Around this time last year I wrote my first blog ever. I published it on my MySpace page and it was entitled 32 Realizations on Turning 32. To celebrate my 1 year anniversary of entering the blogsphere, here’s another round of realizations as I age further into oblivion.
1. My life does not remotely resemble the lives of any of the characters on the hit 90’s show Thirtysomething.
2. Contrary to popular belief, 33 does not read the same way when you flip it around. It actually reads EE.
3. I still see a twenty-something when I look in the mirror.
4. Most pro athletes are younger then me.
5. I can’t imagine my life at 40.
6. Regrets are like children, I’m not sure if I want any.
7. I’ve underappreciated the value of traveling.
8. I don’t understand what Bluetooth does and how it works.
9. Embracing your inner geek is a good thing but sharing it with others is better.
10. Baseball looses more and more meaning for me every year.
11. Age ain't nothing but a number unless you spell it out and then its letters.
12. Old school rap is the new classic rock.
13. As much as I hate to admit it I’m still a romantic at heart.
14. Despite #13, I feel no rush to find someone to be romantic with.
15. As varied as my palate is, I’d be content to eat pizza 75% of the year.
16. My vanity has increased exponentially ever since I turned 30.
17. Clothes do not make the man but they don’t hurt either.
18. I’ve become more of a TV man then a movie man..
19. Much like allergies, it seems like I’m developing a slightly sweeter tooth as I get older.
20. I do not suffer fools or idiots easily.
21. I’ve never worked in an environment where I feel like the majority of my coworkers are my equals or my peers.
22. I’m quite full of myself.
23. Debt is more about attitude and less about money.
24. Growing old and growing up are not synonymous, at least in my case.
25. While I detest doing things for people in general, etc., I will bend over backwards to help people I care about.
26. I will never live to see the day where we all drive flying cars.
27. I will live to see Martin Scorsese win an Oscar.
28. Music keeps you feeling young even if it means suffering through Timberlake.
29. Deep down…inside…I’m probably a little less cynical then I think I am.
30. After a separation that lasted a couple of years I’ve reunited with The Simpsons and it feels so good.
31. Even though I love to surround myself with the latest gadgets I’m in no rush to have an HDTV.
32. If I ever have a “career” instead of a job, it will be as a writer.
33. 33 may be one year more then 32, but they feel about the same.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
RIP: My First iPod 2005-2006
Dearly beloved we gather here today to pay tribute and say goodbye to my first iPod. It was just under two years ago when I first met my iPod. At first I was resistant. Did I really want to be another jackass walking around with their white ear plugs? However, I was buying a new computer and it seemed like a now or never opportunity. Then Apple began the final seduction and reduced their prices. My eyes immediately wandered to the metallic green iPod mini and eyed her up and down. She had the capacity to hold 1000 songs and she was small enough to fit in my pocket. I decided to engrave my gift to myself with the words “What now? Now what?” As I began my iPod journey, I certainly thought those words indeed.
Of course if you’ve been here before you know that our relationship blossomed. Me and my iPod rediscovered my love for music together as we loaded old obscure CDs from boxes in my closet. Then we even embraced the kinky life when we dared to try new things from the iTunes store. My iPod and I went everywhere; the car, work, the mall. Everyplace we went she always could surprise me. Sometimes she’d play the perfect song at the perfect time but at other’s she could be surprisingly inappropriate. She often liked to tell people my top 25 songs and sometimes that could bit sticky when she played Hilary Duff. Still she was my constant companion and I thought we’d never be separated.
As our relationship wore on though we encountered some bumps in the road. One such problem was her complete lack of energy. I know, I know, usually this is the man’s problem but in this case the iPod had the problem. Of course I’m not without fault as sometimes I didn’t give her enough time to charge up. Still she just kept quitting on me and during inopportune times such as dee-jaying a post wedding party. I thought about getting her some help maybe taking her in somewhere to get her a new set of batteries but the cost was pretty high and it’s not like she brought any money into the household. Soon I started looking at my friend’s iPods with their color screens and their smaller sizes. I started to do things like leaving her home on a Saturday night and listening to tracks directly to the computer. I’m sure she knew something was up but she could never be ready for my final betrayal.
Last Friday, we woke up and everything seemed fine. I drove in to work for a couple of hours and listened to my iPod as I walked from my car to the office. After work she got plugged in to the car and we played together as I did some shopping. Later in the day I met up with my mom and while I wasn’t driving my car, my iPod still went along for the ride in my pocket. I feel like such a coward because the first thing my old iPod saw when she was removed from my pocket was the sight of a new 30GB iPod staring back at her. I can’t imagine what went through her head as I measured her side by side and made open comments about her weight. She went back in my pocket before I made the purchase but I’m pretty sure she knew that was the end of the line.
I did feel bad so when we got home that night I spruced up the drawer next to my desk and put my old iPod away before I pulled out her replacement. I still plan on keeping in touch with my 1st iPod is she’ll have me. Maybe we’ll go over to a friends place or on a trip but sadly our days of living together are over.
BONUS RIP (Beware Veronica Mars Spoilers Below)
I also wanted to pay a quick tribute to Dean O’Dell who left us all too soon last night on Veronica Mars. It was the best TV roll I’ve seen Ed Begley Jr. since St. Elsewhere and it actually reminded me more of his performances in A Mighty Wind and other Christopher Guest flicks. Poor Ed really did good work here which is why his death is a great springboard into the second arc of this season’s show. In most hands the role of the asshole Dean can be one note, no matter the writing, but Ed hit a home run. So here’s to Ed’s resurgent career and hoping he lands another sweet job on an equally entertaining show…at least he went out with a bang.
Of course if you’ve been here before you know that our relationship blossomed. Me and my iPod rediscovered my love for music together as we loaded old obscure CDs from boxes in my closet. Then we even embraced the kinky life when we dared to try new things from the iTunes store. My iPod and I went everywhere; the car, work, the mall. Everyplace we went she always could surprise me. Sometimes she’d play the perfect song at the perfect time but at other’s she could be surprisingly inappropriate. She often liked to tell people my top 25 songs and sometimes that could bit sticky when she played Hilary Duff. Still she was my constant companion and I thought we’d never be separated.
