Television Slut Report....
Oct. 28th, 2017 10:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatTelevision shows have been filtered down a bit due to time constraints.
1. Riverdale -- interesting, and better this season than last. With lots of twists and turns.
Also the characters are better developed along with the parents. Veronica's father is a nice addition to the mix.
2. Grey's Anatomy -- did the quintessential Iraqi War episode, which everyone appears to be doing of late. In part because the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan are seemingly endless. They've been going on longer than any war in history. So the media is starting to comment on them -- as well it should. I'm just not sure I want to watch it -- in part because I was against both wars and still am. I see WAR as a pointless exercise in death and mayhem. No one has been able to convince me otherwise, including various family members. (So don't try. If they can't, someone I don't personally know on the internet won't be able to.)
Grey's surprised me by writing out a character and breaking up a long-standing romance in the same episode. Although I knew Riggs wife wasn't long-term, I'd thought Rigg's was, but alas they chose to use the wife's reappearance as a means of writing out Rigg's character. They walked off into the sunset with their adopted kid together. Meanwhile, Owen and Amelia finally called it quits, opening Owen up to a romance with Teddy or someone else.
I'm guessing they'll keep Meredith single for a bit. Since the romance between her and Riggs didn't work out from the writer's perspective, or they wouldn't have done the soap cliche of bringing back Riggs allegedly dead wife -- a move I saw coming from a mile away and was sort of hoping they wouldn't pull. Although they did for the most part handle it well, and Abigail Spencer was likable, more so than some of the Grey's regulars. (Sigh. I'm guessing I'm stuck with Arizona and April, but at least they weren't on this week.)
According to an interview I read with the writers -- Baily's hubby is in training to become a firefighter and EMT in order to jump over to a spin-off series about firefighters. Apparently ABC feels a need for another fire-fighter series to compete with Chicago Fire. I have mixed feelings about series that deal with fire-fighting. I know fire-fighters. They are blue-collar, rough around the edges, and conservative. It's a hard gig. You want the work, but you don't at the same time. And each time you do it -- you are putting your life at risk. Also you dealing with idiots -- who cause fires and don't get out of them. Denis Leary actually did a great job of showing that life-style in "Rescue Me", which was too brutal for me to stick with. Think Breaking Bad with Fire Fighters.
Too often television and film romanticize it, it's not romantic. The only show about Fire-Fighters I sort of liked was the 1970s-80s series...Emergency.
3. The Good Place -- it's odd that I enjoy this series considering I did not enjoy any of the show-runners other series. (Brooklyn 9-9, Parks & Rec, and the Office). But then this one is a bit different and less well obvious in its humor. I like the joke to be subtle not hammering itself against my head. Also, really not a fan of humiliation humor which unfortunately is about 98% of American Situation Comedy Set-ups. Although to be fair, my difficulty with the Office was the boss was pretty much a satirical version of the bully boss that managed me for six years, until I was forced to quit without one in place. I wasn't alone in this assessment, a close friend who worked under the same boss couldn't watch The Office for the same reason. The Brit version was worse, because Ricky Gervais not only looked like him, he had his mannerisms down. It was as if he was impersonating our boss -- which, uhm, was just...more than either of us could handle then or now.
Anyhow, I do enjoy the Good Place, more so this year than last. Mainly because the writers have wisely jumped into other points of view, and developed characters outside of just Kristen Bell's Eleanor. In fact, Danson's bumbling demonic architect, Michael, has taken center stage. This is wise move -- since Danson is an adept comedic talent, with a subtle touch. Also we've had more development and focus on Janet and Chidi lately.
Funniest scenes?
"You could have warned me about the needles. Why no forewarning on that?"
"Needles? I'm sorry, I've been a bit distracted. What needles?"
"The ones sticking in my face."
"Well run away then."
"I would except there are needles sticking out of my feet."
"So, I'm guessing this is a bad thing?"
It's not the needles themselves that is funny, but rather the interaction between Chidi and Michael over them that was. It's all in the delivery.
And...Janet realizing she can make a boyfriend to rebound off of Jason. Poor Michael. He just can't win. Try to be innovative in the workplace and it bites you in the face.
