Revolution (Now with spoilers!)

[undercoverbrother]

They just need to find the right pace, get some better dialogue writing, get Charlie some acting lessons, and focus on the characters that are actually interesting.

lol, so re-vamp the show.

I should be clear I enjoy the show, and have high hopes but an struggling. I would like to know more about Neville as well, he seems a very interesting character.

It was funny to see a homage to Boss Godfrey in the last episode, not sure if that was on purpose or not.

I really hope the show can improve, because I think the potential is there for a good story.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

stop you are taking what little fun might be in this show and stamping on it, after throwing it from a bridge...

To be clear I enjoyed the first episode, and will watch the next few until I form a more full opinion, I was just discussing what I saw. I think it has potential, but it has some problems too.

Which wins out will be interesting. I'll probably have my mind made up within half a season or less. But I'm open to it right now.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Originally Posted by HPLovecraft

I hope Elizabeth Mitchell has an expanded role. She was great in every scene she's been in so far, and has some great acting chops.

They're trying to make Charlie's uncle into some kind of smart-talking bad-ass but he just doesn't suit the role. Or, alternatively, he's just not getting good writing. Probably a little bit of both.

I don't think the show's failed in making us care for the characters yet -- it's only been two episodes -- but if they don't make us care soon, people will stop watching. The very best shows can make you care right from the get-go: Breaking Bad, Lost, etc., but, unfortunately, not every show starts out as strong as they do (see: Fringe). I'm willing to give the show a couple more episodes to see what happens. The sets are fantastic, and I thought episode 2 was a big step up from the pilot. They just need to find the right pace, get some better dialogue writing, get Charlie some acting lessons, and focus on the characters that are actually interesting.

Fringe had Walter Bishop. You loved the man (and the actor John Noble). He carried that show for the first part of the series because he was so interesting, flawed and human.

In order for the audience to forget about all the other things in the show you have to get them to love the characters immediately. Not AFTER two episodes. You have already lost millions of viewers that will not come back. Character relationship with the audience is the only way to tell a story. Copper is having the same issue as Revolution. They both have a lot of real well done costumes and sets but you don't give a crap about the actors/characters. Last years Terra Nova had the same problem AND it didn't know if it was a family show or a PG 14 show so no wonder it failed.

You talk about better dialogue - guess what big movie has weak dialogue that everybody enjoyed, including me, - Sherlock Homes, read the actual script, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/. However the acting saved it and because of Robert Downey's delivery you really didn't notice. Downey made you love his character in the first 5 mins.

You must give the audience a reason to watch the actors and to do that you have to find at least one character that can do it the moment they appear.(By rule, which can be broken, with mystery, tragedy or comedy ). Otherwise it is a failure just like most people are saying it is here in the thread.

A good example of Mystery - The Walking Dead, for those that have not read the comic, introduced to Michonne in shadow with swords after saving Andrea from certain death.

A good example of tragedy - Breaking Bad, Walter finds out he has Cancer and is going to die.

A good example of comedy - Breaking Bad again, Walter trying to make Meth.

[Old Yeller]

I hope they continue to flashback to just after the power went out... in fact I kind of wish they flashed back more often as I think this will help explain exactly what happened and why.

I found the second episode ok, not as interesting as the first, but I'll keep watching.

Also the main girl is still pretty hot.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller

Also the main girl is still pretty hot.

This will rekindle my Elizabeth Mitchell crush

[HPLovecraft]

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Fringe had Walter Bishop. You loved the man (and the actor John Noble). He carried that show for the first part of the series because he was so interesting, flawed and human.

In order for the audience to forget about all the other things in the show you have to get them to love the characters immediately. Not AFTER two episodes. You have already lost millions of viewers that will not come back. Character relationship with the audience is the only way to tell a story. Copper is having the same issue as Revolution. They both have a lot of real well done costumes and sets but you don't give a crap about the actors/characters. Last years Terra Nova had the same problem AND it didn't know if it was a family show or a PG 14 show so no wonder it failed.

You talk about better dialogue - guess what big movie has weak dialogue that everybody enjoyed, including me, - Sherlock Homes, read the actual script, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/. However the acting saved it and because of Robert Downey's delivery you really didn't notice. Downey made you love his character in the first 5 mins.

You must give the audience a reason to watch the actors and to do that you have to find at least one character that can do it the moment they appear.(By rule, which can be broken, with mystery, tragedy or comedy ). Otherwise it is a failure just like most people are saying it is here in the thread.

A good example of Mystery - The Walking Dead, for those that have not read the comic, introduced to Michonne in shadow with swords after saving Andrea from certain death.

A good example of tragedy - Breaking Bad, Walter finds out he has Cancer and is going to die.

A good example of comedy - Breaking Bad again, Walter trying to make Meth.

Lol, so what are you trying to say? The show's failed because, by rule, you need one character to catch your attention immediately, and it didn't happen for you after a single episode? Did you go to a fiction writing class at community college? Even if that were remotely true (a rule in fiction writing . . . funny), the Neville character (played by a great actor) has certainly done that for me. He's easily the most interesting persona thus far, and I think they could do some great things with him. So there's that.

