31 posts tagged “battlestar galactica”
I am so not used to seeing Billie Piper on a major US network. OK, so Showtime isn't your ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox, but it's still bigger than Sci-fi or BBC America. All these commercials for Secret Diary of a Call Girl are making me feel both awkward and happy. I mean, awk because it's Rose Tyler in her skivvies, but excited because it's ROSE FUCKING TYLER. Oh I hate the fangirl in me.
In other news: new Doctor Who this week. I have some hope for "Midnight", and then... ROSE! Hurray! So here's what I'm wondering: We know that there will be those specials next year, so who will be the companion? Martha's got her own life, but she could pop up when the Doctor visits Earth. Donna may or may not be around for it. Billie's got her own show, though I don't know what's going to happen past the second series. I think she's filming it now, so ostensibly she could come back for a special, but don't hold your breath. So... new mini companions? Jack? I guess maybe it'll be more obvious after the finale, where I'm sure Davies will tack on a completely unnecessary "cliffhanger" which will interrupt the emotional end and my post-Rose crying.
Ugh, Sci-Fi: please stop putting BSG on giant hiatuses: No new BSG until 2009. OK, to be a little more fair, it seems this is because of the post production needed for each episodes, which are kind of CGI-heavy.
So, I think I'm going to get the iPhone. I just need to jump, get it over with, you know? Stop thinking, stop ruminating, just do it!
I love plurk! It's like twitter, but with more interacting with users. It's hard to meet people via Twitter, but with Plurk it's really easy.
I finished up Life on Mars and I had lots and lots of thoughts. Good thoughts! I also have, for the first time in decades, thoughts on Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who.
Life on Mars
I. Just. Had. A. Thought. Period. The end of Life on Mars reminded me of the end of the fourth season of Farscape when John decides to leave Earth forever, despite spending so much time trying to get back. Very reminiscent.
And a little like the fourth season of Lost, how the Six get off the island, but Jack needs to get back. In fact, I dare say this is a fairly common theme on second thought, but I bloody loved the way Life on Mars pulled it off. It's just blowing my mind right now.
When I described the Life on Mars finale, my sister immediately thought about the Sopranos and the letdown many people felt. I was one of those viewers, but the ending of Life on Mars seemed to have some sort of conclusion, Sam was happy.
Now, did he or didn't he? Die, I mean. He jumped off the roof, he's back in 1973, and kisses Annie, jumps into Hunt's car, then the radio catches onto the real world where we hear the doctor say he's losing Sam. The car drives away and the creepy girl walks by, looks at the camera, and turns off the "tv". I kinda see that as Sam dying, she represented the balance between reality and the coma world, and by shutting off the link, it means that world ends. That or Sam's in a permanent coma and we, the viewer and the outside world, are cut off forever. Doesn't mean that Sam's dead, which is interesting.
The whole concept of what's real and what isn't really blows my mind. We saw the "real" world and how it wasn't as exciting or fun or meaningful for Sam as the coma one, and he chose to live a "lie" rather than walk through 2006. Any show that promotes delusions over reality is OK with me!
And I know there's a spin off in the 80's, I'm not sure how that fits into my plot. Maybe somehow Sam did travel back in time, parallel universe? and someone else ends up there in similar circumstances. Doesn't matter, I'm not going to watch it. The whole premise seems kind of shoddy, I don't buy it.
Battlestar Galctica 4.11
I actually have thoughts. Last week I thought that episode was a complete crap fest full of dumb decisions and obnoxious characters (Lamkin's insane? Lee's President? Tigh's in charge? There's a Cylon-Cylon baby?) A number of people assumed these things would play out during the next few episodes, but it looks like nothing from 4.10 will actually matter at all based on this episode. I'm guessing next week will pick up with Roslin and Adama coming back, so everything will return to pre-4.10 status... What a waste of an episode.
I mean, why couldn't this episode have been last week. This is the second time something's happened and the show's taken us away from the action for a week. Last time it was the big Cylon-Cylon showdown, this time it was the Cylon jump. But that aside, the episode still had some weak elements, but much better than last week. Still not up to BSG standards.
Anyways, my favorite moment from the episode, easily: Three to Roslin on the final five:
Three: You mean you don't know you're one of them? *music crescendos, then stops abruptly*
*Three laughs*
*my heart races, I laugh*
Well, there goes my Roslin is a Cylon theory. Bugger, it would have been a terrific surprise and plot twist. But now that they've gone with the fake out, it's not going to happen.
I kept wanting Billy to show up in Roslin's visions. I kind of want him to be the final Cylon. But I'm thinking it may be Cally, since we've seen that maybe Cylon-Cylon babies can happen, no one is ruled out. Hell, Helo could be a toaster. Maybe Dualla, they really haven't given her anything to do.
Doctor Who 4.09
Well, this is one of the rare instances where I liked the second part more than the first part of the multi-parter. It's like a theme with me that I fall head over heels with the first episode, but by the second I'm somewhat let down. In this case, I was a little disappointed by the first episode, but this was back to great.
For a Steven Moffat episode, it was not his strongest. But hey, the man's written some of the best episodes of the entire run of the show, so I'll cut him some slack.
This was a really sucky episode for the Doctor and Donna. The Doctor had to deal with River Song, who was someone ridiculously special to future him, and Donna had to deal with getting married, falling in love, and ending up missing the real him by *this much*. Ugh, why do you do this Mr. Moffat? I know it would be redic to have a random tagalong for Donna, but can't someone be happy? Especially since I'm pretty sure she's going to die... Boo, why did Donna have to bring up the River Song's awkwardness upon meeting Donna... At least she's not dumb.
I can say the only moment when I jumped was when Miss Evangelista removed her veil to her mangled face. I wish I had more moments, maybe if the Vashta Nerada were not this invisible swarm, maybe if they were somewhat corporeal, that would have flipped me out. I dunno, I could have used some visual fear.
Thoughts on River, so there was no altering of timelines occurred, so does that mean we'll see River again? Maybe in one of the specials next year, or maybe in the first series Steven Moffat runs, maybe he had the idea for her as a companion... Nevertheless, he's definitely set River up in the timeline before Ten regenerates, and after some period of time in which he ages. Now someone argued with me that River referred to the Doctor looking young purely in his eyes, but I also think she referred to his physical aging as well. It was a little ambiguous, maybe in case Steven needed to pull out this little trick earlier than he planned. Or he could just dump the River plots, and whenever Ten regenerates, it'll be assumed the River thing occurred off camera.
Spoilers! How noble of the Doctor and Donna not to look. I half expected someone to come at the end and just take it, all creepy like. But nope, the end just led into a trailer for "Midnight", which makes sense. The Doctor and Donna deserve a vacation planet after the badness of this episode. And after next week, "Turn Left" and ROSE!! ZOMG YES! Hopefully Rose will show up at the end of "Midnight", which will be nice.
Tomorrow's the WWDC, World Wide Developers Conference, and the rumor mill is saying there will be a new iPhone. I've been looking into new phones with Verizon, but I can't do it. Every phone I just compare to the iPhone, and I think it's time I just accept that there is no iPhone killer, any touch screen device won't hold a candle to the standard set by Apple. Since I've got my job, I'll be paying for the service and everything, no more phones from Mommy and Daddy... It'll be expensive, and I might chicken out...
January 2009 can't come soon enough.
Lost 4.12
I rewatched the episode from last week tonight because I heard there would be more footage of the press conference. The only intereesting thing I recalled was that in the cover story, Boone, Charlie, and Libby survived, but all died on the island, Charlie dying a few days before the rescue. :(
Lost 4.13/14
Wow. I can say I really enjoyed the first hour more than the second. I'm not sure why, I guess there was tons of shit happening, and I kept looking at the clock, and I was like "WOAH WE'RE NOT EVEN HALF WAY THROUGH THE FIRST HALF!" in a good way. Not in an exasperated way. To be clear, I'll try to refer to the first hour as "Part Two" and the second hour as "Part Three", because two weeks ago was "Part One". So I enjoyed "Part Two" more than "Parts One and Three", not to say those other episodes didn't have their moments.
I guess I'll just do a huge review, lumping in things from both episodes. They're starting to blend together, so I can't just break it up.
-- I really enjoyed seeing the continuation of the scene we saw one year ago. It was a really nice touch, even if it only revealed Jeremy Bentham, something that meant nothing to us viewers. I liked seeing it tie in with the context of what we've learned about Jack through the flash forwards.
