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My Life is Murder (Season 4)
Apr. 22nd, 2025 11:30 pmSeason 1 thoughts
Season 2 thoughts
Season 3 thoughts
Still enjoying this cosy murder mystery show! Surprising fun and upbeat, despite all the murder. I like how the show is leaning into the friendships between the main quartet, and Alexa grudgingly opening up her guarded heart. (When Madison was making noises about looking for her own place to live, Alexa finally admitted she didn't want her to move out! Aww.)
It occurs to me that each episode starts with Alexa meeting Harry for a briefing on the case, instead of the common trope of a cold open where the victim gets killed. Which I guess is useful for not revealing key details of what actually happened. But I also appreciate that it feels less cheap and sensational.
I particularly liked the two part season finale, "The Widows' Club".
( Spoilers )
It's been renewed for a Season 5!
Season 2 thoughts
Season 3 thoughts
Still enjoying this cosy murder mystery show! Surprising fun and upbeat, despite all the murder. I like how the show is leaning into the friendships between the main quartet, and Alexa grudgingly opening up her guarded heart. (When Madison was making noises about looking for her own place to live, Alexa finally admitted she didn't want her to move out! Aww.)
It occurs to me that each episode starts with Alexa meeting Harry for a briefing on the case, instead of the common trope of a cold open where the victim gets killed. Which I guess is useful for not revealing key details of what actually happened. But I also appreciate that it feels less cheap and sensational.
I particularly liked the two part season finale, "The Widows' Club".
( Spoilers )
It's been renewed for a Season 5!
Babylon 5 - S1E09 - Deathwalker
Apr. 21st, 2025 11:35 pmI've said before that some themes always feel timely and relevant. Well, some themes also feel timeless and relevant - like when a war criminal arrives on Babylon 5, and then politics happen.
( Spoilery reactions )
( Spoilery reactions )
Babylon 5 has so many episode titles that are beautiful and evocative. I remember people making lists of their favourites. And when you get to a title like this one, you expect it to signal something special. I was not disappointed. I know Babylon 5 is all mytharc, but this episode felt very mytharc.
( Spoilery reactions )
( Spoilery reactions )
Babylon 5 - S1E07 - The War Prayer
Mar. 20th, 2025 10:40 pmEvery time I view a story about xenophobia, it always feels timely and relevant, no matter what year it is. How depressing is that.
( Spoilery reactions )
( Spoilery reactions )
Upright (Season 2)
Feb. 8th, 2025 11:38 pmI loved Upright so much, I almost didn't want to watch the sequel.
1. When a show has one perfect season, and puts the characters through the most important journey of their lives, it feels like any continuation would be a letdown by comparison.
2. Sometimes, sequels will have characters facing new challenges. But all too often, sequels rely on regression or backsliding. Plot problems are not as solved, character flaws are not as overcome, as the original story promised.
3. At the end of a story, the future is full of endless possibilities. A sequel kills them all, locking in one reality.
But as someone told me, Tim Minchin can pick and choose his projects, and probably wouldn't have signed onto a sequel unless it was worth doing. And I figured, even an ordinary season of Upright would be better than a good season of a show I didn't care about. And also, why miss out on Milly Alcock, who is one of those brilliant actors I would follow anywhere. (Except Westeros.)
Anyway. Season 2 is set four years later, when Meg shows up on Lucky's doorstep, and asks for help to find her mum, who has been gone since she was small. This time, instead of driving across the desert landscapes of the Nullarbor, they travel through the tropical rainforests of North Queensland. It's funny and it's emotional. There are secrets and revelations. I didn't love everything about it, but I loved enough.
One of my favourite scenes, when Lucky is driving and Meg is talking:
Her wistfulness! His expression! And fine, okay, I would watch Lucky and Meg meet up every few years for another life-changing road trip, and more of their unlikely friendship, and Upright Season Whatever.
1. When a show has one perfect season, and puts the characters through the most important journey of their lives, it feels like any continuation would be a letdown by comparison.
2. Sometimes, sequels will have characters facing new challenges. But all too often, sequels rely on regression or backsliding. Plot problems are not as solved, character flaws are not as overcome, as the original story promised.
3. At the end of a story, the future is full of endless possibilities. A sequel kills them all, locking in one reality.
But as someone told me, Tim Minchin can pick and choose his projects, and probably wouldn't have signed onto a sequel unless it was worth doing. And I figured, even an ordinary season of Upright would be better than a good season of a show I didn't care about. And also, why miss out on Milly Alcock, who is one of those brilliant actors I would follow anywhere. (Except Westeros.)
Anyway. Season 2 is set four years later, when Meg shows up on Lucky's doorstep, and asks for help to find her mum, who has been gone since she was small. This time, instead of driving across the desert landscapes of the Nullarbor, they travel through the tropical rainforests of North Queensland. It's funny and it's emotional. There are secrets and revelations. I didn't love everything about it, but I loved enough.
One of my favourite scenes, when Lucky is driving and Meg is talking:
When I was little, I used to think, imagine if everyone was leaving like a trail of like, coloured ink or whatever. And you could take a satellite photo of the earth and see where everyone has been their whole lives.
Like, all the times you were just around the corner from a celebrity. Or all the times you walked past a murderer. Or when you like, bumped into someone that you later became friends with. And the bit between your bedroom and the bathroom was just like this dark splodge.
And me driving away from Karingunna four years ago, and you from Sydney, and our trails getting closer and closer and closer and then... (screech and crash, brings her hands together).
And then our lines became one line for a while.
Maybe a new colour while they mixed.
And then, you know, we... (snapping sound, pulls her hands apart).
Her wistfulness! His expression! And fine, okay, I would watch Lucky and Meg meet up every few years for another life-changing road trip, and more of their unlikely friendship, and Upright Season Whatever.
I started watching Babylon 5 thirty years ago, and always meant to get back to it someday. I restarted it two years ago, wrote up my thoughts on the pilot, and watched a handful of further episodes. I know I scribbled down notes on those too, but hell if I can find them now.
In any case, it feels way too daunting and deterring to commit to writing up reactions to every episode. So I'm just going to start watching again where I left off, and only post about it if the mood hits me. Because I really don't need another excuse to put this off again.
( Spoilery reactions )
In any case, it feels way too daunting and deterring to commit to writing up reactions to every episode. So I'm just going to start watching again where I left off, and only post about it if the mood hits me. Because I really don't need another excuse to put this off again.
( Spoilery reactions )
My Life is Murder (Season 3)
Jul. 8th, 2024 11:30 pmSeason 1 thoughts
Season 2 thoughts
The murder mysteries are still good! I'm not here to talk about the murder mysteries though. I want to talk about the growing ensemble cast that I really love.
Beth (Tatum Warren-Ngata)
Madison has gone to Paris, with twelve hours time difference, and wants Alexa to stop ringing her for advice in the middle of the night. So she gets her friend Beth to show up at Alexa's door instead.
Beth is a navy intelligence cryptologist, which sounds cool as hell. However, she is a navy intelligence cryptologist in the same way that Madison is a police data analyst - ie they are "hackers", who do the generic hacking you see on TV. Which is mostly Alexa asking them, "Can you get into the suspect's email account/phone records/security cameras?" And half the time, it's social engineering, where one person distracts the suspect with conversation, while the other person steals their phone or logs into their laptop.
Beth herself is earnest and quirky, in contrast to Madison who is brash and snarky. I love having Beth on board, but I was worried that this meant Madison was going to be written out of the show. I was relieved when Madison came back from Paris, and I realised that this was just a way to introduce Beth and persuade Alexa to accept her help.
My favourite exchange:
( Will (Martin Henderson) )
( Olive (Nell Fisher) )
( Hinewai (Bella Rakete) )
Season 2 thoughts
The murder mysteries are still good! I'm not here to talk about the murder mysteries though. I want to talk about the growing ensemble cast that I really love.
Beth (Tatum Warren-Ngata)
Madison has gone to Paris, with twelve hours time difference, and wants Alexa to stop ringing her for advice in the middle of the night. So she gets her friend Beth to show up at Alexa's door instead.
Beth is a navy intelligence cryptologist, which sounds cool as hell. However, she is a navy intelligence cryptologist in the same way that Madison is a police data analyst - ie they are "hackers", who do the generic hacking you see on TV. Which is mostly Alexa asking them, "Can you get into the suspect's email account/phone records/security cameras?" And half the time, it's social engineering, where one person distracts the suspect with conversation, while the other person steals their phone or logs into their laptop.
Beth herself is earnest and quirky, in contrast to Madison who is brash and snarky. I love having Beth on board, but I was worried that this meant Madison was going to be written out of the show. I was relieved when Madison came back from Paris, and I realised that this was just a way to introduce Beth and persuade Alexa to accept her help.
My favourite exchange:
Harry: "Madison speaks very highly of you."
Beth: "Aww! I love her. We met on Stardew Valley."
Harry: "I can't say I've heard of it."
Alexa: "Wait. You met on a game?"
Beth: "Uh-huh."
Alexa: "Have you ever met her in real life?"
Beth: "Not yet! But Madison is iconic."
