The Television Thread: Now Disc. "Dawson's Creek"

I'm a fan of Henrikson. He's an understated actor, but he has a weight to his performance that really works well.

That said, I could never watch out an episode of this show. I would try and try but every time I'd just lose interest and end up reading the paper.

Notable exception: the Jose Chung episode, which was pretty funny.

And I'm glad to hear the DVD set price is dropping. I own the first two . . . this'll make it easier to pick up the rest.

 

I'm sure they asked him to play low-key. That said, there's a reason he was once cast as a replicant or whatever it was.

 

Next: Another Carter show: "The Lone Gunmen" (2001)

The Lone Gunmen were bit players in "The X-files"; three computer-hacking conspiracy geeks. Since the show was then shot in Vancouver, they were played by three local actors: Bruce Harwood (John Byers), Tom Braidwood (Melvin Frohike), and Dean Haglund (Richard Langly).

They turned out to be popular characters, so Carter spun them into their own show. I think (1) he left it way too late, because the host show was then unable to give the spin-off much momentum; and (2)they remained bit players. Watching them try to fill hour after hour was difficult. They tried to turn Braidwood into a lead, and though he is a very appealing actor, it didn't quite work.

I liked the Gunmen a lot, and I stopped watching after about the third episode.

Strange.

 

I only saw a couple of episodes of this show. The tone seemed strange, even though I did like the new character they wrote in: Stephen Sneed, I think his name was.

I did specifically watch and enjoy the episode that featured Pileggi as Skinner. That was fun.

 

And Chris Carter did four shows, not three, though I didn't remember this one until Rogue mentioned it: "Harsh Realm" (1999-2000)

The Plot:

"Lt. Hobbes volunteers to test the army's newest tool, a virtual reality training machine code named "Harsh Realm." Once attached to the machine, Hobbes discovers that the VR world is controlled by the renegade soldier Omar Santiago. While Hobbes body remains in a coma, his mind lives on in the VR world, where he must join forces with an underground force in their attempt to overthrow Santiago."

I remember seeing the first two episodes (only nine were produced, as it failed almost instantly). I don't really remember what was wrong, except it didn't work. D. B. Sweeney is an appealing actor, who hasn't had much of a break. Scott Bairstow got into a whole lot of trouble later on.

Rule of thumb: For both TV and movies: Do NOT base a movie or TV show on a video game. The games do it much better, so why should the audience care? Or watch?

 

Harsh Realm is one of the greater Television tragedies (up there with "Push, Nevada", "American Gothic" and "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.")

In the mere 3 episodes that were actually aired by Fox, you had a set up that was about a billion times more interesting then anything Carter came up with in "Millennium"..

I have the other episodes that were shot on tape somewhere, but i've never had the heart to actually watch them..

I remember the pain of seeing "Push, Nevada" come to an unfortunate end while there was still so much story left..

 

And even more obscure: "Strange Luck" (1995-96)

I very much doubt anybody but me actually watched this show; it only lasted 17 episodes. I tuned in to see the local landmarks (it was shot in Vancouver) and kept watching because I enjoyed it. It was very eccentric, funny and quite often just puzzling. D. B. Sweeney had a lot of charm as Chance Harper, a photojournalist who is the only survivor a plane crash as a baby, and is ever after subject to 'strange luck'--both good and bad.

I don't think there is a DVD, but if you ever see reruns--record them.

 

Harsh Realm was brilliant, in my opinion. Fox totally slaughtered that show and cancelling it after only three episodes was idiotic.

I've seen all nine episodes and they become better. There are two episodes that are right up there with classic Twiligh Zone shows: the World War II battle loop and the virus in the lake. Those are just brilliant.

A hallmark of Carter shows, the characters were the draw: Hobbes and Pinocchio were both beautifully written. Waters was a fine villain and Santiago was interesting enough.

 

I have this show on tape but haven't watched it in eons. I remember being ticked off at FOX for, yet again, killing another fun and odd sci-fi show before it really got a chance to take off.

GRRRRR!

 

Next: "Married, With Children" (1987-1997)

Warning: This show lasted ten years, and is a classic example of the five year rule. The five year
rule says that most shows, especially comedies, remain inspired for at the most, five years.
Syndication being what it is, the networks make sure that shows last twice as long as they should.

This show, with "The Simpsons" represented Fox's first break-out hits, and allowed them to
become a major network.

Like "Green Acres", the show began very conventionally for about the first five episodes. Then
the writers rebelled, or something, because it became very different until the advent of that reliable
show-killer, Ted McGinley, around the fifth season. Proceed with caution thereafter. The show
became very dire, and then got worse.

Fav episodes:

The first two Xmas ones (sky-diving Santa and "It's a Bundyful Life"); the camping trip; the strip club; Steve comes to stay; the Bundys eat out; Kelly's dance recital; Kelly's local TV show; Peg's family comes to stay (the one with the singing triplets); and Al and Peg's high school reunion.

