Archive for the ‘television’ Category

At this time, we will take a momentary break from all things book-related to discuss one of my favorite television series of all time, DOCTOR WHO! Last Saturday, Doctor Who’s 5th season premiered on BBC America for all of us that love to watch it across the pond, starring the newest incarnation of the Doctor, Matt Smith. Last year, when the new Doctor was announced, I read quite a bit across the web, people shouting “HE’S SO YOUNG!” to “NOOOO DON’T LEAVE US DAVID!” to all sorts of other madness. Well, I adore Matt Smith and already wonder if I’ll love him more than David Tennant.

I know, I know, blasphemy! But this first episode was simply fantastic, to me, and I think Smith’s acting was spot on. I also enjoyed the new companion, Amy Pond. This first episode, entitled “The Eleventh Hour,” was exactly what I wanted and needed it to be. And I think this new season will be perfect for anyone wishing to jump on the Doctor Who bandwagon late in the game. I don’t see why having no previous knowledge of the series will affect this season, which I’m sure will be ripe with new characters. I’d love to see some of our old favorites, but as much as I love Rose and Martha, I’m glad to see their stories all wrapped up and taken care of. To be honest, I’d be happy to never see Donna again (so sorry to Donna fans, but I just don’t have any love for her!).

Anyways, those are a few of my thoughts on the new season. Doctor Who airs in America on BBC America at 10pm on Saturdays. Newbies, check it out for sure, and you can always Netflix old seasons if you’re dying to see what you’ve missed!

This new year has brought us a few new TV shows to compete with the already stellar lineup from the fall. I’ve already latched on to two new shows and look forward to adding a few more new ones, and a few old favorites as spring approaches.

Last week I watched The Deep End, a new ABC show about 5 recent law school graduates and their 1st positions at a firm (I like to call it a cross between Boston Public and Grey’s Anatomy), and today I caught up on the first episode of Caprica, the BSG (Battlestar Galactica, for those not in the know) prequel show, set some 50 years before.

What I read of the plot for Caprica intrigued me from the get-go: futuristic setting, very high-tech, drama, yet a family-centered plotline. Also, the show seems to be going in the direction that some of my new favorite YA sci-fi novels have gone–robotics and the creation of the humanoid robot. The arguments of the show, as also represented in some excellent YA novels, involve the human soul and the ethical implications of the creation of humanoid robots, transference of personality, data, perhaps even DNA from a human to an electronic creation, etc. After watching the first episode, I am even more intrigued to see where this show is going. I think that fans of The Adoration of Jenna Fox or the Skinned novels by Robin Wasserman would enjoy Caprica. And you definitely don’t have to have watched BSG to see this show (I myself have only seen a few episodes).

And who can forget one of my favorite shows of all time, LOST? The final season begins in February, and I am ever-anxious to see where it leads. I’ll be sure to write here and keep updating on these shows and many more (as some of our favorites–Glee, Gossip Girl–won’t be returning for a time) as the weeks go on!

Tonight was the second episode of Glee, the fall premiere for this 1st season. Are you watching? Why not? Why do you love it? Why do you hate it?

I like to think of it as a cute, fun show. It’s got its issues: typecasting, gender and racial stereotypes, over-the-top moments (although, I do suppose that fits into the show’s premise). But it definitely has its charm and lovableness. I particularly enjoy the guidance counselor Emma for her irrational fear of germs, dirtiness, etc. And her unrequited crush on the Spanish teacher/Glee club advisor. And other awesome quirks!

And there’s the students. While the show does play to typical stereotypes, I do relate to some of the characters, as I imagine teen viewers would as well: there’s Rachel, the amazing lead singer of the Glee club, loads of talent, lots of insecurities. Unfortunately I find the guy they recruited for the Glee club, I can’t even remember his name, the quarterback, lacking in character thus far, but I hope that will improve as the show goes on.

I think this show will be around for awhile, and I hope that despite it’s cheery/gimmicky facade it will examine some of the important issues that do plague teens today, as I can bet this will be a popular show with that age group! Let’s keep watching and I’ll keep reviewing!