hks

I rank based on how many performances I re-watched. This time it was Brayden and Jordan, and some of Viktor's. Brayden was phenomenal. Without his ridiculous hair to distract me, I just paid attention to his voice. And it was gooooood. And of course, Jordan is the best. I just want to watch/hear him sing everything. Every difficult, vocal gymnastic-y song, I want him to do on this show. Viktor was great, but he was no match for Jordan. Which is why I'm confused about Adam's decision to pair them. Viktor would have easily won in another match up, and it was pretty clear he'd be stolen. Why would Adam basically give another coach one of his strongest competitors? Please help me understand, thanks!

I loved Edmond's the most. It might not be avant garde-y enough - but that's probably why I like it so much. It looked beautiful, and sculptural, and I loved the back. However, Kelly's was the most avant garde (I guess? I really don't get the real definition of that). I hated that color and didn't love the box-y shape, but I did really like the cables on the front and sides. Very cool. Everyone else was kind of meh. Candace's was very pretty, but kind of boring. Same for Merline's. And Ashley: I actually kind of liked that cape. It looked cool as it moved down the runway. But I really hated the under-outfit, esp the visible nipple action. Just not cute, and the pieces did NOT go together. Regardless, I am ok with Merline going home. Her outfit was boring AND apparently she continues to have construction issues. Those in the final five should not have that problem, right?

I've been a fan of Trevor Noah since he and Hasaan were added to the list of correspondents - I checked out his standup, and found him to be very funny. And what I've seen of him (aside from those crappy tweets) has continued to be funny and engaging. So, I am rooting for him here. He looked visibly nervous up there at times, but I think all the standup experience will get him through those nerves quickly. I'm going to stick with it for a while and see where it goes. And if it turns out to be not much more than regular TDS with a fresh new mouthpiece, I think I'm cool with it.

I sing all the names of the actors along with the 90210 theme. (Try it! Dun dada dun. Luke Pe-e-rry. Dun dada dun. Brian Austin Green. This only works in my head doesn't it). I also sing "Game of fucking Game of fucking Thrones" but I didn't come up with that one. Finally, this is not a ritual, but I can't help blinking every time the lighthouse light shines towards me from the Castle Rock tag. (Usually Seinfeld).

The ONLY positive about the whole Draft Kings thing is that almost all of the characters denounced it as something they couldn't do. Only Pete, arguably the most morally bankrupt one of them, would consider trying it out.

Those were my favorites as well. Ashely's were super cute and I thought Kelly should have gotten extra points for her cover-up. It was annoying that they showed no judging regarding the cover ups. (I assume it was edited out, but who knows?) When you add this "TWIST!" and then don't talk at all about how some designers failed it completely, it's extremely annoying. Ashley's was my favorite, but I definitely wondered if it was due to her model. She is no doubt the best model up there - she really elevates people's designs. If no one else has tallied this, maybe I will go check to see how she's been doing. ETA: I looked it up, and she has been in the top in every episode except one. And she's never been in the bottom. Excellent point. I have NO idea if it's accurate in this situation, but I think in general, you are correct. I have heard that these same people might have an issue with the thong because then their CLOTHES end up going up their crack. Because there is no fabric stopping it. So...thongs are the opposite of what they need (when wearing dresses and skirts, etc). Again, something I've also heard and wouldn't know at all personally.

I can't tell you whom I hated more in this episode - Dan or Emma. Gaah. It pisses me off thinking about it again. Okay, Dan was a selfish insensitive idiot. Your girlfriend goes off on a trip with her friend. When has it EVER been okay for the boyfriend to infiltrate a girls' weekend?? What kind of moron would think that's okay? No matter what obviously insincere platitudes were given by Maggie. I think he just ignored reality, and went with whatever he wanted. But I still think Emma was worse - mostly because she owes more to Maggie. Emma is ridiculous, but getting so into a new guy that she completely shits over her bonding weekend? That was just - not a person who drops her life to help her friend raise a child. That's some other selfish self-centered creature all together. They both redeemed themselves a little at the end, and the show is too cute/charming/funny to hate anyone too long, but man, the first 20 minutes really pissed me off.

