MovieChat Forums > Killjoys (2015) Discussion > Terrible script, unfunny puns every 30 s...

Terrible script, unfunny puns every 30 seconds, etc, etc...but....

posted 9 years ago by PaulDowsett
19 replies | jump to latest

...The fight between Dutch and D'Avin was extremely impressive. I'd say it was more convincing than the majority of shows like this (Nikita springs to mind, which didn't have a convincing fight scene in 3 whole seasons).

However, unfortunately, this can't save the show. I find the characters superficial, their motivations unbelievable, the camera direction odd at times, and the relentless, overbearing, soundtrack (a clumsy device used to make the drama and action seem more exciting) destroys any subtleties that may exist in the acting.

I suppose it's good to see a familiar face in Aaron Ashmore (from Smallville), and he does a good job with what he has to work with, but it doesn't help much.

At halfway through episode 8, I imagine I'll ditch it at the end of this season.

I much preferred Dark Matter, because the script was much more naturalistic and I was intrigued by the mystery. The cast was strong, and there was a good mix of varied characters. Instead of the constant, silly, puns, they had a limited number of well-executed humorous moments throughout the season. The soundtrack was a bit of a problem for me too (no light and shade), but at least it wasn't ridiculous like Killjoys.

Unlike others, Killjoys reminds me of Firefly, which I found one-dimensional, and Dark Matter reminded me of (a very simplified) Farscape (obviously, it's almost impossible to match Farscape!)

[–] cmtaylor531 9 years ago

I'm only on episode 5 of Dark matter but I find myself bored. I much preferred KillJoys. Banter and puns made me laugh. Dialogue doesn't always have to outsmart the audience to be great.

[–] Horse_Caulk 9 years ago

"Dialogue doesn't always have to outsmart the audience to be great."

Well then, this show must be right up your alley. Insultingly, pathetic, and dated dialog. Lazy too.

To use "great" in reference to anything about this show, says a lot.

This show, and so many similar ones, are where bad writers go when they fail everywhere else. Pandering to the least common denominator, and in the most boring, juvenile, and tacky ways imaginable. Even two decades ago, this would have been dreadful writing.

This does not deserve another season.

[–] HeartOfSky 9 years ago

Don't you think you're being just a touch melodramatic on this? This show is far from playing to the lowest common denominator. It's not 2.5 Men, you know. It's mid-range sci fi and is just fine for what it is. It's irrational of us to expect every single show to come out to blow our minds... though that would be quite fun.

To use great in reference to this show would be to say that they did a great job at mid range, no?

[–] marcusaurelius_00 9 years ago

Quite simply, we have to face the truth. This series is a mindnumbingly simple and forgettable experience.

Everyone on this board should do themselves a favor and take a look at The Expanse. I wish there were more high calibre series, but unfortunately we will have to wait until next year for the new Star Trek series, because nothing comes close to a grand space opera these days. This series is trying to be Firefly with elements of Prison Break and its neither and worse.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] NYPinTA 9 years ago

I get that tastes vary but I'm really baffled at the thought of the characters in Killjous being described as superficial and yet Dark Matter being described as having a stronger script or having varied characters. It actually doesn't compute. But then you called Firefly one-dimensional so... ;P (And Dark Matter is like FarScape? FarScape was genius at taking all the sci-fi tropes and twisting them into fresh and exciting stories. Dark Matter relies on the tropes, following them so carefully the show might as well be a paint by numbers piece.)

Oh, that go a little more mean than I intended.

But Dark Matter, a show I was so looking forward too, is falling flat, IMO. But they have a chance to turn things around and go in a completely new direction and actually take advantage of the premise while having the characters explore what identity really is and what makes a person who they are. Their memories and experiences? Or is it more innate than that?

[–] Pintheshadows 9 years ago

Ewwwww, don't mention Dark Matter in the same sentence as Farscape. That is blasphemy.

I have a particular set of skills. And they all involve antagonising folk.

[–] terminaltrip421 9 years ago

I love how everyone feels the need to start their own thread to say the same things said in others, sarcastically speaking of course.

remember, if you don't have anything nice to say ...you're probably a butthole

[–] PaulDowsett 9 years ago

I said something that was "nice", and gave credit where credit was due; those involved in the choreography of that fight scene, which includes the two actors, did an incredible job. If the rest of the show was at that level (particularly, the script writing and sound editing), then it could be a decent show.

I love scifi in general, and am always looking forward to new shows. However, it's crucial for me that the characters are grounded in some sort of reality, to enable the audience to suspend disbelief in everything else about the premise, like the fantastical places and the situations that they find themselves in. A contrived script, where the characters speak, behave and react to each other in ways that you could never imagine anyone doing, causes everything else to be unbelievable.

The posts to this board seem overwhelmingly positive. Surely it isn't a bad thing to have a balance of views?

