Thoughts on Dexter (Part 1)

Wow. It's been more than a year since I've updated this blog. Funny how a Facebook account can just get the point across faster...but not when you don't have the friends that share your passion. Where are the Dexter fans?

I've just for the past few weeks watched all the Dexter episodes from start to finish. I've hesitated watching it all this time because I was afraid to see all the gore and the violence. Little did I know, I'd get so invested in the characters, the storyline and everything the way I was with other great shows like Six Feet Under, etc.

It all starts with a really amazing actor. Michael C Hall. Wow. I've loved him in Six Feet Under as David Fisher and I believed him in it. This, as Dexter Morgan, he is so different and true that I can hardly believe it's the same actor playing 2 very different roles. I am in awe.

As I've watched the entire 5 season in just a few weeks, I hope to remember all the nuggets that I've enjoyed in this roller coaster ride.

Random things in Season 1 to comment on:

• Debra Morgan started out a bit clunky, I think, in the sense that she wasn't confident in her abilities as a cop. Always asking her brother to help her figure things out.
• I loved that in the beginning, Dexter was looking through cold cases to find his victims (not something I'm loving in the more recent episodes).
• It was alluded in this season that LaGuerta has a crush on Dexter. Not sure what happened there?
• I hated Paul (Rita's ex) - and thought that Dexter banging Paul with the frying pan was one of the funniest things Dexter has ever done. To me, that was one real emotional reaction, which means he must've loved Rita.
• I loved the Ice Truck Killer as the first big antagonist for Dexter and how that storyline unfolded the way it did. The pool of blood and Dexter slowly finding out about his birth mother was heartbreaking and intense as could be.
• The reveal on Biney was also another really good turn at the end - the realization that he had a brother that was just like him and "Rudy" revealing himself to Deb...
• I also really really loved Rita. I know what brought them together was for Dexter to "fit in" but I say that she did bring him a level of humanity. Their scenes in this season were perfect. They didn't say much but I thought they had some good chemistry. It was good acting on MCH's part to show someone who doesn't really know what "love" feels like to sort of have feelings, compassion and even a physical relationship. I thought he brought those to Dexter in a way that made you feel for him. Made you want him to find love and solace in the one person who loved him - even if she didn't really know what he was capable of doing.

Random Things in Season 2:

• I hated Lila. I knew she was bad news the minute she laid eyes on Dexter.
• I loved Doakes. I mean, I loved that he knew something was "wrong" with Dexter. It did get wild there by the end, but from Season 1 to portions of Season 2, it was just that you're-bad-news-but-I-cant-put-my-finger-on -it look that I loved.
• Did I say I hated Lila? I think it bears a second repeating. Ugh. Parading around naked in the shower in the hopes that Dexter would stray. I did like that Dexter was just that socially inept that even that blatant come on did not work on him. She was persistent, though.
• I loved Rita this season 2. She showed that she did have a back bone when she broke up with Dexter (because of Lila)
• I also loved that this season, you see Dexter really falling for Astor & Cody. As much as a monster as he was, I believed he loved those children. Those little moments of Dexter making pancakes for them for breakfast is what endeared me to Dexter.
• Bay Harbor Butcher. Lundy. Deb. Doakes. It's ALL good.
• The montage of Dexter confessing to Deb about being the Bay Harbor Butcher was all kinds of awesome.

Will post about the next few seasons next!

The Men of True Blood

As we near the end of the second season, I would like to give a shout out to the Men of True Blood. I realize I love them all and they entertain me highly!

Bill Compton, Vampire
As I've probably mentioned before, it was not love at first sight. My first thought was, "Ugh. This is the guy? He's so not handsome and he's kinda old..." But at the end of the episode, I bought it. I loved - fuckin' love - the chemistry between him and Sookie and it was palpable. I loved the fact that we was old fashioned. The fact that he recycled. And that he wanted to mainstream. I wish with all my heart that the make up people (please...someone read my plea!!!) would restore the Bill that I love to his most handsome look (see picture). Bill shouldn't be all powdered up - he looks old that way. Bill shouldn't have man bangs. Come ON!!! Bill shouldn't be high waisted. What? Okay, I get it - he's old school. I guess I can live with it. Every time I see him all high waited like that, I have the urge to pull his fucking pants down. YEAH! What...just me?



