My Entertainment OCD

Change of Address

2012-02-01T05:22:00.000-05:00

I HAVE MOVED!!!!

For all of my latest in crazy ramblings please check me out at:

Wine Stained Life.com

Thanks for following all of my exploits here over the years! Be sure to come say hello at the new address!

There is only One Tree Hill

2011-12-29T11:22:00.053-05:00

I fought watching this show for SO MANY YEARS. I felt like I had lots of good reasons. When UPN and The WB merged back in the day One Tree Hill was picked up and my favorite Everwood was not. My feelings were hurt and I can hold a grudge like none other! I had also heard a ton of stories about unrest on set, fights to keep it on air and fans who were wildly unimpressed with later seasons.

Thankfully I had a group of wonderful friends, kind enough to hound me into watching it. Finally. (Thank you Sandi. Again).

There were a lot of things about One Tree Hill that I found silly. A lot of things I found ridiculous. And many more things that I found absolutely maddening!!

And yet...... And yet.....

I fell madly in love. With something I wanted so badly to hate. There is probably a lesson in all of this. A totally "make me want to barf for having these kinds of feelings" lesson, but a lesson just the same.

So what did I fall madly in love with? Too many things to count, name or catalog. But here is a start:

Favorite Couple:
I want to get this one out of the way quick because everyone on twitter has been asking me about it since I first started: Nathan and Haley. No doubt, no question. They survive, they love, they make it SO REAL. They have problems, they suffer through life. And still.... they make dreams come true. They feed each others' souls. They have so much passion. They don't always agree but they do make it work. They talk, they doubt, they believe, they fight. And even when they tease each other they believe in their love above everything else. That makes them so real to me. And real is very sexy. Real is beautiful.

Favorite Character:
This one is pretty easy too. There have been a lot of characters that I started off hating and ended up adoring. And I love being wrong about characters. None more so though than Nathan Scott. I thought he was such a dick in the beginning. And then he became the anti-hero. And then an actual hero. And then everything any girl would ever dream of. He is faulted and troubled but, he is also sweet and noble and strong. And he's a really great dad. Is there anything hotter than that? Watch him do it and I DARE your ovaries not to ache. And holy LORD he looks good with his shirt off. Hello arm porn!

Favorite Episode:
This is a super-duper hard choice to make. There are a lot of things that go into a great episode of TV. And because I watched 8 seasons in less than 2 weeks, it is very difficult for me to pick just one. Or 6. So... I've chosen my top 3 Happy and my top 3 Sad. And that is the best that I can do!

Sad #3: 3x16, "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept." There is not a whole lot more devastating in a high school than a school shooting. Especially when you lose a friend. Especially when you lose someone you love. Tree Hill and everyone in it was forever changed after these events. And not so much for the better.
Happy #3: 3x14, "All Tomorrow's Parties." What's more fun than a class trip? Scott brother bonding and cheerleaders gone crazy!! And when the entire routine goes to crap in a totally hilarious way, the girls make the most of it and have the time of their lives! How can you not dance along?
Sad #2: 7x18, "The Last Day of Our Acquaintance." No matter how much Haley and her sisters prepare for the death of their mother, her loss is no easier to bear. Watching the girls try to let her go is so beautiful and yet so hard to see. Haley's subsequent breakdown is no picnic either.
Happy #2: 4x21, "All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone." This episode did not have a happy start. The song (Lightning Crashes) was epic and sad and beautiful, but did not give away our happy ending. Two babies born. One of them being the beloved James Lucas Scott. And then the High School life of our darling Ravens ends in a game at the River Court. Even Dan Scott couldn't take that happy away.
Sad #1: 6x03, "Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly." Another character I hated at first and grew to love. And then he died. The death of Quentin was so much harder than I ever thought it would be. But he was Jamie's friend. Haley's student. And Nathan's inspiration. And when Jamie spread his cape over his coffin I wasn't sure I would ever recover. Because he was a true hero to my favorite OTH family and truly missed by all.
Happy #1: 6x24, "Remember Me As a Time of Day," started out pretty intense. Would Peyton make it? Would she live to see the little girl she sacrificed herself to make? Certainly. And Peyton and Lucas and baby Sawyer got to be a family and drive off in the Comet into the happy blue yonder. Then Nathan too, got what he always wanted. The NBA. The thing he had worked toward his entire life. With his always supportive and loving wife and son by his side, he got to walk onto the court of his life long dream. What on earth could be happier than that?

Favorite Moments:

There are so many things that I have loved throughout these 8 seasons. Big things. Tiny things. Things that have made me clap my hands together in giant bouts of joy. Things that have made me bow my head in absolute sadness.Things that have made my heart swell into something 10 times its normal size. So many things.

5x13: Nathan & Haley make up and get down after way too much time apart. And Nathan. UGH! "You know, sometimes I find your goodness staggering."
6x22: When Brooke says goodbye to Sam. "You'll always be my first mom."
6x14: Lucas & Nathan bond over children. "What's going on?" "Just playing walkie talkies with my brother."
3x13: Nathan and Haley make up in the rain. "I was hurt, Haley, but I was still proud of you, everyday."
4x16: Even in a fight, Brooke risks her life to go after Peyton. "Welcome to prom P. Sawyer."
6x13: Peyton shares amazing news with the love of her life. "I'm having your baby, Lucas Scott."
4x10: Haley fights for her life after a terrible accident. "Please… Please don't take her from me. Don't take our child from her."
7x15: Reenacted bits from all of my favorite 80's movies. And my favorite couple plays my favorite couple! "I already have everything I ever wanted."
8x11: Jamie & Brooke fight to escape an accident during a terrible storm. "Brooke! Don't leave me baby!"

Musical Moments:

One of my favorite things about One Tree Hill was the constant music and recurring talent. Bethany Joy Galeotti (as Haley James Scott) and Kate Voegele (as Mia Catalano) provided so many beautiful songs. But there were others too. Music and lyrics to fit the most amazing moments!

1x08: "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot: Nathan & Haley kiss for the first time.
4x09: "Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzalez: Lucas realizes his love for Peyton.
6x03: "Quiet In My Town" by Civil Twilight: Quentin's funeral.
7x22: "Timshel" by Mumford & Sons: Haley jumps into the pool & reflects on her life.

All of these moments and quotes and songs are just a small taste, a small portion of the magic that I found in Tree Hill over the last couple of weeks. Not bad for something I set out to hate huh?

Now Brooke has her boys. All three of them. Nathan and Haley have all they've ever wanted with a baby girl on top. What comes next?

Can't wait to watch Season 9 with all of you who love this show as much as I have grown to. Thanks for keeping me company during my marathon!

To All the Television I've Wept Before

2011-12-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

For some reason, over the last several days on Twitter, we’ve been chatting about the most sob inducing television episodes of ALL TIME. Bless my dear friend MelissaLeaman for starting this trend and my friend Carrie Raisler for dubbing said episodes as #cryisodes. I guess the holidays are really starting to wear on us. Either way, I suppose it’s best to get all of the creys out now instead of next week over gifts and too much eggnog surrounded by family. Right? So let’s get to it. Grab a glass of wine (or 6) a box of tissues (or several) and read all about my favorite television breakdowns.

P.S. These are not in any kind of order. It seemed wrong to rank my points of emotional annihilation.

P.P.S. I decided to choose only one episode from each show so all mentioned shows get a “Runner up”

*Dawson’s Creek 5x04 “The Long Goodbye”

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Reason for tears: Dawson loses his dad in a car accident and blames himself.

Quote: (Telling Dawson about his last conversation with Mitch) Mr. Brennan: “Well, when I mentioned your name, his whole face just lit up. He said you were this brave kid, but he had no idea how you got to be that way. He said you had a romantic streak a mile long, and he said he was proud to know you. I'm sorry if that makes you sad, Dawson, but I figure if somebody says that about you, you ought to know it.”

All the feels: I lost my own mother just a month and a half before this episode aired. Dawson’s Creek was always something my sister and I shared and we always felt like it was a pretty big part of our lives. Never before though had we related to the characters so much. Holding each other while watching this one will always be a bitter-sweet memory for me.

Runner up: 6x24 “...Must Come to an End”

– The death of Jen Lindley – please never again make me watch that video she made for her daughter. “Hi Amy, it's mom. Well, by the time you see this, I won't be here anymore, and I know how much that sucks, for both of us. So seeing as how I won't be around to thoroughly annoy you, I thought I would give you a little list of the things that I wish for you.”

*Grey’s Anatomy 2x27 “Losing My Religion”

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Reason for tears: Izzy risks her career and everyone else’s to get Denny a new heart only to have it give out on him after she leaves to get dressed for the hospital prom.

Quote: Izzie: "An hour ago he was proposing. And now... and now he's going to the morgue. Isn't that ridiculous? Isn't it the most ridiculous piece of crap you've ever... " (starts sobbing. Alex picks her up, cradling her, and sits down on a chair holding and rocking her while she sobs).

All the feels: If she hadn’t been so damn happy when she left to go get dressed, if she hadn’t crawled into bed with him after he died, if Alex wouldn’t have cradled her the way that he did to get her to let him go, maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad. Except that it was SO BAD.

Runner Up: 6x24 “Death and All His Friends”

– Nearly everyone at Seattle Grace is shot by the husband of a dead patient – please never again make me see Christina’s tears as she is forced at gun point to stop performing surgery on Derek. It only makes me think of “She’s my person.”

* The O.C. 4x01 “The Avengers”

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Reason for tears: Months after Marissa was killed in a car “accident” the residents of Newport are still reeling from her loss.

Quote: Ryan: “Face it. I always bring troubles. Trey, Volchok. You and your family... You're better off without me.”

All the feels: Because Ryan Atwood chooses to cage fight instead of cry about losing the love of his life, I feel like I must cry extra for him. He has shunned anything resembling love and comfort as some kind of punishment he doesn’t deserve. Which makes the unveiling of his Origin Story that much more heart crushing. Comic books are not supposed to make people cry. SETH!

Runner up: 1x27 “The Ties That Bind”

– Everyone mourns when Ryan feels he must leave Newport – please never again make me witness Kirsten Cohen breaking down as she folds up Ryan’s abandoned bed clothes. Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” serenades everyone’s pain perfectly.

*Buffy The Vampire Slayer 5x15 “The Body”

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Reason for tears: In the land of all things supernatural, Buffy loses her mother to natural causes.

Quote: Anya: “But I don't understand! I don't understand how this all happens, how we go through this. I mean - I knew her, and then she's... there's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead anymore! It's stupid! It's mortal and stupid! And... and Xander's crying and not talking, and... and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, "Well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch - ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn, or brush her hair, not ever," and no one will explain to me why.”

All the feels: Again, because I have lost my own mother, this episode is especially hard. But Joss Whedon did something with this episode that no one else has tried before or since for a major character death: silence. There was no score or soundtrack or song. Just the normal sounds of the opening and closing of doors, of birds chirping outside. Which just made it all so much more REAL. Because when you lose someone in real life, there is no orchestra standing behind you to score your emotional breakdown. There is just loss.

Runner up: 2x22 “Becoming, Part 2”

– Buffy is forced to send Angel to hell in order to save the world just as he gets his soul back – “Close your eyes.” Please never again make me listen to "Full of Grace" by Sarah McLachlan.

*Castle 3x24 “Knockout”

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Reason for tears: Beckett learns more about the murder of her mother and then is gunned down at a friend’s funeral.

Quote: Castle: (After gunshot) “Kate! No Kate... Ssh. Kate please. Stay with me Kate. Don't leave me, please. Stay with me okay? Kate... I love you. I love you, Kate.”

All the feels: We all knew Beckett wouldn’t actually die. Obviously. But watching her get shot and Castle’s subsequent reaction proved to be more than my emotions could handle. His confession of love when it may have been too late didn’t help much either.

Runner up: 4x01 “Rise”

– Beckett fights for her life after being shot – please never again make me suffer through Castle screaming at Beckett out of love and anger when she never called him post recovery.

*Friday Night Lights 4x13 “Thanksgiving”

Reason for tears: After getting caught running an illegal chop-shop Tim Riggins takes all of the blame so that his brother Billy can care for his new family.

Quote: Tim: “You are my brother. You are all that I have. You have a family now. You are a father. You need to be one. This is my decision. This is what I have decided. This is what’s gonna happen. You’re my brother.”

All the feels: Tim messed up a lot. But most of the time he just got crapped on. Time and again. And then he took all of the blame when the law came down just so that his brother could be a father in a way that their father never was. He gave up everything for family. And while he never had lofty goals, I doubt being in prison a year after his senior state championship game was ever on his list. It’s probably easier to choose FNL episodes that DIDN’T make me cry but this one will always bring the rain.

Runner up: 4x05 “The Son”

– Matt loses his dad – please never again, I just cannot. “I gotta get up there in front of everybody and say good stuff about this man. And all I really want to say is 'Hear lies Henry Saracen, his mother annoyed him, his wife couldn't stand him and he didn't want to be a dad so he took off to be in the army because that's the only way he could come up with to get out of here and ditch all your responsibilities and no one could call you out on it and that worked out great so you just decided to enlist four more times and that ended up getting you killed and now here you are. And all you left behind is a mother with dementia, a divorced wife and a son that delivers pizza. Thank you for coming 100 people I do not know.' You know what the worst part is? Even if I did get up and say all that I don't even know if I'm saying it to him because I don't know what's in that damn box. It's a closed casket-- might be someone else, someone funnier or a bunch of rocks.” I understand Matt. I really do.

*Angel 5x15 “A Hole in the World”

Reason for tears: Moments into realizing true love with Wesley, Fred loses her battle with a supernatural virus after opening an ancient sarcophagus.

Quote: Fred: “I need you to talk to my parents. They have to know I wasn't scared. That it was quick, that I wasn't scared. Oh God!” Wesley: “I need you to fight, you don't have to talk, just concentrate on fighting. Just hold on.” Fred: “I'm not scared. I'm not scared. I'm not scared. Please. Wesley. Why can't I stay?”

All the feels: Wesley loved Fred from the moment he saw her. And isn’t it Joss’ way to take her away from him just as he gets her. And Fred, always so brave. Of course, it gets worse for Wes and the rest of Angel’s inner circle when Fred’s body becomes the God Illyria who couldn’t be more different from Fred. Too bad Illyria insists on wearing Fred's face. You know it’s bad when even Spike is suffering. “There's a hole in the world. Feels like we ought to have known.”

Runner up: 5x12 “You’re Welcome”

– Cordelia comes out of her coma to give Angel both a proper goodbye and what he needs to win – “Don't make it hard, Angel. I'm just on a different road...and this is my off-ramp. The Powers That Be owed me one, and I didn't waste it. I got my guy back on track.” Please never again make me see his face when he realizes that she has been dead the entire time.

*The Vampire Diaries 2x21 “The Sun Also Rises”

Reason for tears: Despite everyone’s hard work to keep death at bay, Aunt Jenna is turned and then murdered by Klaus.

Quote: Elena: “Just turn it off. Jenna turn it off. You won’t be scared anymore.”

All the feels: TVD has never shied away from killing major characters. And it has always hurt. But none quite like this one. Even though a lot of us made fun of Jenna for being a mostly drunk door opener, her loss had us all hitting rock bottom. In order to really feel the pain we were forced to face those who loved her most. Jeremy, Elena and Alaric. And all of their tears came together to create a Molotov cocktail of sorrow no one was prepared to swallow. Making the cocktail stronger is “Skinny Love” by Birdy. OUCH.

Runner up: 2x06 “Plan B”

– Elena gives up her relationship with Stefan to keep her family safe - please never again make me watch Paul Wesley cry like that. When he cries like that all of my unicorns stop eating and nearly die. It’s gut wrenching. (Made worse/better listening to “Wires” by Athlete).

*Bones 5x16 “The Parts in the Sum of the Whole”

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Reason for tears: After revisiting their first case, Booth gives his heart to Brennan only to have it refused.

Quote: Booth: “Well then let's go for a different outcome here, all right? Let's just, hear me out alright? You know when you talk to older couples who, have been in love for thirty or forty or fifty years alright? It's always the guy who says ‘I knew.’ ... I knew, right from the beginning.” Brennan: “Your evidence is anecdotal.” Booth: “I'm that guy. Bones, I'm that guy, I know.” Brennan: (crying) “I- I am not a gambler. I'm a scientist. I can't change. I don't know how ... I don't know how.”

All the feels: After overcoming years of a “we’re just partners” partnership and his own insecurities, Booth finally lets Bones know just how much he loves her and is immediately shot down because Bones doesn’t know how to feel her feelings. And it is not for her own sake that she stays away, but for his. Because she doesn’t feel that she has the love to give him for the 30-40-50 years he wants and deserves.

Runner up: 6x22 “The Hole in the Heart”

– Intern Vincent Nigel-Murray falls victim to a hunted sniper – please never again make me watch Brennan tell him he will be ok.

*Supernatural 5x22 “Swan Song”

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Reason for tears: Knowing that there is no other option, Sam gives himself up to Satan in order to help Dean stop the Apocalypse.

Quote: Dean: “Sam. Sammy. It’s ok. I’m here. I’m not gonna leave you." Sam: “It’s ok Dean. It’s gonna be ok. I got it.”

All the feels: It’s hard for me to even talk about this one. Dean finally lets Sam grow up. But letting Sam grow up means letting him go. Dean has to trust Sam to take on Satan himself. It’s so hard to watch Dean take that brutal beating before Sam gets the reins back, but Sam wins. Except that when Sam wins, the Winchester brothers who have spent the last 5 years together, saving people, hunting things, lose. Because they lose each other.

“So what's it all add up to? It's hard to say. But me, I'd say this was a test... for Sam and Dean. And I think they did all right. Up against, Good, Evil, angels, devils, Destiny, and God himself, they made their own choice. They chose family. And, well... isn't that kinda the whole point? No doubt--endings are hard. But then again... nothing ever really ends, does it?”

Runner up: 2x22 “All Hell Breaks Loose: Part II”

– Dean sells his soul to bring Sam back from the dead – There isn’t much in this world more powerful than one brother trading his life for another. Please never again make me watch Dean take the blame for losing Sam. “It's like I had one job. I had one job, and I screwed it up. I blew it, and for that, I'm sorry. I guess that's what I do. I let down the people I love. Y'know, I let Dad down, and now I guess I'm just supposed to let you down, too. How can I? How am I supposed to live with that? What am I supposed to do? Sammy? What am I supposed to do?”

So how did I do? Did I make you cry? What did I miss? Go ape shit in the comments. After I recover from putting this soul sucking list together I may read some of them!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 - My Review

2011-11-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

From the moment I put down my hard cover copy of Breaking Dawn for the first time, I knew this movie would be next to impossible to make. There is just too much that works only on the page. That has been the case with most of the Twilight series, especially in regards to a lot of the dialogue (which is cheesy on the sweet side when read but mostly absurd when heard aloud) and the sparkling effect of the vampire’s “marble” like skin. In this movie I felt that there were some parts that turned out really well on screen. And a few that really didn’t.

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!

What I Loved:

Before the movie even started I got to see a commercial for The Vampire Diaries on the big screen (can you imagine getting to watch them that big every week? EPIC. Must win lottery) and I got to watch the trailer for The Hunger Games (which I am obsessed with). I did good this time though. No choking sobs. Yay me!
The wedding was beautiful. Edward and Bella were stunning, Charlie Swan & Jessica Stanley were hilarious (as a matter of fact Billy Burke and Anna Kendrick stole every scene they were in). And while usually I feel like Kristen Stewart couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag, her nerves heading to the alter were more than believable, they were gripping. As was her relief at seeing Edward at the end of the aisle. Bella’s moment with Jacob was also very well done and came across almost exactly how I saw it when reading. I loved the use of the Iron & Wine song from Edward & Bella’s first dance in the first movie. It was a great way to bring their relationship full circle.
I loved almost everything about the honeymoon (OMFG I WANT THAT HOUSE!) Though I would have loved to see the rated R sex scene, what they did show was romantic and sexy and really beautifully shot (the bed breaking was fun and made the entire theater laugh really loud). And oh my God yay! Feathers! I’m glad they didn’t actually show him ripping the pillows open with his teeth. That would have looked so dumb. Bella prancing around in her nighties and getting Edward all riled up was adorable. I also really loved the chess board with the red & white pieces as a shout out to the book cover. Subtle and fun.
I thought some of Bella’s pregnancy and death special effects were pretty awesome. They really made Bella look so nasty. Sunken eyes and bones protruding. I thought that was pretty true to the book. I also loved the effect they used when showing Edward’s venom traveling through her veins and her body repairing itself (ok, some of that looked silly as hell but some was really awesome). Robert and Taylor did an excellent job playing two men losing the love of their lives as Bella lay dying on the table. Edward’s desperate attempts to spread more of his venom and give her CPR were moving and intense. I was wringing my hands rather much for someone who has read the book several times.
My favorite of the movie is when she opens her eyes to flash those red irises right before the screen cuts to black. Excellent place to make the cut. I was impressed

What I hated:

The shot of Stephenie Meyer as a wedding guest was wicked stupid and way too long. Was it in her contract or something? Who does she think she is? Stephen King? Stan Lee. I think not lady. Sit the hell down.
Are they sure they can’t create the honey color of the vampires’ eyes with CGI? Did they even try? Those contacts are awful and they make some of the most mediocre acting even worse. The Cullens weren't as bad as the Alaskan cousins though. WOW. Very distracting.
One of my husband’s least favorite things in the world is animals in costumes. Drives him nuts. The only thing he hates more is talking animal movies. When the wolves started having a human conversation in dog form I thought he was going to walk out. Had they been wearing clothes over their fur I am sure he would have. It’s another one of those things that works on the page but not at all on the screen and it was definitely one of the most ridiculous things I have seen from these movies so far. My entire group was howling (ha! Get it?) with laughter.
Carter Burwell, who scored the first film, was back for this one. Much to my chagrin. I hated what he did with the music in Twilight and I hated it in Breaking Dawn. Scenes that should have felt scary or somber came off confusingly light due to the melodies he used. Especially the birth scene. It didn’t fit at all. On the other hand, I thought the songs chosen for the soundtrack DID fit with each of the scenese they were chosen for and can't wait to listen to them nonstop on my iPod.
Speaking of the birth scene, and maybe I’m getting picky here, but the scene when she gets to see the baby for the first time just didn’t have the same desperation and intensity I was expecting. It moved a little slow for a life or death situation. Very strange pacing. And like the sex, I could have used more rated R stuff here. Damn PG-13 rating.

What did you think friends? Love it? Hate it? Favorite part? Least favorite part? I haven’t quite decided where this one ranks with the other 3. I may have to see Part 2 before I can decide. I’m not sure it’s my favorite but I may just have to see it a second time before I am sure about that. Yes. A second time would totally be for research and nothing else. Uh-huh.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

2011-10-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

The title of tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries has had me doing a lot of thinking. Not just about the episode (which I am VERY excited to see) but also about where the title came from. My guess is that 98% think immediately to the Nirvana song of the same title which is absolutely iconic of course! (If you’ve never heard the Tori Amos cover please seek it out. Also totally epic).

Anyways, the reality is that it’s about deodorant. More specifically, the very first deodorant made just for teens. And if you did not have this in the locker room at my Jr. High you may as well skip gym altogether. (I am totally aging myself aren’t I?) I think they still make this stuff but I want everyone to remember that it was created for a generation of teens who watched Saved By The Bell live on Saturday mornings and then had to travel to Blockbuster Music to stand in line for concert tickets. Perhaps those concert tickets were to see Nirvana live as well.

The senior class of Mystic Falls High really doesn’t have time for Saturday morning TV and if they wanted concert tickets they could purchase them from their phones. So, the question is, what will their anthem be and what will they remember about this time when they are ancient like me?

Here we are now. Entertain us.

TVD’s Midsummer Night’s Horror

2011-10-05T12:14:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know it’s not midsummer but I have been thinking a lot about this since last week’s episode and the subsequent conversation I had with Tiff on Friday. The relationships on our favorite show have never been more complicated. And I mean NEVER. And since my opinions on the subject are SO important, I thought I’d break it all down and share with you all.

• Elena. Oh Elena. Clearly she loves Stefan. No doubt about that. But was his growling at her last week enough for her to be able to press pause until she can get him back from the dark side? (Personally I’d have jumped him right then and there just for that but, I digress). How will she feel once she learns about Rebekah? She knows there was Katherine and a playboy bunny or two before her but can she let slide a real ripper love affair? And let’s not forget about the OTHER Salvatore. How IS she feeling about Damon these days? Will this break from the Save Stefan mission give her time to finally decide? Will Damon be willing to let her make the move, knowing that if Stefan were to return it would likely tear her in two? Is there even the possibility of happily ever after with Stefan’s loss hanging over both of them like rotting fruit?

• Speaking of Stefan. He loves Elena. He’s trying to keep her safe. Blah, blah, blah. We know all of that. But how does 2011 Stefan feel about Rebekah? Were his prior feelings fueled only by blood rage or was it something more? Can true love ever be compelled away? We all know the quote from the original books about Stefan and Elena finding each other regardless of the circumstances, but could that be true? If he was never made to forget Rebekah, would he have ever found Elena?

