TV: Lost - Helpful Timeline

I watch Lost religiously, but haven't blogged about it yet.  Part of it is because there are already a billion blogs out there about Lost and a lot of what I have to say is just re-capping what EW's Doc Jensen has taught me or brought to my attention.   

However, recently I'm longing for more information sorting out the big picture of Lost or bringing me some more background to characters or ideas that pop-up.   So I've done some research to help me out and maybe help you, too!   Here is a timeline to help us sort through who has been on the island when. 

Before 1954, we're not sure what's been going on on the island... However, we can assume that "The Hostiles" led by Richard Alpert have been around for a while.  **Perhaps they are the ones who have built the four-toed statue?** They are considered the "native inhabitants" of the Island.   We will refer to these natives as "The Hostiles" until after the Purge, when they become "The Others."

1954: The United States Army arrives on the island to test-detonate a hydrogen bomb. The Hostiles, led by Richard Alpert, kill 18 of their soldiers.  Charles Widmore is one of the Hostiles. 

1950s – 1980s: Charles Widmore becomes the leader of the Hostiles. We know that he ruled for 30 years, and was then exiled due to the scheming of Ben. We also know that he has been searching for the Island for 20 years by 2005.

1970: The Dharma Initiative is created. Benjamin Linus and his Dad join. Daniel Faraday is working for them

1988: Rousseau and company have crashed on the island. They were part of a "Science Expedition" traveling from Tahiti. They picked up a transmission of a voice repeating the numbers and the team decided to change their course and investigate the source of the broadcast.

1992: “The Purge” occurs. The Hostiles launch a toxic gas attack on the Dharma Initiative. It is unknown whether or not Ben masterminded the Purge.  Now the Hostiles have become the Others.

2001: Desmond arrives on the Island.  Also in this year, Juliet arrives on the Island. 

Sometime around 2001, the drug smugglers’ plane crashes onto the island. It contained Yemi (Eko’s brother) and Goldie, as well as many Virgin Mary statues filled with heroin that they were smuggling out of Nigeria.

2003: Henry Gale crashes onto the island from a hot air balloon, attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean.

September 22 2004: Oceanic Flight 815 crashes onto the Island.

December 15, 2004: Naomi parachutes on the Island from the frieghter (the Kahana).

December 21, 2004: Daniel Faraday, Frank, Miles, and Charlotte all land on the Island from the Frieghter crew

December 24 2004: Sayid, Desmond, and Frank arrive on the frieghter

December 26, 2004: The weapon-toting mean guys from the freighter (the mercenaries) arrive on the Island. They are led by Keamy.

December 30, 2004: Desmond, Jack, Kate, Aaron, Sayid, Hurley, Sun and Frank are all on a helicopter headed to the frieghter. It crashes into the ocean. They are saved by Peny's lifeboat, the Searcher.

January 7, 2005: The Oceanic 6 Arrive on the shores of Sumba.

Juanary 13, 2005: The Oceanic 6 are taken to Honolulu and conduct a press conference.

“Early 2008” : Ajira Airways Flight 316 crashes and lands the passengers (including John Locke, Ben, Jack, Hurley, Kate, Frank and newcomers Ilana and Caesar) Where are Sun and Sayid? Not sure, yet.

Read more!

TV: Top Chef's Finale Part 2

Hosea Wins!  

What the heck?  I was way off on this one, believing that Hosea did not stand a chance.  However, based on the final challenge, I fully agree with his being chosen.  This is a program that votes on a challenge by challenge basis, therefore all of Stefan's previous wins couldn't count towards him.  

I agree that it was a dumb move for Stefan to end on a dessert, especially a chocolate one.  This is one thing I've learned from watching: chocolate desserts are often not received particularly well.  No one wins with chocolate.  

I feel so bad for Carla.  I love her spirit!  However, this is a girl who does not benefit from team work.  She is a people-pleaser, so when Casey presented suggestions to her, I don't think it was in Carla's nature to reject those ideas and keep focused on her own path.  I really think she could have won the whole thing if she had cooked the beef in a style she is used to and made the tart with her famous crust rather than attempt the souffle.   Frown! 

I'll end on this note: they didn't bleep "Twat?" I'm not saying that word is much worse than "Douchebag" or on the same level as "C*nt," but really?  That's allowed.  Somewhere George Carlin is smiling. 

Read more!

TV: American Idol 2/25

Okay, so this was a weird night.   

I think the singing was overall pretty mediocre.  However, maybe once we get our final 12 I'll be more confident in the abilities of this season's contestants. 

