Tonight, Kristin Chenoweth guest starred on Glee. Take a second and reflect: Kristin Chenoweth. Glee. Together as one! Right now, I feel like such a total fanboy dork, but I don't even care! For an hour, it felt like all was right with the world.
Needless to say, it was completely awesome. Kristin not only gave three beautiful musical performances, she was downright hilarious. Someone seriously needs to give this woman another shot at being the lead in her own show.
Okay, so if you didn't see the show, Kristin was playing April Rhodes, a woman who was a senior and the star of the glee club when Will was a freshman. With Rachel having quit the club last week to take the lead in the school production of Cabaret, Will decided he needed to bring in a ringer and found out that his old crush April left school three credits short of graduating.
He tracked her down, finding her to be a trashy alcoholic who still had an amazing voice. Will convinced her to sober up and take a second chance at life, high school, and glee.
Kristin's first song, as she showed the glee kids what she could do, was Maybe This Time from Cabaret (which became a duet with Lea Michele's Rachel, as they cut back and forth between Rachel singing in rehearsal and April singing in glee) and, it goes without saying, it was beautiful. I especially loved that when she was done, Kurt was wiping a tear from his eye!
April didn't completely win the glee kids over, though, so Will encouraged her to try harder. This lead to some of Kristin's funniest work ever, as April encouraged Kurt to drink before school to boost his confidence (and gave him her vintage collection of muscle magazines!), taught Mercedes and Tina how to shop lift, and visited Puck and another of the football players in glee in the team shower!
Later, Will told April how much he'd always regretted never having sung with her, so she took him into the bar at the bowling alley and they did a fantastic duet of Heart's Alone. Kristin and Matthew Morrison sounded so great together.
Of course, Will eventually realized what a bad influence April was on the kids and, after she showed up drunk for their big show (but still managed to do a kick ass version of Carrie Underwood's Last Name), Will let her go. April had already figured out that she didn't really belong there, though, and that as good as it felt being in the spotlight again, she'd realized after the performance that she was taking it away from one of the kids. It was a nice way to wrap up her stint on the show and let Kristin show off more of an emotional side to go along with all the hilarity.
I've already purchased all three of Kristin's Glee song on iTunes and I'm sure they'll be at the top of my playlist in no time at all.
With all of that said, I was sad to see that Jane Lynch's Sue Sylvester only had one scene in the episode. I would have loved for her to have a scene with Kristin!
I should also say that I really don't want to see Glee become all about the big guest star of the week, so even though I completely adored tonight's show, I hope they make appearances like this an occasional, special thing and not a weekly, Will & Grace type of thing.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On His Way to the Top
You may remember that a few months back, I had a little crush on this guy who was on a some sort of a singing competition TV show. I'd never watched the show before, but after catching this guy's audition completely by chance I was an instant fan, and it only got better with each passing week.
I'm talking, of course, about Adam Lambert, the runner up on this year's season of American Idol. I haven't mentioned Adam here on the blog since he 'came out' (or, more accurately, confirmed that he was never in) via a cover story in Rolling Stone magazine right after the end of the show, but I've spent the months since anticipating the release of his first album.
Apparently, I'm not the only one. Even though it won't be released until November 24, the advanced purchases have already placed it at number two on Amazon.com sales charts. This happened without any kind of press release or pre-sale push from his record company, either!
Pretty amazing stuff, but then Adam is incredibly talented, as he proved week after week on live TV, and it earned him a lot of fans. I can't wait to hear what he's done for the album and I'm hoping I'll get the chance to see him in concert at some point in the near future, since I avoided the Idol tour.
The above is a recent picture of Adam and his boyfriend, Drake Labry, after attending a Pink concert. Just imagine how amazing is it going to be when Adam is topping the charts as an openly gay artist!
I'm talking, of course, about Adam Lambert, the runner up on this year's season of American Idol. I haven't mentioned Adam here on the blog since he 'came out' (or, more accurately, confirmed that he was never in) via a cover story in Rolling Stone magazine right after the end of the show, but I've spent the months since anticipating the release of his first album.
Apparently, I'm not the only one. Even though it won't be released until November 24, the advanced purchases have already placed it at number two on Amazon.com sales charts. This happened without any kind of press release or pre-sale push from his record company, either!
Pretty amazing stuff, but then Adam is incredibly talented, as he proved week after week on live TV, and it earned him a lot of fans. I can't wait to hear what he's done for the album and I'm hoping I'll get the chance to see him in concert at some point in the near future, since I avoided the Idol tour.
The above is a recent picture of Adam and his boyfriend, Drake Labry, after attending a Pink concert. Just imagine how amazing is it going to be when Adam is topping the charts as an openly gay artist!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Broadway Flea Market
I apologize for the lack of blogging over the weekend. I intended to write about last week's Kish and Nuke episodes, but I ended up going away for the weekend at the last minute. It was a lot of fun, but now I'm behind on my soaps once again. I'm hoping to get caught up on them over the next few days, both in watching and in blogging.
I meant to mention this before the fact, but Van Hansis and other stars of As the World Turns attended the Broadway Flea Market yesterday, an annual event which benefits Brodway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
An event filled with stars of Broadway and the soaps, and all for a great cause! That's the sort of thing I would be all over if I lived anywhere near NYC. This year, they raised an incredible $403,929 for the cause.
One of these days I'm going to quit just wishing I lived in/near NYC and actually make it a reality.
I meant to mention this before the fact, but Van Hansis and other stars of As the World Turns attended the Broadway Flea Market yesterday, an annual event which benefits Brodway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
An event filled with stars of Broadway and the soaps, and all for a great cause! That's the sort of thing I would be all over if I lived anywhere near NYC. This year, they raised an incredible $403,929 for the cause.
One of these days I'm going to quit just wishing I lived in/near NYC and actually make it a reality.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Glee Does it Again
With each new episode of Glee, I come away convinced that the show has reached a new high that it will be hard to top. Last night was no exception, filled as it was with more hilarious one liners from Sue Sylvester and a riotously funny climax where the entire football team busts a move on the field to Beyonce.
Best of all, though, was Kurt. After last week's amazing episode, I didn't think Chris Colfer could possibly impress me more than he already had, but I was wrong.
Last night's episode started with Kurt and two friends recording themselves doing the choreography from Beyonce's Single Ladies video (for Youtube, perhaps?) before being interrupted by Kurt's father.
This was the first time we'd seen his dad, though we found out last week that he'd given Kurt a new car in exchange for a promise to stop wearing form fitting sweaters that stop at the knee. We also knew that he had later taken said car away after discovering Kurt's tiara collection. So, we were obviously prepared for someone who wasn't very accepting of the person his son is.
When his dad walked in on the Single Ladies dance, Kurt tried to get him to believe that the unitard he was wearing was all the rage with jocks as work out gear and one of his friends 'helped' by claiming that Kurt was on the football team now, as a kicker.
Later in the episode, Kurt approached Finn after Glee rehearsal. Before Kurt could ask him his favor, Finn jumped to conclusions and told him that he already had a date to prom but was flattered, since he knew dances were important to teen gays. This could have been done in a mean spirited way, but instead it was perfect, showing Finn to be not only at ease with Kurt's sexuality but with the fact that Kurt might even be interested in him.
Kurt quickly denied that he was gay, though, and then said he just need to ask for a favor. The next scenes were on the football field, where we found out that the two guys had been 'rehearsing' together for Kurt's 'audition' as kicker, which was about to take place.
To the derisive laughter of the team, Kurt started in on his 'warm up', which was the Single Ladies dance routine, only culminating this time in a perfect field goal at the end, which shut the team right up. The coach quickly announced that they'd found their new kicker, while Kurt gave a beauty queen wave to the team. It was beyond hilarious. I watched those scenes three times before I even finished watching the rest of the episode, I loved them so much.
Later, for his own reasons, Finn asked Mr. Schuster to help loosen up the losing football team by teaching them to dance, which lead to Kurt teaching them the Single Ladies routine during practice. When the game finally arrived, the team was losing 6 to nothing before Finn convinced the guys to do their 'ring on it' play.
As the other team watched in amazed confusion and the stands went crazy with dancing of their own, the football team did the Single Ladies routine before Finn made a pass to his buddy Puck and they scored a touchdown. Then, of course, it was up to Kurt, who kicked the winning field goal as his dad went wild with pride in the stands.
Of course, it's only in the movies or on TV that anything like this could ever possibly happen, but that doesn't make it any less wonderful to watch.
The best was yet to come, though. At the end of the episode, Kurt's dad told him how proud he was of him. Kurt was glad that he'd made his dad proud, but said that he had to tell him something, that he couldn't lie anymore. Being in glee and in football had shown him that he could be anything- "And what I am is... I'm gay."
Again, Chris Colfer played this scene so perfectly. Kurt's fear in saying those words to his father was crystal clear, as was his determination that they finally be said. The way he said 'gay', suddenly softer than the rest of his speech as if he was stumbling over the word itself, was somehow right on the mark.
Surprisingly, Kurt's dad was accepting. He told Kurt that he'd known since his son was three years old and only wanted a 'pair of sensible heels' for his birthday! He said that he didn't love the idea, but that if it was who Kurt was, he couldn't do anything about it and still loved him just as much. He did pause to ask if Kurt was sure, though, as if there might still be a glimmer of hope that his son was just confused.
At first, it seemed like this reaction was a bit too implausible, given what we knew about Kurt's dad from last week: that he'd bribe his son to, essentially, dress less 'gay'. But I think the real clue to his character came when he was watching Kurt take the field to kick the ball during the game. Kurt's father looked almost afraid and said to himself "He's so little."
I think, then, that anything he might have done to try and make sure his son fit in more with the rest of the guys at school was out of fear that he'd end up hurt if he didn't. The end of the show demonstrated that this is a father who, though he doesn't really understand his child at all, still loves him very much and accepts him because he can't change him. That certainly sends a great message.
Kurt and his Dad nearly moved me to tears, after another episode that had me laughing out loud for most of the hour. Glee does this mixture of hilarity and heart so well that they've already ruined me for other shows. This is hands down my favorite series on the air.
The best part is that with each passing week, the characters are given more depth. Kurt, of course, over the past two episodes has grown into a fully realized character, but even the supporting cast is beginning to move beyond their own high school stereotype. For instance, two of the teen 'villains' on the show, football player Puck and cheerleader Quinn, were both made a bit more human by their own stories this week.
This show has it all at the moment: an incredibly talented cast (especially, it must be said again, Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester!) and fantastic writers.
As you can imagine, I'm more than a little bit excited for next week, when Kristin Chenoweth guest stars! Just when it seemed Glee couldn't get any better!
Best of all, though, was Kurt. After last week's amazing episode, I didn't think Chris Colfer could possibly impress me more than he already had, but I was wrong.
Last night's episode started with Kurt and two friends recording themselves doing the choreography from Beyonce's Single Ladies video (for Youtube, perhaps?) before being interrupted by Kurt's father.
This was the first time we'd seen his dad, though we found out last week that he'd given Kurt a new car in exchange for a promise to stop wearing form fitting sweaters that stop at the knee. We also knew that he had later taken said car away after discovering Kurt's tiara collection. So, we were obviously prepared for someone who wasn't very accepting of the person his son is.
When his dad walked in on the Single Ladies dance, Kurt tried to get him to believe that the unitard he was wearing was all the rage with jocks as work out gear and one of his friends 'helped' by claiming that Kurt was on the football team now, as a kicker.
Later in the episode, Kurt approached Finn after Glee rehearsal. Before Kurt could ask him his favor, Finn jumped to conclusions and told him that he already had a date to prom but was flattered, since he knew dances were important to teen gays. This could have been done in a mean spirited way, but instead it was perfect, showing Finn to be not only at ease with Kurt's sexuality but with the fact that Kurt might even be interested in him.
Kurt quickly denied that he was gay, though, and then said he just need to ask for a favor. The next scenes were on the football field, where we found out that the two guys had been 'rehearsing' together for Kurt's 'audition' as kicker, which was about to take place.
To the derisive laughter of the team, Kurt started in on his 'warm up', which was the Single Ladies dance routine, only culminating this time in a perfect field goal at the end, which shut the team right up. The coach quickly announced that they'd found their new kicker, while Kurt gave a beauty queen wave to the team. It was beyond hilarious. I watched those scenes three times before I even finished watching the rest of the episode, I loved them so much.
Later, for his own reasons, Finn asked Mr. Schuster to help loosen up the losing football team by teaching them to dance, which lead to Kurt teaching them the Single Ladies routine during practice. When the game finally arrived, the team was losing 6 to nothing before Finn convinced the guys to do their 'ring on it' play.
As the other team watched in amazed confusion and the stands went crazy with dancing of their own, the football team did the Single Ladies routine before Finn made a pass to his buddy Puck and they scored a touchdown. Then, of course, it was up to Kurt, who kicked the winning field goal as his dad went wild with pride in the stands.
Of course, it's only in the movies or on TV that anything like this could ever possibly happen, but that doesn't make it any less wonderful to watch.
The best was yet to come, though. At the end of the episode, Kurt's dad told him how proud he was of him. Kurt was glad that he'd made his dad proud, but said that he had to tell him something, that he couldn't lie anymore. Being in glee and in football had shown him that he could be anything- "And what I am is... I'm gay."
Again, Chris Colfer played this scene so perfectly. Kurt's fear in saying those words to his father was crystal clear, as was his determination that they finally be said. The way he said 'gay', suddenly softer than the rest of his speech as if he was stumbling over the word itself, was somehow right on the mark.
Surprisingly, Kurt's dad was accepting. He told Kurt that he'd known since his son was three years old and only wanted a 'pair of sensible heels' for his birthday! He said that he didn't love the idea, but that if it was who Kurt was, he couldn't do anything about it and still loved him just as much. He did pause to ask if Kurt was sure, though, as if there might still be a glimmer of hope that his son was just confused.
At first, it seemed like this reaction was a bit too implausible, given what we knew about Kurt's dad from last week: that he'd bribe his son to, essentially, dress less 'gay'. But I think the real clue to his character came when he was watching Kurt take the field to kick the ball during the game. Kurt's father looked almost afraid and said to himself "He's so little."
