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We had the opportunity to pre-screen the new CBS Prime Time Swingers series pilot - SwingTown for an interview with Extra. We'll update this thread with the show time of the interview when we have it.
Here's a link to the show page: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/swingtown/
Keep reading if you'd like the short version, or watch our short video review here. We are aware of the minor audio weirdness beginning halfway through, it's a fluke since this was shot for our live video show and should be resolved for future shows. It's all good. :)
Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with SwingTown. CBS did well with it.
We found it interesting that the show portrayed that 'normal' suburbanites didn't seem to be aware of the lifestyle and that it is reserved for the wealthy and 'not' normal folks. If this is how it truly was in the 70's then I would say that's the biggest difference today - the lifestyle spans all socioeconomic boundaries and ages, though most are between the ages of 30 and 50.
It was a very good mix of characters - the swinging couple, the dysfunctional family with the drug-head mom, the normal 'curious' couple, and the self righteous, judgmental friend (generally unhappy) with the curious husband.
There were some common fears - like women being very insecure of "the other" younger, maybe prettier women - but they talked about it as a couple and came to an agreement. The feelings weren't allowed to fester. Great example of how this SHOULD be done all the time.
Loved the way the swinger wife used the girl-girl thing to get the other husband on board.
Many people in the swinger lifestyle were concerned that SwingTown would dwell on the negative perceptions of swinging and push an anti-swinging bias. After watching it, we just didn't think that was the case. Yes there was a lot of drug use, but this show IS set in the 70's, and let's face it, everyone used drugs in the 70's not just swingers.
What did you think of it? What did you think was a realistic or unrealistic portrayal of the swinger lifestyle?
Be sure to leave a note below with your own review. And you don't have to agree with us! :-)
Here's a link to the show page: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/swingtown/
Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with SwingTown. CBS did well with it.
We found it interesting that the show portrayed that 'normal' suburbanites didn't seem to be aware of the lifestyle and that it is reserved for the wealthy and 'not' normal folks. If this is how it truly was in the 70's then I would say that's the biggest difference today - the lifestyle spans all socioeconomic boundaries and ages, though most are between the ages of 30 and 50.
It was a very good mix of characters - the swinging couple, the dysfunctional family with the drug-head mom, the normal 'curious' couple, and the self righteous, judgmental friend (generally unhappy) with the curious husband.
There were some common fears - like women being very insecure of "the other" younger, maybe prettier women - but they talked about it as a couple and came to an agreement. The feelings weren't allowed to fester. Great example of how this SHOULD be done all the time.
Loved the way the swinger wife used the girl-girl thing to get the other husband on board.
Many people in the swinger lifestyle were concerned that SwingTown would dwell on the negative perceptions of swinging and push an anti-swinging bias. After watching it, we just didn't think that was the case. Yes there was a lot of drug use, but this show IS set in the 70's, and let's face it, everyone used drugs in the 70's not just swingers.
What did you think of it? What did you think was a realistic or unrealistic portrayal of the swinger lifestyle?
Replies(16)
Overall, our impression of the show was positive. As both a swinging couple and as a couple that remembers the 70's (although we weren't swinging then), it is nice to see a dramatic series that features so many familiar characters and recognizable situations. We're already anxious to see where some of the the initial storylines will go.
However, there was one thing we found rather odd about the hype surrounding the series. While most of Swingtown's detractors focused on the sex, they probably should have complained more about the drugs. This might change as the series progresses, but the pilot episode was far more drug-soaked than sexy.
We've heard some people argue that the show would be more entertaining if it were on cable, thus allowing the show to be more open in its depiction of nudity and sex, but we disagree. Frankly, we already see so much nudity and sex elsewhere that we don't feel we have to see it on prime-time television, even in the context of a show like Swingtown. When we want to see porn, we know where to find it, so we're happy with Swingtown on CBS.
As rock music trivia buffs we do have a nickpick regarding the otherwise enjoyable soundtrack: Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" and Rita Coolidge's "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher" were not released until well after July 1976. Nevertheless, we plan on giving the music another listen at Swingtown's official online radio station.