I loved how many contemporary songs were chosen.  Regardless of how well they were song, what a relief to hear more modern tunes like "Love Song," "Viva La Vida," and "Put Your Records On."  Unless you are going to completely re-do the arrangement to modernize the song, please stay away from such moldies as "Man in the Mirror" and "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"... BORING. 

Let me take a moment to discuss Norman Gentle / Nick Mitchell.  I can't believe he sang "...I'm not Going" AGAIN.  That totals 3 times he has performed this number on Idol.  I don't think he should make it through because this is not the stage for comedy, and I LOVED that Ryan said flat-out that he doesn't think he deserves it.  

Now for who I think will go through: Adam Lambert and Allison.  As for the third? I have no idea this week!  I'm going to hope that it's Jesse.  I really like her and I think she has potential to grow into being an even performer.  I hope it's not Megan Corkey.  I absolutely do NOT get that girl.  I seriously thought she was one of the bad/joke auditions when we first saw her.  

On a side note: Paula said it was a mistake to have four judges.  She did not slam Kara when saying this, leading me (and many others) to believe this is all part of Paula working out a graceful exit from the show.  I hope she does leave, because she's never really added anything of value in my book and I would love to allow Kara more time to critique.  She really thinks about the viability of each contestant and I think she elevates the conversation. 

Read more!

TV: Big Love 2/22

Big Love is like Six Feet Under in that sometimes I think it is the best show on television, and other times I am just caught-up in its silly kookiness.  This past episode (aired on 2/22 called "Family Road Trip"), was the best episode of the show in it's four season history and the best hour of television I've seen in a long time.  

After the previous week's episode, where the trial concluded and the fourth wife story-line completed, I was very curious about the future of season four.   We were only half-way through the season, but all the plot elements seemed relatively tied-up!   What to do but go on a road trip?!  

The episode could have stood completely on its own as a short film.  I think with just a few tid-bits of background information, anyone could have tuned in and been throughly captivated.  The Sopranos also had the ability to present incredibly cinematic episodes.   Part of why I loved this episode so much was due to how beautiful it was.  The scene where Bill is praying after burying the family time-capsule?  I got goose-bumps all three times I've seen it. 

Another reason I loved this episode was because it simply focused on the family.  I get tired of compound drama and I certainly get bored with Bill's business and financial obstacles (there was a bit of casino talk in this episode, but just a smidgen).   My favorite Big Love episodes concern what is happening in their immediate and complicated family.  With so many wonderful characters living all under one roof (sort of), we really don't need so much periphery business to make for an incredible show.  

Read more!

TV: Oscar Telecast

I've heard both positive and negative reviews of this year's Oscars telecast, and frankly, I'm surprised!  For me, it was the best Academy Awards presentation I can remember! 

I really liked how the same presenter duos gave away multiple and related awards.  This really helped speed things along and cut down on the awkward TelePrompTer banter (not that there was even too much of that this year!  The script was greatly improved from past shows).  

My favorite part was how they gave away the top acting awards.  Having previous winners take a moment to give a little speech about each of the nominees was moving.  It created the feeling that it truly would be an honor "just to be nominated," for all of the world would hear one of the great acting talents take a moment to give you credit and congratulations.  Furthermore, it heightened the honor of actually winning: if you won the award then you would get to be a part of that magnificent club.   I hope this remains a part of the Oscar show every year from now on. 

Other favorite bits:

• "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto"
• Focusing more on just honoring 2008 movies in clip montages rather than the entire history of film. 
• Ben Stiller as Joaquin Pheonix
• Sean Penn saying "I know how hard I make it to appreciate me"

And just a note on fashion:  liked the muted color scheme and the structural element to many of the gowns.  I was not a fan of the froo-froo cupcake gowns worn by Miley Cyrus and Sarah Jessica Parker.  But the winner for the worst?  Reese Witherspoon!  Combine the disastrous gown with seriously hideous make-up, and you've turned hotness into a hot mess. 

Read more!

Film: Oscar Picks

Actor:  Sean Penn in "Milk"

I would love for Mickey Rourke to win for his performance for "The Wrestler."   Not only would it be fun to hear his acceptance speech, but I also love a good come-back story.  That being said, Sean Penn transformed completely to take on his role as Harvey Milk.  It was definitely an Oscar worthy performance and I think it will win partly because of the protest against Proposition 8 in California.  I think a win here would supplement the loss "Milk" will endure in the Best Picture category. 

Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger in "The Dark Night"

Would Heath win in this category had it not been for his unfortunate passing? We'll never know.  However, a post-mortem award is all but a give-in considering his quality of work.   He was amazing as the Joker and I do believe he would have been nominated even if he was still alive today.

Actress: Kate Winslet in "The Reader"

Much like how Heath will win because it is a symbolic gesture towards the actor's entire life's work, Kate will win because she produced two stellar performances this year.  I believe that the nod here will be for both her work in "The Reader" (where she was magnificent), but also for her powerful performance in "Revolutionary Road."  

Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz in "Vicky Christina Barcelona"

Penelope was really able to shine in this role, as she was able to embrace her Spanish language and culture.  It is when she is acting in Spanish roles when I think she is able to produce her best work.    Furthermore, I think this is sort of a default win.  I don't believe Hensen's role allowed her to truly flex her acting muscles, and I think the Doubt girls will split the votes.  However, if Amy Adams wins: hooray!  She is a tremendous talent and joy to watch.  Tomei did a nice job in "The Wrestler," but I don't see it taking the prize in this competitive category. 

Animated Feature: Wall-E.  

Where was the Best Picture nod for this incredible film?  The win here will be a consolation prize. 

Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The best and most elaborate set design has to go to this epic film spanning time and the globe. 

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Costume Design: The Duchess

Does a period piece ever lose in this category?  Not to mention the three-foot tall wigs. 

Directing: Slumdog Millionaire

Documentary Feature: Man on Wire

This was an amazing film.   If you haven't seen it yet, this documentary does an incredible job with recreated scenes and the entire movie has the feeling of a delightful caper.   The footage of the actual act is paralyzing in its frightfulness and powerfulness.  And of course, Phillipe Petite is a joyous performer and story-teller.   I have not seen any of the other films in this category.   

Documentary Short: The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306

I haven't seen any of these films, but I'll go with the Martin Luther King Jr. pick considering our currently celebratory climate in regards to racial progress. 

Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

With the fast-paced flash-backs, I think this is another deserved win for an amazing film. 

Foreign Language Film: The Class

I haven't seen any of these films, but I hear this movie documenting the students of varied faiths and ethnicities in a french classroom is actually one of the favorites of the entire year for many critics. 

Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Seems like a no-brainer! Does the CGI utilized to aid the aging apply to this category?

Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire

Original Song: Jai Ho

Could the Slumdog songs split the vote?  Seems possible, but Peter Gabriel also threw a tantrum recently regarding the montage format for the Oscar performances making it even less likely that the Academy will pick his song for the win.  Plus, who can resist a Bollywood dance number?

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Considered the underdog just months ago, now the front-runner, this film is amazing!  Powerful, depressing, hopeful, all in the same movie.  I love this picture! 

Short Film, Animated: Presto

It was presented before Wall-E, so we know a lot of people got to see this funny magician's assistant piece. 

Short Film, Live Action: Spielzeugland (Toyland)

A good version of "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."  

Sound Editing and Sound Mixing: The Dark Knight

Perhaps I should have picked The Dark Knight for one and Wall-E for the other, to ensure I got 1 point.  My theory is that both of these awards will go to the same movie, and that the Academy usually gives the nod to an action picture.  I did no research to back-up either of those claims. 

Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire

I didn't read the book this film was based on, however, I think the screenplay was brilliant.  Also, as I've already mentioned, I did find the dialogue in The Reader disappointing when compared to the masterpiece book. 

Original Screenplay: Milk

My friend made a lot of better points than I did for why Milk could win in this category.  For one, it presents a decent consolation prize (as well as Best Actor?) to the movie that couldn't beat Slumdog for Best Picture.  For another, there were many screenplays floating around about the life of Harvey Milk that never made it to production.  This was the screenplay that was good enough to honor the man's life.   Lastly, I think that any bio-pic screenplay is especially challenging and should be honored when done-well.  Although history has created the plot-points, the writer must shrink the life to a reasonable time-length while still being true to the events that transpired and the characters involved.  

We'll see how I do! 

Read more!

Book v. Movie: Revolutionary Road

Without a doubt, we have a dark subject matter here.  A couple struggles to hold it together as they deal with the monotony of suburbia in the '50s and the stifling of the creative spirit.   They shout and threaten.  They denounce affection and cheat.  This is not a pleasant experience! 

The book was a triumph.  Although your stomach twists into knots while agonizing through the battles between the Wheelers, the writing is incredible.   Yates gives a voice to every character, switching up the narrative styles frequently to shed light on each of their natures.  

