Cool News
Does Herc Jones For CBS’ SMITH??
SPOILER ALERT !!
I am – Hercules!!
It’s a crime drama, from writer-producer John Wells (“ER,” “Third Watch”), that looks at a gang of sophisticated thieves from the bad guys’ point of view. It stars Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”), Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”), Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting"), Amy Smart ("Crank") Simon Baker ("The Guardian"), Franky G ("Saw II") and Shohreh “Behroooooooooz!” Aghdashloo.
There’s a cool scene with Simon Baker fucking with a pair of Hawaiian tough-guys. There’s a cool sequence with Baker hanging out in the apartment of a new sexual conquest. There’s a cool scene with Amy Smart tearing her own blouse open and tasering an old high-school friend. There’s a strange scene with Virginia Madsen and a pee-cup that could cause a few viewers to tune in for episode two. It’s another stupid attempt to do Tarantino TV without Tarantino, but one of the better I’ve seen.
Entertainment Weekly gives it a “B” and says:
… So odd, you must check it out. … That the more-predictable TV vet John Wells (ER) is behind Smith lends some doubt to continuing interest, but the pilot's got a lot of quirky crackle. I'm in—for another week, anyway.
USA Today gives it one star (out of four) and says:
… There's bad, and then there's criminally bad. Hands down the worst new show of the season, Smith is CBS' attempt to break out of its crime-show rut by turning the crooks into the heroes. Or anti-heroes. Or something. It's hard to say exactly what Smith has on its tiny criminal mind, other than a misguided urge to pass inert writing and indifferent acting off as edgy art.…
The Washington Post says:
… The pilot is admittedly a swift, brisk bit of escapist whimsy, but one has to wonder whether the idea of a heist every week will really prove tenable. … It's the kind of show of which one might reasonably say, "They don't miss a trick" -- except that maybe, like the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz," the poor thing was born without a heart. … It's just too bad that "Smith" is so slight it keeps threatening to float away, like a runaway balloon that's not quite worth chasing down the street.
The Chicago Tribune says:
“Smith” sure looks great. But beneath its glossy surfaces, there’s little substance.… whether we care about the plight of Stevens, whose gang is capable of stunning brutality, rests in the drama’s execution. And that’s where “Smith” lives up to its bland name. It’s possible to create a TV series about people whose actions are reprehensible (and in this pilot, four people die), but the writing and performances have to be so compelling that the viewer feels drawn to watching what these ambiguous characters do. But “Smith” is so thinly written, and the characters so generic, that it’s hard to feel much for this series except admiration for its cinematography. …
The Houston Chronicle says:
… the densely plotted Smith is rewarding on its own terms. … the pilot of Smith is ingeniously complex, at least by general TV standards. This is the kind of show that you'll want to watch twice just to make sure how all the plot points fit together. … Yet the elements that make Smith so smart and savvy could also keep the drama from attracting a large audience. Some viewers may have trouble rooting for a gang of hoods on a weekly basis, especially with the show's dark thematic tone, spasms of violence and twisted timeline. But for those going through Sopranos or Thief withdrawal, Smith is a godsend.
Variety says:
… Interesting but not fully compelling, it's a long shot to make a big score. … the premiere doesn't fully crackle, and there's good cause for skepticism about whether this premise can be milked well enough to be sustained as a series …
The Hollywood Reporter says:
… it's hard to be enthusiastic about the chances for "Smith" despite the obvious care that went into its creation. … The cinematography is stylish, and the action sequences compare favorably to those shot for larger screens. The acting is good, sometimes even inspired, and yet there is a big problem with the show. Put simply, most of these characters are distasteful and sometimes downright repulsive. …
10 p.m. Tuesday. CBS.
Frak ME!!! “Battlestar Galactica” 2.10-2.20 (the one with the expanded "Pegasus" episode!) Goes On Sale Today!!
Find the hugely encheapened “Trek” and other sci-fi here.
Find the hugely encheapened “AD” and other comedies here.
Find the hugely encheapened “24” and other dramas here.
-
+ Expand All
-
maybe 6.
-
bad, bad name
-
it might be a huge hit.
-
i call bullshit on releasing HALF a season on dvd
-
And she still is.If I can remember it, I'll check it out. Hell, I may even give The Unit another shot.
-
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP. Anyone disagree? I mean damn, I know about Liotta of course, but I didn't know it had THIS whole crew. Funny thing is now that I think about it, it was kinda surprising to see Amanda Peet making the move to TV with STUDIO 60 just when her film career seem to be on the verge of really taking off, and it would seem the same with Amy Smart with this show. Granted she's not quite there at Peet's status yet, and as much as I don't care for any of the movies she makes, she seemed to be doing relatively quite well for herself. Not that I always take a lot of what critics say to heart (I've long said the 2 most useless jobs on the planet are high school guidance counselor and film/TV critics), but this isn't entirely encouraging. I was looking forward to a good solid 1-2 punch from CBS on Tuesdays with this following THE UNIT (which I already way dig). Of course throw in getting my dose of HOUSE on Fox at 8 and that's one quality night of TV right there.