( Will (Martin Henderson) )
( Olive (Nell Fisher) )
( Hinewai (Bella Rakete) )
The Night Manager
Jun. 9th, 2024 11:48 pmAfter watching the excellent miniseries, I decided to read the classic novel it was based on, since it can be fascinating to see how the adaptation process went.
I read the 2016 Penguin edition, which has the dreaded movie photo cover, but also a new afterword by John le Carré. It was really interesting to hear about his experiences with prior adaptations of his books, but also his thoughts about this one in particular.
Spoilers for the end of the miniseries.
( Excerpt )
So it's not just me with the slash goggles, then.
I read the 2016 Penguin edition, which has the dreaded movie photo cover, but also a new afterword by John le Carré. It was really interesting to hear about his experiences with prior adaptations of his books, but also his thoughts about this one in particular.
Spoilers for the end of the miniseries.
( Excerpt )
So it's not just me with the slash goggles, then.
My Life is Murder (Season 2)
Jun. 7th, 2024 07:53 pmMy review of Season 1.
So, you know how I was wondering, why they moved the setting of the show from Melbourne to Auckland, from Season 2 onwards?
I had a look at the production year on the back of the DVD. 2021. Oh. Oh.
Except that, actually, it turns out my assumptions were completely wrong! The move wasn't because of the pandemic. According to the producer: "It was Lucy's idea really. The Australian show wasn't planned to return, and she was living back in Auckland, so the idea of a Kiwi spinoff was born."
Anyway. The show looks to have made the transition very smoothly. The story reason is that Alexa has moved back to New Zealand to spend as much time as she can with her brother Will (played by Martin Henderson). This means that we farewell two old characters and meet two new ones: the police contact who gives her cases (now DI Harry Henare, played by Rawiri Jobe), and the cafe owner who buys her bread (now Reuben Wulf, played by Joe Naufahu).
They even recast the cat! (Though we learn, through a guest appearance via Zoom, that DI Kieran Hussey has adopted the old cat, who his kids love.)
But I am extremely delighted that Madison made it across the Tasman Sea. The story reason for her move is that Alexa messages her for tech help on a case, and instead of sending an email, Madison shows up on her doorstep with all her luggage. Even though I started watching the show because of Lucy Lawless, her rapport with Ebony Vagulans has become a real drawcard. Sometimes there's more snark than banter, with Alexa's cranky and sarcastic side coming to the fore. But most of the time, they make a great team.
This season, we get more backstory for both Alexa and Madison, the murder mysteries are pretty solid, and there are lots of loving shots of Auckland landmarks and scenery. (One of the highlights was an episode at the beautiful Auckland War Memorial Museum.) Notable guest stars include William Shatner (appearing via Zoom) and Renee O'Connor (a lovely reunion for Xena fans).
The DVD cover has a New York Times quote calling it "a sunny procedural", and that describes the vibe pretty well. (Despite all the murders.)
So, you know how I was wondering, why they moved the setting of the show from Melbourne to Auckland, from Season 2 onwards?
I had a look at the production year on the back of the DVD. 2021. Oh. Oh.
Except that, actually, it turns out my assumptions were completely wrong! The move wasn't because of the pandemic. According to the producer: "It was Lucy's idea really. The Australian show wasn't planned to return, and she was living back in Auckland, so the idea of a Kiwi spinoff was born."
Anyway. The show looks to have made the transition very smoothly. The story reason is that Alexa has moved back to New Zealand to spend as much time as she can with her brother Will (played by Martin Henderson). This means that we farewell two old characters and meet two new ones: the police contact who gives her cases (now DI Harry Henare, played by Rawiri Jobe), and the cafe owner who buys her bread (now Reuben Wulf, played by Joe Naufahu).
They even recast the cat! (Though we learn, through a guest appearance via Zoom, that DI Kieran Hussey has adopted the old cat, who his kids love.)
But I am extremely delighted that Madison made it across the Tasman Sea. The story reason for her move is that Alexa messages her for tech help on a case, and instead of sending an email, Madison shows up on her doorstep with all her luggage. Even though I started watching the show because of Lucy Lawless, her rapport with Ebony Vagulans has become a real drawcard. Sometimes there's more snark than banter, with Alexa's cranky and sarcastic side coming to the fore. But most of the time, they make a great team.
This season, we get more backstory for both Alexa and Madison, the murder mysteries are pretty solid, and there are lots of loving shots of Auckland landmarks and scenery. (One of the highlights was an episode at the beautiful Auckland War Memorial Museum.) Notable guest stars include William Shatner (appearing via Zoom) and Renee O'Connor (a lovely reunion for Xena fans).
