Underestimating Middle-America Since 1950: Television Test Thread

[Reply #640 on:]

‘Last Man On Earth’ Renewed For Season 2 By Fox

Great news.

[Reply #641 on:]

Cool, I'm a few episodes behind, but I've liked what I've seen so far

[Reply #642 on:]

Saw the first episode of Firefly last night; was pretty neat. The fact that it's only one season long makes it much less daunting to approach.

I saw Firefly for the first time last summer. It was a real delight. Whereas most drama shows come off as a bit pretentious to me and most comedies are rife with moments where I know I'm supposed to laugh but I'm not really laughing, this show managed to do both exceptionally well. I'm disappointed that the show got cancelled since I have quite a few questions lingering about its lore and the characters' backstories. Hopefully Serenity (the movie) will address some of those questions when I finally get the chance to see it.

[Reply #643 on:]

Did Firefly ever have its own thread? I'm too lazy to look.

[Reply #644 on:]

I know there were definitely 5 or 6 threads in off-topic on actual fireflies, but I'm not sure about the tv show. Maybe there was a post or two about it in the Buffy thread.

[Reply #645 on:]

I always just assumed it was a nature documentary about insects.

[Reply #646 on:]

This recent chart comparing shitty superhero shows amused me greatly:

[Reply #647 on:]

Wildly obvious "secret" identity

CC: Daredevil

Heh. Karen is so stupid.

[Reply #648 on:]

The thing about Daredevil is that in a normal universe, his identity would likely be safe because even with a recognizable voice and bottom half of his face, most people wouldn't even think to consider Murdock to possibly be the alter ego because no blind person should be able to come close to doing what he does.

However, in a world where there's a dude in a flying iron suit, a god from another dimension, a 90-year-old who was unfrozen with super-strength, and a guy who can turn into a green monster all fighting aliens in the middle of New York City, you'd think people would be more open-minded.

[Reply #649 on:]

And I believe Daredevil is the first superhero in the MCU to have a secret identity.

That's one of the biggest comic book tropes in existence and it took them like 8 years to do it.

I also haven't even heard of most of those shows. I'm way out of the loop.

[Reply #650 on:]

Hell, I've only seen one thing from the MCU (including both films and tv shows) and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the experience. I don't think I'll be going back for more.

Speaking of being underwhelmed, is anyone else disappointed by the direction The Last Man on Earth has taken? The show had such a promising premiere, but it quickly devolved into every episode being "Phil acts like an asshole in order to try and get laid, he fails." I mean, it's still quite a funny show, and there's a lot of talent involved (and a hell of a lot of potential in the concept), but at this point, I just want the main character to have sex with someone already so the show can begin tackling subjects other than one fucking man's libido.

[Reply #651 on:]

Hell, I've only seen one thing from the MCU (including both films and tv shows) and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the experience. I don't think I'll be going back for more.

Just so we're on the same page here... which "thing" was that?

I'd also suggest not writing the whole thing off if you were underwhelmed by one movie or show. A lot of them have big similarities but there's also some that are so vastly different in tone and direction you can barely tell it's made by the same studio.

[Reply #652 on:]

Hell, I've only seen one thing from the MCU (including both films and tv shows) and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the experience. I don't think I'll be going back for more.

Just so we're on the same page here... which "thing" was that?

Guardians of the Galaxy, as it was the one I'd read the most praise for. Thing is, I can't really fault the movie in any major way - the plot was well structured (save from spending a bit too much time in the prison), albeit predictable, the performances were solid and the visuals were great... And yet, I still got nothing out of it. I didn't care about the characters or the world within the movie at all, and was ultimately left wondering what all the fuss was about. I guess all I can really say is that it's just not for me.

I'd also suggest not writing the whole thing off if you were underwhelmed by one movie or show. A lot of them have big similarities but there's also some that are so vastly different in tone and direction you can barely tell it's made by the same studio.

I'm gonna go ahead right now and guess that the majority of the movies follow this template:

* A major threat is posed to the city/world/universe. Our hero (or group of heroes) is the only one who can stop it.
* The hero (or group of heroes) encounters obstacles along the way (and maybe some in-fighting, if it's a group of heroes). They overcome them, growing somewhat in the process. That growth assists them in their objective.
* The major threat comes extremely close to destroying the city/world/universe, but luckily, the hero (or group of heroes) is able to stop it just in time. Perhaps by using something that was established earlier in the movie? And they probably pay an unfortunate price in the process?

And the tv projects probably follow comparable templates, but stretched out over a season rather than a feature?

In all seriousness, though, I'm still considering at least giving The Avengers a chance, as I enjoy Joss Whedon's dialogue, but there's really no other reason to think I might actually like it. I just don't get the appeal of all this superhero shit at all.

Anyway, let's get back on the topic of television already! What's everyone watching? Anyone got anything on their "to check out" list for when the mid-season hiatus comes in a month or two?

[Reply #653 on:]

Yeah I'm kinda bummed at how Last Man on Earth is turning out. It is still funny and Phil is a goddamn trainwreck but eh, I don't know. I didn't catch last week's episode so maybe it's better.

[Reply #654 on:]

It's about the same. I mean, I realise Phil's supposed to be an asshole, but I feel the show should be doing a bit more to really drive home his warped mental state. This is a man who spent 2 years completely alone, and was attempting suicide when he met the first other person. His actions make a lot more sense when you remind yourself that he has nothing else to live for at this point, but the show rarely ever touches on the fact that these characters have all been through an incredibly traumatic experience.

I'm also getting a little sick of the constant "another person shows up!" plot twist. I get that it actually makes a whole lot of sense, given the billboards he put up in the pilot, but I'd much rather see them do more with the cast they already have. The characters have very little definition beyond what they mean to Phil.

[Reply #655 on:]

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to indulge cyber_turnip's predictive ego.

But ya, I agree the show hasn't developed quite as I hoped it would, and hasn't been as good as it was since the first two episodes. That said, I still find it very entertaining and will probably continue to watch it into season 2, unless I really despise the way they end this season.

There have been a couple developments that I enjoyed recently:

Show spoiler

I really liked the episode that ended with Phil having a revelation about being a liar and apologizing to the other survivors, even though he still obviously hasn't changed at all. Also, I liked that in the newest episode Todd has started to show his true colors after we'd been led to believe he's such a cool cucumber.

I'm assuming that there's only so many new characters the show can add before it needs to really shake up the status quo. I'd love to see Phil really crack, decide that there's no reason for him to stay with this group and head off in search of new people. Or perhaps something more extreme, like a reveal that Phil has actually been hallucinating since his suicide attempt, that his insanity created more people in his mind to give him a reason to live. I probably doubt the creators would do something like that (or that Fox would allow them to) but personally I think it would be brilliant.

[Reply #656 on:]

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to indulge cyber_turnip's predictive ego.

But ya, I agree the show hasn't developed quite as I hoped it would, and hasn't been as good as it was since the first two episodes. That said, I still find it very entertaining and will probably continue to watch it into season 2, unless I really despise the way they end this season.

I've no plans to stop watching it - it still delivers some solid laughs every episode. It's just a bit unfortunate to see such an ambitious and interesting concept devolve so quickly.

Show spoiler

I really liked the episode that ended with Phil having a revelation about being a liar and apologizing to the other survivors, even though he still obviously hasn't changed at all. Also, I liked that in the newest episode Todd has started to show his true colors after we'd been led to believe he's such a cool cucumber.

Show spoiler

The problem is, Phil keeps having these epiphanies and little moments that humanise him, only to immediately go back to being an asshole in the next episode again. Either don't have him learn lessons to begin with, or actually put some effort into the character development. It's really not that hard, and given the heavily serialised nature of the show, it's disappointing to see them repeatedly hit the reset button as far as Phil's personality goes.

Also, I hated Todd's characterisation in the last episode. We don't need another fucking Phil Miller in the show (in personality, that is, not in name ).

Show spoiler

I'm assuming that there's only so many new characters the show can add before it needs to really shake up the status quo. I'd love to see Phil really crack, decide that there's no reason for him to stay with this group and head off in search of new people. Or perhaps something more extreme, like a reveal that Phil has actually been hallucinating since his suicide attempt, that his insanity created more people in his mind to give him a reason to live. I probably doubt the creators would do something like that (or that Fox would allow them to) but personally I think it would be brilliant.

Show spoiler

You're not the first person to pose that theory, though I really don't think the "it was all a dream" trope would be a good idea - it'd render the entire season pointless, and would squander a LOT of the audience's goodwill in the process.

The fact that some actors are listed as part of the main cast while others are guest stars lead me to believe they have some plans for certain characters to stick around for a while, too.

[Reply #657 on:]

I'm still enjoying TLMOE a lot, I really can't stand Melissa, though. I've always liked Phil (or Tandy, as most people seem to be referring to him as that now) since the very beginning, despite what an asshole he can be, but maybe that's just because I like Will Forte.

