Television round up..
Apr. 17th, 2021 09:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkat1. Falcon and the Winter Solider - Episode #4
The actor playing Zenmo is excellent by the way. He's playing a sketchy villain, yet making him relatable. Actually kudos to the entire cast.
Episode 4 was one of the more interesting episodes because it digs even deeper into what it means to be a hero or heroic. And also examines our modern or post-modern notions of it, along with the classical definitions of "War hero" which is kind of an oxymoron even to those who've been classified as such.
The Baron Zenmo has an interesting conversation with Sam Wilson about heroes, and the problematic nature of superheroes or people who are "Super-powered". The Baron has not changed his mind about eradicating the planet of the super-solider program. His view is it falls into the trap of white supremacy or supremacy aka fascism. If you have give someone that much physical power over others - it will eventually corrupt them, and they could reign over others.
Sam doesn't entirely agree. What about Steve? He didn't go that route. Nor has Bucky, or others he can think of. And no, he was never tempted to take the serum - he'd have turned it down. (I thought about - and I would have said no, too. For various reasons.)
Bucky falls somewhere in between the two - not sure what to think. He's in an interesting position. Bucky had died a "war hero" sacrificing himself in the fight against the Red Skull and the Nazis, only to be brought back, infused with the super solider serum, and brainwashed into becoming a weapon for over 90 years. To get past his programming, he had to take on the pain and the memories of those missing years. He couldn't escape them any longer, he had to own them along with the guilt and accountability for what he'd done. Also Bucky knows better than anyone that both the US and Hydra misused the super solider program and destroyed lives.
Johnnie Walker is a kind of twisted version of Steve Rodgers. When his buddy Hoskins (Walker's version of Bucky dies) - he seeks vengeance - but against the wrong person, and a man who has not been infused with the serum. Ruining the image of Captain America - and bathing it in blood. While it would be easy to paint Walker as the villain in the piece - he's more complicated than that. Unlike Rodgers and Bucky, Hoskins and Walker fought in an unpopular War (are any Wars popular at the time they are fought?). At any rate - it was a less celebrated one. And not romanticized or glorified. They did things that haunt them. And Walker wanted to use the shield to erase them. He's not proud of the medals he got, nor does he feel much of a hero. He joined and became Captain America - to finally do something good. To feel like the hero he's been out to be.
Yet, he continues to make poor choices. And as Bucky realizes, becomes more and more unhinged. His Captain America isn't the symbol that Rodgers made it out to be, and Walker is more bully than hero.
But it also calls into question the meaning of the term hero - or iconic hero. Placing someone anyone really on that kind of pedestal. We all want that iconic hero, but...is it possible to have an untarnished one? And can just anyone do it? Might have a lot to do with the reasons you choose it?
Anyhow the episode delved deep into what it meant to be a hero, and the thin blurred line between hero and anti-hero, or the just man and the righteous one. It also showed how easy it is - with the best of intentions - to fall into fascism.
On a more positive note? Yay to the Wakanda Warriors, and for strong women characters in the series. Sarah, Karly, Sharon, Edora...great additions.
2. Nancy Drew
The lead is quite good. And the mysteries are getting more interesting. Although I could do without the conspiracy theory crap - or the secret cabal of dark money fueling everything.
The Hudson's still manipulating Nancy - so that she won't get killed, is kind of fun - especially it being her grandmother, Cecilia. While Nick and Ryan attempt to take the Hudson's down.
Also loving George/Odette - well played by the actress who seamlessly plays both.
3. Great British Pottery Throw Down
The first season is still far and away the best, less episodes, less people, and best group of judges/hosts - also it had some of the better challenges, and more objective judging. Second Season also good.
The rest, are uneven. I am however enjoying the fourth season more than expected. And there are some interesting challenges. They are wisely veering away from doing the same challenges they did in the previous seasons.
My favorite so far was the building of the houses with the lights. Also the Raku. Not a fan of the fruit bowls though.
I find it to be comforting television to watch. But alas - HBO Max - which has the worst interface of any of the streaming channels to date.
4. Review of streaming channels
* Diseny Plus is the easies to find stuff on, and access content on. It wisely groups things under various franchises, and it's fast. Like the others it feels the need to rec new content based on what you previously watched - which can be annoying.
