Sup Y'all?
I've been sick the last few days so I apologize for the lack of posts, but, on the bright side, I did watch some TV. And, I finally managed to hook my teeny, tiny netbook up to my TV, so I now have BIG, free Internet TV. Go team!
THE EVENT:
If you liked LOST, check this out. It is a crappier version of what you used to love. Only, instead of a random plane crash, there is some sort of terrorist plot. And instead of a crash, well, the plane just kinda disappears. Yeah. That was only the first episode. There were a lot of flash-backs, and the "event" was apparently set in motion 11 or so months in advance. Not my kind of show, but like I said, if you enjoyed LOST, you might just want to give it a try. It might help heal your loss.
RUNNING WILDE:
So, since I really enjoyed the first episode of this show, I thought I would watch the second episode to see if it was still as great as I thought it was. It was! David Cross was in this episode as well. (Seriously, does that dude ever sleep?!) It was pretty funny. If you still haven't tried it, I strongly suggest you do.
OUTSOURCED:
Rumor has it that Office fans everywhere are pissed that this show has interrupted their regular nighttime programming. I, on the other hand, think this is AWESOME! Then again, I am a Cultural Studies major, so a show about American culture, Indian culture, and cultural faux pas is way up my alley. Still, I recommend it. even though it follows the standard sitcom formula, the fact that it is in India is still something new for an American TV show.
MELISSA & JOEY:
Since I am talking about sitcoms, I decided to mention one that is a bit older that just came to my attention. Starring Melissa Joan Hart, this show focuses on Senators party-girl daughter, turned city council woman. Who is now the legal guardian of her corrupt brother in-law's children. oh, and did I mention her male nanny used to also work for that corrupt company. If you feel like shutting your brain off and watching some ridiculously bad parenting, watch this. Maybe watch it along with Raising Hope if you are in need of a mega dose of bad parenting. Perhaps before or after watching the new Katherine Heigel movie: Life As We Know It.
BETTER WITH YOU:
Aaand, last cheesy sitcom review of the day. It was cute. Targeted at the female demographic. Focuses on different couples in various stages of romance. Parents are married for 35 yeas. oldest daughter has been with her man for 9 years, and the youngest sister has been with her man for 6-1/2 weeks. Watch their relationship troubles. Oh the drama Oh the miscommunication. Oh the basic sitcom formula. and, cue laugh track.
THE WHOLE TRUTH:
Can anyone say Law and Order? I really don't have much to say about it. It showed a court case from both the side of the Prosecution, and the side of the Defense. And both of those lawyers are good friends. And both does their job o the best of their ability, even if the client is guilty. Nothing special, it is pretty formulaic, but at least in the end of the first episode, the audience finds out the guilt, or innocence of the convicted.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ...
NO ORDINARY FAMILY:
One ordinary and dysfunctional family is in a plane crash in South America and begin to have new and extraordinary abilities shortly after they get back from their trip. It is like The Incredibles, only not animated. The way it is told is interesting, and that makes me want to believe that the show creators know exactly how cliche this show and idea are. As tired as the superhero theme may be, there tends to be a rise in those types of shows and movies in times of economic recession and depression. It is a family show, so I expect it to do relatively well.
LAW & ORDER:LA:
Completely mediocre. That's about all I have to say. Just like the original only set in LA and revolving around "celebrities." Also features well known actors.
RAISING HOPE:
This was pretty cute show about the son of a poor,somewhat redneck family. The main character feels like his life isn't going anywhere and decides to change it. What he didn't have in mind was getting a murderess pregnant and then having to raise their child after she was executed in the electric chair. It follows his life as he learns how hard it is to be a single parent, and a young one at that. I enjoyed watching it and laughed quite a bit, especially in the part that went "I puked on the baby!" You will most likely enjoy this if you liked the dysfunctional family of Malcolm in the Middle. There is less yelling, less violence, but still plenty of laughs. One of my new favorites of the season. Also, for all you Scrubs fans out there, Ted's girlfriend/wife has a role in this show and she is as adorable as always, well, except for that "Chiclet."
CHASE:
A cop show just like every other cop show out there, Chase follows a group of U.S. Marshalls stationed in Houston, TX. It doesn't do anything different than any other cop show out there. Think CSI minus forensic science plus on-foot fugitive pursuits. It is different in that the team leader and main character is a woman, nicknamed "Boots" by her partner. Just like every other cop show out there, she has had a lot of drama happen in her past that will be revealed to the viewer as the show progresses. Also, the team is assigned a new "tag-along" in the pilot episode. I see him as an embodiment of the viewer. As he learns the Texan, Marshall way of dealing with fugitives, so does the viewer. We will grow along with this character, because he is us, and we are him. I would say the show is mediocre. Nothing special, but still pretty decent if you like crime dramas.