Okay I have read through the comments, and I agree with a lot. Ashley being picked last could have been many things: stupidity or strategy not picking a top competitor; people just wanting to work with friends; or some calculated mean girl shit. Whatever it was, I can understand Ashley being upset, but then I agree, she shouldn't let it keep her down. EXCEPT. She didn't at first. She kicked ass at paintball, and when the planning started, she tried to assert some strong ideas. But she was shut down. And then I think she stopped fighting it. I also don't think Laurie was being calculated or bitchy by warning her about the upcoming mean girl shit in judging. I think she just wanted things done fairly and was equally disappointed by how badly the team was doing together. And, even though I very strongly expressed my relief and joy for Amanda being ousted, I think this is a better (and less curse-filled) expression of why I felt that way:

Normally I read all the comments first, then comment (TWoP habits), but I wanted to write this immediately: FUCKING THANK GOD FUCKING AMANDA IS GONE. She was the worst person AND worst designer on that team. Long overdue. But THANK GOD. Also Swapnil should have won for that outfit. Edmond's was great, but Swapnil's was gorgeous, clever, and creative. Just perfect.

The episode was memorable but I was more intrigued by the final minutes of the podcast with Dave drunkenly describing his new state "Minnefornia." I'd love to know more (especially why the drunkenness was happening). And hear the state song if possible. Oh, and I think an animal associated with Minnesota is the timberwolf. So a timberbear might be the Minnefornia state animal. Or Bob the Bear. Whatever works.

I hope tonight's episode shows the continued awesomeness of Swapnil, Ashley, Candice, and Laurie. (Both in design ability and in personality). I think the India look was the best by far, but at least Ashley and Candice show some interesting ideas and execute them well. When I watch the show, I form my immediate opinions, such as: Hanmaio was the difficult one in that group - and was very rude to Edmond when she told him to shut up. Or that while Lindsey was a bit snobby thinking she was the best, Jake shutting down on the work, and admitting he did so, was kind of a dick move. OR that Joseph was an incredibly horrendous piece of shit, and I felt bad for Merline the entire time she was there. And after I watch it, I think back about how some things are edited to look a certain way, and I might be wrong on first impressions. So yes, maybe they cut out some of Edmond's assy behavior, and and yes, I think he SHOULD have kind of let Hanmaio make the decisions on the challenge, and then just work hard to make it look amazing. And maybe Jake DID try to do more work than we saw, and was just shut down so much he finally had to quit. But Joseph was a fucking asshole, and it was clear based on things he actually SAID and DID, and not some tricky editing. I am totally fine with him asking Merline to curb her (incredibly) annoying singing, etc. But it could have been done in private, and as a request, instead of how he did it - demanding it in the van, in front of people, and in an incredibly patronizing way. THEN, after she was going along with his demand, he repeatedly bragged about how he got it under control, just on and on in the worst possible way, proud about how he had control over things. Just gross. And he continued to control her behavior in the worst way, and let that arrogance get the best of him when he wouldn't take the suggestion that his outfit was too matronly. FINALLY, he just fucked her over on the runway. Even if they cut out a WHOLE bunch of stuff where Merline was just the worst pill in existence (which I don't think they did), the behavior they showed him exhibiting was awful. And I hope he is out tonight. Speaking of tricky editing, there's no way that Laurie said TER and then she HAPPENED to be on the show. I think this is the best explanation for that:

Until reading this, I had completely missed the adding of pashminas to signify the increasing crazy in Gwen. That's brilliant. I guess I was too distracted by Mark's neckline to notice Gwen's. (P.S. I am suuuuper ashamed to admit that I thought he looked kind of hot in the super deep V. Not that it's an acceptable amount of V or anything. He just looked good in it).

I agree with you about the tropes, but I have to strongly disagree about how you think Mrs Ray is being portrayed: "I think we're supposed to think she's an uptight bitch who doesn't Get It re: what Ray's sacrificed to avenge her assault and blah blah." I felt the complete opposite. I think we're supposed to feel sympathy for her - the way Ray has been around his son, the beat-down of the bully's dad, coupled with the insane threats to both his son and the bully; I think we're meant to know that Ray is a BAD DAD and unsafe around kids. Even her threat to take the paternity test came after he snapped with one of his unhinged threats. The show has portrayed Ray to care desperately about his son, but also be horrible around and for him. I think ultimately, Mrs Ray's reaction is shown to be pretty natural. Other that that, I agree that the show feels very trope-heavy. One of the big things about the first season of TD is that it seemed like such a fresh and original presentation. This second season will always feel like a lesser copy. (I will still watch it and hope that the good will eventually outweigh the bad).

