So, the past two seasons of Heroes, have, with the minor exception here and there, basically sucked. They had too many characters, focused too narrowly on the three or four they thought most appealed to audiences (Newsflash: They didn’t. Peter Petrelli will always be a whiny tool to me), and just lost the idea that a show has to have a distinct narrative thread. But, this video, to me, almost makes the past two seasons of Heroes worth all of that. Comedic (And somewhat NSFW) glory embedded below:
So, yeah, that’s all kinds of awesome. There’s apparently one for Supernatural out there too, but seeing as I’m still stuck in the middle of the first season of Supernatural (It’s the new show that I’m trying to work my way through multiple back seasons of. Worth it, readers?), I can’t judge whether or not it’s better. Credit to the awesome io9 (Gawker’s Sci-Fi blog) for posting this video. I’m not sure it fully redeems the past two seasons of Heroes, but it sure makes the failed potential somewhat more palatable.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thoughts on the REAL Idol Finale
So, Kris won. Color me… surprised? I wouldn't say shocked. Unlike the judges, I didn't count him out. But I was definitely expecting Adam to win. But since Adam is basically guaranteed a record deal after the show, I'm not at all upset by the outcome of the show, unlike the spitting mad Adam fans who can be found on nearly every Idol message board. I actually feel that this outcome is better for both guys, although I feel bad for Kris having to release “No Boundaries” as his first singe. Poor guy.
But the Idol finale was as bloat as ever, and I'd call roughly half palatable. In a shocking turn of events, my favorite moment was courtesy of our 9th and 10th place finishers and a comedy icon. I LOVED the Steve Martin banjo number. It was sweet and simply melodic, fit Megan's voice best of anything she's sung on the show, and even Michael Sarver was actually pretty good. Since Wednesday, I've already listened to the original (featuring Vince Gill and Dolly Parton on vocals, a definite recommendation) like 10 times.
Most of the other performances were fairly forgettable. I enjoyed Kris and Keith Urban, but wished Kris had been paired with Jason Mraz instead. Adam with Kiss was not as good as Adam with Queen would have likely been. Looking back after Kris' win, though, “We Are The Champions” is actually really fitting, since they basically both won. Also, Simon's distinct lack of standing during Kris' victory reeked of douche. Not surprising, but still bears mentioning. So, yeah, all in all, a mixed bag of a finale. But when going into it I knew I was guaranteed to be happy with the outcome, I was perfectly fine with the mixed bag.
But the Idol finale was as bloat as ever, and I'd call roughly half palatable. In a shocking turn of events, my favorite moment was courtesy of our 9th and 10th place finishers and a comedy icon. I LOVED the Steve Martin banjo number. It was sweet and simply melodic, fit Megan's voice best of anything she's sung on the show, and even Michael Sarver was actually pretty good. Since Wednesday, I've already listened to the original (featuring Vince Gill and Dolly Parton on vocals, a definite recommendation) like 10 times.
Most of the other performances were fairly forgettable. I enjoyed Kris and Keith Urban, but wished Kris had been paired with Jason Mraz instead. Adam with Kiss was not as good as Adam with Queen would have likely been. Looking back after Kris' win, though, “We Are The Champions” is actually really fitting, since they basically both won. Also, Simon's distinct lack of standing during Kris' victory reeked of douche. Not surprising, but still bears mentioning. So, yeah, all in all, a mixed bag of a finale. But when going into it I knew I was guaranteed to be happy with the outcome, I was perfectly fine with the mixed bag.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance 5/21- It’s Baaaaaack!
Hey folks,
Nate here. If you didn’t see my previous two posts, I will be your handy-dandy recapper for the season. Anyhoo, I’m super excited that So You Think You Can Dance is back! Can we all have a collective whoo girl moment? SYTYCD WHOO!!!!!!! Wasn’t that fun? I promise, I will not be this goofy the rest of the season. It’s just I’m finally getting a weekly Cat Deeley fix again. It was a rough winter folks. Rough. There may or may have not been rioting in the streets. On second thought, I may have imagined that. But either way, I’m glad to have my Cat back.
We start out with a Cat video package of auditions, and watching all the dancey goodness is making me ooze with anticipation. At least, I hope that’s what that ooze is. Folks, I swear I’m not this goofed out always, for serious. But audition episodes are always hard to recap, so what I think I’m gonna do is just highlight the dancers who, for one reason or another (meaning the good, the bad, and the ugly (both good and bad versions of ugly)) and give mention to anyone who the show picks out.
New York (Fine, Brooklyn, but that doesn’t count, you’re just a borough after all)
Ok, so Cat dances with some of the auditioners, and she’s even more adorable than I remember. Seriously folks, be prepared for ridiculous amounts of Cat love throughout the season. The judges for New York are Nigel, Mary, and Tabitha and Napoleon.
Gabi Rojas- She was raised in the circus and has rheumatoid arthritis. Ok, so she hasn’t danced yet and I’m already rooting for her. Good way to start the show. But when she starts dancing, I’m really rooting for her. She reminds me a little bit of Mark (S4) in the way she moves. But it’s absolutely captivating. She’s so fluid and remarkable. If she doesn’t get a ticket straight through to Vegas, I’m gonna be mad. She gets a standing ovation from most of the audience and judges, and that’s a good sign. Nigel says it’s one of the best auditions of any season and says she’s destined for the top 20. She also earns a Mary Murphy scream (Oh god, I forgot about that). She goes straight through to Vegas. Good.
