As the first season of Episodes drew to a close, I asked myself when I started disliking Sean and Beverly. Despite lots of people on the internet hating on Beverly, I liked her most of the time for her attempts to push back against the excesses of Sean and Hollywood. Sure it made her a killjoy, but that was her role.
But as we see in "Episode Seven," Hollywood leaves no one untouched, both Sean and Beverly turning into unpleasant people. Beverly feebly tries to justify sleeping with Matt by saying, falsely, that Sean did it first. Then Sean goes and acts like an idiot, refusing to listen to Matt and getting in a fight. Put beside Merc, Sean and Beverly only look marginally better.
In terms of storyline, there is nothing unpredictable about the season finale. For the show to go on, Pucks! has to be renewed, and the previews practically told us that Sean would find out. And on that note, I'm not entirely sure Episodes will be back for another season. The ratings haven't been exactly stellar, but this is premium cable where low-rated shows can survive.
Score: 8.2/10
Showing posts with label Episodes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Episodes. Show all posts
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode Six
With only two episodes left, Episodes amped up the conflicts a little bit more before unleashing the final conflict that will surely reverberate in the season finale. As the shooting of the pilot draws to a near, the Lincolns' marriage falls apart, Beverly moving out due to presumptions she makes about Morning. In the meantime, Beverly openly admits that Pucks! is bad while Merc is as oblivious as ever.
Up until now, neither Sean nor Beverly has done anything too improper. Beverly sleeping with Matt, though, is over the line and makes Beverly look awful. The build-up to this is perfect. We saw tension between Matt and Beverly throughout the season, so it wasn't entirely unexpected, and yet it wasn't expected either.
Score: 8.7/10
Up until now, neither Sean nor Beverly has done anything too improper. Beverly sleeping with Matt, though, is over the line and makes Beverly look awful. The build-up to this is perfect. We saw tension between Matt and Beverly throughout the season, so it wasn't entirely unexpected, and yet it wasn't expected either.
Score: 8.7/10
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode Five
Besides Sean and Beverly, there are no "real" characters on Episodes. The supporting characters each have silly aspects about them that turn them into jokes rather than semi-realistic characters. This works, however, because either Sean or Beverly is on screen 99% of the time, and their reactions gauge against the overtly wacky behavior.
Take, for example, the scene where Beverly and Carol are smoking a joint and have a serious case of the munchies. Carol is clearly distressed about her affair with Merc, but for all the wrong reasons, wishing for Merc's wife to be cured of blindness so Merc can finally leave her. Clearly, it's a big farce. But Beverly is also there, evaluating her relationship with Sean and we learn that Sean was actually married when they met, and the situation turns into a sad reflection on what Los Angeles does to people.
Then there is the driving force behind the conflict, Morning, who makes more advances on Sean. He refuses her, going back to Beverly to show his love for her, but watches Morning's sex tape per Matt's advice, and is so enthralled he's masturbating to it. Unfortunately, Beverly sees him do this, and her face tells everything.
"Episode Five" greatly expands the characters, and makes Matt a background character for once, allowing him to be funny without being too intrusive and overbearing. I can't say I laughed much, but it was very solid from a character standpoint.
Score: 8.8/10
Take, for example, the scene where Beverly and Carol are smoking a joint and have a serious case of the munchies. Carol is clearly distressed about her affair with Merc, but for all the wrong reasons, wishing for Merc's wife to be cured of blindness so Merc can finally leave her. Clearly, it's a big farce. But Beverly is also there, evaluating her relationship with Sean and we learn that Sean was actually married when they met, and the situation turns into a sad reflection on what Los Angeles does to people.
Then there is the driving force behind the conflict, Morning, who makes more advances on Sean. He refuses her, going back to Beverly to show his love for her, but watches Morning's sex tape per Matt's advice, and is so enthralled he's masturbating to it. Unfortunately, Beverly sees him do this, and her face tells everything.
"Episode Five" greatly expands the characters, and makes Matt a background character for once, allowing him to be funny without being too intrusive and overbearing. I can't say I laughed much, but it was very solid from a character standpoint.
Score: 8.8/10
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode Four
With only three episodes left, Episodes really hasn't advanced the story much, and "Episode Four" barely touches on the television show. Instead, we're treated to an entire episode of Sean, Beverly, and Matt. You can kind of expect what happens. Matt, in his usual douchebaggy ways, gets in trouble, so the ever-pliant Sean runs out to help him--with Beverly in tow this time. So Beverly expresses her disapproval while the others bemoan how much of a killjoy she is, and the episode ends up being a lot of wasted time.
The episode does a fairly good job rounding the characters, albeit in a predictable way. Despite his rudeness, Matt "Don't be a cunt" LeBlanc really cares for his kids, and everyone is more or less happy at the end of the episode. However, there's still the underlying problems of Morning and Pucks! which should be explored later.
