Ah, Cat Deeley, how I’ve missed thee. Your bubbling British charm is a great way to start the TV summer. I don’t even care that you give us about 5 minutes of filler about past seasons and auditions and stuff. Since this isn’t a performance show, I’m just gonna mention anyone that stands out to me.
The Italian Gigolo (Or So I’m Guessing)- This guy seems to be a parody of the Italian lover stereotype, and he gets my notice for creeping pretty much everyone out, including Cat and the Judges. He has impressive control and some kind of awesome moves, but if he’s gonna keep stripping, I’d rather he not make the show. Also, Mia Michaels has an amazing Freudian slip on the word “successful” and makes me love her as a person as well as a choreographer. Also, he does appear to have humility. Or maybe not. He makes the choreography round
“Sex”- Can we ban him from my TV screen? At least the idol wannabe who suck can be funny. But this guy is just sad. And a little mean.
The Blind Girl- Good background story, baddish technique. Plus, Mia Michaels tears. But she doesn’t make it through. I don’t think she could have realistically made it any farther.
Blond Girl Swallowed By Large Amounts of Green Fabric- Oh wait, that’s Cat. Sometimes she’s really on with her wardrobe, other times, well, not so much…
Twitch- Yup, still awesome. Nigel tells him that if Twitch doesn’t make it through Vegas this year, Nigel’s gonna kick his ass. I have no doubts that he’s gonna be a member of the top 20. He goes straight through to Vegas.
Phillip Chbeeb- Also awesome. His body seems so ridiculously fluid at times, I’m wondering if he’s more than 98% water. Mia tells him that he’s one of the best breakers she’s ever seen. He goes to choreography.
William Wingfield (Pretty sure that’s his name)- The self-proclaimed “gypsy”. Pretty awesome body movement. Also interesting because he did it to a poem rather than music. Nigel wasn’t the biggest fan, but he was good enough to get to the choreography.
Day 1 Choreography Routine: Travis Wall, who so should have beat Benji in season two, is the choreographer. The Italian hustler gets cut, Phil and William make it to Vegas.
Day 2
Erica Gee- This is her third time trying out for the show. She seems to have good extensions. She’s decent to watch. She seems to switch styles a bunch of times though. The judges like her this time. She goes right through to Vegas.
Leonidas and Aliona- The first ballroom couple we’re shown. He seems to be the better one of the two, but the judges, especially good ‘ol pervy Nigel, are all turned on. Nigel, continuing the perv streak, comments about her legs as well. Mary is very pumped for a good ballroom couple. They both go straight to Vegas.
Victor Kim (Again, may not be his name. I kind of suck with names)- Very cool Asian breaker. He seems to be having more fun than anyone else, and he’s probably the most fun to watch as well. He makes it to choreography.
Gold Inferno- Oh, look, an idiot in a mask. He does jumpstyle, which appears to be a lot of practice on DDR. Not that I’m trying to say that what he does isn’t hard, but it seems to be DDR without the pad. It’s still better than what I could do. The judges don't see any improvement from last year. He gets cut. And it turns out he's a kind of arrogant d-bag too. And more than a wee bit creepy.
Asian Ballroom Couple- You don't really see Asian ballroom dancers on this show, so its a nice change. They seem to be pretty god, especially considering the girl is quite sick, it seems. The judges like them too, and send them to choreography with separate partners.
Kherrington Payne- That is an awesome name (but she loses points for the ridiculous spelling of her first name) She says she's a tomboy on the soccer field and a girly-girl otherwise. She seems fresh, happy to be there, and also seems to be pretty darn good too. Dominic from last season, who has been in the audience watching, is enthralled. The judges really like her. She goes right on through to Vegas.
Robert Muraine- Ridiculous popper. Amazing, amazing, amazing body control. He seems to have control of literally every bit on his body. He did a few things I didn't even think were physically possible. Nigel calls him his favorite dancer of 2008. He gets a ticket straight through to Vegas. He even hugs Nigel. Nigel plays along pretty freakin' well too.
Choreography Day 2- We’re not shown the routine, but Victor gets Cut, but the Asian ballroomers make it.
A Few Other Assorted Notes:
• I love Mia Michaels. Hardcore. Her choreography is always awesome, and she seems a heck of a lot more personable this season. And her Freudian Slip was great.
• It’s nice to see them brining back old contestants, like Travis and Dominic. Makes me wonder if we’ll ever be seeing some of these people again.
•I truly hope there are no more Schwimmer children waiting in the wings.
