This episode only really provided a few surprises for me. For the most part, it filled in some blurry spots (but ones we could have guessed).
Here is what we kind of already knew:
1) There have been lots of suspicions that John Locke would be revived or resurrected when he returned the island. Not sure if this is because he is some sort of chosen one by the island, so it revives him. We have seen it happen, sort of, to Christian Shepherd. But we have also seen Locke healed numerous times, from being paralyzed to falling and cracking bones to a receiving a gun shot wound. It doesn't completely shock me to see him alive (especially after the promo last week for this episode).
2) Locke's visits to the O6 (give or take). Everyone is surprised to see him, but no one is really shocked. Sayid is just kind of "whatever" about it. Hurley is convinced he is crazy, again (he never has been crazy, right?). Kate is firm but over it. Jack is angry.
3) Walt does need to return to the island, like the rest. It was nice to see Walt, but we knew we would because Walt told Hurley last season that Jeremy Benthem had been to see him, too. However, something must have upset him that he would then fly to Santa Rosa visit Hurley. I am still really hoping that Walt was somehow on that flight in coach.
New things revealed:
1) Abbadon DOES work for Widmore. There has been speculation about that. I am so glad that Hurley yelled at Locke for trusting him. Locke recognizes him from the hospital and goes with him anyway. I find it quite creepy. I am glad that Abbadon acknowledged that Locke recognized him. What is also new is that Ben kills Abbadon, but I don't think that Ben was trying to kill Locke at that time.
2) Locke kept his promise to Jin and didn't visit Sun. Nor did he send Ben to do his dirty work. Ben came up with that on his own.
3) Widmore remembers Locke from 50 years previous, while it has been only 4 days for Locke. This was a fun meet-up. Widmore reveals that Ben is, of course, the bad guy. That Widmore was forced to leave the island by Ben and he has never gotten back. I can see why Locke would choose to believe Widmore over Ben, given their awful history. But I just wish Locke would step up and stop listening to anyone else. If he is truly the chosen one, he should manage to get the job done on his own.
4) There is a war coming. Widmore tells this to Locke. I found this to be interesting, and while not completely shocking, a kind of interesting revelation as Widmore told Locke that being on the Island would keep him out of the war. You would think being on the island would put one smack dab in the middle of such war.
5) Ben kills Locke, but only after talking him out of killing himself. Why bother? This was certainly a disturbing but not surprising turn of events. It was really actually quite sad. Watching Locke trying to kill himself (and about to succeed) was just really sad. But it was a huge (scary) step of faith he was willing to take. Locke is often compared to Jesus lately, so who does that make Ben?
Some questions:
1) Which island are the Ajira flight survivors on? What is the room/office where Cesar is set up?
2) Why did some of the O6 flash back to wherever Jin is and some crash in the plane. We know Lapidis crashed in the plane and another woman (probably Sun) because they took off.
3) Why did Ben decide to kill Locke himself only after Locke mentioned Eloise Hawking. What about this knowledge meant that Locke needed to be die. I have a theory but I am still wrapping my head around it and working it out.
4) Except for Juliet, the Others don't move with the flashes. So I can believe Ben wouldn't have. He was all beat up, but that may have been partially from the crash as he was beat up so bad when they took off. What is going to happen next?
5) Locke realized who Christian's son was on his own. It was this revelation that got Jack on a plane (the one before the bridge-jumping experience where he found the obit for Jeremy Benthem)
Other thoughts:
I am glad the writers didn't spend more than one episode on the Jeremy Benthem visits. It would have been too drawn out. I like how Locke is so completely truthful to this Ajira crash crew, and he is just so matter-of-fact about dying, wearing those clothes to be buried, being killed by Ben. His faith is confirmed so he isn't really afraid of anything.
The conversation between Kate and Locke was sad. He realized how he screwed up the one thing he loved in life: his relationship with Helen. And Kate was rather mean to him about it. But it turns out Helen is dead. Locke has a number of regrets about Helen and he shares them here. His obsession with his dad was NEVER worth that loss and he knows it now.
I had a dream about Lost last night. In it, the Losties all flash-jumped to the 40s and were fighting in the war. And Ben was a big ol' Nazi. Then they jumped again and they were in Star Wars. They were all wearing robes and fighting with light sabers. Do you think either of these have any merit as theories...?
I wondered to my husband last night if maybe current Ben is responsible for 50-years-ago Widmore leaving the island. He might have trusted him back then, because Ben would have been a long-time resident of the island and we know he is quite the manipulator. The age difference makes one wonder when a younger Ben would have eliminated Widmore from the island, otherwise.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Someone please explain this to me
A.R. Rahman wrote an amazing score, as well as some perfect stand-alone songs for Slumdog Millionaire. He deservedly took home the Oscar for Best Song for Jai Ho (although I prefer O...Saya, also nominated).
Now here it the part I don't understand: Why, the very day after it earned this prestigious award, did we sully it with a remix. Okay, so Rahman wants a more commercialized release, so he agrees to do a remix with an American singer. Understandable. With the level of attention this film is getting, there are some pretty amazing singers he could get to sing in his remix.
But instead, we get Nichole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. Maybe I am being mean, but I just don't like PCD and don't think this remix adds anything to an already-great song. Check it out here:
Now here it the part I don't understand: Why, the very day after it earned this prestigious award, did we sully it with a remix. Okay, so Rahman wants a more commercialized release, so he agrees to do a remix with an American singer. Understandable. With the level of attention this film is getting, there are some pretty amazing singers he could get to sing in his remix.
But instead, we get Nichole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. Maybe I am being mean, but I just don't like PCD and don't think this remix adds anything to an already-great song. Check it out here:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
DWTS: Not again!
Once again, this season I decided not to watch Dancing with the Stars. It just can't compare to So You Think You Can Dance, both on levels of talent (the pros are great, but the stars are not so great) and entertainment value. And once again, the season has sucked me. More and more this is due to the pros being snatched up from the SYTYCD alumni. Previously, Lacey Schwimmer (season 3 of SYTYCD) was brought on to dance with Lance Bass and this season is set to dance with Steve-O (who I am actually interested to see now that he has cleaned himself up).
This season, two new SYTYCDancers ahve been added:
Dmitry Chaplin, (season 2), who will be dancing with singer Jewel. I wonder if he will rip open his shirt much??
Chelsie Hightower, season 4, who will be dancing with rodeo star Ty Murray (who also happens to be Jewel's fiance)
Looks like I am sucked back in!
This season, two new SYTYCDancers ahve been added:
Dmitry Chaplin, (season 2), who will be dancing with singer Jewel. I wonder if he will rip open his shirt much??
Chelsie Hightower, season 4, who will be dancing with rodeo star Ty Murray (who also happens to be Jewel's fiance)
Looks like I am sucked back in!
LOST: 316
Just a warning: I expect this post to be very scatter-brained, and it probably won't make a lot of sense.
I managed to watch about 30 seconds of this episode before I forced myself to turn it off and wait for my husband. He would never forgive me for watching it without him. But, needless to say, I was freaking out after seeing Jack wake up in a jungle. So I was so upset when Sean got off work late, didn't get home till late, and then we had technical problems and had to wait till 11 pm to get it watched. But it was well worth the wait.
Here are some of my thoughts and questions from this episode. (I watched it twice so I could be sure I didn't miss anything, but I am sure I did, nonetheless)
- We already know that Sayid and Hurley have no interest in being involved with Ben in this attempt to return to the island (although, I think both of them might feel somewhat compelled to return without his help). So who (or what) got to them to make them get there? I am guessing the same person got to Kate because I can't imagine anything that would make her give up Aaron (which seems to be the case??) and follow Jack to the island. And, let's face it: It isn't Ben. He was too busy taking care of his "promise" to deal with getting them all on board. And there is also the fact that Hurley didn't know he would be there.
- Did anyone else find the sudden rekindling of the Jack/Kate romance quite desperate. Both for the two of them, and for the story? I didn't think it fit.
- Two questions about Hurley. Why the guitar (It clearly has some meaning regarding Charlie, but I don't know what it is. Oh wait! Maybe Charlie visited him and that is what made him rush to the airport?)? The second question is about the seats he bought up. The flight is quite packed back in coach, so I am just guessing that he bought up all the remaining seats on the flight, so no more people would be allowed on. I was just a little confused on that. I love that he wanted to keep those people from getting on the plane.
- Speaking of Ben's promise was this him fulfilling (or trying to fulfill) his promise to kill Penny? He was at a marina. But who beat the crap out of him? I am hoping it was Desmond or maybe Penny herself. Did you notice not one person was curious about his beaten state when he got on the plane, not even his new best friend Jack?
