Our Favorite TV Shows.

Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Our Favorite TV Shows. - 13/02/2005 02:23

One of the drawbacks to having a Tivo is that if you really like a show (like Family Guy for example) you can quickly burn through all of the episodes once you set up a Season Pass. Since there is so much talk about Tivos on this BBS, I thought it'd be cool if we shared some of the shows we record and why we like them. Because of a thread here, I now record Myth Busters, and I bet you guys can get my hooked on some new shows too!.

So.. if you have anything you think others would enjoy, just reply to this with a brief discussion.

The Alternative
This is one of my favorite shows on TV now. It is simply a one hour program on VH1 Classics that shows tons of cool videos from alternative and college rock bands of the 70's, 80's and 90's. They not only play some great bands, but they also play the more obscure videos. Some bands I've seen on there: Jeff Buckley, REM, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Carter the Unstopable Sex Machine, Curve, Depeche Mode, Nitzer Ebb, Ministry, Morrisey, Public Image Limited, the Smiths, the Cure, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Sisters of Mercy, Tears For Fears, Transvision Vamp (I think), James, Violent Femmes, Bare Naked Ladies, New Order, etc, etc. If you don't like any of these bands, I guess you're not interested! Sometimes they have interviews with older artists who are putting out new material or they play interviews from the archives (interesting as well). Aside from seeing some of my favorite bands, they do a good job of playing the videos that never got much airplay - even on "120 Minutes".
VH1 Classics
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 13/02/2005 02:44

I find that the season pass thing has me taping more episodes of any given series that I care to actually watch, no matter how much I like it.

I have a stack of Mythbusters and Queer Eye episodes I haven't watched yet, and although I absolutely love Celebrity Poker Showdown on Bravo, they run two hours so it's hard to even sit down to watch those.

We're still religious about The West Wing. Despite the loss of Aaron Sorkin, it's still wonderful TV.

Battlestar Galactica has us hooked. The gal playing Starbuck is quite good. So that's one we're also religious about. In fact, we're probably going to watch yesterday's episode in a few minutes here...

Hopefully some friends will be hooking us up with the back-episodes of "Lost" soon so we can watch them from show number one and then keep up in realtime.

One of the nice things about having the high def Tivo is that it's got oodles of disk space for as many standard-def shows as I could possibly want to keep on it.
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 13/02/2005 02:54

I had never heard of Mythbusters until reading about it on here and I too have a season pass for it now. That is one problem with the Tivo I miss new shows because I skip the commercials.

One newer show I really like is The Venture Brothers on the cartoon network. It's kind of like a messed up version Jonny quest. The show was made by the same people that made The Tick if anyone remembers that show.

I will have to try The Alternative it sounds interesting.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 18:31

neat
You guys are going to blast me for this one, but I really like the 2 episodes of "neat " that I've seen so far. It's on the HGTV network and is one of those "make over" type shows that has less than great production values, but instead of coming in and redecorating a room, they help someone get organized. The woman that hosts the show is a professional organizer and the show is originally from a Canadian television network. She comes in, sees people's "mess" and lifestyle and designs a system to help them get better organized. Usually, she will suit the solution to the person living there. Everytime I watch it, I'm inspired to clean out a different room in my house. She does great work with small apartments too, where space is really at a primium. It's at least helped me get off my butt and sell some stuff on eBay!
HGTV
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 19:24

Current favorite TV shows:

Lost. If you don't know this one, you're just totally out of touch.

Veronica Mars. The best show on TV that no one's watching. It' great. It's like Twin Peaks without the abject weirdness, down to an ongoing murder mystery about a popular high-school girl and a pseudo-50s vibe, though in a slightly different way. You're not watching this program and you should be.

House. Medical procedural mostly involving differential diagnoses. On the surface, it's not so interesting, but the main character is a right bastard played by Hugh Laurie (with an American accent, oddly), and it seems that they're actually going somewhere with the characters. Maybe.

Arrested Development. Another show you're not watching. Abject silliness with a plot. I was in stitches for almost the entirety of last Sunday's episode. Also has the best running gag ever concieved: previews of next week's episode that never happen. I think it's an outlet for really funny jokes that they write that simply won't fit in continuity.

The Dead Zone. Surprisingly good sci-fi/fantasy, especially given that it's produced by USA Network. It's got good one-off episodes, but also has an interesting multi-season plot. Currently in the off-season showing reruns. They seem to show old reruns all the time back to the first season, so you might be able to catch them all without downloading.

Carnivale. On HBO. A truly amazing almost magical realist TV show about a preacher and a carny in the 30s who seem to be on opposing sides of the ultimate war between good and evil. A Vertigo comic book come to life, if that means anything to you.

Alias. Seems to be a little better this season than last, which was a wash. Still not as good as the first season. We need less romance and more real-world. The deletion of Francie and Will from the show remains its worst decision.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 20:31

Wow, Bitt. I really have to catch the shows you mentioned that I haven't seen, because otherwise we have very similar taste in television (sorry about that). I've just started watching House, but Veronica Mars didn't appeal to me, mostly because it seemed like yet another "pretty people show." You know, the ones with a flimsy, sometimes supernatural, plot that's just an excuse to get pretty people on the screen acting melodramatic. That's at least what Point Pleasant looks like. Has anyone caught an episode of that show? It looks like The OC meets Carnivale.

And I can't say enough good things about Carnivale. Watching that on a 60" HD screen is the best visual experience on all TV.

Bitt, do you have any idea when the Dead Zone is starting up again?

The only shows I would add to Bitt's list are:

X-Play - okay, not really compelling TV, but the hosts are the last people on G4Tech^H^H^H^HTV that are good at their jobs. Adam Sessler is a riot.

Dead Like Me - okay, I may just beg people to watch this show. I might start paying you to watch this show. Why? Because it's got one of the best casts I've ever seen, it's hilarious and touching at the same time, has a great concept, is critically acclaimed, and most of all because despite all this, Showtime has not picked it up for a third season. I'm praying that Sci-Fi picks it up, although it would suck to have to start watching it on commercial TV.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 20:56

Yeah, I've watched a couple of episodes of Point Pleasant. I was not impressed. I'm gonna give it a little longer since it's got some creators on the show I really like, namely Marti Noxon, who was the day-to-day producer/writer for the last few seasons of Buffy, and Ben Edlund, who worked with Joss Whedon on Firefly and the last season or two of Angel, not to mention being the creator of The Tick. So far, more than anything, I can't get past the acting, which is consistently horrible except for the sister-role girl (who, I've been told, is from my town). Also, I keep asking myself "Do these girls own any clothes that aren't bikinis?" The lead girl is particularly bad. (Also, her no-butt-havingness creeps me out. She's voluptuous everywhere else, but then just has no ass at all. It's weird.) Everyone else is very late-night soap opera at best.

Quote:
It looks like The OC meets Carnivale.

I'd argue that The OC is much better than Point Pleasant at this point. It has some credible actors (not all of them), and some vaguely original Whedonesque writing for its more familial scenes and some good satirization of soap operas in general and itself in particular in between the boozy teen-angst soap opera crap. Plus, there's constant comic book references; I'd bet that it's the first time anyone's mentioned Jack Kirby on network TV. (I don't actually watch the show, though. I can't get through the soap opera crap to get to the good stuff, which largely couldn't exist without the crap. My wife does, but I hear some of it and she occasionally pulls me in to watch a funny scene. Plus, Mischa Barton might be a worse actress than anyone on Point Pleasant, and they're really bad.)
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:02

Haven't seen Veronica Mars. Do watch the others, but only Lost and Alias do I watch every episode of. Those two and 24 are the only must-see TV for me. Everything else is if I catch it on or if I care to download an episode.

Other good shows that I'll either download to watch because I can't sync to their running schedules:

Huff, Dead Like Me, Boston Legal

I think this year's Alias is the weakest by far, inclusive of last year's. The new Black-Ops thing is a joke, their new HQ is totally inconceivable, it's too much like a high-school clique, they're losing any type of story-arch and they're basically falling into the same downward slope that ruined the X-FIles. On the surface I like the episodes, but when I compare to previous seasons they fall apart.

Now I have to go out to dinner b/c my GF is hounding me... Which means we'll also miss 24 so it'll be a download later tonight for that.

Bruno
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:12

Quote:
I think this year's Alias is the weakest by far, inclusive of last year's. The new Black-Ops thing is a joke

Why? It takes them back to the environment of SD-6, which was the show's best time.

Quote:
their new HQ is totally inconceivable,

Huh? Which part of the show is realistic?

Quote:
it's too much like a high-school clique,

If you mean they've fallen even further into the same-people-on-every-mission thing, I agree. At least they have something of an explanation for it now; they seem to be the only field ops for the black-ops unit.

Quote:
they're losing any type of story-arch

I agree here. But give it time. They've only gotten a few episodes in. Of course, it's only going to be a half season anyway.

Quote:
and they're basically falling into the same downward slope that ruined the X-FIles.

