Post: #126

As someone who binge watched season 1, I do feel it may be a better experience to wait till the season is over and watch it all at once because of the slow pace. Christ, netflix has ruined me.

Post: #127

Tonights episode is the first one I saw. And wow. It's nice to see Vince Vaughn actually playing a character instead of the Vince Vaughan fast talking smart-ass role he's always been since Swingers.

Post: #128

It definitely is a lot slower this season. Season 1 left impossible shoes to fill though, and it's only 2 episodes in so they have a lot of context to build and characters to introduce.

People just need to set realistic expectations of the current season.

Post: #129

(06-30-2015 04:52 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  I saw episode 1 of Season 1 and just couldn't get into it. I actually waited until the entire season was over and people kept raving about it that I gave it another chance. I don't know if others thought the beginning of season 1 was slow, but it was for me. Enough to stop watching until after the season was over.

I did the exact same thing. Watched episode 1 then got distracted with other shows, until I heard enough buzz on the grape vine to revisit.

Glad I did.

By the way, I'm really enjoying the whole Lynch-like vibe going on in season 2. It certainly has it in spades, whether intentional or not.

Post: #130

It's getting really depressive. Every single character in the show is completely fucked up. It's a good show with a lot of intelligent hints that push you to think in order to figure out what's going on. But the second season is A LOT darker than the first one both figuratively and literally. After watching the second episode I felt like I needed to watch something else to cheer me up.

Post: #131

Agree with previous comments about the dialogue. This exchange made me facepalm, it was so clunky and unnecessary:

Quote:“Five kids living there growing up. Two in jail. Two committed suicide. How's that for social theory?”

“And the fifth?”

“She became a detective.”

One reviewer actually highlighted that as some kind of fist-pump moment! Horrible writing.
I'll keep watching because I like the atmosphere and I'm not following any other shows at the moment.

Post: #132

Definitely not up to the season one level, but that was tough to beat.

Still, they're making the story more convoluted than it needs to be, the mood more fake-edgy and less genuine than Harrelson/McConaughey did naturally and more PC with the bullshit "tough female cop" character thrown in. She's added nothing but a nice ass so far.

Farrell beating the shit out of that bully kids dad was pretty good, if a bit over the top - in real life he'd be in jail. Will see where this one goes.

Post: #133

(07-01-2015 01:09 PM)Rutting Elephant Wrote:  Agree with previous comments about the dialogue. This exchange made me facepalm, it was so clunky and unnecessary:

Quote:“Five kids living there growing up. Two in jail. Two committed suicide. How's that for social theory?”

“And the fifth?”

“She became a detective.”

That scene in particular caused me to wonder if this season even had the same writer who wrote season 1 (it does).

It would have been slightly better if after his question McAdams' character had just walked away.

Post: #134

I'm really trying to give this season a chance, especially since the first one was so good.

The fight scene helped improve things a bit in the latest episode, however no matter what character you look at, I keep arriving at the same conclusions.

All the men are bitches, and all the women are bitches.

Post: #135

So I'm deep into True Detective...I have already seen the first episode of the first season... Then last night I tried watching the second episode and it fucked up right when that girl with PHENOMENAL tits was about to bang Woody Harrelsons character. I figured out the problem with the internet and now intend to loose a few days watching this show cause it seems legit. I will check back in with you gents later.

Post: #136

McAdams is fucking up the show for me. Her whole schtick is a poor imitation of a cool, tough cop.

-When she asked the mayor's son "where'd you, uh, pick up that accent?" She looks as if she's suppressing a grin because she can't even take herself seriously.

-Her little line to her police fuck buddy, "if you talk to me like that again you'll need a bag to carry your teeth." Get the fuck out of here with that lame bs.

-During the chase scene with the dude in the white mask she screams out "Mother fuckarrrgh!" had me cracking up.

If she just played her character straight without trying so hard to be cool, it wouldn't take me out of the show so much.

The fight scene with Vaughn was cool, and I'm glad Farrell's character survived.

Patrice O'Neal put it best-- women can't be cool.

Post: #137

^^^

Another thing that didn’t ring true for me was when McAdams saw Colin Farrell sitting in the back of the ambulance just after he got shot. She didn’t even ask him if he was OK, she gave him shit for going into the house alone.

