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shadowkat1. 666 Park Avenue - okay, it's cheesy and a bit 1970s/1980s Horror Movie Cliche. American Horror Story this isn't. Which may not necessarily be a bad thing depending on how well you liked American Horror Story. 666 is a bit more subtle in its approach. In some respects it reminds me of those late somewhat cheesy, definitely low-rent 1970's psychological horror movies a la The Sentinel with a bit of Al Pacino/Kenu Reeves The Devil's Advocate thrown into the mix.
The plot is fairly simple - young unmarried yet clearly "besotted" couple applies for a management job at swanky yet prestigious Upper East Side Apartement Building (which looks a lot like the same Apartment building in which John Lennon lived in and was shot, but I'm probably wrong - it's not located on Park Avenue.). 666 Park Avenue is loosely based on a book of the same name by Gabriella Pierce. The novel features a young architect who moves from her Paris-based job to NYC to be with the love of her life, Malcolm Doran and is introduced to his...family, which prove to be a problem. The series is "loosely" based on the book. With Jane Boyle still the heroine. Everything else, as far as I can tell, has been changed.
The swanky apartment building and its owners turn out to be well, not exactly nice. In fact it is more than likely that nefarious things are happening in the building. The last Manager we are told...left for someplace "warmer"...(pause) Arizona. (Yes, I think of Arizona as hell too, but that's mainly because I hate the desert, I hate wide open spaces (need trees and water, its a thing) and am profoundly allergic to dust and mold spores and that dry air. I go to Arizona, I can't breath. Plus it has humongous spiders, which I can live without. American Southwest is not my cup of coco. But my Gran and favorite Aunt, both dead now, loved it too pieces. Aunt loved it so much - she had her ashes scattered to the desert winds. So to each their own. Luckily my parents and brother share my view, we're all east coast fans. We require seasons, and green foilage.) And oh, one man pops up with blood on his hands, turns out he's been killing people for Mr. Doran in exchange for his wife who committed suicide, being brought back to life. Yes, there's just a touch of Stephen King in the mix as well.
It's not as over-the-top as King and Ryan Murphy are. A bit more understated. Yet, it's also not as creepy and atmospheric as Robert Wise's films and Paranormal Activity flicks.
There's a heavy cheese factor. The characters are all polished and pretty. And they all wear designer clothes. The wet-behind the ears protagonist is charmingly naive, yet bright, and knowledgable. And Terry Quinn is his diabolically creepy self - think more The Stepfather, and less John Lock.
We have a few mysteries at the center of it. What is Olivia (Vanessa Williams) back-story?
She doesn't appear to be quite as nasty as Mr. Doran, or is she? What is Doran's? And why are they after David Annabel (late of Brothers and Sisters) Henry? Henry is the Deputy Mayor or working for the Deputy Mayor. Can't remember. While his girlfriend/significant other is a down-on-her luck architect. She applied for a gig at a top firm, but they turned her down. Terry Quinn's Doran, the owner of the Drake, specializes in these sorts - ripe for temptation. Think EVIL Mr. Roark when you think of Doran.
What's interesting about 666 is the protagonist is female, and the focus of the story. This is clearly Jane's story, not Henry's. With various supporting characters doing the episode of the week. It could go in various directions from the pilot - become deliciously soapy a la Desperate Housewives, somewhat run of the mill episode of the week a la Fantasy Island (which ABC does NOT want or so I've read), or a creepy psychological horror tale a la BBC's Bedlam. (It reminds me a little of Bedlam actually - not that I ever watched it. Bedlam was too unnerving for me, so I gave up.)
It's not scary. I scare fairly easily and it didn't bug me. And it could turn out to be fun. Too soon to tell. The lead protagonist - Jane and her erstwhile boyfriend Henry - unfortunately, are not that interesting and are played by a rather dull actors - who don't quite light up the screen. Revenge's Emily Van Camp and Gabriel Mann they aren't. But, we do have Terry Quinn, Vanessa Williams, a young psychic thief...to back her up, a bit.
I'll probably watch 5 more episodes before I decide one way or another. Can't quite tell now. Plus it looks like mindless fun. I need mindless fun in my tv viewing.
2. Vegas - reminds me a lot of Longmire except without the cool Katee Sackoff. Not that I could get into Longmire, I couldn't. Vegas - I actually found more interesting, oddly enough. But that's mainly because I adore Dennis Quaid - he's an amazing actor, so effortless. He just falls inside his characters. It's like watching Dustin Hoffman. Also like Jason O'Mara - who landed here after doing the dead in the water Terra Nova last year. This is definitely better than Terra Nova, but most things are.
