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Post by Maolsheachlann on Aug 28, 2017 19:31:16 GMT
There's a marked tone of negativity on this forum, so I'm going to say something nice. In fact, I'm going to say something nice about modern Ireland. In fact, I'm going to say something nice about RTÉ!
I "reely" like the show Reeling in the Years. Whoever came up with the idea...came up with a good idea. The format of sticking entirely to period footage, with period music over it, and captions rather than narration, is brilliant. It makes it so much more immediate. The fact that it switches so quickly and seamlessly from sport to entertainment to politics to weather etc. gives it a real sense of life as it happens, all rolled together. And, although I'm sure this is the last thing RTÉ meant, and they might stop showing it if they read this, it gives me a really strong sense of nationhood and shared memory. Does anyone else like it?
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Post by cato on Aug 28, 2017 22:21:25 GMT
It's not bad but it seems to be repeated constantly. I suspect its a rip off copy of a foreign idea but it seems to have become iconic in Ireland. Life does appear to have been more innocent in the cutting edge 1980s and 1990s. It is also very addictive which is a good sign of sucessful telly.
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Sept 19, 2017 21:25:56 GMT
Has anyone seen that RTÉ comedy, Bridge and Eamonn? It's really dreadful. I watched about ten minutes of it today and didn't even smile once. It's about a married couple and it's set in the eighties. They seem to have complete contempt for each other and for everybody else. There is a crucifix over their bed, of course. All the jokes seem to be drawing on the usual Irish cultural cringe, such as moving statues. Dire!
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TV Shows
Jan 27, 2018 17:37:53 GMT
via mobile
Post by cato on Jan 27, 2018 17:37:53 GMT
Detectorists on BBC and Netflix is a beautifully shot comical depiction of the friendship of two eccentric English detecting enthusiasts.
It captures middle aged angst and failure perfectly but sympathetically. Its fun to watch and sucessfully depicts the nerdish element of a small amateur organisation . There are wonderful scenes from what is left of rural England too.
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jan 27, 2018 18:08:41 GMT
Detectorists on BBC and Netflix is a beautifully shot comical depiction of the friendship of two eccentric English detecting enthusiasts. It captures middle aged angst and failure perfectly but sympathetically. Its fun to watch and sucessfully depicts the nerdish element of a small amateur organisation . There are wonderful scenes from what is left of rural England too. My brother is always going on about this show. I've never seen it myself.
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jul 11, 2018 13:07:44 GMT
It would be interesting to know peoples' favourite TV shows (unless you have become so infuritated by political correctness or dumbing down that you have given up television all together. However, Pope Francis hasn't watched TV for thirty years, so I'm not sure eschewing TV keeps you safe from modernist ideas...! ) Here are mine: 1) Star Trek: The Next Generation. I wouldn't say this is my favourite TV show, since I don't really watch it any more, but it's the TV show that had the biggest effect on me. Me and my brothers would watch it all the time when I was in my teens. Even though the show has an undoubtedly secular-liberal bias, it had surprisingly conservative undertones which spoke to me. Most of all, there is a strong sense of community on the Starship Enterprise, it's a very tightknit family and when they are off-duty the crew often seem to be engaging in extra-curricular activities, like concerts and poetry recitals and drama. Tradition is also treated quite reverentially, at least in the case of alien races. (It seems odd that we tend to value other peoples' traditions more than our own-- at least, liberals do). Finally, nations and nationality still seem to exist in the 24th century, which appeals to me. I also like Star Trek: Voyager to a lesser extent. 