I've tried blackish and The Mayor, and no, too over-the-top. They feel the need to poke me with the jokes. Blackish reminded me of why I don't like playing games, board games and others with people -- people are obnoxiously competitive when it comes to games. And I'm like who frigging cares who wins, it's just monopoly, seriously, get a grip. I'll let you win. Okay? The Mayor...hits too close to home about inept stupid politicians. Let's face it -- the 45th has ruined most political comedy for me.
4. The Gifted
Better episode than last week. Less frustrating. Also more character development of the other characters, who up until now felt supporting.
Right now, I'm thinking this is the best new series this year and really the only one I'm that interested in watching. All the others, well, my interest has pretty much waned. (Note - have not tried the new shows on Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, HBO, Starz, and Amazon...just broadcast cable channels.)
At any rate, I'm loving the evolution of Thunderbird, Clarice, Eclispe, Lorna, and to a lesser extent the Struckers. The good news is the series is not focusing solely on the family, but on the large mutant family of the underground resistance league. It's also a complex series, with various facets, and an ensemble cast. Which I prefer, actually.
5. The Inhumans
Is winding down. It's not bad. Not great either. But it has been holding my interest, and this week's episode pulled things together nicely and was rather fast-paced. Also there's been some nice character bits throughout.
Shame everyone judged it on the first episode. Sort of missed out.
6. This is Us not quite as sappy as the previous weeks. And did a nice job of furthering various characters arcs. My one main quibble is it seems almost too focused on the male perspective, with the women in mainly supporting roles and often too traditional. It feels a bit too...simple.
Comforting yes, but doesn't take enough risks and manipulates emotions a bit. I can well understand why some people despise it. I rather enjoy it and find some of the situations relatable and moving.
It's working for me, and I know a lot of people on FB that like it.
7. Kevin Probably Saves the World
Still weird. He solves things by messing them up. It really does feel like a bumbling satire of Touched by an Angel at times. This week he manages to bring two sisters together, by stealing and then accidentally breaking an antique clock. The sisters were fighting over a clock their father left behind. Except their father was a pathological liar and the clock was hardly antique. Breaking the clock proved it was a cheap copy that the father bought in Michigan.
Meanwhile, his niece keeps following him around and thinks the meteor turned him into some sort of superhero...which is not likely to sit well with her Mom and his sister.
Like I said -- it's a quirky show. Which is why I'm watching it. I like quirky. Doubt it will last. I think it's too quirky for the audience. People don't tend to like quirky, or so I've discovered. Don't know why.
8. Once Upon a Time
Yes, still watching. Because I'm curious. Not sure how long it will last. This week -- we got an explanation on what happened to Belle and Gidion, and to a degree Rumplestilskin aka Weaver. I like Weaver better than Gold, means he's advanced. Just as Regina is now Ronnie, also advanced.
And Hook is Rodgers.
Belle died of old age. Rumple being immortal, outlived her. He will until such time as he can give up the dagger to the Guardian. Assuming he ever finds the Guardian. Until that time, he'll hold on to it, in safe keeping. Keeping the darkness at bay.
Alice who seems to know who he is, manages to remind him by shooting him in the chest as he asked her to do. After showing him Belle's chipped cup.
I'm sort of glad we got to see the full happy life of Rumple and Belle, depicting that he's been fully redeemed to some extent and is not the villain any longer. Although still a bit of an opportunist. Hence the reason he's a cop and not a pawnshop dealer, and named Weaver not Gold.
It wasn't what I expected. I thought Alice or someone killed Belle or broke them up. But no, Belle just died of old age and requested Rumple not use dark magic to preserve her, but to trust in their love and the hope of reuniting on another plane.
An additional twist, at the end of the episode Henry is bonding with Lucinda's stepsister Ivy, not trick-or-treating with Lucinda and Lucy. Which I found to be interesting.
9. Crazy Ex-Girl Friend
Hmm...we appear to be moving towards a major climatic point or game-changer. And so soon in the season. Making me wonder if this going to be a shorter season?
