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

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

Death of Hope. It was amazing. Fucking brilliant 30k fan film, with some of the best Warhammer animation I've ever seen. Its a little obtuse what's going on - you have to be well in the weeds to recognize the plot. But we're not here for plot, we're hear for the incredible Warhammer in motion.

 

[Hawki]

Jack Ryan (Season 2)

IIRC, in the trailer, doesn't Jack say that Venezuela is more of a threat to the US than North Korea, Russia, or China? Is that in it? Because if so, then, well...

Yup, first episode.

Does he explain why? I can't help but be morbidly curious.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Jack Ryan (Season 2)

IIRC, in the trailer, doesn't Jack say that Venezuela is more of a threat to the US than North Korea, Russia, or China? Is that in it? Because if so, then, well...

Yup, first episode.

Does he explain why? I can't help but be morbidly curious.

Basically that it's one of the richest countries in the world (largest oil deposit, more gold mines than all of Africa's combined) yet ersatz Maduro has crippled its economy in half in record time while raising the poverty rate by 400%, putting the country dangerously close to failed state [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_state] status. The difference from other failed states like Yemen, Syria and Iraq being that Venezuela is especially close to the US, like 30-minute nuclear missile range close. Oh and that big corporations would downplay the crisis and detract from potential dangers because failed states are tremendous opportunities.

The rationale is simplistic yet fair but it all immediately becomes Tom Clancy shlock so you never take it very seriously anyway.

 

[Hawki]

Basically that it's one of the richest countries in the world (largest oil deposit, more gold mines than all of Africa's combined)

Whoah, seriously?

"In the Orinoco Arc and other areas Venezuela has the 2nd highest gold reserves in the world."

Huh, maybe? 0_0

yet ersatz Maduro has crippled its economy in half in record time while raising the poverty rate by 400%, putting the country dangerously close to failed state [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_state] status. The difference from other failed states like Yemen, Syria and Iraq being that Venezuela is especially close to the US, like 30-minute nuclear missile range close.

Yeah, but don't you need nukes to be a threat like that? Or are you just referring to proximity?

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Basically that it's one of the richest countries in the world (largest oil deposit, more gold mines than all of Africa's combined)

Whoah, seriously?

At least according to the show. Didn't do any fact-checking but I have no problem buying that ballpark.

yet ersatz Maduro has crippled its economy in half in record time while raising the poverty rate by 400%, putting the country dangerously close to failed state [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_state] status. The difference from other failed states like Yemen, Syria and Iraq being that Venezuela is especially close to the US, like 30-minute nuclear missile range close.

Yeah, but don't you need nukes to be a threat like that? Or are you just referring to proximity?

The character's referring to geographical proximity alone, and how that could easily lend itself to another Cuban Missile Crisis scenario by way of Russia or China. And it kinda does in the show when a Chinese satellite goes missing.

 

[Trunkage]

Alter Carbon Season 2

Nothing like the first season. Doesn't delve into the world much further or put you into ethical consideration you haven't thought of. It hasn't got the mystery that sat behind the first season and you were able to tell where it was going after a few episodes. Also isn't dragged down by silly sibling shenanigans. It was dragged down by the girlfriend, because I care less about her than last season. Yakuza boss was pretty cool and so was partner that takes over from Ortega.

Not as good as the first. Still 7/10

Van Helsing Whatever Season Its Up To

Here's the positive about Van Helsing. You aren't going to be able to tell where everything is going. It burns through plot threads and kills off characters without any aplomb.

Spoiler

And removing the main character is an... interesting move

If you looking for a show to waste your time away, here it is. 6/10

Doctor Who Season 12/54

I didn't really like last season. It was pretty average. This season started the same but gradually grew on me. I like the idea of multiple companions, as Tom Baker is my doctor and he had many at one time, and two for many seasons. I don't think they pulled it off, but then Tom Baker's companions weren't really developed... so that tradition continues. The Timeless Child is about as good as Moffat pulls of with his season long shenanigans. Meaning okay, it's sort of good but has problems.

It's an okay ride. 7/10

 

[stroopwafel]

The Outsider.

