Author Topic: The TV shows you've seen recently thread. (Read 1236689 times)

Barry Egan · « **Reply #6660 on:** February 01, 2013, 03:36:19 AM »

Quote from: Shaka Khan on February 01, 2013, 03:26:52 AM

The Office has been bad for a while, but last episode was kinda heavy.

It's been okay for this last season! Like if this were season 6 instead of 8 or 9 or whatever than it would have gone out as a consistently great show.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6661 on:** February 01, 2013, 07:59:36 AM »

So Fincher basically shit on the rest of television with that House of Cards pilot, good fucking god. Dude knows how to make moving pictures look good.

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #6662 on:** February 01, 2013, 09:34:54 AM »

I like Carell but wouldn't have ever said that Michael Scott was the only reason to watch the show - so I'm pretty surprised at the gaping hole him leaving left.

I do like the two new guys

Barry Egan · « **Reply #6663 on:** February 02, 2013, 01:01:57 AM »

House of Cards: I wasnt sure if Kevin Spacey was a good choice for a charismatic Southern politician, but his performance is really pretty good. The formula of the show is definitely familiar at this point, but Spaceys character is complex and interesting enough to help the show distinguish itself. If I were to make a crude comparison with shows cut from the same clothe, it's at least as nuanced as Damages and far better than Boss. Also the show looks great, even after Fincher passes on the reigns.

The added bonus of watching is knowing where recursivelyenumerables avatar quote comes from.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6664 on:** February 02, 2013, 01:20:57 AM »

Quote from: Barry Egan on February 02, 2013, 01:01:57 AM

House of Cards: I wasnt sure if Kevin Spacey was a good choice for a charismatic Southern politician, but his performance is really pretty good. The formula of the show is definitely familiar at this point, but Spaceys character is complex and interesting enough to help the show distinguish itself. If I were to make a crude comparison with shows cut from the same clothe, it's at least as nuanced as Damages and far better than Boss. Also the show looks great, even after Fincher passes on the reigns.

This is pretty accurate.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6665 on:** February 02, 2013, 03:50:10 AM »

Watched like five minutes of House of Cards; I had planned on watching the whole thing but was too tired. That first scene was pretty...blatant, like a writer saying "let me tell you exactly what I'm doing here." I'm sure I'll like the show, I heard it's the anti West Wing. But uhh, is that first scene just there to hook you or is that how things go in the rest of the series? Also does Spacey's character continue to talk to the audience?

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6666 on:** February 02, 2013, 04:05:41 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 02, 2013, 03:50:10 AM

Watched like five minutes of House of Cards; I had planned on watching the whole thing but was too tired. That first scene was pretty...blatant, like a writer saying "let me tell you exactly what I'm doing here." I'm sure I'll like the show, I heard it's the anti West Wing. But uhh, is that first scene just there to hook you or is that how things go in the rest of the series? Also does Spacey's character continue to talk to the audience?

Yeah, he does. The pilot has the most of it by far, though. The UK version had this too, BTW.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6667 on:** February 02, 2013, 04:27:41 AM »

It's getting good reviews, and GAF likes it. But Cajole shat on it so it must suck

Regardless of whether it's amazing or average, 100mil is a lot for a political drama. Netflix obviously has lots of user data, perhaps political drama is very popular among subscribers I guess. But then again they're reviving The Killing so maybe they're just throwing money around willy nilly

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6668 on:** February 02, 2013, 04:29:41 AM »

Nah, I still like it. It's ok.

Mandark · « **Reply #6669 on:** February 02, 2013, 06:38:24 AM »

Watched the first three episodes of House of Cards, reminds of Profit.

Barry Egan · « **Reply #6670 on:** February 02, 2013, 09:35:44 AM »

Talking directly to the audience was the most jarring aspect of the show for me as well. I still don't love it but Spacey does such a good job that I don't really consider it a negative at this point. In some ways it's preferable to devotng half the show to a young ambitious upstart character so that Spacey has someone to explain all his nefarious doings to.

Eric P · « **Reply #6671 on:** February 02, 2013, 11:27:39 AM »

Quote from: Mandark on February 02, 2013, 06:38:24 AM

Watched the first three episodes of House of Cards, reminds of Profit.

you should watch the uk version if you haven't

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #6672 on:** February 02, 2013, 05:37:33 PM »

watching House of Cards

gonna hold back on my opinion for now.

but holy hell, the product placement for sony products

PLAYSTATION AND KILLZONE

IS THAT A PSVITA??? I SHOULD GET ME ONE OF THOSE!

