The Vampire Diaries 1x20 - Blood Brothers

There was nothing about this episode that I did not love. Lots of Team action to discuss. I'll Start with my favorite finally back on track (I hope) TV couple:

Stefan/Elena
Watching him in that cell fading between hallucinations and memories was way OUCH. That was hard. Paul Wesley continues to bring the A game every single week. And so do his arms. WOW. Anyways.... I hated hearing him tell Elena that he wanted to die. So very sad. And though we all knew it wouldn't happen (no way we go forward without him) it was still incredibly moving. The most impressive part of this entire thing was Elena's ovaries of steel and her unwillingness to give up on the man she loves. She was brave and trusting almost to an insane degree. Would I have been as brave? Doubt it. She really impressed me. And I must talk about that kiss. Whoa baby. I squeeeeee'd out loud. Really loud. I feel so relieved. That probably means they're going to pull the rug out from underneath me next week. Moving on.......

Damon/Alaric
I have been madly in love with this team since before it started. These 2 were meant to be. They have so much chemistry and such a great mix of sympathy and distain for each other. Poor Alaric. In the middle of an epic bonding session, Damon has to bring up the fact that he has tasted Alaric's true love in more ways than one. Nice. Typical Damon (who we love anyways). We haven't seen the end of Team Dalaric yet though. Nasty Uncle John (who I personally want to set on fire) will bring them together again I'm sure.

Jeremy/Anna
Maybe it was Malese Jow's Team Anna vid that got me or maybe I was a fan before then but I realized at some point (seconds before they kissed) that I really wanted it to work out with Anna and Jeremy. And OMG did they impress me. Sexy as hell and more moving than I could have thought possible. I cried real tears when she laid next to him to say goodbye. The centuries old teenager having to give up her first love. Crushing. To make matters worse for Anna, she comes home from that nightmare to find her mother dead. Cheers to Malese and to the writers. I was heartbroken for her.

Stefan/Damon

The most GAH! team of the night is, of course, the Salvatore brothers. We finally know how they were turned. That Damon wanted it only for Katherine and that Stefan didn't want it at all. And yet it was Stefan's blood thirst that damned them both. Stefan is cursed with having the pain of all the death that has ensued since he drank dear old Dad. Damon is cursed with knowing that the love of his life didn't feel the same about him. Shocking and evil and heart crushing all at the same time.

Favorite Quotes:

Damon: "I couldn't have him running around chewing on people..."

Damon (again. I know. Big surprise): "Stefan likes puppy blood. Little golden retriever puppies."

Uncle John: "What do you think your mother would say if she knew you were dating a vampire?" Elena: "Which mother?"

Favorite Tunes:

Aron Wright - "Song for the Waiting"

Little Boots - "Click"

Next week: Isobel. My thoughts? No good will come from her return to Mystic Falls. I am thankful that Stefan seems to be back in the game. Team DALARIC will need his help. Isobel and Uncle John are scary alone. Together will not be good.  This cannot end well for anyone.

Big THANKS! to Ceci for the amazing #SoftcoreSalvatore screen cap!

Back to Blogging

I have decided to return to blogging.  Not sure exactly what has kept me away so long but I do feel inspired by the quality TV and Music I have been consuming as of late.  Hope you missed me. Hope you enjoy what is to come.   Finale season is gearing up so there is much to discuss!  Also, a ton of movement in the Vampire entertainmnet world which you all know to be my very favorite thing to talk about. Stick around. This could be fun!

Please stay tuned for my Vampire Diaries: Blood Brothers review - coming later today.

New Moon - My Take

SPOILER ALERT!!!! Stop now if you don’t want to know!

I’ve had to remind myself more than once that this movie is a sequel. It felt so different from its predecessor that to call it a different animal isn’t going far enough. It’s an entirely different species (wink, wink). Not that there isn’t continuity, because there is.

Obviously Twilight’s overwhelming success allowed for a much bigger budget this time around. And while it wasn’t perfect, the bank wasn’t the only party to bring the A game.

There were things I loved about New Moon both in comparison to the book and as a movie standing alone. To say I was pleasantly surprised at Kristen’s portrayal of Bella in New Moon would be the understatement of the year. Almost all of the cringe inducing moments in Twilight were solely to do with her not quite getting it. So, considering how bad it could have been I was quite impressed. Especially through the torture she experiences when Edward leaves. Very well done.

