12/8/11 Week In TV Podcast: No Longer Living Under a Rock

The Ashitaka's Angels: Week in TV podcast 12/8/11 by Ashitaka's Angels

Nay, reader, your eyes do not deceive you. THE OTHER TWO THIRDS OF THE ASHITAKA'S ANGELS ARE STILL ALIVE!!! Many thanks to Good Grief, who has been holding down the fort while Lea and I were living under a rock. Well, living under a rock and watching lots of TV. Last night, we decided, "Hey, we should probably talk about all this TV we're watching. Now, if only there was some place on the internet where we could discuss all the shows that we watch....like... a TV blog. Oh, wait!" Then, we made this podcast. Warning: it is a bit of a WHOPPER. In terms of length, that is.
It is not, unfortunately, a chocolate-covered malt ball or a hamburger.

For those brave souls who end up listening to the whole thing, there's a digital hug waiting for you.
For those who do not want that and want to skip around, here's the rundown on what we discuss:

00:00-04:59 Boardwalk Empire: S2E11 "Under God's Power She Flourishes"

05:00-09:18 The Walking Dead: Season 2 in general

09:19-12:00 New Girl: overall impressions

12:01-13:50 Modern Family: S3E10 "Express Christmas"

13:51-18:00 The Office: S8E10 "Christmas Wishes"

18:01-24:00 Parks & Rec: S4E10 "Citizen Knope"

24:01-35:15 Community: S3E10 "Regional Holiday Music"/ Doctor Who Christmas Special Flail/ Inspector Spacetime Christmas Wish

35:16-40:00 Breaking Bad: Its similarities to Glee, how it has shattered Lea's life, and how she wants it to shatter mine

Enjoy :)

3.3 Asian F & 3.4 Pot of Gold

Asian F

Glee took a break after airing Asian F and in turn I have been lacking in reporting (blogging) on anything. Now is the time to make up for that. I hope to get you all

catched up and peek your wits for sectionals.

Finally the writers made a true attempt to focus on another member's problem instead of the main drama causers. This episode was great because we got a look at Mike Chang. Everyone knows him as the loveable and talented dancer with a kicking set of abs.

As everyone is trying out for the musical Brittany has decided that she is also a "unicorn" or magical and therefore has tossed her hat in the rink for senior class president against Kurt. And when Mercedes steps up and tries out for Maria (the lead in West Side Story), Rachel decides to also toss her hat in the ring.

Back to what made the episode so interesting, Mike's struggle between his dream and what his father has planned for him. His dad wants him to quit Glee club and give up on dancing and focus on school. In the end Mike skips a tutoring session and shows his Mom

what it means to follow your dreams. Mike lands not only a part in the play but a singing part due to his hard work and passion for dancing.

Of course there was bigger drama than Mike having to lie to his parent's Mercedes leaves New Directions after she and Rachel are asked to share the part of Maria in West Side Story. Where does she go? Shelby just happens to be looking for AMAZING voices for her group and if Mercedes is one thing she definitely can blow.

Pot of Gold

One of the Glee Project winners is written in. Hello Damian McGinty and congrats! Damian plays Rory Flananigan, a sweet Irish who is friendless and just like any other teenage boy. He tricks Brit into thinking he's a lepachraun so that he can see her "pot of gold," along the way he makes friends with Finn and is inaugurated into the glee club after...drum roll please, Santana and Brit defect to the new group. For those of you who missed it, Rachel's birth mother Shelby is back in town and has open her home up to Puck and Quinn (who is back to her natural hair color), so that they can be a part of their daughter's life. Of course Quinn takes this as an opportunity to prove that Shelby is an unfit mother and a chance to get Beth back.

Anyways so Mercedes has joined the rogue group after she unfairly was asked to share the part with Rachel when she clearly was better during try outs. Also during this episode to uplift the spirits of the group. Blaine not only sings "TGIF" by Katy Perry but he brings his own flair to it. Blaine is the king of Katy Perry's repertoire.

The last thing you need to know, Kurt's dad saves the play and in turn becomes the candidate that Mr Schue was looking for along. Yep, that's right it's a face off between Sue and Burt!

Ted and the Gang

Things you should know:

Ted still has found anyone to be serious with. Turns our Victoria (aka Cupcake Cutie) is practically engaged to some guy named Claus. But at least now he can move on. He also finally met his slutty pumpkin from season 1 but it turns out they are as far as any two people can be from being soul mates. So Ted continues to involve himself in Lily and Marshall's relationship and milestones. Hopefully the tide changes soon.

Most recently Barney is with Nora and Robyn is with Kevin, her former therapist and all around nice and understanding guy. So why did the previous episode end with them making out in a cab? Peculiar indeed, of course it turns into them seriously cheating on their respective significant others. And at first they with a bit of prodding on Robyn part that it meant nothing and therefore they didn't need to say anything. But in the end they decide they have to. The only problem is that Barney is the only one who ends up going thru with it.

Why Robyn did spill the beans and run to Barney. Well it turns out as ready and mature Barney has become since their last failed attempt at dating, it turns out Kevin is just more mature and more ready. He has better answers and he loves Robyn. Robyn is incapable of seeing pass her previous history with Robyn, but now Barney knows she's the one. The worst part is that as ready as Barney may seem, his heart truly broke when he saw Robyn return to the bar with Kevin. As ready as he is, he's only half of the equation.

Funniest part of the epi:

3.1 The Purple Piano Project

Last Week, Fox made gleekers happy!!!

