In the name of full disclosure I am going to get a few more things out on the table in the final hours before Season Four.
Dualla is the character I hate the most. As irrational as you many think I am, I blame her for Billy’s death. She humiliated him and then got him killed. I did not really give her much consideration before that, but when it happened repulsion took root in my heart, which will live forever. The fact that she married Lee after acknowledging that he will always be in love with Kara (see extended version of “Unfinished Business”) just makes me want to dismiss her entirely. A woman so stupid is not even worthy of my hatred, and she is defiantly not worthy of Lee.
Granted, Lee is kind of a screw-up, and loosing Kara did not help. It is not a coincidence that when Kara died he left the military. Lee is like his father, but he is not his father. It is interesting that he never actually says why he joined the service. We know it was for Adams’s approval, but I think Lee respects what he does too much to reduce it in that way. Whatever his faults, his love for Kara is so sincere that it guided his life as much as his relationship with his father. He could not trust her completely enough to leave secure mediocrity with Dualla, but he loved her too much to let her abandon herself to doubt. Kara tells Lee to let her go into the storm because his love is what ties her to life.
Lee, not Anders! Kara married Anders after talking with (a drunk) Tigh, proof beyond doubt that she made the wrong choice. Anders is to Kara kind of what Riley was to Buffy: not horrible in and of himself, but to weak to handle a girl like that. Love is not enough if it is not paired with any strength of character and a willingness to challenge the other.
And there is the minor detail that Anders is a Cylon. I just do not think he and Kara have what Helo and Sharon have. But really, is anyone as wonderful as the Agathons?
Enjoy tonight everyone!
The TV Girl
Making the world a better place, one show at a time.
- The TV Girl
- Washington, DC, United States
- I guess you would like to know a little bit about the person making all these proclamations upon good taste and horrid characters. I'm Andrea and when I was 15 I fell in love. An hour after meeting "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" I was forever altered in the way only love can, and I never questioned for one minute afterwards that television offered me an amazing chance to experience lives and moments that I could never imagine. So now, when I'm not getting distracted by my real life, I write about TV. I also read, am finishing a Master's degree in English Literature, travel, am attempting to learn vegan cooking, am the 5th of 6 children, and drive my roommate nuts by constantly cleaning our already clean apartment. Now that we're old friends, time for you to take my opinions as the be all and end all.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Battlestar Galactica: Bill and Laura
The big day is finally here, and I still have so much to say, but I am accepting that I will never be able to say it all.
One of the accomplishments of Battlestar Galactica is the portrayal of how a respectful relationship is formed. In the beginning Bill Adama and Laura Roslin could not have been more different (they still are different) and they could not have been more at odds. Her more humanitarian mindset did not mesh well with his military training. The basis of their relationship was necessity; in order for humanity to survive, the civilian fleet need needed protection. Through acts of trust and mutual forgiveness Bill and Laura have not only come to admire each other, they have come to love each other. I mean love in more than the romantic sense (and I see that plain as day between these two). I mean love in the sense of genuine friendship, the kind of friendship that is necessary for society to continue. They see the strengths and weaknesses of each other, and over time have learned when to give and when to take in order to achieve the best results.
Over time is the key. Between them there have been mistakes, disagreements, disappointments, and messes to clean up. She once incited mutiny for which he put her in prison. He defied a direct order from her to execute Cain. She stole and hid Hera without telling him so that he would not have to lie about it. He refused to prosecute Helo when he disabled the biological weapon, even though she was irate enough to want it. They have opposite view points on the verdict of Baltar’s trial. Through each encounter and the consequences thereof they learn they know each other more and forge a stronger friendship.
Bill and Laura are, professionally, at the highest level: the President and the Admiral. From that point the serve as leaders for humanity, but it is their private friendship that serves as an example of conduct for those they lead.