Actually, the downward slope that ruined The X-Files started from day one; Chris Carter had absolutely no idea what his story was. I don't think that that's the case here, but it does seem to bear some similarities on the surface.

Quote:
On the surface I like the episodes, but when I compare to previous seasons they fall apart.

Call me silly, but if I'm enjoying the episodes, I'm enjoying the show. I largely didn't enjoy last season's episodes.

"If one more person calls us boring..."
"He didn't call us boring. He called us cold."
"That's beside the point!"

That was honest and funny. And that's about one more honest, funny thing than we saw all last season.
Posted by: DLF

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:13

Watching (or DVR'ing) all except Veronica Mars. Thanks for the tip!

Quote:
Current favorite TV shows:

Lost. If you don't know this one, you're just totally out of touch.

Veronica Mars. The best show on TV that no one's watching. It' great. It's like Twin Peaks without the abject weirdness, down to an ongoing murder mystery about a popular high-school girl and a pseudo-50s vibe, though in a slightly different way. You're not watching this program and you should be.

House. Medical procedural mostly involving differential diagnoses. On the surface, it's not so interesting, but the main character is a right bastard played by Hugh Laurie (with an American accent, oddly), and it seems that they're actually going somewhere with the characters. Maybe.

Arrested Development. Another show you're not watching. Abject silliness with a plot. I was in stitches for almost the entirety of last Sunday's episode. Also has the best running gag ever concieved: previews of next week's episode that never happen. I think it's an outlet for really funny jokes that they write that simply won't fit in continuity.

The Dead Zone. Surprisingly good sci-fi/fantasy, especially given that it's produced by USA Network. It's got good one-off episodes, but also has an interesting multi-season plot. Currently in the off-season showing reruns. They seem to show old reruns all the time back to the first season, so you might be able to catch them all without downloading.

Carnivale. On HBO. A truly amazing almost magical realist TV show about a preacher and a carny in the 30s who seem to be on opposing sides of the ultimate war between good and evil. A Vertigo comic book come to life, if that means anything to you.

Alias. Seems to be a little better this season than last, which was a wash. Still not as good as the first season. We need less romance and more real-world. The deletion of Francie and Will from the show remains its worst decision.
Posted by: SonicSnoop

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:27

The only reason I got my Tivo was for Smallville and Football unfortunitly due to my obsession with keeping all smallvilles I missed many football games cause it kept deleting them Trying to bring my self to cracking it open to install a 250gig drive I have laying around.

As for the smallville description: Im no good at writing so I got this from the WB's web site

Before the legend...before the icon...there was a teenager named Clark Kent (Tom Welling, Cheaper by the Dozen.) Between the boy he thought he was and the man he is destined to become are the stories of Smallville. Someday, he'll master his powers and understand his true calling. Now beginning its fourth season on The WB, this new interpretation of the enduring Superman mythology and its classic characters blends realism and adventure into an exciting action series.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:47

Hmm. Folks seem to like my list. Here's my also-ran:

Monk. Good. Mostly fun to watch. Could be so much better. They seem to have mostly gotten off of their story arc stuff, which bothers me. I doubt that it's gone, but I think that Monk would be much more obsessed with finding his wife's killer, and we've gotten virtually nowhere with that. Also, since Sharona left, he's gotten a little angry, which just feels very odd. Maybe that'll resolve itself.

Scrubs. Uh, there can be some really funny stuff here. There can also be some really annoying stuff here. They do melodrama really well (after seeing Garden State, I wonder how much of that has to do with Zach Braff himself), and they do slapstick really well. It's the touchy-feely stuff that doesn't quite work, and they do it too much. Also, they've reduced John McGinley to an insult machine. The Janitor still consistently cracks me up.

Medium. Well, I'm watching it. I'm a few episodes behind. I can't really recommend it. It doesn't seem to have much focus.

Smallville. I wonder who's guiding this show. I mostly enjoy it, but for a show that's supposed to be about Clark and Lex and how their relationship fails, there sure are a complete lack of scenes with them together. And we had to get rid of Pete so that we could let another main character in on Clark's secret? Strange. Lana seems to be in a different show, too. It was better when any of the main characters ... I don't know ... talked to one another?

Mythbusters. Fun to watch. Too many clip shows. And I'm tired of the damn chicken gun. I think it was featured prominently in the first like six episodes I watched. And they need to get rid of the guy on the second unit. He's terrible.

Joey. Started about as well as you might think. Very occasionally funny. Mostly just there. But the writing has really picked up in the last few episodes. Even the irritating manager is starting to grow on me. I think what happened is that the writing on Friends had a lot to do with knowing the characters really well, and we only knew the one character on Joey, and he'd largely been changed from a chucklehead to someone who could support the rest of a cast and be the stable one. Now that we know the rest of the cast of Joey reasonably well, the writing can target their idiosyncracies and let Joey revert to being a mostly likable chucklehead. This might actually make it into my A-list in a season or two if they keep it up.

The OC. Like I said, I don't watch it. But if you can get past all the soap opera crap (I can't), it looks like there's some good, funny familial writing. Plus: comic books! (Apparently one of the writers on the show has been asked to write a real comic book by Marvel.)

Numb3rs. First '1337-sp33k on TV? I've recorded a few episodes and haven't watched them yet. So I can't recommend this either way.

Star Trek: Enterprise. Now that there's some decent writing on the show, they cancelled it. If Berman and Braga had decided to let someone good write the show earlier, instead of writing 90% of the first fifty episodes themselves, it might still be on the air next season. Paramount needs to fire their asses. They're ruining Star Trek, if they haven't already ruined it.

The Simpsons. HIt-or-miss these days. It's mostly a miss for me, but worth watching.

King of the Hill. More consistently a hit for me than The Simpsons, but it just doesn't strike a chord in me like some other shows do, even if I laugh at it a reasonable amount.

Malcolm in the Middle. Still funny. I might should have included this in my first list. I'm disappointed with how they seem to be writing out Francis. And the Krelboynes are nowhere to be found. But I like the expansion of Dewey's character as Malcolm becomes more and more obsessive.

Special anti-recommendation:
Family Guy. I still don't get why people think this is funny. I keep watching the occasional episode, and it's just stupid. The most recent thing I saw (admittedly just in an advertisement) had the dad feeding ice cream to Tom Selleck on TV by smooshing it onto the screen. Then the TV's screen switched scenes to show Higgins and he says "No! Bad Higgins! No ice cream for you!". This is funny?
Posted by: g_attrill

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:49

I have been told by several people to watch Lost when it comes over here, but I expect it will be on Sky (which my parents have on the TV downstairs), so I might finally set up a phone connection upstairs and get a mirrored subscription, although the annoying voice-overs and "ALL NEW" logos meant I didn't bother to watch Series 3 of 24 on TV and am currently working my way through the DVD box set (bargain, £18 from www.play.com )

Gareth
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 21:59

I think the high-concept pitch of Lost was probably "scripted Survivor". That probably does as good a job of describing it as you could do in two words, but it's soooooo much better than that. If you liked The Prisoner and Lord of the Flies, plus a little (more?) science fiction (and maybe the occasional odd comic book reference) you'll love Lost. It's well-acted, well-directed, and well-scripted, not to mention beautiful to look at, what with the Hawaiian rain forest location (not to mention Evangeline Lilly, Emilie de Ravin, Maggie Grace, and Yunjin Kim -- or Matthew Fox, Naveen Andrews, and Josh Holloway if you're a woman or gay).
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 14/02/2005 22:22

Awesome thread. Let's see what I can add to the list that isn't already on there...

The Daily Show - Duh. Funniest thing on TV, unless you are so "right-wing" (i hate those terms) that you can't laugh at yourself.

ER - old standby I guess. I was never into it until Kelly got hooked, thus involving me. Consistently good writing and drama.

Bay Area Backroads - Not of much use to those not in the Bay Area, but it shows some great outdoors stuff to do that you might not find otherwise

The Standard Showboard Show - on the FUEL network. Weekly episode of Standard Films stuff, out of Tahoe. Some of the best snowboarders in the world ripping up the back-country. If you want to be amazed try and find the "Groms" episode.

Nova - hit or miss but classic public television educational stuff.

Frontline - hit or miss too but sometimes they have some awesome investigative reporting and non-network news reports

Charlie Rose - hit or miss... but every once and a while he'll have some amazing interviews. I have a season pass and just delete the ones i don't want, same for most of the above newsy type shows.

America's Funniest Home Videos - My friend got my hooked on Tivoing this. It's awesome to have around for a quick laugh, and you can fast forward through Sagat if you're recording the old episodes. I forgot how funny those compilation videos are. The pinata one kills me every time.

The benefit of having large drives is that you can snag all kinds of crap and just delete it. I added Neat and Alternative. (DAMN it's nice to have TivoWeb where I can just pop over and schedule stuff!!!)
Posted by: mlord

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 01:47

I suspect our VCR off-the-air lineup here may be somewhat different..