I think, then, that anything he might have done to try and make sure his son fit in more with the rest of the guys at school was out of fear that he'd end up hurt if he didn't. The end of the show demonstrated that this is a father who, though he doesn't really understand his child at all, still loves him very much and accepts him because he can't change him. That certainly sends a great message.
Kurt and his Dad nearly moved me to tears, after another episode that had me laughing out loud for most of the hour. Glee does this mixture of hilarity and heart so well that they've already ruined me for other shows. This is hands down my favorite series on the air.
The best part is that with each passing week, the characters are given more depth. Kurt, of course, over the past two episodes has grown into a fully realized character, but even the supporting cast is beginning to move beyond their own high school stereotype. For instance, two of the teen 'villains' on the show, football player Puck and cheerleader Quinn, were both made a bit more human by their own stories this week.
This show has it all at the moment: an incredibly talented cast (especially, it must be said again, Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester!) and fantastic writers.
As you can imagine, I'm more than a little bit excited for next week, when Kristin Chenoweth guest stars! Just when it seemed Glee couldn't get any better!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Amanda Returns!
Some good news for fans of the original Melrose Place: Heather Locklear will be reprising her role as Amanda Woodward on the new series this November 17th. It was pretty much inevitable that Amanda would be back at some point, given that she was the signature character of the first show, but I'm glad that it's going to be sooner rather than later.
I thought the second episode of the show, which aired last week, was better than the pilot, and not just because we got to meet the show's gay character, Caleb, played by the yummy Victor Webster. We didn't see very much of him, mind you, but maybe that will change in upcoming episodes.
For now, I'm just excited to see Heather Locklear back in Amanda's designer pumps! It will be interesting to see how she fits in with the current cast.
I thought the second episode of the show, which aired last week, was better than the pilot, and not just because we got to meet the show's gay character, Caleb, played by the yummy Victor Webster. We didn't see very much of him, mind you, but maybe that will change in upcoming episodes.
For now, I'm just excited to see Heather Locklear back in Amanda's designer pumps! It will be interesting to see how she fits in with the current cast.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Future of Soaps?
Last Friday marked the end of the longest running program on the air in the United States in any medium: the 72 year old daytime soap Guiding Light. The show aired on radio for its first nineteen years, from 1937 to 1956, before making its television debut on CBS and remaining on the air a further fifty three years.
Some thought that the show might live on in another form, perhaps being the first soap to transition to airing online only. Sadly, for the fans of the show, this didn't happen and the Light went out after over seven decades of drama.
Many are seeing the loss of this daytime legend as the final nail in the coffin for daytime soaps, and they could well be right. Ten years from now, there may not be a single soap airing on any of the networks. I'm hoping that won't be the case, but things do look pretty grim.
That doesn't mean, however, that the soap opera genre is dying out. Guiding Light star Crystal Chappell (who played the Olivia half of lesbian couple Otalia, and will soon be returning to the role of Carly Manning on Days of Our Lives) has announced a new online show she's producing and starring in, entitled Venice. It will star several of her former Guiding Light co-stars, as well as the fantastic Hillary B. Smith, who plays Nora on One Life to Live.
Not long after, former As the World Turns (and, more recently, General Hospital) star Martha Byrne announced her latest project: Gotham: The Series. In addition to Byrne, the new online show will star her old As The World Turns co-stars Michael Park and Anne Sayre, as well as several unknowns.
It's not original to note that online programming could be the future of entertainment, of course, but where soaps are concerned, it may truly end up being the primary place for the entire genre. As it is now, even many fans of current soaps follow them online in one form or another. The networks haven't added a new soap to their line ups since Passions debuted a full ten years ago, and there's no sign that they ever will again.
The medium of online programming is new and as uncertain, just as television was back when Guiding Light first made that transition from radio. Soaps were some of the first shows to truly make a mark in that new medium, and maybe they will be in this new one as well.
Some thought that the show might live on in another form, perhaps being the first soap to transition to airing online only. Sadly, for the fans of the show, this didn't happen and the Light went out after over seven decades of drama.
Many are seeing the loss of this daytime legend as the final nail in the coffin for daytime soaps, and they could well be right. Ten years from now, there may not be a single soap airing on any of the networks. I'm hoping that won't be the case, but things do look pretty grim.
That doesn't mean, however, that the soap opera genre is dying out. Guiding Light star Crystal Chappell (who played the Olivia half of lesbian couple Otalia, and will soon be returning to the role of Carly Manning on Days of Our Lives) has announced a new online show she's producing and starring in, entitled Venice. It will star several of her former Guiding Light co-stars, as well as the fantastic Hillary B. Smith, who plays Nora on One Life to Live.
Not long after, former As the World Turns (and, more recently, General Hospital) star Martha Byrne announced her latest project: Gotham: The Series. In addition to Byrne, the new online show will star her old As The World Turns co-stars Michael Park and Anne Sayre, as well as several unknowns.
It's not original to note that online programming could be the future of entertainment, of course, but where soaps are concerned, it may truly end up being the primary place for the entire genre. As it is now, even many fans of current soaps follow them online in one form or another. The networks haven't added a new soap to their line ups since Passions debuted a full ten years ago, and there's no sign that they ever will again.
The medium of online programming is new and as uncertain, just as television was back when Guiding Light first made that transition from radio. Soaps were some of the first shows to truly make a mark in that new medium, and maybe they will be in this new one as well.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thoughts on the Primetime Emmy Awards
The 61st annual Primetime Emmy Awards were on tonight and since I love awards shows, I thought I'd share my thought about the proceedings with you. If it turns into a love letter to Neil Patrick Harris in blog form... well, can you really blame me?
I liked his opening number, although it wasn't nearly as good as his closing number from this year's Tony Awards. Still, he looked fantastic and sounded great. He's pretty much the perfect award show host, and probably the world's most perfect gay man. He should be cloned so that in the future, we can all have our own NPH.
The way they divided up the awards by genre this year was an interesting touch. I thought that worked out pretty well, especially since it allowed me to just skip right past all the reality show awards in just a few seconds.
The very first award was for Supporting Actress in a comedy and I really, really wanted Kristin Chenoweth to win, not only because I completely adore her and thought she was amazing as Olive Snook, but because Pushing Daisies was such a fantastic show and it really deserved at least one major award.
When they called her name as the winner, I'm sure my neighbors must have thought I was either losing my mind or having really great sex. I mean, why else would I be shouting "Yes! Yes! Yes!" so loudly?
Her tearful and hilarious acceptance speech just summed up why I love her so much. Someone give the woman a lead part in her own show, please!
The next award was Best Supporting actor in a comedy and of course I wanted Neil Patrick Harris to win for his great work on How I Met Your Mother. Plus, he and his partner, David, looked so great together sitting in the audience and I really wanted to see a kiss between them when Neil's name was called.
Alas, it was not to be. It especially sucks that he lost to someone from Two and a Half Men. Ugh! At least it lead to some good comedic moments from NPH about being a sore loser.
I am glad that the Award for Best Actress in a Comedy went to Toni Collette (whose Australian accent always surprises me) for United States of Tara. I loved her performance and am still counting down the days until the show comes back for a second season. Like I said when the nominations were first announced, though, as comedic as the show is at times I'm still on the fence as to it being a comedy and not a drama.
After that award, there wasn't much I cared about in particular until Neil Patrick and Nathan Fillion's cameos as Dr. Horrible and Captain Hammer from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which was great. I loved the bit they did for the show tonight and the original source material.
I really like Jessica Lange, who won Best Actress in a Movie or Mini-Series. I think she's one of the most talented actresses in the business. That said, I wanted Sigourney Weaver to win for her fantastic work in Prayers For Bobby. Still, if someone else had to win, I'm glad it was Lange.
I like the recent trend of doing a live performance during the In Memoriam segments, and they got it right this time by not trying to show the singer and the clips of those who'd passed away all at the same time, which in past attempts meant not being able to see all the people they were honoring.
Honestly, most of the rest of the awards weren't really ones that I had any favorites for, so I don't have all that much to say about any of them.
It was disappointing to see 30 Rock win yet again for Best Comedy, though, especially against How I Met Your Mother in its first nomination. I like 30 Rock a lot, but the Emmys always seem to get in these ruts where they just honor one show over and over for several years and it just isn't fair. I also didn't think 30 Rock was quite as good this year, since they've started relying so heavily on guest stars.
Well, that's about it. I'm so thrilled for Kirstin Chenoweth! That was the best part of the night, other than NPH just being generally awesome. I hope he hosts the 62nd annual Emmy Awards and that Glee dominates the night next year!
I liked his opening number, although it wasn't nearly as good as his closing number from this year's Tony Awards. Still, he looked fantastic and sounded great. He's pretty much the perfect award show host, and probably the world's most perfect gay man. He should be cloned so that in the future, we can all have our own NPH.
The way they divided up the awards by genre this year was an interesting touch. I thought that worked out pretty well, especially since it allowed me to just skip right past all the reality show awards in just a few seconds.
The very first award was for Supporting Actress in a comedy and I really, really wanted Kristin Chenoweth to win, not only because I completely adore her and thought she was amazing as Olive Snook, but because Pushing Daisies was such a fantastic show and it really deserved at least one major award.
When they called her name as the winner, I'm sure my neighbors must have thought I was either losing my mind or having really great sex. I mean, why else would I be shouting "Yes! Yes! Yes!" so loudly?
Her tearful and hilarious acceptance speech just summed up why I love her so much. Someone give the woman a lead part in her own show, please!
The next award was Best Supporting actor in a comedy and of course I wanted Neil Patrick Harris to win for his great work on How I Met Your Mother. Plus, he and his partner, David, looked so great together sitting in the audience and I really wanted to see a kiss between them when Neil's name was called.
Alas, it was not to be. It especially sucks that he lost to someone from Two and a Half Men. Ugh! At least it lead to some good comedic moments from NPH about being a sore loser.
I am glad that the Award for Best Actress in a Comedy went to Toni Collette (whose Australian accent always surprises me) for United States of Tara. I loved her performance and am still counting down the days until the show comes back for a second season. Like I said when the nominations were first announced, though, as comedic as the show is at times I'm still on the fence as to it being a comedy and not a drama.
After that award, there wasn't much I cared about in particular until Neil Patrick and Nathan Fillion's cameos as Dr. Horrible and Captain Hammer from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which was great. I loved the bit they did for the show tonight and the original source material.
I really like Jessica Lange, who won Best Actress in a Movie or Mini-Series. I think she's one of the most talented actresses in the business. That said, I wanted Sigourney Weaver to win for her fantastic work in Prayers For Bobby. Still, if someone else had to win, I'm glad it was Lange.
I like the recent trend of doing a live performance during the In Memoriam segments, and they got it right this time by not trying to show the singer and the clips of those who'd passed away all at the same time, which in past attempts meant not being able to see all the people they were honoring.
Honestly, most of the rest of the awards weren't really ones that I had any favorites for, so I don't have all that much to say about any of them.
It was disappointing to see 30 Rock win yet again for Best Comedy, though, especially against How I Met Your Mother in its first nomination. I like 30 Rock a lot, but the Emmys always seem to get in these ruts where they just honor one show over and over for several years and it just isn't fair. I also didn't think 30 Rock was quite as good this year, since they've started relying so heavily on guest stars.
Well, that's about it. I'm so thrilled for Kirstin Chenoweth! That was the best part of the night, other than NPH just being generally awesome. I hope he hosts the 62nd annual Emmy Awards and that Glee dominates the night next year!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Kish: Steamy Kisses and a Painful Coming Out
Let's start Friday's scenes with the Kyle and Nick action, since their part of the show was incredibly hot! Kyle was alone in his motel room, reading the newspaper story about Fish again, when Nick showed up. Most tellingly, Kyle hid the newspaper under a chair before he answered the door.
Nick came bearing champagne to celebrate his, and I quote, hot boyfriend being admitted to med school. Kyle pointed out that actually he'd been re-admitted, and Nick said that his mom always wanted him to end up with a hot doctor. Nick then pulled Kyle into a hot kiss that looked something like this:
Their kissing continued as Nick unbuttoned Kyle's shirt and then the two of them moved towards the bed. As Nick kissed Kyle's neck, Kyle caught sight of Oliver's picture in the paper, peeking out from under the chair. Kyle pulled back, saying that he couldn't do this.
Nick wondered if it was something he'd said or done, but Kyle assured him that he was great. Why, then, was Kyle pulling away from him? Kyle covered, saying that he was on duty soon at the hospital, explaining that fourth year students are exturns who take medical histories, draw blood, things like that. (I thought he was finishing med school this year? Doesn't that mean seven years? Of course, this is a soap, so he'll be a full fledged doctor performing brain surgery next month!)
Nick pointed out that Kyle was an old hand at all of that, from his work at the lab, and started unbuttoning Kyle's shirt the rest of the way, saying that he should show up for his first day relaxed and focused. Again, very hot. I'd love it if they kept Nick around and paired him up with someone else.
When Kyle still put the brakes on, though, Nick said that there was something Kyle wasn't telling him and asked if this was about Oliver. Kyle insisted that he just couldn't be late to work and suggested that Nick hang out and wait for him, since he wouldn't be that long, and they could go out to dinner when he got back. Nick softened and agreed to stay, but as soon as Kyle was gone he spotted the paper under the chair and looked like he was going to cry. Out in the hall, Kyle looked like he was escaping from something that he just wasn't ready for.
Kyle and Nick aren't even the main couple the show is aiming for, and they've already had scenes that are pretty much hotter than anything we've seen in other gay soap stories, at least in a long while. Imagine how hot it will be when it's Kyle and Fish!
Now, on to the bigger, if far less hot, portion of the Kish story for Friday. We picked up right where we left off, with Fish's father having found the book. Oliver hastily said he could explain but his Dad, glancing at Cristian, said that he thought he understood already.
