Open Mic Wednesday 11/9/11
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It’s Open Mic Wednesday. What’s on your mind?
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Books by Kaye Dacus
Novel in Progress
Follow the Heart*
Book 1 of The Great Exhibition Series
Due May 1, 2012
first draft completion goal date: 01/31/12
*working title
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Middle Tennessee Christian Writers
We haven’t talked TV in a while, so let’s turn our attention to the idiot box today, shall we?
I’ve started some threads, but feel free to start new threads for shows not listed.
Hawaii Five-0
Up until the Halloween episode, I was on the fence about this second season of H50. But that episode combined with this week’s episode finally felt like we were getting back to what I loved so much about this show last year—and that’s mainly the relationship between Steve and Danno. I spent the first several weeks of this season absolutely hating the new blonde chick. (Yes, I know her name is supposed to be Laurie/Lori—but to me, she’ll always be “the blonde chick.”) But now that it looks like they’re not going to try to force a Steve-Blonde Chick or Danno-Blonde Chick dynamic (neither of which worked AT ALL), and they’re going to give Kono someone to back her up when it’s girls vs. guys, it works much better.
Still not sure about the addition of John Locke (Terry O’Quinn) to the cast, even part time. But my absolute favorite addition this season has been Masi Oka as Max the medical examiner as a full-time cast member. I loved him in Heroes, and I’m loving him even more as Max.
And speaking of Heroes, I think I pulled a muscle in my side laughing over the “Do I know you” scene between Masi Oka and Greg Grunberg in Monday’s episode. For those not in the know, both of them had major starring roles in Heroes.
I am currently watching the Halloween episode as I type. I am liking the series but there are some of the earlier episodes weren’t as good as last season. I have to say I laughed when they Danno got to his car and there is a huge rock on the windscreen.
You don’t think the show is suggesting a possible relationship between Steve and Lori? I really thought the Halloween episode was hinting at that possibility. I like Terry O’Quinn’s character…he’s…interesting. Curious to see where the show goes with him.
AH! My little bro loved that scene with Max, but I didn’t realize the allusion to “Heroes”.
When the local news was interviewing the actress who plays Lori, she said that at first, when she auditioned, they (directors, producers, etc.) seemed to indicate that the role was to be Steve’s love interest, but once she got the role and they started filming, she didn’t see too much of that, and she hinted that they may have changed their minds … though she didn’t totally rule out the possibility …
I’m kind of neutral toward Lori, slowing heading toward liking her. I’m glad that they chose to create a new character instead of turning another male character from the original series into a female in the reboot. I wish they did that with Kono Kalakaua. They still could have made her Chin Ho’s cousin … especially since Grace Park doesn’t really pull Pacific Islander … she looks more Asian. While it does work, I would have loved to see a more local-looking girl (maybe part Hawaiian) to play the role, but I don’t know if an actress with those looks and ability to portray a main role like that exists. To Grace Park’s credit, I do like what she’s done with her character and … it works.
Oh, and I like that we’re beginning to see more recurring characters like the lab/tech guys and such.
I’m enjoying H50 this season, the banter is comfortable they seem more like old friends this year. However, I didn’t like the addition of Lori, especially if she was going to be replacing Kono, but now she seems to have settled in, Kono is staying and she doesn’t seem to be the love interest of anyone, although she might be interested in Steve. Not sure. I think it’s fun seeing the different Lost and Heroes characters popping into the show.
Castle
I’m about four weeks behind on this, but y’all feel free to go ahead and discuss it.
Loving the season so far. We’re watching it online, but only one episode behind right now. Loved the dynamics between them in the art thief episode…and how others interpret their relationship.
The bank hold up episode is my favorite so far. It was refreshingly different. Not that the usual isn’t fun too. There’s was just something special about that one.
This season is SOOOOO good!
Loved the Elvis costumes in this week’s episode — HILARIOUS!
Even my husband says that this show is even BETTER this season. I’m glad they’re letting Alexis grow up some more, and the new supervisor is beginning to grow on me. Note I said BEGINNING. I must say, though, that I felt the same way about Cam on BONES when she first came on the scene, and now I don’t know how it would be without her.
Once Upon a Time
I watched the premiere episode, but haven’t felt compelled to go back and watch the other two episodes since then. Part of it is because it comes on at the same time as The Amazing Race—one of the only “reality” shows I watch. The other reason is because in watching the first episode, I never felt like it had a premise that would work beyond a mini-series, or maybe a year-long series. So I’m leery of getting sucked into it if it isn’t going to last.