•Cat Deeley is really starting to battle Phil Keoghan for my favorite reality host.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Top 10 Of The Season: The Honorable Mentions
And thus begins my countdown of the top 10 shows that aired during the 2007-2008 TV season. Over the next, oh, lets say two weeks, I’m gonna roll out my list of the 10 best shows that aired during the 2007-2008 TV season. My family always makes fun of me because I love to make lists. So a) Suck it family, this is a proper forum for lists, and b) expect many more to come. As a precursor/note: I am very behind on Battlestar Galactica, am starting to catch up on the first few seasons of The Wire, and am not as great a TV fan as I should be, because there’s a large number of shows I just wasn’t interested in/couldn’t muster the strength to follow. So that being said, here are the five shows that just barely missed the countdown. In no particular order:
Dirty Sexy Money- If this show had had a full season, and had continued the steady progress it was making quality-wise, it very well may have made the list. But, with the writer’s strike, we only got around 10 episodes of this. I know ABC is planning a big relaunch in the fall, so at least that’s good. The show’s got a solid cast, good writing, and a few interesting enough plotlines to make it a favored viewing.
Psych- I love this show. It never fails to make me laugh. Shawn and Gus together are amazing. That being said, it’s not the highest quality show, which is why it did not make the top ten. I still love it though.
The Amazing Race- I’d probably rank Amazing Race among my 5 favorite shows on television. However, as much as I wish it wasn’t the case, this season just wasn’t up to snuff with some of the others. But I am very eagerly looking forward to the next one.
Reaper- Darn season finales and such. This show, while always having been funny and entertaining, has really been thriving creatively in recent weeks. The writing is, for the most part, sharp, and the actors all have great chemistry with one another. If the creative uptick had started a little earlier in the season, I have no questions that this would have made the top ten. But, I’m just happy it did, and that it’s coming back next season.
Brothers and Sisters- The Walker family is my favorite dysfunctional family on TV (and god knows there are lots of ‘em). Something about their dynamic, even though no family could ever exist like that and not end in one sibling killing everyone, seems real. Too bad this show hit a major sophomore slump this year. I love Rebecca, but this whole end-of-season storyline involving her paternity was useless. And really, really aggravating.
So those were the ones that just missed the list. If you, my (I’m guessing) one loyal reader, want to make predictions as to what actually made the list, feel free. I will tell you that there are two representatives from cable, NBC has the most spots with 3, and there’s only one network in the big 5 that didn’t make the list.
PS: I'd like to make a special mention of Doctor Who, which is a British sci-fi show about a time-traveling alien. If I was allowing foreign TV onto the list, this would have cruised to the top half of the list easy. But my list is solely American TV, so Doctor Who, even though you air on Sci-Fi in the US, I'm sorry.
Dirty Sexy Money- If this show had had a full season, and had continued the steady progress it was making quality-wise, it very well may have made the list. But, with the writer’s strike, we only got around 10 episodes of this. I know ABC is planning a big relaunch in the fall, so at least that’s good. The show’s got a solid cast, good writing, and a few interesting enough plotlines to make it a favored viewing.
Psych- I love this show. It never fails to make me laugh. Shawn and Gus together are amazing. That being said, it’s not the highest quality show, which is why it did not make the top ten. I still love it though.
The Amazing Race- I’d probably rank Amazing Race among my 5 favorite shows on television. However, as much as I wish it wasn’t the case, this season just wasn’t up to snuff with some of the others. But I am very eagerly looking forward to the next one.
Reaper- Darn season finales and such. This show, while always having been funny and entertaining, has really been thriving creatively in recent weeks. The writing is, for the most part, sharp, and the actors all have great chemistry with one another. If the creative uptick had started a little earlier in the season, I have no questions that this would have made the top ten. But, I’m just happy it did, and that it’s coming back next season.
Brothers and Sisters- The Walker family is my favorite dysfunctional family on TV (and god knows there are lots of ‘em). Something about their dynamic, even though no family could ever exist like that and not end in one sibling killing everyone, seems real. Too bad this show hit a major sophomore slump this year. I love Rebecca, but this whole end-of-season storyline involving her paternity was useless. And really, really aggravating.
So those were the ones that just missed the list. If you, my (I’m guessing) one loyal reader, want to make predictions as to what actually made the list, feel free. I will tell you that there are two representatives from cable, NBC has the most spots with 3, and there’s only one network in the big 5 that didn’t make the list.
PS: I'd like to make a special mention of Doctor Who, which is a British sci-fi show about a time-traveling alien. If I was allowing foreign TV onto the list, this would have cruised to the top half of the list easy. But my list is solely American TV, so Doctor Who, even though you air on Sci-Fi in the US, I'm sorry.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Marc Cherry May Be An Idiot
So, I know I’m just an amateur TV blogger and I’ve never written a script worthy of any merit, but I’ve got to say, I’m pretty sure Marc Cherry is an idiot. For the most of you who probably don’t recognize that name, Marc Cherry is the executive producer and creator of Desperate Housewives, which just had it’s fourth season finale a few hours ago. Now, some of you may be wondering, or maybe even internally monologuing “But Nate, why is Marc Cherry an idiot? He runs a very successful show. He’s won a few Emmys. He’s very rich.” To which I respond, he’s an idiot because he just killed his entire shows momentum in one fell three-minute swoop.
