JPod

First off, some other comments seem to miss some key ideas behind the show. First off, the "lack of originality" alluding to various parallel plot devices in the movie "Everything's Gone Green" is misconceived. jPod was released as a novel prior to said movie, so the apparent lack of originality in the series seems more of a reflection of poor timing when optioning a book for a series right after making a movie that uses similar elements from the book.

As for the series itself, I find it far more enjoyable than the actual novel jPod, mainly because the novel donned the mantle of its predecessor, Microserfs, which differed quite a lot. While the characters seemed annoying and almost purposeless in jPod as a book, which may or may not have been an attempt to contrast the world of 1995 (Microserfs) to the world of today in the tech industry, the characters nonetheless come across as entertaining on television. When I watch the show I no longer try to correlate jPod to Microserfs, and I therefore lose the biggest hangup I had about jPod.

The plots that occur in each episode are absurdly unrealistic, even for Douglas Coupland who manages to weave together great tapestries in his novels revolving around chance, coincidence, and philosophical insights into mundane objects and foods. But as long as someone isn't looking for a plausible story in each episode, it will be far easier to enjoy the series. I'd hate to really toss out such a misnomer, but this show is probably the best example I can think of for a great situational comedy that doesn't revolve around the same old characters who live in the same drab world and fall victim to the same cliché'd plot lines.

Whether or not there is a sense of verisimilitude in the reflection of the game industry is somewhat irrelevant to me as I am not in the industry. But considering I've known people who have worked at Electronic Arts (they're all disgruntled ex-employees) can attest to similar working conditions of being pieces of a massive company that takes pleasure in overworking and underappreciating their employees--which easily reflects in their turnover rate. As for the interactions between the actual co-workers in the Pod, I doubt it's realistic but how entertaining is an average day working for a video game company? Even if the characters aren't believable employees I think they fit the role quite well for what's needed to be translated to television.

While this review is poorly written and disheveled, I maintain that this is an excellent series to try watching if you enjoyed Coupland's books, or the movie "Wonderboys" (or the book it was based on by Michael Chabon), or just happen to enjoy an entertaining movie that brings almost a Seinfeld-like attention to some of the things and situations in life that most of us overlook or don't even think about.

OK, so I read the book a few months ago and really enjoyed it. I actually have a friend who works in a similar job to the "podsters" and found a lot to relate to with the characters. However after seeing the first two episodes of the series, I've got to say it's a major let down. First off the humour just seems to fall flat. Areas of the book where I was laughing out loud, once converted to the small screen, lose their edge and wit.

Unfortunately the characters haven't converted well either, not only is one of my favourites, Evil Mark missing altogether but Ethan's character development and relationships seem rushed. Worst of all he appears a lot less compassionate and therefore less likable. Other major characters don't live up to their literary cousins either, whether this is due more to poor scripting or bad acting I can't quite decide yet.

All in all, a clever and witty book has been stripped of its best qualities, leaving us with unlikable characters which have lost their clout in translation and therefore meander from one wacky plot turn to the next.

After episode three, the series could grow on me like a new haircut you hate at first.....but I seriously doubt it.

Your only hope with this series is to have not read or intend to read the book. but I wouldn't recommend that.

jPod is the only show that's caught my fancy in years. Based on the novel by Douglas Coupland, its intelligent, edgy characters make you crave more. The show truly sucks you in and makes you feel as though you're a part of that zany, geeky world.jPod centers around a group of young computer programmers creating a computer game called Board X:a gory skateboarding game featuring Dwight the turtle as it's hero. The personal lives of the "podsters" are intertwined with work life providing for some hilarious adventures.

Unfortunately, CBC has just decided to cancel the show. I feel as though I'm loosing a group of friends. Watch it though to increase the ratings and we'll see if we can save jPod. I promise you'll like it!

There were some genuinely amusing moments in the first show, primarily the mother having to repeatedly revisit a corpse of a drug dealer she accidentally killed. I enjoyed the role reversal of son bailing out his two irresponsible parents time after time.

Parts of it were just silly and embarrassing, like the obscene towel dance. It was as if writer Coupland thought "What can I have this character do unexpected, totally off the wall, and almost incomprehensibly motivated."

My nephew played juniper/John Doe. He had few lines, but mostly just stood around acting sanely as balance for everyone else, and every once in a while showing off his startling blue eyes.

There was some over the top spoofing of violence in video games. And of course the boss from hell who was an utter idiot but is blissfully unaware of it.

It has a tone similar to Arrested Development, where characters behave in grossly exaggerated ways. The show gave the impression of little set pieces just thrown together without any glue to hold them together. The first show was also a bit long on exposition to introduce the characters.

I will have to see how the show develops.

I am a huge Coupland fan, and loved the book. I find that often movie or TV adaptations ruin the books, however, in this case, even though the show isn't "true to the book", I find it very amusing. It is easy to watch, the characters are fun and diverse..Alan Thicke is an absolute gem. When I watch it, I don't think..."you can totally tell this show is Canadian"... I am sure you all know what I mean by that. I think its a show that Canadians can be really proud to call their own. Way to go Douglas Coupland and cast and crew of Jpod. I look forward to next weeks adventure . Perhaps next we can see Girlfriend In a Coma on the screen!