It's also quirky. Hence the low ratings. And the comedy admittedly skirts far too close to humiliation comedy for my taste. (I mean in how many ways can these characters humiliate themselves?)
But, I rather adored Astra's reluctant "I've Graduated and Am Free to Spread my Wings" iconic inspiration number. She so didn't want to do it, and looked as if she was being forced to do it kicking and screaming -- much as she is being forced to graduate and not be a student any longer. Mainly because she's literally taken every course in the college and passed with flying colors.
Also adored Nathan's "When the going get's tough, the tough go to the Zoo" number. He and Rebecca are made for each other.
Josh isn't cruel or a liar, he's just an idiot. Rebecca -- you can do so much better. Anyone can do better than Josh, including the priesthood, which really did not want him. That boy's elevator has never made it to the top. I'm beginning to think Rebecca's friends aren't much smarter -- I mean, it was sort of obvious she was crazy the last two seasons. Also, Paula already knew everything she did to land Josh, heck Paula helped her with half of it. As did Josh's ex, who tried to tell Josh about it at various points. Astra certainly knew, she kept trying to talk her out of it. What they didn't know about was Robert. But considering how nutty Rebecca is, it could not have come as that big of a surprise.
I find it amusing that they stopped her from running off with Nathan. I'm like -- why? Let her go off with Nathan. At the very least, I'll get some nice song and dance numbers and decent sex scenes. Rebecca and Nathan actually have chemistry and look good in bed together. Also Nathan can sing.
I think her friends have been enabling her. Hopefully now they will stop? I admit, I'm mostly watching for the musical numbers -- which was why I'd watched Glee. I'm a sucker for musical numbers, also I like quirky.
Still have Scandal, Good Behavior, Poldark, Dynasty, Big Bang Theory and She Loves Me to watch. I meant to tape Falsettos, but alas forgot it was on. So will have to catch it on streaming. Also The Exorcist, the remaining episodes of The Expanse, Bull (which may get deleted), Wisdom of the Crowd (ditto), and a few other things I've forgotten the names of.
We certainly don't have a shortage of content in this day and age, do we? If you can't find something to watch -- you aren't trying that hard. Because yes, it's a bit tricky to find them.
1. Riverdale -- interesting, and better this season than last. With lots of twists and turns.
Also the characters are better developed along with the parents. Veronica's father is a nice addition to the mix.
2. Grey's Anatomy -- did the quintessential Iraqi War episode, which everyone appears to be doing of late. In part because the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan are seemingly endless. They've been going on longer than any war in history. So the media is starting to comment on them -- as well it should. I'm just not sure I want to watch it -- in part because I was against both wars and still am. I see WAR as a pointless exercise in death and mayhem. No one has been able to convince me otherwise, including various family members. (So don't try. If they can't, someone I don't personally know on the internet won't be able to.)
Grey's surprised me by writing out a character and breaking up a long-standing romance in the same episode. Although I knew Riggs wife wasn't long-term, I'd thought Rigg's was, but alas they chose to use the wife's reappearance as a means of writing out Rigg's character. They walked off into the sunset with their adopted kid together. Meanwhile, Owen and Amelia finally called it quits, opening Owen up to a romance with Teddy or someone else.
I'm guessing they'll keep Meredith single for a bit. Since the romance between her and Riggs didn't work out from the writer's perspective, or they wouldn't have done the soap cliche of bringing back Riggs allegedly dead wife -- a move I saw coming from a mile away and was sort of hoping they wouldn't pull. Although they did for the most part handle it well, and Abigail Spencer was likable, more so than some of the Grey's regulars. (Sigh. I'm guessing I'm stuck with Arizona and April, but at least they weren't on this week.)
According to an interview I read with the writers -- Baily's hubby is in training to become a firefighter and EMT in order to jump over to a spin-off series about firefighters. Apparently ABC feels a need for another fire-fighter series to compete with Chicago Fire. I have mixed feelings about series that deal with fire-fighting. I know fire-fighters. They are blue-collar, rough around the edges, and conservative. It's a hard gig. You want the work, but you don't at the same time. And each time you do it -- you are putting your life at risk. Also you dealing with idiots -- who cause fires and don't get out of them. Denis Leary actually did a great job of showing that life-style in "Rescue Me", which was too brutal for me to stick with. Think Breaking Bad with Fire Fighters.
