I caught up on this season just in time for the hiatus, and right now we have over a week before the next new episode airs. (This is your warning for season spoilers as well as me speculating what will happen this season, which some may consider spoilers.)
The season started out as nearly a total refresher. If you were unfamiliar with TVD and wanted to watch the show, but didn't want to get through three seasons to catch up, you can start with episode 1 of season 4 and be reliably caught up on the story.
And, as we knew at the end of S3, Elena is a vampire. It was teased in the first episode of this season that she maaaay not become a vampire, but as most people who've read the books will point out, Elena turned into a vampire almost immediately in the book, without any of this pussy footing around. (Apparently, Damon could actually turn into a crow and Katherine Pierce could also turn into a white kitten. Does anyone else kind of miss Damon's crow? Anybody? Bueller?)
((Wait a minute, wasn't there a temporarily evil Power Ranger who could turn into a cat? Was it a white cat? AND WASN'T HER NAME KATHERINE? Holy shit, what if the Power Rangers writer was referencing TVD back in the day? The TVD books were published in 91-92, and those episodes aired in 95, so the timing isn't an issue. That'd be... a really interesting and weird connection. Also, holy shit did it take me a long time to confirm that.))
Shit, where was I?
Oh, so Elena is a vampire, but she's kind of a weenie of a vampire. She doesn't want to kill anybody, but she can't drink blood due to the siring shenanigans that happen with Damon. It's a little weird, because someone has probably died to make her into a vampire- Stefan smashed his head in, and she puts a finger in his blood, but the guy had a grievous head wound around, to count, FOUR vampires, including a baby vamp. Surely ONE of them snacked on him, right? Well, I guess it doesn't count if she didn't do it, which is a bit of an irritant.
This is partially because they're trying to pit the human that Elena sorta was against the vampire she's going to become, given some time. Stefan isn't helping, he talks about how guilty she's going to feel if she kills someone, how her heightened vampire feelings are going to lead to her downfall- he may not realize it, but he's completely setting her up for this fall. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy- but this is Mystic Falls, so it's fulfilled in a literal sense. She kills some kind of mystical Vampire Hunter and it turns out that he LITERALLY is going to try to grief her to death.
They solve that by having Jeremy kill one of Tyler's friends, a hybrid who had just broken free of Klaus's sire bond. This started one of the themes of this season, which is that they're no longer presenting these decisions as black and white.
Basically, the world of the vampires has been kill-or-be-killed in a lot of ways, but when Damon or Stefan killed to protect Elena (or other humans) it was forgivable. Human life is more precious than vampire life, according to the morals of this show.
But now all of our main characters are supernatural (except Matt, who may be the last human in Mystic Falls). We have to believe that they are people and their lives are valuable, which means that the lives of other vampires/werewolves/hybrids/whatever are also valuable. We're introducing some moral gray area, here.
Rebekah later points this out, too. She didn't kill Elena out of malice, she killed Elena because it was the only way to kill Evil!Alaric. He was going to kill her whole family, and he was powerful enough to do it. He would wipe out every vampire on earth and then he would kill Elena, the last of her line and potentially the only person who could bring vampirism back (the blood of her predecessor was used to create vampires in the first place, so a witch with that know-how could presumably do the spell over again using the same blood that made vampires in the first place). Vampires faced absolute extinction and Bex did what she had to in order to save her own life, the life of her remaining brothers and the REST OF THE GODDAMN VAMPIRE RACE.
Rebekah doesn't like Elena, but who can blame her? Elena's partially responsible for the death of two of her brothers as well as any vampires those brothers ever created. Elena is willing to do anything to protect her brother, so it makes sense that Rebekah feels the same way about hers. She doesn't HATE Elena, either, though. In fact, she saves Elena's life, and mostly she's just being shitty to Elena, not truly hateful. (The trick where she snatched Elena's daylight ring? Inconvenient and rude, but Bex could have made Elena walk into the sunlight without if if she was truly that hateful.) She handwaves it off by saying "If you're going to die, it should be epic," but that's not the whole of the truth.
I'm kind of disappointed by Bonnie's arc so far. I like her because she's willing to do things that her friends don't like because she believes they're the right thing (like the time she lied about making the vampire weapon not work) and I was hoping that opening her into a new type of magic would make her even more powerful, a Dark Willow sort of story arc. Now she's being completely controlled by a dude, who has all the power over her. I'm still hoping she breaks out of this and becomes the biggest baddest witch on the continent.
I really like what's happened with Damon this season, so far. He's faced some complex moral decisions, and he's navigated them (more or less) fairly well. He's as well-adjusted as he's ever been, not only admitting to feeling things for people who aren't him but openly expressing it. When he's compelled to murder Jeremy, he continually shouts advice at him while he stalks him murderously. Partially he's snarking on Jeremy's vampire evading technique, but Damon snarks because he cares. Then, he fucking hugs Bonnie because he is so glad to see her.
Let's repeat that: he fucking hugs Bonnie because he is so glad to see her.
Bonnie and Damon have had an adversarial relationship from the get-go, and yet he is so relieved that she is okay and there that he hugs her and takes her home. And- get this- the whole time home she's ranting and raving, and he doesn't treat her like crap. He nods and smiles- he understands that this is not the Bonnie they know and care about, but instead of just dumping her off somewhere or peacing on her, he takes her to her friends and then discusses what to do from there.
Stefan it is, arguably, at his personal worst. Yes, he murdered a bunch of people, but that wasn't entirely at his own behest- he was prodded into that by Klaus, and while Stefan is responsible (btw he should learn how to at least handle human blood so that doesn't happen again) it was against his will, he did that to save his brother. This season, he's entirely on his own, and we're seeing that when he's not in love with Elena, when he's not trying to be his most (boring) human for her, he's actually an interesting character.
