Through the ups and downs of the season, the characters of Treme end the season in good places, looking forward to what's ahead. It's not all peaches and cream, but given where certain characters were at in the middle of the season, everything has mostly balanced out.
What stands out most is Toni and Sofia having a good time after all the hardship this season. They got through the trying time and it's for the better as they understand each other and their situation better, and can move ahead now.
For Davis, who seemed on the verge of a big musical career, he comes crashing down, replaced by those more talented than him. But it may be more the better since Mimi is happy to announce how much money she's earned and Davis gets to go back to DJing at the radio station (assuming the manager lets him back). Similarly, Antoine becomes disenchanted from his experiences with his band--the absences, others getting better gig--and the band is dissolved. He turns to teaching which is both a stable job, and he seems to like it.
After a season of going from place to place, Janette returns home and starts a potential romance with Jacques and will be in charge of a new New Orleans restaurant. I don't think her plot really went anywhere this season, but it's nice to see her back.
The Abreu plot doesn't get resolved and reinforces the culture of corruption we've seen this season and the harm it causes to individuals. After pushing too hard, Colson is sent back to his uniform position while his relationship with Toni is broken. There is progress, however, with Colson meeting with the FBI. While it might not make up for past hurt, Colson has a chance to right wrongs and possibly get back in Toni's graces.
I think many people got the impression that there was a struggle between Nelson's love of New Orleans and wanting to earn, but I didn't quite see it that way. Nelson was a scumbag through and through who was too blind to even have this struggle. In his mind, he was helping the city through his dealings, even if he was taking a percentage off the top. When his cousin asks him what he actually does, Nelson thinks he is somehow integral to the process, a producer of some kind. But he isn't. He's a leech who went to New Orleans to take advantage of money flowing through government. Whatever goodwill he had was blown right when he got into business. So, I was very happy when all the deals fell through and he was left with nothing.
I don't have time to comment on every character, but I want to comment on LaDonna plot which was done very well. She may rail against the ineffectual police and government, but LaDonna is a fighter who cares about the city and its legacy. Larry acknowledges this and agrees to move to New Orleans to be with her, ending the season on a happy note after so much pain.
Score: 9.3/10
Showing posts with label Treme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Treme. Show all posts
Monday, July 4, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 10 That's What Lovers Do
One thing I never understood is why people hated on Sonny so much in the first season. Sure, he was doped up and leeched off Annie, but in comparison to Davis, he wasn't that bad. Davis, instead of being mellow, was straight-up annoying, being loud and an ass. That's part of the reason why I thought Davis finally got his comeuppance in the episode, when he finally realizes that he may not have what it takes to be a star in the music business. Sonny, in comparison, has a steady job and is acknowledged by Annie to have helped people from the rooftops.
Not much happened in the episode happened to be honest. Perhaps the biggest change was Antoine's band losing Wanda after Antoine's pompousness pisses her off. Sofia finally makes a right decision by rejecting pot and the cute musician. Back in New Orleans, Albert and Delmond's music turns out great and appears to be going ahead well. But other than that, it was mostly the same stuff: more investigating by Toni and Colson, more Nelson buying property, more Ladonna having trouble, more of Antoine's wife getting mad at him, more Janette being a good chef in the wrong city.
With the season finale next week, the table is set for some changes. Every character has had something change these past few weeks, for the better or worse, and now we'll see what happens in the end.
Score: 8.8/10
Not much happened in the episode happened to be honest. Perhaps the biggest change was Antoine's band losing Wanda after Antoine's pompousness pisses her off. Sofia finally makes a right decision by rejecting pot and the cute musician. Back in New Orleans, Albert and Delmond's music turns out great and appears to be going ahead well. But other than that, it was mostly the same stuff: more investigating by Toni and Colson, more Nelson buying property, more Ladonna having trouble, more of Antoine's wife getting mad at him, more Janette being a good chef in the wrong city.
With the season finale next week, the table is set for some changes. Every character has had something change these past few weeks, for the better or worse, and now we'll see what happens in the end.
Score: 8.8/10
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 9 What Is New Orleans?
When things seemed to be going relatively well for most characters, "What Is New Orleans?" shocks us back into reality with a series of downers before the gruesome ending. Annie and Harley are walking after a gig and are robbed at gunpoint, and Harley, unfortunately, speaks up. He receives a close-range shot to the face, The Wire-style, and is likely dead.
Harley's shooting represents the balance of New Orleans, which is excellently defined in the brief exchange between Sonny and Antoine. A raucous group runs past them and Sonny states that that's what New Orleans is. As soon as they pass, however, a group of police cars, with sirens blaring and lights flashing, pass them, and Antoine notes that that's New Orleans as well. We're instantly reminded, soon afterwards, that the crime can strike at anyone, anywhere.
For all the great music and culture of the city, there is a dark underbelly to it. The police department did not suddenly turn bad after Katrina, but its problems were brought to the top and exposed in this time of need. The corruption of city officials and greed of people like Nelson is not a new phenomenon, but something exacerbated by the glut of post-Katrina rebuilding money. While Katrina is a large force which influenced everything, it is not the defining factor of New Orleans. There was New Orleans before the storm, New Orleans after the storm, and everything still exists, the good and the bad.
This is illustrated by the exchange between Delmond and his father, who apparently is so obstinate that he believes that Africans learned to use feathers from the Indians. We begin to wonder, was he like this before Katrina? Was he changed by Katrina, perhaps in a depression? Or, like New Orleans's problems, was he already this stubborn before the storm?
