Monday Night TV....and then some.
Jan. 19th, 2009 10:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chrysalitronI've been really behind lately. I didn't write about Smallville, I haven't responded to comments.....I apologize for all of that. I had to put my nearly 17-year-old cat to sleep at the end of last week, which was really rough. I had him since I was 11 years old and, as corny as it sounds, he really was one of the best friends a human could have. Of course, with his advanced age and declining health, I knew it was coming....but that didn't make it any easier.
Anyway. I've been trying to distract myself with reading, television, the works, but I hadn't really felt like writing anything until tonight. So, here goes.....
I had just gotten the news that my cat was dying shortly before this episode, which was a shame (besides the obvious) because I had been looking forward to the return of Smallville for several weeks. Needless to say, that situation put a huge damper on it. But it was a distraction, which I was grateful for.
I've read a few different reviews, and I can see both sides in regards to Chloe-as-Brainiac. Personally, I enjoyed it. I thought AM totally changed her character, and though it was pretty cheesy, it was still a lot of fun. Having said that - I totally get why others weren't into it, because as far as being Brainiac goes? It was a completely different interpretation than anything we'd seen before. So while I enjoyed the change, I do get that she wasn't effectively being "Brainiac" so much as just another villian.
I quite liked the Legion. I wasn't sure if I would. But I thought their personalities shone through and it felt like we got a pretty good glimpse of each character. And yes, I was amused that they said everything the audience has thought over the years - why isn't Clark flying, who the hell is Chloe Sullivan and why have we never heard of her, etc.
As much as I'm ready to get the ball rolling on Clark and Lois, I am not minding Lana's return that much. And that's saying a lot, because I was never a huge Lana fan. I like the changes that have taken place in her. She seems much more independent and mature now. I can believe that this Lana has a major role in saving the world, whereas the Lana that I had previously seen.....not as much. And of course I'm totally interested to see what her secret is, though it does appear that she's working for good. (To be honest, I kinda prefer Lana when she's a little dark. Ah, well).
I kind of figured the Chloiac tale would wrap up within the episode, but I kind of wish it had gone on a bit longer. Ah, well, again. I'm still not certain why they elected for Chloe to remember Clark's identity. I kept waiting for the "gotcha!" moment in that scene, when she was like "Of course I remember your secret!......You sing in the shower!" I was a little surprised when she appeared to REALLY remember. It's been suggested that the reason they played it out this way is to show that Jor-El is able, and Clark is willing to let him, erase the memories of someone who gets too close. In other words, this plot device could be used again in the future. If so, that makes some kind of sense. I am kind of hoping Chloe remembers everything, though, including the fact that Clark DID erase her memories. Because that'd be a very interesting conversation.....
Speaking of interesting.....did Chloe seem very nonchalant at the end to anyone else? Granted, I'm sure it would take a lot to shock someone after they've been turned into a human computer who is going to take out the entire world, but Jimmy was in the hospital with what I assumed were life-threatening injuries. I would have thought Chloe would be a little less.....tra-la-la?.....in regards to that. I mean, I didn't expect wailing and gnashing of the teeth, but....something.
Next week: Oh, Tess. Welcome back. I had....almost forgotten about you, actually. Whoops.
~&~&~
I love Dorota. Have I mentioned how much I love Dorota? Because, seriously. I loved that the instant Blair walked out of the headmistress's office, she knew what was up and was like "Uh oh." Hee! "Put down that puppy, Dorota."
Also, I'm loving Chuck and Lily teaming up and then Bonding As A Family. (I totally expected Chuck to shoot her down at the end, though). I think Jack's attack on Lily forced him to realize that he DOES care about this family he pushed aside. I really liked the tentative handshake between Chuck and Rufus at the penthouse.
However.....I was basically on Chuck's side in regards to Lily and Rufus going out together in public. I mean, I get that she can't hide away forever, but seriously. It's been a month and she's parading around her new boyfriend and showing him off in the most public forum possible. It just seems a little.....inappropriate and soon. Especially when you consider that that was Bart's world as well. I didn't really blame Chuck for feeling kind of bitch-slapped.
Can I just state, once again, that this "Oh my god, it's like we're SIBLINGS now!" drama with Serena and Dan is continuing to KILL MY SOUL? Seriously. Granted, Eric and Jenny aren't sleeping together, but they're handling this so much better than their older and supposedly more mature siblings. (However, Eric's reaction to Rufus spending the night? HILARIOUS). I'm just so sick of the constant whining and uncomfortable looks and squirming. Get it together already! Just when I thought I could not possibly dislike these two anymore.....
