Quick Opinions - IanTheCool

IanTheCool 08-29-2014 05:58 PM
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Quick Opinions

Hey everyone, I just want to try this thread and see if it catches on. Basically the point is to give our quick opinions on a set of popular TV shows up for discussion, since we all like to give our opinions on things. The point isn't for a deep discussion, that's what the individual show threads are, but just an overall look at the shows themselves. I'm going to keep the shows pretty recent, and by that I mean within the last 10 or 15 years.

The way it will work is I will give a list of 3 shows at a time. Underneath, please post a quick 1 or 2 sentence blurb on your overall views on the show, followed by a star rating out of 5 or a letter grade3, whatever is your preference.

Feel free to debate and challenge these viewpoints. But please keep it limited to the 3 shows on topic. Once I feel that the discussion has died down, I will post the next set of 3.

First set:
1. Alias

2. Breaking Bad

3. Chuck

Neverending 08-29-2014 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888463)
1. Alias
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Eh.
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________________________________________2. Breaking Bad
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Best show ever? Maybe.
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________________________________________3. Chuck
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I loved the 1st season. I enjoyed the 2nd season. I thought the 3rd season was okay. And I was done by season 4. I never watched the 5th season except for the awful finale. I think Chuck is the perfect example of what NOT to do when a show is at risk of being cancelled. It seemed like every season the writers were trying to "fix" the show and figure out new ways to attract a wide audience. Just stick to what's working and worry about the rest later. Just because a show doesn't find an audience immediately doesn't mean it sucks. You have to give it time. I think impatience killed this show.

Deexan 08-29-2014 07:23 PM
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I've only seen Breaking Bad out of those 3, so...

Great show, slightly overrated. Peaked in seasons 3 and 4. Finale disappointed.

Neverending 08-29-2014 09:43 PM
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If you think Breaking Bad disappointed, then I would LOVE to read your thoughts on Dexter and How I Met Your Mother.

Knerys 08-29-2014 10:01 PM
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Neverending, breaking the rules already. :funny:

1. Alias
Never seen. No real desire to. N/A

2. Breaking Bad
Saw season 1 and really liked it. Hope to finish it one day soon. Currently B+

3. Chuck
Just wrapped up my first run-thru of the whole series a couple months ago. It's my people. A-

iv3rdawG 08-29-2014 10:21 PM
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Chuck's finale is actually one of the most ballsy I can remember seeing in a long time, as there's no doubt that it's going to piss a lot of people off, though it didn't for me. I love the show in the same way I imagine a lot of people love those USA shows, in that it isn't the most deep series ever, but it still provides a lot of fun. It's legitimately a great show during season two, however.

B+

As for Breaking Bad, there's not really much to say. I'd agree with Deexan in saying that it's slightly overrated, though. The acting all around is excellent, story is compelling.

A-

Dracula 08-29-2014 10:55 PM
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Alias
Entertaining if slightly uneven show that was never quite sure what it wanted to be. Good action and production values and some ballsy moments here and there, but certainly not a classic or anything.
B

Breaking Bad
Brilliantly entertaining and well crafted show that's very worthy of the hype and filled with wonderful moments that only got better throughout its run. There are other shows from this era that I like more, but for the most part it's worthy of all the hype.
A

Chuck
I think I saw an episode of it once, wasn't impressed.
N/A

IanTheCool 08-30-2014 12:05 AM
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Alias

I really loved it when I first started watching it, but in retrospect it has a tendency to be rather lame. The twists are good, but the action and spy scenes ended up feeling just sort of tacked on. The first and second season did have some really good character stuff.
3.5 /5

Breaking Bad

Pretty great drama with really strong characters. Some of the Skyler stuff is boring, but this is counteracted by some really intense moments with Walt & co.
4.5 /5

Chuck

A pretty tiresome premise in which its really the same thing over and over again. His spy life gets in the way of his real life, he has to try to balance, etc. And the actual spy stuff is too ludicrous to be enjoyable.
2.5 /5

Wyldstaar 08-30-2014 12:35 AM
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1. Alias
The first couple of seasons of Alias were amazing. A great combination of action, mystery, suspense and humor. Seasons three and four were good, but nowhere near as great as before. Season five was kind of a train wreck. Garner's real life pregnancy threw a major wrench into the works of an already struggling series. The last minute cancellation (right after Garner had just signed on for another two seasons) forced the show to be wrapped up in a rush that was unsatisfying.

Overall: 3/5 Seasons One & Two alone: 5/5

2. Breaking Bad
I've only seen season one and most of season two. What I've seen so far is great from a pure drama standpoint. As someone who works in a courthouse and deals with tweakers on a regular basis, I can recognize that no real meth head would pay extra for prime quality blue meth when they can buy low quality meth at a cheaper price.

4/5

3. Chuck
It's in my Netflix queue, waiting to be watched when I have the time and inclination.

N/A

Deexan 08-30-2014 08:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888477)
If you think Breaking Bad disappointed, then I would LOVE to read your thoughts on Dexter and How I Met Your Mother.
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I never saw Dexter. Was considering getting into it but I read somewhere that the last season was awful (possibly on here) so I doubt I'll ever bother.

HIMYM faded badly in the last few seasons to the point that it was just about watchable. The finale left such a bad taste in the mouth that I don't even bother to stick around when I come across re-runs any more.

Mr. Black 08-30-2014 08:27 AM
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Alias
-never watched.

Breaking Bad
-a speeding rv through the desert, the driver wearing only his under ware and a gas mask. The show had me at hello.

Chuck
-watched the first couple seasons, but it started feeling like I was watching he same show over and over... blah.

Tornado 08-30-2014 08:49 AM
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Alias
This didn't catch my interest really, never pulled me in.
C

Breaking Bad
Maybe the best television drama of all-time. Certainly in the top five anyway.
A+

Chuck
Insipid. I've seen maybe an episode or two, not interesting to me at all.
D

Ramplate 08-30-2014 09:45 AM
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1. Alias hardly watched it

2. Breaking Bad never watched it

3. Chuck liked first season then didn't watch it

Dracula 08-30-2014 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Knerys (Post 2888479)

2. Breaking Bad
Saw season 1 and really liked it. Hope to finish it one day soon.
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Originally Posted by Wyldstaar (Post 2888490)

2. Breaking Bad
I've only seen season one and most of season two.
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Originally Posted by Ramplate (Post 2888507)
2. Breaking Bad never watched it
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What the hell are you people doing with your lives?

JBond 08-30-2014 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888463)
First set:
1. Alias

2. Breaking Bad

3. Chuck
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Alias - I watched the first few episode and didn't much care for it.
**/****

Breaking Bad - I think it's funny this show hit cult status after its peak, bt it was still a brilliant show.
****/****

Chuck - Wonderful and underrated show. So much fun and incredible replay value.
****/****

Neverending 08-30-2014 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by iv3rdawG (Post 2888481)
It's legitimately a great show during season two, however.
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Only if you REALLY love the Buy More.

IanTheCool 08-30-2014 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2888513)
Alias - I watched the first few episode and didn't much care for it.
**/****

Breaking Bad - I think it's funny this show hit cult status after its peak, bt it was still a brilliant show.
****/****

Chuck - Wonderful and underrated show. So much fun and incredible replay value.
****/****
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I just don't see what you see in Chuck.

Ramplate 08-30-2014 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Dracula (Post 2888508)
What the hell are you people doing with your lives?
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I didn't get AMC

Neverending 08-30-2014 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888519)
I just don't see what you see in Chuck.
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I can assure you that JBond and Knerys are in the minority. Most people - including hardcore fans - were done by season 3. And whoever returned for season 4, and I'm in that group, only did so because that was supposed to be the last season. The episode where Chuck proposes to Sarah is the original finale and I felt it was a good way to end the show. But because NBC was in 4th place and had nothing to replace it with, they extended season 4 and renewed the show for a 5th. And I knew that was the perfect time to jump ship and I feel like I was right. If you watch the season 5 finale, you can tell the show got really, really, really stupid. And to think that Chuck was the best new show of the 2007-08 TV season. And no, Mad Men doesn't count. That's 06-07 season.

JBond 08-30-2014 12:26 PM
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Geez, give it rest. Haven't you grown bored of your Chuck speech?

Also, I know many people who love it. (8.3 on imdb. Minority?)

Knerys 08-30-2014 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888522)
I can assure you that JBond and Knerys are in the minority.
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And thus the world is safe.

It's a fun show with a lot of clever references. Moving the intersect around was a way to keep it fresh and develop Chuck as more than a walking computer. Season 5 was a very ballsy thing to do a series and you would either roll with it or not. I landed on the side if dense that liked it.

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Originally Posted by Dracula (Post 2888508)
What the hell are you people doing with your lives?
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You should see my planner. :/

Neverending 08-30-2014 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2888529)
8.3 on imdb. Minority?
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It depends on when people rated and reviewed the show. Chuck definitely had a great and supportive fanbase in the first 2 seasons. Trust me. I was there. I championed Chuck in at least 3 different sites in addition to SHH/CS. But when season 3 and its Superman love-triangle happened, most people ran away. I bet if you were to re-poll the show, it won't get an 8.3. It's like polling The Simpsons in 1994 and then in 2014.

MovieBuff801 08-30-2014 06:52 PM
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Alias

Really liked it. Went through the series for the first time last year, and got quite a kick out of it. I can definitely see why JJ Abrams was picked to direct M:I 3 based off of this. The first two seasons were definitely the best IMO (the Pilot is pretty shaky, but things almost immediately get more interesting in the 2nd episode), the third season got a bit too convoluted for my taste and is most likely my least favorite out of all five seasons, but the fourth and fifth managed to bounce back and I can say I was satisfied with how it ended. Fun stories, good characters, great action for a TV show -- all around a very fun ride.

***1/2 /****

Breaking Bad

I've always believed there to be a difference between "favorite" and "best"; that said, Breaking Bad is the best show I've ever seen. Everything about it is so, so well-executed. Every episode seemed to hold me in a trance and I have to marvel at the level of quality present throughout the show: in the writing, acting, directing, etc. I can't praise this show enough.

****/****

Chuck

Been meaning to give this a whirl ever since Netflix added it to streaming.

IanTheCool 08-31-2014 10:07 AM
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Okay, a very rough average of the above shows:
Alias - ***1/2 /*****
Breaking Bad - ****1/2 /*****
Chuck - ***1/2 /*****

Alright, next round.

1. Doctor Who

2. Entourage

3. Family Guy

Dracula 08-31-2014 10:40 AM
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Doctor Who
Never seen an episode, it's unending length is more than a little intimidating and everything I have seen looks cheesy.
N/A

Entourage
I had fun with the show for the most part, but it's beneath HBO's high standards. The show really outlived its welcome and ran out of ideas, but it does deserve better than the dismissiveness that it gets in some quarters.
B-

Family Guy
The show was funny but got old real fast. I hate those cutaway jokes and haven't had any desire to watch the show in years, but I do still have some fond memories for those first three seasons.
C

Ramplate 08-31-2014 10:44 AM
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1. Doctor Who I enjoy it.
And Drac, it only takes a week and a half, two weeks or so to watch them all - (if you have no life like me, that is )

2. Entourage never seen it

3. Family Guy I like it most of the time

JBond 08-31-2014 10:55 AM
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1. Doctor Who

2. Entourage

3. Family Guy
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Doctor Who - Very hit and miss over the 7.5 seasons, but I'm still ok giving it a full rating. It's too fun and epic to not.
****/****

Entourage - Have never seen a single episode.

