I was looking forward to the new TV show Revolution. It’s set in the near future, or possibly current times, and nothing works anymore. The power grid has shit the bed, and car motors are useless. Suddenly, and for no known reason, the planet is thrown back to the mid-1800s.
They did a good job of hyping the thing, and J.J. Abrams is involved, so I thought it might be fun. Unfortunately, it’s a turd. I’ve watched three episodes and don’t care about the characters, am bored off my ass, and have already had it up to here with sword fighting. So, that’s that. I gave them the opportunity to hook me – I WANTED to be hooked – and they botched it. I’ll never waste another second of my life on that block o’ shit.
We also watched the first episode of 666 Park Avenue, and it’s questionable, as well. I’m willing to give it one more week, but the window is closing. Emotionally, I think I’ve already given up on it.
I’m watching nothing; I have no current TV show to follow. Yeah, I know… Breaking Bad. No need to type it in the comments, I’m aware. In fact, I watched the first three or four episodes on Netflix, and drifted away from it. I liked it, but didn’t feel a burning urge to keep returning. Same thing with Dexter. Oh well.
A few nights ago I saw the first episode of Sherlock, which was good. I have a feeling I’ll stick with that one, but there are only six episodes. What’s the story with the Brits? That show has been on for two seasons over there, and it translates to six episodes? Man, I hope they don’t burn themselves out with such a demanding work schedule.
Anyway, what’s worth watching? I need at least one show to follow. And please don’t say Breaking Bad, Mad Men, or Dexter. I’m sick of hearing about them. I know they’re all great, but I’ve developed a bad attitude. Also: Boardwalk Empire – quite possibly the dullest thing ever foisted on the human race. No need to mention that one, either.
Last night I was listening to George Noory while driving home from work, and some guy was on there saying he has frequent conversations with Ernest Hemingway. The show was already underway when I joined it, so I don’t know the method he uses to talk with the long-dead writer. And, now that I think about it… it doesn’t really matter.
Often, the guests on that program are somewhat convincing. Maybe because their claims are a little less crackpot? But this guy was a classic. He said he was talking with Hemingway one evening – you know, from beyond the grave – and Abraham Lincoln butted in. He didn’t act like this was an especially amazing occurrence, he just mentioned it in passing. Oh yeah, and Abe Lincoln horned in with his opinion on the subject… Just as a side-note
I was howling with laughter. It felt like a Phil Hendrie interview, but the guy was serious. He kept saying, “Ernest and I have never talked about that, George, but I’ll certainly bring it up the next time we speak.” Good stuff.
Which dead people would you like to chat with? Who would be at the top of your list? Needless to say, I’m going with Vic Tayback.
And finally, I was reminded today of something bizarre that happened years ago. I’d flown into Charleston, WV, and was loading my suitcase into the trunk of my parents’ car, when a stranger walked up to me.
“Excuse me,” he said, “but are you a member of The Bottle Rockets?”
What in the everlasting hell??
“You mean, the band?” I asked him, while blinking in confusion.
“Yeah,” he said.
“Uh, no. I’m not,” I told him, and he walked away.
Isn’t that weird? The Bottle Rockets are fairly obscure, we were in Charleston, WV, of all places, and he somehow, in some way, connected me to them. It’s mind-boggling, even years later. I simply don’t understand.
Have you ever been mistaken for somebody that just doesn’t make any sense to you? If so, please tell us about it. Use the comments link below.
And I’m calling it a day, my friends. I took Sunday off from work, so I’ve got a long weekend ahead of me. I’m going to work on the new book, and also try to bring some order to my jumbled life.
But I’ll be back soon, real soon.
Have a great day!
Now playing in the bunker
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My beloved Reds lost! I can’t even work up a first…
That team couldn’t get a clutch hit all year and it bit them in the ass during the playoffs. I’ll bet they left more runners on base than any other team in the majors this year.
For the 3 games in Cincinnati, they were 3 for 24 with runners in scoring position. 28 LOB total.Can’t win many games with that kind of production.
Actually Bill, they were ranked 24th, STL, SFG and the NYY were three play-off teams ranked worse. But your point is definitely valid, it did bite them in the ass. I was at Game 3, so many opportunities wasted.
