Becca’s Posts

February 19, 2015

The Pleasure Was All Mine

*Warning: This post contains spoilers for CBS’s Elementary Episode 3.14 “The Female of the Species.”*

Ever since last week’s episode I have been fangirling over Sherlock’s progression this past year. Elementary has become one of the very few shows I can still rely on to give me solid episodes. This week Sherlock had a new companion to help with his mystery solving, Marcus Bell. It was an utter delight to see the two of them working together. It also made me realize Sherlock indeed cannot work a case on his own anymore. He needs a sound board, and with Joan out of commision this week he seeks Bell’s company while he is on mandatory vacation. This is one similarity the two of them have. They can not sit still and relax. Bell was forced to take vacation, and Sherlock has never been known to stay still for long. He is always doing something even if only it appears to be is sitting. Sherlock knows Bell is probably restless, and so he enlists in his help to find two zeh-bras (zebras).

Bell and Sherlock have worked together before, but they have never worked together alone before. It is interesting to see how Sherlock treats Bell at the beginning of the episode with calling Bell “Detective Bell” and having him get his lunch without ordering for two compared to the end of the episode. At the end of the episode, Sherlock lets Bell sleep in while he does all the work dealing with the police to catch the zebra-napper and orders Bell breakfast before he even arrives at the diner. The most beautiful thing about this partnership was when Bell tells Sherlock it was a pleasure, Sherlock replies, “No, the pleasure was mine and mine alone, Marcus.” This sentence holds so much significance. There was one a time Sherlock probably would have replied he sure it was Bell’s pleasure. Sherlock has become somewhat humble over the past couple of years. He still has his quirks, but you can also see a part of humanity in him. He finally addresses Bell as Marcus. Bell wanted Sherlock to call him that at the beginning of the episode, but Sherlock kept being proper by calling him Detective Bell. There is now more of a sense of familiarity between the two of them at the end of the episode.

Bell also helps Sherlock where Joan is concerned. He tells Sherlock he needs to be with Joan and help her get through this time, and Sherlock does follow Bell’s advice. He visits Joan throughout the episode, cooks for her, gets her mail, and actually waits for her to let him into her apartment. While the episode showed a new closeness between Bell and Sherlock the closest relationship of the episode is still Sherlock’s and Joan’s. Sherlock is there for Joan in her time of need. It is no longer the take relationship it was at the beginning of season one. Sherlock has now learned how to give as well.

One of my disappointments with the episode is Elana March is now dead. I was hoping Joan’s nemesis would last a bit longer, but Jamie Moriarty had other plans. I had a feeling Moriarty would somehow get involved because Joan bested her in season one. Moriarty has this appreciation for Joan, and now considers her a great adversary in the chess game she and Sherlock are playing. Moriarty saw Elana as a threat, and therefore Moriarty had to get rid of her.

My greatest disappointment is with Joan’s speech to Sherlock at the end of the episode. In some ways I’m glad she is moving back in with Sherlock because it will lead to shenanigans. However, her speech left me unsettled. A part of me thought she was giving up some of her humanity with it. Only time will tell, and I hope this unsettling feeling is nothing.

February 18, 2015

I Need a Hero

*Warning: This post contains spoilers to CW’s Arrow Episode 3.13 “Canaries.”

Last week, was one of the first weeks I did not loath Laurel. At the beginning of the episode, we saw Laurel taking out a bad guy Oliver and Roy were going after. Oliver confronts Laurel, and tell her what she is doing is selfish. Laurel replies that it is not selfish and “it’s what a hero would do.” This leads to the problem I have with the show. For some reason the show believes Laurel needed to lose her boyfriend and gain a drug habit so she could find her path to being a hero. Here’s the thing. Before Laurel’s part became mostly a love interest in season one, she was a hero. She fought for justice, and she didn’t have to wear a mask to do it. The people she brought justice to thought she was a hero. You don’t need to wear a mask and prowl through the night finding criminals to fight in order to be a hero. If that was the case, Felicity would not be considered a hero.

