Merlin BBC

For the past several weeks I have been blogging procedural cop show after procedural cop show.. and this is where that trend ends. FINALLY! Today I will be venturing more into the realm of fantasy. Today I want to talk to you guys about the great BBC television show known as Merlin. The show is a completed series that you can watch on Netflix. Now here is why you should watch it.

The Mythology -

We all know the story about King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot, but the show takes on a different spin to the age old tale of Arthur and his triumph over the scots. Just as the name implies the story revolves around the live and times of one young boy named Merlin. This takes a different route than the old story in the fact that Merlin is not some old many with a long scraggly white beard, but instead is fresh faced and limber. The story follows the life and times of Merlin the young warlock and his life dedicated to protecting the pompous prince Arthur and helping him to fulfill destiny. The tale is also spun much more different when it comes to the fact that magic is 100% illegal in the land of Camelot.




The Relationship -

Now the tale of King Arthur is known to mostly revolve around the love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Chief Knight Lancelot. That is not really the main focus really of this version. In Merlin the show puts emphasis on the relationship between Prince Arthur and his man servant Merlin. The relationship between the two is rocky and hilarious when it first begins, neither boys being able to stand the other. Arthur the massive egotistical prat and Merlin is the incompetent 'weak' man servant. The friendship and chemistry between the two is amazing. You get sucked up in it. Merlin would go to the ends of the world for Arthur, he has put his life on the line multiple times to save a man that is ordered to kill him if he was to ever find out about Merlin's secret. Arthur on the other hand would put his title on the line for Merlin, his servant, a man that is viewed as lesser than him in every way imaginable. The boys friendship is unbreakable and amazing to watch over all 5 seasons.




Merlin -

This cutie.. Oh my he is too precious for this world. Merlin is by far the most interesting and goodhearted of all the characters. From his large ears down to his dopey smile Merlin is by far the cutest main character to grace the small screen. His heart is always in the right place, no matter how badly he fucks up when it comes to magic. He is literally that awkward and gawky kid that all you want to do is pinch his keeps and coo at how cute and sweet they are. Merlin is by far the cutie-est.




So in conclusion you should really watch this show. Its hilarious and its a completed series so there you go. No hiatus what-so-ever. WATCH!!

The X-Files

So I have recently looked back and seen a growing theme in the television shows I watch.. I really like my procedural cop shows. I mean you got Supernatural which is the cop show but with supernatural beings, you got Sherlock BBC, you got SVU, and Dexter which is basically a reversal on the procedural cop show. So I decided to not change it up. Here's another procedural cop show for yeah.. but this one's got aliens. So this is why you should watch X-Files.

Play against stereotypes -

When X-Files first came out it was during a time that was trying to reverse the idea of the female character. Dana Scully is not your simpering side character that is in need of a male counterpart to make her strong and in charge of her life. Dana's character is based off of the Silence of the Lamb's FBI agent Clarice Sterling. You also have a reversal in the roles played by Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. Generally the woman would be the believer and the man the skeptic, but due to Mulder having faced extraterrestrial angst in his past is he the firm believer and Scully the skeptic.




ALIENS -

The truth is out there theory is always intriguing. The X-Files is something that brought back the ideas of the Twilight Zone, it was thought provoking and engaging to its viewers. It really makes the viewer's the viewer, 'what if?' The story of X-Files deals with the idea that there is life out there, but it also tries to answer the idea of pre-destination, death, life and so forth. The show is not single mindedly focused, it tries to bring in multiple different avenues to keep the audience interested. But still.. Aliens.





The Creep Factor -

The X-Files is a truly scary show, one that will have you looking through your fingers at times or biting your nails in anticipation. If you like a good scare this is definitely the show for you. It has that creep factor and that idea of 'what the hell is about to happen? I don't know what's about to happen and I really need to know.. Oh god..' sort of mentality. It's actually very thrilling.

This show is worth the watch. It really is I swear. If you even took a look at Supernatural and had even the slightest bit of liking for that then this show is definitely for you.

Dexter

Television is known for its tropes. There is the good always triumphs evil, the bad guy is actually not so bad, the over protective father, the annoying sibling, smart leader like older sibling, the reserved middle sibling, and the wild younger sibling. Tropes are everywhere, some are blatantly awful, others are much more complex and fun to watch. One of the more infamous, my favorite, trope would be the lovable villain (sometimes called the anti hero). We have Loki from the Avengers, we have the Joker from Batman, and we have Dexter from Dexter.

Dexter is one of those shows that is meant to make you love the villain. The entire show is based on the psychopathic tendency of Dexter, though he kills people he is a killer that only kills other killers. So he has a conscious.. sure. But we love him none the less. Now here is why you need to watch it.

Dexter Morgan --

From a young age Dexter was fated to be a killer, he watched his mother's murder (by chainsaw). The character of Dexter, no matter how morbid, is one of fascination and someone that we are always rooting for. From his internal monologues to his god like complex in comparison to all of his colleagues at the Miami Police Department. Even though we are very much aware that Dexter has that bone deep urge to kill, known as his dark passenger, we still root that he will get away with it in the end.



Deborah Morgan --

Deborah Morgan is not a lady, at all. She is not your delicate flower that goes crying to her stronger and older adopted brother Dexter for help. Deborah is a detective working along side her blood special analyst brother. Deborah is the definition of a strong female character, one that isn't afraid to speak her mind and go after what it is she wants. She has a strong moral compass, and she is hilarious. To watch Deborah interact with a rather unemotional Dexter is comedy gold really. I have really found my spirit animal in Deborah.




Teaches You The Code --

The show is a how too to get away with murder. The Code was taught to Dexter by his adopted father after his mother was killed and Dexter was beginning to display homicidal tendency. The Code is  simple, 1.) Never Get Caught and 2.) Never kill an Innocent. Now we are aware that Dexter has had to bend these rules every now and again, but through following the rules are people less likely to care if a murderous dick is dead. This keeps Dexter safe, and it keeps away from pesky questions being asked.




For all of the shows dark themes, there is a lot comedy on the side. It is a really intriguing and addictive storyline. Dexter Morgan is a unique monster to watch develop over the seasons. This is seriously a can't miss series. If you are to take away any show from this blog this would be it. If I haven't sold you on it yet, the show is made by HBO.. so there will be boobs.

Law & Order: SVU

Procedural cop shows.. we have all seen them. There are thousands, well not really, they have infiltrated our lives and have sucked out all the soul (cares really) that we have left. But yet there is still hope left and it comes in the form Law & Order SVU. This show is really great, yes it is a cop show, but it is more than that and here's why.

Olivia Benson -

This women is WCW material. Olivia is what makes the show, without her there would be nothing. She is the strong female leading character that most every show is lacking. Olivia has been through so much and yet she doesn't allow this to define her. She understands that she is there to help and aid her victims. She makes the system seem easy, and she brings light to dark themes that much of society sweeps off to the side. She is very inspiring and amazing to watch.




It's Enlightening -

The show is a look inside what it means when it says special victims. The show looks at the violence against women, and men. The show looks at sexual abuse of minors and others. The show talks about things that many people find unsettlingly to watch. For women it gives us a chance to feel vindicated. The show touches on violence against women and we are finally able to see the inner workings of what someone of these crimes must undergo.

A Source of Solidarity -

The show keeps from rape stigma and it offers a place for rape victims to feel that their story is being vindicated. The show keeps from victim blaming, its sole purpose is to help and better the lives that were affected by such a nasty crime. The show makes it feel as those in a different world Olivia Benson is always looking out for you, and that she will take a stand on your issue when no one else will.






If you are not into a procedural cop show then you honestly haven't seen this show. Now it may follow that obvious formal of all cop shows, but it takes it to another level. It is by the book and isn't as ridiculous and outlandish as all those others. SO WATCH IT!!

Adventure Time

Okay, so for the past few weeks I have been posting about really freaking awesome television shows, and now what I want to do.. is continue that trend. Now what I really want everyone to check out is 'Adventure Time'. To all of you that don't know what Adventure Time is, it's a cartoon. AND to everyone that does know what Adventure Time is, yes I am very much aware that it is a cartoon. It is great, that's why I'm recommending it.

