[S04.E07: Episode 7]

On 2018-08-02 at 2:44 PM, cardigirl said:

I beg to differ on that. I think the writers tried to establish that the marriage was functioning on a high level. Yes, they had four kids, yes, they had issues about her parents, but they seemed to be genuinely affectionate with each other. I loved the scene this season when Alison was brought to Helen and Vic's house and Noah was talking about how Helen used to have such disdain for the West Coast. Alison kept watching them, as they telegraphed their old history between each other. It was a beautifully played scene, Noah teasing Helen, and Helen demurring back to him, and Alison realizing that she was not a part of that. She was part of something --- different. 

It takes a long time to let go of something that was such a big part of one's life. 20+ years and 4 kids. Yes, Helen has Vic, who is superior in some ways, perhaps many ways, but she may never get the chance to truly get over Noah with Vic, because the time she has with Vic will be short. 

And speaking from personal experience, while you may move on to another person, that history remains with you. Hopefully, you retain the good while letting go of the bad. 

Really? I just never saw that with them. I saw a woman constantly belittling her husband, putting her husband in situations that he had to endure her snooty entitled parents that constantly put him down, and their children treated their father with the same disrespect that they saw modelled in front of them. Far from calling their children on it, Helen seemed to encourage it. Noah is/was no saint, he comes across as a Peter Pan type (a man-boy that never grew up), but learning of his family situation and his desire to escape from it, I feel a little bit of sympathy. I can definitely see why he would want an affair as a fun escape but boy, did he pick the wrong woman to have sexy times with! Allison was far too complicated for him to deal with, although she did serve as the muse for his bestselling book. Anyway, I think that marriage had problems from day one and the affair with Allison didn't break that marriage, she was just a convenient excuse.

I didn't see that scene between Helen and Noah years later as very affectionate or gentle teasing either. Good times! Yep, Helen looking down on West Coaster - vintage Helen. She looks down on everybody. For no good reason I can think of, since Helen hasn't accomplished one thing in her life. She has raised three hideous children and will probably wreck the youngest girl too. I have no idea why she never had any job ever in her life. Doesn't she have any ambitions deep down somewhere? Everyone complains about Alison but she's been a nurse, a waitress, a drug runner, a restaurant manager/co-owner (I think she managed it for awhile, anyway) and was until recently, a peer counsellor. She was also a great asset to Noah with his book launch and handled the schmoozing expertly, as far as I can recall. That girl has a great work ethic. Maybe not the best at mothering but she has been battling a form of PTSD since we've met her, and she doesn't give up. So I found it very ironic that Helen - the woman that has accomplished jack squat in her lifetime - is giving Alison advice and trying to come across as some kind of life expert.

So I don't give Helen credit for staying in a marriage that may have looked good on the outside but was incredibly empty. I too went thru a marriage that went belly up (other women involved) but I didn't hold in the anger and use my children as a tool to hurt their father. If you care about your children, it makes sense to me that you try to keep both parents in their life and behave civilly. (Exceptions of course for abuse). I haven't forgotten but I have forgiven. It was better for the kids that way and it was better for me. And my ex-husband. I have been told that we are kind of rare, that so many former couples treat the other party like an enemy and the poor children have to deal with it.  Those are the kind of people that have to be kept separate when their children get married, that create chaos years or even decades later. So I get why Helen is created that way, she is definitely representing a particular demographic, but it keeps me from ever relating to her sympathetically. 

12 hours ago, JenE4 said:

I agree on the ages of the kids. But wasnt Noah in jail for 5 years? He had an affair, wrote a book about it, he divorced Helen, he married Allison, they had some time apart while he was writing and she was working at the lobster roll, his book becomes a best seller, they get a swanky apartment, Joanie is gestated and born, he was being investigated for a while, he went on trial, was in jail for 5 years, got a job at Livingston University, stabbed/mental breakdown/recovery, went to France, came back, moved to California and starts teaching school again... I may be wrong on how long he was in jail, but IF that alone was 5 years then, yeah, everything else was probably another 5 years—despite the fact that they didn’t age the kids to match up.

 

10 hours ago, Lozu68 said:

When they begin divorce proceedings, Trevor was 10, Stacey was 7 (Noah says this to Nina when he takes them after Helen’s DUI.) I think the writers fudged the timeline a bit here!

 

10 hours ago, Lozu68 said:

He was in jail for 3 years. There should be about a 7 year time span from S1-S4, but the writers seemed to have shaved it down a bit in places. Joanie is now 6, but Trevor, who was 10 before Joanie was conceived...is not quite 15? Certain things don’t match up! I hate that!?

You just know that somebody, somewhere has created a chart and a Carrie (Homeland) type of timeline. Probably not that important but the writers really should have set up some kind of show bible to follow and given us timeline hints, like New Year's Eve parties. I think you are right though, it doesn't match up and it is annoying!

9 hours ago, Blakeston said:

Helen said, "When you sleep with someone's husband, it's not just a moment, it's years of his life, and hers, and the promise they made to each other, and their kids. It's everything, and you're just shitting all over it."

I think that's going further than just saying, "You won't get what you want from sleeping with a married man." She was condemning it for being morally wrong.

And even though she apparently isn't married to Vik, that's still pretty damn hypocritical. They've been together longer than a lot of married couples, and he's a parental figure to her kids.

Yeah, I don't know if Helen is dense or just kind of a sociopath. She blunders over everyone's feelings and never stops to think that something may be her fault. I actually liked her for the first time in this episode so maybe she has reached some sort of epiphany. 

[S06.E01 Who Knows Better Than I?]

I guess I am in the minority because I loved it! I believe Jenji wrote this one so I don't think it was any newbie writer. Thought it captured Suzanne's issues very well, yet still managed to entertain me. I binged on the first three episodes - it's my favourite binging show. I don't find it unrelentlessly depressing either, I find myself laughing within highly dramatic situations, find the pathos blends nicely with the comic moments. I completely relate to not wanting to immerse yourself in a horrible violent situation but OITNB never completely wallows in it, unlike The Handmaid's Tale. That's a show I have to talk myself into watching. In fact I haven't even begun season two, but no hesitation to begin this one. And I see it as incredibly relevant with the current U.S. immigration situation.  Not that I could watch a show that caged children, but I can extrapolate the tensions that develop within it. Institutions are horrible, for whatever reason somebody is being held against their will. I'll probably never see the inside of one and this is my opportunity to vicariously experience it. At the very least, I will have much more empathy for anyone that has had to endure any length of time spent in one.

