Board 8 > Scarlet Ranks User-Nominated Episodes of Television: Season 2

(+) Yeah! (+)

Pokewars posted...

PumpkinCoach posted...

sideshow bob roberts would have a been the choice for scarlet i think

Oooh that would be intriguing to see his review.

Season 3 maybe
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Does that sideshow bob roberts episode have as little Homer in it as possible? I don't remember. That could work if it did.
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I'm kind of amused by how much people are trying to get me into The Simpsons.
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Funnily enough, I've had the same experience with South Park. No matter how much I tell people that it's not my thing, they keep throwing out episodes to watch like they're just gonna happen upon that one no one else did that's gonna make me a fan.
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I've always found I have pretty good success recommending my friends TV shows. But I never recommend a show that can't hook someone by episodes 3 or 4. It's too much of a time sink. I have people recommend shows to me, and when I tap out after a few episodes, they say, "Wait 'til it gets good in season 3!"

No.
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To be fair I feel like South Park has more distinctive styles of episodes than Simpsons does. Like I couldn't really care less about the "biting social commentary" type stuff scarlet beams about but I tend to like the stupid fun episodes that are just simple stuff like a Lord of the Rings parody or whatever.
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scarletspeed7 posted...

I've always found I have pretty good success recommending my friends TV shows.

currently on season 4 of veep >.>
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Nice! I'm glad you've taken to it.
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It's really just an easy show to watch. Consistently solid performances and excellent writing with very little filler.
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I've discovered that any show Gary Cole appears in ends up being great. Not necessarily because of him, but he picks well!
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Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
Nominated by: Great Paul

When I was in high school and college, I had a HUGE crush on younger Kristin Wiig, so this episode gets an immediate boost from ponytailed Wiig in track pants.

Season 2 was not QUITE as good as FotC season 1, but this episode is still a fantastic one. Murray's brand of humor is a brilliant combination of awkward comedy and overexaggeration, and there's no way to quantify it. "Last year, you had two ideas." He doesn't mean it as a complete burn, but it plays wonderfully that way.

"Are you pro or anti-AIDS? Can you just do a quick one around the office and find out if anyone is pro?"

Really, every Murray line is phenomenal. One of the most underrated supporting characters ever.

I know my thoughts are all over the place here. I think what makes Flight such a fantastic show is that one-off jokes are pushed to their limit, and the further you dive into them, the more they turn the characters into unique personalities. There is a child-like innocence to Bret and Jemaine, and a character like Brahbrah (what a great punchline that ended up being) fits into the patter well. In fact, season 2 really sees the characters settling into their unique brand of comedy so easily.

The downside, however, is that the music is just not QUITE as good as before, and it still remains a driving reason behind why you would watch this show.

Still, awkward dog stealing, Mel stalking Bret, and Brahbrah searching for a dog that disappeared six months before makes this a great little episode.

Writing: 8/10
Characterization: 8/10
Scarlet Factor: 7/10
Overall Rating: 23/30

"Bitches are prone to seizures."
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Random.org has decreed that next up is... Rick & Morty - "Meseeks and Destroy" (Nominated by:Tangy)

29 Points:
Lost - "Walkabout"
26 Points:
Frasier - "The Ski Lodge"
25 Points:
The Walking Dead - "Too Far Gone"
23 Points:
Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
20 Points:
Simpsons - "Homer at the Bat"
Star Trek - "The Menagerie, Part I"
19 Points:
Quantum Leap - "Raped"
Boston Legal - "Shock and Oww!"
18 Points:
Weird City - "The One"
16 Points:
Girls' Last Tour - "Accident/Technology/Takeoff"
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - "Chuckles Bites the Dust"
10 Points:
Agents of SHIELD - "4,722 Hours"
9 Points:
V - "Pilot"
7 Points:
Angel - "Dead End"
3 Points:
Beast Wars: Transformers - "Code of Hero"
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have you watched Rick and Morty before?
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Once, and I hated it.
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scarletspeed7 posted...

Once, and I hated it.

heh

couldn't remember if it was on the last list, but while I really like Rick and Morty I also really felt like it wouldn't be your thing
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scarletspeed7 posted...

Once, and I hated it.

