|
Post by moonman157 on Jun 8, 2017 15:05:36 GMT
This is making a big assumption that that world actually exists though, right? I think it would have kind of ruined the show's central mystery personally though I can imagine that it would have made for compelling tv, visually especially. Yeah, I love how open it is to the viewer if you believe Nora or not, though it all comes down to one thing: Kevin believes her and that's all that matters. What a powerful moment. Yeah I really think it's one of the most beautiful things in the entire series. After a full season concerned with people desperately needing something to believe in, to have a narrative to attach to their grief to make it digestible, Nora finds a way that both her and Kevin can process it and hopefully find a way to move on together.
|
|
Drish
Badass
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1,749
|
Post by Drish on Jun 23, 2017 14:30:59 GMT
Okay I finished the third season couple of hours ago and I am already missing the show very much. Some of the absolute best TV I've seen. Ever. The entire three seasons, I found it riveting, touching, heart-breaking, frustrating, confusing and what not but the end.. WOW!! That finale just made me forget everything and realize that in the end, it was a love story of Kevin and Nora and their ultimate closure for the losses they've had couldn't have been showcased more beautifully. Wonderful performances by every cast member. I might be the only one here but I'd rank it as S1>S3>S2 (more like S1=S3>S2) mainly because I loved the straightforwardness and simplicity in the story of S1 whereas the next two seasons esp the 2nd season included many subplots from which I didn't care for some of them. Overall, one of the best things I have seen this year or well, any year and I am so gonna recommend it to all my friends now. Okay so my turn: Favorite Episodes:01. The Book Of Nora (s03e08) 02. Guest (s01e06) 03. The Garveys at Their Best (s01e09) 04. International Assassin (s02e08) 05. The Prodigal Son Returns (s01e10) 06. Certified (s03e06) 07. It's a Matt Matt Matt Matt World (s03e05) 08. Crazy Whitefella Thinking (s03e03) 09. Lens (s02e06) 10. I Live Here Now (s02e10) Favorite Performances:01. Carrie Coon 02. Christopher Eccleston 03. Regina King 04. Justin Theroux 05. Amy Brenneman (I LOVE her presence in anything. Something about her is just...lovely and she's so easy on eyes) 06. Ann Dowd 07. Scott Glenn 08. Lindsay Duncan 09. Kevin Carroll 10. Paterson Joseph Won't be able to list down favorite moments because there are so many and of such different nature be it emotional (the last scene and Lindsay Duncan scene among many others), nail-biting (the entire International Assassin episode had me shook), super-confusing (I still couldn't figure out who were those 3 girls running naked in the jungle and that scene came out of nowhere and so fast but I guess they were Evie and her friends). You guys are the best for recommending this.
|
|
speeders
Based
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 2,202
|
Post by speeders on Sept 4, 2017 0:33:04 GMT
Just finished season 3!
Favorite Episodes Guest 1x06 The Garveys at Their Best 1x09 Lens 2x06 Book of Nora 3x08 International Assassin 2x08 Off Ramp 2x03 Two Boats and a Helicopter 1x03 The Prodigal Son Returns 1x10 Axis Mundi 2x01 Pilot 1x01
Favorite Performances Carrie Coon Justin Theroux Ann Dowd Amy Brenneman Scott Glenn Lindsay Duncan Regina King Christopher Eccleston Emily Meade (underrated like hell and I don't care what anyone thinks!) Amanda Warren (also really underrated and unfairly hated)
|
|
|
Post by quetee on Dec 19, 2018 21:24:36 GMT
Well, I was sad to see this one end. Always wanted to watch it and wish I would have seen it live. I loved the finale. What is the consensus on Nora's story.
|
|
|
Post by Viced on Dec 19, 2018 21:30:09 GMT
Well, I was sad to see this one end. Always wanted to watch it and wish I would have seen it live. I loved the finale. What is the consensus on Nora's story. I don't think there is one! That's what makes it so brilliant. There's a lot of people that strongly believe she made it all up..... me on the other hand:
|
|
dazed
Based
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 1,757
|
Post by dazed on Dec 19, 2018 21:46:46 GMT
Well, I was sad to see this one end. Always wanted to watch it and wish I would have seen it live. I loved the finale. What is the consensus on Nora's story. I think Lindeolf said that he planned on making the episode of her in the other world, but decided against it. Which is an argument people use for why she’s telling the truth. There’s another argument for the other side that say she exhaled to yell out stop right before they could send her through, which when you look back at it, it does look like she’s about to. Like Viced though, I believe her.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 23, 2019 17:35:46 GMT
So I know this has a thread, that seems to be related to its final season, and I don't want to post in that one in case I accidentally read a spoiler, so please don't push this post in there.
