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Non-Audio Stuff => The Geek Cave: Home Theatre, Computers, and More! => Topic started by: Claritas on November 10, 2014, 11:58:16 PM

Title: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on November 10, 2014, 11:58:16 PM
Last month, I finally got bored enough / bothered by the incompleteness enough to watch the final (abbreviated) season 5 of Fringe.

It devolved into a scavenger hunt that's really not worth watching. I had soft spot for episode 6, though. It's called "Through the Looking Glass and What Walter Found There." They used a somewhat clever conceit about a pocket universe in which people don't age and old-timey trick photography in which people walk on ceilings.

The ending of the series:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Television Discussion Thread
Post by: Byrnie on November 11, 2014, 12:44:33 AM
I haven't gotten that bored yet to finish Fringe but I will eventually.  Rifht nowbI'm watching:

Good Wife
Game of Thrones
Vikings
Blacklist
Walking Dead
Ray Donovan
Banshee
Arrow
Sons of Anarchy
Justified
Brooklyn Nine Nine

I forgot these shows originally:
MasterChef
Homeland
Comicbook Men
Matador
Falling Skies
House of Cards
Orange is the New Black
Last Ship
True Detective
Lost Girl


Lately I finished via Neflix:
The 100 (still an ongoing series, it has potential)
Burn Notice (it can be hit or miss)
Psych (very funny show)

I'm probably forgetting a few series...
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on November 11, 2014, 01:05:15 AM
I know it's very un-PC of me to point this out but the most science fictional aspect of Fringe is that the team cryptographer/quant is an American black lady with the personality of a nurse.

1. The number of non-Nigerians or other East Africans with that sort of training is minuscule.
2. A woman, even more minuscule.
3. Cryptographers and nurses have very personalities; their brains work in differ ways.

This sort of total suspension of current reality really grates on me. I welcome a black character who isn't the just the usual muscle / bad mutha stereotype, but they should've used a Nigerian guy.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on November 11, 2014, 03:03:41 AM
suspension of disbelief is the reader/viewer's responsibility; verisimilitude is the writer's responsibility.  that's the contract for fiction (and television).  accept the things that the writer does convincingly.  does the character work within the context of the story?  if so, then forget reality and go with it.. that's my advice as an English major and a writer.

at least she's not a hacker who can get money out of ATM machines with her ipad.

I've been watching, anxiously awaiting, or just finished:
The Walking Dead
The Bridge
Sons of Anarchy
Boardwalk Empire
Madam Secretary
Archer
Gotham
Comic Book Men (I'm in the background sometime this season)
Real Time with Bill Maher
Impractical Jokers
Garfunkel and Oates

I try to limit TV to when I'm working out, so I only get through 1-2 eps a night.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 11, 2014, 03:45:22 AM
Vikings
Hannibal
The Americans
Tyrant
Gotham (mostly for Penguin; Jada Pinkett and Alfred are awful, so is the potential Riddler.  Young Bruce Wayne and presumably young Catwoman ain't too shabby.)
America Horror Story: Freakshow - definitely the most messed up shit yet
Anthony Bourdain
Red Eye
Live from Daryl's House
Later with Jools Holland
Top Chef
Masterchef+MC Junior
History stuff on PBS, Smithsonian (rarely History Channel)
I like Boardwalk, The Knick and Homeland (post Brody; Brody era was ridiculously stupid) when it's available.
Dr. Who w/ Peter Capaldi

Reruns when available:
SNG
The Thick of it
Arrested Development


Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on November 11, 2014, 03:48:53 AM
Damn it! I forgot Homeland, MastetChef, and Comic Book Men.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: DaveBSC on November 11, 2014, 03:11:56 PM
Fringe definitely devolved in its later years. The whole story with the "watchers" was a total miss and it dragged down an entire season of the show sadly. If you're a fan it's worth getting to the end just to get there. The ending is cheap, but it's not an abomination like say Dexter.

Annoyed that Fox dumped what was by far its best animated show - American Dad, and will keep around what is now one of its worst - The Simpsons, until the Sun becomes a white dwarf about 7 billion years from now. At least TBS is still running new ones, and will hopefully keep it in production. MacFarlane movies I can definitely do without, but I've gotta have AD.

The first run of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver is some of the best, most refreshing television I've seen in ages. They can do absolutely whatever they want, and I love how much of an effect the show is having already. Tom Wheeler for instance had to respond to being called a Dingo in charge of watching the baby, which was priceless. Cannot wait for that show to return next year.

On the other side of that sword, I worry that Colbert will become the next Conan, yet another formulaic cookie cutter toothless late night "comedy" show with monologue, dumb skit, guest, dumb skit, guest, 3rd rate guest. Yes please gimme more of that. Three of these shows on at the same time is not enough, I need a fourth.

Other than that, I'm watching Brooklyn Nine Nine, Southpark which is still occasionally funny, Boardwalk, and I'm waiting for Community to come back.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Greed on November 11, 2014, 03:46:58 PM
Here is my current list:

(!) = Shows I really like for specific reasons. Good sets, good writing, good casting. Some of these shows have the trifecta, some do not.

American Horror Story
The Americans
Arrow
Banshee (!)
Bates Motel
Black Sails
Blue Bloods
Bones
Continuum
Da Vinci's Demons
Dominion
Falling Skies
Fargo (!)
Game of Thrones (!)
The Good Wife
The Flash
Gotham
Halt and Catch Fire (!)
Hell on Wheels (!)
Hemlock Grove
Homeland
House of Cards (!)
Justified
The Knick (!)
The Last Ship
The Leftovers
Legends (!)
Louie
Mad Men
Manhattan
Masters of Sex
Murder in the First
The Musketeers
The Newsroom (!)
Nurse Jackie
Orphan Black (!)
Outlander
Peaky Blinders (!)
Penny Dreadful
Power
Ray Donovan
Shameless
Sherlock
Sons of Anarchy (!)
The Strain (!)
Suits (!)
True Detective (!)
Turn
Tyrant (!)
Vikings
The Walking Dead
White Collar

Cancelled/Ended shows:
Almost Human
Being Human
Boardwalk Empire
Californication
Dracula
Entourage
Mob City
Rush
The Wire
Breaking Bad
Lie to Me
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 11, 2014, 07:29:15 PM
Forgot about The Strain, Penny Dreadful and Fargo.  Listed in ascending order.

I also liked Henry VIII in Dracula.  Shame it won't get picked up, well done take on it and the sets and production just blew away Downton Abbey for me.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on November 12, 2014, 03:57:03 AM
Damn it I forgot the following also:
Matador
Falling Skies
House of Cards
Orange is the New Black
Last Ship
True Detective
Lost Girl (a bit of a guilty pleasure)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on November 12, 2014, 04:18:55 AM
Damn it I forgot the following also:
House of Cards

Ever watch the original BBC House of Cards? I think it's much better (the first of the three series only).

I'm currently making my way through The West Wing; maybe a dozen episodes left. My most conservative friends always gave me a lot of grief for liking it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 12, 2014, 04:54:41 AM
Ever watch the original BBC House of Cards?

Yup!  Not even close.  Even had the original series on VHS.  The new Spacey one reminds me of Denzel's Manchurian Candidate by comparison.


Forgot "The Bridge".  One of my faves from last season.  It blew my mind having these two fantastic ladies as some of the mains on the show.

Inglorious Basterds

(http://images.smh.com.au/2009/12/30/1004453/420diane-420x0.jpg)

Run Lola Run and the Bourne series.

(http://www.jonathanrosenbaum.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/run-lola-run2.jpg)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on November 12, 2014, 09:49:29 AM
Continuum - Started out strong, became weird, then solidified as decent sci-fi.

Game of Thrones - I'm also listening through the audio-books on audible after having watched S1-S4. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but actually find it worthwhile to have watched and read than only one or the other.

Homeland - I enjoyed and also cringed through the Brody era. The current season is definitely the best. The swings of up and down Carrie goes through is insane.

Legends - Still early on in this show's life I hope. Finished season one and am looking forward to more.

Arrow - Well rounded vigilante story with a lot of depth. Tried new Flash but the plot is way too deliberate for anyone older than a teenager.

True Detective - Epic everything. Season 2 has massive shoes to fill.

Helix - Borderline bad Syfy show, but it interested enough to keep watching.

Turn - I love this Revolutionary War story about Washington's spies. Takes liberties with history for sure, but very enjoyable.

The Blacklist - Spader's character is interesting and I never tire of him somehow out-doing everyone else.

Downton Abbey - interesting early, got more soap-opera-ey, have season 5 ready to watch but low interest.

Intelligence - fairly formulaic, but enjoyable.

Utopia (UK) - Love this show. Season 1 was FANTASTIC, season 2 nearly as good. More please!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on November 12, 2014, 01:52:42 PM
Ever watch the original BBC House of Cards? I think it's much better (the first of the three series only).