Mutation (Storyboard-P and Hobgoblin)- Ok, so they’re painted like zombies. The show subtitles all their weird terms, and they say they’re dancing to show change, like Obama. I’m… intrigued. It’s interesting, certainly, but besides being contortionists, it’s not great. In fact, the way they move their bodies is creeping out both me and the judges. I do like when they climb on the judges table and send the judges cowering in fear. Ok, I’m not a fan of “joint-tortionism.” The judges deem them interesting and they inspired Napoleon, and are sent to choreography to see if they can actually dance.
SIDE NOTE: You’ll see these a lot during my recaps. They’re thoughts not really connected to the show, but that I feel like saying. For instance, I LOVE the new Prius commercials with nature made of people. It’s like Soylent Green, but warm and fuzzy.
Peter Sabasino- He challenges Nigel to a tap duel AND gets a video package at home, which means he clearly makes it far. He seems charismatic, and I don’t know much about tap at all, but he seems impressive with his footwork and the judges clearly like it a lot. Nigel calls him tremendous, Mary wanted him to wear less clothing, and Napoleon liked his buildup. He gets sent straight to Vegas on his tap alone, which is… impressive.
Tiffany Geigel- She has a form of spinal dysplasia and was not expected to live through her first night. She’s 23 now, and Cat has a genuine and great chat with her about her life. Her dancing is really amazing, considering her condition. She is genuinely really good. Nigel dances around (Pun!) how to critique her, and then surprisingly enough gives her a real critique of her technique before talking about her bravery, for which the entire room gives her a standing ovation. They can’t really put her through to Hollywood, but they praise her for showing up and dancing. She just wanted to prove her point though, and she’s glad she did.
SIDE NOTE: I really want a Weight Watchers Hungry. I don’t know why Weight Watchers thinks anyone would want to fight one. I wanna cuddle it.
Maksim Kapitannikov- He’s dancing with Faina from season 3, and is a ballroomer. The judges see potential, and send him to choreography.
Nabuya Nagahama- The show seems to be making fun of his accent at first, which is a little strange for the show. But I actually really enjoy his audition. The judges seem to be having fun, but I have my doubts about seeing him again. He seems like one of those cannon fodder fun auditions. But he is sent to choreography.
Choreography Day 1- Lauren from season 3 is doing the choreography round and, according to her, it’s tough because its season 5 and it should be. Mutation leaves before even dancing, because they don’t want to face their competition. Maksim makes it to Vegas and so does Nabuya.
Arielle Taylor- She auditioned for season 3, made it to Vegas, but she admits she wasn’t ready yet. She’s pretty good. Not blow your mind amazing, but very fluid and graceful, and she knows how to connect with the audience. Nigel thinks she’s absolutely terrific, Mary calls her stunning, and Tabitha likes that she’s come back. She gets a ticket to Vegas.
Thomas Martin and Amanda Clark- They’re doing the Bolero. He was a champion baton twirler when he was young. Napoleon starts laughing during their routine, which is not really appropriate since they’re not that bad. Nigel calls it ungainly, Mary calls it novice dancing, and it’s just a no across the board.
Nina Estrina and Igor Zabrodin- They’re a ballroom couple doing a cha cha. As I’ve said before, I don’t really know much about ballroom and ballroom technique, but they’re really good. Exciting to watch, certainly. And Nina spins like 20 times at the end in succession and it’s kind of banoodles. Nigel calls it fabulous, Mary calls the spin the longest one she’s ever seen (She uses the technical term but I didn’t catch it). Tabitha and Napoleon thought their control was great. They go to the choreography round.
SIDE NOTE: That Honda Fit Blowfish ad is one of the best car ads I’ve seen in a long time.
Kellen Stancil- He dances with an umbrella, but seemingly ditches it at some point, oh no, wait, it’s back. His dancing is good, but honestly, the umbrella is distracting. He’s clearly a very talented dancer, though, and I think he’d catch my attention more without the prop. Apparently, the umbrella for his lost aunt, and now I feel like a jerk for dissing the prop. Sorry dead aunt. Tabitha hones in on the connection and importance of the routine, and Napoleon was moved. He gets a ticket straight to Vegas.
Chimezie Nwosu- He’s a breaker, and he seems fun in his intro video package. His actual dancing is kind of preposterously awesome. I love watching him, and he runs up a wall and just misses landing the flip. He’s still the best breaker we’ve seen yet. Nigel calls it fun and inventive. Mary smiled the whole time. Napoleon wanted more meat and foundation, but loved the performance and Tabitha congratulates his smart choices. He goes through to choreography.
Choreography Day 2- When dancing with new partners, Igor succeeds and Nina fails. Chimezie makes it through too.
DENVER
Judges: Nigel, Mary, and Sonja. YAY SONJA!
Kayla Rodamski- A cute blonde with a video package back at home, which means she’s makin’ it far. The video package reminds me a bit of Chelsie (S4). Her dancing is pretty great. There’s something about her hands that I can’t tell whether it’s good or bad. But they keep distracting me from her actual dancing. Nigel says she brought it and liked the hands. Mary agrees. Sonja calls it smokin’ hot and slick and slippery and this makes me want Sonja to be a judge A LOT. Like, her critiques are great. Kayla goes straight through to Vegas.
SIDE NOTE: I can’t wait to see Up. The last time I wanted to see a movie this badly was… Wall-E. Pixar, like Cat Deeley, can do no wrong. Wait, I forgot about Cars. But still, you catch my drift.
So, in the video package of great dances, Sonja proves she’s not a one time great comment fluke. Like, honestly, lock this woman into a long term contract.
Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kilber- They are a male-male ballroom couple. Oh god, I can’t imagine the problems Nigel’s gonna have with this. His homophobia is the one thing I truly dislike about SYTYCD. They seem to be pretty good, but Nigel is having a hard time not laughing. Which is understandable when they fall, but not before then. Nigel doesn’t know how to critique and compares it to a Will Ferrell movie. Nigel dances around the fact that he doesn’t like men dancing with men, but it’s clear he’s not gonna send them through. Mary critiques them on the ambiguity of roles and thinks they did lead and follow well, but their technique needs work. Sonja, also critiques them on valid reasons. They go to choreography, but not before Nigel disgusts me with a comment about how maybe they’ll find they like dancing with a girl.
Choreography Day 1- Mitch doesn’t get through and neither does Misha. The clips they showed off them during choreography makes this seem valid, but I still have doubts about the motivation behind their cuts.
Allison Moist- First, her name is amazing. Moist is a ridiculous last name. She dances with light sabers, and it’s clearly meant as comedy, but is just kind of awesome in that she clearly is in on the joke. Nigel and Mary make Star Wars puns before tearing her apart. Mary calls it comical, and Sonja is laughing so hard she can’t speak, and then tells her that she can’t believe she’s really serious. Allison seems to be crying, so I guess she wasn’t in on the joke after all?
Elias Holloway- He’s dancing with his brother Enoch, and they’re really corny. They’re the youngest of 14 children. They’re really white boys dancing hip hop, but, surprise surprise, they’re actually really fluid poppers. They also have good synchronization. All in all, I’m actually a big fan. Nigel found it extremely entertaining. Mary calls it the cutest thing she’s seen in all five years. Sonja can see him doing dance commercials and calls him very marketable. He’s sent to choreography.
Natalie Reid- Natalie is Katee (S4)’s roommate. Wow, her dancing is just gorgeous. Sonja is tearing up during it, and seems to be dancegasming at the judging table. So, she better make the Top 20 this season, that’s all I’m saying. Sonja says she’s her biggest fan, and it makes her get chills. Mary is so proud of her. Nigel makes a Katee joke, calls it superb, and says it’s an honor to see her dance. Needless to say, she’s straight to Vegas.
Brandon Bryant- Ohmygod Brandon. He so should have made it into the top 20 last season. He was robbed, even though I’m glad Gev made it. And OHMYGOD I am hooked from the first second. Is it too early to say Brandon FTW? He’s like a combination of all the things I loved about Danny, Will, and Mark. Jaw-droppingly phenomenal. Mary is crying and says she has the greatest job in the world. Sonja seems blissed out and I realize that she’s like a great combination of Mia and Lil’ C. Nigel sees exponential growth in him. He gets THREE tickets to Vegas (all the judges held them up).
Choreography Day 2- Elias is not asked through, but they want him to come back next year.
So, WOOT ALL! SYTYCD IS BACK! Also, folks, let me know if these recaps are too long. I kind of write as I go and they recaps just get longer and longer. I’ll try to cut down on them if you guys want. But I hope you guys enjoyed reading it. If this wasn’t enough of a SYTYCD for you, hop over to SYTYCD.ca. See you guys next week for Miami and Memphis!
Nate here. If you didn’t see my previous two posts, I will be your handy-dandy recapper for the season. Anyhoo, I’m super excited that So You Think You Can Dance is back! Can we all have a collective whoo girl moment? SYTYCD WHOO!!!!!!! Wasn’t that fun? I promise, I will not be this goofy the rest of the season. It’s just I’m finally getting a weekly Cat Deeley fix again. It was a rough winter folks. Rough. There may or may have not been rioting in the streets. On second thought, I may have imagined that. But either way, I’m glad to have my Cat back.
We start out with a Cat video package of auditions, and watching all the dancey goodness is making me ooze with anticipation. At least, I hope that’s what that ooze is. Folks, I swear I’m not this goofed out always, for serious. But audition episodes are always hard to recap, so what I think I’m gonna do is just highlight the dancers who, for one reason or another (meaning the good, the bad, and the ugly (both good and bad versions of ugly)) and give mention to anyone who the show picks out.
New York (Fine, Brooklyn, but that doesn’t count, you’re just a borough after all)
Ok, so Cat dances with some of the auditioners, and she’s even more adorable than I remember. Seriously folks, be prepared for ridiculous amounts of Cat love throughout the season. The judges for New York are Nigel, Mary, and Tabitha and Napoleon.
Gabi Rojas- She was raised in the circus and has rheumatoid arthritis. Ok, so she hasn’t danced yet and I’m already rooting for her. Good way to start the show. But when she starts dancing, I’m really rooting for her. She reminds me a little bit of Mark (S4) in the way she moves. But it’s absolutely captivating. She’s so fluid and remarkable. If she doesn’t get a ticket straight through to Vegas, I’m gonna be mad. She gets a standing ovation from most of the audience and judges, and that’s a good sign. Nigel says it’s one of the best auditions of any season and says she’s destined for the top 20. She also earns a Mary Murphy scream (Oh god, I forgot about that). She goes straight through to Vegas. Good.
Mutation (Storyboard-P and Hobgoblin)- Ok, so they’re painted like zombies. The show subtitles all their weird terms, and they say they’re dancing to show change, like Obama. I’m… intrigued. It’s interesting, certainly, but besides being contortionists, it’s not great. In fact, the way they move their bodies is creeping out both me and the judges. I do like when they climb on the judges table and send the judges cowering in fear. Ok, I’m not a fan of “joint-tortionism.” The judges deem them interesting and they inspired Napoleon, and are sent to choreography to see if they can actually dance.