Now, when I heard the news about Housewives jumping ahead five years, I was ambivalent but my curiosity was piqued. It’s certainly a ballsy move, one I have to give him credit for taking. But, as I was watching the finale, and I saw it jump ahead five years, well, I decided that it was finally time that I give up on this show. Because, well, frankly (and this is something I’ve been approaching for a while with Housewives), I really don’t care anymore.
SPOILERS ARE BELOW
There were a few interesting dynamics going into the finale. The Lynette and Kayla storyline had a few ways it could play out interestingly (Which it did not). The Catherine/Dylan/Father whose name is unimportant storyline had potential. But then, we get resolutions to every story line. And then we jump ahead five years. And Gaby has what appear to be two Asian children. And Bree has a cookbook coming out. And Lynette has a really bad hairstyle and at least one problem child. And Catherine is boring and Dylan is getting married. And then the biggest “shock” is that Susan is married to someone other than Mike.
To which I respond, Marc Cherry: I don’t care. That’s about as blatantly as I can put it. I have always hated Susan. Expect her to pop up on my list of my 10 most hated characters on TV (Which is coming soon). Catherine isn’t interesting because everything is good with her. Same with Bree. We always kind of expected one of Lynette’s kids to end up a bad seed so no surprise there. And Gaby has two Asian children, which is not particularly interesting.
So, yeah, Marc Cherry, not really the best move you could have pulled. You pretty much killed any story momentum coming out of the end of this season. I can assume you’re gonna address Mike’s leaving, but not showing any of how it happened doesn’t make me care about it. Gaby becoming a mom was a goldmine you could have used, but you skipped ahead to her being a loving mom. Not particularly interesting. Lynette’s kids, being problems, not really new material. And again, Catherine and Bree don’t appear to have drama, so there’s not a lot of interest going into it. So, again, Marc Cherry, you’ve killed all your momentum going into season 5. And, in doing so, you’ve finally given me an excuse to give up on your show.
Now, when I heard the news about Housewives jumping ahead five years, I was ambivalent but my curiosity was piqued. It’s certainly a ballsy move, one I have to give him credit for taking. But, as I was watching the finale, and I saw it jump ahead five years, well, I decided that it was finally time that I give up on this show. Because, well, frankly (and this is something I’ve been approaching for a while with Housewives), I really don’t care anymore.
SPOILERS ARE BELOW
There were a few interesting dynamics going into the finale. The Lynette and Kayla storyline had a few ways it could play out interestingly (Which it did not). The Catherine/Dylan/Father whose name is unimportant storyline had potential. But then, we get resolutions to every story line. And then we jump ahead five years. And Gaby has what appear to be two Asian children. And Bree has a cookbook coming out. And Lynette has a really bad hairstyle and at least one problem child. And Catherine is boring and Dylan is getting married. And then the biggest “shock” is that Susan is married to someone other than Mike.
To which I respond, Marc Cherry: I don’t care. That’s about as blatantly as I can put it. I have always hated Susan. Expect her to pop up on my list of my 10 most hated characters on TV (Which is coming soon). Catherine isn’t interesting because everything is good with her. Same with Bree. We always kind of expected one of Lynette’s kids to end up a bad seed so no surprise there. And Gaby has two Asian children, which is not particularly interesting.
So, yeah, Marc Cherry, not really the best move you could have pulled. You pretty much killed any story momentum coming out of the end of this season. I can assume you’re gonna address Mike’s leaving, but not showing any of how it happened doesn’t make me care about it. Gaby becoming a mom was a goldmine you could have used, but you skipped ahead to her being a loving mom. Not particularly interesting. Lynette’s kids, being problems, not really new material. And again, Catherine and Bree don’t appear to have drama, so there’s not a lot of interest going into it. So, again, Marc Cherry, you’ve killed all your momentum going into season 5. And, in doing so, you’ve finally given me an excuse to give up on your show.
Friday, May 16, 2008
I’m Calling You Out: Myself
So, listen, I suck. To any of the two people who may still look at this blog, I want to apologize. I kind of, well, gave up on it during the school year. Sophomore year was kind of harder than anticipated. Plus I’m lazy. Those two things aren’t a good combination normally, but they especially aren’t a good thing when you’ve got a blog that you write in your spare time. So yeah, Levy on TV fell by the wayside.
