I'm really sorry Paul, I haven't got around to it, I've tried to look at the user agreement in real depth, but I get bogged down in the legalese and am concerned about how it works.

Do I access stuff from it without putting it on my PC? Do I have to make stuff on my PC available to others?

I'm keen to use it (and see what's available) but just a bit paranoid.

Forgot to add that I thought the metaphors used in the season 6 ep of sopranos just gone were really good - brought a realisation of mortality to Tony's power.

g, who won't talk about the football (is Rafa in danger of becoming the tinkerman - I suppose no-one would complain if it worked)

went out last night so missed the apparently x-rated version of how i met your mother and i'm with stupid (i liked the pilot)

Also liked the way Geoffrey in Slings and Arrows used the understudy's fear and personal collapse to portray the agitation in Macbeth's character. The humour's subtle more that laugh out loud, but I really like the messages conveyed when they hit home.

Just seen you know what and it's good, but B & B are missed in many ways.

as a tease you (know what) tube has the new opening titles for season 4 (with probably the best theme of the bunch - really ties in with the street) and the opening segment with Snoop.

Hit and run post. Kinda spoilerish on 24. Am annoyed that I looked:

http://www.digital***.co.uk/article/ds37032.html

Usual fill in the blanks.

quote:

Originally posted by snarkygirl:
Hit and run post. Kinda spoilerish on 24. Am annoyed that I looked:

http://www.digital***.co.uk/article/ds37032.html

Usual fill in the blanks.

I'll keep schtumm about new House then <BWG>

most of the forummers I've read on 24 wonder why Donald didn't get Bauer's dad - especially as Commander in Chief just ended. Secor and Braugher can not catch a break. Braugher was going to be in ER (and show up the rest of the cast) but scheduling conflict meant he won't be appearing. It is a worry that off all the h:lots actors to go off in different directions, Belzer and Thorne are the only ones in successful stuff.

http://www.tv.com/story/story.html&story_id=6296?tag=headlines;title;2

The story will at least be told until its natural conclusion - thank goodness.

I'm amazed though that with the marketing upping the ante, figures have been lower than higher, but that doesn't take into account OnDemand viewing figures.

Out of curiosity, what does the most-watched HBO show bring in viewers-wise?

quote:

Originally posted by garbarek:
http://www.tv.com/story/story.html&story_id=6296?tag=headlines;title;2

The story will at least be told until its natural conclusion - thank goodness.

I'm amazed though that with the marketing upping the ante, figures have been lower than higher, but that doesn't take into account OnDemand viewing figures.

Out of curiosity, what does the most-watched HBO show bring in viewers-wise?

I think the Sopranos gets 8 million. But then it costs a huge amount as well. Deadwood got about 4m, but again, thats at about $6m per episode. The Wire is substantially cheaper, so I guess the ratings can afford to be a little off. Be interesting to see what they look like after the On Demand one is taken into account, and all the repeat showings.

As for H:LOTS alumni, didn't Braugher turn ER down for a role in the Fantastic Four sequel. Not that that is a good career move, but maybe he thinks in light of the Emmy win he should strike while the iron is hot and do some film work to cash in. Either way, its a reason to watch FF2, which I didn't have until I heard that casting move.

Paul, who agrees that it is great news about the fifth season. Apparently, thats about the Media. Can't wait for these guys to really let rip on that issue!

The word Homicide sanitises MURDER - unlawful death.
I like the oxymoron though!

So, just to bump us up a bit, my thoughts on a few new US shows, and the return of Spooks.

Justice is another Bruckheimer thing, but is a bit more delicious and fun, with high powered defence lawyers relishing their roles, particularly Jack Bristow, hamming it up big style as Ron someone or other, and really making the show. As its Bruckheimer, they have to do some computer jiggery pokery with screen wipes and speeches (think Criminal Minds when someone talks about what might have happened), which doesn't seem necessary. But the whole thing skips along quite effectively, and is fun!

Unlike Standoff, which lasted about 15minutes before I gave up. Pair of hostage negotiators sleeping together, and it just wasn't very good. Maybe I'll drift back to it, but it just seemed cliche and very contrived. Not for me.

And Spooks is back, with all the same plus's and minus's that existed before. This is potential spoiler territory, so turn away now


The story was simple at best, and completely unrealistic, which is nothing new. The problem I had was that they didn't seem to hide the sheer stupidity of it all. Meetings and ultimatums, and confessions that these people were in fact committing terrorist acts all being treated as if they have to just accept that and move on. Why not just arrest them. Haven't they heard of wire taps and taping conversations? And why don't any of the good guys have guns? I'm fed up with Adam and Zaff getting beaten up when all they needed was a gun.

