Favorite Glee Episodes, S.3

Time for a little more Glee love. I felt like season three overall was pretty uneven: better then season 2 but not touching season 1.  The whole Finn and Rachel getting married and Quinn in a wheelchair thing were ridiculous however and not in a good way.  But it still had money great moments and a few of the better episodes of the series. Below are my favorite episodes in season 3. 

The Purple Piano Project

Why it’s a favorite:  It slides us into season 3 quite well, setting us up for this being all about the seniors and their varying degrees of confusion about their future.  And it’s no surprise that I can’t stop the goofy smiling at the Blaine and Kurt and Rachel and Kurt super cuteness .    Moments I love: “Paula Abdul is an Arab”; “Why’s that T-rex eating the jew”;  Kurt and Rachel’s duet,  the whole scene between Kurt and Blaine in the hallway (Blaine has never looked so smokin’– seriously is he wearing false eyelashes – boys should not have eyelashes…or smiles…like that) and then leading into Blaine’s fabulous audition singing “It’s Not Unusual”;  Rachel and Kurt’s pity party in the car after being gobsmacked by the other NYADA hopefuls “You make me wanna be your boyfriend” ;  “You can’t stop the beat” [Hairspray rocks!].

The First Time

Why it’s a favorite:  I love West Side Story.  I love Blaine. I love Kurt.  I love Blaine and Kurt.  There’s lots of great music as well as a lot of significant character growth too sink your teeth into.  Awesome moments: the scene between Kurt and Blaine in Blaine’s bedroom (this may be my favorite scene between Kurt and Blaine ever including the awesome one later in the ep.);  Blaine shooting down Sebastian at the Lima Bean; Tina breaking the mold in the should they or shouldn’t they consultation; Blaine dancing with Sebastian at the gay bar but continually shooting hopeful looks back at Kurt; “ I just want to make art and help people”;  Blaine and Kurt in the auditorium after the show (again, why can’t they bring this level of romance to the other couples on the show – the following scene between Finn and Rachel pales in comparison);  “One hand, One Heart”.

Hold on to Sixteen

Why it’s a favorite:  It’s a competition episode and I really enjoy the numbers in this competition which is surprising because no Rachel!  Also like the Trouble Tones numbers.  And because I agree with the sentiment – it’s always good to be the age you are.  Really good moments: The bitchy exchange between Kurt and Sebastian at the Lima Bean, red solo cup (this show doesn’t do enough country) and Kurt’s so NOT getting it; “Rich white girl problems”; hot!Blaine getting angry and going all fisticuffs on the bag; the redemption of Mike Chang – because dancing that good shouldn’t go to waste;  “I’m a survivor” mash-up; Tina kicking the shit out of “ABC”; “We Are Young”.

Choke

Why it’s a favorite: Because of what this means for Rachel and what it sets up for Nationals.  When she falls apart it is truly heartbreaking.  Kurt’s audition performance is a metric ton of fun plus a couple of other nice musical numbers help me overlook the weaker parts of this episode.  The good parts:  Kurt:“Or maybe I just need more candles.” Blaine: “Oh God no. No more candles.”;  Puckerman trying to seduce Ms. Dusenberry; “Now I know this room is America’s number one destination for cheap sappy moralizing…” pretty good description of the choir room, actually;  “Cell Block Tango”  even if it really did miss the point; “Is that a bear I’m hiding behind?, No it’s a bush. It looks like a bear.”; “Shake it out”; not crazy about the song Rachel sings at the end but the devastation of her performance is spot on.

Nationals

Why it’s a favorite: Well it’s the culmination of Rachel’s arc that began 3 episodes earlier.  It’s a competition ep that doesn’t include a poorly done PSA.  And I love me some Meat Loaf.  Plus, I think the show did a great job of gradually improving the New Directions over 3 seasons so that they really look like they deserve the trophy.  They look like just as good as Vocal Adrenaline looked in the first ep of the series while still being their special selves.  The best moments: “This sniping is as expository as it is wrong…”  Ah the meta;  Will not getting angry about the fight but recognizing it as passion – defuses the situation perfectly – it was one of the rare moments where Will kicks teacher ass; Jesse!;  Wait…Finn gets tips at the tire shop??! What kind of tire shop is this?  Have I been neglecting my car mechanics by only paying them the exorbitant fee they usually ask for?;  love the choreography for “Edge of Glory”;  Vocal Adrenaline’s numbers are super  fun and glad we got to see two numbers; Jesse intervening on Rachel’s behalf; the celebration montage back at McKinley; Emma finally being ready.

