tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33032171674480022572024-02-20T01:26:46.401-08:00K & J's DreamatoriumUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-54707095096881097112012-10-30T17:59:00.000-07:002012-10-30T18:13:18.658-07:00Book vs. Movie: The Goblet of Fire<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So it's been a little while since I've been on the blog - so glad to be writing again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was actually excellent timing as well; I've been on a HP binge - I've been rereading the books for a while now and am actually rereading Goblet of Fire right now! I so love rereading the books - I crave reading them just like I'm reading a new story - it cracks me up every time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway... the comparison:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnisYcjZDwjcPIJo0utbXjR7GKmk3j_SCKGNmEWXjC4tLAWerw6_XKKuBhDER9TrXTPwzabKmHDfEMg7ZBgWgPENm0qzuHBJVzf7reur9hxFygZqTnnocF-kTZ2JiZLxZsl8BrMJ_Yo88/s1600/gof1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnisYcjZDwjcPIJo0utbXjR7GKmk3j_SCKGNmEWXjC4tLAWerw6_XKKuBhDER9TrXTPwzabKmHDfEMg7ZBgWgPENm0qzuHBJVzf7reur9hxFygZqTnnocF-kTZ2JiZLxZsl8BrMJ_Yo88/s1600/gof1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">The Book</u>: <i>Goblet of Fire</i> was never my favorite Harry Potter book - I liked it and it definitely represented a big change in the series, but I never thought of it as a favorite. The new characters weren't particularly likable, the plot line felt like it was full of holes, and the structure of the tournament felt like it constricted the way the book had to be written. I liked Mad-Eye Moody until I learned it wasn't him, Fleur and Krum weren't really endearing, Rita Skeeter sucks. The only new character you really like is Cedric, which by the end seems a little manipulated! Of course we have to like him - he dies! I really didn't love the villain plot line - it makes NO SENSE! Why the hell would Voldemort want to wait an entire year for Crouch to pretend to be Moody, so he can trick the Goblet of Fire and make Harry win, so he can make the cup the portkey. Dude - make something else a freakin' portkey. I mean, will it really be an accident for him to die in the maze? Really? So random. The plan is crap, just saying. If that is seriously the plan, no wonder Voldemort can't freakin' kill Harry. And I did not love the tournament stuff - the other books follow the school year, but it feels more natural than 1st task, 2nd task, 3rd task.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyPN3JNvMhvwd60bfj5Sl0GRGqfOI01riX3DO71ZMGi_JbnqC0ZhgxU3ot27nSeQxVoPYOLUL9n_6KHTDZFnml8KSoMfG4CJuvOnKjL9oyByn_cUt1pY0_Pf47c-iiCljbOjcHpw3usU/s1600/yule+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyPN3JNvMhvwd60bfj5Sl0GRGqfOI01riX3DO71ZMGi_JbnqC0ZhgxU3ot27nSeQxVoPYOLUL9n_6KHTDZFnml8KSoMfG4CJuvOnKjL9oyByn_cUt1pY0_Pf47c-iiCljbOjcHpw3usU/s1600/yule+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyPN3JNvMhvwd60bfj5Sl0GRGqfOI01riX3DO71ZMGi_JbnqC0ZhgxU3ot27nSeQxVoPYOLUL9n_6KHTDZFnml8KSoMfG4CJuvOnKjL9oyByn_cUt1pY0_Pf47c-iiCljbOjcHpw3usU/s1600/yule+ball.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The awesome part of the book is, of course, the trio. You </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">see Ron's jealously rear its ugly head for the first time - with both Harry and Hermione. I liked the strength of Harry and Hermione's friendship here as well. I loved Ron's jealous spat over Krum - hilarious. The Yule Ball is one of my favorite events in the books. And, as always, the humor is there in spades. I freakin' love the Weasleys - they're all so funny in their own ways! (Now there are two new characters I wish we'd seen more of - Bill and Charlie!) Of course, the other part of the book that really makes an impact is the end. I mean Voldemort comes back - that's like the switch is flipped. We go from being a kid story to a young adult story right then. Now we don't have a weak version of the bad guy - the actual evil villain is a going to be a big part of the story. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM2wBk94xkRI8OLGH6wSYebNr60jcED2wmgofPMgClEvezLFMd9I20c5cQkC6p8Bi6RR6lOsb_OFiZmtDXj3CDGStkD3OtkHrNQvxcFs1nr1AW47TtO3ESc6PQTcxKr-PaIqGt8Qu-kg/s1600/mad+eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM2wBk94xkRI8OLGH6wSYebNr60jcED2wmgofPMgClEvezLFMd9I20c5cQkC6p8Bi6RR6lOsb_OFiZmtDXj3CDGStkD3OtkHrNQvxcFs1nr1AW47TtO3ESc6PQTcxKr-PaIqGt8Qu-kg/s1600/mad+eye.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">The Movie</u>: To be honest, one of the things I thought while I was reading the book was the fact that it would make a really good movie. While I didn't like the structured tournament for the book, I knew it would work really well for a movie. And there were some great parts of the movie - the Yule Ball was beautiful, the tasks were pretty cool, and the ending with Voldemort was spot on and scary as all get out. I loved all the Moody lines (mostly because they were straight from the book). And honestly, I didn't feel like the left too much out (S.P.E.W needs to be mentioned here however - because it wasn't mentioned in the 4th movie, it totally ruined my favorite Ron and Hermione moment in Deathly Hallows: Part 2). And... well, it must be said David Tennat is in <i>Goblet of Fire</i> - just saying. He's not in the movie for all that long, but he is there and he is, of course, awesome!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-A9m9UPCqyQxLzudzMPBu-L8Zhuikbm7iXcgHQeUpg-ZUh6mLMPvr3bK46VvhseiTqotz-Dc8LVlCcI7VPkSL2TCmT0sOnfzC3n-9YjVBIZ5uWhgcvBiXcjrstt7j8-HxMFtEmCfVU9A/s1600/gof2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-A9m9UPCqyQxLzudzMPBu-L8Zhuikbm7iXcgHQeUpg-ZUh6mLMPvr3bK46VvhseiTqotz-Dc8LVlCcI7VPkSL2TCmT0sOnfzC3n-9YjVBIZ5uWhgcvBiXcjrstt7j8-HxMFtEmCfVU9A/s1600/gof2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I really did not like about the movie were some of the timing issues - the first 15 minutes of that movie are on fast forward. I mean the Riddle House is set up nicely, but I always expect the characters to have chipmunk voices during the World Cup because they are moving so fast through the scenes. Crazy. I mean the World Cup isn't an important plot line overall, but my goodness, the speed at which we go through that event is insane. And then... we spend 10 minutes letting the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons kids twirl around and have a 10 minute "dance lesson" with Maggie Smith (which is kinda funny, but still). And seriously - do these kids even go to school? I think we see them in one class -seriously that one class with Moody and that's it. I also will go ahead and say it - I took issue with the Hermione make over. She was very pretty during the Yule Ball, but it seems like they decided she was now pretty all the time. It wasn't that big of a change to be honest and I didn't like it. In the books, Ron walks right by her- he doesn't even recognize her because she looks so different. And she's back to normal the next day. Where was that? I mean, she just stays that way. The beginning of the make Emma Watson a pretty movie star rather than actually looking like the character!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">In Conclusion</u>: Obviously <i>Goblet of Fire</i> isn't my favorite of the books or movies, but I still remember my anticipation for them both - I was excited for them and even now, I can't wait to go back and read through the third task and Hermione catching Rita Skeeter. I also think that <i>Goblet of Fire</i> was one of the most commercial movies for the series - I mean the tournament is something people can understand. Incorporating the other schools allows from some new fun ideas and the ball is of course something that people will be drawn to. It is also that turning point in the series, so people will be in the know for the next movies/books. It makes sense for people to like this movie - it works on a lot of different levels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span>lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-89629950696316167982012-10-24T16:51:00.002-07:002012-10-24T16:51:33.141-07:00Why Do I Love Avatar: The Last Airbender?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Or, Four More Reasons that You
Should Love Avatar</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jana has covered this before (see <a href="http://kandjdreamatorium.blogspot.com/2012/09/for-otherworld-saturday-i-thought-i.html" target="_blank">Five Reasons to Love Avatar: The Last Airbender</a>), but rewatching a bit today inspired me to reflect on it myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you just glance at a few images,
it’s hard to see sometimes what all the fuss is about. I’m a smidge older than most
people in the Avatar fanbase. My middle
school students adore it- it’s their childhood, as they tell me. Some siblings and friends just a bit younger than me swear by it. But what made <i>me </i>love it? Honestly, I started watching it because the
description sounded like something Tamora Pierce would write. It feels right out of the Circle of
Magic. In reality those stories are very
different, but the idea of a group of people controlling different types of
powers intrigued me. That’s what got me started. After I started, I couldn't stop. I started talking friends into trying it, and raced through the entire series. Here are the four main reasons I kept watching.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9N1qeeCAEh5wBH_O3lWUqV5ZSiiLA-HuEm1yUbeXy7VltqregAW5Uu4fcHQ-3QNIiN1Q9DX4M8O0NbcSixCCPYwAONyg49lPsdtSwSlWzm27XPqHATaxdjZ4dplkSv_DfYWjAHLKpno/s1600/Sokka+and+His+Dad.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9N1qeeCAEh5wBH_O3lWUqV5ZSiiLA-HuEm1yUbeXy7VltqregAW5Uu4fcHQ-3QNIiN1Q9DX4M8O0NbcSixCCPYwAONyg49lPsdtSwSlWzm27XPqHATaxdjZ4dplkSv_DfYWjAHLKpno/s200/Sokka+and+His+Dad.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sokka With His Dad</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> The
people on this show are just like us</b>. Some of them have parents that love
and accept them (Katarra & Sokka), some reject what makes them who they are
(Toph), some are absent (Aang), and some are abusive and cruel (Azula &
Zuko). They have to learn how to make
friends and get along with people. They
have to learn how to deal when things happen that they didn’t plan on. Sometimes
it’s hilarious and ridiculous, and sometimes it’s tragic. They have to grow up and struggle to find
themselves in a world that isn’t always friendly. Their goals may not match ours (I personally
am still preparing for the attack of the Fire Nation, but true battle eludes me),
but their lives mirror reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>They make the wrong choices sometimes, and
there are real consequences</b>. Like anyone in real life, they often make
wrong decisions. Sometimes there are dire consequences. Choosing the wrong time and place for a
battle could lead to death and defeat.
Choosing the trust the wrong people, or not to trust the right people,
has a consequence. In a regular kids’
show, even bad decisions would be wrapped up quickly and resolved with a quick band-aid. In Avatar it isn’t always that simple.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C4n5LqsaNuJn4yEVoHgSxxblV6AK2733v42qSxhZPwI-GCBIHj-I4AOEeNLcL87SspUYXObgq_ASQwZEAT5_wmr7t6pvKeAglYrqb_RbLEoYAtLtZEzlXH7f-cYeVqDLR_hir1uuI3E/s1600/team+avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C4n5LqsaNuJn4yEVoHgSxxblV6AK2733v42qSxhZPwI-GCBIHj-I4AOEeNLcL87SspUYXObgq_ASQwZEAT5_wmr7t6pvKeAglYrqb_RbLEoYAtLtZEzlXH7f-cYeVqDLR_hir1uuI3E/s1600/team+avatar.jpg" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Each person matters.</b> Among the main
characters, we learn that each of them contributes to the group in different
ways. “Team Avatar” wouldn’t stay afloat
without everyone, but it goes beyond that.
Sure there are episodes highlighting the need for each character, but
the show itself balances every week. It
shows the need for all people, of all talents, in nearly every episode. Even the minor characters can have a major impact
on the world. Since these people are
saving the world itself- it ALL matters.
The show magnifies the concept, but it reminds viewers that people
matter in real life. You personally can
make a difference to somebody, so make the effort!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52c8P-hpnr5xexwOVTv-pzexfnGJ2ezQCsgDZak_4lKnf3x2lMetm47Fl5jCmmJUMSxAjrFVd9SwM_2cIvBnyv-CbZZkLxf98R9oqQGPVYV1V70zN03iX1I7jbxVBg2bCBwR85f2PD1Y/s1600/Zuko+and+his+Father.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52c8P-hpnr5xexwOVTv-pzexfnGJ2ezQCsgDZak_4lKnf3x2lMetm47Fl5jCmmJUMSxAjrFVd9SwM_2cIvBnyv-CbZZkLxf98R9oqQGPVYV1V70zN03iX1I7jbxVBg2bCBwR85f2PD1Y/s200/Zuko+and+his+Father.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zuko With His Dad</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">People grow and change.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Zuko is my favorite character on the
show. In the beginning he’s one dimensional
and whiny. He is living according to the
standards and ideals he was raised with.
He is forced to reconcile himself to situations that he doesn’t want to
be in. Even with his understanding uncle
shoving the right thing to do in front of him all the time, Zuko repeatedly
throws it back in his face. Zuko
believes that he wants recognition from his father (don’t we all want to make
our parents proud?), and it takes getting it to realize that it doesn’t make
him happy. I love that Zuko had to
really learn for himself what was wrong with the world. All the characters in this story grew in confidence
and other things, but Zuko literally had to shed the ideals that he was raised
with and create his own set of moral boundaries. It's so rare, especially in things made with kids in mind, do you get to see such a shift.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNrgx5ZoUYHAxxahc6iVoSCTRM8EL1J4hz-__zNmgpcuv5VCh__AT1Fm3HhxKCNFKS06nAZdiN3dYniWV2MpY28u_oyCP650hKAxmyZmP6CeK8_glv21_bb5jtCtvUqvBNLOaC7tagGk/s1600/Prince+Zuko+on+His+Own.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNrgx5ZoUYHAxxahc6iVoSCTRM8EL1J4hz-__zNmgpcuv5VCh__AT1Fm3HhxKCNFKS06nAZdiN3dYniWV2MpY28u_oyCP650hKAxmyZmP6CeK8_glv21_bb5jtCtvUqvBNLOaC7tagGk/s200/Prince+Zuko+on+His+Own.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince Zuko on His Own</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So whether you’re completely on
board with Aang saving the world, or you’ve never heard of the show, head into
the world of the Benders and experience the awesomeness. (Can be watched on
<a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/70142405?strkid=1144647362_0_0&trkid=222336&movieid=70142405" target="_blank">Netflix</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-in-the-Iceberg/dp/B000GK68EG/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1350960222&sr=1-2&keywords=avatar+airbender" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>, or in reruns on Nickelodeon channels.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-12654217710707732292012-10-17T15:13:00.002-07:002012-10-17T15:13:55.384-07:00Why Do I Watch Vampire Diaries?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoFzphrmTmladUXC5qrl1U0lwo31JmDDoYgggHbsyquiII0cqTk0EC7kx4ggP0sDJh5WmzpEwWr7NNm6fcMVPomYpX8fHXoSKGw2HaFR_JzWVZfIj-QVY-c9Gf-JGmO1k5EQX-c1fBME/s1600/Salvator+Brothers+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoFzphrmTmladUXC5qrl1U0lwo31JmDDoYgggHbsyquiII0cqTk0EC7kx4ggP0sDJh5WmzpEwWr7NNm6fcMVPomYpX8fHXoSKGw2HaFR_JzWVZfIj-QVY-c9Gf-JGmO1k5EQX-c1fBME/s320/Salvator+Brothers+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seriously, why do I watch this show? <i>Vampire
Diaries </i>is the most addictive
show. It isn’t high quality. The plots have very little depth. The actors are decent, but they aren’t Oscar
worthy. They’re pretty. In all categories they’re MUCH better actors
than anything on <i>Twilight</i>. But it still isn’t what I would call fantastic
television. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyy-DSrpFsTffsHUhzW5W_LuwK-mRLPOj7xv01y1zhCLhIBog2yMU5DwwNoYFx6NgbxriTDDCOZ4pOI91MHQn2mZ_A_nsg5yHQORrCN54LtrxthHUCd6ZKpWmlMl6OzBPX5UNmU352PU/s1600/Damon+Stefan+Elena+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyy-DSrpFsTffsHUhzW5W_LuwK-mRLPOj7xv01y1zhCLhIBog2yMU5DwwNoYFx6NgbxriTDDCOZ4pOI91MHQn2mZ_A_nsg5yHQORrCN54LtrxthHUCd6ZKpWmlMl6OzBPX5UNmU352PU/s200/Damon+Stefan+Elena+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stefan, Elena, & Damon<br />in their "Love Triangle of Doom"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So in light of all these stellar
attributes, what is it that makes this show something that I devour? I just don’t know. I know what it I don’t like- I don’t like the
lead actress playing two parts throughout the series. (They don’t seem different enough and it irks
me.) I don’t like that Elena gets to
keep two boys at her beck and call. (I’m
over the continuous plots of two boys who both truly love the girl. And if one of them moves on, then suddenly
they’re truly evil. I don’t love the
message.) I don’t love that one of the
boys can go on a killing spree and be instantly forgiven, but if the rejected
one found someone other than Elena to truly love, that isn’t okay. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fKYS9bx2zl8UpVeBiOvm5Vz3fX6wvrfhyphenhyphenRJ7ATAO6HNGvuLQLXlvX03yvUHrqFVr3FM79Bt0Gkfgo_ftAnY2GzOB6K817Wy_U-Hhnvaj88TI6Az4BgqrmInAi3sErdNGLotX3vrgkEU/s1600/New+Vamp+Stefan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fKYS9bx2zl8UpVeBiOvm5Vz3fX6wvrfhyphenhyphenRJ7ATAO6HNGvuLQLXlvX03yvUHrqFVr3FM79Bt0Gkfgo_ftAnY2GzOB6K817Wy_U-Hhnvaj88TI6Az4BgqrmInAi3sErdNGLotX3vrgkEU/s200/New+Vamp+Stefan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly Vamped Stefan<br />The backstories never stop coming, and that can only be a good thing.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY7viCMBbKflDU18yybNBrCvj4D6eisf1gLz0UbyF9Ddt_khox4xRjEpOQLEaLh0BqlKgXTRvqD_RQOatwiAEYKs4IXjwhRd2RycVOtqhWa-zalocZXinTbKXDsUe5dT4zofIgK8tBOI/s1600/Passions+NBC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY7viCMBbKflDU18yybNBrCvj4D6eisf1gLz0UbyF9Ddt_khox4xRjEpOQLEaLh0BqlKgXTRvqD_RQOatwiAEYKs4IXjwhRd2RycVOtqhWa-zalocZXinTbKXDsUe5dT4zofIgK8tBOI/s200/Passions+NBC+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passions- NBC Soap<br />1999-2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What I do love is that I ALWAYS
want to know what’s happening next.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bottom line, that’s what the draw is for me.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It isn’t the “who hooks up with who” that I
want to know, although that can be interesting, it’s really the who lives, who
dies, and how they get out today’s crisis.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the boys and the romance of it, and I know that is what drags
most people in, but I honestly I really just want to know what happens next in
the plot.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">People die in this, people get
hurt.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Story lines get ripped apart, and
story lines get dragged back seasons later.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s the soap aspect of it that makes it awesome.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Oh dear, it just a quality version of </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Passions</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is also a fast paced
show.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They do not take fifteen episodes
for things to happen.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You get the value
of some instant gratification.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the
end, that means the plot takes these meandering and strange turns, but while
you are sitting there watching it, it’s just riveting.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a show that makes you care.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3WOW4vdzHWNwyoJjXeCnZj2j68kpLGymx8cr_jsrgpSgIIUZge3jdy5E6oDw_MHBfwc9k_xyoKcA_-N84_zZIXrgLl7Vtqh0wCVltwEPuXz5fXz73C6qZrnw8_lA9YzYaXr6oQFDfwI/s1600/Tyler+and+Caroline+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3WOW4vdzHWNwyoJjXeCnZj2j68kpLGymx8cr_jsrgpSgIIUZge3jdy5E6oDw_MHBfwc9k_xyoKcA_-N84_zZIXrgLl7Vtqh0wCVltwEPuXz5fXz73C6qZrnw8_lA9YzYaXr6oQFDfwI/s200/Tyler+and+Caroline+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler & Caroline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have found that this is a show I
only care about in the moment. Because
my drive to watch the next episode stems around the “what happens next” idea, I
absolutely am unable to watch it on a weekly basis. About 24 hours after watching an episode, if
I haven’t moved on to the next one I don’t care anymore. The first time I watched the series I watched
the ENTIRE first season in one day. I
started mid-morning on a Saturday and stopped when I had to leave for church
the next day. I stopped watching a
couple of episodes into the second season because I lost interest. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCwlIdL5Hat7aRtsi7CDcUqc0D9stkQRk2PAXB4UVmDSiQD3QNh4BS2oTqWOenSCP4kEUsOP2lx87eFFadIB3SVrV8borsPvxTbVyK_hBeQjwKPKtZjuNK2k-ytGKBZ3j0JouRYN35L4/s1600/Damon+and+Alric+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCwlIdL5Hat7aRtsi7CDcUqc0D9stkQRk2PAXB4UVmDSiQD3QNh4BS2oTqWOenSCP4kEUsOP2lx87eFFadIB3SVrV8borsPvxTbVyK_hBeQjwKPKtZjuNK2k-ytGKBZ3j0JouRYN35L4/s200/Damon+and+Alric+Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alric & Damon enjoying a drink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last weekend I watched the second
half of Season 2 and the entirety of Season 3. (I did other things while
watching, but it’s still a bit sad, I know.)