[S04.E07: Episode 7]

4 hours ago, Elizzikra said:

Definitely not 15 years ago. More like 5??? 

I based that on thinking that Joanie is about 10 but seeing a screenshot of them together, I think I'd revise it to about 6. I don't think it's ever been clear how much time has passed (and I checked a few sources but it doesn't look like the time frame is laid out anywhere), but allowing about a year after the first affair started that Allison became pregnant, I think I would change my estimate to roughly 8-10 years. Still too long to mope after Noah, especially when she has the far superior Vik. I don't think Helen ever seemed happy with Noah and she certainly didn't make him happy. It looked like she chose him over her more conventional suitors just to piss off her parents. Time to move on emotionally, not only for herself but to help her children come to peace with it.  Especially since she is now 48. (Nice to get some clarity at least on her age). The writing does leave a lot of the details murky.

[The Bachelorette in the Media]

On 2018-07-31 at 7:23 PM, nlkm9 said:

so now Rachel and Bryan are on Access? I will say Rachel is very poised, but I thought she had a really great job as attorney ..

I've read from several different sources that lawyers have the #1 occupation for dissatisfaction. They tend to be the most intelligent and successful students but are frustrated that most of their time is spent in administrative detail instead of arguing in court. Top occupation for divorces too.

23 hours ago, leighdear said:

Not so much in the media, but Reality Steve is hearing that Kaitlyn & Shawn are over.  At least they can sell the ring & split the cash, since they've been engaged over 2 years.   

He's not guaranteeing it's true, just what he's heard.  Grains of salt available upon request.  *LOL*

 

21 hours ago, leighdear said:

No way they can scrape 3 years of Kaitlyn cooties off him and remake his not-Ryan Gosling image into anything sexy & appealing.  And aren't the leads supposed to have semi-real jobs?  What IS Shawn, actually?  

That's interesting.  I didn't watch Kaitlyn' season but this morning I was reading about them in People magazine. Shawn was talking about enjoying their long engagement. He was interviewed while promoting his workout/beer drinking event. If true, this goes to show that anyone that likes to talk about how great their relationship is, lies like a rug. And my, he does look like Ryan Gosling.

https://people.com/tv/shawn-booth-talks-relationship-secrets-kaitlyn-bristowe/

[S14.E09: Week 9: Overnight Dates (Thailand)]

On 2018-07-30 at 4:05 PM, nlkm9 said:

I still remember the final 2 on Jesse palmers season, and when he let her down, she said "then what happened last night was completely inappropriate". I do think a lot of people feel sex is meaning a deeper commitment.

That is definitely something that needs to be discussed in the FS before they go any further. I do think one's perspective on this changes quite a bit as you get older. If you are still single (including divorced or widowed), then it is not as big a deal to make sure that you are choosing the right one, and that can include checking your compatibility in the bedroom. As long as you are using protection, of course. It would be worse to change your mind AFTER you think you've made the final choice (cough Arie). I have a few male friends that still love their wives but if they were to do it over again (or if the marriage failed), they would want to make sure that their new partner has a similar sex drive and openness to trying new things.

[S03.E06: Les Enfants du Sang]

6 hours ago, Captanne said:

ganesh, that may be it -- you've hit on something.  Jesse is just monstrous right now (without the voice he's just a lot of bluster and blather) and his childhood makes him look like a fiend.  I think that might be my problem.  Right now, I just don't like Jesse at all and he's the "hero".  (No, he's not even a good anti-hero, because he wasn't set up that way and there really has been no life change to make him bad -- in fact, they have revealed he's been bad since childhood.)

I see Jesse as more of a grey character. He's a (reasonably) good guy that sometimes does bad things, mostly that he is forced to out of a strong survival instinct. In that family, it is kill or be killed. He is a very loyal friend though - both to Tulip and Cassidy. He has risked his own safety for both of them, especially in Angelville.

55 minutes ago, ganesh said:

Oh I have no idea. Someone mentioned body and blood of christ and I just went from there. I'm trying to figure how Cassidy would factor into the main storyline. Unless he happens to run into god who gives him a mission, or he develops powers from Lestat that will help the gang later on. I'm figuring if there's some revolt coming between Starr and the Allfather, and Allfather is working with hell, with Jesse and Rudy being caught in the middle, Cassidy might be of use to them.  

 

I'm not too concerned about how it happens in the comic. I take the tv show on its own merits and just it from a tv storytelling pov. I'd rather not know how it's done in the comics tbh. 

I haven't read comics for a few decades (way too expensive for what you get), so I completely agree. What works on the page never completely translates into a visual medium anyway, and I think Preacher has a great visual, kinetic flair. I am also happy to have an A plot and a B plot. Makes it more interesting. Tulip has made it perfectly clear that she has chosen Jesse over Cassidy romantically, so I think it's natural that he goes off and morosely deals with the situation by himself. I am looking forward to what troubles both parties get up to in the meantime and the new dynamics when they inevitably reconnect in the future. I would expect that Cassidy will be the saviour next time. (To save Jesse and Tulip that is, not that he will be replacing Humperdink (?) instead of Jesse). 

[S04.E06: Episode 6 2018.07.22]

On 2018-07-22 at 10:13 PM, Giant Misfit said:

Spot on analogy. 

Was that essay Anton wrote supposed to be his Princeton essay? Because LOL...if it were, they only Princeton he'd be getting into with that sloppy prose (despite the out-of-the-blue use of "pedagogical" in that third-grade rant) would be the Princeton Starbucks. 

