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Post by Lady Bones on Feb 16, 2015 13:10:01 GMT -5
Looking for Results: A+ Holy SHIT that episode. Looking from Top to Bottom: A- Looking for the Promised Land: A- Looking for Results: A+ Looking from Top to Bottom: A- Looking Down the Road: A+ Looking for Truth: A+ Looking for Gordon Freeman: A- I'm so glad I caught up finally. I might actually be able to watch these on sunday night now. |
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber 
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 16, 2015 15:59:05 GMT -5
Cucumber Series 1: Episode 1 - B- Episode 2 - C+ Banana Series 1: Episode 1: A- Episode 2: A Series 1: Episode 3 - C Banana Series 1: Episode 3 - A (spoilers for both shows follow)Cucumber continues to frustrate me. In an episode that is largely centered around Freddie's reconnection with his former lover Gregory, we have Henry literally pimping his possibly underage nephew out for money and failing to subdue Gregory while he's literally lying on the ground in his underwear. I'm not above shows running full tilt with problematic characters, but Henry is such an incompetent, dithering baby that my credulity is reaching its breaking point. He's already forced an employee into suicide and called the police because his boyfriend Lance was annoying him. Heaping onto that the show never fully acknowledges that Gregory's relationship with Freddie was abuse (Freddie was Gregory's student, and he was 15 when they began their relationship), and it's another messy outing for the show. Can we just switch POVs to Lance already? While Cucumber flounders, Banana is really soaring. Sian is a master class in how to write a sympathetic but somewhat unlikable character, and in twenty minutes I was more invested in her relationship with Violet than I've ever been with Henry and Lance. Sure, the characters in Banana have to be painted in slightly broader strokes, but there's something to be said for letting the audience fill in the blanks every once in a while. We get snippets here and there of Sian/Violet's romance, disconnected from any timeframe, but we don't need to know the specifics. When Sian's immaturity and self-absorption rear their head, it's never as ugly and uncomfortable as in Cucumber - it's natural, it's human. When Sian and Violet have their argument, it's stunning to see that the episode never takes a side - they're both right, and they're both wrong, and the show is unafraid to make both leads seem a little foolish. The only TV show I've seen that happen on recently is the epic dildo argument in Broad City, and that's a compliment. Banana has cemented itself as a treasure. I wish I knew what the hell was going on with its sister show. I'm warmer on Cucumber than you, but calling Henry an incompetent, dithering baby cracked me up. So thank you for that. One thing I liked about that episode was how it tapped more into a Queer as Folk vibe with Freddie and Gregory, in a pleasing politically incorrect fashion, with both parties letting their manipulative side fly. And I too would love more of Lance's POV. Your mini-review of Banana: there really isn't more that could be said. You summed up all of my feelings beautifully. It's an extraordinary episode in what has quickly become one of the very best shows of 2015. I can't wait to see how it all pans out. Oh, and the fourth episodes of Cucumber and Banana are available now. Banana goes surprisingly dark, but it's handled in an engaging, interesting fashion, with a great central performance from Bethany Black. The fourth episode of Cucumber is my favorite thus far; it's essentially four mini films in one episode, following Henry, Lance, Freddie, and Cleo as they all go on their respective date nights. Henry gets a touching moment that speaks volumes about his character, but never feels too on the nose. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2015 17:13:58 GMT -5
Better Call Saul Episode 1, "Uno": A- Watched this episode last week, was just lazy on posting here. Episode 2, "Mijo": B+ Also a Banshee ranking Episode 6, "We Were All Someone Else Yesterday": A- |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 17, 2015 17:22:40 GMT -5
Cucumber Series 1: Episode 4 - B+ Banana Series 1: Episode 4 - A- Hey Ice Cream Planet we finally agree about Cucumber! The date episode was pretty great, even if they did use fun.'s "Some Nights" as a musical cue way too many times. If this is the new benchmark for the show, I'm sold from here on out, because that was a thoroughly engaging hour. I'm sure Henry will find some way to fuck up this new relationship, though. Banana was dark as hell and Bethany Black's performance is outstanding. I do wish we got to see some recompense from Eddie, and it wasn't necessarily clear why Helen had pushed her extremely supportive family away in the beginning, but it was powerful and engaging all the same. I've never been more stressed out by a sequence that takes place entirely on a character's computer screen.