One ordinary and dysfunctional family is in a plane crash in South America and begin to have new and extraordinary abilities shortly after they get back from their trip. It is like The Incredibles, only not animated. The way it is told is interesting, and that makes me want to believe that the show creators know exactly how cliche this show and idea are. As tired as the superhero theme may be, there tends to be a rise in those types of shows and movies in times of economic recession and depression. It is a family show, so I expect it to do relatively well.
LAW & ORDER:LA:
Completely mediocre. That's about all I have to say. Just like the original only set in LA and revolving around "celebrities." Also features well known actors.
RAISING HOPE:
This was pretty cute show about the son of a poor,somewhat redneck family. The main character feels like his life isn't going anywhere and decides to change it. What he didn't have in mind was getting a murderess pregnant and then having to raise their child after she was executed in the electric chair. It follows his life as he learns how hard it is to be a single parent, and a young one at that. I enjoyed watching it and laughed quite a bit, especially in the part that went "I puked on the baby!" You will most likely enjoy this if you liked the dysfunctional family of Malcolm in the Middle. There is less yelling, less violence, but still plenty of laughs. One of my new favorites of the season. Also, for all you Scrubs fans out there, Ted's girlfriend/wife has a role in this show and she is as adorable as always, well, except for that "Chiclet."
CHASE:
A cop show just like every other cop show out there, Chase follows a group of U.S. Marshalls stationed in Houston, TX. It doesn't do anything different than any other cop show out there. Think CSI minus forensic science plus on-foot fugitive pursuits. It is different in that the team leader and main character is a woman, nicknamed "Boots" by her partner. Just like every other cop show out there, she has had a lot of drama happen in her past that will be revealed to the viewer as the show progresses. Also, the team is assigned a new "tag-along" in the pilot episode. I see him as an embodiment of the viewer. As he learns the Texan, Marshall way of dealing with fugitives, so does the viewer. We will grow along with this character, because he is us, and we are him. I would say the show is mediocre. Nothing special, but still pretty decent if you like crime dramas.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Black Gold, Green Money
LONE STAR:
I have to say, this might be one of my new favorite shows. It is a very well done drama that depicts the tension between father and son scam artists. One wants to go legit, and hatches a plan to pay back the people he scammed using a wind farm. The other wants to get rich quick and is going to scam and oil conglomerate to do so. It was incredibly well scripted and acted and had just the right balance of suspense, drama, and a little romance to keep even me interested and involved with it. The pilot was actually so intriguing that I watched the second episode as soon as I was finished with the first.
As to be expected of a show will all male leads, this will be a hit with men in their late 20 and over. I wouldn't be surprised if it does well in the ratings and runs for an entire season or more. I also enjoy the fact that it is socially relevant to our times in that it shows the conflict between old and new. The older generations want to stick with what works and what is profitable, namely, black gold aka oil. The newer generations are able to see into the future and they see the profitability of alternative energy sources. They want change, and believe that they can still profit just as much from that change. Expect a lot of doubles when you watch this show, mainly double lives and double crossin'.
Since I have the time, I am going to advocate for one of my favorite, newer shows. Starting eary July of last year, Warehouse 13 is one of my favorite shows. Already in its second seadon on SyFy, it depicts a pair of Secret Service agents that get caught up in the world of mysterious and powerful objects that clutter our either. These items can range anywhere from the wings of Icharus to the pen of Edgar Allen Poe, and more. These objects have retained propertes from their previous owners and because of that, have special, dangerous powers. It has been described as a mix between The X-Files and Eureka. Although the transitions to commercial breaks are really cheesy and annoy me to no end, the characters all have incredible energy and chemistry making it one of my top 10 favorite TV shows.
I have to say, this might be one of my new favorite shows. It is a very well done drama that depicts the tension between father and son scam artists. One wants to go legit, and hatches a plan to pay back the people he scammed using a wind farm. The other wants to get rich quick and is going to scam and oil conglomerate to do so. It was incredibly well scripted and acted and had just the right balance of suspense, drama, and a little romance to keep even me interested and involved with it. The pilot was actually so intriguing that I watched the second episode as soon as I was finished with the first.
