edge that the first two seasons of The Thick Of It did though, the main character is a lot more competent then the main character of that show and that takes a little bit of the really sad and vicious storylines and the punches in the gut you kind of got with The Thick Of it but its alright.

Rii

25-04-2012, 08:07 AM

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2012/04/lena-dunham-girls-race.html

Just throwing this link out there re: Girls as its a pretty good teardown of the racial representation issue and helpfully includes a bunch of other links to writings about the show.

So yeah, at this point my reason for watching is because it generates interesting writings and it helps to know what they are on about.

... course by that logic I should probably be watching Mad Men. Bah.

Timofee

25-04-2012, 09:54 AM

I watched Veep last night, I thought it was pretty amusing. Will definitely be watching more

DaftPunk

25-04-2012, 10:29 AM

Walking Dead season 2 have few really good episodes,half of them are boring,half good.

Jockie

25-04-2012, 10:39 AM

I watched Veep and enjoyed it, Ianucci's still great at swearing. None of the characters are quite there yet though, nothing a few more episodes can't fix.

Girls, hmm. I watched the first episode and kind of enjoyed it and kind of hated it. Are the characters supposed to be likeable? The only one I 'liked' was the very strange sort-of boyfriend of the main character. And I didn't like him because he was a cool guy, but because he was very odd but strangely familiar. The main character is painfully self-absorbed though.

Ravelle

25-04-2012, 05:58 PM

Walking Dead season 2 have few really good episodes,half of them are boring,half good.
They spent the whole of season 2 on that freaking farm and dealing with Shane.

The JG Man

26-04-2012, 03:36 AM

The closest I've come to 'chick TV' outside of Girls is probably Buffy, so I'm not much help in the way of direct comparisons. Mainly it caught my eye because writings about it cropped up on Salon and a few other sites I frequent. But sure, it can't hurt to check it out. The second episode was better than the first, incidentally.

I also think I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Mad Men. Actually I don't watch much TV, heh.

I don't know if I'd really consider Buffy 'chick TV', but it's hard to argue with the observation that far-and-away more girls watch it than boys. Also, I strongly recommend Mad Men. It's thoroughly engrossing, with incredibly well developed characters from the get-go, that are both likeable and likeable-as-loathable, with great dialogue and perfect presentation. Give the first episode a go at any rate. If Don Draper doesn't sell it to you, fair play.

As for Girls, well, acquiring the first two episodes, I've just watched the first episode and the first five-or-so minutes of the second. I gave up. I thought the characterisations were really lazy, the dialogue really strained. The thing is, both were really close to reality, but they just didn't quite get it right. Worst of all though, it seemed to have no life about it. No spark or energy. The comparisons to Sex and the City are obvious, hell they even point it out themselves early on, but SaTC had character about it. Everything about Girls just screamed dull.

Is it supposed to be a drama, drama with wit, or a comedy? I thought there were some attempts at being funny, but they kinda fell flat too.

I also acquired Veep in the process. I'll give that a go tomorrow.

Incidentally, whilst watching BBC3 earlier with my housemate during the nightly Family Guy/American Dad binge, there were adverts for Snog, Marry, Avoid?which I'm looking forward to having back, as well as the second series of Lip Service, a hilarious (for the wrong reasons) drama that would be better titled "Lesbians IN SCOTLAND". Urgh. So awful.

Timofee

26-04-2012, 06:33 PM

Girls, hmm. I watched the first episode and kind of enjoyed it and kind of hated it. Are the characters supposed to be likeable? The only one I 'liked' was the very strange sort-of boyfriend of the main character. And I didn't like him because he was a cool guy, but because he was very odd but strangely familiar. The main character is painfully self-absorbed though.

Agreed. I certainly struggle to see what all the hype was about and I honestly found all the characters somewhat annoying. Don't think I'll be going back

Rii

30-04-2012, 09:20 AM

Girls and evolutionary psychology: the New York Times draws a long bow. (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/science/how-hbos-girls-mirrors-the-spirit-of-sisterhood-in-nature.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1)

The JG Man

30-04-2012, 02:04 PM

There's two pages of that?! Ugh. I got about 3/4 down the first and abandoned it. Still, if maybe the writer had spent as much time developing her characters/dialogue as was put into that article, maybe the show would've been good. I actually showed the first episode to a friend, a female of the species, and we started talking about it while it was on, before quickly drifting off into discussion of other, better shows. The same annoyances I had she had. It's not that the characters aren't relateable, it's just so dull.

Also, thank you for using that phrase, Rii. Heard it before, but never been inclined to actually go and look it up. Anyhow, TV!

Watched the first episode of Veep. It's definitely an Americanised The Thick Of It and it shows. It's not bad, but it's not as good as it should be. It just doesn't seem quite as cutting. Otherwise, it's the same show. You can even see some repetition of plot points, even if they're thinly reproduced at best. Still, I'm sure it's more realistic then we'd care for. I'll probably watch the second episode at some point, but not in any rush for it.

Caught up-to-date with Mad Men. It's weird having to finally watch it with clearly cut advert breaks and the "Previously on..." segments at the beginning, but it's nice to be able to be with the pack. It's a fantastic show, that remains consistently or increasingly great in quality. Discussing with the same friend who I watched Girls with, my attention with shows wanes quite quickly unless they're able to maintain a decent level of interest. I'm generally quite picky about shows as a result. So it's refreshing where in a show where not that much happens, or at least not that much actiony, that it's still exciting to watch and it's at its most interesting/enjoyable when the tension is so very palpable and explosions are in arguments, not fire.

