TV Review: 2015 Fall Season

It's that time again. The new television season has begun.

This fall season has been very different from previous seasons for me. There were only three shows I was interested in checking out. Of those three, there's one I quit watching, one that has yet to premiere, and one I like enough to actually set a scheduled recording for on my DVR. I also happened to catch the pilot of one new show on the plane to England in September, but I'm not really counting that one since I wouldn't have watched it if I wasn't trying to pass the time while I was on a plane for seven hours.

I'm not sure why there are so few new series I'm interested in, whether it's me - or the shows. I'm gonna go ahead and say it's the new shows. It certainly can't be me. *wink*

Last year there were seven series that I was interested in, and I ended up sticking with three (The Flash, Forever, and Jane the Virgin). I'm glad that The Flash and Jane the Virgin were renewed, but I was sad about Forever being canceled. I really liked it. And it had Ioan Gruffud in it. Come on!

If you have read any of my TV review posts, you may probably have already guessed which new series I decided to watch, and maybe which other shows I watched and dropped. And if not, you'll have to wait until the end of this post to find out.

First, let's talk about my favorite returning shows and how I feel in general about their new season.

****Spoilers ahead****

Arrow

This show just gets better and better with each new season. I've really liked seeing Oliver grow and change. I enjoy seeing an Oliver Queen that realizes how much he needs others to help him in his quest to "save his city."

I'm happy to see the old Felicity back. When she came on the show she was such a breath of fresh air, but then as she got more romantically involved with Oliver she became so judgmental and preachy. I'm happy to see that she's getting her old mojo back.

I like how Thea has grown, and her story is going in an interesting direction now that she's been affected by the Lazarus Pit. I hope they don't go too far with her though. I don't want her to do anything that she can't come back from.

The Big Bang Theory

We're now in season 9 of this show, and I'm so tired of seeing Sheldon pretty much in the same place as he was in season 1. He was funny in the first few seasons, going into the ninth season - not so much. His character hasn't had much growth in eight years. I hated the episode where he found out that Leonard wanted to move out and live with his new wife. I hated that he threw his little tantrum, just as he always does when he doesn't like things changing or doesn't get his way, and Leonard and Penny actually gave in to him. They treat him like a child. Sheldon is an adult, and he needs to be treated like one by his friends, or he'll never grow up. Life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you want (okay, you usually don't get what you want), and Sheldon needs to learn to deal with that.

I am glad that Amy hasn't gone back to Sheldon after she broke up with him. As much as her character annoys me, I feel that she deserves a relationship with someone who treats her the way she should be treated, someone who doesn't make her sign a relationship contract that's all about him. Amy needs to find a guy she can have a healthy relationship with, or Sheldon needs to grow up and realize how to be a loving, giving boyfriend. And if Sheldon can't change, Amy is better off without him.

There have still been some funny episodes when the focus is on the geekiness of "boys," but otherwise, it's just the same old, same old.

Castle

This is another show that I'm frustrated with the direction it's gone. Why can't a series actually have a happily married couple? We spend seasons and seasons waiting for main characters to realize they love each other, then we have a wedding, and then... one of them decides that it's "safer" for the other person if they separate. It's such a old trope, and this show didn't need to go there.

I still like the show, and the episodes have been good for the most part, but Rick and Kate just need to get back together.

Doctor Who

This has been a great season so far. I'm so glad the Doctor has become less curmudgeonly. I really like Peter Capaldi, and he is such a great actor. I just don't think last season did him justice. But so far this season, each episode has been tops for me.

The only complaint I have is that I'd like to see more episodes set on a different planet than earth, and where the Doctor isn't trying to save all mankind. I like more intimate stories where the stakes aren't so high, the threat is more personal, and we're introduced to new characters that we care about.

The Flash

The second season of The Flash has been really good so far. Since I haven't read any of the comics, I didn't know the significance of the hat that came through the wormhole at the end of season 1, but I know now, and I think it's great that we have two Flashes, except I'm sad that Jay doesn't have the abilities on our earth that he had on his own. I hope we find out why, and that he gets them back. I'd love to see both Barry and Jay working together.

