tvthatdoesntsuck

“Alias” is a pretty expensive series.  The first two seasons, at full price, are nearly $70, so it’s essential to know if this is a quality series before buying.  Even the big creative names behind it (Lost’s J. J. Abrams) can’t stand as the sole reason to buy this show.  I’m here to talk to you about the first season of this show and if it’s worth buying at all. 

ALIAS - SEASON ONE

 ”After reading the overwhelming reviews for ALIAS, I bought the first season and was–for the most part–disappointed. With comparisons to classic shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “24″, I was expecting a lot. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this show more if I hadn’t had such high hopes, but what’s done is done.

The concept of the show is fine, and the characters develop nicely over the season. And Sidney, let’s face it, is not only a good character–she’s also eye candy. The biggest problem is the actual episodes. Situations play out quite awkwardly, especially in the first few discs. The action scenes are on point, but the actual reasoning to the missions that Sidney is being sent on are rarely explained and rarely contribute to the overall arc of the season. Sometimes, the music is poignant and adds to the scenes, but often I feel sappy songs are throw in to try to force the viewer to feel a certain way. And without the proper build-up, a viewer can’t be forced to react emotionally to the said scenes. I was not convinced.

On the plus side, the season gets better about halfway through. There are six very good episodes this season, starting with the two-part episode, “The Box.” McKenas Cole, played perfectly by Quentin Tarantino, was the best villain of the whole season. He should have played a much bigger part than he did. Other good episodes were the following: Q&A, Snowman, Rendezvous, and Almost Thirty Years. “Almost Thirty Years” was the amazing season finale, which made it worth struggling through those first few discs.

6/10 “

 VERDICT: Pass.  “Six very good episodes” ain’t worth investing in an entire season for.  Many people like it, so if you’re feeling risky this might be your chance… but there is way too much great TV on DVD out there for me to encourage people to buy this.

NEXT TIME: Not Alias Season Two.   Bought it, watched the first ep, could hardly stay awake.  One day I’ll see the entire thing and see if my mind chances, but until then… The Office is next on “TV on DVD You Should Already Have.”

*static*

“Wonderfalls.”  It only lasted a season, but–as TV on DVD lovers have certainly come to know–that means absolutely nothing in relation to quality.  I gave the “Lost” DVD collections two 9/10s and a 10/10, so let’s see how the one-hit “Wonderfalls” ranks next to that.  It’s created by Bryan Fuller, who you guys might know as the genius behind the recent hit “Pushing Daisies” and the cult favorite “Dead Like Me,” so that’s already incentive enough to buy it.  Let’s get down.

WONDERFALLS - THE COMPLETE SERIES

“It’s always a pleasure to review something truly great.  A book or a show that really touched me, that I feel will touch many others, were they to read/watch it… those are the stuff that make passionate reviews.  For me, at least.  ”Wonderfalls” is that show.

Though the first four episodes were well written, entertaining, and at times very funny, I wasn’t completely convinced by this show until the second disc. Everything we loved about Buffy and Veronica Mars is here; the snark, the attractive characters, the drama, the hilarious dialogue… everything. To my surprise, I slowly became attached to the characters and their stories, wondering how each plot would play out long after I shut off the DVD for the night. Jaye is a one-of-a-kind character, played wonderfully by Caroline Dhavernas who took a a character that could have easily been a stereotypical slacker and played her as a sympathetic yet joyfully sarcastic reluctant hero. Her situation–inanimate objects (with faces) talk to her and tell her to do things–is captivating as the shows premise, but it takes a back seat to the subtle drama between the cast of characters that plays out over the season, coming to a head in the series finale, “Caged Bird.”

Like “Firefly” before it, “Wonderfalls” was cut short early by the ruthless company that aired it, just becoming another one of those glorious yet rare shows that was axed way before its time. This series is entertaining enough that you can watch multiple episodes in one sitting without getting restless, and the rewatchable factor is also extremely high.

I hope that, running with the “Firefly” comparison, the cast and crew of this show are one day brought together for a full length film continuation of this show. Of course it’s unlikely, but the fact that I’m hopeful for it shows how good this show truly wound up to be.

10/10 Classic. “

 VERDICT: Buy it.  Fast.  Before I hunt you down and do unGodly things to you.