- And as for Jack & Ben, I think their relationship is funny. Why would Jack as Ben, of all people, if he was responsible for Locke's death? And why does Ben tell him what he wants to hear (kind of fatherly, actually)? Also, I was amused that Ben seems quite jealous of the one-on-one time that Jack had with Mrs. Hawking.
- Of course, then Jack opens this suicide note and it is a letter of blame to Jack. Come on, Locke. That was just mean! But I am guessing Locke either killed himself because he knew he had to, or he had a hand in it... Did John even write that letter to Jack? Or is this something Ben is involved in. He has his hand in everything else.
- It is interesting that John's body will substitute for Christian's on the plane. It seems that Jack is trying desperately to embrace all the crazy talk (and not be a Doubting Thomas, which as an interesting analogy that Ben used for Jack not believing)
- Sayid has a police escort. What happened here and how did he manage to board this particular flight? And why did Sayid where another one of those low-cut black tank top/undershirts to the island? To recreate his first trip? I think the island would have found him anyway...
- The Losties returning to the island didn't crash this time, but flashed. Right into the time period where Jin is. This seems a little too lucky, so I am guessing that they are subject to the same time-jumps as those that are left on the island.
- But where are the other people from the plane? Sayid? Sun? Frank? The new guy and girl that were in first class? What happened there?
My favorite quotes:
Ben: "Who cares?", when Jack asks what will happen to all the other passengers on the plane
Jack: "How can you read?"
Ben: "My mother taught me."
Frank: "We're not going to Guam, are we?"
And now, next week, when all I want is to see what happens next, we get the Locke episode. You know, the one we have been waiting for. The one that explains everything he did after he left the island. The highly anticipated explanation. But all I want is to see what is happening on the island now that the O6 are back...
I managed to watch about 30 seconds of this episode before I forced myself to turn it off and wait for my husband. He would never forgive me for watching it without him. But, needless to say, I was freaking out after seeing Jack wake up in a jungle. So I was so upset when Sean got off work late, didn't get home till late, and then we had technical problems and had to wait till 11 pm to get it watched. But it was well worth the wait.
Here are some of my thoughts and questions from this episode. (I watched it twice so I could be sure I didn't miss anything, but I am sure I did, nonetheless)
- We already know that Sayid and Hurley have no interest in being involved with Ben in this attempt to return to the island (although, I think both of them might feel somewhat compelled to return without his help). So who (or what) got to them to make them get there? I am guessing the same person got to Kate because I can't imagine anything that would make her give up Aaron (which seems to be the case??) and follow Jack to the island. And, let's face it: It isn't Ben. He was too busy taking care of his "promise" to deal with getting them all on board. And there is also the fact that Hurley didn't know he would be there.
- Did anyone else find the sudden rekindling of the Jack/Kate romance quite desperate. Both for the two of them, and for the story? I didn't think it fit.
- Two questions about Hurley. Why the guitar (It clearly has some meaning regarding Charlie, but I don't know what it is. Oh wait! Maybe Charlie visited him and that is what made him rush to the airport?)? The second question is about the seats he bought up. The flight is quite packed back in coach, so I am just guessing that he bought up all the remaining seats on the flight, so no more people would be allowed on. I was just a little confused on that. I love that he wanted to keep those people from getting on the plane.
- Speaking of Ben's promise was this him fulfilling (or trying to fulfill) his promise to kill Penny? He was at a marina. But who beat the crap out of him? I am hoping it was Desmond or maybe Penny herself. Did you notice not one person was curious about his beaten state when he got on the plane, not even his new best friend Jack?
- And as for Jack & Ben, I think their relationship is funny. Why would Jack as Ben, of all people, if he was responsible for Locke's death? And why does Ben tell him what he wants to hear (kind of fatherly, actually)? Also, I was amused that Ben seems quite jealous of the one-on-one time that Jack had with Mrs. Hawking.
- Of course, then Jack opens this suicide note and it is a letter of blame to Jack. Come on, Locke. That was just mean! But I am guessing Locke either killed himself because he knew he had to, or he had a hand in it... Did John even write that letter to Jack? Or is this something Ben is involved in. He has his hand in everything else.
- It is interesting that John's body will substitute for Christian's on the plane. It seems that Jack is trying desperately to embrace all the crazy talk (and not be a Doubting Thomas, which as an interesting analogy that Ben used for Jack not believing)
- Sayid has a police escort. What happened here and how did he manage to board this particular flight? And why did Sayid where another one of those low-cut black tank top/undershirts to the island? To recreate his first trip? I think the island would have found him anyway...
- The Losties returning to the island didn't crash this time, but flashed. Right into the time period where Jin is. This seems a little too lucky, so I am guessing that they are subject to the same time-jumps as those that are left on the island.
- But where are the other people from the plane? Sayid? Sun? Frank? The new guy and girl that were in first class? What happened there?
My favorite quotes:
Ben: "Who cares?", when Jack asks what will happen to all the other passengers on the plane
Jack: "How can you read?"
Ben: "My mother taught me."
Frank: "We're not going to Guam, are we?"
And now, next week, when all I want is to see what happens next, we get the Locke episode. You know, the one we have been waiting for. The one that explains everything he did after he left the island. The highly anticipated explanation. But all I want is to see what is happening on the island now that the O6 are back...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Run by Leona Lewis
I am trying to figure out how I feel about Leona Lewis' version of the song Run. You must understand that I adore the original by Snow Patrol, and it is one of my favorite (if not number one) songs on their albums. Leona is certainly talented, and more mainstream than Snow Patrol. But she kind of divas up the song. The video is pretty, as is Leona. I don't think I have made up my mind. I definitely prefer the SP version, but I guess her version is pretty enough. What do you say?
Watch the Leona Lewis version here.
Run by Snow Patrol
By the way, I do realize that Lewis did not just release this song and it has been out for a while. But as of late I have seen the video a lot and it just spurred me on to post.
Watch the Leona Lewis version here.
Run by Snow Patrol
By the way, I do realize that Lewis did not just release this song and it has been out for a while. But as of late I have seen the video a lot and it just spurred me on to post.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Best Scripted TV Show on Hulu - Thoughts?
For the past several months, I have been on a panel over at The Hulu Review that has the task and privilege of choosing the top shows on Hulu, spread over a number of categories. While I intended to post about it sooner, I have yet to write anything on my blog about it. This week, we vote for Best Television Show. Keep in mind this is not Best Television Show Ever, but just the best of the series that are on Hulu. Of course, Hulu carries some of the best, so it is a tough decision this week. Keep in mind that the panelists are given freedom to choose the "best" using any method they choose. It is completely up to the panelists. Here are my opinions on the final 6 nominees for Best Television Show.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents - I am not knocking ol' Hitchcock, but he just ain't my TV cup of tea. The other five shows are ones I like a LOT more.
Arrested Development - This is one of my all-time favorite shows. And it literally never gets old. I can watch it regularly and when I finish season 3, I just pop season 1 back in the DVD player. It is unlike anything else I have seen on TV; the writing and acting are beyond amazing. And it is just hilarious. I probably quote Arrested Development more than any other show this is or ever was on. I would say it is too bad that it didn't last longer, but I like a show that can go out on a high note. And we can always be left wanting a little more.
Battlestar Galactica - Battlestar Galactica is a prime example of a genre that people are scared of (sci-fi)only to discover that it deals with very human, prevalent issues and relationships. Yes, there are giant robots and the human population lives in space, but what makes this show is the people. Their stories. How the interact. Of course, I really enjoy the space/robots part of it, too. But I think people are missing out on one of the best shows around. One can hope that it gains popularity on DVD after the series finishes in the coming months. *tear*
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - I hopped on the Buffy bandwagon a little late. I think it was during Season 6 when I started watching reruns from the beginning in syndication. I caught all the way up and then finished out the series on UPN. I truly think Joss Whedon is a genius, but I can see why Buffy doesn't have as universal appeal as some other shows, especially ones that are considered to be "sci-fi."
Chuck - I am huge Chuck fan (you can read about my days working on set here). I love the geek-spy combo. Zach Levi is perfect in the role (if you can accept how geeky he is really supposed to be). I think it reaches a wider audience and has a broader appeal than the other shows on the list. But I don't think I can name it my top. Yes, it is can't miss for me, but other shows on this list always will beat it out.