Are those airport codes?
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Sherlock is a good show. But you need to pace yourself. I watched all six episodes in a day and was left empty. They are paced like movies and are each 1.5 or 2 hours. SO spread them out like they are movies.
You can bridge the Sherlock gaps with the old Jeremy Brett/Grenada episodes.
I have a few question that only Jim Varney can answer, so he would be on the otp of my list.
Weird that you mention Jim Varney… I found myself thinking/saying “KnowwhatImean Verne?” last night.
British TV shows tend to be written by one or two people, not a committee like Friends etc was.
Another British show, Doc Martin, is quite good. It’s on season 4 or so now, so there’s 20+ episodes on Amazon/Netflix/whatever.
I’m impressed you got through three episodes of Revolution. We made it about twenty minutes into the first one and moved on.
[Here is where my recommendation for Breaking Bad would have gone.]
I like Revolution – but I will be surprised if it lasts.
The British do things a bit differently.
The American version of Sherlock is a piece of shit – compared to the British version.
Doc Martin is a great show.
American shows try too hard to appeal to the stupid masses. They dumb down too much and speed the pace up too much.
Shameless is a good recent example. I watched the first couple episodes of Americanized Shameless, while it holds true to the original, I think the first two episodes condensed the entire first season of the original. Lots of little details lost, along with all the character building of most of the characters besides the primary ones.
I often get mistaken for an asshole.
As for shows….Squidbillies on Adult Swim is sooooo awesome!
@Qweezy…mistaken ?
I think Qweezy is more along the lines of a dandy or a
real fancy boy.
This, from two guys who secretly refer to themselves as The Tickle Monster.
Jeff,
Have you watched Honey Boo Boo? I am fascinated and horrified by it at once. Try a few episodes, sit back and just take it in! Seriously good stuff!
I felt the same way as you with Dexter AND Mad Men… I just don’t see what everyone else sees! I do thoroughly enjoy Breaking Bad, though, so we differ there. Another one that started off AMAZING was Damages… but I began drifting away (forever) at the beginning of the second season. But it may still be worth it for you to watch the first(?).
If you find something wonderful, please let us know! I trust your opinion!
I apologize for all of the exclamation marks above. I think I’ve been texting poor text “tone” interpreters, so I overuse exclamation points and smiley faces to make sure there is no hostility is read into my texts. My God, what has technology forced me into?
I concur with the recommendation of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. I would like to think that it is faked and scripted, but I have been around too many people here in the South that act just like them. Any show where the female anatomy is seriously referred to as “biscuit” is just going to be funny in a horrifying way.
We also watch a lot of Duck Dynasty, but that is more my husband’s thing.
m – Agreed. I have encountered many just like them. They are such dead-on caricatures of “Southern white trash” that it would seem that they were created by writers. Therein lies the beauty… they are genuine. And somehow, likable? Did I just write that?
Sons of Anarchy
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Shameless
I hate “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
All I can think about is covering DeVito with Ajax scouring powder and spraying him with a fire hose.
You hate the Lorax? That ain’t right!
If it’s comedy you’re looking for, I highly recommend BOB’s BURGERS or PARKS AND RECREATION. (But don’t watch Season One. It’s awful.)
I can get on board with Bob’s Burgers.
I like that show. It’s funny as hell.
I highly recommend:
(Comedy)
Raising Hope
Hot in Cleveland
Arrested Development (now back in production!!!!)
(Drama)
The Tutors
Downton Abbey
ALL are available on Netflix. Enjoy!
Yeah, it’s about time Henry 8 was schooled.
jtb
I saw what you did there.
There’s a Showtime series called “Dead Like Me” that was pretty good. It starts off with a young woman getting blasted to smithereens by a flaming toilet seat from space, and then her life as a grim reaper starts. Alas it only ran two seasons before getting pulled and it left some strings dangling. Language warning.
HBO’s “Rome” was amazing. The sets and costuming were fantastically detailed. Great story lines too. It was too expensive though and cancelled after two seasons. Nudity and language warning.
