"Big Love" did it, and now "Chuck" is set to follow their lead in announcing that its fifth season will be its last.
After passionate fan campaigns (much to Subway's joy), the show's managed to hang on year after year, which is impressive. Of course, a lot of its continuance likely stems from NBC's chronic failures and lack of good replacement programming, but that's another matter.
I'll admit that I haven't been following "Chuck" this season due to my work schedule, so I'm not going to pass too much judgment on season four. However, I also found myself bored with the first few episodes I did catch online, so it's not high on my television priority list. And, from what I hear from devoted fans, this season's been dull, and signs of strain are showing. It's inevitable with a show like this - there's only so many times Chuck can save Sarah (or vice versa), there's only so many back-and-forth, good-guy-or-bad-guy mysteries that can go on.
So, I'm glad the show will have its fifth season, but I'm also glad that it has an end date. This gives writers the opportunity to tie up loose ends and create and endgame for its characters. "Big Love" had the opportunity to do this, and while its final season wasn't perfect, it was a vast improvement over the previous season. Instead of loosely connected mysteries of the week that don't lead anywhere (entertaining as they may be), the writers can create a narrative like that of the engrossing season two, that leaves viewers satisfied and the show fulfilling its potential.
In other television news, if you're looking for other cancellations or renewals, TV Overmind offers guides to the current state of shows at ABC and NBC. At the network upfronts this week, we'll likely find out more about what shows are picked up at CBS and Fox.
Showing posts with label hbo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hbo. Show all posts
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Bid farewell to Big Love
It seemed like yesterday I wrote about how Big Love was ending after its fifth season, and now, the time has come. Tonight, HBO will air the final episode of the polygamist drama. And, surprisingly, I'm excited about it - excited for the right reasons.
I'm not excited for the reason I thought I would be - putting a formerly good show out of its misery. No, I'm actually excited because this season has been fairly good. The show has gotten back to its roots (the family and its drama), and there has been plenty of family drama to keep the show going. Without spoiling too much, the usual suspects at Juniper Creek are proving to be a great threat to the Henrickson family, which is facing self-implosion due to drama from a straying Barb, an emotional Nicki and a conflicted Margene. Oh, and Bill may go to jail. And Rhonda, quite possibly one of the most abhorrent characters in television (the one you love to hate) is back, which has yielded plenty of rage and emotion from me.
Sure, there are a lot of plot lines on the show right now that will need to be tied up tonight, and this season wasn't perfect because of them. Yet, last week's episode, Exorcism, was fascinating and kept me interested. I think the show did a good job of using a self-imposed ending to return to its roots and make a strong final season.
I'm glad that I'm excited for the series finale of a show I liked - I'm glad they were able to make audiences care enough to watch the finale (unlike shows like Nip/Tuck). Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul are expected to return in this episode, and I'm glad we'll get to see them one more time. I'm looking forward to the prospect of something bad happening to Bill and Rhonda. As a whole, I'm looking to see if they end the show on an optimistic note (where Alby goes down, Bill avoids jail and the family stays together) or a dim one (the family splits, Bill goes to jail, people die). It could go either way this evening, and I'm interested to see what they do. As ONTD user "arrogant_sage" said perfectly, this is a "great little train wreck of a show," and I'm glad that it's going out on a fairly strong note.
HBO posted a few clips of the finale:
What are your expectations for the finale?
I'm not excited for the reason I thought I would be - putting a formerly good show out of its misery. No, I'm actually excited because this season has been fairly good. The show has gotten back to its roots (the family and its drama), and there has been plenty of family drama to keep the show going. Without spoiling too much, the usual suspects at Juniper Creek are proving to be a great threat to the Henrickson family, which is facing self-implosion due to drama from a straying Barb, an emotional Nicki and a conflicted Margene. Oh, and Bill may go to jail. And Rhonda, quite possibly one of the most abhorrent characters in television (the one you love to hate) is back, which has yielded plenty of rage and emotion from me.
