I had forgot about this gem of a show. Seeing it moved to a Saturday night spot also makes me quite sad, because shows don't usually last once the move from a weekday to weekend, but I was excited it's back on. Why do I like this show? It reminds me of a young version of Grey's, but including Octavia Spencer and Mandy Moore. It is a complete "dramedy", but balances humor with intense emotions rather well. So, here are my thoughts on tonight's episode...
-Kara is a character I love to hate. She is the teen filled with hatred, selfishness and angst, but it is played really well. Tonight, I actually felt bad for her as she wrestled with Hunter possibly dying and leaving her his heart.
-the girl that plays hunters sister is amazing at having breakdown crying moments and o had tears streaming down my face at the end
-Jordy admits to selling drugs, but it is not punished at all (didn't like that part) although I understand the reasoning.
-Emma comes back to the hospital because she passes out and hits her head. I have loved her storyline because I feel it shows a realistic portrayal of an eatIng disorder.
-of course the ending leaves us crying and feeling like we actually received the bad news that not only did Hunter die, but we find out Leo had scans and his cancer is back but really bad this time.
Things I don't like...
-although it's been on for months, the time sequence makes it so that it has only been a few weeks
-many of the teens are actually played by a cast well into their twenties, but oh well
It was a great, emotionally wrought episode...yay Fox!
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I was a little terrified entering the last episode of Parenthood after all that I had heard about it, especially after this video tweet from Ryan Seacrest that went viral on the Twitter. Parenthood almost always makes me teary-eyed at the least, but last night I didn't cry, or even well-up. I think part of it was the disconnect I felt over the last couple of episodes, but more importantly, I was prepared. I was totally psychic and already knew how Zeek was going to die.
To quote myself: "Zeek is going to die at a completely unexpected, happy moment…. Camille will go nudge Zeek in his chair and he'll just be dead. That's how it will happen. No dramatics, no grabbing of the heart, just unexpectedly lights out."
Okay, I'm not totally psychic. I've just seen enough television and movies to know that after all the "emergency" Zeek episodes that this is how it would happen. And if it had to happen, I'm glad it was like this, because it was peaceful. We can all tell ourselves it was painless. He was comfortable, at home, and unafraid. I predicted the whole family would be there, but I'm glad they weren't. It was better with just Camille. Mad props to Bonnie Bedelia for that entire performance. She goes from scared to strong in just one little facial movement. And then she just goes and sits with him for a while.
I'm glad this scene was short, and I'm glad they didn't show the funeral or anyone else's reaction because that would have been like the purest form of torture I can imagine.
Zeek's death definitely takes center stage, but what about everything else?
I must say I thought the baseball scene was a bit over-done. I loved it as part of the montage, since that's how the show began, but there was like way too much "hey-o!" high-fiving and laughing and stuff that it was almost cartoonish, especially after they had just put Zeek's ashes on the plate. Maybe it just felt weird because we hadn't seen them be sad? Not like I wanted that.
The flash forward: I actually loved this. I felt like it really helped ease the sadness of Zeek's death too, like this family is still progressing and living and loving. The only thing that bugged me was that the children would look way different in three years, and they looked way too much the same. I mean couldn't they have just cut Max's hair or something? Or given Sydney fake boobs? It was weird to see the kids look exactly the same but then there were like, toddlers who were babies when Sarah & Hank got married. Which brings us to…
Joel & Julia: Ugh. Okay, I'm happy that they're a happy family again, but I can't get over the whole if-this-was-real-life thing. Adopting another kid after getting divorced is a BAD IDEA! Except it wasn't. It was just fine, because this is television. So now it's Joel, Julia, Sydney, Victor, Victor's sister, and then yet another baby, which I know is supposed to be biologically theirs since that's what Jason Katims said in an interview. They've got four kids like the original Bravermans, get it?
Another psychic hit= the luncheonette. Again, to quote myself: "Adam will leave The Luncheonette. Amber and Crosby will run it."
Because DUH.