Rii

30-04-2012, 02:54 PM

There's two pages of that?! Ugh. I got about 3/4 down the first and abandoned it. Still, if maybe the writer had spent as much time developing her characters/dialogue as was put into that article, maybe the show would've been good.

Heh. I found the article a nice change of pace in that traditionally evolutionary psychology has been persona non grata to, well, to the kinds of people who write about shows like Girls.

I watched the third episode earlier, it was an improvement over the second as the second was over the first. The scene between Lena Dunham's character and her former boyfriend was rather well done I thought. Related to that notion of progressive improvement, it occurs to me that most of the scribblings about the show are coming from media folk who've seen rather more of the series than has been aired to date. Alternatively, maybe it's not so much about the show itself as that it provides the opportunity and background for a discussion folks have been wanting to have anyway.

In other TV news I gave Parks and Recreation a trial episode. Or most of one. Yeah.

Xercies

30-04-2012, 03:35 PM

The problem with both Girls and Veep is that I could take them or leave them and nothing really much would change and actually i would feel better if i left them. There's nothing there that makes me go back to it I'm afraid. In fact unfortunately there is a lot of TV now a days that is like that. Fortunately Fringe is still bloody brilliant.

Splynter

30-04-2012, 06:06 PM

In other TV news I gave Parks and Recreation a trial episode. Or most of one. Yeah.

Parks and Recreation is not an easy show to get into, as the first season is at best mediocre. Near the end it seems that the producers and writers finally figured out what they wanted the show to be, and from there on in it becomes better and better. I'd definitely recommend giving it a chance beyond the first bit. Much funnier than The Office IMO.

EDIT:

Since everyone seems to be talking about Girls, I'll give it a go as well. I watched the pilot, and was thoroughly unimpressed. I didn't laugh once, though I think I may have smirked a couple of times.

Rii

30-04-2012, 06:31 PM

Parks and Recreation is not an easy show to get into, as the first season is at best mediocre. Near the end it seems that the producers and writers finally figured out what they wanted the show to be, and from there on in it becomes better and better. I'd definitely recommend giving it a chance beyond the first bit. Much funnier than The Office IMO.

It was actually one of the more recent episodes that I watched. There was some kind of electoral debate for the position of (I think) mayor? I never really liked Rob Lowe on The West Wing and here he seems like a cross between Ken Barbie and a Boy Scout. But yeah, the show fell as flat for me as Girls seem to have done for most folks here. :P

Splynter

30-04-2012, 09:09 PM

Fair enough. I will say that trying to get into any series by watching a later episode with no context is usually a recipe for failure.

Ravelle

01-05-2012, 01:03 PM

It was actually one of the more recent episodes that I watched. There was some kind of electoral debate for the position of (I think) mayor? I never really liked Rob Lowe on The West Wing and here he seems like a cross between Ken Barbie and a Boy Scout. But yeah, the show fell as flat for me as Girls seem to have done for most folks here. :P

I agree, the first season is a bit bad and the characters aren't fleshed out yet but as the shows goes on becomes way better and hilarious. It has way more interesting characters than The Office in my opinion, Ron Swanson is comedy gold.

Rii

02-05-2012, 08:25 PM

Some wobbly line delivery in Game of Thrones of late. To be fair it's as much a problem with the script, but the better actors manage to rise above the issues there and deliver with conviction regardless.

Drake Sigar

03-05-2012, 08:14 AM

Why oh why didn't they use practical effects for the shade? It would have been so scary to see Renly's shadow move quickly and independently of the man himself. Instead we get a tar monster, except without Tim Curry's voice and the sexual singing.

Theblazeuk

04-05-2012, 12:11 AM

Why oh why didn't they use practical effects for the shade? It would have been so scary to see Renly's shadow move quickly and independently of the man himself.

Yes. So much better. Found it hard to explain to those who didn't read the books

Xercies

04-05-2012, 10:53 AM

Ha nothings practical effects these days any-more, its all CGI because its cheaper. I didn't actually have a problem with it to much actually.

siegarettes

05-05-2012, 07:12 AM

Well I was watching Mushi-shi, but then it up and ending 26 episodes in. It's very somber, subtle and beautiful and I'm sad to know there are no more to watch. I having withdrawal close to when I finished watching Doctor Who (and no I don't have interest in watching the original series).

Neil

07-05-2012, 04:15 PM

I'm watching Dexter too season 6 on fx so no spoiling! Mainly American shows, Alcatraz is alright but it's getting a wee bit repetitive. Just watched the season finale of Homeland with crazy Carrie. Non serious, Would I Lie to You, Bang Goes The Theory and The Gadget Show World Tour. I don't know what i'd do without sky + (other tv recording devices are available)

Timofee

14-05-2012, 10:07 PM

BLAM. The axe has fallen (or should that be SWOOSH?)

Here's my love letter to some of this season's TV

Goodbye Alcatraz, you were okish I guess but I aint gonna miss you. Hello Community, so glad you're sticking around even though you're all but done after this last run of 13 (better than nothing!)

Toodle-pip House, here's hoping your finale isn't terrible (it will be). Yay for more Bob's Burgers which seems to be hitting its stride recently.