• Let’s address Stefan’s third lady in this situation (he certainly gets around). Miss Katherine. It’s quite clear now (to me) that she has true feelings of love for Stefan to this day and she wasn’t lying about stalking him all that time. At one point I could try and make the case that her feelings for him were gone but her little trek to Chicago has made that argument invalid. She wants him. Oh yes. But how much does she know about Rebekah? And how far is she willing to go to get her out of the way? Not sure that it matters who she gets out of her way though. Stefan doesn’t love her. Not anymore. I think he has forgiven her for what she did to them but his love was that of an innocent boy which he has not been for a very long time. As opposed to Damon's love for her which took him through the greater part of a century and a half. Which leads me to:

• UNPOPULAR OPINION TIME!!!!! I think Damon and Katherine need to get over themselves and admit that they belong together forever. The kind of love Stefan and Elena want and need could never be provided by the likes of those two. They just aren’t built that way. Plus, who besides each other could keep up with their speedy wit and snarky quips for all eternity? Damon and Katherine are two sides of the same coin my dears and the faster they come to terms with that the happier they’ll be.

In closing: Elena loves Stefan and Stefan loves Elena but they can't be together right now. Damon also loves Elena but we don't know if how she really feels about him. Katherine loves Stefan and I imagine has lingering feelings for Damon but no one will admit to loving Katherine cuz she's an evil bitch. We think that Rebekah loves Stefan and that Stefan might love Rebekah but one shared neck is hardly enough to judge by.

What do you think friends? Did I get it right? Did I get it wrong? Do you have the answers to any of my burning questions? And lastly, IS IT THURSDAY YET?

My Summer Book Report: Supernatural Edition

2011-09-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

The “Hellatus” between seasons 6 and 7 of Supernatural got to be a bit too much for me to handle this summer so I decided to fill as much time as I could scarfing up any and all Winchester bits I could get my hands on, including a few of the Supernatural novels. Something important to know about these books is that you DO need to be pretty familiar with the show before reading but you DO NOT need to be familiar with any of the other novels released before or after the one you’re about to indulge in. You also DO NOT need to read the books to keep up with the show. They are simply previously unseen adventures that, for the most part, fit neatly between already aired episodes (also, the covers are very pretty to look at). A lot of you Supernatural fans may have already read every one of these novels and formed your own opinions (which I’d LOVE to hear! Please share!) but for those of you still thinking about giving them a try, here are a few of my (spoiler free) thoughts on a few that I’ve read.

Title: Coyote’s Kiss
Author:Christa Faust
Release Date: July 12, 2011
Timeline: Events of this novel take place between “Caged Heat” (6x10) and “Appointment in Sumara” (6x11)
Coyote’s Kiss is one of the latest of the Supernatural novels and also the first that I picked up. I was both anxious and apprehensive about diving in. Dean and a Souless Sam take on a case involving a monster they’ve never ganked (which fits right in with the rest of season 6) and a brand of hunter they’ve never experienced who leads them deep into Mexico with the goal of saving the world. Again. My strongest hope was that it wouldn’t venture too far off episode canon or too far away from the characters' voices. Some people watch Supernatural for the action, some for the eye candy, but I watch because I’ve fallen in love with who the Winchesters are. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. I imagine Souless Sam isn’t an easy character to write but he seemed pretty on point here. Not perfect by any means but I have few complaints. However, there were instances where I thought to myself, “Dean would NEVER say anything like that.” Mostly “chick flick” moments (come on. We all know Dean Winchester isn’t the touchy feel your feelings kind of butt kicker) but it didn’t happen often enough for me to throw the book out the window. For the most part I could clearly hear Jensen Ackles’ voice as if he himself were delivering Dean’s lines in a scene. The mythology was a little sloppy and confusing but engrossing overall. In the end I was able to over look the snags and really enjoy the ride.
Final grade: B-

Title: One Year Gone
Author: Rebecca Dessertine
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Timeline: Events of this novel take place between “Swan Song” (5x22) and “Exile on Main Street” (6x01)
I was especially excited to read this novel after reading the foreword by the Supernatural god himself, Eric Kripke as the book was written by his assistant. I wonder if Eric ever read the final book. Warning: I’m gonna get a little knit picky here. The individual(s) who edited this book need to be fired. There were countless wording, spelling and grammatical errors that just ripped me right out of the story time after time. The other issue, which not many others would ever have, is that it takes place in Salem. Where I live. Just a tiny bit of research or one glance at Google Maps would have saved me from so much aggravation. To give some credit, this was written to be a case that Dean and Souless Sam take on during the year they’re apart so they never actually have any interaction. Since the story of the Winchesters is all about their relationship, this tale would be next to impossible to tell for anyone. I do however want to point out that even without technical errors or difficult story lines, this book still would have probably made me mad. There was an incident on a pirate ship that was really fun to read and Souless Sam was detached, cold, & a bit scary. In other words: perfect. But Dean? Oh man. Aside from a few quiet moments where he mourned the loss of his brother, it was not even close. And the bits of his relationship with Lisa covered here were also pretty unbelievable. Not gonna lie. I wasn’t sad when it was over.
Final grade: D

Title: War of the Sons
Author: Rebecca Dessertine & David Reed
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Timeline: Events of this novel take place between “My Bloody Valentine” (5x14) and “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” (5x15)
After reading One Year Gone I was a little nervous about taking on another of the Supernatural novels but my thirst for Winchester proved to be too much to resist. I worried for naught. War of the Sons was fun from the start. Their adventure took them to a time and place I’d never have guessed I’d love. Sam and Dean go on a mission to avert the apocalypse and, low and behold, find a bit of trouble along the way. What was great about it though was the character loyalty. The brother to brother dialogue was written true to voice as were their inner thoughts. Dean was actually very funny. Which at first I had a problem with considering how “My Bloody Valentine” left off. But once I thought about it, that’s how Dean is. He’s a survivor. He’ll allow himself a breakdown now and again and then it’s time to move on. He’s good at tucking bits of his misery away and getting on with the job. The pace, mythology and quick wit had me waiting on pins & needles when I had to be away from the book. A great way to fill the space before September 23rd.
Final grade: A

TVD Season 3 Questionnaire Extraordinaire

2011-09-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

Wow you guys. We're almost there. Can you believe we survived yet another TVD free summer? Only a little over one day left to wait so I put together something to help pass the time! I asked some of my favorite fellow Vampire Diaries fans to fill me on what they've loved about the season 3 promotion and what they're most looking forward to in the coming weeks. Their answers are a delight to read and (if at all possible) have made me even more anxious for Thursday night to be here. Thomas Galvin (@thomascgalvin), Melissa Leaman (@onlymystory), Crissy Calhoun (@crissycalhoun), and Abby Graham (@AbbyGraham ), all decided to play my little time killing game. Be sure to follow each of them on Twitter to keep up with all of their amazing words and projects.

1. Favorite image from a TVD Video promo:
Thomas: Elena's mouth dropping open when Damon walks out of the shower, covered in soap suds. And is it just me, or did she look a little longer than necessary before turning away? No, it's not. That girl wants - nay, needs - a little Damon in her. Life. In her life.

I also really love that you can tell the difference between Nina Dobrev playing Elena and Nina Dobrev playing Katherine, even when she isn't talking. That girl has chops.

Melissa: Klaus whispering in Stefan’s ear. While my slash loving side totally ships Klefan, I also love the idea of there being a literal devil on his shoulder. We’ve all known for a while now that Stefan is constantly fighting his inner demon. The implications of a flesh and blood demon tempting him at every turn fascinates me.

Crissy: Stefan pulling Elena’s hair.

Abby: Klaus and the cake.

2. Favorite TVD promo poster and/or episode still:
Thomas: The paintings where the vampires are all holding fruit / ripped out hearts are fantastically well done. And seriously? How awesome is it that the people who run this show decided "pretty people holding ripped out hearts" was the best way to speak to their core demographic?

I have to say, though, that Stefan's poster is my favorite, just because it makes a promise: Stefan can be awesome. I've been really hard on him in the past, mostly because he's a giant girly-boy who contributes nothing except agreeing to whatever suicidal plan Elena has cooked up this week, but there are glimmers of hope there. The Ripper has a lot of potential, and it'll be fun to watch Paul Wesley have a character he can actually sink his teeth into.

And actually, if the promos are accurate, he's going to have entire sororities full of characters he can sink his teeth into.

Melissa: The pomegranate. I actually enjoy the entire fruit motif because symbolism and mythology are particular interests of mine. I went way too into the whole thing on my Tumblr page but I like the pomegranate best. It manages to factor into both Elena as a character and the show as a whole.

Crissy: Hmm, I try not to look at the stills because I am a huge spoilerphobe, but the ones where Matt and Jer were hanging out looking all serious and ridiculously handsome were a nice reminder of all the goodness to come.

Abby: The illustration-looking one that looks like an evil children's book cover.

3. What you’d most like to see happen in the Season 3 premiere:
Thomas: A lot of people didn't love the Season Two opener, because they didn't think enough happened. But it turned out that a ton of fantastic plots were established in those short forty-five minutes.

I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't break what works. I just want them to set the scene for all of the craziness that's going to happen over the next twenty-two episodes. We've got Stefan and Klaus, Damon and Elena, Caroline and Tyler, Jeremy and Bonnie and The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, and Katherine, and... maybe Alaric will get to talk a few times? That would be neat.

Of course, if they wanted to yank the Dagger of Not Really Dying out of Elijah, I wouldn't cry about it.

Melissa: Since I know that Stefan won’t really be letting his ripper flag fly until later, I think I’d most like to see some touching scenes between Alaric, Elena and Jeremy. People say your real family is the people you choose and those three have been developing their own version of a family for a while. I’d like to see some evidence of the three depending on each other, even if they don’t realize it.

Crissy: Klefan.

Abby: Ripper. Stefan. I know he'll happen, it's just the thing I'm most excited about, to see how Paul Wesley will play it.

4. What you’d most like to see happen within the first 6 episodes of Season 3:
Thomas: Six episodes is probably long enough for the writers to get Stefan back to Mystic Falls, and possibly free of Klaus. It would be very interesting to see how the Salvatore dynamic changes when Damon is the most rational one... not because Damon mellowed out, but because Stefan is batshit crazy.

I would also love for them to do something interesting with Bonnie. I've hated on her even more than Stefan, but I'd be ecstatic if they'd just make proper use of her. Give her some emotional development besides "I hate vampires and get nose bleeds a lot. But don't worry, it's not from the cocaine, it's from the magic." I'm still kind of rooting for her to become a Dark-Willow-style Big Bad. I think she'd be a fantastic tragic hero.

Melissa: Obviously I’m thrilled for RIPPAH STEFAN and the Roaring 20s flashbacks. I always love this show so it’s hard to say what I most want to see. But I guess that Elijah is woken up, lots of Damon/Alaric road trip bonding clichés, tons of Anna and the beginning of a Matt story line.

Crissy: The rise of Elijah. (Actually I’m willing to wait a little longer to see that happen, as long as it does happen…)

Abby: Elijah: The Revenge

5. Which character do you think will offer the most surprises in Season 3?
Thomas: Stefan, just because I don't think people are used to seeing him as a bad guy. Even though we know it's coming, I think a lot of people are going to be shocked at how brutal The Ripper can be. And I really, really hope that's true.

Melissa: To me? I’m hoping Elena. I’d really like to see her go a bit darker. I think Matt’s going to be the Caroline of S3 though for most people. At the end of S1, the majority of fans hated Caroline and we’re hoping she wouldn’t make it through the premiere. Now of course, she’s one of the most beloved characters on the show. This time around, Matt seems to be in that boat but I know there’s not only so much more to the character but a wealth of talent in Zach. I can’t wait for this fandom to see that.

Crissy: Safe bet’s on Klaus, but I’m going to go with Elena.

Abby: Bonnie. I know that's a weird answer, but I think Kat Graham has more to offer the show than nosebleeds and moralizing, and I think the writers may be ready to show it.

6. Special predictions?
Thomas: Despite the troubled economy and a raft of failed promises, Obama will win a second term, largely because the American people are sick of the "political circus" in Washington.

Oh, you mean about TVD? Okay then.

I predict that there will be a Magic McGuffin that will cure Stefan of his Ripper tendencies, that Bonnie will be key in procuring said Plot Device, and that she will be emotionally conflicted over helping a vampire that has killed so many people. And then Damon will be all "STFU or GTFO," and she'll be like "okay fine, I'll help you this once," and Damon will be like "Witch please, you know you can't resist the eyebrows," and she'll be all like "you're right," and look at the ground like she's ashamed.

Melissa: Matt & Caroline will save Stefan while Elena & Elijah kill Klaus. Also, at some point, Katherine will have fun giving Damon & Alaric sexy dreams about each other.

Crissy: I’m terrible at guessing ahead — my only prediction is that we will not see it coming. Whatever “it” is.

Abby: None that come immediately to mind.

7. Your most burning TVD question:
Thomas: Not so much a question as a promise: if Caroline and Tyler have werepire puppies, I will walk to Atlanta and burn the set to the ground. Nothing says "jump that shark" like magic babies.

Though I guess you could turn that into a question. Like, "what kind of accelerant should you use to burn down an inexplicably empty high school?" Or "could they rebuild Caroline's house as fast as they repaired the Grill?" Or "where does Damon keep that flame thrower?"

Melissa: What is Mama Donovan and did Matt inherit some freaky gene from her?!

Crissy: The Original Petrova — who was she, why was she important enough to bind Klaus’s curse, and is she dead or undead?

Abby: None at the moment, I'm just waiting to see what will happen.

Just in case anyone reading this doesn't yet have September 15th tattooed on their foreheads yet, don't forget to watch the Season 3 premiere of The Vampire Diaries Thursday night at 8:00 PM EST on The CW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SDCC Run Down

2011-07-30T08:47:00.003-04:00

I have no pictures or videos to share with you because I am SUPER awesome and left my memory card in San Diego. I am sure that, even if you saw them, you'd still think I was a loser. I don't care though, because I just spent almost an entire week at my HEAVEN!!!!!!! Here are my thoughts and thanks!!!

I did it. I got Comic-Con. I didn’t just go. I ROCKED it. I hit my panels, I hosted my bar night. I made friends, I met people. I BONDED with the best of the best. For the most part, I had the experience I set out to have. I handled my press situations without barf or fainting. I got to hug a number of ladies I have been in love with for AGES. I spent time with TONS of amazing people. Though I have to say, there were so many friends there, Billions of hours never would have been enough.

See my press coverage here: Jared Padalecki, Joseph Morgan, Paul Wesley

I thought the lines would be painful but I whiled away my time, talking about Firefly, Vampire Diaries, Bones, Buffy, Angel, Chuck, Dexter, True Blood, Supernatural, Friday Night Lights, Veronica Mars, EVERY OTHER SHOW I’VE EVER WATCHED!! I seriously got to talk about my TV shows non-fucking-stop for 4 days with super smart people who knew what the hell I was talking about!!!! I was partied to some amazingly cutting edge TV conversations, dirty jokes and insane inside scoop!!! Comic-Con was my heaven!! It was everything I wanted and then some. I miss it every day that I am not there. Though I know that “there” is already gone. One thing I know for sure, is that it would not have been possible without a little help from my friends.

A few thank yous!!!

For Bird – thanks for trying to keep up with me! I know my get up and go is an impossible thing. I'd never have made it without you and I wouldn’t have done it without you. Ever.More love than fits.

For Tiff – Thanks for keeping my pace and for making me laugh SO many times!!! You kept me sane!!! And for the Driving! You’re a saint! I’d go with you ANYWHERE!

For Tash – Love you forever! Thanks for keeping it light and for always putting a smile on my face. You are a unicorn to me.

For Vee & Crissy – You both make being in the presence of greatness so much easier than it should be. Thank you for being so lovely, so warm and for making fangirling an art. I’m better for having met you. Love & Hugs!!

For Erin – I can’t even try to type anything that will make any sense. Your last hug is still with me like some kind of ghost. I love you. Never go back to OZ. Stay with me FOREVER.

For Natalie & Erin – I wish we would have had more time!!! Love you both. Can’t wait to see you again!!

For Candace – You have the sweetest soul. Never change. DON’T SCRATCH!!!! So Happy for you babe!!! Visit me often!! Love you lots!!!

Mel – No Mal? No Dumbledore? I’m over it. Nothing but love babe!!!

Jen – Never thought I’d meet such a kind soul in such a place!!! You were a true breath of fresh air for me! Can’t wait to see you again! Happy belated birthday!

Carina – You are the only reason I made it through those press rooms without fainting OR barfing!! Thanks for being so cool. Thanks for showing me the ropes!!! You’re a sweetie!! Don’t let anyone say otherwise!!

Stacey - you'll never know how much you gave me. I'll be grateful for the rest of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! You changed my world!!!

As far as Celebs go – Zach Levi gets my A+ Star of approval even though I personally never got the balls to ask for a photo or autograph. From the start of the Chuck panel to the end of the Jared thing, he was the classiest person within a hundred miles. He raised money, he hugged fans, he paid tribute to his show and acknowledged how hard we all worked to get Chuck a Season 5. I love that throughout SDCC, he was always out for the greater good. Wanna know how to be awesome: See Zach Levi in the dictionary. Jared Padalecki and Paul Wesley were also A.Fucking.Mazing. Beautiful and awesome. I'll be forever grateful for their kindness.

I'm sure I'll have more later. To summarize the entire weekend = WAY BEYOND FUCKING EPIC

Interviewing Thomas Galvin Powers Activate!

2011-07-03T13:57:00.000-04:00

If you're like me, Thomas Galvin (@thomascgalvin on Twitter) probably came into your lives via his always hysterically funny and brilliantly snarky Vampire Diaries recaps. I give him full credit for my love affair with recappers that bag on my favorite show. Thomas also blogs on a number of other topics with the same biting humor and collects goodies from around the web. His blog (Thomas-Galvin.com) has become a real internet highlight for me so be sure to check it out. In the mean time, while we are all painfully waiting for his next TVD recap, he answered some of my burning questions about the show he seems to love to hate!

How did you first find The Vampire Diaries? Are you a fan of the genre or was it completely by accident?
T: Yeah, I'm a huge fan of the genre, so Vampire Diaries was kind of a given for me. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of my favorite shows of all time, and while TVD is certainly different from Whedon's show, it kind of fills the same void in my life. The dark, empty void.

What about TVD made you want to recap it in your very distinct re-scripting manner?
T: Well, to start with, I'm neither the first nor the only person doing script-style recaps. Cleolinda Jones is probably the best known; she does a great series called Movies in Fifteen Minutes. Then, there's The Editing Room, and Frankie Diane Mallis, over at First Novels Club, who's actually recapping TVD. Anyway, the script style is just how I think... it's actually how I write a lot of my first drafts, too. I think dialog is the hardest part to get right, and doing a script-style treatment makes you work on it longer and harder (that's what she said). And it kind of forces you to do the whole "show, don't tell" thing. As for the blog... well, I'm basically a huge attention whore, and my sense of self-worth is directly proportional to the number of hits I get in a month.

If you were to regularly recap any other show on TV what would it be?
T: The second season of Firefly, because that show was taken too soon. Or maybe another season of Veronica Mars. But really, I think I've got as many shows on my plate as I can handle. In addition to TVD, I recap True Blood and, for some reason, Teen Wolf. That's a lot of hours in front of the television. A lot of people ask me to recap Supernatural. I love that show, but it would honestly be a nightmare to recap, because so much of it is already funny. I'd pretty much just be copying down their script every week.

You appear to have a real love affair (or not) with Bonnie Bennett. How did that start?
T: The show just doesn't know what to do with her. She's a witch for Odin's sake... she should be the most powerful character on the show. Instead, they have her floating feathers and lighting tiny fires with her tiny brain and almost-but-not-quite actually being useful in the fight with the Big Bad Werepire. And that stunt she pulls, where she seals people inside of a house while their lover dies at the hands of an ancient monster? That would send her straight to the top of my hit list. But one of the most frustrating things is that she could be a great character. When her Grams died, and she was so... broken and confused at her inability to bring her back? That was fantastic television, and for that one moment, I was Team Bonnie. But they didn't do anything with it... they just let all that character development fall right on the floor. And she was showing shades of Buffy's Evil Willow, and I'd love to see Bonnie go all Dark Side for a while. But it doesn't look like we'll be getting that, either. Instead, we get to watch an entire town die to keep her safe.

Is there a character in your personal TV watching history that you have loathed as much as Bonnie?
T: Half the cast of True Blood. Tara, Sam's Redneck Family, Voodoo Jesus... sweet lemony Moses that show needs to cut it with the side plots. I really hated Detective Tritter on House, too... but I was supposed to. Hating a character isn't necessarily a bad thing, when the show puts that hate to good use. But we know that Bonnie is that I know she isn't going to die, and we don't expect her character to go anywhere. She's not the antagonist, she's just an anchor.

We all know you're a big fan of Damon. Do you remember the first moment you joined the Damon team?
T: When he was reading Twilight, and talking about how whipped Edward was, I knew I'd found my soul mate. Although it really wasn't until he started becoming more of an anti-hero, as opposed to a straight-up villain, that he really started to click with me. There's something about the mix of "trying to do the right thing" and "completely unpredictable" that's fascinating. And, well, his penchant for walking around shirtless doesn't hurt...

If you could kill anyone off the show OTHER than Bonnie, who would it be and how would they die?
T: Well, there's no one that I really want to die, but I think it would be hilarious if Caroline ate Matt. Not out of rage or bloodlust or anything, just kind of... accidentally. Like when you come home and the cats have spilled kitten food all over the kitchen, except when Sheriff Forbes comes home, Matt's arterial spray is all over the... everything.

Favorite TVD show moment:
T: Allow me to quote:
Super Damon ripping his goddamn heart out while hes still in the goddamn air and tossing it on the goddamn ground like it aint no goddamn thing because I am that. Goddamn. Awesome. Powers activate!
And then Jonas Martin walking out of the woods, head bowed and hands spread, throwing brain pain around like it ain't no thing. That whole scene was very well done. Also: Stefan teaching Caroline how to vampire? Adorable.

Favorite TVD episode:
T: I don't know that I have a favorite episode, per se, but my favorite development happened in Klaus (S02E19); when Elijah told Elena that the whole Sun and Moon curse what just a giant troll, I literally got off the couch and clapped. That whole thing was just so unrelentingly stupid, and when the writers/producers showed that they knew that it was stupid, and that they could fix it... respect.

What happens in your dream Season 3 episode of TVD?
T: Bonnie goes over to the dark side. Well, all the way over, since she's already guilty of a lot of morally questionable antics. She's always been a little touchy about the Salvatore brothers, but now that Stefan is in full-on ripper mode, I want to see her declare war on them. Given the way this show burns through plot twists, I expect Klaus to be dealt with by episode 12 at the latest, and I want Bonnie to be the one who takes him down... and replaces him as the Big Bad in Mystic Falls. That would give us a situation where the Salvatores wanted to kill her, Elena wanted to save her, and it makes sense.

Message for the TVD Fans:
T: Loooooooook into my eyes...

Interview with Supernatural Super Fan Site - SuperWiki

2011-06-23T11:43:00.000-04:00

I’m still pretty new to the Supernatural fandom. I actually just finished a few of weeks ago. 6 seasons in 12 days (I still believe I may have broken some records there). One thing is for certain though; I fell in love with this show and with this fandom right away. There is so much passion. And it’s easy to see why. So when I asked my fellow Supernatural fans to recommend the very best to follow, I got an overwhelming response of “SUPERWIKI!” And even though they are busy keeping fans up to date with daily awesomeness, they were kind enough to answer some questions for me!

A few SuperWiki facts - It began life as a website called Super Canon in early 2006, and became the Supernatural Wiki in August 2006. In the last 12 months there have been over 3 million visits to the SuperWiki. In the first three years the site was run by a group of five fans from around the world. In the last couple of years, the main administrator has been Jules Wilkinson (@missyjack on Twitter) who also runs the @SuperWiki twitter (be sure to follow them for all the latest news and goings on in the world of SPN), with Hope who founded the site running the technical side the operation. Any fan can take part in adding content or editing the site. The coding is easy and there are pretty simple guidelines to follow to make sure the site stays accurate and user friendly. Be sure to check it out if you don’t live there already!

What was it about Supernatural that moved you to put so much personal time/work into the site?

Jules:An awesome Show and a wonderful fandom – and I love that the SuperWiki covers both of them. The Show itself is so packed with details - from classic horror movies or 80s TV shows to folklore and Greek mythology, to meta references and all the wonderful details in the sets. It's a show that’s not afraid to be intellectual one moment and then roll around in pop culture and porn the next.

I love decoding these, and being able to share that information with other fans, who can get even more out of the show if they understand a reference. As the audience of the show has spread around the world, this became even more important as things that will be familiar to American audiences - like references to certain products or ads – won't be recognised in other countries. Supernatural is such a quintessential American story, so that understanding these things is important. And I should know – I'm Australian!

It's great being able to share the wonders of fandom with new fans. It can be hard to know where to start with such a diverse and large fandom, which has its own history and slang and in-jokes. I hope the SuperWiki can be a bit of a guide if you’re trying to work out what Wincest is or where to find great podfic.

I also love that the SuperWiki is proud of our fandom – it celebrates the achievement of fans and the amazing things we write and create, the projects we undertake and the websites we make. I know lots of fans use the SuperWiki as a resource when creating things too which is great. And Keith R.A. DeCandido mentioned the Supernatural Wiki as a resource he used in the acknowledgements of the first two Supernatural novels.

Plus I get to do important work - like documenting all of Bobby's hats!