1. Monday Report.
2. RCAF.
3. JFL/JPR (best of).
4. Nahm.. err.. NY Workshop, of course! and T.O.H. + HomeTime.

That's it.

Cheers
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 02:07

Oh yeah NY workshop is great. Norm is about the only person on a how to show that appears to actually be able to do the things they are demonstrating. Woodworks on DIY is good too but I would guess that isn't on in Canada.
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 03:12

You mentioned Medium which I forgot earlier and which I came back tonight to plug. I enjoy shows with a story arch, but this one is done very well for not having one (at least not one that's extremely serialized). There's a good amount of back-story banter with the family which keeps the mood of the show changing (as opposed to some other "crime" shows which focus on nothing but the crime). This show is mostly about the character, not the cases. Decent writing and a very enjoyable cast.

Back to Alias. None of the show is "realistic" but that doesn't mean they should go over the top with something completely unplausible (and tacky) and continue it throughout the season. Come on, look how many people are in that office and that's the ONLY way in? They can build this HQ under subway station and that's the most discrete enntrance they can come up with? Please.

First let me correct one thing. This is not going to be a half season. Unless you know something (recent) I don't. They're doing a full season's run without any repeats, just like they're doing with 24. Generally there won't be any missed nights either, with the exception of unscheduled events like presidential BS, etc. I still don't know why crap like that has to be on ALL networks.

The black-ops plot device is being advertised as going back to the roots of the show. However, this black ops team and the entire scenario has no resemblance to SD-6 nor what was going on in the first season. In fact it's just going down the alley that plagued lastt years season. The whole family working in the same little club-house, going on the same missions and hanging out after school together. Ugh. None of those relationships would last too long. The SD-6 environment was one of deception and what added some cool factor was the double-spying and triple life the main character was leading. IMO, they killed off SD-6 way too early - that was likely the first mistake they made with the show.

Next, you have a supposed "black ops" team doing otherwise mundane work that clearly the not-as-secretive portions of the CIA should/would be doing. Come on, you knew by the end of the first episode they'd be bringing Weiss in on the action sooner or later, right? What the hell happened to all the villians from last season? I don't like the abrupt dicontinuation from season-to-season. I did get sick of seeing the same villian (Sark) all the time (that was too unrealistic, the guy was everywhere), but now I miss never having him show up. Putting Sloane in "charge" of this team? Come on, too easy yet totally unbelievable. I can see having the guy in an advisory role, but this isn't working to help the plot nor character interaction/conflict. Last week was the first time we saw any pay-off with that character being in that position (the Dixon thing).

For a show to be really good in my mind it has to be worth mentioning (positively) the next day. At least having something about it pop into mind even if not discussing it with anyone. Sitting through an episode and somewhat enjoying it, only to think about it negatively the next day just doesn't sit right. This never happened with any of the first three seasons.

By the way, what the hell happened to Irena? At the end of last season they gave no indication the father had killed her (that isn't what was on the papers Sydney was reading nor the communication Jack had with her throughout the season). Lame plot line that's now going to come to a head (again) at some point this season because of the sister angle. And please, I'm really tired of seeing the main character as some whiny twist - that's not the same character from the first two seasons.

To relate this "enjoyed it enough to watch" to a recent movie I saw: That Leminy Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events thing... Decent acting, good sets and effects, had some potential. But, where was the story? Completely lacking. I also thought Carey barely had to try. My rating, 1 out of 5 stars. It ain't no Harry potter. I don't want to find myself still liking the characters in Alias but just not buying/enjoying the sotry.

Re: X-Files. Chris Carter started it off well but I think spent too much time enjoying the profits and getting full of himself. He stretched it far too long and now i don't know if his name would ever help move another series. Funny though, I enjoyed the short-lived Lone Gunmen show because it didn't pretend to be serious. I also enjoyed the show Space Above and Beyond, a product of two of the best writers to have contributed to the X-Files, Morgan and Wong.

Lost is a pretty decent show (I can't miss an episode - even downloaded them remotely and then transfered them to my hotel while I was in Vegas). About the only thing that bugs me about it is they tend to ignore some parts of previous episodes in a far too obvious manner. I mean, when Claire was missing, really, they should have been looking for her. They should have gone back out after the French woman, gone back to look at the first polar bear, etc... And this brings me to another show I really enjoyed (till they started messing it up), Earth2. Which I swear I thought Lost was copying to a "T" for many of the first episodes. The premise isn't new, but the similarities were too obvious (making substitutions for timeline, setting, etc...) Thanks for reminding me about The Prisoner. Still have to get the series on DVD - loved it.

I also still enjoy Amazing Race when that's on - and I can't believe they're starting another "season" only 3 weeks after this last one ended. I don't watch (nor like) the Apprentice (don't know why some people "love" this show), but I saw a number of the Branson Rebel Billionaire show which I enjoyed (a lot more adventure-related/cultural I suppose).

There's of course the obvious Sopranos, but I still have to watch the 4th season which i skipped on purpose so I could see straight through on DVD. Doing something similar with Boston Legal that i mentioned... Downloading all the episodes so I can watch them at my leisure in the summer.

Family Guy: some good episiodes some bad ones. Like the Simpsons. I thought Futurama was better than the Simpsons. And I like the Simpsons. Malcolm is always good, but I just never watch it anymore. Will pick up the DVDs. Love Scrubs, never seen a bad episode.

South Park. Don't watch the current season (time/scheduling, etc.. No TiVo...) and missed a lot of the past three, but I've never seen an episode I didn't like. It's just too funny. Love it. Have first three seasons on DVD from when they were first out, will buy all the rest now that they were released. This was on my TiVo season's pass. Along with a lot of stuff from Adult Swim (Cartoon Network): Cowboy Bebop (awesome) and Teenage Hunger Force (looks really bad at first, but its just messed up enough that I thought it was a riot and really enjoyed it).

Bruno
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 03:31

Bitt, I was giving you high points for so many good matches.. But then you go and mention Buffy... Angel.... Firefily... And, the nails-on-chalkboard, OC. Ugh. Point Pleasant is interesting insofar as I want to know what exactly it's about. Other than that I haven't found the tiny bits I've seen interesting enough to make me seek out an entire episode or take the time to try and get into it. There's just too much already to watch (I hope someday I can watch some of the stuff I'm collecting now when there's absolutely nothing on TV and I actually have any time to sit down and watch anything at all).

Carnivale looks good enough to get into though - will check out the DVDs of the first season.

Bruno
Posted by: frog51

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 06:52

For years I have seriously considered getting a Tivo/PVR?MythTV setup just to play with the technology, but I can honestly say that there is so little on the TV that I am really interested these days that I haven't bothered. (I'm not a Luddite really!!)

SWMBO does watch ER and Nip/Tuck (she's a nurse, so those kind of shows crack her up) and she also watches all the makeover and shows so I occasionally see a bit of them.

I tend to mostly see shows that are effective as standalone episodes - the only exclusions being all of Buffy (just for Buffy, Willow and Spike's accent) and any motor-racing or sailing programmes.

Sadly the main thing I watch these days (aside from general MTV channels) is Pimp My Ride. This could have something to do with generally working 70 or 80 hour weeks and needing something very lowbrow in my wind-down phase after work.

At some point I may get all the DVD's of 24 and watch it - as it does sound good.
Posted by: andy

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 07:49

Quote:
SWMBO does watch ER and Nip/Tuck (she's a nurse, so those kind of shows crack her up) and she also watches all the makeover and shows so I occasionally see a bit of them.


Did she see Green Wing ?

http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/green_wing/

A truely bizarre but funny show, including the most sexual agressive female character I have ever seen (the staff councilor). If you like Spaced, Coupling and Smack the Pony then you'll love it. You do need to see a couple of episodes before you get it though.

The cast includes:

Pippa Haywood - Mrs Britas from the Britas Empire
Mark Heap - the mad artist from Spaced
Sarah Alexander - from Coupling and Smack the Pony
Julian Rhind-Tutt - possibly the most attractive man on the planet, to my male hetro eyes anyway
Tamsin Greig - from Shaun of the Dead and Radio 4's the Archers (yes, really)

http://www.british-sitcom.co.uk/green_wing/characters.shtml

One for you guys in the US to watch out for as well, British humour at its most odd...

Edit: oh, and there is a DVD and a second series on the way
Posted by: peter

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 09:27

I don't think they're making it any more, so it's a case of looking out for re-runs, but The Oblongs is well worth watching. It's a cartoon about a catastrophically dysfunctional working-class family and the unflappable chipperness of their 1950s-style pipe-'n'-slippers dad. The guy who did the comic books it's based on, apparently says they missed all the darkness and edginess of the original, but IMO there's still plenty of darkness and edginess left.

Peter
Posted by: bonzi

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 10:19

Quote:
otherwise we have very similar taste in television (sorry about that).

LOL!
Posted by: JBjorgen

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 12:49

Quote:
She's voluptuous everywhere else, but then just has no ass at all. It's weird.


