2014 TV show thread

[Easy Mac]

I figure we can start a new thread, since the last post in the prior thread was on 12/31.

Did anyone else watch The Assets on ABC? The critics have seemed to go out of their way to say it's not horrible, but I just don't see it. The acting was atrocious, the sets felt thrown together, and the editing was just odd. It didn't feel like scenes had any natural flow or that the characters were real people. I started watching Orphan Black today, and in comparison The Assets just seemed amateurish.

I was hoping this would tide me over until The Americans came back, but I don't see that happening.

[Thomkal]

I watched the first episode-I went in "blind"-had not seen previews just knew it was about the CIA and espionage. Did not realize it was based on real events. I thought it was okay, but won't be watching future episodes. Acting wasn't bad-other than perhaps the advisor? mentor? to the lead female character. Not great acting either.

I think they tried to show they were real people especially with the female lead-the scenes with her family where she had to keep them separate from her work life-overhearing her daughter on the phone about how terrible a mother she was, etc. It was the first hours of a short run series so I'm not sure we'll see much attempt beyond the female lead to show them as "real people"-viewers will be more interested in the traitor and espionage scenes anyway.

It was pretty interesting see how far we've come technologically since the 80's when this show is set in-we'd be doing things far far differently today in the same situation with all the technology available for intelligence agencies to use.

[BishopMVP]

Justified returns Tuesday night, with more Crowe's, more Wynn Duffy, and generally amazing reviews of its first few episodes.

Spoiler

And Archer returns the 13th.

Spoiler

If you're looking for new shows, idk, I'm probably just a sucker for the genre, but Michael Bay is producing a "prequel" series to Treasure Island. It should be... interesting at least. Premieres on Starz on the 25th. There's also a new SyFy show called Helix coming the 10th getting pretty favorable reviews.

Spoiler

[Radii]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

Justified returns Tuesday night, with more Crowe's, more Wynn Duffy, and generally amazing reviews of its first few episodes.

Seeing Boyd and Wynn Duffy together multiple times in that preview has me really excited.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - Black Sailz looks like it could be fun. If it's "Spartacus-style Pirates" I'll enjoy it. Anything more is total gravy AFAIC.

Helix is something they've been promoting the hell out of - looking forward to seeing if it holds up to their hype.

[jeff061]

2 new shows on my radar are Helix on SyFy and True Detective on HBO.

[MrBug708]

Downton Abbey comes back tonight

[korme]

Looking forward to True Detective.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

I figure we can start a new thread, since the last post in the prior thread was on 12/31.

Did anyone else watch The Assets on ABC? The critics have seemed to go out of their way to say it's not horrible, but I just don't see it. The acting was atrocious, the sets felt thrown together, and the editing was just odd. It didn't feel like scenes had any natural flow or that the characters were real people. I started watching Orphan Black today, and in comparison The Assets just seemed amateurish.

I was hoping this would tide me over until The Americans came back, but I don't see that happening.

I wasn't a big fan of it. I will watch another episode just to be sure though...

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by korme

Looking forward to True Detective.

I look forward to my wife being horny after watching Matthew McConnaghey in a cop show

[Easy Mac]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

I look forward to my wife being horny after watching Matthew McConnaghey in a cop show

Is it sad that I pick movies on the weekend based on the percent chance that they could make my wife horny?

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Is it sad that I pick movies on the weekend based on the percent chance that they could make my wife horny?

I think it's pretty smart actually!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Is it sad that I pick movies on the weekend based on the percent chance that they could make my wife horny?

Sad? {shrug}

But it definitely ain't unique

[Draft Dodger]

all I'm saying was Magic Mike was such a letdown in that department...but at least Olivia Munn

[sabotai]

I've been watching "Betas", an exclusive on Amazon (free to those that have Amazon Prime). It's about a group of people trying to make a social app start up. Has all the usual geek cliches, but I'm enjoying it so far for what it is.

I tried watching Alpha House, but I turned it off half way through the first episode.

Also through Amazon Prime, I've been watching a lot of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. I started watching his show on CNN (Parts Unknown), so I've been watching No Reservations (which was for the Travel Channel) on Amazon. Really great shows (both shows are exactly the same, mostly travel + food).

Really looking forward to the second season of House of Cards (Feb 14th, that weekend is bookmarked for some binge watching).

[PilotMan]

Last night CNN ran a documentary called Sole Survivor. You may have seen the ads for it, and it'll run one more time before it eventually moves to Netflix.

I'm watching it right now and it's very emotional for me. One of the stories contained is the Comair crash in Lexington and the story of the surviving first officer. I wasn't working the morning of the crash, but I was a first officer at Comair at the time, but not on that particular plane, and although I didn't know either pilot personally I had flown with the flight attendant. I had flown in and out of LEX prior to and after the crash. I knew some of what they were up against that morning.