I wasn't too keen on Todd for a while, but I think it's neat that he's going to team up with Tandy to (probably) do something about Phil.

Show spoiler

The fact that some actors are listed as part of the main cast while others are guest stars lead me to believe they have some plans for certain characters to stick around for a while, too.

Something interesting:

Show spoiler

Episode 12 is called "The Tandyman Can", but was originally called "Kill Phil Vol. 1" - I wonder if Tandy & Todd do indeed attempt to murder him.

Should be interesting to see where they go with this whole concept.

[Reply #658 on:]

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to indulge cyber_turnip's predictive ego.

And just as I was getting ready to point out how I totally called all of this after episode 2.

I'm still watching and enjoying The Last Man on Earth, but I stand by my initial assessment and feel thoroughly justified in it by the subsequent episodes. It's a huge waste of something that could have been a masterpiece. As it is, it's just a fun little comedy that I can enjoy every week and will probably never even contemplate re-watching.

I'm also sick of how many people keep showing up. It was predictable as hell the first time they did it. It was predictable as hell the second, third and fourth times they did it. I'm actually more shocked when episodes end without someone new showing up, now. I'm also not keen at how many people have joined the cast. It's reached the point that I now assume that there's a population of hundreds, if not, thousands out there, running around, not bumping into each other.


As for Marvel, whilst Guardians of the Galaxy is, perhaps, spiritually and tonally the film that defines everything Marvel has been doing with their cinematic universe, I honestly think it's one of their weaker efforts and it would be a shame for anybody to write off the other films based purely on not clicking with it. The great thing about what Marvel's doing is that, so far, there's pretty much something for everybody.

[Reply #659 on:]

This recent chart comparing shitty superhero shows amused me greatly:

Of those, I had only ever heard of Gotham, The Flash, Agent Carter, DareDevil, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. And I wasn't even aware that all of those were TV shows.

[Reply #660 on:]

Powers is a PlayStation Network exclusive series apparently, so basically nobody has heard of it. Lucifer and Supergirl are still in development and don't even have a pilot yet, so I don't know how the fuck the people who made that chart judged them other than by assuming they'll be exactly like their source materials, or perhaps going off press releases I guess.

[Reply #661 on:]

Well, that accounts for eight out of ten of them. What are Arrow's and Constantine's excuses?

[Reply #662 on:]

I'm actually surprised you haven't heard of Arrow since it's the oldest of any of them, and The Flash even takes place in the same universe. Maybe you had and just forgot about it.

I think Constantine already got cancelled.

* A major threat is posed to the city/world/universe. Our hero (or group of heroes) is the only one who can stop it.
* The hero (or group of heroes) encounters obstacles along the way (and maybe some in-fighting, if it's a group of heroes). They overcome them, growing somewhat in the process. That growth assists them in their objective.
* The major threat comes extremely close to destroying the city/world/universe, but luckily, the hero (or group of heroes) is able to stop it just in time. Perhaps by using something that was established earlier in the movie? And they probably pay an unfortunate price in the process?

Having thought about it, I'd say less than half of the MCU films even come close to following this template loosely. And those that do generally make up for a predictable plot with thoughtful dialogue and inventive action sequences.

They don't have to be your thing. But Marvel's definitely doing them (meaning blockbusters in general, not even just superhero films) better than anyone else right now.

[Reply #663 on:]

Learn the 5 stages of watching a Marvel movie · Great Job, Internet! · The A.V. Club

Maybe you had and just forgot about it.

If I did hear about it, I'm pretty sure I didn't know it was a DC TV show. I'm pretty sure I didn't even know Marvel and DC were making TV shows until earlier this year.

I think Constantine already got cancelled.

Link:

The series premiered on October 24, 2014. The first season consisted of 13 episodes, and concluded on February 13, 2015...

The show's fate is to be delayed until early May, after Cerone tweeted that the pitch for the second season would occur on April 27, 2015.^[30]

Maybe it's a network-specific thing, but I've never heard of a regular TV series needing to pitch subsequent seasons.

[Reply #664 on:]

It's a quite common practice, with pretty much every tv series in the US, actually. The showrunner and/or producers will meet with the network before production begins on the following season to flesh out what they have planned and so-forth. If a show's on the bubble, then this can often be a way of determining whether or not to renew the show (or to potentially "retool" the series before it returns). Sometimes they'll just decide not to renew, even after having such a meeting - I remember the creators of FlashForward said they were quite surprised by their show's cancellation, as they'd prviously pitched an outline for season 2 to the network, which was met with a very positive response at the time.