Friday Night Lights - Emily turned me on to FNL after Season 1. I had not been interested, even though I had heard the critical chatter, because it didn't appear to be doing all that well, in any time slot. The summer before the second season, I caught all the way up. I have even gotten my husband addicted. Fans rejoiced at getting a third season, which has been as amazing as the first. I literally cry every single episode, and after watching always find myself exclaiming how amazing the acting is, and how well the characters are portrayed by the actors.
My decision really comes down to Arrested Development, Battlestar Galactica, and Friday Night Lights, three shows that could not be more different (except for excellent writing, great execution, and the lack of the audience they deserve). Decision still being made...
How would you vote?
Alfred Hitchcock Presents - I am not knocking ol' Hitchcock, but he just ain't my TV cup of tea. The other five shows are ones I like a LOT more.
Arrested Development - This is one of my all-time favorite shows. And it literally never gets old. I can watch it regularly and when I finish season 3, I just pop season 1 back in the DVD player. It is unlike anything else I have seen on TV; the writing and acting are beyond amazing. And it is just hilarious. I probably quote Arrested Development more than any other show this is or ever was on. I would say it is too bad that it didn't last longer, but I like a show that can go out on a high note. And we can always be left wanting a little more.
Battlestar Galactica - Battlestar Galactica is a prime example of a genre that people are scared of (sci-fi)only to discover that it deals with very human, prevalent issues and relationships. Yes, there are giant robots and the human population lives in space, but what makes this show is the people. Their stories. How the interact. Of course, I really enjoy the space/robots part of it, too. But I think people are missing out on one of the best shows around. One can hope that it gains popularity on DVD after the series finishes in the coming months. *tear*
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - I hopped on the Buffy bandwagon a little late. I think it was during Season 6 when I started watching reruns from the beginning in syndication. I caught all the way up and then finished out the series on UPN. I truly think Joss Whedon is a genius, but I can see why Buffy doesn't have as universal appeal as some other shows, especially ones that are considered to be "sci-fi."
Chuck - I am huge Chuck fan (you can read about my days working on set here). I love the geek-spy combo. Zach Levi is perfect in the role (if you can accept how geeky he is really supposed to be). I think it reaches a wider audience and has a broader appeal than the other shows on the list. But I don't think I can name it my top. Yes, it is can't miss for me, but other shows on this list always will beat it out.
Friday Night Lights - Emily turned me on to FNL after Season 1. I had not been interested, even though I had heard the critical chatter, because it didn't appear to be doing all that well, in any time slot. The summer before the second season, I caught all the way up. I have even gotten my husband addicted. Fans rejoiced at getting a third season, which has been as amazing as the first. I literally cry every single episode, and after watching always find myself exclaiming how amazing the acting is, and how well the characters are portrayed by the actors.
My decision really comes down to Arrested Development, Battlestar Galactica, and Friday Night Lights, three shows that could not be more different (except for excellent writing, great execution, and the lack of the audience they deserve). Decision still being made...
How would you vote?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"Bright" Outlook for NBC's Parks and Recreation
My interest was sparked in NBC's new comedy Parks and Recreation just because it is Amy Poehler. From the creators of The Office. And Rashida Jones is cool. But the news today that Chris Pratt, aka Bright Abbott from Everwood will be joining the cast solidifies its place on my viewing schedule! Loved him as Bright. Loved him as Che on The OC. He was such a creep in Wanted. Can. Not. Wait.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Some TV discussion: Lost, BSG, and Chuck
OK, so I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. I think I should be forgiven as I have been adjusting after a move to a different continent. :) But I plan to try to catch back up! Let's do a small catch up now! SUPER SPOILER ALERT!!!
LOST, "The Little Prince" - I don't even know what to say about Lost. I realize that a lot of fans are confused this season. I won't say there aren't confusing parts, but I am all about being confused. I still have full faith in the writers that things will be explained at a later date. Last night's episode was so amazing to me. I loved it. Sawyer got to see Kate again. While it hadn't exactly been addressed, we knew the time traveling crew was bound to show up at the time the Losties were on the beach. Sean guessed as soon as he saw the light. Creepy! But I love where this is going with Sawyer, and more character development.
And then Jin. JIN JIN JIN JIN!! I knew he wasn't dead. I just knew it but I am glad to see he is alive and saved by a young pregnant Rousseau. While I guessed that Rousseau was in the boat as soon as I heard the french, I did not see it coming that Jin was on the floating piece of wood...
Jack & Kate are reunited. Ben has confessed to going after Aaron, but I am guessing it is just a ploy to get them back to the island. I had wondered if that blood sample stuff was Ben's doing. And then I suspected Sun. And then for a split second we thought it was Claire's mom. Jack almost spilled all the beans. Conveniently, all the O6, except Hurley, are sitting at the marina. I am really excited to see where this is going. Shew! This was a great episode, but more than that, I think it set us up for what this time travel stuff entails.
Battlestar Galactica - No matter what you might say about Battlestar Galactica, you can't say that they are afraid to go to dark places. The first two episodes of the season were probably the most depressing and hopeless of the series thus far. After discovering a destroyed and unlivable earth, the fleet is in chaos, chomping at the bit for new leadership and new hope. I have been frustrated with Gaeta, who still seems to be trying to make up for the fact that he worked for Baltar and the Cylons while on New Caprica. Yes, he was feeding information to the revolutionaries in the fleet, but still, he was working for them! And then he stabbed Balter with a pen. And, seriously, I think I prefer Baltar over Gaeta right now. I am sure he thinks he is doing the right thing, but I don't think aligning with Zarek and mutiny is the answer. In the meantime, we got down to business in the third episode, "The Oath." Our favorite Galactica crew is coming together to fight against the upheaval. I don't care if you are human or Cylon. You don't let someone kill Admiral Adama! And I love seeing Starbuck and Apollo in on the action. I am just WAITING for someone to break open that brig and then it is on. Gaeta and Zarek don't really have a chance. Looking forward to tomorrow's episode!
Chuck vs the Third Dimension - I didn't get to watch this with a pair of 3D glasses, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. Plus, who isn't glad our favorite loveable nerd is back? It was too long of a break.
I have a special interest in this episode, as I worked as an extra in several of the scenes. It was only my second or third gig and I was SO pumped when I booked it. I worked it for two days and the second day I was there for like 13 hours and was completely exhausted and sweaty mess by the end, but it was so worth it! On top of that, I made some fun friends in the process.
When I got to set, I didn't know that Tony Hale (Emmett) or Dominic Monaghan (Tyler Martin) would be there. I had heard Hale had joined the cast but had forgotten, and at the time, he had not appeared in any televised episodes. I am a big Arrested Development fan, and it was fun to see Buster in person. And then I saw Dominic Monaghan and was ecstatic. I love him as Charlie in Lost (RIP) and it was a real hoot. In addition, I saw Chuck, Sarah, Casey, and most of the Buy More staff. As a HUGE Chuck fan, this was all a real treat.
Dom Monaghan was really hilarious in person, acting quite silly when in character and doing a small bit of ad-libbing each time. I think comedy suits him. There was also a perfectly timed rendition of "You All Everybody" by Zach Levi. Just love him all the more for being a LOST fan!
Well, those are the only shows I am all caught up with.
LOST, "The Little Prince" - I don't even know what to say about Lost. I realize that a lot of fans are confused this season. I won't say there aren't confusing parts, but I am all about being confused. I still have full faith in the writers that things will be explained at a later date. Last night's episode was so amazing to me. I loved it. Sawyer got to see Kate again. While it hadn't exactly been addressed, we knew the time traveling crew was bound to show up at the time the Losties were on the beach. Sean guessed as soon as he saw the light. Creepy! But I love where this is going with Sawyer, and more character development.
And then Jin. JIN JIN JIN JIN!! I knew he wasn't dead. I just knew it but I am glad to see he is alive and saved by a young pregnant Rousseau. While I guessed that Rousseau was in the boat as soon as I heard the french, I did not see it coming that Jin was on the floating piece of wood...
Jack & Kate are reunited. Ben has confessed to going after Aaron, but I am guessing it is just a ploy to get them back to the island. I had wondered if that blood sample stuff was Ben's doing. And then I suspected Sun. And then for a split second we thought it was Claire's mom. Jack almost spilled all the beans. Conveniently, all the O6, except Hurley, are sitting at the marina. I am really excited to see where this is going. Shew! This was a great episode, but more than that, I think it set us up for what this time travel stuff entails.
