Phone cases: Another way to show your love of, or complete obsession with, a thing. RedBubble has some beautiful cases and I had to look through some because they're 15% off with code GETENCASED until December 30. Code also works for laptop skins and sleeves. If I had an iPhone, it would be terribly hard to choose between even this small selection of Doctor Who, Breaking Bad, Firefly, The Walking Dead, Psych, Supernatural, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Those are just some of the ones that caught my eye on the first few pages. There are millions of other designs for practically anything you can think of, like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Sherlock, Guardians of the Galaxy, Big Hero 6, Game of Thrones, James Bond, Pokemon...and it's too early for me to think of more, but I'm sure you have something in mind.
Or buy one of these beauties. All images link to RedBubble and each case is around $25 to $27. Designs are also available on t-shirts, mugs, and more than a dozen other types of products.
Taking a few minutes off from present wrapping to bring you a little something. No, it's not a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special, "The Husbands of River Song," that airs Christmas Day. No, it's not the posts I'm working on about "Heaven Sent" and "Hell Bent" or Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s "Maveth." Those are on hold due to the sheer craziness of the last few weeks. Work is done...mostly. Christmas shopping is done...just in time! But I wanted to share this.
The last Christmas present I bought, and the biggest decision I had to make, was Mrs. Brown's Boys. I know almost nothing about this series. Last year, or maybe even the year before, my family sat down to a Christmas episode. I have no idea what channel was playing it, but since it wan't censored, I'm guessing it wasn't PBS, our old go-to for introducing us to over-the-pond TV series. Now, usually it's Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon, but public television still brings us the occasional surprise, like Doc Martin.
As for Mrs. Brown's Boys, I have a feeling if we hadn't been channel surfing that night then we would have never heard about it. I haven't heard a whisper since. The memories came flooding back the second I saw the DVD set cover, though. (The Blu-ray isn't available for the U.S., unless you have a region-free player.) I remembered that I couldn't stop laughing, my ribs hurt by the time it was over, my cheeks were sore, and I was dehydrated, like a great episode of Whose Line is it Anyway? I loved it. I hope the rest is just as funny. I will absolutely be watching this with the gift recipient, my father, or I'll just steal it for a while.
I gathered a few clips here so you can see if this is a comedy for you.
It turns out neither of my brothers is excited for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. When did this happen? I thought we all enjoyed it. Yes, even the second trilogy. Space monks with glowing swords were always just damn cool. My youngest brother and I even started drawing space ships and lightsabers after we saw the The Phantom Menace twice in the theater. I had another reason to go twice and that was Liam Neeson, of course, not Jar Jar. Those lightsabers for me quickly turned into knives and swords, and I've kept that up over the years [see ShinyDangerousThings].
But guess now I'm the only one left to love George Lucas's endearing creation. That doesn't even make any sense. The trailer looked great and people are saying wonderful things about it. We all were excited for and loved J.J. Abrams' reboot of Star Trek, so what happened here? I have no clue. Anyway, this means I wont get to see it in the theater. The weekends are out, because I almost always have to do something with or for family, and if we're all not seeing a movie then no one is seeing a movie. There's only so much time in a weekend. Weekdays are also out, because my job, plus everything else I have to do, makes that very unlikely.
It also premiered at one of the worst possible times. I never get to see anything in the theater that's released around Christmas. The weeks before Christmas are about shopping, baking, cleaning, and just running myself a bit ragged trying to do all that and my normal daily routine. And the weeks after are always devoted to extremely early spring cleaning; this year the house needing it more than ever now that there's no storage unit and two of us are trying to jump start our hobbies into super small businesses.
My schedule may usually get changed by others, but it's so much easier to get along with family by going along with them. Going to see movies in the theater alone is not a fun experience, so I'm thinking that's not going to happen. Such a huge event movie that everyone is enjoying together, and then tweeeting about, and I get to watch it at home, probably on the small TV in my bedroom, when it comes out on Blu-ray. That means it will be impossible to avoid spoilers.
