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Mad Men S6 - rewatch

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Slow Horses S1 - First watch

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The Residence. Loved it.

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Great show, like the game... except Episode 3 :thmbsdwn:

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The Mandalorian: Season One (2019) – A moderately successful start to the Disney/Star Wars Television Universe, but far from a great one. Lots of little issues with this that add up. First off, it’s wildly inconsistent, and takes quite some time it to really get some legs. Like, honestly I didn’t really start digging it until the fourth episode (I seriously concerned just stopping with the third episode and checking out Andor: Season One instead), and even that had issues (namely, the piss-poor acting from Gina Carano; she was awful and it felt like she was acting in some Junior High drama production). And the character of Mando himself starts off as really passive and frankly a pushover most of the time. For someone that is supposed to have this “legendary” status, he makes a lot of boneheaded decisions and almost makes a habit of allowing other characters to use him and push him around, which I found frustrating. And getting back to the consistency aspect, for such an esteemed warrior, it’s never a given that he’s actually going to perform well. Like, one episode has him struggle to take out some droids, but that same episode has Bill Burr’s character take them out like they’re nothing (with three quick shots, whereas Mando had to struggle mightily to take out the same type of droids). Now, there are some positive aspects. Loved them going back to Tatooine (that was fun). It's always nice to see Bill Burr, especially in the sort of role he’s not accustomed to. Amy Sedaris was a pleasant surprise (I had no idea she was in this). Ming-Na Wen was good. Werner Herzog (?) and Carl Weathers appearing was a nice touch. And I did enjoy the Have Gun, Will Travel aspect that the series evolved into. I hadn’t expected that, and I actually think that’s a smart approach to the series, especially given that it would generate additional seasons. But it’s didn’t blow my mind. The special effects and production design are well enough. But as far as I’m concerned the only reason to have Pedro Pascal (who I like) play the role is so (A) they can claim they have a “star” in the series, and (B) so that they have a popular actor who can do press and interviews. But at this point, virtually anyone could’ve played the role. It’s not like the voice he uses is even that distinctive. But then of course there’s Grogu, who is just as adorable and delightful as he’s appeared anytime I’ve seen a clip, or a toy, or a plush figure of him. The whole “Baby Yoda” aspect is very appealing and it’s impossible not to like the little guy. The last episode, however, is colossally stupid. Like completely illogical and inane. Moff Gideon’s (played by Giancarlo Esposito) “plan” makes almost zero sense and viewers that have watched it will understand why. I get not exactly making clear his motives but his actions kind of contradict his previous statements. And for a dude that feels so protective of little Grogu, Mando sure leaves him alone and unprotected an awful lot of the time. Like: “Hey, I’m off to town. I’ll just leave this baby alone and unprotected, and won’t even bother locking the goddamn door, because that way the show generates more drama and tension, even though that drama is forced and rings completely false.” Also, aside from the humor generated by little Grogu, a lot of the attempts at comedy are weak and misguided. There’s a scene of banter between two troopers towards the end of the series that will have most viewers just cringe.

Now it might come across as though I’m completely bashing the season, but that’s not my intent, as subsequent seasons showed vast improvement (VAST IMPROVEMENT). But I would be remiss if I didn’t address the glaring problems that plague the first season. And yet, despite the issues I had, it remains extremely well-shot, efficiently directed, features great costumes, sets, and special effects, and has a very memorable score. If anything, it does end on a note that does leave you wanting more. Or at least wanting to give the second season a chance. Which I did and am ever grateful for. The journey of the series may not have been perfect. It may have had a several bumps along the road. But it turned into something wonderful. So if others begin watching the series and are attempted to turn it off, like I was at times, I’d just say “hang in there. It gets much better.” A rocky start to what eventually becomes a smooth, smooth ride…