Sure, there are a lot of plot lines on the show right now that will need to be tied up tonight, and this season wasn't perfect because of them. Yet, last week's episode, Exorcism, was fascinating and kept me interested. I think the show did a good job of using a self-imposed ending to return to its roots and make a strong final season.
I'm glad that I'm excited for the series finale of a show I liked - I'm glad they were able to make audiences care enough to watch the finale (unlike shows like Nip/Tuck). Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul are expected to return in this episode, and I'm glad we'll get to see them one more time. I'm looking forward to the prospect of something bad happening to Bill and Rhonda. As a whole, I'm looking to see if they end the show on an optimistic note (where Alby goes down, Bill avoids jail and the family stays together) or a dim one (the family splits, Bill goes to jail, people die). It could go either way this evening, and I'm interested to see what they do. As ONTD user "arrogant_sage" said perfectly, this is a "great little train wreck of a show," and I'm glad that it's going out on a fairly strong note.
HBO posted a few clips of the finale:
What are your expectations for the finale?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Big Love set to end in 2011 ... good riddance?
Thursday, HBO announced that the fifth season of Big Love, beginning Sunday, Jan. 16, will be its last.
I used to be a fan of Big Love in its first and second season (I'm one of the only people who did not really enjoy season three, minus the amazing "Come Ye Saints" episode), in which the Henrickson/Grant/Heffman family faced the extensive issues that come along with hiding their polygamist family from society, and attempting to deal with a traditional polygamist compound.
And then, suddenly, I found myself reacting like this when watching it:
It became just so complicated; too many characters were in play, and Bill Paxton's character, Bill Henrickson, became more unlikable than Michael Scott. Big Love was good at making us love to hate characters (Daveigh Chase's Rhonda still makes my blood boil when I think about her), but with Bill, they simply ruined him.
In terms of increasing the show's quality, ending the show may be the best option. Hopefully, they'll use their remaining episodes to leave the show with a good legacy. Actually, I hope Bill dies or the wives leave him.
Anyway, Big Love, along with Entourage (also ending next year), needed to end. I'll add the Office to that list as well. Anyone else have shows that they only watch out of habit, because they're still on TV? Ones that you don't really enjoy? Leave a comment.
I used to be a fan of Big Love in its first and second season (I'm one of the only people who did not really enjoy season three, minus the amazing "Come Ye Saints" episode), in which the Henrickson/Grant/Heffman family faced the extensive issues that come along with hiding their polygamist family from society, and attempting to deal with a traditional polygamist compound.
And then, suddenly, I found myself reacting like this when watching it:
It became just so complicated; too many characters were in play, and Bill Paxton's character, Bill Henrickson, became more unlikable than Michael Scott. Big Love was good at making us love to hate characters (Daveigh Chase's Rhonda still makes my blood boil when I think about her), but with Bill, they simply ruined him.
In terms of increasing the show's quality, ending the show may be the best option. Hopefully, they'll use their remaining episodes to leave the show with a good legacy. Actually, I hope Bill dies or the wives leave him.
Anyway, Big Love, along with Entourage (also ending next year), needed to end. I'll add the Office to that list as well. Anyone else have shows that they only watch out of habit, because they're still on TV? Ones that you don't really enjoy? Leave a comment.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
David Simon returns to TV with "Treme"
Last week, I posted about how there are shows that just did not live up to their expectations, and end up falling flat. It's probably not best to continue having such lofty expectations for television shows, but at the moment, I am incredibly excited about the prospects of a new show.
"Treme," premiering on HBO this Sunday, Apr. 11, is the latest creation by David Simon, the creator of "Homicide: Life on the Street," "The Corner," "Generation Kill" and what is widely considered to be one of, if not the best television show of the last decade, "the Wire." Instead of focusing on the harsh realities of living and policing in inner-city Baltimore (like "Homicide," "the Corner" and "the Wire"), Simon's new show follows a group of New Orleans residents trying to rebuild their lives three months after Hurricane Katrina.
