Don't Behead Me, I'm Behind-Game of Thrones 2X01

A few thoughts about season 1 before I begin:

• DRAGONS!!
• I knew Ned Stark was going to die and it was still rather horrifying to watch
• I really don't understand all the Sansa hate. I know that masculinity is valued over femininity, ergo Arya is more liked than Sansa, but really?! Sansa at 14 years of age has to beg for her father's life in front of the court and her fiancé, then watch her fiancé go back on his word and behead her father. THEN he makes her look at her father's head on a stick and listen to him call her father a traitor and enter into an incredibly abusive relationship with Joffrey. Also, Arya has escaped, so she's alone in this. AND she had to listen to Joffrey say the phrase: "Once you have your first blood, then I'll put a son in you" which is just barf-worthy (Joffrey's such a romantic). I'm now judging everyone who doesn't like Sansa so hard. 
• Half of me loves Dany and half of me is side-eyeing the white savior-ness and rape apologist-ness of her storylines. But, dragons
• I like how Arya and Sansa each have a path that reflects their character. Sansa is doing her duty by marrying Joffrey and denouncing her father, while Arya is literally being a boy in order to escape. Talk about gender roles.
• Have I mentioned the dragons?

Now on to season 2. Now, I know that everyone and their brother watches this show (even my brother does) so I do know some spoilers. However, please, please don't spoil me. I know some things, but not everything, and I would like to keep it that way.

Dany

Dragons!!!! (side-note, the dragons make a similar noise to that of the clicker in The Last of Us, so that was a little creepy).

But in all seriousness, I don't know how they're going to make it out of this. They are literally in the middle of the desert with nothing. 

Sansa

Man, poor Sansa. She's just trying to survive and she's stuck with Joffrey, who I sincerely hope dies a long and painful death at some point in the series. On top of that, I hope he's killed by a woman. In a perfect world it would be Sansa herself.

Catelyn/Robb

I weirdly like this mother/son war-raging duo. Although the deal they made at the end of last season was less that optimal, the two seem to be doing okay. Also, Robb (and his wolf) threatening Jamie was the best.

Okay, I will admit I know a few spoilers. Like I totally know what happens at the Red Wedding. Or what Jamie does for the most of the 3rd season. And some of these storylines are starting to show the hows and whys of what will happen. So I'm not really spoiled? Which is good, because I was worried it might ruin the series for me.

Bran

Poor Bran. His dad is dead, his siblings and his mother have left, he's paralysed, and now he has to run Winterfell at like 8 years old. I really hope his life gets better (I know, I know, I know. It's not.) 

Tyrion

I'm starting to understand why people like Tyrion. He manages to say some awesome stuff, like his comment about Ned being Sansa father despite also being a traitor, and then he sasses everyone throughout the entire episode. I think he will do well as the Hand, mostly because I think Joffrey is scared of him.

Summer Stuff

Okay, I know I've been pretty lacking on the updates. A few things happened:

I graduated from college!

Brother!

I moved home.

I own too many things

I got a new kitten!

Buster!

So you know, nothing too major. Anyways, here is what I will be blogging about for the summer:

Pretty Little Liars

Haven

Rizzoli and Isles (maybe?)

Game of Thrones!

I know what you're saying. Game of Thrones ended a few weeks ago. Guess what, I'm behind! I just finished season 1, so I will be blogging about season 2 and 3 as I catch up.

What are You Doing with My Fries?-Pretty Little Liars 4X02

Aaaaaannnndd we're back!

Mona

I'm incredibly divided on Mona. Part of me want to trust her, and I think that if she really is on our side she will bear the majority of A's wrath (see: strangled in a car), but I think she may still be evil. Nothing is as it seems in Rosewood, so I'm considering all possibilities.

PLL Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime someone is almost run over by a car

Emily

Is anyone else expecting Paige and Emily to break up this season? They are way too happy (because that always works out real well in this show...) and a little out of touch. I mean, they're 18 and talking about moving in together at Stanford? This is one of the moments I'm reminded that they're teenagers. 

Spencer

Poor Spencer. First Radley, then rejected from UPenn? One of her family members is probably already a murderer (*Ahem* Melissa), so telling her family is going to be oh so much fun. I'm glad that she told someone and I'm glad Ezra was able to provide normal teacher support for a student rather than sleeping with them. His advice was right, maybe she should only talk about Allison's death and leave out the stalking/crazy parts of her life. 

Ezra that was the not creepiest thing you have ever done

I was also really impressed with how they're doing Toby/Spencer. I imagined the writers having Toby be shifty and Spencer being suspicious, which happened, but I thought they would drag it out over a few episodes. I'm glad Toby's involvement was revealed and I'm interested in learning more about his mom. If they're bringing this story in, is she connected to A/Allison?

Hannah

Hannah's mom killed Wilden. At least, I'm pretty sure of it. PLL is very good about misdirection, but all roads lead to murder. 

Since when did you become Spencer?

Aria

I'm really glad Aria decided to go get some lessons in self-defense. At this point, all the girls should seek out military-level weapons and combat training because A means serious business. Also, karate instructor is cute. When do we start taking bets on when he turns creepy? 