Battlestar Galactica - No matter what you might say about Battlestar Galactica, you can't say that they are afraid to go to dark places. The first two episodes of the season were probably the most depressing and hopeless of the series thus far. After discovering a destroyed and unlivable earth, the fleet is in chaos, chomping at the bit for new leadership and new hope. I have been frustrated with Gaeta, who still seems to be trying to make up for the fact that he worked for Baltar and the Cylons while on New Caprica. Yes, he was feeding information to the revolutionaries in the fleet, but still, he was working for them! And then he stabbed Balter with a pen. And, seriously, I think I prefer Baltar over Gaeta right now. I am sure he thinks he is doing the right thing, but I don't think aligning with Zarek and mutiny is the answer. In the meantime, we got down to business in the third episode, "The Oath." Our favorite Galactica crew is coming together to fight against the upheaval. I don't care if you are human or Cylon. You don't let someone kill Admiral Adama! And I love seeing Starbuck and Apollo in on the action. I am just WAITING for someone to break open that brig and then it is on. Gaeta and Zarek don't really have a chance. Looking forward to tomorrow's episode!
Chuck vs the Third Dimension - I didn't get to watch this with a pair of 3D glasses, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. Plus, who isn't glad our favorite loveable nerd is back? It was too long of a break.
I have a special interest in this episode, as I worked as an extra in several of the scenes. It was only my second or third gig and I was SO pumped when I booked it. I worked it for two days and the second day I was there for like 13 hours and was completely exhausted and sweaty mess by the end, but it was so worth it! On top of that, I made some fun friends in the process.
When I got to set, I didn't know that Tony Hale (Emmett) or Dominic Monaghan (Tyler Martin) would be there. I had heard Hale had joined the cast but had forgotten, and at the time, he had not appeared in any televised episodes. I am a big Arrested Development fan, and it was fun to see Buster in person. And then I saw Dominic Monaghan and was ecstatic. I love him as Charlie in Lost (RIP) and it was a real hoot. In addition, I saw Chuck, Sarah, Casey, and most of the Buy More staff. As a HUGE Chuck fan, this was all a real treat.
Dom Monaghan was really hilarious in person, acting quite silly when in character and doing a small bit of ad-libbing each time. I think comedy suits him. There was also a perfectly timed rendition of "You All Everybody" by Zach Levi. Just love him all the more for being a LOST fan!
Well, those are the only shows I am all caught up with.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Some Random Thoughts
First off, I leave today to go out of the country. I am excited and terrified. I am not sure how it will affect my blog-posting. I'll let you know once I get there and find out what kind of internet connection I have.
Next up, East of Eden. Hollywood has decided to do another remake. For starters, let me say that East of Eden is one of my favorite all-time books. I know most people prefer Steinbeck's bleak Grapes of Wrath, but pitiful Cal wins my affection every time. The story is heartbreaking, and I guess I just can't resist it. But is a remake necessary? Will they ruin it? Can someone possibly step into the shoes of James Dean as Cal? The person writing the screenplay (Christopher Hampton) is the same guy that adapted Atonement, so there is a check in the "positives" column. And having read the book, there is a lot more that could be put into a movie nowadays that would have been censored out in the 1950's. We'll have to see. I will await casting before I cast any further judgment.
Speaking of remakes, there will now be a remake of The Karate Kid. Ugh... Jackie Chan will be Mr. Miyagi. I probably could have called that. But why oh why does Jaden Smith have to play the title character? And does it seem to anyone else that this all just seems like a bad (and annoying) idea?
Arrested Development, The Movie is put on hold, again. It seems the writers want to wait and see if they can get Michael Cera to sign on before they write the screenplay. I say, pay him what he wants because the Bluth family isn't complete without our sweet innocent George Michael.
I just got the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. It is great so far. More to come on that later!
Next up, East of Eden. Hollywood has decided to do another remake. For starters, let me say that East of Eden is one of my favorite all-time books. I know most people prefer Steinbeck's bleak Grapes of Wrath, but pitiful Cal wins my affection every time. The story is heartbreaking, and I guess I just can't resist it. But is a remake necessary? Will they ruin it? Can someone possibly step into the shoes of James Dean as Cal? The person writing the screenplay (Christopher Hampton) is the same guy that adapted Atonement, so there is a check in the "positives" column. And having read the book, there is a lot more that could be put into a movie nowadays that would have been censored out in the 1950's. We'll have to see. I will await casting before I cast any further judgment.
Speaking of remakes, there will now be a remake of The Karate Kid. Ugh... Jackie Chan will be Mr. Miyagi. I probably could have called that. But why oh why does Jaden Smith have to play the title character? And does it seem to anyone else that this all just seems like a bad (and annoying) idea?
Arrested Development, The Movie is put on hold, again. It seems the writers want to wait and see if they can get Michael Cera to sign on before they write the screenplay. I say, pay him what he wants because the Bluth family isn't complete without our sweet innocent George Michael.
I just got the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. It is great so far. More to come on that later!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Why I Am Watching The Bachelor Tonight
I haven't watched The Bachelor for several seasons, but I'll be watching tonight. Turns out I know one of the girls. She is an friend of my sister's from middle and high school. I knew her when she had braces. I'll let you know who after tonight's premiere!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Book: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
I'd never read anything by David Sedaris but his books of kooky memoirs had been recommended to me several times. I picked up Me Talk Pretty One Day at the library on a whim and flew right through it. To call it amusing is an understatement. It is no wonder Sedaris felt the need to write multiple books about his life. The things that have happened to him are so ridiculous that one wonders if he made some of them up. But the knowledge that they did indeed happen just makes the book all the more enjoyable.
Me Talk Pretty One Day tells stories mainly about the author growing up in an strange (to say the least) family, working odd jobs here and there, and acclimating to a new place and new language after relocating to France. While in and of themselves these things aren't entertaining, Sedaris' story-telling makes for great laughs. I read full chapters to my husband while lying in bed, both of us laughing ourselves to tears.
I can't really think of what else to say about this book. If you like funny and bizarre, check it out.
Friday, January 02, 2009
A Very Brady Christmas
Christmas was made complete by the pleasure of watching A Very Brady Christmas with Sean and my sister and her husband (both of whom had watched it the night before and wanted to watch it again). The AMAZING-ness of this made-for-TV movie is something that can not be explained. I should just tell you to watch it. But instead, I will make some pointed comments, and perhaps post a photo or a youtube video, so that you can enjoy this with me.
For starters, let's talk about the actors. Carol was exactly the same as she was in the series. Mike, however, had since come out of the closet and embraced his more flamboyant tendencies. This allowed for some rather awkward moments where the high level of discomfort during kissing scenes with Carol were very obvious. Greg, Peter, Marcia and Jan were pretty much what you would expect. Cindy was not the original actress (and, therefore, according to my sister, the only semi-good acting talent int he whole show). Bobby was back with reddish blond hair (which apparently is his natural color and it was dyed brown during the series), but he was looking a little worse for wear. Alice was back in all her annoying glory, but they brought in a new actor to play Sam.
Now to the story. First, we spend 20 minutes where Mike and Carol both decide to surprise the other with a big trip over Christmas. They are both planning it, realize that they are double-booking, and cancel the trips, only to decide that they would like to spend the money to bring all the children back home for Christmas.
OK, so let's focus for a moment on the fact that every one of the children has some life problem they are dealing with: Greg's wife wouldn't come home for Christmas because she wanted to be with her family, so he alone with their son; Peter is in a relationship with a woman who is his superior at work, and therefore has a hard time committing to her; Bobby wants to quit business school and become a race car driver instead, but will the family approve?; Marcia's husband got laid off from his job right before Christmas, and they decide to conceal it from the family; Jan and her husband Phillip are on the outs and ready to divorce, but they haven't told the family, so he comes along for Christmas anyway; Cindy realizes that her family still treats her like a child, and they don't ask her what she wants to do, but they tell her what to do. Alice comes back to the Brady household after Sam has left her for a younger woman who wants his help with her "rump roast" (because every joke about Sam has to be about his job as a butcher).
Shockingly, all of these issues are resolved over the course of about 10 minutes of air time over Christmas dinner. Greg's wife shows up because she missed him and the son; Peter and the girlfriend propose simultaneously; Bobby fesses up to his love for racing and the parents agree that he can try it out; Marcia's husband admits to losing his job, but Mike has already figured it out and helped him to get a new one; Jan and Phillip realize they want to be together after she covered him with a blanket in the middle of the night; Cindy confesses her anger about being treated like a child, and Sam shows up to apologize to Alice and ask her to come back, to which a stern finger-pointing and a "don't do that again" suffice for his cheating on her... Hmmm...