The story is also fairly simple - Rancher in 1960s Los Vegas, Nevada, gets roped into being the new sheriff by the Mayor, after the Governor's daughter is found dead. Reason? The Mayor of Vegas served in the army with Rancher (Quaid), and knows that he is dogged about solving crimes and expert at it. Rancher - name of Lamb, has a wayward womanizing son (Dixon) and a younger bro (played by the aforementioned O'Mara). Into this sorry mix, arrives the Mafia, run by Vince (Michael Chicklis) who wants to turn Vegas into a gambling goldmine. He's staking his claim. Along for the ride - are Carrie Ann Moss as an assistant district attorney who lives on the ranch neighboring Lamb's and clearly has a thing for him, and William Russ as the Shady District Attorney who is aiding Chicklis.
The pilot was well shot. And the acting is okay. But, I sort of wish Chicklis and Quaid could trade roles. Be more fun. Not that Quaid looks like a mafiosa or that Chicklis looks like a lean rugged rancher. Overall it feels like a run-of-the-mill procedural, much like Longmire. But there's some good talent behind it - we've got Nicholes Pillegi who wrote Goodfellas, and Quaid and Chicklis involved. So, it depends on what they decide to do with it. If they go the straight TCOTW route...then it will get dull fast, but if they go the Wise Guy or Boardwalk Empire serial route - it could become interesting.
May need a few more episodes to see. But I'm not sure I have either the time or interest.
3. Elementary - sadly this was the best of the bunch. Although I think I enjoyed 666 Park Avenue more. So sue me, I like cheesy tv. Procedurals? Eh, not so much. I still have Wallander and Luther languishing on my DVR and I'm about ready to give up on both and just delete - and those are high quality procedurals.
What I found interesting about Elementary was the same things I found interesting about House and Sherlock - the dynamic between Sherlock and Watson. In this case, Watson being a woman not to mention Lucy Liu, posed an interesting twist. Also Sherlock's a "recovering drug addict" not an addict like House, or insanely intelligent narcissist like Sherlock in the BBC version. He reminds me a bit more of Arthur Conan Doyle's original version - more of a insanely intelligent but deeply damaged investigator. Holmes was always interesting.
And here, Watson is too. Usually Watson doesn't interest me that much - feels more like Conan Doyle's stand-in (Doyle was an ex-army surgeon and based Watson largely on himself and most versions seem to follow that.) Here, the twist of being female...changes things up a bit. Holmes also was always a bit of a chauvinist. I wouldn't say misogynist - fandom often misuses the word - or uses it instead of chauvinist because it sounds better or packs more of a wallop. But two different things. And I think for the record, Conan Doyle was probably a bit chauvinistic himself - considering the time period. (I'm not a fan of Doyle, sorry. However, I am a fan of his character or the creation of a fascinating and multilayered character that has stood the test of time.)
Set up is simple here too - Dr. Watson is an ex-surgeon who works as a medical companion for ex-addicts and patients. She is hired by Sherlock Holmes' rich father to baby-sit him, ie ensure he doesn't use drugs. He's a recovering addict who is living in one of his father's brown-stone apartment buildings in NY. He keeps bees amongst other things. Also has tattoos all over his body. Very modern Sherlock or Sherlock by way of Irving Welsh.
Watson's job is to keep track of Sherlock's movements and ensure he doesn't go off the rails and use drugs again like he apparently did in London. She has been assigned to him for 6 months. Sherlock has corresponded with his old pal from Scotland Yard, who is currently working in NYC - or rather always worked in NYC but spent some time at Scotland Yard and met Sherlock there. This guy, played by Aidan Quinn, hires Sherlock to solve crimes.
At any rate...while the TOCWT doesn't interest me all that much (was sort of dull), the characters do. Which is oddly the difference with BBC/Moffat version - there the TOCWT of the week is almost more interesting than the characters who at times feel a little one-note although they do at least evolve and change and Cumbatch and Freeman are amazing actors. House was similar, the TOCWT was not interesting, Hugh Laurie's performance as House was. I'm on the fence still about Johnny Lee Miller who looks like a washed out former heroine addict, which he's admittedly played before and is quite good at. Adian Quinn, formerly of PRime Suspect, has snagged a similar role as Holmes' boss or the cop hiring him for consultations. Lucy Liu - though - is the best thing in this series and the reason I'll keep watching, assuming I find the time for it and/or the energy. It's not that fun and requires a bit more attention than I may be willing to give it.
