TV Talk...
Could turn into a rant... fair warning. Also, major spoilers for a couple of these.
All right, I've laid off talking about a few shows I'm watching because at least one co-worker is in on the shows in question and therefore around to discuss. Yet sometimes, you have to throw opinions on the canvas of the internet. Just 'cause.
Show 1: Once Upon a Time
Let's get this out: I really enjoy this show. Do I think it's super grand? No. Do I think it's the best thing to come to network TV in years? No. Am I helplessly awaiting each new episode with baited breath? Nopers.
I know people who fawn over this show like its creativity's new gift to network. I am not one of those people. I see some of the huge flaws in the show. However, I still really enjoy it. The interweaving of the fairy tale world with the contemporary stories is very well done. Most of the main cast is solid -- Robert Carlyle is stunning. Riveting. Truly magical.
Overall though, I'm not getting the consistent emotional connection to the story and characters that I desire in a series -- especially one rooted in fantasy. It's like, if you want me invested in your crazy ideas and world, you need to get me invested in the overall story and characters. And it's hard to do that with some gaping holes in plot logic and a couple of sub-par major character portrayals. I also don't know how they can sustain the series for a long time, plausibly, without actually getting everyone back to fairy tale land.
Show 2: Grimm
I swear, I am not generally a fan of procedurals. You've gotta grab me with something unique and compelling to hold my attention. Well, Grimm does just that. It ain't a fantastic show, but it's a solid show with a great cast -- and a cast that proves you don't have to have well known 'name' leads to carry a network series. No stunt casting = me likey.
Show 3: Smash
From no stunt casting to a show which plays upon the public's knowledge of the modern theatre and movie world without acknowledging its own deep casting ties to both. That alone makes it a bit ridiculous. Then, let's layer on cheestastic numbers (and I'm not talking about the content of the musical workshop numbers, I'm talking about the lead girls alone in their rooms belting and sexy dancing on... or the *facepalm* bowling party from this week), more drama queens on and off the stage than one should reasonably have in such an undertaking, and a not small number of the main characters being either asses or making REALLY STUPID life choices. My sympathy for most of these people is about zero.
And yet... I'm invested. If for no other reason than for Jack Davenport. There's more to his character than just the asshole director who likes shagging insecure actresses -- and I firmly believe in the hands of a lesser actor there likely wouldn't be -- and I have a feeling we'll get more of that before the season is out. But if I'm honest, I've become invested in the show itself, for now. Much as the whining, narcissism, petty thoughts and reactions, stupid decisions, and seriously ridiculous musical numbers get to me... it's theatre, and at least a cross-section of all that nonsense is real, and palpable, and engaging.
Also, I love Davers. I've stuck with every US series he's been on except Swingtown. I don't see myself abandoning the show as long as he's on it.
Show 4: The Voice
Screw American Idol and its endless weeks of auditions where people who have no business being in front of a microphone are put on national television for ridicule, and people with good voices are overlooked because they're not TV ready... at the very least, the selection rounds for The Voice are based solely on how you perform that day, and what each judge is looking for vocally.
Not that I was a fan before, but I appreciate the methods of this show more than many others.
Also, if you like me and value me as a person, vote for Tony Lucca.
Seriously.
He is an amazing singer-songwriter that I've adored for over a decade and I am going to be spending the next several weeks literally shaking with nerves to see how far he goes. He's also just a swell human being.
Show 5: The Vampire Diaries
How do I love Damon, let me count the ways... he's hot. And walks the very fine line between saviour and demon. And is hot. And will sacrifice his own feelings so his little brother can regain his humanity. And he's hot. And he's always got a plan up his sleeves... when he's wearing sleeves. Did I mention the hot?
OK, Damon aside, aspects of this season are getting to me... like basically the whole Stefan/Elena thing. Either Stefan needs to get his ish together, and just do that, or Elena needs to really throw in the towel with him. This 'tension' they're supposed to have right now isn't terribly believable. Honestly, the dynamic between Stefan and Damon right now is more intriguing than the one between Stefan & Elena.
Meredith Fell, I don't like you. Even if you did truly try to save Alaric and his sanity. I think it's just a thing I have against Fells... and anyone being with Alaric who isn't Jenna. I still miss Jenna.
I want more Elijah. I didn't realize how much I really like his character until he disappeared, and then came back. But he wasn't back long enough. Instead we get stuck with his snotty bitch of a sister. Ugh.
And... umm... where the hell are Matt and Tyler? They've practically vanished in all the excitement of late...
And in a few days, all these shows (except The Voice) will take a back seat to the uber-obsession that is Game of Thrones.