The gang returned with the same agenda. Make it and win Nationals. "The kiss that missed" cannot happen again nor will it stop this gang of misfits. To encourage sign ups Mr Schue refurbished and brought in 3 purple pianos.


The challenge, whenever they see a purple piano they are suppose to break out in performance. Of course this catches the unwanted attention of Sue Sylvester. Who is one running for a Congressional Chair....of course she becomes inspired to take a stand against musical education at public schools and well once again Schuester and her are enemies.

Onto the juicy stuff. Kurk gets his boyfriend, Blaine, to leave the Werbols and join New Directions. And this leads to jealous in Finn. Why?

Let's face it Blaine is talented, and has the stage presence to pull off Lead Male in the glee club. Finn is not a complete idiot. Now while the gang has gained a member they also loose a member due to unloyalty. Santana follows Sue order to destroy the purple pianos and as a result Mr Schue, has had enough and dismisses her from the club.


He also faces his own struggle turning away a truly horrible student. So the club is still down three, they've lost Zezis, Sam and Quinn. Quinn has had a complete makeover and hangs with the skanks. Let's just say she's gone to a dark place where singing is not a priority.


Finally, after seeing the glory of NY Kurt and Rachel can't wait to live out their dreams and have cocked a plan to go to Julliard together and live in the Big City. The only problem is that Julliard doesnt have a Musical Theatre program. But that doesn't stop them with the help of Emma Pilsbury, now Mr Schue's live in girlfriend!!--they find another school with a great program and decide to get to work and meet the competition. Which turns out to identical to them and have way more experiences in theatre.

At first they are stopped dead in their tracks but with some pep talk and never say die attitude, they decide to work even harder and Kurt is running for Junior Class President. The club also decides to put on a family friendly musical--West Side Story.

This year should be an interesting one. Also--speaking of class standings, this is the last year for many of the glee kids. So who are the seniors? We've got the recently transferred Blaine; Santana and Brittany (maybe); Popular, then Pregnant to Punk Quinn; Adorable Mike Chang. Utterly lost Finn and the over-achieving Rachel who has the perfect plan for her future.






Competition, Relationships and Hilarity what more could a fan ask for....

HYIMYM Premieres

For all you readers out there, yup I'm referring to our 3 followers (thanks guys), for warning there may be spoilers but that shouldnt be a problem cause I myself can't even watch them when they air.

On to the good stuff

So what happened when Ted, Barney, Lily, Marshall and Robin returned to our television sets?

It starts with a wedding, well actually it starts with a warning that the story is far from over. This season viewers can tell is going to be about Barney's journey to the aisle. While the show may have started out with Ted sharing his search for love, viewers have come to love the womanizing side-show that Neil Patrick Harris performs oh so well. NPH is a star, his comicly entertaining and it we had a great glimpes of "relationship Barney" when he and Robin were involved.

When the season returns, feelings and secrets are revealed at Punchy's wedding. The gang finds out that Lily is preggers and Robin reveals that she still has feelings for Barney and wants a second chance with him. Unfortunately she finds out that her timing is way off and he has initiated phone calls with Nora. The first half ends with Marshall ruining a wedding and Ted declaring that he is going to start looking for love again.

In the second half of the premiere, Marshall makes a declaration that he is not going to drink ever again. The funny thing about the human condition is that, as soon as we make a promise or take on a challenge to change our ways, it becomes that much harder and well even though he ends up streaking naked at the age of 33 around NY city, he stills ends up landing a job doing what he'll love.

Barney accepts Nora challenge to never lie to her again, even when she asks him about all the ways he has lied to get a girl to sleep with him. Of course this leads to her forming a more distasteful opinion of Barney and she leaves. But before she exits, Barney tells her that he will not leave the all night diner until she gives him a second date. In the end, Nora can't resist her feelings for him and gives him yet another chance.



The most exciting revelation of the season premiere by far is that "Cupcake Girl," aka Victoria is back. For those of you who don't know or remember her, she was the girl that helped Ted move on from Robin for a while. She can be categorized as the one that got away. Victoria is this adorable baker but she got a Fellowship in Germany and had to leave. While Ted and her tried a long distance relationship--it didn't turn out too well. At the end of the first season he lies to Robin about breaking up with her and cheats on Victoria along with losing Robin's trust.
I guess the real question is, is she the one? Most likely not but I can't wait to see what happens between her and Ted this time around.

GG's Fall TV Schedule

Hey guess who's back, participating with the team!

Yup it's GG, and my apologies but Grad school can be a quelcher of time

Anywho, why am I back at my keyboard?

This week is the second week of premiers, technically, but this is when Fall TV dramas, comedies and new series start peeking out their yellowed eyes from hidden caves.

Up first, tonight How I Met Your Mother, tonight on CBS at 8. All the fans are dying know how Barney is transformed and who is ends up marrying? Will it be Nora, the cute British and extremely forgiving girl, or Robyn whom we all know of love, despite her gun toting ways. Or possibly someone new?

The Dunphees are back on Wednesday. Modern Family airs on ABC at 9. They will be vying for American eyeballs all over the country with the cast of gLee! I am super excited for gLee, even though golden locks Sam is not returning for us to see the romantic endeavours between him and Mercedes. But don't fret Mercedes still has a r omantic interest this Wednesday night. Another great thing to look forward to is the gLee Project winners! I am soooooo excited for Colin and Sam, I cannot wait to see what roles the writers come up with for them.

On Thursday viewers can look forward to The Office and finding out who the new boss will be. Creed will end up burning down the building if he is in power for too long. Plus we always have sweet, ever cute Jam!

