Monday, June 15, 2015

Summer 2015 TV Discussion

Hello everyone!  As usual, this will be our place to talk ALL TV during the summer.  If the comments thread gets too long, I'll post a new one later on.  See you in the comments!

255 comments:

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Anonymous said...


Not a bad WP recap, comments

Richard

http://io9.com/wayward-pines-reveals-the-utterly-insane-truth-on-a-bom-1710767916

Mike V. said...

Daredevil - Almost done the penultimate episode of the first season. But that last episode...WOAAA...Karen shot Wesley! Foggy slept with his ex! lol In this current episode they just did the whole thing where Matt (unmasked) followed that blind lady in a car across the street tops. They've shot some pretty amazing stuff on their TV budget. But that was pretty darn impressive! Hopefully between tonight and tomorrow I can wrap that up.

And yes then I can start with WP!

Mike V. said...

Daredevil - Finished!! Pretty awesome show, nice origin story. Couldn't tell if Karen knew who Matt was at the end when they held hands. I'm ready for all of your links MJ! lol

Wayward Pines - Started it! I'm almost done the first episode. Surely, you guys discussed the similarities to LOST with the opening shots of Matt Dillon and Matt Fox. lol Definitely seems like some crazy stuff is going on in that town. I'm sure you've all discussed lots of theories. I have the benefit of not thinking about it too much as I'll just plow through to catch up!

MJ said...

WP - I don't think we did - cause everywhere on the web they did it for us. LOL

Daredevil - here ya go !
Daredevil ChumbaWumba
http://entertainthis.usatoday.com/2015/05/12/daredevil-chumbawamba-tubthumping-mashup/



How 'Daredevil' fits in with the rest of the Marvel movies and TV shows

Daredevil is so good and grim that it’s easy to forget it inhabits the same world as the Avengers and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. But it wouldn’t be a Marvel show without your fair share of Marvel Easter eggs, and maybe some foreshadowing too.

Don’t worry, this gritty noir show doesn’t hit you over the head with references (cough, Gotham, cough) or take you out of the world of Hell’s Kitchen by introducing an established character from another show or movie. Many of these Easter eggs are of the blink-or-you’ll-miss-it variety, and we love this show even more for that. Here are the Marvel references we caught in the first season of Daredevil (mild spoilers follow).

The ‘incident’
You can’t do a Marvel show in New York without talking about the biggest thing that happened there since sliced bread. The Battle of New York between the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the Chitauri that took place in The Avengers is only mentioned here as “the incident” or “death and destruction raining down from the sky,” which made the real estate prices in Hell’s Kitchen mega-cheap.

Harlem Terror
Ben Urich’s office has newspaper clippings of the Battle of New York from Avengers, but also a small article with the headline “Harlem Terror.” An obvious reference to the incidents of The Incredible Hulk.

Claire Temple
So we know that Claire Temple, aka Night Nurse, is actually a combination of several characters who help injured superheroes in their free time. But did you know Claire Temple was also the name of Luke Cage’s ex (and also a nurse who heals the injured Luke)? We loved Rosario Dawson in this show and we wish we could have seen her more. And we may well be, if she ends up being the connection between Daredevil and Luke Cage, which comes out in 2016.

St. Agnes Orphanage
The orphanage that Matt Murdock grew up in is the same one where baby Skye was dropped off in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Luckily he already knew his name or he may also have gotten stuck with a name as bad as Mary Sue Poots.

The war between The Chaste and The Hand
Stick, who was Matt’s blind, ruthless mentor, is also a member of The Chaste, an ancient martial arts enclave who are in a never-ending battle against the demonic ninja assassins group The Hand. At the end of episode 7, we see Stick telling a mysterious muscled figure — who we’re pretty sure is Stone, a formidable member of The Chaste — that Matt is not ready for the “war.”

We may have gotten our first glimpse of the war with Daredevil’s intense fight with Nobu, who was clothed in the same red garb that assassins from The Hand wear.

The Steel Serpent (aka Iron Fist’s mortal enemy)
That symbol on Madame Gao’s heroin packets? It’s the same symbol that upcoming Netflix hero Iron Fist’s archenemy Steel Serpent wears on his chest — which, hey, is also the name of the drugs! We’re also pretty sure Madame Gao is not what she seems (she took down Daredevil with just one hit), and there’s speculation that she’s actually Crane Mother, a ruler of a heavenly city who sicks the Steel Serpent on the first Iron Fist (it’s complicated). We’ll see if Madame Gao shows up in Iron Fist later this year.

‘The Greek girl’
In the flashback to Matt and Foggy’s college days, they talk about how Matt took a Spanish class to cozy up to some “Greek girl.” In the comics, Matt dates his star-crossed assassin lover Elektra Natchios (who hails from Greece) while they were attending Columbia University. Is this a hint at a future Elektra cameo?

MJ said...

Daredevil

Now that we’ve finished obsessively binge-watching the entire first season of Daredevil on Netflix, we find ourselves feeling a little sad, a little empty, and a lot ready for Season 2 to get here already. And while we’re going to have to wait for a little while until we return to Hell’s Kitchen, we do have some questions that we hope are going to be answered ASAP once we get there.

1. When will Karen’s secret be revealed?
Perhaps the biggest thread left hanging after episode 13 is Karen’s murder of Wesley. So far no one actually knows she’s the one who did it, and Ben Urich paid the price for her crime (more on him below). One of the final scenes of the finale was between Karen and Matt, and Matt indicated that there was “something in her voice” that he found concerning, and that hadn’t gone away when Fisk went to jail. Karen brushed it off, but we’re not sure Matt believed her. It seems like it’s only a matter of time until Matt and Foggy (and perhaps Fisk and the police) find out what she’s done.

2. What’s the deal with Vanessa, anyway?
There’s something up with Wilson Fisk’s seemingly perfect girlfriend. She’s just too nice and non-threatening to believably fall in love with someone as bad as Fisk. She’s never been perturbed by any of the murderous and violent things he’s done, not even when he confessed to killing his father at age 12 with a hammer.

3. Is Ben Urich really dead?
Marvel has a reputation for killing but then not really killing its characters. And while Daredevil seems like a much more actually lethal place than say, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, we wouldn’t put it past Marvel to bring back a character who has been such a presence in the comics for so many years.

4. What happened to Claire?
Rosario Dawson’s Night Nurse only appeared in a handful of the show’s 13 episodes, and while we were happy to see her each time she was onscreen, we have to ask, where’d she go? Claire was MIA for the last few episodes of the season, which means that we’re not totally sure where she stands going into the next one. We’d love to see more from her, and maybe get a peek at her life sans-Matt Murdock!

5. Will Wilson Fisk still be the villain in Season 2?
He has to be, right? We can’t imagine this show would be the same without Vincent D’Onofrio’s incredible performance. Fisk may be in jail, but we doubt that he’ll have much trouble running his criminal empire from there. We’d be excited to see some new villains (maybe Bullseye or Typhoid Mary?), but our hearts will always belong to Kingpin. And hey, they’ve put Loki in three movies already, so why not put Fisk in a whole bunch of Daredevil seasons?

Mike V. said...

Daredevil - Thanks for the info! That's great stuff especially with all of the Marvel Comic and MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) tie-ins. I knew it was supposed to be part of the same MCU as The Avengers but the tone was so different it almost seemed like a different world. Nice to see there were some easter eggs tying it together. I certainly also remember the name Elektra from the original Daredevil movie with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner (who played Elektra). Never even saw the movie. lol Even tie-ins to SHIELD too...crazy.

I know they're building to some mini-TV type Avengers union...and I think Luke Cage might be part of that. But it's funny that I mentioned it was weird that Rosario Dawson was doing this minor role on the TV show...but maybe because it's tied into bigger things. Luke Cage is going to be another Netflix show so I'm sure Dawson will be the link there.

I wonder if in movies like Captain America: Civil Wars....they'll be pulling up TV characters into the major leagues. I believe the whole concept of Civil Wars is like a super hero census or something and people on 2 sides of the fence. So, I could see people from all of the movies and TV shows making cameos in it.

Good stuff!

MJ said...

Daredevil - I agree about Dawson and all of it. I think eventually they will all inter-connect in some fashion. Daredevil def did have a different tone - I really liked it. But in S2 they def need to gve us Karen's background. She was very naive for most of it but after she shot that guy we found out he was not the first - so I want ton know more about that.

Still haven't watched OITNB or House of Cards - think will hit one of them this weekend though.

Still haven't caught up to Gof T comments either. WOrk is so crazy now.

MJ said...

Defiance - don't know if anyone watches but just watched the 2 hour premier - it was really good. Better than it's been in a while.

Astronauts Wives - I will check it ou - could be good summer fun.

Last Ship - Richard I think this comes back this Sunday

Mike V. said...

Daredevil - Agreed on Karen. She did make that comment that Wesley wasn't the first person she shot. I'm sure there might be comic book spoilers out there somewhere of what she might become one day. lol

We're 6 in OITNB, still 3 into House of Cards.

GofT Comments - It's mostly just Richard and I theorizing based on book knowledge and show knowledge. Nothing too spoilery though I do not sometimes when i think it might be considered that. And at one point we argue over the credibility of a TV critic. LOL

Hopefully work settles down soon. I definitely know what it's like when it gets too busy!

Anonymous said...

last Ship--yea I'm cautiously looking forward to it. They were in Balt harbour I think at the end of the season with a kind of mad max feel going on. Family members involved and a somewhat contrived capture of the ship.

I think the actors are better than the last few scripts. Hopefully it will get better. You know, I like boats/ships so I'm pulling for it.

Plus, there's only 1 show I'm watching now anyway--Wayward Pines, so I could use another one. Good thing I've got lots of channels for movies and reruns of the Monkees, Batman, etc to laugh at. But, it's also a good time to get outside and do stuff.

Defiance--I gave up on it--just got too weird for me. It also felt like the storyline had gone beyond it's natural course a while ago. Then the new storyline seemed contrived?

Richard

Mike V. said...

Wayward Pines - 3 episodes in! Thanks for convincing me to watch guys. Definitely up my alley. lol But also nice to binge as well. Juliette Lewis and Terrence Howard already gone, family has arrived, lots of discrepencies in time, weird creatures stole Pope's body, Ethan was in that hangar location with the food supplies and everyone's cars. no idea what's going on but enjoying the ride!

I do wonder though if him seeing his family on stretchers in the one episode and them showing up in the next had something to do with the time discrepencies though.

Obviously, I'm sure you talked through all the same LOST theories that we had over 6 years. Purgatory, Aliens, time travel, Flash Sideways world....all of that is well and good but it seems like Ethan's boss is in on it. And we saw the one dude from the Captain America Movies (hydra dude) outside of Wayward Pines and then inside he told Ethan he's glad he's there acting as hopeless as everyone else. It looks like Pope was able to get outside of the place too.

I'll introduce a theory based on watching a Black Mirror episode (awesome show btw...and still on Netflix).....maybe it's some kind of creative prison system where most people are in on the ruse. Doesn't seem like that's the case either. Or it could be like the Michael Douglas movie The Game (AWESOME movie btw).

Once you throw in the time discrepencies something supernatural or advanced beyond our current technology science is going on. Either that or everyone is lying. One year lying on Juliette lewis is one thing...but Kate aging 12 years??? That's one helluva makeup job if it didn't actually happen.

Anyway...I know answers are coming in 2 episodes so I'm just throwing out all of my catch-up speculations that make no sense so I can have some fun too. lol If I get my way I'll probably be caught up by tomorrow morning some time. (then on to Orphan Black! Ahhh I love summer)

Mike V. said...

Defiance - LOL...I gave up on that mid-first episode of the series! :)

Mike V. said...

Richard, if you need more shows and don't subscribe to Netflix now might be the time. There's tons of stuff to binge! Daredevil was great and according to the stuff MJ posted IS linked to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. House of Cards is great. Orange is the New Black might not be your thing, but still a pretty good show as well. Tons of other original programming on there now plus lots of other shows to binge on.

Going outside and doing stuff is highly overrated!! :) (KIDDING!!)

Oh and True Detective is back next Sunday (not this coming sunday)

Anonymous said...

WP, LOL, WE and now YOU were and are so far OFF!!!, LOL. The last ep was one you could watch a few times, easily.

In a way, there is a big LOST theme going on though.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - I assumed I was way off, just wanted to throw all the usual theories out there! lol Sounded like that 5th episode was pretty good. Looking forward to it!

Mike V. said...

WP - Definitely a revealing 5th episode! So I was right about them ripping off ideas from old movies, just the wrong movie! lol It's more like MILLENNIUM the Kris Krisofferson vehicle...where people from the future build a portal to open in mid sky and evacuate plane crash survivors from the past and let them start a new life in the future (whilst repopulating the species).

But no time travel involved here. Filcher (aka Captain America Hydra dude), was a visionary in the present day and recruited people to one day repopulate the earth...thousands of years after the Devolution of mankind. Certainly an interesting twist!

Here are my questions though that probably won't be answered:
- How did Filcher wake up from his hibernation? Someone had to be the first person to wake up. Was it on a 2000 year timer?
- Was Pope in on it from the beginning too? How else would he be on the outskirts of Wayward Pines to pull over Ethan's family?

Other thing of note:
- The Justin Kirk character (from Weeds) that Ethan was supposed to kill talked about having multiple affairs on his wife. Ethan had an affair. Kate had an affair. I wonder if most people in that town did something BAD to have been recruited? It seemed like Ethan's boss must've been in the know when recruiting him and possibly his family.
- Did anyone else get DHARMA Orientation video vibes during the Kids' orientation? Richard, I know you did. You even quoted Locke to me pretty much saying, "We're going to have to watch that again" lol Though, I probably won't be rewetting. Have too much other things to watch!

NEXT UP: Orphan Black (FINALLY!)

Oh and I was wrong, True Detective starts THIS WEEK, not next week. I thought they might take a week off between Thrones and TD.

8 episodes into OITNB.