During the episode, Laurel gets stabbed with Vertigo by The Count (these are the times I miss Lincoln Lee Seth Gabel as The Count). Her nightmare is revealed as Sara, but in reality it is her doubt in ever becoming a hero like her sister. Illusionary Sara names all of Laurel’s flaws, tells her she will never be a hero, and asks why Laurel is trying to take her place. When Laurel comes to Felicity is there, and Laurel tells Felicity, “I was crazy to think I was fit to wear Sara’s jacket. So much as follow in her footsteps.” Felicity agrees with Laurel’s statement, and the reaction on Laurel’s face is priceless. She wasn’t expecting Felicity to agree. Felicity agreed because she knows Laurel does not face the demons Sara faced. Sara didn’t just wear the mask to hide her identity, but more to hide from who she thought she was. Laurel may have seen her sister as this hero, but Sara did not see herself in that way. Heroes generally do not see themselves as heroes. It what makes them a hero. For them it is a job. Oliver is seen as a hero, but he doesn’t recognize himself being one. He recognizes being Arrow as his job, and Sara was the same. They use fighting because that is what those five years being away taught them. Both of them lost so much of their humanity with those five years. They are/were slowly gaining part of their humanity back, but the demons will always be present.

The last vision Laurel sees from her second dose of Vertigo is Sara without her Canary outfit. The two sisters may not have always been on the best of terms, but Sara would never have been like the illusion Laurel saw and Laurel knows that.

What I do wonder is if Laurel went to see her dad the same night or not because Oliver must have taken her to get the second dosage of vertigo flushed out. She did seem to have all her faculties with her when she finally told Quentin the truth about Sara. Both actors gave their best performances with the scene and it was very moving. I do wonder if Laurel had not seen Lance accusing her of not telling him and Sara’s death, how much longer Laurel would have kept the secret. I guess we can thank Vertigo for something, but will we see any ramifications of nobody telling Lance the truth?

The episode had a couple of other revelations. The DJ was revealed to Thea as a member of the League of Assassins. I’m glad they didn’t bring out the story with him. By revealing who he was, then killing him shortly after made me see a glimpse of the second season where everything was fast paced. Stories don’t need to be drawn out, or visit points Q, M, and Z when going from A to B. The DJ served his purpose, and then killed himself. His purpose was to show Thea that Ra’s al Ghul was a real threat and she needed to be prepared.

The other revelation for Thea was Oliver being Arrow. The show did right with Merlyn in this episode compared to his his “redemption” story a couple of episodes ago. He was there when Roy and Thea couldn’t handle the DJ alone, and he was the one who told Oliver (what the audience has been screaming for a very long time) he needed to tell Thea about Arrow. Of course Thea also finds out Malcolm has known about Oliver for a while now, and whatever trust Malcolm was gaining with Thea is lost. The show uses Oliver’s voice when he tells Thea he is partnering with Malcom because it is the better of two evils. However, If Oliver does not also reveal to Thea what Malcolm did to her at the beginning of this season he may also lose her trust.

Oliver may have revealed to Thea he’s Arrow, but he is still trying to hide part of it from her when he tells her to leave the basement. Roy is the one who stands up to him, and tells him Thea should not be kept out anymore. When Oliver made the decision to tell Thea about Arrow he invited her into all of it. Oliver cannot comprehend his team not jumping when he tries to enforce Thea leaving, and Felicity drops another truth bomb. They all have their own voices, and the mission became even more theirs when they thought he had died. There’s no way they are going back to the way things were before Oliver left. Now Arrow is becoming more of a partnership than ever before. Oliver considered them partners before, but he still was the leader. He is able to understand the teams reasoning when Diggle lays it out for him. Felicity may drop truth bombs, but Diggle is the guru of understanding Oliver’s way of thinking and explaining how things are to him.

Nothing really happened in the flashback front. Maseo told Oliver to get back home before Waller could find him, but Waller found him and Maseo came back for Oliver. One of the last scenes we saw of the three was them entering Starling City. Home Sweet Home. A time where Tommy was still alive. This week will hopefully be a good week with Tommy and Slade appearances.

February 13, 2015

Happy Galentine’s Day: 2015 Edition

Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. (Leslie Knope)

Happy Galentine’s Day! It is time to tell the ladies in your life that you love them. Celebrate their accomplishments, and let them know you appreciate them. This year, I decided to talk about the top five TV shows who love and appreciate the ladies on their show.

1. Jane the Virgin

The Villanuevas have this beautiful relationship. Three generations of women living together with men generally being on the sidelines.

These women all have different personalities, but they support each other through thick and thin. They are family, and have been the only ones for a long time. I love the family is so loving of each other even when they may not always agree.

