I just finished watching The Decameron (finally) and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Like your wife I went in with little information and little expectations but I did remember reading this post and knew the humor might not hit the mark. It turns out both my partner and I were laughing the whole time. I think it was just the silly show we needed after a long week at work.
I don’t know… most critiques I read or half-read abhorred what was done with one of the main classics of Italian literature, saying it just isn’t it. For that reason I will skip it. I’ve not read it, but you know, we study it a bit in school.
I like the title which comes from the Greek and means “(work) of ten days”. It’s 100 novellas. What don’t you like about it?
I'm one of those weirdos who has read The Decameron (OK only about a dozen of the tales, in English translation), and I love Monty Python. I was kind of interested in watching this, and your 2-ep test hasn't changed "kinda" to anything else. I'll keep in on the watch list for when I'm in the mood.
Side note: I guess the Chronicle has Mick LaSalle doing some TV reviews now. He HATED this show.
First of all, I bow down. Impressed! Love that you have read parts of it. Man, had no money on anyone doing that. Oh, and wow I laughed OUT LOUD at LaSalle doing TV reviews. Chronicle has been really lagging on TV reviews since the third TV critic in the history of the newspaper -- I think his name was, uh, like Tom Goodwin or something -- left. Kinda tragic.
Ah, but you know I love my faves there -- Joe Garofoli and Peter Hartlaub. Maybe those guys should be co-critics?
Shouldn't that be EL Norte? Heh. I remember reading bits of Le Morte but it wasn't very exciting. Even though it was Middle English, which isn't entirely a different language like Old English.
Beowulf--now there's a story that would make a great limited series...
Typing too fast as I was trying to get outta town for a client thingie...
I started the Mallory and, after realizing just what a slog it was going to be, made it a point of pride the gut through it. Sadly the thing I remember most from one of the great pieces of English literature is those damned jousting scores...
...which of course would be anachronisms during the 5th century when a Romono-Celt Warlord known as The Bear, opened up a can on those pesky Saxon Invaders at a place called Snowden Hill.
Beowulf could be interesting, the weird sort of rotoscoped movie really didn't cut it for me (Angelina Jolie's rather naked animated avatar not withstanding).
After one episode my first reaction is, a half hour show would have been better. It's really hard to pull off an hour long comedy series, and, while this show certainly has some things going for it, it probably doesn't have enough to justify an hour.
A couple of other reference points, and shows that maybe did this sort of thing better, are Our Flag Means Death and Another Period.
Definitely agree on the time issue. Haven't seen Another Period. Really wanted to love "Our Flag Means Death," but vastly preferred "What We Do In the Shadows." Big spoofs are hard. I've loved my share though...
I agree WWDITS is the better show. I was on the fence about Our Flag for several episodes, but I think it really got better as it progressed. I wonder how many episodes you watched?
Another Period is a who’s who of the alt comedy world, so if you like that crowd you might give it a try.
I heard a clip from Time Bandits this morning when walking to work and guffawed out loud then promptly texted TG that we must watch this immediately. Intermingled with Decameron *of course*.
Yes, also got the hard sell on "Time Bandits" on tonight's walk with Pepper, so it's on the list for sure, even though we talked a lot about shows like this that can SEEM amazing and then just don't work. For me, I'm looking at "Our Flag Means Death."
...and, if you recall, I ended up supremely underwhelmed by Our Flag Means Death — especially considering the near perfection of the OTHER show he was making at the time...
It's an interesting dynamic trying to find shows that my partner and myself enjoy watching together. She likes to re-watch things over and over... I'd rather find new things I might enjoy. Since you know, happy partner, happy life, I end up watching things over and over with her. LOL
I am going going to give this show the two episode test. It looks amusing enough and you know there aren't enough comedies about the pesky pestilence. :) Right now the Olympics has taken over a large part of my viewing.
Pesky pestilence! It's kind of funny because our viewing situation it that I watch a lot of stuff for work and she's voraciously watching sci fi and movies and whatever she's in the mood for, so when we can actually sit down and debate what to watch it's kinda fun...
My husband and I have been watching it. I think we've finished ep 3 or 4? I think it's idiotic, funny, and sometimes engaging. We'll finish it because ... we'll there's not much else on right now that we're interested in. I need to get HBO again so we can watch House of Dragons and whatever else we can cram in for a month!