This is where I love being able to watch stuff online. We don’t have cable or dish, so I have to wait until the episodes are online…but then I can watch them online whenever I like {grins}.
have heard about this but we dont have it here yet I think it will be on over summer.
Once got picked up for a full season last week. I LOVED episode three this week, the strongest yet and the first ep that gave me some measure of confidence that the show could go a full year and be interesting.
So far I’ve liked it better each week. I don’t care how long or short the series lasts, I’d hate to have missed this.
Started watching this and was wondering how they would make it go beyond the first season, but they are beginning to pull in more ‘past’ storyline ~ as in the back stories of characters in fairytale land. This past week was more on how Snow White and Charming met while tying in with the current day as well. Knowing it’s from the creators of Lost…I’m sure they will find a way to pull it out.
I’m liking Once Upon a Time, but I don’t see how it can last past one season. If they drag it out too long they will lose me just like Lost did.
I think you can watch episodes on Hulu.com –I watched the first two episodes, my little brother VCR-ed the 3rd episode –I saw promo pics, and I really want to watch episode 3! I like it! It’s maybe my second favorite show on tv (after Merlin). I’m glad they got picked up for the whole season.
I think you guys are right though … it can only last so long. If the characters never remember who they are after like 3 seasons, it’ll be annoying. I think two seasons would be max … then season 3 could be preparation for the big battle or whatever and then season 4 … unless they create another storyline, I don’t know if they could do anything longer than 5 seasons.
Grimm
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Once upon a Time, for me, is Grimm. I am loving this show. While it’s suspenseful, it’s not nearly as dark as the previews made it look. Or, as someone asked me on Twitter last week, it’s nowhere near as dark as Criminal Minds—it’s much closer in tone and feel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer than Steven King.
It’s like Psych—if Gus were a “big bad wolf” and Shawn could see evil creatures.
I thought of PSYCH this last week, as well! I love the light-hearted tone – especially with his new friend, the “big bad wolf.” How fun is THAT?
I don’t like Grimm as much as OUaT. It’s a good show, and the werewolf character makes it for me. He’s hilarious. Which is something this show badly needs to keep it in balance.
But you’re right, it’s not as gruesome as I’d thought it would be. I can’t bear to watch any of those shows like Bones. Too much in your face gore. Glad so far Grimm hasn’t gone that route.
I still need to post about episode two of Grimm — like you I am LOVING it. Great surprise!
My little brother and I are the only ones in our family that watched it –I was intrigued enough by the pilot to keep watching. Little bro loves Mr. Blutbad (ack, can’t remember his name) and thinks he’s hilarious … and (not to be shallow) but David Giuntoli is kind of cute … something about dark haired, blue (or green) eyed guys.
You’re right, it isn’t that scary and I like the fantasy twist on police/detective shows. I’m letting my little bro control the remote though, he flipped channels on some parts of last week’s episode … but we’re going to keep watching for now.
Pan Am
This is another show of which I watched only one or two episodes and then stopped because something else I liked better was on (in this case, Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs. Who’s watching Pan Am?
Another one we have heard of mainly cos of an aussie actress in it.
Pan Am keeps getting better…and the Once lead-in earlier in the evening has really stabilized ratings. It hasn’t gotten picked up for a full season yet, but last week ABC ordered five additional scripts. Loving it!
Criminal Minds
I only started watching CM in September, but I’m all caught up with the previous seasons. For me, this show isn’t about the cases or the profiling—it’s about the seven main characters.
I just started watching Criminal Minds when I catch the reruns on A&E. I enjoy it, but it is very dark and last night while my husband was working late I regretted watching an episode yesterday. LOL! The team is great, brilliant. I would like to go back and watch past seasons to know the team better , but we cancelled Netflix so that’s not going to happen.
I have watched this show for years! I love this show and agree it is more about the characters. I usually hide my eyes or fast forward through the graphic parts. I have no desire to see those parts of the show. Sometimes, I struggle with the story lines, but thankfully, they almost always have a happy ending.
Oh yes! I was nearly in tears at the end of last week’s episode. Another previously unknown nugget about Rossi there.
And I am SO GLAD JJ and Prentiss are back!
The Amazing Race
Well . . . it’s almost half over.
