Good TV Shows

[Sandydragon]

Is it safe to mention Wheel of Time again here yet?

Yes, the first season was poor, dire once COVID hit, but the second was better, despite COVID issues. Season 3 though, is properly good TV

That’s on my list to watch. I gave up on Rings of Power which lost me mid way through the last season. I have higher hopes for wheel of time

[Mikey Brown]

Fortunately White Lotus appears to be back to the glorious highs of the first season, even though I did love the second too. Half way in but it’s fantastic so far.

Maybe it’s just following the dirge of Severance but I think this is about as good as modern tv gets.

Loved one and two, but struggled with this, mainly because of so many unlikeable characters and the sterotypical protrayal of Thais and Thailand. Got better in the last two episodes, so you have that to come!

Strange.

► Show Spoiler

Just finished it And had the complete opposite experience. I thought it was fantastic up until the final 2 episodes. The dramatic familial revelations, resurrections and shootouts felt completely unnecessary to me.

I still thought it was great overall but the ending was quite a let down I felt. The cast were pretty much entirely fantastic.

I’m curious what you disliked about the representation of Thai people/culture?

[Banquo]

Fortunately White Lotus appears to be back to the glorious highs of the first season, even though I did love the second too. Half way in but it’s fantastic so far.

Maybe it’s just following the dirge of Severance but I think this is about as good as modern tv gets.

Loved one and two, but struggled with this, mainly because of so many unlikeable characters and the sterotypical protrayal of Thais and Thailand. Got better in the last two episodes, so you have that to come!

Strange.

► Show Spoiler

Just finished it And had the complete opposite experience. I thought it was fantastic up until the final 2 episodes. The dramatic familial revelations, resurrections and shootouts felt completely unnecessary to me.

I still thought it was great overall but the ending was quite a let down I felt. The cast were pretty much entirely fantastic.

I’m curious what you disliked about the representation of Thai people/culture?

Not strange, just have different tastes. I thought the whole thing underwhelming, but enjoyed it a bit more when the pace picked up. I do tend to agree with your view on the wrap up tho.

The acting was superb, I agree, I just didn't like many of the characters. Not sure how to do the spoiler thing tbh

[Banquo]

► Show Spoiler

worked it out . I thought the Mook character was the classic stereotype of thai woman being defined by the success of her 'man' ie only interested in Gaitok if he was going to progress in life; the portrayal of Bangkok could have been from a comic book, as could the comedy russians/ The three women party from the states were awful imo and their ending utterly mad. So the pacing for me was too slow at the start, and the ending rubbish. But I enjoyed the last two more than the rest, but its relative

[Mikey Brown]

► Show Spoiler

worked it out . I thought the Mook character was the classic stereotype of thai woman being defined by the success of her 'man' ie only interested in Gaitok if he was going to progress in life; the portrayal of Bangkok could have been from a comic book, as could the comedy russians/ The three women party from the states were awful imo and their ending utterly mad. So the pacing for me was too slow at the start, and the ending rubbish. But I enjoyed the last two more than the rest, but its relative

Fair enough.

► Show Spoiler

I thought Mook made sense as a contrast to most of the other women we met, and the general Buddhist/pacifist element, but was really there to challenge Gaitok yet we didn’t get to see any of the repercussions of his choices in the end. That was why it fell down for me. It all felt rushed.

Bangkok was obviously absurd, but we only really saw it through the lens of Sam Rockwell’s character, who was obviously a caricature himself but not based on nothing. It would be interesting to see more of the ‘real’ world, but I suppose this show is about entitled westerners more than anything.

Funny too - I absolutely loved the girls and thought the dynamic of their friendship was played beautifully, but again had little payoff and they (along with Zion) seemed to have no reaction at all to seeing a murder/body right in front of them. There were so many moments like that in the last couple of episodes.

Anyway. I won’t list all the weird potholes that threw me off. It was fun overall. I hadn’t been too fond of 2 either until talking to someone else that had viewed it all completely differently.

[Banquo]

► Show Spoiler

worked it out . I thought the Mook character was the classic stereotype of thai woman being defined by the success of her 'man' ie only interested in Gaitok if he was going to progress in life; the portrayal of Bangkok could have been from a comic book, as could the comedy russians/ The three women party from the states were awful imo and their ending utterly mad. So the pacing for me was too slow at the start, and the ending rubbish. But I enjoyed the last two more than the rest, but its relative

Fair enough.

