In defense of 'John From Cincinnati'

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Tammy Mon, Feb 18, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

Save JFC Campaigns are alive and well!
We NEED YOUR support please!

BOSS CAMPAIGN in full Swing!
www.savejfc.net/birdseed
Please help spread the word.

Michael Mink Thu, Oct 11, 2007 at 10:24 PM EST

If I want to hear a normal conversation I can just leave the house and have a conversation with someone in whatever setting I happen upon. However, when I'm watching a program that deals with higher emotions or higher powers I would rather the conversation be delivered in an artistic way that provokes and promotes higher thinking. John From Cincinatti suceeded in delivering that kind of dialogue. So why I can see how this show is a large turn-off to alot of people, I'm shocked to see how HBO couldn't see how many people this show was and could "turn on".
Bring back John Monad

Andrew Dasilva Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

Dear Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.:

You have to bring back John from Cincinnati. Strangely enough, this show has brought my motivation to become closer to Christ to an all-time high. There are many petitions online that have many users also wishing for this show to be put back on.

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4639190115 - 122 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4765053181 <- 31 Members

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?savejfc <- 6303 Members

http://www.savejohnfromcincinnati.net -- This group has donated over one thousand dollars to get JfC back on TV.

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2928997015  14 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2918435733 <- 20 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2393717380  50 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2707660519  213 Members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4051537972  24 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2394533101  18 Members

Andrew Dasilva Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 11:38 AM EST

Dear Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.:

You have to bring back John from Cincinnati. Strangely enough, this show has brought my motivation to become closer to Christ to an all-time high. There are many petitions online that have many users also wishing for this show to be put back on.

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4639190115 - 122 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4765053181 <- 31 Members

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?savejfc <- 6303 Members

http://www.savejohnfromcincinnati.net -- This group has donated over one thousand dollars to get JfC back on TV.

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2928997015  14 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2918435733 <- 20 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2393717380  50 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2707660519  213 Members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4051537972  24 members

http://wvwc.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2394533101  18 Members

nicole pezely Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 04:14 PM EST

I have never been so disappointed, than when this show was canceled!!! I rarely follow a series. This was so original, I watched each episode 2 and 3 times! How can people be so quick to make judgement, when clearly, he was developing his characters, and that takes TIME! Nobody can say the writing wasn't superb, top notch! I have never thought about a show, all week long, in great anticipation of Sun. night! The characters were the most original ever created!!! Shame on HBO! It deserved a 2nd season, AT LEAST!!!!

Zach Savage Sun, Aug 26, 2007 at 10:15 PM EST

John from Cincinnati was one of the best shows ever made because it lingered in your mind and actually affected your life. It was more than entertainment. It soaked into your soul. HBO has made some spectacular programming... Deadwood, Rome, Wire, Carnivale, Sopranos. But they have killed any credibility with me when they cancelled JFC. To allow Milch to create this unusual show and then tear it from us is unfathomable. Why make it in the first place? Surely they knew it was unusual and quirky and strange and wonderful in a non-majority way. Why not let it continue to build what is surely one of the most devoted fanbases in 10 episodes ever? And surely it wasn't so expensive to make like Carnivale or Rome that it was a great show but cancelled due to budgetary reasons. NO EXCUSES HBO! Hear your customers! BRING IT BACK! It doesn't need to be a Sopranos phenomenon to be worthy of play!

Pete Walker Fri, Aug 24, 2007 at 10:34 PM EST

Anyone who doesn't like the show is intellectually insecure.

Hey - some things I know and some things I don't. This is a good mantra for the average person. Maybe (just maybe) it's a GOOD thing when we don't get something the first time through. Going through it again is part of the process called LEARNING. To have a show on American television that actually provokes thought of any kind is a welcome change. I'm pretty sure art is supposed to make us think, eh, Bosco?

The show has an interesting mix of grit, savoir faire, noire sensibility, humor, and pathos.

I laughed. I cried. Maybe I'm just easy to please, but I don't think so.

The cancellation is a mistake. Why HBO doesn't have the fortitude to continue an experiment of this magnitude is beyond me.