-
These are (what I'm assuming from all that I've heard are supposed to be) like high, if not world class criminals, which means if they're doing their jobs right, they don't call any attention to themselves where it counts. They're quite, they get in, they get out, steal the goods and walk away with a damn person being any the wiser. So it fits that the main character would have a very plain, non-descript name.
-
However it has almost no chance of getting a full season.
-
Unnngh-PLOP
-
p.s. virginia madsen doing the intro to Dune? i concur, sir, i concur.
-
I already watch a show with a heist every week. It's called "Hustle". It's not fake Tarantino, either. It's just a fun, light show about some entertaining master criminals. Nobody is a makebelieve badass, they steal using their SMARTS.
-
That USA today review is a joke. I was suprised at how evil they made Baker, an important character look. That scene on the beach is indeed very cool. It's got a very impressive cast for tv, and is very compelling. The name "Smith" makes more sense once you watch it. It's not a bad name considering. Oh, and I do think it will do well in the ratings.
-
I sent in a review of it a little while ago. I'm not offended. Just give it more press because this is the best new show since CSI.
-
...or does Ray Liotta look about ten years younger than he did in Narc (which came out, what, like four years ago)? Whatever his secret is, I'll take some.
-
It's called dye & diet. He gained weight and let his hair go grey for his role in Narc.
-
I wish someone would buy the rights to Vice City, and do a flick. God I love that game.
-
Does everyone hire their TV people during hire the handicapable week now? The basic critique is "we're not sure people like anti-heros". What? How dumb are these people? Would they rather more stale cop dramas? Law and Order: Jaywalking Unit? CSI Delaware? Smith is the only new show I'll be watching. They're right about it being stylish and shot like a big screen crime drama but those are GOOD THINGS!
-
Why did you bother setting up a AICN Coaxial map on Frappr if you weren't gonna tell us?Cool statuette btw.
-
...as Tarrantino-ish? I thought we were past this. It was the smarty pants answer in 1995. That was 11 years ago. Heist dramas have been around for a long damn time and it's not like their using overly slick dialogue or giving each other little code names. This reminds me of when people said The Sopranos wouldn't last because it was too much like Goodfellas.
-
We got it up here in Canada last night...and you know what, I dug it..
it's no ocean's 11 but for TV it's pretty good. Ray Liotta rocks...Simon Baker is actually pretty good....the Hawaiin thing was cool as hell....
but it's an ok show...the reviewers are a little extreme in my opinion...it'll be interesting to see where it goes.... -
This show is nothing like Tarantino's stuff. I've only seen the first ep, but I'm intrigued as to where the show will go. Liotta says there will be 4 to 5 heists a season.
-
Hell's, yes, I'm rooting for this show! ...mainly because I was an extra on it, and got to meet Ms. Smart (when she had her blouse open!). So, nyahh! I got to meet her! Looking forward to seeing this tonight, and am hoping it gets picked up for a full season so more episodes can be filmed in Pittsburgh.
-
When I first heard of the premise of this show I assumed it would be like CSI but with criminals, but upon seeing the pilot that presumption was shattered. Things I liked from the pilot:
A) They don't sugar coat the characters. They are thieves because they like wealth, no bullshit reasoning like they have to provide for a sick or disabled child, save the family farm, or any other weak excuse in an attempt to make the leads sympatetic.
B) The cast is great, Ray Liotta is solid as the lead, but Simon Baker will be the one with the most to gain - he steals every scene he is in. His introduction is perfect, and he plays the character as if he doesn't have a conscience.
C) Minimal Dialog: They wasn't much said compared to alot of other shos out there, but when characters spoke they make what the say count. No needless exposition.
D) Supporting cast: Chris Bauer (The Wire, Third Watch) and Shohreh Aghdashloo (24) turn up in small roles which will most likely be recurring.
The whole thing plays out like "HEAT: The series" and has great potential if the writing stays strong. -
on FX where it was called "Thief" and starred Andre Braugher.
-
I may have to check it out tonight. Come to think of it I haven't really been paying attention to what is premiering and when. I don't think there is anything I usually watch on Tuesdays, if it was important I guess I would remember. The only season premieres I have already set the DVR for are Earl and The Office. (Fox animated comedies already set and started) And Lost in October is all I can think of that I am psyched for. Scrubs doesn't start until January I believe. When does the Fey comedy start? I may check that out. Otherwise I can't think of anything I am looking forward to. (When is the new season of South Park?)
-
I loved Thief but Smith is a thousand times better. Your short term memory for mass media is awe inspiring though. There have been other shows like this. There've also been lots of cop shows but that doesn't make new ones any worse now does it Einstein?
-
Lame TV reviewer speak for the more than one-dimensional characters that are there to be more that "sympathetic." Shit, the crap that passes the test for network and development exec.'s standards for worthy characters is reciprocated by the usual reviewer's desire for more blandness and forecasting what will get ratings which is usually instant death.
I hope that this thing is actually good and that structure, plot, and character are more important than whether or not the character is good or bad. -
Great ensemble. I appreciate the hard edge as well as opposed to similar themed shows. I never thought Amy Smart could play bad so good.
-
And wouldn't it be cool if they somehow worked Andre Braugher's character from Thief into the show? They certainly need to do something like that, because the cast is mostly vanilla.And have I mentioned how hot Virginia Madsen is? Wow.
-
...but first of all, it's a clear riff on Michael Mann, not Tarantino. I mean, as in obviously. Second, the character beats were brand X and off for nearly every character. The wife and I shouted "I should have married you" at the same moment, a full beat ahead of when it was delivered in the show. Some of the stuff with Liotta and Madsen was just embarrassing. That said, there wasn't a single bad scene with Baker, at least after the kind of dumb tough guy fight introduction. He sold and stole every scene he was in. And Ray had a world class moment at his salesman job, just after he talks to his "boss". Watch for it, just a thing with his eyes that is pitch damned perfect. And Amy Smart doesn't hurt my eyes. It gets a ticket to second episodesville. Hope things work out.
-
Personally, I think this might be the best new show of the season just based on the pilot. But they better keep Baker as is and not declaw his character.
-
third time being first, and i've yet to ever call it. first time being 1-4 though.
-
This show fucking rocked! . . and the scene with Simon Baker as the howlie surfer getting revenge on the locals was downright chilling.
-
I like Liotta, and I'm glad he doesn't look as freaky when made-up compared to his live-look at the Emmys. Amy Smart is nice eye candy, too. However, these network attempts at morally-bankrupt badass figures don't impress. Too pretty, too polished, trying too hard to look and act like criminals -- in short, too unreal. It might impress somebody who doesn't get cable, but otherwise, bleh.
-
I'll watch her sit at a table and drink water for 3 hours...she's one of my "three girls" that I have a thing for. Her, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Connelly.
-
smith is the best show i've ever seen on network tv!! it could be because i'm a stylish deviant, but damn if i didn't watch the pilot two times in a row just because i love it so much! let me get this straight. i hate tv. i never watch it. but, last season i caught the premieres of 24 and prison break. and, damn if those two shows didn't make me rethink my whole hatred of television. and now, with the premiere of smith, i'm down for the box. smith rules! all the haters can kiss my black ass!!!
-
Huge anti-climax of an ending and way too many unnecessary characters.
-
Man, I was blown away by "Smith" last night. Wait, that didn't sound good...ACTUALLY, that is a perfect statement! I only tuned in to this show because of Liotta (who was great), but was surprised as hell that the rest of the cast was do damned talented. Those press reviews are B.S., "Smith" is easily the best show that's debuted thus far, and the violent nature of the characters totally surprised me! Great job by the network on Tuesday nights.
-
But, a few comments:
1. I don't think it will be "a heist a week", which is a good thing. They've got enough loose ends from this caper to keep them busy for a couple of weeks.
2. Annie should have aborted the job after she was recognized. They could have always come back and done it later. Yeah, she couldn't have known how pear-shaped things were going to go, but why take the chance?
3. Now that I think of it, what was the plan for Annie to "slip away" after calling such attention to herself? If a fire-fight hadn't broken out she'd still be talking to the cops and wouldn't have been able to pick the guys up.
4. I'm interested on how they'll handle all the loose ends pointing to Annie - the classmate, the waitress that might recognize a composite sketch... If Annie wasn't smart enough to write an "If anything should happen to me..." letter the smartest thing to do might be to make her "disappear" ASAP.
5. The most sympathetic character was the car detailer who was friends with the bomb maker with the hot wife. It'll be fun to watch him hide his guilt when she starts asking if he has any idea where her husband "ran off to" and trying to resist the temptation to "comfort" her.
Bottom line, it held my interest. I'll keep watching to see where they go with it. -
The reviews of this show are way off base. OK, I'm a guy, low 40s, and I love The Wire, The Shield, Prison Break, Deadwood, Star Trek, BSG, Star Gate, and a few other "man" shows. I watched Thief and agree it was good when they were stealing stuff but no so much otherwise. Ending was a let down for sure.
This show may become my new favorite this year. Just hope it lasts and they don't pull an HBO on it. If they change the characters from the pilot, it will be doomed. -
but this talkback is a little bittersweet because whenever there is a positve geek consensus on a tv show it usually means it has weeks to live.
