What are you binge watching?

[Chuck]

The Four Seasons (Netflix) - Tina Fey remake of Alan Alda's successful 1981 Romantic dramedy. I have not seen the original, although I probably will after watching this. Fey's version is both well done and depressing. With two exceptions (Claude and Ginny), the characters are fairly unlikeable. Tina Fey's character in particular is unpleasant and nasty enough that by the 5th episode, I was not hoping for her to have a happy ending. It is still an interesting study of people entering the back part of their life and funny at times.

I didn't think I'd like it after the first half hour or so, but I did end up liking it. It has a "play" feel to it which took me a bit of time to get used to.

It was a very Gen X version of the movie and I'm Gen X so it definitely resonated with me. One thing I didn't like is that while all the couples had different relationships, none had particularly good marriages. Every couple argues, but all of the show couples reached a point where separation was at least considered. I think a LOT of couples get to that point over a 25+ year marriage, but I don't think EVERY couple gets there. Maybe it's just a Vassar thing. Maybe it's just a Vassar thing.

The Fey and Forte couple were interesting. She was mean to him, but he kind of deserved a lot of it. He screwed up a lot and would make her clean it up.

I was surprised that they seemed to leave it open for a second season. Not sure they'd do it and they don't have to, but I can see a second set of "four seasons."

 

[Chuck]

Andor (Season 2) is excellent.

A little extra money (or in Andor's case, a ton of extra money) goes a long way to making the show more interesting and credible. Better acting, better sets, better writing. A small example is the wedding in episode 3 being choreographed to be big, intense and exciting, making Mothma’s detachment more pronounced. Most shows now go for cheap background shots at weddings with a few extras milling about, whereas Andor went cinematic and it made the episode so much more interesting.

Disney has been almost all misses for a while. Andor is an exception. Great acting, but all intense actors/characters. I just wish they'd bring in a little comic relief. Maybe the wedding was supposed to allow Mothma to have a moment of levity by dancing like nobody was watching. But everything is so serious. Bring in a humorous scoundrel.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I didn't think I'd like it after the first half hour or so, but I did end up liking it. It has a "play" feel to it which took me a bit of time to get used to.

It was a very Gen X version of the movie and I'm Gen X so it definitely resonated with me. One thing I didn't like is that while all the couples had different relationships, none had particularly good marriages. Every couple argues, but all of the show couples reached a point where separation was at least considered. I think a LOT of couples get to that point over a 25+ year marriage, but I don't think EVERY couple gets there. Maybe it's just a Vassar thing. Maybe it's just a Vassar thing.

The Fey and Forte couple were interesting. She was mean to him, but he kind of deserved a lot of it. He screwed up a lot and would make her clean it up.

I was surprised that they seemed to leave it open for a second season. Not sure they'd do it and they don't have to, but I can see a second set of "four seasons."

You are absolutely right on this. My review came off as negative when it was meant to be more of a warning that the show is funny but also pretty depressing at times. I would have also liked some contrast with a happy couple, although I think that is what the Nick and Ginnie couple is supposed to be.

Forte's character is a bit of a dork, but Fey's character is really unlikable, to the point where you want Forte to leave her because she treats him like garbage.

Spoiler

Claude and Danny's issues were a little different, although still kind of depressing. Danny's health problems impact on the relationship is an interesting storyline, and relevant to people at this point in their life. One of the places where you could tell the writing was just off was the daughter's play. I am GenX, and just about every parent I know, even divorced ones, would have ripped an adult daughter a dozen new ones for doing something like that. I was fine with the play as a plot device, but Nick AND Anne should have dropped the hammer on the daughter for doing that, not tolerated it in any way. I think older writers have always exaggerated bad behavior by young people, and often had other characters tolerate it as a way of seeming more "hip" when it is really kind of demeaning to young people by not holding younger characters accountable for bad behavior, as if they are not real people yet.