However, there was one thing we found rather odd about the hype surrounding the series. While most of Swingtown's detractors focused on the sex, they probably should have complained more about the drugs. This might change as the series progresses, but the pilot episode was far more drug-soaked than sexy.
We've heard some people argue that the show would be more entertaining if it were on cable, thus allowing the show to be more open in its depiction of nudity and sex, but we disagree. Frankly, we already see so much nudity and sex elsewhere that we don't feel we have to see it on prime-time television, even in the context of a show like Swingtown. When we want to see porn, we know where to find it, so we're happy with Swingtown on CBS.
As rock music trivia buffs we do have a nickpick regarding the otherwise enjoyable soundtrack: Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" and Rita Coolidge's "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher" were not released until well after July 1976. Nevertheless, we plan on giving the music another listen at Swingtown's official online radio station.
Leave a comment on greg69sheryl's reply
Still have not got to see it yet! :(
3 years ago
Unfortunately, we have been unable to see the debut yet, as we had unexpected scheduling conflicts that forced us to miss it. We are looking forward to catching it with itunes or on CBS's website.
Thanks all for the great review, now are curiosity is even more peaked. We will be back with a review soon!
Thanks all for the great review, now are curiosity is even more peaked. We will be back with a review soon!
Leave a comment on the_nibblers's reply
Didn't get to see the first episode, sadly
3 years ago
But my thought when I heard "the Tiffany Network" (to old schoolers out there, that's what they called CBS) putting on a show about the Lifestyle was amazing to me. I'm not sure if I could ever see Thomas Magnum, J.R. Ewing, and Murphy Brown wind up in a threesome, but to hear a series dealing with swinging is a very eye opening topic.
Let's face it, when you have the Soprano's (HBO), Real Sex (also HBO), Big Love (Showtown) taking away your viewers you have to find a way to attract younger viewers and the things they are interested in. Boy to be a fly on the wall when they tried pitching this series to network execs.
I'm happy to hear they are letting this show run the course and find it's audience, but I wish two things could have been added to make this a show my sweetie and I can enjoy in private:
1. I wish the show was set in the 21st century with modern swingers. Most of the swingers I know are not drug heads, family first folk, and are committed to each other each time they play.
2. A better time slot! It was on a 10 pm (EST) and my girls are home for the summer. How do you explain to your burgeoning teen the concept of couples sharing each other for sexual recreation? So, the most diplomatic way of doing things is to let the show pass while we entertained the girls till we sent them off to bed.
Hopefully we won't be so far gone from the show that we won't at least catch one episode before it ends its summer run.
Let's face it, when you have the Soprano's (HBO), Real Sex (also HBO), Big Love (Showtown) taking away your viewers you have to find a way to attract younger viewers and the things they are interested in. Boy to be a fly on the wall when they tried pitching this series to network execs.
I'm happy to hear they are letting this show run the course and find it's audience, but I wish two things could have been added to make this a show my sweetie and I can enjoy in private:
1. I wish the show was set in the 21st century with modern swingers. Most of the swingers I know are not drug heads, family first folk, and are committed to each other each time they play.
2. A better time slot! It was on a 10 pm (EST) and my girls are home for the summer. How do you explain to your burgeoning teen the concept of couples sharing each other for sexual recreation? So, the most diplomatic way of doing things is to let the show pass while we entertained the girls till we sent them off to bed.
Hopefully we won't be so far gone from the show that we won't at least catch one episode before it ends its summer run.
Leave a comment on ed_christ_pro_erotic's reply
Ahhh, this is important
3 years ago
OK, I've been watching since the pilot episode and wait each week until Thursday night as I really enjoy the show. I agree with those who thought the initial drug use may have been a bigger focus than the swinging. However, even though I'm too young to remember most of the 80's I have friends, swingers and straights, who were alive and living the 70's. I've talked to them and they pretty much say "yeah, that's just kind of how it was". One of our swinger friends was a musician then and he reminisced, "Oh man, I smoked pounds of weed then, and I mean POUNDS!" So, to me, the issue of drug use isn't a big one. I feel it's more of a promise of honesty and openness from the show.