Family Guy - Great in its former day, but I lost interest pretty quick in its revival, soooo....
***/****

iv3rdawG 08-31-2014 11:12 AM
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Doctor Who - Like many people, I jumped in at the revived series. I liked it well enough early on, but I always found myself taking long breaks in between watching episodes, as it never really was able to hold my interest entirely, and the low production value early on (no HD, bad effects) in the revived series really put me off. However, it picked up during Tennant's run. It's easy to pick good episodes, but overall I'm a little torn. It has a lot of redeeming qualities, and if you can get past its cheesiness than there's a lot to be liked.

B

Entourage - I watched it as it aired so my memory might be a bit fuzzy, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Easy to just sit down and watch, as it didn't require any heavy thinking. One of HBO's lesser comedies, but still provides a lot of laughs.

B-

Family Guy - Picked the first two season's DVDs up when the series was canceled way back when. Played them a lot and really enjoyed them. However, same story as most people in that it just lost steam. I didn't stick with it long after it was revived, but those first two seasons were great and refreshing.

Knerys 08-31-2014 12:14 PM
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1. Doctor Who
I literally just started watching the reboot this month. Wrapped up season 3 last night and so far I really enjoy it. I saw some of the older episodes when I was a kid on PBS but don't remember having strong opinions one way or the other.
Currently A

2. Entourage
I've only seen a hand full of episodes. They were alright but not enough to make me seek it out.
C

3. Family Guy
Ehhhhhh, this show....sometimes it kind of brilliant and a lot of times to just insipid randomness. I like Stewie and Brian.
B-

Neverending 08-31-2014 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888591)
1. Doctor Who
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Like Dracula said, it's a tough show to get into. Especially if you wanna watch everything and not just the revival series. So like Ramplate said, it's the perfect show for people with no lives.
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________________________________________2. Entourage
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Season 1 is mediocre and it should have ended with season 5. But seasons 2 through 4 easily rank among the best television of the 2000's. Jeremy Piven deserved every Emmy he got for playing Ari Gold. Easily one of the best characters of the 2000's.

B
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________________________________________3. Family Guy
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Despite what the Internet says, seasons 4 through 9 are fantastic. But the show has definitely fallen apart since season 10. I wouldn't say it's bad now but it's not as consistent. Overall, in some ways, Family Guy is better than The Simpsons, but in other ways it's not. Both shows serve their purpose.

A

Justin 08-31-2014 07:23 PM
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1. Doctor Who - B+

Not a huge fan of the show, but I do enjoy it quite a bit. It's fun, silly, and adventurous.

2. Entourage - F

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.

3. Family Guy - C

I used to enjoy watching it every once in awhile. It's really not funny anymore though. I guess it's good for some background noise.

Tornado 08-31-2014 08:47 PM
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Doctor Who
Just not my thing. I've tried to get into this show a dozen times or so and it never takes.
C

Entourage
It's not the worst show ever, but it's not good either.
D+

Family Guy
At times funny, most of the time not.
C-

IanTheCool 08-31-2014 09:42 PM
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Doctor Who
I've only seen one episode. It was weird. The last living human was only a face.

Entourage
There's certainly nothing deep about it, but I enjoy hanging out with the characters.
4/5

Family Guy
It got to the point where it reached a certain level of arrogance. Its characters are despicable and I hate its "you should never care about anything" attitude. And lets face it, random humour just isnt funny. At least not like this. Banana!
2/5

sabin26 09-01-2014 06:54 AM
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Doctor Who
Grew up watching the old series with my dad and his mom. I enjoyed it and even though some of the episodes of the new series are misses, I still find it a fun time.
5/5

Entourage
I got hooked on the show while deployed, the first three seasons were only $10. I haven't finished it, but I enjoyed what I've watched.
3.5/5

Family Guy
How is this show still on? It stopped being funny a long time ago, I even think they know it.
1/5

Neverending 09-01-2014 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by sabin26 (Post 2888648)
Family Guy
How is this show still on? It stopped being funny a long time ago.
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How is The Simpsons still on after 25 years?

It's easy to make bold statements when you don't have the facts. Everyone and their grandmother claims that The Simpsons hasn't been funny since the 1990's. And yet, The Simpsons aired a critically acclaimed and audience approved episode about movie piracy a few months ago.

Family Guy is the same way. There has been at least 100 great episodes since the show returned in 2005. But you won't know that if you haven't been paying attention for the last 9 years.

MovieBuff801 09-01-2014 03:39 PM
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Doctor Who/Entourage

Never seen a single episode of either one.

Family Guy

Only seen a few bits and pieces of random episodes here and there, but have NOT been impressed by what I've seen. But ironically, I really like MacFarlane's Ted.

The Kid 09-01-2014 04:47 PM
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If you like Ted, you should like Family Guy as well. Although maybe American Dad is more your taste.

Fanible 09-01-2014 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888667)
There has been at least 100 great episodes since the show returned in 2005.
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*shudders*

Neverending 09-01-2014 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Fanible (Post 2888689)
*shudders*
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My memory might be fuzzy but I recall you defending Family Guy in other threads. Then again, you've always been more of a follower than a leader so it's hard to say what your true opinions are.

FranklinTard 09-01-2014 07:13 PM
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You like family guy neverending? You just so rarely jump to its defense...


Neverending 09-01-2014 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by FranklinTard (Post 2888700)
You like family guy neverending? You just so rarely jump to its defense...
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And people are so quick to attack a show they haven't watched in 9 years. I used to be the same way with King of the Hill, which is one of your favorite shows. But then when Adult Swim began airing the repeats, I finally watched everything beyond season 2 and discovered that it's an amazing show. There's too much blind hatred on the Internet and it needs to stop. I also used to criticize The Simpsons, a show I stopped watching in season 13 but now I realize the show still has good stuff to offer and I'm gonna watch everything I've missed.

Regardless of what we wanna believe, a show doesn't last 15 to 25 years by being awful. There has to be something these shows are doing to survive longer than everything else on television. And a true TV fan should educate themselves on that matter.

For example, I wouldn't call myself "a fan" of current-era Saturday Night Live but I watch enough episodes every year to recognize the good AND bad things they're doing. But the average person wouldn't do that. They would just make a bold statement like, "oh this show hasn't been funny since 1980."

At some point hate is gonna turn into blindness.

Fanible 09-01-2014 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888691)
My memory might be fuzzy but I recall you defending Family Guy in other threads. Then again, you've always been more of a follower than a leader so it's hard to say what your true opinions are.
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I would welcome you to attempt finding that. I'm almost positive you already have, and your "fuzzy memory" is the result of you coming up empty handed. Granted, my debates, being defensive or offensive, can vary greatly depending on what people are pressing against. I could argue with someone saying that Family Guy has had nothing good to offer, in which I would constructively add that they still have had some good moments here and there. However I have always said that Family Guy has been generally very poor since returning from its cancellation way back when, that the only good episodes have been Stewie and Brian adventures (of which there are maybe only a handful, and no where near 100), and that American Dad is far superior. American Dad is one of my favorite shows of all time.

Your last comment is kind of contradictory, although I'm not even totally clear as to what you're implying. That my expressions are based solely on popular opinion, and not how I truly feel? Or rather it appears you were just making an unnecessary jab as a result of you being a little butt-hurt. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings because I don't always agree with your tastes. What do you expect when you flat out tell someone that they're simply not knowledged enough to warrant the opinion they expressed? How do you know whether or not Sabin is up to date on Family Guy?

But okay, I'll play along. While I'm probably more inclined to chime in when people are talking about things I enjoy or are on the same page with (as most people do), I'm usually fairly blunt regarding my opinions about movies and shows, despite there sometimes being a popular opposite opinion. I generally dislike every Spider-Man film (including the first two, the majority of which enjoy), I hate every Transformers flick (including the first), and I don't think the Dark Knight trilogy is the holy grail so many make it out be, always standing firm by my opinion that Batman Begins is the best of the three. I also completely enjoyed James Cameron's Avatar, am of a favorable opinion of M. Night's The Village, one of the few that apparently liked X-Men 3, and I don't think Futurama got as bad as people made it out to be. People have given me grief for labeling Moulin Rouge as one of my favorite films of all time as well, but that hasn't kept me from including it in my lists.

I could go on, but if you're attempting to imply that my opinions are not my own, then you're confused, although I'm assuming you were just trying to be snarky.

P.S.
I still watch and have seen every episode of Family Guy. While it's mostly dumb nowadays, it's still something silly to put on while I eat before going about my business. And I'd still rather watch Family Guy over the The Simpsons. I can't really have much of a say on the quality of The Simpsons because I don't really watch it anymore, which is why I stay mum in The Simpsons thread. I just find it... boring, any time I try to watch it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some American Dad to go watch on Netflix.

Seakazoo 09-01-2014 08:18 PM
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Doctor Who - Haven't watched it. na/5

Entourage - Lasted about 5 minutes before wanting to kick Jeremy Piven na/5

Family Guy - I enjoyed the first 3 seasons, when the show came back it relied too heavily on "this is worse than the time that I..." jokes, and then Seth McFarlane turned Brian into a character less likeable than Meg. I stopped watching. 2/5 for a good start tainted by more garbage than greatness in the later years

Fanible 09-01-2014 09:54 PM
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My explanation for the decline in quality in Family Guy, is that MacFarlane and crew no longer have to try as much. After returning, the censors started saying "**** it, let them do what they want", which meant that they were probably producing more shows with first drafts, rather than having to go back to do rewrites. This is what makes the first seasons so different from the rest. Family Guy use to be clever and fun. Now it just has lots of dumbed-down or repetitive jokes for the masses, is generally over-the-top in what some may call "edgy", but unfortunately I usually just find it all around dimwitted. I don't need an explanation as to why it has remained on the air. I could blame it exclusively on the fact that there are plenty of stupid people out there that will always keep it popular despite it's slow attempt at comedy, but then I'm also partly to blame, as I continue to watch it.

Dracula 09-01-2014 10:10 PM
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I'm no expert, but honestly, I don't think the post-cancellation Family Guy was really all that different than the pre-cancellation Family Guy, it's just that there's only so much of the show you can watch before getting sick of it. Unlike The Simpsons (where you do care somewhat for the characters and they do occasionally tell somewhat compelling stories) Family Guy is pretty much the same joke over and over again and there's only so much of that you can take. Also, I think a lot of people just outgrew the show. It was one thing to watch this stuff when you were in high school, quite another thing to be watching it when you're an adult.

Pittsteelrs 09-02-2014 03:22 AM
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Doctor who and Entourage i havent see. As far as Family Guy goes i agree with the majority of the people on here first couple seasons i loved after that the show fell off way off. Im up to date on all the epsiodes but every one is becoming more and more of a struggle to watch. I just hate quiting a show after ive been watching it for so long.

