Bad Television: Dollhouse with a hint of brilliance

Remember I blog for those who watch or have seen what I am blogging about so no full detailed review here. i just say my piece, so if you don’t know who Echo is…watch it or ask someone etc.

So we have this fantastic story line for Dollhouse, I must say Joss Whedon is full of great sci-fi. However what makes this truly bad television is it’s written with so many fillers, so much waste your time crap in the middle it ruins those fantastic moments that show at least reliably dished out to it’s viewers.

For a while I was sore that Dollhouse was renewed while the incredible Sarah Connor Chronicles was canceled. My first instinct of course was to check out this show and see why it was considered ‘renewing material.’ I watched one episode…I couldn’t sit through it. A little time passed and I knew maybe it’s time to learn from other peoples mistakes and to maybe learn something from a show I didn’t think I would learn anything from. So I started Dollhouse from season one episode one.

Like I said, it’s bad television not because it’s just written and performed bad, but because it has a solid base, where it could be carried season to season, plus the casting is surprisingly truly enjoyable. It’s down side is it’s fillers, information that does nothing for the story simply there to entice or to grab a channel surfer.

The action, fight sequences, character backdrops all wonderful. I’m even in envy as I write sci-fi and I hadn’t come up with such an in depth idea lol. It’s also very much cliched when it comes to the leading lady an any other female that steps int here. Because they ‘can be controlled’ in a sense they are used for a lot of ‘sexual encounters’ now I get the believability on that as if it was a realistic scenario that is just how it would go. Men would grab a chick he could control and pay millions to have it. However, it was way to cat woman with a whip type stupid and a lot of ‘whoa are they allowed to show that on television’ and ‘what…how did we get here?’ type moments.

It’s a disappointment. I wish someone else would take a hold of that story and show the past writers how to do it! And all the creepy sex scenes…in a way where you’re forced to be a peeping tom, and your eyebrow raises as you’re thinking ‘what the hayyy.’ The next time I dive in to try to force myself to investigate when I’m becoming frustrated more and more each time to just forget it and lose hope that any television show will come full circle..I’m surprised. so then Season on 1 episode 8 – Needs. Which compiles a viewpoint from the inside of dollhouse from multiple angles, the heads of the organization and actives who have awaken and remember they were taken and placed there. You learn actual personalities of not just the lead active ‘Echo’ but also those who are in the background such as Victor, Sierra and November. And we’re thrown back the next episode 9- The Spy In The House of Love and you’re thinking, how do shows like this even get screen time. Just horribly put together and even worse the writing is just awful…aka time wasted of my life. If it wasn’t for me wanting to write the flaws I would have forwarded 40 minutes in to watch Echo kick crazy NCA guy’s *butt and then hear all the great dialogue for the last 15 minutes. 15 minutes…seriously?

Not to mention I saw up so many girls skirts (shots posted throughout more attached at bottom of article) and heard sounds that people should not make…and televisions creations need to be explored. I think people are

Her butt, definitely visible...little fuzzy but no lie that's her butt hanging out of her 'shirt dress' (Season 1 Ep 1)

forgetting filming, writing is an art form…make something of it. Having to cipher through the uncreative stuff to get to the good stuff is just wasting time. give me good stuff all the time. That’s where I will be different. Well, that is if I finish this script I have going…as long as I live long enough.

And some nice screen shots of ‘whoa’ this is tv 14. My 14 year old niece and nephew aren’t allowed anywhere near this.

A few boys get a peep show and some teen girls get to learn ‘beautiful’ is:

I mean seriously this isn’t some Miley Cyrus I’ve just had sex and I’m sexified video nor a beyonce I’ve got it made, sex me video either but tada:

Her butts out, her skirt flies up when she jumps!

However, through all the bad things that had gone one through the two seasons, the last two episodes of the season The Hallow Man and Epitaph Two: Return, were remarkably done on all parts of the complete staff who worked on Dollhouse. Beautifully crafted as a sci-fi flick. The first highlight is it is the only series I’ve ever watched and ended that actually satisfied it’s original viewers, everything came full circle, all questions were answered, all characters had a path to take, or was ended graciously. That alone is a gift in the television world. You don’t have that longing or the feeling that something was incomplete. You can just move on and enjoy past seasons if you’re that dedicated. The second highlight is the brilliance of Joss Whedon and the truly strong cast could finally be highlighted full on, through and through in it’s entirety. And for a moment I was thankful I saw those last two episodes and I’m aware of creators such as Joss Whedon. I just he gets to have one of his ideas beautifully cradled in the hands of great writers, directors and actors who deserve it and are capable and inspired enough to carry it along in a much better manner than what happened with his past creations.