Now why I'm writing this today is because of last night's episode... the one with the cabin and the Twister game... (forgive me that I don't really know every character's name quite yet)
I liked the fact that when the "curious" lady and Trina (swinger lady) were talking and Trina said that openness and honesty is the only way swinging works.
Then later on in the show the curious hubby and the swinging pilot were talking and the swinger guy said "You wanna keep it open, keep it honest."
I was so glad that they talked about this! My fiancee and I were worried when the show first came out that people would become interested in swinging and it would probably ruin a lot of relationships.. But I really think they're doing a good job of showing that it's something for strong relationships and that openness and honesty are important.
I just wanted to share my excitement with everyone that the writers have showed this side of the lifestyle and that it's not for everyone.
Now why I'm writing this today is because of last night's episode... the one with the cabin and the Twister game... (forgive me that I don't really know every character's name quite yet)
I liked the fact that when the "curious" lady and Trina (swinger lady) were talking and Trina said that openness and honesty is the only way swinging works.
Then later on in the show the curious hubby and the swinging pilot were talking and the swinger guy said "You wanna keep it open, keep it honest."
I was so glad that they talked about this! My fiancee and I were worried when the show first came out that people would become interested in swinging and it would probably ruin a lot of relationships.. But I really think they're doing a good job of showing that it's something for strong relationships and that openness and honesty are important.
I just wanted to share my excitement with everyone that the writers have showed this side of the lifestyle and that it's not for everyone.
Leave a comment on k. in cleveland's reply
Communication - keep it open and honest... Amen.
3 years ago
Originally posted by: K. in Cleveland
I liked the fact that when the "curious" lady and Trina (swinger lady) were talking and Trina said that openness and honesty is the only way swinging works.
Then later on in the show the curious hubby and the swinging pilot were talking and the swinger guy said "You wanna keep it open, keep it honest."
I was so glad that they talked about this! My fiancee and I were worried when the show first came out that people would become interested in swinging and it would probably ruin a lot of relationships.. But I really think they're doing a good job of showing that it's something for strong relationships and that openness and honesty are important.
I just wanted to share my excitement with everyone that the writers have showed this side of the lifestyle and that it's not for everyone.
Absolutely, we finally saw that episode over the weekend (thanks to TIVO). And that's exactly what we keyed in on - the "swinger couple" is very adamant at every step that you have to keep it open and honest. Full open communication is crucial. If you don't have that, you can't deal with jealousy issues, etc. And it will go bad.
Great fun show, we're glad to see where they went with it, and we plan to keep watching.
Now if they'd only 'http://forum.askdanandjennifer.com/topic/jericho-cbs-tv-show' - for anyone who hasn't seen my thread on that in "the watercooler". :)
Leave a comment on danandjennifer's reply
Originally posted by: Dan And JenniferFull open communication is crucial. If you don't have that, you can't deal with jealousy issues, etc. And it will go bad.
'http://forum.askdanandjennifer.com/topic/jericho-cbs-tv-show' - for anyone who hasn't seen my thread on that in "the watercooler". :)
Wanted to say that I think that's true of any successful long-term relationship, not just open relationships, but ANY relationship.
As for Jericho, I just could NOT get interested in that show. If you want post-apocalyptic then I get to say "Bring back FIREFLY!!!!"
Hugs,
Rachael
Leave a comment on rachael559's reply
Originally posted by: Rachael559
Wanted to say that I think that's true of any successful long-term relationship, not just open relationships, but ANY relationship.
Absolutely!!! Open, honest ommunication is crucial for any long term relationship.
Leave a comment on danandjennifer's reply
Being a TV drama we knew they could not leave well enough alone, especially with the plot pacing they've been keeping up ( which for those not watching has actually been very fast if you think about the fact that there have now been what 6 or 7 episodes. It will be interesting to see how they deal with the concept of infidelity in the context of non-monogamous couples. My sincere fear is that they will treat it the same as the way any monogamous TV couple deals with infidelity and I don't necessarily think that non-monogamous couples deal with it the same way, though it's never been an issue for us so I couldn't say directly. Interested to see what your take on the last few/next few episodes have gone/will go.