-- How to move an island, in one easy step: push the frozen wheel. I don't know, but the entire thing felt a little anti-climactic. I mean, there's this huge build up to the Orchid, and then Ben just trashes the time travel machine and pushes a frozen wheel and JUMPS A YEAR INTO THE FUTURE. Oh, and it moves the fucking island. Intense. Well, now we know how Ben ended up in the jungle. Nice touch with the arm wound, clarifies that Ben did jump about a year into the future and it wasn't some other occasion he tried to move the island.
-- Ben kind of rocked though. I mean, he basically made me realize something very important: TIME TRAVELING BUNNIES FTW!
He also had my favorite exchange of the evening:
Locke: "You just killed everybody on that boat!"
Ben: "So?"
That was the quintessential Ben Linus moment, I mean he was just so cold and distant, it rocked. But then, when Ben got his parka and said goodbye, it was such a sad moment, like we really saw what the island meant to him. To never go back, he developed his identity around the island, Ben Linus ruled a whole civilization there, and he didn't know what would happen after. Also? His little snide "I hope you're happy Jacob" bit reaffirmed my theory that Ben was responsible for Jacob asking Locke for help. Jacob needing someone who wasn't Ben leading, hence giving him cancer. That Jacob fellow is slick.
-- So Locke is the new head Other. I think we all saw this coming, but it was still creepy watching Richard basically bow down to his new overlord. But it looks like the island might be moved in the future, as Locke does end up off of it. Or maybe he found that magic box (does the dude get that there MIGHT not be a physical box, but actually a metaphor?) and wished himself off. But you have to wonder, why do all of the Oceanic six (plus Desmond?) need to go back? Surely the Others have enough guns and things that go boom to handle the freighter people. Or maybe there's another threat coming. Perhaps John is trying to help them, because the Six are getting creepy undead messengers.
Back to Locke, so Jeremy Bentham, hmm. The dude must've done something really bad to force the Oceanic Six to never use his name. Who is he, Voldemort? But nonetheless, me, one year ago, was right. I did a little shriek and happy dance when I saw Locke in that coffin. I wonder why the corpse needs to go back? I totally didn't think it would be Locke tonight. I was thinking it was Ben, but I couldn't reason why the Oceanic Six wouldn't use his name. Ben's done such horrible shit, you'd think they'd have already reached the point when his name would be forbidden. So I was thinking it was Christian Shephard in the casket, but that would have been a really confusing mindfuck. Then at the last minute I was wavering between Christian and Desmond. I kept thinking who else left the island with wasn't one of the Oceanic Six, and I could only think of Des. But thankfully he's still alive and kicking. I hope.
-- Claire!!!!!!! OK, she's so dead. You can't be a dead island messenger without being dead (OK she was in a dream, but I'm calling Island) Claire was always this quiet, calm character, I was so pumped to see her flip a shit in that dream about Aaron. Sure it was tame, but there was power, I liked it!
-- DESMOND! I worried for like 5 seconds that he died in the helicopter crash. Like yelling "NONONONONO!" at the TV. But after going to first base with Jack, everything worked out, and he got to go to first with Penny! Imagine how horrible it would be if Des died and Penny received his dead body :( I shudder to think about that. But yeah, we had this incredibly sweet payoff with Desmond and Penny, I teared up. I loved how Des, like a little kid, showed off Penny to everyone. Heh.
-- So what do you think happened to Faraday? I mean, he was sort of away from the island, but I didn't see the little boat left behind... I think he got teleported, right? I hope he's not in some weird ass limbo, or in the void (don't get me started on voids) He's probably with the island, with Charlotte. Charlotte's got something interesting. Miles did his eerie "I'm a ghost whisperer and kind of psychic" thing, and basically we know that Charlotte was on the island before. She told Daniel something about searching for the place she was born... I'm going with the Island as the place of birth. I wonder how you put that down on a college application "City: Deserted island that bends the properties of time and space."
-- Hurley is a wackjob. I mean, we knew he was... Well things could get dicey in the brain sometimes. But playing chess with Eko... Yikes. I mean, sure Jack's been seeing his dead father, but I don't see why Hurley would get overwhelmed with ghost messengers. I buy the Island sending Charlie, but Eko? Yeah, doubt it. Unless Hurley's got a bizarrely strong connection to the Island... Or not... Watch Hurley end up being the only Oceanic Six sane enough to do anything. Heh.
-- Jin. Is he, or isn't he? Sun thinks he's dead, or does she? Why on earth would she team up with Widmore unless he has something... or someone. Maybe Sun doesn't know about Ben and Locke running around trying to get people back to the island, so she's left to team up with Widmore to go back and hope Jin is there. Because he wasn't in the explosion, he was on deck, and after the first boom, he could easily have jumped off and swam to shore. I don't see that being so farfetched, I mean Sawyer did it! Dunno, watch tomorrow the executive producers tell us Jin is dead, and all this spec is useless. SEE WHAT YOU DID TO ME BATTLESTAR GALACTICA!
-- So everyone's got to go back. Jack's going to have a tough time working that out, I mean, Kate's not going to take Aaron at all, so that seems to ruin the plans right off the bat. Everything pretty much came full cirle with the flash forwards. They served their purpose of showing the off island life and needing to go back. Now that we've seen them leave, it was a nice way to round out the whole story telling device.
I'm starting to see how next season's going to be confusing with present/future/past. This season we could rely on the island as a standard point of reference, December 2004. Present. But now it appears the action with the Oceanic Six will occur three years(?!) after that time. My mother, with the established period as present, couldn't keep track of the time shifting and was left confused. It also didn't help that she didn't regularly watch. But nonetheless, without the fixed reference point, will we just shift from three years future off island, to present (2004/5) on the island? Not done properly, that could be a little wacky.
OH Frak! BSG aired in the UK Wednesday Night! WTF! How did I not know?! *downloads* Guess I'll have to watch it tomorrow afternoon... I haven't written much about this season, maybe I'll do a roundup post tomorrow, when it's not 3am...
Grey's Anatomy 4.13
I know this episode aired ages ago, but I really felt I should talk about this. I mean... Addison!!!!! WHEE!!! YAY!!! She. Was. Awesome. Like, beyond words. She was snappy and adorable and sweet and had that bite to her that vanished on Private Practice. I mean, I hate that show, and I hate that Addison was taken away from Grey's because of that show.
So, yay for Addison being awesome. But there was other stuff. Like, take Ava/Rebecca, who is preggers, but not. That posed some problems for Izzie, who has that pesky doctor/patient confidentiality to contend with. But more on Ava/Rebecca (I should really pick a name) later.
George is an intern. Remember? Izzie didn't, and she kept forgetting she's the boss. And I would not want to drink and play darts with my boss either. Plus, is Izzie really all that shocked that George has another life? Last time she because good friends it led to sex, and relationships, which led to lame. Very lame.
So Izzie was feeling very out of it. I mean, she so "coded". Then she met a pregnant HIV-positve woman, and gave me one of my favorite moments of the episode. After getting shot down by the mother-to-be for not scheduling the abortion, Izzie came back in full force and let her know exactly how slim the chances are that the child would be HIV-positive. 98% chance the child will be fine. I didn't know that, but apparently it's true. The looks of joy from the parents to be was really sweet, and I wanted to just hug Izzie. You rock.
And now we have lesbians, or rather Callie and Erica. I kind of saw it, but I also saw really good friends. Maybe LA upped Addison's gaydar, and that tuned her into the vibes. Oh Callie, totally freaked out about this whole thing. So what's a girl to do the cement her sexuality? Dance with Sloane. Classy. Oh, and Hahn totally has feelings for Callie... Or she thinks she's hot. Or both.
Oh, and best line ever:
Callie: Did anyone ever think you two were a couple?
Meredith: No because we screw boys like whores on tequila.
Cristina: And then we either try to marry them or drown ourselves.
Grey's Anatomy 4.14
This whole clinical trial thing is obviously a device to get Meredith and Derek together. I mean, "ooohh we have to be perfectly in sync... look into my eyes... blah, blah, blah." Fine. I got it.