You have a very open format and there is a lot of negativity out there. How do you maintain the site as a place of love for the SPN fandom?

Jules:I like to think of our fandom as passionate rather than negative. Sera Gamble – who is a long time Trekkie herself – said "fandom is defined by meticulous care and really giving a shit and having strong opinions and arguing."

That said, the SuperWiki has had an amazingly calm history. We have had less than a handful of arguments between people on the site in five years, and they have generally been about interpretations of facts – like what creatures the Colt can kill, or where Lucifer's Cage is located.

A large part of this has been because the SuperWiki has fans from all parts of fandom involved. The SuperWiki is awesome because of this diversity, and I think fans really value that and it means we all feel a sense of ownership of it.

What has been your most rewarding moment of running the site?

Jules: Really, it's being part of such a huge creative community project. I feel proud that our fandom has created this amazing rich resource – that many others envy! Being part of making that happen is a real privilege.

Supernatural seems to do a lot of conventions. Have any of you attended? If so, what can you tell newbies about it? Should we go or not?

Jules: What I think is awesome about the conventions is that it gives fans a chance to build the friendships we've created on line and share our passion. And the amazing thing is how that has spilled over to the actors. We've seen friendships develop between actors – like Misha and Matt Cohen – who never even appeared in a scene together.

I have been to the couple of Cons held in Australia, which are very small compared to most. I have been to Wincon in the US four times and had the best times of my life. Wincon is a fan run Con, which is just for fans and like a crazy four day party with panels, workshops and even a Prom. (check it out at www.omgwincon.com)

Supernatural is famous for its Classic Rock Soundtrack. What song from SPN has been your favorite so far and why?

Jules: I can't go past "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas. It's such a perfect song for the show. Of course it first played in Season One at the opening of Salvation, but it was when it played in the finale of Season Two I thought "Yes – we have a theme song!" And there have been many occasions now when I've sung it with a group of fangirls in karaoke, or on the dance floor at Wincon which is the most magnificent feeling!

Favorite NON Winchester Character:

Jules: I'll warn you know – I hate picking favourites!

Well Bobby and Castiel are family – so they're really Winchesters aren't they? As is the Impala of course.

I adore Crowley, and love that we have a recurring gay demon on the show, and Gabriel stole every scene he was in. But I'll have to pick Ruby as my favourite. I loved her snarkiness and deviousness and the fact that for two years she really kept us guessing as to what she was up to.

Favorite episode:

Jules: All of them?

Okay I'll pick three.

Lazarus Rising: It is a brilliant episode on so many levels. It kicks the whole mythology up a notch, and is packed with so much plot and great character moments including the rare Winchester hug! It opens with that wonderful four minute silent sequence, it has some great OMG moments -- like Sam using his powers, and of course Castiel's entrance which is simply stunning. The direction by Kim Manners is particularly fantastic.

Swan Song: I still find this an incredibly emotional episode to watch. It distils out the essence of the show in Sam and Dean's relationship, wraps up 5 years of story and it had our beloved Impala at the centre. And Chuck turns out to be God.

The French Mistake: Supernatural has taken on doing meta like no other show. It's hilarious, its thinky and it takes a huge amount of skill to pull off. An episode like this is only possible because of the intimate relationship between the fans and the cast and crew which really says a lot about both the show and the fandom.

Favorite SPN show moment:

Jules: Seriously? There's about 4,657 moments on my favourites list!

Okay – the flashback in A Very Supernatural Christmas, when we find out that Sam gave Dean his amulet.

Favorite SPN Blooper moment (we all know and love these moments so much how can I not ask?):

Jules: All of the Season Two gag reel! Jared splitting his pants, the classic Kim Manners prank, the rock/paper/scissors moment between Jared and Jensen – classic!

Hopes for the future of Supernatural:

Jules: At this point I am confident the Show will continue as long as those involved want to make it. It would be fantastic if we could have a Supernatural movie though!

Message for the SPN Fandom:

Jules: Keep on being the most awesome fandom there is! And hopefully we can help survive Hellatus together.

Supernatural - This is the End - Season 6 Review

2011-05-31T02:04:00.001-04:00

Well friends. That’s it. I have crossed the finish line of this marathon. There is no more (at least until September). 126 episodes in 12 days. That averages out to more than 10 episodes a day. Nearly 7 hours of Winchester goodness every day for almost 2 weeks. That has to be some kind of record right? Cannot even say how emotionally exhausted I feel right now. The most ginormous of THANK YOU’s to those of you who have gone on this ride with me. And my GOD what a ride!! Couldn’t have done it without my faithful friends following my journey here and on Twitter. Open yourselves a beer and indulge in a delicious bacon cheese burger with me. You’ve earned it!

Moving on. So. Season 6. Hmmmm….. I felt like I was watching the entire thing sitting on egg shells. Maybe if I don’t make any sudden movements, maybe if I keep quiet and shut my eyes everything will be just fine. I had not one bit of trust for anyone but Dean. For 22 episodes I was looking over my shoulder and checking to make sure I still had my wallet. Anyone else?

I knew immediately what was wrong with Sam. I tried to complicate it for myself (because that is just what I do. With everything). But that first hug. I knew. And even when I was looking right at his face, I missed Sam. Mostly on Dean’s behalf of course. Mostly. In “You Can't Handle the Truth,” Lisa sums it up pretty perfectly: “You two have the most unhealthy, tangled up, crazy thing that I’ve ever seen.” So true. But that is what we love right? In the season opener I thought I understood why Sam would come back and not go to Dean. Before he went to hell, it was so important to Sam that Dean get that life that had always seemed so out of reach. I understood it but I was still so fucking pissed. Pissed and confused. No matter what, our Sam would never be able to NOT be a part of Dean’s life.

Dean’s post Sam life, as happy as it seemed, for those looking through unknowing eyes, was not what Dean was meant for. The opening montage in “Exile on Main St.” was so beautiful and still so heart breaking. Even with everything, Dean has nothing without his brother. (Please tell me I am not the only one who held her breath until she knew the Imapala was safe and still in Dean's care?) That Sam stuff said, it doesn’t make any of the Ben and Lisa loss any easier to handle. The woman tried so hard, put up with so much (wouldn’t you for that man?) but she is only human. And of course Dean, in the end ("Let It Bleed"), feels like he must sacrifice every bit of himself for those he loves. The conversation that takes place in the hospital after Cas saves Lisa’s life and cleanses their memories of her and Ben’s life with Dean, blaming the whole thing on a car crash, was one of the most difficult things I have witnessed on this show of endless pain. The crying was loud. And I actually thought I might stop breathing for a minute.

Ben: Who are you?
Dean: I'm the... uh, the guy who hit you.
Lisa: Oh.
Dean: I just, I lost control for a minute. And I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I'm really happy you two are both okay. And, uh, I'm glad your life can get back to normal now.
Lisa: We're okay. So, so that's what's important, right?
Dean: Yeah. Anyway, I'll leave you two alone. You take care of your mom.

The double meaning behind everything he said just laid me out as if I myself were the one hit by a car. He is so unable to allow himself any happiness. It makes my soul ache.

This season wasn’t all tears and nervous scratching though. “Weekend at Bobby’s,” was super fun. I am such a giant fan of his. I loved getting to see the story from his perspective for once. And cheers to Jensen on his directorial debut. It was an amazing episode. “Clap Your Hands If You Believe...,” was brilliant of course. The Fairies and Dean were a perfect combination. And Sam’s soullessness was actually fucking awesome for once, which I never would have expected. In “The French Mistake,” the show confronted their fandom once again. I wish every show would be this self aware. I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard. And, of course, “Frontierland.” Dean’s enthusiasm alone put a smile on my face throughout the entire thing.

So now it’s on to Season 7. Cas is God? Do you think the guy maybe got a bit ahead of himself? Perhaps a little power hungry? I totally get what he set out to do but the boy just got a bit carried away didn’t he? I can’t wait to see how this will affect Sam and Dean. Dean was right to question him and mistrust him but now I am afraid that Cas is going to make him pay for that. Dean has to pay for everything. How this man isn’t a broken, busted, messy puddle on the floor by now just shows the strength of his character, of his soul. It illustrates just why I love him the way that I do. Speaking of busted, messy puddles, what can we expect from Sam? He seemed ok for those 6 seconds we saw him post full Hell memory retention. But we all know that can’t last. Will Season 7 be more of watching him through suspicious eyes? I cannot wait to find out!!! Also, real quick, anyone else as worried about the Impala as I am? FREAKING OUT! Dean can fix it. Right? *pray, hope, wish*

I have enjoyed all of your comments on these Supernatural posts more than I can say. Please feel free to continue with the Winchester love and tell me what you thought of Season 6!! I hang on every word!

Also, before I move on to my next show, I want to re-watch 10 episodes of Supernatural just so that I can move on properly. It is extremely important that I have your vote on which 10 those should be. HELP ME OUT!

*Screencap credits to http://supernaturalfansonline.com/

Supernatural - Season 5 Review

2011-05-27T04:29:00.003-04:00

And Season 5 is dead and buried. I must be making some kind of record. 5 seasons in 7 days. I told a friend on twitter that Supernatural is worse than crack. Not that I’ve ever smoked crack. But I imagine it feels very much like this. The more you have, the more you want. And friends, I WANT.

However, I did learn my lesson from my last post. I will not be going episode by episode this time. I won’t do that to my loyal readers again. No more novels from this girl. So sorry about that. Though, if you love this show half as much as I do, I am sure you understand. For this season, just a few highlights and thoughts to share. I'll keep it as brief as possible. (Sweating from the stress).

This season, for me, was all about redemption, faith and home. Redemption for Sam. He wanted and needed it so badly. Honestly I have mixed feelings about the way Dean treated Sam throughout the season. Yes. Sam really fucked up. Not just “oops I made a mistake” but seriously fucked up beyond fixing. He started the fricking apocalypse for frak sakes! So I kind of get Dean being unable to trust him. Sam had lied. Had gone against everything Dean had taught him growing up. For Dean it must have been worse than any beating he’d ever taken. But Dean has to remember, he’s no saint. He played his part in getting the ball rolling. And Sam was so sorry. Not that “sorry” can undo anything. But Sam’s remorse was so strong and true. And of course losing faith in Sam led Dean to lose Faith in everything. Faith in humanity, in his family, in himself. Dean just isn’t Dean without his self assuredness. Famine was right. Dean was dead inside. And to see it, to watch it unfold, was more tragic than anything. More tragic than Sam’s continued blood lust. Every time he was near the stuff I was yelling aloud at my TV in the same voice I use for my 3 year old niece when she’s getting into something that she’s not supposed to touch.

The underlying home theme didn’t really register until the finale, which made me look back throughout the rest of the episodes. Because for the Winchester brothers, home is not a town or a building. It’s something else entirely. They were lost for a while, but they made it back there just in time.

The mythology this season was also a ton of fun. I love apocalypse stuff. Which seems really creepy typed out like that. But it was all very interesting to me. God and Lucifer. The angels and the demons. The Four Horsemen. I loved it. Actually makes me want to read Revelations again. And Dante’s Divine Comedy. I was especially fascinated by Dean’s conversation with Death in 5x21. I thought Death was really cool. I could have watched Death and Dean talk it out for days. I’m weird. It’s ok for you to think so. Also, I think I have become completely bipolar thanks to this show. All day every day laughing my head off or crying my brains out. About what you ask? Here goes:

What made me laugh until it hurt?

“I Believe the Children Are Our Future” – 5x6: That Tooth Fairy who “looks like Belushi” was HILARIOUS! And Dean’s hairy palms? Sam’s look of disgust? PRICELESS!

“The Curious Case Of Dean Winchester” – 5x7: I’m too lazy to look up his name but that guy playing old Dean did some serious research. He was magnificent. The fighting with Bobby killed me.
Sam: It's like Grumpy Old Men.
Old Dean and Bobby: Shut up, Sam!
And Sam got The Clap. Fantastic!

“Changing Channels” – 5x8: Aside from the faux Grey’s Anatomy stuff (which was hilarious) there was THIS. I honest to God thought I might pass out from laughing. I could have died you guys. For reals.

“The Real Ghostbusters” – 5x9: The moments when Supernatural incorporates the fandom into the show itself is so endearing and brilliant. Is there any other show with the balls to do this?

“Sam, Interrupted” – 5x11: These boys do crazy so well. “I don't have any elephant books.” *DEAD* And then there is THIS which kills me deader than dead. Pudding will never be the same.

“Swap Meat” – 5x12: That first sequence with Gary in the Sam suit had me convulsing with laughter. Jared just KILLED it. How he got through any of that with a printable take is beyond me. “Crystal, I would love to have the sex with you.”

Througout the season, the overall hilarity of Castiel’s inability to understand pop culture references (which Dean uses as he breathes) and his deadpan responses to such will bring joy to my heart for years to come:
Dean: Cherub?
Castiel: Yeah, they're all over the world. There are dozens of them.
Dean: You mean the little flying fat kids in diapers?
Castiel: They're not incontinent.

What made me bawl my damn eyes out?

“The Devil You Know – 5x1: The conversation between Sam and Dean at the end of this episode was so hard. Sam is so sorry and Dean is so disappointed. “I don’t think we could ever be what we were.” It’s heart crushing.

“Good God, Y'all” – 5x2: I hate, hate, hate that Dean gave up his necklace. Partly because the moment that it was given to him was one of the most touching for me. And partly because I just can’t stand to see him without it. Wanna know what else I hate? THE BROTHERS WINCHESTER SEPARATED! *SOB, SNIFFLE, TEARS*

“Free to Be You and Me” – 5x3: The opening montage of Sam and Dean going their separate ways is nearly impossible to watch without wracking sobs, all set perfectly to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” No matter what has happened, nothing is right unless they are together.

"The End” – 5x4: “We’re all we’ve got.” Would it have killed them to hug?

“Abandon All Hope” – 5x10: Such loss. I had wanted Jo and Dean to hook up since they were pretend together in “No Exit” (2x6). So, for me, the goodbye kiss on the forehead was hard. The goodbye kiss on the lips was agonizing.

“The Song Remains the Same” – 5x13: The conversations between Dean and their mom and especially between Sam and their dad were so much more than beautiful. Despite everything these boys have been through in their short lives, they still love and need their parents. So much.

“Dark Side of the Moon” – 5x16: There were a lot of moments in this episode that really broke me but none more so than Dean’s memory of fireworks with Sam. I was just sitting and watching, eating my breakfast. And then this scene came along and hit me like a ton of bricks. One second I was fine, the next I was rolled up in a ball with sobs shaking my entire body. I can’t even put my finger on exactly why it triggered me like that but it did. Maybe it was Dean’s first really real, happy smile in the longest time. Maybe seeing them as they should be. Please tell me in the comments that I was not the only one to spaz out like that. What a beautiful mess that was. And now every time I hear Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” people are going to want to know what’s wrong with my helplessly crying dumbass.

“Swan Song” – 5x22: Where do I even start? From “The Road So Far” to the closing credits I was a God Damned mess. Through the story of the Impala (I dare you to read and not break down); I learned all about what home really is. The Impala was their physical home and a symbolic home as well. But in spirit, when we’re talking souls, they were each other’s home. Where ever they were, together, they were home. And I feel that after so much time fighting and doubting and losing faith in each other, they were able to make it back there before the end. Dean refused to give up on Sam (“Rock of Ages” by Def Leppard will, from here forward, be my go to song for motivation) and when it came down to it, Sam came through (after the most spectacular montage ever created by humans, which was triggered, of course, by the magical Impala). Watching Satan in the Sam suit beat the shit out of Dean; while Dean continued to reach out to Sam (“I’m not going to leave you”) was so hard to watch that I feel I might be damaged for life. But, Team Free Will won the battle. Sam did what he set out to do. And Dean kept his promise. The entire thing was ridiculous in how gut stripping it was. It is ridiculous how shredded my heart and soul feel even hours later while writing this. I know their story isn’t over (judging by Sam’s showing up at Lisa’s in the end) but for right now, I’m just devastated. And, maybe, a tiny bit hopeful.

Peace or Freedom?

Supernatural - Season 4 Review

2011-05-25T09:07:00.003-04:00

The marathon continues! I have now finished Season 4 and due to popular demand (and because I have way too much to say) I will be doing the 4, 5 and 6 season reviews separately instead of as a group. Lets take a ride shall we?

What really hit home in Season 4 were the parallels to 2 of my very favorite shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff, Angel. (Duh. Positive I'm not the first here). Not that the similarities hadn't occurred to me before. Good versus Evil. Monster of the week with a Big Bad waiting in the wings. But it's more this season. Some of it is the 38 minutes of hilarity followed by 2 minutes of emotional hell. Joss was always so good at that. It always makes for the most memorable pieces of television. Who doesn't want to float on the clouds and then crash violently to earth? Maybe it's also Dean's coming back from the dead. Having to make those impossible decisions. You or the world? Your loved ones or some random stranger? Can you do the job you set out to do? Is it worth giving up everything? Who do you trust? Do you even trust yourself? Why you? How far are you willing to go? And these parallels might upset people who will make accusations of copy catting but it really just makes me love this show even more. Buffy and Angel are over (on the screen anyways) but that doesn't make this kind of story telling any less mesmerizing. These themes will always be alive and well in our culture and I am just thankful that I have happened upon so many great tellings of them. We all need heroes. Especially the messy kind.

"Lazarus Rising" - 4x1: Another Buffy moment for me. Dean digging his way out of his grave. He seemed to adapt a little faster though. Dove right into the junk food and porn. That's the Dean we know and love. The hug he and Sam shared nearly knocked me out of my chair. I felt it in my soul. Also, nice to finally meet Castiel and Genevieve Cortese (who we know becomes Genevieve Padalecki) as the new Ruby. I'd known about both of them prior to watching but it was nice to get some context.

"Are You There God? It's Me, Dean Winchester" - 4x2: This episode reminded me of a Buffy episode as well. "Conversations With Dead People" from Season 7. Each of the characters dealing with their own personal demons through a fight with a monster. I also love Dean's crisis of faith now that he personally knows an angel. "I thought angels were supposed to be guardians. Fluffy wings. Halos. You know, Michael Landon, not dicks."

"In the Beginning" - 4x3: Loved the Back To The Future parallels! Loved learning more about their family history. Hunting really is in their blood.

"Metamorphosis" - 4x4: "I've seen big weird, little weird, weird with crazy on top." One of my fave Dean quotes only because it's so applicable to the crap I have witnessed within the fandoms I live in. Scary people are scary! I was so moved by Sam's efforts to help this guy. Because maybe if this guy was a monster and could live a normal life, so could the monster Sam believes he is.

"Monster Movie" - 4x5: Loved that the brothers Winchester seemed back to themselves after so much stress regarding Dean's return and Sam's "activities." Loved the black & white take. Dean said the word hymen like 10 times. Fantastic. See also the Kiss of the Week.

"Yellow Fever" - 4x6: OMG The Scream. I nearly choked from laughing so hard. And then his rant; "And you… you're gassy. You eat half a burrito and you get toxic!" Seriously fraking hilarious. I delighted in seeing this side of Dean. Oh, and the song "Eye of the Tiger" has been forever altered in my mind. Thank you Jensen Ackles for this shining moment!

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester" - 4x7: Living where I do, it was nice to hear some accurate Halloween lore. That stuff is always so interesting to me. Loved Dean standing up to the angels. That Uriel is such a dick.

"Wishful Thinking" - 4x8: I seriously thought this episode was going to kill me. That entire business with the Teddy Bear was too much. I am still cracking up over it: "How do we even know that's gonna work? I mean I don't want some giant, flaming, pissed-off teddy on our hands." And then Dean is honest with Sam about Hell for the first time. And though he won't share specifics, I'm upset just thinking about it.

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" - 4x9: Sam comes clean (mostly) about what Dean missed while in Hell. I could not have been more broken hearted about his trying to get Dean back. And while half of me loves when they scream at each other (the raw emotion is enough to swallow anyone whole) the other half of me hates it so much. I also want to thank Sam for "too much information." I've said it before, Supernatural doesn't do a whole lot of love or sex but when they do it they do it so right. Holy Hotness Batman. Please tell me I'm not the only one who watched this more than a few times. No wonder the actors got married. They almost had to after that public display. WOW.

"Heaven and Hell" - 4x10: I have 2 things from this episode I want to comment about. Remember when I said 6 seconds ago that this show knows how to do sex? Um... Yeah. Boy do they. I cannot believe they showed this on The CW. Seriously. YOU GUYS! He removed her pants and separated her legs and crawled between them. My jaw was on the frickin floor, drool just pouring out. Mostly thanks to one of the hottest backs I have ever seen in my life (thanks again Sandi!) Lord. Have. Mercy.

The other thing about this episode that I need to bring up (which reminds me of a certain Angel Season 5 basement:
Dean: They... they sliced and carved and tore me in ways that you... Until there was nothing left. And then suddenly, I would be whole again. Like magic. So they can start all over. And Alastair, at the end of every day... every one, he would come over and he would make me an offer... to take me off the rack if I put souls on... If I started to torture. And every day I told him to stick it where the sun shines. For thirty years I told him. But then I couldn't do it any more, Sammy... I couldn't. And I got off that rack, God help me, I got right off and I started ripping them apart. I lost count of how many souls. The... the things that I did to them...
Sam: Dean.... Dean, look, you held up for thirty years. That's longer than anyone would have
Dean: How I feel. This... inside me... I wish I couldn't feel anything, Sammy. I wish I couldn't feel a damn thing.
****
I can't even write about it without my body shaking with sobs and feeling like my guts are being tied in knots. I cannot handle Dean's tears (they are just as bad if not worse than Stefan Salvatore's tears). It's too much. The guilt and the shame. To carry that with you. Every. Day. It's too much.

"Family Remains" = 4x11: A devastating story. The most devastating of it all though was Dean. Again. "I enjoyed it Sam. They took me off the rack, and I tortured souls, and I liked it. All those years, all that pain, finally getting to deal some out yourself, I didn't care who they put in front of me. Because that… that pain I felt, it just slipped away. No matter how many people I save, I can't change that. I can't fill this hole, not ever."

"Criss Angel Is A Douchebag" - 4x12: The title of this episode is a giant win. I also liked that they said the word "douche" about 90 times.

"After School Special" - 4x13: Those shorts! That sweat band! "Take a lap!" "Walk it off!" *DEAD* Funny Gym Teacher Dean aside; poor Sam. He wanted so badly to be normal but he was just always different. Even as a grown up hunter, still such a little boy. Poor Sammy.

"Sex and Violence" - 4x14: "Strippers, Sammy. Strippers! We are on an actual case involving strippers. Finally!" Loved seeing Jim Parrack who plays Hoyt Fortenberry on True Blood. Hate what he did to my boys. That fight. Ouch. As Scarlett O'Hara's Mammy once said: "It makes my blood run cold, the things they say to one another."

"Death Takes a Holiday" - 4x15: "Floored by the Lord.com bloggers" LMFAO!! I hated that the boys could not get past their fight, hard as they tried. And I was sad for Pamela. She only ever wanted to help.

"On the Head of a Pin" - 4x16: I tweeted this as I was watching but I must reiterate: I need new pants every time Dean uses his angry voice. Good God. And Uriel always brings Angry Dean. Glad he finally got his. My poor Dean though. To have to relive that Hell. To learn what he did. Torture is such a gray area. It shouldn't be, but it is. And not just because I'm torn between thinking he's hot doing it (that Alastair fucker is creepy and deserved all of it) and hating that he has to do it at all. I hate that it has changed him. But he's not the only one who has changed. It's been the underlying theme of the entire season. Dean is not the same old Dean (because of Hell and all) and Sam is not same old Sam either because (SURPRISE!) he's been drinking demon blood. Oh Sam.

"It's a Terrible Life" - 4x17: I have witnessed a lot of scary ass shit watching this show but nothing is scarier than Corporate Dean. Parted hair? Shirt and tie? Talk radio? SALAD?? *shudder* And Corporate Dean thinking Corporate Sam is hitting on him? BAHAHAHAHA!!! The lesson from all of this? Dean can't be done. He has to do what he does. He has no choice. It's Buffy all over again. And it's heart crushing.

"The Monster at the End of This Book" - 4x18: I have only this to share. Absolutely brilliant!
Dean: There's Sam girls and Dean girls. And what's a slash fan?
Sam: As in... Sam slash Dean. Together.
Dean: Like... together together?
Sam: Yeah.
Dean: They do know we're brothers, right?
Sam: It doesn't seem to matter.
Dean: Ah, come on. That's... that's just sick.

"Jump the Shark" - 4x19: I am so glad they only had a brother for like 5 minutes. That would have been so annoying. This is the book of Sam and Dean. Not Sam, Dean and Adam. Blech.

"The Rapture" - 4x20: Sam is cranky. that's what happens to addicts who don't get what they want. Damn it Sam. Really enjoyed getting more Castiel/Jimmy back story. Though considering what happened to Jimmy, makes me kinda glad I don't pray that much.

"When The Levee Breaks" - 4x21: I'm incapable of describing the sob fest I had watching this episode. From start to finish. What is it with brothers on The CW locking each other up? And while I always know it's for the best, it doesn't make it any easier. Sammy may as well have stuck a spork in my heart. That's how it felt watching him go through his withdrawals. I wanted to hug him and run away from him at the same time. And then their fight. I know a dozen of you will say I have cheered on their screaming matches in the past. And I have. Because it shows the depth of their devotion. But this. This was so bad. What Dean called Sam. The tears in both of their eyes. You guys I was SOBBING.