Liked it, one of the better King adaptations. However the show never manages to catch up to the first two incredible episodes. Stephen King stories are never that exciting beyond the initial surprise or once the veil of suspense is lifted and this is no exception. The show also does that thing where the characters are catching up to what the viewer already knows and this drags on for like most of the episodes. Still, it's such an incredibly slow burn that characters really get to delve into their backgrounds which really makes it interesting enough to keep watching how they try to solve the mystery. The characters and their burgeoning relationships in the face of a supernatural threat is definitely the highlight. I guess it's somewhat of an adult 'IT'.

 

[Chimpzy_v1legacy]

I'm only like halfway through the season(the new season happened to drop on a weekend I haven't been able to watch the show much, because I can't watch it when my 2 year old is awake) but I'm digging it. It's strangely philosophical in it's musing why the villians do what they do, particularly Hector and Issac, and I would have never thought that from this show before it aired. It's something I might have expected from Metal Gear(in between the Men covered in Bees, the Clone arm possesed Russian Cowboys, and She who breathes through her skin because fanservice) but not from Castlevania.

Maybe, maybe not. The show is being written by Warren Ellis, who's been known to like waxing a little philosophical in some of his comic writing.

I know it's a small thing but can anyone place The Captains Accent in episode 2? I keep defaulting to it sounding like a Caribbean accent and I know I have be wrong there because that's not possible in this era, so I guess it's a North African Accent of sound kind?

Since season 1-2 is a rough adaptation of Castlevania 3, and that takes place in 1476, it's not Caribbean. Too early. Doesn't really sound right for North African (unless maybe he's Nubian aka from Upper Egypt). Could also be Eastern African due to extensive trade between that region and the Arab world, possible as part of the Arab Slave Trade.

Also, totally dug Alucards little mocking impressions of his companions at the beginning. Both sad and hilarious.

Dude's sanity started slipping fast tho. A comment late in the show makes it clear it's only been a few months since Dracula's defeat. Guess it's just really, really boring over there, leaving plenty of time for the mind to wander. Also, Alucard might not be the most well-adjusted to begin with.

Basically that it's one of the richest countries in the world (largest oil deposit, more gold mines than all of Africa's combined)

Whoah, seriously?

At least according to the show. Didn't do any fact-checking but I have no problem buying that ballpark.

It's mostly true. Venezuela does actually have the largest proven oil deposits. And is estimated to be second place for gold deposits, though it's not even in the top 10 for actual production. Most gold mines is China.

 

[Saint of M]

Dirty Money on Netflix. Each episode covers a different crooked company that has done some less then savory things, goes over the history of their shenanigans. 2 seasons, episodes last as long as needs be so some are an hour and fifteen minutes, some are fifty minutes.

Topics covered in order on the first season:Volkswagen trying to hide how dirty their "Clean Diesel" cars actually were; Valiant, the company that made the Epipen a 1000 bucks a pop, and how they gobbled up other pharmaceuticals and jacked up the prices to ridiculousness; HSBC and how they laundered money for both drug cartels and terrorist groups; and Trump.

If you need to come up with a fictional character devoid of conscience, these are the people to base them off of.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

The Boys (Season 1)

I'm sick of superhero stuff. Despite of this - or maybe because of it - I really enjoyed The Boys. It's less about superheroes themselves and more about the corporate puppetry behind them, as well as their impact on society. There's a company called Vought that basically cashes in on their own private Justice League, called The Seven, by leasing them to high crime rate cities and pulling coldly calculated stunts for their own reality TV network. The 'supes' themselves are all horrible people, high on their own unchecked powers: they sexually abuse people and would rather ignore rape or condemn children to their deaths than be involved in a news story they have no control over.

It's very dark, very violent and very cynical.

The catalyst for the story is essentially the superhero equivalent of a celeb walking away from a DUI that resulted in manslaughter. That's the series version of the Flash, who disintegrates some poor girl into bloody gibs when he casually runs through her. Now her wimpy BF, Hughie, is angry at supes and gets roped in with the title Boys (led by an impeccable Karl Urban) in their attempts to bring them down. On a parallel track there's Starlight, a flyover state sweetheart that arrives at the big city ready to start a bright career with The Seven and is immediately Weinstein'd by the series' take on Aquaman. Hughie and Starlight have their own accidental meet-cute, and you see how it goes.