I'm currently making my way through The West Wing; maybe a dozen episodes left. My most conservative friends always gave me a lot of grief for liking it.
No I haven't but have been curious about it.  I went back a year or two ago and went through episode (yay amazon prime).  I enjoyed it and I'm not usually into politics TV shows.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 12, 2014, 08:36:27 PM
Good call on Turn Max, might be too slow for some though.  I liked Tinker, Tailor... so not a problem for me.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on November 24, 2014, 06:36:30 AM
Holy fucking shit, what a cliff hanger this week on Homeland.  :-00 :-00
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on November 24, 2014, 09:28:47 AM
I've been watching Boss on Netflix. Kelsey Grammer plays the wicked mayor of Chicago.

NSFW content in season 1:
(click to show/hide)

The ending of the series:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on December 07, 2014, 05:03:44 PM
I won a month of Hulu Plus from the McDonald's monopoly thing. This... does not work well. At least with adblock on, I haven't disabled it for security purposes (even "reputable" sites suffer from malware, IIRC). It's very common to get an eternal black screen after ads finish, forcing you to reload and replay the ad, and there's still a chance the black screen will occur again. Anecdotal, but older shows seem to be more susceptible, with the first series of Doctor Who being completely unwatchable with how often it happens. I was able to get through the entirety of the Thick of It with slightly better luck.

Given up on some shows- Penny Dreadful, American Horror Story season 3, Intruders, and a few others. They just didn't hold my interest.

The most recent series of Doctor Who (with Peter Capaldi) wasn't horrendous. Capaldi's Doctor carries even the worse scripts, although I'd be all too glad to see the side characters disappear in a puff. Apparently he's not as loved because he doesn't cause lonely middle-aged receptionists to go "squee!".

Started Top Chef Season 12, Padma and Gail = so gorgeous.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on December 16, 2014, 09:09:26 PM
Catching up with Person of Interest. Season 4 is interesting, though it does its best to be an overly hammy homage to The Wire. The dialogue by a certain new character is... too much.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sachu on December 17, 2014, 01:19:13 AM
Started watching Marco Polo.  Digging it so far. Finally a series based on he greatest empire the wicked has ever seen, that of the Great Khans, the Empire of the Mongols.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on December 17, 2014, 07:35:02 AM
Started watching Marco Polo.  Digging it so far. Finally a series based on he greatest empire the wicked has ever seen, that of the Great Khans, the Empire of the Mongols.

Wait, wut is dis? I'm in!!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: aufmerksam on December 17, 2014, 04:02:45 PM
Started watching Marco Polo.  Digging it so far. Finally a series based on he greatest empire the wicked has ever seen, that of the Great Khans, the Empire of the Mongols.

I finally caved after Netflix wouldn't stop pushing it on me. Only two episodes in, but excellent so far.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on December 18, 2014, 12:30:36 AM
Started watching Marco Polo.  Digging it so far. Finally a series based on he greatest empire the wicked has ever seen, that of the Great Khans, the Empire of the Mongols.
I can't wait to start this series after my son starts sleeping more through the night
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on December 31, 2014, 01:54:45 AM
The Following season 1  4/5 or 7/10

It's an above average take on FBI vs intelligent serial killer because
(click to show/hide)

Most episodes felt longer than they actual were. Sometimes the cause is that too much happens; other times you can sense that nothing truly important is happening. The middle episodes were a little boring compared with the earlier ones, but it did pick up again towards the end.

Season 2 is so bad it's embarrassing. You've been warned.  1/5 or 1/10
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: nonamodnar on January 01, 2015, 10:15:16 PM
Arrow - The dark theme and character developments are well done, rather suited with my cynism. The spinoff of The Flash is too juvenile compared to its brother series.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: keanex on January 02, 2015, 12:28:00 AM
I was watching Prison Break but season two is pretty lackluster and I doubt it'll get much better. It is falling into typical TV cliches to extend the series.

I'm going to re-watch Moral Orel though, it's a wonderfully satirical show.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on January 02, 2015, 03:39:04 AM
So am I the only one that liked The Bridge?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Greed on January 02, 2015, 04:20:01 AM
Dark as fuck.. but it was pretty good. Enjoying Marco Polo right now.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on January 02, 2015, 04:22:57 AM
Dark as fuck.. but it was pretty good. Enjoying Marco Polo right now.

I haven't started yet but look forward to it. The kung-fu I've seen in the trailers has me a little worried about Chow Yun Fat running across bamboo tree tops.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Greed on January 02, 2015, 04:35:35 AM
I haven't started yet but look forward to it. The kung-fu I've seen in the trailers has me a little worried about Chow Yun Fat running across bamboo tree tops.

It isn't as over the top as the trailers. Characters seem to be pretty well done, and I'm enjoying the sets, must of cost a fortune.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on January 02, 2015, 04:47:19 AM
So am I the only one that liked The Bridge?
I liked it. I downloaded the original Danish version, Bron, but haven't gotten to it yet.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: frenchbat on January 02, 2015, 06:11:05 AM
It isn't as over the top as the trailers. Characters seem to be pretty well done, and I'm enjoying the sets, must of cost a fortune.


+1, the story is deeper than the trailers show. Some liberty with the original story, but that was to be expected. Just finished the first season, and I'm looking forward to seeing the second one.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on January 03, 2015, 09:14:05 AM
Max, thanks for recommending Turn. I watched the whole season and enjoyed it for what it is: fun.

Pros: spies, colonial America, opening credits homage to Edward Gorey's credits for Mystery!

Cons: the characters lack interiority, stereotypical female leads (willful / independent vs dutiful / conventional), incongruous theme song

Overall: 3/5 or 7/10


I just started Grand Hotel. Don't know if I'll see it through. It feels tense without being at all dark. So far, I like how much the characters rely on non-verbal communication. A decent amount of the action takes place in silence.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on January 24, 2015, 06:53:18 PM
You can watch all ten episodes of Transparent today for free, no prime sub required. (Amazon)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: ultrabike on January 24, 2015, 06:55:21 PM
Going through "Breaking Bad". I like it a lot, but it's getting more depressing as it goes through.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: frenchbat on January 24, 2015, 08:28:01 PM
Going through "Breaking Bad". I like it a lot, but it's getting more depressing as it goes through.
You're in for a treat. Which season are you watching right now ?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on January 24, 2015, 09:20:35 PM
I have watched three seasons of The Practice in the past week. There's a scene with Lara Flynn Boyle exiting the shower, her hair water-soaked.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: ultrabike on January 24, 2015, 09:44:11 PM
You're in for a treat. Which season are you watching right now ?

Will finish 2nd Season today. It's pretty engaging but Jesse exasperates me sometimes.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: frenchbat on January 24, 2015, 10:13:55 PM
Will finish 2nd Season today. It's pretty engaging but Jesse exasperates me sometimes.
Oh boy ... I wish I was you right now. True, the characters are just psychos, but it only gets to serve the story later. Just enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on January 31, 2015, 07:43:46 AM
So I watched the available episodes of Grand Hotel, e01-42. As someone who hates hotels (except the Westins because they're built in an open style), a long series set in a hotel is far from a natural fit. Moreover, I have a hard time understanding why a provincial resort hotel on the northern coast of Spain would have been so socially important in 1905.

But setting aside the premises and the premise and the Cathtilian, the series' social world of manners and discretion is quite involving. If you enjoy understated dramas with a strong element of mystery, you might really like it. Yes, it has a soap opera-ish element. And a little too well-scripted, though there's art in that too. But it's disarmingly "predictable," which makes it not so predictable after all.

Two words of warning: almost every episode ends on a cliff-hanger, and I want to kill netflix because they don't have the last 10 episodes yet--and it's on a cliff-hanger!!! >:(

Season 1 (e01-14)  4/5 or 8/10
Season 2 (e15-28)  3/5 or 6/10
Season 3 (e29-42)  4/5 or 8/10


Now I'm watching Blue Bloods. It's about an Irish family of cops (and lawyers) in my old hometown, New York. Tom Sellick plays the NYPD chief and paterfamilias. It's something of a slow-burner: in the early episodes, the actors are still settling into their roles and the plot hasn't taken off yet. But I quickly came to enjoy it because the character show real moral character and civic virtue. I'm especially pleased that they dropped the "club music" from the opening scenes in favor somewhat elegiac orchestral music--much more appropriate.

Seasons 1-4  4/5 or 8/10
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on February 16, 2015, 12:25:04 AM
I loved the first season of Blue Bloods but its getting monotonous
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: brokenthumb on February 16, 2015, 02:05:05 AM
Just finished watching American Horror Story (All four seasons)

I've now started on Stargate SG-1 (on episode 12 of Season 1, watching with Amazon Prime) I always liked Stargate the movie but never got around to watching any of the TV series.  I got to say I'm growing quite fond of Amanda Tapping.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on February 16, 2015, 02:36:30 AM
I loved the first season of Blue Bloods but its getting monotonous

Yeah, it's all variations on a theme. Guess I just dig the theme.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on February 23, 2015, 06:18:10 AM
Going through "Breaking Bad". I like it a lot, but it's getting more depressing as it goes through.
I was alright with Breaking Bad for a while. It never really caught me, but it was entertaining.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: ultrabike on February 23, 2015, 07:11:37 AM
Yeah. Will get back at it for sho, but I'm liking Heisenberg less and less as time goes on. His sidekick exasperates me too. Currently back with Supernatural.

