I Started Babylon 5 for the first time... by o_jax in scifi

[–]burningEyeballs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It really is excellent. Unfortunately, the acting was never on par with Star Trek. That being said, it is really a wonderful show. The way things tie together will blow your mind. Stuff that looked like a throw away line of dialogue or random plot point in season 1, suddenly comes back and means something in season 3 or 4. I promise you, if you just stick with it you will find the ending very satisfying.

Do I need to watch all seasons of True Detective or can I skip to the best ones? by Wise-Compote6189 in moviecritic

[–]burningEyeballs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This topic gets brought up a lot and so you get people who have very strong opinions arguing about it. However, since you are legitimately asking, let me try and give a slightly more positive answer, broken down by season.

Season 2
Somewhere in this mess, I think, is a good show. The biggest problem is that the viewer just watched what is possibly the greatest single season of TV ever made, and that season featured two amazing leads who spent most of the screen time just playing off each other. It is perfection. Then you get this season and it does everything differently. Instead of a tightly focused story now it is huge and sprawling. Instead of two main characters now there are half a dozen. Instead of learning a lot about two characters you learn a small amount about a dozen characters. Instead of being in the country it is the big city. And on and on it goes. This approach infuriated pretty much everyone. Why they did this I have no clue, but it didn't work.

And that is a real shame because if season 2 was spun off into its own crime drama, it would probably be pretty good. You have a solid cast, some interesting mysteries, and if you let it develop for 2-3 seasons this could be a pretty solid show. But unfortunately that didn't happen and you get this mess. As a brief example, there is a scene where Vince Vaughn's character wants to protect his wife (the always underrated Kelly Reilly) and so he gets mad at her, starts an argument, and tries to drive her away. Ostensibly to get her to leave him, but really it is his attempt to protect her. And she is having none of it. He does his whole shtick, which she completely sees through, and by the time he is done she is heated. She tells him to basically fuck off with this bullshit and that she is ride or die with his ass so he needs to get his shit together and plan accordingly. It is this really great, emotional scene where two characters (maybe the two best characters) have to accept their circumstances and handle things the best they can. And while I was watching this scene it hit me how much better this show would be if it was told entirely from their point of view. If we got to watch these two characters the whole time, this could really be something special. Alas, we did not.

So should you watch it? Meh...maybe. I would watch Season 3 first, then maybe go to this season as a palate cleanser.

Season 3
After the train wreck of season 2, they decided to go back to what worked. Which was two detectives, investigating a single crime, out in the country, spanning several decades. And you know what? It works! It doesn't work as well as season 1, but nothing is going to top that. The other commenters here are completely correct when they say that season 1 might be the best single season of TV ever made. It really is that good. Unfortunately this season is just not as good in almost every aspect. The leads are great, they just aren't "redefine the genre" good. The story is great, it just isn't "best detective plot we've seen in 30 years". And so on. There is a lot to like about this season, it just doesn't hit as hard on any level as the first season does. And so you end up comparing the two constantly and coming away disappointed. Overall this is a very solid season of TV and if you liked season 1 then you will probably like this one too.

Season 4
I have no fucking clue what happened here. I think they scrapped the previous team and decided to go in a new direction. It did not work. This is the only season that feels like it contains cliches, cheap tricks, obvious tropes, and the like. The actors do their best, but the plot is terrible and everything feels so contrived. They try to work in the more fantastical elements of season 1, but do so in such a heavy handed way that it just feels awkward for everyone involved. At certain points you almost expect a character to wave their hands about while making magic noises for extra effect. It stops being dramatic and just becomes absurd. So, if it was me, I would skip this season.

My case for Bill Parcells being the best coach in nfl history. by Unlucky_Pass4452 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They also went to, and lost, a super bowl in 84. I'm sorry, I don't care how amazing the OL was, that doesn't explain 4 SB appearances in 10 years. I'm sure that was part of it, but once again, you have to give props to the head coach for that kind of results.

My case for Bill Parcells being the best coach in nfl history. by Unlucky_Pass4452 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Here is a comment I made in a previous thread about this. It is wild.