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 17, 2015 17:38:05 GMT -5
Cucumber Series 1: Episode 4 - B+ Banana Series 1: Episode 4 - A- Hey Ice Cream Planet we finally agree about Cucumber! The date episode was pretty great, even if they did use fun.'s "Some Nights" as a musical cue way too many times. If this is the new benchmark for the show, I'm sold from here on out, because that was a thoroughly engaging hour. I'm sure Henry will find some way to fuck up this new relationship, though. Banana was dark as hell and Bethany Black's performance is outstanding. I do wish we got to see some recompense from Eddie, and it wasn't necessarily clear why Helen had pushed her extremely supportive family away in the beginning, but it was powerful and engaging all the same. I've never been more stressed out by a sequence that takes place entirely on a character's computer screen. I thrilled you liked the fourth episode of Cucumber. For the first time, all the tonal unease felt minimal and I really loved that Henry got a chance to reveal his more vulnerable side, and hopefully in the process begin a journey of greater maturity and self-awareness. I graded the episode higher than you, but that could also be because Freddie is bisexual and there are so few portraits of male bisexuality on TV. A- is what I would give Banana, too. Great acting and a stomach-churning sequence when Helen realizes just how out-of-control her video has become on the internet. However, it should have been an hour long. It would have been great to see more of the aftermath, along with her complicated relationship with her family (although the ending was so sweet). |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 17, 2015 17:52:56 GMT -5
Cucumber Series 1: Episode 4 - B+ Banana Series 1: Episode 4 - A- Hey Ice Cream Planet we finally agree about Cucumber! The date episode was pretty great, even if they did use fun.'s "Some Nights" as a musical cue way too many times. If this is the new benchmark for the show, I'm sold from here on out, because that was a thoroughly engaging hour. I'm sure Henry will find some way to fuck up this new relationship, though. Banana was dark as hell and Bethany Black's performance is outstanding. I do wish we got to see some recompense from Eddie, and it wasn't necessarily clear why Helen had pushed her extremely supportive family away in the beginning, but it was powerful and engaging all the same. I've never been more stressed out by a sequence that takes place entirely on a character's computer screen. I thrilled you liked the fourth episode of Cucumber. For the first time, all the tonal unease felt minimal and I really loved that Henry got a chance to reveal his more vulnerable side, and hopefully in the process begin a journey of greater maturity and self-awareness. I graded the episode higher than you, but that could also be because Freddie is bisexual and there are so few portraits of male bisexuality on TV. A- is what I would give Banana, too. Great acting and a stomach-churning sequence when Helen realizes just how out-of-control her video has become on the internet. However, it should have been an hour long. It would have been great to see more of the aftermath, along with her complicated relationship with her family (although the ending was so sweet). Is it weird that I never even noticed Banana was 25 minutes until this episode? I was so engaged with the stories of the 3 weeks prior that it never even crossed my mind that it was being presented in a different format. It was pretty fucking awesome seeing Cucumber embrace Freddie's bisexuality with no reservations/excuses, if only so that we can finally point to an episode of something and say "See? It's real!!!" I probably would've given it an "A-" but if Banana combined with this episode's upswing in quality show anything, it's that Cucumber has the potential to be something really special. It just needs to find its voice and I think we saw the first steps of that happen this week. Maybe I'm getting my expectations up too high, but I sure hope not. |
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Ice Cream Planet
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 17, 2015 18:26:02 GMT -5
I thrilled you liked the fourth episode of Cucumber. For the first time, all the tonal unease felt minimal and I really loved that Henry got a chance to reveal his more vulnerable side, and hopefully in the process begin a journey of greater maturity and self-awareness. I graded the episode higher than you, but that could also be because Freddie is bisexual and there are so few portraits of male bisexuality on TV. A- is what I would give Banana, too. Great acting and a stomach-churning sequence when Helen realizes just how out-of-control her video has become on the internet. However, it should have been an hour long. It would have been great to see more of the aftermath, along with her complicated relationship with her family (although the ending was so sweet). Is it weird that I never even noticed Banana was 25 minutes until this episode? I was so engaged with the stories of the 3 weeks prior that it never even crossed my mind that it was being presented in a different format. It was pretty fucking awesome seeing Cucumber embrace Freddie's bisexuality with no reservations/excuses, if only so that we can finally point to an episode of something and say "See? It's real!!!"I probably would've given it an "A-" but if Banana combined with this episode's upswing in quality show anything, it's that Cucumber has the potential to be something really special. It just needs to find its voice and I think we saw the first steps of that happen this week. Maybe I'm getting my expectations up too high, but I sure hope not. Freddie's open, comfortable bisexuality deserves at least an A-, and I say this as someone who hates that song 'Some Nights!'  I'll be very curious to see how the latter half of the season progresses with Cucumber. Hopefully this is a great turning point. And that gif is everything. |
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MissEli
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My mind is in a wee Victorian salon in the gutter, with tea, crumpets & innuendo.
