Glee Season 3 - Final Thoughts

This season of Glee for me has had its ups and downs.

I don't think it was fair that Rachel got in while Kurt didn't. If anyone deserve to get into the school than it was Kurt for taking a chance but instead Rachel who pleaded to be given chance after chance got in and for performances that weren't very good. It would have been better had Whoopi  had watched her performance of Cry which I would argue is Rachel's best performance to date.

Before the break the show had dealt with some big issues coming out, hate crimes, teen suicide and texting while driving. The latter was a stupid cliffhanger that I've written about before but I feel I must bring it up as it got resolved once the show came back from its break. Quinn's storyline was just boring and unthoughtful given Artie's condition that the show has touched upon in previous seasons. I felt the last few episodes, seeing the success of dealing with big issues in previous episodes tried to do too much in too little time. It took away from any of the good they were doing.

Compared to last year there was much more music which I appreciated but there was also something missing from this season and far too many 80s songs. Do the writers not listen to music from any other era? Maybe they should take a page from Rachel or Kurt's book and some showtunes. I did really enjoy the One Direction song during the prom. The modern songs are always nice compared to the 80s music which I'm just tired of hearing. 

I think the show's ending was what upset me the most. The last episode was strange because it felt as if the season had already ended. They had one nationals but they decided to continue the show into the finale episode revolving around graduation. It was a very reminiscent episode which made it really sad especially since at the time I was under the impression that Rachel, Kurt and Finn were all leaving the show but it was since been revealed that they are in fact not off the show. Although I found the wedding of Rachel and Finn ridiculous so was Finn deciding to apply to the Actor's Studio and then after not getting in to decide to join the army. His character really had no motivation and it showed the writers didn't either. With all the talk of who was staying and who was going at the beginning and throughout the third season of Glee I enjoyed the new blood of people from The Glee Project. Although I have yet to watch that programme I loved the characters each of the contestants played and had no idea that they had begun on the reality show. Although I did have a problem with Alex Newell's Wade Adams/Unique as I thought they didn't give it enough time to progress and thoroughly deal with the issues at hand. 

The highlight of the episode came at the beginning, which doesn't bode well for a finale, when Kurt's dad performed Single Ladies for Kurt.

It captured the lost innocence the show had at the beginning and brought the joy back. As did the scene in Props, where everyone swaps bodies. My favorite swap was Puck and Finn for Kurt and Blaine. It made me want to rewatch the show from the beginning a feeling which quickly faded as the rest of the episode unfolded. Beside for this one shining moment the finale was disappointing. I'm interested to see what will happen next season and how they bring in the alumni but without much of Kurt I'm afraid the show is going to be dull.

America's Next Top Model British Invasion

At the start it seemed people were a little miffed by the theme of this cycle's America's Next Top Model. I on the other hand loved it, mainly because I've seen the Britain's Next Top Model and loved most of the Brits. I did think it was rather weird to have former contestants on BNTM and have all newbies for the American team. It would have made more sense had they taken American All stars and matched them with British All stars. Although I was rooting for the Brits the whole time so it wasn't that much of an issue for me as a viewer.

The format did lead to a clear divide between the Brits and the Americans that didn't seem real, especially given the eventual friendship between Laura(American) and Sophie(Brit). The format though was nothing on the craziness that is Tyra Banks. The whole superhero names was super lame and I totally understand the girls who thought it was dumb. Rightly so! The other problem was the 'booty tooch'. Why Tyra insisted on this I don't understand. The Booty Tooch episode saw the demise of AzMarie which many felt was unwarranted. I thought the exercise was ridiculous and seeing the Brits trying to do it was hilarious but it made AzMarie look too full of herself to get involved when the rest of the girls did. My thinking was although the activity was way out there in terms of sanity, you've signed up to do a reality model show run by Tyra Banks who now thinks she knows everything because she has a degree from Harvard, released a single, wrote a book and has her own show. If you're above ridiculousness you shouldn't be on reality television plain and simple. Plus there was no love lost when AzMarie left for me she was getting too many Brits out!

For the Brits it was nice to Catherine again and I thought she would do better having just finished watching her cycle and seeing how high fashion her look was. I don't think her makeover helped her at all. Speaking of makeovers what was going on with Sophie's hair. It was so disconcerting seeing her go from bright pink hair in the interviews to blonde with maybe a hint of pink in the actual show footage. I know its hard to maintain but if it wasn't going to stick maybe they should have just left it alone. The continuity was totally off which really frustrated the viewer. I loved seeing Ashley again as she was one of my favorites on her Cycle and was really sad to see her go. I loved the fact that she was subtitled and commented on that!

