24: Redemption

24: Redemption

Grade: C-

Out first glimpse of Jack Bauer in a year and a half. It’s been a long time. This movie could have been the shittiest thing on Earth and I wouldn’t care just because I get to see Jack Bauer again. Here is my relationship with 24. It used to be my life. Seriously, my life. Around Season 6, even a bit in Season 5 I started to lose the feeling I would have when it would come on. It became predictable. You could see where things were going and how the season was structured. It became impossible to become surprised by anything because nothing could be shocking anymore. Jack had gone through so much there was literally nothing that could push him into a state we have not seen. I still liked it but it was more fun to pick apart and it was a show that although I liked it, it no longer made me feel the way it used to. It is something that I can never get back. I don’t want to say I grew out of it because it sounds condescending but the show became something that could no longer have that effect on me. This is a combination of the series’ decline in quality and something it can never ever ever ever get back which is its freshness. After you have experienced that tension and it dies down it cannot be revived. After a while I decided to stay with the show. It provides some good moments and I hated the idea of Jack Bauer stuff happening without me knowing. So this was the first Jack Bauer in a year.

I missed the 24 logo, the ticking clock, the split screen. I missed Jack whispering, Jack yelling, Jack making promises, Jack watching people he knows die, seeing half naked character soon to be killed off within 4 episodes. Oh the good times. So yeah this was not a very good TV special. I understand that a lot of set up needed to be done but it felt pretty boring for much of the time. I felt like Jack was not in all that much of it. As it went on it got better I felt. It suffered from ridiculously corny music, typical stereotyping on the part of the show, something that they do all the time. Basically I wasn’t on the edge of my seat and it was annoying having all new people because I felt completely disconnected from everyone except Jack. And Robert Carlyle that is because he was great, immediately brought his presence to the show in a really positive and awesome way only, of course, die. And only, of course have us see Jack cry…again. Jack crying still makes me cry. Always will.

I liked how it set up for next season because I thought it would be a lot more pointless. Yet it still felt that way sort of. The last 20 minutes were very good I must say; at least definitely in comparison to the rest of the film.

“You didn’t give me a choice you son of a bitch” Awesome.

So yeah I did not hate it and I know a C- seems harsh but it just dragged for the better part of it. But it was still fun and obviously really nice to see Jack again. I was having fun with it and laughing a lot at things I would not have been normally. That is what has changed. My relationship with the show. I would never laugh at the show the way I do now back then. I still take it seriously but I just have a different relationship with the show now and I’m not at the edge of my seat. I have fun with that. I like that it saves a hell of a lot of set up for next season. This way we can get right into it.

The preview was decent. I just don’t care for the Tony story. It angers me. Honestly though I find it pretty believable for Tony to have gone bad. He was weaker than Michelle was, he would basically sacrifice the country so Michelle could live, which she would not have anyways. Lest we forget that Michelle would have sacrificed Tony. Tony seems the type to easily turn evil because he wants revenge and because he was a bit of a whiny baby. No offense. Obviously his situation would make most people be the way he was but he gets very angry. It’s not so much the believability of it but the fact that a. he is alive and b. it’s just stupid. We shall see what happens though.

Well, until January!

Gossip Girl: Season 2, Episode 11: "The Magnificent Archibalds"

Gossip Girl: Season 2, Episode 11: “The Magnificent Archibalds”
Grade: B

This week’s episode of “Gossip Girl” started out pretty boring I must say but by the end I managed to be interested in basically everything that was going on in some way. Sorry it takes me a while to get to this show but it is low on my priority list of things at the moment. I’ll do a rundown.

Blair and her annoyance with her mother and Cyrus is at once entertaining but also annoying and repetitive. She needs to do something else at this point. Next week it looks like she will.

Serena and Aaron are stupid and annoying but I did not hate their storyline nearly as much as the week before so that was nice. Dan clearly is still not over Serena as much as he’d like to think he is. I think we all knew this though. Why would you give your folder to someone? Yes it contains all of the bad stuff but who the hell knows what else it might contain. Stuff maybe she forgot about? Not big information but just things that are unnecessary viewing for someone else.