The plot is fairly simple - young unmarried yet clearly "besotted" couple applies for a management job at swanky yet prestigious Upper East Side Apartement Building (which looks a lot like the same Apartment building in which John Lennon lived in and was shot, but I'm probably wrong - it's not located on Park Avenue.). 666 Park Avenue is loosely based on a book of the same name by Gabriella Pierce. The novel features a young architect who moves from her Paris-based job to NYC to be with the love of her life, Malcolm Doran and is introduced to his...family, which prove to be a problem. The series is "loosely" based on the book. With Jane Boyle still the heroine. Everything else, as far as I can tell, has been changed.
The swanky apartment building and its owners turn out to be well, not exactly nice. In fact it is more than likely that nefarious things are happening in the building. The last Manager we are told...left for someplace "warmer"...(pause) Arizona. (Yes, I think of Arizona as hell too, but that's mainly because I hate the desert, I hate wide open spaces (need trees and water, its a thing) and am profoundly allergic to dust and mold spores and that dry air. I go to Arizona, I can't breath. Plus it has humongous spiders, which I can live without. American Southwest is not my cup of coco. But my Gran and favorite Aunt, both dead now, loved it too pieces. Aunt loved it so much - she had her ashes scattered to the desert winds. So to each their own. Luckily my parents and brother share my view, we're all east coast fans. We require seasons, and green foilage.) And oh, one man pops up with blood on his hands, turns out he's been killing people for Mr. Doran in exchange for his wife who committed suicide, being brought back to life. Yes, there's just a touch of Stephen King in the mix as well.
It's not as over-the-top as King and Ryan Murphy are. A bit more understated. Yet, it's also not as creepy and atmospheric as Robert Wise's films and Paranormal Activity flicks.
There's a heavy cheese factor. The characters are all polished and pretty. And they all wear designer clothes. The wet-behind the ears protagonist is charmingly naive, yet bright, and knowledgable. And Terry Quinn is his diabolically creepy self - think more The Stepfather, and less John Lock.
We have a few mysteries at the center of it. What is Olivia (Vanessa Williams) back-story?
She doesn't appear to be quite as nasty as Mr. Doran, or is she? What is Doran's? And why are they after David Annabel (late of Brothers and Sisters) Henry? Henry is the Deputy Mayor or working for the Deputy Mayor. Can't remember. While his girlfriend/significant other is a down-on-her luck architect. She applied for a gig at a top firm, but they turned her down. Terry Quinn's Doran, the owner of the Drake, specializes in these sorts - ripe for temptation. Think EVIL Mr. Roark when you think of Doran.
What's interesting about 666 is the protagonist is female, and the focus of the story. This is clearly Jane's story, not Henry's. With various supporting characters doing the episode of the week. It could go in various directions from the pilot - become deliciously soapy a la Desperate Housewives, somewhat run of the mill episode of the week a la Fantasy Island (which ABC does NOT want or so I've read), or a creepy psychological horror tale a la BBC's Bedlam. (It reminds me a little of Bedlam actually - not that I ever watched it. Bedlam was too unnerving for me, so I gave up.)
It's not scary. I scare fairly easily and it didn't bug me. And it could turn out to be fun. Too soon to tell. The lead protagonist - Jane and her erstwhile boyfriend Henry - unfortunately, are not that interesting and are played by a rather dull actors - who don't quite light up the screen. Revenge's Emily Van Camp and Gabriel Mann they aren't. But, we do have Terry Quinn, Vanessa Williams, a young psychic thief...to back her up, a bit.
I'll probably watch 5 more episodes before I decide one way or another. Can't quite tell now. Plus it looks like mindless fun. I need mindless fun in my tv viewing.
2. Vegas - reminds me a lot of Longmire except without the cool Katee Sackoff. Not that I could get into Longmire, I couldn't. Vegas - I actually found more interesting, oddly enough. But that's mainly because I adore Dennis Quaid - he's an amazing actor, so effortless. He just falls inside his characters. It's like watching Dustin Hoffman. Also like Jason O'Mara - who landed here after doing the dead in the water Terra Nova last year. This is definitely better than Terra Nova, but most things are.
