68 Whiskey: Has anyone seen the new TV show on the Paramount Network? What are your thoughts?

2020-01-27T15:51:04-05:00

So, I'm now an active-duty Army PA with 15.5 years in service, but I was a SSG 68W (91W prior to that). I deployed to Iraq (05-06) and Afghanistan (08-09) with the 101st as a medic.

I made it 15 minutes watching this show before I had to turn it off. It was the most unrealistic piece of garbage that (sadly) unwittingly makes Soldiers look like terrible human beings.

Would it kill Hollywood to pay a consultant to look over the script or be on set to account for some authenticity?

Why does Hollywood find it necessary to take a cherished institution, known as the US Army, and try to make it political. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just watch the 1st episode. You'll know what I mean.

This is worse than The Hurt Locker. This show will probably win Golden Globes and Emmys for its "cinematic excellence."

Anyhow, what are your thoughts about it?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 27 at 2020 3:54 PM

2020-01-27T15:54:18-05:00

Sorry,

I'm too cheap to pay for cable!

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Jan 27 at 2020 4:03 PM

2020-01-27T16:03:25-05:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member another member on RP watches the show. She thinks it mimics the old MASH series but with the Afghanistan spin. I personally have not seen the show. But my general feeling about any war based shows coming out in this era is they are only making money. Everyone in the money making game is making it off of whatever sells and right now it is Americans fighting and dying in an endless Middle Eastern knunderom that had been around since Isaac and Ishmael.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 4:11 PM

2020-01-27T16:11:08-05:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Major, I watched for ten minutes before turning it off. I agree with you that it was garbage.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jan 27 at 2020 4:21 PM

2020-01-27T16:21:00-05:00

One of these days, they'll make a "realistic" GWOT film. Most episodes will center on what times the DFAC is open, whether or not the Sergeant Major is "cracking down" on unauthorized headgear, and how far off the rocket fire on Christmas Eve was. Occasionally, they'll do an episode featuring actual direct action, patrol, and convoy operations...generally with a completely different cast of characters. Commercials during those episodes will all be for Article 15 t-shirts, Ranger Up apparel, and Black Rifle Coffee. Most viewers will be confused and think it's actually two different series. The big "season finale cliffhanger" will be whether or not "Captain X" is going to be sent home for a negligent discharge on the FOB, or if "Specialist Y's" supply of booze disguised as mouth wash is going to be discovered by over-eager "Lieutenant Z".

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 27 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-01-27T16:23:29-05:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member - Funny you should mention The Hurt Locker. They are both pieces of unrealistic crap. Once the medics stole the drugs from the locals I was done.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jan 27 at 2020 4:29 PM

2020-01-27T16:29:01-05:00

Thanks for sharing.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 27 at 2020 4:43 PM

2020-01-27T16:43:39-05:00

I never watch television shows about the military. I only watch movies sparingly.

We used to have a game back in the day in the barracks where every time some BS went down in a movie/show we had to chug a beer. We didn't usually last too long. Yes, we had boos in the barracks, back then, no one really cared.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 27 at 2020 4:47 PM

2020-01-27T16:47:38-05:00

We lasted about 15 minutes, what a crock of crap.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 27 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-01-27T16:50:38-05:00

You made it longer than I did... the sad fact is they have a military advisor (saw that during the run-up to the show premiere). Now Sir MAJ Private RallyPoint Member I know you are defending a couple of Army shows, but if you were Navy, like me.... you would have to explain to people that the movie Battleship is not real (Under Seige, though, is a whole other bowl of cherries)!!!

Response by SGT Everett M. Cheney made Jan 27 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-01-27T17:36:18-05:00

And I had this (apparent) misplaced belief that Ron Howard was a ethical professional well ... I don’t think so now.... they would all sing a different tune if it were their loved ones being portrayed as inept self serving malcontents .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 6:50 PM

2020-01-27T18:50:07-05:00

I can't imagine something worse than the Hurt Locker. I was in Iraq when it came out and I couldn't make it past the first 15 minutes of that super emo, self aggrandizing walking abortion of a movie.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-01-27T22:10:08-05:00

I seen it and it is what it is pure entertainment. I don’t mind it too much but it is kind of hard to watch. I am glad that they are showing the lighter side of being deployed even though they take it to a whole different level. Sucks that most people that I talk to are afraid to join because all they have even seen when it comes to deployments are war movies.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jan 27 at 2020 11:52 PM

2020-01-27T23:52:22-05:00

I went with the attitude that it was typical Hollywood B.S. It didn't disappoint in that regard.

Response by SSG Joshua Johnson made Jan 27 at 2020 11:58 PM

2020-01-27T23:58:27-05:00

Thanks for the warning! I think I'll stick with my Desperate Housewives reruns.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 28 at 2020 11:58 AM

2020-01-28T11:58:26-05:00

Looking at the results of the vote, I’m not alone thinking it sucks.

Response by PVT Toby Poole made Jan 28 at 2020 12:19 PM

2020-01-28T12:19:24-05:00

Is it really that bad? Man, that's a shame. I saw some barebones advertisements for it and I was looking forward to it. If it's even half as bad as you say, I doubt I'm going to like it. Thank you for posting this and saving me some time, sir.