But by far the easiest.
* Hulu is a close second - it is problematic in places, but it also groups content well, with separate categories for anime, etc.
* Netflix - has a tendency to crash, and it is hard to find things on, but doable. The other problem with Netflix is it cycles stuff off its platform with little warning. Mother tried to find Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and couldn't - that's just one example.
* Amazon - is worse than Netflix in regards to accessibility, but easier to find stuff on. It's interface is better than Netflix's. It just doesn't have the wide range of content Netflix does yet.
*HBO Max - has plenty of great content - it just has the worst interface, and is hard to use. Also hard to rewind. I keep getting myself booted out.
And, it's close captioning can be wonky at times. (So is Disney's for that matter). In addition - it takes forever to get into the streaming service, and to get access to the content, which is weirdly grouped and hard to search. Of the streaming services? This one needs the most work - it's hard to find stuff on HBO Max, you have to work at it.
5. Almost forgot... TCM and HBO MAX - Classic Movie Film Festival Some good films in that line up.
Schedule on HBO MAX
I need to remember to partake of it. I love movies. I do. Culture Junkie. (I'm not however a culture vulture - in that I like a wide range, and don't find myself overly critical for the most part. Even the most flawed film has something to it. Also, it's a subjective exercise. For the most part, I love culture - because it is subjective, and others opinions while fascinating in what they convey about others, do not matter all that much in regards to the art itself.)
The actor playing Zenmo is excellent by the way. He's playing a sketchy villain, yet making him relatable. Actually kudos to the entire cast.
Episode 4 was one of the more interesting episodes because it digs even deeper into what it means to be a hero or heroic. And also examines our modern or post-modern notions of it, along with the classical definitions of "War hero" which is kind of an oxymoron even to those who've been classified as such.
The Baron Zenmo has an interesting conversation with Sam Wilson about heroes, and the problematic nature of superheroes or people who are "Super-powered". The Baron has not changed his mind about eradicating the planet of the super-solider program. His view is it falls into the trap of white supremacy or supremacy aka fascism. If you have give someone that much physical power over others - it will eventually corrupt them, and they could reign over others.
Sam doesn't entirely agree. What about Steve? He didn't go that route. Nor has Bucky, or others he can think of. And no, he was never tempted to take the serum - he'd have turned it down. (I thought about - and I would have said no, too. For various reasons.)
Bucky falls somewhere in between the two - not sure what to think. He's in an interesting position. Bucky had died a "war hero" sacrificing himself in the fight against the Red Skull and the Nazis, only to be brought back, infused with the super solider serum, and brainwashed into becoming a weapon for over 90 years. To get past his programming, he had to take on the pain and the memories of those missing years. He couldn't escape them any longer, he had to own them along with the guilt and accountability for what he'd done. Also Bucky knows better than anyone that both the US and Hydra misused the super solider program and destroyed lives.
Johnnie Walker is a kind of twisted version of Steve Rodgers. When his buddy Hoskins (Walker's version of Bucky dies) - he seeks vengeance - but against the wrong person, and a man who has not been infused with the serum. Ruining the image of Captain America - and bathing it in blood. While it would be easy to paint Walker as the villain in the piece - he's more complicated than that. Unlike Rodgers and Bucky, Hoskins and Walker fought in an unpopular War (are any Wars popular at the time they are fought?). At any rate - it was a less celebrated one. And not romanticized or glorified. They did things that haunt them. And Walker wanted to use the shield to erase them. He's not proud of the medals he got, nor does he feel much of a hero. He joined and became Captain America - to finally do something good. To feel like the hero he's been out to be.
Yet, he continues to make poor choices. And as Bucky realizes, becomes more and more unhinged. His Captain America isn't the symbol that Rodgers made it out to be, and Walker is more bully than hero.
But it also calls into question the meaning of the term hero - or iconic hero. Placing someone anyone really on that kind of pedestal. We all want that iconic hero, but...is it possible to have an untarnished one? And can just anyone do it? Might have a lot to do with the reasons you choose it?
Anyhow the episode delved deep into what it meant to be a hero, and the thin blurred line between hero and anti-hero, or the just man and the righteous one. It also showed how easy it is - with the best of intentions - to fall into fascism.