Okay, that's the end of the pity party I just threw for myself. I may not get to see The Force Awakens anytime soon, but I can at least cheer myself up by saving a couple of these wonderful tees to my desktop, and maybe buying that one that's mashed up with The Simpsons. That one is hilarious. The Galactic Collection is available until the 25th at TeeFury. Even if you like none of the shirts here, there are quite a few more at TeeFury. I only chose my favorites. They are also running a contest with a BB-8 lamp, R2-D2/C-3PO leg lamp, and Taun Taun wall mount as prizes.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Closure Season 3, Episode 9 Recap
12/08/2015
Tonight is the last episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for quite a while. Strangely, I'm actually looking forward to the break. I have a number of favorite shows that I want to write for, three of which I actually get to write about. Usually, only two of them I give my time to during any week, which means some amazing episodes are always left out. Hopefully, this break will let me get caught up with a couple episodes of S.H.I.E.L.D. I never talked about. Maybe I'll do a couple posts for The Blacklist, which has had another intriguing year so far, but which I've nearly completely ignored in posts.
Basically, I've only been writing about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Doctor Who for a number of months. They had been duking it out for page space here and for the most part I was able to give relatively equal time to both. But when MAOS had a week off, Doctor Who, which just ended an astonishing season, took precedence; its heart-wrenching, beautiful, bittersweet, and unforgettable run of episodes among the series' best..
So, the Agents won last year and the Doctor won this year, at least in the fall, though S.H.I.E.L.D. has also been just as unforgettable. And "Closure" was another memorable episode, with one character dying, another reveling in the torture of the people who had been his friends, and one's heart breaking again and embarking on a mission of revenge. Those were the major things I remember right at this moment. I do have to watch it again.
Okay, time to stop babbling and see if I can get this done before the season finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. tonight! I wrote my thoughts right after "Closure" ended, but then life got more distracting than it's ever been. What can I say about this spectacular episode while being succinct enough to get this done before dinner time? Well, they upped the stakes again. I don't know how they find a way to do that every season and continue to surprise, delight, and devastate. I found out an enraged Coulson is another Coulson I love. Clark Gregg, as always, was flawless. The opening of the episode was unexpected. I mean I expected it eventually, but not so soon.
I know there are people who definitely didn't want Coulson with Rosalind. She was untrustworthy from the start, but we didn't know much about her and that's exactly why Coulson was cooperating, to find out what she knew, what the ATCU knew, and what was going on. But it wasn't really all that strange that he would start falling for her as he got to know her. He's a lonely guy. He hasn't had anyone since he died and lost his lovely cellist. He just found someone like him, someone strong, someone who know this dangerous world they live in, someone who could banter with the best. The fact that she seemed to forgive Coulson after he accused her of knowingly working for Hydra, and being kind of a dick about it, showed that she was an understanding, level-headed person who was maybe worth the trouble.
I knew she would be found out sooner or later, especially when she said she'd be going back and Coulson was very concerned about that. I certainly didn't expect it to happen right then and there. If I knew someone was out to get me, though, I would never open my curtains...or leave the house. So, it's sad how they ended her so quickly, a pawn in Ward's horrible game. I'm not questioning it, though, because the writers know where they need to go with the story and how much time they have and what it will take to get there. We'll just have to wait and see.
Rosalind's sudden death set up a shocker of an episode where Coulson went a bit off the rails, interrogating his team about how Ward fooled them all, which reminded me of the end of the first season, kidnapping Ward's younger brother, and skydiving to Hell. Without Coulson's recklessness in going after Ward, he may have never gone through the portal. And we wouldn't want to miss the opportunity for what that could bring to the story.
And if killing Rosalind wasn't enough, then crazy ass Ward takes and tortures FitzSimmons with the help of Mr. Guyira (Mark Dacascos). Ward still sees meek little scientists, not having the slightest clue about all they've really been through.
The first thought I had when we met was, 'Wow, this guy's really carrying a torch.' It was sweet, really. Not adult sweet. More like cartoon puppy dog with its heart beating outside its chest.
