Monday, February 23, 2015

TV Discussion: Week of 2/22/2015 - 2/28/2015

Hello fellow TV Addicts!  As always, this is our place to discuss all non-recapped shows.  See you in the comments!

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow, wow--finally saw Vikings S3E1. There was so much in the various opening scenes that I could just go on and on.

1. First, it's not realistic for Lagertha to be an earl for any real time and certainly not with her leaving for Wessex and her new group not having any or many ships/sailors. It certainly appears landlocked. We don't know of any from her group that went with her on the trip with Ragnar. Which begs the question of how could ANYONE hold power in that circumstance. It will be interesting to see how long she's on the show because I really like her, but Auslaug is really more important historically. This is a TV show so we'll see. I have been looking to Auslaug's character development to give me clues as to how realistic the show will be. Her and Ragnar have many significant events that would be awesome to see.
2. Ragnar with Bjorn. Very powerful on power--lol. I think this sets up a lot of the rest of the series if it can go long enough.
3. Floki on not being happy with happiness/goodness. I love his honesty and how it is so true with mamy who "can't find happiness" and yet it's right there in front of them. Of course he could simply just be evil. It could be both or one but regardless I love how this show puts it out there. It will be interesting to follow his struggles.
4. Again if the show runs long enough pay attention to Auslaug's children as they become key with Bjorn. Did you notice the little one who was almost too flexible? He's called boneless as I recall.
5. The scene with Lagertha and the seer really tells us what this season is going to be I think. I won't say as I don't want to be spoilery but it looks like some big changes are on deck for this season. I had to watch that twice and will keep the recording to refer back to. So much there.
6. Did it appear to you guys that Ragnar questions why the queens brother and uncle want her out of power? I mean she does act weird. That storyline could be interesting and complicated.
7. Lagertha being crushed on by the King is funny. Maybe that will be how they handle her on the show? I mean if you were from a farming background why would you go back if you can get set up in a much better situation. Bjorn and Ragnar will always be on the road so to speak. She doesn't really have history with those people in her territories back in Norway. I always found her new group either a hole in the plot or temporary as it just doesn't make sense when you consider how people are. Look at it like this, she's very new to them with no real history of shared struggles to build bonds and she goes off to fight with her ex husband while almost no one to very few from her new group goes along. And the new group does not appear to be a sailing type. I could go on but won't since this situation should be corrected.

Richard

Anonymous said...

BTW on Oscars a couple of observations. I can't believe I'm spending the time to write this--lol. But I am laughing while doing it and that makes it a good time.
1.I quit watching decades ago when after years of watching no film I liked ever won anything important.
2. I don't have but one male I know personally between my friends and family that actually watches the Oscars.
3. My wife and daughter were more interested in the red carpet/dress stuff than the actual presentations of awards. They say it's getting strange on the presentations.
4.This morning my wife told me Birdman won. She didn't stay up until the end to find out, just saw it on the online newspaper. This may sound strange, but I hadn't heard of that movie until this morning--lol. It just again confirmed why I don't watch or care about the Oscars--lol. More recently the people onstage have made it worse by lengthening the ceremony to hours hours that cause them ridicule. And what they're doing onstage to lengten it many times is preaching of a sorts on politically or agenda driven items creating divides. Ick.

A related to but interesting observation.
I haven't rented a movie in many months because almost nothing is coming out I want to see. I check the REdbox out almost every time I go to the store but can't find anything worth the dollar to rent--lol. At least it has BDs and so true HD. I also haven't rented any movies online. I will likely never rent a movie online since it's not true HD and therefore not worth it. To me, the movie biz is becoming more irrelevant. Isn't that sad. I saw two to three movies at the theatres last year--American Sniper and another one or two I can't recall--lol.

Richard

MJ said...

Vikings - haven't seen it yet. Doing a GofT rewatch of last season

Oscars - yup - just like the red carpet stuff the next day as well. I also feel that the movies nominated are mostly the movies I don't watch. If I'm lucky there will be 1 movie that I've seen or will see nominated. Bt I have heard of Birdman LOL

Mike V. said...

