No series has ever been worse for spouting endless irrelevant technical jargon than Broken Saints. Along with the rambling pretension, you have to wonder how much shorter the 12-hour series would've been if they'd had a decent script editor involved.
Despite that, this penultimate part manages to further the plot a decent amount, and even bring in a handful of twists and revelations (some blatant, some perhaps surprising). There's still plenty left to be revealed however, and it pulls off an ending that made me anxious to see the final feature-length episode -- though quite how there's enough story left to fill almost an hour and a half will be interesting to see.
It's around these final few chapters that one also realises that, while it seems as if almost nothing has happened over the preceding 10 hours, there's actually been quite a lot of rather complex plot tucked away under all the time wasting. In fact, some of that time wasting (by no means all, but some) wasn't actually time wasting at all, just elements whose meaning would be revealed later. Much later.
It's this kind of thing that makes me think Broken Saints will benefit from a second viewing, once I've seen the ending. But certainly not straight away.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query "Broken Saints". Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query "Broken Saints". Sort by date Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Broken Saints - Chapter 24: Truth
24 episodes, 10½ hours, 5 months of my time -- I've finally reach the end of "The Animated Comic Epic"!
The final certainly has a lot to live up to, especially as it makes up about 13% of the series' length. It does its best, tying together a lot of complex plot strands and information to round off the plot and offer some deeper meaning -- or at least, try to. Some of it is borrowed heavily from elsewhere -- most obviously Watchmen, from which several elements are taken -- and this can be distracting. A sympathetic eye can easily easy to see why those bits were selected however.
Some of the usual flaws are still evident -- an over technical bit of hacking from Raimi is particularly irritating, slowing the otherwise well constructed pace (a welcome change). On the other hand, he pretentiousness finally seems grounded in something worth listening to -- some of it, anyway.
It's difficult to say if Broken Saints is worth all the effort. Some will love it, especially wannabe-philosophers, whereas others will unquestionably hate it. I'm somewhere in between, as usual, but can say that I will at some point watch it again, and see how much more (if anything) can be gained from watching it all knowing how it ends.
For all my posts related to Broken Saints, please look here.
The final certainly has a lot to live up to, especially as it makes up about 13% of the series' length. It does its best, tying together a lot of complex plot strands and information to round off the plot and offer some deeper meaning -- or at least, try to. Some of it is borrowed heavily from elsewhere -- most obviously Watchmen, from which several elements are taken -- and this can be distracting. A sympathetic eye can easily easy to see why those bits were selected however.
Some of the usual flaws are still evident -- an over technical bit of hacking from Raimi is particularly irritating, slowing the otherwise well constructed pace (a welcome change). On the other hand, he pretentiousness finally seems grounded in something worth listening to -- some of it, anyway.
It's difficult to say if Broken Saints is worth all the effort. Some will love it, especially wannabe-philosophers, whereas others will unquestionably hate it. I'm somewhere in between, as usual, but can say that I will at some point watch it again, and see how much more (if anything) can be gained from watching it all knowing how it ends.
For all my posts related to Broken Saints, please look here.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Broken Saints
Broken Saints was something of an internet sensation when it was first released online during 2001 to 2003.
The series -- which is in 24 chapters with a total running time of 12 hours (the early episodes are short while the finale hits an hour and a half) -- has been referred to by its creators as a "cinematic novel". Essentially, this means an 'animated comic': in its original version, limited animation (mainly for scene transitions) with speech bubbles instead of voice acting, but still a video with music and sound effects.
Eventually purchased by Fox and released on DVD, the series exists in two (or three, depending how you count it) versions: as well as the original online version, there's the 'DVD version' with spruced-up animation (for parts 1 to 12) and a choice of either the original soundtrack or a fully voice-acted one. It's this last option that I'm choosing to watch. (For the completist, the original Flash-animated versions of the first twelve episodes are included via DVD-ROM.)
It's recently been announced that a long-rumoured live action series is in development (or, "trying to find funding", by the sounds of things), so I decided it was finally time (I've owned the DVD since its UK release) to get round to watching the original.
You can still watch the original version online, for free, here. For more information, check out Wikipedia's good overview; the creator's blog, which includes the November 30th announcement of the live-action series; a live-action trailer (in various qualities); and DVD Times' review of the R2 DVD. (The rest of the official site is currently down.)
