The Newsroom: Season 1 Review

 

Can you believe that the Newsroom has a metacritic score of 57? Do you know why it has such a low score? Because of this show's obvious liberal bias when reporting the news. Giving many reasons for Obama and never against, and calling the tea party the "American Taliban," are the biggest examples of this. These really don't matter though, unless you're a sensitive conservative. The news isn't even the main part of the show. Yes, it is about a Newsroom, but it's mostly about what goes on in the background and the relationships between all of the workers.

Like most of Aaron Sorkin's work, people speak extremely fast, so it's sometimes easy to miss things. This is rare, though, since almost all of the actors on the show seem to do well with this speed except one or two people. These people are given minor roles, and sometimes speak their lines noticeably slower than anyone else. This include Dev Patel and Adina Porter, Patel not so much. Maybe I'm just saying that because he was an absolutely horrible character. Or maybe I'm just saying that because he was given terrible storylines. One of which was major, but made absolutely no sense.

The thing about this show, is that it's nearly flawless, but the flaws are so gaping it's difficult not to see them. Take the love triangle. Dan likes Maggie, Maggie loves Don, Maggie likes Jim, Jim likes Maggie, Don's an asshole. But why does Jim like Maggie? What was it that sparked their relationship? It was Mack. She tried to manipulate Maggie and Don's relationship so they'd break up, and sent Jim to do it. There are two problems with this. First, Mack never even looks at Don for the rest of the season for anything but business, and second, Mack isn't written as a bitch (most of the time), but I think Sorkin's orginal idea was for her to be manipulative and selfish, but quickly changed this. He did not change the fact that the love triangle was still in place. Other than this, the love triangle only adds to the show, but it's hard to enjoy it when you know why it's happening.

Another thing that bothered me with the relationships was the fact that Sloan told Don (I think) that she had feelings for him. I might have completely misunderstood this scene, and maybe it was meant to be interpreted as she was never asked out by anyone, (which is EXTREMELY hard to believe) but it still confused me. While Don's handsome and all, I highly doubt someone like Sloan would be dedicating their life to waiting for him to ask them out, especially since he's a horrible person. You were wrong Sloan, he is a bad person, and you should keep that rule you established at the end. She was my favorite character up until then, and Olivia Munn does a great job portraying her, too.

The other huge flaw was the whole "troll" subplot that found it's way into the main plot. This makes an absolutely horrible story, and I have no idea why they would be reluctant to report the Casey Anthony trial when they were devoting resources to this. I felt like it was part of the plot to resolve the death-threat storyline all along, and it could have been written much better than that.

It felt like they crammed thirteen episodes into ten this season. You could tell in the two Blackout episodes that they had way too many stories for two episodes, and it still managed to balance them, but not well. It still had a great season finale, but the episodes before it suffered as a result. And like many short seasons, hardly any of the plotlines were resolved at the end, but were left hanging to continue in the next season.

I feel like I just wrote a review for a crappy show, but this is quite the opposite. This show is a great show, with some huge flaws. I feel like many of these could have been resolved with a thirteen episode season, and hopefully the second season will be extended and we'll get a full season worth of great ideas, instead of most of one.

8.6/10

The Newsroom: "The Greater Fool" Review

 

Am I the only one who was mildly disappointed Will wasn't harmed because of the death threat, but because of an Ulcer (I think)? The last episode's ending kind of set it up like it would be, since we saw some movement in the background (was that just my imagination?). Anyway, this episode was pretty great, even after two meh episodes, this one seemed to take what it had and make do with it. And it did it well.

However, this episode didn't really feel too much like a season finale, in the way that many of the storylines were either cut short to be finished next season or were resolved, but in a way that just presses the reset button. For instance, after everything that happened this episode between Jim and Maggie, they ended up agreeing that there was nothing between them for the hundredth time and she moved in with Don and he lied to Lysa so that their relationship was patched up. However, they did kiss, so I imagine that will toss it up a little. On a side note, who goes up to a Sex and the City tour and yells at everyone at how unrealistic the show is and compare it to their lives? Someone has a lot of anger built up.