C-

New GL of sector 2814 09-02-2014 03:38 AM
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1. Doctor Who- Possibly the greatest show ever?! Ok yeah greatest show ever, each Doctor and Companion change completely shuffles the deck on the dynamics in the Tardis as well as the type of stories that can be told. Plus the premise of the show is genius in that since the Tardis can travel anywhere in time AND space, you have a totally blank canvas on which to tell any of the types of stories that exist. Each actor to play The Doctor has put their own spin on the character making it theirs and yet we can all see that he is essentially the same person with a different face and personality. As for those who are worried about the length, do as I did and start with the beginning of the '05 series with the Ninth Doctor and the episode "Rose" and watch from there (it's much shorter that way...). A++ obviously...
2. Entourage- I liked the 1st season, but I dropped it for reasons unknown even to me. I'm sure I'll pick it up again and finish it someday. 1st season=B
3. Family Guy- eh? I like it but I wouldn't feel bad in not watching it again... C

Daniel 09-02-2014 04:15 AM
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Keep it short, guys.

1. Doctor Who

Only seen the reboot, still in middle of Matt Smith episodes. Christopher Eccleston is still my favourite Dr. I liked how English everything felt back then, Rose is still my favourite companion. Tennant was great. I haven't liked Matt Smith episodes much and had to stop watching and take a break recently.

2. Entourage - Celebrity life porn, basically. Guilty pleasure, though I recognise how awful it is.

3. Family Guy - I feel like if I've seen the dozen episodes I've seen, I've really seen them all. Meh.

Deexan 09-02-2014 04:35 AM
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Only seen Family Guy out of those three.

It gets a few laughs here and there but I mainly find it annoying and unfunny for 95% of every episode.

Two of my best friends adore it though, so I didn't have much choice but to tune in back in my university years.

The scene where Peter turns into a tampon, hops into somebody's handbag and says "and now we play the waiting game" was brilliant, I'll give it that.

Neverending 09-02-2014 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Fanible (Post 2888707)
I would welcome you to attempt finding that.
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I don't need to because I remember where it happened: the Futurama thread. First, it was about an episode that was eerily similar to a Family Guy one. Then, it was about convincing JBond that Family Guy has had some good sci-fi episodes he should watch. Then again... maybe I'm remembering it differently or confusing you with someone else. But I do know, for sure, that there was a Family Guy discussion in the Futurama thread.
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American Dad is far superior. American Dad is one of my favorite shows of all time.
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We do share that opinion.
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I don't need an explanation as to why it has remained on the air. I could blame it exclusively on the fact that there are plenty of stupid people out there that will always keep it popular despite it's slow attempt at comedy, but then I'm also partly to blame, as I continue to watch it.
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King of the Hill is over. Futurama came and went. Beavis & Butt-Head, for whatever reason, didn't last beyond its sole revival season. And American Dad is, unfortunately, on life support after 10 seasons.

Family Guy, like The Simpsons and South Park, is one of those shows that has lasted for a VERY long time. They're already by season 13 and average 6 million viewers per episode which is more than, say, Dan Harmon's Community.

So why does Family Guy succeed while a show like Futurama crashed and burned upon its return? The answer: people don't agree with the Internet. I still remember when Family Guy returned in 2005. I was in college and everyone I knew was obsessed with the show. We literally used to have viewing parties and laughed our asses off during every episode. I rank Family Guy alongside 24 and Lost as the most popular popular show of that era in my life. And yet, I would go on the Internet and everyone was trashing the show. They would call it the worst thing since Hitler. And here we are, 9 years later, and very little has changed. I think most fans would agree that the show began to decline after the 10th season, just like The Simpsons, but there's still enough good episodes to keep the show alive. Even critics agree. If you look at season 12, at least 9 episodes got good reviews, including the one where Brian dies which became a brief pop culture phenomenon. So when you have audiences and critics agreeing, the Internet has to question if they're overly-hating on the show. And keep in mind that the Internet was hating The Simpsons during seasons 5 through 9, which are now considered classics by almost everyone. So the Internet does have a history of jumping to conclusions and being wrong.

Justin 09-02-2014 07:11 AM
________________________________________
So who is this Internet and how can I meet him/her?

Neverending 09-02-2014 07:20 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Justin (Post 2888749)
So who is this Internet and how can I meet him/her?
________________________________________
You think I'm exaggerating but I have the perfect example: the Frank Grimes episode of The Simpsons. If you were to ask Dracula, a person everyone here respects, he would say that's the greatest episode in the history of The Simpsons. And most people would agree with him. Or at least consider it one of the best episodes. But in 1997, when that episode aired, the entire Internet was saying that it was the worst episode in Simpsons history and that it literally killed The Simpsons. And to this very day, if you go to the No Homers message board, there are still people who say that's the "jump the shark" episode.

Being a fan of post-2005 Family Guy is like being a fan of Frank Grimes in 1997.

Dracula 09-02-2014 08:44 AM
________________________________________
Maybe we were looking at different parts of "the internet" but I remember the consensus still being pro-Family Guy when it first came back. I remember the tide sort of shifting over the course of the next year or so and solidified around the time of that South Park "Cartoon Wars" episode.

Neverending 09-02-2014 09:07 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Dracula (Post 2888763)
Maybe we were looking at different parts of "the internet" but I remember the consensus still being pro-Family Guy when it first came back. I remember the tide sort of shifting over the course of the next year or so and solidified around the time of that South Park "Cartoon Wars" episode.
________________________________________
Cartoon Wars did some temporary damage but the show quickly bounced back with their Poltergeist spoof which is now considered a classic and paved the way for their epic Star Wars trilogy spoof.

But you're right that not everyone on the Internet hated Family Guy. MySpace, Facebook and YouTube were MAJOR supporters of the show. Even after the Cartoon Wars. But most message boards and blogs were very critical of the show as soon as it returned. Let's not forget that the very first revival episode was making fun of Mel Gibson and The Passion and people had issues with its "outdated" humor. And it escalated from there.

Fanible 09-02-2014 02:18 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888748)
I don't need to because I remember where it happened: the Futurama thread. First, it was about an episode that was eerily similar to a Family Guy one. Then, it was about convincing JBond that Family Guy has had some good sci-fi episodes he should watch. Then again... maybe I'm remembering it differently or confusing you with someone else. But I do know, for sure, that there was a Family Guy discussion in the Futurama thread.
________________________________________
There was only one "discussion" I had involving Family Guy in the Futurama thread, and as you have a history of always looking this stuff up, you should already know (and like said before, I'm sure you already did). I said one thing MacFarlane shows do best is musical numbers, and mentioned how Family Guy's Willy Wonka episode was the best of all the cartoon spoofs that have done so. Which is true. I'm not sure how that could be considered jumping to its defense, though.

Now if you're talking about some lost Futurama thread prior to the current one, it would be irrelevant, because I would have been talking about the older Family Guy episodes, as the current Futurama thread was made in in late 2004.
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888748)
So why does Family Guy succeed while a show like Futurama crashed and burned upon its return?
________________________________________
Well, no need for a new reply. What I already said in the exact quote you replied to still applies to the entirety of everything you just wrote:
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Fanible (Post 2888724)
I don't need an explanation as to why it has remained on the air. I could blame it exclusively on the fact that there are plenty of stupid people out there that will always keep it popular despite it's slow attempt at comedy, but then I'm also partly to blame, as I continue to watch it.
________________________________________


IanTheCool 09-02-2014 07:35 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Justin (Post 2888619)
2. Entourage - F

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.
________________________________________
Why do you hate it so much?

IanTheCool 09-02-2014 07:46 PM
________________________________________
Alright, averages: Dr. Who gets 4.5 / 5, Entourage gets 3/5 and Family Guy gets 3/5.

Next Round:

1. Game of Thrones

2. Heroes

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Justin 09-02-2014 08:00 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888817)
Why do you hate it so much?
________________________________________
One of my former professors put it well: it's "Sex and the City" for narcissistic men. It indulges every scummy thing we desire. What's more, it never forces these characters to grow or pay the price. Conan had a sketch (which received zero laughs) that everything always came out "awesome" for the guys.

Justin 09-02-2014 08:06 PM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones - B-

Some of the characters are a little thin (Jon Snow is a piece of cardboard), and the amount of rape (sexploitation is completely accurate here) and violence is suspect. It's either begging for new viewers or taking pleasure in it. Still, this is solid storytelling that is expertly crafted.

2. Heroes - N/A

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia - B-

This was funny for awhile. Unfortunately the jokes have gotten a little stale, and you can tell that they've been strong-armed into inserting an advertisement into every scene. And I really just don't see any growth here for the characters, nor do I see the world expanding at all. it's like they're running in circles.

Dracula 09-02-2014 08:39 PM
________________________________________
Game of Thrones
It can be a little uneven and is prone to the occasional misstep, but when it really heats up it can be some of the most compelling T.V. around. Also I feel a lot of its strengths come with the asterisk that it's being based on a book series rather than functioning as a series that writers have to piece together season by season.
A-

Heroes
I've had a pretty big vendetta against this show because I was on "Team Lost" back in the day and was pissed off by all the people who briefly jumped on the Heroes bandwagon. Lost of course ended up being pretty disappointing as well, but it was a masterpiece compared to frickin' "Heroes."
F

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The show has clearly jumped the shark at this point, but I don't think I've ever laughed harder at a show than I did at the first five or six seasons of this, and they still come up with some good stuff from time to time today. Might be the single best live action sitcom of its era.
A

JBond 09-02-2014 08:49 PM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones

It's not perfect and I feel like they messed up a couple of the larger book moments, but it's my current favorite show on television. I'm also a bit worried as they get into the lesser books.
****/****

2. Heroes

Great first season, but then it tanked. Hard.
*.5/****

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Very funny for awhile, but then it turned into random silliness in later seasons.
**.5/***

Tornado 09-02-2014 09:12 PM
________________________________________
Game of Thrones
I definitively threw in the towel before Season 4 started airing. Just stopped holding my interest.
C+

Heroes
First season was magnificent, perhaps one of the greatest first seasons of a show in television history. It didn't just go downhill though, it stood up on top of Mount Everest, leapt out, and just plummeted right back to Earth faster than any show ever. I mean, the first season was an A+, the second somewhere in the C range, and then three and four both F's. Talk about a decline, my god.

Overall, I will give it a C-.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Not a show I go out of my way for, but it never disappoints me either. Always funny.
B

Daniel 09-02-2014 10:41 PM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones

Show is marred by too many characters, but that's the book's fault. When it shines, it really shines. 4/5

2. Heroes

Really great until that season 1 finale. Time travel ****ed this show up, and everything else followed suit. Stopped watching in season 3. 1/5

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Always going to be a fond entry in my books. Not the best show, and loses steam over a few of the later seasons, but it has gotten better and I am entertained. 3.5/5

sabin26 09-02-2014 11:28 PM
________________________________________
Game of Thrones

Enjoying the show. It's slow in some places but it all leads up to something. Even if it is based off a series of books, it's the actors that keep me interested in the characters.
5/5

Heroes
First season, amazing. After that it was really hard to keep me coming back every week to watch and I completely lost interest before the third season was over.
3/5

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Always makes me laugh.
5/5

Ramplate 09-03-2014 05:53 AM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones
Can't get it on my tv don't watch it

2. Heroes
Good ideas messy execution

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I've only seen a couple episodes but they were funny

Neverending 09-03-2014 06:08 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888817)
Why do you hate it so much?
________________________________________
Because Justin lives in Hollywood and it hits too close to home. I bet Doomsday hates it too.

Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2888818)
1. Game of Thrones
________________________________________
Don't make me choose.

33.media.tumblr.com/86e4e1683...6ffdo1_500.jpg

Quote:
________________________________________2. Heroes
________________________________________
Like Dracula, I hated the show from the get-go and was super happy when everyone started to hate it in season 2.

Quote:
________________________________________3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
________________________________________
Given my past history, people would expect me to be a HUGE fan but I'm not. I do like the show but I think it tries too hard to be the next Seinfeld.

Justin 09-03-2014 07:13 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2888852)
Because Justin lives in Hollywood and it hits too close to home.
________________________________________
No I don't.

Justin 09-03-2014 12:53 PM
________________________________________
Could we also get a quick opinion on IanTheCool?

Tornado 09-03-2014 01:22 PM
________________________________________
IantheCool
I don't see what's so cool about him.
C-

Justin 09-03-2014 02:46 PM
________________________________________
IanTheCool - C
Meh, he has his moments.

Knerys 09-03-2014 03:19 PM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones
Love it, despite those hard to swallow moments (I have not read the books).
A

2. Heroes
Some ideas were interesting but it got really awful really fast.
D

3. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Haven't seen an episode though I've been told I'd like it.
N/A

IantheCool
The first season was ok, really hit it's stride in season 2. So far season 3 is shaping up to be the most popular yet.
A

Neverending 09-03-2014 04:18 PM
________________________________________
The IanTheCool Board Games are really good. But I'm not a fan of the TV show. Sorry.

Dracula 09-03-2014 04:48 PM
________________________________________
IantheCool
Very promising first few seasons, really hit its stride with the historical top tens. I thought the episode where 4Chan was declared the most important internet site would be a shark jump but it seems to have recovered since then. Could do without the board game storyline.
B+

JBond 09-03-2014 06:28 PM
________________________________________
IanTheCool

I'm pirating this one. Shhhhh.


A+

Justin 09-03-2014 06:41 PM
________________________________________:funny:

IanTheCool 09-03-2014 07:08 PM
________________________________________Well this took a turn.

Justin 09-03-2014 07:24 PM
________________________________________For the best.

New GL of sector 2814 09-04-2014 03:29 AM
________________________________________
1. Game of Thrones- 4 eps in, liking it not loving it... 3.75/5
2. Heroes- ok I'll do seasons than average lol s1-5/5, s2-4/5, s3-2/5, s4-3.5/5
3. Always Sunny- n/a

Deexan 09-04-2014 06:17 AM
________________________________________
Thrones:
Love it. Not perfect but deserving of most accolades and incredibly produced. 4.5/5

Heroes:
Like the majority, I loved the first season until the finale. Got (way) worse as it progressed. 2/5

It's Always Sunny:
Reliably hilarious. 4/5

IanTheCool:
This Due South spin-off has yet to reach British shores.

Seakazoo 09-04-2014 07:55 AM
________________________________________
GoT- n/a

Heroes - I only saw a few episodes. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good enough to make me go back and watch everything else. I'm going to have go say n/a

IASIP- 4/5 I love this show. It continues to be great after so many seasons.


IanTheCool 09-04-2014 09:00 PM
________________________________________
Game of Thrones - Awesome. I was thrilled that these books were given such high quality treatment. A few missteps along the way, but still top notch. 4.5/5

Heroes - As said by pretty much everyone else, great first season, but wow was that promise ever squandered. 2.5/5

Haven't seen enough of Sunny to really speak to it much.

IanTheCool 09-05-2014 07:51 AM
________________________________________
Averages: Game of Thrones - 4/5, Heroes - 2/5, Always Sunny - 4/5, IantheCool - 4/5.

Next Round:
1. The Killing

2. Lost

3. Mad Men

Justin 09-05-2014 08:39 AM
________________________________________
1. The Killing - N/A

I've only seen the Danish series, not the remake.

2. Lost - 2.5/5

I stopped watching around the 3rd season. At that time I realized that they didn't know where they were going. That sealed it for me. It was a lot of build-up for a hackneyed conclusion.

3. Mad Men - 5/5

It's the best show on TV. It features the most well-written characters of any show I've seen.

Dracula 09-05-2014 09:05 AM
________________________________________
1. The Killing
Watched about one and a half episodes and wasn't impressed. Had good atmosphere, but the mystery didn't grab me and everything I've heard suggests I made the right choice.
N/A

2. Lost
Difficult one to analyze because I enjoyed almost every season and had tons of fun with the lead up, but that ending really killed it for me. It made all that time I spent watching and coming up with theories feel hollow.
C

3. Mad Men
Brilliant television. A show that manages to be consistently interesting and fun to watch while still having something to say. Great characters, great actors, great visual style... what's not to love.
A

Neverending 09-05-2014 09:16 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889089)
1. The Killing
________________________________________
I haven't seen it.
Quote:
________________________________________2. Lost
________________________________________
I understand the hate, and the show might have worked better on cable with less episodes, but I still love it. One of the best TV series of the 2000's.
Quote:
________________________________________3. Mad Men
________________________________________
I think the first 3 or 4 seasons are great, but the show definitely jumped the shark in season 5. Now it's a slow and boring office drama with more failed marriages from Don Draper and Roger Sterling.

sabin26 09-05-2014 09:55 AM
________________________________________
Haven't been interested in watching all three so no opinion this round from me.

iv3rdawG 09-05-2014 09:56 AM
________________________________________
1. The Killing
Almost done with the final episodes, but the last two seasons have really salvaged what were initially one and a half disappointing seasons when it began. It feels more authentic on Netflix as well. Once they moved to the one mystery a season coupled with another over plot, it helped a lot.

2. Lost
Haven't watched it since the finale but I still really like it. The ending didn't bother me as much as it did some people. I guess I'm not one of those people where if you have a "bad" finale that you ruin the rest of the show.

Mad Men
3. It's odd to say, but this might be the the most underrated "big" show on the air. It never really gets the respect it deserves, and sadly has had to live in the shadow of other shows like Breaking Bad (which I'd say Mad Men is pretty much as good as) and Homeland :rolleyes:. I love it.

Neverending 09-05-2014 10:21 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by iv3rdawG (Post 2889100)
Lost
I'm not one of those people where if you have a "bad" finale that you ruin the rest of the show.
________________________________________
It's not that simple. In season 1, everyone was correct about the island being purgatory. But then Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse spent 5 seasons jerking people around and creating the false illusion that the show was about something else. I think season 3 is the biggest perpetrator of that. If the show had ended in season 3, it would have just been the story of castaways surviving a mad scientist's island. But eventually, the show ended exactly how everyone predicted and they felt like they wasted 6 years trying to figure out a mystery they had solved in 2004.
Quote:
________________________________________
Mad Men
The most underrated "big" show on the air.
________________________________________
The show won 4 Emmy's for Best Drama. If anything... it's overrated. And of course mainstream audiences were never gonna embrace the show. The 1960's were a turbulent decade, but we have our own problems. We're dealing with two failed wars, the recession, an insulting job market, and a government run by children. People aren't gonna waste their Sunday nights thinking about the 1960's. They either wanna escape reality (Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead) or watch a mirror of our current society (Breaking Bad, Homeland). If Mad Men had been made in the 1990's, when our lives were more stable, it would have been a HUGE success. But now... eh.

Tornado 09-05-2014 11:22 AM
________________________________________
The Killing
I watched the majority of Season 1. I enjoyed it, and thought the atmosphere was amazing. But I felt like the show didn't know where it was going, and the finale of that first season really bothered me into not returning.
C

Lost
I was as big a fan of this show as it had. And by the time the finale had aired, I realized that nothing in my life would ever be more of a waste of time than this show was. In hindsight, the show is an absolute failure.
F (I'm not joking)

Mad Men
One of the greatest shows of all-time. I go back and forth on my preference between this and 'Breaking Bad'.
A+

Dracula 09-05-2014 11:25 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889101)
It's not that simple. In season 1, everyone was correct about the island being purgatory. But then Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse spent 5 seasons jerking people around and creating the false illusion that the show was about something else. I think season 3 is the biggest perpetrator of that. If the show had ended in season 3, it would have just been the story of castaways surviving a mad scientist's island. But eventually, the show ended exactly how everyone predicted and they felt like they wasted 6 years trying to figure out a mystery they had solved in 2004.
________________________________________
But the island wasn't purgatory, the flash-sideways were purgatory.

FranklinTard 09-05-2014 11:29 AM
________________________________________
Mad Men at its best, is better than any other show on TV. Breaking Bad doesn't hold a candle to it because BB is just surface level. Mad Men actually has something deeper to say than just a story to tell.

Justin 09-05-2014 11:38 AM
________________________________________Exactly.

iv3rdawG 09-05-2014 12:59 PM
________________________________________
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who prefers Mad Men over Breaking Bad here.

Neverending 09-05-2014 02:09 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by FranklinTard (Post 2889110)
Mad Men actually has something deeper to say
________________________________________
Mad Men hasn't had anything deep to say in a long, long, long time.

Ramplate 09-05-2014 04:08 PM
________________________________________
1. The Killing I've been watching the first season on Amazon Prime and I like it

2. Lost Saw the first episode and lost it from there

3. Mad Men Never seen it and not really interested

IanTheCool 09-05-2014 06:57 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Tornado (Post 2889107)

Lost
I was as big a fan of this show as it had. And by the time the finale had aired, I realized that nothing in my life would ever be more of a waste of time than this show was. In hindsight, the show is an absolute failure.
F (I'm not joking)
________________________________________
This just seems insane to me.

JBond 09-05-2014 07:17 PM
________________________________________
1. The Killing

I watched the first season and enjoyed it quite a bit...then I heard that there would be a continuation into a second season and the writers "didn't yet know who the actual killer was," I dropped the show immediately.

***/****

2. Lost

Oh boy. The first season is among some the best TV ever and I'm pretty sure the immediate release of the DVD was the beginning of "binge watching." But then slowly and surely it became clear they didn't have a clue what they were doing either and just kept doubling down and turned it into a disaster.

**.5/****

3. Mad Men

One of the greatest shows ever, at least for 4 or 5 seasons. It's not what I would call "bad" now, but it's lost most of its steam. And I'm tired of this "split the last season" bull****.

****/****

Neverending 09-05-2014 08:35 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2889136)
I'm pretty sure the immediate release of the DVD was the beginning of "binge watching."
________________________________________
It was technically The Chappelle Show, Family Guy and Sex & The City. I think it's easier for people to begin with comedy and then transition into the 1-hour dramas. And even then, 24 got a 3 year head start on Lost.

But I will say that Lost was definitely the first binge show that everyone obsessed about and analyzed. I remember from like 2005 till 2008 there was many groups of people I encountered that talked about Lost almost every week. The show was that big.