Ahh. Yes, I forgot. She just seemed like a petulant little sister in those scenes. (The spilling of the wine and all). I think Doran has a plan for his son to be in charge in Westeros. If he's heard that Tommen has taken to his room, and is unable to run the kingdom, will that task fall to Myrcella...and maybe her future husband? I don't think he would have raised a glass to Tommen otherwise. It seemed weird - unless he did it JUST to get in Ellaria's face about the whole thing. Who knows. I still think Ellaria hasn't dropped her quest for revenge - it seems too easy this way.

Okay, I might be seeing things, but wasn't Reek at Stanis' campsite or whatever? I am pretty sure we see him as Davos makes his way across all the destruction to say goodbye to Shireen. I was all intrigued, thinking he's a bigger part of Ramsey's plan - not just to come in and sack and burn everything, but to leave Reek there as a spy and/or get him to murder Stannis or someone. But...no one else has made a comment about Reek being there. And it's not in the recap. So, am I just seeing things? Please help! ETA: I have asked friends. They have stated that I am crazy and the guy whom I think looks like Reek looks nothing like him. So...never mind. What happened to Shireen was TERRIBLE, but not terribly surprising. It felt inevitable - Stannis is not a good person. Or a strong person. Melissandre has got all the power there. As soon as he insisted his wife and daughter come with him when they left Castle Black, it seemed clear. But he'll get his. Eventually. If I am right about Reek being left at the site, I don't think he'll kill Stannis (I think his wife will, actually). But maybe Reek will lead to his downfall first? Or maybe I'm really imagining things. ETA: Yes. I am. Carry on. I don't think Dany summoned Drogan. I agree that her closed eyes was her bracing herself for death. I think HE might have telepathic powers, in sensing his mom is in danger. But I don't think Dany has them...yet. I also don't think those spears were all that harmful to him. They pierced his skin, but seemed like they did nothing. I HOPE. It did seem strange that she flew off and left her crew there, but I have to pretend with her gone, the Harpies were like, "okay, I guess we're done here." I don't trust the Sand Snake lady. She is up to something. And I think that something is going to lead to her brother's death. He's the one keeping the peace between Dorne and the rest, with him dead, she can go get any kind of revenge she feels like.

I'm more severely disappointed than I've ever been while watching this show. Maybe. I've forgotten almost every result from every past season except the last one, so maybe some other result once angered me more. But still. My two favorites in the bottom, and then the best person in this competition is out. If India is gone next week, I think I'll have to give up this season. (Actually, I think I can still get behind Meghan. And Koryn won't win, but I don't mind her. Just....no Sawyer. And the other one whose name escapes me every single week. Joshua!) The only consolation I have is that losing out on this show can still end well. Hell, Clive Davis signed a loser in the knockout rounds (didn't remember him of course, had to look him up, but he was pretty good). If Clive stuck around to see Kimberly's Seven Nation Army, we could be seeing him announce her return to the Voice in a few seasons. Here's hoping.

Yes! Adam can be a big whiny baby at times, but I like that he was SO harshly critical of that. I can't imagine what it's like to try to sing a song - one with EASY rhythm at that - and have to hear a huge group of people clapping off beat. The Voice audience drives me bonkers with their rhythmless clapping and their stupid, corny, arm waving. I've always assumed that's producer-driven behavior, instructed for them to do before the show starts, right? Or like the "applause" signs they (used to?) have for live studio audiences. I don't know if anyone has ever been in The Voice audience, but please let me know if that's the case. And if it IS the case, then the producers need to tell the audience to STOP with the clapping. ASAP. But you (I think?) are not a huge star in the music industry. Nor are you a coach on the biggest vocal talent competition. And actually, even you learned the song from the Academy Awards. Shouldn't we expect at least that from Blake? Although, to be honest, I think that was just his shtick. I am sure he knows the song, but it was his way of "Being Blake" and also complimenting India for how well she changed the song. It's just sometimes his shtick is a little tiresome. (Just a little. Otherwise, I'm a fan).

The craziest thing: I had this urge to listen to Dirty Diana (and sing along) on repeat this past weekend, all the while thinking, wow this is an awesome song to perform. So of course, my favorite performer sings it. I love Kimberly Nichole. So much. I might even vote for once.

