Pro-tip: If your show is actually a buddy-”cop” procedural, don’t advertise it as if it’s actually a show about the dog from Frasier. And yeah, maybe the name makes sense after watching the show for a few episodes, but you have to take the uninitiated into account.

It’s unfortunate that the best show of this television season is getting 1/10th the viewers of The Event, but even Shawn Ryan — one of Terriers‘ producers, and creator of The Shield — admits he screwed up. On the other hand, maybe he didn’t think FX would go full out in their attempt to fool the public about the premise of the show. So all fans of the show can do now is post shit on Twitter or write blog posts to convince people to give the show a shot.

Another problem just might be FX’s fanbase. Look at the rest of lineup: Sons of Anarchy, Justified, Rescue Me, Archer, Louie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, and the upcoming Lights Out (which looks like a TV cross between Rocky and Raging Bull). Most of these are very obvious appeals to the 18-35 testerorone-fueled demographic. The Shield, the show that put FX on the map, pretty much formed the blueprint. I’m not going to distance myself from such a group — as I watch and love almost of FX’s shows — but Terriers is definitely a beat or two away from badass bikers or loose-cannon cops kicking ass and breaking laws, or oblivious sociopaths wreaking havoc.

The two main characters on Terriers are probably two of better human beings the network has ever featured — particularly Hank, played by Donal Logue. A genuinely compassionate character who cares about both friends and strangers? And a sidekick (but don’t call him that!) who has given up a life of petty crime to team up with him in the private eye business? It sure is a nice break from protagonists that intentionally kill people or at the very least intentionally ruin others’ lives. Louie would be the other exception, but that just features the hilariously miserable bastard that is Louis C.K.

That’s not to say that Terriers is some light-hearted show that is completely divergent in tone from the rest of FX’s lineup. It delves into some dark subject matter, like alcoholism, drug abuse, murder, adultery, suicide — the type of stuff you’d imagine a couple of television P.I.s would get themselves into. And as likeable and good-natured as Hank and his friend Britt are, they aren’t exactly law-abiding citizens. They do just about anything to finish the job, which can include breaking into houses, stealing information, or lying about anything and everything.

But the show separates itself by deriving its humor not from its characters being moronic assholes, but from the sharp, clever writing showcased in the interactions between Hank and Britt. The show is also shot better than any other show on the network other than arguably Louie. And the performance from Logue — playing a character dealing with the need to stay sober, divorce, and a sick sister — is nothing short of fantastic.

Terriers is also more of a procedural than the rest of the FX drama lineup, which lends itself to viewers jumping in whenever they want. What I’m getting at here is that you should start watching the show in whatever way you can. Of course, I recommend starting from the pilot, but the standalone cases are amusing and interesting enough from week to week to entertain any viewer. So get on it.

Wednesdays at 10 pm on FX. Apparently they are showing repeats on Tuesdays at 11 pm, too.

Oh, and its theme song is the catchiest on the network outside of Louie‘s. I can’t help whistling it randomly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVHOn-S82ms

]]> http://somewhatmanlynerd.com/blog/2010/10/22/watch-terriers/feed/ 4 http://somewhatmanlynerd.com/blog/2010/08/15/real-talk-81510/ http://somewhatmanlynerd.com/blog/2010/08/15/real-talk-81510/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:38:24 +0000 CajoleJuice http://somewhatmanlynerd.com/blog/?p=2963 This edition of REAL TALK is brought to you this adorable video of a Corgi. It’s amazing how quickly a popular YouTube video’s views explode at a certain saturation level.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glii-kazad8

- Somehow I managed to NOT make a post about Anderson Silva’s miracle triangle armbar a week ago. The dude is fucking amazing. Just like seemingly everyone else, when Silva was taken down in the 5th round I thought the match was over, but he had enough strength left after getting punched more than in his entire UFC career to pull that shit off. Wow. GSP-Silva needs to happen ASAP.

- It’s amazing how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is now AT BEST the third-best half-hour of television on FX. Archer and Louie have had amazing first seasons, while Sunny is in decline. Shit, The League had a fantastic first season, too.

- My ability to not buy shit has increased tenfold. The Bourne Trilogy on Blu-ray for 35 bucks? Months ago, I would’ve jumped on that like Tiger on a blonde cocktail waitress, but now I just want to sell more things. I apologize for the Rick Reilly/Jay Leno-esque joke.

- It always feels good watching guys who make a living playing golf miss 5-foot putts. Then I remember they make hundred of thousands, if not millions, of dollars playing golf.

- I need to play a roto fantasy league for money next year. And a keeper league. Maybe combine the two for ultimate fantasy baseball action.