Oh and I love the Superman/Captain America of this show, 'Homelander'. He's got that cold, empty Patrick Bateman grin and is terrifying because he's so OP and simulatenously so devoid of morality or emotion. Even his co-workers and his superiors are absolutely terrified of him. So they make for formidable opponents, which makes for a fun show seeing how The Boys work around in a realistic way how to take them down one by one. Can't think of any criticisms, other than the FX can be a bit flaky (not that they're ever the center of the attention) and some of the side character drama feels a bit weak or uninteresting.

 

[Hawki]

Black Sails: Season 2 (3/5)

Honestly, I barely care about this show at this point. I know, I know, it's not a "proper watch," as I've been watching it while working, but even then, a good show would leave some sort of impression on me. But here, I just don't care. I don't care about the constant sex. I don't care about the politics. I barely care about the characters. And if you're asking about Treasure Island connections, whooptity doo, this is the season where Silver loses his leg. Yay...

Well, on to season 3.

 

[Marik2]

I love this cartoon. I always wanted to see Harley Quinn break up with Joker and do her own thing. She was always full of potential and it was like this cartoon was made specifically for me. I can't wait for the next season.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Good Omens (Season 1)

This might be my own problem but there's something repellent about sci-fi/fantasy comedy British TV. Production always looks cheap and deadbeat, the characters are all goofy one-note caricatures and the plot is always like a fever dream if Terry Gilliam wasn't around to hold it together: stream-of-consciousness silliness. Red Dwarf, Hitchhiker's Guide, Doctor Who... and now Good Omens, which to its credit cashes out after 6 episodes.

Most of the comedy boils down to seeing what the actors (a very professional, respectable cast) can get away with a straight face. I believe there's always value in seeing an actor enjoying their work and it sure shows here, I just don't think it makes for hilarity. Maybe inside every Brit there's a basic need to laugh at something dumb-and-earnest, I don't know how else to explain the popularity of these shows. Especially the unending ones.

I liked Michael Sheen and David Tennant as angel and demon buddies, respectively, but I'd rather watch them sharing a flat like the other billion British sitcoms than stop the apocalypse, which really isn't all that exciting. The plot has them looking for the Antichrist after having erroneously raised another kid for 11 years, so they'll be able to put off Armageddon. But they seem to be stuck in the same situation forever, and there's a half dozen subplots involving the forces of Heaven and Hell, the Four Horsemen, a hobo "witchfinder", an actual witch, her love interest and a pack of Stranger Things kids that are all vying for screentime but really all of their scenes are variations on the one situation they're stuck in for 6 episodes.

 

[SupahEwok]

Good Omens (Season 1)

This might be my own problem but there's something repellent about sci-fi/fantasy comedy British TV. Production always looks cheap and deadbeat, the characters are all goofy one-note caricatures and the plot is always like a fever dream if Terry Gilliam wasn't around to hold it together: stream-of-consciousness silliness. Red Dwarf, Hitchhiker's Guide, Doctor Who... and now Good Omens, which to its credit cashes out after 6 episodes.

Most of the comedy boils down to seeing what the actors (a very professional, respectable cast) can get away with a straight face. I believe there's always value in seeing an actor enjoying their work and it sure shows here, I just don't think it makes for hilarity. Maybe inside every Brit there's a basic need to laugh at something dumb-and-earnest, I don't know how else to explain the popularity of these shows. Especially the unending ones.

I liked Michael Sheen and David Tennant as angel and demon buddies, respectively, but I'd rather watch them sharing a flat like the other billion British sitcoms than stop the apocalypse, which really isn't all that exciting. The plot has them looking for the Antichrist after having erroneously raised another kid for 11 years, so they'll be able to put off Armageddon. But they seem to be stuck in the same situation forever, and there's a half dozen subplots involving the forces of Heaven and Hell, the Four Horsemen, a hobo "witchfinder", an actual witch, her love interest and a pack of Stranger Things kids that are all vying for screentime but really all of their scenes are variations on the one situation they're stuck in for 6 episodes.

