ribboninthesky1
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Posts posted by ribboninthesky1
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I like Kate a lot. Like others have expressed, I wish the show would have written her weight struggles differently. Particularly the Toby relationship. I'm hoping he'll start to feel less like a railroader and more like the "life coach" he's apparently meant to be. Kate's been frank about who she is, and no one's forcing him to be with her.
Also, I assume the pilot was filmed way before episodes 2 and 3. Kate's relationship with Kevin felt differently in the pilot, like he'd drop anything for her as much as she would for him. But episodes 2 and 3 felt as if they dropped it to emphasize codependency, particularly on Kate's part. It bugs.
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2 hours ago, romantic idiot said:
I actually agree with you regarding the reaction of Kate wanting to leave, but for me that was more because presumably she was technically 'at work' not on her day off, and Kevin is her job. My reaction above was around the idea that Toby's grand gesture of arranging that day of 'stardom' for Kate was a bit much, since, as I said, Kate's reaction made me think it wasn't so, for her.
Gotcha. I wasn't even thinking about her job as Kevin's personal assistant, though perhaps she had the day off. I still believe Toby made the day about what HE thought she should do for herself, but I'm certain I wasn't meant to perceive it that way (by the writers). I believe we're meant to see Toby as you wrote, as the person who pushes Kate out of her comfort zone and have her enjoy life, and she needs that.
Yet, I can totally see why some feel like Toby is a creep, within the context of some of his behavior. I'm stuck on the timeline - if they'd been together for a few months at least, his actions would make a lot more sense to me.
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He didn't ask Kate. He told her that he liked her a lot, but he wouldn't play second banana to Kevin. Her response, "You have to. Everyone does." That would have disturbed me more if it wasn't in reaction to an ultimatum spoken by a man she met a week ago. Plus, since she's not interacted with anyone besides Kevin and Toby, "everyone does" feels less significant than it should.
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7 hours ago, romantic idiot said:
I feel like I'm watching Sex and the City all over again where Misha read out some poetry that he liked to to Carrie and Carrie the author - err..writer - spent her time rolling her eyes at how 'much' it was. Some people are just more dramatic than others, IMO. So I've been taking as my clue, Kate, on how to react. And luckily, she doesn't just have a voice, she's got an expressive face. What I saw when Toby did the red carpet thing, is here being a little embarrassed, but also happy. She liked it. She'd never had it before. Same for the singing. She ended up enjoying herself - and she would have never done it without a push. I think we need both kinds of people in our lives, those who are comfortable and will defend our territory with us, and those who will push us out of our comfort zone. I definitely have both kinds of those friends in my life and am richer for it. So far she's had Kevin for the former and now she's got Toby for the latter. And she's actually seemed okay with that so far.
I never watched Sex and the City, so I've no frame of reference on that. But Kate is being written to like it - I don't think that negates some viewers' reaction to Toby as being inappropriately pushy. In truth, we may never know what Kate would NOT have done because they haven't written her with any significant interactions beyond Toby and Kevin.
I think those of us who take exception to Toby aren't against people who push others out of their comfort zone. For me, it's more that she barely knows the man, and he's hurt and declaring he won't play 2nd banana to Kevin because she chose to answer her brother's call ONE TIME during that day and is actually *gasp* willing to cut their time short to support her family. I mean, if that's what she wants to do, and the day was all about her - what's the problem?
I get what the writers are doing. They're showing the codependent relationship of Kate and Kevin, and their growth out of that. But I think the mechanism in which they are unpacking that for Kate is odd, especially given that Toby is someone she just met and shouldn't have much say in her daily life. I know Randall is across the country, but if she couldn't have any friends, it's a shame they couldn't have connected the siblings by having Randall be the one who helps her see she needs to live her own life. Or heck, even Beth - she pulls no punches. Someone that's known her for more than a week and isn't throwing in the "we need teh sexy times" in every other conversation.
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3 hours ago, Biggie B said:
One thing that irked me about Toby was when he showed up with the car, red carpet, the camera flashing, and chauffeur outfit, he said this would the day in which it was all about Kate, in which she'd be the star. Well, not so much. He made it all about himself by dressing up and calling attention to himself. He organized an activity in which Kate had no say whatsoever, and which she did not want to do (even though it thankfully worked out). It was really all about Toby. If he'd showed up and asked Kate, "What would be your idea of a perfect day?" and then made that day happen, I'd be much more impressed. His idea of a great day for Kate was one in which his needs were met - hearing her sing, showing her off to his aunt and the other senior citizens, and looking like a hero. Was that her idea of a great day?
