Whitechapel - On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:33:11 -0700

So I watched half of The Walking Dead before turning it off because I'd already seen it. Granted, not that specific show, but I've seen that story before, many times. Now, that's not a dealbreaker. I'm aware that there's nothing new under the sun and that it broad terms every story that can be told has been told. Still, there needs to be something. A setting. A character. A plot element. Something that hooks my interest. And there just wasn't anything. From what I could tell the show wasn't badly done, it's just that it was indistinguishable from the crowd of similar stories and I don't want to make time for that on my viewing schedule.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:35:44 -0700

Visually, it was stunning. But I thought it was ploddingly slow-paced. I'll be back for more next week, though.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

looneynerd — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:52:13 -0700

It's Always Sunny has had a really weak season so far. It's really disappointing.

I need my Venture Bros. Fix. There's not much season left and it makes me sad.

I'm craving some new Top Gear. I've seen a couple of full scenes from the American version, and it looks about as bad as I was expecting. It seems like they've tried to take the cinematography and style of the British version and copy it. The result is something that looks like an amateur trying to copy a professional. I'm not sure I can wait until January 3rd for new eps. There will be ten of them according to their website, and there are rumors going around that suggest that this will be the last season. I really hope not, but I respect the cast and crew enough to know that they're going to quit while they're ahead. If it isn't the last season, I wouldn't mind seeing one 10-episode season a year instead of two 6 or 7 mini-season a year. 6 or 7 never seems like enough.

The only other big TV I'm looking forward to this year is the Premier of "Conan" next week. That being said, I really want to check out this "The Hub" network, as they are running shows like Fraggle Rock and the Original GI Joe. I'm also kinda looking forward to seeing this new Wallace and Gromit show. I just have a soft spot for the series for some reason...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Kosmopolit — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:14:46 -0700

Did the final episode of Venture Bros air in the US Sunday?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:53:04 -0700

It wasn't on this week. The finale is next Sunday, and it's an hour.

I completely disagree on Walking Dead - even being intimately familiar with not only the broader premise, but this exact story, I still thought it was really gripping. Usually, even well-done adaptations tend to leave me feeling empty; I end up analyzing and comparing everything instead of just letting the story happen. Here, I actually went back and re-read the first few issues after it was over, and they felt almost shallow in comparison. It's not just the usual zombie story, it's the usual zombie story told by an absolute master of his craft, and Darabont squeezed every last iota of pathos to be found Kirkman's story.

But that's just me.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cameron C. — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:53:56 -0700

I'm not sure a zombie story can start any other way and we basically know how every zombie story is gonna end after an hour and a half. The Walking Dead is gonna get 13 hours at least, and the ability to go anywhere it wants, because its not a zombie /movie/ and we've already seen that AMC is willing to let their shows go where they need to. Then again, my favorite show for the last few months has been AMC's RUBICON, and I heard everyone call it things like "Fascinating but boring" and Ive never once found it boring so D:

@Looneynerd Conan is actually back tonight, they're starting a week early. Read that the other day. I hope its good, I'm pumped.

The Hub, I believe, is also doing a new CG TRANSFORMERS miniseries later this month. I'll watch it, knowing it won't be like BEAST WARS or the recent TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED, which was great. Didnt know there was gonna be another Wallace and Gromit. I gotta rewatch that....

I was kinda only so-so on the last season of Sunny, and this one is kinda the same. I still love it but it's noticeably a step down. Community has been freaking hilarious, though.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Allen — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:33:37 -0700

I thought the Walking Dead premiere was fantastic, there were scenes that were very difficult to watch due to being so hard emotionally to the characters and thus me. Especially with the father and son Rick ran across. The high rating of the episode means a second season is very likely too which is a big bonus.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:58:04 -0700

They knocked Morgan and Duane absolutely out of the park. The whole thing with the mother? Spectacular. And I'm already loving Glenn, and we haven't even technically seen him yet.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

StefanJ — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:48:55 -0700

I really miss Mad Men.

I'm not looking forward to Breaking Bad as much I did the beginning of last season. Walter White has become an amoral monster, and exposed his family to deadly danger. He has apparently forced Jesse, who still had a shred of decency left, to become a monster. There is no way the situation can lead to anything but disaster.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:33:48 -0700

@Steadyup - yeah, I thought the best parts were Duane and Morgan. And I didn't dislike it, it just felt a little slow. Still, excellent to see such a high rating, it's well-promoted and well-done, looks like it'll be around for awhile. AMC gives shows a chance to grow and find/build an audience. This one's gonna be a bigger cash cow than Mad Men and so might keep shows that're "on the bubble" (Rubicon, which I've never watched) alive.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:15:50 -0700

To break away from how great Walking Dead was for a minute; has anybody been watching Terriers? Wasn't too sure on it at first, but it's been really enjoyable lately.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cameron C. — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:00:50 -0700

@DJStawes: Yeah, I saw some people liking the first few episodes on twitter and now I look forward to it every week. Really good.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

epalicki — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:22:00 -0700

@DJStawes - Prior to the Walking Dead, I decided that Terriers was the only new show of the season that is a) worth watching and b) not canceled (R.I.P. Lone Star).

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

steevo — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:54:33 -0700

@Kosmopolit - Next Sunday.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

StefanJ — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:16:52 -0700

I'm watching a whole bunch of DVRd shows to insulate myself from this evening's election coverage. Lots of sitcoms indulging in a Halloween episode. An episode of House.

The Venture Brothers from the week before last had a genuine twist ending. What a great show.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

ian holloway — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:21:31 -0700

was blown away utterly by The Walking Dead. yes that day of the triffids start is a bit of cliche but it was in the book too.
thought the characterisation and the acting were spot on and loved how it set it's stall out early (first scene) with regard to the violence.
absolutely cannot wait for more.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Ken Miller — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:46:21 -0700

Really enjoyed The Walking Dead - the sequence where the main character gets surrounded by the zombies and has to hide in the tank was gripping stuff.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

jonah — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:08:58 -0800

I'll not sure I'll watch the rest of The Walking Dead. The tone of first episode felt pretty inconstant to me. Next paragraph has minor spoilers.