The series -- which is in 24 chapters with a total running time of 12 hours (the early episodes are short while the finale hits an hour and a half) -- has been referred to by its creators as a "cinematic novel". Essentially, this means an 'animated comic': in its original version, limited animation (mainly for scene transitions) with speech bubbles instead of voice acting, but still a video with music and sound effects.
Eventually purchased by Fox and released on DVD, the series exists in two (or three, depending how you count it) versions: as well as the original online version, there's the 'DVD version' with spruced-up animation (for parts 1 to 12) and a choice of either the original soundtrack or a fully voice-acted one. It's this last option that I'm choosing to watch. (For the completist, the original Flash-animated versions of the first twelve episodes are included via DVD-ROM.)
It's recently been announced that a long-rumoured live action series is in development (or, "trying to find funding", by the sounds of things), so I decided it was finally time (I've owned the DVD since its UK release) to get round to watching the original.
You can still watch the original version online, for free, here. For more information, check out Wikipedia's good overview; the creator's blog, which includes the November 30th announcement of the live-action series; a live-action trailer (in various qualities); and DVD Times' review of the R2 DVD. (The rest of the official site is currently down.)
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 11 Surfacing
Chapter 12 Passage
The plot rattles on ("rattles on" in the context of Broken Saints, anyway) as we reach the halfway point -- in terms of episode numbers at any rate (the parts get much longer toward the end, meaning the halfway point in running time is somewhere around the end of Chapter 15).
Derren Brown: An Evening of Wonders
Derren Brown's brilliant, you know -- incredibly clever, hilariously funny, amazing to observe. It's all good.
Gilmore Girls
5x15 Jews and Chinese Food
Chapter 11 Surfacing
Chapter 12 Passage
The plot rattles on ("rattles on" in the context of Broken Saints, anyway) as we reach the halfway point -- in terms of episode numbers at any rate (the parts get much longer toward the end, meaning the halfway point in running time is somewhere around the end of Chapter 15).
Derren Brown: An Evening of Wonders
Derren Brown's brilliant, you know -- incredibly clever, hilariously funny, amazing to observe. It's all good.
Gilmore Girls
5x15 Jews and Chinese Food
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 20 Inside
It's been over two months since I last watched any of BS, so it's about time to get on with it really. The pace slows again for this part (after a couple of efforts that gave the plot a good kick up the rear end), adding to the backstory of the heroes. It somehow takes 49 minutes to do this when you feel it should take a 10th of the time, but BS can't avoid its long pretentious asides.
Only four episodes left now, but as they're all among the longest there's still plenty to go -- about a quarter, in fact. Though if it can get back to the pace of recent episodes ("normal" rather than the "next to nothing" of most parts), the amount of actual story left will be immense.
The Wire
2x02 Collateral Damage
It's episodes like this that really support The Wire's "visual novel" claim -- take the brief scene with Lt. Daniels, for example, a brief aside that's the equivalent of a short chapter keeping up with his personal plotline, not connected to any of the main stories or any other character in any way. Which isn't to say it won't have an effect later, of course...
Elsewhere, the police continue their infighting and the criminals get nasty. In fact, these new gangster villains arguably begin to stretch the show's credibility a little -- whereas the first season felt very grounded and almost mundane in the way the drugs trade was handled, this feels like a different show. The Sopranos, perhaps, or almost 24. But, we'll see...
Chapter 20 Inside
It's been over two months since I last watched any of BS, so it's about time to get on with it really. The pace slows again for this part (after a couple of efforts that gave the plot a good kick up the rear end), adding to the backstory of the heroes. It somehow takes 49 minutes to do this when you feel it should take a 10th of the time, but BS can't avoid its long pretentious asides.
Only four episodes left now, but as they're all among the longest there's still plenty to go -- about a quarter, in fact. Though if it can get back to the pace of recent episodes ("normal" rather than the "next to nothing" of most parts), the amount of actual story left will be immense.
The Wire
2x02 Collateral Damage
It's episodes like this that really support The Wire's "visual novel" claim -- take the brief scene with Lt. Daniels, for example, a brief aside that's the equivalent of a short chapter keeping up with his personal plotline, not connected to any of the main stories or any other character in any way. Which isn't to say it won't have an effect later, of course...
Elsewhere, the police continue their infighting and the criminals get nasty. In fact, these new gangster villains arguably begin to stretch the show's credibility a little -- whereas the first season felt very grounded and almost mundane in the way the drugs trade was handled, this feels like a different show. The Sopranos, perhaps, or almost 24. But, we'll see...
