Gossip Girl (CW) - Aside from Cane, the best new show of the season. Just a bunch of irredeemable bad people mixed in with your hopeless romantic, and pretty damaged girl with the heart of gold looking for redemption. The biggest reason the show works is that whether or not the character is nice or bad or whatever, they play into stereotypes that we all know and love. You have the Cinderella mythos (Little blonde Jenny trying to make her way up the social ladder). Blair doing her best evil stepmother bit. Nate will inevitable end up being prince charming to someone, possibly getting into a whole love triangle bit with Serena's suicidal brother for Jenny's hand. You have dashing prince character in Dan who sees past Serena's insecurities and is the generally loved "nice guy" with just enough with and charm to make him unboring. Honestly this show is everything we have ever seen before in terms of teenage drama shows. But it does it Juuuuuuuust a tiny minuscule bit different. And that's why it's great.
I thought Fox might have something with Back to You but that show is resoundingly disappointing. The setting is kind of lame, and the humor is tried and standard. Just try something new Kelsey Grammer, you're too good for this.
Criminal Minds (CBS) - Probably the best written crime show. Well let me backtrack. It's more that its attention to detail is remarkable. At least for the episodes I have seen, in terms of serial storytelling and plotting. i don't know where it's going to go before it gets there. Unlike a series of other drama shows where I know the ending halfway through. I also like the characters individually. Joe Mantegna's character hasn't grown on me yet though, and I think that if he doesn't in the short run they will write him off at the end of the season.
CSI:NY (CBS) - Possibly my new favorite CSI show. You should think that CSI:Miami would take the cake, but with the whole new, lab layout, and the dynamic between the characters, CSI:NY has really taken off while CSI:Miami feels a bit stunted of late. I don't know if it's just that the show has run it's course. Not to say that the Miami version is bad, it's still quite likeable. But it was challenging for favorite show last year, whereas now it's firmly entrenched in the pack, supplanted by Cane, Gossip Girl and even shows like The Office.
Finally finished with Frasier I think. I may not have seen every single episode, but I am really close. The series finale was a bit lame, I mean he rides off to yet another city? I mean come on, he has finally made seattle his home after years of work, I get the whole "new challenge" premise, I mean facing that in my own life soon enough, but with family, brother, nephew etc, it just sounds hollower than I thought it would.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday Schedule
House M.D. (FOX) - My new favorite Tuesday show, well, except for Cane which has made its way in my top 5 dramas. (In no particular order. Gossip Girl, Cane, CSI:Miami, Shark and CSI:NY with House coming in 6th). Just a smarmy bastard. Makes for excellent TV.
Law and Order:SVU (NBC) - Kind of bland now. Hate to say it, but it almost feels like they are just going through the motions. I have commented previously that they should add a bit more dating/relationship drama or whatever. Something, basically I feel like I am just going through the motions when I watch that show.
Cane (CBS) - Great, great, great show. Bar none. Best new serious drama show. Whereas Gossip Girl is just kind of funny in the dramatic sense, this show works on so many levels. The character interaction, it all works well. I could do a little less with playboy brother, he needs to either get more involved with the family or something. Frank and Alex though are so interesting, just the way that dynamic works,...awesome. Didn't think Jimmy Smits had that kind of gravitas.
The Unit (CBS ) - A surprisingly watchable show. I never really bought into the show at the beginning, but now with them killing off Hector (sad, sad moment). All around a pretty decent show. Not great, but watchable. Basically tape (or TiVo if you're doing it the fancy way) it and you'll have something to watch on Saturday.
Law and Order:SVU (NBC) - Kind of bland now. Hate to say it, but it almost feels like they are just going through the motions. I have commented previously that they should add a bit more dating/relationship drama or whatever. Something, basically I feel like I am just going through the motions when I watch that show.
Cane (CBS) - Great, great, great show. Bar none. Best new serious drama show. Whereas Gossip Girl is just kind of funny in the dramatic sense, this show works on so many levels. The character interaction, it all works well. I could do a little less with playboy brother, he needs to either get more involved with the family or something. Frank and Alex though are so interesting, just the way that dynamic works,...awesome. Didn't think Jimmy Smits had that kind of gravitas.