The movie falls short.  I felt like I was being thrown into fast-forward, as so much was being told too fast and so much was being left aside to make room for progress.  Kathy Bate's character was greatly cheapened in comparison to how she was presented in the novel.  Frank Wheeler (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) was not given the time to show his true insecurities.  April Wheeler's character was denied further understanding by being given some shoddy filler-dialogue created in a great departure from the book.  Why not use that time to have her reflect on her parents, who played a major role in the development of her essence (as Yates so powerfully illustrated)?   

Some people say that this film should have received more attention by the Academy.  Although I think the performances were well-done, the story didn't settle well.   If it was able to flesh out the stories of all the players a little more, perhaps it wouldn't have just felt like a gut-twisting downer, but more like a moving character piece. 

Read more!

TV: Top Chef's Finale Part 1

Lots of good things about last night's second-to-last episode.  First of all, thank GOD Gail is BACK.  Goodbye Toby!  No one will miss you.  Please never come back.  

The come-back kid: Jeff won his way into the semi-finals.  I wish they would have had time to discuss the food from the quick-fire so I could know why Jeff beat my beloved Jamie, but I trust he provided a great meal.   Bringing back boosted contestants never settles very well with me, however, considering how this show operates on a case-by-case basis*, it seems okay that they would give these guys a chance to prove that their dismissal dish was a fluke.   That being said, I'm glad Jeff didn't win his way back in even if his presentation was better than Stefan and Fabio's because fair is fair and he was ousted. 

I think I should mention how much I love the new (?) shorties that Top Chef has thrown in the middle of the show.  Do you know what I mean?: the little minute long scenes they toss in during the middle of a commercial break.  In my favorite one we learned that Jeff was an incredible magician.  In this episode we learned Fabio likes to cross-dress for Halloween. 

I'm really sad to see Fabio go, but I think it's fair.  Actually, I would say that I'm surprised Jamie did not surpass him.   Fabio said the famous last words of a Top Chef contestant, "I'm going to put my own spin on it."  He may not have said that exactly, but his inability to produce a 100% completely Creole presentation got him.  Whenever a contestant abandons tradition for their own interpretation, it's an incredibly risky move.  See Hosea's shrimp scampi. 

So the final three are Carla, Hosea, and Stefan.  I like Hosea, despite his incomprehensible fling with Leah, but I don't think he stands a chance.  He hasn't performed all-that-strong in the past and he's up against a woman cooking up steam, and Stefan who has won the vast majority of the challenges.    Who will win? It's Soul vs. Sweden!  I'm praying for Carla who cooks with her heart and with a nod towards simplicity.  However, I bet she wins fan favorite and that making it to the finale is enough to let her feel like a winner.   

Read more!

TV: American Idol 2/19

So I was wrong about Braddy, and that's a bummer.  Last night's result show made me like him a lot more as I could get a better sense of his personality.   And Michael Sarver's repeat performance just reiterated the fact that the guy is OK at best, whereas Braddy seriously had a set of pipes.  However, Sarver abandoned his R&B sensibilities for a country-twinged pop tune and the Carrie Underwood voters obviously picked him as a potential Idol representing the hardworking, family-orientated, red-staters. 

Other items of note: the opening number was great!  Maybe not "great" in terms of a perfect performance by each contestant, or that it was without cheesiness.  However, considering how incredibly cheesy these opening numbers have been in past seasons, I was impressed.  And they even picked a contemporary song!  Wowie! 

The Gokey love-fest continued.  I have to quote Michael Sezlak from EW that obviously the producers of Idol love Gokey "more than Ford, Coca-Cola, and AT&T combined."  It is justified? The kid can sing, but I'm not sold, yet. 

Jackie Tohn: I love you. 

Read more!

Book: Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott

My mother recently gave me the gift of the book Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott, as I recently became a mother to my son!   I highly recommend this book to any new mother.   I could completely relate to Lamott when she wrote of all her worries regarding her skills as a mother and her son's development.  Furthermore, she writes a lot about her faith, which is completely approachable and without piety.  

Even better, Lamott struggles as a mother.  She is a recovering addict of alcohol and drugs with some hints of psychosis, as well as a single mother with no help from the father.   She writes bluntly about her feelings towards the baby, even reflecting on the resentfulness and anger that comes with being around a newborn 24 hours a day.  These are raw, true emotions that often aren't allowed to be expressed in our culture.  Hearing her say the things I did not allow myself to think was refreshing.  And at sometimes there was a sense of shadenfreude where I gathered strength knowing I was doing better than Lamott (mostly thanks to the sanity of my husband). 