The end scene was the greatest offender for me, near suicide followed by sad horse guts gore with way too upbeat music playing on top, haha? Small things like message(s!) written in blood I just find goofy on TV. The headshot porn I found silly too and I wish they had taken a Hitchcock approach. The scene with all the bodies laid out with bloodstains seeping into the head area of the blanket was much more effective and chilling. I liked the scene with the crippled zombie euthanasia I found it slightly funny in a really uncomfortable way. But cutting that scene with a rather serious one of a man being the sole member of his wife's death panel? Didn't work for me.

I guess I was hoping for/expecting something a bit more mature, dark and depressing, but this looks like(despite some nice flourishes) it will be a modern take on the pulp monster adventure-man show? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I much prefer the way Dexter uses humor to make the terrible moments stand out more, while with The Walking Dead I felt the humor lessened the drama and made it feel insubstantial. I'm sorta bummed out I didn't like it. Anyway, the comic is awesome and I hope Kirkman makes tons of money!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Oddcult — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:23:33 -0800

Did Supernatural just steal lines from Hellblazer? I mean, not even riffing on it, or inspired by it, but dialogue straight from the comic?

To avoid detailed spoilers, I'll just say that there was a 'King of the Vampires' who seemed to literally be the same character from Garth Ennis' run, and said exactly the same things.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:42:06 -0800

@Oddcult:
Dunno - Ennis was where I stopped reading Constantine for a bit. But it's known Castiel's look is nicked off Conjob.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Oddcult — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:24:28 -0800

Wait a second... just had another look and noticed the credits and saw who the writer was. Andrew Dabb. Fuck me. Is he still around these parts? He was on the WEF and I used to chat to him. I think it can safely be assumed that yeah, he nicked the character from Ennis and possibly even asked if it was okay to. He probably won't be able to confirm or deny, though. Still, really happy to see he's got such a decent gig now.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:47:30 -0800

I remember him vaguely. Good for him.

The Event is rapidly reaching the point where the fun is about to consumed by the stupidity. It's sort of like Lost and 24 had a really slow child - and then somebody decided to lobotomize it.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:28:10 -0800

Long The Walking Dead so far, though it's not without its flaws.

Also watching Sons of Anarchy - just started it fairly recently, but I got caught up pretty quickly. Much better show than I'd anticipated from the print advertising, which seemed to be aimed directly at the West Coast Choppers poseur crowd.

Really digging Weeds, too, for the sheer amount of absurdity.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:29:02 -0800

Spooks really went for it this finale. Sterling work from Peter Firth and Nicola Walker, a nice brutality, a few cool nods to things like Infernal Affairs

(aptly, given the deep betrayals involved here.)

And after the way it ended, the only sensible thing next season is to do Harry Pierce - The Equaliser Years.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:26:00 -0800

@howyadoin

Also watching Sons of Anarchy - just started it fairly recently, but I got caught up pretty quickly. Much better show than I'd anticipated from the print advertising, which seemed to be aimed directly at the West Coast Choppers poseur crowd.

I've been digging Sons all the way through, and I kinda look at it like a testosterone soap opera. That, and it's one of the few shows that I can gossip about with the prisoners at work. I heard the 1st season was supposed to have some Hamlet references, but I think those have mostly drifted off. One thing, though, I am sick of the theme song. Especially the so-called Irish version. It's right up there with the Firefly theme. I do like about half the soundtrack. Hearing Dropkick in the 1st season, and now some Flogging Molly, and every once in a while Katy Segal will sing a song, not that it's my style, but it fits the mood of the show.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:30:05 -0800

Psych is back! Misfits tomorrow! If anyone hasn't watched season one of Misfits yet, you have one day. I believe in you.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:15:29 -0800

@ government spy: Yeah, I could do without the theme song. About as generic as it gets. I did like the instrumental cover of "Fortunate Son", though.

And as for the Hamlet comparisons, I still think that John Teller's blood is most likely on Clay's hands.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Foamhead — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:59:59 -0800

Ah crap.

AMC Cancels 'Rubicon'

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

nativio289 — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:23:21 -0800

Fuck you, Fookwit, for ruining my day.

I guess the runaway success of Walking Dead wasn't enough to give Rubicon more time. I am really, really going to miss it, particularly Arliss Howard.

I think Kale Ingram should be written into every show. Kale on Breaking Bad. Kale on Dexter. Kale on Walking Dead. Kale on 30 Rock. The letter campaign starts here and now.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:27:07 -0800

@nativio:
I often feel the same way, but my 'character who makes every TV show better' would be Parker from Leverage. C'mon, lovely perky insane blonde cat-burglar - every show needs one!

Parker and Kale, team-up. They Fight Crime.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:57:32 -0800

Never got into Rubicon, so now I just need to start watching Breaking Bad and I'll have the AMC hat trick.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

DavidLejeune — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:08:57 -0800

Fringe has officially added Hyperboreans. I am pleased with this development.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:25:02 -0800

MINTBERRY CRRRRUNNCHH!

South Park has been great over the past couple-three weeks.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 19:33:47 -0800

I've got to mention again how fantastic Terriers is, because this week's episode was just perfect.

Can anyone tell me if season one of Rubicon is worth watching knowing that it won't be coming back? I don't want to get invested in a mystery that'll be solved.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:03:46 -0800

@DJ STawes I second that for Terriers. I've been on the fence for a little bit, and had DVR'd the last three episodes. Just finished catching up earlier this afternoon, and yeah, very well put together episode. How long will it take him to fall off the wagon, though?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:56:05 -0800

It seems like, and I hope, that they're going to keep him sober. He wouldn't be very effective otherwise, and the show would lose a lot of it's edge were that the case. I could see it happening if he indirectly causes the death of, say, Gretchen but I doubt it'd last for more than an episode.

I'm more curious how Brett will react

if he finds out Hank knew about Katie.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Kosmopolit — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:38:47 -0800

Saw the first episode of Misfits.