It might get better though. Seems they're going to involve the "Juarez Cartel" there. Things are a bit caricaturesque as far as that, but it's engaging.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: No_One411 on February 23, 2015, 07:30:54 AM
Anybody watch Fringe?

Nice modern X-Files reboot. Series sucked after Season 3 imo, but I liked it enough to start rewatching.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on February 23, 2015, 08:28:06 AM
Anybody watch Fringe?

Nice modern X-Files reboot. Series sucked after Season 3 imo, but I liked it enough to start rewatching.

Yes, I've seen the whole series. Even used the theme as my ringtone for a while. (See the first post, but don't read the spoiler.)

I don't think it's in the same league as The X-Files, but The X-Files is my favorite TV series so maybe I'm biased.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: eddypoon on February 23, 2015, 10:16:29 AM
I like the Better Call Saul series. Something to look forward to on Mondays now.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: x838nwy on February 23, 2015, 12:06:46 PM
Anybody watch Fringe?

Nice modern X-Files reboot. Series sucked after Season 3 imo, but I liked it enough to start rewatching.

I'm in the process of watching all 9 seasons in the order in which they were aired. I'd have to agree, season 4 totally sucked. I'm on season 6 now and it's picking up.

After that, I have Breaking Bad complete series. After that I have Quantum Leap in my wish list on Amazon. This should all see me through till GoT season 5. Basically in love with Natalie Dormer. And yes, I've gone through Series 1-3 like 5 times already.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on February 23, 2015, 04:18:40 PM
Anybody watch Fringe?

Nice modern X-Files reboot. Series sucked after Season 3 imo, but I liked it enough to start rewatching.
LOVE Fringe.

Walter may be one of my favorite TV characters of all-time.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: No_One411 on February 23, 2015, 04:38:58 PM
Yes, I've seen the whole series. Even used the theme as my ringtone for a while. (See the first post, but don't read the spoiler.)

I don't think it's in the same league as The X-Files, but The X-Files is my favorite TV series so maybe I'm biased.

Shoot, didn't realize that it was already in the first post!

I agree that X-Files is better by far, but still a decent show nonetheless.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on February 24, 2015, 01:56:28 AM
Agent Carter

Okay, this one is difficult. Score from 4/10 - ?? or TBD/10

Had like 6 episodes on the DVR since the pilot. The first two were like pulling teeth. Despite some high quality writing and Marvel production value superior to Agents of Shield, the constant and incessant overplay of 1940's sexism and how it impacts Agent Carter personally and professionally was waaaay too overboard and tedious. I was about to delete the whole folder and forget about the series. Skipped to the latest episode and that element has now literally been blown up and out from the series. Still, it remains to be seen if there's really anything redeeming about the show left. Atm, it's the only thing on my DVR I dread pressing the play button on.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: dreamwhisper on February 24, 2015, 05:30:37 AM
Gotham, 5/10

I wanted to like it, but it's too corny.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on February 24, 2015, 06:10:16 AM
Gotham, 5/10

I wanted to like it, but it's too corny.

Yeah, character development has stalled. Plot development is going sideways and pieces are just being shuffled around instead of progressing. Right now it's one step forward, two steps back which means the writers are in trouble.

Angela Bassett would have been 10x's better than Jada Smith but she's already on a better show. I was hoping she would get knocked off, oh well.

They did recently add Morena Baccarin for eye candy so there's that.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Byrnie on February 24, 2015, 01:27:29 PM
Just finished watching American Horror Story (All four seasons)

I've now started on Stargate SG-1 (on episode 12 of Season 1, watching with Amazon Prime) I always liked Stargate the movie but never got around to watching any of the TV series.  I got to say I'm growing quite fond of Amanda Tapping.
Richard Dean is awesome!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on March 04, 2015, 09:44:50 PM
Been watching The Inside (2005). Same vein as the US remake of Touching Evil- dark, sardonic, a bit over the top. It's basically a copy of that but with a female lead. Seven episodes in, it's good. Rachel Nichols plays the new FBI criminal-catcher in town, joining a ragtag group of other criminal-catchers after one of their own has a nervous breakdown and rips her own skin off.

The hook- Nichol's character is a play on Elizabeth Smart. As a child, she was kidnapped and detained by a sicko for eighteen months before escaping. Now she's grown up and fights to stop people like him. Whole series is up on YT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1YiBesEHc&list=PL78945C216D0C78BD&index=4
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on March 05, 2015, 01:33:52 AM
Watched the first season of Bosch - an Amazon original series, and it was quite fantastic. 9.5/10

Started Allegiance shortly after and have caught up to current. Seems interesting, though the characters still have a sheen of artificiality. Will watch more.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on March 05, 2015, 03:56:20 AM
Started Allegiance shortly after and have caught up to current. Seems interesting, though the characters still have a sheen of artificiality. Will watch more.

I tried one episode and it seemed like a really bad version of The Americans with a dash of Blacklist. I couldn't make it past halfway. Its like you say, the characters just don't believe themselves and I don't buy into the storytelling.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: OJneg on March 05, 2015, 04:07:22 AM
Rewatching:

(http://skepchick.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Battlestar-galactica-w.jpg)

 :)p17
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on March 06, 2015, 09:58:56 PM
The Sandbaggers (1978) on YT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9yAvo4BKk

British spy serial. Mostly talking. Watched the first episode, and it was compelling enough. I was going to start Smiley's People, but began listening to The Complete George Smiley audios, so well, spoilers since they'd based on the same source material. I'm going with the audios for now.

Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Hands on March 06, 2015, 10:39:32 PM
OJ, BSG is one of my favorite shows, though I know there are a lot of varying opinions on it, especially the last couple seasons (I love it all, so deal with it!).

The most notable show I've been watching lately is 12 Monkeys. I like it quite a bit so far. I can't wait for The Expanse series to air, because I'm in love with the book series so far.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on March 10, 2015, 01:35:12 AM
I watched Bosch. On the whole, it was solid.  4/5 or 8/10

They made the male lead a little too good-looking (in a Clooney-esque way, but without that Bosch has in the books) and much too well-dressed. Most detectives don't look that good or wear Rolex Submariners; maybe they do in L.A.? But he acted the part well so I suppose it doesn't matter.

PS The novel City of Bones (2002) is a much more straightforward story than the TV version, which borrows from two other Bosch novels, Echo Park (2006) and the Concrete Blonde (1994). That was a mistake: adding a serial killer to the story only serves to confuse.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on March 20, 2015, 09:34:45 AM
Sorry if US Netflix House of Cards was already mentioned in this thread.  I've watched the 1st two seasons and am currently involved in the third season, it is similar to Game of Thrones in that it tells the tale of the the unbridled pursuit of power albeit from a contemporary US-centric point of view.  I love it, the nauseous  pursuit of power is milked to the last drop but framed in a very modern, relatable context. 

Of all the recent TV offerings this proves to be the most engaging to me, followed by game of thrones.  I have yet to watch The Good Wife, Shameless and The Americans but these three series have piqued my attention.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on March 20, 2015, 05:53:22 PM
Some of us were brought up on the original British version and find the new Spaceyfied version more difficult to return to.

Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: kapanak on March 20, 2015, 06:43:18 PM
BSG 21st century version is a very difficult subject for me. For one, I really liked the show. It was probably the best space show I have ever watched, and I've watched them all. However, the ending completely ruined it for me. Half the loose ends were never tied up, and the whole past present thing was waaaaaaaaaaay too much for me to accept lol. It would have been better if it was future present instead.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on March 24, 2015, 05:10:12 AM
Some of us were brought up on the original British version and find the new Spaceyfied version more difficult to return to.



I have the UK version on the queue and look forward to it.  But I do like the US version, in spite of Spacey, he is a bit hammey and his accent is hard to take.  Plus it's pretty gay.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on March 24, 2015, 05:23:24 AM
I have the UK version on the queue and look forward to it.  But I do like the US version, in spite of Spacey, he is a bit hammey and his accent is hard to take. 

The UK Parliamentary structure is already difficult enough to convert to the US system, KS simply doesn't have the acting chops of someone like Ian Richardson or someone that can really shine in that role. I guess Daniel Day Lewis said no. Also, someone should tell Robin Wright you don't have to look like a soulless disassociated psychopath 24/7 to play one on TV. That's not how they actually function in real life. See Ted Bundy.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on March 25, 2015, 01:03:43 AM
Seven Days. Late '90s Sci-Fi schlock. The premise of the show is that the government (a secret branch specifically) has developed the technology to travel back in time seven days, which is used to prevent major disasters that have already happened by sending an agent in a well, time machine. New episode each week, new disaster, bit of comedy and anti-hero protagonist- all pretty straightforward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDUlkTXCA9s&list=PL701A90C4EFB969B0

It's entertaining, but the show suffers from terrible logic (if that's the correct word). For example, one episode has them discovering another time machine that's arrived from the future, but its advanced power source is destroyed shortly before the episode ends. Somehow they don't think to just go back seven days from then and secure the machine before it breaks, allowing them access to the power source.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: donunus on March 26, 2015, 01:04:12 AM
Banshee!!!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on April 03, 2015, 09:37:31 PM
Babylon. On the opposite end of the tongue-in-cheek spectrum of A Touch of Cloth, focusing on Scotland Yard. It's good, but can jump from lighthearted parody to seriousness as the season goins on, though it's executed well enough.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: toddthemetalgod on April 04, 2015, 03:09:27 AM
I'm currently waiting for the new season of Orphan Black. I love that show and binge watched all of it in two days last week. I'm going to have to re-watch the first two seasons in case I missed any subtle plot details in my continuous hours of watching :P.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: ericfarrell85 on April 04, 2015, 04:39:01 AM
House of Cards, the vastly superior original of course.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on April 12, 2015, 03:11:22 AM
Endeavour

series 1  4/5 or 8/10
series 2  3/5 or 6/10

Endeavour is the prequels to Inspector Morse, a long-running detective series about a cynical older bachelor whose chief pleasures are classical music and beer. The Morse mysteries are so convoluted that they're often hard to solve, which actually makes them somewhat interesting and fun. Endeavour is fairly convoluted too but generally not to that extent or effect. Moreover, I find it hard to believe that the serious, earnest young depiction of Morse would have grown up into the cynical older bachelor.

