TV, Gossip Girl, College and NYC

[anoel]

I'm so happy the fall TV season is finally starting! With the premiere of Gossip Girls and Prison Break yesterday, it's finally begun. I can hardly believe it's September already. I'm still working on catching up with Prison Break so Gossip Girl is my first show of the night. In an effort to not procrastinate and wait to write things until they're perfect thereby never getting to writing them at all, I'm going to try to start posting my first reactions to all the TV I'm watching with some shows getting longer thoughts later or at first. So to begin it, my fun, pretty, melodramatic soap opera is back:



Blair/Chuck OMG! They utterly killed me. I love so much about them from the banter to the bitchy to the snarky and badness and hotness and evil plans and jealousy and angst. I love how they take the classic good girl and bad boy cliche story and make it into the bad boy and bad girl (who wants to be good) story. And the thing is, it's not about her being bad or anything because yeah she can be a bitch (and I love it!), it's that they both have a similar perspective of a world and they're not goodie two shoes about anything. I just love how they click together and no matter how they try to change whether it's Blair to good or Chuck trying to be badder than he is (oh we all know he does kind of have a heart of gold ;)), they can't help being who they are. And it's all part of the journey I know but ARGH Chuck why didn't you just say it!! I had given up on Blair taking him back and going back to her pretty boy but then...WOW. That was some kind of heat and chemistry they had going for them. It was so satisfying to see Chuck stop being all jealous and pretending to just be "Chuck Bass" and finally admit why he didn't go with Blair, that he was scared. Oh, Chuck.

That being said, I love all the games they play with each other and that everyone can see that they really like each other no matter what they say. Their jealousy is just so obvious. And they're so pretty together! Most of all, I'm so glad Blair is back with her awesomeness. It just drives me crazy that she's always trying to date guys that are so blah and perfect. I really wanted her and Chuck to get a chance to really date and have fun together but hopefully later in the season. The good thing about them is they don't need contrived plotlines to bring angst and interest onto them, they just banter and get all the best lines and it's much better. The show does try though. I'm all UGH about Serena and Dan being back together so easily continuing on their boring trajectory. At least Dan got knocked down from his self-righteous high horse (if there's one thing I hate, it's self-righteous) with the two girls he dated. I'm kind of intrigued by Nate/Serena, the after effects of their kiss was cute and I feel like they need to date for once and see if there's any hope for them. The married woman story just seems like a Luke/Julie knockoff from The OC and Jenny still annoys the crap out of me. Eric is still super cute though and I hope he gets a good gay love interest this season. Also good to see Blair and Serena back together again!

Also, the Hamptons=SO PRETTY. I loved that show of Chuck and Blair standing in the center of a grassy green yard or whatever it was. And wish the CW would take it's new advertising to women policy and use it to give us lots of shots of half-naked boys in the poll and not just women. I'm just saying. Chuck/Blair and their respective characters are still the biggest reason I'm enjoying the show but so far it's helping a lot and hopefully that'll continue this season.



At the moment I'm most excited for House because House/Wilson OMG. Sant Doris Egan proved once again why she is our saint with this AMAZING interview. Mild spoilers for the season but worth it for me. I seriously could not be more excited about this season. Everytime I think, how can it get any more slashier, more canon? And then it does! I mean, look: "I feel like House and Wilson, they deserve mythology. They're larger-than-life characters. YES YES YES. ILU Doris. And when I read that I was like, House and Wilson, they're the stuff of legends. And THEN I remember that Doris wrote two great episodes of Smallville, Hourglass and Hug and in the latter, that's what Lex says to Clark. Clearly, she's awesome. ICONIC MOMENT OMG! I can't even imagine. Although I do wonder if it'll fit with any of my greatest H/W wishes, a hug, Wilson telling House he loves him, a kiss (I'd die of happiness for that but I do think it's possible as House loves to shock people) or something of equal magnititude. I just love how Wilson resigning goes back to Babies and Bathwater and I keep telling Wilson, IT MATTERS. But I can't wait to see how House proves his love. I love that Doris mentioned the thing with House risking his life for Wilson because it was such a beautiful parallel to House risking his life for curiosity when he told Wilson he loved him. But in that moment, he PROVED his love to Wilson.


