Tag: Netflix

My New Year’s wishes for TV in 2015

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 30, 2014.
To be fair, one of my wishes did come true in 2015.

If it hasn’t been your day, your month or your year, “Friends,” with the help of The Rembrandts, lets you know that friends will be there for you.

And so will TV. Sorry, but new shows and old re-runs will not disappear anytime soon.

While TV is enjoying a greater status these days, there’s always room for improvement.

Here are my wishes for TV in 2015 (There are some spoilers if you haven’t watched certain shows, so be warned.):

KEEP SHOWS ON NETFLIX

I’m watching “Ugly Betty” with a friend of mine, but we just found out the dramedy is disappearing from Netflix on Jan. 4. Not cool.

We still have 1½ seasons to go, and there’s no way we will be able to finish in time.

Why do shows stay on the streaming service for only a limited time? Myriad reasons, but I don’t care.

If I’m watching a show on Netflix, I don’t want to have to hunt for it elsewhere because the streaming service decided to remove it.

AIR THE GOOD FINALE OF ‘HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’

Remember when many HIMYM fans (including me) were disappointed in the finale of the long-running CBS comedy? You know, the finale where Barney and Robin divorce, the Mother dies and Ted woos Robin … again?

After the should’ve-been-expected uproar, the alternative ending leaked prior to the season 9 DVD release. It’s not that different from what originally aired in March, but it’s infinitely better.

Anyone who buys the DVD or searches for it on YouTube can watch it, but since it’s what many fans wanted, the alternate ending should air on one of the numerous networks that air the show in syndication.

HAVE A PROPER SEND-OFF FOR HOWARD’S MOM ON ‘THE BIG BANG THEORY’

Carol Ann Susi died in November. The actress played a host of minor TV characters, but in her role as Howard’s mom on “The Big Bang Theory,” she was never actually seen, partly (I’m guessing) because she’s not actually that overweight.

Her voice will be missed on the CBS comedy, and she’s too memorable to just have the character slip through the cracks and never be talked about again.

I don’t know how the producers will make it work, but it’s necessary to give her something.

GET SCHMIDT AND CECE BACK TOGETHER ON ‘NEW GIRL’

Putting Nick and Jess together so early in the Fox comedy’s run might have been a bad idea, but the show’s other will-they-or-won’t-they couple has been apart for too long.

Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cece (Hannah Simone) have matured in ways viewers might not have thought were possible. When was the last time Schmidt had to put money in a certain jar?

The two have developed a solid friendship, so now it’s time for showrunner Elizabeth Meriwether to bring them together again.

AIR ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ IN THE US AND ENGLAND SIMULTANEOUSLY

I have friends in England, and I’m super thankful they haven’t spoiled “Downton Abbey” for me.

I’m anxiously awaiting its Jan. 4 return, but it aired months ago across the pond.

It’s silly to wait to air the BBC show in the U.S., especially when spoilers are so easy to come by.

BRING ‘GRACEPOINT’ BACK

I’m still a bit shocked at how “Gracepoint” ended Dec. 11. I wouldn’t say I’m not satisfied since the pivotal question of who killed Danny was answered, but it left me wanting more.

Maybe I need to watch “Broadchurch,” of which the Fox drama was based. But I want to see how Anna Gunn would portray her character’s rebuilding.

MAKE CABLE SHOWS EASIER TO WATCH ONLINE

I would love to watch “The Newsroom” or “Olive Kitteridge,” but I don’t have an easy way to access them.

I also don’t believe in illegally streaming shows.

Hulu and cable networks such as HBO and Showtime need to make an agreement so that everyone can watch multiple shows in one place instead of having multiple online subscription services.

‘Fuller House’: Mixed feelings on Netflix reboot of ‘Full House’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Feb. 29, 2016. Season 2 of “Fuller House” hits Netflix on Dec. 9.

We may not always have the milkman, the paperboy or evening TV…but we do still have “Full House.”

It’s just “Fuller House” now.

The much-anticipated reboot premiered Friday, and I have mixed feelings about it.

Let me first say that I love “Full House,” but I wasn’t ready for reboot.

I didn’t think “Girl Meets World,” the reboot of “Boy Meets World,” worked. While it was fun to see the cast members reunite, the Disney show missed the spark of its predecessor.

“Fuller House” has a similar problem. But, after the first two episodes, it improved.