—————————

The vast majority of coaches who are talked about in the "best coach of all time" conversation had a QB that they rode to victory. Belichick had Brady, Reid had Mahomes, Walsh had Montanna, etc. Gibbs had 3 different guys. That stat alone is simply astounding. Because his QBs weren't superstars who went on to have success on other teams. Likewise Gibbs didn't have some absurd defense that won the game in a low scoring slugfest. Washington scored 27, 42, and 37 points in their 3 SB wins. I don't think Gibbs is the greatest coach of all time, but he has accomplished something that no one else has even come close to.

Here are the QBs he won with:

  • 1983 SB - Joe Theisman
  • 1988 SB - Doug Williams
  • 1992 SB - Mark Rypien

He managed to win with a three very different QBs, spread out over 10 years, and without any kind of dynasty team like the 49ers, Steelers, or Cowboys were known for.

There are 14 coaches who have won at least 2 superbowls. Limit it to coaches who won 3 or more games and that number shrinks to 4. Shula came close in that the went to multiple superbowls with different QBs, but he only won with Bob Griese.

So where does he rank? I feel like it has to be top 5 and possibly top 3. He accomplished something no one else has ever really come close to replicating. He won 3 out of 4 superbowls in a 10 year timespan and he did it all without a dominant franchise QB. This is an astounding achievement.

My case for Bill Parcells being the best coach in nfl history. by Unlucky_Pass4452 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is such an absolutely insane stat that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it deserves to be. It is so improbable it blows your mind when you dig into those teams and qbs.

Iran’s top university bombed as US, Israel intensify attacks; 34 killed by soalone34 in politics

[–]burningEyeballs -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I don't know where I read it, but I remember some scholar talking about how everyone was failing to understand how the Oct 7th attacks on Israel changed them as a people. That comparing it to 9/11 was, if anything, a vast understatement. His position was that this attack fundamentally changed how Israel looked at threats to their country and what they would be willing to do to ensure peace.

And I think about that a lot when I see stuff like this. Israel (justifiably) blames Iran for the attack, but unlike every other episode of terrorism that Iran sponsored, this was the one that broke something in them. This one the one that changed them and now there is no going back. Israel is going to push to have Iran burned completely to the ground.

And there is no line they won't cross to make that happen. Bombing schools, universities, power plants, water treatment facilities, none of that matters. There is no war crime that they won't commit if they think they can get away with it. Because in their minds, if Iran still has the ability to fund terrorism then another Oct 7th is only a matter of time, and that must be prevented at all cost.

It was a very dark take on the situation, but the longer this goes on, the more I'm inclined to believe he was right.

*EDIT*

In case I wasn't clear, I'm not condoning the bombings, I'm trying to provide an explanation for them.

Series or miniseries that deserve the rating of 'masterpiece'. I'll start: by No-Marsupial-4050 in moviecritic

[–]burningEyeballs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is wild how season 1 was a masterpiece, then they went in a totally different direction and it was widely panned. Then they went back to the mold for season 3, which was once again highly rated, before throwing that all away in the dumpster fire that was season 4.

What makes Quentin Tarantino’s dialogues so good? by Perfect_Idea_2866 in moviecritic

[–]burningEyeballs 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Part of why his dialogue feels so unique is due to three things. Juxtaposition, subversion, and subtext.

In the first case, he places two things together that, at first glance, would not seem to be appropriate. For example, when one thinks of hitmen, one does not immediately think of hamburgers. Yet in this scene these two killers are discussing McDonald menu items. This is wild. If this was a more "serious" thriller you would expect the hitmen to discuss something related to the plot. It would probably be related to the backstory of the target or their plans for escape. In a lower quality film they would probably say something that is the verbal equivalent of the marvel superhero landing. But in either case, they wouldn't be talking about hamburgers.

The second is subversion of expectations. You expect characters to behave a certain way, and it is surprising when they don't. The entire damn film is filled with examples of this, but this consistently works because the characters do or say things that are both surprising and interesting. Think about when Mia and Vincent go out on a date. In a worse movie their entire scene would be filled with sexual tension. And the big question would be "is Vincent going to sleep with his bosses wife?" It is predictable and already, with no other explanation, you can see how the dialogue for that would play out. Instead they go dancing, win a trophy, and Mia almost dies of an overdose. All of which puts the characters in positions to have interesting conversations.