- I don’t touch upon controversial subjects on here much, especially not legitimately important controversial subjects, but the Ground Zero Mosque bullshit is ridiculous. I won’t dedicate a full post to it because it’s too fucking simple. It’s a goddamn community center two blocks away, not even within view of Ground Zero; it’s not the 100-foot-tall minaret-topped building most people envision when they think of mosques. I understand the outrage of some relatives of victims, but some people in that group didn’t want any reconstruction at the WTC site at all. Sorry, but fuck them. I totally empathize with their grief, but life needs to go on. Republicans meanwhile, politicize a building that SHOULDN’T BE A FUCKING ISSUE, but vote against a bill that would actually help people directly affected by 9/11.

- Girls grow up way too soon. I’m going to stop checking out hot girls in the mall, because I’m sure they are all 16 years old.

- I’m not surprised at Scott Pilgrim vs. The World totally bombing, losing to Inception‘s 5th weekend. If it weren’t for Edgar Wright’s involvement, I would think the movie looks incredibly awful. Since I doubt most people care about that fact — if they were even aware in the first place — $10 million sounds about right. But I’ll still go see it; I don’t want to risk Speed Racer-like regret.

- David Wright is now officially having the worst offensive season of his career. It’s cool how Wright and Jose Reyes have declined right when most players hit their prime. Really. Fucking. Cool.

This is something that should be on Adult Swim — especially since it comes from the creator of Frisky Dingo and Sealab 2021 — but unfortunately most of the original stuff created for that nowadays is godawful. But FX knows quality television when it sees it, so they made this shit happen. Arrested Development fans might be interested to know that the mother character is played by Jessica Walter a.k.a. Lucille Bluth. And she’s just as perfect as she was on AD.

Time for you to get your Hulu on. Now.

Anyone who watched It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia last night got to see Dennis Reynolds run through this entire system in brilliant and hysterical fashion. Make sure to follow this to the T for the next girl you choose to court.

This is the Always Sunny I love — not the insane and totally farcical stuff — but the comparatively subdued character pieces that accentuate the worst traits of the cast — traits that have always been there, not ones just made up for a certain episode. The rest of the episode was pretty great too, but after the awesome opening it could have been Danny Devito throwing up for 10 minutes and it would have still been a classic episode.

What made it especially memorable was how uncomfortably close to real-life dating dynamics it felt, exaggerated just enough to be hilarious without losing its edge. Dennis’s warped “system” is funny precisely because it mirrors the kind of performative confidence and manipulation that people sometimes mistake for charm when dating, but if you’re into dating and want a virtual girlfriend, you can also create one that looks like marietemara with tools online. That blend of satire and character-driven comedy is what keeps It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia sharp, reminding viewers that beneath the laughs is a brutal, if absurd, reflection of human behavior.

[Credit for the pic goes to BlueTsunami at GAF.]

Keep in mind that the second episode is funnier and has much less fantasy football talk. Take that as you will. Either way, it’s my favorite new show this season.

Let me start off with V, because I probably feel most strongly about it, even though I was only barely paying attention. Perhaps not focusing on the show only served to exacerbate the fact that a million things happened within that one hour. It was definitely a show that could have benefited from one of those usual two-hour pilots that are seemingly commonplace for “high-concept” shows. The episode wastes no time with the alien ships swooping in over our most populous cities Independence Day-style, but instead of blowing up each city, each spaceship transforms into an HDTV and beams down a hot chick saying that her people come in peace. I would have been convinced.

What follows seems to be a terribly-rushed series of events that includes the reveal that the aliens actually have lizard skin under their human facades, some Michael J. Fox wannabe journalist being forced into a misleading, foreboding interview, the haphazard creation of a resistance that subsequently gets totally struck down, and some terrible teen actor being put under the spell of a moderately attractive blonde chick (maybe I just don’t like blondes). And oh yeah, the husband of the main character turns out to be an alien, and then gets killed by said main character. But then the preview for the rest of the season spoils the fact that he’s not really dead. Nice job, ABC; I’ll be sure not to waste anymore time on this show. It has two actors from Firefly – it’s sure to be canceled within a season, anyway.

The League, on the other hand, has a bright future, even if its premise seems a bit limited. I’ve heard complaints about too much fantasy football, and also too little fantasy football. I think this is proof that they hit just the right amount of discussion about draft order, Adrian Peterson, and accidentally picking retired players. Both the creators of the show and FX realize the audience they’re shooting for — 18 – 35-year-old males — and the vast majority of that group will have some rudimentary grasp of football, if not fantasy football in particular, and that’s all that’s necessary for enjoyment of the referential jokes.

