candall

Never! (I rely too much on your opinion over at Real Time to insult you.) This is so interesting, (and reminds me of how disappointed Prince Harry was when he was pulled from field service after he was identified.) Did the Nazis offer to negotiate, thinking that Stalin might make concessions on behalf of his child? Because it seems to me you wouldn't ever reach the position of "a" Stalin if you couldn't withstand a manipulative attack of a personal nature. That kind of emotional vulnerability would be a glaring deficit in a world-class dictator. I was only saying that a parent would promise anything, including the moon, in the moment Bassam faced, regardless of genuine commitment. "Still alive" will always be the choice that informs the negotiation. And as ganesh points out, Bassam handing Ihab the presidency is not such an impossible stretch that any fool would immediately peg as a desperate lie. Ihab probably would not have believed a promise to, say, deliver armed nuclear weapons, but the possibility that Bassam might be willing to help install Ihab into a position he (Bassam) had already abdicated, gather his intact family and slink back to America? Better odds.

So stupid, this. I wanted to be a parent for exactly zero seconds in my lifetime and even **I** know any parent would respond to that situation with "WE WILL ABSOLUTELY MAKE THAT HAPPEN!" Spaceship to Jupiter, abolish gravitational pull? Done and done. Barry gritting out his dutiful integrity regrets turned all that tension into a howler, for me.

I was involved with a dancer for awhile, so I've seen more "modern dance" performances than would have been my choice. But still, they're all amazingly strong and flexible and they work incredibly hard for their art--it's going to be a real shame if all of that dedication starts being completely overshadowed by computer generated images zinging around. Like Simon, the image that sticks in my mind from their first performance was the woman floating up in the air; this one left me with the impression of quadrangles. So, is this 17-year old the one who came out for his first performance and stood there singing, stiff as a board, in his suit and tie? If so, I'd pass him on just for the exponential increase in pizzazz. He was drowned out by the band sometimes, but, again as Simon Sez, the performance was slick. I'm new to this show so I'm wondering: there must be some rule about recruiting "backup talent" for the later rounds? Senior stripper twirling her nipple poms would have been utterly HORRIFYING without all the glitzy chorus line action.

Good. I've been waiting for someone to say this.

That's a good analogy, comparing Ben/Hannah to Julia/Bobby. Ben didn't have a girlfriend, but he told Hannah any number of times that a Chef + Chief Stew pairing was not a good idea during charter season. (This made me smile, thinking about the movie where Ginnifer Goodwin learns: "No man turns down sex because he has to 'get up early for work in the morning.' ") I kind of thought, after the first rejection, Hannah might be too proud to pursue Ben any further, but apparently their interactions continued to be warm enough to keep her interest on "simmer." So anyway, Julia (like Ben) gave out flirty signals, and then (like Ben) turned the stoplight red when there was no more progress to be made. Bobby and Hannah nevertheless continued to keep their hopes high--evidence to the contrary . . . and then their reactions diverged. Bobby went through blame and rage and cursing and, finally, professions of love, while Hannah tried and tried, never scored, but finally wound up giving Ben a warm goodbye (although she throw a bitter dart or two at Tiffany.) Okay, so I guess you can't really draw gender-specific conclusions with only two couples, but Bobby's declaration that Julia was to "blame" for his behavior sent a familiar chill down a lot of female spines. Maybe when you're a tight little group of twelve, trapped and living together 24/7, you're more reluctant to go DefCon on a suitor. "HEY, I ALREADY SAID NO, SO KNOCK IT OFF!" And maybe that's what it would have taken to penetrate Bobby's brain--but I bet if Julia had done that, the very next time she smiled, or failed to spit in his eye, he would have figured he was back in business.

These are the questions I'd ask, too--and this train of thought could have been broached without covering any tricky territory about the editing. Without any of this sort of thoughtful reflection, it's more or less a clip show. But geez, we watched each show, then we watched it again or caught the annotated version, so going heavy on the old footage for the "reunion" is such an anticlimax (and a poor reward for ye olde faithful viewers.) I'll give Desmond a charitable pass on the pile of poop versus the gigantic charging predator. My best friend and I used to get the giggles when one of us was telling a story to other people--we'd lean in close and whisper: "You embellished."

Yes, that was a soothing moment in all the finale chaos. I liked Captain Mark, in general, and felt bad for him that he didn't seem sufficiently prepped for a "TV Production Crew," but it was extremely difficult to watch him heaping more praise on Bryan. (I wonder if he's stunned when he watches the footage, or he just chalks it all up to "editing.") Meanwhile, it was refreshing to see Captain Lee snarl, "Get over here. . . so I can bash your head in." Yay. These children need a firm hand.