Too often television and film romanticize it, it's not romantic. The only show about Fire-Fighters I sort of liked was the 1970s-80s series...Emergency.
3. The Good Place -- it's odd that I enjoy this series considering I did not enjoy any of the show-runners other series. (Brooklyn 9-9, Parks & Rec, and the Office). But then this one is a bit different and less well obvious in its humor. I like the joke to be subtle not hammering itself against my head. Also, really not a fan of humiliation humor which unfortunately is about 98% of American Situation Comedy Set-ups. Although to be fair, my difficulty with the Office was the boss was pretty much a satirical version of the bully boss that managed me for six years, until I was forced to quit without one in place. I wasn't alone in this assessment, a close friend who worked under the same boss couldn't watch The Office for the same reason. The Brit version was worse, because Ricky Gervais not only looked like him, he had his mannerisms down. It was as if he was impersonating our boss -- which, uhm, was just...more than either of us could handle then or now.
Anyhow, I do enjoy the Good Place, more so this year than last. Mainly because the writers have wisely jumped into other points of view, and developed characters outside of just Kristen Bell's Eleanor. In fact, Danson's bumbling demonic architect, Michael, has taken center stage. This is wise move -- since Danson is an adept comedic talent, with a subtle touch. Also we've had more development and focus on Janet and Chidi lately.
Funniest scenes?
"You could have warned me about the needles. Why no forewarning on that?"
"Needles? I'm sorry, I've been a bit distracted. What needles?"
"The ones sticking in my face."
"Well run away then."
"I would except there are needles sticking out of my feet."
"So, I'm guessing this is a bad thing?"
It's not the needles themselves that is funny, but rather the interaction between Chidi and Michael over them that was. It's all in the delivery.
And...Janet realizing she can make a boyfriend to rebound off of Jason. Poor Michael. He just can't win. Try to be innovative in the workplace and it bites you in the face.
I've tried blackish and The Mayor, and no, too over-the-top. They feel the need to poke me with the jokes. Blackish reminded me of why I don't like playing games, board games and others with people -- people are obnoxiously competitive when it comes to games. And I'm like who frigging cares who wins, it's just monopoly, seriously, get a grip. I'll let you win. Okay? The Mayor...hits too close to home about inept stupid politicians. Let's face it -- the 45th has ruined most political comedy for me.
4. The Gifted
Better episode than last week. Less frustrating. Also more character development of the other characters, who up until now felt supporting.
Right now, I'm thinking this is the best new series this year and really the only one I'm that interested in watching. All the others, well, my interest has pretty much waned. (Note - have not tried the new shows on Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, HBO, Starz, and Amazon...just broadcast cable channels.)
At any rate, I'm loving the evolution of Thunderbird, Clarice, Eclispe, Lorna, and to a lesser extent the Struckers. The good news is the series is not focusing solely on the family, but on the large mutant family of the underground resistance league. It's also a complex series, with various facets, and an ensemble cast. Which I prefer, actually.
5. The Inhumans
Is winding down. It's not bad. Not great either. But it has been holding my interest, and this week's episode pulled things together nicely and was rather fast-paced. Also there's been some nice character bits throughout.
Shame everyone judged it on the first episode. Sort of missed out.
6. This is Us not quite as sappy as the previous weeks. And did a nice job of furthering various characters arcs. My one main quibble is it seems almost too focused on the male perspective, with the women in mainly supporting roles and often too traditional. It feels a bit too...simple.
Comforting yes, but doesn't take enough risks and manipulates emotions a bit. I can well understand why some people despise it. I rather enjoy it and find some of the situations relatable and moving.
It's working for me, and I know a lot of people on FB that like it.
7. Kevin Probably Saves the World
Still weird. He solves things by messing them up. It really does feel like a bumbling satire of Touched by an Angel at times. This week he manages to bring two sisters together, by stealing and then accidentally breaking an antique clock. The sisters were fighting over a clock their father left behind. Except their father was a pathological liar and the clock was hardly antique. Breaking the clock proved it was a cheap copy that the father bought in Michigan.
