Penguins Capitals 24/7
Just watched the first episode. Very impressive, as far as production goes: it's amazing what they put together in a short time and how great it worked in terms of flow and feel. I was skeptical at first. I don't think much of 'reality'-type shows and was afraid that it would come off as cheesy and slapdash. But I have to say that this looks like a really positive thing for both teams and I think it's a nice showcase for the sport.
Some random thoughts:
Great use of slo-mo and the music was well-timed and appropriate: it kind of had an NFL Films-type of vibe to it, which I've been arguing for years would work great with hockey. And it does.
Really interesting behind-the-scenes stuff you don't normally see in the NHL. I especially liked miking players and it's even better when they fight: I've always wondered what guys say to each other before they go or what kind of chirping goes on out on the ice - hopefully, they'll show more of that...it's brilliant.
I am notoriously picky about music (especially newer stuff) but I liked everything they used: it wasn't intrusive, but it meshed well with the scenes and added a little something extra. Plus, they used that "get back where we started from" song from Slap Shot - I mean, come on...thats a classic! Old and new: they mixed it up and it worked great.
Only complaint: far too many closeups. Weird closeups, too. Somewhat uncomfortable.
Thoughts on the teams/players:
I'm trying not to take the Caps at face value since they are mired in a very atypical losing streak, but the way they are presented is pretty soul-crushing. You can feel the tension in that lockerroom and the hopelessness is obvious. Things look so bad you almost forget they are still at the top of their division and still a threat. It's not fair, in a way, but things will probably change and their fortunes will improve and all this depression will be forgotten. Still, it's pretty harsh and hard to watch: I actually felt sorry for them.
Pens came off like a great organization, but they were (at the time) on a 12-game win streak: it's easy to look relaxed when you're kicking ass and taking names. Bylsma really seems like a motivator and a true players' coach: they type of guy you want to win for. Shero was all business. We just look like winners from the top down and makes me so damn proud of this team. I will be curious to see how we handle the last 2 losses, but if the Pens are as solid as I think they are, they'll take it in stride and put it in proper perspective - we'll just have to wait and see.
You know, I've always maintained that the problem with the Caps - despite their enormous talent - is that the inmates have been running the asylum. I figured it was a players' team and Boudreau couldn't do his job because we wasn't allowed to. Well, old Bruce comes off so badly in this show that I'm seriously rethinking that opinion. Boudreau doesn't motivate, he doesn't critique, and he doesn't lead: he screams, rambles incoherently, drops dozens of misplaced f-bombs (few of which make any sense) and offers little to no solutions to the Caps' problems. He made a few comments to the affect of "The big stars want to do what they want to do" and they don't like working within a system, but there seems to be no system. Plus, their GM seems to be a pathetic afterthought with little to no input in the team.
It was funny to see Bylsma (the young, virile, battle-scarred badass) next to Boudreau (the doughy old guy in red longjohns and beergut with his hand down the front of his pants Al Bundy-style) and not see the glaring differences between the two. When their respective closeup interviews showcase Bylsma's scar from his playing days and Boudreau's mouth visibly stained with the remnants of his lunch, the problem with the Caps seems obvious. Who can get behind a guy like this? Who could be inspired by a guy who looks - as one Pensblog commenter put it - like the Kool-Aid man? It does make you think.
On a more personal note, I think Nick Backstrom came off really well: seems like a nice guy. When that kid was giving him a hard time for losing I actually felt bad.
Mike Green lets his mouth hang open even more than Malkin does, which is amazing.
Max "fighting" Cooke's kid and pulling the jersey over his head was great.
"FUCK YOU GENO". Need I say more?
Who's bare ass did I see when Cooke shaved off his moustache? I KNOW I SAW IT - I just don't know who it belongs to...hee, hee!
Holy shit, Craig Adams is ripped! I usually don't care about that, but DAMN.
Sky pointed out that Ovie is out of shape. Maybe it's not a super big deal, but maybe there is something to this slump he's been in. Who knows? He's got one of the weirdest bodies I've ever seen on a human being anyway: he's bowlegged as all hell (and his legs are skinny), stubby arms, no neck...he just looks like he's put together all wrong.
