Okay, enough melodrama, let’s go over some TV. Here are the shows I’m currently hooked on:
Gotham
The Walking Dead
Fear The Walking Dead
Homeland
Humans
Berlin Station
Turn
NFL football
PGA golf
I’ve mentioned all these in the past, and some of them aren’t even on right now, but if you’re ever looking to binge watch some shows, hook these up. Really liked Turn, btw, so sad it’s done. And Berlin Station was amazing, can’t wait for that to come back. Obviously, TWD is one of the greatest shows on TV, and I’m always amazed at the production values in Gotham. Let’s hope the writing and performances stay up to the level they’ve been at since episode 1.
Obviously, Humans is on this list because I can’t get the idea of having a sex doll that looks like Gemma Chan out of my mind, but that’s just me. Damn you, Humans, for putting that idea in there. Now, if I can just remember to tune into the NFL games AFTER the National Anthem is played, I should be good to go on that. And golf is essentially done ‘til January, so who cares…
Okay, that’s all I got for this week. Recap was longer than expected, but what do you want for episode #1? Thank god it wasn’t a 2-hour premiere. And now, if you have a few more moments, check out my thoughts on the #TakeAKnee controversy. You might agree with some of the things I say. If not, that’s fine too.
Godspeed, Mr. Hefner. I’ll think of you every time I type the word “Hustler” this season and wonder how Larry Flynt outlived you…
My Two Cents
Not the most original title, I get it, but you try coming up with something clever at 1am when you’re drinking and need to get up at 6am. I’m just glad I spelt every word correckly.
So, here’s the deal. I’m gonna take a bit of a risk here and tell you how I feel about this whole “Take A Knee” controversy. I know most of you don’t come here for this, but one thing I’ve learned in my 50 years is that sometimes you’re gonna say s**t people don’t agree with. If you do – or if you don’t – leave a comment below. Tell me you agree or I’m full of it. I’m not sure if my opinion is the popular one, or the American one, or the right one, but it makes sense to me, so maybe it’ll make sense to you.
And yes, I know there is a huge racial aspect to this debate, but I’m gonna do everything I can to keep race out of this. Some of the people I mention may be black, or white, or “What’s Behind Door #3,” but this really isn’t about race. To me, it’s about intelligence.
Okay, I understand the whole “Colin Kaepernick was protesting the way the black Americans are being treated by the police – and the rest of America.” I get it. And I agree with him that that occurs ALL THE TIME and WAY TOO MUCH. And it TOTALLY SUCKS BALLS. But here’s the deal. If you wanna call attention to that, then do it THE RIGHT WAY. That’s where the intelligence part comes into play.
I honestly don’t think he thought it through all the way, but once he did it, and it found legs (punny!) in the media, only then did it become newsworthy, and that’s when he decided to comment on it and explain his motivations. I’m not saying he was wrong in his protest, I’m just saying he chose the wrong method.
So, once it was reported that his protests were occurring during the National Anthem, then THAT became the story to those who didn’t agree with him. But remember, his protest was about the treatment of African-Americans, and had nothing to do with the National Anthem, or America, or servicemen. So now both sides are making bold statements and trashing each other, yet they’re arguing about two different things.
Broadcasters seemingly have forgotten how the protest started when they talk about the controversy, because most are saying, “He has the right to take a knee for the National Anthem, because that’s what America is all about.” But that’s not the f**king point!
Colin Kaepernick was protesting the treatment of his brothers and sisters. Period. But the new focus of his protest has become more about standing for the National Anthem. And to be perfectly clear, you SHOULD stand for the National Anthem and show your respect to the flag/song/country/servicemen/dead people who paved the way for this country to become what it is. And if Colin Kaepernick doesn’t believe in the sacrifices all those soldiers made, then F**K COLIN KAEPERNICK. And f**k everyone who thinks his protest is more important than this country.
Hey, Colin, here’s an idea. If you want to protest the way African-Americans are treated by the police, then demand your NFL team doesn’t hire law enforcement officers. Or have your team owner only hire private security (that’ll probably never happen).
