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PaperclipPerfector  10mo ago (text post)   2736 thread views

Friday Fun Thread for June 16, 2023

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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Favorite TV Series anyone?

If I had to name just one it'd be the Wire, no question about it. Asking people what they like is fantastic for engagement though.

The Wire

  • Has great performance throughout with a diverse cast

  • Operates almost entirely in a morally ambiguous space

  • Keeps characters for an extensive period of time,

  • Gradually ramps up the complexity of the story (introducing whole new societal factions almost each season)

  • Avoids "Jumping the shark" in later seasons for excitement or...

  • Taking the easy way out by having main characters avoid consequences for actions

  • Has a masterful, if cynical, ending

As I've rewatched it over the years, it always has something extra to teach me regardless of where I stand on socio-political issues. It's timeless but also represents the post 9/11 era extremely well.

Other greats:

  • Drama/Serious

    • The Wire

    • Mad Men

    • Succession

    • Dexter (Through S6)

    • Black Mirror

    • Skins (Maybe not good for everyone, but lots of great college memories from it)

    • GBBO

  • Animated

    • Rick and Morty (only just started watching, but love it)

    • The Simpsons (through season 7)

    • Adventure Time

  • Comedy

    • Arrested Development

    • Party Down

    • Veep

    • The Good Place

    • The Inbetweeeners

    • The Office (Till Michael Scott leaves)

    • Parks and Rec (Seasons 2-5)

The Good Place is incredible. I wish more shows actually delved into complex philosophical questions, but I suppose it's a niche audience. Also Kristen Bell is super hot.

When I watch Ms. Bell I can't stop thinking about how hot she is. Also one of the many reasons why Forgetting Sarah Marshall is awesome.

Hah, that's my favorite movie! Jason Segal is a fucking gem. You should watch The Muppet Movie and Get Him to the Greek as well if you liked FSM - the latter is actually a kind of sequel in the same universe.

Liked both quite a bit. Had a debate on The 5 year Engagement with my wife last night. Very similar feel in that it took a more realistic view of relationships and grief at them ending/devolving (ironically better than many "serious" relationship movies). But even as a comedy I felt it would have been better if Jason Segel and Emily Blunt hadn't ended up together. I end up feeling more uncomfortable and unhappy at the end of the movie, whereas I've watched FSM at least 6 times at this point (including in Hawaii on vacation).

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