I’m watching “Better Off Ted” now. It was a quirky broadcast TV sit-com about the people who work at a very large research and development company with questionable corporate ethics. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s your cup of tea. It also lasted only two seasons. I guess I like shows other people don’t like. :-/
“Dead Like Me” was a great show. And of course, “Six Feet Under” was pretty amazing too. Current stuff would be on Showtime: Nurse Jackie, Shameless, The Big C, Weeds (which just ended an 8 season run).
totally old news, but we’re being roped into watching every Dr Who ever by Thing 1. No Dalek sightings as of yet though.
We got rid of cable a while back and mostly hate everything else on the toob, so no recommendations. Oh, for a new Star Trek series!
I can’t help you with TV suggestions, Jeff… I’m wearing my sans-a-clue pants. These days I have no idea of the relative merits of TV shows.
As for the dearth of Sherlock episodes, I was thinking maybe British TV shows air quarterly, instead of weekly the way they do here.
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Damn Reds.
Any bar I’m in with a jukebox connected to the ether will inevitably have me playing the Bottle Rockets, Uncle Tupelo, and Son Volt.
My ex is married to a guy who played guitar in the bottle rockets for about 2 weeks before they were tired of his shit.
Shows?
Sunny in Philly as mentioned before.
I really like Psych but I can see that one irritating you, but it’s fun.
Burn Notice
And of course, The Walking Dead.
The Walking Dead is awesome although I want less talking and more Zombie killing.
Definitely watch Sons of Anarchy. I also think that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is right up your alley….
Sherlock is great… but remember that each episode is basically a movie (so 6 Sherlock Holmes movies). Elementary (American Sherlock Holmes) is ok… but nothing spectacular. I too really like the IDEA of Revolution… the execution is painstakingly slow.
I like the shows on USA but its definitely a preference thing: Psych, Suits, White Collar
One show that is good and original? American Horror Story. It is creepy and well done and unlike any other show on TV (and the new season starts soon).
Jon – I’ve seen the ads for American Horror Story, they look fantastic! But I am so sick of being disappointed that I am afraid to watch. Is it really worth my time?
Mr. Q and I really had fun watching the first season and have every intention of watching the season premiere on Wednesday. I’d recommend it.
I really can’t stand to listen to George Noory because his guests and callers are all either:
a) smooth-talking liars with something to sell
b) pitiably gullible
c) delusional to the point of being institutionalized
I’ve been watching “Louie” on Netflix and really enjoying it.
“Peep Show” is a very funny and unusual British sitcom.
There are several seasons available.
I too tried to watch “Dexter” and “Mad Men” and they just didn’t take. I do love that show with Walter White though. Jessie and his idiot friends were a real turn-off at first, but sticking with it paid off for me.
The sketch comedy show with the 2 twits from Peep Show, called That Mitchell and Webb Look, is sporadically very funny.
Nothing
R. Crum
Tim Robbins
I tried watching Breaking Bad, Dexter and Mad Men and couldn’t get into any of them. Well, I did get into Mad Men for a bit; I think two seasons or so then they lost me. Dexter and Breaking Bad both bored me which is odd because I love good crime stuff.
I don’t know if you will like it, but I really enjoyed ‘Downton Abbey’. It’s British, so only about 13 episode per series, but that is the norm because unlike the Hollywood machine, a lot of UK drama has one writer working on the show vs. a new one every episode here. So, story lines are more consistent, characters are more fleshed out and drama is deeper.
I saw someone mention Parks & Rec. I too would recommend that show. I find the whole thing hilarious. It’s all on Netflix.
I haven’t seen the Honey Boo Boo mess, but think I’m ready for it. I’ve read the synopsis, have seen the horrifying “woman” they call her mother and know some teenager just gave birth to a baby with two thumbs. Sounds pure country and trash, which with the mood I’ve had lately, is right up my alley. Good luck finding something!
(Please don’t beat me up, guys, but Jeff, I would highly recommend you start watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. I know, I know….stop laughing. I too made fun of it and rolled my eyes when I would hear it mentioned, then one day I saw it on Netflix, watched an episode or two and had all eight seasons watched in about a month. I love it and find it amazing. Great acting, writing and terrific storylines. Now, go ahead, everyone. Make fun of me as you wish….I like Grey’s Anatomy!)
Three thumbs, my friend! That baby has THREE thumbs!
And don’t forget Mama’s forklift foot.