Then there are the other ladies of the show. This show is predominantly a female cast, and it is beautiful for this reason. Not only does the show have women as protagonists, but they also have them as morally gray and antagonists. Sin Rostro was finally revealed to be Rose, who is not a person to be messed with. They have done amazing casting for the show, and Bridget Regan makes an excellent villain.

2. Agent Carter

Bridget Regan makes such an excellent villain she also plays one on Agent Carter. While she may play a villain on both shows, they are two completely different types of characters. Dottie is an artifact from Russia. She is an example of who Natasha Romanoff used to be. They were both brainwashed as little girls to be assassins.

The show takes place in a man’s world. The women are not treated equally, but prove time and time again they more than capable of handling themselves. Throughout the season, Peggy has been able to get the job done. She still may not have the acceptance or the equality she wishes for, but the men in her life are slowly learning she is not someone to be messed with. She was shown holding her own with the famous Howling Commandos, and already has their respect. Peggy is not someone who should be messed with.

The show also has Angie. Angie is not skilled in combat like Peggy or Dottie, but she is still a strong woman. She is her own person. Angie is amazing and will stick with you, if you treat her right.

3. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

It is important to treat someone right. Grant Ward suffered the ramifications of being a misogynist by the hands of women. Melinda May kicked his butt, Skye shot him, and Jemma Simmons threatened to kill him. The ladies on this show should not be messed with. They have their own set of skills, and are the best of the best with them. What is my favorite thing about the ladies is they each have their own personality, but they will protect each other at all costs. The core team is a family, and the ladies are there for each other through thick and thin.

Then there are the guest characters who are their own. Bobbi Morse like Melinda May is one who can kick serious butt.

Raina is the type of person who is out for their own benefit. She goes after what she wants while wearing a flower dress. The show has also had appearances from Lady Sif and Maria Hill. Lady Sif is a strong warrior and shows a great loyalty. Maria Hill is one of the most competent women I have met, and it is clear to see why Fury chose her as his second.

ABC has been running a promo for the show celebrating the ladies during Agent Carter to show how awesome the ladies are and I get giddy every time I watch it.

4. Elementary

There is only one lady who is a regular on the show, but Joan Watson is queen. She does not allow anyone to control her, and has gained the respect as well as friendship from the men in her life. At the beginning of the series, Joan was a sober companion for Sherlock, but she didn’t let him control her. Watson gained Sherlock’s respect. He also considers Watson as a true friend and partner.

The only other person who came close to being Sherlock’s partner is Kitty Winter. As much as he saved her in London, she also saved him. Kitty is another person not to be messed with. She is still growing into the person she wants to be after suffering a traumatic rape. Kitty finally got justice with them man who raped her, and he will not be forgetting her anytime soon after what she did to him. Kitty is a survivor, and I hope she will somehow appear on the show again.

The show also knows how to make impeccable villains. There is Watson’s own nemesis, Elana March, who is the boss of a mostly female ran crime ring. She reappeared last night after the female assassin she hired failed to murder Joan. By the end of the show, the assassin was murdered by the number one villain of the show, Moriarty. Natalie Dormer wins at all things, and her Irene Adler/Moriarty is flawless. She is Sherlock’s equal, and the only one who was able to read her was Watson. While there may not be that women on this show, the ones they have are so intricate. It is fascinating to see them work.

5. Parks and Recreation

The reason why I even celebrate Galentine’s Day is because of this show. The ladies are versatile, and do not let men control them. Leslie, April, and Donna are all married now, but the most beautiful thing about their marriages is they are equal partners.

This week’s episode was an excellent example of what feminism stands for and how it truly works. The show has these amazing ladies, and the support and confidence they have for each other is empowering.

These ladies have control over their lives, and are there for each other. They celebrate each other all throughout the year, but still have Galentine’s Day in order to recognize each other over breakfast food.

It is so powerful to see ladies supporting other ladies instead of degrading one another. Today is Galentine’s Day, but this doesn’t mean you should stop celebrating the ladies in your life or stop telling them how much you appreciate them any other day.