 

[ZooCougar]

Andor (Season 2) is excellent.

A little extra money (or in Andor's case, a ton of extra money) goes a long way to making the show more interesting and credible. Better acting, better sets, better writing. A small example is the wedding in episode 3 being choreographed to be big, intense and exciting, making Mothma’s detachment more pronounced. Most shows now go for cheap background shots at weddings with a few extras milling about, whereas Andor went cinematic and it made the episode so much more interesting.

The first three episodes were terrible pacing and the rave at the end of the wedding was cringe.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

The first three episodes were terrible pacing and the rave at the end of the wedding was cringe.

Obvious contrarian is obvious.

 

[storrsroars]

I stumbled on Tom Segura's "Bad Thoughts" (Netflix). It is the most distasteful thing I've seen in ages. And I found it hilarious. It is not going to appeal to everyone. It is deranged. It is the humor of someone deeply fascinated with body parts and functions (although there is a little more to the series than just that). It has pretty good production values and sfx (there are a lot of prosthetics involved). And there are some co-stars you might recognize, like Robert Iler, Shea Whigham, Daniella Pineda, and Bobby Lee among others. I know a few of you will enjoy the heck out of it and a few others will be morally offended, find it sophomoric, or some other complaint. So I can only recommend this for those of you without a stick up your ass

 

[Deepster]

I stumbled on Tom Segura's "Bad Thoughts" (Netflix). It is the most distasteful thing I've seen in ages. And I found it hilarious. It is not going to appeal to everyone. It is deranged. It is the humor of someone deeply fascinated with body parts and functions (although there is a little more to the series than just that). It has pretty good production values and sfx (there are a lot of prosthetics involved). And there are some co-stars you might recognize, like Robert Iler, Shea Whigham, Daniella Pineda, and Bobby Lee among others. I know a few of you will enjoy the heck out of it and a few others will be morally offended, find it sophomoric, or some other complaint. So I can only recommend this for those of you without a stick up your ass

I watched the first two episodes last night and thought it was good. Not great, but it certainly had it's moments for sure and yes, he has some very, very bad thoughts. LOL. I like things off the beaten path and I have a sick sense of humor so I'll definitely watch the rest.

 

[storrsroars]

I watched the first two episodes last night and thought it was good. Not great, but it certainly had it's moments for sure and yes, he has some very, very bad thoughts. LOL. I like things off the beaten path and I have a sick sense of humor so I'll definitely watch the rest.

You are going to love the continuing storyline with Robert Iler

 

[Waquoit]

You are going to love the continuing storyline with Robert Iler

Honest question. Are you being sarcastic? I ask because I never thought I would read something like that? Got busted for shoplifting I figured more likely.

 

[storrsroars]

Honest question. Are you being sarcastic? I ask because I never thought I would read something like that? Got busted for shoplifting I figured more likely.

Nope. I'm confident Deep will find it funny.

I find it funny just thinking about the writer's room and having Iler do the read through for the first time.

 

[Alum86]

Through 3 episodes.

I really like this show, but I think there is a plot hole, although three of the characters have mentioned the plot hole, so I am not sure why they are not addressing it.

Tom Hardy is playing the same character he played in Peaky Blinders. He does it well, but it is the same character.

Pierce Brosnan is one of my favorite actors of his generation. He is excellent, although there are better actors, but he is just interesting to watch, and can kind of do anything. He is a true movie/TV star.

I am struggling a little with Helen Mirren's character. Is she really that stupid? She is like a female Sonny Corleone.

Paddy Considine is just a fantastic actor. He plays the not quite tough enough, not quite smart enough son of the boss, but still credible as a capo. He has the hardest role in the show, and he nails it.

The rest of the characters are solid. No weak links.

Mobland: Binged 8 episodes over 2 days. Good show, not great. It”s Ray Donovan meets Succession and has a baby, Gangs of London. Mobland is not as good as those 3. Hardy is great, like he was as Alfie in Peaky Blinders. He carries the show, as he has to, as he in the vast majority of scenes.

