I Hit It With My Axe: Episode Two: F*ck. A Medusa.

[Rokar333]

("Let's charm them and then freeze them and then we'll cut their heads off" has been proposed like five times now as a diplomatic solution.)

That's the thing though, that particular example just shows that the show needs to be edited better. That was actually only said once, in one particular situation, but it popped up once or twice in episode 1 and in this episode once in its proper context. That I think is something that even the people who do like this show can agree with you on: It needs better editing.

 

[Nuke_em_05]

Okay, the editing/camera/lighting were better.

It's still just people sitting around playing D&D; "real world" style. Again, the scenario seems forced. Yes, they aren't "acting", but that doesn't mean that they aren't there just for the sake of the show.

You can "act" for the sake of the show, but if you're going to do "reality", it should be "real".

"*Pornstars* playing D&D" isn't any different than "*Accountants* playing D&D" except what they do when not playing D&D. If the "people playing D&D" aren't interesting playing D&D, they aren't more interesting just because they have sex on film for a living.

They're actually fairly annoying/irritating to me.

I'm not calling for it to be removed or anything. Some people like it, good on them. I'm just not going to watch it.

 

[Megido]

You edited the second I clicked "quote", so you get sent off with only a minor rant:

NO: I do not think all people who play D&D are nerds.
YES: I realise you don't play it alone.
YES: I am a gamer, and I do consider myself to be quite the nerd to be honest.
YES: I am a dipshit at times, but only on weekdays. On weekends I'm a loveable guy.
YES: I stereotyped, but only because it's easier to make a point with stereotypes. Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels somewhat insulted by the idea that we(the nerds, gamers and other social challenged people) should watch a series about adult actrices(and actors, but noone cares for them) who do nerdy(apologies) things, just because of their profession.

I genuinly feel insulted. Not by you(Megido), but more by the guy(it HAS to have been a guy) who decided to pick this show for the Escapist...

You make a good point. Maybe one of the reasons I dislike the show so much is that I feel the same way as you; insulted that it is supposed to (and apparently is much to my dismay) appeal to the "nerd" crowd.

I really wish stereotypes weren't true, but the fact that this boring show is supposedly very popular is kinda throwing that right in our faces. It has no merits beyond that it contains attractive women, yet, according to Archon, it has had the biggest opening of any show on the Escapist. I can only hope that's due to the shit storm it's causing, and not because lots of people actually like it.

We all know why there are stereotypes: they're usually founded on either TV or Newspapers. They usually have a core of truth, but as with all general statements, there are too many different people. 1 stereotype for 1 group isn't sufficient. Stereotypes are there because they're popular and immediatly recognisable. That's mainly TV's(and film's) fault.

The fact it's such a big opener is also easily explained with one question, the one burning in all our minds when we heared it was coming up:
"Are there boobs?"

Now the buzz is gone, the dustclouds waivered by the wind, we take a good long look over the battlefield, realising the giant army we just crushed was an anthill. We looked at it from a distance with binoculars. Little did we know, what we saw was unreal, a lie.
Now we've seen the bigger picture, gained insight on the series, and come to realise it is not a golden army of crotchless panties, but a puddle of piss without tits.

And about the whole "let's employ pornstars" thingy, are we suposed to know them? I, for one, am not a regular viewer of porn, which is to be said, only for laughs, but does ANYONE know them by name or something?

That's a pretty in depth analogy. I'm not really sure how to follow that up other than to say I hope you're correct. Here's what I'll do as far as the series goes: Apparently it's going to last at least five episodes, and somebody said that it picks up around episode five. I think I'll wait until episode 5 rolls around, and give the show it's last chance. If it isn't significantly better (ie. good,) then that's three strikes. Sound reasonable to you?

 

[Megido]

I do want to make a huge comment:

Saying that a show will pick up after X episodes is doomed to fail.

You don't see shows on NBC, CBS, FOX or whatever giving the excuse "Well, just wait until the fifth episode." It's a LAME excuse. The first episode should be the draw episode. It's the episode that makes people want to watch the show week after week. It gives the basic premise and gives the opportunity to get into the show, because if you make your show fail right out of the gate, people will ***** about it for 1-2 weeks, and it will get it's initial popularity, but people will not watch the show when it actually gets good.

An even bigger comment:

If you have to make an excuse about why your show isn't good, you're doing it wrong. Yahtzee has made this point many times; one part of a game should not sell another. It's the same with shows.

