32 posts tagged “heroes”
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.
I spent way too much time trying to think up a title. I couldn't even pick out a song lyric or anything.
Heroes 2.08
We really needed this episode five weeks ago. When the season began, I was really disheartened that we weren't getting a flashback for so long. This was before the season of blah. I don't think we really learned a heck of a lot about what's going on during those four months. This episode should just be "How Nathan and Peter survived". Really, that's what I've been waiting for.
So Peter. Prisoner of the company, his powers suppressed. Oh and Elle with her kinky spark thing. Not going to lie, Elle is kind of awesome. My first impression was "Oh Veronica!" but this episode set the two apart. Elle has this playful insanity, like she enjoys her powers like a child enjoys a new toy. I like.
Nathan was pretty interesting here, too. Well, he was burned-to-a-crisp guy. Not so interesting. Actually, he didn't do anything. But how he got better was interesting. Claire asked her dad earlier in the season about healing people. Adam answered that question: Yes. Being a nerd, I started questioning blood types and random stuff, but I figure if your blood heals, then it would heal any sort of negative reaction it would cause. Crisis of the mental kind avoided.
I kind of love Angela Petrelli, she's so devious, it's awesome! Driving Nathan's wife and family away: awesome, in an evil diabolical way. I assume she did this to keep the abilities under wraps.
The twins: boring, even in the past.
I don't think this episode was as good as last week's, but it definately kept things moving along. I'm glad Tim Kring realized how much of a frak up the beginning of the season was. Now we can move forward and rectify those mistakes.
House 4.07
This episode was decent for a self-referential gimmick episode. I never really like these "show within a show" episodes. House made one comment about how if they were making a TV show, the kid vomiting blood would have made a good act break. Which, in the TV show, it was. Then he commented about how walking gives the appearance of moving the plot forward. Again, I think the writers just wrote about things they think about with the show.
The big thing that sticks out to me, 24 hours after the episode, was Cameron's "I love House". Smooth. Don't think that won't come back to bite her in the ass, even if it didn't end up in the final cut. Good for Chase finding it amusing rather than threatening. Props to Cameron for trusting Chase enough to come to him about this. Did I mention I sort of love those two? Together? IRL? Sigh.
House hired an idiot. I love how he was completely blind to her incompetence. I mean, even I knew the woman had no clue what she was talking about.
Pushing Daisies 1.06
I'm OK with how sweet, adorable, romantic, charming, etc, etc. this show is. I'm more than OK with it, I adore it. I guess I'm a mushy person.
The thing that Daisies continues to prove is that it tackles pretty serious/dark topics, but masks them in this colorful, happy world. Sometimes you forget that the show deals with death, murder, and intrigue. Personally, that's the brilliance of the show. I love how different it is.
Take polygamy: I've never seen the topic done quite like this. It always comes down to the bizarre, this case, dogs. Specifically a dog, Bubblegum, a... I don't exactly remember the cutesy name of the hybrid, or "man's best best friend". I love how surreal this show gets, showing the individualized worlds of four different women. This is becoming part of what the show does, and I completely approve.
Oh Ned and Chuck and their truly tragic love. I just about died when Olive brought that up. The writers took it a step further with a verbal quickstep explaining how, while it was not up to par with tragic famines, diseases, poverty... but still tragic. God I adore writers.
Now the mushy: The end. I knew what Ned was going to say. Chuck asked about what makes Ned happy, and I sat there and waiting. I hugged my pillow and said "Just say it Ned, Just say IT!" Then he did, and I let out the loudest squee possible. I guess with this show, I have no problem with predictable. Nope, none at all.
My favorite scene probably was Ned and Digby (Ned the dog and Digby the person) seeing the animal therapist. I was giggling so much during that scene, especially since Digby (the dog) is given a role like another character, not just a dog. Ned and Digby are meant for each other. The beginning, with Digby poking his head out of young Ned's trunk was so cute.
When Olive was under cover, can I just say that using the fake name "Pimento" made my day.
I'm so disappointed that this writer's strike is still going on. This is causing problems for everyone, not just writers. I read some articles about writers enjoying the strike and talking about all the free food and public support. This enraged me, as this strike has a purpose, and if you're treating it like a vacation, then what is achieved? In addition, the people who are fired during the strike won't think it's so funny. They won't have free food delivered to their homes, they won't be paid by the actors on the show, they won't even benefit from the strike's causes. I know most people take this seriously, but I'm disappointed so many are taking this lightly. I don't think the members of Stagehand's Union is enjoying their time off nearly as much.
Got all my school stuff out of the way, so prepare for a major catch up.
Heroes 2.08
I think we just had a good episode. I mean, I honestly enjoyed the episode Monday. This virus thing? Didn't suck so much. Maybe it's because they didn't spend the entire episode in the future. I was not looking forward to a future episode. But they made it work by keeping it to a minimum. Thank you. I even felt badly for Pete's Irish lass who is now trapped in a very shady future. Doctor Who has made me a softie when it comes to people trapped in times and places they shouldn't be *cough* Rose *cough*. Anybody else see Peter's Mom's warning as this season's less catchy "save the cheerleader, save the world"? I know it wasn't that concise, but the message was there, change the past so I don't have to live in this future. I think we have direction!
