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Serial Season 2!

  1. lawbee11

    GOLD / watermelon / 14076 posts

    I love SK's voice so much that she could be talking about the periodic table and I would still listen every week

  2. ShootingStar

    coconut / 8472 posts

    @Eko: That's what I'm hoping for. Plus, I mean I listen to way more boring podcasts than that episode, lol. But I had super high expectations.

  3. cascademom

    coconut / 8861 posts

    @ShootingStar: I agree. It was a weak first episode. I don't really care much about a guy who knowingly left his post and then got caught by the Taliban. If anything, he came off as a attention wanting jerk.

  4. coopsmama

    cantaloupe / 6059 posts

    I definitely didn't love the first episode. I will still listen and Sarah Koenig is a masterful narrator but the story seems so straightforward. I'm not really sure what twists could be present since Bergdahl readily admits that he did what he is accused of - walking away.

  5. kiddosc

    grapefruit / 4278 posts

    I think my interest is finding out what all the consequences of him walking away were and how much of that he should be responsible for. He admits he walked away, he sounds like a pretty typical, dumb 23 year old who thinks that those in charge don't know what they're doing. But does that mean that he anticipated being held captive for 5 years, or others dying trying to get him back and should he be further punished for that? I'm interested to hear the perspective on those things.

  6. lawbee11

    GOLD / watermelon / 14076 posts

  7. BananaPancakes

    grapefruit / 4817 posts

    @looch: I don't think it's nearly as interesting a subject as Season #1, but I actually kind of appreciate that it's not another murder mystery. I learned so much about the court/criminal system in the first season that really opened my eyes and kind of blew my mind, that I think it'll be good to learn about the inner workings of the military some.

  8. looch

    wonderful pear / 26210 posts

    I was really struggling with the Bowe tapes. I remember listening to Adnan and thinking about how articulate he was and this guy, is just not at the same level.

    I finished listening, I had 15 mintues left. A friend of mine is going to relisten and we're going to discuss it, so let's see, lol.

  9. jlm22

    apricot / 343 posts

    I was hoping it would be another murder mystery! Still going to give it a chance, but what I already know about this guy, I don't think I'm going to get far.

  10. jlm22

    apricot / 343 posts

    @lawbee11: lol. Agreed!

  11. .twist.

    pineapple / 12802 posts

    @Eko: I agree. I'm REALLY hoping that there are some more interesting plot twists in the series. I almost think I was overly enthusiastic about the first episode. I just really want it to be as riveting as the first season. I'm going to hold out until it really loses my interest but for now, I'm just happy to have something new to listen to, like this.

    @lawbee11: interesting! I feel like usually people love the publicity and instafame. It almost seems like she never expected the first season to take off like it did. haha

  12. lamariniere

    pineapple / 12566 posts

    This breaking news alert just popped up from the NYT:

    "Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, held by the Taliban for years after leaving his Afghan post, faces a court-martial for desertion 8:13 PM"

    I have not done any sort of research since season 2 started, so I'm wondering how this will affect the story?

    (ETA: so as to avoid any confusion, it's the evening here, hence the 8:13PM alert).

  13. Eko

    nectarine / 2148 posts

    @lamariniere: that's interesting! Not totally unsurprising though given they said he was awaiting the military's decision on prosecuting him. I would think the episodes are already panned out. Plus I doubt the trial will escalate quickly enough to affect the story.

  14. lamariniere

    pineapple / 12566 posts

    @Eko: I do wonder if the episodes are panned out, because as of now I'm really not sure where she is going to take us with this story. It seemed like with season 1 the first few were, and then SK was winging it to a certain extent as people became aware of the show and offered up new information.

  15. daniellemybelle

    cantaloupe / 6669 posts

    The thing I am really struggling with this season is that so much of this story has already been covered by mainstream media. I read the whole Wikipedia of this guy before the season started so the first episode was pretty boring. What was so riveting about Season 1 is that it was so fresh and the extensive reporting and research they did really boggled your mind. I'm not sure how they can do that in this case but I will keep listening in hopes!

  16. Veggiemama

    apricot / 287 posts

    @daniellemybelle: Interesting point, I wonder if they are truly going to be able to uncover new information? It seems like so far it is a synopsis of what the film-maker and others have uncovered.

    I knew nothing about the story prior to last week's episode and really enjoy Sarah Koenig's storytelling so I am captivated, which is surprising to me as I am typically not interested in anything related to politics, the military etc.

    Has anyone listened to episode #2? I just finished!

  17. Eko

    nectarine / 2148 posts

    @Veggiemama: I just finished listening to the second episode.

    So, I think I've emotionally gotten over how this is not a mystery case like season 1. I don't think there are really going to be twists and turns, it's more of a story-telling. Sarah Koenig has a really easy to listen to voice and I find the topic interesting so I'll likely keep listening.

    The first half of the episode I found super boring and kind of aggravating when she is talking to the Taliban. She sounded like she was trying to corroborate Beau's story. They are the Taliban! of course no one is going to believe anything they say. But, I did enjoy more of the backstory in the search efforts, etc.

  18. snowjewelz

    wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts

    I agree it's not really exciting at all, but it's interesting....

  19. Applesandbananas

    pomegranate / 3845 posts

    @yellowbird: so I just started Undisclosed and OMG. I'm obsessed. I don't understand how this case could've been presented at trial, much less how a jury could've convicted him. I wish the original defense attorney was still alive. I'm so horrified by the claims being made in Undisclosed, that the police really could've basically framed Adnan. SK says in Serial that Rabia can be "loosey-goosey" with details but if this were untrue, I would imagine some serious slander suits headed her way.