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Post by MissEli on Feb 17, 2015 19:59:37 GMT -5
... and there's plenty of eye-candy for all (in my case, Tamla Kari and Alexandra Dowling as, respectively, Constance Bonacieux and the Queen) ... ... The second season of Nashville awaits; I have six days off starting Wednesday. No love for Milady de Winter? And watch out for the S2 of Nashville. The cray-cray went deep and the music business stuff was pretty light on the ground. And I say this as a fan. |
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Post by Judkins Moaner on Feb 17, 2015 21:08:30 GMT -5
No love for Milady de Winter? And watch out for the S2 of Nashville. The cray-cray went deep and the music business stuff was pretty light on the ground. And I say this as a fan. She... just doesn't do it for me. Attractive, but the other two really do a great deal to cancel her out. Doesn't help that there are such alluring damsels-of-the-week, especially Zoe Tapper as that wealthy widow who got involved with Porthos in that one unexpectedly moving episode involving the swordsmanship contest. Done and dusted with Season 2 of Nashville. Deacon Claybourne is pretty much my leading exemplar of TV masculinity at this point. I hear the cray-cray gets even worse/better in the next series. My friend's been reviewing them for her TV website and I'm doing my best to keep up. Nice to see they had such an unusual approach to the cliffhanger (i.e. not some dumbass car crash). Especially startling to see Chris Carmack doing such a good job as Will (I always liked him on The O.C., but this demonstrates substantial range). Halfway through the first season of Homeland. This is majestic; it's like an Alan Furst novel with real depth and variety of characterization updated to the early 21st century. |
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Post by Lady Bones on Feb 17, 2015 21:17:49 GMT -5
No love for Milady de Winter? And watch out for the S2 of Nashville. The cray-cray went deep and the music business stuff was pretty light on the ground. And I say this as a fan. She... just doesn't do it for me. Attractive, but the other two really do a great deal to cancel her out. Doesn't help that there are such alluring damsels-of-the-week, especially Zoe Tapper as that wealthy widow who got involved with Porthos in that one unexpectedly moving episode involving the swordsmanship contest. Done and dusted with Season 2 of Nashville. Deacon Claybourne is pretty much my leading exemplar of TV masculinity at this point. I hear the cray-cray gets even worse/better in the next series. My friend's been reviewing them for her TV website and I'm doing my best to keep up. Nice to see they had such an unusual approach to the cliffhanger (i.e. not some dumbass car crash). Especially startling to see Chris Carmack doing such a good job as Will (I always liked him on The O.C., but this demonstrates substantial range). Halfway through the first season of Homeland. This is majestic; it's like an Alan Furst novel with real depth and variety of characterization updated to the early 21st century. Watch through the fourth episode of season 2 of Homeland. It's the best finale you'll get. This will make sense when you get there. |
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Post by MrsLangdonAlger on Feb 17, 2015 23:42:37 GMT -5
Gravity Falls, episode 10 - A
Plenty of funny moments and some pretty goddamn spooky visuals! Was glad to see more development of Pacifica Northwest, I appreciate the show making her a more sympathetic character instead of just an enemy. I won't give it away to anyone who hasn't watched yet, but I was delighted by a couple of surprise guest voices as well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 0:36:38 GMT -5
Better Call Saul
Episode 3, "Nacho": A
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 18, 2015 18:52:30 GMT -5
The premiere of Broad City's second season was maybe a B, but these last few episodes have been solid A's, and last week's is no exception. I fucking love this show.