Yeow, I was cringing on Hannah's behalf during her tête-à-tête with Ben that last night. When she tried to kiss him, he turned his face--so she got a firm grip on his head and finally landed one. HANNAH! Buy a clue--he's just not that into you. Even when she was looking for him and heard he'd borrowed condoms, she still tracked him down like a bloodhound. And then naturally she had to salve her wounded pride by throwing some shade at Tiffany. Yikes. Poor form, dear. And what the hell, show?! You played clips of Tiffany moving up and down on top of Ben, complete with audio??? Multiple clips that went on long enough for my CC to register "[moaning]" three separate times? Keepin' it classy there in the Greek Islands, Below Deck Med. .

Hmm. I don't think we can draw that conclusion from the poor UnReal ratings. This season isn't a basic retread of Season One, except for a single variable. There's barely a resemblance--which is the problem. If "money, dick, power" Quinn were still mentoring her morally-tormented protégé, teaching her the tricks of the trade, we knew the bachelorettes, there was some manipulative slap & tickle going on in the corners and "the line we don't cross" kept slipping farther away, Season Two would probably be enjoying the same ratings bonanza as Season One. (To me, the ONLY improvement this season was giving the suitor some character and a compelling story, with multiple layers and concerns, instead of just "bland blond playboy develops a crush while trying to impress his wealthy pop.")

Quinn vs. Evil Mom was pretty darn fun. No surprise to hear Rachel was sexually assaulted, but the maternal cover-up was a twist I didn't expect. So Quinn and Evil Mom BOTH have potentially career-ending dark secrets in Rachel's jello brain repository. Good for you, Ruby! You hung tough even after the wounded bird pitch. Call me a sap, but I wouldn't have minded if true love had plucked Rachel from the over-druggy mental hospital. Ha, I guess Coleman recording her doped up confessional pretty much put paid to any purity of motive. I'm in favor of Darius and Football Princess--eyes wide open--joining forces to Machiavelli their way through pro ball. Take over all the franchises, I don't care. LOL at Quinn's fecundity being addressed and dismissed. Masters of the Universe rule! They should have left Romeo out of the whole thing entirely if they weren't ever planning to do anything more than skate over the surface of such a serious issue in the first place. ETA: Forgot to say, Quinn saved the blowjob card to play at the right time. Bobbsey Twin Madison's self-congratulatory power crowing was annoying me, too.

It really was pretty amazing. Her presentation was terrible--she poured some huge amount of unidentified liquid all over the plate of stuff that had a second unidentified sauce, making listeners literally cringe along the way with that extended horn honk noise. Then her dish was terrible--giant dry flapjacks, accompanied by underseasoned steak and salty lobster . . . Congratulations! Let's see your pilot!

Okay, I'm not all that picky about the moral integrity of my tv characters--the bad guys are always more interesting. But I was appalled. I tried to dig up some sympathy for that asshole--his pathetically sterile apartment, his sweet little daughter who loves him . . . can't do it. Out.

I thought Renee Richards might have had a cameo. Mom was really wearing some serious blinders if she never picked up a clue about that. So, another harsh slap across the face for Drew. I sort of expect a gay man to be a little less quick on the draw with: "I like you as an individual and find myself sexually attracted to you, but your gender does not fit within acceptable parameters for me and is therefore a dealbreaker. Bye." I mean, isn't that exactly the sort of thinking we're trying to overcome? Aren't "acceptable parameters for gender attraction" the root cause of all the pain? I guess that wasn't as bad as your mother packing up and moving away without a forwarding address. Tough life, kid. Maybe you've finally driven away tiny Andrea and her damn red balloons, though--here's hoping, 'cuz you're way overdue for a win. ************** Amy better get down and divest herself of that pesky virginity with Deputy Townie. Maybe that will make her a less suitable candidate for the human sacrifice. ************** I agree that it's all pretty terrible. Could be worse, though--I was sure this whole episode would be demon worshippers in big goathead masks mingling with everyone at the masquerade ball, causing mischief and mayhem.

I believe Giada referred to Tregaye's husband as "your boo."

HELLO, I believe Jamal smothered his own father with a pillow, too! And what he did to Nusrat was the act that brought him down?? All kinds of closure for The Jamal Story going on here. ************* Oh yeah, there's about to be a new Tyrant in town now, boys.

Are you wondering if the different reactions are race-based??? Tiffany was coming from a position of weakness when she stood up from her seat on the block and, instead of whining about "don't vote me out because I'm a nice person," threw down at the people who put her there. Da'vonne had already beaten Tiffany and was coming from a position of strength when she decided to kick a little extra dirt in Tiffany's face. Tiffany was trying, I think, to make an impression on the other houseguests with a gameplay move--she was a little stumble-y, but also a little ballsy. What was Da'vonne's motive, except to gloat? Finally, Tiffany said her piece in front of everyone, where there was a chance for the object of her derision to respond.