I can’t believe how happy I was that the twins were eliminated. It was like Shannon from LOST TIMES TWO!
In the father-son team of Lawrence and Zac . . . I don’t know how Zac managed to sail around the world on his own as the youngest person to do it (or whatever that claim to fame is), because on the show, he can’t seem to do anything if his father isn’t there telling him how to do it (usually telling him wrong). Out of all the teams still left in the race, they’re the only ones I DON’T want to see win.
it was on at a time that something else was on and I forgot to tape it but now its on earlier so saw it for the first time last week. we are again about 2 weeks behind. I must admit I do like the show.
This is the only reality show I watch and it is my favorite show. I am about 3 weeks behind, due to the World Series. I need to get caught up!
Love Amazing Race. It’s the only reality show we watch and I’m with Kaye in that I was glad to see the siblings leave this week. UH, they were very annoying. Go snowboarders!!
Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs
Well . . . I was pulling for Chef Robert Irvine. How could I not? He’s my favorite celebrity chef!
But now that he’s been eliminated, I’m rooting for Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. No matter what show she’s on, I’ve always liked her. And there needs to be another female Iron Chef and I absolutely cannot stand Anne Burrell.
And as a regular Top Chef viewer, I can’t tell you how happy I was to see Spike eliminated first.
Anyone else watching this?
I’m a big fan of this series. It’s good to see familiar chefs competing. I was soor to see Robert Irvine eliminated. I thought he did better than the chef he was competing with, didn’t like him at all and am eager for him to be gone. I like Iron Chef too, although I never would come up with such dishes. At least I have some idea how the secret ingredients that I am unfamiliar with can be cooked. I think the judges are kind. I have my favorite judges too.
Top Chef: Texas
Top Chef is back! And with a twist this time.
Did anyone catch the premiere last week? What do you think of how they decided to open the show with the final casting round instead of with just the top sixteen chefs already picked?
BONES
Oh, my goodness! What a season premiere! I’m so happy they opened “several months down the road” in Bones and Booth’s relationship—it’s established, even though they still have issues to work through—instead of us having to live through all the awkwardness of will-they-get-together or won’t-they-get-together which has been known to kill shows in the past.
And how cute is baby Hodgins?
Was there even a case in this episode?
I sure don’t remember what it was about, because in the grand scheme of what happened in the episode, the case definitely wasn’t important.
Oh—and I should also mention the fact that Michael Grant Terry, who plays Squintern Wendell Bray on Bones played a serial killer on Criminal Minds last year. So odd to see him in a re-run of that episode only days before seeing him in Bones again.
I don’t remember the case, either – just the little “moments” that cement them as a couple. LOVED Baby Hodgins . . . Honestly, I don’t think the show would have survived if they DIDN’T get Bones and Booth together. They’re just that good.
Haven’t watched the premiere yet…
LOVED the premiere of Bones!!! Crying at the crime scene and the ‘logical’ explanation for her hormones was so typical. Very glad that they opened many months down the road and into a more established relationship between the two.
I am soooo happy about Bones! Love that Bones and Booth are finally together, although a couple years ago I wouldn’t have said the same thing, I thought that their fundamental differences would overwhelm the love. Bones is definitely going to need the support of her friends to learn how to be in a relationship. (if that makes sense)
I’m a NCIS fan both the original and LA although I think the original is the better one. I think we are only a week or so behind but am enjoying it so far.
NCIS is one of my very favorites. I didn’t get in on it until after Kate was gone, but I’ve caught it up with reruns. Honestly, the last few episodes I’m having a serious crush on Gibbs. I haven’t watched LA much, mainly because I don’t want to get involved in another show, and I’d probably get hooked!
NCIS is a fave in our house, but this year LA took over for number one with us. Something about the season premiere of the original lost me, however the episode last week was funny with the return of Gibbs’ and Fornell’s ex-wife. Too funny. But if we have LA and the original on the DVR we play LA first.
Oh we cant be far behind we had that episode on Tuesday night.
Does anyone else watch Merlin? we have started series 3 and its really getting interesting. I love the show. My friend got to meet one of the main actors this past week along with a few other sci fi actors.
I am also enjoying Sanctuary but we are behind at present.
I love Merlin! Really looking forward to Season 4 on SyFy in January!
We just started series three so a little behind too.
So jealous of your friend, LOL! My little brother (my tv buddie, haha) is so desperate for “series 4″ news (as it’s being shown in UK only right now) –he’s looking at the Merlin wiki and he said it’s supposed to be really good. I CANNOT wait until January!