Other shows coming up:
Fear the Walking Dead - one month!
Mr. Robot - Anyone hear about this one? Apparently the pilot is available on streaming. Someone at work, whose opinion I respect (lol), told me the pilot is phenomenal. Haven't watched yet,

Anonymous said...

WP, glad you're caught up. I think there are many elements that can be compared to LOST. For one, just look at the time spans/changes and those who were in charge during that time span.

I suspect that you can use the hibernation chambers as needed. I mean it makes sense that you could go through a period of hibernation, then awake to do some things, then hibernate again. Bears do it all the time--lol! I think this is why different people aged differently too.

Yes, Pope and Ethan's partner were in on it from the beginning.

I want to compare those children who told Theresa to go to WP at the gas station to the children who are #1,2 and 3.

Do you recall that Ethan was CHOSEN because he was "good". Another similar LOST theme about being chosen.

So much to go over, but have to work today.

Richard

MJ said...

WP - regarding Lost - no Mike - we've Frozen it and 'let it go' LOL Couldn't resist. We thought aliens. Hoped it was not time travel. Did not go to purgatory. Notice all those boxes said WP coffee, WP sugar (or whatever) made me think are there othe towns too ? 5th episode was jaw dropping. So much info - but was it all true ? We don't know yet. So - if 2000 years has passed where are they getting all this food from ? Richard pointed out all these cars would be rusted out junk. Millenium - I loved that movie back in the day ! But WP didn't say anything about portals - more like they've been frozen away a la Alien/Aliens

Happyish - been liking this little sitcom on either Sho or Hbo - last sundays was hysterical. Any parent who has see Frozen too many times would like it as well.

Mr Robot - will check it out when comes on tv.

Black Mirror - it's also on my summer list.

True Det - you loved that more than me but I'll watch season 2.

FYI - I am more than half way caught up to the GofT comments ! LOL I finally just copy/pasted them off and am reading when I have 5 mins as my day goes by at work.

Mike V. said...

TD - Richard loved it more than both of us! I'm looking forward to a different setting. lol

WP - Oh I was comparing to Millennium just due to the saving people from crashes to start life in the future. Of course they didn't initiate the crashes in Millennium just had a history of them. Here they CHOSE these people to hibernate for a future civilization. I guess it's kind of similar to Terra Nova in that sense too. Same concept different executions.

Good point on the rusted cars. Unless they're somehow preserved in that garage place. lol Good point on it not being all true too.

Richard, from the tale they spin, true or not, I just assumed this meant they were waking up people at different times. i.e. Kate woke up 12 years earlier than Ethan but they were all put into hibernation at relatively the same time. Maybe not all the same time since Juliette Lewis was back in 2000. So they had this technology for awhile if that's the case.

LOL on the Frozen comment! (Happyish...maybe we'll get to that one day. I think Veep would be first on our list if we were going to catch up on a comedy!)

GofT comments - NICE!! I'm sure they're all entertaining and poignant! LOL

Anonymous said...

I'm at least 95%+ sure that they are 2000 years into the future. Definitely, Kate woke up earlier than Ethan.

Don't forget that pine tree Pilcher was working with which he had genetically grafted. That makes me wonder if he's partially resposible for the abbies??

I'm looking for the ep when Ethan finds all the hibernation chambers and sees who is in them.

Ethan bothers me though. He's like a wild card. His son is too right now. WP has been in place in some way or other for 2000 years, so they've done something right.

TD--oh yea, I thought it was great.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - good thoughts on the Pine Tree breeding (of course breeding pine trees makes me think of Back to the Future lol). He may definitely be responsible for the babies.

Also a good point on Ethan most likely fining the hibernation chambers.

Well, I don't think people have been awake for 2000 years. They had that comment about the houses being 12 years old. And these kids being the 1st generation of WP. So, it seems like they've been getting organized for 12 years.

Anonymous said...

WP, true on the 12 years. Hence why I said in SOME way or other in existence. It's very likely that most were in hibernation for 2000 years and then 12 years ago they started waking up. BUT, someone had to have a hand on the switch so to speak for those 2000 years.

Just imagine they were in that mountian for 2000 years while the world went crazy. Then 12 years ago they had to clear out the area and build the fence for WP. To me, that doesn't make strategic sense. You saw how scared Pilcher was of being overrun with just a short outing. And supposedly the abbies are almost impossible to beat?? So, if you knew this was coming you would want to have a perimeter around the mountain before the abbies grew in number(military thinking--lol) So, it has been my assumption that the fence and area around the mountain were sealed off when things started going sideways. IF that's true, someone had to maintain the infrastructure for the perimeter as well as power and life support for the othres.

And I still like my theory on hibernation cycles--lol.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - that's why I asked..who was the first to wake up? lol I just assumed they all were in hibernation. But there had to be a way for someone to wake up first. All good points on someone maintaining the infrastructure. Guess we'll be diving into that in the next 5 episodes or so. Hibernation cycles makes sense. lol

This feels like it went from being a limited run series to a potential long running series with this broad concept. lol

Anonymous said...

Last Ship--I almost didn't watch this thing after what I thought was a bad start. But, I FF through the junk and got to the second half and it started getting good again. Hated to see the smoke monster go.

I really hope they don't go down the cliche dystopian story lines as we move from more ship borne activites to those on the land.

Richard

MJ said...

Orphan Black - have not seen the finale yet but the penultimate one was a doozey !

WP - Richard an I already discussed but there is just no way to keep cars in decent shape for 2000 years. Nor to keep food for that long either. It's all a lie but it's def about the kids. Maybe because they are more easily talked into things or believing things ?

Anonymous said...

MJ on WP

Yea, there has to be a LOT more to this story for those cars and food, etc to be there after 2000 years. And that helo looked very new to me. Gasoline starts going bad after about 6 months.

Most tires aren't driveable after 10 years due to rot. LOL, I know I've had to replace some on my classics over the years.

The kids/first generation is not a major storyline in the books. There's not much out there about the books, not like GOT--lol.

It must be doing pretty well since they've started talking about how they could do a second season. BUT, the show runners have said this season will stand on it's own and provide all the answers you would normally expect(maybe not from particularly demanding nuts like us though--lol).

So, I expect answers to my longevity questions regarding vehicles, fuel and infrastructure. But, I may not get them--lol.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - I guess it makes sense that they could be lying. But how are the ruins of Boise explained then? Blue Screen? LOL

Didn't realize they were talking about a 2nd season. Ugh...mini-series are starting to act as backdoor full series pilots! lol (like Under the Dome)

True Detective - Didn't start yet. We're going to finish OITNB first. Done 11 episodes!

Orphan Black - It's my next binge. I started episode 2 this morning but had to finish the STar Wars Rebels S2 premiere first!

Star Wars Rebels - Season 2 is here...and the first ep was pretty great! Tied Clone Wars and Rebels even more into the entire saga. Darth Vader was a prime player in the premiere too. Good stuff.

MJ said...

It's going to be like a Disney ride ! LOL
http://www.680news.com/2015/06/22/moving-4-d-seats-help-punctuate-summer-fare-like-jurassic-world-ant-man-san-andreas/

WP - yeah I had heard S2 talk as well. Not happy. They keep promising 1 time event tv and the dragging it out - like Mike said Under the Dome.

I never got to start OITNB or House of cards this weekend. Ugh. Keep trying to.

Anonymous said...

WP--I'm still 95+% that they are 2000 years into the future. I'm not nearly as high % on getting my answers--lol.

True Detective--Great cast! A meandering premiere with too much of the horrible personal lives of cops theme. Seriously, can't someone on TV have a good life--I do!!! It's old and cliche(double entendre?) that the good guys are really not so good.

Vince Vaughn was great!

Unlike the critics I read this morning, it's really not that difficult to see where there is cross over and some core issues could reside. Meandering is not awful.

Richard

Mike V. said...

4DX - Wow....lol so much for relaxing at the movies!

WP - Yeah...something tells me they're not going to dissect a lot of this stuff like the age of cars and the food supplies...but I could totally be wrong.

Netflix shows - We actually were surprised how quickly we're flying through OITNB...but it's probably because it's so good! Usually we'll watch an episode of something then call it a night..but with this one we're like...well maybe one more!

TD - I figured Vaughn would be good. He's done drama before. He's just done so much comedy lately (i.e. various roles portraying different versions of his Swingers character lol) that people have forgotten. I love that you say "meandering is not awful" LOL What a backhanded compliment! Funny enough, I kinda get what you mean. We'll watch soon enough!

MJ said...

Storm yesterday - you do ok Mike ? Crazy in south Jersey. They are saying several small tornados. Deptford Mall damaged. Houes on either side of me had some damage but mine was fine. Lots of power outtages in Pennsy and Jersey

OITNB - this is whay I haven't started. Keep trying to find a time when we have several hours cause I know we will be the same - ok one more, just one more. LOL

Mike V. said...

Storms - We did okay. We took the kids to Straussburg yesterday for the "Day out with Thomas" and made it home just in time before the storms. No power loss either. But apparently a tornado ripped through my parents' neighborhood. They had small damage but other houses didn't fare as well. Still waiting to hear more. No one hurt though! hard to take tornado warnings seriously around here when I've heard 1st hand from my wife about things she went through in Tennessee. Crazy stuff.

OITNB - We had 2 more episodes to watch last night and didn't get started (due to kids) until 10. That finale was like 1.5 hours and we didn't know until we were halfway through. We somehow powered through! Good season! But we can discuss more after you watch.

No TD yet, but we'll probably watch this week sometime if not tonight.

MJ said...

Where are your parents again ? Not Medford - was it Swedesboro ? yeah - sky turned green. My husband is from Wisconsin so I knew that that green sky meant.

Mr Robot - any one going to give this one a look?

Anonymous said...

Where,When is Mr. Robot

Richard

Mike V. said...

I grew up in Medford, but they live in Clarksboro area now. I know there was a car turned over in Deptford and it's not too far from there.

Mr. Robot, I have the TiVo set and like I said a guy at work watched the pilot and said it's phenomenal. Looks like it premieres on USA tonight, Richard.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Robot--I'm not sure this is something I"m going to stick with. I really like slater though. It's kind of like the matrix in some ways too. ONe thing that irritated me on the representation of the evil side is there were no women in that room--only men which makes me wonder who's at the top and that starts making me think too much-lol. In today's tech world, there are a LOT of women in high level positions. Of course I'm a capitalist and so my radar goes off on some things. BTW, I'm not into crony capitalism but recognize that pure capitalism is almost impossible to have in any political system. It's already been given a 2nd season. They do a decent job of not stating who is bad or good since they show complexities.

I don't get Angela about not wanting him to help her. In today's world at the C suite level it's one team working with another team and so helping each other is preplanned. Which they should have done before this C suite meeting. Of course to me, Angela is WAY too young/inexperienced to be an account exec at the C Suite level and so that whole thing doesn't have credibility anyway. Plus any account exec at that level would have good relationships with the customer's team to begin with.

Under the dome starts soon.

Richard

MJ said...

Yeah - Clarksboro area hit hard. Some towns still look like war zone.

Mr. Robot - i watched it but have to admit I dozed off a few times. I was way too tired to watch something that intricate. LOL I will have to look at it again. BUt I think I liked it. As for Slater - I also like him but I call him the show killer. Almost every tv show he has tried never lasts. But since this was already given a green light for a second season I guess I can't call him that any more.

Mike V. said...

Mr. Robot - Didn't get around to it and doesn't sound like I am missing anything too exciting. Very true on Christian Slater's career as of late! We'll always have his cameo in Star Trek VI lol

Orphan Black - Crawling through this latest season. I think I'm on episode 3 or 4. Not much to report yet. Lots of clones (male and female) doing cloney things! lol

Anonymous said...

Mr. Robot, so I read some reviews and most loved the show.


http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/05/mr-robot-hello-friend-series-premiere.html

I get the feeling in reading these that no reviewer has worked in a C suite.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Mr. Robot - Well the guy that recommended it to me is a manager (not a senior exec) at my company and he really loved it. I just want to wrap up Orphan Black first, but I'll probably check it out afterwards. Of course, now that you guys got me into Wayward Pines I'll probably be watching that tonight or tomorrow morning! :)

Mike V. said...

EW Articles today. (the login prompt is back!)

X-Files Reboot will be this week's cover story: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/25/this-weeks-cover-x-files-returns

Heroes Reborn Info:http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/25/heroes-reborn-trailer

Fear the Walking Dead promo: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/25/fear-walking-dead-watch-new-promo-showing

Fox Fall Premiere Schedule: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/25/fox-fall-dates

Anonymous said...

WP, yes it's on tonight! There's another show starting tonight that I sort of like, but forget it's name.

Sometimes I"m too literal re Mr Robot

Richard

Mike V. said...

Other show premieres - Under the Dome, Rookie Blue? Those are the only ones I see that might be relatively known. lol I don't watch either though.

Anonymous said...

that's it Under the Dome--I think MJ watches it.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP, some more good info. I'm beginning to wonder if this is a story about nature and how it won't be denied. Which makes me wonder if the humans are at risk. Group A couldn't handle it, now we know why Pilcher is handling things the way he is.

Some great funny lines delivered by Pilcher. I loved the one about his sister the recovering drug addict.

Richard

MJ said...

WP - didn't get to watch. Instead finally saw movie Gone Girl. Good movie - but I thought everyone talked about some big twist ending ? What twist ? LOL\

DOme - no - I gave that up after season 1. I didn't like it much and was annoyed that it even got a season 2 since it was supposed to be a limited run show to begin with. Think maybe it was Leslie that watched it.

Anonymous said...

Dome--well it's full of twists--lol. We;ll see if Leslie comments.


Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - Yeah it was good. Clarified the timeline and the handling of Wayward Pines. So Pilcher did wake up himself up and his followers 2000 years after 2014 (so 4014) and it is now 14 years later.

Seemed weird that Ethan was on board so quickly, but they clarified that he just wants to keep everyone alive. But why is he so easy to get accustomed to the idea of Mankind's near extinction where everyone else (Group A) couldn't handle it?? lol Oh well...still a good episode and a crazy 180 for the show halfway through.