I loved it. I doubt I will keep
up with the current season since I have already lost interest with the plot, but be warned- if you start
watching this with entire seasons at your fingertips, you may very well become
beyond saving. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-38594663634787644642012-10-14T05:38:00.000-07:002012-10-14T05:38:06.998-07:00Why I Want to be River When I Grow Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9FLw0EgWTs23NtpkTru0xJWHDB0emuWfsU0d3qS_L4r-wOX44hfZJbGw3xSTgcnwx1A6Z5X8cOfYULPEqJOCLecfvsMCE5U-aXurFwJ2Rx79OV_S4Ys2nrRvm6K5TZLdcU7jYmcWPwU/s1600/River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9FLw0EgWTs23NtpkTru0xJWHDB0emuWfsU0d3qS_L4r-wOX44hfZJbGw3xSTgcnwx1A6Z5X8cOfYULPEqJOCLecfvsMCE5U-aXurFwJ2Rx79OV_S4Ys2nrRvm6K5TZLdcU7jYmcWPwU/s320/River.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what makes River so special? After much consideration, I think I’ve figured
out what it is. River
Song exists both as a superhuman foil to the Doctor, and someone we can relate
to as a person who loves and admires him. As both, how can we resist her?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How River is More Than Human<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Doctor is an amazing character,
I will not start in on how spectacular he is.
He regularly has a companion with him which offers the audience someone
to compare him to. In contrast, he is
the ever energetic adventurer and savior.
We see different sides of him as he is paired with various companions,
but the Doctor is always the savior, the hero in the relationship. He opens up worlds for his companions, and
expands the universe.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkxfKcDBlzSvpE7olOhhcbH4qzSwh_81n9UCDN3NQ1IzpHgDHnWrFrOLmsZZd0S3obcqD0XE4sR0UdtU2Ad0lOnGHc1euJ2_KWAVXwso-opn3xwIZK7xYExDHmzvZZI_Tdcj7nlimuMc/s1600/Time+Lords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkxfKcDBlzSvpE7olOhhcbH4qzSwh_81n9UCDN3NQ1IzpHgDHnWrFrOLmsZZd0S3obcqD0XE4sR0UdtU2Ad0lOnGHc1euJ2_KWAVXwso-opn3xwIZK7xYExDHmzvZZI_Tdcj7nlimuMc/s320/Time+Lords.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">River is so different from anyone
else in the series. As far as we’ve been
allowed to see, River doesn’t need the Doctor to expand her universe. Her universe is already vast, covering a
great deal of time and space. She has
her own adventures and is capable of travelling and existing in her own
timeline, with and without the Doctor.
In the new series, there are no Time Lords other than The Doctor. It wasn’t until a ways into viewing that Jana
& I discovered that this wasn’t always the case. Russell T. Davies made a decision that the
race would not survive the Time War, and it’s universally been embraced. In
Classic Who there were many other Time Lords.
They were capable of time travel, had working Tardises, and had the same
vast knowledge base and abilities as the Doctor.
They did not always see the universe in the same way as him, but they offered
the viewer a look at a universe were the Doctor was not a single, ultimate
being. It’s what makes the villain of the
Master so intriguing in the new series- here’s an antagonist who can hold his own
against the Doctor. They begin on equal footing. We get a glimpse of the Time Lords at the end of season four, but it's just for a moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUV9PPUi9fJ9_Ew3Reuoz62dffdN1L1Vm1FafWRLQDq4rLQkgmb1aUAUqPr5RuOc219JFsfxTwKZQi7vXgffpnJX51NrO-SnrOjG5hiYfgO1Gb07xAIB-j1_fCrzamncR2rCiQMz6ruM/s1600/River+in+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUV9PPUi9fJ9_Ew3Reuoz62dffdN1L1Vm1FafWRLQDq4rLQkgmb1aUAUqPr5RuOc219JFsfxTwKZQi7vXgffpnJX51NrO-SnrOjG5hiYfgO1Gb07xAIB-j1_fCrzamncR2rCiQMz6ruM/s320/River+in+bar.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With the appearance of River Song,
we have a character who operates on her own agenda, with her own abilities, and
doesn’t need the Doctor to physically survive the universe. In this sense, she is completely unique in
the New Series. Captain Jack was around for a while, but he (very unfortunately) hasn't been seen in the company of the Doctor in ages. We need this character, River, to remind us that the Doctor is not the beginning and the end of intelligent, powerful
beings. He is able to ask questions of her and get them answered. Their
relationship is back and forth with knowledge and information in a way he’s
never had with his earthly, contemporary companions. She understands situations that they are in
without needing a ton of background, and therefore he is able to bounce ideas
off of her. He’s able to question
options and have someone make suggestions about what to do. The Doctor has less pressure on him with
River there, and while he ultimately feels responsible for her, he isn’t
really. She takes care of him just as much. The first episode she meets him, she does the saving (granted, she also tried to kill him...). The fact that he doesn't have to be the savior gives him the rare chance to be vulnerable around someone. This makes their relationship special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsi1hPnpakRrcV7-pMU9e-jWr6TTmO_oIl7Rdgi-SMJsqITgWT-guEAxNzFdb3KXk13s3dCQs7tRmPgKZ49XxpVXKet-Zi469nklJwacOfpfhlRXbz-dm370skd7NIH_S1mx1_BHLVLA/s1600/river+saving+him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsi1hPnpakRrcV7-pMU9e-jWr6TTmO_oIl7Rdgi-SMJsqITgWT-guEAxNzFdb3KXk13s3dCQs7tRmPgKZ49XxpVXKet-Zi469nklJwacOfpfhlRXbz-dm370skd7NIH_S1mx1_BHLVLA/s320/river+saving+him.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How River is Human<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What makes River especially amazing
is the fact that she can run around the universe as nearly an equal match to
the Doctor, but she is still a character that we are able to relate to. She
adores the Doctor, pretty much unconditionally.
What true Whovian doesn’t unconditionally love the Doctor, even when he
screws things up? She is always excited
to see him, and she will do anything for him.
The awesome part is that she isn’t afraid to argue with him. She is knowledgeable enough to do it, so
watching her and the Doctor together is more like watching a real couple than
anything we’ve seen before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jtoBRLvVJgM4D2Y8E7h4FBLcYSBn5gOSZ1vpa_n0q1aV0ui1M46ROYHXbEUHyKNOzE9Uhtbd41ET1Nt7hnhFII6yx2nTnNoAV751uXSerGzgQpTnEg6NC2KqQp006dPYdBw-fzjeQ9U/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jtoBRLvVJgM4D2Y8E7h4FBLcYSBn5gOSZ1vpa_n0q1aV0ui1M46ROYHXbEUHyKNOzE9Uhtbd41ET1Nt7hnhFII6yx2nTnNoAV751uXSerGzgQpTnEg6NC2KqQp006dPYdBw-fzjeQ9U/s320/library.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River in her first/last episode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another detail is that she isn’t
eternal. River is human (well, as much
as a Child of the Tardis can be), and she knows that her time with the Doctor
will someday come to an end. Granted,
with her crazy timeline we may be able to see her for ages, but she still isn’t
going to live for thousands of years like the Doctor. And everyone, including the Doctor, knows it.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3vYuMv0YwU-rDnI5inhW9DicOVGjxNvb5hzjeUKMajUnc5zOAvD1HLh89YrgD3xI2pAczwvEdmL1-8z9YnuAi3Cwo88SlIas55i2QguZVFFge9UIWO4Ca8O1vOP5dSDXlE2iCn4bR2E/s1600/river+crying+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3vYuMv0YwU-rDnI5inhW9DicOVGjxNvb5hzjeUKMajUnc5zOAvD1HLh89YrgD3xI2pAczwvEdmL1-8z9YnuAi3Cwo88SlIas55i2QguZVFFge9UIWO4Ca8O1vOP5dSDXlE2iCn4bR2E/s200/river+crying+wedding.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River is willing to destroy the<br />
universe to avoid killing<br />
The Doctor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">River, unlike the Doctor and very
like real people, can regularly be selfish.
With her “trained as a psychopath” childhood, if she wants to kill
someone/something, she does. If the
Doctor is going to die, he might as well take all of time and space with
him. She’ll deface ancient or futuristic
property alike, and she is unconcerned.
She’s manipulative to the core (see regular habit of lying and her steady supply of hallucinogenic
lipstick), and River is not all that concerned with applying her moral
compass. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhLM8xOTnoeBgscj1gaX3JdPjfk516i9PK5ts5vO145mp2d5Ga1wxIeqXXWaFGhUjHbzu1iB_Wsd5SRQBrwTtVrRVRSlnTzPsdZjw8Ox6rnsj79u7yslRjys01hsO2puUj3Y4tjq4EGY/s1600/River+with+gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhLM8xOTnoeBgscj1gaX3JdPjfk516i9PK5ts5vO145mp2d5Ga1wxIeqXXWaFGhUjHbzu1iB_Wsd5SRQBrwTtVrRVRSlnTzPsdZjw8Ox6rnsj79u7yslRjys01hsO2puUj3Y4tjq4EGY/s200/River+with+gun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All these aspects together are what
make River a spectacular character. She’s
strong, self-assured, and capable like the Doctor, but she’s mortal and has
human flaws. River, of all the
characters I’ve ever seen on <i>Doctor Who</i>,
is the character I most want to be. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-71721242924246470722012-10-11T16:42:00.001-07:002012-10-11T18:00:45.291-07:00Arrow Premiere Review- Gritty & Pretty<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a serious soft spot in my heart for all archers (<a href="http://kandjdreamatorium.blogspot.com/2012/09/have-i-mentioned-my-thing-for-arrows.html" target="_blank">see my blog about it</a>), and I have been thrilled waiting for the premiere of the CW series <i>Arrow</i>. After viewing, here's my recap and review. If you don't want <b style="background-color: lime;">spoilers</b>, don't read this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The look of this show feels a bit new for the CW. While it has the pretty people (girls with legs like toothpicks…), I feel like it succeeded in getting the gritty setting it was aiming for. It's also somewhat different in it's cast of characters. These are grown people, or at least people old enough to be working. We've left high school well behind. (One character has completed law school.) The beginning was strong, and I adored the flaming arrow right at the beginning. Arrows- they can be hand crafted and multipurposeful in ways you never expected. Establish this fact as early as possible.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnfpBcQDa73qez9lnWhTM7fKrcTnAiSmsxU4uw8X_i9LhXezuhgp2Xhe886FUGh_uPJNWQNDmKeTO5nBggk7iIsqqedbRuyx8u7_fLq90lD3EHq1uU2NfccKZh3iDtDROCvnc60DOjwU/s1600/opening+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnfpBcQDa73qez9lnWhTM7fKrcTnAiSmsxU4uw8X_i9LhXezuhgp2Xhe886FUGh_uPJNWQNDmKeTO5nBggk7iIsqqedbRuyx8u7_fLq90lD3EHq1uU2NfccKZh3iDtDROCvnc60DOjwU/s200/opening+shot.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial shot on the island. <br />
It was awesome.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a slightly corny voice over about protecting his city, which seemed somewhat random. I know we were supposed to get the city thing early, but it still seemed random to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As soon as he was back (and the voice over stopped) I realized I was going to love him. Whether he’s a good actor or just seemed to fit the part for me, I don’t know, but I loved it. He seemed very still while talking to people, and it seemed like all of his actions were very deliberate. This was an awesome contrast to the flashbacks where his emotions were in every move he made. I was preset to love him, so I may be biased, but I thought he was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The introduction of the characters was great. I thought it was subtle enough that I didn’t feel like I was getting a character list, but you got the info about who was who and basic relationships very quickly. His mom was seemed like a push-over who married a guy who seriously came off like an evil accent bad guy. We didn’t really find out if the guy was bad, and I hope we defy expectations and he turns out all right. (Obviously his mother defied expectations, so it could happen!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxuI782651UhRfRr_QlBljxT5-dh9yNxUHPUIXyBfH_khAMXr_BliQy2g2fvLqn6KADw0kvi9QkQyhAc5-glgAZrFv1Wml1sfKzxooIfV2n6BBjwXVLm2ldK0PWMJrDAkZ-eBcUjFrw4/s1600/with+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxuI782651UhRfRr_QlBljxT5-dh9yNxUHPUIXyBfH_khAMXr_BliQy2g2fvLqn6KADw0kvi9QkQyhAc5-glgAZrFv1Wml1sfKzxooIfV2n6BBjwXVLm2ldK0PWMJrDAkZ-eBcUjFrw4/s320/with+me.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You were with me the whole time." <br />
Oliver to his sister Thea.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved his face when he first heard his sister. He just seemed so happy! I know happy moments will be few and far between for him, and I am going to soak it up when I can get it. She was also the first one that I heard call him Ollie. I am thrilled I can keep calling him that. I would have anyway, but it seems more accurate if at least someone on the show called him that, too. I’m not a comic reader, so all I know of Ollie comes from Smallville and a bit of Wikipedia reading. Seeing his mother and his sister around defies what I know from Smallville, so I plan to do some digging. Even though I don’t know what happens in the comics, I appreciate how different adaptations use the original source material.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5AM3lVlOCFp7DtC4XayKyELh8hVmv9r38hRkr4uuMx7H7Slcsr4w52J4NsxiLqjKQfqzALl48KzipntJuEEPDwQpP_jiCgt0j1nY_z4Go6xnYT91D6P4cs3WCUZYjPFdvfk4sY9d7Y/s1600/tragedy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5AM3lVlOCFp7DtC4XayKyELh8hVmv9r38hRkr4uuMx7H7Slcsr4w52J4NsxiLqjKQfqzALl48KzipntJuEEPDwQpP_jiCgt0j1nY_z4Go6xnYT91D6P4cs3WCUZYjPFdvfk4sY9d7Y/s200/tragedy.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the boat is sinking and he can''t<br />
find Sarah</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The moment I was totally sold on the series was when we saw Sarah die. The way he responded tore me apart. I nearly started crying, and I don’t cry very easily. (No actual tears were shed, but it was closer than I'm comfortable with.) I really appreciated the use of the flashbacks. Other than the conversations about the city with his dad (which still seemed a little forced), I felt like the flashbacks flowed in perfectly with the current story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When he gets kidnapped and questioned about what his dad may have confided in him, he did have a couple of corny lines before going completely superhero on them. Of course he’s able to inexplicably dodge machine gun bullets while taking people out, but what superhero can’t? Here, in this first action sequence, we set up what makes <i>Arrow</i> different than <i>Smallville</i>. A guy is trying to get away and Ollie gets hold of him. He asks to be let go, Ollie says no one can know his secret (is his secret these awesome fighting skills?), and he snaps the guy’s neck. It’s kind of brutal. Obviously working with a different moral line than some other crusaders.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSlNbUVdOfT-_q8hFM8MaPh_bzx1FWa7J-nfeKaA1KeZCwcVbNHL93UOibw5-0L0VkPa4AvRGhlg2kIAjBWOYs_oWHIOP38DkLEj2LbfrkLd378-opBogo3gYu9t2smA7gUN8xNpJ97g/s1600/weapons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSlNbUVdOfT-_q8hFM8MaPh_bzx1FWa7J-nfeKaA1KeZCwcVbNHL93UOibw5-0L0VkPa4AvRGhlg2kIAjBWOYs_oWHIOP38DkLEj2LbfrkLd378-opBogo3gYu9t2smA7gUN8xNpJ97g/s200/weapons.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ollie's stash of toys<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point, all I wanted was to watch him shoot arrows. The general fighting is okay, but it's the archery that does it for me. After some recent let downs (that would be you Henry Cavill- why didn’t you use that magic bow in <i>The Immortals</i> for more than thirty seconds!), I was hoping for something fulfilling. Right when I was ready to demand arrows, arrows appear- Enter training scene! (I admit it- it was my favorite.) Making arrows and things, being hot, working out shirtless, that moment when he reverently takes out the bow. I don’t even care where he got this bow he loves so </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">much. It was great.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_FIRde5XEc9LO6thVrBv6uqqMirzRQXeLSE4xAmrtgR6HTvo_kwqKgA3oWe-XoO__2edReVcFuButc3elqoEwO0uzxm4ICp2uAxbejbEPiJnk9-hlD6UoLgHczV96EPO3tySIyvcLY/s1600/green+arrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_FIRde5XEc9LO6thVrBv6uqqMirzRQXeLSE4xAmrtgR6HTvo_kwqKgA3oWe-XoO__2edReVcFuButc3elqoEwO0uzxm4ICp2uAxbejbEPiJnk9-hlD6UoLgHczV96EPO3tySIyvcLY/s320/green+arrow.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Green Arrow moment</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He then proceeds to be very Green Arrow like. (I love when he escapes his new body guard, and it should be noted that I like his body guard. I bet they become friends!) Ollie stages a big fancy party to disguise his break-in next door. He robs from the rich and gives it back to the poor.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1Kr3vIoknAi2tYyIkdBppsi7gIK0k0-dlvi11jfzwzNNU8RdxtYhguAA7mqi0_1i84ndvUejK8-ySOnbowdwrJAb1P27NiG9Uu1oEsYi8zRwjcIjlBViXbuXj-O7J-vZyL_tBSRBrso/s1600/boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1Kr3vIoknAi2tYyIkdBppsi7gIK0k0-dlvi11jfzwzNNU8RdxtYhguAA7mqi0_1i84ndvUejK8-ySOnbowdwrJAb1P27NiG9Uu1oEsYi8zRwjcIjlBViXbuXj-O7J-vZyL_tBSRBrso/s200/boat.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to Survive</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nearing the end of the episode, we cut to a pivotal flashback. I couldn’t believe this scene in the boat with his dad. To me, this sets up something entirely different in vibe than any other CW show. If you didn’t watch it, go watch it yourself and let me know your thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I liked the Dinah reveal (Laurel's middle name, and more casual audiences might be aware of Dinah's connection to the Black Canary character). I want to know more about Tommy. Are we supposed to feel like he’s a bit sketchy? I’m hoping he reforms or becomes less ambiguous. At the same time, I like that I can’t pin him down. I just want his ambiguity to be deliberate, and not because he’s an undefined character. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Final thoughts include that this could fair well with the <i>Revenge </i>crowd. Wrongs done by the generation before you, list of corrupt people to take out one by one… (a real physical list that you cross names out out, like Emily). There’s even an island (cue <i>Count of Monte Cristo</i> feel). I really enjoyed this as a premiere, and in my opinion the CW (or WB/UPN) is not a network known for its stellar first episodes. The show has to be carried by its lead, and I think this actor can do it. I absolutely plan to tune in next week. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha49mxy10PUiIoYwn_YM914kqzunr6Qx0HsPtcmxnFg8ZgeWZAtY-fe-HNCGMQTkU9NDf7mMfxNLuOLrVi_kwELDpD_7EEtjZpQjyQZGaZ_FN30UevAfnfAdFy7Yol2eaR-T7-79Xtic/s1600/Him+shooting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha49mxy10PUiIoYwn_YM914kqzunr6Qx0HsPtcmxnFg8ZgeWZAtY-fe-HNCGMQTkU9NDf7mMfxNLuOLrVi_kwELDpD_7EEtjZpQjyQZGaZ_FN30UevAfnfAdFy7Yol2eaR-T7-79Xtic/s320/Him+shooting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-28792204238048634732012-10-09T18:23:00.002-07:002012-10-14T12:51:52.638-07:00Book vs. Movie: Prisoner of Azkaban<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So excited about this review - I love/hate talking about this topic. Seriously, the reason I decided to do book/movie comparisons. Let's get started with <i>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</i>. </span><br />
