WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR RIVERDALE
Riverdale has come to Netflix y'all and it's the best thing ever. If you are unfamiliar with the show, it's a series created by CW that's a modern adaptation of the original Archie comics. If you like murder mysteries and drama, then this show is the one for you. The show revolves around the murder of Riverdale town resident, Jason Blossom. It's a classic whodunnit with enough drama to keep you obsessing over the series until you finish. I binge watched the first season in a little under a week, and let me tell you, this series is an emotional roller coaster.
I've found myself so intrigued with the characters of this series. Despite the small amount of episodes, you feel like you really get to know them. I don't know how true the writers stayed to the comics, but from what I've heard characters such as Betty and Jughead were spot on from the comics, and that makes me very happy to hear. The series has definitely gotten me interested in reading the comics just so I can get more of the characters.
Let's talk about the acting on this show. For starters, the actors don't look like sophomores in high school, they're all way too beautiful. But anyway the acting is decent, good enough for the story to continue on and for me to enjoy it. KJ Apa, aka Archie has a spot on American accent, despite being from New Zealand. Camila Mendes, aka Veronica's acting was kinda spotty at times. Writers made her character someone straight out of a show like "Gossip Girl." I really wish they had Veronica stick to her goal in the first couple episodes which was to be a good person. This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I really do love Veronica, I just wish they didn't make her a exact copy of every snobby New York rich girl. The actress who plays Cheryl (whose name escapes me at the moment), wasn't the best actress either. However, Cole Sprouse as Jughead was phenomenal. His character was exactly what the show needed. I hadn't seen Cole act since his Disney days, but you could tell he really got into his role as Jughead. Him and Betty are so cute. Jughead is the kind of character you always root for.
The ending of the first season was so dramatic and I can't wait to see what happens next. This series is a perfect show if you're just looking for something to watch. Besides the whole Archie dating Ms. Grundy thing, and the Betty thinks she's Polly thing, the show is pretty solid and I totally recommend it.
Friday, June 2, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
I am so hyped! The new season of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" comes out today! I've probably seen the trailer 100000 times because I'm so excited. I've been craving new episodes and they're finally here. This show makes me feel so happy and cheery I'm so glad it's finally back.
For those who don't know, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" is about... Kimmy Schmidt... shocker right? But it's actually about Kimmy Schmidt and her adventures around New York after being rescued from an underground bunker which also happened to be a cult. I know it sounds kind of silly, and that's exactly what it is, but that's what makes it so fun. There's not a single character on this show that I don't like. And Titus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. In the trailer for the new season, he walks around in a yellow dress doing a parody of "Hold Up" by Beyonce after he thinks his boyfriend is cheating on him and it's the funniest thing I've ever seen.
I also feel like when I grow up, I'm going to be Lillian. It's really inevitable. We're both terrified of change and are suspicious of literally everyone and everything. I'm going to end up being the crazy lady with the crazy hair that says the most random things, and I've accepted that.
This show really just makes me smile. It's not hard to follow and it's fun for everyone. It's a nice break for me after something gets real intense on "House of Cards." I even got my brother into it and now he can't stop watching Titus's rendition of "Peeno Noir."
Overall, I'm just so excited to get home and start watching it again. As a big Tina Fey fan, I'm hoping she comes back to the show because even though she produces it, I think she's so funny on it as well. If you haven't watched this show yet, then I don't know what you're doing with your life. Check it out!
For those who don't know, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" is about... Kimmy Schmidt... shocker right? But it's actually about Kimmy Schmidt and her adventures around New York after being rescued from an underground bunker which also happened to be a cult. I know it sounds kind of silly, and that's exactly what it is, but that's what makes it so fun. There's not a single character on this show that I don't like. And Titus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. In the trailer for the new season, he walks around in a yellow dress doing a parody of "Hold Up" by Beyonce after he thinks his boyfriend is cheating on him and it's the funniest thing I've ever seen.
I also feel like when I grow up, I'm going to be Lillian. It's really inevitable. We're both terrified of change and are suspicious of literally everyone and everything. I'm going to end up being the crazy lady with the crazy hair that says the most random things, and I've accepted that.
This show really just makes me smile. It's not hard to follow and it's fun for everyone. It's a nice break for me after something gets real intense on "House of Cards." I even got my brother into it and now he can't stop watching Titus's rendition of "Peeno Noir."
Overall, I'm just so excited to get home and start watching it again. As a big Tina Fey fan, I'm hoping she comes back to the show because even though she produces it, I think she's so funny on it as well. If you haven't watched this show yet, then I don't know what you're doing with your life. Check it out!
Friday, May 12, 2017
Lovesick
Let's talk about the Netflix original series "Lovesick" and why it's so awesome. I watched this series over the summer and recently came back to it this week. I forgot how much I loved (no pun intended) this show. At first I wasn't sure on how I felt about the show, but after a couple of episodes I fell in love with it fast. The show is about a guy named Dylan and after he contracts chlamydia, he has to track down all the previous people he has slept with. Each episode has the name of the girl he's talking to and looks back on the memories of how Dylan met them. Trust me, the show is better than it sounds. The show is formatted as a series of flashbacks, letting the viewer see Dylan's journey and what he's been through for the past couple of years. The show is also about Dylan's love for his best friend Evie, and her love for Dylan even though she's getting married. They both clearly love each other, but timing is a barrier that their relationship seems to face repeatedly.