Eric Northman, Vampire
Since I have not read the book, I didn't highly anticipate the coming of Eric. And even, when he first arrived on scene sometime in Season 1, I was not impressed at all. Longish hair and sando? Ugh. But then, as soon as he chopped that hair...wait. No, actually, it was a bit before that. I think I started loving him in the one scene where he was in the dungeon with Lafayette and he ate that other guy and was wondering if blood got in his hair, and that he did not kill Lafayette. Then of course, he cuts his hair and his beauty, sorry, sexiness - exudes. Yes, he is the hottest vampire out there. I'm going there. Hotter than wimpy / stalkery Edward Cullen, I'll tell you that (and if you know me, you know I had a few months crushing on Pattinson).

A big part of Eric's appeal is that he is the opposite of Bill and that he is "bad" and that he doesn't care. He is obvious in his pursuit of Bill's human and it's almost like a challenge. He is that part of you that wants the bad boy, the guy you know will just. break. your. heart. and you don't give a fuck.

Jason Stackhouse, Human
I knew from the start that Jason was a beautiful piece of specimen and he's one of those guys that just look so damn good naked. But even then, he is the last one I really fell in love with. I mean, even though he spend almost all of his screen time in the first season naked, it was almost always empty for me. It was like, yeah, yeah, dumb guy fuckin' the next piece of ass. Let's move on to a better storyline!!! I did love the parts in the first season where he became "close" to that one vampire and sort of created this friendship with him. The "V" storyline, I didn't care for, especially those scenes where they were getting high. Meh...but this season, although slow in build up, Jason rocked! From his innocent musings ("Jesus is the first vampire") to his giving in to the pastor's wife to putting a bebe bullet in Steve Newlin's head to hugging the rap out of Bill to being "The God Who Comes", Jason has skyrocketed to being such bad ass, I love it. I love him. I love love love him this season.


Sam Merlotte, Shape Shifter
When Sam first came on screen, my first reaction to him was opposite of every one else. I immediately loved him. I thought, this was the guy for Sookie. Then I soon realize Sam was the "unrequited love" portion of the program and thought, damn it. He's cute! And although I loved him right away, after the Pilot, I was soo into Bill that I really did not want Sookie to end up with Sam which brought him down a notch in my book. Not very fair, I know because as Sam by himself, he's a good guy and a great character. I was iffy about the Tara/Sam hook up, but I also wasn't hot with the Daphne/Sam hook up. I guess I'm not sure I found the right gal for him yet. Haha!!! I'm loving him know especially the last few episodes where he figured out that Maryann is actually after him. The "Fly on the wall" thing was genius and so was the "Smite Me!" Here's hoping he will save the day at the end of this season and get himself a nice decent woman.


Lafayette Reynold / Human

Lafayette is awesome. Although I'm not as much of a fan as some people out there, I do love him and thinks he brings a much needed foil (is that the correct term??) to the current set of heroes. He's brash, he has pizzaz, he's good guy, he's a bad guy. I was glad Alan Ball kept him although I heard from the books (spoiler alert!!) that he was the body in Andy's car. I loved it when he stood up for himself and his being gay in a town where tolerance is sometimes still not prevalent. I'm happy he sees through Eggs (Devil in a Sunday Dress) and was there for Tara. I'm curious to see what pushing V for Eric / Pam will do to him.

True Blood - Season 2 / First Half Review

How much do I love this show?! Just when I thought I had enough...no, I actually couldn't and love it even more. I'm all caught up and Ep. 6 was awesome. I cannot wait for Sunday.

Bill / Jessica / Hoyt
I love Jessica. When we first glimpse her last season, I was skeptical. I thought: Great. Obviously, this will be the wedge that will break up Bill/Sookie. But, No!! I actually love Jessica and what they are doing to her. I love how she brings out the "papa" in Bill (not that Bill isn't dorky enough, but unless I haven't said it enough time, I love dorky, fathery Bill!) This scene above where Bill makes her take the TruBlood is all sorts of cute. What else could over-cute that? Jessica / Hoyt. I love them. I love the "teen" version of vampire love. I love that they talk all night to the point that Hoyt's mama turned off his cell phone. I love that the first thing Jessica does when she wakes up is to see if Hoyt wrote her a text message.

Eric - Entertainment Weekly's "Hottest" Vampire
EW claims that they can't choose between Team Bill or Team Eric and I must say I can't too. Bill & Sookie are perfect for each other, but there is something so hot about Eric - most especially after his haircut! Like Lina said, he is much taller than Eric, he gets points for that alone - but there's something more. He's powerful, he's evil (??), and yet, he is fair / kind (see Bill, see Lafayette), and he's conniving (come on...Lorena!!) In any case, i'm so happy for this development and hope to see more of him soon.