That's not weird...that's called "implants."



*disclaimer...I've never seen said show or character
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 13:28

Quote:
I'm gonna give it a little longer since it's got some creators on the show I really like, namely Marti Noxon, who was the day-to-day producer/writer for the last few seasons of Buffy, and Ben Edlund, who worked with Joss Whedon on Firefly and the last season or two of Angel, not to mention being the creator of The Tick.

Well the second name is a plus for me, but I'm not a huge Marti Noxon fan. I didn't like the direction the last seasons took. Well, that's not true I suppose. I keep saying that but I think I just resent Hell's Bells.

As for Smallville and "Strange. Lana seems to be in a different show, too. It was better when any of the main characters ... I don't know ... talked to one another?", that is 100% correct. This whole Countess thing just gets me groaning every time I hear about it. I think they're just looking for a way to keep Lana in the show (which I can't blame them for, but they should have found a better way). I keep seeing people upset at the casting choice for Lois, but I think it was a good one. She has a different look from most of the WB kids. Anyway, I still really enjoy the show, and I might go so far as to say that Michael Rosenbaum is the best actor on the WB.

Your second list also matches my tastes pretty closely, though there are some places we differ. I still don't have any interest in seeing the OC, and I can't stand King of the Hill. But I do agree with the Simpsons. I think that out of nostalgia that show remains my #1 favorite historically, but these days we're getting somewhere around a 1-to-2 good-to-bad show ratio. Sad.
Posted by: frog51

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 13:41

(actually - we both saw every episode of Green Wing...for all the reasons you have just detailed)

but generally I never watch TV

<ahem>
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 15:42

Quote:
Quote:
She's voluptuous everywhere else, but then just has no ass at all. It's weird.

That's not weird...that's called "implants."

Heh. No. She's round all over. Round face, kinda cherubic (which is probably what they were going for in the casting), hips, not skinny in general, (and here boobs aren't all that big -- they seem in proportion with the rest of her body). It's just like someone took a big blade and shaved off the back half of her body.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 15:55

Quote:
But then you go and mention Buffy... Angel.... Firefily... And, the nails-on-chalkboard, OC.

Like I said, the OC is good for about 5 to ten minutes an episode; the rest is terrible, truly nails-on-chalkboard stuff. I don't watch it, but the wife does pull me in to watch some funny parts, and those parts are honestly funny, self-satirical stuff. My opinion is that that satire wouldn't work without the terrible stuff for it to come from, but I could be wrong, and it doesn't make up for it. On the other hand, if you're one to enjoy soap operas to begin with, it'd seem like it's at the top of the pile.

Have you watched Buffy, Angel, or Firefly? For more than one episode here and there? They're often excellent, but it takes a strong knowledge of the characters involved to get it. I've encountered some TV shows like that before that I dismissed, but when people told me that I should really give them a chance, I found that they were really good after all. Some not so much.

Honestly, I can't think of a better consecuritve twelve episodes of science fiction TV that are any better than Firefly was. There's a speech by Ron Glass's character in the pilot (the one they broadcast last) that still gives me chills. Some of the best monologue writing and acting I've ever seen on TV. Period.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 16:10

Quote:
I've encountered some TV shows like that before that I dismissed, but when people told me that I should really give them a chance, I found that they were really good after all

That's exactly how I felt about Buffy. I didn't get into the show until the mid-season break of Angel's season 5. That's a depressing point to start watching what then became two of my favorite series. Anyway, I avoided the show because I wasn't into SMG (she kinda annoyed me) and I thought it was just a stupid show. Well, that changed. There was a period in which I wasn't going to start a job for 3 weeks, and my friends were all studying for a couple weeks without breaks. Well, I finished off six seasons of Buffy and four seasons of Angel in two weeks. I'm perversely proud of this accomplishment

Anyway, I'd say give it a try and it might suck you in (which may or may not be a good thing ). I usually recommend that people start with "Suprise" from season 2 and watch on from there. If you're not in into the show by the end of the season, you probably won't be interested in watching any more.
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 21:46

Quote:
but The Oblongs is well worth watching

YES! I was going to put that on my list as well, but after the TOON channel showed 3 episodes, which my wishlist caught, they seemed to have stopped showing it. That was one of those shows that when you first see it, you just know it's destined to die a quick death due to cheesing someone off.

Just like American Dad. Did any of you in the US catch that preview after the Superbowl? It's like Seth MacFarlane was handed a check to do whatever he wanted and thought... "Damn, who can I piss off most with this opportunity?" knowing full well it'd crash and burn. I also find it amusing that the most conservative bashing cartoon ever is airing on what is supposed to be the most right slanted news network.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 22:26

Quote:
Just like American Dad. Did any of you in the US catch that preview after the Superbowl? It's like Seth MacFarlane was handed a check to do whatever he wanted and thought... "Damn, who can I piss off most with this opportunity?" knowing full well it'd crash and burn. I also find it amusing that the most conservative bashing cartoon ever is airing on what is supposed to be the most right slanted news network.


The Fox Network is not a news channel. Fox News Channel and the Fox Network have nothing in common with each other except for ownership (and one Sunday news program). And I know people will disagree with me, but just because FNC is the most "right leaning" doesn't mean that it is very far right of center. It just means that most other news outlets are more left of center in my (and many other's) opinion. But, it's all subjective so it's hard to really prove. But more importantly, it's politics and I'd rather not drag this thread down that road!

Yet, as a conservative, I really like the American Dad pilot. I have no problem laughing at myself or "my side" and I thought it was pretty good. The alien character needs to be killed off though. From what I read, Seth started work on this show long before the Family Guy became a DVD sales and Cartoon Network success. He basically thought that Family Guy was gone forever and wanted to further "tweak" the concept to try again. Suddenly, Family Guy DVD sales were through the roof and was being brought back and the next thing he knew he had two shows on his hands. I think this explains why the shows are SO similar - they were never meant to be on at the same time. I was a little bummed out at the lack of creativity however. The "American Dad" character is a lot like the Family Guy's police officer neighbor. His daughter is too much like a grown Lisa Simpson (and the politics in family thing was done in Family Ties to death). I don't know. Maybe I just starving so bad for some new Family Guy episodes that this show seemed better than it was! But I can't see Family Guy and American Dad surviving at the same time.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 22:37

I can't believe you liked American Dad, and not because you're conservative. There was next to nothing that was funny in that show. It was horrible. No adjustments can be made, it's simple a bad concept and poorly executed.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the complete dumbasses at Fox are considering shelving Arrested Development to make way for more episodes of American Dad!! WTF???
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 15/02/2005 23:10

Ah, that explains it Brad. Thanks for clearing that up. It had a couple of funny moments but it just felt like it was trying way too hard to poke fun at conservatism/whateveryouwannacallit. It's just too overt for me I guess. And I agree... there's no way they'll both stay on at the same time. AD might have a chance on another network though.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 00:34

From interviews I've heard with Arrested Development people, they are cutting the # of episodes to make room for American Idol - not American Dad.

Like I said, I probably just liked it because I love Family Guy so much and it was a temporary fix... the sad part is that from Seth's interviews, he's been working on that show for a long long time. To be honest, I'm more afraid that the magic will be gone from Family Guy once they try to start that up again.
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 01:21

Quote:
To be honest, I'm more afraid that the magic will be gone from Family Guy once they try to start that up again.

BLASPHEMER!
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 01:35

I'm still hurting from what they did to Ren & Stimpy.
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 02:56

You are referring to the god awful Spike TV version of Ren and Stimpy right. Whoever came up with that one should be strung up.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 03:14

Quote:
they are cutting the # of episodes to make room for American Idol - not American Dad.

Are you sure they weren't just joking about American Idol? I mean, that show was around before Arrested Development, and isn't even on the same night. I don't see how the two could possibly be in competition. That doesn't make sense. American Idol doesn't need room, it's already there. American Dad doesn't technically have a time slot.

The only thing I can agree on with your assessment of American Dad is that it is very sad that he was working on it for so long. No matter how much I anticipate Family Guy returning, I still hated that episode.

Oh, and I just want to say one more time: Carnivale is the best looking show I have ever seen on television. I just saw last Sunday's show and waiting to see the next episode is tough.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 03:14

But the new Ren and Stimpy had nothing to do with the original series creator, did it? That doesn't count, in that case.
Posted by: adavidw

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 06:07

Quote:
But the new Ren and Stimpy had nothing to do with the original series creator, did it?


Actually, the new one has everything to do with the original creator, John Kricfalusi. John K. was ousted from the original series after a couple of seasons, and this marks his return to the characters.