Of course, there are plenty of jokes and situations that aren’t tinged with football talk. There’s a girlfriend/wife? (I missed this unimportant plot detail) that sticks a finger in her lover’s butt, leading to…tension; a filthy song performed at the birthday party of a 5-year-old; and a pube-filled joint framed on a wall. Sounds perfect for a show that airs immediately after It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The last show I’d like to mention is Community, the newest addition to the NBC Thursday night lineup — pretty much the only thing the network has going for it at the moment. It’s definitely a worthy addition, even if it’s not at the level of The Office or 30 Rock when those two shows first kicked off. It helps that the quality seems to be trending up, with the recent Halloween episode being by far the best the show has had to offer. I think much of one’s enjoyment would have to depend on how much they like Joel McHale’s massively smug and cocky character — if you don’t appreciate it, then you probably won’t like the show. Also of note: Chevy Chase seems to be trying to pull an Alec Baldwin (in 30 Rock), only he’s not really that entertaining. God, Alec Baldwin is awesome.

Enough about the Mets. Let’s talk about something that’s actually good (which reminds me — I totally forgot to watch The Shield tonight, shit). Season 4 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia starts on Thursday, Sept 18th, at 10 pm. Watch, or I will smash your face into a jelly.

I’ve made numerous posts about the show on here. And also made the first thread about it over on GAF (too bad it got only 15 replies ) I’ve just tried my best to inform the public about the funniest show on television. But now Hulu makes my job pretty easy. I can just point you to great episodes and clips. And if you like them, you can watch basically the entire series on there! And if you don’t, get the fuck off my blog.

Clips:

Night Man (I’ve already made a blog post dedicated to this)

He’s a Bear

Episodes:

Charlie Wants an Abortion

The Gang Finds a Dumpster Baby

And for the people who love the show, here’s an interview with the A.V. Club. I highly recommend it for fans and newcomers alike.

That should be enough to get you started. Allow me to close with a GIF displaying what I am doing in anticipation for Thursday’s premiere.

Since the creation of The Shield, FX has cleverly and sharply carved out a wonderful niche on cable television. It allows programming that would never be shown on broadcast television, while reaching a level of quality right below HBO, without the extra $10 a month. Shows like Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me and — of course — The Shield, have all received considerable critical acclaim. I have personally only seen The Shield out of those three and it’s absolutely incredible. But I’ve also been watching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia since its inception two summers ago. I was hooked from the very first episode.

It was a half-hour block of television that revolved around the dilemma of whether or not to keep running a lucrative gay bar after a black acquaintance promotes it as such, when the three heterosexual owners naturally opened it in the first place to get laid. Of course, depravity ensues, with practical jokes gone wrong and racist remarks being thrown around. The intersection of multiple storylines and the great ending reminded me of a Seinfeld episode. Back then, the show had the feel of some low-budget indie production, which it basically was. It was four friends tackling different issues each episode in their own The seven episodes that comprised the first season were gold, touching on subjects such as abortion, molestation, dead old guys, underage drinking, and Nazism in ways I had never imagined possible. For a show to take on child molestation and make it gut-bustingly hilarious is quite the accomplishment. The four friends – three male, one female – made a Seinfeld-ian cast, and the show pushed the boundaries just like Seinfeld did back in the day, it’s just that now it takes a bit more to be outrageous. The show and characters still maintained some sort of believablity, though.

Before the second season, FX evidently felt it necessary to add some star power to the show, even though it had received a bit of attention already. And by “star power” I’m talking about the addition of Danny DeVito, not exactly a huge star nowadays, but enough of a draw to attract some possible viewers. They pimped the addition of him in the show, displaying his ugly mug predominantly in the commercial graphics, and even on the recently-released DVD set. He isn’t even in half of the episodes!

They even put his name on the top of the DVD set. Total bullshit. I’m a big believer in “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and adding that new factor to the show felt tacked-on and forced, leading DeVito to just seem out of place at times.

But you know what? He might have saved the show (ratings-wise) and allowed it to get to the third season that started tonight. I meant to make this post a few days ago, imploring you to watch the show and also linking to a YouTube pre-season episode (which I will still do). As much as I felt the second season suffered due to the addition of DeVito and a whole dysfunctional family angle along with him, the first two episodes shown tonight were pretty damn funny. The show has definitely changed since the first season, with the characters being more twisted, narcissistic, and juvenile (especially DeVito’s character, the very definition of a horrible human being), and the show choosing to be offensive just for the sake of it, but it seems that the show has learned to handle itself better in that realm of South Park-ness this season. Maybe I’m just getting used to it. Maybe I need to re-watch all the episodes now that I have the DVD set. I remembering loving a few episodes last year. All I know for sure is that it’s been one of the funniest shows on TV for the past couple of years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IjM0yMyXdM

Bachy, you would particularly enjoy the ending. Well, maybe not anymore. Just watch it.