If you have been anywhere other than under your covers in a dark room listening to audiotapes of FDR’s Fireside Chats over the past few weeks, you have probably been bombarded with information about HBO’s “Girls.” Prior to its premiere, there was a wave of reviews and thinkpieces discussing how groundbreaking and hilarious it was. Then, naturally, the forward progress of the wave stopped and turned into an undertow, and there was an equally loud and histrionic backlash against the show. Well, it turns out that’s all A-OK with Judd Apatow.
“When we made it, we always knew that it was a show you should fight about,” he told Vulture when we asked about the backlash. “It was built to be a show that you’d have to defend or argue about — for some people, it would make them angry — and we go over that terrain for the course of the ten episodes. So hopefully people will fight about it every week! Not just one week.” [Vulture]
Allow me to present this counterpoint: Please stop yelling at me. All of you. Did it get a little annoying seeing TV critics spill a goddamn billion words about how great it was all over the Internet? Sure. But the flip side of that coin — “EVERYTHING IS STUPID I HATE IT SOME OF THEM HAVE FAMOUS PARENTS IT’S NOT FAIR AND I HATED THE SONGS THEY PLAYED” — is at least as bad, if not worse. I mean, if those are your major arguments against the show, then it probably wasn’t for you in the first place, and yelling and stomping your feet anyway does nothing but raise your blood pressure. And, as a related note, if your analysis of the show consists mainly of whether or not its stars are attractive enough for you to sleep with, please take this opportunity to go jump in Lake Goon with the rest of your meathead compadres.
By no means am I saying you have to like “Girls,” or that you can’t have your own opinion on its merits as a television show. (Personally, I thought it was good, but I can see where people might have some issues with it.) What I am saying, on behalf of reasonable people everywhere, is that HOLY HELL let’s all dial things back a little on both sides of the spectrum. There are far more important things to focus your energy on, like this picture of a child dressed like an astronaut, and I think it’s important to remember that.
Astronaut via Buzzfeed
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I watched the premier after hearing that it was both genius and the worst show EVAH!
My general feelings was that it was ok, but I don’t think it’ll make my weekly TV rotation.
Ditto.
My review of the pilot: meh.
The thing I take from all of this? That kids dreams of being an astronaut are in serious danger of never coming true. For any kids. Give NASA a gabillion dollars immediately.
I think we need a post of Nick Offerman reading female celebrity tweets while chopping logs from Conan last night. That’ll calm everyone down…
that bi….I mean “girl” on the far left looks kinda hot. I sure do hate those kinda shoes on chi…”girls” though. Stilettos or GTFO.
Brian Williams’s daughter looks more like Matt Lauer than Brian Williams. Just sayin
I would.
Have sex with the show’s stars. I mean, you asked.
The issue I have is that it is about a bunch of self-obsessed cunts who live a life of privilege and feel entitled to pontificate about their bourgeois concerns. It is not funny. It is not satirical. It is not ironic. It is Laguna Beach for hipsters. It is everything that is wrong with the New York elite and youth culture- a disgusting sense of entitlement and a lack of dignity to boot. It makes 2 Broke Girls look like good television. It is pseudo-neo-feminism at its worst. You cannot relate to their struggle because there is none- but they whine about like they are sooo tortured. While many would love to blame “red states” for the reason the rest of the world hates us, the people that these characters emulate are the real reason. I don’t care who their parents are, but it seems pretty clear that if the creator did not have some connection, this script, as well as her terrible movie, would have went straight in the garbage. People are reactionary to the critics praise because it lifts the veil on who these critics really are- a bunch of failed writers spawned from pseudo-bohemian yuppies who have never known adversity or hunger. Just like the shallow talentless so-called actress and writer of this pile of dung who should be drummed out of the business asap. This show is the after-birth of the riot girl movement which was really just a terrible musicians who could play instruments and were acting out from some misplaced anger about allowing themselves to be spunked on by frat guys and skaters.
So you’re in for episode two then?
I’m glad you were able to obtain such an insightful grasp of what the show was all about after one episode bananafish. It shows that you have an incredible ability to grasp something after only experiencing 1/12 of the finished product. You sir are an American hyperbole hero.
For the record, bananafish, I enjoyed your rant without necessarily agreeing with it.
Good, Good! Feel the hate, let it flow through you.
Bravo
It isn’t like it is difficult to figure what a show is about after that episode, Alcoholics Gratuitous. Well, maybe it was for you, but not necessarily for everyone else. It just isn’t good. Sometimes, stuff you like is actually not that good. I know this, I watch and love pro wrestling.
Sure mrejr, I saw the pilot and am pretty sure I won’t love the show, but there is more to it than the first episode. I may come to think poorly of the show, but love a character – that happens all the time. For instance, I feel pro-wrestling is bad soap opera with greased up roid freaks, but you can’t deny the bad assery that were Hulk Hogan/Goldberg/Macho Man.
I don’t remember saying to myself that The Sopranos/Game of Thrones/Archer were going to be some of my favorite shows after seeing only one episode.
“I don’t remember saying to myself that The Sopranos/Game of Thrones/Archer”
True but at least all those shows felt like they had real potential after the first show. At best I was like many here, finding it “meh.” At worst it’s pretentious garbage. But who knows maybe it will be another Parks and just needs so time to find its vibe.
Also, bananafish, whether or not you are ultimately right or completely wrong that some good hate right there, almost KSK level just needs more profanity on the second draft.
I disagree with you (though ironically, I probably don’t disagree with your politics) for the following reason: your applying your predisposed political biases solely to the social context of the show as if the social context of the show IS the show. You could say the same thing about Mad Men or even The Great Gatsby for that matter. They’re soap operas, and at face value come across as shallow and unfulfilling (especially if only judge them by the first episode or chapter). But what separates these works from All of My Children and the like (in terms of story and characters, not production value, acting skill, etc…) are the various themes eventually explored by the characters and the manner in which they are explored (see masculinity/manhood in last week’s episode of Mad Men).
And I very much disagree that the show is simply about “a bunch of self-obsessed cunts who live a life of privilege and feel entitled to pontificate about their bourgeois concerns.” I mean when the main character states (while high as balls, I may add) that she is “the voice of my generation, or at least a generation”, don’t you think that that was supposed to illustrate how out of touch these characters are with the reality of life as a self-supporting adult and thus establishes a framework for them to grow as characters?
Though the pilot by no means blew me away, I thought it did a decent job of establishing the characters and potential avenues that they may follow (especially the main character).
Sorry for the lecture, just thought that rant deserved a rebuttal.
All that said; would bang.
“…don’t you think that that was supposed to illustrate how out of touch these characters are with the reality of life as a self-supporting adult and thus establishes a framework for them to grow as characters?”
That very well may be the case, but when the characters are wholly unlikable with no redeeming qualities (not counting silly cartoon-esque sitcoms) who will turn back for more
Tim, I’m with you. I myself am unsure of whether I’ll tune in for the rest of the season (probably won’t, isn’t really my wheelhouse). But I think discounting a show based on one episode because you found the characters unlikable is not a fair critique, especially when you know the creators of the show intend to flesh the characters out eventually (this is HBO, not CBS). And of course, you and I probably aren’t the target audience. Who knows, a lot of young women may have loved/identified with the characters.
I just wanna tongue punch Allison Williams’ fart box while her daddy is on the teevee.
I hate you.
Seconded….. although not at the same time.
As long as it is not up against more intelligent programming. Like 2 and a half men.
I’m not watching another episode because all of the characters were uninteresting and unlikeable. You can have a show with characters that are one or another but not both. Plus, for a comedy it was a black hole of humor. Hopefully VEEP is better.
I think its above-average fair in the way it was filmed and written. I laughed a bit. However, I just don’t think we need yet another TV series about middle-class white ennui and angst. Its just been done to death, and I know this is a supposed parody or something on it, but its not like there aren’t tons of indie films on that either.
