tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73374368585576995562024-03-13T01:41:41.383-07:00Lauren's RamblingsPeople always under appreciate a good ramble.Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-28147744995842156112012-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:59:46.656-08:00Review: Winter PremieresNow that the holidays are officially behind us (and by "officially" I mean that you have finally taken down your Christmas tree and/or Hanukkah bush after a month of watching it slowly die in your peripheral vision from your permanent spot on the couch... honestly, who has the time...) we can finally get back to what's important: the upgraded television season!<br /><br />Upgraded how, you might ask? Three words. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Justified</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spartacus</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Smash</span>. See how that worked?<br /><br />We'll also <span style="font-weight: bold;">Touch</span> on some other new shows. See how that worked? ...Bueller? Bueller?<br /><br />My genius wit not withstanding, let's try to get to business.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Top 3 Returning Shows:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Downton Abbey</span> - This isn't exactly a surprise. Since the second season has already run in the UK, those of us across the pond have already been showered with reactions and reviews of the new season. The general feeling going in was that the second season was something to be excited about and that it followed well in first season's footsteps. For once, our "feelings" didn't steer us wrong. Despite the fact that in it's first season this show somehow made early 20th century Yorkshire the most exciting place on earth (cleaning the estate's fireplace is QUITE the job, let me tell you), second season has decided to add even more excitement, in the form of the first World War. And yet, somehow, even the trials of war cannot compete to the battle fought in and around Downton. I am constantly awed by how this show pushes and pulls my emotional state, most times by the mere lift of a tea cup.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDZ-CnRFr5vdlkFQixhrR0ygxX3vUdvbeJh1EfugFibt3FMtL-H3gq2YTuWfY827fQqxDoTJE6utrx2qm2tLJvnnF-O8IE9VJ1oGUxNYoLj8r_AjxZM7fSLUdZ1UMmJpwtbb5hE8TpFs/s1600/downton.jpg.CROP.rectangle3-large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDZ-CnRFr5vdlkFQixhrR0ygxX3vUdvbeJh1EfugFibt3FMtL-H3gq2YTuWfY827fQqxDoTJE6utrx2qm2tLJvnnF-O8IE9VJ1oGUxNYoLj8r_AjxZM7fSLUdZ1UMmJpwtbb5hE8TpFs/s320/downton.jpg.CROP.rectangle3-large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704580329071280114" border="0" /></a><br />If you haven't tried it yet, get on the ball (yes, even you males)! First season is available for free on Netflix or you can buy the season on iTunes. You can also catch up on Season 2 <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html">here</a>.<br /><br />My favorite recaps are <a href="http://tvrecaps.ew.com/tv-season/downton-abbey-s02/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Justified</span> - This show never ceases to amaze. Unlike most shows on television nowadays, it just keeps getting better with age. It's third season is off and running and there's not a bit of slack left in second season's wake. It's a good thing too. With the cop procedural churning right under it's surface, a show like Justified could seriously wander into tedious, murder-of-the-week territory if not handled carefully. Fortunately, it is handled with the utmost care by it's writers, producers and outstanding cast. I admit, I was a little biased going into this show. I'm a bit of a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0648249/">Olyphant</a> fan-girl, but in the end, it was the show's beautiful writing and its flowing, exciting stories and deep, complex characters that held my interest.<br /><br />Seriously though, this doesn't hurt much:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzN2_p1nrsR7YBtHeHxaxHdb0YU-pAkrQEkysDbGar-9gQmFBIim058Th8btv3Yfc_ltjYtEhNgT2dBoX8dK2YyjD2CHH6K6hbIGQLh2EWfyjn7d8O3hhSWRmtwd7ChDZdJQ9HGGQsAc/s1600/timothy-olyphant-justified-image-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzN2_p1nrsR7YBtHeHxaxHdb0YU-pAkrQEkysDbGar-9gQmFBIim058Th8btv3Yfc_ltjYtEhNgT2dBoX8dK2YyjD2CHH6K6hbIGQLh2EWfyjn7d8O3hhSWRmtwd7ChDZdJQ9HGGQsAc/s320/timothy-olyphant-justified-image-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704580331350066370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Spartacus</span> - At this point, we've only seen the premiere episode of the second season. Let me be honest. I was a little underwhelmed by the first episode. However, I think I'll chalk that up to it being a "set-up" episode for the new season. Spartacus and his loincloth gang of miscreants are about to start their journey south, gathering even more lioncloth'ed miscreants as they go. That should make for one terrifying army, don't you think? I can already see the Romans turning tail from the sight of hundreds of battle-ready ex-slaves in dirty diapers. Hey, I'm not complaining, just pointing out the obvious. Diapers aside, the idea of Spartacus on the move is preferable to the idea of his gang skulking in the sewers under the streets of Capua. Honestly, with how dirty those upper streets are, can you imagine what the underground must be like? *shutter*<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkqF56EH-bK53D9fvV_kCpUyjwAmZSd4V1aPr69PaMH7wvVO7xC3_g3wOi0668xqTctR8DhyphenhyphenVdNtg4Rf3pLGK7umFt4V2i2r8NjzpDY9zDOI3ibDcbO5GKSO7zG5er58n7XvhhG4DgLs/s1600/spartacus-vengeance-promo-images-liam-mcintyre-manu-bennet-leather-jocks-20121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkqF56EH-bK53D9fvV_kCpUyjwAmZSd4V1aPr69PaMH7wvVO7xC3_g3wOi0668xqTctR8DhyphenhyphenVdNtg4Rf3pLGK7umFt4V2i2r8NjzpDY9zDOI3ibDcbO5GKSO7zG5er58n7XvhhG4DgLs/s320/spartacus-vengeance-promo-images-liam-mcintyre-manu-bennet-leather-jocks-20121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704583272977950018" border="0" /></a><br />As for our <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2553987/">"new" Spartacus</a>, he will take some getting used to, I believe. He's much younger than Andy Whitfield, which makes his take on the character seem less experienced and less hard-edged than Whitfield's portrayal. He did a great job in the premiere episode, balancing the tough, unyielding nature of the character with a slightly soft, empathetic tinge. Spartacus would not be the hero we love and want if he did not protect and lead those around him. McIntyre did a good job of showing that aspect of the character, but I couldn't help but miss the greater show of it that Whitfield gave us. It was still a great hour of television and I am sure that McIntyre will eventually grow into the role and make it even more his own as time goes by. Until that time, and contrary to the critique above, there is little to dislike about the show in general. There is not a whole lot that raw, bloody battle scenes and a whorehouse massacre can't cure.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Honorable Mention</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">White Collar</span> - I just love this show. To me, it can do no wrong and neither can it's two leads, Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay. They play off each other so beautifully, there is never a boring episode, no matter the plot-line. I could watch these two silently playing a game of chess for an hour and never once look away or feel bored in the least. All the supporting cast are key and perfect as well. Simply put: this show makes for a light, fun television adventure every week. I just wish it aired year-round.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEE0bx5xvHaal1_lhMxsN5FYWzIm78HabROqFa8jhb2SwzxiujrfKNR48JSUwar3YbldwWrn0bFKJ3Et_tDlOtIorBeUdB8Gz9yDLK1gfjKG9mUuV1eKAwEFfp-2hHRMVWunX4ETpwCQ/s1600/White_Collar_Outtake_Shot_by_drako1326.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEE0bx5xvHaal1_lhMxsN5FYWzIm78HabROqFa8jhb2SwzxiujrfKNR48JSUwar3YbldwWrn0bFKJ3Et_tDlOtIorBeUdB8Gz9yDLK1gfjKG9mUuV1eKAwEFfp-2hHRMVWunX4ETpwCQ/s320/White_Collar_Outtake_Shot_by_drako1326.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704583258685128898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lesser:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Californication</span> - I adore the character of Hank Moody (David Duchovny) but after 5 seasons, this show doesn't have much of a story to tell. At this point, the only redeeming quality is Hank himself. It used to be that he was the crudest, most offending character on the screen - and that worked since he was also the most enigmatic and delightful as well. Unfortunately, in recent seasons he has been overshadowed by the ever-increasing offensiveness of his supporting characters. I enjoy a little naughty in my television programming as much as the next sad, single gal but this show, much too often, leaps far over the line of "naughty" and crosses into something much different. This fact is beautifully represented by a scene from Sunday's episode, where Hank and his gang are sitting down for a lovely house dinner and the conversation strays so far into the nude and crude that Hank, of all people and who is practically hiding his face in his hands, is the one to point out the boorish turn in the dinner conversation. Considering Hank as a character, that's saying something.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FHRb2vQpHLyO0f4T_IL3_DzpOWHouqTY2VobMTVWyyWGpN2GOpETeZYgOahOnCoFbYkhDovBwx6egg8deZAlmTJZsJD34lPotokW8SKTsqW1QX6w6JieVDkkcLGgzSx0K0wKnUAu9Y4/s1600/californication_503-preview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FHRb2vQpHLyO0f4T_IL3_DzpOWHouqTY2VobMTVWyyWGpN2GOpETeZYgOahOnCoFbYkhDovBwx6egg8deZAlmTJZsJD34lPotokW8SKTsqW1QX6w6JieVDkkcLGgzSx0K0wKnUAu9Y4/s320/californication_503-preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704582554465494818" border="0" /></a><br />I will continue to watch the show, since I have been committed for the past 4 years to Hank Moody and all his lovely complexities, but the show has definitely lost it's greater appeal to me.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alcatraz</span> - Not bad, but not great. I would recommend trying this show if you don't have anything else to watch instead. With a dance ticket as full as mine, I am catching up on this show online when I have the time. My feeling is indifference. The mystery/mythology behind this show may eventually come to something exciting and worthy of some follow-through, but I have yet to be completely hooked by this show. The guest stars, the Alcatraz 1960's flashbacks, along with Sam Neill and Jorge Garcia, are only the highlights. Give it a try if you so desire, but don't go in with high, <span style="font-style: italic;">Lost</span>-like expectations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmPePIcVZjDwU99eN0MXpHZu0NY4UShMBn5vFyGURJERApziip_5dJJRjlOUhP19xvgz9l47oHt5wj_O6QIWE7fTkSmEQEcUmu8cxEobws_G5RWUEUMj4nW-VmjUrBtaWfsbJTAWxL1Y/s1600/Alcatraz2_wallpapers_1280x1024_ej.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmPePIcVZjDwU99eN0MXpHZu0NY4UShMBn5vFyGURJERApziip_5dJJRjlOUhP19xvgz9l47oHt5wj_O6QIWE7fTkSmEQEcUmu8cxEobws_G5RWUEUMj4nW-VmjUrBtaWfsbJTAWxL1Y/s320/Alcatraz2_wallpapers_1280x1024_ej.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704582542297674290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Being Human</span> - Let's concentrate on what's great about this show: the acting, the music and the genre. That about covers it. Unfortunately, acing those three things does not a great show make. Nothing is terrible about this show. The writing's decent and the cinematography is pretty... oftentimes too pretty for the subject matter. Maybe that is one of it's lesser flaws. The lighting, coloring and atmosphere of the show is too perfectly put-together for such a dark and morbid central idea, namely that if you fight every minute of every day to be normal, you just can't be... especially if you happen to be a vampire, werewolf or ghost. No amount of witty banter or comedic situations involving the merging of these three supernatural beings can wipe away this underlying truth: you will never have a normal life and you will always hurt those around you. A great idea to explore, certainly, and that is what makes this show enjoyable to watch and these characters so fun to root for. But such an exploration is messy and chaotic and though the story line often becomes such, I have always felt that the show should look gritter and more raw in order to portray the mind-sets of it's central characters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhU_mEIEi70aryXohjF4SaSwZyV627jpckIk-bnLFeDsK6z1CN7FajQjvAhfJLIMs1a3dKvDJFq_YfUURAL3bwymi4BUVc2Mxm9BcM0Yhe588dsIjaV_7BAs60PnePnhnZNsZFbJCcs0/s1600/syfy-being-human_650.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhU_mEIEi70aryXohjF4SaSwZyV627jpckIk-bnLFeDsK6z1CN7FajQjvAhfJLIMs1a3dKvDJFq_YfUURAL3bwymi4BUVc2Mxm9BcM0Yhe588dsIjaV_7BAs60PnePnhnZNsZFbJCcs0/s320/syfy-being-human_650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704581847122089714" border="0" /></a><br />Despite it's weaknesses, I do enjoy watching the show and rooting for the characters. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0403134/">Sam Huntington</a> in particular does a great job making his character relatable and his problems, wolfing out once a month aside, connectable even to us "normal" humans. He also often acts as the comic relief, as much as a show like this can have a comic relief, and he is a great counter to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1022429/">Sam Witwer's</a> struggling, brooding vampire.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Trendy Two</span>:<br /><br />Recently there has emerged a new network trend, in which the network airs the pilot episode of one of their new series, one with "hit" potential, about a month or so before it actually starts airing. What do I think of this strategy? I think it's a good idea. It's basically the testing phrase, on a national scale and I can't imagine that advertisers wouldn't want a decent piece of that. It allows the viewers to get a look at the show early (and therefore the networks to get early reactions to the show) and if you get to push it off a good platform (like the Superbowl), then why ever not? I decided to partake in this new trend and hopped over to Hulu to check out the below two new shows.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smash</span> (NBC) - Obviously I cannot speak for the masses, but after watching the first episode, I believe that NBC might have found it's much-needed saving grace. Depending on your preference (or lack thereof) for musicals, I would strongly suggest giving this show a look-see. The cast is stellar: Katharine McPhee is gorgeous and her voice is just lovely, Debra Messing and Angelica Huston are spot-on and I just cannot look away from Jack Davenport. I can already tell that his character, who is a brilliant, very hard-edged and unbending director, is going to be my new favorite, love-to-hate character on television this winter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYJGlBPahtmgbJyhIwlKHTEEE0m7APHKDBeDcWz0A6scDRm6LYsGwQ8_urJhOQm5pOUDPja3_Myt0C8DXDY9T2EwFSZU0Txz2hT0HxU4v1xrt_uuZAmpwjRyDPRpjES3Xx2pojstG2x8/s1600/smash-about.