So bad Jenny is gone. Couldn’t you tell from the absence of heavy makeup? I guess I’m sort of happy about this but honestly it was hilariously entertaining and I am sort of mourning its loss in a guilty pleasure way.

The highlight for me was Eric and his discovery of the files. I don’t know why it was so interesting to me. I think it was just because I really like Eric a lot and we do not see all that much of him.

Nate’s story was good this week and probably the other highlight for me. It was nice to see Chuck and Vanessa come together to help Nate out and for him to make a decision. Seeing Chuck and Nate make up at the end was satisfying.

Wow Vanessa. Harsh move taking those letters. Wow. I cannot believe she did that. Why would you want to be with someone knowing they are with you because they could not get a hold of someone else and the reason for that is because you prevented it from happening? I cannot understand why that would be okay for someone. Vanessa is a tricky one.

So that’s it. My episode reviews for this show are not intense, merely a very short very informal overview of stuff.

So next episode is when the much awaited death occurs. I already know who it is but I will not spoil it for anyone.

South Park: Season 12, Episode 13: "Elementary School Musical"

“South Park” Season 12, Episode 12” Elementary School Musical

Grade: A-

Another hilarious episode containing some of the funniest bits I’ve seen in a while. All of the kids become obsessed with high school musical except for the main characters and they vow to never sing and dance because the school has taken to randomly breaking out into song and dance. The funny thing about this episode is that the songs in it are very spot on as to what High School Musical songs sound like, the choreography is spot on as are the lyrics. These songs were created in a fraction of the time that the actual HSM songs were done and it is hilarious that they can basically pull off what the HSM songs do in s self deprecating way in a fraction of the time. Obviously a lot of work goes into those movies but it was funny to see it being done in such a short amount of time.

Another amusing aspect was the switch around of the father who does not want his son to become a basketball player and wants him to sing as opposed to the father who wants his son to play a sport as opposed to dancing.

I thought there was a bit too much with Mr. Queermo slapping people but since it was funny and a couple of times hilarious it was not a big deal.

But my favorite parts were when they are all watching High School Musical to see what the hype is about and Cartman says:

"Well, I'm out guys. If this is what's cool now, I think I'm done. I no longer have any connection to this world. I'm gonna go home and kill myself. Goodbye, friends."

(the next morning)

Cartman: (walks into class and sighs)

Kyle: What happened? I thought you were gonna kill yourself?

Cartman: I tried - went to sleep in my mom's car in the garage with the engine turned on.

Stan: But you didn't die?

Cartman: Freakin' hybrids, man. They just don't do the job anymore.

Another part that made me laugh out loud for a considerable length of time was what Cartman would do every time Scott Malkinson would talk. He would say something to the effect of “I’m Scott Malkinson. I have a lisp and diabetes. I’m Scott Malkinson. Omg freaking hilarious.
Overall this was an episode that I was completely entertained with from start to finish once again showing us a perception of things in a way that makes us see things more clearly even if we are doing so through a cartoon show. Very impressive and hilarious.

Here’s a link to when they watch the movie: http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/210218/
And here’s a Scott Malkinson clip: http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/210225/

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 19

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 19: "New Moon Rising"

Grade: B

“New Moon Rising” marks the official end of Willow and Oz’s relationship. This was one of those episodes that I feel I would have been much more invested in if I had no idea what was going to happen. At this point in the show I had already gotten over the Willow/Oz relationship pretty much. Not over it in the sense that I did not like them anymore obviously; I still adore them. The fact of the matter is that I had mourned the relationship and was ready to move on and knowing what was going to happen in the episode when Oz comes back. So my opinion is pretty affected by that. This sounds like a lead up to this being a bad episode. It definitely is not in any way bad. It is actually quite good. It is just that considering the magnitude of the events in the episode, my enthusiasm for it does not match with the importance of it. That being said, this is a solid B episode with some great interactions and moments.

