Veronica Mars: 3x16

Veronica Mars
3x16
Un-American Graffiti

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and Veronica Mars.
1. I'm pretty much always on Veronica's side. Mean, sad, funny, sassy... she can do no wrong.
2. So what if Logan's the obligatory psychotic jack-ass. He's Veronica's obligatory psychotic jack-ass. What can I say? Sarcasm is very attractive.
3. Wallace! Come, on! MORE Wallace!
4. There's nothing quite as funny as a Veronica/Keith scence.
5. I miss Lamb, I do. But when it comes to funny, idiotic one-liners... Dick's a good second.
6. This show is pretty quotable. Not so much as The Office, but still plenty of joy to spread around.

Last time on Veronica Mars...
Um, no one remembers last time. It was like 6 months ago, so let's just focus on tonight.

(It's been a while, so this is gonna be lengthy. For this, I do not apologize.)

So, we've entered the episodic mystery period of VM. I loved the season long arcs, but I'm up for whatever they do to keep this show afloat. Plus, I have too many other stressful shows (LOST, Heroes, The Office) stripping me of my sanity, so it's good that V is cooling off on the intense mysteries. As for tonight, I thought they handled a rather sensitive subject really well...

What I loved:

1. Veronica at the middle school. See, I taught 8th grade. I know the things some of those kids will say and do, so I found her explanation of female development and the "we need firemen, too" comment, to be priceless!

2. Pelting the guys with paint balls. We all have people we'd like to do that to. That's part of her charm... living vicariously.

3. Dick. By sheer virtue of the fact that he calls himself, "The Dickster." Others would shake their head in shame... not our boy.

4. Mac and Logan with their teenage movie banter.

5. Veronica in at the One Hour Photo lab. Omar Sharif and Desert Fever? Seriously. The girl is quick.

6. Keith making Bon Jovi and Biggie Smalls I.D.s for Piz and Wallace.

7. Dick and Veronica in the elevator. V wiping off the lip of the flask...

8. Logan sending the swing dancer to torture Veronica. "Are you kidding? When I told him my name, he did that whole, banana-fana-fo-fana thing."

9. Logan's face - and by extension, Veronica's - when he caught her and Piz kissing. I sense some classic, Logan/Veronica angst, with a side of jealousy.

Things I ask myself:

First off, am I really supposed to believe Logan's so into Parker that he's reformed, going to class and putting his face on a cake? Gross. Because I don't believe that... especially not after his seeing that look at the end of the episode. I'm just sayin'...

Does Mac like Bronson? Or Max? I'm confused. Better yet, where is Bronson?

What did Keith keep calling Piz? Why was I totally uninterested in his bar raid storyline? Whatever. Honestly, I think it was used to show us how some people might react to having a real sheriff again... perhaps some foreshadowing of the future...?

I give in...

Fine! I like Piz. A LITTLE. He does goob me out at times and I'm not joining his fan club anytime soon, but I can handle him. (Maybe I'm dealing with his and Veronica's kiss so well because I know he's only signed on for one season.) And he might even be good for our girl, V - for a little while. Of course, the I think the heart of the whole debate was most eloquently stated by a friend of mine, just moments ago:

"What I like about PizOnica is that Logan will now get jealous...and therefore really hot." Wise sage, that girl.

Then there's the husband. He's a huge fan of the show (*cough*KristenBell*cough*), and called from out of town to impart wisdom on the Piz/Veronica conundrum:

Hubby: The fact that she fell for Piz is just sad and pathetic.
Me: Why is it sad and pathetic?
Hubby: *fake sniff* Because it wasn't me. He's not good enough for her, but like she said, she's dating down.

Some of my favorite exchanges:

Keith: Look at these ads. Two for Tuesday, It's Raining Gin, Dollar Shot Night.
Veronica: Let me change first. Man, you party hard!

Keith: Bucket-O-Beer Bonanza? You have any idea if they're known for allowing underage drinking?
Veronica: Famous for is more like it. It's nicknamed The Cake for how easy it is to get in, but most of the campus area bars are pretty lax... From what I've heard. 'Cuz the only buckets I order come in original and extra crispy.

Veronica: Fly's open.
Dick: I know. Party ritual.
Dick: Veronica Mars... what's that line about the beginning of some sort of friendship?