Verdigris Murder · « **Reply #6673 on:** February 02, 2013, 05:44:29 PM »

https://forums.penny-arcade.coram/discussion/77830/having-on :nsfwe-night-stands-with-distinguished mentally-challenged-girls

Fistful, I'd maybe give this an 8.

Verdigris Murder · « **Reply #6674 on:** February 02, 2013, 05:54:34 PM »

Actually the thread about guys with big jugs is kinda prescient.

etiolate · « **Reply #6675 on:** February 03, 2013, 01:05:47 AM »

Not liking House of Cards as much as I'd hope. It looks nice, but it's lacking something. That something may be a character worth caring about enough to make the stakes matter. It throws a lot of characters on screen and if takes like half a season to fill out those characters then I might lose interest.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6676 on:** February 03, 2013, 02:17:04 AM »

Just finished the pilot of House Of Cards and I must say I'm rather indifferent. Everything looks nice but overall nothing really hooked me. The characters seem rather bland so far, there's no one interesting (oh look, another young struggling journalist!) outside of Spacey. And even Spacey is rather boring without anyone to truly go back and forth with, acting wise. He kind of just floats through the episode. Not liking Robin Wright's character at all either; her big "argument" scene with Spacey was horrible, largely due to bad dialogue though.

I'll stick with it. The reviews are very good, and hopefully the cast gets some life soon.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #6677 on:** February 03, 2013, 03:34:18 AM »

I agree with Martin that Banshee is a great show. A ton of sex and violence presented to you with smart writing and likable villains. Banshee is to Spartacus what Homeland is to 24. Just a little less shameless.

I just watched the first 4 episodes today but like Spartacus, a lot happens in each episode.

G The Resurrected · « **Reply #6678 on:** February 03, 2013, 05:44:40 AM »

Watched the ZeroHour pilot. I was bored and couldn't sleep so yeah... Its like watching a tbn syfy production of National Treasure.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/452227

Diunx · « **Reply #6679 on:** February 03, 2013, 08:58:44 AM »

Banshee is amazing, it's like a real life Vertigo book

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #6680 on:** February 03, 2013, 10:30:48 PM »

Re: House of Cards

- Kevin Spacey is damned good
- The plot is twisty and complex but manages to also be easy to follow for the most part. Some of the political nuance goes over my head though.
- I would do things for Kate Mara
- Also Robin Wright
- I didn't fully understand what Underwood's intentions were until they were spelled out for me. I'm not sure if that was on purpose. They allude to this grand plan but you get no real idea of it until the final episodes
- The first two episodes stunk of David Fincher. That is not a bad thing btw.
- I really enjoyed the plot following Peter Russo. He's a fairly effective sympathetic character with a good arc.

Good show.

chronovore · « **Reply #6681 on:** February 05, 2013, 02:25:57 AM »

Watched my first episode of Top Gear, the one with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. I don't have much interest in cars, but the hosts' humor and camaraderie are fun, which makes their love of cars somewhat infectious.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #6682 on:** February 05, 2013, 03:11:14 AM »

The US version is more car challenges/competitions and less reviews and lap times. Plus the US hosts are less scripted and more funny/interesting I think. I love them both though.

cool breeze · « **Reply #6683 on:** February 05, 2013, 04:31:27 AM »

Quote from: chronovore on February 05, 2013, 02:25:57 AM

Watched my first episode of Top Gear, the one with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. I don't have much interest in cars, but the hosts' humor and camaraderie are fun, which makes their love of cars somewhat infectious.

Check out the Vietnam special if you can find it. Probably the best episode and it doesn't have to do with cars at all!

brob · « **Reply #6684 on:** February 05, 2013, 04:40:44 AM »

saw the three first episodes of house of cards. pretty entertaining stuff. is there ever a proper antagonist in the show, or is it just Kevin Spacey against The System throughout?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6685 on:** February 05, 2013, 08:53:38 AM »

To be fair does any major show have an antagonist now of days? Anti heroes and grey characters dominate tv

Cindi Mayweather · « **Reply #6686 on:** February 05, 2013, 08:55:10 AM »

What the fuck channel is house of cards on

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #6687 on:** February 05, 2013, 08:57:19 AM »

netflix

brob · « **Reply #6688 on:** February 05, 2013, 09:45:02 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 05, 2013, 08:53:38 AM

To be fair does any major show have an antagonist now of days? Anti heroes and grey characters dominate tv

so that's a no, then?

