Twitter users are piping up about the HBO horse racing drama "Luck" that was renewed for a second season in January 2012. In the past, there have been horse racing dramas such as "Wildfire" that have captivated television audiences. However, "Luck" has an adult theme that includes horse racing and gambling.
From the star-studded cast to the deaths of two horses on the set, social media has plenty to say about how much they love--and hate--this show.
Luck under fire for horse deaths
The HBO homepage for "Luck" has an insightful discussion from professional jockey Chantal Sutherland. Sutherland's track speak segment may have been instigated by the public outrage over the deaths of two horses on the set.
According to a New Zealand's 3News.com, animal rights were quick to point out that the usual American Humane Association waiver that "no animals were harmed during the making of this show" was not aired.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Vice President Kathy Guillermo told Entertainment Weekly, "When we began to ask uncomfortable questions, they closed the door on us. We received an email this morning saying all this information is confidential and that they're doing all that they can to prevent injuries."
Despite HBO's rebuttal that it is making the show as safe as possible for the horses, social media sources show that some viewers are not impressed.
Bad "Luck" reviews focus on horses
When you search services like Twinitor.com to check the temperature from viewers, you will see lots of reposted links saying, "nobody is watching HBO's Luck." Instead, the article these users linked details that a large number of viewers are tuning in.
Primarily, all of the poor reviews for the show are associated to the death of the two horses. Tweets include, "Reports of horses dying on set were a bit of a turnoff", and, "It's nuts. I started watching Luck on HBO and that whole horse world is insane. Hope they didn't shoot any of them after that."
GetGlue and Twitter uses approve of "Luck"
For every tweet concerned about the welfare of the horses, it seems like there is another one declaring it the best show on Earth. At GetGlue.com, fans are posting about the show saying, "I love everything about this show: the actors, their characters, the photography, the writing, the story and, oh, those beautiful, beautiful horses!"
Others repeat a common theme saying, "#Luck is one of the best HBO shows I have ever seen. Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Farina and Nick Nolte in the same show? Amazing!"
Getting into horse racing lingo
If you are like one GetGlued user, you might say, "I'm having trouble grasping all the gambling terms.... and I hate it that horses have been killed in filming.... but still have to watch."
On the Facebook page for "Luck", viewer George Trueman also says, "This show is so damn difficult to follow!..How about those of us that has never been to a horse track??....Terrific acting and great actors, but the show needs more explanation so it can be understood."
This sentiment that "Luck" has confusing terms to horse racing newcomers is backed up by a Twitter user that says, "I'm totally hooked on @HBO Luck. And I'm only on episode 2. Very intriguing story. 1st 2 episodes good crash course in horse racing lingo."
Luck fans on the fence
For many "Luck" fans, they are still deciding if they love or hate the show. Matt Donnell, a writer for Penn and Teller, was quick to add a vaguely funny quip by saying, "Caught up on HBO's Luck. It is methadone for the suicidal. Characters who might off themselves talk to characters who should. #HORSES!"
Over at GetGlue, viewers are torn between two sides saying, "Now that I've gotten a better grip on the story I'm really liking this show. I do hate seeing the horses get hurt though."
Other middle of the road comments include, "I'm liking HBO's "Luck," but I can't exactly say why. It moves pretty slow."
If you have not seen the latest broadcast, you can catch the full episodes at their homepage with an HBOGO subscription.
More from this Contributor:
Top 10 2012 TV Horse Racing Dates Smartphones and New Horse Racing LawsThe Kentucky Derby's Confusing Gambling Options
Multi-Million Dollar 2012 Horse Racing Dates
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Maryam Louise is a longtime resident of the Bluegrass State and has lived in the shadows of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky over the past two decades. In addition to being a fan of horse racing, she has also had a chance to get to know jockeys, horse groomers, and betting clerks as an ESL instructor. Currently, she writes for KentuckyDerby.org and relies on her friends in the multiple facets of the equine industry for writing inspiration.
