Author Topic: The TV shows you've seen recently thread. (Read 2083802 times)

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9300 on:** June 16, 2014, 01:43:28 AM »

Halt and Catch Fire turned its main protagonist into a bisexual '80s Don Draper. I like it.

Junpei the Tracer! · « **Reply #9301 on:** June 16, 2014, 10:06:14 PM »

24:LAD is good but

spoiler (click to show/hide)

wtf no silent clock for heller :'(

[close]

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9302 on:** June 17, 2014, 01:32:33 AM »

I'm actually surprised that the show didn't really touch upon that incredibly awkward scene in Pamela Part 1 at all. It addressed it and then more or less ignored it, but the Internet sure flipped its shit.

However, that was a good season finale.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9303 on:** June 17, 2014, 01:51:37 AM »

just a reminder: Rectify is starting its second season on Thursday night. Since we live in a world where HBO canceled Enlightened, the only other show on TV that mirrors its ponderous, meditative, reflective insight into the human soul is this one. I can't wait. Early reviews have it slated as the best show of the summer.

Beezy · « **Reply #9304 on:** June 17, 2014, 05:14:33 AM »

Just finished OITNB after binge watching both seasons in a week. Enjoyed both, but the 2nd season was easily better mainly because of Vee. The only thing s1 has over s2 is more Pornstache.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9305 on:** June 17, 2014, 09:18:23 PM »

Ughhhh, do I miss anything if I just skip season 2 of The Wire and go right to 3? This is pretty horrendous.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #9306 on:** June 17, 2014, 10:51:34 PM »

Finished watched True Detective. I'll try to keep my thoughts general and spoiler free and short.

My relatively new thing in recent years is to generally avoid watching the hype shows that draw a lot of internet buzz the same time as everybody else so I won't be influenced/annoyed by the praise or the backlash or over analysis these type of shows tend to generate.

I liked True Detective. I thought it was good. Very good even. Short of great. Short of that top pantheon of shows that form the top echelon imo of what television can do.

I liked the first half more than the second half. I think the best thing about the show is the slow and moody tone it establishes and the relationship between the two leads. The actual murder mystery itself I found less compelling so I liked the second half a bit less because it focused more on that.

It's a little indulgent sometimes. Especially with the McConaughey character so it can delve into actors delivering monologues but whatever. Lots of recent wanna be artsy kind of shows fall a little into that trap. (The American House of Cards springs to mind)

Ultimately I appreciate it tonally rather than maybe subject matter wise. But anyway you get your enjoyment is valid.

Beezy · « **Reply #9307 on:** June 17, 2014, 11:35:24 PM »

Quote from: TVC 15 on June 17, 2014, 09:18:23 PM

Ughhhh, do I miss anything if I just skip season 2 of The Wire and go right to 3? This is pretty horrendous.

Wow. White people usually love season 2.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #9308 on:** June 17, 2014, 11:37:39 PM »

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #9309 on:** June 18, 2014, 12:27:41 AM »

Just downloaded the season (series?) finale of Fargo.

chronovore · « **Reply #9310 on:** June 18, 2014, 12:45:54 AM »

Just finished the Ceuf episode of Hannibal s1, where whole families are killed, saving the mother for last. I've previously felt the writing to be serviceable, but it was jus outright fantastic in this episode. Horrifying.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9311 on:** June 18, 2014, 01:22:34 AM »

Fargo's finale was tidier than I expected it to be, so I agree with AVClub's B+ review of it. It just wasn't as amazing as the past six or seven episodes had been.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #9312 on:** June 18, 2014, 01:45:05 AM »

It was a great season finale in the same way True Detective was. It didn't do anything mind-blowing because it didn't need to. It brought satisfying resolution to a great season of TV. I kinda liked that a lot of things strongly paralleled the movie's ending. Also:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gus Grimly being the one to finish off Malvo was great. It was nice to see him learn from Malvo's riddle and have his redemption.

[close]

Overall, this was one hell of a series. It's a real toss-up for me between this and True Detective for my favorite show of 2014 so far. I hope these two badass shows pave the way for more anthology series' and mini-series. It's really nice having 10 episodes of TV show with a well thought out beginning, middle and end.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #9313 on:** June 18, 2014, 01:45:31 AM »

Now all my shows are done their seasons.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9314 on:** June 18, 2014, 01:48:57 AM »

Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on June 18, 2014, 01:45:05 AM

It was a great season finale in the same way True Detective was. It didn't do anything mind-blowing because it didn't need to. It brought satisfying resolution to a great season of TV. I kinda liked that a lot of things strongly paralleled the movie's ending. Also:

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Gus Grimly being the one to finish off Malvo was great. It was nice to see him learn from Malvo's riddle and have his redemption.
[close]

Overall, this was one hell of a series. It's a real toss-up for me between this and True Detective for my favorite show of 2014 so far. I hope these two badass shows pave the way for more anthology series' and mini-series. It's really nice having 10 episodes of TV show with a well thought out beginning, middle and end.

