“Heroes” Season 3, Episode 5: Angels and Monsters Slam Book Awards!

Posted on February 15, 2013 by judisunshine

Most Disappointing Award


Noah

Noah, you and I are in a big fight right now. First of all, you’re not a good liar. At least if you’re going to manipulate people, can’t you lie a little better? It’s insulting. And seriously, way to totally ruin Claire. Sylar was right when he said you don’t see her humanity. You treat Claire like a possession, which you could write off as “fatherly concern,” but you totally used her. And don’t EVEN get me started on how you tried to kill Sylar. No way do you try to do that and not feel my wrath. Go. I can’t even look at you.

Killer Klowns Sendoff Award


Maya

Hey yeah, sorry about your getting all strung up in a cocoon or whatever that is. But like, you’ve really got to stop being so dumb. I don’t think you’re dead, are you? If you’re not, that’s nice, but I am not letting you out of that cocoon until you read The Gift of Fear, front to back, at least twice. But no offense, if you are going to come back either as alive after all, or from the dead, you are going to have to be more interesting.

Most Creepy Award

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The Puppetmaster

Creepy, creepy, creepy, creepy. That is all I have to say to YOU.

“I Am Not a Killer” Award

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Vortex Guy

Dude! Are you dead? It’s really so hard to tell on this show. I hope you’re not! You’re awesome! Thank you for giving Claire the smackdown she’s needed since forever. You were all, “Give me that gun, young child, and listen to someone else’s problems for a change!” and it was fantastic. Your scene together was great, which I appreciated since Claire’s been pissing me off lately. Then — then — you refuse to kill Sylar, and even sacrificed yourself! So although just about everyone in this episode said s/he wasn’t a killer? You walked the walk. Sorry about your family, man, that’s sad. Hope to see you again soon.

Most Improved Award


Mohinder

You’re still acting like a jackass, but you make a pretty cool villain. Also, thanks for getting Maya to be quiet.

From Mountain to Mustard Seed Award

Natey Pictures, Images and Photos

Nathan

Nathan. Buddy. I was so all about your character. You got the Best Christian Superhero Award for a reason the other week, and that reason is that you were being awesome! But it’s like, dude. You can fly. You believe you had an encounter with God. Now all at once, you lose all of that faith? I hate to say it, but I kind of wish you’d listened to Linderman/Parkman’s dad! What does it matter how you got your powers on the physical level? I mean, I get that you feel betrayed by your mom, but that doesn’t mean you should throw the baby out with the bathwater. Humans may have given you the injections. That does not necessarily negate God’s higher purpose for you. Just keep an open mind, for crying out loud. Pity parties do the people on this show no good.

Symbolic Imagery Award



Sylar’s Apple

Very clever there, with the apple eating and ambiguity, I mean, is this about biting the apple in the Garden of Eden? Or about the apple not falling far from the tree? Or maybe it could even represent the apple that Sylar should have brought to his “teacher” Noah, only to eat it himself — foreshadowing! Time will tell. Maybe.

Comedic Genius Award

Adam Monroe Pictures, Images and Photos
Adam Monroe

I like you. You remind me of Spike from “Buffy.” Glad to see you up and about, with a newfound sense of whimsy.

Thanks for the Logic Award

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Daphne

It’s about time someone tried testing whether or not Linderman was real! Thank you for stepping up to the plate.

I Empathize with Your Dream Paralysis Award

Angela Petrelli Pictures, Images and Photos
Angela Petrelli

Look, whatever differences we were having last week, I am so sorry about your not being able to move now. No one should have to go through that. Let’s have coffee soon; we’ll work this all out. I’m not mad at you anymore.

Most Fucking Awesome Award


Sylar — 3 weeks in a row!

From the beginning of the episode, you rocked. Peter’s all worried about being “you,” but I think he should be more worried about being “him.” You saved your mom! And then even made sure Peter was okay! And finally someone calls out Noah on being a big ol’ USER. Which he is. You are the man; he is the monster; this I believe. But nothing’s cut and dry in this world, so keep being awesome, watch your back, and buy some kind of harness for Peter.

Recipient of

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Micah and Monica

Seriously. WTF.

©2008

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Role of a Lifetime

Posted on February 11, 2013 by judisunshine

Peter Gallagher

(Sandy Cohen, “The O.C.”)

This is the man that inspired the blog. Now I know that I love television to an unnatural degree, but/so, it is a testament to Sandy that he tops my list.

I didn’t expect to love “The O.C.” Its banner bus ads annoyed me to the extreme, during a time in my life where I was exceptionally bitter. But Dave Holmes and Television Without Pity kept raving about its awesomeness, and finally I Kazaa’ed it! (Old school!)

The first “O.C.” I ever watched, in all of its grainy glory, was “The Countdown,” the S1 New Year’s Eve episode. I didn’t know what was going on, but I do remember being shocked at the number of LOLs I emitted. One of the first and biggest was Sandy’s response to Ryan’s “Thank you” to Marissa’s “I love you”: “Well, that was very polite!”

I can’t even explain Sandy’s delivery, to anyone who hasn’t witnessed it firsthand. It’s self-aware, self-deprecating, ironic – every delicious adjective you can imagine for stellar comedy, Peter Gallagher’s got it in spades, as Sandy.