Having said that, I'm always okay with a Dan/Serena bust-up, but this time it's just so contrived and ridiculous. Serena is weirded out because of their parents doing it? Dan is pissed off because Serena has the audacity to follow HER dream instead of holding his hand while he follows his? Good god, does the pain EVER end?
I still think Nate and Vanessa are cute, but their story was kind of an afterthought. Ah, well. As long as they keep Jenny out of it....I tolerate her a billion times better away from that situation.
But my absolute favorite part of the entire episode? "Cancel the Nelly Yuki plan! Now!" Hee! I love Blair.
Next week: Looks like a rerun, smells like a rerun. Fair enough. That'll give Blair time to come up with a plan, after all.
~&~&~
Brooke + Julian = Adorable! (Yeah, I know. We've already established this. Just thought I'd put it out there again). I wasn't entirely uncomfortable with Peyton's reaction. I really do think she was trying to warn her friend, instead of being jealous. I just wish Hilarie hadn't played it quite so....smirky? Is that even right? It almost felt like she got a little glee out of shooting down Brooke's hopes. And I really don't think the scene was intended to come off like that. I am glad, however, that they both realized they were wrong about Julian.
Speaking of......Lucas + Julian = Almost Equally Adorable. The random back-and-forth about Julian's (admittedly hideous) hat? Amazing. I loved it and hoped it was at least partially ad-libbed. In my own little world, Austin Nichols showed up to the set with that hat on and everybody gave him so much shit about it that it was added in.
Liked that Paul and Peyton had a good relationship. It made him seem a little less smarmy. I think he truly felt that Peyton was Julian's redemption. Unfortunately, now that she's gone, he's all but given up on his son, instead of seeing what else he might have to offer.
So, Nathan played basketball and overcome obstacles and....whatever. I mean, yes, Jamie was adorable (I loved his rage after the first game and Haley being all "You should have seen him 20 minutes ago"), and yay, Coach Mike (I have no idea if his name is Mike, but I'm tired of calling him just Coach) put Nathan in and it was amazing and.....yeah. Honestly, the best parts involved the Infamous Dan Scott. I love that he obviously has such a high opinion of Nate, even if Nate hates him.
.....and okay, when Paul Johansson first showed up, I totally cheered. About time! Also, it cracks me up that he makes comments about taking back his chosen heart and the doctor just shrugs it off. Obviously, he's been around Dan long enough to not be horrified or shocked at all anymore. Brilliant.
Chase and Mia......still cute. Their scenes felt like filler, but they're adorable filler, so okay. I'll go with it.
Randomly - I do not approve of whoever put Brooke in the clown-collar blouse.
Now, I've got to get this rant out because......yes. I get that Keith's ring (I love how it is never Karen's ring....sorry, Karen) is special and symbolic and so on and so forth, but LUCAS GAVE THAT RING TO LINDSEY. Seriously! He should not feel comfortable recycling it, nor should Peyton feel comfortable WEARING it, considering Lindsey wore it for a good long while. Okay, so we can argue that Peyton "had" the ring first, but come on. She didn't wear it or accept it, and yes, it was still shady for Lucas to propose to Lindsey with it. But she WORE THAT RING. Hell, she wore it at the altar WHEN HE SAID I DO. Does this not seem slightly icky to anyone else? Symbolism or not, that's just weird. That whole storyline creeped me out.
Crack!Dawson is back! Yay! (I will not call him Reese. His name is Crack!Dawson). I feel like writing The Beek a letter and apologizing for hating on him when he actually played Dawson. I'm starting to realize that it was more a case of Dawson being a douchebag, rather than The Beek being a bad actor. *pause* Okay, he's still not a good actor. But in two episodes of One Tree Hill, he's already proved to be more entertaining than he was in SIX SEASONS of Dawson's Creek.
Next week (and by that, I think I mean two weeks): Casting shenanigans! Yay! The meeting of the two Brookes ALONE is worth the price of admission. So much squealing and happy and.....we all know Julian was having a fantasy in his head, right? Right?