JBond 09-05-2014 10:35 PM
________________________________________
Ahh, that's right, 24 released their sets right away too, didn't they.

Tornado 09-06-2014 03:40 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889132)
This just seems insane to me.
________________________________________
You remember that time I'm sure. I watched and re-watched the episodes looking for clues and hints to what was coming, I wrote reviews and openly discussed every theory possible here and on another couple of sites, I made podcasts, I even read some of the books that were referenced on the show hoping to glean something from them. And then, I realized that none of it meant anything and I had wasted countless hours over the past several years.

'Lost' was a unique experience for me, one that will never be recreated because I will avoid shows like it from now on. I saw it as the second coming of Christ, the undeniable greatest television show of all-time... and then Season 6 started to air and my interest level started to decrease with each episode until the finale could barely even hold my attention.

I can't imagine ever re-visiting it (I don't even own the Blu-ray's anymore, sold them), discussing it, recommending it, etc. I would prefer to think it never happened.

Neverending 09-06-2014 09:24 AM
________________________________________
That has less to do with the show and more to do with your obsessive personality. You're right that Lost was ultimately a waste of time, but most people weren't extreme fans of it, so the idea of giving the show an "F" does seem ridiculous to normal people.

Tornado 09-06-2014 10:22 AM
________________________________________
I would normally agree with that, but 'Lost' encouraged obsession. There were a lot of people even here who were as obsessive about it as I was.

JBond 09-06-2014 11:47 AM
________________________________________Wow, Lost violated Tornado.

IanTheCool 09-06-2014 11:48 AM
________________________________________
The Killing - Never seen.

Lost - One of my all-time favourite shows. I love the characters, the setting, the premise. I also love how it was never afraid to switch things up. So many great moments throughout the six seasons. 5/5

Mad Men - Dull dull dull. I could never quite finish the first season. I really liked the board room scenes, but I found the character drama entirely unintersting. Maybe because I just don't find that alcoholism and marital affairs are good sources of drama. 2.5/5

Justin 09-06-2014 02:38 PM
________________________________________
But I think the rampant alcoholism and adultery are the surface, not the heart.

Tornado 09-06-2014 02:55 PM
________________________________________Agreed.

IanTheCool 09-06-2014 03:01 PM
________________________________________
I can see that, I really can, but I just couldn't get into it enough to go the distance I probably needed to go.

Neverending 09-06-2014 03:06 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2889174)
Lost violated Tornado.
________________________________________
"Show us in this doll where Lost touched you."

IanTheCool 09-08-2014 08:26 PM
________________________________________
Average ratings: The Killing - 3.5/ 5, Lost 3/5, Mad Men - 4.5/5

Next up:
1. The New Girl

2. Orange is the New Black

3. Parks & Recreation

Tornado 09-08-2014 08:29 PM
________________________________________
The New Girl
Girlfriend really likes it, so I guess that counts for something. Watched one episode of it with her. Wasn't wild about it, but it wasn't the worst thing ever.
C

Orange is the New Black
I don't see the appeal. I watched about half of the first season before throwing in the towel.
D

Parks & Recreation
Maybe my all-time favorite comedy. Every supporting character after Leslie could be the main character of their own spin-off series. Never get tired of it. I'll be sad to see it go.
A+

Neverending 09-08-2014 08:36 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889371)
1. The New Girl
________________________________________
1st season is a mixed bag. 2nd season is great. 3rd season is a piece of s--t.
Quote:
________________________________________2. Orange is the New Black
________________________________________
1st season is fantastic. I haven't had a chance to watch all of season 2 yet.
Quote:
________________________________________3. Parks & Recreation
________________________________________
In some ways, it's better than The Office. In other ways, it's worse than The Office. It's like comparing The Simpsons to Futurama.

JBond 09-08-2014 08:38 PM
________________________________________
1. The New Girl

I don't care how adorkable Zooey is, this show got tired fast.

**/****


2. Orange is the New Black

I'm part way through season 2. Very good show. Great characters.

***.5/****


3. Parks & Recreation

Very funny through most of its run, but it seems to have tailed off now.

***/****

JBond 09-08-2014 08:40 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889374)
In some ways, it's better than The Office. In other ways, it's worse than The Office. It's like comparing The Simpsons to Futurama.
________________________________________
The Office had higher highs, but Parks and Rec stayed good for longer.

Dracula 09-08-2014 08:49 PM
________________________________________
The New Girl
Only episode I ever saw was the post-Super Bowl episode that had Prince in it. Prince was amusing in it, everything else just seemed like a really generic Freinds wannabe type show.
N/A

Orange is the New Black
It missteps here and there, but for the most part I think it's a very compelling dramedy that lives up to about 85% of the hype. Very good cast and a premise that doesn't feel like a cliche, obviously the best prison show since Oz.
A-

Parks & Recreation
I'm pretty much ready to say that this has surpassed The Office as my favorite single camera, mockumentary, half-hour NBC sitcom of the 2010s. Its introduced a whole bunch of great comedic talents and has also managed to use the local politics of Pawnee to provide some sly but unintrusive commentary on our zany national politics.
A

Neverending 09-08-2014 08:53 PM
________________________________________
That's what I appreciate about Parks & Rec. It's more relevant than the other network sitcoms. However, I think The Office is just funnier. I watch it on TBS almost every night after Conan and it always amuses me.

Ramplate 09-08-2014 10:33 PM
________________________________________
1. The New Girl

2. Orange is the New Black

3. Parks & Recreation

I don't watch any of those

Justin 09-08-2014 10:38 PM
________________________________________
1. The New Girl - N/A

I've only seen one episode and found it completely and totally obnoxious.

2. Orange is the New Black - N/A

Never seen an episode.

3. Parks & Recreation - 3.5/5

This is one show I've enjoyed for quite some time. I stopped watching awhile back so I have no idea how good or bad it is now. For some reason these shows never stick with me, I usually just end up forgetting they exist.

Deexan 09-09-2014 02:47 AM
________________________________________
NEW GIRL
Loved it from day one and still love it, though season 3 suffered from a slight dip in quality there were certain episodes that were as funny as anything that'd come before (specifically, 'Basketsball' and 'Birthday'). 4/5

OITNB
Seen bits and pieces of one episode only so no comment.

PARKS & REC
I'm only up to the fourth season so far. So far, so good. 4/5

Neverending 09-09-2014 06:43 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2889376)
The Office had higher highs, but Parks and Rec stayed good for longer.
________________________________________
Parks & Rec barely had 7 seasons. This is like in 2003 saying that Futurama is more consistently good than The Simpsons. The Office at its best is better than Parks & Rec at its best. That's what matters.
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Ramplate (Post 2889395)
I don't watch any of those
________________________________________
Here's 3 shows for you to review, Ramplate:

1. I Love Lucy

2. The D--k Van D--e Show

3. Three's Company

Tornado 09-09-2014 11:13 AM
________________________________________
I think at its absolute best, The Office was better. The issue though is that 'absolute best' only lasted about two seasons at the most (closer to a season and a half, Season 2 wasn't firing on all cylinders until the show went on hiatus during the holidays).

Parks and Rec on the other hand has been pretty excellent since Season 2, really never letting up or dipping in quality. I can only remember a few episodes of Parks and Rec I didn't particularly enjoy, whereas I can remember a lot of episodes of The Office that weren't great (hell, can I just nominate all of Seasons 6 and 8?).

Neverending 09-09-2014 11:33 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Tornado (Post 2889448)
Parks and Rec on the other hand has been pretty excellent since Season 2
________________________________________
Agree to disagree. I think the show peaked in season 2 & 3 and has been slowly declining since season 4.

FranklinTard 09-09-2014 11:56 AM
________________________________________
both are great. both went/are going on too long.

although i do agree that pnr seems to be trying to say something more than just a funny story, for better or worse.

i think pnr has better characters, but as time goes on they become bigger caricatures of themselves (in comparison to the office), which makes them more obnoxious.

Ramplate 09-09-2014 02:12 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889419)
Here's 3 shows for you to review, Ramplate:

1. I Love Lucy Loved it -watched it every day before I was old enough to go to first grade, and I still watch it from time to time

2. The D--k Van D--e Show same

3. Three's Company Hated the landlords, watched the first season or so
________________________________________
so there I heard you're a devoted fan of Tinky-Winky :hehe:

Neverending 09-09-2014 02:51 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Ramplate (Post 2889457)
Hated the landlords
________________________________________
Blasphemy!

Knerys 09-10-2014 10:46 AM
________________________________________
1. The Killing
Never seen. Was told I might like it.
N/A

2. Lost
I loved, looooooved, this show the first two seasons. Then I spiraled into fits of confusion, hatred and frustration. The finale was bull****.
B-

3. Mad Men
I guess I'm the only one who doesn't care to watch the best series on television. Maybe one day. *shrug*
N/A

Knerys 09-10-2014 10:50 AM
________________________________________
And clearly I'm a round behind....

1. The New Girl
Not interested.
N/A

2. Orange is the New Black
I like what I've seen and I find the characters well written but haven't had the chance to watch in completion. Or in order.
B so far

3. Parks & Recreation
Never seen an episode. Not sure when I will...
N/A

Ramplate 09-10-2014 01:31 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889459)
Blasphemy!
________________________________________
Well, the Ropers got their own spin off - see how long that lasted?

iv3rdawG 09-10-2014 01:38 PM
________________________________________
1. The New Girl
Saw a couple of episodes and wasn't really interested. At the time of its premiere there was a much better comedy on the air called Happy Endings, and apparently Damon Wayans Jr. thought so as well. Too bad the general public didn't think so.
N/A

2. Orange is the New Black
About halfway through season two, and although I like some of it, I don't understand the seemingly universal praise for it. Many of the characters are compelling, but a lot of it just doesn't work.
B so far

3. Parks & Recreation
Had its best seasons during 2-4, I'd say, and while it's continued to lose steam, it still provides quality content. Not as funny as it once was, but perhaps the time jump will provide a new boost in quality.
B+

Neverending 09-10-2014 01:40 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Ramplate (Post 2889533)
Well, the Ropers got their own spin off - see how long that lasted?
________________________________________
Joey didn't last long either, but that doesn't mean he was a bad character on Friends.

MovieBuff801 09-10-2014 04:41 PM
________________________________________
Let's see if I can play catch-up here...

Heroes

First season was great, but then it dropped in quality shockingly fast. By the 3rd season, it just got too awful, and it's one of the very few shows I've given up on before the end of its run.

*/****

Everything Else

Haven't seen any of the others listed since after the second set. But there are a few I've been meaning to give a shot.

JBond 09-10-2014 06:15 PM
________________________________________Happy Endings was awesome.

Neverending 09-10-2014 06:45 PM
________________________________________Que?

JBond 09-10-2014 07:53 PM
________________________________________
It's a TV show:

www.imdb.com/title/tt1587678/


Daniel 09-10-2014 08:59 PM
________________________________________
The Killing - Never seen.