On top of that, Sandy is full of gravitas. He can break your heart with aplomb, and I love it. Every single time I go from watching a lot of “The O.C.,” to not, I miss Sandy Cohen. Like, as a person. That is really special to me, as a TV obsessor.

^^^^ Another thing I love about Sandy – how he treats teenage girls like girls, and his wife like a goddess.

^^^  😀

Lauren Graham

(Lorelai Gilmore, “Gilmore Girls”)

I freaking love Lauren Graham’s Sarah Braverman on “Parenthood.” I love Lauren Graham, as an Overall Life Rule. She is, in a word, sublime. Possibly the personal favorite actress of my lifetime.

But I do think that LG is Sarah in humongous part to her Lorelai, and plus: I’m a “Gilmore Girls” junkie. And as amazing as the writing, casting, all of it was on GG, I don’t think I’d be quite as big a junkie, were it not for Lauren Graham’s Lorelai.

I remember back in the day in an interview, someone asked Lauren what her sexiest role had been. LG was an ingénue Ted McGinley of her time, starring on all sorts of shows and pilots that got cancelled. She’d also been on “News Radio” and “Seinfeld” (speed dial episode), so was working way before she was in her 30s. As a 26-year-old woman fearing my 30s back in 2001, I so appreciated that Lauren responded that her sexiest role by far, was Lorelai.  A 30-something mom who liked dudes, but prized her town and especially her daughter, over them, if push came to shove. Lorelai rocked some hot outfits, but years before Seth Cohen (an honorable mention to this list), showed my then-50-pounds-overweight self that few things are more inherently sexy than an ironic t-shirt & jeans

I. Love. Lorelai. She had spunk; she was beautiful in a girl next door by way of ‘80s video way. She loved coffee, and she loved her daughter. She was funny and smart, and just in general, I think helped change television as we know it, for the better.

^^^ My fave Lorelai moment, of all — if that’s possible.

Peter Krause

(Adam Braverman, “Parenthood”)

Figured this would make sense, as a follow-up entry. Peter plays Lauren Graham’s brother on “Parenthood,” and in keeping with the “Six Feet Under” brotherly tradition, Peter Krause has chosen to date his on-screen sibling.

Krause as Nate Fisher could have easily made the list. Because Krause is an Acting Genius. I’ve already written about Nate, but to reiterate: Krause is awesome, as him.

And as with Lauren’s Sarah, I think that Peter owes his current role, to his former. But as a former actress, I’m choosing Peter Krause’s current role for my blog, because he is freaking subtle, in “Parenthood.” This past season – whoa.

[SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE MOST RECENT “PARENTHOOD”]
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Adam (Krause’s character)’s wife gets breast cancer, and the whole thing is heartbreaking. Besides for the inherent reasons, Peter Krause and Monica Potter act the hell out of it. I’ve dealt with breast cancer tangentially, but never on a day-to-day. And knowing that so many Asperger’s parents appreciated “Parenthood’s” handling of that, made me trust that they knew what they were doing, as far as suffering with a disease goes.

Throughout the season (mind you, Krause’s been awesome as Adam on every season), Peter’s work as Adam has been astonishing. He’s not only brought everything he’s got to the show, but he’s made his talented co-stars even better, in the process, especially Mae Whitman.

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On “Six Feet Under,” Peter Krause was the young buck. On “Parenthood,” he’s the…in-between buck, who holds his own with the inimitable Craig T. Nelson, and everyone else with whom he shares a screen. Nate was flashier, and cooler, but Adam is a harder role to play, and Krause knocks it out of the park (fitting analogy, seeing as it’s Sunday).

^^^^^^ Sob. I love both actors so much. God bless Jason Katims.

Lauren Ambrose

(Claire Fisher, “Six Feet Under”)

Dude, I’ve been a teenage girl. I’ve also been an actress.

It is not easy to play a teenage girl! Not a real one, anyway. Not one who sometimes wears no makeup. Not one who sometimes gets zits. (When I was a teenager, I’d only wished those times were some-.)

For my money, no actress has ever played a better teenager than Lauren Ambrose on “Six Feet Under.” Not even (huge honorable mention!) Claire Danes on MSCL.

Because, because it was an HBO show, and Lauren was acting in a hardcore show with hardcore actors, she had to bring her A-game, to the fullest extreme, during a time in her life where I personally don’t think I could have handled it, at that age.

Some teen actresses get worse with time. After the spotlight of Hollywood and “US Weekly” spot them with their Starbucks cups, it’s game over, acting-wise. Lauren Ambrose was the opposite. Not that she needed to, but she kept getting prettier, and her acting kept getting better, on “Six Feet Under.” In Season Five, Claire broke my heart into a million pieces.

I hope very much that Lauren Ambrose gets another role of a lifetime, but for now, her work as Claire is on my list.

[WARNING: MAJOR SFU SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT!!!!!]

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^^^ Best ending of a series ever, IMO. God, I’m crying all over again.