That's exactly why I didn't like TD's finale, either. Two great shows with disappointing endings. Ah well, can't win them all.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #9315 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:03:00 AM »

Fair enough. I don't think every show needs to have Breaking Bad levels of tension and twists, but that's just me.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #9316 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:30:12 AM »

Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on June 18, 2014, 02:03:00 AM

Fair enough. I don't think every show needs to have Breaking Bad levels of tension and twists, but that's just me.

Breaking Bad's finale was tidy too haha

Anyhow, I enjoyed Fargo's finale more than TD's. As for the entire seasons, I'm not sure.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9317 on:** June 18, 2014, 04:53:47 AM »

Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on June 18, 2014, 02:03:00 AM

Fair enough. I don't think every show needs to have Breaking Bad levels of tension and twists, but that's just me.

Though Breaking Bad had its best episode in Ozymandias, the actual finale, whereas I don't consider the two episodes after that an ending but rather a predictable epilogue.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #9318 on:** June 18, 2014, 10:39:19 AM »

In retrospect Breaking Bad's finale felt like fan service. Not saying it was bad, just that things went too swell IMO.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #9319 on:** June 18, 2014, 01:33:21 PM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on June 18, 2014, 10:39:19 AM

In retrospect Breaking Bad's finale felt like fan service. Not saying it was bad, just that things went too swell IMO.

Retrospect? Come on, you watched The Shield, you know an awesome finale when you see one.

Steve Contra · « **Reply #9320 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:04:29 PM »

Breaking Bad's finale was perfect for the "no serious guys, I'm a bad guy and a piece of shit, what is wrong with dudes that sympathize with me? are there really that many sociopaths in America?" speech he gave to Skyler (and the fans)

TVC15 · « **Reply #9321 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:09:12 PM »

Last episodes of True Detective spoilers:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

The big problem with True Detective is that the last 2 episodes are pretty weak. 7 is like all exposition along with a couple of really stupid plot points (ie. Rust breaking into that bigass mansion and being able to quickly find the tape, and Marty figuring out that the killer's ears were green because he was painting a house green wtf). 8 I've grown to appreciate more but I still find it anticlimactic. Rust's change of character in the hospital scenes seemed really forced--actually, all the hospital stuff was kind of shit). I also found all the stuff that went down on the boat to force the limits of credulity a bit.

[close]

Steve Contra · « **Reply #9322 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:20:07 PM »

True Detective is a 10 episode series in 8 episodes. The whole ending felt rushed and incomplete.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9323 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:25:19 PM »

That's the problem with episode 7. There's so much in the episode that they can't show it all, so they tell you everything and cut corners.

Kara · « **Reply #9324 on:** June 18, 2014, 02:58:57 PM »

Quote from: Steve Contra on June 18, 2014, 02:04:29 PM

Breaking Bad's finale was perfect for the "no serious guys, I'm a bad guy and a piece of shit, what is wrong with dudes that sympathize with me? are there really that many sociopaths in America?" speech he gave to Skyler (and the fans)

idk that such a scene was even necessary made me pretty

Momo · « **Reply #9325 on:** June 18, 2014, 03:01:05 PM »

Apparently Falling skies season opener leaked 2 days ago. getting it now brehs

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #9326 on:** June 18, 2014, 03:49:33 PM »

Quote from: Steve Contra on June 18, 2014, 02:04:29 PM

Breaking Bad's finale was perfect for the "no serious guys, I'm a bad guy and a piece of shit, what is wrong with dudes that sympathize with me? are there really that many sociopaths in America?" speech he gave to Skyler (and the fans)

I found that scene pretty redemptive for Walt. He finally told her (and himself) the truth after 5 seasons of bullshitin' .

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #9327 on:** June 18, 2014, 04:48:18 PM »

Quote from: CajoleJuice on June 18, 2014, 01:33:21 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on June 18, 2014, 10:39:19 AM
In retrospect Breaking Bad's finale felt like fan service. Not saying it was bad, just that things went too swell IMO.