As our relationship wore on though we encountered some bumps in the road. One such problem was her complete lack of energy. I know, I know, usually this is the man’s problem but in this case the iPod had the problem. Of course I’m not without fault as sometimes I didn’t give her enough time to charge up. Still she just kept quitting on me and during inopportune times such as dee-jaying a post wedding party. I thought about getting her some help maybe taking her in somewhere to get her a new set of batteries but the cost was pretty high and it’s not like she brought any money into the household. Soon I started looking at my friend’s iPods with their color screens and their smaller sizes. I started to do things like leaving her home on a Saturday night and listening to tracks directly to the computer. I’m sure she knew something was up but she could never be ready for my final betrayal.
Last Friday, we woke up and everything seemed fine. I drove in to work for a couple of hours and listened to my iPod as I walked from my car to the office. After work she got plugged in to the car and we played together as I did some shopping. Later in the day I met up with my mom and while I wasn’t driving my car, my iPod still went along for the ride in my pocket. I feel like such a coward because the first thing my old iPod saw when she was removed from my pocket was the sight of a new 30GB iPod staring back at her. I can’t imagine what went through her head as I measured her side by side and made open comments about her weight. She went back in my pocket before I made the purchase but I’m pretty sure she knew that was the end of the line.
I did feel bad so when we got home that night I spruced up the drawer next to my desk and put my old iPod away before I pulled out her replacement. I still plan on keeping in touch with my 1st iPod is she’ll have me. Maybe we’ll go over to a friends place or on a trip but sadly our days of living together are over.
BONUS RIP (Beware Veronica Mars Spoilers Below)
I also wanted to pay a quick tribute to Dean O’Dell who left us all too soon last night on Veronica Mars. It was the best TV roll I’ve seen Ed Begley Jr. since St. Elsewhere and it actually reminded me more of his performances in A Mighty Wind and other Christopher Guest flicks. Poor Ed really did good work here which is why his death is a great springboard into the second arc of this season’s show. In most hands the role of the asshole Dean can be one note, no matter the writing, but Ed hit a home run. So here’s to Ed’s resurgent career and hoping he lands another sweet job on an equally entertaining show…at least he went out with a bang.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Happy Kevin Smith Day!
Today marks the release of not one but two new discs from one of my favorite writers/director when Clerks 2 and Kevin Smith: Evening Harder hit the shelves. I’ll have a review up of the two DVD’s next week but today I thought I’d honor Silent Bob with a column ranking his efforts.
10. An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder- This goes last only because I haven’t seen any of it. Still if you’ve seen number 9 this promises more of the same.
9. An Evening with Kevin Smith- As a huge Smith fan I shocked myself by putting off renting this thing until last year and I must say I’m ashamed. Three hours of Smith standing in lecture halls spinning tales might be too much for some but for Smith fans this is essential viewing.
8. Jersey Girl- Here’s a flick that grows on me with every viewing. The whole Bennifer thing really doomed this movie out of the gate. Plus, it was the first time a Smith movie took place outside of the Askewniverse and that alienated a lot of hardcore fans. I think Smith brings out the very best in Ben Affleck the actor and there’s a scene towards the end where he rips his little girl with a viciousness that makes you recoil yet appreciate where his self centered single dad is coming from at the same time. I had a hard time not ranking this a little higher but 8 will have to do.
7. Dogma- Now for the opposite of Jersey Girl, a movie that I enjoy less and less with each viewing. Perhaps it’s the complete lack of religion in my life but it just doesn’t stick with me. The DVD though is a fine example of why Smith’s movies tend to endure. The ample deleted scenes are actually funny (a rarity in this world over Platinum Editions and 8 disc sets) and the commentaries offer insight to a film that turned out to be a rather complicated production.
6. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back- When you talk about complete and utter self indulgence from a filmmaker think about this film. The studio basically gave Smith a green light to make a road movie that centered on two characters that had a handful of lines from his previous films. Make no mistake Smith made this for himself and his fans and it seemed like a great way to end Askewniverse. I already loved the ways Clerks, Amy, Mallrats and Dogma had ties both subtle and strong but J&SBSB took it to a whole new level. I love the cameos from Judd Nelson to Mark Hamil. Another well packaged DVD goes along way to extending the longevity of the flick.
5. Clerks: The Animated Series- One of the great failures of Smith’s career that ended up being a great success. ABC ordered up the series with an initial order of 13 but I think they only aired about 4. The show featured all the original actors from Clerks. It’s full of gags that leap incredibly large gaps of logic and reminds me a lot of Family Guy. It also features Alec Baldwin doing what I believe was his first major animated voice work. Once it came to DVD the loyal Smithsonian’s ran around and gobbled these up showing networks that short lived shows can have a good life on DVD.
4. Clerks- What can I say that I haven’t already said about Clerks. Smith’s first film drove me to an ill-fated but highly enjoyable film career. It’s one of the films that played a huge role in the rise of the independent filmmaker. Besides all of that and most importantly it’s a great movie. Sure the acting is sometimes a little forced but for a bunch of friends, what do you expect? I’d also say the budget limited the camera movements but as we’ve seen through the majority of his career that’s more about Smith then money. It’s a timeless movie that still feels like you could go out and shoot it today.
3. Clerks II- As much as I love the original the sequel hit me even harder. Sure the story mirrored my personal life at the time but even without that I thought this was one of Smith’s best. The cinematography that I just mocked him for is excellent here, and the writing is…well…obscene, but also obscenely good. I’m really looking forward to getting my copy of the DVD shipped to me this week to see if the film still stands up but as of now I think technically this is Smith’s best.
2. Mallrats- At the other end of the technical spectrum we have Mallrats. Sure it might be the most stunt filled film of all him films but you get the feeling that Smith didn’t know what he was doing. That’s okay though because this is probably Smith’s best true comedy. Sure there are one or two quiet moments but the morals and lessons that tend to stick out in his other films are buried under stink palms and Kryptonian sex. I’ll never forget going opening night and having the theater manager give all 6 of us in the audience a free poster. Now years later it’s one of the best selling Smith DVDs and a film that critics have gone back and reassessed in a positive light. I think the reason it suffered is because people weren’t yet aware of just how juvenile Smith can be while still being entertaining.
1. Chasing Amy- Smith’s one flawless movie. I try to nitpick really I do but on this one I can’t find fault. Jason Lee and Ben Affleck hit career highs. Joey Lauren Adams’ squeaky voice was not irritating and was actually a little sexy. It’s a funny movie but it’s really a drama. These 3 people are such a train wreck but you hope and believe that they’ll succeed even though you know they’re all fucked up and that’s why the movie works. We’re all screwy in relationships and while we might not all be trying to turn a lesbian or gay up our best friend, Smith spoke to the feelings of inadequacy that we all face in our relationships on some level. “What’s a Nubian?”