Post: #138

Season 2 is definitely not as good as season one, but season one definitely spoiled us; something like the first season of True Detective comes along once every 3-4 years. EVERYTHING was top-of-the-line; the performances (Everyone loves McConaughey - but Woody Harrelson more than carried his own and was an extremely strong second lead), the dialogue, the cinematography, the score (that said - I do prefer season 2's theme song), the mythology, the story, the twists...how in the hell did anyone expect the show to follow THAT!?

But still, season two is solid-if-unspectacular (last night's episode was great). I do like the way it's being spun as sort of an LA noir and I think the story itself, with the corruption angle has the potential to be interesting, but the performances and the writing just aren't hacking it.

McAdams - I don't think she's that bad. Sure she's written as a 'tank grrl' cop but at least she's grounded in reality - she has to be like that because in her line of work just about any member of the opposite sex could kill her; she's not like she is because she has penis envy - she is the way she is because she has to be. She's a feminist sure, but she's not a cunt about it (her exchange with the fat black DA when she was asked to throw Colin Farrell under the bus was refreshing) and she's holding her own acting...but it just feels like there's nothing TO her character.

Vaughan - Easily the weakest link, though he had a strong showing this week and it doesn't help when he's given some of the hammiest dialogue I've ever seen ('I smashed the rat', 'If you're hungry, don't even eat'). I think as his character gets deeper into his criminal roots that he'll start to shine - but even when he was cast people questioned it and he's done little to prove them wrong.

Kitsch - He had a gay experience he's ashamed of - people are flipping about this, but so what. He's putting down a pretty solid - but not exceptional - performance so far - he's not turning heads but he's not polarizing the shit out of people (McAdams) or clearly out of his depth (Vaughan) out there. Like with McAdams character we know next to nothing about him.

Farrell - Head and shoulders above the rest, he has the most screen time by far and he's making the most of it. He's the only character that acts in any way that's consistent with what he's been through, and man - it's Colin fuckin' Farrell - the guy should be an honorary forum member. He's easily the best, most compelling, most believable and most unique character on the show. Sure he's no Rust Cohle and the drunken, self-destructive crooked detective thing has been done before, but I think he's kicking ass - his performance isn't enough to sell the show like McConaughey did for season 1, but it's enough to keep me invested. None of the other three even have a chance when they share the screen with him, and not only has he been the best so far, but (perhaps aside from Vince Vaughan), I'm most curious as to what happens with him as we get further in the story.

Season 1: A
Season 2: (so far) B

Post: #139

(SPOILER ALERT)

Season 1 was fantastic. Two larger than life characters, who essentially hate yet respect each other, working together to solve a murder. The music was great. Rural Louisiana is a weird place with weird people and the series really captured that. I thought the female/male dynamics were excellent and spot on. The way that Hart's wife used Rust to manipulate was spot on. I felt the series was very masculine and red pill. Hart and Rust were portrayed as two capable detectives with realistic capabilities... no 007 shit. The DeNiro/Pacino reference earlier in the thread was spot on.

Season 2... well lets say you know you're an RVFer when you cringe hearing a man say "my child is my child" when his attorney makes the suggestion he could be a cuckold. Then of course, the 'strong' female lead. As soon as they showed McAdams playing policeman and raiding the house I shut it off. Oh, and Vaughn sucks outside of a comedic role. He may get better as the series goes on but he was in no way intimidating or intriguing in episode 1. Pass.

I really liked how Season 1 took place in rural America. I would of liked to see Season 2 do the same... rural California or Pacific NW... perhaps Montana/Wyoming. Season 1's setting was like a character of its own.

Post: #140

(07-06-2015 02:32 PM)Lucky Wrote:  McAdams is fucking up the show for me. Her whole schtick is a poor imitation of a cool, tough cop.



-Her little line to her police fuck buddy, "if you talk to me like that again you'll need a bag to carry your teeth." Get the fuck out of here with that lame bs.



Patrice O'Neal put it best-- women can't be cool.

Just saw the 3rd episode and I agree with everything you said. She tries way too hard.
It seems like they are exaggerating with this female character. Did you notice how she is always "leading". When they raided the whore house, McAdams was the first to rush in.. Moreover, she is always ALWAYS driving the car.