Everyone who ever asserted that John K. was the true genius behind Ren & Stimpy and that the cartoon was much worse in his absence must be having a really tough time explaining how these new cartoons could be so awful.
Posted by: frog51

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 06:51

Now - there I'd have to disagree. I thought Ren and Stimpy were hilarious and was very disappointed when they canned the series. Nothing can match the Nerve-Ending Fairy for pure gut-wrenching shudder factor
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 12:17

Quote:
Actually, the new one has everything to do with the original creator

Oh okay, I must have had it backwards. Was he there for Space Madness? If not, then I think the series was better off without him.
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 12:18

Are you referring to the original on nick/MTV or the remake on Spike TV ?
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 12:20

I thought Bob Camp was the one that got ousted ?
Posted by: Tim

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 12:25

I finally got a TiVO last month. The reason I did was for Battlestar Galactica. I saw '33' and it had me hooked (missed the two hour episode, finally saw it Saturday).

The shows I record, or plan to are:

Chicago Blackhawks/Phoenix Coyotes games: The only reason I turned the TV on in the last 4 or so years has been for hockey. If Goodenow and Bettman ever pull their heads out, we can get on with the sport. It will seriously suck if I miss next year's All Star Game because it was cancelled.

Battlestar Galactica: Just an abusdly awesome series. They did a great job with everything - notably casting, writing, and CGI. The fact that I am missing 'Water' and the two-hour episode is enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Maximum Exposure: There is just something theraputic about watching stupid people hurt themselves. Honestly, any series with an episode titled 'Stupid Morons: A Celebration of Life' and has a guy quoted as saying 'Death is death, and life is goodness' just has to be good.

- Tim
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 13:00

Quote:
The fact that I am missing 'Water' and the two-hour episode is enough to bring tears to my eyes.

By "Two-hour episode", do you mean the miniseries pilot? (Where they got all the clips for the credits sequence.)

If so, you're in luck.

If you mean something else, then damnit, I haven't seen it either and really need to.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 16:07

Nope, just checked the episode guide.

There was the four-hour miniseries (shown in two parts), that's the thing you can get on DVD. Then there were the one-hour episodes, starting with "33", "Water", and "Bastille Day".

Phew. Glad I hadn't missed anything.
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 17:04

Quote:
It will seriously suck if I miss next year's All Star Game because it was cancelled.

D'oh
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 17:24

Yeah, I was just told about that as well. SIGH.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 17:35

All of Detroit is wearing black today.
Posted by: Tim

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 17:40

Yeah, I meant the pilot. I didn't know a new series was coming out until a couple days before '33' aired. Blockbuster had the pilot, so we saw it this weekend, and assuming that since it was on DVD, I ordered it and am eagerly awaiting its arrival
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 19:42

[nelson] haha [/nelson]

What kind of "season" would it be if it were to start now anyway? I'm glad it's not starting up late. Might as well start fresh next season. If you enjoy (NHL) hockey, just keep your fingers crossed that it won't be a write-off next season either.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other as I don't watch sports on TV - even hockey, which is (by far) the best team sport on television (there shall be no arguments acceptable here - basketball and football are but a a speckle of dust in the far corner of the long shadow of hockey, roughly the equivalent of bowling, curling or baseball).

Bruno
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 19:56

No argument from me.
Posted by: DWallach

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 22:47

Jumping in late to this thread...

Battlestar Gallactica: I'm really enjoying this show for all the same reasons cited by others here and elsewhere. I noticed that they're reairing the pilot on BravoHD soon, so I programmed the TiVo to grab it. Normally, I don't go back and rewatch things like this, but, well, to see BG in full HD glory... that's worth watching it again. I'm just hoping that BravoHD carries the rest of the episodes; it will really benefit from the HD treatment.

Alias: I'm still crunching my way through the season 1 DVDs and loving it. I also started watching the current season and I concur with the "one happy family going out on missions" comments. It just doesn't have any of the tension of the first season, where you don't really know who you're supposed to trust and you really feel that Sidney has no way she's going to get out of this predicament. The new opening credits also now tell the story. Watch this show so you can see our stunning lead actress dress differently every week!

Carnivale: One of my favorite shows. I also concur with Bitt's comment that it's just like a DC Vertigo comic. It's gritty. It's dreamy. Every character, however minor, has a complex back-story that is slowly, slowly being revealed. The story weaves in and out with the actual history of the Great Depression in an almost believable fashion. (Trying to stay spoiler free, but...) we also have this epic good-vs-evil tension, where neither character fits the archetypical role in the way you'd see in a more traditional story. And, again, we don't really know the full nature of what makes the good character good and the evil character evil. We (and the characters themselves) have only seen glimpses of their power. And, Carnivale is just stunningly beautiful in HD.

Entourage: Another great HBO show, following the only barely fictionalized story of a recent Hollywood star (Mark Wahlburg) and his New Jersey buddies who he dragged along to be his "posse". HBO's supposed to be working on a second season. I can't wait.

Iron Chef America: I was sucked into the original Japanese version, and I also love Alton Brown's Good Eats. This has both of them together. Works great for me.

24: I've watched this completely out of order. I watched the second season live and really got into it. Then I got the first-season DVDs and puttered out about half-way through. Likewise, I started watching the third season and it just wasn't doing much for me, so I gave up on it. Now, I'm watching the current (fourth) season and it's got me hooked again (and, likewise, wondering how all the people got shuffled around to their current positions).

Frontline / Nova / Nature: I'm a sucker for good PBS shows, and they rock in HD.

My wife is mostly enamored of the Law & Order series, the CSI series, and some other closely related clones (Cold Case, Missing Person, etc.). These just don't really cut it for me. I particularly hate the often abrupt and unsatisfying endings.
Posted by: drakino

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 23:13

Quote:
Battlestar Gallactica: I'm really enjoying this show for all the same reasons cited by others here and elsewhere. I noticed that they're reairing the pilot on BravoHD soon, so I programmed the TiVo to grab it. Normally, I don't go back and rewatch things like this, but, well, to see BG in full HD glory... that's worth watching it again. I'm just hoping that BravoHD carries the rest of the episodes; it will really benefit from the HD treatment.


Universal HD is also going to air the pilot starting Sunday for those that subscribe to Voom or DirecTV HDTV. They are also working on securing HD rights to several USA/SciFi shows, with Monk being the first series to come over.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 23:27

BravoHD and Universal HD are the same thing, as far as I know.
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 16/02/2005 23:50

I've added Carnivale to my Netflix queue due to all the recommendations. I don't get HBO so I've missed out on some of the best stuff over the past two years apparently. Looking forward to it!

That reminds me of another show my buddy just showed me ... The Wire. If I had HBO that'd definitely be on my Tivo Season Pass list. Good stuff.
Posted by: cushman

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 00:15

Last season I enjoyed the Shield on FX. Not your typical cop drama.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 00:38

Quote:
Battlestar Gallactica: ... I noticed that they're reairing the pilot on BravoHD soon

Excellent. I kinda forgot about it and missed it. I should set it up to get the remaining eps and hope that BravoHD does them all.
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 01:33

Every episode of this season's Alias is starting to feel exactly the same. It just seems like their painting by numbers, using a cookie-cutter, etc. Next week Sark is back, so here's hoping something interesting comes from it. I forgot to mention the super-annoying title sequence. The title sequence in past seasons didn't come at the same point in the episode every time. Sometimes they had a very quick sequence in fact. This year it's always exactly the same, come on just about at the same minute-mark each episode, it shows nothing but Jennifer Garner is different costumes, is long, goes to commercial when it's done. I actually prefer shows not to have a title sequence used for credits, like Lost and and 24. Just put the credits softly over the live show after the first commercial break and don't spend time on a title sequence that's exactly the same every week.

Last year I was puzzled (amazed, stupified) that they made Dixon the chief. This year they've gone and done the only possible worse thing - put Sloan in charge. That's just about the weakest, most stupid and most unimaginative thing they could do.

Tonight's episode was a perfect example of the double-date missions we're sure to see for the rest of the season.

Bruno
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 01:55

I knew when I was watching it that the moment they brought down SD6, the show was in trouble. My first thought was that I was amazed at how quickly they did it. I've definitely read that J.J. Abrams's favorite time of the show was when SD6 was still around, and that he himself was dissappointed with how the last season went.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 02:20

Honestly, I can't argue with any of that except that I think the mistakes they made last season were worse than the ones they're making this season. Like the whole missing-year thing that went nowhere. Of course, there are big mistakes this season, too. The apparent retconning of what happened in the last few minutes of last season, for starters. I just think that this season is still more fun, and that's what I want from Alias.
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 02:27

And tonight there was a new Good Eats followed by Iron chef america.
Posted by: tanstaafl.

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 03:46

And the Krelboynes are nowhere to be found.

OK, I have to ask...

How many people here (without doing a Google search!) know what the term Krelboyne refers to?



tanstaafl.
Posted by: drakino

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 05:55

Yep. Didn't know that before now though. Thought it was another channel.
Posted by: David

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 09:51

For UK types, Arrested Development is running on BBC4 of all places, although I've not seen it there.

