It's that time again, as the holiday movie season ramps up for this year. From now until February (when some of the more "arty" films will show up in this area), I'll be sharing some of my thoughts on the movies I've watched. I'll start with one of my favorites of the year.
I was going to write a long glowing review of Wreck-It Ralph, one of my favorite films of the year. Instead, I'd like to point you to my sister's great post about the film. I'll just add a few of my own comments here, then get to talking about the magnificent short Paperman.
One of my favorite parts of the film were how the characters interacted and related to each other. Not just how Ralph, Felix, Vanellope, and Sgt. Calhoun interacted, but also how they interacted with minor characters. A favorite example is the relationship between Ralph and Gene, who is the mayor of Niceland. Although the rest of the Nicelanders clearly don't like Ralph, the relationship between these two is even more strained, which hints at a history. I think (although I'm not certain) that Gene is the guy Ralph throws at the beginning of the level, which would clearly create additional animosity between the two. The fact that this much work is done of such a minor relationship in the game shows how much work went into making this a great film.
Another thing I liked was how they didn't pull punches in the film. Need a heartbreaking betrayal of Vanellope by Ralph? Consider it done, in disturbing fashion. Put both Vanellope and Ralph in jeopardy of dieing? Consider them imperiled. Kill the villian in a way both creative and kind of disturbing? Consider him fried. I'm a bring proponent of the idea that the great movies that children can watch should be a little scary, perhaps even a little disturbing. After all, aren't there scary parts in the Wizard of Oz or Pinocchio?
Between the characters, the acting, the animation, the loving irreverent reverence towards video games, and even the well-done music, Wreck-It Ralph is a real triumph for Walt Disney Animation. But frankly, even if the movie had been mediocre the trip to the theater would have been wasted, because Paperman was an absolute gem of a short.
From it's first frame I was in love with Paperman. Its deft combination of traditional and computer animation was well-done, and I'm a sucker for that (mostly) black & white style. Although I'm a big fan of the written word, I also love it when such a rich story can be told with actions and images, and nary a word is spoken. From the fact that all the workers in the one office save for our protagonist look alike, to one of the paper airplanes pulling a Randy Johnson on a bird flying by, to the love interest's red lipstick adding color to the scenes, it was a true joy.
If you have seen these films, please feel free to comment below. If not, go as soon as you can to your nearest theater. I didn't see the 3D version, watching the regular version both times I've seen it. Unlike most films, I could see 3D working well for Wreck-It Ralph.
Coming Soon: Skyfall, Flight, and Lincoln
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
TV Week: Posted, from Ridge Farm, It's Saturday Morning!
Note: I'm aware that this was posted almost four hours after midnight on Saturday, and that I didn't get a TV Week post done on Friday. This one counts as the Friday post because a) I've yet to go to sleep, so it is still Friday night to me and b) I turned my imaginary clock back to before midnight, all Illinois General Assembly style. Besides, as this is about SNL, it seems appropriate I post on Saturday.
Ask anyone which years of SNL were there favorite and you are likely to get many different answers. If they were born before 1964, it almost assuredly will be the "classic" edition (1975-1980). If they were born after 1964, then it will almost assuredly be the years that fall between when they were 11 and 17. It doesn't matter if that six season blocks includes 1980-1981, 1985-1986, or 1994-1995*. You'll stick up for the years you watched in that age group. As such, I have a soft spot for both the Farley/Sandler/Spade/Schneider years, as well as the beginning of the Ferrell/Morgan/Shannon years. However, for people a few years older than me it would be Lovitz/Hartman/Carvey**, and a few years older than them it would be Murphy and Piscopo. I would guess those who just became legal drinkers fondly remember the Poehler and Myers, as kids just going into high school are sad that Forte, Samberg, and Wiig are no longer on the show.
Anyway, the point of this isn't to discuss which is the best, but to state that I've begun availing myself of the SNL episode runs on Netflix streaming. I actually had started several months ago, but only made it through the first season. After letting it sit in my queue for months, I decided to start back up, with the goal of going through every one up to the most recent in the list.
Unfortunately (of fortunately, depending on the season), only the first five are uncut. From season six on the episodes are edited and cut, most likely removing any sketches and musical acts that would create rights issues. Some episodes appear fairly intact, others are cut to the bone (I saw one latter day episode cut to 17 freaking minutes). On the plus side this will let me get through them quicker. On the minus side, however, I'll miss out on the complete experience, whether good or bad.
Don't worry, I won't be blogging every episode, because that would be far too much. But I might pop in here and there to write about it, particularly as I reach the end of the various cast runs. Expect opinions on whether the "Classic" episodes hold up***, the notorious troubled seasons, and much more.
So stay tuned, and remember in a different timeline I could be talking about thirty-eight seasons of Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell/Dan Dierdorf****
* The usual consensus for the three worst seasons, at least from the 20th century
** Truth be told, this is my favorite group, particularly 1987-1990. I caught the tail end of them, but enjoyed their reruns the most when they aired SNL sixteen hours a day on Comedy Central during college. However, my heart is still with those slightly later groups. My favorite season from that run is actually probably 1995-96, which had a few holdovers from the previous group (Spade, Macdonald, and Meadows) while introducing Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, and Cheri OTeri.
***One season and four episodes in it's been good, but not earth shattering. I didn't expect it to be, considering how what was totally brand new in 1975 is now the bedrock for most of my favorite comedy, and thus rather commonplace. The Muppets kind of suck, though. I think they might deserve their own post at some point, possibly quite soon.
****Of course, in our timeline this show was gone after a season or so, and NBC's Saturday Night was able to add "Live" to its title, giving us our beloved SNL. Since Howard Cosell would probably be dead or retired by now in that alternate timeline, I imagined Dan Dierdorf would take over for him. No basis of fact, I just thought it was funny. It's almost 4AM....why?
Ask anyone which years of SNL were there favorite and you are likely to get many different answers. If they were born before 1964, it almost assuredly will be the "classic" edition (1975-1980). If they were born after 1964, then it will almost assuredly be the years that fall between when they were 11 and 17. It doesn't matter if that six season blocks includes 1980-1981, 1985-1986, or 1994-1995*. You'll stick up for the years you watched in that age group. As such, I have a soft spot for both the Farley/Sandler/Spade/Schneider years, as well as the beginning of the Ferrell/Morgan/Shannon years. However, for people a few years older than me it would be Lovitz/Hartman/Carvey**, and a few years older than them it would be Murphy and Piscopo. I would guess those who just became legal drinkers fondly remember the Poehler and Myers, as kids just going into high school are sad that Forte, Samberg, and Wiig are no longer on the show.
Anyway, the point of this isn't to discuss which is the best, but to state that I've begun availing myself of the SNL episode runs on Netflix streaming. I actually had started several months ago, but only made it through the first season. After letting it sit in my queue for months, I decided to start back up, with the goal of going through every one up to the most recent in the list.