Enjoyed the first season but was really blown away by the season two premiere.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Jehrot — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:18:33 -0800

Just found out that the Venture Brothers season 4 finale will be aired on the 21st of this very month. Too far away damnit!
There's a promo here.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:36:25 -0800

DJ Stawes:
In short, yes. Splendid stuff.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:43:58 -0800

Anybody watching Avengers:Earth's Mightiest Heroes? I am and it's quite good. The theme song is a cheesy power ballad, Nick Fury is some kind of mulatto or something and the guy voicing Iron Man is doing his best Robert Downey Jr imitation but other than those things, it's quite enjoyable. The most recent episode I saw had the return of Captain America and it was most glorious seeing Cap in action. The villains? Arnim Zola and Baron Zemo. I like how Thor is big and goofy, the Hulk is big and mean, the Wasp is brave and perceptive, Ant Man is also Giant Man, depending on the situation and the aformentioned Iron Man isn't a total loss. If you're an unrepentant fanboy bastard like I am, give it a try.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Jack_Crow — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:07:17 -0800

shit, i hate tv series, i watched like a million and i still miss the cartoons!!! specially if you wanna watch the good old ones! I have to check that avengers one!

Misfits was fun, but the characters were annoying as fuck, and the way they got they powers was chesy as hell, I have to watch the second series.

And i still have to watch rubicon but it looked good. shame

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:38:48 -0800

I love what Walking Dead is doing. They just made a moment from the comic completely unexpected just by adding in a couple different elements to the plot. It was a bit of a hat trick, but if they vary it up enough and keep the pacing as strong as it's been, you'll hear no complaints from me.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Lazarus99 — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:03:12 -0800

Just watched the (sadly unused) Global Frequency pilot. Dunno if anyone's said this before (although I'm sure they have), but WB are a bunch of dicks!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:04:25 -0800

Futurama, Walking Dead and Venture Bros - this was the best night ever. Screw you, night-I-lost-my-virginity.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

celan — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:20:39 -0800

That was a fucking amazing episode of The Venture Bros. Seriously.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

chris g — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:14:47 -0800

best Venture episode ever. So packed with twists and surprises. I'm so proud of Twenty-One, Brock and Dean...and DERMOTT! I want a mp3 of that Shallow Gravy song \m/

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:55:00 -0800

Man, that Walking Dead was good. It IS the comic and it IS the show. Perfect; two different media telling the same story, each to its strengths. And yes, anyone can die.

As a strange side note, AMC only comes in in black&white on my tv. (I have no idea why, it's the only station to do that but monkey with it as I might, it only comes in in black&white.) so it's almost just like the comic on another level as well.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

tim.x13 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:13:57 -0800

I'm almost all caught up on the IT Crowd (well, up to the 3rd series at least), and I have to say, I think it's probably the funniest comedy series I've seen in a long time.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

-3- — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:10:37 -0800

@ Mister Hex - Yeah, i'm liking the new Avengers animated. I was quite concerned as it started - crowd voices seemed like friends & amateurs at the opening. And that theme song is the WORST - makes me long for the old 1960s Marvel theme songs. But they're doing a fine job with the story, not rushing things at all. Seven episodes to bring the team together, and looks like maybe all season to cover the complete origin. Much, much better than i feared when it began.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

steevo — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:48:40 -0800

God bless the Ventures.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

looneynerd — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:11:54 -0800

Great Futurama Christmas ep. The Venture continues to be amazing. I'm really hoping that's not the last ep ever. They definitely did it in a way that it could be (everyone got closure in some way, it seems). And seriously, Dean got the best last word in ever!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:45:33 -0800

Venture Brothers continues to amaze. When a show can have as a ten second throw-away bit something like

a gay Sean Connery look-and-sound-alike making a scale model of the USS Indianapolis on the back of his dog

...and that isn't even the funniest or oddest moment in the ep, it's a winner.

Walking Dead however seems to be getting kind of weak. Read the comic as far as where Season 1 will supposedly end and I'm not too impressed wth either.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Jack_Crow — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:40:42 -0800

this weekend episode of the walking dead might be the best one so far for me. havent read the comic, so I cannot compare.

Anyone had give a second to watch something called "Tower prep" from paul dini? it's on cartoon network, and it looks cheap and feel quite childish (it's on the CN, so its normal) but I hope it will get better.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Sophie — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:46:39 -0800

Loving The Walking Dead but still prefer the comic. It's amazing how hard it is to transmit the emotion of even one panel to the screen. That being said, they are still doing a bang up job with it. Really want to see 'Bug Brothers' turned into a mini series. Just as long as the TV execs leave 'Preacher' and 'Transmetropolitan' alone. Forever. And ever. And ever. They'd ruin it. You know they would.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Phranky — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:24:59 -0800

People like The Walking Dead tv show? The first episode was brilliant but the rest only had a few stand out moments in my opinion.

Also: Fringe has had some especially brilliant moments.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:14:26 -0800

TWD's iffy moments have been at least as good as Fringe at its best.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

InvincibleM — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:40:40 -0800

Anyone here watching In Treatment? It was a very intense week, for everyone. Adele tore Paul the new one he's been deserving for three seasons.

I have to say that while I heartily approve of the american writing of this season, the first season seemed to manage the dynamics of the character arcs a way that was a bit more interesting in my opinion, with some characters having more intense sessions some weeks while others were on low tide, so to speak. This season, it seems like all the characters(Paul included) are on this constant, progressive build towards total meltdowns or perhaps catharsis. While this is I suppose more entertaining, I prefer the realism of all of the characters having different moods and their lives not being in sync for the viewer's convenience.

If you don't watch this show, you're missing some of the best writing and best characters on television. Its my favorite show that I know no one I know will ever watch.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:17:10 -0800

I watched the first season, and liked it a lot, but I just couldn't make the time commitment for another season - I have things to do, for Christ's sake.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Jack_Crow — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:36:01 -0800

I watched the frist season too, and I loved it, but as steadyUp i also watch too many series to get into another tour de force with season 2.....I know I will watch the rest of it...eventually :)

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:18:12 -0800

So glad I stuck with Terriers. I'll be rooting for this underdog to have a second season for sure.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

shining_lion — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:40:13 -0800

If Terriers doesn't get picked up, it'll be a tragedy. It grabbed me in places Justified couldn't even touch.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

city creed — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:42:19 -0800

Just watched ep 3 of season 2 Misfits.