Looks like the showrunner took to EW to provide a timeline too. I didn't read it yet http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/25/wayward-pines-guest-blog-timeline

Gone Girl - I actually read the book before I saw the movie. Probably was a bad idea. The book was good, but the movie was EXACTLY like the book so every twist and turn that happened I saw coming a mile away. lol And it was just boring to me! The only twist I can possibly think of is that ***SPOILER*** she plotted the whole thing heself.

Not sure if you know but the author of the book used to be an EW Columnist. Ben Affleck's character in the book was a Pop Culture magazine journalist that got laid off when blogging took off....so it was similar to Gillian Flynn's career. Though when she got laid off, she wrote a novel and became a huge success. lol I think they changed his former profession in the movie. Can't remember though.

TRUE DETECTIVE - Still on hold. We just can't bring ourselves to watch it yet. lol Maybe after the 2nd episode airs, we'll just binge them both.

Orphan Black - Still crawling. I'll get it done eventually!

Anonymous said...

WP, I'm thinking plot 33 is from the A group. I wonder what Theresa will find.

NOW, Kate wants out after refusing to work with Ethan? But, it appears to have been an ongoing effort that kind of stalled out for a while.

Richard

Anonymous said...

So, I've been checking into the new terminator movie. I'm concerned it should be called something like, the sarah conner show--lol?

Richard

MJ said...

WP - we shall see. Still think they are not gettin the truth somehow.

True Detective - been pretty good. Liking it better since they are staying in the same time period unlik season 1 where we jumped back between past and present.

Mr. Robot - rewatched and like it very much. I have to stop watching shows that need paying attention to so late ! LOL

Mike V. said...

TD - I'm going to try to convince the Mrs. to watch the 2 TDs tonight/tomorrow. We'll see how it goes!

WP - I'm sure there could be some secret they're not telling but do we really think the 2000 year time jump is not legit?

Mr. Robot - Still didn't watch. Once I finish Orphan Black!

Orphan Black - Think I'm on ep 4 now. Helena killed a man clone that was being experimented on. Alison met with her provider who happens to be Justin Chatwin from Lost/Shameless fame. lol Sarah is dealing with lots of man clones! She found out they're all brothers and sisters now. Still a ways to go.

MJ said...

TD - definitely less cerebral then last year's deep and hidden meanings. LOL

WP - Not sure that I bought suddenly Kate is not so Stepfordy and is one of the rebels. I am finding it hard to believe the 2000 year time jump is right. After ep 5 aired everyone said this is what it was in the books - but my point is that the books could have hidden he truth until more info came later.

Orphan - did Donny and Alison do their dance yet ? That cracked me up ! Donny the drug dealer is hysterical too. And you've met the scorpion ! That was so odd.

MJ said...

Oops - meant to say that once you do watch TD there is a Dharma reference and also the spot of the Dharma refernce (sign on the wall) is a place that was supposedly also on Mad Men.

Mike V. said...

TD - good to know! Interesting on the references! I'll keep an eye out.

WP - Fair points. I'm sure there are still more twists to come, but I couldn't begin to guess on if it'll be as big as the 2000 year time jump reveal! I just chalked up Kate all of a sudden being ready to go against the authorities as some convenient writing. The plot was revealed and Ethan is changing teams...so they need a new conflict. That said...it seems like the last straw with Kate was the death of "can't remember his name but the guy from Weeds lol".

Orphan - Yes the scorpion...so bizarre!! lol Don't think Donny and Alison did their dance yet. Surely I would've remembered. lol

Anonymous said...

TD-Murder of a main character last night. But honestly I'm starting to feel like this season may go in directions that won't interest me. Vince is the main draw but now with him going dark and everything else dark, it's getting just too dark overall without other things to cause me to look deeper. There's other stuff I think will happen with one of the characters that to me is getting to be a cliche as well. We'll see.

WP--MJ, I have learned to just accept the 2000 year deal despite the lack of explanation of some things that to me can't exist. AND I think there will be more reveals. I agree with Mike about the Kate thing, they needed a new conflict. At least this one was preplanned so it should work out OK. Part of me expects and I would be disappointed if it happens, but I expect that someone is going to let the Abbie's into WP and things will be torn apart. Hence why I think the overall story line will be one of "nature will not be denied". I kind of thought of that when Group A killed themselves off. 4 eps to go and no word on a season 2 that I've heard.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - It's supposed to be a stand-alone series with no season 2. MJ said there was speculation of a season 2 due to its success. And I said that I could see open ended possibilities with the episode 5 twist. We'll need to see how the show ends to see if it's possible to carry it on. If Ethan saves the day and dies in the process...i could see further seasons being about the 1st Generation and how they rebuild civilization. But, shows should stick to their word. If they're going to be a stand-alone series they should just call it the end annd call it a day! Writers get too attached to the worlds they create!

You're probably right that the abbies will get in by the end of the season. Kate will find out what's going on and everyone will work together to end the conflict...and then come to grips with the shock of where/when they really are.

Anonymous said...

WP, yea the 1st gen could be a S2 and that would give a clean brake with S1. Especially with Ethan and a few others like Theresa, Kate and Pilcher taken out. But, they would have to keep nurse Pam--lol.

Something's up with them showing us that abbie being gassed. Maybe that's how they dealt with them to build WP and maybe that gassing will come into play later. OR maybe they think that gas will work but the abbies are now immune??

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - I think I missed the abbie getting gassed. Or just forget!

TD - We caught up...yikes that was some slow stuff. Well acted and good at times. But pretty slow! lol I pretty much got spoiled by not watching episode 2 in real time. Someone on facebook said "WOW True Detective" so right with that I assumed one of the main characters died. That's usually what it means if you cast big actors in a limited run show and someone says WOW right at the end of the episode. Then of course, I accidentally read on here that someone died too! So, then it was a just a guessing game of who it would be. When Colin Farrell was in the final scene, I knew it would be him! lol Still pretty shocking as he was billed as one of the main characters this season. So I guess it becomes the McAdams/Tim Riggins show. (i.e. Taylor Kitcsch sp....) And of course Vince Vaughn.

Anonymous said...

WP, the abbie being gassed was inside the mountain behind the glass.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - ohhhh yeaaaaah. Thanks for the reminder!

MJ said...

Orphan - dance - oh yeah ! You'd remember ! LOL

TD - I was impressed they killed off what seemed would be a main character so fast. Lots of shows will not. Now who is Vaughn going to turn to for his dirty deeds? LOL The fact that the CIty Mgr was shot in the crotch and eyes burned out points to his taste in sex - so that means that it's not why he was killed. LOL

Human - was pretty good. Had some decent creep factor. Mom is definitely hiding something - didn't feel like work really kept her away as long as it did. But I def understood her feeling threatened that Anita is trying to replace her. Not sure where they will go with the Human guy on the run with the synths that have feelings. Sad that the old guy is using his synth to reatin memories of his dead wife.

Last Ship - that was actually a very moving episode. At first thought I'd say bring the families on - but they would quickly run out of room. I like that they are getting the cure out there and not dragging that on. Took me a bit to remember the guy who is the carrier from last year - he is pure evil ! And now we will have a cult who is against spreading the cure.

Falling Skies - think I am the only one watching ?

Mike V. said...

Orphan - The bedrooom dance? Just got to it this morning. Fantastic! lol

Falling Skies - yeah I didn't get past the first few minutes of the pilot! :-)

Anonymous said...

Falling Skies--I'm in. Thought they really made progress for a final season premiere, covered a lot of ground. Actually a good ep. Love the idea of fighting to WIN! Use everything you have to win and keep kicking the when they are down! The acting really makes this show. Except for the JUNKIE lines and plotlines they make Maggie go through. That poor actress needs someone to defend her character in the writers room. Funny when the girl made the shot to blow up the skitters and ship.

Last Ship--I liked the scene where MIke left a com pack and the cure with a note for his family. I NEVER bought the capt would not come back. Funny about the seals pulling guard duty--like that would happen. So, the girl was surprised when her Mom figured she was pregnant, that was good how that came down. Actually a good ep.

TD--the premiere made sex a HUGE issue for all the characters really. It made me think that Rachel's strange sex stuff was going to cross over with the other's somehow. And Taylor's going to come out--lol. That scene with his mom was just creepy, no wonder he's gay. I probably won't keep watching.

Richard

Mike V. said...

TD - Ahhh good point. I wasn't sure if he actually did something with the actress or not. But, I know he popped that blue pill when he got to his girlfriend's place. But that totally makes sense that he probably isn't into girls. lol

mj said...

Orphan - yes! Lol. donny twerking in his undies was priceless

TD. - itotally did not go to gay. He's obviously had some personal trauma and then being put on admin leave did him in i thought. Girl did not make it like it always took 30 mins to show up at bat. Lol. but i have no gaydar - til Barry Manilow just married his agent I thought he was straight. lol

Falling skies - yes great ep. Glad Lexie is gone. I also enjoyed the new attitudes - though they should have been more suspicious of him - not sure what is off about him but something is differentwith Tom. and what was with the gross bug thing at the end?

Mike V. said...

Orphan - lol it was pretty hysterical. At the end of that same episode...we lost PAUL! at least I think we did. Not sure how he could survive that grenade blast, but they didn't show it of course. I figured that's making room for Michael Huisman (Daario) as the love interest. I'm halfway through the next episode too where Cosima is about to pose as Alison for a photo shoot. lol

TD - Guess it could go either way...but Richard sold me with his story he weaved. lol I originally thought he DID take the actress's offer which is why he needed a pill to "get back in the mood". A lot of girls will be upset if Tim Riggins is gay on TD!! lol (Friday Night Lights reference for the uninitiated. Still one of the best shows no one has watched!)

Anonymous said...

Friday Night Lights--I could say a lot since I played my HS football in Houston and we played Permian and in the AStrodome and Dallas Carter. I know those teams and we played in the Astrodome to win State Championship(year after I graduated--lol). Yes, we had a big bus with police escorts(just like a college team) and HUGE money behind us. Our stadium had astroturf, sat 25,000 or so and dual score clocks. There really is nothing like a big time TX high school football team given the school spirit and community. And I can say that having tried out with the pro teams and having friends in the NFL. I was recruited to the HS team. We had 8 guys get DivI scholarships. I think there are like 2mill HS players and there are about 8000 DivI players. So, about 0.004 on average.

I love the movie, but found the TV show overly dramatic. At the end with the name plates just brought back so many memories. Billy Bob Thorton was good in that movie.

Richard

Anonymous said...

TD, don't forget they had him checking out those gay guys across the street from the window. I really think they're playing him up as a tortured soul He hates himself for what he is and wants to just die and/or escape on his bike. He's in denial,etc, etc crap. So, I suspect he'll only find happiness by coming to grips with what he is, etc etc crap. And possibly Rachel will help him come to grips with all this introspection given her background, father,etc, etc crap.

Sorry if I seem down on the show but it's looking way too much like a show made up by the latest round of psychobable--lol. Kids hating parents, parents harming kids, etc.

I kind of like Vince's character since he seems to act more like a grown up.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - Impressive resume' to back up your thoughts on the TV show! But yeah, I loved the football aspect of the show...it was more the interpersonal relationships and character development that made the show soar. We were a bawling mess by the end of almost every episode (season 2 excluded). Coach Taylor may be one of the best characters in TV history and that's major thanks to Kyle Chandler. Connie Britton was an excellent Tami Taylor as well. The rebooted the show in season 4 with a new cast and it was still amazing.

I actually never saw the movie, but heard that the FNL TV show pilot was very similar to it (by design).

I'm married to a southern girl...so she vouched for the legitimacy of the way of life they portrayed on the TV show. And you could just feel that Dillon, Texas was a very lived on world from the start. Now, whether it's true to Texas Football or not, I can't speak to that!

Did you watch the whole TV show or just some of it? It also had maybe one of the best series finales ever.

TD - I was half asleep for both episodes so I may have missed him looking at the guys across the street. But definitely got them playing up the Tortured Soul...that's the Taylor Kitsch special. Brooding and not talking much. lol

At this point, I'm just going to assume they're setting the table for bigger twists to come and maybe everything we think might be cliche' may go a different way.

BTW..some people are speculating that Colin Farrel's character may not be dead. I didn't see previews for next week. I guess the only possibility is that he had a vest on. Even if that was the case, he was shot at point blank range with a shotgun. I don't know how you survive that! Unless the gun was loaded with something other than bullets. lol Rainbows maybe?

Anonymous said...

FNL--I watched several eps, not an entire season. YES, the coach and his wife were great and the characters were legit.

But, the drama was just so much. I'm sure there was a lot of drama around the teams that I just didn't participate in that the show represented now that I think about it. I know one thing, nobody challenged what our head coach was doing, NO ONE! We had several multi millionaire donors, I mean TX oil rich! And even as powerful as those men were they were very very respectful around him. He didn't have to say anything, just walk into the room. His presence was amazing.

Of course the girls--cheerleaders, pom pom squad, spirit squad were heavily involved. I had 4 girls assigned to me. All the starters had 4 girls assigned to them. The treatment you got was amazing. They would decorate your house, decorate your car, decorate your locker, escort you into some classes and the pep rally, give you special prizes, etc, etc. And of course the Friday night parties were amazing after home games. We would have live bands some booster would pay--a legit local name band, not real cheap.

I live in SC now and here the HS football is soo weak in comparison, not even close. There, businesses would shut down early sometimes to make the away games. We'd have a police escort with many cars following the busses. Again, it was like college but moreso. Here, I've never seen it. In college we'd have police escort but not a string of cars following. For one thing in college we'd leave on Friday and play on Saturday vs in HS you'd leave on Friday and play on Friday. Except for playoff games that may be on Saturday.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - You might want to revisit the series. Those first few episodes were pretty melodramatic, but it got really really good. The emotional stakes always remained high, but the show was just so LIVED IN and REAL. Season 2 went off the rails and got cut short by the writer's strike. They came back strong for 3 more 13 episode seasons. What you're explaining to me about real Texas High School football is exactly the feeling I got while watching the show.