On a more positive note? Yay to the Wakanda Warriors, and for strong women characters in the series. Sarah, Karly, Sharon, Edora...great additions.
2. Nancy Drew
The lead is quite good. And the mysteries are getting more interesting. Although I could do without the conspiracy theory crap - or the secret cabal of dark money fueling everything.
The Hudson's still manipulating Nancy - so that she won't get killed, is kind of fun - especially it being her grandmother, Cecilia. While Nick and Ryan attempt to take the Hudson's down.
Also loving George/Odette - well played by the actress who seamlessly plays both.
3. Great British Pottery Throw Down
The first season is still far and away the best, less episodes, less people, and best group of judges/hosts - also it had some of the better challenges, and more objective judging. Second Season also good.
The rest, are uneven. I am however enjoying the fourth season more than expected. And there are some interesting challenges. They are wisely veering away from doing the same challenges they did in the previous seasons.
My favorite so far was the building of the houses with the lights. Also the Raku. Not a fan of the fruit bowls though.
I find it to be comforting television to watch. But alas - HBO Max - which has the worst interface of any of the streaming channels to date.
4. Review of streaming channels
* Diseny Plus is the easies to find stuff on, and access content on. It wisely groups things under various franchises, and it's fast. Like the others it feels the need to rec new content based on what you previously watched - which can be annoying.
But by far the easiest.
* Hulu is a close second - it is problematic in places, but it also groups content well, with separate categories for anime, etc.
* Netflix - has a tendency to crash, and it is hard to find things on, but doable. The other problem with Netflix is it cycles stuff off its platform with little warning. Mother tried to find Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and couldn't - that's just one example.
* Amazon - is worse than Netflix in regards to accessibility, but easier to find stuff on. It's interface is better than Netflix's. It just doesn't have the wide range of content Netflix does yet.
*HBO Max - has plenty of great content - it just has the worst interface, and is hard to use. Also hard to rewind. I keep getting myself booted out.
And, it's close captioning can be wonky at times. (So is Disney's for that matter). In addition - it takes forever to get into the streaming service, and to get access to the content, which is weirdly grouped and hard to search. Of the streaming services? This one needs the most work - it's hard to find stuff on HBO Max, you have to work at it.
5. Almost forgot... TCM and HBO MAX - Classic Movie Film Festival Some good films in that line up.
Schedule on HBO MAX
I need to remember to partake of it. I love movies. I do. Culture Junkie. (I'm not however a culture vulture - in that I like a wide range, and don't find myself overly critical for the most part. Even the most flawed film has something to it. Also, it's a subjective exercise. For the most part, I love culture - because it is subjective, and others opinions while fascinating in what they convey about others, do not matter all that much in regards to the art itself.)
no subject
Date: 2021-04-18 05:10 pm (UTC)We had Hulu Live which is probably set up differently but I found it very frustrating because even though it might carry a given channel, that didn't mean that it carried all programming from that channel which is very non-intuitive. I also hated that we couldn't watch it on a TV while traveling.
We've only had Amazon for trial periods but what I recall hating is that it mixed in content you had to pay for with content available free. Apple+ does this too which is very irritating.
HBO Max, I agree, one really has to go through everything to create a list. I did this for TV shows and documentaries and it took a while. It was also slow to load at times, making that process even more annoying. However I do like that it both creates a list and keeps a continue watching. I notice though that when you restart a show it rewinds at least a full minute or more of viewing. I can see 30 seconds but it's too long. One thing I particularly hate is that it begins with asking who is watching. I can see profiles being useful in a multi-user household but there's no way I've found to shut that off so for just 1-2 people it's annoying to have to go through that screen all the time.
Disney+ does the same thing but otherwise I agree that it is nicely set up. It does allow you to keep a queue across its categories as well as a "continue watching" and what's particularly nice is the addition of "Extras" which can allow the bundling of DVD extras or related content together. Netflix does that from the Episode List but that content is usually trailers and interviews rather than additional features. However that's because it either doesn't own that content or, since it creates stuff direct for streaming, it doesn't make it to start with.