Congrats Fringe, I'm delighted you get a chance to give us a real ending and I know (read hope and pray) you'll deliver. Au Revoir The Finder, I never did get round to watching your official first episode and now I shalln't bother.

Bon Voyage In Plain Sight, you were awesome. Oh and hello Episodes, you snuck back onto our screens the other day and I shall be watching you later

Really Nikita? I'm shocked, a little disappointed even, as you're kinda rubbish but I still watch you (loyal bastard that I am). Thank you very much Modern Family (not that you were in doubt), gald to have some reliable easy going comedy each week.

Hurrah for Psych. I know you got renewed ages ago but I'm still happy.

And finally...

Futurama...I fucking love you...and whenever I think of you and the fact that you got uncancelled it makes my day anew. Kisses. Tim

PS QI I love you too but why were you randomly on for a couple of episodes (one of which seemed very familiar even though it supposedly wasn't a repeat) and then off again?

Drake Sigar

14-05-2012, 10:41 PM

I hate Daenerys Targaryen.

Timofee

14-05-2012, 10:52 PM

I hate Daenerys Targaryen.

I thought she was fabulous in season 1. In season 2 she is being a bit the whiny teenager, but that's not especially inconsistent with the books.

On a related note, and being careful to avoid any spoilers I will say that recent 'off book' activity related to her character has me puzzled and I'm intrigued to listen to the dvd commentary to understand why they've done this (I thought the S1 commentaries / special features did a pretty good job of addressing the discrepancies between the show and the books)

Oh and a final note: I am continually impressed by much of the casting for GoT. The two kids (Arya and Brann) especially and the chap who plays Joffrey, weak chin and all. He really does make you want to punch him repeatedly, which I think you have to take as a compliment to his acting.

Ravelle

15-05-2012, 12:06 AM

I quite like Daenerys, she hasn't got the change yet to show some acting if that's what you're referring too, so far she only got to yell about her dragons and beg for a place to stay etc. Hopefully she got some bigger role later on.

I do hate Theon, the way he talks and is , is just ugh.

Xercies

15-05-2012, 09:58 AM

I know I haven't read the book in awhile but is it me or are they changing pretty much everything? A lot of scenes are like, I don't remember that from the book. I kind of don't mind it but it is very noticeable in nearing the end of season 2.

Drake Sigar

15-05-2012, 11:53 AM

I thought she was fabulous in season 1. In season 2 she is being a bit the whiny teenager, but that's not especially inconsistent with the books.

Right now it's like I'm watching Viserys Targaryen 2.0. She comes across as a whiny brat who bought into her brother's attitude and thinks she owns the world. She must have threatened or disrespected every man in Qarth, and has utterly failed to back up those threats because she's in no position to make them in the first place. I don't remember this level of attitude from the books.

corbain

15-05-2012, 01:05 PM

just finished The Killing (Danish, series 1) and thought it was bloody brilliant

Theblazeuk

15-05-2012, 03:41 PM

Right now it's like I'm watching Viserys Targaryen 2.0. She comes across as a whiny brat who bought into her brother's attitude and thinks she owns the world. She must have threatened or disrespected every man in Qarth, and has utterly failed to back up those threats because she's in no position to make them in the first place. I don't remember this level of attitude from the books.

She had the attitude, just all of her doubts were internalised rather than visibly 'acted' and like all fictional characters she was better embodied by your imagination. You read that a princess is acting entitled because she needs to project power, you know the reason why - you see it you just see a spoiled brat.

The inverse is almost coming true with Cersei in that she's much more sympathetic when not seen almost exclusively through the perspective of other people.

Timofee

15-05-2012, 05:51 PM

She had the attitude, just all of her doubts were internalised rather than visibly 'acted' and like all fictional characters she was better embodied by your imagination. You read that a princess is acting entitled because she needs to project power, you know the reason why - you see it you just see a spoiled brat.

The inverse is almost coming true with Cersei in that she's much more sympathetic when not seen almost exclusively through the perspective of other people.

I concur.

I think Lena Headey is another doing an excellent job and her scene with Peter Dinklage in the most recent episode was excellent.

sabrage

15-05-2012, 05:59 PM

I'm impressed. I watched the whole first season of Game of Thrones and I didn't pick up a single first name.

Ravelle

15-05-2012, 06:08 PM

Timofee

15-05-2012, 06:42 PM

Oh good I'm not the only one. I started reading the first book after I've watched the first season and got all confused, names were dropped and I was like Who are all these people and had to look up those names and the coins dropped when they included a picture of the actors.

Strangely I had no problems with GoT. I think the classic for this sort of issue, at least for me, was Band of Brothers - it was probably only on my 3rd or 4th watch through that I picked up everyones names and suddenly realised how certain people were that only popped up occasionally and why one guy would be upset because all his mates had died

Ravelle

15-05-2012, 09:41 PM

Strangely I had no problems with GoT. I think the classic for this sort of issue, at least for me, was Band of Brothers - it was probably only on my 3rd or 4th watch through that I picked up everyones names and suddenly realised how certain people were that only popped up occasionally and why one guy would be upset because all his mates had died

They're also not really well introduced in GoT, they just appear suddenly doing their thing and being the king of something, like Renly for example. I had no clue what he was king of and who he was associated with because his name wasn't mentioned.

