The best new and returning TV series thread

[robmatic]

Lord of the Rings. Opinion in. Its shite. Now its a nuanced shite rather than straight up sewage. First off it looks every dollar pound they put into it: amazing. The screen glows with its magnificent. The story could have been something we rode along with and the vibe is good with some of the acting sound. The problems start with the explanatory scenes not being explanatory enough. Juxtapositioned beside some of the sound acting is some really stilted efforts and the hobbit harfoot lads have been given these Hollywood diddly dee Irish accents. Probably alright for foreign lads but to the Irish ear is grating. It so suffers from that Wheel of Time problem of things looking a little too perfect where GoT's nailed how a person would really look living in a forest or a mountain. I found that the meandering story line became very snoozy. On the ever present issue of race that has been brought up the problem isn't having black actors in it for me it's that they are just suddenly sprinkled throughout and you have white kids with black parents and random kids with inter race dwarfs and that defying of logic. Didn't particualrly bother me as I am not a racialist but just seems stupid and counter intuitive. Anyway it's not the main problem or anywhere near it.

It might be shite but I'm obviously still going to watch it.

[Insane_Homer]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

[Ymx]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

Thanks for the tip. Never heard of it either.

[Grandpa]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

[Uncle fester]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

You know it was a mock documentary?
The rough look was by design.

Plus it's set in keeweeland.

[Ymx]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

It has that low budget kiwi humour about it. Which I noted as it’s by Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement.

[robmatic]

Lord of the Rings. Opinion in. Its shite. Now its a nuanced shite rather than straight up sewage. First off it looks every dollar pound they put into it: amazing. The screen glows with its magnificent. The story could have been something we rode along with and the vibe is good with some of the acting sound. The problems start with the explanatory scenes not being explanatory enough. Juxtapositioned beside some of the sound acting is some really stilted efforts and the hobbit harfoot lads have been given these Hollywood diddly dee Irish accents. Probably alright for foreign lads but to the Irish ear is grating. It so suffers from that Wheel of Time problem of things looking a little too perfect where GoT's nailed how a person would really look living in a forest or a mountain. I found that the meandering story line became very snoozy. On the ever present issue of race that has been brought up the problem isn't having black actors in it for me it's that they are just suddenly sprinkled throughout and you have white kids with black parents and random kids with inter race dwarfs and that defying of logic. Didn't particualrly bother me as I am not a racialist but just seems stupid and counter intuitive. Anyway it's not the main problem or anywhere near it.

It might be shite but I'm obviously still going to watch it.

I've now watched the first episode and it certainly looks good, although not the most compelling story-wise.

[Insane_Homer]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

The movie is more like a rough low budget pilot. The TV series is significantly & consistently better.
When you start drawing guest stars like...
Kristen Schaal, Nick Kroll, Craig Robinson, Donal Logue, Mark Hamill, Greta Lee, Scott Bakula, Fred Armisen, Benedict Wong, David Cross, Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Trejo, Wesley Snipes, Dave Bautista et al

you're doing something right.

[sockwithaticket]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

I think it's a bit over-hyped, but it was still pretty funny.

Production values are definitely higher for the series and the humour's a bit broader than Taika Waititi's particular sensibility.

[yermum]

Lord of the Rings. Opinion in. Its shite. Now its a nuanced shite rather than straight up sewage. First off it looks every dollar pound they put into it: amazing. The screen glows with its magnificent. The story could have been something we rode along with and the vibe is good with some of the acting sound. The problems start with the explanatory scenes not being explanatory enough. Juxtapositioned beside some of the sound acting is some really stilted efforts and the hobbit harfoot lads have been given these Hollywood diddly dee Irish accents. Probably alright for foreign lads but to the Irish ear is grating. It so suffers from that Wheel of Time problem of things looking a little too perfect where GoT's nailed how a person would really look living in a forest or a mountain. I found that the meandering story line became very snoozy. On the ever present issue of race that has been brought up the problem isn't having black actors in it for me it's that they are just suddenly sprinkled throughout and you have white kids with black parents and random kids with inter race dwarfs and that defying of logic. Didn't particualrly bother me as I am not a racialist but just seems stupid and counter intuitive. Anyway it's not the main problem or anywhere near it.

but on the plus side there are lots of random black characters that will annoy the fuck out of racists and kill any enjoyment they might get out of it.