Unfortunately (of fortunately, depending on the season), only the first five are uncut. From season six on the episodes are edited and cut, most likely removing any sketches and musical acts that would create rights issues. Some episodes appear fairly intact, others are cut to the bone (I saw one latter day episode cut to 17 freaking minutes). On the plus side this will let me get through them quicker. On the minus side, however, I'll miss out on the complete experience, whether good or bad.
Don't worry, I won't be blogging every episode, because that would be far too much. But I might pop in here and there to write about it, particularly as I reach the end of the various cast runs. Expect opinions on whether the "Classic" episodes hold up***, the notorious troubled seasons, and much more.
So stay tuned, and remember in a different timeline I could be talking about thirty-eight seasons of Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell/Dan Dierdorf****
* The usual consensus for the three worst seasons, at least from the 20th century
** Truth be told, this is my favorite group, particularly 1987-1990. I caught the tail end of them, but enjoyed their reruns the most when they aired SNL sixteen hours a day on Comedy Central during college. However, my heart is still with those slightly later groups. My favorite season from that run is actually probably 1995-96, which had a few holdovers from the previous group (Spade, Macdonald, and Meadows) while introducing Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, and Cheri OTeri.
***One season and four episodes in it's been good, but not earth shattering. I didn't expect it to be, considering how what was totally brand new in 1975 is now the bedrock for most of my favorite comedy, and thus rather commonplace. The Muppets kind of suck, though. I think they might deserve their own post at some point, possibly quite soon.
****Of course, in our timeline this show was gone after a season or so, and NBC's Saturday Night was able to add "Live" to its title, giving us our beloved SNL. Since Howard Cosell would probably be dead or retired by now in that alternate timeline, I imagined Dan Dierdorf would take over for him. No basis of fact, I just thought it was funny. It's almost 4AM....why?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
My Favorite Seasons of TV: Part Two
The Simpsons: Season Four
This was the toughest one of the bunch to pick. Frankly, any of seasons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 would be worthy for this list. However, one of them stands above the rest just enough to represent what is quite arguably the greatest TV show ever. That season is season four.
Why? Because this is the season with "Marge vs. the Monorail" and "Last Exit to Springfield", two of the most cromulent episodes of the entire run of the show. And other than maybe the clip show, every other episode in this season is top notch. This is the season of "Mr. Plow", "A Streetcar Named Marge", and "Whacking Day". It is the season that began with "Kamp Krusty" and ended with "Krusty Gets Kancelled".
Um...excuse me. The season dealt with issues both thorny (faith) and well-trodden (young love, both done excellently. It is the season of "Can't sleep, clown'll eat me. Can't sleep, clown'll eat me." and "Iron helps us play!"
Hell, even Ralph has his day in the sun, reaching deep down and using heartbreak and humiliation to give one heck of a rendition as George Washington. Sure, some day he'll bend his wookie, but for one episode he was truly more than a joke.
Of course, there are several more great moments, but I don't have much space. Instead, enjoy music clip from "Last Exit to Springfield".
(That oughta hold the little SOBs)
Futurama: Volume Four
Frankly this season would be in the running if "Where No Fan Has Gone Before" and "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings" were the only episodes in this season. However, there were many other episodes, such as the beautifully trippy "The Sting" and "Farnsworth's Parabox". The vitriol towards Fox (or network TV in general) can be felt from "Bender Shouldn't Be Allowed on TV", or the superhero parody "Less Than Hero". Oh yeah, can't forget about "Leela's Homeworld", particularly the ending.
Yep, a truly great set of episodes.
Oh, and we can't forget about this, can we?
Parks and Recreation: Season Three
We are conditioned to think more is better. So when we here a show has its episode count cut, we are worried about how that will affect the show. It has caused problems for some shows, including one that will appear later on this list. However, for Parks and Recreation, I think the abbreviated third season was an asset.
The season can be broken into two parts: the first part which resolves the Harvest Fest arc (filmed at the end of season two), and the nine other episodes, leading up to Leslie's big decision. Somehow the Ron, Leslie, Ben, Chris, and the P & R gang pull off a Harvest Fest, an impromptu wedding, and a beautiful memorial service for a Pawnee institution in those sixteen episodes.
My favorite part of the season has to be how Leslie just totally fights through her flu to give one hell of a presentation for the Harvest Fest. Somehow, I was as pumped watching that as Ben seemed to be, both simultaneously remembering Michael Jordan's lit-er-ally ill performance in the NBA Finals. Of course, I remembered this was a TV show, and that wasn't real. Unless Amy Poehler was actually sick during those scenes. If so, that would totally be method.
Community: Season Two
Each season of Community has had its moments. I'm sure even the upcoming Harmonless season will have great episodes and scenes. But by far my most favorite of the three currently produced seasons is season two. I suppose it is because this season had the greatest number of favorite episodes.
What can I say? "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" has made my annual holiday show and film rotation. I'm a sucker for fake clip shows, like "Paradigms of Human Memory", and any show that promises a Pulp Fiction take-off, but delivers My Dinner With Andre instead is a winner (especially if the episode is good). And that is before I even mention "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons", which achieved that precarious balance of nerd wanking that was also heartfelt and earnest. Yep, no one can say season two was part of the darkest timeline.
The West Wing: Season Two
The second season of The West Wing picks right up where the first season left off, as we discover who had been shot outside the Newseum. It doesn't stop until the "Cliffhanger that wasn't really a cliffhanger, didn't you see Jed put his hands in his pockets?" In between, a friend helps Josh find his way out of a hole, and the White House celebrates the pursuit of science, even if the scientific mission failed. A noble senator stands up for his grandson in a far more sympathetic filibuster than most of crap that happens in real life. And all the while, Toby figures out the big secret 17 people know, and we're off on the road to "Two Cathedrals". It is my opinion that "17 People" to "Two Cathedrals" is the best five episode run of any show I've ever seen. If you've watched them and disagree, I can respect that. But if you haven't because you are afraid or can't be bothered, then I don't even want to know you.
Arrested Development: Season Two
I have to admit, this show is hard to sell to people. On the surface it's "plot" (a formerly rich and powerful family rebuilds after the head of the family goes to jail) isn't that enticing. Much of the humor is so densely packed, that it requires multiple viewings to get so many of the jokes.* Unless you've watched it so often that you've almost memorized it, it requires attention. I get all that, but it doesn't matter. This is the best comedy of the 2000s, and one of the best ever.
All three seasons have plenty to offer, but clearly season two stands above the others. Season one was just a warm up, whereas season three started to get a bit sloppy, although still quite sharp. But season two...season two is like all the juice you can drink.
My favorite episode of this season is "Good Grief", which is nestled in the early middle of the season. My favorite part of the episode (and this was tough to pick) is probably George Micheal's sad walk set to "Christmastime is here".
I'd include more clips, but I'm pretty sure after a while I'd include the entire episode, plus most of several episodes around it. Just go check them out for yourself, OK? As your resident maritime lawyer, Chareth Cutestory recommends it.
