Spartacus - Blood and Sand - My favorite parts of any show I enjoy are the relationships between the characters. This program has the highest ratio of testosterone to bromance just short of gay porn...and that's a good thing. The spectre of death hangs over everything but you can't help but admire something you don't see everyday on TV, guys just hanging out and being guys. It's funny how thick they lay it on but everything about this SHOWCASE gem is thick and robust. Just watch how ONE gesture at the end of the episode means so many different things to different characters we are following. That is great storytelling.
The gladiators were the superstar athletes of their day though compared to what passes for a 'man' these days, these warriors were GODS. The closest thing you can compare it to was the WWF - the ACT of the kill is what really was important. Win the crowd and you win your fame and to a gladiator that fame was the goal. I love the way we hear and see tales of the greats. It's like a sports highlight reel. The final battle this week was a lesson is thrilling fight choreography. And this is only episode 3! Good on the cable networks that embrace the lack of limits they have and for giving me storytelling that is really worth my valuable time.
Project Runway - You are boring me. Where are the personalities? The catfights, the outrageous fashion/design choices? At this point everyone from host to contestant seems to be as predictable as the sunrise. It's a hello from Heidi, introduction to challenge, off to Mood, too little time, to little actual teachable moments, predictable judging and tears before hearing some wannabee tell me I haven't seen the last of them. Bah! I regret seeing the first of them.
Fringe - Even though the big moment I anticipated coming from way back in last season occurred with Peter and Olivia's 'glimmer vision', it was still a shocking and heartbreaking moment. That is due mostly to the complicated relationship between all the principals but especially John Noble's Dr. Walter Bishop (one of the greatest characters EVER in the genre) and the anguish he feels for the life choices he felt compelled to make. There is one truth about life, you can't run from your sins. The universe exacts it's price no matter how noble your intentions are. Watching Walter find the strength to move forward after so much pain is an inspiration to watch. These are the rewards a viewer gets so rarely from episodic dramas.
Burn Notice - again, relationships rule the day here. The cons are still slick but the support team around Michael (Fiona, Sam, Maddy) are trying even harder this season to help him hold it all together while seeking their own redemption for past sins. There choices are believable because Michael Weston as a character EARNS that devotion.
8 Out Of 10 Cats - Brilliant British free rolling 'gameshow' with references to things I have no knowledge of but I laugh my ass off. There are just some words that the saying of which, in that accent, are hysterical to me. Only in Britain would a show like this work. They have such a great way of venting about the insanity that is life on that charmed island. To use my favorite Australian compliment - Good on ya, mates.
Sample Quote:
Moderator - What is the best movie for a first date?
Comedian - 'Silence of the Lambs' - because you can turn to your date and say - "That's not the way you make a dress out of someone's skin."
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8 comments:
I've gotta try that Brit show. I'm a tish fanatical about Brit shows. Ever Watched The IT Crowd? Anything by Graham Linehan is always guaranteed to be awesome.
Again though, Project Runway? What's up with that? That show is Hyper-lame.
I am enjoying Spartacus so far. Like the lead the most, and the 'true to life' interaction among the men is refreshing. And hey, the rest of the 'adult' themes are something you don't see on tv every day. Well, I don't. ;)
Haven't watched the Fringe episode from this week yet! Can't wait, and I skipped your review so not to spoil anything.
Burn Notice has been good as usual. Love the scene with Michael and Fia in the hotel. And they development of a deeper friendship between Sam and Michael's mother. People who spend time together would become friends, whether they have much in common or not. Cool stuff.
Yeh I like the IT Crowd. 'Peep Show' is good too. I like how the British do only a relatively few episodes and move on before things get stale and routine. Little Britain was awesome too.
I just like shows about design. I like to see things created from the ground up. But am not a fan of 'Idol' type reality shows. Actually Project Runway Australia is pretty good.
great commets guys. I wish I could watch some of those shows with you on a weekly basis. On your recommendation Wings I am gonna get into Lost from the beginning and get up to date just before the final to see how a full emmersion (immersion?) does it for me.
I just thought about something Wings. I hope they aren't planning to hurt Maggy in anyway on 'Burn Notice' though I can see them leading up so something like that that unleashes the full fury of Sam on the perpetrators. We are getting hints of his hidden ability to get angry this season.
Wow - Good luck with LOST, Cal. I can't imagine trying to rewatch it all within the next few months!
I HOPE they aren't planning on hurting Maddie! But... I guess that is what makes good tv, eh?
It sounds like Spartacus is dripping with historical accuracy.
Kind of like how this comment is dripping with sarcasm.
'Dripping' is just the word for it. If you don't miss it you would be the only dry one in a wet world. Besides, we will talk about you if you leave the room.
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