What Complete Season Set Did You Just Watch?

[PixarFan2006]

The Simpsons: Season 3

Dog of Death
Black Widower

[Lazario]

The best season of the first three so far. Started off with a real bang and 5 of the best episodes of the entire show. I laughed - hard, and frequently. I actually felt moved (by the "Going Home" episode). And had an all-around good time. It's surprising how much they shifted the main-character emphasis from Alex (whose stories are all reduced to someone saying "we're always dumping our problems on Alex, I don't wanna do that...") to Jim, Bobby, and Louie. Elaine still gets shafted (note how in the one episode with her name in the title, she's onscreen for less than 5 minutes total), but Tony is finally redeemed in the "Tony's Sister and Jim" episode (featuring Julie Kavner, who I love, from This is My Life and The Simpsons). I was very surprised by how well his character was written in that episode. He doesn't just do his usual dim-witted "over-protecting" routine, he actually gets and gives motivation and a smart resolution (even if it results in the incredibly sappy bottle-blowing sequence).

Like the season previous, Christopher Lloyd is invaluable to this show. He literally steals it and blows it up sky-high, consistently getting the biggest laughs. During the "On the Job" episode, his vacuum-cleaner sales pitch had me laughing so hard, I stopped breathing normally. I was literally wheezing. I haven't laughed that hard (or for that long without quieting down) since I was in school (more than 7 years ago). There are strange surprises abound. One question that kept bobbing around in the shallow waters of my head, during the "Fathers of the Bride" episode, was- is that Baby Jane-lookin' woman messed up in the head? Other than the fact that her hair was frizzed and her makeup looked a little caked, she acted like she was either Anna Nicole'd (on sloshing medication) or, in the process of formally separating herself from reality. Someone needed to butterfly-net her, poste haste. Which to me signalled that she's a great actress. She took the part seriously (maybe a little too seriously).

Unfortunately, around the "10 Percent Solution" episode... the laughs die down. Then with "The Costume Party," that general Season-2 monotony sets in. Thankfully, it never gets bad (like it was with the first 4 episodes of Season-2). But it's noticable that it's just not funny anymore. Especially in "Latka the Playboy" ("Latka's Cookies" was infinitely more enjoyable, with a clever cameo by Famous Amos who even amusingly ratchets up Latka's obsession with success) and the outrageously dumb "Bobby's Roommate," where for some absurd reason- everyone is paying way too much attention to Elaine's sex-life (perhaps indicating that there's a more-than-friends thing going on with all the men in her life?). More often than not, the episodes are watchable and satisfying. Louie is especially fun in his "On the Job" segment. As was Elaine in her desk job, though I predicted what would happen to her 4 minutes ahead of time. Still though, this season scored more laughs than the previous 2 combined.

[PixarFan2006]

The Big Bang Theory Season 2

The Elucid Alternative

[Lazario]

Well... it's quite a shock to the system to go from Taxi to this show. Taxi was more than a little polished and overly-safe when it came to its' depiction of life in New York City. But that show actually gave you characters you cared about, a lot more honesty about people than almost any other sitcom of its' time (it was overall a lot more forward-thinking on gay issues than The Jeffersons, save for the excellent "Once a Friend" episode), and some very good moments of comedy from skilled performers. I'm starting to think I also should be grateful to Taxi for knowing how to rope-in the endlessly irritating goofball antics of Tony Danza. In Who's the Boss?... they just let him go whole-hog. And then it dawns on you, he's really only good for one thing. Which is on full display in the "A Rash Decision" episode and mentioned several times throughout the season by the hot-to-trot granny Mona (Katherine Helmond, also the redheaded mother of a blonde daughter in the film, The Lady in White). She may be the best feature of this show, but if so- not by much (though her little showdown with Betty White, of Mary Tyler Moore and Golden Girls, was without exception the single best moment of the truly dismal season). Are these people really great performers hampered by awful writing and directing? Judith Light has certainly seen better days (on, of all shows- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit).