Honorable Mention: Star Trek: TNG: Season Four, Star Trek: DS9: Season Five, Newsradio: Season Four, Louie: Season Two
*It took me several times watching to realize there was a Henry Winkler "jumping the shark" joke in one episode. And this was one of the more obvious ones.
This was the toughest one of the bunch to pick. Frankly, any of seasons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 would be worthy for this list. However, one of them stands above the rest just enough to represent what is quite arguably the greatest TV show ever. That season is season four.
Why? Because this is the season with "Marge vs. the Monorail" and "Last Exit to Springfield", two of the most cromulent episodes of the entire run of the show. And other than maybe the clip show, every other episode in this season is top notch. This is the season of "Mr. Plow", "A Streetcar Named Marge", and "Whacking Day". It is the season that began with "Kamp Krusty" and ended with "Krusty Gets Kancelled".
GABBO!
GABBO!
GABBO!
Um...excuse me. The season dealt with issues both thorny (faith) and well-trodden (young love, both done excellently. It is the season of "Can't sleep, clown'll eat me. Can't sleep, clown'll eat me." and "Iron helps us play!"
Hell, even Ralph has his day in the sun, reaching deep down and using heartbreak and humiliation to give one heck of a rendition as George Washington. Sure, some day he'll bend his wookie, but for one episode he was truly more than a joke.
Of course, there are several more great moments, but I don't have much space. Instead, enjoy music clip from "Last Exit to Springfield".
(That oughta hold the little SOBs)
Futurama: Volume Four
Frankly this season would be in the running if "Where No Fan Has Gone Before" and "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings" were the only episodes in this season. However, there were many other episodes, such as the beautifully trippy "The Sting" and "Farnsworth's Parabox". The vitriol towards Fox (or network TV in general) can be felt from "Bender Shouldn't Be Allowed on TV", or the superhero parody "Less Than Hero". Oh yeah, can't forget about "Leela's Homeworld", particularly the ending.
Yep, a truly great set of episodes.
Oh, and we can't forget about this, can we?
Parks and Recreation: Season Three
We are conditioned to think more is better. So when we here a show has its episode count cut, we are worried about how that will affect the show. It has caused problems for some shows, including one that will appear later on this list. However, for Parks and Recreation, I think the abbreviated third season was an asset.
The season can be broken into two parts: the first part which resolves the Harvest Fest arc (filmed at the end of season two), and the nine other episodes, leading up to Leslie's big decision. Somehow the Ron, Leslie, Ben, Chris, and the P & R gang pull off a Harvest Fest, an impromptu wedding, and a beautiful memorial service for a Pawnee institution in those sixteen episodes.
My favorite part of the season has to be how Leslie just totally fights through her flu to give one hell of a presentation for the Harvest Fest. Somehow, I was as pumped watching that as Ben seemed to be, both simultaneously remembering Michael Jordan's lit-er-ally ill performance in the NBA Finals. Of course, I remembered this was a TV show, and that wasn't real. Unless Amy Poehler was actually sick during those scenes. If so, that would totally be method.
Community: Season Two
Each season of Community has had its moments. I'm sure even the upcoming Harmonless season will have great episodes and scenes. But by far my most favorite of the three currently produced seasons is season two. I suppose it is because this season had the greatest number of favorite episodes.
What can I say? "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" has made my annual holiday show and film rotation. I'm a sucker for fake clip shows, like "Paradigms of Human Memory", and any show that promises a Pulp Fiction take-off, but delivers My Dinner With Andre instead is a winner (especially if the episode is good). And that is before I even mention "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons", which achieved that precarious balance of nerd wanking that was also heartfelt and earnest. Yep, no one can say season two was part of the darkest timeline.
The West Wing: Season Two
The second season of The West Wing picks right up where the first season left off, as we discover who had been shot outside the Newseum. It doesn't stop until the "Cliffhanger that wasn't really a cliffhanger, didn't you see Jed put his hands in his pockets?" In between, a friend helps Josh find his way out of a hole, and the White House celebrates the pursuit of science, even if the scientific mission failed. A noble senator stands up for his grandson in a far more sympathetic filibuster than most of crap that happens in real life. And all the while, Toby figures out the big secret 17 people know, and we're off on the road to "Two Cathedrals". It is my opinion that "17 People" to "Two Cathedrals" is the best five episode run of any show I've ever seen. If you've watched them and disagree, I can respect that. But if you haven't because you are afraid or can't be bothered, then I don't even want to know you.
Arrested Development: Season Two
I have to admit, this show is hard to sell to people. On the surface it's "plot" (a formerly rich and powerful family rebuilds after the head of the family goes to jail) isn't that enticing. Much of the humor is so densely packed, that it requires multiple viewings to get so many of the jokes.* Unless you've watched it so often that you've almost memorized it, it requires attention. I get all that, but it doesn't matter. This is the best comedy of the 2000s, and one of the best ever.
All three seasons have plenty to offer, but clearly season two stands above the others. Season one was just a warm up, whereas season three started to get a bit sloppy, although still quite sharp. But season two...season two is like all the juice you can drink.
My favorite episode of this season is "Good Grief", which is nestled in the early middle of the season. My favorite part of the episode (and this was tough to pick) is probably George Micheal's sad walk set to "Christmastime is here".
I'd include more clips, but I'm pretty sure after a while I'd include the entire episode, plus most of several episodes around it. Just go check them out for yourself, OK? As your resident maritime lawyer, Chareth Cutestory recommends it.
Honorable Mention: Star Trek: TNG: Season Four, Star Trek: DS9: Season Five, Newsradio: Season Four, Louie: Season Two
*It took me several times watching to realize there was a Henry Winkler "jumping the shark" joke in one episode. And this was one of the more obvious ones.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
TV Week begins: My Favorite Seasons of TV
From Tuesday through Friday, I'll be writing a post each day about TV. Why? Because I like writing and thinking about TV. Oh, and it's about time for new shows to return to the big four networks (and NBC*). Also, because Blogger's stats have shown people like reading my TV posts.**
Anyway, we begin with a list of my favorite seasons of TV.
For most TV shows, even in this age of serialization, a season is merely a business unit. A production schedule that says when new episodes are aired, and when they are replaced by reruns or a inconsequential and terrible summer reality show. Most people look at a show, and judge it on an episode to episode basis. Occasionally, some people will comment if a season was particularly full of great episodes, or was a complete departure from a previous season (good or bad). And of course there are the shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Game of Thrones which are heavily serialized, so a season is like a book and its episodes are a chapters.
Being that I am not most people, I have a tendency to obsess over not only episodes, but seasons. This is true even for shows that aren't (or weren't) serialized at all, like The Simpsons or Newsradio. I like to compare a particular season of a show with another season, or occasionally compare a season of one show up against the rest of the seasons of TV I've ever watched. I am not a huge fan of ranking shows from best to worst, most to least, or some other metric. However, I do like creating collections of seasons that I consider the best of the show as a whole, or even the best I've ever seen.