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<i><b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Book</span></u></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb-yQe9TuEr7FEU38P26QibpSuyJZCMxdSoI8jspwj_3hKaE-iaj4efrtRvIVJv779_ljzDfgbp0kBy9xJKAA32LfvjbzsLZ9vHpG9cVakarQj0ka5VedaIGKxibzu7e7XlvuoQu9eGg/s1600/prisoner_of_azkaban_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb-yQe9TuEr7FEU38P26QibpSuyJZCMxdSoI8jspwj_3hKaE-iaj4efrtRvIVJv779_ljzDfgbp0kBy9xJKAA32LfvjbzsLZ9vHpG9cVakarQj0ka5VedaIGKxibzu7e7XlvuoQu9eGg/s320/prisoner_of_azkaban_cover.jpg" width="217" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Without a doubt, <i>Prisoner of Azkaban </i>is the book in the HP series that demonstrates J.K. Rowling's ability to have her characters and prose grow with her audience. I've often told people beginning the series to start with PoA, if they can't get into SS. (With all the summing up at the beginning of the first novels, this is totally ok). I love the mystery of PoA - while mystery is huge part of each book, this one seems even more intense. As we learn more and more about Harry's parents and their history with Sirius and Lupin - the story gets better and better. I mean, getting the Marauders in this novel, makes it the best of the first three. On top of that, we have time travel (always a favorite on this site), tidbits (like Scabbers and Fred and George knowing all the passages and that motorbike from Ch. 1 of SS), and a poor, confused, desperately lost Harry. He just wants to go to Hogsmede like everyone else! What's wrong with that? We see the beginning of angry Harry in PoA (starting with Aunt Marge) and we start to see how much he really does have to be angry about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think another favorite in this story is how we see Ron and Hermione step it up - they both are there with Harry when he confronts Sirius - this hasn't happened before. They went through the trap door, Ron went down the pipe, but this time they are both there in the big scary moment with him. And they're heroes - just as much as Harry. LOVE IT! It also helps that this is also the book you start to get little hints of romantic feelings between Ron and Hermione - the fighting, oh the fighting. So stinkin' adorable! I also happen to think Crookshanks is pretty awesome - what with figuring Sirius out and everything. </span><br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Movie</span></u></i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS5hBjG-5FirT6V87eCZ8uacag2xxbFZZwTVSDBAnIUz8qVMdF_KogMrYG8HhK9fpg4XwgAyS8_IrcHM2b4i-FA_fClAMug2Lj3lMQkgPU3pPc0IRjTAX8Pm_sk17S-yNFejQKinP0aI/s1600/sirius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS5hBjG-5FirT6V87eCZ8uacag2xxbFZZwTVSDBAnIUz8qVMdF_KogMrYG8HhK9fpg4XwgAyS8_IrcHM2b4i-FA_fClAMug2Lj3lMQkgPU3pPc0IRjTAX8Pm_sk17S-yNFejQKinP0aI/s1600/sirius.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have reached my entire reason for creating this topic of study within the Potterverse. Ahh, my feelings for PoA. How to say it, let's see... I'm actually incapable of watching most of this movie? I have to stop the movie 20 minutes before the end? I hate freakin' talking heads? Yeah, I don't like PoA - at ALL. The only good things I see - the addition of Dawn French, the prettiness factor (it is very artsy and pretty, sure), and the acting ability of the trio improved. That is it. Everything else pretty much sucks. Well, I didn't <i>hate</i> the Aunt Marge bit, that was actually funny. This movie, in no way, measured up to the book. I thought for years, this must be because the first two so closely followed the book and the third movie just didn't do the same. But then I saw the other movies - that wasn't the problem - the other movies didn't follow every line and I'm ok with them. It is the lack of explaining - seriously, we can add freakin' talking heads on the Knight Bus, but we can't take like two seconds to explain the Marauders - what the hell? I have literally yelled at the TV about this topic. I now just don't watch the last twenty minutes. And we don't end with getting on the train - I call foul play! Not allowed! Stupid move! Don't like it at all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the things I did like about the movie was the depiction of Sirius on the posters, etc - I thought those were great for advertising and really creepy. </span></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Issues</span></u></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So many issues, but my largest complaint has to be the Marauder story line being completely messed up. In the book, we found out through multiple sources who each of the Marauders were and what their relationships were with one another. The scene at Christmas was so well done in the book, but in the movie that scene between the adults was so forced and awful - even Maggie Smith couldn't make it better. By the end of the scene with Pettigrew, Sirius, and Lupin we knew who everyone was, the origin of the map, etc - in the movie, basically nothing. We also had no idea why Harry's patronus was a stag - this seemed like something that could have been corrected very easily. Come on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>My Big Whiny Complaint:</u></i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel like I've done enough complaining, but I think this kinda goes into the next movies as well - I think they could have worked out a way to truly explain the Marauders in the next movies, but they didn't think it was necessary. All of those characters are huge roles in the book, but in the movies I feel like they are put off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span></div>
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lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-71089015928598075112012-10-07T16:25:00.001-07:002012-10-07T19:47:04.401-07:00New to Who<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is no more "New Who" this year- sadness. Before launching into a new review/who topic (so many ideas just came to my brain - profiles on each Doctor, companion rankings, older episode reviews - Ahhh! So much fun), I think we need to discuss the journey that it took for Jana and Kristin to throw in the towel, throw up the white flag, and finally succumb to being full-fledged Whovians. It actually wasn't long into the surrender that we just went along willingly, but still.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Resistance - How It Proved to be Futile</span></u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first episode of Doctor Who I LOVED and wanted<br />
to watch again!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Jana</span></b> - For years (years, I say), I had been told to watch Doctor Who. My brother begged me to watch it, my HP friends were obsessed and nagged me to watch it and yet I did not give in. Finally, when it was recommended AGAIN on Netflix, I caved. This was 2008 - I watched Rose. The whole episode - I swear, you could check my Netflix records. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't intrigued. I just didn't <i>need</i> to see the next one. Then (and I know I'm giving away our "Whovian age" here) in February of 2012 - Kristin and I decided that we both needed to give the Doctor another chance. I still resisted - I just didn't see it happening. Kristin decided to take the plunge - she'd watch and report back. Let me know if I was really missing something fabulous. The first few episodes, she stated, were much the same as Rose. I'll be forever grateful that she's an English teacher because if she didn't have so many damn papers to grade, she may never have reached the 9th episode and then Sundays would not be Who days. By the time she called during the Christmas Invasion, trying to let me hear The Doctor quote <i>The Lion King</i>, I knew we were turning a corner - a new obsession was coming. The end of Season One and the beginning of Season Two were both watchable, but once I'd seen "The Girl in the Fireplace," I fell for both Tennant and the Doctor and knew I'd found my new favorite thing! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moment that was too good not to share.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Kristin</b></span> <span style="color: #444444;">- </span>I can't remember ever being told by someone to watch <i>Doctor Who</i>. It came up on my Netflix repeatedly, and I recognized Billie Piper on the front from a few other things that she'd been in. I have always been a bit more into sci-fi television than Jana, so it isn't surprising that I dived in first. I decided that if Netflix was so insistent that this be watched, I should try. I watched both "Rose" and "The End of the World". Sorry, but I wasn't invested enough to keep at it. (At this point I didn't know anything about the history of the show, Jana & I have since developed an appreciation for these early episodes!) A year or two later, I got on Pinterest. I adore <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i> and all things Whedon, along with many other geeky things, so I started following boards that posted about <i>Buffy </i>and regularly looking at the "Geek" category on Pinterest. <i>Doctor Who </i>related images were being pinned constantly by people who cared about the same things as me, and I saw most pins were about different doctors than the one that I'd seen in "Rose". I became determined to give the show another chance, and see if the show took a turn that I would like with the new actor. One weekend when I knew I would be working in the living room for a while, I turned on the television and barreled through the first season. I texted Jana my reviews throughout, since she was interested in the show as well, but it wasn't until "The Empty Child" that I began to appreciate the magic of the Doctor. Honestly, I found Captain Jack really likable and then realized I was thoroughly enjoying the story. I texted Jana and told her to skip to episode nine. I made it to Tennant's Christmas special, and before it was over I had realized that this little British show was something I could totally love. It was before I made it to "Tooth and Claw" (Tennant's third episode) that I wanted to see everything, know everything, and adore everything touched by <i>Doctor Who</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are still on the fence, give it a chance! Some people find their entrance right away in "Rose," some people need to meet Tennant, and there are people out there who find their entrance through Matt Smith and the entrance of the Moffat era. There's something about <i>Doctor Who</i> for everyone, you just need to find your way in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA and Stay Shiny,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana and Kristin</span>lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-64291598550659349532012-10-06T19:18:00.001-07:002012-10-06T19:18:30.074-07:00Spoilers?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For Otherworld Saturday, I want to discuss spoilers - good, bad, let's see...</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Really?!?! with Seth and Amy (actually with Jana)</span></u></b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RnmicsW3BMs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I was watching the latest installment of "The Lizzie Bennett Diaries" and noticed that there was a lot of discussion about spoilers in the comments. I resisted in commenting because my comment would have been along the lines of a Really?!?! type of comment. I mean seriously, the plot is based off of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> - who in this world does not know what that book is about? Who is watching the freakin' "Lizzie Bennett Diaries" and reached video 52 without figuring out the plot? Really?!?! What's wrong with you? Why would you have <u>not</u> looked this up by now? Even if you haven't read the book, watched an adaption, or talked to, I don't know, another human being about it, come on - you think it's ok to whine about freakin' spoilers!! Many comments took this approach - my opinion was well represented. Seriously - that's just insane. But you know, not all spoiler ridden types of media are novels that have been available for <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">many</u> years. Some things are better unspoiled.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To spoil or not to spoil...</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whenever I see a spoiler leaked, I have the temptation to look at it. Sometimes I resist - I don't want to spoil my enjoyment of experiencing the new information in that moment. But sometimes, I give in and find out everything I can - there's something to feeling like I'm an insider and I know the secrets no one wanted leaked. You feel knowledgeable. I especially think that "spoilers" are fine if given in the context of the show/movie you want to see - I mean the trailer for the movie or the next episode is supposed to make you want to see it! I think legally provided spoilers are fine - I don't like the illegal ones - like when someone leaked some of the pages/content from a Harry Potter book early - not cool dude, not cool. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The Investment Factor</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know that my need to be spoiled is in direct correlation with how much I've invested into the media that is being spoiled - will I watch the movie/TV show the next day? Will it be a year? Will it keep me from hating/liking something? I think I was better off knowing that the name on the tombstone in Goblet of Fire was wrong (and then noticing they fixed it). I liked knowing some of the characters from Legend of Korra before I finished The Last Airbender. I loved seeing the pictures and scenes of characters from some of my favorite books when they were being made into movies (Hunger Games, Harry Potter). It also depends what kind of spoiler we're talking about here - will it give away something that I'll know soon into the story or is it something that I'll sit and wait on till the end? Sometimes I'm ok knowing the end - I like to see how the characters end up there, but a lot of times - it is a let down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I guess what I'm saying is, I don't have a hard or fast rule on spoilers - I don't let them spoil me in the long run. They won't keep me from loving or hating anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span>lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-79756661741269562242012-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:002012-10-04T20:33:08.846-07:00Favorite Characters in the Whedonverse: Dr. Horrible<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQvFMQMLVt4MoMAReCCGlvcygvp8vT07c-d8CALXXHaafrCzuHzqnv_N2dV45UuJbjky8Rlvc8vbLESRwvv0iN-KxnERq22KiqYxmY6NAqLLNHg7W1qi9tFyATIv-6HW314pReCkALso/s1600/250px-Doctor_Horrible_Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQvFMQMLVt4MoMAReCCGlvcygvp8vT07c-d8CALXXHaafrCzuHzqnv_N2dV45UuJbjky8Rlvc8vbLESRwvv0iN-KxnERq22KiqYxmY6NAqLLNHg7W1qi9tFyATIv-6HW314pReCkALso/s1600/250px-Doctor_Horrible_Banner.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Continuing with my Whedonverse Thursday theme, I am going to do a character profile of another wonderful character from the Whedonverse: Dr. Horrible, himself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When the writer's strike happened in 2008 there was a lot put on hold - it was depressing to a certain degree and we'll forever feel the repercussions of the writer's strike - whenever I go to watch the 4th season of Lost, I think about that strike! All the seasons were shorter and TV was soooo boring! Of course, the writer's strike did have one wonderfully positive outcome: freelance projects, mainly - Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog from the wonderfully amusing mind of Joss Whedon (and his brother and co. who came up with the catchy, awesome songs).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The main character, Dr. Horrible, is played perfectly by Neil Patrick Harris, who as we all know, has no problem blogging his everyday occurrences :). I know part of my love for this character is due to NPH (whom I love to no end), but there is more to the character than simply a wonderful actor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dr. Horrible, while horrible, is actually a sensitive guy with big goals. However bad he wants to be - he just can't quite meet the standard of Bad Horse. He wants to rule the world, but honestly, he just wants the pretty girl in the laundromat to give him the time of day. He's just so relate able - which is hilarious because he's a super villian that wants to be in the Evil League of Evil. But you know, we've all had lofty goals we desperately want to reach - and sometimes, on your way, you liquidate the gold you stole from the bank - it happens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dr. Horrible has layers (like an onion or parfait) - he's not just evil. I love to learn more about the villains of a piece, especially if they aren't just shallow. I love that you root for him - evil deed or buying yogurt. You identify completely with him and want him to succeed in his quest. I love the bad guy as the hero - it always makes you question your moral compass just a little bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Really, it's his love for Penny that is his redeeming quality - how can a character that is so horrible love so greatly? But it totally and completely works - he loves Penny, but he desperately needs to prove himself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SBJQZqytDLZkI_qfQZ3-B-Z2hudRen2DhUJaCRSvRtn9bRqHQFRcLs1d640giaUvWl0x3UJ7RmqTJMD_3D-9roh9vU-pKeYk0imh7ujyWmZio7KeyLXDhlB7zsFMDR5pwG_I0V5Q2To/s1600/Dr-Horrible_170x237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SBJQZqytDLZkI_qfQZ3-B-Z2hudRen2DhUJaCRSvRtn9bRqHQFRcLs1d640giaUvWl0x3UJ7RmqTJMD_3D-9roh9vU-pKeYk0imh7ujyWmZio7KeyLXDhlB7zsFMDR5pwG_I0V5Q2To/s1600/Dr-Horrible_170x237.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He is such a delightfully flawed character; it is almost like he decided to be evil before he decided who he wanted to really be. He almost doesn't have a choice and to a certain extent doesn't want one. I love that he's this timid, shy guy in real life - his super villain alter-ego is really his shield - he can hide his real self behind it. And when you are hiding your real self, you start to lose that self more and more. I don't think he even knows who "Billy" really is anymore. At the end of the story, he completely gives Billy up and invests completely in Dr. Horrible - I think that's what he was missing all along; why his plans didn't work, why he couldn't break down that barrier - he was still holding on to that real part of himself. He had to let go of the best parts of himself to meet his goal - simply because he never saw himself for who he truly was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lesson from Dr. Horrible. Who knew?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joss Whedon. That's who. Damn, he's a freakin' genius.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span>lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-4859468310998639752012-10-04T16:53:00.001-07:002012-10-04T16:53:44.771-07:00Buffy in Review- The Witch<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I brought home a stack of work. I’m not going to do it, because I’d rather be
watching Buffy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCkmbVcQ7Tug-3H9JJ88OcWqIXxhxsfUhUgyUuF2eymX6B0oPztp0fIq5zhaV_KVmuUWHCcL72urHfVHpd8bsRISZqdiJGYmguDhvT2E-q5SXA3XIWHbOZWkanXQNC1pModOBoZFF5AE/s1600/buffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCkmbVcQ7Tug-3H9JJ88OcWqIXxhxsfUhUgyUuF2eymX6B0oPztp0fIq5zhaV_KVmuUWHCcL72urHfVHpd8bsRISZqdiJGYmguDhvT2E-q5SXA3XIWHbOZWkanXQNC1pModOBoZFF5AE/s200/buffy.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'd rather be watching <i>Buffy</i>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We’re on <i>The Witch</i>, the third episode of Season 1.
Granted this is not really a pivotal episode, but for some reason it
seems to be referenced a lot. Is
it Buffy in a cheerleading uniform?
Meeting Amy, the character who pops back into our lives every few years? I am hoping to figure it out on this rewatch.
(This is written as a rewatch after having viewed the entire series, so if you aren't through the series and are sensitive to decade old spoilers, beware.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiCB4cTTm1j6Bg0uZiSHoYVZnegzEgUvF8YYLQa-7_5UXDOZdUrcubBgMww2uaGox0claOoYY5NirxDF_vttgtrNLcYRh65qKDmmMUwjqNMHENyXQTHnvqIkgqz64gZ6pqpP3UwhifMg/s1600/buffy+cheerleader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiCB4cTTm1j6Bg0uZiSHoYVZnegzEgUvF8YYLQa-7_5UXDOZdUrcubBgMww2uaGox0claOoYY5NirxDF_vttgtrNLcYRh65qKDmmMUwjqNMHENyXQTHnvqIkgqz64gZ6pqpP3UwhifMg/s1600/buffy+cheerleader.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We begin with a lecture from
Giles about Buffy “enslaving [herself] to this cult” of cheerleading. Personally, I struggle seeing Buffy as a
cheerleader. It’s so yay sports, which
isn’t something she seems to care about, be aware of, or anything at all. Since when did the Scoobies care about school
spirit? I guess that may not be the
standard motivation for being on the cheer squad, but it just doesn’t seem like
an activity she would care about. Is
that just me? I know the very idea of <i>Buffy </i>is based around the cheerleader type
becoming savior of the world. I don’t
know, I could be all wrong on this. Just
thoughts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also at this moment Xander
creates some serious awkwardness with his bracelet. How can Buffy not react to the weirdness of giving
her a bracelet that says “Yours Always,”?
That is not an appropriate friend present and should not be
accepted. After viewing the Human Torch (cheerleader suffering from spontaneous combustion),
we move into the more familiar setting of the library. Okay, this is my favorite Giles moment. His smile about having a “cornucopia” of
amazing evil shows his joy in learning of something new. A true educator. Willow coins the phrase “The Slayerettes” in
this scene, then Xander states his life philosophy, “I laugh in the face of
danger, then I hide until it goes away.”
This was always one of my
favorite Xander quotes. Honestly, the line itself isn't true. More than once in the series Xander fights
back, but it’s just such a great line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The trophy case makes its first
appearance in this episode. (And one of its last; it doesn’t pop up much.) This is where
we establish Amy’s weirdness factor. She’s
obviously obsessed with her mother. We
know where this is going, but it’s still creepy, even in hindsight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to the Slayerettes- we
pretty much establish this is the episode all about defining Xander’s friendzone status. According to Willow, he’s a
chewed up pen you’re just used to having.
He doesn't react well to this metaphor and offers to drive a railroad spike through his
head. I cannot help but wonder if this line
was at all the inspiration for Spike’s name, or at least thought about after
naming Spike. Thanks for the flash-forward
moment, Xander! It’s almost fun watching
him try to ask Buffy out and get shot down, or just completely ignored.
They act like kids for such a small portion of the series that it’s fun
to watch the honest awkwardness. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEKd8kjoYeq4EwrDk35-V8IOfRrW2vg3oXDP2Up1HXkEP-FQr_mnBijRwOQ5yRh8qLqjLVodrpuEBU2hmgFefbsSGrZyJWvN7zQrO2mYpeXLkFFnh01BNgOsJ1s7tRJQrhrHMQ04S5T8/s1600/blind+cordelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEKd8kjoYeq4EwrDk35-V8IOfRrW2vg3oXDP2Up1HXkEP-FQr_mnBijRwOQ5yRh8qLqjLVodrpuEBU2hmgFefbsSGrZyJWvN7zQrO2mYpeXLkFFnh01BNgOsJ1s7tRJQrhrHMQ04S5T8/s1600/blind+cordelia.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cordelia gets cursed; mostly for being Cordelia, <br />
a little bit because she was a cheerleader</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we view a cursed Cordelia
wreck a car, we learn she’s failed her driver’s license twice. This is pretty sad, considering Cordelia is
pretty much the designated chauffeur for the next couple of years. You think someone would be more successful
than her at the whole driving thing. Is it supposed to act as a status symbol that Cordelia had a car? Most high school students can afford <i>something </i>to drive to school. Regardless of their success in driving, Willow is successful at something here- she has
no issues dealing with the eye of newt to concoct the “witch detecting”
spell. Foreshadowing future skills, Ms.
Rosenburg?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the twist in this episode.