Davis's musical aspirations hit a big roadblock after Lil Calliope decides to promote his own thing, a catchy dance song which upstages Davis's own song. Antoine's battle with Kermit was awesome, even if it won't have long-term ramifications. Larry finally confronts Ladonna about her apathy and ownership of the bar. At the end of the episode, he prepares to sell it, but there are still many hurdles ahead. And it's possible they may not be able to get over them.
The one thing that continues to bother me is Janette's plot. She's cooking at a new restaurant, Chang is really cool, but she's going back to New Orleans eventually, and her development this season seems stunted. It just seems like the same stuff again and again.
Score: 9.2/10
Harley's shooting represents the balance of New Orleans, which is excellently defined in the brief exchange between Sonny and Antoine. A raucous group runs past them and Sonny states that that's what New Orleans is. As soon as they pass, however, a group of police cars, with sirens blaring and lights flashing, pass them, and Antoine notes that that's New Orleans as well. We're instantly reminded, soon afterwards, that the crime can strike at anyone, anywhere.
For all the great music and culture of the city, there is a dark underbelly to it. The police department did not suddenly turn bad after Katrina, but its problems were brought to the top and exposed in this time of need. The corruption of city officials and greed of people like Nelson is not a new phenomenon, but something exacerbated by the glut of post-Katrina rebuilding money. While Katrina is a large force which influenced everything, it is not the defining factor of New Orleans. There was New Orleans before the storm, New Orleans after the storm, and everything still exists, the good and the bad.
This is illustrated by the exchange between Delmond and his father, who apparently is so obstinate that he believes that Africans learned to use feathers from the Indians. We begin to wonder, was he like this before Katrina? Was he changed by Katrina, perhaps in a depression? Or, like New Orleans's problems, was he already this stubborn before the storm?
Davis's musical aspirations hit a big roadblock after Lil Calliope decides to promote his own thing, a catchy dance song which upstages Davis's own song. Antoine's battle with Kermit was awesome, even if it won't have long-term ramifications. Larry finally confronts Ladonna about her apathy and ownership of the bar. At the end of the episode, he prepares to sell it, but there are still many hurdles ahead. And it's possible they may not be able to get over them.
The one thing that continues to bother me is Janette's plot. She's cooking at a new restaurant, Chang is really cool, but she's going back to New Orleans eventually, and her development this season seems stunted. It just seems like the same stuff again and again.
Score: 9.2/10
Monday, June 13, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 8 Can I Change My Mind?
With three episodes left in the season, the plots of Treme are on the brink of something big, whether good or bad. Every character is coming to a realization about what he/she wants to, while others continue to flounder.
On the musical side, Delmond plan to infuse jazz with his father's music is moving along, and he also has plans to get his father to take money. Davis's music is warmly received, even if it's not a large stage, so he seems good to go. Annie, however, is lagging behind, afraid to perform her music in the public. After forgoing to chance to perform on stage, she performs on the street, with Davis watching proudly from afar, and it goes fine. For now, these musical endeavors are going the most positively.
Antoine finds himself troubled by the way his sons were brought up. He likes teaching the students, and after seeing how much his sons enjoyed the music at Mardi Gras, he regrets not teaching them to play over the objections of Ladonna.
One of the plots that has bothered me and many other viewers has been Sofia. She keeps acting out and there's nothing much to it. This time, however, she ends up in juvenile detention, which brings about the inevitable confrontation with Toni. It's emotional, intense, and reveals the pain Toni has been carrying all this time, unable to explain why Creighton did what he did.
Another plot that has bothered me is Jannette, who has stayed in New York for far too long without doing much. She is shuffled from one restaurant to another, this time to David Chang's restaurant, but her development seems a bit lacking. Is she just going to go through these restaurants until she realizes that she belongs in New Orleans?
Score: 9.1/10
On the musical side, Delmond plan to infuse jazz with his father's music is moving along, and he also has plans to get his father to take money. Davis's music is warmly received, even if it's not a large stage, so he seems good to go. Annie, however, is lagging behind, afraid to perform her music in the public. After forgoing to chance to perform on stage, she performs on the street, with Davis watching proudly from afar, and it goes fine. For now, these musical endeavors are going the most positively.
Antoine finds himself troubled by the way his sons were brought up. He likes teaching the students, and after seeing how much his sons enjoyed the music at Mardi Gras, he regrets not teaching them to play over the objections of Ladonna.
One of the plots that has bothered me and many other viewers has been Sofia. She keeps acting out and there's nothing much to it. This time, however, she ends up in juvenile detention, which brings about the inevitable confrontation with Toni. It's emotional, intense, and reveals the pain Toni has been carrying all this time, unable to explain why Creighton did what he did.
Another plot that has bothered me is Jannette, who has stayed in New York for far too long without doing much. She is shuffled from one restaurant to another, this time to David Chang's restaurant, but her development seems a bit lacking. Is she just going to go through these restaurants until she realizes that she belongs in New Orleans?
Score: 9.1/10
Monday, June 6, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 7 Carnival Time
I'm busy this week and especially today, so no time for a long review.
"Carnival Time" departs from the rest of the episodes to other a sweeping view of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The episode is visually impressive with all the costumes and different locations, and it also manages to move a couple stories forward, including a clever way for Delmond to get musical inspiration.
Score: 9.5/10
"Carnival Time" departs from the rest of the episodes to other a sweeping view of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The episode is visually impressive with all the costumes and different locations, and it also manages to move a couple stories forward, including a clever way for Delmond to get musical inspiration.