This season two contestants, both Brits decided to call it quits early which people can comment on and say they shouldn't have been there in the first place. I didn't really understand Louise's exit it seemed to be on more of the wavelength of AzMarie's but as I didn't see her original cycle I didn't understand her and didn't feel much of a loss. Alisha's exit was a big shock for me. I was really happy when her name was called which meant Ebony was going home. I thought she was really good and had a chance at the final but I understand and respect her choice to quit. She did with poise and grace and had commendable reasons for quitting.

I feel as if an era has passed and that with the next stage that ANTM goes into I won't want to follow. I think it's fair to say that ANTM has jumped the shark.The problem with the show now is that it's no longer about modeling.

 The prizes have moved from just cover girl and vogue to become a corespondent on extra and having a single released. Tyra's trying to make models make a come back where most of their work has been taken over my tv and film stars. I remember walking through the mall and seeing a sigh asking to name three supermodels and then to name three of your child's teachers making the point that you know more supermodels than your children's teacher and should take a more active role in their lives. The problem with the ad is that I don't think many people could name supermodels switch that to actors and you've got a strong argument. I don't want to discount the work that models do but at the same time I don't like the fact that Tyra has made the competition something else entirely. I watch the show for the photo shoots and they're fast becoming obsolete. Having said that I did enjoy the Brit's music video and was so happy that with that they were making a comeback. It was a great song.

When it was announced that Jay Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker would not being coming back for the next cycle I wanted to stop watching the show and I'm not sure if I'll continue with ANTM next season as really Mr. J and Nigel are the best part of the show. I'll have to go back and watch Canada's Next Top Model to get more of Mr. J. This kinda matches up to my previous point that Tyra has no idea what she's doing. Yes the show has declined in ratings but its because the show isn't what it used to be anymore. Bring back the modeling, cool photo shoots, catwalk, and go sees and the ratings will bounce back. 

Even with this devastating news I continued with the show wanting to see if Sophie, my favorite would win. Laura was my favorite American but I felt like I knew Sophie more from the previous cycle. She was so much more versatile than Laura, her walk was better and she actually booked jobs which is the most important thing ever!

Laura's panic attack on set was dramatic but having been through a panic attack before I understand how she was feeling. I was a little upset that she got a second chance at doing the lines just because I like things fair but I'm glad during judging that they said in the real world that she would just be replaced. The vogue shoot was less impressive but they had to save a lot of time for the tripped out runway show. Once again the modeling aspect of runway has been lost for a special effects laden show. What ever happened to good old runway? I lament those days. Finally it was time to judge and I was surprised by some of the judges preference for Laura. I especially found it frustrating when they chastised Sophie for the cover girl commercial because her candid footage didn't look natural. I was like she wasn't the one who put it together! You could have easily done the same for Laura but in the end Sophie won out! I was super excited. It was good to end the show on a high note for me and I was really happy that a Brit won! I was wondering if they would even let a Brit win, as it was we knew it had to come down to a Brit and an American in the finale. It's been a strange cycle of ANTM but I enjoyed it and although I rail against the changes to ANTM it has yet to stop me from watching. Mostly likely, if I find myself lacking something to watch I'll probably tune into the next cycle. You never know I might find a another gem like Sophie's single "Aiming for You."

Once Upon a Time

I confess that I didn't give ABC's Once Upon a Time enough of a chance at the beginning of the season. I didn't know how it would continue as a full series from that first episode and I preferred Grimm as the fairy tale inspired television show, due in large part to it taking place in Portland.Thankfully, my aunt finally convinced me to watch Once and I'm glad she did. I would go as far as to say this was the best new show on television for the 2011-2012 season.

Once has so many things going for it. The way the story is told keeps your intrigued. I loved the way they inter-cut flashbacks of the fairy tale world with the real world. They could have kept it that simple going between the memories of the fairy tale land and the real world but they went even further by using flashbacks that were further back in the timeline which then met up with the timeline we as an audience were already aware of. I loved seeing that connection. The stories themselves are a fun little turn on 'known' facts. The twists on each classic fairy tale keeps the story fresh and less of a repeat of various other incantations. One of the best variations was The Mad Hatter, Jefferson. 