Good that Joanie's parents both flew the coop over their respective relationship issues that any other grown-ass, responsible adult would have dealt with closer to home. No chance she won't wind up as self-centered as both of them. /eyeroll

The most maddening aspect of the show was Noah barging into the principal's office (I forget her name and have no real reason to know it because she'll be given the "french lady from S2" treatment at the end of this season anyway) and mansplaining to her boss about the incident at the school. WTF? She was perfectly capable of handling her own damn business without him having to handle it for her. He's such an utter, complete douche. Oh? And what to do with my ex-wife who's having a panic attack in my car? Drive her to my first ex-wife's house, who I dumped for this one, and leave her there. 

The only thing this show never fails at is awfulness. 

Yes, Trevor is Pat! The mansplaining this season is terrible. I don't remember Noah being this bad with Allison. So annoying that Janelle just takes it. I would have thought that Antoine would have spilled the beans by now that Noah triggered the "revolution." Instead of taking over to save the day, he should be admitting his part in triggering the kids rebellion. And totally crazy that he would drive to Helen's home so her husband can "fix" Allision, or at least for the night.

On 2018-07-23 at 3:32 PM, CleoCaesar said:

At this point I'd be fine with Luisa getting sole custody of Joanie. She's an ocean of sanity and responsibility compared to Joanie's flaky dumb biological parents. Add me to the list of people baffled at how Cole and Allison can just drop everything to fly across the country because of their precious fee fees.

Damn, Tim Matheson has really aged. He'll always be John Hoynes and/or evil Trevor in the excellent A Very Brady Sequel.

I have become a big fan of Luisa. She would definitely be the best mom for Joanie. I don't think Tim Matheson has aged that much - I think he looks great!

On 2018-07-23 at 10:31 PM, Elizzikra said:

I found it very sad and also somewhat unbelievable that Alison has absolutely no one else to lean on after a crappy day than her ex-husband on the other side of the ocean (and the lousy pseudo-boyfriend before he became part of the bad day). No girlfriends from growing up (and she still lives in the same town). No mom friends from Joanie. No work friends from the clinic or from when she was a nurse or when she was a waitress at the Lobster Roll (what happened to her fellow-waitress-friend from Season One?). No neighborhood friends. No one. 

Again - the whole episode had to be set up to get Helen and Alison in that conversation - but still??? 

The cost of those tickets also should have come out of Trevor's allowance; extra chores; something. 

It happens when you get older. You grow apart from most of your old friends if you aren't working together, going to school together or both raising similarly aged children. It also becomes tougher to make new friends. You are just so busy with everything else. Unlike Helen, Allison has been regularly working. No time to make pals at yoga or while moving the neighbour's garbage.

On 2018-07-25 at 8:34 PM, Lozu68 said:

Why would anyone expect Helen to be “pleasant” in regards to Noah? Let’s not forget what a fool he made out of her,  destroyed their life, he came home...only to screw Alison IN HELENS BED!! I know people keep saying he went to jail for Helen...but really, it wasn’t until they were going to call Alison to the stand did he jump up and confess! And, eventually Helen found that out too...the sacrifice wasn’t really for her. Not to mention, there was that drug infused sex-gone-non consensual...which I guess we were to conclude took place...that was the last time they ever had any physical contact at all. 

So....aside from “playing it cool”in front of the kids...why should Helen be nice? I’d say she’s done her best to move on from a world of hurt...but not sure there can ever true forgiveness. 

For the sake of her children...and for her own peace of mind, it is better to forgive. Doesn't mean she has forgotten and would welcome him back with open arms, but it helps to have well-adjusted children by keeping the father in the picture and not continually cutting him down. She definitely needs a job or a volunteer position to make her life a little more meaningful and interesting.

[S04.E07: Episode 7]

6 hours ago, Razzberry said:

Loved Noah's patio.  Where's he living, Topanga?

 

4 hours ago, MBayGal said:

Noah must be getting massive royalties from his book(s?), because no teacher in a charter school could afford to rent that place! 

 

3 hours ago, bilgistic said:

Noah's place is supposed to be kind of shitty. It's small and the decor is...interesting (license plates on the wall). I assume it came furnished. When the principal came over, she asked if he was renting, and when he said yes, she said, "Oh, thank God."

I love that house, especially the patio! It reminds me of Giles place in Buffy. Sure the furnishings are strange but the bones are great. Made me think that Janelle is a bit of a snob and has really embraced having money. It's not as if I have any kind of impression of the house she lives in. Totally generic and forgettable.

This is the first episode that I have ever liked Helen. Until the very last scene she had with Noah.  She really needs to get over her ex-husband cheating on her over 15 or so years ago. I have heard some women stay bitter that long but if I am to feel any kind of empathy with her, that anger has to go. No wonder those horrible children are so messed up. Only the youngest daughter (Stacy?) is even vaguely civil. And Helen and her parents were a nightmare when they were married, so I don't blame him at all for looking elsewhere, although Allison was so damaged he should have looked elsewhere.

I tend to forget that each section is based on a character's point of view, but when Janelle looked to be having the best sex of her life, I realized this must be Noah's ego taking over again. I tend to be more fond of Noah than I should, since I really liked the actor in The Wire. Maura has been unlikable in pretty much everything I've seen her in, so I think that also might be affecting me. Anyway, I did like this one but all the criticisms have been on point, and made me realize how much I suspended my disbelief. I too wondered how and when Allison left, but I suppose we will get our answer next week.

Has anyone else had a problem liking other comments? So many good ones here today but Previously couldn't record my likes.

[S03.E06: Les Enfants du Sang]

Definitely the best episode of this season so far. I was beginning to think that the show had just lost my attention. All the different plots worked together so well. For some strange reason I have been missing Hitler, so I hope that The Saint of Killers will be looking for him next.

Missed the Buffy line, so thank you Lantern7. I knew that hole looked familiar!

[S14.E10: The Men Tell All]

On 2018-07-30 at 9:35 PM, saber5055 said:

I'm standing right next to you with my NO COLTON sign. I love me some boy next door, but Colton is just too fakety fake. No thanks.