Score: 9.5/10
Monday, May 30, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 6 Feels Like Rain
"Feels Like Rain" is one of those wait and see episodes. There are no large plot developments, but it's not entirely filler. There are plenty of small developments, but none that warrant extra attention. Aside from Sofia's plot, which is beginning to bother me, the episode is as solid as the rest, if unremarkable.
One of the bigger themes in the episode is musical development. There's Antoine trying to teach the students that music isn't about notes on sheet while maintaining his band, Annie trying to figure out what makes a good song good, and Davis starting a band that has a message. Although the payoffs will be further down the line, everyone--except Sonny, who once again finds himself out of a job after being late too many times--is moving in the right direction.
Score: 8.7/10
One of the bigger themes in the episode is musical development. There's Antoine trying to teach the students that music isn't about notes on sheet while maintaining his band, Annie trying to figure out what makes a good song good, and Davis starting a band that has a message. Although the payoffs will be further down the line, everyone--except Sonny, who once again finds himself out of a job after being late too many times--is moving in the right direction.
Score: 8.7/10
Monday, May 23, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 5 Slip Away
The first scene of "Slip Away," the funeral of Dinerral Shavers is a wonderful representation of what Treme is about. The funeral is for someone we've never even seen, something that would normally be awkward and possibly bad on another show. But David Simon knows exactly what he's doing. The cohesive and communal culture of New Orleans has been well-developed enough that we understand the significance of the event. Coupled with the direction, the scene works incredibly well even if we only see glimpses of the characters.
"Slip Away" is a pretty interesting episode in that we see the potential for the characters to grow through the rest of the season. Delmond shifts his music towards New Orleans, Janette gets another job as a chef, Davis's record company is kind of moving, Annie tries to write her own songs, and Sofia is revisiting the place where her father died. The overarching theme of the episode is the violence that has gone on in the city, and the community changes as well, shifting from a passive to active stance, deciding to march against the murders.
Score: 9.0/10
"Slip Away" is a pretty interesting episode in that we see the potential for the characters to grow through the rest of the season. Delmond shifts his music towards New Orleans, Janette gets another job as a chef, Davis's record company is kind of moving, Annie tries to write her own songs, and Sofia is revisiting the place where her father died. The overarching theme of the episode is the violence that has gone on in the city, and the community changes as well, shifting from a passive to active stance, deciding to march against the murders.
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, May 16, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 4 Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get The Blues?
I'm not entirely sure if this is true, but I'm pretty sure I would like Treme much more if it were the only show I watched. Since I didn't have time last week, I watched Treme on Saturday, so the show was fresh in my mind when I watched "Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get The Blues?" The result was that I really, really liked the episode. It wasn't that the episode was better than the others--I think last week's episode was better--but with the plots and characters from the previous episode still in my mind, I saw the progression much clearer than I usual would. This goes back to the point that Treme is one of those shows that is optimal to watch over the course of a weekend, instead of watching once per week.
"Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get The Blues?" has some great stuff going on, with Antoine's band taking off, Davis starting a record label, and Janette being awesome. There are quite a few intersections this week as well, Sonny joining Antoine's band and Janette meeting Delmond in a bar (there's a New Orleans bar in New York?).
Score: 9.0/10
"Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get The Blues?" has some great stuff going on, with Antoine's band taking off, Davis starting a record label, and Janette being awesome. There are quite a few intersections this week as well, Sonny joining Antoine's band and Janette meeting Delmond in a bar (there's a New Orleans bar in New York?).
Score: 9.0/10
Sunday, May 15, 2011
All missed reviews
Here are the short reviews for shows I missed through the week. I included reviews for shows I've stopped reviewing to balance things out. Also, you might have notice that reviews for Breaking In and The Good Wife are still missing. Blogger still hasn't restored them, but since the Glee review was restored, I assume the other posts should follow. If that does not happen by Monday, I repost them. (If you really want to read them, they're on Insidepulse TV.)
Body of Proof Season 1 Episode 8 Buried Secrets: "Buried Secrets" is a reminder that Body of Proof is a mash up of different shows. Every part of the episode has been done before in large amounts, but Body of Proof does them well, which makes the show worth watching.
Body of Proof Season 1 Episode 8 Buried Secrets: "Buried Secrets" is a reminder that Body of Proof is a mash up of different shows. Every part of the episode has been done before in large amounts, but Body of Proof does them well, which makes the show worth watching.
Modern Family Season 2 Episode 22 Good Cop Bad Dog: I normally find plots of Modern Family to be somewhat realistic, but Jay and Gloria’s plot with Guillermo and the dog seemed like it belonged on Breaking In instead of Modern Family. But Phil and Claire were great in the episode, and realistic, so it mostly balanced out.
The Chicago Code Season 1 Episode 11 Black Sox: I’m not particularly interested in Jarek and his lady problems, especially since it’s been one of the least developed plots. It looks like Gibbons is finally making his move, whatever that they be. We originally thought he put a hit out on Teresa, but that turned out wrong. Is he capable of ordering her murder if she gets too close?
House Season 7 Episode 21 The Fix: It was really out of the blue for House to suddenly decide to fix himself with an experimental rat drug. But this contrivance does put House in some kind of danger. That’s better than nothing, right? OK, maybe not, but we should see what the writers do first before casting too much judgment.
The Big Bang Theory Season 3 Episode 23 The Engagement Reaction: Priya wasn’t mean in this episode for once. She talks to Penny without being bitchy and is actually fine with Leonard being near Penny. The Raj stuff was again weak and random, but that’s to be expected. As far as the main story goes, the stuff between Howard and his mother was hilariously creepy, especially when Bernadette yelling reminded me of Howard’s mother while Howard thought it was sexy.
