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(Message started by: StegRock on Aug 27th, 2003, 1:29am)
Title: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Aug 27th, 2003, 1:29am
Well, what did you all think of Playmakers, the ESPN mini-series which debuted on Tuesday night?  I taped it!  Watched the whole thing.  Really tried to get into it by even rewinding at certain times making sure I was getting the "whole story" right (something, without any adverse effect on my enjoyment, I can do when I am really into a show).  Ultimately, I had a hard time really getting into it.  I thought it was just "eh"... :-/ It never hit what I would call "full-stride", which I think needs to happen by the end of the debut show; it was too soap opera-ish with the sub-themes; yet, it did not evoke any emotion (in me) probably because it neglected the "genuine grit" of football while focusing too much on these over-hyperbolized storylines; too much was going on for a one-hour show, and yet none of it has me hanging on the edge of my seat for the next show, bottom line.  Was it terrible?  No.  But, for a debut show, it was disappointing.  I sure hope the second show does NOT pick up where the first one left off and, instead, just picks up (I'm a writa' [smiley=pimpin.gif] ). ;) [smiley=yes.gif]

I would say this, though, from a fantasy perspective...  You gotta' consider Taylor a handcuff to D. H. ;)

[smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=hellyeafunny.gif] [smiley=LMFAO.gif] [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif]
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Philly on Aug 27th, 2003, 8:55am

Quote:
Re: the Bleachers
« Reply #287 on: 08/26/03 at 11:18am »  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is everyone watching "Playmakers" on ESPN tonight?  It looks good, but my fear is that we've already seen the entire show in the previews.


Much of what was shown already appeared in the trailers, so that part was disappointing.  I wish that marketers would tease us a bit more with previews.

As far as the show, I thought it was OK.  I think the only reason I'll watch it again is because I am such a diehard football fan.  I thought that Steg's description of the show as a soap opera is accurate, although I don't necessarily have a problem with that.  I though the debut set up some interesting situations for future episodes.  Will James rat on DH?  I also thought Olczyk's character was very interesting, although I don't know how much more they can do with him.

I'll watch it again, although with much lower expectations than I had for the debut.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 27th, 2003, 9:24pm
I watched it, and I also thought it was so-so.  My biggest problem with it is that it is highlighting the bad aspects of football without giving equal time to the good.  Its almost as if ESPN is telling us that the NFL is bad.  Isn't that like cutting off your own leg?  In this respect it reminded me of "The Program" and "Varsity Blues".  I much prefer uplifting Sports fiction such as "Remember the Titans".
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Aug 27th, 2003, 10:19pm

on 08/27/03 at 21:24:01, bgsgfan wrote:
I watched it, and I also thought it was so-so.  My biggest problem with it is that it is highlighting the bad aspects of football without giving equal time to the good.  Its almost as if ESPN is telling us that the NFL is bad.  Isn't that like cutting off your own leg?  In this respect it reminded me of "The Program" and "Varsity Blues".  I much prefer uplifting Sports fiction such as "Remember the Titans".


[smiley=bullseye.gif] A LOT of negativity NOT tempered by any positivity.

Now, with regards to the situation on the part of ESPN being like cutting off your own leg, that would be true providing your leg did not get stuck between two boulders on a hiking trip.  Otherwise, it would be life-saving and given such (ill-)logic ;) Playmakers could then be seen as being life-saving to ESPN. [smiley=gonecrazy.gif] [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif] [smiley=uh.gif]
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by PrimeTime on Aug 27th, 2003, 10:28pm

Quote:
Now, with regards to the situation on the part of ESPN being like cutting off your own leg, that would be true providing your leg did not get stuck between two boulders on a hiking trip.  Otherwise, it would be life-saving and given such (ill-)logic  Playmakers could then be seen as being life-saving to ESPN.    


Unless, of course, they are just getting their rocks off  ;) ;D
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Philly on Aug 28th, 2003, 8:55am
I liken this a little bit to a show I used to watch, "Boston Public".  I was interested in the show because it came on while I was still teaching high school.  The show had its realistic moments, but it was just too over the top.  They had a Columbine-esque event every week in this school.  Everything that they dealt with has happened at one time or another, but in order for the show to succeed, those types of things need to happen every week.

Playmakers has received a lot of criticism and poor reviews so far.  Local media interviewed some of the Eagles players who watched the show and most were insulted by it.  They felt the portrayal of a player getting high 5 minutes before game time as being very demeaning and unrealistic.  Has it ever happened in the NFL?  Unfortunately if they make the show a "feel-good" show, it will fail quicker than it is already.  Controversy is what sells and what the public wants.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:14pm

on 08/28/03 at 08:55:31, Philly wrote:
Unfortunately if they make the show a "feel-good" show, it will fail quicker than it is already.  Controversy is what sells and what the public wants.


Is that really the case, though?  After 9-11, Iraq, Afganistan,... are we still really that cynical and jaded... to the point where "feel good" stories don't make us, well, "feel good" anymore (not that Playmakers has to be completely "feel good", just less "feel bad")?  I mean, perhaps we are.

[smiley=soapboxer.gif]

It's just a shame that we are ignoring history and not taking any lessons from the Romans.  WE, individually, will end up being OUR country's downfall, and not just because of any specific given event, but the insane, sick direction we, within our country, are headed...  Watching "extreme" porn producers stimey journalists with inane, transparent "first amendment" arguments without ever addressing social responsibility, squirming out of blame by convolutedly comparing after the fact the (social) value of "rape" flicks to a movie like The Accused and being unchallenged by an inferior reporter who doesn't know to pose a question to this deluded dimwit about "audience", not understanding the difference between separation of church and state and the honoring of our factual, historical roots, which, for better or worse, do lie in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and understanding that the "Judeo" part there is not indicating any direct Jewish influence on our Founding Fathers two and a quarter centuries ago like some halfwit show hosts on syndicated television, rather it is indicating a historic, basically prehistoric, religious link between the two, and denying that this is all leading us down the path of removing "In God We Trust" from our currency (not that that detail needs to be convolutedly hashed out on 24-hour news channels; it's just an indicator of a "bigger picture", an ugly one at that)!  And, then, what?  WE, Americans, Romans, are BIGGER than God!  And, I am saying this as a person who basically wavers back and forth between deism and atheism, stopping off occasionally at agnosticism.  BUT, I still realize that when (a group of) humans start(s) "getting too big for their britches", BAD SHIT happens.  If nothing else, a belief in God, something greater, keeps us in check.  But, that "something greater" has to be somewhat mutually agreed upon in society.  Otherwise, there is no societal cohesion:  my "something greater" is BIGGER than your "something greater", and then we are back to square one.  As a society, we have to agree to accept something greater than ourselves,... God (the lesson from the Romans), and deal with the details as individuals, which is the REAL spirit of our Constitution, not "in front of everybody in society like a bunch of attention-deprived assholes".  Then, over years, MANY years, that "socially-accepted God" may naturally evolve into, well, "something greater". [smiley=zenmaster.gif]

(Step down off box.)
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:29pm
Bravo!  Bravo!  I actually got goose bumbs.  I am a confused Atheist/Agnostic and I see the gradual societal decay that corresponds with the loss of religious values.  Its a connundrum (sp?), I can't preach what I don't practice and yet I feel that I ought to.  What I am left with is a respect for the foundation that has been laid down and an apprehension for the future.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Aug 28th, 2003, 3:39pm
Deist - "Knows" (or thinks he knows) there is a God who deliberately maintains a separation from us like a parent "letting go" of his/her children to grow up on their own.

Atheist - "Knows" (or thinks he knows) there is no God whatsoever.

Agnostic - Does not know (or does not think he can know) whether or not there is a God.

Oh, and thanks for the props! [smiley=bow.gif]
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 28th, 2003, 3:43pm
I have a friend who calls himself a Nontheist.  He says he went from being a Catholic to an Atheist to Agnostic... and now he just doesn't care to even think about it anymore - he has lost the ambition to even be an agnostic.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Aug 28th, 2003, 10:05pm
If you are able to truly humble yourself to/in front of others, nature, the "world" around you, etc., etc., atheism, agnosticism, even deism can work (though no one should be completely explicable by any (one) "-ism").  Otherwise, find God now,... and the more traditional the God (based on the society you have been raised in), probably the better!
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Bob_Oswego on Aug 30th, 2003, 7:57pm
Amen to that!!! Faith provides that inner peace that is so necessary to live in today's world :)
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Noey21 on Sep 4th, 2003, 12:00am
I think to summarize everyone is we were all a little dissapointed.
However, we just need to take it for what it is worth. Enertainment!
I feel it is just ESPn trying to go the way of MTV and HBO with their own orignal shows instead of showing us last years outdoor games a seventh time.
I myself would much rather watch Playmakers than log rolling for the third time.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Walker Boh on Sep 4th, 2003, 8:26am

on 09/04/03 at 00:00:40, Noey21 wrote:
I think to summarize everyone is we were all a little dissapointed.
However, we just need to take it for what it is worth. Enertainment!
I feel it is just ESPn trying to go the way of MTV and HBO with their own orignal shows instead of showing us last years outdoor games a seventh time.
I myself would much rather watch Playmakers than log rolling for the third time.

I understand your point Noey, but I also remember the days when MTV (Music Television), actually played music videos! For those of you that are too young to remember, MTV use to be a great channel. You could turn it on any time, day or night, and watch videos. My friends and I use to run home from school so we wouldn't miss the "the Top 10 Countdown". Then one day, innocently enough, they threw a gameshow into the mix, followed by a cartoon here or there and now it's nothing but garbage 24/7! I don't even bother checking it out anymore.

When I first saw the Playmakers commercial, my reaction was, "What the hell are they thinking?" Hey ESPN! Stick to what you know, SPORTS! If I want to watch an origional show, I'll tune to HBO! Don't mess with a good thing.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Philly on Sep 4th, 2003, 9:07am

on 09/04/03 at 08:26:20, Walker Boh wrote:
I understand your point Noey, but I also remember the days when MTV (Music Television), actually played music videos! For those of you that are too young to remember, MTV use to be a great channel. You could turn it on any time, day or night, and watch videos. My friends and I use to run home from school so we wouldn't miss the "the Top 10 Countdown". Then one day, innocently enough, they threw a gameshow into the mix, followed by a cartoon here or there and now it's nothing but garbage 24/7! I don't even bother checking it out anymore.

When I first saw the Playmakers commercial, my reaction was, "What the hell are they thinking?" Hey ESPN! Stick to what you know, SPORTS! If I want to watch an origional show, I'll tune to HBO! Don't mess with a good thing.


I remember those days of Music Television...    [smiley=newbie.gif] ...  Geez, I remember staying up late to watch Friday Night Videos on NBC(?) because we didn't have cable until the late 1908s.

Anyway, I actually enjoy Playmakers.  It isn't nearly as good as I had hoped it would be, but people are watching it and it is getting decent ratings.  There are only so many sports out there, so if ESPN wants to roll out a 60-minute series each week, I have no problem with it.  They will never go the way of MTV because sports is such a big business and money-maker for them.  I'm going to watch Playmakers over any dog show, or women's pool tournament any day.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by BarnabyWilde on Sep 4th, 2003, 9:10am
I can't believe you watched log rolling the first 2 times it was on!  ;)


on 09/04/03 at 00:00:40, Noey21 wrote:
I think to summarize everyone is we were all a little dissapointed.
However, we just need to take it for what it is worth. Enertainment!
I feel it is just ESPn trying to go the way of MTV and HBO with their own orignal shows instead of showing us last years outdoor games a seventh time.
I myself would much rather watch Playmakers than log rolling for the third time.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Sep 4th, 2003, 1:57pm
A couple comments here...

It isn't like Playmakers isn't being re-run throughout the whole week.  At every moment of downtime on ESPN anymore, it's "Playmakers" in your face.  But, whatever, I don't care what ESPN does or what MTV does.  Some of it will work; some of it won't.  MTV does suck anymore, though, by the way.