But Jason ... OMGosh. Smart, articulate, nice ... he's got my vote. No one else even comes close. What a great interview he did with CH. I don't need to see any more!

 

I agree, even though I really like Wills. I think Jason could fulfill the terms of his contract without becoming smarmy. Wills may be too original and he is a little too low key to pull off some of the dramatic moments required when you get down to the final three.

On 2018-07-31 at 3:50 AM, LennieBriscoe said:

 I wonder if Jordan is in the running for his own show. Not "The Bachelor"; more like "Chrisley Knows Best" or "KUWTK."

Call it "Jordan: My Image is Me." Or "Jordan: Man of Professionality." Or "Jordanland."

I'd watch. ? 

 

I'd watch too. There was a little too much Jordan in TMTA but I think that's because the producers wanted him to create conflict and drama and that's just not Jordan. He is completely entertaining all by himself. I don't need to see him fly into fake anger sessions. Especially since he did an interview after the show that he admitted that the fight with David was primarily producer driven and said that he thought David was a good sport playing the position that he did. Certainly the bunk bed fall made David look like a dimwit. Or drunk.

On 2018-07-31 at 7:56 AM, JudyObscure said:

This show is way overly impressed with men who play football and the grown women who cheer for them.  That must be why hometown dates often take us to the old high school  and show us a sports trophy in a case or,  as has happened a few times, a bit of actual baton twirling by the woman. 

The first few break-ups in my life, the guy asked if we could stay friends, and I lived to learn that my future, friendly phone calls were immediately taken by him as a move to get back together.  After that, when someone asked me if we could be friends I just said, "No, sorry,  I find that sort of arrangement awkward and sad."  Which is how Jason came across to me last night.

Please show, let us have an entirely new bachelor -- someone with an impressive job, good looks, intelligent conversation and an air of maturity.

If I never see another mention of football or have to endure a "date" with one, I would be happy. Possibly the worst sport to watch of all. Not all Bachelor/Bachelorette fans are jocks. Or want to date them. Let's see a musically oriented season!

On 2018-07-31 at 8:50 AM, TheFinalRose said:

Watch out Ben Higgins ... looks like Jordan is going to be taking over the current camera-hog role you've been holding for the past few years.  

That whole episode with the f-bombs this and the strutting and the high water pants should have been left in the can. Might have been fun to see the explosion on the set but as TV it was hard to watch. This is where Jason pulls ahead because he doesn't enter into the F-bomb shouting matches, and at some point we still want our Bachelor to have some decorum.

I'm glad they rescued Grocer Joe from the First Night Rejects dump heap but he's good for Instagram shots with fangirls and that's about it.  Plus, he talks Chicago-ese, and I think Bachelor Nation would be plugging their ears by the end of night one with his 'these and those". (I can say this because I'm from Chicago.)

Jason for Bachelor! He's perfect. He has a real job (thus the competencies talk), socially-conscious-TV-ready family, we all know he's articulate and the greatest kisser ever. And, he can cry. Book him now, before some sweaty loser from Paradise breaks up with a C-list Bachelor cast off and tries to steal the crown. 

Those bloopers were great. I will always laugh when someone falls or a bug zaps one of them or they hit their head on low-hanging Restoration Hardware light fixtures. 

All the swearing didn't feel natural. Only Becca seemed to constantly drop the fucks, the men only spoke like that when they were (fake) angry. I think you might be right that Joe's accent might drive us nuts over an entire season. Guess we'll know for sure after an entire season of BIP. Depending on how long he is there. It wouldn't surprise me if Joe finds Truuuuue Lurve. Jason seems like the best option for me as well, with Wills a runner-up. The bloopers were fun, would have liked to have seen more and less of the constant golden underwear jokes.

On 2018-07-31 at 10:34 AM, Jaclyn88 said:

I think it's quite obvious that Jason will he the next bachelor and no one else has a chance . I do really like him but he does seem to crave a lot of attention and talked to the audience way too much in between pushing out the tear . Also , I don't think he's on paradise and there's only 1 reason why . And I noticed he removed some gel from his hair . That was probably the requirement from producers lol

Less gel Jason! Yay! And they probably told him to go ahead and suck up to the audience if he wanted the gig. I hope he gets it.

On 2018-07-31 at 4:56 PM, seacliffsal said:

I think that Colton was frustrated that Jason eclipsed him in the run for the Bachelor.  He was really demeaning towards Jordan and aggressive in his comments towards him.  He also has a scowl pretty much the whole time.  Jason, on the other hand, seemed very relaxed and confident-and he did not make any demeaning remarks about others.  In fact, at one point he did point out that Becca gave the gold shorts to Jordan.

Amazing how so many eliminated contestants wanted to somehow blame Jordan for their plight, or Jean Blanc.  Yeah, she just wasn't into you... Way too many of the men took themselves way too serious during this show.  

However, I was shocked that Becca said she wouldn't judge Colton for being a virgin.  What?  Why would anyone judge someone for being a virgin?  She almost made it sound like he committed a grave moral offense or something.  

So, is it just me, or was this the first "tell all" in which Chris Harrison did not ask the Bachelor/Bachelorette if they were in love/happy with their F1?  I may have missed it, but usually Chris asks them about the Final 2 and F1.  Makes me think something could be going on...

Yes, I definitely didn't see Colton that way during the early episodes. I found him bouncing back between angry & aggressive Colton, to teary-eyed nobody gets me Colton. Didn't like either version of him. Reminds me of Rachel from Big Brother. (Winning Brenchel, not this season's wannabe).

On 2018-07-31 at 7:35 PM, violet and green said:

I'm really pleased for Grocery Store Joe! He seems sweet. I love his happy smile.

Unlike Sourpuss Colton. That was one sulky face, apart from when he was doing wounded birdie on the couch.

Jason did seem kind of like a politician - but he can articulate whole sentences.

As can Venmo John.

Golden Undies was adorable, as ever. I hope his career doesn't suffer over this dumb show.

Shows you what a boring bunch of duds boring Becca kept around that the bulk of the show was devoted to The Jordan Show, men bitching at each other, a handsome guy who was evicted night one, and a few fellows weeping silently.