Parks and Recreation Season 3 Episode 13 The Fight / 14 Road Trip: Two episodes of Parks and Recreations!! And if that wasn't good enough, next week has two more episodes! While I enjoyed both episodes, I would give the edge to “The Fight.” There were so many great moments with the actual fight, Snake Juice, and Ron. Ben and Leslie finally make out in “Road Trip,” so there was development on that front for once.
The Office Season 7 Episode 24 Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager: Dwight is a guy who often expresses wacky ideas, but since he’s never in a position of power, nothing really comes of it. Well, this was Dwight’s chance to shine. Unfortunately, his excessive regulation in the office ends up with him shooting a gun in the office and eventually being demoted. The episode has the Dwight and Jim dynamic that was been lessened over the years, so that was nice to see. And as Jim tells Dwight, Dwight did one good thing in making all the orders on time.
The Mentalist Season 3 Episode 22 Rhapsody in Red: Before the two-hour season finale next week, The Mentalist dished up a fairly standard episode. Jane solves the crime while the rest of the team fills in the background. I did like, however, the increased attention on Cho, who is easily the funniest character other than Cho, and he got to tackle something close to home for once.
The Event Season 1 Episode 20 One Will Live, One Will Die: This new plot device the writer are using is the one where they show us part of what’s going on to mislead us. In the previous episode, it was the cocaine trafficker who turned out to be irrelevant, and in this episode, we only hear half of the phone call. To be honest, it’s plain stupid.
Hawaii Five-0 Season 1 Episode 23 Ua Hiki Mai Kapalena Pau: "Ua Hiki Mai Kapalena Pau" heads directly into the season finale, mixing a standard standalone plot with the only search for Wo Fat and Chin Ho’s admission of guilt to stealing the money. The episode is tense, with the whole island potentially in danger, but as always, the day is saved.
Blue Bloods Season 1 Episode 22: The first season of Blue Bloods ended with a resolution to the Blue Templar plot, which chugged slowly along as the season went. It is resolved as expected, with the acknowledgement that the Blue Templars are just a couple of bad eggs in the basket. As always, the Reagans and police department come out looking like the greatest heroes ever.
Camelot Season 1 Episode 7 The Long Night: After last week’s snoozer, Camelot came back with a fairly strong episode. Morgan had some really nefarious schemes up her sleeves, deceiving Arthu and the rest of them, while stealing Igraine’s place at the end of the episode, using her shapeshifting ability. Oh, and gratuitous nudity!
Breakout Kings Season 1 Episode 10 Paid in Full: “Paid in Full” puts all the dirty laundry out there. The cons find out that Ray is not actually a Marshall and the audience and other cons learn that Lloyd was sent to prison for writing a fake prescription which ended in a girl dying. Charlie’s big speech at the end is a tinge disingenuous with his big “revelation” of a congenital heart defect, but it makes a point: everyone has their secrets and problems, but they have to trust each other. Considering what Shea was doing in the previous episodes, there is still a lot to be resolved.
Treme Season 2 Episode 3 On Your Way Down: In an episode riddled with crime, there is an obvious standout, the rape of Ladonna, which was harrowing to say the least. The fallout is executed brilliantly with Khandi Alexander coming through. As the visible crime affects several characters, there is also an undeniable crime in the background being perpetrated against all New Orleans, Nelson’s slimy dealings with the city’s money.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 2 Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky
The second episode of the season takes place around Thanksgiving and what would normally be a joyous occasion is anything but. There are many things going on in the episode and few intersections between the characters, which makes every event an enigma with regards to overall importance.
Janette is struggling out in New York, hooking up with bad guys and her boss is ready to go on a murderous rampage. Toni continues to dig through records to find out what the police did while Sofia remains in her rut, and also goes drinking at the same place as Antoine. Alas, they don't interact, but at least they were in the same place. Antoine, meanwhile, is starting his own band and seems to have things set. Although Annie and Davis are as strong as ever, Davis loses his job and Sonnie still has no clue what to do. Could they compete for a job in Antoine's band?
Nelson seems to love the city, but his political dealings indicate that he's ready to fleece the city. Since he's a new character, I could seem him as a central force of the season, dragging the other characters along with his scheme. Still, given the progression of last season and the current progression, I'm hesitant to say whether anything ongoing will happen.
Score: 8.8/10
Janette is struggling out in New York, hooking up with bad guys and her boss is ready to go on a murderous rampage. Toni continues to dig through records to find out what the police did while Sofia remains in her rut, and also goes drinking at the same place as Antoine. Alas, they don't interact, but at least they were in the same place. Antoine, meanwhile, is starting his own band and seems to have things set. Although Annie and Davis are as strong as ever, Davis loses his job and Sonnie still has no clue what to do. Could they compete for a job in Antoine's band?
Nelson seems to love the city, but his political dealings indicate that he's ready to fleece the city. Since he's a new character, I could seem him as a central force of the season, dragging the other characters along with his scheme. Still, given the progression of last season and the current progression, I'm hesitant to say whether anything ongoing will happen.
Score: 8.8/10
Monday, April 25, 2011
Review - Treme Season 2 Episode 1 Accentuate the Positive
Like the last season, I won't have enough time to cover everything that happens on Treme, but I'll try to hit some key points.
The nature of Treme is that there is not an overarching plot throughout the season, unlike David Simon's The Wire, which carried a singular plot through each season. This was problematic for many people initially, expecting a New Orleans version of The Wire, and the ratings dipped as the season progressed. Still, for those who stuck around and accepted the show for what it is--slices into the lives of certain people in an expansive environment---there was a lot of watch. The characters were firmly established, outside forces pushed and pulled them while they did the same, and we got to see lots of the city and hear the music.