February 10, 2015

5 Reasons Why You Should Own 101 Dalmatians

*Warning: This post contains spoilers for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.*

101 Dalmatians was released on Blu-Ray/DVD today. I grew up with this movie, and my love for it has only grown. It was one of the few animated Disney films that didn’t include prince and princesses. It was a film where Pongo was the lead, and his human, Roger, was a background character. This movie is a classic, and needs to be in every Disney collection for multiple reasons.

5. The Barking Chain

Be honest. After watching 101 Dalmatians, you wonder if the barking chain really exists when several dogs start barking. You want them to have their own message system because it was essential to the movie. If the barking chain didn’t exist, the puppies may have never lived.

 

 

4. Cruella De Vil

Cruella wasn’t a witch. She was simple a woman who loved fur coats. Some of the most nastiest villains are humans. Cruella is at the top with villains because she chooses to skin puppy dogs for a new coat.

 

3. Heart

The multiple relationships shown in this movie is enough of a reason to watch it. Pongo and Perdita go the distance to find and save their children. They couples show healthy, loving relationships. Then there are the relationships the humans have with the dogs. They are more than just pets, they are family. You want the happiness for this family. Hearts will still sing for joy when Lucky is revealed to be alive and not dead after the hundredth rewatch.

 

2. Roger

Roger was one of my first loves. What sealed it for me was the scene he created his song about Cruella De Vil. There was something about his attitude I was attracted to at an early age. He may not be classically good looking by Disney standards, but the attitude they gave him all the more appealing.

 

1. The Puppies are Fandom

As the film goes on, you may come to discover you share many things in common with the puppies personality wise. I believe the younger generation of dogs would have been all over Tumblr if it had existed back then.

 

February 3, 2015

“With Questions Everywhere”

Galavant ended last week, and I’m still going through the five stages of grief with the season ending. I could always rely on the show to make me laugh, and I probably laughed the hardest when Galavant and King Richard got drunk together. I hope Galavant does get renewed if only to give us a Galavant and King Richard buddy show. Both of them are egotistical, but it is hard not to love the two of them.

 

One of the first things we learned from this series is nothing ever goes right for Galavant. He doesn’t get his moment without it being spoiled, but this is what makes the show great. Seeing the mishaps that follow Galavant made the show enjoyable. From Galavant not being able to move after training so hard trying to get back into shape to ending up on a boat with King Richard at the end of the season. Galavant went on a hero’s journey to defeat Richard, but ended up being his new companion. Galavant may not enjoy his new situation, but I greatly enjoy it especially if Hugh Bonneville is one of the pirates.

 

It would be interesting to see Richard in a new setting. At the beginning of the series, Richard appeared to be this evil man who would let his henchman do all his dirty work. However, before the first night was over the audience learned he was rather a pansy. He became one of the most loved characters on the show who Lassiter from Psych would find a disgrace to humanity. It is one of the reasons why I love Timothy Omundson. He is capable of making an adolescent king enjoyable like he did with a gun loving, straight-laced detective.

 

One thing which made his character even more enjoyable was Richard’s friendship with Gareth. The two had the best relationship on the show. So many kudos need to be given to Timothy Omundson and Vinnie Jones for what they did in this series. The two characters were opposites in almost every way, but while Gareth may have been a man’s man he never forsook his king and friend for long. Gareth took made an oath when he was a child to protect Richard, and he kept it. He may not have always been a fan of Richard being a wuss, but Richard was his friend. He was loyal to him, and continued to protect his friend until the very end. He knew Richard needed to leave, and Galavant would be able to protect him.

 

However, one of the things that didn’t set well with the finale was Madalena having Gareth join her to rule the kingdom. It will be interesting to see that dynamic, if there is a second season. What I don’t understand is why Madalena had him join her. He could have been her henchman. Madalena already discovered in order to get what she wanted all she needed was herself. In order to get rid of her husband, Richard, she sent for his brother, Kingsly, to take the kingdom with her at his side. She then stabbed Kingsly in the finale, and took over the kingdom. Madalena knows what she wants and she goes after it. It is the reason why I question why is Gareth ruling right beside her?

 

The finale also showed Princess Isabella being placed in a guarded room alone by her cousin. If Galavant does get a season two, I hope it does not show Isabella waiting for Galavant to save her. The series taught us early on Isabella is not a damsel in distress when she trained Galavant for the joust. I hope Isabella will not take being locked in a room lying down. She is more than capable of handling herself.

 

 

It would be great if she is able to escape and set off on her own journey to save Sid from Gareth. Imagine if part of season two was Galavant off to find her, while she is off to save Sid and find Galavant. They could miss each other by minutes a couple of times before being reunited, or completely disregard the used plot line and find each other immediately. Whatever happens someone please save Sid. The show was quite enjoyable when it had the three of them on their hero’s journey.

 

Finally, there’s Vincenzo, the chef, who was a breakout star. I was not expecting his role to big as big as it was, but he was a delight to watch. I hope Vicenzo does get a happy ending whether it is with homicidal Gwynne or someone else.

 

Here’s hoping Galavant does get a season two. It was a bright spot for cold winter nights, and it would be even brighter if the Lord Grantham and Daisy are able to be in a scene together. Of course it would also be amazing if we got to see Giles Anthony Head again as well.

 

 

January 29, 2015

“Is That Pistol an Automatic?”

***Warning: This post contains spoilers for ABC’s Agent Carter Episode 1.04, “The Blitzkrieg Button.”

Agent Carter is half way over, and Howard Stark is back in town. Peggy’s and Howard’s relationship piqued my interest when I watched Captain America for the first time. Howard was proof that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree with his character being a playboy genius just like his son, Tony Stark. This is why I loved the fact Howard and Peggy appeared to be buddies. Howard admires Peggy, and considers her a pal (who he will still hit on).

 

With Howard showing up, comes another mission for Peggy. Peggy is tasked with taking pictures of all the inventions the SSR has of Howard’s, but first Howard feels the need to take a selfie with Peggy.

 

After Peggy successfully takes the photos she goes back to her lodgings where she has smuggled Howard in for him to lay low. Of course Howard is a challenge because he is now in a building full of young attractive girls. Peggy is able to rein him in, but it is probably the most difficult challenge she has had to face this season so far.

 

Howard informs Peggy he needs her to steal one of his inventions back because it is extremely dangerous. Peggy is a little skeptical, but goes along with it. Howard’s her friend, and she trusts him. However, Jarvis is a horrible liar, and Peggy knows there is something Howard is not telling her. She steals the item, but decides to find out what the invention truly is. It turns out it is a vial of blood. She goes back and confronts Howard about it. Howard knows she already knows who blood it is when she is demanding him to tell her whose blood he has. The blood is Steve Roger’s.  Howard lied to her.

This is what Jarvis and Howard were talking about in the premiere. About Howard lying to her. Yes, recovering Howard’s inventions were important, but this vial was his true motive. He knew Peggy could find and recover his stuff, but also knew Peggy might decline if he told her the truth.

My favorite scene of the night was Peggy confronting Howard. She has every right to be upset. One of her friends betrayed her, and what made it worse was it involved Steve. Peggy has risked her job so Howard could have his vial of Steve’s blood.

 

The scene also shows us a glimpse of another side of Howard. The man is extremely egotistical, but the scene showed how important Peggy is to him. He let her inside by telling her how he grew up.

I grew up on the lower east side. My father sold fruit. My mother sewed shirt waists for a factory. Let me tell you. You don’t get to climb the American ladder without picking up some bad habits on the way. There’s a ceiling for certain types of people. Based on how much money your parents have. Your social class, your religion, your sex. The only way to break through that ceiling sometimes is to lie so that’s my natural instinct. To lie.  I shouldn’t have lied to you. And for that, trust me I am truly sorry.

Peggy then asks why he has Steve’s blood, and Howard tells her his hopes about curing diseases. Peggy isn’t buying that it is for a selfless reason, and you can see the hurt in Howard’s face.

 

The truth is Peggy did trust Howard, and he lied to her. Howard is relying on Jarvis to make things better, but Howard is going to need to do the groveling. He knew how important Steve was because Steve was also important to him. Lying may protect someone for a little while, but in the long run it doesn’t do any good. The truth will come out, and friendships will be damaged.

 

The one thing that made the confrontation even more amped up was the scene Peggy has with Jack Thompson. He doesn’t understand why Peggy stays at the SSR because all she does is wait on the men. Jack is an antagonist for Peggy, but what makes it conflicting is he is not a bad guy. He is only a colleague who is a massive jerk. He is part of the problem where women are not treated as equals. He knows what Peggy wants, but he also believes no man will consider her equal with himself.

 

What really caught my interest was him remarking that it was sad. Jack is A grade a jerk when it comes to Peggy, and it is pretty much the only thing we have seen of him in the series. He’s a man’s man, but this episode showed something else. It wasn’t much, but there was a small sense of isolation or loss with his character. The war affected him. It affected everyone on this show.

 

Other highlights: Stan Lee’s cameo.

 

The revelation of Dottie apparently having a love for automatic weapons.

I have a feeling it will be revealed soon that Dottie is a villain. After all, women can make great villains just as great as they can make awesome heroines.

 

January 24, 2015

“I Think We’re Going to be Fine.”

Let’s talk about Ron and Leslie. Earlier this week, Parks and Recreation had a bottle episode mainly featuring Ron and Leslie locked in the parks department. The rest of the old parks team had locked them in because the two of them needed to hash things out. Ron and Leslie had one of the greatest relationships on the show, and it was affecting both of them negatively by no longer being friends.

The series began with Ron as Leslie’s boss who was anti-government, while Leslie was pro-government. They were exact opposites, but over the course of the show they became incredibly close.

The first real appearance of this great friendship was in 2.08, “Ron and Tammy.” At the beginning of the episode, Leslie does not realize how evil Tammy 2 is, and tries to reunite her with Ron. However, as the episode continues Leslie begins to see the error in her ways. In the end, Leslie is willing to give up the lot for the park so Ron can be free from Tammy’s clutches. Leslie cares more for Ron than getting her park, and Ron knows how much the park means to her.

You just put my needs in front of your own. No woman has ever done that for me before.

 

Leslie will always be in Ron’s corner when one of the Tammys tries to ensnare him. She even joined a drinking contest with all the Tammys to save him from them.

When Tammy 2 makes her fourth appearance while Ron is dating Diane (5.09,”Ron and Diane”), Leslie tries to run interference because she knows how good Diane is for Ron. What is most interesting about this episode is Diane is not threatened by Tammy 2, but she does feel threatened of Leslie. Ron is not known to have real close friendships, but Leslie is an exception.

Leslie understands Ron. Both Ann and Ben have commiserated together about Leslie being this gift guru, and Leslie is a gift guru to all. When Leslie finds out when Ron’s birthday is, she lets him freak out the whole week thinking she is going to go crazy with his birthday. However, her gift to him is a night of peace and quiet with his favorite meal and films. The one gift that tops this one happens in 6.02 “London: Part 2.” Leslie gives Ron detailed instructions for a trip ending up at his favorite scotch distillery, and the poem (“O Were My Love Yon Lilack Fair”) he is supposed to recite there.

What solidified this relationship was Ron gaining a respect for Leslie in  2.10, “Hunting Trip.” Ron goes through half the episode believing Leslie shot him in the back of the head. At the end of the episode, it is revealed Leslie is not the one who shot Ron. Tom is the one who shot Ron, but Leslie took the blame because Tom didn’t have a hunting license. When Ron learns Leslie took the fall for Tom, he gains a new respect for her.

Even when Ron and Leslie disagree they are still able to come to terms. In 4.04, “Pawnee Rangers,” Ron’s rangers desert him for Leslie’s group. However, Leslie makes an advert in the paper for a new group of children called The Swansons.

Are you tough as nails? Would you rather sleep on a bed of pine needles than a mattress? Do you find video games pointless and shopping malls stupid? Do you march to the beat of your own drummer?Did you make the drum yourself? If so, you just might have what it takes to be a Swanson. Pawnee’s most hardcore outdoor club starts today. Boys and girls welcome. Pawnee City Hall – Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Later, Ron and Leslie butt heads again when the compete for Allison Gliffert’s future plans in 6.18 “Prom.” Ron wants Allison to learn a trade while Leslie wants Allison to work for the government. Leslie sees herself in Allison, but more importantly Leslie would feel better if the Pawnee government was in safe hands if she decided to leave. Leslie has a fantastic job offer, but she doesn’t want to see Pawnee fail with the Pawnee-Eagleton merger. Ron, is able to give Leslie sound advice when she confesses her worries to him. It is another thing that makes this a beautiful friendship. They may not always agree, but Leslie can always count on Ron to give her sound advice.

 

They are so important to each other. Ron not only makes Leslie’s and Ben’s wedding rings, but he is also the one who gives Leslie away.

As for Ron’s wedding, he actually lets her be involved with his simple wedding to Diane.

 

It is hard to believe these two stopped being friends at one point.  What makes it hurt even more is that in 2.20, “Summer Catalog.” Ron and Leslie are seen at the diner eating breakfast food. Ron is comforting Leslie in his Ron fashion about her ideas on how the picnic she planned with all the former Parks directors was a disaster. She thought it would be fun, but instead she finds out they all hate each other. She confides in Ron about what she wanted and also her fears.

Are we going to hate each other some day?

I don’t think so. I think we’re going to be fine.

I decided to rewatch this episode after this week’s Parks and Recreation because of the breakfast line. What I forgot were the lines before it. Ron and Leslie did get in a fight. It was a terrible fight, and if it wasn’t for their friends they would still be fighting. Instead we saw Leslie hugging Ron from behind while they went off to eat more breakfast food because people who don’t always eat breakfast food are idiots.

January 15, 2015

In the Year 2017

WARNING: This post contains spoilers to NBC’s Parks and Recreation Episode 7.01, “2017.”

Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing Ron and Leslie are no longer friends.

Sure they have always had different ideas on how government should work, but they also believed in each other. Leslie would always seek Ron for advice on what she should do. She also understood who Ron is and gave him some of the best presents. Their relationship is so close that Ron’s wife, Diane, was never scared of Tammy 2 interfering, but she was wary of Ron’s and Leslie’s friendship. What makes this worse is they destroyed the Bicentennial cake. How long will this fight last? How many deserts will perish until they become friends again?

This wasn’t the only thing that has changed because three years do make an impact whether we want it to or not. No one is still in the local park department (which makes me wonder who is working there now). They have all grown, and while this is great development you see the slight changes it has made. Leslie is no longer as close to Donna or Tom as she once was.

She didn’t know the moment Donna became engaged. This is one of the fatalities that may occur when you no longer see someone day after day. It is easier to lose touch, or not be as close as you once were. Luckily, the Leslie we have all grown to love has rectified this mistake by the end of the episode and has made amends to Tom and Donna.

As for Tom, he has finally become the mogul he always wanted to be, and still contains his own personal swag. The premiere revisits Tom’s and Ben’s friendship. This friendship has been less highlighted throughout the series, but it is still important. It is another friendship where it seems like they would have nothing in common, but they will be there for each other in the end. While Tom may screw up from time to time, he still is able to make amends. The speech he was supposed to give was heartwarming and it left both him and Ben in tears.

Finally, there was the April’s and Andy’s story line which I found most relatable. Over the past three years April and Andy have started to become boring adults, and it freaks them out when they realize what they have become.

They try to become spontaneous as they once were at the party, but they are not able to capture it like they did when they tried to see who could get the most free stuff in the bar a few years back. While April is still mourning this new stage in their life, they come across a haunted house that is perfect for them. As Andy points out, they are able to buy it because they have been starting to act like responsible adults. Even though both of them have become more responsible, they are still able to maintain the personalities we love.

This episode was a reminder to me of how much these characters have changed, and how greatly I still love them. So if anyone wants to discuss Parks and Recreation with me, I’ll be at Subway.

January 2, 2015

Most Anticipated Top 5 Mid-Season Premieres

Happy 2015! I am incredibly excited for the mid-season premieres, but there is a part of me is filled with sorrow at the same time. Two great shows are taking their final bow, and will be greatly missed once they are finished. However, let us rejoice the fact they get to end the way they want to end.

The first show is Parks and Recreation. It is the last show from NBC’s golden Thursday night comedy left (still on NBC). They decided to make a time jump into the year 2017, and I have faith this show has been able to handle the transition. The rest of the world is slowly finding out this cast is amazing, but we have already known this for at least six seasons. It is time to ‘Treat Yo Self’ to final season of some of the greatest characters on TV. – Premiering: Tuesday, January 13th, 8 P.M. – 9 P.M. on NBC (two shows/per week)

 

 

The other show ending after this season is Justified. I know without a doubt this show will end with a bang. My only fear is either Raylan Givens, Boyd Crowder, or both will finally die. These two are the definition of frenemies. Two boys who grew up together to dig coal with each other, only to be on opposite sides of the law now. It was always great to see them play for the same team, but it wouldn’t be a final season without seeing them pitted against the other. – Premiering: Tuesday, January 20th, 10 P.M. on FX

 

 

Then we have new and upcoming shows I wish all the success for. They show promise, and I deeply hope I will not be disappointed with them.