All right, I've laid off talking about a few shows I'm watching because at least one co-worker is in on the shows in question and therefore around to discuss. Yet sometimes, you have to throw opinions on the canvas of the internet. Just 'cause.
Show 1: Once Upon a Time
Let's get this out: I really enjoy this show. Do I think it's super grand? No. Do I think it's the best thing to come to network TV in years? No. Am I helplessly awaiting each new episode with baited breath? Nopers.
I know people who fawn over this show like its creativity's new gift to network. I am not one of those people. I see some of the huge flaws in the show. However, I still really enjoy it. The interweaving of the fairy tale world with the contemporary stories is very well done. Most of the main cast is solid -- Robert Carlyle is stunning. Riveting. Truly magical.
Overall though, I'm not getting the consistent emotional connection to the story and characters that I desire in a series -- especially one rooted in fantasy. It's like, if you want me invested in your crazy ideas and world, you need to get me invested in the overall story and characters. And it's hard to do that with some gaping holes in plot logic and a couple of sub-par major character portrayals. I also don't know how they can sustain the series for a long time, plausibly, without actually getting everyone back to fairy tale land.
Show 2: Grimm
I swear, I am not generally a fan of procedurals. You've gotta grab me with something unique and compelling to hold my attention. Well, Grimm does just that. It ain't a fantastic show, but it's a solid show with a great cast -- and a cast that proves you don't have to have well known 'name' leads to carry a network series. No stunt casting = me likey.
Show 3: Smash
From no stunt casting to a show which plays upon the public's knowledge of the modern theatre and movie world without acknowledging its own deep casting ties to both. That alone makes it a bit ridiculous. Then, let's layer on cheestastic numbers (and I'm not talking about the content of the musical workshop numbers, I'm talking about the lead girls alone in their rooms belting and sexy dancing on... or the *facepalm* bowling party from this week), more drama queens on and off the stage than one should reasonably have in such an undertaking, and a not small number of the main characters being either asses or making REALLY STUPID life choices. My sympathy for most of these people is about zero.
And yet... I'm invested. If for no other reason than for Jack Davenport. There's more to his character than just the asshole director who likes shagging insecure actresses -- and I firmly believe in the hands of a lesser actor there likely wouldn't be -- and I have a feeling we'll get more of that before the season is out. But if I'm honest, I've become invested in the show itself, for now. Much as the whining, narcissism, petty thoughts and reactions, stupid decisions, and seriously ridiculous musical numbers get to me... it's theatre, and at least a cross-section of all that nonsense is real, and palpable, and engaging.
Also, I love Davers. I've stuck with every US series he's been on except Swingtown. I don't see myself abandoning the show as long as he's on it.
Show 4: The Voice
Screw American Idol and its endless weeks of auditions where people who have no business being in front of a microphone are put on national television for ridicule, and people with good voices are overlooked because they're not TV ready... at the very least, the selection rounds for The Voice are based solely on how you perform that day, and what each judge is looking for vocally.
Not that I was a fan before, but I appreciate the methods of this show more than many others.
Also, if you like me and value me as a person, vote for Tony Lucca.
Seriously.
He is an amazing singer-songwriter that I've adored for over a decade and I am going to be spending the next several weeks literally shaking with nerves to see how far he goes. He's also just a swell human being.
Show 5: The Vampire Diaries
How do I love Damon, let me count the ways... he's hot. And walks the very fine line between saviour and demon. And is hot. And will sacrifice his own feelings so his little brother can regain his humanity. And he's hot. And he's always got a plan up his sleeves... when he's wearing sleeves. Did I mention the hot?
OK, Damon aside, aspects of this season are getting to me... like basically the whole Stefan/Elena thing. Either Stefan needs to get his ish together, and just do that, or Elena needs to really throw in the towel with him. This 'tension' they're supposed to have right now isn't terribly believable. Honestly, the dynamic between Stefan and Damon right now is more intriguing than the one between Stefan & Elena.
Meredith Fell, I don't like you. Even if you did truly try to save Alaric and his sanity. I think it's just a thing I have against Fells... and anyone being with Alaric who isn't Jenna. I still miss Jenna.
I want more Elijah. I didn't realize how much I really like his character until he disappeared, and then came back. But he wasn't back long enough. Instead we get stuck with his snotty bitch of a sister. Ugh.
And... umm... where the hell are Matt and Tyler? They've practically vanished in all the excitement of late...
And in a few days, all these shows (except The Voice) will take a back seat to the uber-obsession that is Game of Thrones.