My lovely friend Amanda went to France recently, and she sent me Seasons 1 and 2 of Bones to keep me occupied while I couldn’t text her every moment of the day. Well, she’s created a monster.
I love the way the episodes are named. “The Woman in Limbo.” “The Superhero in the Alley.” “The Man in the Fallout Shelter.” “The Man in the Mansion.” Just about every episode (at least in the seasons I’ve watched) is named this way. The way the episodes are named suggests distance and generality. (Is that a word? I’m pretending it is.) Only by watching the episode do you realize that it isn’t general at all; each case is personal and (usually) heartwrenching. There’s so much more to the “woman in limo” and the “man in the fallout shelter” than the titles suggest. They were people, living people. And that’s exactly what the show is about. Finding dead people and putting a living face to them and figuring out why they died or were killed. Brilliant!
The writing on this show is impeccable. Once in a while you think there’s a plot hole or an unresolved story but they know exactly when you’re thinking that and pick up with that story in a later episode. Bravo, writers!
A word of warning to those buying these on DVD. The DVD says there are 6 episodes per disc for Season 1, and when you put it in, you only see 4. This is because the discs are double-sided, and the last 2 are on the other side. Confession time: this took me very long to realize. So, if you buy or rent these… turn the discs over. The story will go in order that way. Season 2 looks to be one-sided DVDs, like we’re normally used to.
Season 1:
I got off to a rougher start on the first episode, I’ll be honest. I was like, “Um, David [I call him David sometimes, instead of his character name] is being such a jerk to this woman and I’m not sure why or that I like it. And there’s corpses. Ew.” But I’m not one to give up on a show after just one episode, so I watched another. And that’s when I fell in love. Something about it just clicked for me, and I was hooked! The corpses still kinda gross me out, but it’s like it was with Dexter… the more you see, the less they bother you, because you’re focused on the work the characters are doing. And let me just say, the Season 1 finale was just… OMG. Very OMG. Thank God I had Season 2 waiting for me the second it was over!
Season 2:
I was a little worried going into Season 2. A lot of the episodes in Season 1 were standalones, and I wanted to see if there was an actual storyline developing, because I know it’s currently on Season 6. Well, there is a storyline, and that made me a happy camper. There are still the standalone episodes, but they were bringing in killers from Season 1 and establishing new ones that aren’t wrapped up, so I assume they continue into later seasons. My favorite episode from Season 2 is the one about Howard Epps. The title is something like, “The Man in the Cell.” Holy. crud. It was amazing. These people solving crimes are becoming more well-rounded as characters, and I really enjoy that.
Now, can we convince the powers that be to lower the prices of Seasons 3 and 4 so I can buy them already? Kthanks.
Here’s where I talk about the characters:
- Temperance Brennan. Bones (the nickname given to this character from Booth) is quite an odd bird. She’s so analytical and smart, and can’t always see things from a non-scientific point of view. It’s off-putting at first, and then I really warmed up to her. Good job, people making this show, I think that’s exactly what you were trying to do! She’s so complicated, yet so simple at the same time. She can think of a million and one ways to look at something, but you can usually predict how she’s going to react. And she’s funny! In the way that she’s a little socially awkward and not trying to be funny but ends up getting a good laugh from me. I thoroughly enjoy this character.
- Seely Booth. It’s no secret that I love David Boreanaz (wife-cheating at all). I went into this going, “David’s character is going to be my favorite no matter what.” And I was right! (I also love everyone else, but he’s still my favorite.) Booth is the smart-talking, funky-tie-wearing, hunky FBI agent. Love. him. But for as much as he goes against the grain within the FBI, he’s so traditional in his life when it comes to love and beliefs. Booth is traditional, where Bones will question the logic behind it all, and the way they go back and forth is phenominal. Plus, he’s sexy. Did I mention that already?
- Angela Montenegro. Okay, I’m not gonna lie, in the first few episodes, I pretty much hated Angela. It’s not that she’s an unlikeable character, she just didn’t “click” with me at first. So I ignored her. I forget what episode turned it around for me, but at some point suring Season 1, it was like, “Holy crap, Angela’s kind of awesome.” Oh, maybe it was that episode with the desert! Or the one with the little girl with cancer! (If you saw them you know what I’m talking about, if not, don’t mind me.) Now I like her, and am jealous of her mad art skillz and cool 3D crime machines. She’s sweet, yet self-assured and honest. She knows what’s up and doesn’t take crap from people. I wish I could be more like her sometimes.
