the weirdness continues

http://fuckyeahstruttingleo.tumblr.com/


AMAZING

Bowties Are Cool

I wouldn't categorize myself as a Doctor Who ~fan.  I had seen a few episodes with the Tenth Doctor from various seasons with various companions. And while I always enjoyed the episodes I saw and wanted to start watching the show, I never got around to it.  So it's funny that the first full season of Who I've been able to watch was the latest season with the newest Doctor and I've done things completely out of order as usual.

A shiny blue box

 So I wanted to do a little write up about it, because I greatly enjoyed this season (series? Series 5, I believe).  I won't lie, it took me a little while to warm up to it, but by the end of the finale, I found myself searching my Tivo for more episodes.  I think there's something about not having gotten accustomed to a previous actor playing the Doctor (especially Ten's actor, David Tennant, who is beloved by many fans), because it allowed myself to be totally involved in Matt Smith's performance as Eleven.  Which is awesome!  Matt Smith makes the doctor silly and crazy and spastic, yet I love his serious side too.  You really believe him as this centuries old, last of the Time Lords, who's also kind of a badass.  He was so much fun to watch and do his thing, that while I can't necessarily call him ~my Doctor yet, he might be close.

Oh River Song, who are you?

 Ah though, Amy Pond is still a little confusing for me.  I didn't realize this until later, but I think my aversion to sassy redheads (ever since that trollop, Ginny Weasley, came along) turned me off Amy a bit.  I never disliked her, I just didn't feel really any affection for the character.  By the end of the season however, I was beginning to turn around on Amy and accept her more, a lot of it having to do with Karen Gillan, who is pretty fantastic.  I still don't ~love her, her sassiness rivals Ginny's a bit too much at times, but I'm getting there.  And I have to mention Rory, Amy's bumbling but adorable boyfriend, who I love a whole lot.  From what I've seen and heard of in past seasons, there's often some kind of ~romantic "thing" with the Doctor and his companion (and yes, there was a little bit of it in this season, although thankfully, not that much), and so I liked the fact that quite a bit of the episodes had to do with exploring Amy and Rory's relationship, which I find pretty adorable (when they're both not acting stupid).

I just liked this scene

So the season as a whole was put together pretty well, with an intriguing arc about the crack in the wall showing up everywhere in time, with some more stand alone episodes filled in (although even those all seemed to tie into the overreaching arc in the end).  There were a few clunkers here and there, such as "Victory To The Daleks" (but I find the Daleks completely grating in every possible way, so) and the two parter "The Hungry Earth" and "Cold Blood", but even so there were enough truly amazing episodes to make up for it.  "Time Of Angels" was one of the creepiest hours of TV I've seen and episodes like "Amy's Choice" and "Vincent and the Doctor" were emotional and thought-provoking.  Above all though, one thing that I completely love about the show is that it's always so clever. It fulfills my Sci-Fi cravings in new and interesting ways every time.  And the last two episodes of the series were amazing.  Funny and touching and emotional and exciting and shocking and scary and everything you could want from a finale.  As the Brits would say (I think)....BRILLIANT!

Thumbs up, Doctor!

So, if you like Doctor Who or Sci-Fi or British people or really just good TV, then I would recommend the newest season of Doctor Who!  Hopefully I can go back and catch up with all of the previous seasons of new Who, because I want to know everything I've missed.  Can't wait for the Christmas special! :D

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETE

Hells Bells

Pete Campbell, you are

an advertising genius.

"Christ on a cracker!"

i don't even know, you guys

http://fuckyeahprancingcera.tumblr.com/

i don't even know....

Yeah...

we're hot

Ze emmy nominations are out

RIGHT HERE!

12 noms for Lost \o/  Warms my insides a bit.  I have to admit that I haven't been watching much TV lately, so most of these seem pretty standard.  Happy about all the Mad Men noms of course, but the Lost stuff really warms my heart.  Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson were give-ins, but I'm so happy for Mathhew Fox.  He really really deserved it for his work this season.

