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.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
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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