Other Notes

• I'm pretty sure the writer's start off every season trying to come up with creepy things to insert into the show. Exhibit A(ha!):

C.R.E.E.P.Y

• Other than weird animals, I'm glad we have Ms. DiLaurentis on the show. It allows for flashbacks from someone other than the girls. Seriously, how many things are they going to conveniently forget?
• Also, she totally reminds me of Celia Hodes from Weeds
• When Allison was holding her breath, did anyone else think she was going to make something float? Or break something with her mind? I've heard the spin-off is supernatural, so I thought that Allison was actually a witch.

"I Should be Celebrating"- Nashville 1X21

Juliette

For most of the season I feel like the writers haven't known what to do with Juliette. She has storylines that start and stop and only in the past few episodes have we been able to see a progressive storyline that sticks. With the death of her mother, I think that the storyline of her writing new music will return fuelled by the pain of losing her mother. This may be my favorite Juliette episode, and it really showcased Hayden Panatierre's talents. Her song at the end was wonderful, and I LOVED the conversation between her and Rayna. This scene was where I thought the show was going; eventually the two would become good friends. This was a step in that direction.

I'm also interested in Juliette and Avery's potential relationship. I really like couples that are made of two kind of terrible people who redeem each other, and I think Avery and Juliette would be able to do that with each other. Also, Juliette needs someone who is screwed up as her. Her husband was just a little too nice. I felt like Juliette pretended to be a very wholesome person with him, and with Avery she can just be fucked up.

Female friendships for the win.

Deacon, Teddy, Rayna, etc.

For the entire season I have been unable to comprehend how and why Rayna chose Teddy. Deacon has been portrayed as a good man who happens to have an addiction. Very little references what that addiction entailed. However, this episode I finally get it. A little bit. Deacon's attack on Teddy showcased the violence and anger that is drunk Deacon. Hopefully next season we will be able to explore his addiction, because the writers have been handling his and Juliette's mother's addictions with aplomb.

Sad for Deacon's addiction. Sadder he didn't get a really good punch in.

 I wasn't a fan of how Rayna and Teddy handled their daughter's parentage situation. There was too much yelling, I think they should have had a calm discussion instead of yelling. I hope next season they explore the family relationship a little more, especially between Rayna and her daughters. I understand that Deacon is upset about Rayna not telling him he was a father. I more annoyed with Teddy, who made sure Rayna kept it from him. Can Rayna and Deacon fix their relationship? And their bodies, because car crash.

The second they got in this car, it was going to crash

Gunnar and Scarlett

Gunnar. What. What are you doing. Calling Juliette when you went to go see Deacon, that was nice. That was good boyfriend stuff. But proposing??!! A proposal is not a solution. I really like Gunnar, and I want him to figure his shit out, but come on. Fix yourself before you try to fix your relationship.

Gunnar. What.

Other Notes:

• Of course there's an unplanned pregnancy. And of course it's Peggy.
• I really hope Tandi takes down her father because he is an ass. And Tandi' awesome. The end.
• Really excited for Will's forthcoming storylines that the show has been hinting about. I loved the scene at the club at the end
• Speaking of, not only was Juliette's song great, but having it played over the last few defining moments of the season was great editing.
• Damsels in Discussion's podcast here is awesome about this episode. And they cover Game of Thrones and Mad Men, so spoilers for that. 

One Drink at a Time-Nashville 1X18

I'm prefacing this post with a disclaimer. This post may sound like I hate Nashville. I don't, it is the only new show this year that I continued watching. I think the acting is great and Callie Khouri made one of my favorite movies (Thelma and Louise). But it has been a long week and I'm in a snarky mood. Also, I think there are things to improve for next season. But I promise, I really do like this show.

Juliette
Today on Nashville, Juliette yells at her mom all while trying to climb the professional ladder in the world of country music. Just like every episode. Yay.

And I thought I loved champagne

Okay, I think the writers don't really know what to do with her. They had a really good storyline in her changing her music style, but that kind of fell away. Every once and awhile they mention it, but I'm interested in how changing her musical style will effect how she's marketing herself and what it's like for an artist to change themselves. Usually they are met with criticism; fans usually want people to stay the same. But they don't There was also the interesting storyline of her mother, and they tried to do something with it, but it has now turned into Juliette being angry at her mother all the time and not moving forward. In this episode they did touch on the genetics involved in alcoholism and that Juliette could be an alcoholic, so I hope they explore that. Mainly, I want to see some character growth with Juliette that sticks. Next season? One can only hope.


Deacon and Rayna

All the happy feels

Finally! Okay, it wasn't that long. But there was too much sexual tension for this to be dragged out for years. But Rayna has to tell him that he has a daughter and I think Teddy is really shitty for forbidding her to tell him. But she really doesn't have to listen to him and I honestly don't think she will. It will be perfect bliss for the next few episodes and the finale will be her finally telling him and him being FUCKING pissed. Maybe he'll punch Teddy? Come on writers, someone has to punch Teddy.