10. An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder- This goes last only because I haven’t seen any of it. Still if you’ve seen number 9 this promises more of the same.
9. An Evening with Kevin Smith- As a huge Smith fan I shocked myself by putting off renting this thing until last year and I must say I’m ashamed. Three hours of Smith standing in lecture halls spinning tales might be too much for some but for Smith fans this is essential viewing.
8. Jersey Girl- Here’s a flick that grows on me with every viewing. The whole Bennifer thing really doomed this movie out of the gate. Plus, it was the first time a Smith movie took place outside of the Askewniverse and that alienated a lot of hardcore fans. I think Smith brings out the very best in Ben Affleck the actor and there’s a scene towards the end where he rips his little girl with a viciousness that makes you recoil yet appreciate where his self centered single dad is coming from at the same time. I had a hard time not ranking this a little higher but 8 will have to do.
7. Dogma- Now for the opposite of Jersey Girl, a movie that I enjoy less and less with each viewing. Perhaps it’s the complete lack of religion in my life but it just doesn’t stick with me. The DVD though is a fine example of why Smith’s movies tend to endure. The ample deleted scenes are actually funny (a rarity in this world over Platinum Editions and 8 disc sets) and the commentaries offer insight to a film that turned out to be a rather complicated production.
6. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back- When you talk about complete and utter self indulgence from a filmmaker think about this film. The studio basically gave Smith a green light to make a road movie that centered on two characters that had a handful of lines from his previous films. Make no mistake Smith made this for himself and his fans and it seemed like a great way to end Askewniverse. I already loved the ways Clerks, Amy, Mallrats and Dogma had ties both subtle and strong but J&SBSB took it to a whole new level. I love the cameos from Judd Nelson to Mark Hamil. Another well packaged DVD goes along way to extending the longevity of the flick.
5. Clerks: The Animated Series- One of the great failures of Smith’s career that ended up being a great success. ABC ordered up the series with an initial order of 13 but I think they only aired about 4. The show featured all the original actors from Clerks. It’s full of gags that leap incredibly large gaps of logic and reminds me a lot of Family Guy. It also features Alec Baldwin doing what I believe was his first major animated voice work. Once it came to DVD the loyal Smithsonian’s ran around and gobbled these up showing networks that short lived shows can have a good life on DVD.
4. Clerks- What can I say that I haven’t already said about Clerks. Smith’s first film drove me to an ill-fated but highly enjoyable film career. It’s one of the films that played a huge role in the rise of the independent filmmaker. Besides all of that and most importantly it’s a great movie. Sure the acting is sometimes a little forced but for a bunch of friends, what do you expect? I’d also say the budget limited the camera movements but as we’ve seen through the majority of his career that’s more about Smith then money. It’s a timeless movie that still feels like you could go out and shoot it today.
3. Clerks II- As much as I love the original the sequel hit me even harder. Sure the story mirrored my personal life at the time but even without that I thought this was one of Smith’s best. The cinematography that I just mocked him for is excellent here, and the writing is…well…obscene, but also obscenely good. I’m really looking forward to getting my copy of the DVD shipped to me this week to see if the film still stands up but as of now I think technically this is Smith’s best.
2. Mallrats- At the other end of the technical spectrum we have Mallrats. Sure it might be the most stunt filled film of all him films but you get the feeling that Smith didn’t know what he was doing. That’s okay though because this is probably Smith’s best true comedy. Sure there are one or two quiet moments but the morals and lessons that tend to stick out in his other films are buried under stink palms and Kryptonian sex. I’ll never forget going opening night and having the theater manager give all 6 of us in the audience a free poster. Now years later it’s one of the best selling Smith DVDs and a film that critics have gone back and reassessed in a positive light. I think the reason it suffered is because people weren’t yet aware of just how juvenile Smith can be while still being entertaining.
1. Chasing Amy- Smith’s one flawless movie. I try to nitpick really I do but on this one I can’t find fault. Jason Lee and Ben Affleck hit career highs. Joey Lauren Adams’ squeaky voice was not irritating and was actually a little sexy. It’s a funny movie but it’s really a drama. These 3 people are such a train wreck but you hope and believe that they’ll succeed even though you know they’re all fucked up and that’s why the movie works. We’re all screwy in relationships and while we might not all be trying to turn a lesbian or gay up our best friend, Smith spoke to the feelings of inadequacy that we all face in our relationships on some level. “What’s a Nubian?”
Monday, November 27, 2006
What I'm...
…Watching.
The Real World: Denver
Perhaps it’s too early to crow about the new season of The Real World, but after last week’s premiere I must admit I’m pretty jazzed. Not since the Las Vegas season (arguably the best if you like sex and drama) has a season jumped out of the gate so strongly. Not only did two roommates make out right away but the next night one of the two hooked up with a 3rd roommate. Plus you had a girl on girl kiss and some drama between the gay guy and a homophobe. Hopefully they saved some drama for the rest of the season but I’m guessing that won’t be a problem.
… Reading.
Runaways
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this comic for the last couple of years. Published by Marvel the title has more of an indie rep than a mainstream one. This is the comic that comic creators read. Still I stayed away. My comic buying is limited to certain creators or characters and is erratic at best. However the pendulum of fate swung me towards Runway this month when it was announced that Joss Whedon will be replacing creator/writer Brian K. Vaughn once the current run finishes up. I’m a Whedon whore so of course I was going to read his stuff but in an effort to be educated on the characters and what not I picked up a couple of trade paperbacks of back issues. I can honestly say I haven’t read a comic book that featured no big name heroes this good since Whedon’s futuristic slayer tale of Fray. Vaughn has the same knack of writing teenage dialogue that Whedon does and the pacing and action probably surpass old Joss’s comic exploits. I guess the best praise is that the book reminds me of the pain of growing up but also makes you long for that age. Oh yeah, it’s funny as hell too! It’s easy to see why Whedon called this his favorite book and why he’s the perfect fit to take over.
…Listening To.
Top 5 on My iPod
1. Too Little, Too Late- Jo Jo (I’m not a pedophile I just have a distressing affection for catchy teen queen anthems.)
2. Love Me or Hate Me- Lady Sovereign (After weeks of being bombarded with the song on MTV bumpers and The OC I gotta say I’m addicted to this wee British MC.)
3. 30 Something- Jay-Z (As I wrote in my review last week, a good song that has a nice personal touch for me.)
