OT: True Detective and other winter TV distractions

Submitted by MGoBender on

I'm totally bored, totally sick of snow and totally into True Detective right now.  Last drinking thread there appeared to be others into it.

What say you people of the MGoBoard?  Who watched True Detective?  Where do you see it going?  Last night they set up the possibility that Cohle is behind some of the murderous happenings down in Louisiana.  I'm not seeing it, but can't ignore the possibility.

Other winter distractions?

The Walking Dead has returned with its ever-slowing plots.

House of Cards Season 2 is out.  I've never watched it, but I know its big.

We're just six-ish weeks from the return of Game of Thrones.

And, when all else fails, there's beer to discuss.  I'm tipping back a Bell's Amber Ale at the moment.

SPOILER PROTOCOL: For the sake of everyone, I propose the following:  Talking about anything that's happened in any of these shows, to date, is fair game.  Talking about events/characters/plot points that have yet to occur in the shows (Walking Dead and GoT to be specific) should be verboten and considered dirty spoiling.

So, if you are not up to date on the TV shows, tread lightly.  If you are a book/comic reader and know future plot happenings, those of us who just watch would appreciate your discretion.

BloomingtonBlue

February 17th, 2014 at 7:38 PM ^

House of Cards is one of the best shows I've ever seen. Besides sports there's truly no reason to need cable television.

MGoBender

February 17th, 2014 at 7:42 PM ^

Yep.  I can't bring myself to stream sports through the shady, ad-ridden sites, so I have succumbed to the cable overlords.  At least for the time being.

That said, when I called ATT to bitch about a price increase, they upgraded me which lowered my monthly payments but now I have HBO.  So even though I pay out the ass, I'm happy.  HBO is stellar.

MGoBender

February 17th, 2014 at 7:53 PM ^

$115 for U450 and some Internet level (the second lowest I think?).  For a year I get a $65 discount.  So its normal price is $175.  At that time I'll drop down to the U200 & Internet that I had last month which was going to cost me $150 a month at full price.

Or, more likely, I'll threaten to leave to Comcast unless they drop me back closer to $100 again.

I hate it, but I watch too much TV (sports, of course) to cut the cord yet. 

Itsahilger

February 17th, 2014 at 7:46 PM ^

I just couldn't get into True Detective. Really struggled to make it through two episodes.



Just started House of Cards. So far, so good. Underwood is a bad, bad man.



Walking Dead is solid IMO and I absolutely can't wait until The Blacklist is back after the Olympics. Such a solid show.

MGoBender

February 17th, 2014 at 7:52 PM ^

The pace to the first two episodes is slow for some, definitely.  I was lucky in that I binged the first 4 episodes, so that pace didn't seem that bad.

I'd give it another shot - the pace picks waaaay up after those first two episodes.

The one thing I cringed at was the stereotypical cop cheating on his wife.  It appears that's not going to be an ongoing issue for the remainder of the series though, which am relieved about.

hockeyguy9125

February 17th, 2014 at 7:48 PM ^

the writing and acting are all first class. I am definitely hooked on that show and am looking forward to where it goes from here.

House of Cards is quickly climbing the list of my favorite shows ever. His line at the end of the season two premier, "There is but one rule: hunt or be hunted. Welcome back", might be one of the all time bad ass lines in TV history.

Cannot wait for the next season of GoT too. That is still IMO the best show out there.

03 Blue 07

February 17th, 2014 at 8:39 PM ^

What would make you think that Cohle has demons? Like the fact that he hasn't, apparently, been able to maintain any human relationship in his life for an extended period of time? Or the drinking at 4 pm on his off days in 2012, every day? Or, you know, the fact that his daughter died, his marriage collapsed, and he spends much of his time talking about his depressing take on existentialism? Yeah, you could say Cohle has demons. 

ToDefyTheFrizzleFry

February 17th, 2014 at 7:53 PM ^

True Detective has been great so far and I also don't feel as if Cohle is behind the murders. As far as GoT goes, this season should be the best yet given the material in the second half of 'A Storm of Swords.' Fans of the show that haven't read the books are in for another great season. 

Prince Lover

February 18th, 2014 at 12:41 AM ^

Don't have cable or Internet access, other than my phone, so I have no vested interest in these last two posts. But I would think if I were anxiously awaiting these shows, I wouldn't like you guys saying oh, just wait, you'll never guess what happens next!

Sorry if that sounds dickish, I'm just saying....

MGoBender

February 18th, 2014 at 9:16 AM ^

But I would think if I were anxiously awaiting these shows, I wouldn't like you guys saying oh, just wait, you'll never guess what happens next!

Yeah, I don't like it either... I tell myself that the trailers released do the same thing (just wait you're gonna love it!) without spoiling anything, so I try to not be too defensive about those comments.  Still, they make me worry.  I've had book readers inadvertently reveal something to me a few times now both on the internet and in real life.

A book reader may know something that causes them to think something else isn't a spoiler.  Example:

Last season I mentioned something like "I hope we get to see Jaime and Tyrion get back together and scheme and plot together."  This was in the middle of the season where it was certainly not clear that Jaime would make it back to King's Landing.  A book reader affirmed he did get back.  It wasn't a huge spoiler in the sense that he didn't yell "THE RED WEDDING - DEY GONNA DIE" but still, it revealed something I wanted to find out on my own.

MGoBender

February 18th, 2014 at 9:46 AM ^

No problem at all.  I'm just dickishly defensive about it.  In the sense that I'm trying to not be spoiled by anything, I'm probably playing a fool's game.  Especially when the next book comes out, the Internet is going to be full of references to things I don't want to know.