So apparently there is an Ask, Tell policy in the hospital, because you MUST list all your sexual partners... those you can remember. Poor Lexie, though I forgot you fucked Alex, too. It's kind of a major invasion of privacy if you ask me. I mean, first we all know that Rose and Derek didn't screw, then we found out they did. And George? You kind of became the Chief's bitch. But you are a rocking Intern. Like a super star. I guess it takes two times to get amazing.
And speaking of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, I'm with Meredith about how it was sweet. I mean, tragic, but it was sweet, like forbidden love and the risk and the necessity for secrecy. And the one soldier got a say goodbye, even if he couldn't be there. Plus the father sort of came to terms, wanting a military burial and being civil to the other man.
I need to just bitch about Meredith's shrink, who loves to tell Meredith how crappy her life is and how, even though her patient is dealing, the shrink tells her otherwise. I mean, get the fuck over yourself therapist, you can do better to make Mere feel like she's so fucked up that everything she thinks is wrong. I want to bitch slap her.
Sloane is reforming his manwhoring ways, which isn't the worst thing in the world. Plus, a bunch of pissed up nurses can do that to a guy. But Derek is kind of a slut, too, because he's all banging Rose but thinking about Mere. Lame. I'm really just sick of those two, in general. Period. I know they're getting together, let's just get it over with.
Burke won an award, and they set Cristina off. I get it. I understand. It's an interesting connection between Hahn and Cristina, how they both got screwed over, but it didn't seem like Cristina was looking to bond.
Oh and Hahn is so amused that Addison thought Callie and her were a couple. Hilarious, except she wishes it were true. Classy.
Grey's Anatomy 4.15
I thoroughly enjoyed the last two episodes. This one? Not so much. Actually, I found it very annoying. From the whole "fairy tale" metaphor for Meredith and Derek's views of relationships, to Cristina completely losing her shit, I just wanted to punch several people. Like Meredith's shrink, who just drove me crazy. She's a terrible therapist. She should be helpful, and supportive and offering help and advice, not completely deconstructing Meredith's life with the conclusion that she's crappy. Like... Fuck you bitch. Yeah, I hated her. Aren't there other shrinks you can see?
Cristina lost it. Just right off the deep end. Cleaning, bitching, not interested in surgery, she covered all the anti-Cristina bases. But when she just opened her mouth, I knew carnage would ensue. She flipped out on Lexie and George, and I wanted to flip out on her. Also? Meredith, way not to stand up to Lexie. I mean, she didn't really do anything to you, and she's been not so annoying lately.
But Lexie had her revenge. She went all "I saw heart surgery and you didn't, bitch" on Cristina. Sorta. I wish she were a bit more agressive or face-rubbey with Cristina. But alas, I guess that's Lexie's muted way of doing things. She also had a moment with Meredith, basically saying what I've been saying all along: Meredith's life sucks. It really, really sucks. Her childhood, her professional life, her personal life. It's crap, and sometimes I'm surprised Meredith can get up in the morning. I did a bit of a fist pump when she said that.
Rebecca's nuts. Yeah, I get this episode is all about crazy. So... Crazy. Hysterical pregnancy, forgetting about child (I did that too), need for new tits. Yup, definitely a wackjob. Izzie finally told Alex, who didn't want to believe it, but when he accepted it, he still wouldn't let Rebecca get the help she needs. She needs a psych consult, and Alex is all protecty. Dude, you need to get her help... Seriously.
George got to be cute manny for the day. Aw, I don't actually mind that he's just holding Tucker. I think it's really sweet that he'd do that. Plus, it's better that Tucker doesn't have to be around for his parents' bickering. Boy do they have problems. Like, the really bad kind. If they're going to divorce, they need to get going before they scar their child and make him punch more tykes.
Oh, and Callie and Hahn made lesbian jokes all episode and Hahn kissed Callie in an elevator. Like that won't be awkward afterwards. At all.
The Office 4.12
I almost just skipped over writing this episode because I just disliked it. Michael was a buffoon and I try to ignore him when that happens.
I guess the only interesting thing that happened was Ryan went off on Jim and gave him a warning about job performance. I only mention this because it led to Jim taking things seriously in the next few weeks.
Oh, and Dwight is jealous.
The Office 4.13
This episode was pretty much separated into three sections, the job fair, the office, and golfing. So I'll split this up.
Job Fair.
Michael was kind of an idiot, but I loved Pam. There was this moment when she goes into the art room, her old stomping grounds, and says to the camera "I wonder if it's still here," and then turns back and goes "guess they took it down." That moment was so perfectly subtle and sweet and sad. People and places move on, and clearly something Pam had done was taken down. I know I feel that way sometimes when I go to old places. Things change, and you're not entirely prepared. That was a real moment. And so, moving onto change, Pam inquires about a new art opportunity and looks into taking digital art classes. Gasp!
Golfing.
Jim actually took his job seriously, and I liked this side of him. Sure goofy, playful, lovesick Jim is nice, but sometimes it can get old. Luckily, this was a refreshing change. Plus, Andy and Kevin showed up, which is always hilarious. Andy continued to rock my socks, overdoing the golfing thing, trashing his hands practicing the night before. Then Kevin turns the whole day into a big bet.
But the big deal of the day was Jim, who regained a customer, proving he isn't a fool and that he can do things other than goofing off. And how he was so proud of what he did was excellent! The awkward back in the office kiss? Eh. They were cuter when they weren't together, and when Kevin wasn't going "bowng chicka bowng bowng." That's a bit of a mood killer.
Office.
Dwight and Angela. Together. Working. Alone.
The Office 4.14
I don't know, but as far as season finales go, I was kind of let down. Sure there were funny moments, but overall it didn't really feel like a finale.
Big things: Jan is pregnant, but with a sperm donor's spawn and not Michael's. She needed to make this one count (ouch). Jim didn't propose to Pam, because Andy got to it first (with Angela! not Pam). Michael was hit on by Holly, but was too dense to realize it. And Holly thought Kevin was a special needs employee. Funniest thing about that was Kevin behaved no differently than he usually did.
But I need to talk about Pam for a second. I was so sad when she said she really thought Jim was going to propose. And he was! The whole thing he said to Michael about falling in love with Pam in the office set up this amazingly sweet fireworks display and big event, only to have Andy stomp all over it. If I was Jim, I would have just gone back, poured some wine, and did it then. But he scrapped the plans entirely, leaving Pam disappointed. Except, now we know she wants to get married to him. Yay!? I don't know how I feel about that, yet.
My favorite moment of the episode was Pam's talking head where she said "Don't ever tell Toby I told you this, but I always thought he was sort of cute." I just flipped out, because that coy look on her face was amazing. And Toby is kind of adorable, in a really quiet, odd kind of way.
Ryan got busted... but not for coke. Fraud is so not cool, kids. Ever. Then Oscar had his best line ever, which was "But the real crime was the beard." Oh so true. I wonder if BJ Novak grew it over the summer, and got so much heat for it that the other writers wrote the jokes into the show. At least that's what I like to think.
So cliffhangers: Pam is off to NYC for the summer, I'm assuming she's not quitting Dunder Mifflin, right? I mean, she could and three months is a long break, but Michael seems like he'd take her back after the three months.
Ryan is in jail. Think we'll get some prison scenes? I was hoping they dealt with the drug issue more, that was a really dark storyline with a lot of potential.
Toby's gone, or is he? Sure he bounced because he put his hand on Pam's leg, but how long can he stay in "Costa Rica"? Plus, anybody know if Amy Ryan is a series regular next year? I totally didn't recognize her, but I'm also an idiot.
Dwight and Angela have sex. OK, I know that's not actually the cliffhanger part, but I'm glad the writers made us wait this long to learn the truth. I remember they said they made it ambiguous as to how far their relationship went. Now we know. I'm sorry, but I love that ANGELA is a. Having premarital sex, b. cheating on her fiancé, and c. doing it by the copy machine. The cliffhanger - Phyllis caught them. Yikes.
I decided that this post was getting redic, so I'm splitting it into two parts. Also because House is on tonight and I wanted my thoughts for that written down. Just some quick bits before I bounce (or get breakfast).
Dollhouse Squee! (I know this is ages old, but I've been busy)
- Katee Sackhoff on Nip/Tuck! Yay!
- The real inspiration for the Office
Sidenote - I saw Prince Caspian Friday, and I really liked it. A bit too Jesus-ey for my tastes (and I loved the first film, which was all Resurrection!). Anyway, am I a horrible person for being extremely attracted to Edmund, played by Skandar Keynes, who's 16!? I believe, last I checked, it was illegal in several states to feel that way. I mean, he was 15 when he filmed the movie! Why can't I just be swoony with Ben Barnes like everyone else in the world?