It's the old "don't write checks with your mouth that your (backside) can't cash.

Suck it up, HBO, reverse the cancellation.

Don Tue, Aug 21, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

Farewell Father, Son and Holy Yost. TV is big enough to offer shows like this. It's not like there are the 3 networks in the past. I enjoyed and looked forward to every episode and sure... some were off but I would still want to see more.

dozens Tue, Aug 21, 2007 at 10:18 AM EST

The show was just bad. Anytime you need to have your writers go through detailed analysis on the shows HBO website, where they basically say "Oh these scenes/speeches are awesome and important" than you failed.

Bad acting aside (from everybody not named Ed and Luke), the dialgue was complete nonsense, unrealistic and forced. John should have been the only confusing one. They talked the way they did to give an appearance of mystery and philosophy.

The show overreached itself. The main themes (in season 1) were not mind blowing things or even done in a mind blowing way. People prefer company to solitude, find comfort in community settings and are betetr when they have support of others. All the gibberish spoken was to make it seem grander than it was.

I'm glad its over so better shows can be seen. Ones that can have meaning and thought, but done in a way that you can actually find it yourself in a normal setting.

SaveJFC Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 12:00 PM EST

Places to go to help save John From Cincinnati...

http://www.trishah.com/savejfc/

http://digg.com/television/Save_John_From_Cincinnati_PostCard_Campaign

http://www.thesnugharbormotel.com/index.php?topic=280

Lobsty Face Sun, Aug 19, 2007 at 09:57 PM EST

Hey Torbnet,

A lot of us who liked the show are nonetheless still scratching our heads about what it all meant. Since it sounds like *you* understand everything, why not do the rest of us a favor and explain it?

I'll be counting the seconds.

Thanks!

o-<

adam Wed, Aug 15, 2007 at 03:57 PM EST

"The Beast"

Check johns wet suit out in the episode where John talks cissy out of suicide. In the frames before he is seen at the window his wetsuit is clean, in the frames he appears before cissy you can clearly see "the beast" written on his shoulder in chalk. Nobody has brought this up yet ...

Torbnet Wed, Aug 15, 2007 at 12:59 PM EST

Those that can't understand John can still watch Wheel of Fortune reruns or some other lame excuse for entertainment.

This was a good show, well worth the effort. The cast was wonderful. I was disappointed that more effort and time wasn't given to the car dealership scene and the ending was hurried.

HBO probably knows this show has a following but they want the predictable standard format Oliver Stone propaganda or sex/murder stuff. Maybe Cissy and Tina could have saved the show with a useless strip scene.

This was a good show. I can't forgive dropping Deadwood, I guess we get another politically correct dose of that idiot...Bill Maher. Is he supposed to be funny or just stupid?

Lobster Face Mon, Aug 13, 2007 at 02:35 AM EST

Now that it's over, I have to say this: WHAT A COMPLETE MESS. That's too bad, because it had intriguing concepts, some pretty good acting, and brilliant, risk-taking if wacky writing. Not to mention how much I love seeing Austin Nichols make those Shirley Temple faces. But the last episode was completely inert--in fact, the show just seemed to get progressively weighed down by its own weird, hermetic logic. To pull the show's promise off, the last episode needed to clue us in as to what it's all meant. We did not get that. We did get that limp, lame-o voiceover from JM in the last minutes of the episode. I'm sure it's all HBO's fault, in the end, for having cancelled a show that now could not afford to take its time to play itself out. But then, the creators don't appear to have had a good idea of where they were going with it, either.

And mmm... isn't anyone bothered by the repeated references to "rag heads"? I mean, what was the point of any of it, really?

Richard Fredericks Sat, Aug 11, 2007 at 01:14 AM EST

I agree with you. I love the show, and I think it's the best writing that's come across the screen in a long time. The problem lies with the idiotic American public that has no taste, no sense of mystery, and wants everything served up to them on a platter. It's really much more suited for a European audience.