Maybe the times are to blame. I was even more shocked to find out they filming in 1984 (maybe that's because it looks so expensive, much more like 1986, which may only be 2 years difference, but still I was shocked). Television was becoming very stale. And this show in particular just reeks of Reagan-era brainlessness. Predictable storylines, dull cliches, flat dialogue. The material is so constrained and suffocated, that it leads everyone to overact. They know these scenes wouldn't work on their own. Too bad they couldn't see into the future- because their approach didn't help improve the material at all. Judith Light should be a lot more subtle, Tony should smile a lot less (and do that fast-talk during lightly tense moments thing less too), and Jonathan should... Well, does anyone remember any moments with Jonathan from the show at all? The most memorable thing about the whole series thus far... 1 episode with James Coco. And as just mentioned- Betty White's big moment. She plays the lame "middle-class" notion of a celebrity who mindlessly looks down on everyone. Ever notice how in shows like this and Home Improvement, these characters are always in showbiz or artistic professions, and never wealthy business tycoons or military folk? (The only show that managed to do this right was Roseanne in the "First Cousin, Twice Removed" episode) In fact, the one time they come across a businessman doing something shady- Tony and Angela don't care or raise any kind of fuss. They just make sure to take their names off the product. How's that for morality?

Best Episodes: "Tony's Father-in-Law" & "First Kiss"

Worst Episodes: "Mona Gets Pinned," "Pilot," "Dinner for Two," & "Double Date"

[PixarFan2006]

The Office Season 5

Baby Shower (for the 2nd time)
Company Picnic

[Ting Ting]

<i>True Blood</i>: The Complete First Season

I haven't finished just yet, but WOW! This show is epic goodness. That's all I can say.

[The Little Merboy]

<i>True Blood</i>: The Complete First Season

I haven't finished just yet, but WOW! This show is epic goodness. That's all I can say.

OMG YES! It's soooo good!!!

[Lazario]

Don't get me wrong, I still love this show. It's still very well-written and ably acted and professional and completely entertaining. Never was there a dull moment. But, I can't help feeling it could have been more. She says herself in the musical TV promo, "I'll show the world that Tori is just a regular girl!" But the comedy is not regular. Which is of course the best thing about the show, that it doesn't try to be The Simple Life or something, with Tori Spelling trying to be someone else. But she sometimes plays this character like a less naive Elle from Legally Blonde, or a slightly less giggly and irritating than Jane/Deb from Drop Dead Diva. And the writing's not perfect. It's a fast-paced show, so the dialogue (which the show is maybe overloaded with) is always ricocheting from one person to the next instead of flowing naturally. Not only does this mean you can't breathe, but sometimes you catch up and then you know exactly what's going to happen next.

Watching the behnd the scenes of how this show was made is fascinating. Tori isn't a dumb blonde, nor is she the kind of person who stands around while her show was shot. Also, that high-pitched whiny voice she sometimes has isn't her real voice. I was very impressed with how hands-on and in control she was when they were, for instance, shooting the billboard for the show (the image you see above, and the "New Hit from an Easy Target" ad). The writers took stuff from her real life out of context for comedy, but she herself had a real vision for how she wanted people to see her as well. She had a passion for this project that no one noticed (sort of like the Kiki character had a passion for architecture in the "Jealous" episode that Tori didn't notice). She had a vision and was really lovable and more at-home in some of the show's bloopers. I was especially shocked to see her deep voiced and looking not glossy in the "Canadian" outtakes.

This show sometimes wants to be something else, something less original. And so, it lacks 2 things. One is genuine heart. Though it damn well makes up for that with moments with Nanny, who says some of the smartest things I've heard spoken on TV in since forever. Take the "Charitable" episode for example. "She shouldn't have any self-esteem! That girl is a rude, nasty mess. She's not like that because she can't afford fancy parties and nice clothes. She's like that because she doesn't have anybody in her life teaching her how to behave. You have tons of money. But if I hadn't been around, you would have been just like that one but with money. And that's worse. That ain't nothin' but Paris Hilton!" Two is, well: Tori's backbone. You see a little bit of it in the "Whole" and "Jealous" episodes- which has a truly fabulous ending. But by "Relaxed," it's gone. It's apparently shriveled up. MaMa Belle, the potential threat of Shannen Doherty, and Kiki spooked it right out of her.