Friday, 30 January 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 15 Tempest
Lark Rise to Candleford
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
3x01 Pregnant
I remember, when Not Going Out started, being worried it wouldn't even make it to a second series; but here's the third, and there was a Christmas special to boot! (Research reveals that was Christmas 2007, and there hasn't been a series since. God, time flies -- I didn't think it was this year, but it also doesn't feel like almost 13 months since it was last on. I must be getting old...)
Anyway, the quality seems to have stepped back up too (the second series wasn't half as good as the first). Incredibly traditional sitcom? Undoubtedly. Some jokes predictable? Yes. But it's still hilarious, so does that matter? Not a jot.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Chapter 15 Tempest
Lark Rise to Candleford
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
3x01 Pregnant
I remember, when Not Going Out started, being worried it wouldn't even make it to a second series; but here's the third, and there was a Christmas special to boot! (Research reveals that was Christmas 2007, and there hasn't been a series since. God, time flies -- I didn't think it was this year, but it also doesn't feel like almost 13 months since it was last on. I must be getting old...)
Anyway, the quality seems to have stepped back up too (the second series wasn't half as good as the first). Incredibly traditional sitcom? Undoubtedly. Some jokes predictable? Yes. But it's still hilarious, so does that matter? Not a jot.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 13 Insertion
After another two week gap (thanks to work), it's on with the second half of the story... (Though, as mentioned previously, in length terms halfway is still a little way off.)
Still as pretentious as they come, but at least the story's moving now.
The Secret Life of Elephants
Part 3 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Chapter 13 Insertion
After another two week gap (thanks to work), it's on with the second half of the story... (Though, as mentioned previously, in length terms halfway is still a little way off.)
Still as pretentious as they come, but at least the story's moving now.
The Secret Life of Elephants
Part 3 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Monday, 2 February 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 16 Fallen
Chapter 17 Lazarus
Lazarus is by far the best chapter yet, containing both some comprehensible plot and some decent character drama too. And then, just to cement things, the closing quote is from Doctor Who!
Chapter 16 Fallen
Chapter 17 Lazarus
Lazarus is by far the best chapter yet, containing both some comprehensible plot and some decent character drama too. And then, just to cement things, the closing quote is from Doctor Who!
Saturday, 9 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 21 Convergence
It's a fault of the moving-graphic-novel style of this that action sequences take about five times as long as they would in a 'proper' motion form, and dialogue scenes can be pretty drawn out too. It would be interesting to know how long the whole series would take to get through if created at 'real speed' -- even with all the overlong pretentious monologues left in I bet it'd be a good few hours shorter.
This episode features some stuff Actually Happening, which is nice, though it's not quite up to the speed of some of the late-teens episodes. There's also a genuine plot twist, which may be a first for the series. While not a wildly improbable one, it'll still need some explaining come the next episode.
Have I Got News For You
37x03 (8/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Half past two.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x07 Episode 7
Some really nice ideas in this episode, but almost all let down by Primeval's usual shortcomings. The army troops turning up at Stupid Gambling Teenager's house was exactly what I wanted though, so that was nice.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Chapter 21 Convergence
It's a fault of the moving-graphic-novel style of this that action sequences take about five times as long as they would in a 'proper' motion form, and dialogue scenes can be pretty drawn out too. It would be interesting to know how long the whole series would take to get through if created at 'real speed' -- even with all the overlong pretentious monologues left in I bet it'd be a good few hours shorter.
This episode features some stuff Actually Happening, which is nice, though it's not quite up to the speed of some of the late-teens episodes. There's also a genuine plot twist, which may be a first for the series. While not a wildly improbable one, it'll still need some explaining come the next episode.
Have I Got News For You
37x03 (8/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Half past two.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x07 Episode 7
Some really nice ideas in this episode, but almost all let down by Primeval's usual shortcomings. The army troops turning up at Stupid Gambling Teenager's house was exactly what I wanted though, so that was nice.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Thursday, 29 January 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 14 Harbingers
A Short Stay in Switzerland
To be brutally honest, it wasn't always the best-written drama. But Julie Walters' performance was brilliant, of course, and that coupled with the well-handled later scenes -- plus the fact that it's all true -- made for a powerful piece nonetheless. An important addition to the debate if nothing else.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Chapter 14 Harbingers
A Short Stay in Switzerland
To be brutally honest, it wasn't always the best-written drama. But Julie Walters' performance was brilliant, of course, and that coupled with the well-handled later scenes -- plus the fact that it's all true -- made for a powerful piece nonetheless. An important addition to the debate if nothing else.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 19 Signals
Yes, the pretentiousness still lingers, but look at the story move! If only it had gone at this (relatively normal, it must be said) rate from the earliest episodes it might've garnered a wider appeal.