Veronica: Ugh, yeah. Nothing says "I'm over you" like dating down.

Dick: Talked it over, and they're into it.
Logan: Into it?
Dick: Double Mint, baby.
Logan: They're becoming twins?
Dick: What? Dude, I don't have time for this!

Granger is sad because...
He saw Mommy's friend, Veronica, kiss Piz, and he's pretty sure Backup wouldn't like it if he knew. Plus, Piz has a silly name... of course, Granger thinks he maybe can't talk about silly names considering Mommy named him after a Harry Potter character.

SPOILERS

Spoiler Basics

I won't generally post spoilers. I know lots of people don't want to know what's coming up on their shows, but I do. And in the off chance you see the "Shhhh..." sign, you'll know it's because something:
a) has me up in arms.
b) got me all excited and I can't hold it in.
c) completely freaked me out and I need comfort.

I will identify the shows I'm discussing, but I'll white out the SPOILERS - so highlight to read, if you must.

P.S. If Granger doesn't stop scratching at crap, he's gonna be sad because he got a spanking!!!! Grrr...

LOST SPOILER
So, I've heard there are as many as 5 deaths in the finale. That's disconcerting enough, but then Kristin at E! had to add, "... in anticipation of how totally and completely freaked out most of you fans will be ... it's not so much the number (of deaths), but the who."

I really, really hate surprises. And I'm no good with major character deaths. I'd like to lay that out on the table right now. I'm pretty sure this finale is going to send me into a stress meltdown. Or leave me catatonic like Buffy.

THE OFFICE SPOILER
"I'm hearing you JAM fans will be pleased! Yayaaay!"

Please, Kristin, for the LOVE of all things Krasinski, let this be true. I'm dying here! Especially after seeing those pictures of John and Rashida in New York and hearing they were doing reshoots for the finale! I need some Jim and Pam!

Granger is Sad Because...

There's Proof is implementing a new form of commentary, called "Granger is sad because..."

It came to me today when the little fella was laid out on the floor (as seen at left). He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (say it three times fast), and they have the sweetest, saddest little faces. In Granger's case, he observes enough TV on a weekly basis to have an opinion about all the things I watch that cause him grief. And he wants you to feel his pain. So in future, if you see his picture, prepare for little, doggy tears. (Hopefully he won't get too popular - I don't want to end up being a wacko showbiz mom.)

Just, come on. Suspend your disbelief with me for a minute, because tonight:

Granger is sad because...

There are no hero dogs on Heroes. He'd enjoy the show a whole lot more if Mr. Muggles had "Go-Go- Gadget" legs.

Heroes: Chapter 19

Heroes
Chapter 19
.07%

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and Heroes.
1. My loyalty goes to Parkman (hello, dude was on Alias and LOST) and Peter (who knew Jess Mariano could get hotter?).
2. I love HRG.
3. You know who's a hero? Hiro, from Heroes. That's a hero.
4. Let's not discuss Simone. I can't handle her. At all.
5. I trust no one in power.

In the words of my boss, via text message, last night:

Boss: I'm heading home to watch Heroes.
Me: Save the cheerleader...
Boss: F*** her, I'm saving the world.

I'm not sure I can attempt to maneuver through the muddled confusion that is my brain at the moment to attempt and discuss what I just saw played out. I'm attributing this to driving home from Nashville in the middle of the night and only getting about 4 hours of sleep. I refuse to believe it has anything to do with a general misunderstanding of the episode.

Actually, it was a great episode. And not really that convoluted... just a lot of stuff.

What I walked away with:

1. Mamma Petrelli is one of Linderman's "friends" who used to be in on it all. Don't you think? If so, whose side is she on?

2. Linderman's a freak. Dude heals dead things and thinks it's okay to wipe out .07% of the population of NYC. Nevermind the weird art collection.

(Can I take a moment to say my husband is sitting here watching "The Prestige" in the background and it's hella loud in my ear...)

3. Parkman's power has satellite capability. Wonder how far away you can be and still have him hear you?

4. Isaac is hardcore. And a much better painter than Sylar. Nathan looks a bit scary (read: green) in Sylar's version of the Oval Office. Wonder what biggie bad will do with the paintings now...

5. Apparently, even if he is the bomb, it won't kill Peter. And Nathan knows it. Big Brother has mixed motives I think.

6. Linderman has an electric/computer issue and needs Micah to be his mini repairman. Creepy. NikkiJessica is NOT going to be happy when she finds out.

7. Is there anyone who didn't guess that Peter had glass lodged somewhere? Same thing happened to Claire. Remove the weapon, save the hero.

(Oh, dear. Hubby's very excited that Gollum is in this movie.)

8. Whatever Isaac sent off to the publisher is gonna resurface. And it's gonna be important!

9. "The Company" is going down, courtesy of my favorite new trio (sorry Harry, Hermione and Ron): HRG, Ted and Matt Parkman.

10. That cheerleader's not going to Paris.

Confused?

So, aside from the fact that Naive Young Hiro and Pissed Off Future Hiro coming face to face HAS to be tearing a hole in the space-time continuum, it appears the future is grim. Angsty Peter is kissing NikkiJessica, Nathan's promoting genocide, and Suresh has on glasses.

The future's looking dark, my friend. Very, very dark.

I can't wait.

And in other news, there's a Peter Petr... I mean, Jess Mariano/Gilmore Girls marathon on ABC Family this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Central Time)

Gilmore Girls: 7x18

Gilmore Girls
7x18
Hay Bale Maze

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and Gilmore Girls.

1. I love Lorelai. If I had to save one character on the show (and since there is no receptionist), it would be her. And I'd stuff Luke in my purse on the way out the door.
2. I don't care who Rory ends up with, if anyone at all.
3. Emily Gilmore cracks me up and pisses me off at the same time. That's talent.
4. I'm fiercely loyal to this show. I think it is, at it's peak (hello, Season 5), one of the smartest shows on TV. Well written, funny, heartfelt, etc., etc.
5. As much as I love it... there's a time to let something go. In the Season 8 debate, I'm all for closing it out well this May. *closes eyes to avoid the pelting*

And about last night...

I was getting about as pissy as Spring Fling Michel waiting on a new episode - not that I don't get that way with EVERY hiatus - but after what went down at the end of last year (Season 6 will always be, for me, the worst), waiting to see how they plan to repair the damage, makes me less than patient.

I'll admit, I've been angry. Very, very, angry at Lorelai (and she's my favorite). I thought what they did with her character this season - jumping from fiance to old stand-by, being in love with Luke, but marrying Christopher - was the worst possible choice. She should have had the Christopher thing out of her system ages ago. Plus, the Lorelai I know doesn't need a man to complete her identity. She does not fall into a puddle at someone's feet or step aside without a fight - but she did. And I didn't like it. Alas, they didn't ask me if it was believable, or whether it made sense... they just did it.

Lorelai's, "You're the man I want to want," speech that ended things with Christopher, sums up their entire history. And is the most honest thing she's ever said to him. Thank God people like Sookie, and even Rory, reminded her in the early stages of Christopher-Gate, that she was moving too quickly, not over everything with Luke, etc. Someone should have hit her upside the head, but I guess we all have to make our own mistakes. Which she did.

And now we clean up the mess. I'm not sure last night's apology is enough for me... I'm hoping for a bit more of "showdown" - if you will - between the two. Nothing like a good fight to prove you still care, right? Plus, honestly, I know Luke was a bit distracted and stupid about the April thing last year, (and he copped to it last night), but if I were him, I'd be hard pressed to forgive and forget what Lorelai ended up doing. She needs to grovel.

In other news, Rory's about to graduate, Taylor's as ridiculous as ever and Logan looks nice without a shirt.

Ok, so I shouldn't be bored by Rory and her job hunt, but I am. And Logan has lost all of his mystery. I loved Season 5's snarky, smarmy, jackassy Logan (the same holds true for VM's Logan). New Logan is a little whiny and, dare I say it... dull. Not saying I don't like Rory and Logan together, because I do, but their story needs a little spice. (And I read spoilers, so I know they'll get some.) I did, however, enjoy Logan's introduction to the craziness that is Stars Hollow. And his interaction with Lorelai. She has concerns, rightfully so, and it was fun to see Logan under fire.

Not much else to say in the way of town shenanigans, etc. Kirk is Kirk. Taylor is Taylor. What more can you say, honestly?

Next week looks good, what with Lorelai's return to the diner and all! Veddy, veddy interesting...