The music editors also did an incredible job choosing just the right songs for the right moments. I did have some favorites though. Bella’s painful gut wrenching was beautifully enhanced with Satellite Heart by Anya Marina and Possibility by Lykke Li. And Thom Yorke’s Hearing Damage added just the right amount of escalated intensity to the hunt for Victoria and Bella’s walk to the cliffs. The big disappointment in the music department was the score. It lacked all of the desperation that should have accompanied Bella’s run through the square and the sweeping crescendo expected when she made it just in time.

Portions of the book that could have been very difficult to express on film were also handled with a care that I wasn’t expecting. The passing of time between Edward’s departure and her first hallucination of him was beautifully done with a swooping and spinning camera watching her stare vacantly out the window (though sitting in the 2nd row it did make me a bit dizzy). And I felt that using undeliverable emails to Alice as a way for Bella to vocalize her thoughts and feelings was pretty clever as most of those feeling needed to be expressed (the hole punched in her chest as an example). I was also surprised at how much more likable Jacob was in the movie as opposed to the book. And I SWEAR it had nothing to do with his rockin bod. Cross my heart!

If I was going to be really picky I would say that some conversations that should have been savored felt rushed while others that should have moved the story along seemed to drag a bit. My two biggest points of contention however, are with the way some of the Volturi sequences were handled. I find it hard to believe that a mind reader would allow himself to take such an ass beating regardless of his opponent’s considerable size advantage (Edward and Felix). And I absolutely could not stop my eyes from rolling at Edward and the vampire Bella running though the woods in Alice’s vision of the future. That could have been done with a lot less cheese.

Overall, it was a really great experience, hugely boosted by my movie companions! I can’t wait to see if I still feel the same about all of it after the second time around.

Joss' Kids

Joss' kids is the nickname that Birdie and I give to all of our favorite actors that have ever been under Joss Whedon's umbrella. And there have been a TON of amazing people under his umbrella. Enjoy the vids. There are more to come.

I Know What You Are

My favorite new show this year - by a mile - is Kevin Williamson's Vampire Diaries. It has everything a girl like me is looking for. Hot guys, great romance, amazing music and best yet - total escapism. After this week's episode, it looks like Elena has figured out what Stefan is. But that is not the end. Not even close. Here are my other favorite "in the know” couples. Some of them make it. Some of them don't. Some of them are left to our own imaginations.


5. Blood Ties – Vicki & Henry = Things are getting a bit wiggy for P.I. Vicki until hottie Henry shows up. Is he a suspect or the best crime solving partner she has ever had? He can, of course smell the blood left behind. She is convinced that the supernatural happens. Can she be convinced that Henry has feelings for her?

4. Twilight – Bella &Edward = Bella was sure of Edward even before she knew what he was. She knew he was something else. But, to her, it did not matter what the “else” was. She was in from the word go. No talk of fangs or blood or undead was going to keep her from what she wanted most.

3. Moonlight – Beth & Mick = The P.I. Mick has learned to mesh with the humans as best he can. He keeps his blood in the fridge and minds his own business. Until Beth captures his attention – and his heart. Now he has to protect her. From the truth and from himself. She doesn’t want to care what he is. But, maybe they both care just enough to make their love impossible.

2. True Blood – Sookie & Bill = She knew what he was from the get go. And that made her all the more attracted to him. His world provided a peace she had never known. Except that his world proved to be anything but peaceful. Regardless of being used and abused, Sookie will stand by Bill. No matter what his world does to her.

1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel – Buffy & Angel = Their story is so tragic it should be written in old English. A human girl chosen from millions to be the ONE to slay the demons. The ONE demon of millions cursed with a soul. And the two meet. And fall in love. The love created will never be matched nor will it ever be fully realized. And that is the true tragedy.

Life in the Whedonverse

Brought on, I'm sure, by Dollhouse's season premiere, a couple of publications have been posting lists of the best of the best in the land of Joss Whedon. I mostly agree with both lists (one ranks them by number and one does not) and they do overlap quite a bit. But, I have one major problem. Mood. And for me, in the Whedonverse, that means everything. What do I watch when I want to laugh? When I need a good cry? When I need a WTF moment I know is coming? The brilliance of Joss' work is that it can be all of these things all at once and then still be separated into groups. Want romance? Want danger? Horror? Humor? There is something for everyone. Here is my take.

