I blame HBO. I mean, it's really their fault. They started this whole thing. The Sopranos debuted on HBO in January of 1999, and the world of television has never been the same. After the Sopranos, there was Six Feet Under, and Deadwood, and Carnivale, and The Wire, and Boardwalk Empire, and True Blood (In No Particular Order), and now... Game of Thrones. You get the point.
It was really quite ingenious. How many times have you come out of a movie wishing "I'd like to see more of those characters, I really enjoyed them." I'm pretty certain that the continuous stream of sequels, and series, and trilogies, and Comic Book movies is based on something pretty fundamentally simple. People enjoy watching characters that they care about, they already have a relationship with them, so that makes it easy...you have a 'built-in audience'.
This all started with Tony and family.
So HBO took the next step. They developed television series that were much better than what the broadcast networks were putting out. They had better stories, better actors, higher production value, and more importantly, since they were on a "pay cable" channel, they could go places that broadcast networks couldn't go. No such thing as too much blood, or nudity, or cursing, or whatever the story needed.
It wasn't long until other networks followed suit. Showtime has had a few series that have done pretty well, Weeds and Dexter come to mind, and recently Homeland has become a massive hit for them. Honestly, I haven't watched any of the Showtime series (except a few episodes of Dexter), but I do want to watch Homeland.
Who is Don Draper?
The next big player in the development of great television was a bit of a surprise. AMC, a channel that was pretty much ignored (unless you were looking to watch an old movie, when nothing else was on television) threw their hat into the ring with Mad Men in 2007. They hit what you might call a "home run". Created by former Sopranos writer Matthew Weiner, Mad Men was not your typical network television fodder. Can you imagine Weiner trying to sell his story of Advertising Executives set in the 1960's, and the protagonist is a philandering, drinking, smoking, arrogant jerk...who may not be who he seems to be.... to CBS or ABC?
While Mad Men was a runaway success, how could little AMC (who most people couldn't find without the Guide), possibly compete against the big boys? They couldn't do it again. Until they did.
Breaking Bad burst onto the scene in 2008, and suddenly there was a competitor with Mad Men for "Best Show on Television". And they both came from the same tiny little cable network. Breaking Bad again deals with things that would have never been aired on broadcast television. AMC continued it's success with the development and production of the television series version of the graphic novels "The Walking Dead". In fact, although not as highly acclaimed as Breaking Bad or Mad Men, the Walking Dead has higher ratings than either of it's forebears, and last season received the highest ratings ever for a cable network television show.
(In the past two weeks, we've been treated to the season finale of The Walking Dead, and the season premiere of Mad Men)
A show about Russian spies set in 1981? Sounds interesting...
Recently, FX has become a home to some very good television shows, as well. The Americans is the best new show on television this year. In fact, The Americans may be the actual best show on TV.... not just best "new show". The concept is great, the actors are ferocious (Keri Russel and Matthew Rhys are marvelous as undercover spies, struggling in an arranged marriage), and the story... My Gosh, the writing is phenomenal. In fact, if you haven't watched The Americans yet, Go Watch the First Five Episodes Now! You won't be disappointed.
Louie makes you laugh, and think.
FX is not a "one hit wonder" however. Justified, Sons of Anarchy, and American Horror Story each have passionate fan bases. In addition to these tremendous dramas, FX is the home to some wildly original comedies as well, headlined by 'Louie'. Comedian Louis C.K. basically gets to do whatever he wants, he's the writer, director, producer, and star of the show. Although pigeonholing "Louie" as a comedy is almost a disservice. It's funny yes, but it's also dark, and deep, and waaay more compelling than any sitcom on the broadcast networks.
Speaking of sitcoms, and broadcast networks....that's about the only thing I watch on the "Big Four" anymore. I'll watch "How I Met Your Mother", "New Girl", "The Mindy Project" (best 'new' comedy on the air this year), and "The Big Bang Theory"... and that's about it. And to be completely honest, none of those shows are 'rocking my world' as a TV viewer (although "The Mindy Project" is very good...very surprised with that show). I really only watch HIMYM any more, because I want to find out who the mother is!
I don't think I watch a single "drama" on the "broadcast networks". They have all been replaced by the cable shows. Actually, there's too many of them to keep up with already. I haven't finished "The Wire" yet, I really want to start "Justified", and "Game of Thrones", and "Homeland"...and... it just never ends!
In conclusion, not only am I addicted to television, I don't see this ending at anytime in the near future.
