Can't wait to listen to it...did Bill go off on a rant about the monkey line?TCTTS said:
Just listened to Simmons & co on The Prestige Podcast recapping the finale, and they think the best play for season two would be to combine the next *two* Lakers seasons. The way they broke it down, and in doing a bit of my own research, I now honestly can't see season two going any other way, as it's just too perfect...
- In the wake of the championship, at the urging of Magic, Buss signs Paul Westhead to a three-year deal.
- Magic starts out as the golden boy, but misses 45 games during the '80/'81 season due to a knee injury.
- Bird and the Celtics win the '81 championship.
- Post-injury, during the '80/'81 season, and into the '81/'82 season, Magic grows frustrated with Westhead's style of play, which became increasingly centered around Kareem, in Magic's absence.
- Eventually, Magic basically forces Westhead out - as the two trade jabs in the press - leading to Buss firing Westhead mid-season, in November '81. During all of this, Magic is painted as the villain by the press/Lakers fans (he's apparently even booed at one point).
- Pat Riley is named the new head coach.
- The Lakers then go on to the win the champion that same season, in '82, wherein Magic is redeemed.
So, basically, across two basketball seasons, Magic becomes a villain of sorts, while, at the same time, we finally see the rise of Riley. Then, together, Magic and Riley go on to win the championship, becoming the Showtime Lakers of the '80s we know and love. Adrian Brody takes on more of a leading role, throw in the drama between Jeanie and the Buss brothers, and you've got yourself the makings of pretty great season of TV right there.
On a tangent but I love the rewatchables podcast with Simmons, Ryan and Fennessy. Just a great 1 -1.5 hour podcast breaking down a movie into several categories and I always find out something new.
Anyway, back to your post...I agree I can't see them drawing out the '81 season into 10 episodes and you can't have your Oscar winner as the assistant coach for two full seasons. I can't wait, it should be fantastic and maybe by then the SCOTUS will hear the Logo's lawsuit lol.