When primes suspect Amy goes home and is obviously in control, not the suffering pressured victim, you know there is something
different going on here. Even in an
early, non-pivotal episode, it’s got to be something just a bit different. Oh, and then there’s the black cat on Buffy’s
shirt. Witchy! Intrigue at her sleeping ensemble is followed by head shaking at her enthusiastic cheerleading self. Obviously there is some other kind of problem (evil Amy spell) going on here, but regardless, I prefer sarcastic, bigger picture Buffy. I’m okay with her cheer phase not lasting all
that long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We end up back with Giles in the
library, and he appears to have recognized the spell cast on Buffy fairly easily. He would, wouldn't he. I believe The Ripper would recognize a
vengeance spell when he saw it. I do
love Giles through all of this. He showed
that he’d leave the library and get his hands dirty when he needed to in order
to protect Buffy and get the job done. Even just a couple of episodes into the series, we believe
that he cares about her. Watching it, I
barely detect a difference in his concern and controlled protectiveness in
this, merely the third episode, than in the latest episodes when Buffy had
practically become a daughter to him. It shows us that caring for Buffy is just going to become a part of him, from beginning to end. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you Anthony Stewart Head for being such a great actor.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> By the way, he
is awfully competent here. I like it. He does mention it’s his first spell casting,
which is going to prove to be a lie.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sidebar- We see a lot of the inside school gym in
this episode. Do we see it again? I remember prom, but I’m struggling to come
up with another scene in the gym. Oh, and I remember gym class in <i>Phases</i> (the werewolf episode). I remember way more locker room than gym. I'll be keeping an eye out as we proceed. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrdhEJx3UvN_8AjjJXYSj3u3c48oqqPm3RkwLzP4I9Y019zbum-PABbw4j4MvqWd4muzH5PGesuWrPyBoiurv1_-2g6V920DKHloZh0FnNgV4FcuTrH4A0f2WVqY8slZgxXFmRflSefU/s1600/amy+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrdhEJx3UvN_8AjjJXYSj3u3c48oqqPm3RkwLzP4I9Y019zbum-PABbw4j4MvqWd4muzH5PGesuWrPyBoiurv1_-2g6V920DKHloZh0FnNgV4FcuTrH4A0f2WVqY8slZgxXFmRflSefU/s1600/amy+end.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy's recovered from her curse of<br />
wanting to be a cheerleader.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite Buffy is always
quippy, strong Buffy, and she doesn’t let me down in this climactic scene. She “feels better” after her little death curse is lifted, and she takes care of the situation. I definitely prefer <i>Buffy</i> to be of the attitude Amy, the real Amy, has at the end of the
episode. She “will really miss the
intellectual thrill of spelling words with [her] arms,” and I appreciate her
sarcastic look at cheering. Forgive me
any avid cheerleaders out there, it’s just not my thing. Most cheerleaders that I've actually known or
had in school have been very nice people. Most of them are not the type to become avid Joss Whedon fans, however. I'm sure there are exceptions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As far as conclusions, this episode's is a
long standing favorite of mine. I would
never remember Catherine being trapped in the cheer-leading trophy if Oz didn't mention it’s
eyes were following him later in the series.
As small as that connection is, it’s one of my favorites. Joss, and all the other amazing <i>Buffy</i> writers, never forgets the
details. It’s one thing that makes the
series so special. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictxaquEdvsGmAQ_doQE7l1_dTRGdEFU0qS_yfeVa1g2RPUAKs224cJL7rK_IlNTlp6WB0x8oypeUskaFtIUvgi7t0_6pN_EJRW_Wt377DJ16s5ThUT8oq2JG6Pp8_8zK4UperroD8PVg/s1600/trophy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictxaquEdvsGmAQ_doQE7l1_dTRGdEFU0qS_yfeVa1g2RPUAKs224cJL7rK_IlNTlp6WB0x8oypeUskaFtIUvgi7t0_6pN_EJRW_Wt377DJ16s5ThUT8oq2JG6Pp8_8zK4UperroD8PVg/s320/trophy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It follows you with its eyes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-3409081842757419472012-10-03T20:15:00.004-07:002012-10-03T20:15:31.004-07:00My Favorite Youtube Video Channels<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So... today I decided to do a post about my favorite youtube videos! Since The Guild Season 6 premiered the other day, it seemed appropriate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know I've already mentioned some <a href="http://kandjdreamatorium.blogspot.com/2012/09/js-possible-new-fandoms-tv-shows.html">webseries</a> that I checked out, but I don't think I've been able to mention some of the important videos I watch otherwise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>Must See's Every Week</u>:</i> </b>I generally check into my youtube subscriptions on Wednesdays and Saturdays (that way something new is always around!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-<b> Vlogbrothers</b> - John and Hank update like clockwork and at less than 4 minutes a video, I can always find time to watch the latest addition. The John videos are ALWAYS necessary to watch, but I find Hank to be more of a hit or miss kind of video. I love their takes on current events, fandom insights, etc. They always have something interesting to talk about. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMweXVWB918&list=FLW0ANDCmuN5_10xw3e1KqaQ&index=27&feature=plpp_video">The Nerd Quote Video!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/O3qiXZRFmRY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>JennaMarbles</b> - I should probably hang my head in shame that this is so high on the list. She's hilarious though. She can get a little too crude for me sometimes and the voice she does with her dogs - ugh, but sometimes her reflections on life are just way too comically true. I will admit, I check on Wednesdays because that's when she updates. She's awesome.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Lizzie Bennett Diaries</b> - probably should have made the web series post to be honest, but I've been into the Lizzie Bennett Diaries for a while, so I didn't consider it a new find. These come out every three days and are following (what else?) Pride and Prejudice and are doing an awesome job. I love the modern interpretation, the characters are awesome and spot on, and it's produced by Hank Green. Yay Lizzie! It is fun to watch it from the beginning - but this is going to be a long production, start watching soon, we're already past 50 videos and maybe half way through the book. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6690D980D8A65D08&feature=g-all-bul">Lizzie Bennett Playlist</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>When I Have Time</u></i>: </b>These are the videos that used to be watched religiously every week and I still love them, but they have been regulated to the back burner because of time issues. Whenever I watch one of these I remember the pure awesomeness and have to question why I don't watch it every week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-<b> Crash Course</b> - John Green's world history youtube channel; I have to admit - I'm not even sure if he's still updating weekly on this - it has been so long since I've checked in. I used to watch this every week without fail. He's awesome, the history is interesting, and, I mean, seriously, who doesn't love a good crack about the Mongols? But at 10-12 minutes a pop, I just can't commit. I need to try again. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vufba_ZcoR0">Crash Course: The Renaissance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>The Flog</b> - Again, I used to watch this every week. I love every aspect of this show: I love her fave fives or top three, or whatever it is now, the skill set is always hilarious, and her letters at the end are amazing. Why am I not watching this all the time? No idea - just doesn't happen. Watch the flog - remind me why it is so freakin' amazing. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-4wIUxuk0k">The Flog</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>When I Want to Waste an Amazing Amount of Time</u></i>: </b>These are my go to's when I have hours to kill (or not, I just think I do) and I want to watch something on the computer for some reason. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XTd2fCqulKM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Starkid</b> - LOVE does not begin to describe my feelings for Starkid. They rock. I love the Harry Potter musicals, I love Little White Lie, I love Me and My Dick (yes, it really is about what it says), I love Starship, and I love Holy Musical Batman. I also think anything any of them do is amazing - I could watch Potion Master's Corner all day. When I want to waste serious amounts of time, I go to Starkid. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/starkidpotter?feature=results_main">Starkid's Amazing Videos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>The Guild</b> - NEW SEASON!! Just started this week - super awesome. The availability of The Guild makes it doubly appealing. I can watch it on Netflix, they recently combined all the short videos into one long video and added annotations!! Seriously, that made me go back and watch the series from the beginning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Karaoke Soundtracks</b> - seriously, my favorite things ever. I love the ones with lyrics - who needs a karaoke machine when youtube exists. I think my favorite time doing this was with the chorus kids; this is literally how they practice for auditions. Brilliant! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><i>Recent Interests I Think are Kinda Fun</i></u>: </b>New stuff that could last...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Itswaypastmybedtime</b> - She seriously has a song about being a Disney Princess. Enough said. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgHyUTncra4&list=FLW0ANDCmuN5_10xw3e1KqaQ&index=3&feature=plpp_video">Disney Princess Song</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Alex Day and Charlieissocoollike</b> - Funny boys that make fun of Twilight and 50 Shades and love Doctor Who are worth putting on any list. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf6H4gkErt4">Charlie's Doctor Who Video</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><i>Things I'll Occasionally Check on</i></u>: </b>They don't always put out something awesome, but it is always worth checking...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> - <b>HISHE</b> - How It Should Have Ended has Super Cafe with Superman and Batman. It is pure awesome. The other videos are pretty funny too - Harry Potter and Hunger Games are both favs. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B6DMShBV6k&list=FLW0ANDCmuN5_10xw3e1KqaQ&index=7&feature=plpp_video">SuperCafe: Batphone</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/l_kD5wF7NZA/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_kD5wF7NZA&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_kD5wF7NZA&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>The Nerdist</b> - I prefer the show on BBCAmerica, but occasionally they'll post something amazing that is worth a look. Watch the appeal to nonwhovians by Chris Hardwick. Oh my gosh - love it!<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EVCPoDdY0c">Watch Me! New to Who</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <b>Potter Puppet Pals</b> - The Ticking Noise is still the best thing they've put out, but the others are funny too. The one with Draco and the things he likes is pretty much pure hilarity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-616213681950588352012-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:002012-10-03T16:50:08.922-07:00My Deductions on a few Mysteries<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXPV_SgnmPf_mc9C_WlHuhlqaS7t8Y89EjhscCcbY9NyIqpjjseBZUcxQ65fzQPdm5nyWGmxlVAzf-sT8sDwVYekRBovDW2bPG28z3vIUBpIVeFPhMSlNcghs3T5FVqmXVhcdweCdA6o/s1600/mystery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXPV_SgnmPf_mc9C_WlHuhlqaS7t8Y89EjhscCcbY9NyIqpjjseBZUcxQ65fzQPdm5nyWGmxlVAzf-sT8sDwVYekRBovDW2bPG28z3vIUBpIVeFPhMSlNcghs3T5FVqmXVhcdweCdA6o/s200/mystery.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen<br />
Give a Mystery!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOo2PDK_o4cwAw-0MAVwNsOuYpRuef0GwG5kJ6Dbm1gO-w1EBA74JrrwCXBXFPUMUulhJJU1Dxr9HbG0neIyZ7xnb3Dz3LC-yrH-nY7fWqXL-AwqLcPXZOioGd-pTnwB8592ecuekHdI/s1600/elementary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOo2PDK_o4cwAw-0MAVwNsOuYpRuef0GwG5kJ6Dbm1gO-w1EBA74JrrwCXBXFPUMUulhJJU1Dxr9HbG0neIyZ7xnb3Dz3LC-yrH-nY7fWqXL-AwqLcPXZOioGd-pTnwB8592ecuekHdI/s200/elementary.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CBS remake of<br />
Sherlock Holmes<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is the season of crime solving. Of course, it's always the season of crime solving. I can't remember a time when detective shows didn't fill a television line up. Even as a child I remember watching my grandmother soaking up her weekly <i>Murder She Wrote </i>and <i>Matlock</i>. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Is it really bad that I have the seriously old and seriously bad Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen song "Give us a Mystery" running through my head. I only remember the title line, but it still keeps coming up.)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week I enjoyed the third episode of <i>Bones</i>, the second episode of <i>Castle</i>, and the premiere of <i>Elementary</i>, the new Sherlock Holmes inspired series. Here are some thoughts and reviews. (Spoiler abound throughout, so back off now if you don't want to see them!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YmVDtooXz5591bMMWP7nj1GoBJss5WiSH8REpUBiS8ob6Mh5U0cljRhE5X_jlt5tn44XveFRDM40zImJG9Qvr_aGDsoBlTUi-sILHamjzQitpGYXs4yJme9JLFPHEmcz6irqe2-ZEzk/s1600/ryan-and-esposito-double-down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YmVDtooXz5591bMMWP7nj1GoBJss5WiSH8REpUBiS8ob6Mh5U0cljRhE5X_jlt5tn44XveFRDM40zImJG9Qvr_aGDsoBlTUi-sILHamjzQitpGYXs4yJme9JLFPHEmcz6irqe2-ZEzk/s200/ryan-and-esposito-double-down.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esposito & Ryan make up. Yay!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Castle</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll start with a quick mention of <i>Castle</i>, since I talked pretty extensively about going into the new season last week. <a href="http://kandjdreamatorium.blogspot.com/2012/09/castles-back.html" target="_blank">(Click here to check out last week's review.)</a> As I predicted, <i>Castle </i>was back to it's usual back and forth between Beckett and Castle while solving the case of the week. I found the case interesting enough to keep my attention, and I was satisfied watching Esposito and Ryan make up. Their relationship troubles has been bothering me. I was happy to have the deep stuff pushed to the side and have an episode keep it light.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVl-xWaVjVlPQlazLaazOvfRm0q2WNG7nNGiLT7rGkjB_OP_hasoYDgZ4dsnUBotipZWFRaYr2afZs-As-XzzEHsqt1qitguTL27fW1jGLR63Q2ccGo3JL7ycJPcJ0HD9iUbVAp16-AY/s1600/sparling+and+sweets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVl-xWaVjVlPQlazLaazOvfRm0q2WNG7nNGiLT7rGkjB_OP_hasoYDgZ4dsnUBotipZWFRaYr2afZs-As-XzzEHsqt1qitguTL27fW1jGLR63Q2ccGo3JL7ycJPcJ0HD9iUbVAp16-AY/s320/sparling+and+sweets.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweets getting kissed by his associate and assailant,<br />
new FBI Agent Olivia Sparling</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Bones</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This <i>Bones </i>episode was my favorite so far this season, mostly for the same reasons as I enjoyed <i>Castle</i>. It kept it light. Even the second episode had a tense tone as the couple stumbled around trying to figure out how to fit back into one another's lives. For better or worse, it managed to keep it light by keeping Brennan & Booth out of the limelight. Sweets is paired up with a new lady FBI agent. (Whom he totally likes and I'm confused by- are we supposed to <i>want</i> him to cheat on Daisy? I don't like cheaters... he needs to cut Daisy loose ASAP.) Sweets and the new girl, Agent Olivia Sparling, do most of the mystery solving. Booth and Brennan are barely active. They are cute in the final scene. I hope next week we let them do a bit more crime solving, but I'll take Booth in a t-shirt smiling and deciding Brennan can spend her paycheck on his, I'm sorry the baby's, new grill.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgCEtsgrQe6CUmJ-k9Vx-8RRyZARddrNfCOVwD4BUkr_I_FV85n4IwcGgfk5QqwAnjSRdb93neSbdCemS8dn9DX58GKzipJk0Bg6nfFxHf1puPXQ5TiHu_uDOVnvsyfCcGeg3lXn4s9o/s1600/sherlock+holmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgCEtsgrQe6CUmJ-k9Vx-8RRyZARddrNfCOVwD4BUkr_I_FV85n4IwcGgfk5QqwAnjSRdb93neSbdCemS8dn9DX58GKzipJk0Bg6nfFxHf1puPXQ5TiHu_uDOVnvsyfCcGeg3lXn4s9o/s200/sherlock+holmes.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Downey Jr. & Jude Law<br />
Blockbuster Film Sherlock & Watson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> <u>Elementary</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now onto </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elementary</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I will admit to being an avid Sherlock fan, and I was not ready to like this show. Watson is not a girl, he's Martin Freeman. I enjoy the latest Sherlock movies, but they aren't really Sherlock, they're hyped up Robert Downey, Jr. with an accent. Enjoyable, but I don't really group them as Sherlock remakes. Another aspect is that this new series isn't planning traditional Doyle based mysteries, at least not as of yet. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx0THenrgj6wWvFU9ufb-2kJm81OItcSnwzgflGstThpSg9WLZJVsCouQTACkvrSiiIPFdypCKN7_fs2gjydHRi_10Z-9tbd2GhgV0gl0S5BDTCOUkzJGbbG2fF3ah_yYUIFNKHeI3pM/s1600/sherlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx0THenrgj6wWvFU9ufb-2kJm81OItcSnwzgflGstThpSg9WLZJVsCouQTACkvrSiiIPFdypCKN7_fs2gjydHRi_10Z-9tbd2GhgV0gl0S5BDTCOUkzJGbbG2fF3ah_yYUIFNKHeI3pM/s200/sherlock.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman<br />
BBC's <i>Sherlock</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First thoughts- I didn't make the connection from the still images I'd seen that our new Sherlock, Jonny Lee Miller, was Edmund in the 1999 version of <i>Mansfield Park </i>then moved on to Austen's Mr. Knightley in 2009. I liked him ok in that, but this modern man is different. He's a very British actor to me (despite having led the American series Eli Stone) in an iconic British role, but that's just not good enough for Americans. We must move it to New York. What's with that? I mean, this is a week for Britains in NY (Doctor Who), but still. According to IMDb, Miller's first role in 1982 was in Doctor Who, so points for him. Also in my thoughts, I think lady Watson, Lucy Liu, as a sober companion is an annoying premise. Watson should tag along because Sherlock is fascinating to him/her from the get go, not because he/she gets paid. I do like that she wants to be called his companion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After completing the episode I felt something was missing. I can take someone other than Cumberbatch as Sherlock, but I was missing that manic energy and arrogance. This Sherlock, while showing moments of excitement, was a bit passive for me. I didn't smile just watching him flummox people, and that's part of what makes Sherlock who he is. The mystery itself didn't really intrigue me. I still hated the British detective on American soil. If you want a modern, American remake, then make him American. Otherwise, leave him in Britain It was just annoying throughout. This is a show that could make decent filler while you waited on <i>Castle </i>next week, and granted it's possible things might change, but I am less than intrigued. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8mL3vCeUKGn_MJFFmrsyD07jNChtXnxiJXZIxN1Gyt1nya4uWoz1NBWEKj8FY2HasO7zPEQZPiLeL5dPtjYXso136Xt7KbnwHCt0yrbcU1bg3FeReYzn5YaUhKqv1SAT1s2zyu_7wsA/s1600/CBS_ELEMENTARY_100_CLIP10_thumb_640x360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8mL3vCeUKGn_MJFFmrsyD07jNChtXnxiJXZIxN1Gyt1nya4uWoz1NBWEKj8FY2HasO7zPEQZPiLeL5dPtjYXso136Xt7KbnwHCt0yrbcU1bg3FeReYzn5YaUhKqv1SAT1s2zyu_7wsA/s320/CBS_ELEMENTARY_100_CLIP10_thumb_640x360.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best quote of this show, delivered by Watson.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Just because you don't understand something <br />doesn't make it less awesome." </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was one major<i> </i>redeeming quality- in the final scene Watson is watching baseball with Sherlock (against his will), and when he gets grumpy she gives him this amazing line that I loved. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Just because you don't understand something doesn't make it not awesome." </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sherlock then proceeded to prove that he did understand, but this doesn't make the quote less fabulous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Mini-rant:</i> Don't count on me regularly watching <i>Elementary</i>. I watch things online and on Hulu Plus, and CBS shows are mostly only viewable on the CBS website. There were twice as many commercials as on Hulu, and twice it froze, so I had to reload. After reloading I had to rewatch ads. Since most people DVR things and don't even watch commercials, stations shouldn't alienate those of us who are watching them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kristin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-17516833446663709872012-10-01T15:41:00.001-07:002012-10-01T17:50:49.985-07:00Doctor 7.5 Review- A Night of Terror and Tears.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXygAhCQ2qXJTYSo7d67TruoTqCr1xXjfURhQtgb9iky61xiD2j2wcD7vTFPobs6Dqe3wlX-vQ45kmFi6uF4VLqrT9W2HfKoab-aaJcLCSyVNoPa5ZGzTen7OIhIaWATyGkBsNIgAzsgQ/s1600/Angel+in+pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXygAhCQ2qXJTYSo7d67TruoTqCr1xXjfURhQtgb9iky61xiD2j2wcD7vTFPobs6Dqe3wlX-vQ45kmFi6uF4VLqrT9W2HfKoab-aaJcLCSyVNoPa5ZGzTen7OIhIaWATyGkBsNIgAzsgQ/s1600/Angel+in+pain.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Smiling Angel<br />