It seems clear that Brandi is one beaten-down woman. She scrapes those molecules of self-esteem together now and then to rally and throw some shade, but basically I just think she's sad and broken. I think she came on this show and then glommed onto Calum because it was easier to go with the guy who was handy and tossed her some positive attention--even if he's a mean bastard when he drinks, which is every day--than it would be to submit herself to all the judging inherent in these dating challenges. I mean, one random bozo spouting off that she's a stereotype dumb blonde, no brains and all tits, would stick with her and hurt forever. I have a real soft spot for Brandi because, back in Episode One, she was the only person horrified at Pauly and ___________ tearing that total stranger apart, screeching about his shoes, telling him to just get the fuck away from their table. That's what I'm referring to when I say she has some kindness left inside that the others do not.

Well, I got my answer to whether Vanessa was able to able to assess her sister's gameplay objectively. She said something like "They let Paulie play his own game, but they don't give Tiffany any respect." Hmm. I think Tiffany got the respect she earned. Vanessa was a crafty player with some periods of tears and paranoia; Tiffany reversed that. Da'vonne! Taunting an opponent is one thing, but taunting a vanquished opponent is just tacky--being gracious in victory would have been a good look on you. That's not "the Big Brother way" perhaps, but showing a little class never hurts anyone in the long run. (For example, there wouldn't be a million people currently hoping they'll get the chance to see Tiffany's face on the screen, saying "ta-ta" during your exit interview.) I think the only way to make sure the Battle Back returnee isn't immediately booted again is to send him/her back in as HOH. Any chance of that happening?

I could watch the quick change artist emerge from a cloud of GLITTER in a different outfit, all night long. I don't know why there aren't any clothes left lying around on the stage floor--is that a clue?!? I'm amazed and mystified. But for now, I'm resisting the temptation of YouTube--being amazed and mystified is very enjoyable, especially for those of us at the cynical end of the spectrum.

Oh, this show gives me such good snark laugh. Tommy continues to talk to his dead wife via that headstone as though he can pull the wool over her ghostly eyes with lies and misdirection. TJ lack of words apparently makes him incapable of expressing himself in any way. Hey honey, when you see someone blowtorching Mommy's photo, maybe tug on Daddy's sleeve--can you do that? The Tooth Fairy did not take it well when someone saw through his down-low. I like the reveal that Dion is the psycho's crush object, though--that's different. Pilar . . .who cares? She's only there to bug me with the pronunciation of her name. ********************** Two things I did NOT enjoy: I'm way past my expiration date for drunk behavior And apparently "stupid with grief" on top of "stupid drunk" doesn't increase my tolerance. These industry professionals should know the raised eyebrows and diplomatic inquiries are worthless--pour Slobberin' Tommy into the walk-in and lock the door until service is over. ALL RIGHT already with the Chekov's gun. This is the third week of building up the "tension" on that score. With two more episodes, I wouldn't put it past them to reserve TJ finally taking aim for the season cliffhanger. ******** One more thing: Usually it's a woman who shows up at a man's door, seeking refuge, and the man immediately gets the bright idea that a good lay will make everything better. Interesting to see those roles reversed. Just as obvious and self-serving when it's a woman who's thirsty, but again, different!

I didn't think they were fake either. In fact, I'd give her partial credit for some sort of gameplay if they were--that would be better than looking like a tween sobbing into her pillow because someone from One Direction got engaged.

I was going to post that I kind of like Paul--"your boy" notwithstanding, yark--because he's entertaining, with all the guile and deception skills of a shallow puddle. They will want to keep me because of my unique ability to produce a muffin. And he's also capable of producing a four syllable vocabulary word now and then. But you're right, Ghoulina. He was perceptive enough to see that he was Douchebag No. Three, the first two were already gone, and he needed to change gears. I may be selling him short--no one else in this house has the first shred of self-awareness. (Maybe James?) ********* Nicole, I don't even like you and I still feel embarrassed on your behalf for the boy tears.

Cannot belieeeeve Mother-Son Dance Duo got to go last night and didn't have to compete against any of these hoofers. Talk about a softball!

Hee! The tip envelope for the 3Day/2Night charters usually has ~20k euros. (Except the lech-y older party dudes left 15k euros, plus Danny's bonus 500 euros.) With these last people, double charter did not deliver double tip. These guys left 22,000 euros=1850 euros each=roughly 2000 dollars each(=more than Bobby makes in two weeks.)

Not even. The typical "tv show charter" is for two nights/three days; these guys extended, so four nights/five days. The staff felt a double charter warranted a double tip. Hey, where's my four grand?! (Hmm. I think I'm pretty cash-generous, but when my "gratuity" approaches the point of $1000/day for each of twelve people, there will have been foot rubs with warm scented oils and pre-peeled grapes involved. And probably much less eye-rolling and Dorito snackage.)