Decker

I can't wait!

Bandoman

This show is so, so, so good.

DJariya

Nice teaser. Can't wait for season 2. It's less than 2 months away. I'm glad it's a direct follow up to season 1 and not the previously speculated stuff about a time jump. This era of the Lakers has so many stories left to tell until at least 1991, which was the opening of season 1.

DJariya

James Worthy has never seen Winning Time. He said in this interview clip the producers never reached out to him or any of his former teammates. He said he was willing to talk. I know former Laker Rick Fox is a consultant on the show and it's interesting that they chose him even though he wasn't part of that era.

Twitter

Decker

With Worthy employed by the Lakers broadcast network, I assume they wouldn't even try to bring him in as a consultant.

DJariya

Trailer. Can’t wait. Fuck Boston

Why So Blu?

Fuuuuuuuuck! Looks epic. Can't wait!

Decker

Oh, My. Yes!

DJariya

Jeff Pearlman, who wrote the book the show is based on, put out a thread with some thoughts on the upcoming season.

lwhy?

Alan Sepinwall didn't like season two at all. "Second season of the Adam McKay-produced Max series about the Showtime Lakers is a convoluted mess that sidelines its star, John C. Reilly" https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movi...FeehLTuIbLWObQ

DJariya

It looks like season 2 is only 7 episodes according to The Futon Critic.

DJariya

I enjoyed the 1st episode.

Magic at the end about Bird: "I really don't like that Mother Fucker"

Magic fucking his married lawyer and fucking while in a cast I can understand why the real Magic hates this portrayal of his previous life. At least they aren't portraying him as a deadbeat Dad. I know he's close with his 1st son Andre, who was born in this episode.

I am a little worried they are going to try to cram in too much in only 7 episodes, since it starts with the 1984 Finals and then flashes back to the 1980-81 season after they won the title. That's a lot of ground to cover. We did get glimpses of James Worthy, Kurt Rambis and Byron Scott in that flash forward. Loved when they scrammed from the Garden fearing for their safety. Those psycho Celtics fans, Adrien Brody did have the look of Pat Riley in that sequence.

And I am aware that Magic and Kareem had a very rocky relationship in those early years, which they portrayed here.

Decker

That lawyer was his old side-piece in Seaon 1. Her dad sidled up to him to be a business manager and broke up with her for Magic. Took me a moment to remember who that was. Anyways sleeping with her makes more sense in that context.

I'm glad it's back. Hated the grainy fake film stock. Way more distracting than in Season 1. Liked the correct use of "Dayanu" (twice) and Dr Buss using a Chemistry metaphor.
And the period-appropriate needle drops were impressive. Especially the first one.

MrX

Needs more Jerry West.

I'm looking forward to the Bird/Magic parts.

Red Dog

Over the top Jerry West?

Have Kareem/Magic ever talked about any tension they had in real life on the Lakers? I'm guessing they butted heads somewhat given they were essentially different (almost) generation players and totally different personalities.

I think Kareem went to goggles full time well before 1980-81.

I tend to think 3/4 if not more of this is made up.

nickdawgy

Good second episode.

MrX

I know they've taken liberties with the story, but at the idea that Westhead would need to scout David Thompson. Thompson had already made 1st team All-NBA twice at that point.

JeffTheAlpaca

I thought Reilly was getting the same or more screen time in season 2.

Episode 1 had a lot of classic 80's tunes from Prince and Duran Duran.

Ari Graynor one of the more underrrated hotties but without the blonde hair she looks plain.

bluetoast

Did Alan Sepinwall forget that the show had like 8 major characters and like 20+ speaking roles per episode in season 1, and that those story threads would logically continue? Even if Reilly is the main one, he's not going to be at the head of all the storylines.

DJariya

https://deadline.com/2023/08/hbo-win...rs-1235523185/

Apparently the ratings are down. Probably mainly attributed to the lack of promotion from the stars. Spencer Garrett, who plays Chick Hearn, follows me on X and I tweeted at him about the show and he replied back with thanks and the hush emoji.

Jeff Pearlman, the original book's author, is worried about the future of the show.

The Cow

I feel like it would do better if it aired during the NBA season like season 1. I enjoyed the first season, but have had no desire to dip into this one quite yet.

bluetoast

The generic as shit title doesn’t help. Not HBO’s fault, but going from Showtime to Winning Time gives it a “this is 100% an unauthorized biography” vibe.

Decker

I think it's the lack of promotion. It has zero buzz. Shame because the first two S2 episodes have been fun. Even though I knew it happened, i still can't believe they lost to the Rockets.

DJariya

No one is talking about season 2. Only Jeff Pearlman seems to be posting X's about it since he's not WGA (I don't think) I'm sure there are people who aren't on top of shows that probably have no idea it premiered 2 weeks ago.

Decker

Agree with this 100%