Wicked Posted January 4, 2018 Posted January 4, 2018 53 minutes ago, Playa Playa said: It's funny because it's true DAMN. era has made the Kendrick vs Drake debate very interesting because people can't reach that "Kendrick makes music for the critics, Drake makes music for the people" conclusion. The former now has a solo rap #1 and 2 other Top 10 hits from the most acclaimed album of the year. There's really not much else... Poor Drake now actually, tbh. The ball's in his court but I don't think Drake can ever get the backing from critics like that.
MP2K Posted January 4, 2018 Posted January 4, 2018 “Duckworth” is top 3 on DAMN. but DNA Pop 2 i need to get to it. Everything else I'll take some time to check them out.
World Eater Posted January 4, 2018 Posted January 4, 2018 Both DNA. and DUCKWORTH. are on my DAMN. top 3 so it's all fine Track 10
Playa Playa Posted January 5, 2018 Author Posted January 5, 2018 (edited) Quote 16. By delivering more of what audiences loved the first time around, and building on that foundation, Stranger Things 2 continued to channel 80s nostalgia and its escapism, characterized now by deeper and darker ideas. What I loved most about the new season was the greater focus to thoughtfully exploring the effects of trauma and loss and how it manifests itself in different ways. Will's PTSD was the most explicit example by which the show conveyed the horrors of that trauma in the form of the Shadow Monster, and Noah Schnapp's outstanding performance was essential to the season's success as he powerfully portrayed the significant impact of his symptoms. But once again it was balanced with pure, accessible enjoyment, with great new character pairings (Dustin and Steve! Eleven and Hooper! Joyce and Bob!), and the final two episodes being the highpoints of the series so far. Quote 15. Just when you thought you’d had enough of serial-killer stories along came this thought-provoking reinvention of the crime procedural. The show veers away from many typical conventions of the genre (on-screen violence, cop spectacle, whodunnit mysteries) for a more careful and nuanced analysis of psychology behind murder, highlighting the gendered nature of serial murder. It's built almost entirely around conversations, whether that be between FBI agents and the imprisoned killers they study, or the agents developing a new set of terminology together. But it's just as compelling, if not more so, with Cameron Britton's unsettling performance as Ed Kemper especially demonstrating that words and our own imagination have as much impact as actions. I found the prestige-TV twist on the procedural format also truly fascinating and a welcomed change from Netflix's boring 13-hour movie model. The episodes weren't exactly case-of-the-week types but short-term investigations scattered over the season more focused on developing the understanding of offender profiling than solving a case. Oh, and it was very funny too. Quote 14. Despite being in the non-fiction realm, I'd be remiss if I didn’t mention Ryan White's criminally overlooked The Keepers, a fascinating exploration of the unsolved murder of the nun Sister Cathy Cesnik that became just as compelling for the questions it raised about systematic child sexual abuse and the subsequent cover-ups by the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. The 7-part series chronicled events and conspiracies surrounding the murder of Sister Cathy and another woman named Joyce Malecki in a traditional true-crime whodunit fashion. Dramatic cold opens, crime reenactments and careful cliffhangers were all included, but what really elevated the series was the shift in focus to giving a voice to marginalized survivors of abuse after the Catholic Church tried their hardest to erase their stories. It was a natural and timely progression that honoured Sister Cathy and the expose work she was doing before her murder. Unlike Making a Murderer and Serial, the series didn't leave me trying to solve this cold case on Reddit; instead, it left me inspired and empowered by the remarkable, brave survivors who demand justice. Quote 13. In just 8 episodes, Starz's American Gods, based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, delivered a staggering vision of a dark and brutal world beset by war and intrigue that is all at once a fantasy, a road trip story, and tales in ancient mythology. Boasting high production values, a top-notch cast, showrunners in Bryan Fuller and Michael Green who understood and appreciated the underlying material, and a meticulous visual style, American Gods was a beast that brought life to the fantasy genre that is currently in a rut. Fuller and Green updated a few elements of the source material to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of reality, making it even more of a thematic examination of US culture and history. But as with the late, great Hannibal, Fuller demands the viewer to be patient. With a plot that is slow-moving and hyper-stylized, most of Season 1 felt like it was putting the pieces in place for the next season, but unlike most shows that do this, American Gods was consistently interesting even when it deviated from the plot with the “Coming to America” vignettes and standalone episodes. Edited January 6, 2018 by Playa Playa
Wicked Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 Didn't watch The Keepers (yet) or Mindhunter but ST & AG Stranger Things is building an identity outside of being a nostalgia trip.
Playa Playa Posted January 5, 2018 Author Posted January 5, 2018 (edited) Ugh I ONLY just noticed The Americans was missing from my list when I decided to do 28 dramas So now I have to put it as a tie with another show, or go back and edit every post and graphic (going to do the former). Edited January 6, 2018 by Playa Playa
Maddox Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 I'm glad ST didn't take a nosedive like most Netflix dramas (so far), and yeah Noah did THAT! The Keepers was heartbreaking It's just mindblowing how the catholic church keeps getting away with their abuse.