"I don't think it's a shock that the lovers are reunited," YES! She so sees it our way. And I really can't wait to watch her episode (which I am SO requesting off from work to see live) because it sounds really interesting and of course sure to bring on the slash canon. And I love the "metaphysical journey" (oh god I can't wait) and how she doesn't see House ending up with anyone in the end because in the end, I'm sure he'll still have Wilson and they're walk off into the sunset together...well House will probably be alone in the final shot but metaphorically speaking. "I like their rhythm. I like a relationship with rhythm. I like Tracy and Hepburn. I like some of the old TV shows of the golden age that had rhythm, like Bill Cosby and Robert Culp, I Spy, The Wild Wild West, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. OMG YES! I love all her comparisons, the Man from UNCLE one is so cool! And they totally do have chemistry. "It would be a sin and a shame if anything took away from House and Wilson HELL YES. But I'm glad she won't leave them no matter who comes along. I love that she supports fanfic (and reads X-Files!) and it's model and would like to see it reflected on TV. I am SO watching Egan Network Two!

Funny enough, I just got into Dark Angel and I'm loving it. It's so cool that Doris was a writer on it! The show is definitely appealing to me with kickass Max and the whole character backstory and the world and I LOVE the plotline. Lots of intrigue, great action and suspense. I wish we could get rid of the loser dude but I love her friends. Not into the Logan/Max thing which feels like they're shoving down our throats which I hate but as friends, they're nice and Logan is very hot. Can't wait til Alec shows up though. I'm only on 105 but I can't wait to watch as much as I can! Wish I had the time to marathon it completely. I love that feeling though between this and Slings and Arrows (SO MUCH LOVE), it reminds me why I love TV. But I will say between Dark Angel, the sickening events in Minnesota and a bad experience with a police officer (no ticket though thank god), I'm feeling very anti-police. Way too much power and it freaks me out. On the new TV front, I'm starting to watch Bones and I enjoyed the pilot so at least there's that. Not sure if I'll ship Brennan/Booth but that one wall scene was HOT. I am easy with walls.

I went to the Great NY State Fair for the first time yesterday since I was a kid (which I don't remember) and it was fun! I rode the roller coaster there and the ferris wheel, tried to climb this rock climbing wall (it was HARD), saw a seal lion show which was super cute, petted and saw goats, ponies, llamas (VVC mascot love!), sheep, pigs, chickens and the cutest rabbits ever, saw some fireworks and walked around and saw everything. It was great to finally see everything. At the sea lion show there was the cutest moment when the trainer through a ring for them to catch too far and the other sea lion picked it up and put it on the other sea lion. Awww.

So tomorrow I start college again. I'm taking four classes at the local community college to make sure I'm ready for classes again before I go back to Chapman (plus it's cheaper). I'm really nervous and I know I need to do well after I crashed a nd burned a year ago during spring semester. I'm taking:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9-10 Logic, 10-11 History of American Women (although I may change this if I can find something I like better)
Monday: 6-9 PM History of Ancient Philosophy
Thursday: 6-8:45 PM (can make it back home in time for The Office!) Intro to Microeconomics

I'm much more motivated to do the work and study for them after my time off in the last year so hopefully that will help. Mostly I'm just scared of failing though *worries* I just want to get back to trying to do well in school like I did back in say, seventh grade.

So on Sunday I'm going to NYC to go see the US Open final but I'm going to leave on Saturday so I can do some sightseeing and such (I miss the city!). Does anyone have any recommendations of things to do? I've already seen the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, Little Italy, Rockerfeller Center, Times Square and probably some other famous attraction I'm forgetting but it was only one week so I probably missed out on a lot. Also, does anyone who lives in the NYC area want to hang out and either come with me or just watch TV/vids? I miss being with other fans! And if anyone has an extra bed or floor space that I could crash on Saturday night, I'd really appreciate it.

I totally forgot about The Office S4 DVD coming out today *facepalm* I've just had a lot on my mind and I didn't see any reminders about it so I totally forgot. Hopefully Target will still have the DVDs with the extra footage on them because I really, really want one.

Okay, time for some 90120! New TV YAY *happiness*

Comments

[pharis.livejournal.com]

I watched all of Dark Angel a month or two ago. It was good, I liked it, but I wasn't head over heels. Except for all the pretty -- it is just chock full o' pretty. Jensen Ackles is good, and we even get to see an early version of the Single Perfect Tear of Manly Pain.

Good luck with college stuff!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

There is definitely a lot of pretty! I'm loving it, it's exactly the kind of show that appeals to me which is what I predicted and why I started watching. And LOL at the emo tear! I look forward to it.

Thanks!

[lianri.livejournal.com]

I'm glad the Blair/Chuck plotline is still going strong. Everything else about the show (that I've seen) has been blah, especially Serena/Dan.