Cheers!

Here's hoping Peter Petrelli flies in before the season's over. (Hey, a girl can dream.)

The Office: 3x18

The Office
3x18
The Negotiation

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and The Office.

1. This show sort of owns me. Just a little. As I told my friend (hereafter known as ANT), today, I'm waaaaaaay too invested in this show. Then again, she calls me with rants and raves on it as much as I call her, so I'm obviously not alone.
2. I like to quote it. A lot.
3. I love that there's something to love about every single character on this show. If I had room, or thought you cared, I'd list my thoughts on each one. I'll spare you.
4. Dwight and Jim - nothing makes me laugh more.
5. Jim and Pam... *sigh* Just make out already.

And now, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for the length of this entry. I've gone 6 weeks with out a new episode.
Last time, on The Office: Dwight and Michael were inappropriate (but not moreso than "take me in the bathroom" Jan) at a party. (Shocker!) Pam was not kidding you, Roy, when she confessed her Casino Night Kiss and left you with murderous slander on your tongue.

Fade to black; begin hiatus.
Six Weeks.
Six.
Weeks.
We were richly rewarded for our patience.

Let's talk about the funny.
Or: Things you can learn from the Dunder-Mifflinites.
1. Dwight saving Jim is hot. Just ask Angela. Again and again and again. I'm sorry, but her conversation with Karen was the funniest. Hands on her neck, gasping, "And then..."

2. Michael has mad negotiation skills. Especially when it comes to whispering. Steve's facial expressions kill me.

3. Michael and Toby. I really don't think I have to say anything else.

4. Kelly and Ryan. I don't even know where to begin. I think I was laughing too hard to hear the fighting, but I loved Toby's feeble attempts to stop them. And the making out during Toby's TH was classic. But Ryan, are you afraid of the dark? Here we have the Kelly/Ryan dynamic. Props to Mindy. That girl cracks me up.

5. Sometimes the best way to say thank you, is to make a classic Jim face and never, ever speak about the image of Dwight and Angela kissing. To anyone.

6. Creed. The end.

And onto the drama!

I'll admit, I was excited (maybe even clapping my hands a little, as I settled into my Papisan chair to watch) about the resolution of Roy's, "I am gonna kill Jim Halpert!" I saw the Yahoo! preview clips last week when there were still three posted, so I knew about Dwight's mace attack, but what had me on the edge of my seat, was the thought of the fallout. Jim, Pam, Roy and Karen style.

After watching tonight, I'm convinced, the real explosion is yet to come. And I'm thinking, when it does, it's gonna look like Pam. Not Roy. But that's speculation for later.

1. I loved Jim's look to Pam when Roy barged in at the beginning. He knew. Just a little promise to us all that he hasn't forgotten.

2. It hurt me to watch the Jim/Pam scene in the break room, but I get it. If he doesn't shut her out, the only option is to let her in (we know he wants to)... but he needs to see some action from her first. Yeah, he was sort of harsh, but if he doesn't expect the worst at this point, he's set up to hope for the best - and so far, hope's kicked him in the butt with a broken heart.

3. I was proud of Pam for telling Jim it was a mistake to get back with Roy. It's her first step toward telling him the whole truth.

4. Are we supposed to assume that Jim told Karen about Pam being engaged when he kissed her? Because I've never heard that info revealed to Karen. Maybe that's why the five nights of conversation were so intense... but honestly, if Karen knew Pam was engaged at the time, wouldn't we have heard about it?

5. Um, hello, understanding!Roy. Where did he come from? He's cheering her and Jim on now? It seemed a little bit out of left field at first, but you know, for Pam to have been with Roy in the first place, he had to be a good guy. And I think he's proven he is. He loves Pam, he's been with her for 10 years. For better or worse, he knows her best. And I think he spoke for us all when he said, "I don't get you, Pam."

But I believe we're about to.

Drama, drama, drama. Yes, I've heard the complaints about the Jim/Pam saga being too dramatic for the show, but come on, things like that are dramatic. And our boys and girls do a fantastic job of coupling it with humor. I'm not disappointed. At all.

And last, but not least, I KNOW Krasinski is doing a movie, but come on with the hair!!

LOST: 3x15

LOST

3x15
Left Behind
(A Kate Episode)

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and LOST.