Yup, there was lots of direction, because now we have Matt and Nathan meeting up with Bob and Mohinder and they're converging with this virus. Well, technically it's with Matt's homicidal Dad, but same diff. Not going to lie, it was pretty cool seeing Matt mentally kick his Dad's ass. Maybe it's because there was lots of good, but Molly didn't bother me... Ok maybe a little, but she was palatable.
Oh poor Hiro. Yeah, I felt sorry for him when he came back only to find out his Dad died. Maybe it's just because I finished Titus Andronicus, but I'm preparing for some serious Hiro revenge stuff. But he's back! Hooray! His way too long Japan-plot is done! YAY! I mean, Heroes PTB: Did it really take 8 episodes for Hiro to realize Kensei was a flop and he would be carrying all the slack?
Is Nikki going to die? I really hope so. Really. When she was infected, I did a little cheer. I'm fairly certain that isn't how I was supposed to react, but I did enjoy it! For some reason, I don't really think she will, Nikki is that annoying character who is there because she is hot, as long as she stays hot, she'll stay on the show. Stupid male demos.
I still gag at West and Claire having any sort of physical contact. Like full on gag. Good thing he bailed like a little baby. I got some joy out of his terror. Wonder if West will be involved in the HRG death painting of doom...
Speaking of Death painting of doom, Mohinder's got himself a gun. Little weasel is falling victim to the company. He consistently picks the wrong side. First he partners up with "Zane" who is really Sylar, and now he finally picks the right side, and then he jumps over to the baddies. I really hope he isn't the one shooting HRG, judging from the picture and Mohinder's broken nose, the painting takes place not too far from this episode.
And now the good 'ole Heroes shocker. Adam Monroe, the baddie planning the deaths of the founders of the Comany, is Kensei. You know, the one Hiro left in feudal Japan in an explosion? Yeah, so apparently immortality means no aging. Wow that sucks for Claire. Even though she looks a little older than 16, she still looks likes like a kid, and when you're 30, you really don't want to look 18. Really. Doctor Who has warped my mind about all things Sci Fi. Look what happened to Jack, he stayed around for hundreds of thousands of years and (d)evolved into a giant head. I don't wish that on Claire, or Adam.
House 4.05
This is probably the first episode this season that I really liked. I've said before, my favorite episodes of House are those that get the doctors involved on an emotional level. Normally these episodes have House getting all involved, but this episode had everyone getting in on the act. Having this blank person with Mirror Syndrome showed us all the newbies in a different light. My favorite was Kal Penn, whose character is apparently named Lawrence Kutner. The patient adopting his chill tone and relaxed attitude was precious.
I continue to love Wilson's power kick. No longer is he poor little puppy, he's packing a bite. I loved how Wilson noticed that the patient imitated him and not House when they were together. Sure House tried to play it off as a nothing, but Wilson just ate it up. I doubt House would ever admit Wilson's gaining power in the relationship, but I wonder when he'll try to regain control.
Then there's Cuddy, who has completely lost any power or influence or anything she had over House. She's officially just a puppet for House's actions. She half-heartedly tells him no, and he ignores her, then she defends him. I thought the big House/Cuddy showdown was a little lame, but proved a point that I've been talking about all season. Cuddy is no longer trying to stop him. There was a time when she would actually put up a decent fight: you know call him into her office and question his judgments. She hasn't done that once this season. Mirror guy showed how weak she has become.
House 4.06
Following last week's really good episode, I was a little disappointed with this week's. Let's start with Doctor without Borders inducing Polio in a patient. Um... wtf? Like who would actually do that? And how could the doctors think they cured Polio with Vitamin C? Plus the racer was super annoying, which is never fun. Well, except for that one time.
As for CIA House, hmm...felt a little gimmicky. And can you really get radiation poisoning from Brazil nuts? This was one of those cases where I felt "REALLY? You're going to go with that?" House had some funny one liners and such, but overall, there wasn't much to this episode.
Pushing Daisies 1.05
This episode, like every other episode of Pushing Daisies, had me charmed from the start. Opening in rhyme? Brilliant. I couldn't imagine this show without Jim Dale's wonderful voice. This show is truly special and one of a kind. Ned's childhood was so tragic; we saw him find out his dad abandoned him for another family. He found this out on Halloween, which led into a genius theme episode. Normally I hate themes, just hate them. Pushing Daisies is the kind of show that does them wonderfully. Fuller made some good Dead Like Me Halloween episodes, too. His shows are good with themes.
So Ned hates Halloween. I have a confession, it's not my favorite holiday. Glad I'm not alone. Chuck, however, loves it, and decorated the Pie Hole. So cute.
I mentioned how much I loved when Olive and the mystery intersect. This week, Olive was part of the mystery. How much did I love her as a jockey? So cute. The ghost? Not as cute. I love how Chuck was teasing Ned about ghosts existing. I mean, he does bring dead things back to life, after all.
The Ghost? Not so much a ghost. He survived but had a weird leg graft thing using his horse's leg. That's the bizarre Pushing Daisies charm!
Not going to lie, my heart broke seeing Ned lying on his old bedroom floor. What a tragic Halloween tradition. You know, all things considered with Ned, I'm surprised he turned out this normal.
My favorite part of the episode was the end when Ned took Chuck trick-or-treating to her aunt's. Even though he doesn't have a good relationship with Halloween, he realized how much it meant to Chuck and how much she missed her aunts. My favorite line was when Chuck in her ghost costume rings the doorbell and we hear the aunts mention the early hour (it was like 1 or 2, I don't remember) and Lily goes, "I'll bring the gun" and Vivian goes, "I'll bring the candy." Hee.
