I had completely forgotten that this starts again! I used to be obsessed with this show and I think it's safe to say that this show was the starting point of my exploration of my own geekiness. During my childhood and early teenage years I was more of a book nerd so I missed out on watching a lot of things as they aired. I guess after I finally watched all of The Lord of the Rings films (extended editions of course) and fell in love with what film can do, I started catching up on what I missed. I watched the last 2 seasons of Lost having stopped watching it some time season 1 and then I discovered Doctor Who. I think I wanted to see it because it had David Tennant but being the person that I am, I wanted to start from the beginning. I mean, not from the sixties but with the first series of the new show. And I loved it. It had all the characteristics that I love in TV; it was fun, silly, didn't take itself too seriously but still had emotional storylines and made me care about it. I could not stop watching it. After DW I found my inner geek through Buffy and rest of Joss Whedon's work, watched all of Lost and Fringe and then Supernatural and so on.
I think by the time series 5 of DW aired I was all caught up with previous episodes and ready for more. Since then my excitement has mostly gone away. I have nothing against the actors, I think Matt Smith was a wonderful Doctor and I adored Rory. I confess, I never liked Amy because of the way she was written. Every female companion Steven Moffat has created has a mystery about her. It's not about showing the universe but solving her, and they all seem to fall for the Doctor. It was new and fun with Rose, but then there was Madame De Pompadour, Martha, River and probably others that I can't remember (not counting Joan Redfern, she fell for John Smith) so by the time Amy came along it was just plain boring. Here's another girl who grows up dreaming and obsessing about the Doctor, how exciting! At least River seemed different, at first. She knew everything the Doctor did, she put him in his place. And then one tiny line destroyed her entire character for me. In series 6 when she explains her relationship with the Doctor to Rory she says "I live for the days I see him". Really? This amazing, accomplished, independent woman lives for the days she sees a man? Somehow, this does not seem right...
Of course there are countless other sexist jokes/remarks all over the show which is also getting really annoying.
Another issue I have with the show since Moffat took over is the complexity of the plotlines. I love complex, multi-arc stories but I'm getting really tired of what Moffat is doing. From what I understand the Silence/Doctor dying/TARDIS exploding story is now over but I have to say I have no idea 1) what the hell was going on or 2) how exactly was it resolved. Lost was complex but at least it was enjoyable, and Fringe, in my opinion, got better once the other universe was introduced (Lincoln <3). Doctor Who had good series-arcs while RTD was in charge but now it just seems complex for the sake of being complex.
I hope series 8 will bring some of my excitement back. Like I said, I had forgotten about this show so I have not seen any previews, interviews or spoilers. I have no idea what to expect from the new series and the new Doctor. I like Clara, though I hated the mystery about her, and at least she is so far not crushing on the Doctor, or if she is then I have either forgotten about it or repressed it. I am looking forward to seeing what Peter Capaldi will do with the character and I am definitely a fan of his accent. Based on the Christmas special I expect this to deal with Gallifrey at least a little bit and I have to say I am a bit anxious about this plotline (damn 50th anniversary episode for undoing so much of what the new show and new versions of the Doctor have been).
Now about the episode itself, I love seeing Jenny and the rest. It's wonderful to see a lesbian couple as recurring characters and hopefully the show will continue to develop them, though maybe there is no need to point out every five minutes that Jenny and Vastra are married.
I don't really feel really comfortable to discuss most of the plot since it seems to be something that will continue in the future episodes. It seemed interesting enough, though that "promised land" seemed creepy. Not sure what to think of the droids harvesting parts and other references to past episodes. Are they just references or foreshadowing that will actually become important? I guess we'll see but there was so much focus on them that I hope they are not just references, but something that will be picked up on later episodes, otherwise, what's the point of recycling old ideas? But Moffat, don't you dare change the past again and make it meaningless.
I'm not completely sold on Capaldi yet. That was made clear by Eleven's appearance. It was fantastic to see Matt Smith again and I do miss his Doctor. I think that Twelve will be great and I do like him but it's going to take some time to get used to him.
I don't know yet if I'll make weekly posts about these episodes, I guess that depends on whether the show catches my interest again or not. If I do continue posting they'll be more detailed on the episodes, since I usually like to watch everything twice before writing about it but unfortunately I did not have time this week. Also the posts would go up either Sunday or Monday, depending on my writing schedule.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Friday, 15 August 2014
Supernatural Season 9
And I'm finally done! Season 9 is a difficult one. For some reason I created more blocks about watching this than any other season. But at the same time I have quite a few things to say about it.
