Discuss and Rate the Last Thing You Watched (non-movies)

[Agema]

The Witcher S02 (Netflix)

I kind of like The Witcher. It's well produced, the action scenes are fine, it's got some good actors, some of the storylines are pretty good, but really it's quite... banal. It lacks an element to really rise it above the pack, and I find I'm easily distracted when watching it. Geralt of Rivia is kind of dull. He's an uncomplicated, strong, silent, honourable type who doesn't show emotion but cares deep down. There's a spunky princess child prodigy , a roguish bard , and a troubled mage love interest . Everyone seems to be scheming except for rock-solid Geralt, doggedly sticking to his resolute, square-jawed, manly man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, heroic day job . Stuff happens, Geralt kills monsters, some evil empire tries to take over the continent, whatevs.

I'm sure it's better than Wheel of Time, anyway, which I'll get round to soon enough.

 

[gorfias]

Just watched the 1st 2 1/2 hour episodes of "Made for Love".

Sorta like watching a multi-part Black Mirror episode. It even stars Cristin Miloti who stared in a terrific Star Trek spoof on Black Mirror.

She's on the run from a big tech billionaire with his next big plan to put chips in lovers heads so their thoughts can be merged.

So far, gets an 8/10 from me.

 

[Trunkage]

All seven season of Star Trek Voyager.

In the first couple of seasons, there was an absolute obsession to get back home. Which is understandable but resulted in '38 truck floating in space... which is not. Season 2 also had the Kes episode that makes Neelix look like a paedophile. TBF, most episode involving them made Neelix look like a creeper. There was far more consistency with character portrayals, not changing on a whim to suit the needs of the story like TNG. Also similar to DS9, they learnt that alien species from previous episodes can be reused to reinforce the story. Too many times in TNG that would have to spend time making a new species look aggressive or bad or strong. It's already done for you if you use the same species, especially when you doing the flip the script thing

The member of the crew actually look like a family, unlike TNG's not putting an emphasis on relationships or DS9 antagonizing relationships. The exploration of humanity is prominent with both The Doctor and Seven and I like how the new sentient being is teaching the new human what it means. Putting lessons into practice is great. There is more character development for Seven in 4 seasons than the entire crew of TNG

I will agree with Moore, having the crews combine over one episode is incredulous and removed much of the potential tension. It should have been a series arc. I know people complain about the Borg but I never found the Borg intimidating until First Contact. So looking at what Voyager did... is exactly what they did with the Klingons. And Ferengi. Shapeshifters. Explored their culture so we can an understanding and appreciation of it. Its quintessential Star Trek. With that said.... some escapes were incredulous which does delete the fear of them. I think the exploration of them around season 3 and 4 were the best and then went down hill. Similarly, the Kazon were seen as bad but I found it more enjoyable than many one of aliens. Better stories come from well defined factions and I think the Hirogen, Phage guys and garbage haulers were better written, they never really got to do the political intrigue with them.

And fuck me but doesn't Tom Paris get the short shift on having to be a pilot and medic. Surely, some one else could have been given that

Anyway, rating the series: DS9, Voyager, TOS, Discovery, Picard and last (and very much least) TNG. I started watching Enterprise... what a shit theme song. I'll see how I go but that is so off putting. The first episode might even be as bad as the first ep of Discovery or the brain removal one from TOS. What an awful start

 

[Dwarvenhobble]

All seven season of Star Trek Voyager.

In the first couple of seasons, there was an absolute obsession to get back home. Which is understandable but resulted in '38 truck floating in space... which is not. Season 2 also had the Kes episode that makes Neelix look like a paedophile. TBF, most episode involving them made Neelix look like a creeper. There was far more consistency with character portrayals, not changing on a whim to suit the needs of the story like TNG. Also similar to DS9, they learnt that alien species from previous episodes can be reused to reinforce the story. Too many times in TNG that would have to spend time making a new species look aggressive or bad or strong. It's already done for you if you use the same species, especially when you doing the flip the script thing

The member of the crew actually look like a family, unlike TNG's not putting an emphasis on relationships or DS9 antagonizing relationships. The exploration of humanity is prominent with both The Doctor and Seven and I like how the new sentient being is teaching the new human what it means. Putting lessons into practice is great. There is more character development for Seven in 4 seasons than the entire crew of TNG

I will agree with Moore, having the crews combine over one episode is incredulous and removed much of the potential tension. It should have been a series arc. I know people complain about the Borg but I never found the Borg intimidating until First Contact. So looking at what Voyager did... is exactly what they did with the Klingons. And Ferengi. Shapeshifters. Explored their culture so we can an understanding and appreciation of it. Its quintessential Star Trek. With that said.... some escapes were incredulous which does delete the fear of them. I think the exploration of them around season 3 and 4 were the best and then went down hill. Similarly, the Kazon were seen as bad but I found it more enjoyable than many one of aliens. Better stories come from well defined factions and I think the Hirogen, Phage guys and garbage haulers were better written, they never really got to do the political intrigue with them.

