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Post by bathstoke on May 23, 2014 6:13:01 GMT
Just finished watching this mega hyped series. Now I did watch the Wire, which I loved for its gritty realism & I did start watching the Sopranos, but stopped when it felt like watching the Godfather serialised, however this has summed up our X-Box/X-Factor generation of style over substance. From beginning to end you just can't get over Walt being Malcolm in the Middles father, cause he just isn't Bad. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments in the thing and the cinematography is ace, but this does not deserve all the the plaudits it's received. Someone please give me their insight into this  |
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Post by Beardy200 on May 23, 2014 6:43:42 GMT
Ive never seen malcolm in the middle so it worked for me
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2014 6:51:14 GMT
What's the jist of the storyline, in no more than 3 sentences? ;-)
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Post by Orbs on May 23, 2014 7:06:21 GMT
Chemistry teacher makes and sells drugs with ex student.
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Post by partickpotter on May 23, 2014 8:13:01 GMT
Just finished watching this mega hyped series. Now I did watch the Wire, which I loved for its gritty realism & I did start watching the Sopranos, but stopped when it felt like watching the Godfather serialised, however this has summed up our X-Box/X-Factor generation of style over substance. From beginning to end you just can't get over Walt being Malcolm in the Middles father, cause he just isn't Bad. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments in the thing and the cinematography is ace, but this does not deserve all the the plaudits it's received. Someone please give me their insight into this I with you on this - in large part anyway. Loved the Wire and Sopranos but just can't get into Breaking Bad. Halfway through series 2 and I just don't care. I quite like the two lead characters but don't care for any of the others. The great strength of the Wire and the Sopranos, IMO, were the multiple excellent characters and plots. Breaking Bad has just the two good characters and a single plot. Subsequently it feels one dimensional and one paced. Maybe I've come to this with too much expectation based on all the hype. |
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Post by bathstoke on May 23, 2014 8:42:35 GMT
Just finished watching this mega hyped series. Now I did watch the Wire, which I loved for its gritty realism & I did start watching the Sopranos, but stopped when it felt like watching the Godfather serialised, however this has summed up our X-Box/X-Factor generation of style over substance. From beginning to end you just can't get over Walt being Malcolm in the Middles father, cause he just isn't Bad. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments in the thing and the cinematography is ace, but this does not deserve all the the plaudits it's received. Someone please give me their insight into this I with you on this - in large part anyway. Loved the Wire and Sopranos but just can't get into Breaking Bad. Halfway through series 2 and I just don't care. I quite like the two lead characters but don't care for any of the others. The great strength of the Wire and the Sopranos, IMO, were the multiple excellent characters and plots. Breaking Bad has just the two good characters and a single plot. Subsequently it feels one dimensional and one paced. Maybe I've come to this with too much expectation based on all the hype. Don't believe the hype! |
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2014 9:22:19 GMT
dunna tell shanghai
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Post by santy on May 23, 2014 9:47:25 GMT
I didn't like how the story seems to be about a rather intelligent guy who identifies the best way to proceed in life and how to get on. But will then pick the opposite to spite himself or those he cares about in an entirely counter intuitive manner.
Of course, the only reason behind the bad decisions is to extend the life of the series inorganically, because the thought process was just too convoluted to flow convincingly. I still watched it all, but it wasn't up there with the best series I've seen.