It was not a stellar season, but that is no reason to consider for one millisecond bringing back that gruesome Ben Higgins. Ugh. Boring entitled mummy's boy milksop.

Jason, John, or Joe for the Bachelor!

From what I've read, appearing on The Bachelorette has done wonders for Jordan's career. He's now getting booked for many more jobs. Can definitely see a TV show around the corner. Much more entertaining than previous "Wrong Reasons" contestants.

23 hours ago, SHD said:

I liked Grocer Joe. He looked like a young, super handsome Adam Carolla. I agree that maybe his endearing "regularness" might not translate to a turn at being The Bachelor. But I loved when Chris asked him how the experience was and Joe stared at him and said something like, "It was horrible! I went home right away!" instead of blah blah blahing about how it was a thrilling experience and he was pleased to have been even a small part of it, etc.

 

I thought he was refreshingly honest and that made for hilarious, entertaining TV in a show made up almost entirely of scripted moments.

20 hours ago, tennisgurl said:

Jason, dont change anything, your awesome the way you are! The worst I can say about Jason is his hair is gelled to the max and his reply's seem a bit scripted at times (but thats how it is with a lot of the guys), at least here. But, I dont care! Dude is smart, funny, well spoke, hot, and an amazing kisser apparently. He actually seemed like an adult, unlike so many of the other guys talking over each other, bickering like two year olds, and generally acting like a bunch of second graders misbehaving in class. 

Long live Joe the Grocer! He really seems so sincere, and like he isnt here for the attention or to launch another career, he just went onto the show because he thought it would be fun. Plus, he looked great this week! So glad to see him again, although I fear for him in Bachelor in Paradise. He seems too sweet for that sack of crazy. 

"The Earth isnt flat. I repeat, the Earth isnt flat." 

I am absolutely fine with Jason becoming the next bachelor. I listened closely to the cheers and I am happy to say, I think his applause-o-meter scored higher than the extremely dramatic, fake crying Colton. (Funny, I went completely blank on his name there for a while. He's like a bag of potato chips - first you really really want to taste him but as you start to savour the experience, you realize he's stale and made up of artificial ingredients). My bad simile of the day.

[Goliath - General Discussion]

I really enjoyed it but agree with TVbitch, the ending fell apart. Didn't stop me from starting season two though, even if it isn't as good. One element that really annoyed me is that the writers had to make Billy Bob's character kind of a chick magnet. Come on show! He's a chainsmoking alcoholic that probably smells quite bad (I think I remember a scene where he is in fact told that he smells), so there is no way so many women want to sleep with him. We really don't need love interests on this show for him. Let's just stick with the frenenemy Patty. Love their dynamic.

[Farscape - General Discussion]

The season one DVD had behind the scenes commentary. I remember Ben Browder talking about how many times they had to run down the same hallway sets - it was several times because the set was very limited. And how they blew the budget on the episode that Rygel levitated for a few scenes. Hilarious.

I possibly wasn't too fair to Babylon 5. I only tried parts of one or two of the first episodes. I now give shows more of a chance. It took me six episodes to start liking The Leftovers. But I think there are far too many shows that I want to catch up with before I consider going back to it. Netflix alone keeps building up that list! 

[Farscape - General Discussion]

2 hours ago, DittyDotDot said:

TBH, I think Farscape looks cheaper than Babylon 5 but I never had a problem buying into their universe. It was one of the most creative shows I've ever watched and it sucked me right in from almost the first episode.

I never thought it looked cheap myself, but I highly recommended it to my best friend and lent him my Season One dvd. He just couldn't get over how cheap the effects were, and couldn't see past it. I enjoyed it from the pilot and fell madly in love with it when Crichton goes a bit off the rails (think the season two premiere). As a longtime reader, I don't focus on special effects but character and then plot. I think the ones that are more literal focus first on the settings and production.

[Farscape - General Discussion]

On 2018-06-27 at 11:22 PM, Jacks-Son said:

Whenever I start a rewatch, I ALWAYS begin with "Unrealized Realities" which begins the Terran Trilogy: "Unrealized Realities", "Kansas", & "Terra Firma". Those 3 are my go to John/Aeryn romance fix. Again, I rewatch everything except, "The Choice", too heart-breaking.

WatchrTina, If you haven't given up on SciFi yet, I would recommend "Babylon 5". B5 is one of the few shows that I would compare with "Farscape". You've got space battles, kick-ass action, a John/Aeryn rival to mythic love story in John/Delenn, & outstanding acting by the supporting cast, Plus, the whole series was written as one five year long story by JMS. (J. Michael Straczynski)

Interesting. I always thought of Babylon 5 as pure cheese, and when friends told me they didn't like the genre at all so wouldn't try my Farscape, I would tell them, "no, it's not like a B movie, not a crappy show like Babylon 5." I love so many sci-fi and fantasy shows, but Babylon 5 strikes me as a cheap show that they made to capitalize on the popularity of the genre at that time. 

[Julie Chen: It's Cool If You Call Her Chenbot]

35 minutes ago, Gemma Violet said:

I never said I wanted her replaced or she wasn't doing a solid job.  I said "what If" the head honchos wanted to replace her.  Hypothetical and all that.

It wasn't a personal dig at you - just a reaction to your comment that it's generally accepted that the only reason Julie has two jobs at CBS is because she's married to the boss. I am sure some people that work at CBS believe this, as do some outsiders, but I don't believe it's the majority, because she does a very good job. And you did suggest that somebody else could do a better job and I don't think there would be any big profile contenders to take over. Big Brother definitely has Julie's personality all over it. I suppose The View could find a good replacement but there have been so many personnel changes there, I think it would lose something without her. I haven't watched the show for a few years so I suppose it's possible she is no longer that integral. I used to really like watching her and Aisha, they were definitely my favourites.