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Post by ComradePig on Feb 18, 2015 22:35:47 GMT -5
Preliminary
Fresh Off the Boat (B-)
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries S1 (B)
Broad City S2 (B+)
Yuri Kuma Arashi (A)
Kancolle (C+)
Junketsu No Maria (B+)
Seakano (B-)
Completed
Spartacus S1: Blood and Sand (B+)
Lord Marksmen and Vanadis (C+)
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
Posts: 3,833
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 20, 2015 22:11:58 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 5): B+ After the brilliant date episode last week, it's disappointing to see Cucumber slide back to some of its tonal unease and solid, if slightly unremarkable, storylines. There were several good scenes, including a terrifically fiery rant from Cleo, and it's quietly devastating to see Henry and Lance chase after things that will likely bring them only unhappiness. All and all though, it was good, but not quite as good as I hoped given last week's outing (teehee). Banana (Episode 5: 'Josh and Sophie'): A- I really loved it, although the ending felt a bit abrupt for my liking. At its best, Banana gives that feeling of seeing an individual in their entirety (Scottie, Violet & Sean), and here I thought it did a great job exploring the shades to Josh and Sophie's friendship and how growing up can highlight one's imaginations along with lingering childish impulses. I also love how Banana is willing to look beyond romantic relationships and sexual identity and into how simple friendships change over time. The chemistry between the actors was great, and I love how the writing has that great balance of showing exactly what needs to be shown, while still leaving quite a bit to the imagination. rimjobflashmob, let me know when you get a chance to watch them!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2015 1:48:13 GMT -5
Banshee update!
Episode 7, "You Can't Hide From the Dead" A
Banshee just pulled off one of the coolest sequences ever. A 20 minute heist pulled off through camera feeds. Yeah, I know, "uggh, that is like found footage" but the difference here? The editing was crisp, there was actual tension throughout, and it wasn't lazy. Most movies rely on this type of camera perspective just for a pull, they don't really do what they can with it, and that is why this is frowned upon. Banshee made spectacular work of it. It is a perfect showcase for why this show is so awesome, because it is willing to just do whatever week to week while never losing track of the plot threads going on. It also took two cliched plot types and was able to subvert them in the minor storylines, that was neat too!
And with that this season so far has gone grade wise, A-, B+, A, A-, A-, A-, A
Banshee right now is the best show on TV imo, and really the only shows I can see challenging it are Mad Men, Manhattan, or the Knick. It would take a weird turn for this type of creative momentum to derail so abruptly at the final stretch of the season.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 0:47:35 GMT -5
Better Call Saul
Episode 4, "Hero": B+
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Ice Cream Planet
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 24, 2015 9:53:59 GMT -5
Looking Series 2
Episode 5 ('Looking for the Truth'): A-
Episode 6 ('Looking for Gordon Freeman'): D+
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Post by chattygal on Feb 24, 2015 17:46:50 GMT -5
I'm still watching Girls but the frustrations are growing. If as I recall in the Girls universe, very little time has elapsed since the first season (I want to say maybe a year, if that? Please let me know if I'm off), this is a show that absolutely needs a bloody time-jump. Preferably, I would have liked it to have happened this season - maybe with Hannah sticking it out a full academic year at Iowa, only to drop out halfway through instead of after a month or so. There has to be some discernible internal and professional/life growth with these people at some point. Instead, Hannah still flails, Jessa is doing god-knows-what (did her divorce really set her up that comfortably to never have to steadily work?), Shosh seems to be intentionally bombing any employment opportunities, Marnie's life-as-folk-singer is ridiculous (whatever happened to her cat?), etc.
And now we have Hannah just up and deciding to become a teacher. Judging from the preview for the next episode, she somehow lands an opportunity of some sort in what seems to be a private school setting. If she thought her peers at Iowa were condescending and judge-y, does she have any clue what kids today are all about? They'll sniff her weaknesses out in mere seconds.