The Unit (CBS ) - A surprisingly watchable show. I never really bought into the show at the beginning, but now with them killing off Hector (sad, sad moment). All around a pretty decent show. Not great, but watchable. Basically tape (or TiVo if you're doing it the fancy way) it and you'll have something to watch on Saturday.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Monday TV Slate Settled
Finally in that time when the breakdown in TV is settled quite nicely.
Monday the CBS slate from 8 through 11.
How I Met Your Mother - probably the single most comedically relevant show to 20-somethings like myself. I can see so much of my life in these people, it's surprising a show like this hasn't been done before. Anyone who says Friends is not watching the same show. Friends was primarily a dating show, Ross and Rachel and all that, whereas HIMYM is a bit more of a what's what in the challenges and joys of being in your 20's and going through life. House buying, getting out of college, and even a bit of relationship stuff. But not the drama-dy element, but rather, the mechanics of it.
The Big Bang Theory - Fluffy comedy, good use of 30 minutes. I take back my Kaley Cuoco is not THAT attractive. i.e. she is quite regular people attractive, but not TV attractive. A fine but very defined line. Just sayin'. With that said, probably the more enjoyable new comedy of the year.
Two and a Half Men - The show lost a little something when Rose left, and now that Charlie is doing the more mature, dating bit, it loses it's original premise. Well written, but kind of running it's course a little bit. Time to shake things up or something.
Rules of Engagement - Now more amusing for the character interactions than the show's original premise. Which says a fair amount. A little bit of an afterthought now.
CSI:Miami - Excellent stuff. I mean the whole Calleigh dating wassisface storyline is a bit tired, but I have to say this is just episode after episode of amusing television. No complaints here I have to say. And Horatio is still the funniest character on TV.
Next up: Tuesday and Wednesday TV slate.
Monday the CBS slate from 8 through 11.
How I Met Your Mother - probably the single most comedically relevant show to 20-somethings like myself. I can see so much of my life in these people, it's surprising a show like this hasn't been done before. Anyone who says Friends is not watching the same show. Friends was primarily a dating show, Ross and Rachel and all that, whereas HIMYM is a bit more of a what's what in the challenges and joys of being in your 20's and going through life. House buying, getting out of college, and even a bit of relationship stuff. But not the drama-dy element, but rather, the mechanics of it.
The Big Bang Theory - Fluffy comedy, good use of 30 minutes. I take back my Kaley Cuoco is not THAT attractive. i.e. she is quite regular people attractive, but not TV attractive. A fine but very defined line. Just sayin'. With that said, probably the more enjoyable new comedy of the year.
Two and a Half Men - The show lost a little something when Rose left, and now that Charlie is doing the more mature, dating bit, it loses it's original premise. Well written, but kind of running it's course a little bit. Time to shake things up or something.
Rules of Engagement - Now more amusing for the character interactions than the show's original premise. Which says a fair amount. A little bit of an afterthought now.
CSI:Miami - Excellent stuff. I mean the whole Calleigh dating wassisface storyline is a bit tired, but I have to say this is just episode after episode of amusing television. No complaints here I have to say. And Horatio is still the funniest character on TV.
Next up: Tuesday and Wednesday TV slate.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday Night Goodness
Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A pretty great episode. I have to say though, they are really mellowing out the Charlie character, which screams (last 2 seasons of the show ever). I mean, granted they have enough episodes to syndicate and all. But yeah, you don't get rid of the formula yet. Inevitably, they will have him break up with foxy Asian judge lady and do the whole philandering bit again, until they bring back wasserface. Just the way this show should roll.
CSI: Miami (CBS) - Great stuff. High pretty girl quotient, a bit of a different storyline. All in, a lot of excellent plotting and recognizable faces. The show now passes CSI:NY as my favorite CSI again.
