closer2fine

Christian is just Dear Evan Hansen-ing his way through life here. JFC.

Also, they have definitely seen each other naked.

Fantastic episode last night. Liked seeing Paul's story expanded on from "Going Clear." I was still hoping he'd apologize for "Crash" being a shit movie, though.

Got through most of Season 8 this weekend. Almost to Mark's death episode. The one thing that's standing out to me this time around is that I didn't QUITE hate the Susan/Carter thing. Though I will call bullshit on Susan saying that she never had feelings for Mark, because that seems like a flatout lie. I do remember in Season 1 there was a moment, I think in the Christmas episode, where Carter and Susan almost kissed but she stopped him because he was a med student. The weird bottle "Breakfast Club" episode in Season 8 where Carter and Susan "break up" make it very clear that Carter and Susan never had sex. And thus the triangle that wouldn't die of Luka/Abby/Carter keeps going on and on and on and on.... I'm gonna open an bottle of wine tonight and get through On the Beach. (Hey, also, is Rachel Greene the worst? Yes. Yes, she is.)

I've been continuing my watch on Kodi, since POP isn't cooperating. As I was watching season 7, all I could think about was how EXHAUSTING Sally Field was as a character. And it turns out that even all these years later I still don't care about Luka or Luka's backstory. I started season 8 last night and although Luka and Abby's break-up was really well done and weirdly emotional, I can already sense it's going to be a challenge to keep going once Mark dies.

I loved the shopping scene. There really is no greater feeling than walking into a store and actually being able to try something on. And look in the mirror and see how much progress you've made.

Another great episode! Chad and his family were really sweet and supportive. (I'm digging this theme, TLC. Keep it up.) And props to Dr. Now for calling him out on not following the instructions and medications. Loved that Chad went out and got a job as soon as he was able. And when he had the initial disappointment with the truck, he reinvested himself and worked hard enough to get a job that he enjoyed and also helped him stay away from his old bad habits. The bowling scene at the end was wonderful. Still waiting for the other penny.....

Careful, TLC, this is two weeks in a row you've shown us really wonderful patients who put in the work needed to succeed. I'm just waiting for the "Penny" to drop at this point. This was a really emotional episode to watch. Brittani was a good story to follow, and I found myself holding my breath when she went back for her Month 2 weigh in. Even though she fell 5 pounds short, she clearly proved to Dr. Now that she was capable of doing the work and being successful. I was so happy for her when she was able to go shopping and find something that made her feel good about herself when looking in the mirror. And the simple act of going out for dinner with her husband and then for a walk. That's the kind of victory I love seeing. Even when she had the setback with the horse-drawn carriage, I was SO GLAD when the next segment talked about how she didn't let herself get discouraged about it. She just re-committed herself and got a trainer.

Yes, hair loss occurs after gastric surgery. It's in all the materials before you consent to the procedure. I had my gastric sleeve surgery last March and I lost a fairly significant amount of hair, but since my hair was thick to begin with, only I really noticed it. (And my shower drain.) Nikki was a great story to start the season. She had a job and she worked VERY HARD to be approved for the surgery. I also really appreciated her family participating in the calorie counting and recipes. It's always helpful when you're surrounded by supportive people. Her Dad seemed really sweet and into helping her. I really respected and was touched by Nikki's relationship with her brother. She recognized that she needed to take care of herself to take care of him eventually. There isn't a forum for Skin Tight, but this show was interesting to me, having accepted that after my own surgery, I will definitely need some kind of reconstructive surgery. It was graphic, but realistic.

Also, WHY IS BRANDON ROUTH STILL THERE? Also, I'm pretty disappointed to see John Barrowman. Unless Malcolm bites it in the finale. WHICH I AM HERE FOR.

I love it, too. I guess the season theme of "Identity" is really coming full circle? What number episode is named "Al Saheem"?

The sad shot of Ray leaning against his car in the sizzle reel. I think 3x19, with Oliver and Ray teaming up will bring clarity to Ray to Felicity's real feelings. AS IF RUNNING AWAY FOR JELLO DIDN'T. PERSONALLY, it would make Ray a lot more likable.

Oh, it's the broadest. And then watch, they'll cast Sebastian Roche or someone like that. Who knows. If Felicity's father is a big part of S4, I would think it makes an Olicity quickie marriage more likely. I don't know why I'm so hung up on Ray being a minister. But CHEKOV'S MINISTER. I just don't know why they would throw it out there and never mention it again.

Just going with my history working in television casting on the description. YMMV. FTR, I still think Felicity's father will play a big role in S4. He might not be this character, but I do believe that we'll meet him in S4.

Ethnic could also mean "Jewish." That's what I took from it, honestly.

Yes. They're casting Damian Dahrk as a Series 4 regular. Appears in the S3 finale. 40s-50s, male, ethnic preferred.

Not with them casting another 40s-50s male as next season's Big Bad. Ra's has to be toast.

Ugh. Yes. The April Nardini-ness of it all. But that's an external conflict that is at least ORGANIC to the story.

Some thoughts kicking around.... 1. If the spoiled "wedding" is between Oliver and some rando LoA person...is that really binding? Is there a judge? A marriage license? What's the waiting period in Nanda Parbat? Is it like Vegas? 2. If they plan to sell Season 3.5 comics (which they DO), how do they expect to sell comics with Oliver and Felicity separated and Oliver married to someone else. Look at Marc's plea for Olicity fans to "vote with their dollars" regarding the latest issue. (I have real problems with being expected to purchase secondary material to get the whole story) 3. I still maintain that getting Oliver and Felicity married will take the heat off them trying so hard to keep them apart and doing such an awful job of it. Let the conflict be internal. Plus, if they really plan to GO THERE with Felicity's father for S4....it would amp up everything.

I think they've proved they have no idea how to write relationships. If Oliver and Felicity did get married, they could just MOVE ON and write their stories and not have to invent external conflict.

I think the release of this promo sort of torpedoes the Oliver/Felicity quickie wedding idea. More likely, Oliver will be forced into an arranged marriage with another LoA member. Was the woman at the end of the trailer (I know. It took me awhile to get there, too) the same woman who was training earlier in NP? Why do I get the feeling she's the future Mrs. Al Saheem?

Obviously this is the "very good" and the "very bad," since we know he takes the offer. YOU KNOW WHAT? I DO NOT EVEN CARE. FIVE SECONDS AND IT'S HOTTER THAN I IMAGINED.

I cannot BELIEVE they released that video. My jaw is actually on the floor.

Two different shows, right? Yet another attempt at an ATOM backdoor pilot....and the actual show Arrow. Felicity being stuck at the hospital while her ENTIRE TEAM/FAMILY was in jeopardy? Sure. Fine. Whatever. But Roy Harper. ROY. FUCKING. HARPER. TEAM ARROW MVP.

Considering that just last week he said that the only reason people didn't like Ray was because of Olicity.....it's probably not a joke. But who knows.