Hugs,
Rachael
Hugs,
Rachael
Leave a comment on rachael559's reply
As I surf around I read and I hear something I notice often. That " Vanillas” are called “Normal”
We swingers are also “Normal” and the use of “normal” to describe vanillas implies swingers are abnormal. I myself have done this and I am trying my best to start using the term “Common” to describe Vanilla couples in my conversations.
I’m nit picking, I know, but just tossing it out there for thought and this video made me notice it more.
Hugs and Hissessss,
Maria
Yay, my first post! :)
We swingers are also “Normal” and the use of “normal” to describe vanillas implies swingers are abnormal. I myself have done this and I am trying my best to start using the term “Common” to describe Vanilla couples in my conversations.
I’m nit picking, I know, but just tossing it out there for thought and this video made me notice it more.
Hugs and Hissessss,
Maria
Yay, my first post! :)
Leave a comment on snakebabe's reply
Originally posted by: Rachael559
It will be interesting to see how they deal with the concept of infidelity in the context of non-monogamous couples. My sincere fear is that they will treat it the same as the way any monogamous TV couple deals with infidelity and I don't necessarily think that non-monogamous couples deal with it the same way, though it's never been an issue for us so I couldn't say directly. Interested to see what your take on the last few/next few episodes have gone/will go.
Hugs,
Rachael
Rachael, it's definitely interesting to see where they're going with it. So far they've showed a number of the characters cross the "cheating" line - we call it a breaking of trust - but having sex with others behind your partner's back certainly fits that description.
What I like in the show is that the swinger couple made mistakes too (particularly him, Tom Decker) but they brought it out, dealt with it above board, talked about it, and became stronger as a couple for it.
I don't think I've heard the words "open and honest" so many times in any show or series. Seems to be their mantra, and a great one at that.
Leave a comment on danandjennifer's reply
Yes I love that they have stayed ...honest. I was afraid that last weeks episode and this one would turn into them saying well the Deckers couldn't survive the cheating and being open. I like that the Deckers are surviving the problems precisely because they are open, while Roger and Janet seem to be having problems because they keep turning away from a more open and honest level of communication. I think one thing they missed in this last episode so that they could have higher levels of tension would have been an obvious statement from Susan that Roger really HAD tried to call Janet and she hadn't answered. Just knowing he really had tried to call her could have made a big difference in her understanding that he wasn't trying to "cheat" on her.... I'm disappointed that Bruce didn't take the opportunity to 'confess' his kiss to Susan like I would have hoped a couple striving to be more open and honest would have. But I do like that the couple that seems to be surviving the most challenges is the couple that is the most open......
Okay I've babbled long enough hehe,
Rachael
Okay I've babbled long enough hehe,
Rachael
Leave a comment on rachael559's reply
Open and honest all the way!
3 years ago
Originally posted by: Rachael559
Yes I love that they have stayed ...honest. I was afraid that last weeks episode and this one would turn into them saying well the Deckers couldn't survive the cheating and being open....
I'm disappointed that Bruce didn't take the opportunity to 'confess' his kiss to Susan like I would have hoped a couple striving to be more open and honest would have. But I do like that the couple that seems to be surviving the most challenges is the couple that is the most open.
Bruce keeping that secret is disappointing indeed. Fact is we're all human and screwing up is I guess part of the human experience. I do it (screw up I mean) now and then, just ask Jennifer. LOL. And while it's easier to hope that nobody finds out, that kind of dishonesty is damanging to your relationship, both directly and indirectly.
First, it's unlikely that something like thsi will stay secret forever, life just doesn't work that way. And lying about your screw up just makes it worse.
Also keeping that kind of a secret is poisonous to your very being, holding that darkness in and knowing every day that you did a bad thing and you're continuing to do wrong by keeping it hidden. It's just not worth it.