One of my multitudinous followers, requested something from the Doofus, and he threw out there playoff predictions.
This weekend is the NFL Wild card round. I'll list the games, and bold the teams that I think will win. Saturday
Detroit at New Orleans - don't see anyone beating the Saints in the Super Dome.
Cincinnati at Houston - Houston is better everywhere but QB, the most important position on the field. I'm still picking them. Sunday
Falcons at Giants - I can't pick Matt Ryan on the road in the playoffs. Of course that means I'm picking Eli Manning, at home, as a favorite. Steelers at Broncos - A decisive road win for the Steelers. Did you know the Steelers are playing without their leading rusher, a starting safety, and their quarterback is banged up? And you'd still be crazy to pick the Broncos to win this game. Viva La Tebow!
Here are some thoughts on some of my favorites things from 2011. And yes, I know it's Jan. 6th.
Top Album: Foster the People "Torches"
If you can't tap your toes to "Torches", you should have your head examined. Yes, I am being serious.
Best new TV Comedy "New Girl"
I've blogged about this before, so I'm not going to do so again. However Zooey Deschanel is brilliant, and if you haven't seen the show, you should.
Best new TV Show "Louie"
Technically, this show isn't new, but I didn't start watching it until this year. Part Comedy/Part Drama/Completely Original = 100% Brilliant.
Best live performance on Letterman "The Twilight Singers"
Stayed up late one night this summer, and was watching a little Letterman, and The Twilight Singers came on. I was spellbound. As soon as the song ended I was googling them. Can't say that I am their biggest fan, or that I even like much of their other stuff (It's OK). But I was blown away this particular night.
Those old dudes can rock!
Best Team of 2011: Green Bay Packers
Aside from the fact that they won the Superbowl, and every other game in 2011, except one. No actually....that's why they only lost one game in a calendar year, and won the Super Bowl.
Best Play by Play announcer: Gus Johnson
Gus is the best. In fact I'd take Gus and a box of crackers as the color analyst over just about any other announcing team.
Gus: Did you SEE what just HAPPENED?
Crackers: rattle, rattle, rattle (or whatever sound crumbled crackers make when shook in a box)
I've talked about Unbroken before as well. It's awesome. You should read it. You like sports stories? read it. You like War stories? read it. You like overcoming the odds stories? read it. You like redemption stories? read it.
Best Movie I saw:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
-must have been an "off year" in Hollywood. I'll be honest, I had to look at a couple of critics top ten lists to even see something that I watched, or wanted to watch.
Best Christmas gift I got: Friday Night Lights Season One on DVD
My wonderful daughter bought me this gift. Still haven't watched any of the episodes yet, no one will watch them with me! Why don't people want to watch a show that's good, but they will spend hours watching repeats of shows they've seen before? Unreal.
Best new companies/products: Altra and Stem
Kudos to these two companies for coming up with shoes that embrace the "barefoot" philosophy, but don't make us wear shoes that look like mutated feet (Vibrams Five Fingers). At this point Altra is really working towards gearing their footwear towards the runner and outdoor enthusiast. Stem just makes minimalist shoes that look great and feel amazing. I hope both these companies make it.
Best "Guilty Pleasure": Beavis and Butthead
I would have probably put Tosh.0 on here, but he's too popular now, although that show is still funny it's not something you are embarrassed to admit to watching. South Park has long moved off of any "guilty pleasure" list, because those guys are smart and their show is brilliant. And possibly, I could put "Louie" on this list, but what's guilty about watching a show that is television brilliance? Beavis and Butthead, you know what you're getting. Juvenile? yep. Predictable? for sure. Hilarious? always.
"Uh-huh-huh-huh, that was cool"
Best from out of nowhere to Scum of the Earth: Kris Humphries
Who is Kris Humphries, and why does anyone care about him beside his family or New Jersey Nets fans? Honestly, 99% of the people who are righteously indignant about him now, didn't know who he was one year ago. Give Kris a break.
Best re-made movie, that didn't need to be re-made. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
I haven't seen the "Americanized" version yet, but I hear it's good. And I will see it. But here's the thing... I've seen the Swedish films, and they totally hold up. Subtitles and everything. Great series of films. Glad that Hollywood actually made a decent film instead of butchering it like "La Femme Nikita", but there was really no need. And may I also recommend the books, they are fantastic.
Best TV show rip off: Ridiculousness
I've got an idea for a show, lets find a funny guy who isn't afraid to say rude things, and stand him in front of a green screen and let him make fun of people who post videos on the internet. Hmmmm, where have I heard that idea before?