But, Summer is here! Finals (and boy were there lots of ‘em this semester) have finished crushing my spirit. I am vegetating on my couch at home. Which also translates into me not having any more work to do. And what does not having any more work to do mean? Well, good two readers, it means I’m gonna start writing this blog again! Can I get a huzzah? No? At least some mild enthusiasm? I’ll pretty much take anything. Even a minor “Yay?” will do.
Now, I know I’ve made this promise before. But this time, I’m for real. I’m seriously gonna try. Like, put real effort into it, which, I assure you, is a BIG thing. Plus, you can expect my stream-of-consciousness recaps to return, which may make someone, somewhere happy, right? Look for those recaps starting with the return of So You Think You Can Dance, and with the premieres of my hands down favorite ever reality show The Mole and the crown jewel of my summer TV watching line-up, VH1’s “I Love Money”, which pits contestants from “I Love New York”, “Flavor of Love” and “Rock of Love” against one another for money. Just like the gladiatorial games of Ancient Rome, but with less awesome tigers and lions and more trashy people and STDs. I can’t wait.
So yeah, I’m actually gonna keep writing this time. Not just saying it, actually gonna do it. So prepare yourselves, Levy On TV 2.0, coming across the interwebs to you guys.
But, Summer is here! Finals (and boy were there lots of ‘em this semester) have finished crushing my spirit. I am vegetating on my couch at home. Which also translates into me not having any more work to do. And what does not having any more work to do mean? Well, good two readers, it means I’m gonna start writing this blog again! Can I get a huzzah? No? At least some mild enthusiasm? I’ll pretty much take anything. Even a minor “Yay?” will do.
Now, I know I’ve made this promise before. But this time, I’m for real. I’m seriously gonna try. Like, put real effort into it, which, I assure you, is a BIG thing. Plus, you can expect my stream-of-consciousness recaps to return, which may make someone, somewhere happy, right? Look for those recaps starting with the return of So You Think You Can Dance, and with the premieres of my hands down favorite ever reality show The Mole and the crown jewel of my summer TV watching line-up, VH1’s “I Love Money”, which pits contestants from “I Love New York”, “Flavor of Love” and “Rock of Love” against one another for money. Just like the gladiatorial games of Ancient Rome, but with less awesome tigers and lions and more trashy people and STDs. I can’t wait.
So yeah, I’m actually gonna keep writing this time. Not just saying it, actually gonna do it. So prepare yourselves, Levy On TV 2.0, coming across the interwebs to you guys.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
VH-#1 In My Heart
How do I love thee VH1? Let me count the ways. You provide quality entertainment. You give talentless people work. You do a horribly bad job at trying to make it seem like confessionals weren’t recorded in one day after taping. But mostly, you’re the trashiest channel this side of the remote control, and I love you for it.
I Love New York
Okay, New York. Listen. I know that you got dumped by Tango and all and were all fake sad about that, but seriously, you’re causing this season to suck. You eliminated all of the interesting people, because you’re actually looking for someone to settle down with. Well you know what the result of that is? A subpar product.
This season has been a real letdown. Following your amazing first season, and coming on the heels of that Holy Grail of trash TV Rock of Love, well, frankly, you’re just not doing it for me. I mean, I still and will always watch I Love New York, but the sizzle is gone. All the drama this season seems manufactured. Maybe it’s just a result of worse actors vying for your affection, but seriously? These are the guys that are supposed to entertain me? The show even seems schizophrenic in the way its choosing it’s villains. First it was Tailor Made, now it’s Buddha? And Tailor Made is the good guy? Seriously, get your act together; stop threatening me with a good time and actually provide one.
America’s Most Smartest Model
Thank god for this, or I’d seriously be worried about VH1’s trashiness. While Most Smartest Model is not as trashy, per se, as a normal VH1 show, it makes up for it in general level of comedy and actually being interesting. I mean, granted, they’re getting down to the actually somewhat smart people who are also decent models, but I’m still kind of hooked.
I mean, they clearly know how they’re trying to present these people. And while it seems pretty obvious who the final three will be (Brett, VJ, and Aussie Rachel), it’s still pretty interesting to watch these people not be able to name a vitamin, a city in Iraq, or a designer from Italy. And, while there are no more idiots like Blonde Rachel, who lived up to her hair color, there’s still a good bit of drama.
But I still miss Mandy Lynn. Repeat it with me folks: Balls, Cherries, Balloons, Tires.
VH1, you’ve got another Flavor of Love coming up and a second season of Rock of Love. Don’t you let me down with those.
I Love New York
Okay, New York. Listen. I know that you got dumped by Tango and all and were all fake sad about that, but seriously, you’re causing this season to suck. You eliminated all of the interesting people, because you’re actually looking for someone to settle down with. Well you know what the result of that is? A subpar product.
This season has been a real letdown. Following your amazing first season, and coming on the heels of that Holy Grail of trash TV Rock of Love, well, frankly, you’re just not doing it for me. I mean, I still and will always watch I Love New York, but the sizzle is gone. All the drama this season seems manufactured. Maybe it’s just a result of worse actors vying for your affection, but seriously? These are the guys that are supposed to entertain me? The show even seems schizophrenic in the way its choosing it’s villains. First it was Tailor Made, now it’s Buddha? And Tailor Made is the good guy? Seriously, get your act together; stop threatening me with a good time and actually provide one.
America’s Most Smartest Model
Thank god for this, or I’d seriously be worried about VH1’s trashiness. While Most Smartest Model is not as trashy, per se, as a normal VH1 show, it makes up for it in general level of comedy and actually being interesting. I mean, granted, they’re getting down to the actually somewhat smart people who are also decent models, but I’m still kind of hooked.
I mean, they clearly know how they’re trying to present these people. And while it seems pretty obvious who the final three will be (Brett, VJ, and Aussie Rachel), it’s still pretty interesting to watch these people not be able to name a vitamin, a city in Iraq, or a designer from Italy. And, while there are no more idiots like Blonde Rachel, who lived up to her hair color, there’s still a good bit of drama.
But I still miss Mandy Lynn. Repeat it with me folks: Balls, Cherries, Balloons, Tires.
VH1, you’ve got another Flavor of Love coming up and a second season of Rock of Love. Don’t you let me down with those.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanks and No Thanks
Well, I’m a day late and more than a few dollars short, but I’ve compiled a list of things to be thankful for and things to lament this TV year:
I’m Thankful For:
Slap Bets: Not only was the original episode my favorite episode of television of the past year, but every subsequent payoff has been pitch perfect, including this most recent Slapsgiving episode.
The Writer’s Strike: I know this is surprising to see here, but as a writer who is hoping to break into TV, this strike will be key in getting fair wages for any future work I do.
Pushing Daisies: For bringing fairy tale and whimsy and quality back to primetime television. Also, for finally bringing Bryan Fuller the success he so deserves.
Alec Baldwin and “30 Rock”: For making “The Office” more than a fluke for NBC.
Rock of Love: If only for teaching me that it’s never a good idea to threaten a person with a good time. Especially if they’re a drunken stripper.
Imaginationland: For violating everything my childhood held dear, and making me love that violation.
My Readers: It makes me feel really good about myself when people read my blog. So, sentimental “aw” moment: Thanks for reading guys. “Awwwwwww”
I’m NOT Thankful For:
The Writer’s Strike: While I support what they’re doing, there’s a good chance that it’ll seriously hurt a bunch of good freshman shows.
Meredith Not Dying on Grey's Anatomy: I hate her. I hate her so much. I want to punch her anytime I’m reminded of her “Choose Me. Pick Me. Love Me” speech.
I Love New York Season 2: Because it’s nowhere near as good as season one.
The Cancellation of Studio 60: Because it had such good potential, but still couldn’t find viewers.
The Way Veronica Mars Ended: I seriously wanted to punch my TV. That’s the way they ended my favorite show?
Lorena on The Amazing Race: It takes a special something to become one of my most hated reality competitors three episodes into a season. Kudos, Lorena. Kudos.
Most Reality Shows on the CW: Beauty and the Geek and America’s Next Top Model, those I can live with. But, seriously, “The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll”? The Upcoming “Crowned: The Ultimate Mother Daughter Beauty Pageant”? The Upcoming “Farmer Wants A Wife”? Someone sold their soul to the devil for development deals…
Overall though, I’m a lot more thankful for this past year than I am sad about it. While we lost some great shows, we gained some other great ones. Good times, people. Good times.
I’m Thankful For:
Slap Bets: Not only was the original episode my favorite episode of television of the past year, but every subsequent payoff has been pitch perfect, including this most recent Slapsgiving episode.
The Writer’s Strike: I know this is surprising to see here, but as a writer who is hoping to break into TV, this strike will be key in getting fair wages for any future work I do.
Pushing Daisies: For bringing fairy tale and whimsy and quality back to primetime television. Also, for finally bringing Bryan Fuller the success he so deserves.
Alec Baldwin and “30 Rock”: For making “The Office” more than a fluke for NBC.
Rock of Love: If only for teaching me that it’s never a good idea to threaten a person with a good time. Especially if they’re a drunken stripper.
Imaginationland: For violating everything my childhood held dear, and making me love that violation.
My Readers: It makes me feel really good about myself when people read my blog. So, sentimental “aw” moment: Thanks for reading guys. “Awwwwwww”
I’m NOT Thankful For:
The Writer’s Strike: While I support what they’re doing, there’s a good chance that it’ll seriously hurt a bunch of good freshman shows.