The show is an ensemble show, but let's not kid ourselves- it has revolved around Elena from the beginning. Each season one more support beam has been stripped from her. Before the season started, her parents died. Then she lost her extended family, step-by-step, including the amazing Jenna. Then Ric died, and finally, Jeremy. Systematically destroying every last bit of her blood ties, her ties to her human self, destroying everything about the girl she was. The human that she used to be. That is all dead. When Elena set the house on fire, it was more than a cover a story, it was a symbol- every last part of her that we know has died and changed, and she will never be the same.
We've been teased over the season with glimpses of the kind of vampire Elena could be, were she unfettered. The party with Damon, the moment she killed the Vampire Hunter dude, when she helped kill Kol. We know that Nina can do a lot of fun things- otherwise we wouldn't keep asking for Katherine back.
And now- now!- she has had her humanity turned off. Those inconvenient feelings that were keeping her in check are gone. If you can, watch the scene that happens during again- watch her face go blank, and her tears dry. She's an absence of feeling.
The beginning of the season has been about moving these pieces into place for a game that proves to be fascinating. Elena will now only act on sheer pleasure- her basic wants and needs. She gives no shits anymore, and if you've watched the preview you know that includes eating cheerleaders and strolling around the boarding house buck ass naked (which is such a Damon move I cackled). We know that one of the things that haunted Elena was that she might become Katherine, and now it looks like that may happen.
Now, if her emotions are turned off, does the sirebond continue to work? After all, she's no longer invested in anything, at all, period. She has no shits left to give. I suppose we'll find out- but I'd love for this to finally give Elena the agency to break the sirebond. Making Damon's decision sort of the right one, in spite of Stefan's misgivings. (Also, sort of the wrong one, based on her snacking on cheerleaders.)
What I want to see:
I want to see Bonnie to break free of the hold on her and start to Fuck Shit Up, Royally. I'd love for her to become either the season ending big bad, or....
For Elena to team up with Bonnie to become the season-ending big bad. Damon, after finally discovering that part of himself that actually likes people, has to fight the woman he loves and one of her best friends to SAVE THE DAMNED WORLD.
ELIJAH
Katherine to fight Elena- because, uh, obviously. Katherine has the McGuffin, and killed Jeremy to get it. Anger can feed a vampire's strength, and Elena may have an unexpected ally in...
Rebekah. I so want Elena and Bex to become friends, y'all. And I hope that Elena shutting off her emotions is the start of this- they do girly teenager things together and help each other pick out prom dresses and then snack on the help. (Frenemies would be even better, especially if they were frenemies with benefits. Seriously, take a minute and imagine those two gals hatefucking each other.)
ELIJAH
I like the idea of Stefan facing his own love triangle- Rebekah, with whom he has some serious chemistry, or Caroline, who is his rock in stormy seas. (The perv in me votes for BOTH AT ONCE, PLEASE.)
((Okay, if I'm honest, I'm totally okay with any and all vampires partying with each other in any configuration that could take place in- anything that throws a monkey wrench in the shipping wars would make me clap my hands with glee. And I think it would make the show way more interesting if they start addressing the idea that vampires don't have to adhere to traditional relationship ideas- they're gonna live forever, the idea of til death do us part is kinda silly.))
Damon turn into a human. That would be FANTASTIC.
ELIJAH.
What I don't want to see:
Elena going back to exactly who she was. Shreds of her old personality, yes, but she should be well and truly changed, now. She's going to have to rebuild herself from the tattered remains of her life and her feelings, and I want to see that emerge over a period of time.
Bonnie continuing to be under the control of other people. That's just sucky.
Stefan going back to being boring.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
My Thoughts On Elementary Season 1 Part 2 (of who knows how many)
So I'm caught up until the Valentine's Day episode, and first thing I want to say is: I think we can confirm my theory about this being the dark, alterna verse where Holmes does not meet his Watson until after his canon cases. Lest it need be said: I am really, really enjoying this.
Part of what this show aims to do is show how much Holmes NEEDS Watson as a steadying influence in his life. Part of that is the evidence from the now- Sherlock flat-out tells her that she makes him a better detective, even though he doesn't know why. But part of that is from how badly things went in London- without her there. It's bit of a meta concept, really, but I do think it's intended. Without Watson, Holmes flounders. It's clear now, and it's clear then.
I'm also loving the honest-to-god character arc we're seeing with Sherlock. Here's a man who, in the beginning, was confident that he didn't need Joan. He didn't need the help with recovery, and he wasn't going to even try to do drugs again. In more recent episodes, we see Sherlock not only adjust to the knowledge that he needs help with staying sober- that it's a fight every day- but to the fact that he really does need Joan. He needs her companionship, her ability to call him out, and her strength.(Point of order: everybody needs somebody in their life who will call them out on bullshit and lend them a shoulder.)
At one point early in the series, we see that Holmes hates to be wrong, and hates when there's an outcome he doesn't expect. More than once he tries to tell Watson that he TOTALLY expected that outcome, he TOTALLY coached his kidnapper to text Joan in a way that would show Sherlock was being kidnapped. Joan completely calls him on this. In the Deductionist, he points out that the profiler has this same flaw, and at one point admits that he was wrong about the case.
I also love what we see happening with Joan: we know she's unhappy being a sober companion. She's doing it as a form of penance, and I believe she's very good at it. It's hard to admit you're miserable doing something you're good at, but I think the only real satisfaction she gets from her work is being proficient at it, and that the work itself gives her no actual joy. Being with Sherlock does- he challenges her in unexpected ways, he brings out the part of her that enjoys solving puzzles (I believe most of us have this in us) and he shows her new ways to look at the world around her. (Also, I love how Joan's Mom breaks this down and tells it to her.)
These changes in both characters lead up to the Valentine's Day episode "Details", when Sherlock reveals that he knows Joan has been lying about the extension, he knows why, and instead of being mad or regressing he seems to understand. He tells her in hesitating, halting sentences that he'd like for her to stay, he would make it possible for her to stay in whatever way suited her best ("you can stay in the brownstone. Or not."). He was as open as vulnerable as he's been so far- he wasn't sure that his gambit would work. Even though it seemed to be what Joan wanted, and the ideal way to solve both of their problems (she hates her real job and loves what she does with Sherlock, she gives him an edge and support that he doesn't otherwise have), it still may not work, and he put it out there anyway.
