Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2026/05/13 13:48:30
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
IDK. S1 had a good start that become very eye roll by the end and S2 really starts with more eye roll. IDK who decided to make a DMC adaptation an ultra hamfisted political ramble but they shouldn't be allowed to adapt anything else. They kind of suck at it.
I had a good laugh at season 1s "I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards" moment. Kind of looking forward to the sequel series; I see they included the lawn chair.
2026/05/13 16:00:08
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
IDK. S1 had a good start that become very eye roll by the end and S2 really starts with more eye roll. IDK who decided to make a DMC adaptation an ultra hamfisted political ramble but they shouldn't be allowed to adapt anything else. They kind of suck at it.
That would be Adi Shankar, who rode the coattails of the actually good writers and showrunners of Castlevania by being a producer on it and making sure his name was all over the marketing to give the impression he was actually involved in the creative side of it. And, after many of them left to make a Castlevania show he was not involved in (Nocturne), he sued them to put his name on it as a producer despite doing nothing for it.
IDK. S1 had a good start that become very eye roll by the end and S2 really starts with more eye roll. IDK who decided to make a DMC adaptation an ultra hamfisted political ramble but they shouldn't be allowed to adapt anything else. They kind of suck at it.
I had a good laugh at season 1s "I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards" moment. Kind of looking forward to the sequel series; I see they included the lawn chair.
Yes, the lawn chair kind of sums up the entire thing. Devoid of any actual understanding of the material beyond that which can be easily digested in memes.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2026/05/14 23:25:04
The Laws of Thermodynamics:
1) You cannot win. 2) You cannot break even. 3) You cannot stop playing the game.
Colonel Flagg wrote:You think you're real smart. But you're not smart; you're dumb. Very dumb. But you've met your match in me.
2026/05/14 13:26:03
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
A Town Called Malus wrote: Yes, the lawn chair kind of sums up the entire thing. Devoid of any actual understanding of the material beyond that which can be easily digested in memes.
When I saw the first season opening was set up like one of those cringy YouTube AMVs from the early 00s, I took it as a good sign.
I was naive.
After season 2, I honestly think that whoever was running the show never played any of the games or anything. They just watched a bunch of those cringy 00s AMVs and thought that was what the entire thing was about. It would explain a lot, especially how the series constantly back references everyone's favorite edgy teen songs from 20 years ago and has numerous references to memes about the series while basically not really being about the series or its characters at all.
A Town Called Malus wrote: Yes, the lawn chair kind of sums up the entire thing. Devoid of any actual understanding of the material beyond that which can be easily digested in memes.
When I saw the first season opening was set up like one of those cringy YouTube AMVs from the early 00s, I took it as a good sign.
I was naive.
After season 2, I honestly think that whoever was running the show never played any of the games or anything. They just watched a bunch of those cringy 00s AMVs and thought that was what the entire thing was about. It would explain a lot, especially how the series constantly back references everyone's favorite edgy teen songs from 20 years ago and has numerous references to memes about the series while basically not really being about the series or its characters at all.
I think it says it all that Shankar was disappointed and annoyed that DMC5 came out before his show, not because it meant he couldn't incorporate any of its story into his show, but because he thought the franchise was "dead" and he could "resurrect" it, like he thought he did with Castlevania. So, yeah, he isn't really a fan and he definitely doesn't get the themes of the games stories, and it's not like DMC is subtle.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/14 23:26:26
The Laws of Thermodynamics:
1) You cannot win. 2) You cannot break even. 3) You cannot stop playing the game.
Colonel Flagg wrote:You think you're real smart. But you're not smart; you're dumb. Very dumb. But you've met your match in me.
2026/05/16 21:39:08
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
[DCM]
Chief Deputy Sub Assistant Trainee Squig Handling Intern
Tales from the Crypt
Mentioned earlier, the first three seasons are available for streaming on Shudder;
Good gravy I love this show. Not as old as I thought, as it began in 1989. And being on HBO, it could show somewhat more metaphorical leg than other, similar shows. For example, Tales from the Darkside.
And there’s a real playfulness about it. The Crypt Keeper is a superb character and confidentially sets the mood. Yet it doesn’t go completely camp. There is genuine horror at play here, just tongue in cheek enough to tamp it down some.
Seems there have been a few attempts to resurrect the show, none of which have borne fruit. Including one involving the Master of Mediocrity And Strictly Limited Range, M Night Shyalaman.
I’m genuinely glad none have worked out. The charm, as I set out above, is that whilst mostly played for laughs, the nasty is there. Go too far either way? And it just wont be Tales from the Crypt. So whilst I’d love a revival? It has to be one in the same, ahem, vein.
Fed up of Scalpers? But still want your Exclusives? Why not join us?