Even if you don't normally watch dramatic shows like the ones Simon creates, it is absolutely essential television viewing to see "the Wire." His works are incredibly depressing, but they also give you an odd sense of hope. Although there are concerns that Simon, who worked in Baltimore as a reporter for years, will not be able to capture the nuances of New Orleans, I am of the strong belief that anything Simon works on is guaranteed a certain level of brilliance. That is why "Treme" is a show that should be on everyone's must-see list.
Simon has brought back many faces that are familiar to fans of his work to "Treme." "Wire" star Wendell Pierce will trade in Bunk Moreland's (his "Wire" character) cigar for a trombone, and will play a musician living in the city. "Corner" alumnus and "CSI: Miami" star Khandi Alexander plays his estranged wife. Pierce's "Wire" co-star Clarke Peters also stars, and Steve Zahn makes his television debut as a DJ and musician. As if that was not enough, Academy Award nominee (and "Homicide" alumnus) Melissa Leo will play a civil rights lawyer, and John Goodman will play her husband, a college professor (based on the trailers showing Goodman's character, it appears that one can imagine Walter Sobchak in a classroom).
"Treme" is one of those shows that has an embarrassment of riches with its cast, creators and writers (including David Mills, who sadly passed away on set last week). Even if it is one-tenth as epic and amazing as "the Wire," it will still be one of the best shows on television. Positive reviews are already pouring in, and if fans love it as much as they loved "the Wire," it will likely become just as beloved.
I encourage everyone to check out "Treme," and when you have the chance, begin watching "the Wire." By the third episode, its brilliance hits you like a ton of bricks. I cannot wait to see if "Treme" is as brilliant. I just cannot stress enough how amazing "the Wire" is, and how everyone needs to see it. You don't want to make Bunk Moreland angry and annoyed, do you?
(Image via TinyPic)
"Treme," premiering on HBO this Sunday, Apr. 11, is the latest creation by David Simon, the creator of "Homicide: Life on the Street," "The Corner," "Generation Kill" and what is widely considered to be one of, if not the best television show of the last decade, "the Wire." Instead of focusing on the harsh realities of living and policing in inner-city Baltimore (like "Homicide," "the Corner" and "the Wire"), Simon's new show follows a group of New Orleans residents trying to rebuild their lives three months after Hurricane Katrina.
Even if you don't normally watch dramatic shows like the ones Simon creates, it is absolutely essential television viewing to see "the Wire." His works are incredibly depressing, but they also give you an odd sense of hope. Although there are concerns that Simon, who worked in Baltimore as a reporter for years, will not be able to capture the nuances of New Orleans, I am of the strong belief that anything Simon works on is guaranteed a certain level of brilliance. That is why "Treme" is a show that should be on everyone's must-see list.
Simon has brought back many faces that are familiar to fans of his work to "Treme." "Wire" star Wendell Pierce will trade in Bunk Moreland's (his "Wire" character) cigar for a trombone, and will play a musician living in the city. "Corner" alumnus and "CSI: Miami" star Khandi Alexander plays his estranged wife. Pierce's "Wire" co-star Clarke Peters also stars, and Steve Zahn makes his television debut as a DJ and musician. As if that was not enough, Academy Award nominee (and "Homicide" alumnus) Melissa Leo will play a civil rights lawyer, and John Goodman will play her husband, a college professor (based on the trailers showing Goodman's character, it appears that one can imagine Walter Sobchak in a classroom).
"Treme" is one of those shows that has an embarrassment of riches with its cast, creators and writers (including David Mills, who sadly passed away on set last week). Even if it is one-tenth as epic and amazing as "the Wire," it will still be one of the best shows on television. Positive reviews are already pouring in, and if fans love it as much as they loved "the Wire," it will likely become just as beloved.
I encourage everyone to check out "Treme," and when you have the chance, begin watching "the Wire." By the third episode, its brilliance hits you like a ton of bricks. I cannot wait to see if "Treme" is as brilliant. I just cannot stress enough how amazing "the Wire" is, and how everyone needs to see it. You don't want to make Bunk Moreland angry and annoyed, do you?
