Jay 37,367 Posted November 15, 2022 Author Share Posted November 15, 2022 Ghosts (US Season 1) Last year on a whim we checked out Ghosts on CBS, the only network sitcom I've seen since the Mike Schur ones (Office/Parks and Rec/Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Good Place). It turned out to be surprisingly good! The plot is that a young married couple inherit a mansion and they want to turn it into a bed and breakfast, while having to deal with the fact that it's inhabited by ghosts (8 main characters + many others that come and go) that only the wife can see and hear. What's nice about it is that it isn't afraid to throw in some dirty jokes, but overall has a very wholesome vibe, sort of like later seasons of Schitt's Creek or large parts of The Good Place. It helps that all the actors are really good; Rose McIver is both gorgeous and capable of some fun facial expressions and reactions, while Utkarsh Ambudkar always finds new ways to be exasperated that he can't see or hear the ghosts that she can. The 8 ghosts are all funny in different ways, and the whole premise of the shows lets them get into their backgrounds at different times throughout the season as the show cycles through them all with some sitting episodes out. I can't believe there's actually a network sitcom worth watching in 2022, but here we are! Ghosts (UK Series 1-4) After the first US season had finished, we decided to check out the UK original, and it is good as well! The premise is exactly the same, but there are a ton of differences. 5 of the main ghosts are very similar to their US counterparts (caveman/viking who can control electricity, pantsless self-centered guy who can push objects, boyscout leader with an arrow in his neck, closeted WW2/Revolutionary War captain, and the uptight distant relative of the wife). But the UK then offers a young naive Georgian-era noblewomen, Romantic-era poet, and Stuart-era witch trial victim, while the US then offers a Prohibition-era singer, cynical Native American, and a clueless hippy. Despite so many similarities both shows have (including a similar dynamic with their neighbor), they both end up being pretty different shows. Each show has different strengths and weaknesses, I'd say. The living couple in the US is far and away better than Mike and Alison from the UK show; I like Charlotte Ritchie, but Kiell Smith-Bynoe rubs me the wrong way a lot of times. And it was very smart to make the husband a chef in the US version to make the bed and breakfast plot more plausible; Mike on the UK show is just so clueless about everything and they never know what to do with him - all his plots are completely different. The ghosts I'd give the slight edge to the UK version, largely because Laurence Rickard is hilarious as both Robin and Sir Humphrey. The Captain is great too, and KItty and Mary are really sweet characters. But the US versions of the boyscout leader and pantless guy are way better, and Thorfin is a scene-stealer as well. The UK version does a better job of slowing revealing each ghost's past and how they died, but the US version has more fun with the premise, like pointing out the absurdity that they can walk through walls but can sit on chairs and climb stairs - but also doing new things with the premise like having a vault in the basement the ghosts can't walk through. Plus Sam is shown seeing other ghosts outside the house more than Alison does. Overall, both shows are worth recommending, and I'm curious how long each will go on for. JoeinAR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweeping Strings 2,363 Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 I do like the BBC original ... it's not a massive lol-fest but I do chuckle pretty often, and it's a nicely warm-hearted but not sugary-sweet show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted November 15, 2022 Author Share Posted November 15, 2022 Yea, not a ton of laughs but good ones when they come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
publicist 4,643 Posted November 19, 2022 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Jeff Bridges is too interesting an actor to pass on this, even if it's in the dreaded 'Homeland' genre. Former CIA agent Dan Chase secretly absconded thirty years ago and has lived self-sufficiently and under the radar ever since. But one day his dark past catches up with him when a hit man shows up and tries to kill him. He realizes that the only way he can find peace in the future is to face his past. John Lithgow is his old acquaintance, the FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence, and he is in on the hunt. Several women enter the story at various points, and their contributions will make the most crucial difference to the story. Pitched at the loudness level of current tv storytelling and not particularly innovative in itself (which is to say it's competently made), the story has intriguing turns that rise way above the low-IQ level of something like 'Homeland'. Veteran actors like Bridges and John Lithgow know important scenes when they are coming, and they (and others) make the most of it (Bridges remains more of a cypher, though). So what remains is that within