2) The Rise and Fall of Reginal Perrin. The ORIGINAL version, not the awful remake. Even though this was written by a secularist who signed the letter protesting Pope Benedict's visit to Britain, it's fairly conservative in that it's quite critical of modern society. The central character is a middle-aged middle-manager who feels trapped in the routine of being a commuter and who makes a bid for escape, doing various crazy things. It has some great catch-phrases: "I didn't get where I am today"... "Dullsville, Arizona", "Super!", "Great". I like the speech he gives at the desserts conference: We are told that we need more growth: 6% per year. More chemicals to cure more pollution, caused by more chemicals. More car parks for more tourists who want to get away from more car parks. More food, to make us more fat, to make us use more slimming aids, to make us take more pills, to make us ill, to make us take more pills, to make more profit. More boring speakers, making more boring speeches, at more boring conferences. Ladies and gentlemen. You see, we become what we do. You show me a hero who makes fondue tongues, and I'll show you a happy man who earns his living perforating lavatory paper. "But what do YOU believe in?" I hear you ask. Do I hear you ask? Well I'll tell you anyway: I know that I don't know. I believe in not believing. You see, for every man who believes something, there's somebody who believes the opposite. What's the point? How many wars would have been fought, how many people would have been tortured if nobody ever believed in anything? Have you ever heard of 'The Wars of the Apathetic'? Or 'the persecution of the apathetic by the bone idle?3) The Office. The American verison, not the UK version. The UK version is funny, but it doesn't have the heart of the American version. It's a show about the beauty of the ordinary, set in a paper merchants with an incompetent and egotistical (but surprisingly soulful) manager. It went on for a few too many series, but even the bad later series have good moments. 4) Frasier. I've been watching it a lot recently. A show about a pompous intellectual snob who is also a radio psychiatrist. His brother is even more pompous and snobbish. Extremely witty and smart, though also willing to descend to farce every now and again. I like the fact that, even though the central character are undoubtedly members of the "liberal elite", religion is treated quite respectfully and politics is generally avoided. Those are my favourites, really.
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TV Shows
Jul 12, 2018 1:45:53 GMT
via mobile
Post by Séamus on Jul 12, 2018 1:45:53 GMT
It would be interesting to know peoples' favourite TV shows (unless you have become so infuritated by political correctness or dumbing down that you have given up television all together. However, Pope Francis hasn't watched TV for thirty years, so I'm not sure eschewing TV keeps you safe from modernist ideas...! ) Here are mine: 1) Star Trek: The Next Generation. I wouldn't say this is my favourite TV show, since I don't really watch it any more, but it's the TV show that had the biggest effect on me. Me and my brothers would watch it all the time when I was in my teens. Even though the show has an undoubtedly secular-liberal bias, it had surprisingly conservative undertones which spoke to me. Most of all, there is a strong sense of community on the Starship Enterprise, it's a very tightknit family and when they are off-duty the crew often seem to be engaging in extra-curricular activities, like concerts and poetry recitals and drama. Tradition is also treated quite reverentially, at least in the case of alien races. (It seems odd that we tend to value other peoples' traditions more than our own-- at least, liberals do). Finally, nations and nationality still seem to exist in the 24th century, which appeals to me. I also like Star Trek: Voyager to a lesser extent. 2)... Etc... really. I just read today that the original STAR TREK was the first tv show in U.S. to show an interracial kiss. "William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols as Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura broke this taboo in 1968... Apparently, executives wanted to shoot a scene with them JUST EMBRACING that could be shown in AMERICA'S SOUTHERN STATES. The story goes that Shatner ruined that shot by making his eyes cross, forcing the kiss scene to be shown, even though it was carefully cut so as not to offend" Mention is also made that the first show to film a couple in the same bed was called MARY KAY AND JOHNNY, in the very early days of tv. But after this, by the late 50s-60s "...couples, such as I LOVE LUCY and THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW (were) forced to shoot bedroom scenes in separate beds" It suggested that THE MUNSTERS was the first show to film a couple in the same bed, aside from the early example mentioned, followed by BEWITCHED. "Seeing that they slept in separate beds with a nightstand between them, it was almost a miracle that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were expecting a baby on I LOVE LUCY in 1953. It was the first time a pregnant woman, then a baby, were featured on tv. Although they weren't allowed to say 'pregnant', instead she was 'expecting' "
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jul 12, 2018 6:14:02 GMT