[–] terminaltrip421 9 years ago

so you're telling me you're a nerd... honestly I assumed that was the difference between those who enjoyed the show or not to begin with. I don't give a *beep* about sci-fi as a genre, I base my interest and critique of shows based solely on their own merits.

remember, if you don't have anything nice to say ...you're probably a butthole

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] srobinson6375 9 years ago

I've only gotten about halfway through episode 1 of Killjoys. I'll watch a few to see how it is, but I honestly don't get the appeal. With Dark Matter, I don't see it as having the greatest writing, or the best acting, but simply put, it's a fun show. It has a good mix of comical moments with its drama and such.

[–] wdbehg17 9 years ago

srobinson6375 posted...

I've only gotten about halfway through episode 1 of Killjoys. I'll watch a few to see how it is, but I honestly don't get the appeal. With Dark Matter, I don't see it as having the greatest writing, or the best acting, but simply put, it's a fun show. It has a good mix of comical moments with its drama and such.

I don't understand the appeal of Killjoys either. I came into both shows not knowing what either one was. I did not see any promos, did not have any prior information or anything, I just started watching. With Dark Matter by minute 15 of the very first episode I was hooked. I just can't stop watching that show. With Killjoys it is the exact opposite. Even after watching the entire season 1 of Killjoys I still have not found a single thing I like about the show. In fact I had to force myself to finish season 1 because I thought that maybe it would get better. Well, it didn't. There is literally nothing about Killjoys that I find entertaining.

[–] PaulDowsett 9 years ago

In fact I had to force myself to finish season 1 because I thought that maybe it would get better

Same with me. I won't waste my time with the next season.

[–] wdbehg17 9 years ago

PaulDowsett posted...

...The fight between Dutch and D'Avin was extremely impressive. I'd say it was more convincing than the majority of shows like this (Nikita springs to mind, which didn't have a convincing fight scene in 3 whole seasons).

However, unfortunately, this can't save the show. I find the characters superficial, their motivations unbelievable, the camera direction odd at times, and the relentless, overbearing, soundtrack (a clumsy device used to make the drama and action seem more exciting) destroys any subtleties that may exist in the acting.

I suppose it's good to see a familiar face in Aaron Ashmore (from Smallville), and he does a good job with what he has to work with, but it doesn't help much.

At halfway through episode 8, I imagine I'll ditch it at the end of this season.

I much preferred Dark Matter, because the script was much more naturalistic and I was intrigued by the mystery. The cast was strong, and there was a good mix of varied characters. Instead of the constant, silly, puns, they had a limited number of well-executed humorous moments throughout the season. The soundtrack was a bit of a problem for me too (no light and shade), but at least it wasn't ridiculous like Killjoys.

Unlike others, Killjoys reminds me of Firefly, which I found one-dimensional, and Dark Matter reminded me of (a very simplified) Farscape (obviously, it's almost impossible to match Farscape!)

I agree with you about Killjoys. And would also like to add some of my own opinions:
Yes, the fight in episode 1 between the two brothers was impressive, but that is the only fight in the entire show that is good. All other fights in the entire show are extremely cheesy. (Bad kind of cheesy). The action scenes are also extremely cheesy. And the music, oh my word, the music in Killjoys makes my ears want to bleed. If I were in charge of this production I would fire my music guy NOW. I also hate how the show feels extremely low tech in every aspect. Both in the show itself and the way the show was made.

In my honest opinion Dark Matter is a far superior show in every way. I can't wait for season 2 of Dark Matter. As for Killjoys, well I won't be watching season 2 of Killjoys, I can tell you that. Also if I ever should run into the person that was in charge of the music for Killjoys I'll be sure to beat him/her/them to death with a crowbar.

[–] PaulDowsett 9 years ago

Yes, the fight in episode 1 between the two brothers was impressive

I meant the fight between Dutch, the lead female character, and D'Avin, the taller brother.

Thanks for confirming my issue with the horrendous music. It seems to be an epidemic in American television at the moment. I was watching the pilot of Blindspot today, and it suffered the same problem.

[–] McQualude 9 years ago

KillJoys is terrible. I really, really, wanted to like it but the writing, casting, and acting are all really bad. And come one, the main girl couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper bag. At least get someone semi-credible in the role.

|Statistics show that 100% of people bitten by a snake were close to it.|

[–] bbriddell 9 years ago

I like both Dark Matter & Killjoys.

There isn't much for us to watch Sci Fi wise these days.

Neither show was mind blowing for me and both had their moments. I was able to watch each & every episode.

When I watch a few popular shows that I can't stand after 20 mins. I line up an episode of Dark Matter and Kill Joys to watch and get the funk off me from lousy shows.

Try The 100, 12 Monkeys, Lucifer, Second Chance. We don't have much of a Sci Fi selection right now.

Killjoys is better in comparison to other shows.

[–] C.S.Wood 9 years ago

I like both Dark Matter & Killjoys.

There isn't much for us to watch Sci Fi wise these days.

Pretty much. Killjoys isn't the greatest thing ever but it is watchable, though The Expanse beats both it and Dark Matter by a pretty wide margin. 12 Monkeys is also very entertaining. And since Orphan Black is technically sci-fi I'll throw that in too.

Revenge is the most important meal of the day.