The crash was very personal for all of us. It wasn't a huge, huge company, and there were a lot of ancillary issues to the industry that were going on at the time too. We tried to support the families of the crews as much as we could, but what can you really do?

Anyway, if you find yourself watching this understand how close to home it hits for me.

[OldGiants]

Originally Posted by Radii

Seeing Boyd and Wynn Duffy together multiple times in that preview has me really excited.

Off to a great start. They keep taking second bananas from second tier comedies and turning them into great villains. Jere Burns as Wynn Duffy (and on Burn Notice, too) is great. Last year I had my doubts about Mike O'Malley, but he was outstanding as Nick Augustine. So I have high hopes for Dave Foley and Will Sasso as Canadian drug dealers.

Justified seems written by Neal Stephenson in a good way: lots of details that are very right. This episode had the Jamaican kid (yet another second banana from a one and done comedy) denying he was gator poaching. Then as Raylon leaves, a gator leaps up to grab the bait and hangs there. Also Raylon shooting Dewey's plastic pool.

[Johnny93g]

Season 4 of Shameless starts on Sunday. I'll be watching that obviously, as I love it WAY to much.

Also the new drama True Detectives starts on Sunday at the same time. PVR that thing, because i got very high hopes. McConaughey and Harrelson are great, and I love Michelle Monaghan.

[Thomkal]

Syfy is FINALLY showing the premiere of Helix tonight at 10pm EST-an hour and a half debut. I've tried to stay away from the hype and spoilers because I want to be surprised by it-what little I've seen has me doubting it will be very good though-especially if Zombies are involved

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by OldGiants

Off to a great start. They keep taking second bananas from second tier comedies and turning them into great villains. Jere Burns as Wynn Duffy (and on Burn Notice, too) is great. Last year I had my doubts about Mike O'Malley, but he was outstanding as Nick Augustine. So I have high hopes for Dave Foley and Will Sasso as Canadian drug dealers.

I thought Foley was noticeably awful in his one scene, but the others have been terrific as you point out, so maybe he'll turn around.

[Cork]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Downton Abbey comes back tonight

My wife and I are also big fans of Downton Abbey. We are going to try to watch the season premier this weekend.

[DaddyTorgo]

Helix anyone?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Helix anyone?

Don't mind if I do

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Helix anyone?

I watched it, need to see more with where they are going with the retrovirus before deciding whether I like it or not. Right now leaning towards not.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

I watched it, need to see more with where they are going with the retrovirus before deciding whether I like it or not. Right now leaning towards not.

it's definitely alien in origin (or just an ancient sentient lifeform) or something like that, because it has that like...intelligence.

[JetsIn06]

Watched Helix. I give it a 7/10 thus far. But based on the previews for the season, I think I'll really like where they end up going with the story.

Really though, I don't feel anything for any of the characters yet, so hopefully that gets better as the season moves on. I'll definitely give it a shot for a whole season though.

[DaddyTorgo]

Think this from an EW article, is a pretty good guess as to where the series is going.

Spoiler

Right now seems like a perfect time to come up with a Ridiculously Early Helix Theory. Let’s run down what we know:

• -When the virus takes over a person/monkey/mouse, it turns the carrier into a superhuman/monkey/mouse, with one apparent purpose: Pass the virus along to another being via mouth-to-mouth regurgitation.
• -Carriers of the virus have spasming throats, almost as if some mysterious thing is inside of there.
• -Young and ridiculously overqualified doctor Sarah Jordan announces that it’s a super-small virus, so it might be/is probably very ancient.
• -Major Balleseros is sending mysterious messages via satellite. He also tells Hatake: “The people you and I work for aren’t happy, and now I have to clean up your mess.” He also kills a scientist who is trying to escape. Props to Mark Ghanime, who in the first two hours of the show lies to everyone and kills somebody and really for all we know is the most evil person, and still turns his character into the most charming person on the show.
• -There’s a White Room somewhere.
• -Hatake has an album filled with pictures of Julia.
• -Hatake’s eyes look weird.

Given all of that, here’s my theory. The virus isn’t just an ancient disease. It’s actually an ancient species, molecule-sized living beings who used to dominate the world. Millions of years ago, the combination of continental drift and the whole meteor-that-killed-the-dinosaurs thing banished them deep beneath the surface of the Arctic ice. This species functions as a collective — that’s why one infected scientist keeps referring to herself as “we” — and although they have no real physical form, they can take over other physical forms and symbiotically supercharge them.