Fish looked like he'd just seen the light at the end of a very long tunnel as his father, who didn't seem at all upset, said that it wasn't much of a surprise and that they'd pretty much figured it anyway. Oliver looked so relieved and happy as he asked how they'd known, and my heart just hurt for him, knowing that his dad was actually talking about Cris.
George told his son that he wasn't blind and that when you'd been a cop as long as he had, you'd seen it all. Fish said he didn't know what to say and George said he didn't have to say anything, that it was as clear as day that Cristian was a homosexual. I loved the look on Cris's face as he was mistaken for gay in the second time in a few days. It's great that he's not actually bothered by this, I have to say.
Anyway, George said that things finally made sense, like Oliver not wanting them to come and visit. He'd been having a hard time ever since he'd moved in with Cristian.
Nick came bearing champagne to celebrate his, and I quote, hot boyfriend being admitted to med school. Kyle pointed out that actually he'd been re-admitted, and Nick said that his mom always wanted him to end up with a hot doctor. Nick then pulled Kyle into a hot kiss that looked something like this:
Their kissing continued as Nick unbuttoned Kyle's shirt and then the two of them moved towards the bed. As Nick kissed Kyle's neck, Kyle caught sight of Oliver's picture in the paper, peeking out from under the chair. Kyle pulled back, saying that he couldn't do this.
Nick wondered if it was something he'd said or done, but Kyle assured him that he was great. Why, then, was Kyle pulling away from him? Kyle covered, saying that he was on duty soon at the hospital, explaining that fourth year students are exturns who take medical histories, draw blood, things like that. (I thought he was finishing med school this year? Doesn't that mean seven years? Of course, this is a soap, so he'll be a full fledged doctor performing brain surgery next month!)
Nick pointed out that Kyle was an old hand at all of that, from his work at the lab, and started unbuttoning Kyle's shirt the rest of the way, saying that he should show up for his first day relaxed and focused. Again, very hot. I'd love it if they kept Nick around and paired him up with someone else.
When Kyle still put the brakes on, though, Nick said that there was something Kyle wasn't telling him and asked if this was about Oliver. Kyle insisted that he just couldn't be late to work and suggested that Nick hang out and wait for him, since he wouldn't be that long, and they could go out to dinner when he got back. Nick softened and agreed to stay, but as soon as Kyle was gone he spotted the paper under the chair and looked like he was going to cry. Out in the hall, Kyle looked like he was escaping from something that he just wasn't ready for.
Kyle and Nick aren't even the main couple the show is aiming for, and they've already had scenes that are pretty much hotter than anything we've seen in other gay soap stories, at least in a long while. Imagine how hot it will be when it's Kyle and Fish!
Now, on to the bigger, if far less hot, portion of the Kish story for Friday. We picked up right where we left off, with Fish's father having found the book. Oliver hastily said he could explain but his Dad, glancing at Cristian, said that he thought he understood already.
Fish looked like he'd just seen the light at the end of a very long tunnel as his father, who didn't seem at all upset, said that it wasn't much of a surprise and that they'd pretty much figured it anyway. Oliver looked so relieved and happy as he asked how they'd known, and my heart just hurt for him, knowing that his dad was actually talking about Cris.
George told his son that he wasn't blind and that when you'd been a cop as long as he had, you'd seen it all. Fish said he didn't know what to say and George said he didn't have to say anything, that it was as clear as day that Cristian was a homosexual. I loved the look on Cris's face as he was mistaken for gay in the second time in a few days. It's great that he's not actually bothered by this, I have to say.
Anyway, George said that things finally made sense, like Oliver not wanting them to come and visit. He'd been having a hard time ever since he'd moved in with Cristian.
Cristian: Because I'm gay?
George: Well look, no offense, but it's not as if he has a lock on his bedroom door. Anybody would feel uncomfortable.
Fish: I'm not uncomfortable, Dad.
George: You've been acting strange since you got here. (to Cris) Oliver was not raised that way.
Cris: What way is that?
George: Look, I know it's not politically correct, but I'm not going to apologize for it. Our family does not believe in the homosexual lifestyle.
George: Well look, no offense, but it's not as if he has a lock on his bedroom door. Anybody would feel uncomfortable.
Fish: I'm not uncomfortable, Dad.
George: You've been acting strange since you got here. (to Cris) Oliver was not raised that way.
Cris: What way is that?
George: Look, I know it's not politically correct, but I'm not going to apologize for it. Our family does not believe in the homosexual lifestyle.
George went on to tell Cris that he seemed like a good guy and that it was going to be hard to tell his parents that he was a homosexual. Cris wryly responded that some parents were worse than others.
George advised that he think twice before telling them, saying that he was going to break their hearts. Cris told him not to worry, and that his father had died when he was a kid.
George advised that he think twice before telling them, saying that he was going to break their hearts. Cris told him not to worry, and that his father had died when he was a kid.
George: That explains it.
Cristian: Explains what?!
George: Well, you never had anybody show you how to be a man. It's time to fix that. You know, we have a group at our church, meets every Sunday morning, and I'm sure you could find something like that in Llanview.
Cristian: So I can get fixed?
George: It's a sickness, son.
Cristian: Explains what?!
George: Well, you never had anybody show you how to be a man. It's time to fix that. You know, we have a group at our church, meets every Sunday morning, and I'm sure you could find something like that in Llanview.
Cristian: So I can get fixed?
George: It's a sickness, son.
The pain on Oliver's face as he listened to all of this, especially after having momentarily thought that his father was accepting him for who he was, completely broke my heart. Meanwhile, Cristian's growing anger at George's narrow minded bigotry totally endeared him to me more than ever before. Fish finally jumped in to tell his father that this was none of his business.
George: I'm trying to help your roommate.
Fish: You don't know anything about him!
George: Do you think he enjoys being like this?
Cristian: There's nothing wrong with me, sir! You know, as far as I'm concerned, you're the one with the problem.
George: You like living this lifestyle?
Cristian: It's not a lifestyle! Look, this is who I am, okay? And I'm not going to change for anyone. (turning to look at Fish) No one should have to change.
Fish: You don't know anything about him!
George: Do you think he enjoys being like this?
Cristian: There's nothing wrong with me, sir! You know, as far as I'm concerned, you're the one with the problem.
George: You like living this lifestyle?
Cristian: It's not a lifestyle! Look, this is who I am, okay? And I'm not going to change for anyone. (turning to look at Fish) No one should have to change.
George replied that that was too bad and then called his wife and son to his side, saying it was time to go. Fish asked where they were going and George said they were finding him a new apartment, that he wasn't staying with 'these people'. Fish protested, saying that he liked these people and George told him that he only thought he did.
Fish informed his dad that he was a grown man who didn't need his father telling him what to think. Cristian suggested that it was George and Barbara who needed to leave.
Fish informed his dad that he was a grown man who didn't need his father telling him what to think. Cristian suggested that it was George and Barbara who needed to leave.
George: I'm not going anywhere without my son.
Fish: Then stay! Stay, Dad, and let's talk about this.
George: There's nothing to talk about! Your roommate is a degenerate, he's going to hell.
Fish: So am I, then!
George: What?
Fish: Dad, Cris isn't gay. I am.
Fish: Then stay! Stay, Dad, and let's talk about this.
George: There's nothing to talk about! Your roommate is a degenerate, he's going to hell.
Fish: So am I, then!
George: What?
Fish: Dad, Cris isn't gay. I am.
Fish explained that he'd though he never tell them, but they'd found the book and it wasn't Cristian's. He told his parents how Cris had bought the book for him because he'd seen how scared Fish was of telling his parents the truth.
George told his son that he was a good guy for trying to help his roommate, but that lying wasn't the way to do it.
George: Enough! I know who Oliver is.
Fish: No, Dad, you don't. But Mom does.
George told his son that he was a good guy for trying to help his roommate, but that lying wasn't the way to do it.
George: He's got to stand up like a man and he's got to do it himself.
Fish: I'm doing this for myself!
George: What, saying that you're a homosexual?
Fish: I was always afraid to. Cris and Layla are basically the first people that I've ever told. Dad, I'm gay.
Fish: I'm doing this for myself!
George: What, saying that you're a homosexual?
Fish: I was always afraid to. Cris and Layla are basically the first people that I've ever told. Dad, I'm gay.
George: They know about this?
Fish: Yeah, and they've been trying to help me ever since, even though I don't deserve it. Dad, I hurt so many people pretending to be something that I'm not. But I can't pretend any more.
Layla jumped in to say that after the shock wore off, they'd see that Fish was the same person he'd always been. George informed her that she didn't know anything about his son.
George: Enough! I know who Oliver is.
Fish: No, Dad, you don't. But Mom does.
Barbara had been silent for the entire episode until this point and was in fact standing off to the side, reading the framed front page extolling her son's bravery and courage. From the moment they found the book, it was clear from the look on her face that she, unlike her husband, knew exactly what was going on.
George: What is he talking about, Barbara?
Fish: Tell him, Mom. He won't listen to me, but he'll listen to you. Tell him the truth.
Fish: Tell him, Mom. He won't listen to me, but he'll listen to you. Tell him the truth.
Barbara claimed not to know what Oliver was talking about and Oliver told her that it was okay, that he'd tried to forget, too.
Barbara: There's nothing to forget.
George: What's he talking about Barbara?
Fish: I was a senior in college and you and Dad came up for parents weekend.
George: Yeah, I remember. We got up at five thirty to make the drive.
Fish: You wanted to take a nap at the hotel before my game and I told you I was going to the library to study.
George: What does this have to do with anything?
Fish: Mom forgot her gloves, and when she came back... You walked in on me and Kyle.
George: While I was at the hotel?
Fish (starting to cry): And you looked at me like I was a complete stranger. And then you took off.
George: Barb?
Fish: You know, I broke up with Kyle that day. And ever since, you and me have pretended that it didn't happen. And I can't do that anymore. Can you?
Wow. Knowing that this is the actual reason that Fish broke up with Kyle, that it wasn't just some tenuous worry that someone would find out eventually, completely changes my perception of their past. I can see how something like that would send Fish running more deeply into the closet than ever before.
George insisted that Barbara tell him that this had never happened, while Fish begged her to tell the truth, promising that it would be a relief. Barbara finally admitted that she'd thought it had been a phase that her son would grow out of. Upon hearing this, George left the apartment without saying another word. Barbara followed, telling her son that she was sorry. Fish was left crying in the doorway, his worst fears having been realized.
Poor Fish! Still, they were great scenes and made all the more interesting by the fact that Barbara is being played by Scott Evans' real life mother. Scott himself did a fantastic job.
Once again, I can't wait to see what happens next with this story. Let's not end on a down note, though. How about another picture or two of Nick and Kyle's (Nyle? Kick?) steamy kiss?
George: What's he talking about Barbara?
Fish: I was a senior in college and you and Dad came up for parents weekend.
George: Yeah, I remember. We got up at five thirty to make the drive.
Fish: You wanted to take a nap at the hotel before my game and I told you I was going to the library to study.
George: What does this have to do with anything?
Fish: Mom forgot her gloves, and when she came back... You walked in on me and Kyle.
George: While I was at the hotel?
Fish (starting to cry): And you looked at me like I was a complete stranger. And then you took off.
George: Barb?
Fish: You know, I broke up with Kyle that day. And ever since, you and me have pretended that it didn't happen. And I can't do that anymore. Can you?
Wow. Knowing that this is the actual reason that Fish broke up with Kyle, that it wasn't just some tenuous worry that someone would find out eventually, completely changes my perception of their past. I can see how something like that would send Fish running more deeply into the closet than ever before.
George insisted that Barbara tell him that this had never happened, while Fish begged her to tell the truth, promising that it would be a relief. Barbara finally admitted that she'd thought it had been a phase that her son would grow out of. Upon hearing this, George left the apartment without saying another word. Barbara followed, telling her son that she was sorry. Fish was left crying in the doorway, his worst fears having been realized.
Poor Fish! Still, they were great scenes and made all the more interesting by the fact that Barbara is being played by Scott Evans' real life mother. Scott himself did a fantastic job.
Once again, I can't wait to see what happens next with this story. Let's not end on a down note, though. How about another picture or two of Nick and Kyle's (Nyle? Kick?) steamy kiss?
Kish: Booked!
Thursday's Kish scenes started with Fish reading aloud a point from the book Cris gave him: that he should remind his parents that they'd loved him the day before he came out and that he was still the same person today that he was then. And who, Fish wondered, is that? Poor Fish, imagine not even being sure of who you are!
Layla came home and found Oliver reading the book. She was pleased and asked if that meant he was going to tell his parents. Fish said no and then mentioned a story from the book about a guy whose parents had thrown him a party after he came out. Layla started to suggest that his parents could surprise him the same way, but Oliver said that was more like something Kyle's parents would do.
Layla wondered how Kyle's parents had reacted to his coming out and Fish told her that his parents had actually been the ones to tell him he was gay! He explained that they'd always made a point of inviting their gay friends over when he was growing up to show him how okay they'd be with him being gay. When Kyle still didn't tell them, they finally sat him down and told him that they'd known since he was a kid and had always loved him. Awww! I love that! I wonder if we'll ever meet them?
Layla and Fish both expressed the wish that they'd had Kyle's parents and then Layla asked if Fish had talked to Kyle lately. Oliver told her that Kyle didn't want anything to do with him and was seeing a new guy who took up all his time. Fish said that Kyle was finally getting his life back on track and that he couldn't be happier for him.
Layla suggested that Fish should move on as well, pointing out that it would be really great not to have any secrets from his family any more. Fish agreed that it would be great, but said that just the thought of saying the words was impossible. Layla reminded him that he still had a day to think it over before his parents arrived.
At the Buenos Dias, Cristian was chatting with George and Barbara Fish (great name choices, calling to mind a certain pair of former White House dwellers). When they realized that he was their son's roommate, Barbara said that she should have recognized him from his muscles, since Oliver told her that Cris worked out a lot. The look on Cristian's face was priceless!