My favorite episode was 'Skin Deep" where it is revealed that Rumpelstiltskin is the beast in the the Beauty and the Beast story. I loved the twists on the story, especially the chipped teacup. What makes this episode in particular so amazing and the show in general is Robert Carlyle. The cast in general is great but Carlyle stands out for me. He shows such a range in acting and he does it all so well. His voice as Rumpelstiltskin is perfect and adds so much to the character. Even as Mr. Gold he accomplishes an element of mystery.

Although I love seeing how the relationship between Charming and Snow White develops I find myself wanting to know more about Rumpelstiltskin's story. He's the best character there's been on tv for a long time. Very complex but believable at the same time. Carlyle's performances are so powerful and I love his puffy-sleeved shirts.

Overall the cast makes the show a joy to watch and each episode gives another person a chance to shine. Another favorite episode of mine was Dreamy when we learn about how Grumpy becomes Grumpy which I thought was really clever. Of course the cast is just one part of the show. The special effects may be limited due to the television format but they're not bad and they in no way take away from the show but add to it. The strength of the show though is in the story. Starting at the very end of the second to last episode when Henry eats the apple turnover and moving into the final episode the show did a good job in moving the story forward without dragging it out too long. There were some problems with drag in the storyline of Catherine's faked-murder. I'm not sure that was the best way to bring things about but I rolled with it. What I didn't think was necessary was the death of the Sheriff/The Huntsman. It was good to see him come back for a bit at the end but I felt there was more they could have done with his character. Maybe the story can be considered the strength of the show in conjuncture with the characters who are well thought out and complex.

I kinda wondered throughout the show how this season would end and move onto the next. How long can they drag the story out but I think they were smart in how they handled it in allowing everyone to remember. If things stay the on the same path I think the second season will be just as good if not better.

Warehouse 13

Warehouse 13 is a mixture between Indian Jones, The X-Files and The Librarian franchise. The only reason I knew about the show and began to watch it was the fact that it was linked with Eureka. I tried watching it but it didn't have the same feel as Eureka. I just couldn't get into it so I left it, halfway through the first episode but it wasn't long before I came back to it and it quickly grew on me. Once you understood what it was all about it became easier to watch and more enjoyable but I fail to see how its a spin off of Eureka besides the fact that one character from each show crosses over. Eureka deals with disasters that can be explained and solved using science whereas Warehouse 13 is more mythology and unexplained mysteries. Besides the few references to Eureka through Fargo these shows have nothing to tie them together. It's a different kind of spin off then say Angel is to Buffy or Torchwood and Sarah Jane  is to Doctor Who.

The fact that these two show, Eureka and Warehouse 13, are meant to be contained within the same universe becomes confusing when actors from Eureka appear on Warehouse 13. First and foremost, Saul Rubinek who plays Artie on Warehouse 13 who was first seen as Carl on Eureka. This would be fine if the two shows weren't connected but when Fargo shows up it gets a little confusing which the show seems to jump at by also including Erica Cerra (Jo from Eureka) and Niall Matter (Zane from Eureka) again as a couple on Warehouse 13 and Joe Morton (Henry form Eureka) as a preacher on Warehouse 13. For me it was a bit confusing to have the twos in the same universe while at the same time having the actors play similar but different parts. I thought it was strange to say the least. I can understand them using Saul Rubinek, maybe they really liked him on Eureka and wanted to use him again, its not unheard or - cue Martha from Doctor Who, however its taken to a larger scale especially when they use Cerra and Matter. They mimic their characters from Eureka to Warehouse 13 and I guess I found it mostly distracting. But like I say, unless an actor, excluding Rubinek, or the character of Fargo are present in an episode of Warehouse 13 the connection between the two shows is lost on me.

Beyond the Eureka characters/actors appearances the show's own characters are well thought out and played by people I love. My two favorites who also happened to be bad guys were Jaime Murray (H.G. Wells) and Roger Rees (James MacPherson). The guest stars were also 'old friends' Captain Janeway, Odo and of course Ianto Jones.