Xercies

16-05-2012, 08:12 AM

I do have to say the book especially but also the tv show info dumps a lot of names on you and you kind of glaze over them since they probably arent to important then you find they are but cant remember their names when they show up.

Theblazeuk

16-05-2012, 03:17 PM

I'm pretty good with names. The Wire was my training ground.

(Though GoT is a cheat as I started reading the books in lower sixth, 2003)

Juan Carlo

17-05-2012, 05:19 AM

Shows currently on air that I watch:

Game of Thrones
Mad Men
Breaking Bad
Louie
Archer
South Park
Veep (new show on HBO)
Girls (new show on HBO)
Boardwalk Empire (I don't love this show, but it's OK enough to watch)
Homeland
Life and Times of Eric (this might be canceled, but it's good)
Venture Brothers
Enlightened (awesome, overlooked show on HBO. You should try it)
Children's Hospital (on Adult Swim)
Workaholics (comedy central)
Parks and Recreation

That's pretty much it, I think. This might sound like a lot, but only like 2 or 3 of these are on air at one time. Most are usually on hiatus for most of the year. So I really don't watch all that much TV, all things considered.

Juan Carlo

17-05-2012, 05:34 AM

I concur.

I think Lena Headey is another doing an excellent job and her scene with Peter Dinklage in the most recent episode was excellent.

The lady who plays Cersei is the best actor on that show. And she has the most difficult role, too.

Theblazeuk

17-05-2012, 04:44 PM

Shows currently on air that I watch:

Venture Brothers

Wait this is on air again???

SirKicksalot

17-05-2012, 08:32 PM

Luther is great. If you liked that modern Sherlock show you'll like this one. It's just as OTT but in a different way - less, uh, autism, more Idris Elba being a ticking bomb.

Ravelle

17-05-2012, 11:06 PM

Luther is great. If you liked that modern Sherlock show you'll like this one. It's just as OTT but in a different way - less, uh, autism, more Idris Elba being a ticking bomb.

Sherlock is pretty much the same as Doctor Who sans timetraveling, but I guess Mofiat likes that lightspeed dialogues and twitchy mannerism thing.

sabrage

17-05-2012, 11:46 PM

Luther is alright, but only because of Idris Elba and, to a lesser extent, Ruth Wilson. I thought the "themed serial killers" thing was really hokey for a show that obviously takes itself quite seriously.

Sidian

18-05-2012, 12:41 AM

Sherlock is pretty much the same as Doctor Who sans timetraveling, but I guess Mofiat likes that lightspeed dialogues and twitchy mannerism thing.

I disagree. I think there's a special place in the lowest depths of hell reserved for adults who like Doctor Who, and yet I really like Sherlock (though it goes a bit over the top in some of the recent episodes).

Anyway, I've started watching The West Wing. So far, so good.

Juan Carlo

18-05-2012, 12:56 AM

Wait this is on air again???

By "on air" I meant shows that are still being made (even if they are currently on hiatus). As far as I know, Venture Brothers hasn't been canceled so it will be back at some point.

Xercies

18-05-2012, 12:10 PM

I think there's a special place in the lowest depths of hell reserved for adults who like Doctor Who

NOOOO! Its probably one of the best shows in Britain now, and that is saying something. Its actually one of those shows children and adults can enjoy and I don't complain about it to much.

Theblazeuk

18-05-2012, 12:46 PM

I disagree. I think there's a special place in the lowest depths of hell reserved for adults who like Doctor Who

There is but it's the VIP lounge. Mohitos, jacuzzi and a good view of all the joyless snobs writhing in agony forever :P

Lukasz

18-05-2012, 01:39 PM

saw today last episode of community. don't watch tv so waiting for dvds but i needed to see it now. love this show.

Dubbill

18-05-2012, 08:12 PM

An episode that takes place in an 8-bit game is part of what makes Community so special:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgR7oeIXFA

The JG Man

18-05-2012, 09:08 PM

New series of Snog, Marry, Avoid? Yes, you can judge me. Yes, you're probably right. Yes, I still enjoy it.

Ravelle

19-05-2012, 12:27 PM

An episode that takes place in an 8-bit game is part of what makes Community so special:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgR7oeIXFA

That episode was so brilliant.

With Harmon fired of his current position and new writers I'm kind of worried for the next season.

sabrage

19-05-2012, 12:30 PM

I disagree. I think there's a special place in the lowest depths of hell reserved for adults who like Doctor Who, and yet I really like Sherlock (though it goes a bit over the top in some of the recent episodes).

Anyway, I've started watching The West Wing. So far, so good.
Are you a senior citizen?

Xercies

19-05-2012, 03:45 PM

Eh I actually didn't like the episode to much, I don't think it was funny enough and outside of the aesthetic it didn't really do much with it. i think I still prefer when Futurama did it because it was a lot funnier and did it in a really good way. The other episodes was great and have been first hearing about this Harmen issue and hope he stays otherwise Community wouldn't be Community without him.

Dubbill

19-05-2012, 05:19 PM

Yeah, I didn't find it to be a great episode either. I don't think the script was that good and - as with animated Xmas special - the cast seem to struggle with voice acting. However I was still happy because the writers yet again pushed the boundaries of what a sitcom can/should be and because it was nice to see Dan Harmon's love of Minecraft showing a small influence.

kstress71

20-05-2012, 02:31 AM

I'm a bit neurotic about watching shows that I get into from the start, so I'm still trying to get caught up on Bones (even though I have come to hate that smug bitch).

