TTT - Top Ten TV Shows

It's time to link up with the Broke and the Bookish again!

This week, just for something different, we're not talking about books at all. We're talking about our favourite movies or TV shows. And let's be honest - TV shows are far more fun to talk about because you don't have to pick something else to watch after two hours. You just move on to the next disc/season/whatever. WIN. 

1. Orange Is The New Black

A recent addition to my list. I've been hearing great things about it for the past couple of years, but never got around to watching it. I think I was hoping that it would air down here and save me the trouble of locating it, seeing as Netflix isn't a thing in Australia. But unfortunately it's only screening on Foxtel at this point, which I don't have. So I caved and tracked down a copy instead. And it is PHENOMENAL. Every single character is utterly incredible (except Larry, who's a douchebag), it's brilliantly written and brilliantly acted, and it's equal parts hilarious and moving. Not to mention being one of the most diverse shows on television. Basically? You should watch it.

2. Orphan Black

Same actress three times, yo.

Look, Tatiana Maslany is a freaking powerhouse, okay? She plays half a dozen completely unique characters, all with their own speech patterns and mannerisms and styles of movement. And sometimes, she even plays one of her characters impersonating another and you're able to tell that it's Rachel impersonating Sarah or Sarah impersonating Alison or Helena impersonating Sarah impersonating Beth. It's incredible. Plus, you know, great stories, great supporting cast, great writing. 

3. Veronica Mars

I wasn't so keen on the third season of VMars, partly because it ended on such a vague note, but the movie earlier this year made me fall in love with the show all over again. It's funny and sassy and heartbreaking and just really, really good. And yes, I ship LoVe like there's no tomorrow. 

4. Sleepy Hollow

Admittedly, there's only been one really short season of this so far. But I absolutely loved every second of it. I mean, the fact that basically only ONE of the half dozen major characters is a white guy is pretty incredible. It's fun and creepy and the acting is great. And there's so much attention to detail with historical accuracy - the way Ichabod stands, how he fights, what he wears, his terms of address is all historically accurate and it makes my inner historian so very happy. Plus, Orlando Jones is AMAZING at interacting with the fandom. 

5. Firefly

Yeah, yeah. I said recently that I was breaking up with Joss Whedon. Despite his problematic aspects, Whedon's shows are still massively entertaining. And Firefly, by merit of only having just over half a season worth of episodes, exists in its own little special bubble wherein Whedon didn't get too much time to do things that made me stabby. While it was a massive flop on TV thanks to Fox showing it totally out of order, it's now achieved cult status, and with good reason.

6. Fringe

I was a big fan of The X-Files back in my high school days, and this fabulous show fitted neatly into that hole. And it's an ideal show for marathoning - I really struggled to watch it on TV because there were so many wibbly wobbly timey wimey elements to keep track of from week to week, but when you marathon it, everything suddenly slips into place. The characters are amazing, there's more of that Tatiana Maslany playing-multiple-versions-of-the-one-character stuff going on for most of the cast, and it's surprisingly funny and moving for a show about supernatural weirdness and fringe science. 

7. Elementary

I've talked before about how I really didn't enjoy Sherlock and how I loved Elementary from the get-go, so it's probably no surprise that it's made this list. Despite it airing on TV here, I've been a bit forgetful of late and still haven't finished watching all of season 2. But Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu (and the supporting cast) are so fantastic that I couldn't not include it in my top ten. Plus, the credits are fabulous.

8. Community

Yes, it wavered during its fourth season when Dan Harmon wasn't involved. But this show is just so much fun. Amazing characters, hilarious scripts, and far more feels-tastic moments than you'd expect from a comedy. And so many completely amazing themed episodes. 

9. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy and I have had a rough road recently, due largely to recapping every episode for Snark Squad and the crap that we dealt with in the comments. But I'm pretty sure that sometime in the relatively near future, I'll start to feel the urge to revisit some of my favourite episodes again. Because it's so much fun and there are so many incredible characters and storylines.

10. Doctor Who

This is at the bottom of the list because while I love it a lot, I've had a lot of issues with the way Steven Moffat's been running/writing the show over the past few years. There've only been a handful of episodes that I've enjoyed since David Tennant left, but I'm hopeful that Peter Capaldi and his ability to throw his weight around a bit more than Matt Smith could will help in the new season! 

So. What are your top ten TV shows??

K xx

Reliving my teen years

So if you follow me on Twitter (or, indeed, here), you'll know that for the past few months, I've been rewatching all six seasons of Dawson's Creek. Well, more accurately, I've been rewatching the first FIVE seasons of Dawson's Creek, and watching season 6 for the first time. Because when it aired here, they decided to show season 6 in the middle of the day, and I didn't realise it was on.

