wonderwoman

Exciting news from the Peabody Awards: http://www.peabodyawards.com/stories/story/74th-annual-peabody-award-winners

Exciting news from the Peabody Awards: http://www.peabodyawards.com/stories/story/74th-annual-peabody-award-winners

As others have noted, there are times when this show feels like a sort of homage to "Crash." But what might work well in a 2-hour movie can feel like a chore to watch when spread out over, in this case, 11 episodes. Frankly, getting to see Barb confronted with the reality of Matt's life is the only thing that will keep me watching for the duration. So, I'll be recording, then watching with my finger on the ff button.

"I loved Joan's blouse with the single blue flower design!" I, on the other hand, found it beyond distracting.

Fascinating conversation with EP Jennie Snyder Urman at Huff Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/09/jane-the-virgin_n_6817574.html?utm_hp_ref=tv&ir=TV

"Did Barba's Abuelita commit suicide or die of natural causes? I think she died of natural causes, in her own home on her own terms, because she was ill and succumbed to death like old people are wont to do. I don't think Abuelita would have been so selfish as to kill herself and leave her daughter and grandson in that kind of grief. Also, if she was Roman Catholic, at her age, she wouldn't have done so if she was true to form. " That was my take away, as well. I never considered the possibility of suicide.

"I think he had a wig. Here's a recent photo: http://www.biography...vaughn-20996359" Don't think so. not clear when that photo was taken, but here's one from about a year ago: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2577542/Robert-Vaughn-returns-London-Olivier-Awards-shortlist.html

Here's a link to JM's first ATWT episode: 2 April 1985, the show's 29th anniversary. Near the end of the episode, there's a nice scene between JM and fellow Oscar winner, Marisa Tomei. Also wirth watching: the scenes between Scott Bryce and Elizabeth Hubbard. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W5N03MbgLqE&list=PL3Ug0CptkHq5R74VFrIga0EBiH5mwMfLm

"(wipes eyes) Well, Lady Gaga has oficially knocked the smartass out of me." Me too. And then Julie Andrews came out...

Was I the only one who didn't cry during the In Memorium segment? I usually sob my eyes out, but this one left me cold and I don't know why. The watercolor portraits instead of photographs? The rather flat music? I don't know, but it is a first for me.

Yeah -- too long, too much extraneous material. And, sadly, in agreement with those who noted the extent to which both Pauls' voices have declined.

Well, that was a real trip down memory lane. Add Gilda Radner and Andy Kaufman to the list of departed SNL alums. Was amazed at how many of the bits still resonate -- Carlin's baseball vs football riff, show me your guns, and most prescient: gay marriage. BRW, I tried to find who was in that sketch with Chevy Chase; looked like it might have been Buck Henry. Does anyone know?

"Frank is usually right in his decisions - or they make them play out right in the end. :)" Exactly! And at the risk of overstating the obvious: it's the "make them play out right" that's the problem:)

Re the beer list: I thought the fact that they ordered Miller, was a nod to Margo Martindale, who left the she show to do "The Millers" on CBS. Loving Frank Langella, but now that "The Millers" has been cancelled, I'm hoping we'll see Claudia again.

You know, just once, when a Reagan goes off the reservation, I'd love to see it blow up in their face; in this case, Erin. Frankly, I was hoping that the guy would have been killed due to her reckless behavior, and she would have had to deal with the consequences. But, no, not the Reagan's. Did she even once consider the ramifications of pissing off the feds? Did she have that conversation with her boss? Was he on board; were the travel expenses approved (including the granddaughter)? I loathe the extent to which anyone whose point of view differs from the Reagan's is portrayed as a complete dick -- the mayor, the federal agent. But these people do have their own authority -- the mayor has it right: the police commissioner does work for him -- yet all the Reagan's display such utter contempt for any authority other than their own -- and they do so with such impunity it's laughable.

Watched because of the outstanding cast, but don't think I'll stick around for this one. However, watching Marie Tucci and Thandie Newton channel Marie and Debra Barone was worth an hour of my life:)

Yes, the contrast between the Baftas and Oscars is certainly strking and refreshing. Even down to the conversations on the red carpet -- yes, I said conversaions. And the lack of histrionics while accepting. But, nothing better illustrates the contrast than Mike Leigh's speech, linked below. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2YREGBFImdg

"Overall, it just felt like an inside joke, but without the joke part. Like we were supposed to somehow feel the deep emotions that the actors were experiencing as they drag out this long goodbye to each other. Instead, I find myself yawning and stretching as if to give a hint to dinner guests who have hung around too long. TIME TO GO, PEOPLE." This! and, "The quoting thing doesn't seem to work properly on the iPad." This!