Or don’t shake hands with police officers who are guarding the players’ safety on the sidelines. Or, I don’t know, go wave a sign outside of the nearest police station or FBI office. You know, DO SOMETHING that shows you don’t support police officers.
But now, you’ve gotten Trump involved in this whole mess, and look what that’s done. He, of course, came in and f**ked it all up some more. Who’s the ONE GUY who could take an incendiary topic and pour gasoline on it? Our beloved president.
So, everyone got what they wanted. Colin’s protest has spread, Trump’s statements are polarizing the country even more, and meanwhile, 3.4 million Puerto Ricans are screaming, “Who the f**k is protesting for us?”
If there’s any question that Kaepernick’s decision was a poor one, just look at where he’s playing now. Nowhere. And if you tell me that has something to do with how poorly he throws a football, then I got a canoe in Fiji I’d like to sell you. He’s not being picked up because owners don’t want to lose money by signing him and having fans stay away. Him not playing is about money, pure and simple. It’s not about race. It’s not about the National Anthem. It’s not about the First Amendment. But those are all convenient talking points when you have 45 seconds to fill on the nightly news, or the sports report, or NFL Sunday…
And while I’m not one to go out and protest ANYTHING because that’s not my style, that doesn’t mean I can’t see the point in protesting. Just do it the right way. With some intelligence.
What are your thoughts, Uberfans? Agree/disagree? Unfriending? Unfollowing? Don’t worry, I can take it. But before you do that, please drop a comment in the box below and let me know how you feel about this. I’d really like to see a lot of participation in the comments section this season, whether it’s about Survivor, TV, politics, vodka or boobs.
Preferably, boobs.
Alrighty then, campers, it’s time to shut out the light and hit the sack. Fish is tired…
Pre-diabetically,
Fish
Email: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com
Twitter: @BF_TheFish
AIM: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com or Bryan Fischer
“At least she brings a little eye candy to the show as we’ll hopefully see her lose some of that baby fat from those power thighs”…. I’m going to pretend that: a. You didn’t just write that and b. I didn’t just read that
Unlike you, I enjoy the themes. I find they add a little something. I do wish they brought back some recurring players, instead of a whole new crop. But I guess it’s time for fresh meat. I just pine for Ken and Ozzy regularly.
I agree with you on practically all other counts. Alan should have gone home (WHAT A NUT) and I was also shocked that the special immunity wasn’t played. However, it probably would have backfired, placing an enormous target on her back. Even though she’s at the bottom of the ladder already.
As for the whole take the knee thing – although we are Canadian, my husband is a die-hard NFL fan (he cheers for the sucky Chargers…) and we both agree that not standing for the national anthem is a complete a**hole move. Heck, just last week we went to an MLS game where two TFC fans got into a fight because one didn’t want to take off his hat for the anthem, and the other thought it was disrespectful. It’s your national anthem. If you have something to protest, the 2-3 minute sign of respect for your country is NOT the appropriate time. And this is coming from a millennial. I swear I was born in the wrong decade…
Keep the awesome recaps coming, and don’t worry about them being long – the longer, the better! Until next week, mate!
Hello my friend . Lets eat drink be merry and talk Survivor!!!! I hate Joe. Hate bullies and this loudmouth is the ultimate bully. I like the urologist. No problem with dick jokes so I hope he goes far . Ali is a personal assistant. Well okay I am e mailing the boss requesting I get a personal assistant after this . Fish we will probably never see another coconuts. Ali is a fine consolation prize . Something about her . Jessica to me is good looking but of the dime a dozen beauty type. I see those girls all over town . Alan is flipping nuts. I have known dudes for 30 years and never once asked them to drop their drawers. He did it in one freaking day. Crazy don’t stay long on Survivor. I support anyones right to protest . No matter how dumb. Boy is this one dumb. NFL players protesting cops. Well mutha f&*((ckers we know why you hate cops . 855 arrests in 17 years . That’s why you hate cops. You hate cops so much one of you Michael Bennett lies about being racially profiled . In Vegas . Where there are cameras EVERYWHERE. You ignorant tool. St Louis Mo 2017 141 murders . 114 black . 96 murder suspects . All black. 8 people shot by cops . At least two were white. All had criminal records and were armed . Simple math you are 16 times more likely to be black and killed by a black (96/6) . If you are arrested and don’t pull a gun you wont be killed at all. Yet you want me to believe in your police brutality BS? Are there bad cops ? Abso freaking lutely . Do we want them punished ? Abso freaking lutely . Do cops who have spent 15 years on the force , interacted with thousands of blacks decide on a random Tuesday to shoot one for no reason. Nope . Bad cops shoot people because they feel powerful and entitled. They don’t care about skin color.