As to be expected of a show will all male leads, this will be a hit with men in their late 20 and over. I wouldn't be surprised if it does well in the ratings and runs for an entire season or more. I also enjoy the fact that it is socially relevant to our times in that it shows the conflict between old and new. The older generations want to stick with what works and what is profitable, namely, black gold aka oil. The newer generations are able to see into the future and they see the profitability of alternative energy sources. They want change, and believe that they can still profit just as much from that change. Expect a lot of doubles when you watch this show, mainly double lives and double crossin'.
Since I have the time, I am going to advocate for one of my favorite, newer shows. Starting eary July of last year, Warehouse 13 is one of my favorite shows. Already in its second seadon on SyFy, it depicts a pair of Secret Service agents that get caught up in the world of mysterious and powerful objects that clutter our either. These items can range anywhere from the wings of Icharus to the pen of Edgar Allen Poe, and more. These objects have retained propertes from their previous owners and because of that, have special, dangerous powers. It has been described as a mix between The X-Files and Eureka. Although the transitions to commercial breaks are really cheesy and annoy me to no end, the characters all have incredible energy and chemistry making it one of my top 10 favorite TV shows.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Lowbrow and Highbrow Art
DETROIT 1-8-7:
A mix between reality TV and a scripted drama, Detroit 1-8-7 takes the everyday boring parts of most televised cop shows and attempts to make them interesting and suspenseful. Think of Cold Case, but with reality camera work and shoddy acting. I remember in one scene, the "writers" attempted to create sexual tension between two of the characters but it came off as awkward and unrealistic. I did see a few camera shots that were interesting, but i was usually distracted from the plot by the overwhelming amount of lens flares. In one scene, a cop even addressed the camera operator which shattered my very skeptical grasp on the created reality of the show.
I have heard through the rumor mill that this show is actually filmed on the streets of Detroit (not a sudo location made to look like Detroit, which happens with other shows), and that it is seriously scary to be filming there. Only rumor though.
I will say that my reaction to the show was that it was mediocre. It didn't like it, but I didn't hate it either. I was so indifferent it was like it wasn't even there. I won't be watching another episode anytime soon.
On a lighter note, I want to thank my friend David. He invited me with him to the opening of Chaos and Classicism: Art in France, Italy, and Germany, 1918–1936 at the Guggenheim Museum tonight. It was seriously amazing. The space it was in, as well as the works that were there, was impressive. I would check it out if you get a chance. It will be there until January 9 of next year. According to the web, the Guggenheim is offering reduced tickets right now.
Not much else to report. It was a slow TV night because of the exhibit. I did catch the season premier of House, and the premier of Bones this past week. House was not what I expected. It was almost quiet and uninteresting considering what the normal episode format is like. Bones was a bit better, but it still wasn't the splashy premier I expected. Although, I must admit that Sweets' goatee does suit him. He looks like an entirely different person.
A mix between reality TV and a scripted drama, Detroit 1-8-7 takes the everyday boring parts of most televised cop shows and attempts to make them interesting and suspenseful. Think of Cold Case, but with reality camera work and shoddy acting. I remember in one scene, the "writers" attempted to create sexual tension between two of the characters but it came off as awkward and unrealistic. I did see a few camera shots that were interesting, but i was usually distracted from the plot by the overwhelming amount of lens flares. In one scene, a cop even addressed the camera operator which shattered my very skeptical grasp on the created reality of the show.
I have heard through the rumor mill that this show is actually filmed on the streets of Detroit (not a sudo location made to look like Detroit, which happens with other shows), and that it is seriously scary to be filming there. Only rumor though.
I will say that my reaction to the show was that it was mediocre. It didn't like it, but I didn't hate it either. I was so indifferent it was like it wasn't even there. I won't be watching another episode anytime soon.
On a lighter note, I want to thank my friend David. He invited me with him to the opening of Chaos and Classicism: Art in France, Italy, and Germany, 1918–1936 at the Guggenheim Museum tonight. It was seriously amazing. The space it was in, as well as the works that were there, was impressive. I would check it out if you get a chance. It will be there until January 9 of next year. According to the web, the Guggenheim is offering reduced tickets right now.