And it is so sad, but I think my favorite part is when David, right before he dies, sees Keith again – young, playing ball, waiting for the love of his life to cross over to the other side. OG Nate too, with Ruth. See you on the other side, indeed ❤

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

(Christine Campbell, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”)

To paraphrase my aforementioned love of Lauren Graham, I love “Seinfeld’s” Elaine; she was always my favorite on another show full of Great Cast.

But I’m sorry. WHY did more people not watch “The New Adventures of Old Christine”???? I vocally lament because I’m part of the problem. I always just wrote this show off as another “Seinfeld”-esque spinoff.

Then there was the issue of MY issue, that despite my ironic love of Lifetime movies, I didn’t want to be *that* aging chick, who watched Shows Like These.

I was wrong. One night, I tuned into “Old Christine,” and laffed my ass off. The rest was history. I fell into quick love, DVRed the heck out of this genius sitcom, then proceeded to buy the rest on DVD (well, not S5, which wasn’t out for awhile, and my tech-savvy brother Robb acquired for me!).

I’m going on about the show, and not saying anything about Julia. But I want to say, JLD is a goddess. I don’t really care for physical comedy, per se. But if Julia hadn’t proven herself with the “Get out of my place and my life!” scene from “Seinfeld,” she proved herself time, and time, and time again on “Old Christine.” Not to mention, all the while looking more gorgeous than EVER, whilst being super self-deprecating about her age.

(Honorable mention to the entire cast – SUCH an underrated show!)

I have more, but I’m tired, still need to find videos, and why not do more in the future! Lots of great actors need props, and I haven’t even begun to speak of Michael C. Hall!

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If You Haven’t Gone to Jared’s: Other Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 9, 2013 by judisunshine

One of my favorite Valentine’s Day as a single chick was when “Buffy” first came to VHS years before the glorious invention of TV on DVD. It was a two-pack tape of around six(?) episodes, plus bonus features from the Buffy/Angel arc of Season 2. Television excellence at its finest. I went to Roosevelt Field and picked it up, along with some sushi from the food court. I ate it in my bedroom while watching relationship turmoil unfold before my eyes, and it was a totally awesome Valentine’s Day.

I always liked Valentine’s Day, and chose to celebrate it, no matter what was going on — even if I’d just gotten dumped. Dude, it’s a time that celebrates hearts, flowers, and the color pink. I’m down. And yeah, it’s fun to be with someone on Valentine’s Day. But I had fun with it when I was single too. It’s a cool day. And like, you don’t have to be Irish to get drunk and wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, you know? Going out for a fancy dinner with your significant other and doing the whole jewelry/flowers/candy thing is totally awesome, if you’ve got someone to go with, and both people are into it! But the whole “He went to Jared’s” pressure has got to go IMO. There are ways to have fun with the day, whether you’re flying solo, hanging out with the girls, with an SO, or whatever! Celebrate the love!


Alterna-Valentine’s Day Ideas!

1. Go to a Salvation Army/Goodwill and look for the most ridiculous outfit you can. Try to find a Laundromat near a movie theater and bar. Wash the clothes while drinking cocktails. Then don your brand-new threads and go see “Valentine’s Day” starring the Taylors. That’s the ideal. Either way, get drunk and go see “Valentine’s Day.”

(Since the time of this writing, aforementioned movie brilliance is on DVD! Even more convenient.)

2. If you hate the holiday and/or are feeling particularly bitter, get some really delicious takeout of some sassy variety — spicy Indian food would be my personal recommendation, but whatever floats your boat. Then pair it witha double-feature of “The Craft” and “The Strangers.” (SPOILER ALERT!) Both have relationships ending horribly wrong.

3. If you are single with other single friends, or can get a group of friends to hang out together even though it’s usually a couple’s day, a la “Beverly Hills 90210” when the whole gang went out for David and Donna’s anniversary, hold a prom. It can be at someone’s place, at a bar, a club so you can dance — wherever. If you can, get a limo. But no matter what, get dressed up and make sure you get yourself a corsage!

4. Another idea for singles/likeminded couples — Valentine’s Day of Irony and Ambivalence! Get a couple of those heart-shaped pizza pans, and make your own pizza! Serve drinks with conflicting messages, like Sex on the Beach and Arrogant Bastard Ale. During the festivities, play a movie marathon, alternating things like “Love, Actually” and “Sleepless in Seattle” with horrific fare such as the “Saw” movies.

5. If there’s a bunch of you who are single and/or are half of a couple who doesn’t like Valentine’s Day, have an old-school slumber party. Rent a bunch of unabashedly girlie movies and give each other makeovers. Play MASH and Taboo. Enjoy the kind of night we used to take for granted when we were younger.

6. Do a Valentine’s Day bar crawl! This can be done in a group, or as a couple. Think of a Valentine’s Day-related theme and run with it. Do a sexy one — Sex on the Beach, Redheaded Slut, Blow Job shots (although don’t mix all those, because that would be pretty gross now that I think about it). Or go with the “Never Been Kissed” couples throughout the ages theme — Romeo and Juliet (erm…mead?), Micky and Mallory Knox (Bloody Marys), or Yuri and Lara from “Doctor Zhivago” (White Russians).