BUT MOSTLY LET'S CELEBRATE THE ELIZABETH MITCHELL NOM! YAYAAYAY! *dances*

(True Blood though? Really? REALLY? lol.  And Gregory Itzin, you scoundrel :D)

So what did you guys think about the Emmy noms?

So You Think You Can Dance Season 7: Top 11 Perform

Who's ready for some SYTYCD?! This season is a bit different from past seasons.  Instead of a Top 20, there's a Top 11, and every week someone gets paired up with a dancer from a past season, or an "All Star" as you will.  Also, apparently the judges get to choose who goes home every single week, instead of just during the first half of the competition (laaaaaaame). Also, also, MARY MURPHY IS GONE!!!!!111 WOO WOO!!!1111  You have no idea how happy this makes me.  Mary Murphy was like Kara DioGuardi times a thousand.  Mia Michaels is a crazy bitch, but oh lordy is she better than Mary.

I won't bore you with detailed thoughts about everyone's performances.  I got too lazy to do that.  I will say that it was really super awesome to see some of my favorite dancers again though :D  Mark, Pasha, Neil, Ade! YAAAAAAAAAAY! Definitely the best part of the episode.  As there are less and less contestants though, does that just mean certain All Stars will take breaks certain weeks since they're attached to a specific style, or...how does that work exactly?

Despite the fact that it was super awesome seeing the old dancers again, I still felt the whole thing was a little strange in that they weren't being judged at all.  They were there on the stage, having just as much participation as the actual contestant, yet we're supposed to ignore them?  Often I thought the All Stars were better than the contestant, so I either couldn't really pay attention to the contestant at all OR the contestant paled in comparison and I thought they were worse than they probably were.  For example, Pasha and Melinda's Jive, all I could focus on was Pasha who was killing it, so when they started bashing Melinda afterward, I was just like, "oh...really? I thought it was good".  Really though, just Pasha was good lol.  Or Mark and Christina's Jazz.  Mark is so unbelievably good at that style of dance that I thought he totally outdanced Christina and she wasn't that good.  Of course, the judges loved her lol.   It's all a bit distracting. Aw well, I'll keep looking forward to seeing my favorite All Stars every week anyways.

One of the highlights of the night was Alex and Allison's contemporary piece.  First, I have to point out the fact that Sonya is totally my favorite choreographer.  Girl is amazing.  Second, the Jeff Buckley version of Hallelujah is one of the greatest songs ever, so it already had that going for it.  But it was still really really amazing. Both of those dancers were incredible and it gave me goosebumps.  Just gut wrenching (best ever though? I don't think so).  Another highlight was Robert and Courtney's African Jazz. SO fun and totally flawless.  I think I really like that Robert guy.  I will root for you, Robert!

Anyone else watching? What did ya think?

!!!

Winter Is Coming

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A travishamockery

I can't really write a coherent blog post right now

Instead read this article: http://cultural-learnings.com/2010/05/27/american-idol-season-9-finale-in-defence-of-kris-allen/





Basically.

American Idol Season 9 Top 2: Do we even care?

To be honest, I'm feeling kind of zen about this whole thing.  Lee used to fill me with such rage, but now I don't really even care who wins.  I'm still on team Crystal, but if Lee wins, eh, whatever.  I'm sure Crystal will be fine and this season will deserve an Idol who sings out of tune half the time :)

Such a change from last season, heh.  I didn't really think I would ever like a season as much as Season 8, but I didn't think I would hold so much hatred turned apathy towards this season either.  I will never forget you though, Didi, Lilly, Alex, Crystal, and.....TIM!

"The Boxer" Reprise - 
MG:Erm...that was......good! :D  I have a feeling Randy's jacket is going to be my favorite thing of the night though.
Z: He wasn't as pitchy this time around. It was awright, dawg. Randy's elephant/argyle jacket still takes the cake.