The story is also fairly simple - Rancher in 1960s Los Vegas, Nevada, gets roped into being the new sheriff by the Mayor, after the Governor's daughter is found dead. Reason? The Mayor of Vegas served in the army with Rancher (Quaid), and knows that he is dogged about solving crimes and expert at it. Rancher - name of Lamb, has a wayward womanizing son (Dixon) and a younger bro (played by the aforementioned O'Mara). Into this sorry mix, arrives the Mafia, run by Vince (Michael Chicklis) who wants to turn Vegas into a gambling goldmine. He's staking his claim. Along for the ride - are Carrie Ann Moss as an assistant district attorney who lives on the ranch neighboring Lamb's and clearly has a thing for him, and William Russ as the Shady District Attorney who is aiding Chicklis.
The pilot was well shot. And the acting is okay. But, I sort of wish Chicklis and Quaid could trade roles. Be more fun. Not that Quaid looks like a mafiosa or that Chicklis looks like a lean rugged rancher. Overall it feels like a run-of-the-mill procedural, much like Longmire. But there's some good talent behind it - we've got Nicholes Pillegi who wrote Goodfellas, and Quaid and Chicklis involved. So, it depends on what they decide to do with it. If they go the straight TCOTW route...then it will get dull fast, but if they go the Wise Guy or Boardwalk Empire serial route - it could become interesting.
May need a few more episodes to see. But I'm not sure I have either the time or interest.
3. Elementary - sadly this was the best of the bunch. Although I think I enjoyed 666 Park Avenue more. So sue me, I like cheesy tv. Procedurals? Eh, not so much. I still have Wallander and Luther languishing on my DVR and I'm about ready to give up on both and just delete - and those are high quality procedurals.
What I found interesting about Elementary was the same things I found interesting about House and Sherlock - the dynamic between Sherlock and Watson. In this case, Watson being a woman not to mention Lucy Liu, posed an interesting twist. Also Sherlock's a "recovering drug addict" not an addict like House, or insanely intelligent narcissist like Sherlock in the BBC version. He reminds me a bit more of Arthur Conan Doyle's original version - more of a insanely intelligent but deeply damaged investigator. Holmes was always interesting.
And here, Watson is too. Usually Watson doesn't interest me that much - feels more like Conan Doyle's stand-in (Doyle was an ex-army surgeon and based Watson largely on himself and most versions seem to follow that.) Here, the twist of being female...changes things up a bit. Holmes also was always a bit of a chauvinist. I wouldn't say misogynist - fandom often misuses the word - or uses it instead of chauvinist because it sounds better or packs more of a wallop. But two different things. And I think for the record, Conan Doyle was probably a bit chauvinistic himself - considering the time period. (I'm not a fan of Doyle, sorry. However, I am a fan of his character or the creation of a fascinating and multilayered character that has stood the test of time.)
Set up is simple here too - Dr. Watson is an ex-surgeon who works as a medical companion for ex-addicts and patients. She is hired by Sherlock Holmes' rich father to baby-sit him, ie ensure he doesn't use drugs. He's a recovering addict who is living in one of his father's brown-stone apartment buildings in NY. He keeps bees amongst other things. Also has tattoos all over his body. Very modern Sherlock or Sherlock by way of Irving Welsh.
Watson's job is to keep track of Sherlock's movements and ensure he doesn't go off the rails and use drugs again like he apparently did in London. She has been assigned to him for 6 months. Sherlock has corresponded with his old pal from Scotland Yard, who is currently working in NYC - or rather always worked in NYC but spent some time at Scotland Yard and met Sherlock there. This guy, played by Aidan Quinn, hires Sherlock to solve crimes.
At any rate...while the TOCWT doesn't interest me all that much (was sort of dull), the characters do. Which is oddly the difference with BBC/Moffat version - there the TOCWT of the week is almost more interesting than the characters who at times feel a little one-note although they do at least evolve and change and Cumbatch and Freeman are amazing actors. House was similar, the TOCWT was not interesting, Hugh Laurie's performance as House was. I'm on the fence still about Johnny Lee Miller who looks like a washed out former heroine addict, which he's admittedly played before and is quite good at. Adian Quinn, formerly of PRime Suspect, has snagged a similar role as Holmes' boss or the cop hiring him for consultations. Lucy Liu - though - is the best thing in this series and the reason I'll keep watching, assuming I find the time for it and/or the energy. It's not that fun and requires a bit more attention than I may be willing to give it.
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Date: 2012-10-08 05:12 pm (UTC)