It's a weakness of the source material. The book was strongest in the scenes with Crawley and Aziraphale, but their part in the plot peters out at about the 1/3rd mark. Likewise, by far the strongest acting and most fun to watch parts of the series are Michael Sheen and David Tennant, and the series actually pads out their screentime with some added scenes (in particular the whole flashback sequence showing their relationship through history). All the angels are also added by the series, and so is a bunch of the intrigue between Heaven and Hell, which is all stuff I rather liked.

The stuff with the humans and antiChrist was all weak tea in the book, though, and it remains weak in the show, particularly when you throw in a bunch of child actors. A big theme the book was going for was how for all the power that the angels and demons possess, its down-to-earth, unremarkable, human values which avert apocalypse. Which is nice, but it has the inherent problem that the supernatural shenanigans are fun and the humans aren't. And the show wasn't able to overcome that baggage the source material saddled it with.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Fleabag (Season 1)

I really liked this one. It's about a fuckup (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) who's stuck running an unappetizing caf? in London (her partner & BFF killed herself, kinda, and her absence haunts Fleabag) while engaging in a vicious cycle of provocation and validation that has estranged her from her family, particularly her sister and her dad (each has essentially replaced her with a truly hateful intruder). The whole meaning of the show creeps up on you slowly and effectively while you're distracted with the comedy. Phoebe has a shtick where she looks at the camera and makes a snide little comment that will prove her right within seconds, The Office style, and it should be the most rote thing ever but it works like a charm here because of the snappy Edgar Wright-style timing and top notch acting/writing. Can't wait to binge season 2.

 

[Hawki]

Black Sails: Season 3 (3/5)

Not too much to say - it's more of the same, but thankfully less of what I didn't like (the excessive amount of sex) and more of what I do like (pirates doing piratey things). Also politics as the British, Spanish, and pirates all eye Nassau. Plus, more tie-ins with Treasure Island, with our first black spot, the introduction of Ben Gunn, and John Silver becoming known as "Long John." Also becoming infamous, so why everyone apparently forgot about him by the book, I dunno.

Anyway, it's fine. It's average. There's some enjoyment to be had. I'll move onto season 4, but I don't see my opinion changing. Each season so far has been better than the preceeding one, but none of them have been "good" so far.

 

[Trunkage]

Picard (7/10)

Let's start with the really bad. They certainly Star Treked that ending. Magical techno-wizard thing... I sure the writers thought this was funny shit point out how most episodes are solved through stupid Mcguffins but this story hasn't. And was better for it. Space Flowers was pretty silly, even if that is typical of stupid Star Trek. And the worst - Picard's okay. Time to hit that reset button for next week episode. Because have consequences to situations cant be a thing in Star Trek. Also, lady murder doc... are we cool with her now? Also, she just did a whole lot of awful stuff based on one conservation. She is so wishy washy. And I think she's the worst actor.

What's good? Everything is more fleshed out. Other than the ending, there is actual character development that isn't allotted to start/end of season episode. What was happening with the Cube was interesting to think about even if the story there ending up being not much. I like the casino episode, especially the ending. After the first four eps, which should have been two episodes at most, the pedal hit the metal. Peyton List was great, as was Hue. Even if don't endings were not satisfy. (You know what, I don't think any endings here was satisfying). Narek ended up 'redeeming' himself, even if he didn't join the team. He clearly has his own agenda and wasn't really part of the team. His manipulations were good and given time to breath but much wasn't good television. The Last Goodbye was good and a final send off. Rios, great character. More please. Raffi... why were you there. You didn't add much. Elnor, I hope you get more later. This show looks really nice, that being said, the last space battle was underwhelming. Picard made his speech to save the day, appealing to better natures - so TNG

Now, I am not a fan of TNG. I prefer DS9. I find it has problems, especially the episodic nature and how that destroys any meaning each event has. To me Picard might be higher, but TNG is low down on my ratings. I think it over corrects, making things drag, especially at the start. Drama off screen that plays out on screen doesn't really gel with me. Let me see the mistake, because that has greater impact. I think it over corrects again at the end, turning the whole season into an episode of TNG... wiping away any importance the story has. Have I made it clear that the ending really disappointed me?