SIDE NOTE: You’ll see these a lot during my recaps. They’re thoughts not really connected to the show, but that I feel like saying. For instance, I LOVE the new Prius commercials with nature made of people. It’s like Soylent Green, but warm and fuzzy.
Peter Sabasino- He challenges Nigel to a tap duel AND gets a video package at home, which means he clearly makes it far. He seems charismatic, and I don’t know much about tap at all, but he seems impressive with his footwork and the judges clearly like it a lot. Nigel calls him tremendous, Mary wanted him to wear less clothing, and Napoleon liked his buildup. He gets sent straight to Vegas on his tap alone, which is… impressive.
Tiffany Geigel- She has a form of spinal dysplasia and was not expected to live through her first night. She’s 23 now, and Cat has a genuine and great chat with her about her life. Her dancing is really amazing, considering her condition. She is genuinely really good. Nigel dances around (Pun!) how to critique her, and then surprisingly enough gives her a real critique of her technique before talking about her bravery, for which the entire room gives her a standing ovation. They can’t really put her through to Hollywood, but they praise her for showing up and dancing. She just wanted to prove her point though, and she’s glad she did.
SIDE NOTE: I really want a Weight Watchers Hungry. I don’t know why Weight Watchers thinks anyone would want to fight one. I wanna cuddle it.
Maksim Kapitannikov- He’s dancing with Faina from season 3, and is a ballroomer. The judges see potential, and send him to choreography.
Nabuya Nagahama- The show seems to be making fun of his accent at first, which is a little strange for the show. But I actually really enjoy his audition. The judges seem to be having fun, but I have my doubts about seeing him again. He seems like one of those cannon fodder fun auditions. But he is sent to choreography.
Choreography Day 1- Lauren from season 3 is doing the choreography round and, according to her, it’s tough because its season 5 and it should be. Mutation leaves before even dancing, because they don’t want to face their competition. Maksim makes it to Vegas and so does Nabuya.
Arielle Taylor- She auditioned for season 3, made it to Vegas, but she admits she wasn’t ready yet. She’s pretty good. Not blow your mind amazing, but very fluid and graceful, and she knows how to connect with the audience. Nigel thinks she’s absolutely terrific, Mary calls her stunning, and Tabitha likes that she’s come back. She gets a ticket to Vegas.
Thomas Martin and Amanda Clark- They’re doing the Bolero. He was a champion baton twirler when he was young. Napoleon starts laughing during their routine, which is not really appropriate since they’re not that bad. Nigel calls it ungainly, Mary calls it novice dancing, and it’s just a no across the board.
Nina Estrina and Igor Zabrodin- They’re a ballroom couple doing a cha cha. As I’ve said before, I don’t really know much about ballroom and ballroom technique, but they’re really good. Exciting to watch, certainly. And Nina spins like 20 times at the end in succession and it’s kind of banoodles. Nigel calls it fabulous, Mary calls the spin the longest one she’s ever seen (She uses the technical term but I didn’t catch it). Tabitha and Napoleon thought their control was great. They go to the choreography round.
SIDE NOTE: That Honda Fit Blowfish ad is one of the best car ads I’ve seen in a long time.
Kellen Stancil- He dances with an umbrella, but seemingly ditches it at some point, oh no, wait, it’s back. His dancing is good, but honestly, the umbrella is distracting. He’s clearly a very talented dancer, though, and I think he’d catch my attention more without the prop. Apparently, the umbrella for his lost aunt, and now I feel like a jerk for dissing the prop. Sorry dead aunt. Tabitha hones in on the connection and importance of the routine, and Napoleon was moved. He gets a ticket straight to Vegas.
Chimezie Nwosu- He’s a breaker, and he seems fun in his intro video package. His actual dancing is kind of preposterously awesome. I love watching him, and he runs up a wall and just misses landing the flip. He’s still the best breaker we’ve seen yet. Nigel calls it fun and inventive. Mary smiled the whole time. Napoleon wanted more meat and foundation, but loved the performance and Tabitha congratulates his smart choices. He goes through to choreography.
Choreography Day 2- When dancing with new partners, Igor succeeds and Nina fails. Chimezie makes it through too.
DENVER
Judges: Nigel, Mary, and Sonja. YAY SONJA!
Kayla Rodamski- A cute blonde with a video package back at home, which means she’s makin’ it far. The video package reminds me a bit of Chelsie (S4). Her dancing is pretty great. There’s something about her hands that I can’t tell whether it’s good or bad. But they keep distracting me from her actual dancing. Nigel says she brought it and liked the hands. Mary agrees. Sonja calls it smokin’ hot and slick and slippery and this makes me want Sonja to be a judge A LOT. Like, her critiques are great. Kayla goes straight through to Vegas.
SIDE NOTE: I can’t wait to see Up. The last time I wanted to see a movie this badly was… Wall-E. Pixar, like Cat Deeley, can do no wrong. Wait, I forgot about Cars. But still, you catch my drift.
So, in the video package of great dances, Sonja proves she’s not a one time great comment fluke. Like, honestly, lock this woman into a long term contract.
Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kilber- They are a male-male ballroom couple. Oh god, I can’t imagine the problems Nigel’s gonna have with this. His homophobia is the one thing I truly dislike about SYTYCD. They seem to be pretty good, but Nigel is having a hard time not laughing. Which is understandable when they fall, but not before then. Nigel doesn’t know how to critique and compares it to a Will Ferrell movie. Nigel dances around the fact that he doesn’t like men dancing with men, but it’s clear he’s not gonna send them through. Mary critiques them on the ambiguity of roles and thinks they did lead and follow well, but their technique needs work. Sonja, also critiques them on valid reasons. They go to choreography, but not before Nigel disgusts me with a comment about how maybe they’ll find they like dancing with a girl.