Lost - One of my all-time favourite shows. When Charlie dies, the show goes downhill fast. It got way too convoluted for its own good, moving away from character-driven stories, and dumping more people on the viewers to support all the time travel nonsense. I had some unforgettable "Lost friends," and we will always share our countless hours discussing the show at length, but my fond memories far outweigh the actual quality of the show once Charlie dies. C, or 3/5

Mad Men - Have not once gotten tired of it, and new characters are introduced without bothering me much at all. I think it's hard to find something wrong with this show. A true classic. 5/5, A+

Daniel 09-10-2014 09:01 PM
________________________________________
1. The New Girl
I hate Zooey D, but I really like this show. B, or 3.5/5

2. Orange is the New Black
I thought the lead actress was insufferable the first season, and everyone else around here were far more interesting. Season 2 changed my mind about her, and I loved it.

B, or 3.5/5

3. Parks & Recreation
No one seems bothered by the fact this is a blatant Office rip-off, and that is saying something about this show. B+

sabin26 09-10-2014 11:21 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2889565)
Happy Endings was awesome.
________________________________________
I second this.

Deexan 09-11-2014 04:07 AM
________________________________________
Never seen The Killing or Mad Men.

Lost is a tricky one. The first season is my favourite single season of any show, ever. The 2nd and 3rd are also there or thereabouts. Sadly, as we (mostly) all agree, it began to nosedive shortly after and the final season was incredibly disappointing. Difficult one to grade. 3/5, I guess...


(Also, Happy Endings is awesome. )

Ramplate 09-11-2014 04:16 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889536)
Joey didn't last long either, but that doesn't mean he was a bad character on Friends.
________________________________________
I knew that show was gonna go belly up too

Neverending 09-11-2014 11:11 AM
________________________________________
Don't worry. "Joey" was redeemed by "Episodes" on Showtime. Excellent show. And yes, JBond, I'm VERY aware of Happy Endings. I was just curious why you randomly brought it up.

IanTheCool 09-11-2014 10:31 PM
________________________________________
New Girl - Haven't seen.

Orange is the New Black - Quite addictive, I'll give it that. Many of the characters are over the top, but the inter-jail politics are pretty fun. 4/5

Parks and Recreation - Enjoyable, fun characters, not much of a draw for me outside of that. 3.5/5

IanTheCool 09-13-2014 12:34 PM
________________________________________
Averages" New Girl - 3/5, Orange is the New Black - 3.5/5, Parks & Rec - 4/5.

Next Round:
1. Rome

2. The Sopranos

3. True Detective

Neverending 09-13-2014 12:46 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889818)
1. Rome
________________________________________
I love John Milius but this show premiered during a busy time in my life and I never got around to watching more than 1 or 2 episodes.
Quote:
________________________________________2. The Sopranos
________________________________________
The show that put HBO on the critically acclaimed map and set the stage for 21st century television.
Quote:
________________________________________3. True Detective
________________________________________
Alexandra Daddario.

Deexan 09-13-2014 01:23 PM
________________________________________
Haven't seen the first two.

True Detective looked set to have the best single season of any show ever by the end of episode 5. Shame it lost a bit of steam after that. 4.5/5.

I have very high hopes for season 2, that will probably be dashed.

IanTheCool 09-13-2014 01:32 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889820)
The show that put HBO on the critically acclaimed map and set the stage for 21st century television.
________________________________________
Is that what it did?

Neverending 09-13-2014 01:47 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889824)
Is that what it did?
________________________________________
I guess you can make a case for Arli$$ and Oz. Even Sex and the City predates The Sopranos. But The Sopranos really was the first premium cable drama series that caught mainstream attention, had universal critical praise and won a s--tload of awards. It definitely set the stage for everything that has happened in 21st century television so far.

If you hate the show, that's fine. It's not exactly a groundbreaking look at the mafia. Movies definitely covered the mafia pretty well. But it was an important step in television history and should be honored in some way.

Dracula 09-13-2014 02:00 PM
________________________________________
Rome
Was never a fan of this one. HBO usually fails when they throw tons of money at period dramas that are more about locations and eras than central characters... GoT being the exception that proves the rule.
C-

The Sopranos
Brilliant show, but one I probably took for granted when I watched it. Definitely look forward to rewatching when the Blu-Ray comes out.
A

True Detective
Definitely liked the show (especially the acting and direction) but don't quite understand all the massive hype. The mystery turned out to be pretty typical and all the philosophizing didn't really amount to much in my view.
B

Tornado 09-13-2014 02:30 PM
________________________________________
Rome
Never watched it.

The Sopranos
Best show ever. I feel like I've said that about three different shows in this thread now. I go back and forth. Great, great show.
A+

True Detective
Very good. I've cooled on it a bit since finishing it, but still a good show.
B+

Justin 09-13-2014 02:51 PM
________________________________________
1. Rome - B+

Pretty good show. It was unfortunately cut short and you can definitely feel it in the final episode. But the show was always consistent and remained faithful to history.

2. The Sopranos - N/A

3. True Detective - B+

I can understand the criticisms about the finale, but I found it to be fitting. One of the things I liked most was the dialogue, and the philosophizing was always fascinating.

IanTheCool 09-13-2014 03:09 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889825)
I guess you can make a case for Arli$$ and Oz. Even Sex and the City predates The Sopranos. But The Sopranos really was the first premium cable drama series that caught mainstream attention, had universal critical praise and won a s--tload of awards. It definitely set the stage for everything that has happened in 21st century television so far.

If you hate the show, that's fine. It's not exactly a groundbreaking look at the mafia. Movies definitely covered the mafia pretty well. But it was an important step in television history and should be honored in some way.
________________________________________
lol I agree with you. I was more being sarcastic about the obviousness of your statement.

Knerys 09-13-2014 07:21 PM
________________________________________
1. Rome
Disppointed doesn't even begin to cover my feelings when this show was canceled. I'm not faulting a muddle 2nd season because the writers wanted to try to give the viewers some closure. I'm convinced Game of Thrones gets as much freedom as they do because HBO realized this was a mistake.
A

2. The Sopranos
I've seen a handful of episodes and they were good but not my cup of tea.
N/A

3. True Detective
Never seen. I'm sure it's brilliant.
N/A

Neverending 09-13-2014 08:00 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Knerys (Post 2889849)
3. True Detective
Never seen. I'm sure it's brilliant.
________________________________________
I can give you two reasons to watch it.

Daniel 09-14-2014 08:49 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889825)
I guess you can make a case for Arli$$ and Oz. Even Sex and the City predates The Sopranos. But The Sopranos really was the first premium cable drama series that caught mainstream attention, had universal critical praise and won a s--tload of awards. It definitely set the stage for everything that has happened in 21st century television so far.

If you hate the show, that's fine. It's not exactly a groundbreaking look at the mafia. Movies definitely covered the mafia pretty well. But it was an important step in television history and should be honored in some way.
________________________________________
Couldn't have said it better.

Daniel 09-14-2014 08:50 PM
________________________________________
1. Rome

Never saw it.

2. The Sopranos

I only watched this last year, and it seemed as fresh and modern as anything else I've seen. I completely understand why and how this completely changed television as we know it. Incredible look at the behind-the-scenes look at a mobster.

A+

3. True Detective

Almost as good as the first season of Fargo.

A

sabin26 09-15-2014 02:21 AM
________________________________________
1. Rome
I really wish they were allowed more. Got into it late and was dissapointed to hear it was canceled.

2. The Sopranos
Never been interested, put me to sleep when others tried to get me to watch it.

3. True Detective
Hoping to watch this when I get back.

MovieBuff801 09-15-2014 03:13 PM
________________________________________
Rome/The Sopranos

Once again, two shows I haven't seen. Yet.

True Detective

If we have another Top Ten Shows of the Year thread, then this will definitely have a spot amongst my Top Five. It may have its slower moments, but the acting is impeccable and when it's on a roll in terms of the story, holy ****. The single tracking shot during the shootout at the end of the fourth episode is one of the best things I've seen on a TV show, ever. Can't wait for Season 2.

****/****

Knerys 09-16-2014 01:30 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2889853)
I can give you two reasons to watch it.
________________________________________
As has everyone else.

JBond 09-16-2014 07:52 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2889818)
1. Rome

2. The Sopranos

3. True Detective
________________________________________
1. Rome - I think I remember enjoying this for the most part.

***/****

2. The Sopranos - I liked it, but it wasn't really my cup of tea either. I kept waiting for it to reach a higher level for me.

***/****

3. True Detective - Once again, I liked it, but it's overrated in my opinion.

**.5/****

Ramplate 09-16-2014 09:05 PM
________________________________________
Rome and True Detective - never seen
Sopranos - Only watched the first episode

IanTheCool 09-21-2014 09:35 PM
________________________________________
Rome - Awesome show with amazing production values, interesting characters, and a great story which tries to include a lot of historical details. 4.5/5

Sopranos - Fine enough, good acting and writing and all that. Just never captivated me personally. I liked the series ending.

True Detective - The two leads made this series, as well as the eerie, atmospheric direction. Not sure if it will continue the quality of its first season, since the characters were such a huge part of its success. It seems destined to be an inconstant series over time. But for now, pretty awesome. 4.5/5

Daniel 09-22-2014 01:47 AM
________________________________________
ok, we need more shows. Who is running this thing?

Daniel 09-22-2014 01:48 AM
________________________________________
Also, did you guys read the recent news where the writer of the Sopranos says Tony Soprano does end up living past that final blackout? I personally always thought that was obvious.

Fanible 09-22-2014 02:35 AM
________________________________________
How is it obvious?

Although that's apparently not the case, as he's claiming it was a misquote:
www.freep.com/story/entertain...-all/14730089/

Thankfully so. That would be like Christopher Nolan coming out one day and saying that at the end of Inception the spinning top ends up falling. What's the point in telling anyone that?

Personally, I like the idea that the blackout symbolized his death. It was essentially a throwback to a conversation that was had earlier in the series, as to what happens when you die. That it just goes black and then there's nothing. Obviously, like Inception's spinning top, it's really supposed to be ambiguous. However I feel like the idea that he was still alive past that moment makes the ending kind of meaningless.

Daniel 09-22-2014 12:11 PM
________________________________________
That debate is a neverending circle. It was a throwback, but you could argue either point - that it was using that throwback to signify death, or that it used that throwback to make you doubt his survival.

FranklinTard 09-22-2014 12:17 PM
________________________________________#TonyLives

JBond 09-22-2014 06:03 PM
________________________________________
Tony's dead in a coffin at the beginning of the finale. If you loop it around it goes from black to him being dead.

IanTheCool 09-22-2014 07:15 PM
________________________________________
Next Round:
1. The Vampire Diaries

2. The Wire

3. The X-Files

JBond 09-22-2014 07:26 PM
________________________________________
1. The Vampire Diaries

What are we, 15 year old girls?

2. The Wire

I liked the seasons I saw, the first couple, but I have nowhere near the reverence that others hold for it.

3. The X-Files

I binge watched this show like I've never binge watched before. I was watching 6-7 episodes a night at one point. Because of this I have trouble remembering the show, but I did really enjoy it. Obviously.

Dracula 09-22-2014 10:53 PM
________________________________________
1. The Vampire Diaries
:rolleyes:

2. The Wire
Worthy of all the praise it gets. A fully formed drama and an insightful political statement made by someone who really knows what he's talking about.
A+

3. The X-Files
The highs are really high and the lows are really low. The show's production values, acting, and visual style were really ahead of their time and when the show was on it was extremely entertaining. However, it was made before anyone really knew how to do serialized drama and the "mythos" was a complete mess that made Lost look like Breaking Bad. The last 3 or so seasons were also a disaster.
B+

JBond 09-22-2014 11:06 PM
________________________________________
I like how Mulder found and lost his sister 3 times. Also, CSM died 3 times.

sabin26 09-23-2014 01:25 AM
________________________________________
The Vampire Diaries
Been forced to watch a few episodes...at least it isn't completely like Twilight

The Wire
Watched the whole series while deployed last time...definitely a well written show.

X-Files
Love this show, all the ups and downs. Bought the entire "bootleg" series of it the first time I was in Afghanistan...watched it religiously the entire eight months.

New GL of sector 2814 09-23-2014 03:24 AM
________________________________________
The Vampire Diaries: Forced to watch Season 1 with an ex at the end of the relationship, which lives up to the tweeny girl hype it gets. Watched the first couple eps of Season 2 on a bored whim and found it to be a much more stomachable TV show. Dropped it at some point after (never cared to figure out where). Heard it was still on so there's that I suppose... Season 1= .5/10, 2= 5/10, rest= don't care

The Wire and The X-Files: Never seen a single ep of either show and don't plan to in the near future. Perhaps 20 or 30 years down the line when I haven't heard a single word about either in over a decade I'll have a random whim to watch them. WAY too much hype for both of these shows...

New GL of sector 2814 09-23-2014 03:25 AM
________________________________________*double post, sorry...

iv3rdawG 09-23-2014 11:23 AM
________________________________________
The Vampire Diaries
When everyone was watching True Blood, this show was doing what that series was trying to do so much better. Truthfully, it's not the greatest, and you know that going in, but that doesn't stop it from being a lot of fun. The back half of season two is actually great. It's never been able to hit that high again though, and this past season was just a bit of a drag.

The Wire
Watched a season but didn't grab me in the same way that it seemed to with so many others.

X-Files
Never seen an episode.

Tornado 09-23-2014 11:37 AM
________________________________________
The Vampire Diaries
Never seen it. As Bond said, I'm not a teenage girl.

The Wire
Great show. I don't love it as much as a lot of people do, but I'm still a big fan.
A-

The X-Files
Big, big fan. I was a huge binge-watcher of this on DVD in the summer after high school. I loved this show so much that I intentionally messed with my sleep cycle so I could come home from work (I was working a 2-10:30pm shift at a grocery store), watch like 6-7 episodes and then hit the sack. This was the ultimate show to watch in the dead of night. I doubt I would ever really revisit it now, but I have really fond memories of this show.
A

Ramplate 09-23-2014 11:45 AM
________________________________________
Started watching Episodes of X files from season one and two

FranklinTard 09-23-2014 11:54 AM
________________________________________
Nerdy podcast called The X Files Files with Kumail Nanjiani goes through the whole series, tells you which episodes to skip and which to watch, then discusses them every week with a new guest like Dan Harmon or someone.

Good to know which to skip, because as said, they have some major lows.

Daniel 09-23-2014 11:58 AM
________________________________________
1. The Vampire Diaries

Never seen it

2. The Wire

Will likely always hold a spot in my top 10 shows of all-time. Zero complaints, and names of characters that a lot of people out in public recognise instantly.

A+

3. The X-Files

I finally binge-watched this one this year, and I absolutely loved it until Mulder's exit. Then it just got weird, lazy, sloppy, and convoluted. I had a hard time finishing the last few seasons. This wasn't the disaster or disappointment Lost was, probably because I wasn't as socially and emotionally invested, and when the show was good, it was great.

B+

Tornado 09-23-2014 12:02 PM
________________________________________
I agree that not every episode of The X-Files is a home run, but I wouldn't skip any on a first viewing. A lot of what makes the show what it is can be found in those 'lesser' episodes. Part of the appeal to me to me was that not every case they took on was a major spectacle.

Justin 09-23-2014 12:31 PM
________________________________________
1. The Vampire Diaries

I've never seen an episode.

N/A

2. The Wire

Love this show. So many great (tragic) scenes. Own the box set.

A

3. The X-Files

It's definitely hit-or-miss, but I still love it. It influenced a lot of my own writing. At one point, I was so addicted to the show, I went out and bought Mulder's poster. Think I still have it, too.

B+

Daniel 09-23-2014 01:09 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Tornado (Post 2890630)
I agree that not every episode of The X-Files is a home run, but I wouldn't skip any on a first viewing. A lot of what makes the show what it is can be found in those 'lesser' episodes. Part of the appeal to me to me was that not every case they took on was a major spectacle.
________________________________________
Agree, subplots were laced throughout every episode.

T-1000 just sucked so hard in this.

Knerys 09-24-2014 10:41 AM
________________________________________
1. The Vampire Diaries
Nope.

2. The Wire
One day. I swear.


3. The X-Files
Legitimately terrified me as a kid. But only watched it sporadically.
B

IanTheCool 09-27-2014 08:48 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2890564)
1. The Vampire Diaries

What are we, 15 year old girls?
________________________________________
Sorry, I just really wanted to vent about how awful this show is. The storylines are ridiculously complicated and ludicrous, while the acting is just such typical bad TV acting. So while so much preposterous stuff is happening in the storyline, these actors dont make it seem like they have a clue what is going on or that they actually care. They are just reading lines and trying to emote with transparent drama. 1/5

The Wire
Is this show really as good as everyone says it is? Yes. Like The Godfather, this deserves all the accolades that are poured upon it even when it seems to be an insurmountable task just because of how much praise there is. There is a huge cast of characters all interconnected in some way, which is right up my alley. 5/5

The X-Files
I was a massive X-Files fan when I was in high school, and was well-known for being one. That's probably why I didn't have a girlfriend. (Well, okay, there were lots of reasons for that). Two great leads, really cool stories, and a great over-arching conspiracy storyline which captivated me.

But being removed from it for many years, I am able to look at it more objectively. After season 5 it went on a steady decline in popularity, mostly due to trying to keep the show going when they shouldn't have. Still, I tend to judge series' more on their strong years then their longevity, so its still one of the greats in my book. 4.5/5.

iv3rdawG 09-27-2014 12:49 PM
________________________________________
Man, you guys are absolutely brutal on Vampire Diaries, and I don't agree with it at all. I've linked to this article before but I think it's worth it to post it again:

www.avclub.com/tvclub/the-vam...-be-watc-50681

Granted, that was written when the show was at its peak, but I think its still relevant. Also:

www.avclub.com/article/experi...plot-and-86133


IanTheCool 09-27-2014 02:26 PM
________________________________________
A lot of that articles basis was that the people are pretty. Not a strong foundation. And dopplegangers are NOT a good plot device.

Tornado 09-27-2014 10:19 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2890923)
But being removed from it for many years, I am able to look at it more objectively. After season 5 it went on a steady decline in popularity, mostly due to trying to keep the show going when they shouldn't have. Still, I tend to judge series' more on their strong years then their longevity, so its still one of the greats in my book.
________________________________________
I agree to an extent. A few weeks ago I had a night to myself so I watched a few episodes on Netflix and just wasn't into it as much. I don't think the show has held up as well in some regards.

IanTheCool 09-28-2014 03:06 PM
________________________________________
Next set:
1. Archer

2. The Big Bang Theory

3. Community

Neverending 09-28-2014 03:23 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2890984)
1. Archer
________________________________________
Love.
Quote:
________________________________________2. The Big Bang Theory
________________________________________


Love. Hate.
Quote:
________________________________________3. Community
________________________________________
Love. Like.

FranklinTard 09-28-2014 03:47 PM
________________________________________
I don't necessarily hate the big bang theory... but I loathe its apologists.

Dracula 09-28-2014 04:42 PM
________________________________________
1. Archer
Seen a couple of episodes but got sick of it pretty quickly. Seems like kind of a one joke show. I am amused that the agency in it is called ISIS, have they changed that?
N/A

2. The Big Bang Theory
I don't know that I've seen an episode in its entirety. Just a bunch of really dated nerd jokes in an antiquated multi-camera setup.
N/A

3. Community
Loved it out of the gate, but it's jumped the shark hard. I would blame the firing of Dan Harmon, but he wasn't able to save it in season five and truth be told it was kind of slipping toward the end of season 3 so maybe it just lost steam after a while.
A- for first couple of seasons, D for last two seasons, solid B overall

IanTheCool 09-28-2014 04:54 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Dracula (Post 2890989)
I am amused that the agency in it is called ISIS, have they changed that?
________________________________________
Wow, you're right.

Ramplate 09-28-2014 05:06 PM
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I doubt it - last season though there was no ISIS it had folded and they were selling cocaine lol

His mother wants to start up again, but if they keep the name is still to be seen

JBond 09-28-2014 09:49 PM
________________________________________
1. Archer

I really wanted to like Archer, I did. And it was really funny for a few episodes...and suddenly I didn't like it anymore.

**/****

2. The Big Bang Theory

Oh man. This show was quite good for a season or two but then it got popular and it stopped celebrating nerds and started making them the butt of the joke. Now the show is a joke, but not the funny kind. Not to mention sexist.

*.5/****

3. Community

Brilliant show, doesn't get enough attention. Yes, it's fallen a bit, but what show hasn't?

****/****

Ramplate 09-28-2014 10:39 PM
________________________________________
1. Archer
Love it

2. The Big Bang Theory
Still ok for the most part - I like it

3. Community
Never could quite get into it

Justin 09-28-2014 11:55 PM
________________________________________
1. Archer - B-

Same as Jbond. It's fun for awhile, and I used to watch it pretty often. Then, for some reason, I just stopped. And I don't even care anymore.

2. The Big Bang Theory - F

I hate this show. Bad jokes, dumb characters, and the same **** in every episode.

3. Community - N/A.

sabin26 09-29-2014 01:59 AM
________________________________________I enjoy all three

Tornado 09-29-2014 08:46 AM
________________________________________
Archer
I loved 'Archer' for the first few seasons, and then I just kind of lost interest like Bond and Justin said. To be fair though, I just haven't seen the most recent season... and I'm sure there will be a rainy day in my future where I chug through all of what I've missed. The show is very repetitive though so I definitely don't blame anybody for not sticking with it.
B

The Big Bang Theory
Another show I lost interest in, although I lost interest much quicker here. I really only enjoyed the first two seasons, and then I stopped watching. That being said, my girlfriend loves this show and frequently watches the repeats on TBS... so that means I frequently watch the repeats on TBS. It's not terrible, it's just not something I would actively seek out.
C

Community
This is sad. I really loved the first three seasons of this show, and I mean really loved, but it really dipped in quality and never quite recovered. I've watched a lot of shows over the years that have done a 180 on me, but I don't know that many can compare with this... except for 'Lost'. Nothing will ever beat 'Lost' in that competition.
B-

Deexan 09-29-2014 09:26 AM
________________________________________
Never seen Archer or Community, though both are on my to-watch list.

