Luck

Watched both episodes. MEHHHHHH. Sorry don't like it at all. I was contemplating putting cholula in my eyes when the gamblers were on screen.

And what's with the pro-America nonsense in both episodes? Like there isn't horse racing anywhere else. Boo.

[goingtothewhip]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

Watched both episodes. MEHHHHHH. Sorry don't like it at all. I was contemplating putting cholula in my eyes when the gamblers were on screen.

And what's with the pro-America nonsense in both episodes? Like there isn't horse racing anywhere else. Boo.

I noticed the "America" stuff too, but I think that is leading more to the idea of the "american dream" than patriotism. The idea that with hard work, perseverance, and a little luck... a person can get rich in this country.
Examples being Turo Escalante- immigrant who goes from selling carrots to top horse trainer. The jockeys, the gamblers, and I imagine Ace are going to be from humble beginnings as well. Think Horatio Alger more than Reagan.

[richard]

Just watched the pilot. A gritty episode set against the beauty of Santa Anita. My late friend used to say that the track is a Disneyland for adults. I found it fascinating and can't wait for more.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by goingtothewhip

I noticed the "America" stuff too, but I think that is leading more to the idea of the "american dream" than patriotism. The idea that with hard work, perseverance, and a little luck... a person can get rich in this country.
Examples being Turo Escalante- immigrant who goes from selling carrots to top horse trainer. The jockeys, the gamblers, and I imagine Ace are going to be from humble beginnings as well. Think Horatio Alger more than Reagan.

I think this is spot-on, and I would venture that, particularly with the gamblers, the American fantasy of "get rich quick" will be explored. It sure seems from the scenes from upcoming episodes, that for the winners of the Pick-6, things are going to get a lot worse.

Makes me think of the old saying, "Behind every great fortune, there's a great crime."

And I guess the season will end just in time for Game of Thrones, so win all around.

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

Watched both episodes. MEHHHHHH. Sorry don't like it at all. I was contemplating putting cholula in my eyes when the gamblers were on screen.

And what's with the pro-America nonsense in both episodes? Like there isn't horse racing anywhere else. Boo.

I just watched the 2nd episode and thought is was TERRIFIC. In this kind of format it takes more than a few shows to establish and get to know characters. By the end of the first season and into next year I think this show is going to be a huge hit. Hope so!!

What Vic said; characters are being developed nicely, and I'm sure the plot elements will all start coming together.


Ocala Mike

[Rudeboyelvis]

They need subtitles.

Between Nick Nolte grunting his lines like he permanently constipated, and the Escalante character, it's impossible to understand what the hell is even being said.

[GenuineRisk]

I really enjoyed episode two, though my husband, who doesn't follow racing, says he is thoroughly confused.

Speaking of confused, can someone explain to me what is going on with the guy who got beaten up by the two women? Were they pulling a scam together he backed out of? What kind of scam?

I was trying my best to follow what was going on, but the toddler was demanding a dramatic reading of "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" during that scene, so I missed most of the dialogue.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I really enjoyed episode two, though my husband, who doesn't follow racing, says he is thoroughly confused.

Speaking of confused, can someone explain to me what is going on with the guy who got beaten up by the two women? Were they pulling a scam together he backed out of? What kind of scam?

I was trying my best to follow what was going on, but the toddler was demanding a dramatic reading of "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" during that scene, so I missed most of the dialogue.

He backed out of a slip and fall insurance scam with the two hookers. They apparently had a life insurance policy on him, which was either part of their scam, or was to double cross him after they had collected - so when he backed out they tried to kill him to collect on the policy... At least that's what my interpretation of it is...

Confusing to me is that I was still under the impression that they had not cashed the ticket yet - So I'm wondering why they're all still living together in the motel and everyone (except the guy in the wheelchair) is walking around flush with cash.
Doesn't make any since - once the tax situation is worked out and they cash the ticket, why wouldn't they simply go their separate ways? Unless it isn't worked out yet, they still have the ticket - in which case where is they guy getting a dufflebag full of money to play poker?