Rose Sun, Aug 5, 2007 at 03:47 PM EST

I wasn't crazy about this show in the beginning but now I'm totally hooked. I have to find out what's gonna happen. And even more, what's up with this John guy!?

Cameron Sun, Aug 5, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

The John character is supposed to be like Forrest Gump. You know, magical, simple minded(code word for mentally retarded)and spiritually profound.

MD Wed, Aug 1, 2007 at 07:32 PM EST

It is interesting that simplemided stuff like the Sopranos is held in high esteem and shows that lack the in-your-face gratification, ones that also require a person to shut-up, watch and think - are short lived.

Jean Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 02:36 PM EST

Some things I know; some I don't. One thing I know is this program is a bit of shape changer itself. Having come back (from the dead), I'm not sure why Shaun must now go - but I'll keep watching to find out.

JD Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 04:26 PM EST

And, yes, I agree with Deadwood Fan... that scene alone is probably what will stop me from watching this show. I don't mind quirky, but this is just too much.

JD Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 04:24 PM EST

I keep hoping it will start making more sense, but it doesn't. At all. Just watched His Visit Day 5, and I think that's about it for me and JFC. Besides the whole use of the N word for no reason at all, I just don't like that idea that no one seems to be concerned that John is so freakin weird. Even the smart people don't question it. I'm just lost... this episode is especially frustrating....

Dave in Indy Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:53 AM EST

Damn - just read "Deadwood Fan's" comments, and wish I'd read them before I hit "Post Comment". On the money.

Dave in Indy Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

Give me a break, all of you who hold negative comments about the show to be a sign of lack of intelligence. Many of us are able to appreciate abstract, non-linear stories; and this certainly fits in that general category. However, the narrowly defined and acted characters of Cissy and Mitch are among the least interesting I can remember; the stories being revealed about them are interesting - it's just their dialogue and/or acting that is intolerable. The rest of the show has been odd/interesting enough to keep us tagging long - albeit unhappily engaged.

And I wholeheartedly agree with the above criticism regarding the grotesque use of the n-word by Butchie in the last episode. You can establish his character without using this word. Unfortunately, I'm guessing Milch specifically and defiantly included it to both establish the rawness of the character, and in the hope that it would draw controversy (and viewers). His motivation doesn't really matter - it's use was despicable.

Deadwood Fan Thu, Jul 19, 2007 at 04:19 AM EST

The last part of the episode where they're having that cookout and John is doing all the foreshadowing...

I'm sorry... the people watching the show do not know this story as intimately as you do, Milch.

I'm afraid a lot of people were going "huh?" during that last part of the epsiode. Bringing a dead blue guy and placing him on the curb and no one reacts?

It takes you out of the suspension of disbelief and suddenly you're looking at a bunch of actors on a screen, babbling something.

People have just started.. they don't know all the names intimately yet.. stop making the show so cryptic... you could have saved that for later maybe... but right now, its killing the show.

5000 Wed, Jul 18, 2007 at 12:36 AM EST

This Show Sucks Balls! Anyone who thinks different is either lying to themselves or is getting paid by HBO.

Better to love? Tue, Jul 17, 2007 at 03:21 PM EST

This show is just sucking me in. HBO, you had me on episode 1. NOW DON'T let me get this in love with a show just to drop it!!! Maybe it's my Calif background but this is more enjoyable than Lost. Don't start if don't intend to finish... I know where you surf!

k Mon, Jul 16, 2007 at 11:12 AM EST

I'm just intrigued enough to watch again next week. That is, in fact, how I've felt all along. For the most part, I feel several of the parts are overacted, and I may have to throw in the towel entirely if Rebecca Demorney won't tame it down a touch. She's just plain hard to watch.

Twin Peaks Mon, Jul 16, 2007 at 08:08 AM EST

The last seasons of Twin Peaks called.