This is not just about her being his apprentice, but about how their relationship is mutually beneficial, and I think that's what moves Joan to accept.
Her acceptance wasn't assured, and I'm glad she made her own terms (including one where Sherlock continues to attend groups) before she'd accept it wholly.
Additionally, I'm happy that we were not introduced to Moriarty so early. We know he's going to be a Big Bad, but I'd really prefer if he were a Season 2 big bad, and it seems like things might lean that way. I think Sherlock (the series) blew their wad a little early with Moriarty (though I can see why they would do that), and I was worried Elementary would follow in those footsteps.
My favorite thing about this series is how emotional Sherlock is, especially compared to other depictions of him. I like that he is moved by the plight of those less fortunate, that he is genuinely distressed for the episode after Joan was endangered by the undercover DEA Agent. When he reveals the illegal immigrant status of an innocent woman, he is fucking haunted by the idea, and openly states it. The puzzle is important to him, and that is clear, but the people are ALSO important to him.
What I'd like to see: Alfredo! (I think I may be spelling it wrong.) I do believe we will see him again (after all, there's been no sign of Moriarty since the episode he was mentioned, and we know that's not the end of that) but because he's intended to take Joan's place after she's no longer Sherlock's sober companion, he hasn't been involved yet. I do want to see him get involved, now- Sherlock does need someone like him, and Alfredo is objectively awesome.
Joan going back into medicine- whether or not she becomes a surgeon again, I think that medicine is clearly a part of who she is and how she relates to the world. I don't think this will happen this season, but some tentative steps in the right direction would be wonderful. (Maybe she could consult! That would be thematically appropriate.)
More of Joan's family would also be nice.
What I don't want to see: I like Sherlock and Joan as friends, and I still DON'T want any 'will they/won't they' regarding a romantic relationship between them. I think a solid, platonic friendship between a man and a woman is refreshing and fun and I really enjoy their growing friendship.
I also don't want to see Moriarty for real this season, unless it's a teaser in the very last episode. (Like, his face is revealed then CUT TO BLACK would be acceptable to me.)
On a slightly silly note: Possibly my favorite thing on the show STILL is Joan's face when Sherlock says something phenomenally aggravating and/or frustrating. Lucy Liu is a woman of a thousand irritated eye rolls and I love her for it.
Part of what this show aims to do is show how much Holmes NEEDS Watson as a steadying influence in his life. Part of that is the evidence from the now- Sherlock flat-out tells her that she makes him a better detective, even though he doesn't know why. But part of that is from how badly things went in London- without her there. It's bit of a meta concept, really, but I do think it's intended. Without Watson, Holmes flounders. It's clear now, and it's clear then.
I'm also loving the honest-to-god character arc we're seeing with Sherlock. Here's a man who, in the beginning, was confident that he didn't need Joan. He didn't need the help with recovery, and he wasn't going to even try to do drugs again. In more recent episodes, we see Sherlock not only adjust to the knowledge that he needs help with staying sober- that it's a fight every day- but to the fact that he really does need Joan. He needs her companionship, her ability to call him out, and her strength.(Point of order: everybody needs somebody in their life who will call them out on bullshit and lend them a shoulder.)
At one point early in the series, we see that Holmes hates to be wrong, and hates when there's an outcome he doesn't expect. More than once he tries to tell Watson that he TOTALLY expected that outcome, he TOTALLY coached his kidnapper to text Joan in a way that would show Sherlock was being kidnapped. Joan completely calls him on this. In the Deductionist, he points out that the profiler has this same flaw, and at one point admits that he was wrong about the case.
I also love what we see happening with Joan: we know she's unhappy being a sober companion. She's doing it as a form of penance, and I believe she's very good at it. It's hard to admit you're miserable doing something you're good at, but I think the only real satisfaction she gets from her work is being proficient at it, and that the work itself gives her no actual joy. Being with Sherlock does- he challenges her in unexpected ways, he brings out the part of her that enjoys solving puzzles (I believe most of us have this in us) and he shows her new ways to look at the world around her. (Also, I love how Joan's Mom breaks this down and tells it to her.)
These changes in both characters lead up to the Valentine's Day episode "Details", when Sherlock reveals that he knows Joan has been lying about the extension, he knows why, and instead of being mad or regressing he seems to understand. He tells her in hesitating, halting sentences that he'd like for her to stay, he would make it possible for her to stay in whatever way suited her best ("you can stay in the brownstone. Or not."). He was as open as vulnerable as he's been so far- he wasn't sure that his gambit would work. Even though it seemed to be what Joan wanted, and the ideal way to solve both of their problems (she hates her real job and loves what she does with Sherlock, she gives him an edge and support that he doesn't otherwise have), it still may not work, and he put it out there anyway.
This is not just about her being his apprentice, but about how their relationship is mutually beneficial, and I think that's what moves Joan to accept.
Her acceptance wasn't assured, and I'm glad she made her own terms (including one where Sherlock continues to attend groups) before she'd accept it wholly.
Additionally, I'm happy that we were not introduced to Moriarty so early. We know he's going to be a Big Bad, but I'd really prefer if he were a Season 2 big bad, and it seems like things might lean that way. I think Sherlock (the series) blew their wad a little early with Moriarty (though I can see why they would do that), and I was worried Elementary would follow in those footsteps.
My favorite thing about this series is how emotional Sherlock is, especially compared to other depictions of him. I like that he is moved by the plight of those less fortunate, that he is genuinely distressed for the episode after Joan was endangered by the undercover DEA Agent. When he reveals the illegal immigrant status of an innocent woman, he is fucking haunted by the idea, and openly states it. The puzzle is important to him, and that is clear, but the people are ALSO important to him.