► Show Spoiler

I thought Mook made sense as a contrast to most of the other women we met, and the general Buddhist/pacifist element, but was really there to challenge Gaitok yet we didn’t get to see any of the repercussions of his choices in the end. That was why it fell down for me. It all felt rushed.

Bangkok was obviously absurd, but we only really saw it through the lens of Sam Rockwell’s character, who was obviously a caricature himself but not based on nothing. It would be interesting to see more of the ‘real’ world, but I suppose this show is about entitled westerners more than anything.

Funny too - I absolutely loved the girls and thought the dynamic of their friendship was played beautifully, but again had little payoff and they (along with Zion) seemed to have no reaction at all to seeing a murder/body right in front of them. There were so many moments like that in the last couple of episodes.

Anyway. I won’t list all the weird potholes that threw me off. It was fun overall. I hadn’t been too fond of 2 either until talking to someone else that had viewed it all completely differently.

thumbs up emoji

[Son of Mathonwy]

Just watched Severance and I’ll have to reevaluate The Bear as being the most obnoxious TV show I’ve ever seen. In addition to the terrible writing and self-aggrandising production style that it shares, this is also mind numbingly boring.

If you cut out all the forced dramatic pauses the series would be about 7 minutes long, and it would be far better for it. Much like the Substance actually, it said everything it had to say in the first 10% of the runtime.

The cast is incredible, and there are moments you feel these fantastic actors might be able to break free of the horrific script and direction, but the performances are so stilted and the lack of chemistry between key characters is painful. No amount of dramatic music can change that.

I haven’t got a clue how anyone felt the slightest bit of attachment to any of these characters or their motivations, which seemed to turn on a dime.

The Bear was at least fun, even though it was total shit, whereas this show is mostly just people whispering and wandering up and down the same empty corridors. There are some good ideas buried amongst all the shit, but that only makes it more frustrating to watch.

They did a reasonable job of at least tying up the season arc, then realised that meant the show would be over and simply have the main characters do a literal u-turn in order to allow for a season 3.

Absolutely fucking hated this. Awful, awful show.

Oh no, how can you think this? I have to disagree.

Severance is one of the best shows on TV at the moment. The first season was extremely good - hard to fault really. A really original story, great acting, design, pacing - just about the right number of episodes for the story being told. A very mysterious situation, slowly revealed, building to a great ending.

I thought it would be very, very difficult to continue at that level - the cliffhangers seemed to be about to cause the show to self-destruct - but they did a great job of getting the storylines going again. Season two is definitely not as good as one (and one episode - Cobel's return home - was a bit of a failure) but it's still really good TV. There's a big danger that the ultimate explanation(s) won't be very satisfactory but the ball hasn't been dropped yet (even if it looks a bit more wobbly).

Problems:

► Show Spoiler

I am having doubts that there can really be a coherent explanation for why Lumon is bothering to run a severed floor at all (eg since the workers at Data Refinement don't actually know what the numbers mean, why keep it a severed secret from the world?)

Similarly, the holding of Mark's wife and her multiple personalities requires a fantastic explanation.

It's implausible that the boss's daughter would be slumming it amongst the plebs (for such an extended time).

Since it is so important, the severed floor would be far more carefully monitored and guarded than it is - thus preventing the workers from getting up to any mischief.

In general, it seems that Lumon holds all the cards and has too much power over the innies for them to possibly defeat it.

Although the culture and folktales of the severed floor are interesting, I don't see how they can have arisen so quickly (since presumably?? severance is a fairly new technology).

[Mikey Brown]

Just watched Severance and I’ll have to reevaluate The Bear as being the most obnoxious TV show I’ve ever seen. In addition to the terrible writing and self-aggrandising production style that it shares, this is also mind numbingly boring.

If you cut out all the forced dramatic pauses the series would be about 7 minutes long, and it would be far better for it. Much like the Substance actually, it said everything it had to say in the first 10% of the runtime.

The cast is incredible, and there are moments you feel these fantastic actors might be able to break free of the horrific script and direction, but the performances are so stilted and the lack of chemistry between key characters is painful. No amount of dramatic music can change that.