This World
Mandela: The 90th Year
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Chapter 19 Signals
Yes, the pretentiousness still lingers, but look at the story move! If only it had gone at this (relatively normal, it must be said) rate from the earliest episodes it might've garnered a wider appeal.
This World
Mandela: The 90th Year
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
TV
Argumental
1x07 (8/12/08 edition)
Broken Saints
Chapter 1 Introitus
Chapter 2 Cryptic
Chapter 3 Versus [2nd watch]
(Chapters 3 & 4 were the ones infamously included on the UK 2-disc release of Night Watch, where I saw them before.)
An intriguing opening -- a bit slow paced, a bit arty, a bit pretentious. Not everyone's cup of tea, but promising. For a brief introduction to the series, so my post here.
The Devil's Whore
Part 4 (of 4)
Another strong episode rounds off an excellent series. It doesn't feel fast-paced, yet at over an hour an episode (with breaks) rushes past faster than even something supposedly super-speedy and modern like Spooks. If you missed this, catch up with it when & where you can.
The Graham Norton Show
4x10 (4/12/08 edition, uncut repeat)
Only one guest was fine when it was Robin Williams, but Barry Manilow? Barry Manilow? In fact, he turned out to be fairly amiable -- especially as I could fast-forward the singing.
1x07 (8/12/08 edition)
Broken Saints
Chapter 1 Introitus
Chapter 2 Cryptic
Chapter 3 Versus [2nd watch]
(Chapters 3 & 4 were the ones infamously included on the UK 2-disc release of Night Watch, where I saw them before.)
An intriguing opening -- a bit slow paced, a bit arty, a bit pretentious. Not everyone's cup of tea, but promising. For a brief introduction to the series, so my post here.
The Devil's Whore
Part 4 (of 4)
Another strong episode rounds off an excellent series. It doesn't feel fast-paced, yet at over an hour an episode (with breaks) rushes past faster than even something supposedly super-speedy and modern like Spooks. If you missed this, catch up with it when & where you can.
The Graham Norton Show
4x10 (4/12/08 edition, uncut repeat)
Only one guest was fine when it was Robin Williams, but Barry Manilow? Barry Manilow? In fact, he turned out to be fairly amiable -- especially as I could fast-forward the singing.
Monday, 11 May 2009
TV
Argumental
2x06 (4/5/09 edition)
Theoretically there are another six or seven episodes scheduled for this series of Argumental, though it's not listed this week. Perhaps Dave are playing at ITV's game and making two series out of one.
Ashes to Ashes
2x04 Episode Four
A surprise mid-series conclusion for what looked to be this year's story arc. I do love it when series wrongfoot the viewer in this way, especially when it means things aren't dragged out interminably.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Broken Saints
Chapter 22 Revelation
Pretentious and complicated this episode, but there are some nice ideas and good plot twists buried among the waffle.
Though in episode terms only 8% remains, there's still nearly two hours of it -- 17% -- to go (i.e. a fair bit).
Damages
2x12 Look What He Dug Up This Time
Another round of twists. It's still not close to being as good as the first season, but it has its moments. Maybe the finale will have something more to offer.
2x06 (4/5/09 edition)
Theoretically there are another six or seven episodes scheduled for this series of Argumental, though it's not listed this week. Perhaps Dave are playing at ITV's game and making two series out of one.
Ashes to Ashes
2x04 Episode Four
A surprise mid-series conclusion for what looked to be this year's story arc. I do love it when series wrongfoot the viewer in this way, especially when it means things aren't dragged out interminably.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Broken Saints
Chapter 22 Revelation
Pretentious and complicated this episode, but there are some nice ideas and good plot twists buried among the waffle.
Though in episode terms only 8% remains, there's still nearly two hours of it -- 17% -- to go (i.e. a fair bit).
Damages
2x12 Look What He Dug Up This Time
Another round of twists. It's still not close to being as good as the first season, but it has its moments. Maybe the finale will have something more to offer.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 24 Truth [finale episode]
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x04 Problems in Moral Philosophy
For a programme that's so perfect for Sunday night -- genteel, funny, nice -- the episodes seem to go by awfully quickly. Which is a good thing -- Lark Rise..., for example, does drag so.
The Wire
2x05 Undertow
The Wire hasn't gone totally off the ball, but some scenes in this season lack the could-be-a-documentary realism of the first. And I'm not talking some shaky handheld style thing here (thankfully, the makers of The Wire seem to know about tripods and Steadicams -- perhaps they could lend some to J.J. Abrams), but the dialogue and performances. It's not throughout, but just occasionally it feels much more 'fictional' than before -- no problem in much shows, but it belies what made this series so different and so good.
Chapter 24 Truth [finale episode]
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x04 Problems in Moral Philosophy
For a programme that's so perfect for Sunday night -- genteel, funny, nice -- the episodes seem to go by awfully quickly. Which is a good thing -- Lark Rise..., for example, does drag so.
The Wire
2x05 Undertow
The Wire hasn't gone totally off the ball, but some scenes in this season lack the could-be-a-documentary realism of the first. And I'm not talking some shaky handheld style thing here (thankfully, the makers of The Wire seem to know about tripods and Steadicams -- perhaps they could lend some to J.J. Abrams), but the dialogue and performances. It's not throughout, but just occasionally it feels much more 'fictional' than before -- no problem in much shows, but it belies what made this series so different and so good.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 23 Ascent
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The Omid Djalili Show
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
2x04 Hard Cases
The Wire's second season seems to be suffering under the same problems that seem to blight most second seasons these days: a lack of focus and struggling to retain or recreate the elements that made the first so great. Still, we're only a third of the way in, there's plenty of time yet.
Chapter 23 Ascent
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The Omid Djalili Show
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
2x04 Hard Cases
The Wire's second season seems to be suffering under the same problems that seem to blight most second seasons these days: a lack of focus and struggling to retain or recreate the elements that made the first so great. Still, we're only a third of the way in, there's plenty of time yet.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 4 Epiphany
Chapter 5 Awakening
With such short early episodes, Chapter 1 can only provide a brief overview of the four main characters, while the four chapters that follow successively introduce the start of their journey. It's still a bit slow and pretentious, but there's also promise. And 19 chapters to go...
Little Dorrit
Part 13 (of 14)
Part 14 (of 14)
A feature-length dose of Little Boring -- sorry, I mean, Little Dorrit -- as it finally reaches its conclusion. The (very literal) fall of the house of Clenham was perhaps the most entertaining bit yet, and certainly the most ludicrous in a story filled with ludicrous elements. Nothing like as good as Bleak House. Most of its audience understandably dropped off before the end, which is a shame because the format works so well (as proved by Bleak House) and this may've killed off hope of any more done in a similar style.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x11 (11/12/08 edition) [season finale]
Josh Groban: surprisingly likable and willing to take the mick out of himself. Grant From Feeder: shouldn't really have bothered going.
Odd length series too. I rather suspect it would've been 12, were it not for the Brand episode.
Chapter 4 Epiphany
Chapter 5 Awakening
With such short early episodes, Chapter 1 can only provide a brief overview of the four main characters, while the four chapters that follow successively introduce the start of their journey. It's still a bit slow and pretentious, but there's also promise. And 19 chapters to go...
Little Dorrit
Part 13 (of 14)
Part 14 (of 14)
A feature-length dose of Little Boring -- sorry, I mean, Little Dorrit -- as it finally reaches its conclusion. The (very literal) fall of the house of Clenham was perhaps the most entertaining bit yet, and certainly the most ludicrous in a story filled with ludicrous elements. Nothing like as good as Bleak House. Most of its audience understandably dropped off before the end, which is a shame because the format works so well (as proved by Bleak House) and this may've killed off hope of any more done in a similar style.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x11 (11/12/08 edition) [season finale]
Josh Groban: surprisingly likable and willing to take the mick out of himself. Grant From Feeder: shouldn't really have bothered going.
Odd length series too. I rather suspect it would've been 12, were it not for the Brand episode.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
TV
Argumental
1x13 Best of Argumental [season finale]
Mostly just bits we've already seen, of course, but it was a long series with lots worth re-enjoying; plus, I missed two episodes, so there were a few things I'd never seen from them. And it was worth watching just for the short segment of outtakes, including John Sergeant having to mime pressing a buzzer -- at least ten times more entertaining than that sounds.