I've downloaded a couple of episodes and didn't really 'get it' though. I think it's because the humour is so blatant. It's as if you're being told 'this is funny, laugh now'. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but the awkwardness of the characters and the forced nature of the jokes made me feel like I was watching a bunch of stand-up comics trying to act.
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 10:52

That's funny, that's exactly how I felt when I first saw it. I didn't get it at all and missed most of the season. Then, due to my buddy never shutting up about it, I gave it another shot and found it hilarious. I think part of my getting it was finding the absurdity in the storyline and how well they tie everything together more than the characters. It's really quite clever.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 12:07

Quote:
I've added Carnivale to my Netflix queue due to all the recommendations.

And I just wanted to add that the DVD menus are some of the best I've ever seen. Simply beautiful, and in keeping with the look and feel of the show.
Posted by: DWallach

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 17/02/2005 13:43

Quote:
BravoHD and Universal HD are the same thing, as far as I know.

Yes, indeed, they changed the name at some point, but it's the same thing.
Posted by: tanstaafl.

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 02:31

How many people here (without doing a Google search!) know what the term Krelboyne refers to?

Yes, I know, tacky responding to my own post. But I cannot believe that nobody knows the answer to this. I was so impressed with myself because I did know...

Or maybe I'm overestimating how clever I was for knowing it. Is this such common knowledge that everybody just wanted to spare me the embarassment when they pointed out the obviousness of the answer?



tanstaafl.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 15:58

I was thinking about your lack of responses the other day. I had to Google it when you posted, but then remembered after I saw it. Gotta love Oscar winners in B-movies.
Posted by: TheRhino

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 17:55

My two cents:

Carnivale - I also added this to the Netflix queue. I'm hooked on it now.

Deadwood - Another cool HBO series. Good ole western stuff.

Robot Chicken - I don't know if you guys have seen this, but it is hilarious. Made by the Family Guy fellas (Seth Green and Seth McFarlane). It's on Adult Swim on Sunday nights. They also show repeats. I think there have only been two episodes so far. Speaking of Adult Swim, Aqua Teen Hunger Force , Sealab 2021 , and The Venture Bros. also rock.

Point Pleasant - I'm into this show. I want to see how it plays out. It reminds me a lot of American Gothic (Dear, God! Why isn't American Gothic on DVD yet?!?!? ).

Also, I guess I 'll have to change my avatar since the NHL (it's their fault) and NHLPA (it's also their fault) can't get along.
Posted by: belezeebub

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 18:18

No tivo here but mythbusters is about the only show I remember to tape and not just because I was asked to be on it once (never panned out but it was an honor to be asked)


Quote:
I had never heard of Mythbusters until reading about it on here and I too have a season pass for it now..
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 18:29

Um...

DEEE-TAILS!!!!!
Posted by: JeffS

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 18:45

Ok, really late coming into this thread. First off, I have to say that my tastes are far different from most here, so don't crucify me. Also, we used to hardly watch any TV, but since my wife has had such bad back trouble we spend a LOT of time on the tube. Our tastes are very different, so we often meet in the middle (a compamise is when both sides lose!).

On TV:
Law & Order: I love it, and probably always will. This is one my wife and I never miss.

Medical Investigation: I really like this show, though it doesn't seem to be getting much press. It's kind of like "CSI for germs", which sets it apart a bit.

Criminal Intent: My wife likes it more than I do- I'd probably not watch it except that she likes it so much.

Joey: Not as good as Friends, but still funny. I'd probably also not watch this if it weren't for my wife.

The Apprentice: This is a very bad habit, and one I'm ashamed to admit to. Do they have counseling for this sort of thing?

CSI Miami: I only watch this because some friends of ours are staying with us and really like it. I actually like a lot of the characters, but Caruso is just soooo bad it kills the show. The thing I really like about it is that it reminds me how much better CSI is!


On DVD (which we watch more than real TV)
X-Files: My wife doesn't watch this with me, but I'm currently on Season 3 (the better years). I actually enjoyed pretty much the whole series, though clearly it lost a lot when M&S left. Still, there were some interesting stand-alone plots (though they overarching "mythology" becamse quite a mess by the end).

CSI: I love this show. I can't believe I missed it, but we're now on season 4 and I think it's great. WAY better than the Miami version, and the characters are all great.

ST:TNG- We're on season 4. I got my wife hooked and so we're going through them together. I've always loved TNG, though.

24: We're on season 3, and I have to say this show is like a drug. It's very addicting, and I'm pretty sure it isn't healthy. Season 3 is definitely weaker than the first two, which were really good. Jack (and even Palmer a little) is getting to the point where he crosses the line too much, though, and the show is becomming increasingly lower on our list of things we watch.

Alias: We just started this and are on season 2. I think it's a good show, but my wife adors it.

Friends: A good show, but I'm really tired of it. We have seasons 1-8 and my wife watches them (and re-watches them) all the time. I've gotten to where I run screaming when she puts it in the DVD player!

My Wife (Shows I don't watch with her)
Charmed: totally not my thing. I'm actually surprised there's an audience for this show; not that it's not well done, but it seems to be catering to women who are into magic, which I wouldn't think there would be a lot of. Of course, my wife isn't really into magic, so I guess my assumption is a little off.

Angel: Not into it, but I haven't really given it a chance. I'm already into too many other shows!

Judging Amy: Seems good for what it is. Just not for me.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 19:26

I've already commented on some of the shows you mentioned, but I wanted to respond to some of your observations:

Quote:
Charmed

Your comments are pretty accurate. Sometimes the show is a bit too female for me. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, it's only that it's not speaking to me. The reason I got hooked on it was that I gravitate to pretty much anything that's fantasy oriented. Smallville, Buffy, Angel, Charmed, etc. Even Birds of Prey (did anyone else here see that? I saw every episode ). Therefore I've seen every episode of Charmed (except for this season - I once again fell into the trap of not seeing the first several episodes of the season, therefore missing all the rest).

Quote:
Angel

I must warn you, I was never interested in the Buffyverse. I then watched a single episode in season 5 of Angel, just because it was on. After that I went on my Buffy addiction, and it wasn't pretty. I'm now nearly done watching all seasons of both shows for the second time, even though I now have a job and full social life
Posted by: belezeebub

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 20:24

Quote:
Um...

DEEE-TAILS!!!!!


Well I am a long time poster on the MythBuster message Boards under the name Belezeebub (I use that one alot) if you were to do a "Search" for my name you would see a personal invite from the shows producer and a few other post on the subject they are looking for 2 more people to join the team not as interns but as full mythbuster ~= to Adam and Jamie one of the skills they wanted was computer electronics background I made it past the first 6 cuts till the information went to the big bossess in Austrual (I gusss that is where all the big bossess are) and I havn't heard from them since I assume I didn't make the final cut but you never know) sometimes the wheels turn slowly
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 20:31

Wow. Cool!
Posted by: belezeebub

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 20:55

Okay I stitched back together the e-mails I have sent and gotten on this issue I have deleted all the personal information and email address if I missed one please be adult about and don’t spam me or these people they have been very kind to me and I was honored to even be asked to join the myth busters. Note these are e-mails only not the numerous phone calls back and forth.



Hi,
Did someone from MB contact you?
If not is it okay to give someone from the show your
Email address?
Thanks,
Mod_ivy
--- Joseph Lipchitz <deleted@byebye.org wrote:


Mod_Ivy:



It is me Belezeebub, sorry it slipped my mind that I
Didn’t have that E-mail address anymore this is my
New one, I use yahoo because I can check it from my
PDA or cell phone.



Joseph Lipchitz

AKA Belezeebub.





P.S. not sure why my name is censored on the boards
But it is funny (Most people think its a slang name
For the devil but loosely translated from Latin it
Means Lord of Files (I am in the IT field so it
Makes since)








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a



Will do.
mod_ivy
--- Joseph Lipchitz < deleted@byebye.org wrote:

No one has contacted me as of yet, I noticed your
Post and I am responded to it. You my feel free to
Share my contact information, phone number and
E-mail address is you deem fit.

Joseph Lipchitz



mod_ivy < deleted@byebye.org wrote:Hi,
Did someone from MB contact you?
If not is it okay to give someone from the show your
email address?
Thanks,
mod_ivy
--- Joseph Lipchitz wrote:


Mod_Ivy:



It is me Belezeebub, sorry it slipped my mind that
I
didn't have that E-mail address anymore this is my
new one, I use yahoo because I can check it from
my
PDA or cell phone.







P.S. not sure why my name is censored on the
boards
but it is funny (Most people think its a slang
name
for the devil but loosely translated from Latin it
means Lord of Files (I am in the IT field so it
makes since)








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a



Hi Joseph --

I'm a researcher for the television show MythBusters. Our executive
producer, Peter Rees, forwarded me your email thinking you may be
interested
to learn that we're currently looking for another crewmember.

Since we have such a busy production schedule, we've decided to
consider
bringing someone to the program that would be relatively equal to Jamie
and
Adam in terms of expertise. You've probably noticed that we've added
additional builders this season, but we're now looking for -
essentially -
another Jamie or Adam.

