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Post by sinbad1971 on Mar 3, 2006 22:43:29 GMT
I never used to entertain TV shows as a serious contender to a good movie but some of the stuff I've seen lately actually makes me think it is even better in many ways. In particular 'The Shield' is one of the most amazing pieces of drama I've ever seen, fantastic acting, brilliant plotlines that have built over years and superb characterisation. I don't think even a four hour epic can achieve the sort of character investment a well made tv show can inspire. In comparison to most movies its the difference between having a big mac and a full three course meal I urge anyone who hasnt seen 'The Shield', 'The Wire' or 'Firefly' to give them a try.
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Post by PatrickCoyle on Mar 3, 2006 23:34:28 GMT
I go for several TV shows over most films. Lost, My Name is Earl, The Office (and Extras), I'm Alan Partridge, the list goes on... But yeah, some American shows in particular have reached and surpassed film in terms of quality. The Sopranos is tremendous, although I've rarely watched it the last couple of years (I've come very close to spending about £200 on buying all the DVDs).
There's something... I dunno... Easier about TV shows as well, as a viewer. It's less commitment to watch a 20- or 45 minute episode than a two hour film. But the problem is: cancellation!
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Post by Dave on Mar 4, 2006 2:05:21 GMT
There's something... I dunno... Easier about TV shows as well, as a viewer. It's less commitment to watch a 20- or 45 minute episode than a two hour film. But the problem is: cancellation! I disagree there. Probably the main reason that I never bother to start watching any big US series is that I know it will mean a huge commitment, because they usually go on and on (and on). I don't doubt that I am missing out some great TV, but I can't commit to hundreds of hours! |
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Post by PatrickCoyle on Mar 4, 2006 7:27:22 GMT
I know what you mean Dave, but I mean an initial or episodic commitment. If you don't like it, you don't have to ever watch it again, and if you do, well you can watch it again whenever ;D. Whereas with a film, I feel I'm cheating it and myself if I watch it in bits. And I just have this feeling of... I dunno... Like films are often "heavier" or "loftier" whereas you can tune out a bit more with TV because it's more spread out, much less "epic" moments per minute.
I think I've been dumbed down by Celebrity Big Brother.
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Post by RydCook on Mar 4, 2006 12:34:27 GMT
i agree with dave, i never watch the TV series things cos i could never commit myself, whereas with film i set aside 2 hours to watch, and i do and enjoy. the only tv i do watch is neighbours, and comedy series that i enjoy (which is different cos it doesnt matter if you miss one) but im sure the quality can be just as good if not better on TV than on film, but i just prefer film myself.
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spiderstu
Junior Member
I didn't mention the bats. the poor bastard would see them soon enough
Posts: 21
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Post by spiderstu on Mar 4, 2006 19:44:47 GMT
The main TV series I watch are Lost, 24, The Sopranos and scrubs. I've got the first season of The shield to watch. I must admit when things are on tv I always end missing episodes so I usually get the dvds and just drill them. I always like to think as films as an answer and TV series as a question. Although TV in the USA is srides ahead of us, we just seem intent on churning out crap with celebs either singing/dancing/skating. Probably because its cheap and they get all the money from the mugs out there that actually phone up to vote.
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Post by Phill on Mar 5, 2006 1:17:18 GMT
Only series i've got into recently is the superb DEADWOOD, Lovejoy is a right nasty bastard in it!  |
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Post by Companero on Mar 5, 2006 1:24:48 GMT
Only series i've got into recently is the superb DEADWOOD, Lovejoy is a right nasty bastard in it! I bought te R1 box set of Season 1 - I must get around to watching it. Films will always be what I am swayed toward bu there have been some great TV shows over the years - ones that I find myself drawn back to every now and then. Favourites include: The Sopranos Fawlty Towers Spaced The League Of Gentlemen The Fast Show The Office |
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Post by RydCook on Mar 7, 2006 14:43:01 GMT
Fawlty Towers
Spaced
The League Of Gentlemen
The Fast Show
^ these are amung my faves, i treat comedy TV differently to drama tv though, because its more accesable (spelling) the british only seem to be good at one thing for TV and thats comedy, otherwise they just do all the celeberty crap (as spiderstu suggested) making them skate sing.. dance, its all the same program i swear, after they did "lets come dancing" they needed to think of a new program.. hmm so some bright guy goes "why dont we do exactly the same thing... BUT ON ICE!" genius! no.. no.. no, FOOLS! TV sucks (apart from comedy) and the majority of films rule! in my opinion.. film is just my preferance. and i love how two of my faves from above (spaced, and leage of gentleman) are so good because they refer to films so much! ahh the irony. woo to TV comedy and film i say
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Post by Morell™ on Mar 7, 2006 15:01:39 GMT
I used to hate being tied down to shows that werent worth the time (X-files after x seasons...6 feet under ect). Then Lost came along and everything changed..now its like the highlight of the week...something to look forward to (so much so I downloaded season 2 to watch because the wait between series is so long)
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