Ugh, started a response here and then my computer reset so i lost it.

GoT - Rewatching series...halfway through season 2. Have season 4 on blu and looking forward to watching again. Watched some of the specials on disc 4 like the making of the Battle at the Wall, and a retrospective roundtable discussion with all of the axed cast members in season 4. It was good stuff!

Vikings - As predicted, Richard you came up with a lot more to say about the show than I could! lol I enjoy the show but do not see all those levels of detail in it. I'm sure they're there!

Oscars - I did see a couple of the films up for Oscars. Boyhood, Big Hero 6 (I have kids!) and American Sniper. I do want to see Birdman based on the concept, but I have heard the movie is ....interesting..to say the least. But I was aware of most of the movies. But I read about this stuff all of the time. lol

I could never sit through an entire Oscars telecast without the ability to fast forward. I started the show late, fast forwarded through a lot of speeches until I caught up then watched Walking Dead, then fast forwarded through more. once I caught up, I started writing the TWD recap. LOL (No way I could've done all of that with the wife and kids at home!! lol)

Movie Industry - It's certainly different than it used to be. Some of the 40 million dollar type movies that used to get made are now getting made for Premium Cable channels. HBO always has those movies and mini-series.

What you're left with are Comic Book movies, Star Wars, YA novel adaptations, other blockbusters and Independent films. And no shortage of any of those.

But, I'm not going to lie and say I'm not looking forward to Star Wars! lol And, I'm totally sucked into the marvel comics universe, so I'm sure I'll be seeing whatever movies they release each year (if not in the theater then at home). have to go see Avengers 2 this summer if anything to see the Star Wars trailer! lol





Anonymous said...

I will go see SW when released! As I said, we have a theatre that has a huge screen and great sound and that can't be duplicated at home. Same with comic book movies, yes I go to them because I like them(usually) and my son wants to go.

I think it was one of the comic book movies I saw last year in addition to AS.

Vikings--the Lagertha story is the one I'm just not sure about. There are so many stories about her and most are likely not true. One has her marrying Ragnar I think twice?

I guess I see so much in what is said and done on the show because I can usually watch it in some context. I kind of feel like Mike did with book 3 of GoT being made. There are a few HUGE wars/battles upcoming on Vikings, if the show makes it that far. Wars/battles that changed our world forever.

BTW, following copied for EW recap about Seer to Lagertha:
I see a harvest celebrated in blood.

I see a trickster whose weapon cleaves you.

I see a city made of marble, and a burning broiling ocean.

I'm pretty sure about all 3 of them. Normally when someone is cleaved, they die. But I don't think she will. (do you think we'll see that ax of Kalf's from the boat again?) Also, keep in mind she is an earl under Ragnar the King and so depending on politics he can legitimately defend her position.

The last one is likely the only one that is historically significant.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings on actress playing Lagertha. I knew there was a reason I like her. She got her blackbelt at 13 and has opened 3 karate studios. It's a real vs fake strength/confidence.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Movies - Yeah, I usually just want to see the "Event" movies these days in the theaters. With the kids the age they are we need a valid excuse to get a babysitter! lol Star Wars is a valid excuse! :-) Midnight show, maybe a couple shows the next day (will have to take my son of course! I've been grooming him slowly but surely at home lol)

Vikings - Nice comparison to my book knowledge of Ice and Fire. lol This next season of GoT I'm not sure if my knowledge will be as clear...1.) because they're departing from the books, 2.) I don't remember everything! lol But, I'm not afraid to google stuff either because I did read them. :)

Interesting on the prophecies....City of Marble eh?? I know once city they're planning to go to from the previews but I don't associate marble with it.

Yeah the actress playing Lagertha is pretty good...she's convincing in the battle scenes!

MJ said...

GofT - finished this past season. I'd forgotten so much.

Vikings - thinking I might just let them all tape and then watch them as a marathon in spring. We shall see.