So yeah, two classics in a row, blah blah etcetera emphasis empanatas elephants.  Even though I chose to talk about two really good shows first, don’t think I’m an easy rater.  You might see what I mean next time…

NEXT TIME: J. J. Abrams project before “Lost.”  It was called ALIAS and am I going to praise or pan? 

*static*

For the past two days, I’ve been discussing the “Lost” DVDs and deciding whether or not they’re worthy of your hard earned bread/cake/cheese/any other bakery term that means money.  The first two seasons have ranked high with 9/10s, and most of the fans would agree, but the third season is a bit more controversial among television watchers.  Not everyone liked the direction the season took, what with Locke’s ritual early in the season and the extremely eccentric “The Others” plot, but I thought…

Eh, I’ll let the review speak for itself.

This is the last “Lost” DVD review until December, so if you’re not really that interested in the castaways (which is dumb, because it’s one of the most compelling dramas on TV, so get your pointer out of your pooper and run to FYE!) then never fear.  We’re moving on to a whole ‘nother series tomorrow that may/may not be worth your baked goods.

LOST- SEASON THREE

“The common consensus with fans seems to be that the third season of Lost is the weakest. I have to, respectfully, disagree.

The genius writers and assorted crew behind “Lost” kept it fresh in the second season by focusing most of the action around the mysterious hatch. In the case of this season (the third), the main plot focuses on the conflict between the Oceanic survivors and the Others. Finally, after two entire seasons shrouded in mystery, some of the big questions start to get answers.

+ We learn how Ben came to be the leader of the Others
+ We learn what happened to the Dharma Initiative
+ We get a ’sort of’ origin story for the Others
+ We learn how Locke ended up in a wheelchair.

But that’s not it. This season has a tighter narrative than any of those previous. While the flashbacks sometimes felt a bit contrived (especially the “how Jack got his tattoo” story), the main plots of each of these episodes tied very nicely in to each other, creating a very focused story-arc for this season. Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Charlie, and Desmond get some great character development, while characters that seemed to be static (such as Hurley) start to play larger parts. As with any show, there were story lines that I wasn’t sure about (such as Locke becoming increasingly morally ambiguous), but the fact that I was constantly shocked and enthralled by this show is just a testament to how well-done it is.

Though the story is so continuous in “Lost” (particularly this season), it’s hard to pick out the episodes that really stand out, but there are a few I thought really solidified this series as one of the best I’ve ever seen. These are those episodes.

5. The Cost of Living: Tugs on your heartstrings, and opens up new questions.
4. Flashes Before Your Eyes: I was confused at the decision to make Desmond a permanent character, but this episode made him one of my favorites. Tragic, revealing, and the essence of “Lost.”
3. Tricia Tanaka Is Dead: Nearly perfect. This episode solidifies Hurley as a great character, and shows the characters having fun, which is great to see in the middle of so much drama.
2. Greatest Hits: As a penultimate episode, it is a perfect example of how to build up tension for an explosive finale. Also, it has the greatest usage of flashbacks (recounting the best moments of Charlie’s life) in the series, until…
1. Through the Looking Glass: This two-part finale is a roller coaster ride that will keep you tense up (with tears in your eyes, because not everyone makes it out alive) until the shocking end.

This show is brilliant. Simple as that. At this point, I trust the “Lost” team with any path they want to take us down, because this season and the two previous ones are proof that the yarn they spin is golden.

10/10 Classic.”

Whew! “Classic,” he says.  “10 out of–freaking–10,” he says.  High rating, eh?  Before we proceed, you should know what goes into my ratings.  Not only the episode-to-episode quality and diversity in writing, acting, and direction, but also how the story that was developed in the previous seasons progresses and if the story-arc plotting was on point.  Plain and simple, the quality of this season is the same, but the character arcs and story arcs come together in such a way that elevates the show to the next level.

VERDICT: Best show that’s currently on television.  Buy it with glee.

NEXT TIME: Shunned by the networks, praised by the critics, loved by the fans who threw metaphorical stones at the networks until they got a DVD… It’s “Wonderfalls.”  But is it any good?