They want their episodes back.

scpsc Mon, Jul 16, 2007 at 12:54 AM EST

Unwatchable and the use of the N word should be called out and someone needs to be made to apologize It was gratuitous and in no way furthered nor supported the plot and btw it is P-ssssshaw not Psh-ya! but then you were paid to say you liked this rambling pointless drivel

CentreChick Sat, Jul 14, 2007 at 12:51 PM EST

I finally took this off my dvr. I just can't take it anymore. I'm too busy rolling my eyes out at cissy's freak out and Kai's bad acting. And I totally don't get why no one is FREAKING OUT about the levitation. I mean, really? Flight of the conchords is much better

Ned Thu, Jul 12, 2007 at 02:43 PM EST

I love this show. John's lines are the best. "I'm here to surf with the beast!"

Kayla Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 10:44 AM EST

I LOVE this show. Half the fun is not knowing what's going on and trying to figure it out. It has me laughing at loud at some points and scratching my head at others but it has me hooked. Plus there are dozens of great quotes to latch onto. Hope it lasts for a long time.

Deadwood Fan Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 02:57 AM EST

Not only that, but the actress playing Kai is a real surfer [played in competitions] as well. She is Keala Kennedy. Give them a break on their acting skills... personally I didn't have a problem with their acting except maybe that I found it too odd for Shaunie to be such a listless/quiet person.

Wow, I totally missed Jim Beaver (Ellsworth from Deadwood)! Thanks for filling in what I missed. I'm surprised I didn't recognize him-- it's not like he's wearing a disguise.

The capper to all of this-- one more character I DIDN'T NOTICE! That's right. John Monad was none other than Morgan Earp in Deadwood!!!

What someone else posted here recently hit the nail on the head--- David Milch is a great storyteller. Give it time.... [unfortunately might not be enough watching for that to happen, but we'll see.]

Ed O'Neill definitely does a great job making me think he is every bit the obsessive, partially addled grandfather we all might have known in our lives...

Marcia Montgomery Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 02:37 AM EST

This show rocks totally!! Wasn't sure at first but SOMETHING is keeping me hanging in there. Yeah, it's hard to keep up with the seemingly non-related story lines but I have faith in Milch and anxiously wait to watch on Sunday. Please no "Carnivale" crap, where it is just interesting enough to keep watching and then-phefpt! MIA...Gotta love Ed O'Neill, he and Zippy are the Power Couple of the Year.

Anthony Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 04:52 PM EST

Just For Your Information: It is actually sponsorsed competitive surfer John John Florence who is providing those "undeniable skills in the water" for the character of Shaunie Yost played by Greyson Fletcher. Greyson is a better skater than surfer, although he does surf well, but nothing compared to John John Florence. Do your research dude.

Jessica Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 04:16 PM EST

I love LOVE this show! If it gets canceled, I'll be very upset. This and Big Love are the only shows I make a point (and can't wait) to watch.

Lynny Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

If you are not a fan of the flowery language and the "iambic pentameter" of it all, you will definitely get no joy from this show. That is one of reasons I enjoy it. I am enjoying the ride. I don't feel the need to know where it's going.

DamagedInIB Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

I love this show!! One of the people posting said the characters were "damaged" people, and that is a great description. Every live with a damaged person? It's very much like what you see on this show, neurotic and non-sensical. While it's not a linear show and definately not a show for people who like their TV spoon fed to them, it's interesting and different, and I welcome that in the sea of reality shows that have overcome television these days. You have to admit, that even though it doesnt make sense yet, you still want to keep coming back....

Jay Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 02:57 PM EST

Too many characters and not enough answers to whatever is supposed to be going on. But I'm still watching....

DLM Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 02:16 PM EST

"John from Cincinnati" is a mess. I keep watching it in faith that it's going somewhere I'll want to follow, but the appalling over-acting (take it down a notch, Rebecca De Mornay!), the thus far hollow attempts at profundity, and the unbearable pretentiousness of the writing - the florid language worked for "Deadwood," but Milch and company love the sound of their dialogue so much they falsely think we'll listen to that garbled garbage in any and every context. And yes, any scene with Ed O'Neill reciting pompous soliloquies to his birds makes me cringe. The show, so far, is borderline unwatchable.

