Update

[shipperx]

General stuff:

* This season of TAR has been mostly good. The dangerously flying cheesewheels careening down Swiss Alps? Awesome. And I even enjoyed the pie fight. Most of the teams aren't hateful so this is looking like it might be a good rotation.

* BSG: *sigh* I think I'm mostly down to one character that I don't actually want to die. Oh, and I know that BSG hired Mutant Enemy's Jane E. but are we sure they didn't hire Marty Noxon as well? Talk about tv to slash your wrists by.

* Speaking of Mutant Enemy, I find the whole Jeanty thing depressing... which is stupid. It doesn't change my view of any of the characters involved or any possible fanfic that might pertain to them. I've written off the BtVS comics. And it doesn't change my view of Joss (which,as per always is highly cynical with a side of bitter), but even though I know that it shouldn't matter (and really doesn't matter) it still smarts. I still maintain that Joss will never go on record with anything substantive or definitive. Not only does he seem to prefer ambiguity (no balls!), but, practically speaking, he has everything to gain from vagueness and little from being definitive. Spike and Angel belong to IDW. Buffy to Dark Horse, so even if the vampires ever make a crossover, they'll never be there to stay. And if they aren't there to stay, no reason to be merciful and cut a shipper faction free. That said, it really is about what Joss has to do to maintain comic sales (i.e. not permanently alienate lingering fans) and there is a substantive difference in expectations between Spuffies and Bangels. Spuffies will subsist on the smallest of crumbs (they always have) and merely beg not to be totaly destroyed. Joss is the Spuffies "bad boyfriend," always convincing themselves that this time he won't hurt them. And Bangels demand everything preferably tied up in a glittery OTP bow. High maintanance girlfriend material. Neither fanfaction will get what they want and be frustrated by what he's willing to give them. But, given the degrees of what he has to do to keep them, yes, Spuffies will always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop. What? Me? Cynical? ... Yes. Which is actually the really irritating part of still feeling stung by anything Joss says (or is reported second hand for having said to a biased party). Seriously, if you expect to be punched it almost seems bit unfair that it still hurts, doesn't it?

* Speaking of fannish madness. I'm really tired of TWOP... in any forum that I visit. There are only so many hundred times you can read roughly the same non-negotiable opinions and OTT reactions without sighing and going "whatever..." And this is apparently true no matter what the fandom. *sigh* I'm running out of places for a fannish fix.

* Still haven't finished the kitchen remodel... it's just grown to destroy the living room and dining room in addition to the kitchen (which is to say, I'm raising -- though not widening -- the Kitchen/Living Room doorway and the Kitchen/Dining Room doorway and that means that I also have to do the Dining Room/Living Room doorway to maintain the visual balance. It's really rather astounding how much a difference it is makes to take the openings from 6'-8" high to 8'-0" in height. It really opens up the floor plan. But... I'm also looking forward to the house not being a construction site. Unfortunately, given current pace, that'll be weeks and weeks from now. Still, it's getting there. Slowly.

* Last five minutes of Chuck was pretty awesome. Loved the "Rain is Down in Africa" hommage. It's made of win.

* The positive to be found in the whole irrititating Jossian thing is that it helps focus fanfic thinking. I am still working on "Arriving Somewhere Not Here" (even if I'm being ridiculously slow about it), and, as always, fannish conversations regarding the Whedonverse actually help me understand what I'm trying to say... very, very slowly. :)

* Dear 24 casting director (or any casting director really) why cast two nearly identical men on the same show? It makes it really, really difficult to keep characters straight and it's generally annoying. I can't keep up with which evil mole is which evil mole!

* Finally, saw Part II of Oliver Twist last night and thought it was a pretty good production of the novel. Still, it's been driving me crazy about the actress who played "Nancy" in this production. I know her from something but I can't think of what. Was she a guest star on Doctor Who or something? She seems very familiar.

Comments

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Yikes, what did Joss say now?

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

It actually isn't new. Just the re-iteration of BtVS comics artist claiming that Joss mandated the three-way picture with her leaning into Angel because "Angel means more to her." Not really new information, just Jeanty claiming it more explicitly.

Personally, I don't put a whole hell of a lot of weight into it. Jeanty is openly an anti-Spuffy Bangel and that's a factor. I suspect that if Joss were talking to someone like Jane E. he would say different stuff... because at this point, Joss is just pandering/chain-yanking anyway.

Still, it's always a surprise to me when I read this stuff that at some degree or another it can still irritate me (even when I know it's pointless).

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Check the actress on imdb.com. I always find it useful for exactly that sort of question.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Turns out, yes, she did do a guest shot on Doctor Who, but I suspect that I remember her from Aeon Flux.

And I did think she did a good job in Oliver Twist. And I thought that what I saw of this production of Oliver Twist was interest... even though (or maybe because) the role of Oliver was so very, very small. All that I saw of the production focused primarily on the adults with the poor boy mostly as a chew toy being torn between adult characters.

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

All that I saw of the production focused primarily on the adults with the poor boy mostly as a chew toy being torn between adult characters.


Nods. Between Bill and Dodger/Fagin and Rose/Brownlow and Monks/Edward and Bumble/Mrs. B. Only Nancy treated him a person and it got her killed. And Sophie O. was a fabulous Nancy.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Yes, I thought she was quite excellent as Nancy. They did a really good job of making the Nancy/Bill thing resonate as a realistic abusive relationship, and they made her a heartbreakingly tragic figure.

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Btw, here's a nice interview with Timothy Spall.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[sp23.livejournal.com]

As much as I kinda miss my OTP, I'm just as glad that in my mind, Spike is kind of over Buffy and ready to move on. That's why he and Spider didn't bother me in the AtF comics.

Am I the only person on my flist that is really enjoying BSG? Well, not so much last Friday's episode because I hate Ellen, but generally I've been enjoying these last few weeks.

I figured the Hillbillies weren't long for TAR. Poor old Linda just didn't have it in her for the long haul. I did like Steve apologizing to her on camera for being such as asshat last week. Surprisingly, I'm not hating the blondes and the redheads any more. They've been playing good, straight games so far. And I really do like everyone else. Which is surprising because usually I dislike half or more of the contestants. :-)

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

As much as I kinda miss my OTP, I'm just as glad that in my mind, Spike is kind of over Buffy and ready to move on. That's why he and Spider didn't bother me in the AtF comics.


Generally speaking, that's where I am (and I also wasn't bothered by Spider). But still the old Spuffy/Bangel wars still have a tendency to irritate when Bangels are crowing.

And I have to admit that I've always been kind of meh on BSG. At times I've admired it intellectually (and at other times I've thrown my hands up and sworn to stop watching) but I've never been very emotionally involved with the show... which is probably why I don't have much problem facing the prospect that I'm fairly convinced that most of this cast is gonna DIE! :)

And, yeah, I figured last week that the Hillbillies weren't long for this show. Killer fatigue in the very first physical challenge is not a good sign for possible endurance.

[salymander.livejournal.com]

Ya know I've been watching BSG online and I have to say, I'm entertained when I watch it, but I'm just not getting the emotional fannish connection that appears to have sunk its teeth into so many. Everyone told me how much I would love it, omg I would just DIE. But...........ya know whatever. It's good, but I honestly am more emotionally involved in Burn Notice than BSG. What is it about BSG do you think? Why don't you feel that connection?

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I don't know what the emotional disconnect is. I've tried to figure it out but it's been there for me all along. I've enjoyed various things on the show. I recognize that they do intellectually interesting things, but I honestly don't give a damn about most of the characters and those I do give a damn about, I don't give much of a damn about. I can't say why, exactly, other than generally, I think many of the characters simply aren't very likable.

[salymander.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I have to agree with you. Maybe it is all about likability, I dunno.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I also have to say that I think rahirah was onto something pointing out that BSG characters are generally a humorless lot. I mean, I know it's post-apocalyptic and all. But have they never heard of gallows humor?

[salymander.livejournal.com]

Hmmm that's true, there's really no funny at all. Usually if people are laughing, they're cutting into a scene and the joke's already over or something.

[sp23.livejournal.com]

Oh, BSG has never been a big love of mine. I think I watched only four episodes of season three, then had to dl it to catch up so I could watch the webisodes. In fact, it's just been since the show came back on in January that I've actually made an effort to watch the show while it's on.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

It does do interesting things. I can see the thought and the intent behind it. And intellectually, I can admire some (though not all) things about it. But emotionally, I've always felt disconnected. And, though I do believe they're doing many interesting things, I've been o.d'ing on the nihilism since last season.

[salymander.livejournal.com]

It's so true, us Spuffies will subsist on the smallest of crumbs. That's........kind of pathetic isn't it? Although, I don't read the comic. I read the first few and it just wasn't Buffy to me. I dunno, are you enjoying it?

[jerrymcl89.livejournal.com]

I enjoy the Buffy comic, but it's obvious nothing will happen that matters in the slightest to the Angel/Buffy/Spike issue. Two characters from different comics never go anywhere romantically even when they are part of the same company. In this case it's even less likely.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

The comics? No. Not really. I mainly keep up with them out of morbid curiosity but little else. They seem very different from the show for me which why it tends to surprise me that anything concerning them actually bothers me. Usually I just laugh and say it's all crackfic anyway.

[salymander.livejournal.com]

lol, nice

[sueworld2003.livejournal.com]

"High maintanance girlfriend material."

Wonderful description! :0

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Hee! But they wants it, so bwad! >:)

[rahirah]

At this late date, I'm resigned to the fuzzy end of the lollipop... but it still tastes like ass.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

So true. And the thing is, even knowing I'm always getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop, I stick around saying "I'm gonna get the fuzzy end of the lollipop" the entire time. How sad is that?

[quinara]

I'm always haunted by the idea that if I just keep going through the fuzz (which tastes kind of sugary) I should eventually get to tasty lollipop goodness. Which isn't logical at all.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

The heart has its reasons, that reason knows not of...

Or something like that. The exact quote escapes me.

[txvoodoo.livejournal.com]

Twop has become so navel-gazing, and the mods are even more dictatorial than ever.

Liking TAR this year!

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

TWOP just gets into such a group-think rutt that it just loses any sense of fun, sometimes.

And, I have to say careening wheels of cheese are awesome!

[empresspatti.livejournal.com]

My Son and I LOVE Chuck - and this week was made of win. Funny, funny show.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I've really enjoyed this season. Highly enjoyable. Wish it had better ratings.

[shapinglight]

Seriously, if you expect to be punched it almost seems bit unfair that it still hurts, doesn't it?

I thought that. It's weird, isn't it?

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I know! It feels like cynicism should innoculate you against the hurt, and yet somehow it still can sneak up on you and kick you in the butt.

[enisy.livejournal.com]

That said, it really is about what Joss has to do to maintain comic sales (i.e. not permanently alienate lingering fans) and there is a substantive difference in expectations between Spuffies and Bangels. Spuffies will subsist on the smallest of crumbs (they always have) and merely beg not to be totaly destroyed. Joss is the Spuffies "bad boyfriend," always convincing themselves that this time he won't hurt them. And Bangels demand everything preferably tied up in a glittery OTP bow. High maintanance girlfriend material. Neither fanfaction will get what they want and be frustrated by what he's willing to give them.

Hee! So true! Can I repost in the DH Spike/Buffy thread (with credit)? :)

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Sure.

[enisy.livejournal.com]

Thank you!