Today was the last day of April, and there were flurries. Yup. SNOW. Gah. I'm trying to get this stupid research paper started, but the words just aren't happening. Grr.
Grey's Anatomy 4.12
You know what, I didn't hate this episode. It had all the hallmarks of a shitty ep, doctors acting like children, stupid subplots, overt metaphors... But... it worked? I would hate to think that my doctors have running contests involving my health, I mean, really? But what kept that plot grounded was Izzie and her patient, who reminded us how ridiculous and insensitive the entire concept is. I mean, Meredith shouted with glee upon discovering her patient had a brain tumor! That was just so hilarious, that I could imagine a young doctor getting caught up in the excitement of the game. That's the key to doing an absurd subplot, just include a few characters to ground the entire concept in reality. Side note: if this happened irl, the hospitals would be so liable, because having a context in live and death scenarios? That's a law suit waiting to happen.
Um, I thought there was more I had to say about this episode, but I guess not. Derek and his lady? Eh. Shonda already said MerDer 4 eva, so this is just unnecessary "drama". And the obnoxious animal theme... I just let the themes go. I mean, face it, Grey's is a guilty pleasure. There was a time when it was a great drama, probably around the second season, but ever since it never really got its groove back. So with my new standards for the show, this one wasn't half-bad. Shockingly, I liked it...
The Office 4.11
I know I've been pretty hard on The Office (US) lately, but I'm going to say it. I. LOVED. THIS. EPISODE! Maybe it was Ryan spending the entire episode high, or maybe it was Dwight getting it on with a college basketball player, or maybe it was Jim showing he would make a terrible leader, or maybe it was that the entire office hates Pam and Jim...
I'll start with the boys in the city! Ryan shows up to Scranton to tell the grunts they have to work Saturday because the Dunder Mifflin Infinity wasn't working and they need to enter stuff. Basically, the whole online thing is failing miserably. Ryan lets it slip that NY clubs have all the babes, so obvs Michael and Dwight drop in on him in NYC. Well, I should have known it would take more than alcohol to get Ryan hugging Michael. Ryan and his half-beard were enjoying the Columbian nose candy a little too much. The big bad city ate our boy up. I kind of miss old Ryan the temp, but I hope he bounces back (maybe he needs to get fired or demoted).
Dwight! I. LOVE. YOU. The ladies were throwing themselves at you, bro! I always loved Dwight, even if he is the most out there of the US character incarnations, but Rainn makes it work. I was dying when Michael snapped the picture and sent it to EVERYONE! Such a Michael thing (and a David Brent thing). And when Dwight was all, "I'm not calling her", oh you are so awesome. Only Dwight wouldn't appreciate a tall, leggy blond.
Back in Scranton, is was nice to see the minor characters. Lately it seems most of the action occurred outside the office, so I was happy to see everyone. Kelly, I wish you had more to do (but props to Mindy Kaling for writing this boss episode). Her few lines were so amazing. "I have a lot of questions. Number one, how dare you?" - Kelly to Ryan. But the real focus was Pam and Jim. Obviously. But this time, everyone hated both of them. I think the majority of the office hate them together, and that showed. Jim was portrayed in a much harsher light, making racial gaffes a la Michael (awkwardly asking the security guard if he was the African American, assuming the cleaning people only spoke Spanish). Jim really isn't all that slick, and I think this episode was from more of the coworkers perspective, showing the viewer that our hero is just another grunt.
Toby. Aw, poor fella. Side note: The dude has intense fence-hopping skills. I loved the awkward moment with his hand on Pam's knee. I mean, what were you trying to do there, Tobes? But I could totally see that happening, and if you think about it, Jim did similar things when Pam was with Roy. The difference is Toby doesn't have that kind of friendship with Pam to begin with. See you in Costa Rica, Toby.
So, yeah, Best. Night. Ever. I was legitimately concerned that I was losing touch with this show. I was indifferent to displeased with episodes everyone loved, and I couldn't help but utter the B-word, British. But this episode was simply delightful, and I'll be looking forward to next week and a continuation of some of the plots from this week.
30 Rock 2.13
I hate when this show has hilarious moments, and then it includes a kind of lame subplot. The whole porn-video game? Wasn't my cup of tea. Sure there were funny jokes involved, but some moments just didn't work, like Frank having his "NOOOOOO!!" moment. Fell flat for me, personally.
BUT! Dr. Spaceman! Yes! I love that continuity! Also? Will Arnett. He == awesome.
Like any 30 Rock episode, this one shined with its one liners
Liz - "Suck it monkeys! I'm going corporate!"
Liz to Frank - "You look like Gene Simmons had sex with a basset hound!"
Jack - "Hugging is so ethnic"
I will officially start calling flutes "music sticks"
Business drunk, which is clearly more dignified than drunk. Duh.
Um plot-wise... Geiss is in a diabetic coma (way to go Liz), and Jack doesn't get the promotion. Way to go Banks. I'm hoping awesomeness will ensue and maybe a confrontation when Geiss wakes up.
Battlestar Galactica 4.06
Baltar isn't really Jesus, right? I mean, BSG wouldn't turn Jesus into the insanely fucked up Baltar from this show, right? Because his whole, love yourself thing sounded vaguely biblical. I'm no theologian, so correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there this whole "love thyself" bit? But... nah, RDM wouldn't make Baltar Jesus.
I like evil Tory. I mean, she straight up went off the deep end after last week's Cally-killing. Going from crying during sex with Baltar to initiating the sex with Baltar... She even fed him some of her gospel. We're all perfect, so no guilt! I wonder if Roslin's noticed a difference. We haven't seen much of them together since the premiere, have we? I wonder if Tory's going to even try to hide it anymore.
Clearly Tigh became interested in turning off the pain. He's been pretty disturbed lately, and I think he actually wondered if it could be done. So enter Caprica Six/Ellen to really mess with Tigh's mind. It was probably more like Tigh's mind messing with him, but I digress. Yay Ellen! I wouldn't be shocked if she were the final Cylon, but it wouldn't be Ellen, because I doubt there was a Final 5 resurrection ship near New Caprica. But oh the drama that would bring. I can't imagine things would end well for Tigh if that happened.
I wonder what's going on with the Cylon fleet. Interesting there wasn't any sort of resolution. And barely a peep from Starbuck and her motley crew. Hopefully we get some development next week.
Tyrol's a mess. I think he's the most aware of how crappy it is that he's a Cylon. I don't think it's such a terrible idea to get away from Galactica. I mean, how sure are these 4 Cylons that they're not going to be triggered. They can't know. No matter how many times they repeat who they are, it wouldn't help them if some greater purpose turned them into killing machines. But then again, if the four were planted in the fleet to further the human cause, then Tyrol leaving is a bad thing. But as of now, he's just screwing up and putting lives in danger.
Interesting theory of the week. So I was in my comp sci lab, and one of my TA's said, "Cally's a Cylon." And I was like, "No. Cally and Tyrol have a child." His thought is that the Cylon - Cylon fertility problem is psychological (love), and since Cally and Tyrol had no clue what they were, they conceived and have a spawn. Now, I think this is highly unlikely, but it would be an amazing twist, and it would make that child the single most important thing for the Cylons. Think about the fertility problems, we've seen both a male and female Cylon become parents, so we know it isn't that one gender is deficient. Six went on and on about love and how that is why Cylons can't have babies... Or genetically, the Cylons' genes are too powerful and won't let them reproduce (like mules, but they're sterile). Just thought it was interesting.
Doctor Who 4.04
I was worried about this episode, I mean, it was a two part Martha story written by the woman who wrote "Daleks in Manhattan"... But it seems I didn't need to fear, the story and Martha got the proper treatment they deserved! I'll start with Martha. I was glad her call to the Doctor was business, I was worried it would come off as Martha being needy and just wanting to travel. It seems our gal's gotten settled! Engaged and working, I'm glad. I'm not sure if she's over the Doctor, but I'm glad she's moved past the pining, because with Rose returning, that could get ugly. Speaking of Rose, glad there were no Rose returning mentions, this episode needed to have a solid Martha focus, and to have another Rose reminder would have been unnecessary.