Then I'm about to finish up S1 of Eureka.

After that, eager to dive into Mad Men from the start.

Xercies

20-05-2012, 10:28 AM

Yep Harmon is out and probably the worst people ever are in and they want to "broaden the shows appeal" so goodbye community you were fun while you lasted

mrpier

20-05-2012, 11:15 AM

Meh, last few episodes haven't been that funny really, so either I have started to grow tired of community, or it might have started losing steam in its own?

squirrel

20-05-2012, 12:31 PM

I watch a Japanese anime Mardock Scramble. I know its 1st episode has been released in the west, out of 3 episodes planned.

A cyberpunk title, about a young prostitute, Balot (a child prostitute in mange, they increased her age so that they can display nudity in anime without breaking child porn law) got murdered by a serial killer, Shell. She was subsequently revived by a doctor, Dr. Easter, who currently made a living by working as private investigator, by transforming her into a cyborg. Turn out the doctor was under contract by the government prosecutor who wanted to nail down this very serial killer who had murdered 6 other prostitutes. The doctor promised the girl that they can share 50-50 on government bounty by securing a guilty verdict against the killer, and assigned a AI in the form of a mouse to assist her. The issue is, Shell, in order to ensure no prosecutor could be after him, erased his very own memories of his crimes, and stored them in some mainframes, so that he could truthfully deny his crime in the court, that's how private investigator like Dr. Easter would be hired, to see if he could figured out a way to prove the killer guilty.

Turn out Shell chose to go after the prostitutes for more practical reason than just being a pervert. He laundered money for a large corporation, the October, which conducted illegal business in developing forbidden technologies over human body enhancement. The money laundry operations involved setting bogus bank accounts in the name of those prostitutes without their knowledge, and once a particular job was done, that particular prostitue whose identity was stolen for the bank account must be gone for good, i.e. murdered (of course, after being banged). The practical reason he targeted prostitutes was that prostitutes are underdogs of the society. If they are gone, police just won't give a damn. They won't truly go other the killer. In one scene, two cops interrogated Balot on site back in an occasion when she was still a human being, and when learnt that she was violated by her father in the age of 12, they simply left her alone, as they weren't pursuing any charges against this underdog anyway. Actually, all the government prosecutor cared about was the financial crime, which he held no proof against, so in stead then he pursued the murder charge against Shell, now that he got a "live" witness Balot, as her cyborgization had been authorized.

sendmark

20-05-2012, 12:34 PM

Meh, last few episodes haven't been that funny really, so either I have started to grow tired of community, or it might have started losing steam in its own?
Well you're welcome to your opinion, but the last three episodes of the Community season were great. The 8bit minecraft/nintendo tribute episode was very memorable, also a beautifully done 'oh its britta' heist and then the final episode was nicely emotional without losing its 'crooked wang' sense of humour. A Harmon-led final season would have been immense, but I'll take 3 full seasons of this quality.

Looking forward to what Harmon does next, his Adult Swim pilot will be interesting at the very least.

Sidian

20-05-2012, 01:45 PM

Are you a senior citizen?

Close enough - 20.

I'll never understand how people can like Doctor Who. It couldn't be more blatantly for kids and is just so... silly. Many other terms I could use to describe it including but not limited to: cheesy, childish, badly acted, terrible CGI, terrible make-up and costume design, and so on but I think silly sums it up best. I'm actually a fan of sci fi, and I think it sullies sci fi's good name.

But hey, to each their own and all that.

Drake Sigar

20-05-2012, 02:07 PM

The JG Man

20-05-2012, 02:08 PM

Perhaps there's something enjoyable about this silly? I think one of the most commonly used terms to describe Dr. Who is fun. People like seeing an adventure and when you stop to think about it, there aren't really many shows, or even films, that week-in-week-out are an adventure, especially one that is far more enjoyable than not. You say cheesy, I say endearing. You say childish, I say light hearted. You say badly acted...well, actually, I'm a bit stumped by that one. Other than the direction of the earlier 'new Who', I can't say that it has on the whole been badly performed.

Most critically though, you say it sullies sci fi's good name? Couldn't disagree more. Dr. Who has always been pushing new ideas, looking at things from a wide-lens perspective to try and incorporate everything. It's certainly not traditionally hard SF, such as 2001, but it's a lot more consistent than say, Star Trek. Some of it isn't even said, just shown to you with dioramas of landscapes, or the very conception of time being presented differently.

EDIT: Also, what Drake said.

psyk

20-05-2012, 02:09 PM

Indian ocean with simon reeve and re watching chuck

Ravelle

22-05-2012, 04:48 PM

Xercies

22-05-2012, 05:57 PM

God its night and day between tennent and matt storylines. The overall arc of matts is a mess but individuel episodes are pretty strong especially the second half of season 6.

MD!

23-05-2012, 01:12 AM

Close enough - 20.

I'll never understand how people can like Doctor Who. It couldn't be more blatantly for kids and is just so... silly. Many other terms I could use to describe it including but not limited to: cheesy, childish, badly acted, terrible CGI, terrible make-up and costume design, and so on but I think silly sums it up best. I'm actually a fan of sci fi, and I think it sullies sci fi's good name.