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Ice Cream Planet
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 24, 2015 17:59:00 GMT -5
I'm still watching Girls but the frustrations are growing. If as I recall in the Girls universe, very little time has elapsed since the first season (I want to say maybe a year, if that? Please let me know if I'm off), this is a show that absolutely needs a bloody time-jump. Preferably, I would have liked it to have happened this season - maybe with Hannah sticking it out a full academic year at Iowa, only to drop out halfway through instead of after a month or so. There has to be some discernible internal and professional/life growth with these people at some point. Instead, Hannah still flails, Jessa is doing god-knows-what (did her divorce really set her up that comfortably to never have to steadily work?), Shosh seems to be intentionally bombing any employment opportunities, Marnie's life-as-folk-singer is ridiculous (whatever happened to her cat?), etc. And now we have Hannah just up and deciding to become a teacher. Judging from the preview for the next episode, she somehow lands an opportunity of some sort in what seems to be a private school setting. If she thought her peers at Iowa were condescending and judge-y, does she have any clue what kids today are all about? They'll sniff her weaknesses out in mere seconds. Have the show jump four years ahead? Actually having a time jump would also really benefit Looking too. |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 24, 2015 19:37:50 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 5): B+ After the brilliant date episode last week, it's disappointing to see Cucumber slide back to some of its tonal unease and solid, if slightly unremarkable, storylines. There were several good scenes, including a terrifically fiery rant from Cleo, and it's quietly devastating to see Henry and Lance chase after things that will likely bring them only unhappiness. All and all though, it was good, but not quite as good as I hoped given last week's outing (teehee). Banana (Episode 5: 'Josh and Sophie'): A- I really loved it, although the ending felt a bit abrupt for my liking. At its best, Banana gives that feeling of seeing an individual in their entirety (Scottie, Violet & Sean), and here I thought it did a great job exploring the shades to Josh and Sophie's friendship and how growing up can highlight one's imaginations along with lingering childish impulses. I also love how Banana is willing to look beyond romantic relationships and sexual identity and into how simple friendships change over time. The chemistry between the actors was great, and I love how the writing has that great balance of showing exactly what needs to be shown, while still leaving quite a bit to the imagination. rimjobflashmob, let me know when you get a chance to watch them! Cucumber, Series 1 Episode 5 - B- Two steps forward, one step back. I guess we were going to have to face Henry's burgeoning faux-porn empire sooner or later, which has been one of the more problematic plots so far in the show. But it's all worth it for Cleo losing her shit. Between that scene and everything involving Lance, I almost gave this a B+ like last week, but Henry's still a character that careens between sympathetic and thoroughly unlikable with reckless abandon. It's more than a little frustrating, but his scene with Lance was one of the highlights. Well, up until that bizarre endpoint - I see what they were going for, but it's a little on the nose, don't you think? Banana, Series 1 Episode 5 - A- Agreed about the ending on this one, even though the penultimate scene is solid A material. They probably could've trimmed some of the overly clingy bits involving Josh/Freddie to give it a little breathing room, but still, stellar performances all around. Marc was delightfully pathetic and nebbish. And that kilt! |
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 24, 2015 20:04:20 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 5): B+ After the brilliant date episode last week, it's disappointing to see Cucumber slide back to some of its tonal unease and solid, if slightly unremarkable, storylines. There were several good scenes, including a terrifically fiery rant from Cleo, and it's quietly devastating to see Henry and Lance chase after things that will likely bring them only unhappiness. All and all though, it was good, but not quite as good as I hoped given last week's outing (teehee). Banana (Episode 5: 'Josh and Sophie'): A- I really loved it, although the ending felt a bit abrupt for my liking. At its best, Banana gives that feeling of seeing an individual in their entirety (Scottie, Violet & Sean), and here I thought it did a great job exploring the shades to Josh and Sophie's friendship and how growing up can highlight one's imaginations along with lingering childish impulses. I also love how Banana is willing to look beyond romantic relationships and sexual identity and into how simple friendships change over time. The chemistry between the actors was great, and I love how the writing has that great balance of showing exactly what needs to be shown, while still leaving quite a bit to the imagination. rimjobflashmob, let me know when you get a chance to watch them! Cucumber, Series 1 Episode 5 - B- Two steps forward, one step back. I guess we were going to have to face Henry's burgeoning faux-porn empire sooner or later, which has been one of the more problematic plots so far in the show. But it's all worth it for Cleo losing her shit. Between that scene and everything involving Lance, I almost gave this a B+ like last week, but Henry's still a character that careens between sympathetic and thoroughly unlikable with reckless abandon. It's more than a little frustrating, but his scene with Lance was one of the highlights. Well, up until that bizarre endpoint - I see what they were going for, but it's a little on the nose, don't you think? Banana, Series 1 Episode 5 - A- Agreed about the ending on this one, even though the penultimate scene is solid A material. They probably could've trimmed some of the overly clingy bits involving Josh/Freddie to give it a little breathing room, but still, stellar performances all around. Marc was delightfully pathetic and nebbish. And that kilt! I really hope that is the last we see of Henry and Adam's no-core porn empire. Cleo's rant though was beautiful. Couldn't agree more with you about that and Lance's scenes being the highlight. Henry continues to wildly swing from sympathetic to unlikable at the drop of the hat, but I like that with each passing episode, we the viewer see either more shades to why he is the way his or people calling him on his bullshit or both. At least he finally seems more aware of how much he's fucked up. Apparently, there was a short RTD wrote and directed called The Screwdriver and it's 15 minutes of Cleo taking Adam to task and giving him the hard truth about porn and its distortions. I tried to watch it on the 4OD website, but couldn't load it.