The first is Marvel’s Agent Carter. Someone at Marvel studios is showing intelligence by creating a show about Peggy Carter. Marvel has many great female characters who all deserve to shine, and I hope this show proves they need to focus on the female characters in this universe just as much as the male characters. Women are heroes. They are intelligent people who can kick butt. (I also jumped for joy when I found out the Russo brothers were directing a couple of episodes) – Premiering: Tuesday, January 6th, 8 P.M. on ABC (two hour special; will air at 9 P.M. in the weeks to follow)

 

 

Galavant. The one thing that made the finale Psych hurt a little bit less (it still hurts) was Timothy Omundson coming back to my TV screen. What makes it even better is seeing him turn from a goes by the book detective to the evil king (If you haven’t watched Psych, I would suggest watching a couple of episodes before watching this show.) What makes it even better is Vinnie Jones plays his henchman. Also, Magnitude Luke Youngblood will say more than “Pop! Pop!” in the show. And let’s face it, you will probably see ‘All about that Sasse (Joshua Sasse plays Galavant)’ at least once before the show is half way through. – Premiering: Sunday, January 4th, 8 P.M. on ABC

 

 

iZombie. How is it The CW is becoming the network most of my favorite shows are on? The number has gone from only one show I watch (Arrow) to three thanks to the premieres of The Flash and Jane the Virgin. I will admit the number one reason why I am so interested in this show is because Rob Thomas is the creator. The man gave us Veronica Mars. It also doesn’t hurt I enjoyed Rose McIver when she played Tink on Once Upon a Time. Premiering: TBD

December 25, 2014

The Hopes and Dreams for 2015

Merry Christmas! I hope whoever reads this list is having a Holly Jolly Christmas because I do believe it is one of the best times of the year. Here is my wish list for TV next year. Yes, I know some will not come true, but a girl can dream can’t she?

Arrow – We get a hint or find out who Felicity’s father is. We know Felicity’s father left them when she was a young girl, but there is so much story potential with her character with adding who the missing father is. Basically I need more of Felicity’s story or more storyline for her that doesn’t involve Palmer.

 

More crossovers between The Flash and Arrow. The crossover made a great two hour event with characters from both shows intermingling. Felicity Smoak and Caitlin Snow are great when in scenes together. I want more female friendships on this show because they are both sorely lacking when it comes to highlighting that aspect. Also, it would be great for Quentin Lance and Joe West to finally meet and tell each other their woes with dealing with Arrow and The Flash.

 

My final Arrow wish is they bring back Tommy Merlyn and Sara Lance. If they can bring back Malcolm (and they are definitely bringing back Oliver), they should bring back these two. Especially Sara who only was killed for a plot device. How many characters who have so much potential will still be killed as plot devices?

 

 

No more deaths in mid-season finales or season finales. Yes, I know deaths are necessary on shows, but it is starting to get a little predictable with who will die and when they will die on the show. Kill a person on a random episode. Let it be less predictable. (Yes, I know I’m delusional for wishing this, and it will never happen.)

 

For Selfie to be resurrected. The world is better with Henry and Eliza. I am better with Henry and Eliza.

 

 

Both Galavant and Agent Carter are successes. Once Upon a Time is a royal mess, it might have been better if it made fun of itself a little more. This is why I hope Galavant is what Once Upon a Time is not.

 

 

As for Agent Carter I want this show to be amazingly successful because they are focusing on a female as the main lead. If this is successful, it can branch out for more females in the Marvel universe to be highlighted. I still desperately need a Black Widow movie.

 

Community has a great season six. It is sad to see only four members remain of the Greendale Seven. However, I am interested in seeing how Paget Brewster and Keith David will interact with the group. I am especially interested in seeing the episode with Britta’s parents. I have my fingers crossed for at least one Clue reference.

 

Someone gets Emily Kinney back onto the small screen or big screen soon. She is a delight, and it was sad to see her character become a plot device on The Walking Dead.

 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz start getting some field training. I really wish Bobbi will train Jemma because I think that could be a beautiful friendship. I also think Jemma is very likely an unsuspecting deadly force to be reckoned with.

 

Finally, The 100 gets renewed. This wish is for my friends who love the show.