Awe.

In every possible possible way.

So glad they got to make a 2nd series, despite my earlier misgivings. Just gets better and better.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

celan — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:53:01 -0800

@citruscreed
That show manages to be great and completely ridiculous at the same time. Love it.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

city creed — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:07:49 -0800

@celan - yep, that's pretty much it :D

In a lot of other shows the gear changes would be jarring, but in Misfits they're exhilarating.
That latest ep manages to hit so many different notes it's near epic. The writing and performances are SO good.
The combination of hilariously fantastic storylines with utterly believable, almost mundane, superheroes firing delicious barbed dialogue at each other is pure win.
Hmmm, almost sorta reminds me a little of something else when I put it like that...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 14:51:06 -0800

A bit of friendly advice citrus, you really discredit yourself when you describe something as 'near epic' and 'pure win'. That being said, the show seems like it's free of consequence with that one dude protecting them and knowing everything that's going to happen, and it really needs to establish just what kind of time-travel logic it goes by. The plot hasn't been as strong as season one either, but really the only thing that would make me stop watching is if Nathan leaves the show, so we'll see.

Other than that, I've really got to advocate for Terriers again, because it is clinging on for dear life and I will set something aflame if it gets cancelled.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

city creed — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:03:27 -0800

ouch, sorry DJ
In my defence, I had only just watched it and I guess I was a little tongue-tied with enthusiasm still. With frothing incoherence, even.
If you reckon that really discredits me... I guess I'll wear that. I am excitable, especially when I like things. Passion occludes my sense for the forensic approach, if you catch my drift. You're quite right though, it reveals a lamentable paucity of lexical resource.

About the show: you're right again, there's unresolved plot difficulties you could ride a moon around in, but um, it's television?
I just think it has all the marks of a story made with a lot of energy and craft and love and that impresses me so much that I'll give it the benefit of the doubt on just what kind of time-travel logic it goes by. But then:

I wanted Nathan to stay in the coffin. He had earned that coffin. He deserved it. There was rare justice in that box for a gobby, obnoxious bastard and it was profoundly satisfying for the story to end there.

So, y'know, I'm probably not the best person to ask.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

justinpickard — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:18:37 -0800

Terriers is great, yes, but I feel like they've pulled something of a bait-and-switch. It started quite light, frothy and humour-laden, and just keeps diving deeper into the valleys and caverns of horrific grimdrama. I know the whole "kill your darlings" schtick but, really, it's killing me. Still watching religiously, though, even if it's from behind a cushion.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:44:14 -0800

@citruscreed - I was more saying that it discredits what you're saying when it's laden with internet slang, and it's one of those things for which I have a special kind of hate down in my deep, dark bits. I'm not really ripping at the show either, as I do enjoy it on the merits you've pointed out and can respect what they're going for and accomplishing, though at the same time I agree about Nathan but don't think the show would work without him. There just hasn't really been anything so far that makes me feel like it was justified to revive the show from a coffin that was so toned and polished to the point of near perfection.

@justinpickard - I think that's actually one of Terriers' strong points, that it's managed to build up the viewer's expectations and love for the characters and then blow them down with a live grenade. It still has all the fun and charm it's had, it's just sending it in a different direction for awhile.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

taphead — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:35:03 -0800

I am SO far behind the rest of you TV fiends, but:

RUBICON. 7 episodes in, and loving it for its wonderful slowness. These are not your ops agents, no. Nice character work, too, and Miranda Richardson is always a joy. A shame it got cancelled, but not surprising. I mean, this is an espionage show where a gun is drawn for the first time in ep. #6 (I think?) and even then a phonecam is more efficient.

BREAKING BAD. Just got to the end of season 2, and I dig it. Again nice and complex on the character level, but I'm afraid it may suffer from the sort of escalation that made me drop Oz way back when.

THE WALKING DEAD. Oh yes. Oh yes. And a metric fuckton of money for mr. Kirkman, I hope.

Hmm. Looks like an AMC trip going on.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:00:57 -0800

And for those still watching, Caprica's last episode airs on Canadian cable on Tuesday night - and torrents will no doubt swiftly appear.

I've seen up to the penultimate ep, and though it's still smart and well-observed in so many ways, the strain is showing. Some of the SFX are looking weak and the various plotlines are dovetailing together in rather forced ways. And I find it oddly remote - though I'm still interested, there's always been a degree of emotional disconnect with the characters. (Though I do hope Alessandra Torresani and Sasha Roiz go on to have huge careers after their time on the show - their work remains the most intriguing performances by far.)
Nonetheless, it was a grand experiment in TV SF and it'll be a shame to see it go - especially since Sigh-Fie Channel are proposing to replace it with a Young Bill Adama Fights Cylons show called (Valen help me) Blood And Chrome.

Rewatching Fringe from the start to fill in time waiting for the next ep (bloody stupid hiatuses!): interesting to see how this show has developed into the powerhouse it is now. A few plot lines are left hanging oddly (remember god-bothering FBI Agent Jessup from the start of S2? The writer's don't seem to) but it's still putting out some of the best SF storytelling prime time US TV has ever shown. Hell, if they add another parallel universe, they might even get close to the complex glory of Charlie Jade...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

MartinSheen — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:35:08 -0800

I understand what people are saying about Walking Dead initially appearing as though it is something you've already seen before. I mean the start is taken straight from 28 days later, how hard could it be to come up with a different opening?

However...

My initial impressoin was wrong. The show is definately one worth checking out:)

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:44:10 -0800

The way I looked at it was, the guy watches 28 days later, and says, "What a great idea for an opening to a zombie story!" and writes it into his COMIC BOOK (with a definite nod to the film). Years later, TV Executives ask him if he'd take a bunch of money for them to make a show out of it, and he's like "Hell, yes, thank you!" and here we are.