Which brings us to Amber: she marries someone else, who it looks like already has a little girl of his own, and she's now pregnant with his kid. It looks like Ryan got his shit together and is a great dad, who is friendly with Amber as they share custody. I love all of this. Ryan & Amber's story was so depressing, and it's great to know that they were able to move on but still be pals and raise their son.
Other little things: Jasmine gets pregnant again. Max graduates (Duh). Camile goes to the bed and breakfast she was supposed to go to with Zeek even though he's gone (tears). Drew is still with gross Julie (WHY). Haddie made a five second cameo and told Max she loved him and he didn't care. ( I know they were being realistic with the Aspburgers, but couldn't they have just given us ONE moment of emotion from him there?) Speaking of Max, he danced with a girl! Take that, Dylan! What am I missing?
Like how I haven't mentioned Sarah and Hank's wedding at all? That's only because I don't have much to say about it. It was super sweet. I like Hank. I like Sarah and Hank together. I like that Ruby was excited about the marriage and was being nice. The wedding was pretty. That's about it.
Well, this is it. No more Parenthood ever. It's going to take a while for this to set in for me, I think. All-in-all, Parenthood was not a perfect show, but it was very close. I don't think I've ever watched a show that's so realistic and touching in my life, not to mention the cast was absolutely perfect. You didn't feel like you were watching a scripted show when you watched Parenthood; it was like you were spying on a real family and watching their life in real-time. I'm not sure how any future family dramedy could ever top it.
What did you guys think of how Parenthood ended? Did it destroy you, or were you emotionally stable? Did you love or loathe any part of it? Was anything missing for you?
Do you ever watch an episode of TV and find yourself hurting for the characters? I do all the time because my shows are my way to focus on different stories and characters. My shows are many times wrought with emotions so fierce, it allows me to observe things about how we as humans cope with experiences. Of course, not many of the stories are true and they are being played by actors and actresses, but they are essentially stories made up of human trials, humanity at its worst and best. Maybe it's the social worker in me that is constantly looking at the world through some different lenses, but I love that some shows are full of raw emotions...case in point, tonight's episode of criminal minds.
I have been watching this show for 10 years and have been shocked by some episodes. In tonight's show, I had seen previews that Ben savages playing young Gideon, so I assumed there would be flashbacks, but I did not plan on seeing the team solve Gideons murder. Here are my thoughts on this emotion packed episode..
-I was not as sad about him dying as I was for Reid
-I loved the BAU origins
- loved how Gideon named his son Rossi's middle name
-JJ and Garcia eating ice cream was sweet
-the bird thing disturbed me
-the fact that the unsub was played by purlmudder from castle creeped me out.
So all in all it was definitely worth watching, but have the kleenex
Let me start by saying that I have had lot going on, which is why my posts have been delayed. That being said, here are my thoughts on the shows I love.
I'm starting off today with a show called "Resurrection". This gem of a series airs on ABC on Sunday night's, and although it is amazing, it does not seem to have been given as much attention as it's network counterparts. Listed below are the reasons I enjoy this sci-fi drama.
1-it has an interesting premise: in the small town of Arcadia people start to come back from the dead. The show tells the story of the "returned" (those who have resurrected) and how the people close to them deal with it.
2- it is not about zombies, the returned don't eat people or anything, they wake up in a world different from the one they lived in.
3-the stories are touching and emotional because families are being reunited with children that they lost tragically, loved ones are seeing each other after years of separation
4- Regardless of the joy people feel, there is a huge level of segregation created out of fear, which causes controversy.
-I like that it is a new twist on sci-fi with a touch of drama and intrigue
What we've learned in the last two episodes of Parenthood:
-- Hank has really terrible timing, but he is Drew's favorite loser.
-- Amber's dad thinks he can buy a fancy crib and just take all the credit for everything.
-- Adam and Crosby are selling the Lunchonette. No they're not. Yes they are. No they're not. -- Julia doesn't have any storage under her bed (what's that like?) and there's enough room for a grown man to hide under it.