 

[ZooCougar]

Honest question. Are you being sarcastic? I ask because I never thought I would read something like that? Got busted for shoplifting I figured more likely.

My cousin was in a band with him way back.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Love Death + Robots is back with another installment. Watched 3 for starters. First was lame, marionette puppet versions of Red Hot Chili Peppers in concert. That was it. I must've been missing something. Next 2 were fine, the miniature alien invasion was funny.

edit--have watched 6/10. Very, very hit and miss. Fast forwarded through a couple they were so completely uncompelling. The cat bent on world domination was humorous.

 

[Lafayette]

Billionaire Island on Netflix.

 

[UCan3]

Mobland: Binged 8 episodes over 2 days. Good show, not great. It”s Ray Donovan meets Succession and has a baby, Gangs of London. Mobland is not as good as those 3. Hardy is great, like he was as Alfie in Peaky Blinders. He carries the show, as he has to, as he in the vast majority of scenes.

I like it too, but honestly, there are times when I laugh out loud at how terrible the dialogue is and how crummy the storyline is as well. It may be so bad that it’s good? But it certainly is not a serious drama. But there’s a place for that in my streaming lineup too…

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Check out the sitcom "I'm Sorry". Absolutely hilarious. She's a wife and mom, her husband is the guy who was "Shades" in "That Thing You Do" and their friend is Raffi from "The League". Raunchy humor, only 2-3 seasons. I think COVID killed it but really, really funny.

Savage was really good in a small role in Veep as President Laura Montez. Also good in a solid but inconsistent Showtime comedy called Episodes.

 

[storrsroars]

Nothing right now. I started Mobland, Your Friends and Neighbors, Murderbot, The Studio,and none of them really took. I may or may continue a couple, but there's no urgency. I'll watch Poker Face each week, but now with Handmaid's Tale over, there's nothing out there that really piques my interest to invest time in.

 

[ZooCougar]

Nothing right now. I started Mobland, Your Friends and Neighbors, Murderbot, The Studio,and none of them really took. I may or may continue a couple, but there's no urgency. I'll watch Poker Face each week, but now with Handmaid's Tale over, there's nothing out there that really piques my interest to invest time in.

Love the Studio.

Murderbot is lame. It’s like a bad rendition of Mickey 17, Pinochio etc.

 

[Chuck]

I've had some good / some bad recently. Dumping them all here!

• Poker Face. It's okay. Natasha Lyonne is fun, but I think she's just playing parts like she switched bodies with George Burns in a strange Freaky Friday remake. Season 1 was really good, but Season 2 is just meandering. Russian Doll was probably better.
• Invincible. My son made us watch this. I would never have thought to watch it as it looks like 1980s animation. But it is pretty good and just about every voice is acted by someone great/strong. Gets me a bit of a violent anti-super hero fix waiting for The Boys.
• Yellowjackets. Watching it more for my wife. First couple seasons were somewhat intriguing, but I've lost most of my interest. I'm sure they have trauma, but they crossed a line so that I'm no longer rooting for any of them.
• Mythic Quest. I liked it, but then got bored with it after a season +. Maybe it's because I'm not a gamer and don't work in tech, but in the end I didn't really care enough to log back in.
• Agent / Spy shows. Here are some in order of preference.
  • Slow Horses. Took a few episodes to warm up a bit to Gary Oldman, but really like this one.
  • Black Doves. Slow Horses but more serious and better looking cast.
  • Reacher. Another one my wife refused to watch. Then she agreed to watch one episode and liked it. Looking forward to a Neely spin off.
  • Night Agent. Watch this after Slow Horses and you'll see how mediocre the acting is, but it was okay.
• Murder Mysteries.
  • The Residence. Strong cast, and interesting back drop of the White House residence.
  • Death and Other Details. Similar to The Residence with strong cast.
  • A Murder at the End of the World. Cool sets and interesting people.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I am halfway through Landman season 1, and it is pretty good. I had actually stopped halfway through the first episode when I realized it was a Taylor Sheridan show, because I hated Yellowstone after 3 episodes and stopped watching.