Of course that's not all I'll be watching. There are a couple of new series I am interested in this fall.

Revenge and Once Upon a Time have caught my eyes. Their advertisers can give themselves a pat on the back. I'm a sucker for drama, mystery and fairy tales. That last one Disney can take all the credit, all that I have my bitter moments, way deep down I'm a sucker for happy endings.

Revenge airs this Wednesday night, (I'll be doing a lot of cyber watching). And Once Upon a Time doesn't air until October 23rd. Speaking of premiers in the distant future. Returning this fall for a seventh season is Bones.

Unfortunately we'll have to wait til November to see all the new hurtles Booth and Bones have to overcome as a couple, parents and partners! It should be an interesting season. Congrats to Emily Deschancel for her real life pregnancy--it's worth waiting a couple extra months. Anxiously awaiting November 3

Psych returns October 12, and man I sooooo miss my Shawn and Gus with all their hijinks and humorous ways. They are such characters.

Chuck comes back for it's fifth and final season, October 21. I am glad to for the closure we'll recieve but I will certainly miss Zach and his weekly appearances on my television. I do have to say that I am quite worried even a little frightened to see what occurs with Morgan as the intersect, but we'll be getting a close up view into Chuck's struggles with starting his own business and Casey will finally get some love :P

Mark Those Calendars, You Anglophiles!

Because Downton Abbey (sometimes affectionately referred to as "DownTOWN" Abbey on this here blog) returns January 8, 2012!

Is it just me, or are there 90 people in this cast? It must be all the strategic dovetailing.

Highclere Castle, servants, and Granthams/Crawleys, oh, how I have missed thee.

PBS finally gave a release date for series 2! And I don't know about you, but I huzzah'd pretty loudly. There may have even been a fist-pump involved.

Story-wise, series 2 will bring us smack dab in the middle of WWI. Not sure if we'll get to see any intense battle-scenes, but there definitely will be fancy red suits!

As with most shows, there's some cast turnover. Gwen, the ambitious housemaid, will not be returning, unfortunately (based on her character development last series, I'd like to think she's off being a young professional turned secretary at the war department).

  

Filling Gwen's empty spot as housemaid is Ethel, played by Amy Nuttall.

She looks innocent enough, doesn't she? Keep your hooks out of her, O'Brien! 

Iain Glen as Sir Richard Carlisle is another addition.

Trading in the scruff and the Dothraki sea for a 3-piece suit across the pond*. 

 An extremely dapper one, I might add. Some of you might know him as Ser Jorah Mormont on a little show called Game of Thrones. He was also in the season 5 episode of Doctor Who entitled "The Time of Angels." If you haven't seen him, let it be known that he's a splendid actor, and, more importantly, his. accent. is. delicious. I already know I will be counting the times he and Dame Maggie Smith steal scenes (from others and, hopefully, each other).

 Of course, it'll be nice to see the characters I love to watch (and sometimes, love to hate--I'm looking at you, Thomas!) come back. I'm also interested to see how WWI is dealt with both upstairs and downstairs.

O hai, Carson and William!!

The HBIC and the bitch-tastic Edith.

But mainly, I just want to see if the Dowager Countess will pick up a firearm due to Britian's involvement in the war. If she encounters some new-fangled technology, that'd be great, too! She's already proven she can master swivel chairs. Make it happen, Masterpiece! I'm sure I'll enjoy her story-arcs and the series regardless. (But seriously, make it happen.)

Ahem. Anyways, Downton Abbey returns in January. We at the blog will do our best to keep you posted as we get closer to the premiere!

To get more of your Downton Abbey fix, go here  and gaze to your heart's content.


  *This picture is for you, Lea ;)

 [photo credit: itv.com]

6 Days Until The End, My Friends (Also, yes, the Ashitaka's Angels are still alive)

Warner Bros. released a compilation of the most memorable moments from all the Harry Potter films. Get your kleenexes ready, ya'll.

I'll admit I got a little lump in my throat watching this (the same thing happened when I saw the live feed of the UK premiere. I felt like I was watching Hermione, Ron, and Harry graduate, only their graduation was 100 times more glamorous than, well, any graduation ceremony I've ever seen. And I have seen 3. There were tears, adulation from scores of loyal HP fans, and really expensive RC outfits. Unfortunately, I missed Rickman on the red carpet, darn the luck). 

Who/what are you going to miss after you've watched the epic conclusion? 

For me, the answer is twofold: Everybody and Snape. Can you blame me?

[Video Credit: WarnerBrosPictures]

Bridesmaids Interview Goes from Hilarious to Absurdly Hilarious in 0.2 Seconds

...And it's all thanks to two 'F' words: 'French' and 'farts'. 

Enjoy. 

Doctor Who Episode 6.5 (and other stuff): love you THIS big

Docwho 6.5_the rebel flesh by Ashitaka's Angels

Doctor Who! Game of Thrones! American Idol! These are the things you will hear about if you listen to this podcast. Yes, we are late to the discussion about the latest Who, "The Rebel Flesh". Yes, we ramble on & on about our Theon-issues ("Thissues" as I like to call them) in our GOT section. And yes, we had to cut out 20 minutes of singing just for our discussion of American Idol to make any sense. But hey, we're posting this podcast anyways. Aren't you lucky. Enjoy?

American Idol Season 10: Some Stuff Happened

why is this picture so awkward?