Not much else to report. It was a slow TV night because of the exhibit. I did catch the season premier of House, and the premier of Bones this past week. House was not what I expected. It was almost quiet and uninteresting considering what the normal episode format is like. Bones was a bit better, but it still wasn't the splashy premier I expected. Although, I must admit that Sweets' goatee does suit him. He looks like an entirely different person.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 2 - My Generation
MY GENERATION:
Based on a Swedish television show, My Generation is basically a televised version of high school and beyond. Think of your life and the life of your classmates, only with most of the boring parts deleted. The show is done in a docu-reality style that works very well with what the creators are trying to do, which is showcase life. Nothing is more true that the fact that life usually doesn't end up the way we expect it to. By showing the progression of life over the last 10 years, the creators are able to show that the most meaningless events to one person, can change the entire course of another persons life. Events change relationships. People die, others are born, and friendships can be ruined forever.
Although it isn't exactly my cup of tea, I am interested to see how the show develops. It does hold potential, which, was unfortunately not shown in the pilot episode. The past of those involved was explained, and their current situations shown. Without the huge advertising campaign all over the subway cars in NYC, I would have quickly lost interest. On the other hand, I am very impressed by what the creators have managed to do. It takes a lot of ambition to start a concept 10 years in advance and know then what you will want now. As with other shows, such as Glee, I expect it will grow on me and become something I enjoy following from week to week, even if i am not passionate about it.
(Oh, and in case you couldn't tell, this show is about life.)
Now a moment for some shameless promotion.
If you like vampires, werewolves/lycans, witches, and an occasional succubi, check out The Gates. It is a summer premier from Fox that appeals to those of us who are no longer in high school and want our need for the supernatural filled without an overload of angsty teen drama, and glitter.
Also, if you get a chance, I highly recommend watching The Increasingly Poor Decisions Of Todd Margaret. Its currently up on Hulu, but only for the next 2 days so hurry. Made for IFC and staring the amazing David Cross, with an occasional appearance by Will Arnett, this show is sure to please. I would combine equal parts The Office and Arrested Development. Add in a bumbling nobody, and a move to England, and you have the next too early cancelled cult hit. I know I am looking forward to whatever possible episodes come next. That is, if there are any.
Based on a Swedish television show, My Generation is basically a televised version of high school and beyond. Think of your life and the life of your classmates, only with most of the boring parts deleted. The show is done in a docu-reality style that works very well with what the creators are trying to do, which is showcase life. Nothing is more true that the fact that life usually doesn't end up the way we expect it to. By showing the progression of life over the last 10 years, the creators are able to show that the most meaningless events to one person, can change the entire course of another persons life. Events change relationships. People die, others are born, and friendships can be ruined forever.
Although it isn't exactly my cup of tea, I am interested to see how the show develops. It does hold potential, which, was unfortunately not shown in the pilot episode. The past of those involved was explained, and their current situations shown. Without the huge advertising campaign all over the subway cars in NYC, I would have quickly lost interest. On the other hand, I am very impressed by what the creators have managed to do. It takes a lot of ambition to start a concept 10 years in advance and know then what you will want now. As with other shows, such as Glee, I expect it will grow on me and become something I enjoy following from week to week, even if i am not passionate about it.
(Oh, and in case you couldn't tell, this show is about life.)
Now a moment for some shameless promotion.
If you like vampires, werewolves/lycans, witches, and an occasional succubi, check out The Gates. It is a summer premier from Fox that appeals to those of us who are no longer in high school and want our need for the supernatural filled without an overload of angsty teen drama, and glitter.
Also, if you get a chance, I highly recommend watching The Increasingly Poor Decisions Of Todd Margaret. Its currently up on Hulu, but only for the next 2 days so hurry. Made for IFC and staring the amazing David Cross, with an occasional appearance by Will Arnett, this show is sure to please. I would combine equal parts The Office and Arrested Development. Add in a bumbling nobody, and a move to England, and you have the next too early cancelled cult hit. I know I am looking forward to whatever possible episodes come next. That is, if there are any.
Pilot 2
Running Wilde:
When I hear the term "playboy" my mind turns to hot women, copious amounts of sex, and ... Hugh Hefner. Instead, the show opens with Will Arnett and his neighbor battling over who has, of all things, the SMALLEST horse. Um, what?! That's right. They are in competition to see who can own the smallest horse. And that isn't the strangest thing that takes place over the 22:14 episode. Nope. Steven Wilde, playboy that he is, still (after 10 + years?) has the world's largest crush on the daughter of one of the maids who worked in the house while he was growing up. And, she (Keri Russell) is in a relationship with none other than David Cross. If that wasn't strange enough for you, they have a daughter ... named Puddle.