Choreography Day 1- Mitch doesn’t get through and neither does Misha. The clips they showed off them during choreography makes this seem valid, but I still have doubts about the motivation behind their cuts.
Allison Moist- First, her name is amazing. Moist is a ridiculous last name. She dances with light sabers, and it’s clearly meant as comedy, but is just kind of awesome in that she clearly is in on the joke. Nigel and Mary make Star Wars puns before tearing her apart. Mary calls it comical, and Sonja is laughing so hard she can’t speak, and then tells her that she can’t believe she’s really serious. Allison seems to be crying, so I guess she wasn’t in on the joke after all?
Elias Holloway- He’s dancing with his brother Enoch, and they’re really corny. They’re the youngest of 14 children. They’re really white boys dancing hip hop, but, surprise surprise, they’re actually really fluid poppers. They also have good synchronization. All in all, I’m actually a big fan. Nigel found it extremely entertaining. Mary calls it the cutest thing she’s seen in all five years. Sonja can see him doing dance commercials and calls him very marketable. He’s sent to choreography.
Natalie Reid- Natalie is Katee (S4)’s roommate. Wow, her dancing is just gorgeous. Sonja is tearing up during it, and seems to be dancegasming at the judging table. So, she better make the Top 20 this season, that’s all I’m saying. Sonja says she’s her biggest fan, and it makes her get chills. Mary is so proud of her. Nigel makes a Katee joke, calls it superb, and says it’s an honor to see her dance. Needless to say, she’s straight to Vegas.
Brandon Bryant- Ohmygod Brandon. He so should have made it into the top 20 last season. He was robbed, even though I’m glad Gev made it. And OHMYGOD I am hooked from the first second. Is it too early to say Brandon FTW? He’s like a combination of all the things I loved about Danny, Will, and Mark. Jaw-droppingly phenomenal. Mary is crying and says she has the greatest job in the world. Sonja seems blissed out and I realize that she’s like a great combination of Mia and Lil’ C. Nigel sees exponential growth in him. He gets THREE tickets to Vegas (all the judges held them up).
Choreography Day 2- Elias is not asked through, but they want him to come back next year.
So, WOOT ALL! SYTYCD IS BACK! Also, folks, let me know if these recaps are too long. I kind of write as I go and they recaps just get longer and longer. I’ll try to cut down on them if you guys want. But I hope you guys enjoyed reading it. If this wasn’t enough of a SYTYCD for you, hop over to SYTYCD.ca. See you guys next week for Miami and Memphis!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thoughts On the Idol Performance Finale
So, I watched the American Idol final performance show last night. I’ve been following this season, but I haven’t really been watching. I was rooting for Adam, Allison, and Kris all season, so you can imagine that I was happy with this final 2, and even happier that America put the Go in Gokey after multiple weeks of me just not understanding the guy.
So what did I think of the finale? Well, they both performed really well. Honestly, I will be perfectly happy with either guy winning. But I think, both in the finale and my overall rooting, Kris wins by just a little bit. To break it down as Simon does, he won two of the three rounds last night, boasted its best performance IMO, and I just think Kris winning would be the better outcome for either guy.
Kris’ “Aint No Sunshine” last night was maybe his best performance of the season, and also marks Kris’ second entry on to the “Songs I Would Actually Listen To” list (His first being his awesome take on “Heartless”). With two, he runs second place on that list, but he’s not behind Adam, he’s behind Allison (“Hot Stuff”, “Slow Ride”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, and “Cry Baby”). As much as I think Adam is probably the best singer the show has ever had, none of his performances have ever had me remembering them over and over. I mean, don’t get me wrong, his “Mad World” last night was, to correctly use an incorrect Simon critique, a “vocal masterclass.” But you know what, Glambert is set no matter the outcome. I don’t think he’ll necessarily be iconic, as Paula said, but that guy will be recording music for years to come. While I don’t doubt that Kris is golden too, I think he could use the Idol machine much more than Adam could. It’ll constrict Adam, whereas I don’t think it’ll constrain Kris nearly as much.
But a post about the Idol performance finale wouldn’t be complete without talking about that large turd that Kara took on the Idol stage, “No Boundaries.” Seriously, I know all Idol songs suck, but really? THIS was the best you could do? Hell, it didn’t fit either singer, and nearly every judge said it sucked. And that’s also the note you want to end on? Not any one of the great performances that these two guys have delivered? This has fully cemented to me that Kara NEEDS to go. Kris’ version of the two was better, I thought, and it also pissed me off that instead of complimenting him on making that awful awful song into only an awful song, they told him “you should be really proud of your second place finish.” Which is bullshit, they just didn’t want to acknowledge that Kris got really really good this season while they were too busy salivating over Danny Hokey [sic]. So I’m rooting for Kris tonight, but I’ll be fine with either guy getting it. They both put on a pretty damn good show this season.
So what did I think of the finale? Well, they both performed really well. Honestly, I will be perfectly happy with either guy winning. But I think, both in the finale and my overall rooting, Kris wins by just a little bit. To break it down as Simon does, he won two of the three rounds last night, boasted its best performance IMO, and I just think Kris winning would be the better outcome for either guy.