*puts on wizard hat and cloak*

the period in this is when they were all living large and the elf and dwarf kingdoms were at their zenith. so it should be quite bling.

the men are abit more grotty.

/nerd

[Grandpa]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

It has that low budget kiwi humour about it. Which I noted as it’s by Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement.

I grew up with that schoolboy humour.. didn't find it funny as a kid.. and still don't... I don't mind low budget if it's funny...

[Grandpa]

What we do in the Shadows, can't believe I've only just stumbled upon this hilarious gem. Season 4 imminent on the beeb.

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

I think it's a bit over-hyped, but it was still pretty funny.

Production values are definitely higher for the series and the humour's a bit broader than Taika Waititi's particular sensibility.

I'll give it a bash... Sometimes Kiwi shows get it right

[FalseBayFC]

The original film was terrible.. was like a high school production.. and not very funny.

Is the TV series a big improvement then?

I think it's a bit over-hyped, but it was still pretty funny.

Production values are definitely higher for the series and the humour's a bit broader than Taika Waititi's particular sensibility.

I'll give it a bash... Sometimes Kiwi shows get it right

Flight of the Chonchords. sp? Was class. I'm tempted to try more Kiwi and Oz show. But often I'm put off by cultural cringe. Don't watch our domestic stuff for the same reason. Its a pity but I rather prefer seeing our actors in US and UK productions. Aus leading the way with actors. Why do they do so well abroad?

[Grandpa]

I think it's a bit over-hyped, but it was still pretty funny.

Production values are definitely higher for the series and the humour's a bit broader than Taika Waititi's particular sensibility.

I'll give it a bash... Sometimes Kiwi shows get it right

Flight of the Chonchords. sp? Was class. I'm tempted to try more Kiwi and Oz show. But often I'm put off by cultural cringe. Don't watch our domestic stuff for the same reason. Its a pity but I rather prefer seeing our actors in US and UK productions. Aus leading the way with actors. Why do they do so well abroad?

Yeah, my brother loves that Chonchords show... I can only handle it in small doses... dunno what it is... but I find it exhausting to watch...

Now Brokenwood Mysteries I like... though probably because it doesn't try too hard...

[Ymx]

I was going to say - I thought it was you who recommended broken wood mysteries.

Wellington paranormal was another I think you recommended.

[Grandpa]

I was going to say - I thought it was you who recommended broken wood mysteries.

Wellington paranormal was another I think you recommended.

Wellington Paranormal I lasted about ten minutes..

I quite liked The Almighty Johnsons.

[C69]

Matt Smith's performance in episode 3 of HOTD was exceptional.
Brilliant

[Grandpa]

Matt Smith's performance in episode 3 of HOTD was exceptional.
Brilliant

I must have missed that... I glaze over battlefield scenes generally, though I assume you don't mean that? You mean his reaction to the letter?

Still lacking humour compared to GOT.

[C69]

Matt Smith's performance in episode 3 of HOTD was exceptional.
Brilliant

I must have missed that... I glaze over battlefield scenes generally, though I assume you don't mean that? You mean his reaction to the letter?

Still lacking humour compared to GOT.

An excellent example of physical acting without him having to say a single word.
I suspect the humour will come with a Tyrion type charcter at some point. It's a pretty good start and compared to Amazon's Lotr prequel it's a million times better

[Grandpa]

Matt Smith's performance in episode 3 of HOTD was exceptional.
Brilliant

I must have missed that... I glaze over battlefield scenes generally, though I assume you don't mean that? You mean his reaction to the letter?

Still lacking humour compared to GOT.

An excellent example of physical acting without him having to say a single word.
I suspect the humour will come with a Tyrion type charcter at some point. It's a pretty good start and compared to Amazon's Lotr prequel it's a million times better

We need Tyrion's great great great grandfather, dirty Dyrion, to be introduced asap!

Battle scenes are wasted on me, I usually fast forward through them.. so will take your word for it... I much prefer a room of banter, or even two people chewing the fat... My favourite scene was the wild boar impaling the youngster...