Tyler D Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 01:57 PM EST

I'm not really seeing the strong connection to Twin Peaks. Peaks (and Lynch) seemed to thrive on creating a sense of creepy dread throughout the series. JFC seems content to just be mysterious and ambigous. The characters on JFC aren't all that twisted, but rather just weary and damaged. I do agree with some critics who have mentioned that JFC probably contains a few too many eccentric characters, but I enjoy that the creators seem content to defy all the rules of the traditional TV-narrative. I just love that all these characters are so adrift and isolated until John pulls them together. Plus, I actually like the fact that Greyson Fletcher can't "act." It makes him seem more like a normal teenager than some method-trained actor prodigy who warps the character by making him artificially authentic.

jake Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:33 PM EST

You shape changing mope.

Jackie Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

I am soo invested in this show!!! I've told everyone about it...hbo must keep it going.

Lynny Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:16 PM EST

JFC Catchphrase # 4

"Get rid of the unsightly bulge"

Kim H. Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:12 PM EST

My problem with this show is I am constantly distracted by the fact that so many of the actors were in Deadwood that I spend my time trying to get used to their new characters or looking at an actor wondering if he/she was in Deadwood. It's bizarrely distracting.

Scott M. Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:01 PM EST

Yeah I don't know about this show either... My wife loves it but has no idea why. We watched last night, and I couldn't take Cissy's screaming the entire show. I read the comment about how her acting was pretty real, that there are people out there like that. That may be true, but I sure as hell don't want to spend any time with them, in real life or on screen. Like some others, I keep giving it a chance because I like the premise, but Milch is making it difficult to keep watching. Maybe that's the point; maybe this show is an experiment in the human relation to television: how long will people watch the most screwed up, unlikable characters before turning the channel? I wouldn't put it past Milch to try something like that.

I've Got My Eye on YOU! Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:31 AM EST

JFC Catchphrase # 3

List your favorites!

See God Kai Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

JFC Catchphrase # 2

I Don't Know Butchie Instead Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

JFC Catchphrase # 1

Owen Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

You know, I've been checking the EW Blog all last week cause I just KNEW that eventually there would be a post refuting Slezak's stupid, stupid, posting about the show. Cause we John lovers know something the haters don't. And somehow, I believe, we are better people.

sarah j Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 10:42 AM EST

I like this show, but I'm an oddball. I'll admit that the last reason I watch a tv show is for the plot. I love characters, character development, and watching seasoned actors sink their teeth into something unusual. This show is right up my alley...

beth8i8 Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

Deadwood Fan--don't forget the other actor from Deadwood, once Alma's hubby and now Vietnam Joe. And doing a helluva job.

I'm getting more out of this show than I have out of any new series in a while. Very, very much enjoying it all--the mystery, the mysticism, the tunes (are AMAZING), the writing...just amazing. I'm confident it's heading towards something great. Why is it that people just assume these days that writers are winging it? They have a plan, people...didn't we learn from Damon and Carlton?

tim Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

i love this show

Bill Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 10:05 AM EST

This show is painfully slow and nonsensical. Last week's episode put me to sleep so I think I'm done. I woke up for Entourage and Flight of the Conchords. FOTC is worth catching. It's like a more linear Mr. Show.

And Big Love keeps getting better.

Michael Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:59 AM EST

The only reason I'm still watching is because of the good will David Milch built up from "Deadwood", but my patience is wearing thin. The plot makes little or no sense and I really don't like or care about any of the characters. So I'm taking it on a week to week basis and could drop it any time.

Desmodus Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

Sorry. I just cannot forgive Milch for abandoning his brilliant older child (Deadwood) to conceive this spoiled, indulged child. That's something you just don't get over easily.

paige Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:48 AM EST

dont get too attached to this show- its gonna get cancelled... I cant say I enjoy this show- i watch every epsidode but it just doesnt stick... nobody is likable, everyone is screaming or babbling nonsense- characters appear for no reason whatsoever and worse, i just dont care... so why do i watch- cause im a t.v. junkie and its hard for me to let go.

Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:46 AM EST

I kinda like it. I wouldnt be recording it if this was the fall and I had other options, but for now it's enough.