Kris’ “Aint No Sunshine” last night was maybe his best performance of the season, and also marks Kris’ second entry on to the “Songs I Would Actually Listen To” list (His first being his awesome take on “Heartless”). With two, he runs second place on that list, but he’s not behind Adam, he’s behind Allison (“Hot Stuff”, “Slow Ride”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, and “Cry Baby”). As much as I think Adam is probably the best singer the show has ever had, none of his performances have ever had me remembering them over and over. I mean, don’t get me wrong, his “Mad World” last night was, to correctly use an incorrect Simon critique, a “vocal masterclass.” But you know what, Glambert is set no matter the outcome. I don’t think he’ll necessarily be iconic, as Paula said, but that guy will be recording music for years to come. While I don’t doubt that Kris is golden too, I think he could use the Idol machine much more than Adam could. It’ll constrict Adam, whereas I don’t think it’ll constrain Kris nearly as much.
But a post about the Idol performance finale wouldn’t be complete without talking about that large turd that Kara took on the Idol stage, “No Boundaries.” Seriously, I know all Idol songs suck, but really? THIS was the best you could do? Hell, it didn’t fit either singer, and nearly every judge said it sucked. And that’s also the note you want to end on? Not any one of the great performances that these two guys have delivered? This has fully cemented to me that Kara NEEDS to go. Kris’ version of the two was better, I thought, and it also pissed me off that instead of complimenting him on making that awful awful song into only an awful song, they told him “you should be really proud of your second place finish.” Which is bullshit, they just didn’t want to acknowledge that Kris got really really good this season while they were too busy salivating over Danny Hokey [sic]. So I’m rooting for Kris tonight, but I’ll be fine with either guy getting it. They both put on a pretty damn good show this season.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Bones Finale: Well, That Was A Disappointment
Bones is not a show I’ve talked about on here before, but recently it’s become a show that I really look forward too. I remember I saw the pilot before it aired, and was thoroughly unimpressed. But, having heard really good word of mouth, I began to watch it this past summer, and finally caught up to the present during the tail end of this season. By the time I was fully caught up, it had become a show that I really really liked, with a great cast, compelling characters (and I’m not actually talking about Bones (the characer) here. Much love to Sweets, Angela, and Hodgins), and fun writing.
I’ll admit it, I’m not a huge Booth/Brennan fan. They’ve got great chemistry, but I don’t feel the need to see them bang any time soon. But when I heard the news that they were going to in the season finale, I was interested certainly. I was wondering where the show was going to go from there. Well, it turns out I don’t have to worry because… It was all a coma dream!
Goddammit Bones, that’s just a crappy story twist and you know it. You tease and tease that they’re finally gonna consummate their relationship and then it’s in a coma dream? And there’s no explanation as to what the hell is going on and why everything is in a parallel universe until the last minute of the show? And you manage to make every single character far less likeable (save, perhaps, Sweets, who is always likeable) in this alternate universe? And you expect the fans to be happy with that? Well, no dice Bones, I’m a little pissed.
I see you tried to make up for it with a cliffhanger. Booth can’t remember Bones. My interest is piqued. But why do I have the feeling that within 3 episodes next season his memory will be back fully? And their sexual tension will continue to just sit there? If that’s the case, you’re going to fall way down my TV priorities list Bones. Because I don’t suffer being played by my TV shows, not on this magnitude. Is it just me, or is this turning into a “I’m Calling You Out” post? So what if it is, then. Bones, I’m Calling you Out. You had such forward momentum and positive feelings and you go and squander it all on a coma dream episode that was confusing and not even entertaining from the get go? And then you expect it will all be better because ZOMG Cliffhanger Booth can’t remember Bones? I wish I couldn’t remember this episode. Way to break down right before the finish line Bones. See you next season, with hopefully some payoff for fans who had to suffer through this finale.
I’ll admit it, I’m not a huge Booth/Brennan fan. They’ve got great chemistry, but I don’t feel the need to see them bang any time soon. But when I heard the news that they were going to in the season finale, I was interested certainly. I was wondering where the show was going to go from there. Well, it turns out I don’t have to worry because… It was all a coma dream!
Goddammit Bones, that’s just a crappy story twist and you know it. You tease and tease that they’re finally gonna consummate their relationship and then it’s in a coma dream? And there’s no explanation as to what the hell is going on and why everything is in a parallel universe until the last minute of the show? And you manage to make every single character far less likeable (save, perhaps, Sweets, who is always likeable) in this alternate universe? And you expect the fans to be happy with that? Well, no dice Bones, I’m a little pissed.
I see you tried to make up for it with a cliffhanger. Booth can’t remember Bones. My interest is piqued. But why do I have the feeling that within 3 episodes next season his memory will be back fully? And their sexual tension will continue to just sit there? If that’s the case, you’re going to fall way down my TV priorities list Bones. Because I don’t suffer being played by my TV shows, not on this magnitude. Is it just me, or is this turning into a “I’m Calling You Out” post? So what if it is, then. Bones, I’m Calling you Out. You had such forward momentum and positive feelings and you go and squander it all on a coma dream episode that was confusing and not even entertaining from the get go? And then you expect it will all be better because ZOMG Cliffhanger Booth can’t remember Bones? I wish I couldn’t remember this episode. Way to break down right before the finish line Bones. See you next season, with hopefully some payoff for fans who had to suffer through this finale.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Lost: We Are NOT Amused
Warning: MASSIVE Spoilers Ahead(Like, Dharma Island Sized Spoilers). And some mild, bleeped-ish profanity too.
So, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, are you trying to make me punch a wall? What the hell was up with “The Incident”? We you just trying to punish viewers? Grrrrr.
