Comic Con 2010 - Where Geeks Join Forces

I have put this update off for long enough....Comic Con was perfect. Not only did I get to reconnect with some of my best friends that I've met through this crazy online thing they call fandom, but I was in the glory of some true artistic brilliance. It was crazy awesome. Here is what I got to do each day....

Wednesday: Even though I didn't have a preview pass for Wednesday's festivities, they still let us pick up our badges which saved us lots of time. Very, very cool. That evening I met up with a huge table of Whedonesquers at Buca Di Beppo in downtown San Diego. Food was good and I met some other veg. heads. It's always nice to bond with vegetarians, that way we can stick together when everyone else gets food poisoning because of shitty meat. After that I went back to my BFF's to have an amazing night with her hubby and other house mates.

Thursday: Ah, the start of the Con. Two big things on my list for the day. Joss Whedon/JJ Abrams brilliance and Scott Pilgrim panel brilliance. Everything else was just backroom noise or comical (although not supposed to be, ahem Expendables) entertainment. Oh, Stalone. Your face is falling off. Salt...meh. Red looked cute actually. Favorite part off the JJ/Joss panel? When JJ flipped out with jealousy on Joss because he didn't write second drafts. That's right folks. The brilliance of Joss Whedon is revealed. I guess I already knew this, but it was nice to give him his props. He is a master at dialogue. There is NO ONE better. I also felt quite the high with Scott Pilgrim versus the World. I got to see it when it came out last month. I already knew I would love it just by seeing the clips at the panel. A perfect blend of music, writing, acting, and direction. Nice to see Michael Cera play a more believable geek. Haven't loved him this much since Juno. Oh, and the day wasn't over. Had to somehow get into Dr. Horrible. My peeps left to go about their evening, but I was going to try and get in. A miracle happened, and I got in. My only complaint are all the ridiculous call outs. I mean, it's almost every line. And in inappropriate moments. Penny dies, "that's gonna leave a mark". Really??. If the call outs are happening again next year, I'll be missing it. So, on to our next event...Can't Stop the Serenity! As a past coordinator, I just had to go to this. So glad I did even if I did get home at 2am. We saw Serenity, hung out with fellow Browncoats, and all the money went to Equality Now. Shiny! Both the Dr. Horrible Sing-along and Can't Stop the Serenity were coordinated by the California Browncoats. I went home and passed out.






Friday: Woosh....day 2 of the Con. I think this might be my favorite day because it was full of delicious TV panels. It was also *all* of us sitting together. Not only our little family at my BFF's, but our extended Whedonesquers whom I adore. Check out me and two of my favorite people who are also my favorite Whedonesque mods. Such a great time in Ballroom 20 today. First we did our annual "sit through Stargate so we can get to our shows" part. I really have no idea what the heck goes on with Stargate. All I know is that it's like crack to some geeks. Kind of like Joss is to me I guess. Next up was Caprica. Sad not to see Jane Espenson, but happy to see the beautiful James Marsters. Dear god, that man is beautiful. Barnabas was the best thing about Caprica. Then it was Big Bang Theory time. Lots of fun with this panel which was moderated by Mr. Geek America AKA as Wil Wheaton. Biggest surprise to me was Bare Naked Ladies coming out and leading a sing-along for the theme song. It was awesome. Next up was Bones. We got to see Crazy (yet beautiful) David Boreanaz talking about metaphors in acting...sandwiches. Yes, he said that he and Emily create an acting sandwich. It was weird and perfect. Next up was of course one of the biggest highlights for me. Yes, another hour with Joss. He really didn't have anything planned for us, just answered questions. The thing that is so great about Mr. Whedon, he will answer the question...in depth...and the answer is always smart, with a touch of funny, and interesting. Love him so much, and he gave Whedonesque a shout out! Next up was EW Girls that Kick Ass. I mostly just made fun of Jena Malone. That girl loves herself so much. I felt kind of sorry for her because she's one of those child actors who never really understood when to turn the acting off. I think Elizabeth Mitchell was sort of snickering at her. Seriously, Jena Malone was so ridiculous. And then to top off the amazing day was the True Blood panel. I have never in my life seen a table full of such beautiful people. If only Alexander Skarsgard were there. Best part of the entire panel was Stephen Moyer explaining in a very swoonworthy accent the step by step procedure of filming one of the creepiest, most disturbing sex scenes ever to grace our TVs. Topped it off with hanging with some of my favorite people that night. Great day!

