matatas-1 Reviews

Leverage (2008–2012)

Anyone remember Counterstrike?

[6/10 · 9 December 2008]

The characters are too quirky and cute, the basic premise is somewhat naive and a little forced, and the dialogue is forgettable. I predict it will get horribly boring before the second season's over. Of course, I also thought a series as stupid and boring as "Charmed" would be canceled mid-first season, so what do I know.

This show reminds me somewhat of "Counterstrike", the TV series starring Christopher Plummer as a billionaire-turned-vigilante after the murder of his wife. He assembles a team of criminals and experts and so on to fight international terrorism. It was somewhat lame.

This show is a little (just a little) better, but Timothy Hutton is no Christopher Plummer.

I bet all the other reviewers that gave this a 10/10 are "According to Jim" fans.

In Treatment (2008–2021)

Mia Wasikowska, a.k.a. Sophie

[9/10 · 4 June 2008]

I don't know why, but everyone who comments on this show feels a need to outline each of the characters, with a short "bio" and some personal remarks.

What's curious about this is that the show's uniqueness comes from Gabriel Byrne's performance, and the subtle variations in his dealing with each patient. Their problems and dilemmas are somewhat secondary to his attempts to address them, which, ironically, is only possible because the other actors are absolutely brilliant.

All that said, Sophie is fascinating, not only from the character/plot/script standpoint, but from the unbelievable performance by Mia Wasikowska. She was the only one in the show I had never heard of or seen anywhere else, and for this kind of incredible performance to spring out of nowhere, it's clear she's sold her soul to the devil, and truly gotten her money's worth. Looking forward to seeing her in everything else she does.

My Boys (2006–2010)

Same old baloney in a brand new package

[2/10 · 1 June 2008]

Every now and then a show comes along that redefines your relationship with the whole genre. Seinfeld was like that, The Sopranos as well. Maybe even Californication. This show is about as far from that as possible, bar reality television.

As you watch it, you feel like you've seen that episode before, and you kind of know how it's going to end. That's because, in a way, you HAVE seen that episode before, and it's going to end exactly like any episode of any unimaginative half-hour sitcom based on some vaguely idiotic premise. It's the same old lame fodder we've seen a million times. It's kind of bearable and mostly dull and pointless, but at least it's not According to Jim.

A feeling of déjà vu not unlike visiting a childhood home, but one in which you were molested by a crazy uncle. Recognition, repetition and repulsion, in one fell 30-minute swoop.

But, once again, at least it's not According to Jim.

(Could ANYTHING be as awful as that? I mean, really? It's the television equivalent of a colonoscopy.)