I loved this book, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that we were living the same life as new mothers with beautiful baby boys.   However, I think readers who were not in our same situation would also find this read enjoyable.  Lamott is a critically praised writer who sucks you in with her honest and witty language. 

Read more!

TV: American Idol 2/18

Here it goes, texters! Who will make it to the top 12? Out of the first batch, my money is on Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, and Ricky Braddy.

Danny Gokey did a fine performance, and certainly has the producers and judges telling America he is the one to beat right now. What's up with the tremendous amount of air-time this Robert Downey Jr. Jr. is getting? One has to imagine that his decent set of pipes + interesting/sad back-story + David Cook-ocity is the perfect formula to create a Pop Idol. However, his back-story makes me NOT TRUST this guy. Who auditions for reality TV four months after the wife passes away and gives the producer intimate home-videos to help schmaltz up the story? Furthermore, I loved David Cook, but one of my favorite parts about Idol is how all the winners are so incredibly different. We've got Fantastic Burrito: the R&B soultress, Carrie Underwood: country superstar, Kelly Clarkston: pop powerhouse, and David Cook: alternative rocker. I'm not saying that the winner can't fit into one of these genres of music (hello: what's left?), but maybe not so much a back-to-backer with the rocker dude.

Alexis Grace was the best out of all the "meh" women. I think it's weird how focused the judges seem to be on sexin' this girl up. She did, afterall, have a baby at possibly the age of 18 or 19, so let's maybe not play-up the whole gettin' busy element.

Ricky Braddy I'm throwing in as the #3 because he sang very well and there is a Clay Aiken fan-base. He seems boring to me (although, not because of lack of star-quality) in the same way that any balladeer like a Gayken or an Archuleta bores me.

As for the rest:

• Holy hell Casey and Stevie were DISASTERS. 
• I liked Jackie Thon! I don't think she was the best singer, and she certainly doesn't stand a chance tonight.  However, I hope she is able to use this experience to land more acting gigs.  Looking at her IMDB page, she has already had appearances on some great programs including Veronica Mars and  It's Always Sunny...
  
• Props to Tatiana.  She was the next best female singer out of the group (maybe- it's hard to sort through the mediocrity), and she didn't do the little crazy-girl monkey dance that the producers wanted her to.  The judges were genuinely surprised that she sang well (what an insult to all of the decent female singers who have already been cut!) and that she didn't fall to her knees in a psychotic fit.  They had only kept her to be a water-cooler topic and she dissed them by taking this opportunity seriously. Well done!

And lastly:

• I liked Kara.  I think she had some really valid critiques and furthermore, I believe she encouraged Paula to be more articulate!  Paula had some incredibly thoughtful things to say last night.  No longer will there just be a "beautiful, fabulous" tasteless meat between our "Aight Dawg" and "Rubbish, Hotel Singer" sandwich. 
• Unless a High School AV team was in charge there was NO EXCUSE for the piss-poor production on this show.  Wonky, accidental camera throws, faulty clip-cues, and no one could have fixed Kara's mike after it became apparent that she was going to deep-throat it throughout the evening?

Read more!

Book v. Movie: The Reader

A movie adaption of a novel is a tricky thing.   Often times dialogue has to be created in order to make up for the lack of narration.  These lines are incredibly emotive and make character interactions much more dramatic than was necessary in the book.    Also, there is something to be said about actually being able to see the body language of a character and how that reveals more about their nature than can be done in a book.   

The film version of The Reader was very true to the story by Bernhard Schlink.  There was more emotive dialogue than was found in the novel, but again, it was necessary considering we could not hear the thoughts of the protagonist, Michael.   

Also, being able to see Hanna's facial expressions and body language directly, rather than just read the descriptions of Michael's memory, revealed more about her *true character* more quickly than in the novel.    

I asked my friend who had seen the film and had not read the book when she was able to detect elements of Hanna's character that had not been apparent to me until the end of the novel.  As I predicted, she understood certain plot points almost immediately.  It could be that I was just being oblivious! However, I'd like to think that had I not read the book, I too would have connected the dots early in the film.  Discovering Hanna's *true nature* later in the novel as an unexpected plot twist was much more fun for me.   Nevertheless, I enjoyed both the novel and the faithful film adaptation tremendously. 

Read more!