Something I’d like to point out is the parallel of Buffy and Riley’s story and Willow and Oz/Tara’s. By the end of the episode, Buffy deals with the fact that she has to tell Riley about Angel after he makes a comment about Willow having dated Oz because he is a werewolf. Where Riley has to accept Buffy for who she was involved with, Buffy has to accept Willow for who she IS involved with. Buffy’s reaction to Willow telling her she was involved with Tara was interesting. If the show had been made today, Buffy would not have had the reaction she did; one of surprise, hesitancy, discomfort and the slight suggestion of incapable understanding. I thought it was an interesting decision to have Buffy dealing with having to tell Riley about her past on the same episode as Willow Is finally making her break with Oz.

I don’t really know what to say about the episode since I watched it about 2 days ago. I’m excited about Willow and Tara to finally be a couple now. I just wanted to get past that awkward fist stage because it felt a bit forced. I think Amber Benson does a fantastic job and I’m so happy to have her on the cast. However, when she stutters it comes off as someone acting. I wish she was a little better at that.

Of course I cried during the episode. Everyone did a great job especially Alyson Hannigan. The scene in the truck at the end was a great end to Willow and Oz. I am happy they do not leave of on horrible notes. The episode is also notable for Riley officially leaving the Initiative and joining the Scoobies side. I’m sorry I do not have more to say but it’s been a couple of days and I have many other entries to post. : )

Quotes

Buffy: Stay back, or I'll pull a William Borroughs on your leader here.

Xander: You'll bore him to death with free prose?

Buffy: Was I the only one awake in English that day?

- Adam: Scout's honor.

Spike: You were a boy scout?

Adam: Parts of me.

-Oz: It was stupid to think that you'd just be ... waiting.

Willow: I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won't be surprised. Cuz ... you're with me. You know?

- Oz: I think I better take off.

Willow: When?

Oz: Pretty much now.

The Office: Season 5, Episode 8: "Frame Toby"

The Office: Season 5, Episode 8: "Frame Toby"

Grade: B

Ok so I’ve decided that I really just don’t like Jim and Pam. I’ll just never be happy enough in my own life to be able to actually be happy for a couple like that. So I find myself wanting for bad things to happen to them. Oh I’m evil alright. So don’t pay attention to my rantings about them. I do find some things I have to say about them to be completely valid but there is a lone I cross into being completely hateful of them and I am aware of it. Nevertheless I liked the shot of him trying to rip off the clown picture. I also liked Pam’s note on the microwave because it reminds me of something Matt has done. And I love Oscar’s objection to it. I don’t know. So yay they have a house. I don’t know. I guess I’m just not invested in them. Unless something bad is happening to them. Muahahahahahahahahahaha. And yet I prefer them to be together than to be apart like in Season 2. Barf. Anyways…

So the return of Toby. I sort of missed Toby, although I obviously prefer Holly. I did not expect Michael to go as far as he did with his efforts to get Toby out. I believe his outlandish behavior can be attributed to motivation spurred on by the idea that Toby is taking Holly’s place. It does not hurt that he also despises Toby and goes over the top on a semi regular occasion. The opening of the episode was the best part. Jim’s realization that Michael did not know about Toby was classic and Michael’s reaction was one of the funniest things I’ve seen on The Office in a while. I think it could have been the funniest part of the season so far for me. Framing Toby was really harsh and I like that Michael at least tried to stop it a little bit at the end but it was a real dick thing to do and not only that but really wrong. What if he actually had bought pot? But that would never happen on this show of course.

Fuck Kelly and Ryan. I cannot believe we wasted the time on them. However Ryan going up to Pam in an underhanded attempt to get her to clean up the microwave mess because he did not want to do it was ridiculous and I love the way Pam handled that.

Overall I really enjoyed the episode as entertainment but I had a few issues with the believability of the plot. I don’t think Michael would go that far to get Toby out of a job. Although Michael is someone who does not understand the consequences of his actions. Toby being there for a week without Michael noticing is dumb. I don’t really know how to judge this episode. I really enjoyed it but it had some issues and the initial reaction I’m seeing from fans is bad. But I don’t know. I liked it. Despite Kelly-Ryan stupidity.