I haven’t got a clue how anyone felt the slightest bit of attachment to any of these characters or their motivations, which seemed to turn on a dime.

The Bear was at least fun, even though it was total shit, whereas this show is mostly just people whispering and wandering up and down the same empty corridors. There are some good ideas buried amongst all the shit, but that only makes it more frustrating to watch.

They did a reasonable job of at least tying up the season arc, then realised that meant the show would be over and simply have the main characters do a literal u-turn in order to allow for a season 3.

Absolutely fucking hated this. Awful, awful show.

Oh no, how can you think this? I have to disagree.

Severance is one of the best shows on TV at the moment. The first season was extremely good - hard to fault really. A really original story, great acting, design, pacing - just about the right number of episodes for the story being told. A very mysterious situation, slowly revealed, building to a great ending.

I thought it would be very, very difficult to continue at that level - the cliffhangers seemed to be about to cause the show to self-destruct - but they did a great job of getting the storylines going again. Season two is definitely not as good as one (and one episode - Cobel's return home - was a bit of a failure) but it's still really good TV. There's a big danger that the ultimate explanation(s) won't be very satisfactory but the ball hasn't been dropped yet (even if it looks a bit more wobbly).

Problems:

► Show Spoiler

I am having doubts that there can really be a coherent explanation for why Lumon is bothering to run a severed floor at all (eg since the workers at Data Refinement don't actually know what the numbers mean, why keep it a severed secret from the world?)

Similarly, the holding of Mark's wife and her multiple personalities requires a fantastic explanation.

It's implausible that the boss's daughter would be slumming it amongst the plebs (for such an extended time).

Since it is so important, the severed floor would be far more carefully monitored and guarded than it is - thus preventing the workers from getting up to any mischief.

In general, it seems that Lumon holds all the cards and has too much power over the innies for them to possibly defeat it.

Although the culture and folktales of the severed floor are interesting, I don't see how they can have arisen so quickly (since presumably?? severance is a fairly new technology).

Well I don’t want to keep ragging on a show that you (and clearly lots of other people) love, but I just can’t see it at all. It had completely lost me by the end of the first series, but I thought I’d give this one a go given the praise I was seeing.

Maybe it’s one or two tonal things that mean not buying in to the show as a whole, but I was fully on board for the first few episodes of series 1 until it expanded its premise.

The stakes are raised so dramatically, with a cliffhanger (and accompanying dreadful music that builds to a stark cut, like a bad movie trailer) on virtually every scene, while the motivations of the characters seem to change every 5 minutes.

Some of the individual relationships, like John Turturro and Christopher Walken, were compelling in isolation but got lost in the sauce, for me. It’s like the show expanded far quicker than it could keep up with in terms of writing.

Perhaps you have to enjoy (or at least be able to see past) the way the show is shot/scripted/scored/edited to be able to accept the larger story and actually care what happens to any of the characters. I feel like it could have been a fantastic film or two.

[paddy no 11]

Katla on Netflix is good so far, only 3 episodes in, it's incredibly tense

[Son of Mathonwy]

Just watched Severance and I’ll have to reevaluate The Bear as being the most obnoxious TV show I’ve ever seen. In addition to the terrible writing and self-aggrandising production style that it shares, this is also mind numbingly boring.

If you cut out all the forced dramatic pauses the series would be about 7 minutes long, and it would be far better for it. Much like the Substance actually, it said everything it had to say in the first 10% of the runtime.

The cast is incredible, and there are moments you feel these fantastic actors might be able to break free of the horrific script and direction, but the performances are so stilted and the lack of chemistry between key characters is painful. No amount of dramatic music can change that.

I haven’t got a clue how anyone felt the slightest bit of attachment to any of these characters or their motivations, which seemed to turn on a dime.

The Bear was at least fun, even though it was total shit, whereas this show is mostly just people whispering and wandering up and down the same empty corridors. There are some good ideas buried amongst all the shit, but that only makes it more frustrating to watch.

They did a reasonable job of at least tying up the season arc, then realised that meant the show would be over and simply have the main characters do a literal u-turn in order to allow for a season 3.

Absolutely fucking hated this. Awful, awful show.

Oh no, how can you think this? I have to disagree.

Severance is one of the best shows on TV at the moment. The first season was extremely good - hard to fault really. A really original story, great acting, design, pacing - just about the right number of episodes for the story being told. A very mysterious situation, slowly revealed, building to a great ending.