I've just watched the opening three episodes and I'm suitably impressed so far. I like what I'm seeing in that you've got a general air of mystery and oddness, which is something that I typically enjoy. I also quite like the fact that three episodes in, I really don't seem to know much of anything about anyone. You're being given brief little bits and pieces of information here and there, but then who knows what from that is real and not real...well all you guys who have finished the show do of course, but I'll get there with you fairly soon.
The one problem I do have with the lack of knowledge on who these people are, is that some of their developments so far have come really out of leftfield, like why is Meg lamping a member of the Guilty Remnant one minute and then trying to join them the next. I'm sure it'll all make sense in time, but in the early running it just comes across as sloppy
Character wise, you have a lot of seemingly interesting people, but a real dearth of likeable people. I hope this doesn't carry on, as I think a film can succeed without likeable people, but a television show cannot. Also, I'm not gonna lie, it has been a little pompous and too sure of itself on occasion, but if it carries through as a quality show like I think it will, then I can forgive that. A certain level of arrogance is always forgivable if it's justified.
|
|
|
Post by stephen on Jun 23, 2019 18:19:06 GMT
So I do want to say this: if you want a show with answers, The Leftovers is absolutely not the show for you. It is a show designed to provoke, to aggravate, to make you question motives and motivations. Any sort of revelations are largely personal and open to interpretation. But that's the genius of the show. It makes even the smallest stakes feel positively monumental and apocalyptic.
So glad you seem to be digging it, though. The first two episodes didn't hook me, but "Two Boats and a Helicopter" is one of the finest hours of television ever made. Christopher Eccleston was utterly robbed of an Emmy for it.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 23, 2019 18:36:47 GMT
So I do want to say this: if you want a show with answers, The Leftovers is absolutely not the show for you. It is a show designed to provoke, to aggravate, to make you question motives and motivations. Any sort of revelations are largely personal and open to interpretation. But that's the genius of the show. It makes even the smallest stakes feel positively monumental and apocalyptic. So glad you seem to be digging it, though. The first two episodes didn't hook me, but "Two Boats and a Helicopter" is one of the finest hours of television ever made. Christopher Eccleston was utterly robbed of an Emmy for it. Yeah, I'm definitely sensing this isn't really a wrapped up neatly at the end sort of show, which is fine by me as I definitely don't need that, as long as it earns it. Eccleston was great. I've high hopes for his character, as he's the one person so far who I'm bordering on liking / rooting for. He seems to have good intentions, but then he went and did something pretty stupid. I'm excited to see how he pans out as a character.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 25, 2019 10:32:42 GMT
SE E4 "B.J. and the A.C."So I really liked this episode a lot. It had some humour in it, which was sorely missing from the first couple of episodes in particular. I understand that it is not a comedy, but at the same time, almost all the great long running TV Drama series are infused with a lot of humour of all kinds; which is merely a reflection of life, even at its grimmest. I have to hold my hands up and say that the Guilty Remnant folks are my favourite thing about this show so far. If I was ever foolish enough to join a cult, then one with a bunch of quiet people who smoke (although I did quit about 18 months ago) is the one for me. I really dug the Mr. Grinchness of the breaking in and stealing the pictures...Such Fun! Also, Ann Dowd has such a brilliant RBF, that she can say nothing and say it all. I'm getting quite fond of the Tom & Christine storyline so far, as much as you can with this little to go on.
One thing I'm still not loving is the Garvey family. I'm sure it'll change, or at least I hope it will, but for now they suck all the life out of the show for me.
The thing that has surprised me most so far is the weakness of the opening credits. This is no True Blood or Thrones and I expect more from HBO.
|
|
|
Post by stephen on Jun 25, 2019 14:27:24 GMT
My favorite thing is going to be looking back at these posts after you've wrapped the series and seeing what opinions change, and charting the progression of said changes.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 25, 2019 21:19:46 GMT
S1 E5 "Gladys"
This is perhaps my favourite episode so far. I won't necessarily say I'm in love with this show as yet, more on why in the next episode, but this episode got me on a track where I think I could be. It was nice that they humanised Kevin a bit more, but then they had to kick you in the teeth a little by dehumanising Laurie even more. TV can be a cruel mistress. Also, while I fully expect her to turn out to be some level of monster (though I'd be pleasantly surprised to be wrong), I really dig Patti and she's easily my favourite character right now.