Retrospect? Come on, you watched The Shield, you know an awesome finale when you see one.

Yea but it was "event television" for me. My brothers and I watched most of that season together, the previous episode was stunning, then the finale...it was good on nearly every level, and by the end we all looked at each other and nodded in approval.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

But afterwards I started thinking about the general idea that everything worked, again, for Walt. The car was parked perfectly so that the gun could kill everyone, Jesse got away, the money he left his family was secure, etc. After seasons of all of Walt's plans working well I assumed the gun would jam, or be parked in the wrong spot, or any dozen other things that could have fucked the plan up.

[close]

Nothing touches The Shield's finale tho. That's what I had hoped we'd get.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9328 on:** June 18, 2014, 05:19:11 PM »

Breaking Bad's finale was weak. The last episode turned Walter White into a hero instead of dying like the evil bastard he was for the previous 99% of the show.

ToxicAdam · « **Reply #9329 on:** June 19, 2014, 10:44:55 AM »

Watched Orange/Black s2 this past week. I thought Vee (amazing performance) and the last 2 episodes really saved it from being a mediocre season.

I still think the show has major tonal problems. It tries to intersperse drama with black comedy and doesn't handle it very well.

---

That being said, it was so refreshing to see them give the three black actresses (Crazy Eyes, Taystee and Poussey) so much screen time. They are all captivating and talented in their own way. It really made you reflect on just how invisible black women are in mainstream television. Those three could do just about anything in a lead role.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9330 on:** June 19, 2014, 11:57:48 AM »

My white friend said S2 of the Wire is the best one.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #9331 on:** June 19, 2014, 12:14:46 PM »

I will say I like this trend of American TV shows being anthology based so they don't have to milk the same cast and story for season after season. About fucking time.

Kara · « **Reply #9332 on:** June 19, 2014, 12:32:12 PM »

Quote from: TVC 15 on June 19, 2014, 11:57:48 AM

My white friend said S2 of the Wire is the best one.

WE USED TO MAKE STUFF IN AMERICA

Steve Contra · « **Reply #9333 on:** June 19, 2014, 12:45:15 PM »

Season 2 isn't the best season of the Wire, but it's definitely the ballsiest season ever on tv. Pulling the rug under the viewer for the first few episodes and expanding it to the bigger theme of Baltimore was amazing. Almost killed the series as well.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9334 on:** June 19, 2014, 01:00:19 PM »

That sounds like a fancy pants way of saying "it sux"

Steve Contra · « **Reply #9335 on:** June 19, 2014, 02:03:34 PM »

No, I actually really like it. It's the fifth season that is kinda

You'll enjoy it more when they start to tie it back to the first season

Eric P · « **Reply #9336 on:** June 19, 2014, 02:13:25 PM »

http://www.adultswim.com/king-star-king/

oh.

Beezy · « **Reply #9337 on:** June 19, 2014, 03:18:57 PM »

...why does that exist

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #9338 on:** June 19, 2014, 03:43:30 PM »

Season 2 has always been the most divisive season of the Wire. It is some people's favorite. And it is some people's most hated. It's always that way.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #9339 on:** June 19, 2014, 03:57:55 PM »

Quote from: Eric P on June 19, 2014, 02:13:25 PM

http://www.adultswim.com/king-star-king/

oh.

Kinda just makes me want to watch Superjail.

TVC15 · « **Reply #9340 on:** June 19, 2014, 04:15:27 PM »

Was it here that I heard only white people like the second season of the Wire or did I hear that from one of my pathetically few offline friends?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #9341 on:** June 19, 2014, 04:37:45 PM »

Remember when BET edited out the white parts of S2? SMH.

TEEEPO · « **Reply #9342 on:** June 19, 2014, 05:28:49 PM »

Quote from: TVC 15 on June 19, 2014, 04:15:27 PM

Was it here that I heard only white people like the second season of the Wire or did I hear that from one of my pathetically few offline friends?

of the few white people i know -- mostly fellow students from the econ department so think hardcore ayn rand libertarians -- they all enjoyed season 2 the best $:-\$

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9343 on:** June 19, 2014, 05:46:38 PM »

If any of you haven't caught High Maintenance the web series, you really need to: www.helpingyoumaintain.com

It's easily the best web series of this decade (so far). More than just a stoner comedy, and has insane production values for what's basically made on a non-budget.

CatsCatsCats · « **Reply #9344 on:** June 19, 2014, 05:56:58 PM »

My wife started Pretty Little Liars, should I hop on board or pass?