That would be her butt, as skirt flips up and tada 'intimates' exposed

The men seem to remember all their wardrobe pieces

]

Life of Series writers from Imdb.

Joss Whedon		(27 episodes, 2009-2010)
Andrew Chambliss		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Maurissa Tancharoen		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jed Whedon		(17 episodes, 2009-2010)
Tracy Bellomo		(15 episodes, 2009-2010)
Tim Minear		(4 episodes, 2008-2010)
Elizabeth Craft		(2 episodes, 2008-2009)
Sarah Fain		(2 episodes, 2008-2009)
Tara Butters		(2 episodes, 2009-2010)
Michele Fazekas		(2 episodes, 2009-2010)
Jane Espenson		(2 episodes, 2009)

Human Target – it took 8 episodes but they got it

Alright…

I boycotted Human Target after viewing hoping that I would actually get some DC comic fun without the crap (yeah I watch Smallville and get a lot of crap for my comic hero love). It took them eight episodes but they finally had an episode that came full circle. It wasn’t just action. It was action, fun, humor (which is usually so corny on TV…really solid), drama… all of it. I truly enjoyed today’s episode. We learn Chance was an assassin (diggin that) who turned good due to the love a lady friend who was murdered by his nemesis (well one of them) Baptiste. The beauty of it was honestly the fact Chance had an opponent that has proven to be better than Chance. But it’s okay, we don’ t lose our respect for the lead character, instead we gain some. As we see his weakness…what made Baptiste better was his lack of humanity. Chance on the other hand has gained just that, it seems like a weakness when it comes to that whole life or death then with guns and all, but he’s a better person with it. He’s still stronger with it, but in a different form.  The fact I’m even thinking above the deeper aspects of the character is truly amazing as I didn’t give a hoot before.  Good writing made me give a hoot! They did it! And I was in it, waiting for their final duel. Knowing Baptiste will be back… ahh that is a story. The play between the two of them was fantastic, great acting between Mark Valley (Chance) and Lennie James (Baptiste).  This episode really tested them and actually utilized both of their abilities as actors.

Honestly, the full cast did great this episode. I even like ‘the new girl.’ I love the new relationships that will build with her addition and the ones that already exist.  Bravo Human Target team, Bravo.

My complaints…when it comes to a lady friend for Chance. I get bored. It’s the same old.  She’s supposed to be a tough cop, but she’s always in a cleavage and leg dress…but without the spunk , we talk about her bra and aww they’re so great… Not at all. Boring and predictable. If they keep her she needs to meet his level or it’s just going to fall flat and become another Lois and Clark tragedy (and we don’t want that).  The fight scene…the big one we were waiting for…they were on the roof, started out strong…but I couldn’t see the fight. I knew the two actors were doing a great job with the fighting (as I could get a good shot of them once in awhile) but the shots just weren’t working. It felt sloppy and I couldn’t get as into the fight as I could have. But I still dig it, it just could have been better. Whoa…that’s it…the music didn’t bother me like it usually does… All is well in that territory.

It’s late…I can’t believe I watched Human Target…the wind has shifted. For one week only…not sure if I’m committed yet…we’ll see.. Night all.

Human Target=Most likely a failure

site: fox.com/humantarget

Episode one, had such a great fight scene that I thought maybe they’d surprise me in the episode to follow with a story to keep up. But honestly, now I’m just pissed off at bad television shows making it to a time slot on Fox. Not only is it bad television but I have to get the brick in the face every time the show ends by seeing “DC Comics” flash up after the show has another failed episode.