With regards to the show, I thought the second episode was actually better... still an overall downer, though.  They are, like most everybody else anymore, just hellbent on "makin' it real", which evidently doesn't include the good aspects of life anymore.  Whatever,... I'll enjoy my real "reality TV" starting TONIGHT... oh, yea, and along with those clever, funny-ass, "reality TV" Heineken commercials, especially the one with the guy trying to slide open the pull-to-open freezer door!  [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=hellyeafunny.gif] [smiley=LMFAO.gif] [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif] Funny as shit!  Anyway, ALL of that having been said, as the storylines of Playmakers maturate the show is slowly becoming more intriguing.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Sep 16th, 2003, 7:25pm
Well, I finally watched Week 3 of Playmakers the other night.  I thought it was [smiley=thumbsdown.gif] overall.  There's just nothing good, or even "real" for that matter, to cling to.  It's just all the worst aspects of everything football,... hyperbolized.  In any event, I, nevertheless, am queuing up the VCR to record Week 4, if for no other reason than to see that blonde hottie takin' it from Olczyk! [smiley=gettinridden.gif] [smiley=lickinmychops.gif]
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Philly on Sep 16th, 2003, 10:42pm
I've gotta wait until next week to catch Week 4.  Had other things going on tonight.  I have to admit, though, that I'm losin' interest in the show.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Noey21 on Sep 17th, 2003, 12:54pm
I am now feeling they are grasping at too much.  Not one team could have Every problem that has ever happened.
I was still hoping for a little more football.

Still keeping my interest but it is fading.
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Sep 17th, 2003, 3:42pm
Even though the story-line may not be all that great, I must admit, the direction and production of this series is incredible. Two thumbs up on that.

Playmakers never was advertised  as a series "based on the game of football."  This is just like Boston Public, there are good and bad things going on. Playmakers  
has both as well. Yeah, Cal murdered someone, and yeah DH lied for him. Though, there is the comraderie between DH and Cal, even after the GM said to leave his friends in the past because they were going to drag him down, he ignores them because they are like 'blood." I'd do anything for my friends, yeah, and would also feel resent for putting an innocent man in jail, like DH, and also tell my friend to turn himself in.

All in all, this series gets a 3.5 / 5 for me. I don't mind ESPN branching off into making original movies and series. Nor MTV. 24/7 music videos, and 24/7 sports can be found on MTV2, ESPNNEWS, ESPN2, etc.

MTV has some funny ass shows nowadays. I love the night programming.



Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Bornt23 on Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:20pm
the show is great what do you think?
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Philly on Oct 2nd, 2003, 1:52pm
I've stopped watching.  It wasn't compelling enough for me to set aside an hour every Tuesday night to turn it on.

The main reason I watch a show is for the characters.  I like to get to know someone and be able to like and identify with them.  I found most of the characters very one dimensional.  DH seemed to be the star of the show and his whole life revolved around his drug addiction - no redeeming qualities at all.  The QB was a completely uninteresting character... etc...

I'll probably start watching it again when Terrell Owens is on... he was auditioning for a part last Sunday, wasn't he?
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Oct 2nd, 2003, 2:26pm

on 10/02/03 at 12:20:56, Bornt23 wrote:
the show is great what do you think?


Welcome to "the Gridiron", Bornt23!  I hope you enjoy the show 'round here!  Might I suggest one thing, though!  If you haven't already, which is what your post kind of suggests, why don't you read through the thread and check out ALL that we have already discussed regarding the show?  I think you will find a wealth of response.  Then, you can respond yourself in a more conversationally fitting way by perhaps replying to particular opinions already expressed and stating your own case. [smiley=shrug.gif] Just a thought! :D

Also, make sure to check your private messages.  Link is in the upper right-hand corner of your screen!
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Oct 2nd, 2003, 7:13pm

on 10/02/03 at 12:20:56, Bornt23 wrote:
the show is great what do you think?


Er... can you explain to me what in the world do you mean by this private message you sent me?

who knows whob cares what about the chargers there a real  team
Title: Re: ESPN's Playmakers
Post by StegRock on Oct 3rd, 2003, 3:02pm

on 10/02/03 at 19:13:00, Keyshawn Johnson 76yards wrote:
Er... can you explain to me what in the world do you mean by this private message you sent me?

who knows whob cares what about the chargers there a real  team


Philly got a similar weird message from this [smiley=clown.gif] , as well, KJ! ::)


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