Meredith Not Dying on Grey's Anatomy: I hate her. I hate her so much. I want to punch her anytime I’m reminded of her “Choose Me. Pick Me. Love Me” speech.
I Love New York Season 2: Because it’s nowhere near as good as season one.
The Cancellation of Studio 60: Because it had such good potential, but still couldn’t find viewers.
The Way Veronica Mars Ended: I seriously wanted to punch my TV. That’s the way they ended my favorite show?
Lorena on The Amazing Race: It takes a special something to become one of my most hated reality competitors three episodes into a season. Kudos, Lorena. Kudos.
Most Reality Shows on the CW: Beauty and the Geek and America’s Next Top Model, those I can live with. But, seriously, “The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll”? The Upcoming “Crowned: The Ultimate Mother Daughter Beauty Pageant”? The Upcoming “Farmer Wants A Wife”? Someone sold their soul to the devil for development deals…
Overall though, I’m a lot more thankful for this past year than I am sad about it. While we lost some great shows, we gained some other great ones. Good times, people. Good times.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Reality, Returns, Recaps, and other R-Words.
Wow readers, and by readers, I mean the maybe 2 of you who still look at this blog with any regularity, it’s been a while. This semester suddenly got really busy, and the blog kind of fell to the wayside. It was my bad. But, it’s that time of the year where schools empty, people gorge themselves, and dysfunctional families unite in their respective dysfunctions: Thanksgiving!
And since it’s Thanksgiving, that means I finally have time to update! Yay! Even though I have a ten page paper due on Iraqi sectarian violence and whether or not it constitutes Jihad, I’m gonna due my best to stock pile this blog full of legible goodies in the upcoming days.
So here’s starting: Reality TV Time!
Recently, two of my most favoritist reality shows came back on the air, Project Runway and The Amazing Race. So, since I haven’t been recapping them, which I may start doing in the future if my workload subsides, I’m gonna give you might thoughts on both shows so far.
The Amazing Race
Well, so far, I’m not sure what to think of this season. I don’t have any teams I love, but I do have teams I hate. That’s never a good sign. So far, the tasks have been interesting, although seemingly very based on animal cooperation. And I’m loving the locations so far. My family has a running joke about Ouagadougou, so it was nice to finally see Burkina Faso get some recognition. My thoughts on the teams, in order from Like to Dislike
1) Nicholas and Donald- Mainly just for Gramps, because he seems to be bringing most of the non-breakdown related entertainment this year.
2) Ron and Christina- Love her, dislike him. But he’s starting to redeem himself after his behavior on leg 2.
3) TK and Rachel- The only romantic couple who I don’t actively dislike.
4) Azaria and Hendekea- I don’t know if it’s the editing or if there’s actually something there, but does anyone else get a slightly incestuous vibe from these 2?
5) Kynt and Vyxsin- I had so much pre-race dislike towards them, because there biggest concern was going to be keeping up with their makeup on the race. While they’re proving to be good competitors, neither has really done anything to erase all my pre-race hatred.
6) Nathan and Jennifer- I truly truly truly dislike Jennifer. Facetiousness is one thing I cannot stand, so that’s Jennifer in a nutshell. Nate is alright, if only for his constant use of “Fudge!” when angry.
7) Shana and Jennifer- See comments with Lorena and Jason
8) Lorena and Jason- Hoo boy, where to start with these two teams. In the history of the race, I can only think of three competitors who really brought out the bile in me: Flo of the Mental and Physical Breakdown (Season 3’s Flo and Zach), KKKendra of the Racial Intolerance (Season 6’s Freddy and Kendra), and Jonathan of the spousal abuse (Season 6’s Jonathan and Victoria). While Jonathan doesn’t really factor into this paragraph, the two girls do, because I’m seeing shades of them here. Lorena, I’m pretty sure, is Flo 2.0. She is carried by her partner, prone to breakdowns, and whiny and insufferable. I was really hoping that the Latin Sisters, who would have been number 1 or 2 most liked had they not just been eliminated, would beat them to the Mat, but alas, not the case. As for the blondes, well, their comments about the people of Burkina Faso, while not holding a candle to KKKendra’s comments about breeding in third-world countries, are certainly fulfilling the Ugly American stereotype. But, they’ve actually surprised me with their abilities in certain tasks, which is why they just barely avoided being my most hated team.
But seriously, this season is lacking in the root for department. Here’s hoping it improves as we go on.
Project Runway
Ah, Tim Gunn. How I’ve missed thee. I only started watching Project Runway in season 3, but I’m quickly becoming hooked to this one. But this season, well, I’m not so sure about the judging. Granted, we’ve only had one episode, and the deserving person went home, but I only agreed with one of their top three. None of the contestants have distinguished themselves yet, but there appears to be a lot of real talent so far.
