2014 RANDOM TV THOUGHTS

[MikeRose]

I don't think it was that big a secret.

only to males....Women find her entertaining, even though all she does is scream and throw marshmallows at interviewees.

[RandomAct]

At least she gave the world "vajayjay"

[Reed]

I did see a couple of episodes of Lohan's show.

 

Even taking out the moral issue or whatever, Lohan is simply too pitiful to be entertaining as a reality star.

 

I don't think she's in denial about her problems like people have said. She knows fine well she's a drug addict/alcoholic. She just doesn't want to stop. And she's probably not going to.She thinks she can work her life around it. So you've basically got this functioning alcoholic spinning so many lies and cover-up stories and thinking she's getting away with it and the whole thing is embarrassing.

 

I'd suggest sending her to DDP, but I think she'd drive him mental too.

[Lawful Metal]

Orphan Black still bringing the goods.  I don't know how it can keep this pace up. 

[Brian Fowler]

Anyone else watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver?

 

It didn't do a particularly great job of differentiating itself from The Daily Show in structure or jokes, but it was also damn funny.  The interview at the end was in the vein of the middle segment of the Daily Show instead of the final segment conversation.

[J.T.]

I'd like to believe that JT has access to cool ass DARPA alien weaponry.

 

THAT IS CLASSIFIED~! 

[odessasteps]

I have a friend that works for Darpa and we see stuff with their name on it.

We often joke about ending up on the test for that darpa project that is fueled on the battkefield by human protein.

[J.T.]

I have a friend that works for Darpa and we see stuff with their name on it.

We often joke about ending up on the test for that darpa project that is fueled on the battkefield by human protein.

 

It is a common joke that DARPA sits on a Soylent Green production plant so that the world destruction nerds do not have to leave for lunch. 

 

Something has to be done with the bodies of the homeless and the prisoners from Guantanamo that served as the test subjects for the heat ray, man.

[odessasteps]

About six years ago, there was a story that darpa was working on a Shield-type flying car..

We joked about what a pain in the ass writing those incident reports would be.

[J.T.]

About six years ago, there was a story that darpa was working on a Shield-type flying car..

We joked about what a pain in the ass writing those incident reports would be.

 

The correct answer is "what car?" or "what incident reports?"

 

The problem report guy would get shot in the head as soon as he put one word on a piece of paper.  DARPA does not fail; they just expierience a new direction for the design.

 

I loved talking to the guys from DARPA when I worked at TACOM.  They always had perpetual smiles as if they were going to burst because they wanted to tell you what they were working on but couldn't.

 

You know that the ZEUS sattelites from the Rock's GI Joe movie that came out a couple summers ago are probably on the drawing board, right?  Kinetic impactors are the new thing.  Lasers and heat rays are passe.  Once they get the rail gun at Dahlgren cost and wattage effective,  Whoa, Nelly!

[EVA]

Anyone else watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver?

It didn't do a particularly great job of differentiating itself from The Daily Show in structure or jokes, but it was also damn funny. The interview at the end was in the vein of the middle segment of the Daily Show instead of the final segment conversation.

Watched it. Thought it was hilarious. Oliver hasn't missed a beat from his stint hosting TDS last summer.

But it definitely doesn't do much to differentiate itself from Comedy Central's late night block, and I wonder how much of an appetite there is for another show like that.

[Craig H]

I hate that it's only once a week.

[Spritenaut 32]

Anyone still watching the Following?  Last night's season finale was actually quite good.  Kind of a surprise, because I thought the previous 31 episodes (over 2 seasons) were mostly mediocre.  The finale had a few genuinely surprising plot twists, and some good character moments.  The show's never really done character moments well.  I'm kinda interested where they go from here with the Joe Carroll character (though I expect the answer will be "backwards")

 

I still have no idea why I've stuck with this show for 2 years though.  This season was weirder and more interesting than last year, but I also thought it was weaker than season 1 (which wasn't particularly good, imo).  Character development is basically non-existent (until last night) and most characters seem to exist just to be killed off.

 

Also, it won't be long until Kevin Bacon is ready to play Skeletor in a Masters of the Universe reboot.  Dude is not aging gracefully.

[Eivion]

The way it ended I would be a little surprised if Joe was anything more than a cameo next season.

[Chaos]

Anyone still watching the Following?  Last night's season finale was actually quite good.  Kind of a surprise, because I thought the previous 31 episodes (over 2 seasons) were mostly mediocre.  The finale had a few genuinely surprising plot twists, and some good character moments.  The show's never really done character moments well.  I'm kinda interested where they go from here with the Joe Carroll character (though I expect the answer will be "backwards")

 

I still have no idea why I've stuck with this show for 2 years though.  This season was weirder and more interesting than last year, but I also thought it was weaker than season 1 (which wasn't particularly good, imo).  Character development is basically non-existent (until last night) and most characters seem to exist just to be killed off.

 

Also, it won't be long until Kevin Bacon is ready to play Skeletor in a Masters of the Universe reboot.  Dude is not aging gracefully.

 

I have two "Why Do I still Watch This?" shows.

 

The Walking Dead

The Newsroom

[Kuetsar]

My show like that is Modern Family, though I am very close to not watching it anymore.

[Ryan]

Time for that zombie survival political news hour show to reign supreme?

[ChesterCopperpot]

AOL have a slew of new TV programming being announced later this evening

 

The 2014 AOL programming slate includes:

 

"MAKING A SCENE WITH JAMES FRANCO" – Born out of Franco's love for movies, each episode will feature James and one or more fellow artists discussing their favorite, classic scenes from Hollywood cinema. Then they will put their own stamp on history by recreating these scenes with an irreverent twist. Produced by Rabbit Bandini Productions and Trium Entertainment.

 

"KEVIN NEALON'S LAUGH LESSONS" - Comedy is hard, but teaching comedy to children is hilariously difficult. Kevin Nealon is giving the challenge to some world-famous comedians in this new AOL series. As these young minds meet with comedy's best, get ready to learn some valuable comedy lessons, and to laugh! If you thought kids say the darndest things, wait until you hear what these comedians have to say. Executive producers Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Nealon, Jeff Kleeman Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, Mary Connelly for Telepictures.

 

"INSPIRED" features A-list celebrities, visionaries and some of the biggest newsmakers of our generation, recounting the stories behind their most life-changing moments of inspiration. Original photos and archival footage will bring these moments to life along with in-depth interviews. Executive produced by Rick Solomon and brought to you by NewForm, a new digital studio formed in partnership with Discovery Communications, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Craig Jacobson, Ed Wilson, Jim Wiatt, Michael Rosenberg.

 

"MY HERO" - Executive produced by Zoe Saldana (who will star in one of the episodes), is an uplifting show featuring celebrities paying a surprise tribute to one person who changed their life by giving them an over-the-top, heart-felt surprise. Produced by Ellen Rakieten Entertainment a division of Relativity Media and Cinestar Productions.

 

"WIN/WIN" - The biggest names in business join a famous athlete for a day of honest conversation, legitimate fun and surprising insights. Win/Win will provide unprecedented access into the minds of the world's most-celebrated entrepreneurs and athletes in a compelling, fly-on-the-wall style that will offer fans a fascinating view of what life is really like at the summit of these two increasingly-intertwined worlds. With a mix of candid discussions and story-telling expertise, Win/Win will be the ultimate window on the personalities who define today's sports and business landscapes. Executive Producers Mike Tollin and Jon Weinbach for Mandalay Sports Media.

 

"THAT'S RACIST" – Jews and Money. Asian Drivers. Polish IQ. CPT... that's racist! But where do these stereotypes come from? Actor and comedian Mike Epps explores the backstories of this humor and how history and fact often distorts into a snide – but sometimes funny – shorthand. Produced by Andrew Fried for Boardwalk Pictures.

 

"SO MUCH MORE" – Punk rock singer Tom Gabel of Against Me! made news in 2012 when she came out as a transgender woman - but what was more remarkable was the overwhelming support the music community gave her as she made her transition to Laura Jane Grace. This is her story - and the story of other members of the trans community whose experiences are woefully underrepresented and misunderstood in the media. Produced by AOL Studios.

 

"FOLLOW ME" documents the lives of modern day digital creators that are redefining the definition of celebrity. Each episode features a different star allowing us unprecedented access into their life to share their story. We'll experience life when the vlogging, instagramming, and tweeting stops... If it ever does. Produced by Fullscreen, the first media company for the connected generation.

 

"THE ROAD TO DISRUPT" - A twelve episode documentary series following five startup companies competing in the 2013 San Francisco TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield as they fine tune their products and eventually present in front of a panel of judges in hopes of winning $50,000 in funding. Produced by AOL Studios.

 

"IN SHORT" – Launched yesterday on AOL, this five episode series from Academy Award-winning producer Christine Vachon and JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI producer Kevin Iwashina features a talented group of actors including Katie Holmes (MISS MEADOWS), Jeff Garlin (THE GOLDBERGS), Alia Shawkat (ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), James Purefoy (THE FOLLOWING) and Judy Greer (THE DESCENDANTS) as they step behind the camera to create their own short-form documentaries. Each episode is seen through the eyes of a different actor as they take a seat in the director's chair for an in-depth look at the cultural ideas, inspirations and influences most important to them. The series is produced by Killer Digital, the digital platform production company launched by award-winning producer, author and founder/partner of Killer Films Christine Vachon and Preferred Content co-founder/Managing Partner Kevin Iwashina.

 

"CONNECTED" [long-form] – AOL's first long-form video series chronicles the lives of five seemingly disconnected New Yorkers as they explore the concept of family in New York City. As five parallel stories unfold and eventually come together in a cohesive storyline, viewers are reminded of the universal bond that family has on individuals and on society as a whole -- regardless of social status, income, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. Produced by Koda Communications in association with Warrior Poets.

 

"PARK BENCH" - Steve Buscemi and AOL have teamed-up to take over the streets of New York in this new original series – a local's take on the special people, places and spirit of The Big Apple. Through unscripted moments and conversations with average New Yorkers – as well as Steve's celebrity friends – Buscemi takes viewers on a first-hand misadventure. Discussing everything from pop culture to current events, the show will convey Steve's relationship with New York and its array of one-of-a-kind characters – taking viewers beyond mere interviews and involving them in his daily life. Produced by Olive Productions and RadicalMedia.