So, some stuff happened on this show, idk. About halfway through the season I realized I didn't actually like this show nor gave a crap about what the outcome was going to be. See, I used to hate American Idol. I used to hate it a lot. And then Kris Allen happened and it took over my life and I've been watching ever since because of what? Some misguided illusion that I actually sort of liked this show? It was a lie. A LIE! In fact, I actually have Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler to thank for my realization, because their completely awful, terrible judging this season started my complete turn around ("the first half of that performance was excellent. The second half........was equally as good"). And everything that used to bug me about this show came flooding back and I was just done.

The majority of posts on this blog are about American Idol! How did this happen?! This is a tragedy! No. No more. I don't care about this show anymoooooooore. And I will not be watching it next season. No more of this!

Sure, the contestants are the best part, but dear lord, it's not the end of the world if your favorite gets eliminated. It is not worth 4 hours of your life to power vote for a contestant! Haley was probably my favorite contestant left, but after she got eliminated I went, ".......k" and then turned the channel to the Office finale. Yes, I know, the Lea from 2 years ago, would slap me in the face and then continue to power vote as she cries about how Kris Allen changed her life. This Lea? Still loves Kris with all her heart. She still is grateful to this show for giving him to her, but this Lea thinks a few votes for Lauren and a few votes for Haley last night were more than sufficient.

This is turning into a rant. I'm sorry. Let's talk about this season and the impending finale.

Hey, get this, this finale? Doesn't bother me at all. Scotty was an inevitable lock for the finale since probably the semis. I cannot begrudge the dude making it this far. Have his performances been groundbreaking, creative, or exciting? Hell no. Did he sing in tune, pick songs that fit his voice perfectly, sing about Jesus, mention his grandma, have a few quirks that young girls and old women found endearing (the sideways microphone! the crazy eyes!), play the guitar, and be the perfect All-American cutie? Hell yes! For all his 'aw shucks' demeanor, I kind of think Scotty is some kind of evil mastermind, because boy has been playing this show like a fiddle. I really do think he's going to win too.

And then there's little Lauwen. I...did not like Lauren at first. Not only was she pimped a crazy amount at the beginning, but she was always all up on Steven Tyler and it was creepy because you know Steven kind of liked it. And then her personality is kind of grating. That...hasn't changed. She can still be pretty insufferable. I give her a little bit of a pass because she is only 16, but girl needs to shut her mouth sometimes. HOWEVER, I totally warmed up to her because while Paul was whispering creepily into the camera and Casey was growling/shouting like a dying cat, there was little Lauwen singing in tune and singing well. I really really do like her voice, and while I don't think she's truly had a 'moment' this season, she's given a lot of really good, solid performances virtually every week. And as much as this song is soooo overplayed, I actually thought her "I Hope You Dance" won the round last night (I almost loved her "If I Die Young" performance before she lost it at the end). Is she going to win? Probably not. Do I want her to? Yes. I'm kind of surprised at how much I really do.

And then there's Haley. Haley is someone else who I kind of hated at the beginning. I totally thought she stole the spot of more deserving contestants and her first few weeks were all over the place. But then "Bennie and the Jets" happened and I was sold. Absolutely flippin love that performance and that studio. In fact, that was the first 'moment' for me this season. I think she had another moment with her "House of the Rising Sun" performance and I also greatly enjoyed her "Rolling in the Deep" and "What Is and What Should Never Be". She was the best contestant because she was unpredictable. She made different song choices and sang them in interesting ways. Was she without faults? Definitely not. She sometimes relied on the growl too much and I never felt like she really truly connected with her songs. But she was fun and seemed like a cool gal and could do wicked things with her voice and tbh, will probably release a better CD now that she didn't win than if she had and was forced to make a generic pop record.

People can get all up in arms about how the best contestant this season got prematurely eliminated, but I think in Haley's case it was too little too late. Haley started off the season with some either bad or completely unmemorable performances. Not to mention, quite a few trips to the bottom 3. Her fanbase was never establishing. Scotty and Lauren's fanbases were established in the first week and they never did anything so offensive that it dwindled. Haley has definitely been gaining momentum as the weeks went on and I definitely think her fanbase was growing, but it was just too late. Basically, it made sense to me that this was her time to go (not that I liked it, it just made sense).

And it totally makes sense to me that she was eliminated after this week's episode, tbh. Her voice sounded great last night, but I was about 99% sure her and her dad lit up before the episode, what with her falling all over the stage, that damn wind machine that had me laughing so hard I could barely hear her performance, and just a general air of craziness and I-don't-give-a-fuck attitude. Not to mention "You Oughta Know" was kind of a hot mess. Dude, the old women and young girls who make up the majority of the audience probably thought she was too weird and voted for the safe country duo. I'll miss Haley's presence on performance night, but I'm sure she'll be there on the finale results show strutting around like a drunk stripper and being awesome :')

A lot of people are already calling this finale "the most boring finale ever", and it probably will be if we get more performances like the ones we did Top 3 night. But I'm really really hoping we're gonna get something crazy. I know Randy has been crowing the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" line, but for once, I want Scotty to sing a pop song! Or sing a hard rock song! Or take an R&B song and make it country! Anything except some mid-tempo country song that I've never heard of. Lauren has actually branched out to other genres a little bit in the competition, but how about some Mumford and Sons? Or something else that you would never connect with Lauren. She has a lovely voice that I believe she can do way more with. I already know she can do pretty little country songs. Give me more! Lauren is going to need it! They need a girl winner, dammit!

So...what is this post even? I almost didn't post it, but there hasn't been an AI post in so long, I thought what the hell. If you read all this, I am truly sorry. But look at the bright side! Only one more week of this shit show!