4. Us- Regina Spektor (I think I’m developing a real thing for this lady’s music. Soulful singing with lyrics that remind me of Bjork.)
5. Dirty Glass- Dropkick Murphy’s (I don’t know why but a couple of weeks ago I became obsessed with finding the song Here and Now by Letter’s to Cleo which then led me to revisit this song which features Cleo’s lead singer joining the Dropkicks on the ultimate punk ode to dysfunctional relationships.)
The Real World: Denver
Perhaps it’s too early to crow about the new season of The Real World, but after last week’s premiere I must admit I’m pretty jazzed. Not since the Las Vegas season (arguably the best if you like sex and drama) has a season jumped out of the gate so strongly. Not only did two roommates make out right away but the next night one of the two hooked up with a 3rd roommate. Plus you had a girl on girl kiss and some drama between the gay guy and a homophobe. Hopefully they saved some drama for the rest of the season but I’m guessing that won’t be a problem.
… Reading.
Runaways
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this comic for the last couple of years. Published by Marvel the title has more of an indie rep than a mainstream one. This is the comic that comic creators read. Still I stayed away. My comic buying is limited to certain creators or characters and is erratic at best. However the pendulum of fate swung me towards Runway this month when it was announced that Joss Whedon will be replacing creator/writer Brian K. Vaughn once the current run finishes up. I’m a Whedon whore so of course I was going to read his stuff but in an effort to be educated on the characters and what not I picked up a couple of trade paperbacks of back issues. I can honestly say I haven’t read a comic book that featured no big name heroes this good since Whedon’s futuristic slayer tale of Fray. Vaughn has the same knack of writing teenage dialogue that Whedon does and the pacing and action probably surpass old Joss’s comic exploits. I guess the best praise is that the book reminds me of the pain of growing up but also makes you long for that age. Oh yeah, it’s funny as hell too! It’s easy to see why Whedon called this his favorite book and why he’s the perfect fit to take over.
…Listening To.
Top 5 on My iPod
1. Too Little, Too Late- Jo Jo (I’m not a pedophile I just have a distressing affection for catchy teen queen anthems.)
2. Love Me or Hate Me- Lady Sovereign (After weeks of being bombarded with the song on MTV bumpers and The OC I gotta say I’m addicted to this wee British MC.)
3. 30 Something- Jay-Z (As I wrote in my review last week, a good song that has a nice personal touch for me.)
4. Us- Regina Spektor (I think I’m developing a real thing for this lady’s music. Soulful singing with lyrics that remind me of Bjork.)
5. Dirty Glass- Dropkick Murphy’s (I don’t know why but a couple of weeks ago I became obsessed with finding the song Here and Now by Letter’s to Cleo which then led me to revisit this song which features Cleo’s lead singer joining the Dropkicks on the ultimate punk ode to dysfunctional relationships.)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
2 Quick Reviews
For Your Consideration
Last night my mom and I accomplished a goal we've had for the last 3 years. We actually got off the couch after Thanksgiving and went and caught a flick. After much debate and consternation with showtimes, we settled on Christopher Guest's latest comedy. Guest once again assembles his ensemble of comedic geniuses to take a stab at over the top characters in an over the top world. This time around it's the filmaking industry and the ludicrous obsession the industry and the media have with the Academy Awards. The film is funny...damn funny, but not Best in Show or even Mighty Wind funny. Whenever Guest goes away from the mockumentary style he's so well known for his films tend to feel like they're a little off and For Your Consideration suffers this fate. At 124 minutes it also feels like there is a lot of funny on the cutting room floor. The bright spots for me were the additions of Ricky Gervais and Rachel Harris. Gervais is playing a variation on all the roles I've seen him in and he does it well. Harris, aka Best Crush Ever, steals Parker Posey's spotlight. In the end though the film while satisfying is not something I recommend you run out and see, unless of course we start hearing Oscar buzz.
Jay-Z: Kingdom Come
Tuesday morning I woke up went to iTunes and downloaded my pre-ordered copy of Jay-Z's comeback album. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning except I was waiting for blazing beats, lyrical lessons, and HOVA himself. After listening to the album a few times I now feel like a kid who got a sweater but at least it's a good looking one. This is no Black Album, this isn't even The Blueprint. As a whole the album is disappointing. The mandated track with Beyonce marks the first time I've heard the combo mistep together. The beats are dull and slow for the most part and J sounds a tad bored. It actually has a slapped together feel. However there are some standout tracks. The title track shows just how talented Jay's main producer Just Blaze is. How many times have we heard Superfreak sampled? Blaze finds a way to make it sound fresh and new for the first time in years. Dr. Dre lends his skills to a track called "Trouble" and while it sounds more like a Timberland track the song still leaves an impression. "30 Something" is the most personal track for this age challenged listener and surprisingly the Coldplay track "Beach Chair" is worth multiple listens. In the end though I'd pass on the album and just pick up individual tracks on iTunes.
Last night my mom and I accomplished a goal we've had for the last 3 years. We actually got off the couch after Thanksgiving and went and caught a flick. After much debate and consternation with showtimes, we settled on Christopher Guest's latest comedy. Guest once again assembles his ensemble of comedic geniuses to take a stab at over the top characters in an over the top world. This time around it's the filmaking industry and the ludicrous obsession the industry and the media have with the Academy Awards. The film is funny...damn funny, but not Best in Show or even Mighty Wind funny. Whenever Guest goes away from the mockumentary style he's so well known for his films tend to feel like they're a little off and For Your Consideration suffers this fate. At 124 minutes it also feels like there is a lot of funny on the cutting room floor. The bright spots for me were the additions of Ricky Gervais and Rachel Harris. Gervais is playing a variation on all the roles I've seen him in and he does it well. Harris, aka Best Crush Ever, steals Parker Posey's spotlight. In the end though the film while satisfying is not something I recommend you run out and see, unless of course we start hearing Oscar buzz.