K-Ville (FOX) - Not as good an episode. I hate how right I am about this. The show is probably on it's last legs in terms of ratings. It's over soon enough. And although this last episode was kind of a dud, the previous ones were pretty on the money. I think it works better as an HBO show, but who am I to tell networks how to do things.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - Kelly Cuoco is attractive, but it's all in the body. I remember a time I really just was very impressed with her look all around. And don't get me wrong, she is obviously still very attractive, but she has this bangy bowl thing happening covering half her face. I am kind of thinking she needs to use some product or something to get her lifeless look out. In other news, the episode where Leonard gets some action was quite excellent. I have to say it gets to some great points where I actually laughed out loud. Weeeeird.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - Total fluff episode. Aside from the instantly classic (Crazy-Hot scale) breakdown by the supernaturally amusing Barney, the entire episode was a bit of a dull little recap/flashback sequence. They really need to do more with story development if not necessary character development. Probably still #1 comedy that I am just really liking.
CSI: Miami (CBS) - Great stuff. High pretty girl quotient, a bit of a different storyline. All in, a lot of excellent plotting and recognizable faces. The show now passes CSI:NY as my favorite CSI again.
K-Ville (FOX) - Not as good an episode. I hate how right I am about this. The show is probably on it's last legs in terms of ratings. It's over soon enough. And although this last episode was kind of a dud, the previous ones were pretty on the money. I think it works better as an HBO show, but who am I to tell networks how to do things.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - Kelly Cuoco is attractive, but it's all in the body. I remember a time I really just was very impressed with her look all around. And don't get me wrong, she is obviously still very attractive, but she has this bangy bowl thing happening covering half her face. I am kind of thinking she needs to use some product or something to get her lifeless look out. In other news, the episode where Leonard gets some action was quite excellent. I have to say it gets to some great points where I actually laughed out loud. Weeeeird.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - Total fluff episode. Aside from the instantly classic (Crazy-Hot scale) breakdown by the supernaturally amusing Barney, the entire episode was a bit of a dull little recap/flashback sequence. They really need to do more with story development if not necessary character development. Probably still #1 comedy that I am just really liking.
Sunday Night CBS action!
Cold Case (CBS) - Not a bad episode. This is classic Eye net TV. Not necessarily blowing my mind, but always good enough to keep me coming back. Slow and steady wins the race no? I mean turning it into a mom and son grifter team was not a novel move, but it was however not something I saw coming. And that should always be commended. I too often see the plot development points coming miles away. Go Scottie you PIMP!
Shark (CBS) - One of the best TV lawyer dramas I have seen in a while. Took them a sweet time to set the show up properly, but bringing the mom back makes for good TV and I still really like Kevin Alejandro in this role. I know they are building up some Julie storyline, but really they have to make something happen. I am not particularly interested in having a thing with a Brad Pitt wannabe guy. Seriously, no one cares until he almost kills her or whatever.
Shark (CBS) - One of the best TV lawyer dramas I have seen in a while. Took them a sweet time to set the show up properly, but bringing the mom back makes for good TV and I still really like Kevin Alejandro in this role. I know they are building up some Julie storyline, but really they have to make something happen. I am not particularly interested in having a thing with a Brad Pitt wannabe guy. Seriously, no one cares until he almost kills her or whatever.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
TV Roundup!
Shark (CBS) - Probably my favorite legal drama now. I like Kevin Alejandro as the hard nosed hispanic guy. I could do without the Julie "boyfriend" issues, but other than that, there is little I would change about the show. They also finally got an intro sequence that didn't make me want to throw up. So it's obviously a lot better than that super-lame intro sequence they had in season 1.
Cold Case (CBS) - Standard case, but amusing enough for an hour. Never a show I totally got into, but it's good enough.
Rules of Engagement (CBS) - Mildly interesting. I mean we get their "at work" interaction. I mean conceptually I like the episode. I kind of laughed a bit. I was also amused that the airheady assistant listens to Hot 97. To all those who used to, or still live in NYC that makes sense. Hmm,... good average TV fare. Not dying if I miss it though.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - Sadly: "good average TV fare. Not dying if I miss it though." That's about how I can describe this past episode. I mean really. They need to play up the fish out of water element. Blondie sure has to have a bunch of pretty friends that they can introduce and mess up the cabal of geniuses. Either that, or play up the World of Warcraft type jokes that worked last week.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - Very, very close to my favorite show so far in terms of comedies. Not a single episode yet where I think they really missed out. I mean the whole Barney and Ted betting element was just genius. Just way, way funny. One of the few shows that have "tape for sure" status right now. AWESOME stuff!
CSI:Miami (CBS) - Speedle returns? That was kind of a cool episode. I think this show basically found it's niche and exploits it very very well.
Two and a Half Men (CBS) - Return of Rose. I always thought the show lost a particular angle by getting rid of Charlie's stalker girl. I mean she is probably the most dysfunctional character on the show, but at the same time quite enjoyable to watch on screen cause she has that random craziness. I mean when so much TV is the same old same old. At least we see something that is kind of different. I mean, she's only guesting for the 100th episode, so I guess I'll do without, but it was a pretty hilarious episode.
Law and Order; SVU (NBC) - Relatively bland episode. Developmentally challenged girl hears mother being assaulted. Dad is in some sort of spy sting thing. I didn't think they could make that plot like flat and dull, but they did. Didn't even pull me into the storyline. I have to say they need to amp up the dramatic element. More about the detectives, I mean you don't want to drop the formula, but in fact, have to keep it fresh 8 or 9 seasons in.
Cold Case (CBS) - Standard case, but amusing enough for an hour. Never a show I totally got into, but it's good enough.
Rules of Engagement (CBS) - Mildly interesting. I mean we get their "at work" interaction. I mean conceptually I like the episode. I kind of laughed a bit. I was also amused that the airheady assistant listens to Hot 97. To all those who used to, or still live in NYC that makes sense. Hmm,... good average TV fare. Not dying if I miss it though.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - Sadly: "good average TV fare. Not dying if I miss it though." That's about how I can describe this past episode. I mean really. They need to play up the fish out of water element. Blondie sure has to have a bunch of pretty friends that they can introduce and mess up the cabal of geniuses. Either that, or play up the World of Warcraft type jokes that worked last week.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - Very, very close to my favorite show so far in terms of comedies. Not a single episode yet where I think they really missed out. I mean the whole Barney and Ted betting element was just genius. Just way, way funny. One of the few shows that have "tape for sure" status right now. AWESOME stuff!
CSI:Miami (CBS) - Speedle returns? That was kind of a cool episode. I think this show basically found it's niche and exploits it very very well.
Two and a Half Men (CBS) - Return of Rose. I always thought the show lost a particular angle by getting rid of Charlie's stalker girl. I mean she is probably the most dysfunctional character on the show, but at the same time quite enjoyable to watch on screen cause she has that random craziness. I mean when so much TV is the same old same old. At least we see something that is kind of different. I mean, she's only guesting for the 100th episode, so I guess I'll do without, but it was a pretty hilarious episode.
Law and Order; SVU (NBC) - Relatively bland episode. Developmentally challenged girl hears mother being assaulted. Dad is in some sort of spy sting thing. I didn't think they could make that plot like flat and dull, but they did. Didn't even pull me into the storyline. I have to say they need to amp up the dramatic element. More about the detectives, I mean you don't want to drop the formula, but in fact, have to keep it fresh 8 or 9 seasons in.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
100th Post,..Good TV times
CSI: Miami (CBS) - At first I was anti the whole give Horatio a kid storyline, but putting the kid in prison would actually work well. A ballsy move by the shows producers which actually worked well enough for me to be down with it. Looks like they're bringing speedle back next episode. That should be rather cool. Having seen the older episodes, they lost a little something when he left.
The Unit (CBS) - Not as impressive as the season premiere. To be honest, I keep remembering why I didn't follow this show all the time. I mean it has some story arcs that are really very interesting and then it has some episodes which are just like filler. The best way I can describe the show is like Alias season 4. Overall it is an excellent premise, but there are too many "down" moments to keep me engaged long term. It's about to be replaced by something else. Already watching House at the same time, so don't know. Bionic Woman didn't scream "watch me" but it might be worth checking out.
Cane (CBS) - My favorite non-soapy drama of the year. it works on almost every level. I mean you have attractive people, a family business, the only thing that really needs to change is the theme/intro. Not quite as good as it could be. Aside from that. all the other elements work. You can see how in a season or two, businessman Jimmy Smits will have to escalate his game to preotect the family business. This show, unlike the next one works because of great acting, great cinematography and great plotting.