I've seen an article (I'll link it down below) claiming that this show quite similar to "How I Met Your Mother" and while I'd have to agree on some aspects I think the way each show is presented to the viewer is different. I see the comparison in some respects like that Luke is similar to the quick-witted Barney and that Dylan's quest for love is similar to Ted's, but since "Lovesick" isn't offered in a single perspective, I think you get to see a different relationship between the main cast. But this blog isn't about "How I Met Your Mother," it's about "Lovesick" so let me explain why the show is so good on its own merits.
First of all, it's hilarious. Luke and Angus are the comic relief characters we all need in our lives. Not a lot of shows can make me laugh out loud, but this one definitely can. Luke is especially funny because he breaks the romantic tension between Luke and Evie, Angus is just kind of there, but at times he can truly crack me up with his awkward antics. The humor isn't as in your face as other sitcoms are, but it's still amazing.
Another thing I love about this show is that it feels a lot more real than most sitcoms. It's not a constant back and forth of "do they like me? do they not?" there's more substance to it if that makes sense. The show relies on timing and the development of the characters to explain the flaws of Evie and Dylan's relationship. They both like each other, that'snot the problem it's just a matter of where they are as a person mentally and if they're ready for that kind of relationship. The show is just so well developed and you really end up falling in love with the characters.
Yesterday I found out that this show would be renewed for a season 3 and I'm so excited. I really hope this show has the chance to expand in the future and become something that's more recognized.
Here's the article I was talking about before:
Friday, April 28, 2017
13 Reasons Why I Don't Like 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why? Welcome to your tape. I know this is a very unpopular opinion so please don't kill me. I've watched 7/13 episodes of the show, so I think I've made reasonable conclusions about the show based on what I've seen. However if you like the show, I totally respect your opinion and you're absolutely entitled to it. Before you tell me all about how I can't know about the show until I know the ending, I know the ending. My brother spoiled it for me. Spoilers ahead obviously. So yeah let's go.
1. The episodes drag on and on and on. This show is paced horribly. I ended up pretty much falling asleep during every episode. It includes details that contribute nothing to the plot and everything just sounds like filler.
2. You can't tell whose tape is whose. It really bothers me that even though the episodes that are supposed to focus on one specific person, they really just don't do that. The episodes don't seem unique to a specific person and a bunch of stories are just jumbled together. I found myself constantly checking to see whose tape it was actually supposed to be. When it was supposed to be Tyler's tape I thought it was Courtney's, when it was Jessica's tape I thought it was Alex's. It's just a mess and does nothing but confuse me.
3. There's little to no character development. Despite the episodes supposedly focusing on one person, I have no feeling towards any of the characters (except maybe Tony). The show seems to say so much, but so little at the same time. Like the episode with Justin's tape, even though it was Justin's tape, 6 episodes later I still know pretty much nothing about him besides the fact he plays basketball(?) and is dating Jessica. The show has too many characters to work with and I've gotten to the point where I just don't care what happens to them.
4. They make the school too ignorant. I get that schools can be somewhat oblivious to these things, but you're telling me no janitor or building service staff saw those nasty words in the girl's bathroom stall? And that they didn't report them? No way. Why would a school keep something like that? It just seems too unrealistic. At least the school would've painted over or it or something. Also when that picture of Hannah went around to everyone in the school you're telling me no counselor or staff member wanted to talk to Hannah to see if she was ok?
5. I don't like Clay. I'm sorry, I just don't. There's not really an explanation for this one.
6. Bad acting. The acting is honestly horrific, I can't really stand it. With the scene between Jessica and Hannah, when Jessica slapped Hannah I laughed (whoops). Also the actors are way too old to be high schoolers, just thought I'd point that out..
7. Hannah shows no mental health issues throughout the story. You don't just wake up one morning and think you're going to kill yourself. That just doesn't happen. Suicide usually happens after a struggle with some form of depression or mental health issue. We never saw Hannah go through any of that. The fact that the show totally glosses over it doesn't portray suicide in an accurate way.
8. Hannah and Clay's relationship is too confusing. One episode they're friends and Hannah jumps on him and calls him Helmet, the next episode they're just sitting across the room from each other at a dance staring at each other without speaking a word. I don't understand. I get they hook up later or something but there's too much confusion with where they stand.
9. The show promotes the message that to get revenge on people you can kill yourself. This should not be the only solution to Hannah's struggles, but it's the only one the show seems to care about.
10. Hannah is petty. Hannah had every right to kill herself after what she went through, but to constantly pin her problems on others to make them feel guilty? I didn't hear Clay's tape, but he's going to have to live with the fact that he was apart of Hannah's death for the rest of his life, and that's not right.
11. Hannah's parents. I don't think the show ever explained why didn't Hannah talk to her parents. They seemed to have a good relationship and the Mom obviously cares a lot about Hannah to sue the school. In fact why didn't Hannah talk to anyone? Why did we never see her go through this struggle of deciding who or if she should tell anyone? Did her parents never check up on her?