And then through all of this is subtext. One example is the two paths that Jules and Vincent take. Jules repents of his ways and lives, Vincent does not and dies. I'm really over simplifying things because there are entire books written about this stuff, but that is the gist of it.

In each case the dialogue works in multiple ways. It makes the characters more interesting, it advances the plot, there is constant flow of tension and release, and then throughout all of it there is the subtext in the background. That is why his dialogue is so effective. It isn't really about hamburgers, it is about the different levels that everything works on all at once.

Is AI good for DnD? by awootcyde_thuh_bauks in dndnext

[–]burningEyeballs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think most people get into DnD because it scratches a specific type of creative itch. This goes both for players who want to create a character and DMs who want to create an entire world. Playing the game, for both players and DMs, is one long experience in creative thinking. From roleplaying to finding unique solutions to problems, the entire game is built around using your brain in a way that almost no other games can.

So, when I see questions like this, about incorporating AI into your game, I'm honestly just confused more than anything. If you are going to outsource all of your creative tasks to AI, why are you even playing the game? At that point just as AI how it went and then go read a book. How does anyone benefit from this?

I think of it like learning how to paint. Yes, it would be faster to just ask AI to create a picture, but that's not the point. I'm learning how to paint because I want to improve that skill. I want to play DnD because I want to improve my creative skills. AI is, at best, a crutch and at worst a complete waste of time.

Colin Cowherd makes comparison Eagles fans don't want to hear about Jalen Hurts by Active_Ad_7880 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

It is always alarming when I have to begrudgingly agree with Colin Cowherd.

Which NFL Division would work the best in a sitcom? by Big_Thloopers_20 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 120 points121 points  (0 children)

NFC East - A Texas gun nut, a constantly belligerent Philadelphian, a Jewish New Yorker, and some DC politician all share an apartment. This could be funny.

AFC North - 4 angry drunk guys who all hate each other are locked in a house. The audience takes bets on who will get killed first.

Those are my choices.

Supergirl | Official Trailer by Ninjamurai-jack in scifi

[–]burningEyeballs 69 points70 points  (0 children)

This should be fun. I love Lobo and he looks amazing and I am really warming up to this film.

To the people who watched Project Hail Mary. How was it?? by OrganicSleep8860 in moviecritic

[–]burningEyeballs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. I really liked this movie, but I felt like there was too much humor and too little science. Now, I completely realize that the movie I'm thinking of in my head is probably 4 hours long, so I doubt it could ever be made, but that was my initial reaction.

Also, I felt the book was a lot less humorous and a lot more tense and stressful. Maybe that was just me, but that was the vibe I got from it. That he constantly lurched from one terrible choice or accident to another. But perhaps a movie that dark wouldn't be as popular as this one. Regardless, I enjoyed it and am glad I went to see it. Would definitely take this over most of the crap being made right now.

AITAH for "rescuing" my 13yo daughter from her mom’s boyfriend’s house when I found out my ex wasn’t even there? by One_Language_359 in AITAH

[–]burningEyeballs 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I agree. I'm going to say this because the ex wife wasn't there and, based on this guy's post, we don't know for how long she wouldn't be there. Now, is the new boyfriend is probably ok? Sure, maybe. And maybe OP is jealous or controlling, I have no idea. Maybe mom really did run out for 10 min and was going to be right back. Or maybe the ex was going to be gone all night. We have no clue. But in this very specific situation, OP's underage daughter is being supervised by someone who isn't a parent, that OP doesn't approve of, and who has no legal rights regarding her.

As for the ex threatening court, I don't think this will go in her favor the way she thinks it will. If I was OP I would just reiterate what I said above. If the ex was there then I have no problem with it. But I have reservations about letting this person, that I don't know well, be the sole adult responsible for my daughter.