It even happens on less formal networks (and with extremely popular shows), too. Though granted, it's more-or-less just a common courtesy - Archer creator Adam Reed has mentioned in inteviews that he meets with the people in charge of FX every year to discuss the direction of the show, and they've always been extremely supportive, even with the potentially risky ideas, such as Archer Vice.

The great thing about what Marvel's doing is that, so far, there's pretty much something for everybody.

Unless you detest superhero movies/tv shows, in which case, you're pretty much screwed.

[Reply #665 on:]

Bump!

Has anyone checked out Yahoo!'s new comedy series, Other Space? I'm halfway through the first season and am finding it very funny.

[Reply #666 on:]

I'd like to, but I'm in the UK and not prepared to go out of my way to pirate it like I am with Community.

[Reply #667 on:]

Fair enough. Well, if you ever get the opportunity to check it out, definitely do so. I get the feeling that this show will have a lot of appeal to a significant number of people here - it's pretty much the closest thing we have right now to a live action Futurama.

[Reply #668 on:]

Now I'm interested.

Remind me to check it out when I return to the US in October, okay, Beamer?

[Reply #669 on:]

I had heard of it but only recently actually looked at the cast to see that there's a surprising amount of talent involved. I'll definitely be giving it a chance.

[Reply #670 on:]

Yeah, there are a few MS3K players in the main cast. And the show is created by Paul Feig, who has worked on countless great shows (Arrested Development, 30 Rock, Community, Weeds, Parks & Rec and Bored to Death, to name a few). He's also the man who's been put in charge of the all-female Ghostbusters reboot, which I dare say may actually turn out to be something worth watching, with him at the helm. Though, of course, I remain extremely cautious on that one.

Either way, I finished the first season of Other Space last night and it was a very pleasant viewing experience. The first couple of episodes are amusing, though nothing special, but it quickly picks up steam as it goes and becomes wonderfully inventive. Episode 5 was probably my personal favourite - I won't spoil anything here, but it has some delightfully twisted ideas that would feel perfectly at home in an episode of, say, Rick and Morty.

What's also interesting is that, in the wake of comedies with minimal conflict between its main characters, Other Space has its cast constantly at one another's throats, and also utilises a lot of old school methods in terms of how it does things (ie. the robot is physically operated by a group of puppeteers, rather than being rendered in CGI). The show is utterly charming, and quickly proves itself as being far more than just "an American Red Dwarf."

[Reply #671 on:]

I am intrigued by this Other Space thing, and would like to subscribe to your newsletter. Wait; what? "Yahoo! Screen"???  For the love of Benji!

[Reply #672 on:]

it has some delightfully twisted ideas that would feel perfectly at home in an episode of, say, Rick and Morty.

Now I'm no longer interested.

Don't bother reminding me to check it out when I return to the US in October, okay, Beamer?

[Reply #673 on:]

Tachyon: Yahoo Screen is a free in-browser service, in case you were unaware.

Scrappylive: If a tangential comparison to Rick And Morty honestly turns you off a show, I feel sorry for you.

[Reply #674 on:]

I'm going to give Other Space a go. If I don't like it, expect me to come here to complain about feeling cheated out of my valueless spare time.

Edit: At eight minutes and twentry-five seconds in, I'm writing this off as incredibly dumb and unworthy of being compared to Red Dwarf. It's a bunch of rapid-fire predictable jokes (none of which have so far been clever or interesting) at the level I'd expect from the sorts of children's TV which I used to hate as a child. It's like somebody gave a sci-fi show to Ant and Dec.

In all honesty, I don't know why I expected anything different from something that was brought to the screen by Yahoo. I can't remember a time when they made anything that wasn't either shit, or a shit version of something that's already been done well by somebody else.

[Reply #675 on:]

Edit: At eight minutes and twentry-five seconds in, I'm writing this off as incredibly dumb and unworthy of being compared to Red Dwarf.

That's a shame, TNUK, I actually thought you'd quite enjoy some of the show's later installments. Admittedly, the first couple of episodes are largely "dumb comedy set in space," but the series really does embrace the possibilities that come with its concept as it progresses, and ventures into some genuinely interesting science fiction territory later in the season. As I mentioned earlier, I wasn't particularly impressed to begin with, but the show crept up on me as I kept watching, and by the time I'd reached episode 5, I was smitten with it.

My personal rule is to give a series 6 episodes before fully writing it off - granted, there are a few genuinely good shows that have lousy first seasons, or at the very least, shitty pilots, but I feel 6 episodes is enough time for a tv series to at least show flourishes of its potential, even if it isn't fully realised. Now, I'm aware 6 episodes may be asking a bit much in this instance, especially given that it amounts to more than half of Other Space's first season, but I definitely think the show deserves more of a chance than an 8 minute viewing - I can only think of a handful of shows where greatness was evident that early on.