Fellowship of the Fuckin' Sun
At first, this really bored me. I mean, we all know somethings not right with the Newlins. We all know that Sarah (and / or Steve) would have the hots for Jason. There were even Vegas odds on who (Sarah / Steve) would do and what episode it would happen (FYI - the people who bet Sarah / Episode 6 were all right on!). But! But! This week, it did get interesting! Aihhh!!!! Did Sarah know what Steve was up to? Is she just using Jason? Why is she fuckin' in church!? Did Steve know that Sookie is the telepath? Did Sarah know? Who was the mole? Did they know Jason is Sookie's brother?? They must've...right!? Where does Isabel fit into all of this? Did Eric know this would happen (hence, him bringing Lorena in)? Is having sex with a gay vampire really the "cream de la cream" of sins?!

What the maenad is this!?
Ok. If there's one storyline I am most bored with, it is this. It is so fucking slow. What the hell is Maryanne? What the hell is a maenad!? Who is she after? Why Sam? Why all the freakin' scary orgies!? They freak me out, man!!! If I see that coroner bangin' with black beady eyes again...I will...I willl...I don't know. I just want to know what the freak is going on. Plus, I still couldn't believe Tara would allow Maryanne to live in the house without asking Sookie first. Why didn't she at least call Sookie and say, "Hey, I'm having my new sexy, boyfriend over...is that cool with you?" It just seems so out of character for her.

Bad Bad Bill
Now, this seems to be such the topic in the forums that I'm going to venture an opinion. So, in the flashback from Lorena, we get to see Bill at his worst. Where they actually murdered these two people and Bill didn't seem all to sad about it. In fact, he even gave Lorena a necklace and had sex with her in front of the dying body!!

Everybody seemed to be disturbed over this. I've also read outrageous statement like, "If Alan Ball wants us to be sympathetic to the vampires, why would they make Bill be evil!" "Bill lied to Sookie! He was really really bad!! I don't like him anymore!" OK. Enough. Here's my take. This is an Alan Ball show. Of course it's going to be complicated. Of course, it's not going to be a good v evil. Of course Bill has an evil / dark side. Why do people have the need to make the "hero" free of flaws? Why would Bill being a really really bad vampire 80 years ago make less of what he is today?? That's what we are trying to find out. We want to know what made him reform. What made him break up with Lorena. Bill having that sort of history makes him more interesting to me.

Another thing: Alan Ball is not trying to get you to like vampires. He is not trying to get you to love Bill because he is the "best vampire out there!" There's no "message" that vampire rights = gay rights. Don't feel like you must defend the VRA because you believe in gay rights. It is not the same. Hating all the random killing that Bill has done in his past does not mean you are homophobic! What?!! Yes, go to Televisionwithoutpity and you can see some people actually think this!

Overall...I love Bill. I love Bill/Sookie. I love Eric. I love Eric/Pam. I love Terry and the PTSD care he gave Lafayette. I love Jessica/Hoyt. I love the "vampire" hotel. Not loving Maryanne. Not loving Eggs. Yet. Not sure how to feel about Daphne. Feel bad for Sam.

Tru Blood - Buy it!

Gel told me about this and immediately we all want to - need to - have it! Hee! I'd love to try this out in our lunchroom to see if anybody will recognize it. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone left in the office enjoys the same TV as I do. Boo!

What About Bill (Compton)?

The DVDs went by fast and I'm craving for Season 2 episodes. With a low cash flow, I really can't afford HBO - dammit!! Anyway, now that I'm done with Season 1, I'm ready to give my Bill Compton critique.

"Suhkeh"
Somebody just tell me if Stephen just can't pronounce Sookie or is it some sort of authentic interpretation of how one speaks 175 years ago. I love the fact that he's old school, but it's also I think his least desirable quality. It's not just the words, it's the whole "oldies" deameanor. I'm not quite sure how I love it.

Eek! A naked man!
Jason Stackhouse has the most beautiful naked body in TV. Hands down. I'm glad Alan Ball makes it a point of showing this off almost every episode (Admit it! He's got a tight ass and body and whether that body is fuckin' or hallucinatin' or sleepin' or high on V, it's a flawless piece of specimen). That being said, I feel for all of the other naked men on the show. Bill is pudgy in comparison and even to an extent Sam. Sam should have a good body, if he spends a lot of time running like a dog - right? (wrong!) Poor Bill - I think he's bringing up the rear (Hah!) in this department. I love him still, don't get me wrong, but Lina is right, sometimes, he should just keep his clothes on.