Fitz and Simmons grew apart and grew stronger before they found each other again. They are still scared of losing each other for good, as anyone with the capacity for love would be, but now they are more determined and bolder than ever. And that's what scares me about Fitz giving in. He would have to eventually or he would likely have Jemma's death on his conscience; and he probably wouldn't have had to grieve for very long, because he would be useless to Hydra. I get that, but he sounded like he wasn't planning or wasn't expecting to come back.
I lost you once. I can't lose you again. I'm just not strong enough to live in a world without you in it.
Hopefully, maybe, possibly - please let it be - this was a really bad move on Ward's part. Not only will he have to deal with our beloved S.H.I.E.L.D. team when he returns, especially if he disposes of Leo or Jemma, or both of them, but he'll have to deal with an enraged Coulson, who he doesn't know has followed him through the portal.
That's it for today. I'll leave you with my reactions during "Closure" and the preview and clips for tonight's episode, "Maveth."
Just to be crystal clear, this is the part where the plan turns to rubbish.
Probably will be one of my favorite quotes from this episodes.
Death is the only thing returning through that portal. Fitz was just an offering to show him the door.
I need this guy dead right now.
Wake up, Ward. This is a snark hunt, and the only reason Malick sent you is because you're expendable.
Ooh, I love Fitz standing up to and mouthing off to Ward. I also love how Iain plays this, because he's visibly and audibly trembling. De Caestecker has just been absolutely amazing.
Where to Watch
"Maveth" will be on ABC tonight at 9 PM Eastern. "Closure" and previous episodes are available on Amazon and various other places, like iTunes, or streaming on Hulu, and ABC's OnDemand cable and satellite channel.
Doctor Who An Incredible Season Ends Tonight With Hell Bent Series 9, Episode 12 Preview
12/05/2015
The hybrid will stand in the ruins of Gallifrey and destroy a billion hearts to heal his own.
I had seen the "Next Time" trailer after the last episode, but I missed this one. I wish I hadn't, because then I would have known about this fantastic quote six days days sooner. I am overwhelmed with quotes lately. How wonderful! I am also overwhelmed with the greatness of Doctor Who this year, maybe this year more than any other. I have deeply loved this series and the previous Doctors. Maybe it's just the thrill of a new actor in the role that has hit his stride and become comfortable, but not complacent, combined with fantastic storytelling and ideas, but that "maybe" and "just" I think takes away from the accomplishment of Peter Capaldi and series 9.
I loved Doctor Who immediately when it captured my 8-year-old imagination in the '80s. Thank you, public television. I loved it even more when it returned when I was 27, because then I could truly understand and appreciate every emotion and the wonderful dialogue...and it all now doesn't feel like a half remembered dream. I have adored the new Who, and every actor in the main role brings something fresh and exhilarating, all of them masters of their craft, and every series has had defining episodes and best moments, something to laugh about, cry about, and fall in love over again and again.
But the love I feel for series 9 may be unmatched. It has this nearly perfect synergy of every element needed to make the stories far more than just memorable. The acting is nothing short of flawless, feeling completely real at any of the many moments that demand wrenching of the viewers' emotions. Capaldi's talent allows for an intimate vulnerability, one that has this palpable feel of a beating heart: his heart, the Doctor's hearts, the heart of the series. There were fewer stories to tell, as most were two-parters, but that allowed for a greater depth, a depth that's almost enough to drown in. There has been a tighter focus on the endgame and all the smaller but no less important moments in between, and as a result there has been even more poignancy than usual.
There are things the Doctor has done that have haunted him, but now judgment is coming, and Moffat promised the end would leave fans a little bit devastated. I can see that from the preview, but still I can never really anticipate the effect of it. Even when things are alright in the end, when time and luck and the universe can be manipulated to save the day, Doctor Who can always, always manage to devastate in the most delightful - no, not the most delightful way, that's just Missy's "malevolent Mary Poppins" talking. What I meant to say was in the most effective way. So, as the season ends, no matter how it ends, I'll be content until the next time, knowing just how brilliant it was. And it surely was. Just how brilliant? Read my past posts. I haven't said a thing about "Heaven Sent," though, except for all the things I just said, because I was thinking I might just combine that post with the one for "Hell Bent" after I see it tonight.