The DVD cover has a New York Times quote calling it "a sunny procedural", and that describes the vibe pretty well. (Despite all the murders.)
My Life is Murder (Season 1)
May. 10th, 2024 11:42 pmLucy Lawless investigates murder mysteries! That was enough of a drawcard to hook me into checking out this TV series.
She plays a retired cop turned baker, Alexa Crowe, who somehow still gets dragged into solving crimes. Her friend DI Kieran Hussey (played by Bernard Curry) tempts her with case files that have stumped the police (which is probably some kind of breach of confidentiality, but whatever). Alexa is assisted by police data analyst Madison Feliciano (played by Ebony Vagulans), who does all the research and hacking (which feels like the modern equivalent of magic).
I love a good murder mystery. I watched seven seasons of Elementary and that set a high bar. My Life is Murder doesn't hit those heights for me, but after a slightly wobbly first episode, it settles into being solid and amiable. The mysteries are varied and novel - some of my favourite episodes were Alexa going undercover at a culinary school, looking into a true crime podcast, and revisiting her former high school and reuniting with an old friend (who may be a suspect).
But really, I was mostly watching for the characters. Alexa is a great protagonist - a very determined steamroller with an innocent Columbo smile, who just wants to perfect her sourdough loaf but also can't stand people getting away with murder.
I love the banter between Alexa and Madison, who is young and brash and snarky. (Madison also wins at most fashionably dressed, on a show where everyone has a fabulous wardrobe.)
Another fun thing is that the show is set in Melbourne. It really works hard to convey the city as a character, with lots of beauty shots of iconic landmarks and local street scenes.
Which makes me very curious how the show manages the transition to Auckland in Season 2 and beyond. It's an Australian-New Zealand co-production, but to shift the setting to a new country seems like a major change.
Season 4 is currently airing.
She plays a retired cop turned baker, Alexa Crowe, who somehow still gets dragged into solving crimes. Her friend DI Kieran Hussey (played by Bernard Curry) tempts her with case files that have stumped the police (which is probably some kind of breach of confidentiality, but whatever). Alexa is assisted by police data analyst Madison Feliciano (played by Ebony Vagulans), who does all the research and hacking (which feels like the modern equivalent of magic).
I love a good murder mystery. I watched seven seasons of Elementary and that set a high bar. My Life is Murder doesn't hit those heights for me, but after a slightly wobbly first episode, it settles into being solid and amiable. The mysteries are varied and novel - some of my favourite episodes were Alexa going undercover at a culinary school, looking into a true crime podcast, and revisiting her former high school and reuniting with an old friend (who may be a suspect).
But really, I was mostly watching for the characters. Alexa is a great protagonist - a very determined steamroller with an innocent Columbo smile, who just wants to perfect her sourdough loaf but also can't stand people getting away with murder.
I love the banter between Alexa and Madison, who is young and brash and snarky. (Madison also wins at most fashionably dressed, on a show where everyone has a fabulous wardrobe.)
Another fun thing is that the show is set in Melbourne. It really works hard to convey the city as a character, with lots of beauty shots of iconic landmarks and local street scenes.
Which makes me very curious how the show manages the transition to Auckland in Season 2 and beyond. It's an Australian-New Zealand co-production, but to shift the setting to a new country seems like a major change.
Season 4 is currently airing.
X-Men '97: Episode 5: "Remember It"
Apr. 15th, 2024 10:28 pmI'm a few days late to the party. But damn. What an episode.
( My spoilery reactions )
( Other spoilery reactions )
And another comment about the show generally:
"I'm still baffled, how the fuck did they nail it this hard. They somehow made the show we remember, not the actual one we saw."
- AllHailtheBeard1
And we're only halfway through.
( My spoilery reactions )
( Other spoilery reactions )
And another comment about the show generally:
"I'm still baffled, how the fuck did they nail it this hard. They somehow made the show we remember, not the actual one we saw."
- AllHailtheBeard1
And we're only halfway through.
Top five Rise of the Pink Ladies songs
Jul. 8th, 2023 11:20 pmHere are my top five songs from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, in order of their appearance. The show may be gone, but the songs live on, on the official YouTube channel. (Though in the video notes, where it used to say "Now available on Paramount+", it's changed to "Not available on Paramount+". Just twist the knife, why don't you.)