Hello again!
Was hoping we’d have more comments by now, but I’m happy to be responding to these two. I hope others feel the need to voice their opinions…
Lil! You know, there haven’t been many times where I’ve felt the need to apologize over something I’ve written, but looks like it’s time to do that again. For some reason, the tendency to fat shame is one of the things that comes easy to me, because I’ve always found it easy to tease those without perfect bodies. This goes back a long way, but that’s no excuse. I’m sorry if you were offended, but believe me, part of what I do is based on letting a lot of guard (and common sense) down, and just let words flow onto paper. I cross lines, but that’s kind of the point of writing a recap like this. However, when sober, I totally get what you’re saying. I shouldn’t do it, but I do. And that’s my bad…. But I’m glad the rest of your comment was positive. Thank you for writing in.
I think it’s hard to mix new players with old ones because the returning players have reputations that precede them. The only way it works is if it starts out: Returning Players vs. New Players, and let the game dictate who stays. But even then, the Returning players have a tad of an advantage at the outset. I’m kinda thinking we need some kind of Celebrity Survivor to bring some media attention to the game. I get the feeling the only ones who pay attention to the game are superfans, and no one else. As I’ve said before, no one I know watches Survivor, and I live in LA where there’s a lot of attention paid to TV shows and reality “stars.” I’m just wondering why I haven’t seen anything from Coach in a while on Twitter, so I’m wondering if Survivor: Legends is shooting now. (TBH, Survivor never shoots this time of year, so there’s little chance of S: L shooting, but I’m curious why he’s dropped off Twitter).
Thank you for agreeing with much of what I said. Yes, Alan = crazy, and that SuperIdol should have been put to some use. From everything I’ve seen, Chrissy was not as close to Katrina as the cut made us believe, which is why the SuperIdol wasn’t played. I get the show needed us to think there was a chance that it could be played, but once again, the show didn’t show us a lot of the footage because they wanted to create some drama. Don’t know if withholding the “Chrissy isn’t on board with Katrina” info outweighs the “Chrissy may play the SuperIdol on her Mom Squad pal,” but that’s television for you. They choose their arcs, we have no idea what other footage exists.
I’m a fan of your husband. I’ve followed the Chargers for years because they were SoCal’s only good team for years. I still like them better than the Rams. And thank you for commenting (positively) on my Take A Knee essay. I still don’t see why more isn’t being done to deal with this controversy. These players are “at work,” and should be made to follow some rules set forth by their employers. Especially because of how much money they make. Regardless of what they think, they’re entertainers, tasked with maintaining the entertainment value of the NFL. As soon as they brought politics into it, there should have been immediate repercussions. Now, the protest has taken on a whole new mojo, and it could have been avoided. Those with the gold make the rules. We need to remember that…
Keep writing in! Or just keep reading and enjoying them. Give me some time to get back into a groove. Columns always improve the deeper we go. Go Canada!
Ricky baby! How’s the BBQ business? Good to hear from you, bro. Here’s some snippets.
Joe – yes, he blows. (why do they cast assholes?)
Dick man is all yours. I hate his accent…
A personal assistant is like saying you have a butler. And I don’t see Ali and Alfred from Gotham as the same. And the fact she’s a personal assistant to some YouTube boob makes it worse. How hard is having a YouTube channel? But you can have her. To me, she looks like a combination of Larry, Curly and Moe… Take away that hair, slap on a dude’s haircut, and you’ve got a man, baby…
Jessica is a solid 7 in LA. Nothing special about her. Maybe I’m just bitter because there are no 9s or 10s this season. The hottest chick is Desi, and she’s nowhere near Coconuts, Rachel, Angie Layton, So or (crosses chest) Amanda… What happened to boob jobs!?