Bangs Anyone!?
Ok, Stephen's hairdresser really needs to go back to the pilot episode for some styling tips. In the Pilot, Bill Compton looked hot. His hair although not unruly, was a little ruffled and it added to the danger. Somehow in the course of the season, it felt like Bill was spending a lot of his day time blow drying his bangs to the point that his hair (ahem, bangs) were more even than Sookie's. Come on!


Fang It!
Ok, I hate the fangs. I do. An otherwise sexy Bill turns less sexy hen he's sporting the fangs and I think I know why. Because it's being modeled after the fangs of the snake (like it's retracts in front of the actual set of teeth), when the do who the fangs, the lips pop-out further and normal and this makes the proportions of the face kind of...unproportioned. I know I'm not quite explaining this well, but it's not the reason why I tune in. I wonder if there is appeal to the fangs. I know Twilight doesn't use fangs (and they can also walk in the light, which is very convenient)

Crispy Bill
UGH!!! This is the one scene where I'm very disappointed. I wish the could've done this scene very differently. The scene in question is on the finale of Season 1 when Sookie is in trouble and Bill senses it but couldn't leave because it is daylight. Because of his love, he risked dying by going out into the light and getting burned). The crispy bill is so not attractive. Now i know it's not suuposed to be attractive but I also think that no one comes back to "life" from that. How can hair grow back then they're DEAD? In my interpretation of that scene, Bill works up the nerve and yes, does out into the light - but DIAL it about 3 notches down. He did say that they just "get weak", why not show that? a lot less make up and a lot more acting. I think it can be pulled off where Bill looks like it's so much effort to take every step and his face slowly getting that sunburned look (like when you go to the beach and didn't put on sunscreen). He could be stumbling, pain in his face that he couldn't reach Sookie in time, he could act like he was dying - without the "zombie" make up distracting the viewers from the importance of this scene - which was, no matter how much he loved her, he could NEVER be there when it's day. To me, I can't even concentrate coz I'm glued to the bad make up job!!

Graveyard Sex
Sorry. Not hot. NOT! HOT! AT! ALL! Bill almost looked like the incredible hulk coming out of the ground and the ass shot was not flattering (as said above) and his face covered in mud. Ew. And the thought of all. that. dirt. going into places unwanted. Couldn't he just zipped her back to the bath tub and get it on there? It was only a few paces away! A second in vampire speed! I don't know. I didn't like it.

Wow. That sounded like a lot of complaining on my part! Heh. I'm still on the Bill/Sookie train. And I did try to feel it for Sam/Sookie. I swear I did. I think Sam is kinda hot in his own way, and try as I might, I don't think he's right for Tara either...

Now, I'm kinda lovin' on Eric / Pam. I love Eric's voice. It feels scary and kinda hot. I love Pam as well. We'll see, huh?

True Blood - A review of the First 6 Episodes

So I burned through 6 episodes in the last few days and I have to take a moment before I forget all my thoughts.

I can truly say now how deep I am into this show. In the first six episodes, laughed, cried, been aghast, squirmed, squeaked, squealed. I've covered my eyes in horror. I've giggled in delight. I just love it when a show is that multi-faceted.

The Dream
The scene above is one of my favorites so far. It was the scene where Bill dreams that Sookie was being choked and it woke him up but because it was not quite sundown, he couldn't get to her. It was powerful. For one who had all these "powers" it was the one thing he couldn't do. The relief and love on his face when he did see she was okay was just too cute. Also, a few moments later with Bill & the Collie (who I'm assuming at this point is Sam) were just standing there was also a nice little scene.

Granny
Another big shocker was of course the scene that led to this in the first place. I knew I should've know it but I didn't - OK? I was going OMFG! OMFG! when the poor granny was on the floor. Come on, she was one of the cooler grannies on TV! Some people were commenting on Sookie's non-reaction, but I beg to differ that some people are like that - that she was just so in shock that she was more numb than anything (which was why the scene with her eating the last of the pie, alone, crying, was powerful to me. To me, that was most believable grieving moment I've seen in a long while).

Bill's Family
OMG - this broke my heart too. When the mayor showed him the picture of his family, I didn't get it at first. I thought that was him as a kid. Then when he was seeing his family on the porch, then later to the bitch who made him a vampire when he refused her advances, I really felt for him and now understood when almost broke down there in the meeting. And hmm..tears of blood?