[DisneyFreak5282]

I watched a few episodes of that show when it was on TV and I've been meaning to pick up the box set since it was announced years ago. Maybe I should pick it up.

Anyway, today I finished:



Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Complete Series

I've said this for many series before, but for this one, I really mean it: this show seriously should have been renewed for another season. I mean, wow. I'm not normally a fan of one-hour dramas, but I made the exception for two reasons: A) it only lasted one season, and B) Matthew Perry! The first 16 episodes play out nicely by themselves and the problems are generally solved by the end of the episode, or (in two cases for the first 16 episodes), they are played out in two-parters. Episode 16, "4 A.M. Miracle", introduces a conflict that drags out for the rest of the season that I'm not going to spoil here. Episode 17, "The Disaster Show", which features Allison Janney, still continues with that conflict but there's also another storyline in there that is solved by the end of the episode. The conflict continues during episodes 18 - 22. Episode 18 introduces yet another conflict that is resolved in the final episode. Episodes 19 - 21 consist of a three-part episode that carries over into Episode 22, which really should have been labeled as part four.

This is honestly the best TV I have watched in a long time, and since I have been watching Showtime and HBO shows (which have some of the best writing ever out there), I've been more critical of shows that are not on cable networks like that. This show has the depth (and at times) the intensity of that of a Showtime or HBO show, but without the cursing, nudity and violence.

Watching the series finale I didn't feel like it was a fitting one. It definitely had enough closure but at the same time I felt like I was left wanting more - but probably only because it's such a great show. I guess it's excusable though, considering at the time they didn't know it would be their final episode. Characters, relationships, and conflicts all developed nicely for everybody in the end and nothing felt half-assed.

What it all comes down to is, this is great, quality TV. I'm very surprised it was not renewed for another season, considering 90% of what's on TV nowadays sucks (jeez I sound old!). It had the perfect blend of comedy and drama and each episode is better than the previous. If you have not had the chance to watch this show, I highly recommend it, it's great for everybody!

[Barbossa]

Finished watching X-Files season 5 last night



I'm going to be watching the first movie next as that's what takes place in the story line following season 5. I'm looking forward to watching seasons 6-9 as I haven't seen a lot of those episodes when they aired, as that's when I was in college.

[xxhplinkxx]

Just finished...



The Office Season 4

I should be getting Season 5 in the mail tomorrow.

[littlefuzzy]

Since I finished Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, I decided it was time for some anime.

I've watched Air Gear (complete series,) and Yu Yu Hakusho Seasons 1, 2, and 3. I'm on the last season (4) of YYH right now.

[PeterPanfan]

Since I finished Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, I decided it was time for some anime.

Did you love them? Favorite characters?

[littlefuzzy]

I liked Oz, Willow (I've always liked Allyson Hannigan), Anya was funny, Cordelia was good in Angel (although I didn't like her in Buffy,) and Fred (Winifred) was really cute. Spike kind of grew on me after he turned good. Of course, the main casts were OK, too: Xander, Buffy, Giles, Tara, Angel, Wesley, Gunn, and Lorne. Frankly, Dawn started to get pretty annoying, and whiny...

I really thought the demons from Hush (Buffy) were pretty creepy (although I noticed some of the background ones had "Joker-like" makeup appliances, instead of shiny dentures.)

Smile Time (on Angel) was pretty funny, seeing him as a muppet was perfect. Once More With Feeling was great fun.

I'm going to try to find the Season 8 / Season 6 comics one of these days.

[PixarFan2006]

The Big Bang Theory: Season Two

X-Men Volume 1
Only four more episodes and I will be on Volume 2

[PeterPanfan]

I liked Oz, Willow (I've always liked Allyson Hannigan), Anya was funny, Cordelia was good in Angel (although I didn't like her in Buffy,) and Fred (Winifred) was really cute. Spike kind of grew on me after he turned good. Of course, the main casts were OK, too: Xander, Buffy, Giles, Tara, Angel, Wesley, Gunn, and Lorne. Frankly, Dawn started to get pretty annoying, and whiny...

I really thought the demons from Hush (Buffy) were pretty creepy (although I noticed some of the background ones had "Joker-like" makeup appliances, instead of shiny dentures.)

