The really great TV thread

[pk500]

everyone tells me to watch BB, but it just seems so depressing. Is that true Vinny? it's a depressing show?

Ironic that "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M. just played through my MOG account as I read your post. The soundtrack to "Breaking Bad" definitely is not "Shiny Happy People."

[wco81]

BB is exhilarating.

[pk500]

BB is exhilarating.

PERFECT description. I never feel so deliciously exhausted from watching an hour of taut, well-scripted, beautifully acted television more than after an episode of "Breaking Bad."

[vinny-b]

everyone tells me to watch BB, but it just seems so depressing. Is that true Vinny? it's a depressing show?

Lancer: no. I don't get that.

IMO, run-of-the-mill shows like CSI, Law & Order, etc have a depressing vibe. While Breaking Bad is a dynamic production. Season 1 have a lot of fun with Jesse and his wise @ss comments, the light running commentary from Hank (DEA), etc. Season 2 and 3 is very balanced as well. Saul is an excellent addition (*think* Ken Rosenberg from Vice City?)

to be honest, the black humor itself can be pretty black at times, tho. For instance, the bathtub scene in Jesse's house (early in Season 1) is too graphic for me. Unlike others, i also didn't consider Season 4 to be my favorite. It was excellent like remainder of the series, but weren't fond of the 'party' scenes at Jesse's house for the 2-3 episodes

from someone who's really only a History Channel/Sports TV person, Breaking Bad is one of the best overall viewing experiences have encountered. Very intelligently written, appealing production values, ideal serial pacing, and fine acting. The complete package


edit: at least view the short Season 1 (7 episodes) before deciding

[Naples39]

I find myself taking big exhale at the end of every episode of BB. It is incredible that after 4 seasons they can so consistently create tension and breathlessness every episode without contorting the characters and story into a farce. The story remains utterly grounded. It's dark, but not depressing or upsetting IMO.

BB has perfected the art of portraying the "oh s***..." moment.

Spoiler (highlight to see): I just saw the scene where Walter is laughing hysterically in despair under his house, skyler has a look of sudden sinking despair, the music begins to pulse, while a phone sounds from the distraught sister calling that Hank is getting protective custody from immediate mortal threats....what a gripping moment seen from skyler's POV.
On youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWfK5JyD2bA

[snaz16]

Not feeling Dexter this year. Sons of Anarchy is getting real interesting,,,just wondering if this is the last season,the way the show is moving. Anyone watching Hell on Wheels (2nd show was this past Sunday) on AMC ? Kinda has that Deadwood feel to it.

[vinny-b]

I find myself taking big exhale at the end of every episode of BB. It is incredible that after 4 seasons they can so consistently create tension and breathlessness every episode without contorting the characters and story into a farce. The story remains utterly grounded. It's dark, but not depressing or upsetting IMO.

BB has perfected the art of portraying the "oh s***..." moment.

Spoiler (highlight to see): I just saw the scene where Walter is laughing hysterically in despair under his house, skyler has a look of sudden sinking despair, the music begins to pulse, while a phone sounds from the distraught sister calling that Hank is getting protective custody from immediate mortal threats....what a gripping moment seen from skyler's POV.
On youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWfK5JyD2bA

Naples: that scene makes me think of Flight of the Phoenix (1965 version). When man finds out the 'aeronautical engineer' is only a designer of model airplanes

[wco81]

Dropped by Best Buy, thinking to pick up Uncharted 3 if they have any left at the sales price. They did have one but then I noticed they're selling the Mad Men Blu-Ray sets for $8.99 each, so I bought all 4 seasons.

First TV box sets I've ever purchased, or even rented.

Not sure MM will hold up as well as something like The Sopranos on repeated viewings. I've seen all the episodes on TV but it was in SD so at least the HD quality will be new, as well as all the extras which the discs should have.

I think the sale is only through today though.

[JackB1]

Just watched the Walking Dead Midseason Finale.....

OMG! What an episode! Unlivable. I am left speechless and shaken from the end of the episode. Just when you thought the series was slowing down you get hit with a punch in the gut. This series is so good and I don't want to wait so long for it to continue!!!!

[Danimal]

Ok I'll admit didn't see that coming on Walking Dead last night until about a minute before it happened. I must be getting old usually I figure that stuff out.

[Diablo25]

Definitely a good episode. I had a vibe about the ending. I was surprised when Rick did the dirty work.

[Brando70]

This week's episode of American Horror Story either elevated the storyline to an epic level or marked the onset of creative cancer that will kill the most unique show on television -- and it did it in the last five minutes.