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYJGlBPahtmgbJyhIwlKHTEEE0m7APHKDBeDcWz0A6scDRm6LYsGwQ8_urJhOQm5pOUDPja3_Myt0C8DXDY9T2EwFSZU0Txz2hT0HxU4v1xrt_uuZAmpwjRyDPRpjES3Xx2pojstG2x8/s320/smash-about.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704581845980492946" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, and the music? So far, so wonderful.<br /><br />If you're interested, and you should be, you can check out the first episode <a href="http://www.hulu.com/smash">here.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Touch</span> (FOX) - Jack Bauer's... I mean, Kiefer Sutherland's new show left less of an impression on me than <span style="font-style: italic;">Smash</span> did. It wasn't terrible but any stretch of the imagination, but I would not be surprised if it takes awhile to find it's footing, if it does at all. It was an interesting hour and Sutherland shines onscreen as he always does, but I'm not sure the "numbers of the week" format will keep my interest. The father-son relationship is key for this show to survive, but since the son doesn't talk, I'm not sure how much of a connection the viewer is going to be able to make with him. That will depend on the young actor and how he grows into the role and how well he communicates his characters feelings without speech. It is a great deal for a young actor to take on and I'm interested to see how he develops the character.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw8n6ZC1LJPeBY3tHu3ZkmnaeWvVPiwjtdVkDtHzJdsvFjpjVLeAfAMVyPb527WP9BIEYVqlkDphsh-xg5hmOM8SjY-NtdFoQHlwC6y11Kri_mRDuW4JZQHEziidqoT-l9OyE_gCK5hk/s1600/touch.image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw8n6ZC1LJPeBY3tHu3ZkmnaeWvVPiwjtdVkDtHzJdsvFjpjVLeAfAMVyPb527WP9BIEYVqlkDphsh-xg5hmOM8SjY-NtdFoQHlwC6y11Kri_mRDuW4JZQHEziidqoT-l9OyE_gCK5hk/s320/touch.image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704580881480410626" border="0" /></a><br />You can watch the pilot episode <a href="http://www.hulu.com/touch">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />That about covers it. I am watching and enjoying <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Finder</span>, as well. It's a fun little show that is covering for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bones</span> while it's on hiatus. Geoff Stults is adorable and a pleasure to watch. You can catch up on the episodes <a href="http://www.hulu.com/the-finder">here</a> and read a greater account of the new show <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/finder-hart-hanson-bones_b_1199192.html">here</a>, by one of my favorite writers, Maureen Ryan.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdsY9K_Vr3H8k5eQiy5YhWJ5GTL2qlotnNcDUc9JTMaahT_t4aNG_IUksvfVy-Jaxv8uR2OoMSnzr26IU1Qwev6lL4k9_FZyJwUXvh-fA-PUPrVXbMT59Hthd-zm2dUgSVCzEhWfGyvM/s1600/The-Finder-An-Orphan-Walks-Into-a-Bar-Episode-1-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdsY9K_Vr3H8k5eQiy5YhWJ5GTL2qlotnNcDUc9JTMaahT_t4aNG_IUksvfVy-Jaxv8uR2OoMSnzr26IU1Qwev6lL4k9_FZyJwUXvh-fA-PUPrVXbMT59Hthd-zm2dUgSVCzEhWfGyvM/s320/The-Finder-An-Orphan-Walks-Into-a-Bar-Episode-1-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704580882061253666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Til next time, TV-connoisseurs!Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-34202826966502001992011-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:002011-12-19T12:50:45.040-08:00Mid-Season - The Good, The Bad and The UglyThe fast-paced holiday season is luckily always balanced out by a stall in new television programming. This allows for a nearly audible brain-shift in priorities for television zombies such as myself, wherein we can, for a couple blessed weeks, stop obsessing over how Elena just NEEDS to stop fooling herself and just KISS Damon already... or how it's possible for a show with a cast like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ringer</span> to be so utterly boring... or how down-right A-MAZING Emily VanCamp is at getting <span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge</span>. Instead, we use our otherwise wasted brain-power to concentrate on the important things, ie; stealing holiday goodies from the workplace, mentally forcing ourselves to go the gym to work off said holiday goodies, shopping endless hours for the perfect present for our boss (what, we can't BUY a work promotion?) and making sure our homes are the picture of gaudy (or classy) holiday celebration. And, if you're like me, discover that somehow our DVR is still filled to the brim with recorded shows (damn you holiday specials!).<br /><br />Despite the onslaught of holiday responsibilities, let's find some time to sit back and discuss the first part of this television season.<br /><br />Let's start with what DID NOT work for me:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Gifted Man</span> - I tried, I really, really did try. I adore Patrick Wilson and I have respected Jennifer Ehle ever since I first watched the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice, but this show was just too slow and God-awful boring. Despite Wilson's tremendous acting presence and even his semi-interesting character, there was still not enough to keep me hooked. After four or so episodes, I let it go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Person of Interest</span> - This show had the same problems as A Gifted Man: great cast, tedious plot lines. I just cannot seem to get into procedural dramas. No matter how you spin them, they are just about as moving as a paper clip documentary. Even Jim Caviezel's manly stubble and bad-boy, emotionally damaged lead couldn't keep me interested. Far worse, Michael Emerson was horribly under-used and his "side-kick" character too constricting for his considerable talents. After five or so episodes, I let it go the way of A Gifted Man.<br /><br /><br />What's NOT WORKING, but I'm still watching anyway:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilPpXGWl7bXJrTMDzaqXarQmbTSI8sShDlaIrL9p7HIaHNVdl5qyAmyZ_KCajxB-isfLUdcsR1HfSs8JK5prQRYSBSU6xnjrwVM3Ga3EIYnf0RLNvHGsrWWo_dYBVNxqwKgEYXF31Lj4/s1600/ringer-TV.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilPpXGWl7bXJrTMDzaqXarQmbTSI8sShDlaIrL9p7HIaHNVdl5qyAmyZ_KCajxB-isfLUdcsR1HfSs8JK5prQRYSBSU6xnjrwVM3Ga3EIYnf0RLNvHGsrWWo_dYBVNxqwKgEYXF31Lj4/s320/ringer-TV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687933739354869570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ringer</span> - This is simple. My loyalty to Sarah Michelle Gellar and my interest in nearly all the male leads (Kristoffer Polaha, Ioan Gruffudd and Nestor Carbonell) are the only things tying me to this show. There are such things as good soap opera dramas... and this isn't one of them. I hate to say it, mostly because I hate to dig at anything SMG is attached to, but the truth cannot be denied; this show is a mess. I hold to the small hope that perhaps the story will get better and the twists and turns of the incredibly moronic plot lines will start making some sort of sense, but more than likely I hope in vain. I'll keep watching, but if this show fails to improve, any possible second season will have a hard time making it onto my 2012 list (and let's be honest, a second season pick-up is highly unlikely).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EZKwpSJw97pXfCYfhtn3W1_wxc5cdGi-R3VWuVQao_2fhQ4-CCLxI9IT3U3h3sNf8VMgPIL80lz1AKa4mzX-WrLvn17u8atVhMcyhjTZdIdrE2EgfXgUSP-gdGcE2ABh_w7igpzOyMk/s1600/supernatural51aLx2mNroL._SX500_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EZKwpSJw97pXfCYfhtn3W1_wxc5cdGi-R3VWuVQao_2fhQ4-CCLxI9IT3U3h3sNf8VMgPIL80lz1AKa4mzX-WrLvn17u8atVhMcyhjTZdIdrE2EgfXgUSP-gdGcE2ABh_w7igpzOyMk/s320/supernatural51aLx2mNroL._SX500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687933744302919346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supernatural</span> - See previous post regarding this show. Season 7. *sigh* I will NEVER stop watching this show. I love the characters too much for that. However, even with Sup-shaped beer goggles on I can see the problems with this show, problems that started half-way through Season 6 and followed us into Season 7. Let's hope the writers start showing our boys some respect, cause I've just about had it with all the doom, gloom and hellfire - and not even a hint of sunlight on the road before or in front of our characters' beloved Impala.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeiHZMHxQ5shh-jDZ9GskpY7jdFR2fpoHHTDR8f7j5WO0qLxKuMhmxcC8kHNelL8e63ZyoHhrquYXegIn50_Iewv8TAShCExuzAEgzjuI6ioNPMbHA1s1jxK28KfLBY_T5qIK_S1fVVg/s1600/GRIMM-NBC-Pilot-Episode-1-2-550x411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeiHZMHxQ5shh-jDZ9GskpY7jdFR2fpoHHTDR8f7j5WO0qLxKuMhmxcC8kHNelL8e63ZyoHhrquYXegIn50_Iewv8TAShCExuzAEgzjuI6ioNPMbHA1s1jxK28KfLBY_T5qIK_S1fVVg/s320/GRIMM-NBC-Pilot-Episode-1-2-550x411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687933740742348642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grimm</span> - Grimm is one of fall's two new ventures into fairy tales and unfortunately it's the one that isn't working out very well (see Once Upon a Time below). The lead, though easy on the eyes, is less easy when it comes to the acting part of his job. As the viewer, you can't help but feel like there's nothing really to him. He gives off little to no emotional weight, especially in the high-intensity situations that he often finds himself in. Where a normal person would ogle, scream and dart away to commit themselves to the loony-bin when they see a suspect shift and morph into a feral, fairytale creature, our lead merely stands there looking confused and constipated. One of the few saving graces to this show is our lead's unwilling "side-kick", a reformed werewolf who loves Christmas and plays the cello. Actor Silas Weir Mitchell brings to Grimm all the heavy emotion that our lead fails to deliver - and he's a wonder to watch. I will keep watching if only for him, and for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Buffy</span> connections that got me to watch in the first place.<br /><br /><br />What I am LOVING:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe-cXxDya5jo3jbg4jikMrbL_yuS9iuEpkqga9oS9KIk3PdNV3GUBPwJPtHHPQj_aa48GdA2nL9v9329bxE5ZvUGO7a3YHL1ywBCcyXAoXlwbNn4WUmLZhE1Io0UZMU_CliGlTFOY3rQ/s1600/revenge-abc-tv-show.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe-cXxDya5jo3jbg4jikMrbL_yuS9iuEpkqga9oS9KIk3PdNV3GUBPwJPtHHPQj_aa48GdA2nL9v9329bxE5ZvUGO7a3YHL1ywBCcyXAoXlwbNn4WUmLZhE1Io0UZMU_CliGlTFOY3rQ/s320/revenge-abc-tv-show.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687933744649420530" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge</span> - This is such a given, right? If you've been anywhere near a water-cooler lately, you'll have heard of the soapy greatness of this show. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this show as much as I have. It creeps up on you and despite your best intentions (you WERE going to watch only Emmy-worthy shows this season, right?), you can't get enough of VanCamp's cold-eyed stare and merciless hunt for revenge. And the fact that the guy from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Roswell</span> (Nick Wechsler) plays a lead character in the show doesn't hurt much either. This show is fun, campy and despite what you may think, actually a lighter fare than some of the other shows on television right now.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwy8ro3RUMZx4ObaFfvAjbyxjfVuyqEN6SjCZvY8K3JS5LA41SunjpXhwDq8tomt-S7KwvUWYDMvX-Mh21s8hXFTHvJKYjZ7syq_QVSyTzqpgFFTqBqRPH28_Wcu_tvLniDWD3ZojYGI/s1600/American-Horror-Story-550x284.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwy8ro3RUMZx4ObaFfvAjbyxjfVuyqEN6SjCZvY8K3JS5LA41SunjpXhwDq8tomt-S7KwvUWYDMvX-Mh21s8hXFTHvJKYjZ7syq_QVSyTzqpgFFTqBqRPH28_Wcu_tvLniDWD3ZojYGI/s320/American-Horror-Story-550x284.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687936757975410994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">American Horror Story</span> - The word "insane" barely covers it. This is one of those shows that you cannot even find words to describe, mostly because you have no idea what in the hell is going on. And somehow, it works. You can't hate crazy like this, and you certainly can't ignore crazy like this. This should have been an unmarketable show, a show that normal, non-psycho humans would take one look at and place in the "DO NOT TOUCH - NIGHTMARES" pile at home. As it turns out, my generation (and the one before it and the one after it), love bat-shit crazy shows. Go figure. And you know what? This is the most fun I've had cringing on my bed since watching the first three Freddy Kruger movies back-to-back at the tender age of 13. Bring it on, Ryan Murphy. We can take anything you throw at us - even a dead serial killer in a rubber sex suit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpHiRe4kz2IF7RZeTy2PLsqnM86GV0DPA8vbmI6QkH1qgiQOva-jt8tonLJMndRIvQASJioGfbCYilk-bR6rTWXOD5qrWFXCGpePqr8qJ34WQkFLk6lTL3Sg2HxiGG-vFKVP1dt3hYv4/s1600/2BrokeGirls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpHiRe4kz2IF7RZeTy2PLsqnM86GV0DPA8vbmI6QkH1qgiQOva-jt8tonLJMndRIvQASJioGfbCYilk-bR6rTWXOD5qrWFXCGpePqr8qJ34WQkFLk6lTL3Sg2HxiGG-vFKVP1dt3hYv4/s320/2BrokeGirls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687937331841278722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 Broke Girls</span> - Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a sitcom-lover. I mostly stick to dramas, they are just more my speed. Every now and then I run across some really great comedies; <span style="font-weight: bold;">How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, New Girl, Happy Endings</span>. 2 Broke Girls is one of these hidden gems, like Revenge, that you just didn't see coming. I enjoy this show SO much and thank goodness I watch it alone, in my own home, because I would hate to laugh like this in public. Kat Dennings is my hero and I want to be her so much it hurts. I don't know much about comedy; not the timing or chemistry or any other important aspect that makes it work - but whatever it needs to work, and work well, 2 Broke Girls has it in spades.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrOUddbwqdcK-oJvKFajF3EofOvYpe8DVh_lulLVP46TDKX1f5emIVbNN0LhaSXzxgey0D1urAht0_v29aZBoy03PNLGSxPjRVWLGt2ADVoulFDEvoPZQ2XweMs7uMwUzy7CvltpP65M/s1600/once-upon-a-time.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrOUddbwqdcK-oJvKFajF3EofOvYpe8DVh_lulLVP46TDKX1f5emIVbNN0LhaSXzxgey0D1urAht0_v29aZBoy03PNLGSxPjRVWLGt2ADVoulFDEvoPZQ2XweMs7uMwUzy7CvltpP65M/s320/once-upon-a-time.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687933754360376850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Once Upon a Time</span> - I heard bad reviews on this show before I even saw one scene of it. Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut. And I am so glad I did. This show may not be for everyone. Fairy tales are everywhere right now and it's only logical that people are going to start digging into our modern representations of them. In the end, it's all about the writing. Good writing can take a horrible idea and make it into gold. Bad writing can take a great idea and turn it into poo. That's the simple truth of all writing, whether it's for novels, movies, television, plays, etc. Of course, thousands of other aspects go into the making of, let's say, an episode of television. It doesn't all hinge on good writing, but it will come to nothing without it. I trust these writers. These are <span style="font-weight: bold;">LOST</span> writers and producers. Even if they were serving up some crappy procedural (ie: see Person of Interest), I would still give it a try. And I am loving Once Upon a Time. You can tell that the few episodes that have aired have barely scratched the surface of the mythology behind this show. I am already seeing the beginnings of Lost 2.0: Storybrooke Island. And there's nothing wrong with that; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I can't wait to see where the writers will take us with this tale. Every episode is exciting adventure; pretty, emotional poignant and even passingly clever.<br /><br /><br />Looking Forward:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsoV_edb6AceYn_LU4Dt-CpxoZ2NZPaMBpToxLELppiRHQnRqv05W28SBVKYrGKa-HY-4P8XKzh9zTDtXXTl3XXFPFa8NiXtMebshQapSzYn0oJOF2TL-EFhTGLYARI9AxfwhYVH5lg/s1600/justified-season-2-premiere.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsoV_edb6AceYn_LU4Dt-CpxoZ2NZPaMBpToxLELppiRHQnRqv05W28SBVKYrGKa-HY-4P8XKzh9zTDtXXTl3XXFPFa8NiXtMebshQapSzYn0oJOF2TL-EFhTGLYARI9AxfwhYVH5lg/s320/justified-season-2-premiere.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687937782540679218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Justified</span> - The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp0POkOLb-I">FX promos</a> are blowing me away, and that comes from someone in the television promo business. January 17th can't come soon enough. I am in desperate need of my Timothy Olyphant fix.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmTQFJjLr0FfwdJnwhFVVedKWsdPXaH4BI4Y4-Ql9RPdQv7ue9cfF7CLwUeR20fakfu_J0iLKBLcjWcBbSVvJyD2uHS6wFEptdfWmF_sKt2hcUxglqKYjepNKJDaiwPqNOtRn9oNFjOM/s1600/liam-mcintyre-spartacus_5101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmTQFJjLr0FfwdJnwhFVVedKWsdPXaH4BI4Y4-Ql9RPdQv7ue9cfF7CLwUeR20fakfu_J0iLKBLcjWcBbSVvJyD2uHS6wFEptdfWmF_sKt2hcUxglqKYjepNKJDaiwPqNOtRn9oNFjOM/s320/liam-mcintyre-spartacus_5101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687937781055461154" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spartacus</span> - This is such a bittersweet return. With the passing of its first season's star, Andy Whitfield, a sad cloud hangs over the show. However, Whitfield's replacement, Liam McIntyre, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. And he looks eerily similar to Whitfield. I am very much looking forward to the return of the show and I can't wait to see how McIntyre stands up in this role. Plus: blood, sex, tears! Returns January 27th on Starz.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qxvEgE8nrnHrv_cVseFEcHLidGxHsNz6_0j1K1GvvCUebjr1N1RR4L7RNWJhhT9wd1SDy2NuD1lJ2-FpIKBS9ZUROWuL-L_rc9qjGVhejbdWLyxoGLGDdG3uMrokrmRlbLBA726xfGk/s1600/downton-abbey-series-two.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qxvEgE8nrnHrv_cVseFEcHLidGxHsNz6_0j1K1GvvCUebjr1N1RR4L7RNWJhhT9wd1SDy2NuD1lJ2-FpIKBS9ZUROWuL-L_rc9qjGVhejbdWLyxoGLGDdG3uMrokrmRlbLBA726xfGk/s320/downton-abbey-series-two.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687937775927715170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Downton Abbey</span> - And here I thought I was the only one who watched British period mini-series. Apparently I am not the only one who appreciates great writing and even greater acting, British-style. This show's first season received critical acclaim and it's second season is said to be just as good. Watching snotty, uptight British nobility sip tea and recite class prejudices will be a great counter to Spartans bloodying Roman nobility, also over class prejudices. Returns January 8th on PBS.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alcatraz</span> - I know next to nothing about this show - but the few things I do know, I'm totally on-board with: Alcatraz (ever since The Rock, anything dealing with this prison-island is a good thing, in my opinion), Jorge Garcia (this guy can do no wrong in my book), and creepy, mysterious ghosts (always a good hook). Premieres January 16th on FOX.<br /><br /><br />Of course, there are so many others I am not mentioning, but still chugging away at; <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Walking Dead, Terra Nova, Happy Endings, The Vampire Diaries, Dexter, Castle, Glee</span>, and countless more. But our days are not endless and I do have a job, after all. For the record, I am watching and enjoying all the shows listed above - they just don't hit on my fall highlights list. But that doesn't mean they aren't worth watching.<br /><br />Here's hoping your holiday is full of candy, cheer and perhaps enough downtime to catch up on your backed-up DVR, because a clean DVR is a happy DVR.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-57389955995664212542011-10-10T11:18:00.000-07:002011-10-10T12:33:20.616-07:00Supernatural Round-Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Z7ySyaBrDRd1e3IjD5Dv5fBy0HqAEQq_K3EGoeoJ68GnuM27ZbjFOBcSxhfv2ewQkWfqirF0z_sh0D67HE_j_FIwny-IVdylizYSx70LCl-wIvrqaMvXue1klrowS_v9fktsbxeIxg/s1600/spn-season-7-marketing-pictures-supernatural-22182032-1920-1080.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Z7ySyaBrDRd1e3IjD5Dv5fBy0HqAEQq_K3EGoeoJ68GnuM27ZbjFOBcSxhfv2ewQkWfqirF0z_sh0D67HE_j_FIwny-IVdylizYSx70LCl-wIvrqaMvXue1klrowS_v9fktsbxeIxg/s320/spn-season-7-marketing-pictures-supernatural-22182032-1920-1080.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661947163144392098" border="0" /></a><br />We all know (and if you didn't know, now you do and shame on you), that <span style="font-style: italic;">Supernatural</span> was set to end after five seasons. That was Eric Kripke's (the creator) plan. He set up a five-season plot arc for the Winchester brothers, with the fifth season culminating with the final battle against Lucifer. A battle that had five seasons of set-up; five seasons to develop and bring these two wonderfully complex characters to their ultimate destined stopping place, or at least to the most important place of their lives.<br /><br />But the television industry (coughhollywoodcough) is a twitching, ever-changing machine and even the best laid plans.. yadda yadda yadda. As you probably figured out (and if not, shame on you) that Kripke's five-year plan has been extended. Five seasons has now become seven, with the possibility of more to come.<br /><br />A year ago, you'd find a cupid shaking your hand in greeting before you would find me doubting the decision to keep <span style="font-style: italic;">Supernatural</span> on the air. However, three episodes into the seventh season, I'm not so sure. And that's hard for a long-time fan like me to admit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0LAtBBZL_RPnRIXAfeGhu8uPyW-Vhl3hV5Il8oApL_tXNb85APWIdtM64gFEAm-qKWEC6p9dJOgCrOU-6zYlTq7SZ-1274bDCRX55VwA5Qwen4KztvAcA_qkvqtRgxx-te2yjXzMo8Y/s1600/Supernatural-The-Third-Man-7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0LAtBBZL_RPnRIXAfeGhu8uPyW-Vhl3hV5Il8oApL_tXNb85APWIdtM64gFEAm-qKWEC6p9dJOgCrOU-6zYlTq7SZ-1274bDCRX55VwA5Qwen4KztvAcA_qkvqtRgxx-te2yjXzMo8Y/s320/Supernatural-The-Third-Man-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661947358613485186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, <span style="font-style: italic;">Supernatural</span> has never been the brightest show on television. The cinematography, if fact, is deliberately set to portray the bleakness of these characters lives. It's a horror show - one that is the everyday life of these brothers and hunters. But in past seasons, there has always been an outline of light in an otherwise dark hotel room. That outline could be a talking, stuffed bear or a naked, hugging cupid. It could be a forced walk through TV Land or ancient demons disguised as an old couple in Christmas sweaters. But there was always <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span>, and more often than not each episode would show that outline of light, even if it was as simple a single line of dialogue or a 1-second Dean reaction shot. That is one of the reasons this show is so great. It can take such a depressingly dark story and with one look, give that story (and the audience) hope.<br /><br />I realize that we are only three episodes into the seventh season, but people, the outlook is bleak. The end of the sixth season was no fluffy cake-walk and I was hoping things would turn around in the seventh season. We were told that the show was getting back to the basics - back to the fundamentals that made it great in the first couple of seasons. That sounded promising, but the monster of the week format only really worked for this show while it could laugh at itself (and on occasion have the characters laugh as well). With the added background mythology, that is what helped make the show work. Without it, it's just another procedural. And like Dean, I HATE procedurals.<br /><br />What will happen to this show and these characters if the writers can't screw in a light-bulb for us? As Mo Ryan deftly points out, Dean has already suffered from anti-characteristic behavior, behavior that funnily enough, recalls an earlier, less sympathetic version of the character. IF this is what the producers mean by "going back to the basics", then I am NOT on-board.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXri1lXZXq-PUCkRytmLFt5mxnvfBv7SFe2O9mRer762znXuUjWoyT_S8yJ1niRQrpKaBwN_FqO-FxNYA5wVtphyIc2bvuKvQiSCNF_3FoxdWvI8YSggLA5q3Wtr74kEBGi5EU9M-sFaU/s1600/Reviews-of-supernatural-season-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXri1lXZXq-PUCkRytmLFt5mxnvfBv7SFe2O9mRer762znXuUjWoyT_S8yJ1niRQrpKaBwN_FqO-FxNYA5wVtphyIc2bvuKvQiSCNF_3FoxdWvI8YSggLA5q3Wtr74kEBGi5EU9M-sFaU/s320/Reviews-of-supernatural-season-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661947735007459346" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, the doubting part of me takes up only 50% of my brain. The other half is just happy and grateful to have the opportunity to continue watching two of my all-time favorite television characters, despite the fact that the writers are now slowly leaching away all the light in my life - curiously akin to the what they are doing to their characters' lives.<br /><br />Here you have a couple write-ups that agree with this line of thinking:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandra Gomez</span> at EW.com <a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/10/08/supernatural-did-dean-go-too-far/?iid=blogPW-2H-MC-%27Supernatural%27:%20Did%20Dean%20go%20too%20far?">wonders if Dean went too far</a> in last weeks episode. SPOILER ALERT!!! Do not read unless you're caught up with the show.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mo Ryan</span> over at AOL is one of my favorite writers. She's amazing and wildly perceptive when it comes to the writing on shows. She too is worried about the path the show is going down and <a href="http://www.aoltv.com/2011/10/08/supernatural-season-7-episode-3-recap/">better articulates the problems</a> that such a dark outlook can produce for the audience and the for development of the characters themselves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3hsZoIuIfX4xfejmIbMzzwrmp9JWylTUAPJ5kJuOt2Aqt4R_c_hFQNVleYqamVDg4_ganXZijDaYjyQEPSHIxOAaJRSHo7rkfIw8G1PhtS0EM1zcNhHxnwUYAhSe_YYdmHrZLWhYrZ8/s1600/Supernatural_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3hsZoIuIfX4xfejmIbMzzwrmp9JWylTUAPJ5kJuOt2Aqt4R_c_hFQNVleYqamVDg4_ganXZijDaYjyQEPSHIxOAaJRSHo7rkfIw8G1PhtS0EM1zcNhHxnwUYAhSe_YYdmHrZLWhYrZ8/s320/Supernatural_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661948336352301058" border="0" /></a>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-7444848706488874032010-09-10T07:13:00.000-07:002011-07-29T07:32:12.566-07:00Fall TV is Here!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Yt-AIF7S5p4YtSnOotMir4Jv5HDSWauwBogo3uE3Sy4hQg7sJnwr-Tr7KSiQLEVXwrRhN7fKj8TUF0sYhEXjFO6PpejNpSH7M6M39bfVzuO2LavdadkhKcSG-RqlUTH_GW8ABFLQT0/s1600/normal_tvds2001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515304896375450290" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Yt-AIF7S5p4YtSnOotMir4Jv5HDSWauwBogo3uE3Sy4hQg7sJnwr-Tr7KSiQLEVXwrRhN7fKj8TUF0sYhEXjFO6PpejNpSH7M6M39bfVzuO2LavdadkhKcSG-RqlUTH_GW8ABFLQT0/s320/normal_tvds2001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Ok people, the fall TV season has officially begun. Last night saw some of the first premieres of the season, one of which I will be happily (Oh, Damon, how I've missed your evil, tortured charm) returning to, <em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">The Vampire Diaries</span></em>, and the other a new show that has received some good reviews so I'm going to try it on for size (<em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Nikita</span></em>).<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>I haven't had a chance to try <em>Nikita </em>yet<em>, </em>but I excitedly took in <em>The Vampire Diaries</em> premiere last night and it did not disappoint. The episode, entitled "The Return", was one of their best hours to date and it gives me hope that the show will offer up even better fare this year than it did last year. Nina Dobrev should get a nice pat on the back for her work playing both the sinister Katherine and the not-quite-pure-as-the-driven-snow Elena. Switching back and forth between the two must have been a pretty challenging job but she pulled it off surprisingly well. You could definitely see how much fun she was having while playing Katherine. As for Paul Wesley, I was expecting the usual from him and his character (you know, the brooding, the TORTURE, etc, etc), but to my surprise I found Stefan to be nearly as exciting to watch as Damon. What with his recent walk on the dark side, it seems Stefan has become a little less one-dimensional, a little less frowny-forehead and a little more "not gonna take any more shit from NO ONE". Also surprisingly, Paul Wesley seemed VERY up to the task of playing Stefan in this new light. Which is to say, not completely blood-crazy evil and not completely broodingly calm and collected, but something in between the two sides of him we've already seen. All in all, everyone did a great job on the episode and I was completely entertained. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ian is still my favorite though. But, no surprise there. He is <a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/17/damon-salvatore-vampire-diaries-edward-cullen-twilight/">EW's Sexiest Beast</a>, after all.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515304904454622594" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG7QDYNB-6c8XnWGC5-xtC5R9FJMupWLW5TA36009oRz8PezPsuajIEimvWcZOIDWiidykBgnrXI6kKGhpFge0ETKBhToidEuxyIM4-La-sbb4UwV37WlmR6MuGJm5-qgkX9CUU-fvDY/s320/normal_lsian1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>As for the rest of the upcoming season, I have quite the pile of shows. I'll be watching my usual: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><em>Life Unexpected, Parenthood, Castle, Chuck, House, Glee, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Bones, Fringe, Grey's Anatomy, The Mentalist, Smallville, Supernatural, Human Target </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and</span><em> Dexter</em></span>. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515303620741679394" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1UjZseo1Q6Df3aPFn5oPsi7meb8xq-v4rhufiOvurrACe5UgaUIN9CbzjpwHsd-DcNYVKvkuGcLP7JnyIh7YDp5q5pt7U-shBQIvRf-Y186a6XfAQJTyvaW8fXTr0wAOz83AOiWWZ-c/s200/bones-key-art_510.