The stories are weak. It seems as though they’re trying too hard and trying to be something they’re not just to ‘blend in’ with television. But they’re falling flat if that is what they’re doing. I say make it your own and then own it.  The cast is a pretty decent one, a lot of potential. However, the show doesn’t even keep up with their talent.  I gave the show a chance, I went in with an open mind and expecting something mediocre.  I kept watching in hopes it would approve…I received nothing back a bad story and boredom in return.  Sigh…what is happening to entertainment? I honestly feel insulted that they actually think this kind of tv will entertain us television viewers.  We might be overworked and looking for an hour vacation from our stressful days, or something just to wind down to on television but I’d rather watch info commercials on snuggies rather than Human Target.  Not to mention why are so many comic characters being taken and ‘inspired’ for stories and than butchered when hitting the television screen or movie screen…? An argument for another day perhaps?

Last episode I watched of Human Target, titled ‘Embassy Row, ‘  when my mind gets bored I tend to just shuffle through things, dig a little deeper to keep my mind occupied. I was honestly wondering why no one could hear Chance talk to himself as although I’m aware there’s a mic above him on set,  he was talking as though Winston was right in front of him.  I also wondered why Chance and Emma Barnes (Emmanuelle Vaugie) were able to have a smack down within the embassy and no one else could hear them, even though there  are men just down the hall. Another irritating thing, was the shot changing as Vaugie  needed a stunt double for such a simple fight scene.  Which was clearly a walk in the park for Mark Valley (Christopher Chance). Honestly, get a girl that can fight! There’s so many of them. Vaugie’s kinda cute, but you can find someone else and we won’t miss her. Speaking of Emmanuelle Vaugie, is it just me or does she have the same personality in almost every show she’s in? Probably not her fault, but they choose her for the same woman every time.  I also wondered what happened to the bloody page that Chance just left in the folder after he was leaking from his nose, isn’t that leaving evidence?  I even died laughing when Chance and Barnes were on the motorcycle and his ‘grand idea’ is to fly over the car and leave the motorbike to smash into the bad guys vehicle. The shot of ‘their bodies’ flying of the hood (akem dummies maybe) was just horrible.  Next, I know the difficultly of Chance getting over the wall was supposed to be all ‘ O-M-G his muscles are failing, get…over…the…wall!’ but I didn’t care. The music was going…still didn’t care.  Then I thought…hmmm that’s a lot of rounds, they should be dead…as those guys are security men from the embassy… yeah they should be dead.  By the end of the episode I was more interested in what the supporting and guest characters were doing rather than talk-to-himself-try-to-be-cool-make-up-the-rules-Chance. However, Kudos to the stuntmen on set…

I am praying that a few bad reviews will make them kick into fifth gear, as they could really hold this time slot if they just…well change for the masses.

Chuck feat. Kristen Kreuk, Steve ‘Stone Cold’ Austin

Sorry, for the late post, I know it’s Wednesday and Chuck was on on Monday but my sister passed a cold down to me and i’m sick!

Getting to the quick review (Chuck vs First Class).  This is one of my favorite episodes, no time wasted, pure great writing, great acting and great directing.  I was pleased with Steve Austin, Brandon Routh  and Kristin Kreuk’s performances and by the end of the episode I was hoping that Chucks relationship with Hannah would trump his ‘relationship’ with Sarah. I know I know, I’m rooting for a guest character/actress but dang Zachary Levi and Kreuk had some serious smooth chemistry. But I was loving every second of their interaction on the plane and even her arrival at the Buy More. I’m also a sucker for Kreuk so that could be it as well.

this episode didn’t let me down either. I was enjoying Chucks first assignment, died laughing quite often. I loved Chuck prepping to drug Steve Austin’s character. When he raised the privacy wall, and the pen shooting in his face! I even enjoyed the scenes of Sarah and Agent Shaw (I forget his first name). You learn a bit about more on Shaw and you see Sarah struggle  as Chucks handler to let him do it on his own.  He ended up poisoned but he worked it out with the rolling antidote.  The episode was well put together unlike the season opener, which made me frown. But it seems as though they’re back on track to their usual ways. I’m sad chuck didn’t get to see Paris, I felt his pain when he didn’t get to experience it with the lovely Hannah as well.  I’m looking forward to Monday again! I hope the writers keep what they did with this weeks Chuck.

I apologize if this was a boring read but I think I have vertigo, I can’t breathe and my throat hurts…so I’m lacking the thinking/writing ability! Later peeps! What did you guys think of the episode?

