Episode 11: Xena and Adama Together at Last
Welcome to the Small Screen Spoiler Show episode 11! I’m CJ “literally his creation” Boat, he’s Jarred “Chimp with a machine gun” Azevedo, and we’re here to spoil you on the shows you are invested in! Just as a reminder, we are going to spoil the listed shows and anything prior to the show! For example, if we talk about season 2 episode 21 of a show, anything 20 and before are up for debate. We will try to not spoil the “Next time on” that most shows do. If you haven’t watched, or don’t want to be spoiled, on the following shows, please come back later.
Today’s shows are:
Better Call Saul
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Email from Darrell:
Dear S4.
So let's talk about Better Call Saul. Specifically the ending where a charming, sympathetic character becomes a total dick. I went from loving to hating Chuck within a minute. So how did this show pull off this trick better than that other show I love, agents of SHIELD? Character depth.
As much as I love SHIELD its still very much a fun genre show. When characters responded contrary to expectations I didn't like it, even though they were reacting realistically to the death of a friend. Two dimensional characters can only develop along a plane, jumping out of that plane makes it feel uncomfortable.
Chuck, however, is a fully realised three dimensional character. That extra depth means he CAN surprise is because he has more than. Basic set of motivations. The same applies for Jimmy, he could go anywhere right now, there's no obvious character trope for him to follow; in creating a living breathing character the writers have freedom in what he decides to do.
And that's been a running theme so far. Is this a show about conning people with insurance fraud? About crazy Tuco? Is it about taking care of his Brother? Is it about Erin Brockoviching a legal case about the mistreatment of old people? The plot meanders from point to point without really coming to a conclusion on anything because we don't need those elements to be closed off; the main character has freedom to chose NOT to go down that plot path.
And this is a fucking prequel. Imagine Star Wars Episode 1 if the characters had this much depth and freedom of choice.
The second part of the show, going forward, are our “Challenge Shows” Jarred and I will challenge each other to watch what is immediately available (at least) to watch and catch up, and do a spoiler discussion of the shows we watched.
CJ’s Challenge to Jaz: Arrow (Dat Count Doe)
Jaz’s Challenge to CJ: Sherlock
iZombie Small Small Screen Spoiler Show
Titles
Ranting into the Internet
Edward Snanowna
Kicking the Ass’s Ass
Nobody wants to get Punched to Death
Dat Nazi Stuff
Dem Jowls Doe
Xena and Adama Together at Last // JAZ CJB
Veronica Mars with Zombies // CJB