So that is good, right? Well, the story gets even more ridiculous and convoluted. I forgot to mention that earlier in the movie, Mike loses an architecture job because he is more concerned with safety and the client wants to go the cheap route. So during Christmas dinner, the phone rings. The former client has had a cave in at his work site. So who do you call in such emergencies? The former architect, of course! Mike goes into the building, which subsequently caves in. The two trapped security guards walk out unarmed, and thank goodness the extras given the job to act as EMTs know how to take a pulse. Because really, they take a pulse on the guys walking out and that is it. But wait! Oh no! Mike is stuck under a beam for hours. No emergency teams go into save him. The family just waits outside the yellow police tape. But let's remember back to an episode where Carol sang O Come All Ye Faithful at church one Christmas. So she stands and sings it at the police tape, and the crowd of onlookers all join in. Miraculously, Mike then walks out of the building. The singing saved him and gave him the strength (I guess...) to life the beam and come out. And Merry Christmas to all!!
Oh, I forgot to mention a couple of odd "grown up" Brady moments. Jan and Phillip and Marcia and Wally both have really awkward make-out sessions. I guess the grown-up Bradys have grown up moments, both good and bad.
I know I am really making fun of this movie, and it really deserves it. But I can't think of another movie in recent memory that is this bad and this good at the same time. I mean, look how much I wrote about it! I couldn't find a lot of pictures, so just watch this video to make up for it. About minute 6 is where it gets good!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Movie: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
I don't think I have babbled on much about Paul Newman on this blog. I love him. LOVE him. I was sad when he passed away this year, but not too sad as he lived a long and fulfilling life, was known for being a family man, and was an amazing actor. My mom bought me a collection of Tennessee Williams plays (he is one of my favorite playwrights) for Christmas. This jogged my memory that I really enjoyed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof when I watched it a while back, so I picked it up at the library to give it a good re-watching. Newman and Liz Taylor are breathtakingly gorgeous and the story itself breaks my heart. Let's review:
Brick (Paul Newman) and his wife Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor) are home at Brick's parents house, awaiting health news of his father (Big Daddy, played by Burl Ives) and preparing to celebrate his 65th birthday that evening. We soon discover that Brick and Maggie have a cold and unloving relationship. She is manipulative and he is an alcoholic. Through the course of the evening, it is revealed that Big Daddy is dying of cancer. Much time is spent arguing between Maggie and sister-in-law Mae about who will inherit the thousands of acres of successful cotton farm and the $10 million that Big Daddy is worth. In the meantime, Big Daddy and Brick have it out about why he is an alcoholic and why he won't sleep with his wife Maggie. Amazingly, all problems are resolved through a good bit of yelling and crying.
Brick - Apparently, Paul Newman (and Liz Taylor) were on the brink of super-stardom at the time they shot this film. This film was the vehicle that catapulted them both forward. It was a very mature role for Newman to be playing. He was amazing. His anger and bitterness and shame weren't enough to hide how beautiful he is to look at, but it was enough to believe it anyway.
Maggie - This kind of acting doesn't really exist anymore. Women don't do this over the top Southern thing like they used to (see Vivien Leigh...), but at the time it was considered top notch acting. And I am pretty sure Elizabeth Taylor nailed it (but I can't properly judge since I don't see it enough to know). Even though she is rather manipulative, both with Brick and with Big Daddy (for his money), you just feel sorry for her. She has a horrible marriage, she is poor and lonely.
I discovered after this second viewing that Tennessee Williams was very unhappy with this production and that it veered wildly from the original play (some parts were censored, and some just changed). So I sat down with my new book to see the difference. I have to say it was quite different. In the movie, Brick blames himself for the death of a close friend, Skipper, who he incorrectly believes to have had an affair with Maggie. The truth comes out that she was faithful and Brick was able to realize he had taken out his grief on her, when he was really disgusted with himself for the suicide. Conversely, in the book, while Brick does blame himself for Skipper's death, there is a whole gay layer to the relationship. It is quite clear that Skipper was in love with Brick, so he does sleep with Maggie to prove he is not in love with Brick. When this doesn't work, he kills himself. The question is whether Brick felt the same, and it seems he did but wouldn't admit it.
In the movie, things are tied up nice and neat. Brick lets Big Daddy have it by telling him he never loved any of his children or his wife. So Big Daddy acts nice to everyone, like he learned his lesson. Big Daddy asks alcoholic Brick if he wants and drink, and he says no. Maggie lies to the family and says she is pregnant (which can not be since they sleep separately), so Brick decides he is done with the deceit and moves to the bed, where things are all patched up. It was a nice ending, but certainly not how Williams wrote it. He wrote stuff that was more real and human than that.
The play ends with more manipulating, lying and deceiving. Big Daddy isn't any nicer to anyone, Maggie seduces Brick, but mainly because he is so pumped full of alcohol he doesn't have a choice.
OK I am clearly analyzing this stuff a lot. But I just spent 3 days watching the movie and reading the book. I am kind of saturated with it. If you don't mind (or care) that the movie deviates so much from the play, then watch it. The acting is great (some of the characters are extremely annoying: Mae, Big Mama, the children, but that is how they are written). Did I mention that Paul Newman is gorgeous??
Happy New Year!!
So it is officially 2009! I don't have any resolutions this year. I don't usually make them, so why start now? Maybe I should make a resolution to make more resolutions? Nah... What to you hope to accomplish this year?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus (yes, that is where Christmas originated: shocking!! :), I love spending time with family, eating a bunch of yummy treats, opening gifts, listening to holiday music, and seeing Christmas decor (which is seriously lacking in Los Angeles, especially Christmas lights).
The big news this Christmas is that my sister had her baby yesterday! I now have 11 (see above) nieces and nephews (and only one of those is from Sean's side of the family). I have never been in town when one of my sisters delivered, so I am very excited to say that I was in the room when Bennett Robert Gudalis was born. On Tuesday night is when part of my family was opening gifts, so we left food and gifts unwrapped to rush her to the hospital. Congrats to Brian and Jenna! He is adorable. Click here for some pics. (Forgive my greasy hair in this pic as I had just gotten rained on.)
Now for some of my favorite Christmas songs:
Mary Did You Know by Michael English (this is my favorite version but PLEASE forgive the beginning of this video--I don't get it...)
Last Christmas by Wham
Light a Candle by Avalon
All I Want for Christmas by Maria Carey
Unfortunately, the joy of Christmas does not always extend into holiday travel. The airport was packed, the weather was freezing (once I got to Louisville, it was 8 degrees...), and one of my bags didn't make it. So I wore the same jeans and socks for three days. I had two shirts with me so I've been trading off. How is it that all my underwear was in the missing bag and all Sean's was in the bag that made it without a problem? Good news: The bag with the gifts got here in time. All else can be remedied (but I should prepare for the fact that frightening photos were taken while my makeup bag was also in the missing luggage. I didn't see that bag for 3 full days after I landed.
In other news, what could make such air travel worth it? Celeb spotting at the airport, of course. I saw Ryan Gosling and knew it was him immediately. I never ask for photos but I was just standing there and a couple girls walked up to him. He was so nice. So when he walked right next to me, I had to ask for a photo. He was so gracious and sweet. He even asked me my name and said "nice to meet you." My husband took the picture so I think that knocks me down one point on the loser scale (as in, less loser-y).
So... MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS! May you remember the reason for the season.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Book: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Reading books that take place in India is certainly giving me some insight. However, I am not sure The White Tiger, while entertaining and educating, does much to prepare me for my trip. The reason is that it is about the castes, from which the poor can't really escape. It is a very interesting commentary on what it takes for a servant from a very poor family to rise up and find financial success and freedom.
The White Tiger (aka Balram Halwai) is so named because he is the type that comes along once in a lifetime. His story is presented via letters he writes to the President of China over the course of a week. He writes these letters to prepare the president for a trip to India, and to tell him how things really are.
Balram is a driver for a wealthy businessman, whose main job is bribing city and country officials. He reveals early in his letters that he is currently a successful Indian entrepreneur and that he progressed so far through committing murder and theft. The reader waits through the story to find out how the murder comes to be, and what steps lead Balram to such an act. He points out that the caste system is what he calls a Rooster Coop, meaning that the roosters could easily fly away instead of being killed, but they just stand and wait their turn. And the Indian servants just take all the poor treatment, poor pay, and complete disrespect without a word. Balram is so different from others because he decides not to settle for the status quo.
Unfortunately, I don't feel like Adiga made Balram very appealing as a protagonist. And his boss Ashok is not so horrible as the antagonist (aside from one really horrible thing he does to Balram). So I didn't necessarily find myself rooting for Balram. But the story is more just a commentary on the status of India, the caste system, the mistreatment of people, the corruption of the government, etc. And it was really interesting to read.
