I just came across this site/forum. I like Orson Scott Card's books and his reviews seem pretty much in line with what i like.
I just wanted to pitch the show Community to all those on the forum. It is (IMHO) the single funniest, smartest and savvy show going right now. It is a little meta for some tastes - but I highly reccomend both the first season (on disc) and the second (on rerun) to anyone. It takes a little time (in terms of shows in the first season) to get going... but it certainly hits a sweet spot (and watch the D&D episode from this year...
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Welcome to Hatrack!
I too enjoy the show. Pretty much the only thing I watch on NBC these days.
Posted by Merlin4343 (Member # 12594) on :
I am suprised OSC has not reviewed it (I wonder if it is the 'meaness' of the show that he objects to). I note he has not reviewed "Curb" and did not like the office (British)both shows which are rooted in meanness or dislikable characters. No review of Breaking Bad (one of the best shows on television. Also I noted he didn't like the Simpsons (which I find hard to believe during its height of amazingness - in some ways the Simpsons is the most "nice" show out there as it at its heart a family show with a very tight moral ethos). Anyways, I digress - EVERYONE WATCH COMMUNITY
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
I have trouble thinking of a show I've enjoyed more than Community. Permit me to speak objectively, using only clearly objective and unalterable facts: if your criteria for entertainment and personal taste void Community as a show you want to watch over other shows, your taste in shows is bad and you should feel bad.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
Parks and Rec is better.
(Not to mention that, while I enjoy sitcoms a lot and tend to watch them more than other things, I assign higher value to shows that accomplish a more unique artistic achievement than ones that do an established thing well)
Posted by Merlin4343 (Member # 12594) on :
Umm no offense but Community is more "artistic" than Parks and Rec. It certainly is not doing an established thing well. It spoofed my dinner with andre... MY DINNER WITH FREAKING ANDRE
Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :
Parks and Rec? Maybe it got better after the first season, but I didn't find that show funny at all. I remember watching it and rolling my eyes. I still can't believe it got renewed and Outsourced didn't.
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
Outsourced was terrible.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
Gonna have to side with scifibum on that.
Parks and Rec started out just copying Office, but by second season I found it a fairly inspiring tribute to local government. (Also got funnier)
Community is definitely excellent, but in a way that has to do with the cleverness of individual episodes, as opposed to the premise as a whole.
Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :
Scifibum, what did you find horrible about it? The first few episodes did leave something to be desired, but once it hit its stride it got really funny.
I'll give Parks and Rec another chance. The first season just didn't make me laugh. Then again, I never understood why people like some of the other comedy shows on TV.
Posted by Merlin4343 (Member # 12594) on :
Plus Alison Brie is pretty cute...
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by scifibum: Outsourced was terrible.
No kidding. Judging from the episode and a half that I managed to sit through, this is the template for every episode:
[insert cheap, easy joke about cultural differences] [repeat]
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
quote:Originally posted by Geraine: Scifibum, what did you find horrible about it? The first few episodes did leave something to be desired, but once it hit its stride it got really funny.
I didn't really give it an extended chance. I think I saw two episodes. But my basic problems with the show from the limited viewing were:
1. I thought there were too many oddball characters without sufficient hilarity to excuse their existence. The Office, Parks & Rec, and other shows have just as many kooks but are IMO better at using them to good effect. Without the laughs I'm left going "people aren't this weird!" constantly.
2. I found the basic premise/setting unrealistic. Same issue with The Office, again, but harder to excuse due to less funny.
3. Not funny enough.
Posted by Shawshank (Member # 8453) on :
I'm a huge fan of the Office and Community (and to a lesser extent- 30 Rock). I watched the pilot episode of Parks and Rec, and I didn't care for it. I'm not a huge fan of Amy Poehler so when the first few episodes really focused heavily on her- I was less than thrilled.
But, on the recommendation of a friend, I gave it another shot and by the time season 2 rolls around it got incredibly. Season 3 was even better. I don't know if I can pick out a favorite show out of the NBC's comedy lineup.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
(For the record, I actually think Parks and Rec and community are about tied, although for different reasons)
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
Outsourced drove me nuts because it was pretty much reliant on contrived personalities and situations for the business strategy of 'show for white people to laugh at how different the brown people are'
Being forced to watch it in the same room with actual indians from india that I know, like Vidya or sur-whateverhisname is (I honestly can't spell it) would be the most unbelievably awkward experience I could imagine. I am actually pretty glad the show is dead.
Posted by Amilia (Member # 8912) on :
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