Gossip Girl (CW) - My favorite soapy drama of the year. Young attractive people, dealing with big money problem and situations. Nate starting to lose all his money, that could go somewhere exciting. With that said the drama quotient has been going down since the season premiere. Some big drama moment has to be coming quickly, otherwise I hate to say it but it isn't going to be quite so exciting.
Random side note: Serena chick has gotten increasingly more attractive as the show has progressed. Weird no?
CSI:NY (CBS)- The James Bond car episode is quite impressive. The tux with the internal software, cool, cool stuff. it is readily working its way to my favorite CSI show. The Las Vegas edition has been relatively stale of late, I have to say the more noir-y feel works for them, but I am under the distinct experience that it's coming to an end soon enough.
House (FOX) - Impressive stuff. It has now worked its way up from watch when available, to best show Tuesday at 9. The whole getting new interns thing actually worked out really well. One of the best written shows on TV. I mean aside from the random medical things, this is the one show that is absolutely, positively, completely carried by one actor. And he's on top form.
The Unit (CBS) - Not as impressive as the season premiere. To be honest, I keep remembering why I didn't follow this show all the time. I mean it has some story arcs that are really very interesting and then it has some episodes which are just like filler. The best way I can describe the show is like Alias season 4. Overall it is an excellent premise, but there are too many "down" moments to keep me engaged long term. It's about to be replaced by something else. Already watching House at the same time, so don't know. Bionic Woman didn't scream "watch me" but it might be worth checking out.
Cane (CBS) - My favorite non-soapy drama of the year. it works on almost every level. I mean you have attractive people, a family business, the only thing that really needs to change is the theme/intro. Not quite as good as it could be. Aside from that. all the other elements work. You can see how in a season or two, businessman Jimmy Smits will have to escalate his game to preotect the family business. This show, unlike the next one works because of great acting, great cinematography and great plotting.
Gossip Girl (CW) - My favorite soapy drama of the year. Young attractive people, dealing with big money problem and situations. Nate starting to lose all his money, that could go somewhere exciting. With that said the drama quotient has been going down since the season premiere. Some big drama moment has to be coming quickly, otherwise I hate to say it but it isn't going to be quite so exciting.
Random side note: Serena chick has gotten increasingly more attractive as the show has progressed. Weird no?
CSI:NY (CBS)- The James Bond car episode is quite impressive. The tux with the internal software, cool, cool stuff. it is readily working its way to my favorite CSI show. The Las Vegas edition has been relatively stale of late, I have to say the more noir-y feel works for them, but I am under the distinct experience that it's coming to an end soon enough.
House (FOX) - Impressive stuff. It has now worked its way up from watch when available, to best show Tuesday at 9. The whole getting new interns thing actually worked out really well. One of the best written shows on TV. I mean aside from the random medical things, this is the one show that is absolutely, positively, completely carried by one actor. And he's on top form.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
DANG, A LOT OF TV.
K-Ville (FOX) - Quite good. I actually have to be honest and say that i like this show more than Heroes. There is again, a very The Shield feel to the show, but in a good way. With the whole bordello thing going on in this episode, I have to say I was quite impressed. Probably the most engaging new show of the year.
CSI:Miami (CBS) - "Baby where'd you get that body from?" In the irrepressible words of Will.I.Am. I have to say this was an excellent episode. Famous swimmer girl with a stalker, turns out the second banana girl killed the guy by mistake? Good times. I did kind of see it coming, as I usually do. But with that said, it is classic entertainment. Let's keep the Horatio kid drama to a minimum and this will be quite excellent. Still top notch entertainment.
CSI:NY (CBS) - Caught this today and have to say, I really like the new starting credits theme. I mean it is the same song, but it really pops off the screen. I mean there is more kind of NYC feel to it. I would almost go so far as to say it is my favorite CSI show at the moment, but CSI:Miami has me firmly in its grip still.
With that all said, this is def. Wed at 10 show. Beats the socks out of Life which just seemed to try way too hard. A good new feel,...just like when CSI Miami moved out of the "CSI" vibe at the end of season 2 and realized it needed to put the focus on the pretty people, sunny exteriors and lighten up the lab. CSI:NY has found it's breakthrough point.