"Me and Bobby McGee" Reprise-
Z: I love her guitar! It's weathered and distressed and it looks like it has a soul. Her voice is amazing, as always. Mamasox rocks.
MG: Round one goes to Jack Bowersox!  I think I'm already drunk.

Producer's choice Lee - "Everybody Hurts":
MG: He still looks scared.  Oh lord, it's Lee's choir.  WHERE IS BAGPIPE?!  At least he sang in tune? Sort of?
Z: OMGed, the choir? Really? Kara described Lee as "emotionally accessible"? Yeah, maybe in an alternate universe, DioGuardi. Good song choice, but he still held back.

Producer's choice Crystal - "Black Velvet":
MG:  Oh man, this is dramatic as hell.  I'm really afraid she's going to fall down the stairs.  And she survived!  This is rockin'! Sing it, girlfrand!  SHE'S ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN!!!! WHOO WHOO!!!!!11
Z: Girl rocked it out!!! This stage is huge. I'm wary of Simon's complements for Crystal...I wouldn't put it past him to use reverse-psychology to make sure Lee's fans put it into overdrive tonight.


Lee coronation song - "Beautiful Day"
MG: What?  Um....this isn't a song about natural disasters!  WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!  Where are the mountains?!  THE HURRICANES?!  He sounds out of tune.  This is so unfair to every other Idol winner and runner-up....dear god.  This sucks.  I'm just saying.  It's not because I'm pissed he doesn't have to sing about believing in yourself or whatever, he just...doesn't sound very good.  THIS IS THE GUY YOU WANT AS YOUR IDOL, AMERICA?!......When is Kris Allen coming back?
Z: Simon is infuriating me. Lee Dewyze is the only one who needs a break?! His voice was a little iffy in spots and very 'yell-y' in others.  I really hope Crystal gets an equally liked song as 'Beautiful Day.' I really don't want voters to vote for the 'song' they like more. It's about the artistry, people! Let's remember that.

Crystal "coronation song" - "Up to the Mountain"
MG: MOUNTAIN! I've got my mountain! Crystal wins.  Game over. Ok, I'll talk about the performance.  So much emotion.  Just...OMG they said Lee was the one with emotional connection?!  Hahahahahahaha.  This is like, maybe one of the best performances of the season.  I feel tears.  The tears might be coming.  Now, this was a moment.  YOU WANTED A MOTHERFRAKKIN MOMENT?!  THERE YOU FUCKING GO!
If she doesn't win now, I just....I don't even know.
Z: Basically, I'm just getting my phone ready, cuz I REALLY want this girl to win now. This is my proudest moment as a Crystal fan. Seriously. She sang with conviction and soul, and...I just...love her. That is all.
My voting hand is poised and ready.

So....I still don't really care who wins, I guess, but if Crystal doesn't win, it'll just be...sad.  I think her performances tonight were so strong, especially her last song, that she should win on merit alone.  There is just no way, shape or form that Lee was better than her tonight (or the whole season, but that's a whole nother argument)
Having said that, I think Lee does have more screaming tweens and cougars voting for him.  Also, they kind of de-pimped him this episode (even though he deserved it), so it might mobilize his fanbase.

Z: To be honest,  Crystal has been the shining beacon in the fog that has been season 9. Though the Lee fans may be pulling out the stops voting-wise, I really hope that Crystal prevails. Tonight was really her night. During the entire season, she's been the ARTIST to beat. I don't think I could ever say the same for Lee.

Amen

Now where is Kris?

LOST: The End is Near. Say it ain't so, Darlton!

Last Wednesday night, Damon and Carlton were on Letterman to present the Top Ten Spoilers for the LOST finale!!!

• If you want to skip Letterman's spiel, Darlton comes on at about 1:47. 
• Ben makes a cameo and delivers lines in his creepy 'Ben' way. 

American Idol Season 9 Top 3: Dead to me

Before this episode even starts, I know I'm going to vote for either Casey or Crystal.  DO NOT SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY! VOTE FOR THE GOAT! BOW-ER-SOX! BOW-ER-SOX!