7. If you are single, create a “perfect evening.” Make a list of a bunch of your favorite things, and indulge yourself. It’s corny, but be your own valentine. Have your favorite meal, dessert, beverage. Watch your favorite movie, read from your favorite book, listen to your favorite music. Celebrate all of the things you love most, that are part of what make you, you.

8. Rock Band/karaoke parties rule. If someone in your group has Rock Band or a karaoke machine, make a night of it! Have fun with it by glamming/rocking out with your apparel. Spike your hair, put on a crazy belt, whatever! I’ve always found that costume themes tend to bring out the uninhibited side in people — perfect for a night of playing rock star! It’s very cathartic.

10. Make your own tradition. Whatever that means for you. Sorry for my lack of family ideas! I don’t have experience in that department. But whether you celebrate with your kids, or your girlfriend, or husband, or a group, or flying solo this time around the calendar — if Valentine’s Day affects you, even if it just makes you angry, find a way to make the day yours. Ignore it entirely, if that works for you. But if you don’t want to or can’t ignore it, find a way to make it as full of happiness and as absent of stress as possible.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and those you love!

 

 

 

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Jenny, Christina, Depression, & Hope

Posted on February 6, 2013 by judisunshine

From Mischief’s blog contest, years ago! One of my favorite Jenny songs, starring depression and Christina Ricci.

(Lyrics start at :25!)

Sometimes in the morning I am petrified and can’t move

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Awake but cannot open my eyes

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And the weight is crushing down on my lungs, I know I can’t breathe

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And hope someone will save me this time

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And your mother’s still calling you insane and high

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Swearing it’s different this time

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And you tell her to give in to the demons that possess her

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That God never blessed her insides

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Then you hang up the phone and feel badly for upsetting things

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And crawl back into bed to dream of a time

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When your heart was open wide and you loved things just because

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Like the sick and the dying

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And sometimes when you’re on, you’re really fucking on

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And your friends they sing along and they love you

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But the lows are so extreme that the good seems fucking cheap

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And it teases you for weeks in its absence

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But you’ll fight and you’ll make it through

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You’ll fake it if you have to

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And you’ll show up for work with a smile

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You’ll be be better, and you’ll be smarter

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And more grown up and a better daughter

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You’ll be awake, you’ll be alert

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You’ll be positive though it hurts

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And you’ll laugh and embrace all your friends

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You’ll be a real good listener

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You’ll be honest, you’ll be brave

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You’ll be handsome, you’ll be beautiful

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You’ll be happy

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Your ship may be coming in

You’re weak but not giving in

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To the cries and the wails of the valley below

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Your ship may be coming in

You’re weak but not giving in

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And you’ll fight it, you’ll go out fighting all of them…

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Heroes Slam Book: Season 3, Episode 4: I Am Become Death

Posted on February 5, 2013 by judisunshine

Most Disappointing Award

Peter

First you say something really awkward involving the phrase “too many butterflies.” Then, rather than get into all sorts of shenanigans with Donna Reed Sylar, you disregard his big brotherly advice and in doing so, get him to fall off his power-hunger wagon, and cut open his and your brother’s head. All in all, not the most impressive showing.

Enabler of My “Heroes” Conspiracy Theories Award

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Tracy/Niki/Barbara(?)

Well first off, biggest props t0 Darling Niki’s son Levi (not to be confused with “Heroes” Niki’s son Micah), for calling this one better than anyone I know! Now I’d really like to know how the three of them are connected to everyone else, and also who this “Barbara” is. And I’m still thinking Claire and/or Elle are involved in some way.

Upon Whom is Bestowed

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Nathan Petrelli

For seeing fit to marry the secret triplet sister of the multiple-personalitied chick who seduced him into his political and personal downfall.

Most Improved Award

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Daphne

Not because she (sort of) dies. And not because of her new refined hair (not pictured, and I like her crazy hair best, anyway). But because she married Greg Grunberg, which is always a sign of awesomeness:

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I Told You So Award



Mohinder

Who was yelling at you when you were Isaac Mendez-ing it all over the place, and not in a good way? Besides Maya? Yes, me! This is why you got Most Disappointing the other week, and now here we are, with you pulling a Nick Stahl from “Sin City!” I don’t even know what to say to you. We’ll figure this out together, but for now…I just need some time.

Where are You Going with All This? Award

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Claire — Two Weeks in a Row Winner!

I will not take it as a personal affront, that the week after I compliment your hair, you spend the next episode with it completely different. It looks very pretty with your eyes.  Unfortunately, your eyes are completely devoid of soul, and it’s really starting to piss me off. I understand that Sylar hurt you, in bigger ways than anyone can imagine. But maybe not being able to feel pain wasn’t the worst thing. Maybe you needed to stop being obsessed with your love of pain, and focus on the good you can do as a self-healer. And, as you’ve seen with your own eyes, sometimes an other-people healer. Instead, you focus on trying to inflict pain in others, since you can’t feel it yourself. That’s very sociopathic, and I hope you take a step back and do some soul-searching before you kill everyone you’ve ever cared about.