Same Sky (Episode 3)
The stars, they still shine
Orion says hi
Everything's changed but
I've got the same sky
New girl Hazel (Shanel Bailey) misses her friends and her hometown. But up on the roof of her house, the stars she sees are still the same. I fell in love with this song instantly. It's probably still my favourite, in a very crowded and competitive field. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
( Pointing Fingers (Episode 4) )
( Pulling Strings (Episode 7) )
( Crushing Me (Episode 8) )
( Face To Face (Episode 9) )
Same Sky (Episode 3)
The stars, they still shine
Orion says hi
Everything's changed but
I've got the same sky
New girl Hazel (Shanel Bailey) misses her friends and her hometown. But up on the roof of her house, the stars she sees are still the same. I fell in love with this song instantly. It's probably still my favourite, in a very crowded and competitive field. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
( Pointing Fingers (Episode 4) )
( Pulling Strings (Episode 7) )
( Crushing Me (Episode 8) )
( Face To Face (Episode 9) )
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Jul. 7th, 2023 11:57 pmThis might be the best show you will never see.
I want to make an eloquent and impassioned post about why it's so good and why I love it so much. But I don't know if I can convey that adequately with mere words. I plan to make a post about my favourite songs, because in musicals - yes, it's a musical - songs are how you express your feelings when you can't get them out any other way.
I'm sad and angry that Paramount Plus pulled the show from their streaming service, with only a few days of notice, and barely a month after the season finale aired.
They did it for a tax write-off.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is a TV series prequel set four years before the original Grease movie. It's about the origin of the infamous "girl gang" known as the Pink Ladies, founded by four misfits who decide to stand up for themselves, for each other, and for everyone else at the school who is an outcast or an outsider.
( Why I love it )
Anyway, the full opening number is on YouTube:
(If I had a nickel for every time a show I love got disappeared from streaming, I'd have two nickels - which isn't a lot, but I feel like there'll be more nickels coming my way in the future.)
I want to make an eloquent and impassioned post about why it's so good and why I love it so much. But I don't know if I can convey that adequately with mere words. I plan to make a post about my favourite songs, because in musicals - yes, it's a musical - songs are how you express your feelings when you can't get them out any other way.
I'm sad and angry that Paramount Plus pulled the show from their streaming service, with only a few days of notice, and barely a month after the season finale aired.
They did it for a tax write-off.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is a TV series prequel set four years before the original Grease movie. It's about the origin of the infamous "girl gang" known as the Pink Ladies, founded by four misfits who decide to stand up for themselves, for each other, and for everyone else at the school who is an outcast or an outsider.
( Why I love it )
Anyway, the full opening number is on YouTube:
(If I had a nickel for every time a show I love got disappeared from streaming, I'd have two nickels - which isn't a lot, but I feel like there'll be more nickels coming my way in the future.)
When the magic goes away
May. 24th, 2023 10:33 pm"[Warwick Davis] always tells us to take in every moment and appreciate all of the little things. ... He always reminds us that everything can go by in a flash. So to appreciate and love every moment of every day with each other." - Erin Kellyman, Willow: Behind the Magic
***
Just six months ago, the Willow TV series - which I love - premiered on Disney Plus.
The day after tomorrow, the series - and over fifty others - will be removed from the platform.
Today, I finally checked out the behind-the-scenes doco. It was bittersweet to watch it with this foreknowledge, seeing all the cast and crew being so excited about the show.
***
"This is not nostalgia. It's using the fundamentals of this world, these characters, but it's very forward-thinking, in terms of its sensibilities, and also the adventure that it creates." - Ron Howard, Willow: Behind the Magic
"You know, Indiana Jones, Han Solo, these are all the characters every kid wanted to be. But as an Asian man, I never saw myself reflected in that way, the comedic rogue with the heart of gold character, played by an Asian person. So for me, it's a huge honour. And I'm very excited to hopefully to bring it to life and not ruin it and get fired." - Amar Chadha-Patel, Willow: Behind the Magic
"I honestly never thought that I'd be playing a queer character in a Disney show. ... It's such a big platform and it's going to reach so many people. And if I had that when I was younger, I think I'd feel a lot less scared and a lot less intimidated by the thoughts and feelings I was having." - Erin Kellyman, Willow: Behind the Magic
***
"Disney’s decision arrives amidst the Writers Guild of America contract negotiation and subsequent strike. One of the key points on the table is the payment of residuals to writers of streaming content." - Polygon
"The removal of dozens of shows from platforms such as Max have raised major concerns about media preservation. With few receiving physical releases, more and more shows seem fated to disappear entirely." - IGN
"It's not enough that they cancelled Season 2. They went and took away Season 1!" - my sister
Just six months ago, the Willow TV series - which I love - premiered on Disney Plus.
The day after tomorrow, the series - and over fifty others - will be removed from the platform.
Today, I finally checked out the behind-the-scenes doco. It was bittersweet to watch it with this foreknowledge, seeing all the cast and crew being so excited about the show.
"This is not nostalgia. It's using the fundamentals of this world, these characters, but it's very forward-thinking, in terms of its sensibilities, and also the adventure that it creates." - Ron Howard, Willow: Behind the Magic
"You know, Indiana Jones, Han Solo, these are all the characters every kid wanted to be. But as an Asian man, I never saw myself reflected in that way, the comedic rogue with the heart of gold character, played by an Asian person. So for me, it's a huge honour. And I'm very excited to hopefully to bring it to life and not ruin it and get fired." - Amar Chadha-Patel, Willow: Behind the Magic
"I honestly never thought that I'd be playing a queer character in a Disney show. ... It's such a big platform and it's going to reach so many people. And if I had that when I was younger, I think I'd feel a lot less scared and a lot less intimidated by the thoughts and feelings I was having." - Erin Kellyman, Willow: Behind the Magic
"Disney’s decision arrives amidst the Writers Guild of America contract negotiation and subsequent strike. One of the key points on the table is the payment of residuals to writers of streaming content." - Polygon
"The removal of dozens of shows from platforms such as Max have raised major concerns about media preservation. With few receiving physical releases, more and more shows seem fated to disappear entirely." - IGN
"It's not enough that they cancelled Season 2. They went and took away Season 1!" - my sister
Hikago Day
May. 5th, 2023 11:18 pmSHINDOU:
It must be lonely to be the god of go.
You'd have no equal, no rival.
MR KITAJIMA:
Hmm... that's a curious thing to say.
MR KITAJIMA'S OPPONENT:
Well... maybe that's why the god of go teaches humans how to play.
To nurture a strong player who can someday be a worthy opponent for the god.
TOUYA:
So that's why go players down through the ages...
seem compelled to get better and better?
MR KITAJIMA'S OPPONENT:
Exactly right!
Why else would a game become a way of life?
- Chapter 168 of Hikaru no Go
***
Some things I've been watching lately:
* Star Trek: Lower Decks - I never expected to fall for this show the way I did. TNG is forever the show of my heart, and what I want most out of Star Trek. Lower Decks somehow manages to capture that optimism about the future, and that love of science, space, and exploration. It's been said that it's a Star Trek comedy, but not a Star Trek parody. Admittedly, it has a rocky start before it finds its feet, and recurring bursts of unnecessary crude humour. But some of its episodes are up there with the best of Trek I've seen, like the stunning Season 1 finale, "No Small Parts". It manages to pay tribute to nostalgia, both the beloved and the ridiculous, as well as add its own voice to the universe, distinctive and contemporary. I marathoned the first three seasons of this, and I'm hanging out for the fourth later this year.
* Willow - The movie was one of my childhood faves, so I was excited for a new TV show sequel, especially with Warwick Davis so enthusiastic about it. It was everything I didn't know I wanted. The new generation are a delight. Willow is a great flawed mentor figure who has Seen Some Stuff. Sorsha is fantastic and complicated. Even Madmartigan gets to be obliquely involved. I love all the banter and the interactions. I love how everyone is genre savvy. I love all the classic fantasy tropes, and how it sometimes feels like an RPG adventure. I just don't get all the criticism of it! I thought the writing was great, the acting was great, the cinematography was great. I am gutted that it got cancelled after a season. I am still hoping for a revival somehow.
It must be lonely to be the god of go.
You'd have no equal, no rival.
MR KITAJIMA:
Hmm... that's a curious thing to say.
MR KITAJIMA'S OPPONENT:
Well... maybe that's why the god of go teaches humans how to play.
To nurture a strong player who can someday be a worthy opponent for the god.
TOUYA:
So that's why go players down through the ages...
seem compelled to get better and better?
MR KITAJIMA'S OPPONENT:
Exactly right!
Why else would a game become a way of life?
- Chapter 168 of Hikaru no Go
Some things I've been watching lately:
* Star Trek: Lower Decks - I never expected to fall for this show the way I did. TNG is forever the show of my heart, and what I want most out of Star Trek. Lower Decks somehow manages to capture that optimism about the future, and that love of science, space, and exploration. It's been said that it's a Star Trek comedy, but not a Star Trek parody. Admittedly, it has a rocky start before it finds its feet, and recurring bursts of unnecessary crude humour. But some of its episodes are up there with the best of Trek I've seen, like the stunning Season 1 finale, "No Small Parts". It manages to pay tribute to nostalgia, both the beloved and the ridiculous, as well as add its own voice to the universe, distinctive and contemporary. I marathoned the first three seasons of this, and I'm hanging out for the fourth later this year.