Hmm. I don’t really know what else to say. This was as informal as possible. But oh well.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 18: "Where the Wild Things Are"

Note: Sorry this picture conveys nothing about the episode and is misleading about the fact that this is NOT a Giles centric episode!!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: "Where the Wild Things Are"
Grade: D+

I feel harsh giving this a D+ but I cannot deny that this was a below average “Buffy” episode. There were aspects I enjoyed such as the interaction of Spike and Anya, Anya and Xander’s conversation on the ice cream truck and Giles’ singing. However I thought the execution of several aspects of the episode were misguided such as the jungle stuff, the orgasm spot on the wall, the whole execution of the house being haunted was silly. I also just thought it had no real purpose. Buffy and Riley were not in much of the episode. Honestly I am just personally not in the mood to see Buffy and Riley going at it for an entire episode. It’s not what I need in my life right now. And Anya getting upset with Xander and assuming they were breaking up because they hadn’t had sex in 2 nights was just not a plot I was in a mood to deal with. So maybe it’s just the concept of the episode hitting too close to home but I just did not care for this episode. However again I did think that the Spike/Anya interaction was very interesting and entertaining. The scene when she brings him to the party and realizes why the Initiative people look familiar was particularly enjoyable. The girls’ reaction to Giles singing and Xanders’ response to their reaction was another highlight.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 17: "Superstar"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 17: "Superstar"
Grade: B

I’m typing as I watch. This is new. I love that this episode starts out with the alternate reality already. I expected it to be the way these types of episodes usually work. About 10-15 minutes of intro and then some alternate universe stuff. What I love about this episode are the little touches of Jonathan worship sprinkled throughout the show without there being a lot of attention being called to some of them. The intro to the show (genius by the way), the shrine Willow and Tara are making throughout a scene that you don’t see until the end, the poster of him in Riley’s room. It’s all very strange and bizarre and this is the type of episode that could only really be done on this show.

It is interesting to see the world of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer revolve around Jonathan and how he functions within that. He helps Buffy and Riley out with advice, he is in charge of covert operations within the Initiate, he is in charge of the Scoobies, etc. He is everywhere. I like that in this alternate reality the problems and situations of all of the characters still exist. He helps Buffy and Riley genuinely work through their problems even if it is just him wanting to have people want his advice.

I need to point out that I was skeptical about Adam because I did not like the way he looked. It looked hokey and frankly sort of dumb. But I am impressed by him solely because of the acting and writing. I still think the appearance is ineffective. But the actor has a great voice and the dialogue he is given makes him an interesting character.

I also find it interesting that Jonathan actually did all of the things that Buffy actually did in addition to everything else. Buffy is different in this universe where everyone else is the same. I mean she’s basically the same except she is a bit of a wuss, can’t fight, let’s Spike touch her and is afraid to question the authority of Jonathan, for a while that is.
The wipe effect at the end was lame haha.

While this definitely is not an essential episode and it is ultimately pretty pointless, I actually found it much more entertaining than I thought it would be and a lot of fun.

Moments:
-Tara’s line: “Oh my God, I think he is going to play something off the new album!”
-Buffy’s conversation with Jonathan at the coffee shop
-The reveal of the Jonathan shrine
-Adam: “These are lies. None of this is real. The world has been changed. It’s intriguing but it’s wrong.”
-Buffy and Anya’s conversation when she visits Anya at Xanders’.
-Buffy: Giles, do you have Jonathan’s music calendar?
Giles: “No”
Buffy looks in confusion
Giles: “Yes. It was a gift.”
-Xander’s reaction to Buffy being right. “No!” (Hilarious if you see it)
-Giles: "Jonathan won't be Jonathan. Well, not our Jonathan anyways."
Xander: "No, no, no! World without sunshine! World without joy!"