Sam and Dean
We'll start with the obvious, the boys. Watching Sam and Dean fight all the time is not fun at all. I'm glad the writers are trying to destroy the codependent relationship at least a little bit, that's good and healthy, but it's just hard to watch. Especially when I know that Sam is right in his arguments, Dean did a terrible thing. But I think, not in saving Sam's life but in allowing an angel in and stay there for months. At the same time I understand where Dean is coming from in his arguments, he just does not know how to word it properly and Sam takes offense. And then Sam says things to hurt Dean and makes him shut down. Because let's face it, Dean would do absolutely anything for his brother and to hear that Sam would do nothing to save Dean is a horrible slap in the face. This is made worse by the fact that everytime Dean is in pain, I'm in pain, so this season is really emotionally draining to watch.
Of course this arguing serves a point, other than breaking the relationship a little bit. Sam is distancing himself from Dean which allows Dean to delve deeper into the effects of the Mark of Cain. It's only when the effects become really easy to see that Sam gets worried about Dean and the Mark, but at that point it's too late, Dean is done freaking out over the Mark and is resolved to do whatever it takes to kill Abaddon. When I first saw the episode where Dean receives the Mark I knew immediately that it would not lead to anything good and it is difficult to watch Dean go through exactly what Sam experienced in season 4. Though I have to say that I'm excited about the possibilities for next season, but I'll leave that for later.
Angels
When the angels were first introduced I loved them. I'm not religious, so I loved that the tone they were explored with wasn't preaching but was exploring them at a different angle. They were horrible, apart from Cas, Anna, Gabriel, Balthazar and maybe few others, and almost as bad as demons. But I have to say I'm losing interest in the constant power struggle between the angels. So yeah, I don't find the angel storyline very fascinating, especially since Metatron is not interesting, he's just a dick, he's just, as one angel describes, a nerd trying to be one of the popular kids. I need my villains to have some edge or charm that makes it fun to watch them. Now this does not mean I need my actors to be young or good looking. But they need to have something. Crowley is fun and unpredictable so he's awesome (so happy Mark Sheppard is a regular in season 10!), Abaddon has charm and has fun with what she does, but the only thing I can say about Metatron is that he's smart. And that's not enough to make him interesting. Even Bartholomew was more interesting, especially after they showed he had a backstory with Castiel, which they could have maybe developed further. This is why my favourite character in Lost is Ben, even though he technically is a villain. He's interesting, has so many dimentions and Michael Emerson is an extremely talented actor who is also has this charm that makes him interesting for me to watch.
About the female roles
Of course, Supernatural by its very nature is a show about guys and all series regulars are male. It does not usually bother me, even though I am a woman, but sometimes it just gets boring. For example, all the faction leaders are male, except for the one that is dead and we never even meet her, just hear about her. Really, show? Yeah, all the second-in-commands are female but that's not enough. But then we get some lovely guest stars who all better come back for season 10. Charlie will forever be my favourite because she is a beautiful nerd and I love the way she brings Dean's geekiness out. And lets not forget the awesomeness that is Jody Mills or Mrs Tran who put the boys back in line when needed. Yeah, this show needs more women like this. It's been great to have a female villain like Abaddon in the show and it's a shame that she's dead. So yeah, more female guest stars please. And I don't mean as love interests but as proper female characters.
About Kevin and Gadreel
I noticed that in almost all the episodes before Kevin dies, someone, usually Sam, is either mortally wounded or dies only to be brought back by Gadreel. This accomplishes two things. Firstly, it lulls the viewers into thinking that all deaths are going to be reversed and so nobody is really in danger. And then the writers break our hearts by killing Kevin permanently (sort of, since he is still stuck in this world). Secondly it makes us think Gadreel is a good guy and not a threat to anyone. Obviously this breaks when he kills Kevin and we realise he isn't who we thought he is.
Poor Kevin. I've liked him since he first appeared in season 7 and I really wish he wasn't killed. Though I have to wonder that if he and all the others that have died are stuck in the void, I guess like spirits that refuse to move on, then are they all going to become vengeful? Assuming that Heaven is not opened for business, of course. Hunters are going to be busy after that...
Also I like that Gadreel is developed more than just someone who deceives the Winchesters. He becomes someone who is trying to fix his mistakes, to become better and that's why I'm still sad when he dies. He did not set out to hurt anyone but was tricked by Metatron into doing his dirty work. I think he should have trusted Cas, who would have understood. Yeah, Gadreel should have let Cas stay in the bunker and told everyone the truth. But then again, Dean should have told Cas there was someone inside Sam before that... So I guess it's bad decisions all around.