Oh Doctor, I loved that beat when he stepped out of the TARDIS and just looked at Martha. He just looked so conflicted, but then it was right back to fun Ten. But that moment was amazing, like acknowledging how badly he felt, if only for a second. But then there was that happy reunion hug, and then Donna. Ten was so funny with his, "please don't fight" and how he held his breath as Donna told Martha how much Ten said about her. I don't think he's ready for Martha to know how badly he feels. It wouldn't be in his character to acknowledge that to her. But Donna and Martha got along quite well, it wasn't like the Rose/Sarah Jane mini-bitchfest, which was good. The more Martha is separated from Rose the better, I think if the two will meet, the writers need to send her down her own path, with her own ideas and actions. I'm not suggesting she suddenly stops loving the Doctor, but she's matured enough to realize how much Rose meant to him, and how she's not Rose, so she can move on and be at peace with her choices. She made that clear to Jack on Torchwood when talking about her decision to leave the Doctor. Martha's really come into her own, I loved seeing her with her walkie-talkie giving commands and whatnot. Sure Donna was all "you turned her into a soldier!", but it was brilliant. That's the kind of take charge attitude I wanted from her last series.
So not only was Martha awesome, but Donna was lighter, too. After a few weeks of heavy moral conflict, we got some light moral conflict. Sure she had her piece about the rights of the workers and the raid on the factory, but it was a brief bit. Overall she was quite snippy, but to the point. I loved her she pwned the UNIT folks with the non-existent sick days. Donna's going to be the kind of companion to look for things no one else would think to check. Awesome. Of course, Martha warned her about putting her family in danger, so Donna took some time. I loved how the Doctor was all sad and upset, trying to keep her on board. Of course it took him longer to realize it was a temporary thing, to which Donna had a really funny bit about how dense he can be. So true, and hilarious. I love when she talks back, it really adds to their relationship.
I love Ten's problem with authority. His extreme dislike of UNIT was so amusing, like the Doctor doesn't do some of the thins they do. He may not use guns, but his weapons are so much deadlier. Nevertheless, he had funny moments about giving orders and saluting. Then he got his own UNIT boy (Ross!). Ten had some great lines concerning Ross, "we like Ross!" Hee!
OK, plot. Sure it's completely unreasonable that EVERY SINGLE CAR has this ATMOS thing. Do you realize how long it takes for technology to become this widespread? Years. But letting that go, the Sontarans were cool. I thought they were going to be cheesy and lame, but they were pretty badass. Little badass warriors who clone people. Yikes. So looks like the Doctor's got quite a bit to deal with next week: Donna's grandad, poison gas, cloned Martha, and an entire race bred for war. Let the Deus ex Machina commence!
OK, the following is speculation for the rest of the series, including spoilers for future episode titles. You've been warned.
So it looks like Davies has gone all out when it comes to seeding in references. We've got lost planets, Rose mentions, missing bees, the Shadow Proclamation (maybe?), and the Medusa Cascade. I'm going to bring up the Medusa Cascade. Apparently there was a rift there that the Doctor closed some time ago. It came up in "The Last of the Time Lords", but I didn't really pay attention (thanks Doctor Who Wiki!) Anyways, RD said that "[the Medusa Cascade] come back to haunt us." Hm... Well that sounds ominous, doesn't it? I wonder what he means. But I don't think it's a coincidence that the Medusa Cascade, with it's former rift, keeps coming up in the series that Rose returns. I wonder if the Cascade is the reason behind Rose's world hopping and the missing planets/bees. Following this trend, the Cascade is the only one of the recurring phrases that has a proper name. Think back, we've had Bad Wolf, Torchwood, and Mr. Saxon. There's really nothing that directly compares. Why bring it up? Well, the second to last episode this series is titleless as of now. The finale has a name ("Journey's End". which probably means I'll be bawling like a baby when it airs), as do all the episodes before the second to last. Interesting. I recall that back in the first series, the episode "Bad Wolf" was left unnamed and was the last of the titles to be revealed that series. Well, if there were an arc word, I would say that this episode would be named that. But there isn't, so all I have to go on is the mysterious Medusa Cascade. But then again, I could be completely wrong, for all I know the episode could be called "Bees" and Rose is coming back because there is a massive Bee infestation. Heh.
House 4.13
Oh House and Amber. Doesn't Wilson get a say in anything? I can't be the only person who kept thinking, "Why can't Wilson just choose when to hang out with House? Why does Amber get to choose?" The dude's a grown man, after all. I get the writers wanted to have a cute, funny subplot, but that's all they could do? Don't get me wrong, it was funny, just... poor Wilson.
HEY! DID YOU GUYS GET IT? THE NURSES WERE ON STRIKE! THAT'S LIKE SO REFERRING TO THE WRITER'S STRIKE! AHAHAH WOW! THAT WAS SO SLICK! I BET NO ONE GOT IT BECAUSE IT WAS SO SUBTLE! *eyeroll*
How much would it have sucked if House was angry and bitter because of syphilis? That's like throwing four seasons out the window. Of course, I remember how much less angry he was after that ketamine coma... I love how much of an asshole House can be, like why go through the trouble to put a fake blood sample and trick people into thinking you're mean because of an STD? I guess House is just that kind of douchebag, a very calculating one. Heh.
So how did everyone know 13 was bisexual? Am I the only one who doesn't get a bisexual vibe? Because apparently everyone else does. And she hasn't confirmed or denied it, so I guess House will just try to annoy it out of her. I wonder how many sly mentions he can get, I really liked his "31". Oh Greg.
Kutner (I'm tempted to start calling him Kumar again) wins my award for random diagnostic epiphany of the week. I mean, the dude jumped from point a to point z. It made me think of that time when Chase realized House was wrong and ended up getting punched. Kutner just got a "that should have been my epiphany". I could have used a good House smack down, too.
Oh and Chase? He's apparently House's bowling buddy. Bowling isn't one of the two things men do alone. Hee, awesome one liner. I wonder if their bowling relationship will be shortlived now that Chase is now convinced Cameron slept with House. I'm not sure if she did, but it's odd she didn't just deny it. Like no one would judge her if she said no, actually, I think that's what everyone expected. But she just pulls one of those "none of your business" things, which scream 'guilty'. Maybe she's embarrassed because part of her wanted to sleep with him, so she's keeping mum. As a result, everyone thinks she's knocked boots with House, which, let's be honest, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
I am so loving spring right now. I'm walking around outside without a coat, I'm seeing the sky and sun, and there's no snow! So... win!
In not-so-win news, I'm sick. Fuck. And I did pretty shitty on my last Chemistry test, but it's OK, because I can make up the points on the final. Just need to study instead of watching Skins. Yeah, I was talking to my friend the night before my Chem exam, and she was randomly commenting about Skins. So naturally I downloaded the first episode and stayed up until 4am watching the show. I finished the first series in 2 days, and I only have the finale left to watch. Sure there were some eye-rolling moments, and sure it felt like the adults were written by what 10th graders thing adults are like, but damn, that show's addictive. It's definitely an English Degrassi, but with sex and drugs and nudity. Love it.
30 Rock 2.12
I didn't really love this episode so much. I mean, it was good to see Dennis back, that whole To Catch A Predator thing was just a misunderstanding, but I didn't feel much love. I liked the Tracy Jordan message "Don't Vote!" to Blackmericans, and I did like Bucky Bright's lines, about how being with a man in the old days wasn't gay, and how the writer's room used to be called "the Jew room". I did laugh a lot at that line. I did enjoy the parrot who died 9-1-1 and said fire, because he didn't know the word 'rape'. Hee!
That Nixon bit, as much as I love Alec Baldwain dressing up as an ex-president, fell a little flat to me. I was just sort of... OK... about the whole thing. I tried watching it again, but I still didn't feel love. So, w/e's, there's always next week.
The Office 4.10
I think I'm becoming disillusioned with the American version. I can't help but compare the US and the UK shows, and I'm becoming more and more let down by the US. I know I keep doing it, and I wish I could just let it go. I feel if I could just get past the fact that the US relies more on gimmicks rather than pure awkwardness, I'd really love it. In the past I have! But I find the times I love The Office are when Michael is toned down and is made kind of pathetic. OK, I like it when the US writers make Michael more like David Brent.