Saturday: I had to choose between standing in line all day for Harry Potter, more than likely by myself, or just keeping my fingers crossed that I get into Chuck that morning. Which miraculously I did. Jeffster performed Bad Romance. I mean, I would have stayed in line all day to see Chuck cast sing the Gaga. The entire cast danced on stage. Then of course there was some poking fun (I call it just plain jealousy) at Adam Baldwin, AKA as the man they call Jayne. I knew there was no way I was getting into Hall H. Probably would have tried if I knew Joss was going to show up (the bastard sneaked in and announced the cast of the Avengers that night, grrr arrgh). SO, I hung out with a dear college friend that drove down from LA for the day (I love you, Annie). We of course got wasted and talked about inappropriate things. The best kind of talks in my opinion. Ended the night with playing video games with my house mates. Anne was quite taken back by this whole Comic Con thing. Sadly, she is not a geek. I know. Poor, Annie. One of the best parts of my day was when she told myself and house mates that we were like Phish groupies....but smarter. Awesome! But then she had to explain to me who Phish was. I know....

Sunday: Last day of Comic Con....NOOO! I met some nice people in line for Smallville. I really am quite clueless about the show, just wanted to see the pretty cast. I stopped watching around season 4 because the writing (which has never been good) got just horrid. What I really wanted to see today was Supernatural and Glee. The Winchester boys? Wow...That is a couple of pretty boys. And Ben Edlund (love him from his Buffy days) was on the panel along with the entire cast, Eric Kripke (old show runner, creator), and Sera Gamble (new show runner). Jim Beaver had some really nice things to say about Jensen's directing style (he's directing an episode called Weekend at Bobby's). After Supernatural we sat through American Dad while I read a book. It's not that I hate American Dad, it's pretty funny. But seriously, I watch enough TV. Then GLEE! So excited about the Glee panel. We found out all kinds of stuff...a Rocky Horror episode, a boyfriend for Kurt, a love triangle with Artie. Some juicy stuff. After Glee I walked around with some friends then attended the annual Buffy Sing-along. We sang and sat far away from the Dawn haters (the Dawn haters are lame). No Once More with Feeling pins sadly, but it was cool to see the Scoobies singing and dancing on the big screen again. After the Sing-along the Whedonesque gang went to In & Out again. A very memorable experience. Not sure how next year will top this year.



Happy Watching!

Comic Con....Yes, I'm going

Just wanted to pop in and say "Yes, I'm going to Comic Con". You can now be jealous. Some of the panels I'm looking forward to are Glee, Chuck, True Blood, and the JJ Abrams/Joss Whedon Worshipfest. I'll be sure to post my thoughts when I get back. Remember Mad Men premiers soon!! Set your DVRs and Happy Watching!

10 Shows The Rambling Geek is Watching this Summer

Yes, the Summer is almost half way over, and I haven't even told you what I'm watching! Gah! So, I have another top 10 list here. I somehow get all this television watching in. I really don't know how it's possible with two small kids, but somehow I make it work without being a total shitty parent. At least I don't think I am.

1. Wonderfalls
I was pretty excited when my friend let my other friend borrow her Wonderfalls DVDs! I knew that she would just fly through them then give them to me to watch. She sadly didn't like it, but score me because now I have plenty of time to fly through them!! Wonderfalls is a silly show about a girl named Jaye who works at a gift shop at Niagara Falls and little knick-knack creatures (ie stuffed animals, clay lions, and yard flamingos) talk to her. Yes, it sounds quite silly. There is always some sort of mission that she is supposed to lead to help others. Quirky and cute. Added bonus, it was created by one of my TV heroes, Tim Minear who was an executive producer on Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse. Wonderfalls is available on DVD.

2. Design Star
Yes, not terribly geeky, but I LOVE anything on HGTV. Weird, huh? I've always been fascinated with home decorating shows, and I also love real estate shows like House Hunters and Property Virgins. Odd since I'm a renter in a small apartment, shrugs. When Design Star doesn't dwell too much on the drama (the crap of realty TV) there are some intriguing challenges. My favorite so far...incorporating musical instruments into design. Hosted by design favorites Vern Yip, Genevieve Gorder, and Candice Olson, Design Star airs on HGTV on Sunday nights.