Tonight. Where did the last twelve weeks go? By the looks of it, and knowing all that's come before in this emotionally-charged, incredibly-imagined, beautifully-written, and superbly-acted series 9, "Hell Bent" is going to be one hell of a story, with the Doctor facing all he's done and facing it alone. He's still aching from the loss of Clara and I'm thinking won't be getting a new companion just yet. For sake of story, he has to go through some stuff, probably turn into or almost turn into that monster that Clara was afraid he would become in her absence. But maybe he'll heed her words, remember her kindness, remember his promise, and not be vengeful in her name.
And maybe I'll get to talking about both "Heaven Sent" and "Hell Bent" before the Christmas special. I'm trying to get things ready for Christmas around here and so haven't gathered all my thoughts about the eerie beauty of the penultimate episode yet. I also need to rewatch it since it deserves multiple viewings to make sure I didn't miss a moment. "Heaven Sent" was just too good, one of the best episodes ever in a season full of best episodes. There is not even a slight bit of exaggeration when I say that. If you haven't seen it yet, don't delay any longer.
I have said it before with other favorite series that have had those perfect moments to capture and interpret in artwork, but the overwhelming sadness, incredible determination, and gorgeously haunting imagery of "Heaven Sent" I seriously think will be what finally gets me back into drawing. Prior to this, I would have said "Face the Raven," prior to that, "The Zygon Inversion." There is so much to inspire. I used to have a lot of fun drawing, and it required far fewer words to get a feeling or point across.
And now, some more videos! Can't get enough videos.
One of the most dramatic things is that the Doctor has to face himself and face his own actions and make a decision, which is not an easy one.
She's my friend.
What 'she'? Is he talking about Clara? Or is he protecting Ashildr even though Clara died because of her actions? This would be in keeping with Clara's orders to not let her death turn him into a monster, if he could overcome his sorrow and rage to help the person he hates most right now. But maybe Clara's story isn't quite over. She did appear after her death already as a helpful manifestation in his mind in "Heaven Sent." Maybe there's a bit more. He is, after all, answering for his life, and Clara was a big part of it and the most recent and quite devastating part of it. Or he's just having a dream or memory where Clara isn't referred to in the past tense.
I'm starting to think Steven Moffat likes making us cry. Trying to decide if he's evil and feeds off of our collective tears. Nah, he's wonderful. He couldn't write such beauty otherwise. Still, there has to be a small mean streak.
Even though she bears responsibility for Clara's death, I still love Ashildr. Maisie Williams is fantastic in the role, playing her at drastically different times in her long life whenever she returns.
That's the end of the fantastic previews. I can hardly believe the season is about to come to its end. But at least I can watch it many times over before the next. And there's the Christmas special to look forward to.
Where to Watch
"Hell Bent" will be on BBC America tonight at 9 PM Eastern. "Heaven Sent" and previous episodes are available on Amazon and various other places, like iTunes, or streaming on AMC.com and BBC America's OnDemand cable and satellite channel. For more options, please see BBCAmerica.com.
Trapped in a world unlike any other he has seen, the Doctor faces the greatest challenge of his many lives. One final test. And he must face it alone. Price: $1.99 SD, $2.99 HD Runtime: 54 minutes Air Date: November 27, 2015
The Doctor and Clara, with their old friend Rigsy, find themselves in a magical alien world, hidden on a street in the heart of London. Price: $1.99 SD, $2.99 HD Runtime: 46 minutes Air Date: November 20, 2015
Bonus Videos -
Fantastic fan edited speculative trailer of past hybrids, to fit the theme of the episode.
Are we really getting Peter Jackson to direct an episode (or hopefully a two-parter) next year or is is all just an elaborate joke? Either way, this was great. https://www.essential.tv/post/view/185
Images and video belong to the BBC. Check out more images from "Hell Bent" at BBC America.
Until the series ends, I'll always be behind adding to this playlist. I had to stop for quite a while, so there's a big gap. Still, there are 170 songs to enjoy.
This is the essence of The Blacklist. Probably my favorite is Disturbed's cover of "Sound of Silence." The scene it played over was one of the most devastating ever in the series.