What I'd like to see: Alfredo! (I think I may be spelling it wrong.) I do believe we will see him again (after all, there's been no sign of Moriarty since the episode he was mentioned, and we know that's not the end of that) but because he's intended to take Joan's place after she's no longer Sherlock's sober companion, he hasn't been involved yet. I do want to see him get involved, now- Sherlock does need someone like him, and Alfredo is objectively awesome.
Joan going back into medicine- whether or not she becomes a surgeon again, I think that medicine is clearly a part of who she is and how she relates to the world. I don't think this will happen this season, but some tentative steps in the right direction would be wonderful. (Maybe she could consult! That would be thematically appropriate.)
More of Joan's family would also be nice.
What I don't want to see: I like Sherlock and Joan as friends, and I still DON'T want any 'will they/won't they' regarding a romantic relationship between them. I think a solid, platonic friendship between a man and a woman is refreshing and fun and I really enjoy their growing friendship.
I also don't want to see Moriarty for real this season, unless it's a teaser in the very last episode. (Like, his face is revealed then CUT TO BLACK would be acceptable to me.)
On a slightly silly note: Possibly my favorite thing on the show STILL is Joan's face when Sherlock says something phenomenally aggravating and/or frustrating. Lucy Liu is a woman of a thousand irritated eye rolls and I love her for it.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving 2012
I'm gonna get mushy on you guys for a minute, I hope that's okay.
I love you all, everyone who comes and reads this website (even- no, especially- if you just came here looking for shirtless pictures of Ian Somerhalder, because I feel ya). Those of you I know on Twitter and Tumblr have been awesome- I think every single one of you has held my hand in the metaphorical, digital sense over the last few months.
It's been a harrowing year for me. I was in a pretty bad downward spiral of depression sometime early this year, and I can honestly say the worst week of my life happened this year. If I had any power over the Way of Things I would use it to ensure nobody ever had to go through that amount of physical pain or be so helpless with food ever again. But it's gotten easier, and I'm to the point where I've felt better than I have since I moved to Oklahoma, and that move occurred in 2000 when I was 16. (I got pleurisy my junior year, for fuck's sake.)
I am so grateful that my in-laws loaned us the cash we needed to get this done. I am so grateful that my father signed up for a loan in his name, to get this done. I am so grateful to the dentist and his staff who were both incredibly professional and incredibly compassionate. I am grateful to my husband, who worked hard to make sure I had everything I needed those first weeks, when I was so helpless (either from pain or drugs). I really do think that dentures have saved my life, in more than one sense, and I'm so glad I was able to get them with the help of my family.
I'm also grateful to every single one of you who told me it was going to be okay, who made morbid jokes with me, who checked in on me, who tried to cheer me up (whether it was with pictures of hot guys, adorable kittens, or both), who celebrated with me when I reached a milestone in food, who didn't tell me to shut the fuck up every time I started yammering on how awesome chewing is (oh god it's so awesome), and who told me I looked good with my new teeth. It's been a bit of an adjustment, and it would have been so much harder without your support.
I'll be gone most of today, off the grid, and while I whinge about how full my day gets, I really am lucky to have so many people who want to see me on Thanksgiving.
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing today, I just want you to know that if you're reading this, you have made my life better, and I love you forever for that.
From the bottom of my heart, I truly wish you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
I love you all, everyone who comes and reads this website (even- no, especially- if you just came here looking for shirtless pictures of Ian Somerhalder, because I feel ya). Those of you I know on Twitter and Tumblr have been awesome- I think every single one of you has held my hand in the metaphorical, digital sense over the last few months.
It's been a harrowing year for me. I was in a pretty bad downward spiral of depression sometime early this year, and I can honestly say the worst week of my life happened this year. If I had any power over the Way of Things I would use it to ensure nobody ever had to go through that amount of physical pain or be so helpless with food ever again. But it's gotten easier, and I'm to the point where I've felt better than I have since I moved to Oklahoma, and that move occurred in 2000 when I was 16. (I got pleurisy my junior year, for fuck's sake.)
I am so grateful that my in-laws loaned us the cash we needed to get this done. I am so grateful that my father signed up for a loan in his name, to get this done. I am so grateful to the dentist and his staff who were both incredibly professional and incredibly compassionate. I am grateful to my husband, who worked hard to make sure I had everything I needed those first weeks, when I was so helpless (either from pain or drugs). I really do think that dentures have saved my life, in more than one sense, and I'm so glad I was able to get them with the help of my family.
I'm also grateful to every single one of you who told me it was going to be okay, who made morbid jokes with me, who checked in on me, who tried to cheer me up (whether it was with pictures of hot guys, adorable kittens, or both), who celebrated with me when I reached a milestone in food, who didn't tell me to shut the fuck up every time I started yammering on how awesome chewing is (oh god it's so awesome), and who told me I looked good with my new teeth. It's been a bit of an adjustment, and it would have been so much harder without your support.
I'll be gone most of today, off the grid, and while I whinge about how full my day gets, I really am lucky to have so many people who want to see me on Thanksgiving.
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing today, I just want you to know that if you're reading this, you have made my life better, and I love you forever for that.
From the bottom of my heart, I truly wish you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 12, 2012
My Thoughts on Elementary So Far
I have watched the first six episodes and I'm really enjoying it, so far. I'm not going to do any kind of in depth reviewing because I just don't have the energy for it right now, but when the season's over I may do a kind of retrospective so I can pick out favorite moments/episodes and talk about the season's arc. (Votes yay/nay?)
Edit: I do speculate as to what they're doing with the season, it might be considered mildly spoilery by some so if that bothers you: FLEE!
I like what they're doing with Sherlock and Joan as characters, especially with how they interact. The character bits are all wrapped around a fairly middle-of-the-road procedural, which is fine by me as I like procedurals in general- and the cases have gotten better, more interesting and more complex as the season goes on. I think they were easing into it.
I like this take on Holmes. He's approachable, he's capable of warmth and humanity and even (bad) practical jokes. To make the natural comparison: I can't see Cumberbatch's Holmes hiring someone to trick Watson for lolz. The Holmes from BBC's Sherlock is accused of being a machine, you could never make the same accusation for Elementary's Holmes.