(who knew they could get creepier?)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A night of terror and tears, otherwise known as <i>The Angels Take Manhattan.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This episode was intense. It began intensely suspenseful, had intensely awesome and hilarious moments, and of course intense sadness. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Spoilers </span></b>abound, just so you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story begins in Manhattan, naturally, with... you guessed it, yet another voice over. And this voice over is yet again by an inconsequential character. The scene itself was important for setting up the Angels' hotel, but the voice over could have been dropped. If it seemed vital, they could have lost earlier voice overs so I wasn't rolling my eyes. Couldn't they have just had someone encounter the creepy collector guy and get sent to the hotel? Or incorporate the guys that capture Rory later? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the Angels are seriously creepy in this episode. They must have gone out searching for creepy looking statues. The laughing babies were horrifying (except for the fact that they sounded just like the Boos from Mario Bros - J). The Statue of Liberty as a Weeping Angel is likely a direct result of online commentary. With it used only lightly, it is mostly okay. I do think it highly unlikely that everyone in NYC was not looking at the Statue of Liberty so that it could move... that doesn't quite add up! It is nice that the Angels have taken over, not that they've always been there. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR-hbQX_XjlV-UAs2zwhf6Ezgo4vmfN9syPyn2W_cPjaGDHbuu0mGcFlwG0k8_arEyHCB6UM3wLANyf6KMx-fleO-8jNQW0th9MAI4txS_TTziEcMH2ibyeLkBblUnyECcrBR3rb_w2I/s1600/baby+&+rory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR-hbQX_XjlV-UAs2zwhf6Ezgo4vmfN9syPyn2W_cPjaGDHbuu0mGcFlwG0k8_arEyHCB6UM3wLANyf6KMx-fleO-8jNQW0th9MAI4txS_TTziEcMH2ibyeLkBblUnyECcrBR3rb_w2I/s1600/baby+&+rory.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rory with creepy Baby Angels</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the credits we jump to modern New York and see the scene that's had pics splattered online for months. As soon as Rory leaves the group for coffee you know he's going to go missing, and the laughing babies just confirm it. It was very creepy, and leads into the real start of the story. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8UrCVGmZIIz_CQlZRd5s0nVbe0Mt2GjVjOATOVGcqQse4rWOPiMlfXSr32dg8yIH3A-to4tIugUh-pVppr-yMD5_-MSDSmo8_UVdmGmu4XKGnMAp-BWhY4APCv-Swh_cLFCyOpuRUKY/s1600/The+Doctor+and+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8UrCVGmZIIz_CQlZRd5s0nVbe0Mt2GjVjOATOVGcqQse4rWOPiMlfXSr32dg8yIH3A-to4tIugUh-pVppr-yMD5_-MSDSmo8_UVdmGmu4XKGnMAp-BWhY4APCv-Swh_cLFCyOpuRUKY/s200/The+Doctor+and+River.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful moment of<br />
The Doctor & River</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite thing in this episode is River. We're supposed to love her- lots of sad things are happening in this hour and the interaction of River and the Doctor is supposed to be our reward for making it through the episode. From the first moment we see River and realize that the Doctor has been reading about her (yowzah!), it puts a smile on your face. River is my favorite thing in Doctor Who right now, so I was just THRILLED to see her, and she lived up to all of my expectations. I can't wait to rewatch every scene she's in. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When she flat out says, "Just wait till my husband gets home," I love it. And the Doctor primping! Ahhh!!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I could fill a blog with quotes by her and the Doctor, but I am going to stay on task and move on. It is important to note that she isn't in jail anymore- she was pardoned since the man that she killed doesn't seem to have existed. It made me want to review River's history again - was she pardoned during Silence in the Library? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4_gNYFhT8bF1P6A4g0ltpPysGF3bwm0TkgXLDT7H9ff9Fg_BZS-JHUWmem6ky-CoXfkIXPevhCP8yTUjUMF7LsfooMFZF1r8JnZXqPBnjxthiMrxhr4mX8GDQEohc9G3tpOB2QF3Lro/s1600/river+almost+cuffed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4_gNYFhT8bF1P6A4g0ltpPysGF3bwm0TkgXLDT7H9ff9Fg_BZS-JHUWmem6ky-CoXfkIXPevhCP8yTUjUMF7LsfooMFZF1r8JnZXqPBnjxthiMrxhr4mX8GDQEohc9G3tpOB2QF3Lro/s1600/river+almost+cuffed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Doctor is devastated by reading the final chapter titles of River's book, and his reaction is so honest. You see how connected he really is to Amy; we've always known that Amy is important and precious to him, but here we see - he almost doesn't know how to control that emotion. He refuses to accept the reality of the situation and moves on. He refuses to break River's wrist just because the book says so. Which bugs me a little - didn't he break a couple things while landing the TARDIS - that counts as breaking, right? Have we heard before about reading it making it fact? Is that new? I mean, we hear all the time that time can be rewritten. So you can see it, but you can't read it? It just seems like there's something wrong with this rule. I feel like if I reflect on this, or even the paradox created by Rory & Amy's jump, I'll become frustrated by the wibbly-wobblyness of it all. For now, I choose to move on.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsorSlGDZ7raw7m3JbRHCfh1b6m1dCtGs4_bWFH3dQvbEaLpjiIRdxPHHS8e9SUOLEDQwjZNcMN9gZbQ-9agwpjHMh9gGbJ3wP02DYu4mVjqmB13gXJSDef6p68YzWI0PMBkphJXs1JY/s1600/rory+and+amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsorSlGDZ7raw7m3JbRHCfh1b6m1dCtGs4_bWFH3dQvbEaLpjiIRdxPHHS8e9SUOLEDQwjZNcMN9gZbQ-9agwpjHMh9gGbJ3wP02DYu4mVjqmB13gXJSDef6p68YzWI0PMBkphJXs1JY/s400/rory+and+amy.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the family reunites in the the Angels' hotel, it's to see a moving death of Rory Williams. Amy is touching here as well. Their love is so powerful and so obvious in every second of this episode. At times it has been hard to see the depth of their love for each other; they get so into the Doctor's issues, but recently you've seen how much they are in love with one another. Real life gave them that - they had these shared experiences that no one else could relate to and they realized that they needed each other. It's impossible to imagine them without one another. I spent the episode trying to decide if they were going to kill one of them, and they were showing them so in love just to rip out our hearts. When they make it to the roof and Rory is ready to jump, I am just amazed at the talent of these actors. They make the characters so real to me, and I am so appreciative of how much of themselves they must put into their parts. Both Rory and Amy are beautiful in these moments on the roof, before jumping off. Of course, a highlight moment is when Amy asked Rory if he thought after jumping he would just come back to life. His answer, "When do I not?" was brilliant.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyLT-0A_qz8iFZIyg99A1CUtJkCMLlWHF_zjvXV-xCIXRT26cRe2UXWgIN_dYj2H2O5n-HCzdoJ5S4XE64ylPcN-EnmVIlH4g_Jgeuu7xNhk7ALCrbbsCjR7DSot30H9U7AywNHIIRug/s1600/doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyLT-0A_qz8iFZIyg99A1CUtJkCMLlWHF_zjvXV-xCIXRT26cRe2UXWgIN_dYj2H2O5n-HCzdoJ5S4XE64ylPcN-EnmVIlH4g_Jgeuu7xNhk7ALCrbbsCjR7DSot30H9U7AywNHIIRug/s200/doctor.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Doctor on his own</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole group survives (I held my breath until River appeared on the other side of the Tardis) the jump and the death of the Angels. As a viewer, we know there are only moments left and something bad is going to happen. We're right. Rory's last moment is both sudden and heart breaking. Amy's simple choice is of course her only option. She says good-bye to River and the Doctor, and it's just inevitable. She turns away and is gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">River and The Doctor return to the Tardis, and River seems eerily calm. The Doctor acknowledges she's just said good-bye to her parents, and she seems somewhat unconcerned. What's up with that? She then walks off to write her book, that Amy is going to publish. Does Amy publish her book in the past then? Does River go back and see them? Has she already gone back and seen them? Does she already know that they were back in time at the beginning of the episode? Being so calm, has she always known? So many River related questions!! I'm shocked. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5js3nhdiF2C4hwl1g3jHxMJZ-nlLAq2VwmfqGYh4ikndfRbRrxyy9pstCgG3VaOpepks8A7x4GdDXwVCWZ-_DL5nOux6tpZQVmNy8ROUqPtZdypHRpYGkC1hmOAGLv_EB7kHMotV3O7U/s1600/Amelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5js3nhdiF2C4hwl1g3jHxMJZ-nlLAq2VwmfqGYh4ikndfRbRrxyy9pstCgG3VaOpepks8A7x4GdDXwVCWZ-_DL5nOux6tpZQVmNy8ROUqPtZdypHRpYGkC1hmOAGLv_EB7kHMotV3O7U/s1600/Amelia.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia Pond, the Girl Who Waited</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the ending. Amy sends the Doctor back to the night she waited, and it was great. It was comforting to remember that somewhere in time Amy is just beginning her adventures with the Doctor. I think every companion should have gotten such an awesome tribute - it was pretty freakin' awesome. It made me totally respect and love Amy more than I have over the past two and half seasons. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8x1kuF4GqOVIHZ_qVRnRT5XQEe2GmgduoyJi2gUIStP5JC_jXmHRsYJ1N3HIaap-t_0tESc4i4GQyZjUB7FbAP8kWLxYwQpgSqNA2LRfFo8Gvw9kOSs6UrClZWA0k5Q0xCMbow6qj40/s1600/joy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy moments with The Doctor, Amy, & Rory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As far as the future (in the viewer's timeline), it's been stressed throughout the season that the Doctor doesn't need to be travelling alone. I'm looking forward to seeing Oswin at Christmas, hopefully joining the Doctor for a while. I can't wait to see what happens with that. If he saves Oswin, does he start to exist again? It should be interesting. As far as River, I imagine it will be ages, if ever, before we see such fun interaction again. I doubt there will be many times that we see them when they are both aware of the fact that they're married and should be flirting. I'm pretty sure that we only got those happy moments to make up for the extreme sadness we endured. It may take a while, but hopefully we'll eventually get all our questions answered!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DFTBA and Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jana and Kristin</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-75329731903899241812012-09-29T10:34:00.000-07:002012-09-29T14:44:46.635-07:00The Tiger Saga- Book Series Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Otherworld
Saturday (Otherworld to us means anything other than Whedon and Harry Potter,
fyi), I’d like to review the YA book series <i>The
Tiger Saga</i> by Colleen Houck. I was
directed to this series by a couple of my 8<sup>th</sup> graders last year, and
it’s right in my wheelhouse. I love
these fantasy stories- but only when the authors pull it off. I also appreciate originality, which is a
rare find in today’s Young Adult genre.
There are four books in this series and I just finished the fourth and
final book yesterday. The books include <i>Tiger’s Curse</i>, <i>Tiger’s Quest,</i> <i>Tiger’s Voyage</i>,
and <i>Tiger’s Destiny</i>. The final book was released a couple of weeks
ago. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yffqaHAcstWVuK1QoyPHIj_-dcVz3zjYCb66BA_G58chvXGkRNEsgzn5QXlXUHVxYY7fdCC9U0LwyJTgNDsPGhK3C9lHmv-dfV7fmFEMksUo5Sqw64MZ96KBTLhUIphOGBY7BHW9urw/s1600/Tigers+Curse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yffqaHAcstWVuK1QoyPHIj_-dcVz3zjYCb66BA_G58chvXGkRNEsgzn5QXlXUHVxYY7fdCC9U0LwyJTgNDsPGhK3C9lHmv-dfV7fmFEMksUo5Sqw64MZ96KBTLhUIphOGBY7BHW9urw/s200/Tigers+Curse.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCVvkjr82IqylmgPp1fYHCConVBcWMtPN2VW4Uhu9zDpeRyu2C1bD8aFzod2i5iKebUiXVinDZVzjUpq14tedWS3dLsdln85jqqQrgmmAajAabIfk9hg5IprJen9FIDPqdWllwXVG8Zo/s1600/Tigers+Quest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCVvkjr82IqylmgPp1fYHCConVBcWMtPN2VW4Uhu9zDpeRyu2C1bD8aFzod2i5iKebUiXVinDZVzjUpq14tedWS3dLsdln85jqqQrgmmAajAabIfk9hg5IprJen9FIDPqdWllwXVG8Zo/s200/Tigers+Quest.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB7OMBUUOvvbO4qeB705q8akMPqAlHWtIhHhqUVX6bZiVdPW_jNvQrM-IbD1ffI8lvYxq_SN5QVnIopbuazWNIWBdtFjzQeH6br8EYxPKcaftqMx1jQe2v82_P8Z9Lyl3vfUrxISFz90/s1600/Tigers+Voyage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB7OMBUUOvvbO4qeB705q8akMPqAlHWtIhHhqUVX6bZiVdPW_jNvQrM-IbD1ffI8lvYxq_SN5QVnIopbuazWNIWBdtFjzQeH6br8EYxPKcaftqMx1jQe2v82_P8Z9Lyl3vfUrxISFz90/s200/Tigers+Voyage.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzCkEj31UurMcMDWHAXgO-bJhTIF5fjsoWXc-tv917Z8u8XcdCumaN0sHrFesn-LLVtpQ4QHzhOeHIqcH3egDpeopqaPfYxg4PTJXQEx8SxOIDDgbvTpiByfGkk9xZntAlW1odte5n2Q/s1600/Tigers+Destiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzCkEj31UurMcMDWHAXgO-bJhTIF5fjsoWXc-tv917Z8u8XcdCumaN0sHrFesn-LLVtpQ4QHzhOeHIqcH3egDpeopqaPfYxg4PTJXQEx8SxOIDDgbvTpiByfGkk9xZntAlW1odte5n2Q/s200/Tigers+Destiny.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0in;"><u>Basic Summary</u></b><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-
(Light spoilers, nothing you couldn't get from the backs of the books, other than book one.)</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a
contemporary story about a girl, Kelsey, who inadvertently stumbles upon a
cursed tiger. She is older than most heroines
in the genre at 20, so I automatically appreciate this. Our leading lady isn’t giving up school or
abandoning her future for a guy at any point in this series. Kelsey is ready
for adventure. Kelsey, “through a
series of strange circumstances” (thanks WDW Beauty & the Beast show for
that shortcut statement), finds herself the savior of not one, but <i>two</i> ancient Indian princes who’ve been
cursed to live their lives as immortal tigers.
They can spend a small part of their day as a human, which connected me
with the Polar Bear King story. For some
reason I’ve always loved that story. (Check out my reviews of <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/363440516" target="_blank">East </a></i>and <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/363495881" target="_blank">Ice</a>, </i>two stories retelling the Polar Bear King legend.) The Tiger books are stories big on adventure, as Kelsey and her tigers must complete a
series of tasks to try to defeat a powerful villain and break the curse.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLl45kTkEE6iRBc1CqA0mRoILgfhaxsB4Shd7R5P-DMEdZYM9ZpRhNoqbDWjNebn-J1gdmegzjp8yeFPjD7htnCJoX8Rfpw77v7YL3x0ULsvrXJjZBke6swyo_Ip2PlQsOdU7MUtX2tE/s1600/Ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLl45kTkEE6iRBc1CqA0mRoILgfhaxsB4Shd7R5P-DMEdZYM9ZpRhNoqbDWjNebn-J1gdmegzjp8yeFPjD7htnCJoX8Rfpw77v7YL3x0ULsvrXJjZBke6swyo_Ip2PlQsOdU7MUtX2tE/s200/Ice.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modern style retelling of<br />
The Polar Bear King</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aduwTLe3TCCrVJxw-lLbeEdAbntlrrrMFuqZNfXK1aRfJ8nmrwzLAQyyv9YzPx9wZh_NKBkim1k0WRtB7AjvOdRvzvD_TQvYWxXreRzuR5njTc7AeTuK4XZrcnidpYs2S_ycdM96vwU/s1600/East.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aduwTLe3TCCrVJxw-lLbeEdAbntlrrrMFuqZNfXK1aRfJ8nmrwzLAQyyv9YzPx9wZh_NKBkim1k0WRtB7AjvOdRvzvD_TQvYWxXreRzuR5njTc7AeTuK4XZrcnidpYs2S_ycdM96vwU/s200/East.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very classic, fairy tale<br />
version of The Polar Bear King</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>My Review-</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I enjoyed these
books. They are not my favorite that I’ve
ever read, but they make an interesting read.
I don’t hate Kelsey, and I enjoy that for the most part she’s the
savior, not the damsel in distress. I
thought book one, <i>Tiger’s Curse, </i>was
great. I do believe it’s the high point
of the series. The set up was fantastic,
and the characters were vivid. I got a
little lost in the second and third books. That generally means I started skimming. I have a tendency to do that in books where
the plots are less than captivating. I
did not really care about the tasks set up in these books, since I knew the
general outcome. They had to be mostly
successful in order to make it to the next task, so there was minimal
anticipation. These books were also
featuring my main problem with this series, which I’ll get into in my rant in a
moment.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_V03krrE8R9ksQBGX4U82kcrfevvepUHcCPb9TUMjPoNdQfWaJkMvfPUV31W-dAd2DFk6NY402d4iGoXMGME0_zeFkyvnbYaOIxrz3duO4agtHhjJZKB5hTc98dyXAdXEk-0Vvyza8/s1600/LotR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_V03krrE8R9ksQBGX4U82kcrfevvepUHcCPb9TUMjPoNdQfWaJkMvfPUV31W-dAd2DFk6NY402d4iGoXMGME0_zeFkyvnbYaOIxrz3duO4agtHhjJZKB5hTc98dyXAdXEk-0Vvyza8/s200/LotR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord of the Rings, giving me my well <br />
deserved, detailed conclusion.<br />
Thank you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did get back into
the series with the fourth book, because I was intrigued by the many possibilities
that could conclude the adventure. As
anyone who knows me will tell you, I judge a book (and many other things) by its
ending. I want a decisive ending with lots of details. Endings should be proportionate to the story.
If you spend 90 minutes on a story, give me a 3-5 minute ending. If you spent hours and hours on a story, I
want a drawn out ending (think <i>Lord of
the Rings</i> here). To conclude on that
point, I was extremely satisfied by the ending of the book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The writing is
good. Not spectacularly amazing, but
good. I am done looking at terrible
writing in YA novels. I have high
expectations, and this one was fairly successful. At no point was there anything stated in the
book that was distractingly bad or completely ridiculous. I believe that there was a great deal of
research done on religion and mythology throughout the story, and I appreciate
that. With casual references to
Shakespeare and William Blake littering the pages, I can’t help but appreciate
the homage to classic literature. It
automatically makes you appreciate the author’s good taste, and it gives me
hope that teens reading it are just maybe becoming familiar with something I
love. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>My Rant- </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My true issue with
these books is prominent in the second and third book, while dragging into the
fourth. Fortunately the fourth book has other interesting things happening, so
it wasn’t as annoying. Why must Kelsey
love two men? Why is this an okay
thing? A teenage girl would never
tolerate a book series where the boy was blatantly in love with two likeable
girls. That would label him a player, or at the least not boyfriend material. That has all the makings of a tragedy, and
that is not what this book is aiming for.
For unknown reasons, it is perfectly acceptable to readers that this
girl loves both of these boys, and the boys must both patiently adore her while
she wavers back and forth, otherwise they’ll be labeled the bad guy. She literally imagines herself with one while
she’s with another. It’s sad, and I hate
that such an otherwise enjoyable book condones such behavior. It’s basically teaching that emotionally
cheating on the person you are with is fine.
No worries. I completely blame <i>Twilight</i> for this. This ridiculous “one girl, two guys” theme
has flooded our culture and I am over it.
I know that occasionally that may be the plot, but I’m finding it over
and over and over and over… and never with genders reversed. Does this not bother anyone else?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.literaryobsession.com/index.php/love-triangles-in-young-adult-novels/" target="_blank">Click here to read a blog from Literary Obsession that has a similar rant and warning list of YA novels featuring these "Love Triangles of Doom," as she puts it. </a></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-CmYlGvTJff5mia7n-WcgPYpqKtDrhKfKk6cedbYGLBwYQOt-KoDBc7NyrN_UPHalxQAqG6GqvB6n0M703jULYMR1mJydvot3syez4Iv3Krs0duK1sShNdv-SCbc7H0Vh8bc3VvEra0/s1600/Trueblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-CmYlGvTJff5mia7n-WcgPYpqKtDrhKfKk6cedbYGLBwYQOt-KoDBc7NyrN_UPHalxQAqG6GqvB6n0M703jULYMR1mJydvot3syez4Iv3Krs0duK1sShNdv-SCbc7H0Vh8bc3VvEra0/s200/Trueblood.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True Blood </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1NDJn5TwqFBKRJZkfFhggr68Dcte38FTLIHfO2ya49C5XfEaNZvdhNV0cw8NBqR0aWxCIGzO2vVe8KnZ2O0r5UUrFuIkyN3PLkBrcrcL_9JGpCXYljKg7ojVHdxTHPJ956tXZrh0S44/s1600/Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1NDJn5TwqFBKRJZkfFhggr68Dcte38FTLIHfO2ya49C5XfEaNZvdhNV0cw8NBqR0aWxCIGzO2vVe8KnZ2O0r5UUrFuIkyN3PLkBrcrcL_9JGpCXYljKg7ojVHdxTHPJ956tXZrh0S44/s200/Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vampire Diaries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Final Words-</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This series was NOT
a series that I couldn’t put down. More
than once I walked away and didn’t come back for a day or two. What is ra</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0in;">re is that I came back at all. Usually if I put a book down for more than an
hour I’m unlikely to be coming back. The characters were well written and the
premise itself was fun and exciting. If
I can look past the clichéd romantic plot, I call this a pretty good
series. By the way, it isn’t just for
girls. I’ve had twice as many 8</span><sup style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0in;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0in;">
grade boys check this book out as girls.