Same, my girlfriend tried getting me into it. Showed me a full episode and parts of 2 other episodes.
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That's what I find so fascinating about Rick & Morty. It's both one of the smartest and stupidest shows I've seen. The humor is so cringy and unfunny sometimes especially in season 1, but at the same time you get some really fun episodes that explore some great science fiction concepts that you don't see too often. Season 3 is especially good at a lot of its concepts
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Hey, should be back on this tonight! Weekend catch-up!
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Rick & Morty - "Meeseeks and Destroy"
Nominated by: Tangy

I watched this last night. I tried to find something to say, something that I felt would provide some insight to my TV watching habits. Something that maybe would demonstrate a level of competency in my critical views for these various shows. Something that was interesting enough and not alienating in order to retain people's attention on this slow-moving (but fun) topic.

I got nothing.

This show did not resonate with me at all. On an intellectual level, I appreciated the conceptual work put into the Meeseeks, but I was totally turned off by shrill, loud voices. To me, that is the opposite of comedy. That is stupidity. The execution proved to be that of a truly unique concept, a very high-level piece of sci fi yumminess, but I was anchored down by the very pedantic, by-the-numbers cartoon style in which the Meeseeks actually debuted.

At the same time, a second plotline seemed to be about redefining roles of characters, but I couldn't for the life of me care about some nasaly little squeaker and his belching, farting companion who only served to disengage me from the story entirely.

Then there was a rape scene. Lovely.

Overall, would not watch again, despite some very interesting ideas.

Writing: 5/10
Characterization: 3/10
Scarlet Factor: 4/10
Overall Rating: 12/30
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Random.org has decreed that next up is... Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1" (Nominated by: Anagram )

29 Points:
Lost - "Walkabout"
26 Points:
Frasier - "The Ski Lodge"
25 Points:
The Walking Dead - "Too Far Gone"
23 Points:
Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
20 Points:
Simpsons - "Homer at the Bat"
Star Trek - "The Menagerie, Part I"
19 Points:
Quantum Leap - "Raped"
Boston Legal - "Shock and Oww!"
18 Points:
Weird City - "The One"
16 Points:
Girls' Last Tour - "Accident/Technology/Takeoff"
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - "Chuckles Bites the Dust"
12 Points:
Rick & Morty - "Meseeks and Destroy"
10 Points:
Agents of SHIELD - "4,722 Hours"
9 Points:
V - "Pilot"
7 Points:
Angel - "Dead End"
3 Points:
Beast Wars: Transformers - "Code of Hero"
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That actually sums up my thoughts on the episode pretty well. It's a favorite among some Rick and Morty fans, but while I think its ideas are cool, I'd rank it pretty low compared to most other episodes in the series. I will give it credit for the Meeseeks being a pretty instantly memorable character.
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i absolutely love the meeseeks episode

is he keeping his shoulders square?

ooooh he's tryin!
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Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1"
Nominated by: Anagram

I suspect that for everybody, there are those precious few hours in front of a television or at the movies that stand apart from all the rest as the most obviously memorable. They're the ones that live on in the imagination as truly thrilling experiences. For me, one such episode that reaches that level of impact on me is BoBW. I suspect that I'm not the only one who feels this way about this particular show. When I was young, I was completely bowled over by just how unpredictable, how dangerous, Star Trek had become. I was terrified, glued to the seat, incapable of thinking about anything except what was to come next. But at that age ... well, what can I say? It was awesome. And it was captivating. It was Trek with a visceral edge we had rarely seen the likes of before.

You see, there's a haunting, quiet discussion as well, with contemplations of The End, in which Picard and Guinan wax philosophic in the face of possibly inevitable decimation. Picard's contemplation of the end of humanity's role in history is the epitome of grace under pressure, as he reflects upon it in a larger context of history: "Will this be the end of our civilization? Turn the page." Hints that would later add to the speculative fire abound. Guinan: "Nelson never returned from Trafalgar." Picard: "No, but the battle was won." Will this conflict, even if victorious, see the end of Picard? And Guinan's testament to the human spirit offers reassurance: "As long as there's a handful of you to keep the spirit alive, you will prevail." It's brilliant writing.

Then there's the Borg. There is no talking your way out of a confrontation with the Borg. They are coming, and they aren't stopping. How can we possibly defeat them?

Combine these two ingredients, stir. Add the flavor of Riker once again considering whether it was time to transition to a new stage of his career. And you're left with... an excellent setup episode. One of the very best.