- Jack Hodgins. He’s another one that I didn’t really love right off the bat. I didn’t dislike him, but he was just kind of… there. I think Amanda texted me one day and was like, “Don’t you just love Hodgins?!” so I decided to start paying more attention to him. He’s a hoot! It also helps that they brought him more into the main storylines so he was in the forefront more often. I won’t give it away, but I LOVE his backstory! He really evolves from a silly guy into a romantic guy, and that kind of makes me swoon.
- Zack Addy. He. is. just precious. Zack is the kid who’s always been lightyears ahead of everyone else, and because of that, is awkward around others. He’s Bones’ graduate student, so he’s part of the team. He and Hodgins do the zaniest experiments to find out what could have killed someone or what weapon the murderer used. They’re hysterical together. The interactions between Zack and Booth are also giggle-worthy. Sometimes he’s so out of place and lonely because he’s fact-based in thinking, and that just makes me want to give him a hug.
- Camille Saroyan. I was a little put off by her when she just appeared out of nowhere, but I think that was the point. Temperance Brennan is surprised by her appearance, and we as viewers are as well. Where Temperance is an expert on bones, Camille is an expert on flesh. It makes for an interesting point of tension. Overall, I’ve come to really like Camille, and I think she rounds out the group in the Jeffersonian quite well.
Okay, yeah, I probably left out a few characters but whatever. These are the main people, and the ones that stuck out in my head. Do you watch Bones? If you do, please don’t spoil further seasons for me! But let me know if you love this show as much as I now do! Furthermore, who has the rest of the seasons on DVD and wants to lend them to me?! (Amanda just bought Season 3 and sent it to me. She’s an angel!)
I’m waiting for the second to last episode of LOST to finish up so I can watch it, so I figured I’d write a random little blog entry while I do that. My brother’s last wind ensemble concert was tonight, and I got home around 9:10. You Losties know that it’s unacceptable to miss even the first minute, so it’s a good thing the brother and I set a tape. We’ll be watching it as soon as 1. it’s over and 2. brother gets home.
I’ve had more than a few photo jobs lately, which is baffling to me. Let me preface my next statement by saying that I am in no way fishing for compliments (I’m probably not even going to tweet that this entry exists). I don’t know why people are paying me to take their pictures, because I kinda suck. I’m not the lowest of the low, but I’m not the best either. I did a job at my alma mater on Saturday, then assisted an amazing photographer at the Cathedral in Philly last night. My friend Melissa wants me to take her headshots, and I promise, I’m going to get back to her soon, LOL. (M- family from FL coming in to town, have to find out those dates because I need to be available!) A family friend wants me to take photos at a party for her daughter. I just… don’t get it. I’m not that great, and I know it. I have so much to improve on. I can hold my own in natural light, but when it comes to flash, I just fall apart. I’ve had it for less than a month, so that’s to be expected, but it’s a lot harder than I expected it would be. So, I’m baffled about that.
I joined an awesome site recently, MakeupAlley.Com. You can look at reviews for products you want to try, but the coolest part is that you can trade makeup with other people! For sanitary reasons, I’m staying away from lip products and mascara, but powders that I can spritz down with alcohol to sanitize are fine with me! I actually was able to get rid of a few things I never use, give them to people who wanted them badly, and get something I wanted to try in return. It’s pretty awesome, and the people are so sweet!
Swagbucks has become my favorite site ever. I’m on there all the time, trying to win more swagbucks. Why? I’ve redeemed $45 worth of amazon.com gift cards. Hi, that’s AWESOME, because I can buy things essentially for free! It’s definitely worth signing up, and if you do, please use my referral code, it’d mean a lot to me! It’s so satisfying to see that you’ve won more bucks, haha!
Hm, that’s about all that’s going on in my life. Oh, wait. Love life. It’s pretty much nonexistant. I haven’t been on an actual date in something like three years. That’s pathetic! I’m pretty lonely, but on the other hand, I don’t have to deal with someone playing with my heart and having the potential to break it yet another time. So I guess that while it kinda sucks… it’s also kinda good. There was someone with potential for a while, but he lives far away AND hasn’t contacted me in almost two weeks. I’m not writing him off at all, but I’m definitely just going to keep living my life and not dwelling on it. I’d rather stay sane than overanalyze him, thankyouverymuch. I think most people would agree.
Well, it’s 10:02, which means it’s time to wrap this up, put on some comfies, grab a beer, find my brother, and settle in to watch the newest LOST. I can’t belive that this show will be over by 11:30 on Sunday night. But that’s another entry for another day… ta, darlings!
