I actually loved the episode, and the feel of it. It seems like it's going to involve a lot more people than the first season which felt barren (intentionally). I suspect there will be a lot more action. I have to say, Vaughn delivered.
I thought it was as well. Although I think the point of that scene was that he had ED, and therefore probably could not have 'solicited a blow job' for which he was suspended with pay.
Yes, that missing girl is the one hes seeing, at least Im pretty sure. And I dont think he's gay or anything, I think hes an adrenaline junky.
Apparently they used different actresses for Paul's girlfriend and the missing girl in the photo so it's unlikely they're supposed to be the same person. They do look a lot alike though. I think the first episode did what it needed. It gave some background for all the characters, set the tone and established a few mysteries along with the plot. There wasn't anything that hooked me, nor did I have any 'What an awesome character' moments like I did with season 1, but it's just one episode. While I enjoy the dark smoggy setting and mellow tone I completely agree that a little levity here and there would help.
Ok, does anyone else have to rewind this show like 3-4 times just to hear what the fuck was said? I know HBOGO is glitchy, but not that glitchy. Doesn't make sense for it to be Frank. Frank is the one who is so fucked by this entire thing it's not funny. He was prepping for that big event in episode 1 when that guy who also had the birdmask in the backseat was doing the Weekend at Bernie's with Caspere. Also, don't think Ray is dead, there are shots of him out there where he's still alive. (Unless they're going to use him in flashbacks for the next 6 episodes, IMDB don't lie.) Interesting that Paul Woodrugh wasn't just military, he was PMC "Black Mountain Securities", that is going to lead to him having done some fucked up shit. And...he's gay right? Can't get it up with her girl, made that random commentary about a gay dude hitting on him, and then stared at gay guys getting picked up. Also, what's up with Ani looking at that hardcore porn? Is she's trying to do research? Is that her secret bad habit? Not sure I'm feeling "deep" Vince Vaughn. He's great at that scene where he had goons beat up guys, but in terms of being serious and introspective I'm not buying it.
Just random thoughts... - Has anyone considered that Taylor Kitch DID get blown by that chick, and that's why he couldn't get it up when he's with his GF? Like he's okay with random or dangerous stuff, but not relationship things? - I'm loving Rachel McAdams. Like every part of her character. She makes wearing four rings on one hand look badass. - That moment when she asks, "Just how compromised are you?" was an awesome zinger. - I don't think you survive two point-blank shotgun blasts. Maybe someone who knows more about guns can comment. - Yeah, that had to have been Vince Vaughan, or whoever gave Vince the heads up. In fact, it might have been a hit meant for Vaughan, because HE was the one given the address.
The first thing I thought of after that scene was Kill Bill 2, where Uma Thurman gets shot with a shot gun loaded with rock salt. Not fatal but debilitating. I'm not really sure if that's actually a thing but I do know bean bag rounds are a non-lethal alternative to bullets. Also, I don't remember seeing any blood, and there should have been a lot of blood, but it is TV. Though the second blast really did seem like it was the "make sure he's dead" shot, and it was very close range, but it was in his stomach instead of the head or chest. I'm putting my money on not dead.
There was some speculation on reddit that they were non-lethal rounds of some kind. Rubber bullets, bean-bags, etc. The reasoning was that this sends a pretty taunting message. "We could have killed this guy easily, but we chose not to. Don't fuck around with us." I don't want the guy to be dead (and I doubt he is), but to cliffhanger his death like that feels like a cheap move. If they were going to keep him alive, it would have played better if the didn't leave much ambiguity about that this episode. Shoot him with the non-lethal rounds, have the birdman say something to him, and have him nod or whatever. This would have left me with a feeling of "Holy shit! This show is crazy." As the scene stands it feels more like, "wtf?". If he comes back now, it will feel like bullshit chicanery.
I don't think Colin Farrell would have agreed to be in a super hit show for only 2 episodes. Probably non lethal rounds. And the second shot was just to make sure it hurt real good.
It is going to be some chicanery, something is afoot. You don't swing that big name around for nothing then kill him off. And because IMDB. Taylor Kitsch, aka Paul Woodrugh definitely did not get blown by that chick. He needs viagra to get it up, because they're obviously leaning him towards gay. The time between him stopping that chick and him getting back home had to be a few hours if not a day or two. As mentioned before, most likely gay because he makes that random gay comment to that fat lazy detective and starts scoping out the gay dating scene. How the hell do you guys think it was Frank (Vince Vaughn)? He needs him alive to get the shit solved or looked into. The guy with the bird mask was shown driving the dead body while Frank was somewhere else setting up the deal and that big party in episode 1. The guy that shot Ben Caspere is the same guy that just shot Ray and Frank did NOT want Caspere killed. Makes zero fucking sense for it to be Frank.
Yeah, initially I didn't think Kitsch's character was gay, but this episode definitely has me leaning towards him being a very closeted (and personally uncomfortable with) homosexual. As far as Frank, I agree, it wouldn't make sense that he had something to do with it, because Farrell's character is so compromised, and Frank didn't want Caspere dead either, especially in light of the money missing.
How did you guys like the second episode compared to the first? I thought it was much better and I'm starting to get into the groove of this season. The only reason I could see Frank doing that was as a threat to Ray since Ray told him he wasn't going to be his informant any more. And I hate IMDB sometimes for the obvious reason of spoiling it.
100% agree. I have to go back and re-watch the first episode, because I just couldn't get into it enough to follow who everyone was and what was going on. This episode? I had a moment of clarity when I realized it had to end soon, and I hated that. It was way better than the first - we're starting to see some chemistry between the leads. That's where the first season was so great - Harrelson and McConnaghey had immediate chemistry with everyone they talked to, so you were compelled to watch. Now all this new season needs is a bit of comic relief or levity - like Marty asking Rust if they could make the car a place of silent reflection or something.
This second episode was much better than the first. The story started from such a standstill that they had to warm everything up and introduce double the characters than they did in Season 1. Also, without one director running everything, things are going to be choppy. Definitely agree with the levity sentiment. This show is HEAVY, and the writer/showrunner is unapologetic about his crime noir heaviness. Well...he did cast Rick fucking Springfield, singer of Jesse's Girl as the creepy psychiatrist Ani and Ray talk to.
My dad has a college buddy that works at DirecTV and got screeners for eps 1-4 from HBO, supposedly 3 and 4 get very good.