Jay-Z: Kingdom Come
Tuesday morning I woke up went to iTunes and downloaded my pre-ordered copy of Jay-Z's comeback album. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning except I was waiting for blazing beats, lyrical lessons, and HOVA himself. After listening to the album a few times I now feel like a kid who got a sweater but at least it's a good looking one. This is no Black Album, this isn't even The Blueprint. As a whole the album is disappointing. The mandated track with Beyonce marks the first time I've heard the combo mistep together. The beats are dull and slow for the most part and J sounds a tad bored. It actually has a slapped together feel. However there are some standout tracks. The title track shows just how talented Jay's main producer Just Blaze is. How many times have we heard Superfreak sampled? Blaze finds a way to make it sound fresh and new for the first time in years. Dr. Dre lends his skills to a track called "Trouble" and while it sounds more like a Timberland track the song still leaves an impression. "30 Something" is the most personal track for this age challenged listener and surprisingly the Coldplay track "Beach Chair" is worth multiple listens. In the end though I'd pass on the album and just pick up individual tracks on iTunes.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
What I'm...Not Thankful For
You know me I couldn't let yesterdays post full of joy and warmth be the headline for long, so today here's another list. (Again only partial because there's a whole world of people and things that piss me off out there.)
Flavor Flav
ESPN's East Cost Bias
The Right
Religion
The Religious Right
People in general
Fantasy Football
Howie Mandel
Merging traffic
Brad Childress
Brad Johnson
Troy Williamson
Movie Theater Showtimes
Rachel Ray
Reality television
Flavor Flav
ESPN's East Cost Bias
The Right
Religion
The Religious Right
People in general
Fantasy Football
Howie Mandel
Merging traffic
Brad Childress
Brad Johnson
Troy Williamson
Movie Theater Showtimes
Rachel Ray
Reality television
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
What I'm...Thankful For (A partial list in no particular order)
My tiny but amazing family
The close circle of friends I keep both near and far
Britney’s impending return to her old self
TiVo
Brett Bielema
Brian Rolston’s slapshot
Fantasy Football
Party Buses
Crunchwrap Supremes
iTunes
Aaron Sorkin
Vegas Baby Vegas
Dive Bars
Food Channel
Reality Television
The close circle of friends I keep both near and far
Britney’s impending return to her old self
TiVo
Brett Bielema
Brian Rolston’s slapshot
Fantasy Football
Party Buses
Crunchwrap Supremes
iTunes
Aaron Sorkin
Vegas Baby Vegas
Dive Bars
Food Channel
Reality Television
Monday, November 20, 2006
Look out for Baby Spice!
I'm always thinking about topics for this here blog and on Friday night I thought I stumbled accross an easy one. The Soup showed a clip of Emma Bunton's (aka Baby Spice) new video. She covers the Petula Clark classic Downtown and she opens the video by going with the more sexual overtones of the term Downtown. If you saw The Soup the jokes wrote themselves especially because this song is a fundraiser for Children in Need. So today I thought I'd take the easy way out and pretty much repeat the joke on the blog. Then I actually sat down and watched the whole video and you know what it's pretty good. The cover is also spot on. Thankfully Baby didn't try to modernize it and it comes off as the best thing a Spice Girl has done since Spice World. So watch out for Baby Spice in 2007.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Point Game
+3: Police Squad released on DVD- Before Jim Abrams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker made such crappy films as Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4 they were some of our most prized comedic writers. From Airplane! to Top Secret to the Naked Gun series these guys made movies that made you laugh so hard you cried. Now one of there vastly underappreciated efforts has seen the light of day on DVD. Comprised of only 6 episodes, Police Squad was the TV show the trio did after Airplane! If it sounds familiar it should, the show introduced Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin and was the precursor to the Naked Gun movies (don’t worry there’s no OJ). The show has lost some humor due to its age but at only $12 it’s a gimmee to pick up. The only real drawbacks are commentary sessions that are almost inaudible.
-2: Laguna Beach : The Real Orange County- The third season of MTV’s reality drama wrapped up this week and I was left with a big sigh. The show had to reload with new cast after the previous group of kids had graduated and moved on and unfortunately they didn’t measure up. The producer’s picked a narrator who was not only boring but ostracized from the main group of friends and that was probably the downfall. Still I ended up watching almost every ep so I guess I can’t complain too much. Here’s hoping there’s another season of The Hills on the horizon or better yet they give Jessica (the graduate who still hung around the new kids this year) her own show.
+5: 30 Rock- The first couple of eps of Tina Fey’s show made me laugh but didn’t really engage me. Lately, the show has picked up and last night’s “supersized” ep really pushed the show’s quality to an all time high. Alec Baldwin, Fey, and Tracy Morgan are really clicking and the rest of the ensemble is finding their grove. Live every day like its Shark Week.
-13: Democrat Discord- Only one week into the reign of the Democrats in Congress and already they are infighting. As I wrote last week, one of the biggest obstacles for them will be to work together to provide a united front. So far they’re 0-1 when Nancy Pelosi lost her man for Majority Leader. Somewhere Karl Rove is licking his lips.
+2: Honda’s New Tron Inspired Commercial- Have you seen Tron? The new Civic ad is an awesome ode to the speed cycle race from the 80’s classic. What’s next Toyota ads with a Highlander theme?
-2: Laguna Beach : The Real Orange County- The third season of MTV’s reality drama wrapped up this week and I was left with a big sigh. The show had to reload with new cast after the previous group of kids had graduated and moved on and unfortunately they didn’t measure up. The producer’s picked a narrator who was not only boring but ostracized from the main group of friends and that was probably the downfall. Still I ended up watching almost every ep so I guess I can’t complain too much. Here’s hoping there’s another season of The Hills on the horizon or better yet they give Jessica (the graduate who still hung around the new kids this year) her own show.
+5: 30 Rock- The first couple of eps of Tina Fey’s show made me laugh but didn’t really engage me. Lately, the show has picked up and last night’s “supersized” ep really pushed the show’s quality to an all time high. Alec Baldwin, Fey, and Tracy Morgan are really clicking and the rest of the ensemble is finding their grove. Live every day like its Shark Week.
-13: Democrat Discord- Only one week into the reign of the Democrats in Congress and already they are infighting. As I wrote last week, one of the biggest obstacles for them will be to work together to provide a united front. So far they’re 0-1 when Nancy Pelosi lost her man for Majority Leader. Somewhere Karl Rove is licking his lips.
+2: Honda’s New Tron Inspired Commercial- Have you seen Tron? The new Civic ad is an awesome ode to the speed cycle race from the 80’s classic. What’s next Toyota ads with a Highlander theme?