ANYWAY. I'm sure you'll all be thrilled that my tweets about it will now stop. And instead, you get this wonderful post, which should really be titled thusly:

THINGS KIRSTI THOUGHT WHILE WATCHING DAWSON'S CREEK

Warning: this is going to get incredibly long. But I don't want to split it into two, because...effort. It's also going to get spoilery. But if you haven't seen all of Dawson's Creek by now, I imagine you don't care that much about spoilers!

Season 1

Source

• Nobody talks like this. NOBODY.
• What in the hell is Joey wearing??
• Dawson, WHAT IS YOUR HAIR??
• The movie that Dawson's making looks effing awful. 
• Eeeew, Pacey. Why are you boffing your teacher?
• Okay, Dawson filming Joey's sister giving birth is just nasty.
• If the phrase "boy on the brink of manhood" is used one more time, I will punch someone.
• Um. Why is there no winter? It's Massachusetts and no one has worn a coat all season.
• Hey Gail? Where do you even FIND business skirts that short?
• OH GOD, JOEY. PLEASE STOP RUINING LES MISERABLES.
• Braveheart Pacey is hilarious.
• Oh, Jen. You look like you're wearing a tweed dress. Honey, no...
• Dawson, I pretty much hate you.

Season 2

Nice overalls, Andie. Also, source.

• YAAAAAY, JACK AND ANDIE!! [Does anyone actually understand these two? Are they twins? Did Andie skip a grade? Did Jack get held back? They're in the same year level at school...]
• Why in the hell would you give up a semester in France for DAWSON?? 
• Joey and Jack is kind of hilarious when you know what's going to happen.
• How in the hell did Dawson's terrrrrible movie win ANYTHING? Let alone $2,500!!
• Gross. Why are Abby and Jen flirting with fishermen in their 30s?
• Pacey's dad is a total douchecanoe.
• Um. Why does no one notice 16 year olds ordering rum and Cokes??
• ABBY, WHAT IS THAT OUTFIT?
• Awwww, Pacey and Andie... So cute, before she went batshit crazy.
• Abby, your death was inadvertently hilarious.
• Really, Joey's dad? You get out of jail and IMMEDIATELY start dealing drugs again?? Moron.

Season 3

• What the hell was that bizarre Eve subplot that went nowhere?
• Pacey, you and your boat make an adorable couple.
• Wait, why is Jen suddenly a cheerleader??
• Football players wearing make up = one of the few non-Pacey related things that stuck with me from this show.
• Andie, why the hell would you cheat on the PSATs??
• This Witch Island episode is really stupid.
• I kind of adore Dougie.
• PACEY AND JOEY IS PENDING!!!!! as;dkjals;kdjglkasd <-- excitement.
• Henry, you're a total doofus.
• Dawww, Jonathan Lipnicki! 
• AJ, you're a totally pointless character. Except for the fact that your existence means that Pacey and Joey finally kiss, and my fangirl heart is grateful.
• Dawson's cry face is the greatest thing this show ever gave to the world.

Season 4

Source

• EVERYTHING IS PACEY AND JOEY AND NOTHING HURTS.
• How is Mitch suddenly a guidance counsellor?
• How did Gail not know she was pregnant?
• Gretchen!!! You're awesome.
• Uh, Jen? Why are you stalking your therapist??
• A.I. Brooks is kind of awesome. He's a dick to Dawson, for starters.
• AHAHAHAHA, a rave in CAPESIDE??? Lol forever.
• Andie leaving halfway through senior year just confirms for me that I will NEVER understand the American school system.
• ZOMG SUE SYLVESTER IS PACEY'S MOTHER.
• Awww, Jack and Tobey are cute.
• Drue, your name is stupidly spelled and you're a douche. Shoo...
• Uh, worst prom EVER.
• Really, Joey? You're going to let DAWSON pay for you to go to college??
• How can selling a house in a small town allow you to buy a huge house in inner Boston???

Season 5

Source

• Joey, what is your mobile phone???? And why are you wearing it clipped to your pants like a pager?
• Yay, AUDREY. She makes things fun again.
• Hey Mitch, that was THE WORST DEATH EVER. You made Abby's death in season 2 look sane by comparison.
• Urgh. Why is Joey sucking face with her lecturer????
• Really, Jen? After EVERYTHING you've seen in the last four years, you're STILL willing to sleep with Dawson? 
• Dawson, please put your shirt back on. Because, EW.
• Jack as a frat boy = NOOOOOOOOOO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING???
• Oh, Chad Michael Murray. Your character is gross, but you're kind of hilarious.
• Chef Pacey, I adore you.
• Okay, I've taken a lot in the way of "Hey, that's X from this other show!", but seeing Abby Sciuto as Dawson's shrink takes the cake. 
• Does anyone remember Andie? Anyone at all? JACK???
• What in the hell is this bizarre Joey gets mugged and bonds with her mugger episode? WHERE IS MY PACEY FIX??? 
• Dawwwww, Grams has a boyfriend!!! 
• Oh for the love of God, just go to France already!!

