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Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman99 Apr 11 2013 06:05 AM

I am a notorious television snob. Perhaps it is the greatness of watching Mets baseball on television for half the year -- after all, when compared to the drama of a major league baseball game, the dreck being pushed out by the major television networks doesn't really compare. And I don't pay for any premium television channels so I've missed much of what's considered the "can't miss" programming. It's all a lot of white noise, as far as I'm concerned. Now Fwife, on the other hand, is a TV fan. She watches a few hours of television per night after the kids go to bed and on the weekends also. And nearly everything she watches is, to me, utter shit. Dramatic shows where I predict the outcomes ten minutes in. Comedies where she never laughs. Shows featuring would-be karaoke stars. DECORATING SHOWS, FOR CHRISSAKES. So, in an attempt to find some common ground, and maintain a healthy marriage, I suggested maybe we get some DVD sets of season 1 shows that we missed, for whatever reasons, and watch them together. Thinking it would give us something we could do together where I wouldn't be totally annoyed to give up an hour of my time to watch TV with my wife, if the shows we watched weren't shit. Plus this way we're watching commercial free and can enjoy them at our own pace, when we have the time to watch (i.e., on the Mets' off days and rain delays and days where they play matinees). Worked out that we got a BN.com gift card for Xmas from Fdad and Fmom and put it to use. So we bought season 1 of "Lost" and season 1 of "The Wire." We are a half dozen episodes into season 1 of "Lost" and I am hooked, so far. It's entertaining viewing. It's given me a good idea for a KTE as well. We'll try "The Wire" after that. Open to suggestions from the 'Pool on other shows/season worth picking up, in retrospect. The Sopranos? Breaking Bad? What's good? My wife's normally a crime drama fan, if that helps (Criminal Minds, things of that sort). I'm mostly looking for programming that is going to surprise me. Nothing formulaic.

metirish Apr 11 2013 06:13 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact) Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 11 2013 06:44 AM

The Wire is just brilliant.... I really like Shameless......I think you would appreciate the humour in the show. Do you have "On Demand"?, a lot of these shows are available there.

TheOldMole Apr 11 2013 06:26 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Try some British mysteries like A Touch of Frost.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 11 2013 06:37 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman, I think you'd love Showtime's Shameless.

Frayed Knot Apr 11 2013 06:42 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

This would be a good time to start on BREAKING BAD seeing as it's set to end its run sometime this summer. You're four seasons behind but, really, not even that because Season One was shorter due to a Hollywood writer's strike (just seven episodes) and the current season was split into two eight-show parts so the most recent "season" already shown was really just an eight show half-season. Between those you've got a couple of 13-show seasons which, minus commercials, are about 45 minutes each meaning that knocking off two in a night is quite doable. So depending on how often you get around to things (I know, that's what she said) you may even catch up by the time the final eight air (probably in July/August) which you could watch either live or via short-term DVR delay allowing you to be in on the weekly water-cooler and/or CPF talk as things unfold. Plus you'd have the whole series fresh in your mind as things are wrapping up. Like you I'm often behind on these things too. I did THE WIRE start to finish this past winter which was real good although: a) it'll take you a bit longer, and b) its conclusion is already five years in the rear view so there's less sense of urgency on that one. I never did finish THE SOPRANOS. I only intermittently had HBO back in the day plus I got tired of waiting through their sometimes 18 month delays between what often turned out to be short seasons. I also don't think that one held up as well over time as either Wire or BB. Never saw a minute of LOST although word from many of those who did is that you'll wind up more frustrated and disappointed then thrilled as seasons go on. But I'm sure not everyone feels that way and, as always, your mileage may vary. I never heard of SHAMELESS until like last week.

soupcan Apr 11 2013 07:50 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact) Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 11 2013 07:55 AM

The Wire - Incredible. Nothing else you watch after this will measure up. The Sopranos - Classic - You'll love this one beginning to end. Breaking Bad - Excellent. The Brotherhood - was a drama on Showtime a few years back. Set in Providence, RI, centered around two brothers - one a RI State Representative and the other a mobster. Ran for 3 seasons. I really enjoyed it and it starred Jason Isaacs who I think is fantastic at playing bad guys (was the English colonel that killed Mel Gibson's son in 'The Patriot). I also really enjoyed Rome & Deadwood which both ran on HBO for 3 or 4 seasons I think. Those might be an acquired taste though, not sure.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 11 2013 07:55 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Walking Dead is lots of fun. Can't go wrong with The Wire. Sopranos was excellent and sort of allowed all those others to happen. The first season of Dexter was outstanding, less good since then. Episodic dramas on DVD are also saving my marriage.

soupcan Apr 11 2013 07:56 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The first season of Dexter was outstanding, less good since then. Could not agree more. Dexter went from 'really good!' to 'really fucking stupid!'

soupcan Apr 11 2013 08:03 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Ooh you know what else? I'm watching House Of Cards right now starring Kevin Spacey. Only available on Netflix but as good as any of the shows already mentioned. It's a political drama set in D.C. Originally based on a British book and mini-series, it was reworked to 'translate' the story from Parliament to Congress. I'm on episode 10 of the 13 included in the first season. Second season started fliming in January. Very good stuff.

metirish Apr 11 2013 08:10 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Agree on House of Cards, have only watched a few epsiodes yet.....as mentioned it's a Netflix production....how shows are made is changing.