The only thing that really had finality in this episode was the whole "American Taliban" thing. After having a battle with the RINO's pretty much the whole season, this was like a final blow to the conservative party. I realize this may offend people, but I honestly don't care too much about the news in this show. I care a lot more about what happens in the background. I mean, the news does affect them, but not too severely. Like the West Wing, this is a drama that just happens to be in the Newsroom, and is influenced by real-life events.

I felt like in the last ten seconds, it would finally address the Mack and Will relationship, but it didn't, leaving that for seasons to come. I have a feeling nothing will happen between them for a while. If that's the case, why tease us Sorkin, why?

One thing that felt off this episode was Sloan coming as close as possible to pouring her heart out to Don. That came out of no where. Now the show is like a love heptagon. There's Will and Mack, Mack and Don(what happened to that?), Don and Maggie, Maggie and Jim, Jim and Lysa, and Don and Sloan. Holy shit, this newsroom has relationship issues. I felt like adding sexual tension between Don and Sloan was just unnecessary. You could tell Olivia Munn didn't buy it either.

While this episode didn't really wrap up the season, it was a great episode, and set up some things for season two relationship-wise. How they're going to come up with a bunch of news next season is beyond me. I have a feeling this season will always be thought of as the best because it had the most interesting news stories. Unless something huge happens soon, I doubt there will be much to report on in the coming year, except the elections of course.

Great episode and a great season.

8.7/10

Weeds: "Saplings" Review

With only four episodes left, this episode definitely set up the beginning of the end for Weeds. It's sad, really.

In my opinion, except for the season premiere, this has been the best episode so far. It was never boring, and the characters that we love so much finally came to terms with a couple of things. Andy realized that Jill's a bitch and should move on, and Nancy learned that she needs to stop trying to control everyone that is close to her.

I have a feeling that that's not the only things Andy realized, either. I think he was starting to think of  Nancy when he was walking about moving on. I forgot when, but he had this look of realization that quickly went away. He then saw the woman he would marry, and I doubt that would go well.

Nancy and the Rabbi are back together (were they ever apart?) now. The whole pool thing was cute, but it's something old Nancy would not appreciate. I think the new-new Nancy, who's a hybrid of the two, does appreciate the small things like that, but they are definitely not a match made in heaven. Drug-selling slut and guilt-ridden rabbi. I wonder how that will play out. I think through all that, Nancy and Andy will finally realize the only way to fill the giant gaping hole in their lives is each other. (Yeah I know, I'm puking just writing it)

Nancy's storyline with Silas was interesting, but the stereotypical southern guy was annoying as hell. I'm someone who though Silas was being a whiny bitch when he was all pouty about the weed being destroyed, so I don't even know why he feels the need to shop for a new job. What did you think happened with the weed, Silas? Lazy writing, Jenji, too forced.

Another thing I didn't like about this week's episode was the whole storyline (or a continuation of last week's episode) between Angela and Shane. Two annoying characters played by bad actors. It's not that Alexander Gould is a consistently bad actor, it's just in this episode all of his lines were poorly delivered. Their over-the-top and unrealistic sex scene did not help either.

Doug's storyline still is dumb enough to pose the question: why the hell is he still on the show? He has had nearly no interaction with the other characters this episode. If Celia's storyline was deemed "unnecessary" how is he still here? Celia should have gotten her own spin off or something, and Doug should have just gone with that show. All of his storylines are only there because the writers have no idea what to do with him. Also, is it just me or are his storylines in the past couple of episodes left where nothing is resolved? Last episode, it ended with him sucking dick, and now he's giving away money so a homeless lady can have a sex machine? I know he's stupid, but he used to be funny and somewhat likeable.

However, the good outweighs the bad is this episode. This is the beginning to what looks like it's going to be a great ending. Don't disappoint me, Weeds! I'm sad already with both Weeds and Breaking Bad ending this season. I'm almost happy this is ending, because it's not only setting itself up for a great ending, it was also starting to over stay it's welcome in the seventh season. This season has been a huge improvement so far.

7.6/10

Breaking Bad: "Say My Name" Review

I have to say, this half season would have felt incomplete if that hadn't have happened. I mean, it's sad and all, but I feel like the show just couldn't say goodbye to such an important character without death. However, with Mike gone, who's going to contain Walter? Skyler obviously can't, and Jesse's out (for now). I feel like now he's out of control and that will end up killing him.