It took until Baltar became President for me to get to the view I express here. For a season and a half I would clench my teeth every time Roslin spoke. She verged on a bit too bleeding heart for me, but she was such a pain in the ass at the same time. Seeing her cry over Billy’s body (through my own tears) was not what changed my mind about her, but it opened the door.
I am thinking that the cancer getting her this time might be the right ending for her: a way to free her of her responsibilities without betraying her character. But I also think that she is the last Cylon.
The TV Girl
One of the accomplishments of Battlestar Galactica is the portrayal of how a respectful relationship is formed. In the beginning Bill Adama and Laura Roslin could not have been more different (they still are different) and they could not have been more at odds. Her more humanitarian mindset did not mesh well with his military training. The basis of their relationship was necessity; in order for humanity to survive, the civilian fleet need needed protection. Through acts of trust and mutual forgiveness Bill and Laura have not only come to admire each other, they have come to love each other. I mean love in more than the romantic sense (and I see that plain as day between these two). I mean love in the sense of genuine friendship, the kind of friendship that is necessary for society to continue. They see the strengths and weaknesses of each other, and over time have learned when to give and when to take in order to achieve the best results.
Over time is the key. Between them there have been mistakes, disagreements, disappointments, and messes to clean up. She once incited mutiny for which he put her in prison. He defied a direct order from her to execute Cain. She stole and hid Hera without telling him so that he would not have to lie about it. He refused to prosecute Helo when he disabled the biological weapon, even though she was irate enough to want it. They have opposite view points on the verdict of Baltar’s trial. Through each encounter and the consequences thereof they learn they know each other more and forge a stronger friendship.
Bill and Laura are, professionally, at the highest level: the President and the Admiral. From that point the serve as leaders for humanity, but it is their private friendship that serves as an example of conduct for those they lead.
It took until Baltar became President for me to get to the view I express here. For a season and a half I would clench my teeth every time Roslin spoke. She verged on a bit too bleeding heart for me, but she was such a pain in the ass at the same time. Seeing her cry over Billy’s body (through my own tears) was not what changed my mind about her, but it opened the door.
I am thinking that the cancer getting her this time might be the right ending for her: a way to free her of her responsibilities without betraying her character. But I also think that she is the last Cylon.
The TV Girl
Miss Guided (6.25): There Could Be Something Here.
KP asked me if I intended to watch Miss Guided and it only took two words to convince me to do so: Judy Greer. She is one funny lady, evidenced in her exploits as Kitty the receptionist on Arrested Development. And I like the premise of the show: Becky Freeley (Judy Greer) the goody-two-shoes outsider is all grown up and now works at her former high school as the guidance counselor, but no matter how old you get high school stays the same. There is still the beautiful girl who gets everything she wants, Lisa Germain (Brook Burns), the cute but dumb guy who is inexplicably crush-worthy, Tim O’Malley (Kristoffer Polaha), the power-hungry staff member who seems to hate the students, Vice Principal Bruce Terry (Chris Parnell), and the ultimate authority that may or may not be paying attention, Principal Phil Huffy (Earl Billings).
I watched the two episodes that were on last week, and I watched the two that were on last night. The plots are amusing; the Vice-Principal’s office is vandalized, the evil teacher everyone hates unexpectedly dies, the terrible lead in the musical quits moments before curtain, a fire-alarm puller is unfairly punished. The cast works well together; the interaction between Becky and Lisa demonstrates both actresses giving their own interpretation of fairly similar emotions. (One of these actresses is obviously stronger than the other, but it would be unkind to name names.) Bruce is the gem. I predict this man could give Michael Scott a run for his money in the delusional short man race.
It is the early episodes of The Office that Miss Guided makes me think about. Dredge your memory, or press play on your Season One DVD, and think about how in those first few episodes you knew that the cast was strong, the writing was good, and you were interested enough to come back, but something just didn’t quite work. Basically, the producers had not yet figured out the proper balance for all the elements. If Miss Guided is picked up for the fall, this first season indicates that it could be a wonderful comedy. It has everything it needs, and with a bit of time and patience could easily find its way.