Ceetar Apr 11 2013 08:17 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

soupcan wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The first season of Dexter was outstanding, less good since then. Could not agree more. Dexter went from 'really good!' to 'really fucking stupid!' I still enjoy Dexter. It's not as good as it was, but shows like that always tend to lose something once you become accustomed to what makes it unique (Dexter kills people. once that's your baseline and you've dealt with it, it's hard to duplicate the feeling from before). Obviously the twists are how OTHER people deal with it, but it's a different perspective and I still enjoy that (I always say this, but the books are WAY more fucked up) 24? I enjoyed that one too, especially the flow/drama of it, although it certainly suffered from the same sort of repetition in later seasons. I think the first couple of seasons will definitely 'surprise you' but you sorta catch on to what could happen later on. Doctor Who obviously. Game of Thrones, although not finished or anything 2.2 season in the books. George R.R. Martin's total disregard for any of the characters tends to make it that mix of intriguing and frustrating that's good entertainment. Has dragons. dragons are awesome. Doctor Who obviously. Being Human's fun. A werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost are living together in Boston trying to 'fit in'. Kristin Hager becomes a regular character after the first season or so. She seems relevant to your interests.

Vic Sage Apr 11 2013 08:54 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

the original UK version of BEING HUMAN was much better, but the US version is ok. Also, i finally saw the final season of WEEDS. Though the series was inconsistent over the years, it had some very high peaks and a satisfying wrap up. And yes to past series SOPRANOS, ROME, DEADWOOD, and to current series GAME OF THRONES, DR WHO, HOUSE OF CARDS, WALKING DEAD. I never saw THE WIRE, LOST or BREAKING BAD, but i intend to at some point. I saw enough of DEXTER to know i'd seen enough of DEXTER. And i gave HOMELAND a shot, but it left me cold, despite my affection for Claire Danes. A few of my other tawdry pleasures are unjustifiable indulgences in sex and violence but there you are: LOST GIRL and SPARTACUS.

soupcan Apr 11 2013 09:06 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Vic Sage - I cannot believe that YOU have not seen The Wire. Arguably the best of the lot of all of the aforementioned shows. I can also not believe that you like/watch Spartacus. Sure the sex and violence is great, but the dumbed-down, pseudo-Shakespearian dialogue is too much for even me. How YOU can stand it I have no idea.

Vic Sage Apr 11 2013 09:19 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i have been told repeatedly to watch THE WIRE and will, eventually. i have no excuse for SPARTACUS... it's a guilty pleasure that is, as i said, indefensible, but don't underestimate my attraction to sex and violence. As to the dialogue, it's not dumbed down or "pseudo-Shakespearian". They do a thing where they omit pronouns and articles from their speech, giving it a halting quality that keeps it from feeling contemporary and makes it seem like your hearing their thoughts translated from Latin. It's clumsy, but I don't mind it. In fact, i think the idea is clever. But don't worry, there's only 1 or 2 episodes left before Crassus catches and crucifies Spartacus. Then you'll sleep better knowing the rabid dog has been put down.

soupcan Apr 11 2013 09:27 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

It was the only way I could think to describe the way the dialogue is written. I find it maddening. It doesn't make me feel like I'm hearing their thoughts, it makes me feel like the writers aren't as good as those who worked on Rome or Deadwood.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 11 2013 09:44 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I kind of had mixed feelings about Rome, but Deadwood was terrific. And speaking of Deadwood, I have to mention Timothy Oliphant in Justified, a really good show. And I don't know if I can recall another TV character who's cooler than his Raylan Givens. The only bad thing I can say about Justified is that Mike Lupica loves it.

soupcan Apr 11 2013 10:04 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I watch Justified. Olyphant is a modern-day Clint Eastwood. Givens is cool, but that being said - if there was an actual U.S. Marshall that killed 1/10th as many people as Raylan does, I don't think he'd have a very long career.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 11 2013 11:12 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

No one has suggested Battlestar: Galactica yet, so I will add that to the list.

Fman99 Apr 11 2013 11:50 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Some of these won't get any traction with the wife due to subject matter - she won't give a Western or science fiction stuff set in outer space a real chance. Others on this list I will suggest. Thanks for the info all.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 11 2013 12:02 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Lotta good recommendations in this thread. Breaking Bad, in addition to being great television, is the most addictive show I ever watched. (Addictive! Hoohah!) I was late to that party, and so I did my catching up by viewing the DVD season sets. I can't tell you how fast I tore through some of those season sets, but they were marathon viewing sessions, for sure. Bitch!

TheOldMole Apr 11 2013 12:32 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Rome only lasted two seasons, then suddenly was dropped by HBO. Should not have been. Spartacus was awful. Then there's Katie Morgan...

Ashie62 Apr 11 2013 04:29 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

MAD MEN Opener was killer...

Swan Swan H Apr 11 2013 04:47 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Veronica Mars, Wonderfalls, Pushing Daisies. Three of my favorite shows.

themetfairy Apr 11 2013 05:04 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

The first season of Cheers is wonderful.