Now Adventure Time is a long running television show on the Cartoon Network. It has amassed a huge and dedicated fan base that is loyal to the hilarity and randomness that is the show.

Now here are some reasons why you should check it out on Netflix:

It's Completely Insane -

The entire basis of the show is a display of endless imaginativeness. The story and the thought process of the whole plot is twisted and takes turns that have you stopping and having to re-watch just how the characters reached such conclusions. The best way to describe the show would be a really lucid dream. It's one that you wake up from calling your friend to try and ask if a monacle wearing waffle proposed to you on the moon before riding off into the sunset on sea horses.

The show shouldn't make any sense at all from Candy Kingdoms to a pie making elephant.

Here's just a taste:

You Find Yourself Learning a Life Lesson -

No matter the ridiculousness of the show, you come out better for it. The show is written to confuse you, but also make you go 'oooh, shit'. The amount of epiphanies I have had when watching this show have been too many for me to actually count. The show devolves into the complexities of love, family, and friendship. Much of the show may not make much sense, but coming away from the show you come out feeling better off for the world.

It's A Pick Me Up -

No matter your mood, no matter how shitty I feel, and how done I am with everything going on around me, this show. Adventure Time knows just what to do to make me smile, the comedy, the stupidity, the ridiculousness, the loudness, the characters, the story, everything about it makes me smile. This show is one that makes you feel like something's worth it. It really does.

If you don't mind a bit of randomness and surrealistic cartoons, then this is definitely the show for you. As the seasons progress so does the comedy and the message. The show is worth it. it deals with real issues that allow you to connect with the characters, and you will come off the show with a brighter smile and maybe a better outlook for your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doctor Who

The television show Doctor Who is an ancient one at best, one my grandmother used to watch when she was younger. Yes it is that old, but luckily it is split into two parts, and for the sake of this post becoming a monster, I think I will stick to the current series of Doctor Who. Sorry Classic Who, you are just 18 seasons to long for me today. Now Doctor Who has had it day in the sun twice now, and it is a reoccurring beauty that should never be forgot. Currently there are only 7 seasons posted to Netflix with an 8th in the making over on BBC. The show is something that you must watch at least once in your life.

Now WHY you must see it at least once in your life.

EVERYONE KNOWS DOCTOR WHO (or has at least heard of it)

There are the good old television shows that your grandparents watched, and that you have only heard of because why do you want to watch something in blank and white or with a grainy filter? The beauty of Doctor Who is that it connects you to the past without you really having to go back and watch the first 18 seasons before it was cancelled in the 60's.



Oh yes it is brilliant David Tennant who is playing the 10th Doctor. Absolutely brilliant. Because now instead of having to be stuck in a room sitting in awkward silence with your grandparents, you now have something to talk about. Common ground some would say.

ALIEN'S, TIME MACHINES, ADVENTURE, oh my!--
Doctor who basically the story of a mad man with a blue box. Though there are some other bits thrown in to make the story a bit more flavorful. The fact that The Doctor is an alien was a bit surprising to me when I first watched, I thought he was a supernatural entity when I first going to watch it. Woops. The Doctor is from Gallifrey, the planet of the Timelords that was destroyed by an evil genocide happy race of aliens known as the Daleks. They look funny, but don't let the plunger fool you. They are terrifying.

Also as mentioned before, The Doctor is a Timelord. This basically means that if you see a giant blue police box you better be sprinting towards it because you are about to have an adventure of your life. The T.A.R.D.I.S (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space) is an old fashioned blue police box used to hold criminals while people waited on the cops. That's definetly not the case here, locking up a criminal would be a big NO-NO on this space craft. Also the Doctor would probably come after with his Sonic Screwdriver, the nastiest of all workmen tools.





Different Lead Actors --

Doctor Who may seem off putting once you figure out that the Doctor (who the main dude of the show) doesn't stick around for more than 1-3ish seasons. The back story of the Doctor is that he can regenerate, he's a timelord for pete's sake. Because of this it is hard to get attached, or to actually stay interested once you favorite doctor has passed. The Doctor can only regenerate all of 13 times, and currently we are up to numero 12.