But the fights were pretty good actually, one of the good parts. And they do know how to kill people off well, with a good emotional punch. It was a little sadistically nasty, though. Maybe I'm naive, but I would expect that even if there is a plot to over throw the government, the people carrying it out wouldn't kill fellow officers so easily and remorcelessly.

I guess it was good fodder for the conspiracy theorists, it was after all a mirror of the nine eleven conspiracy theories, what with inside jobs and a naive populous.

And I didn't like the end to the cliffhanger from last season. That last ep suggested that Lindsey Duncan's character had something to say, in this one she kills herself almost immediately for no real reason that I can figure out.

I'm in a moaning mood, but I'll still watch it next week. Gutless I am!

Paul, who doesn't really think the word Homicide sanitises murder. Its just another name for the same thing, more legal, less emotive, but still dead. They are still murder police, though.

Oh, and I liked Studio 60, although they did all talk like they were on The West Wing. But as I guess the talking was the best part of The West Wing, so its okay.

And House is still good, Prison Break is jumping the shark every couple of minutes, but its still fun, and The Wire is still the best thing out there.

quote:

Originally posted by paulellis:
Oh, and I liked Studio 60, although they did all talk like they were on The West Wing. But as I guess the talking was the best part of The West Wing, so its okay.

And House is still good, Prison Break is jumping the shark every couple of minutes, but its still fun, and The Wire is still the best thing out there.

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It was interesting that Network played recently on TCM or Sky Classic Cinema or whatever it is, and the speech mirrored Wes's on Studio 60 (they referenced it with a more realistic outcome). I think anything Sorkin does stems from Sports Night (considering that came first) therefore TWW was Political Sports Night and Studio 60 is SNL Sports Night. Also found it interesting that the issue that cost Wes his job will remain when Matt and Danny lead with the joke on the next episode. So Wes lost his job for nothing, and Standards and Practices will still have a problem with the joke - unless Jordan gets him to back off, but if she could, why couldn't Wes? I'm unsure where they go from here but hopefully not (according to Popmatters) become what they fighting against - an average labotomised network show.

I love The Wire, but Prison Break has me gripped week after week with the twists and turns. I worry about the swerves though - characters you thought you knew you're not sure about any more.

Comments on this weeks Must see shows so far: (with subtle spoilers of sorts)



The Wire: Best episode of the season so far
Omar back in it guarantees fun.

Studio 60 - Press Conference, Writer's meeting, and Finale aside - not much going on. But the subtextual reason why Wes got fired left me puzzled, unless I'm being stupid.

Prison Break - typical, I wonder how they'll get out of that one.

House will come no doubt tomorrow and ER and Earl Friday. Titles seem to have changed - unless it's the ripper's editing, but cast lists seem to run through the opening scenes now rather than opening titles for NBC shows, and has House changed it's theme every seaspn? I don't remember it being Teardrop, but is that just for US audiences?

House has always had a different theme in the UK to the US. Think they only got rights in the US for the Chemical Brothers tune (sic), so another, similar sounding tune was used for every where else.

Still liking House, although I am slightly concerned that Cutty has become the sexy boss and nothing else. All those low cut blouses and such don't really say Hospital Administrator to me. Although I am a fan, obviously!

Omar's return and Prez's first day were both excellent. I found Prez' situation to be almost heartbreaking. My brother's just started teaching, and you can really feel the frustration in his voice when a couple of irritating little sh*ts ruin the class for everyone, and there is very little you can do about it. It must be much worse doing the same in a big inner city school rather than in Bridgend! So much respect for anyone who can do it, thats for sure.

Studio 60 won't last the season. I like it, but ultimately I really don't care enough about the back room stuff in a comedy TV show, and its already a little bit too Hollywood insider for my liking, and the characters are all saints at the moment, which always does my head in. Flawed is best, and most interesting. Having one character have an off screen and finished drug habit is not enough for me to think of these people as real, unfortunately.

Prison Break keeps putting itself in a corner, and then having to write itself out of the corner in increasingly desperate ways. Not that finding out how they get out of the latest impossible situation isn't half the fun, but I can't see it keeping up with itself. And haven't these guys heard of wigs and makeup at all. I mean they are strutting around the place like the own it, despite all the cops and people on their trail.

I like Justice, Heroes is Meh! for now, but could be fun if it develops intelligently, and Boston Legal is still just fun fun fun. Shatner is a joy!

