Folks up in arms for "Breaking Bad" final season

Image courtesy of AMC, Inc.

In a few days, everyone gets to take the final ride with Walt and the clan as they most likely descend into sheer depravity. One of the best shows ever penned for TV, period; "Breaking Bad" is the story of a man with cancer who decides to become a meth cook and eventual cartel pawn. Many people think it's the best thing they have ever seen, and watching Walt and Jessee negotiate, scramble, and duck their way through what happens to them is definitely intense. The New Mexico setting as a backdrop, supporting roles and Walt's brother in Law Hank's cat and mouse game are what set this apart from the usual prime time imitation.

When watching a series like this, we all wonder how hard it would be to manage a life with so many secrets. Some of us have had the duality of lying to a few people or cheating on one; but Walt finds himself in so deep that it keeps folks on the edge of their seat in a style that is standalone and distinguished.

Creating the perfect protagonist that many don't ever want to see fail, AMC has concocted a character that is so fleeting and fringe, we almost forget about the dangers of meth.... until we watch Jessee. Mike's character was explored in great detail last season, and I was personally sad to see him go. To see a full length article I did for Hypursuit Blog earlier this year, just click:

Here.

"Orange is the New Black"; First Impressions

Said to have already been renewed for another season, "Orange is the New Black" is the story of Piper Chapman,(Taylor Shilling) who is sent to prison for being in possession of a large amount of drug money. Created by the brainchild that served us up "Weeds", the expectations for the series were high. I got the chance to sit down and go through the first two episodes tonight.

At first I was skeptical and did not know if the leading character of Piper would appeal to me. Jason Biggs, of the "American Pie" franchise, is cast as Piper's fiancee, and I felt so neutral about him that I had no idea if I would enjoy this journey. He is really quite endearing as the perhaps half-employed writer who has to take her to prison and see her off to being locked up. She is the epitome of someone who would "not make it" behind bars, delicate and not street smart.

I was a fan of "Weeds" but was leery going into these first episodes, and should not have been. It is refreshing, dark, and shines enough light into a scary place while reminding you that you do NOT want to be there. The flashbacks are really set up quite perfectly. We see some of the same old cast of  "Weeds" and they are given ample room to shine and show us their same quirks with another storyline.

Every prison story is just a little bit different. But this one taking place in a women's prison is actually quite refreshing. There are the same sexual stereotypes that go along with the setting but they are played out a little differently than normal. Without really giving too much away, some of the best things that could happen to Piper happen, and some of the people she would want to see least are also there to greet her. No one wants to be behind bars, and there are many things that are inappropriate about this story.

It really has to be that way, because each prison is its own take of Hell on Earth. With only two episodes down, I can see some interesting alliances, and enemy forces at work as well. You really do wince when watching Piper first hit the cell block, and just calling her and her fiance "yuppies" don't do them justice. They have their own special kind of hipster love; with funny little quirks. Reminding us of where we don't want to go is part of what "Weeds" got popular for, and I have a feeling that I and much of the rest of the viewing world will be eating up the remaining episodes of this show quickly. Even if it is sneakily by flashlight, after lights out.  

"The Killing" Tv show now in third season

I have only watched the first two seasons of "The Killing" but I really did like what I saw. I wrote a full feature on the show for Hypursuit a few weeks back and it was obvious that it had a large following. For me the rainy location, whole seasons to solve one murder, and brooding characters were great. It seems that right now a lot of shows are over-technicalized and very busy. I love "Fringe" and I also like "CSI". They just kind of have their own time and place, and "The Killing" from AMC somehow just stepped up and filled that void for those who liked things to unwind. The location couldn't be better, and I was really hooked instantly. From a network that brings you "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men"; these are probably storyboards and plots that are not just dreamt up overnight. You can see my full take on the show:

here at this link.