hks

I liked it, but I generally like musicals. I thought it was fun and I loved hearing how well the ladies could sing. I mean, Reshma Shetty - wow. There's no way it could be as good as the Scrubs musical. That one I've watched more times than I can count. But I enjoyed this.

Wonder no more. Because Joshua Jackson very much loves Pacey: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fa34df6f44/pacey-con-with-joshua-jackson?_cc=__d___&_ccid=38a09f32-e75c-493e-ab30-8c0036f62940

ITA. I think he's a bad man, but he's a super clever man, and I find that so much fun to watch. As for his end game - I don't think it's the Iron Throne, exactly. I think he wants all the power that COMES from it, but doesn't want to sit on it himself. Just like he is with Robin, he likes to be the one pulling the strings. Puppet mastering. However, I also think he's transferred his creepy, unhealthy obsession of Catelyn to Sansa. It's not necessarily a "wild card", but I do think his actions have a motivation beyond simply having the most power. It's the one area where his motivations may not lead him to make the smartest decisions. This. I definitely don't judge him as stupid for trying to save Rickon. It's what he did after Rickon was killed. He fell so hard into Ramsey's trap - every single person on that battlefield knew it. He fell into the exact trap they discussed just the day before. I'm a huge fan of Jon, but he shouldn't really be in command. (Which he has said 100 times himself).

As is everyone else, I was trying to figure out why Sansa didn't tell Jon about the Vale army before the battle began. Either, she didn't trust Jon, or thought it was better strategy to keep the army a secret, OR had no idea if they'd actually show up: I think it might have been a combination of 1 and 3. She didn't fully trust Jon AND she didn't know for sure that LF was coming. ORRRR.... That makes sense too. :) Also, I know the battle was the big highlight, and also Dany using the dragons, but this might have been my favorite part of the episode: Just. Him slicing both necks with one motion. I gasped, then clapped. Some of the other parts of the episode were too gory for me, but that part felt like poetry.

Someone in this topic thread (I can't find who it was ETA - HA! Taget it was you, the person I just quoted!) floated out a crazy prediction, which I found fascinating: In this trial of combat, the Faith Militant would put up Tommen as their fighter against The Mountain. I don't know if this would ever happen, I don't know if Tommen would ever be brain-washed enough to do that. But if it did happen, it would mean all sorts of things! Cersei would be forced to basically kill off her son or plead guilty to her crimes. And I assume Cersei would have to plead guilty - she does love her children more than anything, right? This would effectively end Cersei, either put to death or sentenced in jail - which might be Margery's plan after all. I don't know. That one prediction led to a trail of theories in my head, and I now really hope it comes true.

My favorites: Alisan, Shaliyah, Laith, and Hannah. I also like Paxton, but he's not always consistent. I wish I could enjoy country, but I can never seem to get there. I enjoyed Mary Sarah when she does the old school Patsy Cline-ish songs, but anything else bores me. Adam also bores me. And Bryan sings well, but he annoys me. I want Alisan to win, because she really is the best singer there. I think Laith is overall the best musician, but his voice isn't always my favorite. I actually loved his song choice this week, and it was a mostly great performance, but it irritated me every time he moved his mouth away from the mic to look at the piano. If playing the instrument gets in the way of the singing, he shouldn't be playing. He can KILL at the guitar while singing, so I am all for that. But I just didn't feel he could rock the piano the same way. I would have liked to see that song without it. (Without him playing it). I love Shaliyah, but that song was too big for her. I mean, she sang it well, but that song has a message that I couldn't take seriously from her. Regardless of how many times she mentioned her grandmother. I am still waiting for Mary J Blige.

I've only ever seen Sam on PRAS, and I don't hate him. I mean, I don't like his clothes at all, but I hate jumpsuits, and mesh mostly doesn't work for me. So I was never going to be on his fashion page. I don't think he's as innovative as he, or some of the judges, seem to think he is. Maybe he will be someday, but his ideas on PRAS were on occasion really stupid. However, I don't think he's a snake, or underhanded, or shitty to people. The interview kind of showed him to be who he is: a little funny, a little mean, a little critical, and a little self deprecating. I enjoyed it.