S1 E5 "Guest"
So far this is the weakest episode. Now I'm not saying it was bad, as it wasn't. The first half even bordered on fun, but overall I thought the whole Nora impostor was a bit of a time waste and more interesting things could probably have been done in terms of the big establishing moment for the Nora character. Also, occasionally this show is a bit too fond of the sound of it's own voice, and this is exemplified in the Wayne character who is a little to fond of the sound of his own voice. Enjoyable episode overall, but not on the level of anything that came before it.
|
|
|
Post by notacrook on Jun 26, 2019 16:41:37 GMT
S1 E5 "Guest"So far this is the weakest episode. Now I'm not saying it was bad, as it wasn't. The first half even bordered on fun, but overall I thought the whole Nora impostor was a bit of a time waste and more interesting things could probably have been done in terms of the big establishing moment for the Nora character. Also, occasionally this show is a bit too fond of the sound of it's own voice, and this is exemplified in the Wayne character who is a little to fond of the sound of his own voice. Enjoyable episode overall, but not on the level of anything that came before it. Very interesting take. I adored this episode, and it was the first real showcase of the acting force that is Carrie Coon.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 26, 2019 21:32:21 GMT
S1 E7 "Solace for Tired Feet"This was a damn fine episode. Like I mentioned previously, I really like whatever the hell is going on with the Tom / Christine / Wayne stuff...emphasize on the whatever the hell . I'm getting kind of tired of Jill, who while not Meadow Soprano painful, is still a helluva an irritant. I do kinda like Nora so far, especially when she gave Liv Tyler a hose full. I cant abide Liv Tyler and her stupid voice, so it's particularly disappointing that her shutting the feck up doesn't last long. I really like the Kevin Sr. character too, even if the way the actor is playing 'crazy' is kinda funny in a bad way. All in all, a top episode. S1 E8 "Cairo"Shut Up Jill! Shut Up Liv Tyler!!!!!! Leaving those major hemorrhoids to one side, this was a great hour. Although I will say that I find it painful when shows end an episode on a big moment like here in #7 and then don't reference it at all in the next episode. A lot of shows do this, and it's sorta tiresome. So I'm finally getting on board with Kevin as a character. So far I've mostly being finding him to be kinda dull and a horrible sort of bully, and he is those two things, but he's getting a bit more interesting now too. Patti is still the business. Obviously she's spewing a load of lazy hogwash that preys on the minds of the weak, but she does it well and props to her. I hope at some point in the future Nora punches Jill in the face as someone needs to. Those two twins are neat comic relief in a show that really needs it. If I was to throw a little criticism at this episode, it would be that they made it too painfully obvious what the Guilty Remnant are planning. I guess when it happens, it could have been a cool surprise. Oh well
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 27, 2019 20:01:10 GMT
S1 E9 "The Garveys at Their Best"I've sort of being expecting flashbacks all Season so far, so it was unsurprising when they came; but I didn't figure a whole episode would be thrown over to them, so that was a surprise and fairly pleasant one too...except the ultrasound, and the moment it dawns on you what's going to happen . Then it happens and the fact you had a little bit of time to prepare yourself doesn't help. It was really interesting to get some insight into most of the main characters, while they were happy; or surface level happy at least. It was also cool that my assessment of Kevin in my episode 8 post held plenty of truth. He was an asshole and a bully before the event, and he is still one. On the plus side, he's at least self aware, admitting he's not a good person in this episode. Still, all the character development to one side, the most revealing thing about this episode where Justin Theroux's jogging pants...
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 28, 2019 7:41:39 GMT
S1 E10 "The Prodigal Son Returns"So much like the payoff to the Guilty Remnant prank, the season finale on the whole was more or less an anticlimax. It was a good episode for sure, but easily the weakest of the season. It was nice to get more insight into who Kevin is / what or could be, albeit through symbolism and dreams. It was also intriguing to have the wish scene, although I'm getting a little tired of this show killing off characters I like. I lose Patti and now Wayne. Although I'm sure Patti will probably always be around in dreams. I wasn't particularly impressed in terms of the pay-off around the fires. The scene was really over dramatic, with the slight slow motion and the lame string section. It was all so very soap opera. Then it ended with what should have been the scene of the season, with Nora's narration of her letter, playing out over the seasons closing moments. It could have been so perfect if she has just left. I'm not even saying she should have stayed gone from the show, but in that moment it would have felt so right if she'd gone...but no, she has to find what she found in such a ridiculous manner. I mean why in the frickitty fuck would Tom leave that there. These are the days of our lives indeed. I was full on expecting the EastEnders Duff Duff's to kick in.
I'll probably post some more detailed thoughts on the season later today.
|
|
dazed
Based
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 1,757
|
Post by dazed on Jun 28, 2019 11:45:50 GMT
Even though I’m a huge fan of season 1, it’s universally the least liked one of the three. So chances are if you dug it, the shows only going to get better for you.
|
|
|
Post by stephen on Jun 28, 2019 15:12:27 GMT
So you made it through Season 1.