It would be interesting to know peoples' favourite TV shows (unless you have become so infuritated by political correctness or dumbing down that you have given up television all together. However, Pope Francis hasn't watched TV for thirty years, so I'm not sure eschewing TV keeps you safe from modernist ideas...! ) Here are mine: 1) Star Trek: The Next Generation. I wouldn't say this is my favourite TV show, since I don't really watch it any more, but it's the TV show that had the biggest effect on me. Me and my brothers would watch it all the time when I was in my teens. Even though the show has an undoubtedly secular-liberal bias, it had surprisingly conservative undertones which spoke to me. Most of all, there is a strong sense of community on the Starship Enterprise, it's a very tightknit family and when they are off-duty the crew often seem to be engaging in extra-curricular activities, like concerts and poetry recitals and drama. Tradition is also treated quite reverentially, at least in the case of alien races. (It seems odd that we tend to value other peoples' traditions more than our own-- at least, liberals do). Finally, nations and nationality still seem to exist in the 24th century, which appeals to me. I also like Star Trek: Voyager to a lesser extent. 2)... Etc... really. I just read today that the original STAR TREK was the first tv show in U.S. to show an interracial kiss. "William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols as Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura broke this taboo in 1968... Apparently, executives wanted to shoot a scene with them JUST EMBRACING that could be shown in AMERICA'S SOUTHERN STATES. The story goes that Shatner ruined that shot by making his eyes cross, forcing the kiss scene to be shown, even though it was carefully cut so as not to offend" Mention is also made that the first show to film a couple in the same bed was called MARY KAY AND JOHNNY, in the very early days of tv. But after this, by the late 50s-60s "...couples, such as I LOVE LUCY and THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW (were) forced to shoot bedroom scenes in separate beds" It suggested that THE MUNSTERS was the first show to film a couple in the same bed, aside from the early example mentioned, followed by BEWITCHED. "Seeing that they slept in separate beds with a nightstand between them, it was almost a miracle that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were expecting a baby on I LOVE LUCY in 1953. It was the first time a pregnant woman, then a baby, were featured on tv. Although they weren't allowed to say 'pregnant', instead she was 'expecting' " The liberal left (which means, the entire cultural establishment) loves to repeat these stories of ridiculous taboos in order to make ALL taboos in entertainment seem ridiculous.
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Post by Séamus on Jul 12, 2018 6:59:09 GMT
I just read today that the original STAR TREK was the first tv show in U.S. to show an interracial kiss. "William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols as Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura broke this taboo in 1968... Apparently, executives wanted to shoot a scene with them JUST EMBRACING that could be shown in AMERICA'S SOUTHERN STATES. The story goes that Shatner ruined that shot by making his eyes cross, forcing the kiss scene to be shown, even though it was carefully cut so as not to offend" Mention is also made that the first show to film a couple in the same bed was called MARY KAY AND JOHNNY, in the very early days of tv. But after this, by the late 50s-60s "...couples, such as I LOVE LUCY and THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW (were) forced to shoot bedroom scenes in separate beds" It suggested that THE MUNSTERS was the first show to film a couple in the same bed, aside from the early example mentioned, followed by BEWITCHED. "Seeing that they slept in separate beds with a nightstand between them, it was almost a miracle that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were expecting a baby on I LOVE LUCY in 1953. It was the first time a pregnant woman, then a baby, were featured on tv. Although they weren't allowed to say 'pregnant', instead she was 'expecting' " The liberal left (which means, the entire cultural establishment) loves to repeat these stories of ridiculous taboos in order to make ALL taboos in entertainment seem ridiculous. I'm sure that they're all that ridiculous, maybe the first one about the Shatner/Nichols kiss. As a secular reviewer mentioned once, discussing LADY AND THE TRAMP, it's nice to know that you can show something to young children that's innocent enough to depict a mother who's about to give birth, who nevertheless still has a six-inch waist.