It is with this in mind that I share my list of favorite seasons of all time. The rules are few and fairly simple.
1. Only one season per show. For some shows (Arrested Development) this isn't too hard, but others (The Simpsons), it can be pretty tough.
2. When I think of a TV show, the season has to stick out in my mind. As much as I love Breaking Bad and Mad Men, not a single season on either show separates itself from the others. This is not a bad thing, as it means all of the seasons are of a considerable high quality. It just means that I don't have a favorite.
3. Shows must have at least three seasons to qualify. In other words, I apologize in advance to any aggrieved Browncoats***.
4. For the purpose of this list, season whatever I associate more to be a comprehensive season. This should be known as the Futurama rule. In the case of that show, the "fourth season" means the fourth volume of the DVDs. These episodes were actually was split over two actual broadcast seasons. However, I became fully acquainted with them on the DVDs, and as such that is how I will treat them.
5. It should go without saying that this only applies to shows I have watched in their entirety, their currently available entirety, or at least a large enough body of their entirety to make an accurate assessment.
With those rules in mind, let's get started!
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Three
Some people feel quite strongly the show went downhill after the Scoobies graduated from high school. While there is still plenty to recommend about the last four seasons of the show, there is no doubt that season three was the high point for the show. A big part of this is due to the season having the best big bad of the bunch in The Mayor. Unlike other seasons of the show, season three was consistent in tone, character traits, and quality. Also, this season had one of my favorite episodes, "The Zeppo", so that counts for something.
Angel: Season Five
Many shows get canceled well before their time, leaving fans to commiserate about what might have been****. Other shows hit the opposite extreme, limping along from season to season until every character has been married, won the lottery, or died of a heart attack*****. It is a rare show that ends it runs on a high note. After an enjoyable, but at times messy fourth season, Angel rebounded with a vengeance. It made troublesome or borderline annoying characters from BtVS awesome (either again or for the first time). It had that wonderful Whedon mixture of humor and senseless tragedy. It promised demon fighting brothers who were also Mexican wrestlers, foul mouthed demon puppets, and a not-annoying Connor, and somehow delivered on all three. And the ending of the last episode...that had to be one of the most thematically appropriate endings to a series I've ever seen.
The Office (US): Season Three
Yes, young ones, there was a time when Jim and Pam's relationship wasn't incredibly dull, and they were actually likeable. There was a time when Dwight wasn't such a cartoon, and was occasionally even sympathetic. Hell, Andy was even occasionally funny, but nowhere near as funny as that clueless Michael Scott. The awful British lady and fat James Spader were nowhere to be found. Ryan was still a dick, but a relevant dick. There was no Gabe, and Dunder-Mifflin was an independent company, with corporate officers who were actually interesting. Ann Perkins from Parks and Recreation was on the show, and she actually brought complications to Jim and Pam's relationship, which wasn't as yet consummated. Sure, Creed and Stanley were still funny, but so were Angela and Kevin on occasion. The show was funny, the cast was likeable, and it was well written, directed, and produced. So when we reminisce about those days, as that god-awful The Farm enters its sixteenth season, please turn off your holoproj of Office Babies and watch this crusty old video and see what we mean.
Moral Orel: Season Three
For two seasons, Moral Orel was a funny, often pointed and biting satire of fundamentalist Christianity. It centered around a young sinner named Orel, who in all respects seemed to be a genuinely good person who tried to be a good Christian, as well as a good son, brother, friend, and citizen. Even if that meant raising the dead, drinking his own urine, or helping the "slow" kid unlearn all that sciency crap. While Orel, and a few other characters as well, were treated with sympathy, the townsfolk and his parents were mainly their as foils, used to show the hypocrisy of extremism and absolutism, no matter the stripe. If those two seasons were alone, it would have still been an enjoyable Adult Swim show.
And then the third season happened.
In many ways, the seeds were sown from the beginning, as the first episode aired by Cartoon Network, "The Best Christmas Ever", was incredibly depressing. But the two part second season finale, "Nature" took it up another notch. Frankly, that was one of the darkest pieces of television I have ever seen.
Season three took it from there, weaving a connected story of the people of Moralton through its thirteen episodes. There are long parts of most episodes where there isn't much that is funny. Instead, we see into the lives of the people, and the vast majority of them are lonely, troubled, and in need of serious help. So many of them try to live up to the ideals of their church and society, despite it causing them so much grief and self-doubt. Even Orel himself comes to have doubts, wondering (justifiably so, given the events of "Nature") whether or not there is anything about his father that is worth honoring. Though few and far between, there are a few moments of clarity and healing for some of the people of Moralton. However, these require the people transcending the strictures of their extremist society and taking a more open and compassionate view towards their fellow man.
Despite all the darkness, the grief and the loneliness, the series ends on a hopeful note. Apparently there were seven scripts that were never produced, the show canceled before they could get any further. To me, that's a damn shame, although I probably represent about 17% of the fan club for the show.
=============
This is getting much longer than I intended it to be. In the interest of staving off
"tl;dr"s, I'm going to pick this up again tomorrow. Don't worry, this won't count as tomorrow's piece. Also, don't worry about this list being front-loaded. Many of my all time favorites will be in the list tomorrow as well.
*BURN! Oh wait, a few of my favorite shows are on NBC, and they are about to be canceled. Now I made myself sad.
**Or they like bouncing immediately elsewhere, because there are no nude photos of stars of a tagged show.
***But hey, two other Whedon shows qualify! And wasn't The Avengers a damn fine movie?
****Freaks and Geeks, Firefly, Luck
*****The Office (US), Family Guy, and Roseanne. The Simpsons should probably be on this list, but while far from the quality of their golden years, it still can sometimes knock a homer out of the park.
Anyway, we begin with a list of my favorite seasons of TV.
For most TV shows, even in this age of serialization, a season is merely a business unit. A production schedule that says when new episodes are aired, and when they are replaced by reruns or a inconsequential and terrible summer reality show. Most people look at a show, and judge it on an episode to episode basis. Occasionally, some people will comment if a season was particularly full of great episodes, or was a complete departure from a previous season (good or bad). And of course there are the shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Game of Thrones which are heavily serialized, so a season is like a book and its episodes are a chapters.
Being that I am not most people, I have a tendency to obsess over not only episodes, but seasons. This is true even for shows that aren't (or weren't) serialized at all, like The Simpsons or Newsradio. I like to compare a particular season of a show with another season, or occasionally compare a season of one show up against the rest of the seasons of TV I've ever watched. I am not a huge fan of ranking shows from best to worst, most to least, or some other metric. However, I do like creating collections of seasons that I consider the best of the show as a whole, or even the best I've ever seen.
It is with this in mind that I share my list of favorite seasons of all time. The rules are few and fairly simple.
1. Only one season per show. For some shows (Arrested Development) this isn't too hard, but others (The Simpsons), it can be pretty tough.
2. When I think of a TV show, the season has to stick out in my mind. As much as I love Breaking Bad and Mad Men, not a single season on either show separates itself from the others. This is not a bad thing, as it means all of the seasons are of a considerable high quality. It just means that I don't have a favorite.
