I've really been enjoying The WhiteLotus on HBO. It's a new show from Mike White, and really is well made with a great cast. Setting is a luxury Hawaiian resort, and it kindof has an Upstairs/Downstairs thing going on with the guests and staff. I mentioned it on Discord, but one thing that makes it really engaging to me is the sound design and score, which is pretty unique. Anyone who liked White's pervious show on HBO - Enlightened - should definitely check it out.
Just watched all the available episodes this weekend, liked it a lot. I'm not really sure where it's going and some of these sub plots are going off the rails but it's been fun. My main gripe is the daughter and her friend seem to be more punching bags for stereotypes about gen Z than characters but whatever (nobody would ever actually say "dad that's cringe" out loud). Between this and Hacks I feel like HBO shows are really into doing "young people are fake progressives who don't understand how the real world works" scenes lately.
I've really been enjoying The WhiteLotus on HBO. It's a new show from Mike White, and really is well made with a great cast. Setting is a luxury Hawaiian resort, and it kindof has an Upstairs/Downstairs thing going on with the guests and staff. I mentioned it on Discord, but one thing that makes it really engaging to me is the sound design and score, which is pretty unique. Anyone who liked White's pervious show on HBO - Enlightened - should definitely check it out.
Just watched all the available episodes this weekend, liked it a lot. I'm not really sure where it's going and some of these sub plots are going off the rails but it's been fun. My main gripe is the daughter and her friend seem to be more punching bags for stereotypes about gen Z than characters but whatever (nobody would ever actually say "dad that's cringe" out loud). Between this and Hacks I feel like HBO shows are really into doing "young people are fake progressives who don't understand how the real world works" scenes lately.
I just haven't seen last night's episode, but am up-to-date otherwise. It is good, but I really am wondering where it is all going, like you mentioned. The lack of a real dramatic thrust is kind of bothering me, but another part of me is fine just to continue watching the characters do their thing. The opening of the premiere opened with a question which we will have to get to, so I am curious about how we get there. Also, Steve Zahn is kind of blowing my mind when he is on-screen.
@Chinaski Yeah, it’s been and gone and I haven’t really heard anyone talking about it at all.
The Filmcast guys have been talking about it quite a bit and I've seen it popping up here and there. I get the impression it could be a sleeper show that people visit after good word-of-mouth.
I know that I'm super late to this party, but my wife and I watched 1/-2/3 of Hacks yesterday and it's f'n great! Noticed that it spawn out of the Schur tree (he executive produces and Jen Statsky(?) whose been a main writer for Parks and the Good Place. Makes sense. Funny + well thought out + great character work + a lot of heart, Schur is almost certainly attached somehow.
I put Ozark on hold and for whatever reason got bit by the Star Trek bug. In spite of being a huge fan of the franchise, I hadn't seen around half of the show, including some iconic episodes (see: "Arena" and "The Devil in the Dark"), so I'm working my way through it. And man does the remaster look good on Netflix.
Also, with The Suicide Squad dropping soon, I'm watching Harley Quinn on HBO Max. I've been meaning to check it out since A.Ron sang its praises and five episodes in, it lives up to the hype. It's great when something can be both a love letter and hilarious (not to mention profane) sendup of a beloved IP.
I know that I'm super late to this party, but my wife and I watched 1/-2/3 of Hacks yesterday and it's f'n great! Noticed that it spawn out of the Schur tree (he executive produces and Jen Statsky(?) whose been a main writer for Parks and the Good Place. Makes sense. Funny + well thought out + great character work + a lot of heart, Schur is almost certainly attached somehow.
I thought Hacks was just okay, until the last 3-4 episodes. Those were some masterful episodes.
Damn that ramp up and finish were spectacular. I really enjoyed the beginning 2/3 a lot, but it came on like a f'n monster at the end. Masterful indeed.
Damn that ramp up and finish were spectacular. I really enjoyed the beginning 2/3 a lot, but it came on like a f'n monster at the end. Masterful indeed.