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515303630600216658" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 157px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPCJDMlDvvSaSDyMrWhJ91Uwt3B_o8wBVX_2rYrwvK3FyqhT4bcHsj8Ut-Eg2qI0xMZBRtPZ0_Fx6RxdNWoLCw13k3hzzxYQcCYyKv_CYoTsNR8xEWYlKoEnEA59FPom7S7mz_PJetqw/s200/FRINGE_510.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515303638039680642" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObHBVGbsf8I7gGhtV_JQBkvu09vBH-AlsSqHX-phtiVZTUCFxZBsPIjPGSn-B5W0D9GTUFqmsi3T5TNFyYCGyVt76TRocgNsSLEYheLfBuc7zWefCNVXpYGFgh9zwcb0P-mt5uzEYS8w/s200/Greys-Anatomy-5_510.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515303648090497202" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aTHC9mvWGBVgoMnYHbmCQSeT9NQShsYsdZB6-b6WYN7wN-Idna7TjSep6hacfnQdK6SalWTk6Vtr972mXhyphenhyphencp_7rwl-uuCSfj7b_jBWzihQFs3wMS5aI6xw1oqfJDUe-t5eR96dRGeM/s200/house-key-art_510.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>But I also have a couple new shows that I'll be trying out as well: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><em>Boardwalk Empire, Hawaii Five-0, Lone Star, The Event, Undercovers, No Ordinary Family</em> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and</span><em> The Walking Dead.</em> </span></div><br /><div>I am particularly excited about <em>The Walking Dead</em>, which will premiere on AMC on Halloween night. Nothing like a zombie comic book for television material. I might have nightmares for the rest of the year, but it'll be totally worth it. Check out the trailer-like promo below and tell me I'm lying:</div></div><div><br /><br />Throughout the season, I'll pop in here and let you know my thoughts on the new shows. A Yea or Nay on my part could save you a lot of viewing time, let me tell you. Until then, TV-watchers.</div></div></div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-5543695486958299212010-06-10T08:22:00.000-07:002010-06-10T12:05:15.119-07:00American Torchwood? Yes, Please!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUheSxh9mvWQFw_qMUN7ftxpTOf98dM_HAXOBoFSRwVZutYcO7uGZUtFj6t3AIZWtmy9b-5aoCdNutMuX8Io1Mx2GXHp6MZAx6sU4yYVviuuJQiGWdvd6m6kH6PMsHCLTgP6zI-IhqL0/s1600/torchwood_children_of_earth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481184639235717586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUheSxh9mvWQFw_qMUN7ftxpTOf98dM_HAXOBoFSRwVZutYcO7uGZUtFj6t3AIZWtmy9b-5aoCdNutMuX8Io1Mx2GXHp6MZAx6sU4yYVviuuJQiGWdvd6m6kH6PMsHCLTgP6zI-IhqL0/s320/torchwood_children_of_earth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>If I could kiss all the executives over at Starz, I would...despite the very real possibility of a harassment suit. Not only are they rocking two of my favorite shows on television right now, <strong>Spartacus</strong> and <strong>Party Down</strong>, but they have also just finalized a deal with BBC One to air a fourth season of <strong>Torchwood</strong>. If I didn't have an easily-wrinkled, A-line dress on right now, this would be the moment where I got down on my knees and thanked one of my many gods, Russell T. Davies, for working to get us even more hours of alien insanity with the Torchwood team. We'll get a 10-episode season, which will air in the summer of 2011. Woo and hoo, I say.</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481184634256181986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5wiXCuiFYyzs5yIxQKchcGVTQI6xAniaeAL6sfP-Wv5nmICYt8dRQn23sNOV2j4G-6xvQzPrAIOIxHVBJSFf_3aHKcQEniqW3P9Rs4e76PCbAhvH0760zUBQ8XwzIyQ_a50y2e2d5fg/s320/20070906ho_torchwood_500.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Of course, the "team" right now is but a shadow of it's former self, what with the death of three out of the five main characters. With Owen, Toshiko and Ianto (*sob*) dead, there are more than a couple positions to fill for the new series. Like every other <em>Torchwood</em> fan, the first question that came to mind when rumor of this possible Torchwood renewal starting flitting around cyberspace, sans TARDIS, was "Will John Barrowman play Captain Jack?". I'm not ashamed to say, if the answer to that question had been "Nope, he's moving on to sing and dance besides Neil Patrick Harris on Broadway", I would have cursed my gods, then immediately proceeded to a Broadway ticket line. But as we now know, John Barrowman will indeed fill the oh-so-sexy shoes of Captain Jack Harkness once again. Sad for Broadway, wonderful news for Captain Jack fans. Eve Myles will also return as Gwen Cooper. So the two primary roles are safe and filled and we'll hopefully soon hear about the casting of the rest of the team. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481186291850401970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6WdjC_xYZlbu16tw8dcRLjXVskwjmyhYzPJWj6OkmJBL21lwjPStVXjkZX82poOSrqSIvteC14TMdDizr3BWYVgoMMyHOOWGMBfk2IhGWT045pNWdIafF5nwB56v_CDyyn9NkfBF9X0/s320/torchwood11.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Also, if you were worried about how an American version of the show might affect the *ahem* sexuality of Captain Jack, your worrying is for naught. <a href="http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2010/06/torchwood.html">BBC executives promise</a> that Jack will be as he has always been; a lover of males, females and aliens alike. "Capt. Jack's sexuality is certainly not going to change. Whether it's a man, woman or alien, Capt. Jack is a gloriously sexually active being." Amen to that, sista! Seriously though, it would be a complete travesty to change even the smallest aspect of John Barrowman's legendary character, but a change in that particular department would have been unacceptable. One of the best things about Capt. Jack is his uncanny penchant towards flirting with anyone or anything that crosses his path. It is one of the most attractive and unique aspects of that character, not to mention the catalyst for most of the comic relief in the show. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481184642424056338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kzFgTsJtBrm8ZczpgF0-HX0PltckqAY8H4-Vb-rDPNWi_N0wPHBo3ZYQxPC-KaMymkjgmdkuN6x_pqx13RcOztxEUg9v1LGuLjN-EmgAVMsT9BGAxty8RlMOHQzS9kh8x4eVaXiPoyE/s320/torchwood_450x350.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Click on over to my favorite TV blogger, <a href="http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/06/torchwood-barrowman.html">Maureen Ryan</a>, to get more scoop on the pick-up of the show. It's to have an "international" vibe. Hummm, sounds fancy. And you know what else is fancy, Mr. and Mrs. Show Producers, Georgia is fancy. Particularly the Atlanta area. It's very fancy and even better, it's cheap to shoot there. Imagine that? *hinthintnudgenudge*</div><br /><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-19685746408546990912010-05-27T09:02:00.001-07:002010-05-27T10:26:56.633-07:00Ramble, Ramble, Doctor Who, RambleI know I have been pretty absent lately. Maybe it's because I just haven't felt like writing. Maybe it's because I've been spending all my free time discovering that falling for <em>Battlestar Galactica</em> was <strong>NOT, </strong>in fact, the last step into total geekdom, but that instead the BBC cult series called <em>Doctor Who </em>claims that honor.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476001282273882514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMQICxPgSsa8vZPHi42LrXcNb8jpIc7_KPkIHo-LXf92sUArBUpo6qTKa7a6xZfDYZqfoekjcL1ovq6ijmxSwaMtVK6H5MRB1EEO3UZUaV-SpAzmoB7ERQ-scC0z8FQo7F1zhHd3E230/s320/10th-doctor.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>It's not like there's a absence of things to blog about. There's the recent, polarizing <em>Lost</em> series finale. There's my constant worry over what I'll fill all my free time with now that all my shows are off the air until this fall. Oh, and as I mentioned above, there's my last step into what I will now refer to as Level 1,000,000 Geekdom; my surrender to <em>Doctor Who </em>and consequently my surrender to the lovely, charming and wholly miraculous David Tennant. So, to keep this blog afloat, some bullet points. Because honestly, who doesn't love bullet points? </div><ul><br /><br /><li>Let's start with <em><strong>Lost</strong></em> and let's be sweet and simple. I loved it. Yes, I'm one of those. Call it denial or whatever you wish but I thought the finale, though not totally flawless, was still a great finale. I didn't watch it and immediately regret spending six years of my life theorizing and discussing the grand and oftentimes headache-causing mythology of show. Even if the finale did end up being less than great to me, I would still look upon the last <em>Lost</em> years as mind-blowing, eye-opening and generally a fun and educating experience. For The End, the writers obviously made the decision to sideline the Island mythology and instead focus on the characters, which, yes, did leave the fans with many Dharma notebooks full of unanswered questions but left us also with an intensely emotionally and spiritual finale. I know many fans feel differently, but that was a satisfying choice for me. <em>Lost</em> changed the face of television. It opened a door for epic series, showing the networks that high-concept shows can and will attract a large and devoted audience, depending on the quality of the writing behind the show. </li><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476001293561338034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEWPv0RqABIWPr6m0NBq0d5NgPlT7aV1YapMuBwNfOgB6P18q6Rfqe53AHeO7bVgsa9chS7hFj9-j5v2CAexkXk7w1HWiSOyrlYB5bctgOEIpUFL-FgW4Cv_T-HDp1IMEfD46uBnU3Y8/s320/560_lost_promo_lc_031109.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><li><em><strong>Legend of the Seeker</strong></em> was cancelled. The series finale aired last weekend and I could not be more disappointed with the decision to end the series. For a syndicated show, it was extremely well done. The beautiful location (New Zealand) and the magnificently choreographed fight scenes were only a couple of the great aspects of the show. The main actors were brilliant in their roles and watching Craig Horner slowly become the Richard we know and love from the books was always thrilling. Of all the cancelled shows, this one hit me the hardest. I believe it's a horrible waste of potential, seeing as there were several more books of material to work through. </li><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476002142243731074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMzFsZCkun5CAiE5znmUIsMERcT9b3-uUDHdnqf8ezl0owkexKjRck6t0Wj8-dOt2NeHWQj1fg2rb9J0UQWIAF_d_uIefy_nhhkG1nmaSbBfaMGbC9OjSAhNev7Lsw5ejSAqNSm1d7Fk/s320/legend_of_the_seeker_season_2_premiere_poster.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><li>On the other hand, <em><strong>Chuck</strong></em> was renewed!!! This was actually very unexpected and I could not be more happy. <em>Chuck</em> is one of my favorite shows and Zachary Levi is slowing becoming one of my favorite actors to follow and watch. He's been touring around Europe all summer and his <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/ZacharyLevi?ref=ts">pictures and videos </a>from the trip and absolutely priceless. The fact that he is obviously a huge nerd only makes me adore him all the more.</li><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476002145957959858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIdn598GPBlLvZFUpQyyptEjAd5B60qCpiae17qqN5sY9QW8lMT9JqqpT5_pjliF8HN6QhUEa7AgGJ7AM__1WQIYZR_Sop250r9H0-nygetblRcbIhha2mW5i8s3dmkTg6LuqLcNta3k/s320/chuck-season-3-poster.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><li>Now, to the most important and life-changing news. <em><strong>Doctor Who</strong>.</em> Yup. I fight and I fight and I fight against it but there's just no helping it. I'm not just a Level 1 nerd. I am so far past that, it's not even funny. Akin to my slow acceptance of <em>BSG</em>, I finally gave in and watched the first episode of <em>Doctor Who</em>. And then I watched the next one. And the next one. And so on. I love it. I loved Christopher Eccleston as the first Doctor. So much so that when David Tennant took over the role for Season 2, I was not happy. Not at all. Of course, it took all of two episodes to change my mind. He was brilliant and wonderful and he made the character his own in such a way that when I stopped watching, even for a couple hours, I missed him. The character of the Doctor is such a intoxicating idea, as if Russell T. Davies looked into the heart of a regular, everyday woman and saw the one man that would be worth an eternity (literally) of trouble and sacrifice. And then he wrote him out and the Doctor was created. And then he decided to create a different version of that same man, and Captain Jack Harkness was created. I watched <em>Torchwood</em> before I saw even one episode of <em>Doctor Who</em>, so when John Barrowman started his run as Captain Jack in the first season of <em>Doctor Who</em>, it was the first time that I realized I could actually miss a television character. Watching him being introduced for the first time was like a soothing balm to my soul, something I didn't even realized I needed until that moment. There's just no other way to describe it. This is such an amazing show, filled with such unique and layered characters and focused so keenly on our subconscious fears and desires it feels like the writers know you better than you know yourself. Like <em>Battlestar</em>, the alien worlds and impossible technologies, the spaceships and the time-travel, are not what the show focuses on and they are not the aspects that keep you watching. This is a show about being human, from the point of view of an ageless alien. And it's REALLY good. I dare you to try it and not love it.</li><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476001269441928226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCEXWGQfXc7OETlZ3kaIoQOesBqgjKJh3ur9dHJyWDrGI6uJPuJKRbwG7r_ka70sfpbi_JVVWDib0Q3VoHkEZ7htO_Xr9yNolkH4Jpzfu7i-lf8VDdC3zofvDJerqGyd7XB04eeQRqqE/s320/ninth.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476001287657136930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ46IeaTm2XIEIxFVSTJ85uGQ6HrSWK4Hly7CAe40ZaX2ki1FlI9Sdm_P-XE8UTel8YWHzhW1UwyL3_7lp166Ya5mJJkB0Hf9QDGXZCR8bSeP49qETr1JSOeedcG-qe7liAYdxu12f9g/s320/torchwood_450x350.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><li>On a similar note and due to my adoration of David Tennant, I have been working my way through the BBC TV adaptation of <em><strong>Hamlet</strong></em>. Working my through, because it's a 3 hour modern production so it's taking me awhile to get through it. Nevertheless, it's breathtaking and groundbreaking. David Tennant is mesmerizing in his turn as Hamlet and I've never enjoyed watching this tragedy as much as I am now, with Tennant starring. I've always been a big Shakespeare fan, but this version certainly takes that fandom to new levels. I'm now of the opinion that David Tennant should play in EVERY Shakespeare play. In fact, he should just play every character in every play. No joking. </li></ul><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476001273604656498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tmVsN0nj1E6pzhAKNOPPGdEkps6CqfPa0LfRzg3-lV8Hp86x3oRBQn5NgIRrfxd-4HeVSxsTDOu8xt76DVPaMP1nwm7ima3U_rtQ-hlShU81ZqqTDslGzgBYm1-zsyzHmgxXm8Wwwd4/s320/tennant-dr-who.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Well, all this David Tennant talk is making me miss watching <em>Doctor Who</em>, and seeing as I still have half of the fourth season to go through, I think I'll get back to it. The lord of daydreams is calling my name...