Over There - New show on FX and my rant on those who reviewed the show prior to airing

7/28/2005 | Former Military Chick - Chele

[in the Arena]

Don't know how realistic the walking legs were, but for entertainment purposes, it was pretty good.

I remember reading a book titled Currahee. The author was with the 506th, same as Band of Brothers and wrote the book sometime in the 60's. There is a story about an attack on a position reinforced with 88's and a vivid description of a set of torso-less legs complete with canteen on the belt running beside the author.

[Racehorse]

Here's some opinions from some Fort Hood vets: http://www.kdhnews.com/texas2.html

Can you post a summary?

Apparently, now that its passed midnight, the article is no longer online.  Neither is it archived (so far).

[Racehorse]

Just finished watching it.

I might watch the next episode.  Maybe.

I did not expect a documentary nor did I expect anything approaching reality.  This is supposed to be fiction, after all.

And as fiction, after an hour, I still have no emotional investment in any of the characters. Heck, after the opening scenes, I didn't even like most of them.   Still don't.

Bochco and his co-producer/writer/director sidekick, Chris Gerolmo, were IMHO. . . grossly, unforgivably lazy.  They went for every easy cliché and one-dimensional character that ever showed up in a war movie.

And, hopefully, before they signed off on the episode 2 script, they actually took the time and effort to hire a military technical advisor or two.

Disappointing, but I'll probably give it another week before looking for a tractor pull or something.  :-)

[Stashiu]

"I have a serious question for you.

I try to make it a point to thank Vietnam vets when I can. I've had 2 or 3 recent incidents, including one yesterday.

I was on a service call and the guy I met with mentioned that he was a vet. I thanked him and shook his hand. He lost his composure for a short while with the thousand yard stare. I've seen this happen before.

Does offering thanks to guys like yourself bring up too many bad memories or is it worth it for you guys?

BTW, thanks."

Well, the first time that someone thanked me in person, I was speechless and about lost it (happened about 3 years ago). I believe that most of us have tried to bury that whole experience given the reception we got when we came back to the world.

It does take you back there and the flood of emotions can be overwhelming. That sense of betrayal, after putting your life on the line, seeing others give their all, is a very deep wound.

You have given that vet a very precious gift. He was certainly knocked off balance, as most would be. He will never forget that act of gratitude.

May God bless you!

[cyclotic]

Thanks for the advice. As long as it's a good knocking off balance I'll continue to do it.

[OldSgt.]

"He later told me that no movie could ever make me feel what it was really like to be in a war in actual combat... but of all the movies and TV shows that he had ever seen, that movie brought him back to those days in way that nothing else has ever been able to even come close."

Somethings come too close. Back when "Saving Private Ryan" came out, a good friend told me that I probably shouldn't see it, so I never have. Don't think I missed anything really, even if it was a different War.

Right now in Iraq, My little sister's son, a 2nd LT.(Army) I'm really hoping he doesn't come back too changed, but he'll not be the youngster he was.

[JoshGray]

It bored me, though I gave it 45 minutes to un-bore me. From what I've read so far, I didn't miss anything in the last 15. Hmm... Quarterback... scholarship... going back to be a quarterback after his hitch... yep, he's losing a body-part.

[nairBResal]

Just remember anything coming out of Hollywood about the war is anti-war. I never saw Band of Brothers because I refuse to watch anything that has anything to do with Spielburg. I heard he is planning the Pacific theatre version of B of B, will avoid that also.

[marine86297]

I saw some crazy stuff in Desert Storm and Somalia so I can believe it is possible. Everything is possible in war, sometimes you just have to scratch your head in wonder.

[OldSgt.]

"What you said about "War is Hell", is so very appropriate.."

The words about your father most likely fit a large number of men, what ever their specific function was. Thank you for sharing it. many others who read these threads may learn.

[Modernman]

I never saw Band of Brothers because I refuse to watch anything that has anything to do with Spielburg.

Band of Brothers was really well done and had no perceptible political bias, IMO.

Whatever Spielburg's personal views, I haven't really seen those views in any of his movies. I think, when he makes films, he tends to put his politics aside and focuses on making a good movie.

[nairBResal]

It's not the politics, it's the directing.
Close Encounters was it for me.

[Former Military Chick]

Mike not sure if you could see this, but, I posted the thread regarding previews shooting it down and not allowing folks to watch to make an informed decision for themselves and if needed debate this show and let the networks know about your feelings on the merit's of the program.

Folks were very civil on this thread, which was really terrific.

[MikefromOhio]

Yeah I was able to see this.

I am home now. I guess I forgot to tell you hehe :)

its a total piece of crap. It is amazing they are even running around in sand on this show it is so far off.

I predict they will get their first season in, but FX won't get much money out of it....

[hellinahandcart]

mark

[Former Military Chick]

Hmm, tell me how you really feel? I do appreciate your insight. Beloved will watch it when he returns home and I suppose we will make a joint decsion as to furture airings should he not like it.

WB, friend. Which means I can ping you to national stories now. :)

[MikefromOhio]

heh :)

yeah ping away :) works for me gives me stuff to read :)

[GeorgiaYankee]

did you see this? Soldiers watched the show and commented

These soldiers say 'Over There' is 'bogus'

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1453140/posts

[Former Military Chick]

First I am thankful to these fine men and women and their service to this country.

My main issue, that reviews were out before it aired and my in box filled up by so called hacks saying not to watch it.

I am not blind and have no need to led as if I were blind. I offered my thoughts and will not aruge with those who feel differently. But, I will wonder what you will say, once my beloved returns home, can watch the show and offer his thoughts, he served in Iraq just the same.

Thanks for the link and comment, I do appreciate it.