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 6, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 6, 2018 I don't know the series
Wicked Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 3 hours ago, Playa Playa said: Ugh I ONLY just noticed The Americans was missing from my list when I decided to do 28 dramas So now I have to put it as a tie with another show, or go back and edit every post and graphic (going to do the former).
Playa Playa Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 Quote 12. Definitely the show's messiest season. Since it was the final one, it had to tie up loose ends from previous seasons and give all the characters some closure which caused the show to pull away from its isolated POV format to tell a larger story. It made the show feel closer to other teen dramas now, especially with the numerous teen melodramas, yet it still featured a lot of what made Skam distinctive. No other teen drama (or show, for that matter) has featured a character like Sana Bakkoush. As the season's main character, it deftly focused on her struggles of negotiating religion while wanting to be a part of the largely secular Norwegian culture. Everything was still grounded in realism too with many touching scenes of observational drama and introspection. The final one had Sansa the focus of a speech that served as a celebration of her character but also as a fitting end for the incredible series and season. Quote 11. With this remarkable, well-assured six-episode miniseries, Alias Grace pulls off an impressive feat of storytelling. The show is built around the unrelenting ambiguity of its protagonist with a layered script from Sarah Polley that explores the scale of trauma, memory and the nature of female narrative. It's told in the form of a classical “whodunnit” but one that is concerned with the motivations behind a crime and how socioeconomic factors play a role. Sarah Gadon's enigmatic performance made Grace mesmerizing to watch: psychologically complex to the point of opacity, an effect that makes her conflicting perspectives brilliantly executed. Directed by Mary Harron, the show's fragmentary structure, contemplative pace, and Southern Ontario Gothic style gave it a distinct character. It might not be as “essential” as Margaret Atwood's other adaptation of the year but it belongs in the conversation with it which is a feat in itself. Quote 10. Better Call Saul, in its wonderful third season, manages to incorporate more Breaking Bad elements than ever before without sacrificing the slow-burn, resolutely human story that's made this AMC series one of the best spin-off shows of all time. Bob Odenkirk's brilliant performance is still the show's anchor, as Jimmy McGill continues his descent into Saul Goodman with the introduction of Giancarlo Esposito’s Gus Fring that points to greater ethical dilemmas for our main character. But Better Call Saul is not just Odenkirk's vehicle. In her best season yet, Rhea Seehorn added a welcome vein of genuine dread and Michael McKean's ability to push Chuck McGill from vindictive brother to complicated and expectation-challenging near-protagonist was a marvel. The way the show as a whole challenges expectations is a marvel considering the limitations it has as a prequel series. As I become more emotionally invested in each character's journey, I'm sure it will keep on moving up.
Wicked Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Saul & Skam, whew we love talent. I can type an essay on this season of BCS, it was too much, in a good way. I hate Chuck but I love how he's been written & especially performed. This season had some really exceptional episodes... It's gonna come for BrBa's wig with half the stakes.
Maddox Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 I keep reminding myself to get into SKAM but i always forget abt it Alias Grace Sarah's performance will probably go overlooked during award season but she definitely deserves some recognition
Allstar Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 13 hours ago, Playa Playa said: Ugh I ONLY just noticed The Americans was missing from my list when I decided to do 28 dramas So now I have to put it as a tie with another show, or go back and edit every post and graphic (going to do the former). The unintended SHADE Yeah, I'm never going to give Ryan Murphy too much credit. It had its share of problems that you perfectly outlined, and I agree Sarandon and Lange helped fuel more depth into their characters as do nearly all of the talented actors on his shows. Jackie Hoffman and Alfred Molina deserve special mentions too. And fhksgsa I would've agreed with you on Lange basically playing versions of her AHS characters if we had only watched the first half of the season, but as I said above, I thought she really stepped it up after the Oscars episode That's a very great analysis of Fargo as a whole. Are you doing your own countdown? I want to read more! Lol. I really really loved the final shot of the season and it kinda made the season for me. I only wish Carrie wasn't as underused as she was but then her role was always going to pale in comparison to that other one on at that same time... I want to but I won't be able to make it! I don't have enough posts to make a thread on here anymore And besides, I was living in the US for half a year and then didn't have time to prepare at least a little bit like I usually do which is sad because this was such a great year for television but I'm confident to be back next year! Mainly it's just I won't have enough posts to make a thread ff
Wicked Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Maddox said: I keep reminding myself to get into SKAM but i always forget abt it Alias Grace Sarah's performance will probably go overlooked during award season but she definitely deserves some recognition This BCS snub. @Allstar You can just post your year end list in the TV thread.Or make a tumblr post or something, as Playa said I'd love to check it out. Edited January 6, 2018 by Wicked