Thankfully, the show is much more than a re-hash of 28 days later, or every other zombie movie ever made. It definitely has its ties to older works, but I think it stands on its own quite well, and more importantly, draws non-comic fans in.

The sad part is, all they can say is that it's a rip-off of 28 Days Later, and the hard part is getting them to stick with it to see how different it is.

(@Martin- not a critique of YOUR opinion, obviously, you stuck with it, but I've had several co-workers deride it for that reason, and it's annoying, also equally annoying is sounding like a fanboy to them)

(Apologies if any of that sounded rant-ish, I'm sleep deprived)

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:27:42 -0800

For what it's worth, Kirkman said he didn't see the movie till the book was at the printer's, or words to that effect.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Finagle — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:18:19 -0800

Eh - Rip van Winkle, Buck Rogers, Captain America...all variations on Man Wakes Up To Find World He Does Not Understand and Never Made. Personally I've never been hung up on the use of tropes if the execution is good, which it is in the case of TWD.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Oddcult — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:09:18 -0800

I mean the start is taken straight from 28 days later,

and

Rip van Winkle, Buck Rogers, Captain America...all variations on Man Wakes Up To Find World He Does Not Understand and Never Made.

Nah. 'Day of the Triffids' is where the 'world changes whilst guy is in hospital, protecting him from it all' opening is from, as an influence on modern genre fiction.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:08:13 -0800

For what it's worth, Kirkman said he didn't see the movie till the book was at the printer's, or words to that effect.

I don't remember any statements about 28 Days Later specifically, but he's always saying that he goes out of his way to not see or read any other contemporary zombie stuff that might influence the series.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

costa_k — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:48:46 -0800

Now that LUTHER is over, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY is sucking, and DEXTER is almost over, I'm floundering for what to watch. I'm super-behind on TERRIERS, though I do try to always see MODERN FAMILY. I don't have HBO, otherwise I'd be all up on BOARDWALK EMPIRE. That GAME OF THRONES series looks like it'll be good too (again, no HBO).

ARCHER and NURSE JACKIE and JUSTIFIED are coming back soon, which is good, and Showtime does have a lot of interesting-looking stuff coming that's new, like SHAMELESS.

WALKING DEAD is just...meh. I don't really read the comic. The first episode was pretty good, but it's kind of gone downhill in terms of just degrading into what it really is; A pretty standard post-apocalyptic story that's only made unique because it's got zombies in it. Whatever, I watch it if I'm bored.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

lucien — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:11:38 -0800

i'm not minding this new season of DURHAM COUNTY. also BOARDWALK EMPIRE's been good to me, and i'm liking DEXTER, as usual.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

RobSpalding — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:04:37 -0800

Community is great and hilarious. Best unseen show going to my mind.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Alcorest — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:33:33 -0800

Seconding Boarwalk and Dexter (I can't believe I'm still watching this ><"). I have pretty low standards for television, going to be completely honest. It's a mindless activity and I try not to expect TOO much from it. I also enjoy Weeds and Breaking Bad. Misfits was my favourite show there for a while...kind of feel like they dropped the ball with season 2 ep 3 uuuuuuuugh I'll keep watching though and see where it goes.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:50:09 -0800

Is Community really doing that badly? I don't recall seeing anything to suggest it was having issues, but my friend mentioned recently that it's "in the bubble".

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:54 -0800

I've heard that since they moved Big Bang Theory to the same time slot it's been having issues, which is really sad because BBT is one of the worst shows on television and Community is one of the best.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

DavidLejeune — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:03:33 -0800

I haven't heard anything about Community being on the bubble this season. It's been up against BBT all season, and they're not switching its timeslot in January, so I'd lean towards it doing 'good enough' ratings wise (or they're trying to kill it...)

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

RobSpalding — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:44:53 -0800

I was under the impression that Community was only getting niche viewing figures.
If it's doing well then I'm happy. It's only showing on a music channel over here so the UK figures are a lot smaller than could be hoped for. Just hope a big channel picks it up and it does well enough for us to get a DVD release.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:37:02 -0800

Happy with the season finale of Sons of Anarchy. I think I would be just fine with the series ending right there, feels like it was scripted to be an ending, do many series write their shows to a concluding point in case they are not renewed?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:56:08 -0800

Yeah, that SOA finale was extremely satisfying. I was kinda surprised by that, to be honest. The reveal was great.

Read a whole pile of interviews and articles after it ended last night. Sutter said he's hoping for something like 7 seasons.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

tmofee — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:20:29 -0800

East West 101 is either repeating series 2 or series 3 is about to start. Great Aussie cop drama with some amazing actors (Don Hany - keep an eye on that guy. I don't think it will be long till he moves to the States) and focuses on all races and religions. Really open kind of show, and the ongoing plot for each season is great.

Finally getting into The Wire properly this time. Almost at the end of S1.

As for new? Well, looking forward to the end of Stargate Universe mid season, I think apart from a few missteps, it keeps getting better and better...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:48:39 -0800

Terriers, thank you for being great. I hope we'll meet again next year.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:42:43 -0800

So farewell then, Caprica...

Last episode was splendid, resolving the major story arcs in a pacey, tight manner - leaving the last 10 minutes for a "What Is To Come" montage of clips showing what was planned for Season 2. It could have been awesome - which I suppose is as good an epitaph of a prematurely cut down TV show as any.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Pow — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:49:50 -0800

Yeah the end of SoA was good, finally put a lot of storylines to bed that had definitely run their course. Hopefully there'll be no more terrible oirish accents in the future. A whole season set in

jail

could be a lot fo fun, but I think they'll just skip forward instead.

The most shocking thing was Calamity Jane from Deadwood turning up as that fairly sexy lawyer.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

TAL — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:16:19 -0800

Psych with Twin Peaks. First time I've watched Psych (and most likely the last), but it was fun watching the Twin Peaks actors and atmosphere.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:04:59 -0800

Seconding that for Terriers. Wrapped up well enough, leaving room for more, but I think

Britt will go to jail. Hope they skip forward and we see that Hank's got a (temporary) new partner, maybe Amnesia boy or something. Also wondering when he'll hook up with the lawyer, and glad he's getting over his wife. She's totally a trigger for falling off the wagon.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:32:52 -0800

The most shocking thing was Calamity Jane from Deadwood turning up as that fairly sexy lawyer.