Today, I’m going to share quite the photo with you all.
Warning, you might think I’m a huge nerd after seeing this. That is okay with me.
Well, go on and look at it!:
I’m going to write a little bit about my favorite (adult) Halloween costume ever. Legends of the Hidden Temple Blue Barracudas. It was my junior year of college and I was dating Matt (pictured – wedon’ttalkabouthimanymore). His favorite holiday is Halloween, so we decided to go all out and not only get rockin’ costumes… but actually go trick or treating. Yup.
While dating, we loved to watch the Nickelodeon station called GAS (Games and Sports), which has since been cancelled. That makes me sad. Anyway. We’d stay up until all hours of the night watching and our favorite show was Legends of the Hidden Temple. Followed by that one where they had to tear apart the fake house looking for an item. (Matt, if you’re reading this, I remember pizza in a shoe but I have no idea what the game show name was. I fail.)
So, long story short, we decided to dress up as the Blue Barracudas. Why them? To be honest, I don’t remember the exact reason why, I just knew that we both knew that was the team for us. We got helmets and spray painted them yellow (a la Season 1, before they were painted gold). You can’t see in the photo, but we wore khakis. Fingerless gloves. Our shirts, of course. The only thing we were missing was water shoes, and that was only because they didn’t make them in big enough sizes for Matt. All in all, our costumes were pretty bitchin’.
We went to a Halloween party one night in our costumes (that’s where this photo was taken) and also wore them trick or treating, as I mentioned before. I believe we ended Halloween night by telling some neighborhood kids that we were actually a team on Legends when we were younger, and were just reliving the memories or something like that.
And that was my favorite (adult) Halloween.
What was one of your favorite Halloween costumes? (I have too many awesome ones from my childhood, so I went for adult with this one. It was easier.) And do you have photographic evidence? I’d love to see it!
This is a show that I feel is very under-loved, so I’m going to make a big long post/review about it, in hopes that it will intrigue you and make you want to watch. Either that or make you swoon over the Piemaker. (Hands off, he’s mine.)
This is one quirky little show. It’s about Ned, the piemaker, who can bring dead things back to life by touching them. After one minute, however, he must either re-dead the thing he brought back to life, or something else will die in its place. It’s quite interesting. His power is never really explained, but the world that he lives in is just off enough that it could be plausible. You see, the world in this show is much like reality… but it’s more fantastical. There are bright colors, wacky characters, and people who commit murders using such things as taffy, department store windows and a baseball bat called “Kindness.” The world is unique enough that the viewer doesn’t really question Ned’s mysterious power. I’m going to say it’s not a spoiler to tell you about his power or how people get killed… since the premise of the show is really about Ned & Chuck and their fairy tale. Which I won’t give away, I promise.
Is this the most original show ever made? Probably not. But it’s up there. Along with a handsome, awkward man who has a strange power, each of the characters are equally interesting. I can’t say I dislike any of them, which is rare for me! What I love most about this show is its look. Every episode of Pushing Daisies is so bright and visually pleasing. I get happy just looking at the screen! Plus, the gang solves murders… but not just any murders. Guns and fights are boring… these cases are complex, interesting, have a bizarre backstory and keep you interested the whole time. Win!
Season 1:
I think I was no more than 10 minutes into the first episode of the series before I knew I was in love with it. As I said before, it’s so visually stunning that you almost feel compelled to watch it. We’re used to seeing colors and landscapes like this in the movies, but not on our televisions. Yes, it’s mainly computer generated, but you can tell that it’s exactly what they’re going for and it just… works. The first season was so quirky! I actually watched this one while it was on television There were guests like Christopher Sieber and Molly Shannon. There were episodes titled “Bitches” (this is a favorite ep of mine) and “Pie-lette” (the pilot episode… get it?!). All in all, a fabulous start to the series.
Season 2: Sad to say, I didn’t watch this season while it was live on air. I forget why not, but I probably didn’t have the time, because the interest was still there and I remember being sad that I couldn’t watch it! I recently finished Season 2 on DVD and it was just as good as the first! I have to give major kudos to the writers of this series… the cases that the gang investigate are always so interesting and unique! I’d never be able to come up with that many different ideas. I won’t say whether or not I liked the ending, but I will say that it seemed rushed. The show was abrubtly cancelled (I think partially due to the writer’s strike, but I may be wrong), so I at least appreciate that they wanted to wrap it all up as best they could with the time they had left!
