The Glass Teat, or 'Television'

[biffpow]

Not that anyone needs another example of my disgruntlement with streamers, but given that it’s Lunar New Year and it’s a dragon year, I thought this weekend would be a great time to re-watch Year of the Dragon. None of the streaming services have this in their catalog. But I can rent it for $4 from several of them.

I don’t really have an issue with digital rentals when the movie is recent or some sort of landmark film. I don’t like it, but I accept that. But not for a movie from the 1980s that most people don’t even know exists. That’s just taking advantage of people.

And aside from that, you’re telling me that not a single staffer at a single streaming service thought ahead enough to say, “Oh, hey, it’s going to be year of the dragon, let’s get that movie on our service. Lots of people will not have seen it and be interested if we put it on the scroll.” This is not an intellectual leap. But clearly this is more than can be expected of companies in the movie delivery business in 2024.

$4 to rent an old movie–bring back the Blockbuster rental stores because at least then I get the bonus features on the DVD–too say nothing of not having to pay a subscription fee. What nonsense we’re being handed.

[rinelk]

My dude, consider the sad tale of season 2 of The Nevers.

[OhBollox]

Obliterated. Aggressively stupid and cliched, but it slowly adds more jokes, some of which are actually funny, as it goes on.

[Blackfyre]

Reacher: I really liked the first season.
I just watched the first episode of season 2, and it felt way worse than season 1… Too generic, too obvious…. I’ll give it chance till episode 3, but if it does not deliver till then, I’ll pass on the rest of it.

From what I’ve heard, Shogun will be a smash hit and it should air here on 27th of Feb. (Disney +). I’ve read the book over 20 years ago, and I loved it…. Hope it will be good…

Also on my queue: The three Body Problem, which should also begin soon, The last Airbender (maybe with the kids, don’t know if it’s good), Invincible (season 2), The Boys (Season 4)

[js619]

Looking forward to Shogun too - have it bookmarked on Hulu but didn’t know it was on Disney. Be nice to watch without commercials. Three Body is also on my list - I’ve had the book on my nightstand and kindle forever and ever.

Didn’t realize The Boys was coming soon! Love that show.

Finished Night Country (HBO) and watching Masters of the Air and Constellation, both Apple TV+. Night Country was ok; imho they tried too hard to capture the magic of the first season, which I don’t think is possible. The McConagaughey (sp?) and Harrelson interplay was too good.

Masters of the Air is watchable, but admittedly… glossy? I’m not sure of the word here. It’s definitely not Band of Brothers by any stretch.

Constellation is good so far - only 3 episodes out - as long as you suspend disbelief at the very dubious science.

[OhBollox]

Righteous Gemstones S3. Still good. S2 was excellent. I hope S3 stays the same quality all the way through.

[js619]

another one I forgot about!

[whovian223]

I actually liked Reacher Season 2. I can’t really say why, but I totally disagree with those who say it was worse. I do think Season 1 was better, but not that much better, for me anyway

[Blackfyre]

I did not know it was common knowledge.
I kind of started Reacher 1 without any prior knowledge about the character or the books. So, especially in the first episodes, the main character was very intriguing to me, he had this air of mystery about him… Now I just see an oversized army brute, with admiration for violence as a mean to solve problems.
But your comment gives me hope that my initial impression might mild itself after another 1-2 episodes.

[kennfusion]

I also liked Reacher a lot in both seasons. In Season 1 he was a Mary Sue (which worked), and I thought that Season 2 tempered that down a bit and added more depth to his character.

[whovian223]

I’m a huge fan of the books, which certainly helps

[OhBollox]

Meiji Gekken 1874. You need to know some Japanese history, but it’s okay. Enjoyable.

[Blackfyre]

The first two Episodes of Shogun are very good, and while being abridged, it’s sticks fairly well to the source material as far as I remember, with more emphasis on female main characters. I think it wouldn’t have harmed them to extend the length for a richer experience regarding the culture, background story etc, but I guess in TV everything needs to be quick these days.
Also really enjoyed that a lot of dialogue is held Japanese with subtitles.

[js619]

Expats, on Amazon Prime. A two pronged thought.

Show is good so far. Nicole Kidman is fantastic, as always. Hoping for a deeper plot than is apparent in the first 1.5 episodes or so. Some gratuitous nudity and adult language, always appreciated.

fuck you Jeff Bezos. You don’t have enough money, you need to interrupt my viewing with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR commercial breaks? Bag. Of. Dicks.

[OhBollox]

[Private_Prinny]

Not bringing anything new to the table, but agree on Reacher Season 2. I found Season 1 funnier, but I am a sucker for backstory/lore so Season 2 it is.

@js619

fuck you Jeff Bezos. […] Bag. Of. Dicks.

You are so right!

[Blackfyre]

I am also starting to like season 2 more. Maybe it was just initial disappointment… I’m filling my time with it until the next episode of shogun. Next will be invincible season 2.

[OhBollox]

Unwanted Undead. Some very standard adventure shenanigans, dungeon crawling, levels, etc, but the protagonist is killed and resurrected and has to carry on his life regardless. Lots of promise.

[doublebullout]

So… Jon Snow?

[OhBollox]

This one in particular is actually undead.

Shogun. Not bad at all. Still a little silly, but we’re lucky it’s anywhere close to a reasonable depiction of Japan. Some of the English subtitles for the spoken Japanese are awful. Some very good acting.