The introduction of Earth 2 is a great twist, and I look forward to finding out what kind of man Harrison Wells from Earth 2 is, and I hope he's a good guy. Tom Cavanaugh is a great actor, and I was sad when his character died last season, more because the actor was gone, than the character. I loved the dynamic between Barry and Harrison before they knew he was a bad guy. I loved how he mentored Barry, and I look forward to seeing that again. I just don't want them to visit the same story and make him a bad guy.

Grimm

I was sad about the two deaths at the end of last season, and I was excited see what was going to happen with Diana. After the first episode of the season, we're not completely certain of one of the deaths (although I think she's dead), and we haven't seen Diana yet. The first episode wasn't the strongest I've seen from this series, but it was a good start for the upcoming season, and set up a lot for future episodes.

I'm interested in seeing how being a father will change Nick. Will they show him involved much in his son's life? Most series don't incorporate babies much into their story lines, until you forget there ever was a baby. It will be interesting to see what Grimm does with Kelly - and Diana, for that matter.

Jane the Virgin

This show has some of the strongest writing I've seen in a long time. The format is so clever. The story lines are interesting, and Gina Rodriguez is so good in her role as Jane. It hasn't yet gone through any kind of second season slump, and it doesn't look like it will.

Also, there has never been a character in a tv series or movie quite like Rogelio. I love him. His lines are as funny as his ego is big. The show juggles many plot lines, and not one of them suffers. It's just a great series.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

I love this show. The unevenness of the first season really turned many people off, and I'm sure many of those viewers have never returned to it, but they should. The writing is so strong, as are the characters. In a show that has many characters and can have several plots going on in each episode, last week gave us a very intimate episode where we found out what happened to Jemma after the monolith transported her to another world. The entire episode featured only two actors, until we see Fitz at the end with Jemma. It was a wonderful performance by Elizabeth Henstridge, and it was very well written. The episode also made us want to see if FitzSimmons can rescue Will, and if he does, will the Will they save be the Will Jemma came to care about on that freaky, evil world, or will Will be a freaky, evil Will? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

One thing that Joss Whedon is good at is ensemble casts, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is proof again that when Joss has his in hand in a project, even though the characters may suffer, the characterizations do not.

Nashville

Oh, Nashville. Talk about characters suffering...Why does every character have to be so miserable? I don't know why the writers can't give anyone a happy story line. Juliette's postpartum depression is probably the worst. I don't understand why the writers have made everyone abandoned her when she needs her loved-ones the most. It's one of the most depressing and hard to watch stories I've seen on television. Especially since Hayden Panettiere (the actress who plays Juliette) has said that she actually has been suffering from postpartum depression since the birth of her own baby. It's so difficult to watch. And the suffering just doesn't end, it just gets worse for everyone. Especially the audience.

I'm not quite sure why I still watch this show. It's kind of like Once Upon a Time - I liked the first season, and I keep watching, hoping it will be good again, or at least until someone has a happy moment.

Once Upon a Time

I don't like Emma as the Dark One. I think it was a great idea to make her the Dark One, but I think the plot has been really boring. And I really don't like Jennifer Morrison's portrayal as the Dark One. It's been very one note. I'm thinking she's a better actress than the material they've given her, or the direction she's been given. I'm not quite sure what the deal is.

And why did they make King Arthur a villain!!!!???? That is one of the worst ideas the showrunners have had. I didn't like it when they made Peter Pan the villain, and this is even worse. There's also no reason to have him the villain. If they just concentrated on Emma being the villain, instead of wasting time on making Arthur bad, then Emma's plot might not be so boring.

Again, they introduce new characters to the detriment of the regular characters. Why even have regulars when they just keep adding new characters with new stories every 12 episodes, who we know will be gone soon? If the writers want it that way, why not just make it like American Horror Story and change everything up every season - or half season?

