The Surf Shop At the End of the Universe

Per request in a past episode, the Institute is posting research materials for HBO's new drama, "John From Cincinnati." Interesting threads that seem to run through many of these pieces include a connection to 9/11, constant references to the cancellation of an IHT favorite, "Deadwood," also by Milch and the possibility that the title character is a space alien. Joe from Baltimore, however, cleverly picked up on the possible Judeo-Christian thematics associated with John from Cincinnati ("JC").

From the New York Times, a piece written before the show aired about producer/writer/genius/nutball David Milch. Free registration is required.

The LA Times talks more about expectations than actual plot, although we learn that John's last name is Monat, a nugget yet to be revealed in the show itself (the fact that John claimed to be from Cinci didn't show up until episode two).

In the interests of providing a voice to the opposing opinions, the New Yorker's Nancy Franklin wasn't really impressed with JC. It is possible that she's just one of the people pissed off that HBO dropped "Deadwood" because of JC.

Look at these competing opinions about John from the West Coast and East Coast and you get the sense that perhaps the surf-culture aware denizens of the left Coast might just innately "get it" more than their staid East Coast brethren.

For what it's worth, the staff at the Institute is waiting to pass full judgment on the series. We tend to view the show experientially, just as we did "Deadwood." But after the first three episodes, "John From Cincinnati" has become "event television" on Lanier Drive.