View Full Version : American Gods
Anyone else hanging out for this? Trailer looks out of this world. I dayum adore Bryan Fuller!!!
http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-new-american-gods-trailer-is-so-weird-and-so-so-go-1793300362
Austruck
03-17-17, 02:46 AM
Saw the trailer for this and was instantly intrigued. Yoda made the connection for me this evening that it's Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Somehow that part escaped me. So now I wonder if I should read the book first or not...
Wife is a big Neil Gaiman fan, so she's read the book and really liked it. I'll probably read it pretty soon, now, because of this.
We both love pretty much everything Bryan Fuller does, too, so yeah, pretty excited about this.
Austruck
03-17-17, 11:51 AM
So, Yoda, are you a read-the-book-first guy on this one, or not? I'm torn on this one.
I was thinking of reading it anyway, so yeah, probably. Especially since I don't have Starz and I'm not sure when I'll get around to actually seeing it.
I'm kind of iffy on the whole thing, though, both which to do first, whether to do either, etc.
I havent read the book either Aus but I want to get into Bryan's demented mind first then will check it out after.
https://filmink.com.au/2017/american-gods-promises-awe-terror-really-nice-production-design/
Austruck
03-18-17, 01:25 PM
I ordered a copy on Amazon and it shows up tomorrow. I'll read it first. The only time recently I've watched something before reading the book was with Game of Thrones, and I did that on purpose because I'd started the first book and had a rough time keeping characters straight. Someone suggested (either Yoda or his brother) that I watch maybe a few episodes of the show in order to put faces on the characters, and that worked. I then shot ahead of the series with the books and was only ever behind for maybe most of the first season.
Generally speaking, though, I always enjoy reading the book untarnished with images from a movie or TV show. Better for the imagination while reading. But if I encounter similar issues with getting into the book, I'd opt for the series first -- at least an episode or two.
(We do get Starz, so that's not an issue for me.)
Generally speaking, though, I always enjoy reading the book untarnished with images from a movie or TV show. Better for the imagination while reading. But if I encounter similar issues with getting into the book, I'd opt for the series first -- at least an episode or two.
)
I'm usually the same but with Hannibal I wouldnt even reread or rewatch the movies until the show finished. I was just too enamoured with Bryan's insane take of the characters, and Mads' portrayal of the good doctor.
Austruck
03-18-17, 01:35 PM
I assumed Hannibal was a completely new thing, no? Were there any books with that content in them?
There's a series I gotta finish. I got stuck at the end of season 2, I think, because it started to feel as if it was jumping the shark a bit. But wow, the look and feel of that series was phenomenal and yeah, Mads was actually superior to Hopkins in some ways. And I can't believe I actually just wrote that because I generally adore Hopkins in everything.
I assumed Hannibal was a completely new thing, no? Were there any books with that content in them?
There's a series I gotta finish. I got stuck at the end of season 2, I think, because it started to feel as if it was jumping the shark a bit. But wow, the look and feel of that series was phenomenal and yeah, Mads was actually superior to Hopkins in some ways. And I can't believe I actually just wrote that because I generally adore Hopkins in everything.
Thomas Harris wrote the books (Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal (and was forced by Dino de Laurentiis to write the back story of young Hnnibal which I've never read and Harris hated). Bryan then created a reimagining of the characters, which Harris loved. The season 2 finale was probably my favourite of the three and I highly recommend it, Aus. I;m ashamed to say how many rewatches I had. The first arc of season 3 is in Europe and has a very arthaus feel to it. I think that's the show Bryan really wanted to make without being hamstrung by nbc creatives. It's utterly insane. Then the second arc is with Dolarhyde (Red Dragon). They never managed to get the rights to characters originating in SotL and those rights dont expire until august (I think) this year which is probably a contributing factor to nbc not renewing it. They werent prepared to have a lengthy hiatus.
Now that AG is with STARZ I;m really excited to see what an unbridled Fuller gets away with. I love that guy. And I cant remember if I posted about Michael Green the co runner. I really liked what he did with The River one season tv show.
Austruck
03-19-17, 07:47 PM
My copy of American Gods showed up today. It's about 600 pages long. I'm on page 50. Didn't mean to read that much but I was curious and opened it up. I'm definitely hooked. And I'm already glad I'm reading it first.
Just a heads up, there, Yoda, that you might want to take a peek and see if it draws you in. :)
My copy of American Gods showed up today. It's about 600 pages long. I'm on page 50. Didn't mean to read that much but I was curious and opened it up. I'm definitely hooked. And I'm already glad I'm reading it first.