I audibly gasped a couple of times, something that I wasn't expecting that show to make me do. I am jonesing for that next season like crazy.
Damn that ramp up and finish were spectacular. I really enjoyed the beginning 2/3 a lot, but it came on like a f'n monster at the end. Masterful indeed.
I audibly gasped a couple of times, something that I wasn't expecting that show to make me do. I am jonesing for that next season like crazy.
Totally the same here, for all of it. I felt myself curling up with nerves at the end. Apparently I because SUPER invested in the leads.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
Hmm. I like the way you frame this. I’ve never seen it and have always felt it too daunting. If this is the case and I can step away when I like and not get lost, then that changes the game.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
Hmm. I like the way you frame this. I’ve never seen it and have always felt it too daunting. If this is the case and I can step away when I like and not get lost, then that changes the game.
The only daunting thing is the beginning, in all honesty. I bailed once because I was having a hard time keeping all the characters and names right. There are lots of folks thrown at you. But you eventually catch on.
In a way the storytelling and episode structure is similar to Mad Men. Mad Men had an ongoing narrative, but would have a Pete and Peggy-centric or Betty-centric episode to tell smaller stories giving everyone more character. Mathew Weiner cut his teeth on Sopranos, after all.
Did not know this was out there. The first scene took me back to the nineties. Mr Wicker he is still alive. News Radio was on the same night, sad now. Paul Reiser I missed him for twenty one years. Best TV moment in the series final where Mabel tells mom she wants to change her name. Richard Kind was just on John Oliver the other night but still good to see him again. Nostalgia Huh?
Last week I got into my head to watch all the Final Destination movies. I don’t know what made me think of them, and I was sure I hadn’t seen more than one, but I remembered quite a few of the deaths, so I had definitely seen at least three of them before.
Anyway, they were surprisingly entertaining for a series that is basically the same premise over and over, and I liked the twist ending of the final one. My order of rating from best to worst:
3 5 1 2 4
They’re still taking up a lot of my brain time a week later. One thing that bothers me is who is giving these kids the premonitions? It’s either Death, who then clearly is a cat playing with their prey, because why would they give a warning allowing a bunch of people to live and then have to go to the effort of chasing them down and killing them one by one, or it’s an anti-Death who is pretty shit at their job.
In my bid to sample some of the DC content I've had on the back burner for a while in something of a build up to watching The Suicide Squad, I finished Harley Quinn and moved on to Doom Patrol, and I have to say that so far, it's done a fine job of filling the Legion-shaped hole in my heart. I've heard that it's also similar to TheUmbrella Academy, but given the uneven reception that show has received in its second season, I'm not sure I'm going to ever check it out. Fortunately, Doom Patrolhas been quite fun, heartfelt, and very weird with a group of characters I've quickly come to care about, so I'm happy to have another season and half to get through, just in time for the third season to premiere in September! I hope A.Ron does some OTC coverage when it comes back.
@jluzania if you like Doom Patrol then Umbrella Academy is probably worth giving a shot. They're different shows but there are some big similarities, like an old man with a secret past getting together a bunch of super heroes who don't fully understand their powers in a mansion. I wouldn't read too much into the mixed reviews unless you're talking about people you know have similar tastes, Doom Patrol seems like it was mostly watched by people who were pretty likely to enjoy it ie people with the DC subscription or heard about it when it landed on HBO Max. UA had a big Netflix release from the beginning and I remember seeing ads during NBA games, so there's going to be a much wider range of opinions on it since it is sort of weird and people have been burned out with super hero stuff for a while.
Recently powered through Miracle Workers season 1 and really enjoyed it. I love post-HP Radcliffe (just doing the weirdest shit - go watch Swiss Army Man or Guns Akimbo for more weird Radcliffe), and although the show definitely had some good place vibes, it felt like its own show. Did NOT expect it to be an anthology show and was pretty confused at the start of season 2, but enjoying that so far too. Kind of amazed they got Buscemi for both seasons.