I love Joan Watson. I like how she's so willing to work with him when he needs it, and how unflappable she can be when she's sorting through methods of working with him. She will also totally call him out for bullshit- she is being paid not to put up with certain things, so that makes a lot of sense. She's incredibly competent and it's clear that she's very smart and is already picking up on his deductive tendencies. I love how they interact, I love that there is something of a patient/doctor relationship right now, and I love Lucy Liu in this role. (I love Joan Watson and want to marry her.)
I also have what one might describe as a 'headcanon' for this particular take on Sherlock Holmes (although really it's more of an educated guess). We see, in the first episode, that Sherlock keeps bees. He's working on writing a book about bees. We know that, according to the canon, Holmes retires to the country with Watson and raises bees, and he writes the book that Elementary!Holmes cites as working on in the pilot episode. Episode six ended with Joan asking Sherlock about Irene, so we know that Holmes has already met Irene Adler.
What am I getting at? I believe that this series is taking place AFTER canon, essentially. Because Elementary!Holmes did not have a Watson in London, he was muddling along on his own, and things clearly Did Not Go Well as a result. What happened is going to be revealed (and is liable to be a good chunk of the story arc for the season) but I suspect that, without the companionship that Watson provides, when things started going bad for Holmes they went REALLY badly because he had nobody to steady him. I believe it to be possible that he's had a run-in with Moriarty as well, though I doubt Moriarty is dead as yet (and it's possible that Sherlock's wicked drug bender got him out of London before he could start really pursuing Moriarty).
I think it's a really interesting choice that could yield some great fodder for character development while still staying away from Sherlock territory. This show HAS to stay away from Sherlock territory, since they failed at getting the rights to adapt Sherlock the BBC are keeping a close eye on the show to make sure it isn't swiping. I feel like Elementary has put enough of their own stamp on these characters that it's clear that they aren't swiping.
I could be wrong about my interpretation of what is going on, we're only six episodes in and that's just not a lot to go on, but I'm really enjoying it either way.
Edit: I do speculate as to what they're doing with the season, it might be considered mildly spoilery by some so if that bothers you: FLEE!
I like what they're doing with Sherlock and Joan as characters, especially with how they interact. The character bits are all wrapped around a fairly middle-of-the-road procedural, which is fine by me as I like procedurals in general- and the cases have gotten better, more interesting and more complex as the season goes on. I think they were easing into it.
I like this take on Holmes. He's approachable, he's capable of warmth and humanity and even (bad) practical jokes. To make the natural comparison: I can't see Cumberbatch's Holmes hiring someone to trick Watson for lolz. The Holmes from BBC's Sherlock is accused of being a machine, you could never make the same accusation for Elementary's Holmes.
I love Joan Watson. I like how she's so willing to work with him when he needs it, and how unflappable she can be when she's sorting through methods of working with him. She will also totally call him out for bullshit- she is being paid not to put up with certain things, so that makes a lot of sense. She's incredibly competent and it's clear that she's very smart and is already picking up on his deductive tendencies. I love how they interact, I love that there is something of a patient/doctor relationship right now, and I love Lucy Liu in this role. (I love Joan Watson and want to marry her.)
I also have what one might describe as a 'headcanon' for this particular take on Sherlock Holmes (although really it's more of an educated guess). We see, in the first episode, that Sherlock keeps bees. He's working on writing a book about bees. We know that, according to the canon, Holmes retires to the country with Watson and raises bees, and he writes the book that Elementary!Holmes cites as working on in the pilot episode. Episode six ended with Joan asking Sherlock about Irene, so we know that Holmes has already met Irene Adler.
What am I getting at? I believe that this series is taking place AFTER canon, essentially. Because Elementary!Holmes did not have a Watson in London, he was muddling along on his own, and things clearly Did Not Go Well as a result. What happened is going to be revealed (and is liable to be a good chunk of the story arc for the season) but I suspect that, without the companionship that Watson provides, when things started going bad for Holmes they went REALLY badly because he had nobody to steady him. I believe it to be possible that he's had a run-in with Moriarty as well, though I doubt Moriarty is dead as yet (and it's possible that Sherlock's wicked drug bender got him out of London before he could start really pursuing Moriarty).
I think it's a really interesting choice that could yield some great fodder for character development while still staying away from Sherlock territory. This show HAS to stay away from Sherlock territory, since they failed at getting the rights to adapt Sherlock the BBC are keeping a close eye on the show to make sure it isn't swiping. I feel like Elementary has put enough of their own stamp on these characters that it's clear that they aren't swiping.
I could be wrong about my interpretation of what is going on, we're only six episodes in and that's just not a lot to go on, but I'm really enjoying it either way.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Coulson Lives - My Thoughts
So, I am aware that (by this point) this is actually old news. It broke on twitter a few days ago, so everybody knows by now that Agent Coulson, played by Clark Gregg, is going to reprise his role on the SHIELD tv show that is going to be helmed by Joss Whedon.
While most of the fan reaction has been positive, I have seen a few people who were upset about it. Not because they had anything against Clark Gregg or the character of Agent Coulson, but because (they argue) this really destroys that moment in the Avengers where they all rally up and it's because of Coulson's death. Another person on twitter (I'm so sorry, I don't remember who) made the point that this is something that's wrong with comics all the time, people who die significant deaths don't stay dead. That this sort of thing 'cheats' his death of the dignity it had, and his badassery in his final moments. These are actually valid points, and should be given some consideration.
I... maybe I'm biased because I love the character so much (and the more I follow Clark Gregg the more I love him, too) but I don't think it's quite at 'cheating' levels. The medics move in and Fury tells the team he's gone, but Fury is the kind of bastard who would lie about this sort of thing. I think that is, largely, what spurred such a large segment of the fandom to declare that Coulson was, in fact, alive. (Even the Marvel Short that came with the Avengers DVD mentions him, and says something like "We all miss him," but he could still potentially be in recovery and not dead. An evil icepick to the heart is nothing to trifle with. Basically, we're dealing with a situation where a bunch of denial is entirely plausible.)