1. I love me some Shepard. Don't mess with Dr. Giggles.
2. Desmond is dead sexy. Please talk. All the time.
3. No matter how much she annoys me sometimes, Kate is my girl.
4. Sawyer makes me laugh. And I love him for it... but the boy is no good for little Katie. Especially seeing as how she's got it bad for Jack.

Ok, leave me to my little world. I'm adult enough to admit that Kate likes them both - in different ways, for different reasons - and I get the Sawyer attraction (who wouldn't?), but in my world, the girl belongs with Jack. I am, however, not about this Jate/Skate bashing crap. Ugh, who has the time? You have my stance. Nevermind the actual, important, issues like... WHAT THE FREAK IS GOING ON??

With that in mind, let's talk about last night.
In the words of Jim Halpert (prepare yourself for lots of The Office, no matter what show I'm talking about):

Fight! Fight! Fight!

So, Kate is our island's resident warrior princess. The girl is a bull. And, I'm sorry, but it's about time someone beat the hell out of Juliet. If the chick doesn't stop whispering and blinking, I'm gonna end up pelting the television with dead fruits and vegetables. Seriously, I know me and my "weekly watching party" pals (who will hereafter be referred to as C and S) can't be the only ones. And, OK, maybe I've only developed this intense dislike of Juliet because the writers seem to be making her Jack's distraction from Kate (hello, Jim, Pam and Karen). But, I don't trust her. There's something shady going on. But, then, when is there not?

What we learned last night (aside from nothing):

1. The "Others" have seemingly vacated camp and disappeared. Why? Where have they gone? What are they doing/planning? Was David Blaine involved?

2. Locke is a traitor. Or a defender of the Island. Or a spy. Who knows what that cat is doing. My husband LOVES him (all the guys I know do), but I've always had issues with his island "connection." (And that orange peel in the mouth scene from the Pilot.) Of course, Ben's dangling a big ball of yarn right in front of Locke's face. Dude wants to beat Daddy (who HAS to be the original Sawyer, you're with me there, right?) down.

3. The smoke monster was apparently doing an assignment for his photography class until Juliet pulled the plug with her force field. At what point did this show merge with The Incredibles?

4. Saw Hurley's con on Sawyer coming from a mile away. Still funny, though.

5. Kate and Sawyer's Long Con lady are pals. Wonder how James will feel when he finds out.

So, yeah, I'm ignoring Kate's back story, but I just don't have a lot to say. I get the parallels and irony they were trying to create with Kate's reason for what she did to her stepfather and what's happening with Jack and Sawyer and all that biz, but, yeah... that's all I got from it. That, and her mom's not very cool. If you garnered something else from it, please enlighten me.

And holy crap, I have to go watch The Office now.

Another TV Blog?

Why, yes. Yes, it is.

I'm sure you have questions.

So do I.

Like, why, am I creating yet another outlet in which I will spend inordinate amounts of time doing things like, wondering if Jim goes home at night and imagines confession scenarios between himself and Pam (never mind that Jim doesn't GO home because he isn't REAL), when I should be feeding the dog, washing clothes, paying bills. Eh, what fun are chores and work... ?

TV.

It's about commitment, people. (No, not to an institution.)

Why? Why are you doing this?
1. Because there just aren't enough people out there in the world with television blogs. Ha.
2. I'm a TV addict, this blog is now my therapy. Prepare to see ranting, raving, "squee"-ing, questioning, imagining - and all sorts of other "ings". And don't be shocked to see the words, "If I were..." followed by a delusion of what I'd do, where I the character spoken of, living in said showverse.
3. Because I can.

What shows will you blog about?
My (must not, will not miss) schedule is as follows:
Monday: HEROES.
Tuesday: GILMORE GIRLS, VERONICA MARS.
Wednesday: LOST.
Thursday: THE OFFICE (which you'll hear about the most), GREY'S ANATOMY.
Sunday: BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Shows I'm about to start watching on DVD.
These are the ones people *gasp* over, when I say I haven't watched them yet. However, the hell that is television's Summer Hiatus seems a perfect time to catch up. Prepare for an ear full.
24, Entourage and House

Like TV? Want to discuss it without the funny looks and reminders that, "they're fictional characters, you know that, right?"

Then welcome, this is a safe place for you.