3. Shows must have at least three seasons to qualify. In other words, I apologize in advance to any aggrieved Browncoats***.
4. For the purpose of this list, season whatever I associate more to be a comprehensive season. This should be known as the Futurama rule. In the case of that show, the "fourth season" means the fourth volume of the DVDs. These episodes were actually was split over two actual broadcast seasons. However, I became fully acquainted with them on the DVDs, and as such that is how I will treat them.
5. It should go without saying that this only applies to shows I have watched in their entirety, their currently available entirety, or at least a large enough body of their entirety to make an accurate assessment.
With those rules in mind, let's get started!
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Three
Some people feel quite strongly the show went downhill after the Scoobies graduated from high school. While there is still plenty to recommend about the last four seasons of the show, there is no doubt that season three was the high point for the show. A big part of this is due to the season having the best big bad of the bunch in The Mayor. Unlike other seasons of the show, season three was consistent in tone, character traits, and quality. Also, this season had one of my favorite episodes, "The Zeppo", so that counts for something.
Angel: Season Five
Many shows get canceled well before their time, leaving fans to commiserate about what might have been****. Other shows hit the opposite extreme, limping along from season to season until every character has been married, won the lottery, or died of a heart attack*****. It is a rare show that ends it runs on a high note. After an enjoyable, but at times messy fourth season, Angel rebounded with a vengeance. It made troublesome or borderline annoying characters from BtVS awesome (either again or for the first time). It had that wonderful Whedon mixture of humor and senseless tragedy. It promised demon fighting brothers who were also Mexican wrestlers, foul mouthed demon puppets, and a not-annoying Connor, and somehow delivered on all three. And the ending of the last episode...that had to be one of the most thematically appropriate endings to a series I've ever seen.
The Office (US): Season Three
Yes, young ones, there was a time when Jim and Pam's relationship wasn't incredibly dull, and they were actually likeable. There was a time when Dwight wasn't such a cartoon, and was occasionally even sympathetic. Hell, Andy was even occasionally funny, but nowhere near as funny as that clueless Michael Scott. The awful British lady and fat James Spader were nowhere to be found. Ryan was still a dick, but a relevant dick. There was no Gabe, and Dunder-Mifflin was an independent company, with corporate officers who were actually interesting. Ann Perkins from Parks and Recreation was on the show, and she actually brought complications to Jim and Pam's relationship, which wasn't as yet consummated. Sure, Creed and Stanley were still funny, but so were Angela and Kevin on occasion. The show was funny, the cast was likeable, and it was well written, directed, and produced. So when we reminisce about those days, as that god-awful The Farm enters its sixteenth season, please turn off your holoproj of Office Babies and watch this crusty old video and see what we mean.
Moral Orel: Season Three
For two seasons, Moral Orel was a funny, often pointed and biting satire of fundamentalist Christianity. It centered around a young sinner named Orel, who in all respects seemed to be a genuinely good person who tried to be a good Christian, as well as a good son, brother, friend, and citizen. Even if that meant raising the dead, drinking his own urine, or helping the "slow" kid unlearn all that sciency crap. While Orel, and a few other characters as well, were treated with sympathy, the townsfolk and his parents were mainly their as foils, used to show the hypocrisy of extremism and absolutism, no matter the stripe. If those two seasons were alone, it would have still been an enjoyable Adult Swim show.
And then the third season happened.
In many ways, the seeds were sown from the beginning, as the first episode aired by Cartoon Network, "The Best Christmas Ever", was incredibly depressing. But the two part second season finale, "Nature" took it up another notch. Frankly, that was one of the darkest pieces of television I have ever seen.
Season three took it from there, weaving a connected story of the people of Moralton through its thirteen episodes. There are long parts of most episodes where there isn't much that is funny. Instead, we see into the lives of the people, and the vast majority of them are lonely, troubled, and in need of serious help. So many of them try to live up to the ideals of their church and society, despite it causing them so much grief and self-doubt. Even Orel himself comes to have doubts, wondering (justifiably so, given the events of "Nature") whether or not there is anything about his father that is worth honoring. Though few and far between, there are a few moments of clarity and healing for some of the people of Moralton. However, these require the people transcending the strictures of their extremist society and taking a more open and compassionate view towards their fellow man.
Despite all the darkness, the grief and the loneliness, the series ends on a hopeful note. Apparently there were seven scripts that were never produced, the show canceled before they could get any further. To me, that's a damn shame, although I probably represent about 17% of the fan club for the show.
=============
This is getting much longer than I intended it to be. In the interest of staving off
"tl;dr"s, I'm going to pick this up again tomorrow. Don't worry, this won't count as tomorrow's piece. Also, don't worry about this list being front-loaded. Many of my all time favorites will be in the list tomorrow as well.
*BURN! Oh wait, a few of my favorite shows are on NBC, and they are about to be canceled. Now I made myself sad.
**Or they like bouncing immediately elsewhere, because there are no nude photos of stars of a tagged show.
***But hey, two other Whedon shows qualify! And wasn't The Avengers a damn fine movie?
****Freaks and Geeks, Firefly, Luck
*****The Office (US), Family Guy, and Roseanne. The Simpsons should probably be on this list, but while far from the quality of their golden years, it still can sometimes knock a homer out of the park.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Newsroom
SPOILER ALERT: There will be spoilers for The Newsroom in this post.
I was going to wait until after the season finale to discuss the latest show from Aaron Sorkin. However, I changed my mind after watching the penultimate episode of the first season tonight, and reading Scott Tobias' latest review of the show. Frankly, I felt like I couldn't wait, and the last episode of the season is quite unlikely to change my opinion.
The West Wing is one of my favorite shows of all time, and Sports Night isn't too far behind. I've enjoyed all of the movies Sorkin has written that I've watched, and I still think the pilot of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was one of the best pilots I've ever seen. In short, I'm most certainly a fan of the guys work.
I enjoyed The Social Network and Moneyball, so it was natural I'd be excited for The Newsroom. It being on HBO added to the excitement, as after all "It's not TV, it's HBO". On top of that, it was about a news show trying to stand up and restore the integrity and power of the fourth estate, a cause that I believe in strongly. In short, I was looking very much forward to its debut after Game of Thrones wrapped up for another season. Obviously, expectations were running very high.
So I watched the first episode and it was...OK. Unlike many critics throughout the internet world, I wasn't instantly hateful of the show, but I could clearly see it was not living up to its potential. I dearly hoped it would get better. And it did...eventually.
By the later half of the season, I was liking a lot of what they were doing. Sure, the relationshiptriangle quadrangle between Don, Maggie, Jim, and Lisa was still insufferable, as was the whole Will/MacKenzie troubled past crap. And the shows tendency to play second guessing on real stories* made me so glad The West Wing and Sportsnight existed in mostly fictional timelines. But the whole plot between Charlie and Corporate has been well executed, and when they actually do, y'know, news the show works well. Episode eight had been a fine episode, further fleshing out the TMI/Lansing/Newsnight storyline and setting up a typical Sorkin abandonment of ideals, then regrouping scenario. Sure, the idea that Newsnight 2.0 would lose 50% of its voters to an awful howler monkey screeching about Casey Anthony**, and Neal came off as a bit awful in his quest to be a master troll. But it was fine, even given the "miracle blackout".