Sample quotes:

Al: Son, let this be a lesson to you: never do tequila shooters within a country mile of a marriage chapel.

Al: I'm tracking down Seven's real parents. Nobody sticks Al Bundy with unwanted kids except his wife.

Al: Ah, Peg. You're down here. Damn. Then I was dreaming you ran off with the dwarf down at the bookstore, and I was living in sin with a Playboy centerfold and her eight friends who could speak but chose not to.

Al: We're gonna go where people pretend to want to go when they can't afford to go someplace good. We're gonna see America. We take no map. We'll follow the sun. Stay in cheap motels and steal what we need along the way. We go west, past the cheese factories, where the air is fresh, the sky is big, and a man can still kill his dinner with his car. Guys, tomorrow we put the pedal to the metal and we ride with the wind.

Al: Everybody, I have an announcement. Your happiness... sickens me. Everybody but me is looking at good times. But for me it's been one long continuous year since I got married. Actually, one long month. Helluary.

Peggy: I tried to get Al to fix the driveway a long time ago. But his philosophy is why improve a home you're only going to live in anyway?

Peggy: Sooo... we've certainly learned a lot about each other. We have no opinions on politics, religion, science, starving people, nuclear holocaust or recycling. The only thing we seem to feel strongly about is we both hate that painting behind Jay Leno.

Kelly: Remember, attraction is a three-way street. Or is it a one-way tunnel? Hmm, in any case, I do know it's a four-lane highway, but it takes two to use the car-pool lane. I guess what I'm trying to say is, what the younger generation has learned is that there's nothing for us to watch on CBS, and you've got to be yourself. A man has to love you for you, not some costume. He's gotta love who you are.

Al: So, we're having a new baby. The gods are on a roll, aren't they? Must've been playing another round of "Can you top this?" One started off, "We'll make him a shoe salesman." Then another said, "We'll give him a red-head." Then another one, probably a cruel, hungover god, said, "But let's have him be a mighty athlete in high school first so his fall will be all the greater."
Kelly: But the gods showed you they loved you when they gave you us.
Al: Yeah, give those gods a Miller. Will someone please tell me, how did this happen?


Peggy: No TV, Al, we're talking.
Al: You're my wife. I will not talk to you while I have a TV.

Al: I don't want more people in this house. I want less. I want my life back, dammit. I want my youth. I want my hair. I want... this room. It's really nice... Are you thinking of moving out, son?
Bud: No, Dad.
Al: Damn. Well, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Al: Well, I guess there's nothing left to do now but pick out the dress you're going to wear when Dan Rather asks you why your son shot the Pres

 

Strange Luck was a pretty good show- I was dissapointed it was cancelled. Havinga hero who could get cash when he needed it simply by picking up a lotto scratch-off that would alays be a winner was fun :

 

Next:

"The Twilight Zone" (1959-64) and a revival in 80's, which only lasted a year.

Hosted by Rod Serling, who wrote many of the episodes, this was a half hour anthology series, usually with a horror, supernatural or O. Henry twist at the end.

Still pretty easy to see in reruns, and there is a nice new DVD release.

Some of the stories are based on those of famous authors, Richard Matheson for one.

 

This is the first great, and maybe the only great, anthology show.

The writing is just spectacular. There are so many absolutely fantastic episodes: The Purple Testament, Walking Distance, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, Time Enough At Last, To Serve Man . . . I named five episodes off the top of my head in twenty seconds. If I thought about it, I could come up with dozens more.

Walking Distance is television at its best, a melancholy and bittersweet half hour dedicated to nostalgia and hope. I remember being so blown away when I saw that.

Can television be art? Walking Distance, all by itself, says it can. Populist entertainment? Don't make me laugh.

It's been released on DVD in a lot of compilations. They are finally going back and just releasing them season by season, which is a good decision, I think.

A masterpiece.

 

I'm ashamed to say that I've only seen scattered episodes. But from what I've seen, I've really enjoyed it.

 

I loved the Twilight Zone, particularly "Strangers in the Dark," but I also dug a lot of other random episodes as well.

My favorite "Twilight Zone" however, is that movie Planet of the Apes, written by Rod Serling, which is essentially a 2 hour episode of the Twilight Zone.

What is an "anthology" show?

Anyone ever see the Futurama where they spoof the Twilight Zone? It was great, it was just like a one minute end of episode bit, I think it was called "THE SCARY DOOR!" and then the episode rolls on as an evil scientist strives to create the most evil and dangerous beat of all time by combining and crossing the most evil and beastly creatures and animals he can find. It end rather abruptly with a guy coming out of the cauldren saying "Turns out it was man."

Perfect parody of the Twilight Zone!

 

I always loved the Twilight zone, but can only catch it once every few yeras when they play a marathon. Glad to see they are releasing them by season, because I really didn't want to invest 20 bucks for 5 episodes a disc.