3. Mad Men (starting on July 25th)
So excited about this season's Mad Men. How things were left last year? So many possibilities! Plus more Joan!!! I won't have much to add until the show starts, but over on AMC's official Mad Men page, you can Mad Men Yourself: http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/madmenyourself/ Score!

4. So You Think You Can Dance
So many beautiful dancers! The problem with having a top 10 (11) is that they give you no room to not like anyone. In previous years there were far more weak links. And now? I love everyone! I think everyone is pure gold!! My favorites right now are Ashley, Billy, and Lauren. One complaint regarding the All Stars...I want them to chime in with some critique. I mean they worked with them for the past week. Perhaps they can give some feedback regarding how well they worked together. And plus, selfishly, I just want to revisit the glory of some of my favorites (Mark, Courtney, Twitch) because I adored these dancers when they were on the show. VERY excited that they will have a chance to shine. Reliving the Garden piece with Courtney and Mark was by far the biggest treat so far this season. So You Think You Can Dance airs on Fox on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

5. Six Feet Under
This show is near perfection. I'm a 6FU newbie, I just finished season 3. I never thought I would laugh at death, but somehow it works. It's twisted, morbid, and touching all wrapped into a perfect show. Such crazy, complicated characters too. Every episode I change my mind as to who is my favorite character. Sometimes I think it's Claire, then David, then Ruth, then Nate...I love that whole batshit crazy family. I haven't done any research as to if they will bring back the school counselor. It was painfully obvious that he was in love with Claire. I keep fantasizing that he meets up with her at some point. Fingers crossed. And sources (AKA a good friend) tell me that the finale is the best series finale ever to air on television. Wow, hope it lives up to the statement! Six Feet Under is available on DVD.

6. The Wire
OK, I will admit that I'm not loving this show yet. I'm at the point where I definitely enjoy it but it's not like crack to me. When a show becomes like crack, oh that is the good stuff. Buffy. Battlestar. Lost. Supernatural. Yep, crack. Everyone (minus one person) that I have talked to who has seen the Wire keeps telling me it is the most brilliant show ever to exist. Ever. OK, so how can I not keep watching? I will admit I'm only on episode 6 I think of season 1, so I have SO much watching to go!! We are borrowing the entire series from a couple that I adore, and I totally respect their viewing opinion. And the "fuck" scene = brilliant writing (those who have seen the Wire are probably the only ones who understand this statement, and no, it's not what you think). Will keep holding out for the crack. The Wire is available on DVD.

7. True Blood
I don't even know why I should go into why I'm watching this show. Are there Vampires? Yes. Are they sexy? Yes. Is there a strong female lead character? Yes. Is the cast full of amazing, quirky, fun characters? Yes. Are there hot sex scenes? Yes. That is all. True Blood airs on HBO on Sunday nights.

8. Friday Night Lights
Sigh. I've said it time and time again. This show owns my SOUL! Do I like football? Nope. In fact, I don't watch sports, much to my husband's dismay. But what I do love is a real town, set in the South, who live and breath football. I grew up in a town like this. Folks are freaky about their football!! I'm enjoying the new cast of characters too, hoping we get a bit more back story on Vince (AKA Wallace from the Wire). Another thing I love about the show is that it has a REAL married, committed couple and guess what. There are no affairs. I know! They love and support each other! What? On TV? I know! Friday Night Lights airs on Fridays on NBC.

9. Freaks and Geeks
A 1999 gem (set in 1980) about the troubles and turmoil and just plain awkwardness of growing up. I know what you're thinking, Oh No...another one of those high school dramas. Wrong. It's as close to real life as you can get. It is adorable, sweet, and has some very gritty, odd moments. It's Apatow (Judd) at his best. And you will see a bunch of faces that you will recognize (James Franco, Seth Rogan, Jason Segel, Busy Phillips when they were just starting out). Freaks and Geeks air on Friday nights on IFC with encore presentations on Sundays and Mondays. After Freaks, they will air yet another gem, Undeclared.

