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new and noteworthy tv: 5/28-6/3

May 28, 2018 No Comments

Turns out being sick followed by tweaking your back forces you to finally really get caught up on tv, almost. One more episode to go before I’m caught up for the series finale of the Americans, I can’t stand the tension. But ready for some summer shows including the return of a few shows like Animal Kingdom and Queen Sugar.

Arrested Development (Net) Season Premiere, Tuesday – The gang is back.
100 Code (WGN) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – A tense crime thriller following the hunt for a serial killer, Dominic Monaghan joins the Swedes to investigate.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Net) Season Premiere, Wednesday – Kimmy returns for the first half of the final season of the random amusements that make up her life post bunker and the wackadoos who have come to be her circle.
Reverie (NBC) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – Sarah Shahi stars as a former hostage negotiator whose job it is to get people out of a virtual reality game, I’m dubious.
C.B. Strike (Cin) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – A war vet turned PI looks to solve crimes, based on JK Rowling book series.
Pose (Fx) Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – Set in the ’80s in New York this is being noted as a dance musical series but seems to encompass the rise of a certain luxury, social scene, and ‘ball culture’, the latest by Ryan Murphy is most likely worth checking out.
Succession (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – The latest dramatic power family looks at what happens when the aging head of the biggest media and entertainment conglomerate looks at what will happen next.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

netflix originals

July 4, 2016 No Comments

There’s nothing new or noteworthy this week, except of course some fireworks tonight, so I thought I’d do a little roundup of some of the original programming on Netflix that could bide your time. The notes in parens are how many seasons I’ve seen of available and an underline notes a recommendation.

House of Cards (3 of 4, renewed) – The first season of this was totally riveting and while the following seasons haven’t captured that magic it’s still pretty engaging.
Hemlock Grove (3 of 3, ended) – This show is so bad I couldn’t turn away, it’s a wackadoodle town with a bad werewolf on the loose and that’s not the only supernatural occurrence afoot, and then it got worse.
Arrested Development (1 of 1, renewed) – Definitely didn’t capture the magic of the original show but if you enjoyed the series this is worth catching (and if you haven’t watched the original series give it a look), curious to see what comes next.
Orange is the New Black (3 of 4, renewed) – The main character is basically annoying, but fortunately they do a nice job of making each episode focus not only on the ongoing story but on lots of the quite interesting other individual characters.
BoJack Horseman (2 of 2, renewed) – This turns out to be one of my favorite shows, and it did have to grow on me, as we get a look at washed up former star and his pretty depressing life, did I mention it’s an animated world of animal type people and people?
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2 of 2, renewed) – I enjoyed and cranked right through this comedy about a woman returning from bunker captivity, the format allows for our protagonist to merry whimsical childlike qualities with some depressing adult subject matter, with a handful of irregular sidekicks.
Bloodline (1 of 2) – I was intrigued by this and stuck through the first season based on cast and some good buzz alone but was underwhelmed by the unfolding of the season and am skipping season two.
Marvel’s Daredevil (2 of 2) – This grew on me over the first season but come second season the combination of lackluster characters and muddled story made me weary, though I’m sticking with it for the Marvel universe tie-ins with other Netflix shows.
Grace and Frankie (2 of 2, renewed) – This show isn’t revolutionary but Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin still make a great team and with their extended family of former spouses and kids makes a nice ensemble.
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (1 of 1, renewed) – I enjoyed the original movie enough and really appreciated what they were trying to do by picking up those threads in this series but it’s really only for a die-hard fan.
Narcos (1 of 1, renewed) – This was another one of those shows that was probably quite well done but I just never did enjoy the histori-drama enough to tune back in to next season of Colombian drug lords and the cops who are tasked with thwarting them.
Longmire (Season 4, renewed) – I really enjoyed this series when it was on A&E and wasn’t disappointed in the season that came after its transplant, with our sheriff, some odd crimes, and beautiful country.
Marvel’s Jessica Jones (1 of 1, renewed) – I thought this latest Marvel was quite engaging, as it felt more noir detective than superhero and our clearly flawed protagonist fought inner and outer demons, excited for the return and the also introduced Luke Cage.
Master of None (1 of 1, renewed) – Aziz Ansari most known from Parks & Recreation creates a somewhat autobiographical comedic look which grows into a decent season arc.
Love / Flaked (1 of 1, renewed) – A couple of ‘comedy’ shows about unlikable characters and the messes that are their lives, and I didn’t love either one but something compelled me to crank through each.