The Squicky / Squeely
The opening scene of episode three, I don't know what to think. Sookie comes in to Bill's house to give him the contractor names when she finds herself in the midst of all these creepy vampires. It was scary. They were playing with her life and all you see if Bill in the corner chair not doing anything. What the fuck!! If you really loved her, wouldn't you have charged at the others the minute they laid their spooky hands on her? That's what Edward would've done! Then I realize that this is Alan Ball where no character is flawless. Bill wasn't going to be the perfect boyfriend. Bill is still a vampire and he still has his own life where he had these interactions as part of normal. And to think of that was when he was going to feed on Hep D boy right in front of Sookie!!! I didn't know what to think at first. My romantic side cried for him to "do something!!" but I wasn't going to get that. I did think the "She's mine" line to be incredibly hot.

Another sort of moment like this was in the car after Fangtasia wen they were almost going to kiss and the cop pulls them over and (grr!!) ruins the mood. I was getting all pissed that he had to do that. By that, I mean "show his power" to the cop. It ruined the mood! Again, there are a few theories but the one I buy is that he is not perfect and sometimes his ego supersedes romance. Hey, that sounds like human men!

The Supporting Cast
Lafayette - my favorite supporting member. The best part for him so far would be the AIDS Burger scene. Rednecks didn't want to eat the burger he cooked because he was gay and therefore had AIDS. His response - Wham! Bam! and ends it with, "Tip your waitress!" Hee.

Sam - He's weird too - and I don't know if it's the wolf-ness (again, just my theory, but if Twilight had a Jacob, we need a warewolf here too, no?) but he has this weird vibe. And what's up with sleeping with Tara? He reminds me of Felicity's Noel - anybody? A cross between Scott Foley & Colin Farrel. In any case, he is quite cute.

Tara - Sometimes, I think she's overacting with her reactions to Jason. It's SO obvious! But other times, like her interaction with her mom, I think it's so believable. So, there you go! And what's up with the casual sex with Sam?

Jason - I guess he's the prettiest, just not my type, I guess. But he did have a few stupid funny moments. The acting is superb though, he's pulling of dumb really well.

Finally
When I first saw Sam, I immediately liked him and thought for some reason he was the vampire. When Bill came in the bar, my first thought was, "ugh, he's not handsome!" but by the end of the second episode when we see the fantastic chemistry between Anna & Stephen, I was in love. Is it wrong that this is the second vampire character I've crushed on in a year?

...Wait!
I almost forgot to talk about the last scene in eppy 6. I'm not quite sure what to think yet. On the one hand, Sookie running towards Bill and Bill sensing her coming was definitly sorta hot. It was happening and you knew it. The kiss was great. He swooped her and carried her it. That was great. The sex in front of the fireplace...I'm guessing Bill didn't really have a room since he sleeps under the house. I loved that he was torn - he didn't want to hurt her, but...and...she's...all nodding...then....EEEKK!! Blood! Gah! Credits!!

True Blood Vs. Twilight

It took a little while (damn Netflix queue!) but I was finally able to see the first two episodes of True Blood. Lina has been telling me about this ever since I was "hooked" on the Twilight series (yes, you saw my posts...you know!) but seeing as we've let go of HBO for a while now, I had to wait for the DVDs to come out before I can even watch. I had faith that I was going to like it because 1: My friends said so and 2: It was on HBO - at least I know the quality must be there.

I tried to stay away from news, spoilers and such and even now, just having the first disc...I don't know what's going to happen. I just know I'm tempted to go out to Best Buy tomorrow and get the whole series....

I loved it. Alan Ball is brilliant. I mean, Six Feet Under was total genius already and this is also a brilliant piece of art. What do I love about it? Everything! From the casting, to the opening credits, to the lighting, it was creepy, scary, fun...but because I loved it so much, I can't help but compare the two. So, here goes:

Hot Ass Vampire: Edward Vs. Stephen
This is the draw to the whole thing, right? You gotta have one fuckin' hot vampire or else the whole franchise is dead (hah! pun!). Both Rob Patterson and Stephen Moyer fit the bill perfectly. Both are supposed to have a "timed" quality being they're hundreds of years old, but whereas this just made Edward into a prude, I found Bill to be so sexy. The scene where he couldn't enter Sookie's house because she didn't "invite" him in was hot ("hot" said in a singsong voice). The edge is definitely on Bill's side since 1: I don't feel like a pervert since he's not in high school!! (I know Rob is not, but you know...) 2: He doesn't have a blu-ish tint and powder on his face and 3: He "glamours" at me and I wanna take off my clothes (Haha...)