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The Mandalorian: Season Two (2020) – Still rocky, much like the first season, but one that gradually but quite dramatically improves over the course of the season. You still have the Mando character making bone-headed decisions and seemingly trusting everyone he comes into contact with, despite being frequently duped and betrayed, so much so that it sometimes feels like a running joke (only not a very funny one). Feels at times like his character should be walking around with a “Kick Me” sign on his back. Also has almost every character just making illogical and frankly questionable choices (hmmmm…why wouldn’t we strap down or at least secure this canister of eggs? Would that make too much sense?). That said, around Episode 4 it begins to kick into high-gear, and the series feels like it makes a completely turn for the better (in my mind). The character decision-making issue almost becomes a non-issue as the writing shows a vast improvement, the direction is more action-oriented and intense, and the storyline just really kicks it up to a whole new level. It’s really amazing and I’m just glad I didn’t give the series up after the first several episodes of Season One, because if you hang in there you’ll be justly rewarded. Introduces Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka character, who is interesting, I guess. The great Michael Biehn makes a welcome appearance. Bill Burr also has a much more nuanced and expanded role than he did in the first season, and is character has a really good emotional arc that he handles quite well (seriously, if all you can think of is him as a comedian, and a great one at that, he really shows off some dramatic acting chops in this one, all the while still being funny). Ming-Na Wen (as arch-assassin) and Temuera Harrison (as Boba Fett) play vital roles, and even Gina Carano actually shows an ever-so-slight improvement in her acting chops compared to season one. Giancarlo Esposito’s villainous role is made prominent, which is fine; he makes a good villain, as everyone already knows. And of course there’s the cameo appearance which I dare not name, only to say that it completely blew my mind. I couldn’t believe I never had it spoiled before watching the season. And the final three episodes overall are just a wrecking-ball of awesomeness. They cram sooooo much into those final episodes it’s mind-boggling. I loved them. And it’s incredible just how much of an emotional response they manage to generate. They feel heartfelt and sincere whereas much of the early sections of the series felt forced and cliched at times. It’s really remarkable what they managed to accomplish with the season, and I can only hope that Season Three somehow manages to live up to this. Because it really, really was stellar.

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The Book of Boba Fett: Season One (2021) – Quite simply, I’m flabbergasted. In a good way. I had heard mixed things about this series and oh boy was that misleading. I thought this was simply amazing. Incredible. Stupefyingly good. I wasn’t quite sure from the beginning, because at times I did feel like it maybe started to drag at times, mainly due to the frequent and ever-present flashbacks involving Boba Fett and the Tusken Raiders, but I grew to appreciate them. And maybe that aspect of the series could’ve been condensed some, it wasn’t a deal-breaker. Not when the series is this damn good. The film has some incredible action, some great set-pieces, and frankly superb directing. Hell, Robert Rodriguez directed several of the best episodes (along with at least one episode of The Mandalorian: Season Two) and it’s easily the best work he’s done in years. Years. And Favreau and company did a great job with the writing. And it has so many ties to that before-mentioned series that it almost feels like The Book of Boba Fett: Season One/The Mandalorian: Season 2.5. And that’s a good thing. Temuera Morrison is perfect as the title character. He does no wrong in the role. And Ming-Na Wen’s role as his associate/enforcer is greatly expanded upon as the series goes on. She knocked it outta the park. You also get the return of Timothy Olyphant’s character in a rather key role, along with Rosario Dawson’s character (and while I love the actress, her character of Ahsoka still needs time to grow on me, although I do intend to watch her series at some point in the near future). Amy Sedaris’s presence is also welcome, especially because they do tone down her stabs at humor and are much more strategic in their usage, which really benefits the show. Pascal obviously returns even though once again he’s helmeted and his voice actually (at least to me) sounds more like Olyphant than his own. I guess he’s fine and they can claim all they want that it was him in costume for the majority of the show, but I’ll never really believe that. And Grogu is just as adorable (maybe even more so) than he was in the first two Mandalorian seasons. And I won’t spoil the cameo appearance for those that were unaware (I certainly was), but it’s epic and mind-blowing. Loved Fett’s transition to taking over Jabba’s crime/extortion rackets, and it was great seeing all the various aliens that populated the movies in various roles. And Sophie Thatcher, who so impressed me in the recent Heretic was also in this. Special mention should also go to the obvious Western-inspired aspects of the series (they’re a great touch, both visually and tonally). Add to it the state-of-the-art special/visual effects that look about 10x better than anything that’s appeared in any of the last several years of Marvel projects, and couple that with a tremendous and memorable score, and you’ve got a real winner (also of note is the wonderful montage of illustrations that close each episodes along with the credits; I know it’s a small thing but I love that little addition and I think most fans will appreciate their presence). The series also knows not to overstay its welcome and is kept to a tight seven episodes. And despite the various issues I had with aspects of the Mandalorian seasons, this one doesn’t see those same issues crop up nearly as often (i.e. characters making stupid decisions, inexplicably leaving Grogu unattended, although that still does happen, and so-called “intelligent” characters frequently getting rolled and taken advantage of). It feels like this is just part of the maturation of the growing Star Wars universe, and it’s beneficial to all the fans. Last thing I’ll say is this: Since I only got to start watching these television series’ recently, I haven’t followed along their development closely, but I really, really hope there’s another season of The Book of Boba Fett in the pipeline. Because I’d love to check it out. There’re all sorts of avenues that they could explore. Props to Favreau, Filoni, Rodriguez, Bryce Dallas Howard, and all the other creative geniuses that made this happen.