Ooh. I think you're right. I think the reason I don't know whether they should get together is because I ultimately don't care if they get together? I love the characters, and I love the show, but it's definitely not Parks. Which is not a bad thing. Parks made me cry on many occasions, and I'm okay that B99 doesn't. It's got its own thing. So, yah, I'm not emotionally invested them as a couple. Whether that lack of investment means it's a bad idea is another thing. I guess we'll see. (Soon, I hope).

Oh! That's exactly how I felt. And I loved Jim & Pam a ton, but that hair tuck was so "LOOK SHE LIKES HIM!!" it very much bothered me. I am not sure if I'm ultimately pro-Amy/Jake. They're fun as friends, but could be great fun as a couple. I can't decide. But either way, I really don't want them to drag it out too much longer. I get the feeling we're seeing this lighter pink-wearing Rosa because of her relationship with Marcus. But don't tell Rosa I think this. She'd murder me. And then slyly smile.

I was also shocked, and super excited. Cory was so bland and boring to me. I know part of that is just my aversion to country music, but to be honest, I thought his best performance was yesterday's very country duet with that guy I don't know. That was a decidely country song, but I enjoyed it enough, and Cory seemed animated for once. But thankfully, he's gone. I am particularly happy that India is still here. She's always been a favorite of mine, even if I think she makes the worst song choices. I think she's got it in her to really kill it (like she once did with her "Stay" duet), so I hope to see that next week. Hannah - okay, I admit she has an excellent voice - but she was always so awkward to me. I couldn't deal. And her song choices were just wrong. So, these are the best results I could have hoped for....except that one dude is still here, and I'm so not a fan, I can't remember his name. Adam's guy. If things kept going my way, that guy, Sawyer, and/or Koryn would be gone next. ETA: Josh! His name is Josh. I knew that.

Haha, I guess it only bothers me a lot. (Anita's version of Rude was the most ridiculous example, you are right. That had me trying to shake my tv). To answer the question, no I would never advocate shifting gender - regardless of the singer or the subject. I think you can connect to any song without doing that...although it seems like several people think Meghan didn't connect too well to the song anyway: "Meaghan, on the other hand, just ruined "Something". Why would you choose to sing that introspective, sensitive lyric by putting it on full blast vocally?" I'm glad she tweeted that, even if I don't think it should have been necessary. I don't recall her trying to take credit for the arrangment, or getting praise for coming up with the arrangement. The praise she got seemed to be for performance. But just reading these comments, you can tell people think she was trying to pass off the arrangment as her own, so I'm glad she sent that out.

I loved Kimberly's performance yet again. At first, I wasn't too sure about the jazzy arrangement. But wow, she totally sold it. And that ending nearly made me tear up. The plinky piano plus her voice just got to me. PLUS. She didn't gender switch!! That stupid gender switch, which completely pulls me out of a song. If she weren't already in first place for me, that would have been the final push. And then. OF COURSE, the artist who follows her - Megan, who is an amazing singer - does the gender shift! "Something" is iconic. Why would you change any of it?! I think why it bothers me so much is it feels homophobic. Even if that's not intended, that's what it makes me think. And again, it pulls me out of the performance completely. I mean, I know Megan sang well, but I was too frustrated by the gender shift to really listen. Does this bother other people as much as it bothers me? Or am I being overly crazed by it? (Or both?)

This episode was sad and dumb. And then more sad. Then more dumb. Most of the hospital stuff was so dumb. But then Meredith added some good realism and sadness to the episode. Unfortunately, I think dumb wins overall. And while I'm not too broken up about Patrick leaving - I enjoyed the show this season fine without him - I am NOT looking forward to the depressing moments ahead. And the dark and twisty Meredith. Because I'm predicting right now: it's going to lead to her sleeping with Alex. He's her "person" this season. It's a pretty stupid move, so I think that's where it has to go.... (Secretly, I might like it. I love Alex. He needs a storyline. Even a stupid one).

I also totally agree about India and Clinton. However, he WAS stolen after that battle, but - in my opinion - made a terrible song choice the next week and got eliminated. He could have been great. OR it could be they are only good together and should tour together after this is done. But I hope it's not true. I'm still rooting for her and I think she can be as good as she was in that one battle. She's got all the skill and talent, it's just a matter of song choice and production.