12. There's no need for the show to show such a graphic suicide. My only question for this is why. Why would they show this. The whole show leads up to this suicide like it's a good thing to be honest. What was the purpose of showing such a graphic suicide. It was probably the realest portrayal of suicidal tendencies in the whole show, but still there was no need to show it.
13. The show romanticizes suicide. Hannah has an intricate plan about how she's going to make it everybody's fault when she kills herself. She's planned everything out so well and it's just unrealistic. All she's doing with this whole thing is give people ideas. People with actual problems may see this and make their own scheme on how to be like Hannah. And that's wrong.
1. The episodes drag on and on and on. This show is paced horribly. I ended up pretty much falling asleep during every episode. It includes details that contribute nothing to the plot and everything just sounds like filler.
2. You can't tell whose tape is whose. It really bothers me that even though the episodes that are supposed to focus on one specific person, they really just don't do that. The episodes don't seem unique to a specific person and a bunch of stories are just jumbled together. I found myself constantly checking to see whose tape it was actually supposed to be. When it was supposed to be Tyler's tape I thought it was Courtney's, when it was Jessica's tape I thought it was Alex's. It's just a mess and does nothing but confuse me.
3. There's little to no character development. Despite the episodes supposedly focusing on one person, I have no feeling towards any of the characters (except maybe Tony). The show seems to say so much, but so little at the same time. Like the episode with Justin's tape, even though it was Justin's tape, 6 episodes later I still know pretty much nothing about him besides the fact he plays basketball(?) and is dating Jessica. The show has too many characters to work with and I've gotten to the point where I just don't care what happens to them.
4. They make the school too ignorant. I get that schools can be somewhat oblivious to these things, but you're telling me no janitor or building service staff saw those nasty words in the girl's bathroom stall? And that they didn't report them? No way. Why would a school keep something like that? It just seems too unrealistic. At least the school would've painted over or it or something. Also when that picture of Hannah went around to everyone in the school you're telling me no counselor or staff member wanted to talk to Hannah to see if she was ok?
5. I don't like Clay. I'm sorry, I just don't. There's not really an explanation for this one.
6. Bad acting. The acting is honestly horrific, I can't really stand it. With the scene between Jessica and Hannah, when Jessica slapped Hannah I laughed (whoops). Also the actors are way too old to be high schoolers, just thought I'd point that out..
7. Hannah shows no mental health issues throughout the story. You don't just wake up one morning and think you're going to kill yourself. That just doesn't happen. Suicide usually happens after a struggle with some form of depression or mental health issue. We never saw Hannah go through any of that. The fact that the show totally glosses over it doesn't portray suicide in an accurate way.
8. Hannah and Clay's relationship is too confusing. One episode they're friends and Hannah jumps on him and calls him Helmet, the next episode they're just sitting across the room from each other at a dance staring at each other without speaking a word. I don't understand. I get they hook up later or something but there's too much confusion with where they stand.
9. The show promotes the message that to get revenge on people you can kill yourself. This should not be the only solution to Hannah's struggles, but it's the only one the show seems to care about.
10. Hannah is petty. Hannah had every right to kill herself after what she went through, but to constantly pin her problems on others to make them feel guilty? I didn't hear Clay's tape, but he's going to have to live with the fact that he was apart of Hannah's death for the rest of his life, and that's not right.
11. Hannah's parents. I don't think the show ever explained why didn't Hannah talk to her parents. They seemed to have a good relationship and the Mom obviously cares a lot about Hannah to sue the school. In fact why didn't Hannah talk to anyone? Why did we never see her go through this struggle of deciding who or if she should tell anyone? Did her parents never check up on her?
12. There's no need for the show to show such a graphic suicide. My only question for this is why. Why would they show this. The whole show leads up to this suicide like it's a good thing to be honest. What was the purpose of showing such a graphic suicide. It was probably the realest portrayal of suicidal tendencies in the whole show, but still there was no need to show it.
13. The show romanticizes suicide. Hannah has an intricate plan about how she's going to make it everybody's fault when she kills herself. She's planned everything out so well and it's just unrealistic. All she's doing with this whole thing is give people ideas. People with actual problems may see this and make their own scheme on how to be like Hannah. And that's wrong.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Casting JonBenet
Netflix announced a new original series to arrive on its platform this April, "Casting JonBenet." Since the release of the trailer, I've watched it about 700 times. I'm a big conspiracy nut, so let's just say I'm excited about this.
If you're unfamiliar with the murder of 6 year old pageant queen JonBenet Ramsey, let me give you the summary. On the day after Christmas in 1996, JonBenet was found murdered in her home in Boulder, Colorado. A ransom note was found in the house, eight hours after she was reported missing. The case was being followed nationwide and gathered a lot of media attention. To this day, no one knows who actually killed JonBenet. There are hundreds of different theories about the case. Most point the finger at either Patsy (who is now dead as well) or John Ramsey, her parents. Some even look to JonBenet's brother, Burke, who was 9 years old at the time, and firmly believe he killed his sister. And then there are the people who think someone else may have killed her. The case itself is really unique and fascinating, if you're interested I suggest you dive into the rabbit hole that is this case.