I like that show Bewitched a little bit
My husband and I watched the original British “Being Human” series over the summer and loved it. Sometimes the accents are a little tough to decipher (particularly in season 3), but it’s the kind of show that’s so well written and well acted that it hooks you in and you can forgive all kinds of things, including quite a bit of major character turnover.
I thought “Breaking Bad” was great for the first and second seasons. Third was hit or miss, and now it’s intolerable. Had they ended it after the third season, it may have gone down as a classic, now it’s just a horse being beat to death.
I still watch “Family Guy,” but “Bob’s Burgers” has yet to reel me in. “American Dad” kinda has possibilities.
Other than that, my world is colored black and white as in “Turner Classic Movies.” There are some great gems hidden there. A few months ago I watched a movie called “Zero Hour.” It was a serious movie which later served as a template for the comedy “Airplane.” …right down to the control tower scene with the line, “I knew I picked the wrong week to give up smoking!” Great stuff!
@Jeff, your sleeping problems may be related to your high blood pressure medication. Tell your doctor about it, and perhaps we can tweak the dosage. I’m taking 27 pills a day for Hepatitis C, and finally after 2 years my Internalist has everything right and I feel as good now as did before my diagnosis.
BTW…if I’m going to speak to anyone from beyond the grave, I’m going with Ernest Borgnine.
Justified
YES!! We love Justified. Cannot wait for the next season.
Jeff, try hunting for “Mrs Browns Daughters” not sure if you’ve got it over there – try you tube – very funny
Think you mean “Mrs Brown’s Boys” +1 for that very good show made by BBC Ireland.
I’d love to have a few conversations with George Carlin.
I don’t have any particular TV show I must sit down and watch. “Boardwalk Empire” was fantastic the first 2 seasons but I can’t get into it anymore. If I’m flipping through the TV, I’ll stop at shit like “Hoarders” or “Man v Food” but with the Yankees playing and playing and playing I never get a chance to have the TV to myself.
Yeah, Nucky shooting Jimmy turned him too evil and unlikeable. Season 3 gets a thumbs down.
Spartacus on Starz!! I started watching Louie on Netflix, its pretty funny.
Kitchen Nightmares
I’d like to share an overage of boilermakers with John Henry Bonham. That would be a hoot!
Not to sound like I’m on my high-horse, but I just can’t get into any new TV shows. We have a station here in K’lumbus that only plays old shows from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and that’s about all we watch. I do like me some “American Pickers”, “Mythbusters” and stuff like that, though.
Speaking of George Noory, I bought a DVD set of “Ancient Aliens” for $5 and MAN, that’s about the funniest stuff to come down the pike in a long time! Worth every dime!!
Dead people I’d like to talk to? Since Jeff already picked Vic Tayback, I’ll have to go with my second choice–Ronald Reagan!
“Person of Interest” – Last season’s finale was just freaking awesome.
I second your recommendation of “Person Of Interest “. Jim Caviezel is a great bad-ass — the first we’ve seen on the networks since Jack Bauer
I’m surprised nobody’s mentioned “Homeland” on Showtime. It’s a smart, action-packed political thriller from the creators of ’24’ — and it shows
Sons Of Anarchy has been fantastic this year even though one of the main characters was killed in a horrible and sad scene. Last week’s sex scene was hilarious and worth just watching that.
American Horror Story starts next wednesday. LOVE it.
My jaw just dropped watching that scene. I couldn’t believe it…
However, I like where things are going now and I think the show is going to continue to be as great as ever.
Boss staring Kelsey Gramar on Starz
Sons of Anarchy & Justified on FX
No one here watching Copper on BBCA? Pretty good, lots of plot twists.
‘Copper’ is pretty good, but its low budget is very evident in sloppy process shots and indoor shots when location shooting would get the viewer more caught up in the story.
The Walking Dead
Justified
Hell on Wheels
Community
I watch Parks and Recreation, Community, and The Office.
It’s a shame Community got dumped to Friday nights.
Hell on Wheels is one of the best shows on TV. I’m actually surprised that more people haven’t mentioned it. The first season was great, and the second season (now finished) was ridiculously good.
A dead person I would enjoy talking to would probably be Burt Reynolds.