Having discovered this virus, Arctic Biosystems is attempting to weaponize it for those mysterious people that Balleseros and Hatake work for. Let’s say, for the sake of argument and transgressive sci-fi pulpiness, that it actually is the American Government, working to develop biological weapons. (Drones are so 2013.) Arctic Biosystems performed their experiments in some deep subterranean corner of their research facility, called the White Room. Unbeknownst to anyone, however, Hatake has been infected by a different virus: A kind of counter-agent, a different molecule-species from millions of years ago, the yin to the evil virus’ yang. (This is why Hatake’s eyes are pale, while the bad virus is black.) We’re going to think he’s a bad guy for like half the season, but his ultimate end goal is to defeat the bad virus. Yes, he was introduced happily describing the viral infection as “progress,” but that was just theater, because his security enforcer has already been infected with the bad virus. For whatever reason — something to do with her father, briefly mentioned? — Julia is the key to Hatake’s plan.

So, in conclusion, Helix is about molecular angels fighting molecular devils.

[RainMaker]

Anyone seen the new show Intelligence? Been waiting for something new with Sawyer in it.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Anyone seen the new show Intelligence? Been waiting for something new with Sawyer in it.

I saw the first episode and thought it was alright. I really like the actor/character, so hoping the show takes off. We'll see how it goes in future weeks I suppose

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Alan T

I saw the first episode and thought it was alright. I really like the actor/character, so hoping the show takes off. We'll see how it goes in future weeks I suppose

Pretty much what I thought-good actors cast-especially John Billingsley and Rosalind Chao (Chinese Intelligence Chief) in a more serious role for them. The twist at the end with the Chinese woman was nice. I suspect though that the Chinese govt won't allow the show to be seen there I did think it was way to early to reveal the truth about the lead character's wife though-would have liked to play the search for the truth play out a bit more.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The first episode of "True Detective" was great.

I feel like there have been quite a few gruesome "cops on the trail of a serial killer" shows the last couple of years - quite a few indeed - (in fact, some aspects of the murders in the show feel like they were taken directly out of the first season of "Hannibal") but I enjoyed it.

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey did not disappoint.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I watched "Helix" last night.

I will keep with it for a while, but I wasn't that impressed overall.

There was just too much stupidity by people who are supposed to be professional, very, very smart PHD-level professionals:

For example:

Spoiler

1. The sassy blonde very scientist. She finds out that they are lying about having monkeys. She heads down to where they used to keep the monkeys and finds it all torn to shit. She then sees a plainly crazy-ass looking monkey. Does she proceed with caution? Does she report back? Does she set up a quarantine? No. She approaches it - face first - cooing and saying "Come here little guy..."

After the crazy-ass monkey attacks her and is killed, she decides to set up shop and do a quick autopsy of this crazy ass monkey in the dim, dark monkey chamber.

Does she report back to her team to tell them what happened? Do they report back to her about the fact that the dude's crazy-ass infected brother is on the loose? Nope. Despite all of this weird, potentially lethal shit going on, they never communicate until she just shows back up at the main area, infected woman in tow.

2. There has to be a better way of dealing with the infected dude in the air ducts than sending one or two people up there alone. They keep talking about "security teams." Use them.

3. The crazy infected guy is still on the loose. He has already attacked and infected 3-5 people. What precautions do they take? None really. They are all off by themselves. The one woman decides to take a shower - by herself - because, hey, it's not like that crazy infected guy is on the loose or anything.

4. Those three infected doctors take the one young PHD woman hostage, some how they give that up when the one dude takes off his suit. Then, everyone seems to think that everything's cool because of that one act, until, of course, the infected doctors strike again.

I have no issue with the infection. It is potentially very interesting. They just seem to be creating tension by making people who are supposed to be highly trained and very smart acting very stupid. I had similar issues with "Prometheus."

[Julio Riddols]

I feel like 95% of the non comedic shows on tv now feature people doing absolutely bone headed things in order to advance a plot. I get more enjoyment out of Octonauts.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Julio Riddols

I feel like 95% of the non comedic shows on tv now feature people doing absolutely bone headed things in order to advance a plot. I get more enjoyment out of Octonauts.

This is true. I am comfortable with it up to a point. I guess in "Helix" it just seemed more egregious as a result of how bonehead the actions were, the threat level and how trained/educated/professional these people are supposed to be.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I watched "Helix" last night.

I will keep with it for a while, but I wasn't that impressed overall.

There was just too much stupidity by people who are supposed to be professional, very, very smart PHD-level professionals:

For example:

Spoiler

1. The sassy blonde very scientist. She finds out that they are lying about having monkeys. She heads down to where they used to keep the monkeys and finds it all torn to shit. She then sees a plainly crazy-ass looking monkey. Does she proceed with caution? Does she report back? Does she set up a quarantine? No. She approaches it - face first - cooing and saying "Come here little guy..."

After the crazy-ass monkey attacks her and is killed, she decides to set up shop and do a quick autopsy of this crazy ass monkey in the dim, dark monkey chamber.

Does she report back to her team to tell them what happened? Do they report back to her about the fact that the dude's crazy-ass infected brother is on the loose? Nope. Despite all of this weird, potentially lethal shit going on, they never communicate until she just shows back up at the main area, infected woman in tow.