The Netflix show’s first episodes were jam-packed with nostalgia and old gags. From “How rude!” to an Elvis baby costume, a lot was there…including an awkward break-the-fourth-wall moment acknowledging the absence of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played Michelle Tanner in “Full House.”

The premiere takes place 29 years after “Full House.” It focuses on D.J. Fuller (formerly Tanner) (Candace Cameron Bure), who’s trying to balance work and family life after her husband died.

So, basically it’s “Full House” with reverse gender roles. Guess who checks in to help out? Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber).

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just makes some plots, such as episode’s 2 moving in and sharing rooms, boring. And the first episode was filled with exposition, even though I bet 90 percent of people watching the show already knew the basics.

But by episode 3, the plots improved. They weren’t all rehashed from “Full House,” and they incorporated the use of modern items such as smartphones, Uber and social media.

Issues such as parenting and moving on cross over well between the two shows, but “Fuller House” takes a moment to look at other problems such as infertility. It was refreshing to see this type of comedy tackle bigger issues while still maintaining its loving, always-ending-in-a-hug moments.

At times the plots came out forced, such as a “Dancing with the Stars”/“Dirty Dancing” moment at a club with Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy and D.J.’s high school boyfriend Steve’s (Scott Weinger) attempts to date her. It also could be stale with the old jokes and format (one conflict for the kids, one for the adults), but it still provided laughs.

The problem with these reboots is that expectations are too high, so it’s impossible to please people. But I will say “Fuller House” is better than “Girl Meets World.”

If you loved “Full House,” give “Fuller House” a chance, but try to keep your expectations at bay. It’s still enjoyable, but you won’t be saying “Holy chalupas,” the catchphrase of Max, DJ’s middle child.

What do you think of “Fuller House”?

Binge-watching prevalent, but weekly watching still a good way to watch TV

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 15, 2016.
NOTE: “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” premieres Nov. 25. All four 90-minute episodes will be released at once.

Is TV really TV anymore?

With Netflix, Hulu, On Demand and more, it’s no surprise people are overwhelmed with options.

So how do people watch? It depends. But binge-watching has become a norm.

I just got into watching Netflix. I know, I’m really behind. But the main reason definitely has something to do with “Gilmore Girls.”

“Gilmore Girls” is one of many shows getting the reboot/revival treatment. Four episodes, each centered around a season, will come to Netflix sometime soon.

Amy Sherman-Palladino, one of the creators, doesn’t want to release the episodes all at once, which made me consider how I want to watch these new episodes.

I’ve wanted to see more “Gilmore Girls” for years, so I’m conflicted about having to wait any more than I already have. But I also think it’ll be nice to savor the episodes.

As with most things in life, there are two sides to this story:

3 ADVANTAGES OF BINGE-WATCHING

More continuity. You can clearly see how events, relationships and more unfold throughout a show if you binge-watch.

Easier to follow. Watching episodes one after the other makes you less likely to forget something since it stays fresh in your mind.

Satisfaction of finishing a show. There’s something rewarding about finishing a show after days of binge-watching … or even making it through a season in a weekend. Though there might be other things to do …

3 ADVANTAGES OF WEEKLY WATCHING

Builds suspense. Cliffhangers stay cliffhangers when you have time between shows. You can think of all the possibilities and then be surprised when something changes.

Satisfaction of waiting. Waiting for something gives it more value. Nothing is spoiled, it’s cherished. Plus you’ll have time to do other things. I mean, really, 30 minutes of one show weekly vs. four hours of one show in one day … you do the math.

Less chance for spoilers. If you’re binge-watching a show, chances are it aired in real time a while ago. Which likely means there are lots of articles and social media posts and friends who can spoil the plot for you. Watching in real time lessens the chance of spoilers because you’re watching plots unfold as the show airs.

When it comes to “Gilmore Girls,” I’ll take what I can get … as long as it’s sooner rather than later. In the mean time, I’ll keep binge-watching and watching shows weekly.

Which do you prefer: binge-watching or weekly watching? Why?

‘Gilmore Girls’: Top 10 episodes before ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life’ premieres

I may not need or want a coffee IV, but I’m still a huge “Gilmore Girls” fan. And I can’t wait till Nov. 25, when “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” premieres on Netflix.

To hold you over until then, here are my top 10 episodes of the beloved show.

10. “Bon Voyage,” season 7

I know, it’s controversial to include a season 7 episode since Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino weren’t writing the show, but the series finale makes me cry every time.