Sleepy - sad it was the finale. We both knew she would not stay in the past for long but did not think it would be her relative who gets her back.

Anonymous said...

MJ,
BE CAREFUL about just dvring and then planning to watch later. These dvrs are not robust and you could loose all your recordings.

Same reason I don't like the cloud as a single back up source(although it much more secure than a stand alone HDD).

I wish I could download the recordings from the dvr to a flash drive or something. I suspect I could but taking the dvr apart probably isn't a good idea--lol. If it happens again I will try to develop a way to transfer the recordings.

I also have a true dvd recorder and am considering using it. It records in 1080i.

Richard

Mike V. said...

DVRs - lol losing that data has put the fear into you! I've been using TiVo's since 2004 and rarely have had hard drive issues if ever. I even have hard drive expanders on 2 of my TiVos to store more. Still have the LOST series finale on one of them. (even though I have Netflix and the Blu-Rays. lol)

As for recording in 1080i, I'm sure it would only record in that if the channel is broadcasting in 1080i.

For computing, I have tons of external hard drives and have photos stored on various cloud services. lol But, I'm thinking of getting a robust dropbox plan to store all of my photos and videos and have them accessible anywhere.

Mike V. said...

BTW watched Sleepy finale and Gotham. Will try to write about them later.

Sleepy - SPOILERS!!

Well looks like they eliminated the 2 characters people have been complaining about. lol We'll see if that "resolves the fan issues" lol It certainly removed the weak link with Katrina. Good episode too!

MJ said...

Sleepy - Had to go so didn't get to say much earlier. They killed Katrina ! WTH! I know some will be happy about that but I was happy with Evil Katrina. So now are we going to spend many eps next year with Ichabod feeling guilt for killing his wife? Forgot the cuteness with Past Ichabod and the smart phone. Franklin was funny - til he lost his head ! No clue where we are going next season but there was some tidbit wehre someone said something about the secret war and Franklin said he was surprised that in the future Abby had not met some of the people ? I can't remember now but I remember thinking that this might be a clue to where they are going

Spoilers? Guess you did not see that I posted about Sleepy earlier. You say 2 characters people complained about ? Katrina is def one but who is the other ?

DVR - that is true Richard, there is some risk in recording the season for later watching.

Mike V. said...

Sleepy - No MJ, I saw your post after I posted. lol Believe it or not I think people were not happy with John Noble taking up so much time in this season...i.e. Henry Parish more than John Noble. They thought it took away from time with Jenny and Frank. i.e. more diversity (Newsflash - The internet is crazy)

I did notice that Hawley wasn't even mentioned in these past couple episodes...he was another sore point with fans. And did you notice that Abby said they have to work together as a team from now on? 3 minorities and one old white british dude? Can't be a coincidence. It's almost like they're saying..."okay hardcore fans, this is what you want, let's see if you keep complaining!" lol

I missed the part with Frankling saying he was surprised, but that certainly would seem to set things up for next year. Agreed!

DVRs - BTW, TiVo makes it easy to transfer shows to computer or even mobile devices if you don't feel safe just leaving it on the DVR. I used to transfer to the computer to take screenshots for the blogs. Just no time for that anymore!

mj said...

Sleepy - any one tired of the Henry Parish story is a nut. I'd not read that. But then again i try ti avoid reader comments any more.

American Crime - i'm confused. Lol. was gonna chk this new show out but heard its about OJ trial - so no thanks. then read description for first ep for this sunday - nothing about OJ. Am i mixing up two shows?

mj said...

Figured it out. American Crime and American Crime Story. Lol. The story one has OJ for season 1 - by Ryan Murphy who does AHS. Suposed to be another antho,ogy type show.

Anonymous said...

Blacklist--would you say more a serial, procedural or episodic?

Richard

Anonymous said...

dvr--yea I use an esata external hard drive to back up various systems every now and then. My son built me a new computer and it's awesome. Boots up in about 10 seconds or less. My estata is extremely fast due to mother board/processor and SSD. I really like having backups that are not connected to the web for lots of reasons.