I'm not ruling out that Jeremy got the win because he's a dude. But I got the impression that on a dish they all loved for the flavors, he got the win because they also loved the ice bowl presentation. On the hottest of days, I bet that was deliciously cold. Gaah Grayson was awful to watch. I don't know if I hated her before, but I can't imagine that I enjoyed her all that much if her mannerisms were the same as they are now. Her attitude is what kills me now, but combined with her incredibly annoying way of speaking - I am so happy she's gone. Right now, I don't care who's next. Probably Angelina deserves to go. Phillip annoys me, but not murderously so. I'll have to wait until next time to see who is at the top of my hate list now that Grayson is gone.

Have you tried Brooklyn 99? If you loved Parks and Rec, I highly recommend that one, as it's also co-created by Michael Schur. (Who I think is also an EP of Master of None). I really loved this show. And I think it was funny. I kind of calmer type of funny, but still made me laugh quite a bit. But I love Aziz's stand up, so maybe it's not a surprise that I'm a fan of the show.

Everything in your entire post is exactly how I felt about last night's show. Except I couldn't remember Ricky Skaggs' name. But he and his band were AMAZING. And I wish I had been playing that drinking game you came up with. Being drunk throughout Barrett's presence on the show would have been much better.

Yay Jordan! He definitely deserved it. I wasn't totally bored with this finale. I liked many of the group/duet performances. Jordan and Usher were awesome. Really loved Emily Ann's performance with that I am sure famous country star, whose name I forgot. It was completely fantastic. That is the type of country I enjoy. The type I don't enjoy: everything Barrett did. I tried to listen when he sang with Wynonna, but couldn't deal. (Other country I don't like: the Sam guy who talk sings all his songs. I just thought it was that one song, but I guess it's all of them??) But, I really enjoyed several of the group songs with the rest of the contestants (well, Jordan, Jeffrey, and Emily Ann's were fun). Over all, good show. And Jordan won. So, yay!

(I thought I replied, and then something happened. Forgive me if this becomes a double post). I am in agreement about the Christmas music. I pretty much hate it - although not some of the slower (and seemingly religious) songs. Like O Holy Night and We Three Kings. But the peppy poppy stuff drives me nuts and I try to avoid it for the 3-4 months it is played in the winter. So, I, too have never heard of Mary Did You Know. It's a pretty song, I guess, but I assume it's newer than most. The finale mostly bored me. I am not a fan of country music either, so having two country artists up there was not a lot of fun. Although, Emily Ann has grown on me through the season, I think she got a little more animated or interesting? Barrett is awful, his voice is awful, his smarm is awful. I have no idea why he is in the finale. Jeffrey was very good, although I agree that he's more musical theater than traditional recording artist. Jordan has the best voice, in my opinion, and therefore should win a show called The Voice. I don't know what he'll do after the show, but he deserves the win now.

Yay for Jordan and Jeffrey. I found Emily Ann SO boring thru the season, but I think that's more about me not liking country music than anything else. I think she did a great job on 9-5 (a country song I find fun, at least). So, those three - great voices. Belong in the finale of the VOICE. But WTF Barrett?? His voice is SOOOOO off-putting. So nasal. I just can't deal. Thankfully, Jordan's probably got it in the bag, so I don't have to worry about him winning. (I didn't jinx it, did I??)

I am so happy Jordan picked a song her could REALLY get into. That was fantastic. It made me smile. I don't care if it was over the top, his voice is so good, it doesn't bother me. And as a poster said above, you need a choir for the song - it didn't feel religious to me at all. I just finished watching the performances, so now I will got FFwd through tonight's episode to see 4 kicked off. Before the performances, I was rooting for Jordan, Jeffrey, Amy, and Madi. Now...I'm still rooting for them, I just don't think they did well enough to all make it. I guess I'll find out in a minute.