[DCM]
Chief Deputy Sub Assistant Trainee Squig Handling Intern
Oh no.
I’ve made a terrible mistake.
On a whim, I decided to watch an episode of Eastenders. For the first time in easily 25 years.
Misery! Dysfunction! Horrific People Incapable Of Basic Civility. Lazy If Not Necessarily Negative Stereotypes.
I swear the show isn’t set in London, but Purgatory. A place where the denizens are doomed to repeat their erroneous behaviour forever. Never learning. Never developing. Never seeing the abject futility of their internal and external petty hatred. A land where any form of joy, warmth and happiness is strictly rationed. A Cursed Plane Of Existence.
Fed up of Scalpers? But still want your Exclusives? Why not join us?
On a whim, I decided to watch an episode of Eastenders.
You voluntarily chose to watch a whole episode? Not just accidentally land on the channel for 5 mins ,but actually intentionally set out to watch it and complete the whole episode?!
I'm sorry Doc, I know you just moved house and all, but I don't think you're safe living on your own. I think you better get yourself into one of those assisted living places!!
next thing you know you'll kick back with an episode of Mrs Browns Boys and do yourself permenant dammage
I have in the past seen some of Mrs Brown’s Boys. But like being a witness to any atrocity? It’s not an experience I care to repeat. It’s actually worse than The Mighty Boosh, which I didn’t think possible based on our current understanding of the laws of the universe.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/21 19:53:46
Fed up of Scalpers? But still want your Exclusives? Why not join us?
Loved Monkey back in the day. It is, of course, irrepressible! might have to make time to track it down myself.
It is, also of course, part of the inspiration for martial-arts-action-comedy-meets-The-Wizard-of-Oz with Jackie-Chan-vs-Jet-Li thrown in for good measure Forbidden Kingdom
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/22 09:20:14
2026/05/22 09:24:01
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
[DCM]
Chief Deputy Sub Assistant Trainee Squig Handling Intern
I remain impressed by its production values. It uses a lot of the techniques we probably know better from Power Rangers and the other Saban Imports and their action scenes. So clearly it was nothing especially new in terms of Japanese TV.
But the costumes and set dressings are really cool, particularly for exterior segments.
Fed up of Scalpers? But still want your Exclusives? Why not join us?
Gave Mobland a re-watch, as it’s in the news regarding Tom Hardy getting his walking papers from the series after season 2 just wrapped up production. Logan Marshall-Green, if you are reading this, it time to cash in on your Tom Hardy-esque features and get the role. Unless Harry Desouza gets killed/written off of course, in which case, disregard my advice!
Pretty fun crime family drama, with a stacked cast. And I didn’t notice on the first viewing, but it’s a fairly humorous show at times.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/26 03:36:38
"Sometimes the only victory possible is to keep your opponent from winning." - The Emperor, from The Outcast Dead.
"Tell your gods we are coming for them, and that their realms will burn as ours did." -Thostos Bladestorm
2026/05/26 13:58:43
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
My wife has been watching this show a lot lately. A procedural based on bunk science of body language. I hve caught a few episodes here and there.
Tim Roth slumming it is very engaging.
Hah, I had the same thoughts
He is very much the best thing in the show, but I found it nice easy watching.
Me and the wife really enjoyed the show... a shame it ran out of steam after 2 and a half series. Enjoyed spotting the British consumer goods in Roth's home, and the relationship with his daughter was engaging.
Spoiler:
Roth's character's back story was retconned.. from s***hot psychologist who had a damaged middle-class mum to Bosnia/Serbia war vet with viscous IRA dad and abused irish mum. The plots when he fell out with his partner and was bought out by the Aussie actress seemed a bit forced, though. And you could notice the budget cuts when it was just the four main characters wandering around the large 'Institute' set - no other staff present after the first series or so.
.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/29 02:12:42
2026/05/28 20:43:13
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
[DCM]
Chief Deputy Sub Assistant Trainee Squig Handling Intern
Weird. Dunno what’s going on with that last post, but I’m getting a huge wall of empty grey after the spoiler tag.
Guyver, Bio-Booster Body Armour
A series I first came across via the surprisingly actually alright if a bit Power Rangers For Older Kids Live Actions.
But this is the 1992 anime. Originally released in the UK on VHS, one episode per tape, one tape a month. Which for my age put it out my grasp.
Crunchyroll version is a bit odd, as E1-4 are dub. E5, which I’m up to, is sub only.
But hey, four weeks into Japanese on Duolingo, and I’m starting to pick up on the odd word here and there. Still a good way from being conversational, but progress is progress.
Fed up of Scalpers? But still want your Exclusives? Why not join us?