-- Zeek is a dead man walking
I'm not sure about the rest of you guys, but I felt a little disengaged from the last two episodes of Parenthood. The show is down to the wire. I mean, there's only two episodes left, and I just feel like it's really…slow?
Maybe that's not fair. After all, it's not like this show is Lost. There's no murder and bad guys and smoke monsters. The writers are trying to wrap up this story about a family in a way that is nostalgic and nice…except that Zeek will die.
In no particular order of importance, here's what stuck out for me in these last two episodes:
The mystery film Zeek found in his attic that Max developed was all the pictures from the intro. FULL CIRCLE! Did they plan to do that all along? Probably not? I don't know? If anyone can find one of those pictures on someone's wall in an earlier episode, I will give you a million dollars. (I won't.)
The "love lessons" were sort of irritating, except I understand their purpose in dramatic television. Like when Sarah isn't sure if she should marry Hank and Camile's response is, "Do you love him? Does he make you happy? Well, what else is there?" UGHHH can we STOOOOPP with preaching that! That whole thing ruins liveeeees! With that being said, I think Sarah would be crazy if she said no to Hank. Ol' Hank has grown on me a lot, and he was a total sweety to Drew at the hospital, and let's face it, she ain't gettin' any younger.
Then we have Julia and Joel. Julia was being very smart and practical, telling Joel that their relationship was confusing for the children and the two of them needed to be absolutely on the same page and healthy and whatever before they let the kids know they were thinking about getting back together. That is all a good idea. But then Joel blows it, showing up at the skating rink and kissing Julia in front of the kids. It was cute and all, and I know we were supposed to cheer, but I was like, ugh, if this were real life, that would not have been smart. Just, no. But I get it-- it's TV.
I don't care about The Lunchonette. I think it's irresponsible of Jasmine to tell Crosby to follow his dreams even though they're in the poor house. I get that Crosby helped Adam once upon a time, but I don't understand why Adam feels like he owes Crosby his life choices now. Mostly, I don't understand why Crosby can't keep The Lunchonette & run it with someone who isn't Adam. Which leads me to…
Predictions:
1) Adam will leave The Luncheonette. Amber and Crosby will run it. Maybe Jasmine will handle the financial stuff that Adam handled. She seems like the type who could handle it.
2) Zeek is going to die at a completely unexpected, happy moment, before he can have surgery. The whole family will be partying and having fun, and Camille will go nudge Zeek in his chair and he'll just be dead. That's how it will happen. No dramatics, no grabbing of the heart, just unexpectedly lights out.
Well… I guess I only have two.
What about you? What predictions do YOU have? Are you feeling as invested as you were before the break? What do you think about how storylines are wrapping up?
Over the years, my friends have made fun of me for how much I enjoy watching American Idol. I remember walking across my college campus, voting on my phone over and over, trying not to trip. I've drug my family to three American Idol concerts. I've gotten shaky and red from yelling at the judges and stayed up voting every five minutes until the polls closed (both of those stories are about season 10's Haley Reinhart, duh). I still stalk many contestants on Twitter and was suddenly so sickly and pale upon meeting Casey Abrams at one of his recent concerts that this noir filter is the only way I can look at this photo of us.
It makes me really sad when people think I'm really sad for getting so into American Idol, because I know that they would love it all too if they just knew how to watch it. The first thing that people have to understand before watching American Idol is simple:
this show is the worst.
Huh? I'll get to that later. First, here are the rules you must follow in order to properly and pleasurably watch American Idol:
Rule #1: Take the contestants as seriously as they deserve to be taken, plus one.
Friends who either don't watch the show at all or watch five minutes in passing often say, "these people can't sing" or "they suck." Incorrect. Unless you're a William Hung, no one who makes it to the Hollywood round sucks. They are either mildly talented, talented, or very talented. Accept that.
Also remember that despite the fact that this show is the worst, the contestants are real people. They were thrown into a strange situation, but almost none of them have been doing showbiz their whole lives. They worked at movie theaters and were college students and baristas. I'm sure Jena Irene and I have peed in the same bathroom at the Novi Mall. Take them as seriously as they deserve to be taken considering they were that person who got the last soft pretzel ahead of you in line yesterday.
Jessica Muse knows American Idol is just a less bloody Hunger Games
Which brings me to that "plus one." Have you ever been nervous for a work presentation or interview? Imagine millions are watching and judging and it's being filmed. I would crap myself and turn into a puddle of crap on the floor. I'm not saying none of the contestants are annoying (BECAUSE MANY ARE), or that the show doesn't turn some of them into egotistical monsters (BECAUSE IT CAN), and if you want to hate them as the weeks progress, indulge in that! But don't write contestants off out of cynicism after a first or even second impression. Give 'em a chance.
Rule #2: Don't watch Idol thinking purely about fame.
A lot of people hate on Idol because many of the contestants aren't famous after the show ends. They aren't in your face in commercials and on your radio, so they're failures, right? Remember, you don't have to be famous to make a living with your music, and being famous doesn't automatically mean that you're good. Anyone who has ever liked an indie band and then scoffs at how un-famous many post Idols are is a total hypocrite.
I know I've already mentioned Haley and Casey in this blog but I'm just TRYING TO PROVE A POINT!
Many past Idols are still working and making good music and doing fun projects, and the show was a catalyst for that. If you don't believe me, look them up.
Rule #3: Take the judges as seriously as they deserve to be taken, minus ten.
Worst panel ever.
Sometimes the judges give terrible advice. Sometimes they give great advice. Sometimes it's very clear who their favorites are. Sometimes it's clear they weren't really listening and are just saying whatever the producers want them to say. Sometimes they give great advice one week and non-advice the next week (J-Lo, I'm looking at you). Sometimes they go on and on and on but say absolutely nothing (Randy Jackson).
I'll never forget when Simon Cowell apologized to Katherine McPhee in season 5 for one of his critiques, saying that it sounded different when he watched it back. That moment made me take him more seriously. I also remember how mean he was to Jennifer Hudson and how successful her career has become, which reminds me he's an ass.
The minus ten comes into play when you think about why the judges are there. Is it because it's a fun gig and they enjoy helping emerging singers, or are they trying to promote themselves in some way? Are they just there for the pay check and think we don't notice? We notice.
Part of watching this show properly is taking the judges as seriously as they deserve to be taken, not blindly agreeing with whatever they say or hating them when they speak the truth. Love them or loathe them, the judges start a conversation, and your reaction to that is all just part of the pathos that is American Idol.
Rule #4: Don't take the production seriously at all, minus a thousand.
Okay, now I'm really getting into why this show is the worst. American Idol is all about money. Money money money and advertising and money and cheap culture and money and pandering and money and cheesy musical cues and money and they don't ever try to hide it, ever. Instead of having past contestants perform on result shows, they promote Rio 2. When they do bring in old contestants, unless there is some type of deal with Interscope, they can't perform original songs. The producers pick contestants who are mildly talented but have the right look, or contestants who are mildly talented that have the right sob story. They manipulate our emotions with musical cues. They play the same clips over and over to eat time. Most of the show is commercial breaks, and when it's actually on, it's a constant commercial for Ford and/or Coca-Cola. They are constantly and desperately trying to turn everything into a hashtag. It is consumerism at its worst, everything about America that is wrong.
I thought for a minute last year that they were gonna bring classy to American Idol (how could I have ever thought that?) They showed videos of the judges from back in the day and seemed to be giving the show more of a personal feel, but the producers just couldn't help themselves. They just had to make terrible choices, like this one.
I forget what they were celebrating, but it was something important, like the 1,000th show or something, and they blasted the song "Selfie" and then took a million selfies. Please, just don't.
When you see real talent go up against a whorish production, it's impossible not to scream at the TV and mute it and ask yourself serious, existential questions about your life and how you spend your time. JUST GO WITH IT. Hating the show and hating yourself for watching the show is all part of loving the show.