*static*

 Yesterday, we took a little look at the first season of “Lost.”  It got an astounding 9/10, but it’s admittedly a show with a concept that’s more than easy to spoil.  So does “Lost” ride its wave of momentum built up in season one, float around, or sink?  Let’s take a look at…

LOST- SEASON TWO

“I have to admit, the second season of “Lost” is pretty hard to review. Thing is, its pretty much the same animal as the first season. The only difference is that there’s more characters involved and the mystery just keeps growing. The basic conclusion I’ve come to is that anyone who enjoyed the places that the story was taken to in the first season will be pleased with this season.

Those who criticize this show as never solving the many mysteries that create the backbone of “Lost” are very simply wrong. This season answers more in the first episode than you’d expect would happen until episode twelve. Throughout the season, you’ll find out answers to questions such as this:

+ What is in the mysterious hatch? What does it have to do with the island, and what makes Locke think his fate is inside this hatch?

+ What ever happened to the tail section of the plane? Was Rose right to have faith that her husband (who was in the tail section) is alive, or are they all dead?

+ What happened to Claire when she was kidnapped? Was it the Others that let her go and, if so, why? Or did she escape on her own?

+ Is there more significance to Hurley’s ‘lotto numbers’ than everyone seems to believe?

Those who weren’t convinced by the first season of “Lost” won’t find many differences between this season and the first. There are still a lot of mysteries by the time this season finishes–if there weren’t, it wouldn’t be “Lost”–but the creative force behind this show gives us just enough to keep us satisfied. As far as I’m concerned, “Lost” is one of the best acted, best written, and best directed series on television. It’s visually astonishingly… and it also knows how to play your heartstrings. It may not have been the best show of the year–that goes to Veronica Mars, which “Lost” fans would very much enjoy–but it easily makes any television fan’s top five of the ‘05-’06 season.

9/10 “

VERDICT: “Lost” rides on.  You should already own this.

NEXT TIME: We finish up with the castaways with a review of “Lost- Season Three.”  Things get really weird, but is it good weird or… not so good weird?

 *static*

TV on DVD is the best kind of DVD.  More loaded than any movie, and has way more time to tell a story.  Also, you’re way more likely to get killer discounts at FYE and Suncoast on good TV shows than you are on good movies.  Until around August-ish, I’ll be posting reviews for select TV on DVD, letting you know whether or not the DVD in question should already be in your collection.  Let’s get to it.

Kicking it off with…. *shakes up cup, picks random DVD*… “Lost.”

LOST- SEASON ONE

“Lost is the Harry Potter of television. With its intricately planned plots, fully fleshed out characters with well-thought out back stories, and a wild premise that is brilliantly executed, this is a show with truly universal appeal. It’s enough to entertain the “we love action!” crowd, but there is also a deeper level to this show, which often works on metaphor as it connects the `main story’ of Lost to the characters’ histories, utilizing flashbacks in each episode.

Unlike J. J. Abram’s last series (Alias), you won’t be checking the time while you’re watching the first season of “Lost.” Every one of these twenty-two episodes is completely enthralling, focusing on the history and current situation of one character at a time. Even the less interesting characters are easily able to hold up their own episodes. There is always more to find out about each character as the seasonal arc builds, never giving the audience too little or too much. Because that’s what this show is really based on: mystery. Be warned, Lost is not, I repeat, not for the impatient. The arc of this series is based on the mystery of this island and the people who have landed on it, and every single time one of those nagging questions is answered, we are given a new question. From the mystifying hatch, to the captivating character of John Locke, to the island itself, the sheer need to find out `what the heck is going on’ will drive you through this season.

Take all of that good stuff and add a cast of actors with rare talent and the most beautiful on-location scenes you’ll find on network television, and you have the phenomenon that is the first season of “Lost.” Along with Heroes and Veronica Mars, this is one of the strongest television series we’ve seen in recent years.

9/10 “

VERDICT: You should already own this.  If not, get cracking on that.

NEXT TIME: “Lost- Season Two.”  Should you already own this?  Does “Lost” stay afloat or go down the tube?

*static*

For all of you… erm… two people who were looking forward to what my final TV show to watch in the 08/09 season is, don’t be let down that I don’t know much about it.  No one does.  So I can’t do much of a pos+/neg- list as I did with the previous shows, but I can list what we do know… and it all looks good.

