Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

LTTP: Human Target (TV Series)

There are some FOX shows that get cancelled long before they jump the shark. Firefly, Freaks and Geeks, Wonderfalls, just to name a few. Human Target is a show that I fanatically carry a torch for and miss it so much that I actually have written several fan-fiction scripts. So any producers reading who want to push a revival, hit me up!

The show is focused on former hit-man Christopher Chance. Chance, had a change in heart and is now helping people in trouble. He gets help from his former cop buddy and a fellow former -yet still a sociopath- hit-man. In season two a rehabilitated con-artist joins the ranks along with a rich socialite. It is basically The A-Team, MacGyver and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rolled into one. The chemistry between all these characters is so good. Quips and jabs at one another along with inside lingo that may not make sense to the viewer but is still funny and/or useful. What I'm saying is the the writing is so good that I believe these characters and it is easy to believe that they have been a team for a long time. I get the idea that we aren't seeing all of their (mis)adventures which leads to fans (like myself) to invent adventures in our heads. That's how you get a cult following of hardcore fans.

However, what Human Target delivers better than any show is 100% Pure cheesy action.
Now, if it's cheesy, I love it. Books about religiously fanatic space marines? Count me in. Comics about a gangster hunting hero from the 50's named 'Lobster Johnson'? Sign me up! Professional wrestling? YES! YES! YES!

Pure. Cheese.

I think poor promotion advertising the frequent and unnecessary schedule changes for the show killed its chances (No pun intended). I honestly want to thank anyone involved with the making of this show. I know it sounds cheesy but Human Target got me through some rough times and it helped me stay creative when I felt like shit.


Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Not so LTTP: Gravity Falls

I know this is out of character for the blog: reviewing something so new, but this show is so good must be enjoyed...NOW!
Gravity Falls is a new half-hour animated show from the Disney Channel. Beautifully drawn and cleverly written, it is easily my favorite show of this year.
The show follows the misadventures of Dipper and Mabel Pines while they spend the summer with their eccentric Grunkle (Great Uncle) Stan. Grunkle Stan owns the Mystery Shack, a touristy roadside attraction filled with various obscurities which often lead to supernatural shenanigans.

Unlike other shows like Adventure Time, which seems to revel in its being weird for the sake of weird, Gravity Falls has a more guided weirdness about its writing. Usually only one element of each episode has a tinge of paranormal all the while sprinkling the background with objects that refer to previous episodes. Almost like Arrested Development in that way.
Also what stands Gravity Falls out from other shows of its ilk is that each show is one story. Most cartoons are broken up into two 15 minute short stories. I'm not sure if it really needs to be that long but this format does allow for deeper exploration of minor characters and story. It is also pretty formulaic and each episode ends like Scooby-Doo with a villain swearing revenge on the two heroes.
If you are a fan of animation then all you have to see is the opening theme from the show.

The frame work is amazing. It has become really hard to watch an episode of Family Guy after seeing how good this is drawn.

If you can only catch one episode make it #4 'The Hand that Rocks the Mabel.' It has singing, adorable characters and an over-the-top story.


If I haven't sold you, I know that just did! Go DVR it now!


Saturday, August 04, 2012

LTTP: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

I don't like reality television. There is little creativity, hardly any substantial writing and let's face it, real people are boring. This being said, I must admit that I have one dirty little obsession when it comes to reality TV....... Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
As if it wasn't already clear....these are the Queers.
 The show has everything I hate about reality makeover shows. The hosts are mean to the 'Straight Guy' and they are loud and obnoxious. The hosts make stupid and inane jokes, most are obvious gay jokes at the straight guy's expense. The editing/cuts are similar to that of an episode of Speed Racer causing a feeling of nausea at times.
However, after the initial 'Meet and Greet' at the beginning of each episode, the 'Fab 5' get down to business and this is where the show hooks me. The five hosts are 'experts' in a certain field; Grooming, Culture, Fashion, Interior Design and Food/Wine. These guys know their stuff too. Each queer gets some time with the straight guy and helps him in that respective field. Example: The straight guy has a neck beard and shoulder length hair so the Grooming Guru gives him a shave and a hair-cut and a line of facial care products. Culture is the only field that deviates show to show, but often it involves the straight guy learning to do something for his girlfriend (ie. Dance).

My favorite part of the show is the Interior Design makeover. Unlike most makeover shows, where the interior designer tears out every wall and replaces everything, Queer Eye works with the space the guy has already attempted to decorate himself. This approach is much more interesting. It shows that with a few good pieces of furniture and a decent paint job, any space can be stylish and comfortable.
The fashion is the only segment I roll my eyes at. First off, I think the idea of 'You can never accessorize too much!' is pretty much terrible advice. Secondly, the early part of the series is from 2003 so the fashion tips are outdated. Lastly, ties should never be used as belts.
I could lie and say 'Yes, you should watch this show!' but I can't do that because it is just reality TV trash that somehow has me addicted to its formula. The entire series is on Netflix, so give it a watch and see what you think.

Also, its also obvious that, though the queers have magical insight and are always stylish, it's nice to remember that they too are only human. Example, Jai, the culture expert went from...

...this, into......
...this. Ugh.