As expected as it was, I still love Sorkin's "stumble and redeem" arcs. I loved "Let Bartlet be Bartlet" and "Mary Pat Shelby". I knew this would be one of those types of episodes, and in fact I kind of guessed how he'd do it. The big important debate format would be rejected by the hot-headed GOP official, making their wallow in the filth of Casey Anthony and Anthony Wiener's...um...picture worth very little. Having lost that battle, they decide to recommit, and do real news again. Obviously, this would lose viewers, and give Jane Fonda a reason to fire Will.
For a few glorious moments in the episode, it appeared that I would be wrong, and Sorkin had come up with a brilliant way to redeem the team. They would use the blackout to their advantage, doing a seat of their pants broadcast outside. As MacKenzie and the team got fired up for this, I was really looking forward to a taught, tense hour of TV as they tried to put on a news show outside. Of course, until the buildup clearly showed they were going for a joke on this. A fucking joke.
Granted, I did laugh, but I'm not sure if I felt it was truly funny, or I was just trying to find it funny. I tried to find it entertaining, through the obvious debate format setup (right down to the sensible, older moderate Republican and hard-headed vengeance seeking young radical conservative, the latter of which had the power of refusal)***. I tried to rationalize the romantic entanglements that made up far too much of this episode, which should have focused again on the news and not fluffy shit. I even tried to enjoy Neal's trolling attempt, hoping it was going to lead to him trying to get through into Anonymous (and thus segue into season two with OWS and the likes). Instead, I don't know what the hell he is doing, going deeper into the hole and trying to involve a bodyguard and death threats in his trolling. Both Jim and Will try to play Josh Lyman/Dan Rydell in the episode, and it really doesn't fit well. And the less said about Lisa's digression into a soapbox speech on abortion in the middle of her Casey Anthony related interview the better.
Frankly, I've gotten more down on this episode as I think more about it, especially after the AVClub review brought up the "could have been" of the blackout show. I truly feel there are parts I've enjoyed, but far too much has been stuff I almost feel like I am trying to enjoy it. I do so because I want so badly to like it.
I want so badly to the like the show because I enjoy TV shows, movies, music, and books that make real points about life and our society's institutions, provided they are also entertaining. It's why Parks and Recreation is my favorite show currently running. It's why I love Deep Space Nine (and Star Trek in general). It's why I loved The West Wing and Moral Orel. Sure, I enjoy shows that are entertaining without great meaning, but that meaning is a nice salty, savory, or even bitter counterbalance to the sweet entertainment.
Most of all, I want so badly to like this show, because I want to justify my continuing to watch it. Right now there are far too many great shows on. I only have so much entertainment time in a day, and only a fraction of that is devoted to TV (and current shows at that). I'm sure I'll watch next season, but if it continues to disappoint like this night's episode, I might not be around for long. Basically what keeps me here is the bigger picture part of the show and Sam Waterston's performance as Charlie. Oh, and the hope, however forlorn, that Sorkin can do this again:
* Hey look, Maggie knows an attendant to the prime minister of Austria! Now we can get the scoop on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand! Oh, and Jim knows Clemenceau's great nephew? BULLY! We'll stop this war yet!
** Seriously, the kind of people who would love Newsnight 2.0 are the same kind of people who would HATE shows like Nancy Grace. I could see them moving to Anderson Cooper, or some other not Fox News show talking about Casey Anthony, but not Nancy Grace. Also, the debt ceiling was not being ignored, just badly reported upon.
*** I totally believe the debates should be more about making candidates defend their positions and answer the damn questions, and not use them as pivots to their talking points. After all it is a debate, and not a freaking joint press conference. Still, the "Newsnight Fantastic Super Revolutionary Debate Format", which was merely Will interrupting the candidates and yelling at them, probably is not the optimal format.
I was going to wait until after the season finale to discuss the latest show from Aaron Sorkin. However, I changed my mind after watching the penultimate episode of the first season tonight, and reading Scott Tobias' latest review of the show. Frankly, I felt like I couldn't wait, and the last episode of the season is quite unlikely to change my opinion.
The West Wing is one of my favorite shows of all time, and Sports Night isn't too far behind. I've enjoyed all of the movies Sorkin has written that I've watched, and I still think the pilot of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was one of the best pilots I've ever seen. In short, I'm most certainly a fan of the guys work.
I enjoyed The Social Network and Moneyball, so it was natural I'd be excited for The Newsroom. It being on HBO added to the excitement, as after all "It's not TV, it's HBO". On top of that, it was about a news show trying to stand up and restore the integrity and power of the fourth estate, a cause that I believe in strongly. In short, I was looking very much forward to its debut after Game of Thrones wrapped up for another season. Obviously, expectations were running very high.
So I watched the first episode and it was...OK. Unlike many critics throughout the internet world, I wasn't instantly hateful of the show, but I could clearly see it was not living up to its potential. I dearly hoped it would get better. And it did...eventually.
By the later half of the season, I was liking a lot of what they were doing. Sure, the relationship
As expected as it was, I still love Sorkin's "stumble and redeem" arcs. I loved "Let Bartlet be Bartlet" and "Mary Pat Shelby". I knew this would be one of those types of episodes, and in fact I kind of guessed how he'd do it. The big important debate format would be rejected by the hot-headed GOP official, making their wallow in the filth of Casey Anthony and Anthony Wiener's...um...picture worth very little. Having lost that battle, they decide to recommit, and do real news again. Obviously, this would lose viewers, and give Jane Fonda a reason to fire Will.
For a few glorious moments in the episode, it appeared that I would be wrong, and Sorkin had come up with a brilliant way to redeem the team. They would use the blackout to their advantage, doing a seat of their pants broadcast outside. As MacKenzie and the team got fired up for this, I was really looking forward to a taught, tense hour of TV as they tried to put on a news show outside. Of course, until the buildup clearly showed they were going for a joke on this. A fucking joke.
Granted, I did laugh, but I'm not sure if I felt it was truly funny, or I was just trying to find it funny. I tried to find it entertaining, through the obvious debate format setup (right down to the sensible, older moderate Republican and hard-headed vengeance seeking young radical conservative, the latter of which had the power of refusal)***. I tried to rationalize the romantic entanglements that made up far too much of this episode, which should have focused again on the news and not fluffy shit. I even tried to enjoy Neal's trolling attempt, hoping it was going to lead to him trying to get through into Anonymous (and thus segue into season two with OWS and the likes). Instead, I don't know what the hell he is doing, going deeper into the hole and trying to involve a bodyguard and death threats in his trolling. Both Jim and Will try to play Josh Lyman/Dan Rydell in the episode, and it really doesn't fit well. And the less said about Lisa's digression into a soapbox speech on abortion in the middle of her Casey Anthony related interview the better.