30 Rock 2.05
This episode made me realize why I keep comparing it to Arrested Development. No other show on television makes fun of its network more than 30 Rock does presently. I kept thinking back to when AD was getting canceled, and the writers kept writing jabs at Fox. NBC made all their shows include some sort of "Green" theme. They really pressured their comedies to do it. My Name Is Earl included a small bit that really made no sense to the show. I figure the writer thought that too, since the bit involved how it had nothing to do with anything. Yeah. 30 Rock really made it work, by devoting the entire episode to NBC making shows go green. I guess you can do things like that when you are writing about a TV production.
Here we saw, what was probably NBC's real reason for doing the Green Week: Money. Of course, Jack wanted the message to be "Buy from our corporation" more than "Save the planet". How true.
My favorite sight gag of the night: Kenneth and Liz at his house listening to Werewolf Bar Mitzvah dressed up in Halloween costumes.
I also loved the pop tarts. I probably will never look at them the same way again. If you watched the episode, you'll know what I mean.
My favorite line: Cerie: "Was [Greenzo] talking to me like I was ugly?"
You gotta love Jack's meeting at the end and Kenneth scolding everyone. Absolutely fantastic, especially with the cuts to the party during that scene. This episode reminded me why this show is appointment TV.
Things to note: 30 Rock's been having a number of high profile guest stars, but they manage to make it work. Al Gore's cameo with the line about the whale was so absurd it was amazing. I like to imagine Gore running off to save whales. Well, stranger things have happened.
The Office 4.06
Not going to lie, watching this Joss-directed episode felt so much sweeter knowing he'd be coming back to TV. That being said, this has got to be my favorite episode of the season so far. It was so amazing to see Karen again. Karen and Jim together had a decent amount of awkward. Nothing up to UK levels of uncomfortable, but enough.
I loved how Jim got tricked in to going. Jim is always the prank-master, and for once he was had. This was one of Michael's being an immature child moments, but I could handle it. We had Dwight with explosives, which more than made up for Michael. Dwight brought out all sorts of intensity. "Eyes are like the groin of the head". Jim panicking and telling Dwight to not touch the eyes was hysterical. I think, for once, he honestly didn't have control. Poor Jim.
The single best part of this episode was the Finer Things Club. Oscar said it best: "If I wasn't having sex with men, I would say the Finer Things Club is the gayest thing about me." That was my first ROFL moment this season. I just haven't been enjoying this season like I have in the past two seasons. I don't know, I think those hour-long episodes kind of drained the writers (that and lost residuals). This episode really felt like it could have been a third season episode.
The Office 4.07
Even though I'm writing this two weeks after watching "Branch Wars", I remember that episode much more than I remember this one. This was Michael being an idiot for 30 minutes. When he acts like that, I jump into David Brent comparisons and then I get UK bitterness. The last thing I need is more bitterness.
I did like the shots of Michael's surprises. I definately giggled during the various scenes. Some people enjoyed it, others appeared terrified. Funny. Sad: Phyllis calling Jim "Michael" during his time in charge. I was like "Oh no you didn't!" The look on Jim's face was priceless. I think he was horrified, and rightly so.
Grey's Anatomy 4.06
I have absolutely nothing to say about episode 6. Well, Lexie and Alex had sex. OK I had 1 thing to say.
Grey's Anatomy 4.07
So Gizzie is dead? Wow, worst. sex. ever. I loved how Izzie really wanted it to work out, probably more than George. George seemed like things were done after the first time, but Izzie, she really tried.
The Chief and Derek made for the weirdest storyline of the episode. Just... hmm.
I did a little cheer when Bailey got the Chief Resident. Come on, did we really think Callie was going to cut it?
Is it just me or is Lexie becoming the new Annoying Meredith? She was getting ridiculously involved with her patient, like an unhealthy amount. I'm pretty sure that's a rookie annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless. Seeing Thatcher stumbling around drunk made me feel badly for the girl though. Maybe, like with Meredith, I'll see how crappy her life is, then accept everything that annoys me about her. With Meredith, that only took 3 seasons.
Meredith and Lexie continue to have the worst relationship ever. I understand Lexie saying they weren't related, I mean, look how complicated it would have been. "We're half sisters, but I only realized she existed less than a year ago." It isn't as nice as "She's my sister." I thought the bit with Lexie telling Meredith 5 things was a little gimmicky, but sweet.
Erica Hahn continues to be awesome. Really. And I don't think this because we have the same initials. She's really brilliant, and I love how Mark is attracted to her skills. Well, that's something. But she's really awesome, and a little bitchy (esp to Cristina), but awesome. I don't miss Burke at all. Glad she's the replacement
Ugh you know this post took me hours. Remind me never to fall behind on my TV write-ups. I was going to be doing homework, but... Guess not. Eh I had fun, in a methodical, reminiscing kind of way.
No sign of the Writer's Strike ending. Every now and then I'll get really sad. NBC is firing people left and right. 102 people from The Office were fired. I think that really shows the scope of this work stoppage. It's more than me missing my television and it's more than the writers and their residuals. The entire economy of southern California will be affected. I hope this comes to an end, but it doesn't look like the sides are meeting for a while.