Now, I will say this: even though Season 1 has a couple of champion episodes, with one true all-timer in "Two Boats and a Helicopter" (which should've garnered Chris Eccleston an Oscar nod if it had been expanded to feature-length), overall it's a rather odd duck of a series. It hews very closely to Tom Perrotta's book, which I read well after the series had concluded, with it ending more or less in the same place. The season is meant to have this strange operatic feel to it, and even though I had been well and truly hooked by Episode 3 of the season, I wasn't sure if I loved the show when Season 1 wrapped.
Then Season 2 came out of fucking nowhere.
And that is why I have faith in Lindelof tackling Watchmen. If he was able to draw the brilliance of Seasons 2 and 3 out of thin air while adhering to the groundwork laid by Perrotta in the book, and consequently Season 1, then I can only imagine what he'll do on a larger, more provoking scale with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's world.
|
|
|
Post by cheesecake on Jun 28, 2019 21:30:01 GMT
This is really fun to read over. I'm hoping to revisit the show in the future, but you're in for a great ride. Season two is a whole other level.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jun 30, 2019 13:42:32 GMT
So, prior to starting Season 2 I thought I would put down some overall thoughts on the show so far.
In summary it's a case of so far so good and so close to so great. I do love that it is dealing with some big and heavy themes, and is not afraid to pose some dark and uncomfortable questions. It does make you think a lot about some grim stuff and how you might handle some unpleasant situations that no one likes to be in. I will say, as I noted previously, that it does occasionally get a little too full of itself and rather affected in its writing, but considering the themes it's dealing in so far, it has managed to stay fairly accessible. Obviously anything that deals in loss in grief is going to have a rather dour and morose tone, and this show has this in spades, but you simply have to lean into the rather joyless world and let it wash over you. Once that's achieved you can sit back and settle into some rather fine story telling.
In terms of some things I'm not too crazy on; the pacing is sometimes poor and often, too much time passes between characters appearing and their stories developing. I don't think the ensemble is particularly impressive either. Ann Dowd is fantastic and the MVP of Season 1 by a mile. Christopher Eccleston obviously shone in episode three and Carrie Coon gas had a few cool moments, but other than those guys, I'm not too crazy on the cast. They are being provided with solid and occasionally great material, but overall I don't think they are doing anything special with it. Justin Theroux in particular is a problem for me, as while he is a good actor, I don't think he's good enough for this role.
I'm definitely really pleased overall with the show so far, and excited to start Season 2, as it seems like the consensus is that it's superior.
|
|
|
Post by stephen on Jun 30, 2019 14:10:35 GMT
You'll change your tune on Theroux real soon. All I'm gonna say.
|
|
Film Socialism
Based
99.9999% of rock is crap
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 1,386
|
Post by Film Socialism on Jul 5, 2019 2:06:27 GMT
s1 is the definite peak for me but cool that people are giving it a chance
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jul 12, 2019 19:14:27 GMT
Right so, after a busy two weeks I'm back in the game.
S2 E1 "Axis Mundi"
A wonderful, out of nowhere opening five minutes or so, which I wouldn't have minded being even longer. Then transition to the present day and a whole new setting. This show sure does like to throw curveballs at you, and I'm more than fine with that. It didn't take too long to figure out what is supposedly special about this place, and it'll be interesting to find out what is and isn't.
The new characters are not as immediately arresting as the Season 1 originals, but I was starting to become intrigued by them just as Nora and the family turned up. I hope some sort of bridging will happen as to how we got from the Season 1 finale to them moving here, as if we don't, that's just plain sloppy / lazy. I like the clearly sinister underbelly to this new setting, and while I already want to punch John, I wanted to do the same to Kevin for most of Season 1...perhaps they can knock each other out and make my day. It was also really cool to see Regina King. She's always a welcome presence and I had no idea she was in the show.
Little Points:
I missed the guilty remnant. Those guys are a hoot and a half. Stiil, no Liv Tyler. Celebrate good times, come on! It would be a shame if Aimee was gone from the show. She was one of my favourite Season 1 characters. The new opening credits are even worse than the Season 1 ones.
|
|
|
Post by stephen on Jul 12, 2019 19:28:51 GMT
You will come to like the Season 2 opening credits, I think. I started out despising them, but by the end I adored them.
|
|
|
Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Jul 13, 2019 17:34:45 GMT
S2 E2 "A Matter of Geography"
So I'm not too sure what to say about this episode. I was tempted to say I didn't like it, but then nothing really happened to dislike, because for the most part nothing really happened until the end, with Kevin waking up in another awkward position and leaving behind the clunkiest finger prints in TV history. Still, I'm probably being a bit harsh, but I'm starting to feel like all these characters are still really underdeveloped at almost the halfway point of the whole show. I do like the show, it's very very good, but I feel as though the main characters are so thinly drawn that they'd disappear if they turned sideways...perhaps that's what happened to the 2%.
|
|