You and I Are Not Okay Right Now Award


Angela Petrelli

Look. I will listen to your side of the story, if you’d like to tell it. But is it true? That you sent Daphne, Knox, and Claire to get Peter? If so, you really, like, crossed me in two very bad ways, intentionally or not. One, Greg Grunberg is really heartbroken. That is never okay. Two, Sylar finally became a man, not a monster, and was father to a son he loved, Noah(!). He was finally happy, and that is all I have ever wanted for Sylar. Now he, because of his humanity, has died a monster. This better be something fixable, Ms. Petrelli. Or I am totally taking back my half of the BFF necklace.

Most Fucking Awesome:

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Sylar — Also Two Weeks in a Row!

Yes, I realize you ex(im?)ploded, and set off a 4-mile radius bomb effect. But that is the whole point. You need unconditional love, and unfortunately, you tend to be very both outwardly and inwardly destructive when you feel you’re not getting it. Your mental idols dismissed you; your mother betrayed you a la Carrie’s mom; Maya looked one second too long away from you, and now the one person who truly loved you is dead. So I’m not going to turn my back on you, ’cause that never ends well, and also because, this is all future stuff. I think we can figure out a way to fix all this, but for now, dude, just calm down. Try to stop obsessing over people, and don’t ever teach anyone your power ever again. At least until further notice, lest I need to eat my words.

Recipient of

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Isaac Mendez

If only Sylar hadn’t killed you, he’d never have exploded Costa Verde. Hmmm.

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Heroes Slam Book: Season 3, Episode 3: One of Us, One of Them

Posted on February 4, 2013 by judisunshine

Most Disappointing Award

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Peter(s)

I’m not gonna lie, Peter(s). I’m more than a little bit PISSED, that Weevil is presumably dead. I mean, there were two of you. I get that you don’t want to mess with the Butterfly Effect, but I agree with Couch Baron — is it like y’all have done such a bang-up job taking awesome care of that butterfly? Wouldn’t it seem like, hey, you’ve screwed up enough already, what’s one more screw-up in order to save the person whose body, up until you ABANDONED it/him, was the host to your very PERSON, Peter(s). Enough italics, but Peter(s), dude(s). That was cold, and just karmically bad of you.

Enabler of My “Heroes” Conspiracy Theories Award

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Angela Petrelli

You were so close to yet again winning “Most Fucking Awesome” this week, but were a tad upstaged. However, I am so excited. Awhile back, I got all over hyper and started going on and on about how you did have a superpower, you got people to do what you want them to do. And yes you have dreams too, officially, and that of course pleases me to no end. But it’s more than that, and tonight confirmed it. I think that you see some sort of complicated chess game through your dreams, something that impeccable, type-A-you can’t figure out how to play. So you’re not afraid of anyone around you, and that is part of your strength. But my advice to you right now is, keep being strong. People don’t listen to you because they’re afraid of you; you don’t make them do anything, in the long run — they just listen. But in order to uphold that authority, you cannot let yourself get emotional while you play maternal lion tamer, which you are currently doing. Sylar is your son; Peter is your son: Nathan is your son, and God knows who else. Half the people on this show are related to you. You are the current matriarch in a show about comic books. That is power. But it is a power reliant on careful balance. Don’t look to the people currently around you to get all mushy with. Your chance to feel like a real live person with a heart will come in time, but not now. The second you take your eyes (read: attention) off of Sylar, you lose him. Trust me. If Maya’d understood that, her brother would still be alive.

Can We Lose the Madonna/Whore/Politician Complex Already Award

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Tracy/Jessica(?)

Guys. I’m not sure you can hear me, as I yell through the TV set every episode, but Ali Larter’s character, whoEVER you want her to be, I don’t even care at this point, but you are supposed to be taking care of Claire and Elle! They need to come together as messed-up blondes with daddy issues, much like (not) you and (not?) you needed to do all throughout Season One, because enough is enough, and I’m getting antsy! You have an indestructible cheerleader, Veronica Mars, and you, which makes at least six people! So come on, off you go, make it happen! Go become a whole person!

Most Improved Award

Noah Bennet

Notice I call you Noah Bennet now, formerly Mr. Bennet. It’s because, congratulations, you got your own personality! Granted, the minute you stopped obsessing over Claire, she lost the remainder of her mind, but point is, you were pretty funny working with Sylar, and that is what matters right now.

Slightly Improved Award

(Though Not Based on this Weird Late ’90s-NBC-Sitcomesque Pic)

Daphne

You are much more tolerable as a geeky chick than a badass chick. Keep it up, and maybe I will get over how you keep jerking your head around like a bird.

Best Christian Superhero Since Willie Aames Award

Nathan

On the one hand, I’ve never seen someone find God on a show and not lose his mind. On the other, I’d love to see it happen. And this new Nathan is really trying to be a good man! It’s both funny and sweet, and I like it. I also like him and Tracy working together though, and that might be a tricky combination to pull off — virtuousness and chilling with Ali Larter on this show.

Comedic Genius Award

Ando

Hiro: What are you doing?

Ando: I’m being awesome!

HA!

I Don’t Trust You Award:

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Meredith (Claire’s Biological Mother)

I think that you’ve brainwashed Claire, and I’m not sure who you are, but I think you are a very old being. You look haunted, and what you did to Claire started out seemingly logical, but ended up something evil. I don’t like you, or trust you. Let’s see what happens though; it’s never too late to be BFF. But first you have to stop disrespecting Sandra’s Mom Authority.