~&~&~
Okay, am I the only one who was totally depressed by poor Delko being so sweet and clueless while Calleigh was off making eyes at the studly horse trainer? Aww! My main reason for watching this season, I think, is to see Calleigh and Delko finally getting together. So to see him buying her rare truffles, and looking all sad when he can't find her, and her off all smiley and sunshiney with some other dude.....aww! Hopefully Horse Trainer is just a blip on the radar. I would hate to think they've edged towards these two getting together only to shelve it before it happens. But then again....anyone remember Ryan's crush on Natalia? Exactly.
Also, Bad Guy Du Jour threatening Horatio on the front steps never, ever gets old.
~&~&~
And now, on to some more Buffy. (Because I haven't watched enough television? Seriously). I'm about ten episodes into the final season. I've been working my way steadily through this show since mid-July and I'm nearing endgame here. I'm pretty excited. After this, it's on to Angel! And then Charmed! (I've got the first season done, but I'm holding off on the others until I finish my Whedon overload). And then Roswell!
.....I know. I'm the biggest dork that ever dorked. What would I ever do without a planned television schedule for the next, oh, five years or so? (Oddly enough, after Roswell, I will probably move on to finishing seasons two and three of Arrested Development. One of these things is not like the others....)
ETA: The snowflake icon is because Michigan has snow that literally comes up to the crack of my ass and I am TIRED of it. Seriously. I get that it's winter, now can we please get a break? Please?
Anyway. I've been trying to distract myself with reading, television, the works, but I hadn't really felt like writing anything until tonight. So, here goes.....
I had just gotten the news that my cat was dying shortly before this episode, which was a shame (besides the obvious) because I had been looking forward to the return of Smallville for several weeks. Needless to say, that situation put a huge damper on it. But it was a distraction, which I was grateful for.
I've read a few different reviews, and I can see both sides in regards to Chloe-as-Brainiac. Personally, I enjoyed it. I thought AM totally changed her character, and though it was pretty cheesy, it was still a lot of fun. Having said that - I totally get why others weren't into it, because as far as being Brainiac goes? It was a completely different interpretation than anything we'd seen before. So while I enjoyed the change, I do get that she wasn't effectively being "Brainiac" so much as just another villian.
I quite liked the Legion. I wasn't sure if I would. But I thought their personalities shone through and it felt like we got a pretty good glimpse of each character. And yes, I was amused that they said everything the audience has thought over the years - why isn't Clark flying, who the hell is Chloe Sullivan and why have we never heard of her, etc.
As much as I'm ready to get the ball rolling on Clark and Lois, I am not minding Lana's return that much. And that's saying a lot, because I was never a huge Lana fan. I like the changes that have taken place in her. She seems much more independent and mature now. I can believe that this Lana has a major role in saving the world, whereas the Lana that I had previously seen.....not as much. And of course I'm totally interested to see what her secret is, though it does appear that she's working for good. (To be honest, I kinda prefer Lana when she's a little dark. Ah, well).
I kind of figured the Chloiac tale would wrap up within the episode, but I kind of wish it had gone on a bit longer. Ah, well, again. I'm still not certain why they elected for Chloe to remember Clark's identity. I kept waiting for the "gotcha!" moment in that scene, when she was like "Of course I remember your secret!......You sing in the shower!" I was a little surprised when she appeared to REALLY remember. It's been suggested that the reason they played it out this way is to show that Jor-El is able, and Clark is willing to let him, erase the memories of someone who gets too close. In other words, this plot device could be used again in the future. If so, that makes some kind of sense. I am kind of hoping Chloe remembers everything, though, including the fact that Clark DID erase her memories. Because that'd be a very interesting conversation.....
Speaking of interesting.....did Chloe seem very nonchalant at the end to anyone else? Granted, I'm sure it would take a lot to shock someone after they've been turned into a human computer who is going to take out the entire world, but Jimmy was in the hospital with what I assumed were life-threatening injuries. I would have thought Chloe would be a little less.....tra-la-la?.....in regards to that. I mean, I didn't expect wailing and gnashing of the teeth, but....something.
Next week: Oh, Tess. Welcome back. I had....almost forgotten about you, actually. Whoops.
~&~&~
I love Dorota. Have I mentioned how much I love Dorota? Because, seriously. I loved that the instant Blair walked out of the headmistress's office, she knew what was up and was like "Uh oh." Hee! "Put down that puppy, Dorota."
Also, I'm loving Chuck and Lily teaming up and then Bonding As A Family. (I totally expected Chuck to shoot her down at the end, though). I think Jack's attack on Lily forced him to realize that he DOES care about this family he pushed aside. I really liked the tentative handshake between Chuck and Rufus at the penthouse.