Take this week, I couldn't help but think about something Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant said about their show. They said if they wrote a joke, and it sounded too gimmicky, they just scrapped it, even if it was funny. That is something the US writers obviously don't do. The blind date could have been so much more awkward. In fact, the UK show put David Brent on a blind date, and it was ripe with the awk. I felt when the barista called out Michael's name, I believe it was his full name, it just broke the realism. Sure something like that could happen, minus the last name, but in this instance it felt forced and contrived. I know my sister said she was dying of the awkward, and I suppose if I had ignored my misgivings, I would have loved it too.
What I did love was Pam and Jim. I said last week they were too amicable, just friends, except they were dating. This week, we finally got back to the awesomeness of Jim being more interested in Pam than Pam is in Jim. In the UK version, it was Tim's constant desire to Dawn that drove the show and brought it to the end. Obviously the US version didn't head in that direction, and put Pam and Jim together officially. I really missed that tension and that adorable Jim joking-but-secretly-in-love with Pam. For the first time this season, we totally had that, this time with an engagement ring. I did swoon when Jim said, in his talking head "I was not joking... I bought it a week after we starting dating". NOW THAT IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Why didn't we see this sooner! I sincerely hope we have Jim playing down his feelings in that charmingly adorable manner like in the previous 3 seasons. Maybe throw Karen in the mix for some drama, and boom, we're back at square one, but without a Ross/Rachel will they won't they. It's just Jim biding his time, and hoping Pam is starting to feel the same way. I just hope the writers can balance keeping Jim and Pam together while making sure Jim wants something more, without dragging this engagement thing for eternity. I'm not exactly sure when it should pay off, I mean, if he proposes in the final, I feel like we've just relived "Casino Night" and are destined to wash, rinse, repeat until Pam and Jim get engaged. Rational people can see that this is not the way to go. But we're talking about television writers and network executives...
One thing I loved this episode was Andy. Andy had this brilliant moment, emerging from their meeting, parking spaces recouped, and Andy said "I did it", just as Kevin said, "We did it." You know what Andy did right there? He pulled a David Brent. That is something David Brent would totally do. WWDBD, I'm going to popularize that. Hey Office writers, when penning Michael's line, think, "What would David Brent do?" and move from there. Perhaps they are focusing all their Brent-ness on Andy. When Andy said that line, I suddenly saw him in a spin-off. So, let's set clarify some things. I will not watch the Office spin-off, unless
- The spin-off takes place at the Utica branch and we get Karen.
- Andy transfers from Scranton and heads another branch
- Andy transfers to Utica and we get both Utica and Karen. (Win)
- Andy transfers to the sister company, Wernham Hogg, and joins the Slough branch, headed by Gareth. (no Tim and Dawn and David, those character's are happily retired)
One last thing, maybe I'm overestimating humanity with my opinion on Michael's buffoonery. Last fall, I made the following note about "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" - " [Michael]'s absurd rambling about technology telling him to drive into the lake. Honestly, that's just dumb, like no one would do that." Well, I came across the following article about British drivers relying too much on their GPS systems. In one British village, a local bridge had been closed,
This isn't something I would expect from Americans, let alone the Brits. So... erm... society, get your shit together."Despite warning signs on both sides of the road, and nothing but water straight ahead, local villagers have found themselves pulling an average of two cars a day out of the river for the past week"
Battlestar Galactica 4.04
Erm... OK. I don't have very much to say. Starbuck doesn't really know what she's doing and unless she starts figuring things out, fast. Cylons are going to destroy themselves, though the Centurions are on the Six's side, and are present on all the basestars... Things won't end well, not at all.
It was nice to see Roslin holding a grudge against Lee, verbally bitchslapping him when he tried to support her. I knew that whole thing wasn't over with, and I'm glad the writers realized that. Thank. You.
So last week, when I saw the teaser for this episode, I felt that shit was going down. I didn't fully believe that Cally would actually find out about Tyrol, I thought maybe she would have a dream or it would be shrugged off or something lame. Well... No. Cally got her ass chucked out the airlock... by Tory! She seemed to have embraced her inner Cylon, taking it as a new way to live, albeit a slightly more homicidal outlook. I wonder if Tory was instructed to do this by Tigh or was taking matters into her own hand. I feel that this sort of bud-nipping is right up Tigh's alley. He is more of a "violence is the answer" kind of man. Quick thing about Tory, I was checking out wikipedia's page on the episode, and the description says Tory knocked Cally down with "seemingly-superhuman force". I rewatched that scene, and I don't know if it's superhuman force. Sure Tory backslaps Cally, and she does fall a little ways away, but it wasn't a Six-like across the room hit. I feel if the writers wanted to show Tory with incredible strength, they would have made the force a little more apparent, or maybe I'm just dense.
Doctor Who 4.03
Here's the thing, this episode itself wasn't bad, but I'm afraid it's setting a rather bleak outlook for the rest of Donna's time. The first episode was nice and light and cute, then last week we had the heavy Pompeii, killing 20,000 people downer with moral ambiguity, and this week... more down. Donna was all, "the universe is a terrible, horrid place, take me home", which isn't how most people would look at adventure and other worlds. Also, slavery is a bit of a heavy story, but it's not like similar things weren't dealt with before. "New Earth" had people used as guinea pigs, and that wasn't so down and depressing. To be fair, Rose had already been around with the Doctor to realize death happens when he's there... I don't know, but Donna's sure got a mind for the moral, not that that's bad. It just doesn't make the adventures quite as fun. I would have liked to see Donna have a moment, like "Oh, saving the Ood... I understand how wonderful the world can be..." But we really didn't. So it felt heavy, and after last week, I needed a bit of levity. Rabid Ood don't scream hilarity.
Another thing, I love Rose probably more than the next girl, but are we going to get allusions to her returning and to her being trapped all series leading up to her appearance? If so, that's going to get really old. It's actually getting old, now. I know you can't talk about the Ood without talking about "Satan's Pit"/"Impossible Planet", so that would lead to Rose speak, but it doesn't have to be all sad. I mean, seriously, Rose isn't trapped in a hell dimension. She's in London, with Mickey, and her family, and a sibling... She's not exactly lost, though I get the set up. Worlds are lost, Rose is lost... the worlds are going to Rose's world... Right. This episode wasn't too heavy on the Rose, but I can't imagine these references continuing all series. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be a pattern. If only they could pace it out.
This week's reference was a little different. "I think your song must end soon." Well that sounds a little ominous, doesn't it? Then the Doomsday song plays in the background, which led me to the eventual conclusion that it was a Rose reference. Elyssa had the brilliant connection that the Doomsday song represents the barrier between the Doctor and Rose and that is going to end. I had another, much lamer, but something Davies would do, interpretation, that the Doctor's song is sad and mopey, and when Rose comes back it will end.
OR: there could be a surprise regeneration coming up. OK, the likelyhood of that happening is really slim, I mean the upcoming series of Doctor Who is basically molded around David's schedule with the Royal Shakespeare Company, so it's not likely he'll be dumped. But how amazing would a surprise regeneration be, I mean, I adore Ten, I really do. And there would be tears and moping, but the utter shock of change would rock my world. But then again, how would I have reacted if Billie's departure was never announced. I probably would have assumed she would be back for the third series, and been devastated when I actually found out. I remember when Martha left at the end of last series, I totally assumed she was coming back, just not for the Christmas special. I totally didn't see Donna coming, at all. So maybe a surprise regeneration would be sucky...
So three episodes in, and Martha's back! Unfortunately the episode is written by the same woman who wrote last series' "Daleks in Manhattan"/"Evolution of the Daleks", which was pretty suck. So I have low expectations. Like, Donna is the new companion - low. So things could look up.
BSG, Doctor Who, and Torchwood all in one weekend? I must be dreaming.
Battlestar Galactica 4.01
Best show ever? It's up there, for sure. So let's start with the basics: Starbuck is back and alive. Too bad Roslin's gone all Cylon trick on us and won't believe her. I noticed something interesting about Roslin's attitude towards Starbuck. Way back in the first season, Roslin turned to Kara to fly in the Raider and jump back to Caprica and get the Arrow of Apollo. Kara risked everything based on Roslin's visions and religious beliefs. So what happens when Kara shows up under similarly shady circumstances: Roslin wants to throw Kara in the brig. Classy. Maybe she's still reeling from the trial, when Lee threw her under the bus.