(Image via TinyPic)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Hulu highlights, part two
For many students, it's almost time for spring break, which means there are numerous exams, papers and projects due before break. Therefore, we all need some television to distract us. Last week, I provided a few shows to waste your time, but if you're a procrastinator like me, you need more. Therefore, I offer part two of my "Hulu highlights" series.
"Spaced" (Channel 4 UK, 1999-2001): Before Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright brought "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" to American audiences, they were a part of this absurd look at the lives of twentysomethings struggling to find their place in the world. Pegg and Jessica Stevenson star as strangers who pretend to be a couple in order to secure a London flat, and the show chronicles their lives and their friends’ antics. Filled with rapid-fire popular culture references and jokes both subtle and absurdly obvious, "Spaced" is a great look at what it’s like to live in the modern world: you’re without a purpose, but popular culture keeps you sane. Plus, on a personal note, I see a lot of Stevenson’s character’s struggles as my present and future attempts to be a writer.
"The Unusuals" (ABC, 2009): I bet ABC is regretting the cancellation of this offbeat New York City police comedy-drama last year. Its star, Jeremy Renner, wasn’t well-known when the show premiered last year. Now? He may win the Best Actor Academy Award for "The Hurt Locker" on Sunday night. Harold Perrineau and Adam Goldberg’s hilarious characters steal the show, and you’ll find yourself missing them incredibly when the ten episodes are done.
"The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO, 1992-1998): Jeremy Piven pre-hair plugs. I could probably leave that as the only reason to watch this show. Garry Shandling, George Bluth Sr. (sorry, I mean Jeffrey Tambor), Don Geiss (or, my favorite alleged bank-robber, Rip Torn), and Romy and Michele’s classmate Heather Mooney (alright, that one’s a bit obscure, I’m referring to Janeane Garofalo) star in this show-within-a-show about the ins and outs of running a late-night talk show. In light of Conan O'Brien’s drama with NBC (side note, make sure to follow Conan on Twitter!), this show proves especially poignant, and it’s a great show for people interested in the media.
Enjoy!
"Spaced" (Channel 4 UK, 1999-2001): Before Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright brought "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" to American audiences, they were a part of this absurd look at the lives of twentysomethings struggling to find their place in the world. Pegg and Jessica Stevenson star as strangers who pretend to be a couple in order to secure a London flat, and the show chronicles their lives and their friends’ antics. Filled with rapid-fire popular culture references and jokes both subtle and absurdly obvious, "Spaced" is a great look at what it’s like to live in the modern world: you’re without a purpose, but popular culture keeps you sane. Plus, on a personal note, I see a lot of Stevenson’s character’s struggles as my present and future attempts to be a writer.
"The Unusuals" (ABC, 2009): I bet ABC is regretting the cancellation of this offbeat New York City police comedy-drama last year. Its star, Jeremy Renner, wasn’t well-known when the show premiered last year. Now? He may win the Best Actor Academy Award for "The Hurt Locker" on Sunday night. Harold Perrineau and Adam Goldberg’s hilarious characters steal the show, and you’ll find yourself missing them incredibly when the ten episodes are done.
"The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO, 1992-1998): Jeremy Piven pre-hair plugs. I could probably leave that as the only reason to watch this show. Garry Shandling, George Bluth Sr. (sorry, I mean Jeffrey Tambor), Don Geiss (or, my favorite alleged bank-robber, Rip Torn), and Romy and Michele’s classmate Heather Mooney (alright, that one’s a bit obscure, I’m referring to Janeane Garofalo) star in this show-within-a-show about the ins and outs of running a late-night talk show. In light of Conan O'Brien’s drama with NBC (side note, make sure to follow Conan on Twitter!), this show proves especially poignant, and it’s a great show for people interested in the media.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ricky Gervais proves cartoons aren't just for kids
Most of the people reading this blog are likely teenagers at the very least. So, it's probably safe to say that for most of you, watching animated programming may not be at the top of your TV viewing queue. It's understandable; as we grow older, we want to watch more 'grown-up' programming. However, there are some things that are just better in animation.