Frankly, I've gotten more down on this episode as I think more about it, especially after the AVClub review brought up the "could have been" of the blackout show. I truly feel there are parts I've enjoyed, but far too much has been stuff I almost feel like I am trying to enjoy it. I do so because I want so badly to like it.
I want so badly to the like the show because I enjoy TV shows, movies, music, and books that make real points about life and our society's institutions, provided they are also entertaining. It's why Parks and Recreation is my favorite show currently running. It's why I love Deep Space Nine (and Star Trek in general). It's why I loved The West Wing and Moral Orel. Sure, I enjoy shows that are entertaining without great meaning, but that meaning is a nice salty, savory, or even bitter counterbalance to the sweet entertainment.
Most of all, I want so badly to like this show, because I want to justify my continuing to watch it. Right now there are far too many great shows on. I only have so much entertainment time in a day, and only a fraction of that is devoted to TV (and current shows at that). I'm sure I'll watch next season, but if it continues to disappoint like this night's episode, I might not be around for long. Basically what keeps me here is the bigger picture part of the show and Sam Waterston's performance as Charlie. Oh, and the hope, however forlorn, that Sorkin can do this again:
* Hey look, Maggie knows an attendant to the prime minister of Austria! Now we can get the scoop on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand! Oh, and Jim knows Clemenceau's great nephew? BULLY! We'll stop this war yet!
** Seriously, the kind of people who would love Newsnight 2.0 are the same kind of people who would HATE shows like Nancy Grace. I could see them moving to Anderson Cooper, or some other not Fox News show talking about Casey Anthony, but not Nancy Grace. Also, the debt ceiling was not being ignored, just badly reported upon.
*** I totally believe the debates should be more about making candidates defend their positions and answer the damn questions, and not use them as pivots to their talking points. After all it is a debate, and not a freaking joint press conference. Still, the "Newsnight Fantastic Super Revolutionary Debate Format", which was merely Will interrupting the candidates and yelling at them, probably is not the optimal format.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Cautiously Optimistic: The 2012 Chicago Bears
On the eve of the Bears first preseason game against Peyton Manning and the Colts Broncos*, I'm not quite sure how to feel. For the first time in my Bears fandom they actually have a Quarterback worth caring about, as well as real wide receiver. Forte got his contract, and should be happy and ready to go. The defense, though its core is still rather old, looks like it will be solid again. By god, they might actually be contenders.
Nonetheless, I am trying to remain rather cautious in my optimism. I can't help but think back to that San Diego game last year. For the first time in a long time, the Bears looked like a real contender, a team that could actually do something. Cutler was tearing apart the Chargers, and a second straight playoff berth looked almost like a sure thing. Then Johnny Knox slipped, the Chargers intercepted Cutler's pass, and he made a touchdown saving tackle. Cutler broke his thumb on the tackle, and the season changed irrevocably. From there, the Bears went from one of their best games in at least five years, to two of their most embarrassing losses ever**.
Hopefully things will be better this year. Mike Martz is gone, and Cutler has his receiver in Brandon Marshall and his QB coach in Jeremy Bates. Mike Tice's offense should hopefully be tailored to his talents, and minimize the mistakes of the offensive line. With luck the Bears offense won't take half a season to get in gear. If not, the early season schedule might leave them in a hole.
At first glance the first eight games look easier than the last eight. They start with Colts, and play the Rams and Jaguars as well. The Packers and Lions are by far the two toughest opponents in the first half. They have four home games and four away games, so that shouldn't affect them much.
However, the thing that worries me are all the night games. After experiencing so many dreadful Bears performances on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights, I tend to dread these games. Sure, some of the greatest Bears moments have happened under the lights. So have far too many drubbings, including several by the hated Packers. Guess who there first prime-time opponent is? To add to the miserable mess, it's a Thursday night NFL Network game, my least favorite type of NFL game.
Sure, they begin the back half of the season with an NBC/ESPN prime-time back to back against the Texans and 49ers. But once those are done, they finish the season with six day games, with only one at this time scheduled for late afternoon.*** The back half does appear to be against tougher opponents, so not starting in a hole makes it that much more important.
In the end, this is the most excited for a Bears season I've been since at least 2006. Still, I am trying to tamp down my enthusiasm and remain cautiously optimistic. After all, the Packers are still a terrible matchup for the Bears, and the Lions don't look any less tough than they were last year. I'm sure even the Vikings have found a few ways to improve. Here's to another great season of football.
Oh yeah, my prediction? The Bears go 5-3 to start the season, and 5-3 in the back half. While it leaves them behind the Packers, they beat the Lions out of the playoffs, winning the Wild Card round and losing in the Divisional round. The Packers and Texans will win their conferences, and the Packers will beat the Texans, who are just happy to have made it that far.****
*Have to say it feels weird to type that. Seriously, I almost typed Colts based on muscle memory, even though I spent the previous thirty seconds telling myself to type Broncos.
**I think that 10-3 loss to the Chiefs was the worst game I had the misfortune to ever watch. Yes, it was worse than the dreadful Wannstedt years, worse than the 2003 season opener against the 49ers, even worse than anything involving Chad Hutchinson, Henry Burris, Johnathan Quinn, or Caleb Hanie's other games. And although most of the game the defense performed admirably, that Denver game wasn't much better. I think Marion Barber just fumbled again. Or did he go out of bounds?
***Unlike prime time games, I actually like the late afternoon game. Especially late in the season, it means the Bears are having a season worth watching. Or they are playing a meaningless game in Seattle or Oakland. Either way it is still better than those NFL Network games. In addition, the most amazing two week span of the last 23 years for the Bears (2001 against the 49ers and Browns) took place during the late afternoon games.
****Pre-emptive apologies to the Texans fans for your upcoming 5-11 season. No apologies for you Packers fan, you get what you deserve.
Nonetheless, I am trying to remain rather cautious in my optimism. I can't help but think back to that San Diego game last year. For the first time in a long time, the Bears looked like a real contender, a team that could actually do something. Cutler was tearing apart the Chargers, and a second straight playoff berth looked almost like a sure thing. Then Johnny Knox slipped, the Chargers intercepted Cutler's pass, and he made a touchdown saving tackle. Cutler broke his thumb on the tackle, and the season changed irrevocably. From there, the Bears went from one of their best games in at least five years, to two of their most embarrassing losses ever**.
Hopefully things will be better this year. Mike Martz is gone, and Cutler has his receiver in Brandon Marshall and his QB coach in Jeremy Bates. Mike Tice's offense should hopefully be tailored to his talents, and minimize the mistakes of the offensive line. With luck the Bears offense won't take half a season to get in gear. If not, the early season schedule might leave them in a hole.
At first glance the first eight games look easier than the last eight. They start with Colts, and play the Rams and Jaguars as well. The Packers and Lions are by far the two toughest opponents in the first half. They have four home games and four away games, so that shouldn't affect them much.