Recently powered through Miracle Workers season 1 and really enjoyed it. I love post-HP Radcliffe (just doing the weirdest shit - go watch Swiss Army Man or Guns Akimbo for more weird Radcliffe), and although the show definitely had some good place vibes, it felt like its own show. Did NOT expect it to be an anthology show and was pretty confused at the start of season 2, but enjoying that so far too. Kind of amazed they got Buscemi for both seasons.
Have you seen A Young Doctor's Notebook & Other Stories? It has Jon Hamm as an older version of Radcliffe reflecting on his younger self and poor decisions. It goes from very quirky to very upsetting and sad on a dime. I remember liking it. The quirkiness felt a bit much at times, but still good.
Watching Evil based on the recommendation of one of The Watch podcast hosts. Not a bad concept (a group of skeptics and believers investigate questionable phenomena) but so far it feels a little thin? mannered? less than exciting? like Miss Scarlet and the Duke. If it was shot more atmospherically maybe it would evoke the emotions and investment in the characters it assumes it is generating. The Tech on the show has misused technology and technical words every episode so far.
Decided to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone on the plane. It’s been awhile. My luck the video craps out with one hour left. And no one is streaming the movie. So…my daughter owns the DVD. Borrowed it and then decided to borrow all 8. Now watching The Chamber of Secrets.
Decided to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone on the plane. It’s been awhile. My luck the video craps out with one hour left. And no one is streaming the movie. So…my daughter owns the DVD. Borrowed it and then decided to borrow all 8. Now watching The Chamber of Secrets.
This is gonna take awhile.
That's awesome, it's been a while since I've done a watch through of Harry Potter. I remember the first couple movies are a little tougher to get through but as soon as Prisoner of Azkaban hits it's smooth sailing. Pretty sure that was my favorite movie.
Loved The Suicide Squad, and The Sopranos has become my all-time favorite. It took 2 viewings for me to appreciate that the comedy and one-liners in The Sopranos is what elevates it over other dramas.
Currently starting Sons of Anarchy. Def cut from the same cloth as The Shield and Justified (also on FX). I’m seeing the flaws in it (vs those other two), but still enjoyable. Had no idea that FX had this much quality back in the day.
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
Hmm. I like the way you frame this. I’ve never seen it and have always felt it too daunting. If this is the case and I can step away when I like and not get lost, then that changes the game.
The only daunting thing is the beginning, in all honesty. I bailed once because I was having a hard time keeping all the characters and names right. There are lots of folks thrown at you. But you eventually catch on.
In a way the storytelling and episode structure is similar to Mad Men. Mad Men had an ongoing narrative, but would have a Pete and Peggy-centric or Betty-centric episode to tell smaller stories giving everyone more character. Mathew Weiner cut his teeth on Sopranos, after all.
In the first episode there’s 2 dudes named pussy. I think…
I'm quite a ways behind A.Ron on this but I'm finally sitting down and starting The Sopranos for the first time. I've never been big into the gangster/mob genre but I'm 1 season in and definitely enjoying it so far. I really wish there were a solid spoiler free podcast to listen along with but that just means I'll get through the series faster.
I am so jealous that you are experiencing that for the first time. Take your time with it, I'd say. It is a very binge-able show. But also does a cool thing that lots of shows don't. It manages to tell self-contained stories in each episode, while also furthering the larger season-long stories. Some of those smaller stories will have huge ramifications. Others just drift off, but it is entertaining as hell. Still my favorite series despite it being early through the gate of Golden Age television.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
Hmm. I like the way you frame this. I’ve never seen it and have always felt it too daunting. If this is the case and I can step away when I like and not get lost, then that changes the game.
The only daunting thing is the beginning, in all honesty. I bailed once because I was having a hard time keeping all the characters and names right. There are lots of folks thrown at you. But you eventually catch on.
In a way the storytelling and episode structure is similar to Mad Men. Mad Men had an ongoing narrative, but would have a Pete and Peggy-centric or Betty-centric episode to tell smaller stories giving everyone more character. Mathew Weiner cut his teeth on Sopranos, after all.