Book v. Movie: Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was originally a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The version I read I was just 26 pages long, and I read it in the bathtub.  The story was prefaced with a review of the piece: a letter to the magazine that first published Fitzgerald's work.  The review was not-positive to say the least, and I have to agree with that writer that this story was not well-written.  It was choppy and non-sensical.  The idea of aging backwards is a fantasy, but the movie succeeded where the book failed in making it seem, not plausible, but embraceable as a miracle. 

In the book, the baby was born with the mind of an 80 year-old.  He wanted to wear suits and was unmoved by kindergarten activities.  As he aged he seemed to forget his life's experiences, and died with the brain of a child: a blank-slate.  

This defeats the entire purpose of tackling the common theory that "youth is wasted on the young."

The movie succeeds where the book fails on this front: Brad Pitt's character has a child's mind that goes along well with his aged body.  By the time he is a young man, he has learned important life lessons and can use his youthful energy and agility to his advantage by appreciating love and traveling the globe.  

The film featured the adoption of Benjamin Button by Taraji P. Hensen's character, and an interesting dynamic between a regretful father reaching out to his son overtime.   In the book there was no-such adoption, and the book focused rather on the unpleasant resentfulness the father felt toward his son, and eventually the resentment Benjamin's own son felt toward raising his baby-minded father.  I much preferred the movie version's take on this element, as well. 

One concept that I will give to the book is how they captured the mind of an infant.  As a new mother, reading such beautiful and haunting descriptions of how the child's mind works, embracing only colors and emotions rather than thoughts, was fascinating and not something the movie was able to illustrate.  

Read more!

Film: Frozen River

In my pursuit to view all of the films nominated for the top Oscars this year, I watched Frozen River last night. 

Like most nominated films, this movie was dark but moving.  It features a woman who is struggling with desperate financial strains and, in order to earn enough money to buy a double-wide, gets sucked into the world of smuggling illegal immigrants across the Canadian border into the U.S.  

This plot resonated even more powerfully due to its timeliness.  We are living in incredibly bleak economic times, and there will be several cases in our country of people confronting moral dilemmas while trying to make ends meet.   If your family's well-being was on the line, would you turn down the opportunity to smuggle Chinese prostitutes across the border if your chances of getting caught were slim, and the money you'd earn would make all the difference? 

If you don't believe me that situations like this are relevant and accurate, read this recent news story of a woman crying her way through robbing an Arby's. 

Oscar Race note: as I have not yet seen all of the films nominated for "Best Actress," I'm going to wait to make any predictions and to fully comment on Melissa Leo's performance.

Read more!

TV: Pam and Jim's Wedding

There has been a lot of speculation about when Pam and Jim will get married on The Office.  The writers have not written the end of the season as of yet.  My prediction: they will hold it off until next year. 

I believe completely that Jim and Pam WILL get married, and I WISH they would have it be part of the finale of this season.   We do not need to rehash a whole bunch of "wedding planning" stories: that was Pam and Roy and even Phyllis and Bob Vance.   Moreover, in Office time I believe Jim and Pam have already been engaged for over six months (right? He proposed to her while she was in New York over the summer?).  Pam does not need another long engagement.

Here's a link to a page of spoilers that mentions executive producer Greg Daniels' thoughts on a JAM wedding.    

Read more!

TV: Top Chef's Toby Young

Top Chef is one of the best reality shows on television. Like Project Runway, it is a competition show based on talent. Alliances will get you nowhere, and there is little you can do to "strategize" beyond just cooking amazing food. Hopefully this show (and its beloved fashionista counterpart) will be on the air for MANY more seasons.

But please oh please let those future seasons be spared the idiot new judge Toby Young. Please have Gail return or at least replace her and her replacement with Ted from Queer Eye. Where is Ted this season?! He better have a good excuse!

I'm sure that Toby Young had every intention of being the Simon Cowell or Godon Ramsey of Top Chef, and wanted to be the judge viewers "loved to hate." Unfortunately, I think he thought that everyone would hate him because he was too harsh. This is not the case. I hate Toby Young because of his elaborate, often non-sensical, and totally useless metaphors. The guy will go on and on about how this dish was so bad it is actually one of the weapons of mass destruction the UN couldn't find. What?

Toby should take a cue from the other judges and give real criticisms, without concern for his own television persona.  These judges above any others on television competition shows to a fantastic job of providing helpful comments and valid critiques.  Sometimes they are harsh, but they are always keeping it real. 

Here's a link to an EW article that elaborates further on why Young sucks.

Read more!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog, dedicated solely to "TV, Books, and Film" discussions. If you have any recommendations for television shows, movies, or books to check-out, please leave me a note in the comments! They do not have to be current. Read more!