TBBT was very good for the first few seasons and while it has lost a LOT of what made it so great it still gets a laugh or two out of me nowadays. 3/5.

Tornado 09-29-2014 01:12 PM
________________________________________
Has it really lost anything? For me, I just think the feeling of freshness wore away and I ended up feeling bored with it. In small doses I still think it's a good show, but when looked at from a broader perspective these people really aren't all that appealing.

Semi-unrelated story, I bought the complete series of 'Seinfeld' a few years back and watched every single episode in the span of like a month (I wasn't working and was sort of fighting off depression, not a good time) and came away feeling like those four main characters are huge *******s. I was so overexposed that it was an impossible feeling to avoid. That's how I feel about the characters in TBBT too. In small doses, it can be entertaining. But when watched marathon-style (TBS sometimes airs it in huge 3-4 hour chunks, and I've sat through the entire run several times) these people are huge nerds and completely unlikeable.

JBond 09-29-2014 06:14 PM
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Yeah, George can be tough to take in big doses. Same thing for me and the Office. Michael is a very unlikable character.

MovieBuff801 09-29-2014 06:56 PM
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I think almost every sitcom from the 90's and on are ripe with annoying characters in varying degrees. Seinfeld, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, The King of Queens, The Office, etc. It just comes down to if the shows make you laugh.

Anyway...

Archer/Community

Haven't seen 'em.

The Big Bang Theory

Not a great comedy by any means and I see people complaints about the nerd stereotyping, and it's lost some of its vigor recently, but it still consistently makes me laugh and I always enjoy watching it.

I flip flop between **1/2 and ***/****

Neverending 09-29-2014 08:13 PM
________________________________________
The characters on Seinfeld are supposed to be a-holes. That's where the humor comes in. It's supposed to capture the "dark side" of everyday people. And the characters on The Big Bang Theory are cringe-worthy because they're relics of the 1980's and 90's. MOST real-life nerds don't act or dress like the characters on the show.

Daniel 09-29-2014 11:54 PM
________________________________________
Archer

same stuff every episode, but amuses me enough to keep watching in spurts on Netflix.

C

Community

Like The Walking Dead and Heroes, I kept watching until I realised it was only going further down the terrible hole and gave up watching midway through the last season.

D

Big Bang Theory

I've heard too much to ever want to watch this.

Knerys 09-30-2014 10:48 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by IanTheCool (Post 2890984)
Next set:
1. Archer

2. The Big Bang Theory

3. Community
________________________________________
I have seen only a hand full of Big Bang theory and some of it is pretty entertaining but not exactly clever. B-...ish

I have seen none of the other two
(sorry guys, I get busy :/ ).

IanTheCool 09-30-2014 09:36 PM
________________________________________
Archer - Sure it can be funny, but its too damn loud and obnoxious. 3/5

Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2891003)

The Big Bang Theory

Oh man. This show was quite good for a season or two but then it got popular and it stopped celebrating nerds and started making them the butt of the joke. Now the show is a joke, but not the funny kind. Not to mention sexist.
________________________________________
JBond has pretty much summed up my thoughts here. I did like the dynamics between penny and sheldon, but otherwise its just cookie cutter stuff.

Also, how are laugh tracks still a thing?
2.5/5

Community - One of the best comedies in a long while. Great characters with great relationships. Very funny stuff whether its a regular episode or one of the famous parody episodes. Its too bad they couldn't hold it all together. 4.5/5

IanTheCool 09-30-2014 09:38 PM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by Neverending (Post 2891074)
The characters on Seinfeld are supposed to be a-holes. That's where the humor comes in. It's supposed to capture the "dark side" of everyday people. And the characters on The Big Bang Theory are cringe-worthy because they're relics of the 1980's and 90's. MOST real-life nerds don't act or dress like the characters on the show.
________________________________________
Exactly.

FranklinTard 09-30-2014 10:15 PM
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Cant believe I'm gonna do this.... big bang theory is filmed in front of a live audience. Imagine the people at those shows. Lotta blue hairs is my guess, but I'm not very sure of the demographics. Awful show.

JBond 09-30-2014 11:02 PM
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This is...illuminating.
VIDEO-CLick to Watch!:

Knerys 09-30-2014 11:53 PM
________________________________________That was....awkward.

Fanible 10-01-2014 05:20 AM
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Most sitcoms are. There's a reason why there's a laugh track on them.

It's actually something I always found interesting, yet bizarre. Something only a few shows managed to get right (see That 70's Show). The general reactions from characters being completely unrealistic (or just awkward) given the situation and conversations. That they're constantly making puns, or throwing "joke" insults around, but yet none of them react to it. They just play it straight. Without the laugh track in these shows, it makes it even more obvious, but it is always something that has bugged me even with a studio audience. That when none of the other characters react to the comments/jokes that a character makes, they all just seem mean or miserable.

Now there are other shows that this bugs me with as well, and they don't have laugh tracks at all, but it's usually the traditional sitcom I notice this the most in.

Neverending 10-01-2014 07:56 AM
________________________________________
Laugh track or genuine studio audience laughter, there needs to be a pause so people have room to laugh without missing any important information. This is also true for single camera sitcoms and movies.

The problem with a show like The Big Bang Theory isn't the awkward pauses. It's the rhythm and storytelling. Look at classic sitcoms like I Love Lucy, All In The Family, The Cosby Show and even more contemporary shows like That 70's Show which Fanible mentioned. They're able to get away with the pauses because a) the actors react to the humor and b) the story allows for a pause.

Just look at this example: the episode of All In The Family where Sammy Davis, Jr. kisses Archie Bunker on the lips. They pause after the kiss so the audience can go crazy with laughter and cheers. But within the context of the scene, it makes sense to have a pause. Archie Bunker is so shocked by the kiss that he can't do anything except stare in horror.

iv3rdawG 10-01-2014 10:06 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by JBond (Post 2891213)
This is...illuminating.
VIDEO-CLick to Watch!:
________________________________________
Any show would be awkward if there were long pauses in between jokes. Do the same with Seinfeld and the same thing would be true.

Daniel 10-01-2014 01:04 PM
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It was mostly awkward because nothing in that scene was funny.

JBond 10-01-2014 09:30 PM
________________________________________He gets it!

IanTheCool 10-02-2014 08:49 PM
________________________________________
Next Round:
1. Dexter

2. Extras

3. Futurama

Dracula 10-02-2014 08:58 PM
________________________________________
1. Dexter
Absolutely loved the first two seasons. They weren't a sophisticated triumph or anything but they were just really fun. From there it started tading off. Season three was lame, season four was better, I actually like season five more than most people. Then it took a nose dive deep into the realms of suckage.
B-

2. Extras
Thought the first season (or series, or whatever) was kind of middling, but I really loved the second season where it turns into a sort of alternate version of what Ricky Gervais' life would have been like if The Office sucked. Found myself shockingly attached to the characters by the finale.
B+

3. Futurama
Looking soley at its original run I think it's a fine series that was probably better than the Simpsons season that were on concurrently. The post cancellation stuff has been mixed at best.
B+

Tornado 10-02-2014 09:13 PM
________________________________________
Dexter
The show really lost me around Season 6, it had just become too predictable. But man I loved those first 3-4 seasons, those were fantastic. So because of that, the show trends upward for me a bit.
B

Extras
Never seen it, no interest really.

Futurama
That's tough. As Dracula said, its original run was really good. What came after wasn't great, but it also wasn't awful.... until it became awful. I'm in a generous mood though, so I'll rank based primarily on the original seasons.
B+

JBond 10-02-2014 09:40 PM
________________________________________
Dexter

Had some good seasons, then turned into horrible, horrible crap. I'm feeling mean:

*.5/****


Extras

Haven't seen an episode. Heard good things.


Futurama

The reason for my existence. The latter seasons are bad, but I'm not feeling mean:

****/****

PG Cooper 10-02-2014 09:45 PM
________________________________________
1. Dexter

I enjoy the first four seasons. Never saw the rest. The stuff I saw was fun and Michael C. Hall is great in his role.

4/5

2. Extras

Never seen it, but I like Ricky Gervais so I'll give it a rest.

3. Futurama

Incredible. I don't care how weak the later seasons were, in it's prime, Futurama was excellent. Brilliant, emotionally involving, and hysterically funny.

5/5

sabin26 10-02-2014 11:39 PM
________________________________________
Dexter
I got hooked on my last deployment. Watched all the way up to season 4, was disappointed with everything after.

Extras
Have not really been really interested in seeing it.

Futurama
Love it

Knerys 10-03-2014 11:58 AM
________________________________________
Dexter
I had little interest before. After hearing about its final season that dropped to zero.

Extras
It wound seem that I'd like this because I'm drawn to British humor, but haven't seen a lick of it.

Futurama
Love the original run. Haven't seen much of the revival.
A

MovieBuff801 10-03-2014 02:09 PM
________________________________________
I've still been meaning to give Dexter a shot.

Ramplate 10-03-2014 03:08 PM
________________________________________
1. Dexter
Loved it

2. Extras
never saw it

3. Futurama
It got funnier as it went along and then faded - good times

IanTheCool 10-04-2014 12:44 PM
________________________________________
Dexter - Watched the first few episodes. The premise was neat, but beyod that premise there's not much of a show there. 3/5

Extras - Not nearly in the same realm as The Office, but its quite enjoyable. Funny characters and some hilarious cameos (especially Patrick Stewart). I agree with others that the second season was better with the commentary on commercial success vs. artistic integrity. 4/5

Futurama - I only watch episodes here and there, but I think they do some neat sci-fi stuff. 3.5/5

MovieBuff801 10-04-2014 03:13 PM
________________________________________
BTW, Ian, are you going to keep this thread going on the new boards?

IanTheCool 10-05-2014 11:53 AM
________________________________________
Quote:
________________________________________
Originally Posted by MovieBuff801 (Post 2891992)
BTW, Ian, are you going to keep this thread going on the new boards?
________________________________________
You bet. I'll probably transfer it over soon.

Daniel 10-05-2014 12:50 PM
________________________________________
1. Dexter

I cut shows like Lost and X-Files a bit of slack for going south in their later season because of how stupendous they were before then, but I give Dexter no such pass. The first two seasons were great, the third one that gives you time to catch your breath before the greatness of season 4, but with one of the few things that gives Dexter dying, so does the story. There were moments here and there that gave us a glimmer of hope, but the last season was just the absolute worst, and I will forever live knowing Dexter turned into Logan (Wolverine), the bearded logger hiding from his past instead of giving us any semblance of a decent ending.

D

2. Extras

Never seen it

3. Futurama

Seen maybe 5 episodes. Liked what I saw, it's on my list of shows to watch.

FranklinTard 10-05-2014 10:13 PM
________________________________________
Chubby little fat man! Extras is awesome. So hilarious, good message overall, not subtle of course, but those turned off by Ricky's stance on religion should know that it is mentioned maybe once. Steven Merchant really shines as his agent, there is a particular scene with a pen that is very memorable. Even the Xmas special is quite solid, lot of cameos and they all poke fun at themselves in fantastic ways.

The other two I could take or leave. Never disliked them, but not as big a fan as others I know.