The new gang he's getting involved in does not look like it will be making another appearance, as there's only one episode left this year. Also, for someone who looks like they should be important, they have barely been developed and we have no idea who they are, which leads me to believe that they won't be having a substantial presence this season.

I'm finding it hard to believe that Jesse is actually out. I mean, they've given him nothing this season, so we don't even know why he's out. All he knows is that Walt feels no guilt for that kid's death, and nothing else. Didn't he already know how much of an asshole Walt is? This season has been light on Jesse, who's one of my favorite characters. Right now, the only vibe I'm getting from him is decided who's bitch to be, Walt's or Mike's, which is below him. I don't get why he wants out. I mean, he has nothing else in his life. He broke up with his girlfriend, and his parents have disowned him, so what else does he have. As Walt said it, he's obviously going to start using again.

This episode was a great one, but Mike's death could have been much better. I don't even know where he got shot. It just showed Walt shoot the window, and some blood spatter on the seat. For a second, I almost thought Walt missed, and maybe the blood spatter was my imagination, since he started to drive off. But then he crashed, and walked next a little stream and told Walt to shut the fuck up and let him die. Great last words, but that was definitely not a death worthy of Mike Ehrmantraut.

This episode had it's flaws, but it's still better than nearly every other TV show on right now. This was a great penultimate episode (can we even call it that? Screw you AMC!) and is the second best in the season so far. The end of this episode left it at an intense cliffhanger that will hopefully lead to an amazing season 5A finale.

9.2/10

Political Animals: Season 1 Review

This show had so much potential. Although no one should have expected it to be the West Wing, it still had a great cast and looked like it was going to be good. While it wasn't bad, the show had so much lost potential it was hard not to be disappointed. However, the cast and some of the character make up for the disappointment and keep you engaged in the show.

Most of the show was spent on whether or not Elaine Barrish (Sigourney Weaver) was going to run for President. She decided to, but she was very hush hush about it for the first five or so episodes, and then she decided to tell everyone. Everything in between the first and last episode is filler as a result. Each of the characters have their own storyline, some better than others, but none of them have a huge impact on the overall season-long story of her presidency except TJ's (Sebastian Stan).

The characters are pretty evenly split between interesting and boring. I personally found Elaine, Bud (Ciaran Hinds), Susan (Carla Gugino), and Margaret (Ellen Burstyn) interesting. Everyone else is either boring, annoying, or the writers were either inconsistent with the character or didn't understand them. Everyone does a good job portraying their characters, but some of them are just badly written, so it's not the actors' fault at all.

The writers, instead of trying to make a steady story, tried to make this a soap opera with a political background, which, if executed well, could have been a good show. They failed at this, since they tried to fit a bunch of random relationships into six episodes, not stopping for the viewer to understand why they have chosen to have an affair or get back together or anything like that. It just sort of happens. There's no build-up or anything. A good example of this is when Doug and Susan have sex on the plane. Doug is suddenly really upset with his soon-to-be wife Anne, so they decide to get drunk and have sex. Which just makes him look like an absolute asshole because she developed a food disorder for him. This would have been fine (kind of), but there's absolutely no introduction to this. He just suddenly doesn't like Anne. I mean, they could have waited for the second to last episode to tell you this, but why wait? Why not tell us in the many Doug and Anne scenes they had. Unless I missed something (which I sometimes do), this scene was really random and unneeded. However, it will probably have an impact on next season.

The best episode of the six is definitely the season finale. This episode was story-focused and didn't drag at all. There was a twist that you probably won't expect. The only problem with this episode is the fact that everything that happened so far in this episode is rendered a waste of time as a result. At the end, they're right where they started, with one thing different. However, it did set it up for season two quite well.

While the show certainly has it's flaws, it does have Sigourney Weaver, who makes the show. Even if season two didn't look good, I'd still be watching. I probably wouldn't recommend going back and watching this show because you probably won't be satisfied. It's one of those shows that you DVR and watch while you're bored. That's not to say it's not a good show, but if I had six and a half hours on my hands, I'd probably spend it watching a better show.