House M.D. (FOX) - They wrote Foreman off the show?! What the hell, I really liked his character. I mean, I like the whole new, putting people through the motions, that stuff is quite interesting. Good times for sure. I am starting to like some of the characters in the new bunch as well, so this show has a lot going for it. Imagine that, there is actually something worth watching on Tuesday aside from the same old SVU. Still not a show I HAVE to see, but when I do, I can't really complain that I wasn't entertained.
Law & Order SVU (NBC) - Aside from the office, this might be the only show I watch consistently on NBC. It is quite good though, good enough for me to watch this and tape Cane which I still have to get around to watching (have the eps taped.) The new Beach guy character is pretty uninteresting so far, but it still makes for an hour of compelling TV, so no major complaints there that's for sure. NBC really is very much in the crapper though cause this show's expensive and aging quite a bit, I mean no new shows at all there NBC?!
Back to You (FOX) - Getting better, still not in love with the whole "common daughter" angle, but again, warming to it slightly. I think the show has legs and can make it if they give it a little bit of rope. Also a great set of opening credits. For some reason that really jumped out at me this week.
Gossip Girl (CW) - Probably the most expensive show the CW ever signed off on. With that said, it is some excellent, excellent stuff. I mean the whole drama catfight type situations make for great guilty pleasure TV. People looking fab, bad guys with a huge sense of entitlement, all around good stuff. The only beef I have at the moment is that they might resolve the Serena and Blair catfight issue way too early. Come on, seriously, this is the kind of thing you can drag out for multiple seasons. Resolving it in 2 episodes is really going to undermine how much I can get into this. If nothing else, this is the funnest show of the year.
CSI:Miami (CBS) - "Baby where'd you get that body from?" In the irrepressible words of Will.I.Am. I have to say this was an excellent episode. Famous swimmer girl with a stalker, turns out the second banana girl killed the guy by mistake? Good times. I did kind of see it coming, as I usually do. But with that said, it is classic entertainment. Let's keep the Horatio kid drama to a minimum and this will be quite excellent. Still top notch entertainment.
CSI:NY (CBS) - Caught this today and have to say, I really like the new starting credits theme. I mean it is the same song, but it really pops off the screen. I mean there is more kind of NYC feel to it. I would almost go so far as to say it is my favorite CSI show at the moment, but CSI:Miami has me firmly in its grip still.
With that all said, this is def. Wed at 10 show. Beats the socks out of Life which just seemed to try way too hard. A good new feel,...just like when CSI Miami moved out of the "CSI" vibe at the end of season 2 and realized it needed to put the focus on the pretty people, sunny exteriors and lighten up the lab. CSI:NY has found it's breakthrough point.
House M.D. (FOX) - They wrote Foreman off the show?! What the hell, I really liked his character. I mean, I like the whole new, putting people through the motions, that stuff is quite interesting. Good times for sure. I am starting to like some of the characters in the new bunch as well, so this show has a lot going for it. Imagine that, there is actually something worth watching on Tuesday aside from the same old SVU. Still not a show I HAVE to see, but when I do, I can't really complain that I wasn't entertained.
Law & Order SVU (NBC) - Aside from the office, this might be the only show I watch consistently on NBC. It is quite good though, good enough for me to watch this and tape Cane which I still have to get around to watching (have the eps taped.) The new Beach guy character is pretty uninteresting so far, but it still makes for an hour of compelling TV, so no major complaints there that's for sure. NBC really is very much in the crapper though cause this show's expensive and aging quite a bit, I mean no new shows at all there NBC?!
Back to You (FOX) - Getting better, still not in love with the whole "common daughter" angle, but again, warming to it slightly. I think the show has legs and can make it if they give it a little bit of rope. Also a great set of opening credits. For some reason that really jumped out at me this week.
Gossip Girl (CW) - Probably the most expensive show the CW ever signed off on. With that said, it is some excellent, excellent stuff. I mean the whole drama catfight type situations make for great guilty pleasure TV. People looking fab, bad guys with a huge sense of entitlement, all around good stuff. The only beef I have at the moment is that they might resolve the Serena and Blair catfight issue way too early. Come on, seriously, this is the kind of thing you can drag out for multiple seasons. Resolving it in 2 episodes is really going to undermine how much I can get into this. If nothing else, this is the funnest show of the year.
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