Okay, so there are many comments here saying the kids are too young for this kind of serious "love triangle." And in the sense that they will grow out of these feelings, and they are way too young to find "THE ONE" at this age - yes, I agree. However, they are not too young to FEEL like they have found the one. The feelings make sense to me. I remember being 13 in 8th grade and being totally "in LOVE" with a boy, and my best friend liked him too. I never told her, not necessarily because of self-sacrifice, although that was a part of it. I also didn't think I was good enough for the guy. I felt very inferior to my friend. All of the love triangle stuff in this show resonates with how SERIOUSLY I felt about this whole thing. I truly believed I was in love, and that I could never tell my best friend, etc etc. So, yes, I think they're too young for all of this, but I don't think they're too young to feel this strongly. And to take it this seriously.

I didn't enjoy the show much tonight. Jordan, Amy, and Madi are still my favorites because I love their voices, but I wasn't blown away by anything. When I saw that Jordan was going to sing Hallelujah, I was definitely annoyed. He still sounded pretty great, but I just wish he'd do another big song. Big, meaning, a full diva song. He was best at that. Amy sounded good, and I was entertained,, but it felt more gimmicky than before. She's still making smart iTunes choices. And if she loses this competition, she'd definitely have a career making the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack. (Those of you who watch: this season, all they play is slow covers of pop songs). I guess Madi could do that too. She sounded pretty, but not a fan of that version. Everyone else...meh to bleh. Speaking of bleh, Barrett's voice annoys the ever-living shit out of me. It's just such an annoying tone. (There's a reason I am not a fan of country. He is very COUNTRY).

It's funny. I think this is the first time I loved an obvious front runner liker Jordan. It's exciting - I hope I'm FINALLY happy with the winner of this show. I quit watching last season when all my favorites were out and Sawyer was the chosen one. He was SO BORING to me. Jordan never bores me because his vocal gymnastics is always entertaining to watch - even when I'm not a huge fan of the song. A finale with Jordan, Jeffrey, and Amy would be super. I'd love Madi in there too, but she doesn't have staying power.

Madi and Jordan were my favorites tonight. Also enjoyed Amy. Jordan is just too good. His singing is effortless, I really don't know how he gets every single one of those notes. Madi sounded beautiful, although she could have enunciated a little more. Amy's version of that song way better than Taylor's or Ryan's. But I'm shocked Adam didn't yell at the audience again. That clapping was horrific. I wish they'd put an end to that. It's awful and distracting.

Hate Amelia so so much. She is strident and immature and annoying and just...I can't stand her. Because her non-boyfriend won't share with her, she gets mad at Meredith? Even if Meredith was keeping Owen's secret just because he asked her to, and having nothing to do with Christina, Amelia should respect that. Gaaah. She is the worst character on the show. (Owen is a close second at the moment, but I am interested to see where the Riggs storyline goes). I do think he was married to Owen's sister, and that she died, and that Riggs is somewhat responsible. I can't possibly imagine a transgendered story line because like several others pointed out, Owen wouldn't beat up his sister, even if she had transitioned into being his brother. Right? All the other storylines: Jo and Alex should split up, but they won't. Yet. I am still holding out hope for Callie and Arizona one day - and Penny is the most boring person on the show. Her face is boring. I'm not sure about April and Jackson. I just want Jackson to get what he wants - either the two of them back together, or a divorce. April is the one in the wrong, so Jackson needs to get what he wants. Also because he's super super hot. Oooh. They could introduce a hot lady to him during this split with April. That would be a treat for all of us.