Really I think the judgement should be reserved until we know how Coulson is 'brought back', as it were. I personally think it will be fine- Whedon is nothing if not experienced with this. Not just bringing back beloved characters from the dead, but dealing with the repercussions of such a thing. Can SHIELD, as an organization, survive such a horrible lie? Or such a foundation-shaking resurrection?
There is also the somewhat disappointing but utterly realistic idea that the show will start at some point in the timeline before Coulson dies (or "dies"). I see this as entirely possible for more than one reason- they may want to save the real Coulson Lives moment for one of the movies. They may want to maintain that suspense a little while longer. They may want the character to actually die. We won't know until the date draws nearer how they're going to handle this.
It's easy to see this sort of thing as a victory or a loss for the continued Marvel film (and now TV) franchise, but Coulson so quickly became the heart of what brought the Marvel movies together that it would be a shame to permanently lose him as a character.
While most of the fan reaction has been positive, I have seen a few people who were upset about it. Not because they had anything against Clark Gregg or the character of Agent Coulson, but because (they argue) this really destroys that moment in the Avengers where they all rally up and it's because of Coulson's death. Another person on twitter (I'm so sorry, I don't remember who) made the point that this is something that's wrong with comics all the time, people who die significant deaths don't stay dead. That this sort of thing 'cheats' his death of the dignity it had, and his badassery in his final moments. These are actually valid points, and should be given some consideration.
I... maybe I'm biased because I love the character so much (and the more I follow Clark Gregg the more I love him, too) but I don't think it's quite at 'cheating' levels. The medics move in and Fury tells the team he's gone, but Fury is the kind of bastard who would lie about this sort of thing. I think that is, largely, what spurred such a large segment of the fandom to declare that Coulson was, in fact, alive. (Even the Marvel Short that came with the Avengers DVD mentions him, and says something like "We all miss him," but he could still potentially be in recovery and not dead. An evil icepick to the heart is nothing to trifle with. Basically, we're dealing with a situation where a bunch of denial is entirely plausible.)
Really I think the judgement should be reserved until we know how Coulson is 'brought back', as it were. I personally think it will be fine- Whedon is nothing if not experienced with this. Not just bringing back beloved characters from the dead, but dealing with the repercussions of such a thing. Can SHIELD, as an organization, survive such a horrible lie? Or such a foundation-shaking resurrection?
There is also the somewhat disappointing but utterly realistic idea that the show will start at some point in the timeline before Coulson dies (or "dies"). I see this as entirely possible for more than one reason- they may want to save the real Coulson Lives moment for one of the movies. They may want to maintain that suspense a little while longer. They may want the character to actually die. We won't know until the date draws nearer how they're going to handle this.
It's easy to see this sort of thing as a victory or a loss for the continued Marvel film (and now TV) franchise, but Coulson so quickly became the heart of what brought the Marvel movies together that it would be a shame to permanently lose him as a character.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Denture Adventure
I meant to update the other post more often, but I got distracted by nerves and twitter. Mostly nerves, I was shaking so hard when I went into the dentist they wrapped me in a blanket.
All my teeth were pulled about three weeks ago. It happened in two stages, because the dentist had trouble finding the right nerves in the lower half of my jaw so he could numb them. Apparently mine were hiding, or perhaps they moved at some point out of protest. In between the stages of removal, I was very sick for about a day.
The first two weeks were really quite miserable, which I'm sure you know because most of you follow me on twitter.
I've finally hit the point where everything seems to be okay. A little over a week ago was when I started finally feeling like a human being again (as opposed to a lump of painy flesh). The general illness-blarg-crap that I've had off and on since a few years ago cleared up permanently, and the dizzy spells that were getting worryingly common have completely vanished, as have my near-constant headaches. I also can generally breathe through my nose, now, and that all sorted itself out more or less immediately, though honestly I was too stoned on painkillers or in too much pain to really notice for a few weeks.
I can pretty much eat everything I could before, provided I cut or tear it up (I can't tell you how weird it feels to cut up chicken nuggets or pizza) and as soon as my jaw heals I'll be able to take on harder things. In theory at some point I'll also be able to bite into things instead of cutting them up, but that may not work until I get my permanent dentures.
I'm able to talk mostly fine now, sometimes I don't sound quite right and sometimes my esses get away from me, or hit the wrong part of my palate, or something. But I've got it in general and I think in a few more weeks nobody will be the wiser.
I'd like to go back to work soon but the place I will be working is currently full (they'll need people soon-ish, but not as soon as I'd hoped) so I'm kinda stuck right now. I'm slowly working on editing the last podcast that Angie and I recorded (I've developed a damned inconvenient ringing in one of my ears which is hampering things, but I hope to be finished by Monday anyway) and my sleep schedule is fucked all to hell, but that's pretty normal for me when I'm not employed (or working from home).
I do actually have some things planned, and as soon as I can find a gorram camera cord (I'm convinced my husband ate it, I've looked everywhere else) you'll have a picture of me with my new teeth, which look quite nice in my opinion.
All my teeth were pulled about three weeks ago. It happened in two stages, because the dentist had trouble finding the right nerves in the lower half of my jaw so he could numb them. Apparently mine were hiding, or perhaps they moved at some point out of protest. In between the stages of removal, I was very sick for about a day.
The first two weeks were really quite miserable, which I'm sure you know because most of you follow me on twitter.
I've finally hit the point where everything seems to be okay. A little over a week ago was when I started finally feeling like a human being again (as opposed to a lump of painy flesh). The general illness-blarg-crap that I've had off and on since a few years ago cleared up permanently, and the dizzy spells that were getting worryingly common have completely vanished, as have my near-constant headaches. I also can generally breathe through my nose, now, and that all sorted itself out more or less immediately, though honestly I was too stoned on painkillers or in too much pain to really notice for a few weeks.