[RallyMonkey]

Definitely a good episode. I had a vibe about the ending. I was surprised when Rick did the dirty work.

I thought it was perfect to have Rick pull the trigger. For weeks it was feeling like his grip as leader was slipping away and in Shane's rage it looked all but lost as the group joined in the slaughter, yet in that one moment he took control once again. Really nicely filmed too.

[Diablo25]

Definitely a good episode. I had a vibe about the ending. I was surprised when Rick did the dirty work.

I thought it was perfect to have Rick pull the trigger. For weeks it was feeling like his grip as leader was slipping away and in Shane's rage it looked all but lost as the group joined in the slaughter, yet in that one moment he took control once again. Really nicely filmed too.

Agreed.

[Danimal]

Anyone else watch Touch?

I thought Keifer was a little to Jack like in his character but other then that the show sucked me in big time. As a father the end of the episode put a big lump in my throat. So I am all jazzed up and waiting for scenes of the show and they go "Starting in March.."

Wait so I just watched a premier of a show that will start in March? That's shitty, I might not watch again just based on that bull s***.

[FifaInspected]

Per touch. My wife. kids and I all loved it.

[ScoopBrady]

Per touch. My wife. kids and I all loved it.

T.M.I?

[Leadfoot5]

Thought Touch was the best hour of TV I've seen in a long time. Looking forward to the series. For me, it's the fact that they told an interesting story without lots of violence. As much as I'm also enjoying Alcatraz, the blood/violence is starting to get to me...

[Danimal]

Thought Touch was the best hour of TV I've seen in a long time. Looking forward to the series. For me, it's the fact that they told an interesting story without lots of violence. As much as I'm also enjoying Alcatraz, the blood/violence is starting to get to me...

My wife had to stop watching it after last weeks episode. It is pretty dark for network TV. My biggest problem with Alcatraz was the 2 main characters acting like it was no big deal people were showing up after 50 years without aging. I know you have to move fast in a pilot but I mean a little "WTF" reaction from the main players would of helped sell me more.

[Leadfoot5]

Thought Touch was the best hour of TV I've seen in a long time. Looking forward to the series. For me, it's the fact that they told an interesting story without lots of violence. As much as I'm also enjoying Alcatraz, the blood/violence is starting to get to me...

My wife had to stop watching it after last weeks episode. It is pretty dark for network TV. My biggest problem with Alcatraz was the 2 main characters acting like it was no big deal people were showing up after 50 years without aging. I know you have to move fast in a pilot but I mean a little "WTF" reaction from the main players would of helped sell me more.

Yeah, had the same reaction.

[webdanzer]

Really late to the party on this one, but the wife and I are just now entering the midpoint of S2 Justified, and the show is absolutely fantastic. I'm a character and dialogue guy, and the show shines brightly with both.

So little waste, too. Almost every scene in every episode has some little quirk of character or word, and even the most minor characters have something of interest to them.

Great show.

[RobVarak]

Really late to the party on this one, but the wife and I are just now entering the midpoint of S2 Justified, and the show is absolutely fantastic. I'm a character and dialogue guy, and the show shines brightly with both.

So little waste, too. Almost every scene in every episode has some little quirk of character or word, and even the most minor characters have something of interest to them.

Great show.

I blew through all 3 seasons in about 2 weeks. I think I'm most impressed by the writers' ability to consistently evoke the Elmore Leonard vibe so successfully. The wit, silliness and suspense are all perfectly poised like a good Leonard novel.

This winter saw me getting caught up on Breaking Bad, Justified and Game of Thrones. Such a ridiculous bounty of good TV. The only thing that came heavily recommended that really didn't do it for me was Archer.

[webdanzer]

I think I'm most impressed by the writers' ability to consistently evoke the Elmore Leonard vibe so successfully.

I'm embarrassed to say I've never read Leonard, but I'm correcting that this week. Would you peg the Givens books as the place to start, or are others the way to go?

[Wilk5280]

BB is exhilarating.

PERFECT description. I never feel so deliciously exhausted from watching an hour of taut, well-scripted, beautifully acted television more than after an episode of "Breaking Bad."

\


I was late to the party on this series. I started it up one night on netflix and was sleep deprived until I got through season 3. Then as the shakes from withdrawals started kicking in I had to go out and find season 4 on the interwebs.

Man, I kept telling myself "just one more episode" and the next thing I knew it was 3am and I had to be to work by 7. Well worth it!

[RobVarak]

Best description of BB that I heard was on the Onion AV Club recaps. Most dramas set up a chessboard and then move the pieces. BB sets up the board and knocks it over...2-3 times every season.