If you think this may be something you'd consider, I'd greatly enjoy
talking
with you over the phone. Please feel free to call me here in the
office...
I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Eric Cencored
Researcher
MythBusters

URL: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

___________________________________________________________________

Name of Program:
MYTHBUSTES Series 3

Type of Program:
29 part documentary series for television

Series currently screening:
The Discovery Channel USA

Website:
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

Production Company:
Beyond Productions

About the show:
MYTHBUSTERS examines popular urban myths and legends.

The series is hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman. Together they
have
more than thirty years experience in feature film special effects,
animatronics, and toy prototyping.

In each episode they investigate urban myths by examining the facts,
talking
to the experts, and conducting their own scientific testing. At the end
of
the story our hosts will either validate or debunk the myth and will
have
taught the audience a thing or two about science.


Hi Joseph --

You can give me a call anytime today. I’m usually in the office between 9:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday. I look forward to hearing from you!

-- Eric Cencored



On 10/23/04 9:38 PM, "joseph lipchitz" < deleted@byebye.org wrote:


Eric Cencored:

Being considered for this is an honor; it is a very big pair of shoes to fill. Perhaps some background on myself would be helpful?
I am thirty-five years old, for the last ten plus years I have been working as a network/system administrator; I have training in electronics, and computer technologies.
I do not consider myself to be on par with the myth busters, I am more of a back yard mechanic, I can fix or do just about anything with vehicle, I consider myself to be good at coming up with creative ways to solve problems and I have the skills to work out most issues. I consider my self to have an analytical mind I would look forward to applying it to bust myths if I am chosen.
My current support contract ends on Wednesday so I would have the free time.

When would be a good time to contact you to discuss this further?

Joseph Lipchitz










Eric Cencored < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Hi Joseph --

I'm a researcher for the television show MythBusters. Our executive
producer, Peter Rees, forwarded me your email thinking you may be interested
to learn that we're currently looking for another crewmember.

Since we have such a busy production schedule, we've decided to consider
bringing someone to the program that would be relatively equal to Jamie and
Adam in terms of expertise. You've probably noticed that we've added
additional builders this season, but we're now looking for - essentially -
another Jamie or Adam.

If you think this may be something you'd consider, I'd greatly enjoy talking
with you over the phone. Please feel free to call me here in the office...
I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Eric Cencored
Researcher
MythBusters

URL: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

___________________________________________________________________

Name of Program:
MYTHBUSTES Series 3

Type of Program:
29 part documentary series for television

Series currently screening:
The Discovery Channel USA

Website:
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

Production Company:
Beyond Productions

About the show:
MYTHBUSTERS examines popular urban myths and legends.

The series is hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman. Together they have
more than thirty years experience in feature film special effects,
animatronics, and toy prototyping.

In each episode they investigate urban myths by examining the facts, talking
to the experts, and conducting their own scientific testing. At the end of
the story our hosts will either validate or debunk the myth and will have
taught the audience a thing or two about science


Good. I hope it works out.
Mod_ivy
--- joseph lipchitz < deleted@byebye.org wrote:

I have received e-mail from Eric Cencored so we are
talking about it now. thank you for the opportunity.


mod_ivy < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Will do.
mod_ivy
--- Joseph lipchitz wrote:

No one has contacted me as of yet, I noticed your
post and I am responded to it. you my feel free to
share my contact information, phone number and
e-mail address is you deem fit.





mod_ivy wrote:Hi,
Did someone from MB contact you?
If not is it okay to give someone from the show
your
email address?
Thanks,
mod_ivy
--- Joseph lipchitz wrote:


Mod_Ivy:



It is me Beelzebub, sorry it slipped my mind
that
I
didn't have that E-mail address anymore this is
my
new one, I use yahoo because I can check it from
my
PAD or cell phone.







P.S. not sure why my name is censored on the
boards
but it is funny (Most people think its a slang
name
for the devil but loosely translated from Latin
it
means Lord of Files (I am in the IT field so it
makes since)








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell
them
what you think. a








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a







---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a



Good. I hope it works out.
Mod_ivy
--- joseph lipchitz < deleted@byebye.org wrote:

I have received e-mail from Eric Cencored so we are
talking about it now. thank you for the opportunity.


mod_ivy < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Will do.
mod_ivy
--- Joseph lipchitz wrote:

No one has contacted me as of yet, I noticed your
post and I am responded to it. you my feel free to
share my contact information, phone number and
e-mail address is you deem fit.

Joseph Lipids



mod_ivy wrote:Hi,
Did someone from MB contact you?
If not is it okay to give someone from the show
your
email address?
Thanks,
mod_ivy
--- Joseph lipchitz wrote:


Mod_Ivy:



It is me Beelzebub, sorry it slipped my mind
that
I
didn't have that E-mail address anymore this is
my
new one, I use yahoo because I can check it from
my
PAD or cell phone.



Joseph Lipids

AKA Belezeebub.



P.S. not sure why my name is censored on the
boards
but it is funny (Most people think its a slang
name
for the devil but loosely translated from Latin
it
means Lord of Files (I am in the IT field so it
makes since)








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell
them
what you think. a








---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a







---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them
what you think. a



Hi Joseph --

Thanks for checking in. We haven’t made our decision yet; we’re currently reviewing piles of tapes that have come in from a casting call we posted. After we sort through it, I should be able to give you a better idea of where we’re at. If you don’t hear from me by Wednesday next week, please call me. Thanks!

-- Eric




On 11/10/04 3:28 PM, "joseph lipchitz" < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Eric Cencored:


Just though I would touch bases and see if you have made your decision yet? It’s been a while since I have heard from you and I was getting curious.


Joseph Lipchitz







Eric Cencored < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Hi Joseph --

You can give me a call anytime today. I’m usually in the office between 9:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday. I look forward to hearing from you!

-- Eric Cencored
Ph.


On 10/23/04 9:38 PM, "joseph lipchitz" < deleted@byebye.org wrote:


Eric Cencored:

Being considered for this is an honor; it is a very big pair of shoes to fill. Perhaps some background on myself would be helpful?
I am thirty-five years old, for the last ten plus years I have been working as a network/system administrator; I have training in electronics, and computer technologies.
I do not consider myself to be on par with the myth busters, I am more of a back yard mechanic, I can fix or do just about anything with vehicle, I consider myself to be good at coming up with creative ways to solve problems and I have the skills to work out most issues. I consider my self to have an analytical mind I would look forward to applying it to bust myths if I am chosen.
My current support contract ends on Wednesday so I would have the free time.

When would be a good time to contact you to discuss this further?

Joseph Lipchitz










Eric Cencored < deleted@byebye.org wrote:
Hi Joseph --

I'm a researcher for the television show MythBusters. Our executive
producer, Peter Rees, forwarded me your email thinking you may be interested
to learn that we're currently looking for another crewmember.

Since we have such a busy production schedule, we've decided to consider
bringing someone to the program that would be relatively equal to Jamie and
Adam in terms of expertise. You've probably noticed that we've added
additional builders this season, but we're now looking for - essentially -
another Jamie or Adam.

If you think this may be something you'd consider, I'd greatly enjoy talking
with you over the phone. Please feel free to call me here in the office...
I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Eric Cencored
Researcher
MythBusters

URL: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

___________________________________________________________________

Name of Program:
MYTHBUSTES Series 3

Type of Program:
29 part documentary series for television

Series currently screening:
The Discovery Channel USA

Website:
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html

Production Company:
Beyond Productions

About the show:
MYTHBUSTERS examines popular urban myths and legends.

The series is hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman. Together they have
more than thirty years experience in feature film special effects,
animatronics, and toy prototyping.

In each episode they investigate urban myths by examining the facts, talking
to the experts, and conducting their own scientific testing. At the end of
the story our hosts will either validate or debunk the myth and will have
taught the audience a thing or two about science.






Hi Joseph --

Sorry I missed your calls today... our shooting block is winding down, and we’re under a blistering production schedule (on top of looking for new talent).

We haven’t yet chosen a new host. Since our office will be closing, all the new host research files have been sent to Australia, where cencored is headquartered. I’m not sure who specifically will be in charge of the search, so all I can say at this point is that likely candidates will probably be called sometime in December.

I wish I had more substantial info for you, but that’s it. My last day in the SF office is tomorrow, but I’ll be back in January.

Best of luck,

-- Eric
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 21:04

I thought it was kinda cool that Mythbusters is produced by the same folks who did Beyond 2000 back in the day.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 21:38

Robot Chicken I just discovered this over the weekend and now I'm Tivo'ing it! I love it! There is some comic book magazine (for collectors of the figurines) that had a little strip they'd run every month just like this. I loved it! I had no idea this show was even on the air and I can't wait to catch up on the missed episodes.
Posted by: DWallach

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 01/03/2005 23:07

I'm currently mourning the loss of Samurai Jack, with its beautiful artwork and fascinating view of a dysfunctional future. Cartoon Network cancelled it last September. Bastards.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 00:37

Quote:
I'm currently mourning the loss of Samurai Jack, with its beautiful artwork and fascinating view of a dysfunctional future. Cartoon Network cancelled it last September. Bastards.