I might change my strategy and read the books.  I'd rather watch first, but it might be impossible to avoid spoilers on this wonderful place we call the Internet.

samdrussBLUE

February 17th, 2014 at 8:03 PM ^

Agreed.  I am into True Detective more than any other show right now.  Including House of Cards Season 2 which I already blew through

Shakey Jake

February 17th, 2014 at 8:05 PM ^

Is truly GREAT. The story telling and character development reminds me a lot of Homicide: Life on the Streets and The Wire (yeah, both by the same writers/creative minds)

The writing and acting are fantastic even though some of the editing has been off. 

I just hope the YELLOW KING doesn't also wear blue in the bayou!

If you like detective mystery type tv then be sure to watch it. It's 

Libertine

February 17th, 2014 at 8:06 PM ^

Although not quite yet on GoT level, TD could definitely surpass GoT if it keeps staying this dark and if the second season has great actors and a terrific storyline. In case you're not aware (I just found out a couple weeks ago), McConaughey and Harrelson will not return after season one as every season will be a new story in a new location with new characters.

BloomingtonBlue

February 17th, 2014 at 8:06 PM ^

Is the ultimate anti-hero. No matter how much terrible crazy shit he does, I can't help but root for the guy. Maybe that's the narcissist in me.

samdrussBLUE

February 17th, 2014 at 8:11 PM ^

I too do not think Cohle is the murderer.  He is likely trying to set the stage himself and take justice into his own hands in some manner, but not straight killing innocent women/people.

House of Cards season 2 was ok/good.  The first episode was a huge shocker with a few minor twists throughout.  The overall direction and ending of the season was predictable.  The show can be somewhat vague in developing how events take place (everything Frank says just happens with minimal consequence, for example).  The dialogue and Spacey's acting is top notch though.  That is what has me hooked on that show.

Walking dead is pretty slow right now and this season has just been average.  Hard to see where this might be going for me, but it better pick up and really work the plots.

DK81

February 17th, 2014 at 8:57 PM ^

I agree. Cohle is trying to solve the case by himself and is not the murderer. Marty's daughter will have something to do with the case IMO. I think it goes high up into the police force as Rusty alluded to with his comment about the task force.



I really love T.D. and the WSJ has a very good weekly review/recap is you want additional reading.



I'm about half way through House of Cards season 2 and am really digging it thus far. Agreed the first episode was a shock.



I thought Walking Dead was really good and a return to form last night. I can't think of the actors name they brought in for Abraham but he was great in Band of Brothers and I am really excited for his intro.

hart20

February 17th, 2014 at 8:14 PM ^

do you see some similiarities between that and True Detective as well? True Detective is a little darker but this is as close we've seen to Twin Peaks since it ended.

Bando Calrissian

February 17th, 2014 at 8:17 PM ^

True Detective is absolutely killing it (no pun intended). Can't wait to see what they do with the concept in season two (new cast, new story, etc.).

I'm not 100% convinced Cohle did it, either. He's a guy who can slip in and out of control at will, who seems to have complete command over everything he does. This whole articulate drunk angle is another play, masking the fact he's been tracking the real killer the whole time.

bluebloggin

February 17th, 2014 at 8:19 PM ^

Orange is the New Black. Good mix of funny and drama



House of Lies. Bat shit crazy.



House of Cards and TD. Already been said



Banshee. Also crazy. story is super entertaining



Archer. The spin into archer vice has been good



There are others but those are my favorites (Richard voice)

maizenblue92

February 17th, 2014 at 8:25 PM ^

Winter TV watch list: Archer, Community, Parks and Rec are all great. They all will be back after the Olympics. Walking Dead is solid. Im just biding my time until Game of Thrones and Orphan Black return in April. 

Rhino77

February 17th, 2014 at 8:26 PM ^

I am on the TD bandwagon. Reading up on the "Yellow King" today. Pretty intense. Some of the best acting and writing in a long time. MM should get an Emmy for his role. 

The Claw

February 17th, 2014 at 8:41 PM ^

I think Rust has been searching for the killer all along and a world of shit is going to go down. At least I hope. I love how every episode is masterly written and acted by Woody and Matthew. They both will be nominated for some awards.

M Fanfare

February 17th, 2014 at 8:44 PM ^

HoC season 2 was quite good. I was pleased with what they did with Claire, I thought the writing for her was much better this season. And the final scene of the finale was excellent.

VectorVictor05

February 17th, 2014 at 9:11 PM ^

For those who enjoy going down rabbit holes of internet reading, see the links below.  The cultish, unknown monster/organization stuff is a huge draw for me, so interesting.  Once I started to read some more about The Yellow King (or King In Yellow), Carcosa, and all these mythical monsters in wierd fiction, I've become pretty much obsessed with the show and where it's going.

I'd bet a lot of money that Cohle isn't the killer.  That said, I think he (and maybe Hart, not sure yet) have been investigating a larger consipiracy around these killings between 1995 and now.

 

http://io9.com/the-one-literary-reference-you-must-know-to-appreciate-1523076497

http://www.avclub.com/tv/true-detective/

http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/carcosa-or-bust-the-satisfyingly-weird-mysteries-of-true-detective/

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8492

BlueMan80

February 17th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^

Not quite sure where this season is heading, but now that Joe is leaving Arkansas, it's going to get interesting. There is a back story to the twins and the woman that escaped that's got to connect somehow..oh, I'm behind an episode, so I'm sure part of the mystery was revealed in the episode sitting on my DVR.