You really must read the books. They're so much better and smarter than the TV series; everyone isn't a goody-two-shoes underneath. (Nate and Serena especially are very different; Nate is a hilarious noncommittal stoner, and Serena is... just messed up and enigmatic, and much more of a party/society girl.) And NO parents, or almost none; what little there is parent-wise is usually smart and funny (Jenny and Dan's dad is especially hilarious and inept and weird, rather than a boring ex-hottie rock star *rolls eyes* Just so much more realistic and interesting). Sorry, I know I've ranted about this to you before... I'll lend you the first few books next time I'm home!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Yeah they're the best part times infinity. The show got lucky with them.

I know, I know. After I exhaust my list I'll probably try them.

[cathexys.livejournal.com]

Blair/Chuck were marvelous. And OMG in the sunlight their clothes are even sparklier than usual...

Dark Angel FTW!!! I love Season One plot wise an awful lot! The back story is intriguing and the characters around Max marvelous! I hope you'll enjoy the rest as much as I did (though I hope you get spared my fanfic obsession but if not, I made a rec list of what's bearable :)

[anoel.livejournal.com]

They were amazing! And that's true, I loved the sunlight so much.

It's awesome! I knew it was good but I didn't know how good. I'm definitely loving it a lot. And I doubt I'll get into fic but I'm glad you have a rec list, I love your SGA one so I'm sure this one will be just as good (even with much less fic) :)

[cathexys.livejournal.com]

Well...embarrassed looking down shuffling my feet...let's just say the DA list is much more from the id :)

But yes, the show's really good...the race and class and gender and sexuality issues alone!

Enjoy!!! And share the squee :)

(btw, have you seen Greek? My latest obsession...not GG, but a lot of fun and cute guys and girls)

[anoel.livejournal.com]

I have no problem with that ;)

Oh yeah, it's so awesome on that front. I'm surprised LJ people aren't talking about that more although I probably just missed that.

I will! I'm trying to take it slowly, still working on con reports and such but there is much more to be said.

I haven't actually but I hear there's a gay plotline so I must check it out. I just have a ton of shows to catch up on right now. The next time I need a fun show to go through in a month or two, I'll probably be up for it.

[deathisyourart.livejournal.com]

Not sure if I'll shit Brennan/Booth but that one wall scene was HOT.
Ummm... just thought that I should point out a funny type=o.

And YAY! You are watching Dark Angel! And yes, the Logan/Max thing for the most part never feels natural, and by the end of the show it feels deeply unhealthy, though there will be a few times that you can see it. I am firmly on the Max/Alec train though. :)

Fair warning: The show has more potential than it actually lives up to, (which doesn't stop the love) and don't worry too much about plot holes or continuity... the writers sure didn't!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Thanks that was definitely wrong lol.

So glad there are other fans of it! And that I'm not the only one who thinks that. I hope that ship is better!

That's what I've heard especially in S2 but thankfully I can ignore plot stuff like that, it's the character stuff that bothers me the most.

[boheme06.livejournal.com]

Dark Angel is so good. I lost interest halfway through season two, but I got it for my mom a few Christmases ago, and I've been watching old episodes here and there. It could've been so much more, but alas, FOX TV is lame.

I'd totally be willing to hang out when you're in town. You're so lucky to get to go to the US Open. I always want to go, since I love tennis, but it's never in the cards for me. I can't really give you advice on what to do around here though. I hardly do touristy stuff-- although Washington Square Park is pretty to just sit around and people-watch.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Yeah, FOX sucks. I hear S2 isn't as good but I'm always glad for what I do enjoy.

I'd love to hang out with you! Yeah, I've kept saying I'll go and I figured I better go before I'm in LA all the time. I'd be up for going to the park and just talking and it doesn't have to be touristy, if you have a favorite thing to do or place to see, that's fine too. Or if you just want to watch TV, I'm up for that too. Would you be free on Saturday evening like after 6 or so?

[boheme06.livejournal.com]

I should be free around that time. :) Usually I just walk around the city grabbing bites to eat at different eateries and see a movie or something. It's pretty boring though, so you should decide whatever it is we'll do, haha.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Would you be interested in walking around Chelsea and Greenwich Village area? I'd love to see more of the LGBT area and Stonewall as I didn't see that with my family last time. Or Harlem or the Met ($10). It'd probably be around 7 PM or so.

[boheme06.livejournal.com]

I love Greenwich, actually! And I've never been to the Met. But since things aren't going as planned (hi, weather, I hate you today), I'll e-mail you later and see what's up, ok?

[anoel.livejournal.com]

I forgot/lost my cell phone so be sure to email me with any info. I sent you a message as well.

[boheme06.livejournal.com]

I hope you forgot it and didn't lose it! But I just e-mailed you, so let me know.

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Hi there! I'm sorry, but we are just recovering from nonstop house guests (his parents, my parents, etc.) in August, so it's not politically feasible for me to offer our place on Sat. However, I'd be happy to meet for a walk or coffee or something on Sat.