Funny though...high school football in the philly/jersey area doesn't compare as wel and that may or may not have been reflected towards the end of the series. lol

The whole thing with Coach Taylor was he was a NEW head coach under a lot of scrutiny.

Mike V. said...

Orphan Black - 2 episodes to go! Like the Krystal clone character but things don't look good for her as she's going under the knife to give Rachel a new eye. Helena hanging out with Alison and crew has been fun! I'm sure there's more but gotta run for now!

Hearing positive things about HUMANS, which I saw you watched MJ. I set the tivo to try and pick up reruns. lol

Anonymous said...

FNL I suspect that HS head coach and assistant coaches were WELL paid. I'm sure they had GREAT summer jobs they didn't have to report to very often. ALL of our coaches were working through the summer on football and didn't teach classes during the school year. We had two asst coaches that played pro ball and were very good. Our head coach came from a college program. NOT cheap to get those high paid guys. So, I could see scrutiny for a new coach making a ton of money. But, any coach worth his money would have told them up front before accepting the job to leave him alone and let him do his thing or he won't take the job. That's what I've seen anyway. Winning is a big deal of course. If you do that then all is good of course. That's why the best programs have a recruiting network. You need to win your district or region. It's OK to have an off year and not, but you can't have many of them or the recruiting and money dries up.

Think about this, the HS coach makes a ton of money some funded through the boosters. You have to turn over your boosters as the boys graduate so recruiting is a real deal. Of course alumni are involved a lot too.

The tax payers didn't pay anything, it was all done privately!!!

Check this HS stadium out. My sister has been there. It's bigger than what we had. I checked and ours only sat 18,000, but we had more when people sat on the grass. I know we had over 20,0000 at some games.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Stadium_%28Allen,_Texas%29

The only area to compete with TX is Southern CA and parts of FL really. But, due to the sheer number of great programs in TX and the money put into it, overall it's very different. I was recuited from out of state btw.

I'll check out the series again.

Richard

Anonymous said...

robot--so very surprising when Slater pushed the guy off the railing. Poor guy has no friends really. Lots of devious players out there.

Richard

MJ said...

Orphan - yeah I think I read Paul is dead. I love it when the clones pretend to be eachother. Always a good time. Something happens to Faux Alison during that time too. Krystal was funny. at the beginning of season when the 'twins' attacked her I don't even think I realized it was Tatiana playing yet another clone. Seemed like a different actress. Krystal does not give an eye to Rachael. Rachael got an implant. Well - your next episode will be a doozy !

TD - LOL on shot with Rainbows

FNL - didn't watch either movie or show. Taylor Kitsch was in Battle Ship movie though. HS football in the north east - only the parents go see their kids. I was a cheerleader - don't even think we played friday nights - my recollection is saturday daytime games in NY.

Have a great July 4th everyone !

Mike V. said...

Orphan - Hmm...not sure I knew that about the eye yet. It seemed pretty clear that they were going to take the eye from Krystal at the end of the episode I just watched. But I figured something might intervene! :) Yeah Tatiana has some crazy acting skills. Each one of these clones is fully realized.

FNL/Taylor - Yeah movie studios really bet big with him becoming a huge star. And it hasn't quite panned out yet. Maybe TD will help him out a bit. I still haven't seen Battleship and pretty much refuse to! lol Agree on HS Football in the north east. I was "in the band" (cue laughter) And definitely remember playing more saturday games than friday games.

That texas HS stadium looks crazy Richard!


Happy 4th to everyone as well!

Anonymous said...

TD/FNL--I love Battleship! It has real life veterans and real life references. Of course it's a little over the top on believability, but it's an alien movie too. Taylor was great in it and so was the admirals daughter! Liam helped a lot. It's a good movie. I have NO idea what the reviews were like. I don't pay attention to them. I've seen it 3 times and wish I owned the BD. Of course I like certain Navy movies like Midway and Pearl Harbor, etc--I own them all. Too many family in the Navy--lol.

MJ, you had to love that movie with the veterans in it!

Richard

Anonymous said...

Happy 4th. We're going barefooting and smoking brisket!!!!

richard

Mike V. said...

Battleship - fine maybe I'll give it a look. It was just the fact that it was a movie based on a simple board game and they added aliens to it!

Not sure if I'll get to wp tonight or tomorrow but gonna try! Enjoy the brisket!

Anonymous said...

WP--if this show hadn't already killed off 2 major characters I would say Ben is alive. But, since this show has killed off major characters it is possible Ben is dead. Ethan isn't very good at communicating. Otherwise he could easily convince his wife about the abbies, etc. And he could bring Ben in on the convesation.

It seems so human that everyone wants the fence down and yet when it happens death will be widespread.

Richard

Anonymous said...

FNL--Ok, so I've seen most all of the 3rd season, a couple eps of S4 and a few of S1 and 2. Overall it's still too drama filled for me but the acting is compelling.

I so laughed at the end of S3 when they kicked him out as coach. There's NO way that would have happened after winning a state title and going to state again. Particularly when the police got involved with Joe,etc. So, the East Dillon story line is just contrived trying to find a new twist to keep the show interesting. A coach with his success would have plaques put up. And seriously, someone would have taken care of getting him a bigger home.

So ridiculous hiring an unproven head coach to replace one like Taylor in his prime. The boosters aren't stupid like the show portrays them.

I know now why you're such a Bobbi fan on Shield. That actress is in FNL. And I saw Taylor too but with longer hair.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - Naaaa...Ben will be alive. lol Yeah Ethan communicating what he discovered was pretty laughable. Not sure if that was the writing or Matt Dillon's limitations. Still entertaining!

TD - Ahhh Riot ammunition!!! Better explanation than rainbows I guess. :) Good call on Taylor Kitsch, Richard! I had told my wife that theory a few days ago and she said "you were right!" to me when it was revealed. I couldn't take credit. lol Pretty good ep.

Humans - Through the first episode and some of the 2nd. Pretty good so far. MJ, I'll check your comments above when I get a chance.

FNL - Yeah...I always referred to her from FNL (Bobbi on SHIELD) in my commentary. Wait..did you watch all of those episodes this weekend?? Or did you just go back and recall what you had seen? lol

I'm sure it isn't ENTIRELY realistic, they have to dramatize things for television. But yeah...the acting is what was so incredible. I heard that basically they improvised most of the scenes. Like they knew the gist of the scene and what had to be accomplished but they were free to just feel their way through it.

If you watched the show enough you'd know why I will always call him Tim Riggins instead of his real name. The guy IS Tim Riggins! ....Texas Forever.

Anonymous said...

FNL--yea, LHN had a marathon for FNL this weekend so I dvrd several and watched when I could. We had LOTS of rain this 4th so I had time to watch like 16 eps over 3 days.

Yes, the acting is good and compelling. The storylines are OVERLY dramatic sometimes to the point of beyond silly to stupid. Of course the firing of Taylor is just incredibly unbelievable and it makes me question why I'm watching except that the acting is compelling despite the silliness/stupidity.

LOL on Tim Riggins vs Kitsch in your references. I understand. He needs to be careful though playing a misunderstood looser role in FNL and TD can give him a reputation he may not like. He met a girl asking him what it was like being the center of TX and now what he has become in comparison. He left the college he was attending. It's like he's afraid of hard work and success.

TD, yea I quit watching last week. So, Colin was shot with riot ammo? LOL, that's funny. Specialized ammo like that is rare. I wonder if they'll go to snuff films in the show?

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - At least you didn't catch any of season 2. There was an accidental murder that caused lots of drama and turned the show into something that it shouldn't have been. Thankfully that was cut short by the writer's strike and they regrouped. Well, I guess the show isn't for everyone! But we certainly loved it! Taylor plays the brooding male role pretty well. I'm not sure he has another level. lol

TD - Interesting thought. Surprised you actually quit watching. You've already watched 2 of 8 episodes! But hey, I guess those 6 hours could be spent doing something you enjoy. lol I definitely can't focus on an entire episode without getting sidetracked into my phone. Which means I'm also not catching all of the important details of the case. But, I'm okay with that! lol

Anonymous said...

FNL--on Taylor, exactly, you're not sure he has another level. And great description using the brooding male idea. I think he can be more but his TD role may do more harm than good. We'll see.

OH, I"m going to watch S4 and S5 as they're only 13 eps each.

A funny thing about real life vs TV is that to be successful in the former you need consistency. To be successful in the later requires a lot of dramatic shifts. Hence why reality TV with idiots do so well. Whereas in running a fortune 500 business you need consistently growing earnings and wealth creation. Real life raising kids goes a lot better with consistency than drama. I expect some drama that's over the top for TV purposes. I'm just pointing out where the glaring departures exist vs my experience.

BTW, I've never met a successful head coach of a big program who's wife was working long hours or even working at all. A part timer at the school happens sometimes. But, some of them get paid big bucks by the donors for various things that helped attract the coach to begin with. They usually has commitments that come with being a coaches wife. They are normally swamped with those duties including speeches, media requests, recruiting, etc. So, Tami taking on more isn't something I've ever seen work out well for a highly successful coach.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - Understood and definitely nice to see comparisons to real life. Yeah...i'm sure both of them having the huge jobs is a bit of giving them both meaty roles on the show more than reflecting reality.

Whew..did you see the episode where Tami and Julie have "the talk"?? I think that was season 1...man I wasn't even a parent when I watched that episode and it had me bawling! lol

MJ said...

Battleship - def silly in a lot of ways. But it was cool that real vets were used in it. Good action flick - nothing deep. LOL Since I had already seen Transformers I'd already lowered myself about watching a movie that comes from a toy.

OITNB - watched the first couple. Pennsatucky's grave yard of aborted kids was just creepy. And who in their right mind thought that letting her be the van driver was going to work well ? Due to the bed bugs saw way more of some of these women then I wanted to. Daya's dad or step-dad is a total nut ! Hoping Nicky is not in Max too long - she's one of my favorite characters. Marriage advice from Red ? Yikes. LOL. Had already read so many comments on how awful Piper is the Alex - but seriously - Alex has now screwed her over twice. I say Alex has it coming.


Behind on most other stuff. Busy weekend and had Penny Dreadful finale. Such a good show.

Mike V. said...

Battelship/Transformers - You guys almost had me convinced to rent Battleship Friday night. My wife has always wanted to watch it anyway so she didn't need any selling. But, we decided to keep plowing through with House of Cards. Good thing we did, because our daughter woke up 5 minutes later and didn't go back to sleep! LOL Transformers - I think the first movie was legitimately good. The rest have been pretty awful! I haven't seen the 4th. But I love that Netflix knows what I like and says I would give that movie 1.5 stars. lol

OITNB - It's possible that I have already forgotten half of what you're talking about!! lol (i.e. don't remember Pennsatucky's grave yard...crazy) Daya's dad/step dad...is that the bald guy? I don't think i realized that was her father figure. lol No comment on Nicky. Yeah Alex and Piper are both messed up. I agree she had it coming. But, there's definitely more to come in that story.

Orphan - Forgot to say I finished! Not really sure what to discuss but I enjoyed it. lol Final dinner scene was technically impressive like the dance scene last season.

MJ said...

Orphan - How nuts was it that Mrs S's mom was the chimera who had bred both sets of clones. So - crazy thing is - Sarah was adopted by Mrs S but now technically are they half sisters ??

OITNB - Cesar held the gun to his kids head to get him to eat his soggy fries. He gave the guard the crib that Daya herself slept in - then the guard left it on the side of the road.

Transformers - first was pretty decent. Second one was passable. The third was just horrible. LOL Can't believe there is even a fourth.

Mike V. said...

Orphan - YES! I knew there was something I wanted to comment on. That was it. Mrs S's mom was techically both Castor and Leda. Crazy!

OITNB - Yep, that's the guy I was thinking of. I just must've missed some of the dialogue there.

Transformers - 4th one was the start of a "new trilogy" with Mark Wahlberg (Sp) front and center...and of course Bradley from Bates Motel as the new Megan Fox. lol It also has the Dinobots in it which were a favorite of mine as a child. But, I still can't even seem to dedicate a couple hours to stream the movie! :)

Anonymous said...

FNL--I saw the mother daughter discussion after she saw Matt buying the condoms. I also saw the ep when coach found her in bed with Matt and the fallout of that over I think 2 eps?

Back on Taylor--so, I knew a lot of guys in college football at my school and others that dropped out after the 1st semester. It's SOOOO hard and everyone comes in thinking they're going to be the stud, just at a higher level. Then reality hits them PLUS the school work is real in college so a LOT can't handle that and drop out. Thankfully football isn't a 1 and done college sport like basketball. BUT unlike this show, most make it through. I would say about 20% drop out sometime in the 4 to 5 years of college ball. The reason I bring this up is his quiting. His character is not good and I hate to see him held up as a reason to watch the show since he's such a bad example. This guy needs a hero role in a comic book based movie--lol.

Transformers--I liked the first 3 just fine. First was best. 4th, I don't think I was crazy about it due to the hating put on the transformers by the US gov.

Battleship--bought the BD this weekend. $7 isn't bad. It's a fun watch and as you know, I don't like too much darkness for my entertainment.

TD--yea, at this point I just want to know how it ends.

Falling Skies--need to watch tonight.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - Yep...that sounds about right with the whole Matt/Julie stuff. I get sucked into the sappy stuff easily! lol

I don't think Tim Riggins is meant to be any Role model on the show, but he's still #33 Tim Riggins! He's just got that small town mentality of not being good enough to ever leave and make something of himself...and maybe a little bit of fear of the unknown. Just because people hold him up as a reason to watch the show doesn't mean he's meant to be an inspiration. His story is just intriguing plus girls think he's hot. lol

The reason to watch the show is definitely Coach and Mrs. Taylor. Matt Saracen's story is pretty awesome too. And then you get into season 4 and season 5 with the new class and you have Michael B. Jordan (soon to be Apollo Creed's son in CREED) and a few new characters coming out of nowhere and being just as awesome as the original crew.