TransMonk Apr 11 2013 05:23 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Arrested Development for sure...the wife will enjoy as well.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 11 2013 06:12 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Was JUST about to post Arrested Development. Everyone here's pretty much covered my favorites (there are others, like The Americans of late, that have had my fancy, but, well, compared to, like, The Wire?). My one piece of advice re: The Wire-- pay attention, and be patient. Unlike some of the other shows on this list, David Simon and his writers (which, BTW, include a who's who of modern American literary mystery, crime fiction, and nonfiction) dole out expository VERY parsimoniously, and Baltimore street slang/cop jargon will fly by without explanation like bullets in a particularly seedy housing development. If you do end up loving The Wire, you'll also like The Corner.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 11 2013 08:42 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I defy anyone to watch The Wire without developing a mad crush on "Snoop".

Vic Sage Apr 11 2013 09:30 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i can't believe i forgot BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. also, DEAD LIKE ME and of course FIREFLY

Centerfield Apr 15 2013 07:31 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Just want to chime in here in support of The Wire. As many have said, you add up the rest of these shows and they won't equal The Wire. Dexter is maddening. There are times during certain seasons where it looks like it's going to redeem itself, and then it falls back into formulaic, predictable bullshit. The whole season with Jimmy Smits will make you wonder "Why am I watching this show?". New TV: Americans is pretty good. Nothing that I would try to sell anyone on, but it's entertaining and doesn't insult your intelligence. The Following on the other hand, is just awful. I'm stuck watching it because my wife is hooked. Each episode you can count on: 1. Bad guy(s) escape despite being hopelessly surrounded. 2. Police/FBI arrive just moments too late to capture/rescue/discover someone or something 3. New bad guys pop up that have a relationship with the main bad guy, despite the fact that the main bad guy has been in Federal detention the last ten years and all of his communication monitored.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 15 2013 07:47 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: 3. New bad guys pop up that have a relationship with the main bad guy, despite the fact that the main bad guy has been in Federal detention the last ten years and all of his communication monitored. This is the part that really gets me. They can't possibly be monitoring his discussions with his visitors; if they were they wouldn't be surprised as often as they are. So the question is, why hasn't it occurred to them to listen in? MAJOR plot hole! I can suspend my disbelief a little bit, but this is too much.

Vic Sage Apr 15 2013 01:10 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I can also not believe that you like/watch Spartacus. Sure the sex and violence is great, but the dumbed-down, pseudo-Shakespearian dialogue is too much for even me. How YOU can stand it I have no idea. Vic Sage wrote: i have no excuse for SPARTACUS... it's a guilty pleasure that is, as i said, indefensible, but don't underestimate my attraction to sex and violence. As to the dialogue, it's not dumbed down or "pseudo-Shakespearian". They do a thing where they omit pronouns and articles from their speech, giving it a halting quality that keeps it from feeling contemporary and makes it seem like your hearing their thoughts translated from Latin. It's clumsy, but I don't mind it. In fact, i think the idea is clever. But don't worry, there's only 1 or 2 episodes left before Crassus catches and crucifies Spartacus. Then you'll sleep better knowing the rabid dog has been put down. The rabid dog was put down this weekend. Spartacus is dead. Sniff, sniff.

vtmet Apr 15 2013 06:46 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

not necessarily recommending the series but speaking of "late to the party"... I had never seen a single episode of Dexter until after Season 7 was completed...I was reading somewhere about Yvonne Strahovksi (Sarah from "Chuck") was a guest villain in season 7...I never have had Showtime, but noticed that Dexter was listed on Comcast's "On Demand" selection...Clicked on an episode, and it let me view it for free...then proceeded to watch all of season 7; then season 1; then season 2; then season 5; then season 3; then season 4; then the final episode of season 6 (because it's cliff hanger begins season 7)...then watched season 7 again, and then recorded all of season 6 but didn't watch all of season 6 because it was the only season that I didn't particularly care for (didn't care for the dumb religion plot or the religious nut guest...also wasn't crazy about the John Lithgow or the Jimmy Smits characters earlier on in the series)...I wound up watching 7 seasons of the show in less than a month... The kicker is, it let me watch all of these shows for free until after I had watched them all...and then I was bored a few weeks ago, so I went to watch an episode; but it now showed that I had to pay to get Showtime to watch it...a few days after that, Comcast had a "Watchathon" and I was able to watch every episode again...I have since felt guilty, and purchased Showtime for Dexter's 8th and final season...

Valadius Apr 15 2013 06:54 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

The Wire and Breaking Bad. I would also encourage you to catch the BBC's Sherlock.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 15 2013 09:34 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Has nobody here yet mentioned Mad Men? It's finely wrought and subtler than most of the other great ones (see: the rip-n'-tear suspense and satire of Dexter or the borderline-Grand Guignol of recent Breaking Bad), but I like it as much if not more. With the exception of January Jones and with a great assist from the writers... probably the best-acted show on TV (possible exception: Breaking Bad).

Ashie62 Apr 15 2013 11:43 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Surprisingly, Dallas wrapped up tonight and it was an excellent finale and season. They must have changed writers or something from last years mess. I will admit that much of the cast looked juandiced...

Fman99 Apr 16 2013 07:50 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Ashie62 wrote: Surprisingly, Dallas wrapped up tonight and it was an excellent finale and season. They must have changed writers or something from last years mess. I will admit that much of the cast looked juandiced... My wife was watching it and I used that as an excuse to do my impression of Larry Hagman, swishing his dentures around in his mouth like they were Ricola lozenges. RIP, toothless one.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 16 2013 07:58 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I'll second BBC's Sherlock, although there are only 6 episodes so far.

Vic Sage Apr 16 2013 08:26 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

ditto on SHERLOCK. When are we getting new episodes?