Best real life situation = "The Body" Buffy, Season 5: For anyone who has ever dealt with the loss of someone close this one really hits home. Especially the silence. When you are alone with death there is no background music, no sweeping crescendo. Just silence. And fear. And pain. This episode was so beautifully done that I felt like I had lost my own mother all over again.

Best I'm really gonna kick your ass = "Not Fade Away" Angel, Season 5: This came too soon and too fast but the moment when Angel vamps out on Hamilton and when Illyria puts her fist through Vail's face, you just can't stop yourself from cheering out loud! And in case we expected anything less from our favorite hero, his final wish is to slay dragons. Poor dragons.

Best family that doesn't know it's a family = "Out of Gas" Firefly: Until this episode (if you watched them in order on DVD instead of Fox's f'd up way) the crew of Serenity seemed to be a pretty loose knit and just sort of fond of each other bunch (at best). This episode was so intense in showing love and devotion that it fully cemented the 9 of them as a family unit that you would never doubt again. And one of the best lines I have ever heard (still brings tears) 'When your miracle gets here, call us back"

Best WTF = "Needs" Dollhouse, Season 1: I knew when this episode started that it had to be some kind of trick or device. But, that didn't stop me from gasping out loud almost every 5 minutes. I loved getting to find out some of what the dolls were before they were Dolls.

Best could have done without that = "I Will Remember You" Angel, Season 1: This entire episode is just a gratuitous meal for the hungry Angel/Buffy shippers. And I loved every minute of it. I have watched A LOT of television and A LOT of movies and yet I have never witnessed anything quite as heartbreaking as this episode. It builds up so much hope and love and then just rips it all away before you even realize what's happening. I'll never again feel the same way about yogurt.

Best was that really necessary = Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog: I want all of my friends to see this. It is a masterpiece of creation. However, they're not really into sad. So, I always advertise it as a hilarious and catchy musical. Which it is. Totally. And then Penny dies. And then they all hate me. However, they are all hating me while having the songs stuck in their heads for life. So I consider it a win.

Best are they allowed to show that on TV = "Smashed" Buffy, Season 6: Until this episode sex in the Buffyverse had always been sweet and lovey dovey. And then there was Spike. Holy crow was this hot or what? And the "I can't believe they are showing this on TV" sex continued in "Gone," "Doublemeat Palace," and "Dead Things." If Spike wasn't a permanent fantasy object before this, he became one very soon after.

Best funny thing to happen to a group = "Tabula Rasa" Buffy, Season 6 & "Spin the Bottle" Angel, Season 4: An entire group of demon fighters losing their memories is hilarious the first time around. And the 2nd time around. Both of these episodes really forced the actors to act - outside of the characters they were so used to. And some of the funniest, laugh out loud, fall off the sofa hilarity ensued. "It was about time that the English got what's coming to him, I'm rooting for the slave." "I don't see any booze, I don't feel any head bumps, I don't see Allen Funt." And then cruelness came. Both episodes ended with tears (from me anyways).

Best I wish there was more = "Serenity” Firefly Movie: This was supposed to be the answer to all of the fans' wildest dreams. Which it was, in a way. All it did for me was make me even more attached to the characters and their stories than I already was. The movie did have some of the very best moments though (River against the Reavers) and will always make me cry. And scream for more!

Best so scary I peed my pants = "Hush" Buffy, Season 4: The moment when one of the Gentlemen glides across the screen right in front of Olivia makes me jump out of my skin every single time I watch this episode. I have seen this at least 20 times. It never becomes less scary. Just the thought of having my voice stolen makes me shudder. Brilliant story telling.

Best OUCH = "Innocence" Buffy, Season 2:  Yikes!  Can you imagine the horror!
Buffy: You just left.

Angelus: Yeah. Like I really wanted to stick around after that.
Buffy: What?
Angelus: You got a lot to learn about men, kiddo. Although I guess you proved that last night.
Buffy: What are you saying?
Angelus: Let's not make an issue out of it, okay? In fact, let's not talk about it at all. It happened.
Buffy: I-I don't understand. Was it m-me? Was I not good?
Angelus: [sarcastically] You were great. Really. I thought you were a pro.

Best friend = "War Stories" Firefly:  Mal does exactly what it takes to keep his pilot alive.  It sounds horrible coming out of his mouth, but it gets the job done.  I can only hope I have friends willing to be that awful to me if the situation called for it.