"Accentuate the Positive" follows in the same vein, following a bevy of characters across the country (most are in New Orleans, but Janette and Del are in New York) a bit over half a year since the end of last season. The characters' paths still aren't crossing all the time, but we do see Davis and Annie firmly together while Sonny is still hanging around and seemingly fine about the situation.
As far as things that really caught my eye, Sofia is still struggling in the aftermath of her father's death, and Toni, who has her own problems, can't seem to reach her. It seems like a major element of the second season is the growth of crime, and Colson will be a bigger part of the season in response.
Score: 9.0/10
The nature of Treme is that there is not an overarching plot throughout the season, unlike David Simon's The Wire, which carried a singular plot through each season. This was problematic for many people initially, expecting a New Orleans version of The Wire, and the ratings dipped as the season progressed. Still, for those who stuck around and accepted the show for what it is--slices into the lives of certain people in an expansive environment---there was a lot of watch. The characters were firmly established, outside forces pushed and pulled them while they did the same, and we got to see lots of the city and hear the music.
"Accentuate the Positive" follows in the same vein, following a bevy of characters across the country (most are in New Orleans, but Janette and Del are in New York) a bit over half a year since the end of last season. The characters' paths still aren't crossing all the time, but we do see Davis and Annie firmly together while Sonny is still hanging around and seemingly fine about the situation.
As far as things that really caught my eye, Sofia is still struggling in the aftermath of her father's death, and Toni, who has her own problems, can't seem to reach her. It seems like a major element of the second season is the growth of crime, and Colson will be a bigger part of the season in response.
Score: 9.0/10
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Preview of Week 4/24/11 - 4/30/11
Treme - HBO, Sunday, April 24, 10:00pm ET
HBO's acclaimed drama returns tonight. One thing I'm looking for is whether there is tighter plotting than the first season.
Glee - FOX, Tuesday, April 26, 8:00pm ET
This 90-minute, Lady Gaga-themed episode could be a total disaster, given Glee's track record, or it could be decent.
Justified - FX, Wednesday, April 27, 10:00pm ET
After the bloodshed at the end of the last episode, the second to last episode of the episode will definitely be a good run up to the season finale.
The Office - NBC, Thursday, April 28, 9:00pm ET
Michael Scott's final episode should be a must-watch for anyone who's followed the show at some point.
Fringe - FOX, Friday, April 29, 9:00pm ET
Season finale time means that shows like Fringe reach another level of epicness. With the machine turned on and Peter in the hospital, these last two episodes should be great.
HBO's acclaimed drama returns tonight. One thing I'm looking for is whether there is tighter plotting than the first season.
Glee - FOX, Tuesday, April 26, 8:00pm ET
This 90-minute, Lady Gaga-themed episode could be a total disaster, given Glee's track record, or it could be decent.
Justified - FX, Wednesday, April 27, 10:00pm ET
After the bloodshed at the end of the last episode, the second to last episode of the episode will definitely be a good run up to the season finale.
The Office - NBC, Thursday, April 28, 9:00pm ET
Michael Scott's final episode should be a must-watch for anyone who's followed the show at some point.
Fringe - FOX, Friday, April 29, 9:00pm ET
Season finale time means that shows like Fringe reach another level of epicness. With the machine turned on and Peter in the hospital, these last two episodes should be great.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 10 I'll Fly Away (plus thoughts on the concept, ratings)
Yes, I'm late again and have no time for a long review. HBO should move its dramas to Friday or Wednesday... to fit my schedule. But I do have a lot of thoughts on the show in general down below.
About 15 minutes before the end of the episode, there was a long flashback lasting over 5 minutes, taking us back to the days before Katrina. After a season of watching these characters develop, it was very nice to see where they'd come from originally. In some ways, the situation was different and in others, they were the same. Annie and Sonny were happy and even anticipating the storm, but now they're worlds apart in both mentality and location. Davis is still kind of the same, scorning his neighbors for leaving. Creighton is alive (obviously) and isn't as depressed as he became, throwing out a couple glib lines about the levees no less.
My big problem with the show has been a lack of plot and Alan Sepinwall's interview with David Simon sheds light on this issue. His response summed up: There is plot, but not fake television tropes--Treme is a realistic portrayal of life.
That's fair and very admirable that he is trying to go down that path. However, I don't think TV audiences right now--or ever--will fully embrace the kind of television narrative that unfolds slowly week by week without a dramatic jolt at least in each episode.
Looking at the ratings--just a smidgen over 1 million viewers--Treme isn't doing particularly well. As opposed to True Blood, which had over 5 million viewers tune into the season premiere last week, I would argue that Treme has both superior acting and writing. The thing is, True Blood has a more palatable premise, filled with vampires, hot people, and twists every couple minutes. The fundamental mindset of the average television viewers lies in the realm of True Blood, not Treme. And that's why Treme is on HBO, a premium cable network which thrives on subscriptions. Luckily, Treme has had enough critical success that it'll get a couple seasons, though Deadwood serves as a cautionary tale.
Treme, like The Wire, will never become a mega-hit like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex in the City, or True Blood. It holds a place in the small niche of television viewers who appreciate the realism and intricacy of characters in New Orleans navigating their way through life. People aren't holding guns to others' heads nor is there a constant threat of death. Hot chicks aren't always stripping in the background or even wearing skimpy clothing. That's life and that's Treme.