Curious to know about the ratings for last nights episode...Herc? -
Thief wasn't great, but it was still better than this. And you missed the point about the show -- it wasn't about the heist per se, it was about the crew, which would have been the focus had it continued. If the Smith crew didn't have a heist, who'd give a damn about them and their clichés? Granted, this was only the pilot, so we'll see if they develop into real characters and fill the Annie plot hole. BTW, how many hitmen do you know who just happen to carry sniper rifles with them when they go surfing?
-
...tired cliches-r-us stuff, and poor writing. I was disappointed, though it had many good things (Amy Smart, Virginia Madsen) it was nothing new at all. Ray seemed to be phoning in some scenes, almost looking over folks shoulders like he was reading cards. When Amy and her ex were on the plane the first time, exchanging "meaningful looks" they were BOTH looking BACK over their shoulders! Amy Smarts character (I agree with mbeemer) should have done something, anything, different than what she did when recognized, and it was a lame plan to distract the cops (well, it would certainly distract the cops) but she would have had her own get-away problem if no shots had been fired inside. She was getting cards from her friend for "girls who look a lot like" her--but that thread went nowhere. And how many times have we seen the main heister genius say "Just "n" more job(s) and that's it--I'm done" gag! Plus, if this was supposed to establish this team as slick and smooth and competent, well, it was really more like half-assed caper-planners to me. I wanted to like it--nice cinematography, production values, great casting, but dang the stories need to be tighter and the characters need to be a little more real. Did we need to know that the one guy's wife wanted to be with his partner instead--was that crucial to the episode. And why spoonfeed that with her saying it out loud? Show us, don't just tell us everything. I think they spent their budget on location shoots and cast, and forgot to include some writing and script reviews. Too bad. Maybe they can watch BSG in a couple weeks and see how it is done!
-
Huh? What? >slap to the face< Oh, sorry. Just drifting off and daydreaming as to why the CRANK DVD is a must-buy when it comes out. As for SMITH, love the cast and Ray Liotta was great. He's just one of those guys that I always thought would be bigger in terms of overall star status given his intensity onscreen and ability to pull things off. So glad to see him centerstage on TV weekly. Anyone remember when he was up for BATMAN in the pre-Nolan era? That sure would have made for one great edgy Bruce Wayne.
-
All these talkbackers saying this is the best new show of the season. DID WE WATCH THE SAME SHOW??? Ok now granted, I think it's a bad move to have all your leads be SO reprehensible and unlikeable, but even besides that, there's plenty more to pick on about this show. The writing was largely lackluster, far too many shots where the director was obviously just trying to come off as "cool", and I couldn't give a shit about these people. I was actually rooting for them to fail and/or be killed themselves. I was really looking forward to this - HUGE disssapointment. People that are claiming this was so much better than "Thief"... I mean... wow... I honestly don't even know what to say to you. That idea is ludicrous. The only thing comes to mind is you're so desensitized to very mediocre TV at this point since you're subjected to almost nothing else besides it, then when you simply get more, I don't know, somehow your brain reacts that it was actually "good". I for one can not wait for the return of "THIEF".
-
Nowhere near as good. But since Thief was cancelled, this is all we got.It's a shame too, that and Over There deserved longer lives.
-
Are you serious, Thief got cancelled by FX?? I never heard that. MOTHERFUCKER!!!!! Jesus Christ, I swear everyone that works in television are brainless fucking oafs.
-
Is "The Shield" still on the air? Or has it by now finished out its entire run? I've never seen it so I just have no clue where it is. Because I'm just wondering (& obviously this is only pipe dreaming now) but maybe if FX had put The Shield and Thief on the same night together, I don't know, they might've complemented each other well and Thief would've done better (since I'm assuming at least part of the problem was Thief not getting good ratings)
-
with a "new" season, which is really the second "half" of last season. Then there will be one more after that before Vic Mackey meets his fate, whatever that will be. Thief got abysmal ratings, so it's not coming back. Braugher got a nice bit of recognition for his work, but practically nobody else noticed or watched.
-
Clifton Collins Jr. will turn up on the Shield as a guest star.
-
Geez, you're telling mere here that The Shield is doing it, I heard the Sopranos is doing it, and also Entourage as well. This having of a substantial hiatus before they return but still classifying it as that current season, not a new one. I mean it's stupid, they're taking such long breaks, why not just call it the next season?
-
The episodes to be aired in 2007 were originally classified as the latter part of an extra-long season 5, but since there is such a gap, they're now calling them season 6, and the final season #7.
-
Is ORIGINAL CINDY from Dark Angel :)
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 209 total posts 207 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 160 total posts 97 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 144 total posts 77 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 68 total posts 68 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 67 total posts 67 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 64 total posts 60 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 480 total posts 55 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 53 total posts 50 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 118 total posts 32 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 182 total posts 27 posts