Season 6

I tried to find a picture of Pacey in a suit. This was the best I could do. Also, source.

• JENSEN ACKLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Albeit with stupid hair, and basically being the anti-Dean Winchester)
• Ew, Dawson and Joey are boffing. Oh good. It only lasted half an episode. Thank God for that.
• Yaaaay, Pacey in a suit!! Boooooo, Pacey with a stupid goatee.
• Aww, Eddie is nice. Wait, now he's a douche. Wait, now he's nice. Wait, now he's a douche again.
• Pacey and Jack's roommate is awesome.
• I kind of love Todd Carr.
• "Are you on your period right now, Dawson?" Ahahahaha, YES. ALWAYS.
• "What's with all the underage alcoholics around here??" <-- EXCELLENT question, Pacey.
• There's a woman in Audrey's rehab centre called Toni Stark. AHAHAHAHAHAHA.
• This Pacey and Joey get trapped in a Kmart episode is my new favourite thing of ever.
• Um. Why is the newspaper reporter that Pacey's suddenly boffing so very orange? She looks like she escaped from the Jersey Shore, ten years ahead of schedule.
• OMG WHY IS DAWSON SUCH A COMPLETE DOUCHEBAG???
• Mopey Pacey is lying on the sofa in his underwear with chips stuck to his face. He's still adorable.
• Does anyone remember Lily??? (Also, Lily Leery is a TERRIBLE name)
• Um. Why is Joey suddenly in Paris? CONFUSED.
• Oh for crying out loud. Dawson is a total one trick pony. First he made a movie based on the story of him and Joey in high school. Then he made a movie based on the story of him and Joey after he dropped out of college. And now he's making a TV series ABOUT HIM AND JOEY. No wonder you have no life, Dawson.
• JACK AND DOUGIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• "And the triangle just became a square" "Well put!" <-- SNORT.
• I struggle to see how killing off Jen seemed like a good way to end the series.
• Oh hey, they finally remembered Andie. And for the first time in the entire series, she looks the right age.
• asdkfj;aksldghashdga;hd PACEY AND JOEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My fangirl heart just exploded a little.

And so we come to the moral of this (very long winded) story: I still think Dawson's a pain in the arse. I still think this show is both terrible and fabulous at the same time. I still want to know how the screenwriters thought anyone actually talked like that. And I am eternally on Team Pacey.

So. What are your thoughts? Did you love it? Hate it? Are you Team Pacey as well? (Is anyone NOT Team Pacey??? He's 90% of why I started watching Fringe!) And did you want to punch Dawson in the face a lot, or was that just me??

K xx

Meme time!

I've seen this one around the bloggy traps for a while now, but given that it's a tagging people thing, I haven't gotten to participate until now. And it's all thanks to Amy over at Life's Journey with a Smile for tagging EVERYONE when she did it the other day. Thanks Amy!

So, here's the deal - answer the questions, and post a photo of your handwritten answers so that everyone can see what your handwriting looks like! Kind of random, but fun all the same. Here are the questions:

Questions:
1. What's your name/blogger name?
2. What's your blog's URL?
3. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
4. Favorite quote?
5. Favorite song?
6. Favorite band/singers?
7. Anything else...?
8. Tag 3-5 other peeps (and no, I did not write the 'peeps' part. The original said that!)

And here's my answers:

 
I actually wrote this on Wednesday, and meant to post it then, but I started watching Fringe and got distracted by Joshua Jackson the plot. So the story at number 7 is a couple of days out of date, but it's still nasty...
 
So there you have it - my first meme, and a sneak peek at my handwriting :) Feel free to play along even if you haven't been tagged!
 
K xx

PS. I just read in a trashy magazines that my future husband, Jake Gyllenhaal, is dating Jennifer Aniston AGAIN. Oh, Jake. When WILL you learn? (Also, get your arse to Canberra already...) ;)

Just kill me now...

I went back to the gym on Friday night for the first time this year. It was my regular Body Pump class, nothing out of the ordinary. But what I forgot was that I didn't go to the gym for most of December... And considering skipping a week of Body Pump tends to result in rather a lot of muscle pain unless you reduce your weights. And I didn't reduce my weights.