Damn straight, I also want to make a comment.

Just because a show has a high premier doesn't make it a hit or even something that is going bring in an audience. Last I heard, Comedy Central's most watched premier was, 'The Jeff Dunham Show' with over 5 million viewers. They lost over half that the next show and currently no plans are in place for a second season. Given that the people I know who would watch the Jeff Dunham show would certainly not stick around to watch South Park or the Daily Show. I don't think 'Axe' will increase The Escapist traffic much. However, that show does appear to be cheaper than dirt to make. You know the life blood of Reality TV. So effort compared to benefit may still be there. I for one don't expect a second season. I like many of the other commentators, feel there a was a better show for that slot.

Lastly, for anyone who says read the blog to enrich the video. I ain't doin' no homework to git somethin' out of that moving picture show.

I like the way both of you think. A lot.

 

[AgentNein]

"*Pornstars* playing D&D" isn't any different than "*Accountants* playing D&D"

Just wanted to take a moment and respond to this. Yes there is a difference. The difference is in the subversion of stereotypes, and common thoughts on certain types of people. Just wanted to point that out, because that is what I (in particular) find at least somewhat interesting with this show.

 

[silversun101]

Just to let you know, ep 1 did nothing for me, just thought I'd nose at the comments at ep 2 to see if there was a change but there isn't. I wont b*tch about the show, I said what I had to say about it last week, just explaining why I'm here looking

I'd like to comment on your reality TV/documentary comment.
A documentary would normally explain the ins n outs of this world to the viewer with a voice over.
A "reality TV" show would be edited to tell a story. Reality TV show does get heavily edited to tell what ever story the producers think will interest the viewer.
So I don't think it falls into either of those categories.
Maybe action futage/game play footage would be a better title

Well I never said it was particularly good, just that this is more or less what it is. Or at least intended to be. This is a far cry from a well made production though I still find it interesting nonetheless. The amateur editing job keeps it from being called a proper documentation, and the lack of a cohesive story outside of "these are hot girls playing DnD" makes it not quite a reality show. So... honestly it leans more towards a glorified DnD advertisement. Action/gameplay footage show is a decent compromise.

Maybe if i was a D&D player I'd get alot more out of it.
To each there own, atleast some people like it. although the whole pornstar thing doesn't sit right with me, I think it cheapens it all a little, like all us geeks n gamers need is a pornstar to get our interest. I'm sure it's not meant that way though.

I like your avatar btw. who/what is it?

Yeah, I think the pornstar angle is pretty low-brow. Maybe a bit insulting? I'm not sure if their intention is to show what a wide and varied audience DnD actually has or just trying to get lonely nerds to watch by dangling boobies in from of their faces. As I stated earlier half of my gaming group is female so his angle doesn't have any big WOW factor for me.

Also, that's Nightcrawler.

Female D&D fans? are there many about?

i thought it was. that artworks great, wheres it from?

Two of them are/were girlfriends of other players in the group who became interested in the game themselves. Another is a long time veteran of role play games. I think she's been doing it since grade school.

And actually, I'm not really sure. I searched for a Nightcrawler avi and this is one of the ones that popped up so I took it. I feel sort of lame now for not knowing. Perhaps I'll research it.

 

[Camembert]

"*Pornstars* playing D&D" isn't any different than "*Accountants* playing D&D"

Just wanted to take a moment and respond to this. Yes there is a difference. The difference is in the subversion of stereotypes, and common thoughts on certain types of people. Just wanted to point that out, because that is what I (in particular) find at least somewhat interesting with this show.

Well I don't think accountants are known for a fondness of D&D either.

 

[AgentNein]

"*Pornstars* playing D&D" isn't any different than "*Accountants* playing D&D"

Just wanted to take a moment and respond to this. Yes there is a difference. The difference is in the subversion of stereotypes, and common thoughts on certain types of people. Just wanted to point that out, because that is what I (in particular) find at least somewhat interesting with this show.

Well I don't think accountants are known for a fondness of D&D either.

They're not really known for it, but no one would be surprised to know an accountant might play D&D. In comparison, there tends to be a lot of unspoken assumptions about 1: D&D players (nerdy young males) and 2: porn stars. I'm sure a lot of people assume that those two things are oil and water.

One of the most interesting things about this whole thing is how they don't sexualize any of these folks. They're just playin' D&D. That's it. Well...I find it interesting anyway.