Valadius Apr 16 2013 01:28 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

They're filming the next three episodes of Sherlock right now. The UK air date is reportedly sometime towards the end of the year, with the US air date sometime after that.

metirish May 24 2013 08:48 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Was JUST about to post Arrested Development. . Never saw this show, although heard plenty about it..... apparently I am not alone in not seeing it as it got cancelled due to low ratings.......but critically loved....Netflix is bringing it back for a 4th season starting Sunday night....all 15 episodes.....do I need a primer or can I just jump right in?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 24 2013 08:55 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

If you can get those new eps anytime, you may as well start at the start.

Frayed Knot May 24 2013 10:19 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

* BREAKING BAD final season (8 episodes) commences August 11th - so it should be finished just in time so as to not interfere with post-season Met games * 2nd season for THE NEWSROOM gets underway July 14th The NY Times refers to this as the "much maligned" Newsroom but I don't seem to remember a whole lot of criticism. The worst I heard about it was complaints from women's groups that all the female characters are drawn as too dorky We used to have individual threads on each of these shows but both have since gone to archive land.

Fman99 Jun 03 2013 10:33 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

The wife and I are enjoying Lost enough that we haven't given any other series a chance yet. Watching 2-3 per night on any night where the Mets are off or they are winning/losing by a large margin early. We're 2/3 of the way through season 3 at this point and it's still got both of our attention.

Ceetar Jun 03 2013 10:40 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman99 wrote: The wife and I are enjoying Lost enough that we haven't given any other series a chance yet. Watching 2-3 per night on any night where the Mets are off or they are winning/losing by a large margin early. We're 2/3 of the way through season 3 at this point and it's still got both of our attention. still haven't seen the finale.

Fman99 Jul 26 2013 08:07 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

We just wrapped up Lost last night by watching the series finale. It's easy, in retrospect, to understand why their ratings lagged in seasons 4-5. To me, the momentum that built over the first three years really stagnated over those two years. From what I've read, the writers/creators of the series had a plan to wrap the series up over seasons 4-6, and so much of seasons four and five seemed to be a 'treading water' type of exercise. The payoff, though, was the final season, which really did well in answering the unanswered questions from the first five seasons. Not only that, but much of those questions were answered early enough in season six that it allowed the viewer to appreciate the last series of events leading up to the finale. The finale itself was also great. We'll take a few days off and give The Wire season 1 a try starting this week.

Centerfield Jul 31 2013 10:05 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

We just started Breaking Bad. We're halfway through Season 2. People raved about this show, but I'm not finding it up there with the level of Game of Thrones or Mad Men. Good, but not great. Does it get better later?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2013 10:27 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I dunno, man. I shat my pants 5 minutes into the pilot episode and have been crapping ever since.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 31 2013 10:30 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I dunno, man. I shat my pants 5 minutes into the pilot episode and have been crapping ever since. What he said. If you're not hooked by the second season, then this show's not gonna be your drug.

Centerfield Jul 31 2013 10:55 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I don't mean this in a sarcastic way, but can I ask you what about the show makes you like it? For me, I'm watching for Jesse Pinkman, the DEA brother-in-law, and the drug dealer Tuco.

Frayed Knot Jul 31 2013 11:53 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: I don't mean this in a sarcastic way, but can I ask you what about the show makes you like it? For me, I'm watching for Jesse Pinkman, the DEA brother-in-law, and the drug dealer Tuco. For me, the transformation of Walt from a sort of meek, under-achieving school teacher to what he becomes* is the most fascinating part. Not that the side characters aren't often good on their own, but WW remains the meat and potatoes of the show. * standing up to drug dealers by virtue of his 'nothing left to lose' mentality in what you've seen so far - and then more of that in spades later on

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2013 12:42 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Also, Saul and Jesse.

TransMonk Jul 31 2013 12:55 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Yes, Saul is the character that Bob Odenkrik was born to play. I'm through Season 4 and agree that if you are halfway through Season 2 and you're not into it that it will not "wow" you later. I also agree about being hooked from the pilot on...my pants were clean, though.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 31 2013 10:08 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

At that point, it was Jesse and Saul. Then, as Season 2 ended and the plot points clicked into place, I appreciated the totality of it-- its plot architecture, thematic structure. Then, later, it's everything-- Hank, hyper-competent/-scary bad guys, gruff Mike, symbolism, funky "bottle" episodes. Mostly, I kinda like Breaking Bad in roughly the same way I appreciated Buffy The Vampire Slayer: as an extended riff on a really florid metaphor for an emotional-crisis-period. In the same way that the latter explored vivid kid-fears-made-cartoonishly-actual (boyfriend has sex with you and turns into a totally different person; peer pressure turns you into a monster), this one plays with the process, agency, and moral consequences of making willfully bad-- and "bad"-- decisions during your old-boy freakout, colored by all the insecurities of a man who realizes his mortality, and a half-lifetime of regret. It's like a treatise in compromised decision-making and "badness," with a whole lotta pretty camerawork and trembling Aaron Paul lip.