Taken on its own terms, it makes fairly sophisticated choices by not spelling everything out and has an enjoyable use of color. The first series was quite promising, but the second was uneven and ends on a cliffhanger--of course, it's not very much of a cliffhanger because obviously things will turn out just fine for a Morse in the end. Based on the second season, I can't recommend starting it unless you simply love mystery series regardless of their quality.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on May 08, 2015, 10:35:33 PM
^ I watched the first episode of Inspector Lewis. Not bad.

I only just learned a few weeks ago there was another Cracker special that takes place a decade later. Most of the characters don't return (it did actually air ten years after the last special, I think), but its still enjoyable. Makes me want more Cracker.

Do Over (2002). Up on YT. One of those incomplete, not-even-one-season wonders with a lot of charm. It's about a 31-year old paper salesmen who blacks out and awakes in his teenage body. Yep, high school do over in the '80s. 15 20-minute episodes and worth the time.

R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour. Also up on YT. Sequel to Goosebumps and I'm still going through it. Some of the episodes are fuckin' dark.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on May 09, 2015, 06:09:56 AM
Working through Sherlock again after reading The Fifth Heart by Dan Simmons. I can't get enough of that character, no matter the incarnation. Even Dr. House.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: aufmerksam on May 09, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Daredevil on Netflix anyone? Just finished the first season, only one so far. Impressively high production value and good writing. End of the second episode had one of the best fight scenes I have ever seen. Last few episodes felt rushed and too tidy, but I will definitely watch the next season to see if it pans out.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on May 12, 2015, 08:13:42 AM
Anyone else watching Black Mirror?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: drfindley on May 12, 2015, 08:54:33 AM
Daredevil on Netflix anyone? Just finished the first season, only one so far. Impressively high production value and good writing. End of the second episode had one of the best fight scenes I have ever seen. Last few episodes felt rushed and too tidy, but I will definitely watch the next season to see if it pans out.
I've watched this nearly all the way through and have just been blown away with the quality of it. The sound has been amazing, the lighting has been amazing and I've enjoyed the writing. And yeah, some of the best fight scenes to ever grace a television. I've been quite enjoying it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on May 12, 2015, 01:30:46 PM
Anyone else watching Black Mirror?

I made it through the first episode with some difficulty: I don't know if it's true that our society has already given up on trying to be halfway decent but if it is true, I had rather not think about it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: AustinValentine on May 12, 2015, 02:01:22 PM
Anyone else watching Black Mirror?

Waiting on more to be produced. All seven episodes so far have been solid. If it takes a bit to get more - and they do it right - then it's worth the wait.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on May 12, 2015, 06:02:07 PM
I made it through the first episode with some difficulty: I don't know if it's true that our society has already given up on trying to halfway decent but if it is true, I had rather not think about it.

Oh, I had to try three times to get through the first episode. The first half was not my sort of thing at all with a bunch of pretentious drunk yuppie wankers having an adolescent level conversation at the dinner table.

Watch the White Bear episode if you get a chance.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Hands on May 12, 2015, 06:38:46 PM
I'm currently waiting for the new season of Orphan Black. I love that show and binge watched all of it in two days last week. I'm going to have to re-watch the first two seasons in case I missed any subtle plot details in my continuous hours of watching :P.

Just started watching this myself. Pretty enjoyable! But also one of those shows where it would seem many of the problems the characters face could be resolved much faster, and in a better way for all, if they simply communicated with each other, the police, lawyers, etc. in a better way or, you know, at all. Too many stupid things done because someone is trying to do things behind the scenes, solve things themselves, etc.

Not that this makes it a bad show by any means! Otherwise I wouldn't be enjoying it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on May 23, 2015, 06:27:32 PM
Masterchef Aussie season 6 finale. Normally the judges will do a bit of nudging if a contestant has made/is making a mistake during a cook, but in the very last round of the finale, they both hint at the (large) mistake and then go out of their way to tell the contestant. This is is just unfair. It's the deciding round for the entire competition, and if someone is too thick to realize they stuffed up, they should be allowed to drown.

Argh! I'm still watching it, and that same contestant makes another damned mistake and the judges... I know these shows are partly staged, with certain contestants being favored over others and the like, but at least try to be subtle.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on May 23, 2015, 06:58:26 PM
Catching up on TURN season 2. Pretty decent first couple of episodes.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Ringingears on May 23, 2015, 08:40:07 PM
Well I tried streaming Eurovision for a while this afternoon. It was like the AKG K701. OK at first then your ears start to tighten, then your turning down the volume. Finally you pull them off and the relief is unbelievable.   :)p8
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 02, 2015, 07:34:08 PM
This season of American Dad started off pretty shit, but it gets its groove back around episode six and stays with it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: bixby on June 07, 2015, 02:59:22 PM
Watching the current (4?) season of SUITS on Amazon Prime with my son , before I kick my prime sub to the curb.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 08, 2015, 05:48:49 PM
Season 4 of Veep. Last night's episode. SPOILERS - They're doing the "hearing" schtick from the last season of The Thick of It.

I like Veep. It's a good show. Not as entertaining as The Thick of It, but more... level. Fewer ups and downs (to both its benefit and detriment), and nowhere near as vulgar language-wise. It's safe. Relatively.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Ringingears on June 09, 2015, 02:13:08 AM
Julia Child making French style omelets of all kinds. Did you know with two pans going you could feed a party of 60 people in 30 minutes? I'm waiting to see if she kills one of the stagehands.  p:8
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: burnspbesq on June 09, 2015, 04:59:16 AM
"Nashville" and "Mad Men." And sports.

And "Tyrant," which is coming back for season two starting next week. Cannot wait to see how Barry gets out from in front of the firing squad.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 09, 2015, 06:22:58 AM
Julia Child making French style omelets of all kinds. Did you know with two pans going you could feed a party of 60 people in 30 minutes? I'm waiting to see if she kills one of the stagehands.  p:8

Did you know you could feed a party of 60 people in 3 minutes with a box of granola bars from Costco?

And "Tyrant," which is coming back for season two starting next week. Cannot wait to see how Barry gets out from in front of the firing squad.

Ditto! Waiting on Hannibal two too.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on June 09, 2015, 03:44:14 PM
The Americans over the winter, and now Hannibal over the summer.  Nothing else I really catch episode by episode, preferring the later binge.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 09, 2015, 04:58:35 PM
Decided to resume Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's been a few years. I'm watching a Holocaust survivor go at it with a cast member of the reality show "Survivor" over dinner. The conversation has quickly degenerated into a very awkward dick-measuring contest.

"Have you even seen the show?"

"Did you see our show? It was called THE HOLOCAUST."
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: DubiousMike on June 09, 2015, 07:51:56 PM
I am loving Silicon Valley.  Definitely worth a try on hbogo/now if you haven't checked it out.

Also eagerly awaiting True Detective season 2!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 12, 2015, 06:39:56 PM
Wayward Pines progression...

1-Okay, is this some sort of XFiles meets Lost? Cheap mystery hook smells bad.
2-I'll bite. Total weirdness. This is either going to be pretty decent or really really bad.
3-Maybe I'm hooked, have to find out wtf is going on. One smoke monster and I'm done with you just like lame Lost.
4-So, what's up with the Hail Hydra midget? Good guy, bad guy, mastermind, wtf?
5-Oh hell no!! I did not see THAT coming. Some severe holes and dots to connect, but possibilities might be too hard to resist. I hope the moral undertones follows the gritty realism of BSG versus the white washed STNG.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on June 12, 2015, 07:22:38 PM
Wayward Pines progression...

Totally forgot about Wayward Pines when I posted above.  I watched the first three episdoes last week and dug it.  Definitely will watch the rest of the season (unless it goes off the rails...).

Also forgot about Black Sails, which is my guilty pleasure and better than people realize (especially season 2).
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: aufmerksam on June 12, 2015, 07:42:00 PM
4-So, what's up with the Hail Hydra midget? Good guy, bad guy, mastermind, wtf?