Sid and Flower were eating chocolate like they were kids at fat camp sneaking it - didn't expect that.
Can't say enough about the whole thing. It's excellent and I can't wait for the next episode. GOD, I LOVE THIS TEAM.
Some random thoughts:
Great use of slo-mo and the music was well-timed and appropriate: it kind of had an NFL Films-type of vibe to it, which I've been arguing for years would work great with hockey. And it does.
Really interesting behind-the-scenes stuff you don't normally see in the NHL. I especially liked miking players and it's even better when they fight: I've always wondered what guys say to each other before they go or what kind of chirping goes on out on the ice - hopefully, they'll show more of that...it's brilliant.
I am notoriously picky about music (especially newer stuff) but I liked everything they used: it wasn't intrusive, but it meshed well with the scenes and added a little something extra. Plus, they used that "get back where we started from" song from Slap Shot - I mean, come on...thats a classic! Old and new: they mixed it up and it worked great.
Only complaint: far too many closeups. Weird closeups, too. Somewhat uncomfortable.
Thoughts on the teams/players:
I'm trying not to take the Caps at face value since they are mired in a very atypical losing streak, but the way they are presented is pretty soul-crushing. You can feel the tension in that lockerroom and the hopelessness is obvious. Things look so bad you almost forget they are still at the top of their division and still a threat. It's not fair, in a way, but things will probably change and their fortunes will improve and all this depression will be forgotten. Still, it's pretty harsh and hard to watch: I actually felt sorry for them.
Pens came off like a great organization, but they were (at the time) on a 12-game win streak: it's easy to look relaxed when you're kicking ass and taking names. Bylsma really seems like a motivator and a true players' coach: they type of guy you want to win for. Shero was all business. We just look like winners from the top down and makes me so damn proud of this team. I will be curious to see how we handle the last 2 losses, but if the Pens are as solid as I think they are, they'll take it in stride and put it in proper perspective - we'll just have to wait and see.
You know, I've always maintained that the problem with the Caps - despite their enormous talent - is that the inmates have been running the asylum. I figured it was a players' team and Boudreau couldn't do his job because we wasn't allowed to. Well, old Bruce comes off so badly in this show that I'm seriously rethinking that opinion. Boudreau doesn't motivate, he doesn't critique, and he doesn't lead: he screams, rambles incoherently, drops dozens of misplaced f-bombs (few of which make any sense) and offers little to no solutions to the Caps' problems. He made a few comments to the affect of "The big stars want to do what they want to do" and they don't like working within a system, but there seems to be no system. Plus, their GM seems to be a pathetic afterthought with little to no input in the team.
It was funny to see Bylsma (the young, virile, battle-scarred badass) next to Boudreau (the doughy old guy in red longjohns and beergut with his hand down the front of his pants Al Bundy-style) and not see the glaring differences between the two. When their respective closeup interviews showcase Bylsma's scar from his playing days and Boudreau's mouth visibly stained with the remnants of his lunch, the problem with the Caps seems obvious. Who can get behind a guy like this? Who could be inspired by a guy who looks - as one Pensblog commenter put it - like the Kool-Aid man? It does make you think.
On a more personal note, I think Nick Backstrom came off really well: seems like a nice guy. When that kid was giving him a hard time for losing I actually felt bad.
Mike Green lets his mouth hang open even more than Malkin does, which is amazing.
Max "fighting" Cooke's kid and pulling the jersey over his head was great.
"FUCK YOU GENO". Need I say more?
Who's bare ass did I see when Cooke shaved off his moustache? I KNOW I SAW IT - I just don't know who it belongs to...hee, hee!
Holy shit, Craig Adams is ripped! I usually don't care about that, but DAMN.
Sky pointed out that Ovie is out of shape. Maybe it's not a super big deal, but maybe there is something to this slump he's been in. Who knows? He's got one of the weirdest bodies I've ever seen on a human being anyway: he's bowlegged as all hell (and his legs are skinny), stubby arms, no neck...he just looks like he's put together all wrong.
Sid and Flower were eating chocolate like they were kids at fat camp sneaking it - didn't expect that.
Can't say enough about the whole thing. It's excellent and I can't wait for the next episode. GOD, I LOVE THIS TEAM.