Score: 8.2/10
The episode does a fairly good job rounding the characters, albeit in a predictable way. Despite his rudeness, Matt "Don't be a cunt" LeBlanc really cares for his kids, and everyone is more or less happy at the end of the episode. However, there's still the underlying problems of Morning and Pucks! which should be explored later.
Score: 8.2/10
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode Three
While last week's episode didn't have anything new, this week's episode gets the overall plot moving rapidly. The scripts are set and filming starts, so a finished product shouldn't be too far away, because there are only 7 episodes in the season and only four left.
In "Episode Three," Pucks! actually looks like a decent show which could air on CBS. Everyone, including both Lincolns, are laughing at the table read. The scene we see shot isn't anything special, but at least it's funny. Then, Matt manages to convince Sean into changing the lesbian, and most surprising thing, he has good reasoning. British shows have less episodes, so things like a guy constantly hitting on a lesbian doesn't get old. However, in American shows which have over 20 episodes per season, the audience will eventually want more. That makes perfect sense and Sean buys it.
As we see these developments, the message of Episodes is coming out. American television isn't necessarily worse than British television, but it is infused with lots of money which creates many problems and pitfalls. The sheer scope of production often dwarfs those involved. Merc can't keep track of the shows, Matt LeBlanc is randomly placed on the show, and the headmaster becomes a hockey coach. In a world where networks want more shows and bigger audiences, it's hard to fault them for sacrificing quality (which is why cable is the place to watch quality television).
Episodes does a reasonable job with character development, quickly putting Beverly on the outside looking in. Sean is becoming friends with Matt and ignoring Beverly in the process, and Matt first turns to Sean with questions about the show.
Three episodes into the show, and I'm liking Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig much more than Matt LeBlanc. They're very natural together whether they're fighting or making up. Even though we know everything will turn bad, teased by the beginning of the first episode, Sean and Beverly are fun, likable characters to follow.
Score: 8.6/10
In "Episode Three," Pucks! actually looks like a decent show which could air on CBS. Everyone, including both Lincolns, are laughing at the table read. The scene we see shot isn't anything special, but at least it's funny. Then, Matt manages to convince Sean into changing the lesbian, and most surprising thing, he has good reasoning. British shows have less episodes, so things like a guy constantly hitting on a lesbian doesn't get old. However, in American shows which have over 20 episodes per season, the audience will eventually want more. That makes perfect sense and Sean buys it.
As we see these developments, the message of Episodes is coming out. American television isn't necessarily worse than British television, but it is infused with lots of money which creates many problems and pitfalls. The sheer scope of production often dwarfs those involved. Merc can't keep track of the shows, Matt LeBlanc is randomly placed on the show, and the headmaster becomes a hockey coach. In a world where networks want more shows and bigger audiences, it's hard to fault them for sacrificing quality (which is why cable is the place to watch quality television).
Episodes does a reasonable job with character development, quickly putting Beverly on the outside looking in. Sean is becoming friends with Matt and ignoring Beverly in the process, and Matt first turns to Sean with questions about the show.
Three episodes into the show, and I'm liking Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig much more than Matt LeBlanc. They're very natural together whether they're fighting or making up. Even though we know everything will turn bad, teased by the beginning of the first episode, Sean and Beverly are fun, likable characters to follow.
Score: 8.6/10
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode Two
It's hard to pass judgment on a show that has only aired two episodes, especially when the pilot was a funny introduction to the series at best. With Episodes, however, there are only seven episodes in the first season, so we're basically a third of the way done already.
The reason I bring this up is because the second episode doesn't add anything other than pure reinforcement of the themes introduced in the first episode: Hollywood is filled with fake people, of whom many are stupid and/or clueless, but seem normal at first. Sean and Beverly meet Matt LeBlanc, go to Merc's house, and have their show torn apart and reformed into a unrecognizable monstrosity. Outside of the lengthy introduction to Matt LeBlanc, there's nothing new, and even LeBlanc is exactly what you'd expect.
In line with the rest of the episode, the gate security gag happens again--the exact same way each time except for the last, when Beverly goes ballistic. Okay, now can we get on with everything?
Score: 8.3/10
The reason I bring this up is because the second episode doesn't add anything other than pure reinforcement of the themes introduced in the first episode: Hollywood is filled with fake people, of whom many are stupid and/or clueless, but seem normal at first. Sean and Beverly meet Matt LeBlanc, go to Merc's house, and have their show torn apart and reformed into a unrecognizable monstrosity. Outside of the lengthy introduction to Matt LeBlanc, there's nothing new, and even LeBlanc is exactly what you'd expect.
In line with the rest of the episode, the gate security gag happens again--the exact same way each time except for the last, when Beverly goes ballistic. Okay, now can we get on with everything?
Score: 8.3/10
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Review - Episodes Season 1 Episode One
Successful British writing couple, Sean and Beverly Lincoln (Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig) are offered to remake their show Lyman's Boys in America. They're are given promises of autonomy over the show by the executive Merc Lapidus. You can largely predict what happens next.