Casey - Alright With Me by Eric Hutchinson: I don't know it. This is just an Ok song, for me for you.  That was good, but maybe not ~amazing.  Casey needed a 'Heartless' to make it into the finale, and this wasn't it. Casey :(
Z: I can kind of understand Casey picked this song in order to show more of his artist side (it's kind of obscure so no one could compare it to the original). His vocals were strong, but his delivery needed to pack more of a punch. Casey, you need to be better than Lee! I hope his second song is better.

Crystal - Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge: Harmonica FTW!  She should always sing songs just like that. I don't really have much to say. It was just good.
Z: Crystal's vocals were strong, but I agree with Kara--an acoustic arrangement might have been an improvement. I'm excited to hear her second song!!!! Btw, I love her mic stand.

Lee - Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynrd:  Oh god, of course Lee's got the pimp spot.  OMG look at his eyes.  There's no emotion there.  He creeps me out.  And he has a giant head.  He's going to his "Daughtry place".  Oh crap, the judges are going to love this.  I just don't like his voice.  He hits like, half of his notes, but it's not as noticeable because he just screams everything.
Z: Oh, no. They're totally pimping him. Some of his notes weren't that great. But, of course, the judges won't say anything about that. Their Lee-love is blinding them!!!! Let the scales fall from your eyes, judges!!! Please.



Casey - Daughters by John Mayer: Lovin it so far.  Much better.  I love it when he does his ballad thing.  AND A FACE MELTING SOLO!
Z: Of course, Simon critiques Casey's guitar solo... Simon, stop taking Casey down so you can elevate Lee later...Simon, you make me sad.  Anyways, I think it's great anytime Casey shows his vulnerable side. His soloing and vocals were strong and totally fit the song (boo to you, Simon).


Crystal - Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney: No instrument.  I love this song so much.  Sing it, girlfrand.  Slow. Motherfucking. Clap. Girl just threw down.
Z: Mind Grapes and I just did the *Susan Boyle-face-held-in-hands* gesture. I swoon at her voice. Girlfriend got SOUL.

Lee -  Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley: Full orchestra, fancy lighting, full choir descending from the heavens.  I am a changed woman.  Put me to bed, mama.  I have seen enough to know that I have seen too much..........I hate this show.
Z: And good music dies to the sound of thunderous applause. (Too harsh?)


I still cannot believe that just happened. Like, really? Really really? Just....LOL forever OMG this show is so stupid and I hate it so much.

So...Lee is going to win this show.  Whatever.  This season deserves him. I don't even give a fuck anymore.
Z: I still have hope that Lee Dewyze/Gokey-rehash will not win. However, I do think he will make the final 2, considering how Simon lavished the full-on orchestra/gospel choir treatment on him. Even though it's a long shot, I'm voting to keep Casey in the game. C'mon, people! We need to make a C^2 finale happen!! C^2 supporters, let's rally ourselves and UNITE!!!!!!

LOST: Fan-Made Series Finale Trailer *NO SPOILERS*

So, this trailer may be a little premature, but since the final two episodes LOST are fast approaching, I thought what the heck, why not share it?

Damon Lindelof linked to this fan-made series finale trailer on his Twitter, and I've got to say, it's FULL OF EPICNESS. Kudos to whoever made it because it looks darn professional. AND EPIC. Enjoy.  *And don't worry. I promise it contains no spoilers whatsoever.*




(Did I mention it was EPIC?!?! Okay. Now, I'm done.)


*LOST*

American Idol Season 9 Top 4: And here's to you, Mrs. DioGuardi

Long time, no blog.  Oops.  Sorry about the lack of AI posts, folks. To be honest, it was a combination of me being lazy and me not caring about this season enough to have any sort of opinion.  But hey, I'm happy Aaron Kelly left last week! I'm also happy Siobhan and her leaves left too.  I also have formed a deep and burning hatred for Lee DeWyze, who needs to GTFO as soon as possible.  Still on the Crystal train, but I've also jumped on the Casey train after his "Don't" performance.  I'll probably end up voting for him this week because I'm constantly fearing him going home.  Hey, it's kind of like what it was like to root for Kris last season! Oh, joy.