</p><p> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-23884089783558653782010-04-20T10:50:00.000-07:002010-04-20T12:30:13.021-07:00Jane Slayre. Really?<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit79HSYFM5aRQGdIOYdMsi1cAdKAoWnD19IHJt8oOXkL6nfWj1sqyLJfx_FIABOugCMP0q2N0tE5lZCWmDRqyqkM1oljcN-m965c45aPAYUYPKKPwqaVTqWpaJcdQ-KEwU6vjuuPN8xk/s1600/janeslayre.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462301727062523970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit79HSYFM5aRQGdIOYdMsi1cAdKAoWnD19IHJt8oOXkL6nfWj1sqyLJfx_FIABOugCMP0q2N0tE5lZCWmDRqyqkM1oljcN-m965c45aPAYUYPKKPwqaVTqWpaJcdQ-KEwU6vjuuPN8xk/s320/janeslayre.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>One day last year, most likely as I whiled away some slow hours at my desk by doing what I do best; surfing the vast labyrinth of online entertainment news, I came across a review or news item or something of that sort about a book called <em>Pride and Prejudice and Zombies</em>. Now, at this point in time I had recently fallen in love with the Jane Austen classic, thanks in large part to Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kiera Knightley. I enjoyed the adapted BBC miniseries just as much as the recent adaption by the brilliant Joe Wright and as I spent the majority of my life 100% sure I would not enjoy a story that seemed, by mere cover-judging, horrendously boring, I was shocked to discover that the story was in fact a not-so-hidden (just from me, as it turned out) treasure of beautifully written characters, not to mention the surprising intensity of such outwardly boring scenes like a group of prissy nobles sitting and talking in a room together. Who knew you'd be on the edge of your seat with something like that, eh? Not I , that's for sure.<br /><br />Anyhow, even though I had found the movie versions of the classic novel to be both stimulating and highly satisfying, I had yet to crack open the actual book, despite my undying love and devotion to all things musty, old, and book-like (to this day, I walk into a bookstore and am immediately soothed in both body and soul). So when I ran across the news that a well-received spoof of the original had been published, I decided to first finally read the original and then try out the Seth Grahame-Smith, zombie-infused version (which seemed far too possibly, ridiculously hilarious to pass-up). I read the original, both bored at times (as I originally suspected) and interested also, especially when scenes came along that weren't in either movie version, but which included all the best aspects of the Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy relationship. Finally, I finished (yay for me) and after stopping by three different bookstores who were sold out of <em>Pride and Prejudice and Zombies</em>, I found a copy and started on the bloody-good, rip-off version. It was slow work, I admit, since even though the zombies spiced up the story a bit, I felt like I was merely re-reading a story I had just read. My reading was slowed even further, stopped in fact, when some unpleasant vandals broke into my car one night and stole my bag, which contained my one copy of the book and also my lovely <em>Phantom of the Opera</em> bookmark that a friend of mine (<a href="http://kiwiball.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Kiwi herself</a>) had given to me as a gift. Blasted hoodlums! My quest for sophisticated and classic, literary self-schooling (my reading tends toward the less sophisticated and more towards knights and dungeons and dragons) had been foiled and I have yet to find the will (or let's face it, the overwhelming desire) to buy another copy. </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462304121083591298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKqlH00cFbKg7LKMyBRN4fPM-Reu3Shkjvh_GzbKZy-Qr460ncOa8YNUaNwJAql-h3L81QDASCV79QJWGbgftCJVi9S9iH3zM4wK6krqcGhXyzASlShN4DoeAj5D8IuQ1c9H7sjFBgp8/s320/dawn-dreadfuls.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br />Since that first novel by Grahame-Smith, which combined classic literature with eyebrow-raising and giggle-inducing horror, there have been several other books written in the same style. Ben H. Winters changed <em>Sense and Sensibility</em> to include "...<em>and Sea Monsters</em>" and Grahame-Smith wrote another historical adaption in the form of <em>Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer</em>. The movie rights for <em>P&P&Z</em> were sold and the film is now attached to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-24896-Atlanta-Drama-Movies-and-TV-Examiner~y2009m12d11-Natalie-Portman-set-to-produce-and-star-in-Pride-and-Prejudice-and-Zombies">Natalie Portman</a> and now Steve Hockensmith will soon release a prequel to <em>P&P&Z</em> called <em>Dawn of the Dreadfuls</em> (see video below).<br /><br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S1JdPvyy93I&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S1JdPvyy93I&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />This all seems like a very long and round-about way to discuss both this new trend of classic literary spoofs and also the news of yet another <em>Supernatural</em>-ifed classic novel; <em><a href="http://pages.simonandschuster.com/janeslayre?mcd=z_100413_CLP_Jane-Slyre_EW">Jane Slayre</a></em>. I know, right? Is it just me or is this getting a bit ridiculous? Don't get me wrong. I love the reinvention of history as much as the next <em>Buffy</em> fan. One of my favorite short stories involves a slayer, her watcher, General Sherman and the re-writing of his historic burning from Atlanta to Savannah to include the motivation provided by the dangers of vampire nests too near to a recent battlefield. Needless to say, re-writing history is more often than naught a very fun and interesting exercise... but this is getting to be a bit much, don't ya think? You can only do something so many times before it gets old. And I'm starting to feel old, people.<br /><br />What about you? Do you think I'm being too harsh or are you sitting beside me in my camp, enjoying the fire of literary indignity? Has anyone else attempted to read one of these re-tellings, or have you too been foiled by easily-broken, car-window glass and an unlucky parking space? </div><br /><div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-89793514379490036822010-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:002010-03-15T13:52:00.265-07:00To Con-Con and Beyond!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1B0KWDQdNJFjJu32zJZSErV0jKx4WZhD0zL6G-WY4il88gjpAGKurU80aJOyCPMNQLzwIMSZ5eQaf7SJ_xJgGlKKWPDrlDs6z8AFjAzstsvC14zkpWAO2oYlzxDgU_Z1uS_mVXdK79U/s1600-h/leverageconcon-graphic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448955882530654050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1B0KWDQdNJFjJu32zJZSErV0jKx4WZhD0zL6G-WY4il88gjpAGKurU80aJOyCPMNQLzwIMSZ5eQaf7SJ_xJgGlKKWPDrlDs6z8AFjAzstsvC14zkpWAO2oYlzxDgU_Z1uS_mVXdK79U/s320/leverageconcon-graphic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>That's right, people. By this time on Friday, I will be the envy of all <em>Leverage</em> fans. Well, at least the ones that can't make it to Con-Con, which is not a considerable number, I'm happy to report. </div><br /><div>TNT is sending <a href="http://kiwiball.blogspot.com/">Kiwi </a>(who has not been a very dedicated blogger of late *slap on wrist*) and I to <a href="http://www.conthecon.org/">Con Con</a> (with our fearless leader, Mr. Pride) to shoot, interview and mingle with our fellow <em>Leverage</em> fans, cast and crew. Can I get an "Amen!"? Of course I can. So, if you'll be one of the several hundred fans to join the Parti de Con, keep on the look-out* for Kiwi (Corrie) and I and if you happen to spot us, come on over and say "What up, my fellow bloggers/<em>Leverage</em> fans/Christian Kane-enthusiasts?". And if you show yourself to be a particularly hardcore fan, you may even make your way on camera! Not exactly my dream come true, but not everyone has camera fear like I do. *dramatic shiver* We'll be covering a couple of the panels and will also be attending the TNT Cocktail party on Friday night and the banquet with the cast on Saturday night. When not covering panels and events, we'll be walking around the hotel, talking with the fans and genuinely having a good time. We'll also be on the Saturday morning Set Tour, so if you're crazy enough to get up at 6am (we have no choice in the matter, so we don't count as crazy, just unwilling employees), then we'll see you there, with grande coffees in hand.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448955902193134434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0y8t9YbY2spW_0giNdiwuRBtPD5i88Rry5DTS1PadH7sQWpyW-m9z8hsoWmYlWOJIRZla2eXSmfvSj50Q8BQBfkCkRXZFBb_NsnIfpe89Fl9EIaTuYIJ0EFmEengXrMY2jqHGhjrmNJU/s320/leverage22.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>If anyone is from the Portland area, let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for interesting sites to check out, but more importantly, the best restaurants to try. It will be our first time visiting, so we'll take any tips we can get. And fingers crossed that we actually find time to eat during this trip (it's looking like we'll be workin' the Con far too often to work a dinner reservation... which is a sad fact indeed). </div><br /><div>Once I have slept for a whole 24-hours after this trip, I'll do my best to get some pictures up here and write up some of the more exciting parts of the Con. You can also follow Corrie (@corrienav) and I (@bufyluver5) on Twitter and get some live 140-word, behind-the-scenes reporting straight from the Con. We'll be pretty busy, but we'll do our best to keep you Twitter-hungry fiends entertained. </div><br /><div></div><div>Happy Capering, my fellow <em>Leverage-</em>lovers!</div><br /><br /><div>*Look-out tip: I'll be the one with girl-y, trendy cowboy boots on, the better in which to seduce Mr. Kane with. Muwwhahahahaha. Seriously, you can't fault a girl for trying. *shrug*</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448955892214562386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSkhu48eyKLbfOn80kn6VZh03YxS-A1cUNPLJ5QtsgcTdr6oyHqCw-AgtSs64qp5s_FNvmAwBWAbjhRfUhI4msnqJ319xiVvrgBvSz64Erey_0KYUWp7xG52j6aBVxNQgFx0enTCini4/s320/leverage_christian-kane-6_ph-michael-muller.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-82191283371027303312010-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:002010-02-22T11:54:05.409-08:00The 'Supernatural' in 'Lost'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQE1m5KCmDvhaLNwHaLVW4ZCGXIP6Wr-62BQMS52Vi_z1qpc0gh5t7sH_XGVIuBL24LmDUfQGZb96UfpbiGOu6vp9vjVO7J2ZQlDHWx4LISxuZ6fnrNSXygv72CT8xOqpJgC8-OOY2g8/s1600-h/poster1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441155187120075138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQE1m5KCmDvhaLNwHaLVW4ZCGXIP6Wr-62BQMS52Vi_z1qpc0gh5t7sH_XGVIuBL24LmDUfQGZb96UfpbiGOu6vp9vjVO7J2ZQlDHWx4LISxuZ6fnrNSXygv72CT8xOqpJgC8-OOY2g8/s320/poster1.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Or the <em>Lost</em> in the <em>Supernatural</em>. Whichever works for you. <div><div><br /><div>One of my favorite writers (or blogger, if you will), Maureen Ryan, has recently written a fun little article focusing on the strange similarities between <em>Lost</em> and <em>Supernatural</em> - two of my all-time favorite shows. This is why I love Ryan. She always tends to enjoy the same shows I do and she always has a great perspective on these shows. You can check out her <em>Lost</em>/<em>Supernatural</em> list <a href="http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/02/lost-supernatural.html">here</a>. I've included a couple of my favorite observations below:</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Minions of powerful forces and factions battle each other for control of the fate of the people on the island.<br />Minions of powerful forces and factions battle each other for control of the fate of the entire world on "Supernatural." </strong></div><br /><div><strong>Mark Pellegrino plays a powerful "Lost" character named Jacob -- who appears to be inhabiting a human body (and may have upgraded into Sayid's body?).<br />Mark Pellegrino plays a powerful "Supernatural" character named Lucifer -- who appears to be inhabiting a human body (and wants to upgrade to a Winchester body). </strong></div><br /><div><strong>The characters on "Lost" have lots of daddy issues.<br />The Winchesters have lots and lots of daddy issues.</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Also, thanks to the miracle of Twitter, the great and powerful Damon Lindelof tweeted a link recently to a blog entitled <strong>The Final Season of Lost as Seen by Someone Who Has Never Seen Lost</strong>. Sounds awesome, right? Yeah, D. Lindelof thought so too - and so do I. It's absolutely hilarious and definitely worth the time to check out. You can read the Introduction <a href="http://neverseenlost.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/introduction/">here</a> and this guy's take on Episode <a href="http://neverseenlost.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/episode-1-of-the-final-season-of-lost/">One</a>, <a href="http://neverseenlost.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/episode-2-of-the-final-season-of-lost/">Two</a> and <a href="http://neverseenlost.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/episode-3-of-the-final-season-of-lost/">Three</a> are linked. Let's just say, he thought Jack's name was actually Jake and that's just the tip of the this-guy-is-totally-confused iceberg. The funny is all in the concept and the fact that he's not far wrong on how confusing and convoluted this show really is, even to fans who have loyally watching it from the beginning. Oh, and it's also in his horribly drawn pictures - pregnant Claire smoking is my favorite.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441154591505215586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-oP72ecbVMSopTTRoSrPgzNP_09AC-3Vk5SvpucezX2MIXoZS99JAk0OfoqazBBx35lC3ctj_84Sy5AEdu_YjZG0dbdmnWUySGzXPYiWWPehd4I_DPOXVqldDIrsTs-E2gOdL9JNWBo/s320/Lost-DeRavin-Matthew-Fox_400.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>As for <em>Supernatural</em>, you can check out the news on the renewal of the show for a surprising sixth season <a href="http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/02/16/supernatural-eric-kripke-steps-down-showrunner/">here</a>, along with the news of Kripke's step-down and Sera Gamble's possible step-up. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441154593469036434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ILSrhFWNlM7rN7fifEqCNQxgmVhyUMIxbD_3A9CGEVrWwkmQA8XeHDJM40EZs-KSyGkLYFWHr1Er-II7eEE9eXqCZFPYlRnK2t1cMmqg-6GEjLmtFSwBxShbxz_k4wLh3j07ZFGBAhA/s320/supernatural10.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>As always, I apologize for the lack of posting, but life (coughWORKcough) often gets in the way. Plus, I'm relatively positive that not a one person is missing my amateur writing and blogging skills. </div><br /><br /><div>Hazzah!</div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441155183036306226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb7sSis2DebYg25VQ21_V2L3IA6vnL90VQBtmb2Wt5uu5RTbakqB_oBuXwVDrQvwznEFL61QTcryKH5CU19lVi5eovHeJAVa5WyIvAY1VmnzTomHDhmEp5xt4NJFDRgNWZ-Xe_fs164g/s320/005367908f7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-433600456646645972010-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:25:29.523-08:00The B-S-G in the 2-4Yeah, I don't watch <em>24</em>. That's one boat I never really found the interest to jump on. It's not that I don't love Keifer. I, like most of the creatures now inhabiting the known universe, do. I mean, he's one scary-ass vamp (<em>The Lost Boys</em>) that could kick Edward Cullen's sparkling ass anyday. Plus, he's one dead sexy Musketeer, no? Not to mention, his dad (Donald Sutherland) was Buffy's first watcher. No offense meant to the great Rupert Giles, but D. Sutherland was the original Man in Tweed and in my mind will always be the first stuffy Brit to reprimand Buffy for her totally unprecedented slayer-style. Which is unfortunate for him, I suppose.<br /><div><div><div>No, it wasn't Keifer that turned me off of the show, but rather the cop-procedual vibe I originally got from it. I hate cop-proceduals. Like, a lot. So, I avoided jumping on the crazy whirl-a-gig of fun that was supposedly <em>24</em>. </div><br /><div>Cut to last year, around June/July, where I heard rumors of some very exciting casting for the new season of <em>24</em>. I had just started Season 4 of <em>Battlestar Galactica</em> and I was a full-fledged BSG addict. The confirmed rumor was the casting of BSG alum <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0755267/">Katee Sackhoff</a> as Dana Walsh, some CTU goddess of computers and whatnot. I wasn't sure what that meant exactly, but considering I was soon to go through some serious Starbuck withdrawal, it was potentially interesting news. I soon come to find even more actors popping up in connection to <em>24</em>. Freddie Prinze Jr., who was never a real talent in my opinion, but who married my girl, SMG, and who I still enjoyed watching on screen, was going to play Dana Walsh's fiance. "Ooooooo", went my mental commentary. And just to add another deliciously tempting layer of icing on the yet un-sampled 24 cake, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0719678/">Callum Keith Rennie</a>, who played my very favorite (and yes, very sexy) cylon, Leoben, would be playing yet another evil-doer for the famous Jack Bauer to eventually beat to a bloody pulp (we hope). </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428533304166355474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ifaslWs0f7fo-FOWpN4dZKwxOIGWrrTtn62z59e9WEdH8i7hG2xE_qWhcieM4gKInTu_r_YVt3_yVWVIneRdGiq76aDRD-EPO4Nn0f9Sli4R_755Gjwc9Es82D3KXhEX4l7FNwdgCU/s320/24callum.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>My once-in-a-lifetime experience with the <a href="http://laurenramble.blogspot.com/2009/08/san-diego-comic-con-day-2.html">cast of 24</a>, including the new additions, at San Diego Comic-Con last year, was the ridiculously large rocket that finally blew up the helicopter. The apparently divine Cake di <em>24</em> must be sampled and with the help of my good friend and <a href="http://kiwiball.blogspot.com/">fellow blogger</a>, Corrie Duckworth, I started watching this past Sunday. I have spent four lovely (and highly stressful) hours with Jack Bauer in the past two days and enjoyed every high-intensity second of them. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428533307526189410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyeNPhYnZepD0lZ4JhXLmyI8oagnX_FhIPhyphenhyphene3r_bUeCzeQfBMqWbiSUOlI9123Gy5cXMrVobC_3-jzlQmeP4hQeJMLPxiDTo4rTrjNaYgccyqnJ3vpfjzpp88aoOxb0-oAhcH51pPgI/s320/24-ep801_Sc126_0073.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>The Battlestar Parked at CTU</strong>:</div><br /><div>Here's the kicker with watching a new show that prominently features actors from one of your all-time favorite television shows; you squeal A LOT when they come on screen. For Katee, there was less squealing and more mental annoyance that went something like this...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428533319491706610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86hFGPck3m_CoVA0RSR8hKk-oVBdgGhNJKUyk394qDTYPkYs3n72-2YXyvqNoMhtv0vXI7SCArZr1PBQuAbORGbBlRYnvJUbb9AhEqkcmAFRzAnezNMaLsSCPb8TfTKO-379ihdzuy5g/s320/24-ep801_Sc126_0176_f.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">SPOILER ALERT</span></strong></div><br /><div><em>"Who's this creepster guy calling you, Mrs. Soon-To-Be-Freddie's-Second-Coolest-Wife?"</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>"Ohhh...dang, he is going to cause you some tru-ble!"</em></div><br /><div><em>"Ok, seriously...why are you taking this shit, STARBUCK? KICK HIS ASS! Where's your gun, anyway?"</em></div><br /><div><em>"Ok, all this whining and begging is beneath you. Get your raptor and run that frakker OVER! He's making a mess in your nice apartment, for Adama's sake</em>!"</div><br /><div> </div><div>Yeah, you see the problem. Watching Katee Sackhoff in a less than badass role was a little off-putting, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The pretty hair and make-up? Not sure I'll ever get used to that.</div><br /><div>As for Mr. Leoben, I feel bad for Corrie and her husband, Ryan. I spent the last couple minutes of the episode last night squealing "LEOBEN!!" every time Callum Keith Rennie's photo popped on the screen. We haven't even met his character yet and I'm already getting way to excited for the good of my fellow 24-watchers. Good thing I JUST got them into <em>Battlestar</em>, so they at least known where my hardcore addiction flows from. And yes, they LOVE it. Point one for the crazy sci-fi nerd.</div><br /><br /><div>So, what about you TV-watchers? Did you check out the four new hours of Jack Bauer goodness? What about our famous Battlestar alums? Good to see them shining onscreen again?</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-32197895715953497462009-12-07T13:40:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:44:16.108-08:00First Look at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKYN3NYRTj1Rr-F8M7Dp0YtUk5ftEphpjFgK06bdWreAbaJR3NPfmW2r0hIJIiWK41lrkLMGwwwingZGRfR6laEpDJ5HjFkXJAtnPHVaKMLs5YUDUBOpkfHTH7f5sXJKHKZ1G82cfbo/s1600-h/harry-potter_l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412613141172472450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKYN3NYRTj1Rr-F8M7Dp0YtUk5ftEphpjFgK06bdWreAbaJR3NPfmW2r0hIJIiWK41lrkLMGwwwingZGRfR6laEpDJ5HjFkXJAtnPHVaKMLs5YUDUBOpkfHTH7f5sXJKHKZ1G82cfbo/s400/harry-potter_l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Don't have the money for Bluray? Still playing it old school with a DVD player anyway? Then fear not! Check out the Dailymotion.com exclusive (and my Examiner exclusive) on the first look at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-24896-Atlanta-Drama-Movies-and-TV-Examiner~y2009m12d7-A-first-look-at-Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, you can thank me later. Or now. Whichever. </div><div> </div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-17967589927713851582009-11-20T11:14:00.000-08:002009-11-20T11:17:51.555-08:00New Moon Midnight Madness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSQD353XD95XIPjuUKhSjiMVx8nvYVrBHcJQiY8lbT75C04ij8IcJ1TczedfdV6Bq9WtPJ7eioZKyYe14csud646muLcTko5lMKwnd9drkh3uHUyVEBfcGIc6oZUYDc_8nqe8AZELfA/s1600/newmoon44.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406267095293147250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSQD353XD95XIPjuUKhSjiMVx8nvYVrBHcJQiY8lbT75C04ij8IcJ1TczedfdV6Bq9WtPJ7eioZKyYe14csud646muLcTko5lMKwnd9drkh3uHUyVEBfcGIc6oZUYDc_8nqe8AZELfA/s400/newmoon44.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>If you hit the comfort of your bed between 3am and 4am this morning, you might have just been someone out past closing time at your local <em>Cheers</em> bar or perhaps you were just someone who got lost in the excellent choices of Thursday night television over at a friends place - but most likely you were actually a die-hard Twi-hard, just getting out of one of the multiple midnight showings of <em>New Moon</em>. If you were of the latter, then you should have been pleasantly surprised to find that having to wait all night for the comfort of your bed was, many times over, worth the wait (unlike the last time that you might have put forth the effort to see a midnight showing of another certain vampire themed love story).<br /><br />Late last night, gaggles of twittering, giggling teenage girls piled into the multiple theaters at the Atlantic Station Regal that would house the premiere of <em>New Moon</em>. They began to fill the seats around nine o'clock, the most hardcore of the fans arriving hours early in order to procure the perfect seating arrangement for the special event. The proceeding hours were spent gossiping about Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, swooning over thoughts of Taylor Lautner's chiseled abs and debating the pros and cons of Team Edward verses Team Jacob. High school students, grad students and adults who should know better, from all over the Atlanta area, came together to celebrate their love/obsession for everything Twilight - and let's face it, that's pretty much just Edward. Morgan King (18), Brein Millea (19), and Kiersten Smith (18) were just one of several groups of girls that arrived at the theater early enough to claim some prized front-and-center seats. They confessed to being all Team Edward but differed on their opinions on the much-criticized <em>Twilight</em>. "I loved it because I'm a true fan...A lot of people think that the movie sucked because it didn't do the books justice but I think that if you love the characters, you love the movie anyway", Morgan argued. Brein and Kiersten had slightly different thoughts on the first film. "The acting, we thought the acting was quite comical but we still enjoyed it. We still had fun. It was just more hysterical laughing, most of it". No matter their differing opinions on <em>Twilight</em>, they could all agree upon their excitement about seeing <em>New Moon</em>. "There's a different director right, so I think that it's going to improve and I'm looking forward to that", Brein and Kiersten agree.<br /><br />A slightly older group of women could be found a couple rows up. Twilight Mom Gina Roche (39) and sisters Tina (24) and Katie Hrinda (24), all Atlanta locals (and incidentally all Team Edward), took time away from their smartly packed <em>Twilight</em>-themed crosswords and word-searches to discuss the merits and downfalls of having read the novels before seeing the films. "I was not a huge fan [of <em>Twilight</em>]. I was slightly disappointed but I loved the books so much, I think that had a large part to do with it", Tina said. However, she is was still very excited about seeing <em>New Moon</em>. "It looks like they did a much better job on it". Katie agrees wholeheartedly with her sister. "I was not a fan of the first movie. It was very disappointing." Katie is taking a unique approach to the viewing of <em>New Moon</em>. "I'm trying not to be too excited so I won't be disappointed if it's not good", she reasons. Gina, mostly likely one of the very few in the crowd who has not read the books, had a very different opinion on the first movie. "Because I did not read the books, my perspective is, I loved it! But if I read the books, I would be interested to see how I felt afterwards".<br /><br />As for the film itself, shockingly after the quality of the first movie, it was a stirring and quite thrilling ride, even for those who already knew all the twists and turns. Under the gentle and knowledgeable ministrations of director Chris Weitz, the acting was elevated several notches from the previous film's performances, which was extremely helpful in taking down the level of cheese and corniness and allowing for more time to "ooohhh" and "ahhhh" instead of giggling uncontrollably. Most prominent in the improvement area were the three main actors, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and young Taylor Lautner. Lautner, though young and still in need of some polishing, gave both an uplifting and heartbreaking performance as Jacob Black. Not only did he obviously train physically to keep his role, he also proved to be someone worth watching over the next few years, showing that he has what it takes to become an excellent and versatile actor. Stewart and Pattinson also both showed signs of having got to know their characters on a much deeper level than for <em>Twilight.</em> Stewart's Bella was much warmer and much more accessible in this film and Pattinson proved Edward could be more than what the swooning girls force him to be, which is merely an objectified sexual being. As for the developing relationship between Bella and Jacob, Weitz's tendency towards close-ups and medium close-ups gave the audience an intimate and emotional view of their story - most likely with the effect of giving those of Team Edward a moment of doubt over their chosen alliance.<br /><br />All in all, the film was far more enjoyable than its predecessor and certainly worth missing bedtime for. Feel differently or want to throw your weight into the yay-<em>New Moon</em> camp? Make your opinions heard below. </div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-86560598800415236742009-11-16T07:18:00.000-08:002009-11-16T09:52:21.407-08:00Review: 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AsZV-iJ6PZj_RBDf4ukTXlclK8TKj3avP9Yy-0UbKKlq_mQUB_JFZa2mr8sltSA0X5mLr4Zbc9B2h753xERdI5b-KWre9_FmMwWYv47KD_1JMsdXjPyhjVDmfLXXJTbc46BCFFHI4Iw/s1600/2012%2520movie%2520poster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404756595671408578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AsZV-iJ6PZj_RBDf4ukTXlclK8TKj3avP9Yy-0UbKKlq_mQUB_JFZa2mr8sltSA0X5mLr4Zbc9B2h753xERdI5b-KWre9_FmMwWYv47KD_1JMsdXjPyhjVDmfLXXJTbc46BCFFHI4Iw/s400/2012%2520movie%2520poster.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Roger Ebert once wrote, "A lot of people just go to movies that feed into their preexisting and not so noble needs and desires: They just go to action pictures, and things like that." Now, I'm not saying that Ebert is wrong. On the contrary, I completely agree with this statement. But Ebert has always been very close-minded when it comes to movies. He tends to wear his Snob-Goggles while watching films, which leaves very little good opinion for "action pictures", as he says. All great, Oscar-worthy films tell a capturing and emotional story (ie, see <em>A Beautiful Mind</em>, <em>Million Dollar Baby</em>, <em>No Country for Old Men</em>, etc) but that does not necessarily mean that every capturing and emotional story will always be Oscar-worthy. A good story doesn't have to be complex, nor does it have to parallel the current state of our country or be dubbed "a true story". In fact, I am of the opinion that a good story, a good film, is one that instead does the opposite - or at the very least shows us how very much worse (or better, for that matter) our situation could be. <em>2012</em> does that, and is therefore, in my humble estimation, a good film. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have always enjoyed Roland Emmerich's films. <em>Independence Day</em> is a complete, brilliant classic and you should probably back away slowly from anyone that tells you different. He's had some misses; don't even get me started on <em>Godzilla</em> and though I never saw <em>10,000 B.C.