Velma Season 2 Is A Crime Against Television (Review)

Jesse Grant
26 Apr 202408:03

TLDRThe reviewer strongly criticizes 'Velma Season 2', calling it a crime against television. They point out the series' incoherent plot, one-dimensional characters, and a mystery that seems to solve itself rather than being actively solved by the characters. The reviewer also takes issue with the show's attempt at social commentary, arguing that it fails to create well-rounded characters and instead relies on one-dimensional stereotypes. They question HBO's decision to greenlight a second season, especially given the first season's poor reception and the high salary paid to Mindy Kaling. The review ends with a call for HBO to improve its quality of content.

Takeaways

  • 📺 The reviewer criticizes the second season of 'Velma', calling it a crime against television due to its numerous issues.
  • 🤑 The show's creator, a multi-millionaire, is highlighted as a contrast to the show's themes of hating the rich.
  • 🧩 The plot is described as incoherent, with an unlikable and one-dimensional cast of characters.
  • 🕵️‍♀️ The mystery in the show is criticized for not following logical clues and instead appearing to solve itself.
  • 🔥 The reviewer expresses strong dissatisfaction with the portrayal of Velma's character and her treatment of those around her.
  • 🌐 The script is said to contain many side plots that detract from the main story, focusing on what Velma dislikes about the world.
  • 📉 The attempt at social commentary is seen as shallow, with one-dimensional characters used to represent groups like the rich and religious.
  • 📚 The reviewer compares 'Velma' unfavorably to great stories that handle power structures, religion, wealth, and race more thoughtfully.
  • 🚫 The reviewer questions why the show was greenlit for a second season, especially considering its lack of positive reception.
  • 💰 There is criticism of the high salary paid to Mindy Kaling, especially when other good shows are cancelled.
  • 📉 The reviewer calls out HBO for its recent poor choices in shows, urging them to improve their selection.
  • 📅 A follow-up video is teased, which will focus on the philosophy of modern entertainment and the reasons behind shows like 'Velma'.

Q & A

  • What is the main criticism of the reviewer towards the show 'Velma'?

    -The reviewer criticizes 'Velma' for having an incoherent plot, unlikable and one-dimensional characters, and a weak mystery story that doesn't follow clues effectively.

  • What real-life event is referenced in the opening lines of episode 3 of 'Velma'?

    -The opening lines reference a real-life event where the show's writer's younger brother attempted to deceive others by pretending to be African American to gain admission to medical school.

  • Why does the reviewer feel that the show 'Velma' is a 'crime against television'?

    -The reviewer considers 'Velma' a 'crime against television' due to its numerous issues, including a poorly written plot, lack of character depth, and misguided attempts at social commentary.

  • What does the reviewer suggest is the main issue with the social commentary in 'Velma'?

    -The reviewer suggests that the social commentary in 'Velma' is problematic because it uses one-dimensional straw man stereotypes instead of fully developed characters, which oversimplifies and misrepresents the issues it attempts to address.

  • What comparison does the reviewer make between 'Velma' and other successful stories that address social issues?

    -The reviewer compares 'Velma' to successful stories like 'The Godfather', 'Dune', and 'The Lord of the Rings', highlighting that these stories managed to reflect on power structures, religion, wealth, and race by creating well-rounded characters and balanced arguments, unlike 'Velma'.

  • Why does the reviewer question HBO's decision to greenlight a second season of 'Velma'?

    -The reviewer questions HBO's decision because the first season was poorly received, with very few positive reviews, and they argue that the show's quality does not match up to HBO's usual standards.

  • What does the reviewer imply about the character Velma's attitude towards the people around her?

    -The reviewer implies that Velma treats the people around her, including her apparent friends and girlfriend, terribly and seems to harbor resentment towards them.

  • What is the reviewer's stance on the portrayal of rich people in 'Velma'?

    -The reviewer criticizes the portrayal of rich people in 'Velma' as being one-dimensional and stereotypical, arguing that it lacks depth and does not represent real people.

  • How does the reviewer describe the mystery-solving process in 'Velma'?

    -The reviewer describes the mystery-solving process as unsatisfactory, stating that it feels like the mystery solves itself rather than the characters actively following clues to a resolution.

  • What does the reviewer suggest as an alternative approach for the show's creators?

    -The reviewer suggests that if the creators wanted to make social commentary or address deep themes, they should have done so from a place of empathy and by challenging their own perspectives, rather than attacking one-dimensional versions of people.

  • What upcoming content does the reviewer mention at the end of the transcript?

    -The reviewer mentions an upcoming video that will focus on the philosophy of modern entertainment and the driving forces behind the creation of shows like 'Velma'.

Outlines

00:00

😠 Critique of Velma's Inconsistencies and Social Commentary

The first paragraph of the script launches into a critique of the TV show Velma, highlighting perceived contradictions in the show's premise and execution. The reviewer points out the irony of a show that criticizes rich people being written by a wealthy individual. They also take issue with the show's plot, which they describe as incoherent and poorly structured. The characters are labeled as unlikable and one-dimensional, with the main character, Velma, portrayed as harboring contempt for various groups in society. The paragraph further criticizes the show's attempt at social commentary, arguing that it fails to create well-rounded characters and instead relies on one-dimensional stereotypes to make its points. The reviewer expresses frustration with the show's side plots that detract from the main mystery and questions the decision to renew the series for a second season given its numerous flaws.

