Post by Torgo on Sept 25, 2013 18:52:46 GMT -5
Marvel's first series since Spike TV's Blade spinoff tanked back in 2006 debuted this week, and apperantly it scored the network's highest drama debut since V. The word "highest" is encouraging, the title "V" not so much, since it got a second season then disappeared off the face of the Earth.
I'm gonna try and keep up with this series if it keeps playing on Hulu, since I work in the evenings. I haven't been able to watch DC's latest offering, Arrow, because my internet and the CW's streaming service mix like toilet water and diarhea. Arrow's pilot didn't impress me though, so I've been content with it (I'll watch the series on blu-ray in the upcoming weeks to see if it improves). Hulu goes down easier for me, so seeing SHIELD on it meant I was definitely watching it.
I'm a fan of Joss Whedon's previous shows, with Angel being tops. I enjoyed Avengers as a hollow experience, similar to how I enjoyed Star Wars without really caring about it. But on average the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been worthwhile thanks to strong openers from Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. Now the MCU hits television with Agent Phil "Son of Coul" Coulson coming back from the dead because they felt like it. Oh well, his death in Avengers didn't do much for me anyway.
Overall I enjoyed the pilot, it was especially far more impressive than Arrow's (which I use as a recent point of comic book television comparison, not that the two have much in common). While the "Whedon-esque" tone isn't surprising, I had hoped they'd tone it down, which was a problem I had with Avengers as well since lines like "I don't see how that's a party." weren't really that funny and hurt the flow of the film. While I enjoy Whedon's work, I think this piece would work better for me if Whedon reeled himself back a bit, allowing the concept to sweep us with how fun it is instead of trying to ease us with humor that makes it feel that even sthe show's creators don't take it seriously. That tone works with something like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, not so much with something like Dollhouse, which is why the former hit it off and the latter didn't. SHIELD feels like the latter.
That said, I enjoyed the story. I like the Extremis tie-in to Iron Man 3. Not entirely sure why it's still around unless Killian is still alive (and let's face it, it's very possible that he is), but I doubt Guy Pierce is going to be the big baddie of this show. There were a few neat Whedon style twists (I love the reveal of the supposed "victim" as one of the villains), and a lot of his trademark women who kick more ass than the men.
I'll be watching it. Whedon's season arcs are always interesting to see unfold, even if the show has its issues. Plus I want to see what's up with Coulson after that "You didn't tell him?" exchange. Yes, Joss, you got me curious.
I'm gonna try and keep up with this series if it keeps playing on Hulu, since I work in the evenings. I haven't been able to watch DC's latest offering, Arrow, because my internet and the CW's streaming service mix like toilet water and diarhea. Arrow's pilot didn't impress me though, so I've been content with it (I'll watch the series on blu-ray in the upcoming weeks to see if it improves). Hulu goes down easier for me, so seeing SHIELD on it meant I was definitely watching it.
I'm a fan of Joss Whedon's previous shows, with Angel being tops. I enjoyed Avengers as a hollow experience, similar to how I enjoyed Star Wars without really caring about it. But on average the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been worthwhile thanks to strong openers from Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. Now the MCU hits television with Agent Phil "Son of Coul" Coulson coming back from the dead because they felt like it. Oh well, his death in Avengers didn't do much for me anyway.
Overall I enjoyed the pilot, it was especially far more impressive than Arrow's (which I use as a recent point of comic book television comparison, not that the two have much in common). While the "Whedon-esque" tone isn't surprising, I had hoped they'd tone it down, which was a problem I had with Avengers as well since lines like "I don't see how that's a party." weren't really that funny and hurt the flow of the film. While I enjoy Whedon's work, I think this piece would work better for me if Whedon reeled himself back a bit, allowing the concept to sweep us with how fun it is instead of trying to ease us with humor that makes it feel that even sthe show's creators don't take it seriously. That tone works with something like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, not so much with something like Dollhouse, which is why the former hit it off and the latter didn't. SHIELD feels like the latter.
That said, I enjoyed the story. I like the Extremis tie-in to Iron Man 3. Not entirely sure why it's still around unless Killian is still alive (and let's face it, it's very possible that he is), but I doubt Guy Pierce is going to be the big baddie of this show. There were a few neat Whedon style twists (I love the reveal of the supposed "victim" as one of the villains), and a lot of his trademark women who kick more ass than the men.
I'll be watching it. Whedon's season arcs are always interesting to see unfold, even if the show has its issues. Plus I want to see what's up with Coulson after that "You didn't tell him?" exchange. Yes, Joss, you got me curious.