</em>, I did not hear great things. But I thoroughly enjoyed <em>The Day After Tomorrow</em>, perhaps even more so than <em>2012</em>. That could have just been due to the movie's Gyllenhaal-shaped eye-candy, but <em>2012</em>'s yummy Russian pilot certainly held his own in the in that particular department. All in all, I would say that Emmerich's love for world-ending disasters is not a bad or far-too-repetitive thing, as some have claimed, but rather a great thing for those of us movie-goers who enjoy watching a intense three hours of our world going to shit. And it was a fun three hours. In fact, though I was sure I would need at least two bathroom breaks for such a lengthy film, I was far too enthralled with 10,000-feet tall tidal waves and with Yellowstone blowing it's top while the always-appreciated Woody Harrelson provided much-needed comic relief. I did not once get bored and my eyes were unceasingly and willingly glued to the canvas of destruction that was in front of me. They even teared up a couple times, I'm ashamed to admit. <br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>This is not a spectacle film with no real, genuine story attached to it. This is spectacle film that portrays a world-shattering event and with some surprisingly smooth storytelling, follows around a few, very different individuals through that event. It is a very effect method, one that many other films have followed in the past, to show different angles of the same story. See, not all effect-heavy films are without a good story to give them credit. <em>2012</em> may not have offered up a great or original story, but it was a <em>good</em> story.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The point, along with the fact that this movie <strong>IS</strong> worth seeing in theaters, is that you do not have to walk out of every movie a better or different person than when you walked in. You don't have to remember the movie for the rest of your life - or even until the following day. A great movie doesn't have to be Oscar material to fulfill the purpose that movies have have since <em>The Great Train Robbery</em> in 1903; to entertain, to provide escape, to tell a story, to thrill an otherwise thrill-less audience. <em>2012</em> serves these purposes - John Cusack is just an added bonus. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-35365688977387191972009-11-03T08:27:00.000-08:002009-11-03T08:56:10.764-08:00Joss Whedon's Letter to the Terminator Owners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EsTI-5Q1BeIZVppmKE0dBqk7Dk2nU2LcV5Tpq6jnJWx5E7soaxW2qXZNFe4JB9Ob9VUm8D-bVn_6JN5gMLrxDUa3GASgvjFrVKvbeM3_5IjL9GmPwNAuNJxCq0QCr0y3h3P8Xo-57kw/s1600-h/joss-whedon1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399921251636971122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EsTI-5Q1BeIZVppmKE0dBqk7Dk2nU2LcV5Tpq6jnJWx5E7soaxW2qXZNFe4JB9Ob9VUm8D-bVn_6JN5gMLrxDUa3GASgvjFrVKvbeM3_5IjL9GmPwNAuNJxCq0QCr0y3h3P8Xo-57kw/s400/joss-whedon1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm not really sure how anyone can not love and adore Joss Whedon, but just in case you are one of those dumbos, just take a little look at this <a href="http://whedonesque.com/comments/22240#more">Open Letter to the Terminator Owners </a>that Joss wrote on Whedenesque yesterday. This is honest to goodness genius stuff people, and he just pulls it right out of his genius a**. I could not even DREAM about being as bada** as this man is. I know you hear my praises for Joss a little too often and maybe I should tone it down a notch...but really...why? I'm not the only person with eyes wide open that sees him for what he really is; a god in geek clothing. No joke. I'm pretty sure the Greeks even had a very specific god that was actually Joss Whedon. Not a god that moved mountains or controlled the sea or fell down on unsuspecting, beautiful mortal women as a shower of rain and impregnated them, to the horror and shame of their mortal husbands. No, this was a god that entertained, a god that moved people, not mountains or oceans. Not a god that worshipped wine and scantily-clad women, but a god that worshipped the light and dark of humanity and strangely-clad lesbian women. I'm almost 99% sure that there was a god just like that up on Mount Olympus...they just forgot to add him into our mythology textbooks. Which is a horrible misdeed, if you ask me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Luckily, the world took pity on those that have come after the times of Greek gods and though beautiful mortal women will only have to explain the normal suspicious pregnancy to their husbands and not the god-like kind, we have been sent the real Joss Whedon; a modern day Geek (not to be confused with Greek) God to brighten up our lives, to move us as easily as Zeus moved mountains and Poseidon moved the sea. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And if that doesn't convince you, he would also give Christan Bale's John Conner a throat lozenge. Because we all know he REALLY needed one. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Check out Joss Whedon's comments about his "letter" <a href="http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/11/02/joss-whedon-terminator-bid/">here</a>. </div><br /><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-36353048695380750022009-10-29T12:54:00.000-07:002009-10-29T13:28:27.408-07:0010 Reasons Dating a Vampire Sucks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpAagceu3CYOgEiksGLUr_UIMKyfAd6Dl3WtfzX7s_5Q8ppM4KXiedLaHwJdeQqaDTy9KnMIlQnyXaBKgx8rOheJ1F5cRkvWih3TBIu2NWOZeKd_5uVuPYqstbPwxmxJ-tyoRR-mhz6s/s1600-h/Buffy-The-Vampire-Slayer-0002-798472.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398121129397076370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpAagceu3CYOgEiksGLUr_UIMKyfAd6Dl3WtfzX7s_5Q8ppM4KXiedLaHwJdeQqaDTy9KnMIlQnyXaBKgx8rOheJ1F5cRkvWih3TBIu2NWOZeKd_5uVuPYqstbPwxmxJ-tyoRR-mhz6s/s400/Buffy-The-Vampire-Slayer-0002-798472.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In this day and age where vampires, both the good and the naughty, are all the blood-thirsty rage, little twittering tween girls (and oh, I admit, me too) will gladly give you about a million reason why dating Edward or Stefan or Mr. Bill Compton (or if you're old school like me, Spike or Angel) would be the only thing worth living (or hey, dying!) for, the ever insightful <a href="http://theparkbencher.blogspot.com/">Park Bench</a> throws its weight with the opposing camp with <a href="http://theparkbencher.blogspot.com/2009/10/10-reasons-dating-vampire-sucks.html">10 Reasons Dating a Vampire Sucks</a>.<br /><br />Now, it's not necessarily true that you can only ever find yourself a vamp-boytoy who doesn't merely sparkle like a gay little fairy in the sun or that doesn't happen to have a family ring that acts as the most powerful sunblock in existence - but I'm sure there are vamps out there who DO burn-up like La Push driftwood if caught in the sun. And it's not necessarily true that every eligible vampire has such bad fashion sense as to always tend towards wearing capes... or that every hot, young, single vamp has a garlic allergy... but anything is possible.<br /><br />I'm just saying... Don't knock it til you've tried it... I mean...ummm...<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">10 Reasons Dating a Vampire Sucks</span></strong><br /><br />10. They can't go outside in the daytime.<br />Honestly, you might as well be dating a well-dressed rock for all the daytime action you won't be enjoying with this dead weight around your neck. No days out at the art fair or trips to the ballgame. Even if you somehow get him to the beach, he'll just embarrass you with his gamy white skin before bursting into flames and taking his shame with him. And in the time it takes him to immolate, you wouldn't even be able to roast a marshmallow. Vampires even ruin beach s'mores. Jerks.<br /><br />9. They don't like garlic...and now you can't either.<br />Remember all those fun times and delicious meals you had at your local Olive Garden? Yeah, I hope you took some pictures because those were the last bread sticks and meatballs you'll ever ingest, thanks to the big pasty loser moping next to you.<br /><br />8. They're invisible in mirrors.<br />Vampires can't see their own reflections. That means your bloodlusty beau will be depending on you, missy, to tell him what he looks like EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY. "Do these pants make me look hippy?" "Does this cape make me look fey?" "Is my widow's peak too derivative of Grandpa Munster?" Natter, natter, natter. Trust me, you're going to wish you could stake him twice.<br /><br />7. They're nocturnal.<br />You know how sometimes your cat spazzes out and gets all hyper in the middle of the night, running back and forth over your face and yowling until you pet it? Right there? That's your new boyfriend. He just hasn't decided to poop in a box yet.<br /><br />6. Stranger in a strange land syndrome<br />Have you ever gone to a foreign country and met one of your countrymen out of the blue and suddenly, you two are best friends because there's no one else like you within a 50 mile radius? Count Lonelypants is going to do that too. He'll want to be friends with every other vampire he runs into. And then he'll drag them back to your place and they'll stay up all night drinking hamsters and talking about is how much Transylvania's changed and how you never want to let him bite you anymore even though you guys used to bite each other like bunnies four or five times a day. Wah, wah, wah!<br /><br />5. He'll relate to every vampyric pop culture reference ever made.<br />Want to make a joke about "Twilight?" He'll sulk for days. Casually mention that no vampire will ever be better than Spike? He'll lock himself in his casket for a week. Declare that Coppola's "Dracula" wasn't as bad as you remembered? He'll freeze you out for months. Even worse, he'll get all excited about the vampires he likes -- Count Chocula, Bram Stoker, Ann Coulter. Boring!<br /><br />4. He'll be skittish around the word "stake."<br />No more "going Outback tonight" for you guys. The first time he hears "$9.99 for a 6 ounce steak" he's going to run like a pretty little girl, and berate you for your insensitivity. And then you'll laugh and laugh and laugh...<br /><br />3. He'll be all arrogant and authoritative about vampire lore.<br />Could Bugs Bunny really turn that vampire into a bat by saying, "Hocus Pocus?" Would the mullets of "The Lost Boys" have been accepted within the stylist wheelhouse? Do fang whiteners really work? And how the hell do you floss overgrown incisors anyway? He'll tell you, and probably in a fancy voice.<br /><br />2. One word: capes<br />Some of your more old school and debonair vampires likely will wear capes, better suited to sweeping departures down dark alleys and hiding stolen watches for sale after baseball games. That's all well and good, but here's your problem. Have you ever tried to hang up a cape? It's impossible! There's no shoulders or sleeves; they just slide right off the hanger. So then you just drape them over a chair right? No, because then they get wrinkled. How about hanging them over a balcony? Again with the wrinkles. You could pin them to something, but then there's holes in the fabric. You, quite literally, will spend weeks trying to figure out what to do with this goddamn cape.<br /><br />1. Everyone hates a biter.<br />Remember in grade school when there was always some little boy named Timmy or Blake who would run up and just randomly bite people to get attention? Remember how much you hated him and tried to stuff him into the tire swing? Your buddy Count Nipalot is going to want to bite you ALL THE TIME. And sure, the first few times are fun if you're into that, but after a while, you're going to get anemic and then you're going to have to eat more spinach. So think about that: biting and spinach. What kind of life is that?<br /><br /><br />I really do hate spinach...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Check out <a href="http://theparkbencher.blogspot.com/">Park Bench</a> for all your nerdy needs. I just can't handle them all by myself. It's just too much pressure!</div><br /><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-61373163418022656662009-10-16T09:17:00.000-07:002009-10-16T09:27:44.066-07:00Why I Watch Dollhouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSP9Gw2zjh-6iCYCxI20gOCXTFb_cV8yjvtsomnOzfkCt-RtggrW_06LmIyDPdkxRMNiyBrApTlKn9Q7auWRyjx9JCeA1sE7U4-kGyyJK5CoNZWmD8FLJ5dXCQglM7d2fElF4fTpVf84/s1600-h/3841135624_1db4e8f818.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393234949231943330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSP9Gw2zjh-6iCYCxI20gOCXTFb_cV8yjvtsomnOzfkCt-RtggrW_06LmIyDPdkxRMNiyBrApTlKn9Q7auWRyjx9JCeA1sE7U4-kGyyJK5CoNZWmD8FLJ5dXCQglM7d2fElF4fTpVf84/s400/3841135624_1db4e8f818.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello all. I apologize for the long absence. It's the product of a full-time job, a part-time writing job and a lot of time spent working on a certain pitch that may or may not end up being totally awesome. As I've said before, I'll try to pop in as much as I can and update you on all the wonders of the television and film worlds.<br /><br />For now, check out this incredibly awesome fan push for <em>Dollhouse</em>. It's all hands on deck and the battle for <em>Dollhouse</em> has long since started. It's us (the fans) against Fox, who, I must admit, has put in more than their fair share (and much more than expected) to keeping <em>Dollhouse</em> on the air. We all know the show has its flaws, but that's not to say that it won't eventually find its footing. As ever, we are hopeful.<br /><br />So, check out this video and give your support to <em>Dollhouse</em>.<br /><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uwTGZcoRr_8&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uwTGZcoRr_8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-18123001474717451902009-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:002009-10-05T07:58:27.292-07:00Review: ZombielandHey all. Check out my review <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-24896-Atlanta-Drama-Movies-and-TV-Examiner~y2009m10d5-Review-Zombieland">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389130199888665090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCxpyIXvfGOCIJxuvuAlRNu7QND29TT2JvK8mnUtA4PvtXnY_lLSV7jq170cMjW54y7pnmkT3shawVdfLo4Nd5c7FcDB0nX5p24VnmgCSyePhNkw91dr-kYdIWtKc_Qhj1eGhMzyYv80/s400/zombieland-greyedposter-medsize.jpg" border="0" />Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-26311979696979853722009-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:002009-09-29T11:32:09.065-07:00*New* New Moon PostersYahoo! Movies has recently released three new <em>New Moon</em> posters. They are all themed; one for Bella and the Cullens, one for Jacob and the wolf pack and one for the Volturi. Check them out below:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386957543088992690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj5j5IiSVs6jq096n855_49ognemgfRv9f1RooRPMd4hKFdol_NK1SwVC5NHKloEPM4BTH644w7WfFCTvUclVkV4hTK32T1bz2mdnQ78D7zJJ4ePW1bB9-VK8TpogrF9aUkC5H0cYjgs/s400/normal_3095_1127018364.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386957552367374546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwXDvX03WLWX2Fnqm21T6xi8l5DTHAgWJW52lRKwjPRtskquAq7V7MjzoGjlLGL8C-dpoMZ8K0XqQK1uocKPh8JY8sAKAh8rFPEjbQ1SkvZPUTDgJ0zTe2L3vh3Jia2sjwYhdflVhyms/s400/normal_3493_10993665838.