What TV shows are people watching?

The Batlord · 07-26-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo

Been getting up to speed with the last two seasons of The Office. Season eight is weaker without Carell but I still think theres enough here. I love the US Office and what they did with it. It isn't true to the original in most ways, and it stands on its own as a great show.

Dwight and Jim were still at the top of their game, so it could never suck. They were always the best part of that show. Michael might have set the tone for the show and been the point around which everything revolved, but as an actual vehicle for comedy, he was highly overrated.

Mojo · 07-26-2013, 10:44 AM

I think I just about agree with that.

I think theres an argument to be made that they took everything that was good about the UK Office and just...Americanised it. Exaggerated it, made it bigger, much, much bigger.

David Brent was the centre of the original show. I just don't think the show would have worked without him. He was vital and the heart of everything else that was going on around him. He was also hilarious.

Michael Scott was very funny too but where Brents behaviour allowed Tim and Gareth to behave the way they behaved, which was a huge and funny part of the show, Michael Scotts behaviour allowed Jim and Dwight to do the same - and they became a bigger part of the show as a result. The show can stand on its own with those two, and a supporting cast.

I think I can compare the original cast with their equivalent and counterpart in the US and check the UK boxes all the way, in regards to which character I prefer. As I say, I do prefer the original. However Dwight is my exception. I thought Gareth was hilarious but Dwight is a sitcom of all his own. And despite the focus I have just put on comparing the two here, I do love the fact that I dont have to do that with this show. I dont have to compare them. They are two completely different shows and are both very good.

The Batlord · 07-26-2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo

I think I can compare the original cast with their equivalent and counterpart in the US and check the UK boxes all the way, in regards to which character I prefer. As I say, I do prefer the original. However Dwight is my exception. I thought Gareth was hilarious but Dwight is a sitcom of all his own. And despite the focus I have just put on comparing the two here, I do love the fact that I dont have to do that with this show. I dont have to compare them. They are two completely different shows and are both very good.

I haven't seen the original, but the reason I mentioned Jim wasn't on his own merits. He's cool and all, but his chemistry with Dwight (and to a lesser extent Miachael) makes him essential. He's a brilliant straight man.

Astronomer · 07-30-2013, 03:47 AM

Finally getting into Doctor Who. I decided to start with the 10th doctor

LoathsomePete · 07-31-2013, 12:58 PM

BOOBIES! Well there's more to it than that, but for the most part... BOOBIES!

I've never really been all that interested in middle ages history so it can be a little hard to feel attached to it the same way I did with other historical dramas like Rome or Deadwood, but there's some good acting and compelling narrative. Sam Neil in particular as Cardinal Wosley; he's a devious bastard.

A friend of mine really likes this show so it gives us some talking points.

Mojo · 07-31-2013, 07:27 PM

Never, ever gets old. One of those rare timeless comedies. If anything, it gets better. The sarcasm of Basil Fawlty is simply outstanding.

Mrs. Richards: And another thing. I asked for a room with a view.
Basil Fawlty: [to Manuel then back to Mrs. Richard] Deaf, mad AND blind. Uh, this is the view as far as I can remember, madam. Yes. Yes, this is it.
Mrs. Richards: When I pay for a view, I expect something more interesting than that.
Basil Fawlty: [going to window, indicating] Well, that is Torquay, ma'am.
Mrs. Richards: Well, it's not good enough.
Basil Fawlty: Well, may I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeasts swinging majestically...
Mrs. Richards: Don't be silly. I expect to be able to see the sea.
Basil Fawlty: You CAN see the sea. It's over there, between the land and the sky.
Mrs. Richards: I'd need a telescope to see that!
Basil Fawlty: Well, may I suggest that you move to a hotel closer to the sea...
Basil Fawlty: [sotto] ... or preferably in it?

FETCHER. · 08-01-2013, 10:10 AM

I started breaking bad again after I had only watched S1. I've now just finished season 4 and my god, I'm like one of the meth customers. I actually had to limit myself to 5 episodes a day because I was staying up late and watching 8 or 9 haha! Going to power through the first half of season 5 right in time for the second half being broadcast!

yeyyy.