Stray observations
Thank you Supernatural for making me hate John Winchester even more. Dean's childhood is tragic enough as it is and now we have to see that he had a chance for a normal life and normal, healthy relatioships that he gave up. I know it was Dean's choice and he made that for Sam but damn it John Winchester! What kind of father leaves his son in a boys home? And then makes him leave when he thinks Dean has been punished enough. And does not allow the said son enjoy one night of teenage normalcy in form of a prom.. Some days I'm really happy John Winchester is dead.
I'm not sure yet what to think about Castiel's sudden pop culture knowledge. I have always loved that fact that he just looks so confused when the boys throw references at him and then uses them wrong. At least he is still using them wrong, which brings some hilarity and he referenced The Lord of the Rings which is always amazing, but it is still a bit weird.
I was so happy to see Gabriel. I have always loved him and while I think he really is dead and is not coming back, he really should be back. He was always so much fun to have around and I'm definitely still upset over his death.
Season 10 expectations
First off, I'm really wary of spoilers so I have not watched the Comic-Con preview or read interviews or stuff like that. I've seen parts of the Comic-Con panel so I know some things but generally speaking I like to remain as unspoiled as possible. So this stuff is not based on stuff I know, but things I'd like to see or think the writers might do.
- Characters we absolutely need to have back: Charlie, Jody, Mrs. Tran, Kevin. It would be fun to see Bobby but I think that's not happening
- I can't wait to see Dean as a demon, it's going to be so much fun
- also what is going to be fun is Demon!Dean interacting with Crowley
- The writers are going to rip the relationship between the brothers into pieces through Demon!Dean, aren't they?
- I'm guessing Dean is eventually going to be cured by the same demon cure Sam did on Crowley, but hopefully not until later in the season
- We'll probably get more Sam and Cas bondingbonding
- Other characters that would be fun to see: Meg. I know she's dead but Rachel Miner is really amazing in the role and I miss her.
I can't wait for this season. Once SPN and Person of Interest start again I'll be doing weekly posts. Not sure if I'll post a lot in the between but I might if something catches my interest.
Sam and Dean
We'll start with the obvious, the boys. Watching Sam and Dean fight all the time is not fun at all. I'm glad the writers are trying to destroy the codependent relationship at least a little bit, that's good and healthy, but it's just hard to watch. Especially when I know that Sam is right in his arguments, Dean did a terrible thing. But I think, not in saving Sam's life but in allowing an angel in and stay there for months. At the same time I understand where Dean is coming from in his arguments, he just does not know how to word it properly and Sam takes offense. And then Sam says things to hurt Dean and makes him shut down. Because let's face it, Dean would do absolutely anything for his brother and to hear that Sam would do nothing to save Dean is a horrible slap in the face. This is made worse by the fact that everytime Dean is in pain, I'm in pain, so this season is really emotionally draining to watch.
Of course this arguing serves a point, other than breaking the relationship a little bit. Sam is distancing himself from Dean which allows Dean to delve deeper into the effects of the Mark of Cain. It's only when the effects become really easy to see that Sam gets worried about Dean and the Mark, but at that point it's too late, Dean is done freaking out over the Mark and is resolved to do whatever it takes to kill Abaddon. When I first saw the episode where Dean receives the Mark I knew immediately that it would not lead to anything good and it is difficult to watch Dean go through exactly what Sam experienced in season 4. Though I have to say that I'm excited about the possibilities for next season, but I'll leave that for later.
Angels
When the angels were first introduced I loved them. I'm not religious, so I loved that the tone they were explored with wasn't preaching but was exploring them at a different angle. They were horrible, apart from Cas, Anna, Gabriel, Balthazar and maybe few others, and almost as bad as demons. But I have to say I'm losing interest in the constant power struggle between the angels. So yeah, I don't find the angel storyline very fascinating, especially since Metatron is not interesting, he's just a dick, he's just, as one angel describes, a nerd trying to be one of the popular kids. I need my villains to have some edge or charm that makes it fun to watch them. Now this does not mean I need my actors to be young or good looking. But they need to have something. Crowley is fun and unpredictable so he's awesome (so happy Mark Sheppard is a regular in season 10!), Abaddon has charm and has fun with what she does, but the only thing I can say about Metatron is that he's smart. And that's not enough to make him interesting. Even Bartholomew was more interesting, especially after they showed he had a backstory with Castiel, which they could have maybe developed further. This is why my favourite character in Lost is Ben, even though he technically is a villain. He's interesting, has so many dimentions and Michael Emerson is an extremely talented actor who is also has this charm that makes him interesting for me to watch.
