Heroes: Thoughts on being a Sophomore

I can't just discuss tonight's episode. No. At the moment, Heroes needs more than a snarky recap and a pretty picture of Milo. It needs... a mother's discipline.

See, Heroes is a cool show. I wouldn't exactly call it the smartest, or best written hour of entertainment, but in Season One, it was actually entertaining. It was different and unpredictable and full of cool characters and merging storylines. And it held my attention, kept me wanting, became Must See TV.

Then Hiro landed in feudal Japan and that girl started crying black tears.

Here's what makes Heroes tick: Plot twists, multiple stories and characters, entwined without their knowledge, pushing toward one, big agenda. Season One's agenda was clear from the beginning. Hell, we even got slogans for each phase of the plan. (Say it with me, Save the Cheerleader... save the world.)

Season two's direction was made clear ... last week. Somewhere around the SEVEN episode mark. There's a virus, it's gonna kill them all. The heroes have to fix it. Why did it take so long to get there?

I read a recent interview with Tim Kring (which made me hopeful), in which he owned up to several sophomore issues. Most importantly:

1. Late introduction of the season's purpose (plague wiping out civilization, gotta stop it). I seriously had no idea what the hell any of them were doing until last week. Storyline was/is all over the place. I mean, they mentioned the virus, but then with all the ancient warriors and brain boxes, it was hard to make it fit. And I'm still wondering on B story with the older generation being killed off (I'm suspecting by Adam).

2. The Seven Years in Tibet storyline, or whatever that crap was with Hiro living in his childhood storybook. The payoff with Takezo K./Adam turned out to be cool, but it could have been done sooner. Waaaaay sooner. Like, before there were ever Cherry Blossoms involved.

3. New characters. Seriously, I'm less interested in Maya, Alejandro and Monica than that infomercial where the guy screams about four types of kitchen cleaner. They Nikki and Paolo'd it with the first two, and Monica, poor thing... what's the point? Then there's West. Don't get me started. I mean ... what can I say? That kid totally goobs me out with his Peter Pan flying and dumbass dialogue.

That said, the newbies aren't ALL bad.

1. Elle. The four minutes of screen time Kristen Bell got in episode five, were the most entertaining of the season at that point, and shot her to immediate status as a character I'm actually interested in, want to figure out. And not because I'm already partial (which I am) and think she's fantastic (which she is), but because the character maintained the mystery of Season One. She has a purpose, she has secrets, she's got layers. To me, she's on par with Sylar in that way. Completely unpredictable and totally enthralling. LOVE how Bell is playing her, too. Sadistic little girl. Amazing.

2. Adam. Yes, the Japanese storyline was crap, but the twist - that he's immortal and because of Hiro's tampering, living in present day, carrying a 400 year old grudge and a sexy English accent - awesome. We all knew early in the season that David Anders been made a regular, which left me wondering HOW. Pretty cool payoff - plus, he has GOT to have some connection to Claire, right? (Note that everything I'm saying in this paragraph goes back to the reasons listed as what makes the show tick. Coincidence? I think not.)

As for plot this season, it's hard to comment because I've yet to see anything cohesive. And now I'm sad because it looks like things are about to shift gears (because Kring says he hears his audience!), just in time for an early season finale due to the WGA Strike.

Tonight's episode was probably the best of the season. Why? Oh, I don't know... because we finally found out about the characters we care for, Peter got his freakin' memory back and there was some payoff! And I won't lie, the preview for next week looks awesome. This beach-bound showdown with Mohinder and HRG and The Company. Exchanging Claire for Elle - all good things.

And only three left to give us some closure to a less than stellar, and incomplete season.

Damn you AMPTP!

Thoughts on Striking...

See, I get it.

I do.

I think it sucks because it's the middle of the television season and fans are getting left in the lurch. Shows are hitting their stride, mid-story, and it's possible the viewers will have to wait over a year for seasonal conclusions to already scarce shows (LOST), while baited with the promise of an upswing from faulty stories in others (Heroes). Nevermind the super quick shut down of favorites like The Office, teasing its best table read EVER!

I may go insane.

Not that I think the actors and writers and directors are using this as an excuse for vacation because they don't want to be at work, churning out episodes. If there's anything I learned from my short time in Hollywood, it's that those people are workaholics - seriously. To a fault.

I think the cast and crew is as sad about Dunder-Mifflin sitting empty as I am. Well, probably more when it comes to crew, because let's face it, this strike is NOT good for the grips and the PAs and all the other hardworking little guys making a living on set.

But if there's anything I love, it's a display of solidarity.

My husband is in the entertainment industry, so I know what residuals mean and why they're important. If someone tried selling his CD's or posting their songs on iTunes and left them out of the cut, I'd be there with my own picket sign (even though I think I'd be the only one - have musicians ever gone on strike?), knocking on the proverbial door.

