MovieChat Forums > The Brink (2015) Discussion > Another unfunny episode but a heavy one

Another unfunny episode but a heavy one

posted 9 years ago by RomaVictorrrr
10 replies | jump to latest

this episode had the evacuating of an embassy, usually exciting when this happens in movies.

But then there was all that other stuff they throw out there. "America sucks." "We created Osama in the 80s." "Let's support another dictator and have him turn on us." "Known unknown" dig at Rumsfeld. And on top of all that, a tease about Larson's trauma in Cambodia. Almost too much for a little 30 minute episode.

Amid all the zany, madcap underdeveloped ideas, there was also the little midget from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome on the chopper for some reason.

But ultimately I wonder if the point of the show is for us to be concerned that crazy Muslims and silly Americans will allow Israel to get nuked.

Am i the only one still watching this sh!t?

[–] Pistolpete332010 9 years ago

Brilliant episode. One of the most brilliant comedy episodes I've ever seen. Best bits/moments. Robbins reaction to a cabinet member explaining the origins of the nuclear war project (can't recall its name). "Are you drooling. He's drooling." The potential fallout of the nuclear war project "it's an unknown known we're working on becoming a known unknown." The "is that the bible?" Moment and Robbins reaction after hitting pierce. "Sorry mr. President it was involuntary." If you're too sensitive to the mild criticism over America's foreign policy over the last few decades then maybe this isn't the show for you.

[–] RomaVictorrrr 9 years ago

I'm starting to accept that this show will never be as riveting and funny as Dr. Strangelove, which it tried to imitate at the beginning. As such, there are always a few gems here and there in these episodes, which is why I watch them a couple times. The drooling bit was amusing.

But this,

If you're too sensitive to the mild criticism over America's foreign policy over the last few decades then maybe this isn't the show for you.

Is that addressing me? Where do you get the idea I'm too sensitive to mild criticism of America's foreign policy? I was excited about the show PRECISELY because i thought it'd be hilarious criticism of our foreign policy. It's not hilarious. But still amusing.

[–] Pistolpete332010 9 years ago

Is that addressing me? Where do you get the idea I'm too sensitive to mild criticism of America's foreign policy? I was excited about the show PRECISELY because i thought it'd be hilarious criticism of our foreign policy. It's not hilarious. But still amusing.

Perhaps I misinterpreted. I thought you were sensitive or maybe a better way to say it is tired of the cliched' anti-American rhetoric. The who else is watching this *beep* topped off with the wondering if the shows purpose is not to elicit humor but show serious concern over nuclear fallout lead me to discern an incorrect conclusion. Especially since I found the episode to be clearly the funniest of the season. Comparing it to Dr. Strangelove is quite a high standard bearer for satire.

[–] AeQuitas28 9 years ago

Incredibly loose term of the word brilliant.
College level political satire at best.
It's like calling something Hilarious because you chuckled twice.

[–] Pistolpete332010 9 years ago

Absolutely not.

Tell me what you consider to be brilliant comedic teleplay writing. Give me an example I mean...

It was the only episode written by Wes Johnson. Who that is is of no relevance to me. All I know is that it was the most distinguished episode of the series in my mind.

[–] Scott-101 9 years ago

Yeah, that's pretty much my take on it. I review the show, here's my take
http://bit.ly/1L2Nrxt
I think unfunny is far from the truth, but, I do think a bit too much exposition and that's distracting.

sophomorecritic.blogspot.com
Twitter @okonh0wp

[–] paulfitzpa 9 years ago

I don't think the criticism is as simple as "America sucks", it speaks the truth on some of the mis-steps that world leaders have made in the region.

Crazy ass Christians, crazy Muslims, chicken hawks, unreasonable Israelis, it all rings of truth.

For me the laughs range from mildly amusing to laugh out loud. The show moves at a fast pace so some of the best lines can pass you by if you don't pay attention.

I think sending up Rumsfield's line was perfect. It highlights the idiocy of our leaders.

The reality is the situation has been made worse than ever, thanks to the actions of world leaders. USA intervention has destablised the region, there is no doubt about that. Tourists used to visit the Middle East in the 60s/70s. Look at it now -- that is what has happened after years of Western intervention and religious fundamentalism taking over.

If we don't laugh at it, we'd cry. I like comedy that takes risks and having a comedy set in this part of the world definitely does that.

[–] tsunami-dream 9 years ago

Seriously I think you're the main reason this show got cancelled. Just stop with the nonsense.

[–] Philip_90 9 years ago

He/she posted it months ago and it was cancelled because of either to make space for Ballers or due to politics.

[–] RomaVictorrrr 9 years ago

LOL. I'm pretty sure one goofball on IMDB can't bring down an entire show.

Just watch all the early reviews for the show. People, including me, were ready for a political satire but it just didn't hit the mark. And all those early references to Dr. Strangelove didn't help. Good ideas buried under whiz-bang slapstick pacing and dick jokes...

Ah, well.

RIP, "The Brink". Lived fast, died young, tried too hard, fizzled out.

EDIT: then again maybe it WAS the politics.

(Besides, the Benabib brothers fulfilled their fantasy of saving Israel from "crazy Christian neo-cons" and "crazy Muslims". What else do they have to say?)