I tried watching Heroes with normal people. I was being skeptical and analytical, and they were like "OMG I LYKE LURVE PETER!!" Clearly I won't be doing that again.
Heroes 2.07
I really wanted a good episode. I'm sick of wasting an hour hoping for something. This week was big on the boring.
Claire. Yeah. Her big plan with West? How would that ever be a good idea? Say the head cheerleader hadn't been drinking, what would that have done? Gah I'm sick of West. I wonder if the writers would think we'd actually like him. Even the normal people didn't like him.
HRG kicking ass. The normal girls in the room was shocked and horrified, but I saw this as a good thing. We've been so used to seeing HRG the family man that we've forgotten the shrewd bad guy he started off as. This is showing that he hadn't really changed, we'd just seen a different side of him. That was good.
Hiro. I am so sick of Japan. The normal people watching loved it, because "Hiro's there!" Hiro can only do so much for a prolonged storyline. We're in episode 7, I thought he'd be out of Japan by episode 4. To be honest, nothing interesting's going on there. When I heard that they needed to take down that guy, I let out a heavy sigh. "More time in Japan." Can't Hiro just jump back with Takezo? In an ideal world Takezo would stay behind, but since David Anders is a series regular, I know he'll be around. There's so much cool stuff happening in Hiro's life back home. For one thing, I'd like to see a big reunion with Ando. Then we'll see him dealing with his Dad's death. That's a story I'd like to see. Nice and character-driven.
Wonder twins. GAH. Not even Sylar could make me care. Did I mention it's been 7 episodes and they've just reached the US? Nothing has even happened between the first episode and now besides picking Sylar up. And even that hasn't done anything. Again, writers, did you think we'd want 7 episodes of traveling? There needs to be something going on, and we don't have it. Random note: I like how the brother said "[Sylar] goes or I go" then literally 2 seconds later allows him to stay. Top notch writing, Heroes staff.
Mohinder. He was big on the unnecessary dramatic gestures tonight, wasn't he? I liked the slamming the glass syringe against the wall in rage. Then the stool into the glass cabinet was a nice touch. He seems to always be boring. Him and Niki were always the weakest links. I'm so excited to see them working together! It'll be boring on top of boring on top of boring. Also? Niki (or Jessica) don't you have a son? Wouldn't you want to go to him?
Peter. Peter and Ireland of bore. Going with the theme of moving things along, don't you think Peter needs his memory back now? Personally, I think Nathan and him need to reconnect ASAP. Their relationship was always a high point and later in the first season was pivotal. We haven't seen them together at all.
At least we now have some sort of guidance. The virus. That's going to be the big season arc. I think. So last season it was a bomb, this season a plague? Not going to lie, I'm a little disappointed. I guess since I didn't have any indication that this would be so prominent, I felt it came out of the blue. It's weird, I didn't like the beginning of last season so much, but looking back it really did a lot of things right. I might have complained about the lack of character development and the excess of plot development, but they needed to set up the plot. The first season had three distinct parts: Discovery; Save the Cheerleader, Save the World; and Save the World. What does it look like we have? So we have the end point. First season we knew there was a bomb from episode 2. Then we had Sylar, the bad guy. This season seems to be a mish-mosh of elements that haven't yet seemed to connect. So will everything connect via the virus? We our characters finally come together? That's what's been pissing me off. We have our regulars shoved off with new characters, and the result is lost connections with old ones. The first season was all about how everything is related, is this season the opposite? That's what I've seen so far.
I think I'm frustrated. Heroes improved so much during the course of the first season. By this time last season I fell in love with the show. Now I feel like I'm fall out of love. I keep getting the urge to rewatch the first season, even the episodes I didn't much care for. The show needs to get its act together now. This means tying up loose ends from the finale. I can't believe we're heading into episode 8 and we have a flash forward. HELLO! We needed a flashback 4 episodes ago! Everything should have fallen into place by now, but the story lines are everywhere. So the virus is the focus now? I hope they make it work, because based off of what I've seen of that story, it doesn't seem strong enough to pull the season back. But I've been wrong about this show before.
Grey's Anatomy 4.04
I don't know what other people thought, but I really loved this episode. The main thing for me was with Callie. Normally I really don't like her and I don't feel any sympathy, but this episode really got to me. Watching Callie break down during the course of the episode was absolutely heart breaking. And the look on her face when Izzie wanted to fight her was equally sad. That's where Grey's Anatomy thrives as a show; the characters have the potential to bring the show up from a soap opera standard. The past few episodes haven't capitalized on the characters, but this episode took it and ran with it. I never would have thought I'd feel badly for Callie, but I did, and I actually do. I think this episode may change the way I look at Callie, I think it's the most vulnerable we've ever seen her, and I loved it.
Heroes 2.05
My first thought when the episode began and Mohinder began his narration was, "Didn't Grey's Anatomy do this already?" They had an episode called "Deterioration of the Fight or Flight Response" and it's one of my personal faves. The narrations are very similar in theme. Way to go Heroes.
So this was the big episode with Kristen Bell and... well it's good to see Veronica Mars got a new job. Honestly, I hoped that Elle would be vastly different from Veronica, and sure she is a little nuts, but other than that it's Veronica with a super power. Was it that hard to write a distinct character? I get it writers, you miss Veronica Mars, we all do. But that's no reason to write a cross-over fic and air it on national television. Elle/Veronica has the electricity that Peter absorbed and she has a mystery Daddy. She also killed someone. So it's Veronica with a built in taser.