About the female roles
Of course, Supernatural by its very nature is a show about guys and all series regulars are male. It does not usually bother me, even though I am a woman, but sometimes it just gets boring. For example, all the faction leaders are male, except for the one that is dead and we never even meet her, just hear about her. Really, show? Yeah, all the second-in-commands are female but that's not enough. But then we get some lovely guest stars who all better come back for season 10. Charlie will forever be my favourite because she is a beautiful nerd and I love the way she brings Dean's geekiness out. And lets not forget the awesomeness that is Jody Mills or Mrs Tran who put the boys back in line when needed. Yeah, this show needs more women like this. It's been great to have a female villain like Abaddon in the show and it's a shame that she's dead. So yeah, more female guest stars please. And I don't mean as love interests but as proper female characters.
About Kevin and Gadreel
I noticed that in almost all the episodes before Kevin dies, someone, usually Sam, is either mortally wounded or dies only to be brought back by Gadreel. This accomplishes two things. Firstly, it lulls the viewers into thinking that all deaths are going to be reversed and so nobody is really in danger. And then the writers break our hearts by killing Kevin permanently (sort of, since he is still stuck in this world). Secondly it makes us think Gadreel is a good guy and not a threat to anyone. Obviously this breaks when he kills Kevin and we realise he isn't who we thought he is.
Poor Kevin. I've liked him since he first appeared in season 7 and I really wish he wasn't killed. Though I have to wonder that if he and all the others that have died are stuck in the void, I guess like spirits that refuse to move on, then are they all going to become vengeful? Assuming that Heaven is not opened for business, of course. Hunters are going to be busy after that...
Also I like that Gadreel is developed more than just someone who deceives the Winchesters. He becomes someone who is trying to fix his mistakes, to become better and that's why I'm still sad when he dies. He did not set out to hurt anyone but was tricked by Metatron into doing his dirty work. I think he should have trusted Cas, who would have understood. Yeah, Gadreel should have let Cas stay in the bunker and told everyone the truth. But then again, Dean should have told Cas there was someone inside Sam before that... So I guess it's bad decisions all around.
Stray observations
Thank you Supernatural for making me hate John Winchester even more. Dean's childhood is tragic enough as it is and now we have to see that he had a chance for a normal life and normal, healthy relatioships that he gave up. I know it was Dean's choice and he made that for Sam but damn it John Winchester! What kind of father leaves his son in a boys home? And then makes him leave when he thinks Dean has been punished enough. And does not allow the said son enjoy one night of teenage normalcy in form of a prom.. Some days I'm really happy John Winchester is dead.
I'm not sure yet what to think about Castiel's sudden pop culture knowledge. I have always loved that fact that he just looks so confused when the boys throw references at him and then uses them wrong. At least he is still using them wrong, which brings some hilarity and he referenced The Lord of the Rings which is always amazing, but it is still a bit weird.
I was so happy to see Gabriel. I have always loved him and while I think he really is dead and is not coming back, he really should be back. He was always so much fun to have around and I'm definitely still upset over his death.
Season 10 expectations
First off, I'm really wary of spoilers so I have not watched the Comic-Con preview or read interviews or stuff like that. I've seen parts of the Comic-Con panel so I know some things but generally speaking I like to remain as unspoiled as possible. So this stuff is not based on stuff I know, but things I'd like to see or think the writers might do.
- Characters we absolutely need to have back: Charlie, Jody, Mrs. Tran, Kevin. It would be fun to see Bobby but I think that's not happening
- I can't wait to see Dean as a demon, it's going to be so much fun
- also what is going to be fun is Demon!Dean interacting with Crowley
- The writers are going to rip the relationship between the brothers into pieces through Demon!Dean, aren't they?
- I'm guessing Dean is eventually going to be cured by the same demon cure Sam did on Crowley, but hopefully not until later in the season
- We'll probably get more Sam and Cas bondingbonding
- Other characters that would be fun to see: Meg. I know she's dead but Rachel Miner is really amazing in the role and I miss her.
I can't wait for this season. Once SPN and Person of Interest start again I'll be doing weekly posts. Not sure if I'll post a lot in the between but I might if something catches my interest.
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