  20. .twist.

    pineapple / 12802 posts

    @Veggiemama: I'm with you! I hadn't heard anything about this prior to Serial, so it's all new content to me and I enjoy her story telling. However, there is definitely a lack of excitement about this season.

    One of my girlfriends and I were talking about episode 2 the other day. We both kind of think this guy should do some time because he endangered so many lives. The American prison system will be a luxury getaway compared to what he's experienced in the middle east.

    He was incredibly stupid and, although his intentions may have been good, there needs to be consequences.

  21. Veggiemama

    apricot / 287 posts

    So I got all cozy at home after taking the kids to preschool, got my coffee and was all ready to listen to Serial....only to be disappointed to hear of the new every other week schedule!!

  22. mrbee

    admin / wonderful grape / 20724 posts

    @.twist.: He kind of already did time though?

  23. lamariniere

    pineapple / 12566 posts

    @Veggiemama: ugh, me too!

  24. .twist.

    pineapple / 12802 posts

    @mrbee: That he brought on himself? While simultaneously putting tons of other people in danger? admitting that part of is was to be a movie hero!? I honestly don't know what the answer should be but he's still an idiot.

  25. lawbee11

    GOLD / watermelon / 14076 posts

    @.twist.: @mrbee: I'm in the I don't think he should do more time camp (at least based on what we've heard thus far), but I read the subreddit and feel like I'm in the minority. I don't know why but I'm very sympathetic to Bowe. I think what he did was beyond stupid but just hearing what he went through seems like enough.

  26. .twist.

    pineapple / 12802 posts

    @lawbee11: I flip flop. I haven't really listened passed episode 3 yet, because the story just doesn't have the same pull as season 1. I may listen to more but I'm not sure yet.

  27. mrbee

    admin / wonderful grape / 20724 posts

    @.twist.: What he did was incredibly stupid, no argument with you there!!

  28. kiddosc

    grapefruit / 4278 posts

    @lawbee11: I'm in agreement with you. I think what he did was incredibly stupid, but I think he's more than paid for it.

    I think there are a lot of 23 year olds out there who think the system needs shaking up and that "the man" is mistreating the little guy... People who have limited real world experience. That's how I see Bowe, as a stupid kid. I think living in a cage for 4 years is enough of a lesson though and that he realizes now how much he didn't understand then.

  29. LibbyLou

    kiwi / 739 posts

    @kiddosc: I also think he's more than paid for it as well. He was overly helpful and descriptive when he was debriefed- who knows how that Intel has helped.

    I get he put all those soliders in danger but he pays for that everyday. Other soliders hate him, he can hardly live on base, etc. I'm sure he's treated terribly in his everyday life. (And if I were in their shoes I may be the same way). He was a stupid kid who made a huge huge mistake.

  30. Eko

    nectarine / 2148 posts

    So I just finished episode 4 and I am not sure how much longer I can go on. I am still holding out for something more mind blowing. Like he was a prisoner of the taliban for 5 years I'm thinking it wasn't all sunshine and daisies. And I get REALLY turned off by listening to that taliban guy or how some of they were feeling holding Beau hostage. The only part that seemed interesting was listening to that journalist and his time when captured. But they are extremists and I could give two fucks about them. Haha.

    Is the point supposed to be whether we think he paid the price already? I am in the camp of he's done his time already. I don't know how much closure other people are going to get putting him trough a trial.

  31. Eko

    nectarine / 2148 posts

    Also pretty sure 70% of why I still listen is because of Sarah Koenigs voice

  32. Applesandbananas

    pomegranate / 3845 posts

    @Eko: I'm also not as intrigued as I was with Season 1. It's interesting, but not mind blowing.

  33. Mrs. Tiger

    blogger / pomegranate / 3044 posts

    @Applesandbananas: @Eko: How funny, I actually find it very interesting! I think Bergdahl was SO stupid to have left like he did, but he went through so much, and it's such a multifaceted problem. I thought the most recent episode detailing what the people in the states had to go through to work on getting him back was heartbreaking and enlightening.

    I found it interesting to hear the Taliban's "side" of the story, and to learn more about how Pakistan tolerates the Taliban, etc. Makes it more clear about why we didn't give Pakistan a heads up before running the Osama Bin Laden raid!

  34. Veggiemama

    apricot / 287 posts

    @lamariniere: Have you (or anyone else!) finished listening to this season? I have to admit I was surprised when she mentioned mid-show that it was the last one! I definitely thought we'd hear more about what happened between Beau being released and now, where has he been, how he has acclimated, his relationship with his family, how he feels about the current charges against him (although he probably can't comment on that). I did enjoy the storytelling and it seemed like Sarah & team were able to uncover some missing pieces and put together a cohesive story, but for some reason I feel like it was lacking overall?

  35. lamariniere

    pineapple / 12566 posts

    @Veggiemama: I did make it through the whole season, but when they switched to the every other week format, I had a hard time keeping the story straight and remembering details, especially since there were so many characters. I was also really surprised when she said it was the last one! Overall, I didn't get into it nearly as much as Season 1, but I'll listen again if there is a Season 3. Hopefully it will be more captivating.

  36. snowjewelz

    wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts

    @Veggiemama: Yup I finished. It was hard waiting 2 weeks too! I still did find it very interesting b/c there was so much I didn't know about how the military works and all the behind the scene government stuff. I hope maybe she'll jump in and give updates in the future just like she is doing with Adnan's case.

  37. delight

    pomelo / 5326 posts

    I had such high hopes for the second season after Season 1 totally blew me away. I have been left disappointed. Although an interesting story-line, season 2 did not grab me the way Adnan's story did.

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