I think the problem this season is that there's not big arc. This time last year we had "Save the cheerleader, save the world" and around that time the show really picked up and narrowed its focus into that story and then how it affected the characters. This season there's nothing. The characters are spread out and mostly disconnected. What's going to be the thing that'll bring them all together? Will there even be a thing to bring them all together?
Oh Hiro and you boring story of bore. I think this Japan thing was a really, really bad idea. It should have been, find David Anders, do something heroic, and get out (with David, because he's pretty). Instead we're lagging, and this week they showed up and absolutely nothing happened.
Matt and Nathan aren't really doing much either. I think we needed this flashback episode now, because that would spice things up. It would also help us understand what the hell happened to Nathan and what caused the facial hair of doom. This hunting Matt's father thing is stupid. I get he's the Bogeyman and bad and all that, but for Nathan and Matt to up and go find the guy and then trusting him? That was just ridiculous, and improbable.
There are a lot more things that aren't working, but I don't feel like listing them. The fact that I'd need to list them shows the sorry state of the show. I'm not about to stop watching just yet, but the show needs to get its act together. Not many people have as much patience as I do.
Yesterday was the last day of lovely warm weather. It was 80 degrees, and I wore a skirt. I figured if it was the last day, I might as well look awesome. And trust me, I looked cute ;-)
One of my roomies is moving into a double, so yay for getting detripled, I just need to make sure someone else doesn't get plopped in here. That'd be unfair and cruel.
Why have I not yet watched Blackpool? I mean, dear Lord just watch this clip. It's titled "David Tennant singing and eating ice cream". Exactly.
I wanted to watch this show so badly I even checked out Viva Laughlin. While it was ridiculous, I didn't think it was nearly as dreadful as everyone else in the world did. I mean, most of the criticisms were of the karaoke singing, but Blackpool did the same thing, and it's marvelous. Well, Laughlin's canceled now, so I guess I'll never know.
Things have been pretty busy for me. This weekend my parents are coming up, and of course I was given a ton of work to do beforehand. I've got my two java labs plus a project. The good news about the project is it is mostly functional. Just some minor things, like my graph not graphing properly... Psht. Detais. I also have a lab report due Friday, which I, of course, haven't started on. I'll get it all done.
I've been keeping up with TV (like I wouldn't, psht). Tonight my room was kind of crowded, but some people were studying, so genius me was like "I'll put on Pushing Daisies and hopefully people will pay attention." Well...no. They kinda just made noise, which forced me to put on the closed captioning, and the one girl who actually paid attention, kept going "This is so weird, what IS this." I'll definitely need to watch it again tomorrow, this time I'll do it when everyone is gone. I've learned my lesson about trying to share the joys of the world with others. Don't.
Heroes 2.04
*yawn*
Sorry I was about to doze off from the boring. This show needs to do something, just not kill off Mama Petrelli or HRG. I'd be pissed :(
I don't really like the new story lines. Claire and West (gross), Wonder Twins (*eyeroll*), Irish-mobster Peter, Formally bearded Nathan, not!Takezo Hiro, Molly, New Orleans people... Just a lot of things that aren't working for me. Though I'm glad Nathan shaved, but you have to ask, wouldn't stubble have worked just as well? He had the beard for 4 episodes, but we got the point he lost it from the premiere? Just pointless removal of pretty. Shame.
Oh Claire. Stop jumping off of things. I did the yelling at the TV thing when she went off the Hollywood sign. I have to give West some credit, I kinda liked him saving her. Maybe because he didn't sound like such a weirdo. He kinda reminds me of this guy who awkwardly tries to flirt with me. Emphasis on awkward.
I like Micah. I think he's really awesome. His cousin (the boy) is the biggest brat in the world. I wanted to freaking smack that kid upside the head. It really made me like Micah, seeing that annoying kid compared to the sweet and awesome empowered Micah.
I wish I could take the Molly storyline seriously, but every time she's onscreen, I start laughing hysterically. You know why? Because Matt and Mohinder are usually there with her. COME ON! You put two of the characters living in the same appartment raising a child, YOU KNOW YOU'RE IMPLYING SLASH. I'm giggling right now just thinking about them. It's just a bad idea and it's harming the story. I cannot take it seriously. It's sad that the ginormous HoYay completely overshadows the story. Sadly, it's the most enjoyable part of the episodes these days. Also? Could Matt/Mohinder overpower my love for Peter/Claire? If these episodes keep up, I might start squeeing for their love and not laughing hysterically. The sexual tension's so thick you can cut it with a knife. They want each other.
Dear writers, please stop recycling stories from season 1. Specifically with Claire. We've been through all of this before, we don't need a replay.
Pushing Daisies 1.03
I'm reserving judgment until I've seen the episode again. Mostly because there was too much noise for me to fully appreciate the episode. I do have some thoughts though.
I'm glad there is advancing in the Olive/Ned/Chuck things. It looks like she might think Chuck faked her death, and that's going to be awesome.
I could see how Chuck could get annoying. Her cuteness is beginning to wear off a little. I wasn't big on her calling Emerson "Pooh Bear", it felt kinda mean. Also, she kinda wedges herself into all these situations... it might behoove her to step back. I don't blame Emerson for being pissy.
So the big "Bringing Chuck Back Killed Some Else" thing wasn't as monumental as I had hoped. Oh well, we'll always have the big "I Killed Your Dad When I Was Ten" thing. I hope they don't play that card too soon and too fast. This one could have been a nice arc, but they wrapped this one up fairly quickly. I guess it's the procedural in the show kicking in.
It was nice to see Chuck's aunts again. I think they bring such a great energy to the show. I wonder how they'll fit in, since they can't learn about Chuck so soon... At least I hope not.
I love that Jim Dale does the "next times", it really sets the show in its own little bubble. I do think we need less of him reiterating how his powers work and such. That girl in my room who kept saying how weird the show was didn't need me to explain what was going on. For a third episode, that feels kinda weird. I don't know, it's early and knowing Fuller's track record with viewship, I'm sure he wants to allow new viewers to fully understand the show and get them hooked no matter when they watch. Other than that I'm OK with them.
Again, these episodes aren't close to the pilot. I think the pilot was so original, so special, so beautiful, that it worked as an individual piece, not necessarily as a series. My sister said it best "This would be a really great movie." Perhaps Daises would have been a great movie, but it's not like it's not working as a series. It's just, the writers need to be on top of things, and come up with new and inventive things. As long as they do that, Daises will work as a series.
I remember I worried that Heroes was using up all of its steam in the very first episodes, but they managed some amazing stuff later in the season. And it's not that I think they've ran out of ideas this season, I just think they're stalling or setting up the better things to come. At least that's what I hope. To wrap this tangent up, I think Daises will have amazing episodes this season, and I have faith in Fuller.
I know it's only like week 3 into the new season, but it already feels like the shows have been on forever. It's going to be a long one folks.
Prison Break 3.04
So that's it? We get a generic dark haired female head in a box? REALLY? I haven't been a huge PB fan, and I definitely wasn't a Michael/Sara shipper, but I'm a little offended at the way things turned out. I didn't really care about this until I read the interview Michael Ausiello conducted with the PB PTB. Essentially, they didn't want to kill Sara, but when Fox rejected their other pitches, they decided to go and kill off Sara. Fine, sounds risky, but they would have some sort of suspense or payoff, right? Well, then Sarah (the actress) didn't want to come back and shoot the 13 or 14 episodes she would now be in (reduced from 22). Then the writers wanted to go and shorten the arc to just a few episodes... Nope, still a no-go. So what do we get? A head in a box. I couldn't believe it was actually hers. I mean, I knew, but I couldn't really believe it until I read Ausiello's piece. What a slap in the face for hardcore PB fans. I feel for ya. I might even stop watching, I didn't watch last week, but it doesn't look like I missed anything. Instead of watching this season, I might just go a rent the first season. Same plot, much better execution.
Heroes 2.03
HRG CANNOT DIE. But part of me feels like he has to. LOST SPOILER FOR SEASON 3 - - - This is sorta like the Charlie situation. Desmond said he was going to die, and by the end of the season, it was clear it had to happen or else it would have felt cheap and lame. Now, unless the writers pull a massive rabbit out of a hat, it looks like HRG's got to kick it. Why couldn't it have been West instead?
Oh West. West, West, West, West, West. What a massive tool. What a giant asshole. What a total douchebag. Can he die? Please? Him I wouldn't mind a death painting of. When he started rambling like a total nutter in class, I just wanted Claire to cut off his toe after class. And now they're like love interests? BLAH and LAME. BLAH. Anybody else annoyed we're going down that "HRG WAS EVIL" route again? Didn't we resolve all of this last season? He's looking out for Claire, he's actually a good guy... Now we're back to "HRG LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS AN ANIMAL!!!" Why even go back to this? I love the relationship Claire and her dad have now. Why do this? It's not even a good storyline, it's just regressing. Even West's dramatic line... "The man with the horned-rimmed glasses" was soooo first season. *eyeroll*
Lots of blah. Nikki... blah, twins... blah, Peter... mega blah, and crippled!Sylar... worse than blah. Sylar cannot be a criple. Just not allowed. I suppose the writers couldn't have him all megapowerful forever. I suppose the same with Peter. He's not in control and can do like a few things intermittently. Did I mention Peter's storyline is blah? Why can't he open the box? Who's he afraid he'll be? Darth Vadar? Lord Voldemort? In love with his niece? What? We all would like to know.
Hiro. Oh Hiro. Hiro and DavidTakezo. That's getting blah. Hiro's going to do all of Takezo's tasks, makes the legend... Uncertain about getting the girl. Looks like Hiro's fighting a losing battle on that end. That storyline needs to wrap up soon. I know David is a regular, but I assume he's going back to present... right?
Is anybody else amused by Mohinder and Matt's efforts to raise Molly? I find their partnership the most bizarre. I'm tempted to ship them, it's so amusing. Matt holding down the fort in a frilly pink apron while Mohinder is out Alias-ing it.
This episode felt really cheesy and the special effects looked really cheap. Must be the NBC budget cuts. First, Sylar is treated to a painfully blue screened Hawaii, Hiro and Takezo teleport to this magical world of CGI, then West flies Claire away in what looks like 1970's style flying effects. That's really the best they could do? To quote Kyle from South Park, "REALLY?!"