Is that who she was? I knew she looked familiar from somewhere. Whatever the case, she looks good in a skirt.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Lazarus99 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:59:00 -0800

Does anyone remember the name of a show which was essentially "modify cars with weapons and armour, including blades, bullets, flames and explosives, then have a strange, Twisted Metal-style battle"?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:19:36 -0800

Fringe last night can be summed up with one word: Vagenda.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:25:47 -0800

@ Lazarus: Monster Garage, maybe?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Lazarus99 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:17:06 -0800

I think it was American. Two teams had to pimp out a car with machine guns and rocket launchers and then had an arena battle...I'm sure an exploding RC car was involved somewhere.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

celan — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:53:51 -0800

Vagenda.

This.

And also broiled Broyles.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:19:32 -0800

Fringe, once I got vagenda out of my head, left me with one picture in my head:

Broyles' body dumped on a scale, with some low-level Fringe Division person having to slice bits off of him over and over until they got the mass right.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:30:08 -0800

@ Celan and SteadyUP

Yeah, I was a bit affected by that as well. I looked over at the Fringe forums on their website, and so many people seemed to be confused by that.

Really? They couldn't figure out that Col. Broyles got shot up by the other side's Fringe grunts, and then cut to fit Fauxlivia's mass? Several people were asking, was he sent over and was burned in the crossing by accident? Really? I just assumed most people watching Fringe had some brains.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

iaviv — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 10:55:25 -0800

Why does everyone complain about Always Sunny In Philadelphia (not just in this thread)? I'm enjoying this season, it's a little bit less hilarious than usual, but still really funny. Is there anything funnier that I'm not aware of? Community is hardly a competition. I watch it sometimes to pass time when it's on. It's nothing special but it doesn't suck at least.

I prefer Walking Dead on the TV. Not crazy about the comic at all, actually. I read all of it (in three days!) and I'm glad things took a turn in the second episode. After the latest episode I'm not even sure what will happen next (which is great).

Dexter is a bit weird this season, but it's good. "Take It!" is my favorite episode so far. It was pretty much perfect.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:51:12 -0800

Saw the first episode of Boardwalk Empire last night. Definitely looks promising. The insanely high volume during the musical interludes was a mite annoying, though.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:12:58 -0800

God damn, I just cannot understand people being unhappy with TWD.

They slow burn Dale and Andrea all season, barely even touch it, take you on a big tangent so that you're not even thinking about it, and then BAM! There it is. And they're not just throwing it a bone because it's in the comic - they fucking earn the hell out of it. That's the entire show for me in a nutshell - changing and adding things just enough so that even the almost-completely-adapted material jumps out and punches you in the gut.

I don't even want to think about how long the wait for Season Two will be.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Jack_Crow — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:04:20 -0800

about the broyles thing.....

giving the short time that have passed (apparently) between catching broyles and the fauxlivia jump and that they had to move broyles from walter's lab to the station where fauxlivia was taken from, I think that it's unlikely that someone had the time to scale and slice broyles body...my guess goes that on the exchange between universe the extra weight were just burned and destroyed randomly from the body with excess of mass...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:29:44 -0800

@SteadyUp - yeah, the Dale/Andrea thing is running along nicely. I love the actor who plays Dale (can't remember where I've seen him but he's always been great) and I'm waiting for

what happens to Shane to happen to Shane. I hope they keep Carl as the one who kills him; I'm afraid they'll make it Lori.

Also, any guesses what Jenner whispered to Rick? I think it's

"Your wife's pregnant and you're not the father."

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:54:34 -0800

...my guess goes that on the exchange between universe the extra weight were just burned and destroyed randomly from the body with excess of mass...

That's kind of what I think too...but the scale scenario is funnier.

I have the exact same concerns about Shane, hex, but they don't seem to have any trouble taking their time with things, so I'm optimistic that they'll come back around to you-know-who in the end. As for Jenner's whisper, I'm hoping it was just

the pregnancy - Rick shouldn't find out about Shane until it's too late to do anything about it. And like the comic, we should never find out whose baby it is.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

ian holloway — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:52:15 -0800

i'm in agreement with steadyup regarding the whisper. i looked up WD on wiki today

and the guy who plays shane is listed as recurring cast not main so it seems likely he's going the way of the comic.

the michael rooker thing has bugged me though - it all seemed a bit pointless.

i wonder if he'll be the governer.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:03:25 -0800

I don't want Merle to be the Governor - they're too different kinds of crazy - but I can easily see him falling in with the Woodbury group down the line.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:03:17 -0800

FX explains why Terriers was canceled.

Well, that's it then. A sad day for television. And regardless of what he says, it was definitely the marketing that killed it.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

ian holloway — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 03:34:02 -0800

@steadyup
i agree - it was just something that popped into my head when i read this.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:38:33 -0800

@ina & SteadyUp - I'm pretty sure that Merle is going to be the Governor but I don't think he'll even be back much in Season Two (which is ELEVEN MONTHS AWAY, Goddammit!). Can't wait to see Tyrese show up. And the prison - that'll be awesome - and Michonne, of course. Michonne is, quite literally, one of the best characters in the comics and indeed, in ALL of comics, ever.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:53:44 -0800

I don't think they will turn the Governor into another character, particularly because he was fairly well integrated into the community he controlled by the time that Merle would be able to join them. Now could I see something like Merle being in that group and cutting off Rick's hand as retribution? Sure, that'd be great. Though there's no way they'd do that without having something for him to replace it with (for example, a chainsaw).