"When The Levee Breaks" - 4x22: THAT FUCKING BITCH!! I wanted so bad for her to be good. I really really wanted it. Even when I knew that wasn't the case. And I KNEW it! She said it herself when they first got it on: "Because it's wrong and it's bad and we shouldn't." Dean was right. What good could EVER come from drinking the blood of a Demon? But I also knew Dean would NEVER give up on him. No matter what he had done. Sam's "I'm Sorry" was a killer. Of course he was sorry. Poor Sam. And now both of them have played their part in bringing on the apocalypse. An apocalypse only they can stop. *SOB* Those angels seem like total dicks if you ask me.

Before I end the sequel to War and Peace ( DAMN THIS POST IS LONG! RIGHT?) I have to give a shout out to Bobby Singer. I absolutely love this character. ADORE this character. I was crazy about Jim Beaver on Deadwood and am so glad to see him have such an irreplaceable role on Supernatural. He has been more than a father figure to the boys. They owe him a seriously nice fruit basket.

Lucifer is having a coming out party. What comes next?? So excited for Season 5! If you have made it this far in my novel (SO SORRY!) please leave comments! Love sharing the #SPN love with you all!

*credit for all screencaps goes to http://caps.oxoniensis.org/spncaps.html

Kiss of the Week

2011-05-25T01:18:00.000-04:00

This week's kiss comes courtesy of my current obsession: Supernatural of course. This kiss is from episode 4x05 - "Monster Movie" between Dean and a random barmaid (I think her name was Jamie). It was so hot that it prompted me to go onto YouTube to watch nearly 30 minutes of Jensen Ackles kissing (Thanks Sandi!!!). He's a PRO! The lips! The jaw! The SOUNDS! Whoa baby!

If you want some shots of Dean in action check this out.

Supernatural - Halfway Gone

2011-05-22T23:07:00.000-04:00

Just finished watching Supernatural Season 3 and I thought this would be a good point to stop and reflect on what I've seen so far (also, I'm waiting for my Season 4 download and it's taking forever! I need to kill some time).

I'm pretty pissed off at myself for waiting so long to watch this show about two brothers on the road, hunting down the evil of the world. I had seen the first half of the first season when it first aired but this was during MLPT (My Life Pre-Tivo) so I got really far behind and sort of gave up. Last year, I started from the beginning again and got about half way through the first season (again) but I got scared watching by myself all the time so I gave up. (I'm a giant baby. You will never see a horror movie review on this blog). And despite my constant abuse of this fantastic show, it came back to me again and I grabbed my blankie, a glass of wine and dove right in. Thank God.

(WARNING! SPOILERS BELOW!!)

What a show. I have so much love that it's hard to put into words. One of the things I love most about it (so far) is that it doesn't need huge relationship drama and love triangles to be great. Don't get me wrong, I love those things. But to find such a spectacular show that doesn't rely on that stuff is a huge breath of fresh air. The only relationship that really matters is the one between Sam and Dean Winchester. And it's one of the best sibling relationships I've ever witnessed on the small screen. It feels so real to me. I even love when they fight, when they full out scream at each other, because it shows just how much they care for one another. I'm also a huge sucker for the teasing and the bickering. This show is HILARIOUS! I have had tears streaming down my face more times than I can count. Laughing so hard I cry and also just crying. Supernatural is not just funny as hell, it's moving beyond imagination. Who knew? Oh right. Everyone except my dumb ass.

I've been asked a lot on Twitter whether I'm a Sam girl or a Dean girl and I cannot say how hard of a decision that is to make. Both brothers have so many great qualities. They are both brave and selfless. Where Dean is tough, Sam is sweet. I love that when they are on the hunt they are both so strong and fearless but in the presence of their father, they both turn into little boys (Yes Sir. No Sir). And they're both pretty easy on the eyes. Lets be real here. After careful consideration though, and through no control of my own, I think I'm a Dean girl. I'm an oldest sister. I understand everything he does, he does for Sam. Even when it might not be the very best thing to do. I can understand all of his motivations. I can understand trying to cover pain with humor and anger. I even understand always choosing scissors. Not saying I don't love sweet, sensitive, Sam though. I'd love to give him a ~~naked~~ hug every day.

I have favorites other than Dean though:

Favorites of Season 1: I loved the Pilot of course, setting the boys on their path. ("Driver picks the music. Shotgun shuts his cakehole!") And you can't beat the introduction of the Impala, the fake IDs and the amazing soundtrack (more on that later). I also LOVED "The Benders" and "Provenance". Both super scary and a hell of a good time. And at the finale. I screamed.

Favorites of Season 2: "Everybody Loves a Clown" scared the crap out of me! I have always hated clowns and this one makes Pennywise look like a puppy! "Playthings" had some of the funniest moments (like this one). "Tall Tales" was another that had me ROLLING! "Heart" had one of the steamiest love scenes I've ever seen on network TV. My jaw was on the floor. "What Is and What Should Never Be" was so bitter sweet. It was heart crushing to see Dean live his life without the supernatural stuff. Both because it was so great and because it wasn't. And then of course in the finale ("All Hell Breaks Loose Pt. 2") Dean makes the ultimate sacrifice for his brother after he cries over his dead body. Gut wrenching.

Favorites of Season 3: "Bad Day at Black Rock" had some of the best physical comedy seen on the show (so far). Sam's clumsiness and Bobby's annoyance were magnificent. As a sucker for fairytales, I of course adored "Bedtime Stories" and their evil take on them. "A Very Supernatural Christmas" was the first time I really sobbed. Finding out where that thing Dean always wears around his neck came from? BAWLED! The best of brotherly love. "Mystery Spot" was such a head twister for me. One minute I'm on the floor peeing myself laughing ("Sam Winchester wears makeup. Sam Winchester cries his way through sex!") the next minute I'm sobbing out of control. A fantastic piece of TV. The finale, "No Rest for the Wicked" had me sobbing again. Sam holding Dean's lifeless body as Dean's soul screams from hell. Painful is an understatement.

Favorites in Music: For me, one of the best things about this show right off the bat was the classic rock soundtrack. I love getting new indy and pop tunes introduced to me through my favorite TV shows (The Vampire Diaries and The O.C. make up a HUGE chunk of my iTunes) but I was raised on the music from Supernatural. A lot of these songs have been a part of my life since before I have memories of them. But to speak to the epicness of this show, songs like "Heat Of the Moment" by Asia, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi and of course "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas, will never be the same to me again, despite having listened to them most of my life. That's huge. Some other favorites:

"Long Train Runnin" by The Doobie Brothers - 3x10
"Back in Black" by AC/DC - 1x1
"All Right Now" by Free - 1x6
"Wheel in the Sky" by Journey - 2x3
"Burnin' for You" by Blue Öyster Cult - 1x17
"Renegade" by Styx - 2x12

And I am going to make myself stop or the list will go on for days!! So much great music! If you are looking for a full list of songs by episode go here.

I think that about sums it up for now. I could go on forever about how much fun I am having watching this show but I do want to get back to actually watching this show. OMG you guys! Cannot wait to start Season 4!!! Have you watched it? Loved it? Need to warn me about anything coming up? Go crazy! Would love to hear your thoughts on this gem!! (NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS PLEASE!)

I am a Kissing Slut

2011-05-18T07:02:00.003-04:00

The BG on my desk top wide screen monitor is a wallpaper I made ages ago of every single kiss that Buffy and Angel ever shared.EVER. It's pretty epic.

Looking at it made me realize how much TV kisses move me. The right kiss at the right moment can just EXPLODE into everything that is right with the world.

So... Every day you will find here a Kiss of the Day. At least one TV kiss every day that I feel is worth posting.

My first Kiss of the Day is the very first Buffy/Angel kiss ever shared. The kiss that inspired me. From Buffy episode 1x7- Angel. The only kiss exchanged without her knowledge of his vampy secret.

Is this kiss amazing or what? Have kissing requests? Go crazy in the comments.

Wildfire - Series Review

2011-05-18T04:14:00.003-04:00

There are a lot of television series that I really want to see and catch up on but am having a hard time finding for free. And, if I can find them for free, I have to watch them on my computer, not on my big screen TV. So, because of my cheap and lazy nature, I have been watching series I find on Netflix streaming. One that they recommended to me was Wildfire which aired on ABC Family from 2005-2008.

I have to admit, I first thought this series was RIDICULOUS! Some of the acting is so bad. Some of the situations are just absurd! But for some reason I just could not tear my eyes away. And now that I have finished all 4 seasons I'd recommend it to just about anyone looking to fill some free time. (I don't want to spoil but anyone who wants to know what I thought was ridiculous is free to contact me).

This little show has so much heart. I love family drama. I am addicted to love triangles. And I cannot step away from anything where I get to see horses on a daily basis.

Truth is, these people get into some pretty serious situations. And chosing a guy for Kris (played by Genevieve Cortese Padalecki) was as hard for me as it was for her. The guys are nothing to scoff at. It would be a difficult choice for anyone. And you never can tell which way it will go. The girl has chemistry with everyone! I found myself looking forward to my husband going to bed (he was completely intolerant of my obsession with this show) just so I could turn it on and find out what trouble she would find and who she would kiss!

I also loved seeing the family drama unfold. I have seen this sort of bad kid brought to the good side sort of thing before on The O.C. I love that on Wildfire they did some different things that I didn't expect, some things that made the whole story very interesting. And moving.

If you are looking for something super serious and groundbreaking this is probably not for you. However, if you are looking for some quick fun, sweet love and eye candy, this might be just the thing. If you decide to watch please come back and leave comments!! If you have seen it already, let me know what you thought! And tell me: Did Kris end up with the right guy? Check it out and have a great time!!

Q & A with a Fantastic Fan of Friday Night Lights

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Carina Mackenzie of http://www.zap2it.com/ (@cadlymack on twitter) gets a lot of the credit for my current obsession with the BRILLIANCE that is Friday Night Lights. And, as I hear it from many of my friends, I’m not the only one she convinced to check into this gift of a television show. Her twitter exchange about FNL with Julie Plec (@julieplec from The Vampire Diaries) was, for me, something I looked forward to every week, even without watching the show. And, now that I’ve seen it all from start to finish (in what must be record breaking time), I’m dying to know Carina’s every thought on Friday Night Lights!

I know this show is a great passion of yours. Have you watched from the beginning or did you have a friend turn you on to it?

C: I watched it from the beginning. The movie screened at my school when I was a freshman in college – I probably wouldn't have seen it, except it was free, and I was totally in love with it. So when the show started, I made sure my ass was parked on the couch for premiere night. I remember being actually confused by the pilot – even though I recognized Kyle Chandler from "Early Edition," and I knew he was an actor, I did not understand how this show could possibly be scripted. It was shot so much like a doc, and the acting felt so genuine.

FNL is very different from anything I’ve seen on TV in my life time and I have seen a LOT of TV. What do you think makes it so special?

C: If I could put a finger on what makes "Friday Night Lights" so special, I'd be a better writer and a better critic. It's hard to nail it down, though. I think mostly, it comes down to honesty. They remain steadfastly true to the characters they've created and, more importantly, to the town. They tell stories that are ugly if that's how they would've really happened. There's no bending the rules of the people or the place just to make way for a neat ending or a big, TV-friendly moment. If this was a typical TV show, Tim and Lyla would've ended up together, Jason would've had some miracle surgery, Matt Saracen would've gone on to be a football star who could afford to buy his grandmother the universe. This isn't that show, and that's why I love it.

This show has a PLETHORA of tear educing moments. Is there one moment you can remember that makes you cry harder than all the others?
C: Well, I cried so much through the finale that I barely saw what was happening on screen, but I think the moment that made me cry the absolute most was Tim saying goodbye to Jason in New Jersey. It was perfect. A tiny part of me is still really bitter that we didn't get to see Tim and Jason together in Season 5, but again, that's not this show – and at least I have that perfect goodbye to hold onto.

This show was very well reviewed but never great in numbers. Is there anything marketing wise you would have don differently in order to better share the greatness?
C: I honestly don't think this show ever would've done fantastic numbers, even with a perfect marketing campaign. It was too different from anything on television, and it challenged viewers a little too much. It made you hurt, and I think that when a lot of people sit down to watch TV, they only want the highs, not the lows. I just want to feel something strong – I don't care whether it's heartbreak or elation. I know there are other people out there like me, but I think most people just want to be entertained, not challenged.

One of my favorite things about FNL is all different relationships. Give me your thoughts on a few of the most prominent pairings:

Tami & Eric Taylor:

C: Can they adopt me? It's such an underrated thing, but there's this episode where Tami basically finds her dream house in Dillon, and Eric has to tell her that no, they can't afford it, they can't take the risk. I thought this was the best portrayal of the real struggles in marriage. I mean – my parents are divorced and I'm only 24 and not married, so it's not like I'm the expert on the subject, but these two were the most "real" couple on TV. I think when most TV shows try to give a married couple juicy stories, they introduce third parties and the threat of infidelity, or unwanted pregnancies, or secrets/lies. Not "Friday Night Lights." They never cheapened the relationship. The inability to afford a house was story enough.

Lyla & Jason:
C: Here's the thing – I can't actually separate Lyla and Jason's relationship from their relationship with Tim. This was a triangle like none I'd ever really seen on television in that yes, Jason loved Lyla and Tim loved Lyla, but Tim and Jason loved each other just as much. She never came between them for more than a few weeks if you go by the timeline of the season. My favorite moment in the whole show is when they're in Mexico and they're exhausted and dancing and she kisses both of them. These three people are all so in love with each other that they could never be fully happy as long as they stayed wrapped up in each other. It's royally fucked up, but it's really beautiful in a sort of desperately sad way.

Tim & Tyra:
C: Tyra could do better than Tim, and Tim knows that. I think by the series finale, though, she's planted this idea in his head that one day he could be better. Listen, Tim Riggins is never going to be the great love of Tyra's life. He represents a lot that she ran away from. But I think there's something to be said for the fact that her leaving Dillon means that he, potentially, could be bigger than Dillon, too. I'm not sure he wants to be, but he could be. He'll be the guy she sleeps with every time she comes home, and they'll be okay with that.

Matt & Julie:
C: HE PROPOSED TO HER OUTSIDE THE ALAMO FREEZE. Okay, this is the part where I was like "this show has made me a better person." I'm from Connecticut, okay? I'm about as blue blooded as it gets. I'm liberal as fuck and I think everybody should be allowed to get married but only idiots actually do it. If I knew someone who got engaged when they were 19 I would judge them so, so hard. And yet, somehow, I watched Matt Saracen get down on one knee and I was like "Yes, this is perfect, this is exactly how this should go." I love them. I mean, she was pretty much a disaster and when Coach said they weren't mature enough to get married, I think what he really meant was that SHE wasn't mature enough to get married, but whatever. Matt Saracen can settle for Julie Taylor any day. I'm happy.

Tim & Jason:
C: See Lyla & Jason. Also, Texas Forever. "I'm the caretaker, Streeter." For me, this is what the show was about. I'm devastated by the fact that the scene where Riggins is building his house in the series finale was filmed with both Billy and Jason, and they decided to go with Billy. It's the one wrong this show has ever done me.

Tyra & Landry:
C: LOVE. Not for, like, a forever, thing, but for a high school thing. They both made each other more confident. Her college entrance essay made me ugly cry for days.

Tami & Julie:
C: Tami reminded me a lot of my mom. I think that the way Tami had to almost give herself permission to be disappointed in her daughter once in a while was very brave and telling. One of my favorite scenes is when she takes Julie to get the tattoo removed, and they end up talking instead. Those confessions of imperfection are incredible.

Tim & Lyla:

C: I think I said everything I need to say about this one above – but really, I think that Tim/Lyla was mostly about how thoroughly and desperately they loved Street. I think they both represented who Street was before the accident and when they couldn't fit into his lives the same way, they tried to make room in their lives for each other instead.

Favorite episode:

C: Probably the series finale, except for that glaring Streetless imperfection.

Favorite character:

C: Riggins. Not even in a shallow way. For me, other than the Coach, Riggins is the hero of this story.

Favorite moment:
C: The Y Tu Mama moment in Mexico. I watched it and suddenly felt that I understood the characters in exactly the same way the writers did.

Moment, character, & storyline you hated the very most throughout the 5 seasons:

C: When Julie drove off with the Swede I wanted her to keep driving off a cliff. My least favorite character was Hastings Ruckle, because Grey Damon was a series regular that was heavily promoted, but they never did anything with him, and Billy/Mindy should've been regulars instead. My least favorite storyline was Saracen's grandma's nurse. Blech.

You once told me that watching Friday Night Lights would be “life changing.” And indeed it has been. What else would you like to share with people who might be hesitating to watch?

C: Nothing. It's off the air now so I don't really feel the need to browbeat people into tuning in. Now it's almost this little secret, these five boxes of DVDs that hold the meaning of life and only the people who have seen it can understand what it means.

How did you feel about the finale? Did it do the show justice? Did it end as you had hoped?

C: Yes, I loved it. I'm not really ready to talk about it though. I'M STILL HEALING.

Any final thoughts for fellow FNL fans?

C: Clear eyes! Full hearts! Also, Luke and Vince were epic and I don't know why you didn't ask me about them but THEY WERE EPIC EPIC EPIC. I loved their friendship so much.

[This is me recognizing my short comings. I suck. Vince and Luke were so much awesome. I suck, I suck, I suck.]

Huge thanks to Carina!

Also want to send a shout out to my dear friend Amy (@tvgirl222) another big reason I finally clued in to watch this AMAZING show! Thanks Amy!

The Vampire Diaries Recap - The Sun Also Rises

2011-05-05T22:30:00.002-04:00

For the 3 or 4 days leading up to this episode I was STRESSED OUT! Actually, I think “living in terror” would be a better way to describe me while waiting for this installment of The Vampire Diaries. I made sure that when I sat down to watch, I had a HUGE margarita and my blanky. And if you didn't make it through your viewing (I nearly didn’t) and are reading this from heaven, may you rest in peace.

• Not only did Klaus turn Jenna but he roofied her too. And as a vampire? She looks AWESOME!!! I'd probably let her bite me.
• I did not expect to be as moved by Damon and Katherine's exchange as I was. After everything, she still has the balls to need feelings from him.
• Husband wants to know if Bonnie and Jeremy are still using MyFi or if they are serving each other big glasses of Pepsi! The choice of a new generation!
• Is Klaus performing the sacrifice or opening ceremonies for the Olympics?
• Shut up Jules. Everyone knows you’re heartless. (See what I did there?)
• Jenna’s speech to Elena is so tragic. Poor drunk, clueless Jenna. If she lives it’ll take a lot more booze to catch that buzz.
• The rest of the Originals are dead? I AM SO CONFUSED!
• Damon’s violent heartbreak over the thought of losing Stefan is moving and refreshing. As is his acknowledgement of the fact that Stefan has been cleaning up after him for ages. Despite every nightmare they have survived, they love each other. It’s impossible to not be touched by that.
• “You can’t die, I’ll die for you!” “No, I’ll die for you!” “No, me!” “No, let it be me.” Husband refuses to believe there are this many selfless people in the whole world, let alone in one town. His vote is for Klaus to kill them all just for being annoying. Husband is kind of a jerk.
• Me: “Stefan! GET UP!” Husband: “Honey he can’t! He has Klaus’ wood in him.”
• “Hello Brother.” Hmmmmm…… Where have we heard this before?
• Despite my best efforts to prepare for it, Jenna’s loss is heart crushing. And Elena’s reaction is heart crushing.
• And then Alaric knows.
• And then Jeremy knows.
• And John.
• You guys!! They have no parents. Even bad ones. I can’t stop crying.
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• Still crying.
• I’m gonna have to come back to this later. I just can’t.
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• My eyes feel as if they’ve had Tabasco poured in them and my face is puffy beyond all recognition but I’m gonna try to finish this up.
• On a personal note, I lost my parents a few years ago. And, though I am a grown ass woman, my Aunts have taken care of me in one way or another ever since. While I am well aware that TVD is just a television show, this episode really hit close to home. Please forgive me if my usual humor is lacking in this post.
• While I’m glad that we have not seen the last of our lovely accented Original Recipe friends, I am so fucking pissed off at them right now. Especially Elijah. But I get it. I understand his motivation 100%. Still fucking pissed though. What a couple of weenies.
• The way Damon picked up Elena and laid her next to Stefan. And then he removed Stefan’s stake. And he takes her away at Stefan’s insistence. You guys, I am so fucking close to forgiving Damon and I hate that about me!! UGH!
• I understand Matt’s motivation too. He never asked for this. He is truly lovely but he doesn’t have Elena’s heart. And that is such a shame. Caroline deserves so much more. I suppose if she can forgive Tyler, I’m going to have to as well. What is wrong with me tonight with all of this forgiving crap?
• If you would have told me even a week ago that Uncle Daddy John would move me to tears I would have asked you to be my roomie in this lovely padded room I’ve reserved.
• I know that Damon will be fine. How can he not be? But the pain that he and Stefan and Elena will go through to get to that point is almost too much to take. Which leads me to……..

Friends! I will be away for the finale next week. I’m in a wedding. Maid of Honor actually so it’s a pretty big deal. And honestly, after tonight’s emotional nightmare I’m almost glad. I will miss you all terribly though and please check back here because I WILL recap. Just late.

Regarding this one though, if you’re alive out there I would love your reactions to the episode!! Please tell me I am not the only one who cried for an hour! I'm sure I have missed a lot and gotten a ton of shit out of order but I'm sure you understand. Feel free to correct me!

The TVD Musketeers

2011-05-03T10:51:00.002-04:00

Tealey, Simone and Jason have been chatting about The Vampire Diaries for over a year now. And the best part is that they let you listen in!! They have some of the best analysis and speculation and most fun discussions found on the subject. You can keep up with all of their podcasting adventures at http://salvatorecouncil.podbean.com/ and be sure to follow them on Twitter: @SalvatoreCast. In the mean time, check out their super fun answers to my questions below:

How did you all meet?
Tealey: I met Simone on one of the TVD fan boards. I’ve been meaning to do a TVD podcast, and at the time she was interested in starting up a fancast and was looking for a co-host. It was perfect timing really, so I put my hand up - we chatted and got the ball rolling. In the beginning, it was just Simone and I – but then we met Jason and asked him to join us. And here we are now.
Jason: I believe I met Simone at a TVD VRO show and IHeartTVD recap show.

What made you decide to podcast about TVD?
Tealey: I’ve always been a fan of LJ Smith’s work, and TVD is no exception. To be honest, even though I’m a bit of a TV/film junkie, I’ve never been so immersed in a series as I am with TVD. I guess I wanted to do my part in supporting the series and its fandom. There is a lot of work that goes into running a website, and since there were already a few totally awesome fansites out there, I wasn’t really interested in creating another one, especially if I knew I couldn’t give it my all, time-wise. However, I felt like I had to find an outlet to discuss and share my passion/enthusiasm for the series, so I decided that a podcast was the way to go.
Simone: I’ve got to give credit to the cast of Imprint and Mugglecast who gave me the inspiration to create a podcast. I’ve always wanted an outlet of my own to talk about anything and everything I wanted and with all the shouting at my TV and prediction-making I did during TVD I figured it was best to channel all those thoughts and put them out there so I made it a mission to find (a) cohost(s).
Jason: I was approached by Simone around last May I believe and she thought it was awesome that a guy loved The Vampire Diaries and was very informative and passionate about the show just as any other fan. So I was like, sign me up girl!

What has been your favorite episode to podcast about so far?
Tealey: This may sound corny, but I’ve seriously enjoyed every episode that we’ve recorded thus far. It’s always delightful when we have a special guest on, because we mix things up a bit. Our interviews with Vee (from Vampire-Diaries.net), Michael Jaegers (background actor for TVD), Chrissy Calhoun (author of Love You To Death) and Jim Halterman (Entertainment Reporter) have been some my highlights.
Simone: Plan B, hands down. Looking back at Episode 15 Life Gives Us Lemons, I had an awesome time with Tealey being able to break down every single aspect of the episode from acting to plot. The format that we used to recap the episode, while too time consuming to use for every episode, was essential to talk about Plan B. I remember being in awe during the whole episode. I still to this day can’t recall exactly what it is but to me it just seemed everyone on set stepped up their game by 10 for that episode hence us having to break it down so thoroughly. Plus I believe this was the episode where I hummed to Tealey and no one had a clue what music I was talking about which will forever go down as one my stupid moments on the show.
Jason: This is such a HARD question. I literally am thinking as I am typing this at the moment…hmmm. However, I’m just going to pick a few. I absolutely loved when we did a lot of episode recaps in one recording last summer and I loved talking about “Friday Night Bites”, “The Turning Point”, and “Under Control”. Right now “Know Thy Enemy” is probably my favorite recording because we discuss a lot of theories and go through a lot of points from the episode.

What has been the most difficult episode to talk about?
Tealey: Definitely the Season 1 Finale. I’m still mourning Anna’s death.
Simone: The Descent broke my heart while watching, literally. I don’t cry while watching TVD; I’m an avid fan and all but its not like real life where you can change it so whatever the writers want to do they’ll do and I try to calm myself knowing this. BUT Lauren Cohen’s death scene just wrenched my heart OUT of my chest. When Lexi died I was pissed, for weeks. When Anna died I was resentful, for months. When the writers killed off Rose I irrationally balled, screamed and cursed and I knew it would be hard to talk about that’s why I had to make Episode 21 “No Hate”.
Jason: I would say talking about the episode when Tyler left town with Jules. It was really difficult to talk about him leaving for me. I’m a huge Michael Trevino fan and my heart was absolutely broken when I saw that happen. Honestly, I was thinking “OH MY GOD…They’re pulling a Buffy!” (By that I mean how Oz left town and came back eventually, but left town AGAIN.) Hopefully that won’t be the case.

If you could have anyone guest host a podcast with you, who would it be?
Tealey: Michael Trevino and/or Matt Davis. I can just imagine how hilarious and insane it would be. I’m going to also throw in Robbie Jones (from HellCats), so you guys can hear Simone fangirl.
Simone: A tie between Michael Jaegers (who I love) and Vee/Red (who are like a laugh bomb for me)
Jason: I seriously can’t pick one! I would have to say TVD_Chloe of twitter though. That would be really fun.

TVD Person you’d most love to interview?
Tealey: Oh, this is a toughie! I would love to interview any of the cast members, writers and producers. But if I had to choose, it would be Michael Trevino, Matt Davis, Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson.
Simone: LJ Smith
Jason: Handsdown Michael Trevino!

Favorite TVD character Book and/or show (if it differs):
Tealey: My favorite characters in the book – Meredith, Matt and Damon.
My favorite characters on the show – To be honest, I love them all. Each character delivers something special to the show and the cast is fantastic in bringing the characters to life. In the TV series, they have time to explore each character in depth, and thus, there is more character development. Each character is multidimensional - we see their strengths and flaws, and they are relatable. I think this is one of main reasons why so many of the characters on the show are loved universally by fans.
Simone: Anna. Let’s just say I had my Anna phase (minus the whole vampire-with-entombed-mom-thing) meaning I too had a boy best friend whose name ironically started with J and who was irresistible to me despite reasons to NOT like him. There’s your little juicy Simone tidbit for today 
Jason: I haven’t read the books. However, Tyler Lockwood on the show is an absolute “Dream Boat”! Tyler is definitely my favorite because I feel there is so much potential with his character that hasn’t been seen yet. They need to pursue the bromance between Tyler and Jeremy.

Favorite TVD show moment:
Tealey: I have to say the return of lil’ Miss Katherine at the end of S1 ;) John would probably disagree – but the girl did come back in style (albeit somewhat gruesomely)! I also enjoyed the flashbacks scenes. Damon’s 1864 hair is priceless.
Simone: Umm… wow, brain officially hurting. I guess I’d have to say the moment that pops out is Damon compelling Rose’s dream in The Descent. I’ve mentioned already that this was a hard scene to take but at the same time from an aspiring screenwriter’s POV, the writing was brilliant. I hate (with extra loathing on the side) the fact that she died but I do have to give props for how they chose to do it. The moment was truly beautiful. I guess you can say as a fan I hated it but as a writer I was dumbstruck so it was a bittersweet scene I’ll never forget.
Jason: How could you ask this hard question? LMAO! I honestly would have to say when Tyler went up to Matt before he left town. It was a really emotional moment for him to say good bye to his best friend and tell him the truth about how he felt about Caroline. I actually wish they did more with that scene and made them hug or something more. I mean these two were so close in season 1 like brothers and I hope that will be brought back. Matt is alone and Tyler is his best friend so hopefully we will see more of a connection between the two before the end of season 2.

Favorite TVD show song:
Tealey: Metric’s ‘Help I’m Alive’, Cage the Elephant’s ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ and Alex Band’s ‘Only One’.
Jason: The song that played when Tyler left town with Jules. Sorry, the title slips my mind.[The song is “Family Tree” by Matthew West ]
Favorite episode:
Tealey: Season 1 – Children of the Damned and Isobel, Season 2 – Masquerade and Know Thy Enemy.
Jason: This is super hard for me to answer. However, I absolutely love “Let the Right One In” I swear upon every higher power I’ve probably watched that episode 50+ times. Not even joking. It’s just so brilliant! I swear it could have possibly been a finale it was that dam good. Another favorite as of now would definitely be “Know Thy Enemy” I mean did you see that episode? It was freaking insane! I felt like I was in Inception or I was watching the anime Naruto and I was trapped in some spell!

Hopes for the future of TVD:
Tealey: I have faith in the cast and crew and believe they will continue to deliver the goods ;) This show has so much scope and with the talented writing team, anything is possible. I look forward to seeing what TVD has in store for us over the next few weeks and I hope the series will continue to build on its successes and draw in a new generation of TVD fans.
Jason: Lord! Let me keep it real! Okay! They definitely need to figure out who Bonnie is. At this point I’m confused as a viewer because it seems to me Bonnie has turned into the character “Storm” from X-men. I mean, she absorbed the powers (which wasn’t believable to me by the way) of (100?) dead witches and the only thing she did was change the weather and make leaves float? I want to see real magic from Bonnie. I wanted her eyes to go pure black and start a earthquake - throw a ball of energy at a tree or something. I mean, let’s be real. Every witch on Buffy The Vampire Slayer was the real deal. I’m really wondering what is going on when it comes to the CGI and contemplating what powers Bonnie should have as a witch on The Vampire Diaries.
They need to do something different from the mind mojo and make it more believable. I also hope that the Tyler/Jeremy bromance happens and the Bonnie/Jeremy relationship, which feels completely forced, ends. Bonnie/Jeremy is one of the most random relationships I’ve ever seen in the history of TV shows. I mean they had no scenes together in season 1 and all of a sudden now in season 2 they like each other, especially when Luka came into the picture? Bonnie needs a man not an emo boy who just decided to get a haircut and shop at Abercrombie and Fitch all of a sudden to impress her.
And do these kids even go to school anymore? They need more school scenes, and make Jenna a stronger character – in particular, a parental figure. Jenna can’t just keep leaving the house whenever something goes wrong. It’s time for her to step up and take control of the household. Also, please introduce more diversity into a show – i.e. a gay (male) character to the show! It would be totally amazing to see. The reason why I stated “gay male character” is because I would love that personally and I would find it interesting to see someone hit on Tyler Lockwood LOL! Just kidding! However, I would love to see that character introduced and how good the role would be.

Message for the TVD Fandom:
Tealey: Thank you guys so much for your support – we really appreciate it and you don’t know how much it means to us. I’ve met so many great people through TVD, and it really does feel like we’re one huge family. Please keep supporting LJ Smith, the show, the cast and crew and each other! xx
Simone: I’ve talked to a lot of you guys and I love you all and thank you for making this fandom such a family. And lets face it guys, we all have our issues in life sadly and there’s no need to create even more with people on the internet. If someone has a difference in opinion, turn the other cheek PLEASE. Make twitter, and facebook, and imdb, etc. more pleasant and bearable.
Jason: My message for the TVD fandom: Please don’t stop watching the show just because a ship may not happen. The reason I bring this up is because it’s such a huge topic among the fandom. Sadly, it has gone as far as (some) fans attacking the show’s writers and it is absolutely uncalled for. A little respect goes a long way.

The Vampire Diaries Recap - The Last Day

2011-04-28T22:41:00.004-04:00

I have to start by saying that before this episode even started I felt this hum of excitement that, for some reason, has been missing for me over the past couple of weeks. I can’t put my finger on exactly why but I just had that FEELING. You know? Of course you do. And I really love being right. Happens a lot but it never gets old.

• Damon is shirtless a lot lately. Maybe it’s the laundry soap he’s using making his shirts itchy? He should try the stuff without dyes or perfumes.
• I swear I am not 12 but Stefan grabbing Elena’s hand gave me chills and sent those unicorns galloping over a DOUBLE RAINBOW. Galloping.
• I know I am evil and going to hell but Carol Lockwood’s bounce on the railing was uproariously hilarious and grotesque and I giggled. Lots. I also giggled in Titanic when the people bounced off the ship parts. I have issues. I know. Move on.
• Damon dumping the remainder of his Scotch was a total party foul. Alcohol abuse!!
• Things I hate: Matt lying to Caroline and Sheriff Forbes being too dumb to see how awesome her daughter is. Things I love: MATT LOOOOOOOOOOVES HER! He REALLY loves her!!
• Why is Elena going after Damon? Let him pout. Elena has NO boundaries with him. What a cock tease. And since when is his room upstairs? Am I lost?
• Is it just me or did Elena seem like Damon didn’t really have to force feed her the blood? She looked pretty thirsty for it.
• THAT is the fight I was waiting for last week!! YES YES YES!! Can we get a cage in here? Can they rip each other’s shirts off and fall into a random oil puddle where they roll around?
• Husband thinks that Alaric should get Jenna in a bedroom and show her just how well he stakes things.
• Jules needs to take her fucking face out of Mystic Falls. She’s like the Chlamydia of TVD.
• Do what you want with Tyler (not really, don't kill him or anything) but MORE STABBING OF CAROLINE FORBES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!
• I would like for Joseph Morgan to come over and read my stereo instructions to me right away. It’s urgent.
• Stefan is magical and I love him and he’s magical.
• I feel like everyone should carry a copy of “Klaus and the Curse” cliffs notes to pass out to the clueless. “Read this Tyler. Wake me when you’re done.”
• Stefan is magical.
• OMG MATT!!! I KNEW IT! He’s magical too. I think Damon should have been a little nicer to him considering how helpful he was.
• Dalaric Lives! Why don’t these two just get married already? Katherine should be in the wedding as well. In the Pretty in Pink poof dress with the flower crown. And Alaric can stumble drunkenly to the car and forget his veil
• Ok. Tyler’s alright.
• Aw man. Elena made me cry. But the husband brings up a good point. She’s ok with dying but not vamping out? She’d rather die now than live forever? While I totally respect her choice….. I would never be so lame.
• We’ve covered how Stefan is magical and everything BUUUUUUT…. if I spent my very last day alive or whatever, hiking I would be so pissed. My husband would never be such a dumb ass.
• GOD. Crying again. THIS SUCKS!! Except it’s so beautiful and awesome and SUCKS!!
• Another phenomenal performance by Michael Trevino. You all know that there are invisible leprechauns actually pulling his limbs out of their sockets right?
• *facepalm* Damon rides the short bus. If he remembers what time it comes in the morning. I wanna give him a participation trophy for trying and for saving Caroline but JEEZ!
• Anyone else really hoping Klaus would have said Plan B instead of Back up plan?
• Call her? Her? Her who? *does chick vampire math* Her who? Her WHAT? WHAT!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! How did I forget to put Aunt Jenna in my protective cocoon of safety and love? I AM SO FIRED!
• That said, is it ok if I REALLY wanna see her vamp out? Like real bad. And, as my BFF noted on twitter: "Jenna as a vampire could work, she is used to a liquid diet." Love you @libraryofbird
• Damon getting bitten is going to end up being more painful for everyone than it will be for Damon. That happens when idiots fuck up.

So TVD owes me for my heartburn medication, my future aneurysm removal and recovery, YEARS of booze bills and subsequent rehab stay, my Xanax prescription and my carpet cleaning bill for when I finally peel my dirty catatonic ass off the floor. How are you friends? Y’all alive out there?

My Love Letter to Stefan Salvatore

2011-04-27T22:10:00.008-04:00

I love a dark, brooding vampire. Actually, they are sort of a weakness of mine. It’s not impossible to relate to someone regretful of past misdeeds, reconciled to be alone because of them. Someone who wants something and even after getting it doesn’t believe they truly deserve it. It’s not hard to imagine hating the monster inside yourself regardless of who is responsible for it being there in the first place. For me, it’s easy to have both empathy and sympathy for the blood sucker that prefers to sit alone in the dark and feel sorry for himself.

However, I believe I may have found the vampire I have an even bigger weakness for. The love crazy badass with a hero complex.

I know I’m not the only one who sees it. Stefan Salvatore has changed. Gone is the 162 year old sad sack who hated himself almost as much as he hated what he was. Though caring and kind, the Stefan of Season 1 spent the majority of his time brooding, apologizing and reacting to what was going on around him, making one mistake after another.

Perhaps if he didn’t hate himself so much, he’d have been able to avoid all of the lies and omissions he became so famous for in Season 1. What if he’d have been upfront with Elena from the start? “So here’s the thing. I’m a vampire. No worries though. I’m not gonna touch your blood or anyone else’s as I am a connoisseur of forest animals. However, you should know that when I rescued you from the ravine your parents car drove into I noticed right away that you looked like my crazy as hell, vampire ex girlfriend so I had to make sure you weren’t her. Oh, also, I have a brother who is REALLY mad at me. He may cause problems. But hey, we both like journaling. I think we should hang out.”

How hard was that?

Though if we’ve learned anything from The Vampire Diaries it’s that nothing is ever easy and when it is, it usually cannot be trusted. The fact of the matter is, he chose the hard way and for at least 20 episodes he lied to everyone, including himself.

You can’t really blame him though. He carried with him the weight of 145 years of killing by both himself and his brother and even after making a conscience decision to be the better vampire, to fight against the monster inside of him, he could not love himself, try as he might. He has a long history of being a people pleaser, of hiding who he really is in order to be what he feels people think he ought to be. All with the hopes of receiving anything resembling affection and approval. Something he did not seem to get much of from the father he once worshipped. Which leads me to ask the question: is there anyone in Mystic Falls without Daddy Issues?

I like to think that this search for approval, for love, was Stefan’s motivation while getting close to Elena. Though he knows the vampire within could reduce anyone to a bag of bones, letting his heart be vulnerable is an entirely different game. A lesson that we now know, was a gift from his very best friend.

Imagine this: you’re hanging out in the woods, nom noming on a squirrel and you hear this terrible noise coming from the road. You go see what it is and turns out you are needed to do some life saving. Only, the life you save has the same face as the crazy as hell vampire ex girlfriend who last time you saw was heading to her fiery death. FRAK! You gotta make sure it isn’t her. She did a lot of very not nice things! And as you follow her around, stalking her from the shadows, you realize that it’s not her at all. In fact, this girl is exactly the opposite of the monster who made you. And you love her.

What to do about that. (See lies and omissions, noted above).

However, somewhere between the last big lie (about his human blood habit) and the return of his crazy as hell ex, something in Stefan changed.

I do not believe that he has been able to forgive himself for past deeds, for making Damon what he is. But I do believe that Stefan has learned to accept what he is. To accept that while there is a monster inside of him, there is also a man trying to do good, a man deserving love. Though I’m not sure he gets much of the credit for this. Stefan didn’t learn to love himself all on his own. Elena taught him how.

Okay, maybe she didn’t teach him, so much as she helped him see that he was a person worthy of love. It has been said: “You must love yourself before you love another.” We all know, it could have gone the other way too. Certainly his fear of her rejection is what made him decide to lie to Elena in the first place and no doubt her initial reaction of horror and revulsion to his true nature helped reiterate his feelings of inadequacy. She, of course, got over it. Following her lead, Stefan got over it too. After a lot of work on her part, after conflicts with Damon, rogue vampire attacks, unearthed family secrets and a super scary human blood addiction Elena was finally able to convince Stefan that her love was no passing crush, that he was worthy of being loved with more fervor and devoutness than a teenage girl should be capable of.

Season 2 Stefan has seen what Elena sees and has found himself worthy. He has not only accepted that he is deserving of love, but that he has the ability of properly returning it. Without lies, without doubt, without holding back. Stefan has found that he can be himself. Even when being himself means using his inner monster to get what he needs (see friendly interactions with Uncle John in The Return for example). And because he is who he is, what he needs is almost always what is best for those he loves.

Never is this more evident than with his friendship with Caroline. From the first ragged breaths he helps her make, hoping to control the vampire bloodlust (Brave New World), to the exasperated facepalm he exhibits when she proves unwilling to disclose Elena’s location in Katerina. In Daddy Issues he risks his life to save hers. And once it is saved, he gives her just what she needs. A slumber party with her girlfriends. Is there anyone else who would have thought of such an amazing gift? With Caroline he is patient and kind. Instructive without judgment. Stefan has found a friend in Caroline as much as she has found one in him. He opens himself up to her. He reveals to her a bit of what he was like as a human (something I don’t think he’s even discussed with Elena) and when Caroline is at one of her lowest points, after hurting Matt, he is heart crushingly honest with her:

Caroline: “I shouldn’t be with him should I? Not if there’s any danger.”
Stefan: “I’m the last person to make that kind of decision for you. I mean, if I followed my own advice I would have walked away from Elena a long time ago.”
Caroline: “Do you ever think you should have?”
Stefan: “I know I should have. I just can’t.”

After being tortured for hours, Caroline can fool some, but she can’t fool Stefan. He knows she needs her friends. He knows her and feels all of her pain. It almost seems as if he is giving her just what he wishes he had when he first had the monster put into him. Sadly, it feels like ages since Stefan has been able to honestly confess his feelings for Elena to someone other than himself. With Caroline he divulges secrets, sentiments and emotions with an eagerness that makes you feel how much he misses having a friend. He’s not the only one who sees a bit of Lexi in Caroline and that makes my heart smile. And cry.

Though without Caroline in his life this season, he hasn’t been completely alone. To say his relationship with Damon has evolved would be a tiny bit of an understatement. It’s impossible to say who gets the credit for this. And though they are back to throwing each other through walls as they did in the Pilot, I do believe that the level of loathing and torment they once had between them has lessened considerably. Regardless of where it started, Stefan’s approach to him has certainly changed. Defending what Damon did to Jeremy? Trusting him with Elena’s safety? It can’t be easy to befriend a brother who’s in love with your girlfriend and has a tendency to act before thinking. And while I believe they work quite well together, even when jabbing each other about forest animals and sorority girls, their opposite stances on Elena and the sacrifice could prove to be their best fight yet. Best in the way that I believe Elena could benefit from having one brother on each side of the respect vs. control fence. That is, of course, if Damon can keep from mucking it up.

Something else new for Stefan? He’s connecting the dots. When things seem off, or when a situation requires a bit more than burying his head in the sand (as he did for much of Season 1) he rises to the challenge. He is going out to find answers, putting together plans of attack. And when necessary, letting Damon do the evil chores that seem to make him so happy. Most importantly, he’s stood up to Katherine. Every single time. I firmly believe that for a lesser man, a lesser Stefan, it would be all to easy to fall back under her spell. Not this Stefan. Not only does he refrain from giving her what she wants but he has the guts to remind her every chance he gets what a mega bitch he thinks she is.

It’s quite amazing what not hating oneself can accomplish.

A still self loathing Stefan would have tried again to leave Elena behind, forgetting his love and believing that all of the bad would follow closely behind him as he made his way out of Mystic Falls. This new self respecting Stefan stands his ground, fighting for what he wants. Going so far as to fabricate arguments with Elena to keep Katherine at bay and then for reals arguing with her when he thinks drinking human blood would be the best course of action to keep everyone safe. And when she concedes? Season 1 Stefan would NEVER ever in a million years have agreed to drink her blood. Even a tiny bit of it. Especially not on a regular basis. That is just way too much of a vampire type thing to do. He has convinced her that her life is worth fighting for and I don’t believe the brooder of old would have been capable of such loving persuasion.

And though I feel like Elena has had such an amazing impact on the greatness he has become, I could not have been happier in “Crying Wolf” when Stefan finally released his feelings on her choice to die. In one true stand of faith, he expressed not only his feelings about her disregard for life but his feelings on his own existence. He is at peace with the 162 years he has lived and feels they are much easier to sacrifice than Elena’s very few. His anger shows just how much he values her life above his own. I honestly believe that by sharing his bloody dark past in The Dinner Party, he hoped to prove how much more worth her life has over his.

I’ve heard the suggestion many times that Stefan has been nothing but bad news for Elena and that she’d have been much better off if he’d never come to Mystic Falls. Well maybe not “never” otherwise she’d be dead. But certainly the argument could be made against him getting so involved in her life. Or could have been made in Season 1. Knowing what we know now about Elena’s Doppelganger status it’s hard to say if she’d have been safer without Stefan’s presence in her life, and if that is what led Katherine to her. Though given who her sweetheart of a biological mother is, I doubt she’d have been safe for long and I’d have to challenge anyone to disagree with me about the importance of having him in her life because of that.

It’s been a long, hard struggle for Stefan to get where he is now, 41 episodes in. For every step forward, at least one step back. But our new Stefan has shown us darker blacks and brighter whites combining to create previously unseen shades of grey. The future promises only more of what we’ve grown to love the most about him. Our badass with a hero complex a Hero Hairdo, and very sharp fangs.

TVD on the Radio

2011-04-19T12:46:00.000-04:00

You probably know Tasha best as the heart behind I HEART VAMPIRE DIARIES (@IHeartTVD on Twitter) and the voice behind many of our favorite Blog Talk Radio shows including episode recap shows on Saturday nights featuring special guests and Music Mondays where Tasha interviews our favorite musicians who have had songs featured on The Vampire Diaries (be sure to follow her on twitter and check in with her site for all show dates and times). And because she rocks in so many ways, she was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

You’ve done quite a few interviews with TVD musicians. Do you have a favorite?
T: Well all of the interviews were kind of unique, so I really can't choose. For instance the Barcelona interview got off to a late start. The guys were on the road headed to South by Southwest in Austin, so they called in late. My switchboard was misbehaving and Paul Wesley had just joined Twitter. I feel that he caused everything that went wrong for IHVD Radio, haha! Sounds Under Radio was a lot of fun, because that show included a trivia giveaway, the guys watch Vampire Diaries. So that made it even better. As you can see, I'm trying not to answer the question.

As a music lover, I must know: What’s your favorite song featured on the show?
T: OMG that's such a tough question! I would say that my favorite song featured on the show was "Come Back When You Can" by Barcelona. It was featured at the end montage of 'History Repeating” which is one of my favorite episodes. The scene was so emotional, everyone was crying!

Some weeks you do at least 2 BTR shows. Have you always had a passion for radio?
T: Yes! I started doing online radio as a DJ for Eclectricity Radio. Then after months of getting the hang of it, I purchased a server and started my own station. U-N-U Radio (Unsigned, New, Undiscovered) was around for 2 years. During that time, I did Admin work for Music Supervisor where I approved/rejected songs for movies and television, Band Manager for Indie band Italian Japanese, and wrote music reviews for Chicks with Guns Magazine.

Is there another television show’s soundtrack that has moved you as much or more than the TVD music has?
T: This question is easy! The O.C. is one of my ALL-TIME favorite soundtracks. I own every mix from that show. Alexandra Patsavas was the Music Supervisor. She had such a great ear and that's what I love about Vampire Diaries. Chris Mollere is a genius at picking songs that bring the audience in to a scene.

We know you heart The Vampire Diaries. What first made you fall in love?
T: First off, I NEVER thought they would turn the book series into a TV show. So I was so stoked to see how it would come across on screen. I didn't mind the changes that were made either i.e. Elena not being Blonde. If I'm being honest, the "Pilot" did not make me heart the show. "Friday Night Bites" is when I was hooked. Julie and Kevin are talented writers, so I believed the show would get better and it did. I think what drew me in was the obvious tension and love hate relationship between the brothers. Paul Wesley who plays Stefan has this quiet intensity about him. He's compassionate and has great chemistry with every DAMN body on the show. Ian Somerhalder who plays Damon makes me laugh with his snarky comments and sucks me in with his eyebrow acting. So I definitely wanted to go on a journey with them and see if their love will conquer all.

I know you have also read the Vampire Diaries books. Does your favorite character differ between book & show? If so, name them both.
T: My favorite character in the books didn't make it to the TV series. Meredith was and still is my favorite character. She was a lot like me in those teen years. I'm hoping that Julie will bring her in some time in the future. I will come back and answer this question when it happens. ;)

Favorite TVD show moment:
T: Oh this is so hard Erin...geez! I would say my favorite show moment was when Elena and Stefan first made love. It was such a passionate and intense scene. She accepted him for the monster he was. Paul has said that his emotions took over, so those tears were real. Even though they didn't reveal too much, it still kept me captivated. Now that was season one. lol
My favorite season two moment was when Elijah stepped foot in the house in "Rose". He sniffed Elena's neck in the hottest and creepiest way. Trevor's head was removed with one swing. Sorry to turn it into a new question.

Favorite TVD book moment:
T: I can't pick one...sorry. Founder's Day was a definite highlight. After Elena turned, Damon wanted her to go on a killing spree as a first feed. Stefan wanted it to be someone that she was familiar with and someone who they both could trust. Matt was her first feed. It made me cry I must admit. The other moment was when Stefan was in the well at the Francher farmhouse and Elena, Meredith, Bonnie, and Matt saved him. He was so weak and Elena fed him her blood. It was epic to read. Shit, there's so many moments. Klaus killing Vicki. I could keep going, but I'll stop there.

Favorite episode:
T: This is SOO hard! "History Repeating", "Founder's Day", "The Return" to name a few.

Hopes for the future of TVD:
T: My hope is that the show will continue with great writing and the storyline will get better for those other characters that we don't see as much. We have a very talented cast and I think the writers recognize that and have some surprisingly great moments in store for fans.

Message for the TVD fandom:
T: Oh fandom how I love thee. I think it's important to remember this is a television show with fictional characters. Luckily for us the actors that portray the characters we love are very kind to the fans. We can communicate with them on Twitter, talk to them while visiting the set, they take pictures and sign autographs. I would hate for that open forum to stop because things get too crazy. Let’s respect and continue to appreciate them. We're the mighty TVD Family and we must stay strong and love one another.