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #6689 on:** February 05, 2013, 10:31:27 AM »

Quote from: Brobzoid on February 05, 2013, 09:45:02 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 05, 2013, 08:53:38 AM
To be fair does any major show have an antagonist now of days? Anti heroes and grey characters dominate tv

so that's a no, then?

there is no real antagonist.

chronovore · « **Reply #6690 on:** February 06, 2013, 01:40:57 AM »

Quote from: fryinghigh on February 05, 2013, 04:31:27 AM

Quote from: chronovore on February 05, 2013, 02:25:57 AM
Watched my first episode of Top Gear, the one with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. I don't have much interest in cars, but the hosts' humor and camaraderie are fun, which makes their love of cars somewhat infectious.

Check out the Vietnam special if you can find it. Probably the best episode and it doesn't have to do with cars at all!

Will do!

I also want to see the USA episode of the UK series, where they visit the American South, and nearly get lynched and/or shot.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/top-gear-crew-visits-u-s-a-will-never-return-again/

Quote

The South has risen again, and unfortunately for our beloved team from Top Gear, it has focused its ire on Jeremy Clarkson, Jay Mays and Richard Hammond. In the latest episode of Top Gear (torrent here), the team arrives in Florida for a road trip that will see them travel from Miami to New Orleans. The catch? Each are given $1,000 to buy a whip that will carry them to their destination. Whips in hand, the trio decide to spice up the trip by spray painting inflammatory statements on the sheetmetal. Statements like "I'm bi", "NASCAR Sucks" and "Hillary for President" are worn like badges of pride, until a stop for gas in a self-described "hick town" turns ugly. Words were said, rocks were thrown, and somebody's "boys" were called in. The Top Gear crew fleed for its life, though not after the quickest jump in history gets Mays Caddy turned over, and the chase ensued on the highways of the rural South. The boys wise up and decide to pull over and scrub off the incendiary taunts with some towels and Coke. Their troubles don't end there, as the offended Southies call upon their god to rain down a torrent of H20 on the caravan of Brits. Clarkson, Mays and Hammond eventually escape the U.S. with hides in tact, but we can all thank those country bumpkins for ensuring Top Gear will never again set foot on U.S. soil. Check out the clip in full after the jump for proof.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #6691 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:00:42 AM »

Why does everything they say on justified sound so sexy?

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6692 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:08:37 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 05, 2013, 08:53:38 AM

To be fair does any major show have an antagonist now of days? Anti heroes and grey characters dominate tv

Some examples: Justified: Mags and Quarles. Boardwalk Empire: Rosetti. Breaking Bad: Tuco, the Twins, Gus. Protagonist and antagonist don't necessarily mean "good guy" and "bad guy."

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6693 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:12:35 AM »

Not sure I'd call Gus an antagonist. Also Tuco and the twins were only there for specific arcs, although I guess they could be called antagonists.

Haven't seen Justified, waiting for it to be cancelled

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6694 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:20:17 AM »

I mean I guess it depends on how you define the word "antagonist." I just go with the dude who clashes with the protagonist, who is unquestionably Walt if you use the definition of main character for protagonist.

Mupepe · « **Reply #6695 on:** February 06, 2013, 08:31:35 PM »

Both the middle and the neighbors on ABC are pretty damn entertaining.

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #6696 on:** February 06, 2013, 08:43:22 PM »

Quote from: Mupepe on February 06, 2013, 08:31:35 PM

Both the middle and the neighbors on ABC are pretty damn entertaining.

I find the middle embarrassing but as far as mid-tier ABC comedies go, Suburgatory is better.

Mupepe · « **Reply #6697 on:** February 06, 2013, 08:52:55 PM »

I can't sit through suburgatory. It just bores me. Sue and the parents make me laugh on the middle.

Eric P · « **Reply #6698 on:** February 06, 2013, 08:53:46 PM »

suburgatory has gotten really weird this season

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #6699 on:** February 07, 2013, 12:13:11 AM »

Quote from: Shaka Khan on February 01, 2013, 03:26:52 AM

The Office has been bad for a while, but last episode was kinda heavy.

meh. It was phony heavy like the show has been forever. I recently caught up with it and its okay for what it is but I think the American show has always tried to get away with sentimentality it hasn't earned.