Writing: 9/10
Characterization: 9/10
Scarlet Factor: 10/10
Overall Rating: 28/30
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Random.org has decreed that next up is... Sherlock - "A Scandal in Belgravia" (Nominated by: Maniac)

29 Points:
Lost - "Walkabout"
28 Points:
Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1"
26 Points:
Frasier - "The Ski Lodge"
25 Points:
The Walking Dead - "Too Far Gone"
23 Points:
Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
20 Points:
Simpsons - "Homer at the Bat"
Star Trek - "The Menagerie, Part I"
19 Points:
Quantum Leap - "Raped"
Boston Legal - "Shock and Oww!"
18 Points:
Weird City - "The One"
16 Points:
Girls' Last Tour - "Accident/Technology/Takeoff"
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - "Chuckles Bites the Dust"
12 Points:
Rick & Morty - "Meseeks and Destroy"
10 Points:
Agents of SHIELD - "4,722 Hours"
9 Points:
V - "Pilot"
7 Points:
Angel - "Dead End"
3 Points:
Beast Wars: Transformers - "Code of Hero"
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Worth noting is that they made that episode not knowing what would happen in the second part, and that every time Star Trek tried to that again, it failed.
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Woo my first nom
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maybe I'll watch Star Trek someday

probably not
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I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life, as it has been, is over. From this time forward, you will service....us.

Probably the greatest cliffhanger in television history.
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Pokewars posted...

I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life, as it has been, is over. From this time forward, you will service....us.

Probably the greatest cliffhanger in television history.

I would agree!
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I wish I didnt know all about the Borg before ever seeing them. I feel like I just missed out on something there.

Also reading that I'm not sure I've ever seen that episode.
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I totally forgot about the rape scene too. I probably could've picked a better episode, but I don't think it would've made too much of a difference.
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BetrayedTangy posted...

I totally forgot about the rape scene too. I probably could've picked a better episode, but I don't think it would've made too much of a difference.

You never know! I actually vastly preferred this episode to the pilot.
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I'm thinking you might like other episodes.

I myself just watched all of Rick and Morty (Very late to the party, I know). It's pretty great at times.
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Yeah the Pilot is garbage. If you do a season 3 I might find an episode that has a bigger focus on the sci fi.
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I will DEFINITELY be doing season 3! Even if I don't like every episode, I find these to be pretty fun.
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I was hoping you would. I already have my noms planned
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Oh good I totally intend on nominating the show BrainDead. Super obscure show, but it's great nonetheless. Sort of mad at myself for forgetting about it.
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BetrayedTangy posted...

Oh good I totally intend on nominating the show BrainDead. Super obscure show, but it's great nonetheless. Sort of mad at myself for forgetting about it.

I

Love

BrainDead
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Oh wow. I didn't know anyone else watched that show. Definitely one of the most surprisingly amazing shows I've seen.
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I think very highly of Rick and Morty but I think the DNA of the show just has natural conflict with scarlet
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Sherlock - "A Scandal in Belgravia"
Nominated by: Maniac

Probably the best episode of the entire series, and definitely one the greatest things Moffat has ever put together.

As much as I enjoyed the episode, I did however gather a few criticisms. At the end of Season 1 Sherlock and Watson were trapped at gun point by the mastermind Moriarty. The most disappointing part of A Scandal in Belgravia was that what had been a climactic finale for Season 1 was a quick and rushed beginning for Season 2. All I could think when watching the first 3 minutes was whether Moffat and Gatiss had expected to even make a Season 2.

Thankfully this rushed start is soon forgotten with a montage of various cases rejected and accepted by Sherlock and Watson providing us with an unclear passing of time. This montage finishes with the two protagonists leaving the theater after a case, and they are forced to conceal their faces from the press by wearing hats. These hats happen to be the classic flat-cap worn by Watson, and the famous deerstalker hat worn by Sherlock Holmes. This scene puts a massive grin upon any Holmes fans face.

This episode is very character driven, which means that rather than following a random case that has no relevance to the big picture of Sherlock, Holmes' relationships among other characters are at the forefront of the plot. This strengthens our attachments with the characters created by Cumberbatch and Freeman.

Adler is a delightful twist on the Catwoman inspiration of Doyle's work, and overall, everything about this episode comes together very well after the start.