And where is Will Scarlet (Knave of Hearts)? He was the best thing in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, and because he was an audience favorite, they brought him over to Once Upon a Time, only to give him nothing to do except be a possible romantic interest for Belle. Well, that went out the window quickly, as did he. I want him back, and I want him to have a good reason to be back.

I almost feel like I'm so jaded with this show that nothing is going to make me like it like I did season 1. They could have the best episodes, and I would still find something wrong. *sigh*

Reign

I enjoyed Reign for the most part its first season. I really didn't like it much the second season and I stopped watching it on a regular basis. This season they have added a new queen to the mix, Elizabeth II. I think it's a good idea, since the influence Elizabeth had on Mary (and vice versa) was huge, even though Mary and Elizabeth never met in real life, as far a historians know. Elizabeth was afraid that Mary was going to take her throne, and eventually Mary was executed to prevent this. No one knows if Elizabeth really wanted her cousin to die, but Elizabeth's advisers made sure it happened to remove a large threat to her crown.

I like the addition of Elizabeth, and her real relationship with Robert Dudley certainly makes for interesting drama. I'm just waiting for Amy to fall down those stairs (read up on Robert Dudley if you're curious about that).

So far this show has not been very historically correct (the closest they came was the death of Henry II), but this season the writers couldn't ignore one big event that happened in the real life of Mary, Queen of Scots. Her first husband died. King Francis died of complications from an ear infection when Mary was 18. Following Francis's death, Mary returned to Scotland. I'm actually ready for Francis to die, because the stories of  the relationships Mary had after she returned to Scotland are actually more interesting than what the writers could make up themselves. If we get that far, I'm interested to see how they deal with Lord Darnley, David Rizzio, and the Earl of Bothwell. Now, that's good television.

Sleepy Hollow

This has been an interesting season. I love the sub-plot with Jennie and Joe Corbin, and I'm excited to see where that is going to go. I love Ichabod and Abbie's characters and their relationship, regardless of the plot, but I really wish they would get to the point with Pandora. If every episode is just going to be about Ichabod and Abbie having to deal with the monsters that Pandora unleashes, then I'm going to be bored really quickly. I want to see them deal directly with Pandora, and then move on to something new.

And don't get me started on Betsy Ross. Arrrggghhh! First it was getting to be annoying that Ichabod was involved in every historical event during the Revolutionary War, and knew every founding father. Now, Betsy Ross is involved in everything and with everyone too. It's so annoying. And her dialogue drives me up the wall. It's so modern. Why is it that Ichabod is the only character who speaks so archaically? I don't think anyone else in the flashbacks speaks like he does, and they should - for consistencies sake.



And now, for two shows I checked out and didn't feel the urge to watch any more:

Grandfathered

This is the pilot I watched on my way to England. There were funny parts, but nothing about it grabbed my interest enough to want to watch anymore. Maybe I was overly tired and I should give it another chance, but I don't think I will.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

This has a very funny premise, as well as Santino Fontana (from Broadway's Cinderella), and it's a musical. What could be better? Umm, almost anything else. The cold opening was promising. The first musical number was funny, but it went downhill from there for me. The second musical number about getting ready for a date was excruciating. Paula's sudden change from disliking Rebecca to being her best friend was not believable. However, this is a musical sitcom, so I guess I should give it some slack. Okay, I'll give some slack, but I'm still not going to watch it.


And... the new series I'll keep watching...

Dun dun dun...

Supergirl

I've never reader of superhero comic books, but I certainly am a watcher of television adaptations of superhero comic books. For me it started with Wonder Woman when I was young. years later came Smallville, and most recently Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and The Flash. And now there's Supergirl. It's nice to have a female super hero again.

I enjoyed the pilot a lot. I think Melissa Benoist was a great choice to play Superman's "older" cousin. It's nice to see Jeremy Jordan on television again. Smash was a great show for him to make his television debut, because he is such a great voice, but his character was a bit infuriating on that show. Now he can play a lighthearted character, and hopefully show some depth also.