From reading other reviews, I am not sure I loved this as much as other readers did. Maybe I am not the target audience. But it was an enjoyable read, nonetheless.
Monday, December 15, 2008
NEW TRAILER: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
I have really been looking forward to the trailer and subsquent release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The rest of the cast really only increased my interest. The first trailer hit the internet today. Watch it now!
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD
This film should do well at the box office given the past success of the X-Men movies, the comic book following, and Hugh Jackman's recent naming as People's Sexiest Man Alive. I was excited to see a good portion of the trailer was devoted to Gambit (Taylor Kitsch) and Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber) and am looking foward to knowing a bit more about him, as well as the other supporing mutants (Ryan Reynolds, who I saw for a brief second, and Dominic Monaghan, who I don't think I saw at all). Can't wait till May for it!
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD
This film should do well at the box office given the past success of the X-Men movies, the comic book following, and Hugh Jackman's recent naming as People's Sexiest Man Alive. I was excited to see a good portion of the trailer was devoted to Gambit (Taylor Kitsch) and Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber) and am looking foward to knowing a bit more about him, as well as the other supporing mutants (Ryan Reynolds, who I saw for a brief second, and Dominic Monaghan, who I don't think I saw at all). Can't wait till May for it!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Fave TV Characters
I have recently been inspired to put together a list of my favorite current and recent television characters. I am allowing recent ones because a few of these are a couple of years old and still deserve to be discussed. Maybe after this I will try another "favorites" list because it is fun. Let's get started:
Tami Taylor, Friday Night Lights - I loved her from the moment she came on screen. She tells it like it is and it gets her places (she went from a stay-at-home-mom to high school principal in a couple of years, by way of school counselor and volleyball coach). She loves her husband and girls, but also really cares about her students and invests herself in them. I absolutely adore how she stands up for herself and others (when she tells off the college football recruiter in the grocery store when he is harassing Corinna Williams), and the things she says that "sound" nice but are actually quite rude, very often to Buddy Garrity. Plus, Connie Britton played the emotional mother of a newborn excellently.
Tim Riggins, Friday Night Lights - I couldn't resist a second FNL character on my list. And he is the complete opposite of Tami Taylor. I didn't like Tim all that much during the first season. He seemed like quite a loser, and not too lovable. He grew on me a lot and after re-watching seasons one and two, and getting part-way through season 3, I just love him. You can't help but feeling "poor Tim" just about every other episode. So much of his issues can be blamed on his situation, mainly the fact that he was abandoned by his father and raised by his irresponsible (but well-meaning) brother Billy. It also helps that Taylor Kitsch is just really pretty to look at.
Ned, Pushing Daisies - Like I need another reason to wax poetic about Lee Pace. Sigh. But he plays Ned so sweetly and innocently. And when he is upset (whether it is about his father or Chuck or something else), he seems to play it like a 10 year old with pouting and huffing and puffing. Or a puppy dog, but I hate to mix my comparisons. There is just something so dreamy about Lee Pace and so, therefore, about Ned. I will miss him when he is not on my TV every week.
Dr. Lance Sweets, Bones - I love the dynamic that Dr. Sweets adds to the Booth/Brennan relationship, along with all the other relationships in the Jeffersonian. John Francis Daley plays this character somewhat naive, slightly annoying, and a tad socially awkward. And I think it is perfect. The writers usually have to create (sometimes force, but I am not complaining) specific story lines for Sweets to be involved with the others. I also find it amusing how Booth & Bones will sit in his office and say nothing, seemingly lacking any respect for him whatsoever, but he is slowly becoming the go-to guy for everyone's problems.
Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother - Neil Patrick Harris was nominated yesterday for a Golden Globe for his portrayal as Barney. And while I don't think he will ever walk away with the statue, it isn't because he doesn't deserve it. It is because the voters are idiots. I don't know anyone who watches HIMYM that doesn't think that Barney is far and away the most entertaining character on the show. Whether he is suiting up, hooking up, wingmanning it up (just an excuse to continue with the use of "up"), he makes me laugh. And then that he can have serious moments is nice, but, fortunately, not lasting. It is a relief the writers haven't had him constantly pining for Robin this season, and instead have kept him the same lovable womanizing narcissistic jerk.
Dexter Morgan, Dexter - I won't get to watch season 3 of Dexter until it comes out on DVD later this year, so don't spoil anything for me! I wouldn't have thought the writers could make season 2 as good as season 1, but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, they just might have made it better. Michael C. Hall plays the heck out of this character. It feels wrong to be rooting for a serial killer, but the fact that Hall and the writers can make me do that means he deserves to be on my list. Plus, he isn't too shabby to look at, especially in his "killing" clothes (snug thermal tops and cargo pants).
George Michael Bluth, Arrested Development - Darn that Michael Cera, he had to go off and find success in movies so that Arrested Development, The Movie won't really feel right. I will seriously be disappointed if George Michael isn't in the movie version, whenever it finally happens. But that is because his sweet, innocent, dorky, family-loving, Maeby-lusting self is my favorite character on the show (but it was a rather close four-way race). And let's face it. If Michael Cera hadn't had AD as a major spring board, we wouldn't be seeing him in movies much. He pretty much plays a version of George Michael on everything anyway. And he gets the distinction of being the character that says my favorite line from the whole series (also a close race, between about 1000 different quotes): "What a fun sexy time for you."
Veronica Mars, Veronica Mars - I originally missed the boat on this series. And if you didn't watch it, it seemed like it was probably some kind of cheesy Nancy Drew show on the WB. And I knew a lot of people who loved it fanatically. So I finally gave it a shot this last summer. My preconceptions were all wrong. It was extremely well-written and acted. Kristin Bell played the snarky Veronica to perfection. She had amazing one-liners and at times her vulnerabilities and fears were heartbreaking. It kills me when she is holding a gun to Beaver and says that line, "He killed my father!"
Maxxie, Skins - Skins is a BBC show that has been showing on BBC America recently. It puts other teen dramas like Gossip Girl and 90210 to shame. Maxxie (played by Mitch Hewer) is the least obnoxious to me of all the characters. What really makes me love him so much is how he helped Tony post-accident at the beginning of season 2 when no other friends (mainly Tony & Michelle) were around to help out. Also, he sings, he dances, he acts in school theater, he's adorable, he even has his own stalker. What isn't there to love?
Gaius Baltar, Battlestar Galactica - I don't know what my obsession with Baltar is. I just have one, OK? The fact that James Callis can make me despise this character so much and still care about him tells you how great of an actor his. I wish any of our great BSG actors could get some real recognition from the Emmys, but Callis is one that really seems robbed for being overlooked. His turn this last season as a philosophical/religious leader took him in a new direction, but the same sleazy insecure guy was underneath.
Desmond Hume, Lost - Being that I have recently mentioned that the Lost episode "The Constant" was my favorite TV episode of the year, it would probably come as no surprise that Desmond is my favorite character on the show. His story is still so much a mystery, so that is part of the intrigue, but I really enjoy the Penny/Desmond love story. I am also relieved that Desmond will continue to be part of the story and that we got some good Des/Penny interaction this season.
Tami Taylor, Friday Night Lights - I loved her from the moment she came on screen. She tells it like it is and it gets her places (she went from a stay-at-home-mom to high school principal in a couple of years, by way of school counselor and volleyball coach). She loves her husband and girls, but also really cares about her students and invests herself in them. I absolutely adore how she stands up for herself and others (when she tells off the college football recruiter in the grocery store when he is harassing Corinna Williams), and the things she says that "sound" nice but are actually quite rude, very often to Buddy Garrity. Plus, Connie Britton played the emotional mother of a newborn excellently.
Tim Riggins, Friday Night Lights - I couldn't resist a second FNL character on my list. And he is the complete opposite of Tami Taylor. I didn't like Tim all that much during the first season. He seemed like quite a loser, and not too lovable. He grew on me a lot and after re-watching seasons one and two, and getting part-way through season 3, I just love him. You can't help but feeling "poor Tim" just about every other episode. So much of his issues can be blamed on his situation, mainly the fact that he was abandoned by his father and raised by his irresponsible (but well-meaning) brother Billy. It also helps that Taylor Kitsch is just really pretty to look at.