On Friday, "The Ricky Gervais Show" premiered on HBO. The show features Gervais, "The Office" co-creator and "Extras" costar Stephen Merchant, and radio producer Karl Pilkington chatting about anything and everything. These conversations are from the podcasts and audiobooks the three recorded approximately five years ago, and are now featured on HBO in animated form. Gervais and Merchant are comedy legends as a result of "The Office," but it is the previously unknown Pilkington who steals the shows. He is a simple, yet incredibly complicated man who says the strangest non sequiturs, and has incredibly strange theories on the world. I was familiar with the podcasts and audiobooks before HBO brought it to a wider audience, but the animation really works to bring Pilkington's wild thoughts to life, and the animation helps one see his "head like a f***ing orange," as Gervais and Merchant say. This clip from the series illustrates what makes "The Ricky Gervais Show" so much fun.
Animating these podcasts helps to bring them to life in a new way, and it allows for American audiences who are unfamiliar with Pilkington to experience his sheer genius. It may seem a little silly to create an animated sequence of already recorded conversations, but it is more captivating seeing animated versions of the three men versus videotape of said podcasts. HBO has worked with Gervais in the past, and they knew the key to making his work pop was to put it in this format. Animation isn't necessarily reserved for kids' cartoons anymore, and, as is the case with "The Ricky Gervais Show," it can improve on already great audio. When Robert Smigel created the Fun With Real Audio segment for TV Funhouse on "Saturday Night Live," he knew that animation unlocked plenty of potential.
It will be interesting to see how the animators will interpret Pilkington's crazy theories in the 13 episodes of the series. This is one cartoon that anyone should watch regardless of age, as long as they appreciate smart comedy by smart people. And Karl Pilkington.
As a bonus, here is a must-see (but not safe for work due to language) video of Gervais on "The Daily Show" last night. Gervais has fantastic rapport with talk show hosts (his Conan O'Brien interviews are classic), and he proves it yet again.
Also, if you want to listen to more podcasts from Gervais, Merchant and Pilkington, they are located here.
On Friday, "The Ricky Gervais Show" premiered on HBO. The show features Gervais, "The Office" co-creator and "Extras" costar Stephen Merchant, and radio producer Karl Pilkington chatting about anything and everything. These conversations are from the podcasts and audiobooks the three recorded approximately five years ago, and are now featured on HBO in animated form. Gervais and Merchant are comedy legends as a result of "The Office," but it is the previously unknown Pilkington who steals the shows. He is a simple, yet incredibly complicated man who says the strangest non sequiturs, and has incredibly strange theories on the world. I was familiar with the podcasts and audiobooks before HBO brought it to a wider audience, but the animation really works to bring Pilkington's wild thoughts to life, and the animation helps one see his "head like a f***ing orange," as Gervais and Merchant say. This clip from the series illustrates what makes "The Ricky Gervais Show" so much fun.
Animating these podcasts helps to bring them to life in a new way, and it allows for American audiences who are unfamiliar with Pilkington to experience his sheer genius. It may seem a little silly to create an animated sequence of already recorded conversations, but it is more captivating seeing animated versions of the three men versus videotape of said podcasts. HBO has worked with Gervais in the past, and they knew the key to making his work pop was to put it in this format. Animation isn't necessarily reserved for kids' cartoons anymore, and, as is the case with "The Ricky Gervais Show," it can improve on already great audio. When Robert Smigel created the Fun With Real Audio segment for TV Funhouse on "Saturday Night Live," he knew that animation unlocked plenty of potential.
It will be interesting to see how the animators will interpret Pilkington's crazy theories in the 13 episodes of the series. This is one cartoon that anyone should watch regardless of age, as long as they appreciate smart comedy by smart people. And Karl Pilkington.
As a bonus, here is a must-see (but not safe for work due to language) video of Gervais on "The Daily Show" last night. Gervais has fantastic rapport with talk show hosts (his Conan O'Brien interviews are classic), and he proves it yet again.
Also, if you want to listen to more podcasts from Gervais, Merchant and Pilkington, they are located here.
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