Im jealous of my friend to as this year shes meet Amanda Tappling, and several Stargate actors (from all 3 series) some from the sanctuary and a few other shows. Shes meeting Michael Shanks in Dec.
8D Wow! She must go to those comic-con /sci-fi type conventions? That’s too cool. =)
BLUE BLOODS!!!!! A lot of police action, but the main thing I LOVE about it is the family dynamics!!!! It is just awesome! The fact that Tom Selleck is the Police Commissioner doesn’t hurt either!
Friday nights @ 10 on CBS…DVR it, you won’t be disappointed!
I love this show! It is one of the best new shows on tv. I hope it continues to do well. I would hate to see it get canceled.
Question for all you tv watchers: When you watch a show, do you sit and just watch, or do you have it on while you’re doing other things?
I’ve been known to do both…depends on my mood, or tiredness level, I think!
I made a pact with myself a few years back. I ride the exercise bike while I watch TV, unless I’m sick, eating a meal, or have already ridden 20+ miles that day. I never watch and do other things. That would be like trying to read a book and do other things. My eyes have to be engaged or it’s just bothersome noise. I can’t stand to have the TV on while I’m not engaged in story with it. Even as a child I used to bug my mother to please turn the TV off if no one was watching it!
We have a TIVO, so I usually watch after the kids are in bed. I will clip coupons, surf the internet or do laundry. It is pretty rare when I just sit and watch tv.
For me, it depends on the show. With something like H50 or GRIMM in which I don’t want to miss the nuances of the scenes—facial expressions, visual clues/effects, etc.—the only thing I might do while it’s on are tasks that don’t pull my attention away from the story—folding laundry, crocheting/knitting, etc. Some other shows, I’m perfectly fine surfing the internet, getting caught up on my blogs on Google Reader, scanning Facebook, answering e-mails, Twitter, and so on.
In fact, just last night, as I watched re-runs of Criminal Minds, I finished a blanket I’d been crocheting for the past couple of months. It’s large enough to cover my full-size bed.
Of course, all TV shows are put on hold when there’s an editing project—and I’m probably going to have to do that starting next week, since my goal is to have the first draft of Follow the Heart finished by Christmas, and I’ve only written a few hundred words this week.
Count me in your cheerleading squad for Follow The Heart.
And it sounds like I really need to check out GRIMM. I love Psych.
Like Kaye, it depends on what the show is. If it’s a beloved rerun of NCIS or Frasier, I may be catching up online or playing solitaire. But CASTLE, GRIMM, BONES, or new NCIS epis, I put the laptop down and give it my undivided attention, if I can.
i am normally on the laptop while watching.
with Sanctuary I have had to watch on catch up tv over the internet so dont do anything else while watching. need to find a cable to hook the computer to the tv.
What about CHUCK? What’s the verdict on Morgan now being the “intersect?”
I’m enjoying Chuck, but as I was telling a friend a few days ago (waves to Lori B.), I think the show is past its prime and I’m actually relieved this is the final season. I’m happy the show KNOWS this is the final season so they can hopefully end on good terms for all the characters I love…but it is time to move on, methinks…
(waving back!) Yep, Chuck was my favorite show for a long while there, but it’s lost the charm of the first three seasons (and I think this is in part because some of my favorite writers left the show at that time, because NBC was so tardy in announcing it’s fourth season pick up). I’ll miss those characters and look forward to what Zach Levy dies next, but I’m ready for it to end, and looking forward to how they wind it all up. I have a wish list. At the top is Papa B somehow still being alive.
Morgan isn’t working for me as the intersect. I’m sticking with the show since it’s ending and I’ve watched it from the beginning, but part of me wonders if it will last all season.
Tell me this – I know Scott Bakula was supposed to appear as Chuck’s dad. Did that ever happen last season, or are we still waiting for it for this season?
Appear again? The Scott B. storyline came and went in S3…
Papa B died in S3, but we never saw his body again. You know that leaves some whacky side door open. But… when Chris Fedak is asked about it in interviews, he says things like Papa B is dead… but then, who can really say? Scott B is in London doing a theater production until the middle of this month. Is there time for him to get back and film an episode of Chuck? I don’t know. Will he want to? I think he likely would. Do the writers intend that to happen? If so, you KNOW they aren’t going to tell us. I just hope they do.