Movies - lol funny that you bought Battleship after our discussion. I was gonna rent for 3 or 4 bucks, so a $7 purchase is not bad! I'm sure I'd enjoy the movie if I could find the time to watch!

Anonymous said...

LOL on FNL Riggins and girls. My wife even wants to know what he's up to--lol. His being gay on TD won't help his cause with those same girls--lol. Plus, his character on TD isn't really likeable, he's too distant. Riggins is likeable and I've known some guys like him minus the alcohol before games and practice. Seriously, I don't know anyone who did well in college ball consistently that drank and did drugs consistently.

Matt's character is one I like.

And yes coach is the real reason I watch. His decision making on who to play and bringing in Wade to help coach show struggles that are legit. You want to do the "right thing" but winning is ultimately what you're there to do. Inspite of words spoken like--"we're here for the athlete's best interests and studies are #1 or motivational speeches about hard work and everyone being treated the same yada yada yada". It's very common for guys who don't practice hard(or even being at all practices) to start in high school since the talent is so different from the great players to the regular guys. I will say though in truth having coached HS players recently and so forth that it is MUCH worse today than when I played. Today they have Sunday workouts, compulsory voluntary workouts, coaches that always play the players to win regardless of grades. I've seen coaches play kids with poor grades a month after they said that poor grades are a reason that you can't play. AND school administrators changing rules at the last minute or pressuring teachers to change grades. Our kids today are learning that the ONLY thing that counts is winning and that their leaders lie That when it comes to morals nobody keeps their word, it's awful today. We sacrifice everything to win today and the parents demand it. The parents don't care about teaching overall character through sports today.

In college and pros things are very different.

Richard

Anonymous said...

I just checked on Taylor's movies and he did John Carter. I loved that movie and own it, watched it several times.

Richard

Anonymous said...

LastShip--good ep. So, there's more new people than I thought. The mercy ship stuff was good. So why is it that the Cap always goes on the away team. I would think these were Lt ops.

AND why is it the sub didn't take out he nathan james? They have torpedoes!



Richard

MJ said...

Last Ship - Wathed last night myself. Said the same thing - the captain would not be on that 'away team' like Kirk always did. Too funny. It's been pretty good this season. Sub should have torpedoes but maybe they were all used already ? Who knows ! At first i thought it was that cult (I'm calling them a cult since they seem to think they are divine since they don't get sick) attacking the medical ship but they were too good so I figured mercs. Who knew it was mercs hired by the cult ! LOL

Falling Skies - another ep filled with action. They really are going all out for the final season.

TD - haven't watched yet. Not a good sign that I am not rushing to see it. I might dump it. Going away for 1.5 weeks soon and don't have time to let all this stuff accumulate. Have so many netflix shows I want to see. I have already picked up some new summer shows (Stitchers, WP, Whispers, Scream, Proof, Murder in First) and I probably need to dump some of them too. Not WP though! But I will be late seeing the final 2 WP eps.

Mike V. said...

John Carter - funny, that's another movie that bombed in the theater. It's basically the movie that gave Taylor the reputation of not being a box office draw. lol I've never seen it though so not sure if I would enjoy. I'm sure I would if you did!

That's a busy summer slate MJ!

Funny enough, we're actually struggling on what to watch right now. We're tired of Vampire Diaries so we may not catch up, House of Cards is really painful to watch this season......so we did what any other sensible person would do. Decide to rewatch The Sopranos!! My wife has never seen it and i was ready to watch again so it's perfect!!

In my morning routines, I'm caught up on Humans, Orphan Black and pretty much all the shows I fell behind on. I'm going to watch the 2 Mr. Robot episodes next I think.

Anonymous said...

FNL, funny enough my wife is liking this show. Thanks Mike.

MJ, Have a good trip

JOhn Carter--yea, it's not unusual for me to go in a different direction than several critics. But, everyone who has seen the movie and has knowledge of the books, loves the movie--at least that I have spoken with. Everyone I know who has seen the movie but not read the books found the movie entertaining and the special effects were good in blue ray. I would love it if they did another one.

Honestly, Battleship and John Carter are much better than the reimagined comic book stuff and last few transformers coming out lately. I didn't even go see Terminator as the whole plot line sounded stupid with John Conner being bad and Sarah Connor basically taking over his role. There's a reason the movies haven't done real well lately. I am very concerned the new SW is going to suffer the same fate. You can't trust the trailers as they make the movies look like what they used to. Just look at MadMax--I love that franchise and didn't go see the last one due to the totally stupid reimagining with everyone(exageration) being gay, etc.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Falling Skies--loved the idea of killing the skitters and the flies are just creepy. Eating the skitters sounded like a good idea to me--lol.

Embrace your rage.

So, is Tom infected now.

Richard

MJ said...

Falling Skies - Tom has just lost his mind ! LOL Still seeing his dead wife - and anne seems ok with that. But yeah - when I saw his wound I knew he's in a bad way. I guess if you are starving you at least have to try skitters but dang ! It killed him. Laughed when they found pringles and Ho ho's.

Mike V. said...

Movies - I actually don't know how John Carter did with the critics. I just know it tanked in theaters. (as in, no one went to see it) That doesn't mean it's an awful movie. Edge of Tomorrow tanked in theaters and may have been one of the best sci-fi movies in the recent age. (Tom Cruise just can't pull in audiences the way he used to unless the movie starts with "Mission Impossible" in the title lol)

Star Wars - Have faith Richard! I know you don't trust JJ the same as I do, but everything he has done with Star Trek, MI-3 and even Super 8 makes me think he's the right guy to balance the nostalgia with exploring new avenues in a universe we're very familiar with. Plus, Disney isn't going to want to screw this up with their first movie out of the gate.

I think the Marvel movies have been pretty top notch for the most part too. Totally agree on Terminator. The plot just sounds like gibberish at this point. Mad Max, I thought looked horrible but apparently did very well with critics and audiences. They had the original director/writer on board for that too I think.

FNL - No problem Richard! It's a big hit with my wife too. She pretty much ranks it as one of her favorite shows of all time. It's high on my list, but of course I put preference to LOST! :)

Anonymous said...

Mad Max tanked at the box office from what I read.

The Marvel movies have been pretty good up until now--but they're NOT the reimagined version. But from what I"m hearing coming down the line, not so much. Although many didn't like Ironman 2 or 3 I thought they were fine. So, I use BD pricing as an indicator of how POPULAR(not necessarily good) a movie really is. And Capt America is still one of the most expensive you can buy!!

I agree Edge of Tomorrow was good and I went in thinking it was going to be bad. The girl in that movie was good, I forget her name. I'm not a Cruise fan. He ruined Jack Reacher for me and I'm not a fan of all MI films.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Mad Max - I guess it did "average"...it met expectations out of the gate I think. It's number 5 on the top summer movies for now and I don't think it was ever expected to beat the first 3. (Jurassic, Avengers, Inside Out)

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/seasonal/?view=releasedate&yr=2015&season=Summer

I don't think we want to jump the gun and assume they're going to go all "Female Thor" on us like the new comics dictate. If that's what you mean by reimagined version. lol Blu-Rays generally get cheaper over time. And they're available for streaming on Netflix eventually too. (well most of them) The first Iron Man is definitely the best of the stand-alone Iron Man movies. I thought 3 was pretty darn good though. 2 had its moments. None of the Marvel movies are OSCAR caliber, but they are entertaining movies from start to finish. Most of them that is.

Guardians of the Galaxy was looked at as a risk and look how that turned out. Ant Man is the big risk this year and I gotta say, I'm looking forward to seeing it. lol They're finding a way to make these crazy characters in their arsenal a marketable product and actually an entertaining mainstream movie. It's impressive what they're doing.

That said, it's kinda depressing that Comic Book movies are the only big budget movies being made that are doing well. (We've had this discussion) Obviously Jurassic Park franchise is an exception and they hit the sweet spot with nostalgia and new with that one. (I haven't seen the movie, but am amazed at how successful it's been. I've heard pretty average reviews from the joe schmo movie gower) And Star Wars will cut its own niche into the market with its annual release.

Not sure where I'm really going with all of this. lol

Anonymous said...

Do you know anyone who saw Mad Max? If so, what did they think? I know it's only anecdotal. But, everyone I know who saw it, hated it. And from what I heard it pulled in a lot the first weekend before word of mouth spread.

Guardians was pretty good actually, kind of fun.

BD prices-- that's my point, Capt America came out 4 years ago and it's priced as if it were new!

Richard

Anonymous said...



Here's an excerpt from Variety on this summers movies, but before Jurassic World release which was good

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/summer-box-office-jurassic-world-1201514112/


There are a couple of reasons the expected windfall has yet to materialize. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has earned a massive $438 million Stateside, but it will fall short of the $623 million that its predecessor racked up. And films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” have failed to match the big box office returns of “Maleficent” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” both of which premiered early in the summer of 2014.

As it currently stands, 2015’s summer is outpacing the previous year’s ticket sales by a mere 2.9%. That’s a paltry lead given that 2014 fielded the worst summer since 1997 when adjusting for inflation.

Mike V. said...

That was my point with Guardians. I thought it was great too!

I would never pay full price for the 1st Captain America! It's streaming on Netflix and regularly on cable! lol But a fair point.

I don't know one person that saw Mad Max.

That's funny about the doom and gloom of the box office the week of Jurassic World. The tune has definitely changed since then. Jurassic World opened to a ridiculous amount of money. That next weekend? There were 2 movies that grossed over 100 million in one weekend. (Inside Out's premiere came in 2nd to Jurassic World's 2nd weekend gross) Or something like that.

You really can't even consider Avengers as a Summer flick. It premiered like April 1st or something. lol I know the season has only gotten longer and April is a good spot for those movies to come out now, but still. It's just funny that it's considered part of the summer season when summer doesn't really start until the end of June!

Interesting stuff on Mad Max, I didn't realize it trailed off that much after the 1st weekend.

That said, I think Avengers isn't doing as well as the first Avengers because it wasn't as good of a movie. Plus, the idea of putting all of these super heroes in 1 movie together wasn't as novel idea as it was the first time. It's still doing a decent job.

Every summer they're proclaiming it's the end of the movie theater and the rise of the home theater. But Jurassic World is proof that there still is a theater draw. I'm still befuddled of how it's doing so well.

I think Star Wars will be shattering records in December as well. The hype around it is incredible with it being a sequel to ROTJ and bring the old characters back. Phantom Menace did really well on hype without any of that in its favor. It was just a new Star Wars story 16 years later. This one has the potential to do great things. Especially if it ends up being good (which I'm optimistic it will)

Anonymous said...

Yea, but you can't get BD quality from streaming video. At least the videos that claim to be 1080P seem not nearly as crisp and detailed as a BD on the several screens and very advanced processors we have.

Richard

Mike V. said...

BD Quality - true. Streaming services are only improving though as are the home internet connections for faster data access. We've gotten to the point in our house of what's the most convenient and fastest to get to the screen. Yes, I always buy blu-rays for the movies/shows that I really love. But I make sure they have digital copies which I redeem through iTunes and/or Vudu. Their 1080p streaming is pretty solid. And you can download them too if you really wanted.

My kids would be too impatient for me to load a disc as they're so used to just pulling up what they want on the Apple TV. lol Some times I pull out the Star Wars Blu Rays and my son wonders what is going on when it's loading and I have to explain.

That all said, if I'm going to watch a movie in my "man cave" (which is now a kid cave with man cave capabilities), I pop in a blu-ray disc, turn the lights down and the volume up! But they're few and far between these days.

Mike V. said...

Comic-Con starts tonight with preview night. I took a look at the agenda and Friday seems to be the big day. There's stuff on the other days but from a TV and Star Wars perspective here are the HALL H times for a lot of the stuff we follow

Friday
12:00 Pacific Time - The Walking Dead
1:00 Pacific Time - Fear the Walking Dead
2:30 Pacific Time - Game of Thrones
3:30 Pacific Time - Vikings
5:30 Pacific Time - Lucasfilm (i.e. Star Wars: The Force Awakens with JJ, Kathleen Kennedy, Lawrence Kasdan and "special guests)

Kit Harrington is not listed on the guests, nor would I expect him to be! lol Also notable, GRRM will not be there either. He probably won't even show up at comic-con because the man is WRITING! lol

If you want to look up various events here's the entire schedule by day.

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/programming-schedule

Anonymous said...

FNL--the storyline of wife and daughter not moving to TMU was just dumb. I mean she's all about her needing to stay with the kids. I bet she'll be gone if she had a great job offer. So many other reasons. I mean their daughter is a freshman. That's just nuts to be separated for 3 years. And coaches have horrendous hours so commuting is just a dumb thought.

BTW, there are many points about the football that don't make sense. I can overlook them given the storyline needs. But there's been a couple of them that are just silly.

But, still good to watch.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - I agree some of the football stuff gets comical from time to time. There's always some emotional stakes moment that ties into the rest of the story that was in that episode...all for dramatic effect and to tug at the heart strings. But, most of the time it got to me! lol

I'd love to hear some examples as I don't remember them all.

I guess you started back with season 1?

Anonymous said...

FNL--I'm actually finishing up S1 and have already finished up S3. I recall what you said about S2. So LHN has the later eps and they are only on Sunday nights or something like that.

Yea, the end of S1 has him going to TMU which makes all kinds of sense. It's his wife and daughter staying that's just dumb. His coaching career would be in the tank in the real world with that. Given the S3 stuff with him being replaced after he quits TMU comes back and takes the team to state, I'm even more discouraged with the narrative. I've got old teammates and friends coaching HS, college and pro football. I've even coached in HS some. I know what it's about.

Kyle does a good job of portraying a real coach though and that's a LOT of what keeps me coming back. Sadly his solid portrayal is not supported equally by the writers.

The drama with the kids is sometimes a fast forward moment--lol. I like the Matt and Julie stuff, mostly.

Mr. Robot--the dinner was funny with him bringing a girlfriend. He shouldn't be dealing with Slater after what happened.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP--wow a great ep. Pam vs Pilcher could be interesting but it seems settled down now. And yes, Ben lived. I'm wondering about his girlfriend though when she complained of the headache.