Thursday, November 16, 2006
TV Cliche #97: The Flash Forward
*****BEWARE SPOILERS FROM THIS WEEKS NIP/TUCK BELOW*****
When you invest in a TV show and it's characters you tend to think about their future. One of the great TV tools or cliches is to give the audience a brief look at the characters far in the future. Usually it involves an event like wedding or a funeral. Sometimes it's a farce, other times a dream, and almost always there is a caveat about how the future isn't set in stone and something can be done in the present to change the outcome. The constant in all these settings is the writers bending over backwards to show us it's the future. References to old pop culture and really bad make up are staples to this approach. On Tuesday this week Nip/Tuck pulled out the cliche and went overboard in embracing its conventions. On paper this sounded like an interesting ep, jump ahead 20 years and see how all the characters have grown old since Julia and Shawn's split by using the occasion of Connor's hand surgery. In an interesting turn of events, the show actually revealed that all of the cast had survived (except for poor Liz, where was she?). Usually these flash forwards maintain ambivalence but this ep was presented as the gospel, almost as if the show lasted 20 years this is what we'd get. Although I'd hope we could do without the horrible wigs. Except for Julia and Matt everyone looked bizarre. Christian and Sean sure seemed like the world's worst plastic surgeons because they could not heal themselves. Then there were the "hey look we're in the future" moments like when Connor refers to how hurricanes used to be rare or when the group discussed how gay marriage was still illegal but polygamy passed Congress. By the time the show was over I was more frustrated then pleased. There were some high points like the actress who played Annie all grown up and crazy. Plus, the story that got buried by all the future junk was actually really good and for the first time since I've seen the show, ended on an up note. However, I was still tired by the end and left with that lasting impression of disappointment.
When you invest in a TV show and it's characters you tend to think about their future. One of the great TV tools or cliches is to give the audience a brief look at the characters far in the future. Usually it involves an event like wedding or a funeral. Sometimes it's a farce, other times a dream, and almost always there is a caveat about how the future isn't set in stone and something can be done in the present to change the outcome. The constant in all these settings is the writers bending over backwards to show us it's the future. References to old pop culture and really bad make up are staples to this approach. On Tuesday this week Nip/Tuck pulled out the cliche and went overboard in embracing its conventions. On paper this sounded like an interesting ep, jump ahead 20 years and see how all the characters have grown old since Julia and Shawn's split by using the occasion of Connor's hand surgery. In an interesting turn of events, the show actually revealed that all of the cast had survived (except for poor Liz, where was she?). Usually these flash forwards maintain ambivalence but this ep was presented as the gospel, almost as if the show lasted 20 years this is what we'd get. Although I'd hope we could do without the horrible wigs. Except for Julia and Matt everyone looked bizarre. Christian and Sean sure seemed like the world's worst plastic surgeons because they could not heal themselves. Then there were the "hey look we're in the future" moments like when Connor refers to how hurricanes used to be rare or when the group discussed how gay marriage was still illegal but polygamy passed Congress. By the time the show was over I was more frustrated then pleased. There were some high points like the actress who played Annie all grown up and crazy. Plus, the story that got buried by all the future junk was actually really good and for the first time since I've seen the show, ended on an up note. However, I was still tired by the end and left with that lasting impression of disappointment.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
An Introspective Thought
This blogger hasn’t got much to add these days at least on the pop culture front. Britney’s back, Borat’s king, Scrubs and Jay Z are on their way, and all seems right in the world of media. So how come I keep wanting more? I’ve often talked about being apart of the instant gratification society and how it dictates our viewing, listening, reading and spending habits. As I was kicking about topics lately my mind kept wandering to ideas like: Top 10 Holiday Gifts, Most Anticipated Films of 2007 and Which Shows Will Survive The Season. Really, there isn’t enough to discuss, defuse, or detail in the pop culture world today? I mean I haven’t even seen Borat or The Departed and I’m already salivating over Spider Man 3. I spend more time reading about who’s making tomorrow’s movies then I do about review today’s. (Geez I’m really wearing my self loathing hat today aren’t I?) Anyway I know this isn’t just a problem I have. Most people that consume a lot of media have similar issues. Not to pass the buck but it’s really not our fault. Afterall, the studios and conglomerates keep pushing the buzz at us more and more because they want you thinking today about a hamburger Tuesday. And it’s not just media, it’s society. We live in a society that dictates you ask what’s next? After a whirlwind summer and fall full of change, my mindset was all about future this and future that. When will I move? Where will I live? What kind of job will I get? How will my friends react to me being home? What will become of my friendships I’m leaving behind? What do I need for my new apartment? How will I pay for all of this? Some of these questions were answered quicker then others but now I’m finally settled with a great apartment, decent job, and a full social calander. As human beings we naturally look ahead but the trick is to find some balance. For me I’m trying to heed my own words and while there are no roses to smell as winter is creeping in, I can smell my life and it smells like happiness with a faint odor of cigarettes, Miller Lite, and Cheetos. I don’t really have a point today except I strongly encourage all of you to take a moment and enjoy the present in between all that buzzing about what’s next.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
What I'm...
…Anticipating.
Jay Z- Kingdom Come: This has been a decent fall for music. First, My Chemical Romance came through with an album that exceeded my expectations and now we’re only a couple of weeks from HOVA himself returning. Here was a guy who in all honesty I actually thought might be serious about retirement. After all, he’s the head of a major label and he went out with I think the greatest album he’s ever done. With that said, I can’t say I’m upset he’s back. The first track, Show Me What You Got, is a typical Jay Z pop track with a vicious hook. That’s all I needed to pre-order the whole thing from iTunes and now it’s just a matter of counting the days.
…Cutting Loose.
The Nine: I really wanted to like this show. Positive critical reviews, a sweet time spot, a cast of recycled TV favorites (Scott Wolf, Tim Daley, the lady from 24) but try as I might the show just puts me to sleep. I might regret hopping off this early but on Wednesday night after fast forwarding through 70% of the ep, I decided to cancel my TiVo Season Pass and take my chances. How the show will evolve in a second season is a more interesting question right now then what happened inside that bank.
…Celebrating.
Studio 60 getting a full season: Yeah baby! NBC woke up and signed the Sorkin penned drama for a full year. Things seemed awfully dim a couple weeks back when NBC shelved Studio 60 for a new ep of Friday Night Lights. Many media outlets were reporting that the sagging ratings and NBC’s budget cuts spelled doom but the fact that the show appeals to a key demographic of money spenders seemed to save the day. Almost everyone I know already makes an effort to catch the show but if you haven’t get on the bus because the ride is lasting all the way until May.
…Confused About My Feelings For.