Allstar Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Stranger Things is still good and surprisingly pulled off the season two hurdle but I think next season will make it or break it. Mindhunter was good! American Gods YES at what you said about the first season. Yet, TOO BAD Fuller is gone and with him like half the cast so I'm not really putting in any hope for the next season and I was so excited to see what he does with it next At least now he can fully dedicate himself to Hannibal s4 since the SoL filming rights will be up for purchase soong Sarah Gadon is a STAR! And Better Call Saul
Navyofbadgals Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Mindhunter was great! Started off a bit slow, but def liked it
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 6, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 6, 2018 still don't know them
Playa Playa Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 11 hours ago, Wicked said: Saul & Skam, whew we love talent. I can type an essay on this season of BCS, it was too much, in a good way. I hate Chuck but I love how he's been written & especially performed. This season had some really exceptional episodes... It's gonna come for BrBa's wig with half the stakes. I hope to read it And yes, Chuck is one of the most well-written characters in the BrBa universe. "Chicanery" deserves all the love it's getting but "Lantern" was the standout of the season. It moved me deeply, and I'm sure when the later seasons evoke that response more frequently, it's going to become even greater. Its technical mastery is always there. 7 hours ago, Maddox said: I keep reminding myself to get into SKAM but i always forget abt it Alias Grace Sarah's performance will probably go overlooked during award season but she definitely deserves some recognition US version (set in Austin) will be coming out around Spring 2018 so if you want to watch before then! She could've made the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice and SAGs had BLL announced they were returning for another season earlier
Playa Playa Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 8 hours ago, Allstar said: The unintended SHADE I want to but I won't be able to make it! I don't have enough posts to make a thread on here anymore And besides, I was living in the US for half a year and then didn't have time to prepare at least a little bit like I usually do which is sad because this was such a great year for television but I'm confident to be back next year! Mainly it's just I won't have enough posts to make a thread ff Well, that sounds like a time well spent. I hope you enjoyed your half a year in the US! 8 hours ago, Allstar said: Stranger Things is still good and surprisingly pulled off the season two hurdle but I think next season will make it or break it. Mindhunter was good! American Gods YES at what you said about the first season. Yet, TOO BAD Fuller is gone and with him like half the cast so I'm not really putting in any hope for the next season and I was so excited to see what he does with it next At least now he can fully dedicate himself to Hannibal s4 since the SoL filming rights will be up for purchase soong Sarah Gadon is a STAR! And Better Call Saul Yeah! It also needs to have a good pay off for Eleven's sister. American Gods shouldn't go forward without them. And I really want Hannibal S4 to happen but ugh he needs to stop teasing us about it because I can't handle it lol.
Pink Matter Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Interesting song set. I've only listened to Track 10 once in full so I don't really remember how it goes (but I liked Pop 2 as a whole so I doubt it was bad). DNA is amazing and I remember when I first listened to it, I had to play it back repeatedly Don't really know the others but I was planning on listening to the Julien Baker album and never got to finish it.
Playa Playa Posted January 7, 2018 Author Posted January 7, 2018 Vince Staples - Yeah Right Quote 10. The release of this song was one of the year’s best moments, a bold statement that dismantles the old-age clichés associated with rap stars, while also pushing the genre's sound in surprising directions. It doesn't just look good on paper–Vince Staples and Kendrick Lamar snapping over a SOPHIE beat with a sample of Hari Nef's voice–but it also produces outstanding results. Spoiler LCD Soundsystem - How Do You Sleep? Quote 9. With a decade-long run of classic music behind them, LCD Soundsystem were always going to be under pressure to deliver the goods on their comeback album. Happily, the Brooklyn band stepped up to the challenge with American Dream's sprawling centrepiece “How Do You Sleep?” that features James Murphy calling out a one-time friend over a wild electro post-punk composition. Spoiler Shanti Celeste - Selector Quote 8. There was a lot of Shanti Celeste material to get excited about this year. Her Idle Hands-released “Make Time” was the tip of the iceberg, with 12”s for Dekmantel and Future Times serving the more challenging end of the house and techno spectrum. “Selector”, however, was her most effective dancefloor transmission, channelling bass-heavy and melodic house into a virulent potion for the basement. Spoiler Lord of the Isles - Sunrise 89 Quote 7. One of the earliest releases of 2017 that never stopped getting played. Built around a downbeat drum loop, a distant vocal sample, and a dreamy half-time breakdown, the track is an apt showcase for the close relationship between house and techno that evokes a time when the music called for unity and dancing. And we all love nostalgia, right? For a time we didn't experience but feel more at home. Spoiler Frank Ocean - Chanel Quote 6. Frank Ocean wastes no time on this year’s irresistible “Chanel”–its best moment hits early and hard. The opening lines that point to Frank's sexual fluidity and the blurring of gender expectations made it one of the most breezy but powerful statements of the year. But the greatness doesn't stop there. Over a minimal piano and shuffling drums, he flexes his rapping skills with a nonchalant yet braggadocio attitude. And in typical fashion, his wordplay is dense, coded with cryptic references and multiple entendres. Spoiler
Wicked Posted January 7, 2018 Posted January 7, 2018 Idk 7 or 8 but the rest Yeah Right on all these lists
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