Not gonna add anything to your stats, you seem to be on top of all of that. All I know is that race plays a huge part in so many problems, and the only thing that’ll make it go away is to stop calling attention to race. The longer protests bring race into the discussion, the longer there will be separation of races. I wrote an article for another site where I said, “Let’s take a breath and realize that not every statement we make needs to be evaluated on whether it considers everyone’s feelings. I’ll let you in on a little secret. One of the signs your ethnic group/race/gender/identity is truly evolved – and equal – is that we CAN make fun of you like we make fun of everyone else.” So, let us make fun of you, you can make fun of us, and we’ll all sit at the same table. Don’t tell us there are no words that white people can’t use against blacks, and we won’t say shit when you call us “crackers.” Deal? If not, then we’re in for a ton of more bullshit because some people don’t like hearing controversial words. Until they do, it’s “them” against “them” against “the others.”
But…we’re here to talk about Survivor, so let’s not get distracted… Rick, keep reading, and keeping commenting. And tell that boss of yours to write in too. I’m lonely…
Have a great week everyone. I’ll see you on Thursday or Friday…
Fish
I only took offense because I have thick thighs myself… haha. And I am super self conscious, obviously! Lol
A celeb edition of Survivor would be INCREDIBLE. You need to pitch that idea! FYI created an account JUST to be able to comment on your recaps 😉 so exciting!
Oh about the super idol. I was at first thinking why not play it ! I thought about it and have a theory . If she plays it she puts a target on her back . If she doesn’t she can show it to her tribe and say look she needed to go but I can help win challenges and I am loyal. Lets break up the couple or you two guys are screwed. Also she has the option to go to the couple . Hey look you know they are gunning for you . Lets work as a threesome ( I will volunteer to tape) . She has two very plausible options to make a big move early .
Very late to watching the episode. I won’t say much since i’ll just be regurgitating what has already been written. As for the super idol, didn’t the previews hint that she is passing it off as a regular idol. Smart move, not sure why I did not think of that before the preview. OK I’ll restate one thing, major disappointment in the eye candy.
Sorry I’m so late to the party! We were out of town and just watched last night. Overall, I’m less than impressed with this bunch of yahoos. Alan is nuts and not in a funny strategic way like he seems to think. He’s nuts in the “I want him off my TV” way.
Joe is also nuts in a bad way. At one point, we actually paused the TV to try and read Joe’s tattoos to see if “VLACHOS” was inked on there somewhere (yeah, we were drunk). But seriously, he’s like the Brandon Hantz of Tony’s family. I miss Ken.
As far as kneeling during the anthem goes, I’ll be perfectly honest and just say that I see both sides of this argument. I think our country has a lot of problems and I agree with you, Fish, that I think it was the wrong way to go about it. And now with our current “leader” it has turned into a massive sh*t show. These guys make a gajillion dollars to throw balls around while Puerto Ricans are getting hit in the head with paper towels thrown by our president. What a mess.
One last comment before tonight’s episode…
Rick: Yeah, totally see the benefit of Chrissy saying, “Look how loyal I am!” But…that also brings up the topic of “Why didn’t you tell us about it BEFORE Tribal?” I think she’ll just keep it as a souvenir… And liking your thoughts on playing both sides. We’ll find out tonight…
Doc! Welcome back, my friend. Yes, good point. Chrissy playing it as a real idol would be very smart. Wonder why I didn’t think of that… And you and I think alike. Eye Candy is there for the ladies, but not so much for the dudes. Let’s see what happens when hunger becomes the trending fashion.
Hi Jen! Thanks for coming back! You and me are in the same boat on Alan. Just. Kinda. Freaky. And again, you and I agree on Joe as well. Not the approach to win the game with… And thank you for seeing my point (“if you’re here, and I’m here, then isn’t it ‘our point’?”) on the kneeling thing. Such a misguided “protest.” This week, My Two Cents is on Gun Control. Can’t wait to write it…
Have a great day, everyone!
Fish