Ok, Explanation time. I loved the first hour and forty five minutes of it. The return of Rose, Bernard, and Vincent is maybe one of my favorite moments of this season. The knock down drag out fight between Jack and Sawyer was a moment I have been waiting for for a very long time. The March to Jacob was kind of riveting to see how it all was going to play out, as was the scene with Locke and Ben discussing why Ben WOULDN’T want to kill Jacob. And speaking of Jacob, everything about him was fascinating. His showing up at critical moments in our Losties lives was fantastic, and his scene with Hurley was so tantalizing and pushes Hurley to the forefront of all the big action to come. I was, literally at times, on the edge of my seat.
Plus, we got a bunch of answers. What lies in the shadow of the statue? Well, according to Ricardus, aka Richard Alpert, it’s the man who will save us all (that’s the translation from Latin). What’s in the box? The real John Locke’s body. Why does Locke want to kill Jacob? Because he’s not Locke, but rather the rembodiement of the yin to Jacob’s yang. Which is not to say that it didn’t leave us with a million questions more (I’ll get to that in a minute). But open questions is par for Lost’s course, I was fine with that.
Those last 15 minutes though are absolute torture. First off, RIP Juliet. Seriously, guys, WHY did you have to kill Juliet. A few weeks ago you killed Faraday, one of my three favorite characters on the show, and know you kill Juliet, another of my three favorites? Seriously, if I were Ben Linus, I would start watching my back, since my evaluations seem to be a death knell. I loved that Juliet got what is tied for the biggest, most dramatic, most heart-wrenching death scene the show has had (Charlie being the other), but there was so much left open with her character, why?
And then, Oh God, I feel myself getting mad again, the ending. WHAT THE F*%K? Every other season, I have been OK with your ZOMG!!!!?!?!?! Cliffhangers, because you always gave a hint towards what direction the show is going. Season 3’s “We Have to Go Back, Kate!” showed the direction they were going, as did Season 4’s Locke’s in the Casket. But to go white after Juliet blows up the bomb? No hint whatsoever as to the outcome? Teasing your fans that they’ll have to wait until 2010 to find out? NOT COOL. Any ONE of the final 5 or so scenes could have been the great cliffhanger. Locke is in the box! Ben stabs Jacob! Juliet wakes up in the shaft and sees something! But you had to go with the one that is so open ended? That’s just cruel to your fans.
The Incident was a great season finale, and that cliffhanger, for how angry it makes me, is certainly a massive cliffhanger. But so… much… anger over the way it ended. I cannot wait to see where it is all going, and am depressed that I have to wait THAT long. What about you?
So, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, are you trying to make me punch a wall? What the hell was up with “The Incident”? We you just trying to punish viewers? Grrrrr.
Ok, Explanation time. I loved the first hour and forty five minutes of it. The return of Rose, Bernard, and Vincent is maybe one of my favorite moments of this season. The knock down drag out fight between Jack and Sawyer was a moment I have been waiting for for a very long time. The March to Jacob was kind of riveting to see how it all was going to play out, as was the scene with Locke and Ben discussing why Ben WOULDN’T want to kill Jacob. And speaking of Jacob, everything about him was fascinating. His showing up at critical moments in our Losties lives was fantastic, and his scene with Hurley was so tantalizing and pushes Hurley to the forefront of all the big action to come. I was, literally at times, on the edge of my seat.
Plus, we got a bunch of answers. What lies in the shadow of the statue? Well, according to Ricardus, aka Richard Alpert, it’s the man who will save us all (that’s the translation from Latin). What’s in the box? The real John Locke’s body. Why does Locke want to kill Jacob? Because he’s not Locke, but rather the rembodiement of the yin to Jacob’s yang. Which is not to say that it didn’t leave us with a million questions more (I’ll get to that in a minute). But open questions is par for Lost’s course, I was fine with that.
Those last 15 minutes though are absolute torture. First off, RIP Juliet. Seriously, guys, WHY did you have to kill Juliet. A few weeks ago you killed Faraday, one of my three favorite characters on the show, and know you kill Juliet, another of my three favorites? Seriously, if I were Ben Linus, I would start watching my back, since my evaluations seem to be a death knell. I loved that Juliet got what is tied for the biggest, most dramatic, most heart-wrenching death scene the show has had (Charlie being the other), but there was so much left open with her character, why?
And then, Oh God, I feel myself getting mad again, the ending. WHAT THE F*%K? Every other season, I have been OK with your ZOMG!!!!?!?!?! Cliffhangers, because you always gave a hint towards what direction the show is going. Season 3’s “We Have to Go Back, Kate!” showed the direction they were going, as did Season 4’s Locke’s in the Casket. But to go white after Juliet blows up the bomb? No hint whatsoever as to the outcome? Teasing your fans that they’ll have to wait until 2010 to find out? NOT COOL. Any ONE of the final 5 or so scenes could have been the great cliffhanger. Locke is in the box! Ben stabs Jacob! Juliet wakes up in the shaft and sees something! But you had to go with the one that is so open ended? That’s just cruel to your fans.
The Incident was a great season finale, and that cliffhanger, for how angry it makes me, is certainly a massive cliffhanger. But so… much… anger over the way it ended. I cannot wait to see where it is all going, and am depressed that I have to wait THAT long. What about you?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Pushing Daisies Is One Of The Best Shows Ever
All hail Britain’s ITV! Why, you ask? Not for the semi-awesome Primeval (although I am a fan). No, I say all hail ITV because they just finished airing the 3 still-unaired-in-the-US episodes of Pushing Daisies. And, to quote an episode title from earlier this season: Oh, Oh, Oh, They’re Magic. Warning, some spoilers for the three episodes ahead.
