TV Review: John From Cincinnati - "His Visit: Day Seven"
Published July 30, 2007
In Grant Morrison’s comic book series The Invisibles there were a number of characters who existed “outside the game,” not subject to the rules of space/time, working for some unknown will to guide things to a specific end. John a Dreams was the major figure there, and I’m beginning to see John from Cincinnati in the same way. He can insert himself in the space/time continuum at moments where he is needed to bring about a specific end. That end is generally helping a character discharge their negative energy and prepare for a more positive future transformation. All of his actions are guiding us towards the formation of a new community, a new social network. Milch has talked a lot about the way that we’re all one, that individuality is an illusion and we’re just different drops of water in the same wave. So, it would make sense that part of John’s purpose is to unite this bunch of lonely societal rejects into a new society all their own.
This is not a show that was created with a set agenda, it’s being invented in each moment, and I think that’s the story that emerged from what was happening. These characters, once created, took on agency and life and wrote themselves into a community. I love how all the characters are people we know, even someone as small as the bartender returned from last week, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see her take on a bigger role next week. Does it matter if there’s a specific agenda behind the assembly of people? No, the formation of a group is goal enough.
Another phenomenal scene in this episode was Barry’s vision of what could be in the karaoke space. That vision is an allegory for virtually every character in the series. They are all damaged people, weighed down with the sins and failures of the past. The jukebox taunts Barry with insults from his past, but he can still remake that space and turn it into something he can be proud of. He wants to make it a theater, a space in which worlds are created and dreams can play out in reality. I loved the surreal feel of this whole scene, particularly his drink with Shaun.
The final scene with John and Cass raises a lot of questions. It seems like John has some kind of hypnotic control over her. She is yelling at him at first, trying to figure out what his agenda is, then she abruptly goes silent and folds up his backdrop. This would explain why she can’t remember what happens at night.
That scene, and the whole episode in general give John a more ominous feel than in the past. He’s now suspected of kidnapping Shaun and has been using Cass for his own agenda. I’m not expecting a lot of closure, but I feel like we will get some understanding of what John’s mission is and why he’s doing it. It won’t be easy exposition, but some clarification will be enough. I’ve said since the beginning his mission is to save the Yosts, and with Butchie on the right path, it’s only Mitch and Cissy who really need help.
- TV Review: John From Cincinnati - "His Visit: Day Seven"
- Published: July 30, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Drama, Video: SF, Video: Television
- Writer: Patrick
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Right on...one only hopes the powers that be at HBO see the show in a similar light. Breathtaking.
Reading your review is like watching this show, hoping for the best but ultimately suffering extreme disappointment...
Sorry, I'm not jumping on this bandwagon. I tuned out after episode five. I was a big Sopranos fan. Naturally, I was hoping for a good substitute. Not that the show isn't good, it's just not my cup of tea. Art is great for theatre, a playhouse, or a museum. TV is not the place for it, not even cable. The show has gotten too weird for my tastes, and I consider myself new age and enlightened. When I turn on the tube, I want a story with a traditional format, not an evolving work of art with characters who seem to be cast because they know Milch. Now, even powerful surfing scenes can't turn this baby around for me.
My wife and I both were huge Sopranos fans as well and we were sorry to see it end. Look, I know that the show isn't everyones cup of tea but when I heard about it I convinced my wife to give it a shot and she loved it. In this age of reality TV, and much to my dismay I do catch myself watching some of the shows, isn't there room for a show like this? Just because Milch uses some of the same people from Deadwood doesn't mean that they aren't great at the parts they are playing on JFC. This show is fresh and new and I think we need something like this on TV. Just my opinion. I could be wrong, and I frequently am.....Just ask my wife......
Sorry but these people are unlikable, theres nobody to root for, and the show's pacing is too slow.
And it doesn't help that some of actors have no talent. Everytime I watched an episode all I see is screeching profanity. And John acts more like a second rate Rainman.
Sorry you don't like it. As I said it ain't everyone's cup of tea.
If you are referring to Rebecca De Mornay's (screeching profanity) character Cissy, I too thought she was a bit munch until the episode where JFC confronts her about what she did to her son. That realization would turn any mother into a screeching banshee, I'm sure.
Agree, this show is fantastic. The 'in your face' super-naturalism combined with unexpected dialog. It is very interesting how polarized peoples' opinions are, either they love it, as we do, or they have tuned out and not given it a chance.
Maybe these characters and this setting are boring to people, then add the non sequitars and it just alienates.
If this show doesn't do well in the ratings, it just gives more ammo to keep telling the same boring tried and true stories, as well as more reality TV, etc.
That said, I think this is going to come together beautifully and lots of people will come around, after its out on DVD. At least I'm hoping, seems like a lot of folks have given up hope on this.
Many have given up, but many now seem to be catching the buzz/wave. More people are starting to watch, including those who are finally getting over the Sopranos ending/Deadwood cancellation and are prepared to give this a second chance.
I also have a bunch of friends who generally watch no television dramas who are hooked.
Anyways; I agree with the DVD comment; I hope HBO has a sense how many they are going to sell, and doesn't shoot themselves in the foot by canceling the show before they have a chance to find out.
Shows got me hooked can't wait for 9:00 on Sunday, In the end it may end up a waste on time, but we'll also have, Hairlip, and the waitress that pulls her top over his head, and the shot of Tina's tatoo as she got out of bed. Now, the new hippie dude looks real cool, and with a little luck the thing will end up with them all getting wet and being happy.
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I agree 100% with you. I have never seen anything like this show before. I am completely enthralled with it. HBO must give JFC at least a second season......or, we could just get more reality TV. Someone shoot me please.........