The plot of each episode I have to admit got a little formulaic; hunt for artifact, chaos ensues and the good prevail. However, too many people die that I like and I think only H.G. Wells' death was in a sense needed although it was also very expected. I didn't like them repeatedly bringing back old foes as it gets old but all in all the villains had good motives which made them believable. I really did enjoy H.G. Wells' storyline but is also why I have such a big problem with this show being connected to Eureka. Artifacts have the power they do because of historical circumstances which breeds mythology, religion and fairy tales. That aspect I'm intrigued by so I love the fact that they made H.G. Wells a woman who let her brother take the credit.

The show does have some kick-ass women but that doesn't mean that the show won't take the advantage of sexualizing Myka. It seems as if she's always playing the femme fatale and wearing sexy dresses and latex.

A very contrasting view from her usual bookish self and the character we've come to know and like. This bothers me more than it probably should but maybe because it is such a stark contrast for her character to dress and act that the sexualized message is right in your face and hard to deny.

However, Warehouse 13 definitely improves with age and the third series was the best so far. I do have a problem with the christmas specials though as they don't work within the storyline but its mostly my own fault as I watch everything at once so I go from a cliffhanger where Myka is leaving to a christmas episode where she's back or Mrs. Fredrick and Steve have died yet she's in the christmas special following her death and he is mentioned. It throws off the continuity of the show and I would rather have them carry on the storyline into the christmas episode or not do one. For me the christmas specials weren't anything special and could have been done away with.

I've enjoyed the show and will continue to watch when it premiers this summer I just wish it wasn't involved with Eureka. The shared universe doesn't work but I guess I should be happy that their not making another bad remake of a British show. Although having said that my favorite episode is the one with Cerra and Matter. Go figure.

The Bubble

The Bubble was a short lived show but I absolutely loved each of the six episodes. Three celebrities are isolated from the outside world for a week with no access to television, phones or internet and if this is beginning to sound a bit like Big Brother you'll be happy to now that this portion of the show is hardly seen and in fact is made fun of by the host David Mitchell in the fifth episode when fans of the show asked for more. After the celebrities' imposed isolation they are presented with three news stories two of which have been faked and they must choose which story actually aired on television or appeared in a newspaper. The ridiculousness of the stories not only adds to the fun but points out, in a clever way,  the current state of the news. Although the show was aired on BBC the BBC boycotted the show, a fact which is discussed in the first episode. The BBC's decision to disallow their journalists to present fake news stories as it would undermine the integrity of BBC News is laughable as, Mitchell and guests point out, they have done similar things in the past. I can't help but think of Jon Snow's reports on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year although granted that's for Channel 4 and not the BBC.

The last episode for me was one of the best because it made me like Robert Webb. I was never a huge fan, always preferring Mitchell alone but Webb is more tolerable on his own when he's not trying to be outwardly funny. Of course this isn't what he's trying to achieve but I can't help the fact that I don't find him funny. However, I could watch the following clip again and again for Webb's reaction. He looks so hurt.  

What I really like about the show and why it's such a shame that it didn't continue is that I enjoyed watching it even when I didn't know any of the guests which occurred in episode 5 which I initially skipped. It turned out to be just as good if not better than the other episodes on which I knew all the contestants.

The Decoy Bride

I had about given up hope that David Tennant could carry the lead of a movie, the two previous films I have seen him in, The Last September (in which my hatred for Keeley Hawes first began) and Young Bright Things left him either dead or without the girl. I contented myself with his television work and his bit sinister part in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire but finally the day has come where I have found a great film where he gets the girl!

Waiting to the see the film I was a bit worried that it would disappoint and yes like many romantic comedies it was predictable and we all know how it ends but there was a simple charm to the film which filled my heart with joy. The film is only 85 minuets long, not a lot of time for a detailed story but because there aren't many characters involved it works and isn't really bogged down by other side stories but there's enough there to make a story. I think I liked the fact that it was so simple of a story because it allowed it to just tell the story instead of getting sidetracked. I did think that the end was a bit rushed but at the same time I don't think I would want them to have taken more time with it. It did what it needed to do without unnecessary frills. It had the pace of a British drama but kept the mood, for the most part, upbeat and in the romantic comedy mindset. 

I loved the cast. Kelly Macdonald as Katie in particular was great and I would love to see more of her. Sally Philips who wrote the story could have had more to do but made the most of her scenes and was a good match for Michael Urie who really stole the scenes he was in.

I also loved Dylan Moran, who I wasn't expecting, although he does tend to pop up in strange roles. However, Maureen Beattie as Iseabail the mother of Katie was my favorite of the film. When Lara takes her to the cliff with the choice of either throwing the money over or herself she has to think about it. That was such a great funny but dry moment. I remember her eyes, so very expressive. Her death was bittersweet but I felt brought the story home.

Dance Moms

 Dance Moms is the reason that reality television gets such a bad rap and the reason behind the fact that people who watch reality television are more aggressive and angry then people who don't. The show follows the moms of young competition dancers at Abby Lee Dance Company. I wasn't excited about the premise when I first starting watching it thinking that I would totally hate the moms who are making their kids dance but maybe because I went into it thinking that the moms were going to be horrible that it didn't turn out quite like I was expecting it. Instead of having a burning hatred for the moms its Abby Lee the owner of the dance company and 'choreographer.' This is not to say that the moms get off scotch free but they were better than I was expecting. Abby on the other hand is a whole other ball game. She really is a vile woman and yes she does deserve this strong of language.

My first problem with her is that she doesn't belong in the dance studio as she can't dance. She belongs in a gym (or perhaps the biggest loser) not 'choreographing' dance routines, yelling about the faults of the dancers when she can't do it herself. No where else is the age old phrase 'those you can't do teach' more appropriate. This for me is a big thing to get over but once you do Abby's attitude doesn't get any better. She plays favorites with dancers and then denies it which is beyond frustrating. It is at this point that I side with the moms even if it pains me to do so.

The show is really centered on the rivalry between Maddie and Chloe ages 8 and 9 in the first season respectively. Maddie always wins and takes extra dance classes and gets extra time with Abby. She really wants to dance and wants to win even more crowns and trophies than she already has. Even though she's only 8 because of her attitude I don't want her to win. I want the underdog Chloe to win who still wants to dance and wants to win but is sweet about it. Although every week one of the moms has a problem with Maddie getting all the attention while their children don't get the solo time they need or their music or costume I'm more concerned with the behind the back favoritism of Maddie by Abby which she denies to everyone else even the camera. Does she not realize that the things she says are caught on camera?

Chloe gets the feature in the music video and Abby said to Maddie's mother that it was better that Maddie didn't get the feature because then people will just see her dance and she'll get more calls. What a way to take away from what Chloe had accomplished. Just like when Abby but Maddie into the 9-10 age category to compete against Chloe when she was only 8. This also continued in the second season when Maddie and Chloe were in the same age category. Chole got first place and Maddie got third but what does Abby have to say? Maddie was perfect nothing wrong and although Chloe was ok she made some mistakes and isn't as good as Maddie.    

Abby doesn't seem to realize the age group of the children she's working with and thinks its okay to send out these 8-9 year old children to dance in very slutty costumes. The mothers complained but Abby defended herself saying that the kids liked it not getting the fact that just because they like it doesn't make it right and its the moms job to police it. After not even placing Abby still doesn't own up to her mistake in using the costumes blaming the judges. Her inability to own up to her mistakes is infuriating especially because a sign in the studio reads something along the lines of 'if you make a mistake admit it and never repeat it.'

Costumes and dance styles are another thing which Abby does wrong. Nia the only African-American dancer is given ethnic routines over and over which are more attitude than dancing and her mom Holly brings this up with Abby but is once again sidelined as a mother. Abby tries to defend herself saying that she needs to be taught ethnic dances that only she can go audition for and even more outrageous she needs to be taught about her heritage. I side with Holly on this one and it shows how much of a racist Abby is even if she won't admit it. 

My last straw was when Brooke decided to try out for cheer forcing her to not perform at the dance competition in which she was the featured dancer. Abby went ballistic and acted like an immature child. Saying that there wasn't going to be a group number only solos to which the moms said they weren't going just for solos in an act of support to Brooke. The second teacher agreed to reblock the number in the morning four hours before getting on the bus and Abby at that point wasn't going to go but changed her mind in the end and went. What was so striking about the number is that yes they won first place but Abby had nothing to with it and it was the best routine they had ever done! Abby of course made snide remarks about them winning even without Brooke.

I just couldn't watch anymore after that I was so frustrated with Abby and the moms for continuing to allow their children to be subject to Abby's cruelty and revengeful nature. Even thinking about the show makes my blood start to boil and I didn't touch on half of the stuff I wanted to.