What TJ Watched: Week of Sept. 27, 2010

Hey all,

Can you believe it's been another week? I can't. Time's flying. Anyway, I didn't watch as much this week. I did make two films of my own, though. So, score in that department. But here's what I did watch:

Friday night, opening night, I saw "The Social Network" again. I thought it was a rich enough film to invite multiple viewings. I was right. See my review posted a week ago for more thoughts on the Facebook movie.

I finished the first season of "Archer." I'm not sure if the series just grew on me a bit, or if it got better in the second half. As I mentioned earlier, there are some very likable things about the show, but these are often overshadowed by some very annoying things about the show. For one, the two other women who work in the office (I don't know their names, but not Mallory Archer and not Lana, the other two) absolutely need to go. They are terrible and annoying and not funny. They really drag down every episode. That aside, shoutout to the episode on the blimp. I just might try out season two when it comes out.
2.5/4

For my media scriptwriting class, I have to watch an entire season of a series and document it thoroughly, sort of becoming an "expert" on it. Because I'm making my way through Robert Altman's canon right now, I thought I'd try Tanner '88. I honestly just started the show and have only seen the pilot, but I absolutely loved it. It has that dry, ironic Altman-humour, and Jack Tanner looks to be a very likable character. Even though the show is incredibly dated, I find many of the themes and targets of satire to be pretty timeless. Looking forward to the rest of the show.
3.5/4

Lastly, and devoid of a star-rating, I went to the Pageant in St. Louis Thursday night to see The National perform. It was peak experience. Their lyrics are incredibly dense and meaningful. Matt Berninger, though not the world's best singer, has an awesome voice. There were times when he was singing that his body, full of energy, contorted in such a way that I expected a beam of light to shoot forth from his chest. It was as if he were possessed by the angels of music. An incredibly stirring performance and an incredible experience.

That's all for this week. Have a good one.
-TJ