Best guardian angel = "The Target" Dollhouse, Season 1: I have had dozens of nightmares where I am being chases by something terrible.  This Dollhouse episode puts it all into perspective as I have never once been hunted by the hot guy I just slept with.  The entire situation is way too scary  - until Boyd comes to the rescue.  His love for Echo is all over his face.  What makes it even better?  Echo saving him right back!

Best sexy drink = "Graduation Part 2" Buffy, Season 3: I have screened the bit of this episode when Angel bites Buffy for a number of different people and I always hear a lot of "gross."  I don't get it.  There is nothing gross or icky or sick about this entire portion of the episode.  As a matter of fact, it is one of the sexiest, most intense love scenes I have ever laid eyes on.  I've seen True Blood, Moonlight, Twilight, Blood Ties and dozens of other vampire bite situations.  And still.  This is hands down the very best of them all.  Anyone know where I can find one of those arrows?

Your thoughts?  What did we miss?

More Dollhouse!

A couple more Dollhouse articles!  I LOVE that it's getting so much attention!!  Hopefully this will turn into amazing ratings that will make Fox want to keep it forever!  A girl can dream right?

Chigaco Tribune article on the show

SciFiWire article with behind the scenes photos!


I realized I hadn't posted the actual trailer yet.  So excited!!

Return to the Dollhouse!

Dollhouse is finally back tomorrow and I have spent all week collecting must see/read items in preparation for the premiere!  Thank you Twitter for hooking me up with all the goods!

Joss Whedon interview from Complex Magazine (talk of Dr. Horrible 2)

Fox interview with stunt man Mike Massa (p.s. he was David Boreanaz's stunt double for Angel)

Fox interview with Tahmoh Penikett (Paul Ballard)

Another great Joss interview

Joss on io9

Great article on Joss' amazing mind

io9's review of the premiere

New Moon Soundtrack!!

The song list for the New Moon Soundtrack has been finalized!!!  The album is due out October 20th and you can pre-order from Amazon here.

I am super stoked about the bands being included on the soundtrack (especially Muse and BRMC) and cannot wait to pick up my own copy in just a few weeks!  Here is the list:

• DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE — MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX
• BAND OF SKULLS — FRIENDS
• THOM YORKE — HEARING DAMAGE
• LYKKE LI — POSSIBILITY
• THE KILLERS — A WHITE DEMON LOVE SONG
• ANYA MARINA — SATELLITE HEART
• MUSE — I BELONG TO YOU (NEW MOON REMIX)
• BON IVER & ST. VINCENT — ROSYLN
• BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB — DONE ALL WRONG
• HURRICANE BELLS — MONSTERS
• SEA WOLF — THE VIOLET HOUR
• OK GO — SHOOTING THE MOON
• GRIZZLY BEAR — SLOW LIFE
• EDITORS — NO SOUND BUT THE WIND
• ALEXANDRE DESPLAT — NEW MOON (THE MEADOW)

2009 Emmy's

So the winners were a little disapointing (then again so were the nominees) but it was still a fun night.  Neil Patrick Harris rocked it out as host and Ricky Gervais was hilarious as a presenter.  My  favorite parts:

True Blood - The Aftermath

Sunday night's True Blood party was a wicked good time with an abundance of food and wine and even a newly invented shot.  The vampire cupcakes were also a huge success (see above).  Oh, and the episode was good too.  It looks like it will be back no later than June of next year so it should be another bloody good summer in 2010. 

The True Blood girls and I had a lot of conversations about the show on Sunday night but the most interesting by far was regarding certain character look alikes (thank you Paige!).

The first was her comparison of Jason Stackhouse to George W. Bush.  You can just imagine how fast all of our jaws hit the floor.  Come on!  Jason is the yummiest of the yum and any comparison that detracts from that is just not ok with me.  However, as much as I hate to admit it, there is an uncanny resemblance:

Scary right?  I'm not even sure I want to know how she figured this out.

The second was the Eggs/Obama match.  Again.  What?  And again, no matter how much we would love to deny it, here it is:

It works better without the eyes but they do have similar smiles and (yes Paige) ears.  I wonder if the President looks as good with his shirt off.  Yikes.

Vampire Odds and Ends

Thank God!  The new New Moon trailer was leaked online and I do not have to suffer through the VMAs today in order to see it.  And, now, neither do you! It's a GREAT new trailer:

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And in case you are completely oblivious to the world, you haven't forgetten that the True Blood season finale is just hours away! Here's a bit of a taste: