SilentWarrior Reviews

Deadwood (2004–2006)

The way of the old West

[10/10 · 2 December 2010]

One of my favorite shows on TV and the reason I kept HBO. The use of soliloquy by Ian 'Al Swearengen' McShane as essentially an aside is simply brilliant (albeit with gratuitous sex taking place during most of the diatribe). The language and the graphic violence and sex makes this made for Pay TV series feel authentic. Make no mistake, this portrayal ensures that the audience understands that there was really nothing romantic in the lawless expansion of the West.

Your friend one moment was your enemy the next in an effort to stay alive. The series spends a significant amount of time with character development as to give depth and understanding for each one's drive and motivation for the twists and turns that take place throughout the series. The only let down is how the show ended, without really any significant closure.

This series gives chase to all fans with simple to understand motives and exceptionally intelligent dialog that even a Shakespearian fan would enjoy.

If you have not had the chance to view this series, I highly suggest you rent it, stream it or buy it. This show is exactly what you are looking for in a more truthful, dangerous and lawless old West portrayal than anything you may have ever seen before.

WARNING: NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE UNDER 18 AUDIENCE. YOU MAY BE TOO EMBARRASSED TO WATCH THIS WITH YOUR KIDS OR WITH YOUR PARENTS.

Night Stalker (2005–2006)

It's Called a RE-make for a Reason, Not The Same, New and Different.

[7/10 · 26 December 2006]

Wow! I am hopeful that the producers and directors of this remake take a moment to see all of the reviews written about this show. I never thought that this show would have such a large viewer ship. Did anyone notice the digital cameo of Carl Kolchek (Darren McGavin) standing in front of the desk in the pilot? There will never be another Darren McGavin, and CK will never be portrayed the way McGavin saw the character. He fit the part for that time (74-75). He fit our 'idea' of the cliché reporter. Let's face it; 'A Christmas Story' (1983) has solidified DM as a household name for future generations (my kids just watched this past Christmas all day). I think we will all miss him.

I purchased the DVD of 'Kolchek: The Night Stalker' complete series, (all 20 episodes) as my wife had never seen the original, only this remake. Having nothing to compare this version to, she liked it and looked forward to it each week. She liked the old version too, but I have to admit, the suspense was not the same for me as it was when I was 8. (I had to sneak to watch the original).

I think some of the reviews have been far to critical. There is oftentimes an expectation that a remake will be exactly like the original. Not unlike viewers who tuned in to see Star Trek: TNG. I have come to expect similarities between the new and old version but I do not expect a clone. I want to see a unique and different version of the original. I am nostalgic, but I have always had the 'I wonder what a version made today would be like?' with regard to all of my old shows.

Yes, the name is similar, no the drama is not the same. When one considers the success of 'Scooby' gang sci-fi (Buffy, Angel, etc.) it makes sense that this show would take on a similar approach.

How about Battlestar Galactica? They have the same name, but they are not the same sci-fi drama. I've come to expect a similar story line in remakes but not exact, mostly updated.

I think this show is a 7, better than average, nicely updated to fit today's audience but not the best it can/could be. It could be refined/polished.

A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story (1989 TV Movie)

True story.

[9/10 · 13 January 1999]

This is a drama about Tracey Thurman (Mckeon), who is abused by her estranged husband. This takes place prior to domestic violence laws. This was actually a landmark case towards the enactment of domestic violence laws across the U.S. Ms. Mckeon does an outstanding job in portraying this woman who continually attempts to seek help from local law enforcement to protect her from her husband.

Sonny Spoon (1988)

This was a fun show! Too short lived!

[6/10 · 8 October 1998]

I used to watch this on Armed Forces Radio and Television Services in Germany. I thought this show was great.

Mario would use some great disguises. Great action. Too bad I only saw it for one season (and in the military, most shows are seen one season after it's normal air season in the states). I think I only got to see maybe 5 episodes. If this is ever on in re-runs on TV-Land or TNT, you try to watch it, but with only 9 episodes, we may not ever see it again. Comedy/Drama.

Like 'Leverage' on TNT. I would not compare it to 'Robin Hood' but it's very similar in (UPDATED 02OCT09)