Jamie Foxx again! He was a good mentor last season, but...he mentored an entirely different theme lol.

Jamie Foxx is a crazy person. He has shirts he's going to give them?

Lee DeWyze- "Kiss From A Rose"
Jamie is getting all up in his face. LOL like Danny Gokey last season! OMG HE REALLY IS NEW GOKEY! Ok, I like this song, Lee. Don't fuck up.  Pull your pants up.  He sounds a little ahead of the music. Or behind the music? OMG did he just smile? Shocking.  That was...ok.  Honestly, he sounded out of breath and not good for a lot of that. I don't even know. It was kind of boring and unoriginal and he didn't sing it THAT well.  And not everyone loves him, Kara, jeez!  NEW GOKEY!

Mike-"Will You Be There"
His stupid wave LOL.  The song from Free Willy.  Staircase!  Oh there you go, gospel choir behind him.  Break it down, Big Mike!  Mike has a really good voice.  That was good, but there weren't that many...lyrics in the song.  And it was kind of safe, yeah?  Simon doesn't know Free Willy and they have to explain it to him.  I don't know why, but I'm laughing so hard.

Mike sings more in tune than Lee! He has every single week!  I'm just saying!!!!!!

Crystal and Lee - Falling Slowly
Oh shit...oh shit oh shit oh shit.  Uh oh.  I'm having so many conflicting thoughts right now.  As some of you may have forgotten, Kris Allen sang this song on Idol last year and killed it.  He also plays it a lot during his live shows now.  This season has pretty much recycled every single song Kris sang on Idol last year. Sigh.  They're playing the guitar to each other.  They're alternating in the verses.  This is nice so far and they actually changed up the arrangement. Aw they're singing different things at the same time.  Lee is definitely louder than Crystal, but OMG I kind of really liked that.  A lot.  Urgh Lee, I hate that I like something you did.

The praise for them was deserved, but this was TOTALLY a way to pimp out both Lee and Crystal.  We'll see what they say about the other duet, but I have a feeling there will be some de-pimping going on.

Also, the show has yet to mention Kris's name a single time despite the fact that so many people have sang songs he's sung before.  Hm...

Casey- "Mrs. Robinson"
He's singing for all his cougar fans!  You go, Casey! He's playing a mandolin! Or Big Mike's tiny ukulele guitar, one of the two.  No! Stop clapping, swaybots!  Aw Casey...I like it when he does his slower songs.  I think he did really well.  Very pretty.  He seemed really emotional singing it.  Oh god, they're going with the Kara jokes again.  And they're not stopping.  And the de-pimping of Casey begins :(

That was WAY better than Lee's performance.  I'm just saying.

Crystal- "I'm Alright"
A song from Caddyshack.  I do not know this song. She's bringing a little energy.  I love her acapella opening.  Also, man playing drums on stage is awesome.  Also, the breakdown is fucking sweet. That was a great performance, per usual. Has Simon seen no movie ever? Crystal's boyfriend has American flag pants. Wat? They seem like such an unlikely pair, but I kind of love it.

Casey and Mike- "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?"
LMAO this was the song I was hoping for...because it's just so terrible. How many times can you say the word "ever" in a song? Or "really" for that matter?  Oh mmmm Casey's guitar playing is hot. Nice.  Ok, this is good. Yay good harmonies! Yay good verses! Yay good duet!  And wow, they really were nice to them.  I'm kind of shocked.

Best of the night: Solo wise Casey or Crystal, with maybe a slight edge to Casey.  I did really like the Falling Slowly duet too though, god help me.

Worst of the night: It was Lee. It totally was. Don't deny it. It was. Sadly, I have a feeling we'll be saying goodbye to Mike or Casey anyways.

Lost 'The Candidate'

But....why?! D:

this didn't make me feel any better either: http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/05/04/lost-producers-actors-candidate/