I can pretty much eat everything I could before, provided I cut or tear it up (I can't tell you how weird it feels to cut up chicken nuggets or pizza) and as soon as my jaw heals I'll be able to take on harder things. In theory at some point I'll also be able to bite into things instead of cutting them up, but that may not work until I get my permanent dentures.
I'm able to talk mostly fine now, sometimes I don't sound quite right and sometimes my esses get away from me, or hit the wrong part of my palate, or something. But I've got it in general and I think in a few more weeks nobody will be the wiser.
I'd like to go back to work soon but the place I will be working is currently full (they'll need people soon-ish, but not as soon as I'd hoped) so I'm kinda stuck right now. I'm slowly working on editing the last podcast that Angie and I recorded (I've developed a damned inconvenient ringing in one of my ears which is hampering things, but I hope to be finished by Monday anyway) and my sleep schedule is fucked all to hell, but that's pretty normal for me when I'm not employed (or working from home).
I do actually have some things planned, and as soon as I can find a gorram camera cord (I'm convinced my husband ate it, I've looked everywhere else) you'll have a picture of me with my new teeth, which look quite nice in my opinion.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Teeth and Dentures: Update 1
So I have explained a little about my teeth, but mostly it was in the context of how it was affecting my blog. I forgot that I haven't really made it clear what's going on with my teeth. I'm going to be pretty detailed (no pictures though) so if teeth and mouth stuff freaks you out, uh, flee?
They're falling apart. I mean that quite literally, they're incredibly soft and chip apart pretty much every time I chew. I can bite into most things reasonably well (except hard fruit and veg like apples and carrots, or really chewy-hard things like bagels and whatnot) , but I can't really chew much of anything. While my front teeth are largely broken or missing, they are still functional. Most of my chewing teeth are broken and chewing just about anything hurts.
I try to stick to things that are easier to chew, some of which is surprising (I can eat normal potato chips, but not ruffled ones, because I can break the normal thin ones up with my tongue) and none of which is particularly healthy. I could probably drink Ensure or something constantly but that is both very expensive and, quite frankly, not something I find incredibly palatable as a long-term solution. Mostly I eat stuff that's relatively soft, and whatever I can't chew or get tired of trying to chew, I swallow. (It also takes me forever to eat, and then I have to clean my mouth because there are lots of pockets where stuff likes to collect).
I've always had dental problems, I had my two root canals when I was 6. I had a bunch of fillings to absolutely no effect between the ages of 16-19 (some of which should have been root canals) and no dental care in between. My teeth have been sensitive for a long time, and when I turned 18 I started on the birth control shot and was on it for a few years. I found out later that it makes you leech calcium, and while I cannot be sure, it's likely partially to do with how quickly my teeth have fallen apart. I currently have maybe 4 or 5 teeth that aren't cracked or broken somehow, and that can change at any point due to how soft my teeth are.
I don't have a lot of energy. Partially because I can't eat very well and partially because I get sick a lot. Not very sick, but I tend to have some kind of low grade cold or cough or something more or less constantly. I assume it has to do with the constant threat of infection in my mouth- my body's resources are all spread really thin. I can only assume this, I may be constantly sick due to my diet, or some unrelated cause, but I was generally pretty hardy up until the damage to my teeth started being more than merely cosmetic.
Most of my teeth are still 'alive' when we're talking about the nerves, and that means that my back molars which are cracked and exposed are basically big nerves that anything in my mouth can poke at any time. (I start thanking the Elder Gods when one of the nerves finally dies a death, because that means blessed relief.) Holding my mouth wrong can create enough pressure to cause pain, and so I'm pretty much constantly in mouth pain if I'm not medicated. (I'm not often medicated.)
It's been getting worse over time, and I'm reaching the point where I'm not actually capable of doing any physical work due to my health. (Also, pretty much nobody would hire me anyway because nobody sees anything but my teeth when they look at me.) I'm also reaching the point where I simply can no longer deal with it.
Through a lot of work, no few tears, and the incredible generosity of my father it's looking very much like I'll be able to fix this soon. "Fixing this" means that I will have all my teeth removed, and go to using dentures. While this is not exactly the ideal fix, it is certainly the most affordable, and quite frankly it's the only one I can actually stomach. Patching up my teeth isn't going to solve the basic problem, anyway, because my teeth are still inherently flawed and weak. And, honest to god, if I thought sitting down with a pair of pliers and yanking them out would actually work I'd have attempted that at this point.
So, dentures. In another week and a half (approximately) I'll be going in to have an impression of my mouth done, and that will be sent off to the lab so they can whip up a set of dentures for me. Two weeks after that, when the dentures are done, they'll yank whatever is still in my mouth at the time. Hopefully without incident, but I know for a fact some of my teeth are going to have to be cut out because they are broken down the gum. Of all the dental procedures I've had done, having teeth pulled is certainly the freakiest for me, so I'm a little freaked out all while looking forward to it (because after I heal I will be in NO PAIN y'all).
I don't know how long I'm going to be down and out after I have my teeth pulled. I'd like to go back to delivering pizza as soon as possible, transitioning away from the online work (with tips, I make more as a driver), but I don't know how fast that will be. It took me a couple of days to get my bearings after I had the last one pulled, possibly because that one was an abscess and my body was sorting out the infection part of that while I sat on the couch stoned on pain pills. Could be a couple of days, could be a couple of weeks. I can almost guarantee stoned tweeting so expect that.
I have several blog articles in the works but I think I'm just going to consider myself on hiatus until I get my teeth sorted. I just can't seem to get them written. There will be a Strangers from the Internet still, so expect that.
I've debated about this, but I am going to put up a PayPal donate button. Dad is paying for the thing but I'm going to be losing time during which I can work and, due to my nephew's birth, was not able to get as many hours in on the online job as I wanted to. It's not the end of the world, but if you have a little extra and would like to send it our way, it'd be much appreciated.