The paiting. This painting that shows HRG dead. Way uncool. Take a look at these two caps here and here. Basically HRG's got a bullet-sized hole in one of his lenses, and looks pretty dead. Then Claire is off in the background, and is either hugging or making out with someone. In the second picture, it looks more like hugging, and the other person looks kinda like Nathan. However, she could easily be making out with Peter. Yeah, I went there. I dunno, I definitely don't want HRG to die, but at the same time, I don't want this to be a cop out.
House 4.03
Erm... OK. Firstly, I'm not happy about the new team. I want our three back together... and Cameron as a brunette. I'm soooo not feeling the blond. Secondly, the writers need to give House something reasonable to be bitchy about. The afterlife? Really?
I was on top of continuity in this episode. When Foreman wanted to give the woman chemo, I was like "You did kill someone with chemo that actually had an infection", then two seconds later, his boss brought up the same point. When House went and shocked himself, I told my mom "He's already almost died twice and had various weird visions" (Three Stories and No Reason), then as soon as it came back, Wilson brought that up. So I pwn.
House is again being unreasonably over the top. It wasn't even normal and within limits. This was just flat out insane. I hate when this show does that. Then Cuddy and Wilson both just stand around and do nothing. Remember when Cuddy put up an actual fight? Like got lawyers and brought patients' families into the fight? Remember when Cuddy had a backbone? I miss those days.
Battlestar Galactica S4 Promo
*BREATHES IN*
*BREATHES OUT*
So I feel like Starbuck isn't the other Cylon, because it sounded like Anders was telling her she was... But Sci Fi isn't that great with their surprising promos. For the third season finale, they included the bit with the Chief saying "We're all Cylons..." But I'm sticking with Kara or Baltar.
Speaking of Kara. OMG she looked so fucking hot. Oh Katee. For some reason, I just can't get into her on Bionic Woman. Just doesn't do it for me. But oh I missed Starbuck. Starbuck and Lee. Oh everything looks so intense. That's the BSG I've been missing
When I was looking at my stuff at home, I found out I bought Battlestar Galactica Season 2.0! So now I have both 2.0 and 2.5 and I don't feel wasteful! Hurray!
Because homework is still overrated in college:
Heroes 2.02
First let me start with my "WTF CLAIRE" moment, which clearly involved me yelling at the TV for her NOT TO CUT OFF HER TOE. So what if it grew back, what sort of brainfart allows that to happen? Maybe that branch in the brain from season 1 damaged her permanently. Next week I predict Claire will behead herself to see if she'll grow another one. Also: Claire still feels pain. Is super-strong pain tolerance part of her gift? Even if I did heal myself, I wouldn't go further than giving myself paper cuts. Hand in garbage disposal? Nah. Backtuck off of platform with no cushion? Not an idiot. Oh! How about the hand in boiling water? Still no. Claire: Get a brain.
I'm going to miss Mrs. Petrelli when she dies. Not a spoiler, just an assumption. Her "GET OUT OF MY HEAD" moment completely rocked my life. It made the episode for me. It was bold and kick ass and scared the shit out off Parkman.
I found the moment when HRG and the Haitian met up again oddly heartwarming. Two skeevy, ambiguous good guys sharing a bonding moment. Tugs at the heart strings. But really, I did a happy clap.
David Anders is one beautiful man, just thought I should make that clear. I had hoped his power would be less Claire-ey, but what ever. More of him.
As for Hiro, he's getting pretty invested in this past-time. Wonder how going back to modern-times will work out, especially for his friends . I think he'd have trouble leaving the girl behind, and, frankly, I want David Anders and his cute accent around forever. OK, maybe I want his normal accent, I was slightly disappointed when I found out he was an Englishman. I'm dealing and enjoying his beauty.
Overall, I'm really liking this season, it's filling me with all sorts of happy feelings (primarily from Peter's hair cut, less so from Nathan's beard). I'm big on the little details about the powers. Last season introduced things and left them unexplained, but we were able to figure out stuff. This season is clarify limitations and the abilities. It's sorta like a season of exposition, but I'm OK with that. I want to learn more about generations and the Company, and it looks like that's what I'll get. So yay Heroes!
House 4.02
I guess it's kinda bad that the most exciting moments for me were when I saw the old team again. I get how this was a big test run and stuff, but seeing the newbies just made me miss the old guys more than I did last week. And last week was all about House missing them. This is only the second episode without them and only the first with a new team. I'm not sure how I'll handle an entire season of people learning the ropes. Again, it's only episode two, so I'll give the writers a chance to establish these characters (some of the people House fired I kinda liked; cute house-breaking boy and Russian girl).
Anyone else feel awkward when Wilson referred to Chase and Cameron as engaged? I know my heart still breaks for Jesse and Jennifer, all I can think about their workplace is "awkward".
I wish Jennifer Morrison would go back to brunette. I don't like her much as a blond :-(
Does Wilson seem less "enabler-ey" than he used to be? He seems to be taunting House more and acting more as a friendly antagonist. Just feels a little different. Cuddy, on the other hand, seems to be letting House get away with tons more with almost no questions. Weird.
Moonlight 1.01
Ways in which Moonlight is a direct rip-off of Angel
- Vampire with a conscience
- Vampire in LA
- Vampire Detective
- Vampire turned by ex-lover
- Vampire drives convertible
- Possible blond love interest
- Sped-up transition shots over LA
And that's the last I'll ever talk about Moonlight
I need to write a lab report, and it doesn't appear like that'll actually happen. My brain needs to get back into school mode.