I think it’s because of excellent cover art, which appears to be
designed by Katrina Damkoehler. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you enjoy a good
paranormal adventure/romance story, this is a much better pick than most things
on the YA shelf today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-77202017346953712242012-09-27T17:47:00.001-07:002012-09-28T18:46:14.240-07:00Buffy in Review- The Harvest<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpL0VWhYpSBFAxjmXjcJEqJEwkru7uL3lhLJK3cqruc873-PGmM7bv0EUkGxPkVIhb3NxyTDD0eaDDTxsfwOvZFWtBKPex93OstBuXtEA3b5hWNHfGvzhO9tSbCQHbsq2j4dIYH9qhcIQ/s1600/Buffy+Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpL0VWhYpSBFAxjmXjcJEqJEwkru7uL3lhLJK3cqruc873-PGmM7bv0EUkGxPkVIhb3NxyTDD0eaDDTxsfwOvZFWtBKPex93OstBuXtEA3b5hWNHfGvzhO9tSbCQHbsq2j4dIYH9qhcIQ/s320/Buffy+Harvest.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a note to anyone reading this, the below review is
written as a “re-watch” review and is chock full of <b><span style="color: #c00000;">spoilers</span></b> from throughout the
entire series. I want to take a look at
the beginning with the end in mind, so reader should be aware. This
is the conclusion of the two-part premiere, so <a href="http://kandjdreamatorium.blogspot.com/2012/09/buffy-in-review-welcome-to-hellmouth.html" target="_blank">click here to read the review of Welcome to the Hellmouth</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Picking up where we left off last week, I hear the voice
overview explaining the Chosen One. I’ve
always known that the first season that is done by someone other than
Giles. I inexplicably want to know
whose voice that is. Light research did not produce an answer. Eventually I may take the time to figure this one out. </span></div>
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Within seconds the danger from Luke is over.
He burns his hand on the cross, demonstrating a specific way to defend
against a vampire. I love that Buffy is
wearing the necklace she got earlier in the evening from Angel. It’s kind of
like the first time Angel helps with a rescue.
(I don’t like the idea of Angel being Buffy’s rescuer in any physical
sense, but he can “help.”) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Outside of the crypt, Buffy steps in to save Willow and
manages to help out Xander as well.
Jesse is lost to them at this point.
Panic does not seem to set in enough for them here. If my best friend
were taken by demons I would be seriously screaming in panic. I suppose this is why Willow & Xander get
to be scoobies, and not me. I’ll work on
it, I promise! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5Ty0xXEgWThHnhAb99eDGy3hKckRHoWlQmxSt0B2xUMngbS1DQdsC6SOMMqIRH0Y5-gOuloBOSJOjR4ctaFetlX8b9wZV_7AJIJkDXWtqHxm4h9MXRzDnHx2yFxR_C5qORENpyZznhQ/s1600/Giles+and+his+Globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5Ty0xXEgWThHnhAb99eDGy3hKckRHoWlQmxSt0B2xUMngbS1DQdsC6SOMMqIRH0Y5-gOuloBOSJOjR4ctaFetlX8b9wZV_7AJIJkDXWtqHxm4h9MXRzDnHx2yFxR_C5qORENpyZznhQ/s200/Giles+and+his+Globe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giles & His Globe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giles and his globe.
This is back-story that establishes the lore of the show. “The old ones” roamed the earth. The last demon to leave our reality fed off a
human, and the human was infected with the demon’s soul. The soul of a demon inhabits a vampire, not
the human soul. Everyone watching knows
that this is a major part of Buffy mythology, but I’ve never paid such close
attention to the soul reference before.
I love how Joss establishes everything so early on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like how we go straight into the Master at this
point. Info gets thrown in very smoothly
here, in a different, elevated dialogue.
The dialogue of the vampires definitely creates that contrast between
them and the teenagers. Joss uses
language so deliberately throughout his story telling, and this is case in
point. The Master says that he’s been
waiting three score years. That would be
sixty years. (Thank you Lincoln for assuring that I know how much a “score”
actually is.) He doesn’t just come right
out and say sixty, that’s too easy.
Also, he doesn’t say ‘church,’ he says “house of worship.” He reads as old and dry as he looks. The Master keeps mentioning his ascension,
and I keep imagining him as a giant snake…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2id4LztPoLNNKDoyn3BaZmJYjhLEC2HwoULd1jRJrEpEsAPWWKBrlcO_ZeXS50INGqk_GiWZwsFqmNS45BSJHD5ditjd1oTvqoCPzwyiUw_ct5BehorgQNt0W6rOKqMxj8-V6jvevRw0/s1600/Doctor7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2id4LztPoLNNKDoyn3BaZmJYjhLEC2HwoULd1jRJrEpEsAPWWKBrlcO_ZeXS50INGqk_GiWZwsFqmNS45BSJHD5ditjd1oTvqoCPzwyiUw_ct5BehorgQNt0W6rOKqMxj8-V6jvevRw0/s200/Doctor7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Willow does demonstrate a bit of panic here, which I approve
of. She then gets over it and
demonstrates her tech geek awesomeness.
Giles takes a moment to be “a bit British,” and refers to the computer
as a “dread machine.” I’m thinking this
is a "grown-up" librarian thing, not a British thing. I happen to be a fan of a very scientifically
advanced British show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Xander has his first moment of feeling at a loss when Willow
gets her research list, Buffy’s off hunting Jesse, and he is left “standing.” Buffy ventures back to the tomb of attack now
that it’s daylight, and Angel steps out of the shadows. It’s a little strange
to see him moving around in the light of day.
It’s not until later in the season where vamps start being around a lot
during the day. Again, I’m wondering
what people thought of him before he was “out” as a vamp. He just embodies the talk, dark, and handsome
vampire to me. Anyway, I very much enjoy
their exchange here. He admits to being
afraid and encourages Buffy not to go into the tunnels. It’s like he wants to help and hasn’t figured
out how yet, which works so well with what we find out about how he ended up in
Sunnydale in the first place. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxYkQAkLOf4kS05oVNhmu0J9SgUWDJQvAu8KtFuFobq4uP8qWVfmLb4w2-NqEaNG4T3RBScmXQWlYyGO4GMGxzUj6dNlUp2MCsELC4EhkKCxjA4CulTZQSv7QcmyNbzkVCNpgf9I6X40/s1600/harmony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxYkQAkLOf4kS05oVNhmu0J9SgUWDJQvAu8KtFuFobq4uP8qWVfmLb4w2-NqEaNG4T3RBScmXQWlYyGO4GMGxzUj6dNlUp2MCsELC4EhkKCxjA4CulTZQSv7QcmyNbzkVCNpgf9I6X40/s200/harmony.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Harmony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite part of the computer scene is getting to see
Harmony. I didn’t realize she was there
that early on. We also get reminded of
how horrid a human being Cordelia is, then have a happy moment when Willow
makes her life a bit worse before cutting back to the sewers. Xander follows Buffy down into the abyss and
introduces her to Jesse with the awesome like “It’s okay, Buffy’s a superhero.” Thank you Joss for that. The term ‘superhero’ makes you think of these
amazing classic heroes like Batman and Superman, and Buffy is equally as
awesome. Also, at the end of their
little adventure Xander pulls Buffy out, so he proves helpful, just as he
always does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Master has his creepy moment with his minions, then we
move to the Scooby Gang and hear the “Hellmouth” referred to for the first
time. After their pow-wow moment, they
have the iconic exit move from the library.
It’s fun to see it in context.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE5B1gKOB3ak2peZU0uTyikKq79qz9874u_IQQX5NjGzOz2FIjcCjMvYgkm1E_lWQ_4gtQUR2cSsLYWL-xu_ZzeNW5ucncUtf_prVwt_rWq9qjaw4-TCGelxnE71XaF8hHChmdroP61I/s1600/Library+Exit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE5B1gKOB3ak2peZU0uTyikKq79qz9874u_IQQX5NjGzOz2FIjcCjMvYgkm1E_lWQ_4gtQUR2cSsLYWL-xu_ZzeNW5ucncUtf_prVwt_rWq9qjaw4-TCGelxnE71XaF8hHChmdroP61I/s320/Library+Exit.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exiting the library.<br />
Entering a cult obsession.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5ZM0LWAt_8EYtYBaaDsxAPLe7yIn_tFhbA-FRD4Ur8rXXJVZUo3-guUZG1nI25nCmym_x8kWHE-5hoSxRekik7mispXZxs5fblb0NUI2l08s3cage64x2XWxoCxwuifP5GMUR0koWl0/s1600/Joyce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5ZM0LWAt_8EYtYBaaDsxAPLe7yIn_tFhbA-FRD4Ur8rXXJVZUo3-guUZG1nI25nCmym_x8kWHE-5hoSxRekik7mispXZxs5fblb0NUI2l08s3cage64x2XWxoCxwuifP5GMUR0koWl0/s320/Joyce.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>These scenes with Buffy’s mom are so much more interesting
in retrospect. I see Whedon spelling out the
parellels to real life as Joyce tells Buffy that she knows the world will end if
Buffy can’t go out with her friends. “Everything
feels like life or death when you’re a sixteen year old girl.” We all can
relate to Buffy, because even though we’re not saving the world when
we’re solving a crisis in our own lives, we feel like we are. Buffy lives out the horror and the chaos in
life through physical demons, and it’s cathartic for me to watch. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Bronze is under attack!
What a shock! Why do people keep coming to the Bronze? Surely they understand it’s a death
trap. I do like that this scene brings
the serious bad out of the underground and ancient crypts, and into the
contemporary “real” life. Buffy escapes
from her house to save the world and steps in just in time to save Cordelia and
show off her amazingness to the entire Bronze.
You’d think that afterward people would remember that they had a
superhero in their midst. Xander (almost
accidently) takes out Jesse, which I really feel should be a lot more
traumatizing than it is. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCs_5QEImxP7FkkTKjfdsNol47bmefl9Bk1UXl5Nl1s9WgF07ErKi_ijND8HrJoV0XbOVZNuRdehepCs12K8bkeYKUwv9oG4MBifQIgqe6pf83-WWy4kZvBmPuAfxD70RmksHs74ri1M/s1600/angel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCs_5QEImxP7FkkTKjfdsNol47bmefl9Bk1UXl5Nl1s9WgF07ErKi_ijND8HrJoV0XbOVZNuRdehepCs12K8bkeYKUwv9oG4MBifQIgqe6pf83-WWy4kZvBmPuAfxD70RmksHs74ri1M/s200/angel.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not Angel at his most useful.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94scUJow-FVcPdoHnXTqCstXXEDRX0X5bNOmIg-3cLX-iJV-if1EFXllzgXR-vHKx0bvR3oHFgaBSvMSkriyExhcG_GafAzAcycEFwoaFaIqBM8R9CLb3RZsKgaN5ApvGUgw_hEUqzjY/s1600/warning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94scUJow-FVcPdoHnXTqCstXXEDRX0X5bNOmIg-3cLX-iJV-if1EFXllzgXR-vHKx0bvR3oHFgaBSvMSkriyExhcG_GafAzAcycEFwoaFaIqBM8R9CLb3RZsKgaN5ApvGUgw_hEUqzjY/s200/warning.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Who do you think this is warning?</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Angel steps out of the shadows as the last vamp leaves, with
the comment, “She did it. I’ll be damned.”
Where was he during this fight? Seriously, he can’t lend a hand? Thank goodness he helped her out with the necklace, but honestly it's his only redeeming quality this episode, and I don't remember him existing in the next two. He might, but I don't really remember him. Anyway, I do love that
as he moves away from the door we see behind him the sign “WATCH YOUR STEP.” Ah, foreshadowing. But who do we think it’s warning?</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCETTgVJ7Ur8OBPLABlWYmnEoFr5NV5HDf8VG03hQdpEHZa1xZVqG4zfkX1Xpsaq-rH2R4tyX496RPmklCcE9ZRb2VU11of0MmD8LuGlq-W4rcnS8g7KsdUnfjKZYkmHxpwV4wijAK9aI/s1600/The+world+is+doomed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCETTgVJ7Ur8OBPLABlWYmnEoFr5NV5HDf8VG03hQdpEHZa1xZVqG4zfkX1Xpsaq-rH2R4tyX496RPmklCcE9ZRb2VU11of0MmD8LuGlq-W4rcnS8g7KsdUnfjKZYkmHxpwV4wijAK9aI/s200/The+world+is+doomed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world is doomed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ending of the episode is one of my favorite moments in
the hour. Xander’s last line at the Bronze was the
phrase “Nothing’s going to be same,” before cutting straight to a completely normal
looking school day. Giles points out
that the trio may be up against other things than just vampires, which Buffy,
Xander, & Willow take very seriously.
Or not. They just sort of blow off before wandering away with pointless
banter. I can see the series finale
right in front of me as Giles admits that “The Earth is doomed.” It’s an awesome moment and I can’t believe
that I haven’t watched it in so long. If
you can’t imagine it this moment, go to hulu or netflix and watch it now, because it’s just great. (I did a quick look on Youtube for a clip, but I wasn't successful.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming soon- I’ll be reviewing <i>Witch</i> next week. It may not
be a landmark episode on the Buffy timeline, but it was an episode that I
always remembered. I’m pretty excited
about rewatching it, so it ought to fun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Stay Shiny!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-48690511757523006882012-09-26T19:35:00.000-07:002012-09-26T20:23:51.001-07:00How I Love Entertainment Weekly... let me count the ways<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, for Today in Fandom, I wanted to discuss my love for
Entertainment Weekly. Technically I didn't get my copy of EW today, but
since I saw this amazing video from their site today, I figured it was a great
topic.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The awesome video
that led to today's topic: </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/09/25/cookie-monster-grover-avengers-hunger-games-video-sesame-street/">Cookie
Monster and Grover take on the fandoms</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91gOM-oaa6H_DxWO1X1qAMJONUAJXEa0T3L-AjfPCHesH7W-Ag1nI3GfImEKd6Rb2NR1uTEsmeWa6ua42Rogm0p3z3npguJx-tDZeBfX_1Cm_O3LxeCX6gUVDhV8lldkHbNhKKtX7OFo/s1600/doctor+who+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91gOM-oaa6H_DxWO1X1qAMJONUAJXEa0T3L-AjfPCHesH7W-Ag1nI3GfImEKd6Rb2NR1uTEsmeWa6ua42Rogm0p3z3npguJx-tDZeBfX_1Cm_O3LxeCX6gUVDhV8lldkHbNhKKtX7OFo/s1600/doctor+who+cover.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isn't it pretty? I think I just gazed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">at it's beautifulness for about</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">5 minutes before reading anything.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love
Entertainment Weekly; I've subscribed to the magazine since 2004 and have never
missed an issue. As the years have gone by, I’ve realized that the people who
work at EW have amazing taste – pretty much because it’s the same as my taste.