But that's not actually all that bad, it's not that the actors get progressively worse, or that the story line begins to tank. Actually its the opposite, with each new Doctor are you given a new story line and the chance to fall in love with the main character all over again. It is a great topsy tervy roller coaster that you never want to leave.

You have the Ninth Doctor = Christopher Eccleston
             This was when you first meet the doctor, and this is when you are first introduced to the hilarity and randomness that is Doctor Who. Eccleston is brilliant and brings back the title of Doctor Who. He only lasts for a season, but what a great and remarkable season it is.




You have the Tenth Doctor (and my personal favorite) - David Tennant
     Tennant literally became an actor with the hopes of the Doctor Who series being revived when he was older. He aspired to play the doctor, and to me, he is everything that the doctor is and always will be. Tennant was born for this role and he brings a quirky and fun character versus Ecclestons darker and war hardened doctor. The possible romance between him and companion Rose Tyler also likened many to him. He was an adorable puppy that physically hurts to watch when in pain.




You also have the Eleventh Doctor - Matt Smith
      This man. This man is so... Dear lord oh my. Matt Smith is hilarious, his arch and his love for his T.A.R.D.I.S (read: baby) is so beautiful and pure you may weep wishing you had a relationship so perfect. To his fans, Matt is known as the Drunken Giraffe, and the iconic moment he put on a fez will live forever in infamy. Matt is the doctor on crack, and it is one of the greatest things to watch transpire.

Matt's doctor will forever be the doctor that will have us laughing as we snot ourselves to death from the way to soon loss of the 10th Doctor.




You have to watch it. Seriously you will not regret a single moment of it. The story, the characters.. Everything. Hell, maybe by the end of you you'll decide to undertake the monster that is Classic Who.

Sherlock BBC

When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first penned the Sherlock Holmes series, I am sure he didn't see his stories still affecting millions currently. The tale of the Consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes and his always constant side kick Dr. John Watson have seen many different interpretations of their adventures. Although there have been many renditions of the series, but there is one that stands out against the rest. Sherlock BBC is a quirky dark television show that places the 19th century stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the 20th century and it is a refreshing and stunning take on the age old tales. Now here are reasons why you have to watch it:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes

Benedict Cumberbatch is an amazing man. His performance of the detective is refreshing and hilarious. Benedict encompasses everything that makes the detective quirky and well loved. Benedict creates a larger than life and enigmatic character that draws the audience in and is a world wind sensation to watch.

Not only has Benedict created a very unique and appealing version of Sherlock Holmes, he has also won an emmy for his role as the great detective. He has a bloody delicious accent and the man is just overall amazing in general. Plus when I refer to Bumblebuns Cumbercrumbs you still know who I'm talking about.

Here is just a taste of Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock - (x)

The Villian - James Moriarty

What to say, what to say about Jim Moriarty? The man is a genius for certain, the ying to Sherlock's yang. Moriarty is witty, ostentatious, wild, and dangerous. He is the villain that a great anti heroic character like Sherlock needs, and the audience is horrifyingly intrigued by. Andrew Scott plays the large and at times difficult role that is Moriarty. To put together a character that can so easily transform right before your very eyes as a jovial sometimes horrifyingly happy Moriarty into a dangerous and feral unleashed animal.



The cunning and the terror that a man as adorable as Andrew Scott can put into his character is chilling. The role of Moriarty has boosted Scott's career, creating a great credibility in his range of acting. Scott's rendition of Moriarty is powerful and it leaves a lasting impact that may be hard for future villains to fill.

if you don't believe me just watch this amazing first scene with Moriarty and Sherlock - (x)


The Seasons

In all honesty if you haven't watched Sherlock BBC you really don't have any excuse to not. In total there are three seasons with each episode lasting up to an hour and thirty minutes each. It's basically like a movie per episode and it is so packed full of awesome you don't even realize how much time has passed by.

Now some people may be thinking 'three seasons with episodes that are more than an average 45 minutes is ridiculous. I don't have that kind of time." Now here is where you are wrong. There are only 3 episodes per season. Seriously. Nine episodes in total. I shit you not. It is great if you are wanting a quick show to watch over the weekend. There really isn't a reason why you should not watch the show.





