This is a review, of sorts, of the series Fishing With John. I suppose it doesn’t really serve as a review, so much as a recommendation. But be cautious. It’s not for everyone.

Oddball renaissance man John Lurie, the feckless fisherman of title, guides the likes of Willem Dafoe, Dennis Hopper, Tom Waits, Jim Jarmusch, and Matt Dillon on ill-fated, but strange and comical fishing expeditions. From New York to Jamaica to Thailand.

Lurie, beyond his fishing aspirations, is the frontman of The Lounge Lizards, scores films, acts, directs, produces, and paints. The music and films are often critically acclaimed, and often excellent. The paintings, while not to my taste, have fun titles such as: I am a bear. You are an asshole. God is God; Harry didn’t want to say anything, but the appearance of Jesus was ruining his vacation; and If you make me go out I will dance like this.

Few fish are caught throughout the series, but Lurie does catch sight of the value of the footage - just between cerebral and goofy. The production value isn’t spectactular, and there are plenty of stretches of silence and a few presumably inside jokes. Also note the episodes are all about 15 years old. You’ll love it or hate it, so be forwarned. No apologies shall be forthcoming.