I agree with this assessment. I really thought that he would ask, "What do you want to do today?" It's very strange, as we're supposed to think Toby is good for Kate. In any other Lifetime movie, Toby's over-the-top exclamations would be red flags (and in real life, to some extent). As someone else mentioned, they've been dating for all of a week - give the woman a chance to break her codependency with her brother. True, some people need a push, but that's different from no boundaries at all. Even if the show was real-time - as in 3-4 weeks - that's nowhere near enough time for a relative stranger to come in and dictate how someone else should live. The show would have done better to have them in an existing relationship, with the audience dropped in the middle. Or have Kate with existing girlfriends, which is even better.
Plus, it seemed to me that the only reason Kate reconciled with Toby was because Kevin fired her. So it still didn't come across as her decision. Though I have to say, codependent twin or not, I can't blame her for not factoring Toby into her potential move with Kevin to New York. They barely know each other.
I looked up who had writing credits on this show, and it confirmed why Beth and Randall come across so authentic. But I'm more interested in his present day family dynamics than the Jack/Rebecca flashbacks.
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I don't think the contestant was quoted directly, so it's fair to speculate on all sides around their casual sex. And yes, on Andi's season, Nick was fairly explicit in questioning why Andi had sex with him if she wasn't in love with him. Whatever he said after the fact doesn't negate what he said to Andi on the show.
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Trish is 42. I guess one could hand wave that Trish was a law student when they met, but we're not meant to think too deeply about it. Wayans can pass for early to mid 40s easily. Not sure why they couldn't have made Murtaugh around that age beyond what I assume is "Murtaugh was in his 50s in the films". It's not like men in their 40s never have heart surgery.
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On 10/9/2016 at 11:35 AM, ApprenticeFan said:
The Bachelor 14's Vienna Girardi is engaged.
This article is so shady, and I was highly amused. Between the headline and the first photo caption, "Finally she'll be a bride," I couldn't stop chuckling. Also: "I traveled the world looking for love when love was in my backyard the whole time." Alrighty.
On the plus side, Vienna looks much better as a brunette.
I liked Juan Pablo as well, though I don't understand why getting a new girlfriend warrants a People article. I'm surprised he's not blacklisted from any Time Warner-affiliated publications.
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And yet he was interested enough to have sex with her...
Guess we'll see how it plays out on the show, but I never bought what TPTB were trying to sell with BIP Nick. My popcorn shall be ready!
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I didn't think the female characters were written that well, so I'm not sure what the point of Nancy was. I suppose she was written in opposition to some of the 80s tropes - she had sex yet didn't die, she was book-smart yet not a nerd, the boyfriend actually cared about her instead of just wanting sex, she magically knew how to shoot a gun, etc. All in all, I would have preferred Barb's POV.
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Wiendish, you're a woman after my own heart. Great summation of Nancy, and the "kids are pure and wise" trope. Perhaps that's why I didn't connect with the series. I finally gave up last night, halfway into episode 6, and just read recaps of the rest. And YES to preferring Barb being the badass.
For me, the show poorly wrote all of the female characters. Funny you mention Nancy's parents - I thought the mom was the more interesting character, even though she had nothing to do. I was interested in the marriage dynamics as well.
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Stranger Things UPOs:
I objectively appreciate the "love letter to the 80s" theme, but I'm struggling to finish it. Everyone I know loves the first season, but I find it kind of boring and keep hoping it picks up. At least there are only 8 episodes - don't think I'd make it with 10 or 13.
Lucas is actually the least annoying kid for me so far. Mike and Eleven annoy me the most, but mostly...I'm not interested in the kids at all.
Something about the way the Nancy actress moves her mouth makes me borderline hate the character. I wish the show had focused on Barb's POV instead. Also, I think I'm supposed to believe she's a badass, and, nah. Maybe that changes towards the end, but for now, she's kind of stupid.
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6 hours ago, phoenics said:
Engineers already have an issue where they tend to create software for themselves (that's why I have a job - in Human Computer Interaction), this just exacerbated the problem of the lack of diversity in HP (based in Silicon Valley).
Off-topic: one of my favorite professors from college had a PhD in Human Factors psychology. I sometimes regret not pursuing that line of study, though in interesting turn of events, my recent career evolution allows me to interact with the user experience team members in my department. I doubt I'm intelligent or creative enough to do their jobs, but I'm certainly fascinated by their work.
5 hours ago, topanga said:Have you seen the TV show "Queen Sugar." The black people on the show range from hi-yella (light skinned) to very dark brown skin, and the lighting is perfect. Each skin tone is rich with color and contrast. And so many people of color who watch it get excited because we're not used to seeing brown skin being filmed with such great lighting and cinematography.
LOL at "hi-yella." I've always loved how Ava uses lighting - makes all the difference.
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I read somewhere a long time ago that Maguire is (was?) married to the daughter of a NBC Universal executive, so it's interesting that he's not in more films. But then, I also read he was a bit of an asshole to work with. Who knows how true that is, but when a white male who headlined a franchise that made a helluva lot of money has all but disappeared from the film landscape, it's odd. Someone like Ryan Reynolds had a shitload of bombs, yet continued to get cast as a lead until Deadpool hit the jackpot. Actors like James MacAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe have similar boyish looks, and have managed to continue their careers. Even Elijah Wood is still working, though he transitioned to TV.
I guess it's possible that Maguire stepped back to focus on family and producing. Assuming his producing credits on IMDB are accurate, I have my doubts.
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4 hours ago, Maysie said:
I understand they needed to kill Candace to advance the plot, but it made Misty look especially foolish. I think the writers/showrunners need to keep that in mind when they're writing for regular characters. My expectations of Misty are much lower now and much of that is because they sacrificed her to advance the story.
I've thought this since episode 8. Misty went from a street-smart detective with sound instincts and connection to the community she serves to a barely competent, can't-keep-her-emotions-in-check cop for no real reason. I suppose that learning about Scarfe and watching him die was supposed to be the catalyst to her unraveling, but I didn't buy it. The first few episodes of their interactions, Misty seemed one beat from annoyance with the man (this may have been my projection because I HATED the actor's line delivery). Simone Messick completely saved the character for me, because the writers sure as hell didn't know what to do with her (or Reva or Ridley or Mariah, for that matter). I'm not optimistic about the character's treatment in future productions.
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On 10/6/2016 at 8:45 AM, Dejana said:
Snowden is practically Star Wars in comparison!
Ha! When I scrolled up and saw the box office numbers for Snowden, I burst out laughing.
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Timetoread, I don't think Vi really gets it. During the radio show, she said something like, "It must be awful for Nova." As if Charley's personal life wasn't put on blast. Vi is okay, but I'm not the fan I thought I would be.
But yeah, I feel you regarding Charley. I'm watching for her at this point because I want good things for her.
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Tracee was a lead in Girlfriends for several years, and was also a lead in Reed between the Lines. Just because white people didn't watch those shows en mass and are just becoming hip to her in doesn't mean that she didn't pay her dues. Taraji and Viola and Kerry were somewhat different because they transitioned from film, but even Taraji was the female lead on Person of Interest before Empire. I suspect Terrence Howard's character was supposed to be the standout and focal point there, but Henson showed up and wrecked shop with her performance.
Also, white women have been leads of shows for decades. Certainly not at the level of white men, but it really chaps my hide that the narrative is usually some distinction of minorities and women, as if minority women have ever had the same experiences as white women in the industry.
As I wrote earlier, minority actors, particularly women, are rarely given the chance to headline mainstream shows. Even if they have years of experience, they rarely get the name recognition.
It was a black woman showrunner, Shonda Rhimes, whose production company created Scandal and How To Get Away with Murder. The cluster of racially diverse shows seem to be concentrated on ABC, with whom Shonda obviously had a lot of influence, and opened the door for other non-whites to get a shot. But even so, her primary show was and is centered on a white woman.
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They went back to the hotel to party, so she knew the other men were in the room. Some other women were supposed to show up, but didn't. Davis left the room, and when Goldie got out of the shower, she was left alone with the other ball players. In an earlier episode, Davis gave the impression that he slept with her the night of the rape. It would appear he didn't.