Seriously, though, this string of 3 episodes is so ridiculously strong. Focusing on Olive, Emerson, and the aunts, the show managed to make me fall in love with it all over again. It manages to provide enough closure to not make me want to lead an angry mob with torches and pitchforks to ABC’s headquarters. And, well, it’s just plain old fantastic.
The first of the three, “Window Dressed to Kill”, focuses on the childhood kidnappers of Olive Snook, and is probably the weakest of the three. And yet, it’s still better than 99% of everything else on TV. The show manages to develop Olive more and giver her forward momentum. Randy Mann, the first time in a while that I have been able to tolerate David Arquette, is great and I love his budding relationship with Olive. The mystery of the episode is also kind of fantastic. Plus, the return appearance of the Sisters of the Divine Magnatum from earlier this season is completely welcome.
The second, “Water and Power”, focuses on Emerson’s quest to reconnect with his daughter, and is kind of amazing in nearly every way. I’m always a fan of Emerson, so any episode that foregrounds him is gonna please me. But combine that with constantly clever uses of the word “dam”, the re-return of dog trainer turned Chinese food gambler Simone, Chinatown references, AND Gina Torres (Zoe on Firefly) as Emerson’s ex and the mother of his child, and you just get an episode that works pretty much perfectly.
But, not to get all hyperbolic on you (I know, I know, I’m always hyperbolic), “Kerplunk”, the finale, is just about the best episode they’ve ever done. I would call it 99% perfect, and that missing percent is simply because you know watching it that this is the end. Heavy use of Lily and Vivian (the characters who were underutilized throughout the shows entire run), the awesome death scene Jaws reference, and so much else that is amazing that I can’t list it all makes this, well, just about perfect. And thank the lord that Bryan Fuller, genius, tacked on the wrap-up ending, because otherwise that angry mob mentioned earlier would have been a most definite reality.
About the tack-on ending, I’ll be honest, I was tearing up just a little bit. Me, cold-hearted cynical TV blogger, was tearing up. It fits the show kind of perfectly, and just reminds everyone what a magical world it all was. Obviously, when wrapping up as much as possible in about a minute, it’s going to feel rushed. And it does. But at the same time, it leaves open the idea that this world, these characters, these lives will continue. We just won’t be privy to the stories. (Which, A) makes me a disgruntled TV watcher, and B) makes me hope beyond hope that Fuller’s proposed comic series continuation is an actuality)
Now, having seen all 26 episodes, while thinking that that number is entirely too low, I can safely say that Pushing Daisies is one of the best shows ever. I could have told you that after 23 episodes, but why judge a text before you finish it? Although, not to spoil that wrap up, I can only hope that the narrator’s words come true: “At that moment, in the town of Couer d' Couers, events occurred that are not, were not, and should never be considered an ending. For endings, as it is known, are where we begin.”
Seriously, though, this string of 3 episodes is so ridiculously strong. Focusing on Olive, Emerson, and the aunts, the show managed to make me fall in love with it all over again. It manages to provide enough closure to not make me want to lead an angry mob with torches and pitchforks to ABC’s headquarters. And, well, it’s just plain old fantastic.
The first of the three, “Window Dressed to Kill”, focuses on the childhood kidnappers of Olive Snook, and is probably the weakest of the three. And yet, it’s still better than 99% of everything else on TV. The show manages to develop Olive more and giver her forward momentum. Randy Mann, the first time in a while that I have been able to tolerate David Arquette, is great and I love his budding relationship with Olive. The mystery of the episode is also kind of fantastic. Plus, the return appearance of the Sisters of the Divine Magnatum from earlier this season is completely welcome.
The second, “Water and Power”, focuses on Emerson’s quest to reconnect with his daughter, and is kind of amazing in nearly every way. I’m always a fan of Emerson, so any episode that foregrounds him is gonna please me. But combine that with constantly clever uses of the word “dam”, the re-return of dog trainer turned Chinese food gambler Simone, Chinatown references, AND Gina Torres (Zoe on Firefly) as Emerson’s ex and the mother of his child, and you just get an episode that works pretty much perfectly.
But, not to get all hyperbolic on you (I know, I know, I’m always hyperbolic), “Kerplunk”, the finale, is just about the best episode they’ve ever done. I would call it 99% perfect, and that missing percent is simply because you know watching it that this is the end. Heavy use of Lily and Vivian (the characters who were underutilized throughout the shows entire run), the awesome death scene Jaws reference, and so much else that is amazing that I can’t list it all makes this, well, just about perfect. And thank the lord that Bryan Fuller, genius, tacked on the wrap-up ending, because otherwise that angry mob mentioned earlier would have been a most definite reality.
About the tack-on ending, I’ll be honest, I was tearing up just a little bit. Me, cold-hearted cynical TV blogger, was tearing up. It fits the show kind of perfectly, and just reminds everyone what a magical world it all was. Obviously, when wrapping up as much as possible in about a minute, it’s going to feel rushed. And it does. But at the same time, it leaves open the idea that this world, these characters, these lives will continue. We just won’t be privy to the stories. (Which, A) makes me a disgruntled TV watcher, and B) makes me hope beyond hope that Fuller’s proposed comic series continuation is an actuality)
Now, having seen all 26 episodes, while thinking that that number is entirely too low, I can safely say that Pushing Daisies is one of the best shows ever. I could have told you that after 23 episodes, but why judge a text before you finish it? Although, not to spoil that wrap up, I can only hope that the narrator’s words come true: “At that moment, in the town of Couer d' Couers, events occurred that are not, were not, and should never be considered an ending. For endings, as it is known, are where we begin.”
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