(Note, I’m going in the order they currently appear on the bravo Website)
Jillian: Really Meh for me. It doesn’t look well fit for the model and I’m not a big fan of the color or the bubble skirt.
Christian: I really don’t get why this made the top 3. I don’t like the jacket, which appears to be the most intricate and interesting part of the dress. I did really like the way the dress was hemmed though.
Jack: This one I thought should have been in the top 3. Sure, it’s probably a little simple, but I love the pattern and the cut of the top.
Kevin: I thought this was one of the better ones, if only for the corset, which I thought was an interesting addition to a basic black cocktail dress.
Chris: I’m a big fan of this dress. The color is beautiful and goes amazingly with the top. If I remember though, it was a little much in the back.
Marion: I was not at all impressed with this. It doesn’t look like a finished product to me.
Kit: I like this one a lot. I think the simple dress in itself is really nice, and I like the addition of the red shoulder piece, which offsets the basic black pattern. I can see where it’s a little to busy though.
Steven: I liked it. It’s very simple, yet there’s an elegance to it that I dug. It’s really reminiscent to me of Laura’s work from last season. Although that may also be because the model bears a resemblance to Laura.
Carmen: Just too much. Too Arabian Princess meets bad pop video.
Sweet P: Again, I really liked this one, even if it was very simple. I love the red trim with the gold dress. And the slightly sherbety straps work too.
Ricky: A simple babydoll dress. It’s nice, but it is very simple. Although it looks very well constructed.
Victorya: Again, very simple. I don’t get why this made the top 3. It’s a simple black cocktail dress with a big white flower and arm straps that limit movement. I mean, it’s cool looking, but this would barely make my top half.
Elisa: Crazy mermaid dress. But not crazy in a good way. If the model can’t walk in it, you’ve got a problem. Cut off the train, maybe it works. But still very weak.
Simone: Very basic, but I still liked. I like the cut of the top. Don’t have much more to say about it though. I just like it. It was, however, horribly constructed.
Rami: Yup, this one was the deserving winner. It looks beautiful on her and makes her look like a Greek goddess. And extra points to Rami because he had the seemingly biggest and most broad-shouldered model. Nothing against her, it’s just that it seems like it’s harder to design for biggest models. If you think about the parent-modeling challenge from last season, the winners were the ones with the most model-like figures.
So yeah, more likes than dislikes from the first week. Looks to be a talented batch this year. I just hope they make it work (I couldn’t resist, Tim Gunn. Please forgive me.) I do hope some of them make themselves more memorable. I have no idea who some of these people are.
So, to recap this recap. Yay for Thanksgiving break, Reality returns, and talented designers. Boo to Islamic Studies papers, unlikable racers, and questionable judging.
In the upcoming week, look for a check-in with VH1’s current crop of reality shows, thoughts on the writers strike (I fully support it), a look at other show’s seasons so far, and notes on what shows I’ve already abandoned (there’s at least 3 new ones). And maybe a look at what to give thanks for on TV. Thanks to the two of you for reading again.
And since it’s Thanksgiving, that means I finally have time to update! Yay! Even though I have a ten page paper due on Iraqi sectarian violence and whether or not it constitutes Jihad, I’m gonna due my best to stock pile this blog full of legible goodies in the upcoming days.
So here’s starting: Reality TV Time!
Recently, two of my most favoritist reality shows came back on the air, Project Runway and The Amazing Race. So, since I haven’t been recapping them, which I may start doing in the future if my workload subsides, I’m gonna give you might thoughts on both shows so far.
The Amazing Race
Well, so far, I’m not sure what to think of this season. I don’t have any teams I love, but I do have teams I hate. That’s never a good sign. So far, the tasks have been interesting, although seemingly very based on animal cooperation. And I’m loving the locations so far. My family has a running joke about Ouagadougou, so it was nice to finally see Burkina Faso get some recognition. My thoughts on the teams, in order from Like to Dislike
1) Nicholas and Donald- Mainly just for Gramps, because he seems to be bringing most of the non-breakdown related entertainment this year.
2) Ron and Christina- Love her, dislike him. But he’s starting to redeem himself after his behavior on leg 2.
3) TK and Rachel- The only romantic couple who I don’t actively dislike.
4) Azaria and Hendekea- I don’t know if it’s the editing or if there’s actually something there, but does anyone else get a slightly incestuous vibe from these 2?
5) Kynt and Vyxsin- I had so much pre-race dislike towards them, because there biggest concern was going to be keeping up with their makeup on the race. While they’re proving to be good competitors, neither has really done anything to erase all my pre-race hatred.