Paul, impressed by that Crouch fella. Dropped for a few games, and scores 2 on his comeback, and the second was a beauty and no mistake. We've got 4 contenders for goals of the month so far.

quote:

Originally posted by paulellis:
Paul, impressed by that Crouch fella. Dropped for a few games, and scores 2 on his comeback, and the second was a beauty and no mistake. We've got 4 contenders for goals of the month so far.

What's happened to poor Robbie? I know chances didn't go his way against Sheffield and he didn't put away against Everton, but none of them did. (16 shots off target)

Right know it looks like the pecking order is

any two from Crouch/Kuyt/Bellamy (the other to sit on the bench)
Fowler doesn't even travel - I know he lacks the pace, and youth of the others, but he is the best british finisher of his generation, and he's fourth choice?

re: studio 60 - i take your point, and agree that trials and tribulations would be more engaging, with a few setbacks to ensure each episode is not resolved positively at the end of the hour (which it looks like it will be). Saying that, it seems to be Sorkin's way of saying 'hey I had an addiction, but I've come back' and Schlamme showing what they can do when the networks leave them alone, but I think they aren't really.

going back to The Wire - Marlo's character made me think today. Here is a man with the entrepreneurial instincts of Stringer, can raise hell like Barksdale, but shows more respect to his competitors than Barksdale - at least before he runs them out of business through sheer presence and firepower. He could be the show's Bill Gates - monopolising on the misfortunes of others and plagiarising the strengths of his competitors.

Re: Prison Break - To be fair the make up and the wigs would make the show much more cartoony than it is now.

g, could not believe the eloquence of this young lady on the chris evans drivetime show

http://www.adorasvitak.com/Main.html

saying words like 'contemplating', and adopting feminism at the age of 8. Jeez!

rumoured release date of Crowded house's Farewell to the World - 20th November

Remember that scene in The Wire where they use a single word to convey many things. I am repeating that word over and over again. I have had a very crappy day. Crappy week. Crappy month. And it's only "crappy" because I'm not allowed to call it anything else here.

Anyway stuff written about:

House - don't watch it any more.

The Wire - not seen it. Where, how etc?

Football - any good looking new premiership players I should know about?

Spooks - I love it. Silly silly silly but I love it. And I really want Harry and Ruth to get together.

The Shield – brilliant.

Crowded House – Yay, good news. Wonder if he is in Wales yet?

Night night...

quote:

Originally posted by snarkygirl:
Remember that scene in The Wire where they use a single word to convey many things. I am repeating that word over and over again. I have had a very crappy day. Crappy week. Crappy month. And it's only "crappy" because I'm not allowed to call it anything else here.

very sorry to hear you're having a bad day, week, month.

quote:

Anyway stuff written about:

The Wire - not seen it. Where, how etc?

Spooks - I love it. Silly silly silly but I love it. And I really want Harry and Ruth to get together.

The Shield – brilliant.

re: the Wire - Paul uses torrents and newsgroups and I use newsgroups - I was going to see if I could send you a winzipped file of the episodes in asf form, but it wouldn't work.

Either Paul or I can no doubt burn the episodes on to DVD so you can be in the loop.

Additionally I'd like to talk Sopranos and Slings (and Arrows). Sopranos is great at getting my blood boil - particularly the treatment given to Artie, although you may say it's his own making - the impunity by which mafioso operate is at times infuriating.

As for Slings, I didn't have a spare tape for the first series, but taped the second, and it is still as great as when I saw it before. Looking forward to King Lear. What is it with Paul Gross and seeing dead people? Did he have a fixation with Randall and Hopkirk when he was young?

anyway re: USB hard drive - found this on Ebuyer:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/114132/rb/22142030765

anyone else seen a better deal than this?

Snarky, email me if you know what torrents are. I can invite you to the site that I use to get them. Newsgroups, however, are just as good. I could probably sort you out copies on DVD easily enough as well. Question is, would you want to wait until the whole lot is done, or do you want them bit by bit. If you can watch them on a PC, then all the better, cos I can just burn the files.

Never watched this Slings thing. When's it on and whats it about?

Anyone watch Afterlife? Worth Catching?

Sopranos is passing me by, really. Its the whole sympathy for the devil thing, and as I watch more and more, I have less and less sympathy with them. I want the Feds to lock the lot of them up, and their whiny brats!

Thats a pretty decent price for a 400gb external drive, there. You can get a 250gb one at Big Pockets for £60, which gig for gig is probably better, but not by much. I don't like ebuyer, though, because they won't let me re-register after changing my email address, and they didn't respond to the enotes I sent. Its a stupid system, and I can't be arsed sorting it out. I just don't shop there!

Spooks, silly but fun just about sums it up.