That being said, I glanced at the gaf thread and boy do those people over-analyze the show. They are super critical of the last season as if it hasn't been this way for a long time.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6700 on:** February 07, 2013, 12:23:32 AM »

What happened?

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #6701 on:** February 07, 2013, 12:31:33 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 07, 2013, 12:23:32 AM

What happened?

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Jim was mean to Pam for like a second and now they are doing a storyline where they act like Pam is going to cheat on Jim even though she clearly won't.

[close]

ZephyrFate · « **Reply #6702 on:** February 07, 2013, 01:22:55 AM »

I finished House of Cards and it's good but not great. I give it between a 7 and 7.5/10. Peter Russo and Claire Underwood save the show, because I don't really enjoy anyone else character-wise.

Damn if it isn't one of the best-looking shows out there; right up there with How to Make it in America and Mad Men.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #6703 on:** February 07, 2013, 01:38:34 AM »

Quote from: Stoney Mason on February 07, 2013, 12:13:11 AM

Quote from: Shaka Khan on February 01, 2013, 03:26:52 AM
The Office has been bad for a while, but last episode was kinda heavy.

meh. It was phony heavy like the show has been forever. I recently caught up with it and its okay for what it is but I think the American show has always tried to get away with sentimentality it hasn't earned.

I thought S2 handled the Jim-Pam relationship perfectly.

Also, ZephyrFate is right about House of Cards.

brob · « **Reply #6704 on:** February 07, 2013, 08:20:35 AM »

finished house of cards. pretty fun show. a bit lacking in sympathetic characters, but whatever, callous people are people too! Cliffhanger though. booo...

Mupepe · « **Reply #6705 on:** February 07, 2013, 09:21:56 AM »

Quote from: Stoney Mason on February 07, 2013, 12:31:33 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 07, 2013, 12:23:32 AM
What happened?
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Jim was mean to Pam for like a second and now they are doing a storyline where they act like Pam is going to cheat on Jim even though she clearly won't.
[close]

spoiler (click to show/hide)

He wasn't even in the wrong. I'd be incredibly pissed too. She acts like he was out playing pool with his buddies or something.

[close]

I hadn't tuned in for like 2 seasons until 2 weeks ago. I caught said incident and then I also watched last week. Both episodes pretty much reminded me why I stopped watching. Awful television.

And Cajole is right. Season 2 handled it perfectly. Beginning of season 3 was the start of the downfall. Season 3 really should have been the end as it would have been perfect.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6706 on:** February 07, 2013, 09:48:19 AM »

What exactly did he do? I stopped watching shortly after Quincy Jones' daughter was playing CoD with Jim

Mupepe · « **Reply #6707 on:** February 07, 2013, 10:06:40 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 07, 2013, 09:48:19 AM

What exactly did he do? I stopped watching shortly after Quincy Jones' daughter was playing CoD with Jim

spoiler (click to show/hide)

He had to work and their daughter had a play/show or something (i forget) and he asked Pam to record it. He told her to be sure she knew how to work the the camera. She said she did. So he had a terrible day and he called her after the show and she's all giggling and laughing while she tells him that she messed it up and didn't record it. So he gets mad and says that he specifically asked her if she knew how to work the camera and that it was a moment that he could never get back. She acts like it's the worst thing anyone has ever said to her and she starts to cry and the douchebag working the microphone comes out from behind the camera and comforts Pam.

And then in the next episode Pam is about to get her ass kicked by some guy from the warehouse and the microphone guy steps in and then gets fired for it and they do some awkward moment where he says if she ever needs anything he'll be there or some shit.

Horrible fucking writing.

[close]

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #6708 on:** February 07, 2013, 10:12:59 AM »

Wait, the (fictional) guy filming Dunder Miflin?

Mupepe · « **Reply #6709 on:** February 07, 2013, 10:28:09 AM »

spoiler (click to show/hide)

well the boom guy technically. But yeah, part of the crew.

[close]

So fucking stupid. Might wanna spoiler that. I could see someone who still cares about this show getting pissed. Or not Who cares?