Hi Tim. Perfect timing for what I intended to run past you. Nancy and I are craving something that's on par with these illustrious UK offerings that I feel belong grouped. In no particular order Detectorists, Fleabag, Sex Education, Catastrophe, and the one that made The Decameron seem immediately so wanting in contrast, Ghosts. We've started Derry Girls twice and may return to it and love The End of the F***Ing World but I think it's a little outside the group I assembled. Anything you can think to scratch our itch?
That's a great list Wayne and I haven't seen Ghosts yet so I'll check that out. I think you'd like some of these, in no particular order: After Life with Ricky Gervais (Netflix), "The Thick Of It" (Peacock, YouTube), Bad Sisters, This Way Up, Pulling, anything from Mitchell & Webb....Man, I see a much longer list coming...
Thanks Tim. Long before streaming, must've been the torrent age, we watched and had our minds blown by The Thick of It. We're fans of After Life and Bad Sisters as well but have, fortuitously, not viewed This Way Up or Pulling. Awesome that they both feature Sharon H.
Also if you like Fleabag, This Way Up, created by, written by and starring the wonderful Aisling Bea is a solid bet. Extra added bonus you get Sharon Horgan as co-star.
If you like Fleabag, you might enjoy Phoebe Waller-Bridge's previous show "Crashing." It was only 6 episodes so it's a quick watch but I really enjoyed it.
I just finished watching The Decameron (finally) and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Like your wife I went in with little information and little expectations but I did remember reading this post and knew the humor might not hit the mark. It turns out both my partner and I were laughing the whole time. I think it was just the silly show we needed after a long week at work.
I don’t know… most critiques I read or half-read abhorred what was done with one of the main classics of Italian literature, saying it just isn’t it. For that reason I will skip it. I’ve not read it, but you know, we study it a bit in school.
I like the title which comes from the Greek and means “(work) of ten days”. It’s 100 novellas. What don’t you like about it?
I'm one of those weirdos who has read The Decameron (OK only about a dozen of the tales, in English translation), and I love Monty Python. I was kind of interested in watching this, and your 2-ep test hasn't changed "kinda" to anything else. I'll keep in on the watch list for when I'm in the mood.
Side note: I guess the Chronicle has Mick LaSalle doing some TV reviews now. He HATED this show.
First of all, I bow down. Impressed! Love that you have read parts of it. Man, had no money on anyone doing that. Oh, and wow I laughed OUT LOUD at LaSalle doing TV reviews. Chronicle has been really lagging on TV reviews since the third TV critic in the history of the newspaper -- I think his name was, uh, like Tom Goodwin or something -- left. Kinda tragic.
Ah, but you know I love my faves there -- Joe Garofoli and Peter Hartlaub. Maybe those guys should be co-critics?
You're not the only weirdo. Ever try Le Morte d'Arthur in old English? Hope you like jousting scores...
I just did a SMH. Of course I should have counted on you for this. Props to you and EW.
Shouldn't that be EL Norte? Heh. I remember reading bits of Le Morte but it wasn't very exciting. Even though it was Middle English, which isn't entirely a different language like Old English.
Beowulf--now there's a story that would make a great limited series...
Typing too fast as I was trying to get outta town for a client thingie...
I started the Mallory and, after realizing just what a slog it was going to be, made it a point of pride the gut through it. Sadly the thing I remember most from one of the great pieces of English literature is those damned jousting scores...
...which of course would be anachronisms during the 5th century when a Romono-Celt Warlord known as The Bear, opened up a can on those pesky Saxon Invaders at a place called Snowden Hill.
Beowulf could be interesting, the weird sort of rotoscoped movie really didn't cut it for me (Angelina Jolie's rather naked animated avatar not withstanding).
Maybe PBS will do that?
I was thinking HBO but then they'd try to make it seven seasons and ruin the ending.
After one episode my first reaction is, a half hour show would have been better. It's really hard to pull off an hour long comedy series, and, while this show certainly has some things going for it, it probably doesn't have enough to justify an hour.
A couple of other reference points, and shows that maybe did this sort of thing better, are Our Flag Means Death and Another Period.