Their initial introduction to Beverly Hills is a happy affair, as Sean and Beverly marvel over their large house--until they realize the tub, large enough to fit two people, is also large enough to take forever to fill. That's Hollywood in a nutshell, a place where wealth and decadence has no bounds, but also a place where two people, however talented, can be lost in a sea.
From there, they meet more of the network people, and, to their utter shock, learn that Merc hasn't even seen the show. Things only get worse when their star, Julian Bullard, who played the main character on the original, is unable to do the part with an American accent. The solution? Matt LeBlanc. Yeah, he's supposed to play the smarmy headmaster of a boarding school...
The pilot of Episodes got quite a few laughs out of me, particularly the very end of the scene where Sean and Beverly learn about Merc and are in complete disbelief. Because the show is about the inner-workings of a television show, it plays to the people watching, most of whom have probably wondered what the executives were thinking at some point. It's a satire and not entirely realistic, but it can spark your imagination about what happened with other shows--for example, Outlaw.
Imagine: A bunch of suits are sitting around with writers who are pitching a show about a defense attorney who saves people from execution. It would be a fine concept at this point. Throw in a few more characters, a splash of personal drama, and it would be workable. But then, an executive picks up the ball--the attorney should have a crisis of faith before switching sides to become a defense attorney. Another guy adds that he should start off as an ultra-conservative Supreme Court Justice. Lastly, someone exclaims, "Jimmy Smits!" followed by thunderous applause.
Score: 8.9/10
Their initial introduction to Beverly Hills is a happy affair, as Sean and Beverly marvel over their large house--until they realize the tub, large enough to fit two people, is also large enough to take forever to fill. That's Hollywood in a nutshell, a place where wealth and decadence has no bounds, but also a place where two people, however talented, can be lost in a sea.
From there, they meet more of the network people, and, to their utter shock, learn that Merc hasn't even seen the show. Things only get worse when their star, Julian Bullard, who played the main character on the original, is unable to do the part with an American accent. The solution? Matt LeBlanc. Yeah, he's supposed to play the smarmy headmaster of a boarding school...
The pilot of Episodes got quite a few laughs out of me, particularly the very end of the scene where Sean and Beverly learn about Merc and are in complete disbelief. Because the show is about the inner-workings of a television show, it plays to the people watching, most of whom have probably wondered what the executives were thinking at some point. It's a satire and not entirely realistic, but it can spark your imagination about what happened with other shows--for example, Outlaw.
Imagine: A bunch of suits are sitting around with writers who are pitching a show about a defense attorney who saves people from execution. It would be a fine concept at this point. Throw in a few more characters, a splash of personal drama, and it would be workable. But then, an executive picks up the ball--the attorney should have a crisis of faith before switching sides to become a defense attorney. Another guy adds that he should start off as an ultra-conservative Supreme Court Justice. Lastly, someone exclaims, "Jimmy Smits!" followed by thunderous applause.
Score: 8.9/10
Preview of Week - 1/09/10 - 1/15/10
The Cape - NBC, Sunday, January 9, 9:00pm ET
NBC's new superhero show, The Cape, airs tonight before moving to its normal timeslot on Mondays, 9 PM. Will NBC's ploy work, or will The Cape fall by the wayside like every superhero show in the past decade?
Californication - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 9:00pm ET
The new season of "Sex Addiction, Gratuitous Sex, and More Sex" arrives tonight.
Episodes - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 9:30pm ET
What happens when British television producers try adapting their show in America? That's question Episodes tries to answer.
Shameless - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 10:00pm ET
Right after Episodes is Shameless, an adaptation of the British show of the same name. Funny how these things work out.
Lights Out - FX, Tuesday, January 11, 10:00pm ET
A drama about boxing seems exactly the kind of edgy, out of the box show FX prides itself on. We'll see if viewers tune in.
Off The Map - ABC, Wednesday, January 12, 10:00pm ET
Grey's Anatomy in the jungle... sounds like something I wouldn't watch, but I'll watch the pilot anyway.
NBC's new superhero show, The Cape, airs tonight before moving to its normal timeslot on Mondays, 9 PM. Will NBC's ploy work, or will The Cape fall by the wayside like every superhero show in the past decade?
Californication - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 9:00pm ET
The new season of "Sex Addiction, Gratuitous Sex, and More Sex" arrives tonight.
Episodes - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 9:30pm ET
What happens when British television producers try adapting their show in America? That's question Episodes tries to answer.
Shameless - Showtime, Sunday, January 9, 10:00pm ET
Right after Episodes is Shameless, an adaptation of the British show of the same name. Funny how these things work out.
Lights Out - FX, Tuesday, January 11, 10:00pm ET
A drama about boxing seems exactly the kind of edgy, out of the box show FX prides itself on. We'll see if viewers tune in.
Off The Map - ABC, Wednesday, January 12, 10:00pm ET
Grey's Anatomy in the jungle... sounds like something I wouldn't watch, but I'll watch the pilot anyway.