 

Brilliant show. It's one of my favorites. I haven't seen that many episodes- just what I've caught on marathons over the years. But still, definitely one of my faves. It also had the effect of scaring me witless a few times- I will never be able to watch Talking Tina, for instance. And there were a few others like that. But it truly was amazing show and I have a desire to go out and ´get the DVD now.

I should also see the movie again- haven't seen it in ten years, at least.

 

My all-time favorite TV show. I own every episode on DVD.

 

...definitely one of the greatest shows ever to air..

Rod Serling was really somethun'..

 

I must have seen each episode dozens of times but I never bothered to remember the names. I know it scared me more times than I want to remember.

 

Next: "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1955-62)

Half an hour at the start; one hour in the last two seasons. There were 268 episodes, one of which wasn't broadcast because the sponsors didn't like it (it involved sawing someone in half--literally). Hitchcock directed 17 of the episodes himself.

He also introduced and did an epilogue of each episode. He was a natural, and hammed it up discreetly. The theme music: "The Funeral March of an Marionette" (Gounoud) was also inspired.

Sample intro:

"Hitchcock arrives for his introduction dressed in a safari outfit and pith helmet]
Himself - Host: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to darkest Hollywood. Night brings a stillness to the jungle. It is so quiet, you can hear a name drop. The savage beasts have already begun gathering at the water holes to quench their thirst. Now one should be especially alert. The vicious table-hopper is on the prowl, and the spotted back-biter may lurk behind a potted palm. To take me through this most savage of lands, I have hired a native guide.
[He snaps his fingers. An old man joins him, wearing a billboard sign that reads, "Maps of the Movie Stars' Homes - For Sale"]
Himself - Host: He claims to know where I can find the big ones."

My fav was the one where he was bricking Santa Clause up in the fireplace, and saying something like: "Nice chap, but his taste in ties is terrible."

Fav episode: "Lamb to the Slaughter" and one in the hour-long ones with the nurse in the spooky dark house...

Short revival in 1985, but the colourization was entirely unnecessary.

 

This series was indeed inspired. Hitchcock was a natural on camera, that's for sure, beyond charming and beyond funny.

Lamb to the Slaughter is a classic. And there's a classic that involves Peter Lorre and a gamble over a cigarette lighter that is absolutely mind blowing.

Great, great series. It's been ages since I've seen any episodes. I need to try to track some of the sets down.

 

Next: "Rocky and Bullwinkle"

Shown as "Rocky and his Friends" on ABC 1959-61 and "The Bullwinkle Show" on NBC (1961-64)

The voices:

Bullwinkle J. Moose: Bill Scott
Rocket J. Squirrel: June Foray
Rocky And Bullwinkle Narrator: William Conrad
Boris Badenov: Paul Frees
Natasha Fatale: June Foray
Fearless Leader: Bill Scott
Cloyd: Paul Frees
Gidney: Bill Scott
Captain Peachfuzz: Paul Frees
Mr. Big: Bill Scott
Æsop: Charles Ruggles
Æsop's Son: Daws Butler
Æsop Narrator: Charles Ruggles
Mr. Peabody: Bill Scott
Sherman: Walter Tetley
Fractured Fairytales Narrator: Edward Everett Horton
Dudley Do-Right: Bill Scott
Nell Fenwick: June Foray
Inspector Fenwick: Paul Frees
Snidely Whiplash: Hans Conreid

This show had a series of segments: Rocky and Bullwinkle vs. Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale (a cold war satire); 'Fractured Fairy Tales'; Aesop & Son; Mr. Peabody's Improbable History and Mr. Know It All. On the subsequent show, they added Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties and Bullwinkle's Corner.

Mr. Peabody is obviously the original of Brian Griffin on "The Family Guy" (You can bet your last dollar that nothing on that show is original). But my favorite is Dudley Do-Right and Snidely Whip-Lash, two of the greatest cartoon names (and characters) ever. A problem: in a cartoon pair, one overwhelmed the other. Rocky is quite dull, and Bullwinkle is brilliant, and the names of the two shows showed who the audience favoured. Mr. Peabody was funny but Sherman was a dull sidekick. I have to admit that Dudley was a little dull, too, but at least he was funny, and Snidely was sublime.

"Fractured Fairy Tales" was often very funny as well. The cartoons are often very witty/quite subversive given the time they were originally made.

 

Next: "Freaks & Geeks" (1999-2000)

One lone season on NBC, this series followed a pair a siblings in 1980's high school. Lindsay is a former math whiz that has become a stoner, and her younger brother, Sam and his friends are the geeks of the title.

Beautiful written and acted, with Joe Flaherty and Seth Rogen in the cast, there is a good DVD available.

 

This is honestly a great show. I would have love to seen it last at least 3-4 years.

All the episodes are good but the ones that stand out the most to me are the Halloween one and the 2nd Pilot.

I think anyone who is reading this post will easily be able to relate to Sam or one of his friends.