But hey, to each their own and all that.

I'm not a Doctor Who fan, but if "silly" to you is a self-evidently negative adjective, there's the problem! Just a matter of taste, but some of us like silliness :)
Not all silliness of course. But good silly things can be charming and fun.

Sidian

23-05-2012, 01:21 AM

Ignoring the quality of the show for a moment - If you don't find anything remarkable about the existence of an action hero who defeats his enemies by thinking, I can't help you. There is nothing more English than Doctor Who.

I like intelligent plans and battles of wit but I haven't seen anything remotely close to that in Doctor Who. Sherlock comes a lot closer to it.

Perhaps there's something enjoyable about this silly? I think one of the most commonly used terms to describe Dr. Who is fun. People like seeing an adventure and when you stop to think about it, there aren't really many shows, or even films, that week-in-week-out are an adventure, especially one that is far more enjoyable than not. You say cheesy, I say endearing. You say childish, I say light hearted. You say badly acted...well, actually, I'm a bit stumped by that one. Other than the direction of the earlier 'new Who', I can't say that it has on the whole been badly performed.

Most critically though, you say it sullies sci fi's good name? Couldn't disagree more. Dr. Who has always been pushing new ideas, looking at things from a wide-lens perspective to try and incorporate everything. It's certainly not traditionally hard SF, such as 2001, but it's a lot more consistent than say, Star Trek. Some of it isn't even said, just shown to you with dioramas of landscapes, or the very conception of time being presented differently.

EDIT: Also, what Drake said.

As I said, to each their own. I must say, though, that these are similar arguments I hear when people defend My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (a show a lot of adult males who call themselves 'bronies' actually like, and claim it isn't for children or indeed childish - it's fun! It's light hearted!), another show I dislike for vaguely similar reasons. See also: One Piece.

The JG Man

23-05-2012, 02:05 AM

I don't really see a problem with people liking My Little Pony. I don't watch it myself, but I remember reading a quote from its producer going they wanted to make a fun show, not a show for children. It's like how The Simpsons, originally anyhow, had jokes for older and younger people, there's something there for everyone. Dr. Who caters in a similar fashion.

That being said, I take issue with you saying that there isn't intelligence or battles of wit. Take for instance the conclusion to the two-parter that opened the latest season. The Doctor basically defeated the enemy by letting them take themselves down, using their own vehicle to deliver the method to do so. Also, it's not just about solving a mystery, although obviously they're present a lot of the time. Sometimes it's as simple as just experiencing the scenario.

Sidian

23-05-2012, 02:31 AM

I thought that if anything you'd think my comparison to MLP was outrageous, a show that I don't think could be any more purposefully aimed at 7 year old girls, with absolutely no maturity in it at all no matter how deep into it 'bronies' search, but even that you don't see as childish. Oh well.. Doctor Who isn't for me, but I wish you the best and hope you continue to enjoy it. Good day, sir!

Drake Sigar

23-05-2012, 09:11 AM

I like intelligent plans and battles of wit but I haven't seen anything remotely close to that in Doctor Who. Sherlock comes a lot closer to it.
This is an issue of quality again. You still concede that he defeats his enemies with his mind, yes? Then my point stands.

Jockie

23-05-2012, 11:38 AM

I'd been operating on the assumption that people who claim My Little Pony is awesome are the people who are not coincidentally partaking in the inhalation of 'wacky-baccy' (as I believe the youngsters call it). If you watch that cartoon and think it's good and aren't high.. well I'm not going to throw insults at you, but take what you like from the fact I'm having to restrain myself from doing so.

Winged Nazgul

23-05-2012, 12:00 PM

Thank goodness I'm too old to worry about if people think my tastes are childish or not.

Dr. Who rocks. I first watched it back in the 80's when Tom Baker was on US reruns and consider myself a lifelong fan.

Vague-rant

23-05-2012, 07:33 PM

Recently one of my flatmates was watching Lockie Leonard on iPlayer. Needless to say I mocked her for watching a CBBC show. Now we both watch it... I'd like to say I'm watching it "Ironically" or something, but you know what, its actually fairly funny. The episode where they had a twisted parody of 80s(?) sitcoms was pretty well done.

Edit: Probably going to need a bit of explanation for the show- doubt many people in general have seen it. Drama/Comedy based around a surfer kid and his oddball family. More intelligent than you'd expect and I am informed they handled mental illness fairly well at some point (not too surprising given the nature of the family).

Sidian

23-05-2012, 08:46 PM

This is an issue of quality again. You still concede that he defeats his enemies with his mind, yes? Then my point stands.

That's great, I guess. But what I dislike about it has nothing to do with that.

Sketch

29-05-2012, 04:19 AM

Game of Thrones' latest episode.

I uh, hnnnnnnghhh

DeathPig

29-05-2012, 05:19 AM

How I Met Your Mother.

Waiting for Season 8..which I think will be the last.

Started watch Psych again too. Last episode of season 1.

Tristla

29-05-2012, 05:23 AM

Game of Thrones is my best love!

Xercies

29-05-2012, 07:08 AM

Game of thrones latest episode was one of the most epic episodes of television i think ive ever seen and i was surprised it wasnt on a cinema screen. That is a must see!

Ravelle

29-05-2012, 08:28 AM

Game of thrones latest episode was one of the most epic episodes of television i think ive ever seen and i was surprised it wasnt on a cinema screen. That is a must see!