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2014 17:04:02 GMT
Best TV drama by some distance in my opinion. Here are a few thoughts from a previous thread... I think it's unfair to compare Breaking Bad with The Sopranos as they are vastly different in terms of scale. The Sopranos sustained an incredibly high standard of writing over a longer time frame with far more characters to deal with. Breaking Bad is like a mini series in comparison. Breaking Bad is however unparalleled in its ability to leave you dumbfounded after an episode. Apart from the episode about the fly, it's never had a weak episode. I don't agree with that Richie. After running for 6 years I can't see how you can describe Breaking Bad as a mini-series. I'll try and compare and describe the differences to The Soprano's as I see it. Breaking Bad is an absolute heat-seeking missile of a show in terms of its main story arc. It's tempo is far higher than The Soprano's or indeed anything else. Every episode pretty much climaxes on a genuine bombshell and often just leave me shaking my head in disbelief at what i'm watching. Whilst I agree that the The Soprano's set the benchmark for superb writing, there were way too many slow, often weak episodes. The show also lacked consistency and felt different from season to season. However, The Soprano's scores heavily with its more intelligent observations into human nature and the superb way it explored the issue of social morality. Plus I don't think there has ever been a better single character than Tony Soprano, only Walter White gets close to him. So taken on the whole The Soprano's attempts to be more cerebral and is possibly more detailed, but winds up being much less focussed than Breaking Bad's laser guided script. As you mentioned - just the one weak BB episode - The Fly. In terms of the storyline Breaking Bad has been relentlessly surging toward the conclusion which is unfolding right now. New storylines and sub-plots weave in and out whilst scenarios develop and unfold at breathtaking "blink and you miss it" pace. I remember The Soprano's storylines really tended to jump around quite a lot and the whole thing eventually fizzled out with a disappointing whimper in its final season. Breaking Bad is only just starting to hit its full potential after getting better each season. It will go out with an almighty bang. For character and plot development there really isn't anything that's as accomplished as Breaking Bad and the twisted dark, humorous ride that Walt/Jesse/Mike/Hank & Saul take the viewer on - in particular Walt's steady descent into the dark alter-ego of Heisenberg is remarkable. The plot developments can leave you gasping for air too. The cinematography on both shows is superb but I really think that the Albuquerque desert setting for Breaking Bad sets a new benchmark for TV. It just looks stunning. The number of people you speak to about Breaking Bad that say "i'm addicted" or "I watched the first three seasons in a week" is quite common too. BB has the uncanny ability to get right under your skin and into your head. It entertains like nothing else i've ever seen. Don't get me wrong I really liked The Soprano's and I reckon it's possibly the third best TV show ever. Second best? Deadwood. But for my money there is nothing on the telly that gets remotely close to Breaking Bad. It's a work of genius! Sorry Soprano's fans!  |
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Post by DentySCFC on May 23, 2014 17:05:54 GMT
Best show ever. Can't be arsed to argue because I'm right. Thanks.
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2014 17:09:29 GMT
Best show ever. Can't be arsed to argue because I'm right. Thanks. If it you fail to see the genius in the show, then you're either having a bad day or maybe TV drama isn't your thing. It's that good. |
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2014 17:15:47 GMT
I was a big MITM fan but I can't empathise with your claim that you couldn't shake the thought of Hal from your mind whilst watching BB. The characters couldn't be more different, and Brain Cranston plays the part so masterfully that a few episodes into series 1 he was no long Hal from MITM, Hal from MITM was now Walt from BB.
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Post by RichieBarkerOut! on May 23, 2014 18:25:24 GMT
Best TV drama by some distance in my opinion. Here are a few thoughts from a previous thread... I don't agree with that Richie. After running for 6 years I can't see how you can describe Breaking Bad as a mini-series. I'll try and compare and describe the differences to The Soprano's as I see it. Breaking Bad is an absolute heat-seeking missile of a show in terms of its main story arc. It's tempo is far higher than The Soprano's or indeed anything else. Every episode pretty much climaxes on a genuine bombshell and often just leave me shaking my head in disbelief at what i'm watching. Whilst I agree that the The Soprano's set the benchmark for superb writing, there were way too many slow, often weak episodes. The show also lacked consistency and felt different from season to season. However, The Soprano's scores heavily with its more intelligent observations into human nature and the superb way it explored the issue of social morality. Plus I don't think there has ever been a better single character than Tony Soprano, only Walter White gets close to him. So taken on the whole The Soprano's attempts to be more cerebral and is possibly more detailed, but winds up being much less focussed than Breaking Bad's laser guided script. As you mentioned - just the one weak BB episode - The Fly. In terms of the storyline Breaking Bad has been relentlessly surging toward the conclusion which is unfolding right now. New storylines and sub-plots weave in and out whilst scenarios develop and unfold at breathtaking "blink and you miss it" pace. I remember The Soprano's storylines really tended to jump around quite a lot and the whole thing eventually fizzled out with a disappointing whimper in its final season. Breaking Bad is only just starting to hit its full potential after getting better each season. It will go out with an almighty bang. For character and plot development there really isn't anything that's as accomplished as Breaking Bad and the twisted dark, humorous ride that Walt/Jesse/Mike/Hank & Saul take the viewer on - in particular Walt's steady descent into the dark alter-ego of Heisenberg is remarkable. The plot developments can leave you gasping for air too. The cinematography on both shows is superb but I really think that the Albuquerque desert setting for Breaking Bad sets a new benchmark for TV. It just looks stunning. The number of people you speak to about Breaking Bad that say "i'm addicted" or "I watched the first three seasons in a week" is quite common too. BB has the uncanny ability to get right under your skin and into your head. It entertains like nothing else i've ever seen. Don't get me wrong I really liked The Soprano's and I reckon it's possibly the third best TV show ever. Second best? Deadwood. But for my money there is nothing on the telly that gets remotely close to Breaking Bad. It's a work of genius! Sorry Soprano's fans! And here's my response from September 17, last year... Good reply ************** and I agree with almost every word of it. The point I was making was one of scale and depth, not focus. By the time Breaking Bad ends, 46 hours worth of viewing will have been created compared to the 83 hours of The Sopranos. I don't want to choose one over the other, as the choice reminds me of picking my favourite son. Breaking Bad could not and should not be stretched to 83 hours and The Sopranos would have been shallower if it had been shrunk to 46. Just in case there is any doubt, Breaking Bad is awesome and I'm amazed that each episode in this series manages to surpass the previous one. On another note, if anyone is watching on Netfix, and they like a bit of politics, then start watching House of Cards. |
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Post by AdderleyGreenStokie on May 23, 2014 18:25:39 GMT
Watched the first series this week. Very enjoyable. I like the characters, storyline and comedy moments. Even quite like the brother-in-law character after hating him in the first episode.