I'm sticking with my idea on this being a story about humanity and human nature. So, the gate is broken and the abbies will get in. I don't now how they can stop them without the gas.

Only 2 eps left and I feel like there is so much left to happen. It's getting more meaty now.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP
Interesting take on wp. Yes all the world is a stage. Only thing is we don't have abbies at the gates.

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/09/wayward-pines-episode-8-chad-hodge-blog

Anonymous said...

WP is in discussions with Fox for a S2. Ratings are better than expected. It seems a S2 would involve a new cast. Dillon and the others no longer have contracts.

Richard

MJ said...

Robot - agree that he should want nothing to do with Slater - that was so messed up when he pushed him off the boardwalk rail. But they were clever in how they force him back - the mystery of how his dad got the Leukemia. Interesting that the girl he works with had her mom also die of Leukemia because of Evil Corp. That guy who wanted the promotion - yikes! He is just all kinds of creepy between sleeping with the CEO's assistant/receptionist and the whole thing with his wife

TD - gave it up. Watch the last episode and found myself realizing that I actually don't care about any of them.

WP - yeah a great episode. Pam surprised me going against her brother in that way. Not sure I'd like another season - this one supposedly covered all 3 books so where would they go from here. And again - Not happy we are promised a show with beginning and end and cause ratings are good they stretch it out. I will not be seeing next weeks or the finale probably - leave for vaca friday and will have people over thursday so probably no opportunity.

Anonymous said...

FNL, so an example of football silliness is when the black players walked off and then came back the night of the game. Then played! That makes no sense. You work all week to put in your game plan and how to execute YOUR plays against THEIR defense and same goes for the defensive side. Those guys wouldn't know what to do. You could help one or two players with another player beside them to pick up on things, but not many.

Another example is Matt being replaced by JD, a freshman with a good arm. You just don't take your state winning QB who's a senior and replace him with an untried freshmen. Particularly given how much Matt grew and knows the game vs a freshman. It's not like Matt was a bad QB. OF course replacing Matt with JD was shown to be a reason why they didn't win state Matt's senior year.

Most big time TX schools have 4 football teams. Freshman, Sophmore, JV and Varsity. They each play so that the guys all get game experience. If this guy was really great they would play him on JV as a starter and not have him just standing on the sidelines during varsity games. I'm not saying a freshman can't start on a varsity team, they do sometimes. It's just not when you have a proven senior QB that won state and can move the offense well.

Richard

Anonymous said...

MJ--so hopefully you can watch them soon after vacation. Something is up with Pam? Somehow I wonder if things are now beyond their control.

TD--yea, sometimes shows can go so dark that it's not entertaining to watch. I kind of want to get lost in the entertainment, not repelled by it.

Richard

Anonymous said...

FNL on football. Something was bothering me with Jason on the sideline as a coach. I recall that you can't be on the sidelines in a wheelchair for safety reasons. They don't even want you near the sidelines while standing on crutches. You can be back near the benches as I recall if in wheelchair and of course if on crutches.

Maybe the rules have changed but I don't think the insurance people would let them.

It's a shame S2 got hit by the writers strike and so couldn't end as planned.

Richard

MJ said...

TD - and you were so right - he definitely has gay leanings. LOL

WP - I found it interesting that she was so unwilling to punish one of the support staff but had no issues punishing one of those awoken. She showed blatant prejudice and dislike of those living in WP and real concern and respect for those who volunteered to work behing the scenes to keep it all running. I will def try to watch the final two shortly after getting home.

Anonymous said...

WP--so, I have wondered if Harold is gay? I mean they've been living together for 12 years with both having zero problems physically and no kids. That's crazy. It doesn't seem that the people are forced to marry. But like Ben and Aimee they are encouraged to pursue their attractions. So, the Harold/Kate relationship is either very complicated or poorly written.

YOur commenting here makes the show more fun to watch, thanks.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - Yeah maybe sometimes having the insider knowledge is a detriment to actually enjoying a show. Kind of like doctors watching hospital shows like Grey's Anatomy. lol I'm sure a lot of what they did was for dramatic effect and not necessarily a realistic scenario. That said...they do a great job at portraying the ins and outs of every day life. I think that comes in the improvisational atmosphere and the character performances. Just saw your other post. Definitely good examples. The racial agenda wasn't one of my favorite storylines...and definitely seemed out of character for the assistant coach. The QB sub...definitely dramatic effect. And we always see qb controversies in pro football. lol

WP - I see you guys posted a lot already so I'll pick and choose what to respond to. I think the abbies getting in is dead on. I'd guess the community is going to become very aware of what's been going on and will have no choice but to help to survive. And yeah the gas was probably good foreshadowing. That link you sent...i don't think it's a "take" on WP...that's the showrunner's blog ABOUT the show he's running. lol (i.e. Chad Hodge is the showrunner executive producer of WP) Yeah, it seems Pam is a sympathizer with the public and doesn't always like her brother's methods. I'm sure that conflict isn't over yet. re: Harold being gay....isn't that guy the same actor playing Elliot's boss on Mr. Robot? And that guy outed himself as gay. lol That would be funny...but yeah makes sense on the child front if he was.

S2 - like we discussed before..i'm sure it would involve the kids or something. Guess we'll see. But yeah...that seems really cheap on Fox's part. Sell up the limited series and then if it's successful find a way to keep it going. But we've already talked about it.

Mr. Robot - Started this this week and halfway through the 3rd episode. I'm enjoying it. One thing you guys don't seem to be discussing is the possible fictitiousness of Mr. Robot himself, Christian Slater. He rarely is seen talking to others in the show. There was one time that he talked to the hacker group at the arcade...but that easily could've been Elliot's split personality talking to them. Why is this Darlene character acting like she knows Elliott so well? We've had spoiler warnings of Fight Club discussions on this blog before....but it feels like we might be in another very similar situation.
e.g. was he really pushed off of that ledge by slater or was he reliving his father's death and jumped off himself?
Something to think about and at least observe. Oh yeah...and in this week's episode, he was causing a scene in Elliot's office but no one really took notice. One dude looked over at Elliot when he grabbed Slater. But he might have just thought Elliot was acting strange. lol

Lots of meetings today so that's probably all i can comment for now. MJ enjoy your trip!

Mike V. said...

The Walking Dead: Season 6 trailer courtesy of Comic-Con panel

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/walking-dead-season-6-trailer

Mike V. said...

Star Wars Comic Con Panel will be updated here starting at 8:30pm Eastern Time (5:30 Pacific)

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/comic-con-star-wars-force-awakens-panel

Anonymous said...

Mike on Robot, wow, what a great thought about the Mr.Robot/Slater character. I had NOT thought about that. But, with him seeing someone for being sort of crazy and taking drugs, who knows. That could be right on. Kind of a split personality type. Honestly, I don't watch this show nearly as carefully as I do WP, GoT and some others. So, thanks for the heads up Mike.

WP--I hated the idea of a S2. I felt jerked around. But, after the last ep I'm beginning to want more, a lot more. For some reason it's like the show has become a lot more in many ways. The thought of it ending is not good for me since it's just getting stronger. When TD finished last year, I was ready for it to end, still wanted a little more but was OK with it ending. This show seems to be building slower and stronger to me. Ben, Amy and Pam would be good for a S2, but I'm worried about Amy's headache(I'm just very sensitive to head injuries given many, many years in football and something seemed wrong in that scene). I don't need Ethan, Kate nor Theresa as part of me thinks they will be taken out trying to save the others. Pilcher and Megan(teacher) will likely be taken out too. IF, IF, IF they brought Harold back as gay for S2, I just won't watch. I think if Amy is taken out to leave Ben in a bad way would not help a S2 either. The poor guy has had a horrible life and it's just now seeming brighter.

FNL, you don't see QB controversies for SuperBowl winning QBs on their returning year(while still young) when they engineered a game winning drive and created/called the play to win the championship. Again and as you said, a lot of football knowledge can hurt in watching the show. BTW, the pass that Jason was teaching Matt which is hard to throw is basically a back shoulder fade.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Fear twd trailer http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/fear-the-walking-dead-premiere-date

Confirmation on stannis fate in got too. Too lazy to post somewhere else right now. Lol
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/game-thrones-stannis-dead


Mike V. said...

Twd panel recap: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/comic-con-2015-walking-dead-panel

Mike V. said...

Vikings season 4 trailer sdcc http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/comic-con-vikings-panel

Mike V. said...

Colony trailer (Carlton cuse produced. Josh holloway aka sawyer starred) http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/10/comic-con-colony-panel?hootPostID=d9cbeaa940f490d63c0bc576068225c8

Anonymous said...

FNL--Ok so a comment on the silliness of real vs TV re coach while at TMU. I mean it's absolutely unbelievable that he could come home every weekend. I mean there's games or scrimmages every weekend that time of year. For him to have been at the Dillon game on a Friday night during football season should be totally unbelievable for anyone. I mean Friday night is a big prep night for colleges with bed check, etc.

And for him to quit TMU is unbelievable. Dillon would have to buy his contract out at a minimum and his reputation would be mud.

Anyway, it looks like he's coming back soon. BTW, the family problems could be fixed with them moving to Austin.

Also, my wife when watching Julie being a typical 16 year old brat girl was saying how hard you have to work to keep them between the guardrails. Coach and Tami were way too lenient.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings==yea Ragnar needs another woman. I'll have to try to figure out who it is. I think he had another woman who was from a leadership family?? I don't think it would be the crazy girl from England? But, I'm thinking we've seen her somewhere. Love the bear stuff.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Last Ship--So, basically the show did some kind of reset last night which is so frustrating. To have the cure and then have it taken away is jerking the audience around. And the sub had torpedoes, but didn't use them until it didn't make a difference is crazy. I get that they wanted the info but the James didn't have Juan on board until the end of the last ep. The guy playing the typhoid mary part is good for the slime he oozes--lol.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - All good points. Of course it would be fixed by them all moving to Austin, but the show is about Dillon! lol They can't just relocate the entire film crew! :) But yeah...again they were going for drama over realism with those scenarios.

Comic-Con - Tons of stuff. I couldn't keep up with linking to everything. EW had great coverage as did Twitter throughout the event. Star Wars panel seemed awesome. We could all just feel that momentum was building towards Harrison Ford walking on stage. and it did. and then Hamill, Fischer and Ford were all on stage just bantering. Awesome! The behind the scenes video they released was great too.

Lots of other updates on tons of shows we watch. if I find some links later I'll share them.

MJ said...

WP - Kate made a comment to him that when they get out he can go back to his fiance. Think that they just don't act on their fake relationship.

Robot - didn't I post about Slater being part of Elliot's imagination ? I thought I did. Speculation on that has been going on for awhile now. No one in Elliots office saw him ? Bartender seemed to only look at Elliot and not Slater. But the people in Coney Island do seem to talk to him. SO either he is not there or sometimes Elliot sees him when he is not.

Comic Con - getting harder every year to keep up with all that comes out. Have seen some of it. Vikings looks exciting - will have to watch as I go this time instead of marathoning.

Mike V. said...

Robot - Sorry MJ, I confess I didn't go back and read what you guys originally said. :) I don't think anyone in the office saw him. one dude was looking over but he could've been looking at Elliot. At the arcade on Coney Island, there was only one scene where they directly responded to Slater. But, I see that as a possible split personality and it could've been Elliot they were actually talking to. (a la Fight Club)

I'm fully caught up on Robot and Humans now (including last night's)

Comic-Con - Still haven't had a chance to post some links but will when I can!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone watch Ray Donovan?

Richard

Anonymous said...

MJ, on WP, yea I recall that being mentioned about his fiance. Just wondering if it was a guy or girl fiance? HOnestly, not doing anything for 12 years is a LONG time for a regular guy. Especially living in the same house. I can't believe that any condoms exist in WP--lol. I know I'm out on a limb here.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings--OUCH, looks like Lagertha goes to work with a knife. Floki's in trouble. Ragnar looks well. Now who's that other girl??

Richard

Anonymous said...

BTW, Ian McShane and Katie Holmes are in Ray Donovan now.

Mike V. said...

Ray Donovan - Never was able to get into this one. (time more than anything) I've heard it has gotten pretty good though. Nice on Katie and Ian.

vikings - Still haven't watched the trailer!

WP - lol on the lack of "birth control"!

Anonymous said...

Falling skies--things are moving quickly. The unknown activity in DC will likely be the finale. Sarah dieing was just wrong and now Pope will be out for him

Richard

Anonymous said...

FNL--I'm beginning to see Riggins as the most tragic character now that I've seen about half way through S4, most of S1, all of S2 and some of S3.

And coach is maybe the second most tragic character. He continues to sacrifice and be denied,stabbed in the back, not rewarded, etc by family and friends. To me, it's not realistic on the football side. But, on the family side I know it's a tough road. But, in this case he gets so little support from home.

Richard

MJ said...

Falling - I figured Sarah or Pope was dying. Actually thought Pope since his personality has gone 180 degrees. But yeah - now he's after Tom. Old tom might have gone after her first - but New Tough Tom won't do that. But pope is right - how many crazy missions to save the Mason boys/girl who are always in trouble ?? Agree on DC.

FNL - never watched but John Oliver - Last Week Tonight - did a whole thing about coaches speeches - showed the guy from FNL show. It was really commentary on the stupidity of cities/fans paying for all these new stadiums for the rich owners. Just amused me that you guys have been talking FNL and there it was !

Last Ship - I guess they didn't use the torpedos last week due to not wanting to reveal where they were ? Who knows ! LOL Just along for the ride. I liked the ep - and LOL and Typhoid Mary guy. Nathan James sure released a bunch to try to save those labs though - and most for nothing. I thought the episode pretty tense.

Strain - any one watching ? Why oh why with the worms !?! I hate bugs and vomit and drool ! Ugh. Feel like this season is a little better then the last. The head good vampire working for the 'Angels' - have to look him up. Voice very familiar. Whyis the old guy not telling everyone about these 3 elders ?