Swtvi65 Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:39 AM EST

I have to admit that I love the show now, but it took some time. I kinda like the Cissy character and that she is so pissed off all the time! She cracks me up. I don't get the John character. I hope to get a clue on that one soon.

Lynny Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 09:09 AM EST

You are not alone. I am obsessed with this show right now. It is really different. I'll admit the first episode didn't really do anything for me, but after the 2nd ep I was hooked.

Christa Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 08:48 AM EST

I love this show. I've loved it since the very first episode. Ed O'Neill's character is my fave, too.

whatever Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 08:22 AM EST

I like this show the first time it was on and called Twin Peaks.

Kate Hill Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 07:22 AM EST

I love JFC. I loved Deadwood, and I am tempted to go back and watch NYPD Blue because I am so obsessed with David Milch. Milch is a storyteller, and I will sit in front of the campfire and listen and long as HBO will let me.

Clementine Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 06:45 AM EST

I thought I was the only one who thought the acting was horrible on this show. Shaunie and Kai underact and Cissy and Butchie overact; although I do think that for his particular character, Ed O'Neill is good. I also wanted to love this show and am only hanging waiting for the payoff. But pretentious, non-sensical writing, poor acting, characters it's very hard to care about and a story that seems to be going nowhere, are making the wait excruciating. The surfing and the music are good though.

Dude Luv Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 05:04 AM EST

Fantastic show. Ed O'Neil should be nominated for an Emmy.

Nathan Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 12:06 AM EST

I think it was probably a little unfair towards this show for HBO to give it the old Sopranos slot on Sunday night, and like right after the finale to boot. It's impossible after so many years of looking forward to hanging with Tony, Paulie and the gang to make the adjustment to watching a family of surfers talk about "the good old waves" Nothing against surfing, I'm sure it's a lot of fun and a great way to get an all over tan, but surfers aren't exactly what you'd call interesting people. I did like the penguin movie though, hopefully Big Z will make a cameo and put some life into this borefest.

Howard Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 11:46 PM EST

Every time I watch I feel like Towelie from South Park: "I don't know what the hell's goin' on."

There are at least six characters that I have no idea why they're around: The Hawaiian, the guy whose hand he broke, Joe (OK, he had a little purpose last week) and the three guys at the hotel. I'm waiting for something to make this worth watching, and I get the feeling that I'm gonna give up before it happens.

Ed Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 11:33 PM EST

Oh my god, I'm so glad that there is a write up for this show. I need a place to vent about this show! My partner and I have watched the all episodes up until yesterday, he's on a business trip. I didn't watch it because we swore that last week was going to be the last time we watched it. But it's Monday night and I'm going to watch it! There has to be some payoff at the end?
I hate everything about the show - especially the lotto winner - but I'm sickly drawn to it. It's like a bad dream you wake up from that you just have to replay in your mind in order to remember how horrible it was!

BravoStL Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 11:23 PM EST

Are. You. Friggin. Kidding?

I love, love, love me some quality television. And so I tune in each week thinking, "This has GOT to get better". But it doesn't. If the acting's not terribly wooden (Kai, Shaun, Mitch, and, this week, Butchie's babymomma) it's a shreiking mess (Cissy, Butchie, or, in his other mode, Mitch). The dialogue is completely nonsensical at times, and, at others, inaudible. The whole thing just stinks of pretension and artifice to me. Far more effective as a piece of stylized TV is HBO's true gem on Sunday night--"Flight of the Conchords". It has all of the warmth, generosity, creativity, and economy of storytelling that "John" seems to lack.

pamela Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 11:14 PM EST

I absolutely love this show ed o'neill is my fave. i like shaunie too, very cute and bitchie and of course john.

nathan Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 10:37 PM EST

Quick prediction; in stores next Spring, John From Cincinnati: The Entire Series.