There is room for the show to get better, no doubt about it, and they'd better do it quick, but not every show is an Emmy winning hit straight out of the gate, and to think it's a failure simply because it's not is asinine. The vast majority of shows are not Breaking Bad quality straight from the get-go. Yes, if the characters are #### straight from the start, it will likely be cancelled, but there's a few bright spots to date with this show, they just need to get their act together within these next couple of episodes and start running with it.

As for Fringe, I felt most of he first season was a by the numbers monster-of-the-week show done every episode, with Walter Bishops playing an annoying, cliche-ridden, bumbling scientist. I actually couldn't stand the character or the show in season 1. I stopped watching and didn't go back until the next season when it had improved and changed direction after their total revamp.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Originally Posted by HPLovecraft

Lol, so what are you trying to say? The show's failed because, by rule, you need one character to catch your attention immediately, and it didn't happen for you after a single episode? Did you go to a fiction writing class at community college? Even if that were remotely true (a rule in fiction writing . . . funny), the Neville character (played by a great actor) has certainly done that for me. He's easily the most interesting persona thus far, and I think they could do some great things with him. So there's that.

There is room for the show to get better, no doubt about it, and they'd better do it quick, but not every show is an Emmy winning hit straight out of the gate, and to think it's a failure simply because it's not is asinine. The vast majority of shows are not Breaking Bad quality straight from the get-go. Yes, if the characters are #### straight from the start, it will likely be cancelled, but there's a few bright spots to date with this show, they just need to get their act together within these next couple of episodes and start running with it.

As for Fringe, I felt most of he first season was a by the numbers monster-of-the-week show done every episode, with Walter Bishops playing an annoying, cliche-ridden, bumbling scientist. I actually couldn't stand the character or the show in season 1. I stopped watching and didn't go back until the next season when it had improved and changed direction after their total revamp.

There is no need to try to belittle me with a ridiculous community college remark. You don't agree about story character development fine.

Nevile is the only depth Character and he isn't strong enough to carry a show.

Anyway, if you can have a mature discussion without belittling someone (which is mostly where people in this board eventually tread) then we are done with this conversation. Too bad as I was having fun talking about it with you.

[HPLovecraft]

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

There is no need to try to belittle me with a ridiculous community college remark. You don't agree about story character development fine.

Nevile is the only depth Character and he isn't strong enough to carry a show.

Anyway, if you can have a mature discussion without belittling someone (which is mostly where people in this board eventually tread) then we are done with this conversation. Too bad as I was having fun talking about it with you.

I have no problem with what you said about character development. Without character, you don't have much of anything, and in any great work of fiction it's the characters you remember years after, not the story. But breaking it down into "rules" is generally what they teach in creative writing classes, and it tends to lead to hack writing. I'm sorry if it offended you, and maybe it did come out harshly, but I've spent most of my life writing in some capacity or another, and the mention of rules always bugs me.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Originally Posted by HPLovecraft

I have no problem with what you said about character development. Without character, you don't have much of anything, and in any great work of fiction it's the characters you remember years after, not the story. But breaking it down into "rules" is generally what they teach in creative writing classes, and it tends to lead to hack writing. I'm sorry if it offended you, and maybe it did come out harshly, but I've spent most of my life writing in some capacity or another, and the mention of rules always bugs me.

I appreciate that thanks.

It's not just rules - I said they can also be broken. But if you do - you best do it right and if you can't do it right then you follow the "guide". This show isn't doing it well. After this discussion I decided to watch Breaking Bad again from episode one. It opens with them coming down the bunny trail in the mobile home in ugly underwear with gas masks on... Hilarious. Then Walt hears sirens, takes a camera and says good-bye to his family and proceeds to walk to the street with a loaded gun ready for battle. <end scene>

BRILLIANT

Now look at Revolutions open and subsequent story following. It's GREAT idea but poor execution.

I'd totally nerd out and break down both episodes but I have 3 projects to finish... Man I really want to though.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Okay, I've been editing for 24 hours of the last 2 days and I've had a few beers with some friends... Perhaps this discussion is better for the pub but I ask you to take a cheesy show like Grimm... Okay, It's children's stories taken to an adult topic. I thought the premise was total cheese and poorly executed for the first few episodes but the it grew on me... It's renewed for a second season. However, there was one character that saved it which was the mystery guy - the Bulutebot. Did I spell that right? It seemed more German... Bluetgermanboght... Anyway, again, I've had a couple... And I drove...my friends crazy.

Man, you sparked a discussion with me. I sooo want a book club but with movies and film... Perhaps I need it! Are you up for movie assignments and discussion HPlovecraft and others? I promise never to talk about the "love boat" or HP sauce and it's love craft. This seems creative now but tomorrow...