Certainly character's best moments so far, every bit between Tyrion and Joffrey is golden. The wildfire thing was just spectacular.

Fuck the King's Guard, Fuck the Kingdoms's and Fuck the King. So good.

Rii

29-05-2012, 12:42 PM

I'd been operating on the assumption that people who claim My Little Pony is awesome are the people who are not coincidentally partaking in the inhalation of 'wacky-baccy'

I'm no expert on the Brony phenomenon, but I've always thought that it reflected suppressed yearning amongst alienated young males for affection, tenderness, and so on -- needs that are made ever more pressing by a modern culture that encourages women's agency rather than directing them to the fulfillment of those emotional needs that men are not allowed to admit they have. The highly artificial and self-conscious worship associated with being a Brony are the means by which its members avoid recognising the truth in each other's eyes. Masculinity still has its rules.

Or, y'know, I could just be projecting.

For what it's worth I thought the opening two-parter was awesome but none of the other half-dozen or so episodes I watched quite measured up to it.

Winged Nazgul

29-05-2012, 12:55 PM

Or it could be the Executive Producer for MLP, Lauren Faust, is really, really good at producing shows that transcend gender biases. I'm certainly not enamored of the pony show, but I do have a fondness for The Powerpuff Girls, one of her earlier efforts. So I can see why others would fall as well for MLP.

Kadayi

29-05-2012, 01:07 PM

Game of thrones latest episode was one of the most epic episodes of television i think ive ever seen and i was surprised it wasnt on a cinema screen. That is a must see!

Yeah it was pretty amazing. HBO really let them push the boat out on the budget there bigtime. Looking forward to the season finale, but there's no way it's going to live upto the sheer epicness of 'Blackwater'.

Rii

29-05-2012, 01:09 PM

Or it could be the Executive Producer for MLP, Lauren Faust, is really, really good at producing shows that transcend gender biases.

If the show had an equivalent following amongst females aged 18-25yrs I might be more inclined to accept this.

Winged Nazgul

29-05-2012, 01:54 PM

If the show had an equivalent following amongst females aged 18-25yrs I might be more inclined to accept this.

That such a following doesn't exist does not necessarily mean that the show does not appeal to that demographic. Having watched a few episodes, I can't find anything that would be repelling to them. It could be that they just don't feel the need to be as demonstrative about liking it as their male counterparts.

Alexrd

29-05-2012, 02:10 PM

Mad Men (Season 5)
Game of Thrones (Season 2)

Splynter

29-05-2012, 02:29 PM

Yeah it was pretty amazing. HBO really let them push the boat out on the budget there bigtime. Looking forward to the season finale, but there's no way it's going to live upto the sheer epicness of 'Blackwater'.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well they pulled the battle off. The budget must have been monstrous. I will say that I'm definitely past the age where I think seeing someone chopped clean in half is a 'cool' thing. There's one more episode this season, correct?

Ravelle

29-05-2012, 05:41 PM

I was pleasantly surprised at how well they pulled the battle off. The budget must have been monstrous. I will say that I'm definitely past the age where I think seeing someone chopped clean in half is a 'cool' thing. There's one more episode this season, correct?

Yeah, the season Finale.

ColOfNature

29-05-2012, 11:55 PM

sabrage

30-05-2012, 12:28 AM

Googling Lauren Faust certainly made me more interested in MLP.

Haven't found any new shows that gripped me and I don't want to play catch-up with Game of Thrones, so I'm back to the comedy re-run rotation:
-Arrested Development
-Archer
-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Workaholics premieres tonight though. Should be good. I've been listening to a lot of Childish Gambino lately and I'm convinced I should try Community as well.

Sketch

30-05-2012, 03:17 AM

Anyone planning to record the season finale of Game of Thrones be aware that it's about ten minutes longer than usual!

Drake Sigar

30-05-2012, 09:12 AM

edit: And then I watched Going Postal again and OH MY GOD is Charles Dance not just the perfect choice for Vetinari?

Charles Dance reminds me of Jeremy Irons (which is fitting considering Jeremy was the celebrity authority figure in Colour of Magic) - he's a fantastic actor who keeps showing up in these minor roles and steals the show every time.

Timofee

30-05-2012, 09:57 AM

Just watched the TV adaptation of The Colour of Magic again and while it's probably the least of its ilk I'm still impressed by how well they captured the feel of Pratchett's world. (Going Postal is the best of the three, with Hogfather a close second.)

edit: And then I watched Going Postal again and OH MY GOD is Charles Dance not just the perfect choice for Vetinari?

edit2: David Suchet should be given more opportunities to be the villain. He was awesome in "Hidden" too.

I really liked Going Postal. I'm somewhat hopeful they'll follow it up with the other Moist books. Must admit though I thought David Suchet was awful in it.

Colour of Magic really grated with me, especially the casting. "HAHA celebrity likes Terry Pratchett quick cast him in a role - any role will do"

Sadly I appreciate that the economies of film-making mean the programs probably wouldn't have been made otherwise, so I guess I'm thankful to them. But honestly when writing list of actors to play Rincewind and the tourist, David Jason and Sean Astin wouldn't have even crossed my mind.

I agree that Charles Dance was a great choice, much better than Jeremy Irons who seemed to give Vetinari a weird speech impediment (I dont think Irons naturally has it but maybe I'm wrong?).