In the first episode there’s 2 dudes named pussy. I think…
Yep. Big and Little Pussy. They weren't making it easy on the viewer even from the start.
@Chinaski Yeah, it’s been and gone and I haven’t really heard anyone talking about it at all.
It wasn’t that great. I was intrigued by the premise as well, but the husband (Kevin) is annoying as hell (I know that’s intentional given the premise) but it’s to the point where I can’t stand to watch. I gave up after like 3 episodes.
You know what I am 3 episodes deep in right now and really enjoying? The White Lotus on HBO. All of the characters have something about them that just makes you want to watch more - maybe not of Steve (the newlywed groom) or frigid whatsherbutt played by Connie Britton - but I’m really wanting to see what happens with these people. 4.5/5.
Did not know this was out there. The first scene took me back to the nineties. Mr Wicker he is still alive. News Radio was on the same night, sad now. Paul Reiser I missed him for twenty one years. Best TV moment in the series final where Mabel tells mom she wants to change her name. Richard Kind was just on John Oliver the other night but still good to see him again. Nostalgia Huh?
Loved it! And it was sooooo great seeing Richard Kind on screen with them again.
Comments
Just watched all the available episodes this weekend, liked it a lot. I'm not really sure where it's going and some of these sub plots are going off the rails but it's been fun. My main gripe is the daughter and her friend seem to be more punching bags for stereotypes about gen Z than characters but whatever (nobody would ever actually say "dad that's cringe" out loud). Between this and Hacks I feel like HBO shows are really into doing "young people are fake progressives who don't understand how the real world works" scenes lately.
Also, with The Suicide Squad dropping soon, I'm watching Harley Quinn on HBO Max. I've been meaning to check it out since A.Ron sang its praises and five episodes in, it lives up to the hype. It's great when something can be both a love letter and hilarious (not to mention profane) sendup of a beloved IP.
Damn that ramp up and finish were spectacular. I really enjoyed the beginning 2/3 a lot, but it came on like a f'n monster at the end. Masterful indeed.
Totally the same here, for all of it. I felt myself curling up with nerves at the end. Apparently I because SUPER invested in the leads.
That's why I love re-watching the Sopranos (I think I'm on my third rewatch now) - it's super bingeable, but that episodic structure also makes it easy to take a break and catch back up a month later if that's the mood I'm in. I think that's the reason I've returned to it more frequently than a show like Breaking Bad, which I perhaps enjoyed more during it's first run, but I don't feel as compelled to revisit that often, because once you commit you're kindof locked in for the duration.
In a way the storytelling and episode structure is similar to Mad Men. Mad Men had an ongoing narrative, but would have a Pete and Peggy-centric or Betty-centric episode to tell smaller stories giving everyone more character. Mathew Weiner cut his teeth on Sopranos, after all.
Did not know this was out there. The first scene took me back to the nineties. Mr Wicker he is still alive. News Radio was on the same night, sad now. Paul Reiser I missed him for twenty one years. Best TV moment in the series final where Mabel tells mom she wants to change her name. Richard Kind was just on John Oliver the other night but still good to see him again. Nostalgia Huh?
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They’re still taking up a lot of my brain time a week later. One thing that bothers me is who is giving these kids the premonitions? It’s either Death, who then clearly is a cat playing with their prey, because why would they give a warning allowing a bunch of people to live and then have to go to the effort of chasing them down and killing them one by one, or it’s an anti-Death who is pretty shit at their job.
I can’t stick around for the love stuff but when they do the post-apocalyptic/government/power stuff it’s really cool.
You know what I am 3 episodes deep in right now and really enjoying? The White Lotus on HBO. All of the characters have something about them that just makes you want to watch more - maybe not of Steve (the newlywed groom) or frigid whatsherbutt played by Connie Britton - but I’m really wanting to see what happens with these people. 4.5/5.