If you want to give Miss Guided a try, ABC.com has full episodes available.
Shout Outs: Little Things To Know That Make Watching Better
30 Rock fans already know that genius of Chris Parnell: he plays the renowned Dr. Spaceman. Also, you may remember Kristoffer Polaha as the blood-doping cyclist from House.
The TV Girl
I watched the two episodes that were on last week, and I watched the two that were on last night. The plots are amusing; the Vice-Principal’s office is vandalized, the evil teacher everyone hates unexpectedly dies, the terrible lead in the musical quits moments before curtain, a fire-alarm puller is unfairly punished. The cast works well together; the interaction between Becky and Lisa demonstrates both actresses giving their own interpretation of fairly similar emotions. (One of these actresses is obviously stronger than the other, but it would be unkind to name names.) Bruce is the gem. I predict this man could give Michael Scott a run for his money in the delusional short man race.
It is the early episodes of The Office that Miss Guided makes me think about. Dredge your memory, or press play on your Season One DVD, and think about how in those first few episodes you knew that the cast was strong, the writing was good, and you were interested enough to come back, but something just didn’t quite work. Basically, the producers had not yet figured out the proper balance for all the elements. If Miss Guided is picked up for the fall, this first season indicates that it could be a wonderful comedy. It has everything it needs, and with a bit of time and patience could easily find its way.
If you want to give Miss Guided a try, ABC.com has full episodes available.
Shout Outs: Little Things To Know That Make Watching Better
30 Rock fans already know that genius of Chris Parnell: he plays the renowned Dr. Spaceman. Also, you may remember Kristoffer Polaha as the blood-doping cyclist from House.
The TV Girl
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The Riches (8): It Was A Different Color, It Could Not Be Real.
Before I get into the crazy joy that was Tuesday’s episode I have to pass along a criticism that was pointed out to me by my friend Jennie. If a show is pursuing a baby-plot with an actress who is not actually pregnant, it is stupid of them to point out to the audience the fact that the actress was never pregnant by putting her in a belly-shirt. While some women loose the baby weight quickly, Ginny’s muscles definition screamed “I go to the gym every day and have not gestated another human being recently.” I promise that she can be just as trashy in shirts that cover her abdomen, so let us hope the costumer learns his/her lesson.
Back to business. I am going to say it and not even defend my statement: Dahlia did not turn herself in for parole violation. Moving on, there are not enough forks in the world that could be stuck in enough places in Dale to make me even slightly less irate. And as repulsed as I am by Dale, I am furious with Wayne. I thought that by taking a day and letting myself process I would be able to discuss this episode sort of rationally. Well, all I have gotten is angrier.
Dahlia is the great love of Wayne’s life; wife of many years, mother of his children, partner in crime. He finds out that Dale threatened her, choked her, and tried to drown her, and he reacted without even a glimmer of anger, or outrage, or protective instinct. That is bullshit. Yep, I said it, bullshit. He is not giving her a better life; hell, he is not even giving her a life equal to their Traveler days. One presumes that back before the Rich-con Wayne protected his family, kept them in relative safety. One assumes he would not let some sub-prime dirt-bag like Dale even talk about hurting Dahlia. For money he rolls over and tells her to deal? Cael is not pulling any punches, and I commend his honesty. But is his son’s dismissal enough to make Wayne see that he is not pretending to be an asshole, he is one. (I have no doubt that this show will find a way for Wayne to win my heart back, but right now I am pissed.)
And speaking of being pissed, so, I was wrong on my theory about the prison dude’s identity. Now the interesting question is why does a man who has been in prison for twenty years have a grudge against Wayne? And, is there a relationship between his dislike of Wayne, Ginny’s dislike of Wayne, and Ginny’s father’s murder?