I already thought it smelled like twin peaks, a midget is too much
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on June 12, 2015, 08:11:15 PM
Finally started watching Bojack Horseman.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 12, 2015, 08:45:48 PM
I already thought it smelled like twin peaks, a midget is too much

It's definitely more Chris Carter than David Lynch. He isn't actually a figment in this case. Midget is also too strong a word. More dwarf or just short I suppose at 5'4"

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/marvelcinematicuniverse/images/4/43/2011_captain_america_003.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120810084228)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 12, 2015, 08:58:27 PM
Check your tall privilege Analingus.

If I didn't care for Twin Peaks (I tried, I seriously seriously tried), will I like Wayward?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: s1 on June 12, 2015, 11:48:38 PM
Penny Dreadful Season 2  - better than the 1st season , but could be better w/o Dorian and Frakenstein i think.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on June 13, 2015, 12:40:58 AM
Turn season two was very good. Hope you are enjoying it, Mike. The only thing that felt off was the quantity of soldiers at the battle. I assume budget restraints, but it still looked funny.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 13, 2015, 02:28:36 AM
Check your tall privilege Analingus.

If I didn't care for Twin Peaks (I tried, I seriously seriously tried), will I like Wayward?

Possibly. Not like Twin Peaks at all. Just has the small town in the northwest feel is all. I actually didn't know he was that tall. He looks so much smaller next to everyone in the films.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on June 14, 2015, 06:16:57 AM
I just watched Wayward 1-3 and I give up.

This is the usual Shyamalan: a whole lotta nothing. poo (That guy was a one hit wonder. Sixth Sense is excellent, but everything after has been utterly predictable.) Wayward seems to take its inspiration from The Village, probably his worst movie. Abandon all hope ye who enter . . .

Kiro, unfortunately it's nothing like Twin Peaks, so you might actually like it. :P
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 14, 2015, 06:45:36 AM
I just watched Wayward 1-3 and I give up.

This is the usual Shyamalan: a whole lotta nothing. poo (That guy was a one hit wonder. Sixth Sense is excellent, but everything after has been utterly predictable.) Wayward seems to take its inspiration from The Village, probably his worst movie. Abandon all hope ye who enter . . .

Kiro, unfortunately it's nothing like Twin Peaks, so you might actually like it. :P

I actually liked The Village. Signs was brilliant until he actually revealed the fern aliens then it all crashed and burned.

If he's so predictable, tell us what the story is about from the three episodes you watched. I'm just curious what you think you know from that.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on June 14, 2015, 07:17:44 AM
If he's so predictable, tell us what the story is about from the three episodes you watched. I'm just curious what you think you know from that.

It's The Village with actual bad guys of some sort on the outside, whoever they are. Or it isn't. Absolutely nothing was remotely new or surprising in the first three episodes. If that's the build up to a shocking twist, I'm simply not patient enough to see it through.

But the cryptic race angle--the mock-jolly menacing black sheriff who's either a tool or another victim (or both)--is surprising and mildly subversive considering who's president. As if the writer's trying to bait the audience into thoughtcrime.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 14, 2015, 07:41:40 AM
Boy that's the most contrived over analysis I've ever seen for a character who dies in the very next episode. I think you need to take a break from the AM radio...

(http://www.notable-quotes.com/f/sigmund_freud_quote.jpg)

We already know what's outside as of this week. I'm just curious to see where they take it and how they play it. Obviously the "bad guys" aren't just outside.

I'm going to guess Walking Dead isn't Lynchian enough for you either. If WP can somehow manage the nuance of TWD and BSG I'll be more than satisfied.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on June 14, 2015, 11:39:24 AM
I actually liked The Village. Signs was brilliant until he actually revealed the fern aliens then it all crashed and burned.

If he's so predictable, tell us what the story is about from the three episodes you watched. I'm just curious what you think you know from that.
Unbreakable may be my favorite.

Just watched the first two episodes of Wayward.  No spoilers,  please :P

In other TV news,  I watched Daredevil and loved it.  Some painfully bad acting at parts,  but it doesn't even matter.  It was just fun.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 14, 2015, 05:47:14 PM
Finally started Better Call Saul. Two episodes in- it's depressingly good.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on June 14, 2015, 08:34:06 PM
Anyone catch the premier of Dark Matter? Not sure what to think of it yet, but I'll give it a few more.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 21, 2015, 07:13:51 PM
Watched the first two episodes of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell this morning. Liked it. It focuses on Mr. Norrell, one of the last true magicians left in England (takes place when they're still fighting the French and wearing fuzzy wigs), who decides he wants to use his powers for the good of the nation and to bring respectability back to his craft.

*minor spoilers*

He's also an anti-social neurotic who almost literally makes a Faustian pact at the start to accomplish it- ends justifying the means sort. There's also a prophecy, a villain, and Strange, who after discovering he's a natural at magic, apprentices himself to Norrell. Though as the story progresses, it's becoming less clear to Strange whether they're meant to be fighting on the same side...
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: mikoss on June 21, 2015, 08:33:23 PM
Finally started Better Call Saul. Two episodes in- it's depressingly good.
Agreed. It took me just until the end of the second episode to get hooked. It may end up being nearly as good as BB. So that's pretty much all I've been watching. Waiting for Masters of Sex to begin again, as it's also one of my favourite shows. I don't watch too many... Hard to pry away from the music.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 23, 2015, 05:10:09 AM
Anyone watching 'Making of the Mob: New York'? No wonder The Godfather was so good. Coppola did his due diligence with historical research and accuracy.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Ringingears on June 23, 2015, 01:41:15 PM
What channel is it showing on? The Godfather is in my top 5 movies of all time.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 23, 2015, 05:55:52 PM
AMC. It's like the History Channel narrative/docudramas but with better actors, budget and director. If you have a DVR, you might try to record or download the first two episodes.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Ringingears on June 23, 2015, 08:42:41 PM
On it. Got both. DVR is set to record the rest. Thanks for the rec. Love this kind of stuff. Wife will be happy too. Good casting. Thanks man.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on June 23, 2015, 09:16:01 PM
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

Thanks for posting this.  I know the book but had no idea a series had been developed.  Look forward to checking it out.

Re alternative histories based on books, I finally got around to watching the pilot of The Man in the High Castle.  Great!  Can't wait to see more.

Can stream that for free from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Man-High-Castle-HD/dp/B00RSGIVVO


Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 23, 2015, 09:35:43 PM
That reminds me- I was reading a thing and the book The Difference Engine came up- apparently it's like good but not good and hard but good.
 
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/TheDifferenceEngine%281stEd%29.jpg)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: gelocks on June 24, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
Last night I watched the first episode of True Detective season 2... not as captivating as the first season with Woody and Matthew but it was good enough as an initial "set-up" piece. I hate Collin Farrell or whatever his name is, but he looks menacing here, it might be a good piece for him. But thing is, EVERYONE looks menacing, even the lovable Vince Vaughn lol!

Also watched the first episode of The Brink. Robbins was very funny and Jack Black is Jack Black. Can't wait for more.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on June 24, 2015, 05:48:39 PM
Last night I watched the first episode of True Detective season 2... not as captivating as the first season with Woody and Matthew but it was good enough as an initial "set-up" piece. I hate Collin Farrell or whatever his name is, but he looks menacing here, it might be a good piece for him. But thing is, EVERYONE looks menacing, even the lovable Vince Vaughn lol!
Yeah, it's Vince Vaughn that I'm not so sure about.  I'll give it some time.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: The Alchemist on June 25, 2015, 05:17:45 AM
DVR'd all of the newest season of Vikings on History channel. haven't watched it yet, but I have watched all of the seasons up until now, I really dig it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 25, 2015, 06:06:59 AM
Yeah, it's Vince Vaughn that I'm not so sure about.  I'll give it some time.

I have to second this. I thought he was fine during the first bar scene, but after that...he seemed completely lost as to wth his character was supposed to be about. Very odd portrayal of a wannabee criminal power mogul. The ending also gives me bad juju about how the series will develop.

On that note, Tyrant is off to a rather slow and predictable dragged out start for season two. The portrayal of the Chinese delegation and their attitude was completely off. I haven't seen a more white washed interpretation of Asians since Max Von Sydow played Ming the Merciless. Actually he was better. Btw, nobody survives the desert like that. No way, no how.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: songmic on June 25, 2015, 09:02:17 AM
Here are some of the most recent shows I've watched in the last couple months, spoilers-free:

1. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (season 2) - I'm not afraid to admit I'm a Marvel fanboy. Agent Carter was mediocre but the latter half of AoS season 2 played out very well, in fact the last two-hour-long episode was better than the latest Avengers movie IMO. I especially liked how the events in the series naturally segued into the Age of Ultron plotline, and how the series quickly picks off from its aftermath just like how it did with Winter Soldier in season 1.

2. Supernatural (season 10) - It's no secret Supernatural jumped the shark a long time ago and I've been watching the last several seasons out of loyality, but season 10 had one of the best endings by far with some very interesting revelations and unfolding of events. Too bad only the ending was good, the rest of the season was pretty meh.

3. Better Call Saul (season 1) - With Breaking Bad being my numero uno most favorite TV series of all time, this one was a no-brainer. I had high expectations for this, and Vince Gilligan delivered. My only qualm is that it ended with only 10 episodes, I was hoping for around 16 or more.

4. Game of Thrones (season 5) - I think it's pretty redundant to mention GoT as it's probably the most mainstrem TV series right now and I'm sure practically everyone's watched it. That being said, season 5 delivered too many shocks typical of GoT that by the time I hit that I've become numb to even the most shocking twists and turns in the last couple episodes. One of the disappointments with season 5 is that they haven't picked up any of Bran's plot from where he left off with a cliffhanger at the end of season 4. Bran's story wasn't one of the most interesting in the show but it held one of the series' darkest mysteries, and just when they were finally on the verging of getting some answers they left it out for an entire season? Typical of GRRM.

5. True Detective (season 2) - It was pretty good, but not as good as the 1st season IMO. Colinn Farrell's acting wasn't bad but I missed Woody and Matthew's action and hoped to see them again even as a cameo appearance. Not sure if I feel like watching the 3rd season when it comes out.

I've been eyeing the Wachowski's new series Sense8 for some time, but having wasted two precious hours of my life which I'll never get back with  their recent disasterfuck Jupiter Ascending is making me reconsider.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on June 25, 2015, 12:27:12 PM
4. Game of Thrones (season 5) - I think it's pretty redundant to mention GoT as it's probably the most mainstrem TV series right now and I'm sure practically everyone's watched it. That being said, season 5 delivered too many shocks typical of GoT that by the time I hit that I've become numb to even the most shocking twists and turns in the last couple episodes. One of the disappointments with season 5 is that they haven't picked up any of Bran's plot from where he left off with a cliffhanger at the end of season 4. Bran's story wasn't one of the most interesting in the show but it held one of the series' darkest mysteries, and just when they were finally on the verging of getting some answers they left it out for an entire season? Typical of GRRM.
The show producers were very up front about the fact that they weren't going to touch the Bran storyline until next season.  It's understandable.  The last season went very far with it and there wasn't a whole lot else they could do without jumping that storyline way ahead of the books.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: s1 on June 26, 2015, 06:48:33 PM
Saw Mr.Robot last night ...looks promising.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 26, 2015, 06:55:29 PM
Finished 'Turn' S2 last night. Good call Max. Fantastic season. I plowed through S1 as a history exercise. S2 is fabulous. Directing, acting, production value, writing, character development, cinematography all got significantly better. I'd give the series the most improved award over anything else I've seen so far this year.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 28, 2015, 09:47:32 PM
Finished Daredevil. Good. It hits most of the right notes for a superhero serial. No one is particularly overly annoying.

Started Gotham- eh. Too hammy and predictable for me. But not unbearable.

Brink - I recognize all of these people from previous HBO shows and the like. Makes me remember that I never finished Generation Kill.

True Detective S2- Not sure, still watching the first episode. The "female cop who has a one night stand in the opening to signify that she's damaged" trope is played out. I don't mind Farrell. Vaughn's wife in the show is the squirrely detective from Above Suspicion.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 28, 2015, 11:25:13 PM
I didn't get the 'damaged' vibe from that. More like she's more man then the men she's with, then goes on to treat her porn star sister like a hypocrite. She's actually repressed and thinks she can find empowerment through being a cop. My take at least.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on June 28, 2015, 11:41:04 PM
Oh, like a long time thing? Yeah I can see that. Explains why they took the time to show you the rest of her family- she never stood a chance. Life and Forever were two shows that pulled the "recent-ish tragedy so lets have that exact scene" shtick. But those cops I think were supposed to be normal earlier on.

I don't know. The characters are really stereotypical (I could call Vaughn's glass-throwing minutes before, as well as Colin fucking up the dad- I'm sure we all could) but that may be intentional. Have it start off looking like another seen-before cop drama, then throw some plot twists and moderately unexpected character revelations. As long it remains entertaining and doesn't push too hard the need for suspension of disbelief, I'll stick with it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on June 28, 2015, 11:49:49 PM
You're spot on, it's like 5 different types of cop movies with different plots tossed together with a dash of Lynch for good measure.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: gelocks on June 29, 2015, 12:53:43 PM
Was caught by surprise on the second episode... I think it might get better after all. And yeah, it definitely has a "Lynchian" vibe.

Yesterday I finally figured what was "wrong" with the show's song (initial song playing during credits)... it sounds too similar to "Woke up this morning", the one used for The Sopranos, at least to my ears. Different tempo, but still, might be the vocals. Cohen's voice though, is mesmerizing to me.

And speaking of songs, love the singer in the bar scenes, sounds very depressing but I might need to check her out.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on June 30, 2015, 12:27:32 AM
While I'm away from home studying violin bow repair, I've been watching a good bit of tv while I have nothing to do at night. Shortly before I left on this trip I started my 3rd or 4th rewatch of Babylon 5, the best space opera ever. Was getting a bit burned out watching 6+ episodes per day so I took a break midway through season 4.

Watched the premier of Humans, which could be alright, but might fail to break into the interesting category like so many similar shows do. Watched the second episode of Dark Matter, which filled in a lot of context. I'll watch more. Watched the premier of Kill Joys which is a pretty cool premise, and has a sort of Serenity meets Cowboy Bebop vibe. I have watched the first 3 episodes of Sense8 and so far it sort of feels like season one of true detective in that it feels dense, but there's not a lot actually going on. 3 hours of production and I still have no idea where this is all leading. I have a feeling it could all be worth it in the end, but so far I keep pleading for the plot to move on. Not sure what to think about this show yet. The only reason I am giving it the benefit of the doubt is that it was co-written and produced by J Michael Straczynski, the author and producer of the first show I mentioned, Babylon 5.

I left on my trip before season 2 of true detective came out, but I look forward to catching up on the first few episodes this Sunday.

Regarding GoT, I started watching this season but after they decided to completely make up the story, making wholesale changes to what actually happened in the books, I lost interest immediately. Perhaps I will return to it after all the books are finished (so in 20 years), but for now the HBO version is a fraud.

Glad you liked Turn season 2, Mike. Hope they will agree to a season 3. (or maybe they already have)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on June 30, 2015, 12:43:53 AM
I've kept up with Dark Matter and Killjoys so far since they both are nice summer-time light watching.  We'll see if they stay interesting.  Dark Matter has a solid cast.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: gelocks on June 30, 2015, 01:52:34 AM
I've kept up with Dark Matter and Killjoys so far since they both are nice summer-time light watching.  We'll see if they stay interest.  Dark Matter has a solid cast.

Saw a couple of commercials for these... Killjoys definitely caught me eye. As Maxvla mentioned, it has sort of a "Serenity" vibe which I like so... I might watch a few and see if I like it.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on June 30, 2015, 02:06:07 AM
Regarding GoT, I started watching this season but after they decided to completely make up the story, making wholesale changes to what actually happened in the books, I lost interest immediately. Perhaps I will return to it after all the books are finished (so in 20 years), but for now the HBO version is a fraud.
I wasn't crazy about a lot of the changes, either. 

The show writers claim that the books and show will all end up at the same place.  I think it's an important thing to keep in mind...they know where the books are going and we don't.  Maybe when it's all said and done, we'll realize that they were heading the right direction with all of this after all.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 01, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
The recent season of GoT wasn't great, but I'm too invested to just walk away. Unless it gets horrendous, then I'll just wiki the books or something.

I started season 2 of Halt and Catch Fire. It's going to be a train wreck, but the first episode was entertaining enough. I like the main cast for all their faults, and well, I have shit else to watch but Masterchef.

Suits. I can't... I didn't even watch the last bits of the previous season. It's just so bad. Snake forever consuming it's own tail sort, with the same plot lines again and again, and just unbelievable resolutions. I might start it, I probably won't for awhile.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 01, 2015, 05:08:08 PM
Tyrant is really getting on my nerves right now. Might be the show that has regressed the most this season. At this point, I think they employ a dart board for their writing and character development.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 01, 2015, 05:57:04 PM
(http://cdn1-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/ash-vs-evil-dead/ash-vs-evil-dead.jpg)

http://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/455663-groovy-first-look-at-bruce-campbell-in-ash-vs-evil-dead#/slide/1

Still not sold on the half-hour format, but I'm guess it's going to be more like a five hour miniseries with cheap cliffhangers. (10 episodes x 30)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 02, 2015, 06:48:05 PM
I just watched Turn season 1 due to seeing it mentioned in this thread.  It's a good show, but goddamnit is anyone else bothered by the fact that the protagonist is a little squirmy weasel who lets his wife toil alone over their 1 year old son on a cabbage farm while he goes on extended vacations to New York City to fornicate with the town harlot???
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 02, 2015, 07:14:20 PM
You get over it, and he starts to earn his worth. It actually adds to the layers as you'll see. Kind of shows you the complexities of the time with the younger brother marrying his dead brothers fiancee (as expected by custom), pandering to daddy's loyalist tendencies, etc. I don't think the show works is you use Captain America. The protagonist actually has to look unassuming and non threatening to fit his role.