I realise you've probably already made your mind up at this point and won't be giving the show any more of your time, I just felt it was worth saying, so other potential fans in the thread aren't as quick to write the show off. If I were to only give the show 8 minutes, I probably wouldn't have continued either, but I'm very, very happy I did.

In all honesty, I don't know why I expected anything different from something that was brought to the screen by Yahoo. I can't remember a time when they made anything that wasn't either shit, or a shit version of something that's already been done well by somebody else.

I'm not sure if you're into Community but Yahoo! picked up that show after it was cancelled by NBC, and I'm quite enjoying the new season. And I don't believe Yahoo! have all that much involvement in the series beyond distribution.

it has some delightfully twisted ideas that would feel perfectly at home in an episode of, say, Rick and Morty.

Now I'm no longer interested.

As Josh pointed out, that's a pretty hasty reaction. I wasn't even comparing the shows in tone or style - merely pointing out that one of the episodes had some plot elements that wouldn't feel out of place in Rick and Morty. Even if you can't stand the latter, I'm sure its writers would have a very different take on this particular storyline if they ever attempted it, so I think you're placing a hell of a lot on a minor superficial observation. Plus, you are aware that Futurama is the show to which Rick and Morty is most frequently compared, right?

[Reply #676 on:]

My personal rule is to give a series 6 episodes before fully writing it off - granted, there are a few genuinely good shows that have lousy first seasons, or at the very least, shitty pilots, but I feel 6 episodes is enough time for a tv series to at least show flourishes of its potential, even if it isn't fully realised. Now, I'm aware 6 episodes may be asking a bit much in this instance, especially given that it amounts to more than half of Other Space's first season, but I definitely think the show deserves more of a chance than an 8 minute viewing - I can only think of a handful of shows where greatness was evident that early on.

Six episodes. I can give it that much to grab me with something good. Alright. Second chance initiated.

[Reply #677 on:]

I wouldn't even say Other Space requires that - if episode 5 doesn't hook you, I think it's pretty clear the show isn't for you.

[Reply #678 on:]

it has some delightfully twisted ideas that would feel perfectly at home in an episode of, say, Rick and Morty.

Now I'm no longer interested.

Don't bother reminding me to check it out when I return to the US in October, okay, Beamer?

Tachyon: Yahoo Screen is a free in-browser service, in case you were unaware.

Scrappylive: If a tangential comparison to Rick And Morty honestly turns you off a show, I feel sorry for you.

As Josh pointed out, that's a pretty hasty reaction. I wasn't even comparing the shows in tone or style - merely pointing out that one of the episodes had some plot elements that wouldn't feel out of place in Rick and Morty. Even if you can't stand the latter, I'm sure its writers would have a very different take on this particular storyline if they ever attempted it, so I think you're placing a hell of a lot on a minor superficial observation. Plus, you are aware that Futurama is the show to which Rick and Morty is most frequently compared, right?

Okay, apparently the humor went straight past you all, so I will say this as clearly as possible:

It was a joke.

I posted that as a juxtaposition to my previous post (which was also a joke), which bore the same words only without the negative qualifiers. I do not like Rick and Morty but I am very capable of understanding that such a thin comparison cannot be used to determine the subjective enjoyment brought by another show.

I am aware that Rick and Morty is often compared to Futurama. I obviously love Futurama, hence my membership on this forum. I am also aware that Rick and Morty share some of the same prominent creative minds as Community. Not that anyone needs to notice, but if one pays attention to my posts on this forum, it should be obvious that I love Community, as well.

If I truly believed in the literal interpretation of my posts, that would indicate the following:

• I honestly expect Beamer to go out of his way to take the responsibilty to remind me to watch something nearly half a year later.
• I believe that such comparisons are acceptable and reliable measures of quality.
• I do not realize that there are innumerable qualities that can influence a person's enjoyment of a show or other piece of media, nor that this phenomenon is inherently distinct from person to person.

Since the humor did not stick in my previous posts, I should also explain that I am not upset right now and I do not believe I am being defensive; I am simply explaining.

Signed,
Scrappylive

Typed laboriously on a smartphone but not read.





That last part was a joke, as well. No further significance was intended.

[Reply #679 on:]

• I honestly expect Beamer to go out of his way to take the responsibilty to remind me to watch something nearly half a year later.

I actually would have.