[Biffer]

Lord of the Rings. Opinion in. Its shite. Now its a nuanced shite rather than straight up sewage. First off it looks every dollar pound they put into it: amazing. The screen glows with its magnificent. The story could have been something we rode along with and the vibe is good with some of the acting sound. The problems start with the explanatory scenes not being explanatory enough. Juxtapositioned beside some of the sound acting is some really stilted efforts and the hobbit harfoot lads have been given these Hollywood diddly dee Irish accents. Probably alright for foreign lads but to the Irish ear is grating. It so suffers from that Wheel of Time problem of things looking a little too perfect where GoT's nailed how a person would really look living in a forest or a mountain. I found that the meandering story line became very snoozy. On the ever present issue of race that has been brought up the problem isn't having black actors in it for me it's that they are just suddenly sprinkled throughout and you have white kids with black parents and random kids with inter race dwarfs and that defying of logic. Didn't particualrly bother me as I am not a racialist but just seems stupid and counter intuitive. Anyway it's not the main problem or anywhere near it.

but on the plus side there are lots of random black characters that will annoy the fuck out of racists and kill any enjoyment they might get out of it.

*puts on wizard hat and cloak*

the period in this is when they were all living large and the elf and dwarf kingdoms were at their zenith. so it should be quite bling.

the men are abit more grotty.

/nerd

I agree this is a good thing

But the Irish accents for the hobbits and Scottish accents for the dwarves are very lazy, particularly when lined up against the stereotypes of each race. In the 6 films, the hobbits were English shires, countrysides, and the dwarves were some Irish some Scot’s, so more celts really.

[FalseBayFC]

Anyone else watching The Patient with Steve Carrell and Domnhall Gleeson? Its a really interesting chamber piece type series. 22 minute episodes.

[Ymx]

Cobra Kai is back, for any other fans. S5.

[Calculon]

Lord of the Rings. Opinion in. Its shite. Now its a nuanced shite rather than straight up sewage. First off it looks every dollar pound they put into it: amazing. The screen glows with its magnificent. The story could have been something we rode along with and the vibe is good with some of the acting sound. The problems start with the explanatory scenes not being explanatory enough. Juxtapositioned beside some of the sound acting is some really stilted efforts and the hobbit harfoot lads have been given these Hollywood diddly dee Irish accents. Probably alright for foreign lads but to the Irish ear is grating. It so suffers from that Wheel of Time problem of things looking a little too perfect where GoT's nailed how a person would really look living in a forest or a mountain. I found that the meandering story line became very snoozy. On the ever present issue of race that has been brought up the problem isn't having black actors in it for me it's that they are just suddenly sprinkled throughout and you have white kids with black parents and random kids with inter race dwarfs and that defying of logic. Didn't particualrly bother me as I am not a racialist but just seems stupid and counter intuitive. Anyway it's not the main problem or anywhere near it.

Would agree its real nice to look at but the plot is meandering at best. The central elf chick is a Mary Sue, never explained how she learnt to fight or exactly how she came to lead armies - which she doesn't as she has spent decades on a personal quest, maybe Elf command systems are different to what one might expect. The hobbits were freaking annoying to me for some reason, couldn't quite put my finger on why but they were. Notably besides that one elf dude, every one thinking there's trouble brewing is female for some reason.

Not really bothered to watch the next episode to be honest, seems a few billion has been spent on a pretty average show.

Also not a fan of the Hollywood didly dee Irish accents. The hobbits were portrayed as (multiracial) grubby little things, digging around the dirt in their gypsy costumes. Maybe the producers of the show used Irish accents to contrast them with the clean and advanced Elves who spoke with posh English accents.
I thought the way the snow troll managed to swat away all the male elven warriors like they were flies only for Gadrial to save the day by doing a physics defying superhero leap and kill him with a few twirls of her sword was extremely silly.

managed to get through the fist 2 episodes but wont bother watching any more.

[weegie01]

After reading an underwhelming review, I watched 'Scandi Flick' the latest Grand Tour episode.

I thought it was their best in ages. Still formulaic, but genuine laugh out loud moments, with some 'oh my god' moments. My wife is not a fan but was in the room, and giggled away.

[Thor Sedan]

Cobra Kai is back, for any other fans. S5.

Still great fun. So feckin' cheesy.....but love it. 3 more episodes and S5 is finished.

'Do you have any Billie Eilish'
'Billy Idol? Hell yeah'

[Thor Sedan]

SO where are folk at with Sandman?

Have watched 4 episodes and although quite slow - it is engaging.

David Thewlis' characters 2 header with Rosemary was wonderfully tense.