So, yeah, I think the writer's deserve their cut because it's true, in a few years, New Media and the Internet will be an even bigger monster in this industry than they are now. It's strange to me that TV and Movie scribes aren't automatically figured into the deal, because without them, we wouldn't have television. No company would spend millions of dollars in advertising funds for a slot during NBC's Thursday night because characters as ingenious as Dwight Schrute and Veronica Mars would be figments of our imagination (aren't they kind of anyway), LOST would be nothing but a word normally printed in lower case letters, we'd never have heard the charming tale of Ned the Piemaker, and Prime Time wouldn't exist.

Writers ARE television.

Sure, they're important for movies, but TV is the writer's medium. They produce it, they live it, they star in it, they ... write it. The director doesn't get the glory because he comes in for one episode and leaves. It's the guys and girls in the writer's room, under a florescent light at 3 a.m. who run the show - and they do deserve to be compensated.

So, I get it.

I support the strike - what it stands for - 100%.

Still, while I KNOW it's not about greed - it's NOT - if I'm totally honest, there's this little nagging voice in the back of my brain that's kind of annoyed because the average writer in Hollywood makes about $200,000 a year (putting them in something like the top 1% of earning elite in this country) and the ones who are between jobs, working sporadically, make around $62,000 a year (almost twice the average national salary). Granted, Hollywood is an unpredictable place, and a few years from now, that once viable writer may need to live off their residuals while they look for work with the rest of us Regular Joes, so I can't really begrudge them at all - but I can't feel totally sorry for them either, when I'm living with a struggling musician and trying to find a job! Of course, it's people like me, obsessed with the Hollywood product, that make it the norm for salaries in that industry to inflate past people like teachers and social workers, so I can't get too upset can I?

No, dang it, I can't!

Get me the AMPTP, I want my TV back!!!

Brothers and Sisters: 207

Brothers and Sisters

2x07
36 Hours

There were things I loved and there were things I didn't.

For some reason, as annoyed as I am with the whole rehashing of Justin's addiction storyline, I enjoyed it tonight. I think it was more about the family being together, the dynamic of the Walker's showing up for one another. And Justin falling asleep on Kitty's shoulder was the cutest. Poor Rebecca though. I kept waiting for Justin to call her and apologize, but I guess that will come after he gets over the shakes and vomits.

Saul... well, it's been coming on for a while now. Still not sure whether it's a good move or not, but we shall see. I am interested to see whether or not he was just in love with one man, or if it's his overall preference because honestly, I don't want the Holly storyline from last season - and the numerous discussions of other women - to be chalked up to a cover - it's been done and it's just not as interesting.

As for Robert's little white lie to Kitty about wanting to have kids... not a good idea.

Next family issue: Just in time for his miraculously non-depressed wife to come home, everyone learns Tommy's a cheater. (GRRRRR.)

It doesn't sound like you really mean that...

Sorry, guys.

It's been outrageously long since I posted, but life has sort of taken over the last couple of weeks. My grandfather had a stroke, I worked ridiculous hours at this Christmas retail fair (it's questionable as to whether or not my feet still function) and I found a new apartment that has to be painted and cleaned before I can move in (because it was built in the '40s). Thing is, with all that going on, I've been behind on my shows and had to watch some online (which I know is a "no no" these days with the strike) and some days later than airing. Then, my TIVO tried to explode from holding the backlogs of material. Alas, I think I'm caught up. Finally. As for the blog, it was hard to keep it going as it's just me manning the ship.

That said, I bow in humble apology for my absence. I'm not really sure how many people actually come here regularly, but if you do, I will not look you in the eye for at least a week as a sign of deference. ;)

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And now, a mash:

The Office: I've missed two recaps, but I'm focusing on "Survivor Man." Interesting episode. Funny, in its own way, but interesting. Steve Carell tends to take a heavy undertone to the story when he writes. This evolution of Jim Halpert thing (check out GMMR) - stuck in his job, but content in his life - seems to be coming to the front lines this year. Jim being afraid of becoming Michael, promising not to be at DM in 10 years just like Michael did. And then there's the second life discovery of what Jim would really like to be doing.

It's interesting, veddy veddy... we're seeing Jim happier than he's ever been personally, but I'm starting to wonder if we won't see a bit more discontent with his choices professionally. Of course, this storyline should have been saved for the second to last or last season, so the final episode involves Jim getting a fancy new job and moving off with his fiance, Pam (did I just say that? oops!), but whatever the writers want to explore, I'm up for it. As long as they don't screw with my PB&J. Wouldn't it be interesting to see them actually stay together and figure things out. What a novel idea. You know, sort of like people do in real life. On a side note, Jan has plastic boobs!

House: House at the CIA = Awesome! Still only one Chase scene, a smattering of Cameron and LOTS of Foreman. I'm starting to wonder how Jesse Spencer feels about this.

