I've been debating about writing this review for nearly a year. Every time I begin, I always back out in fear of insulting its hosts, as they essentially are the show. However, I feel the need to summarize my thoughts, if only to understand why I myself watch it. Besides, as many have pointed out, the series is a "show" with "characters", so it shouldn't be immune to some criticism and analysis.
VGA is an odd beast, due in large part to Show!Fraser. I challenge anyone to find a show with a host that is as openly hostile towards its fanbase as this one while still managing to be entertaining. Show!Fraser is one of the most fascinating and complex characters I have ever seen. He is unfunny yet hilarious, lazy yet hardworking, completely ignorant yet very intelligent. He has an opinion on everything, including things that he knows nothing about (namely, everything save for tech and the select few games that he is passionate about). He treats the people who most respect him poorly, and feeds off the hatred of others. In short, he is the ultimate personification of the Internet Troll. Real!Fraser deserves an Oscar.
And yet... what is the point? I have always believed that comedy should have some point, and there are truly only two it can have: to create laughter or to point out a perceived flaw in order to mend it. Fraser does neither. What few laughs he provides without aid are almost always the result of a goofy face or vulgarity. His brilliant portrayal of an Internet troll does not mock them; it glorifies them. Oh, Fraser repeatedly calls out those who troll his show on their stupidity, but it never seems like the persona he puts on mocks trolls sharing his opinions. It just seems like he's having a great time being free of his inhibitions.
As for the rest of the hosts- they're absolutely fantastic. Becky, while occasionally too "cutesy" for my taste, adds an incalculable amount to the show. Ben has a fantastic wit. Kyle is criminally under-appreciated; every episode he's in is a winner. And Deacon... what can I say?
The show's presentation is the best of any LP series, period. It oozes quality. Show and Trailers, while often lacking in facts, are entertaining and professionally edited.
Is VGA awesome? It's fun. I definitely suggest some individual parts. But it stumbles and insults too often to make it a must-watch.
Not as Awesome as the Title Implies
I've been debating about writing this review for nearly a year. Every time I begin, I always back out in fear of insulting its hosts, as they essentially are the show. However, I feel the need to summarize my thoughts, if only to understand why I myself watch it. Besides, as many have pointed out, the series is a "show" with "characters", so it shouldn't be immune to some criticism and analysis.
VGA is an odd beast, due in large part to Show!Fraser. I challenge anyone to find a show with a host that is as openly hostile towards its fanbase as this one while still managing to be entertaining. Show!Fraser is one of the most fascinating and complex characters I have ever seen. He is unfunny yet hilarious, lazy yet hardworking, completely ignorant yet very intelligent. He has an opinion on everything, including things that he knows nothing about (namely, everything save for tech and the select few games that he is passionate about). He treats the people who most respect him poorly, and feeds off the hatred of others. In short, he is the ultimate personification of the Internet Troll. Real!Fraser deserves an Oscar.
And yet... what is the point? I have always believed that comedy should have some point, and there are truly only two it can have: to create laughter or to point out a perceived flaw in order to mend it. Fraser does neither. What few laughs he provides without aid are almost always the result of a goofy face or vulgarity. His brilliant portrayal of an Internet troll does not mock them; it glorifies them. Oh, Fraser repeatedly calls out those who troll his show on their stupidity, but it never seems like the persona he puts on mocks trolls sharing his opinions. It just seems like he's having a great time being free of his inhibitions.
As for the rest of the hosts- they're absolutely fantastic. Becky, while occasionally too "cutesy" for my taste, adds an incalculable amount to the show. Ben has a fantastic wit. Kyle is criminally under-appreciated; every episode he's in is a winner. And Deacon... what can I say?
The show's presentation is the best of any LP series, period. It oozes quality. Show and Trailers, while often lacking in facts, are entertaining and professionally edited.
Is VGA awesome? It's fun. I definitely suggest some individual parts. But it stumbles and insults too often to make it a must-watch.