And fuck me but doesn't Tom Paris get the short shift on having to be a pilot and medic. Surely, some one else could have been given that

Anyway, rating the series: DS9, Voyager, TOS, Discovery, Picard and last (and very much least) TNG. I started watching Enterprise... what a shit theme song. I'll see how I go but that is so off putting. The first episode might even be as bad as the first ep of Discovery or the brain removal one from TOS. What an awful start

From what I remember Kes as a whole concept was kind of screwed up because of the whole "They only actually live for 8-9 year" thing.

Also kind of gets more messed up when you remember in the alternative timeline she has a child with Tom Paris. Then said child ends up in a relationship with Harry Kim.

 

[gorfias]

All seven season of Star Trek Voyager.

The one with a blob of goo that thinks it is the voyager and crew was one of the best sci-fi episodes of anything I've seen since maybe OG Star Trek.

The Witcher S02 (Netflix)

I'm sure it's better than Wheel of Time, anyway, which I'll get round to soon enough.

Wheel of Time lost me in its 1st episode. I'll have to give it another try as it is in my wheel house for the type of IP I love.
Really loved Season 1 and 1st epsisode of Season 2Witcher. The world building, the monsters, the visuals. I'm particularly fond of Yennefer's story line. And I think Cavill has some terrific screen presence. Very captivating as the titular character.

There is an animated season on Netflix as well. I hear it is meh but as I love the IP, I'll have to check it out.

 

[Agema]

And I think Cavill has some terrific screen presence. Very captivating as the titular character.

Mm, not sure I agree. He's very handsome and well built, but I don't think he's a top class actor, has any particular charisma or magnetism, or elevates a role. He's fine as Geralt (who, as above, strikes me as quite a boring character), he seems a pleasant human being and I'm happy for him to do well, but I don't think he provides a lot of value added.

 

[Trunkage]

From what I remember Kes as a whole concept was kind of screwed up because of the whole "They only actually live for 8-9 year" thing.

Also kind of gets more messed up when you remember in the alternative timeline she has a child with Tom Paris. Then said child ends up in a relationship with Harry Kim.

The normal maturity rate was having a kid at 5 years. Making Kes in this episode not even a tween.

Also, they could omly have one kid and at a particular age. They really panda-ed that up and how they survived as a species is a mystery

They didn't think through this character very well.

 

[Gordon_4]

The normal maturity rate was having a kid at 5 years. Making Kes in this episode not even a tween.

Also, they could omly have one kid and at a particular age. They really panda-ed that up and how they survived as a species is a mystery

They didn't think through this character very well.

Also the actress for Kes ended up being a complete and utter whack job.

 

[Xprimentyl]

The Shrink Next Door

Will Ferrell plays a quietly troubled, middle-aged man who gives in and employees a psychiatrist (Paul Rudd) at the behest of his younger, doting sister. It soon becomes evident Rudd sees an opportunity to exploit Ferrell as their worlds collide and Ferrell finds himself drawn to Rudd's life-changing "wisdom."

I'm three episodes in, and so far so good. It's based on the true events covered in a 10-episode podcast, yet slightly fictionalized for dramatization. I really would rather listen to the podcast as this feels like it's being drawn out for the sake of episodic content, but you can't help but be engaged as you see Rudd's manipulation take root in Ferrell's mind. Most interesting is seeing Ferrell in a dramatic role. He takes to it like a fish to water, but every time you see his face, you're looking for the gag, and there's rarely one to be found. There are several moments of levity, but none of the over-the-top "Ferrell" comedic mic drops. Will continue to watch, and will report back as I know how much everyone here values my insight.

Finished the mini-series Friday, and it is good. Rudd is probably one of the more contemptible characters I've ever seen in that he so voraciously and remorselessly consumes the resources of Ferrell, someone who trusted him completely for nearly 30 years, and when you're reminded this is based on a true story... ugh. I started the podcast via Spotify, and rest assured, the true story is even worse; the cinematic dramatization took it easy. Worth the watch.

 

[Trunkage]

Also the actress for Kes ended up being a complete and utter whack job.

As far as I remember, the DV stuff happened after she was fired.