Every now and again, a role comes along that you can't imagine anyone else playing. Or, if you're Nic Cage, this is every role. The dialogue is snappy, the action is sloppy drunken barfight style (and I mean that in the best way possible). It's overwrought, self indulgent, and an incredible amount of fun.
The best recommendation I can give it was from one of his interviews, where Cage said he would be playing a spider, pretending to be a man. And he does. Oh my goddess he does.
Though I don't remember buying it, I seem to be wearing a 3/4 length trenchcoat and my wife is going to slap me if I call her dame one more time.
Them's the breaks, kiddo.
Klawz-Ramming is a subset of citrus fruit?
Gwar- "And everyone wants a bigger Spleen!"
Mercurial wrote:
I admire your aplomb and instate you as Baron of the Seas and Lord Marshall of Privateers.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Star Trek also said we'd have X-Wings by now. We all see how that prediction turned out.
Orkeosaurus, on homophobia, the nature of homosexuality, and the greatness of George Takei.
English doesn't borrow from other languages. It follows them down dark alleyways and mugs them for loose grammar.
2026/05/29 11:45:42
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
Every now and again, a role comes along that you can't imagine anyone else playing. Or, if you're Nic Cage, this is every role. The dialogue is snappy, the action is sloppy drunken barfight style (and I mean that in the best way possible). It's overwrought, self indulgent, and an incredible amount of fun.
The best recommendation I can give it was from one of his interviews, where Cage said he would be playing a spider, pretending to be a man. And he does. Oh my goddess he does.
Though I don't remember buying it, I seem to be wearing a 3/4 length trenchcoat and my wife is going to slap me if I call her dame one more time.
Them's the breaks, kiddo.
Dames! They ain't nuttin' but trouble! Three episodes in and I think it's great. Cage slips into the noir '40's gumshoe role with ease, Gleeson is chewing the scenery and it's packed with cliches of the genre. Love it.
2026/05/29 16:31:19
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
Every now and again, a role comes along that you can't imagine anyone else playing. Or, if you're Nic Cage, this is every role. The dialogue is snappy, the action is sloppy drunken barfight style (and I mean that in the best way possible). It's overwrought, self indulgent, and an incredible amount of fun.
The best recommendation I can give it was from one of his interviews, where Cage said he would be playing a spider, pretending to be a man. And he does. Oh my goddess he does.
Though I don't remember buying it, I seem to be wearing a 3/4 length trenchcoat and my wife is going to slap me if I call her dame one more time.
Them's the breaks, kiddo.
Watching in colour or black & white?
2026/05/29 20:10:38
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
I went black and white. At some point I'll go back and rewatch in color.
Klawz-Ramming is a subset of citrus fruit?
Gwar- "And everyone wants a bigger Spleen!"
Mercurial wrote:
I admire your aplomb and instate you as Baron of the Seas and Lord Marshall of Privateers.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Star Trek also said we'd have X-Wings by now. We all see how that prediction turned out.
Orkeosaurus, on homophobia, the nature of homosexuality, and the greatness of George Takei.
English doesn't borrow from other languages. It follows them down dark alleyways and mugs them for loose grammar.
2026/05/29 20:35:52
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
Behind a bit but I got caught up on the second season of Devil May Cry and.... didn't hate it? I mean, as an adaptation of one of the single worst sequels in gaming history its certainly better than the source material, but even then, while its not faithful, I wouldn't necessarily call it inauthentic either. If Lady didn't look like she got confused with the girl from Oni on the PS2 I'd consider it pretty similar to watching a playthrough of one of the games... which are also MUCH better when you get to control the action yourself.
2026/05/30 14:01:11
Subject: Tiny TV Reviews - Short Reviews For The Small Screen
Every now and again, a role comes along that you can't imagine anyone else playing. Or, if you're Nic Cage, this is every role. The dialogue is snappy, the action is sloppy drunken barfight style (and I mean that in the best way possible). It's overwrought, self indulgent, and an incredible amount of fun. The best recommendation I can give it was from one of his interviews, where Cage said he would be playing a spider, pretending to be a man. And he does. Oh my goddess he does.
Though I don't remember buying it, I seem to be wearing a 3/4 length trenchcoat and my wife is going to slap me if I call her dame one more time.
Them's the breaks, kiddo.
Watching in colour or black & white?
For that I think it has to be the black and white. It's like Young Frankenstein, when you are creating a homage to a specific style you need to faithfully recreate that style.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2026/05/30 14:01:43
The Laws of Thermodynamics:
1) You cannot win. 2) You cannot break even. 3) You cannot stop playing the game.
Colonel Flagg wrote:You think you're real smart. But you're not smart; you're dumb. Very dumb. But you've met your match in me.
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