 

[inkBot]

I'm not sure if this has been said since I don't really feel like reading 8 pages of comments if most of them are similar to most of what's on the first page.

To improve the quality of the show I'd say a second, static camera is needed. I'm not sure if your playing area allows for it but an angle that shows the whole table and everyones faces, including the DM, would help a lot to make it feel more coherent. Optimal would be three cameras. One wideshot of the table with everyone involved on screen and one on each side of the table filming the players on each side.

Some cuts were also way too fast. Leaving a beat for the viewer to take in what was just said (especially if it's something that's supposed to be funny) is necessary or it will feel disjointed.

Also, as it is now it's not really conveyed what's going on in the game, or at the very least it's hard to follow. Longer runtime and focusing more on the story of the game rather than only on the people playing the game would increase the interest of the viewer. Yes, seeing people play can be interesting, but if that's the only focus it'll quickly start to feel stale. Focusing on the games story and reaction shots on the players and out of game player comments interspersed throughout the video would make it much more watchable. The players will still be a big part of the focus and draw, but the staying power of the show should be the games story and the synergy of the group of players.

I like the idea and I'm going to keep watching. Hopefully as the show goes on you'll get a feel for how to structure it a bit better.

 

[wikicated]

"I want know more about the political structure of the goblin city?"

"little is known about the goblin city." -DM

"Thanks . . ."

made me lol

cant remember the names as you can tell

 

[EchetusXe]

Hey, if the partially-shaved heads, black nails and tattoos do it for you, then power to you I suppose.

If it has a pulse then it is good enough for me. Besides that look was very popular back in Celtic times, it has just come out of style is all. Who knows what the look of the day will be in 200 years time?

All what you described adds up to a dirty girl. Which is a big bonus. Though I suppose seen as they are adult performers you can take it for granted that they are dirty, thereby making it a moot point.

Is it just me or are you also finding our conversation more interesting than the one they were having on the video?

 

[murphy7801]

Please stop this now I'm begging you !

 

[Tiny116]

Jesus CHRIST! That was boring :|

What? What was boring? Where am I? Is this the future? Are all reality TV shows dead and buried?
No?

Well that's disappointing. Wake me up in a 1000 years, hopefully during the Japanese mecha uprising.

It wont be the japanese the koreans have already got the mecha and are biding their time XD
But of course the Giant Rat apocolypse will happen first! (James herbert style!)

 

[Rusman]

Wow there's a lot of hate for this...
Well I like it, I laughed three times out loud which was enough for me. More than game dogs ever did.
Keep it up

 

[De Ronneman]

You edited the second I clicked "quote", so you get sent off with only a minor rant:

NO: I do not think all people who play D&D are nerds.
YES: I realise you don't play it alone.
YES: I am a gamer, and I do consider myself to be quite the nerd to be honest.
YES: I am a dipshit at times, but only on weekdays. On weekends I'm a loveable guy.
YES: I stereotyped, but only because it's easier to make a point with stereotypes. Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels somewhat insulted by the idea that we(the nerds, gamers and other social challenged people) should watch a series about adult actrices(and actors, but noone cares for them) who do nerdy(apologies) things, just because of their profession.

I genuinly feel insulted. Not by you(Megido), but more by the guy(it HAS to have been a guy) who decided to pick this show for the Escapist...

You make a good point. Maybe one of the reasons I dislike the show so much is that I feel the same way as you; insulted that it is supposed to (and apparently is much to my dismay) appeal to the "nerd" crowd.

I really wish stereotypes weren't true, but the fact that this boring show is supposedly very popular is kinda throwing that right in our faces. It has no merits beyond that it contains attractive women, yet, according to Archon, it has had the biggest opening of any show on the Escapist. I can only hope that's due to the shit storm it's causing, and not because lots of people actually like it.

We all know why there are stereotypes: they're usually founded on either TV or Newspapers. They usually have a core of truth, but as with all general statements, there are too many different people. 1 stereotype for 1 group isn't sufficient. Stereotypes are there because they're popular and immediatly recognisable. That's mainly TV's(and film's) fault.

The fact it's such a big opener is also easily explained with one question, the one burning in all our minds when we heared it was coming up:
"Are there boobs?"