Centerfield Aug 01 2013 09:52 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

People mentioned to me Saul and Mike. I'm not up to them yet. Looking forward to it. And I'm not saying I don't like it. I thoroughly enjoy the show, but people were waiting in line at Lincoln Center for a screening, and for me, it hasn't reached that level yet.

soupcan Aug 01 2013 01:59 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Which season does Gus and 'Pollos Hermanos' show up in? Because once you get him, Mike and Odenkirk, its awesome TV.

soupcan Aug 01 2013 02:00 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I just finished the new Netflix series 'Orange Is The New Black'. Nothing to rave about but it's fine entertainment with some really good performances by some unknown actors.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 01 2013 02:19 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

soupcan wrote: I just finished the new Netflix series 'Orange Is The New Black'. Nothing to rave about but it's fine entertainment with some really good performances by some unknown actors. I've watched about 5 shows of that so far. Not bad but hoping it gets better. Some of the scenes remind me of a stage play.

seawolf17 Aug 01 2013 02:41 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: soupcan wrote: I just finished the new Netflix series 'Orange Is The New Black'. Nothing to rave about but it's fine entertainment with some really good performances by some unknown actors. I've watched about 5 shows of that so far. Not bad but hoping it gets better. Some of the scenes remind me of a stage play. My wife worked from home yesterday and watched a bunch of these while she was running reports, said it was THE GREATEST SHOW. We'll see, although it does star the gorgeous Donna Pinciotti.

Vic Sage Aug 01 2013 03:00 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i already started a thread on that show... viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19937 me likee; can't wait for season 2.

dgwphotography Aug 02 2013 04:02 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Vic Sage wrote: ditto on SHERLOCK. When are we getting new episodes? BBC just uploaded a teaser for the new season. I' really looking forward to it. [youtube]llGXWICGsD4[/youtube]

Mets – Willets Point Aug 03 2013 12:12 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

dgwphotography wrote: Vic Sage wrote: ditto on SHERLOCK. When are we getting new episodes? BBC just uploaded a teaser for the new season. I' really looking forward to it. [youtube]llGXWICGsD4[/youtube] Just tell us how he faked his fall off the hospital already!!!!

Vic Sage Aug 04 2013 09:52 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i'm as happy as a little girrrrrl... >- >-

Centerfield Aug 05 2013 09:23 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Just finished season 2. I've now been introduced to Gus/Pollos Hermanos and Saul. No Mike yet. Certainly compelling TV. I'm starting to see the transformation of Walt, as FK was referencing earlier. I feel like it did get better as the season wore on. I thought the finale (explaining the burnt pink bear floating in the pool) was a bit of a copout, but not bad. Looking forward to starting season 3.

Frayed Knot Aug 05 2013 11:12 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Now all you have to do is get through the next 34 episodes by Sunday then you'll be all caught up and can watch the final 8 shows in real time. Hey don't laugh, there's no game on tonight plus a day game on Thursday leaving that night fee too; you can make this happen!! (as long as you skip a few minor things like feeding your kids and so on) btw, not sure how you're watching these (bought discs, rented discs, whatever) but, not surprisingly, AMC is having a Breaking Bad-a-thon all weekend with the episodes leading up to the final eight. Not that I expect you to camp out in front of your TV for three days or anything but if you put the DVR into overdrive you can save yourself some renting time and have the unwatched ones on tap and ready to go.

TransMonk Aug 05 2013 11:39 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

The 8 episodes leading up to the new season on Sunday are also now available on Netflix...I have some catching up to do this week. I never used to have series I watched in real time...right now I have Dexter, The Newsroom and Breaking Bad all on Sunday nights. Thank goodness for DVRs. OE: to be fair, Dexter and Breaking Bad are nearing their series finales.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 06 2013 02:04 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: Just finished season 2. I've now been introduced to Gus/Pollos Hermanos and Saul. No Mike yet. Certainly compelling TV. I'm starting to see the transformation of Walt, as FK was referencing earlier. I feel like it did get better as the season wore on. I thought the finale (explaining the burnt pink bear floating in the pool) was a bit of a copout, but not bad. Looking forward to starting season 3. If you're in a hurry, you can watch this musical recap by middle schoolers: [youtube]9nWjNgV_6yc[/youtube]

Fman99 Aug 06 2013 06:58 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I'm still waiting to watch season 1 of The Wire. The wife is ready to go but after watching six seasons and 120 or so episodes of Lost in a four month span, I need a break from the TV watching.

Centerfield Aug 08 2013 09:02 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

So now we are about 5-6 episodes into Season 3 and I'm fully hooked. We just finished the episode where the junkyard owner knows his fourth amendment. "This is a vehicle". "I beg to differ officer, this is a domicile". Hilarious. I've now been introduced to Saul, Gus Pollos Hermanos, and Gus's "take care of business" guy. Love all of them. I like what they are doing with Hank.

Frayed Knot Aug 27 2013 09:29 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I really like where THE NEWSROOM has gone in this second season (just caught up with the most recent episode). Sometimes I worry about a show that gets out of the gate fast fading when they have to follow it up but, if anything, I think the story lines have gotten better in season 2 and less soap-opera-y concerning intra-office romance stuff. No show this Sunday for some reason. Picks up again the following week for the final two episodes of Season 2 on 9/8 & 9/15.