BTW, USB3.0 is great. My esata is faster though.

I am going to see how hard to connect to the dvr. Also have USB connection. But problem will likely be software to copy image of course.

I'll check into Tivo. I'd need at least two types one regular and one wireless repeater if you will.

Richard

Mike V. said...

DVR - I recently got a macbook pro which also has USB 3.0 and it's great! I was able to transfer large quantities of videos and photos by attaching the drives to it much more quickly than I have in the past.

American Crime Story - I don't think I heard much about it. But that certainly sounds like some Ryan Murphy branding if I ever heard it. I'm sure it'll be good for a season or 2 then go off the rails just like all of his other shows! lol When does that start?

Sleepy/Commenters - Well you know...I just can't resist those crazy commenters! :-)

Anonymous said...

Gotham--wow things are heating up. The deal with Fish was so out of nowhere crazy! I sure didn't see that old SAS guy working for the corrupt BOD of Wayne Ent. The stuff with Barbera was strange, yet again. Salina was just wicked with the comeback to Barbera on her looks. But of course she is so much better off than Salina so it was just VERY juvenile humor that really only works with those very young or uneducated-lol. I don't know if it was meant to be juvenile on purpose since she's young or if the show runners are just juvenile. I more and more am beginning to think the later given some other stuff.

Richard

MJ said...

Gotham - that was just bats**t crazy with Fish. So now she's gonna have a fake eye or an eye patch ? LOL Was actually kind of ridiculous. Loved Selina's zinger to Barbara. That's Selina's thing - she's not a nice person on the whole. She's nice as long as it suits her. SO what's with the red mask? The way a kid picked it up in the end I figure it's yet another villan from the comics that I don't know. Penguin really knows how to run a club to crap ! LOL

American Crime Story - Ryan's show is slated for 2016 I think. I just kept getting confused with American Crime which premiers sunday. Felicty Huff man is involved so my interest was peaked. Agree - he's good for a season or two. I did NOT enjoy Freak Show much. Could not get into it for some reason - and yet I'd been so excited for it. Still never looked up the actor who played the rich guy - he was a great actor.

CSI Cyber - you going to watch Leslie ? I love that actress so I will def be looking at it (she was on Medium).

Following - that comes back next week - replacing Sleepy. We shall see where that goes. The crazy girl with the very short hair has been on House of Lies this season.

Lagertha - the actress will be guest starring on a show I watch - can't remember which one though. LOL

MJ said...

Blacklist - it's all three really.

Mike V. said...

Gotham - No idea who the villain is with the red mask. But it was a crazy over the top episode I agree.

ACS/AHS - Yeah I don't think I looked him up either, but agree he was the best part of the season.

Following - we gave up last year. Just didn't have time! And I never really enjoyed the show anyway. lol

Ugh, this out of town family is taking its toll. I'm on hold on BCS, Parks series finale and Justified. :-( Add Modern Family to the list tonight.

I did watch Agent Carter though and almost done season 2 of Game of Thrones. Carter was a good little mini-series with an opportunity for a 2nd season. Looking forward to SHIELD coming back next week though.

MJ said...

**Justified spoilers below **


Justified - I cracked up when Choo Choo did NOT get hit by that train. I know Boyd has been slightly suspicious of Ava since she got out of prison but it just seemed like his concern with Raylan going after her romantically came from no where. I know rayland and Ava were an item once - but not for years now. Oh but his face when Limehouse tells him Ava was gonna run. Wow! Not surprised when Ava's uncle pushed that guy down the shaft - just don't know why he's trying to kill Boyd. Probably just to get the money for heimself. Sam Elliot just looks so funny without that mustache. But markham scenes with Catherine were very tense. Almost this whole season has been very tense. Interesting that Markham asks Catherine if she was the mole that sent her husband away years ago since she always said it was Markham. Rachael sure is keeping a close eye on Ava and Raylan though she did not confront him like Art suggested.

Parks & Rec - did not watch finale yet. Probably won't get to until the weekend.