Writing: 8/10
Characterization: 10/10
Scarlet Factor: 9/10
Overall Rating: 27/30
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Random.org has decreed that next up is... Doctor Who - "Gridlock" (Nominated by: Pirateking)

29 Points:
Lost - "Walkabout"
28 Points:
Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1"
27 Points:
Sherlock - "A Scandal in Belgravia"
26 Points:
Frasier - "The Ski Lodge"
25 Points:
The Walking Dead - "Too Far Gone"
23 Points:
Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
20 Points:
Simpsons - "Homer at the Bat"
Star Trek - "The Menagerie, Part I"
19 Points:
Quantum Leap - "Raped"
Boston Legal - "Shock and Oww!"
18 Points:
Weird City - "The One"
16 Points:
Girls' Last Tour - "Accident/Technology/Takeoff"
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - "Chuckles Bites the Dust"
12 Points:
Rick & Morty - "Meseeks and Destroy"
10 Points:
Agents of SHIELD - "4,722 Hours"
9 Points:
V - "Pilot"
7 Points:
Angel - "Dead End"
3 Points:
Beast Wars: Transformers - "Code of Hero"
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i nominated gridlock
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Scandal in Belgravia is actually the first episode I saw of the series. I kinda actually like that the Moriarty stuff in the beginning wraps up really quick. A strong point of the Sherlock series to me is that every episode is worth watching as a stand alone thing and all the back referencing is just gravy more than necessary to follow the plot of each episode-- feel like if you linger too long on that plot thread it removes that appeal. Like I'd have felt lost in the episode as the first one I saw otherwise.

I mean I guess you could argue that 1-3 shouldn't have ended on quite as strong a cliffhanger that needed to be hastily resolved or sidetrack the whole plot of 2-1, but yeah I dunno I'm just saying I never really thought of that as a flaw of the episode.
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Aw yeah! I chose the right episode
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PumpkinCoach posted...

i nominated gridlock

checking the list and looks like my first set of noms ("gridlock" and "the buffet") were listed under pirateking.

on belgravia, i can see where it's clever and well-constructed, but aesthetically the show leaves me cold like a more distilled version of the stuff i don't like about moffat's doctor who.

also, making a note to nominate an episode from the granada sherlock holmes next time, and maybe something from the quite-good-for-a-network-procedural elementary (which has the better re-imagined irene adler)
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As always, just a busy mid-week for me. Hopefully will pick up some slack tomorrow.
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Got even more swamped yesterday, but back on track after work tonight!
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Doctor Who - "Gridlock"
Nominated by: PumpkinCoach

Gridlock is probably the best episode of its season, although I can't say it particularly stands out to me as an all-time great. The episode intriguingly builds on the relationship between The Doctor and Martha and bodes well for the future of the pair. The concluding scene where the medical student demands answers from the Time Lord is superbly played and wisely not overstated. The direction is utterly spot on, with Richard Clarke never rushing these scenes or quick cutting, instead allowing the performances to really breathe. The Face of Boe's death scene is perfectly judged too.

My biggest issue is that the camera work and set work feels fairly cheap - a complaint I think I've always had about Doctor Who. It definitely has always felt more pronounced on the future Earth episodes though; I can't exactly explain why. This detracts a lot for me, much in the way that the first Tron sometimes takes me out of the movie with its lack of interesting set pieces, or the way that WarGames is hard to enjoy with its archaic presentation and lack of computer knowledge.

Overall, Gridlock is a great script weighed down by the persistent budget problems of the series.

Writing: 8/10
Characterization: 8/10
Scarlet Factor: 6/10
Overall Rating: 22/30
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Random.org has decreed that next up is... Doctor Who - "Midnight" (Nominated by: Inviso)

29 Points:
Lost - "Walkabout"
28 Points:
Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1"
27 Points:
Sherlock - "A Scandal in Belgravia"
26 Points:
Frasier - "The Ski Lodge"
25 Points:
The Walking Dead - "Too Far Gone"
23 Points:
Flight of the Conchords - "Love is a Weapon of Choice"
22 Points:
Doctor Who - "Gridlock"
20 Points:
Simpsons - "Homer at the Bat"
Star Trek - "The Menagerie, Part I"
19 Points:
Quantum Leap - "Raped"
Boston Legal - "Shock and Oww!"
18 Points:
Weird City - "The One"
16 Points:
Girls' Last Tour - "Accident/Technology/Takeoff"
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - "Chuckles Bites the Dust"
12 Points:
Rick & Morty - "Meseeks and Destroy"
10 Points:
Agents of SHIELD - "4,722 Hours"
9 Points:
V - "Pilot"
7 Points:
Angel - "Dead End"
3 Points:
Beast Wars: Transformers - "Code of Hero"
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