Yes, listen to Sherlock. Watch the telly. You won't regret it. Plus all 3 seasons are on Netflix so is there really any reason you shouldn't watch it?

Everyone likes a good binge, and with Netflix has it become so much easier to just sit in front of your television for the next 18 hours and forget that the rest of the world actually exists. Though it’s easy enough to settle in with a your sweat pants, hair up in a bun / beanie if you’re a dude, snack food in your lap, blanket wrapped tightly around your torso, and as horizontal as you can possibly be. That’s the easy part. The hard part comes to when you finish a show and you have nowhere else to go, but fear not my fellow tv junkies. I got just the show for you.

Do you love emotionally ‘stunted’ anti-hero men, twisted dark horror themes, loyalty so deep you can almost taste it, or really attractive men doing not so attractive things. Then Supernatural is the place for you.

-          The Winchesters / Brotherly Love

It is damned hard to not feel when it comes to the Winchester boys and their forever long sob story.

 

Dean Winchester is the older brother of the two, and hunting is all he knows how to be. According to Dean, ‘No one escapes the life’ and because it was said it shall be. Dean is the personification of a warrior. He knows how to take commands, he knows his place, and he knows his mission. He is hard and can be ugly at times, but he has quick wit and a massive appetite to help balance out his darker qualities. Sam Winchester, or ‘Sammy’ as he is so affectionately called by Dean, is the younger of the two. When first introduced Sam has assimilated into the Stanford college life, but once you’re a hunter you are always a hunter and there was no getting out it for Sam.

                       

The lengths that both of these boys will go for each other is both breath taking and heart wrenching. The dynamic between the two, monsters and demons aside, is deep and has been proven time and time again that they would both die for each other. They are loyal and their love for each other is complex and twisted, one that is due in part to the damage they both have experience has children and growing up in the life they were forced into. Though that isn’t to say that there isn’t hilarity to their dynamic, they are siblings of course and it is the way they find comfort and light in each other that keeps bringing so many back. They have an old married couple mentality and a twist mischief with one another. They are siblings through and through. They bicker, they pout, and they are flat out amazing when put together.

 

 

 

-          The Soundtrack

Being the sheltered 19 year old lady that I am, I was never one partial to the music of the 80’s and older. The soundtrack for Supernatural is considered a classic and when I first heard it my initial reaction was

I didn’t know how I felt about it. My father always listened to the soft rock, the classic rock, the things that are considered ‘good music’ while I was jamming out to my Taylor Swift and belting out ‘Teardrops On my Guitar’ as loud as I possibly could. So it took me a bit to actually get into the music, the AC/DC, the Metallica, the Kansas, and anything else thrown in was something I had to stop and pause about. But the longer I watched and the more I listened the more I found myself bobbing my head and really getting into it.

The soundtrack of Supernatural is born through the love of old rock from Dean Winchester and his father John Winchester. The song ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’ as become iconic to the Supernatural fandom. It finds its way to the main screen during every season finale and the moment the words ‘The Road So Far’ materialize you know you are going to be belting out Kansas at the top of your lungs and sobbing because your road is coming to an end for several months.

The Music is fantastic and an eye opener to a younger generation that what our parents were jamming out too was the tits.

Here’s just a little taste of what you are getting (x) – THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR LATER SEASONS SO YOU ARE FORWARNED.

-          The Inclusiveness of the Show and It’s Fans

Thanks to the magical invention that is social media, is it much easier for fans to communicate with those who have created the shows in which they have become emotionally invested in. The Supernatural fandom is a deep swirling bit of agony that will suck all new comers in and never release from this void of masochistic pleasure. The writers for Supernatural are well known for interacting with their fans. They even go so far as to create ‘meta’ episodes that critics/makes fun up their own show, along with their dedicated fan base.

There was an entire episode based on the actors Jared and Jensen playing the characters Sam and Dean who came to OUR universe and had to play themselves Jared and Jensen while acting as the characters Sam and Dean. The episode was a mind fuck in and of itself, it was great.