As they're my favourites I remain thankful that they've thus far steered clear of the Watch books as I'd hate to see them half-arsed. Although I do believe they could be fabulous with LotR-esque budget.

I also maintain that Hugh Laurie would make for an outstanding Vimes and while I'd happily give the job back to Charles Dance I think Rowan Atkinson channeling Blackadder II would be a phenomenal Vetinari. Someone like Damian Lewis could potentially pull off Carrot (although not in stature)

ColOfNature

30-05-2012, 03:05 PM

I gather the next one to be adapted will be Unseen Academicals. Maybe not the best of the books, but it ought to make for good telly.

Oh, and Hugh Laurie as Vimes would be the best thing ever. Although a Blackadder Goes Forth-era Atkinson would do well too.

Sidian

30-05-2012, 07:44 PM

Ravelle

30-05-2012, 08:42 PM

That's a good list of quality humor there, all of them with their own sense of it too.

Rii

31-05-2012, 09:47 AM

So after reading (not just here) that the latest episode of Game of Thrones was the BESTEST EVER I was kinda disappointed in the result. The action was generally competent but ... so what? Action scenes aren't why I watch Game of Thrones or almost anything else for that matter. I thought the best parts of the episode (beyond the Wildfire CGI which was, I admit, spectacular) were the melancholy and foreboding scenes leading up to it, and Cersei's scenes thereafter; also The Hound's.

Jockie

31-05-2012, 10:35 AM

It was the Hound's best episode yet.

I'm beginning to tire a bit of Tyrion though. I'm just not sure Dinklage gets the character (or maybe his take on it just differs from my own), everything is so dry. The Tyrion I pictured used his sarcasm as armour sure, but he was also a man of lusts and passions who seemed to own his status (as an outsider) and almost use it as an offensive weapon and revel in his scheming. Dinklage's (take a slightly 'off' moment of weeping aside) just seems to be a smart guy, who doesnt really give a shit, I just don't get any emotion from the character. Also the accent is inexcusably bad.

I don't think he's awful, and he can certainly deliver a witty barb, I just think there's more to the character than doing that ad-nauseum. I always got a sense of the character actually enjoying himself, whereas he looks perpetually bored on the show.

Xercies

31-05-2012, 10:42 AM

I disagree completly i think he is exactly what i thought from the books and he is still my favourite character.

airtekh

01-06-2012, 11:21 AM

I just subscribed to Netflix, so I'm checking out a bunch of stuff I've been meaning to watch for a while but never got around to.

Stuff I've been switching between include: The (US) Office, The IT Crowd, Firefly, Arrested Development, Breaking Bad and The Thick of It; all of which I'm enjoying.

Drake Sigar

04-06-2012, 09:42 PM

Season finale of Game of Thrones was the best in terms of acting. Just about everyone had their moment, and even characters that were really beginning to grate on me like Daenerys and Theon Greyjoy (at times I swear that guy could have been related to prequel Anakin Skywalker) completely turned things around. Not sure what the wizard's plan was concerning the dragons. Was he not expecting them to breathe fire or grow ever? Was he merely waiting to move them to a more suitable location? Does room space not apply when sorcery is concerned?

Well whatever, great episode.

Kadayi

04-06-2012, 11:13 PM

Been getting into Episodes season 2. Some great lines in there and Matt Lablanc is just so amoral it's hilarious.

Shane

05-06-2012, 05:41 AM

Well whatever, great episode.

From what I've been hearing it was the worst episode by far, full of cliffhangers and butchering the source material to a bloody pulp.

Xercies

05-06-2012, 08:10 AM

I have to say it wasnt the best episode it felt overstuffed yet the storylines they closed felt weak since they didnt have time to close everything. Also they have changed Arya character a little bit and dissapointed we didnt get full dany vision since that was the best bit of the storyline.

Drake Sigar

05-06-2012, 08:12 AM

From what I've been hearing it was the worst episode by far, full of cliffhangers and butchering the source material to a bloody pulp.I've got all the books thus far and couldn't give a toss. This was all they could do with the time they had. I thought they'd end on the red wedding, though maybe that was in the next book?

sabrage

05-06-2012, 10:13 AM

All caught up with Game of Thrones. I still like it.

sendmark

05-06-2012, 11:35 AM

It was a mixed episode, some really great moments but also some bits that felt a bit rushed. Left themselves a bit too much to do and the directing wasn't as strong this week compared to Blackwater. Still great though and this season was a big improvement over season 1, going to be hard waiting another year for season 3.

Rii

10-06-2012, 07:03 AM

Apparently Game of Thrones was the most pirated show of the US television season (http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/9/3073610/game-of-thrones-most-pirated-show-season-2012), with almost as many illegal downloads as legal viewers.

The season finale was rushed and disjointed and as such somewhat unsatisfying. Under the circumstances it's unlikely that anyone could've done better, but I hope there's an extended version of the episode come the DVD/Blu-Ray release.

Shane

10-06-2012, 04:48 PM

Guess I'm the only one who didn't like the show.

ColOfNature

10-06-2012, 08:39 PM

You're not alone. I watched for a bit but I lost interest after the first couple of episodes.

Alex Bakke

10-06-2012, 10:28 PM

30 Rock is great and I love it.

Ravelle

11-06-2012, 03:08 PM