Friday Night Lights: Okay. I'm sorry. You KNOW how obsessed I am with this show (I'm currently wearing a T-shirt I made a Spreadshirt.com with Panther Football written on front and Riggins and Saracen on back), but I have several WTF (not necessarily bad, just... WTF) things to toss out into the ether.

a) Last week in Mexico. Lyla making out with Street and Riggins. In front of each other. (The "I need to go pray" comment was a bit much for me.) My friend and I had to rewind after looking at each other and saying, "Did that just happen?" I'm supposing she was drunk? I... And... But then, the next day driving home (this week's ep), there's no mention of it, head on Rig's shoulder, reminiscing about the past. Weird. Not that I mind, I mean, I'd go for both too, maybe just not in front of each other. All I'm sayin'. Still, my funny friend in the elite Facebook group that shall not be named, had this to say: "I don't know why everyone's thinking it's strange. Didn't any of ya'll see Y Tu Mama Tambien? Apparently those sorts of shenanigans happen all the time during Mexican road trips." Apparently. I'll know what to expect when I hit the road for Mexico.

b) Tami's sister is gonna annoy me. c) Saracen! Get your lips off that randomite! d) Riggins. I love you. e) Coach and Tami were CLASSIC in last week's episode (re: post baby fun time for Coach). I laughed... god, I laughed.

f) Landry's dad is cop and an idiot. I mean, how is he going to explain Landry's missing car? Better yet, what's he gonna say when they find the car (they always find the car)? More importantly, how is Landry going to drive all the Collete women, plus Mrs. Saracen and Lyla to the State Championship this year? Geez.

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There were other moments of the week. But since I have two weeks to atone for, I think I'll just start over fresh with the one upcoming.

Samantha Who?

I watched the first two episodes online this weekend. Cute enough. Not gonna say it was as mindblowing as all the promos would lead you to believe, but it's definitely watchable - especially with Sookie St. James involved. Hello!? Gilmore = goodness (even if Scott did sign on for Saw IV, which I will not be watching). Still, my Monday night can handle anything else. As in, I'm not technologically capable of TIVOing it, so I'll have to settle with ABC.com until someone (Santa, if you're reading) decides to get me another TIVO.

P.S. New promo shots needed.

Brothers and Sisters: 2x05

Brothers and Sisters

2x05
Domestic Issues

It's been a while since we talked Walker, and I've missed them. You?

Granted, tonight was more drama heavy than usual. Custody battles, adultery, pregnancy, growing addiction - with no outburst of funny from Kevin to temper the blow. I'm counting on you, man! Come on!

So, wow with the Sarah and Joe thing. I sort of wanted to pound Joe in the pants with a water bottle for doing that to her. I get that he took care of them while she worked (don't get me started on why he thinks that suddenly means he's got sole rights to them), but she didn't neglect them - she was their provider for Pete's sake, and to try and pull the rug out from under her is just WRONG. And DIRTY. Shared custody is the ONLY fair thing to do in this case, so that judge and Joe can just kiss it. God, Rachel broke my heart in the last scene, and I'm nowhere near in the market for my own children at this point in life, so I'm blaming my tears on all the emotion of going to the baptism of my best friend's baby girl this morning. I just can't imagine.

So, Kitty's pregnant and Robert's running for President. Not exactly ideal, but interesting. And who knew Kitty even wanted a kid? I mean, has she said anything about reproducing before? Maybe she has and I lost the memory somewhere amid a mountain of press releases. Whatever. In all honesty, it's a believable turn - and I think I might actually like it. Who knows what will happen next, but for now, I'm good. And this storyline provided the only comedic break of the night as Justin spread the news as only Walkers do. Plus, now we are all in on the pantry secret...

Um, waiter *snap, snap*... I mean, writer... could I order a new storyline for Justin?

And, didn't Rebecca and her mom make up - kinda - last week? I mean, not that I'm complaining, I like her being at Nora's, but I'm just trying to recall.

Tonight's special section is reserved for idiocy...

TOMMY. Just... just... STOP. Seriously. When I say that your little ... dalliance is unacceptable, I really mean, a stupid ass thing to do you bonehead. Okay? I mean, I get that you're pissed and sad and confused and really feeling low about Julia - and you have every right because I think she's really doing an unfair number on you with the whole packing up your kid and leaving and not giving you any say in the matter, but STOP. Don't make me not like you anymore. Please. Keep it in your pants. I have to stop or I'll get up on my handy dandy soap box and not come down.

Across the Universe

I'm in love with this movie.

And I worked hard for it. I mean, I heard about it a while ago, researched release dates, and waited patiently, trying to spread the word to everyone else in my circle. When I left LA, I also left the land of getting movies while in limited release, so there was that delay. Then, when I finally went to see it last week during the day, I ended up alone in the theater with a guy that really started creeping me out - I won't go into detail - but about the time Jude started singing, "Something," I was outta there. And royally pissed. Then the weekend was full, so I put it off until Tuesday - and it was so worth it.

Completely fantastic - and while it enriches the experience and understanding of the film, I really don't think you have to know The Beatles to like it or get it or whatever. It's just... I don't know how to describe it, but it's beautiful to watch and hear.

Jim Sturgess is my new favorite - and I've discovered he's playing George in The Other Boleyn Girl, so... score. Can't wait to see more of him - though I think Jude will always be my favorite character, and I'll always want him to burst out into song. Not to type-cast him or anything.

Just go see it.