There are subtle hints and digs throughout the show at the writers. During the moment in which you are meeting Chuck Shurley (spoiler: prophet of the lord), he is going under a pseudo name Carver Edlund which is a combination of the two of the main writers for the show known as Jeremy Carver and Ben Edlund. Chuck as a specific line saying “It was too preposterous, not to mention arrogant. Writing yourself into the story is one thing but as a prophet? That's like M Night level doucheness.” The writers aren’t afraid to make a dig at themselves, and those who are well acquainted fans of the show would get the joke.

All in all if you are looking for something else to watch that you can binge forever on then Supernatural is the one for you. It has everything in it and more. The show is gold in many opinions, the first 5 seasons having the most series based story line and you will find yourself sobbing grossly into a tub of ice cream trying not to laugh grotesquely at the dark and a tad twisted humor they through in to try and ‘lighten’ the mood. So if you got the time, you better settle in and channel your inner bum. The show is worth it. Seriously, watch it.. please.

Netflix - An Abusive Relationship.

Netflix. A horrid soul sucking beast that will devour all of you before spitting you out dazed and confused, wondering at the strangely bright light coming from behind your curtains.

Netflix. The instigator of all procrastination.  All you say is, 'I'll just watch one episode then finish my paper for Comp.' and then-- blind panic.

Netflix. The destroyer of all future relationships, the ender of all social lives.

Netflix, will be the only thing you have left.

There is no running, there is no walking, and there is no rolling away from Netflix, because Netflix knows you.

Netflix has been watching you as you have watched it.

And Netflix will always be there for you... always.

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To say my relationship with Netflix is a healthy one would be a complete and total lie. Netflix is like an emotionally abusive relationship. One where I don't think I can do anything better with my time than veg. out on the couch and make the occasional odd grunting sound as I finish season after season of my stories.

It's not that I don't want to get up and go to the bathroom, but it's just I really need to know what's happening to Supernatural after season 5.. WHAT KIND OF FINALE WAS THAT! TELL ME!

It's not that I don't want to go outside and actually see that weird glowing orb that apparently appears in the sky everyday. It's just that Netflix has just pulled 'Jericho' out of my queue and I need to see what this shit is about. I'll try the outdoor thing after the pilot episode.. It's never happened.

It's not that I don't have friends its just that.. they want to DO things but Netflix wants me to do a whole lot of laying on my futon and looking like a massive glob of lazy, while wrapped burrito styled in a blanket and sobbing grossly as I watch Riechenbach  Fall over and over again.

It's just-- It's just that Netflix knows me. Netflix understands what it is that I like, they understand what it takes to make me smile and laugh. Netflix is always there for me. Not matter what I am doing, no matter where I am at.. Netflix is always there. Be it on an app or on my laptop or my television, Netflix is always there..

The follow is an accurate portrayal of my relationship with Netflix:

How To Know If You Are Suffering From Teleholicism

Many people believe that they understands the dangers of too much television, but not many are aware of a serious and deadly killer to your social life known as.. Teleholicism. The condition known as Teleholicism is a disease developed over time, much like alcoholism.. or brain cancer (A. Wineland). Symptoms may include:

. Lack of social interaction
. Weight gain
. Loss of sleep
. Increase in appetite
. Terrified of sun
. Increase in internet use
. Creation of a Tumblr
Severest Cases Involve -
. Becoming one with the couch
Or
. Creating a Netflix account

If you find yourself experiencing any or all symptoms the best course of action would be to pause whatever it is you are currently watching and rethink your life for the past 6 months. Now ask yourself two very important questions that may help to solidify your answer on whether or not you are suffering from Teleholicism. Have you been neglecting any and all chances to communicate with anyone that is not a television or computer screen? And if answered unsure, follow up with, When I am with my friends do I spend my time talking about the television shows that I could be watching right then? If you find yourself answer yes to either question then it is a safe bet you have a problem. Now there is no cure all solution to Teleholicism, like alcoholism or a drug addiction, may need rehabilitation to help better the person.

Although the best course of action that a Teleholic could do for themselves once they accept their condition is to delete their Netflix account.. baby steps and with the support and help of others may you recover and reconnect with that social life you are seriously lacking currently.