I tried but couldn’t:

Marco Polo (1 season, renewed) – A look at the early years with Kublai Khan and the Mongolian Empire didn’t keep my attention.
F is for Family (1 season, renewed) – I heard good buzz about this animated sitcom but alas to me not so much funny.
The Ranch (1 season, renewed) – Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Debra Winger and Sam Elliott make a nice lineup of a family with prodigal son returned but for me no real laughs.
Lady Dynamite (1 season, renewed) – I wasn’t won over by the odd comedian’s take but a friend just gave me a pitch to give it another go so I will.

Are they or aren’t they on the to do list?

The Killing (Season 4, ended) – Negative, I gave up on this show after season 2.
Sense8 (1 season, renewed) – This is one of those ones that everyone seems to say gets good about mid-way through so perhaps.
Club de Cuervos (1 season, renewed) – I think I missed this Spanish language debut, and no buzz makes me dubious.
Marseille (1 season, renewed) – Pass, I haven’t heard much good about this one.
W/Bob & David (1 season) – I’m not a huge sketch comedy fan.
Fuller House (1 season, renewed) – Not a watcher of the original so missing the nostalgia desire to tune back in.
Netflix Presents: The Characters (1 of 1, ended) – As noted not a huge sketch comedy viewer.
Hibana (1 season) – Remotely interested in taking a look at this Japanese novel adaptation if the queue weren’t so full.

Not including exclusive international distribution with examples like: The Fall (BBC) 2 of 2 seasons, River (BBC) 1 of 1, and most recent Marcella (ITV) 1 season.

binge season

June 12, 2014 3 Comments

Summer used to be known as a time to get outside because there was nothing on tv (and you know because of the nice weather). But today ‘nothing on tv’ is a little less true and even if you can’t find any live tv what better time to do a little catching up on series you might have missed the first time.

Personally I like to balance my standard catch up and new summer shows with one new series I plan to glut on, and I prefer that new series to be one that has already completed. I also prefer series that are available via one of the mediums I already have access to (I’m not yet ready to pay for a new cable or streaming service unless I’ve exhausted all my other options).

Following are a few of the things I’m considering as well as a few shows I might recommend:

Absolutely Fabulous (BBC) – These ladies are so culturally ingrained but I’ve only seen them outside the actual show.
Big Love (HBO) – Are we intrigued by the polygamists?
Caprica (Syfy) – I wrapped BStarG not that long ago and was wondering if this was worth a follow up.
The Comeback (HBO) – This is an exception to the complete rule because I read that the cancelled show is in fact coming back, what better time to jump in to Lisa Kudrow’s character try to revive her career?
Deadwood (HBO) – Outlaw misfits in the gold rush, oh and Timothy Olyphant, need I say more?
Oz (HBO) – Prison drama, as I understand it a little more serious than current OITNB.
Prime Suspect (Netflix) – I recently started pulling up this one, lady detective not so revolutionary but reminds me a bit of The Closer in the getting to squad to accept her sort of thing, considering putting it back at the top of the queue.
Rescue Me (Fx) – Recently tuned in to Sirens which I enjoyed and was sort of described to me as a lighter version of this.
The Shield (Fx) – Corrupt police with Michael Chiklis might fill my recent gap in police dramas.
The Wire (HBO) – Everyone talks about this but it’s a lot of episodes and until recently hasn’t been available enough without Netflix dvds, but am I ready to finally commit?