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TV Shows
Jul 12, 2018 7:13:47 GMT
via mobile
Post by Séamus on Jul 12, 2018 7:13:47 GMT
The liberal left (which means, the entire cultural establishment) loves to repeat these stories of ridiculous taboos in order to make ALL taboos in entertainment seem ridiculous. I'm sure that they're all that ridiculous, maybe the first one about the Shatner/Nichols kiss. As a secular reviewer mentioned once, discussing LADY AND THE TRAMP, it's nice to know that you can show something to young children that's innocent enough to depict a mother who's about to give birth, who nevertheless still has a six-inch waist. Major typo: I'm NOT sure that they're all that ridiculous... Etc
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jul 12, 2018 9:03:47 GMT
Oh, I'm all for standards in entertainment, even standards that fall on the draconian side. But surely showing a married couple sleeping in separate beds is a bit too prudish? (Notwithstanding that it does happen.) Or saying "expecting" instead of "pregnant?"
As for the inter-racial kiss, well, I don't care about the inter-racial part and as for the kiss....kissing seems integral to many stories. The Hays Code of the mid-twentieth century American film industry had it right, I think (I'm cutting and pasting this from another source):
) They should not be introduced when not essential to the plot b) Excessive and lustful kissing, lustful embraces, suggestive postures and gestures, are not to be shown c) In general, passion should so be treated that these scenes do not stimulate the lower and baser element.
The unofficial rule of thumb was that a kiss should not last longer than three seconds, in order to curb representations of excessive passion onscreen. But filmmakers found clever ways of subverting those rules.
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Post by cato on Jul 12, 2018 13:32:42 GMT
I think I mentioned earlier this year the BBC series the Detectorists, which is heart warming , funny and an affectionate ode to hobbies and friendship.
I laughed when I saw Maolsheachlann's mention of Frazier. I had been recommended it by several people but only began watching it this week. It is very good witty smart and funny.
Recently I started watching the classic 1960s Avengers series. Set in the swinging 60s Patrick Mcnee and an assortmemt of voluptious highly intelligent assistants take part in generally far fetched plots to save Britian and the west from various perils and villians. Addictive retro.
I think we are living through a golden age for detective series: Morse/Lewis/Endeavour , David Suchet's Poirot and the various dark Scandanavian offerings etc. Good versus evil never ceases to entertain .
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jul 12, 2018 14:43:04 GMT
I think I mentioned earlier this year the BBC series the Detectorists, which is heart warming , funny and an affectionate ode to hobbies and friendship. I laughed when I saw Maolsheachlann's mention of Frazier. I had been recommended it by several people but only began watching it this week. It is very good witty smart and funny. Recently I started watching the classic 1960s Avengers series. Set in the swinging 60s Patrick Mcnee and an assortmemt of voluptious highly intelligent assistants take part in generally far fetched plots to save Britian and the west from various perils and villians. Addictive retro. I think we are living through a golden age for detective series: Morse/Lewis/Endeavour , David Suchet's Poirot and the various dark Scandanavian offerings etc. Good versus evil never ceases to entertain . I don't like detective series myself, but I hear very good things of the first three you mentioned. They certainly look very handsome (I've watched scenes here and there). I'm glad you've discovered Frasier!
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Post by Séamus on Jul 15, 2018 7:32:27 GMT
I just read today that the original STAR TREK was the first tv show in U.S. to show an interracial kiss. " The liberal left (which means, the entire cultural establishment) loves to repeat these stories of ridiculous taboos in order to make ALL taboos in entertainment seem ridiculous. I mentioned the original StarTrek, Lucy Ball and the Munsters last week without realising that a one-season member of the original cast,Roger Perry,had died last Thursday@85. He had been a protégé of Ball and also guest starred in a Munsters episode, would you believe? Apparently one of his main life achievements was writing original songs for one of George Bernard Shaw's 1890's plays. It doesn't seem to have quite been the success of MY FAIR LADY.
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