It's actually a nice contrast to Alpha male personalities like John Andre and Benedict Arnold. Not to mention wild man Robert Rogers. I also was quite impressed by the portrayal of George Washington. I don't think I've ever seen a better GW anywhere, especially in S2.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: jacal01 on July 02, 2015, 07:29:50 PM
Penny Dreadful (Showtime) I think has the best characters development and dialogue right now of all the TV series currently running.  One more episode of season 2 remaining.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on July 02, 2015, 09:28:13 PM
Totally agree, Mike. Great comments, especially GW.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on July 02, 2015, 10:08:36 PM
Penny Dreadful (Showtime) I think has the best characters development and dialogue right now of all the TV series currently running.  One more episode of season 2 remaining.

I liked the first season.  Was waiting for this season to finish to (probably) binge watch.  I don't have the constitution to deal with cliff-hangers each week, except for The Americans, which is worth it. 
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 02, 2015, 11:05:14 PM
Nearly caught up on S2 of Halt and Catch Fire. Each episode is total cringe, but it's still an entertaining watch. If you've seen the first season, you have an idea what the expect. Also the focus is on *SPOILERS* online gaming *SPOILERS* this time around.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 03, 2015, 03:15:29 AM
You get over it, and he starts to earn his worth. It actually adds to the layers as you'll see. Kind of shows you the complexities of the time with the younger brother marrying his dead brothers fiancee (as expected by custom), pandering to daddy's loyalist tendencies, etc. I don't think the show works is you use Captain America. The protagonist actually has to look unassuming and non threatening to fit his role.

It's actually a nice contrast to Alpha male personalities like John Andre and Benedict Arnold. Not to mention wild man Robert Rogers. I also was quite impressed by the portrayal of George Washington. I don't think I've ever seen a better GW anywhere, especially in S2.

You're right, it is complex, it's what makes it a good show. 

I guess I'll have to live with the adultery.  I'm very much looking forward to season 2!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 04, 2015, 04:57:07 AM
Ok just finished season 2, it is a great great show!  Im over the adultery now, and readying my psyche for the brutal buggery that Robert Rogers for certain is going to deliver upon poor little Abe in season 3.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: 1melomaniac on July 04, 2015, 06:24:53 AM
Nearly caught up on S2 of Halt and Catch Fire. Each episode is total cringe, but it's still an entertaining watch. If you've seen the first season, you have an idea what the expect. Also the focus is on *SPOILERS* online gaming *SPOILERS* this time around.

Yeah that's a smart one. Better than the treatment of the industry in "Silicon Valley" anyway
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: uncola on July 04, 2015, 11:00:59 AM
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell 7 parter on the BBC.  surprised how little hype it got.. A-class show imo.  About two wizards during a resurgence of magic in england during the napoleonic wars.  only 7 eps but tells a complete story

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p02p9dz7.jpg)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 05, 2015, 01:03:41 AM
Started Wayward Pines. Getting serious The Prisoner (2009) vibes, with a lot of flashbacks to numerous Sci-fi shows (Nowhere Man, Persons Unknown, etc).
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Maxvla on July 05, 2015, 02:50:53 PM
Finished sense8 while away. Felt like there was not much plot, and that there were twice as many characters as needed. Sense4 would have been better. At the end all 8 have their time to shine and it just seems a little hokey. I do admit that I did very much enjoy how much character development happened and that it was all very well done, but seeing the starting and ending point of the season... if not for the sense8 effect that would have been half of an episode for a normal action show. There are plenty of logic gaps that you have to suspend disbelief to get through the show as well.

Overall I think it was good, but there are some serious problems.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 05, 2015, 04:58:24 PM
Wayward Pines episode 3 *SPOILERS* A federal agent who uses his only child's birthday as his company password? Don't believe. Or well, I do. I forget I read the news.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: 1melomaniac on July 08, 2015, 02:31:19 AM
I've been eyeing the Wachowski's new series Sense8 for some time, but having wasted two precious hours of my life which I'll never get back with  their recent disasterfuck Jupiter Ascending is making me reconsider.

Argh. I agree with everything you wrote, but let me warn everyone: my teen is making me watch Sens8 and it is almost as bad as Jupiter Ascending, which imho might have taken the crown for worst ever. - Only watch Sens8 if you need a strong dose of drugs & transgender sex, and don't care much about plot or character development.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on July 08, 2015, 11:42:22 AM
I watched all 6 episodes of Catastrophe (Amazon Original) two days ago.  I enjoyed it.  Quick, light-hearted 20 minute episodes.  Clever writing. 

Hell on Wheels should be coming back fairly soon, but I'm not optimistic.  The first two seasons were fantastic (dark and moody), but then the change in writers sent everything spiraling downwards into a very bad and cheesy place. 
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 08, 2015, 02:20:21 PM
Caught up on Wayward Pines, Halt, finished Jonathan Strange. Began S5 of Suits. Want to start Whispers, but the first episode isn't up on xfinity, even though episodes two onward are.

Will watch No Offence, another British cop parody. Has some actors I like, so.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on July 08, 2015, 03:49:50 PM
I enjoyed the first two episodes of Mr. Robot.  Hopefully it can keep up the quality.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Priidik on July 08, 2015, 06:17:35 PM
Utopia (UK) - Love this show. Season 1 was FANTASTIC

Thanks for bringing this up.
Liked it too. Great plot. Superb main characters.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 11, 2015, 02:15:11 AM
Yes please.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unnLg1TPCYM
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 11, 2015, 04:53:34 AM
just curious, does anyone here have a J-O-B?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 13, 2015, 12:31:21 PM
Nope, live in a van down by the river.

'Bout to watch 7 Days in Hell, a parody of the Isner-Mahut match from awhile back. I remember it fondly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpsMi3Q2fok
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 13, 2015, 01:48:51 PM
Ok I'm about to lose my j-o-b because of this thread.

Just started Tyrant, effing excellent!!!  Same creator of Homeland, goddamn if Israeli-created TV is this good I need more of it.

I just watched the part where the fat useless grandson of the former (now deceased) president introduces his gay cousin to his raided out female East German trainer (who got bronze in Olympic Decathlon, a nice subtle nod to Caitlin Jenner), hired by his grandfather back when East Germany was Easter Germany, my god whoever came up with that idea deserves some friggin award.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 13, 2015, 06:20:39 PM
Keep your expectations low for Season 2. It's been a slow unrealistic drag so far. Last episode offered some potential...
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 14, 2015, 05:35:33 PM
Watched the first episode of UnReal. It's on the Lifetime channel, and focuses on the fictional behind-the-scenes of a reality dating show (Big Brother parody specifically). If you like Shiri Applebly being a borderline psychopath, its worth a watch. Not as many punches pulled as I would've expected, but still, Lifetime.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 15, 2015, 03:19:31 AM
Keep your expectations low for Season 2. It's been a slow unrealistic drag so far. Last episode offered some potential...

Did you like Homeland?  Don't know if that was discussed in this thread but liked the 1st two seasons of that show a lot.  Season 3 became hard to swallow.  Haven't seen the latest season.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 15, 2015, 04:08:51 AM
Did you like Homeland?  Don't know if that was discussed in this thread but liked the 1st two seasons of that show a lot.  Season 3 became hard to swallow.  Haven't seen the latest season.

Not really. Everything was too unreal. All the Marine stuff was totally wrong in so many ways (e.g.-a Marine that surrenders to Al Qaeda and becomes a jihadi? Lol! Uniforms were wrong, haircuts were wrong, language was wrong, etc.), and Claire Danes was like some schizoid CIA analyst that falls in love with terrorists? I dunno, kind of like 24 with estrogen?

I saw the first and second episode of whichever season where they droned the shit out of everything. Thought it started to get interesting and more realistic but haven't followed up.

Edit-I guess it's season 4
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: knerian on July 15, 2015, 04:53:02 AM
24 with estrogen is actually a good description!
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 15, 2015, 02:17:18 PM
I won't admit to this under a court of law, but I relate to Carrie in Homeland so much. You know what I mean.

The most recent season was actually pretty good, because *SPOILERS* the carrie/brody relationship wasn't really any longer in play *SPOILERS*

I want to start Tyrant now.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on July 16, 2015, 04:11:09 AM
Late to the game, but just binge watched Broadchurch.

Loved it.  A lot.

I'm afraid to watch Season 2 for fear that they'll completely ruin everything.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 16, 2015, 08:43:27 PM
^It's a season 2 of a show that wasn't meant to last more than one. Works about as much as you'd expect.

No Offence, binge watched up to episode 5. It's a high-brow parody-ish British police procedural. You have the hardass boss, their myopic and even more stubborn superior, and the protagonist, a single mother who gets shut down for promotion in the first episode, because she ran a perp into street and watched his head get splattered by a bus.

It's good. Not amazing or perhaps memorable if you're seen a lot of these over the years, but it's a decent go. Everyone's actually quite a bit nicer to each other, even with their stereotypical roles and all. The individual episodes have crimes to be solved, but there's also an overarching serial murder case from the first one on.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Deep Funk on July 16, 2015, 11:37:03 PM
Today I watched the last three Top Gear episodes. Shows with that kind of production value and banter are going to be missed.