Add Trophy Wife to the list of ill-named, prematurely cancelled ABC comedies.

"I love Sting (as a musician), but they have to end the show with Al Green." I like Sting too, but no one was swaying and clapping the way they were with Al Green's tribute. I guess the producers feels as though they need to close the show with something more cerebral. Although, a couple if years ago when Led Zepplin was honored, they closed with an amazing version of "Staircase to Heaven."

An annotated version of "We'll Meet Again" at Slate: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/12/19/colbert_report_finale_annotated_list_of_everyone_who_appeared_in_sing_along.html

"I'm betting that he'll turn Rayna away and that it will be Maddie who moves him to go for treatment." which I'm guessing will include a chunk of her liver.

"Telenovelas are NOT subtle. lol." They never seemed subtle, but there've been moments both in Jane the Virgin and Ugly Betty, where the emotionl response to a reveal was layered -- not at all over the top. Are these changes that have been made for American audiences, or, was I missing something because I lack Spanish?

Since this episode encapsulated so much of what Parenthood could (and should:) have done over the years, I'm going to cross-post on the What Parenthood Should Have Done Better In Six Seasons. Background: I wanted to like this show; I have tried to like this show. Others (many others, in fact :) have noted the flaws discussed below, but loved the show in spite of them. I guess I must have a lower threshold... But, what's made watching Parenthood such an exercise in frustration is that it's always been disconcertingly easy to see the show that it could have been -- the show it should have been. The true pleasure of serial drama -- and yes, Parenthood is a serial drama -- lies less in seeing the culmination of a story than in the anticipation leading up to the climax and the aftermath. But, with so many characters to service and a declining number of episodes each season, Parenthood has skipped from high point to high point, never exploring the valleys in between; always telling viewers when it was time to cry, never letting us get there on our own. (I really thought I was going to be the only person to make it through the entire series without shedding a tear. But during Joel's heartfelt plea to Julia in the restaurant, I finally teared up for the first time. Better late than never, I suppose. :) The other source frustration is, of course, the Bravermans: insular; entitled, boarding on arrogant; self-absorbed, but incapable of self-reflection, self-examination or ever admitting that they might just be the one in the wrong. Yes, they may say the words when pressed (but really, has anyone ever truly called a Braverman on their shit and made it stick? I know, rhetorical question:). But with the exception of Camille and Joel (of course, neither a Braverman by birth :), they do not own their faults or learn from their missteps. And those missteps never, ever, result in real and lasting consequences. In the end, everything always works out for the Bravermans. As Alan Sepinwall pointed out at HitFix, the financial constraints of this final season (which meant fewer characters per episode) provided a real opportunity to delve deeper into the characters and their relationships. Why Jason Kamins choose to squander this opportunity by focusing so much attention on Hank and his family is anybody's guess. Here's my take on the fall finale: Zeek's treatment of Drew While Zeek's desire to surprise Camille with a trip to France was lovely, his treatment of Drew since his surgery has been unforgivable. And, no one's called him on it. Certainly not Camille, the closest thing Parenthood has to a moral center. When Zeek told her about the trip, she had the perfect opportunity for her to hold his feet to the fire for the emotional damage he's inflicted on his grandson, not to mention disrupting his classes. Then there's Sarah She's been so tied up with Hank and his family drama that she doesn't seem to know what's going on with her own children. Is she even aware that Amber was in the hospital? Does she know that both Zeek and Amber have been pulling Drew away from his studies, which in typical Braverman fashion, has had no consequences, at least not yet (and anyone holding out any hope for the final few episodes, raise your hand... That's what I thought.)? Thinking back, have Sarah and Drew even shared a scene this season? Less of Hank's family drama would have freed up time for the missing Sarah-Amber, Sarah-Drew, Sarah-Zeek, Sarah-Camille scenes And finally, the Snowflake Academy: This episode offered an opportunity (squandered, of course) to explore in the persons of Adam and Kristin much that is wrong with the Bravermans, while, at the same time, providing both anticipation and aftermath. Their behavior toward Max has created so much damage, not just to Max, but to the school, where his obsessive attention toward Dylan is quite likely actionable. Why wouldn't parents watching the meltdown of Max and his parents start yanking their kids out of Chambers Academy, post haste, putting the school's future in serious peril? That possibility could have led to some serious soul searching on the part of Adam and Kristina, and lead them to the painful realization that their inability to confront Max's behavior has not only undermined his growth, but brought them to the point of losing the school. Their conversation would have taken place before they talked to Max (anticipation); leading to a conversation that would have forced Max to realize that notwithstanding his intentions, that yes, he was harassing Dylan. The aftermath? Well, instead of dropping by unannounced, perhaps a proper meeting at the school that began with Adam and Kristina acknowledging the truth of Dylan's parent's observation that Adam and Kristina see the world only through the view of the son, and that ain't no way to run a railroad, or a charter school. If only... The saddest words in the English language... ETA: While I've never been fond of Sarah and Hank's relationship, I do think his interactions with Max were useful. Having Hank teach at the Snowflake Academy would have kept the character (and Ray Romano) on the canvas in an organic and integrated way. (Truth be told, Sarah's been on my last nerve since the first season, though I'm not sure how I would have felt about the character if Maura Tierney had continued in the role. I could never get past the reality that LG's Sarah would also suffer by comparison with Lorelei -- not fair, I know, but there it is.