Enjoy your time in the city!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Oh I totally understand, it's fine. I'd love to just see you again :) Would you be interested in walking around Bryant Park? Since getting into Project Runway and fashion and everything, I'd love to see that and Parsons and Mood. Maybe around 12 pm or early afternoon? Or any other place you like a lot.

True facts: Ladies Night is playing RIGHT now!

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Sure! What time works for you on Saturday?

[anoel.livejournal.com]

12 pmish? I just saw that the fall fashion show is going on right now so that should be exciting :)

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

That sounds good! I heard it was going to rain, though. Why don't you call my cell in the late morning and we can change our plans if necessary?

My cell is here (only you can see entry) http://counteragent.livejournal.com/36937.html

[anoel.livejournal.com]

So I totally forgot (or lost) my cell phone *facepalm* It's not raining though so hopefully I'll see you at Bryant Park at 12, in front of it. Email me back if there's something you need to tell me, I'll try to find a pay phone if there are any around here.

[thirdblindmouse.livejournal.com]

And I really can't wait to watch her episode (which I am SO requesting off from work to see live)

Eh, live is unpleasant; they make you sit through commercials! I'm sure it works differently for other people, but trying to watch episodes live was the last straw that drove me away from House and Heroes. :(

"I like their rhythm. I like a relationship with rhythm. I like Tracy and Hepburn[...]

*snicker* Oh, they're Tracy and Hepburn alright, complete with the abusiveness. ...But yes, Doris Egan is a joy. I'll have to check out Dark Angel.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

I don't mind commercials if it's one of my favorite shows and I love seeing the House/Wilson interaction live so I can squee right after with other fans. It just makes it more special for me and I access the internet on my iPod during commercials.

I wouldn't call them abusive but that's just me. The first season is very enjoyable!

[thirdblindmouse.livejournal.com]

Maybe I was exaggerating in calling them abusive, but would it kill them to be a little nice to each other? ...I think the point at which I stopped watching the show (part way into the third season) was a low point for their relationship, which colours my perception of them.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Yeah that was a hard time in their friendship. Season four is MUCH better and full of the love.

[thirdblindmouse.livejournal.com]

Perhaps one of these days I'll start watching again. I don't know if I could make it past season three, though, when I started strongly disliking the characters. They were no longer bastards I liked despite (or maybe secretly because of) their bastardy, but bastards who were too nasty to devote an hour every week to. It's possible that shift was prompted by their lack of good-hearted personal connections to balance out their professional and ethical failings. All I'm sure of is that when my attitude towards the show got to the point of "I hate you all; you guys are assholes. Except sometimes Cameron," it was time to move on.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Yeah that's me and Lost where I want to kill all the characters so I completely understand. If you want to watch a few good episodes though I'd recommend Alone, Don't Ever Change, No More Mr. Nice Guy and House's Head/Wilson's Heart. Full of slash love and just good, fun eps.

[thirdblindmouse.livejournal.com]

If you want to watch a few good episodes though I'd recommend Alone, Don't Ever Change, No More Mr. Nice Guy and House's Head/Wilson's Heart.

There's seriously an episode two-parter named House's Head/Wilson's Heart? Woah... I might just do that. If I watch those 5 episodes, will I have sufficient continuity to grok what's going on?

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Yeah, pretty much.

And yes, isn't it amazing? That was the S4 finale that a couple VVC vids were based on. Act Your Age is another good one from S3. You skip a lot of the episodes where they introduce the new ducklings but I didn't think they were that great for the most part.

[noncanontv-girl.livejournal.com]

Your classes sound interesting... especially the History of American Women. Can you tell that I miss school? :)

As for what to do in NYC... GO SEE XANADU so I can live vicariously through you as you hear the voice of an angel (Cheyenne Jackson)!

Or Serendipity? The Met? Bryant Park (beautiful)?

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Heh yeah, I've been there. At the moment that one is heavy on the politics which I HATE but hopefully it'll get better.

Sadly I don't have the money but definitely Bryant Park! I should check out the Met I don't think I did that last time. Thanks!

[noncanontv-girl.livejournal.com]

Have fun :) Bryant Park is pretty, there's little shops, and you can also check out the NY Library which is really nearby. Last year when I went we stumbled across both those places on accident.

[carolelombard.livejournal.com]

Good luck in school. Maybe time off is just what you needed. I took some time off in school and it did wonders for me.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Thanks! So far it's helping as I feel more refreshed and less burnt out to do the work, it feels more new but I still don't feel like I won't slip into my old patterns of procrastinating. The stakes are a lot higher though so hopefully that'll help.