The Voice, Battles Pt. 2. a.k.a. Pitchy isn't a real word

Once again, we are watching and greatly enjoying The Voice. It's the ~Battle Rounds~ Round 2! Live blog! Ding Ding Ding!

Our first matchup, Team Cee Lo!
Battle #1: Nakia vs. Tje a.k.a...

..."So much hair"

Because we've had copious name problems in the past, we decided to forgo real names and just give them our own.


Z: ty and nikea?
L: yup
Z: is that how you spell that man's name?
L: Nikea? lol wat is that really his name?
Z: i guess so.
Z: i call him growly bear.
L: omg we're gonna have name problems again
L: ok yeah, growly bear and afro! that's their names.

And later:

L: "Nakia"?!
L: omg Ty's name is spelled "Tje"
Z: lol. i forgot about that!
Z: i would not think to pronounce it that way
L: our names are better for them.
Z: agreed

Cee Lo only needs one color to look fabulous

L: i was like, "omg Cee Lo's wearing red again!!!"
Z: LOL
L: but i think it was the same day lol
Z: it's the same day

As for this battle, we had some problems with it. Namely, that it wasn't very good.

Z: it sounds so forced from growly bear
L: .....i don't like either of them
Z: this song is supposed to be smooth
L: yeah, i do think that Tje is doing better with the song, but I don't find his voice that strong
L: there are some bum notes there.
L: Maybe Nakia is more in tune? But more shouty.
Z: yeah. none of them are wowing me.
L: Not my favorite battle.

We ultimately sided with Cee Lo however on his pick of Nakia

do the chicken suits come with the contract?

L: Who would you take?
Z: based on technicality?
Z: nakia
Z: tje is kind of blah, but he may be more moldable.
L: i would pick Nakia though, I think. Not based on the performance, but thinking about what he could do in the future.
L: he's more unique.
Z: i have a feeling cee lo is going to go with the people who are more 'out there'.
L: I could imagine Kia wearing a chicken suit.

Next up, we go to the side of my new favorite judge, Blake!
for Battle #2: Jared vs. Elenowen a.k.a...

...Daughtry-lite vs. Duo-who-ruined-Falling Slowly (a blogger never forgets!)

At first we called shenanigans! We found it unfair that Poor man's Daughtry had to go up against TWO singers. 

Z: how the heck is this going to work?
L: it's like 2 voices against 1. not fair.
Z: i know. and this song is for two people already.
Z: what's that guy gonna do? 
L: i am concerned for him
L: except the duo kind of sucks
Z: DON'T DESPAIR DAUGHTRY LITE!

But oh yeah, there was really nothing Blake could have done, so we got over it:

Z: it DOES seem a little unfair, blake!
Z: why are you doing this?!
L: but then again, there were no other duos on his team. what was he gonna do?
Z: true
L: i guess he had to put them up against somebody

Zozizzle really really likes REBA:

REBA

Z: REBA!
L: REBA's name must be written in capslock
Z: YES
Z: LISTEN TO REBA

Z: KEEP THAT SPOTLIGHT ON YOU
Z: LISTEN TO REBA

Z: REBA KNOWS ALL
Z: REBA
Z: she's looking for stage presence

In the end we found we were rooting for...Daughtry-lite? (we also called him "Baldy". We really are terrible with names). Someone who we never would have rooted for normally, but we got behind him because of the underdog factor.

L: I like that he has little girls. that's cute :D
Z: it is! he's like this rough looking biker dude, and he probably has to play tea party with them.

L: lol i'm rooting for Daughtry-lite
Z: i am, too
Z: he's kind of the underdog here
L: work it out, baldy!
L: baldy daddy
L: Baldy's got moves
Z: he does!
Z: go baldy!

Also, Elenowen? We weren't that impressed

maybe if we just shout really loud...

L: the guy is pretty good
Z: he sounds nice
L: girl is the weak link!
Z: yep
Z: she seems awkward
Z: she could've gone higher there
Z: some of those harmonies were nice
L: their sum is better than their parts.

We ended up enjoying the battle regardless though. They found a way to compete fairly and to show off their ~skills. And our favorite rocker pulled it out! This is still 10 times more interesting than any early round on that Shamericanidol show.

L: that was actually better than i thought it would be
L: and more balanced too
Z: mmhmm
Z: JARED!!!!
L: YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Z: GO DAUGHTRY-LITE!
L: W00T W00T
Z: he worked it
Z: good for him
L: He fought the power!


Next it was time for Team Adam
In a battle we like to call, Battle #3: Javier vs. Angela a.k.a...

...no brainer

Sorry Angela, but everyone knew there was no way you were going past Javier. Even though I actually liked you, Javier has been the ~contestant to beat ever since he first appeared.
I mean c'mon now: Amazing voice? Check! Adorable family? Check! Cool rearrangements? Check! Cute? Check! Humble? Check! Plaid? Check!
Dude's got it in the bag right now.

L: I think I remember Angela. she was a country singer
Z: ooo stand by me
L: i remember liking her actually
L: but Javier was DEFINITELY the best
Z: yes. this.
L: like, DEFINITELY
Z: i loved his version of 'time after time'
L: I even got his studio!
Z: oh, nice!

You know who else we kind of love a lot? Adam Levine.  We want to be on your team, Adam!

and i'm good looking too!

L: The thing I like about Team Adam, is that i feel like he's so knowledgeable. He's done so many things right in the music industry, and I would feel really confident in taking his advice.
L: He also has such a unique voice, so he can help all kinds of voices out.
Z: yeah, definitely. i think he's the most well-rounded judge up there.