I partly think that Rob is a big draw to the Twilight crowd whereas Stephen feels like just a part of what makes True Blood great. Let's see what happens when New Moon hits the theaters...

The Herione: Bella Vs. Sookie
So let's talk about the actual hero of both shows: the mortal woman (in love with a vampire). To me, Sookie wins this hands down - for now. I do reserve the right to get irritated with her later on. As I remember it, I did love Bella in the beginning but man, she grated on my nerves especially in the end, especially in the movie. Kristen was an overacting Bella while I thought that Anna Paquin is doing an awesome heroine - one who is not weak, one who doesn't seem to be interested in being a vampire, one who can hold her own against Bill, and one who makes being a virgin actually sexy and sweet, one with an actual story.

It is funny that both Twilight / Sookie books have characters who can read minds and that they're attracted to the one person who can't. Hmmm.

Adaptation: Big Screen Vs. HBO
It is amazing to me that the quality of shows HBO spits out can easily take the Big Screen. I don't know if I should be crediting the directors here, but True Blood the production is so above and beyond the Twilight movie. I am hoping that with a new director, we can get a better movie in New Moon since although it is geared towards pre-teens, it doesn't mean the movie quality should suck (see Harry Potter for an example). As Alan Ball says in his commentary, why do vampires like contact lenses? Why are they always in a shade of blue? Stop dipping them in a vat of donut powder and you'll be in better shape. Stop overacting.

The One That Loves You: Jacob Vs. Sam
I know there are Team Jacobs out there (My sister is one!) but I always though it was a very uneven playing field. While they portrayed Jacob to be so fucking irritating, they made Edward such an Angel (which really sucks) in comparison that there was no way Bella was going to pick Jacob. Sam - who reminds me of a cuter Colin Farrell - may also be a lost cause. I don't know, I've really only seen him in a few lines, but I do feel for him. I was even rooting for him at first (until I realized how sexy Bill was) but I think that's already a good sign. Let's see where this goes...

The Audience
I remember complaining to Lina about Twilight and how it's missing this, and that, and how it's not giving me what I want and she basically said we were twenty years to old for this shit (not an exact Lina quote - ok?). It was really geared towards the pre-teen and it had to be dummied down for this reason. She told me to watch True Blood - and here I am...a year later it seemd. I feel True Blood is the Vampire show for my generation. There's sex. There's violence. There's gritty-ness. There's chemistry. There's depth of character. There's mystery.

Watch it.

Stringer & Avon

I just finished watching the Season 3 finale of the Wire and I am amazed. This was a brilliant show and it kinda sucks that I'm a few years behind. Now, I read all the accolades and I agree - this may have been the best show on TV. It's a shame it never got an Emmy nod. All the actors were amazing, the writing was impeccable, the direction was flawless.

This scene is the best I've seen. It's between Stringer Bell & Avon Barksdale, their last scene together, where you (the viewer) know that they've just betrayed each other. The scene, it haunts you, it shows you the complexity of their characters and how they're on opposite ends, but they're still brothers. Since I was not spoiled, I didn't really know they were going to kill String...but in this scene, I was already having a really bad feeling. God, if you're not watching the Wire, please go and Netflix it.

To String & Avon, you may have been the bad boys, but I loved you.

Breaksk8 can Dance!

Violet loves these dancing shows and last time I was at their place, we were watching America's Best Dance Crew, and despite my usual apathy to dance - I was really impressed! Impressed to the point that I kinda wished I was a good dancer! Ha! No really...is it too late for me?

Anyway, from the episode I watched, I was most impressed with this: Breaksk8 with Beat It

Josiah Leming sings Grace Kelly

This was my favorite of the American Idol auditions. To clarify, my favorite audition. I'm not that upset Josiah didn't make it through to Hollywood - poor kid, but I was blown away by this performance.

Sprout Rant

My son loves Thomas the Tank Engine. In fact, he likes anything that moves. He loves cars, trains, planes...Anyway, because he loves Thomas, we now watch it on Sprout. It was fun at first since it was nice to see him dance when the song comes on and point to the trains as say "Ta-Ta" (Thomas). But it's been a few months and I. am. done. with. this. shit.

Everytime it comes on, I find new things to rant about: These trains are the most idiotic trains on the planet! They keep crashing onto things! Geez, they're so spoiled - how many coats of paint does on train need? If I hear these tank engines complain one more time, I'm going to be cross! Sr Toppem Hatt is soo stupid!!! Where does he get the money to fix all the broken rails, caves, bridges that the engines crash into??