Vic Sage Aug 28 2013 08:20 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I'm loving NEWSROOM. First of all, Jeff Daniels is terrific. i don't always like him, but he's perfect in this. Years ago, William Hurt would have played the part. But the Sorkinisms are a chore. While his dialogue is clever and funny (sometimes), its pace is also exhausting and the voices of the characters aren't differentiated. Everybody is a genius who can throw off obscure facts at 100MPH while making some significant point about our culture. It's typical of his work; showy, fun in a way, but ultimately false. But Sorkin does a clever thing on this show. He places the stories about 2 to 3 years ago. That is, they are contemporary stories (and can remain contemporary even in reruns) by NOT following today's headlines; instead, the storytelling follows yesterday's headlines and allows for some historical perspective and the benefit of hindsight that you never have in the present. Its like when you're in an argument with some guy, and you can't think of a good rebuttal to a point he makes until you get home, and then you think "shit, i wish i would've thought of that when i was there!" Only now, Sorkin gets to say that thing you wished you could've said back then. It's gratifying and makes up for his obnoxiousness (to some degree). All that being said, i always enjoy his shows, plays and movies. I like that he doesn't assume our stupidity; he assumes our engagement with the same things he cares about. He tries to elevate, not merely distract, while always trying to entertain. There are worse things an artist can do.

Frayed Knot Aug 28 2013 08:32 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

No show this Sunday for some reason. Duh, because they don't want to compete with the Mets game!!! Vic Sage wrote: Years ago, William Hurt would have played the part. And would have mumbled a lot.

TransMonk Aug 28 2013 09:39 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Ditto to all on THE NEWSROOM. I enjoyed last season, but like this season even more.

dgwphotography Aug 28 2013 10:17 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

TransMonk wrote: Ditto to all on THE NEWSROOM. I enjoyed last season, but like this season even more. +whatever number this is - This season is even better than the last...

Centerfield Aug 29 2013 08:29 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fully caught up now on Breaking Bad. It is a crazy intense show. It's done so well that even though the storylines are taking a somewhat predictable route, we still sit there afterwards and say "I can't believe what just happened." In other words, it makes the predictable, unpredictable, which is really cool.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 29 2013 08:34 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Walt's video was great. I watched it just like Hank did. Saul breaking up Hank's interrogation of Jesse was a great scene too.

Centerfield Aug 29 2013 08:44 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I loved the waiter at the Mexican place. I hope he got a tip.

Frayed Knot Aug 29 2013 09:03 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: Fully caught up now on Breaking Bad. Holy shit, you really burned through those things! I was half kidding when I said you could catch up prior to this final half-season.

Centerfield Aug 29 2013 09:13 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

There is nothing in the world I cannot accomplish.* *So long as said task can be accomplished while sitting on my couch drinking scotch.

Vic Sage Aug 29 2013 11:38 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i'm watching THE BIG C with my wife. I have to admit i didn't expect to like it, and at first i didn't, but it has definitely grown on me. I love Laura Linney. And now that i've watched BATTLESTAR GALACTICA with my son (he liked it), i've got 2 other old short-lived series on the Netflix queue for us to watch together: THE FLASH, and SPACE: ABOVE & BEYOND. FLASH ran 2 seasons (i think) and was better than you might think. It had a problem with using decent villains, but all the running stuff was pretty well done. As for SPACE, it was a sf series by Glen (X Files) Morgan, cancelled by Fox after 1 season, about a decade before they did the same thing to FIREFLY. I haven't seen it since it first aired, but i recall it as a pretty good "marines in space kicking aliens' asses" kind of show.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 29 2013 11:42 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I liked Big C too, at least for the first two seasons. From the beginning of season three, I was getting the feeling that the characters had the same faces and voices as before, but the words they were saying didn't ring as true as before. (I'm probably not describing this well.) My guess is that there were new writers who didn't have a feel for the way the characters spoke.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 30 2013 04:16 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: I loved the waiter at the Mexican place. I hope he got a tip. Right? He made a play, realized that this was not going to be a guac party, and having correctly read the situation, backed away. #TeamTrent In all seriousness, though, this show appears to be peaking in its homestretch, which is rare and gratifying.

Fman99 Sep 01 2013 08:52 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Last night we finished season 1 of The Wire. I was hooked right off the bat. It took Fwife a bit longer to get past the profanity and ghetto slang to start appreciating the drama of it, but ultimately, she enjoyed it as well. Downloaded season 2 today, we'll dig into it this week.

soupcan Sep 04 2013 02:32 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman99 wrote: Last night we finished season 1 of The Wire. I was hooked right off the bat. It took Fwife a bit longer to get past the profanity and ghetto slang to start appreciating the drama of it, but ultimately, she enjoyed it as well. Downloaded season 2 today, we'll dig into it this week. Excellent, easily one of my top 3 favorite shows. I had a hard time watching it when it first aired because I couldn't understand the street slang, but watching it at my leisure made all the difference. I also got a kick out of recognizing familiar acting faces fronm projects they'd gone on to do after 'The Wire' - The Office, True Blood, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and various other TV shows and movies. Enjoy!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 09 2013 09:31 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

As soon as Hank called Marie, you knew...

soupcan Sep 09 2013 10:39 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: As soon as Hank called Marie, you knew... Yup.

Centerfield Sep 09 2013 11:10 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Wow. Fucking wow.

TransMonk Sep 09 2013 12:31 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Jeez...my DVR is calling me and I can't get away. I want to watch it RIGHT NOW!!!

Frayed Knot Sep 09 2013 01:55 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

TransMonk wrote: Jeez...my DVR is calling me and I can't get away. I want to watch it RIGHT NOW!!! Yeah, I was going to suggest a stand-alone Breaking Bad thread for in-series comments involving the final shows, leaving this one to general TV talk lest any spoilers sneak through to unsuspecting readers who haven't gotten around to the latest episode yet.