George and Babs wanted to go straight to the apartment and Cris tried to give Fish a bit of warning by saying that the place was a mess and that he should call first to warn Oliver to pick up a bit. They insisted on surprising their son, though, and asked Cris to lead the way. Uh, wasn't Cris covering the diner for his mother? Couldn't he have just given them directions, using the very true excuse that he was working, and then called Fish when they were gone? But, I won't quibble too much over the little things, given how fantastic this story is overall. Besides, this is Cris, so he probably just forgot why he was there in the first place.
Back at the apartment, Fish was worrying that Layla had to be sick of hearing about Kyle and his parents and all this 'gay stuff'. He apologized once again for the way he'd treated her and said that he wished he could look her in the eyes without feeling like a complete jackass. Layla told him that she'd forgiven him and was moving on, and that he needed to forgive himself. Not just for what he'd done to her, but for making himself so unhappy for so long. Fish wondered how he was supposed to do that and Layla suggested that he start by doing fewer things to feel guilty about, like hiding the truth from his parents.
At that moment, of course, Cris arrived with the Fishes in tow and Oliver looked more frightened than surprised at their unexpected arrival, though he quickly recovered and greeted them.
His parents said they wanted to take him, Cristian, and Layla out to dinner and wondered when they were going to get to meet her. Fish awkwardly introduced her, to George and Barbara's obvious discomfort. Babs then actually said that they didn't realize that Layla was... you know... black!
Honestly, I'd wondered about that. Fish had described his father as being so old school that he didn't think women should be allowed on the police force, so I had to wonder if they'd be okay with an interracial relationship. Poor Oliver, he really doesn't stand a chance with them.
Fish asked what difference it made that Layla was African American and his parents quickly said that it didn't, just that they were surprised and that their son should have told them more about her.
Fish reminded them of all the great stuff he'd told them about Layla, and Barbara apologized for her reaction, saying that the heart wants what it wants. Layla said that they should have seen her own mother's face the first time she brought home a white guy (earning her a strange look from Cristian, I might add) and then George noted how different things are for kids today than from when he and the wife were growing up.
Barbara started telling Layla that she wanted to know everything- how she'd met Oliver, where she goes to church, how Oliver had asked her to be his girlfriend- and Fish jumped in to declare that Layla wasn't his girlfriend, that they'd broken up.
Fish explained that he would have told his parents sooner, but he just wasn't sure how. George then used the platitude that many parents don't actually mean- You can tell us anything! Cris and Layla tried to make a run for it at that point, but Oliver asked them to stay.
He told his parents that there was a lot he'd been leaving out for a long time, and George asked if there was a reason he couldn't be straight with them. Fish was clearly struggling with what to say, so Layla jumped in to explain that she just wasn't the right person for their son. She and Cris went on to sing Oliver's praises for what an amazing guy he is and how lucky the person he ends up with will be.
Barbara wondered aloud why, if she felt that way, Layla herself wasn't 'the lucky one'. Mr. and Mrs. Fish offered to help with whatever relationship issues the two were having and Oliver finally seemed like he was about to take the biggest step of his life:
Layla came home and found Oliver reading the book. She was pleased and asked if that meant he was going to tell his parents. Fish said no and then mentioned a story from the book about a guy whose parents had thrown him a party after he came out. Layla started to suggest that his parents could surprise him the same way, but Oliver said that was more like something Kyle's parents would do.
Layla wondered how Kyle's parents had reacted to his coming out and Fish told her that his parents had actually been the ones to tell him he was gay! He explained that they'd always made a point of inviting their gay friends over when he was growing up to show him how okay they'd be with him being gay. When Kyle still didn't tell them, they finally sat him down and told him that they'd known since he was a kid and had always loved him. Awww! I love that! I wonder if we'll ever meet them?
Layla and Fish both expressed the wish that they'd had Kyle's parents and then Layla asked if Fish had talked to Kyle lately. Oliver told her that Kyle didn't want anything to do with him and was seeing a new guy who took up all his time. Fish said that Kyle was finally getting his life back on track and that he couldn't be happier for him.
Layla suggested that Fish should move on as well, pointing out that it would be really great not to have any secrets from his family any more. Fish agreed that it would be great, but said that just the thought of saying the words was impossible. Layla reminded him that he still had a day to think it over before his parents arrived.
At the Buenos Dias, Cristian was chatting with George and Barbara Fish (great name choices, calling to mind a certain pair of former White House dwellers). When they realized that he was their son's roommate, Barbara said that she should have recognized him from his muscles, since Oliver told her that Cris worked out a lot. The look on Cristian's face was priceless!
George and Babs wanted to go straight to the apartment and Cris tried to give Fish a bit of warning by saying that the place was a mess and that he should call first to warn Oliver to pick up a bit. They insisted on surprising their son, though, and asked Cris to lead the way. Uh, wasn't Cris covering the diner for his mother? Couldn't he have just given them directions, using the very true excuse that he was working, and then called Fish when they were gone? But, I won't quibble too much over the little things, given how fantastic this story is overall. Besides, this is Cris, so he probably just forgot why he was there in the first place.
Back at the apartment, Fish was worrying that Layla had to be sick of hearing about Kyle and his parents and all this 'gay stuff'. He apologized once again for the way he'd treated her and said that he wished he could look her in the eyes without feeling like a complete jackass. Layla told him that she'd forgiven him and was moving on, and that he needed to forgive himself. Not just for what he'd done to her, but for making himself so unhappy for so long. Fish wondered how he was supposed to do that and Layla suggested that he start by doing fewer things to feel guilty about, like hiding the truth from his parents.
At that moment, of course, Cris arrived with the Fishes in tow and Oliver looked more frightened than surprised at their unexpected arrival, though he quickly recovered and greeted them.
His parents said they wanted to take him, Cristian, and Layla out to dinner and wondered when they were going to get to meet her. Fish awkwardly introduced her, to George and Barbara's obvious discomfort. Babs then actually said that they didn't realize that Layla was... you know... black!
Honestly, I'd wondered about that. Fish had described his father as being so old school that he didn't think women should be allowed on the police force, so I had to wonder if they'd be okay with an interracial relationship. Poor Oliver, he really doesn't stand a chance with them.
Fish asked what difference it made that Layla was African American and his parents quickly said that it didn't, just that they were surprised and that their son should have told them more about her.
Fish reminded them of all the great stuff he'd told them about Layla, and Barbara apologized for her reaction, saying that the heart wants what it wants. Layla said that they should have seen her own mother's face the first time she brought home a white guy (earning her a strange look from Cristian, I might add) and then George noted how different things are for kids today than from when he and the wife were growing up.
Barbara started telling Layla that she wanted to know everything- how she'd met Oliver, where she goes to church, how Oliver had asked her to be his girlfriend- and Fish jumped in to declare that Layla wasn't his girlfriend, that they'd broken up.
Fish explained that he would have told his parents sooner, but he just wasn't sure how. George then used the platitude that many parents don't actually mean- You can tell us anything! Cris and Layla tried to make a run for it at that point, but Oliver asked them to stay.
He told his parents that there was a lot he'd been leaving out for a long time, and George asked if there was a reason he couldn't be straight with them. Fish was clearly struggling with what to say, so Layla jumped in to explain that she just wasn't the right person for their son. She and Cris went on to sing Oliver's praises for what an amazing guy he is and how lucky the person he ends up with will be.
Barbara wondered aloud why, if she felt that way, Layla herself wasn't 'the lucky one'. Mr. and Mrs. Fish offered to help with whatever relationship issues the two were having and Oliver finally seemed like he was about to take the biggest step of his life:
Fish: There's a little more to it that Layla didn't say. She left out some stuff to protect me.
Barbara: Protect you? From what?
Fish: I didn't want to tell you what had happened, because I thought that it might change your opinion of me. And that you might not... God, this is really hard.
Barbara: Maybe it would be best if we all sat down.
Fish: Yeah, okay. (they sit) Um, okay, here goes. Mom, Dad, um..
George: Wait, I'm sitting on something.
He was sitting, of course, on How to Tell Your Parent You're Gay and after he and his wife both read the title they looked at their son in... shock? terror? disbelief? Maybe all of the above. Apparently, the best use of the book is to just leave it where your parents will sit on it.
Barbara: Protect you? From what?
Fish: I didn't want to tell you what had happened, because I thought that it might change your opinion of me. And that you might not... God, this is really hard.
Barbara: Maybe it would be best if we all sat down.
Fish: Yeah, okay. (they sit) Um, okay, here goes. Mom, Dad, um..
George: Wait, I'm sitting on something.
He was sitting, of course, on How to Tell Your Parent You're Gay and after he and his wife both read the title they looked at their son in... shock? terror? disbelief? Maybe all of the above. Apparently, the best use of the book is to just leave it where your parents will sit on it.
Kish: Medals and Med School
Things were a bit quiet on the Kish front in the last couple of weeks. Fish was on in his capacity as a police officer for a big drug bust storyline, while Kyle hadn't been seen at all. That all changed this week, though, and their story is both thrilling and impressing me once again. I'm going to write up each of their episodes individually.
It started on Wednesday this week, with Fish's roommates surprising him with a breakfast celebration that included a framed copy of the front page of the newspaper which detailed his role in the drug bust. Fish had planned on celebrating by taking his very first day off since joining the force, but Layla told him that the Commissioner wanted to see him at the station.
Oliver quickly found a silver lining in the summons: at least working would keep his mind off the fact that his parents were arriving in town the next day to meet his new girlfriend. Cristian pointed out that Fish was a big hero now, but Oliver said that it didn't matter how heroic he was, his parents would still freak out if they ever found out he was gay.
Layla took that opportunity to present Fish with the book that Cristian had picked up for him. You remember, the one called How To Tell Your Parents You're Gay. Fish seemed taken aback that they thought he should come out to his parents at all (all that police work must have made him forget their conversation from a few weeks ago).
Cris shared the story of Carlotta seeing the book and thinking that Cris was gay. They all had a laugh over that, but Fish quickly asked if they'd told told her who it was really for, pointing out that Cris and Layla were the only two people who knew he was gay. They assured him that they hadn't said anything, but Layla asked if he really wanted to keep it a secret still.
Fish sort of side stepped the question by saying that with his parents, it didn't really matter how he told them since as soon as they heard the word gay they'd freak out. He did thank his friends for the book, though, and seemed genuinely touched by how they were trying to help him.
Across town, at the Buenos Dias, Kyle and his BFF Roxy were at last reunited onscreen, where they, too, were reading about the drug bust. Roxy spoke for all of us when she mentioned that she hadn't seen Kyle around in awhile. She'd wondered if that meant he was back together with Fish. Kyle said that was never going to happen and explained that he was dating another guy.
Roxy asked if the new guy was a keeper and Kyle, with an adorable grin on his face, said that he could be and that he was a good enough guy to make Kyle want to straighten up his act, so to speak. Kyle explained that he'd talked to the dean of the med school and managed to get readmitted and have his record expunged so that he could still graduate this year.
Roxy was thrilled for her friend but Kyle confessed that he just wished he could tell Oliver, explaining that Fish had warned the new guy Kyle was seeing that he was a loser. Roxy wondered if Fish was jealous and Kyle said that he was so deep in the closet that he actually thought he had a girlfriend.
Later, at the police station, Commissioner Buchanan held a press conference to honor the work of the special task force who'd helped bring down the drug ring (a drug ring, by the way, that was headed by the town Mayor!). Bo presented the heroes with medals, including our very own Oliver Fish. At the Buenos Dias, Kyle and Roxy were watching on TV and Brett Claywell managed to hit just the right note of pride mixed with sadness, using his facial expression alone.
Fish headed straight from the station to the Buenos Dias, where he and some of the guys from the station were going to be celebrating. A family diner seems an odd spot to choose for a police celebration, I have to say, unless of course you live in Mayberry.
As we all know, though, the real point was that he and Kyle run into each other, which they promptly did. Kyle told Fish how proud he was of him and said that he was sure Oliver's girlfriend was, too. Fish explained that she wasn't his girlfriend anymore and Kyle asked what had happened. Fish remained tight lipped, just saying that he was sure Kyle had a whole theory about that already.
Before they could talk any further, Kyle got a call on his cell phone and said that he had to take it- it was his boyfriend. Poor Fish! He looked so sad as Kyle walked out the door. Cris noticed it, too, and asked if he was okay. Oliver said that he'd decided to skip the whole celebration after all and Cris said the he should at least try and be proud of himself for five minutes!
Fish headed back to the apartment and started reading the book Cris got him. After he was gone, his parents showed up at the Buenos Dias and asked Cris for directions to his own apartment, mentioning that they were hoping to surprise their son. Here we go!
It started on Wednesday this week, with Fish's roommates surprising him with a breakfast celebration that included a framed copy of the front page of the newspaper which detailed his role in the drug bust. Fish had planned on celebrating by taking his very first day off since joining the force, but Layla told him that the Commissioner wanted to see him at the station.
Oliver quickly found a silver lining in the summons: at least working would keep his mind off the fact that his parents were arriving in town the next day to meet his new girlfriend. Cristian pointed out that Fish was a big hero now, but Oliver said that it didn't matter how heroic he was, his parents would still freak out if they ever found out he was gay.
Layla took that opportunity to present Fish with the book that Cristian had picked up for him. You remember, the one called How To Tell Your Parents You're Gay. Fish seemed taken aback that they thought he should come out to his parents at all (all that police work must have made him forget their conversation from a few weeks ago).
Cris shared the story of Carlotta seeing the book and thinking that Cris was gay. They all had a laugh over that, but Fish quickly asked if they'd told told her who it was really for, pointing out that Cris and Layla were the only two people who knew he was gay. They assured him that they hadn't said anything, but Layla asked if he really wanted to keep it a secret still.
Fish sort of side stepped the question by saying that with his parents, it didn't really matter how he told them since as soon as they heard the word gay they'd freak out. He did thank his friends for the book, though, and seemed genuinely touched by how they were trying to help him.
Across town, at the Buenos Dias, Kyle and his BFF Roxy were at last reunited onscreen, where they, too, were reading about the drug bust. Roxy spoke for all of us when she mentioned that she hadn't seen Kyle around in awhile. She'd wondered if that meant he was back together with Fish. Kyle said that was never going to happen and explained that he was dating another guy.
Roxy asked if the new guy was a keeper and Kyle, with an adorable grin on his face, said that he could be and that he was a good enough guy to make Kyle want to straighten up his act, so to speak. Kyle explained that he'd talked to the dean of the med school and managed to get readmitted and have his record expunged so that he could still graduate this year.
Roxy was thrilled for her friend but Kyle confessed that he just wished he could tell Oliver, explaining that Fish had warned the new guy Kyle was seeing that he was a loser. Roxy wondered if Fish was jealous and Kyle said that he was so deep in the closet that he actually thought he had a girlfriend.
Later, at the police station, Commissioner Buchanan held a press conference to honor the work of the special task force who'd helped bring down the drug ring (a drug ring, by the way, that was headed by the town Mayor!). Bo presented the heroes with medals, including our very own Oliver Fish. At the Buenos Dias, Kyle and Roxy were watching on TV and Brett Claywell managed to hit just the right note of pride mixed with sadness, using his facial expression alone.
Fish headed straight from the station to the Buenos Dias, where he and some of the guys from the station were going to be celebrating. A family diner seems an odd spot to choose for a police celebration, I have to say, unless of course you live in Mayberry.
As we all know, though, the real point was that he and Kyle run into each other, which they promptly did. Kyle told Fish how proud he was of him and said that he was sure Oliver's girlfriend was, too. Fish explained that she wasn't his girlfriend anymore and Kyle asked what had happened. Fish remained tight lipped, just saying that he was sure Kyle had a whole theory about that already.
Before they could talk any further, Kyle got a call on his cell phone and said that he had to take it- it was his boyfriend. Poor Fish! He looked so sad as Kyle walked out the door. Cris noticed it, too, and asked if he was okay. Oliver said that he'd decided to skip the whole celebration after all and Cris said the he should at least try and be proud of himself for five minutes!
Fish headed back to the apartment and started reading the book Cris got him. After he was gone, his parents showed up at the Buenos Dias and asked Cris for directions to his own apartment, mentioning that they were hoping to surprise their son. Here we go!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Great Scenes on Glee
I just finished watching this week's episode of Glee and I had to write about how impressed I was by Chris Colfer's performance as Kurt.
First of all, it was another great episode with enjoyable musical performances and laugh out loud moments. The incredible Victor Garber made his debut in the role of Will's father and their scenes together were perfect and surprisingly sweet.
Even the guest appearance by Josh Groban as himself (which I wasn't thrilled about beforehand, since I don't want to see this show become all about This Week's Special Musical Guest) turned out to be surprisingly funny, specifically in his second scene where he tried to pick up Will's alcoholic mother while speaking of himself in the third person.
I know that some are bothered by the character of Sandy (and I am, too), the closeted former Glee club teacher who was fired in the pilot for coming on to a male student, and who made a return appearance this week. I think the negative stereotype he represents is at least balanced out by Kurt and by Rachel having gay fathers, though, so it doesn't bother me as much as it would otherwise.
Besides, most of the characters on the show are comedic stereotypes to a certain degree, but there's a lot more to them, as we're finding out. Maybe Sandy will turn out the same way, though I'd also be more than fine if we just never saw him again since I don't think his particular stereotype is all that comedic.
Now, on to what I really loved about the episode.
Last week, I noted that I'd like to see the Glee kids, aside from Finn & Rachel, get some character development. I never really doubted it was coming, of course, since this was only the third episode of the series. I was just hoping it would be sooner rather than later. My wish was granted this week with Mercedes and Kurt's subplot, which lead to an unexpectedly moving scene.
The cheerleaders, or Cheerios as they're called, have infiltrated the Glee club on Sue Sylvester's orders, with the mission of bringing it down from within so that the cheer team can have its full budget restored. Sue, who was on the strike team that helped bring down Noriega in Panama (!), advised her girls to target the members of the club individually.
Mercedes and her friendship with Kurt was their first striking point, as they encouraged the lonely young woman to believe that there was a chance that Kurt could become more than just a friend.
Now, Kurt is written as someone that is pretty obviously gay: he's into fashion, he's in Glee club, he plans to take Mercedes to a Sound of Music sing along. It would be easy to assume that he's already out, but this is high school, the place where no one wants to stand out as different in any sense.
So, Mercedes quickly became enamored of Kurt, who thought they were just hanging out. Rachel and Tina tried to warn Mercedes, staging a 'gaytervention' to let her know that Kurt wasn't capable of returning her feelings, but Mercedes didn't want to hear it.
At a fundraising car wash, Mercedes pointed out that she and Kurt had been out three times already and asked if they should just make it official that they were dating. Kurt, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, admitted that he was in love with someone else. He was staring over her shoulder at Finn as he said this, but Mercedes thought he meant Rachel and Kurt quickly agreed that he'd loved Rachel for years.
This lead to Mercedes smashing his car window and performing a rousing fantasy rendition of Bust Your Windows before telling Kurt that he'd busted her heart.
Later in the episode, Mercedes apologized to Kurt for breaking the window and told him that he and Rachel would have cute, if loud, babies together. Kurt, clearly struggling with his feelings, admitted that he'd lied to her. He didn't like Rachel, he was gay.
Mercedes asked why he hadn't just told her, and he admitted that he'd never told anyone before. She told him not to be ashamed of who he was and that he should tell the kids in glee, at least, since the whole point of the club was to express what was inside of you.
Kurt told her that he couldn't do that, that he just wasn't that confident.
It's important to remember than even those whom the world pegs as gay from the start have to experience coming out and that it can be just as difficult for them as for anyone else. I thought these scenes were beautifully done (and clearly, Kurt's coming out process is far from over, so we'll be seeing more in future episodes) and Chris Colfer actually moved me to tears in the final scene between Kurt and Mercedes.
The way he played the scene was perfect, from Kurt's nervousness and fear, to the obvious catch in his voice as he said the word gay, and the pain in his eyes as he said that he couldn't tell anyone.
I've come to think of Glee as being fun and hilarious, but this was the first time that I saw how capable they are of delivering truly powerful moments on an emotional level as well. Each week, I love this show more and more.
A Programming Note
For the next two weeks or so, I'm going to be writing about gay soap storylines at the weekend, covering the whole week's events in a single post rather than on a daily basis. Things are too busy at the moment for me to do a same day write up of each episode.
I will still be blogging during the week on other topics, though. I just won't have the time to watch the shows until the weekend.
I will still be blogging during the week on other topics, though. I just won't have the time to watch the shows until the weekend.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pelosi Sounds a Warning
Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, sounded a warning today that I hope those in politics and those who make it their business to cover politics, will heed. Referencing the assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone back in 1978 and tying the nasty political climate of that period to the one we're going through at the moment, Pelosi had this to say:
Given some of the incredibly hateful things that are being said- and, more sadly still, believed by far too many as fact- about President Obama and others who are trying to improve the health care system in this country, Pelosi's warning comes at a pretty scary time. Will anyone pay the slightest bit of attention, though? Those in the business of stirring up this kind of hate don't seem to care what the results are, as long as it helps achieve their short term political goals.
I think most Americans are disgusted by the kind of hateful propaganda we've been seeing, but there is a core group out there all too ready to believe it, and who knows how many among them are capable of being driven to extremes by it? It's truly scary.
I wish people would step back and remember that no matter how passionate you feel about an issue, no matter how much you disagree with someone, you can do so in a civil way. So much of the political discourse in this country is so hateful and ugly, and instead of doing anything about it, we seem to have just accepted it and started looking the other way.
"I think we all have to take responsibility for our actions and our words. We are a free country and this balance between freedom and safety is one that we have to carefully balance. I saw...I saw this myself in San Francisco. This kind of rhetoric was very frightening and it gave—it created a climate in which violence took place. I wish that we all again would curb our enthusiasm in some of the statements that are made, with the understanding that some of the ears this is falling on are not as balanced as the person making the statement might assume."
Given some of the incredibly hateful things that are being said- and, more sadly still, believed by far too many as fact- about President Obama and others who are trying to improve the health care system in this country, Pelosi's warning comes at a pretty scary time. Will anyone pay the slightest bit of attention, though? Those in the business of stirring up this kind of hate don't seem to care what the results are, as long as it helps achieve their short term political goals.
I think most Americans are disgusted by the kind of hateful propaganda we've been seeing, but there is a core group out there all too ready to believe it, and who knows how many among them are capable of being driven to extremes by it? It's truly scary.
I wish people would step back and remember that no matter how passionate you feel about an issue, no matter how much you disagree with someone, you can do so in a civil way. So much of the political discourse in this country is so hateful and ugly, and instead of doing anything about it, we seem to have just accepted it and started looking the other way.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Single Man
How did I miss the news that Christopher Isherwood's novel, A Single Man, had finally been made into a film? There are many novels (and several of them are gay themed) that I'd love to see made into films, and A Single Man has long been near the top of that list.
I admit that I remember reading something about fashion designer Tom Ford directing a film, but either I never saw the title or it just didn't click with me.
I just read on AfterElton that the Weinstein Company is going to be distributing the film just in time for Oscar nominations and that it stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, a pretty good combination overall.
I loved Isherwood's novel. It was the first of his works that I ever read and at the time, knowing very little of Isherwood himself, I was amazed that such a moving novel about a gay man had been written way back in 1964. You may recall that last year I put it at number 6 on my list of the best gay novels ever.
In the time since I first read the novel, I've not only enjoyed more of Isherwood's work (including some of his published diaries, which I'm still reading off an on between other books), I've also seen Chris & Don: A Love Story, a documentary about Isherwood and his partner, Don Bachardy. Their relationship, which lasted for over thirty years, was never hidden in any sense during an era when being out was more or less unthinkable. It's a pretty amazing love story.
I can't wait to see the film version of A Single Man. Hopefully the film will also bring increased interest in Isherwood's novels. It has always made me sad that the bookstore chain I work for carries so few of them.
I admit that I remember reading something about fashion designer Tom Ford directing a film, but either I never saw the title or it just didn't click with me.
I just read on AfterElton that the Weinstein Company is going to be distributing the film just in time for Oscar nominations and that it stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, a pretty good combination overall.
I loved Isherwood's novel. It was the first of his works that I ever read and at the time, knowing very little of Isherwood himself, I was amazed that such a moving novel about a gay man had been written way back in 1964. You may recall that last year I put it at number 6 on my list of the best gay novels ever.
In the time since I first read the novel, I've not only enjoyed more of Isherwood's work (including some of his published diaries, which I'm still reading off an on between other books), I've also seen Chris & Don: A Love Story, a documentary about Isherwood and his partner, Don Bachardy. Their relationship, which lasted for over thirty years, was never hidden in any sense during an era when being out was more or less unthinkable. It's a pretty amazing love story.
I can't wait to see the film version of A Single Man. Hopefully the film will also bring increased interest in Isherwood's novels. It has always made me sad that the bookstore chain I work for carries so few of them.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nuke Day: Pratfalls and Boredom
There was a bit of Nuke action yesterday on As the World Turns. It started when Damian showed up at the Snyder place with a tree and the idea that they should plant it in Holden's memory. Luke thought it was a great idea and went to find Noah so that he could take part in the ceremony.
Noah and Luke met up in the park again (maybe someone should check and see if Java is still in business?) and Noah was eager to attend the tree planting, having missed Holden's actual funeral.
Luke and Noah spotted Mason nearing them on his bike and called out to him, which for some reason caused him to drive into the wooden fence alongside the trail and flip over it, which was just as awkwardly performed as it sounds.
Mason hurt his shoulder in the fall from his bike, so Luke and Noah discussed whether Noah should get Mason to the hospital or attend the tree planting. Noah finally hit upon the brilliant idea of taking Mason to the hospital and then leaving him there to go plant the tree. Ah, compromise.
Once at the hospital, Noah helped Mason take his shirt off (which wasn't nearly as gratuitous as I'd been hoping for, sadly) and made a little speech about all that Mason has done for him so far before making his exit. Mason seemed more than a little down about Noah's departure.
Let's take a minute to reflect on yet another wasted opportunity. This should have been a scene where Noah really noticed how attractive Mason is and where we, the viewers, got to see this as well. This scene should have really turned up the heat between these two for the first time. In a similar scene in a straight love triangle, I have no doubt that this would have been the case.
In fact, contrast it with a recent scene on One Life to Live, where the new straight triangle of Markko, Langston, and Ford kicked off with Langston observing an incredibly hot outdoor shower scene with new guy Ford. We viewers got the same treat and it was not only hot, it kicked off some real interest in a potential triangle.
This, though, with Mason and Noah, was just pathetic. Where was the heat? Noah is in a relationship, he's not dead. He barely reacted to seeing Mason shirtless and, since we the audience barely got to see anything, the scene kick started absolutely nothing.
Luke, meanwhile, had a talk with his sister Faith, who wanted to skip the tree planting because it was Damian's idea. Luke convinced her to attend for his sake by playing the 'you're the only one of my siblings old enough to really feel the same way I do about losing Dad and we need to help each other' card.
Noah showed up in time of the ceremony, which was about as exciting as you'd expect it to be, especially since it was inter cut with scenes of the very much alive Holden.
Noah rushed back to the hospital afterward to see how Mason was doing. It turned out that he'd just sprained his shoulder, but he told Noah that there were a few things that he wouldn't be able to do for himself while he healed. Noah readily agreed to help him with whatever he couldn't take care of himself (why does this sound like the beginning of a porn scene?) and Mason promised not to take advantage of Noah.
This earned him a funny look from Mr. Mayer, so he quickly amended it to a promise not to take advantage of Noah's kindness. He was also pleased that Noah had waited around, rather than going to be with Luke, but Noah corrected him on this just as Luke showed up himself. Mason couldn't have looked less pleased to see Luke if he'd tried.
The guys offered him a lift home, but Mason told them he'd called a cab. Noah reminded him to call 'us' if he needed anything and Mason watched the two walk away, looking as if his kitten had just been run over.
You know, I thought I would be more excited about the first all male love triangle on daytime, but so far, I'm having a hard time mustering up much interest. I like Forbes March, but I find that I just don't care very much about Mason at this point.
I've sat through a lot of terribly written stories because I'm a fan of Van Hansis and because of the incredible potential I saw in Luke's story at the beginning. It just gets harder and harder to make myself tune in to see that potential squandered week after week, though, especially when another soap is telling a gay story that is actually well written.
Noah and Luke met up in the park again (maybe someone should check and see if Java is still in business?) and Noah was eager to attend the tree planting, having missed Holden's actual funeral.
Luke and Noah spotted Mason nearing them on his bike and called out to him, which for some reason caused him to drive into the wooden fence alongside the trail and flip over it, which was just as awkwardly performed as it sounds.
Mason hurt his shoulder in the fall from his bike, so Luke and Noah discussed whether Noah should get Mason to the hospital or attend the tree planting. Noah finally hit upon the brilliant idea of taking Mason to the hospital and then leaving him there to go plant the tree. Ah, compromise.
Once at the hospital, Noah helped Mason take his shirt off (which wasn't nearly as gratuitous as I'd been hoping for, sadly) and made a little speech about all that Mason has done for him so far before making his exit. Mason seemed more than a little down about Noah's departure.
Let's take a minute to reflect on yet another wasted opportunity. This should have been a scene where Noah really noticed how attractive Mason is and where we, the viewers, got to see this as well. This scene should have really turned up the heat between these two for the first time. In a similar scene in a straight love triangle, I have no doubt that this would have been the case.
In fact, contrast it with a recent scene on One Life to Live, where the new straight triangle of Markko, Langston, and Ford kicked off with Langston observing an incredibly hot outdoor shower scene with new guy Ford. We viewers got the same treat and it was not only hot, it kicked off some real interest in a potential triangle.
This, though, with Mason and Noah, was just pathetic. Where was the heat? Noah is in a relationship, he's not dead. He barely reacted to seeing Mason shirtless and, since we the audience barely got to see anything, the scene kick started absolutely nothing.
Luke, meanwhile, had a talk with his sister Faith, who wanted to skip the tree planting because it was Damian's idea. Luke convinced her to attend for his sake by playing the 'you're the only one of my siblings old enough to really feel the same way I do about losing Dad and we need to help each other' card.
Noah showed up in time of the ceremony, which was about as exciting as you'd expect it to be, especially since it was inter cut with scenes of the very much alive Holden.
Noah rushed back to the hospital afterward to see how Mason was doing. It turned out that he'd just sprained his shoulder, but he told Noah that there were a few things that he wouldn't be able to do for himself while he healed. Noah readily agreed to help him with whatever he couldn't take care of himself (why does this sound like the beginning of a porn scene?) and Mason promised not to take advantage of Noah.
This earned him a funny look from Mr. Mayer, so he quickly amended it to a promise not to take advantage of Noah's kindness. He was also pleased that Noah had waited around, rather than going to be with Luke, but Noah corrected him on this just as Luke showed up himself. Mason couldn't have looked less pleased to see Luke if he'd tried.
The guys offered him a lift home, but Mason told them he'd called a cab. Noah reminded him to call 'us' if he needed anything and Mason watched the two walk away, looking as if his kitten had just been run over.
You know, I thought I would be more excited about the first all male love triangle on daytime, but so far, I'm having a hard time mustering up much interest. I like Forbes March, but I find that I just don't care very much about Mason at this point.
I've sat through a lot of terribly written stories because I'm a fan of Van Hansis and because of the incredible potential I saw in Luke's story at the beginning. It just gets harder and harder to make myself tune in to see that potential squandered week after week, though, especially when another soap is telling a gay story that is actually well written.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Still Loving Glee
The first new episode of Glee aired tonight after a four month wait, and it did not disappoint. So far, I'm finding the show to be pretty much perfect: full of music and performance, biting social commentary on high school and life in general, and served up with the same sort of humor that made Ryan Murphy's earlier series, Popular, so enjoyable.
I was a bit worried that the show wouldn't be able to sustain the heights reached with the pilot episode, but so far so good. Jane Lynch continues to steal the show as cheer coach Sue Sylvester, and the budding but forbidden romance between Will and Emma adds a sweet yet tortured element to the proceedings. On top of all of that, I don't know when I've laughed harder than I did at some of the moments from tonight's episode, like Finn's flashback to hitting the mail man and his mother's reaction.
Best of all, Matthew Morrison (who did have a song in the director's cut of the pilot that aired last week) got to perform Kanye's Gold Digger with the Glee kids on tonight's episode, and I'm hoping we'll be hearing him sing more often.
I'm also hoping that the rest of the Glee kids, aside from Finn and Rachel, get more story as the show progresses. Don't get me wrong, I like Finn and Rachel a lot, I'm just hoping that Kurt, Artie, Tina, and Mercedes will get to come into their own as characters, too.
It's just really nice to have a show on the air that is centered around teen characters but isn't like every other Gossip in the O.C. of One Tree 90210 teen show out there. That may not be a fair comparison, of course, since those shows are dramas and Glee is primarily a comedy, but it's still refreshing.
The previews they showed for the rest of the season looked great. I'm always wary when any show I like airs on Fox (which has an awful track record, not to mention being owned by Rupert Murdoch!), but I'm really hoping that something as special as Glee will be able to attract the audience it deserves.
By the way, AfterElton has a great new interview with Matthew Morrison that you should definitely check out. Among other things, he talks about being a straight man in musical theatre! He also mentions that the gay character on Glee, Kurt, will be coming out later in the season:
I was a bit worried that the show wouldn't be able to sustain the heights reached with the pilot episode, but so far so good. Jane Lynch continues to steal the show as cheer coach Sue Sylvester, and the budding but forbidden romance between Will and Emma adds a sweet yet tortured element to the proceedings. On top of all of that, I don't know when I've laughed harder than I did at some of the moments from tonight's episode, like Finn's flashback to hitting the mail man and his mother's reaction.
Best of all, Matthew Morrison (who did have a song in the director's cut of the pilot that aired last week) got to perform Kanye's Gold Digger with the Glee kids on tonight's episode, and I'm hoping we'll be hearing him sing more often.
I'm also hoping that the rest of the Glee kids, aside from Finn and Rachel, get more story as the show progresses. Don't get me wrong, I like Finn and Rachel a lot, I'm just hoping that Kurt, Artie, Tina, and Mercedes will get to come into their own as characters, too.
It's just really nice to have a show on the air that is centered around teen characters but isn't like every other Gossip in the O.C. of One Tree 90210 teen show out there. That may not be a fair comparison, of course, since those shows are dramas and Glee is primarily a comedy, but it's still refreshing.
The previews they showed for the rest of the season looked great. I'm always wary when any show I like airs on Fox (which has an awful track record, not to mention being owned by Rupert Murdoch!), but I'm really hoping that something as special as Glee will be able to attract the audience it deserves.
By the way, AfterElton has a great new interview with Matthew Morrison that you should definitely check out. Among other things, he talks about being a straight man in musical theatre! He also mentions that the gay character on Glee, Kurt, will be coming out later in the season:
AE: Does your character interact with Kurt? I interviewed Chris earlier and I know some of his story. Are you involved with his coming out at all or anything going on with that?
MM: Yes, I will have some involvement with his coming out. He comes out to me and I'm definitely there for him when he comes out. It's like a group coming out kind of event that happens.
AE: Did you have any experiences in your theater life or even in high school with friends coming out?
MM: Oh absolutely. Actually, my college roommate, I was the first person he came out to. A lot of friends have come out to me.
MM: Yes, I will have some involvement with his coming out. He comes out to me and I'm definitely there for him when he comes out. It's like a group coming out kind of event that happens.
AE: Did you have any experiences in your theater life or even in high school with friends coming out?
MM: Oh absolutely. Actually, my college roommate, I was the first person he came out to. A lot of friends have come out to me.
Check out the whole interview, Matthew sounds like a really awesome guy.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Thoughts on the New Melrose Place
The new Melrose Place debuted tonight on The CW. I'd been looking forward to it ever since I heard that Thomas Calabro and Laura Leighton would be reprising their roles as Michael and Sydney from the original series.
Early in the summer, I stumbled across a spoiler that Sydney would actually be killed off in the first episode and my excitement was dampened. I still wanted to check out the show, however, especially when they hired the completely sexy and adorable Michael Rady as a regular cast member and then further announced that the hunky Victor Webster would be playing a gay character.
Still, I honestly didn't have high expectations for the show, given my recent dislike of similar fare like Gossip Girl and 90210. Still, those are teen shows and this is a 20 something show. Maybe that would make all the difference?
After spending an hour watching the premiere episode, my feelings are mixed. For the most part, I didn't think it was very well put together. There was just too much going on and most of the interactions between characters felt forced.
Sydney was indeed killed off at the start of the episode, and even though her tenants found her body and later held a poolside memorial service for her, it didn't seem like any of them actually cared at all. They each treated her brutal murder as an afterthought in a busy day, paying a bit of lip service to how shocked they were and then moving on. Even her brief memorial turned into an engagement celebration for two other characters.
I think it would have been a better idea to spend a few episodes establishing Sydney in these characters lives, but the show clearly wanted to start off with a murder mystery, even if they didn't seem to have much room in the episode for what should have been the major event. At the very least, they could have ended the episode with the murder.
I wasn't overly impressed with most of the acting, either, particularly from the male cast members (with the one shining exception of Michael Rady, of course), but they certainly do bring the sexy. I just wish they brought the talent, too.
With that said, there were some good aspects to the episode. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't felt a rush of nostalgia wash over me when we first saw the old apartment complex after so many years! I felt like a kid all over again. That alone made me want to love this show.
Now, I know that I'm biased, given that I was already a fan of Rady's from his role on Greek, but his character, Jonah, was one of only two who really stood out for me tonight as someone I'd be interested in seeing from week to week. Jonah, the adorkable videographer, was sweet and sexy and his story, in which he proposed to his girlfriend of five years and she wanted time to think it over, was the only one I really cared anything about tonight.
The other standout for me was the bitchy publicist Ella (a bisexual character), played by Katie Cassidy. While most of the other roles seemed to have a long way to go before they even begin to feel like full fledged characters, Cassidy really brought something to her role that made Ella seem human and vulnerable beneath her carefully crafted professional persona. There's already something to Ella and to Jonah that is so far lacking in the rest of the younger cast members.
Ella was clearly troubled by Jonah's engagement, but whether that's because she has feelings for him or for his fiancee, Riley, remains to be seen. The best part is, Katie Cassidy (whom I also liked in this summer's murder mystery show Harper's Island) makes me want to tune in again to see which one Ella likes.
Victor Webster's gay character wasn't on tonight, so we'll have to wait to see what develops with him.
It was also good to see Thomas Calabro as Dr. Michael Mancini again. 17 years have passed since the first Melrose Place started and the man still looks damn good! One of the male characters is Michael's son, so hopefully that means we'll be seeing a lot more of the devious doctor than we did of poor Sydney.
Two other cast members from the original series, Josie Bissette (who played Jane) and Daphne Zuniga (who played Jo) are going to be putting in appearances at some point, and I'm looking forward to that, even though neither of their characters were particular favorites of mine.
It's only a matter of time, I'm sure, before Heather Locklear returns as Amanda Woodward. She was smart to avoid returning at the beginning (they'd planned to kick off the show with Amanda's murder, which would have been practically sacrilegious, not to mention a stupid move; Sydney was their second choice), but I'm hoping it won't be long before she graces the complex once again.
Overall, I didn't care much for the first episode, except for the few bright spots I mentioned, but I'll keep watching for awhile, in hopes that it will get better and also to see how the original characters continue to fit in with the new show.
Early in the summer, I stumbled across a spoiler that Sydney would actually be killed off in the first episode and my excitement was dampened. I still wanted to check out the show, however, especially when they hired the completely sexy and adorable Michael Rady as a regular cast member and then further announced that the hunky Victor Webster would be playing a gay character.
Still, I honestly didn't have high expectations for the show, given my recent dislike of similar fare like Gossip Girl and 90210. Still, those are teen shows and this is a 20 something show. Maybe that would make all the difference?
After spending an hour watching the premiere episode, my feelings are mixed. For the most part, I didn't think it was very well put together. There was just too much going on and most of the interactions between characters felt forced.
Sydney was indeed killed off at the start of the episode, and even though her tenants found her body and later held a poolside memorial service for her, it didn't seem like any of them actually cared at all. They each treated her brutal murder as an afterthought in a busy day, paying a bit of lip service to how shocked they were and then moving on. Even her brief memorial turned into an engagement celebration for two other characters.
I think it would have been a better idea to spend a few episodes establishing Sydney in these characters lives, but the show clearly wanted to start off with a murder mystery, even if they didn't seem to have much room in the episode for what should have been the major event. At the very least, they could have ended the episode with the murder.
I wasn't overly impressed with most of the acting, either, particularly from the male cast members (with the one shining exception of Michael Rady, of course), but they certainly do bring the sexy. I just wish they brought the talent, too.
With that said, there were some good aspects to the episode. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't felt a rush of nostalgia wash over me when we first saw the old apartment complex after so many years! I felt like a kid all over again. That alone made me want to love this show.
Now, I know that I'm biased, given that I was already a fan of Rady's from his role on Greek, but his character, Jonah, was one of only two who really stood out for me tonight as someone I'd be interested in seeing from week to week. Jonah, the adorkable videographer, was sweet and sexy and his story, in which he proposed to his girlfriend of five years and she wanted time to think it over, was the only one I really cared anything about tonight.
The other standout for me was the bitchy publicist Ella (a bisexual character), played by Katie Cassidy. While most of the other roles seemed to have a long way to go before they even begin to feel like full fledged characters, Cassidy really brought something to her role that made Ella seem human and vulnerable beneath her carefully crafted professional persona. There's already something to Ella and to Jonah that is so far lacking in the rest of the younger cast members.
