Friday, October 20, 2006
No Heroes, The Governor, And Three Links
- No, I Will Not Watch Heroes
So stop asking. But since you brought it up, let me get this off my chest.
Everybody is currently watching Heroes except for me. My wife watches it, half the bloggers I read watch it and write about it, my gay homosexual friend Otis even watches it, and the people I work with watch it. I can't swing a dead cat without hitting a live Heroes fan. It's gotten to the point where I've stopped swinging dead cats in despair.
Now, here's the thing: As I've mentioned before, ad nauseum, I am anti-TV. So, there's that. And I'm especially anti-modern commercial network TV. I watch House with Wendy on Tuesday nights because if I didn't watch at least one of her shows with her I'd never see her. I am also a dedicated Simpsons fan, but I never get to see it. I loved Arrested Development, but every episode I saw was on DVD. I've also laughed at about half of the episodes of The Office (American Version) that I've seen, for a total of maybe four. I happily did not even have cable before Wendy moved in with me, and if it were up to me, the only channels that would ever play in this house would be The History Channel and Discovery. Consider that full disclosure. That's the extent of my involvement with the glass teat.
But here's the other thing: In the words of Vincent Vega, you guys should "&%$#% better know better." All Heroes is (and you'll never convince me otherwise, so don't try, if you try I'll cover my ears and sing "LA LA LA LA LA.") … ALL Heroes is is NBC's attempt to cash in simultaneously on the popularity of Lost and the current wave of comic book movies.
All of these shows are the same show. They rely on their ability to convince you that they're just about to divulge some huge piece of the mystery… they are, at all times, moments away from some big revelation that's going to explain everything. But they'll NEVER explain ANYTHING. You know why? Because actual explanations involve closure and closure means that the story is over and the story can never be over, can it? Not on series TV. They've got to keep you tuned in to see the next episode, or at least through the next block of commercials.
On top of that, the comic book aspect of this show is particularly frustrating to me. Especially when people I know to be genuine fans of comic books are participating in the watering down of our beloved medium. Don't you people realize that the over saturation of the marketplace with any given genre always leads to the production of crappy, unsuccessful, sub par material? And that leads to the loss of commercial viability, which leads to studios and studio execs who are unwilling to put up the money for the next project in that genre… and that means no more super gnarly Spider-Man and Batman movies for, like, twenty years.
So, no, I won't participate. Comics and good comic-based movies mean too much to me to help you's guys drive a stake through their heart. So PHTTTHHHHTTTTTTT!
Here endeth the lesson. The soapbox is now available for the next prepared lecturer. - "The Governor's" Folly
My friend "The Governor," an occasional commenter at this blog, recently told me by e-mail that he had decided to go out on a limb and personally join China and other nations in condemning North Korea's test of a nuclear weapon.
After thinking about it, I've decided to speak out against "The Governor's" decree.
I think it's clear "The Governor" doesn't understand the nuances of this situation. And this situation, to be sure, is jampacked with a buttload of nuances.
"The Governor's" kind of simplistic, "with-us-or-against-us" thinking has got to change. It's this kind of thinking that has squandered the good will that the rest of the world felt for "The Governor" after 9/11. Beyond that, it's sexist, racist, and elitist.
At a time like this, can "The Governor" really afford to have a cowboy such as himself representing him? He's used this kind of propaganda, this "politics of fear" to maintain control over himself for too long. It's a shame that he's simply too backwards to see through his own scare tactics.
Besides, how will the "Arab street" respond to what they can only see as further evidence of "The Governor's" imperialism? It is the height of hubris for "The Governor" to presume to speak for himself on this issue. Apparently he doesn't remember that if it weren't for spineless manipulation of the US Constitution by the so-called Supreme Court, he wouldn't be him in the first place.
This Sunday, I plan to march in protest of "The Governor" and his outdated, unilateral policies. The world can't wait. I've already made a sign, depicting "The Governor" wearing a Nazi uniform and a KKK hood, waving a Wal-Mart purchased Bible with the Exxon logo clearly emblazoned upon it. Surely that sends a clear message. "The Governor" needs to be reminded that he isn't the only person who speaks for him. I hope you'll join me in my backyard for this march. I'll bring the bong, you bring the bongos. - Elsewhere
- Otis is at war with the ladybugs again. I'm just glad to see him trying to combat something other than his lust for Kevin Federline.
