It seems like forever since the last time I had a full week of original TV programming. This week may be the first in a while, since Lost FINALLY returns. I’m going to be pretty pissed if next week isn’t new also, though. These repeats are getting freakin’ ridiculous.
Hope everybody had a nice St. Patrick’s Day. I went to this bar in the city with a few friends of mine, and let me just say this: I will never, ever look at Fire Marshals the same way again. These guys were so tremendously drunk and making out with skanky girls in a manner so hardcore you’d think the plane was going down. Like, honestly, they were like all over each other, with the girls wearing their hats and everything. Unbelievable, and very uncomfortable.
I caught Saturday Night’s Main Event this past Saturday, and I know it’s not the cool “internet wrestling fan” thing to do, but I actually really enjoyed the show. The cartoonish opening promos were fun, and the overall appearance was a refreshing change from the usual RAW, SmackDown, and Pay-Per-View sets. I liked the white ring ropes and the red posts.
Yes, the show was extremely short on matches, and a lot of people were disappointed with the quality of the matches that did happen. I think those fans need to realize that WrestleMania is two weeks away, and they really can’t give away too much, since they want to charge those same fans $50 to see a night of matches. Besides, I thought the night very effectively hyped and advanced the WrestleMania feuds.
I enjoyed the overall psychology of the opening handicap match, particularly Triple H saving Cena from the 619, and the end all-out brawl. Triple H hitting Cena with the Pedigree at the end and trying to help Orton get the pin was fun. Having Mysterio pull Orton off because he (a) didn’t want to win that way and (b) didn’t want to let Orton steal the thunder again made it even better. Triple H then returning to the scene to finish off the job, only to get his comeuppance from Angle, who then got attacked by Orton added a lot of excitement to the match.
I also enjoyed the interplay between the characters. It was logical that Cena and Mysterio hesitated a bit before going at it, since they’ve always been cool with each other. It also made sense that Angle had no problem attacking Cena, since they’ve almost always been at odds with each other. Was it a technical masterpiece? No. But it was fun.
I also thought the Shawn Michaels vs. Shane McMahon match was very good. Seeing HBK take those massive bumps still makes me cringe a bit. It’s hard to believe that this guy was retired because of a serious back surgery for four years.
Anyway, enough with the wrestling. But hey, wrestling is on TV….so it is fair game.
24:
I thought this was an absolutely fabulous episode, because of one significant reason: It was so incredibly human. The emotion, the reactions to what was happening, the turmoil…it just felt so real and true-to-life.
I was really glad they didn’t just gloss over Edgar’s death, as it was really refreshing to see Chloe actually impacted by his death. I also enjoyed the uncomfortable tension and awkwardness exchanged between Jack and Kim, having to be trapped in a room together only minutes after she found out he was alive. Also, Kim’s character is getting a lot of criticism for being so cold towards Jack. Personally, I find her reaction realistic. The girl has experienced so much tragic loss and has gone through so much grief. To find out that your father had faked his death and trusted others but not you with the fact that he’s alive (no matter how justifiable his reasons) after all you had gone through is enough to make anybody feel bitter. It’s a lot of emotion to take in all at once.
I also liked the technique of having all of the characters isolated in three different locations. I thought it worked really well. I especially liked the fact that Buchanan was in his office, which basically overlooks everything. It was very fitting. He and Audrey have grown on me astronomically since last year.
Lynn’s death was expected, yet still somewhat unexpected. It seemed pretty obvious that he would be the one to make the big sacrifice, but I’m also somewhat surprised that somebody so recognizable was killed so quickly. Also, I quite enjoyed the fact that the security guard was not gung ho about giving up his life to save others. Again, that was realistic. The fact is, not everybody is so noble and willing to die for others or their country. It’s not a fault, it’s just realistic.
On the other hand, Tony’s death was completely unexpected, and it served as a great reminder that truly nobody is safe when it comes to 24. Tony’s been one of my favorite characters since season two, and I believe he’s been one of the (if not the) best developed character on the show. So, obviously, I was really saddened by his death. But at the same time, I thought it was done magnificently. I’ve been really digging these major deaths with no build up whatsoever, that are not the least bit heroic. Again, it’s realistic. I also loved Tony’s final line, due to his simplicity: “She’s gone, Jack, she’s gone.” Simply put, Tony had nothing to hold onto. He had no reason to hang on. And I thought Jack’s reaction was great. The guy doesn’t have many (if any) friends, and he is constantly pushing people away. Tony is somebody who has always been there for him, and somebody he could always rely on. Losing him was a big blow to Jack, and it was great seeing him react so emotionally over it.
Overall, a really great episode of 24.
THE OC:
Ya’ know, I thought Nikki Reed looked really hot in Thirteen, but I haven’t been digging her all that much during her recent stint on The O.C. Well, that was until this past week, as I thought she looked really good. Her and Ryan sure have progressed fast, haven’t they?
The whole Marissa/sketchy guy thing is a little random. The whole Marissa/Matt thing is sketchy.
Summer continues to rule all, although I was a bit taken aback by her comment to Julie that she “has no problem with her. In theory.” I mean, that’s your best friend’s mom. Seems like an awfully strange way to talk about her, especially since they never had any run-ins.
Oh, I was also pleased that they didn’t go overboard with this whole Sandy losing his soul thing, as he was back to his nice guy ways last week.
Oh wait, is OC on break this week? With that and Survivor gone, I guess I won’t have my full week of original TV after all.
Before I head out, I thought I’d discuss this Isaac Hayes vs. South Park war. Gotta say, I side with South Park on this issue. Isaac Hayes had no problem cashing in checks when the show brutally made fun of Christians, Jews, Muslims, or any other faith or nationality. But once it’s against Scientology, it’s bigotry and disgusting.
Anyway, that’s it for this week. I’m sure next week I’ll have a lot to talk about with Lost returning. Hope everybody has a great week