Here’s where I talk about the characters:
- Ned. I love him and I wish he were a real person. I could do without the touch-and-live-again thing though, only because that could get really weird in the real world. I’m sure you all know of my TV crushes (Angel, Chandler, Jim, Sawyer, etc.), but I bet you didn’t know about Ned! That’s mostly because barely anyone knows of this show, haha. He’s cute, smart, awkward, kinda clumsy, tall, delicious, sweet… need I go on? Also, his clothes fit perfectly and make you want to get all makey-outey with him. Trust me. I mean, he bakes in a shirt, tie, apron, black pants and Chucks sometimes. It’s adorable. He also has a very unique voice and way of speaking, in my opinion, and I enjoy it. Long story short, I love Ned, he’s my favorite character, Lee Pace needs to be on my TV more often and this is the best character on the show.
- Charlotte “Chuck” Charles. Chuck is just the sweetest. She’s bright and inquisitive, and doesn’t think twice about asking something just because it may not be appropriate. She’s sweet as pie but doesn’t let people get away with things. Not only is she such a likeable character, she has the best freaking clothes on the whole show. I’m sure you can tell from the few pictures in this entry, but if you want to see more, click here, here and here. I’ve wanted many people’s wardrobes from various television shows and movies, but I’ve never wanted anyone’s clothes like I’ve wanted Chuck’s. (Sorry for sounding creepy, but it’s true.) The hair, clothes, shoes… it’s impeccable. Also, she gets Ned, so clearly I want to be her at all times.
- Olive Snook. What a whackjob. I mean this in the best possible way, of course. Olive’s like all of us girls… hopelessly in love with someone she can’t really have and kind of twitchy about it. Overzealous at times, but means well. She’s an incredible friend once you get down to it, and always up for a little adventure. And she’s a Pie Ho! (If you’ve seen Season 1, you know what’s up. Pie Hos!) Plus, Kristin Chenoweth is the actress playing her… and who doesn’t love a little Cheno?! They let her sing in the show too, it’s completely fantastic.
- Emerson Cod. Emerson is hysterical. He’s a detective who loves to knit and is such a ham for publicity. He always seems bitter about having to deal with Olive and Chuck by working with Ned, but you can also tell that deep down he secretly loves it. Some of his one-liners really crack me up as well! Beyond that, he’s deep and has his own secrets that eat at him, which I like, because it means that the characters aren’t as one-dimensional as they seem at first.
- Vivian & Lily Charles. These two are Chuck’s aunts. They are… unique, to say the least. One has the girliest, wispiest voice and the other wears bejeweled eye patches. I’m pretty sure you can already tell why I love them. (Hint: If you can’t, it’s the eye patch.) They used to be syncronized swimmers and dressed up like mermaids. The costumes are hysterical and seeing them on screen is always a treat. They’re quite socially awkward, but like well-developed characters, they work through and with their issues and find their own way. I like that.
I’m not normally one to add a ton of pictures at the end of these kinds of posts but… can you see why I did? Lee Pace’s face is kind of over-Photoshopped in that picture, but I just wanted to give an example of his typical piemaking wear on the show. Personally, I find it irresistible. Then you have Anna Friel, which, hi… everything about her is perfect. Click here for another adorable photo of the two together.
So, have you seen Pushing Daisies? Do you want to now? Do you just have something random to say? Let me know!
I’m watching more new shows! This time, Dexter. I’m going to try really hard not to spoil anything, but I’m so excited about this show that I can’t make any promises. Proceed with caution! (Something to keep in mind: I will always be behind on this show since we don’t get that channel… please don’t spoil me past whatever season I’ve finished! Thank you!)
My brother received Season 1 as a Christmas gift and he liked it so much that I bought him Season 2 as a birthday gift in February. I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about (and will probably order Season 3 from Amazon before even posting this blog). I knew the basic premise of the show, but oy vey, I really had no idea what I was getting into.
The title sequence may be one of the most brilliant sequences I’ve seen in a long time. I kept going “OMG IS THAT?!… wait, it’s just ham.” “AHHH… oh, just an orange.” I think I can honestly say that I’ve never felt more conflicting and disturbing emotions during a title sequence than I have with Dexter… and I think that’s exactly what they intended. The viewer learns exactly what the show will be like through this amazing sequence. Well done!
I’ll be truthful… after the very first episode, I didn’t like the show. I was mainly grossed out and very confused and I thought Dexter was kind of a freakshow. Clearly, I had no idea what I was talking about. I stuck with it, mainly because one episode is not enough to judge a show by. About halfway through Season 1, I got hooked, it was way less gross, and Dexter started seeming pretty sexy. Am I messed up in the head? Probably.