Anyway, I have been reading Ronan Farrow's article and it is very damning, much worse than I expected. Given his solid reputation and the large number of people he interviewed, I think it looks clear that Moonves days are numbered. V

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/08/06/les-moonves-and-cbs-face-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct

Variety is wondering about her future too, but I think she should be secure at BB, given that she had the gig before they got involved.

https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/julie-chen-leslie-moonves-cbs-future-1202888951/

[S31: Anticipation]

On 2018-06-16 at 8:40 AM, mojoween said:

OMG Rupert?  Fuuuuuuuuck Rupert.  Why does CBS love this frickin’ guy?  Watching him growl and tie-dye himself across the world sounds like a terrible time.

Also Britteny is another who allegedly has appeal that is beyond me.  I love Janelle and will still root for her to be bounced second, right the hell after the Bonehams.

Otherwise I don’t mind the stunt casting because the show is more fun when it’s airing than when it’s not.

And season five was my first season and I fell immediately in love with Colin, and stayed that way all the way through even when I realized he was...prickly.  And now Christie has to do roadblocks!

I feel differently. I am rooting for Janelle & Brittney. They are both incredibly witty and Janielle was a challenge beast, so I expect them to be one of the better teams. Plus they will provide most of the entertainment. Colin and Christie can leave first, if the two border patrol guys don't go first. My big impression of Colin was that he was emotionally abusive with Christie and she wasn't a prize either.

On 2018-07-28 at 3:07 AM, SVNBob said:

With the Moonves scandal now in play, I wonder if this practice will soon be ending.   If Les is out, his wife will have less power at the network, and her shows won't be as forced to the forefront as they have been.

Survivor's powerful and popular enough to withstand the scandal, and TAR ought to be able to, what with the constant Emmy nominations and multiple wins in the category.  But BB's connected way too close to not get some form of splashback.

BB is a big moneymaker for the network, popular with the young kids and only must-see of the summer so I think it will continue to provide familiar faces when needed, whatever happens with the scandal. Ratings still are king.

[Julie Chen: It's Cool If You Call Her Chenbot]

23 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

It's generally accepted that the only reason Julie has two shows on CBS is because she's married to the boss.  For example, what if some of the head honchos at CBS (not Moonves, of course) feel even though she's done a good job on Big Brother, someone else could bring in bigger ratings as host?  What if it's felt that someone else would be better suited on The Talk, or would be a better moderator than Julie?  A change will never happen as long as Moonves is in charge.    

Julie's set for life on CBS as long as her hubby is there.  

Reality shows generally don't get celebrity hosts, just other reality show veterans and up and coming minor TV hosts. How could somebody be chosen as being better suited if Julie is already doing a solid job? I think she's a great host and does a good job on both shows. It would be a terrible injustice to punish her for whatever happens with her husband.

17 hours ago, Nashville said:

This is where I may diverge from the common thinking.  Julie’s relationship with Moonves almost certainly got her opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise, sure - but that’s only to the point of getting her foot in the door on those opportunities.  Since then, I’d argue that - on BB at least - Julie has succeeded in making the position her own, in making herself CBS’s public face of BB (I don’t watch The Talk, so I can’t comment on it).

As a corporation, CBS has one concern - its bottom line.  So on a corporate level, why would CBS take a chance on devaluing one of its arguably more popular, cost-effective shows by pulling its public face for actions with which she had zero direct contact?  At the very least - unless Julie’s BB contract had some very unusual language allowing her to be terminated without cause - she’d have one helluva wrongful termination lawsuit.  CBS would actually lose out twice; once in court on the lawsuit, and again (and possibly more significantly) in the court of public opinion, for their persecution of minority female for the actions of her husband.  At least, that’s the way I’d spin it if I were her lawyer.  :)

Agreed. 

13 hours ago, Christina said:

Obviously it's HER fault that her husband is skeavy. Even though some of the allegations took place before she ever met him, as the woman in the relationship she's to blame. I would like to say I'm being sarcastic but there are people who still believe that men don't cheat (or harass unwilling partners) if she is doing her wifely duties.

A long time ago, Kathy Gifford (of Regis and Kathy) spoke publicly about the National Enquirer setting up her husband to have and affair and publishing the evidence. It's been too long to remember all the ins and outs, but there was evidence that it was planned by them and the Giffords won a lawsuit against them. They hired the woman to seduce him and she was successful. Kathy was blamed for his infidelity and it was suggested that she should have kept their sex life exciting if she didn't want him to stray. You know, because men can't be expected to control themselves.

I'm guessing they won't be able to fire her, but may not renew any contract as they expire and/or make it miserable to work there. They shouldn't, but I don't have any faith that they will treat her as separate from her husband. Many of the stories that have been coming out have the alleged victims being blacklisted, which may also happen to Julie since the CBS/Viacom is getting so heated and it's another way to hurt him.

That sounds so unfair.

7 hours ago, icemiser69 said:

There have been plenty of stories written about Moonves divorcing his wife and marrying Chen.  I don't think Chen is any innocent victim.

 

I don't think Kathy Lee Gifford is any innocent victim either.  How exactly did she end up married to Frank?

You are comparing apples to oranges here. Getting involved with someone that is going thru marriage difficulties and ultimately  getting married to them, is NOT the same as getting blamed for a spouse's sexual harassment/assaults. You might think they are morally equivalent but they are not legally comparable.

5 hours ago, icemiser69 said:

All I said is that I don't believe Julie and Kathy Lee  are innocent victims.  I didn't blame them for anything.  That is my opinion.

There is no guarantee that the man will cheat again.  Nothing is 100%.

In generic terms.  If a married man cheats on his wife, then divorces,  and then marries the "other woman",  I have no sympathy if the"other woman" (new wife) gets cheated on.

She isn't a victim.  At one point she was the "other woman".  No one forced her to become the "other woman".  It was her choice.

When the shoe is on the other foot, at some point people have to own their own shit.

As long as that woman at one point wasn't the "other woman" I agree with you.

ETA:  If she was at one point the "other woman", she would have to be a complete idiot to think that she couldn't be cheated on.

Buzz words like "slut shaming" mean nothing to me.

I have yet to see any criminal complaint or charges brought forward in terms of sexual harassment or sexual assault.  Allegations yes, charges no.