Rule #5: Accept that Ryan Seacrest is basically claymation in human form.
Ryan Seacrest as a child. YOU KNOW HE HAS BAGGAGE.
If you watch the show with anything else in mind about Ryan Seacrest, you may find American Idol difficult to watch. He's little and happy and energetic and on every show on every channel. He's irritating and endearing at the same time. All I really wanna say about Ryan Seacrest is that I have nothing against him, and I honestly feel a certain amount of warmth and concern for him. I know he's super successful, but I worry about those types of people the most. He must be really anal and OCD, don't you think? And why did he feel like he had to show off his girlfriend to everyone last year on the show? Like what is he needing to prove? Remember when Terry Hatcher was on Oprah and she said that she went on a date with him and all these paparazzi suddenly showed up and he was like, "let's kiss for the cameras" and then he never called her again? Sometimes while I'm watching Idol I just imagine what might go on in one of Ryan Seacrest's therapy sessions, and it really distracts me from the contestants.
Rule #6: Read the Blogs
I don't really know how I watched this show before I read the blogs, because reading the blogs is the best part. You need to find bloggers who love the show as much as they hate the show, and you will be all set for a fun season. I would tell you to read Annie Barrett, who used to write for Entertainment Weekly, but I don't know if she'll be recapping on her own this year. Some of her brilliant similes made me laugh way too hard. (Erika Van Pelt sounds like an "overachieving ghost"). You can't say you're a fan of Idol and not know about TVLine.com's Michael Slezak, who also does a weekly recap vlog with Melinda Doolittle. His vlogs used to be these hilarious half hour productions that were better than the actual show by a mile. They are shorter now, but still worth watching. Many just watch his vlogs and don't actually watch Idol at all, which I kind of get.
Just find bloggers you like, and stick with them all season. Trust me, it's fun.
Rule #7: Give in every now and then
While the show's emotional manipulation is extremely annoying, every now and then, if you get "the goosies" in spite of yourself, just let it happen. I'll never forget when my little sister, who only watched Idol with me in passing and made fun of it, sat and sobbed on the couch during Phil Phillip's victory song. He starts crying and can't finish the song and just doesn't care and then he walks off stage and hugs his family. Like, you guys.
Rule #7 brings me to this: why even watch Idol at all? Because it's the Cinderella story. You don't matter or you're struggling, and then suddenly, you're being appreciated and seen, and your dreams are coming true. I don't care who you are or where you come from; the Cinderella thing is your dream. It's everyone's dream.
Also, and maybe more importantly, American Idol should be watched because, much like a football game, it doesn't matter. Life is heavy and unfair and chaotic and doesn't make any sense. (We are on a ball floating in SPACE!) But the rules of Idol are simple: everyone tries, and the person who the most people like gets the title. What the contestants do after the show really matters more-- you could be Carrie Underwood or Taylor Hicks. Rule #1 applies for after Idol too.
Personally, I like getting excited about dumb shit that doesn't matter that a lot of other people are talking about. Human beings need to feel emotions, and I'd rather channel my hope and rage through a singing show than have panic attacks because all the countries everywhere are bombing each other and horrible things are happening on our home turf. I would rather burn off the stress of my day by living vicariously through the successes and failures of others and go to sleep knowing that no matter how annoying this judge was or how that person should have won instead of that person, that it's all good, and you know, it's not like anyone's dead.
You could definitely criticize this point, and people have. Ever hear that "more people vote for American Idol than the president" line? Is this show part of what distracts us from what's really going on as the rich get richer and injustices happen under our noses? I mean, it's possible, but like, just drink the Kool-Aid. When in Rome.
So, unless you're one of those weirdos who doesn't watch TV, instead of flipping past American Idol this season, keep in mind the rules I just provided and then try watching Idol again. Be sure to check back on this blog too, where I will be loving and hating on the show in equal measure. You may just have the time of your life.
