Shirts and Recreation Collection

2/28/2015

Shirts and Recreation Collection

I meant to post about these shirts days ago. I'm sorry I didn't and now there are only a couple days left to get yours at the sale price. There was just no time in the moments between working, watching and writing about Bosch, and all the other bits of life that get in the way. I also kind of forgot since I didn't see the series finale of Parks and Rec yet thanks to NBC moving it to a 10 pm slot for that one night, because of The Voice! Nice way to treat an incredible show and its fans at the very end. It didn't record because of a conflict with all our other shows that the DVR never bothered to mention.

Anyhoo, the Parks and Recreation shirts in this hilarious collection will all be available at TeeFury until March 2 for $17 each. After that they are $20. By the way, by favorite shirt is the Cones of Dunshire. Ben Wyatt's game was just a perfectly silly and hilarious creation. I am going to miss this show so much.



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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Aftershocks
Season 2, Episode 11 Preview :: Art of Evolution

2/27/2015

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Available today, February 27, in the Marvel Shop.
Limited to 100 pieces.

Oh yes! Marvel is doing it again with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. prints, as I learned from ShieldTV this morning, this time called the Art of Evolution. Wait, what am I saying "oh yes"? Oh no is more like it. I only had the money for two prints last time and I gave one to my brother. And this time my other brother finally caught up with the show and is now a fan. What am I supposed to do, pick three? And then which one do I keep? No, it's okay, I'll just send them links to the print and then they can decide if they want to buy one.

Since we don't get to see all the posters ahead of time, I have to go on gut instinct again. Do I love "Aftershocks" enough to commit to buy this one and possibly only this one? I don't know. It is beautifully done, but what might I miss? Last year I was lucky enough to hold out for something that really grabbed me, and I got the one for "Providence" with the team out in the cold. If I had to pick just one episode to watch over and over until the end of time then it would probably be that one for Coulson's Agents of Nothing speech, which was so full of pain. A man breaking down in the midst of trying to keep everyone together. Clark Gregg was superb.

Then I got the final poster with the fractured S.H.I.E.L.D. logo with the Hydra logo behind it. Why do I have to make these decisions again? And the fact that they're $49.99 a pop and limited to just 100 prints makes this even harder. Every Friday for TWELVE WEEKS (the last run was only six prints!) I will be going to bed late or getting up early just to see if I want to buy a print. You're making me crazy, Marvel. Thanks a lot. And just where am I supposed to find the wall space?

Before I go, don't forget to watch Agents of SHIELD "Aftershocks" on March 3.

The Schwartz Awakens

2/26/2015

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For absolutely no reason Spaceballs popped into my head last night. It was the last thing I thought of before I fell asleep, rather than Bosch, which I had just written and tweeted about, or the lastest episode of Perception, which I had just watched. And one of the first things I did this morning, after checking Twitter, mostly hoping that Titus Welliver didn't retweet the aforementioned post I wrote about Bosch (he did), I saw this t-shirt in a Ript Apparel email. I guess it's a sign that it's about time to watch this hilarious parody movie again. It's been quite a while. But for now I'll have to content myself with one of my favorite clips instead. If you haven't seen it, and you have a sense of humor that welcomes, embraces, and gives a big, sloppy kiss to the ridiculous, then you're in for a treat.

For those who have seen Spaceballs more times than they can count, The Schwartz Awakens by AtomicRocket is available today only and it's a very reasonable price of $11 for $16 as a Ript exclusive until sold out. [Update] Only small men's sizes are left. Well, I'm out of here; it's time for breakfast. Hmm, I think I'll have some Yogurt. And may the Schwartz be with you.




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One Episode is All it Took to Fall in Love with Bosch

2/23/2015

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
I don't believe there's a better world than this one. I think this is the only one we got. And it's full of lost light.

By now everyone's seen Bosch, the character-driven crime series from Amazon, right? I mean, it's been out since February 13 (and apparently the pilot was shown a whole year prior). I started watching it just a few days before my birthday, which happens to be today! And what a terrific present. Seeing as how I already watch too much television, usually I'm way behind the curve with well regarded shows that are on subscription services I don't already pay for or really with any new show, because I just can't find the extra time for them. I didn't see the incredible True Detective until eight months or so after it ended when I finally had HBO again. It's nice to be not so far behind for once.

Let me start with a confession. I have not read a single Hieronymus Bosch novel. Sorry, I didn't know they existed. Of course I know of the prolific writer Michael Connelly, but over the years I don't think I ever bought one of his books. Not for any specific reason; it just didn't happen, so I never had the chance to get obsessed with his most famous character, which I think is about to be rectified. The only Connelly story I'm familar with is Blood Work, because I saw the movie, but that's about a different detective. I went into Bosch with a fresh perspective, with no idea of how he should be or what I should expect. So I can't tell you from personal experience whether or not Titus Welliver (Lost, Sons of Anarchy, guest spots in just about everything) nailed the character originally on the page. What I can say is he's long overdue for a leading man role, as he projects someone complicated, beautiful, flawed, and human on the sceen. And the man in real life gives thoughtful interviews and talks lovingly about his kids, which are more indicators that the character is in the right hands.