10. Doctor Who
I will admit it. I miss David Tennant. I was at first on board with the good Doctor right up until the Hungry Earth/Cold Blood aired....yawn. Nope, wasn't a fan. Really enjoyed seeing those crazy Weeping Angels again (they are creeptastic) and it was great to see Dr. Song again. I think a lot of it has to do with me just getting used to Amy and the new doctor. I'll get there. And I've heard from more than one person that the Vincent Van Gogh episode is amazing. It's still on the Tivo, and I'll get to it at some point next week when I'm not being a mama. Doctor Who airs on BBC America on Saturdays.

Happy Watching!

10 Shows that Kicked My Ass in May

Between some amazing finales and shows I have happened upon this last month, I'm bursting with TV L O V E. So let me ramble on to you gentle readers about all the glory of my little obsession that seems to always open my eyes and heart just a little bit more. Oh, and kick my ass. Spoilers ahoy for Supernatural and Lost.

Honorable Mention: Friday Night Lights
This show totally owns my soul. I seem to recall reading that we're getting one more season after this one. Score! I'm a bit behind most folks who are die hards...I'm actually watching it as it airs on TV *gasp* I think most people have been watching it on Direct TV. One of my favorite things about this show is NOT football. I know! It actually is seeing a happily married couple on TV. So many shows try and throw in the scandalous affairs...glad they are solid. Seeing Tami's journey so far this season is really getting me excited for what's to come. I have a feeling something big is gonna go down. Tami can play rough and dirty with those Booster Boys, but she always does it with a smile. And how amazing is Connie Britton? The fact that she has not received an Emmy for her outstanding performance makes me want to vomit.


10. So You Think You Can Dance
Although we have only had a few episodes, this season looks quite exciting!! Dance is my passion, and for a while there I thought it might be my life...fast forward twenty years later with my little family, not so much. Can't imagine living pay check to pay check and without my babies! Luckily I still dance when I can, stress free! Very excited about all the All Stars. Especially Mark Kanemura! I first started watching SYTYCD during season 4...I was a bit of a snob, thinking it was more like Dancing with the Stars. Nope, it was good. In fact, it was amazing...loved Mark because he was super contemporary. And America loved him too, surprisingly. And we get Mia back!


9. Psych
Decided I needed a light show that didn't make me use too many brain cells. Psych is that perfect show. You follow Shawn (a very perceptive dude, not exactly psychic, Gah spoilers!) and Gus (wise cracking, a bit on the dork side, Charlie from West Wing!) around in Santa Barbara as they work with the police department to solve crimes. He SOMEHOW (you really have to do some playing along here) gets the dept. to think he is psychic. The dude totally has a gift, I'll give him that. He's one of those guys that can enter a room and know exactly how many people have on hats and red shirts. And he has his cute girl Friday in Juliet who is absolutely adorable. Paired with the "I Heart Guns" Lassiter, Santa Barbara's top detective, it is all about the insults bouncing back and forth. What keeps this show going though is Shawn and Gus. Not only are they hilarious together, they just spill out so much pop culture nonsense, it's ridiculous. They've been BFFs since they were kids, so they have some rich history of shenanigans. Shawn and Gus Forevah....



8. Parks and Recreation
I have to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of this show the first season. But mix a little Tom, Leslie, April, Ron, and Andy and you get a sandwich of awesome. Plus the finale had Adam Scott from Party Down (see below). He is the perfect yin to Leslie's yang. Complete opposites, but I don't know....I smell some chemistry there! I would love him to be a permanent character if Party Down gets canceled (NO!). Would be fine with recurring. One of the reasons this show is so amazing is definitely Amy Poehler's character. I adore Leslie. She is like the anti-Michael Scott. She adores her job and works super hard at it. Very Liz Lemon except Liz knows she is pretty pathetic...Leslie is a bit naive when it comes to acknowledging her social awkwardness.



7. Glee
I'm thinking the episode "Theatricality" AKA "the Gaga episode" might have been my favorite of the season. Poker Face? Amazing! Lea and Idina can do no wrong. And I loved the little shout out to how ridiculous it is that the piano guy is just kind of always around. I wish they wouldn't have to have a source to all their music though. Come on Glee, embrace the musical genre!! Oh, and the speech that Kurt's dad gave on homophobia? Tears. A pretty difficult episode for Finn. Plus, hearing a love song to his ex-girlfriend too? Poor kid. He was absolutely in the wrong, but so was Kurt. I'm actually glad that Finn was the one who got the speech from Kurt's dad only because I think it means more towards a likable character. It was a way for us to say, "woah, they went there"! And the finale is next week! And they are singing Journey again! OK, simmer down you little 13 year old girl.