OK, I just found out he is still alive. I am willing to wait until he is dead just to get a chance to talk to him afterwards. Maybe enjoy some amusing stories about Dom Deluise and the filming of Cannonball Run (I and II).
Sons of Anarchy and Walking Dead.
The two best shows on TV!
I highly recommend American Horror Story (very creepy) and new season (with a totally different concept) starts next week.
Another good one is Archer
I stopped watching network TV immediately after they cancelled Full House.
Don’t know about talking to, but I’d sure like to knock Brittany Murphy around the sheets for a while.
Jeff, have you seen Deadwood? I blew through all the seasons last winter & am thinking about re-watching just because I’ve forgotten most of the creative curses I learned from it.
Sons of Anarchy
Walking Dead
Shameless – if you want some humor with your drama, the debauchery here is magical.
Hell on Wheels
Falling Skies
Justified
Has Jeff seen Deadwood?
Look up Deadwood Fucks Count.
Has Jeff seen Deadwood, indeed.
LMAO!!! Jeff is probably responsible for about 25% of their viewership.
Shoot, I heard that wrong. I thought she said, “Jeff, have you BEEN Deadwood?” That’s a more esoteric question.
jtb
Sons of Anarchy, yes, but season 1-3 only. It noticeably changed after that. Must have gotten new writers. The shark was dangerously close to being jumped after the gang’s trip to Ireland. Now it’s just bloodbath and no story.
Booth at the End is suprisingly good, but I think that it is now a Hulu Exclusive, so we’ll see.
Warehouse 13 is campy, cheesy, and one of my new guilty pleasures.
Walking dead – ok, ok, I’m hooked.
Arrow – Just saw the premiere – looks ok.
I watch Hoarding so I can figure out beyond which boundaries my family will do an intervention. heh. Having a medical background, I watch stuff like House, CSI, NCIS and Criminal Minds for medical mistakes. Just discovered Game of Thrones a couple of days ago. I will be reading the books then deciding if I want to get the DVDs. It will have to be very, very good for that, though. I watch The Stand and The Lord of the Rings every chance I get, and the occasional Star Trek rerun. I will refrain from commenting on the topic of talking to the dead because if I did, I might be banned from submitting comments by popular demand.
Person of Interest
“Network” had 6-8 episodes on HBO and I loved it. Great writing by Aaron Sorkin, Jeff Daniels BRINGS IT, and lots of other likable and talented cast members make for an exciting, fast-moving hour. It’s not showing currently I don’t think, but if they run again you really should give it a look.
I believe that would be “The Newsroom”, and yes, it’s really good.
McGlaughlin Group. Carry on.
Jeff.. Tv is slim… Really slim.. But, There’s a couple of good shows out there.. Person of Interest.. and the new Elementary… 2 good shows.. Thursday nights.. Gotta watch..
And.. I was mis-taken for the bass player for the band DIAMOND RIO.. hahah!!.. This girl walked up and said..”When is your next cd coming out!?”.. I told her we were working on the new cd.. Thanked her for being a fan.. I didn’t want to dis-a-point.. and the bass player for DIAMOND RIO.. Dana.. is a great guy.. so, It all worked out..
hollr
bign
Person of Interest – mentally engaging w/ some excellent ass kicking
Castle – I’m in love with Kate Becket (Stana Katic) and my wife is ok with ith
Justified – Timothy Olyphant is a badass that kicks the shit out of hillbillies from Kentucky. Starting to get tired but I will keep watching
I think William S. Burroughs would be an interesting cat to have drinks with.
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Homeland and Arrested Development,
You’re welcome.
Television shows?
The latest I’ve enjoyed is called “Impractical Jokers”. If you don’t laugh at these knuckleheads you’ve stopped breathing.
Penn & Teller’s “Bullshit”. Fun and informative, like a dessert topping and a floor wax…
I have just found a show on TBS called “My Name is Earl”. Apparently it’s a few years old now but it makes me laugh every time.
Same thing with “The Big Bang Theory”. Watching the Sheldon character is a guilty pleasure, like watching a train wreck…
Anything with Bruce Campbell (Burn Notice, countless cheesy movies…).
Almost any Adult Swim cartoon, though I tend to favor Metalocalypse now that there are new episodes.