Jenners Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 09:47 PM EST

I so wanted to enjoy this show, but I just can't watch it anymore. I cannot stand John and his weird, preachy Tourette's. I do love Ed O Neil very much and his character is the bright spot of this otherwise too incoherent show. Makes me pine for Deadwood.

bird Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 09:46 PM EST

Boy, after the first couple of episodes of "John" I got bored with this show and stopped watching. Too many characters I couldn't connect with and therefore didn't care what happened to them.

rc Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 09:35 PM EST

I'm getting caught up in this show even though I have no real idea where it's going. It's kind of enjoyable not to know where it's going.

PuffinEllis Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 09:07 PM EST

Right on about the music - especially in the first three episodes. I still get chills thinking about the Kasabian tune at the end of the premiere. The series seems to have taken a turn for the worse in the past two weeks, but I still have hope. More surfing and Zippy, please!

Cliff Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 08:30 PM EST

My favorite episode of John From Cincinnatti so far is the one where half the characters screamed the entire episode, while the others spoke in a lazy monotone. Oh, and there was surfing. Anybody else like that one?

Deadwood Fan Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:59 PM EST

Re: Cissy's behavior.

Any of you ever been unfortunate enough to LIVE with a woman like Cissy? Meet them at their front door as a stranger and they will have this friendly "Oh everythings so wonderful" face.

LIVE with her behind closed doors however and you really begin to know what having anger dumped on you for every 'wrong' move you make, and that is pure hell.

They are every bit as neurotic as Rebecca De Mornay is showing us through Cissy. Very good acting... Surprised me because usually I hate it when Rebecca De Mornay acts... but in this case there could be no one better for this particular character.

Not to say that people like Cissy are the embodiment of evil as they are human, but I'm sure some of you who have had to live with a Cissy know how freaking hard it is to live with someone like that.

Deadwood Fan Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:51 PM EST

Some characters here from Deadwood! The drug dealer from Hawaii, the Doctor, the lawyer who visited the Doctor about why a kid written up as brain dead left the hospital 2 hours later. Wonder who's next.

I think Ed O'Neill is doing a fantastic job.

The show itself-- the jury is still out with me. I can't stop watching. I find the John character very interesting. However I do get annoyed sometimes... Milch has an annoying tendency to waste screentime in what seem to pretentious ways. The show is over at the :50 mark and not later like other shows have. This seems to be a show that'll cliffhang us and then drag the story out for several years without being satisfying along the way. "I waited a YEAR for the new season and you're wasting all this time you could use to fully flesh out the story because youre launching a new storyline that doesn't even seem to relate to what's been going on???"

notimpressed Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:26 PM EST

I really want to like this show, but I just can't get there. I keep saying...one more episode...but nothing is happening! Cissy took overreacting to the extreme and John (thankfully not in it as much last night) is just grating with his parroting. With that, I'll give it....one more episode. Put Big Love on Sundays at 9! It deserves it. The past two weeks have been great with some superb acting and humor.

notimpressed Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:26 PM EST

I really want to like this show, but I just can't get there. I keep saying...one more episode...but nothing is happening! Cissy took overreacting to the extreme and John (thankfully not in it as much last night) is just grating with his parroting. With that, I'll give it....one more episode. Put Big Love on Sundays at 9! It deserves it. The past two weeks have been great with some superb acting and humor.

William K. Scurry Jr. Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:09 PM EST

I love Milch, and I will keep watching... buuuuuutttt -- there eventually has to be some kind of payoff. The solipsistic meandering needs to arrive at a point.

Ace Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 07:05 PM EST

Like the previous poster, I do like this show because it reminds me of twin peaks in a lot of ways. I'm also intrigued to find out what will happen. I'm watching the show half in enjoyment, half in an attempt to find out who the hell is John Monad.

Also, Ed O'Neill does overact, but it's appropriate given the character. He can't really bring an understated demeanor to such a certifiable loon. I could imagine anyone else except for Ed Bundy playing that role anyway.

I hope that John from Cincinnati stays around for a while. I think that it's a show that has gotten better as it has stayed on. I hope that people come back and give it a chance as there has been no real groundshaking moment yet in the show. A lot of things have happened sure, but nothing monumental yet.

Kristin Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 06:22 PM EST

Love this show! It is as wacky as Twin Peaks!