Score: 9.4/10
About 15 minutes before the end of the episode, there was a long flashback lasting over 5 minutes, taking us back to the days before Katrina. After a season of watching these characters develop, it was very nice to see where they'd come from originally. In some ways, the situation was different and in others, they were the same. Annie and Sonny were happy and even anticipating the storm, but now they're worlds apart in both mentality and location. Davis is still kind of the same, scorning his neighbors for leaving. Creighton is alive (obviously) and isn't as depressed as he became, throwing out a couple glib lines about the levees no less.
My big problem with the show has been a lack of plot and Alan Sepinwall's interview with David Simon sheds light on this issue. His response summed up: There is plot, but not fake television tropes--Treme is a realistic portrayal of life.
That's fair and very admirable that he is trying to go down that path. However, I don't think TV audiences right now--or ever--will fully embrace the kind of television narrative that unfolds slowly week by week without a dramatic jolt at least in each episode.
Looking at the ratings--just a smidgen over 1 million viewers--Treme isn't doing particularly well. As opposed to True Blood, which had over 5 million viewers tune into the season premiere last week, I would argue that Treme has both superior acting and writing. The thing is, True Blood has a more palatable premise, filled with vampires, hot people, and twists every couple minutes. The fundamental mindset of the average television viewers lies in the realm of True Blood, not Treme. And that's why Treme is on HBO, a premium cable network which thrives on subscriptions. Luckily, Treme has had enough critical success that it'll get a couple seasons, though Deadwood serves as a cautionary tale.
Treme, like The Wire, will never become a mega-hit like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex in the City, or True Blood. It holds a place in the small niche of television viewers who appreciate the realism and intricacy of characters in New Orleans navigating their way through life. People aren't holding guns to others' heads nor is there a constant threat of death. Hot chicks aren't always stripping in the background or even wearing skimpy clothing. That's life and that's Treme.
Score: 9.4/10
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Preview of Week 06/20/10 - 06/26/10
Leverage - ABC, Sunday, June 20, 9:00pm ET
Leverage is back with two episodes this Sunday and two episodes next Sunday, so we'll get double the fun. The first episode will be about getting Nate out of prison and the second will be a regular caper.
Scoundrels - ABC, Sunday, June 20, 9:00pm ET
David James Elliott? He's really fallen off the map. Anyway, Scoundrel is one of the only shows of the summer that sounds remotely interesting. It's about a criminal family who decided to follow the law after the patriarch of the family goes to prison.
Treme - HBO, Sunday June 20, 10:00pm ET
The season finale is here and I'm wondering if anyone big will happen. Creighton's apparent suicide last week will have consequences, but I'm don't think we'll be seeing anything too explosive.
The Gates - ABC, Sunday, June 20, 10:00pm ET
Quiet neighborhood which isn't what it seems. And there are vampires. Sounds familiar, but we'll see if it's any good.
Rookie Blue - ABC, Thursday, June 24, 9:00pm ET
Fresh cops take to the streets. Looks like another generic show for the summer.
Futurama - Comedy Central, Thursday, June 24, 10:00pm ET
The first new episodes airing since 2003!
Party Down - Starz, Friday, June 25, 10:00pm ET
Jane Lynch returns for Constance's wedding. Hopefully Party Down will be coming back for a third season as well.
Leverage is back with two episodes this Sunday and two episodes next Sunday, so we'll get double the fun. The first episode will be about getting Nate out of prison and the second will be a regular caper.
Scoundrels - ABC, Sunday, June 20, 9:00pm ET
David James Elliott? He's really fallen off the map. Anyway, Scoundrel is one of the only shows of the summer that sounds remotely interesting. It's about a criminal family who decided to follow the law after the patriarch of the family goes to prison.
Treme - HBO, Sunday June 20, 10:00pm ET
The season finale is here and I'm wondering if anyone big will happen. Creighton's apparent suicide last week will have consequences, but I'm don't think we'll be seeing anything too explosive.
The Gates - ABC, Sunday, June 20, 10:00pm ET
Quiet neighborhood which isn't what it seems. And there are vampires. Sounds familiar, but we'll see if it's any good.
Rookie Blue - ABC, Thursday, June 24, 9:00pm ET
Fresh cops take to the streets. Looks like another generic show for the summer.
Futurama - Comedy Central, Thursday, June 24, 10:00pm ET
The first new episodes airing since 2003!
Party Down - Starz, Friday, June 25, 10:00pm ET
Jane Lynch returns for Constance's wedding. Hopefully Party Down will be coming back for a third season as well.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 9 Wish Someone Would Care
Creighton has a great line at the beginning of the episode, essentially defining Treme. In the course of addressing his students on The Awakening, he says, "Pay attention to the language itself, the ideas. Don't think in terms of a beginning and an end, because unlike some plot driven entertainments, there is no closure in real life--not really." If David Simon is speaking to the audience through Creighton, he's telling us that Treme is real life, not television where there is a set story.
Of course the big event was Creighton's supposed suicide. Though it wasn't clear whether he died or not, John Goodman, who plays Creighton, is listed as a guest star, which would indicate that he won't be back, at least in the long run. Creighton does seem to get his mojo back, going around town and blissfully sending his family off. However, it's a front for what he thinks is his last day alive.
As usual, the other characters were out and about. After a storm dampens Janette's ability to cook out in the open, she tells Davis she wishes to move to New York. Despite Davis's words to dissuade her, it's hard not to see the financial benefits for her.
I'm really tired, so that's all the reviewing I can do for now.
Score: 9.2/10
Of course the big event was Creighton's supposed suicide. Though it wasn't clear whether he died or not, John Goodman, who plays Creighton, is listed as a guest star, which would indicate that he won't be back, at least in the long run. Creighton does seem to get his mojo back, going around town and blissfully sending his family off. However, it's a front for what he thinks is his last day alive.