However, the thing that worries me are all the night games. After experiencing so many dreadful Bears performances on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights, I tend to dread these games. Sure, some of the greatest Bears moments have happened under the lights. So have far too many drubbings, including several by the hated Packers. Guess who there first prime-time opponent is? To add to the miserable mess, it's a Thursday night NFL Network game, my least favorite type of NFL game.
Sure, they begin the back half of the season with an NBC/ESPN prime-time back to back against the Texans and 49ers. But once those are done, they finish the season with six day games, with only one at this time scheduled for late afternoon.*** The back half does appear to be against tougher opponents, so not starting in a hole makes it that much more important.
In the end, this is the most excited for a Bears season I've been since at least 2006. Still, I am trying to tamp down my enthusiasm and remain cautiously optimistic. After all, the Packers are still a terrible matchup for the Bears, and the Lions don't look any less tough than they were last year. I'm sure even the Vikings have found a few ways to improve. Here's to another great season of football.
Oh yeah, my prediction? The Bears go 5-3 to start the season, and 5-3 in the back half. While it leaves them behind the Packers, they beat the Lions out of the playoffs, winning the Wild Card round and losing in the Divisional round. The Packers and Texans will win their conferences, and the Packers will beat the Texans, who are just happy to have made it that far.****
*Have to say it feels weird to type that. Seriously, I almost typed Colts based on muscle memory, even though I spent the previous thirty seconds telling myself to type Broncos.
**I think that 10-3 loss to the Chiefs was the worst game I had the misfortune to ever watch. Yes, it was worse than the dreadful Wannstedt years, worse than the 2003 season opener against the 49ers, even worse than anything involving Chad Hutchinson, Henry Burris, Johnathan Quinn, or Caleb Hanie's other games. And although most of the game the defense performed admirably, that Denver game wasn't much better. I think Marion Barber just fumbled again. Or did he go out of bounds?
***Unlike prime time games, I actually like the late afternoon game. Especially late in the season, it means the Bears are having a season worth watching. Or they are playing a meaningless game in Seattle or Oakland. Either way it is still better than those NFL Network games. In addition, the most amazing two week span of the last 23 years for the Bears (2001 against the 49ers and Browns) took place during the late afternoon games.
****Pre-emptive apologies to the Texans fans for your upcoming 5-11 season. No apologies for you Packers fan, you get what you deserve.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Nature's Splendor, Part Two
To read part one, click here.
After a short while, the bus finally pulled up. Slowly the crowd filed onto the bus, until finally they were all on and the bus pulled away. It had a couple of other stops in town, but finally it pulled onto California Highway 140.
Af first the terrain was little different than much of the train ride had been. The sprawl of Merced gave way to the pastures, fields, and orchards of the Central Valley. However, after leaving the small town of Planada, a new thing entered his view. While barely perceptible in the morning haze, they were unmistakable along the horizon. The high peaks of the Sierra were visible.
Seeing the purple mountains in the distance stirred something in Josh. He remembered this feeling, faint though it was. It was the feeling he had felt every summer, as his family drove west on I-40 out of HIckory, North Carolina. It was a happy feeling, albeit one that was tinged with impatience. The last time he had felt anything resembling it was when he started his job. It was anticipation.
As he thought it over, he hadn’t seen mountains like this in a while. He had gone to college in Iowa, and had worked most of his time since graduation in Chicago. His parents lived in Richmond, Virginia, and he had vacationed in Florida, Las Vegas, and New York. When he had crossed mountains, it had been in the pressurized comfort of a jet. There were mountains in Las Vegas, as well as all around his home in the Bay Area. However, these were merely part of the background, as he headed off to a casino, or sat in traffic on the way to work.
After many more miles of driving, the tall peaks of the Sierra Nevada disappeared. They were still there, of course. It was just that their foothills, several thousand feet tall themselves, overtook the view. Rocky outcropping and small hills first appeared, dotting the landscape amidst cows and pistachio trees. Finally the bus started going uphill, as the once straight road became rather curvy.
The plants were still rather scrubby, although oak trees became more prevalent. The bus made a quick stop at a small village called Cathey’s Valley, and continued on through the oak trees. The bus climbed again, even if the terrain really didn’t change. The road became even curvier as it ran past Agua Fria, once a former boomtown during the gold rush. A few miles later it entered Mariposa, a small town that was also the county seat.
The bus made a few stops in the town, as it was a gateway town to Yosemite for many tourists. There were several motels in town, as well as many other businesses. Shortly they passed out of town and into pine trees. This was short lived, however, as the bus went down into a canyon. Finally the bus leveled off, as the road met the Merced River. Once more the bus climbed towards Yosemite.
After a short while, the bus finally pulled up. Slowly the crowd filed onto the bus, until finally they were all on and the bus pulled away. It had a couple of other stops in town, but finally it pulled onto California Highway 140.
Af first the terrain was little different than much of the train ride had been. The sprawl of Merced gave way to the pastures, fields, and orchards of the Central Valley. However, after leaving the small town of Planada, a new thing entered his view. While barely perceptible in the morning haze, they were unmistakable along the horizon. The high peaks of the Sierra were visible.
Seeing the purple mountains in the distance stirred something in Josh. He remembered this feeling, faint though it was. It was the feeling he had felt every summer, as his family drove west on I-40 out of HIckory, North Carolina. It was a happy feeling, albeit one that was tinged with impatience. The last time he had felt anything resembling it was when he started his job. It was anticipation.
As he thought it over, he hadn’t seen mountains like this in a while. He had gone to college in Iowa, and had worked most of his time since graduation in Chicago. His parents lived in Richmond, Virginia, and he had vacationed in Florida, Las Vegas, and New York. When he had crossed mountains, it had been in the pressurized comfort of a jet. There were mountains in Las Vegas, as well as all around his home in the Bay Area. However, these were merely part of the background, as he headed off to a casino, or sat in traffic on the way to work.
After many more miles of driving, the tall peaks of the Sierra Nevada disappeared. They were still there, of course. It was just that their foothills, several thousand feet tall themselves, overtook the view. Rocky outcropping and small hills first appeared, dotting the landscape amidst cows and pistachio trees. Finally the bus started going uphill, as the once straight road became rather curvy.
The plants were still rather scrubby, although oak trees became more prevalent. The bus made a quick stop at a small village called Cathey’s Valley, and continued on through the oak trees. The bus climbed again, even if the terrain really didn’t change. The road became even curvier as it ran past Agua Fria, once a former boomtown during the gold rush. A few miles later it entered Mariposa, a small town that was also the county seat.
The bus made a few stops in the town, as it was a gateway town to Yosemite for many tourists. There were several motels in town, as well as many other businesses. Shortly they passed out of town and into pine trees. This was short lived, however, as the bus went down into a canyon. Finally the bus leveled off, as the road met the Merced River. Once more the bus climbed towards Yosemite.
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