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Post by Beardy200 on May 23, 2014 18:35:15 GMT
The Sopranos was great but in my opinion James Gandolfini carried the whole show and the only reason i watched it. If you look at the different characters with a bit more isolation, a lot of them were pretty comical and hard to take seriously in my opinion. His right hand men, the two who looked old enough for the retirement home, were laughable at times, they're acting was so bad. The same goes for his prodigy type. Sorry it's been too long, i've forgotten all their names.  I don't think the script and other acting could have kept me going with a different lead actor. On the other hand, Breaking Bad could change the lead and i still think the plot would have kept me gripped. Two great shows, very different but it's BB for me. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on May 23, 2014 20:10:09 GMT
The Sopranos was great but in my opinion James Gandolfini carried the whole show and the only reason i watched it. If you look at the different characters with a bit more isolation, a lot of them were pretty comical and hard to take seriously in my opinion. His right hand men, the two who looked old enough for the retirement home, were laughable at times, they're acting was so bad. The same goes for his prodigy type. Sorry it's been too long, i've forgotten all their names. I don't think the script and other acting could have kept me going with a different lead actor. On the other hand, Breaking Bad could change the lead and i still think the plot would have kept me gripped. Two great shows, very different but it's BB for me. "they're"  |
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Post by Beardy200 on May 23, 2014 20:13:29 GMT
The Sopranos was great but in my opinion James Gandolfini carried the whole show and the only reason i watched it. If you look at the different characters with a bit more isolation, a lot of them were pretty comical and hard to take seriously in my opinion. His right hand men, the two who looked old enough for the retirement home, were laughable at times, they're acting was so bad. The same goes for his prodigy type. Sorry it's been too long, i've forgotten all their names. I don't think the script and other acting could have kept me going with a different lead actor. On the other hand, Breaking Bad could change the lead and i still think the plot would have kept me gripped. Two great shows, very different but it's BB for me. "they're" Oops. P.S. Fuck off  |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2014 11:48:56 GMT
"they're" Oops. P.S. Fuck off  |
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Post by boskampsflaps on May 24, 2014 17:00:45 GMT
I thought it was pretty decent to start with, then got a little repetitive and boring, so I haven't bothered to watch the last few episodes, still don't know what happens and tbh I really don't care.