Not taking itself so seriously (unlike Yellowstone which took itself way too seriously) is the right approach.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I've had some good / some bad recently. Dumping them all here!

• Poker Face. It's okay. Natasha Lyonne is fun, but I think she's just playing parts like she switched bodies with George Burns in a strange Freaky Friday remake. Season 1 was really good, but Season 2 is just meandering. Russian Doll was probably better.
• Invincible. My son made us watch this. I would never have thought to watch it as it looks like 1980s animation. But it is pretty good and just about every voice is acted by someone great/strong. Gets me a bit of a violent anti-super hero fix waiting for The Boys.
• Yellowjackets. Watching it more for my wife. First couple seasons were somewhat intriguing, but I've lost most of my interest. I'm sure they have trauma, but they crossed a line so that I'm no longer rooting for any of them.
• Mythic Quest. I liked it, but then got bored with it after a season +. Maybe it's because I'm not a gamer and don't work in tech, but in the end I didn't really care enough to log back in.
• Agent / Spy shows. Here are some in order of preference.
  • Slow Horses. Took a few episodes to warm up a bit to Gary Oldman, but really like this one.
  • Black Doves. Slow Horses but more serious and better looking cast.
  • Reacher. Another one my wife refused to watch. Then she agreed to watch one episode and liked it. Looking forward to a Neely spin off.
  • Night Agent. Watch this after Slow Horses and you'll see how mediocre the acting is, but it was okay.
• Murder Mysteries.
  • The Residence. Strong cast, and interesting back drop of the White House residence.
  • Death and Other Details. Similar to The Residence with strong cast.
  • A Murder at the End of the World. Cool sets and interesting people.

Mythic Quest and Silicon Valley are two of my favorite shows ever. I know the tech industry pretty well, and these two shows are opposite sides of the same coin, with Mythic Quest following an incredibly successful company while Silicon Valley follows the travails of a company that is barely hanging on. Both are very funny, well cast, and clever satires on the tech industry.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Murderbot is lame.

That's too bad. Good source material, but probably hard to translate to screen. Lots of inner thoughts. Haven't seen it, the trailer didn't exactly fill me with confidence that it would be good.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Adults on Hulu is pretty good. Give it 3 episodes before deciding. The show is about 5 GenZers living in Queens trying to get started with life on their own. The third one is the rare laugh-out-loud funny sitcom episode. The acting is really good, letting the jokes come naturally in the flow of the story rather than the actors eating the scenery like many friend-based comedies.

 

[UCan3]

I am halfway through Landman season 1, and it is pretty good. I had actually stopped halfway through the first episode when I realized it was a Taylor Sheridan show, because I hated Yellowstone after 3 episodes and stopped watching.

Not taking itself so seriously (unlike Yellowstone which took itself way too seriously) is the right approach.

Land man, I would put into the category that it’s so bad that it’s good. Some of the dialogue is just borderline stupid squared and it’s just ridiculous. But at the same time, it can be entertaining to.

 

[Palatine]

Black Mirror (Netflix, 7 seasons). This is the closest thing to the Twilight Zone that I have seen. There are sci-fi, horror, human drama and irony (or karma) elements in most of them, with a tiny splash or humor. They vary in duration from 45 minutes to movie length. Well known actors turn up in them. The seasons are short, seven seasons is only 20 or so episodes.

While it is largely an anthology series, the same technological devices are used in several and, at least, one episode is a sequel.
The quality is high end. The writing, story telling, production, editing and sound are very good. It's pretty easy to sample and figure out of you like it. I did. I watched all of them.