- If you're like me, the single-panel newspaper cartoon Marmaduke always leaves you scratching your head, bewildered and frustrated, unable to grasp the sophisticated humor effortlessly weaved throughout each installment. That's why I'm thrilled to have found Joe Mathlete Explains Today's Marmaduke.
- So which politicians actually do approve of the selective use of torture in certain instances? Only one that I know of: The de facto head of the Democratic party, Bill Clinton.
Permalink -- Posted by Darrell at 07:14 
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I don't watch Heroes either. I saw the first episode and thought it was slow and boring. I saw the second episode and thought it was slow and boring. Basically, I agree with you - they're trying to be Lost-meets-comic-book. Yawn.
Also, like you, I don;t watch that much TV. I watch movies on DVD, and sometimes I'll get a season of a television show from Netflix if I deem it worth the time and effort. But for the most part, I try to keep the TV off and a book open at home.
I thought I would watch a lot of the new shows this season, but after trying a couple, I went back to my 3 show rule. I just watch Lost, Smallville and The Shield (when it starts back up in March - if the baby gives me enough time).
(When The Shield is on hiatus, I usually catch a stray episode of one of the Law & Orders to fill the space).
Also, like you, I don;t watch that much TV. I watch movies on DVD, and sometimes I'll get a season of a television show from Netflix if I deem it worth the time and effort. But for the most part, I try to keep the TV off and a book open at home.
I thought I would watch a lot of the new shows this season, but after trying a couple, I went back to my 3 show rule. I just watch Lost, Smallville and The Shield (when it starts back up in March - if the baby gives me enough time).
(When The Shield is on hiatus, I usually catch a stray episode of one of the Law & Orders to fill the space).
I respect the fact that Jerry actually watched the show before passing judgement. The first few episodes were slow, but the cliffhangers were interesting enough for me to give another episode another try each time, and as a larger story is forming it's getting to be pretty cool.
I wouldn't force a show on anyone. If someone likes it, great. If there wasn't NINE paragraphs about how you're too cool to watch television, except for when you're not, then I wouldn't even respond. Don't watch if it doesn't interest you, but don't bash something other people like without seeing it yourself. If you HAVE watched a few episodes, other than from the next room when Wendy is watching, then I apologize, but I couldn't tell if you had from what you wrote. We get it; you don't watch TV, and we're all addicts because we do.
I don't get all the Lost comparisons either. Why is it Lost? Because there's an ensemble of characters? Both shows have an Indian actor, an asian guy, and a blonde chick? The similarities are thin. Heroes is much more like an obscure Marvel New Universe title from the late 80s/early 90s, DP7, which was ahead of its time, X-men without costumes in the real world.
In most cases I agree with your soapbox rants, and respect the fact that you do your homework and research stuff before posting. I don't think that was done here. Again, I apologize if I'm wrong about that.
I wouldn't force a show on anyone. If someone likes it, great. If there wasn't NINE paragraphs about how you're too cool to watch television, except for when you're not, then I wouldn't even respond. Don't watch if it doesn't interest you, but don't bash something other people like without seeing it yourself. If you HAVE watched a few episodes, other than from the next room when Wendy is watching, then I apologize, but I couldn't tell if you had from what you wrote. We get it; you don't watch TV, and we're all addicts because we do.
I don't get all the Lost comparisons either. Why is it Lost? Because there's an ensemble of characters? Both shows have an Indian actor, an asian guy, and a blonde chick? The similarities are thin. Heroes is much more like an obscure Marvel New Universe title from the late 80s/early 90s, DP7, which was ahead of its time, X-men without costumes in the real world.
In most cases I agree with your soapbox rants, and respect the fact that you do your homework and research stuff before posting. I don't think that was done here. Again, I apologize if I'm wrong about that.
>>>>go out on a limb and personally join China and other nations in condemning North Korea's test of a nuclear weapon
Darrell has misrepresented my words. He left out the fact that this was a STRONG condemnation. If it was just a plain ol' run of the mill condemnation, then I don't think Kim Jong Il would have responded. However, it was a STRONG condemnation, and Kim Jong Il has apologized. Is it coincidence?