6. Arrested Development
I know, I know...."Beth, you're telling me you haven't ever seen Arrested Development?" Yes, it's true gentle readers. I was an AD Virgin until this Spring. And wow. So funny. Like pee in your pants funny. And just SO cringeworthy. So, think of all the things on the Office that makes you cringe and multiply it times a billion and that's Arrested Development. I think I may want my own personal Gob Bluth. Just keep him in a cage and bring him out with his magic or his puppet, Franklin, to entertain me. What the heck is this about a movie? According to IMDB, it's shooting this year and will be released next year. Oh, Gods of Kobol, please be right!!


5. Party Down
I have a friend online that wouldn't stop talking about this Adam Scott guy and I'm all "Who's Adam Scott?" Sigh...just the adorably, dreamy, cute, and dorky guy from Party Down of course! I first noticed him on Parks and Recreation thinking wow, what a perfect character for this show and he is so perfect for Leslie, and OMG get married and have lots of babies like now! Then I found out he is starring in his own half hour comedy on Starz. Oh, darn, no cable. No problem! It's on Netflix online! So gentle readers, please check this show out! If you were a fan of Veronica Mars or Freaks and Geeks, well you'll see all your friends again. They all play washed up, wannabe actors in Hollywood, working for a catering company. For Reals. So fun!!


4. Six Feet Under
I really adore this show. Only on disc 2, but so far really creeptastic. Super dark yet super funny. And wow, what a cutie Peter Krause was ten years ago. Still handsome, but yowsers (but not as cute as my husband, hi hubby!). I think so far my favorite relationship is the brother's. One wants the business, the other one doesn't, and one is mad because the other one doesn't want the business he wants....well if you can't follow my eloquent description, take my word that it's irony at it's best. I will say, not a fan of Brenda. She is just a miserable, mocking, know it all. Remember, only three episodes in, but come on lady. Get over yourself. Hoping to see the sister become a more integral part of the story. Right now she kind of has her own story line with Mr. Eric Balfour who is playing a high school student....again. Oh Jesse, what could have been (that was for the Buffy peeps). All in all, looks like I will get completely sucked into this show. Much like Eric Balfour's toe.


3. Parenthood Honestly, I started watching this show just because of Lorelai, I mean Lauren Graham. The woman is an acting goddess. She can bring on the pain, the funny, and the drama all in one look. Perhaps she will finally get the Emmy recognition she deserves. And in the finale they brought back Jason Ritter (AKA Mr. Cyr, Amber's teacher). Pretty sure Amber is over her crush, so Sarah and Mark can start the dating thing again. Their chemistry is so electrifying, and both actors have a very natural way of "talking" with each other during their scenes. I love that approach to acting....fell in love with it on Friday Night Lights, another Jason Katims gem. Plus Peter Krause from Six Feet Under (see above) who apparently is the real life dating companion of Lauren Graham. You would think that is creepy since they are siblings on the show, but not really. Special shout out to Monica Potter as Adam's wife, Kristina. I love the mom she is and the mom she tries to be. You gotta give her some props in trying to keep it all together.


2. Supernatural
Not since Buffy have I been completely sucked into a show like Supernatural. It is the perfect mix of humor, drama, horror, and family love. There really isn't much romance in this show (other than the fanfic which is ahem...quite good), but that really doesn't matter. It's a perfect blend of everything I love, including lots of classic rock. This season we had an apocalypse and got to hang out with Jacob from Lost (AKA the creepiest Lucifer ever). I'm still really curious as to what will happen next season. We are left seeing Sam looking sadly at a very happy Dean from afar...Dean still thinks he's in hell, but apparently he rose from the grave. We're just not sure how yet. Dean found Lisa who was "the one that got away". Oh, and we'll have a new show runner next year. Kripke is out and Gamble is in. Perhaps Sera will give the show a bit of a woman's touch. Can't hurt. As long as they still have their muscle car and classic rock, I'm in. Oh, and Mark Sheppard. I would be fine with more Mark Sheppard.