2. There has to be a better way of dealing with the infected dude in the air ducts than sending one or two people up there alone. They keep talking about "security teams." Use them.

3. The crazy infected guy is still on the loose. He has already attacked and infected 3-5 people. What precautions do they take? None really. They are all off by themselves. The one woman decides to take a shower - by herself - because, hey, it's not like that crazy infected guy is on the loose or anything.

4. Those three infected doctors take the one young PHD woman hostage, some how they give that up when the one dude takes off his suit. Then, everyone seems to think that everything's cool because of that one act, until, of course, the infected doctors strike again.

I have no issue with the infection. It is potentially very interesting. They just seem to be creating tension by making people who are supposed to be highly trained and very smart acting very stupid. I had similar issues with "Prometheus."

Spoiler

I strongly agree with #1 and #3. I couldn't believe it when after being told there were no monkeys on the base, finding that there was, and then taking no precautions before going to find them. No clean suits, nothing. I mean they already lied about the monkeys and having total access to the base, so hey maybe they and the lab you found them in was actually infected and maybe you should check for that before you do anything else?

#3 Yeah I agree-after the lead doctor told them to buddy up before going anywhere, there was the doctor in the shower alone for the gratuitious nudity shot, then of course she was attacked.

#2 I don't have as much problem with-there are only 100+ people at the base, a small number seem to be security people. So they don't have a big team I'm guessing. But they are going to run in problems in general as the show goes on-something Haven has run into in its latest season-there are only so many people you can kill off-because there are just not that many people there-deaths should not be frequent especially amongst the remaining security people. If that knockout gas didn't actually work, they are pretty much defenseless too it sounds like. Need to find something that works quickly or they as good as dead I think.

#4-the lead doctors at the time didn't know the scope of the infection in those three infected-and had told the young woman doctor a few times they didn't like she had her suit on-so I thought it was conceivable they thought all was relatively calm again when the lead doctor took off his suit to gain their trust. There should have been more security there after that though I think.

[cartman]

Glad to see Les Stroud has new episodes of Survivorman out. The one last night in Tierra del Fuego was about the worst I've ever seen him get. He was thoroughly beaten down.

[sterlingice]

The Rabbids cartoon on Nick after Ninja Turtles is odd and has a European feel to it with a lot of physical comedy and crude humor and very little dialog. But it's kindof fun, if you're in a dumb and weird mood.

SI

[Easy Mac]

Can they get anymore guest stars on Justified? Avon Varksdale, Newsradio, the black guy from The Practice, probable Emmy winner Michael Rappaport

[Radii]

Yeah Justified has been nuts with the guest stars the first couple weeks. I dunno if Rappaport is supposed to be the big bad this season or not, but if so, they haven't done a very good job yet of introducing him. It doesn't matter, its Justified, it will end up awesome, but its felt like a slightly underwhelming start so far... maybe b/c I don't care at all about anything Boyd is doing right now, I dunno.

[Draft Dodger]

I think he is the big bad.

I've enjoyed the start, does feel kind of samey though.

[sabotai]

I watched most of the An Idiot Abroad episodes. Am now watching The Moaning of Life. Hoping it's as funny.

[DaddyTorgo]

I think I'm going to actively root for the virus in Helix.

So many stupid decisions by so many supposedly "smart" people just to advance the plot. It's a dumb show.

[stevew]

Pretty good chance everyone with DTV will have a messed up recording of the Following

[NobodyHere]

Apparently Duck Dynasty had its season premiere this week. I was curious not because I watch the show, but because I wondered how the recent flap would affect its ratings.

The show drew 8.5 million people. Well short of last season's summer premiere. Still though 8.5 million is very respectable for a cable show.

Source

[Suicane75]

Giving Trophy Wife a shot since I love Ackerman and Whitford, for very different reasons. It's serviceable through 2 episodes although the former wives are kind of grating, and not in a good way, but more of a get in the way way.

[stevew]

I like trophy wife but it seems like a near mortal lock for cancelation.

[cubboyroy1826]

Anyone else like The Goldbergs? I really love the show having grown up in the 80's.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by cubboyroy1826

Anyone else like The Goldbergs? I really love the show having grown up in the 80's.

Yep. I worry too few people are watching though. Show has gotten better every week. The going to the video store to rent a movie was captured perfectly last week.

[cubboyroy1826]

I think the kid playing Adam is just perfect. Not to mention the dad who walks in after a day of work and drops his pants at the front door. One of my favorite episodes was when Adam Pops went to the theater. The movie rental episode was great. My kids were like $59.95 for a video tape?

[sabotai]

Watched the first few episodes of season 3 of Girls to see if it got any better and no, it hasn't. Season 1 was decent enough, season 2 sucked and looks like season 3 isn't going any better.