But what really galls me is that they filmed and portrayed NYC and Brooklyn pretty well, but YET AGAIN have no diversity at all. Is Zosia Mamet supposed to be their token minority as a Jew? We can’t get an Indian chick or a black girl? Not even a half-Latina? Come on, Brooklyn is quite literally the most diverse place on the planet and this is the best we get?
WORST SHOW OF ALL TIME!
BEST SHOW OF ALL TIME!
One or the other. Pick a side!
Alright show of all time and American flags for all!
I haven’t seen it, yet I imagine if I don’t like it, I just won’t keep watching and I won’t think about it much.
Well said, DG. It’s funny how energetic people can be in saying they don’t like a TV show. And they come up with the goofiest explanations for it too… If you didn’t like the show, it’s probably because you didn’t find it funny. And/or you hated the characters. Why not just leave it at that, instead of throwing all these kitchen-sink gripes into your critique. Who the fuck cares who these girls’ parents are?
JJJS: That’s a bit simplistic, don’t you think? It’s certainly possible for someone to go overboard with their criticism, to be sure. On the other hand, there is a disturbing tendency on the interwebz in general to label anyone who doesn’t like/care for something as a jealous “hater”, and dismiss their analysis as such. I come to Warming Glow because my tastes and those of the writers/posters generally align, but even here there is the occasional chilling effect on anyone who doesn’t agree with the consensus about a particular show.
As a general rule, I appreciate someone who can provide a detailed explanation of why a particular show did not appeal to them. At least that gives us insight into the writer’s reasoning so that one can understand where he/she is coming from.
Yeah, that was probably a bit oversimplified, but not especially. I do think that enjoyment of a comedy does basically come down to those two issues. You’re right that one does have to try and explain his lack of appreciation for a show’s humor; but sometimes people go way overboard and just start adding all these irrelevant, sometimes meta points about a show (or whatever), which couldn’t possibly play a part in their basic lack of enjoyment of the thing in question.
I would never allege jealousy, though. Some people just love vitriol, and love to attack a show or a celebrity or what have you as harshly as they possibly can. They attack every single facet of some particular thing, when their dislike of that thing really has a much simpler genesis. Of course, there’s tons of that shit on the internet, but I’d like to at least hold professional critics to a higher standard than I hold the Twitterverse.
Do I base by choice on whether or not I’m going to watch a show on reviews? No. I don’t really trust reviews. I know writers and bloggers have to eat, but I was going to watch this because it’s HBO, Judd Apatow and I’m the target demographic. Nothing about the show was groundbreaking, and I only had a few laughs. Does that mean I have to love it or hate it? Well I don’t love it or hate it, but I’ll give it another shot because in my opinion it was worthy of one.
Yes. Thank you. It’s nigh impossible to see people medium like something on the Internet or like it enough to give it another go. Internet commentary is too quick to praise or hate (and that is hardly the reviewers fault, it’s a systemic thing). It’s interesting that all the glowing reviews of the show occurred before it aired for public consumption and that all the hate has happened after ONE episode. People really need to dial back both the spunk and the vitriol spilled on this show, as Danger says. (dibs on spunk and vitriol as a band name, none of you can have it.)
I blame it on the thumbs up/down buttons. I mean, how hard is it to invent a so-so button!? Also people who say FIRST! I thumbs down those people.
I watched it, and wanted to like it, but I couldn’t.
There was not a single likable character in a show where all of the characters remind me of coworkers that I hate.
The show was overly nasal gazing and it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. I also checked out “Tiny Furniture” I hated it
The only way that I’d be interested in “Tiny Furniture” was if it were a spinoff of “The Wire” featuring Detective Bunk Moreland.
Or a new HGTV series about Peter Dinklage furnishing his house
“The show was overly nasal gazing”
You have to admit; nasal gazing it not easy.
“You have to admit; nasal gazing it not easy.”
Hahahaha. Neither is typing this on my phone under my desk.
Note: Twas not Bunk Moreland who assembled the ex-stripper moistening tiny furniture in question but Lester Freamon.
I think Girls is going to be like HBO’s version of House Of Lies, in that I won’t much care for it, but I’ll watch it fairly regularly anyway because it’s sandwiched between Game of Thrones and Veep (which I’m expecting to like a lot).
…take this opportunity to go jump in Lake Goon with the rest of your meathead compadres…
I went to Lake Goon for spring break last year and I gotta tell ya, bro, it was a total sausage fest.
I haven’t watched it yet, so all I can say is, aaaaaaaaaww, tiny astronaut!
That photograph is a perfect synthesis of “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man.”
I’m somewhat saddened that the internet has conditioned me to await the (hilarious) tragedy about to befall that young homey dressed as my main man Buzz Lightyear.
Well all I can say is that I’m very curious now and will watch this Sunday.
I thought it was kind of pointless to be honest, much like Tiny Furniture. Not saying it isn’t kind of enjoyable and funny, but I don’t think there is anything groundbreaking going on.
I think the only sore spot I have is knowing that Lena Dunham is my age and has already done more than I can do because of her status. It is a kick in my heart’s balls.
Don’t waste your time on posts like this. What was the point? People are arguing about a show? Who gives a shit. I dare you to do better.
I think I said it on the Uproxx mothership already but if anyone says anything bad about Allison Williams I will fight them.
Really I’ll do anything in my power to impress Brian Williams because he would be the best step-dad ever.
She is a whore with the heart of gold.
Think you mean father-in-law. Unless your fantasy is simply to be Allison’s step brother . . . a la Paul Rudd and Alicia Silverstone in Clueless.
Also this song she did is pretty dope: [www.youtube.com]
Mad Men Theme + Nature Boy!
Shoulda called it “White Bitchez.” Seriously!
Retrograde question:
I was looking forward to this show, but all the girls are pretty unlikeable, they make stupid decisions, and.. well I don’t like them very much. I’ll probably keep watching it anyway. I didn’t really pay attention to their names other than Hannah, but the chick on the right in the banner pic is fucking spacey. Annoys the shit out of me.
As a female I have never felt so alienated on WarmingGlow. Of course none of you are going to like this show. The WarmingGlow community seems to be made up primarily of 30ish year old men. I saw maybe one other female commenter on this post. Now, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy something that doesn’t directly speek to you personally. Obviously I would never say that. That does not mean you’ll enjoy everything regardless of worldview. Hate me if you will but this is entirely accurate to my experiences. I have never seen such a realistic television show. I am a twentysomething Chicago college student. Every girl I know is like this. We’re urbane, over privileged, educated, hipsters. As for the so-called lack of diversity, have we really stooped so low we’re counting our ethnic friends now? I live in a metropolis. I still only have two black friends. Who cares? Relationships don’t have affirmative action quotas. You think your precious Allison Brie isn’t just like this? She is one of these girls. The smart, arty, twentysomething, girls with anxiety disorders. We are not bad people, out of touch and unaware of “the reality of life as a self-supporting adult” as you allege. We strive for independence as much as any other generation but that adulthood is beyond our grasp due to societal and, more recently, economic circumstances beyond our control, and that is crushingly frustrating. Just call it meh and leave us alone.
P.S. Wow. The internet never misses an opportunity to arbitrarily call something pretentious. Good for you.
“Just call it meh and leave us alone.”
I see you’re new here.
I mostly agree with your “call it meh and leave it at that” point, but you might be overreacting if you’re really feeling alienated. I’m only seeing a few people here who are actively blasting the show; most of us do seem to be saying “meh,” and/or responding to those more energetic comments with our typical WG snark.
If it IS pretentious then it isn’t arbitrary.
who the hell has parents who pay their kids rent in nyc? and also, this somehow is supposed to make the character sympathetic? wtf?
I wrote a whole bunch of shit talking about how much I didn’t like Tiny Furniture’s characters while overall viewing the movie in a positive light (I gave it 3 stars on Netflix).
But then I realized nobody cares.