Yeah - it's hard when you both watch a show and one is away so you have to wait for them. I'm in the opposite isde - husband does not watch P&R so I have to carve out a time when he is not around to watch.

BCS? For the life of me I can't figure out what that is.

Mike V. said...

BCS = Better Call Saul..I wondered if it was too soon for an abbreviation! lol

Significant Others - Yeah, my main watch time is in the morning for shows that the Mrs. doesn't watch. I get up early, get on the treadmill, turn the closed captioning on and watch SHIELD, Agent Carter, Americans, Game of Thrones rewatches, LOST rewatches, American Horror Story, etc... all that stuff. lol Of course, when the fam is away...I watch that stuff the night it airs and wait on everything else.

Good news..more time for Game of Thrones rewatching in the morning! lol

Of course, when she gets back tomorrow we have to figure out the priority of what to watch first. My guess it'll still be Scandal since it airs tomorrow night.

And of course..Idol has reached the live shows! Which means my secret recapping duty returns! lol

Anonymous said...

Lol on BCS

You mean yr secret shame? Lol j/k.

Just read - AHS seas 5 called Hotel and Gaga to be on it. yikes

mj said...

That was me above.

Also - not seen Carter yet but be careful what you read. Heard there was a surprise in the show

Mike V. said...

Secret Shame - NEVER!! lol But the fact that I don't advertise it too much might mean I'm a little ashamed! :-)

Carter - I watched Carter, you didn't so I don't have to be careful! lol

AHS - Ugh...enough Gaga!! But I guess he does pull in musicians on the show. Adam Levine, Stevie Nicks.....so as long as she's not a main character maybe it won't be a big deal. But Hotel.....so it'll be The Shining meets Psycho? lol

Leslie said...

New shows - I'm planning to check out Secrets and Lies and American Crime. I will probably check out CSI:Cyber, too. I also like Patricia Arquette and Medium.

MJ, so you still watch the original CSI? I was surprised that Nick Stokes appears to be leaving the show. Hadn't heard about that. He got a job in San Diego to run their lab.

Gaga & AHS & Oscars - Crazy! I don't think they have said for sure that Jessica Lange won't be back, but I think there was talk like that. You guys probably didn't see her on the Oscars, but she did an amazing performance honoring Sound of Music...one of my all-time favorite movies! I didn't know she could see that well!

Yes, I still enjoy watching the Oscars even though some of it is boring. BTW, I watched Birdman On Demand the day after the Oscars since we were iced in. I really liked Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, but the movie overall didn't do much for me.

MJ said...

Orig CSI - I had heard that the actor was leaving so was only surprised they didn't kil him in some horrific way. LOL

Carter - watched last night. Wasn't a bad little show like you said. Weird though cause it's kinda of a prequel while we are watching the current. She's all crying over Capt American being gone when for us he is not.

BCS - how did I NOT pick up on the fact that he hired the guy to fall/dangle so that he'd look good ?!? LOL Especially after they opened on the rolex scam. Did you recognize the victim of the Rolex scam - Marshall (tech geek) from Alias !

Gaga - I did hear that she honored Sound of Music - been meaning to find it online.

Anonymous said...

Catwoman--recently we posted about watching movies based on comic books. But now that Catwoman is bisexual and Thor is a woman I am beginning to loose interest even there.

The last Batman trilogy ending was satisfying to me.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings--lots of prophecies. And then that guy shows up at the end. I've got to get his name. Earl Kalf just makes sense, again Lagertha is not known to them and hasn't been there.

That queen Kwithrin is just weird. Poor Thurston.

BTW, have I said how much I NEVER liked Porrun, the character nor the actress.

So, Ecbert and Lagertha continues. Hard to see it happening though especially when his people start pushing atgainst the Vikings


Richard

Mike V. said...

Comics - lol...i read that about catwoman too. It's getting kind of silly..i agree. Movie-wise...they're nothing but source material that can be adapted or ignored!