these limitations, it is a recommendation. I don't know if the decision to make a season 2 out of this material is reason enough to celebrate (or wish they would make formats fitting their stories, not building 5 floors on top of a bungalow, like these additional seasons often feel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Edmilson 7,457 Posted November 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 20, 2022 Just finished yesterday the first season of Succession. It's amazing how a show where every character is unlikable (in different degrees) can be so entertaining. It was very funny to watch these rich one-percenters doing horrible things to each other. The acting of the whole cast were incredible, and I liked the way the show shifts from comedy to drama to comedy again. Also, this is probably Nicholas Britell's best score. MaxMovieMan, JNHFan2000 and Jay 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jay 37,367 Posted November 20, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 20, 2022 Yea it's really good. And that season finale is amazing MaxMovieMan, Edmilson and JNHFan2000 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edmilson 7,457 Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 I think it's a testament to how well written the show is that every character is despicable in a way, they're all horrible people, but the show is still utterly engrossing. And yeah, the season finale has one of the best TV scripts I've seen. Are the other two seasons as good as the first? Or even better? MaxMovieMan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNHFan2000 2,966 Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 18 minutes ago, Edmilson said: Are the other two seasons as good as the first? Or even better? They are. I liked S2 evwn more than one. S3 is overall a bit behins the other 2, but the finale of S3 is utterly brilliant. I gasped at my screen, brilliant writing and acting. Edmilson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxMovieMan 271 Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 6 hours ago, Edmilson said: Just finished yesterday the first season of Succession. It's amazing how a show where every character is unlikable (in different degrees) can be so entertaining. It was very funny to watch these rich one-percenters doing horrible things to each other. The acting of the whole cast were incredible, and I liked the way the show shifts from comedy to drama to comedy again. Also, this is probably Nicholas Britell's best score. I recently just binged all 3 seasons and I have to say it’s probably the best show on TV right now. The characters are flawlessly written, the story is interesting, and it’s never not entertaining. Also the music is amazing. Nicholas Britell’s theme and overall score are peak. The end of season 1 gave me chills everywhere. Never have I seen a show that not only has heavy themes and concepts but also balances that with comedy and whit. Really puts you into the perspective of these evil billionaires. My favorite characters are Kendall and Greg but all of them are awesome to watch (Except Shiv I genuinely hate her). 53 minutes ago, Edmilson said: Are the other two seasons as good as the first? Or even better? It only gets better. It’s a wild ride and I’m so excited for season 4. Kendall goes on quite the journey. Edmilson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 Season 2 is probably better than 1, though without the same kind of amazing finale. Season 3 feels a little different than the first two somehow, it's still good but not quite the same. Then the finale is spectacular and brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted November 25, 2022 Share Posted November 25, 2022 “The Viewing” from Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities https://youtu.be/BYSGyRdLm0g I have one more episode left in the season but I already know this is my favorite. Directed by Panos Cosmatos, I’ve been waiting for it to pop up all season, knowing he directed one of the episodes. A mini-masterpiece, it’s the only episode I will definitely be rewatching in the future. If anyone is a fan of Mandy, this is a must watch. Slow and dialogue heavy but steeped in 80s atmosphere, it’s an exercise in tension building. The entire cast is wonderful, with Charlene Yi and Eric Andre as the highlights for me. The score is excellent as well. @Thor have you seen this one? https://youtu.be/-ZDyOm9fYbg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSH 969 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 WILLOW | Episode 1 The Welsh countryside looks lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edmilson 7,457 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 Just finished the whole three seasons of Succession. It's still a great show, with brilliant writing and acting, but after binging three seasons over the last few weeks, I was a little tired by the end. Eventually the novelty of watching these unlikable rich characters being awful to each other and doing terrible and cruel things kinda worn off, and then the show became just depressing. Also, the plots started to get a bit repetitive. S1 and S3 have more or less the same