* Willow - The movie was one of my childhood faves, so I was excited for a new TV show sequel, especially with Warwick Davis so enthusiastic about it. It was everything I didn't know I wanted. The new generation are a delight. Willow is a great flawed mentor figure who has Seen Some Stuff. Sorsha is fantastic and complicated. Even Madmartigan gets to be obliquely involved. I love all the banter and the interactions. I love how everyone is genre savvy. I love all the classic fantasy tropes, and how it sometimes feels like an RPG adventure. I just don't get all the criticism of it! I thought the writing was great, the acting was great, the cinematography was great. I am gutted that it got cancelled after a season. I am still hoping for a revival somehow.
Babylon 5: The Gathering
Aug. 7th, 2022 11:39 pm"I was there at the dawn of the third age of mankind..."
So back in the nineties, when TV stations played games with program scheduling, genre shows were relegated to the graveyard slots, and if you missed taping an episode you were out of luck, I started but never finished Babylon 5.
That is to say, I watched the pilot movie and some of Season 1, missed a handful of episodes, and never got around to catching up. I always meant to! It was epic and groundbreaking and everyone loved it. But even later on, when it was released on VHS and DVD, five seasons felt like a big commitment. So this is why Babylon 5 has been on my bucket list for a ridiculously long time.
Now that JMS is going to remake the show, I've finally had the impetus to get around to watching all of the original. It's been impossible to avoid some level of osmosis spoilers over the years, but I'm sure the ride will still be full of surprises.
First up, I wanted to rewatch the pilot movie, to refresh my memory after all this time.
This is not going to be anything as coherent as a review.
( Spoilery reactions )
You know that mindblowing fact about how we are closer in time to Cleopatra, than Cleopatra was to the building of the Great Pyramid? We are further in time from Babylon 5, than Babylon 5 was from Blake's 7. The pilot first aired in 1993, almost 30 years ago.
So back in the nineties, when TV stations played games with program scheduling, genre shows were relegated to the graveyard slots, and if you missed taping an episode you were out of luck, I started but never finished Babylon 5.
That is to say, I watched the pilot movie and some of Season 1, missed a handful of episodes, and never got around to catching up. I always meant to! It was epic and groundbreaking and everyone loved it. But even later on, when it was released on VHS and DVD, five seasons felt like a big commitment. So this is why Babylon 5 has been on my bucket list for a ridiculously long time.
Now that JMS is going to remake the show, I've finally had the impetus to get around to watching all of the original. It's been impossible to avoid some level of osmosis spoilers over the years, but I'm sure the ride will still be full of surprises.
First up, I wanted to rewatch the pilot movie, to refresh my memory after all this time.
This is not going to be anything as coherent as a review.
( Spoilery reactions )
You know that mindblowing fact about how we are closer in time to Cleopatra, than Cleopatra was to the building of the Great Pyramid? We are further in time from Babylon 5, than Babylon 5 was from Blake's 7. The pilot first aired in 1993, almost 30 years ago.
I never expected to love this show as much as I do.
I mean, I like Tim Minchin a lot: great songwriter, great singer. And the premise was intriguing enough: a musician goes on a road trip with a piano across Australia. But I never know what to expect with Australian drama: is it going to be bleak, is it going to be funny, is it going to be the kind of funny that's bleak underneath?
Turns out, Upright is funny and poignant and hopeful, and punches you in the heart with all the feelings.
Lucky is driving from Sydney to Perth to visit his estranged dying mother, and obsessed with taking this upright piano with him. Meg is a teenage runaway, headed west for her own reasons, and carrying her own demons. When their paths literally collide, they have to join forces to drive, hitchhike, and scam their way across the desert.
I already knew that one of my favourite tropes is life-changing road trips. Apparently another is the brash opinionated kid who shakes up the life of the cranky tired adult. These two misfits start off clashing wildly, become reluctant allies, and grow into unlikely friends. Their journey is full of revelations, as we learn the secrets driving them. I love, love, love stories about wounded people who heal each other.
Milly Alcock is amazing. The last time I was this impressed by a talented young actress was Dafne Keen in Logan and Sophie Thatcher in Prospect. I hope she goes on to great success just like they have.
And! One of the writers is Kate Mulvany, whose Bell Shakespeare performances I loved, and who is an acclaimed playwright herself.
And! As Lucky and Meg drive across Australia, you get to see the beautiful landscapes of desert and ocean, and meet the diverse and vivid people who inhabit the place.
The show is hilariously funny, but also deeply emotional. And Tim Minchin gets to sing! Turns out that Upright is the show where the song "Carry You" comes from, that Missy Higgins sings and Tim Minchin wrote. Anyway, here are two performances of the songs, with clips from the show, not really spoilery:
( Carry You - Missy Higgins )
( Carry You - Tim Minchin )
Oh yeah. They are making a Season 2!