Something about this show drew me in and I’m quite happy to stay there. By the way, between the first paragraph and this one… I hopped over to Amazon to buy Season 3. Time for a quick letter: “Dear Showtime, please release Season 4 on DVD RIGHT NOW. Thank you.” Anyway. The characters are even more complicated than the cases they investigate and I really like that. It gives me a reason to care about what they are/are not doing. I can safely say that I’m hooked on Dexter now.
Here’s where I talk about the characters:
- Dexter. Alright, I’ll say it. I love him. He went from being a creepy guy in the first episode to totally sexy but still kinda freaky and so intriguing it hurts. He’s one of the most damaged characters I’ve encountered recently, over TV, movies, books or otherwise. He can’t feel anything, really, his past is tragic, his present is spent hiding behind a mask. He kills people and works for the cops. I mean, come on, complex life much?! I love the development of the character and the choices he makes, good or bad. His inner monologues always make so much SENSE, even if he’s talking about things that aren’t socially acceptable. Okay, enough rambling about how much I love Dexter.
- Debra. Honestly? She pisses me off. I know she means well most of the time and that half the problems in her relationships (Season 1, to not spoil too much) aren’t her fault but… she irks me. Maybe it’s the actress, maybe it’s the character, I can’t really pinpoint it, but I don’t like her. That being said, she’s totally integral to the show, and I like seeing how her relationship with Dexter (they’re brother/sister, FYI) unfolds and how many layers it has. But she still pisses me off.
- The Ice Truck Killer. See what I did there? With the alias instead of the character’s name? Clearly, I’m proud of myself for that. Anyway, I really enjoyed this character, both as a person and as a serial killer. As a person, very convincing (though I knew that something was “off” right away and totally predicted it), and as a serial killer, genius. This person was from Season 1, and I can’t think of a better introductory case.
- Rita. I LOVE HER. (She’s Dexter’s girlfriend, by the by.) Rita’s so sweet and wholesome… yet she’s flawed too. Chick has some pretty terrible taste in men. Well, not terrible, but she’s guilty of what a lot of us are… thinking they are one thing when they’re really another. I do hope Dexter & Rita end up together, but don’t tell me! I don’t want to be spoiled! Also, her house is freaking adorable and quaint and I want to live in it. Oh, and the actress who portrays her was also Darla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, which means I love her even more.
- Angel. He is just so sweet and well-meaning. At least once per episode, I want to give Angel a hug. He’s part comic relief, part drama, part teddy bear, part essential to the plot. He’s everything, and I have never not liked him!
- Lila. This chick is F*#&ING CRAZY! Completely off her rocker. She was fine enough when she was introduced, but by the end of Season 2, she was just batshit nuts. That’s not to say I didn’t like her, because as a character and plotline-mover, she was wildly effective… she was just crazy as all get out.
- Paul. People who read this blog know that I’ve been watching LOST since almost the beginning (S1 on DVD, then S2 on TV and on TV ever since). So, I know the actor who plays Paul from LOST, where he portrays Jacob. Jacob is kinda creepy, but pretty calm and peaceful. He always wears white, for crying out loud. When Paul burst onto the scene on this show, I was like, “WHY IS JACOB BEING DRUNK AND MEAN?!” Yes, that really happened. You can ask M. I texted her. For some reason, it was really hard for me to separate the Jacob from Paul. I don’t know why. Interesting character, though!
- Maria Laguerta. I think I like her. I’m kind of undecided… but I want to like her. She puts up this tough gal act around the station, but when we see her fighting for her friend and supporting a coworker in Season 2, there’s this human side of her that I really enjoy. And I’m starting to understand why she put up such a tough front.
- Doakes. Creepy. He’s a cop at the Miami Metro and is always going on and on about how Dexter’s a freakshow but… sorry buddy, YOU’RE the freakshow, being obsessed with Dexter and all. I’ll try to say this without ruining anything major… the outcome of the shenanigans he pulled in Season 2… totally warranted to me. Completely. Anyway, just the way he *looks* at people gives me the heebie jeebies.
There you have it, my thoughts on the main characters and happenings in Seasons 1 & 2 of Dexter. Kind of. It was more of a general overview, really. If Season 3 is crazy-amazing (and I’m going to bank on the fact that it is), expect another blog once it arrives at my house and I finish watching it! So, do you watch the show? What do you like/dislike about it? (Remember, no spoilers past Season 2 for me!)