Mini Seasons: Last year Battlestar Galactica infuriated fans by breaking their season into 2 distinct halves. A season 2.0 and 2.5 if you will. That idea has caught on like gangbusters as Lost and CBS’s new hit Jericho are taking a similar route. I’m not sure how to feel about it. On one hand I’m part of the instant gratification society who wants everything now, now, now. On the other hand, the break gives the viewers a chance to digest storylines more completely and to speculate for hours on end about the future. Plus, it gives the show and their creative staffs a chance to reboot, refuel, and reenergize for the stretch run. As the Lost trailer pointed out the other night we can look forward to no repeats when the show returns in February and that means rapid fire action or in the case of Lost rapid fire new questions.
Jay Z- Kingdom Come: This has been a decent fall for music. First, My Chemical Romance came through with an album that exceeded my expectations and now we’re only a couple of weeks from HOVA himself returning. Here was a guy who in all honesty I actually thought might be serious about retirement. After all, he’s the head of a major label and he went out with I think the greatest album he’s ever done. With that said, I can’t say I’m upset he’s back. The first track, Show Me What You Got, is a typical Jay Z pop track with a vicious hook. That’s all I needed to pre-order the whole thing from iTunes and now it’s just a matter of counting the days.
…Cutting Loose.
The Nine: I really wanted to like this show. Positive critical reviews, a sweet time spot, a cast of recycled TV favorites (Scott Wolf, Tim Daley, the lady from 24) but try as I might the show just puts me to sleep. I might regret hopping off this early but on Wednesday night after fast forwarding through 70% of the ep, I decided to cancel my TiVo Season Pass and take my chances. How the show will evolve in a second season is a more interesting question right now then what happened inside that bank.
…Celebrating.
Studio 60 getting a full season: Yeah baby! NBC woke up and signed the Sorkin penned drama for a full year. Things seemed awfully dim a couple weeks back when NBC shelved Studio 60 for a new ep of Friday Night Lights. Many media outlets were reporting that the sagging ratings and NBC’s budget cuts spelled doom but the fact that the show appeals to a key demographic of money spenders seemed to save the day. Almost everyone I know already makes an effort to catch the show but if you haven’t get on the bus because the ride is lasting all the way until May.
…Confused About My Feelings For.
Mini Seasons: Last year Battlestar Galactica infuriated fans by breaking their season into 2 distinct halves. A season 2.0 and 2.5 if you will. That idea has caught on like gangbusters as Lost and CBS’s new hit Jericho are taking a similar route. I’m not sure how to feel about it. On one hand I’m part of the instant gratification society who wants everything now, now, now. On the other hand, the break gives the viewers a chance to digest storylines more completely and to speculate for hours on end about the future. Plus, it gives the show and their creative staffs a chance to reboot, refuel, and reenergize for the stretch run. As the Lost trailer pointed out the other night we can look forward to no repeats when the show returns in February and that means rapid fire action or in the case of Lost rapid fire new questions.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
The Day After
Yesterday America got refreshed and revitalized thanks to the Britney news and perhaps from last night's election. As a bleeding heart liberal I must admit I stayed up late watching the results and cheering on the Dems. I even felt like a real change had occured and things in this country were going to turn around. Then I woke up this morning and realized a few things:
* It seemed like every other newly elected Democrat was either pro-life, anti-immagration, pro death penalty, or anti-gay. Last time I checked that's not what I call a Democrat. It looks like the party may have the majority but the infighting could be fierce between the Pelosi's of the world and the new right wing of the left wing party.
* Really what's going to change? I've been on this Earth for 32 years now and I can only remember a handful of meaningful moments of change in my lifetime. This country is so bipolar that our elected officials constantly try to straddle the middle so they can get elected again. My kingdom for an official that says something bold like, "We're raising taxes on people making over 80,000 a year because that's actually a lot of money, sorry."
* Even if the Dems do get something accomplished who here really thinks it will leave a positive legacy. The Democrats are to politics what my beloved Minnesota Vikings have become to football. I fully expect them to start out strong in the first year of their new found power but then to only come away with a small score from Emperor Bush (aka field goal). I expect them to prevent an oppresive social policy from the right but to the point where they won't be able to score themselves (good defense). In the end I think they'll find a way to fall way below expectations and if anything ruin their future shot at the presidency (aka not starting Tavaris Jackson).
Still with all my negativity I was still able to think about Britney and think maybe there is hope after all. Screw Timberlake, let's bring Britneyback!
* It seemed like every other newly elected Democrat was either pro-life, anti-immagration, pro death penalty, or anti-gay. Last time I checked that's not what I call a Democrat. It looks like the party may have the majority but the infighting could be fierce between the Pelosi's of the world and the new right wing of the left wing party.
* Really what's going to change? I've been on this Earth for 32 years now and I can only remember a handful of meaningful moments of change in my lifetime. This country is so bipolar that our elected officials constantly try to straddle the middle so they can get elected again. My kingdom for an official that says something bold like, "We're raising taxes on people making over 80,000 a year because that's actually a lot of money, sorry."
* Even if the Dems do get something accomplished who here really thinks it will leave a positive legacy. The Democrats are to politics what my beloved Minnesota Vikings have become to football. I fully expect them to start out strong in the first year of their new found power but then to only come away with a small score from Emperor Bush (aka field goal). I expect them to prevent an oppresive social policy from the right but to the point where they won't be able to score themselves (good defense). In the end I think they'll find a way to fall way below expectations and if anything ruin their future shot at the presidency (aka not starting Tavaris Jackson).
Still with all my negativity I was still able to think about Britney and think maybe there is hope after all. Screw Timberlake, let's bring Britneyback!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
It's A Beautiful Day!
I sat down tonight intending to write about the state of our democracy and mid-term elections but screw that people we've got real news to report.
BRITNEY DUMPED K-FED
Every once in a while you get a genuine surprise in your life. After 2 kids and a couple of years I really had written Miss Brit off to a life of trailer park happiness but thank god someone (her manager, her family, her fans, her conscious) finally woke her up. Today she filed for divorce from everyones least favorite baby daddy. K-Fed was once again on wrestling the last couple of days plus traveling promoting his album and perhaps that was the final straw for Britney. She brings in the money in that family and she should have some self respect. He's a backup dancer for god's sake. So with all that said cheers to Brit and see ya later K-Fed. At least Nick Lachey had somewhat of a career to fall back on. Perhaps I'll be able to unretire my Britney dance if the divorce and her back to Britney hotness on Letterman last night are any indication.