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #9345 on:** June 19, 2014, 06:34:39 PM »

Season 2 is a slow burn. I like the last two episodes.

Snake · « **Reply #9346 on:** June 19, 2014, 07:09:45 PM »

Quote from: ToxicAdam on June 19, 2014, 10:44:55 AM

Watched Orange/Black s2 this past week.

That being said, it was so refreshing to see them give the three black actresses (Crazy Eyes, Taystee and Poussey) so much screen time. They are all captivating and talented in their own way. It really made you reflect on just how invisible black women are in mainstream television. Those three could do just about anything in a lead role.

You left out the central character of the season.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

[close]

Squiddy · « **Reply #9347 on:** June 19, 2014, 09:52:01 PM »

Caught up on Penny Dreadful, and it's like they gave the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen the GoT-treatment - I like!
Haven't seen the season 2 starter of Defiance, but will because it's a shit show that I bought a game for.

etiolate · « **Reply #9348 on:** June 19, 2014, 10:17:23 PM »

I am not sure if I even bothred watching the end of season 1 of Defiance. I'll check out the s2 I suppose.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #9349 on:** June 19, 2014, 10:24:05 PM »

I don't think S2 is the best season of The Wire (S4 is) but it's damn great. I understand why people are turned off by it to an extent. It was jarring to be introduced to so many characters, so far removed from those we met in S1. But after a few episodes everything came together IMO, and by the end it reached some pretty high heights of quality.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #9350 on:** June 19, 2014, 11:16:07 PM »

Rectify is back and just as heavy and emotional as ever. Ugh. My heart.

TEEEPO · « **Reply #9351 on:** June 20, 2014, 06:50:56 PM »

The Americans is pretty coo

TVC15 · « **Reply #9352 on:** June 20, 2014, 06:55:01 PM »

I watched all but 2 episodes of Veep s3 last night. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Not as good as the first 2 seasons though.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #9353 on:** June 20, 2014, 07:23:51 PM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on June 19, 2014, 10:24:05 PM

I don't think S2 is the best season of The Wire (S4 is) but it's damn great. I understand why people are turned off by it to an extent. It was jarring to be introduced to so many characters, so far removed from those we met in S1. But after a few episodes everything came together IMO, and by the end it reached some pretty high heights of quality.

Ya people expect s2 to be s3. I'm glad they switched it up for season 2. I love how the wire has each season like an extra layer that adds characters and gives a fuller view of the goverment/crime in the city

Also season 4 is the best season, agreed. Those kids

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #9354 on:** June 20, 2014, 07:47:29 PM »

I also like how every season focuses on a particular aspect of the city. S2 with slow death of the middle class/industry (and unions), S3's take on the drug war, S4 on schools, etc. When I heard S5 would focus on the media I assumed it would be a really strong season, given it was straight up Simon's alley. It's not a "bad" season of television by means, and I think some of the criticism is overblown. That being said it features quite a big drop in quality and introduces some rather bland characters. But the last episode is great IMO.

Also another thing I love about The Wire: nearly every season features a stand out performance from a new character, or a character who had a minor role previously. Frank Sobodka in S2, Bunny Colvin in S3, and Gus Haynes in S5 (the Baltimore Sun editor). All those characters really became the center of their particular season's theme.

Squiddy · « **Reply #9355 on:** June 20, 2014, 08:58:01 PM »

Defiance season 2 episode 1 was decent.
Started off with a handjob in a prison, ended with a handjob in a prison.

Kara · « **Reply #9356 on:** June 20, 2014, 09:07:47 PM »

Quote from: Squiddy on June 20, 2014, 08:58:01 PM

Defiance season 2 episode 1 was decent.
Started off with a handjob in a prison, ended with a handjob in a prison.

This sounds like an Iraqi book I once read.

Prison literature.

Eric P · « **Reply #9357 on:** June 21, 2014, 07:40:21 AM »

I think that Lester's arc is Walter White done right.

fargo was very very good

Oblivion · « **Reply #9358 on:** June 22, 2014, 01:47:14 AM »

Boreans, decide my fate! Should I watch Arrow or Sherlock tonight?

Squiddy · « **Reply #9359 on:** June 22, 2014, 01:48:19 AM »

Quote from: Oblivion on June 22, 2014, 01:47:14 AM

Boreans, decide my fate! Should I watch Arrow or Sherlock tonight?

Watch Sherlock.

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Author Topic: The TV shows you've seen recently thread. (Read 2083802 times)