I thought it would be very, very difficult to continue at that level - the cliffhangers seemed to be about to cause the show to self-destruct - but they did a great job of getting the storylines going again. Season two is definitely not as good as one (and one episode - Cobel's return home - was a bit of a failure) but it's still really good TV. There's a big danger that the ultimate explanation(s) won't be very satisfactory but the ball hasn't been dropped yet (even if it looks a bit more wobbly).

Problems:

► Show Spoiler

I am having doubts that there can really be a coherent explanation for why Lumon is bothering to run a severed floor at all (eg since the workers at Data Refinement don't actually know what the numbers mean, why keep it a severed secret from the world?)

Similarly, the holding of Mark's wife and her multiple personalities requires a fantastic explanation.

It's implausible that the boss's daughter would be slumming it amongst the plebs (for such an extended time).

Since it is so important, the severed floor would be far more carefully monitored and guarded than it is - thus preventing the workers from getting up to any mischief.

In general, it seems that Lumon holds all the cards and has too much power over the innies for them to possibly defeat it.

Although the culture and folktales of the severed floor are interesting, I don't see how they can have arisen so quickly (since presumably?? severance is a fairly new technology).

Well I don’t want to keep ragging on a show that you (and clearly lots of other people) love, but I just can’t see it at all. It had completely lost me by the end of the first series, but I thought I’d give this one a go given the praise I was seeing.

Maybe it’s one or two tonal things that mean not buying in to the show as a whole, but I was fully on board for the first few episodes of series 1 until it expanded its premise.

The stakes are raised so dramatically, with a cliffhanger (and accompanying dreadful music that builds to a stark cut, like a bad movie trailer) on virtually every scene, while the motivations of the characters seem to change every 5 minutes.

Some of the individual relationships, like John Turturro and Christopher Walken, were compelling in isolation but got lost in the sauce, for me. It’s like the show expanded far quicker than it could keep up with in terms of writing.

Perhaps you have to enjoy (or at least be able to see past) the way the show is shot/scripted/scored/edited to be able to accept the larger story and actually care what happens to any of the characters. I feel like it could have been a fantastic film or two.

No worries. If you didn't like season one, season two was never going to hit the mark. Personally, I like the look of the show, and the music, and certainly the ideas, which are the most original anywhere at the moment IMO (only 3 Body Problem comes close). Season 2 does have a bit of filler and would have better for losing a couple of episodes. And I have doubts that season 3 can maintain the standard (although I thought the same last time).

[Son of Mathonwy]

Katla on Netflix is good so far, only 3 episodes in, it's incredibly tense

The Icelandic show? Yeah, it's good. Love the scandi-scifi.

[paddy no 11]

Katla on Netflix is good so far, only 3 episodes in, it's incredibly tense

The Icelandic show? Yeah, it's good. Love the scandi-scifi.

Yup, that's one, good to know it stays good so

Was on holiday in Iceland/vik 2 weeks ago so enjoying it all the more for that

[Son of Mathonwy]

Katla on Netflix is good so far, only 3 episodes in, it's incredibly tense

The Icelandic show? Yeah, it's good. Love the scandi-scifi.

Yup, that's one, good to know it stays good so

Was on holiday in Iceland/vik 2 weeks ago so enjoying it all the more for that

Unfortunately Bjork doesn't show up but otherwise I enjoyed it.

[Numbers]

I've been watching Landman on Paramount, quite enjoyable also Black Snow which is good.

[Banquo]

I've been watching Landman on Paramount, quite enjoyable also Black Snow which is good.

Landman was great, also enjoying Mobland

[Numbers]

I've been watching Landman on Paramount, quite enjoyable also Black Snow which is good.

Landman was great, also enjoying Mobland

Yeah, I'm watching Mobland too, it's good other than Pierce Brosnan's Irish accent which is appalling considering he's Irish.

[Banquo]

I've been watching Landman on Paramount, quite enjoyable also Black Snow which is good.

Landman was great, also enjoying Mobland

Yeah, I'm watching Mobland too, it's good other than Pierce Brosnan's Irish accent which is appalling considering he's Irish.

weird isn't it. or maybe that is his actual accent now, mutated by americana? Tom Hardy's character is great.