Also, I keep forgetting that they meet Tyrese before they even get to the farm. I wasn't expecting him 'til the prison.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:08:52 -0800

@ DJ - I dunno, they've been pretty free and loose with what they've changed/are changing. There was no CDC in the comic, Shane's still alive (... for now), hell, there WAS no Merle in the comic. I could see them running into Merle and his "community", he "welcomes" them in then BAM! Merle ain't the same Merle they knew and he sure as hell ain't their friend. He's now the Governor and y'all do what he says.

The abuse of Michonne would serve to display that he's not only a racist but a rapist as well. And I honestly wonder how they're going to get around that on television. Expect lots of hate mail for that episode, esp. from people who haven't read the comics. They'll probably have Daryll kill the Governor, just for dramatic tension.

It's an adaptation, not a shot-for-shot remake.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:35:03 -0800

The show has added a lot of stuff so far, but they haven't really changed anything too radically, and certainly not to the extent of replacing a character. If they were to, I don't think that's a change that really makes a whole lot of sense as Merle is an outsider to anyone he encounters, as well as a racist hillbilly, which isn't really the kind of thing that garners the sort of following the Governor had.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

howyadoin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:28:14 -0800

I dunno, it seems to be working for the Teabaggers in the States.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

StefanJ — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:09:08 -0800

I've been recording many movies from the "This" channel. There have been a few gems, but for the most part "This" has proven to be The Channel Were Forgettable Movies Go to Be Undead. I pride myself on giving films a fair shake and seeing them through to the end, but I've had to become selective. Yesterday I started watching and then deleted two of them.

Law & Crime Drama roundup: I'm really liking "Law & Order: Los Angeles", much to my surprise. "The Defenders" and "The Good Guys" continue to entertain me. The framing drama of "The Good Wife" now threatens to overwhelm the smart legal procedurals.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

mister hex — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:50:37 -0800

@ DJ - I dunno, I could see it (making Merle the Governor) - The group shows up at his compound, there's tension because of their history with him but he's conciliatory, he's changed, he's kept all these people safe and they trust him. The group begins to lose their wariness about Merle and then BAM! The axe comes down.

This is all wild speculation, of course. We don't even know if Rick is going to lose his hand, a decision Kirkman has said he kind of regrets. So whatever. I'm still counting the minutes until season two.

Tonight on CBC, there's a special about Coronation Street and it's incredible popularity in Canada. Hosted by the odious-yet-kinda-hot Debbie Travis. I'll be watching, I can tell you that, I say, I can tell you that!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Foamhead — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:49:12 -0800

Ah crap #2:

Stargate Universe cancelled.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Phranky — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:43:21 -0800

I quite liked Stargate Universe.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Vox Doom — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:55:10 -0800

SG: U was one of my three favourite shows.

I'm rather upset.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:36:09 -0800

It's clear to me from tonight's show that Jon Stewart wants to take a flame-thrower to the US Senate.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:30:00 -0800

It's clear to me that he will eventually forsake comedy altogether and become Charlie Rose.

And I mean that in a good way.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:28:08 -0800

Might be old news, (or not news at all to some) but The Good Guys has been canceled.

One of my two new shows this year that I actually liked, the other being Terriers. Both died a little early. Though if given a choice of only one to save, it would've been Terriers, hands down.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

StefanJ — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:59:56 -0800

The Good Guys? Well, fuck.

Are the networks clearing their schedules for more reality shows and performance competitions?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:14:08 -0800

Misfits had a lot of fun with their Xmas Special. The usual sex, suspicion and swearing, with some serious death, a real threat (for a while) and the Best Nativity Scene Ever. I'm expecting great things from season 3.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Lazarus99 — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:44:05 -0800

Does anyone remember the name of a particular US or UK television show from (I think) the last 5 years?

It involved 2 teams taking a van/truck/SUV and basically spending the first half of the show loading it with mounted guns and other weapons, then having a radio controlled arena deathmatch in the second half. I seem to remember exploding RC cars. I only ever saw three episodes and I'm not sure if there were any more.

Sounds puerile, I know, but great mindless fun...

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

StefanJ — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:55:29 -0800

Leverage has started Season 3.5, beginning with a Christmas themed episode the Sunday before last.

Men of a Certain age is back up and running, too. Either I missed the season closer, or there have been some Developments introduced between seasons. I'll have to check TNT's online episodes to be sure. In any case, it is good to see the show back.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

MaC — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:25:41 -0800

All my shows are on hiatus. But even when they return it'll only be comedies, none of the network drama can catch my interest. I'll have to give Breaking Bad a whirl as I've heard good things.

Really my TV viewing has dwindled with BSG, Lost, and Dollhouse all dying. Terriers looked good as well but it was taken out back.

Comedies this year have been solid, The Office is a tremendous improvement on the previous season in every way. I think with Steve Carell apparently leaving the writers have made Michael less awkwardly thoughtless and more of a thoughtless dick, like he was in season 1/2. Its working well.

And the surprise of the year that my friends set me on, The League. Comedy about a fantasy football league. I don't have any interest in football, fantasy or real. But this show is friggin hilarious. Season 2 was amazing for all but one episode and the final two episodes nearly killed me from laughter.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

looneynerd — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:34:34 -0800

Previous comment redacted. New Top Gear starts TOMORROW! Then on boxing day they're doing the Christmas Special. I'm so happy!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

celan — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:44:31 -0800

Best Nativity Scene Ever

Stomping on the placenta!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SteadyUP — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:30:46 -0800

Okay, Leverage has officially crossed over into Crazy Town.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:35:12 -0800

Okay, Leverage has officially crossed over into Crazy Town

Personally, I thought Christian Kane made a much better Neo than Keanu. Though if you're talking about the part at the end of the season finale, that's been coming for three full seasons now. Besides, in what other show can you see a dude kill a bunch of guys Matrix/Transporter-style in one scene and then hold the cutest puppy ever while accusing a politician of sponsoring dog-fighting in another scene. I love Leverage.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

nativio289 — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:34:12 -0800

I finally watched Terriers, thanks primarily to it being talked up on this board. Of course, I watched the first two episodes the day before FX shitcanned it. So thanks, everyone.