6.6/10

Veep: Season 1 Review

With only eight episodes, it's understandable that Veep never really found it's footing or fully developed any of it's characters, except for Dan (Reid Scott) and obviously Selina (Julia Louis-Deyfus). It was certainly funny, though. It was hit or miss, but it mostly hit. It also never tried to be any thing it wasn't or take any risks. This can be good or bad, but in this case it didn't really help.

The entire season is made up of a different story per episode, which means there's always something new. Sure, there's the side-story with the bills, but the show never really took to much time to establish or expand upon it, so it was just kind of there.

The characters are all funny, but none of them are likeable. Tony Hale returns as a Buster clone, Gary, so his character is cute and innocent, but he's caught in a state that was seen in Season 1, Episode 3 of Arrested Development, "Raising Buster". His job is to stalk the Veep pretty much, and he's made fun of for it, but he always defends himself and acts out as an attempt to make himself look cool, utterly failing on every single one of them, which is the source of a lot of comedy.

Anna Chlumskey plays someone who looks exactly like the secretary from Archer, but blonde. Her character, Amy, is extremely different, though. She does a great job as someone who... I'm not entirely sure. I mean, her actions make sense, and she's funny, but her character is never really developed too much. She's basically someone who needs her job, but she wouldn't do anything for it.

Unlike Reid Scott's character, who is, as Amy put it, a shit. He's a shitty person. He would do anything for his job, and he would betray anyone to get higher on the ladder, which is exactly what he does in the pilot, and attempts to do in the second episode. That's basically all his character is, though, a one dimensional shit. He does a good job, though, as does everyone on the show.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Selina Meyer, the Veep, the star of the show. She shines as the main character, as she usually does. She plays someone who surrounded by absolute incompetence, and she is constantly trying to get herself out of situations using awkward well-delivered dialogue. Not to say it's always the staff's fault, as she get's herself into messes just as often.

Other characters include someone who's like a skinny version of Donna from Parks & Rec, played by Sufe Bradshaw, Jonah, who I didn't even know was a liaison from the West Wing until the second to last episode, played by Timothy Simmons, and Mike, a guy who has an imaginary dog and gets into fight with people, played by Matt Walsh. None of these three characters are well-developed, so their humor isn't as funny as it could have been.

The show has okay writing, but the comedy usually delivers. The show doesn't really have a season-long plot, which is usual for the first season of a comedy show or comedy shows in general. It works in this case. The acting is good, but no one really gets a chance to shine next to Julia, who, if not for Amy Poehler, should win the Emmy she's nominated for this year.

This show is worth watching, just don't expect to be rolling on the floor or falling in love with any of the characters. Almost every first season I've seen hasn't been the best, and I believe for this show there's no where to go but up.

6.7/10

Intro

I've created this website because I want to review movies, TV, games and whatever else. I am of course going to review things on a scale of one to ten, and I will only review content that's new to me. I will review things as soon as I see them, and I will not backtrack. I will review new episodes, seasons, and overall shows.

Just to establish things, here's my scale:

1

Absolutely horrible. This has to have poor everything. Acting, special effects, writing, all of it. Example: Thankskilling

2

Nearly no redeemable qualities. Never see or play it. Example: Vampire's Suck

3

Overall meh. Nothing really interesting or any stand-outs. Two or three redeemable qualities. Example: Brink (VG)

4

May have one thing that is genuinely good, but nothing else. For example: Modern Warfare 3 (VG)

5

Overall mediocre. May have a couple things that are good, maybe even rewatchable/replayable for. For example: Prototype (VG)

6

Good. There are things that are definitely bad about it, but it's a definitely a good movie/game/show. For example: Homefront (VG)

7

Great. Definitely watch/play. There may be one or two gaping holes torn into something that is otherwise great. For example: The Avengers

8

Amazing. This is something that is likeable enough for me to keep coming back, but I can tell that it isn't perfect. For example: Weeds

9

Nearly perfect in everyway. The only way you can find any flaws is if you look for them. For example Breaking Bad.

10

Perfect and complete in every way. For example: Halo 3 (VG).


I'm gonna get shit for the 10, aren't I?