Episode Three Open Thread

December 16, 2013

by The Typist

Sorry, I had a conflict last night and haven’t seen the episode yet, so no clever headline.

5 Comments

swamptech permalink

December 16, 2013 7:59 am

this one didn’t seem to get anywhere other than get on track for the final descent of all the stories. It is especially curious considering the plot points listed for E4.
Beth Arnette permalink

December 16, 2013 10:09 am

II’m nervous for Terry. Afraid he might be killed.
Liffey permalink

December 16, 2013 11:28 am

Last year a great quote was “Indiana. Hell I wouldn’t live there even if I lived there.” Then last night, …”bumfuck Illinois.” (and the “S” is silent, although unknown to many, including Deputy Chief Mardsen).
Man I love David Morse.
swamptech permalink

December 16, 2013 1:12 pm

Treme is an interesting discussion because its going to weave in literary prose (visually), Simon’s politics, and the issues facing the city (which are just reflections of the nation as a whole). You really could spend a good bit of time on each one of those subjects.

My underlying concern (may be completely unfounded) is the amount of hands in the pot when it comes to writing for each episode. Some of the dialogue comes off extremely cheesy. The first season was understandable; set the milieu for references and culture. Into S4, hearing characters quip cliches like “Tremejavue” or “needs some oomp poo pa doo”, I just have to roll my eyes. These are things said if you are living the “Treme Box Set” life, not real life. I frequent a local bar in the Quarter for the weekly viewings, which is regularly attended by the show’s staff. I question the amount of discipline involved with these young up-and-comers…..what is to stop them from cutting corners? They all aren’t direct extensions of Simon and Overmyer, and I am not confident all of them are on the same page when it comes to the motivations and reality for each character. I mean, if you’re trying to make a career in television as a writer, you’re insulated with regurgitated plot devices and dialogue, what is to stop you from inserting “what you know” to make a piece fit?

The drama for each character this season seems to have come back to earth in a sense. It is all pretty sanitized and direct, not much is left to complicate things. Personally, I would hope they would put off Albert’s inevitable death and leave it open ended, because dying would make it way too clean and eat up a lot of valuable screen time resolving the emotions required.

From the various interviews (and his blog), I gather Simon is actually fed up with these television productions. For as much satisfaction it is to tell a story like he does, I am not sure he finds the frustration involved to be worth it. He may be evolving past this delivery method. One thing is for sure, he was creatively hamstrung with this project. When you’re tethered to reality/events as Treme was, there just isn’t enough room to explore.

With Treme, you may find 30 people who are entertained. Of those 30, 17 may understand the importance of the events or the music….Of those 17, you may find 5 or 6 that grasp the social commentary and see its significance outside the city of New Orleans.
Constance Sublette permalink

December 18, 2013 5:37 pm

It’s like the Land ‘O Lakes Indian Woman — the Kid Orrey thread in this episode. A white guy pretending to play ‘bone in a movie as Kid Orrey, while Antoine Batiste actually plays the ‘bone, who doesn’t actually play either, and though we don’t see, we know there’s somebody behind him! My head just about broke. Still, a moment of lightness, that isn’t really light, because Kid Orrey wasn’t a white guy. Oooofta.

Are we happy that Janette is ending up where the series began, with a restaurant that isn’t making a living and Davis?

The discussion as to who will take ’em out as Big Chief if ….

Larry’s sure put up with a lot. Those boys of Antoine’s and LaDanna’s — if not for Larry where would they be?

So much sadness.