So Starbuck's been gone "6 hours" and has a brand new ship. You think we'll get a decent explanation or will this be one of those things we'll never learn? I hope we'll get some closure on this bit. As for what she is, I'm not guessing. There are so many things out there, I mean Starbuck basically emptied that reserve during her conversation with Anders. I think she's the real deal but as to how she's gotten here, I'm not sure. I guess it should be noted that in "Maelstrom" Leoben was something of a spirit guide, so she could be a Cylon device? For the record, I don't think that, but anything's possible.
Speak of trail, how JesusBaltar doing? I'd like to state for the record that I called the Baltar is Jesus thing for a very long time. Like since I watched "Hand of God", I was on this. So good to see other nutters are joining the club. I'd like to state for the record that Baltar is the worst savior ever? Seriously, his scenes in that brothelsecret compartment were among the funniest in BSG. I mean, Baltar "feeling" God's presence as he's feeling his follower's breasts? Priceless! Also? Baltar blessing that boy right after the sex, naked in bed? Amazing! Clearly Baltar is the best. Oh! and HAIRCUT!
Lee? I think Lee was made to be a civilian, I mean he knows how to work those everyday clothes. It's interesting that he's not rejoining the military. Personally, I think it's more important to protect the fleet rather than work in the government. Especially with the last attack, you'd think Lee would at least help out, temporarily. Hmm, what ever. Oh, and Lee is the best hugger ever. Hug me plz!
Hey! Did you guys know that Tigh, Tory, Chief, and Anders and Cylons? Because there weren't any clues, like ominous looks or repeated references to identifying Cylons... Right? If there was one weakness in this amazing episode, it was that. The biggest offender was when Kara flat out told Anders she'd "put a bullet between your eyes" if she found out he was a Cylon... Um... k? But back to our gang of 4: Tigh's having some curious side-effects, nothing special, just your standard well shot day dream about killing your best friend... Anders had the best Cylon side-effect. I call it the Red-eye Raider Retreat. Is there some sort of hidden programming that was triggered upon finding any of the final 5? Why are the other 7 models programmed not to think about them? What are the final 5 trying to hide?
So who's the last Cylon? Well, according to RDM, it's not a major character. But that's not stopping me from preaching that Roslin is the last Cylon. At the end of "Crossroads. Part 2", As soon as they jumped into the nebula, she had a moment. Now, she didn't hear music or anything, but the fifth one didn't show up for the major pow wow in that episode, either. It's possible that the fifth Cylon isn't activated yet. So besides the fact that RDM all but debunked this theory, it'd be awesome. I mean, Roslin is leading the people to Earth, why can't she be a Cylon? A good Cylon with good intentions!
Now, because Torchwood and Doctor Who have yet to air in the US, I'm not going to be posting my reactions here. I don't want anybody to be spoiled, but if you're curious to see what I thought of Torchwood's finale and Doctor Who's return, check out my LJ post. Erm, beware of spoilers for both shows.
Today it finally warmed up enough for me to wear just a fleece, not my big ass parka. I had my hopes up for an end to this fucking winter. Of course it's getting cold again and it's supposed to snow towards the end of the week. Yay.
Torchwood 2.12
Wow! Torchwood kinda pulled a Lost with this one, not that there's anything wrong with that. Actually, it worked wonderfully! For me, the biggest disappoint last series was the "mystery" of Jack. And by mystery, I mean things we knew from Doctor Who but were teased with for 12 episodes. So, FINALLY we get some backstory. Sure it was brief, but we had some awesome drunken Jack. "First I'm going to kiss him[the Doctor], then I'm going to kill him", which kinda made my life.
And as with any allusion to Doctor Who, my heart jumped when that tarot card girl (wasn't she in "Dead Man Walking") told Jack he wouldn't find the Doctor until the world turned to ice. Anybody catch that awesome reference to "Utopia", as in the end of the universe? As in everything turning to ice? As in the best episode ever? *breathes*
So Jack was involved with Torchwood when they were out for the Doctor and when they were still sketchy and evil. Interesting. Nice to see him making a stand against Torchwood London, I mean they were pretty evil, too bad they were destroyed and all. Could have been a nice Frenemy for the Doctor/Jack.
Oh Toshiko... Loved the British Gitmo. So her back story was pretty boring, we know she's hard working, quiet, shy, impressionable... Didn't really say much, except Jack rescued her, seeing her genius and all. It's been a few days since I saw this episode, and her story was the one I remembered the least.
IANTO! I'm not imagining he wasn't always as awesome as he is this series. I mean, coffee boy? So first series, loved the callback. And he was funny, which was nice. Funny and persistent! Puppy!Ianto amused me to no end. I was a little irked by the awkward Jack falling on Ianto moment, because back in the beginning of the first series, there wasn't any of the sexual tension (that I remember). So that moment felt retconned. But other than that, loved his past.
Owen :-( As if I needed another reason to completely adore his character, he had a sad love story. Nice how everything about his character is falling into place... It's as if they're preparing to end this zombie arc... To be honest, I'm not sure I'm ready for Owen to leave, but maybe that's what Davies is getting at. He's lulling everyone into thinking things are getting back to normal, and then Owen will just cease to be. And I'll be a sad mess, because it'll be a shock and, if I know Davies, tragic.
And we're left with the return of John Hart, which I've been waiting for! After Marsters' first episode, I kept looking for when he was coming back, I mean we had this whole Grey bit to tidy up. Then we're at the second to last episode, and I was getting confused... Of course he would show up in the last few minutes... with Jack's hermano! Looks like next week's going to be fucking awesome: lots of things going boom!
So it's almost April, and my nerd-sense is telling me that Doctor Who should be starting up soon. So I went online, and Wikipedia has a start date of April 5th! That's the Saturday after next! It's the day after the Torchwood finale! And since Torchwood has been fucking incredible, I have a glimmer of hope for this Donna-infested series...
And then Battlestar Galatica is starting up April 4th, so my little lull in TV activity is finally ending, which is good? I don't know, I've managed to get a bunch of homework done during this blackout. But then again, I've also started watching reality shows, which is evil.
Finally, on the Joss Whedon return to TV front, Dollhouse is starting to cast, and DUDE, Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) from BSG's been cast! Yay!
OK, here's the deal, I stumbled upon some Twilight set pictures, and I think I'm going to have to actually read this series, at least the first book. Those hilarious Canon Wikipedia descriptions are too hysterical to overlook, plus Robert Pattinson is so adorable in those pictures, even if his hair is slightly orange and his pancake makeup is a little intense. I promise I won't talk about it with you if I detest it.
Well the year is almost out, which means a list! Not just any list, but a list of bests! So without further ado...
24 "9:00 AM - 10:00 AM"
This season was so bleh I didn't even finish up the season, but it started off so strong. This episode, where the 24 producers decided to nuke Valencia, CA, was a particularly strong one. I remember being on the edge of my seat for the entire 4 hour premiere.
30 Rock "Somebody to Love"
With so many top rate episodes, picking one standout was hard. But I felt this one stood out as a best of 2007. I mean, the one liners alone ranked this episode. If I were to introduce someone to 30 Rock, I'd do it with this episode.
Battlestar Galactica "Maelstrom"
While I was watching this episode, I remember thinking this was probably my favorite of the season. Then Kara "died". So it no longer held that title. But knowing Kara isn't dead changes everything. This episode regains it's spot as my fave of 2007. I mean, it was such a moving episode, especially for Kara. It really built on stuff established from the beginning about her past. I swore at the time I'd never watch this again, but clearly that's going to change.
Dexter "Resistance is Futile"
This was a hard choice for me, since every episode this season has been spot-on excellent. I almost put "Left Turn Ahead" as my favorite (with a resigned Dexter planning to turn himself in), but I looked over the episodes, and went with this one. What better moment is there, Doakes surprising Dexter at the cabin? I love how, even though Doakes knew Dex was weird and odd, he was still shocked by the revelation. Brilliant.
Doctor Who "Utopia"
A serious no brainer here. How many times did I watch this the week it aired? 8? 9? Yeah. I think so. So good I wrote about it twice. After what I considered a pretty mediocre season, Davies comes and blows me away with this little gem and breathed new life into the show. Turns out that lasted only one other episode before crapping on the finale. But I still adore "Utopia" to death.