But anyway back to the series. The trailer depicts the series of being a documentary/reenactment. But if no one knows who killed JonBenet, how can they do a reenactment, you ask. Well here's the interesting part. The series is a reenactment of what people in JonBenet's hometown believe to have happened. There are multiple scenarios and so many theories and they're going to reenact a bunch of them. I don't think you understand how excited this makes me. I've always been fascinated by this case and I want to learn what people who experienced this case know. It's eye-opening if you ask me. To see what the people in this town have gone through, to see their own individual perspectives of the story. It's just so cool!
I personally think Burke killed his sister and his parents covered it up for him. I know that sounds a little dark, but the ransom note written was found to be Patsy Ramsey’s handwriting. Not to mention it was on her stationary. But it could’ve been any of them. Why didn’t they check the basement before they reported her missing? Why in Burke’s interview with Dr. Phil was he smiling when talking about the death of his sister?
We may never know the true culprit behind the death of JonBenet, but maybe this series will give us some insight and get us a little closer. I'll link the trailer below. Check out this series on April 28th!
Friday, March 24, 2017
Bo Burnham and his Comedy Shows
Netflix has a bunch of comedy shows on its platform, but in my opinion, the only ones actually worth watching are "Make Happy" and "what" featuring the one and only Bo Burnham. I discovered Bo over the summer and have been obsessed ever since. I can practically recite his one hour comedy shows word for word, joke by joke, which I know sounds insane, but he really is THAT amazing. I'll start the show laughing and end the show crying, it's really odd. In this blog I'm going to count down my top 10 favorite moments from Bo Burnham's show "what." I might include some of my favorites from other shows at the end though, because how could I not?
My Top Ten Favorite Moments From "what"
#10- "Andy the Frog"- Just a fabulous representation of Bo Burnham's storytelling skills. Classic Roger.
#9- "From God's Perspective"- A great song that's funny but also tells the truth about our society. You don't know whether to laugh or cry. One minute it's "I created the universe do you think I draw the line at the deli aisle" and then the next it's "Maybe God just doesn't believe in you."
#8- "#deep"- Another song where you expect one thing and get something totally different out of it. A hilarious song that I'm sure everyone can relate to.
#7- "My Dad Says I'm Too Flamboyant on Stage"- You just got to see this bit to understand why I love it so much *throws confetti in the air*
#6- "He Meant To Knock the Water Over"- This little bit is very unexpected, but is totally worth it. He does a great job of exercising the bit and honestly it gets me laughing every time.
#5- "Intro"- This intro is truly like no other. Despite it being "8 minutes if mime jokes" as Bo called it, it's really entertaining and probably the best thing I've ever seen. A masterpiece indeed.
#4- "Sad"- Don't be fooled by the title, this song made me laugh really hard. It just has so many great lyrics it's hard for the song to be actually sad. "A World On Fire" really set the tone for this song, which is just purely ridiculous. "LETS ROCK... no"
#3- "Left Brain, Right Brain"- This is another great song that I can proudly say I can reenact almost perfectly. This song is about how Bo's brain is split between wanting to be fun and silly versus strict and logical. Another introspective song with a great performance by Bo.
#2- "Repeat Stuff"- Thanks to this song I can proudly say I know a quote from T.S. Eliot. This song is a fun little tune that pokes fun at the mainstream music industry and how it continuously panders to young teen girls. Despite it being a silly song, it does have a clear message that gets you thinking. He hits the nail on the head with lyrics like "I love your eyes and their bluish brownish greenish color."
#1- "We Think We Know You"- This ending is just so incredible. I can't explain it. It starts with having 3 characters address Bo about his newfound successes: a college airhead that mooches off his success, a big corporate agent that wants to change Bo, and a guy that criticizes Bo for thinking he's above everyone else. This ending really resonates with me because it's probably the most honest piece in the whole show. Towards the end it just repeats "We think we know you," and as the audience just sits in silence and takes in what he's saying, I think it's really powerful.
My Favorites from other Shows
My Top Ten Favorite Moments From "what"
#10- "Andy the Frog"- Just a fabulous representation of Bo Burnham's storytelling skills. Classic Roger.
#9- "From God's Perspective"- A great song that's funny but also tells the truth about our society. You don't know whether to laugh or cry. One minute it's "I created the universe do you think I draw the line at the deli aisle" and then the next it's "Maybe God just doesn't believe in you."
#8- "#deep"- Another song where you expect one thing and get something totally different out of it. A hilarious song that I'm sure everyone can relate to.
#7- "My Dad Says I'm Too Flamboyant on Stage"- You just got to see this bit to understand why I love it so much *throws confetti in the air*
#6- "He Meant To Knock the Water Over"- This little bit is very unexpected, but is totally worth it. He does a great job of exercising the bit and honestly it gets me laughing every time.
#5- "Intro"- This intro is truly like no other. Despite it being "8 minutes if mime jokes" as Bo called it, it's really entertaining and probably the best thing I've ever seen. A masterpiece indeed.
#4- "Sad"- Don't be fooled by the title, this song made me laugh really hard. It just has so many great lyrics it's hard for the song to be actually sad. "A World On Fire" really set the tone for this song, which is just purely ridiculous. "LETS ROCK... no"
#3- "Left Brain, Right Brain"- This is another great song that I can proudly say I can reenact almost perfectly. This song is about how Bo's brain is split between wanting to be fun and silly versus strict and logical. Another introspective song with a great performance by Bo.
#2- "Repeat Stuff"- Thanks to this song I can proudly say I know a quote from T.S. Eliot. This song is a fun little tune that pokes fun at the mainstream music industry and how it continuously panders to young teen girls. Despite it being a silly song, it does have a clear message that gets you thinking. He hits the nail on the head with lyrics like "I love your eyes and their bluish brownish greenish color."
#1- "We Think We Know You"- This ending is just so incredible. I can't explain it. It starts with having 3 characters address Bo about his newfound successes: a college airhead that mooches off his success, a big corporate agent that wants to change Bo, and a guy that criticizes Bo for thinking he's above everyone else. This ending really resonates with me because it's probably the most honest piece in the whole show. Towards the end it just repeats "We think we know you," and as the audience just sits in silence and takes in what he's saying, I think it's really powerful.
My Favorites from other Shows
- "Words, Words, Words"
- "Oh Bo"
- "Rant"
- "Are You Happy"
- "Can't Handle This"
- "Flaming Hot Cheetos"
- "Kill Yourself"
- "I'm Bo Yo"
- "Rehab Center For Fictional Characters"
- "What's Funny"
- "Art is Dead"
- "Rant"
What we've learned here is that I love Bo Burnham. And you will too. Watch "what" and "Make Happy" on Netflix. If you don't have Netflix "what" as well as other music videos are on YouTube! Check it out!
Friday, March 17, 2017
Exposing My Family's Netflix Habits
By the title of this blog I know what you're thinking. What does Jess think she's doing? Let me explain. Netflix has this thing where if two people are already watching, a third person can't watch what they want. My younger brother, Jake, and my cousin, Sophie, are always watching at the same time so I can't watch my shows... and I've gotten pretty tired of it. When I finally get to watch and Sophie happens to be watching at the same time, Jake runs into my room, closes my laptop and runs away so he can watch. Or he just changes the password. So since I'm tired of their antics, today I'm going to expose what they watch to you guys. And maybe figure out why I can never watch my shows.
So first we're going to start with Jake.
So first we're going to start with Jake.
- The first show that comes up in his continue watching is "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." Which is something I told him to watch. To be honest it is a great show, I'd totally recommend it. I don't know why he likes it, but he's on episode 7 so they must be doing something right. I mean how could you not like Titus?
- Next show is "Black Mirror," which is surprising for me because Jake is the absolute LAST person I thought would be watching "Black Mirror." It's such an introspective and thought provoking show. I wouldn't be surprised if everything just went over his head. Another show I would absolutely recommend to anyone.
- The third show is "Raising Hope" which is something I've heard him talk about, but I've never watched myself. According to my "extensive" research it's basically about a guy raising a kid. He's on the last season, so we'll see what he'll be like when he finishes it.
Overall: Jake watches some surprising shows. I know he also watches "Grey's Anatomy" but it's interesting because I only expected him to watch "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show." The other shows he has here are just a bunch he started, but haven't continued watching. Despite all this, I'm still salty.
Next is Sophie, let's see what the people of New Jersey watch.
- The first show she has here is "Grey's Anatomy," I guess her and Jake have the same taste in shows. I'm probably the only person on this planet that hasn't watched this show, so sorry I can't provide a lot of commentary. She's on season 8 which is insane. I know this show has a lot of drama. Is she ok? Does she need a hug?
- The next show we have is "Family Guy" which is something I KNOW her dad hates her watching. I guess this show runs in the family (no pun intended) because all three of us watch it and enjoy it. "Family Guy," while ridiculous, is a pretty solid show with plenty of episodes.
- The third show is "Criminal Minds" which is something I've also never watched, but my sources (Allie Nadelman) tell me it's a nice filler show that's a tad unrealistic. Sorry Soph.
- Here's a bonus show that I just had to add because I want to drag her for this. She's on season FIVE of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." I've watched a couple episodes of this and it's just an awful show. Really Sophie? I could've been watching "The Office" dude!
Overall: She watches a lot of movies, but doesn't finish them. She clearly likes drama shows, but I'm kind of curious in her show selections. Jake and Sophie generally have the same taste in shows, which means I'm the odd one out, doesn't it? Shoot.
At least now I know what they're watching when they're booting me off of Netflix. They're clearly just as obsessed as I am.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Character Analysis: Lip Gallagher
WARNING: Possible spoilers for the show "Shameless"
I've been recently watching the show "Shameless" (U.S. version) and literally nothing else. The show is amazing, but even the word amazing here seems like an understatement. It's full of drama, which is probably why it's so good. I totally recommend it to anyone and everyone.
As I'm watching the show, there's been one character that's continuously stands out for me. Phillip aka "Lip" Gallagher. In a show many characters and so many stories, one would assume it would be hard to favor just one character over everyone else. I don't know how to explain it but Lip is just... better.
I think the directors of the show just do a great job of developing his character as a whole. His cynicism and stubbornness blend together so well it's hard not to love him. Even when he does stupid things you can still find a soft spot for him. Despite Frank being a horrible and distant father, Lip has developed the ability to care so deeply for the people he loves. You just know he puts his family above everyone else based on his actions. Even though he's the second oldest child in the family, he tends to act more as the parent when it comes to maturity. He knows what's important, unlike Fiona most of the time. But even though he cares so much, I find it so interesting how he can be distant himself at times. His experiences growing up have definitely shaped him to be the person we see on the show. He has this tough exterior, but inside you learn he's just hurt by his father and mother's treatment of him and his family.
We see this especially in the episode "It's Time to Kill the Turtle" (season 1, episode 8) after Debbie and Carl start to really bond with Frank because he was offered $3000 to be sober for two weeks. Everyone, including Fiona, actually starts to like this "New Frank" but time and time again we see Lip just ready for Frank to go back to his old ways just so he could say "I told you so." He tells Debbie and Carl to not get too attached to this Frank because he himself had seen Frank like this before when he was their age. He told the kids what was eventually going to happen and while he ended up being right in the end, it shows that Lip will never get over his distrust and overall hatred of Frank.
Lip also is incredibly book smart and school smart. Everyone at home is looking to him to go to college and get a job so he can support them, but Lip doesn't want that. He has all this pressure put on him and it's interesting how he's so modest with his intelligence. He likes to underestimate himself and brush aside what he can do.
While he was supposed to be finishing his senior year, Lip quit school to support Karen, who was incredibly toxic and not a good person for him to be hanging around. He constantly sells himself short when he has the opportunity to do so much better.
Overall, I just really love Lip and I can't wait to see him grow up as a character as I continue with the show. Watch "Shameless" on Netflix now!
I've been recently watching the show "Shameless" (U.S. version) and literally nothing else. The show is amazing, but even the word amazing here seems like an understatement. It's full of drama, which is probably why it's so good. I totally recommend it to anyone and everyone.
As I'm watching the show, there's been one character that's continuously stands out for me. Phillip aka "Lip" Gallagher. In a show many characters and so many stories, one would assume it would be hard to favor just one character over everyone else. I don't know how to explain it but Lip is just... better.
I think the directors of the show just do a great job of developing his character as a whole. His cynicism and stubbornness blend together so well it's hard not to love him. Even when he does stupid things you can still find a soft spot for him. Despite Frank being a horrible and distant father, Lip has developed the ability to care so deeply for the people he loves. You just know he puts his family above everyone else based on his actions. Even though he's the second oldest child in the family, he tends to act more as the parent when it comes to maturity. He knows what's important, unlike Fiona most of the time. But even though he cares so much, I find it so interesting how he can be distant himself at times. His experiences growing up have definitely shaped him to be the person we see on the show. He has this tough exterior, but inside you learn he's just hurt by his father and mother's treatment of him and his family.
We see this especially in the episode "It's Time to Kill the Turtle" (season 1, episode 8) after Debbie and Carl start to really bond with Frank because he was offered $3000 to be sober for two weeks. Everyone, including Fiona, actually starts to like this "New Frank" but time and time again we see Lip just ready for Frank to go back to his old ways just so he could say "I told you so." He tells Debbie and Carl to not get too attached to this Frank because he himself had seen Frank like this before when he was their age. He told the kids what was eventually going to happen and while he ended up being right in the end, it shows that Lip will never get over his distrust and overall hatred of Frank.
Lip also is incredibly book smart and school smart. Everyone at home is looking to him to go to college and get a job so he can support them, but Lip doesn't want that. He has all this pressure put on him and it's interesting how he's so modest with his intelligence. He likes to underestimate himself and brush aside what he can do.
While he was supposed to be finishing his senior year, Lip quit school to support Karen, who was incredibly toxic and not a good person for him to be hanging around. He constantly sells himself short when he has the opportunity to do so much better.
Overall, I just really love Lip and I can't wait to see him grow up as a character as I continue with the show. Watch "Shameless" on Netflix now!
Friday, February 24, 2017
SNL should come back to Netflix
I'm starting a petition right here, right now. "Saturday Night Live" needs to come back to Netflix. I remember coming home everyday in seventh grade, plopping onto my bed, ready to watch the next episode in my binge watching spree. I even memorized everyone's name in the intro. At the time I watched the seasons from the 2010's on the platform, but Netflix at one time had every episode of SNL in existence available to stream for its members. Now, SNL has disappeared off of the face of the earth on the platform.
I think it would be a great opportunity for SNL to expand their audience and get more people to watch episodes that have previously aired on TV. Purchasing the episodes on YouTube isn't really worth it if you can't rewatch it afterwards you know?
I know I personally miss the talents of Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader on the show, and putting it on Netflix would give me as well as other SNL fans a chance to relive their crazy antics on sketches like "The Californians" and "Target Lady." If episodes from the 80's and 90's were put on Netflix, SNL would likely benefit from the amount of people streaming it. A lot of these older episodes aren't on YouTube and only available on disc. How many people nowadays are actually willing to buy something on a disc?
SNL has always been a popular show but has had recent popularity with the bits of their show they post on YouTube. The people not willing to stay up and watch the show when it airs, usually go to YouTube to catch up. Their political sketches have definitely gotten the most popularity, getting millions of views each day. They've even resorted to re uploading episodes to get more views.
But what happens if people want to look for more? They can get bits and pieces of an episode yes, but there's no way to get a full SNL episode without recording it, or if you want older episodes, buying the disc. There has to be another way!
I went to Netflix's chat feature to see what I could do about my predicament. Katy, the employee who assisted me, said that the show was taken off the platform because their licence wasn't renewed. The only way we can get it back is if we all request the show. So help me out and request for SNL to come back to Netflix!
I think it would be a great opportunity for SNL to expand their audience and get more people to watch episodes that have previously aired on TV. Purchasing the episodes on YouTube isn't really worth it if you can't rewatch it afterwards you know?
I know I personally miss the talents of Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader on the show, and putting it on Netflix would give me as well as other SNL fans a chance to relive their crazy antics on sketches like "The Californians" and "Target Lady." If episodes from the 80's and 90's were put on Netflix, SNL would likely benefit from the amount of people streaming it. A lot of these older episodes aren't on YouTube and only available on disc. How many people nowadays are actually willing to buy something on a disc?
SNL has always been a popular show but has had recent popularity with the bits of their show they post on YouTube. The people not willing to stay up and watch the show when it airs, usually go to YouTube to catch up. Their political sketches have definitely gotten the most popularity, getting millions of views each day. They've even resorted to re uploading episodes to get more views.
But what happens if people want to look for more? They can get bits and pieces of an episode yes, but there's no way to get a full SNL episode without recording it, or if you want older episodes, buying the disc. There has to be another way!
I went to Netflix's chat feature to see what I could do about my predicament. Katy, the employee who assisted me, said that the show was taken off the platform because their licence wasn't renewed. The only way we can get it back is if we all request the show. So help me out and request for SNL to come back to Netflix!
Friday, February 17, 2017
The Magic of Filler Shows
Imagine: You're watching the season finale of your favorite show. When the episode eventually comes to a close, you're likely sitting in your bed, stuffing your face with food, contemplating what you're going to do with your life. We all have a filler show that we watch for the sake of filling the hole another show has left in our hearts.
While these shows may not be our favorites, they're always there to comfort us when we're getting over the end of our favorite show or when we're in that weird transition period when we're looking for a new show to obsess over. I mostly turn to comedies and sitcoms to get me through this rough time. When I finished the second season of "Lovesick," I started watching the new season of "Family Guy." When I was angry at Ted from "How I Met Your Mother," I started watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
It's a vicious cycle really. I always feel like I need to have a show ready for me to watch. Even if it's not a good one. I guess it's a comfort thing. It's nice to have a Plan B when you're out of shows to watch or are waiting for a show to come back.
But filler shows don't have to be something that you just give up after you find a new show. With the right show, a filler show could easily creep up on you and turn into one of your favorite shows. Sometimes it's the fact that it's so reliable makes the show even better. When I first started watching "Lovesick," I expected it to be a show I'd give up after a couple of episodes. But I eventually found myself watching every episode on Netflix and anxiously waiting for a new season (which should totally happen watch it now!). I guess that's the true power of a filler show. You don't expect much out of them, but they eventually become something that you enjoy watching.
All in all I guess what I'm trying to say is that filler shows are nice because it's not something you feel like you have to commit to when watching, but it's always for you there just in case. Below I've linked the summaries of some filler shows that I personally love. What are your favorite filler shows? Let me know!
Lovesick:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4051832/?ref_=nv_sr_1
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472954/
Blue Mountain State:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1344204/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Bob's Burgers:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1561755/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Chewing Gum:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5097050/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
While these shows may not be our favorites, they're always there to comfort us when we're getting over the end of our favorite show or when we're in that weird transition period when we're looking for a new show to obsess over. I mostly turn to comedies and sitcoms to get me through this rough time. When I finished the second season of "Lovesick," I started watching the new season of "Family Guy." When I was angry at Ted from "How I Met Your Mother," I started watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
It's a vicious cycle really. I always feel like I need to have a show ready for me to watch. Even if it's not a good one. I guess it's a comfort thing. It's nice to have a Plan B when you're out of shows to watch or are waiting for a show to come back.
But filler shows don't have to be something that you just give up after you find a new show. With the right show, a filler show could easily creep up on you and turn into one of your favorite shows. Sometimes it's the fact that it's so reliable makes the show even better. When I first started watching "Lovesick," I expected it to be a show I'd give up after a couple of episodes. But I eventually found myself watching every episode on Netflix and anxiously waiting for a new season (which should totally happen watch it now!). I guess that's the true power of a filler show. You don't expect much out of them, but they eventually become something that you enjoy watching.
All in all I guess what I'm trying to say is that filler shows are nice because it's not something you feel like you have to commit to when watching, but it's always for you there just in case. Below I've linked the summaries of some filler shows that I personally love. What are your favorite filler shows? Let me know!