Was disappointed with the visualisation of Lucifer though.....nothing against the actor - just looked a bit general and tired looking.

[Biffer]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what they've done with The Peripheral, adaptation of William Gibson's novel. There's always a risk it might be pish, but I'll give it a shot when it comes out nest month.

[robmatic]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what they've done with The Peripheral, adaptation of William Gibson's novel. There's always a risk it might be pish, but I'll give it a shot when it comes out nest month.

It's a superb novel and the trailer looks like they have splashed some cash at least, so I have high hopes.

[Niegs]

Did anyone watch the re-boot of Quantum Leap? It was surprisingly low-budget (who still does green screen car scenes?) and the acting a bit wooden. Maybe they blew their budget licensing the four or five 80s hits that played? I will give it a couple more but can't see it surviving the axe. (Gammons already are raging about the diverse cast, seemingly bringing down its IMDB score with 'woke' being a big part of their reviews. )

Ernie Hudson the best actor in it and should have been the 'Al', but he's the military overseer. It also feels like they shoved too much exposition and subplots in whereas a brief intro, fun adventure, and slow release of that would have put us more firmly in Ben's (aka 'Sam's) shoes.

I liked that it's a continuation and acknowledges the past Project Quantum Leap and Al/Sam. Think Al's daughter will play a part, but can't see them rescuing Sam as Bakula isn't involved.

[Uncle fester]

SO where are folk at with Sandman?

Have watched 4 episodes and although quite slow - it is engaging.

David Thewlis' characters 2 header with Rosemary was wonderfully tense.

Was disappointed with the visualisation of Lucifer though.....nothing against the actor - just looked a bit general and tired looking.

Liked it. The diner episode was a standout. Death and no-death episodes pretty good also.

[Thor Sedan]

SO where are folk at with Sandman?

Have watched 4 episodes and although quite slow - it is engaging.

David Thewlis' characters 2 header with Rosemary was wonderfully tense.

Was disappointed with the visualisation of Lucifer though.....nothing against the actor - just looked a bit general and tired looking.

Liked it. The diner episode was a standout. Death and no-death episodes pretty good also.

Just watched the Diner episode......creeping sense of dread was level 10.

[assfly]

I loved the diner episode. Had a real Quentin Tarantino feel to it.

[Biffer]

Also looking forward to Inside Man on the BBC. Written by Stephen Moffat starring David Tennant, Stanley Tucci, seems like a number of different stories connected in strange ways. Starts next week.

Very cool poster

[Biffer]

Also, just watched series 4 of Ghosts on BBC iPlayer. Tremendous. If you’ve not watched it before, binge it from the start, it’s fantastic.

[Ymx]

Also, just watched series 4 of Ghosts on BBC iPlayer. Tremendous. If you’ve not watched it before, binge it from the start, it’s fantastic.

I watched the first couple of minutes.are you sure??

I found the ghosts head on the ground and the independent disobedient body painfully unfunny.

Likewise with one of the ghosts talking away and whilst everyone cleared the room while he was still going on, also lacking in humour a tad.

Does it get better?

[Biffer]

Also, just watched series 4 of Ghosts on BBC iPlayer. Tremendous. If you’ve not watched it before, binge it from the start, it’s fantastic.

I watched the first couple of minutes.are you sure??

I found the ghosts head on the ground and the independent disobedient body painfully unfunny.

Likewise with one of the ghosts talking away and whilst everyone cleared the room while he was still going on, also lacking in humour a tad.

Does it get better?

The previous three seasons I've enjoyed, more chuckling away than belly laughing. But this series there's something in every episode that made me cackle

If you don't like silly, you won't enjoy it

[salanya]

Also, just watched series 4 of Ghosts on BBC iPlayer. Tremendous. If you’ve not watched it before, binge it from the start, it’s fantastic.

It's great. It's not 'fall off your chair' funny, but there is a consistently genuine charm and wit about it.
The episode with the drunken party from a previous series was very funny.

Only seen the first 3 episodes on iPlayer, trying not to binge it all.
That song in the third song is great.
And great to have the Plague ghosts back!

[Uncle fester]

I loved the diner episode. Had a real Quentin Tarantino feel to it.

Bonus lesbo action as well.

[Blackmac]

Over the last couple of months, I finally got round to watching The Wire and all I can say is the reputation is well justified, absolutely superb and has aged very well.