Dispatches from Elsewhere

[Prepuce of Doom 21059]

New show on AMC starting tomorrow with a two-night premiere. 

Premise could ultimately be great (ala Stranger Things or X-Files) or awful (Nicholas Cage fights a museum; Tom Hanks as priest/Indiana Jones) but I'm intrigued by the cast. 

https://www.amc.com/shows/dispatches-from-elsewhere

[jeevsie 3733]

Def interesting cast but I have no idea of the premise

[Bartles 769]

I feel like I have to watch every episode, as it was filmed all over Philadelphia last year (turns out my apartment is in the JeJune Institute!) so it will be cool to see how it ended up. Jason Segel became a local legend and there are tons of anecdotes around the city of how approachable and friendly he was.

One episode in, it's hard to follow the plot, but the show doesn't take itself too seriously so that helps with the lighthearted, hopeful vibe. And the four lead actors have some chemistry and obvious talent/experience. I'll post another update after I catch up on tonight's ep.

[Bartles 769]

OK, two episodes in, still really like the vibe. It's definitely got a Michel Gondry feel (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotted Mind) with colorful, somewhat bizarre visuals and frequent diversional elements that add context and move the story along. Not a lot of LOLs, but I've never felt bored or rolled my eyes at anything, which is rare for me and TV.

The plot as we know it follows four lead characters who have all opted to join a social mission (or is it a game?) with strangers. Our heroes quest is to find a girl named Clara, but we have little idea why. There are two organizations apparently competing for their assistance: Elsewhere Society and the Jejune Institute.

It's well done. Not a typical show this board would follow, and I have to admit I might not stick it out very long if not for the Philly location. But it moves pretty quickly and definitely not predictable, so far.

[RockyMountainHighHorn 890]

Pos rep for a very well done and appropriate review bartle. I have no idea what’s going on really or where it’ll go but we’ve been enjoying it and will keep watching. Only eye roll moment was when the alarm went off and she was like “they’re here, we must go”. Was very close to  middle school musical type of acting. 

[bamachine 1230]

It is OK and seems like it might be fine for a limited series. Although it seems pretty obvious that both JeJune and the Elsewhere people are the same people. Seems like a fun way of meeting new people and getting out of your rut.

[RockyMountainHighHorn 890]

Made me wonder why there aren’t more marketing projects like this. Reminded me kind of when 9 inch nails hid a secret message in a song and in their/his CD case that led them to a location for a private concert. I know there is a company or 2 that run things like this but think it’d be a sure fire way to get people involved and talking. 

[NaTeWHO 852]

Wife and I are really enjoying this. More than expected. You can see some of yourself in each character and we've grown to appreciate/relate to each of them. For the moment, it has our attention and we anxiously await the next episode.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13509]

Strange series to go along with the surreal world we all live in right now.  I'm not sure what to think of all of the characters. Are they really all in an insane asylum or are they really running around Philly as part of a game.