And for some of the shows I might recommend if you’re looking for summertime fodder:

Buffy/Angel/Firefly/Dollhouse – No surprise here, last summer’s plan (or the summer before) was to rewatch the previously unavailable to me Joss Wedon series start to finish, totally worth it.
Battlestar Gallactica/Friday Night Lights – Two of my more recent binge shows, very different but both well worth a watch for the characters and drama of their own communities.
The X Files – I’m not sure I actually finished this series once we moved to other players but I’ve recently started to re-gander at this one.
Arrested Development – I redid this one before Netflix picked up the last season, and though the revisit season was worthwhile but of mixed success the original series sure holds up.
Freaks and Geeks/Undeclared – Want to get a taste for early Apatow humor, Freaks particularly worth a look for the great cast in early roles with some teen angst and whatnot.
Don’t Trust the B- in Apt 23 – Recently went back to catch this since I’m not sure they ever aired them all and quite amusing.
Terriers/Saving Grace/The Riches/Chuck – A few series I haven’t been back to but quite enjoyed the first time around.

Not currently as easily available but worth a watch: Beverly Hills 90210 (the original), Bunheads, Flight of the Concords, Gilmore Girls, Men of a Certain Age, The O.C., Pushing Daisies, Six Feet Under, Sopranos, Southland, and Veronica Mars.

Let me know in the comments what you think I should pick next, I think you can tell what I’m leaning toward.

new and noteworthy tv: 5/20-5/26

May 18, 2013 No Comments

Memorial Day weekend seems to be timed perfectly with Arrested Development and the French Open… Far be it from me to do something crazy like travel…

Monday

The Goodwin Games (Fox, 8:30pm) Series Premiere – Kids compete for estranged dead father’s dough, a new comedy with some talent that could make it fun game.
James May’s Man Lab (BBCA, 10pm) Series Premiere – Relearning some skills.

Tuesday

The Bachelor (ABC, 8pm) – The Bachelor’s funniest moments.
Bad Girls All Star Battle (Oxy, 9pm) Series Premiere – Keep your friends close.

Wednesday

Masterchef (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – Home cooks try to get in the game.

Thursday

Save Me (NBC, 8pm) Series Premiere – Anne Heche returns, this time as a reborn gal looking for redemption, part black comedy, part laugher, but rumor has it few laughs, we’ll see.
Does Someone Have to Go? (Fox, 9pm) Series Premiere – I want to pick who gets fired at my job.
Four Weddings (TLC, 9pm) Season Premiere – More betrothal festivities.
Showville (AMC, 9pm) Series Premiere – Hey kids let’s put on a show… Hollywood coaches audition.
Rookie Blues (ABC, 10pm) Season Premiere – I don’t think they’re rookies anymore but I haven’t tuned in.

Friday

Brain Games (Fox, 9pm) – Friends turned me on to this games and experiments showing how the brain and perception are linked, I swear those were two different colors of gray.

Saturday

Ultimate BBQ Cookout Countdown (ABC, 9pm) – Cook it good.

Sunday

Arrested Development (Netflix) – The Bluths are back and the new season all out today on Netflix, takes a look at where each of the misfits are now.
French Open (NBC/ESPN2, various) – Who will be the king, and queen, of the clay?
Rock My RV with Bret Michaels (Trav, 9pm) Series Premiere – I don’t know why Bret is pimping RVs.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

watch this: arrested development

March 16, 2013 No Comments

Is there a new model for television, and does it involve an old television series? Netflix seems to think so. I have yet to get on the House of Cards bandwagon (the first original with full season posting exclusively to Netflix) something about it all being available may encourage binging but it makes it a little daunting and a little less pressing for me to get started. And without a start the rest of my TiVo queue is just more imminent.

But what I will tune in for immediately is the long awaited fourth season of Arrested Development. After much hope for a possible flick a new season is in the works and will be posted exclusively to Netflix in May. Full season all at once, however will I pace myself!? And to prepare myself for this I have been rewatching the initial seasons. And I must say, they hold up well. The docu-style format is aptly utilized with the voice over and artful cutaways and inserts.

And truly a well-drawn dysfunctional family. They all are created as unique characters and yet are all clearly versions of this irregular family raised by somewhat parental figures played by Jessica Walter and Jeffrey Tambor. Jason Bateman as the ‘normal’ one adds just enough of his own quirks to keep him in the picture along with twin sis Portia de Rossi with somewhat husband David Cross, elder bro Will Arnett, and younger Tony Hale. Alia Shawkat and Michael Cera show how the dysfunction keeps going into the next generation. And the guest stars, they can’t all be as good as Liza Minelli but they’re mostly pretty darned good.