Teddy

Please go away. Forever.

That's really all I have to say about you. Why did Rayna marry you again?

Gunnar and Scarlett...and Will
I have a very complicated relationship with Gunnar. Half the time I like him and half the time I hate him. And right now, I hate him. It is 2013, get over the fact that Will tried to kiss you. Scarlett, go find someone else. I'm excited to see Scarlett actually going to do more things and possibly tour next season. She is a character than I think the series will be able to grow well and represent a more folk-y side to country than Rayna and Juliette.

I feel like there's a Three's Company joke in here somewhere...

Will has suddenly become an interesting character with this new revelation. At first I thought he was your stereotypical douche-y country frat boy who tries to kill himself every once and awhile. But the revelation of his sexuality has added a new dimension to his character. Country music has a persona of being very heteronormative and anti-alternative masculinities. I'm choosing to use heteronormative rather than homophobic because it is not anti-gay outright, rather it just assumes everyone to be straight. One of my criticisms of many country hits is that they are very general. Many genres do that, but country music has a lot of songs that talk about southern/country boys and girls and what they do. I'm not saying that every country artist is homophobic or anti-gay, but the area that influences this genre has a tendency to be very conservative and very homophobic. But they also are anti-alternative masculinities  This includes gay men, but there are songs make fun of men who dress well, or just dress differently than jeans and cowboy boots. So for Nashville to have a gay character, especially one that does not follow major gay stereotypes, is fascinating. I really want them to explore this character more and follow the difficulties of being gay in Nashville and I think this could be their most interesting storyline to date.


What are your predictions for the rest of the season? Will Rayna spill about her daughter's true parentage? Will I ever stop hating Teddy (probably not)?

Small hiatus

Just an FYI, I will not have access to tv or a computer until next week, so I'll be updating again in about a week. I hope all of you have a great week!

"I'm in"-The Good Wife 4x22

Oh Zack. I know you're trying to be a good kid, but why do you always find yourself in these situations? The Good Wife puts up another quirky case with court in the middle of the night to stop the votes from being counted. And what do they add to make it more awesome? Patty Nyholm. And her children.

She's back! With babies!

Seriously, the best exchange of the night was:
Will: Is that one new?
Patty: I don't know, I've lost track.

This case was something that could only happen on The Good Wife. It was so entertaining to watch Alicia, Diane, and Will have to switch sides mid-case AND join with opposing council. It's another example of what I talked about last week, where e show is more concerned with how the law works rather than if it is just.

Go home George

I really hope they bring the election cheating back next season. Peter may try to claim innocence, but leaving the decision up to Will was a jerk move. You don't get to be a good person if you let election rigging happen. Will clearly made the decision for Alicia's happiness, so he gets a little reprieve in my book. I feel like if Alicia finds out about e rigging, her relationship with both Peter and Will could be damages. But, I think her relationship with Will is fixable because he did not already lie and cheat on Alicia with prostitutes. And Kalinda. Peter's out of chances.

"My mother just threatened me?"

What did you all think outcome? In particular, there was a comment about how many votes Peter won by. I interpreted it as the place Zack voted at to be not the only place that the votes were changed, and that's why Peter won by more than he thought he would. However, I have heard other ideas that he never needed them in the first place and the rigging was for nothing. Thoughts? Post below in the comments!

Serious Alicia is serious.

I completely bought it. I watched this episode with my friend Emily (who has an awesome blog at loudemily.blogspot.com) and we thought Will was going to be on the other side of that door. We were literally jumping off the couch with excitement. But The Good Wife sucker punched us with Cary's face and Alicia's "I'm in". The last sequence of this episode was done so beautifully. Alicia comes home and has a glass of wine, does some laundry and waits. By pairing the daily events of her life with a HUGE life decision emphasizes the importance of this decision and Alicia's constant choice to remain a good wife. Or at least her version of it. Many people have been complaining (Tumblr, I'm looking at you) that Alicia made a cowardly choice or no choice at all by not leaving Peter. Now, I would like her to leave Peter as well. But I understand why she doesn't. Beyond him being the father of her kids, he represents something to Alicia. This season they introduced her mother, a woman that moves from man to man. Alicia doesn't want to be her mother. It has been previously mentioned that she didn't like that her parent got divorced. And then in this season her mother tells her that she should go after Will, and Alicia immediately pulls Peter into the bathroom for sex. I don't think she really wants to be with Peter, but Peter represents how Alicia can avoid her mother's failings. We have seen Alicia battle between what was expected of her and what she wants. In a flashback to their pre-cheating life, their relationship is almost stepfordish. There is a historical notion that women are supposed to be the keepers of virtue, expecting to forgive their husband's transgressions and make none of their own. Alicia still feels the pressure of the 50's notion of womanhood that she thinks she's supposed to conform to, and that means choosing Peter also means that her previous relationship with Will is a transgression to be forgotten and moved away from, hence the Cary choice. The Kings noted that even though Alicia is trying to distance herself from Will, who says that will work out? I'm interested to see how all this plays out, and I am counting down the days until the next season. Add your predictions and hopes for next season in the comments!