Ok, that's just Thomas. Don't even get me started on the other idiotc shows on the channel. I hate Dragon Tales! I hate Noddy! I hate Jay Jay the Jet Plane! I hate Zaboomafoo! I hate Jakers with a passion! I hate Caillou! Do I like any show there? Not really. I'm really just doing it for Josh. Sometimes, I cheat and change the channel to a rerun of Friends. Haha! My hubby has a thing for Nina (Goodnight Show) though. I find it amusing. Alright, I think i'm done with my rant.

I'm...Hurley?

Let me preface this by saying it was Lina who strong armed me into being on Facebook. Relenting after numerous threats (Yeah, Lina, threats!) I realize I do find it quite entertaining. I love games and I love taking quizzes. Gosh, I'm a dork. The quizzes as silly and if your really try you can guide your answers so you get the answer you want.

Which brings me to this post - I took a "Which Lost character are you?" quiz and am quite taken aback that I'm Hurley! I don't feel like a Hurley at all. Oh, what do I know...

My Beesley Shirt

I've watched this episode (The Dundies) so many times but it was only last night when I noticed that Pam is wearing my shirt! Ha! It's an Express shirt that I bought so I can look more "work appropriate". I guess I can see Pam buying her clothes at Express. Hee, still cool.

Office Love

I love the Office. I just love it so much. So, being such a huge fan, it's been a great office-filled week for me.

To get all caught up for today's premiere, we've marathon-ed Seasons 2 & 3 the past week. Lina & I were even on the same wavelength as she was marathon-ing the same disc as I am - so in the morning when I get in the office, we talk about the past episodes. She hated Creed, by the way. With a passion. But we both kind of cried at the season 3 finale. I thought Jenna's acting was superb and that final scene, she sold it.

Even though I'm a Jam shipper, I love the office for more than just the office romance. It's funny! Watching the episodes, I would laugh out loud at just the most random things. Michael having a crush on Ryan. Funny! Michael doing the Chris Rock bit. Uncomfortble and funny at the same time! Michael wearing a woman's power suit. Hee!

Now, The Office is on the cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly! I'm so happy their finally getting this recognition. Weee!!! The one I have is with Dwight & Angela.

And speaking of Dwight. Here's my good friend Lee with his "good friend" Rainn. Does this mean I'm like one degree away from being good friends with Rainn? I'm soo giddy! Lee, make it happen!

Hot House

I don't really know why...but I'm so attracted to House. He is so on my list. Count one more for the bad guys, I guess. Wilson is the "good" guy. He is nice. He's a good doctor. He cares about his patients. He cares about House. He does "what is fair". He is kind. He is very handsome. He does nothing for me. Heh. I like him - as a friend. Haha...(sorry, I'm laughing at my own joke). What is so attractive about a guy who is rude, uncaring, malicious? I don't know, but I give props to Hugh Laurie.

It was a good season opener. I love scenes with House & Wilson, especially when Wilson does not take crap from House. The kidnapping of the guitar was fun, as well as the kidnapping of his patient. I'm also looking forward to the next few episodes as House finds his team. Should be a good season.

Heroes

Premiere Week continues! Today, I saw Chuck (new show) and Heroes. I enjoyed Chuck a lot so I guess I'll tune in again last week.

I was ambivalent about getting hooked again this season, but I like it! Maybe there being no Ally Larter screen time helped. She was my least favorite character. I'm especially happy with two new castmates: Kristen Bell. I'm very curious to see if she'll do well in a non-Veronica-Mars type role. The other is David Anders. I loved him as Sark in Alias. I remember Joanna cringing when I told her I thought he was attractive. Haha. So far, I'm enjoying him as Kensei. The new mystery is intriguing as well. Should be a good season.

Legendary

It's premiere week! for me it starts with the How I Met Your Mother. I really enjoyed Season 2 - and i hope season 3 will be much better. Aside from the Office this is the only real comedy that I really liked. Plus, the hero is an architect! The last architect seen in a comedy (or TV in general) was Two Guys, A Girl & A Pizza Place...am I right? Or is David Duchovny playing one in Californiacation? Hmm...either way, we don't get a good representation in the industry. We don't say words like "anaphylactic seizure". We don't get our missions from faux garbage cans. We don't analyze weird stains from crime scenes, pour some liquid on it and find out it's blood. In short, we are boring. The most exciting news I found out today is that we are having a catered lunch next staff meeting because it's someone's ten year anniversary. Haha, I challenge someone to write an episode around that!