Once the battle round started and Javier started singing, we got a little carried away

girlfrand was impressed too

L: uggghghalsdkf his voice
Z: sounds so good!!!
L: sounds so good in my earsssss
Z: i almost want to marry it

And in the most obvious decision ever,

Z: the winner is....
Z: javier!
Z: yep, an obvious choice
Z: i'm liking adam's team so far
L: i feel like Javier could win the whole thing
Z: his was the only audition i absolutely loved

We were not without a little bit of concern, but we still have faith in our boy: 

L: except for the fact that he also feels like one of those contestants who are really amazing at first and everyone thinks they are going to win....and then they end up never living up to that first amazing performance
L: i get that vibe lol
Z: oh, yeah
Z: the classic plateau effect
L: right
Z: or in terms of AI--the hollywood week effect
L: exactly lol
L: he still does have a great voice though. can't deny that. i hope he continues using it well.
Z: he seems to be a good musician; that could be his best asset when it comes to arranging and such
Z: and adam is a good coach; he'll keep javier from making bad musical choices.

Our last battle of the night came from Team Christina!
Battle #4: Beverly vs. Justin a.k.a...

...shouty rocker lady vs. lone male diva

We were kind of perplexed by this matchup. Not only did we not remember Justin, we're still trying to figure out if Bev is actually any good.

L: don't remember Justin at all
Z: i do not remember justin
Z: BABA O'RILEY????
Z: wow
L: this favors the woman!
L: Beverly was actually not that good lol, but her enthusiasm was great
Z: it's a big song
Z: that could really help her

We were also skeptical about Christina's coaching methods. Although there's no denying girl can SANG (and for the most part we're enjoying her as a judge), she certainly likes the sound of her own voice.

step aside, fools!

L: oh Christina
L: haha "if you want to make it better just sing it just like me"
Z: "just do what i do!"
L: Christina really does know how to SANG though. i would listen to her advice as well.
L: well....most of her advice
L: she can lay on the melisma a little too much at times.
Z: no, for real. that is like her crutch sometimes
Z: she sings too many notes sometimes
L: i don't really care for singers like that, tbh
L: in fact, i enjoy Sia's voice more
Z: i'm a little wary of her as a judge sometimes; i think her divaness comes so naturally that i feel like when she tries to explain how to improve to her team members, she can't really thoroughly explain it.
L: lol right. like, she doesn't give advice she's just like, "sing it like meeeeee" *does a million runs*
Z: lol yes

The actual battle ultimately came down to a competent singing Justin against a loud, shouty Bev. We actually sided on Team Justin in this regard.

Bev would probably win in a real boxing match against you, Justin

Z: bev's voice is better suited? at this point.
L: i....actually like Justin better
L: he's really going for it!
Z: you think bev's over singing?
L: yeah. kind of a lot
L: it's just...shouting at this point
Z: it's going to come down to who shouts in tune

In the end, Bev won the night by being quirky and shouty and Justin got cut because he was a boy. We look forward to seeing Bev do very well in the competition though.

L: don't know who is going to be picked :O
Z: it's a tough one
L: Bev has more ~character
L: isn't Justin Christina's only boy? lol
Z: i think so
Z: the lone male diva
L: lol yeah
Z: bev
L: I would have chosen Justin actually
L: People will totallllly vote for Bev though
Z: yep
L: it's the ~personality thing
Z: absolutely

We leave this episode of The Voice with only happy thoughts and look forward to more to come! If the judges are going to continue to be insightful and helpful and the contestants are going to continue to step it up? I'm ready to go to the end of the season!

L: so......yay the voice!
L: still liking it
L: many things to enjoy once again
Z: yeah. the battles are fun; they're not dragged out
Z: there's not too much unnecessary drama
Z: it's about the singing
L: they have a little bit of convo w/ the contestants, but they go pretty quickly into the battles
L: i like that
L: and the coaches don't talk for that long afterwards!!!
L: praise jesus
Z: OMG
Z: yes
Z: no one's saying 'in it to win it'

Game of Thrones Episode Reaction 1.5 "The Wolf and the Lion"

This was definitely my favorite episode of the season as of right now. I adored the first 2 episodes, but I'll admit that episodes 3 and 4 were slightly less enjoyable. They were still great episodes of television and I liked them a lot, but I thought the pacing was a bit off and that the exposition was a little clunky, like they couldn't figure out how to seamlessly fit in the history of the series into the show. Through no fault of the writers, those episodes also featured a lot of "set-up" beats from the story. Episode 5 however is really when things start to pick up. What I liked about this episode is that it balanced the exciting, action-y plot of the book with introspective character moments written just for the screen. And they did it all without Dany or Jon! Something I didn't even realize until the episode had long ended. And while I love those 2 storylines on the show (especially all the Jon and Sam stuff from last episode), I didn't actually miss them; so engaged was I in this episode.

Three scenes in particular come to mind in showing how great the show is doing at adding even more background not in the book. The most powerful of which being the scene between Robert and Cersei. This scene was so good I immediately claimed this episode was the Best! Ever! after it was over. Their conversation about Lyanna kind of blew my mind, and with just a few lines Cersei became more fleshed out and actually more sympathetic to me than she ever was in the book. Their relationship is so sad and they are both just so messed up, and you can see the threads unraveling before your eyes. So many things in the series hinge on the decisions of those 2 characters and this scene went leaps and bounds in telling us why they do what they do. And I have to point out that both of those actors are friggin amazing. I've been especially impressed with Mark Addy. He was FANTASTIC this episode.

I also love that we would never have gotten a scene like the one between Varys and Littlefinger in the book. That's why this show is such a godsend!  It's something I've always wanted but never knew I did. And I still hate Littlefinger, but Aidan Gillen is doing a fantastic job at being just ambiguous enough to not know whether to trust. And I will always love Varys and his mind games (in fact, I have a ridiculous soft spot for Varys that cannot be explained). And those two characters battling it out like that? Beautiful! Also? Filled with sexual tension! It was palpable in Varys' eyes.

The Loras/Renly scene was one I had heard about but was a little aprehensive as to how they were going to play it, but man, I LOVED that scene. It's another one we could only get in the show as Renly/Loras is really only ever hinted at in the books (and something I never picked up on until AFTER I finished reading and saw some people talking about it and went, "ooooooh").  So much good stuff coming out of their conversation. I'm not sure whether this scene was as affective to non-readers, but besides setting up their secret relationship, we got an introduction on the Tyrells and their power, information about the dynamic between the Baratheon brothers (Stannis mention!), and what kind of person Renly is as well as planting the seeds for his storyline in the second season. These characters become even more important later and this scene is there as a reminder. I also will not deny the eye-candy. No, I will not (besides that though, I'm really enjoying both of those actors in their roles. Loras is almost exactly how I imagined him).

As far as the rest of the episode goes, the action scenes were suitably tense and violent as all get out. Like, really violent. Does every neck need to be slashed in a way that a fountain of blood flies out in a 10 foot radius? And I really didn't need to see that horse get killed that way D: I was also just starting to fall in love with Jory again and now he's dead! And it's made even sadder when you think back to the conversation he had with Jaime in the last episode :(
I don't need to mention Jaime in every review I do, but I am still loving Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's performance so much. His face in the entire last scene of the episode was just !!!!!!! so much love (even while he's doing a bad, bad thing). But all of the actors on this show are doing really phenomenal work. In fact, this show is just kind of phenomenal.

Bullet points so I'll stop the rambling:

• Arya's repeated, exasperated "I'm a girl!" is fantastic.
• Continuing to absolutely LOVE the actor who plays the Hound. MOAR HOUND!
• Lancel makes me laugh every time he's onscreen. Stupid Lancel.
• UNNECESSARY THEON NAKEDNESS IS UNNECESSARY! No...no no no no.
• And are they overexplaining the Greyjoy thing? I know Theon becomes more important later, but we went 3 episodes where he was just the random guy who hung out with Robb, and now all of a sudden it's like Greyjoy history lesson every episode! Effin Greyjoys.
• Yeah, so, they totally didn't shy away from the total batshit craziness of Lysa and the Eyrie. The breastfeeding was always so disturbing to me in the books, but I didn't think they would actually SHOW IT in the show. But no, it was just...right there. (Catelyn's look of "oh shi-" during that whole scene was amazing).
• I did however, love the way they did the sky cells.
• I also have a strange soft spot for Bronn in the books. And I am loving him right now in the show.
• I laughed at first at the scene with Bran reciting the places with their sigils and words because I thought it was just another way for the show to slip in some lore and exposition. However, that scene ended up being quite sad and heartbreaking for young Bran. I just want to hug him! Cutest child actor ever!
• MOAR ROBB!

Shit it going to continue to go down more and more with each passing episode. I know what's going to happen, but I seriously can't wait :D

Doctor Who Episode 6.4: Oodcast

Doctor who 6.4 doctor's wife by Ashitaka's Angels

Another Doctor Who podcast? Oh shi-
This time it's for episode 4 of season 6 "The Doctor's Wife", an episode we enjoyed a lot! Thanks Neil Gaiman! Also included, a discussion of just why the 3rd Pirates of the Caribbean movie is so goshdarn terrible, and the awesomeness of a little show called Community. Enjoy!  

(A Much Delayed Recap of) The Voice, Battles Pt. 1. a.k.a. "I Will Punch You With My Voice..."

...and you (and all of America) will like it. *snap*

Truth be told, we (at the blog) DID like it! We've actually liked The Voice ever since its first episode. The show's premise (having 4 coaches instead of judges, battles, more focus on people that can sing AND singing, etc.)  has been a nice change from that other vocal talent show we sometimes watch. (I won't name any names, but it rhymes with Shamericanidol. Emphasis on the sham part. /rant over)

Anyways, we decided to live blog week the first week of battles on The Voice. A lot of them were pretty close to call, but, of course, that did not stop us from putting in our two cents on not only the performances but also the overall festivities.

First, Onto the Matchups! Starting with Team Christina!

Battle #1: Tarralynn vs. Frenchie singing "Single Ladies" a.k.a...

...DIVA-GEDDON

also a.k.a.: ...The Time When We Discovered Christina Is a Singing Sith Lord

Follow the progression of the images below, paying careful attention to Christina. Sure, she starts out looking normal, but as the vocal battle draws nearer, it becomes apparent that sing-offs bring out a bit of her dark side.

Time until Vocal Battle: 1 Day

"You guys are both amazing! O hai, Sia!" 

L: I bet Christina THRIVES off of Diva-offs

L: it gives her power

Time Until Vocal Battle: A Little Less Than 1 Day

"Do I sense some tension?"

Z: they're like her unicorn blood #sheisasingingvoldemort

Z: christina is getting excited at the very thought of this diva-off

Z: it's palpable

Z: they're about to punch each other with their voices

Time Until Vocal Battle: 2 Seconds:

Sith Signal to begin Vocal Battle #1.

L: lollll she's totally encouraging the tension

L: she wants it!