Ned, Pushing Daisies - Like I need another reason to wax poetic about Lee Pace. Sigh. But he plays Ned so sweetly and innocently. And when he is upset (whether it is about his father or Chuck or something else), he seems to play it like a 10 year old with pouting and huffing and puffing. Or a puppy dog, but I hate to mix my comparisons. There is just something so dreamy about Lee Pace and so, therefore, about Ned. I will miss him when he is not on my TV every week.
Dr. Lance Sweets, Bones - I love the dynamic that Dr. Sweets adds to the Booth/Brennan relationship, along with all the other relationships in the Jeffersonian. John Francis Daley plays this character somewhat naive, slightly annoying, and a tad socially awkward. And I think it is perfect. The writers usually have to create (sometimes force, but I am not complaining) specific story lines for Sweets to be involved with the others. I also find it amusing how Booth & Bones will sit in his office and say nothing, seemingly lacking any respect for him whatsoever, but he is slowly becoming the go-to guy for everyone's problems.
Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother - Neil Patrick Harris was nominated yesterday for a Golden Globe for his portrayal as Barney. And while I don't think he will ever walk away with the statue, it isn't because he doesn't deserve it. It is because the voters are idiots. I don't know anyone who watches HIMYM that doesn't think that Barney is far and away the most entertaining character on the show. Whether he is suiting up, hooking up, wingmanning it up (just an excuse to continue with the use of "up"), he makes me laugh. And then that he can have serious moments is nice, but, fortunately, not lasting. It is a relief the writers haven't had him constantly pining for Robin this season, and instead have kept him the same lovable womanizing narcissistic jerk.
Dexter Morgan, Dexter - I won't get to watch season 3 of Dexter until it comes out on DVD later this year, so don't spoil anything for me! I wouldn't have thought the writers could make season 2 as good as season 1, but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, they just might have made it better. Michael C. Hall plays the heck out of this character. It feels wrong to be rooting for a serial killer, but the fact that Hall and the writers can make me do that means he deserves to be on my list. Plus, he isn't too shabby to look at, especially in his "killing" clothes (snug thermal tops and cargo pants).
George Michael Bluth, Arrested Development - Darn that Michael Cera, he had to go off and find success in movies so that Arrested Development, The Movie won't really feel right. I will seriously be disappointed if George Michael isn't in the movie version, whenever it finally happens. But that is because his sweet, innocent, dorky, family-loving, Maeby-lusting self is my favorite character on the show (but it was a rather close four-way race). And let's face it. If Michael Cera hadn't had AD as a major spring board, we wouldn't be seeing him in movies much. He pretty much plays a version of George Michael on everything anyway. And he gets the distinction of being the character that says my favorite line from the whole series (also a close race, between about 1000 different quotes): "What a fun sexy time for you."
Veronica Mars, Veronica Mars - I originally missed the boat on this series. And if you didn't watch it, it seemed like it was probably some kind of cheesy Nancy Drew show on the WB. And I knew a lot of people who loved it fanatically. So I finally gave it a shot this last summer. My preconceptions were all wrong. It was extremely well-written and acted. Kristin Bell played the snarky Veronica to perfection. She had amazing one-liners and at times her vulnerabilities and fears were heartbreaking. It kills me when she is holding a gun to Beaver and says that line, "He killed my father!"
Maxxie, Skins - Skins is a BBC show that has been showing on BBC America recently. It puts other teen dramas like Gossip Girl and 90210 to shame. Maxxie (played by Mitch Hewer) is the least obnoxious to me of all the characters. What really makes me love him so much is how he helped Tony post-accident at the beginning of season 2 when no other friends (mainly Tony & Michelle) were around to help out. Also, he sings, he dances, he acts in school theater, he's adorable, he even has his own stalker. What isn't there to love?
Gaius Baltar, Battlestar Galactica - I don't know what my obsession with Baltar is. I just have one, OK? The fact that James Callis can make me despise this character so much and still care about him tells you how great of an actor his. I wish any of our great BSG actors could get some real recognition from the Emmys, but Callis is one that really seems robbed for being overlooked. His turn this last season as a philosophical/religious leader took him in a new direction, but the same sleazy insecure guy was underneath.
Desmond Hume, Lost - Being that I have recently mentioned that the Lost episode "The Constant" was my favorite TV episode of the year, it would probably come as no surprise that Desmond is my favorite character on the show. His story is still so much a mystery, so that is part of the intrigue, but I really enjoy the Penny/Desmond love story. I am also relieved that Desmond will continue to be part of the story and that we got some good Des/Penny interaction this season.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Time Top 10 Lists
Time Magazine announced its Top Ten Everything of 2008 lists this week. Several of the books, movies, TV, people, etc. are things I have discussed or want to discuss, so I thought I would write a post about it.
TV Episodes:
1) Lost, "The Constant"
2) The Shield, "Family Meeting"
3) The Wire, "Late Editions"
4) In Treatment, "Alex - Week Eight"
5) Breaking Bad, "Pilot"
6) Battlestar Galactica, "Revelations"
7) The Colbert Report, Jan. 22 Episode
8) 30 Rock, "Cooter"
9) Mad Men, "A Night to Remember"
10) You Suck at Photoshop, "Distort, Warp, and Layer Effects"
I decided to write this post upon seeing number one on the TV episodes list. And it was the first item in the first list I looked at. But I was so excited to see "The Constant" on there. It is my favorite episode of the season as well, and my favorite episode of Lost to date. It really made me think, it involved a love story, it was shocking. It was everything I needed to be entertained. Plus, I love me some Desmond.
I'm also happy to see BSG getting some more attention. While the Emmys seem completely blind to the amazingness that is Battlestar Galactica, the rest of the world has taken notice. This show deserves all the credit it gets, and more. And this episode was shocking and tragic. And left us all wondering, "What now?"
I only sort of regret giving up Mad Men halfway through the first season, based on all the hype it continually gets. Maybe I will watch it on DVD some time. In the meantime, my new TV addiction is 30 Rock, and while I haven't seen "Cooter," I think I will carve out sometime to do so, since it is on this list.
TV Series:
1) The Shield
2) Mad Men
3) The Presidential Election
4) Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
5) The Wire
6) Breaking Bad
7) Lost
8) Battlestar Galactica
9) Architecture School
10) Chuck
Based on the TV Episodes list, I was not surprised to find Lost and Battlestar Galactica on the TV Shows list. Yea! But I was surprised by a couple of other goodies: Dr. Horrible and Chuck! Two of my current faves. Dr. Horrible has done amazingly well, especially given that it is really a web series and not a TV show. And Joss Whedon knows how to create something out of dire circumstances (since the web series was created and executed during the WGA strike). Chuck has been so great this season, and while it may not be getting the viewership it deserves, I am relieved to see it is at least getting some critical praise.
Songs:
1) Kanye West, Love Lockdown
2) Pink, So What
3) Ida Maria, Oh My God
4) Lil Wayne, A Milli
5) Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal
6) Jonas Brothers, Burnin' Up
7) Beyonce, Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
8) MGMT, Time to Pretend
9) Duffy, Rockferry
10) Gnarls Barkley, Going On
I can't listen to "Single Ladies" without thinking of those 3 guys dancing to it on SNL. (Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) But it made it memorable to me and now I kind of enjoy it. Sometimes I tell Sean that if he likes it he should have put a ring on it. He doesn't like it anymore...
I don't like Lil Wayne and haven't heard of a couple of these, but I am glad to see the Jonas Brothers, MGMT and Pink getting a shout out.
Fiction Books:
1) 2666, Roberto Bolano
2) Lush Life, Richard Price
3) American Wife, Curtis Sittenfeld
4) Anathem, Neal Stephenson
5) Unaccustomed Earth, Jhumpa Lahiri
6) Personal Days, Ed Park
7) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
8) When Will There Be Good News?, Kate Atkinson
9) The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman
10) The Widows of Eastwick, John Updike
I've not read one of these books. But I have had American Wife sitting by my bed for months and hadn't thought anything of it. Now I feel motivated to read it. This list also interested me in The Graveyard Book and When Will There Be Good News? And if I decided to read Anathem, I won't order from Tower.com like Stella.
Movies:
1) WALL-E
2) Synecdoche, New York
3) My Winnipeg
4) 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
5) Milk
6) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
7) Slumdog Millionaire
8) Iron Man
9) Speed Racer
10) Encounters at the End of the World
Is anyone else confused at seeing Speed Racer on this list? Didn't it pretty much get panned by critics and bomb at the box office? I don't know if I would call that the future of cinema. I am not surprised, however, at Iron Man and WALL-E making the list, and am ecstatic at seeing Slumdog MIllionaire continue to get attention. Go see Slumdog Millionaire!!