Looking for music on Chuck?:  http://nbcchuck.wordpress.com/music-from-chuck/

New Chuck on Monday! Kristen Kreuk and Steve ‘stone cold’ Austin!

I am in love with this show Chuck! Just in love.

It’s different, and it gives me that joy I used to get watching Jackie Chan as a cop or Steve Carell as a secret agent, not that there’s a comparison just the fact that it’s humor combined with life or death situations.

In addition to that, it has a lot of places where it can grow and become even better than it already is. With gifted actors like Brandon Routh, who just joined up, Angie Harmon (played Sydney Price) who was on last Monday (love her), truly an underestimated actress; Steve Austin and Kristen Kreuk coming up, there is so much to look forward to. The fact they’re making such an effort to have guest actors on there to play new characters rather than just tossing in an unknown actor/actress is truly benefiting. We see old actresses or celebs we love yet don’t get to see enough of playing cool roles. I’m truly pumped for Monday! Kristen Kreuk, another underestimated actress. She was too good for Smallville, I look forward to seeing what’s next for her. Maybe one day she’ll take my call for a role.  (Crossing fingers!)

Check out a preview of the upcoming Chuck. (Monday nights at 8pm eastern on NBC). The preview makes you want to watch anyways so click it!

Brandon Routh on Chuck…sure looks like an agent…is he one? (NBC)

Photo by Chris Haston - © NBC Universal, Inc

Okay I had to smile when I saw Brandon Routh with a role on Chuck! Something about him makes me believe he has some sort of untouched potential despite his performance (mostly not his fault) in our latest remake of Superman. It’s a shame they don’t leave that story alone for true writers/directors who actually care for the superhero but that’s a blog post for another time.

Brandon Routh with his dark hair accompanying his six foot three height we all know why he was capable of being a model and now even playing the role of an agent on Chuck.  His downfall in my eyes, although it easily got him a role as Clark Kent (Superman) in Superman Returns, is his look and his voice. Although it has the whole 1978 Clark light spoken tone, on screen it bores me at times. It falls flat as it has no weight behind it. I even noticed it in Chuck, he had not so bad lines some went well and others fell a little flat. But honestly I’m hoping this new gig will help him with that, because he  looks the part and I am a fan regardless. As there’s something about him that wins me over anyway. I know I’ll be watching. Check Chuck out on Mondays at 8 pm Eastern on NBC.

Life Unexpected – The CW

I just finished watching Life Unexpected on the CW. Surprisingly I enjoyed the full hour! The whole hour! I wasn’t bored at any moment. Which is surprising as it seemed as though they were going for the basic drama! But I loved it. I loved the characters. Plus the actors all have this fantastic air about them, great dynamic together on set. Primairly Kristoffer Polaha (Nate) and Brittnay Robertson (Lux). I instantly loved the relationship between Lux and her new found father. Also felt her need to remove her self from the system.  Oh and great addition is the supporting characters such as the character Kates boyfriend, Nate’s friends were all great in each scene, which made the show so well grounded on the first episode.

Great relationship between Shiri Appleby and Kerr Smith (Kate and Ryan). Kerr has a nice relaxed performance, which makes him so lovable as her fiance.  And Shiri is just adorable and lighthearted.

By the end of the episode having known someone who grew up in the system, I teared up for Lux. I wished that all foster kids would get what she did, the opportunity to find her parents and once found they take her in. I wish I wish I wish.

Beautifully written, well done, well directed, well performed. I can’t wait until next week!

Must Watch TV: Monday Jan 18 2010 – Life Unexpected

With a lot of crap coming on TV and the CW having a little difficulty entertaining people I mean Melrose Place, Gossip Girl, 90210, all the same show put at different times with different character names. Just crap. So with this new show coming along. I am truly hopeful! I hope I hope I hope. I’ve read nothing but good reviews. But I’ll be sure to post mine tonight after it airs or perhaps during…we’ll see how much time I have. But in order for it to have a chance we have to watch so be sure to tune into the CW today at 9pm!  Check out the review below.