Lovesick:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4051832/?ref_=nv_sr_1
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472954/
Blue Mountain State:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1344204/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Bob's Burgers:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1561755/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Chewing Gum:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5097050/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Friday, February 10, 2017
A Series of Unfortunate Events Review
WARNING: Spoilers ahead for "A Series of Unfortunate Events"
When I heard that Netflix was going to add their own version of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" to their platform I was beyond thrilled. The book series was one of my favorites as a kid and having it come to life made me, as well as other fans very excited. I was truly ready to see what Netflix (with the help of the author Lemony Snicket) had in store for the show.
Neil Patrick Harris's performance as Count Olaf was something I was very hyped for. And he definitely delivered. While his character on the TV show was a lot more one dimensional than the Count Olaf in the book series, his wacky and unique performance made up for it. I also enjoyed Harris's singing of the theme song each episode. I think the theme song gave off the perfect vibe for the show as a whole. His fourth wall breaking was also pretty hilarious.
I can definitely say that the show stayed true to the book's plot line, right down to Mr. Poe's cough. Somehow though, it was able to leave out the character development of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. While developing other characters like Uncle Monty and Aunt Josephine, the TV show left out the major elements that made the Baudelaire orphans the Baudelaire orphans. Violet, who's characterized in the books as this genius girl who loves to invent, only invents things about two times this season. The rest of the time she basically just holds Sunny. Even the inventions she makes are unrealistic. Like a machine to find a stone at the bottom of the ocean after just throwing it 100 feet away? No way. Klaus's book smarts aren't really addressed as much in the TV series as they are in the book. The Klaus in the TV show seems to only state facts when it's convenient for the plot. You don't really get to see who Klaus really is otherwise. Sunny's biting was unrealistic, but acceptable for me because it was used for comedic effect.
The show really played on the theme that adults are idiots, but made it more blatantly obvious than the book did. Mr. Poe's stupidity was seen as the punchline to every joke. Just as he rescues the kids from Count Olaf aka Captain Sham in "The Wide Window," he turns around for one second and lets both the orphans and Count Olaf get away. In "The Reptile Room" Uncle Monty doesn't realize Stefano was Count Olaf until the end, but even then he doesn't realize Count Olaf's true intentions. I wish this concept wasn't as emphasized in the TV series because even the book version of Mr. Poe would've been able to figure these out.
Overall, I enjoyed the series very much and can't wait for the next season. It has its flaws, but what doesn't? Reliving the deaths of Uncle Monty and Aunt Josephine really got to me because I felt like a kid reading the books all over again. Patrick Warburton was an interesting choice for Lemony Snicket, but I think it definitely worked out well and kept the show interesting. The show is marketed more towards kids obviously, but it's a very great show.
"A Series of Unfortunate Events" is on Netflix now! Go watch it!
When I heard that Netflix was going to add their own version of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" to their platform I was beyond thrilled. The book series was one of my favorites as a kid and having it come to life made me, as well as other fans very excited. I was truly ready to see what Netflix (with the help of the author Lemony Snicket) had in store for the show.
Neil Patrick Harris's performance as Count Olaf was something I was very hyped for. And he definitely delivered. While his character on the TV show was a lot more one dimensional than the Count Olaf in the book series, his wacky and unique performance made up for it. I also enjoyed Harris's singing of the theme song each episode. I think the theme song gave off the perfect vibe for the show as a whole. His fourth wall breaking was also pretty hilarious.
I can definitely say that the show stayed true to the book's plot line, right down to Mr. Poe's cough. Somehow though, it was able to leave out the character development of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. While developing other characters like Uncle Monty and Aunt Josephine, the TV show left out the major elements that made the Baudelaire orphans the Baudelaire orphans. Violet, who's characterized in the books as this genius girl who loves to invent, only invents things about two times this season. The rest of the time she basically just holds Sunny. Even the inventions she makes are unrealistic. Like a machine to find a stone at the bottom of the ocean after just throwing it 100 feet away? No way. Klaus's book smarts aren't really addressed as much in the TV series as they are in the book. The Klaus in the TV show seems to only state facts when it's convenient for the plot. You don't really get to see who Klaus really is otherwise. Sunny's biting was unrealistic, but acceptable for me because it was used for comedic effect.
The show really played on the theme that adults are idiots, but made it more blatantly obvious than the book did. Mr. Poe's stupidity was seen as the punchline to every joke. Just as he rescues the kids from Count Olaf aka Captain Sham in "The Wide Window," he turns around for one second and lets both the orphans and Count Olaf get away. In "The Reptile Room" Uncle Monty doesn't realize Stefano was Count Olaf until the end, but even then he doesn't realize Count Olaf's true intentions. I wish this concept wasn't as emphasized in the TV series because even the book version of Mr. Poe would've been able to figure these out.
Overall, I enjoyed the series very much and can't wait for the next season. It has its flaws, but what doesn't? Reliving the deaths of Uncle Monty and Aunt Josephine really got to me because I felt like a kid reading the books all over again. Patrick Warburton was an interesting choice for Lemony Snicket, but I think it definitely worked out well and kept the show interesting. The show is marketed more towards kids obviously, but it's a very great show.
"A Series of Unfortunate Events" is on Netflix now! Go watch it!
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