05:01

🤔 The Failure of Empathy and Misguided Social Critique in Velma

The second paragraph continues the critique, focusing on the show's failure to empathetically explore social issues. The reviewer argues that while it's acceptable to address themes like power, religion, and wealth in a story, Velma does so in a superficial and untruthful manner. They compare the show unfavorably to other works that have successfully tackled similar themes by creating fully fleshed-out characters and engaging in nuanced discussions. The paragraph also questions why HBO chose to renew the show for a second season, especially considering its poor reception and the failure of the first season. The reviewer ends by mentioning an upcoming video that will delve into the philosophy of modern entertainment and the reasons behind the creation of shows like Velma.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Velma

Velma is the main character and titular show of the series being reviewed. It is a modern reinterpretation of the classic cartoon character from the 'Scooby-Doo' franchise. In the context of the video, the reviewer criticizes the character's portrayal and the show's handling of social issues, suggesting that it fails to provide a nuanced or empathetic view.

💡Rich People

The term 'rich people' is used in the video to highlight the show's negative portrayal of wealth. The reviewer argues that the series uses one-dimensional stereotypes to criticize the wealthy, rather than creating complex characters that could foster a more thoughtful social commentary.

💡Social Commentary

Social commentary refers to the critical examination of society and its norms, often through art or media. In the video, the reviewer criticizes the show's attempt at social commentary, stating that it lacks depth and instead opts for shallow, one-dimensional representations of various groups.

💡Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling is the creator and a writer of the 'Velma' series. The reviewer questions the decision to greenlight a second season and to pay Kaling a high salary, given the show's poor reception and the perceived lack of quality in the writing and character development.

💡Racial Issues

The reviewer mentions racial issues as a point of controversy surrounding the show, but clarifies that the primary criticisms are not based on race. Instead, the focus is on the show's narrative and character development, which are seen as flawed regardless of racial representation.

💡Incoherent Plot

An 'incoherent plot' refers to a storyline that is confusing or lacks clarity. The reviewer uses this term to describe the narrative of 'Velma' season 2, suggesting that the plot is disjointed and fails to logically follow clues or develop in a satisfying way.

💡Straw Man

A 'straw man' is a term used to describe a weak or misrepresented version of an opponent's argument, which is then easily refuted. In the context of the video, the reviewer accuses the show of creating straw man characters to make simplistic and unconvincing arguments about various social groups.

💡Three-Dimensional Characters

Three-dimensional characters are well-rounded and complex, with depth and multiple facets to their personalities. The reviewer contrasts these with the one-dimensional characters in 'Velma,' arguing that the show fails to create believable or relatable figures.

💡HBO

HBO is the network that greenlit 'Velma' for a second season. The reviewer expresses disappointment in HBO's decision, comparing it to the network's other successful shows and suggesting that 'Velma' does not meet the same standard of quality.

💡Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo is the original cartoon franchise from which the character Velma is derived. The reviewer suggests that the show should have stuck to the light-hearted and fun mystery-solving format of the original series instead of attempting to tackle more serious themes.

💡Modern Entertainment

The term 'modern entertainment' is used to discuss the broader trends and philosophies influencing current media productions. The reviewer hints at a future video that will delve into these issues, particularly as they relate to the creation and reception of shows like 'Velma.'

Highlights

Velma's creator, a multi-millionaire, and his brother's controversial actions are referenced in the review.

The TV studio responsible for classics like The Sopranos and The Wire greenlit Velma's second season despite its issues.

The incoherent plot is compared to the work of a first-grader.

Characters in Velma are described as unlikable and one-dimensional.

The mystery in Velma seems to solve itself rather than being actively solved by the characters.

Velma's character is criticized for her treatment of friends and her girlfriend.

The reviewer questions why viewers should like Velma's character given her apparent dislike for everything around her.

The show is accused of going down unnecessary side plots that detract from the main story.

Velma's social commentary is criticized for being one-dimensional and lacking depth.

The review contrasts Velma with great stories that handle social issues with nuance and empathy.

The reviewer suggests that if social commentary isn't handled well, it's better to stick to a light-hearted mystery.

The show's greenlighting for a second season is questioned, especially considering its poor reception.

The reviewer calls Velma one of the most hated shows of all time, with very few positive reviews.

The focus on race is argued to be a distraction from the real issues with the show, which is its poor storytelling.

The reviewer criticizes HBO for continuing to fund shows like Velma while canceling better-received ones.

An upcoming video is teased, which will discuss the philosophy of modern entertainment and the reasons behind shows like Velma.

The reviewer concludes by urging HBO to improve its quality control and live up to its reputation.

Transform Ideas into Captivating Videos

Convert text and images into high-quality videos with Flux AI Video Generator.

Transform Ideas into Captivating VideosTry It Now