Meanwhile, his niece keeps following him around and thinks the meteor turned him into some sort of superhero...which is not likely to sit well with her Mom and his sister.
Like I said -- it's a quirky show. Which is why I'm watching it. I like quirky. Doubt it will last. I think it's too quirky for the audience. People don't tend to like quirky, or so I've discovered. Don't know why.
8. Once Upon a Time
Yes, still watching. Because I'm curious. Not sure how long it will last. This week -- we got an explanation on what happened to Belle and Gidion, and to a degree Rumplestilskin aka Weaver. I like Weaver better than Gold, means he's advanced. Just as Regina is now Ronnie, also advanced.
And Hook is Rodgers.
Belle died of old age. Rumple being immortal, outlived her. He will until such time as he can give up the dagger to the Guardian. Assuming he ever finds the Guardian. Until that time, he'll hold on to it, in safe keeping. Keeping the darkness at bay.
Alice who seems to know who he is, manages to remind him by shooting him in the chest as he asked her to do. After showing him Belle's chipped cup.
I'm sort of glad we got to see the full happy life of Rumple and Belle, depicting that he's been fully redeemed to some extent and is not the villain any longer. Although still a bit of an opportunist. Hence the reason he's a cop and not a pawnshop dealer, and named Weaver not Gold.
It wasn't what I expected. I thought Alice or someone killed Belle or broke them up. But no, Belle just died of old age and requested Rumple not use dark magic to preserve her, but to trust in their love and the hope of reuniting on another plane.
An additional twist, at the end of the episode Henry is bonding with Lucinda's stepsister Ivy, not trick-or-treating with Lucinda and Lucy. Which I found to be interesting.
9. Crazy Ex-Girl Friend
Hmm...we appear to be moving towards a major climatic point or game-changer. And so soon in the season. Making me wonder if this going to be a shorter season?
It's also quirky. Hence the low ratings. And the comedy admittedly skirts far too close to humiliation comedy for my taste. (I mean in how many ways can these characters humiliate themselves?)
But, I rather adored Astra's reluctant "I've Graduated and Am Free to Spread my Wings" iconic inspiration number. She so didn't want to do it, and looked as if she was being forced to do it kicking and screaming -- much as she is being forced to graduate and not be a student any longer. Mainly because she's literally taken every course in the college and passed with flying colors.
Also adored Nathan's "When the going get's tough, the tough go to the Zoo" number. He and Rebecca are made for each other.
Josh isn't cruel or a liar, he's just an idiot. Rebecca -- you can do so much better. Anyone can do better than Josh, including the priesthood, which really did not want him. That boy's elevator has never made it to the top. I'm beginning to think Rebecca's friends aren't much smarter -- I mean, it was sort of obvious she was crazy the last two seasons. Also, Paula already knew everything she did to land Josh, heck Paula helped her with half of it. As did Josh's ex, who tried to tell Josh about it at various points. Astra certainly knew, she kept trying to talk her out of it. What they didn't know about was Robert. But considering how nutty Rebecca is, it could not have come as that big of a surprise.
I find it amusing that they stopped her from running off with Nathan. I'm like -- why? Let her go off with Nathan. At the very least, I'll get some nice song and dance numbers and decent sex scenes. Rebecca and Nathan actually have chemistry and look good in bed together. Also Nathan can sing.
I think her friends have been enabling her. Hopefully now they will stop? I admit, I'm mostly watching for the musical numbers -- which was why I'd watched Glee. I'm a sucker for musical numbers, also I like quirky.
Still have Scandal, Good Behavior, Poldark, Dynasty, Big Bang Theory and She Loves Me to watch. I meant to tape Falsettos, but alas forgot it was on. So will have to catch it on streaming. Also The Exorcist, the remaining episodes of The Expanse, Bull (which may get deleted), Wisdom of the Crowd (ditto), and a few other things I've forgotten the names of.
We certainly don't have a shortage of content in this day and age, do we? If you can't find something to watch -- you aren't trying that hard. Because yes, it's a bit tricky to find them.