Where are You Going with All This? Award

Claire

I realize you are going through an existential crisis right now, and it is more than understandable, but you are alienating yourself, and that’s not good. If you’re going to live forever, don’t you want it to have some quality? I’m having some conspiracy theories about you and your origins right now, but I’ll leave it at this: your hair has been looking really good. Also, nice job in the suffocation/heat lodge scene. That was really intense.

Most In Need of Aloe Award:

Matt Parkman

Although Claire’s spirit walk went more quickly and compellingly, it’s pretty cool about the developments happening in Africa. However, I will not be able to concentrate on any of this until someone gives Greg Grunberg something healing. I’m worried about him. Maybe it’s the fact that he is the one male on the show not related to Angela Petrelli (as of this writing), but I am feeling quite maternal towards poor pasty Matt Parkman, out there with the sun beating down on him and his hapless ways.

Most Fucking Awesome:

Sylar

Dude. YES. High five. Thank you for making Mr. Bennet cooler, and for your FBI impersonation, and in general, just for proving Bennet wrong when he called you a monster. You’re too smart to be just a monster. Killing Jesse was not really a good way of indicating that though. But that is how much faith I have in you, that I will still vote you Most Fucking Awesome despite your killing Weevil. Just try to keep it under control. And good luck with the…puppy…next week.

Recipient of

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Elle

You’ve grown on me, and I am a little worried about you. Come back next week! In the meantime, go find Tracy.

WTF, Photobucket? Nominees

As always, NO SPOILERS!

©2008

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I Must Break You?

Posted on January 28, 2013 by judisunshine

I’ve always written journals, in some way, shape, or form. I remember in Christmas 1985 when I was 10, getting this matching set – stationery, pen, some cardboardy-decorated desk thing which name’s escaped me, and a journal. It was not my first journal, or diary as I called it then, but I do remember vividly, writing about “Rocky IV” and Garbage Pail Kids, at the time. And I remember pouring glue on that cardboardy thing, over my fingers, onto the varnished wooden desk, just so I could peel it off.

A few days ago, I re-found a 290-page journal from my late twenties to early thirties, in the form of a Word document. It begins with an email to Shannon, and ends with random c/p from an online dream dictionary, regarding sharks and the color green.

In between the email and the sharks, there are a couple years of romantic angst filling aforementioned 290 (?!?!) pages, from a time that felt so post-apocalyptic, as far as these things go. I was getting divorced. I’d settled into a new desk job that was related to My Field. And I was nearly 30!

That was when I started blogging. I was filled with aged wisdom, witness: aforementioned 30-turning, plus: divorce. And it was like, my emails to Shannon were filled with hilarity and have I mentioned wisdom? So why not put it all out there for the world?

Mind you, I had not yet read Why Girls Are Weird by Pamela Ribon, which is about, among other things, a blogger who realizes how much of herself she’s put onto the Internet, a little bit late, but not completely.

I’ve been gathering my blogs, to form a book. And it’s weird looking back, to some that I wrote in 2005. At the time, I was just proud to get it out there – onto the Internet, with a pink background to my text. Now, some of it looks and feels so incredibly awkward. And like, these were the words, the me, I was willing to put out there at the time. What a headshot should be – as the photographer Ken Tarantino said back in ’96: “It should look like you, on your best day.”

Now my best days are scraps on my editing floor. And it is weird, and it is humbling, and it is not exactly helping my overall existential crisis. Because that’s the shit I wrote after the solace of realizing I was old and unloved, but at the very least, so very wise.

Lol.

FF to 2013; I’m compiling all of my ramblings from the past near-decade, and re-find this 290-page journal from 2004 in a Word document that somehow appeared on my desktop once again. The Word document that held my sanity for so long, back then.

2004-me sounds so ridiculous and juvenile. But at the same time, 2004-me sounds like…me. Full of despair, but full of hope.

At least, that used to be me, once. Strip away the circumstances, and any year could have summed me up. I may have been ridiculous and juvenile, but for 30-plus years, despair and hope pretty much had it covered. And within that, both my favorite word and “Buffy” episode: passion.

In 2004, I started keeping a journal again, after it had been awhile. In the first entry I wrote that my mother had recommended it, because the ex had left, and she thought it would be therapeutic. It was what I’d always used to do, before I was listlessly sitting next to her bed that one March day. Probably even the soggy sobbing 16-year-old fresh from her First Major Heartbreak was less depressing that Nearly-30-Void of Hope Divorcee. Hence, the journal suggestion. We will discuss the accompanying and lovely Clonidin off the record, at another time.

“I must break you,” said Ivan Drago, and also LIFE ITSELF! Throughout the years. And I’ve almost, broken, many times. So many times. Maybe that risk of shattering will always feel around the bend — or is that a brand new life 😮

I wrote this to encourage everyone, this year, in 2013, to get and keep a journal. Even if it’s intermittent. Especially because it’s corny. But mostly because I’ve gotta say, there are very few things more hilariously and awesomely healing, than re-reading your most agonizing of ridiculous woes, years later. And they provide some solid strength to the soul, to help with the non-ridiculous woes.

