I've been watching this as well (my youngest son turned me on to it). It is a difficult watch, for the reasons stated previously. My wife hates it, so late night only for me. I'm most of the way thru the first season, and will keep watching it. I'd agree about the acting, particularly Rue.

I started watching Reacher over the weekend after reading a couple of favorable (but not great) reviews online.  Two episodes in and I’d rate it exactly the kind of mindless entertainment that I look for a lot of the time.  It’s a far better take on the character than the abysmal Tom Cruise based films, so in that regard it’s light years better.  I also enjoy that they’re adapting one novel per season, which seems like the right balance of action/pace considering how complex the stories are (not overly so, but not great condensed into a 2hr time slot).  

 

Funny Nate as I did the same thing and watched the first 2-3 episodes. I didn't mind Cruise (and haven't read the books), but I think this take is probably better and sounds like it adheres to the book(s) aesthetic better. Mindless entertainment is a perfect description as well

Joanne also suggested we watch it

 

Can't think why?

Entertaining.

and written by a Brit.

makes a refreshing change after the very good, but hardly uplifting 

Bilbo Baggins? not so much.

(thanks to those nice people on the internet)

We're in Ozark now. Add teenage money laundering to the earlier Euphoria sex and drugs list. 

 

Started watching Suspicion on AppleTV. I'm enjoying it so far. 4 London Brits are accused of kidnapping a diplomat's son in NYC. Uma Thurman is in it, though haven't seen much of her yet.

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/suspicion/umc.cmc.64yj71dmrdihhmo96h0lgjmw5?ctx_brand=tvs.sbd.4000&ign-itscg=MC_20000&ign-itsct=atvp_brand_omd&mttn3pid=Google AdWords&mttnagencyid=a5e&mttncc=US&mttnsiteid=143238&mttnsubad=OUS2019930_1-579300337890-c&mttnsubkw=134890699151__jKEV8OEz_&mttnsubplmnt=

 

On 2/7/2022 at 1:59 PM, Pars said:

Funny Nate as I did the same thing and watched the first 2-3 episodes. I didn't mind Cruise (and haven't read the books), but I think this take is probably better and sounds like it adheres to the book(s) aesthetic better. Mindless entertainment is a perfect description as well

Cruise did a passable job at the attitude of Reacher but the book’s character is quite literally (and as depicted in the new TV series) larger than life.  But he’s also an intellectual, something that the TV series hasn’t really shown yet and may not get to as it’s an incredibly complex character.  The books are enjoyable easy reads with moderate suspense and compelling stories and characters.  Nothing that’s going to change your life perspective or anything like that, but firmly planted in the entertaining category.

In a similar vein, I wish someone would take a stab at a series about the Virgil Flowers stories.  They seem pretty much ready-made for adaptation with enough CSI-like elements to attract that crowd but enough to set them apart based on the characters roots/motivation.  I’d watch the heck out of that too.

Interesting local interview with Lee Child where he mentions Reacher's analytical nature

Worth it for "Sherlock Homeless"

And an earlier  longer form discussion

 

Around The World in 80 Days - As per usual, PBS rarely disappoints. David Tennant, Ibrahim Koma, & Leonie Benesch make a great, albeit unlikely, team. Recommended for entire family.

 

We've only seen the first episode of Reacher and the actor hasn't quite yet locked onto the target. (First episodes are such a tricky business.) But already it's light years ahead of the blasphemy with ["the sawed-off runt"] Tom Cruise. The books are so much fun. I have hopes. 

Certainly not the best screenwriting in Reacher, but the big giant actor gets more comfortable in the role and we enjoyed the ride, snapped bones and all.

1971:  The Year That Music Changed Everything

May only be relevant to me and those older than I am.  Graduated from high school in 1971 so the people and events are very real for me. 
 

 

Speaking of big guys, anyone watching Peacemaker?  It’s my smart-dumb, semi-guilty, middle of the night watch. 

Edited February 10, 20224 yr by blessingx

I only watch for the soundtrack and dance sequences. 

2 hours ago, VPI said:

I only watch for the soundtrack and dance sequences. 

 

Grateful Dead 6-part series on Amazon: A Long Strange Trip.

All of what one might imagine.  I think it is well made and provides telling insights into how the broader group evolved into what they became.  Jerry was something…

HS

 

Moving Art

No narration.  Stunning videography set to music. 

Clickbait (Netflix) - a pretty decent drama/thriller about a guy who is kidnapped & accused of killing a woman. Eight eps & no unnecessary filler. We liked.

^ Watched the first 2 episodes last night. Not bad, though the sister gets on my nerves. Will watch the rest.

Bingeing through Somebody Somewhere. When did HBO start doing kind and sweet? 

 

 

The Gilded Age (HBO) - A new series from Julian Fellowes of "Downton Abbey" fame, this time set in late 19th century NYC. This has exceeded my expectations so far, with a much more diversified cast of characters than "DA", and less sentimental (but still romantic) overall. The script is razor sharp, and the fashions are phenomenal - a true treat for the eyes. Here's one promo shot:

Good to hear. Looking forward to. Did you ever see Soderbergh’s slightly later The Knick? 

 

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by blessingx

I'm about 20 minutes into Season 1, episode 1 of Pieces of Her. Already I can tell that this is going to be good. Toni Collette is so good!