Since fall finale encapsulated so much of what Parenthood could (and should:) have done over the years, I've cross-posted here. Background: I wanted to like this show; I have tried to like this show. Others (many others, in fact :) have noted the flaws discussed below, but loved the show in spite of them. I guess I must have a lower threshold... But, what's made watching Parenthood such an exercise in frustration is that it's always been disconcertingly easy to see the show that it could have been -- the show it should have been. The true pleasure of serial drama -- and yes, Parenthood is a serial drama -- lies less in the culmination of a story than in the anticipation leading up to the climax and the aftermath. But, with so many characters to service and a declining number of episodes each season, Parenthood has skipped from high point to high point, never exploring the valleys in between; always telling viewers when it was time to cry, never letting us get there on our own. (I really thought I was going to be the only person to make it through the entire series without shedding a tear. But during Joel's heartfelt plea to Julia in the restaurant, I finally teared up for the first time. Better late than never, I suppose. :) The other source frustration is, of course, the Bravermans: insular; entitled, boarding on arrogant; self-absorbed, but incapable of self-reflection, self-examination or ever admitting that they might just be the one in the wrong. Yes, they may say the words when pressed (but really, has anyone ever truly called a Braverman on their shit and made it stick? I know, rhetorical question:). But with the exception of Camille and Joel (of course, neither a Braverman by birth :), they do not own their faults or learn from their missteps. And those missteps never, ever, result in real and lasting consequences. In the end, everything always works out for the Bravermans. As Alan Sepinwall pointed out at HitFix, the financial constraints of this final season (which meant fewer characters per episode) provided a real opportunity to delve deeper into the characters and their relationships. Why Jason Kamins choose to squander this opportunity by focusing so much attention on Hank and his family is anybody's guess. Here's my take on the fall finale: Zeek's treatment of Drew While Zeek's desire to surprise Camille with a trip to France was lovely, his treatment of Drew since his surgery has been unforgivable. And, no one's called him on it. Not Camille, the closest thing Parenthood has to a moral center. When Zeek told her about the trip, it would have been the perfect opportunity for her to hold his feet to the fire for the damage he's inflicted on his grandson. Then there's Sarah She's been so tied up with Hank and his family drama that she doesn't seem to know what's going on with her own children. Is she even aware that Amber was in the hospital? Does she know that both Zeek and Amber have been pulling Drew away from his studies, which in typical Braverman fashion, has had no consequences, at least not yet (and anyone holding out any hope for the final few episodes, raise your hand)? Thinking back, have Sarah and Drew even shared a scene this season? Less of Hank's family drama would have freed up time for the missing Sarah-Amber, Sarah-Drew, Sarah-Zeek, Sarah-Camille scenes And finally, the Snowflake Academy: This episode offered an opportunity (squandered, of course) to explore in the persons of Adam and Kristin much that is wrong with the Bravermans, while, at the same time, providing both anticipation and aftermath. Their behavior toward Max has created so much damage, not just to Max, but to the school, where his obsessive attention toward Dylan is quite likely actionable. Why wouldn't parents watching the meltdown of Max and his parents start yanking their kids out of Chambers Academy, post haste, putting the school's future in serious peril? That possibility could have led to some serious soul searching on the part of Adam and Kristina, and lead them to the painful realization that their inability to confront Max's behavior has not only undermined his growth, but brought them to the point of losing the school. Their conversation would have taken place before they talked to Max (anticipation); leading to a conversation that would have forced Max to realize that notwithstanding his intentions, that yes, he was harassing Dylan. The aftermath? Well, instead of dropping by unannounced, perhaps a proper meeting at the school that began with Adam and Kristina acknowledging the truth of Dylan's parent's observation that Adam and Kristina see the world only through the view of the son, and that ain't no way to run charter school. If only... The saddest words in the English language...