I'm not the biggest Calista Flockhart fan, and so far she's a bit one dimensional in her portrayal of Cat Grant, but I'm hoping that in future episodes she will have a chance to deepen her character and not just be an imitation of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada.

I love how Kara is like Barry (the Flash) regarding her super-abilities. She is excited to be able to use her powers to save people. She isn't full of angst and meloncholy like the Arrow, or Batman. The tone of the show is really good, and I hope it continues to have humor and that it doesn't take itself too seriously.

I am glad to see Laura Benanti in the show. I really like her, and I'm excited that we get to see her play a villain, as well as Kara's mother.


The new series I want to see that hasn't started yet is...

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Another series based on comic books. Surprise!

This show will feature characters that have already been introduced in Arrow and The Flash. That makes it more appealing to me, and probably to other fans of those two shows. I'm also excited to see Arthur Darvill in another television series. He played Rory in Doctor Who for three seasons. He is playing a time traveler in this new series, which is very apropos.


Shows I'll be watching when they return midseason:

Galavant

I was excited about this show when I first heard about it, but it didn't live up to my expectations - especially the music. I'm hoping that Alan Menken will write more memorable songs now that he has more time to work on them. I'm not saying that Menken can't write good music quickly. I'm just saying that I don't think any of the songs in Galavant were anywhere near his best work.

I really want to like Galavant, and I want good new Menken songs to download, so I hope this season gives me plenty to like about it.

Beauty and the Beast

I believe this is the last season for Beauty and the Beast. I'm surprised that it's lasted this long, just based on ratings. I have enjoyed this series better than I thought I would after I saw the first episode. I thought that Kristen Kreuk was totally wrong for the role of Catherine, but now I actually like her in the role. I excited to see where it goes in its last season. The last season of the original 1980's series, Beauty and the Beast, which I loved, was horrible. So we hope history doesn't repeat itself.


What new shows are you watching? What old shows are you still watching? Do you think this is a strong new season or weak?

San Diego: Let's Get to Business

I was in San Diego last week at a conference for work, and it was the perfect setting. The hotel was right on by Mission Bay, near Sea World (I didn't have time to go there), and just a block from the ocean. It was really beautiful.

I've never really been much of a beach person. I guess not growing up near one, I never had a chance to become a beach person. Maybe it's all that sand that gets everywhere and in everything. *wink* However, I love looking out at the ocean and watch the waves. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. I just wish the camera on my phone was able to catch how truly magnificent the sunsets are. I could have taken my good camera with me on the trip, but I didn't want to pack it for a business trip. In spite of that, I'm really happy with the shots I got.

I’m also not much of a souvenir person, but I did buy one item. I got a cute little yellow bug with a surf board on it to join my little black bug by my desk at work. It was fun taking pictures of my new souvenir on the beach.

Once Upon a Time: Hate-watching Update

I did it again. I watched Once Upon a Time.

It's just not getting any better.

That's all.

Once Upon a Time: I Just Have to Say...

I never really understood the term “hate-watching” when it comes to a television series. Why would you watch something if you hate it? Why spend the time doing that instead of doing something you love? I think I’m starting to understand it a little bit more. Now, if this post comes off sounding harsh, it’s only because I just finished watching the most recent episode, and I can’t hold my frustration in anymore. I just have to get it out.      

Once Upon a Time has become so ridiculous, and the plot has become so out of control that I should just stop watching it. Yet I haven’t stopped yet. Why, you ask? I loved the first season. I loved the premise. And I so desperately want it to be that good again. The first season was fresh, and had a specific goal in mind: introduce us to these fairy-tale characters living in our modern world with no memory of who they really are, while giving us flashbacks of who they were and what happened prior to being thrust into their current state. Oh, yea, and break the curse that was placed on them.