Just a heads up, there, Yoda, that you might want to take a peek and see if it draws you in. :)
Good to know. I'll order that if we dont ever have another plumbing emergency and manage to get our next holiday.
TheUsualSuspect
03-19-17, 07:57 PM
The book is really weird.
My work were in the bidding to supply gear for the show too, but were beat out at the last minute.
The book is really weird.
My work were in the bidding to supply gear for the show too, but were beat out at the last minute.
Is that also being shot in Canada?
Found it. Cool. Have you checked out the sets, TUS?
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
(street scenes)
Ponca City, Oklahoma, USA
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cinespace Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
(Queens Square)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
McAlester, Oklahoma, USA
(McAlester Prison)
Austruck
03-19-17, 09:21 PM
Oklahoma and Ontario. Hmm...
So far the book isn't overly weird, meaning it's a tolerable, follow-able weird. Then again, some of the other books I'm currently reading are weirder (Infinite Jest and The Bone Clocks, for starters).
TheUsualSuspect
03-20-17, 08:12 AM
Oklahoma and Ontario. Hmm...
So far the book isn't overly weird, meaning it's a tolerable, follow-able weird. Then again, some of the other books I'm currently reading are weirder (Infinite Jest and The Bone Clocks, for starters).
Have you gotten to the vagina part? :p
Dani8 No, unfortunately not. But I did get to check out the set on the new Star Trek show.
Thursday Next
03-20-17, 08:37 AM
I've read the book, and while it's not one of my favourite Gaiman books, I'm interested in watching.
Austruck
03-20-17, 10:37 AM
Have you gotten to the vagina part? :p
Why, yes, yes I have. :D
I'm not saying it wasn't weird. I'm just saying it was easy to follow, unlike Infinite Jest has been so far. :)
TheUsualSuspect
03-20-17, 11:22 AM
Why, yes, yes I have. :D
I'm not saying it wasn't weird. I'm just saying it was easy to follow, unlike Infinite Jest has been so far. :)
Infinite Jest, good luck with that undertaking. I think the longest book I've read was 800 some odd pages. I think if a book goes over 1,000 pages, then there HAS to be a lot of filler in there.
I have King's The Stand and IT on the back burner for those very reasons and I'm probably never going to touch Moore's Jerusalem, sucker is over 1,200 pages long!!!
Austruck
03-20-17, 12:13 PM
Infinite Jest, good luck with that undertaking. I think the longest book I've read was 800 some odd pages. I think if a book goes over 1,000 pages, then there HAS to be a lot of filler in there.
I have King's The Stand and IT on the back burner for those very reasons and I'm probably never going to touch Moore's Jerusalem, sucker is over 1,200 pages long!!!
Loved The Stand and It, but then again, I'm a King fan, so... :) I also adore Diana Gabaldon, and most of her fans (including me) are disappointed when one of her books comes in under 1,000 pages. :D
It's not the number of pages that I find daunting. I tend to like long books. It's the fact that Infinite Jest is just more difficult to wade into. American Gods was smooth sailing to get into (so far, at least). Infinite Jest is feeling like work. American Gods feels like good reading... and I went into this one with a healthy bit of skepticism because everybody raves about Gaiman and I don't like jumping on a literary bandwagon this late. :cool:
Dani8 No, unfortunately not. But I did get to check out the set on the new Star Trek show.
You can go and give my darling Bryan a kiss for me.
Austruck
03-26-17, 01:40 PM
Okay, so I'm not quite a third of the way into reading American Gods. I can envision (having seen the trailers) how well this is going to translate to the screen. Ought to be awesome.
But I'm also definitely glad I'm reading it first. If I had already seen the series, I'm not sure I'd be approaching the reading with nearly as much enthusiasm. Since I truly don't know what happens next, I find myself sneaking moments throughout the day where I can read a few more pages... just a few more pages... one more page...
I usually only do that when a book has grabbed me. If someone here was on the fence about whether to read the book before watching the series, I'd recommend reading the book first. Not difficult to get into. Not difficult to distinguish characters or what's happening... even when it's trippy or absolutely crazy.
Hmmmm. Might check out the local second hand shop to see if they have a real book. I find I cant read on a gadget. Just becomes a wall of text.
That looks tragic.
I will of course check it out
Austruck
03-26-17, 02:01 PM
Hmmmm. Might check out the local second hand shop to see if they have a real book. I find I cant read on a gadget. Just becomes a wall of text.
I got a trade paperback on Amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062080237
I got a trade paperback on Amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062080237
Oh thanks. I keep forgetting about amazon.
Austruck
03-26-17, 02:03 PM
Oh thanks. I keep forgetting about amazon.
I practically LIVE on Amazon's site. :D
I practically LIVE on Amazon's site. :D
Lol Aus, I think I had a toddler tantrum they sank imdb and erased them from the main frame when I spat the dummy.
Gillian Anderson is ridiculous. She just gets more stunning every year.
http://mashable.com/2017/03/28/american-gods-tv-show-starz-media-gillian-anderson-technology/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link#ig9246Q1TqqM
So pretty.
Gratuitous BMUP. Probably needs a strobe lighting warning.
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanGodsSTARZ/videos/756623697848476/
Anyone post the opening credits yet?
https://youtu.be/NtcBs1dFx90
Anyone post the opening credits yet?
https://youtu.be/NtcBs1dFx90
My eyes and ears are bleeding in anticipation.
Who wrote the score? My eyes really are bleeding. I can't read the credits.
doubledenim
04-24-17, 07:58 AM
What is this playing on? The commercial doesn't say, is it streaming? Aaah, Starz.
TheUsualSuspect
04-24-17, 08:52 AM
My eyes and ears are bleeding in anticipation.
Who wrote the score? My eyes really are bleeding. I can't read the credits.
The show’s composer is Brian Reitzell (30 Days of Night, Hannibal, Lost in Translation, Stranger Than Fiction)
It felt very Girl With The Dragon Tattoo esque.
The show’s composer is Brian Reitzell (30 Days of Night, Hannibal, Lost in Translation, Stranger Than Fiction)
It felt very Girl With The Dragon Tattoo esque.
Ha. I was wondering if that was Reitzell. He hits the same note as one he used frequently in Hannibal. Thanks TUS.
Austruck
04-24-17, 11:41 AM
Wow, I didn't realize Crispin Glover was in this. Wonder who he is playing. Has he been doing much of anything lately?
I think Ian McShane is perfect casting for Mr. Wednesday, BTW. I knew right away that he was playing Wednesday.
Not a stellar review but worth reading, especially for those of us who havent read the book
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/american-gods-review-997289?facebook_20170425
Buckets of blood and intense sexuality, hey. Cool. What else did the reviewer expect from Starz.
Austruck
04-25-17, 07:24 PM
I'm probably going to finish the book either today or tomorrow. I'm glad I read the book before seeing the series, because I'm now certain that seeing it on screen first would have changed how I envisioned what I was reading.
I didn't find getting into the book all that difficult (which is why I kept reading in the first place). Of course, I already feel I'll need to read it again in order to catch a lot of the references to the old gods. Some are obvious; others are not. But the storyline itself seemed fairly straightforward in its odd little way. :)
I like the idea of the goddess who devours men with her vajayjay. Should keep third wave feminists happy, and red pilling men crying.
Austruck
04-25-17, 07:47 PM
That scene is fairly early in the book, and the first really jarring thing that happens. But it didn't necessarily *confuse* me. It just made me think, "Well, that escalated quickly." :D
Such a typical trope. I;m surprised Bryan ran with it in the show. He's very much a feminist.
^ it'll trigger the usual suspects. If I were Bryan I'd'a kept in as well, just to watch them turn.
https://s16.postimg.org/ybltjqt2t/IMG_5811.jpg
Side note: those short breaks in the story, detailing the other gods' experiences and survival in America, were my favorite bits.
The one about the leprechaun brought some tears to my eyes.
The one about the leprechaun brought some tears to my eyes.
I saw a mention of the leprechaun being tall. What is this sorcery??? Leprechauns are teeny.
#NotYourGrandmasLeprechauns
https://www.facebook.com/Starz/videos/760909430753236/
BMUP for tomorrow.
I'm about to watch this.
It may take me a minute to settle into Fuller's super stylized version since the movie I made in my head while reading the book was very muted.
Okay...
Edit: yep. Right away, one of my favorite bits from the book got Fuller-ed.
Edit (2): pretty good introduction to the series. All the main players made the right impressions but take into account that I was in for this long ago so...
I'm wondering if network tv restraints on violence where a blessing to Fuller. Some of the stuff here is ridiculous but mileage may vary.
Austruck
04-30-17, 03:02 PM
I just watched it here. (If you have Starz, you can watch new episodes of their shows on demand the day they air, usually right at midnight, instead of waiting till the stated evening viewing time.)
I agree with you, Saunch. I think they have the tone right, and the casting so far is good. Mostly the way I pictured everyone, and everything. The opening bit with the Vikings was great fun, too.
So far, I'm in. :) Gotta love McShane. Absolutely perfect for Mr. Wednesday.
After all my revving up for the pilot I forgot and watched a movie instead. Derp.
Ian was always going be great (though I pictured Stellan Skarsgard while reading).
And I know I sound like a broken record now (annoying) but another thing I need to settle on is Ricky Whittle being more intense than how I read Shadow. He's got the soft spoken personality but there's much more in his eyes.
For me Shadow was a reluctant protagonists, a pacifists of sorts, but here they seem to be going for "man releasing his turmoil". Someone who probably enjoys the conflict more than he should.
It's going to be interesting.
I'm wondering if network tv restraints on violence where a blessing to Fuller. Some of the stuff here is ridiculous but mileage may vary.
Can you clarify your comment about restraints and Bryan, Saunchy>
So on a scale of 1-10, how would you two rate the pilot?
By restraint I mean violence portrayed through network tv limits.
Here, he's free to show heads exploding with axes but in Hannibal you'd (more often than not) get the implication of violence rather than the full, stylized act. Or the aftermath.
Like I said, mileage may vary.
Rank: 8/10. Good start. Enough to get audiences onboard.
By restraint I mean violence portrayed through network tv limits.
Here, he's free to show heads exploding with axes but in Hannibal you'd (more often than not) get the implication of violence rather than the full, stylized act. Or the aftermath.
Like I said, mileage may vary.
Rank: 8/10. Good start. Enough to get audiences onboard.
I found his only restraint in Hannibal was T&A. I mean think about the scene with Will reimagining the first murder scene, or the death of the nurse. That was pretty violent, or some of the caca that happened to poor Chilton.
I will say, however, that I was very happy STARZ picked this up. Looking forward to seeing how out there Bryn gets. Cant wait.
Yeah.
Again this is me having an annoying adherence to my own idea of how this should be adapted that I'll get over by episode three or so.
Yeah.
Again this is me having an annoying adherence to my own idea of how this should be adapted that I'll get over by episode three or so.
Now I'm in quandary. What first - Better Call Saul or American Gods. OMG first world issues. HALPPPPPP.
christine
04-30-17, 08:59 PM
Oh I never knew there was a tv series. Read the book a few years back and loved it.
The Stand, I adore that book.
Very odd, hauntingly beautiful, and that sex scene was so unsettling. Loving the chemistry between Ian and Rick.
Interesting review of THE SCENE *cue ominous music*.
https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/30/15484902/american-gods-season-1-episode-1-sex-scene
The Stand, I adore that book.
That would be a great tv show as well!
I'm hoping this succeeds (in more ways than Hannibal) and gets us a step closer to a Sandman series.
(Tatiana Maslany as Death!)
I hope it's a success as well, and breaks the Fuller curse. I already want to read the book but will wait for the season to be over.
I feel this is going to suck me back into the insanity of Bryan's head. It's a place of joyful nightmares.
The first review I read on imdb gave me goosebumps
I recall a review of Westworld where it was suggested that the entire medium of television had just entered a third cycle. The first was the 50s, the second was the 90s (major improvement in writing, imagination, use of technology) and the third is now. Where every possible mix of acting, dialog, SFX, etc. is now being used with just one single intention. To get inside the viewer's head, and make the viewer have a good time.
I am pretty sure this is another example of TV 3.0, as are other recent shows like Legion (which I still do not understand, but love) and Outcast (which I sort of understand, and also love.) American Gods seems determined to take this to an entirely different level. Even if you are die-hard fan of VIKINGS (guilty), the opening sequence here in episode 1 where the first Viking to set foot in America is literally "arrowed to death" is, well, unforgettable.
I have no idea where this series is headed but, like the others mentioned, it is addictive and unpredictable. More, please.
Yup!!! I didnt dream about this last night but it felt like a very quiet, brooding presence in my head somewhere. I would say I'm hooked.
Austruck
05-01-17, 02:44 PM
That would be a great tv show as well!
They did a miniseries of that book years ago. Although parts of it were well cast (Gary Sinise, in particular), other parts were a hot mess. (Whoever they cast as Flagg was terrible and not at all scary or intimidating.) It's one of those books that shouldn't have been made into anything visual until probably now, when the technology can better do it justice.
The opening bit with the Vikings was great fun, too.
Hooley dooley that took me totally by surprise. Sean Bean eat your heart out.
I bet there's a movie where that happened.
Back to the sex scene, were any of you totally unsettled by how quiet it was? I thought that was very clever.
christine
05-01-17, 05:02 PM
They did a miniseries of that book years ago. Although parts of it were well cast (Gary Sinise, in particular), other parts were a hot mess. (Whoever they cast as Flagg was terrible and not at all scary or intimidating.) It's one of those books that shouldn't have been made into anything visual until probably now, when the technology can better do it justice.
Aye that miniseries was messy but I agree with you about Gary Sinise. there's a great series in there if it's treated properly. It's an epic book, a proper page turner.
Interview with the showrunners
http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/american-gods-exclusive-behind-scenes-bryan-fuller-michael-green/
Whole new meaning (well, maybe not that new) to the stargate.
Whole new meaning (well, maybe not that new) to the stargate.
I like that both showrunners let their demented imaginations run so wild to the point where they look at each other and say - we've got to pull it back. LOL.
I don't mean to sound insensitive but, holy hell, I didn't know Cloris Leachman was still alive.
She's McShane level perfect for her role. Stormare is always welcomed as well.
I don't mean to sound insensitive but, holy hell, I didn't know Cloris Leachman was still alive.
She's McShane level perfect for her role. Stormare is always welcomed as well.
I dont know who she is but lots of love for Stomare. They both have such characterful faces
https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/cloris-leachman-peter-stormare.jpg?w=446&h=299&crop=1
Never seen Young Frankenstein?
http://i.imgur.com/3t9vjqP.gif
Never seen Young Frankenstein?
http://i.imgur.com/3t9vjqP.gif
Oh wow. Thanks Saunchy.
I havent seen it all yet - watched BCS instead, but there's one for the books. Starz went the extra mile which gave me a huge surprise
an erect peenie How can they get away with that on tv, even on starz or HBO?
I sadly got a bit bored. As much as I loved the Euro arc of Hannibal with it's arthaus feel, I thought it was a signature of that storyline. Not so. Bryan looks to be inlove with it. Slow mo rain to the backdrop of Reitzell's sad music. I half expected to see macro shots of snails humping.
Stomare is so good in this.
http://horrornewstv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/04/americangods-stormare.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/iXsqzhCSu1I/maxresdefault.jpg?resize=600%2C338&ssl=1
Orange and teal - the bain of my life but here it's done right.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/8160c4314ed81c2838bc203113669d03/tumblr_opacxeDF2A1rxtaovo1_500.jpg
Cute Wizard of Oz reference at the beginning, Bryan. Maybe too cute.
Nice to see Jimmy Price show up as well, albeit briefly. Did Neil Marshall direct this episode? If so, neat call back to The Descent.
Hopefully he isn't the only Hannibal alum to show up. I mentioned elsewhere that there is a spot near the end that's just begging for a Mads cameo.
Funny thing about his appearance, he mentioned The Program, 12 steps. I recently watched Andrew Garfield talk about his prep for the movie Silence and he mentioned the Jesuit practices becoming the basis for all rehabilitation programs. Surrendering yourself to a higher power and all (maybe surrender isn't the most sensitive word). I found that funny and fitting. We can find God (or a god) in the basis of everything.
I do hope we can see a meeting between the many Jesuses of America.
Cute Wizard of Oz reference at the beginning, Bryan. Maybe too cute.
Nice to see Jimmy Price show up as well, albeit briefly. Did Neil Marshall direct this episode? If so, neat call back to The Descent.
Hopefully he isn't the only Hannibal alum to show up. I mentioned elsewhere that there is a spot near the end that's just begging for a Mads cameo..
David Slade.
Gillian Anderson
Jeremy Davies
Jonathon Tucker
Kristin Chenoweth (not Hannibal but Pushing Daisies)
I didnt see Jimmy/Scott. Who was he, Saunchy?
If Madly has been cast everyone is being very tight lipped about it.
I'm not getting this show. Perhaps this is one where it;s important to read the book first.
Lovely gay sex romp. If IMDB were alive today the internet would have imploded with rage, Hollywood gay agendas, and shoving things down one's throaties.
I'm sure it's imploding elsewhere.
Btw, Fuller reportedly had the sex scene reshot because the original was "not gay enough".
I'm sure it's imploding elsewhere.
Btw, Fuller reportedly had the sex scene reshot because the original was "not gay enough".
LOL That's my Bryan.
LMAO Saunchy. Heads are spinning a la the exorcist on fb.
Austruck
05-17-17, 03:55 PM
I've read the book, but I've been watching these episodes and wondering what people think who haven't read it. Does it feel too disjointed to follow properly? The book goes back and forth between the old-gods narratives/flashbacks (for lack of a better term) and the main story of Shadow and Wednesday quite smoothly, but even I (knowing the story) kinda feel as if the scene shifts can be a bit jarring, making one regroup and settle in to the new change in scenery and characters every so often.
Having said that, I'm finding the casting and the sets to be almost exactly the way I pictured them as I read the book. Couldn't be happier with those sorts of choices. The only thing that feels like it's missing is getting in Shadow's head, which is always tough to translate from book to screen anyway. Our Shadow seems a bit blank in spots where I really want him to show us what wheels are turning in his head as things happen all around him.
What say you, non-book-readers? Hard to follow? Paced all right so far?
What say you, non-book-readers? Hard to follow? Paced all right so far?
Hola MamaYods!
For me the pacing is fine. I just feel like someone slipped acid into my tea pot. Great looking show, though.
Austruck
05-17-17, 04:01 PM
Ha, okay! Yeah, it does have that quality, doesn't it? :D
I absolutely ADORE Cloris Leachman in this. So great.
Ha, okay! Yeah, it does have that quality, doesn't it? :D
I absolutely ADORE Cloris Leachman in this. So great.
I think they;re all doing a stellar job.
Did Bryan and co. just reference Dylan?
Laura's the joker, Shadow the thief. She's looking for a way out...
... nah.
Edit: actually, maybe. The episode certainly calls back imagery from All Along the Watchtower.
"... princess kept her view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants too..."
"Outside in the cold distance a wild cat did growl.
Two riders where approaching, the wind began to howl."
Ep 4 is out over there, Saunchy?
Got the Starz app. Early upload.
Got the Starz app. Early upload.
You tricky devil. :devil:
Any more sex scenes that will flip people out?
Nope.
May the gods smite you.
Hilarious meltdown on fb. One guy is demanding they cut the sex scenes because he watches it with his young kids (WTH?) and because he thinks everyone who watches the show is straight so they don't want gay sex scenes. I told him he'll go blind because the showrunner is a proud gay man.
Well that was odd. Especially walking
around with her arm
I need the book readers in here. I have a million questions. OK maybe not a million.
Austruck
05-22-17, 02:49 PM
I recently read the book, so ask away. Not sure I can answer anything too deeply theological/philosophical about the book since I haven't spent all that much time absorbing it, but I think I did pick up a few things along the way as I read...
I recently read the book, so ask away. Not sure I can answer anything too deeply theological/philosophical about the book since I haven't spent all that much time absorbing it, but I think I did pick up a few things along the way as I read...
I was hoping you would drop by mamayods. OK will put in spoilers just incase someone isnt caught up.
1. Who is Laura to get the egyptian god - Cleopatra?
2. Why did she have superhuman strength when she was dead?
3. What was with carrying around her arm or was that just Fuller quirkiness?
4. Why was she so empty?
5. Why did Shadow love her so much?
6. How did he become zombie sunshine, or was that just her seeing him from the other side?
OK that will do for now.
I can say I am officially hooked.
Austruck
05-22-17, 03:01 PM
I'm pretty sure a lot of those questions are TV-version add-ons. I didn't get a sense that...
...Laura was Cleopatra or any other god. To me she seemed more of an aspect of Shadow's larger story, which will become clearer as things go on. The show seems to have chosen to lump a lot of "Laura" stuff in one episode, and for TV I think that works better than having her flit in and out of Shadow's story the way she does in the book. That works in a book but might make an otherwise disjoint TV show seem even more disjointed.
As for her own emptiness versus Shadow's ongoing love for her ... I don't think the book answers that question, either. Just as Laura herself tries to explain it to Shadow -- it's not HIM, it's just that she sees their lives as failures, perhaps because she wanted to have accomplished more than the simple happiness with another person that seems to be enough for Shadow.
Since I know a little more about where Shadow's story continues to go, I won't say more for now. I don't think this particular episode needed too much overthinking in terms of the larger story.
I'd love to hear from other book readers here myself ... since, as I say, I haven't mused too long and hard on the deeper aspects of Gaiman's thinking here.
Thank you, MamaYods. OK I'm satisfied with that. I have seen other non readers on the official AG page saying they don't know what's going on and the person manning the page keeps saying it will all come together.
She got pretty wild, didn't she.
I wasn't sure about the fly either.
Austruck
05-22-17, 03:24 PM
The fly, I think, merely indicates that she is decomposing, which would attract flies. They show us the one when she is alive, well, just to set up that continuity. But notice at the end of the episode, she puts up fly paper in the hotel room because she's aware of the flies following her around. Ew. LOL
Thanks again, MY.
Pretty little thing, isnt she.
Austruck
05-22-17, 03:46 PM
I think it's those doe eyes of hers. :)
I think it's those doe eyes of hers. :)
Yes!
In the book, why was the god angry with her?
Austruck
05-22-17, 06:02 PM
Yes!
In the book, why was the god angry with her?
Honestly, I don't recall even if it happened that way in the book. I think I may have read it too fast, too early in the mornings, all so I could finish it before the show started. LOL
Apparently I'll be rereading it soon. :D
Honestly, I don't recall even if it happened that way in the book. I think I may have read it too fast, too early in the mornings, all so I could finish it before the show started. LOL
Apparently I'll be rereading it soon. :D
Is that to keep Yoda junior happy? I know he wants to read it before seeing the show.
Austruck
05-22-17, 06:20 PM
Is that to keep Yoda junior happy? I know he wants to read it before seeing the show.
Nah, his wife has her own copy of the book. This was just one of those books I couldn't seem to read fast enough and I was literally stealing minutes wherever I could to keep reading. That included a lot of time before dawn (!!) as I waited for hubby's breakfast to cook. (I'm NOT a morning person, so I probably shouldn't be reading for retention at 5:30 in the morning, ha!)
I'm definitely reading when the season ends.
I dont know if I dreamt it or read it but I seem to recall it's been picked up for another 2 seasons.
Bryan and Michael on Laura's episode. Obviously there will be a few f bombs.
https://www.facebook.com/americangods/videos/1798291140482426/
So now we know - zombies really do use the toilet.
No scenery left after Gillian and Crispin walked in.
No scenery left after Gillian and Crispin walked in.
Oh I keep forgetting you're the tricky devil who gets it early. Looking forward to seeing Gillian again, and Crispin.
OMG Gillian was amazing.
And it took me a couple of takes to work out who Bowie was.
Bryan and Michael on the other ass hole in the room in episode 5. Also a comment regarding the animation
https://www.facebook.com/americangods/videos/1802822346695972/
And Saunchy, you'll be pleased to know Michael refers to your crush as a dick. LOL (the character, not the actress)
Austruck
05-31-17, 02:50 PM
I can watch it early too. Anyone with Starz can use their app to get it just after midnight each week. I usually watch it earlier in the day because Sunday nights are unpredictable here. :)
I'd seen a picture of Anderson as Bowie/Media earlier so I knew immediately who it was. She also pulled off a cute Marilyn Monroe, too. Plus the earlier Lucy bit. Quite diverse talents, and she's doing them all justice.
Glover was his usual odd self, great for that part.
The wardrobe department deserves an award. The clothes on Gillian and Crispin were stunning.
Saunchy, the person who runs the official AGs fb page said you'll be getting more of your beautiful Laura. That throat punch was unreal - such a kick arse broad.
https://www.facebook.com/americangods/videos/1804018819909658/
Preview of next episode
https://www.facebook.com/americangods/videos/1804118059899734/
Ian McShane has such a great voice. I didnt realise he was in GoT.
Illegal Jesus and the damnation of the second amendment...
... good job, Bryan.
OK well I'm just going to have to wait to wtch the episode before I can translate that, Saunchy. Is your crush still throat punching annoying people?
My crush?
Browning?
She's good.
My crush?
Browning?
She's good.
She's lovely. Now all I want for xmas is to perfect her throat punch and Lecter's mad kitchen bench vaulting skills.
So my favorite of the "Coming to America" stories is up today but I can't watch just now.
Bryan better not let his stylistic choices get the better of him. This one works best with simplicity.
FromBeyond
06-11-17, 12:07 PM
I'm really conflicted right now, I picked up this book about 5 years ago and I really liked it but about halfway through I stopped reading it and I always planned to start it again some day but now I might just watch this, I don't know
American gods day. Strangely I havent yet seen the latest episode. I get too hyped for Better Call Saul so record this to wtch after, then my goldfish brain forgot.
Austruck
06-11-17, 04:46 PM
Great episode. Good to see Sweeney's story fleshed out a bit (so to speak). :)
That was actually very lovely. Love the way it tied to itself and the present storyline.
I can't handle it. The colour palette and score is sending me cray cray, and I'm still only halfway through the last episode. Is Bryan usually this OTT?
Austruck
06-12-17, 01:00 PM
Am I the only one who saw this:
http://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/3d44cda8-d0c1-4366-83bc-f8522d4c12c9-615x268.jpeg
...and thought of this?
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/96/Brave_Poster.jpg
I kept thinking of Doona Bae's character from Cloud Atlas -
https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/cloudatlas/images/5/5d/Tilda_Ewing.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121101193654
A congregation of Christs.
Jeremy Davies sort of reminded me of William H. Macy in Fargo, particularly in the scene where he's having to tell a couple that their car will cost more than expected.
They both had that same fake "pity me" face.
As if to say "gee gosh, I'm so sorry I'm robbing you."
Is that the finale, saunchy? I'm a few behind.
cat_sidhe
06-28-17, 11:51 AM
Just binged this. YAAAAAAAAAAAAS!
Whoah pretty faithful to the book so far!
cat_sidhe
06-28-17, 11:54 AM
Is that the finale, saunchy? I'm a few behind.
Lol, see what I mean about using the @ ? Saunch may not have seen that. And now it's just awkward if I tag him. :lol:
Doesnt really matter now because I'm still behind LOL
I had some time to really detach myself from the book and gave the season a second go. Really good work. Bit shaky, though. It doesn’t really hit its stride until the episode where Crispin Glover shows up and I think that’s halfway. I hope there’s some narrative tightening going on because Shadow and Wednesday were easily the weakest bits for me now. Fuller and Green cared more about Laura but that’s understandable. She’s very much their character (she’s not as present in the book). Still, you got a story to tell. The payoff relies on us caring about Shadow and Ricky Whittle has got “it”. Unfortunately this season consists of him mostly acting befuddled.
The “Coming To America” segments, while all great, individually, unbalanced the whole thing. The difference between this and Hannibal is how these off-shoots in the latter connected to the grander narrative. There was a clear path between, say, the many killers of S1 and the developing relationships between Will, Hannibal and Abigail. That’s really not the case here.
I am looking forward to more of this, though. In spite of what I just listed, the creative voices came trough potently and the rest of the cast is aces. McShane feels like a bomb set to explode (we get a glimpse in his finale re-introduction), Browning would make Snake Plissken blush with her sneer and Pablo Schreiber comes through with a kind of deep sadness that reminded me of Mark Strong’s performance in “Tinker Tailor...”
Props to the villains as well. Glover, as I said, brings down the house with one scene, Anderson gives Blanchett a run for her money and then there’s the oh-so-punchable face of Technical Boy.
Orlando Jones killed it as well. I had no idea he wrote his own introductory scene. “Anger gets s**t done” is the kind of thing I imagined sparked a thousand think-pieces.
Well, s**t.
Bryan Fuller and Michael Green exit ‘American Gods’ as showrunners (http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/american-gods-1202626402/).
After “clashing” with producers at FreemantleMedia over budget and creative direction, Fuller and Green have departed the show as it nears production on season 2. They’ve already written most of the season’s scripts and those are still expected to be used.
Well, s**t.
Bryan Fuller and Michael Green exit ‘American Gods’ as showrunners (http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/american-gods-1202626402/).
After “clashing” with producers at FreemantleMedia over budget and creative direction, Fuller and Green have departed the show as it nears production on season 2. They’ve already written most of the season’s scripts and those are still expected to be used.
Eh wut? Not the first time Bryan has got into fisty cuffs with a network (cant remember which one. Found out about it onthe hannibal board on imdb). And multiple irons in the fire? Well sadly, I'm kissing Hannibal good bye. Drama seems to follow my darling Bryan around.
Thanks for posting, saunch. I hadno idea.
Gillian Anderson’s out.
Anderson says the departure of showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green means she will not return to the show.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-x-files-anderson-carter-duchovny-20180102-story.html
:(
Gillian Anderson’s out.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-x-files-anderson-carter-duchovny-20180102-story.html
:(
Oh the wording is interesting. I wonder what happened.
Fuller’s now working on a tv version of Interview with the Vampire.
Fuller’s now working on a tv version of Interview with the Vampire.
If this is the case, and Fuller takes Anne Rice novels (the first three she wrote The Vampire series) to a TV series type setting with the depth that we see today in shows like Game of Thrones and Outlander, I guarantee this is going to be the hit that has evaded him all his career.
As for American Gods, I'm not sure if I like it or not. It seems outrageous for the sake of being such there seems to be no real true plot line or direction at all. One episode stood up from the rest when they focused on the young girl with the leprechaun, but the rest have been pretty random. I enjoy Ian McShane (and man can that guy deliver a line or what?), but I'll try the first or second episode of the second season and if it still hasn't grabbed me then I'm just going to drop it.
If this is the case, and Fuller takes Anne Rice novels (the first three she wrote The Vampire series) to a TV series type setting with the depth that we see today in shows like Game of Thrones and Outlander, I guarantee this is going to be the hit that has evaded him all his career.
Uh...
https://nerdist.com/bryan-fuller-exits-anne-rice-vampire-chronicles/
Uh...
https://nerdist.com/bryan-fuller-exits-anne-rice-vampire-chronicles/
LOL! So much for that!
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