Kim Jong Il's apology does not change my opinion about North Korea. Now if it had been a STRONG apology, then I would welcome North Korea back into the community of civilized nations.
I also used to save $70/month as a non-cable-TV subscribing bachelor. So I can relate. Maybe "Heroes" is good, but who needs to get involved with another hour-long show. I have never tried gambling for the same reason; I might enjoy it and I'd be stuck with yet another "hobby."
Sincerely,
The Governor
Darrell has misrepresented my words. He left out the fact that this was a STRONG condemnation. If it was just a plain ol' run of the mill condemnation, then I don't think Kim Jong Il would have responded. However, it was a STRONG condemnation, and Kim Jong Il has apologized. Is it coincidence?
Kim Jong Il's apology does not change my opinion about North Korea. Now if it had been a STRONG apology, then I would welcome North Korea back into the community of civilized nations.
I also used to save $70/month as a non-cable-TV subscribing bachelor. So I can relate. Maybe "Heroes" is good, but who needs to get involved with another hour-long show. I have never tried gambling for the same reason; I might enjoy it and I'd be stuck with yet another "hobby."
Sincerely,
The Governor
# posted by 
: 1:06 PM
: 1:06 PM
I think your flame against Heroes was actually more of a flame against Lost. I can understand that because you seem to know a little bit about Lost and nothing about Heroes.
I've told you that I watch Lost but dont know why. The reason being that they show you something and nothing at the same time. One day I will tire of the whole gimmick and move on, but that hasn't happened yet.
As MCF points out, these are two different shows, cliffhangers being the only thing you can tie the shows together with.
In your defense, I purposely didn't watch Heroes when it first came out because my first reaction was that it was a Marvel rip-off. But after watching it I have to admit that it's very well done.
You now owe it to your readers to watch one episode and make a follow up post. I know Wendy has it Tivo-ed so you have no excuses. I also know that your mind-set will be such that you will hate it no matter what. But this could make for an interesting post and comments from other bloggers.
What say you Darrell?
I've told you that I watch Lost but dont know why. The reason being that they show you something and nothing at the same time. One day I will tire of the whole gimmick and move on, but that hasn't happened yet.
As MCF points out, these are two different shows, cliffhangers being the only thing you can tie the shows together with.
In your defense, I purposely didn't watch Heroes when it first came out because my first reaction was that it was a Marvel rip-off. But after watching it I have to admit that it's very well done.
You now owe it to your readers to watch one episode and make a follow up post. I know Wendy has it Tivo-ed so you have no excuses. I also know that your mind-set will be such that you will hate it no matter what. But this could make for an interesting post and comments from other bloggers.
What say you Darrell?
Kelly: So feel free to swing a dead cat at me.
I'll be digging up the cat and heading your way.
Jerry: I agree with you - they're trying to be Lost-meets-comic-book. Yawn.
Just as I suspected.
MCF: If there wasn't NINE paragraphs about how you're too cool to watch television, except for when you're not, then I wouldn't even respond.
You've summed up my position almost exactly. In fact, I am far too cool to watch TV, except when I'm not. ;)
MCF: don't get all the Lost comparisons either. Why is it Lost? Because there's an ensemble of characters?
Otis: As MCF points out, these are two different shows, cliffhangers being the only thing you can tie the shows together with.
(Cover's ears) "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA! TV is the devil! TV is the devil! LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!
The Governor: Maybe "Heroes" is good, but who needs to get involved with another hour-long show.
And, with that....
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I'll be digging up the cat and heading your way.
Jerry: I agree with you - they're trying to be Lost-meets-comic-book. Yawn.
Just as I suspected.
MCF: If there wasn't NINE paragraphs about how you're too cool to watch television, except for when you're not, then I wouldn't even respond.
You've summed up my position almost exactly. In fact, I am far too cool to watch TV, except when I'm not. ;)
MCF: don't get all the Lost comparisons either. Why is it Lost? Because there's an ensemble of characters?
Otis: As MCF points out, these are two different shows, cliffhangers being the only thing you can tie the shows together with.
(Cover's ears) "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA! TV is the devil! TV is the devil! LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!
The Governor: Maybe "Heroes" is good, but who needs to get involved with another hour-long show.
And, with that....
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