Post: #141

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Post: #142

(07-06-2015 03:28 PM)Nonpareil Wrote:  Season 2 is definitely not as good as season one, but season one definitely spoiled us; something like the first season of True Detective comes along once every 3-4 years. EVERYTHING was top-of-the-line; the performances (Everyone loves McConaughey - but Woody Harrelson more than carried his own and was an extremely strong second lead), the dialogue, the cinematography, the score (that said - I do prefer season 2's theme song), the mythology, the story, the twists...how in the hell did anyone expect the show to follow THAT!?

But still, season two is solid-if-unspectacular (last night's episode was great). I do like the way it's being spun as sort of an LA noir and I think the story itself, with the corruption angle has the potential to be interesting, but the performances and the writing just aren't hacking it.

McAdams - I don't think she's that bad. Sure she's written as a 'tank grrl' cop but at least she's grounded in reality - she has to be like that because in her line of work just about any member of the opposite sex could kill her; she's not like she is because she has penis envy - she is the way she is because she has to be. She's a feminist sure, but she's not a cunt about it (her exchange with the fat black DA when she was asked to throw Colin Farrell under the bus was refreshing) and she's holding her own acting...but it just feels like there's nothing TO her character.

Vaughan - Easily the weakest link, though he had a strong showing this week and it doesn't help when he's given some of the hammiest dialogue I've ever seen ('I smashed the rat', 'If you're hungry, don't even eat'). I think as his character gets deeper into his criminal roots that he'll start to shine - but even when he was cast people questioned it and he's done little to prove them wrong.

Kitsch - He had a gay experience he's ashamed of - people are flipping about this, but so what. He's putting down a pretty solid - but not exceptional - performance so far - he's not turning heads but he's not polarizing the shit out of people (McAdams) or clearly out of his depth (Vaughan) out there. Like with McAdams character we know next to nothing about him.

Farrell - Head and shoulders above the rest, he has the most screen time by far and he's making the most of it. He's the only character that acts in any way that's consistent with what he's been through, and man - it's Colin fuckin' Farrell - the guy should be an honorary forum member. He's easily the best, most compelling, most believable and most unique character on the show. Sure he's no Rust Cohle and the drunken, self-destructive crooked detective thing has been done before, but I think he's kicking ass - his performance isn't enough to sell the show like McConaughey did for season 1, but it's enough to keep me invested. None of the other three even have a chance when they share the screen with him, and not only has he been the best so far, but (perhaps aside from Vince Vaughan), I'm most curious as to what happens with him as we get further in the story.

Season 1: A
Season 2: (so far) B

I think McAdams is the weakest--I hope someone slaps the shit out of her character. Vaugh's character is getting better each episode. Kitsch--I'm sick of shows forcing this gay shit on characters. Can't he just have PTSD without the gay shit? Farrell is pretty damn good. I think he will end up killing Vaughn's character.

Post: #143

(07-06-2015 06:37 PM)Chowder Head Wrote:  I think he will end up killing Vaughn's character.

We should start laying down what we think happens and see who comes closest. Sort of like who will win the Super Bowl type bets.

Or at least who we think dies. Not everyone is making it out of this alive.

I bet McAdams comes off the hero.

Post: #144

(07-06-2015 05:53 PM)YoungArt Wrote:  

(07-06-2015 02:32 PM)Lucky Wrote:  McAdams is fucking up the show for me. Her whole schtick is a poor imitation of a cool, tough cop.



-Her little line to her police fuck buddy, "if you talk to me like that again you'll need a bag to carry your teeth." Get the fuck out of here with that lame bs.



Patrice O'Neal put it best-- women can't be cool.

Just saw the 3rd episode and I agree with everything you said. She tries way too hard.
It seems like they are exaggerating with this female character. Did you notice how she is always "leading". When they raided the whore house, McAdams was the first to rush in.. Moreover, she is always ALWAYS driving the car.

It's no wonder Rachel McAdams is sinking her teeth into it and trying a little too hard (she's still better than Vince Vaughan though - for now at least. I have Farrell >>>>>>>>>>>>> McAdams = Kitsch >> Vaughan)...look at her filmography; she's basically been 'female love interest', 'female love interest and comic foil', 'The attractive but not too attractive female love interest that won't alienate the fatties'...

In short? She's aging (she's going to be 37 this year). She doesn't have an Academy Award to basically guarantee her a lifetime of work and she made her name being the chick in a bunch of adaptations of novels by dickless wonder Nicholas Sparks and a bunch of chick-lit typists no one's heard of (but I don't get it...I thought Red Eye was great).

