American Horror Story:
Coven 25/09/2014
This show is my first pick
as it demonstrates a sense of variety. This program is an anthology format;
that is each season demonstrates individual self-contained stories. This season
takes place within a witch’s coven and explores through this microcosm the
broader issues of isolationism of minorities within society and social
indifference. This is effective as it demonstrates the difficulty of
individuals within society and their attempts to assimilate to the values of
the norm while ultimately struggling with their own individuality. This
explores explicitly gender struggles, as the use of women in power is a high
point of the program. Creator Ryan Murphy and Bradfulchuck succeed in this
aspect as they place women within roles of power; however succeed in imparting
a gender equality message through the central metaphor of corruption. The
program is allegorical in the way in which it explores contemporary issues of
gender, race, the power relationships between these two groups within society
and through the metaphor of magic, the struggle of controlling ones urges to
utilise power when in positions of superiority.
This program succeeds to
be both insightful and entertaining while living up to its name of being a true
horror story balancing the elements of suspense, supernatural and the necessary
amounts of gore.
Four and a half stars
(There is a bit too much filler in the second half, however it is entertaining nonetheless.)
Broad City: 29/09/2014
This new comedy provides
an introspective/comedic/hilarious/amazing/etc(yeahyougetitit’sgreat) yet
somewhat realistic look into the lives of 20something women living in New York.
However what I have learnt through watching programs of this sort (Lena
Dunham’s Girls, Sex and the city etc) is that this removes the emphasis of
individuals classifying shows as purely a girls show, or a woman’s show. This,
like Girls (don’t mean to contrast but they are just both equally great shows)
demonstrate that women in the past 5 years perhaps from the advent of
Bridesmaids a new wave of female driven shows that impart wisdom to all
individuals. This may seem somewhat contrived however I feel that this is
necessary as it is not only an accomplishment but a triumph!
Broad City follows the
lives of Illana and Abbey as they navigate the complexities of adult life in
often ridiculous yet comedically genius situations. To go more in depth is to
ruin the treat of exploring the show that is so fresh! This show was born out
of the minds of both Illana Glazer and Abbi Jacobsen who started their careers
taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York in 2006; it
is here that they met for the first time. Soon enough they established their
own webshow also entitled Broad City. This was soon noticed by Amy Poehler who
signed on to executive produce the series where it was finally picked up after
a failed attempt with FX by Comedy Central.
And the rest is history!
Seriously,
Check this series out, it’s
amazing. Five Stars!
Bobs Burgers: 5/10/2014
Okay, seriously, you need
to watch this, and I only need to give you one reason, see as below.
Okay, that may not be much
of an incentive for the unfamiliar viewer but come on! The series follows the
Belchers, a family who own a hamburger restaurant on Ocean Avenue in an unnamed
seaside community. This family is hilarious you have Tina (as seen above) the
hormone charged daughter, Linda the zesty(sorry, the only and most accurate way
to describe her) matriarch, Jean, the adorable yet flatulent and perhaps the
most clear minded of the family (and that’s saying something) son, Louise, the
scheming youngest child and Bob, the sensible father and restaurant owner.
Follow their adventures,
as they are actually original! Perhaps even comparable to early Simpsons
(because we all know what it’s like now), and not unnecessarily crude and
virtually unnecessary as Family Guy (THE NEW STUFF! THE EARLY STUFF WAS AMAZING
DON’T GET ME WRONG).
But seriously the Belchers
are a hoot and their adventures actually leave you feeling happy and warm
inside after viewing instead of leaving feeling cheated or feeling as though
you have had some satirical political/zeitgeist related message crammed down
your throat.
Four and a half stars! But
only because I wish there was more each season (but seriously it’s really
five).
Girls – 10/10/2014
Nothing can stress more
how good this show actually is. This show is, if not, one of the best
developments in recent television history. This captures what it means to be
young (sorry to be pretentious but for most individuals I have spoken to this
seems to be true). YOUNG, BROKE, YEARNING, ANXIOUS, AND AFRAID. These are the
words that the show encapsulates perfectly.
Lena Dunham’s mind, the
brave 28 year old creator, is one of brilliance and if I do say so myself,
somewhat of a voice that appropriately addresses the issues of young people.
The show follows four girls, really they are women, but as the title suggests
they are yearning for something, they are struggling with themselves trying to
seek a future, trying to find themselves. This story, an ensemble piece, is not
complete without the accompanying New York setting.
Now, I know that when
people say the city becomes a character it becomes dribble…. But…. IT BECOMES A
CHARACTER. This show hones true to my own memories and experiences as a young
person and could not be anymore real and honest. Perhaps that’s why it is such
a success.
Seriously though, watch
this.
FIVE STARS FOR REALNESS
#REALTALKFOLIFE
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