Mojo · 08-01-2013, 10:13 AM

You've still got about two weeks, so plenty of time!

I watched the first four seasons in a very short space of time as well. It wasn't quite an addiction like 24 was an addiction, where I was putting an episode on around 10pm before "going to bed" and then the next thing I knew it was 7am, but it was still heavy.

FETCHER. · 08-01-2013, 12:19 PM

Hahaha tell me about it, it was actually taking over my life. I was watching too quickly as well because the episodes all started to merge into one and couldn't differentiate which was which.

~~Sansa Stark~~ · 08-01-2013, 12:29 PM

It's soo goood

I'm rewatching it rn

07-26-2013, 10:44 AM	#2072 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	I think I just about agree with that. I think theres an argument to be made that they took everything that was good about the UK Office and just...Americanised it. Exaggerated it, made it bigger, much, much bigger. David Brent was the centre of the original show. I just don't think the show would have worked without him. He was vital and the heart of everything else that was going on around him. He was also hilarious. Michael Scott was very funny too but where Brents behaviour allowed Tim and Gareth to behave the way they behaved, which was a huge and funny part of the show, Michael Scotts behaviour allowed Jim and Dwight to do the same - and they became a bigger part of the show as a result. The show can stand on its own with those two, and a supporting cast. I think I can compare the original cast with their equivalent and counterpart in the US and check the UK boxes all the way, in regards to which character I prefer. As I say, I do prefer the original. However Dwight is my exception. I thought Gareth was hilarious but Dwight is a sitcom of all his own. And despite the focus I have just put on comparing the two here, I do love the fact that I dont have to do that with this show. I dont have to compare them. They are two completely different shows and are both very good. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

07-30-2013, 03:47 AM	#2074 (permalink)
Astronomer we are stardust Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,894	Finally getting into Doctor Who. I decided to start with the 10th doctor __________________

07-31-2013, 12:58 PM	#2075 (permalink)
LoathsomePete Cardboard Box Realtor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hobb's End Posts: 7,648	BOOBIES! Well there's more to it than that, but for the most part... BOOBIES! I've never really been all that interested in middle ages history so it can be a little hard to feel attached to it the same way I did with other historical dramas like Rome or Deadwood, but there's some good acting and compelling narrative. Sam Neil in particular as Cardinal Wosley; he's a devious bastard. A friend of mine really likes this show so it gives us some talking points. __________________ Last.FM 101 Albums That May Not Change Your Life, But I Really Like And You Might Too

07-31-2013, 07:27 PM	#2076 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	Never, ever gets old. One of those rare timeless comedies. If anything, it gets better. The sarcasm of Basil Fawlty is simply outstanding. Mrs. Richards: And another thing. I asked for a room with a view. Basil Fawlty: [to Manuel then back to Mrs. Richard] Deaf, mad AND blind. Uh, this is the view as far as I can remember, madam. Yes. Yes, this is it. Mrs. Richards: When I pay for a view, I expect something more interesting than that. Basil Fawlty: [going to window, indicating] Well, that is Torquay, ma'am. Mrs. Richards: Well, it's not good enough. Basil Fawlty: Well, may I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeasts swinging majestically... Mrs. Richards: Don't be silly. I expect to be able to see the sea. Basil Fawlty: You CAN see the sea. It's over there, between the land and the sky. Mrs. Richards: I'd need a telescope to see that! Basil Fawlty: Well, may I suggest that you move to a hotel closer to the sea... Basil Fawlty: [sotto] ... or preferably in it? __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

08-01-2013, 10:13 AM	#2078 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	You've still got about two weeks, so plenty of time! I watched the first four seasons in a very short space of time as well. It wasn't quite an addiction like 24 was an addiction, where I was putting an episode on around 10pm before "going to bed" and then the next thing I knew it was 7am, but it was still heavy. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

08-01-2013, 12:29 PM	#2080 (permalink)
~~Sansa Stark~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Eyrie, Vale of Arryn, Westeros Posts: 3,234	It's soo goood I'm rewatching it rn