OT: True Detective and other winter TV distractions
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 7:38 PM ^
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 7:43 PM ^
What are you paying? I have a feeling they're screwing me.
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.
February 18th, 2014 at 12:16 AM ^
Use ad-blocker
February 17th, 2014 at 7:46 PM ^
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.
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:06 PM ^
Should be said again. Give it the first 4 episodes (half the season).
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.
February 18th, 2014 at 1:54 PM ^
me, True Detective is just as much about the characters as it is the plot. The plot seems like a lens by which to watch the development of the characters. Great acting and great charaters.
February 17th, 2014 at 7:50 PM ^
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.
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:27 PM ^
Without listing any spoilers, the second half of the book is going to make heads explode. TV-only fans are in for a treat.
February 18th, 2014 at 12:41 AM ^
February 18th, 2014 at 8:53 AM ^
I would be entirely too productive in other areas of my life. Either that or play too many terrible phone games.
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.
February 18th, 2014 at 9:40 AM ^
Although I believe my comment above to be completely harmless, and gives absolutely nothing from the plot away, I appologize.
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.
February 18th, 2014 at 10:19 AM ^
FWIW, I would recommend reading the books. I watched seasons one and two first, then read books 1-3, and season 3 was still just as enjoyable for me having known what was going to happen. That and you are probably right about when the next book is released.
February 21st, 2014 at 5:41 PM ^
But the next book won't be out for a number of years it seems.
February 17th, 2014 at 7:57 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 8:15 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 9:56 PM ^
61 on Metacritic. Can't do it
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
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
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:12 PM ^
This will likely make TD great or awful going forward. We shall see next year
February 17th, 2014 at 8:17 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 9:05 PM ^
Heard this also, but could be a blessing in disguise. It is tough to lock in top notch actors for a "series" but I think you could get some big names to do an eight episode season. Although, like you stated, could be a huge risk/reward if you aren't able to develop characters each season.
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.
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:57 PM ^
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 10:59 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 8:14 PM ^
February 18th, 2014 at 12:41 AM ^
Twin Peaks in on Netflix. Should I watch it? I was too young when the show aired on TV, but I always hear people mention the show.
February 18th, 2014 at 11:32 PM ^
an odd show, to be sure, but it is excellent and part of television history. I really enjoyed and if you like True Detective, there's a good chance that you'll like Twin Peaks.
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:19 PM ^
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)
February 17th, 2014 at 9:07 PM ^
It's my favorite!
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.
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.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:40 PM ^
the other day. The dude is acting out of his mind right now.
He's the best lead actor I've seen in TV in a long time (that is to say I didn't watch Breaking Bad which I hear Cranston was amazing in).
February 17th, 2014 at 9:27 PM ^
His performance in 'Mud' was amazing as well.
February 17th, 2014 at 8:40 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 8:43 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 8:41 PM ^
February 17th, 2014 at 8:44 PM ^
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
February 17th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^