Oh, and before I forget, James Murray is a great actor, but Daniel is just a repugnant person and I hope Lance doesn't wreck his personal life by trying to make a 'relationship' with him work. Completely agree about Josh and Sophie's episode of Banana. Brilliant performances, great moments that made Josh and Sophie feel like authentic, long-term friends (my favorite was were Josh remarked that Sophie was gaining weight and it was a sign that deep down she knew her marriage was flawed), just a bit of a too abrupt ending. Barring some kind of TV miracle, Banana is now my choice for best new show of 2015 (and in the top five in general). |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 24, 2015 23:03:36 GMT -5
I really hope that is the last we see of Henry and Adam's no-core porn empire. Cleo's rant though was beautiful. Couldn't agree more with you about that and Lance's scenes being the highlight. Henry continues to wildly swing from sympathetic to unlikable at the drop of the hat, but I like that with each passing episode, we the viewer see either more shades to why he is the way his or people calling him on his bullshit or both. At least he finally seems more aware of how much he's fucked up. Apparently, there was a short RTD wrote and directed called The Screwdriver and it's 15 minutes of Cleo taking Adam to task and giving him the hard truth about porn and its distortions. I tried to watch it on the 4OD website, but couldn't load it.
Oh, and before I forget, James Murray is a great actor, but Daniel is just a repugnant person and I hope Lance doesn't wreck his personal life by trying to make a 'relationship' with him work. Completely agree about Josh and Sophie's episode of Banana. Brilliant performances, great moments that made Josh and Sophie feel like authentic, long-term friends (my favorite was were Josh remarked that Sophie was gaining weight and it was a sign that deep down she knew her marriage was flawed), just a bit of a too abrupt ending. Barring some kind of TV miracle, Banana is now my choice for best new show of 2015 (and in the top five in general). Agreed about Daniel, and I think it's a testament to the show that they're able to illustrate why Lance is interested without condoning the former's psychotic behavior - a problem that, weirdly, they continue to run into with Henry (presumably because he's the ostensible protagonist). There's such a sporadic continuity as well. Have we ever heard from his late coworker's wife since? Any repercussions beyond his suspension? That plot wasn't even necessary to get him out of the house, relationship friction with Lance could've been the sole catalyst! On the other hand, I don't foresee any new shows cropping up that could usurp Banana's ridiculously consistent excellence. So good. |
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 24, 2015 23:13:11 GMT -5
I really hope that is the last we see of Henry and Adam's no-core porn empire. Cleo's rant though was beautiful. Couldn't agree more with you about that and Lance's scenes being the highlight. Henry continues to wildly swing from sympathetic to unlikable at the drop of the hat, but I like that with each passing episode, we the viewer see either more shades to why he is the way his or people calling him on his bullshit or both. At least he finally seems more aware of how much he's fucked up. Apparently, there was a short RTD wrote and directed called The Screwdriver and it's 15 minutes of Cleo taking Adam to task and giving him the hard truth about porn and its distortions. I tried to watch it on the 4OD website, but couldn't load it.