Anonymous said...

LastShip--yea they did release a bunch and the ep was overall good.

Strain--I watched last season but haven't watched the new ep yet. Have it on dvr.

Falling--This show really is good this season. I was getting concerned for Sarah when they started talking about Pope's children. Yea, I think Tom deserves big time criticism. For one thing they could have sent a group out to get Sarah and another to the plant. That choice of either/or was not strictly necessary.

FNL--you're talking about NFL stadiums I'm thinking. It's crazy how many freebies the teams get to me. AND they want you to buy a PSL to just be able to buy the rights to in turn buy the tickets!!!! I had 4 season tickets for a while and gave them up when the team hit me for $16,000 for PSLs. Plus now the teams have the sound systems cranked up with extremely LOUD commercials so that you can't hear yourself think! It's not nearly as much fun going to a game as it used to be. I get offers of free tickets almost every year and don't go. BTW, in TX the large stadiums are built using booster funds, not taxpayers or regular citizens--as far as I know.

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - I think Coach and his wife have a mutual respect for each other. But they are sometimes at odds with each other due to their professions. There's support there from what I recall. But yeah...Riggins was definitely a tragic character! No commentary on the stadium talk...except I agree how ridiculous it is the money being spent on the stuff. But they have the money to burn. lol Still impressed you're watching the whole series at this point Richard!

Strain - Never started last season but I think I still have them all recorded. I forgot about it and just started the 100 today. lol

MJ said...

FNL - no John Olivers rant is about building the new stadiums - nothing about season tickets. And he mentioned several sports not just NFL. It was more how Billionaires get the cities and the citizens to pay for their stadium and the owners get all the profit from merch, concessions, and tickets. owners never share with folks who paid for the place. Most use bonds/loans - but its the taxpayers paying the interest on those loans. Some teams even demand tax breaks which cut out profits for those cities. And he points out that it does little to help the economy in those areas. Businesses complain that being by a stadium hurts them due to people avoiding due to the crowds. John Oliver cracks me up - he rants alot. I don't always agree but he always makes me laugh. A few weeks ago it was Fifa - then the next week they were arrested. He's done Fifa several times. He rants - but its a comedy show really. On HBo Sundays 11pm. I thikg the stadium one was online by monday morning.

Anonymous said...

FNL--NFL stadiums--just watch what happens in LA. You'll probably see exactly what he's talking about. The economics are supposed to be positive overall for the city. I know the business leaders I talk with believe that to be the case. But, I agree there is too much public money involved for a private business.

I could list several areas where coach was treated like a kick plate each season I've seen so far. But, the job security and pay was awful, totally disrespectful for anyone who had his success. In one ep he said to Buddy that he was never given a 5 year contract(S1 or S2?) and it went downhill from there.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Strain--so Abraham made a deal with the ancients on the master which keeps him from killing the master it seems. Is that betrayal?

Good to know the master is dieing.

So, Eph is going to be a drunk now?

The blind children stuff was just sick. Made me wonder why I watch this show.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Hell on Wheels comes back Saturday!!

Mike V. said...

The 100 - I know no one watches. But I had heard good things. I think they've finished the 2nd season. 1st season is on Netflix so I revisisted. It's not bad so far. You can definitely feel the LOST DNA in the survival stories on future earth. It's LOST for teenagers or maybe 20 somethings. But then there is the adult presence back on the Ark (in orbit where they've been living for 100 years). It's entertaining enough to pass the workout time. But I've heard that it gets really good in the the 2nd season. Not sure when I'll watch that but I'll watch these 13 eps for now! Could always try to binge S1 and first few eps (by the time I got to it) of The Strain to catch up to you guys. We'll see!

Hell on Wheels - Nice Richard. As you know, I never watched. This is the last season, right?

Sopranos - Did I mention I'm rewatching this with the Mrs.? She has never seen it, so it was a good excuse to watch again. So much I forgot. But it still holds up!

Anonymous said...

FNL--One big reason I watch are the lines the coach has that resonate with such memories. For example when Matt's drunk and the coach is talking to him with an Asst coach there Matt's obviously got the smell of alcohol on his breath. Then Matt leaves and the Asst coach asks coach if he smells the alcohol on his breath. Coach responds with "no".

So many great scenes.

And yes the coach always gets calls/works with law enforcement, etc in small towns especially.

When I coached, I would get calls from single mom's especially-- about issues with their boys, their school work, their living conditions, needing a ride to/from practice, etc.

Richard

MJ said...

Sopranos - wow - haven't seen that in ages.

HonW - read that and thought of you Richard.

Heroes Reborn - had no interest but saw the trailer. Damnit - it looks good. Loved when the handed Cheerleader's dad his glasses. I'm not sure I even was still watching when it ended the first time.

Mike V. said...

Heroes Reborn - I definitely have seen every awful episode and the trailer definitely got me interested again. This show/concept was/is so full of potential but they never really got the formula right except the first season minus the finale. I'm sure I'll check it out again. Zach Levi and HRG (i.e. Noah Bennett i.e. cheerleader's dad) might be the only reasons to watch though. lol

FNL - Glad you can appreciate the great scenes Richard! There are so many of them. Yeah some of the plots may be overly dramatic and far fetched, but that happens in all shows.

Anonymous said...

Heroes--It was SOOOOO dumb! Except for parts of the first season before they started screwing up storylines. I didn't finish watching it all. The show was never consistent and could always make up a new more convenient storyline that I found it a waste of time.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Heroes - Yeah, I've never seen a show drop off in quality so dramatically from the 1st season. I remember very well it came around when people were starting to question Lost in season 3. Some people were saying it was better than LOST. Then Heroes season finale happened and LOST had the best season finale ever with THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (we have to go baaaaaack!) The rest was history and we won't discuss the season 6 backlash on LOST. :)

All of that said, it'll be tough not to set the DVR and check it out (heroes that is)

Anonymous said...

I understand from an CSuite level guy that netflix has a chance of becoming part and/or carried of/by a cable group.

Richard

Mike V. said...

That's pretty crazy if that happens. If anything we've been seeing things trend the OTHER way towards people cutting the cord. But this might be the cable company's strategy. Bring you all of your channels over the air PLUS streaming through Netflix. They'd have to get a discounted cost for it to be worth it I would think.

Anonymous said...

I could see Netflix either merging with or being bought by a cable company. The thing is, cable is highly profitable. This same guy said that Brian Williams will make more money at MSNBC vs NBC due to cable fees. That MSNBC isn't making money because of it's audience(traditional ad sales), it's because of it's cable fees received. It's audience is almost non existant really with some shows getting like 100K in audience. Of course that's true with many other cable tv channel/shows.

Richard

MJ said...

Heroes - I so loved that first season. Hiro and Save the Cheerleader Save the World. Sigh. They ruined it so bad. And Zach Levi and a bad guy ! LOL His show Geeks who drink starts either tonight or last night. I'm taping it.

Extant - it's a lot better this year. Too bad that they probably lost most of their audience.

Cable - heard Comcast has come out with some product that enables cutting the cord. Still not going back to them. LOL

Mike V. said...

Netflix - I think they're doing just fine on their own without merging with a specific cable company. They'd alienate a large portion of their subscribers if they did that.

Geeks who drink - I'll set the tivo. Might be something mindless to watch whenever I get a spare minute! lol

Anonymous said...

Extant--I quit watching.

Robot--So, Slater paid a guy for drugs which they may find a work around for. But essentially didn't involve himself with anyone else.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Robot - Yeah...I'm sure there could be a workaround. The guy did talk directly to him though and refer to Elliot as a separate person. But at the same time at the arcade these people were talking to Elliot as if he's been around with them for a long time. And barely acknowledge Mr. Robot...and when they do he's usually standing right next to Elliot.

It's almost too obvious what they're doing. It's how I felt about season 6 of Dexter. Many caught on early that Edward James Olmos wasn't really there and it kind of spoiled the big reveal. lol

Mike V. said...

Emmys - http://tvline.com/2015/07/16/emmy-nominations-the-full-list/#

Lots of Thrones love, Tatiana finally got nominated for Orphan Black (totally deserved), Saul got a lot of noms too. Definitely was a surprisingly good spinoff.

They changed the name of Mini-Series or Movie to Limited Series or Movie. lol

I actually have watched episodes of every nominated drama. That might be a first. lol But fell behind on Downton and still need to catch up on Cards.

Mike V. said...

Ugh...tough to forget all the shows that are snubbed. How did Justified not get nominated (answer: because it never was...totally deserved to with the final season) SOA too, but I would've preferred Justified. And The Americans didn't get much love either.

http://tvline.com/2015/07/16/emmy-awards-2015-snubs-jane-the-virgin-penny-dreadful/#

http://tvline.com/2015/07/16/emmy-nominations-surprises-2015/#

Anonymous said...

Lots of good football movies. One is When the Game Stands Tall. It's based on a real team out of CA. Now on Starz. Several NFLers played there.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP---WOW, great ep. One to go, I will miss it so much.

I didn't expect Harold to be shot by the first gen.

Pilcher shutting the fence down means things get ugly in the finale.

Hopefully Amy will pull through but I question it without the power in the hospital.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP--Some more obs.
1. We finally know what happened to the other CIA guy
2. Big change with Theresa asking Ethan to bring Kate. I mean she used to not like her at all for good reasons.
3. Pilcher was counting on Ethan's regret for the Easter bombings.
4. Nurse Pam has gone against her brother after all these years.
5. Interesting how many others knew what was outside the fence.
6. Megan? Fisher had some very good points about Pilcher. If it weren't for him, they'd all be dead.
7. It would be hard for anybody in Pilcher's place to not have some type of god complex.
8. With having kids being so important why haven't Pilcher and Fisher done so? They could have done so even when they were younger.

Again, this show is hitting it's stride and yet only one more ep.

Richard


Anonymous said...

Netflix--one thing to keep in mind is that flash is extremely vulnerable to malware, viruses, etc. So much so that some browser publishers are trying to limit it's use. I believe(not certain since I don't use it) Netflix uses flash as does most other online video providers(youtube does). I have been amazed how few people yet realize it. I have had flash disabled on most of the office computers as have some other corporations. Adobe has been asked to fix this problem, but has not been able to so far.

If the above is true and people start figuring this out on a large scale, then Netflix would be in trouble.

Richard

Anonymous said...

X Files--did anyone catch the trailer during WP last night

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP

Definitely a good ep. I was thinking about the show being a "limited run series" in the 9th of 10 episodes when we got to that scene in the sheriff's station. Then I thought, wow they might actually kill him here. So it was still surprising but then killing everyone? Crazy!

Yep, pilcher shutting down the fence....we assumed the abbies would get in by the end! lol Good call.

I guess all bets are off in the finale because it is supposed to be an ACTUAL finale. If they're going to do a 2nd season they'd probably just work off of who survives. Or some kind of alternate story related to Wayward pines. (like a prequel series or even another 1000 years later or something crazy)

Your numbers

1. Yep, we did!
2. Yep...classic story arc of adversaries coming together in the end for a greater cause.
3. And it didn't work!
4. Another story arc that evolved over the season. She went easy on the security guy...and flicher ended up refreezing him back up. So we knew she might crack soon.
5. They knew because Theresa brought them all to the video room to watch the footage. I didn't think it was interesting more than it was informing us on Ethan's plan coming to fruition. He told Theresa and Kate to get as many people to watch the video before midnight as she could.
6. Yeah..but she's been in on it the whole time gives the appearance of being evil and manipulative. She deserved the slap! Flicher did save these people but went about it in a bad way and handles things badly when they don't go his way.
7. True
8. good question...i have no idea. Besides the fact that she may not find him attractive! Plus she did get married in Wayward pines.

Netflix - I really don't know many people that watch netflix on their computers as much as they do their streaming devices. I have netflix on my iPhone, various iPads, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire TV stick, Playstation 4, 3 TiVo boxes, smart TV, Wii, 2 playstation 3s...and yes it's available on my computer too. lol (Yes we just confirmed I have way too many devices..but I do have a family of 4. The sad thing is we had most of those devices without the kids lol)

Netflix could stop offering streaming on a web browser and do just fine! They're EVERYWHERE.

X-Files - Yep, I fast forwarded through it then rewound to watch. EXCITED! I didn't watch every episode of the show but I have seen the movies and many episodes. I am looking forward to them coming back!

Anonymous said...

Netflix,good point on smart TVs--we have some too. So, if you're a hacker, there's some fertile ground to cause some pain. Apple has had some issues with flash too, not bad yet, but some infections.

WP-It's Pilcher

5. I was thinking there were a couple that new before being shown by Theresa, but you're probably right. Although I would have expected her to have shown more than a couple? I will miss this show.
There could easily be a S2 centered on the First Gen, depending on the finale ending. But, Matt Dillon has done a great job--makes the show to me. As has Shannyn. I've always liked her since that knight movie she was in with the guy who played joker--yes, my memory has faded.


Richard

Mike V. said...

Wp- a knight's tale. Didn't even realize that was her. But I haven't seen that movie often. Robert baratheon is in that too! lol

Don't have much time to comment now but will respond to the rest later!

Anonymous said...

Last Ship--so anew prez. And a new way to deliver the cure.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP -

5. I'm pretty sure it was just meant to follow through on Ethan's plan to get as many informed before the reckoning as possible. Granted, it was like 2 minutes after he came up with this plan that we were at the reckoning so it was tough to process everything that had to happen behind the scenes in that small span of TV time. But we did move from day to night in setting. lol

Netflix - They've definitely moved into the living room. I'd say a minor percentage of Netflix users are connecting via computers. More mobile devices and televisions.

Apple - They don't even use flash on their mobile devices. Steve Jobs was anti-flash players and even though they got a lot of pages with errors, the industry adapted and eventually used different technologies do similar things in web browsers. But with Netflix, they are using applications instead of browsers on the devices. Macs have flash (i know because it needs to update like every other day lol). But like I said...I think the computer users of Netflix are in the minority these days.

Anonymous said...