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“Heroes” Season 3 Premiere: “The Second Coming”/”The Butterfly Effect” Slam Book Awards!

Posted on January 26, 2013 by judisunshine

Most Disappointing Award

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Mohinder

What the heck, Mohinder? What happened to you? You started out hot and intelligent, with awesome glasses. Then you got really boring for awhile, including, and up through, this very episode, until you just lost your shit completely and injected yourself with a superhero syringe. How in any way does this seem like a good idea? Just because you’re in Isaac’s apartment doesn’t automatically mean you have to stick needles in your veins. So forgive me if I don’t feel very bad for you and your creepy back boils.

PULL IT TOGETHER, ALREADY Award

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Maya

So sleeping with Mohinder while he was acting cracked out of his mind was really, really dumb, no matter HOW many new muscles he has. Look, I get that you’re the new Moral Center o’ Ambivalence, and you’re a lovely girl, but this back and forth “I love you! But I hate you! And you’re evil! No, I’m evil!” sobby stuff got old during your eternal plot from Season Two. I like you, and know you can do better.

“Yay, Look Whose Name is in the Credits!” Award



WEEVIL!!!

Most In Need of Getting Smacked Across the World Award

Matt Parkman

I’m SORRY, Matt Parkman, you know I love you. Even if I didn’t love you as Parkman, I’d have to based on your Greg Grunberg-ness alone. However. You really need to work on your game face, like you’d think you’d have been thrown in enough cells, nightmares, et al. by now to realize that when you start reading someone’s mind, you probably shouldn’t every single time, cock your head to the side and stare wildly around. It sort of gives you away. Let Peter(?)’s bitchslap and the scorpion crawling over your face be a lesson to you.

Who the Hell Are You Award

Tie:



Peter(?)

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and Tracy(?)

Peter is Peter from the future, but he is also Weevil, and shoots Nathan to try to save the world, but also seems evil, and meanwhile Nikki/Jessica is now Tracy, who wears a tight ponytail and turns people into ice. Who are you guys and also please can you bring back Jessica? Tracy, you can stay ’cause you’ve got a cool power, but I really dig Jessica the most. If you are her, you can tell me. Peter, be a good boy and stop shooting your brother.

Most Improved Award



Nathan

Nathan, I’m not going to lie. You did next to nothing for me in Season One. It’s not your fault; I just couldn’t care less about the inner workings of WASPy politicians’ lives. Season Two, I enjoyed watching your hair activity, week to week, but you didn’t have all that much to do, though you were often funny during those times. But NOW, you are awesome in every way, and don’t worry, I don’t think you’re crazy, and any time you need to go cry and hug everyone in a candle-lit church, I am totally there for you if you need a helping hand. Keep on rocking, and ignore that lying bastard Linderman. You rock!

Taking Over for “LOST” Michael’s “MY SON!!!” Award

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Mr. Bennet

Dude. Do you not see that your uber-tunnel vision really causes you to make one bad decision after another? Stop obsessing over Claire, ’cause obviously you can’t keep her from getting her head cut open, so it may behoove you and the world to get over yourself and start helping!

Most Had-It-Coming Award



Claire

Look. I wouldn’t wish having one’s head cut open and brain felt up by one’s surprise uncle on anyone. That said, you’ve been acting like a complete pain in the ass bitch for a WHILE now, and yes I know you are young but I also have to deal with you, and really you caused a whole shitload of problems by letting The Flying Douchebag worm his way into everyone’s lives, and also, your love affair with your own pain was getting super disgusting. Having your brains exposed was just the next logical step. Straighten up your act, and go use your powers for good instead of trying to derail innocent train passengers and give a conductor a nervous breakdown.

Comedic Genius Award



Sylar

“Claire. That’s disgusting.” HA! You just rule in general; sorry about your getting strapped down, but I have faith in you. Way to go, not killing Claire. That was bizarrely classy of you. Have I mentioned you’re my favorite? Oh, and that whole deal with letting your body heal while every bullet dropped out of you and clattered to the floor? NICE.

Most in Need of a Self-Esteem Boost Award

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Elle

Elle. Listen to me. You got a bum deal with your father. He sucks. He’s manipulative and horrible and mean and he didn’t appreciate you. But look, he’s dead now and just for you, I won’t even give him an award. Stop obsessing over Claire (this could be my advice to almost everyone), and go be all that you can be. Because guess what? You know who got attacked by Sylar and didn’t stop him with her powers? Claire! You know who DID stop him? You! Yes, you freed a lot of evil guys into the world, but somehow I think you can handle them. Cheer up!

Go Sit In the Corner and Think About What You’ve Done Award

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Hiro

WTF, Hiro. Though ironically you can travel through time, you gave us the endless Season Two feudal Japan plot that felt slower than real-time. However, I love you, so I soldiered through. But now because of your logic allergy, we have this REALLY ANNOYING CHICK named Daphne whizzing around, pissing me off, and I am just very NOT happy with you right now!