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My first thought regarding Charley's anger with Nova was that, on a subconscious level, she knew that Goldie was a victim and didn't want to admit it. It was easier for her to believe that Goldie was just a whore trying to extort money. Just reaffirms her wise decision to get tested.
I was hoping Ralph Angel was either a) savvy enough to get rid of the stolen merchandise after he quit, or b) go back to prison due to his actions so the focus of the show can be spread among the women. I strongly preferred the latter.
I really want to like this show, but I had different expectations. I have to make peace with the unfolding story as is. I continue to watch for Charley, as I'm hoping she can find some happiness, even if it's just in cultivating and saving the farm. I wouldn't be mad if she got some lovin' from Remy. Speaking of, interesting to learn his wife died.
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4 hours ago, paulvdb said:
But Anthony Anderson is probably a bigger name. And he is a man. Men are almost always paid more than women in Hollywood.
Mileage likely varies on this, but I'd argue that Tracee Ellis-Ross was the more well-known of the two. Being a man presumably tipped the pay scale in his favor.
I've never found Anderson funny, so I couldn't hang with Black-ish for very long. But of what I did see, I'd have to agree with DearEvette in that Ellis-Ross was the standout.
The irony: if the trick to higher pay is to be the "bigger name," that still puts minority actors at a significant disadvantage because 1) there's a much smaller chance of headlining a show and 2) to have that show do well enough in the mainstream ratings.
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I'm surprised that Kerry Washington isn't closer to Pompeo's salary; then again, Grey's Anatomy has been on the air for over 10 seasons. I do think it's kind of bizarre of the author to dismiss Washington's film work in comparison to Viola Davis - as far as I know, they were both primarily in film before transitioning to TV. In any case, from a comedy perspective, I think a better comparison is Tracee and Patricia Heaton. Heaton isn't exactly what I would call a household name, and The Middle's ratings aren't significant compared to Black-ish's.
I wonder what minority actors on long-running shows like Greg's Anatomy make in comparison to Pompeo. For example, Chandra Wilson has been there from the beginning as well - what's her salary? What was Sandra Oh making before she left? How much are white actors in a similar genre with equivalent seasons making in comparison to shows with mostly minority casts and much higher ratings, like Empire? How much is Laura German being paid in comparison to what Nicole Beharie was making? I mention the latter two because they were on shows on the same network with parallel set ups.
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I believe the bar was in his wife's name? I don't remember how long he had it before it was destroyed, but it does strain credulity that he managed a business with nothing in his name.
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For me, Luke Cage had the same problem as Jessica Jones - the supporting cast was inherently more interesting and less annoying than the lead. Some of it is writing, and some of it is the inability of the actor to rise above the writing challenges. I thought it was coming together after episode 7, but the introduction of Stryker was poorly conceived, and he basically ended up as this show's Fisk (who got on my last nerve).
That said, this is the only series thus far for which I watched all episodes without skipping. The opening theme was my favorite, and this show was the BEST with the musical score, even if it was too on-the-nose at times.
I stated this early on in an episode thread, and still felt this way by the end: Colter was a miscast. Mahershala Ali and Colter should have switched roles, especially since Cottonmouth wasn't long for the series. Colter has limited range, and should probably stick with roles that parallel Lemond Bishop. Also, the man knows how to wear a suit. Ali, I believe, would have been able to convey something beyond the stoicism of the character as written. Because ultimately, I was never really invested in Luke's fate.
I was much more interested in Misty, Claire, Mariah, Reva, even Inspector Ridley - I could watch an entire series of them (with an entirely different writing team - Marvel didn't do them justice here, save Claire, and I wouldn't expect them to in any other context). I know that ain't happening, but a girl can dream.
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S01.E03: Kyle
in This Is Us
Not just you.
Right? The more I reflected on the episode, the more I thought, "If that were me, I would have been on that plane to NY with my brother."
And know what else? The more I reflect, the less I'm convinced that Kevin and Kate had an unhealthy, codependent relationship. It's only the third episode. Even with all of Kevin's whiny entitlement in the 2nd, I didn't see enough to buy that their relationship was damaging. They have their own separate issues yes (self-absorption, for one), but I don't think their bond was the problem.