Time Until Vocal Battle: -30 Seconds

Dance of the Singing Sith Lord.

Z: she's feeding off of it!!!

Z: she's like emperor palpatine. the more anger there is, the stronger she grows

Battle #1 Winner: Frenchie. We agreed with Christina's choice.

L: blue dress girl has hit some bum notes

L: like, that last note? no

Z: yeah, she's a little off with her wailing

L: i'm kind of on Team Frenchie right now, i can't lie

Z: Frenchie was more in tune, and she had more flair

Onto Battle 2: A Battle in which Patrick sang against Tyler a.k.a. ....

...The Time We Indirectly Realized Not Only Blake's Sheer Height, But Also His Coolness.  

L: omg is Blake a giant?!

L: or are they really short?

Z: he is a country giant

L: can i take the time to mention how much I love Blake?

L: He's funny and smart and has picked some pretty good people, and i've never heard of him 

before, but i enjoy him

In addition to his admirable traits, Blake's choice of celebrity judge/helper further upped his coolness:

Actual Fact--> Reba's Total # of Awards from '84-present: Ninety, ya'll. NINETY.

Z: wow. Reba frikkin' McEntire

Z: blake's pulling out the big guns

L: lol Reba PWNS all other judge helpers

11:55 PM

Z: she has as many grammys for each year christina has been alive

Anyways, the Winner was...: Patrick...or was it Tyler? We kept getting them mixed up during the battle. 

For the record: Patrick's on the left; Tyler's on the right. It took us half the song to realize that.

L: if you already have another country singer type in your group, choose Patrick?

L: if you're looking for a good country guy, go Tyler

L: omg i'm confusing their names lol

L: switch that

Z: no, tyler's the country guy

L: switch thattttt haha

Z: you were right

L: so confused right now

Z: patrick's the one with the bowtie

L: no, they keep calling him Tyler though!

Z: wait.

L: Tyler is the ging!

Z: i got it wrong

L: haha it's ok

L: I DON'T KNOW WHO I WOULD CHOOSE

Winner: It was Patrick. At least we're 99.99% sure it was.

Yep. Definitely Patrick...right?

Onto Team Adam and Battle #3: Where Tim and Casey sang "Leather and Lace"...a.k.a. the Battle where We Tried to Figure Out Who Casey Sounded Like

Z: who does she sound like?

L: she has a nice tone

L: but yeah, it's reminiscent of someone else

12:10 AM

Z: yeah, she sounds nothing like the high-pitched girl we saw in the beginning


We were both racking our brains the entire song, but to no avail. Who should solve the mystery of the recognizable voice with no name? 

...Cray Cray Cee-lo. Of course.

Z: Cee-lo's right!

Z: she *does* sound like a young stevie nicks

L: she DOES

Battle #3 Winner: Casey a.k.a. Young Stevie Nicks

Z: her voice is interesting

L: yeah, i like her too

L: she could be great

Onto Team Cee-lo and Battle #4. But first, some words about Team Cee-lo, who wins the award for Most Random Team Ever Led by the Most Random Coach Ever. 

Z: i feel like cee-lo has the most random team

Z: or maybe that's just because of cee-lo's randomness

L: Yeah, Cee Lo kind of just picked whoever the fuck he wanted

L: dat's a lot of red

Z: it is. he looks like the kool-aid man

L: I feel like I never have any idea what Cee Lo is thinking

L: lol like Cee Lo's brain is just madness at all times

If it's still hard to believe that Cee-lo is random, please keep in mind that this is the same man who performed at the Grammys dressed in this: 

Gwyneth unfortunately came with the costume.

*Ahem* Anyways, onto the battle, in which Vicci went up against Niki singing P!nk's "Perfect" a.k.a. When We Realized We'll Always Be Biased Against Those Who Try to Cover an Adele Song

Left: Vicci; Right: Niki

L: right now, i'm leaning towards "Teenage Dream" girl (Niki sang it for her blind audition)

L: b/c that other girl sounded like she butchered "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele's hit single, which Vicci sang for her blind audition)

Z: yeah, her high note wasn't good

L: i basically have never heard an Adele cover better than the original

Z: THIS

Z: no one should touch Adele

L: and Kris Allen has done an Adele cover.....so you know it's serious*

L: SERIOUS SHIT

Z: WORD TO YOUR MOTHER

*How shall I put this. Lea is to Kris Allen and his music as Gwyneth Paltrow is to her own reflection.

Battle #4 Winner: To our surprise, Vicci 

Z: WHOA

L: WAT NO

L: meeeh

Z: wrong choice, cee-lo

L: my only disappointment

Z: agreed

Z: cee-lo is cray cray lol

L: for real

Our Concluding Thoughts: 

L: I enjoyed this episode! You know why? because the duets sounded good! like, it was just pleasant to listen to these people's voices mesh

L: and no one is terrible anymore

Z: Idol should be kicking themselves

they already do that [do group numbers/duets] during hollywood week. they just never made it a huge focus

L: right? and even though the voice is still contrived (boxing matches, an actual ring, etc.), it never feels forced like Idol does

Z: my producer-manipulation-spidey-sense wasn't tingling at all during this ep

it's usually pinging all the time during idol. I like that the judges actually talk about the musical aspects of singing

Z: their criticism sounds more constructive during the rehearsal rounds

Z: there's not as much soundbite generating going on, i feel

L: and i think you have to remember that it's new! and fresh!

L: Idol is stale and moldy

Truer words have never been spoken. 

And so ends this live blog. Now, what did you think of the episode? 

[Image Credit: JustJared.com; NBC]