Most Fucking Awesome Award

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Angela Petrelli

YOU are fierce, and I love you. Keep on rocking hard, but one bit of advice, I think you could do a wee better job choosing your allies. That’s all, off you go, kick some ass and take names! Oh also, way to go on being Sylar’s mom. I knew it!

Recipient of

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Micah and Monica

Please come back soon! Besides being two of my favorite characters, you have my two VERY favorite powers, and I was sad to not see you after all these months!

©2008

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My So-Called Lives

Posted on January 14, 2013 by judisunshine

As most of you know, I’m just a tad obsessed with television. Yet one of the predominant killed-too-early shows, “My So-Called Life,” I didn’t watch until it had been long gone from the airwaves. When you’re 22, three years feels like a long time.

I did watch it, eventually. For Christmas last year, I finally became the owner of one of the best series ever to grace television.

Now as I settle back into a show that is amazingness incarnate, I’m thinking about the other times, that I watched MSCL. Most shows that I love, are shows that I’ve kept watching throughout the years, like “Gilmore Girls” and “Buffy.”

MSCL is different. It’s a series that I’ve watched voraciously, but always all at once. I’ve never owned it, till now, and I don’t have cable, so my enjoyment of it has always been very full-force, total season/series, not so much casual ep-watching, throughout the near-20 years since it aired.

The times I embraced this series falls into specific times in my life, throughout aforementioned two decades. And here they are:

1997

Like I said, I’d never seen MSCL, despite being a Gen-Xer. In retrospect, I think at 19, which I was in 1994 when MSCL aired, the show made me sad. I understood that it was Very Realistic For Teenagers – and it was! But a year away from the end of my teenage years, it felt too raw, so I avoided it.

In 1997, it was only three years later. But man, it felt like apples and oranges, 19 and 22. When MTV aired MSCL in ’97, I felt like I was revisiting my past, though MSCL was not part of my past.  MTV re-aired the show around the same time that I watched “Salem’s Lot” with Shannon, on a bar/sleepover evening. That the movie that gave me countless sleepless nights wasn’t scary anymore, to me, placed me in a proper position to finally visit MSCL. Because times, they were a-changing. And meeting Angela, Rayanne, et al., felt lovely. Three years and a lifetime later, I finally succumbed to the embrace of this amazing show.

2004

This was the year my ex left, and my worldview got shattered. The summer of 2004, after the initial pain had subsided, was spent dancing at clubs with Shannon, and watching comforting television. When I wasn’t watching “That ‘70s Show” people go ice fishing, I was watching Claire Danes Deal With Life. I dated again, that year, after many years of serial monogamy. Nothing made sense.

What did make sense? Angela’s utterings:

Rayanne: I think part of him is partly interested in you. Definitely. I mean, he’s got other things on his mind.

Angela: But that’s the part that’s so unfair. I have nothing else on my mind. How come I have to be the one sitting around analyzing him in, like, microscopic detail, and he gets to be the one with other things on his mind?

Man, did I ever feel Angela’s pain, as I wandered around the dating world, for the first time since – well, ever.

And I freaking loved “The Zit.” Encapsulation of teenage angst, while exploring relationships more important than high school could ever be:

Angela: It’s good to get really dressed up once in a while. And admit the truth: that when you really look closely? People are so strange and so complicated that they’re actually… beautiful. Possibly even me.

I needed to hear that, at 29. After a breakup that was so much more than any other breakup. As I dated men as a knee-jerk reaction, just to feel accepted again, loved again. Pretty again.

2008

This time, I was well into my 30s, a year older than Meg Ryan’s 32-year-old freakout in “When Harry Met Sally,” RIP Nora Ephron. 40 was coming – in eight years, sure, but it was there. And I was not prepared.

What I’d been prepared for, was to be, at 33, a mother of many children. No white picket fence required, but I’d envisioned much more stability than what 2008 had brought – Heath Ledger dying, me almost dying, and my family moving to Colorado.

When 2008 drew to a close at Christmas time, I rewatched MSCL. Christmas Eve, I reposted all of “My So-Called Angels” on a blog that I posted, in lieu of getting to hug my mother. That was a beautiful day. People came and posted, Andy in particular, about what that episode meant to them, what that time of year meant to them.

Loss, love. Et cetera, et cetera, but what does et cetera mean?

2013

Like I said, this is the first time in my life that I’ve owned the series that’s haunted and blessed my life, for nearly two decades.

And I’m loving it, yet feeling this intense heart-pain, as I do.

Everyone is so young. And during this particularly awful time, I’m finding that I have trouble getting through “Guns and Gossip.” When this show first aired, it was All Controversial that Ricky might be “bi.” All these years later, I can only wish that life stayed as “edgy” as this show from 1994.

But I sit on my chaise lounge, and look forward to the episode where they explore “Our Town,” like nobody’s done quite as well since Winnie Cooper in “The Wonder Years.”

I look forward to Rayanne’s major facepalm with “I Wanna Be Sedated.”

I look forward to so much, from a show that lasted only one season. Because if I’ve learned anything from this past year, these past years – my own so-called life – is that everyone needs something to look forward to. Some hope.

Nearly two decades later, after life, after tragedy, after loss? MSCL helps make it all make sense, a little bit at least, for a little while. Something about flannel.

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