We will occasionally disagree, EW and I, but I usually chock that up to me not
having a direct influence over their decisions. (Just saying, Thor got an A. I’ll
leave it at that.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I know Kristin actually checks the site more than I do (I’m
usually good with just the magazine), but on occasion I do head over to EW.com
and take advantage of the amazing recaps , reviews, etc available. It is how I “watch”
American Idol at this point if I feel like catching up. The website is usually
good for a decent hour or so of procrastinating – BEWARE, it is addictive. As
is the magazine actually; there was a time when I was not to be interrupted
when EW showed up in the house. And I’ve gotten better about throwing the magazine
away after a week or two. They used to make me look like I should be on an
episode of Hoarders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, I wanted to list some of my favorites from EW over the
years, so here we go… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Top 5 Favorite Issues/Articles from Entertainment Weekly:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#1: The Doctor Who issue – I call it that because Matt Smith was
on the cover, but it was beautiful. The Tardis picture and the cover are
currently laminated in my classroom. (Next to the Katniss picture from EW of
course.) And the article on The Doctor... 10 glorious pages (pretty lengthy) with great stuff for classic and new whovians written by a whovian. Pretty much the perfect article. And following it was an article about other cult shows - so that's pretty awesome too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkn_sHGRfaPYG5OvZqu3_Vs75TqcRDbHwMevewrCtKCNQSfpD9bS0fsM5cWzIGTb0BpZ4rertNdmaQTINjCySVnsCdo0RZv9fb46uPv-HgDWtMow1nbXejsgRioVvFrrnoMwYxei9_wk/s1600/goodbye+harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkn_sHGRfaPYG5OvZqu3_Vs75TqcRDbHwMevewrCtKCNQSfpD9bS0fsM5cWzIGTb0BpZ4rertNdmaQTINjCySVnsCdo0RZv9fb46uPv-HgDWtMow1nbXejsgRioVvFrrnoMwYxei9_wk/s320/goodbye+harry.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Almost too much. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#2: Stephen King in a funny mood. He used to do guest articles; no
more I’m afraid. He always had wonderful things to say about Harry Potter and
his article about Junior Mints was hilarious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#3: Any Twilight interview – oh my gosh, hilarious. I hate that
they grace the cover of the magazine, but the interviews are so stinkin’ funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#4: Harry Potter covers – I keep them in my den; the others get
thrown away, but never Harry. I do have to admit they may have done a few too many Harry covers for some people, but not this person. Their all Harry issue was divine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#5: Soundbites – even now I want to cut them out and make a
collage. Although when I personally heard each one on TV, it does make me think
I need to reevaluate my priorities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, Entertainment Weekly, I love you and the joy you bring me when
you magically appear in my mailbox Friday afternoon! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-66632228722729676362012-09-26T04:26:00.001-07:002012-09-26T04:29:01.319-07:00Castle's Back!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So Today in Fandom I watched the <i>Castle </i>season premiere! For the record, I do not have cable in my house. I'm watching things the next night, so other than my excursions to the homes of friends and family for <i>Doctor Who</i>, others may see things ahead of me. I decided I can live with that.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOubZ6KHlTVQVVnulemoLaUnMFIKvHTjzvW3ogEyQwzGIPbWmNOr6bDuIA6nUoKCLLCN9VKu8_F7qjLCZzvCNtOWWQ6O3NsZgOp1I322FgCAGptxARI5VpOfeGZyz2v5aco0rULzJItck/s1600/Castle+EW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOubZ6KHlTVQVVnulemoLaUnMFIKvHTjzvW3ogEyQwzGIPbWmNOr6bDuIA6nUoKCLLCN9VKu8_F7qjLCZzvCNtOWWQ6O3NsZgOp1I322FgCAGptxARI5VpOfeGZyz2v5aco0rULzJItck/s320/Castle+EW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entertainment Weekly image- my favorite Castle pic ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>My thoughts on Castle before watching the premiere- </u></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did not watch the last few episodes of <i>Castle </i>until very late in the summer. I have watched every episode since the series premiere, but I often let it collect in my hulu queue and watch it some low-key weekend in chunks. I have discovered over the years that I do not love episodes that are exclusively about the murder of Kate's mom. I love Kate & Castle no matter the situation, but I get bored with the never ending plot. I much prefer episodic solve a crime episodes. Whether they are together or not, I want them to make progress. I do not like endless drama without resolution. It isn't always required within the episode, but it's preferred. I do require resolution by the end of a season! (Although honestly, I will take Nathan Fillion any way I get him...) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>And now for the premiere-</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL_DiceJdAkuwIJV46JgSckjrbWRTnzpo83hQcakRIdXvUmsqIx-JSjc_dzuy1gS_AZF1zORwvfQ0jQ47SAy9RF9UHSxIUbvt68uSocUHR7BLT9HRV2Mo_dYOxNxERig5lq3zjcm9s0k/s1600/castle+hug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL_DiceJdAkuwIJV46JgSckjrbWRTnzpo83hQcakRIdXvUmsqIx-JSjc_dzuy1gS_AZF1zORwvfQ0jQ47SAy9RF9UHSxIUbvt68uSocUHR7BLT9HRV2Mo_dYOxNxERig5lq3zjcm9s0k/s320/castle+hug.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great new moment- Beckett easily seeking and accepting<br />
comfort from Castle. Even he becomes aware this is <br />
touching and new.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that I've babbled about <i>Castle </i>in general, on to this particular episode. I've been waiting on it obviously to see how Kate and Castle are after their night together. I thought that were cute in their moments together throughout the hour, but I struggled to care about the plot of the episode. I can't wait to get back to solving cases. Thirty-five minutes in, and I'm praying Kate does whatever she's going to do just so this ends. It's well acted. It's well written. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's well done all around. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm OVER it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Castle can't be cute and funny and Kate can't be teasing and snarky when they're making personal life and death decisions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did love the moment when Kate realizes that she can't escape and Castle asks if he can just take her away. There's no personal tension, no heartbreak, no conflict between them, and this moment demonstrates the main change in their relationship. She leans against him, and lets him hold her. They give and take comfort, without worrying about how the other feels (at least for now). But back to Kate- does she take out the threat and find security and safety, albeit throwing away her career, all she stands for, and probably her life? Can we rap this up? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And nope. Not entirely resolved. As the chief said, "It seems to be the gift that keeps on giving." Thank goodness they established a scenario that allows next week get back to normal. Yay! And for the record, I'm totally fine having them together. They can be fun and tease. I like it better than wistful looks and broken hearts. There is potential now for it to be lighter and more fun than it's been in ages. I'm very much looking forward to this season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEpj4agju_elWDg0O_cQsI7yJdfO8PqI104RIzAaWg5u5Gd6vlveZ_Wi-kdaoMkecspGpiPGmzLdOApoV1fakG2Yz0dXZ_3oj0Vxj7y38IjtfvncDnOtHOst7HQH6yb6ytQyVmbMYBZA/s1600/Castle+Elevator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEpj4agju_elWDg0O_cQsI7yJdfO8PqI104RIzAaWg5u5Gd6vlveZ_Wi-kdaoMkecspGpiPGmzLdOApoV1fakG2Yz0dXZ_3oj0Vxj7y38IjtfvncDnOtHOst7HQH6yb6ytQyVmbMYBZA/s320/Castle+Elevator.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beckett teasing Castle in the elevator at the<br />
conclusion of the episode- this bodes well for the season!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-1650582032834622872012-09-25T19:06:00.001-07:002012-09-25T19:08:04.371-07:00Book vs. Movie - Chamber of Secrets<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm so excited that Kristin is going to reread the <i>Harry Potter</i> series. It is always worth a reread! Since I just reread some Tamora Pierce this summer, I feel like we're staying true to our original challenge! lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To continue what I started last week, today I will compare the book and movie <i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Book</span></u></b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhxHRn6D48R68xmLCdggFlOIUzaOxRTugxJfKgqvBiNgRqBJwTUhoQegXxDYl5Yu9U4dyldkVMBzJSPnGglex6VAHG2GMpOBD_LwwyLrH2w2hU00r4Bu2uOER9m-x0tmhI0eKOW4JB8M/s1600/Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhxHRn6D48R68xmLCdggFlOIUzaOxRTugxJfKgqvBiNgRqBJwTUhoQegXxDYl5Yu9U4dyldkVMBzJSPnGglex6VAHG2GMpOBD_LwwyLrH2w2hU00r4Bu2uOER9m-x0tmhI0eKOW4JB8M/s1600/Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was the book that made me fall in love with the HP series. The humor, the darker storyline, Harry's questioning of himself, and the glimpse (very small one) of some romance made this novel well worth reading. On a reread this book becomes vitally important as well. Things you just take as they are become a huge part of the series - from Dobby to Voldemort's past to Lockhart to Griffindor's sword to the diary to the Chamber itself - they all come back in some way or another. We also get Ginny - adding humor and romance at the same time. And... I just like Ginny - she's kinda awesome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also thought that the storyline about Harry possibly being the heir of Slytherin was very well played out in this book. At 12 (the age Harry was in this book), kids do not know who they are; they're still trying to figure it out. The fact that Harry has this extra element - he could possibly be evil - just adds to this confusion. He has so many people against him, but Ron and Hermione are by his side - even if it means having to face giant spiders or having to being petrified. I think it was in CoS that the trio friendship was really cemented. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Movie</span></u></i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdQ3D1Yg2x1l4gCnjLs7UGtfKq9eEV3T3fliMKDnn2v48AbuNDoCjbHM64EdaCH7KwfvAuqA6t_dauYycIZZEY-y97usZpxEzAxaM9OYI27KaDgtKrUgyiMcDlgqedBBoQEB8XG7hOV8/s1600/hpcos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdQ3D1Yg2x1l4gCnjLs7UGtfKq9eEV3T3fliMKDnn2v48AbuNDoCjbHM64EdaCH7KwfvAuqA6t_dauYycIZZEY-y97usZpxEzAxaM9OYI27KaDgtKrUgyiMcDlgqedBBoQEB8XG7hOV8/s1600/hpcos.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris Columbus will always get my respect for staying true to the books - he really made the effort to make sure he showed all the important moments and I feel like he did them justice. The acting is still a little weak, but the storyline comes across well and the special effects are pretty good for 2001. I really liked Lockhart - he was perfect. The flying car and the whomping willow were great. And the chamber at the end was spot on. If anything was a problem, it would be that we couldn't really be in Harry's head. In the first book/movie that wasn't a huge problem, but now, when he's being accused and he can't figure out <i>himself</i> - I really wanted to be in his head a little bit. The book makes this possible, the movie... doesn't. That will always be a complaint about the different formats, but it is always hard to wrap my head around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And where was the Deathday Party? That probably would not have looked too great, but still - how cool would that be to see?</span></div>
<div>
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Issues</span></u></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Too long!</i> Believe me that will never again be a complaint about a HP movie, but CoS was too long - I can never make it all the way to the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not many - I feel like the book and movie work very well together. I mean, I do hate Daniel Radcliffe's hair, but that may not be worthy of complaint. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>My Big Whiny Complaint:</u></i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the movie there was not enough time with the Dursleys at the beginning - my favorite scene in the book and in the series at the time when I read this was completely left out! When Vernon is going through family duties and Harry keeps saying, "I'll be in my room, making no noise, and pretending I don't exist." It's so sad and funny and it was perfect timing. Such a 12 year old comment - I loved it. I literally laughed out loud and realized that I was in love with the series at that moment. I know it seems weird, but that was what did it for me. That perfect blend of sadness and humor - the movie was missing that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel like that really is the point that is missing from the movies - that feeling you get when you really connect with Harry - we're just outsiders in the movies, in the book, I'm experiencing everything myself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span></div>
lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-72487216626316412852012-09-25T15:09:00.002-07:002012-09-25T18:51:59.766-07:00Rereading Harry Potter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBao42fAtFoS6BuZCtFWi589U7h6iP5VyohKsnvI5tlpIhQVV5Hg5-6uIFJ7Y8Nr1g9-B7uyYfZjwUzmXaxdm41NMYfynDG006pzKamlYdyy1ClthS4ZYyt3XMwciLGsenF01ijp-ULJA/s1600/harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBao42fAtFoS6BuZCtFWi589U7h6iP5VyohKsnvI5tlpIhQVV5Hg5-6uIFJ7Y8Nr1g9-B7uyYfZjwUzmXaxdm41NMYfynDG006pzKamlYdyy1ClthS4ZYyt3XMwciLGsenF01ijp-ULJA/s320/harry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rereading Harry Potter from the very beginning</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am planning on rereading the Harry Potter series. I know I'm already rewatching Buffy, but that's actually not as big of a deal as this is. I've rewatched Buffy in it's entirety at minimum five times, and that's beginning to end. I've seen seasons in the middle several times, and who knows how many times I've rewatched favorite episodes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have read the Harry Potter series exactly one time. I am aware that that's sad. I've reread multiple Tamora Pierce series upwards of ten times, and I reread almost <i>every </i>book I like right away. I like to relive an amazing moment. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slytherins I don't really aim <br />
to be associated with</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't really understand my hesitation to reread this. I work in a school- I may not own all the books, but I can get them in seconds. I think my hesitation is the same as it's been to fully embrace the series. The first time I read it, they weren't characters who were new to me, they were already somebody else's and I was just reading along after them. I can't relive certain moments, because I didn't feel like I was present for most of it to begin with. This is just my weird, quirky, thing. I believe that my interest would improve with repeated readings, as they have with rewatching <i>Blink </i>(Doctor Who). I forget my first viewing and just anticipate what I already know. Plus, this time I'll know I'm Slytherin, so maybe I'll notice some new things with my fresh perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, I'm starting with The Sorcerer's Stone and doing a complete reread. I may not be as consistent as I would like with my comments on here, but I hope it'll be fun documenting along the way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-53786106724097545272012-09-23T18:11:00.000-07:002012-09-23T19:38:38.370-07:00An Anticlimactic Invasion- Doctor 7.4 Review<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know my Pacey picture is dreamy and should just replace all other pictures in the blog (or at least stay at the top longer than 24 hours)... but we've got to get a new Doctor review up and running!</span><br />
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So... The Power of Three. Can I just start with that? I thought that Power of Three crap was incredibly annoying - didn't like it. The beginning and the end, with Amy narrating, ugh. It's also the third (so 3 out of 4) episodes beginning with narration. On the upside, at least it was Amy. The other two have been from characters irrelevant to the story line. It seems like it's supposed to make you feel like something epic is happening, but I'm not sure that it followed through. </span><br />
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The setup of this episode was interesting. The year of the slow invasion; when the doctor came to stay. I liked that it went through the whole year (year and a half?), but was left wondering - when did this happen in reference to what we've seen this season? Are these events occuring in the order we've viewed them? Is it possible that this is before a Pond Life? It seems like it's after <i>Dinosaurs on a Spaceship</i> because Mr. Weasley (sorry, but that's who he is) knew the Doctor. I read an interesting theory stating that the Doctor is working backwards through his time with Amy and Rory... the Henry the 8th comment from "The Town Called Mercy" and then seeing the Henry the 8th situation in "The Power of Three" made me think we were definitely on wibbly wobbly time now.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A rather confusing villian</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hated the stupid cubes; ick. I'd rather have a freakin' Dalek or Cyberman. Even an adipose was better than those stupid things. And that villain? Who was that? I hope that there is some history there that I'm unaware of, or that they're coming back. We had tons of time spent on setting up this world-wide problem, and then it just ended. Why did the humans need to be wiped out? Who set that in motion? And whatever started it, surely we did not actually solve this damn cube crisis with the pressing of like three buttons. Come ON!! Waving a sonic screwdriver at something may help find a solution, but it is not an "Easy Button" that simply solved the entire crisis. It brought people back to life, defeated the villain, and saved the Earth? Seriously? It was anticlimactic and confusing.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kate & the Doctor</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adored the references to the past though - the fact that UNIT was back, that the head of UNIT was Brigadier's daughter - LOVE! Making me applaud our efforts in learning about Doctors 1-8 even more. (We will so have to go into that when we're done analyzing next week!) The comment about the companions - obviously not just about Rose and Martha and Donna (which haven't been mentioned in 2 seasons anyway), made me want to cry and cheer at the same time. Finally, some history of the Doctor being brought in! About time Steve Moffatt!! Thank you!!</span><br />
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I know we're in for a set up next week. Obviously the Ponds are not going to choose to go gently in to that good night, so it's going to be special and I'm certain, even as ready as I am, that tears will be involved. I didn't realize how sad I would be until I read that the last scene the trio actually filmed was from this episode. The final moment from the hour, the three waving good-bye as they stepped into the Tardis, was the final shot filmed with Amy, Rory, & the Doctor together. It made me sad to think of that, and I know next week is coming on strong.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihegNUUG4cjXjwKhzyEO3LhdU_gIiqoThHKZnda9rlRj5mfXq_gdkpXoXz1C4hFxUzg00l6x1rF4fEkGantbJX_lh5VnYT1O_LAKgbQaKOwUUi53oUuXwQi0tdcW1caOe27pInlCxhB_Y/s1600/Presentation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihegNUUG4cjXjwKhzyEO3LhdU_gIiqoThHKZnda9rlRj5mfXq_gdkpXoXz1C4hFxUzg00l6x1rF4fEkGantbJX_lh5VnYT1O_LAKgbQaKOwUUi53oUuXwQi0tdcW1caOe27pInlCxhB_Y/s320/Presentation1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rory, The Doctor, & Amy in their final shot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I actually peeked at next week (some people on this blog work hard not to watch "next time on..."); not going to say a thing, but I think we're in for a monumental episode. I think this is on Silence in the Library, Blink proportions people. Everything's been building to this episode and I think <i>some</i> of the confusion (because Lord knows it can't ever <u>all</u> be sorted out) will be put to rest.</span><br />
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DFTBA & Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jana & Kristin</span><br />
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lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-61571402756630102402012-09-22T05:49:00.001-07:002012-09-22T05:51:39.328-07:00My Pacey Complex<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy5oTLqrlMKhoDP41pd28sOU0zYJH_9P86902z8vVPEwruiWiIdRZ7uWUSH-bQdyfHCmZa3H7hWh_IM6z39Uh6x8nNnw3Dv8OWz1YPqnqpfUPUHGEY3SRgrEWlK-1lxJo7z2XtIyi7BE/s1600/pacey+and+joey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy5oTLqrlMKhoDP41pd28sOU0zYJH_9P86902z8vVPEwruiWiIdRZ7uWUSH-bQdyfHCmZa3H7hWh_IM6z39Uh6x8nNnw3Dv8OWz1YPqnqpfUPUHGEY3SRgrEWlK-1lxJo7z2XtIyi7BE/s320/pacey+and+joey.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who doesn't want a boy to look at you like that?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For Otherworld Saturday, I want to post about my love for the "Pacey" character. Let me clarify... Pacey (from Dawson's Creek) is the epitome of everything I love in a male character that is supposed to be my age. So naturally, I find "Paceys" everywhere in literature, movies, TV, etc. This is something I realized over time. I would find myself adoring a character and realized - It's because he's a Pacey. Of course. Now - I just figure out which one is supposed to be the Pacey and begin loving him immediately.</span><br />
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So, first - the characteristics:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAbzeQDXod_iHHMRsWOE0JGZACyerotEudGSg9adx0S8sBao9QT5XiIklBlVNzg10Yn7YJnex5-a7hILWpM-KmDNE0TCPUAkST_nZKRLW9QWMBQZF9olU50yXFxJ0z8wOMHwv_62-H9A/s1600/chandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAbzeQDXod_iHHMRsWOE0JGZACyerotEudGSg9adx0S8sBao9QT5XiIklBlVNzg10Yn7YJnex5-a7hILWpM-KmDNE0TCPUAkST_nZKRLW9QWMBQZF9olU50yXFxJ0z8wOMHwv_62-H9A/s200/chandler.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chandler's wit and weird childhood totally </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Misunderstood - he's really smart, but doesn't want to apply himself; he feels left out of the group and makes up for it by acting out. Poor misunderstood Pacey :(</span><br />
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2. The Best Friend - he's never the main character. A show about a Pacey doesn't last; he's the best friend of the main character - the one who comes up with the scheme, but never actually gets the credit. He's in the shadows and will occasionally resent it.</span><br />
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3. Witty - he's the funny one; sometimes sarcastic, sometimes stupid-funny, but always the character with the quip.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jim just made a possible mistake on The Office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope he makes it a success! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Acts strong, but is very sensitive - He puts up a front, but will break. He just wants to be loved people! And when he loves you - wow, he's the best boy there could ever be.</span><br />
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5. Always falls for the girl he really shouldn't get - he aims above his status; he will get the girl sometimes because he is so witty and sensitive and misunderstood, but there will always be drama.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2c9542S_hhpIECpKf83JveN0H3TGIODNHS80KVj-dti3TQn0cVUG3zIxK1hKuZ-_JmSWNaooFS7Qid2NHG6vy8V_hLLlklJjGKbeV69p4LcX0u8CaiTBLzKEsXA30oimO8S-EGOvgT8/s1600/ron_weasley3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2c9542S_hhpIECpKf83JveN0H3TGIODNHS80KVj-dti3TQn0cVUG3zIxK1hKuZ-_JmSWNaooFS7Qid2NHG6vy8V_hLLlklJjGKbeV69p4LcX0u8CaiTBLzKEsXA30oimO8S-EGOvgT8/s200/ron_weasley3.jpg" width="148" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh Ron... </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. Loyal - almost to a fault. If he does betray his bestie, he will spent the rest of the movie, book, series, etc trying to make up for this ultimate sin.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE0S5DFclxqW9LFitTbCViXpWt_w4Hk0z547s1iHt86ZkmOOtNAski69C0JjquuQMMMcZN0S2xP3MfhA4qJOeNDMgq9DKUq6ylcrmrBKYoirTc9J8lSvilfZpS8bmxHvYrRNVdBj7VPQ/s1600/cappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE0S5DFclxqW9LFitTbCViXpWt_w4Hk0z547s1iHt86ZkmOOtNAski69C0JjquuQMMMcZN0S2xP3MfhA4qJOeNDMgq9DKUq6ylcrmrBKYoirTc9J8lSvilfZpS8bmxHvYrRNVdBj7VPQ/s1600/cappy.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cappy as Prince Charming! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. Makes mistakes - a lot; fails class, says the wrong thing, gets in trouble, tries to help and ends up making things worse, and will without a doubt, screw it up with the girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. Surprises everyone - he might fall off the grid for a little while, but will come back and be the success. It's the growing up that makes a Pacey a man! (Then the show can be about him! lol) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Just writing about him, makes me love him all the more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Obviously Pacey is a Pacey, but we've also got: Xander (BtVS), Ron (HP), Wash (Firefly), Edmund (Chronicles of Narnia), Cappy (Greek), Nick (New Girl), Puck (Glee), Ben (Parks and Rec), Jim (The Office), George (Alanna books), Peeta (Hunger Games), Gilbert (Anne of Green Gables), Steve (Sex and the City), Chandler (Friends). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
The list can go on and on. The Pacey character is everywhere and he will always be my favorite! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
DFTBA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span>lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-65381837757063140582012-09-20T19:57:00.003-07:002012-09-20T20:02:02.407-07:00Buffy in Review- Welcome to the Hellmouth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Whedonverse Thursdays I’m going to offer a closer look
at significant episodes throughout the series.
Yes, this could take a while.
Yes, I may skip over a few. I
plan to mention most episodes, while being in-depth with my reviews from the
perspective of a well versed fan on a rewatch. Here goes the walk-through.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvW8JXv0rIPkkHDyACuE1m517gQKm62P66AVXmfIP7eITZsPNuv0-MRDu1aktioUB8orH5EmfndFeb84_usf1rKbCuXVJEmPKzXmST0u4jAgd61_2vmAUL5UDYXUe3R6yOjTH05Txjf4/s1600/Darla.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvW8JXv0rIPkkHDyACuE1m517gQKm62P66AVXmfIP7eITZsPNuv0-MRDu1aktioUB8orH5EmfndFeb84_usf1rKbCuXVJEmPKzXmST0u4jAgd61_2vmAUL5UDYXUe3R6yOjTH05Txjf4/s320/Darla.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">First scene of BTVS, featuring Darla</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course we’ll be beginning with the premiere, <i>Welcome to the Hellmouth</i>. It begins with Darla walking into the
abandoned school, acting unsure, until her somewhat threatening companion
suddenly turns into dinner. Of course on
this rewatch we know it’s Darla, and it’s been a while since I’ve seen the school
girl outfit. It’s kind of fun to see her and try to imagine her helpless. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first moments with Buffy are spent in her dreams. Before we ever meet her, we see that inside
her head are dark and frightening images.
This contrasts with the rest of the room and a cheerful Joyce, but our
first encounter with Buffy is actually with her unconscious, and that’s a dark
scary place. Also, as a rewatcher we
know that those images are from her future, so we’re also seeing that her
dreams can be prophetic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The influx of the 90s wardrobe is immediate upon arrival at
school, but it’s not the focus. I guess
I don’t find it all that distracting.