1. It’s created by Greg Daniels.  He created the office.
2. It airs mid-season.  That means by the time this show comes on, you’ll have already decided what new shows suck, so you’ll have plenty of room for this.
3. Amanda Peet, who starred in A Whole Bunch of Movies You Probably Never Saw is starring.  Who doesn’t love new faces?
4. Another much tastier rumor is that Rashida Jones (Karen from The Office) is starring.

and lastly?

5. It’s a spin-off of The Office.  Did I mention that?

So yeah, that’s all.  Here’s a sum up of the verdict.

+ Dollhouse: Watch, and make your friends watch.
+ Fringe: Watch, but be careful…. there could be major, cloggy cheese ahead
+ The United States of Tara: Watch
+ True Blood: Watch
+ 90210: Give it a chance if you’re around, but don’t expect much
+ Untitled The Office spin-off: Watch

*static*

Like I did with the Katherine Heigl Emmy business (read: bulls–t), I’m going to occasionally comment on tv/film things I see going on.  And today is one of those occasions.  So I’ll leave you hanging for one more day about what my final “TV To Watch in F’08-S’09″ will be and instead talk about one of the worst displays of ambushing a film I’ve seen in… well, just a sec, let me think.  Ever.  I’m talking about The Happening.  I’m talking about how every critic except Roger Ebert is doing their best to make sure no one sees M. Night Shyamalan’s most recent film.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE DOING:  No matter how good a trailer looks, no matter how big the names in the cast list are, the biggest vehicle for box office sales is WORD OF MOUTH.  Positive word of mouth could turn a slumper movie into a sleeper hit.  Positive word of mouth could do the Junoeffect and pretty much show everyone how great that movie-they-never-gave-a-chance really is.  Negative word of mouth, however, gets the idea in potential mover goers heads that this movie sucks. Those people, even though they haven’t seen the movie, will be extra scared about spending $10 to see a movie that just might sucks.  And, as we all know, people as a rule tend to exaggerate, so it turns from “I heard this wasn’t so good” to “See The Happening?  Yeah, right, that movie sucks.”  So in generating negative reviews at the start of The Happening’s stint at the big B.O., the critics are ensure that Shyamalan’s movie will see a second week slump on opening night.  Why do I think these critics are doing this?  Am I conspiracy theory dude?  Nah, just read the next category.  Or, better yet, read three of the most scathing reviews.  Then read Roger Ebert’s more balanced, unbiased, and true review.  Then see the movie.  You’ll see what I mean.

WHY THEY’RE DOING IT:  He got a bit pretentious in Lady in the Water, to the point where he sort of lashed out at critics for panning his previous effort, The Village.  Read about it here.

WHY YOU SHOULD STILL SEE “THE HAPPENING”: Oh, many reasons.  First of which to show critics that they can’t control what we’re going to view because of a personal agenda they have against a director.  Second, it’s a good movie.  A damn good movie.  Check out my initial thoughts after watching:

“There is no reason that “The Happening” should be getting one- or two-star reviews.  The writing and directing in this movie, as well as the acting, is strong and some of the best we’ve seen so far in 2008.  Shyamalan consistently makes five-star, 10/10 movies, though he stumbled a bit with 2006’s “Lady in the Water,” which wasn’t as bad as the critics said it was, but wasn’t nearly as good as his previous hits.  I don’t know if the critics are just biased against him because of his portrayal of movie critics in “Lady in the Water” or if he’s just one of those guys that everyone loves to pick on, but it really says something when the most experienced and intelligent critic—Roger Ebert—is the one critic to give the movie the rating it deserves:  a good rating.

Seeing this movie is a guttural experience.  The scenes of mass suicide—that were often spine-tingling but never felt gratuitous or SAW-like—tapped into base human fears about the environment turning on us and about society losing its order.  Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel (especially her) give top performances and the main characters, a married couple dealing with some problems.  They bring this couple to life with quirks and unusual yet effective performances, humanizing two characters that could have been the clichéd arguing married couple with lesser actors and a lesser writer.  The cinematography is astonishing in some parts and a bit off in others, but the sheer experimental nature of Shyamalan’s direction leaves the audience visually on their toes. 

What a lot of people found fault in was how “The Happening” didn’t shy away from comedy or showing people who are less than normal.  From the “hot dog guy,” to the military man saying “Cheese and crackers,” to the crazy old lady, the heroes of “The Happening” run into many colorful types.  I can understand why this would throw people off, but I found this to be an attraction for more scathing reviews, which I think is silly.  The crazy side-characters in this movie keep it from being boring.  Because, in actuality, we do run into many, many normal people.  In the world we live in, even the regular world, how could there no be people out there with more colorful quirks?  In fact, the only scene in the entire movie that didn’t work for me at all was when Wahlberg’s character was repeating the scientific method to himself while trying to figure out what action to take.  Everything else in the film is superbly done, especially the “coming together” near the end that is just scored so beautifully that it sort of pulls on your heart.

When I saw “Signs,” M. Night Shyamalan pretty much had me hooked for life.  I got a bit weary after “Lady in the Water,” but “The Happening” only served to convince me of what I’ve already known: Most critics, as a rule, are biased to the point of ridiculousness.  “The Happening” is a great movie with high, high re-watchability that I will certainly be buying on DVD the day it comes out.

9/10“

So, if you’re interested in forming your own opinion instead of letting critics write off a movie as junk before giving it a chance, watch The Happening.  If not, maybe you’ll likeYou Can’t Mess with the Zohan* better.

* You could argue that I’m doing the same with “Zohan” that the critics did with “The Happening.”  Only difference is that “Zohan” truly does suck, I know because I saw it last night.  I’m not biased in any way, so– Scratch that.  I am biased.  I freaking love Adam Sandler.  I freaking love Judd Apatow, and recognize him as one of the best new screenwriters and the best producer in the film game right now… but there is no excuse for a movie like this.  When two stars collide, there should be stardust but this movie just stank like straight up poopie.

This is the sixth entry in “Shows You Should Watch,” so I’m thinking we’ll do one more after this to end on lucky seven.  After this little event, what comes next, you ask?  Well, if you haven’t asked, then go ahead and ask now… Okay, there we go.  Coming up after Entry #7 is “TV on DVD That You Should Already Have In Your Collection.”  That’ll probably go for the majority of the summer.  In August, I’ll start with “TV on DVD to Buy This Fall.”

Today’s entry deals with a little show that we all know almost nothing about called “The Ex-List.”  Here’s the dirt on it.

Reasons to get excited for “The Ex-List”
1) Remember I said there was a connection between this show and 90210?  Well, Rob Thomas, who originally wrote the pilot for 90210 is the little connection, in that Diane Ruggiero (who is the CREATOR of The Ex-List) was also an executive producer and writer on Thomas’s Veronica Mars.  And if there’s anything more convincing than “She worked on Veronica Mars, I wouldn’t know what it is.
2) Great, great premise.  The ever loyal (heh) Wikipedia says, “The Ex-Listfollows Bella Bloom - a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she’s already dated her future husband AND there’s a catch: if she doesn’t find him in the next year, she’ll remain alone forever. During a bachelorette party for her sister Daphne, Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate.”  Sounds like it has a lot of chances to be both hilarious and poignant.
3) Elizabeth Reaser is the lead. Prettttttty.  We wannttsss.  Plus, she gives a great performance in the trailer.
4) It’s replacing Moonlight.  If a show about a man who sleeps all day replaced Moonlight, I’d watch it.

Reasons to be weary of “The Ex-List”
1) That trailer?  Yeah, the psychic lady is horrible.  Since the series is kinda based off what she says to Bella, I’m thinking she’ll be a recurring figure.  Eeek.
2) High concepts grounded in otherwise normal circumstances have a way of being very Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which is always good for a cheap laugh, but I’m looking something more.

So yeah.  “The Ex-List” will air on CBS in the Fall.  The date isn’t set yet.

VERDICT: Watch.

NEXT TIME: The conclusion to “SHOWS TO WATCH IN THE FALL 08 - SPRING 09 SEASON #6″.  What will it be, what will it be?

*static*

So.  90210.  A forthcoming spin-off of the popular 90s show Beverly Hills 90210.  The original pilot for the spin-off was written by Rob Thomas, who I pretty much amped up on yesterday’s post.  He has the best grasp of how teens interact in television, so he’s the natural choice to make 90210 into a smart and character driven show… unlike the abysmal Beverly Hills 90210 that the show spawned from.  However, as networks often do, they ordered Thomas’s script to be rewritten.  Thomas recently stepped down as creator of the series, and Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah have rewritten his script and are being credited as the creators or, more appropriately, “developers” of the series.  Thomas’s official reason for stepping down was to concentrate on the other pilots he’s doing for ABC, but I’m thinking The CW wanted him to dumb down his script for the Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill fans…

Reasons to get excited for “90210”

1) It’s been hinted that Thomas might stay on as producer.  Not the level which we originally wanted him at, but any thing he’s involved in is at least worth checking out

2) Thomas’s replacements have done some really good work.  Gabe Sachs wrote for Freaks and Geeks (hot), Undeclared (hot), Just Shoot Me (flop), What About Brian (haven’t seen it), and Life as We Know It (which a. I haven’t seen and b. Jeff Judah worked on him with this).  So overall, at least Sachs looks to have a strong history with teen shows, so maybe he’ll be able to keep 90210 from going the way of stupid drama.

3) There are some fresh faces in the cast, which are always interesting
4) Even if it sucks, it probably won’t get cancelled. The network is pushing it real hard and casted a lot of the roles before Thomas’s script was even finished.  BH9 fans will definitely tune in, and most Thomas fans will at least give it a chance.  This show will probably be here a while

Reasons to be weary of “90210”
1) It’s a freaking Beverly Hills 90210 spin-off.
2) Rob Thomas usually leaves projects when there is creative differences.  Since the guy usually has the best ideas, it means he probably left because the network had bad suggestions.

3) Shenae Grimes plays the main character.  You might know her as Darcy from Degrassi: The Next Generation.  Her acting skills kind of make me cringe like I’m looking at John Lock doing the topless ritual in the third season of Lost.
4) There will be returning characters from Beverly Hills 90210.  Best way to ensure that a spin-off sucks as much as the bad show it spun off of is to include character from that original show.

5) What with the change of creators, the casting before the script was done, the semi-synchronized international airings, it’s more than obvious that the network has two hands deep into this project… and that’s never good.  The good shows are the shows that let the writers do their things with little network involvement other than a push here or there and promotion.  So this is looking to be a big “eek.”

VERDICT: I’ll watch the first episode.  If I’m home.  I certainly won’t clear my schedule, and I’ll probably only TiVo it if I’m impressed by a trailer.  But I certainly can’t recommend this in good conscience, because it doesn’t really look good.

For those who do want to watch it, it premiers Tuesday, September 2^nd on the CW.

NEXT TIME: SHOWS TO WATCH IN THE FALL 08 - SPRING 09 SEASON #6: The Ex-List…. Which has a slight connection to this entry.

If you don’t know that Rob Thomas is a genius, you must have not seen Veronica Mars.  Which a) means that you’re missing out, b) means that you should head over to FYE and buy all three seasons, and c) means that you’re not watching it helped allow it to be cancelled, so I hate you, but we’re all moving past this in a very together way, are we not?  Thomas has been busy for the past few years.  While he was working on Veronica Marsas creator and showrunner, he turned down showrunner position for Friday Night Lights and Viva Laughlin.  When Veronica Marsmet its unfortunate end in 2007, he was showrunner during the development of Miss/Guided for about a month before he bounced due to the proverbial “creative differences.”  Recently, he’s been developing his own pilots which consist of…

+ Party Down which you can read about here
+ Outrageous Fortune / Good Behavior:  An American adaptation of this.
+ Cupid (remake): It’s a remake of a show he created in the 90s that was critically acclaimed, but cancelled early.  Sort of reminds you of a certain blond Veronica, eh?
+ 90210:  I explain below.

90210.  Two guesses what that is a spinoff of.  Rob Thomas is involved (though less than he originally was), so this entry will make sense in the long-run.  You’ll have to tune in and check out “Rob Thomas Part II” tomorrow if you’re interested in my verdict on 90210, but I’ll give you a hint…. I either like it, or I don’t like it.  That narrows it a bit.

TOMORROW: Rob Thomas Part II, AKA “SHOWS TO WATCH IN THE FALL 08 - SPRNG 09 SEASON #5″ 

*static*