To be honest, I could have went with Andy Richter here. But Geoff and Craig Ferguson have a real chemistry between them. Or circuitry.
Best Video Game: Skyrim
I've never played this game. But the way people talked about it when it came out, it has to be something special. They even did an article on it on Grantland. My teenage daughter pre-ordered a copy of it for this fall in July, I think. And she isn't a gamer.
Best Republican Candidate: Jon Huntsman
Let's see here, give the old "candidate checklist" a glance over
Good Speaker? check
Intelligent? check
Handsome? check (that's what I'm told)
Self Deprecating Humor on SNL? check
What is missing here? This guy is a sure thing! He should run away from these other dorks. Oh wait, I forgot... Money? NOPE
nevermind.
Best Reason to get rid of the BCS: Alabama vs LSU
reasons we shouldn't need this game:
1. They've played already this year.
2. They're in the same conference.
3. They're in the same division of the same conference.
4. We really don't need another one. These may be the two best teams, but this is dumb.
Best "Metric System" Idea : Google+
(An idea that is actually better, but the large majority of people won't switch because we're stubborn... sometimes for no good reason.)
Google+ was released to the public this fall. It's far superior to facebook in just about every way possible. And there are no advertisements. And, of course, no one is using it. Well, comparatively speaking anyway.
Best "Good Idea, now make it cheaper" Chromebooks
Google also released their "chromebook" this year. Basically, all it is... is a web browser. It's light, it has a solid state drive rather than a hard drive, it's more secure than a normal computer, it updates automatically, it turns on in a flash, etc, etc, etc... Really cool idea and concept.
Problem: You can buy several netbook computers already, for less money, that can operate when not online. (Plus, they can access all the features that you'd use a chromebook for over the internet).
Basically, it's a giant web browser that costs more than a computer with more functionality. (Yes, slower, but still more functions)
Best TV Show I haven't watched yet: Breaking Bad
I know "Breaking Bad" is phenomenal, but I just haven't had time to start it yet, and I know if I do, much like "Mad Men" I'm going to want to blow through all the seasons at once. I'm simply waiting for you, Breaking Bad. I'm waiting.
Watched the last four episodes of season 2 of Louie last night. What an amazing show. The season actually ended like a month ago, but I had them saved up on the dvr for a night when I could control the television. What a great program in television for adult men. Gentlemen, if you're married or were married and have kids, you should really give Louie a shot. Funny, intelligent, and yet it's serious at the same time. The Afghanistan episode alone should be "Must See".
I was going to find a clip to post on here, but there are too many too pick from. Just click on the website above. There are some full episodes available at the site too. Great show.
After I got done watching Louie, I was flipping around and saw these guys on Letterman. They really put on an excellent performance. So, I got out the laptop and looked them up. Really enjoyed what I heard from them.
Here is there video for "Whirring" which is the song they performed on Letterman.
College Football thoughts for this week:
The Red River Rivalry game is this weekend. Texas vs Oklahoma. I know Texas is much improved this year, but I'm taking Oklahoma big time in this one.
Nebraska gets to play Ohio State this weekend, to try and get over the beatdown that Wisconsin threw on them last week. Earlier in the season I thought this was a sure Nebraska win, but yikes, they need to fix that defense.
My South Dakota State Jackrabbits will try to end a four game losing streak at Youngstown State this weekend. While I'm hopeful that this will happen, I'm not very optimistic. It's been a rough season in Jackrabbit land, and Youngstown is much improved this year.
Also it sounds like TCU is now going to join the Big 12. I think this is a good move for both TCU and the Big 12 Conference. However, this probably isn't the best new for the Big East, who are reportedly prepared to go on without TCU. This would bring them back up to 10 schools, but then word got out that Missouri would really like to join the SEC... stay tuned to that soap opera... as the Big 12 turns...
Tebowmania
This weekend my San Diego Chargers will travel to Denver to play the Bucking Tebows. I'm actually hoping he gets to play this weekend. Mostly because that means the game is a blowout. But also because he really isn't that good, and all the people that are clamoring for him to play need to get to watch it. The Chargers defense has been surprisingly good so far this year, except in the New England game.
Speaking of New England, they get to play Mark Sanchez and the Jets this weekend. Be interesting to see how the Jets respond after the pounding Baltimore put on them last weekend. If the Jets lose this one, they are 2-3 and on a 3 game losing streak and falling far behind in the playoff race.