Conversations with Chloe!

2011-04-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

If you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries, there is a better than good chance that you are also a fan of Chloe Dawn (@TVD_Chloe on Twitter). Chloe was first introduced to most of us through her super fun TVD Vlogs (which can be seen here: VampireDiariesVlogs) and used her new found fame to launch Vampire Support raising money for many worthy causes. Along with Vampire Support, Chloe is also doing work for the Ian Somerhalder Foundation which is taking youth empowerment to the next level. Despite having so many irons in the fire of positive change, Chloe was sweet enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for me!

Your creation of Vampire Support and your work with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation has been inspirational to a lot of TVD fans. What inspires you?
C: Oh wow. There are so many things that inspire me but I think the biggest thing is helping others feel like they have a voice. This is actually one of the many reasons why I started Vampire Support. I knew that if I could create a platform about something that teenagers are interested in, I could help kids feel like they DO matter and their voices ARE heard. The thing I always stress is that one person doesn’t make the difference, but that one person’s courage and integrity can start a chain reaction to eventually change the world.

You’ve worked on a lot of special projects throughout your philanthropic undertakings. What part of all this hard work has been the most fun for you?
C: This kind of ties in to my last answer. I love helping others spark something inside themselves that most never realized they even had. I love seeing all of the mini charity side projects pop up in The Vampire Diaries fandom. I swear the TVD fans and actors are having charity battles and that is seriously the coolest thing ever.

Is there something TVD fans can do to help if donating money is not an option?
C: TWEET, TWEET, AND RETWEET! Twitter is seriously such a profound platform. If you tweet a thought or an idea, it’s insane the amount of people that will be able to see it in a short period of time. Make it a daily routine to tweet about a cause that you are passionate about. When other’s see you tweeting daily, they will most likely wonder why you are so connected to that certain charity or cause.

What is coming up for Vampire Support?
C: Vampire Support is currently coming to an end with our oil spill projects. We’ve raised an estimated $20,000+ since last May for The National Wildlife Federation, and The Gulf Restoration Network. We are now moving forward with our “Save The Wolf” project with the help of actor Michael Trevino.

Tell us a bit about your work with Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. What are you raising money for?
C: Vampire Support’s work with WMS is only just beginning. We launched our campaign about a week ago and have already raised over $1,000 and 8 out of the 14 wolves have been sponsored. Like I said before, the TVD fans are insanely generous and the most selfless fans ever. Right now we are raising money to help Wolf Mountain Sanctuary rebuild their sanctuary. It was recently destroyed by 110 mph winds and they need all the help they can get. After we help them with that, we are all working towards the same goal: preserving these beautiful animals from extinction.

How did you get Michael Trevino involved? What has been his contribution to the project?
C: Funny story. It actually just started with me asking him what color he wanted some “Team Tyler” bracelets to be (he picked black and white) and it kind of just took off from there. I wanted Trevino to have in input as to where the money raised from the bracelets would go and he chose wolf rescues. He has had the opportunity to work with live wolves on the set of The Vampire Diaries and we thought it was a perfect match. After many days researching different non-profit organizations with him, we both agreed on Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. He has been super supportive of Vampire Support since the beginning and is very enthusiastic about helping WMS. We have a lot up our sleeves, you’ll just have to stay tuned…

If you could hold a benefit concert for your charities, which musicians from the TVD playlist would you invite?
C: Ah! This is a tough one. Definitely Stateless. I loved when Bloodstream played in the Season 1 finale. That song is so raw with emotion it’s insane. Plus if you listen to it with a good pair of headphones the bass is amazing…okay I’m getting off track. Bands…Stateless, Plumb, Lifehouse, MGMT, The Black Keys, Jason Walker, Florence + The Machine, and Adele. Whew.

Favorite TVD character:
C: Tyler Lockwood. I’ve been a wolf girl since Season 1. Everyone’s always asking me why I liked him in Season 1, since he was such a complete tool, and it’s because there is SO much to Tyler it’s ridiculous. I was intrigued as to why he was so angry all the time. Family troubles? Girlfriend troubles? What was he hiding? And then, boom. Full moon. No shirt. Werewolf. Yep, I’m Team Tyler all the way.

Favorite TVD show moment:
C: I feel like this is a really cliché answer, but it would have to be when they killed Vicki in Season 1. That episode is the mother of all episodes and truly shows you that TVD isn’t afraid to kill off a main character. (Which is really scary!) I loved the fact that they were willing to take huge risks to entertain their audience and have them jumping off of their couches in shock or even anger. No one is safe on this show and that’s why I keep coming back for more every Thursday.

Favorite TVD episode:
C: It would have to be Know Thy Enemy. The episode had so many twists and turns in it! Love, death, betrayal, crazy body switching spells, WHEW. I watched it three times in a row and found so many things I missed. I called all of my fellow TVD fans that I am closest to wanting to know their thoughts, theories, etc. And all I’m saying is Alaric!Klaus was EPIC. Bravo Matt Davis, bravo.

What has been your exposure and/or experience with the infamous TVD “shipper wars?” Any thoughts on this phenomenon?
C: Oh no. I don’t even want to get started with this one…I may get some serious haters. I’m just going to leave this one alone and say everyone love everyone. It’s a TV show, no need to threaten anyone because they love Damon and Elena or Stefan and Elena.

Hopes for the future of TVD:
C: 6 SEASONS OR MORE! :D

Message for the TVD Fandom:
C: Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of the support you’ve shown me. It’s crazy to think that everything we’ve been able to accomplish with Vampire Support is because of a crazy Youtube video I put up on a whim. You fans are seriously incredible. Don’t change. Oh, and watch out for Klaus and full moons…I hear these next episodes are to die for…pun intended.

Big Thanks to Chloe for giving up her valuable time to answer questions! And don't forget to follow Chloe, @IS_Foundation, and @VampireSupport for more information on how you can get involved!!

Friday Night Lights - Expectations

2011-04-15T22:01:00.037-04:00

I gotta tell you guys. Despite the fact that I’ve seen all of these episodes once before, I am wicked excited about getting to watch Friday Night Lights as it airs on NBC. This show has had such an impact on me and I really could not love it any more. This season premiere was a great example of why FNL is so exceptional. We get to find out what all of our favorite Dillon residents have been up to and we get a bit of a peak at what’s coming up for them as well. Can’t wait to get into it!

What made me laugh?
Fucking Billy. When he isn’t making me so mad I want to spit, he is totally cracking me up. The thing is, I don’t totally dislike the guy. He has a very sweet side to him and lord knows he wants SO BAD not to be a loser. His opening speech with that short ass quote that he had to have written down and standing up Coach Taylor’s ass? I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my damn head.

What made me mad?
Becky’s step monster is a total cunt bag! I wanted to put that cigarette out in her face! To be completely honest, Becky grates on my last damn nerve a lot of the time. That being said, no child deserves that kind of hate from someone who is supposed to be caring for them. What a cow. Thank god for the Riggins clan. All of them.

What made me cry?
Tim Riggins in jail! OMG! Of course my instinct at the sight of him is to swoon and smile and fan myself. I can’t quite get there though. He’s just so despondent and so not himself. It’s killing me to see it. There is so much anger and resentment simmering just under the surface. Even for those few minutes. I. Just. Can’t.

What gives me hope?
Tami Taylor, as always. She is back in her guidance counselor role, this time at East Dillon High. The way she cares about each and every student, the blood sweat and tears she puts into these kids; you can’t help being inspired by her dedication. And watching her heart both break and swell with pride as she sends Julie off to college was so beautiful. This woman is my hero.

Other highlights:

Landry saying farewell to Grandma Saracen. How awesome is that little old lady? And how adorable is it that she has Crucifictorious on her MP..whatever? Wish I did.
“Football is a lot more fun than a physical examination of the colon." "Well I guess that depends on the game doesn't it?"
Coach Taylor and Julie’s father/daughter moment in the garage. I am such a huge fan of their relationship.
Football. This will be a highlight every week. Even though all it does is remind me how far away football season really is.

So, tell me friends: have you already seen the 5th and final season? If so, are you watching it again? Was this your first sight of Season 5? What did you think? Share your thoughts! I could read love letters to this show all damn day!

The Vampire Diaries Recap - The Last Dance

2011-04-14T22:42:00.000-04:00

There was a TON of hype leading up to this episode of TVD and for the most part, it did not disappoint. Lots of craziness, lots of running and almost too much hotness to handle. Every episode leading up to the finale is just one more stress test. Cardiologists should use this show to work out heart patients. Keep the paddles handy though.

• Husband wants to know if there is a Green Clover & Purple Horseshoe curse as well.
• “Pop quiz.” Am I the only one who thought when Alaric started that sentence we were gonna get a Speed monologue? I wonder if Matt Davis does a Dennis Hopper impression.
• Half scared shitless, half evil smirking while watching Katherine torture herself. This Klaus dude means business.
• Love how Stefan seemed like going to school with Elena would be torture. Like being her body guard has become some kind of burden. Right there with ya buddy.
• OMFG you guys. There were students. In school. Sitting at desks. And a teacher showed up. The end of the world really is on its way.
• Alaric in the Santa suit INSIDE Casa Salvatore? FULL BODY CHILLS. This shit is SCARY!
• Husband on Stefan: “Who’s he dressed up as?” Me: “Hotness.”
• Damon sucks. They could have kissed for at least 10 more minutes. The Unicorns barely got out of the barn. Humph.
• The tension between Matt & Care & Sheriff Forbes is so thick I feel like I’m choking on it. I just know this whole thing is NOT going to go my way and maybe the husband should put the TV in a cage or pad the remote before it goes bad.
• All the dancing was super cute but all I could do was hold my breath the entire time. At least when I passed out I didn’t spill my wine.
• OMG! TIFFANY MUSIC!!! I am 10 years old again!! I still know all the dance moves.
• Matt Davis doing Alaric in the Santa suit was nothing short of epic. I wanted to run away from him and make out with him at the same time. Not too shabby.
• Stefan growled. I drooled. But, um, if sticking by Elena’s side means being too slow to stop something you really want to stop; shouldn’t you go ahead and let her walk down one hallway by herself?
• Bonnie’s nose is always bleeding. What would happen if she did magic at a high altitude?
• Fuckin A Bonnie. Fuckin A. Even though I really didn't believe it was the FINAL DEATH kind of death I still cried. I'm a baby.
• Where the hell did Alaric go? Is he still wearing the Santa suit? Shouldn’t someone have been paying attention to that?
• The product placement on this show is ridiculous. Way to ruin a moment CW.
• Super glad Bonnie isn’t dead. That was just too much. Also, the CW can avoid the lawsuit from the NAACP my husband swore would pop up any minute after she “died.” And, it would have sucked to spend the entire weekend totally despondent.
• Wow Damon. That was quite a confession. Lots of eyebrow movement. Holy crap. Gotta admit, I was a little moved.
• I swear I thought Katherine was in the house. But then there was the whole thing with the inviting and I was all confused and I didn’t know where she was going.
• AND THEN THE MOST AWESOMEST THING EVER HAPPENED!!! He’s comin back kids. The Original with a voice as smooth as his part.

I avoided twitter before and during this episode in order to avoid spoilers so I'm DYING to know what y'all thought about it. Did you get the dance you were hoping for? Have you caught your breath? And how about that death count? I think we were promised 3 by the end of the season. Does Bonnie's fake out count? And the most important question: are you ready to see Klaus in his own flesh next week?

Texas Forever

2011-04-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

Now that I have seen it all, I’m not quite sure why I put off watching Friday Night Lights for so long. I think seeing a lot of the tweets from Carina MacKenzie from Zap2It (@cadlymack) and Julie Plec from The Vampire Diaries (@julieplec) made me afraid to make the kind of emotional commitment that this show requires. This fear was realized as I watched and cried at least a thousand times. However, I would never take back a single tear. I guess what I am trying to say is: If you're waiting, WATCH NOW!

I tweeted series regular Stacey Oristano who plays Mindy Collette-Riggins (@staceyoristano) about the show and she expressed to me how much she loved her character and how much she already missed her role and the show. She’s not the only one.

Watching this show has actually changed my life. Watching Tami with Eric has changed the way I want my marriage to be. Their kindness and love and compromise is what I strive for. Even the way that they fight is so realistic and yet so brilliant. Watching them both with Julie has changed how I hope to raise my future children. Being a part of these characters’ lives has changed how I see my past and how I see my future. The beauty of a simple life and the magic of a dream that could come true. The strength it takes to believe in yourself and the effort that goes into just trying to make something, anything, happen.

Please stay tuned for more FNL goodness. I am looking forward to an interview with Carina about FNL as one of her very favorite shows and I will be doing weekly recaps as NBC airs the 5^th and final season starting on April 15th. Also, keep your eyes on StaticBlog. George Lang has been writing up some amazing FNL essays.

No regrets.

The Vampire Diaries Recap - Know Thy Enemy

2011-04-07T22:29:00.001-04:00

Is it just me or have these last 6 weeks felt like a billion years? This hiatus felt much longer than the Christmas one, I’m sure of it. The good news though is that it is over! Finally!! I was getting pretty home sick for Mystic Falls. Can’t wait to unpack!

• Feel so bad for Jenna. Elena and Alaric are IDIOTS. Keeping her in the dark has caused nothing but trouble. IDIOTS.
• Alaric gets a gazillion points for punching Uncle Daddy John in the face.
• Happy to see that the Martins are still dead. I had forgotten about it and got to relive that warm happy feeling all over again.
• Speak up if you for even one second thought it would be smart to trust Isobel, John or Katherine. *crickets*
• “Maybe he’ll come around. You did.” UNICORNS!!! And they’re frolicking through fields of gold dust!!
• Love that Kat goes looking for the moonstone and then goes ahead and bras the cash she finds like some kind of common slut criminal. She’s my hero.
• Mason had his faults but he was WAY better at moonstone hiding. My husband thinks Damon should have hidden it in a much less sun shiny place. The kind of sun don’t shine place on his body.
• Isobel is a cunt bag whore bitch who needs to crawl in a hole and die. HATE HER with the fiery passion of a long burning hell.
• Bonnie & Jer. SQUEEEEEE!!!! They are adorable. Though I could stand for Jer to do something other than whine about Bonnie's safety. He's starting to sound like Stefan.
• I don’t really get the house being the place where the witches died. I live in Salem and all of my tour guides have specifically mentioned burning at the stake being an outdoor activity.
• Isobel and Katherine are bitches but I do enjoy seeing Uncle Daddy John suffer. And Damon's eye rolling reaction to the aftermath was classic. Including dumping him on the floor of Casa Salvatore like a bag of dog food.
• Stefan getting tossed into the bushes? How rude! So torn between pissed and laughing my ass off. Can vampires get poison ivy?
• *pouts* How come Damon gets to be shirtless again? There has been a severe unbalance of exposed Salvatore torsos this season.
• Can Matt please be cool and make up with Caroline? PLEASE? I just need them to be happy and in love. Like crack kind of need.
• Wonder how much money Bonnie would exchange for coming to Salem and making it warm and sunny. Or can she just make storms? Also, will Gambit or Wolverine be making an appearance in Mystic Falls any time soon? Cuz that would be hot.
• Goodbye Isobel. Hated you. Glad you’re gone. Husband: “It smells like chicken in this cemetery.”
• Matty yelling at Caroline to compel him made me cry. I just can’t with those two.
• OMG Elena is the luckiest girl in the world. Think she'd let me camp in the library? Also, the Salvatore house does not come with a Jenna to let everyone in so that’s good.
• BAWLING. I mean total body shaking sobs over Matt selling Caroline out to her mom. And lying to her. And not getting back with her. I’m for reals upset y’all.
• Ok. So. This is me: “OMG are they draining him? NO!!! Wait. He’s not dead. What the crap is going on? JESUS! Alaric is Klaus? He’s been Klaus this WHOLE TIME?? No. that doesn’t make any sense. WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?” And then I saw the promo. “He’s possessed by Klaus.” Breathe Erin. That makes way more sense. Wow.

How excited are we that TVD is FINALLY back?? VERY. How about only 5 episodes left in season 2? Yikes! But next week is gonna be AWESOME! Damon gets slapped, Stefan in a suit and Klaus wearing Alaric like a costume. Bad. Ass. What did you think friends? Will you miss Isobel? Is Alaric more or less hot as Klaus? And most importantly, how on earth are we gonna make it through the next 7 days?

Red Riding Hood

2011-03-11T23:40:00.003-05:00

I'm gonna try to keep this as spoiler free as possible but if you'd like to see the movie without my voice filling your head I suggest you bookmark and come back later.

The entire thing was pretty damn ridiculous. For the first 30 minutes I thought for sure I was either going to pass out from boredom or get sick from the shaky camera work and neither had anything to do with the margs I had at dinner. I love stories with great mythology, even when poorly written, and I was hoping this could at least be one of those. No such luck. When I wasn't confused by beautiful yet totally unnecessary scenes, I was trying to figure out what each character's motivation was. I'm still pretty unclear about all of that. I also had high hopes for some of the acting. I've seen Amanda Seyfried, Virginia Madsen and (of course!) Gary Oldman put out some really great stuff. For this I can only blame director Catherine Hardwicke. She seems to seek out the worst performances she can find and slap them together whether or not it makes any sense at all. To be fair, I wasn't expecting Oscar worthiness but Entertainment Weekly gave Red Riding Hood the same D- that it gave Beastly and I Am Number Four. Beastly was pretty silly but but not near the crap fest this was and I felt that I Am Number Four was an incredibly good time at the cinema.

There were a few things that made the ticket price sting a bit less. Shiloh Fernandez (who plays Peter) for one. HOT HOT HOT. He has a younger, sexier, Joaquin Phoenix thing going on that had me totally glued every time he appeared on screen. And, I must admit, the final twist and reveal was pretty fun.

One final highlight: hearing Valerie go into lines from the original fairy tale ("Grandma, what big eyes you have!") Our entire theater roared with laughter, and none louder than my husband. A truly great moment. Also, keep on the lookout for the head gear borrowed from Zed's gimp. The Pulp Fiction warehouse is missing a prop.

Let me know what you think friends, if you decide to go see it. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Live Blogging Buffy - March 3rd

2011-03-02T23:53:00.002-05:00

More Buffy!!! What's not to love? Thursday night Melissa (@onlymystory on Twitter), Bird (@libraryofbird on Twitter), and I continue with Buffy The Vampire Slayer Episodes 1x03 (Witch) and 1x04 (Teacher's Pet). Lots of trivia, Q&A and laughing out loud. The party starts at 10:00PM EST. See you there!!

Live Blogging Buffy - March 1st

2011-02-27T16:47:00.006-05:00

Experiencing a serious vampire shortage in your life? Have no fear. We are here to help. Join Melissa, Bird and myself as we Live Blog Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We will be starting with episodes one and two of season one on Tuesday, March 1st at 10:00PM EST and continuing on Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00 PM EST with episodes three and four. We will continue to work through some of the best television ever created for the following 5 weeks, 2 episodes each Tuesday and Thursday night. If you don't own Buffy on disc you can stream on Netflix. An event not to missed!!

The Vampire Diaries Recap - The House Guest

2011-02-25T00:00:00.004-05:00

I must start by confessing that I only got through half my bottle of wine during this episode. Must be some kind of record for me. Probably because my hands were shaking too hard to stress over picking up the top heavy stemware. But!!! It means I have some left for raising my glass in Katherine's honor. Let's get this party started!

Morning sex? UNICORNS PRANCING ON RAINBOW ROADS AND FLOWERS FLOATING FROM THE SKY!
This episode had a lot of choking. It must be a required class. I should take that class. How cool would I be? “Excuse me you stepped on my foot!” *wall smash choke”
My BFF (@libraryofbird) gets the tweet of the week AGAIN with this gem: “I wonder if Katherine bit Jenna would she get drunk?” - my answer is a resounding YES. Love you Birdie!
High school. The lesser seen and spoken of mythical creature of Mystic Falls.
Slumber party with Katherine!?!?!? I am so down!!! Think she’d braid my hair?
Hey Bonnie? If you’re going to sneaky snog you really should put out a bit more than a peck. What a prude.
Anyone else want to jump Alaric’s bones right there in his classroom? That desk is more than big enough.
Stefan should go into politics. He gives the same damn “lets hold hands around a campfire” speech every single week.
Damon & Kat’s little game of patty cake was wicked hot.
YOU Dr. Martin are the problem. Just die already PLEASE!
Caroline is the best. The Notebook rocks.
I wanna be friends with those girls SO BAD! I am awesome at gossip. I’m a terrific listener. And I always have wine. They would LOVE me! Though sharing the wine with Jenna could be troublesome.
FINALLY we know what happened to Emily. It was always assumed but it has seriously been bothering me for forever. Am curious to see how Damon failed though.
Kat & Damon should be treated to a full sorority house for reading through all those damn journals. Snoozefest much? “Dear Diary, today I was boring and weak as usual. Had a steak for lunch.”
THAT’S WHAT YOU GET MINI MANWITCH! Mess with the bull you get the horns. Stupid kid was never gonna be cool enough to get to kill Katherine. As if.
What is with this show always making me want tequila. I’m gonna send them my Patron bill.
I am like obsessed with love stories so the whole bit at the grill?? Circus seal went crazy with the clapping kids. CRAZY!!! My living room sounded like Sea World. And I may or may not have done a little dance. The singing? The kiss? The dip? My poor little girl heart.
I hope that when Stefan recovered from the migraine he got Elena’s shit back for her.
Ouch Damon. Go ahead and stab her again. She’s a mega bitch. A mega bitch I love but a mega bitch all the same.
Dr. Martin is such a dick. Where are people supposed to eat now? Where is Alaric going to live? And how is Matt gonna pay his bills?
(In the style of Chandler Bing) Could Caroline BE any more awesome?? She totally freaking saved him guys!!! Oh and Matt. I love Matt too. When I thought he was a gonner? Lord help me.
Never in my life have I been so excited to see Katherine. Someone get our girl a wet nap and cocktail.
Go Stefan with your Damon sized neck snap!!! HOT! Though not as funny as when Damon does it. Work on that.
RIP manwitches. I have never been a fan of sloppy joes. “We made em nice and shloppy fo ya!“ You will not be missed.
I hope Jer & Bonnie are still getting it on as we speak.
That house has 6 OTHER rooms? Looks like I need to get packing! It’s time to move. Also, cheers to Damon for pushing Kat out of the bed. A) it was funny as hell. B.) It would be way creepy for them to bone at this point.
I feel a serious compel party needs be thrown in Matt’s honor. At least Caroline tried. I never imagined he’d pin Vicki on her. Thank god they’d finally squeezed in one magic moment. These two are so damn tragic.
Speaking of tragic. Just tell her already Alaric. She's drunk enough to be cool about almost anything.
Well hello there Isobel! You look like shit and you have terrible timing. I hate you. Go away and take John with you. The two of you have a parenting award to collect.

So friends?? What do you think? I am putting together a pretty nice, stabbing free Dinner Party for our writers who let all of our lovlies live. Hope you'll all join me. What else are we gonna do for 6 weeks? Speaking of which, keep checking in here and be sure to follow me on twitter. I have a very exciting hiatus comforting project coming up that I know you will all LOVE. Or should love if there is nothing wrong with you. Stay tuned!

The Recapper Revealed!

2011-02-24T13:00:00.002-05:00

Not only does Crissy Calhoun (@crissycalhoun on Twitter) write one of our favorite Vampire Diaries recaps (which can be read at Vampire-Diaries.net) but she also writes our favorite unofficial companion (if you have not done so already, you can purchase Love You to Death on Amazon. Look for the sequel in September!) You can read more about her and her passions on her blog: The Calhoun Tribune. In the mean time, Crissy was kind enough to share her personal thoughts on everything TVD.

Anyone who has read your book and/or recaps knows that you have extensive knowledge of all things Vampire Diaries. When did you first realize your love for this story?
C: I was introduced to the TVD universe with the TV show; somehow I missed the book series when it came out. I got sucked into the show really quickly — it was a collection of moments that made me love the show and think of it as much more than an amusing way to spend the hour from 8 to 9 on Thursday nights. The “Hello, brother” moment in the pilot. Caroline drunk at the Grill, telling Bonnie that it is a competition. Elena sticking up for Caroline when Damon talks crap about her in the parking lot in “Friday Night Bites." The entire Vicki Donovan plot line. Damon compelling Jer to forget. Bonnie and Elena and the feathers. I could go on…

You have also written an unofficial companion for Gossip Girl. There is a LOT of TV out there. Why did you choose The Vampire Diaries to be your next undertaking?
C: I wasn’t at all planning on writing another book, actually, let alone on a whole new show. For the GG book, I wrote it on two seasons in one volume, and it was a pretty labor-intensive undertaking. So I wasn’t thinking, What’s next? I was thinking, Zzzzz. But the devilish TVD made me want to invest my time; I found myself thinking about it in an episode-guide-worthy way so I pitched my publisher on the companion guide idea. And Love You to Death was born.

If you had to chose to write about a television show other than Gossip Girl or The Vampire Diaries what would it be?
C: Friday Night Lights. Hopefully in the fall, my answer to this question will be Secret Circle. . . .

Is there something you like better about the TVD books over the show? Something you like better about the show over the books?
C: This may be a weird answer but I love how Elena is kind of awful at the beginning of the book series. Her character arc is much different from TV-Elena, and I found it fascinating. I am primarily a TVD show fan, so there’s a lot I like about the show more than the books.

Has there been an episode recap that has been more difficult than others to write?
C: This season, there hasn’t been a particular episode; there’s just been so much to write about that even with a 1,500-word post (which is kind of a lot to read online, at least for me), there’s still so much I haven’t yet talked about. (Which is why I’m glad to be doing a season 2 book.) It’s such a densely packed season. In season 1, the most difficult episodes to write about were the ones that made me cry — I was literally away in tears over “Let the Right One In” (Vicki Donovan RIP) and “Miss Mystic Falls.” Thinking too much about Elena honoring her mother’s memory by participating in the competition is a dangerous thing for me to do.

Favorite TVD character? Book and/or show (if it differs):
C: Ah! Impossible question to answer. I have so many favorites. For the books, I have to go with Matt. On the show, the person I have consistently felt the most affection for, from the first episode to her recent badassery, and I’m always happy she’s onscreen is Ms. Caroline Forbes. That kind of character is not easy to write or portray; I just wish the other characters would stop saying things like, She has her flaws but…Dudes, you are all flawed.

Favorite TVD show moment:
C: I fell for the Katherine-as-Elena switcheroo in “Founder’s Day” in a big way, so I have to go with that. I was sitting there convincing myself that it made sense for Elena to kiss Damon right after telling Stefan she loved him; it made sense that she would eye that butcher knife — she’s had a rough couple of months. Katherine had been built up all season and to finally see her was amazing — especially since she was chopping off Uncle-Daddy John’s fingers.

Favorite TVD episode:
C: “Let the Right One In.” In one episode, it has everything amazing about TVD: the bond between the Salvatore brothers, a wicked fight sequence, romance, genius Damon one-liners, the dire consequences of earlier actions, a setup for more trouble to come, and all the other good and bad stuff that unites the characters — love, loyalty, grief, friendship, and familial bonds. And it makes me cry. So points for that.

What has been your exposure and/or experience with the infamous TVD “shipper wars?” Any thoughts on this phenomenon?
C: Ah, the shipper wars. I have had pretty limited exposure, actually. I try to stay out of/away from that kind of dialogue about the show, initially because I don’t lean one way or the other. I don’t watch the show because I have an endgame in mind. With something like the Twilight series, it was very much centered on Bella’s choice between her beaus — her romantic future was the heart of the story. With the Vampire Diaries, I think who Elena ends up with romantically is a minor part of the show (its one-line synopsis about a girl between two superhot vamp bros aside). I’m more interested in seeing how Elena deals with the insanity thrown into her life, the friendships between these characters, the bond and tension between Stefan and Damon and within each brother as they fight between man and monster, the mythology of the supernatural creatures, the twists and turns and mind-blowing oh-no-they-didn’t moments. Damon tolerates Stefan being with the woman he loves, and Stefan tolerates his brother being in love with his girlfriend, because they are brothers and they love and respect each other — I would love to see that sentiment echoed in the fandom.

Hopes for the future of TVD books and/or show:
C: I’m curious about the direction of the books after the whole LJS situation. For the TV show, I hope its audience grows — because those poor people who don’t watch the show are missing out — and I hope the writers, crew and cast are given the resources and time to do what they do best. It’s an amazing show and my hope is that they can sustain it.

Message for the TVD Fandom:
C: Big massive thank you thank you thank you. The TVD fandom is a friendly, welcoming, thoughtful, hilarious group and I’m so glad to be a part of the gang. And it’s truly heartwarming to see when people translate their passion for this show into something positive. Mad love.

The Vampire Diaries Recap - The Dinner Party

2011-02-18T00:16:00.004-05:00

My friend Leah (who I skype every episode of TVD with) summed up The Dinner Party so perfectly: “Bloody hell!” And then my husband tells me all he heard from me throughout the entire thing was “YESSSSSSSS!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!! WHAAAAAAAAT??????” over and over again. I can’t tell you he was wrong. WOW. The rest of my thoughts:

Honoria (gonorrhea) Fell FTW!!!
Stefan is really awesome at skipping rocks.
Salem shout out. Cannot help but get excited. Though I didn’t know what Elijah was fishing for (til later of course).
Jeremy is so damn cute! “We can practice, get stronger, bone.”
I want to feel sick about being so turned on by blood thirsty Stefan but I just can’t!!! SO HOT!
Damon and Andie. If this was high school I would vote them Prom King & Queen.
Hello Katherine! I’ll take a Klaus free Marg too! The 2nd time this week wish I had tequila in the house.
LEXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed. Out loud. And clapped. I did the circus seal real justice.
Present day Stefan’s face, remembering Lexi, broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. So heart crushing. Seeing him sad like that made it feel as if she’d been staked in front of us all over again. DAMN IT DAMON!! .
“Jenna needs help with the wine." No I'm pretty sure Jenna is very capable of opening a bottle of wine or 7. (via my BFF @libraryofbird)
My favorite thing about Damon? He speaks MY mind. To Andie: “Stop talking.” To Uncle Daddy John: “Leave.” It’s so simple and so brilliant.
Andie is actually correct. Real witches didn’t come to Salem until the well after the 1600s. FYI. (Could I be more boring? Sorry. I live here).
Sometimes Damon & Stefan remind me of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in Step Brothers when they are sleep walking. Just bumbling around making a mess. Only most of the time in different places. Good lord boys.
Any one else super surprised that Uncle Daddy John turned out to be a total douche bag once again Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Ok. Total “someone just came up behind me and put a bag over my head” kind of scream when Alaric stabbed Elijah. That was so bad ass. SO BAD ASS.
I love it when Stefan screams at Elena. I probably shouldn’t. But she really needs it. And he’s hot when he yells. Though it does mean no Unicorn action. Damn it.
Alaric needs to find better friends. I suggest more time on Twitter. Less time at the Grill.
WHOA. Hello there oh Parted One! Not so dead!
Jonas will hence forth be known as Dr. Ass Clown. That was NOT NICE!
Elena has again fulfilled (some) of my Buffy longing. The girl has balls.
I honest to god thought Alaric was finally going to spill the beans to Jenna. Her tears made me so sad for both of them. Really hope these two crazy kids can work it out!
Cannot believe Alaric gave up his ring!!!! GAH!!! So pissed!!! Like breaking my own dishes pissed. My husband was not happy about that. (Note to self: buy new plates)
It must be said: Lexi was around for one episode and I still miss her a billion times more than I will ever miss Vicky or Mason or Rose.
Katherine continues to win for BEST ENTRANCE EVER! Right after Jack Torrance. The girl is so crafty and so hot she makes it impossible to hate her. Even though I try REALLY hard to.
Loved this episode but really missed Caroline. Though Lexi’s presence did ease the pain just a bit. RIP Lexi.

I have to be honest. I was not expecting this kind of awesome from this episode. So happy when I am surprised this way. And I am SUPER glad there is a way for Elijah to come back. He is just too good to be dead forever. It’s safe to say we all know now who The House Guest is (WooHoo!) Is everyone as excited as I am to have Katherine out and about? Only one more to go before another excruciating hiatus. Are you ready?

Additional after thoughts:

If I woke up in a bathroom stall with no memory of how I got there my first thought would be: "Way to over do it on the shots Erin." But Luka immediately accuses Bonnie. Not sure which of us I am more concerned about.
If memory serves, this is Jenna's first time in Casa Salvatore. She should be WAY more impressed.
Anyone else totally "awwww!!!!" when hearing that Alaric was on Elena's list of loved ones? Made me wanna hug a puppy.

An Expert's Guide to Watching Buffy & Angel

2011-02-16T03:13:00.004-05:00

Ok, maybe "Expert" is going a bit far. The truth is, I have watched both of these series so many times all the way through, it's hard to think of myself as anything else. And I know many of my friends are experiencing these brilliant shows for the first time. Or for the 2nd time with a very limited memory of what happened the first time. Either way, I feel I can shed some light.

Watch the episodes in order. Start with Buffy Season 1, Episode 1. I know it is tempting to skip episodes you feel have nothing to offer. You are wrong. Every episode has something to offer. Only, sometimes, you don't even know what that is until way later.
Want to watch both at the same time? If you plan on watching both Buffy AND Angel (which you should) watch Season 4 of Buffy and Season 1 of Angel as it was seen on TV. Each episode of Buffy first, then the Angel episode right after. There are many crossover episodes in this first season of Angel and subtleties will be lost if it is not seen as it was meant to be. Once you have seen finished these 2 seasons this way, finish Buffy first, then finish Angel. Trust me. It will all make sense.
Don't give up. There are a few couplings and story lines in each show that (in my personal opinion) can become quite confusing and/or unfavorable. Stick with it. Everything is a lesson to be learned. An obstacle to overcome. And both series end with a flourish and a bang you would not want to miss.
Seek the Happy. Both of these shows are so filled with darkness, sadness and angst, it must seem hard to find the moments of joy. They are there. Find them, and laugh! Laugh until you cannot breath (trust me, if you are paying attention, they are that fun). At many points you will want to cry so it is important to remember how you laughed.
Be prepared to be scared. I know this is a WB/UPN show. I know it aired at an appropriate time for young people. That does not mean that it will not scare the ever loving s**t out of you. Have a blankie or a pillow read to hide in. You'll find you need it more than you thought.
Find the music. I have found that listening to the music can easily help you through those annoying times when you can't watch. And sometimes knowing the music helps you better understand a scene. Both shows have soundtracks and/or scores available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes. (If you are looking for titles not mentioned on those albums, please feel free to ask, I keep an extensive list).
Move on. When I first finished these series I felt such a sense of loss. Where do I go from here? Clearly the story has not been finished. My favorite places to continue are with the Angel: After the Fall comics and the only fan fiction I have ever endorsed: From the Ashes.

I am always up for conversations, speculations and debates on the worlds of Buffy and Angel. Please feel free to email me and/or find me on Twitter. Supporting fans of these incredible shows is a passion of mine. Don't be shy.

Happy Slaying!

The One Where I Get To Ask All The Questions This Time

2011-02-14T09:38:00.005-05:00

Carina Mackenzie of Zap2It (@cadlymack on twitter) is best known (in my internet circle) for delivering the most in-depth and hard hitting interviews of all of our favorite Vampire Diaries stars (the girl keeps some seriously awesome company). What I want to know: What makes her so great at this?:

You obviously have a passion for TV. Where did it start?:
C: My mom didn't really let me watch TV when I was a kid, so I guess the passion started with breaking rules. I used to literally sneak down to the basement to watch "Dawson's Creek," and when I heard footsteps I'd turn off the TV and pretend to be playing foosball… alone. (I was a super cool kid, obviously.)

Really though – my whole life, I've been fascinated by stories and by the mediums through which stories are told. I love books and movies and art and I'm really into poetry. Television is just one part of a long list of storytelling formats that I'm passionate about.

Favorite non TVD television episode:
C: The series finale of "Friday Night Lights" was so brilliant it was hard to cope with. I know this sounds absolutely insane, but I feel like that show kind of changed me as a person a little bit. Someday I'll sit down and write something up about how phenomenal and stirring that show is, but for right now, it's difficult to put into words. I've never loved a show the way I love "Friday Night Lights" and I think their series finale was the best hour I've ever spent in front of my TV.

You have an indisputable love for The Vampire Diaries. What first made you fall?
C: "Lost Girls" is what first made me really love the show. Honestly, I don't particularly like the fantasy genre – I like scary movies, but once romance is introduced, I'm generally not into it. I don't like "True Blood" or "Twilight," and if Kevin Williamson's name hadn't been attached to "The Vampire Diaries" I probably never would've watched it. I'm glad I did, obviously.

Favorite TVD Character:
C: Matt. Like I said, I'm not really into the fantasy thing, so it doesn't surprise me that it's the human boy-next-door that I find most intriguing. In the first episode, Matt broke the jealous-jock-ex-boyfriend stereotype when he introduced himself to Stefan, and I really think his story is fascinating. He's been through so much and he's just powered through it without complaining or asking for sympathy or feeling the sudden urge to paint his nails black and listen to My Chemical Romance. I like that. (There's also something to be said for Matt being Switzerland. I'd imagine that being a huge Damon fan or Stefan fan would be exhausting.)

Favorite TVD Episode:
C: I love "The Return." I think that it really set the tone for Season 2 and the moment where Damon snapped Jeremy's neck was possibly the best thing that's ever happened on The CW. It was a bold move by the writers, and a reminder that no matter how much we love them, we're dealing with monsters on this show. Not every action will be forgivable and not every "good guy" can be trusted. I truly fell in love with the show all over again in that moment.

Favorite TVD Moment:
C: As Tyler is transforming into a werewolf, he's sobbing through his own pain and suddenly, he says, "I'm sorry," to Caroline. The scene was brilliantly acted by Trevino and Candice and that moment gave so much insight into his strength of character.

When did you first recognize the passion of the TVD Fandom?
C: The "passion" in the fandom has two sides for me. There's the amazing side – people who have helped Ian get his foundation off to an incredible start, people like the Vampire-Diaries.net crew who work tirelessly to bring a little order and integrity to the chaos, andpeople who have really built a supportive community out of a mutual interest. I think the first time I recognized that kind of passion was one day when I was chatting with Ian, back when the foundation was just a vague idea. We were talking about all the various charitable projects that have popped up within the Vampire Diaries community, and we sort of realized the kind of positive impact that you guys could have in a global sense.

I wish that everyone in the fandom would channel their passion into positive outlets. I see people being mean to each other too often in the name of TVD "passion," and it's disheartening.

“Shipper” Wars seem to be a plague of this fandom. How do you maintain your journalistic integrity while in the throes of battle?
C: Well, part of the benefit of my job is that I'm allowed to have an opinion. I'm a TV critic myself, so it's actually part of my job to voice my opinion on the show, which I do in my articles and recaps all the time. I really loved Tyler and Caroline's love story this year, and of course I have an opinion about who I think Elena will end up with, from a storytelling standpoint. People in "The Vampire Diaries" fandom tend to use the word "bias" a lot, which I think is unfair. Regardless of my own opinions on the show, when I conduct interviews, I try to serve all the fans. I do my best not to ask leading questions, or questions that serve any kind of "shipper" agenda. When I write reviews, that's my time to voice an opinion. I'm pretty open about my thoughts on the show, especially on my Twitter. I won't say who I think Elena will end up with because I don't care to be caught in the crossfire, but other than that, my opinions on the episodes, the actors, and the storylines are all out there in the universe. No secrets.

You’ve had the opportunity to make a few TVD set visits. Favorite on set memory:
C: I'm just always excited that they let me hang around! Getting to spend Ian's birthday with him, watching as everyone donated to the foundation, was really great. Another fun memory was hanging out with Candice at craft service while she had a giant bullet hole in her forehead… surreal. I also loved seeing Nina walk into the hair and makeup trailer as Elena and walk back out as Katherine – she's a rock star. The absolute BEST time I've had on set though was the day that I got to bring my best friend Lindsay with me for the day. I think McQueen won her over for life.

Any other show set (past or present) you’d love to visit:
C: "One Tree Hill." I've watched this show for all eight seasons and "Dawson's Creek" for six years before that, so I really hope that before "OTH" ends, I'll be able to go out to Wilmington and visit the set. I doubt it'll happen, because they're going to wrap pretty soon, but… that's the big dream. It would kind of be a childhood wish fulfillment moment, you know?I'm getting a little choked up just thinking about it.

Hopes for the future of TVD:
C: I hope that Caroline, Elena, and Bonnie continue to support each other and to generally kick ass all over the place. I adore the way they're written and the fact that the girls on this show are just as likely to save the boys' lives as vice versa. I just hope that the show lasts a while so that I can continue to have the opportunity to interact with such cool, funny, crazy, silly, dedicated people.

Message for the TVD fandom:
C: First and foremost, thank you for the support and for welcoming me into the fam. I'm so lucky.

Second: We won't find out how the story ends for another four or five years. If you're already gnashing your teeth and rending your clothes over it, you're in for a very stressful, unpleasant experience! Have fun and don't let your 'ship preferences divide you so much. Be nice to each other.

The Vampire Diaries Recap - Crying Wolf

2011-02-11T00:37:00.005-05:00

Hold on to your butts TVD fans!! This one was killer!! In so many heart grabbing (HA!) ways! An episode of this magnitude always leaves me with a happy glow all over. I feel like a Cullen in the sun! Except for the cold sweats I felt throughout the whole thing. I don‘t think those sparkly things sweat. Anyways, what is giving me the chills? Here we go!

Ok, those 3 girls in bed and the yelling at Elena for talking to her boyfriend and waking them up? Let’s just say my level of love extended to the point where I am staging a reenactment with my girls this weekend.
Wanna know how to break the curse? Take that moonstone, add Jules, and shove it where the sun don’t shine. I am POSITIVE that will do the trick. Lets try it just for giggles.
“Have a great day honey!” I know it’s so wrong but I already ship them. It’s hilarious. And adorable. And hilarious.
The “Kathy” thing? I really hoped that furry Slater wanna-be could have shared some intimate tomb time with our favorite manipulative slut. THAT would have been a slumber party.
Care & Matt? Oh my poor heart!!! Lies kill. It should be a PSA.
Tiny bit disappointed in Caroline when she doesn’t immediately notice Ty took her phone. If mine is out of arm’s reach for more than 6 seconds I feel like I forgot pants. #Crackberry
Like Stefan NEEDS that car to be hotter. Oh wait. I love the car. So yes. He does.
Elena is an ass. The best kind though. A truly honest moment if you ask me. Poor Stefan. And poor me. I totally fell for it!!!!
“Witch roofie?” I DIE! Those could really come in handy for so many things! Kidding!!! (sort of)
Stefan & Elena on the dock? So glad cheese is my favorite food group. What is that I hear? Unicorn hooves on the rainbow road?
Hey Uncle Daddy John? I am gonna slap you silly!!! Threaten my vamps all you want. They can (and will) end you. Touch Alaric? Expect your junk in a vice. Finger removal was pleasant in comparison to what I want for you (especially with the comments to Jenna. Total douche!)
Damon + pencil in neck courtesy of Elijah = fits of giggles. Only because most everything Elijah does makes me clap like a seal at a circus. I cannot help myself!!! Who else could make a Tea function so fun??
Why oh why does Stefan have to get curious about the hollow sound?? Is he a Hardy Boy? Must have come with his Hardy Boy jacket. I was SO ready for naked scrabble!!!
Hey guess what friends? Caroline is my hero. AGAIN! Re: Bonnie/Jer smushing pep talk. Every time I think I could not love her more........ I HATE being SO wrong!
Steven R. McQueen has a million dollar smile. I feel very dirty about what that grin does to me. Holy YIKES!
Damon & Alaric? How I have missed my blood & beer. Swoon.
Lord knows I love to pick on Damon but FRAK me. How DARE those mangy fur bags torture another one of my vampires. He did me proud though. Snarky through it all. I almost wanted to kiss him. Too bad I’m allergic to “has kissed Rose” lips. Sorry. Too soon?
Bonnie is crossing that “line” Elena speaks of so easily. Is it ok that I love it? It’s only Luka after all!! (I didn’t say that, you’re imagining things).
Even though I forgive him later, when Tyler shoots Stefan while he’s already down I want to kick him in the junk so bad!
Every time Elena does something that is not laying down to die, I get excited. I miss Buffy.
When Elena runs up the stairs (before knowing her plan) all I can think is “KW must have wrote this part just to push the new Scream movie.” Wait. Did Stefan say: “I’ll be right back?”
I kinda knew that I wouldn’t get the satisfaction of Caroline ripping Brady’s heart out but Stefan came a close 2nd for that wish. SO FREAKING HAPPY! SO FREAKING HOT!
Beatrix Kiddo (aka “The Bride”) needs to teach “How to Hold a Grudge 101” and Elena needs to attend. Twice. Blair Waldorf could be a guest speaker.
I cannot even say how badly I wanted Alaric to wake up and do some serious fur bag damage!! I guess I just have to get my thrills over how many words he got to say.
LOVE so much all the internal organ removal on fug bags however, I am really hankering for another Trevor style head chop. I have a sick sense of fun. Sick and AWESOME! Right?
Poor stupid Jenna. Alaric is gonna have to come clean soon. Stay tuned for the betting pool as to who gets let in first. Jenna or Matt. I watch a lot of The Sopranos. Place your bets wisely. Breaking knees is so time consuming!
Elijah lied!?!?!? OMG HUGE SURPRISE!!! *yawn*
Stefan gives Elena a piece of his mind. And the whole world stops and stares in awe. Perfection, Paul Wesley , is thy name. Get your own tea woman!
So Ty is out for a while. Another HUGE surprise. What he did for Matt though? WOW. I hate to give him credit but he is making it so hard to hate him!! GAH!!! I am so much better at easy blind hatred
One word for Bonnie & Jer. CHEMISTRY! I suck ass at math but this I know: they mix well. I am happy.

So my friends, happy about “Crying Wolf?” Excited as I am about next week? BTW that was a hypothetical question because you could not possibly be as excited as I am. Please leave comments! Love theories, thoughts and two-cents!

Interview with a Vampire.... Or something like that.

2011-02-10T14:33:00.002-05:00

I know it must seem like there are thousands of TVD sites on the interwebs these days. But, as most of us know, there is one that promises the best of the best and the newest news. This site is one of the most respected and most recognized when it comes to all things Vampire Diaries. What makes Vampire-Diaries.net so great? Red &Vee of course!! Duh!!!! And they were awesome enough to answer my most burning questions.

Ok, I know you’ve both been pretty clear about a lot of this stuff on Twitter, but indulge me, and your fans who don’t know your Twitter goodness:

Favorite TVD character Book and/or show (if it differs):
Red: Matt. He’s such an honest, down to earth and loyal guy. In the books he cares deeply about his friends and is willing to give people chances and the benefit of the doubt based on their own merits rather than what everyone else says about them. Luckily for me, he’s very similar in both the books and the TV show. They’re just taking their time to develop him on the show so there’s a lot of awesome stuff about Matt that still remains to be seen. This said, he’s already got a lot of loyal fans on the TV show.
Vee: Damon in the original books, but I find Stefan more fascinating in the show. Really, I like the Salvatore brother package in both the books and television series. Any episode where there is extensive Salvatore interaction is a stellar episode.. I keep wanting them to be drawn closer and closer together so something catastrophic can happen and tear them into tiny little tragic pieces. I feel like that moment will come sooner than we think. And I feel I must give Caroline her due props – Season 2 is definitely the Year of the Forbes.

Favorite TVD show moment:
Red: Caroline and Stefan in the bathroom in Brave New World. It was so raw and emotional, with Caroline’s fear of what she’d done and what she was becoming being very palpable, and Stefan being calm, open and honest to soothe her was touching and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Vee: This changes day to day, but I absolutely LOVED Damon snapping Jeremy's neck in The Return. That was the meanest, nastiest, ballsiest move the show has made to date and I applaud them for it. I'm also a big fan of any scene involving Stefan and Katherine one on one.

Favorite TVD book moment:
Red: Stefan asking Matt if he can borrow his car, and the following road trip. He needs to go and find Vervain to protect Elena, and his own car has been impounded. Matt goes along with him out of friendship and faith, despite the fact that it’s a search for a weird weed and that he has no clue about vampires and the supernatural. Stefan has his most human moments with Matt, and discovers real friendship – something he’s not had in 500 years.
Vee:Damon strolling up to kick Klaus' ass at the end of Dark Reunion. Because he didn't want to, but he did it for his brother. (Also, he failed to do much ass-kicking, but “Get the hell away from my brother”? Priceless.)

How do you feel about the “Wings”?
Red: It’s very shoujo anime, like Sailor Moon. I’m not a fan, I have to admit. What I love about the original books is the fact it’s still our world, but with that little bit extra. You can believe that it’s possible, whereas the Wings add an extra element of fantasy that you have to suspend your disbelief for.
Vee: WINGS OF DENIAL!

Book moment you hope ends up on screen:
Red: Matt standing up to Damon in Dark Reunion. He doesn’t do it because he’s being macho, he does it because it’s the right thing to do, even though he knows full well Damon could easily kill him. It actually impresses Damon on some level. It’s a scene that shows Matt’s loyalty, goodness and bravery in one neat package, and I would love to see it on screen.
Vee: The big event at the end of The Fury. Because the show will give it their own twist and, more importantly, it would alter the Salvatore dynamic forever. Plus there will be full-bodied fan-sobbing heard 'round the world and I love moments like that.

Book moment you hope never sees the light of day:
Red: This is a hard one because the story is so completely different in the TV show that a lot of book moments wouldn’t be necessary or even work that well. Damon has some extremely corny lines when he’s trying to seduce Elena. Hopefully they’ll stay out of the show unless Damon is very, very drunk.
Vee: But Damon is always drunk, so.... Let's have a toast for..?

Favorite TVD show song:
Red: Sea Wolf “You’re a Wolf” from Friday Night Bites.
Vee: I screamed at my TV at the opening strains of Stateless' “Bloodstream” in Founder's Day. I couldn't believe it.

Favorite episode:
Red + Vee: Let the Right One In.