What was <i>way</i> more distracting
was Xander on a skateboard. I’m okay
with how that did not last. The unique
Buffy-esque dialogue also hit hard and fast, with such classic quotes &
phrases as “The library. Where the books live,” from Willow explaining to
Xander where he could find a math book, and Xander’s questioning of Jesse “What’s
the sitch?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSiV0IrDSRH8XSB9707fnLcoyL7HXSrj4OqltwCXRC_OHMLC-seUZW0BtMnf-oDyXW8IDAzpuninkKrsLlD8Noe11QNCOnzhFED4QSY4qEZx8J99C67jGtRU6NZHL0Xszw0YLiuOpMuM/s1600/Jesse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSiV0IrDSRH8XSB9707fnLcoyL7HXSrj4OqltwCXRC_OHMLC-seUZW0BtMnf-oDyXW8IDAzpuninkKrsLlD8Noe11QNCOnzhFED4QSY4qEZx8J99C67jGtRU6NZHL0Xszw0YLiuOpMuM/s200/Jesse.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesse, played by Eric Balfour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah, Jesse. So rarely
to be heard about in the later years. It’s
hard to believe in the three musketeers of Willow, Xander, & Jesse when in
the many times the Xander/Willow younger days are discussed, no one ever
mentions him. Also, they are just not
broken up very long about the tragic death of their lifelong friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Principal Flutie is then impressed by Buffy’s history-
enough to tape it back together. The
memory of Flutie fades in the wake of Snyder’s dominant personality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, Xander’s first line to Buffy- “Can I have you?” I love that. Of course, the answer is ‘sorry
but no,’ to the eternal sadness of a few hopeful fans. I was never personally a big believer that Xander
was somewhere Buffy needed to go. Xander
is too real and grounded for Buffy.
This is a conversation for another post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Xander then picks up the stake that fell out of Buffy’s
bag. If she’s so moved on, as evidenced
when she reacts to Giles, why is she carrying weapons? So we’ve met Xander, now onto Cordelia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eEUEhnfJErd8oTkKaceqz-Kk7iL7mARte3v6PoqsvC9LB1TTMjKxTXfTQ4UyjCF3QXCBsnpt_wGuwcwN6zfj1_2bK7HLo1PHkkJ-l3HufwnhLBfq7CvTKDDcUKP-V5rLwG_A8doWefo/s1600/James+Spader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eEUEhnfJErd8oTkKaceqz-Kk7iL7mARte3v6PoqsvC9LB1TTMjKxTXfTQ4UyjCF3QXCBsnpt_wGuwcwN6zfj1_2bK7HLo1PHkkJ-l3HufwnhLBfq7CvTKDDcUKP-V5rLwG_A8doWefo/s200/James+Spader.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(9:40) Okay, Cordy’s coolness test? Did they seriously love <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000652/" target="_blank">James Spader</a>? Apparently he <i>needs</i> to call Buffy. I wasn’t
even sure who that was, so here you go.
And seriously, who is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tesh" target="_blank">John Tesh</a>? Buffy,
who’s seen real demons, is calling him the devil. I read his Wikipedia article, but that didn’t
really solve it for me. Is this even the right guy? Is it just me? I was watching this in the 6<sup>th</sup>
grade, so I took it for granted when I didn’t know these people, but I still
have no idea. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYJAGFMgVk0FDOJ40eAyd64aiAR3FR-PUuW5B96BmEXcy25jzGYGqCeedIcZneyqFCnFtglGthONA6UqOOtAgbaAaBtNaQoGkEFfbQibIj6xSuI2-SvNc18SRvAJIBqoS2lp5rREbr0/s1600/VampyrBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYJAGFMgVk0FDOJ40eAyd64aiAR3FR-PUuW5B96BmEXcy25jzGYGqCeedIcZneyqFCnFtglGthONA6UqOOtAgbaAaBtNaQoGkEFfbQibIj6xSuI2-SvNc18SRvAJIBqoS2lp5rREbr0/s320/VampyrBook.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The book the Slayer needs immediately, but never again.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(12:10)Marking through introduction of other main characters, we can check off
Giles with Buffy’s visit to the library. I love how Giles throws that Vampyr book down
in front of Buffy without even saying who he is. Exactly why did he
believe that she needed that particular book?
Is it the handbook mentioned by Kendra later? Do we see it again? I plan
to be on the lookout, because apparently the Slayer was coming to Sunnydale and
the first thing she would want would be that exact book! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Onto our first dead body.
Okay, why do we never see the girls in the locker room again? We could have missed out on Aphrodesia (sp?)
being the best vapid Sunnydale student turned demon ever! (Sorry Harmony.) And
that other girl can scream. We hear in
the next scene or name is Ora (sp?).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meeting Willow, where we learn that the library gives Buffy “the
wiggins.” I totally picked up that word
in middle school. Things wigged me out
and gave me the wiggins all the time. Buffy, upon seeing the dead body, runs to
Giles and declares that she doesn’t care.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I completely love this scene. Listening to Buffy, I realize that Sarah
Michelle Gellar already had a fully developed Buffy down pat. Anthony Stewart Head is there as Giles,
too. The music is just a bit corny, and
it might be my personal sense of nostalgia, but by this point I am fully
invested. I understand Buffy’s plight as
a normal girl, and despite not having seen her do anything yet, I believe in
her strength. I believe that she could
take on some vamps and hold her own. Of
course, Xander overhears about her slayage at this point. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our first view real of the vampires is the ritualistic Master and
his minions. It’s very different and
detached from reality. I like it more a bit
later in the series when the big bads can blend a little better into day to day
life, and you can relate a little more to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qRPHJG1q4r05UHQcTLSvq1lekPGPehuA3pYsTN5Il8vzHQ55LpioMX29o7oXhhEb7HfBqvKy4qGaZ96334XUm-pIdksEvr7ryiO90o1PvHzkPX6-mkTptfNLZBt-iCMP0AXdIUoNWQM/s1600/Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qRPHJG1q4r05UHQcTLSvq1lekPGPehuA3pYsTN5Il8vzHQ55LpioMX29o7oXhhEb7HfBqvKy4qGaZ96334XUm-pIdksEvr7ryiO90o1PvHzkPX6-mkTptfNLZBt-iCMP0AXdIUoNWQM/s320/Angel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angel, played by David Boreanez</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(24:30) Oh, Angel. He
seems so young here. I watch Bones, so he is 16 years younger in this moment. I have spent more than half my life in love
with this guy. I ADORE that their first
moment is Buffy taking him out. She
holds the power from minute one. I also
love that his first comment to her is sarcastic. His shirt is disturbingly shiny here. What is it made out of? He is pretty hot, though. Surprise.
I do enjoy this scene- just a taste.
He doesn’t have the ancient feel of the Master and crew or the Vampyr tome of Giles, or the same vibe as the ultra-trendy high school hallways. He
stands out against that backdrop, offering something different and intriguing. We see the necklace he gives her at this
moment. It definitely shows that Angel
wants to keep her safe, even if she found him “annoying” and “really didn’t
like him.” (Twilight note- proper
response to lurking stalkers.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSs5LXFIO8_LiSCCk3mZfsNYi9FebK5FB5SBvzMDkk86SkKHQ-kIwoTeJgxgkqHiQ7om3JT1fvPqHRudB6sTun_agDd7_MSdp1Duw9ddC418Imjs-ahozo0UoD5vS5ZAYUKWaZM8r3vc/s1600/Giles.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSs5LXFIO8_LiSCCk3mZfsNYi9FebK5FB5SBvzMDkk86SkKHQ-kIwoTeJgxgkqHiQ7om3JT1fvPqHRudB6sTun_agDd7_MSdp1Duw9ddC418Imjs-ahozo0UoD5vS5ZAYUKWaZM8r3vc/s200/Giles.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Giles being a creeper</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Entering the Bronze.
I’ll analyze the Bronze itself another time. Are there many bars that let in fifteen year
olds in reality? I love seeing Giles just
lurking in the upper levels, concerned because Buffy “didn’t hone” (32:00).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Master and Luke are not all that interesting to me. I mean, it’s interesting that the Master
doesn’t ever look normal, but I don’t love him. It’s so much better when you
love the bad guy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We’ve reached the crisis moment. Willow and a snacked upon Jesse are at
dragged into a crypt, and we have a corny moment when Darla transforms “to
feed!” I like how Darla contrasts her
soft and hard so much in her human and vamp forms. She seems so sweet human form, and so hard
when she asks Buffy “Who the hell are you?”
(38:00). This all leads to our first dusting. I love this whole easy clean-up method set up
by Joss. I remember when I saw the movie
later and I could not figure out why the dead vamps were still lying
around. Wouldn’t people notice? It’s so much easier to believe that the people
of Sunnydale live in ignorant bliss when the vamps can be gotten rid of with so
little trail. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I enjoy that Buffy has a past, though. I like a stronger Buffy who already knows
what’s up. I know Joss would have done a
wonderful job, but I’m glad I don’t have to wait to see a Buffy who can take on
the Vessel. She’s already got an
understanding of what’s being asked of her, and we already feel her pain at the
life she’s lost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We’re going to breaking at this, with Buffy losing her
battle with Luke in a typical horror story growl. We’ll pick up next Thursday with
a detailed review of <i>The Harvest. </i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-17533805767735120012012-09-20T16:08:00.004-07:002013-01-28T18:38:15.399-08:00Favorite Characters in the Whedonverse: Anya<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For Whedonverse Thursdays, I've decided to do some character studies on my favorite characters from the Whedonverse. Plot makes a story work, but it's the characters that keep you coming back to the show/book/series. Whedon (and the amazing writers he finds) <u><b>know</b></u> characters - they know how to make us love a character and then question that love and then love him/her again. In like 2 minutes. It's kinda awesome. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My first character is from <i>Buffy: The Vampire Slayer </i>- Anya. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the moment we first met Anya in "The Wish" in Season 3, I knew we had a character I would like. She changed a little from this first episode; most notably, she wasn't a demon for much longer, but she was always very amusing. I think her history and her fresh perspective on the world as a human were always interesting. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: I can just hear you in private. "I dislike that Anya. She's newly human, and strangely literal". </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004989/" style="color: #70579d;">Willow</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: What? I don't say that. No one says that. No one talks that way.</span>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6rmDLzbV99sWndl60hgg0kaFmyffYP8hsqaHap81ByI1-wvvY-7Pbqdps4hiRbHj3v_HbXg6z0apapXbQt7rb9vEdQeaUE5kCCH3sF72PD9cvAvsOwFkoa7CNq6ukztE0jqHBKPAeQc/s1600/anya+xander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6rmDLzbV99sWndl60hgg0kaFmyffYP8hsqaHap81ByI1-wvvY-7Pbqdps4hiRbHj3v_HbXg6z0apapXbQt7rb9vEdQeaUE5kCCH3sF72PD9cvAvsOwFkoa7CNq6ukztE0jqHBKPAeQc/s320/anya+xander.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anya and Xander - so cute!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her relationship with Xander is important - Xander had gone for girls that were not equal to him: Buffy would never be able to care about him the way he would need it, Cordelia would always want to seem above him, but Anya - she needed Xander. Sometimes, his role was simply to tell her how to act, but he was able to see past her oddness and love her for herself. I, for one, hated the fact that they didn't end up happy together. It was the right decision for the show, but a little part of me really wanted them together forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anya was the queen of quirks - from loving money to fearing bunnies, she always had some weird idea or feeling. She always said exactly what was on her mind, which made her the kind of person you could admire. Of course, she was also the kind of person that would make you look at her sideways. (So, I guess I can relate to her pretty well then.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But Whedon's characters have depth; Anya, while hilarious and abrupt, was affected emotionally by the things that happened to her and those around her. Since these emotions were so new to her and often confused her, she was, at times, the most relateable. When Buffy's mother died, her reaction and questioning is something a lot of people go through, but would never want to talk about. Her ability to say what she is thinking and feeling, allows an outlet for her emotions and allows the viewer to relate to her more than some of the other characters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Are they gonna cut the body open? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004989/" style="color: #70579d;">Willow</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Oh my God! Would you just... stop talking? Just... shut your mouth. Please. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: What am I doing? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004989/" style="color: #70579d;">Willow</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: How can you act like that? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Am I supposed to be changing my clothes a lot? I mean, is that the helpful thing to do? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0107183/" style="color: #70579d;">Xander</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Guys... </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004989/" style="color: #70579d;">Willow</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: The way you behave... </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Nobody will tell me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004989/" style="color: #70579d;">Willow</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: Because it's not okay for you to be asking these things. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: But I don't understand. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">[</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">begins to cry</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">] </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eb1EjBTELDewrF2zjrT0MsGi24gbDeAzd0BGig8hpzDoRPGlc4-HXeJhu27_G6uwWCaqLnk-PNla2MMf-xEmQ4ckdVRWuALY-yxjKmmHmaMWTCXLNvODuUUzDhxc4S8_DIZjEqUJbpU/s1600/anya+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eb1EjBTELDewrF2zjrT0MsGi24gbDeAzd0BGig8hpzDoRPGlc4-HXeJhu27_G6uwWCaqLnk-PNla2MMf-xEmQ4ckdVRWuALY-yxjKmmHmaMWTCXLNvODuUUzDhxc4S8_DIZjEqUJbpU/s320/anya+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During her confusion in "The Body." </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146536/" style="color: #70579d;">Anya</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">: I don't understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I mean, I knew her, and then she's- There's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead anymore. It's stupid. It's mortal and stupid. And-and Xander's crying and not talking, and-and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me why. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She's an awesome character and always amused me greatly in my watching of Buffy. She may not have been the most important member of the Scooby gang, but I always enjoy a good Anya line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana </span></div>
lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-51081736561129289892012-09-19T20:16:00.003-07:002012-09-19T20:17:06.918-07:00J's Review of Revolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN1xLZFtJ0zo6CEb-fONeflS3yEInj_HTde5Y7AoNh1ycjrXvvC4qPqPs_VDZzI2Eqle-OOaog0I_mS6dwJBpyrtOi9sFv3MqI7FMPVKSnKZOOaa3flQj1WnriVh1DSD1v9miDEHz894/s1600/revolution-tv-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN1xLZFtJ0zo6CEb-fONeflS3yEInj_HTde5Y7AoNh1ycjrXvvC4qPqPs_VDZzI2Eqle-OOaog0I_mS6dwJBpyrtOi9sFv3MqI7FMPVKSnKZOOaa3flQj1WnriVh1DSD1v9miDEHz894/s320/revolution-tv-show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, one of the shows I was looking forward to the most this season was <i>Revolution</i>. I watched the premiere the other night and was, to say the least, underwhelmed (that word always makes me think of 10 Things - can you just be whelmed?). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The premise sounded awesome and J.J. Abrams always comes up with fun stuff. <i>Revolution</i> had these <i>Lost</i> moments (down to the music) and that may have been its downfall - it was trying to hard to attract the <i>Lost</i> crowd. It wanted to impress me too much. Like <i>Lost, </i>I was left with questions - is Nate good or bad, why did Sebastian turn bad, why DID the power go out, and why in the world can't they get it back on? I'm glad I have questions, but I certainly hope, unlike <i>Lost</i>, some of this can be answered soon. I'm also not sure how long they can draw this out - I think we'll all get tired of this "we have no power" thing pretty soon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsTmwz9DuNpSPknJc4bpZegaZdkIW41texPVpNA10Kb5iPGO7VMI34FzmxPGmmVFhHtbF4Dz9ibT9XwWKfWi05SY8P3QL1i_aeZA-pSoF2C3SjZ3kC25Qdu60pcHIH1HDxxZJ5BpbI64/s1600/Revolution+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsTmwz9DuNpSPknJc4bpZegaZdkIW41texPVpNA10Kb5iPGO7VMI34FzmxPGmmVFhHtbF4Dz9ibT9XwWKfWi05SY8P3QL1i_aeZA-pSoF2C3SjZ3kC25Qdu60pcHIH1HDxxZJ5BpbI64/s320/Revolution+cast.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt like they didn't set up the world very well, but that doesn't surprise me. This is obviously one of those shows where we'll find out the information piece by piece. Seeing as how <i>Revolution</i> is set in areas that Americans will obviously know, I wish they had spent some time on how the power down really affected everyone - what is the world like? I don't just want to know Charlie's perspective - I want to know what happened everywhere. Hopefully, they'll get there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other problem with the show was Charlie. For the main character, she was not that developed. She obviously has parental issues, but she is not very interesting. I would much rather watch the story from someone else's perspective. She seems like a very weak Katniss character. And the whole reason anyone likes Katniss is her strength. A weak Katniss - boring. I hate that she bores me because the boys (Miles and her brother) are much more interesting. She could be awesome, but so far, I don't like her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, that's my review of <i>Revolution</i> - I think I'll try another episode or two, in the hopes that it gets better. At least tomorrow, TV will be awesome. New Parks and Rec!! Awesome sauce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DFTBA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jana</span></div>
lucygirljbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03163585015321997846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303217167448002257.post-59140485592890434202012-09-19T18:59:00.001-07:002012-09-19T19:19:58.168-07:00Vampire Diaries- To Watch or Not to Watch?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW00jqPOLQnGMtLZdItXk1xm7uAEQdilG54bguhJVHfCLBtW_6RJ6EkYRLzEkFmJQIqEYTgYUNcV9VSbyR-wsLu8Pz5QUWa8vpU5o_RGatM971OqVQvGgVYOHL5kTX3EcZAvOenGkhoE/s1600/Vampire+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW00jqPOLQnGMtLZdItXk1xm7uAEQdilG54bguhJVHfCLBtW_6RJ6EkYRLzEkFmJQIqEYTgYUNcV9VSbyR-wsLu8Pz5QUWa8vpU5o_RGatM971OqVQvGgVYOHL5kTX3EcZAvOenGkhoE/s320/Vampire+Diaries.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Vampire Diaries</b> <br />
Seasons 1-3 now available on Netflix</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, today in my world of Fandom I am considering whether or not I'm going to be watching Vampire Diaries this season. <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/70143860?strkid=1562329694_0_0&trkid=222336&movieid=70143860" target="_blank">The last season just became available on Netflix</a>, so it's time to make a decision. I am a season behind, and I have acted with my usual spoiler caution when it comes to this show. While I may have become aware of a few unavoidable plot points, I've avoided scenes, video recaps, Youtube clips, or detailed episode summaries. This indicates I'm not ready to give it up.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why I'm Behind</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got behind because I didn't watch all of Season 2 last year, and I was behind when Season 3 began. I couldn't catch up easily on Netflix, and the CW had taken the latest new stuff off the web before I caught up on the old stuff. It was a no win. I didn't watch any of Season 3, because I hate seeing bits and pieces ahead of time if I'm going to watch it later. Now we're about to begin Season 4, and yay <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/70143860?strkid=1562329694_0_0&trkid=222336&movieid=70143860" target="_blank">Netflix</a>, you've placed the last season online in time for me to catch up! It may happen...</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I Saw the Cast on Their Mall Tour</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw the cast at a panel during their mall tour a couple of years back. I hadn't really been to any celebrity panel-like events before, so I had no frame of reference at the time. I waited for hours with friends, and ended up directly front and center, surrounded by 15-18 year old girls. When the cast came out, they looked exactly like they do on television. They were gorgeous, and seemed to have had their clothes, hair, and make-up done by the series stylists. The problem that occurred was that I spent the entire time wishing we were talking to someone more important on the show- the producer, the script writers, or the author of the books. The questions asked of the actors were simplistic and the actors catered to them, seeming to almost be in character while they answered questions about what it was like to act with one another and did they like Atlanta. Of course "Who would you pick, Stefan or Damon?" seemed to be the repeating question to the point of annoyance. They looked great and were respectably entertaining, but I wasn't impressed. It's probable that they were catering the teenage crowd- you certainly felt like you were talking to the characters most of the time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcUJPKJAyKsKIb8LxRLBoRsoR2ELCyjK-grrym5RC16iCUFvrqpSQsgt3FLvPXjE0Wa0ajN1oIl9xjUz-2D28ziuqASf7fhe65OP0SZmyQiBCZv3fUT15iUiRoyQavV9H0pfZRWkpAFA/s1600/Dragoncon+Panel+Vamp+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcUJPKJAyKsKIb8LxRLBoRsoR2ELCyjK-grrym5RC16iCUFvrqpSQsgt3FLvPXjE0Wa0ajN1oIl9xjUz-2D28ziuqASf7fhe65OP0SZmyQiBCZv3fUT15iUiRoyQavV9H0pfZRWkpAFA/s320/Dragoncon+Panel+Vamp+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughts on the DragonCon Vampire Diaries Panel?<br />
I'd love to hear them!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>The Cast at Dragon*Con 2012</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The cast was at Dragon*Con while I was there recently, and I had people ask me if they were worth seeing. I told them that despite being unimpressed in the past, I wasn't sure. Were they just catering to the younger audience when I saw them? I'd like to think they would be more relaxed and more themselves at a convention populated with people mostly their own age. Also, I hope the questions would be of higher quality. <b>Anyway, I would love to hear someone's opinion who has seen a different kind of panel from this cast. </b>What did you think? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The premiere is scheduled for Thurs. October 11th at 8:00 on the CW.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay Shiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0