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

Confusing to me is that I was still under the impression that they had not cashed the ticket yet - So I'm wondering why they're all still living together in the motel and everyone (except the guy in the wheelchair) is walking around flush with cash.
Doesn't make any since - once the tax situation is worked out and they cash the ticket, why wouldn't they simply go their separate ways? Unless it isn't worked out yet, they still have the ticket - in which case where is they guy getting a dufflebag full of money to play poker?

I'm rewatching Ep 2 now- the really slovenly handicapper mentioned they didn't agree to any pictures and did everything they could to stay anonymous so they did cash the ticket. And I agree, then why the continued secrecy?

[keithting]

I also thought the Pilot was flat, but loved the 2nd episode -

my 2 fav characters so far are the sleazy claiming trainer - "Goose"

and the bug-boy - "Pinhead (Escalante's nickname for)"

can't wait for episode three....

[Honu]

For those of you who dont like Luck try and suffer thru to Epsisode 4 and 5 and I think you will be happy. Yours truly is in Episode 7 and I look forward to all the crap you will be giving me when you hear my lines lol.
In last nites show I got a short glimpse of myself jogging by the gate in the morning gate scene only reason I knew it was me is because I had my purple vest on.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Honu

For those of you who dont like Luck try and suffer thru to Epsisode 4 and 5 and I think you will be happy. Yours truly is in Episode 7 and I look forward to all the crap you will be giving me when you hear my lines lol.
In last nites show I got a short glimpse of myself jogging by the gate in the morning gate scene only reason I knew it was me is because I had my purple vest on.

^^^ movie star qualities, for sure

(Congrats!!!)

[tbonds]

Thats why I get on the tread mill and watch it for a second time. Hell, I even pick up things that I didn't get the first time. I really enjoy the grunts and broken english. It just makes it alot more realistic.

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

I just watched the 2nd episode and thought is was TERRIFIC. In this kind of format it takes more than a few shows to establish and get to know characters. By the end of the first season and into next year I think this show is going to be a huge hit. Hope so!!

You're delusional. They've spent a fortune promoting and it is sub-par. I watched it with people who aren't familiar with racing and they didn't like it either.

It's a show with aging stars and an obvious disdain for the average bettor. It's not acceptable.

Has a 7.8 rating at IMDb; not bad for a new show. We'll see if its got legs.


Ocala Mike

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Ocala Mike

Has a 7.8 rating at IMDb; not bad for a new show. We'll see if its got legs.


Ocala Mike

Everything leading up to the race sequence in Ep. 4 is more or less prequel.

Those unmoved up to that point will be grabbed by the lapels and slapped around but good.

[PatCummings]

I'm really wondering if the naysayers on here have ever watched this type of show on HBO before. There are plenty of em to review through history, and more often than not, the viewer is rewarded. I just don't watch two shows on HBO, dramas, and abandon after two episodes. It's not like a comedy where either you think it is or isn't funny...just my thought.

[Rudeboyelvis]

I'm sticking with it, but through 2 episodes it's not even close to the same level as preceding HBO productions. The glaring continuity issues aside, (have been discussed ad nauseum) - the whole thing is a mish-mash of uninteresting subplots thus far - The Richard Kind character is over the top; the dynamic between Hoffman and Farina is awkward at best (Farina should be a natural in that role, but he comes off as though he has no idea what Milich is trying to get from him), as I mentioned before, the accent on the Ortiz character is so strong, he's uninterpretable without subtitles.

I think Nick Nolte comes off the best as far as a believable, interesting character and time will tell if this gets tied together -

Hoping for the best but to this point, it's just...weird.

[trackrat59]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

I'm really wondering if the naysayers on here have ever watched this type of show on HBO before. There are plenty of em to review through history, and more often than not, the viewer is rewarded. I just don't watch two shows on HBO, dramas, and abandon after two episodes. It's not like a comedy where either you think it is or isn't funny...just my thought.

Pat, you make a fair point. I'm a big Deadwood fan. After the first 5 minutes of that show I was hooked. I want to like Luck. I was looking forward to it like everyone else. I dunno, the show makes horse racing look trashy. No?