TV on Netflix Recs!
First, duh:
Arrested Development Season 4. The show that was abruptly canceled and
the one creator (Mitch Hurwitz) who (finally) brought them all back
together (sorta). AD4 is really, really good. It is the perfect mix of
new and old jokes, new story-telling structure with the same old
complexity (maybe more so), and anustart from a cast that looks just a
bit older. My favorite episodes centered on my favorite characters:
Tobias and Gob (I'm glad they each got two episodes). However, the last
few episodes on George-Michael, Maeby, and Buster are all top-notch as
well. I've already started watching some of them again. I can say that
some of the episodes that were a bit slow are more fun the second,
scratch that, nth time around. Hidden/repeated jokes and layered
story-lines were the best part of the old seasons. This season does the
same thing, but there's no central family crises at the core. Some may
not like that the family is rarely all together again, but I think it
gives off a refreshing flavor. I must say, I liked the Rashomon effect
that it gave way to. Apparently it was really hard to get the entire
cast together. Often it appears cheap green-screen tech is used to make
it seem like the cast are actually together. I'd say my biggest
complaint, actually, is how cheap it can sometimes look. Did Netflix
give all of its money to House of Cards and nothing to AD? But anyway:
some of the individual stories weren't as funny as I had expected.
Lucille, George Sr./Oscar, and Lindsay's stories are not outstanding,
but like I said, better on a second trip. But I think one reason why
they aren't as good is because some of these family members are most
hilarious when they're in the group (making fun of someone else as in
the case of Lucille). But back to the last piece of bread of this
compliment/recommendation sandwich. Some other things I appreciated were
the following. The episodes averaged a longer running time (clocking in
at 30mins often rather than 22mins). I, for one, can never have too
much of the Bluths. The tracing of where the characters have been for
the last few years was nicely done and relates to what I said earlier
about striking the right balance between old and new. Kristen Wiig as
young Lucille and Henry Winkler's son as young Barry Zuckerkorn. So
good. (Seth Rogen: disappointing/unnecessary.) Terry Crews, Isla Fisher,
and, of course, John Slattery (aka the Silver Fox) are all really
fantastic as well. Finally, I haven't said anything about Michael (aka
Nichael), but he's really good too. His character, on his own, is a nice
blend of old (still the most normal) and new (hitting all-time lows
makes him seem more like the rest of the family: crazy). For those of
you who haven't binged yet, go do so at the only place you can.
Second, I've also recently been able to finish season 5 of Mad Men. Mad
Men, in my opinion, is the best TV show on right now (I haven't seen
any GoT yet). Season 5 is just as good as the others. I really can't
believe just how consistent this show is. I really liked the amount of
non-linear and surrealist (dreams/LSD trips) story telling techniques
that were used throughout. I also really, really, really appreciate the
arc of Don Draper's character. OMG that ending. I can't wait until next
year! Envious of all of you who are already devouring season 6. A few
things I didn't like, however, were the way the handled Lane's story and
Peggy and her boyfriend's story. Maybe more will be said in season 6
with respect to the latter story, but Lane's story was really just
abrupt and unsatisfying. I really liked the Lane character in past
seasons. But not enough time was given to his story such that I would
care when it was left hanging... Anyway: I also think I could have done
without the reintroduction of the Paul character and, alternatively, I
would've really liked to see more of Ginsberg (maybe season 6?) and more
of Betty (oh, how I miss Betty). Other than Don Draper's story I really
liked Joan's arc, Megan (I'm in love with Megan), Sally! (she's
fantastic!), Peggy's development, Roger (of course), and Pete & Beth
(though I kind of miss Trudy too). If you haven't already, check it out
or watch it again. I know I'll have to in order to tide myself over
until next year.
Finally, Jane Campion's Top of the Lake must
not be missed. If you thought Elisabeth Moss didn't have range, think
again! Those of you who have seen Campion's The Piano will recognize the
beautiful photography of the New Zealand landscape (including a place
called Paradise). It contains quite a disturbing story and a mood to
fit, so, beware. But for those that can stick through this kind of tense
drama, you'll be rewarded. There's a real sense of suspense but also a
nice balance of humor to pick you up from time to time. Without the
humor, the show probably wouldn't work as well, especially if you binge
watch it (which is what all the kids are doing these days). Probably the
best things about this six hour miniseries, returning to Moss, are the
performances and the character-driven plot(s). Moss embodies a wholly
different character than Peggy from Mad Men. But she's equally awesome
as detective Robin Griffin as she is Peggy Olson. Peter Mullan is also
fantastic. His character makes your stomach turn and your forehead bead
up with nervous sweat. If there's only one criticism, I'd say it's the
ending. Things are tied together quickly. The tying is not inherently
bad (Campion does it skillfully and much of the show is about things
lurking beneath the surface of what might superficially be seen as a
standard police procedural), but I think there should've been a second
season or a half of season to really make how it ends appreciated. Keep
in mind that I'm a nut about how endings end. So, given that I am trying
to force this show on you with all my might, don't read to much into
this criticism. Check it out on Netflix! TV binges!
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