Amen to that! That was my current favorite animated show by far, and was very sad when I finished off the last made episode last night. It was as good as any other episode, but offered zero resolution to the main story. We'll miss you, Jack.

By the way, having only seen Phil LaMarr on Mad TV, I wouldn't have guessed that he'd make a career out of voice work, but so far he's voicing two of my favorite characters in modern cartoons (Samurai Jack and Green Lantern).
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 02:27

So there was actually some kind of ending episode ? I missed that somehow.
Posted by: Waterman981

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 04:17

I'm into a few of the same shows as Matt such as Smallville, and I did see every episode of Birds of Prey. I used to collect comics, and still enjoy their stories. Justice League Unlimited is one I really enjoy. The people doing that show take so many opportunities for character development. Such as if Green Lantern and Hawk Girl had a kid, Batman & Wonder Woman flirting. It's just cool story telling. Going with that, the new comic cartoon The Batman (where The Edge did the theme music) is pretty cool. Stuck in a block of crappy stuff, so gotta love the TiVo!

I missed half of this weeks Robot Chicken, but the first one was great! Rachael Leigh Cook doing a voice there, and I guess Sarah Michelle Gellar did one for this weeks episode (I did miss that part )
Posted by: loren

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 04:41

Quote:
I thought it was kinda cool that Mythbusters is produced by the same folks who did Beyond 2000 back in the day

?! I didn't know that. That was my all time favorite show ever. Man I loved that show. I was SO bummed when it went off the air, then surprised to see Michael Tennenbaum on local TV when I moved out here to SF. Damn I'd give anything to be an intern on that show.

I too just discovered Robot Chicken. That's some goodness.

I also discovered that Comedy Central is playing the Nick Park Creature Comforts shorts in half hour bursts late at night. Amazing.
Posted by: pgrzelak

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 09:02

DAMN! When did that happen? Season Two is available for pre-order on amazon, if you are interested. They did not even close out the plotline? Grrrr....
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 12:12

Quote:
So there was actually some kind of ending episode ? I missed that somehow.
Quote:
DAMN! When did that happen? Season Two is available for pre-order on amazon, if you are interested. They did not even close out the plotline? Grrrr....

No and nope. It even looks like they cut the season short (seasons 1 and 2 have 20 episodes each, season 3 has only 12). The last episode ("Jack and the Baby") was cute while also typical Jack, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the main story. There wasn't even a mention of Aku. It's a sad thing indeed to see it and realize that those are likely the last moments you'll ever see of Jack.
Posted by: pgrzelak

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 12:27

Well, the plotline was somewhat closed (or at least flash-forwarded) with Episode XXXII.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 12:39

Very true, I thought that as well. But I'd still like to see that day
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 13:11

If Samuri Jack wasn't popular I would say it was because they took a show that should have been a finite number of episodes and tried to keep it going forever. That is why I like anime they will actually end instead of keeping it going until the money stops then dropping the show. (in some cases at least)

Like witch hunter robin 26 episodes they had an ending and it's over.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 13:17

Quote:
There is some comic book magazine (for collectors of the figurines) that had a little strip they'd run every month just like this.

"Twisted Mego Theater" in ToyFare. If you don't understand the title, Mego was an early action figure company. They produced most of the superhero stuff back in the early 70s, before action figures got small.

Looks like someone scanned a bunch of them.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 14:43

*edit*
I just wanted to make this more concise. Basically, I don't think Samurai Jack wasn't popular because it was "stretched out" (over 52 episodes? Shows go stale long after that many), but because the average CN viewer didn't have the patience for a beautiful animated show that took its time (and didn't have a lot of dialog).
Posted by: DWallach

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 15:31

Quote:
the average CN viewer didn't have the patience for a beautiful animated show that took its time (and didn't have a lot of dialog).

It's hard to say. On one hand, the lack of dialog may be a turn-off to some. On the other hand, it make the show far more accessible to non-English speakers. It's far easier to take Samurai Jack and redo it in every language, making it cheaper to market internationally. So, even if CN cut the cord, you'd think Hanna Barbera would have an incentive to keep it going.
Posted by: SE_Sport_Driver

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 02/03/2005 15:36

Quote:
"Twisted Mego Theater" in ToyFare


That's it! I loved reading that every month!
Posted by: g_attrill

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 05/07/2005 19:55

Just to update my message about "Lost", it will be showing Wednesdays at 10pm on Channel 4, starting 10th August:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds22320.html

Gareth
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 05/07/2005 20:08

Now that I've watched Battlestar Galactica (other than the last episode -- the first 15 minutes has music and sound effects but no dialogue -- how did that happen?) I have to concur. I thought that the miniseries/pilot was mediocre. Then I watched "33" and it was really good. Then I watched the next few episodes and wondered if people hadn't overrated it. But I persevered and it got really good. On the other hand, if you really need your scifi to be all heroes and heroics, don't bother. The really good stuff is being disappointed in people you thought you knew, wondering whose side you should be on, and if the ends really justify the means.

I do have to mention the few problems I have with it. First, the religion stuff needs to be more fleshed out. Right now it's just serving as a MacGuffin without any real meaning behind it. That is, we don't know anything at all about the religions, really, and cannot feel why these characters feel the way they do about them. Maybe that will happen. Second, Linda Park, I'm sorry to say, just isn't a good actress. And back on "Cylon-occupied Caprica", the guy playing Helo isn't all that great either. As such, those scenes aren't able to carry themselves as well as they ought. Seems like I had a third thing, but I can't remember it now.

I also have to promote The 4400, which is a pretty entertaining paranoia show, like The X-Files, except it seems to know where it's going. Hopefully it'll last longer than the other shows that I described that way. (Odyssey 5 comes to mind.)
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 05/07/2005 20:34

Quote:
I also have to promote The 4400, which is a pretty entertaining paranoia show, like The X-Files, except it seems to know where it's going. Hopefully it'll last longer than the other shows that I described that way. (Odyssey 5 comes to mind.)

My reaction exactly, to the letter.
Posted by: DWallach

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 05/07/2005 21:03

Quote:
the first 15 minutes has music and sound effects but no dialogue

I noticed that as well. It was actually moderately entertaining to watch the show with sound effects but without dialog. It reaired later, and they got the sound right.

Quote:
First, the religion stuff needs to be more fleshed out.

I'm willing to cut the writer some slack on this. Part of the mystery of the show is why, exactly, the Cylons are doing everything they're doing. Why engineer the next-gen Cylons to not only resemble humans but to be able to have kids with them? Remember the beginning of Babylon 5? It took a loooong time for all of the details to come out. BSG at least started off which much more of a bang than B5's Season 1.

In terms of acting quality, I'm neither enamored nor turned off by the secondary characters. They move the story along. I love the Baltar and Starbuck characters, and I'm really enjoying the ride. My real complaints are more with some of the combat strategy, planning, and whatnot, particularly with respect to FTL drives. Consider: they discover an asteroid with "tillium" (the magic fuel that makes FTL go). It's got a Cylon mine already on it and it's heavily guarded. Even if their amazing gambit worked and they succeeded in capturing the mine, I still don't buy it. There must have still been 100+ Cylon fighters in the air. They just turned tail and ran? None of them radioed or jumped elsewhere to report in? After that big explosion, all of the tillium refining machinery (and stores of pre-refined tillium) were gone. How are they going to be able to dig up, refine, and install all that extra tillium before the Cylons show up again? It's not like BSG has a tillium refinery below decks somewhere. I have similar issues with the "ooh look, we found water" episode and with their strategy in the season finale.

Of course, with the way they set things up, if they just let the story take its natural course, BSG and the whole fleet would have been minced meat a long time ago. Now, if they had the bumble-headed Cylons from the original series...
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 06/07/2005 00:28

Quote:
Part of the mystery of the show is why, exactly, the Cylons are doing everything they're doing.

True, but we know virtually nothing about the Colonials' religion, either. We know that it's at least loosely based on Greek mythos, but there's no indication about what it has to say about life other than "this has all happened before and it will all happen again" and a few prophecies. We know nothing of how it tells them to live their lives, and I think that's important in order to contrast the Cylons' beliefs against theirs. Without telling us anything, it's just an excuse for fighting, not a reason. And I think that the show's better than that.

Quote:
They just turned tail and ran? None of them radioed or jumped elsewhere to report in?

Yeah, they sort of halfheartedly addressed that by saying something along the lines of "without the mine, they'll have nowhere to refuel and we can mop them up". Still, you're right.

I think the point of that was to show how Adama's still keeping secrets when he feels like it, even when he has no reason to. That's actually the part of the show I like. There's about fifty different sides.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Our Favorite TV Shows. - 06/07/2005 01:45

Coincidentally, I just started watching the 4400 the other day. I've watched the first four episodes and really like the concept, even though the show can be pretty heavy-handed at times.