During the first season, I wrote a post about Once Upon a Time and wrote that I liked the idea of the series, but I felt the premise seemed more suited to being a mini-series (much like 10^th Kingdom) more than a series with a full 22 episodes, not to mention multiple seasons, and I worried where it could go. Well, I can tell you where I feel it’s gone. The show and its characters are flailing about in a sea of plot-hole-filled episodes, tossed about by every cockamamie idea that comes into the show runners’ heads. I want to see the show back to being anchored in a firm idea, and not just a pit stop for any villain based in a Disney film to come in with their evil goals, rear their ugly, villainous heads and then leave, never to be heard of again (with the exception of Zelena, it looks like from the preview). Whew! Okay, I said it.

I understand why they've broken the season into two halves with a different plot and different villains, it’s because the plots are so thin that it’s hard enough to spread it out into even 11 episodes. The stories could probably be told in fewer than six episodes. The plot drags on for so long, that by the time it's resolved, you can't remember how you even got there, and can't decide it you even care.

So, the main plot for the second half of the season 4 of Once Upon a Time is villains trying to find the author of Henry’s book so they can get the “happy ending” they think they deserve. And I have to say, this is about the most flimsy plot line they've come up with yet. The idea that they even think that a writer is deciding their fate, and not that they have any hand in it is laughable. And the writers felt they needed to bring in three villains for this one. Three! 

And what’s all this nonsense of having the villains actually call themselves “villains”? I have never heard of a villain ever actually refer to themselves as a villain before. Not even in movies based on comic books, where there are lots of villains. Characters who are the “villain” in a story usually feel they have good reason to be evil or bad. That’s the reason we get books and films like “Wicked” and “Maleficent.” When you look back into the villain’s past, there is usually a reason they became the way they are, a reason that either they believe excuses or justifies what they end up doing that we call wrong. And they would most likely call themselves a hero before they ever called themselves a villain.

And speaking of heroes, guess what they call themselves? That's right - "heroes." It just leaves me speechless.

I feel that the show runners for Once Upon a Time are at a loss of what to do with this show. Just adding new villains every 13^th episode is getting to be old and boring. I am begging you (although I’m sure you’ll never read this) to bring back the magic of that first season. Give new stories to our core characters and quit introducing more characters that we’re expected to care about immediately, just to have them disappear at the end of the season. 

Looking at the ratings, I’m sure that many people still love Once Upon a Time. Or maybe they’re “hate-watching” just like I am, hoping to see a glimpse of the magic of season 1 that made them start watching in the first place.

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer: season 3, ep. 17, Quippy Quotes

It's been a while since I've had a good binge-watch of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. As I've been watching some of my favorite episodes, I remembered how quotable the show is. Well, I guess I never really forgot, but I decided it's time to start posting Buffy quotes again.

So, picking up where I left off so long ago, on to season 3's episode, "Enemies."

This episode has one of the best "I didn't see that coming" moments. If you've never seen the episode before, I envy you the thrill of that twist, because after you've seen it, you'll never get that "whaaaaat?" moment ever again. It's kind of like after you see The Sixth Sense the first time, you'll never look at Bruce Willis's character the same the next time you watch it.

If you've yet to see this episode, I recommend that you don't read the rest of this post, because there are ***Spoilers ahead.*** Just come back after you've watched the episode.

I'm going to repeat this ***Spoiler ahead. *** Don't read the rest of the post until you've seen the episode. I really don't want to ruin the surprise. Okay, you've been warned. It's not my fault if you don't head my warning. *wink*

Two important things happen in "Enemies:" 1) Buffy and the Scooby gang discover that Faith has slipped over to the dark side, and 2) Angelus returns.

Yes, this episode gave David Boreanaz the chance to inhabit the character of Angelus again, which means he can show a different emotion other than aloofness, internal torment, and angst. David has some great subtle expressions after the Shaman takes his soul away, where you can glimpse Angel behind the mask, being tormented by what he has to do. When the Mayor takes the letter opener out of his hand that Angelus just threw at him, and the wound heals instantly, you can see Angel’s look of discomfort and surprise. Angelus never would have reacted like that. Or, when he is chaining Buffy to the wall, there's a look that passes between them, as if he's saying, "Sorry."

