unpassive-viewer

[unpassive-viewer]

There's this super weird trend the last 5 or so years of shows and movies that are made with explicit, in-depth consultation of the people they're representing, so that they can be "as realistic as possible." From Warfare to The Punisher to The Bear, we keep seeing these productions that feature actual, real people in the line of work they represent, which stay so close to the original inspiration that the script will pull direct quotes from those people. I find it so. fucking. weird.

I don't hate realism - in a world where media distorts so much, trying to do justice to actual people is important. What gets me is how revelatory it's all made to be.

The Marines are corrupt and toxic. Chefs are notoriously similar. Do we see that culture? Sure, but the social commentary on those things doesn't seem to follow. The picture that both Warfare and The Bear paint is that even the character faults of these individuals deserve to be put on a pedestal, because the rest of us normal folk simply don't understand the nature of the job. The Punisher is even worse, with a whole script that basically centres around every character telling Frank that "they could never do what he does." What, commit war crimes?

I watched Parts Unknown. I've watched the PBS documentary on PTSD and the Iraq war. When there are existing documentary or journalism-style accounts of these professions, the dramatization needs to do something or say something different. Instead it just comes across as a creepy circle-jerk, and it's no accident that it always seems to be highly masculinized professions that get these dramatizations.

[unpassive-viewer]

Compared to what I think the general opinion of Claire is on this site, I actually like her character. The thing that I don't like about Claire is that she acts like a mind reader. She's well intentioned, but she doesn't meet people where they're at.

[unpassive-viewer]

As of Episode 8 I officially hate this guy.

Not Shapiro acting like he's a visionary for having ideas of things that Syd has already built.

[unpassive-viewer]

having your sister’s husband, the father of her child, saved in your phone as “sugar’s boyfriend (pete?)” is honestly one of the most diabolical things i’ve seen from carmen thus far i’ll be real

[unpassive-viewer]

Watching the BerzattoxFak families interact is like watching my own extended family. It's anxiety inducing.

[unpassive-viewer]

In love with Abby Elliott and Brie Larson trying not to laugh while fighting.

[unpassive-viewer]

They had a whole scene of Will Poulter holding a baby just to ruin my life.

[unpassive-viewer]

I'd been feeling weird about SydxCarmy because I was under the impression that Ayo Edebiri was like 25 and Jeremy Allen White was in his 40s. Y'all. They only have a 5 year age gap.

[unpassive-viewer]

SYD/LUCA WE ARE BACK IN FUCKING BUSINESS

[unpassive-viewer]

My biggest gripe with this season of the Bear is that it's too up-close-and-personal. Closeups are important for connecting with characters, but there is far too much of it this season. We do not need to connect that much with every second of the show.

I miss getting to see the world of the Bear, instead of just the people and the food. It feels so insular. I get that's kind of the point, but it's visually boring.

[unpassive-viewer]

Not Shapiro acting like he's a visionary for having ideas of things that Syd has already built.

[unpassive-viewer]

Not Carmy coming in hot with "me making you sad hurts my feelings, I didn't mean it or something idk." Boy shut up.

[unpassive-viewer]

Watching Syd get the pasta done in sub-3min after Carmy said even he couldn't do that.

This season doesn't end with Syd signing the partnership paperwork, this is her restaurant now. I'm calling it.

[unpassive-viewer]

Ebra arc please The Bear give me this Ebra arc.

He deserves the Tina and Ritchie treatment, I want to see him grow so much.

[unpassive-viewer]

I'm hoping that everyone noticed that Shapiro was texting Syd from a dug-out restaurant with nothing in it.

She'd have to build a business up from the ground and deal with all the same bullshit no matter where she goes.

[unpassive-viewer]

Literally the same pictures

[unpassive-viewer]

buffy the vampire slayer's commitment to acab is kind of beautiful actually. in seven seasons and 144 episodes, not once was a cop in any way useful or good at their job. at best cops are a nuisance and at worst they're actively trying to kill buffy and friends. you've really got to admire the thematic consistency.