Oh, and before I forget, James Murray is a great actor, but Daniel is just a repugnant person and I hope Lance doesn't wreck his personal life by trying to make a 'relationship' with him work. Completely agree about Josh and Sophie's episode of Banana. Brilliant performances, great moments that made Josh and Sophie feel like authentic, long-term friends (my favorite was were Josh remarked that Sophie was gaining weight and it was a sign that deep down she knew her marriage was flawed), just a bit of a too abrupt ending. Barring some kind of TV miracle, Banana is now my choice for best new show of 2015 (and in the top five in general). Agreed about Daniel, and I think it's a testament to the show that they're able to illustrate why Lance is interested without condoning the former's psychotic behavior - a problem that, weirdly, they continues to run into with Henry (presumably because he's the ostensible protagonist). There's such a sporadic continuity as well. Have we ever heard from his late coworker's wife since? Any repercussions beyond his suspension? That plot wasn't even necessary to get him out of the house, relationship friction with Lance could've been the sole catalyst! On the other hand, I don't foresee any new shows cropping up that could usurp Banana's ridiculously consistent excellence. So good. I like Cucumber a bit more than you, and it has shown that all of its discordant elements can snap together into something great, but it's such an inconsistent show. I wonder what exactly it is that keeps more in the realm of chocolate box TV. RTD never had this problem with Queer as Folk, another serialized queer narrative. Banana is a true gift and has a good chance of being my choice of being the best queer centric show I've seen (or miniseries, should it not get another series pick up). Hell, it has a good shot at being the best show I'll see in 2015. The fact it can experiment with different narratives and pacing, along with having such a fantastic cast of actors and rich character to play, it's just beautiful stuff. Anytime I hear network executives or critics complaining about diversity, particularly with queer people and people of color, I want to point to Banana and say, 'More like this please.' The fact it can be so effortless diverse and never have it feel pandering is all the more remarkable! |
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Pear
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Post by Pear on Feb 25, 2015 8:02:23 GMT -5
Parks and Rec Final Season Grades
2017: B+
Ron & Jammy: B+
William Henry Harrison: B-
Leslie and Ron: A-
Gryzzlbox: B
Save JJ's: B-
Donna and Joe: B+
Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington: B+
Pie-Mary: B+
The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show: B-
Two Funerals: A-
One Last Ride: A-
OVERALL SEASON GRADE: B+ (Not bad for a season 7. Not bad at all.)
FAVORITE SEASON: Season 3
REMEMBER WHEN: We had Community/Parks/Office/30 Rock? Those were the days...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 21:46:26 GMT -5
Parks and Rec Final Season Grades2017: B+ Ron & Jammy: B+ William Henry Harrison: B- Leslie and Ron: A- Gryzzlbox: B Save JJ's: B- Donna and Joe: B+ Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington: B+ Pie-Mary: B+ The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show: B- Two Funerals: A- One Last Ride: A- OVERALL SEASON GRADE: B+ (Not bad for a season 7. Not bad at all.) FAVORITE SEASON: Season 3 REMEMBER WHEN: We had Community/Parks/Office/30 Rock? Those were the days... 2017: B+ Ron and Jammy: A- William Henry Harrison: B - -(only stinker of the bunch) Leslie and Ron: A Gryzzlbox: B+ Donna and Joe: A(mostly because of Jerry becoming Garry, but it's the final season!) Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington: B+ Pie-Mary: A The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show: A Two Funerals: B+ One Last Ride: N/A(I can not possibly give this a proper grade, it was pure wish fulfillment, but wish fulfillment that was awesome) Overall Season Grade: A- or B+, I can't really choose. One seems to high the other seems too low. It was a lot better than season 6 though, and better than season 5, but I would put it behind 2 through 4. If I had to give grades to every season. Season 1: N/A, the show gets a mulligan here. Season 2: A-, this one is my favorite season despite having the not highest of grades. I did start watching the show as this season was airing, and there are so many great episodes that I do think are overlooked, and mark wasn't a bad character) Season 3: A Season 4: A- Season 5: B, maybe B+, I have only seen this and season 6 once through, whereas with seasons 2 through 4 I've seen all of them at least twice, but season 2 at least 4 times, and season 3 I think 3. The one main thing I hold against this season is the introduction of Jamm. Season 6: B- Favorite Episode: Hunting Trip Favorite Main Character: Ron Swanson Favorite Recurring Character: Jean Ralphio Favorite Line/Joke: Impossible to choose |
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
Posts: 3,833
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 26, 2015 23:29:08 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 6): A Holy fuck. Not only the best episode of the series (the fact it was Lance-centric really helped), that ending has to be some of the more harrowing TV I've seen in a long time. rimjobflashmob, I won't spoil it for you, but watch it as soon as you can. Banana (Episode 6-'Amy'): A A beautifully character study of a neurotic, worrisome woman on a date. It shouldn't work, but in eschewing cringe comedy for sweetness and a wry look at Amy's overactive imagination, it was a ridiculously adorable half-hour of television. I can't wait to watch it again.