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386957555678345986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdQfHvqMsGcNcXsnxxrsVPtV7Pq-SEjOqfaPKiw2DINZ8PTsm7-kD34iSTITuBhfKWgk2HLjmFUJTLmQSebIB7mxY9fios2CnXxWiLbNVd_Jgq92e7XnV9SKyyVro3I2lz-vUXLQQhsg/s400/normal_5656_10679439368.jpg" border="0" /><br />I have to say, these are pretty cheese-tastic. I don't really think they could have spread more cheese over these posters if they had that big block of Cheez-It cheese from those commercials. What do you think? Too much cheese or just cheesy enough? </p><p>Thanks to <a href="http://www.hisgoldeneyes.com/2009/09/three-brand-new-new-moon-posters/">HGE</a> for the pictures. <br /></p>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-83958450457023451072009-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:002009-09-28T07:40:31.863-07:00A Bit o' NewsHowdy kind readers. I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I have recently been hired to write for Examiner.com. I'll basically be rambling about the same things I do on here, just in a more professional manner. Which of course is code for "less fun". I'll try my best to continue posting here as well, but my posting output is definitely going to take a hit. If you end up missing me terribly, just head over to my page, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-24896-Atlanta-Drama-Movies-and-TV-Examiner">Atlanta Drama Movies and TV Examiner</a>, to get your movie and TV fix, a la moi.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>And I just want you to know...you'll always be my favorite. If you are feeling slightly betrayed, just watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeWDm30JCDg">this video</a> and you'll feel loads better. I promise.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386528138648926818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5doizhzhgcsg5GoNmxSApq8OghMrZPyZa1UfjW9i0qB30zc3IV21GwMlqe_mh3vO0nQZtJre3mR9PTMUtYJdjunlAjX5YuH0o5QeWVpGCx8LLSykrCYJ8om7RiY1QrPsmMK6cUBXSg0/s400/005367908f7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-61694863313712343722009-09-25T16:25:00.000-07:002009-09-25T13:25:35.204-07:00Supernatural & The Vampire DiariesHello Evil, it's me Lauren.<br /><br /><div>One quick question, if you have the time to spare. I know your schedule is pretty busy on Thursday nights, so you're probably sleeping in right now but if I could just have a second of your time...<br /><br />Evil, why do you get all the crazy awesome people? Honestly. Why does Good get all the boring, brooding tool-belts and you get all the delightfully stirring, wickedly amusing recruits? I know Lucifer is bad and all, but when you put him in that totally yummy Mark Pellegrino suit, I just can't help but be tempted to the Dark Side. That's not to say I don't still swoon over my two favorite demon-hunters and their trusty angel sidekick - there is Much Ado About Swooning during the 9 o'clock hour on Thursday nights - but even our good guys are now walking the thin(ning) line between Good and Evil. Watching them slap around a bunch of oafish angels is almost more fun than watching them kick demon butt up and down the US of A for four years. As for Good, if Stefan was any more of an sulking, brooding, Angel wannabe, Paul Wesley will have to start referring to himself as Boreanaz, David. His whole "I Want to Drink Your Blood But I Don't Want to Hurt You Because I'm Like a Cuddly Vampire Puppy Dog" conflict is so very obvious and so "been there, seen that a million times already". But Damon, though he too reflects a certain bleach-blonde <em>Buffy</em> alum, has such deliciously complex potential - with just the right amount of evil BA-ness and charming playfulness - there's just no contest between the two. Sure, Damon enjoys to eat people every now and then and as someone who considers herself pretty Pro-Good, I shouldn't really be into that, but at least he's got some charisma, some depth to him. And what about Sam? I'm already dreaming of the good old days when Sam would celebrate a hard day's work of demon smack-down with his own version of demon smacking, nay, <em>snacking </em>down<em>.</em> You catch my drift? With the topsey-turvy world of Sam and Dean forcing them now to fight against the forces of good, therefore knocking them out of that category altogether (capturing an Arch Angel? Really Dean? That is sooooo bad), I'm thinking your side, Evil, is looking pretty good right about now. </div><br /><div>So, when's your next meet and greet? And if I swear to join your side, do you think you could introduce me to Ian Somerhalder?</div><br /><div>Best Wish With All Your Evil Endeavors,</div><div>Lauren</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385502745044841906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvUj9LTIApJWVpuD4-dgYvRnHLE1I1PKqSeMOBZuEkSmjEtVuyWwexdBXyo2q5tDa7aqpLM_JCGzQAAkT5eXe4_PWutZ-168I1XpFA7Fa2oSgv6V9FZomX6harDt7m8T9xvAxe2_CgnA/s400/vampirediares44.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-1827295419404827272009-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:002009-09-24T12:47:11.951-07:00Gleefully Loving GleeAfter last night's episode of <em>Glee,</em> I was kindly reminded by the VO (industry speak for voice-over) guy that if I felt so inclined, I could stop by iTunes and throw away some of my hard-earned money on the songs performed on the show. Well, Mr. VO Guy, I AM so inclined to throw away some of my hard-earned cash on those catchy and brilliant renditions of popular pop songs, thank you very much. My pick of choice: Take a Bow, sung by Lea Michele. Not only is the singing absolutely heart-stopping, but the whole scene almost brought me to girly-tears even though I hardly know these characters and my dear readers - that is what you call great writing. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out below. It'll make you feel like a teenage girl all over again - even if you were once a teenage boy.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r24negE1f_U&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r24negE1f_U&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />What about you? What <em>Glee</em> songs are you spending your cash on?Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-13249515901547556142009-09-22T06:39:00.001-07:002009-09-22T06:54:10.696-07:00New Moon Set PicsFor those of you who just can't get enough of steamy jail-bait Taylor Lautner and oddly gorgeous Rob Pattinson (though in my opinion, Rob is beginning to sound a little bit like an over-played song on the radio), you'll be pleased to check out these 40 new pictures from the set of <em>New Moon</em>. They are actually pretty cool and I have to admit my blood pressure did rise a bit when I came across the shirtless Lautner pictures. Between him and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0A5InJ1OdWkTV5COeNBb8jKSkp5SJt44DQ0zE4rMdFmy90qL0yluVXo3Ot-zbt-nsKCbxzgujgAAR5OjEtAAyUSowhRxovSeACUR2osNe4G16XqtyPY5pLVdccCryasO1dbZ1N5zZCE/s400/zac_efron_shirtless_2.jpg">Zac Efron</a>, I've been feeling mighty pervy lately. Robbing the cradle, indeed.<br /><br />They are a bit spoiler-ish, so click <a href="http://photos.latimes.com/backlot">here</a> to see the rest AT YOUR OWN RISK. Thanks to <a href="http://www.hisgoldeneyes.com/">HGE </a>for the link.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384288551120841650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JpryWIn7O8UR3-yUermE5A53pccY_ea6yvAu8jxZQJ7DXKYbOVm1KQIG0Sugm3xRACLJ89xcjwY04tYXbYEwYTu0CnwQ7Oy-YWbm7DBdZQnpIpafznZQpDlBW8fVRUnlKJ1V3LIerC4/s400/newmoonsetpics.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384288757877957154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7glao0Bu0I3MxYncLC_Zefq5GL8f0sXU0TrqnbiUMXjftR1wJwvWa-sd4V_S1z9CrjZaFhEpbU9dWeDz0FQFT9TxW0Mu5-PUEMuB6_vZaaB4jKUUo9LosyJC117SIyynVQ0Fl4sR1Sg8/s400/newmoon33.jpg" border="0" />Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-61257242697136197472009-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:002009-09-21T12:34:34.833-07:00Song of the DayI know it's been awhile since I've posted anything "of the Day", but in an effort to mentally fight off the depression that this weather is slowly forcing upon me (and poor Corrie), I thought a nice love song might be just the thing to win the day against this horrible, dreary rain. That, and I also came across the song while my iPod was on shuffle and I suddenly remembered how much I love the Plain White T's. I love discovering old songs that you totally forgot you loved once upon a time. It's the best part about the Shuffle option.<br /><br />For those of you in the Lost City of Atlanta, I hope this cheers you up. It's not exactly an upbeat song, but it's the thought that makes me happy...<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/riIoVvEnxLI&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/riIoVvEnxLI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-59192575957801795932009-09-21T06:49:00.000-07:002009-09-21T10:43:30.066-07:00NPH Is a God<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mT-hzi7IW9wQXYIAzukSzEdLexcGQdVx6EQig-6jn3SlrvW-i5PU_iC1F90dmIkjXisqC58WCMMoDEeYWr0QTzwipsWXR7QXyDko8irpgaqVoe6taRXd-sd6Ll9lRVjJPkfuD584oXk/s1600-h/nphemmy.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383977334205693394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mT-hzi7IW9wQXYIAzukSzEdLexcGQdVx6EQig-6jn3SlrvW-i5PU_iC1F90dmIkjXisqC58WCMMoDEeYWr0QTzwipsWXR7QXyDko8irpgaqVoe6taRXd-sd6Ll9lRVjJPkfuD584oXk/s320/nphemmy.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>As everyone else here in Georgia searches their cluttered and spider-infested garages for their inflatable baby-pools and large floaties in order to paddle their way to work this morning, I've decided to report on a more significant event that occurred last night (no, not football - it's like you don't know me at all!), seeing as I made it safely to work without being swept away by the Great Flood.<br /><br />The event I am referring to is of course the Emmys, hosted by the one and only, Dr. Horrible himself, Neil Patrick Harris. As predicted by yours truly, NPH caused an otherwise dull and lifeless ceremony to sparkle and shine like a newly polished golden statuette of some chick holding a globe-like object (what is that thing anyway?). Despite the fact that everyone from last year won again this year, causing me to distinctly dislike <em>30 Rock</em> and <em>Mad Men</em>, just on principle alone, we still had Neil. And he's worth tens of thousands of disappointing Emmy wins. His opening number was almost, <em>almost</em> worth the snub that the Emmys gave <em>Battlestar Galactica</em>. And in an unexpected and thrilling turn of events, we even got a bad-ass Dr. Horrible "interruption" of the show, which upon Captain Hammer (my dear Nathan Fillion) jumping into the frame, fists flying as usual, brought about far-too-loud <em>squees!</em> from Katie and I. I fear we might have woken the neighbors with our vociferous love of everything <em>Dr. Horrible</em>. I wanted to jump into the television and pridefully clap Jon Stewart on the back when he finally told Neil what everyone else was thinking: that he was doing a damn good job of hosting.<br /><br /><strong>Highlights:</strong><br /><br />On the Red Carpet - Everyone <em>How I Met Your Mother</em>. I couldn't adore Jason Segal anymore than I already do and seeing Alyson Hannigan up and about after having her and Alexis' baby girl was a great treat. She looked absolutely stunning. I also enjoyed reading her tweets as the night went on.<br /><br />Also, Best Dress goes to Anna Torv, who rocked a gorgeous and totally unique gown for the night. We loved it mostly because it wasn't like any other actress' dress (it wasn't that silly mermaid cut and it actually had sleeves!) and besides, she looks smokin' in that red. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383977328999028338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNVWlQ07ZpryzL48Y5G7XlZhDsb7g1eGgwk7vGoC-Xl_8ZLrRIIfkuCY-jPkNIl7exuay0fwHzFRip89-ST5VotpPZ1pAxfbEBb6oinsL4uBGH334zU_kPKgW3H6cz-H7YF4ivgkW8AQ/s320/annatorv.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgJxGKBad3M">Dr. Horrible's hijacking</a>. By far the very best part of the night. I was so bummed about not getting the once hinted-at performance by the cast... but this stunt completely made up for it. Joss+NPH+Nathan Fillion = comedy and musical gold. Throwing in anything <em>Dr. Horrible</em> to any show on television can only make it ten times better - but that goes double for an awards show. I tip my hat to you, Emmy planning people. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT1DZVn5h2Y">NPH's opening number</a>. Exactly what I expected; total brilliance. I honestly believe this man can do no wrong. It's like all the love and happiness and talent in the world converged into one fine-looking human male and now we have Neil Patrick Harris to lighten up our dull work hours with a certain lovable evil doctor and to spice up our otherwise dull award show Sunday with enthusiastic song and dance.</div><br /><div>I love that Michael Emerson won for Best Supporting Role for <em>Lost </em>and that Kristin Chenoweth won for Best Supporting Role for <em>Pushing Daisies.</em> It was such a great honor for the show, which was cancelled way before its time.</div><br /><div>So, did you like the ceremony? Did NPH deliver, in your opinion? Don't worry, I'll <em>probably</em> not hunt you down and hurt you horribly if you say "no"...<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383977343652744146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bD9dqmyr4keWD11fPJmiODBs_IcX0wkdwHXXXbUeHwCfjceHERco2LiXYwRe_-zqsxtYYttA17sBRdSYyKTfgItq9oFkzLjVHos40IO_mKmVxa_ph_S_BYmwal7imbvMU1vHkXIEmPE/s320/nphemmy2.bmp" border="0" /></div></div></div>Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7337436858557699556.post-11867253787678564302009-09-14T06:51:00.000-07:002009-09-14T11:42:59.035-07:00New Moon TrailerI promised myself I wouldn't get excited about this film. I got extremely excited about <em>Twilight </em>when I saw the trailer and I was severely disappointed with the movie. So I promised myself I wouldn't walk into <em>New Moon</em> with high expectations. I would just enjoy it for what it ended up being - total crap or Chris Weitz awesomeness. But seriously - this trailer is the SHIT. It's going to be REALLY difficult to keep my Totally Psyched levels down for the November release. Check it out:<br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:436357" width="512" height="319" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" base="." allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="configParams=type%3Dnormal%26id%3D1621379%26vid%3D436357%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A436357%26startUri=mgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A436357"></embed> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 500px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="COLOR: #439cd8" href="http://www.mtv.com/movies/trailer_park/" target="_blank">Movie Trailers</a> - <a style="COLOR: #439cd8" href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/" target="_blank">Movies Blog</a></div><br /><br />Way more Edward in this trailer than the last one. Not that I care. I am so over Robert Pattinson...well...kinda. Hehe.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.hisgoldeneyes.com/">HGE </a>for the trailer. Mine's a little cut-off, so follow the link for the full window.Bufyluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03413334883457090999noreply@blogger.com0