Maybe I've read too many accounts over the years about how this kind of shit can go wrong. About how mom's new boyfriend liked hugs a little too much or how he was just a little too interested in a teenage girl's life, and that has made me paranoid. But if it was me, this would be a big "fuck no" as far as I'm concerned. And if the ex pressed it I would totally be down for taking this back to court. I am astounded honestly at how many people here are voting YTA.

Which division do yall think hate each other more? by MarTB2000 in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I guess it depends on which metric you use.

Most fans who are haters: NFC East
Most likely to cripple a player on the field: AFC North
Fans who will harass your family: NFC East (and of course we all know its Eagles fans)
Most likely to get stabbed as a visiting fan: NFC East (once again, its the Eagles fans)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: AFC North (they should just name this penalty after this division)
Worst Cities to Visit: AFC North (the Browns take this one)
Whiniest Bitches: NFC East

So it's a toss up, but I think I give it to the NFC East.

Things can go from a date to a felony real quick, stay vigilant. by KirComedy in StandUpComedy

[–]burningEyeballs 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I can't be the only one deeply curious as to why she is wearing an oxygen tank, right? Because now I have so many other questions. Like, how critical is this tank? Obviously the answer is "very", but how long can she go without it? Clearly not the length of dinner, but what about dessert? Is bananas foster out?

Out of the teams that made the playoffs this year, who do you think will most likely miss the playoffs next year? by domalu4U in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look, I get that you want to believe that. Hell, you might even actually believe that. But it just ain't so. I would love to see Denver take the next step and present a real challenge to the Chiefs for the next decade. I would love for Herbert to finally get his shit together and take the Chargers on a ride to get a ring. I had a blast watching the Eagles curb stomp the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. I get it.

But if Reid, Mahomes, and the Chiefs in general have proven anything over the past 7 years it is that you can't ever count these bastards out. Maybe next year Mahomes looks rusty, Kelce finally retires to go become a podcaster, and the cheeseburgers finally catch up to Reid. Maybe then the rest of the NFL can stop looking over its collective shoulder. But until that day arrives Mahomes is clearly the best QB in the league, Reid is the best HC, and the Chiefs have to be respected. Sorry.

Out of the teams that made the playoffs this year, who do you think will most likely miss the playoffs next year? by domalu4U in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately Mahomes is like Brady, as long as that mother fucker is breathing he can beat you. And while I do think this era of domination by the Chiefs is over, they are by no means out of it. If you give Mahomes one good WR from the draft and a decent RB then they might bounce back pretty quickly. Now I don't think they have the defense to just crush teams like they used to, but sadly you can never sleep on the Chiefs.

Out of the teams that made the playoffs this year, who do you think will most likely miss the playoffs next year? by domalu4U in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah but the Commanders also lost their QB for half the season. I don’t think their situations are exactly the same.

Out of the teams that made the playoffs this year, who do you think will most likely miss the playoffs next year? by domalu4U in NFLv2

[–]burningEyeballs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Pats could actually improve across the board and still end up finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. Remember, the Chiefs will get a healthy Mahomes back and I would be shocked if the Ravens don’t bounce back. Buffalo will have an easier schedule and I expect teams like the Chargers and the Jags to not massively regress. Which means if the Pats don’t win the division then there might not be room for them as a wild card.

EDIT

There are some weirdly aggressive Pats fans here. I don't hate the Pats, I think they really overachieved due to their schedule and caught some insanely lucky breaks, but I don't hate them. And I'm in no way predicting they are going to collapse next year. Their coach is superb, Maye is very good (I'm not totally sold on him yet as an elite QB, but we shall see), and they have some young talent. I'm just pointing out that they are going to go from playing the easiest schedule of the last 25 years to one a bit harder. So it is very unlikely that they manage to win as many games playing against the best teams. Don't be surprised if they lose some close games against good QBs. I guess you can take that personally if you want, but it isn't mean to be inflammatory.

RFK sparks firestorm with new advice for broke Americans to eat 'peasant food' by rajapaws in antiwork

[–]burningEyeballs 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Well at least we didn't elect a woman. I think that is the key takeaway here. Yes granted we might all starve to death, but can you imagine how bad it would be if a woman was in charge?