Doesn't excuse it, but like a lot of people who get fired, she clearly needed some help and couldn't find it

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Mm, not sure I agree. He's very handsome and well built, but I don't think he's a top class actor, has any particular charisma or magnetism, or elevates a role. He's fine as Geralt (who, as above, strikes me as quite a boring character), he seems a pleasant human being and I'm happy for him to do well, but I don't think he provides a lot of value added.

I rather enjoyed him in Mission Impossible, but I agree with you regarding every other role I've seen him in.

 

[Agema]

I rather enjoyed him in Mission Impossible, but I agree with you regarding every other role I've seen him in.

Funny you should say that: I originally wrote, but deleted from that post before submitting, that I thought the MI role was his best.

I had a particular problem with The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: Napoleon Solo from the original series supposed to be charming, sophisticated and laid-back. I'm aware there's plenty of room to re-write in a reboot, but Cavill's Solo is comes across as very stiff.

 

[Gordon_4]

Funny you should say that: I originally wrote, but deleted from that post before submitting, that I thought the MI role was his best.

I had a particular problem with The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: Napoleon Solo from the original series supposed to be charming, sophisticated and laid-back. I'm aware there's plenty of room to re-write in a reboot, but Cavill's Solo is comes across as very stiff.

I disagree entirely; he came across as affable, charming, confident and witty but not without vulnerability: I mean he is very clearly debating the merits of his choice of pants when Rudy is showing him that photo album. And he had great chemistry with Armie Hammer's Kuryakin. Movie was a blast, I thought.

 

[gorfias]

Mm, not sure I agree. He's very handsome and well built, but I don't think he's a top class actor, has any particular charisma or magnetism, or elevates a role. He's fine as Geralt (who, as above, strikes me as quite a boring character), he seems a pleasant human being and I'm happy for him to do well, but I don't think he provides a lot of value added.

I don't mean terrific screen presence means particularly good acting. I think a movie star can be a good actor, but being a great actor isn't the same thing as having terrific screen presence. When Cavill is on screen, I'm just really enjoying seeing him there. Might be he really is that good looking a man. I sure would rather look like him than me!

 

[Agema]

I don't mean terrific screen presence means particularly good acting. I think a movie star can be a good actor, but being a great actor isn't the same thing as having terrific screen presence. When Cavill is on screen, I'm just really enjoying seeing him there. Might be he really is that good looking a man. I sure would rather look like him than me!

I certainly get what you mean - I'm not sure Harrison Ford or Keanu Reeves are a particularly good actors, and yet are frequently great on screen. Or in a more extreme form Schwartzenegger, who brings a certain something to a role but certainly won't be up for a best actor Oscar any time soon (even though he got better over the years). I just don't get that from Cavill, personally. There's something I find about him that's quite... bland. As if he radiates a basic aura of normal, pleasant, pragmatic, reasonable guy without any particular angles, which is unfortunately not suited to media based on larger-than-life storytelling. Probably handy for Clark Kent, but - as an admission - I've not seen any of the recent DC Universe films.

 

[Agema]

Wheel of Time - a rant

(see thumbnail, the picture won't work)

What. The. Fuck.

Look, let's make something really clear. The first rule of armour is WEAR A HELMET. If you are going to put armour on any one part of your body, it should be that really, really important thing on top of your neck that allows you to think, see, speak and hear. If you look back at the early part of the 20th century where personal armour was of very limited value, you will of course note the one body part soldiers got some protection for was the head, because it's kind of essential. I can just about accept that in TV and film they want you to be able to see the actors' faces, so helmets are often dispensed with. However, the second place you might think to put armour is that big load of flesh in the middle, filled with squishy and important organs that contribute a huge amount to keeping you alive. I can assure you all, you can survive without an arm in ways you can't without a liver or intestines.

But NOOO. The chucklehead costume designers here decided the single most vital part of the human body was the left arm. And even then, where's the elbow guard and a gauntlet for the hand, for heaven's sakes? If that thing on the horses' heads is metal, they've armoured their goddamn mounts more effectively.

* * *

This done, now I'm three episodes in, Wheel of Time the series is every bit the overblown, portentious and leaden mediocrity the source books were. I just want to roll my eyes every time some character launches off with some Serious (TM) exposition about the past in what is supposed to be mythically deep intonations and verbiage, but mostly it just comes across as pompous. Trollocs (I can't believe that name is anything other than a portmanteau of troll and orc) look kind of hokey. Really, the whole thing is just baseline fantasy without any evidence that the people running the show have any great talent: I don't think it's just compromised by the limitations of the source. Overall it is adequate, but to be clear, I'm also watching it to make fun of it.