To end this on something of a happy note, Sam started a new mural! This one seems to be about his desires for his family’s future, rather than a document of their past. Maybe Sam can save them all.
The TV Girl
Back to business. I am going to say it and not even defend my statement: Dahlia did not turn herself in for parole violation. Moving on, there are not enough forks in the world that could be stuck in enough places in Dale to make me even slightly less irate. And as repulsed as I am by Dale, I am furious with Wayne. I thought that by taking a day and letting myself process I would be able to discuss this episode sort of rationally. Well, all I have gotten is angrier.
Dahlia is the great love of Wayne’s life; wife of many years, mother of his children, partner in crime. He finds out that Dale threatened her, choked her, and tried to drown her, and he reacted without even a glimmer of anger, or outrage, or protective instinct. That is bullshit. Yep, I said it, bullshit. He is not giving her a better life; hell, he is not even giving her a life equal to their Traveler days. One presumes that back before the Rich-con Wayne protected his family, kept them in relative safety. One assumes he would not let some sub-prime dirt-bag like Dale even talk about hurting Dahlia. For money he rolls over and tells her to deal? Cael is not pulling any punches, and I commend his honesty. But is his son’s dismissal enough to make Wayne see that he is not pretending to be an asshole, he is one. (I have no doubt that this show will find a way for Wayne to win my heart back, but right now I am pissed.)
And speaking of being pissed, so, I was wrong on my theory about the prison dude’s identity. Now the interesting question is why does a man who has been in prison for twenty years have a grudge against Wayne? And, is there a relationship between his dislike of Wayne, Ginny’s dislike of Wayne, and Ginny’s father’s murder?
To end this on something of a happy note, Sam started a new mural! This one seems to be about his desires for his family’s future, rather than a document of their past. Maybe Sam can save them all.
The TV Girl
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Just To Let You Know
I have always enjoyed the campy/crazy of America's Next Top Model. The photo shoots are always really neat to look at, Tyra always does something dramatic, and someone always cries.
But after twenty minutes tonight I am washing my hands of this show. Dominique was allowed to go on national television and gloat that Whitney was discriminated against. The challenge was group go-sees (fancy model term for "job interview") and Whitney, the plus-size model, was told by the designer she was modeling for that as a size 10 she would simply not be considered as a viable choice. Understandably, Whitney was upset by this, and while Dominique kept her mouth shut in front of her competition, in her taped interview she rejoiced that Whitney's weight would be used against her. Dominique joyfully assumed that because one designer is ignorant and shallow that Whitney would automatically be eliminated.
Well, I am done. I refuse to waste my time on absolutely ridiculous animosity. We live a country where it is unacceptable to dismiss another person because of their physiognomy, except for weight/body size. And while I do not believe that the designer should be required to hire a plus-size model, it is repulsive that another person would be allowed to publicly display her glee over the unjust perception that heavier equals uglier.
Frak that kind of uncharitable perspective. I will find a better way to spend an hour a week.
The TV Girl
But after twenty minutes tonight I am washing my hands of this show. Dominique was allowed to go on national television and gloat that Whitney was discriminated against. The challenge was group go-sees (fancy model term for "job interview") and Whitney, the plus-size model, was told by the designer she was modeling for that as a size 10 she would simply not be considered as a viable choice. Understandably, Whitney was upset by this, and while Dominique kept her mouth shut in front of her competition, in her taped interview she rejoiced that Whitney's weight would be used against her. Dominique joyfully assumed that because one designer is ignorant and shallow that Whitney would automatically be eliminated.
Well, I am done. I refuse to waste my time on absolutely ridiculous animosity. We live a country where it is unacceptable to dismiss another person because of their physiognomy, except for weight/body size. And while I do not believe that the designer should be required to hire a plus-size model, it is repulsive that another person would be allowed to publicly display her glee over the unjust perception that heavier equals uglier.
Frak that kind of uncharitable perspective. I will find a better way to spend an hour a week.
The TV Girl
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