Now the buzz is gone, the dustclouds waivered by the wind, we take a good long look over the battlefield, realising the giant army we just crushed was an anthill. We looked at it from a distance with binoculars. Little did we know, what we saw was unreal, a lie.
Now we've seen the bigger picture, gained insight on the series, and come to realise it is not a golden army of crotchless panties, but a puddle of piss without tits.

And about the whole "let's employ pornstars" thingy, are we suposed to know them? I, for one, am not a regular viewer of porn, which is to be said, only for laughs, but does ANYONE know them by name or something?

That's a pretty in depth analogy. I'm not really sure how to follow that up other than to say I hope you're correct. Here's what I'll do as far as the series goes: Apparently it's going to last at least five episodes, and somebody said that it picks up around episode five. I think I'll wait until episode 5 rolls around, and give the show it's last chance. If it isn't significantly better (ie. good,) then that's three strikes. Sound reasonable to you?

Sounds good, but it's kind of odd. I loved Doomsday Arcade and There Will Be Brawl from day one. ZP was an instant hit. UnSkipable has always been great, not always perfect, but good for a laugh.

If you're goal is to make a series work in 5 eps, you don't have a good show to start with...

But I know what you mean, a show has to find it's final form. You can't go for gold without trial and error, but when the entire subject of your show isn't even remotely good, then you're lost from the start...

 

[ImpostorZim]

What the hell do you guys want? Here's a thought, how about instead of bitching like a bunch of whiny fanboys you actually suggest how the show could be improved? This is a rare opportunity to actually HELP a production rather than just shit all over it, and none of you are taking advantage.

Every new show goes through some growing pains, and I'm not ready to give up on this one yet. Lighting: MUCH better. Pacing: Getting its stride. Editing: a lot tighter.

Zak et. al., you're not there yet, but you're getting the right idea.

I know I'm going to get flak for this like I always do when I disagree with the self-important geeks around here, but if I actually cared what any of them thought, I'd never speak my mind.

Unlike the majority of commenters, I know what its like to produce a show and edit video & its bloody HARD TO DO.

So let them feed their own egos by dumping on your ideas, if that's all they can bring to the table then too bad for them for their lack of imagination or creativity. Its a whole lot easier to tear something down than to try and help improve it.

Well, you do have a point there. Sincerely, I don't like this show. One bit. Worst of all, I can't even think of any ideas to make it more interesting so all I can do is *****. Yeah, lighting and editing would improve it. But it would still be boring to watch 5 people play D&D. Even if they ARE porn stars.

 

[Nuke_em_05]

"*Pornstars* playing D&D" isn't any different than "*Accountants* playing D&D"

Just wanted to take a moment and respond to this. Yes there is a difference. The difference is in the subversion of stereotypes, and common thoughts on certain types of people. Just wanted to point that out, because that is what I (in particular) find at least somewhat interesting with this show.

Well I don't think accountants are known for a fondness of D&D either.

They're not really known for it, but no one would be surprised to know an accountant might play D&D. In comparison, there tends to be a lot of unspoken assumptions about 1: D&D players (nerdy young males) and 2: porn stars. I'm sure a lot of people assume that those two things are oil and water.

One of the most interesting things about this whole thing is how they don't sexualize any of these folks. They're just playin' D&D. That's it. Well...I find it interesting anyway.

I would buy into the subervsion of stereotypes more if it all didn't seem to be forced on some level.

The underlined part of your post is exactly my point. You have the "hook" of "Pornstars Play D&D Too!", but if the content is the same as anyone else playing D&D... well... what's the point?

My point was more that "pornstars playing D&D" isn any different than "*any other profession* playing D&D", if all that it consists of is people playing regular D&D.

Like I said last time, "Dick-ish FPS friend crashes friends RPG" in Unforgotten Realms works better because they are juxtaposed, whereas everyone in this series is of similar background/attitude etc.

One "Reliable Source" column did it well with "War vet plays D&D" when the dad crashes the game, starts to play, and plays by his rules, killing his kid's character and leading a raid Vietnam-style adding an entertainment value of the juxtaposed types of people playing. Even then, it was only one issue of the column and not a whole series because that sort of novelty wears off very quickly.

This show is people of the same type of persona playing a game like normal.

If you like that, more power to you.

 

[AgentNein]

*snip*

I do have to admit, while I find this whole concept interesting, I don't know if my interest is sustainable over a series.

And speaking of the Reliable Source column, it seems (to me anyway) to be more concerned with reinforcing stereotypes than actually subverting any.

 

[Aptspire]

Fun times for me still :L