Speaking of Angel's personality in Buffy (when he isn't Angelus), how do you play a character who is a 200ish year-old Irish vampire who has tortured and killed for centuries, who gets his soul back when he's cursed by a gypsy, and is immediately racked with guilt for all of the horrible things he's done? It isn't like you can rely on The Method for that. *wink*

Quotes:

Angel: I'm sorry. I wanted to take you out somewhere fun. It's been a long time since I've been to the movies. They've changed.

Angel: Feels nice – to feel.

Demon: Ow! What are you, nuts? Going around punching people?

Buffy: People?

Demon: So, what, I’m a demon. That makes it okay?

Mayor: And what exactly did this demon look like?

Faith: Demonic.

Mayor: First, you load up on calcium, you find that demon, kill the heck out of him, and bring the books to me.

Mayor: Oh, come on, drink up. There’s nothing uncool about healthy teeth and bones.

Wesley: And you say this demon wanted cash? That's very unusual.

Giles: Demons wanting money. What ever happened to the still-beating heart of a virgin? No one has any standards anymore.

Giles: There's a reference here to the journal of Desmond Kane, pastor of a town called Sharpsville. "May 26, 1723. Tomorrow is the Ascension. God help us all." It was the last anyone heard.

Wesley: Of Kane?

Giles: Of Sharpsville.

Cordelia: What are you doing Friday night?

Wesley: Uh, uh, as always my sacred duty as a Watcher prevents me from... Why?

Cordelia: I have a paper to write for English, and you're English, so I thought...

[at everyone's looks]

Cordelia: What? Is it so wrong to be getting an insider's perspective?

[to Wesley]

Cordelia: I study best in a good restaurant, around eightish? Think it over?

[she leaves]

Xander: And on the day the words "flimsy excuse" were redefined, we stood in awe and watched.

Angel: It’s okay.

Faith: No, it’s a couple of counties over from okay.

Mayor: There's more than one way to skin a cat. And I happen to know that's factually true.

Wesley: Find anything?

Giles: Six course banquet of nothing with a scoop of sod all as a palette cleanser.

Wesley: Wait for Faith.

Buffy: That could be hours. The girl makes Godot look punctual.

Xander: Found your demon. I beat it out of Willie the Snitch personally.

Buffy: You beat up Willie?

Xander: Sure. Well, actually, let’s just say I applied some pressure. Or more accurately, that I asked politely, and then… Okay, I bribed him.

Buffy: How much?

Xander: Twenty-eight bucks. Does the council reimburse for that kind of stuff?

Giles: Did you get a receipt?

Buffy: It's down by the bus station. Not the nicest part of town.

Giles: Again, see? No standards. Any self-respecting demon should be living in a pit of filth or a nice crypt.

Buffy: I went to Angel's last night, and Faith was there. They looked sort of... intimate.

Willow: No way. I know what you're thinking, and no way.

Buffy: You're right. Faith would never do that.

Willow: Faith would totally do that. Faith was built to do that. She's the "do that" girl.

Buffy: Comfort, remember? Comfort here.

Willow: I mean, please. Does Angel come up to Faith's standards for a guy? Let's see... is he breathing?

Buffy: Actually, no.

Willow: Buffy, I too know the love of a taciturn man, and you have to look at their actions.

Buffy: I was.

Faith: You wanna be smart, you listen to me.

Angel: Funny thing about vampires, Faith. We don’t establish meaningful dialogue with slayers.

Wesley: We seem consistently to be one step behind him. Now he has the Books of Ascension. We must take definitive action.

Cordelia: You have the greatest voice. Have you ever thought of doing books on tape?

Xander: Way to stay focused, C.C.

Buffy: I’ll go home and stock on weapons. Slip into something a little more “break-and-enterish.”

Giles: Wesley, why don’t you take the group and start looking.

Cordelia: I’m in Wesley’s group.

Wesley: Right.

Giles: There is just the one group.