She brings it here, she turns some heads, she gets calls for the roles she wants. She falls flat and fails and her next role is in 'The Beta who's wife got tingles for the romantically distant asshole', by some female author you've never heard of.

IMO - She's a B-movie actress who has (had?) a cute, wholesome look to her and is more likeable than average. She's not Charlize Theron, Amy Adams or Natalie Portman.

...

But yes - nothing to her character. All we really know is her dad is a multigrain, granola pussy and that's why she became a cop - but is that it? Rust was spacey and fucked-in-the-head because he spent 4 years addicted to drugs as a narc and they follow it up with a CHICK WITH DADDY ISSUES!?

Post: #145

(07-06-2015 06:37 PM)Chowder Head Wrote:  I think McAdams is the weakest--I hope someone slaps the shit out of her character. Vaugh's character is getting better each episode. Kitsch--I'm sick of shows forcing this gay shit on characters. Can't he just have PTSD without the gay shit? Farrell is pretty damn good. I think he will end up killing Vaughn's character.

Wait Kitsch is a fag?
It all makes sense now. The viagra pill and the fight with his buddy over something that happened between them in the past..
Man I really liked him, he seemed pretty alpha to me but if he is gay then Im really getting disappointed.

Post: #146

(07-06-2015 06:52 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(07-06-2015 06:37 PM)Chowder Head Wrote:  I think he will end up killing Vaughn's character.

We should start laying down what we think happens and see who comes closest. Sort of like who will win the Super Bowl type bets.

Or at least who we think dies. Not everyone is making it out of this alive.

I bet McAdams comes off the hero.

Good point on McAdams.

Post: #147

Well if kitsch is gay and needs the blue pill, then the actress Bj scene didn't happen. He busted her and she, like any woman, just said what she had to in order to get out of any sort of punishment by lying. Typical.

At least the writers got something right.

Post: #148

(07-07-2015 01:02 AM)samsamsam Wrote:  Well if kitsch is gay and needs the blue pill, then the actress Bj scene didn't happen. He busted her and she, like any woman, just said what she had to in order to get out of any sort of punishment by lying. Typical.

At least the writers got something right.

I get the feeling that there is going to be some "twist" with that situation.

The shows is making us feel like he didn't ask for a BJ from the actress, but it will come out that he actually did because he thought that he could feel like a man and get it up for an actress that was so hot.

He probably still failed and she accused him.

Post: #149

(07-06-2015 05:53 PM)YoungArt Wrote:  Just saw the 3rd episode and I agree with everything you said. She tries way too hard.
It seems like they are exaggerating with this female character. Did you notice how she is always "leading". When they raided the whore house, McAdams was the first to rush in.. Moreover, she is always ALWAYS driving the car.

I hadn't thought of that, but that is a great point.

One problem is that the series writer, Nic Pizzolatto, uses the show to explore certain themes of masculinity using various male archetypes but had to create a female character to relent to the critics of season one who complained that there were no strong female characters.

He can't use McAdams' character to uncover interesting aspects of masculinity because she's a woman. She acts like a man but he can't use her to dig into something of substance about what it means to be a man because she's not one. One possibility is that he could have used her to explore different dimensions of the female experience, but this isn't that kind of show.

This is why compared to the other main characters on the show she sucks.

Post: #150

This season is definitely more slow going than the first one. And the performances have been lacklustre.

As other members have already stated, Farrell has given the best performance thus far. Vince Vaughn is still not really believable as a tough guy (really, he runs multiple strip clubs/casinos, but is a total pussy around his wife/gf?), and I haven't been wowed by Kitsch's performance (trying to act really awkward around gays, it was overacting in my opinion).

I'm not as down on McAdams as some guys here are although she did have some cheesy lines. But she is a female cop, so she's going to exude that "don't-fuck-with-me" vibe. I thought the scene where she explains why she carries around knives was interesting and reflected the mindset of a female cop who can be overpowered by a high T dude at anytime.

My predictions:

- Farrell and McAdams hook up.
- McAdams learns about what Farrell did to his wife's rapist and ultimately turns him in.
- Farrell then offs himself
- Kitsch catches AIDS
- Vaughn gets taken out by the Russian mobster (part anaconda, part great white, ha!)
- Vinci mayor is somehow involved with Casper's disappearance. Likely stole Vaughn's money from Casper, then killed him.