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 27, 2015 15:08:08 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 5): A Holy fuck. Not only the best episode of the series (the fact it was Lance-centric really helped), that ending has to be some of the more harrowing TV I've seen in a long time. rimjobflashmob, I won't spoil it for you, but watch it as soon as you can. Banana (Episode 6-'Amy'): A A beautifully character study of a neurotic, worrisome woman on a date. It shouldn't work, but in eschewing cringe comedy for sweetness and a wry look at Amy's overactive imagination, it was a ridiculously adorable half-hour of television. I can't wait to watch it again. Series 1: Episode 6 - A Speechless, floored, flabbergasted, haunted, horrified, awestruck - pick one or all of them. I don't even know where to start. Jaw-dropping television. I'm glad I waited this long to get into the "A"-tier because this is the show at its absolute best. Wow. Banana Series 1: Episode 6 - A Another winner from Banana too - this has been a great week for TV in general despite some tragic losses. I'm glad the writers narrowed the scope on this one - it could've seemed overwrought or rushed, but by focusing it on one remarkable night, they gave us a thoroughly detailed and nuanced peek into the daily life of a hapless neurotic. Excellent outing. Even the imagination segments were tongue-in-cheek enough to not be exhausting! |
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Ice Cream Planet
AV Clubber
I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy.
Posts: 3,833
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Post by Ice Cream Planet on Feb 27, 2015 15:45:47 GMT -5
Cucumber (Episode 5): A Holy fuck. Not only the best episode of the series (the fact it was Lance-centric really helped), that ending has to be some of the more harrowing TV I've seen in a long time. rimjobflashmob, I won't spoil it for you, but watch it as soon as you can. Banana (Episode 6-'Amy'): A A beautifully character study of a neurotic, worrisome woman on a date. It shouldn't work, but in eschewing cringe comedy for sweetness and a wry look at Amy's overactive imagination, it was a ridiculously adorable half-hour of television. I can't wait to watch it again. Series 1: Episode 6 - A Speechless, floored, flabbergasted, haunted, horrified, awestruck - pick one or all of them. I don't even know where to start. Jaw-dropping television. I'm glad I waited this long to get into the "A"-tier because this is the show at its absolute best. Wow. Banana Series 1: Episode 6 - A Another winner from Banana too - this has been a great week for TV in general despite some tragic losses. I'm glad the writers narrowed the scope on this one - it could've seemed overwrought or rushed, but by focusing it on one remarkable night, they gave us a thoroughly detailed and nuanced peek into the daily life of a hapless neurotic. Excellent outing. Even the imagination segments were tongue-in-cheek enough to not be exhausting! I'll chose all of them. I actually had my jaw drop during the final 10 minutes of Cucumber. Not only is it the best episode I've seen the show do, it'll easily go on my list of some of the best TV I've seen all year. It captured a person's whole life in one beautiful episode, but the stomach-churning final few minutes gave me goosebumps (the person who did the editing deserves some award recognition), but everything from 'Hazel from Queer as Folks' cameo' to that final montage just worked so well. One of my complaints with the show had been a lot of storylines looked like 'either or,' especially with the general 'go home' message a character says seemingly each episode. Here, it's absolutely heartbreaking. That final moment where it cuts to blackā¦ I'll be very curious to rewatch the series in its entirety: it certainly casts the preceding episodes in a far more dark, tragic light. I loved Amy's episode of Banana so much. It's a great character study, brilliantly written and acted, but I really liked how well it played with it taking place over single day. Helen and Josh & Sophie's episodes felt a bit abbreviated in their endings, so it was nice to have an episode that had ample room to breathe. |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 27, 2015 15:56:04 GMT -5
The feeling of dread after Hazel's appearance (which could have been incredibly goofy and yet somehow doesn't) right up into the final scene was insurmountable, and I gasped when it happened. Honestly, I'm still reeling, and I probably will be until next week's episode. What a gut punch.
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