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Listened to an interview with the guy who plays Harry on Five Live, and he didn't seem that confident that the Ruth situation would end well. I got the impression (but its just that, they weren't explicit or anything) that Ruth might not be long for this world.


Paul, who saw the rather great Children of Men the other day. Really worth checking out if you get a chance. Also saw Talledega Nights, which was fun, and nothing but! And Superman Returns, in 3D at the IMAX in Bristol. It was great. More big films in 3D would be appreciated Hollywood. It really does add to the thrills!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by paulellis:

Never watched this Slings thing. When's it on and whats it about?
QUOTE]

On Artsworld on Sunday. They've just repeated the first two seasons the past two weeks in readiness for the third and final series in the trilogy.

The story (detailed and perhaps laborious description) - Artistic Director Oliver Wells of the New Burbage Film Festival in Canada has become complacent in his directing due to commercialisation and, is numbed to the sanitised performances and corporate sponsorship. His Hamlet is bland, and uninspiring but pulls in the revenue keeping the General Manager Richard Smith-Jones happy. Meanwhile, after a falling out with Oliver due to him allegedly sleeping with his girlfriend and fellow actor Ellen Fanshawe, Geoffrey Tennant is struggling to make the rent of his own Independent Theatre company and is faced with eviction. Oliver sees Geoffrey on TV pulling a stunt where he chains himself to his theatre and recalls a time when there was passion and energy in his production of Hamlet - with the triumvirate of Oliver as director and Geoffrey and Ellen as lead actors.
Oliver calls to drunkenly apologise, Geoffrey hangs up and Oliver lies in the road, blissfully unaware that a pig truck that didn't spot him runs him over.
Geoffrey returns and eulogizes Oliver at his funeral, and then bemoans the dumbing down of the festival with such animated contempt, the chairwoman of the board appoints Geoffrey interim artistic director - puts him in charge of Oliver's Hamlet, and has to use Oliver's skull in future productions of the play at the behest of the ghost of Oliver who Geoffrey continues to see.

First season as I mentioned was Hamlet
Second season was Macbeth with the festival on the verge of financial ruin
and the final season will be King Lear. They hinted that Richard Smith-Jones will be Artistic Director, which may mean Geoffrey returns on stage rather than orchestratic off it.

I should say one of the co-creators was on Kids in the Hall (which I vaguely remember being on Channel 4) but don't remember if it was any good.

NYPD Blue back on 10th Cotober at 10 p.m.

apparently it will be one episode a week, with a repeat on sunday night.

quote:

Originally posted by garbarek:
NYPD Blue back on 10th Cotober at 10 p.m.

apparently it will be one episode a week, with a repeat on sunday night.

There was a time when I would have greeted that news with joy, but I have been deprived of the joy of new NYPD Blue by the virtue of having already seen them all, and them not making any more. What season are they on now? Is Danny still in it?

Still, it was good while it lasted, and it got 12 years, which ain't bad in the great scheme of things.

Anyways, have noticed that a few of our Brit girls are appearing in some of the big hits stateside. Ashley Jensen is in Ugly Betty, which I like despite being completely the wrong demographic for it. Who cares about them demographic things anyway! And she plays a Brit, which is a refreshing change for a Brit abroad.

And Lucy Davis also appeared (and might have recurring roles) on both Ugly Betty and Studio 60. She was blink and you'll miss her on Studio 60, but was a relatively major character on Ugly Betty, as a bitchy TV show fashion correspondent.

Good to see the Gervais effect working on the excellent women that appear in his shows as well, although both are frankly slumming it compared to their excellent roles in The Office and Extras. Still, bet they are getting paid a damn side more for it, so all power to them!

And Extras is still great, although it seems to have changed from a show about Extra's to something else entirely. Still, the sight of Ronnie Corbett snorting cocaine of a toilet and Moira Stewart getting arrested as his dealer were both so good that I don't care that the concept has gone out the window. Funny is funny, and this still is.

I also like That Mitchell and Webb Thing (especially the Dick Barton loving Sir Digby Chicken Ceaser) and Mock the Week, making Thursday night my official comedy zone, which is good because BBC2 have theirs then two. Synergy in action!

Paul, noting that Lost returned, barmy as ever. More questions than answers, obviously, but then thats nothing new.

And Galapagos looks great in HD!

And another thing, are we all on BBC3 Spooks, or BBC1 Spooks. Because I'm BBC3 Spooks, and I wouldn't want to blurt out whats happening on BBC1 next week if any of you guys are BBC1 Spooks.

Or Something.

Paul, not giving anything away about BBC3 Spooks unless you give me license to.