 

[Dwarvenhobble]

Wheel of Time - a rant

(see thumbnail, the picture won't work)

What. The. Fuck.

Look, let's make something really clear. The first rule of armour is WEAR A HELMET. If you are going to put armour on any one part of your body, it should be that really, really important thing on top of your neck that allows you to think, see, speak and hear. If you look back at the early part of the 20th century where personal armour was of very limited value, you will of course note the one body part soldiers got some protection for was the head, because it's kind of essential. I can just about accept that in TV and film they want you to be able to see the actors' faces, so helmets are often dispensed with. However, the second place you might think to put armour is that big load of flesh in the middle, filled with squishy and important organs that contribute a huge amount to keeping you alive. I can assure you all, you can survive without an arm in ways you can't without a liver or intestines.

But NOOO. The chucklehead costume designers here decided the single most vital part of the human body was the left arm. And even then, where's the elbow guard and a gauntlet for the hand, for heaven's sakes? If that thing on the horses' heads is metal, they've armoured their goddamn mounts more effectively.

* * *

This done, now I'm three episodes in, Wheel of Time the series is every bit the overblown, portentious and leaden mediocrity the source books were. I just want to roll my eyes every time some character launches off with some Serious (TM) exposition about the past in what is supposed to be mythically deep intonations and verbiage, but mostly it just comes across as pompous. Trollocs (I can't believe that name is anything other than a portmanteau of troll and orc) look kind of hokey. Really, the whole thing is just baseline fantasy without any evidence that the people running the show have any great talent: I don't think it's just compromised by the limitations of the source. Overall it is adequate, but to be clear, I'm also watching it to make fun of it.

Ok to offer a counter idea for the armour it's more of a duellist armour idea where you face your opponent side on with the armoured part in the way then you use said armour and sort to intercept the blows before they get close to the body and or head.

 

[Gordon_4]

Ok to offer a counter idea for the armour it's more of a duellist armour idea where you face your opponent side on with the armoured part in the way then you use said armour and sort to intercept the blows before they get close to the body and or head.

Looking at the picture, yeah, that strikes me more as a ceremonial dueling outfit than a battlefield one. But if they're marching into full blown combat with that shit, then, yeah enjoy dying by the thousands.

 

[Agema]

Looking at the picture, yeah, that strikes me more as a ceremonial dueling outfit than a battlefield one. But if they're marching into full blown combat with that shit, then, yeah enjoy dying by the thousands.

It doesn't even make sense as a duelling outfit.

1) The armour is on the wrong side. The arm that's going to be sticking out thus likely to be hit is the one holding the sword, for obvious reasons.
2) You do not want to go round parrying with your forearm: this is a cod medieval fantasy, weapons can be pretty hefty, and you're asking for heavy bruising or a broken arm. You want that arm functional, because swordfights frequently involved punching and grappling. And besides, if you want to block with your arm you'd also really want that elbow guard and hand protection, as losing a hand or forearm wouldn't be much fun, and very distracting mid-fight. If you want defence on your offhand, use a bucker or sacrifice some defence for offence with a dagger.

There are conceptual similiarities between it and the Roman murmillo style gladiator. However, the murmillo had the armour on his sword arm (carrying a shield in the other). For the reasons above.

 

[thebobmaster]

Just finished Hawkeye Season 1 twice, once with a friend and once with my mom. Honestly, I think this may be my favorite of the MCU Disney+ shows so far. The chemistry between Hailee Steinfeld and Jeremy Renner really helped, and the build-up to the return of Vincent D'Onofrio as The Kingpin was quite well done. In addition, I enjoyed Alaqua Cox as Echo (looking forward to seeing her in her spin-off, for sure), and on a rewatch, Tony Dalton as Jacques Duquesne was probably my favorite of the new characters for this show, simply because he was a lot of fun every time he was on screen.

It wasn't perfect, however. I did have issues with the watch being kind of a throwaway thing that didn't really matter in the long run after all the hinting about it meaning something, and it stretched my suspension of disbelief a fair bit about how hard it was for Hawkeye to convince Yelena that he was actually a really good friend of Natasha's, and did everything he could to save her. I could understand some resistance from Yelena, but it was like nothing he said mattered until he...used her whistle? It gave me real "Save Martha" energy.

I also give the show a lot of credit for not portraying the LARPers as total jokes, like so many shows would. The first scene with them was about what I expected, but then they kept popping up and developing into characters to remind you that these aren't just "joke nerds", but people who just have a different hobby than most, no different than a chef that happens to knit scarves to sell on Etsy as a side business.

Overall, I'd give it a solid 8/10, maybe even 9.