Although the show is rather unorthodox, and at times can be rather dull, I do have high expectations for it. If you are a fan of Arrested Development (RIP), give this a whirl. I found it to be enjoyable with occasional laughs.
When I hear the term "playboy" my mind turns to hot women, copious amounts of sex, and ... Hugh Hefner. Instead, the show opens with Will Arnett and his neighbor battling over who has, of all things, the SMALLEST horse. Um, what?! That's right. They are in competition to see who can own the smallest horse. And that isn't the strangest thing that takes place over the 22:14 episode. Nope. Steven Wilde, playboy that he is, still (after 10 + years?) has the world's largest crush on the daughter of one of the maids who worked in the house while he was growing up. And, she (Keri Russell) is in a relationship with none other than David Cross. If that wasn't strange enough for you, they have a daughter ... named Puddle.
Although the show is rather unorthodox, and at times can be rather dull, I do have high expectations for it. If you are a fan of Arrested Development (RIP), give this a whirl. I found it to be enjoyable with occasional laughs.
Pilot Season!
Along with the new academic year comes the beginning of another television season, and that means PILOTS!! I have decided to write my thoughts about them, since they consume my every waking moment.
UNDERCOVERS:
Coming in at a whopping 48:47, Undercovers was a mediocore attempt at converting the typical "spy movie" into a television show. In the pilot, Steven and Samantha Bloom are ex-spy operatives, turned caterers? Really? Cue annoying plot seaway's for irrelevant comments on about the catered food at the events these two are now crashing. Not only is their day job bland and uninteresting, the show attempts to mimic "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." While the movie may not have been all that bad, and I do have a sweet spot for it, Boris Kodjoe is no Brad Pitt, nor is Gugu Mbatha-Raw anywhere near the highly alluring and very mysterious Angelina Jolie. And did I mention the "sex-spionage?" I really do not want to hear, nor see, or even think about the bedroom dialogue between these two.
Also, what exactly are these 2 ex-spies, turned "spys who save spys" really in to? Perhaps the show will open up and lead to something interesting. Not much was seen of Carleton Shaw, played by Gerald McRaney. From the hints that were dropped, there is a possibility that this bland and mundane beginning could lead to something more interesting, just not in the spy missions themselves.
Although the show premise is cliche and the the scenarios very worn out, I must applaud the show creators. They took a risk in casting two relatively new, Black actors as the lead roles. This took guts. As much as I felt that the Pilot was lacking, I hesitate to fully banish it from my mind. I will give it another episode or two to see if the writing and plot lines improve. If not, Warner Brothers wasted a lot of money when they decided to order 13 episodes. But, then again, it is airing on the CW, which is home to shows such as "The Game," "Girlfriends," and "Everybody Hates Chris." Perhaps, just perhaps, the show will find a place to call home.
UNDERCOVERS:
Coming in at a whopping 48:47, Undercovers was a mediocore attempt at converting the typical "spy movie" into a television show. In the pilot, Steven and Samantha Bloom are ex-spy operatives, turned caterers? Really? Cue annoying plot seaway's for irrelevant comments on about the catered food at the events these two are now crashing. Not only is their day job bland and uninteresting, the show attempts to mimic "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." While the movie may not have been all that bad, and I do have a sweet spot for it, Boris Kodjoe is no Brad Pitt, nor is Gugu Mbatha-Raw anywhere near the highly alluring and very mysterious Angelina Jolie. And did I mention the "sex-spionage?" I really do not want to hear, nor see, or even think about the bedroom dialogue between these two.
Also, what exactly are these 2 ex-spies, turned "spys who save spys" really in to? Perhaps the show will open up and lead to something interesting. Not much was seen of Carleton Shaw, played by Gerald McRaney. From the hints that were dropped, there is a possibility that this bland and mundane beginning could lead to something more interesting, just not in the spy missions themselves.
Although the show premise is cliche and the the scenarios very worn out, I must applaud the show creators. They took a risk in casting two relatively new, Black actors as the lead roles. This took guts. As much as I felt that the Pilot was lacking, I hesitate to fully banish it from my mind. I will give it another episode or two to see if the writing and plot lines improve. If not, Warner Brothers wasted a lot of money when they decided to order 13 episodes. But, then again, it is airing on the CW, which is home to shows such as "The Game," "Girlfriends," and "Everybody Hates Chris." Perhaps, just perhaps, the show will find a place to call home.
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