Not the same, sorry, there are many reasons that someone cheats, doesn't mean they will do it to the new partner unless they are a serial philanderer. Sometimes a marriage just fails and the right person just happens to come along. 

3 hours ago, Christina said:

If the allegations against Moonves are true, his actions did not take place because of anything Julie did or did not do, yet there are many comments suggesting that she needs to take a leave of absence from The View and Big Brother until a final determination is made about him. That is what some of us are calling bullshit. 

Complete bs. I can't imagine the husband of a woman accused of sexual assault/harassment would be in danger of losing his job. I hope that's wrong and she is judged strictly on her own merits. I really like Julie and I would be terribly disappointed if she left.

[S14.E09: Week 9: Overnight Dates (Thailand)]

1 hour ago, atlanticslide said:

Why do you think it's gross?

Agreed. In 2018, I think it's perfectly acceptable, given the premise of the show. As long as they can shower in between....

That said, I probably wouldn't do it myself. I just don't think I'm made that way. I imagine I'd be thinking of my favourite when getting it on with #2 or #3. Although I could possibly see doing it with two if I really had strong feelings for both. Definitely not three men in FS for me. But some people are into that and I wouldn't judge them for it.

[S14.E09: Week 9: Overnight Dates (Thailand)]

19 hours ago, TomGirl said:

Damn, now you’ve got me craving biscuits!

The Pillsbury Dough Boy would make an excellent Bachelor, now that I think about it! Once the relationship hits the rocks, you can eat him!

10 hours ago, TomGirl said:

Neither Blake nor Garret strikes me as being very bright, and both seem immature.  I agree that Becca’s taste is questionable. I wonder if Garret’s (superficial) resemblance to her father is coloring her view of him.  As for Blake, I have no idea.  I see nothing but red flags from him!

Doesn't say very much for salesman, since they both share that occupation. I just finished my first sales job and it is quite possible it's a helpful trait.

[S14.E09: Week 9: Overnight Dates (Thailand)]

Well, that was crazy. Jason definitely grew on me, and yes, his dates with Becca were the most fun. She actually DID things with him, like dance and have actual conversations. But it's probably a relief for Jason. He didn't look cut up at all in the limo and the return for "closure" looked entirely like a Bachelor audition. I am totally in with that though. I think he will look fine once they degrease him so he doesn't look like Donnie Junior. The cowboy legs are kind of funny. I could certainly put up with that in an otherwise charming and fun, intelligent man.

I have noticed that I fall asleep EVERYTIME Becca and Garrett go on a date. So I am wondering....was there a point when they went to dinner that Becca put a reindeer hat on her head? I seem to remember this. Although it might have been a dream. I've fallen asleep on their dates on the last three episodes and generally wake up at the RC. Oh and with all the comparisons to whom he looks like - my suggestion is that he has the eyes of David Boreanaz. Though sadly, not the wit or charm.

I felt sorry for Blake and do think he is the most invested. Actually kind of attractive now that his hair has settled down. But I agree with everyone else - he needs some therapy before committing to a marriage. I don't think Becca is any kind of gift actually so maybe he could do better. It would have been such a better season if we'd had Sienne or the taxidermy blonde. And agree that Caroline and Tia need to go far far away. I am annoyed that they are sticking Tia on my BIP.

So many good comments on this thread but I decided not to quote any after I realized I had marked 13 down for quotes! So on to the Men Tell All Next Week. I am looking forward to seeing Jordan again and the reaction to Jason's appearance - always a good way to gauge the PTB's next Bachelor intentions. 

[The Bachelorette in the Media]

On 2018-07-01 at 5:41 PM, AnyTimeFromNow said:

Different strokes, and all that ... Standard of behavior is one thing--standard of beauty is another. I would hope we've moved beyond having standards of femininity for women in 2018.

 

On 2018-07-02 at 12:04 PM, JudyObscure said:

I don't see a big difference between standards of beauty and standards of femininity.  At least femininity is usually within one's control. To belch or not to belch, for example. I find Becca both pretty and feminine, but if someone else doesn't, I think she should be free to say so. 

Sounds like the two of you are discussing two different topics, since standard of behaviour isn't the same as standard of beauty.

On 2018-07-03 at 8:09 AM, JudyObscure said:

Why?  If any criticism of anyone on the show offends you then I get that, but if, as many of us here have decided, it's okay to criticize the people who have subjected themselves to this reality TV show, then why is it okay to say we think Chris is a jerk, Joe's hair is too much, Blake's head is too big, Becca's camel-riding outfit looked stupid, but -- hold everything, "unfeminine,' is off the table?  

All of these comments are just opinions.  Why didn't you jump in defensively  after someone said they hated Becca's hair, asking what standard they were using and why it was unacceptable? Femininity is like beauty, all in the eye of the beholder.

 Just an example: The most recent "Miss Americas" have been far too muscular looking for my taste. I hate to see a six pack on a woman, knowing that my gynecologist says that the soft curve of fat over a woman's abdomen is an indicator of plenty of estrogen, fertility and health.  The current standard of beauty seems to demand that women lift weights and struggle for a level of leanness and cut muscle that is very difficult for someone without much testosterone to achieve. In the process, she often loses so much breast tissue she thinks she needs implants.  I would call that current beauty standard unfeminine.  Millage varies and people who equate a woman's "fitness," by how much muscle she has will all disagree with me and that's cool with me.  I'm just confused that you're confused and think it's something we shouldn't be free to discuss.

I definitely see a difference there, between criticising particular features that you don't like (hair, clothing styles, heavy makeup, very high stilettos etc.) and calling somebody "unfeminine." The former we all do and yes, it's opinion. The latter refers to adhering to a social norm that I am hoping is disappearing.  I see that as shaming a woman into fitting into a particularly rigid role. The equivalent to calling a man a "Sissy" if he didn't come across as an alpha male.

On 2018-07-03 at 2:38 PM, Mu Shu said:

I’m offended by people with good hair.  It just pisses me off so much. 