Definitely agree on the time issue. Haven't seen Another Period. Really wanted to love "Our Flag Means Death," but vastly preferred "What We Do In the Shadows." Big spoofs are hard. I've loved my share though...
I agree WWDITS is the better show. I was on the fence about Our Flag for several episodes, but I think it really got better as it progressed. I wonder how many episodes you watched?
Another Period is a who’s who of the alt comedy world, so if you like that crowd you might give it a try.
You had me at Terriers!
Be careful!
Here’s my knee jerk balance scale litmus test (KJBSLT) for overly self conscious deadpan comedic actors:
Zosia Mamet = probably no | Maya Erskine = probably so.
Your mileage may vary.
I would like to add that this is 1,000 percent accurate.
Haven't started it yet but the cast is certainly loaded...
BTW wondered if you've checked out Time Bandits. That one should fail but it's definitely in great hands...
I heard a clip from Time Bandits this morning when walking to work and guffawed out loud then promptly texted TG that we must watch this immediately. Intermingled with Decameron *of course*.
Yes, also got the hard sell on "Time Bandits" on tonight's walk with Pepper, so it's on the list for sure, even though we talked a lot about shows like this that can SEEM amazing and then just don't work. For me, I'm looking at "Our Flag Means Death."
You mean even Pepper's ganging up on you now?
...and, if you recall, I ended up supremely underwhelmed by Our Flag Means Death — especially considering the near perfection of the OTHER show he was making at the time...
It's an interesting dynamic trying to find shows that my partner and myself enjoy watching together. She likes to re-watch things over and over... I'd rather find new things I might enjoy. Since you know, happy partner, happy life, I end up watching things over and over with her. LOL
I am going going to give this show the two episode test. It looks amusing enough and you know there aren't enough comedies about the pesky pestilence. :) Right now the Olympics has taken over a large part of my viewing.
Pesky pestilence! It's kind of funny because our viewing situation it that I watch a lot of stuff for work and she's voraciously watching sci fi and movies and whatever she's in the mood for, so when we can actually sit down and debate what to watch it's kinda fun...
My husband and I have been watching it. I think we've finished ep 3 or 4? I think it's idiotic, funny, and sometimes engaging. We'll finish it because ... we'll there's not much else on right now that we're interested in. I need to get HBO again so we can watch House of Dragons and whatever else we can cram in for a month!
I haven't even started HOD but my partner is all caught up. Maybe soon. Feeling swamped!
Hi Tim. Perfect timing for what I intended to run past you. Nancy and I are craving something that's on par with these illustrious UK offerings that I feel belong grouped. In no particular order Detectorists, Fleabag, Sex Education, Catastrophe, and the one that made The Decameron seem immediately so wanting in contrast, Ghosts. We've started Derry Girls twice and may return to it and love The End of the F***Ing World but I think it's a little outside the group I assembled. Anything you can think to scratch our itch?
That's a great list Wayne and I haven't seen Ghosts yet so I'll check that out. I think you'd like some of these, in no particular order: After Life with Ricky Gervais (Netflix), "The Thick Of It" (Peacock, YouTube), Bad Sisters, This Way Up, Pulling, anything from Mitchell & Webb....Man, I see a much longer list coming...
Thanks Tim. Long before streaming, must've been the torrent age, we watched and had our minds blown by The Thick of It. We're fans of After Life and Bad Sisters as well but have, fortuitously, not viewed This Way Up or Pulling. Awesome that they both feature Sharon H.
Also if you like Fleabag, This Way Up, created by, written by and starring the wonderful Aisling Bea is a solid bet. Extra added bonus you get Sharon Horgan as co-star.
HUGE fan of "This Way Up." Wish there was more.
If you like Aisling Bea, Bullet to the Heart, a short she did with Brett Goldstein, is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/faw2rj9HKgw?si=kP9bdKSkjHP2PDQ_
Even if you hate it, it's 11 minutes long and you can shrug it off. I liked it
If you like Fleabag, you might enjoy Phoebe Waller-Bridge's previous show "Crashing." It was only 6 episodes so it's a quick watch but I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Crashing!
Me too, I wanted more. LOL
You and me both, really wish they'd done another series...
I started but can't remember if I finished that. 😅
No, you put this on my radar. That's very helpful.
Cool, give an update on whether if you like it and stick with it...