Ceetar Sep 09 2013 02:01 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Frayed Knot wrote: TransMonk wrote: Jeez...my DVR is calling me and I can't get away. I want to watch it RIGHT NOW!!! Yeah, I was going to suggest a stand-alone Breaking Bad thread for in-series comments involving the final shows, leaving this one to general TV talk lest any spoilers sneak through to unsuspecting readers who haven't gotten around to the latest episode yet. I think it's one of those shows I've gotten enough reviews of that I'll eventually watch (fitting for this thread) I'm glad I haven't though, because since I've seen absolutely none of it, there are no reference points for the spoilers so they don't actually spoil anything for me. That screwed me when I was catching up with Dexter and was a season behind and heard promos for the new season that referenced the cliff hanger of the season I was currently watching.

batmagadanleadoff Sep 09 2013 02:46 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: As soon as Hank called Marie, you knew... I kinda figured it out as soon as Hank and Gomie arrived at the desert. Because of the flash-forwards, viewers should know that Walt has to escape that predicament. Actually, I'm surprised Hank's still alive. He's got a pistol with a few rounds and Uncle Jack's crew has an entire armory of weapons. What I'm wondering is whether Hank's mission is a total frolic and detour or if the DEA is on board, and back-up is on the way. Walt still survives this showdown, but if the DEA lingers, they might discover Walt's $$$.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 09 2013 03:33 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: As soon as Hank called Marie, you knew... "It may take me a while to get back, but when I do... we're finally going to open up that restaurant we've been talking about. And that boat you wanted me to buy, the Live4Ever? Consider it yours, baby!"

Frayed Knot Sep 09 2013 09:45 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact) Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 15 2013 08:37 PM

...

Centerfield Sep 12 2013 11:57 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Now that CBS and Showtime are back, we are getting caught up on Dexter. It's still a bit silly, but it hasn't deteriorated to True Blood levels, so it's still fun. But most importantly, how hot is Yvonne Strahovski (Hannah McKay)? My god. She is so hot, looking at fully-clothed pictures of her makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong.

TransMonk Sep 12 2013 12:04 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I've lost a lot of interest in Dexter over the past two seasons, but I still watch every week (mostly because I have been committed for several years). At this point there are only two episodes left and I'm just playing out the string...but I'll be OK when it is over.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 12 2013 12:16 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I'm feeling something like that towards The Bridge, ever since they revealed the baddie/his motivations.

Ceetar Sep 12 2013 12:35 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

TransMonk wrote: I've lost a lot of interest in Dexter over the past two seasons, but I still watch every week (mostly because I have been committed for several years). At this point there are only two episodes left and I'm just playing out the string...but I'll be OK when it is over. Yeah, it hasn't been as good as it was. Still enjoy the series/premise but I don't think i'll feel a void when it's gone. I did just read the last book though, enjoyed that one. I think that's part of it too, how dark and freaking twisted the books are in comparison.

Ceetar Sep 12 2013 12:37 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: But most importantly, how hot is Yvonne Strahovski (Hannah McKay)? My god. She is so hot, looking at fully-clothed pictures of her makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. oh, and yeah. this too. Even though the picture didn't load. And bonus for not being a vampire like Rita.

dgwphotography Sep 12 2013 01:19 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Centerfield wrote: But most importantly, how hot is Yvonne Strahovski (Hannah McKay)? My god. She is so hot, looking at fully-clothed pictures of her makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. OMG - I loved her on Chuck...

seawolf17 Sep 12 2013 02:07 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

She was the only reason I watched "Chuck."

Nymr83 Dec 04 2013 09:20 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Bringing this thread back from the dead to ask: did anyone watch Foyle's War? I'm intrigued, but the idea of only 4 episodes per season means that if I like it I'll be caught up in a few weeks and annoyed there isnt more...

Fman99 Jan 01 2014 08:58 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Stopped watching The Wire during Season 2. I just couldn't get into the shipyards story or characters. Tried Breaking Bad, also, watched the first couple episodes and meh. Went a month without watching it and realized I didn't care. In both cases, I think, my wife enjoyed them less because after years of drab network dramas, these shows seemed too vulgar or risque for her tastes. I mostly just didn't care, either way. We just downloaded season 1 and watched the first two episodes of House of Cards tonight, and I enjoyed it (more than the wife did, anyway). We'll see.

Mets Guy in Michigan Jan 01 2014 10:06 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I bought the first two seasons of Mad Men as my treadmill show. Only a couple episodes in -- and it's disappointing, Maybe it's all the smoking that freaks me out. And I keep seeing Zoey from West Wing.

metirish Jan 02 2014 06:50 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman99 wrote: Stopped watching The Wire during Season 2. I just couldn't get into the shipyards story or characters. Tried Breaking Bad, also, watched the first couple episodes and meh. Went a month without watching it and realized I didn't care. In both cases, I think, my wife enjoyed them less because after years of drab network dramas, these shows seemed too vulgar or risque for her tastes. I mostly just didn't care, either way. We just downloaded season 1 and watched the first two episodes of House of Cards tonight, and I enjoyed it (more than the wife did, anyway). We'll see. Agree on Breaking Bad......watched maybe 4/5 episodes of season 1 and was underwhelmed.....and that's OK.....not everyone likes it.