However.....I was basically on Chuck's side in regards to Lily and Rufus going out together in public. I mean, I get that she can't hide away forever, but seriously. It's been a month and she's parading around her new boyfriend and showing him off in the most public forum possible. It just seems a little.....inappropriate and soon. Especially when you consider that that was Bart's world as well. I didn't really blame Chuck for feeling kind of bitch-slapped.
Can I just state, once again, that this "Oh my god, it's like we're SIBLINGS now!" drama with Serena and Dan is continuing to KILL MY SOUL? Seriously. Granted, Eric and Jenny aren't sleeping together, but they're handling this so much better than their older and supposedly more mature siblings. (However, Eric's reaction to Rufus spending the night? HILARIOUS). I'm just so sick of the constant whining and uncomfortable looks and squirming. Get it together already! Just when I thought I could not possibly dislike these two anymore.....
Having said that, I'm always okay with a Dan/Serena bust-up, but this time it's just so contrived and ridiculous. Serena is weirded out because of their parents doing it? Dan is pissed off because Serena has the audacity to follow HER dream instead of holding his hand while he follows his? Good god, does the pain EVER end?
I still think Nate and Vanessa are cute, but their story was kind of an afterthought. Ah, well. As long as they keep Jenny out of it....I tolerate her a billion times better away from that situation.
But my absolute favorite part of the entire episode? "Cancel the Nelly Yuki plan! Now!" Hee! I love Blair.
Next week: Looks like a rerun, smells like a rerun. Fair enough. That'll give Blair time to come up with a plan, after all.
~&~&~
Brooke + Julian = Adorable! (Yeah, I know. We've already established this. Just thought I'd put it out there again). I wasn't entirely uncomfortable with Peyton's reaction. I really do think she was trying to warn her friend, instead of being jealous. I just wish Hilarie hadn't played it quite so....smirky? Is that even right? It almost felt like she got a little glee out of shooting down Brooke's hopes. And I really don't think the scene was intended to come off like that. I am glad, however, that they both realized they were wrong about Julian.
Speaking of......Lucas + Julian = Almost Equally Adorable. The random back-and-forth about Julian's (admittedly hideous) hat? Amazing. I loved it and hoped it was at least partially ad-libbed. In my own little world, Austin Nichols showed up to the set with that hat on and everybody gave him so much shit about it that it was added in.
Liked that Paul and Peyton had a good relationship. It made him seem a little less smarmy. I think he truly felt that Peyton was Julian's redemption. Unfortunately, now that she's gone, he's all but given up on his son, instead of seeing what else he might have to offer.
So, Nathan played basketball and overcome obstacles and....whatever. I mean, yes, Jamie was adorable (I loved his rage after the first game and Haley being all "You should have seen him 20 minutes ago"), and yay, Coach Mike (I have no idea if his name is Mike, but I'm tired of calling him just Coach) put Nathan in and it was amazing and.....yeah. Honestly, the best parts involved the Infamous Dan Scott. I love that he obviously has such a high opinion of Nate, even if Nate hates him.
.....and okay, when Paul Johansson first showed up, I totally cheered. About time! Also, it cracks me up that he makes comments about taking back his chosen heart and the doctor just shrugs it off. Obviously, he's been around Dan long enough to not be horrified or shocked at all anymore. Brilliant.
Chase and Mia......still cute. Their scenes felt like filler, but they're adorable filler, so okay. I'll go with it.
Randomly - I do not approve of whoever put Brooke in the clown-collar blouse.
Now, I've got to get this rant out because......yes. I get that Keith's ring (I love how it is never Karen's ring....sorry, Karen) is special and symbolic and so on and so forth, but LUCAS GAVE THAT RING TO LINDSEY. Seriously! He should not feel comfortable recycling it, nor should Peyton feel comfortable WEARING it, considering Lindsey wore it for a good long while. Okay, so we can argue that Peyton "had" the ring first, but come on. She didn't wear it or accept it, and yes, it was still shady for Lucas to propose to Lindsey with it. But she WORE THAT RING. Hell, she wore it at the altar WHEN HE SAID I DO. Does this not seem slightly icky to anyone else? Symbolism or not, that's just weird. That whole storyline creeped me out.