Netflix--I'm saying that Netflix would be a great hack. LOL, imagine Mr. Robot taking down netflix. I know cars can be hijacked. The more I'm thinking about it the more surprised I am that someone hasn't created havoc for netflix, flash or no flash.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Netflix - I see...yeah that would be pretty crazy. They could put their own subliminal content into any program you try to watch. lol Or maybe not even subliminal! I'm sure people try every day to hack Netflix just like other big corporations. It only takes one to be successful to cause problems, but they've been okay so far!

Saw a funny tweet just a minute ago. X-Files is getting a reboot, Xena is getting a reboot now. Someone said they're hoping they're going in reverse alphabetical order so that Quantum Leap is next! I never even thought about a QL reboot (as I'm still waiting for the movie that would continue the story lol)....but with all of these limited series runs...why not get Scott and Dean back together for another round!? Maybe get Sam home and send someone else out leaping around. lol Sure Scott Bakula is all CSI New Orleans these days...but I'm sure he'd find time!

Tough to recall, but prior to LOST and the Golden Age of Television the past decade and change.....QL was once my favorite show of all time! lol

Anonymous said...

QL, I wasn't much of a watcher of TV back then, lots of overseas travel. I've seen some reruns. There's a new Vacation movie coming out too. But seriously, without Chevy and some of the other cast, I just don't know how it can compare. It's pretty sad that reboots, reimagining, rewhatever is becoming so popular. One reason I really like WP is the originality of the whole show along with great acting.

I'm suspicious a lot of these re's are a result of bean counter controlled corps?

Don't get me wrong, I really liked X-files but I suspect disappointment will result. Although I was traveling a lot back then too.


Richard

Anonymous said...

I read HBR and thought you guys might find this interesting on netflix and other OTT players.


https://hbr.org/2015/07/ott-video-is-creating-cord-extenders-not-cord-cutters

I maintain what I've been saying, cord cutting isn't as much as people have played it up to be. And this gives credence to a netflix/cable provider deal at some point. REason being, cable providers and ISPs are increasingly the same.

Richard

Mike V. said...

QL/Reboots - Chevy and Beverly DiAngelo will be reprising their roles in the new vacation movie. It's not a reboot as much as a reboot/continuation with Rusty (Ed Helms) taking his kids to Wally world now. But it absolutely is a sign of a lack of original ideas and feeding the nostalgia cash cow. Sometimes it pays big dividends, sometimes it flops. BSG was a worthy reboot. I liked the 24 mini series from last year. I think X-Files might be nice to revisit.

WP is original, but it still is inspired by other ideas/stories that have been told. It's just a twist on those stories. But that goes back to the theory that there really aren't any more original ideas for stories. There's the same formula over and over again that succeeds....but it's the execution of those ideas that makes them unique. Like HIMYM is just Friends the next generation but they had a bit of a twist and executed similar situations in different ways. (of course FRIENDS was better!! lol)

I'll check out the link in a bit.

I don't think I ever said Cord Cutting would be a worldwide adopted thing. But it is something that the younger generation is leaning towards. It'll probably be just like our television shows have become....plentiful and aimed at niche markets rather than mainstream markets (like the big networks usually target). Now our TV viewing opportunities will be spread out as well. You could do the cable subscription...or maybe you just subscribe to a basic cable package and then get Netflix, Hulu and buy some streaming a la carte channels. Or subscribe to whatever Apple has in store. It'll probably be a combination of things that if the sum is less than what you were paying you win.

Sounds like a lot of work and not everyone will want to do it. So some will just remain subscribed to cable. And that's what I was saying about Comcast/Netflix deal. If they can make Netflix cheaper as part of a Comcast package, they might have something there. But I don't think they'll ever drop the stand-alone Netflix offering. Kind of like HBO just started offering streaming WITHOUT a cable membership. Variety is more helpful to the consumer to figure out how they want to consume their shows.

Mike V. said...

Apparently I've hit my limit for HBR articles without a membership. lol I don't remember EVER reading an HBR article! Oh well, hopefully I still covered some of the points!

Anonymous said...

That's strange on HBR(Harvard Business REview). Try from another computer later.

The point is, you really can't cut cords as much as fine tune what the cords do. And that all the ISPs have some TV package AND that you can't have (non cord) netflix without an ISP. Of course the cord can be wireless but the effect is the same and that is you have to pay for some kind of data plan. With the various mergers and continuing of mergers the money ultimately ends up in the pockets of ISP providers which for most subscribers also have TV plans. Other details, but that's a lot of if.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Well yeah...I think "cut the cord" is just an expression. It's really "eliminating your cable TV plan". The thing you pay over $100 to access hundreds of channels you never watch. Yeah, I'm sure Comcast/Verizon/etc... would find a way to change their pricing packages to charge more for internet access and data to get their money. Then we end up paying MORE in the long run if we start buying a la carte channel offerings.

Your boy Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan just discussed the future of streaming and how networks are handling the change on last week's Grantland Hollywood Prospectus podcast. It was an interesting discussion. Apparently when a network starts offering streaming packages it's called going "over the top" and has nothing to do with Sylvester Stallone. But they made good points about why shows you think would normally be cancelled (Like The Leftovers) are getting 2nd seasons...because these networks want more and more content to offer to potential streaming subscribers. When they get access to these networks..they get their entire back catalogues too. It's why AMC is buying properties like HUMANS too (which was originally supposed to air on XBOXes exclusively. Thankfully it didn't because it's pretty good!)

Andy said he was at a function recently talking to younger adults and he told them that he writes about TV for a living. And these kids don't even watch live TV. They say stuff like, "Have you ever heard of a show called FRIENDS? we binge watched all 200+ episodes! How about a show called Prison Break??" So Netflix and their HUGE back catalog is at an advantage with the new binge culture by having lots of old shows that in the past just would've been gone or only in syndication. There still is an audience for NEW content, but these networks might be starting to trend towards creating as much content as possible for LATER VIEWING.

Interesting discussion and slightly related to what you were talking about. lol

Anonymous said...

Yea, this Harvard article gets into OTT programing and it's effect on business models.

And you are exactly right, prices will go up. Hence one reason why the CSuite contact I mentioned before said cable TV will be just fine and growing.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Yeah...with Comcast the streaming deals are already included for a lot of the applications on these streaming devices. (HBO GO, A&E, ESPN, Etc...) so if they got netflix included in the deal it could be appealing.

I think cord cutters goal is to only pay for content they want to watch...so it'll be interesting to see it unfold.

Anonymous said...


This is the kind of technology hacks I was speaking of earlier about cars--July 20 at 4:46pm. I could easily see hacks into TVs, iphones, etc through streaming services using wireless.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/07/21/hack-connected-car-raises-alarm-over-driver-safety/30462317/

BTW, advanced thieves for expensive cars are using a laptop to steal them.

Richard

Anonymous said...

BTW, did you know ham operators can hear cell phone conversations?

Richard

Mike V. said...

Pretty impressive. Yeah, the interconnectedness of our world definitely is a playground for hackers! But it keeps IT security people in business coming up with new ways to make their life more difficult! lol

Didn't know that about ham operators but it makes sense.

Anonymous said...

The hacker/security war is practically unwinnable by the security people if 100% security is the bench mark. It's so hard to have all the users covered from all the variety of attacks. It only takes is one hacker getting lucky.

Hacking satellite transmissions is also out there. Just think about that for a minute.

Mike V. said...

It's a never-ending war. Even if you did reach 100% invulnerability, it's a point in time and hackers will continue to find a way to get in. But it just makes companies stay on edge and keep exploring new ways to secure whatever their properties are. I've been involved in some of that in my career..which I cannot discuss on this forum! :)

Pretty scary stuff!

Anonymous said...

Robot--So, Slater was engaged with a lot of people both physically and verbally while the other guy sat out this ep. The pea scene was kind of sick and there's a few other things that are starting to turn me off on this show.

But, the dvr is picking up on the prior show called Suites. I may watch it??

Richard

Mike V. said...

Robot - Yeah, definitely seems like a Fight Club situation. When Slater is actively talking to people, Elliot is unconscious or takes a back seat and is not interacting with anyone. Apparently in that arcade there is a game called something that refers to a comic book that had some huge twist that could be related to what's happening in Mr. Robot. I don't remember the name and don't know exactly what the twist is.

The pee scene definitely was interesting. That dude is a wack job..but so are most of the people in the show...and they all just be demented versions of people in Elliot's head.

I'm still enjoying the ride!


I think you're referring to SUITS (Suites would be a totally different show! lol). It's been on the air for awhile and people generally seem to like it (like all other USA procedural shows. easy to digest, don't have to pay too much attention...Mr. Robot is a departure from their usual fare and possibly a sign of more of what's to come from their network). I think all the back seasons are on Netflix...and Varys and Catelyn Star guest starred one season. lol

Mike V. said...

key word missing in my first paragraph. they all "COULD" just be demented versions of people in Elliot's head. He's telling the story and the story could all be in his head anyway. With company names like ALL SAFE and EVIL CORP, it definitely seems like it's partially made up in his head. lol

Mike V. said...

Robot - see even the main actor in this show likes Andy greenwald! Good interview and discussion via a grant land podcast!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grantland-pop-culture/id642537435?mt=2&i=347806657

I'm sure it's on YouTube too

Anonymous said...

My daughter is in Germany interning and her powermac just crashed, oh well. Apple is not known for it's robust hardware.

SNL--Ok, so I'm still plowing. Have about 1 plus seasons left.
1. Football coaches canNOT take their team and just play an unsanctioned event such as in the show at Carol Park where they wanted the lights on and to help the black and poor kids. The parents, the school district, insurance company, etc would not allow it. I know, I've had to sign documents, it just can't happen.

2. So, Vince not being coachable to hit drag routes and timing routes is just nuts. The black BBQ man saying basically that it's wrong to make the best athlete use plays is just NUTS! Football is 11 on 11 and if you want to win you need everybody on the same page. So, plays are necessary, this is just nuts!

From a football perspective, S4 is ridiculous, so many more examples I could provide. Honestly, if S4 were the first season, I wouldn't have kept watching. I increasingly feel sorry for coach. And Riggins is just sad too. Tami is riding high and life is great for her character. Actually Tami's character is consistently growing in strength while coach is seemingly tredding water with unrealistic/fantasy football--lol.

Richard

Anonymous said...

WP--Well, it ended much like what I thought with the First Gen being set up for another season possibly. Ben will obviously be what they were afraid he would be and why they didn't want to wake him up. I thought the corpse hanging with the sign about not leaving was strange since everyone would know not to leave due to abbies. Unless of course some were woken up after the abbies broke in. So, the abbies don't like the weather that's coming.

But, I thought more adult stars would have been killed off like Theresa and Kate. It's like the season/series had a finale with Pam and Kate standing with the cryotubes. But, I wanted more closure on the cryotubes. Pam killing Pilcher was a surprise, not shocking, but a surprise since she valued life so much. I think everyone knew Ethan was going to die.

Those abbies kind of remind me of some scifi metal and flesh eating monster the way they broke through the doors and elevator floor.

Richard

Mike V. said...

WP - Yep, definitely left wide open for a "sequel" series. lol What were they afraid Ben would be? The savior?? I missed something.

As for the end....I got the impression they still started over with group C. I didn't recognize anyone in that crew. So it seems like Kate and Melissa Leo put everyone back to sleep and started with a new crew. Maybe???

Definitely room to have another season or just leave it be. lol I enjoyed watching though so thanks for the recommendation!

Mike V. said...

Apple - Not sure where that came from but I'm a MAC convert so can't speak to having issues with their hardware. My iMac is slow (what I'm typing on now) now but i've had it for 5 years. I have a Macbook Pro that flies. And all of my data is backed up to the cloud and locally so I'm good if there's any crashes. lol But yeah...you can build a PC cheaper and probably more powerful. Though that MAC PRO desktop machine is a beast. super expensive, but powerful.

I love that you slipped and called FNL, SNL lol I thoughts season 4 was pretty impressive for pretty much rebooting the cast and still making it a compelling show. Sure, nothing can replace the original cast, but they did a pretty impressive job I thought!

Anonymous said...

LOL on FNL/SNL. It's not really the cast differences, it's the entire storyline that relates to football, ie Friday Night Lights. S4 doesn't have nearly as much football and the football that's there isn't nearly as realistic as S1. S4 is much more like a traditional drama with various issues facing everyone. It's not nearly as focused and so it's lost a lot of what it was about. Probably due to trying to keep it "fresh". One ep to go for S4. If S5 doesn't get more to what the show's premise WAS, I don't know if I'll finish the series. Time is too valuable.

WP--So, the First Gen that opened up the Ark Vault in the academy ended up taking over. If you notice the guy coming out of the sheriff's office, he was one of them. They had surveillance on the mountain facility per the scene with the monitor in Pilcher's office and the equipment at the Ark Vault. Amy said they didn't want to wake Ben up because they thought he would be like his Dad and fight what Pilcher wanted. All the adults have been put to sleep. The sign on the corpse was to reinforce Pilcher's rules. But, as I said in some ways that didn't make sense. But, given the qty of kids walking around those rules are probably put BACK into place since so many of the new kids didn't experience the abbie attack. Remember when Pilcher said his program was basically going to happen regardless of his death. That relates to the First Gen and the Ark Vault in the Academy. I don't think Megan knew about that facility?

Richard

Mike V. said...

FNL - S5 was really good from what I remember. But there is drama both on and off the field as there always was. The series finale was really perfect (i can't speak to realism but it certainly was emotionally satisfying). I wouldn't skip out on season 5 now that you've gotten this far!

WP - Ahh gotcha...so those kids took over. I missed all of that somehow. It seemed like Amy (is that Melissa Leo aka Pilcher's sister?) was ready to start a new leaf in the town though with Kate. I guess I missed that she wanted to fulfill her brother's dream still. So yeah...I guess the corpse doesn't make sense. Unless it's a tongue and cheek nod to the kids that took over. Just a reminder that they gotta stay put.

I don't know what Megan knew but she clearly was upset that she was betrayed by Pilcher in the end. lol

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