1. Lost
Sigh...Lost is over. Really enjoyed the finale. Like so much that I couldn't sleep that night. Last time that happened to me was after the Dollhouse and Battlestar Galactica finales. I do know that some folks weren't very happy with it. Some because it didn't solve every little mystery and others because of the whole spiritual aspect of it. I get it. I mean if you were watching Lost for the answers, I can see how that would make you mad. But really...I don't think you were paying attention. It was a character driven show. It was ALL about the characters. And if you got pissy about the spiritual stuff, I get that too. But again...there was a ton of faith based plots. So the Man of Faith wins over the Man of Science. I'm down with that. I would consider myself a spiritual person of faith (most days at least), so the whole "entering into heaven with your loved ones" thing? Ya, I cried....a lot. However you interpret it, I thought it was one of the most beautiful finales I have ever seen. Up there with Buffy's "Chosen". Lost kept me connected to my BFF who is miles and miles away. Like most TV, it is so much more enjoyable shared.

Happy Watching!

Them Winchester Boys....

Oh, the love is thick with those two. Thursday night's finale was full of all kinds of crazy emotions. You got your guilt, your love, your humor from the funny angel turned human turned angel, your big entries (will always remember Dean riding in to battle in the Metallicar blasting his classic rock). And of course no Supernatural finale would be complete without your basic love loss. Yes, it was time for a brother to die, AGAIN. But did Sam get stuck in the fiery (or is it snowy?) pits of hell with Jacob? I mean Lucifer for good? Hmmm, doesn't look like it. And is Lucifer still in hell? God, I hope so. But what about that freakin' lamp post that exploded at the end? Was God telling Sam to let Dean be a normal 30 something man for a change. For a while at least...Is Sam too desperate to give him a normal life that he won't pound on the door and say "Guess who's not in hell? Me!". And what was up with Chuck? Is he God? You know prophets have been know to ascend to heaven. Elijah did. Interesting breaking down that fourth wall, eh? I believe Mr. Kripke was telling us to chill the fuck out. But for the most part it was a beautiful good bye for him. And if Chuck is God and Chuck the writer was representing Kripke the writer, is that a bit egotistical of him? Meh, kind of....but they ARE both creators, aren't they? One of a beloved show, adored by fans. The other of the world we live in, adored by well...everyone. Until next season I have my reruns on TNT and ahem....Fan Fiction :)

Happy Watching

Goodbye V

OK, had to give up on V. I so adore Elizabeth Mitchell. The woman can act. Like really well. But I was bored. Nothing surprised me. If there was a surprise, I really didn't care. And I'm a big o' "Whedon Freak" so you would think I would stick around for Morena. Nope. Once they pushed her into "Evil Territory" I wasn't as interested in her. I was really young with V was on in the 80's, so I'm clueless when it comes to specific details of the show's plot. I just can't seem to get invested. Oh well. Bye, V. Fastforward...you may not be far behind.

Happy Watching.

All You Need is Love, Brotha

Tuesday's episode of Lost was quite an eye opener to me (get it?...eye opener?...they keep showing the eye?...hello? is thing on?...). I had planned on doing a big, long drawn out blog, but I was side tracked by the awesomeness of Bones. Then my son's birthday party happened. Then I got sick....so, I have a short but sweet post.

So, the key to figuring out what the hell is going on in Sideways World? Love. One four letter word that isn't a curse word. How brilliant is that? So simple, so right to the point...apparently love is all you need. So much love. And I always go gah gah over any Desmond episode. Plus we got lots of Charlie. When we first saw him I seriously thought that was it. Just a little glimpse, but then we got TONS of Charlie, squee! How amazing was it to see Daniel again? How cool and calm he was in SWW. Not the goofy, nutty professor in Island World. He still was his incredibly sweet, smart, yet vulnerable self though, wasn't he? Also interesting shift of the father/daughter relationship in SWW. Penny didn't care a flip about the charity event, and the one person her father adores is Desmond, hmmmm...

OK, that's all the thoughts I have for now. A bit rambelicious but then again, that's the name of the blog :) Happy Watching Lost tonight!