(no subject)

[shadowkat]

Glee was actually really good tonight. One of the best episodes I've seen in a long time. Even the songs were good and they fit the storyline and pushed it forward. Enjoying the split story approach, where we follow Rachel and Curt in NYC, while following the remaining Glee students in Ohio. Pleasant surprise. When I heard Rachel and Curt would still be in the series after graduating, I feared they'd be lurking around Ohio. But they get to move on. Plus decent guest-star turns by Kate Hudson and Whoopie Goldberg.

Not to mention a few interesting and talented cast additions.

Glee was always at its best when it focused on bullying/popularity and pain of high school.
And at its worst when it focused on romantic entanglements. I'm hoping we see less of the cringe-inducing Miss Pillsbury, now Mrs. Shuester this season. Actually, I think Shuester, Sue Slyvestrie and Pillsbury's characters should be used sparingly. That was the other plus about the episode - we saw little of the adult teachers.

The New Normal is okay. No big laughs or chuckles. Missed the pilot. So can only comment on second episode. Some touching moments. Some cringe-inducing ones.

Go On - reminds me of a really tepid version of the classic sit-com "Dear John" which actually did have moments of hilarity. This could. But it feels like it is trying too hard and is a bit "over-the-top".

I'm admittedly spoiled. I've watched too many subtle comedies without..."gotcha jokes".
But the dialogue on these shows...isn't working for me. They feel like they are trying to be funny without actually being funny.

Comments

[cactuswatcher.livejournal.com]

I felt the same about Go On. Matthew Perry over-the-top worked in Friends because it wasn't just him.

I didn't like the New Normal. It just seems like a poor ripoff of Modern Family.

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

Agreed on both.

Can't say I liked the New Normal either. And yes, it did feel like a poor and somewhat grating ripoff of Modern Family meets Arrested Development.

Murphy is a bit too biting and over-the-top. Nana isn't likable. She's in your face and abrasive. Norman Lear and his kid who is doing Modern Family understand how to do the politically incorrect Archie Bunker/Ed Oneill type, possibly because they don't have a chip on their shoulder regarding them. Murphy turns this character into a cartoon. This is true of the other characters as well. The only show he didn't do this on was possibly Nip/Tuck and Popular.

Today's comedy's lack the warmth and subtly of the comedies of the 90s and 80s. They are almost too...self-aware. Look at how funny I am, they seem to be saying. And yet, really not.

[embers-log.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the reviews! I haven't started checking out the new shows yet (I was watching Project Runway tonight) so I'll make sure I watch Glee and skip The New Normal and Go On (I have too many shows I'm watching as it is... like a new Louie is taping as I write...).

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

I gave up on Project Runaway two years ago. Has it gotten better?

I can't see you liking New Normal and Go on and they really aren't worth the time. I lost interest in both half-way through.

Neither have the depth of Louis.

[embers-log.livejournal.com]

I have to DVR Project Runway to fast forward through the whining and back bitting... but there is often great creativity and imagination shown by these young designers that I think is pretty awesome (not to mention actual skills in workmanship). It is really the only 'reality' show that interests me.

[lizziebuffy2008.livejournal.com]

We taped Glee, so will watch tonight or tomorrow.

The New Normal is meh; I see some familiar characterizations: Nanna=Sue, more flamboyant partner=grown up Kurt...

Do not plan on watching Go On or anything else new (I think.)

Have you seen Episodes from Showtime? We love it!

Finished the first half of season 5 of Breaking Bad last night...OMG!!!

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

Agree on New Normal. It is meh. And feels very similar to Glee. Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck are repeating themselves now. Glee however is becoming more interesting, so maybe New Normal will make Glee better?
We can only hope. They broke up Curt and Blaine, moved Curt to NYC, so this will help.

Have you seen Episodes from Showtime? We love it!

Is this the Matt Le Blanc comedy? I saw the first two-three episodes on the back of a Dexter DVD several years back. I don't subscribe to Showtime and wasn't wowed enough by the two-three episodes to get it or rent on DVD. But I'm admittedly moody when it comes to my cultural pursuits. ;-) I may try again in the future. Too many tv shows at the moment. I'm DVRing close to ten from last year. Having wildly eclectic taste can have its downside.


Finished the first half of season 5 of Breaking Bad last night...OMG!!!

LOL! The last twenty minute OMG reveals of the the last episode...was almost worth the plodding pacing of the other episodes. I hope next year they pick up the pacing a bit.