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The Mandalorian: Season Three (2023) – An exceptional third season to what turned out to be a great series. This season is a thrill-ride from start to finish (okay, almost; it does include a throwaway episode that is a complete fob to comedy and includes appearances by Christopher Lloyd and, regrettably, Jack Black; I’m not a Jack Black hater but he totally didn’t fit the overall tone of the series and stood out like a sore thumb), which enormous set pieces and some spectacular action sequences. The planet of Coruscant plays a key role in multiple episodes and it is absolutely stunning. Like Las Vegas on acid but expanded to a planet-wide scale. The CGI-work that went into it is ultra-impressive. And even plot threads that are somewhat curious at first, such as an episode focused on Doctor Pershing (Omid Abtahi) and Elia Kane (played exceptionally well by Katy M. O’Brian, who most will recognize from last year’s awesome Love Lies Bleeding), proves to be one of the best of the season (and series, to be quite honest). There are a couple casting missteps: Ahmed Best (aka Jar-Jar Binks) is given a cameo role as a shout-out to the fans; unfortunately he’s not a very good actor and it’s not a very good role; and Tim Meadows inexplicably shows up in a small role. His isn’t super-detrimental because it’s so brief but it’ll still distract certain viewers (even though I’m a big fan of his, in general). But those are brief and are largely forgotten in the grand scheme of things. Carl Weather once again returns and is once again a key member of the cast (he also made several directorial contributions to the series). And Katee Sackhoff, who is essentially a series regular at this point, is terrific as a fellow Mandalorian, albeit one with beliefs that conflict with certain other segments of Mandalorians. It was nice to see (John Carpenter favorite) Dean Cundey’s name in the credits as a DP on several episodes. In general, virtually everything about this series exudes class, whether it be the lighting, the costumes, the production design, the sound, the effects, the acting, the score, etc. They all combine to form an expression of superior craftsmanship. And while the final episode does have one GIGANTIC plot-hole that they don’t even bother to address, it’s so emotionally satisfying and cathartic that you just go with it. It would be foolish to hold that against the series at that point. In my mind, despite the issues I had with season one, this is the epitome of what a Star Wars TV show should be. It’s the perfect summation of the franchise. To quote the series: “It is the way.” Bravo.