Ella was clearly troubled by Jonah's engagement, but whether that's because she has feelings for him or for his fiancee, Riley, remains to be seen. The best part is, Katie Cassidy (whom I also liked in this summer's murder mystery show Harper's Island) makes me want to tune in again to see which one Ella likes.
Victor Webster's gay character wasn't on tonight, so we'll have to wait to see what develops with him.
It was also good to see Thomas Calabro as Dr. Michael Mancini again. 17 years have passed since the first Melrose Place started and the man still looks damn good! One of the male characters is Michael's son, so hopefully that means we'll be seeing a lot more of the devious doctor than we did of poor Sydney.
Two other cast members from the original series, Josie Bissette (who played Jane) and Daphne Zuniga (who played Jo) are going to be putting in appearances at some point, and I'm looking forward to that, even though neither of their characters were particular favorites of mine.
It's only a matter of time, I'm sure, before Heather Locklear returns as Amanda Woodward. She was smart to avoid returning at the beginning (they'd planned to kick off the show with Amanda's murder, which would have been practically sacrilegious, not to mention a stupid move; Sydney was their second choice), but I'm hoping it won't be long before she graces the complex once again.
Overall, I didn't care much for the first episode, except for the few bright spots I mentioned, but I'll keep watching for awhile, in hopes that it will get better and also to see how the original characters continue to fit in with the new show.
Booker Shortlist Announced
A little over a month ago, I noted the longlist selections for the Man Booker Prize. It was my plan at the time to read as many of the nominees as I could, but to date I'm still on the waiting list for every available title except one, which I checked out but returned without reading. That wasn't a judgement on the novel in question, Samantha Harvey's The Wilderness, it just so happened that I was reading other things and my time ran out.
Today, the committee announced the shortlist for the prize, narrowing the selection down to six nominees:
Today, the committee announced the shortlist for the prize, narrowing the selection down to six nominees:
A S Byatt The Children's Book
J M Coetzee Summertime
Adam Foulds The Quickening Maze
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
Simon Mawer The Glass Room
Sarah Waters The Little Stranger
The winner of this year's prize will be announced on October 6th. Maybe I'll have read some of the titles by then, since I've have hold requests placed on three of them with the library for well over a month now.
Maybe from now on I should make it a goal to read the previous year's nominees instead of the current crop, which never quite seems to work out.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Kish: Gay Catnip
Today was another semi-Kish day on One Life to Live. Fish was on, but only in the police storyline, and Kyle wasn't present at all. We did pick up right where we'd left off yesterday with Cristian, Layla, Carlotta, and the book, though.
Cristian's mother picked up the book, How to Tell Your Parents You're Gay, and seemed momentarily surprised, saying "You're gay?" to her son. Cristian tried to explain, but Carlotta cut him off, telling him that he didn't need to buy a book to talk to her:
I know that Cristian is not actually gay, but this was a really great mother/son coming out scene, all the same. Carlotta, as played by Saundra Santiago, is completely awesome.
Layla was watching all of this unfold with an amused smile on her face and jumped in to clarify that Carlotta was okay with having a gay son, noting that some people have a problem with it. Carlotta said she didn't, and just couldn't understand why Cristian felt he had to buy a book to be able to talk to her.
Cris told her that the book wasn't for him, it was for a friend. Carlotta gave the classic, "Yeah, sure, a friend," response and told her son that he didn't have to lie anymore.
Cristian asked Layla, who was still very amused by all of this, to tell his mother that he wasn't gay. Layla finally relented and told Carlotta that the book was for a friend who hadn't yet come out to his parents.
Carlotta realized her mistake and told Cris that she loved him the way he was and only wanted him to be happy. She was just sorry that it wasn't the same for their friend's parents.
Layla voiced her surprise that Carlotta had been so accepting, pointing out that she attends church every Sunday. Carlotta told Layla that she knows what her religion teaches, but one thing she always taught her children was to think for themselves (and Cristian tries so hard!), and that she does the same.
Layla and Cris returned to their table and Layla wasted no time in returning the conversation to where they'd left off: why can't Cris give Oliver the book himself?
Cristian admitted that he just doesn't know how Fish is going to feel about him buying the book for him. Layla pointed out that Cris had done something many guys wouldn't have felt comfortable doing, for fear of being thought to be gay themselves or, worse, being hit on by other guys.
Cristian admitted that he did get offered two phone numbers and Layla promptly informed him that he was 'gay catnip'. Can't argue much with that!
Layla told Cris that he was a great guy and that Oliver should know that Cris thinks he's a great guy, as well. She summed it all up by saying that the book will mean a lot more to Fish if it comes from Cristian, and Cris finally agreed.
Layla and Cris then shared a laugh over how relieved Carlotta had seemed to find out that Cris was gay, as if it had finally explained to her why he hadn't given her any grandchildren yet.
I really liked that there wasn't any gay panic on Cris's part when someone thought he was gay, and that he took no offense to his mother thinking that it made some sense that he'd been hiding such a secret.
So far, I've been very happy with most of the people in the orbit of the Kish storyline: Roxy, Layla, Cris, Nick, and now Carlotta have all helped make the story that much better. If they could have kept Stacey out of it, I'd have no complaints at all!
Hopefully we'll see much more of Kyle and Nick next week.
Cristian's mother picked up the book, How to Tell Your Parents You're Gay, and seemed momentarily surprised, saying "You're gay?" to her son. Cristian tried to explain, but Carlotta cut him off, telling him that he didn't need to buy a book to talk to her:
Carlotta: I love you, I'm your mother! I love you as you are! (Carlotta hugs Cristian)
Cristian: Mom, listen, I am not gay.
Carlotta: It's nothing to be ashamed of!
Cristian: I'm not ashamed, I'm just not-
Carlotta: God made you this way!
Cristian: Mom, listen, I am not gay.
Carlotta: It's nothing to be ashamed of!
Cristian: I'm not ashamed, I'm just not-
Carlotta: God made you this way!
I know that Cristian is not actually gay, but this was a really great mother/son coming out scene, all the same. Carlotta, as played by Saundra Santiago, is completely awesome.
Layla was watching all of this unfold with an amused smile on her face and jumped in to clarify that Carlotta was okay with having a gay son, noting that some people have a problem with it. Carlotta said she didn't, and just couldn't understand why Cristian felt he had to buy a book to be able to talk to her.
Cris told her that the book wasn't for him, it was for a friend. Carlotta gave the classic, "Yeah, sure, a friend," response and told her son that he didn't have to lie anymore.
Carlotta (smiling as she begins putting the pieces together): And all this time! When you were a little boy, painting me those pretty pictures.
Cristian: Well, that's because I'm an artist, Mom.
Carlotta: Ay, mijo, I'm not blind, okay. I saw the signs.
Layla: You mean, all that time he spends at the gym?
Carlotta: And all the trouble you had with women.
Cristian: Well, that's because I'm an artist, Mom.
Carlotta: Ay, mijo, I'm not blind, okay. I saw the signs.
Layla: You mean, all that time he spends at the gym?
Carlotta: And all the trouble you had with women.
Cristian asked Layla, who was still very amused by all of this, to tell his mother that he wasn't gay. Layla finally relented and told Carlotta that the book was for a friend who hadn't yet come out to his parents.
Carlotta realized her mistake and told Cris that she loved him the way he was and only wanted him to be happy. She was just sorry that it wasn't the same for their friend's parents.
Layla voiced her surprise that Carlotta had been so accepting, pointing out that she attends church every Sunday. Carlotta told Layla that she knows what her religion teaches, but one thing she always taught her children was to think for themselves (and Cristian tries so hard!), and that she does the same.
Layla and Cris returned to their table and Layla wasted no time in returning the conversation to where they'd left off: why can't Cris give Oliver the book himself?
Cristian admitted that he just doesn't know how Fish is going to feel about him buying the book for him. Layla pointed out that Cris had done something many guys wouldn't have felt comfortable doing, for fear of being thought to be gay themselves or, worse, being hit on by other guys.
Cristian admitted that he did get offered two phone numbers and Layla promptly informed him that he was 'gay catnip'. Can't argue much with that!
Layla told Cris that he was a great guy and that Oliver should know that Cris thinks he's a great guy, as well. She summed it all up by saying that the book will mean a lot more to Fish if it comes from Cristian, and Cris finally agreed.
Layla and Cris then shared a laugh over how relieved Carlotta had seemed to find out that Cris was gay, as if it had finally explained to her why he hadn't given her any grandchildren yet.
I really liked that there wasn't any gay panic on Cris's part when someone thought he was gay, and that he took no offense to his mother thinking that it made some sense that he'd been hiding such a secret.
So far, I've been very happy with most of the people in the orbit of the Kish storyline: Roxy, Layla, Cris, Nick, and now Carlotta have all helped make the story that much better. If they could have kept Stacey out of it, I'd have no complaints at all!
Hopefully we'll see much more of Kyle and Nick next week.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Nuke Day: Thursday in the Park with Noah
Today was a Nuke day on As the World Turns. Luke, tired of staring at the clock and waiting for Noah's flight to arrive, showed up at Grimaldi Shipping, where he's still technically employed, though he hasn't been working since Holden's 'death'.
He chatted a bit with Damian about not being quite ready to come back yet but not wanting to be completely lost once he did. Luke sat down to look at some shipping manifests, but still seemed more intent on staring at his watch than anything else.
At the same time, Noah was arriving in Old Town with Mason, thanking him for the ride. Mason said that he'd just wanted to make the trip last as long as it could and Noah agreed that it had been amazing. Mason suggested they get some coffee, but Noah thought he should call Luke first. Mason pointed out that Luke didn't even know that they'd caught an earlier flight back after some wild party they'd attended at a house in the Hollywood Hills.
They discussed how Jude Law passed on Noah's script, which is just completely shocking. Never saw that coming. Mason noted that Jude wanting to meet Noah was still impressive and that maybe the next time Jude needs a writer, he'll think of the random college student from Illinois. Mason further advised that Noah should make sure all the actors he's interested in for the role know that Jude was interested, and then told Noah to buy him some coffee and he'd tell him all about this casting idea he'd had.
In other words, Noah didn't call Luke and Mason can't seem to get enough of Mr. Mayer.
Over coffee, Noah mentioned how surreal all of this seems (you think?) and Mason told him that believing he was in the business was three quarters of actually being in the business, or something like that. I was distracted by that fact that Mason was pretty much having his way with Noah with his eyes while they talked.
Mason told Noah that he'd a great time, that Noah was a fun guy to hang out with. Noah agreed that the same was true about Mason, and it almost seemed like the two were experiencing a real connection there for a moment, before Mason said he had to go.
Noah gave his professor a hug goodbye, which of course Luke walked up just in time to see. Noah was thrilled to see Luke and wanted to tell him all about their trip, while Mason looked decidedly unhappy at Luke's sudden appearance.
Noah began talking about the trip and how he'd met Jude Law and Seth Rogan, not seeming to notice at first that Luke wasn't exactly responding to the tale with genuine enthusiasm. Gee, maybe that's because he buried his father while you were off partying, and you haven't even asked how the funeral was or how your boyfriend is holding up? Just a thought.
After Mason left, Noah told Luke how much he'd missed him and Luke said that partying with all those actors had probably helped ease the pain. Noah finally caught on and asked Luke what the problem was. Luke mentioned that he'd been planning to take a Grimaldi car to the airport to meet Noah, and that Noah hadn't even called to tell him he was coming in early.
Noah apologized for spoiling the surprise and Luke insisted that he was okay with it. Noah suggested that Luke prove that to him some place private.
Luke took Noah for a walk in the park instead and remained a bit distant. Noah asked how long it was going to be before Luke told him what was really bothering him. Luke finally pointed out that his father had just died and sarcastically apologized for not being good company.
Noah quickly said that he hadn't meant it like that and that Luke knew how much Holden had meant to him. Not enough to go to his funeral, Luke countered. Okay, Noah was being a total ass for the way he was acting after his return, but since Luke insisted that Noah go meet Jude Law, it's not fair of Luke to throw that in his face.
Noah pointed this out and Luke said that Noah could have tried to resist a bit harder. Noah replied that if Luke had wanted him to stay, he should have told him so, and that Noah is not a mind reader. Noah further declared that Luke's mood had nothing to do with the funeral, it was about the fact that Noah had a good time in LA, with Mason: Luke was jealous.
Luke asked how he was supposed to compete with all of that and Noah told him that he doesn't have to compete with anybody, that he is the person he cares most about in his life, the person he's in love with. The scene turned lighter as Luke told Noah how much he'd missed him and they hugged.
Noah finally asked about the funeral and Luke told him how bad it had been. Noah apologized for not having stayed and Luke told him that he hadn't known what he wanted himself, so how could Noah have known? They hugged again, just as Mason rode by on his bike and loudly told them to get a room.
Noah was amused by this, but Luke looked like he'd just smelled something truly awful. Even though Mason had just gone past them at a decent speed without any sign of stopping, the next scene was of the three guys standing together on the trail and talking. Noah was telling Luke, who continued to look like he'd rather be anywhere else than standing there with Mason, about the professor's great ideas, including casting over the Internet. Noah said that being in LA had been very motivating and Mason added that they'd also had a blast.
Luke not so subtly broke in to say that he should probably go see how his mother and the rest of his family was doing, and Mason took the hint and left them alone, though not without a final longing glance in Noah's direction. After he was gone, Luke half jokingly asked Noah if Mason had any other students.
Alone together, Luke and Noah had a little idle in the grass. This was actually a beautifully shot scene that was somehow very sexy. Their body language and the overall chemistry between these two was in full effect, making it quite clear, without even the need of words, that this was a couple who were very much in love.
Luke claimed to be able to read Noah's mind and suggested that Noah wanted to take him home. After they talked a bit more about how the family was coping with Holden's 'death' and Luke told Noah again how much he'd missed him, they walked off together, headed for that apartment we'll never get to see.
He chatted a bit with Damian about not being quite ready to come back yet but not wanting to be completely lost once he did. Luke sat down to look at some shipping manifests, but still seemed more intent on staring at his watch than anything else.