Cordelia: Yes. And I’m in it.

Mayor: No trouble with the transition? No side effects?

Angel: Had a soul. Now I’m free.

Mayor: That’s terrific! Poetic too. Not that I read much poetry. Except for the little ones in Reader Digest. You know, some of them are quite catchy.

Mayor: My question is, now that Faith has brought you back, what are your intentions?

Angel: Well, gee, sir, I thought I’d find that slayer that’s giving you so much trouble and torture, maim, and kill her.

Mayor: Fine. You know, it’s nice to see you’re not one of those slacker types running around town today.

Mayor (to Angel, regarding Faith): Try to have her home by eleven.

Angel: You know, I never properly thanked you for sending me to Hell.

Buffy: No...

Angel: Yeah, and I'm just wonderin', where do I start? A card, fruit basket, hmm? Evisceration?

Buffy: Faith, listen to me. Angel’s a killer. When he’s done with me, he’ll turn on you.

Angel: She’s right. I probably will.

Faith: No one can stop the Ascension. Mayor's got it wired, B. He built this town for demons to feed on, and come graduation day, he's gettin' paid. And I'll be sittin' at his right hand - assuming he has hands after the transformation, I'm not too clear on that part.

Buffy: I never knew you had so much rage in you.

Faith: What can I say? I'm the world's best actor.

Angel: Second best.

Willow: His debt to you is repaid? What did you do?

Giles: I introduced him to his wife.

Willow: At least Angel’s not bad, though. That’s good, right?

Xander: Yes. I feel so much better knowing that he broke my face in a good way. It’s a good bruise.

Mayor: I've got two words that are gonna make all the pain go away. Miniature. Golf.

Angel: You still my girl?

Buffy: Always.

Doctor Who: Happy Birthday New Who!

Ten years ago today, the BBC relaunched the popular sci-fi television series, Doctor Who. And who would have ever guessed that it would become so big world-wide (especially in the good ol' U.S. of A.)?

Of course there isn't going to be a big celebration like the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, but let us pause for a moment on this most special day (which, by the way, just also happens to be my niece's birthday, who is a big Who fan. Although, she is a little older than 10), and think about the many wonderful ways Doctor Who has influenced our lives. And if you haven't yet watched it, what are you waiting for?

The biggest surprise of all, is the birthday wish from my favorite Doctor, namely the Ninth (Christopher Eccleston). He has not forgotten. :)

I could go on forever about how much I love Doctor Who, even when some episodes didn't satisfy my high expectations. But for now I will just say, "Here's to many more years of The Doctor and his adventures!"

The Flash Actors Sing the Theme Song to Firefly

Three cast members of the CW's series, The Flash, thanked Joss Whedon for donating to their Kickstarter for their project, The Letter Carrier, a short musical film they're collaborating on. Their thanks consisted of this acapella version of Firefly's theme song, "The Ballad of Serenity" (which, by the way, was written by Joss).

I have two questions: Where's Grant Gustin? When will they have a musical episode of The Flash?

Cute Kitten

This.

Post by storyful.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm

I was watching a rerun of Fantasy Island (it sounds funny calling it a rerun when the show’s been off the air for about 30 years. Every episode of Fantasy Island is now a rerun, obviously. Anyway…), and I was surprised when Mr. Roarke told Tattoo the fantasy of a young girl played by Genie Francis (yes, Genie Francis of “Luke and Laura” fame on General Hospital). 

Genie’s character is engaged to be married, and she has recently found letters belonging to her mother, and from those letters she discovers that her real father is a man her mother met in the Philippines, and her mother lost track of him after she got pregnant so the young woman has never met her real father. She wants to find her father so he can walk her down the aisle when she gets married. It turns out that she meets three men who think that they could possibly be her father.

If you’re a musical theatre fan, you may think this plot sound a little bit familiar? Just substitute an island in the south pacific with a Greek island.

Did the writers of Mamma Mia get the idea for their plot from Fantasy Island?

Hmmm.