plot: Spoiler Kendall is pissed with his dad, then concots a scheme to remove him from Waystar's presidency, only for it to fail spetacularly due to a combination of bad luck, Kendall's own incompetence and Logan's corruption and influence. Then, Kendall becomes sad and depressed until the next great scheme. It's a great show, but I wish they don't keep repeating the same plots over and over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 I made a decision about 5 or 6 years ago to stop watching any shows that can be described as basically “despicable people doing despicable things.” So there are quite a few critically adored shows I’ve not watched in that time. Succession, Ozark, etc. Just not interested. bruce marshall 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSH 969 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 1 hour ago, Disco Stu said: “despicable people doing despicable things.” And that's just the show-runners. ba dum tshh A24 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurmm 91 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 2 hours ago, Edmilson said: Just finished the whole three seasons of Succession. It's still a great show, with brilliant writing and acting, but after binging three seasons over the last few weeks, I was a little tired by the end. Eventually the novelty of watching these unlikable rich characters being awful to each other and doing terrible and cruel things kinda worn off, and then the show became just depressing. Also, the plots started to get a bit repetitive. S1 and S3 have more or less the same plot: Reveal hidden contents Kendall is pissed with his dad, then concots a scheme to remove him from Waystar's presidency, only for it to fail spetacularly due to a combination of bad luck, Kendall's own incompetence and Logan's corruption and influence. Then, Kendall becomes sad and depressed until the next great scheme. It's a great show, but I wish they don't keep repeating the same plots over and over. Yeah, I very much enjoyed season 1 and 2, and also to an extent season 3 but at the end it's exactly as you've said – it's the same plot repeating itself again and again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 5 hours ago, Disco Stu said: I made a decision about 5 or 6 years ago to stop watching any shows that can be described as basically “despicable people doing despicable things.” So there are quite a few critically adored shows I’ve not watched in that time. Succession, Ozark, etc. Just not interested. I stopped watching both these shows (Succession and Ozark) for the exact same reason. Every character wants to be worse than the other. It just becomes too much. Don't they know that each show needs a Bobby Ewing? PS: Very recently I watched the first half of Yellowstone (with Kevin Kostner) but I quickly felt his is one of those shows where everyone is unhappy and bad, so I stopped watching. It's basically Dallas in Montana. bruce marshall 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted December 4, 2022 Author Share Posted December 4, 2022 I'm sure Succession works better as a weekly watch with years in between seasons, than all bunched up together. JNHFan2000 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,193 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 7 hours ago, Jay said: I'm sure Succession works better as a weekly watch with years in between seasons, then all bunched up together. You mean we have to watch it twice? Edmilson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted December 4, 2022 Author Share Posted December 4, 2022 Typo fixed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,533 Posted December 4, 2022 Share Posted December 4, 2022 Recently, I've become addicted to "Scenes We'd Like To See", from MOCK THE WEEK. I like to watch twenty minutes of them before I turn the light off, and turn over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted December 14, 2022 Share Posted December 14, 2022 The Crown Season 5 At one point Dominic West wore a smoking and it made me wonder why he's not the new James Bond? That's how manly he played Charles. While Dominic West didn't resemble Charles in the sligthest, his acting was stellar. But it's the actress that played Diana that is bound to win a couple of awards (you heard it first from me!). I'm not a royalty watcher but she more than convinced me. I can't really see any flaws in S5 so I don't understand the sometimes negative critique it received. Best moment of the season is Charles visiting Diana after the divorce ( I'm referring to their scene in the kitchen when suddenly they have chemistry together). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 A bit of a disappointment but I really liked the last episode with the bird watchers (The Murmuring). Second place goes to episode 3: The Autopsy (which reminded me of the stuff you saw in the Creepy horror comics magazine). Don't see this getting another season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,533 Posted December 21, 2022 Share Posted December 21, 2022 I know that I am late to the table, but... I've been watching BLACK MIRROR, for the first time, recently. It's deep, it's dark, and it's very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rough cut 1,714 Posted December 22, 2022 Share Posted December 22, 2022 On 21/12/2022 at 8:21 AM, AC1 said: A bit of a disappointment but I really liked the last episode with the bird watchers (The Murmuring). Second place goes to episode 3: The Autopsy (which reminded me of the stuff you saw in the Creepy horror comics magazine). Don't see this getting another season. I don’t remember how many episodes I watched, but I thought each one was bad and pointless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNHFan2000 2,966 Posted December 26, 2022 Share Posted December 26, 2022 The Witcher: Blood Origin I quite enjoyed this. I liked that it was just 4 episodes, although some characters (Michelle Yeoh & villains) or plotpoints could've used a bit more time. It's very much rooted in The Witcher world, which I enjoy. I would put this slightly before The Witcher S2 is terms of quality. There was a small scene at the end that was fun for people who watch The Witcher and the Jaskier is in a few scenes, but other than that, there are not a lot of connections to the main series. McCreary's score fits the series like a glove, although it won't be for everybody on album. I appreciate it more now that I've seen the series. I would watch it if you're a Witcher fan, but other won't really like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted December 29, 2022 Share Posted December 29, 2022 On 21/12/2022 at 2:21 AM, AC1 said: A bit of a disappointment but I really liked the last episode with the bird watchers (The Murmuring). Second place goes to episode 3: The Autopsy (which reminded me of the stuff you saw in the Creepy horror comics magazine). Don't see this getting another season. Not a fan of The Viewing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted December 29, 2022 Share Posted December 29, 2022 Star Trek Prodigy. This is surprising how excellent this is. Its also dark and dangerous. I even like Giacchino's main theme, very Spider-like. Tonight is the season(series?) finale. Ghe future of Star Fleet rides in the balance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,533 Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 I've been watching the new adaptation of THE IPCRESS FILE. It's not bad, and it pays homage to the film (the Dutch angles, the downbeat score), but it also takes liberties with the subject matter. Sometimes, I thought that I was watching FUNERAL IN BERLIN, rather than the aforementioned story. No matter; it's still decent stuff, and it's always good to see Tom Hollander. I'm waiting to hear my favourite line from the film: "You didn't come here to talk to me about button mushrooms and birds" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweeping Strings 2,363 Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 Takes liberties with the subject matter ... yeah, I'd read that there was 'for a modern audience' stuff in it *eyeroll*. In the spy genre (albeit a real-life story) and on ITVX, 'A Spy Among Friends' about the traitor Kim Philby with Damian Lewis, Guy Pearce and Anna Maxwell-Martin looks like it might be good. Naïve Old Fart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,533 Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 It probably is for a modern audience, Sweep. I'm watching the rest on Monday, so we'll see. I've heard that A SPY AMONG FRIENDS is good. I'll check it out, post haste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 Top Of The Lake S1 & S2 S1 was okay, S2 was not. Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,483 Posted January 5, 2023 Share Posted January 5, 2023 I'm currently watching The Time Traveler's Wife. I'm starting the penultimate episode, episode 5. So far in each of the 4 previous episodes, we see Theo Jame's butt in each episode. I mean, how can a series could be better? I hope I'll will not be disappointed by the last episode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallguy 3,394 Posted January 5, 2023 Share Posted January 5, 2023 10 hours ago, Bespin said: I'm currently watching The Time Traveler's Wife. I'm starting the last episode, episode 5. So far in each of the 4 previous episodes, we see Theo Jame's butt in each episode. I mean, how can a series could be better? I hope I'll will not be disappointed by the last episode. I LIKED this show. And I'm not sure why. But I'm sorry more people didn't get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,483 Posted January 5, 2023 Share Posted January 5, 2023 49 minutes ago, Tallguy said: I LIKED this show. And I'm not sure why. But I'm sorry more people didn't get it. I LOVE it too, the series is inspired by the same author who inspired Doctor Who, that's very interesting. I guess, in the old series, Doctor Who traveled with his clothes, that's perhaps the biggest improvement! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNHFan2000 2,966 Posted January 6, 2023 Share Posted January 6, 2023 Lovecraft Country It took me a while to start this and then it took me a while to get into it, but I ended up loving it! Acting across the board was fantastic. And what a shame it is that we lost Michael K. Williams to soon, he was truly a legend. The best episode is number 9 when they retuen to the 1921 Tulsa massacre. It blew my mind and got me very emotional. Not everything worked 100% but overall this was a great series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted January 6, 2023 Author Share Posted January 6, 2023 Interesting, my thoughts on the show are here and here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 The Patient Good TV series about a serial killer who keeps his psychiatrist (Steve Carell) chained in his basement. It's from the same people who brought you The Americans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Wasn’t a fan of that one. Never finished it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,337 Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 A fan is a big word but I liked it. Steve Carell was pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted January 22, 2023 Share Posted January 22, 2023 Happy Valley has returned at last for its 3rd and final season, 7 years after the 2nd. Love these characters, love the setting, love how Sally Wainwright writes working class characters. Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edmilson 7,457 Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 I don't think anyone here cares, but anyway: Titans and Doom Patrol, the two DC shows that started on the DCUniverse app and are now on HBOMax, are ending with their 4th seasons. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/titans-doom-patrol-ending-hbo-max-1235310044/ I only saw the first season of Titans and I though it was atrocious, so I gave up on the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNHFan2000 2,966 Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 The Legend Of Vox Machina S2 (Ep. 4-6) Last week S2 started with 3 episodes and I forgot to post about it. I thought S1 last year was really good, but S2 is is spectacular. I love this so much. It's fantasy storytelling of the highest order imo. There is room for terrific action scenes, emotional/heartbreaking moments, shock, character development and comedy. All the characters of the team get an episode as 'main character', which is really great. I don't think all the humor is for everyone and I still feel a lot of adults don't want to watch animation, even though there is so much great stuff out there. For me, everything on this series just works and I'm very happy it already got renewned for S3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick1Ø66 4,718 Posted January 28, 2023 Share Posted January 28, 2023 On 22/1/2023 at 3:30 PM, Disco Stu said: Happy Valley has returned at last for its 3rd and final season, 7 years after the 2nd. Love these characters, love the setting, love how Sally Wainwright writes working class characters. Phenomenal show. Didn't know you Americans were even aware of it! Haven't started season 3 yet, waiting for it to finish. Very much looking forward to watching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted January 28, 2023 Share Posted January 28, 2023 6 minutes ago, Nick1Ø66 said: Phenomenal show. Didn't know you Americans were even aware of it! Haven't started season 3 yet, waiting for it to finish. Very much looking forward to watching. I knew season 3 was coming but didn't realize it had started until last week, binged the first four, and now have to watch the last two week to week like a plebe I think it's good that Happy Valley is limited to just 3 series though, Sally Wainwright's shows tend to get really bad when they go on too long. Grasping for ever soapier and outrageous character developments. Looking' at you Last Tango. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted January 31, 2023 Share Posted January 31, 2023 Just one episode of Happy Valley left and it's got us on tenterhooks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rough cut 1,714 Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 I suspect that Happy Valley is the (unofficial) inspiration for Mare of Easttown. I watched an episode of the latter (so still early thoughts) and it feels as if someone in Hollywood saw the UK police series and said to themselves “we should do that here, in the US!” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,367 Posted February 6, 2023 Author Share Posted February 6, 2023 On 22/01/2023 at 5:30 PM, Disco Stu said: Happy Valley has returned at last for its 3rd and final season, 7 years after the 2nd. Love these characters, love the setting, love how Sally Wainwright writes working class characters. On 27/01/2023 at 7:13 PM, Nick1Ø66 said: Phenomenal show. Didn't know you Americans were even aware of it! Haven't started season 3 yet, waiting for it to finish. Very much looking forward to watching. ‘Happy Valley’ Season Finale Snags 7.5 Million Viewers, 41% Audience Share for BBC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 Yesterday we watched the Last of Us, specifically the gay episode. It was not as good as everyone said, but it was nice. My friends father-in-law had a much nastier opinion. The world still revolves the same. Bespin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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