What have our characters been up to since last we saw them? Rumor has it each episode focuses on differing directions that they’ve gone and you know they’ll have to all end up together. Because if luck holds out a movie will follow. Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development.

Details: Arrested Development, Netflix streaming, the current season is also available on Hulu.

stream it…

October 30, 2012 1 Comment

Some time ago when the Netflix split of services and cost hike hit many made the decision to lose discs (better selection but they’re just collecting dust) or lose streaming (there isn’t anything really available)… I chose to hold on to the streaming. The thought was that eventually there would be a better selection, I could order stuff via Amazon on my TiVo if I really wanted something new, and I was watching a couple of tv series that were cheaper this way. It’s been a while now and although I do catch the occasional movie I’m mostly watching TV.

What’s worth a watch:

Firefly/Buffy/Angel – They’re cult loved genre shows, but loved for a reason, strong characters, quirky dialogue, and just plain good action, Firefly (the space cowboy show) is probably the best introduction because as sad as I was to see it only go a season, it’s maybe the least uneven because of it, though the seven seasons of Buffy (the Vampire Slayer) and five of the spinoff Angel (that really came into its own), are honestly some great television and I can tune into these at any time like a comfort food.
Battlestar Gallactica – I’m up to season four on this and although it’s maybe not as rock solid all the way through I’ve really enjoyed the political futuristic sci fi struggles of the beleaguered band of survivors, what do you do when you’re struggling for personal and species survival and what makes a person a person, you know with some space action.
Friday Night Lights – I didn’t catch this the first time around, mostly for doubting that I would be that into a football town show, but after season one I’m on board with the small town drama, the primary family and the extended football family center around, well, football but its quickly much more than that.
Luther/Sherlock – My faves of the BBC showings so far, complex gentlemen solving crimes, totally different tones but with a complex leading character who sometimes does things that maybe aren’t always seeming like the right things to do.
Terriers – Critically acclaimed but ratings challenged the single season of this misfit duo doing the detective thing is another one of the shows that was canceled far before its time.
Arrested Development – This may be part of the new model for streaming, not only is this funny show available now, but exclusive episodes (yes, the stories are true, they’re creating new episodes) will be released on Netflix (can’t wait!), and now’s a great time to catch up or rewatch.

Next for me is either Mad Men or Downton Abbey. And a couple people have recently mentioned a couple of unsung shows from their queues Peep Show for awkward buddy comedy and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho a fantastical Korean romance. What’s in your queue?

spin off

January 27, 2009 3 Comments

I am delighted with the news that they are making a Gossip Girl spinoff, particularly because we’re not losing any of the cast and that it will focus on Serena’s mom Lily van der Woodsen in her early years. She’s in the Valley (that’s LA) with her older bohemian sister in the 80s. Could I miss a show about flashy troubled teens in the 80s? We’ll get a taste of what’s to come during a May ep of the existing GG. Casting is apparently all the buzz right now.

In other spin off news NCIS, a spinoff itself of JAG (surprisingly maybe the only two network shows I’ve never seen an episode of). A new NCIS (whatever that stands for) unit working in a different location will be introduced later this season. Think CSI, hopefully they’ll do better than David Caruso.

And then there is The L Word which wraps its season this year and viewers will get a taste of what’s to come in the new series. Current character Alice played by Leisha Haley goes to prison!

And of course there’s The Office spinoff that turns out its not going to be a spinoff. Particularly since in addition to Amy Poehler the cast includes Rashida Jones in a different role than she played on The Office. Though rumor has it we’ll see her again as Karen on the after Super Bowl episode.

And if you’re not getting the spinoff that you’re looking for perhaps you should check the theaters. Deals are being finalized for an Arrested Developed flick, a Veronica Mars script is being penned as we speak, and the Sex and the City gals are signing on for another run. I won’t even count the movies based on original tv shows currently in development…