Reviews

This is a 3-part series produced by Here! TV. For some reason the 3 or 4 guys they sent to The Dinah aren't listed in the cast here on IMDB. I get that they're crew, but they're crew that spent a significant amount of time onscreen. I was a little puzzled as to why I was watching men talk about their impression of a lesbian event. The series is okay, but could have been much better. Too much time was spent in the first episode on the 3 or 4 guys and 3 or 4 women from Here! TV taking about the Dinah against a plain white background, rather than actually showing us the Dinah. It gets a little bit better after the first episode, but not much. The second ep is mostly some interviews but they fail to identify who they're interviewing, and the interviews don't always really have anything to do with the Dinah. The sound quality could also be better. Some of the interviews sound like they're inside a tin can. The third episode is by far the best, in terms of production quality and better interviews with people who are sometimes identified. It almost feels like the first two eps are outtakes for the third. It would have worked better if the eps were aired in reverse order. It's worth a watch, though, especially if you've never been to the Dinah and want to get a feel for what it's like.

Why does show after show decide it's fine to stab loyal fans in the heart and then punch them in the gut for a finale? I am so tired of "bold choices" that just leave us heartbroken. Won't be getting invested in anything else Rob Thomas is involved with. Why this, after the abrupt ending of season 3, waiting for a movie years later (driven by a fan campaign) and this season 4, even years later? Knowing this might be the end, can we not just get a damned happy ending? Why is no one allowed a happy ending anymore? So over every good thing being ruined by the "be dark and edgy" trend. At least I no longer care if this show has yet more to come.

Out of 1960's Laurel Canyon came an explosion of collaboration, talent, and creativity that shaped music for decades to come and still shapes it today. This movie is a showcase for Jakob Dylan, disguised as a half-hearted attempt at documenting that history. Too much time is spent on singers from today performing covers of 1960's songs, and way too little time showing performances of 1960's Laurel Canyon artists themselves. Also, too much Beatles. Their influence on Laurel Canyon artists is important, but the Beatles themselves did not rise out of Laurel Canyon and I think they should have been a side story rather than a centerpiece of this film. I give it 5 stars because of the amazing interviews with living icons of that era. The missing 5 stars is for what is missing from the film: Not enough variety, not enough female artists, not enough comprehensive history. Mama Cass Elliott gets way too little coverage although the Mamas and the Papas collectively get good coverage. Still, though, Cass's personal story isn't told at all which is, in my opinion, a huge omission. Carole King, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, and Frank Zappa are mentioned almost in passing. Completely missing are Joni Mitchell, Dusty Springfield, James Taylor, Judy Collins, Janice Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, The Monkees, The Eagles, America, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison, which is unacceptable for a documentary attempting to cover that era. Also missing are The Roxy and The Troubadour, among other clubs that showcased the music of these artists. This is more aptly a documentary about the background behind Jakob Dylan's tribute concert for that era and a marketing tool for the accompanying album. However, for hardcore fans of the era, it is very much worth a watch for the interviews and some of the older footage.

Almost quit watching after Ragnar died, but as Lagertha rose to power, it became more and more interesting. Now, she's disappeared after mourning the death of her priest lover (total character assassination). I watch now, hoping for three things: Lagertha's return and hopefully as the powerful Viking shieldmaiden and warrior she once was. End the boring, tedious, pointless Floki in Iceland plot line. And for the love of Odin, kill off Ivar. His story has been boring, uninteresting and unbelievable for over two seasons. Someone, anyone, please, please kill him already! This show has become utter cr**. I will finish season 5, but if 6 doesn't show vast change, I'm done.