Lost to October Road: I want my song back!
posted by Don Z on March 16, 2007 at 1:37 pm in Reviews
“Seriously, they’re making
a show about you? Seriously?“
The lowest point for “October Road” last night was the highest point for my wife’s and my snarky running commentary:
Main character: I wish I could go back in time 3 years and never write that book!
Me: I wish I could go back in time 30 minutes and not watch this fucking terrible show!
I did not have high expectations but this was a real stinker. The main character was in no way believable as a hotter than hot novelist, that’s the biggest problem right there. But since I only watched half of the pilot, I’ll go ahead and only talk about the soundtrack from here on out.
The soundtrack was atrocious, as if they let Amelia Bedelia choose the songs:
Show: Amelia, we need a song for the seen in which the boys see each other for the first time.
Amelia Bedelia: Hmm, you mean the boys are back in town?
Show: Perfect! Get another pitcher of water for Miss Bedelia!!
The soundtrack stunk it up from the very beginning–the prologue scene, which took place in 1997, faded out with Boston, “Don’t Look Back” (Brad Delp, RIP) — you know, because he was leaving town and should not look back at the people he was leaving behind. Then when we returned to the modern day, we were treated to the Gin Blossoms, “Found Out About You”… which is, I believe, from 1997. Actually I can’t tell if that is smart or stupid, but I’ll go with stupid so as not to spoil the mood.
And also I suppose they can’t be blamed for showing the main character leaving Manhattan to return to his small town roots to Three Dog Night’s “Shambala,” which American TV watchers loved the first time when it was on Lost 2 weeks ago.
But above all, it is a sad fact that ABC had to bump from its Thursday schedule Men In Trees, a dramedy about a writer going through a personal crisis while moving from New York to a small town, with October Road, a stupendously, mind-blowingly inferior dramedy about a writer going through a personal crisis while moving from New York to a small town.
More on Men In Trees later, because I believe it is one of those best shows you’re not watching. Yeah, you know who you are.
Comment by Marc posted March 16, 2007 at 3:49 pm:
WOW! I guess we were watching two very different shows last night! I loved it!
The reason he went back home was because he was having writer’s block and had been riddled with the guilt of how his book hurt his friends. He felt he had fences to mend and that might be what was at the heart of his writing difficulties.
Once he got back there, he realized that all the things he had left behind were some of the greatest things he ever had, even with all their quirks.
I won’ give away the other motivation for those who missed the episode.
Having moved away from my hometown for almost 10 years, I went through a very similar experience. You change, your friends change but that deep bond that you shared during those formative years is the root of who you are and inexplicably is what keeps you all linked together.
He has bridges to rebuild and other issues to confront before he can move forward with his professional life - he needs to fix his personal life first.
Maybe you weren’t raised in a small town, but when you go back after being gone so long, you mind leads you to think that everything was as you left it ….
Comment by Don Z posted March 16, 2007 at 3:55 pm:
Hi Marc!! You’re our second commenter not counting ones who think they are speaking directly to Chris Brown. Glad you found us!
Comment by amanda posted March 24, 2007 at 5:35 pm:
I really like Laura Prepon and when i seen the previews for it i was very excited about it. I have to say I Tivo-ed the first 2 episodes and watched them last night. I was sadly disappointed! I really had a hard time staying focused and I found myself fast fowarding through a lot. I have to disagree with the soundtrack comments, i LOVED the music they played. But to each their own!
Comment by Detroit_Derek posted March 30, 2007 at 2:08 pm:
Since when was Boston, wooden tennis rackets, and air band popular in 1997?
Wouldnt P-Diddys rendition of “I’ll be missing you.” a better fit when Garret left town, since that was popular 10 years ago?
I like seeing ‘Cheddar Bob’ (8 Mile) in this show since he looks exactly the same, and acts somewhat the same.
This show is a disapointment since the music does not fit the timeline.
Comment by Don Z posted March 30, 2007 at 3:42 pm:
Detroit_Derek i happened to catch the Boston air guitar last night too. WTF is up with the music on this show. WTF was i watching it last night after I wrote this scathing review? Because I have the TV sickness, that’s why.
Comment by amanda posted April 13, 2007 at 6:16 am:
I was borin in 85 and I like 80s music. You ever think thats the music they liked in 1997? Just because it took place in 1997 does NOT mean thats they music THEY listened to. Its really not rocket science to understand people dont like the current music of their time. ie, like now with all the bullshit there is no good music out
Comment by Don Z posted April 13, 2007 at 9:45 am:
amanda: You’re right. I thought the music in the pilot was weird, and in general the rest of it sucks, but I guess you’re right, those dudes would totally listen to classic rock, especially Boston.
full disclosure: after all is said and done, Boston is probably one of my top 10 favorite bands. It really appealed to me when I was 14 and so it stuck. I just think it sounds lame on TV.
Comment by amanda posted April 22, 2007 at 6:02 am:
Don Z: thank you! Amanda is an awesome song, I should know
haha
Comment by Kerrie posted November 24, 2007 at 1:12 pm:
Snarkey is right! You seem intent on NOT liking this show! The show I watched, with the soundtrack I heard…was great! Perhaps you should try watching it again, but with less intensity? Have a beer, drink a shot, relax…don’t take it all so seriously!!