Best Performances:
1) Kate Winslet, Hannah Schmidtz, The Reader
2) Viola Davis, Mrs. Muller, Doubt
3) Dakota Fanning, Lily Owens, The Secret Life of Bees
4) Kimberly Rivers Roberts, Herself, Trouble the Water
5) Angelina Jolie, Fox, Wanted
1) Heath Ledger, The Joker, The Dark Knight
2) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jean-Claude Van Damme, JCVD
3) Vlad Ivanov, Mr. Bebe, 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
4) Brandon Walters, Nullah, Australia
5) Ben Burtt, WALL-E, WALL-E
When I heard Dakota Fanning would play Lily in The Secret Life of Bees, I was concerned. She is an excellent actress, but this was a more mature part than I had seen her play. I haven't caught the film yet myself, but looks like she did a great job. I teared up at one part just in the trailer.
Heath Ledger gets a spot, of course, as it is deserved. His performance as The Joker was disturbing in various ways. I need to see The Dark Knight again and see if he is as creepy in it the second time around. I'm also intrigued to see Jean-Claude Van Damme take on a different type of role, playing an odd version of himself in JCVD.
TV Episodes:
1) Lost, "The Constant"
2) The Shield, "Family Meeting"
3) The Wire, "Late Editions"
4) In Treatment, "Alex - Week Eight"
5) Breaking Bad, "Pilot"
6) Battlestar Galactica, "Revelations"
7) The Colbert Report, Jan. 22 Episode
8) 30 Rock, "Cooter"
9) Mad Men, "A Night to Remember"
10) You Suck at Photoshop, "Distort, Warp, and Layer Effects"
I decided to write this post upon seeing number one on the TV episodes list. And it was the first item in the first list I looked at. But I was so excited to see "The Constant" on there. It is my favorite episode of the season as well, and my favorite episode of Lost to date. It really made me think, it involved a love story, it was shocking. It was everything I needed to be entertained. Plus, I love me some Desmond.
I'm also happy to see BSG getting some more attention. While the Emmys seem completely blind to the amazingness that is Battlestar Galactica, the rest of the world has taken notice. This show deserves all the credit it gets, and more. And this episode was shocking and tragic. And left us all wondering, "What now?"
I only sort of regret giving up Mad Men halfway through the first season, based on all the hype it continually gets. Maybe I will watch it on DVD some time. In the meantime, my new TV addiction is 30 Rock, and while I haven't seen "Cooter," I think I will carve out sometime to do so, since it is on this list.
TV Series:
1) The Shield
2) Mad Men
3) The Presidential Election
4) Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
5) The Wire
6) Breaking Bad
7) Lost
8) Battlestar Galactica
9) Architecture School
10) Chuck
Based on the TV Episodes list, I was not surprised to find Lost and Battlestar Galactica on the TV Shows list. Yea! But I was surprised by a couple of other goodies: Dr. Horrible and Chuck! Two of my current faves. Dr. Horrible has done amazingly well, especially given that it is really a web series and not a TV show. And Joss Whedon knows how to create something out of dire circumstances (since the web series was created and executed during the WGA strike). Chuck has been so great this season, and while it may not be getting the viewership it deserves, I am relieved to see it is at least getting some critical praise.
Songs:
1) Kanye West, Love Lockdown
2) Pink, So What
3) Ida Maria, Oh My God
4) Lil Wayne, A Milli
5) Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal
6) Jonas Brothers, Burnin' Up
7) Beyonce, Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
8) MGMT, Time to Pretend
9) Duffy, Rockferry
10) Gnarls Barkley, Going On
I can't listen to "Single Ladies" without thinking of those 3 guys dancing to it on SNL. (Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) But it made it memorable to me and now I kind of enjoy it. Sometimes I tell Sean that if he likes it he should have put a ring on it. He doesn't like it anymore...
I don't like Lil Wayne and haven't heard of a couple of these, but I am glad to see the Jonas Brothers, MGMT and Pink getting a shout out.
Fiction Books:
1) 2666, Roberto Bolano
2) Lush Life, Richard Price
3) American Wife, Curtis Sittenfeld
4) Anathem, Neal Stephenson
5) Unaccustomed Earth, Jhumpa Lahiri
6) Personal Days, Ed Park
7) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
8) When Will There Be Good News?, Kate Atkinson
9) The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman
10) The Widows of Eastwick, John Updike
I've not read one of these books. But I have had American Wife sitting by my bed for months and hadn't thought anything of it. Now I feel motivated to read it. This list also interested me in The Graveyard Book and When Will There Be Good News? And if I decided to read Anathem, I won't order from Tower.com like Stella.
Movies:
1) WALL-E
2) Synecdoche, New York
3) My Winnipeg
4) 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
5) Milk
6) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
7) Slumdog Millionaire
8) Iron Man
9) Speed Racer
10) Encounters at the End of the World
Is anyone else confused at seeing Speed Racer on this list? Didn't it pretty much get panned by critics and bomb at the box office? I don't know if I would call that the future of cinema. I am not surprised, however, at Iron Man and WALL-E making the list, and am ecstatic at seeing Slumdog MIllionaire continue to get attention. Go see Slumdog Millionaire!!
Best Performances:
1) Kate Winslet, Hannah Schmidtz, The Reader
2) Viola Davis, Mrs. Muller, Doubt
3) Dakota Fanning, Lily Owens, The Secret Life of Bees
4) Kimberly Rivers Roberts, Herself, Trouble the Water
5) Angelina Jolie, Fox, Wanted
1) Heath Ledger, The Joker, The Dark Knight
2) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jean-Claude Van Damme, JCVD
3) Vlad Ivanov, Mr. Bebe, 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
4) Brandon Walters, Nullah, Australia
5) Ben Burtt, WALL-E, WALL-E
When I heard Dakota Fanning would play Lily in The Secret Life of Bees, I was concerned. She is an excellent actress, but this was a more mature part than I had seen her play. I haven't caught the film yet myself, but looks like she did a great job. I teared up at one part just in the trailer.
Heath Ledger gets a spot, of course, as it is deserved. His performance as The Joker was disturbing in various ways. I need to see The Dark Knight again and see if he is as creepy in it the second time around. I'm also intrigued to see Jean-Claude Van Damme take on a different type of role, playing an odd version of himself in JCVD.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Book: Are You Experienced? by William Sutcliffe
This is the first book I have chosen to read that is related to my India trip. My sister recommended it as a quick and fun read. Are You Experienced? is a novel about a young English guy named Dave who feels compelled (by a girl named Liz) to spend the summer before University traveling around India. He really doesn't want to go but Liz convinces him (mainly because he wants to spend time with her). So he commits to three months, and discovers early on that he and Liz pretty much hate each other. Liz gets sucked into the Indian culture (but she is rather pretentious about it, going about in saris and doing what is called "intimate yoga" to find her "centre"). Dave is very cynical and it leads to fighting between them. Eventually, they part ways and Dave is left to travel the country that he despises so much alone.
As an inexperienced traveler, Dave does not know how to handle certain situations (the beggars, the bargaining), and also makes poor decisions (such as eating bad food and getting so sick he gets emaciated). And ultimately he spends a full two months of travelling, trying to get the right "India experience" before he realizes he has been going about it the wrong way. Eventually, he stops avoiding the Indians and begins talking to them and asking about their lives. Basically, he figures out that his adventures won't be what he preconceived, and then he can enjoy himself.
When Dave finally returns home, a place he is desperately excited to get to, he almost immediately realizes that he would like to go back for another visit.
Now I need to discuss how this contributes to my thoughts and considerations for my upcoming trip to India. When Dave starts his trip, he only seems to be enjoying himself when he is stoned. That doesn't bode well, but I figured he would require some time to get over culture shock. He basically gets off the train in Bombay, smells the stench in the air, and hops back on a train to elsewhere. I have heard some pretty bad things about the smell of the air and the smog. I have a few scarves I plan to wear over my nose and mouth in the city. I'll just have to get used to that. The only meal Dave eats that has meat in it makes him terribly sick so he sticks to vegetarian dishes mostly. I like meat! But I can manage. I can't say I wouldn't like to lose a few pounds, but not from dysentery!
That is all the bad stuff, but I also am getting used to city and region names. This helps me to figure out places I want to visit while I am there. I know I want to use the Lonely Planet India guide as it seems to be The Book. Also, now I know not to sit on the back of any buses as I will be sore from bouncing around. In addition, I am now looking forward to the beauty of the country, both lakeside and mountainside. And I plan to let the traveling be as fun as the destinations!
Next on my India reading list: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.
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