This is the biggest drama of the summer in the US and it came to UK shores last night and I decided to watch it.
It's an adaptation of Stephen King's book of the same name, where a small town tries to survive when a mysterious dome falls down on to it sectioning them from the rest of the world.
This show has miles of intrigue and questions, the main one being "who put the dome there and why?" which will keep viewers watching week after week. There are some interesting casting choices too, mainly Jeff Fahey (Lost) and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad).
Two issues I have with this show, mainly with the format, rather than the story. My first issue is that this would be a lot better as a movie or trilogy as 13 weeks of the same people in the same area will get rather boring, you can't do what Lost did and add new people at random and assume they were there the whole time.
The second issue is the network it's on in America (this doesn't concern UK viewers), in the US, this is being broadcast on CBS, one of the four biggest networks in the country and network TV today can't do drama well, especially with Homeland, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, etc. dominating the cable networks. No network TV drama has been nominated for an Emmy for 2 years now because cable TV dramas break barriers, do more daring things and haven't got as many executives trying to water down any crazy original ideas that writers may have. Under The Dome has potential to shock audiences with twists and turns, but with it being run by a major network and with it being an adaptation, I just hope higher powers won't ruin it and make it predictable.
Bottom line: A great idea, great concept, impressive first episode, keep it going and keep the audience guessing!
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Thursday, 8 August 2013
TV: My Guide To 2013-14 US Comedies
As you may or may not know, my life revolves around US comedies, I know what works and what doesn't, though my opinions and interests sometimes differ from the norm. I've watched a load of promos for the new US comedies on Youtube and I am gonna help you work out which ones to watch, avoid or give a chance.
MUST WATCH:
We Are Men: 4 divorced guys living in a bachelor apartment building trying to get back in the dating world. I was skeptical, but this actually looks entertaining, Tony Shaloub is the star of this show and it does have a certain charm to it as well!
Dads: Two guys trying to cope with their elderly, crazy fathers. Again, this surprised me and I know some people will hate this show, but Seth Green & Giovanni Ribisi are the stars and I do like both of them. There are some decent gags in this show and I will definitely be watching it.
The Crazy Ones: A dad and daughter run an ad agency. First of all, Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar are in it, that's already great, but this one has heart as well as laughs. Think a funny version of Mad Men. One to watch especially for the star value.
The Michael J. Fox Show: A news reporter returns to TV after battling Parkinson's Disease, partly based on Fox's own life. Another show to watch for the star value, Back To The Future is one of my favourite films and I am glad Michael J Fox is back on TV. The show is quite heart-warming and entertaining simply because of Fox.
MUST AVOID:
The Millers: This is being billed as CBS's big new comedy, though I think it falls on its face as it's full of cliches and annoying characters. I do like Will Arnett, because of Arrested Development, so it is a shame he's doing this.
Trophy Wife: All Modern Family fans should avoid this show as it's a lame attempt to be like it, even Modern Family today is still better than this.
The Goldbergs: It's basically an excuse to appeal to the 80's kids, it doesn't appeal or impress me that much.
GIVE IT A CHANCE:
Mom: A waitress tries to cope with raising her two kids and her mother. This is definitely a show which is on the fence for me. I do grow tired of the whole "blame the parents" bits on comedies nowadays, but Anna Faris & Allison Janney are good in this, so give it chance.
Surviving Jack: A father tries to help raise his kids. This does have legs, but like with The Goldbergs, this tries to appeal to a certain era, I'd give it a chance as 90's culture is starting to get popular and this had more of a drive to it.
Us & Them: Two people from different walks of life meet and fall in love. I know this is the "Gavin & Stacey" remake, but I think this looks really good and it should at least be given a chance.
I know I haven't gotten to all the new US comedies as there are a lot of them, but these were the ones that stood out for whatever reason. If you live in the USA, hope this helps. Anyway else, if they make it to Comedy Central or E4, you know they are good!
MUST WATCH:
We Are Men: 4 divorced guys living in a bachelor apartment building trying to get back in the dating world. I was skeptical, but this actually looks entertaining, Tony Shaloub is the star of this show and it does have a certain charm to it as well!
Dads: Two guys trying to cope with their elderly, crazy fathers. Again, this surprised me and I know some people will hate this show, but Seth Green & Giovanni Ribisi are the stars and I do like both of them. There are some decent gags in this show and I will definitely be watching it.
The Crazy Ones: A dad and daughter run an ad agency. First of all, Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar are in it, that's already great, but this one has heart as well as laughs. Think a funny version of Mad Men. One to watch especially for the star value.
The Michael J. Fox Show: A news reporter returns to TV after battling Parkinson's Disease, partly based on Fox's own life. Another show to watch for the star value, Back To The Future is one of my favourite films and I am glad Michael J Fox is back on TV. The show is quite heart-warming and entertaining simply because of Fox.
MUST AVOID:
The Millers: This is being billed as CBS's big new comedy, though I think it falls on its face as it's full of cliches and annoying characters. I do like Will Arnett, because of Arrested Development, so it is a shame he's doing this.
Trophy Wife: All Modern Family fans should avoid this show as it's a lame attempt to be like it, even Modern Family today is still better than this.
The Goldbergs: It's basically an excuse to appeal to the 80's kids, it doesn't appeal or impress me that much.
GIVE IT A CHANCE:
Mom: A waitress tries to cope with raising her two kids and her mother. This is definitely a show which is on the fence for me. I do grow tired of the whole "blame the parents" bits on comedies nowadays, but Anna Faris & Allison Janney are good in this, so give it chance.
Surviving Jack: A father tries to help raise his kids. This does have legs, but like with The Goldbergs, this tries to appeal to a certain era, I'd give it a chance as 90's culture is starting to get popular and this had more of a drive to it.
Us & Them: Two people from different walks of life meet and fall in love. I know this is the "Gavin & Stacey" remake, but I think this looks really good and it should at least be given a chance.
I know I haven't gotten to all the new US comedies as there are a lot of them, but these were the ones that stood out for whatever reason. If you live in the USA, hope this helps. Anyway else, if they make it to Comedy Central or E4, you know they are good!
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