LOL

On 2018-07-05 at 1:35 PM, Ashlyc said:

Im gonna read all of these, starting with epsidoe 2. the author talks about how we know nothing about becca, really other than she was on the bachelor and what conspired. We dont know what she likes or what she even does for a job. it really is ODD. i remember even back with Des, she was a wedding dress designer, Kaitlin was a dancer and rachel was a lawyer... oh what the heck did miss Jo Jo do.. hmm maybe thats the thing now. maybe the reason this season is so lackluster is really more on becca / the producers failing at editing her personality in, or maybe just the lack of her own identity. 

I thought she was in Public Relations. But she has never mentioned it, not once, so I thought perhaps it was an entry level job that she doesn't particularly likes. I think Becca's bigger job is to get married. Probably part of the reason that I find her so dull. I've never heard her passionate about anything.

On 2018-07-05 at 2:41 PM, fib said:

I think the two main culprits are: 1) casting and 2) the booze restrictions.  Let me explain...

The casting this season clearly sucks - Becca gets Instahater Garrett (ok, maybe thats ok), Sexual Assualter Lincoln, Soft Core Porn actor Leo, and a guy from Florida who had an assault charge too.  What?  She is outspokenly liberal, but they still cast someone openly hostile to women like her? Someone who if Becca had the ability to screen social media, she would never pick? Ugh. I think there has just been a lot of problems based on these men. 

The booze restrictions make the drama seem so much more producer driven.  This season is the first seaon of the bachelorette where the booze has been limited to 2 drinks per hour ad no shots.  Comparatively, Rachel said she did shots of Fireball throughout her season.  I think when people are more boozed up, they are more comfortable in front of the cameras, AND create drama on their own.  The producer strings have been so clear this season, so it all rings false.  The drama all seems so fake, the lines so scripted, Im just not buying it.  

Good point. It's as if they have moved from sorority parties to a church picnic. Maybe the producers should assess the level of alcohol based on the participants. Or use a bartender with Smart Serve. (I don't know if that's only a Canadian thing - you have to take this course before handling alcohol. Part of it is finding ways to slow down drinking and outright refusing to serve if the customer is already impaired).

On 2018-07-05 at 6:59 PM, leighdear said:

Here's what Reality Steve had on Becca from Arie's season:

Rebecca Kufrin: 27, Minneapolis, MN. Pretty sure she goes by “Becca.” She’s a Senior Account Executive at Skyaa, a technology PR firm. Graduated from Minnesota St. University – Mankato in 2012 with a B.S. in Mass Communications. Mother is in remission from breast cancer. Father died about 8 years ago. Has a sister Emily who recently got engaged .

Twitter – @RebeccaKufrin (de-activated as of 9/17)
Instagram – bkoof
LinkedIn – Rebecca Kufrin

No telling if she still has the job, as many "professionals" that go on the show have to quit or take a leave of absence.  And the ones that get tapped for the next lead have to commit a huge chunk of time to ABC and the show.  

Hmmm. Senior Executive sounds somewhat impressive but again, she never mentions what she has done for employment, in any sort of way.

[Ratings and Scheduling]

https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2018/06/amazing-race-season-31-teams/

Interesting. I am having a hard time remembering some of the Survivor and Amazing Race teams.

[S20.E05: Live Eviction #1]

1 hour ago, Halting Hex said:

"Fezdispenser" would be Faysal, aka "Fessy".  (I prefer to call him "Messy Fessy", given how he's been the cause of drama.)  "Hayseed" would be his countrified bedmate, Haleigh.

I understand green's issue with the HG's actual names sounding similar and having spelling issues.  (Note that "Bayleigh" has a "y" but "Haleigh" does not.  And that JC uses initials, but Kaycee spells her name out.)  But it's also true that nickname usage can get out of control.  (I'm still salty that the show wants to make Chris's nickname his official game name, especially given that his intro video went "I'm Chris…"  To say nothing of "Rockstar".  Oh, honey, if you have to call yourself that, you aren't.)  

Do we have a site rule about that, as there once was on TWoP?  I'm clueless, I admit.

ETA:  Just realized that since Chris is allied with Texas A&M student Haleigh, we have a "Swaggy"/Aggie axis.  Good thing they're not in a showmance.  (Although given the thirst among the various "Foutté" members, give them time…)

I think Previously TV DOES have a rule about nicknames (think I read about it in a previous Bachelor thread) but I really like these nicknames, they're funny yet fairly obvious which ones they're referring to and if BB is going to cast rhyming hamsters, then it is to be expected.

It was a good episode, as noted before, nobody is 100% obnoxious yet although these racist comments may be going in that direction. At least BB is warning them this time so it looks like it won't be business as usual. I am definitely entertained at this point. Big Brother still has the best challenges. The Survivor producers may want to lure some away with big financial incentives.

[S04.E01: Episode 1 2018.06.17]

29 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I had never tasted it until later in life but was smitten from first bite. Now I can cook a few dishes thanks to lessons from a Doctors’s wife. When I worked for him every year she’d give me a recipe, teach me the proper techniques and give me spices that they brought back from their trips back home. Really it was a most wonderful gift that is still giving me pleasure. You are lucky to grow up with it as you probably have tasted much more than I have but I’m beginning to see Indian restaurants becoming more popular and I can go and try things at them. I’m going to have to grab a friend and go downtown this week as this discussion has given me a yearning. Or...maybe I’ll make some Palak Paneer or Aloo Gobi Masala. Gratefully I can buy Naan and make Riata (naan dipped in raita is one of my favorite lunches). If you have a good easy recipe PM it to me. Happy Munching. 

No, sorry I don't have any Riata recipes - in fact, I haven't tried it yet. If I ever do get a recipe though, you'll be the first to know!

[S04.E01: Episode 1 2018.06.17]

8 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

Gosh @PreBabylonia Now you have me hungry for Indian food! 

Me too! Just the thought of Indian food has me salivating. I grew up eating it - my favourite cuisine of all. I would probably have invited the parents to live with us, just so I could enjoy her cooking and sewing. It's not as if Helen spends much time at home anyway.