I mean, I like Tim Minchin a lot: great songwriter, great singer. And the premise was intriguing enough: a musician goes on a road trip with a piano across Australia. But I never know what to expect with Australian drama: is it going to be bleak, is it going to be funny, is it going to be the kind of funny that's bleak underneath?
Turns out, Upright is funny and poignant and hopeful, and punches you in the heart with all the feelings.
Lucky is driving from Sydney to Perth to visit his estranged dying mother, and obsessed with taking this upright piano with him. Meg is a teenage runaway, headed west for her own reasons, and carrying her own demons. When their paths literally collide, they have to join forces to drive, hitchhike, and scam their way across the desert.
I already knew that one of my favourite tropes is life-changing road trips. Apparently another is the brash opinionated kid who shakes up the life of the cranky tired adult. These two misfits start off clashing wildly, become reluctant allies, and grow into unlikely friends. Their journey is full of revelations, as we learn the secrets driving them. I love, love, love stories about wounded people who heal each other.
Milly Alcock is amazing. The last time I was this impressed by a talented young actress was Dafne Keen in Logan and Sophie Thatcher in Prospect. I hope she goes on to great success just like they have.
And! One of the writers is Kate Mulvany, whose Bell Shakespeare performances I loved, and who is an acclaimed playwright herself.
And! As Lucky and Meg drive across Australia, you get to see the beautiful landscapes of desert and ocean, and meet the diverse and vivid people who inhabit the place.
The show is hilariously funny, but also deeply emotional. And Tim Minchin gets to sing! Turns out that Upright is the show where the song "Carry You" comes from, that Missy Higgins sings and Tim Minchin wrote. Anyway, here are two performances of the songs, with clips from the show, not really spoilery:
( Carry You - Missy Higgins )
( Carry You - Tim Minchin )
Oh yeah. They are making a Season 2!
Hikago Day
May. 5th, 2022 11:15 pmFrom the moment I saw him, I believed he walked the same path as I. He too endeavors to play the Divine Move.
- Sai, Chapter 110 of Hikaru no Go
***
Some things I've been watching and reading lately:
* Queenpins - Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste are awesome together and should do more stuff like this. It's kind of like a heist movie? (Definitely not fraud. Maybe stealing. Probably stealing. But for great justice. And okay, for money too.)
* Death on the Nile - Spectacular and glamorous. I enjoyed the touches to diversify the characters and dramatise the action. But I feel like Kenneth Branagh is indulging himself with his melodramatic and angsty Poirot. And the whole thing with Bouc is just baffling.
* Encanto - I'm late to the party, but what a heartwrenching and heartwarming movie. Those songs are bangers. The quest isn't about going on a journey far away, the journey is inside you and the quest is right here.
* Moon Knight - I knew nothing going in except Oscar Isaac. The first episode was shaky for me because I am not into some kinds of horror, but Steven is the best and won me over. By the end of the series I was blown away. (Season 2 when? I want to see everyone again. And yes, I mean everyone.)
* The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison - Something I love about all my favourite detective series is, the gradual building of a supportive community around the detective. I loved seeing Thara Celehar find the beginnings of his, while recovering from his past traumas, and seeking truth and justice for the dead. (On the other hand, I really want a moratorium on murdered women in noir fiction.)
- Sai, Chapter 110 of Hikaru no Go
Some things I've been watching and reading lately:
* Queenpins - Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste are awesome together and should do more stuff like this. It's kind of like a heist movie? (Definitely not fraud. Maybe stealing. Probably stealing. But for great justice. And okay, for money too.)
* Death on the Nile - Spectacular and glamorous. I enjoyed the touches to diversify the characters and dramatise the action. But I feel like Kenneth Branagh is indulging himself with his melodramatic and angsty Poirot. And the whole thing with Bouc is just baffling.
* Encanto - I'm late to the party, but what a heartwrenching and heartwarming movie. Those songs are bangers. The quest isn't about going on a journey far away, the journey is inside you and the quest is right here.
* Moon Knight - I knew nothing going in except Oscar Isaac. The first episode was shaky for me because I am not into some kinds of horror, but Steven is the best and won me over. By the end of the series I was blown away. (Season 2 when? I want to see everyone again. And yes, I mean everyone.)
* The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison - Something I love about all my favourite detective series is, the gradual building of a supportive community around the detective. I loved seeing Thara Celehar find the beginnings of his, while recovering from his past traumas, and seeking truth and justice for the dead. (On the other hand, I really want a moratorium on murdered women in noir fiction.)