The one thing I have found annoying about it is that while it creates a lot of categories even within its categories (i.e. Star Wars TV shows within the SW section) that the order of things in those lists can be a mess, so that for some things there's no clear order to the episodes or connected content. I had to go to Wikipedia to find out in a few cases. Otherwise though, they do indeed do far more than most of the sites to organize content for you.
For me, Paramount+ is the worst of the bunch as I've mentioned before in posts that there is no way to create a viewing list and even the "continue watching" will not work for anything less than 10 minutes. And even when stuff does appear in it, you can't always click through to it. We discovered that it works for episodes but NOT for movies or standalone shows, forcing you to search all over again. Having transitioned from CBS All Access they now have a ton more content and like Disney+ they have organized it by networks although you can also do, say, an alphabetical list of all series. But it is a nightmare to do anything in it.
(I haven't tried Peacock yet, which I think is the only major streamer now that I haven't tried out yet).
no subject
Date: 2021-04-19 12:26 pm (UTC)See, I've learned the hard way not to do that.
What I do is I start watching something - and it usually pops up on the "continue to watch" list - which it did here, and it does on well all the services. So that's a constant - they all have the "continue watching". It's where they will often put the continue watching list that can be problematic. Sometimes, for reasons that bewilder me (evil marketing logrithyms?) they hide it at the bottom of the selections. You'll have "just added", "recommendations", etc, and then continue to watch.
I used to put things in a "to watch" queue but, alas two problems. 1) I forget I did it. 2)I'm moody and no longer interested in the items I put in it. (When Netflix used to send me DVD's - I had this 1000 film queue - only one problem? I forgot which films I put in it, and often would get a film that no longer interested me. Actually that happened more often than not.) I am one of those individuals who feels compelled to make a clear concise plan and then, promptly ignore it.
I've learned to stop doing that with streaming services - not quite there yet on the DVR though. I keep recording shows I've no interest in or my interest wanes - and as a result end up with 10-13 episodes that I've not seen and have no interest in watching.
2. Agree Amazon has the problem of mixing rentals, bought, and free content. It's very annoying. The others don't do that - but they are also different in that they are film/television studios or networks who originally worked as distributors of content on the television screen, or by DVD rental. Amazon was set up as a kind of virtual book store - where you buy stuff, not rent it or subscribe for it. While Netflix was always set up as a subscription/rental service, and HBO, subscription, Disney, subscription - etc. So I can forgive Amazon the clumsiness of its interface - it's first and foremost - a virtual store.
3. Thank you for the review of Paramount Network - I think I'll hold off for a bit on it. It doesn't really have content that is must see for me, so should be fine.
4. I agree, Hulu is frustrating, it has some stuff but not other stuff. And no, it's not just the "Live TV set up". The reason, far as I can figure, is it's a rights distribution issue. Hulu and Netflix have a similar problem - they are both primarily secondary/subsidiary distribution rights holders. Netflix has begun to host and develop its own content (mainly out of a realization that if it didn't - it would be dead in the water) and to some extent so has Hulu now that Disney bought it and Fox film/television studios - to place adult fare on it.
The problem with distributing other studios content - is when they develop or create their own streaming service - whoops, there goes your content once your licensing contract has expired.
The reason all those Marvel shows on Netflix got cancelled - was Disney was going to yank the rights. CBS, Paramount, HBO Max, etc are doing the same things - yanking their content from other streaming services, or in some cases letting those services keep it for a limited window.
The subsidiary rights market has exploded with the information/tech age's advances in distribution channels. Right now, the highest paid job in the publishing industry is acquisitions and sub rights. Books are often optioned now based on sub-rights potential. And it's all about the distribution channels.
(So glad I'm not in that business any longer.)
no subject
Date: 2021-04-19 04:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-04-19 04:56 pm (UTC)Honestly, they are all problematic. There has to be a way to make content easy to search on these things. And user friendly.
Amazon is only easier than Netflix - because it has less content. Their interfaces are similar.
Good to know on Doctor Who. You really can't find the episodes easily on HBO Max. I wanted to skip the credits and go to the next episode of Great Pottery Throwdown, and kept either getting kicked out or sent back to the beginning of the previous episode. Drove me nuts. They need to fix the episode interface on their streaming channel.