Anyway, the season opener was actually not legendary, but I was happy to see everyone back. Boy, they all look great in this photo. And lastly, it looks like we'll see the continuation of the slap bet.

The Emmys

I finally finished watching the Emmy's. Sad to say, a lot of my favorites did not win. Boo! Of course, I wanted Steve, Rainn & Jenna to win in their respective categories, and none of them won (but it was cute when Steven & Jon "gave" the award to their friend Steve Cah-rell). I also wanted Hugh Laurie to win but was prepared for James Gandolfini to take it...but James Spader? Ugh.

But even if my favorites did not win, it was still a fairly enjoyable show. My favorite was the "Don't Forget The Lyrics" bit where Rainn & Kanye did a rap-off. Watch it here. Hee, cute!

It's Not Porn, It's HBO

First reaction? Hmm, okay. I kind of liked it and I think I will continue to watch, but it did not wow me like other HBO shows have. I think I will give this one a chance though because the topic intrigues me.

The show revolves mainly around three couple. An older couple with three kids and their relationship is at the point where even though they love each other very much, they are not having sex. The second is a couple dealing with infertility, having had a year of trying to get pregnant with no good results. The third is a young engaged couple. All three are interesting in their own way and some scenes are very relatable, if that's a word. Anyway, I'll give it a few more episodes.

The arguments that I've seen for and against the show is that although there is a lot of sex, it's the un-sexy sex. I think that is the point of the show. Not all sex is supposed to arouse you or titilate you. Not all sex happens with really attractive people. Sometimes, it's just that.

A little warning though - even though the sex is not all that sexy, it is very graphic, so I don't suggest watching it with your dad (or mom, or pastor). Trust me on this.

On Pop Culture and the Internet (a rant)

Lately, I've been complaining to people that I'm feeling old. I've thought about this a lot and pondered if it's because I have a baby now? Is that why I'm feeling old? But what I've realized is that it is not the baby, and I'm not feeling "old" necessarily. I am just feeling the generation gap between me and the younger people.

The crazy thing is, the age difference is not a lot. The youngest person in my team right now is 22...so, not even a 10 year difference. The difference is not the age, it's about the internet. In the past 12 years, we've gone through quite a bit of change with the way we use the internet. When I was in college, the Chat Rooms were huge. I admit, I got sucked in - ended up "friends" from all over world. All lies though, coz who tells the truth in those things?

After that came the message boards (Forums, if you will). I am part of this generation. I read a lot of message boards - my faves are on the sidebare here --> (For anything Rent-related, go to Compulsive Bowlers, For anything TV-related, Television Without Pity is the best.)

Then I started getting invites for LiveJournal, early version of the blog. Friendster came right after that, unfortunately this was the loser version of MySpace. Now, MySpace is so big, it's a generation! I may very well be the last person not to have a MySpace page.

Ok, now my point. With everyone now spending more time on the internet, it's totally a different culture. Losers like myself who are Pop-culture freaks (mostly TV-lovin' geeks) are now kind of a rare breed. I felt this emptiness the most after Lina left. We used to schedule time to talk about Lost. Yes, block out a half an hour to discuss the last episode. Now apparently, I am the last of my kind. Now, if I say "puffy shirt", all I get are a bunch on blank stares. Is it really too much to ask to have someone at work I can fucking talk to about things I care about?

Really, is it too much to ask for someone:
-Who knows the right way to say "How you doin'"?
-Who can spend countless work hours with me plotting the demise of Lost's Michael, because he was the only one we were willing to give up?
-Who knows what I mean when I say "there's a deer just outside eating fruit from the orchard"
-Who would appreciate the fact that I got chummy with TAR's hot hot Oswald?
-Who would spend all day laughing at how awful Clive Owen's King Arthur was but appreciate the fact the he's still hot.
-Who I can compare my "List" with?
-Who can recite by heart the bit that ends with "I told you that bitch crazy!"
-Who would call me at work while in a diner in LA to tell me that Scott Speedman is a few tables down and proceed to plot on how she would work the nerve to take a picture?
-Who thinks the Office is the funniest thing on TV right now
-Who know Aiden is the perfect boyfiend - and Carrie is a fool!!!
-Who rooted for American Idol's Constantine Maroulis only (and only) because he used to play Rent's Roger in a touring company
-Who loves Rome & Six Feet Under as much as I did?
-Who would plan with me our next NYC trip in time for TARcon?

Really...Is that too much to ask?