And I cannot think of anything more boring than Walking Dead following the books plot point for plot point. If the guv'nor and the prison never appear, I'll be thrilled. The show has borrowed the starting point, some characters and some character situations from the comics and that is all it needs. I don't understand why some cats want to see acted out the shit we've already read.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Charlene — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:54:43 -0800

I watched Terriers after having seen it talked about on here too, but I had known it was canned before I started watching. I've only seen the 1st episode so far but I like it! I'll be watching the whole season unless it goes downhill. Also, the guy in it (the older one with the beard) was in "Life". Did anyone watch it? It got 2 seasons before it was canned but I really loved it! I hate when good tv gets cancelled :(

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

looneynerd — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:18:24 -0800

The newest ep of Top Gear ended up being good; not great, but definitely stronger than many of the episodes from last season. I'm especially excited for the Boxing Day episode; the guys are going to be driving from Baghdad, Iraq, to Bethlehem, Israel to recount the journey of the magi. Awesome!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Allen — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:35:05 -0800

Terriers is worth watching, even though it was cancelled. The season finale ties up all the story lines and the whole season is one complete story. Just pretend it was always planned to be a single season, works quite well that way.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:16:38 -0800

The holiday downtime kind of sucks. However, I'm finally getting through Venture Bros. and will probably follow it up with Archer, as I've heard good things, so it's not all bad. Justified is starting soon, which I'm pretty excited. The finale was great, and I'm hoping it'll really pick up this season. There's nothing else in the immediate future that I'm really too hyped for, except Breaking Bad in March.

Also, for those who watch Terriers, there are exactly two actual questions left open, which the creators have gone on to close as follows:

They drive straight, and Brett is the father.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

jonah — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:31 -0800

Got around to watching the last week and season finale of the ultra dorky In Treatment. Wow. That was as good as

Kaiser Soze

. The last episode was was rather bleak too, it was great! Technically, the show is really fascinating. It's four(used to be five) 20ish minute episodes a week each dealing with one main character(a psychotherapist) interacting with four others. The constraints on the writers lead to some interesting storytelling techniques. It must be punishing to shoot. I'd be interested to see some other types of shows tackle the format though.

Terriers needed a better tag line and posters. Before I watched the 1st episode I thought it was a comedy. What about "Forget It, Hank, it ain't Chinatown"? Funny animal pictures don't make me want to watch as show either. Now that I know season one mostly ties up I'll watch beyond episode one, thank you!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

nativio289 — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:11:08 -0800

I'm cool with Terriers being just one season. I don't feel cheated one bit...Well, cheated much.

Its just that those two characters are so fucking likable that I will miss them when they're gone.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

nativio289 — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:14:36 -0800

OH. And I hate to pee on your parade

<>

but I think Breaking Bad had been delayed until July. I hope I'm misremembering that though.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 23:27:06 -0800

Aaah, goddamnit, you're right.

Aaaaaaaahhh.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

MarshallQuicksand — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 04:25:58 -0800

Watched the Doctor Who Christmas special. Especially enjoyed Gambon and how Moffat twisted Dickens' tale about, but if I'm being honest I was more excited for the season six trailer than anything else.

I've just started watching Fringe actually. Is it worth sticking with?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Lazarus99 — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:31:29 -0800

I frankly thought that, apart from Gambon, it was nothing special...season 6 does look awfully awesome though...mind you, all the coming season trailers look fairly awesome.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

D.J. — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:45:55 -0800

I thought that the christmas special was above season 5 on the whole, as the Doctor actually got back to being clever, which is something that Moffat didn't really seem to think important up to this point.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

Cat Vincent — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 15:39:32 -0800

Encephalo Ray:
Fringe goes from monster-of-the-week-with-charming-cast to Unmissably Good in the space of about a season. Other than one dodgy musical ep, most of them are at least good, and from Season 2 on they're some of the best done SF I've ever seen on TV. And Anna Torv's performance, considered wooden at the start of the show, becomes something truly amazing.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

ian holloway — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:33:43 -0800

finally got around to watchng Dirk Gently today and really dug it. very much liked the lead fella. hope they make more.

the Who xmas special was ok. some of gambon's dialogue was great.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

looneynerd — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:22:18 -0800

Working on getting the Dirk Gently thing on my computer over here. Just caught the two newest episodes of Top Gear, and loved them. Can't wait for the whole season!

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

SBarrett — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:26:34 -0800

I'm going to have to get back into Fringe. I had dropped it around the end of season 2. You guys talking it up is making me want to go back.

Southland is coming back next month and I am really looking forward to that.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

celan — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:19:25 -0800

I say Fringe is worth sticking to...if my disembodied internet opinion is worth anything. Overall, it's a lot more hits than misses.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:54:34 -0800

Southland had some decent performances, but in the end, it's another in a long list of cop shows. How many cop shows do we have/need, really?

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:25:03 -0800

How many cop shows do we have/need, really?

We need one more that's now gone. I really miss The Good Guys.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:33:19 -0800

OK, You got me there, Good Guys definitely was more than just another cop show.

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

government spy — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:09:08 -0800

Speaking of another cop show...

The city of Chicago is a paradox that serves as the setting for Shawn Ryan's new drama, THE CHICAGO CODE. In this series, the audience is the passenger, taking an unpredictable ride through the streets of Chicago and navigating crime and corruption with the most respected - and notorious - cops in the city.

Apparently Shawn Ryan changed the name recently from "Ride Along" but he says it has nothing to do with how nobody understood what Terriers was about by the name.
Although, as a former Chicago resident, I always thought there was a shortage of TV Dramas that took place in the Windy City, so I'll at least check it out.

Like one commentor said,

there's no way in hell there will ever be a superintendent that looks like Jennifer Beals. Seriously, let's look at the last three
Jody Weis - http://www.chicagonewscoop.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Weis0001.jpg
Phil Cline - http://www.chicagojustice.org/articles/what-is-the-real-story-behind-clines-resignation/phil-cline.gif
Terry Hillard - http://www.tuohylawoffices.com/images/testimonial/terryHillard.jpg

On the Tee-Vee: November-December 2010

johnjones — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:11:29 -0800

I guess this needs to be closed now.