As usual, the other characters were out and about. After a storm dampens Janette's ability to cook out in the open, she tells Davis she wishes to move to New York. Despite Davis's words to dissuade her, it's hard not to see the financial benefits for her.
I'm really tired, so that's all the reviewing I can do for now.
Score: 9.2/10
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Preview of Week 06/13/10 - 06/19/10
True Blood - HBO, Sunday, June 13, 9:00pm ET
The hottest show on television, literally and figuratively, is back and ready to do whatever the hell it does. It's not particularly deep, but it's highly entertainment and always a pleasure to watch. The one thing that sticks out is the atmosphere of the show. If you don't watch for the writing or acting which is fine, then watch the cinematography, There is no show like it.
Breaking Bad - AMC, Sunday, June 13, 10:00pm ET
The last episode ended with an incredible scene of Walter knocking down a couple of drug dealers with his car and then shooting one in cold blood. Ihave no clue what will go down in the season finale, but it's sure to be amazing.
Treme - HBO, Sunday, June 13, 10:00pm ET
By the penultimate episode of a season, stuff usually starts happen to indicate some kind of conclusion. We'll see if Treme steps up the game in the plot department.
Lie to Me - Fox, Monday, June 14, 8:00pm ET
It's a real treat to have a quality show like Lie to Me airing during the summer when everything on the broadcast networks are so meager. Foster and Lightman will go into their past and we'll see how they connected originally.
Party Down - Starz, Friday, June 18, 10:00pm ET
The penultimate episode of the season and possibly series is here. It looks like this episode will delve into the NFL and college football.
The hottest show on television, literally and figuratively, is back and ready to do whatever the hell it does. It's not particularly deep, but it's highly entertainment and always a pleasure to watch. The one thing that sticks out is the atmosphere of the show. If you don't watch for the writing or acting which is fine, then watch the cinematography, There is no show like it.
Breaking Bad - AMC, Sunday, June 13, 10:00pm ET
The last episode ended with an incredible scene of Walter knocking down a couple of drug dealers with his car and then shooting one in cold blood. Ihave no clue what will go down in the season finale, but it's sure to be amazing.
Treme - HBO, Sunday, June 13, 10:00pm ET
By the penultimate episode of a season, stuff usually starts happen to indicate some kind of conclusion. We'll see if Treme steps up the game in the plot department.
Lie to Me - Fox, Monday, June 14, 8:00pm ET
It's a real treat to have a quality show like Lie to Me airing during the summer when everything on the broadcast networks are so meager. Foster and Lightman will go into their past and we'll see how they connected originally.
Party Down - Starz, Friday, June 18, 10:00pm ET
The penultimate episode of the season and possibly series is here. It looks like this episode will delve into the NFL and college football.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 8 All On a Mardi Gras Day
With the season finale coming up in two weeks, I have no inking how the season will end. Usually there's a plot during the season that continues to build towards some kind of confrontation, but with Treme, it's all about the characters and their setting and almost no ongoing plot.
"All On a Mardi Gras Day" was one very large celebration, mixing the characters together in a bright array of colors and music. While the rest of the characters can be related with one or two degrees of separation, Annie and Sonny have been off in their own world until this episode. Annie and Davis meet and hang out for the entire episode. At the same time, Janette is alone celebrating in her drunken state.
Sonny has been the most hated on character and continued to go down that road again. He ditches Annie in the morning, does some drugs, and hooks up with his new drug buddy. Possibly on the plus side, a man comes up to him at a bar and seems to recognize him for saving him from the rooftops. I'm not one to believe Sonny since he's a prick, but there is some corroboration of his story. Maybe it's mistaken identity, but that would be a huge coincidence.
In competition with Sonny for most unlikable is Creighton, who acts like a pissy little girl most of the episode, eschew Mardi Gras and happiness for a dark corner to sulk in. We don't see Davis or Antoine acting like this and maybe Creighton does have some increased pressure because of the book, but he really got on my nerves.
Left out of the fun, Albert languished is jail for most of the episode. The Japanese guy shows up for a while and hangs out with Antoine. Luckily, he's more than happy that Antoine gave away the trombone. I don't know what the plans are for the Japanese guy, but he seems
I know I said I'd write longer reviews for Treme, but looking at the TV schedule for June, True Blood returns next week and Leverage the week after that, so Treme will again be pushed to the back of the pack.
Score: 9.0/10
"All On a Mardi Gras Day" was one very large celebration, mixing the characters together in a bright array of colors and music. While the rest of the characters can be related with one or two degrees of separation, Annie and Sonny have been off in their own world until this episode. Annie and Davis meet and hang out for the entire episode. At the same time, Janette is alone celebrating in her drunken state.
Sonny has been the most hated on character and continued to go down that road again. He ditches Annie in the morning, does some drugs, and hooks up with his new drug buddy. Possibly on the plus side, a man comes up to him at a bar and seems to recognize him for saving him from the rooftops. I'm not one to believe Sonny since he's a prick, but there is some corroboration of his story. Maybe it's mistaken identity, but that would be a huge coincidence.
In competition with Sonny for most unlikable is Creighton, who acts like a pissy little girl most of the episode, eschew Mardi Gras and happiness for a dark corner to sulk in. We don't see Davis or Antoine acting like this and maybe Creighton does have some increased pressure because of the book, but he really got on my nerves.
