Week 2 Blog

So, I'm gonna come right out and say this, I don't really read critics. Most of the time, they pick at the things I love about a show and not the things that truly deserve their attention. 

But, for this assignment, I looked up a few critics to get a feel for what’s out there.

First, I started with a critic name James Poniewozik, A TIME's TV critic. I started right towards what I'm obsessed with right now, Game of Thrones. I liked what he had to say because he looked at the show on a grander scale while at the same time addressing the finale episode. I LOVED the fact that he went to the books to compare. I haven't had the time to start reading them, but it was awesome to understand the small differences that he presented. He also mentioned things that I started to notice as well, commenting on the vast plot potential that was set up for the rest of the show. It truly is the only first act of a larger story and its SOO exciting to think about. Events have barely begun and the first season is OVER! So jazzed for the second season. Anyway, I liked his thorough approach and true dedication to the review. I mean, picking up the books for a single episode review? That’s epic. Bravo.

http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2011/06/20/game-of-thrones-watch-rising-from-the-ashes/

The second site I landed on was a bit more…unprofessional, but a critic all the same. I went from TIME’s to a small blog. Anyway, this blog offered a review of the entire season of Justified, another show that I am OBSESSED with. Now, this guy completely drove me nuts. They don’t really state a name of the author, but this person missed the overall point of the show entirely, calling it “just another cop show.” Honestly? This show won awards and you’re gonna say that? I love this show for the unique view of a poorer side of America. It’s also a really interesting play on the old cowboy/sheriff motif in a modern world. Thoroughly awesome. How would such a personality survive in a world of paperwork and internal affairs? This reviewer also claimed that characterization for Raylan Givens, the main character, was lacking in comparison to another of Timothy Olyphant’s smaller roles in Deadwood. The entire show center’s around Raylan’s struggle with his roots/family vs. his current occupation and dedication to the law. Its just irresponsible to say his characterization was weak. I barely got through this review.

http://thetvcritic.org/justified-season-one/

For the third, I went to a site of a collection of bloggers. Kind of a community sort of thing. I picked a piece written about the premiere episode of season 4 of True Blood. I had a lot of thoughts and reactions to this particular episode so I was very curious to see what this review would say. This author, Jerome Wetzel, gives a basic recap while also comparing the events of the series with the books. Ever so slightly. I was impressed with his observation that the previous three season had occurred in a matter of months, where as this season starts off with a YEAR gap. Massive amount of time for this show. In total, he didn’t do much “critique” but he did offer some insights into what is insinuated by events during the episode, for example, Sookie’s future decisions and place in the supernatural fairy world. He also makes some very good guesses as to what the characters have ahead. Overall, I liked this guy’s opinion and had no real problems with his ideas.

http://blogcritics.org/video/article/tv-review-true-blood-shes-not/page-2/