I do not like Jeremy Clarkson as his behaviour was sometimes downright dangerous at the cost of his co-presenters. Jeremy, Richard and James together were amusing though, very amusing.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on July 17, 2015, 01:24:01 AM
^It's a season 2 of a show that wasn't meant to last more than one. Works about as much as you'd expect.

No Offence, binge watched up to episode 5. It's a high-brow parody-ish British police procedural. You have the hardass boss, their myopic and even more stubborn superior, and the protagonist, a single mother who gets shut down for promotion in the first episode, because she ran a perp into street and watched his head get splattered by a bus.

It's good. Not amazing or perhaps memorable if you're seen a lot of these over the years, but it's a decent go. Everyone's actually quite a bit nicer to each other, even with their stereotypical roles and all. The individual episodes have crimes to be solved, but there's also an overarching serial murder case from the first one on.
I really enjoyed the small-town dynamics moreso than the police/investigation storylines.  I feel that's what makes it stand out.

 
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 18, 2015, 07:35:53 AM
Penny Dreadful S2 E3. Enjoyed that episode quite a bit, and looking forward to the rest now. Really like the dedicated Eva Green character development episodes. Nice breaks from all the congested story lines of people you only give half a rat's ass about.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on July 18, 2015, 03:51:38 PM
Penny Dreadful S2 E3. Enjoyed that episode quite a bit, and looking forward to the rest now. Really like the dedicated Eva Green character development episodes. Nice breaks from all the congested story lines of people you only give half a rat's ass about.
Alright, I've got to check this out.  Time to see if season 1 is on any streaming services...
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 24, 2015, 07:07:35 AM
Ugh..Wayward Pines finale. I know it was designed for one season, but there's no way I can think of possibly watching a S2 if they do one now.

Some of these one and done series are really pulling chicken-shit endings out of their asses (see Dig).
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: anetode on July 24, 2015, 07:14:56 AM
Bojack Horseman season 2: watch it (after watching the first season, it's worth it)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 24, 2015, 06:05:55 PM
I'm four or five episodes into The Whispers. It's... formulaic cliff-hanger schlock that's predictable but popcorn watchable. Like Pines, but not as... its dumber.

Not Safe for Work (ongoing). The govt. sends its useless shits to to the Immigration Pathway in... somewhere that's not London. One of them is a woman who is not a useless shit, although by the second episode, you can understand why she may not have been at full capacity in the past year or two. And/or they sent her in to sort the other actual shits out.

It's funny, but depressing, but at times realistic, but there really isn't much of a strong narrative, just "fuckin' hell".
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: aufmerksam on July 24, 2015, 08:19:49 PM
Bojack Horseman season 2: watch it (after watching the first season, it's worth it)

Thank You! I have been waiting for someone to report on this. I ended up liking the first season, which made me very concerned about whether a second season could even be good.

Did they keep the awesome intro, or change it, like most shows that make it to season two?
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: anetode on July 25, 2015, 12:30:05 AM
Thank You! I have been waiting for someone to report on this. I ended up liking the first season, which made me very concerned about whether a second season could even be good.

Did they keep the awesome intro, or change it, like most shows that make it to season two?

Same-ish intro: a few of the new characters inserted in the background. The second season is better than the first, especially if you binge watch it.  The characters continue to grow and develop, which is unusual for the genre.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 29, 2015, 05:18:20 PM
Ballot Monkeys, it's British political satire. Apparently written and produced during the campaigning itself or something, like how South Park drops an episode focusing current events in a week's time. It's all talking and taking the piss in like a bus and stuff.

I like it. Same guys who are responsible for Drop Dead the Donkey (similar show), which would be better without the laugh track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOxT-zB7Cnk
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on July 30, 2015, 09:40:16 PM
Ugh..Wayward Pines finale. I know it was designed for one season, but there's no way I can think of possibly watching a S2 if they do one now.

I might be the only person I know that liked it.  Maybe I'm just extra-empathetic, but I could really put myself into their situation and feel the stress of what it would be like to be on that humanity life boat.  The abies coming in was intense.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: sfoclt on July 30, 2015, 09:43:49 PM
Have we discusssed Mr Robot?

That's my favorite show at the moment.  Great writing.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 30, 2015, 10:56:56 PM
I might be the only person I know that liked it.  Maybe I'm just extra-empathetic, but I could really put myself into their situation and feel the stress of what it would be like to be on that humanity life boat.  The abies coming in was intense.

Most of it was good. Just the Outer Limits ending was annoying to me.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on July 30, 2015, 11:34:55 PM
Yeah, the end of Wayward suffered from the "everyone magically turned fuck all stupid for some reason" trope.

I started Mr. Robot, but I think my tinnitus is acting up, so I might just lay off audio for a bit. 
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on August 12, 2015, 03:44:03 AM
Tyrant finally picking up the pace. Geez that took forever and a day.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Skyline on August 12, 2015, 12:32:01 PM
I watched all 8 of the new Wet Hot American Summer episodes.

LOVED IT.  Immediately went back and re-watched the film followed by the new documentary. 

If you haven't seen the movie, or thought that it was stupid, then don't bother.  If you think you're a serious person, then don't bother.  It's over-the-top absurdity at its best. 
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on August 12, 2015, 05:55:22 PM
Happy Valley. It's a British miniseries, focuses on a cop in a small town who lost her daughter years back. The story is a combination of family drama and an overarching plot revolving around a kidnapping. It's nothing special. The characters are trite, with the good guys being good and the bad guys being unashamedly bad, and the entire thing is set off by one guy being a dumbshit. It's more a less a tale told dozens of times before. But, it's entertaining if you just want to shut your brain off for six episodes. 

Twenty Twelve/W1A. The latter is a pseudo-sequel to the former, both are fun satire. Twelve does a "The Office" bit, and is basically about a small committee that's preparing London for the 2012 Olympic games. W1A has the main character from Twelve becoming the "Head of Values" of the BBC, and is (an at times too cartoonish) riff on middle-management and the vague inner-workings of the renowned corporation.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: RexAeterna on August 13, 2015, 05:19:56 AM
Dragonball super. Don't watch much TV but, been watching this every Sunday or so when a new episode is aired. Awesome they finally started dbz up again after all these years. Like it so far.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on August 13, 2015, 06:40:49 PM
Rick and Morty.
Just finished Bojack Horseman season two.

Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Hands on August 13, 2015, 07:11:28 PM
Rick and Morty is great. Though I have a coworker who hates the show mostly because of Rick's voice and the way he says "Morty." He was unable to get past that, which seemed odd to me. Oh well!

What did you think of Bojack season 2? I enjoyed it quite a bit more than the 1st season.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: cizx on August 13, 2015, 07:14:26 PM
Both seasons of Bojack were phenomenal.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: aufmerksam on August 13, 2015, 09:37:13 PM
Season 1 of bojack seemed like it took several episodes to hit the mark, whereas season 2 brought it there by the end of the first episode. Great show overall, really glad second season is so good.

Wet Hot American Summer... I admittedly watched the first episode primarily to see how much apparently older everyone would be, and was not disappointed. Then I realized I needed to watch the movie again. Sober. I had never seen it sober. Pretty sure I prefer my inebriated rememberings. Unfortunately I am too responsibility-ridden to watch the entire show drunk or stoned, so its been slower going but pretty good. The constant tension of brutal awkwardness is refreshing.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: s1 on August 18, 2015, 07:19:29 PM
Have we discusssed Mr Robot?

That's my favorite show at the moment.  Great writing.


I agree ,definitely one of the better shows this season. I especially like how the story is developing and how each episode ends with a .....redacted.:)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on August 18, 2015, 08:38:27 PM
First episode of Mr. Robot was very strong, great characterization (barring the frequent internal monologues), and it's definitely one of the better USA series in awhile. Hopefully they won't somehow shit the bed in the season closer.

I do not care for the villain. He's too cartoon-ish for my tastes, seeming slightly out of place. But I haven't ever worked in corporate, and he may very well be based off a real person(s).
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: uncola on August 25, 2015, 11:23:34 AM
Deutchland 83.  It's like the americans except instead of russian spies, east german spies.  First episode was good.  Haven't finished the series yet.

I spotted this in ep 1
(http://i.imgur.com/Vho9mux.jpg)
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Kirosia on August 25, 2015, 08:31:40 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLvHEdbbYUc

I re-watched most of the trilogy last week. Evil Dead 1 and 2 hold up for the most part, Army of Darkness only if you REALLY love the humor.
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Anaxilus on August 31, 2015, 05:34:02 AM
Oh my...latest Hannibal episode was amazing! p:0
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: OJneg on September 18, 2015, 04:26:37 AM
About halfway through the first season of Better Call Saul
Title: Re: TV shows -- what are you watching?
Post by: Claritas on September 18, 2015, 04:37:20 AM
I'm rewatching Luther (on Netflix). Idris Elba is wondrously impassioned and masculine.  5/5 or 9/10  :boom:

As one character puts it, "You assert a fabulous moral conscience, John. That adheres to unwritten law, yet, time and again, it devastates the people you claim to hold dear--but you don't stop."

In the apt words of the theme, "Love is like a sin . . . for the ones that feel it the most."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEgX64n3T7g