It was a good ending to show, featuring so many of the great characters of Stars Hollow, all coming together to honor Rory (Alexis Bledel), who’s about to go take a job traveling for Barack Obama. (Side note: That’s a pretty cool parallel.)

Plus it features a reuniting of Luke (Scott Patterson) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham), giving us all hope for the future.

9. “Rory’s Birthday Parties,” season 1

There is always tension between Lorelai and her grandparents, but in season 1, it was very apparent since they were seeing each other more often.

This tension seeped into Rory’s life when she turned 16. Emily throws her granddaughter a fancy party…with all her Chilton friends, whom Rory hadn’t formed friendships yet.

Then the grandparents come to Lorelai’s house for Rory’s other party, and it makes Emily (Kelly Bishop) realize she doesn’t know her daughter (or granddaughter) at all.

Also, this is the episode when Dean gives Rory the bracelet she wears throughout their relationship.

8. “I Get a Sidekick Out of You,” season 6

Lane (Keiko Agena) gets married! Twice! To Zach (not Dave)!

Showing another family with generational differences, Lane’s Buddhist grandmother comes to the wedding, so Lane and Zach have to take part in a Buddhist ceremony.

Then, everyone smashes into the church for the Christian wedding (58 seats and 62 Koreans!).

And lastly, after Mrs. Kim and her friends leave, Lane and Zack have the reception they want, with booze, hot dogs and Hep Alien…oh yeah, and a very drunken toast from Lorelai about not getting married.

They might not have wanted that.

7. “The Bracebridge Dinner,” season 2

When a group gets snowed in, why not invite all of Stars Hollow to the Independence Inn for a themed dinner?

Stars Hollow is full of cooky characters, and bringing them all together only brought out their crazy even more.

From drunken Bootsy to Morey’s freakout over being late to Kirk (Sean Gunn) breaking his Elizabethan character with “I Love Lucy,” what’s not to love?

It also features Richard’s retirement announcement, showing he and Emily can work through many problems…even with their tempers.

6. “They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?” season 3

The dance marathon heard around the world…in 40s fashion!

Lorelai is desperate to beat Kirk in the 24-hour dance marathon; she ends up roping Rory into being her partner.

But the Dean vs. Jess conflict reaches its boiling point, and Dean leaves Rory. All in the background of exhausted dancers.

5. “Love, Daisies and Troubadours,” season 1

Now, I don’t think Max Medina, one of Rory’s teachers, was the guy for Lorelai. I don’t even like how he proposed (in a fight).

But the thousand yellow daisies was a beautiful sentiment.

What I love most about this episode is that Rory finally has the courage to tell Dean she loves him…and even the “idiot” part is perfect to her character. And Tristan, who toyed with Rory often, has to watch it.

4. “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving,” season 3

Lorelai and Rory never seem to turn food away, but this Thanksgiving episode puts their stomachs to the test.

With four dinners to attend, the mother-daughter duo make pit stops at Luke’s, the grandparents, Sookie’s and the Kim’s. And each place has its own set of quirks and goofs…and a fight about Yale.

Plus drunken Sookie is hilarious.

3. “Raincoats and Recipes,” season 4

After so much back and forth, Luke and Lorelai finally get together in the season 4 season finale.

The plot centers around the practice weekend at the Dragonfly Inn, so everyone is on edge.

Richard (Edward Herrmann) and Emily are fighting, so Lorelai uses family obligation to get them to come, but then Emily and Lorelai fight in the lobby.

Rory and Dean rekindle their romance, for better or for worse. And Kirk runs out of the Dragonfly naked and screaming.

2. “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” season 2

Rory gets stuck in the middle of Jess vs. Dean when Jess wins her basket. This might be my favorite Stars Hollow festival, as archaic as it may be.

Lorelai makes Luke win her basket, even though it’s only Pop Tarts and Slim Jims, proving he knows her better than most.

Lastly, Sookie and Jackson get engaged. Aww.

1. “Wedding Bell Blues,” season 5

As much as I love Luke and Lorelai (how could you not?), the vow renewal of Richard and Emily is perfect for them.

Emily bosses people out of jobs and rooms, while Richard woos his wife with jewelry, song and dance.

Of course this wedding also includes some meddling, so thanks Emily and Christopher for breaking Luke and Lorelai up…and catching Rory and Logan in an inopportune moment, bringing out the protective qualities in Luke and Christopher.

What are your favorite “Gilmore Girls” episodes?

Event series now part of TV culture

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on April 15, 2015.

Blink and you’ll miss them.