This show sucks

cool breeze · « **Reply #6710 on:** February 07, 2013, 11:56:44 AM »

Quote from: Mupepe on February 07, 2013, 10:06:40 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 07, 2013, 09:48:19 AM
What exactly did he do? I stopped watching shortly after Quincy Jones' daughter was playing CoD with Jim
spoiler (click to show/hide)
He had to work and their daughter had a play/show or something (i forget) and he asked Pam to record it. He told her to be sure she knew how to work the the camera. She said she did. So he had a terrible day and he called her after the show and she's all giggling and laughing while she tells him that she messed it up and didn't record it. So he gets mad and says that he specifically asked her if she knew how to work the camera and that it was a moment that he could never get back. She acts like it's the worst thing anyone has ever said to her and she starts to cry and the douchebag working the microphone comes out from behind the camera and comforts Pam.

And then in the next episode Pam is about to get her ass kicked by some guy from the warehouse and the microphone guy steps in and then gets fired for it and they do some awkward moment where he says if she ever needs anything he'll be there or some shit.

Horrible fucking writing.
[close]

what

spoiler (click to show/hide)

did they ever acknowledge that there were people filming before? I mean besides the joke premise

[close]

Mupepe · « **Reply #6711 on:** February 07, 2013, 11:58:57 AM »

Not officially but they would motion to the camera over the series or stare right into it. They never really tried to hide it but also never provided any explanation.

Reb · « **Reply #6712 on:** February 07, 2013, 12:16:57 PM »

Michael asked for the tapes if they were ever done with the doc, iirc.

cool breeze · « **Reply #6713 on:** February 07, 2013, 12:46:40 PM »

So, if it's all real on The Office and

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Jim is angry that Pam didn't record their daughter's school thing...are they just going to ignore the professional film crew who was there filming it?

[close]

Mupepe · « **Reply #6714 on:** February 07, 2013, 01:22:40 PM »

Quote from: Rebiak on February 07, 2013, 12:16:57 PM

Michael asked for the tapes if they were ever done with the doc, iirc.

I must have missed that, especially if it was in the later seasons. I think the last season I watched through and through was 5. I saw part of 6 I think.

Barry Egan · « **Reply #6715 on:** February 07, 2013, 01:31:08 PM »

spoiler (click to show/hide)

they also set it up at the beginning of this season by having the film crew say to Pam that they have all the footage they need about the office and the only reason they're still here is to see what happens with the Jim/Pam relationship.

[close]

Quote from: fryinghigh on February 07, 2013, 12:46:40 PM

So, if it's all real on The Office and

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Jim is angry that Pam didn't record their daughter's school thing...are they just going to ignore the professional film crew who was there filming it?
[close]

This is pretty funny.

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #6716 on:** February 07, 2013, 02:32:53 PM »

It's not something that makes me INTERNET ANGRY or anything but at this point the single camera / talking head interview is just a show format. I'm fine with the conceit that it's a "documentary" with an occasional head nod towards this but it's way, way too far gone to be using it as a plot device.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #6717 on:** February 07, 2013, 02:46:59 PM »

My wife is in Atlana for the week, so I'm catching up on season three of The Walking Dead. Ever since she got pregnant, she can't handle violence, which drives her nuts, cause she loves The Walking Dead.

Just finished 3x4... ie

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Well damn, they really decided to kill Laurie. And Carl made sure she wouldn't come back.

[close]

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #6718 on:** February 07, 2013, 06:22:57 PM »

The office doesn't make me mad or anything. It's just disappointing in the later years when it goes down some truly horrible plot lines. That's why the

spoiler (click to show/hide)

pam cheating thing

[close]

is dumb. Not because I actually have a problem with them doing such a thing but that this show doesn't have the balls to actually do it. You shouldn't introduce plot lines that you don't have the balls to actually execute because then its like a stupid phony tease.

On a network show there is going to be a lot of aimless dicking around with the plot just to cover the episode amounts they need to fill but the last few years even the plots they have been serious about and executed on have just been stupid. And worse uninteresting.

It also doesn't help that once Michael left, the strongest comedic presence left.

etiolate · « **Reply #6719 on:** February 07, 2013, 06:52:19 PM »

I'm eight episodes into House of Cards and I'd agree with the good but not great sentiment. The eighth episode was better. It also featured less political stuff from Francis and more character work. Right now the show is sort of like Supernatural for me in that I watch it because people seem to think its great and it sometimes amuses me, but partway through each episode I click the "back to browse" button because there's very little pull to the drama.

The Americans had another good episode. Certain things really challenge my ability to buy into their plausibility, but that depends on how they later play out. The dynamic between the husband and wife, and the husband and FBI neighbor is pretty strong in just the first two episodes.

News:

Author Topic: The TV shows you've seen recently thread. (Read 1236689 times)