Frayed Knot Jan 02 2014 07:19 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

I bought the first two seasons of Mad Men as my treadmill show. Only a couple episodes in -- and it's disappointing, Maybe it's all the smoking that freaks me out. ... That's what turned me off to MAD MEN as well. Not the smoking per se, but the idea that they went overboard in showing us how backwards/politically incorrect those times were: hey watch us smoke all the time - even in the doctor's office; hey watch us drink and treat women as doormats in the office; hey look, there are our kids riding around without seat-belts and playing with plastic bags on their heads; and what do we advertise? - why smoking, aerosol sprays, and Richard Nixon of course!!! Now I get the idea that they were trying to set the scene as a different time and place from the present but they decided to bash us over the head with it all just to make sure that we Really got it. And while such time-setters would have been fine for episode 1 & 2, when they were still doing to same thing in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th shows I felt like I was being either preached to or talked down to, so I bailed.

TransMonk May 16 2014 09:33 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Fman99 wrote: Stopped watching The Wire during Season 2. I just couldn't get into the shipyards story or characters. So, I'm three episodes into Season 2 of THE WIRE and am feeling this. I thought Season 1 was good but not great...and now season 2 plays like a new show with some former characters involved...but now there are A LOT of characters to keep track of. Is it worth it to keep going?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 16 2014 11:54 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Yes. Season 3 gets much better, and a few of the characters you meet in Season 2 become important figures. There are a million characters to keep track of in this show.

TransMonk May 16 2014 12:00 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Good to know. I dislike giving up on shows and there are lots of rave reviews for THE WIRE as a whole. I was worrying that maybe I just wasn't getting it. I will carry on!

Frayed Knot May 16 2014 12:36 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Yeah, despite there being recurring characters who lasted through the entire life of the show, THE WIRE was almost like a new show each season and some were better than others. Original drug gangs - Good Ship yard criminals - not as much And then towards the end they started getting into the kiddie criminals which I also didn't like as much. For one thing, I had trouble telling a lot of them apart.

Edgy MD May 16 2014 12:59 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Come on. Know the Corner Boys [list] L to R Duquan 'Dukie' Weems Neglected son of a junkie mom. Has subtle emotional problems. Smells because of the degraded state of his home. Sort of a mascot for the other boys, who treat him as a flunky but stand up for him against rival crews. Smart and sweet. Physical trait: soft, worried eyes. Randy Wagstaff Orphan living with a stern foster mother who tries to keep him straight. Got a head for business and scheming. Sometimes a little too clever for his own good. Physical trait: thick cornrow braids. Michael Lee Soft-spoken with hidden reserve of courage that isn't instantly obvious. Raising his baby brother "Bug" in defiance of his mother's neglect. His mom also being a desperate user, Michael shares a bond with Dukie even as many others give the smelly milquetoast up for hopeless. Phyisical trait: Steely eyes. Sober seriousness. Namond Brice Son of big-shot Barksdale henchman "Wee-Bey" from year one. Is kind of arrogant in this legacy and seems like a leader, only to reveal that he's all bark and no bite and a big disappointment to his mother who pressures him to work his way up in the drug-dealing world to support her nouveau-riche sense of entitlement. Phyisical trait: Long hair tied up in the back.[/list:u] These kids are the key to the show even if they don't appear until season four. Bubbs is the heart of the show to me, but these kids and their adventures show how the product of the dysfunctional institutions featured every year is to turn these kids into but Bubbses of the future. Or worse. BALTIMORE!

Frayed Knot May 16 2014 01:05 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

The story lines were good but I remember having trouble keeping all the kids and their backstories straight.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 17 2014 05:12 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Especially given the new-dad-dom, Monk, Season 4 will absolutely rip your heart out.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 17 2014 09:24 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Edgy's little description nearly had me well up. gotdamn.

TransMonk Jun 10 2014 12:53 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

OK...halfway through Season 4 and I'm glad I stuck with it. I've been putting a home studio together since January and have heard the Tom Waits theme so many different ways on this show that I thought I would give it a try as a little project over the past two Sundays. If the Neville Brothers can do it, why can't I? [youtube:ggg1yyto]PSl6V73ZwJ8[/youtube:ggg1yyto]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 10 2014 12:56 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Awesome

Edgy MD Jun 10 2014 01:14 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Wonderful!

Vic Sage Jun 10 2014 01:34 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

i just completed an ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK binge, finishing off the 2nd season last night at 2am. This show is really addictive for me. I'm glad it was a little less about Piper (though i liked Piper more this season; she's stronger and less whiny), and gave us more background on all the other inmates, even introducing a new "big bad" (as Joss Whedon would say) to go up against Kate Mullgrew's Russian matriarch, Red, for Season 2's story arc. Now I'm continuing to catch up on LOUIE from the beginning, with my son. He and I are big fans.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 10 2014 01:41 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Just started Season 2 last night. Piper's an idiot.

Vic Sage Jun 10 2014 03:20 PM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Just wait for this line: "In high school, the guys used to call me `Beer Can'". Priceless.

RealityChuck Jun 11 2014 07:03 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Currently working our way through Archer on Netflix. Extremely funny show, once you get past Bob being a spy.

Vic Sage Jun 11 2014 08:29 AM Re: Late to the Party (TV viewing after the fact)

Love ARCHER, but it fell off alot this past season with its "Archer Vice" storyline.