Repost: taken from www.televisionwithoutpity.com

Written by Angel Cohn January 18, 2010 6:08 AM

I was completely prepared to hate this show with a seemingly cloying plot. Then I sat down and watched the advanced screener and was completely charmed. The gist is that a popular morning show DJ Cate (Shiri Appleby) and a cute bartender Nate “Baze” Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha) hooked up way back in high school. She had a baby and gave it up for adoption and then 15-years later that kid Lux (Britt Robertson) comes looking for them because she’s desperate to get out of the foster care system and she wants them to sign emancipation papers.

Well, as often happens on these shows, nothing goes exactly that smoothly and soon Cate and Nate are all mixed up in each other’s lives. Oh, Dawson’s Creek‘s Jack (aka Kerr Smith) is playing Cate’s current beau. Again, it sounds ridiculous, but then again, I rolled my eyes when I heard the plot of Everwood and I ended up watching that show religiously. This has that same sort of family vibe. It’s surprisingly sweet, the girl being named Lux only bothered me for like 30 minutes, and it is definitely worth a look.

Original Link: http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/goingthroughchannels/2010/01/monday-january-18-2010-life-un.php

Watch a clip on facebook: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/life-unexpected

Downside: Kristoffer Polaha shirtless kinda gross lol. I know I’m mean.

Life Unexpected premieres tonight at 9 PM on the CW

See Trailer:

Human Target – More bad television?

We have been introduced to a new show called the ‘Human Target.’ Now with the commercials that preceded, I was sure it wasn’t going to be good. It looked typical and as if it it wasn’t going to be able to separate itself from the pack. I was right. Although the show may have potential.  I got what I expected. Which angers me as television just seems to be going down the drain these days.

The introduction was slow. I know that the first episode has to give you the ‘feel’ of the characters. Although I was getting all the information I wasn’t really caring as it wasn’t shown to me in a way to make me care. I considered turning the channel and decided to multitask (as I want to write a review for the show). It took the show about 35 to 40 minutes for it to actually take off. Once it took off I was actually paying attention. The bad part while I was paying attention I noticed a few things that drove me crazy. For one, the director had a good sense of what they were doing and the shots were great when Christopher Chance notices the woman’s drink was different than the others, the camera shots told me that. I knew to be worried, his face made me worry. But the irritating music in the background made it seem slightly comical as it was over-done.  It took away from the scene and caused it to no longer be believable.

Around this area the story started to feel a little flat and predictable. Very predictable. But I kept watching. Glad I did actually as I was able to see a very well choreographed fight scene, that wasn’t to short and wasn’t too long. Almost fantastic, but the music ruined it for me. Annoying, sure play music but make it good. Or remove it completely or heck turn the darn volume down. The other down side was the bad guy went flying out the side like I predicted as that’s always what happens. Kinda bla afterwords.

I also found it funny when Chance was going to make a parachute type contraption to fling them out to safety once the train went ‘kaboom.’ Although I could predicted, It put a smile on my face as it looked like a fun ride. However, the character loving danger a very overused personality trait for a lead character, they’re going to have to do a little better to keep people watching.

The ending..now the ending was well done. The music again yikes. But it showed his ease in the face of danger. Liked the cut to present and then time later as well. And Mr.Glover in the back added to the scene. I’m always a sucker for car scenes so I was watching, nothing crazy but the light and then toss was great.

Another pluses, Jackie Barle Haley (Guerrero) was a great addition, funny and interesting for a supporting role. Chi McBride as Winston funny and interesting as well.  Mike Desabrais was a great assassin, I was pleased with his performance. Mark Valley (Christopher Chance), did a great job during the action scenes, made it very believable. But I’ll have to see for next episodes as to if he’s going to make this show stay afloat.

I hope writing improves, and the sound guys get on that music issue. As honestly it makes me wonder why shows like The Sarah Connor Chronicles have been removed for this kind of television.

Link:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1439741/

James Franco on General Hospital: Promo Videos!

Yes this is exciting! We finally have a promo of James Franco on General Hospital. I”m jealous that everyone on set has seen him in his part already and we’re all counting down! LOL but that’s okay! Here’s is a shorter version:

Here is the long version playe don the 9th:

I am excited, Franco is one of my favorites, I am looking forward to seeing his talent combined with the talent on GH, such as Steve Burton and Maurice Bernard and many others.