Connelly seems proud of what Welliver has accomplished and he is very involved with the show, so it should adhere as close as possible to the source material. I've read compliments from fans of the books about how Welliver is a perfect choice. For even those who have no idea what Harry Bosch is about, Welliver's haunted, world-weary look, undeniable talent, and good heart instantly build a character. According to Welliver, Bosch doesn't wear that heart on his sleeve (which I can relate to). That's true a lot of the time, but his emotions are often etched on his face; it such a nuanced and at times gentle performance. Welliver convincingly conveys the depth and soul of a character who's wounded on the inside and determined to do right even if he does go about it sometimes like an “insubordinate, arrogant, know-it-all loner, and all-around self-righteous prick." My favorite kind.

Bosch wasted no time in letting me in on the mindset of the intriguing title character. I got a good measure of him from the first episode, and came out of it with a new favorite actor, character, and series. As far as I can see, after only four episodes, Bosch is a bit of a lone wolf. He's guarded and uncomfortable showing his emotions, yet willing to open up to some, like the new 30-something rookie (Annie Wersching) he became involved with at lightning speed. He's a bit awkward around his ex and the teenage daughter he hasn't seen in far too long, Welliver playing the guilt and longing perfectly. Has a good partner (Jamie Hector) to rely on and a lieutenant (Amy Aquino) who looks out for her people. He sometimes breaks the rules, making trouble for the deputy chief (Lance Reddick, who I last enjoyed in Fringe), but not with malicious intent. There's a sense of humor and camaraderie between colleagues. He has an unpleasant past, but he's not constantly at odds with the world or himself. He's not a savant or consumed by his demons, but he has an anger beneath the surface. He's just a normal person who's been on the job a long time and still is driven to peel back the darkness that snuffs out the light.

That darkness comes in the form of Bosch simultaneously on trial in a civil suit for killing a suspect, working a cold case of a murdered child, and dealing with a district attorney's political ambitions that allows for a rapist and murderer (a chilling Jason Gedrick) to take advantage of an opportunity. In the pilot, during a courtroom scene, I was put at ease to the type of character on whose shoulders this series rests. This was important because I wanted him to be someone to root for, someone imperfect but essentially good. No worries there. On the stand Bosch is a bit rattled when the prosecutor, speaking of his time in the special forces, says he's "an experienced, highly trained killer with a body count too large to remember." I saw in his expression that it was a low blow, and that, despite the Teflon exterior, some things do get to him. Later on his quick trigger finger is blamed on the fact that he was seeking some sort of revenge for his own mother's murder. The real story is that, during a rainy night, Bosch's suspect failed to heed multiple commands to freeze in two languages, instead pulling something from his pocket. Bosch did the only thing he could do when he felt his life was in danger, a decision made in a split second.

Then there's the murdered child I mentioned before, the core of this first of hopefully many seasons. His femur is found by a retired doctor's dog. That doc was Scott Wilson. It was so wonderful to hear his voice again and see that jolly, wise, bearded face. I miss him terribly as Hershel Greene on The Walking Dead. Ooh, getting off track a bit. Besides Wilson, there were two highlights that will be the most memorable of the series for me, no matter what else comes next. Bosch goes back into the woods where the remains of the boy lay. It was dark and lonely out there and Bosch was silent and contemplative. A rustling nearby startles him and Bosch shines a light, finding a coyote a few yards away. Then I saw Welliver's strong pulse. (Think Billy Boyd in Return of the King.) It unintentionally added another layer of humanity to an already well realized character and transfixed me during the scene. There's a similar beautiful rhythm beating beneath the surface of the entire series, and the quiter moments really bear that out.

The other moment I'll never forget is near the end when Bosch finds out the horror of what the boy had been through. The revelation cut to Bosch's core and triggered terrible memories. A skillful wordless acting moment there and solid character building. Not being one to show a lot of emotion around others, he excused himself and rushed to the bathroom before he lost his composure. It was a beautifully done scene with Bosch trying to catch his breath, his hands shaking. I'm reminded of The Killing when Rosie Larsen's father broke down in a bathroom. Bosch was not as intense as that scene about the raw pain of a father losing his child, but I can't wait to find out where it might go as it gets closer to a resolution. Won't have to wait very long at all. Since all episodes were out at the same time, I'll be finishing it by next weekend.

For any fan hesitating to watch because you don't want your idea of the character spoiled, this series should not disappoint. Even if I had been a huge fan of the books, there's no way I would have had any qualms upon hearing Titus Welliver was cast. I don't get attached to the idea of what someone should look like, act like, or sound like from the description in a book. I never have. I love books, but I love seeing a living, breathing person step into a role even more. If you're hesitating to watch because you're afraid the image in your head will be spoiled, consider letting all that silliness go. Give it a shot. Bosch is a terrific series, Titus Welliver a terrific actor. Worth every penny of an Amazon Prime subscription. To show my appreciation, I am continuing with it after my trial.

Update: I have now seen seven episodes and I wouldn't change a word that I said. Actually, I added a few more. This show is addictive and so well done. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Image belongs to Amazon.

Doctor Who
Michelle Gomez Returning
Series 9 Preview

2/19/2015

The first thing I woke up to this morning sure was a shocker... a terrifically fun shocker. I wanted to talk about it right then, but work always gets in the way. If I didn't have work I would never stop writing about Doctor Who, and all of my other favorite things. What is the commotion? Well, you just have to watch the video. And my title probably gave it away.