Grey's Anatomy "Some Kind of Miracle"
From the reactions I heard from this episode, it was either love it or hate it. I loved it. This was an emotional slam dunk incorporating all the greatest characters into one surreal, out of body episode. Ep damn near broke my heart, too. Gotta love the closure, with Mere and her mom. I have to give a mention to an episode I completely forgot when creating this list, "Wishin' and Hopin'". I forgot how moved I was by Meredith and her really cold mom. That's probably why I loved "Some Kind of Miracle", it closed the wounds opened by the earlier episode.
Heroes "Distractions"
I almost went with "Company Man" or "Five Years Gone", but I felt that I couldn't ignore the awesomeness that was Claude. For a character that appeared in so few episodes, he left a big mark. A number of casual fans (not freaks like me) cited him as a fave. So I went with distractions, the episode that sent my already Hell-bound ship (Peter/Claire) further into Hell. To a special Hell. Yup, my favorite Heroes episode of 2007 involved that revelation. But really, Claude tormenting Peter by stealing a purse and leaving, has to be a top moment. And you know what, Peter still had a serious Claire/love moment after Claude pushed him off that roof and he healed. Ah, yet another reason to adore him. Oh Chris, please come back, Heroes needs you.
House "Insensitive"
This was a fairly easy choice for me. The episode where Cameron wants to have casual sex with Chase. Duh. But other stuff happened, like House getting all obsessive over a girl who doesn't feel pain, and stalking down Cuddy during dates and to her home. Yeah. Awesome.
LOST "One of Us"
I'm thrilled that there were so many contenders to choose from for this title. I mean, you have "Flashes Before Your Eyes" the Desmond, parallel world flash(back?). Then you've got the brilliant finale, and there was a great Claire episode and an interesting Ben ep too. Basically, almost every episode, except 1 in 2007 was great, if not amazing. But I went with the heartbreaking Juliet on-island flashback instead of the heartbreaking Desmond one. I'm making a stand and saying Juliet's my favorite other. How can your heart not break for her as she believes her sister to be dead? Elizabeth Mitchell, my metaphorical hat goes off to you.
Pushing Daisies "Pie-Lette"
Psht, like there's even a question. This one episode spawned an unhealthy obsession. I posted about it 7 times before it even aired. I definitely watched this episode over and over like a dozen times. As I said before, my favorite episode of the series.
Scrubs "My Musical"
Oh this ranks probably because, as a fan of the show, I've been waiting for this for years. And it delivered. Enormously. Brilliantly. I'm really happy it aired in 2007, just so I can talk about it some more.
The Office (US) "Back From Vacation"
This was a tough one, since I already made a stand on "Gay Witch Hunt" as my all time favorite from that season. So a second favorite was tough. I mean I almost went with "The Job", the lol-able season finale. But really, Michael sending a scandalous picture of Jan to the co-workers? Brilliance. I watched this episode recently, and yes, it was hysterical.
Veronica Mars "Weevils Wobble But They Don't Go Down"
Wow, I didn't even write about this episode. I remember watching this episode, the one before the finale, and thinking it was very old school. Weevil was badass and in trouble, Veronica was helping him and being slick. Then the finale aired, and it was kinda underwhelming, especially since it was a series finale.
So I figured, while I'm calling this the best VM ep of 2007, I'd give a shout out to what me at the time probably thought was the best. "Debasement Tapes", which unfortunately I remember very little of, other than Paul Fucking Rudd being fucking awesome. But according to me-at-the-time, everyone was pretty in character and all the wacky shipping worked out.
And then, another part of me was going to be slick and say the best episode of 2007 was that 15 minute Veronica-goes-CIA pilot, but that wasn't really the best, and it would be more of a philosophical statement about the state of the show.
In other news, I totally saw Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and yeah, it rocked. It rocked on so many different levels of rocking.
Gah, today I woke up at 3:30 pm in the afternoon. Yikes! OK, TV time.
30 Rock 2.06
OK, I'm saying it. 30 Rock has to be the funniest show on television. "Better than The Office?", you might ask. Yes, yes it is. This episode is probably the funniest this season, if not ever. There were the greatest one-liners:
See? You should probably watch the episode (but not on NBC.com, download it elsewhere. Don't support the Networks). It's be a while since anything so quirky and off beat has been on television. OK, here it comes, my weekly "30 Rock is just like Arrested Development" bit. IT IS! So, you should watch it while it's on, I think it's got 2 or 3 episodes left."For men, it's called a Hardy Boy"
"I thought you made love like an ugly woman"
"You know I never judge race! Remember when I asked that black man if he saw Sideways?"
"No one is more bitchy than Conservative men"
Jack: I'm going to a party tonight honoring Robert Novak. It's being thrown by John McCain and Jack Bauer.
Liz: Um, I don't think he's real.
Jack: I assure you, Lemon, John McCain is very real.
The Office 4.08
I think this might be the first episode ever in which I've truly felt badly for Michael. The UK version made a point to show how sad and pathetic the boss was, the US's approach was more of an "The boss is an idiot! It's hysterical!" But the show could be so much deeper than that. I wanted to hug Michael as he heard Jan's poor performance review. Ouch, I was also really impressed how he protected the company, even though he knew they didn't take him seriously as a leader.
Then there was the diary. Ugh. How demoralizing, I can't believe Jan did that. I want to hug Michael, because he really means well and he's loyal, and this episode reminded us how we should view Michael. Psst, he doesn't have to be an idiot. I love not!Idiot Michael.
Not going to lie, I love the joy Toby got out of reading the diary. The moment when he laughed out loud in the deposition was golden.
Pam and Kelly, OK mostly Kelly. One word: Awesome. We don't really see her that often, but when we do she's pure gold. I adored the cuts to her smack talking Pam. I love gags like that.
So this is it. Not going to lie, I'm sad. If they had to go out with an episode, this was probably for the best. It left me satisfied, but yeah, I want more. But I think I'll be able to hold it together for a little bit. Hopefully.
Doctor Who "Time Crash
Here it is in case you missed it.
It's a fact that Steven Moffat writes amazing Doctor Who episodes. So I knew this would be amazing. And it was. It was more than amazing. It was brilliant.
Ten and Five. I've never actually seen anything the Fifth Doctor did, but I kinda like him. I mean, Ten had all the best lines:
But Five had his moments, "Two minutes to Belgium!""Not a lot of men can carry off a decorative vegetable."
"I don't want to seem vain, but could you keep [the hat] on?"
"Aw, and out they come! The brainy specs! You don't even need them! You just think they make you look a bit clever!"
"You mostly went hands free, didn't you, like 'eh, I'm the Doctor, I can save the universe using a kettle and some string, and look at me, I'm wearing a vegetable'." (IMO my fav line ever)
I really hadn't thought about the Christmas Special or the new series, mostly because I've been watching reruns of the first series on PBS and been on a major Nine kick. I forgot how fun Ten was. I don't exactly know how that happened, but... well it did. He's such a goofy fanboy. And cute. Oh so cute.
This inevitably made me think of one thing: Nine meets Ten. Ten just adored meeting Five, got a laugh out of it. But Nine would be so annoyed with Ten. He would want to smack him... Well, he's want to smack himself. I think Ten would just find old him grumpy and angry and bitter, much like what he said he was like when he was young. It wouldn't end well, wouldn't it. Ooo, what about Nine meets Ten meets Rose? This would be Nine prior to meeting Rose in the first place. Interesting. Of course, neither Christopher Eccleston nor Billie Piper are heading back any time soon. But alas, I can dream.
Battlestar Galactica "Razor"
Well that was unnecessary. And random, and weird.
Basically, if this purely dealt with flashbacks, it wouldn't have been half bad. But it didn't. They retconned this weird bs storyline about a Cylon missing link and a previously unseen Pegasus XO...
The icing on the weird irrelevant cake was when Lee wanted to Nuke the Cylon ship that Starbuck and co were on. Because if there's one thing we learned from Lee Adama, is he's totally willing to sacrifice Kara.
Oh and Starbuck is causing the end of the world? Hmm... This was the only thing that mildly interested me, but then I realized this movie was supposed to be a direct to DVD release, so why would they reveal anything so important in it? Exactly.
I don't know if any of you people watch American football, but I do. I'm not really a Patriots fan, but you gotta admire how ridiculously talented Tom Brady and co. are. Seriously, they beat Buffalo 56 to 10. I'm impressed.
I get to go home Wednesday! YAY!