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Andor: Season One (2022) – Contrary to popular opinion, I thought this was pretty bad to awful. For a variety of reasons. But first I should preface this by saying that outside the original trilogy, Rogue One is my next favorite Star Wars film. By far. I loved that movie. And that’s why I had high hopes for this prequel series, revealing the origins of Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna, albeit in a less successful fashion compared to the feature). Tells the tale of his journey from being a strict mercenary to becoming a committed member of the Rebellion. As it so happens, he is contracted to participate in a Rebellion operation, whereby he teams up with a ragtag group of some incredibly unlikeable characters who are nearly devoid of personality and are mostly indistinguishable from one another (other than the fact that they almost all come across as opinionated, irritating pricks). Not exactly the most enjoyable bunch to spend a several episodes with. That’s not to say that that wasn’t purposeful, only that it didn’t help absorb me into the plot that was shaping up (a heist, basically). And the actors playing those roles didn’t do themselves any favors, as none of them really stood out or were in any way sympathetic (the actress Faye Marsay was heads and tails above the rest when it came to displaying an absolutely atrocious acting style), regardless of their clumsy attempts to explain away their motivations and backstories (one is particularly cringey as his character tries to come up with some sort of understanding with Cassian but the dialogue is terrible and it just comes across as a “kumbaya” moment). That’s the basic beginning of the plot as we follow the trials and tribulations of Andor and his various followers/acolytes and pursuers/enemies. Now onto my major gripes. First off, the season is INSANELY PADDED. It’s twelve long episodes and you feel it every step of the way. I believe it easily, easily could’ve been trimmed down to eight (much like The Mandalorian seasons) or even six, if they really wanted to. There’s a lot of scenes that just run way too long, or scenes that seem to be repetitive, or others that are simply unnecessary and could’ve just been explained with a throwaway line of dialogue. Twelve episodes just felt like an attempt to say to Disney+ subscribers, “Hey, look at all this CONTENT we’re giving you. Twelve episodes? Not too shabby, eh?” I didn’t like that. Also, the main baddie, a female higher-up in the Empire is woefully miscast and is little more than cartoonishly evil. There’s no depth there. Speaking of depth, I don’t think the series is nearly as “deep” and “thoughtful” as it thinks it is. And the clear analogies to the whole British/Ireland conflict (at its height; aka “The Troubles”) are rather obvious and on-the-nose. It’s like, “Ah…I see what you’re doing there…pretty clever…NOT.” It’s not subtle. I also thought it could’ve used a better, maybe more established group of directors. Very few of the episodes stood out or had any pulse-pounding sequences. And of the other supporting cast members, Stellan Skarsgard (always reliable) stood out initially but for a large portion of the show felt kind of wasted. Fiona Shaw was pretty damn good until the end where I didn’t like what they did with her character. Most of the rest of the cast is completely forgettable and feel almost “faceless”, if that makes sense. All I can say is I had the highest of aspirations for this series. I went into it thinking, man, this is gonna be great (there’s a reason I waited to watch this until after I watched The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett; because I wanted to “save the best for last”, at least of the main shows, but it turned out I was way off…Or maybe I’m not, it seems like this is almost universally praised…So maybe it’s just me…). So…yeah…color me disappointed…Wish I could say otherwise but that’s just my honest opinion, and I’m sure most will disagree, so take that for what it’s worth…

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Bosch: Legacy Season 3, eps 1-4 (Amazon Prime)

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Blind Buy (UK Steelbook)

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Temptation Island - Not the type of show I normally watch but a few coworkers were into it so gave it a shot and other than it being an episode or two too long it was pretty entertaining.

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Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: Season One (2024) – Suburban Star Wars. Domesticated Star Wars. Take your pick. Obviously inspired by the absolute best aspects of The Goonies, and resembling a vintage “Amblin” film (feels a little influenced by Spielberg’s Hook, as well), this thrilling series stands with the best of the Star Wars Extended Universe. About a plucky gang of kids that accidentally stumble upon some vintage tech and end up in space going on an adventure. There, no spoilers. Their suburban neighborhood is reminiscent of the one seen during the Americana opening of Poltergeist. Anyway, the series has a great cast. The kids are all pretty good and are given some surprisingly slangy and funny dialogue. It works. And Jude Law was delightfully sly and sleazy as a space pirate. It’s clear he relished the role. His character is very memorable. Humor is one of the best aspects of the series. Tons of laughs are generated by the ‘pirate-programmed’ droid that accompanies the kids. There’s a ton of great, clever humor throughout the series. The score is great. The SFX are impressive. The series is perfectly timed out; episodes are never too long and are just as lengthy as they need to be. Eight episodes feels like just the right amount. Obviously the Goonies references appeal to me, and they are plentiful; However, I love how when they do insert the clear references here and there, they nevertheless still feel seamless; Like, they don’t stand out or feel like the creators are going off on a tangent. And that’s also why the way-more-clever-than-I-would’ve-thought “pirate” angle works so well in the series. It’s perfectly in line with the story from The Goonies, making the references all the more easy to craft. And the series at least a sense of that “Goonies” vibe. I thought this series was great, and I hope they craft future seasons, cause I think there’s tons to explore…

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Re: Last Show You Binged?
 

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Season 2

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Black Mirror S7 … plus a few older ones to get me back in the mood.

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A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read

I've been following this story for several months now, mostly by listening to one of the podcasts covering it. Not sure what I think of Read's possible guilt or innocence, but the behavior of some of those cops--both on duty and off--sure seem suspicious.

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Amazon rewatch. I like the LAness of it. I lived in LA for 40 years and worked all over town so when they mention a city or region I know where it is and what it means. I've eaten at many of those restaurants and drank at many of the bars. And a few more because cops always know where to get the best food for the least money. But I'm disappointed that they didn't show the real Musso and Franks martini when they went there. An unique thing of rare beauty.


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