Left out of the fun, Albert languished is jail for most of the episode. The Japanese guy shows up for a while and hangs out with Antoine. Luckily, he's more than happy that Antoine gave away the trombone. I don't know what the plans are for the Japanese guy, but he seems
I know I said I'd write longer reviews for Treme, but looking at the TV schedule for June, True Blood returns next week and Leverage the week after that, so Treme will again be pushed to the back of the pack.
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, May 24, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 7 Smoke My Peace Pipe
I'm really tired from getting 3 hours of sleep last night and I still have to review the two-hour season finales of 24 and Chuck, so this will be another short review. I promise to have more starting next week.
The political situation in the city appears to be reaching a breaking point with Albert and company standing their ground in the vacated projects. The police eventually come and beat Albert to a pulp, but not before he can make a firm, lasting statement to the rest of the city.
Davis comes off rather good in the episode with his record flying off the shelves and his treatment of Janette, but one thing really bothers me. After making a mockery of the corruption in the city, he too takes part, accepting a bribe so he doesn't take away previous percentage points. Really, Davis?
The Daymo story has been the most narrative thing and it came to an end as his body is found in a truck. Capturing the essence of the show, LaDonna comes back home, on the verge of breaking but always resolute, refusing to tell her mother as to not destroy the mood.
Score: 9.4/10
The political situation in the city appears to be reaching a breaking point with Albert and company standing their ground in the vacated projects. The police eventually come and beat Albert to a pulp, but not before he can make a firm, lasting statement to the rest of the city.
Davis comes off rather good in the episode with his record flying off the shelves and his treatment of Janette, but one thing really bothers me. After making a mockery of the corruption in the city, he too takes part, accepting a bribe so he doesn't take away previous percentage points. Really, Davis?
The Daymo story has been the most narrative thing and it came to an end as his body is found in a truck. Capturing the essence of the show, LaDonna comes back home, on the verge of breaking but always resolute, refusing to tell her mother as to not destroy the mood.
Score: 9.4/10
Monday, May 17, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 6 Shallow Water, Oh Mama
Another busy Monday, so I'll have to keep things short.
I'm still looking for a story to tie everything together, but given that David Simon isn't pushing for a story, I won't harp on that too much. If a showrunner has good intentions that go contrary to my personal tastes, I'll give him/her a pass. (In writing him/her, I just realized how scare female showrunners are. Shonda Rhimes, Tina Fey...anyone else?)
Janette has been struggling the entire season and she's probably been my favorite character thus far. She has a wonderful determination in everything she does, but also has the tiniest thread of insecurity due to the mounting conditions against her. Six episodes in and this was the last straw. After working everyone hard and considering a pay suspension, she just had to close down. I'm sure she'll do everything to come back, but is it possible even if everything went as planned?
Score: 8.8/10
I'm still looking for a story to tie everything together, but given that David Simon isn't pushing for a story, I won't harp on that too much. If a showrunner has good intentions that go contrary to my personal tastes, I'll give him/her a pass. (In writing him/her, I just realized how scare female showrunners are. Shonda Rhimes, Tina Fey...anyone else?)
Janette has been struggling the entire season and she's probably been my favorite character thus far. She has a wonderful determination in everything she does, but also has the tiniest thread of insecurity due to the mounting conditions against her. Six episodes in and this was the last straw. After working everyone hard and considering a pay suspension, she just had to close down. I'm sure she'll do everything to come back, but is it possible even if everything went as planned?
Score: 8.8/10
Monday, May 10, 2010
Review - Treme Season 1 Episode 5 Shame, Shame, Shame
Like The Pacific which airs before it, Treme suffers a problem built into the concept of the show: it doesn't a central narrative to move it forward. Island hopping in the Pacific doesn't lend itself to a direct story with something tangible the characters move towards, and life in New Orleans after Katrina doesn't either. In its infancy, Treme is held up by the great acting and writing, but not a complex overarching story that can adapt and develop in the coming seasons. What worries me is where the show will be in even one season. The ratings haven't been average and without a real hook, it's hard to imagine more people watching the show if they aren't already.
"Shame, Shame, Shame" was another impressive episode, and since I'm low on time, I'll focus on the highlights (purely my opinion). The Japanese guy following Antoine was a pleasant diversion from the police brutality and incompetence that came to light in the episode. It was funny, heartwarming, and odd all wrapped in one. Batiste gets a trombone and the Japanese jazz enthusiast gets to talk with Batiste, so everyone wins.
Davis is one of those characters who could potentially be funny if he just turned down his act just a bit. Part of me was amused at his sales pitch in the beginning and the other part was irritated with his voice and mannerisms. His mouth finally gets the best of him when he gets clocked for saying the word nigger. Maybe it's time for an attitude change.
Once The Pacific ends next week and the broadcast shows come to an end, I hope to devote more time to these reviews. There's so many things going on that I simply can't get to.
Score: 9.2/10
"Shame, Shame, Shame" was another impressive episode, and since I'm low on time, I'll focus on the highlights (purely my opinion). The Japanese guy following Antoine was a pleasant diversion from the police brutality and incompetence that came to light in the episode. It was funny, heartwarming, and odd all wrapped in one. Batiste gets a trombone and the Japanese jazz enthusiast gets to talk with Batiste, so everyone wins.
Davis is one of those characters who could potentially be funny if he just turned down his act just a bit. Part of me was amused at his sales pitch in the beginning and the other part was irritated with his voice and mannerisms. His mouth finally gets the best of him when he gets clocked for saying the word nigger. Maybe it's time for an attitude change.
Once The Pacific ends next week and the broadcast shows come to an end, I hope to devote more time to these reviews. There's so many things going on that I simply can't get to.
Score: 9.2/10