Crack!Dawson is back! Yay! (I will not call him Reese. His name is Crack!Dawson). I feel like writing The Beek a letter and apologizing for hating on him when he actually played Dawson. I'm starting to realize that it was more a case of Dawson being a douchebag, rather than The Beek being a bad actor. *pause* Okay, he's still not a good actor. But in two episodes of One Tree Hill, he's already proved to be more entertaining than he was in SIX SEASONS of Dawson's Creek.
Next week (and by that, I think I mean two weeks): Casting shenanigans! Yay! The meeting of the two Brookes ALONE is worth the price of admission. So much squealing and happy and.....we all know Julian was having a fantasy in his head, right? Right?
~&~&~
Okay, am I the only one who was totally depressed by poor Delko being so sweet and clueless while Calleigh was off making eyes at the studly horse trainer? Aww! My main reason for watching this season, I think, is to see Calleigh and Delko finally getting together. So to see him buying her rare truffles, and looking all sad when he can't find her, and her off all smiley and sunshiney with some other dude.....aww! Hopefully Horse Trainer is just a blip on the radar. I would hate to think they've edged towards these two getting together only to shelve it before it happens. But then again....anyone remember Ryan's crush on Natalia? Exactly.
Also, Bad Guy Du Jour threatening Horatio on the front steps never, ever gets old.
~&~&~
And now, on to some more Buffy. (Because I haven't watched enough television? Seriously). I'm about ten episodes into the final season. I've been working my way steadily through this show since mid-July and I'm nearing endgame here. I'm pretty excited. After this, it's on to Angel! And then Charmed! (I've got the first season done, but I'm holding off on the others until I finish my Whedon overload). And then Roswell!
.....I know. I'm the biggest dork that ever dorked. What would I ever do without a planned television schedule for the next, oh, five years or so? (Oddly enough, after Roswell, I will probably move on to finishing seasons two and three of Arrested Development. One of these things is not like the others....)
ETA: The snowflake icon is because Michigan has snow that literally comes up to the crack of my ass and I am TIRED of it. Seriously. I get that it's winter, now can we please get a break? Please?
(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-20 05:07 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-21 10:21 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-20 05:11 am (UTC)Dan and Serena are still dullsville, Ms. Carr is too stupid for words, and are they really going to go there with the student-teacher inappropriateness? 'Cause Dan Humphrey? Is no Pacey Witter.
Plus, okay, it's YALE. Do they really only have room for one student from Constance? And would they really choose Serena? And issue an effing press release? Richard Gilmore would not approve. (By the by, I loved the namecheck of Rory. Hee.)
Eric needs to be a regular. That is the only possible way to make him even MORE AWESOME. And he and Chuck are totally brothers again! I demand bonding scenes!
Also, yay for Blair's dad and his hot gay lover, and of course, Dorota and the bulldog. Dorota forever!
Nate/V are still such an afterthought, but Chace was sublimely pretty at the opera.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-22 02:23 am (UTC)I am ALWAYS okay with Westwick's determined strut.
I do indeed think they are going "there" with the teacher/student inappropriateness. I don't really hate Ms. Carr at this point, but I do feel that this story is coming from a mile away and....yawn.
Eric and Dorota are, by far, my favorites. Any scene is made better with them in it.
And yes, even if Nate is getting throwaway stories, I'm still okay with just watching Chace Crawford.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-20 05:23 am (UTC)Eric geeking out about opera and speaking German was *hilarious*. Apart from the Chuck-Lily bonding, of course, that was my favorite part of the episode. *Loved* the two of them scheming about how to take down Jack. "Crash Jack in plane." Heh.
I would have enjoyed Blair and Dorota and Harold and Roman a lot more if I could stop worrying about her college prospects. I don't want her to have her dreams crushed. *bites fingernails*
(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-22 02:25 am (UTC)I LOVED Eric giving Rufus lessons on how to deal with the elite. Hee! He's so fun.
"Crash Jack in plane" was great simply because of Lily's deadpan "The Bass jet is expensive, Chuck." Is it bad that I kind of enjoy Lily more with Chuck than with Rufus (and not in a gross way)? Then again, the morning scene with her "sneaking" Rufus downstairs was fairly amusing.
Man, I can't imagine that Blair would really have her hopes crushed, at least permanently. It's BLAIR. I have utter faith that she will find SOME way to get into Yale, come hell or high water.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-01-22 12:44 pm (UTC)I hope you're right about Blair. I just end up worrying more about her because she's my favorite. *g*