Originally posted by: Rachael559
But I do like that the couple that seems to be surviving the most challenges is the couple that is the most open.
Rachael
Absolutely! It makes perfect sense to me (Dan). How can you argue with open and honest. That can only bring a couple closer together over time and make your union stronger - truly a beautiful thing.
Dan
Leave a comment on danandjennifer's reply
Tonight on Swingtown - When Unicorns Attack!
3 years ago
We just watched last Friday's SwingTown while having a snack after our live show this afternoon (God bless TIVO and all the lookalikes).
Gotta love those voracious unicorns! If you didn't catch it, they (the same 3 couples) went to a swinger club, and somehow Roger (the more stodgy guy) got the undivided attention of this rabid single woman, i.e. a Unicorn. She was mostly comic relief in the episode, but it was definitely funny.
"When unicorns attack!"
Dan
Gotta love those voracious unicorns! If you didn't catch it, they (the same 3 couples) went to a swinger club, and somehow Roger (the more stodgy guy) got the undivided attention of this rabid single woman, i.e. a Unicorn. She was mostly comic relief in the episode, but it was definitely funny.
"When unicorns attack!"
Dan
Leave a comment on danandjennifer's reply
Originally posted by: Dan And Jennifer
We just watched last Friday's SwingTown while having a snack after our live show this afternoon (God bless TIVO and all the lookalikes).
Gotta love those voracious unicorns! If you didn't catch it, they (the same 3 couples) went to a swinger club, and somehow Roger (the more stodgy guy) got the undivided attention of this rabid single woman, i.e. a Unicorn. She was mostly comic relief in the episode, but it was definitely funny.
"When unicorns attack!"
Dan
Ahhhhh, but that poor Unicorn wasted all her energy for nothing poor baby. This episode had some really good issues to discuss, budding teenage sexuality, exploring how to make an open marriage work, so many interesting issues, do you think the attorney and her husband will ever be back? .... just really interesting episode.....
Hugs,
Rachael
Leave a comment on rachael559's reply
Swing Town
3 years ago
I have seen the show and will probably keep watching it; I can't really say its the best show or even one of my top 10. I like it for the issues and topics it brings up with swinging--remembering the communication, and remembering that there is always others involved with our decision to swing (children, other swinging couples, and friends that we know would freak out if they knew).
Its kind of like sitting outside a cliche and watching in and then saying "oh, yeah" or gives ideas on how to discuss different things you may not have been able to figure out how to approach.
I am not sure about the time it is on, kids tend to stay up later during summers, I really would have expected this show to be on cable not regular tv.
Its kind of like sitting outside a cliche and watching in and then saying "oh, yeah" or gives ideas on how to discuss different things you may not have been able to figure out how to approach.
I am not sure about the time it is on, kids tend to stay up later during summers, I really would have expected this show to be on cable not regular tv.
Leave a comment on awakenlynn's reply
LOVED that show!
2 years ago
Gotta say that Swingtown represented to me all that was the best in television. Thought provoking and yet fun and exciting to watch. you just never knew for sure what was going to happen next. A bit too much of the little kid substory for me, however, even that was well done. Sort of like another story...WEEDS.
I truly liked the characters in Swingtown and found myself wishing I had those people for real neighbors. **Especially** Trina. All likeable people.
I knew however that because it was SO GOOD it couldn't last. CBS has the least watched least entertaining shows, and, when they finally found one with which they could actually break ground, they were far too inept to know what to do with it. In the end They cancelled it. Lack of foresight, lack of vision, lack of cajones. RIP Swingtown.
I truly liked the characters in Swingtown and found myself wishing I had those people for real neighbors. **Especially** Trina. All likeable people.
I knew however that because it was SO GOOD it couldn't last. CBS has the least watched least entertaining shows, and, when they finally found one with which they could actually break ground, they were far too inept to know what to do with it. In the end They cancelled it. Lack of foresight, lack of vision, lack of cajones. RIP Swingtown.
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