6) Nathan and Jennifer- I truly truly truly dislike Jennifer. Facetiousness is one thing I cannot stand, so that’s Jennifer in a nutshell. Nate is alright, if only for his constant use of “Fudge!” when angry.
7) Shana and Jennifer- See comments with Lorena and Jason
8) Lorena and Jason- Hoo boy, where to start with these two teams. In the history of the race, I can only think of three competitors who really brought out the bile in me: Flo of the Mental and Physical Breakdown (Season 3’s Flo and Zach), KKKendra of the Racial Intolerance (Season 6’s Freddy and Kendra), and Jonathan of the spousal abuse (Season 6’s Jonathan and Victoria). While Jonathan doesn’t really factor into this paragraph, the two girls do, because I’m seeing shades of them here. Lorena, I’m pretty sure, is Flo 2.0. She is carried by her partner, prone to breakdowns, and whiny and insufferable. I was really hoping that the Latin Sisters, who would have been number 1 or 2 most liked had they not just been eliminated, would beat them to the Mat, but alas, not the case. As for the blondes, well, their comments about the people of Burkina Faso, while not holding a candle to KKKendra’s comments about breeding in third-world countries, are certainly fulfilling the Ugly American stereotype. But, they’ve actually surprised me with their abilities in certain tasks, which is why they just barely avoided being my most hated team.
But seriously, this season is lacking in the root for department. Here’s hoping it improves as we go on.
Project Runway
Ah, Tim Gunn. How I’ve missed thee. I only started watching Project Runway in season 3, but I’m quickly becoming hooked to this one. But this season, well, I’m not so sure about the judging. Granted, we’ve only had one episode, and the deserving person went home, but I only agreed with one of their top three. None of the contestants have distinguished themselves yet, but there appears to be a lot of real talent so far.
(Note, I’m going in the order they currently appear on the bravo Website)
Jillian: Really Meh for me. It doesn’t look well fit for the model and I’m not a big fan of the color or the bubble skirt.
Christian: I really don’t get why this made the top 3. I don’t like the jacket, which appears to be the most intricate and interesting part of the dress. I did really like the way the dress was hemmed though.
Jack: This one I thought should have been in the top 3. Sure, it’s probably a little simple, but I love the pattern and the cut of the top.
Kevin: I thought this was one of the better ones, if only for the corset, which I thought was an interesting addition to a basic black cocktail dress.
Chris: I’m a big fan of this dress. The color is beautiful and goes amazingly with the top. If I remember though, it was a little much in the back.
Marion: I was not at all impressed with this. It doesn’t look like a finished product to me.
Kit: I like this one a lot. I think the simple dress in itself is really nice, and I like the addition of the red shoulder piece, which offsets the basic black pattern. I can see where it’s a little to busy though.
Steven: I liked it. It’s very simple, yet there’s an elegance to it that I dug. It’s really reminiscent to me of Laura’s work from last season. Although that may also be because the model bears a resemblance to Laura.
Carmen: Just too much. Too Arabian Princess meets bad pop video.
Sweet P: Again, I really liked this one, even if it was very simple. I love the red trim with the gold dress. And the slightly sherbety straps work too.
Ricky: A simple babydoll dress. It’s nice, but it is very simple. Although it looks very well constructed.
Victorya: Again, very simple. I don’t get why this made the top 3. It’s a simple black cocktail dress with a big white flower and arm straps that limit movement. I mean, it’s cool looking, but this would barely make my top half.
Elisa: Crazy mermaid dress. But not crazy in a good way. If the model can’t walk in it, you’ve got a problem. Cut off the train, maybe it works. But still very weak.
Simone: Very basic, but I still liked. I like the cut of the top. Don’t have much more to say about it though. I just like it. It was, however, horribly constructed.
Rami: Yup, this one was the deserving winner. It looks beautiful on her and makes her look like a Greek goddess. And extra points to Rami because he had the seemingly biggest and most broad-shouldered model. Nothing against her, it’s just that it seems like it’s harder to design for biggest models. If you think about the parent-modeling challenge from last season, the winners were the ones with the most model-like figures.
So yeah, more likes than dislikes from the first week. Looks to be a talented batch this year. I just hope they make it work (I couldn’t resist, Tim Gunn. Please forgive me.) I do hope some of them make themselves more memorable. I have no idea who some of these people are.
So, to recap this recap. Yay for Thanksgiving break, Reality returns, and talented designers. Boo to Islamic Studies papers, unlikable racers, and questionable judging.
In the upcoming week, look for a check-in with VH1’s current crop of reality shows, thoughts on the writers strike (I fully support it), a look at other show’s seasons so far, and notes on what shows I’ve already abandoned (there’s at least 3 new ones). And maybe a look at what to give thanks for on TV. Thanks to the two of you for reading again.
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