BRITNEY DUMPED K-FED
Every once in a while you get a genuine surprise in your life. After 2 kids and a couple of years I really had written Miss Brit off to a life of trailer park happiness but thank god someone (her manager, her family, her fans, her conscious) finally woke her up. Today she filed for divorce from everyones least favorite baby daddy. K-Fed was once again on wrestling the last couple of days plus traveling promoting his album and perhaps that was the final straw for Britney. She brings in the money in that family and she should have some self respect. He's a backup dancer for god's sake. So with all that said cheers to Brit and see ya later K-Fed. At least Nick Lachey had somewhat of a career to fall back on. Perhaps I'll be able to unretire my Britney dance if the divorce and her back to Britney hotness on Letterman last night are any indication.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Don’t Believe The Hype?
When I opened my mailbox Saturday and pulled out my Entertainment Weekly the article that grabbed my attention first talked about the failure of internet hype for movies translating to box office. Obviously the most recent example of this was my beloved Snakes on a Plane. Despite blogs, internet merchandising, and preview clips all over YouTube the movie failed to open big. EW speculated that a similar fate awaited this weekend’s opening of Borat. Like SoaP, Borat had an aggressive internet campaign by the studio along with a grass roots internet movement of fans. Last week the studio leaked the first 4 minutes of the flick and it seemed the hype had reached a fever pitch. However the studio sensed all was not well and decided a few days before the opening to scale back the amount of screens Borat was on by 1200. Was their worry warranted? Happily it was not. Borat opened with a strong 26 million and was only on about a quarter of the screens that second place Santa Clause 3 commanded. This is remarkable considering it’s an R rated flick and that it translated it’s internet hype.
So I guess the real question is do internet campaigns work? The makers of Blair Witch would say yes and apparently so would the Borat folks. I guess I'm not so sure. These are the two exceptions and what do they both have in common...they were movies that you'd never seen before. You're probably thinking, "Wait I'd never seen snakes attack people on a plane before either." While you'd be right in that respect, we have seen multiple movies where your hero has to find a way to land a plane while some kind of mutherfuckin' obstacle makes his or her life a living hell. Again I'm a SoaP diehard but let's face facts, the movie itself was certainly not groundbreaking. Borat and Blair Witch are two films that had a style and originality all their own and that's why the buzz translated to box office. Now I just realized that I spent 20 minutes writing pretty much the same thing EW already said. Damn they're good.
So I guess the real question is do internet campaigns work? The makers of Blair Witch would say yes and apparently so would the Borat folks. I guess I'm not so sure. These are the two exceptions and what do they both have in common...they were movies that you'd never seen before. You're probably thinking, "Wait I'd never seen snakes attack people on a plane before either." While you'd be right in that respect, we have seen multiple movies where your hero has to find a way to land a plane while some kind of mutherfuckin' obstacle makes his or her life a living hell. Again I'm a SoaP diehard but let's face facts, the movie itself was certainly not groundbreaking. Borat and Blair Witch are two films that had a style and originality all their own and that's why the buzz translated to box office. Now I just realized that I spent 20 minutes writing pretty much the same thing EW already said. Damn they're good.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Saturday Scrubs Fix
Only 4 more Saturday Scrubs Fixes until the show is back. Today a clip from when JD met his identical better half played by his real life paramour Mandy Moore. I love this song!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Welcome Back to the OC....Bitches!
Last night brought us the premiere of the 4th season of The O.C. and I might be one of eight people watching. FOX is showing faith in the show by letting it ride against Grey's Anatomy, CSI and Deal or No Deal (soon to be Scrubs and 30 Rock) believing that the youth audience will tune in. I'm not the Amazing Kresken but I'm guessing they're about to get served. But enough about ratings, with Studio 60 on the cutting board I'm clearly out of step with the American TV audience, let's get on to the show.
Season 3 was actually a bright spot for me back in Orange County. A lot of fans showed indifference but I really liked it. Sure killing Marissa was crowd pleasing but that didn't happen until the last ep. My love came from new characters like Taylor who went from a caricature to a character by the end. Imagine my joy when she joined the regular cast in the opening credits. I also liked the sudden aging of Marissa's kid sis Kaitlin. She came off as a slightly less chemically dependent version of her sister without that nagging morality, truly her mother's daughter. Anyhoo I was pumped for the season premier tonight (fuck you baseball for making us wait).
In many ways, with show creator Josh Schwartz back at the helm, tonight felt like a pilot episode. We were introduced to the core crew 5 months after last year's finale and as such we've got some backstory to rub out. I've heard that by episode 4 we'll be in season 1 type shangrila but in the mean time we got enough mind numbing stuff to hold us over. Different viewers got different things. For the ladies it was watching Ben McKenzie's Ryan sweat and be shirtless in slo-mo. For the older crowd (if an older crowd actually watches The OC) you got to watch the highly underated Melinda Clarke deal with her failing marriage and her grief. For those of us that watch the show for the wit and humor we got Summer becoming a hippie to deal with her grief. As always the steady Peter Gallagher and Adam Brody brought enough funny to remind us why The OC became a hit as fast as it faded. I'm not saying this is the best show on TV folks but in a season of 34 procedurals and 15 new game shows, The OC deserves some attention and tonight it reminded some of us why.
Season 3 was actually a bright spot for me back in Orange County. A lot of fans showed indifference but I really liked it. Sure killing Marissa was crowd pleasing but that didn't happen until the last ep. My love came from new characters like Taylor who went from a caricature to a character by the end. Imagine my joy when she joined the regular cast in the opening credits. I also liked the sudden aging of Marissa's kid sis Kaitlin. She came off as a slightly less chemically dependent version of her sister without that nagging morality, truly her mother's daughter. Anyhoo I was pumped for the season premier tonight (fuck you baseball for making us wait).
In many ways, with show creator Josh Schwartz back at the helm, tonight felt like a pilot episode. We were introduced to the core crew 5 months after last year's finale and as such we've got some backstory to rub out. I've heard that by episode 4 we'll be in season 1 type shangrila but in the mean time we got enough mind numbing stuff to hold us over. Different viewers got different things. For the ladies it was watching Ben McKenzie's Ryan sweat and be shirtless in slo-mo. For the older crowd (if an older crowd actually watches The OC) you got to watch the highly underated Melinda Clarke deal with her failing marriage and her grief. For those of us that watch the show for the wit and humor we got Summer becoming a hippie to deal with her grief. As always the steady Peter Gallagher and Adam Brody brought enough funny to remind us why The OC became a hit as fast as it faded. I'm not saying this is the best show on TV folks but in a season of 34 procedurals and 15 new game shows, The OC deserves some attention and tonight it reminded some of us why.
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