I liked everything except the country (or country-style) songs. All of Blake's team bored me tonight - which is disappointing when it comes to the Elvis kid. He was SO good last week. I agree with what Adam said - or what he tried to say - when he wished he saw more of that. And Shelby was not great. But I'm just not into country, so my opinion might also just be about that. Everyone else - I either liked or loved. I loved Jeff, and although I generally find religious music a bit tedious, Jordan killed it again. (Because he is the best, and should win, and I will be thrilled). But Jeff - I have no idea who he is, or where he came from, but he killed it again this week. Madi too. Those are the two I never noticed before last week. Madi did some weird things with Jewel, but she sounded lovely. I honestly really enjoyed a lot of performances. Amy singing Hotline Bling - it was cool. I know, everyone hated it. But it was an interesting use of her voice. I think the reason I dislike so much of the country stuff (or the country sound), is that it bores me. Most of the non-country, I at least found engaging. But I am sure a singer I enjoy will be voted off. As long as it's not Madi, Jeff, or Jordan, I will be okay.

I enjoyed some parts of this episode, but ITA with the many here who are already tired of the Penny-Meredith storyline. I am HOPING that by finally teaching her properly, and with Stephanie asking her for drinks, the majority of the BS is over, and we can move on... To the Hunt/Riggs mystery? Maybe? I am curious, but I would like the mystery to be revealed at next week's winter finale. That's all the patience I have for the story... I am not sure where I want the April/Jackson storyline to go - but where it has gone makes total sense. It is highly likely that a separating couple will end up in bed together as they are trying to navigate the tricky space they are in. And by the looks on their faces, they seem to recognize the mistake they made. I hope. Finally, I also applaud the racism/white privilege dialogue. Yes, that definitely felt like "Maggie was Shonda", but regardless, it was both well acted, and the message was clearly presented. When I saw Maggie and Riggs with that patient, I IMMEDIATELY felt what Maggie explained later - the idea that the patient was looking to Riggs not just because he's male, but because he's white. AND I buy Amelia's disbelief that it happens, because that is what it means to have white privilege. Plus, they are in a very diverse hospital, with people of color in the powerful positions. So to her, that means racism isn't an issue at that hospital. So I love the way both Stephanie and Maggie speak with her about it. Well done.

Jordan is pretty much it for me. I'm really never disappointed in his performances, and I really don't care if he gets the pimp spot over and over again. He deserves it. And while I liked a lot of other people before tonight, I don't think anyone else came close this time. Maybe Ellie - she kicked ass in comparison to her knocked out performance. And I think Blaine was good - but it might have been because I love that song so much. (That's how I know how much I like Jordan - I'm actually not a huge fan of the songs he picks, but I love his performances regardless).

Ugh. I really did hate Ashley's stuff. I HATE the lace/sheer thing with what looks like GIANT underpants underneath. HATE. I hated most of the colors used. And the materials. And I don't think she fixed the fit issues as much as they said she did. As soon as I could see she would win, I just started fast forwarding. What a complete disappointment. I think Kelly should have won hands down. And her clothes aren't at all my style. They were just cool and well-fitted, and the whole runway show told a good story. And the glitter really worked in a way I was afraid would not. She just had it. She had an awesome show and she was the clear winner to me. She only lost because Project Runway wanted to show how "progressive" they were by crowning a plus-sized collection. Edmond's...sadly it was kind of boring. The first dress was the best one I saw. The rest were just okay. He could have killed it, but he sort of petered out at the end. And Candace...I don't think it was nearly as terrible as the judges made it out to be. That red dress was so gorgeous. I don't know what it looked like WITH the hoop, but without it: I wanted that dress the most out of anything down the runway.

I thought this episode was particularly boring - no one was a huge standout for me. No one blew me away, and no one made me want to rewind and rewatch their performance. In fact, I paused in the middle of the episode to watch the end of Sister Act II. I wanted to hear real knockout singing. I mean, it might seem unfair to compare these people to Lauryn Hill combined with acrobatics, but last week's episodes had a few amazing moments that I think could hold up. (Jordan, Braiden, Viktor, Ivonne - yes, I guess I have picked my favorites).

Thanks for directing me to this after I could not figure out the Viktor/Jordan pairing in the battles. This makes perfect sense. It WAS an awesome battle, and made for good TV. And Viktor of course got stolen. I could not imagine a reason why Adam would pair them if not for producer control/influence. I mean, why would he want to get rid of Viktor? Now, if anyone here could come up with another reason, I'm all for it.