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2014 9:28:27 GMT
Just finished watching this mega hyped series. Now I did watch the Wire, which I loved for its gritty realism & I did start watching the Sopranos, but stopped when it felt like watching the Godfather serialised, however this has summed up our X-Box/X-Factor generation of style over substance. From beginning to end you just can't get over Walt being Malcolm in the Middles father, cause he just isn't Bad. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments in the thing and the cinematography is ace, but this does not deserve all the the plaudits it's received. Someone please give me their insight into this I with you on this - in large part anyway. Loved the Wire and Sopranos but just can't get into Breaking Bad. Halfway through series 2 and I just don't care. I quite like the two lead characters but don't care for any of the others. The great strength of the Wire and the Sopranos, IMO, were the multiple excellent characters and plots. Breaking Bad has just the two good characters and a single plot. Subsequently it feels one dimensional and one paced. Maybe I've come to this with too much expectation based on all the hype. Now you do raise an interesting point there. As an expat most of these series we watch on DVD as and when released. I watched season 1 to 4 in less than a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then watched series 5, ( initial release of 1 -8 ) in 2 nights, and the final when I was in the UK last yr. Would I wait a week for the next episode, would it hold my very short attention span, probably not. Have seen every season of 24 in a very short time span, but just can't get into the new one, so will wait till it's released and watch en block. Another good one if you get the chance is The Blacklist. |
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Post by block27row27 on Jun 19, 2014 7:47:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2014 4:51:59 GMT
Just finished watching this mega hyped series. Now I did watch the Wire, which I loved for its gritty realism & I did start watching the Sopranos, but stopped when it felt like watching the Godfather serialised, however this has summed up our X-Box/X-Factor generation of style over substance. From beginning to end you just can't get over Walt being Malcolm in the Middles father, cause he just isn't Bad. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments in the thing and the cinematography is ace, but this does not deserve all the the plaudits it's received. Someone please give me their insight into this I with you on this - in large part anyway. Loved the Wire and Sopranos but just can't get into Breaking Bad. Halfway through series 2 and I just don't care. I quite like the two lead characters but don't care for any of the others. The great strength of the Wire and the Sopranos, IMO, were the multiple excellent characters and plots. Breaking Bad has just the two good characters and a single plot. Subsequently it feels one dimensional and one paced. Maybe I've come to this with too much expectation based on all the hype. Sorry Partick but you're totally missing it. Breaking Bad has to have the greatest ensemble cast of all those TV shows. Easily. Hank Schrader, Saul Goodman, Gus Fring, Mike Ehrmantraut, Walter White, Jr., Tuco Salamanca, Brandon "Badger" Mayhew, the list goes on and on. The whole ethos of Breaking Bad hinges around character progression. Here's a bit of a cheesey YouTube tribute to Mike Ehrmantraut, one of the best supporting character performances you'll ever see. Mini-episode with Walter and Badger. Just hilarious. |
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Post by Bagwash on Jun 20, 2014 9:35:11 GMT
I with you on this - in large part anyway. Loved the Wire and Sopranos but just can't get into Breaking Bad. Halfway through series 2 and I just don't care. I quite like the two lead characters but don't care for any of the others. The great strength of the Wire and the Sopranos, IMO, were the multiple excellent characters and plots. Breaking Bad has just the two good characters and a single plot. Subsequently it feels one dimensional and one paced. Maybe I've come to this with too much expectation based on all the hype. Now you do raise an interesting point there. As an expat most of these series we watch on DVD as and when released. I watched season 1 to 4 in less than a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then watched series 5, ( initial release of 1 -8 ) in 2 nights, and the final when I was in the UK last yr. Would I wait a week for the next episode, would it hold my very short attention span, probably not. Have seen every season of 24 in a very short time span, but just can't get into the new one, so will wait till it's released and watch en block. Another good one if you get the chance is The Blacklist. Yes,Blacklist is brilliant matey.James Spader is excellent. |
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Post by Miles Offside on Jun 20, 2014 16:39:51 GMT
Best show ever. Can't be arsed to argue because I'm right. Thanks. You mustn't have seen The Americans then. |
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Post by Beertricks Potter on Jun 20, 2014 22:36:00 GMT
Yes,Blacklist is brilliant matey.James Spader is excellent. Now we're talking, The Blacklist has been superb and James Spader (took me a while to recognise him!) is just sublime. Can't wait for series 2 of this. |
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Post by jimigoodwinsbeard on Jun 24, 2014 4:26:33 GMT
Fargo has been really good as well.
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Post by DentySCFC on Jun 24, 2014 10:34:27 GMT
Fargo has been really good as well. It's ok. Billy Bob Thornton is very good in it, Martin Freeman's a bit meh. Definitely did too many episodes, too much filler. |
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Post by block27row27 on Jun 24, 2014 15:42:24 GMT
Best show ever. Can't be arsed to argue because I'm right. Thanks. You mustn't have seen The Americans then. Is that the one with KGB agents? |
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Post by Miles Offside on Jun 26, 2014 21:38:47 GMT
Just watched the first two episodes. It's brilliant how they can get so many laughs out of cancer, drug addiction and murder.
Ned Flanders goes mad with Eminem.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 22:46:55 GMT
I intentionally avoid tv shows that are hyped up beforehand so I haven't seen the like of Games of thrones,Breaking Bad etc. It took me about 5 years to get round to watching Life on mars.....and as I suspected it was nowhere near as good as it was made out to be....in my opinion obviously |
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