Like if there is interest in discussing a specific film. I'll start with a film in a new thread with rules to discussion and a timeline to discuss. All requests for movies can be received via pm. Could be a fun way to rue the day we thought we'd get exercise!

[Azure]

I honestly have no clue how this show will continue. Sure the idea is interesting, but the execution is total crap.

Terra Nova was the same thing. An idea that could have worked, but they screwed up in actually doing it.

[GGG]

This show has been relegated to sit on the pvr until i find out if it is renewed or canceled. This show is doing nothing for me and after Surface, The Event, Terra Nova, Flash Forward i am going to wait before investing my time. I am a sucker for these mystery, distopian conspiricy shows.

Of the ones listed above revolution seems the least watchable. At least Terra Nova had dinosaurs.

[undercoverbrother]

Third episode tonight. It got better from 1 to 2, let's hope it continues. I would like to see some more flashbacks to the back story.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Azure

I honestly have no clue how this show will continue. Sure the idea is interesting, but the execution is total crap.

Terra Nova was the same thing. An idea that could have worked, but they screwed up in actually doing it.

It does have the Terra Nova stench of death to it . . . . . it was the guy defeating 25 Ninja's in the first episode, conveniently coming at him one or two at a time . . . . . yeesh, this isn't Kill Bill. I wasn't sure if it was a drama, a comedy or a dramedy.

Cowperson

[Azure]

You get the sense there will be lots of flashbacks considering they skipped ahead 14 years in the first episode.

[undercoverbrother]

I am having trouble buying Miles as a Jarhead. Also, having trouble with glasses finding that rural address with the topo map he had. I can't believe rural address are that easy to find.

I am trying hard to like this show, but it keeps trying hard to get me to dislike it.

[Rerun]

I watched it for the first time the other nite. Interesting premise however the overall feel of the show seems second rate. If it keeps up like this, it won't last.

[Mike F]

IMO, there's one main thing holding this show down:



Billy Burke as Miles, who the show needs to be the (dark) hero of the story, just cannot carry a single scene he is in. I don't like him, I don't believe him as a physical threat, his dark brooding comes off more as sulking. He's just not a leading man. You can blame the writing to some degree, but the same writers are creating the dialogue for Giancarlo Espisito and he pulls off his character completely.

You can make a show work with a strong central figure even if it's frayed around the edges, but leave a void in the middle and the whole thing flies off the rails.

Do this show with, say, Terry O'Quinn as Miles going up against Giancarlo as the main bad guy. . . . Then you would have had something

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Mike F

IMO, there's one main thing holding this show down:

I find him cast in that role to be the least of my problems with the show.

First, the obvious issue that the writers have with the story not already being in the place they want it to be. For example, Miles lived so far away in Chicago that his niece had never seen him, but they start out on a trek to find him and get to Chicago by the end of the commercial break. They toss in a almost nonsensical 'ambush', that anyone who had survived that length of trip never would have allowed and then walk directly to her uncle. In any normal show, this process would have taken several episodes, or an entire season to complete, but in Revolution they manage to shrink it down to 20 mins. Everything seems so forced, and I dont see an end in sight.


Next, the whole 'EMP effect' neutralizing pendant that Aaron has suddenly and magically turns on right as they walk into the house. Never seen it turn on before and when Grace turned hers on it was due to an intentional push, not a activation from across the room. If the device had this potential, it never would have made the long journey to this point without it happening already.

These next things are minor, but just bug me:

When Monroe went to the Base following the blackout and used his tattoo as ID, the only obvious reason was that the tattoo meant something to the person he showed it to. Under what circumstances would a guard at a military facility let someone in because they had a tattoo? I expected it to be a secret organization which led to the militia, but right now it seems that it had nothing to do with anything. They could fix this by having it mean something in the future I guess.

Internal combustion not working, planes falling straight down out of the sky. This has been mentioned many times in this thread so I won't go into details. I can accept a small amount of twisting of reality for the sake of the story.
The more I watch this show, the more it contradicts itself or has gaping plot inconsistencies, the more I just want it to end.

I am normally far too interested in 'end of the world' type shows to stop watching before it is dead, but this one might be the first.

[Mike F]

To each their own, but I would describe many of your problems as nitpicking. Could be that they never visited their uncle because the dad didn't want to travel with his family - the town was walled for a reason. Or maybe the brothers wanted to avoid each other to help lie low - Miles sure wanted to have nothing to do with anyone looking for him until he found out his brother died. As for finding Miles right away, do you really want to waste an episode with the niece walking into shop after shop going, "Do you know Miles? No? OK." "Do you know Miles? No? OK." "Do you know Miles? No? OK." "Do you know Miles? A couple of streets over? OK." "Do you know Miles? A couple of streets the other way? OK."

Other shows may spend a season tracking down the uncle if that's the story they want to tell. Revolution obviously Revolution doesn't want to tell that story. They don't do it because they sit down in the writing room and realize "Damn, realistically it would actually be a long walk so we better put off the story we had in mind and spend the time detailing the characters trek from A to B, where our story starts."