I will continue to update this article as I know more, like exact dates and such. If you came here from tumblr and don't follow me on twitter, that's generally where I hang out and it's the best way to contact me, in all honesty. Asks sent via tumblr and any comments made here go directly to my primary email, so I'll get them for sure, it just won't be quite as fast because I generally only check my email once or twice a day.
TL;DR version: Gonna have all my teeth pulled in about a month. It will, on the whole, be better for me than my current health situation. Check this space for more updates.
Update 07/06- I had my impressions done today (well, technically, yesterday, Thursday the fifth). It was weird feeling but not too painful, overall. I was worried one of my teeth would break or something, since they're so fragile, but everything came out fine. My appointment to have my teeth pulled is scheduled for the 19th, so barring any complications, that's when things will go down.
They're falling apart. I mean that quite literally, they're incredibly soft and chip apart pretty much every time I chew. I can bite into most things reasonably well (except hard fruit and veg like apples and carrots, or really chewy-hard things like bagels and whatnot) , but I can't really chew much of anything. While my front teeth are largely broken or missing, they are still functional. Most of my chewing teeth are broken and chewing just about anything hurts.
I try to stick to things that are easier to chew, some of which is surprising (I can eat normal potato chips, but not ruffled ones, because I can break the normal thin ones up with my tongue) and none of which is particularly healthy. I could probably drink Ensure or something constantly but that is both very expensive and, quite frankly, not something I find incredibly palatable as a long-term solution. Mostly I eat stuff that's relatively soft, and whatever I can't chew or get tired of trying to chew, I swallow. (It also takes me forever to eat, and then I have to clean my mouth because there are lots of pockets where stuff likes to collect).
I've always had dental problems, I had my two root canals when I was 6. I had a bunch of fillings to absolutely no effect between the ages of 16-19 (some of which should have been root canals) and no dental care in between. My teeth have been sensitive for a long time, and when I turned 18 I started on the birth control shot and was on it for a few years. I found out later that it makes you leech calcium, and while I cannot be sure, it's likely partially to do with how quickly my teeth have fallen apart. I currently have maybe 4 or 5 teeth that aren't cracked or broken somehow, and that can change at any point due to how soft my teeth are.
I don't have a lot of energy. Partially because I can't eat very well and partially because I get sick a lot. Not very sick, but I tend to have some kind of low grade cold or cough or something more or less constantly. I assume it has to do with the constant threat of infection in my mouth- my body's resources are all spread really thin. I can only assume this, I may be constantly sick due to my diet, or some unrelated cause, but I was generally pretty hardy up until the damage to my teeth started being more than merely cosmetic.
Most of my teeth are still 'alive' when we're talking about the nerves, and that means that my back molars which are cracked and exposed are basically big nerves that anything in my mouth can poke at any time. (I start thanking the Elder Gods when one of the nerves finally dies a death, because that means blessed relief.) Holding my mouth wrong can create enough pressure to cause pain, and so I'm pretty much constantly in mouth pain if I'm not medicated. (I'm not often medicated.)
It's been getting worse over time, and I'm reaching the point where I'm not actually capable of doing any physical work due to my health. (Also, pretty much nobody would hire me anyway because nobody sees anything but my teeth when they look at me.) I'm also reaching the point where I simply can no longer deal with it.
Through a lot of work, no few tears, and the incredible generosity of my father it's looking very much like I'll be able to fix this soon. "Fixing this" means that I will have all my teeth removed, and go to using dentures. While this is not exactly the ideal fix, it is certainly the most affordable, and quite frankly it's the only one I can actually stomach. Patching up my teeth isn't going to solve the basic problem, anyway, because my teeth are still inherently flawed and weak. And, honest to god, if I thought sitting down with a pair of pliers and yanking them out would actually work I'd have attempted that at this point.
So, dentures. In another week and a half (approximately) I'll be going in to have an impression of my mouth done, and that will be sent off to the lab so they can whip up a set of dentures for me. Two weeks after that, when the dentures are done, they'll yank whatever is still in my mouth at the time. Hopefully without incident, but I know for a fact some of my teeth are going to have to be cut out because they are broken down the gum. Of all the dental procedures I've had done, having teeth pulled is certainly the freakiest for me, so I'm a little freaked out all while looking forward to it (because after I heal I will be in NO PAIN y'all).
I don't know how long I'm going to be down and out after I have my teeth pulled. I'd like to go back to delivering pizza as soon as possible, transitioning away from the online work (with tips, I make more as a driver), but I don't know how fast that will be. It took me a couple of days to get my bearings after I had the last one pulled, possibly because that one was an abscess and my body was sorting out the infection part of that while I sat on the couch stoned on pain pills. Could be a couple of days, could be a couple of weeks. I can almost guarantee stoned tweeting so expect that.
I have several blog articles in the works but I think I'm just going to consider myself on hiatus until I get my teeth sorted. I just can't seem to get them written. There will be a Strangers from the Internet still, so expect that.
I've debated about this, but I am going to put up a PayPal donate button. Dad is paying for the thing but I'm going to be losing time during which I can work and, due to my nephew's birth, was not able to get as many hours in on the online job as I wanted to. It's not the end of the world, but if you have a little extra and would like to send it our way, it'd be much appreciated.
I will continue to update this article as I know more, like exact dates and such. If you came here from tumblr and don't follow me on twitter, that's generally where I hang out and it's the best way to contact me, in all honesty. Asks sent via tumblr and any comments made here go directly to my primary email, so I'll get them for sure, it just won't be quite as fast because I generally only check my email once or twice a day.
TL;DR version: Gonna have all my teeth pulled in about a month. It will, on the whole, be better for me than my current health situation. Check this space for more updates.
Update 07/06- I had my impressions done today (well, technically, yesterday, Thursday the fifth). It was weird feeling but not too painful, overall. I was worried one of my teeth would break or something, since they're so fragile, but everything came out fine. My appointment to have my teeth pulled is scheduled for the 19th, so barring any complications, that's when things will go down.
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