“Gracepoint.” “The Slap.” And, to an extent, “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (the ABC show might return for a second season, though it’s up in the air).

What is with all these “event series”? Which, by the way, is basically a fancy term for “miniseries.”

TV networks are airing seven- to 10-episode series, with events concluding by the last episode.

Why now? I can think of two reasons: “American Horror Story” and “True Detective.”

These shows have captivated audiences, and even though they air for multiple seasons, they are a different show each time, with new cast members and premises.

Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (of “Glee” fame) have churned out four seasons of “American Horror Story,” each in a different location but always with lots of thrills. Season 5, surrounding a hotel, has nabbed Lady Gaga as a star.

“True Detective” brought Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey to the small screen, alongside Woody Harrelson. Audiences were drawn to the mystery, and both actors received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for their work. Season 2 will star Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams.

With these shows drawing in viewers and big-name stars, it’s no wonder other networks are following suit.

Most movie actors have little desire to commit to a TV show since it could last many years. But an event series is a short-term commitment, leaving actors free to pursue other projects.

Uma Thurman was on NBC’s “The Slap.” Anna Gunn was on “Gracepoint.” But now they can dive in to other roles.

A 10-episode show is a short-term commitment for a viewer, too. I watched all eight episodes of “The Slap” over the course of a few days.

With Netflix and Hulu feeding the binge-watching phenomenon, networks have to adapt, hence the event series.

Not every show will work as an event series, but the concept is here to stay.

Emmy nominations 2014: ‘Modern Family’ up for fifth win, ‘Orphan Black’ snubbed

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 10, 2014.

It’s summer TV time, but it’s also Emmys time.

The Emmy nominations for 2014 were announced Thursday, July 10, and as usual, there were obvious choices and total snubs.

Here’s my breakdown of this year’s nominations:

Surprise nominations

While “Mad Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Breaking Bad” and this year’s season of “American Horror Story” are obvious returning nominations, there were a few unexpected twists.

“Bonnie and Clyde” was nominated for best miniseries. Considering many critics didn’t love the A&E, History and Lifetime show, which was plagued with historical inaccuracies, it was a shock to see it receive a nomination. It won’t win, though. The race will be between “American Horror Story: Coven,” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Fargo.”

Melissa McCarthy is nominated for her work on “Mike & Molly.” Out of all the comedic actresses, I think there were other choices from shows more people are watching.

Biggest snubs

Andy Samberg, who (surprisingly) won the Golden Globe for his role on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” was left out of the Emmy race. The Fox comedy wasn’t nominated either.

“The Good Wife” received many deserved acting nominations, including Julianna Margulies 10th overall Emmy nomination — she had won once for “ER” in 1995 and once for “The Good Wife” in 2011, but the CBS show was left off the best drama category. Considering its rise to Sunday TV gold this season, I figured it would be a shoo-in for a nomination.

But perhaps the biggest snub of all was the omission of “Orphan Black.” It’s a show that may not appeal to everyone, but Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones. Multiple! How does that not deserve a lead actress nomination?

“Modern Family” again?

The ABC comedy is up for outstanding comedy series for the fifth year in a row.

It’s been nominated every year it’s been eligible, and it’s won every year so far.

Will the show take the win again? It could happen. “Modern Family” showcased touching moments that still turn out a laugh, including Cam and Mitchell’s (played by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) wedding in the season 5 finale.

But I think a new show could take over, and with “Orange is the New Black” and “Silicon Valley” being first-time nominees, I expect the reign of “Modern Family” to end.

The conundrum of “Orange is the New Black” nominations

In its first year of eligibility, “Orange is the New Black,” the hit Netflix prison dramedy, snagged a decent amount of nominations. That’s no surprise, considering how popular and acclaimed the show is.

But what is surprising is what categories in which the actresses were nominated. Taylor Schilling (Piper) is in the lead actress category, with Kate Mulgrew (Red) is the supporting actress category.

Three actresses, however, are nominated in the guest actress category. Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox have been lumped together with Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”), Melissa McCarthy (“SNL”) and Joan Cusack (“Shameless”).

The last three are guest actresses for those shows. But the OITNB stars, while not the leading actresses, are certainly more than guest actresses. Aduba is credited with being in 37 of the show’s 39 episodes, and Lyonne is credited with being in every episode on IMDb. They had standout and background moments. The characters are key to the story, so to only put them in the guest actress seems a bit strange.

The Emmys will air at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 on NBC. The show will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

What do you think? What were your surprises and snubs?