At the same time, Noah was arriving in Old Town with Mason, thanking him for the ride. Mason said that he'd just wanted to make the trip last as long as it could and Noah agreed that it had been amazing. Mason suggested they get some coffee, but Noah thought he should call Luke first. Mason pointed out that Luke didn't even know that they'd caught an earlier flight back after some wild party they'd attended at a house in the Hollywood Hills.
They discussed how Jude Law passed on Noah's script, which is just completely shocking. Never saw that coming. Mason noted that Jude wanting to meet Noah was still impressive and that maybe the next time Jude needs a writer, he'll think of the random college student from Illinois. Mason further advised that Noah should make sure all the actors he's interested in for the role know that Jude was interested, and then told Noah to buy him some coffee and he'd tell him all about this casting idea he'd had.
In other words, Noah didn't call Luke and Mason can't seem to get enough of Mr. Mayer.
Over coffee, Noah mentioned how surreal all of this seems (you think?) and Mason told him that believing he was in the business was three quarters of actually being in the business, or something like that. I was distracted by that fact that Mason was pretty much having his way with Noah with his eyes while they talked.
Mason told Noah that he'd a great time, that Noah was a fun guy to hang out with. Noah agreed that the same was true about Mason, and it almost seemed like the two were experiencing a real connection there for a moment, before Mason said he had to go.
Noah gave his professor a hug goodbye, which of course Luke walked up just in time to see. Noah was thrilled to see Luke and wanted to tell him all about their trip, while Mason looked decidedly unhappy at Luke's sudden appearance.
Noah began talking about the trip and how he'd met Jude Law and Seth Rogan, not seeming to notice at first that Luke wasn't exactly responding to the tale with genuine enthusiasm. Gee, maybe that's because he buried his father while you were off partying, and you haven't even asked how the funeral was or how your boyfriend is holding up? Just a thought.
After Mason left, Noah told Luke how much he'd missed him and Luke said that partying with all those actors had probably helped ease the pain. Noah finally caught on and asked Luke what the problem was. Luke mentioned that he'd been planning to take a Grimaldi car to the airport to meet Noah, and that Noah hadn't even called to tell him he was coming in early.
Noah apologized for spoiling the surprise and Luke insisted that he was okay with it. Noah suggested that Luke prove that to him some place private.
Luke took Noah for a walk in the park instead and remained a bit distant. Noah asked how long it was going to be before Luke told him what was really bothering him. Luke finally pointed out that his father had just died and sarcastically apologized for not being good company.
Noah quickly said that he hadn't meant it like that and that Luke knew how much Holden had meant to him. Not enough to go to his funeral, Luke countered. Okay, Noah was being a total ass for the way he was acting after his return, but since Luke insisted that Noah go meet Jude Law, it's not fair of Luke to throw that in his face.
Noah pointed this out and Luke said that Noah could have tried to resist a bit harder. Noah replied that if Luke had wanted him to stay, he should have told him so, and that Noah is not a mind reader. Noah further declared that Luke's mood had nothing to do with the funeral, it was about the fact that Noah had a good time in LA, with Mason: Luke was jealous.
Luke asked how he was supposed to compete with all of that and Noah told him that he doesn't have to compete with anybody, that he is the person he cares most about in his life, the person he's in love with. The scene turned lighter as Luke told Noah how much he'd missed him and they hugged.
Noah finally asked about the funeral and Luke told him how bad it had been. Noah apologized for not having stayed and Luke told him that he hadn't known what he wanted himself, so how could Noah have known? They hugged again, just as Mason rode by on his bike and loudly told them to get a room.
Noah was amused by this, but Luke looked like he'd just smelled something truly awful. Even though Mason had just gone past them at a decent speed without any sign of stopping, the next scene was of the three guys standing together on the trail and talking. Noah was telling Luke, who continued to look like he'd rather be anywhere else than standing there with Mason, about the professor's great ideas, including casting over the Internet. Noah said that being in LA had been very motivating and Mason added that they'd also had a blast.
Luke not so subtly broke in to say that he should probably go see how his mother and the rest of his family was doing, and Mason took the hint and left them alone, though not without a final longing glance in Noah's direction. After he was gone, Luke half jokingly asked Noah if Mason had any other students.
Alone together, Luke and Noah had a little idle in the grass. This was actually a beautifully shot scene that was somehow very sexy. Their body language and the overall chemistry between these two was in full effect, making it quite clear, without even the need of words, that this was a couple who were very much in love.
Luke claimed to be able to read Noah's mind and suggested that Noah wanted to take him home. After they talked a bit more about how the family was coping with Holden's 'death' and Luke told Noah again how much he'd missed him, they walked off together, headed for that apartment we'll never get to see.
Kish: The Book
There was a little bit of action on the Kish front today, though Kyle was nowhere to be seen and Fish was mostly on in his capacity as a police officer. Most of the action in their story today actually centered around Cristian and Layla.
Cris showed up at his family's diner, the Buenos Dias, where his mother Carlotta was sporting a whole new face. You may recall that Patricia Mauceri, the original actress who played Carlotta, was fired from the show for refusing to play scenes that depicted her character as a mother who would be supportive of a gay son. The scenes in question have arrived at last, it seems, as has actress Saundra Santiago in the role of Carlotta.
In today's show, Carlotta noticed that Cris was carrying a bag from a bookstore where she has a discount. She offered to take the book back and get him 15% off on it, but Cris hastily told her that he'd got the book on sale, so there was no need.
Carlotta asked her son how his new apartment and roommates were working out and then mentioned that she'd always liked that nice Officer Fish and hoped that he'd find a nice woman to settle down with.
Cristian got the funniest look on his face, but just told his mother that a nice woman was her answer for everything. Carlotta said that it could certainly work in Cristian's case.
At the police station, Layla asked Fish if he'd reached any decisions about coming out to his parents. Oliver urged her to keep her voice down, but she assured him that no one else was around. Fish avoided answering the question by doing some actual police work, and Layla left to meet Cris for lunch.
Once Layla and Cris were together at the diner, Cris showed Layla the book that he'd bought for Fish, which was entitled How to Tell Your Parents You're Gay. Layla found the gesture sweet (as, I have to admit, did I) and told her roommate that if she hadn't sworn off men, she might have kissed him for it (as would I).
Cris explained that he doesn't really know what to say to Fish, so he thought that this was at least something that he could do. If only they'd shown a scene where Cris actually bought the book! I think that would have been pretty amusing.
Cristian asked Layla to give Oliver the book when she went back to work, but Layla thought that Cris should do it himself, since it was his idea. Cristian claimed that men just don't give each other books like that, and they sort of pushed the book back and forth across the table to each other until Carlotta showed up with their flan and saw the title before Cris could cover it up.
It should be interesting to see the follow up to that, even though we already know that Carlotta will be supportive of the son she now thinks is gay! I'm hoping we may see Kyle again soon, too, and see how things are progressing with him and Nick.
Cris showed up at his family's diner, the Buenos Dias, where his mother Carlotta was sporting a whole new face. You may recall that Patricia Mauceri, the original actress who played Carlotta, was fired from the show for refusing to play scenes that depicted her character as a mother who would be supportive of a gay son. The scenes in question have arrived at last, it seems, as has actress Saundra Santiago in the role of Carlotta.
In today's show, Carlotta noticed that Cris was carrying a bag from a bookstore where she has a discount. She offered to take the book back and get him 15% off on it, but Cris hastily told her that he'd got the book on sale, so there was no need.
Carlotta asked her son how his new apartment and roommates were working out and then mentioned that she'd always liked that nice Officer Fish and hoped that he'd find a nice woman to settle down with.
Cristian got the funniest look on his face, but just told his mother that a nice woman was her answer for everything. Carlotta said that it could certainly work in Cristian's case.
At the police station, Layla asked Fish if he'd reached any decisions about coming out to his parents. Oliver urged her to keep her voice down, but she assured him that no one else was around. Fish avoided answering the question by doing some actual police work, and Layla left to meet Cris for lunch.
Once Layla and Cris were together at the diner, Cris showed Layla the book that he'd bought for Fish, which was entitled How to Tell Your Parents You're Gay. Layla found the gesture sweet (as, I have to admit, did I) and told her roommate that if she hadn't sworn off men, she might have kissed him for it (as would I).
Cris explained that he doesn't really know what to say to Fish, so he thought that this was at least something that he could do. If only they'd shown a scene where Cris actually bought the book! I think that would have been pretty amusing.
Cristian asked Layla to give Oliver the book when she went back to work, but Layla thought that Cris should do it himself, since it was his idea. Cristian claimed that men just don't give each other books like that, and they sort of pushed the book back and forth across the table to each other until Carlotta showed up with their flan and saw the title before Cris could cover it up.
It should be interesting to see the follow up to that, even though we already know that Carlotta will be supportive of the son she now thinks is gay! I'm hoping we may see Kyle again soon, too, and see how things are progressing with him and Nick.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Nuke Catch Up: Nothing to Report
Well, I finally 'caught up' with the Nuke episodes I've missed this past week. As it turns out, there was only one episode in which Luke appeared, and it was for Holden's funeral last Thursday. Noah, you'll recall, wasn't there because he was off in Hollywood meeting Jude Law, who just loved our Mr. Mayer's half finished script for his school project student film so much that he may want to make it his next project.
As you can imagine, Luke didn't have all that much to do in the cast heavy funeral episode. He did get to greet his hunky brother Aaron (including sneaking in two nice long hugs, I might add!), who came in from Seattle, but other than that Luke mostly was just there for close ups while various people spoke at the service. I was glad to see Agim Kaba again as Aaron, even if briefly. He's so gorgeous. The rumor is that he read for the part of Nick (who is currently dating Kyle) on One Life to Live, and I would so have loved to see him in that part!
Seeing Aaron with Luke reminded me again of yet another opportunity the show wasted when they were both regular cast members last year. Aaron and Luke had one good conversation together right after Aaron moved back from Seattle, but after that they were completely out of each others stories, even while supposedly living under the same roof. It would have been so great to see Luke going to his older brother for advice on life and love, not that Aaron is exactly an expert in either.
There haven't been any Luke or Noah scenes so far this week, but the late Holden Snyder has been on. He's apparently being held by some backwoods Kentucky types, or so I gathered from fast forwarding past his scenes. I may go back and watch them later, though, because they've now dragged the phenomenal Judi Evans (formerly of Days of Our Lives and Another World) into this mess. Judi is seriously talented, but since Another World left the air a decade ago, she hasn't been given her due as an actress.
First, she suffered through a truly God awful part on Days (a walking joke of a character called Bonnie Lockhart, whom Judi did her best with) before finally being written out as Bonnie and brought back shortly afterward as her original (and much loved) Days character, Adrienne Johnson Kiriakis (who was in no way related to Bonnie; everyone just pretended like they weren't played by the same actress!). Sadly, they gave her next to nothing to do as Adrienne and eventually wrote her out again.
Now, she's on As the World Turns and I'm really not sure if I can bear to watch her go through the indignity of playing another Bonnie-esque character. This show doesn't know how to write for the tremendous amount of onscreen talent they've already got, so to add more to the roster makes it even worse.
Is the writing improving with the new co-head writer? Based on the Nuke story, I'd have to say no. However, vets Bob & Kim Hughes have been featured in a story lately that, while not exactly well written, is at least not as bad as other stories in recent memory and is giving them more air time than I think they've ever had under Passanante's pen. That could be a sign that things may be changing for the better, but I'm not ready to place any bets on it just yet.
Sorry, I've digressed, since there wasn't actually any Nuke to write about. I'm hoping to catch up with any goings on at The Young and the Restless (where I'm very behind) tomorrow.
As you can imagine, Luke didn't have all that much to do in the cast heavy funeral episode. He did get to greet his hunky brother Aaron (including sneaking in two nice long hugs, I might add!), who came in from Seattle, but other than that Luke mostly was just there for close ups while various people spoke at the service. I was glad to see Agim Kaba again as Aaron, even if briefly. He's so gorgeous. The rumor is that he read for the part of Nick (who is currently dating Kyle) on One Life to Live, and I would so have loved to see him in that part!
Seeing Aaron with Luke reminded me again of yet another opportunity the show wasted when they were both regular cast members last year. Aaron and Luke had one good conversation together right after Aaron moved back from Seattle, but after that they were completely out of each others stories, even while supposedly living under the same roof. It would have been so great to see Luke going to his older brother for advice on life and love, not that Aaron is exactly an expert in either.
There haven't been any Luke or Noah scenes so far this week, but the late Holden Snyder has been on. He's apparently being held by some backwoods Kentucky types, or so I gathered from fast forwarding past his scenes. I may go back and watch them later, though, because they've now dragged the phenomenal Judi Evans (formerly of Days of Our Lives and Another World) into this mess. Judi is seriously talented, but since Another World left the air a decade ago, she hasn't been given her due as an actress.
First, she suffered through a truly God awful part on Days (a walking joke of a character called Bonnie Lockhart, whom Judi did her best with) before finally being written out as Bonnie and brought back shortly afterward as her original (and much loved) Days character, Adrienne Johnson Kiriakis (who was in no way related to Bonnie; everyone just pretended like they weren't played by the same actress!). Sadly, they gave her next to nothing to do as Adrienne and eventually wrote her out again.
Now, she's on As the World Turns and I'm really not sure if I can bear to watch her go through the indignity of playing another Bonnie-esque character. This show doesn't know how to write for the tremendous amount of onscreen talent they've already got, so to add more to the roster makes it even worse.
Is the writing improving with the new co-head writer? Based on the Nuke story, I'd have to say no. However, vets Bob & Kim Hughes have been featured in a story lately that, while not exactly well written, is at least not as bad as other stories in recent memory and is giving them more air time than I think they've ever had under Passanante's pen. That could be a sign that things may be changing for the better, but I'm not ready to place any bets on it just yet.
Sorry, I've digressed, since there wasn't actually any Nuke to write about. I'm hoping to catch up with any goings on at The Young and the Restless (where I'm very behind) tomorrow.
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