Heroes 2.01
You know, I really, really enjoyed this episode. I was talking to my friend about how, even after 1 season, I'm still surprised that I like Claire. Well, tonight I pretty much love Claire. It takes a lot of talent to write a likable, pretty, blond cheerleader. As for her future flying boy love, the jury's still out. He was kind of an asshole for judging her. Like, appearance wise, he's totally fine in my book, but once he opened his mouth, everything he said just turned me off. There are some guys like that here at college, heh. Why do you think they decided to have him fly? It's no coincidence that Claire's Dad can fly, is there some implied incest undertones?
For the record, totally Peter/Claire still. I had a minor fangirl freakout about the end bit with her crying about him to Nathan. And yes, I did sorta freak when I read that they were dating in real life. So does that make my incest ship less creepy? No? Maybe? Still going to Hell?
Mohinder was likable. That's saying a lot, normally he just drives me crazy. I cringed a little at his voice over. Still don't like them. I like that he's going into the company and doing HRG's bidding. Should I go with Noah? Or Mr. Bennett? Or Mr. Butler? I'm sticking with HRG, because he is still such a rocking badass (way to pwn that asshole manager at the Paper Company). Anybody else expecting a subtle reference to Dunder Mifflin or Wernham Hogg?
I squeed so hard about David Anders. I'm so glad my roommates weren't in the room, because they would have thought i was insane. Well, they would have found out I was insane. God he's so hot. His accent, not so much. When I was younger, I didn't know he was American, but watching older Alias episodes, it was a pretty mediocre accent. Tonight's was better, he slipped out of it somewhat, I couldn't tell if he was trying to do a more proper accent or a more colloquial, common one. His was sorta a mixture of both, possibly a tad anachronistic (random note: I think that's my favorite word). But hot! Did I mention that?
Hiro, Hiro, Hiro. Tonight was not such a great episode for our Japanese boy. First, his Dad dies in modern times while H. is stuck in past Japan. He's not going to be OK when he jumps back. Then his childhood hero turns out to be a drunk dud (albeit a really hot one, see above). Now he's got to correct history/make sure it lines up with his knowledge of history. Who wants to bet that Hiro is the legendary Takezo Kensei?
Poor Nathan, these four months have not been good for him. It's never fun to see bad facial hair on good looking men. I'm looking forward to learning more about how he lost his family. I mean, he did screw Jessica, and he was a deceptive asshole. Then I guess he turned into a drunk, deceptive asshole.
Good to see Matt's doing alright for himself. But what's up with his divorce? His wife was pregnant and it seemed they were going to reconcile, but I guess not. But he's got Molly (btw that actress improved a lot from last season) and Mohinder. Two men and a baby? Anyone? Molly's got some scary stuff going on. That guy who can see her, it actually would be terrifying, especially for a little kid.
Now for the elders. So are we clear that those are the original founders of the Company? That's what I'm going with. I'm really intrigued by the older generations on this show. I'm glad it appears they're going to be more of a focus this season, or at least for a storyline.
Peter!! I actually forgot to mention him until now. So our boy's locked in some container in a bizarro world where people speak with horrible Irish accents! I know I said I loved Milo with the longer hair, but ZOMG I'm totally fine with that new cut. He might actually be hotter. After you and Hayden are done, can I have you, please? Plz?
For a first episode, this gave a great look into what we're to expect this season. It put all the cards out and we're going to get to see how they play out. Hopefully they can keep up the excitement, the fun, the humor, and the squee factor. Oh and please make Kristen Bell's character (Elle) awesome. 13 episodes are a lot, and if she sucks, well I'd be upset. So what if I'm feeling season 1 Veronica Mars nostalgia? What're you going to do about it? Huh??
OK, now off to do some homework. I was working on my Comp Sci lab during Prison Break (not much to say about that show...), so that's something. Random Pushing Daisies note: So Elyssa is pretty convinced it's going to be canceled, but I've got some hope. Fuller isn't a complete failure with longevity, Dead Like Me did last two seasons and now has a made-for-DVD movie in production. He also worked on Heroes. I read an article that characterized his departure from the show as a big deal. Well we all know how Heroes worked out. Plus, Daisies is on ABC, which keeps shows on the air even with low ratings. I am worried that I haven't seen many advertisements for the show. NBC's been promoting their fall line up every chance they get. I haven't watched much ABC, but I've only seen Private Practice and Ugly Betty promos. I wish they put more ad money behind this special show. PS: You must watch it. MUST.
Is it weird that I'm not feeling a lot of the "big" fall shows this season? I didn't like Gossip Girl (though I liked the VMVO's, heh) and I found myself hating Chuck. When I first saw it, I strongly disliked the entire premise, but now I'm curious as to why so many people like it? Is it the cute guy? Is it the pretty well written dialog? Is it the Adam Baldwin? Hell if I know.
So this week my TV schedule really begins. True I had Prison Break last week, but I didn't care enough to write about it. Tonight Heroes starts (whee!), tomorrow House (squee!), Wednesday Private Practice (meh), Thursday My Name Is Earl, The Office, and Grey's Anatomy, and Friday Stargate Atlantis. So a busy, busy week. Oh yeah, and I have actual school stuff. But omgyes TV and actual long review posts!
PS: Pushing Daisies starts next week, Wednesdays at 8pm on ABC. So just ditch America's Next Top Model and watch the most pilot ever. Srsly, I'll beat you if you don't.