Vikings - I'm not sure what character is which but the woman asking them to fight her family...she's awful! lol Her drunk acting left a lot to be desired. Good episode though! Lots of dismemberments. lol

Parks and Rec - Amazing finale. I love the way they did it. It was basically the HIMYM format but done a tad better with a happier ending. So what do we think...did Leslie become President? It was left open to interpretation, but I think there's enough clues to support it. I'll have to comment on details later.

The Seth Myers late night tribute to Parks was hysterical too. Jerry and April hooking up for 2 minutes during Bye Bye Lil' Sebatian was awkward yet priceless! lol

Mike V. said...

@leslie...the recapping has begun on Idol!

Anonymous said...

Vikings--LOL on her drunk acting, seriously I couldn't tell if she's supposed to be drunk or just insane. She's Kwenthrith, the queen (?on spelling tough).

Things are getting ready to get crazy. And there's little doubt that Ragnar is going to defend Lagertha with Kalf.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Blacklist--Great ep. I really saw an intentional comparison between the beginning and the ending. The beginning where Liz was by herself and the ending where REd pointed out they do better together.

The mystery man (MM) is taken, I wonder by whom.

I'm not sure if Samar is betraying Red or not about the fulcrum, but something was up there.

Of course many have thought Red knew Liz has the fulcrum. I think he just wants her to give it to him so they can continue to work together. He could just go get it.

And Red taking care of Liz on the homicide thing not too surprising.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Vikings - Yeah I'm sure Ragnar will be fighting multipe factions before the season is over. There's no way his alliance with Eckbert will carry on too especially when he finds out about him and Lagertha (if she succumbs to his advances). And Athlestan, how long do we give him before he gives in to his desires?? lol

No Blacklist for me yet. Going to be playing catchup from the week all weekend probably.

Anonymous said...

Star Trek--Nimoy died!!!

Vikings--well, I'm not certain about the Lagertha stuff really since a lot of stuff about her is questionable.

Yea, for Athelstan to bed his son's wife would be hard for Ecbert.

I think you'll be surprised about how Ragnar does in Europe, at least for a while.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Vikings - Yeah, my speculation is more on a "what would make for good TV" than what's historically accurate! lol

Star Trek (and a little Fringe) - I saw too. RIP Leonard Nimoy! I saw he wasn't doing too well the other day. He certainly left his legacy on the world of science fiction, and the world in general.

MJ said...

Leonard Nimoy - what a shame ! He def did leave a legacy.

Mike V. said...

Game of Thrones: 2 short clips released. I saw the Jon Snow one, not the Brienne one yet.

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/27/game-thrones-season-5-previews

House of Cards - New season has launched! With all of the other stuff I have to catch up on, we might be behind on this one!

Leslie said...

Leonard Nimoy - I'm warped....my first thought was, "Poor Sheldon, he will be crushed"! lol

Idol - Thanks Mike, will have to check it out!

Mike V. said...

@Leslie - I thought about Sheldon too! :-(

No prob on the Idol heads up. :)

Mike V. said...

Justified - Finally watched last night. Caught the highlights I think, but some of the wheeling an dealings wasn't paying too much attention. I too laughed when Choo Choo didn't get hit by the train. lol And yeah all the mine stuff was crazy! Ava stuff definitely going to heat up now. I'll be paying more attention next Tuesday!

MF - Definitely a gimmick with the apple stuff but it was well done! Loved that she was in her room the whole time. lol

Still have Blacklist and BCS to watch to catch up. No House of Cards yet either! :-)

Anonymous said...

I've heard that netflix releases the whole series so you can binge watch. Not really good for those who don't like spoilers though.

ARe you going to set up another week for posting or do we just use this for first week of match?

Richard

Anonymous said...

Blacklist--some are speculating and I think they have a point that REd was a woman. Probably Liz's Mom.

I can paste their thoughts here, but some of mine include that this show has always been like holding water. And brings maybe some symmetry to Liz taking over for Red. I also don't think the show would worry about Red's "known" past.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Sorry, I meant to post a new post! I'll do that now. :)