By the end of the squat track, my knees wouldn't stop shaking. And by the time we had to sit down on the step benches for the ab track at the end, I pretty much just fell onto the bench and hoped for the best... I figured that the 20 minute walk home from the gym would work out the lactic acid and avoid the worst of the muscle pain.

Yeah, I was wrong. I was in rather a world of pain on Saturday. After my little jaunt to the city where I bought my shiny new Le Creuset, I came home, sat on the sofa, and watched an episode of Fringe. When I went to stand up to get a glass of water, I could barely move - my legs had basically frozen in place. And yesterday was just as bad, if not worse.

I actually had to resort to buying Dencorub yesterday. DENCORUB. Like an 80 year old. Great... At least I was able to get odourless Dencorub so that I didn't SMELL like an 80 year old as well... :S

I went back to the gym tonight - albeit for a Step class rather than a Pump class. I'm slightly terrified that the pain will be just as bad tomorrow. I guess at least if it is, I have the Dencorub already........

Walking like I've got bound feet,

K xx

Annoying bogans and weird phobias

It's that time of year again in Canberra - when the bogans and their hotted up cars come out to play. Yes, I'm talking about the nightmare that is Summernats. Honestly, I think I said pretty much all I have to say on that topic this time last year. Although THIS year, I have the added benefit of not living two blocks from Exhibition Park, where it's held. Hopefully that means that I won't get woken up at 6am on Saturday by idiots drag racing around the streets...

Anyway, I'm planning on leaving the house as little as possible during the dreaded Summernats. Instead, just for a change, I'll be watching TV. I’ve been watching a lot of Fringe recently. A friend described it to me as “The X-Files, only good”. And he has a point. It’s a lot less ridiculous than The X-Files (although give it ten years, and I’m sure it’ll probably look just as bad!), and the acting is better. Not that it’s really hard to beat David Duchovny’s wooden monotone... Plus, it stars Joshua Jackson, which takes me back to my teenage ‘OMG, Pacey’s SOOOOOOOO hot!” days...

Bahahahahahahahaha!!! I SO don't remember him looking like a five year old... (Source)

The Fringe version is MUCH better... (Source)

Ahem. So I’ve made it through about ten or twelve episodes so far. And I’m definitely enjoying it. But there’ve been two episodes to date that have nearly had be write it off altogether, and both times it’s been because of my weird-arse phobias. The first point was where I stopped watching Fringe when it first aired on TV. And that was where they removed a dead girl’s eyeball so they could access her optic nerve and recover the last images she saw before she died.

I *HATE* eyeballs. I can’t watch people doing anything involving contact lenses without feeling nauseated, I hate it when I get something in my eye, because that means I need to touch my own eyeball, and I’m still relieved that I missed the day in year 10 Science that involved eyeball dissection. My younger brother used to take great delight back in our CSI watching days in telling me that the vile eyeball bits were over when they actually weren’t, leading to me witnessing all manner of icky grossness *shudders* But at least with the eyeball stuff, even in real life, I can cover my eyes like a four year old until it’s gone.

But the episode I watched last night? That related to one of my weirder phobias. (My weirdest phobia, incidentally, is of people dressed up as cartoon characters of the Mickey and Minnie variety. I blame a trip to Disneyland when I was seven, and juuuuuuuuuust old enough to work out that there were people in the suits. They had cartoon bodies and human legs (albeit in white tights!). And that’s pretty damned creepy at the age of seven).

Right. Where was I? Oh, right. The episode I watched last night. Well, that one started out with a guy getting killed by butterflies. I know, right? He was in a room, and a butterfly appeared. And the butterfly kept flying past him, and wherever it touched him, it would cut his skin to the bone. And then a second butterfly appeared. And then there were hundreds of butterflies. And finally, he jumped out of a gazillionth storey window to get away from them. He went splat. Obviously...

See? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5RLpowQQU&feature=related (all the clips on Youtube had embedding disabled, so you’ll actually have to click through. I know, I know. SUCH hard work!) See what happens when you admire the pretty little butterfly? It turns out to have RAZORBLADES FOR WINGS, brings its friends, and KILLS YOU...

Anyway, it turned out that there *were* no butterflies – it was a consequence of someone poisoning the guy with some weird-arse hallucinogenic toad venom, and he imagined that there were killer butterflies, and his body replicated what his brain believed. Whatever, that’s not the point here.

The point is that I’ve always known that butterflies are evil little fuckers that are out to get me. Now I have proof. I’m never leaving the house again....................... (Okay, fine. What I have is a TV show about paranormal stuff featuring hallucinogenic toad venom. Shut up.)

K xx