Argumental returns in March -- yay!
Broken Saints
Chapter 18 Forecast
Elements like prophecies and dreams are often rather silly things in drama -- they tend not to advance the plot, just pad things out suggesting what might be to come. While the Tarot card reading in this episode is very atmospheric and nicely done, it's also incredibly easy to guess the significance of every part; consequently, it doesn't add anything to the story and goes on far too long. Nice fight at the end though.
1x13 Best of Argumental [season finale]
Mostly just bits we've already seen, of course, but it was a long series with lots worth re-enjoying; plus, I missed two episodes, so there were a few things I'd never seen from them. And it was worth watching just for the short segment of outtakes, including John Sergeant having to mime pressing a buzzer -- at least ten times more entertaining than that sounds.
Argumental returns in March -- yay!
Broken Saints
Chapter 18 Forecast
Elements like prophecies and dreams are often rather silly things in drama -- they tend not to advance the plot, just pad things out suggesting what might be to come. While the Tarot card reading in this episode is very atmospheric and nicely done, it's also incredibly easy to guess the significance of every part; consequently, it doesn't add anything to the story and goes on far too long. Nice fight at the end though.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 6 Synchronicity
Chapter 7 Lucid
After a Christmas hiatus (that lasted exactly a month), it's back down to business with this animated-comic-y epic. It's still rather pretentious and incredibly slow-paced though.
Gilmore Girls
5x14 Say Something
QI
6x03 Flotsam and Jetsam (extended repeat) [2nd watch]
A much lower percentage of filthy stuff in this fourteen-minutes-longer extended repeat. It's all interesting and amusing too, making the filthiness of the edited one look even more deliberate.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Sandbaggers
2x03 Decision by Committee
Another brilliant episode, as Burnside fights Whitehall bureaucracy to save two British officials -- plus Willie and a CIA agent -- trapped on a hijacked plane that's set to explode at midnight. It might sound like something Spooks would do, but in practice it really isn't. For one thing, in Spooks you'd know from the outset Harry would succeed in his persuasions, but in Sandbaggers the outcome is always in doubt -- and I'm not going to reveal it here, because you should go watch it!
Chapter 6 Synchronicity
Chapter 7 Lucid
After a Christmas hiatus (that lasted exactly a month), it's back down to business with this animated-comic-y epic. It's still rather pretentious and incredibly slow-paced though.
Gilmore Girls
5x14 Say Something
QI
6x03 Flotsam and Jetsam (extended repeat) [2nd watch]
A much lower percentage of filthy stuff in this fourteen-minutes-longer extended repeat. It's all interesting and amusing too, making the filthiness of the edited one look even more deliberate.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Sandbaggers
2x03 Decision by Committee
Another brilliant episode, as Burnside fights Whitehall bureaucracy to save two British officials -- plus Willie and a CIA agent -- trapped on a hijacked plane that's set to explode at midnight. It might sound like something Spooks would do, but in practice it really isn't. For one thing, in Spooks you'd know from the outset Harry would succeed in his persuasions, but in Sandbaggers the outcome is always in doubt -- and I'm not going to reveal it here, because you should go watch it!
Monday, 12 January 2009
TV
Argumental
1x10 (12/1/09 edition)
Annoyingly, I missed last week's episode 9, and it's not repeated. It's on Dave for Chrissake, the channel that exists for repeats -- why wasn't there one of their only (pretty much only, anyway) original programme?!
Broken Saints
Chapter 8 Lomalagi
Chapter 9 Personas
Chapter 10 Trinity
Things actually happen! The story moves forward! My God, what is the world coming to?! "And so it begins," Shandala says in Chapter 8, and I'm inclined to agree with her -- but why did it take two hours to get there?!
1x10 (12/1/09 edition)
Annoyingly, I missed last week's episode 9, and it's not repeated. It's on Dave for Chrissake, the channel that exists for repeats -- why wasn't there one of their only (pretty much only, anyway) original programme?!
Broken Saints
Chapter 8 Lomalagi
Chapter 9 Personas
Chapter 10 Trinity
Things actually happen! The story moves forward! My God, what is the world coming to?! "And so it begins," Shandala says in Chapter 8, and I'm inclined to agree with her -- but why did it take two hours to get there?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)