Smile Time (on Angel) was pretty funny, seeing him as a muppet was perfect. Once More With Feeling was great fun.

I'm going to try to find the Season 8 / Season 6 comics one of these days.

The comics are quite fun, although obviously no where near as good as the shows.

[DisneyFreak5282]

Just finished up watching Two and a Half Men: Season Five. The writing is still fresh as ever, and this is one probably the greatest sitcom that is on the air today, and it probably is the best one to come along in a while. Can't wait to pick up season 6, but I'll probably do that on Black Friday, when it'll be on sale most likely. The prices for these sets are a little much!

[Disney-Fan]

Battlestar Galactica: Season 2
For those of you wondering, yes, this is one of the smartest tv shows ever made. Throw away those scared metaphors TV shows often displays. Here all the cards are layed before you, and you get to really stimulate your brain and wonder what is true and right. Religion, martial law, leadership, treating of a prisoner, authority. These are all things that are thrown out there for debate, and not once do you get a nicely wrapped answer to what the right choice would be. This show is not scared to pull out all the stops and is never ashamed in it's sci-fi backdrop and doesn't make excuses because of that, realising that despite the cool effects and intruiging mystery storyline regarding the cylons, it's the human stories that make it all worthwhile.

This season all the stakes are amped up. New alliances are made, old ones are broken. The enemy isn't so clear any more and everyone seems to have become very desperate. Oh, and speaking of reinventing the genre no gimmiky cliffhanger is to be found at the end of the season. Truly, this cliffhanger is, like the show, a brain stimulator and leaves you begging for more. Some great performances this season from regulars Mary McDonnel and Edward James Olmos and some standout ones from guest stars Michelle Forbes as the spicey Admiral Cain and Lucy Lawless as D'Anna Bier.

Frakking seriously, anyone who claims to be a fan of well made scripted shows and has yet to see this space opera, run NOW and rent the first season. You won't regret a moment. 9/10

[2099net]

Hi Disney-Fan

I just got the complete Battlestar Galactica Blu-ray set and I'm (slowly) working my way through it. So far, it's exceptional.

I never really got a chance to see it on TV over here (it was on a Pay-TV channel) but I heard some complaints form people that it wasn't sci-fi - people have proper names. People read books. People wear clothes just like ours - including suits.

What a way to totally miss the point.

Battlestar Galactica is true Science-Fiction. In that its not about technology, monsters, computers or death-rays. That's Science-Fantasy. Science Fiction is about looking at our world, putting in a "what if" and then exploring the consequences.

Battlestar Galactica is all about "What would WE do?" As you say, it has no answers, but the questions it asks aren't easy either. Nobody is right - for every decision made, there's at least one other valid decision. Which would we choose? Would we be more "right" or would we even be "wrong".

Much as I enjoy Doctor Who (which rarely does Science-Fiction over Science Fantasy) and much as I will always have a special place for the programme I can see Battlestar Galactica is the superior show. To think it came from such a campy 70's origin is unbelievable (as is that one of Post Roddenbury Trek's key creative is the main architect of this revamp).

I really enjoyed the new Star Trek movie. As I said, it was emotionally dead-on. I hope JJ's sequel has hints of Battlestar Galactica and parallels and explores today's concerns and issues so well.

[Disney-Fan]

Hi Disney-Fan

I just got the complete Battlestar Galactica Blu-ray set and I'm (slowly) working my way through it. So far, it's exceptional.

What point of the show are you at?

I never really got a chance to see it on TV over here (it was on a Pay-TV channel) but I heard some complaints form people that it wasn't sci-fi - people have proper names. People read books. People wear clothes just like ours - including suits.

What a way to totally miss the point.

Seriously? That's one of the show's greatest strengths in my opinion. It's just so grounded and real.

Nobody is right - for every decision made, there's at least one other valid decision. Which would we choose? Would we be more "right" or would we even be "wrong".

I absolutely love that about the show. There is never right and wrong, much like in real life. I often find myself conflicted, wondering if what humans define as the enemy really is the enemy. Who is bad? Who is just misguided? There really is a lot to chew on with this show. That's a feeling I've never gotten from TV before.