Someday I will a more in depth obituary for the death of network TV. Today however, lets all celebrate the beautiful and creative storytelling that is pouring out of various cable channels. It's no longer just HBO, Showtime, or even AMC that is providing rich and compelling television. FX should now be considered one of the elites and this is their week to shine.
On Wednesday night The American Horror Story: Asylum story comes to an end. It's the second volume/season of from the franchise that came straight from the apparently twisted mind of Ryan Murphy. It is by far the meanest and dark hearted television show that I've ever seen on the small screen, part of me will be relieved that it is going to go away for a while. However, there is another part of me that seriously will miss the creative storylines and the really compelling characters that are a part of The American Horror Story universe. This season focused on the inner demons of Briar Cliff, a church-run haven for the criminally insane that is managed under the strict rule of Sister Jude, who is played brilliantly by Jessica Lange. The 13-episode volume featured serial killers, aliens, Nazi's, the devil, and lab-created monsters. Those things were pretty scary, but what unnerves me the most in the show is the fairly accurate depiction of how the mental health field operated in the 60's. I'm certain had I grown up then I would have had a couple lobotomy's by now.
As if FX wasn't having a good enough week with the end of the second volume of American Horror Story they get the celebrate the return of Archer on Thursday Night. If you have not seen a second of this irreverent and hilarious animated series I suggest that you drop everything you are doing right now (unless you are holding a baby) and run to Netflix or Hulu right now. It is definitely for those among us who appreciated the gift that Arrested Development was. If you have never heard or watched Arrested Development before I think you may be a robot who does not enjoy joy or laughter. Find your creator and ask him to rewrite your program soon. Archer follows the store or international spy Sterling Archer and the rest of his fellow co-workers as they combat terrorism, other spies, and each other. It is really funny and I'm celebrating it's return this week!
Two things:
ReplyDelete-Every bit of success FX has started with The Shield. Watch it already.
-This Fall, FX is splitting into two channels: FX, which will have drama like AHS, Sons of Anarchy, and Justified; and FXX, which will have comedies like Archer, It's Always Sunny, and The League. No word on which channel will take Louie.
1) Season 1 of the shied starts this evening.
ReplyDelete2) And I just made love to FX in my mind. It was weird....