Lastly, the swearing. I could handle most changes to Star Trek. It being a dystopia rather than a Utopia had been played out in other series. Some of the movies were really violent. But swearing. That was jarring.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

So far I've watched the following seasons since the quarantine...

Hunters (S1) - 7/10

Pretty solid season. I'd say the one odd thing about the show is the tone switches wildly from super serious Holocaust moments to pulpy "fun" Nazi hunting.

The Umbrella Academy (S1) - 8/10

The show's pacing is really well done. The world building is done John Wick style to where something odd happens and you want to know what's going on with that and it'll get revealed/explained maybe 2 episodes from now. You're always actively paying attention to everything to figure out stuff or looking for reveals with world building and characters themselves. The way everything is presented definitely ups the show at least a point/10 so if the show was presented "standardly", it would be like a 7/10. Also, great use of music.

I love this cartoon. I always wanted to see Harley Quinn break up with Joker and do her own thing. She was always full of potential and it was like this cartoon was made specifically for me. I can't wait for the next season.

It's a really great show, loved the 1st season.

Picard (7/10)

Let's start with the really bad. They certainly Star Treked that ending. Magical techno-wizard thing... I sure the writers thought this was funny shit point out how most episodes are solved through stupid Mcguffins but this story hasn't. And was better for it. Space Flowers was pretty silly, even if that is typical of stupid Star Trek. And the worst - Picard's okay. Time to hit that reset button for next week episode. Because have consequences to situations cant be a thing in Star Trek. Also, lady murder doc... are we cool with her now? Also, she just did a whole lot of awful stuff based on one conservation. She is so wishy washy. And I think she's the worst actor.

What's good? Everything is more fleshed out. Other than the ending, there is actual character development that isn't allotted to start/end of season episode. What was happening with the Cube was interesting to think about even if the story there ending up being not much. I like the casino episode, especially the ending. After the first four eps, which should have been two episodes at most, the pedal hit the metal. Peyton List was great, as was Hue. Even if don't endings were not satisfy. (You know what, I don't think any endings here was satisfying). Narek ended up 'redeeming' himself, even if he didn't join the team. He clearly has his own agenda and wasn't really part of the team. His manipulations were good and given time to breath but much wasn't good television. The Last Goodbye was good and a final send off. Rios, great character. More please. Raffi... why were you there. You didn't add much. Elnor, I hope you get more later. This show looks really nice, that being said, the last space battle was underwhelming. Picard made his speech to save the day, appealing to better natures - so TNG

Now, I am not a fan of TNG. I prefer DS9. I find it has problems, especially the episodic nature and how that destroys any meaning each event has. To me Picard might be higher, but TNG is low down on my ratings. I think it over corrects, making things drag, especially at the start. Drama off screen that plays out on screen doesn't really gel with me. Let me see the mistake, because that has greater impact. I think it over corrects again at the end, turning the whole season into an episode of TNG... wiping away any importance the story has. Have I made it clear that the ending really disappointed me?

Lastly, the swearing. I could handle most changes to Star Trek. It being a dystopia rather than a Utopia had been played out in other series. Some of the movies were really violent. But swearing. That was jarring.

How you make through all that without mentioning...

Spoiler

*cough*Mass Effect*cough*

The season was just Star Trek: Mass Effect

 

[gorfias]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acTdxsoa428
Tiger King.

Crazy scary. People walking around big cats as if they are house pets. These things can and do decide to eat people on occasion. Defies a number as you cannot take your eyes off it but it is horrible! 5/10.
A review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWPsgrW7Kdk

 

[Thaluikhain]

Ep1 of Batwoman.

It was decent, and Alice is almost (but not quite) cool. But Batwoman annoys me. She's too cool for rules, including rules that stop her getting hurt, and rules about her not hurting innocent people. You're problems are not Fox's fault, if he can't tell you where Bruce Wayne is, don't just hurt him more. Boo!