Of all the books in the world, why start a site for TVD?
Red: We’ve both been involved in the L.J. Smith fandom since the 90s, and I have website experience because set up and run the major fanfic archive for the fandom. When we heard the news that the show was in the works, we decided that it would be a great idea to give the books a voice and explain to all these new fans where the TV show came from so they could enjoy the books, too.
Vee: We have a deep love for this series that stretches back to when the original book series was published, so we've been TVD fans for two decades now. We felt it was important to give that history a solid foundation online and to build upon it has the TV show moved forward. Neither one of us is a person who just starts a fansite because we can; there's a deep attachment and love for this series and we wanted to share that with other people, be it fellow old-school fans and new ones.

Hopes for the future of TVD books and/or show:
Red: With the recent news that L.J. Smith is no longer working on the books, really my hopes for the future there are that whoever is chosen to write them will do the characters and the story justice.
Vee: I hope the producers and writers continue to tell Vampire Diaries the way they feel is best.

Message for the TVD Fandom:
Red: No matter which characters are our favourites or which relationships we like best, we’re all fans of the Vampire Diaries. Be excellent to each other.
Vee: Ditto.

The Vampire Diaries - Daddy Issues Recap

2011-02-04T00:19:00.001-05:00

Just a really quick thank you to The Vampire Diaries for REALLY coming back this week. I’m not saying I hated last week’s episode but I am saying that it will never make my top 10. Or probably even my top 20. Sorry Rose.

Let’s not dwell on the bad though. Here is what was good. And awesome. And just what I was waiting for:

Man handling Caroline like that Tyler? NOT NICE! You make me dislike you again when you do that crap.
Though Damon is not the Salvatore I wanted to see in the shower, if I’d accidentally walked in on him I wouldn’t turn and run away. Just to be honest.
Poor Jenna. When isn’t she confused? It’s funny except that……. No it’s just funny. Poor Jenna. I giggled again later when she tried to work out all the family ties drama. Can’t help but laugh at her. In the nicest way possible.
Elena in a ponytail is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Pure adorable.
Oh good. 20 whole seconds of Alaric. I must have been extra good this week. *sad face*
I love it when the brothers Salvatore bicker. Makes me think of my sisters & I. All love with a side of cheap jabs. That’s what it’s all about. Hope one of my sisters tells me I have “hero hair” someday.
Stefan and Caroline are my bread and butter. I need their friendship in order to survive.
Love that while Stefan is trying to do the right thing with Ty he is also threatening and hot as hell. It’s always a treat when he flexes those vampire muscles. Tyler is lucky Stefan doesn’t share his brother’s love of seeing internal organs on the outside.
I do not trust Dr. Martin. There is just something about him I do not like. Even later when he helps.
Bonnie & Jeremy!!! SQUEEEE!!!!!
Matt & Caroline FOREVER!! That is all.
Damon & Uncle Daddy John always have the most fun conversations. They should read books on tape together.
Jules & Brady must die slowly and painfully. If only for what they did to trap Caroline. How dare they. And that Brady is yummy as hell but he needs to be stabbed in the face with a hot poker right after having his junk ripped off.
Caroline Forbes. Holy crap girl. Why not just rip my heart out? Gut wrenching performance by Candice Accola. I could not have been more impressed. LOVE HER!!!!
I really hate it when I don’t hate Uncle Daddy John. Several times in this episode I found myself not hating him and it doesn’t sit well with me when that happens.
Stefan & Caroline. Their friendship is just the sweetest thing. They really need each other. And I love when my two favorite characters get what they need.
“Yes Matt. Something came up. I was caged and tortured for a few hours due to an ancient blood feud I have never had anything to do with so…. rain check?”
Tyler is lucky Caroline didn’t rip his intestines out and tie them around his neck. That’s what I would have done.
Every time Stefan and Elena hug like that a puppy is born and a Care Bear rides a unicorn down a rainbow road.
The slumber party?? Just what Caroline needed. Seriously. And that it was Stefan’s idea? I die. DIE!!! Along with the mouthed “I love you” exchanges? HAPPIEST DEAD!
Another shot of Damon in his bathroom. Not complaining. It’s a lovely site. And his chemistry with Ms. Andie Star is already a billion times better than it ever was with Rose. Plus, I’m kind of glad he has someone he can drink and talk to. He needs that in his life.
What is going on with the Axis of Evil? John, Isobel & Katherine have some kind of sick relationship and along with it an equally sickening plan (I’m just guessing). But what is it?

Amazing episode!!! One hell of a ride!! Cannot wait for next week and hope that Stefan & Elena get at least 5 minutes of happy bliss before those fur bags ruin it all. Otherwise there will be a few other creatures I want to see wearing their insides on their outsides. What did you think friends? Leave comments!! Can’t wait to read them!

TV Tunes!

2011-02-02T16:48:00.001-05:00

Music on TV January 13th - January 31st
So many exciting things going on in television music, too many to keep me from talking about it! If you don't watch the shows mentioned below, check out the tracks, all highly recommended by yours truly! SERIOUSLY!

Grey's Anatomy - "Start Me Up" - January 13, 2011
The choice song, the closing anthem, illustrated each doctor & each couple in the final moments of the show. The most remarkable thing about this song (for me) is that it was recommended to me personally by Chris Mollere last summer. (@cmollere on twitter, music editor for The Vampire Diaries & Pretty Little Liars). I was excited to hear that the amazing track had finally seen the light of day. Check it out:

Chuck - "Chuck vs. The Gobbler" - January 24, 2011
Another brilliant track played at the conclusion of an episode. I've heard nothing but good things about Mike Snow and his song here made all of them true. The National (as seen above) also had a track in this episode but this one was my fave!:

Castle - "Knockdown" - January 24, 2011
This episode of Castle was so unbelievably awesome it's hard to put into words. By far the best the series has offered thus far and most definitely the best hour of TV I've seen in 2011. So of course the chosen song would have to be equally stunning:

The Vampire Diaries - "The Descent" - January 27, 2011
My favorite show came back to me with no fewer than a billion different emotions to hand out. Each one perfectly assisted by the always spectacular Chris Mollere & his music choices. My favorite new song from the episode is hardly heard but absolutely fantastic when played all the way through:

Though "The Last Time" is excellent, I am sure the most memorable song for most was the final song, played as Damon took a bite out of his latest emotional issues. Best thing about this song? It was already in my iTunes as it was on Paul Wesley's celebrity playlist. A fantastic selection:

Chuck - "Chuck vs. the Push Mix" - January 31, 2011
This chunk of Chuck got off to it's true start with a fantastical beat promising that it would be one for the history books. This musical inclination was just the beginning of the epic that was to come:

Gossip Girl - "Damien Darko" - January 31, 2011
The music from the latest Gossip Girl was only spectacular because I had heard two of the songs before. The CW must be learning how to recycle this week. Two songs featured (both fan-freaking-tastic) have already been used by The Vampire Diaries. I think Gossip Girl owes Chris Mollere a bit of thanks. Please listen if you have not already:

Catch VD!!! Everyone is doing it!!!

2011-01-26T06:40:00.028-05:00

VD!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

Wait. What?

The CW’s latest advertising scheme for The Vampire Diaries (via EW) leaves something to be desired. Unless what you desire is a venereal disease. Sorry, let‘s start over: Wait. What?

Is there a market for venereal disease? I’m a few years older than the CW’s usual market audience so I can’t always be trusted to understand the intentions of their large market advertising. Then again, I’m not 90. I think there are certain things, even outside of my demographic, I have no problem understanding. But could someone please tell me (because I must be hallucinating) what is attractive about “Catching VD?”

Surely this line of advertising is meant to be clever and/or provocative. And no doubt this has already garnered tons of attention for Kevin Williamson’s well written teen drama. I’m just not so sure it’s the kind of attention this often unsung yet consistently well acted and almost always perfectly directed show deserves.

I suppose I am somewhat biased. I’d stand behind, love and watch this show even if watching would make me 10 x more likely to catch the common cold. (YES I do love it that much, shut up).

But VD?? I don’t think anyone loves this show that much.

And if you’ve never seen it before but watching it could open you up to ONE OF THOSE?

No thanks!!!!!!

VD is just icky!

Adding cast photos to this disaster? BRILLIANT! I’m sure Ian, Nina and Paul ( fantastic actors and always kind to their fans) will all love the implication that they are carrying any number of communicable diseases. Who wouldn’t get behind that?

Seriously CW?? We already have the American Idol disease to fight. Do we need this one too?

Thanks to @redcognito for the heads up on this!

The Soundtrack of My Life

2010-12-01T23:03:00.000-05:00

This post was inspired by Lee over at From My Side Of The Moon (excellent blog! Please go check it out!)

She gave her readers an assignment that the music lover in me just could not wait to do!

These are the rules: Grab a pen and paper and write down #’s 1 through 18. Open your iTunes to “Music” so your entire library is displayed. Click the Shuffle button. Click Play. Now WITHOUT SKIPPING ANY SONGS, write down the first 18 that play.

This is how mine turned out:

Song #1: Opening Credits: "Obsession" - Sky Ferreira
From the TVD soundtrack. Could not be more appropriate.

Song #2: Waking Up: "A White Demon Love Song" - The Killers
I swear not all of these songs are vampire related.

Song #3: 1st Day of School: "No Parade" - Jordin Sparks
Nope. No parade for me. Though I'm told another girl got one. Bitch.

Song #4: Falling In Love: "Heaven's a Lie" - Lacuna Coil
Best lyric: "Set me free, your heaven's a lie." First love? This about sums it up.

Song #5: Fight Song: "God's Gonna Cut You Down" - Johnny Cash
This is from me to him right? Good. Perfect.

Song #6: Breaking Up: "The Cabin" - Nathan Barr
This is from the "True Blood" Score. Don't remember when in the show it plays. Sounds haunting enough.

Song #7: Prom: "Everything in it's Right Place" - Radiohead
The lyrics say one thing. The melody says another. That's about right.

Song #8: Life: "Weak" - SWV
Awesome jam. Great on road trips with other girls. That's about all the sense it makes.

Song #9: Mental Breakdown: "Mindless" - Songs From the Cool World
No idea who the actual artist is. LOVE early 90s techno. And the title is perfect!

Song #10: Driving: "Unnatural Selection" - Muse
This song doesn't make any sense here but I do love jamming to Muse in the car.

Song #11: Flashback: "You Got Me All Wrong" - Dios Malos
This song is REALLY depressing. From the dark times of The O.C. when Ryan is back in Chino. I hope when I flashback it's not THAT bad!

Song #12: Getting Back Together: "One Love" - Bob Marley
Awwww!!!!!!!

Song #13: Wedding: "Your Song" - Ewen McGregor from Moulin Rouge
Ok this is just really CREEPY! Only because it actually was my wedding song in September. Yikes!

Song #14: Birth of Child: "Crash Landing" - David Newmann
This is from the "Serenity" Score. Does not sound promising.

Song #15: Final Battle: "Wolf Like Me" - TV On The Radio
Does this mean I get killed by a werewolf?

Song #16: Death Scene: "Ready To Go" - Republica
Not sure this is what the song writers had in mind but I like going down on my terms. Sure.

Song #17: Funeral Scene: "Until I Fall Away" - Gin Blossoms
Oh man. This song is gonna make my sister cry really hard at my funeral. Someone get her tissues please.

Song #18: End credits: "Me & The Devil Blues" - Cowboy Junkies
It's a cover but it's amazing. "You may bury my body, ooh, down by the highway side, So my old evil spirit can catch a Greyhound bus and ride." Yes please.

Give it a try friends and let me know how it goes!! I promise, it is a LOT of fun!

Buffy Reboot? I've got a boot for you......

2010-11-24T00:15:00.003-05:00

"Now that's everything, huh? No weapons... No friends...No hope. Take all that away... and what's left?"

"Me."

In the days since I first heard the news about a big screen Buffy remake sans creator Joss Whedon I have been mentally stopping by all of the stages of grief:

Denial: This has to be a joke right? No one in their right mind would take this on.

Anger: Who honestly thinks this is a good idea? What a giant bunch of morons.

Bargaining: I'll write letters beg the studio. Beg Joss. I'll do anything!

Depression: Self explanatory. Please pass the tissues.

Oh yes. And bitter. I have also been very bitter. I don't think I'll ever get to the acceptance part and now that I've read on EW.com that Kristy Swanson (a.k.a. the first big screen Buffy) is totally ok with the project I am right back to the anger stage.

Of course she is ok with a Buffy reboot!! She was never a part of what made Buffy so great in the first place. I'm not gonna lie. I own her version on DVD. I was a big fan in Jr. High when all of my friends I and couldn't wait for opportunities to say "That one doesn't have a mirror at home," and to tell people to "Get out of my facial." This was of course YEARS before I knew any better and before myself and the rest of the world got to see what Buffy was really all about. When Joss Whedon got to put his true creation out into the world for the benefit of all who witnessed it. Joss' Buffy was not just a few fun quotes. It changed my life.

Nothing before or since has so perfectly illustrated the heartbreak of first love, the anguish of loss, the beauty of true friendship, or the courage needed to put up a fight even when all hope is gone. Each and every episode was smart, fun, heart crushing and chilling. Don't even get me started on the empowerment of women stuff. This man's writing made me feel like I could do anything! The fact that anyone would even try or, worse, not put his level of effort toward achieving this at all, leaves me feeling sick. Why fix what isn't broken? Oh right. To milk the still lactating cash cow that is the Vampire craze.

My biggest fear is that this new generation of vampire lovers will flock to the theater in droves, looking for their new Edward Cullen and never know the magic of what Buffy the Vampire Slayer is really all about.

To some small relief, I'm not the only one unhappy about this. Stars of the show have used Twitter to speak out against this horrible, born in a barn, milking machine Warner Bros. is preparing to unleash on the world. A few examples:

Eliza Dushku a.k.a. Faith Lehane - "Joss made the 'Buffster' & w/out him... I just don't trust the girl. Or the world."

Juliet Landau a.k.a. Drusilla - "Buffy movie reboot without Joss. So uncool. :( "

Julie Benz a.k.a. Darla - "never have truer words been tweeted!!!! RT @jennyandteets I will only say this once. Without Joss, there is no Buffy!"

I cannot follow Joss' always classy footsteps on this one. (see his letter here) I hope my friends and followers are with me and will not be in line for tickets opening weekend. As a matter of fact, I hope the studio receives so much backlash and ill will that the piece of crap never sees the light of day. News reports say there's still no script. One can only hope it stays that way.

Of course Joss Whedon himself said it best (when does he not?) "I don’t love the idea of my creation in other hands."

Neither do we Joss. Neither do we.

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

2010-11-19T06:57:00.004-05:00

As I start this, it is3:23am. I am completely wired from the 40oz Diet Coke I had at the theater and the movie's score has been purchased and loaded onto my iPod. Here we go.

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t seen the movie yet: Cave Inimicum!!! (Defensive spell to keep enemies away. Thank you Harry Potter Lexicon).

From the moment I heard the first chimes of the theme my inner fangirl began to squeeeeee like crazy. I was instantly ridiculously excited.

The movie opens with our three heroes readying themselves for the unknown challenges ahead of them. At home, Ron waits. Before leaving, Hermione heartbreakingly eliminates all traces of herself from her house and from her parents' memories. Harry has packed his things and the Dursleys have left the building. He opens the door to the cupboard under the stairs one last time and I am reminded of how far we've come since he last resided there. Except that as small as he was then, he is still just a kid. They all are. The very thought of that weighed very heavily on me throughout the rest of the film.

For the sake of keeping this review from becoming as long as the book itself, my most essential notes:

• The beaten and grotesquely positioned woman hanging suspended in the air above the table full of Death Eaters at Malfoy Manor made me squirm. When Nagini pops up to snack on her after she's been Avada Kedavra'd I was so startled I spilled Skittles all over the floor.
• At the Dursley's, they do enough only slightly awkward exposition to make up for some of what had been left out of the previous two films (Bill & Fleur, Remus & Tonks). If I had my way each movie would have followed each book to a T and spared no detail. Though, if that were the case we'd probably all still be sitting in the theater watching Order of the Phoenix.
• The banter and exchange of barbs throughout the making of the many Harrys was perfection. I nearly died laughing at Daniel Radcliffe in a white lacey bra.
• The death of Hedwig. *sob* I feel a bit robbed that my reaction to her loss was more heartbroken than Harry's seemed to be.
• Harry and Ginny. Sigh. When she asked him to zip up her dress and thanked him with a kiss I wanted to do my little girl clap SO bad! These two just have not had enough time together to satisfy me. And the looks on all of their faces when they were interrupted: priceless!
• The girl with the headphones in the cafe where they are found by the Snatchers made me wonder how much I miss when I am lost in iPod land. Kidding aside, it was sad watching Hermione remember the last time she had used the Obliviate charm.
• Grimmauld Place is scary! Between the Dumbledore ghost charm, Kreacher and the overall shabbiness, I was officially wigged out the whole time they were there. Hermione’s, "We're alone," declaration upon arrival only made it that much more foreboding.
• The actors playing the body-napped Ministry of Magic employees were phenomenal. I was both amused and terrified watching their portrayal of the kids under the effects of the polyjuice potion.
• Just the sound of the cat plates mewing in Umbridge's office made my skin crawl. I really hate that woman.
• I had completely forgotten about Ron being "splinched" when the trio apparated out of the Ministry and the entire sequence had me in a bit of a panic. Bless Hermione’s rock star heart though, she begins to cast the spells to protect them all even with Ron's blood still on her hands.
• Their journey from place to place, always alone, always to desolate locations, was just as bleak and wearing on screen as it was on the page. The feelings of isolation and frustration, due to the locket and to their situation, were beautifully portrayed.
• I loved Harry's attempt to cheer a grief-stricken Hermione with a dance (and I loved that song. Anyone know what it is? Anyone? Bueller?) I also love that it only worked for a minute or two. Her feelings of love and longing for Ron were as exquisite as they were painful.
• Harry in the cemetery looking over the grave of his parents was seriously heart crushing. As was the tearful exchange of "Merry Christmas" greetings between him and Hermione. Not gonna lie, there were quite a few tears.
• I'm aware that this is not a horror movie but the whole time they were in the icky house with Nagini wearing the Bathilda suit it really felt like one. I was biting my nails, peaking between my fingers and I swear to Albus I came this close to screaming several times. Truly terrifying!
• Side note: the in-theater whistles as Harry stripped river side were a real treat. Way to set the mood kids.
• Harry and Hermione's mega make out scene was a tad disturbing. But also really HOT! Which I also find to be disturbing.
• Ron's efforts to make his way back into Hermione’s good graces were darling! And hilarious! And I think may have caused me to develop a major crush on Rupert Grint.
• Not like this is a huge newsflash but Bellatrix Lestrange is a super evil mega-bitch. The screams she solicited from Hermione (whoa Emma!) were excruciating to listen to. I wanted to sob and scream and cover my ears.
• After being away for so much of the last 4 films, and knowing what would happen in this one, I felt extremely grateful and triumphant to see Doby get his moment to shine, his last heroic stand. They did his character real justice with the rescue and his final words. That said it felt a bit awkward to have Harry state that he would dig his grave without magic. Couldn't they have just left it at showing him do it?
• Damn that grave robbing Voldemort right to hell! I had been wondering where they would cut it and how this one would end and I could not have been more impressed. I think fans of the books, fans of the movies and fans of both (like me) will have to agree.

Now, is it July yet?

A Few Vampire Diaries Questions to Ponder

2010-11-18T18:13:00.003-05:00

Confession #1: I watch and re-watch a LOT of Vampire Diaries. I am actually quite glad that my DVDs, DVR and lap top media player do not have a counter. Could be very embarrassing.

Confession #2: Every time I watch I write things down. (Note to self: find a pencil. Writing with an upside down ball point pen while lying in bed is impossible).

For those of you familiar with my “Stefan’s Diaries” review, this may be a tiny bit of an overlap. For those of you new to my question extravaganza WELCOME! I just cannot resist bringing up a few things I feel may have been long forgotten, only because each week our beloved show raises so many new questions I feel the old ones get tossed aside.

I have spent the last few weeks compiling my notes and since it’s hiatus time, when better to shed some light? Here goes:

1. Who let Katherine out of the tomb? In 1x14 Pearl tells Damon that it was a church guard who let her out because of his obsession with her. But in 2x4 Katherine tells Stefan it was George Lockwood who facilitated the whole thing in exchange for the moonstone. Did George give the guard extra incentive? The entire exchange made it seem like it was a secret between 2, not 3.

2. As for Katherine’s feelings for Damon: She was quite clear in 2x1 when she told him that Stefan would always be her guy. But I must admit this girl’s “game” is not what it should be for someone who’s been playing it for 500 years. She is all about the snarky one liners (wonder how Damon learned that) but when it comes right down to the facts, she must care about the guy. She did have a magical daylight ring made for him. And in 2x4 she does try her best to warn him about getting involved with werewolves. (Though this sentiment could have been made only to preserve Mason, her tone did not indicate such. I do not believe this is the first or the last time she will underestimate Damon‘s will).

3. So much of the Mystic Falls story revolves around the “Founding” families. More than once, the Salvatore family is included in this town’s unique history. Mr. Salvatore himself was both a purveyor and a victim of the vampire hysteria of 1864. His own grave was the hiding place for Emily Bennett’s famous grimoire that has since become the Go To Guide for all things AWESOME! Taking all of this into account, why is it that when speaking of the Founder’s Ball, Stefan tells Elena in 1x4 that “the Salvatores don’t get invited anymore?” Wasn’t Zach still on the council? Providing them with vervain? Wouldn’t asking them to leave him out ring a suspicious bell? As for Zach: Where on Earth did he come from?

4. Did Katherine only find out about Elena and her Doppelganger status because of her stalkerish obsession with Stefan? Had Stefan never come back to Mystic Falls, how long would it have taken her to find the spell ingredient she was looking for? If she kept an eye out on her own genetic line why did she wait so long to trigger a Lockwood werewolf and start the whole process of acquiring the rest of the ingredients? Surely it would have been a whole lot easier to do without the Salvatore brothers around to protect what they love.

5. In episode 1x19, Uncle John seems surprised to find that Jeremy has been brushing up on Mystic Falls' history via an old Gilbert journal. He then alludes to the fact that there are many others. How is it that this one of many was left unsupervised? The one that detailed the height of the hysteria and hinted at the location of the grimoire. Is this out of convenience or out of purpose? And, if the original John Gilbert left out the details of Papa Salvatore’s sons’ vampire sympathies, as he was instructed to do, how did Uncle John know to send Isobel to Damon? Is he lying about having direct contact with Katherine? Was sending Isobel to Damon Katherine’s idea? If so, why? And as a vampire hater, why would Uncle John do anything Katherine told him to do?

6. Speaking of Isobel - did Katherine look her up, hoping she would be the Doppelganger she was waiting for? If/when she found that not to be the case, why help her out? Why have the daylight necklace made for her? Does Uncle John know something (as Stefan & Elena believed) that would help Katherine? Is Isobel Katherine’s only link to this pertinent information? If this is the case, why did Katherine try and kill Uncle John? Does she have the information she needs and now must dispose of the source so that no one else may obtain it?

7. Bonnie reveals to Elena in 1x21 that the grimoire holds the details of the Gilbert Device which was spelled by Emily. Katherine was obviously aware of the device, as she was the one who sent Isobel to get it. Was this only because the tomb vampires had escaped their eternal hell? Did all of the tomb vamps return to Mystic Falls for the attempted take down of the Founding families or are there still a few out there? Had the device resulted in the deaths of the Salvatore brothers, would Katherine have been upset? Or was the purpose to rid the world of everyone who knew she had faked her death? When the brothers did not parish in the Gilbert basement why not attempt to take them down herself? And why chastise Mason for trying to take them out? Would she have been mad had he succeeded?

8. What exactly happened to Emily Bennett? Was she playing both sides throughout the events of 1864 or was Katherine aware of/insistent upon all she did to help the Founders entrap the vamps? Somehow her grimoire ended up in Giuseppe Salvatore’s coffin who died at the hands of Stefan‘s bloodlust just hours after the fire in the church. Did she die shortly thereafter? Did those she help with taking down the town’s vampires kill her and take her book by force? Where were the children Damon swore to protect?

9. What is up with that damn crystal? Did Katherine know it could be used to release the vampires from their tomb? If so, was this a concern she was willing to brush off for the time being so that she could escape Klaus and all his bitches? (see Gilbert device above). I’m assuming Damon hid it in the Lockwood mansion during Katherine’s final vervain infused tryst with Stefan. He obviously didn’t know then what its power was or he would not have been so willing to die thinking Katherine had gone down in flames. Yet present day Katherine seems upset that Damon knew she wasn’t dead. Was that something she hadn’t wanted Emily to share with him?

Confession #3: I don’t only take notes on the serious stuff:
1. Did Noah dispatch of the regular Pizza deliver guy in 1x12 or did he actually apply for a job?
2. Will Carol Lockwood ever have another party in her home after the Masquerade? Dead girls in one room and a ton of broken furniture and holey walls in another would point me toward no.
3. Anyone else notice the Mayor’s name change? In 1x4 Carol calls him Charles. In every instance after he is referred to as Richard. Also, love that Dick is a nickname for Richard and everyone thinks that the Mayor is a Dick.

Paul Wesley E! News People Magazine Bit

2010-11-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

So I know everyone was DYING to see Paul on E! News last night and I did my best to help out. Sorry the quality is SO awful! Bad Paul is better than no Paul right? Hope you enjoy either way!

Link to You Tube video of Paul & Ian on E! News:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM8XC1icdLM

Pics taken from the broadcast: