Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Road Warrior (A) on June 07, 2006 at 06:06:42

In Reply to: Television as film posted by jbmcb on June 4, 2006 at 19:55:51:

Some newer ones not mentioned:

The Shield, maybe its the uncensored nature of the dialogue and violence, but this has the gritty feel of something like SE7EN. Almost never a Hollywood ending to its epis. IMHO, "dark" is good, and this sucker is dark. Can't wait for the "back eight" to run to see Vic's and the Strike Team's ultimate fate. My guess is Shane is a dead man.

Boomtown, a shortlived police drama on NBC. Very non linear storytelling, i.e., the ending of the show would be shown, the rest of the show would then be shown from the perspective of its various characters, somewhat confusing a la Go. It asked a lot from its audience but those who stuck with it loved it. The heist of the local sporting goods store by an ex actor ("b" list at best) was my personal favorite.

Deadwood, up there with the best westerns ever committed to film. An almost poetic dialogue. Al Swearingen ("Swingen" per the local Chinese boss) is a character for the ages.

Twin Peaks. Already mentioned I know, but damn, Season 1 and especially the first 4 or 5 segments, are as good as television ever got. I don't care if it crapped out at the end, this one was about the journey, not the destination.

Band of Brothers. The episode on the taking of the German 88s has very few peers in war movies.

Simpsons. I'd nominate the episode where Homer made a fool out of himself at the Chili Cookoff. He experienced a hallucination (caused by injesting the chilis from Hell) where a dog, voiced by Johnny Cash was his spirit guide. His concluding realization at the end that Marge was his soul mate was poingnant and a believable conclusion to a perfectly written episode . My all time favorite of a show with tons of memorable epis.

The Wire. Damn, Talk about gritty. Last season was probably the best. The next to last episode where murdering gangster Stringer Bell was murdered himself by an even "lower on the food chain" thug was surprisingly moving. Who would have thunk two years ago that you'd feel sympathy for Bell at his demise? Well done HBO.

Significant Others, on the Bravo Network (long since cancelled after a very short run.) Hilarious comedy that followed three couples. I don't even know how to describe it. Another one that never found an audience. Cancelled after 8 epis

The Office. Ridiculously funny. Raises the bar for network comedy.
At least 8 strongly drawn characters with character traits unique from the others.

I Claudius, from the 70's. Great history lesson on Rome gratis of public TV. HBO doing a commendable job with Ceasar.

Many many more.

"E Burres Stigano"