Edan’s
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(group member since Nov 25, 2007)
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Check out Patrick's astute post about the end of the Wire at the Vroman's bookstore blog:http://vromansbookstore.blogspot.com/...
If this were true, wouldn't The Wire have better ratings?
The list of books were for our first book club. We chose Right as Rain...but it didn't go very well. I'm not sure this Wire book club thing will continue. What does everyone think?
If only Randy knew his dad was a member of Wu-Tang!
Whenever I ask, Patrick, you deliver. Thanks.
I agree that he's a good actor, but wasted on this flat role. I like Gus's plan to find out what Templeton's lied about, but as Patrick pointed out to me yesterday, his friend's "subtle" check on Templeton's work meant, I guess, asking for everything the guy's ever written in the most obvious manner. If it's just a joke, it didn't work.
The newspaper scenes still suck. Why did they even need that Pulitzer meeting scene? Lord, what a bunch of cartoonish, flat characters! If one of them wields "Dickensian" one more time, I'm gonna punch my tv screen.
Agreed, Mike. When Marlo went off I realized I'd never heard him say that much at one time. His face took on a frightening quality.
I've been wondering this for a couple episodes now: Cheese and Randy have the same last name: Wagstaff. Any link there?
R.I.P., _____________
I'm giving up on Right as Rain; it's just not compelling to me, and I have many books I want to read...
The pop culture references bother me too, Cory, and I think because rather than creating a world, they're in the place of characterization. I've had students at Iowa do this in their creative writing exercises, where a girl walks into a party in an "Abercrombie Tee", which is meant to signify a whole list of things. It's shorthand for character--but it creates types.
Okay, everyone, today begins our discussion of Right as Rain. I'm only about 50 pages in, and I'm worried. Cliches abound! I'm sure the story will pick up as the stories connect and collide with one another; the repetition of the western in all three narrative threads, at this point, feels a little obvious...Hey, Mike, you're the English teacher. Start us off right.
I liked Season 2 when I watched it a second time, after having seen all 4 seasons. I agree that the writing is strong, and if you can let go of the plots favored in season 1, it's great television. Also, I'm Polish, so I felt happy to get some Polish criminals, stupidity, and desire in the mix.I like the Steve Earl song, and I like Steve Earl--what a voice, and I'm just talking his speaking voice. I'm sad that Bubs isn't in this season more, and as Patrick pointed out, there was an opportunity to tie him into the homeless thread, and he wasn't.
Mike, I think you're right about why The Sun workplace narrative doesn't play as well as the others. A problem of telling, versus showing. Also, I have a problem with how much of a buffoon the boss is ("Dickensian, yes!"). He isn't treated with any humanity.
I still dig Marlo, especially them cat eyes.
Check out Patrick's blog at Vroman's Bookstore for more about Venkatesh:http://vromansbookstore.blogspot.com
She might be hot, but her eyes are like a foot away from each other. She is totally Pedro's (attractive?) twin.
Oh, and my newest crush? State's Attourney Rupert Bond. And don't you guys think the City Council president looks kind of like Pedro Martinez in drag?
I agree, good reading of McNulty, Tina. But...I just watched the 5th episode last night and I still stand by my opinion that this plotline is trouble for the season. Even if McNulty's actions make sense for his character, the storyline feels out of tone with the rest of the show.
I agree with you, Mike, about being careful of making a moral distinction between Prop Joe and Marlo. I, for one, really enjoy watching Marlo, and his murdering Prop Joe felt like the next logical step in his character; he's obviously more ruthless than his predecessors, but Prop Joe was willing to work with him, to make money with him. I thought Prop Joe was annoying, anyway. I also think Landsman is annoying. They're both fat--maybe I have a prejudice against the obese. Nobody bothers me as much as that lawyer Levy. Ugh!Anyway. I will say that I think the McNulty plotline is picking up, and feels less forced than it did initially. I didn't pick up on the parallels between his actions and Bunny's, but I see what you mean, Mike. Bunny's plan developed over a few episodes, though, and the viewer experienced his frustration for some time before the decision came about, as crazy at it was.
Whereas McNulty seems convinced that his scheme will change things, I feel like Bunny knew his plan was only temporary, that it wouldn't work.
It's interesting that Bunny was McNulty's mentor of sorts. Same with Carver, who learned from Bunny to listen to what was going on in the neighborhood, to start caring, to create connections. Hmmm...
I can't wait for Cutty to return next episode. Damn, boy is fine!
Hey, no talking about the Sopranos in this group!
Cory, I actually looked up Dukie's name on the HBO cast list, as I was curious how to spell it. It is indeed Dukie, though of course, it signifies Dookie!I can't wait for the fifth episode.