 

"#CANDIDLYNICOLE" – Fashion icon, creative director of House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate, and mom Nicole Richie brings her unfiltered sense of humor and unique perspective on life in a series based on her clever Twitter feed. "#CANDIDLYNICOLE" follows the outspoken host's daily insights as she shares her uncensored perspective on style, parenting, relationships and her journey through life. The series is produced by Telepictures and World of Wonder, with executive producers Nicole Richie and Michael Baum. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato & Tom Campbell serve as executive producers for World of Wonder.

 

"CITY.BALLET."– Return to the intimate and exciting world of the New York City Ballet, where executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker takes a closer look at the compelling lives of the company members; their hopes, their dreams, their passion and their hardships, both on stage and off. Produced by Pretty Matches Productions and Zero Point Zero Production, the series is sponsored by Citi.

 

"THE FUTURE STARTS HERE" by @tiffanyshlain" – Groundbreaking filmmaker and founder of the Webby Awards Tiffany Shlain takes us on a wildly entertaining and inspiring ride, exploring what it means to be human in our increasingly connected world. From the latest neuroscience on dreaming to the evolution of social media to new perspectives on creativity, Shlain uses her award-winning style of fast-paced images, colorful animations, and daring and funny insights to encourage us all to think about where we¹re headed. The series is sponsored by Verizon.

 

"HARDWIRED 2.0" – Digital influencer Justine Ezarik (iJustine) is back. After covering the world of wearable tech last season, iJustine is expanding her coverage this year by profiling the hottest tech trends across the country. The show's second season topics will range from gaming to beauty tech and will showcase iJustine's trademark fun personality while featuring the latest trending topics. The series is sponsored by Verizon.

 

[Reed]

The Following finale was pretty decent. I don't know, all the logic problems in Haninbal (which has gotten just as ridiculous in its portrayal of the FBI) has maybe made me kinder on this show. It's like a fun little b movie stretched out into a TV programme.

 

Although, yeah, if Joe isn't in the most maximum security prison possible by next season, I just don't know what to say.

 

Ryan: Wait, Joe Caroll escaped again? How?

 

Prison guard: Well, uh, we let him out to get the morning paper. He promised he'd be back!

[piranesi]

 

"THAT'S RACIST" – Jews and Money. Asian Drivers. Polish IQ. CPT... that's racist! But where do these stereotypes come from? Actor and comedian Mike Epps explores the backstories of this humor and how history and fact often distorts into a snide – but sometimes funny – shorthand. Produced by Andrew Fried for Boardwalk Pictures.

 

 

This is pretty literally a ripoff of Yo! Is this Racist? on Earwolf, no?

[Reed]

The way it ended I would be a little surprised if Joe was anything more than a cameo next season.

 

I was thinking they maybe should have just killed Joe. Ryan's reasons for not killing him seemed flimsy and you absolutely know he's going to regret it when Joe inevitably either breaks free or figures out a way to orchestrate even more mass murder from behind bars.

 

The way the ratings are, I can only see the show going another season too, which would be plenty of time to wrap up the angle with Mark and whoever was in the car. 

[Eivion]

 

The way it ended I would be a little surprised if Joe was anything more than a cameo next season.

 

I was thinking they maybe should have just killed Joe. Ryan's reasons for not killing him seemed flimsy and you absolutely know he's going to regret it when Joe inevitably either breaks free or figures out a way to orchestrate even more mass murder from behind bars.

Not really. They had been building throughout the season that Ryan's obsession with Joe had been damaging his life along with the life of his friends & family. The point of not killing Joe was basically for Ryan to finally let go and move on. Even Joe while disappointed seemed to understand it. Unless they are truly desperate and can't think of anything else (entirely possible/probable) I really do think last night's episode was the end of Joe's part in the series.

[Reed]

I get that, and under normal circumstances, I'd say, sure, let him rot in jail.

 

Except he's escaped from prison twice already. And easily. Prison is no deterrent. Ryan not killing him when he had the chance is totally coming back to haunt him and costing countless lives in the future. It's like Mike told Lily before he shot her: killing her is the only way to fix her. Because when people have that much money/connections they're above the law. As long as Joe is alive, he'll always be a threat. 

 

If they truly wanted Joe out of the series, he'd have been killed.

[Cliff Hanger]

I had no idea until yesterday (after AVClub did a writeup of Wikipedia's article on the WGN Max Headroom incident and I did some googling) that Matt Frewer was a recurring player on Orphan Black. To my mind he's one of the most underrated TV actors of the last 30 years, so it may finally be enough along with the consistent praise it's been getting to make me look S1 up on Amazon Prime.

[Reed]

The perils of being in the Golden Age. There are too many good shows on television. Does anyone have any time to watch them all?

 

Might put "Orphan Black" in the pile with "Game of Thrones" and "Helix" as shows I'll binge watch when they're over with.