That's it!  What are your favorite episodes or moments in season 3?   Which character did you most want to punch?  Which did you most want to hug?  How did you think the season rated compared to season 1 or 2?  

Favorite episodes for season 1 of Glee.
Favorite episodes for season 2 of Glee.

The Wiggery! My ten favorite costume Dramas

Ahhh the lavish costumes, the funny talking, the romance, the wiggery.  I truly adore a good so-called costume drama and below are ten of my favorites from  television. 

North and South –

 Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1854 novel.  My over the top love for this miniseries can mostly be attributed to Richard “oh my goodness gracious me, can he brood like a champ” Armitage as John Thornton.  The rest of the cast is great as well including the first of three appearances on this list by Brendan Coyle.  A heart melting romance wrapped up in some interesting depiction of life in an early industrial town circa 1850’s. 

The Buccaneers –

This miniseries is based on a great but unfinished novel by Edith Wharton (published in 1937, set in the 1870’s).  Four noveau riche American girls take the British nobility by storm, landing marriages of variable prestige.  Their romantic notions of marriage and the British aristocracy are slowly crushed.  It’s fantastic and difficult at times to watch.

Pride and Prejudice –

I have a somewhat controversial preference for the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (but that will likely get its own essay) but this is a truly fabulous 6 hours of television.  Jennifer Ehle will always be who I picture when I think of Elizabeth Bennet and Julie Sawalha embodies Lydia.  And the costumes are divine.

Lark Rise to Candleford –

A delicious dish heaped high with sentimentality in a way that makes the cockles of my heart glow.  A great cast (Brendan Coyle and Julie Sawalha again with the addition of Claudie Blakley) helps elevate the tone and give it some really nice affecting moments.  I’d also really like to be Dorcas Lane (Julie Sawalha), please.

Anne of Green Gables/ Anne of Avonlea

Ask my friends how obsessed I was with these two miniseries as a young woman  - I’ve made pretty much all my close friends sit through a marathon.  If Dorcas Lane is who I look up to now, Anne is who my younger self wanted to be - the plucky orphan who excels through intelligence and a fierce devotion to being who she is even when it lands her in all kinds of jams.  

Wives and Daughters

Another mini-series based on an Elizabeth Gaskell novel.  Is a nice portrait of a father-daughter relationship.  Again some great actors – Justine Waddell, Keeley Hawes, Michael Gambon – and some lovely romance all wrapped up in family drama.

Bleak House

Gillian Anderson is mesmerizing in this fantastic adaptation of the Dickens classic. 

Little Dorrit

More classic Dickens, chock full of quirky Dickens’ characters.  Mathew MacFadyen , whom I greatly admire, plays Arthur Clennam who is trying to make everything right for the Dorrit clan. 

Deadwood

This may not seem to fit, as it is not exactly genteel and there is a whole lot more cursing.  But it takes place around the same time as many of the others on this list just  in a very different setting.  So fuck all you cocksucking hoopleheads if you are not amenable to my choice of inclusion! This is a genius of a show with lots of action, drama and humor and it is scripted in an almost Shakespearean way of speaking.  It has a fantastic cast: Ian McShane, Jim Beaver, Brad Dourif, Timothy Olyphant.  This one is definitely in my top programs of all time. I am very sad we only got 3 seasons.

Downton Abbey

This program has had its ups and downs but when it is good it is so very, very good.  The level of devotion it has inspired doesn’t surprise a bit.  It succeeds at bringing the viewer into the lives of the aristocratic family that live in Downton Abbey but also the staff who serve there.  An amazing cast helps make it all come alive (Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Dan Stevens, Brendan Coyle)  -  you feel like you are involved in their life.   

What are your favorites? 

Favorite Glee Episodes, S.2

I thought it was time for another installment of Glee love.  Below are my favorite episodes from Season 2.  What are your fave eps or moments from this season?

 

Grilled Cheesus

Why it’s a favorite: As was clear from my preferences in season 1, I am a sucker for Kurt and Burt’s relationship.  This is a pretty heavy episode which is generally NOT what Glee does well but they did this one pretty well.  If you don’t weep uncontrollably during I want to hold your hand, well then you’re nothing like me ‘cause I become a blubbering mess Every. Single. Time.  I also actually appreciated the frank discussion about religion and spirituality.  Specific moments I like:  Finn and Emma’s talk, Kurt talking to his dad at the end, Finn not having a serious bout of food poisoning after eating a week old grilled cheese.

Duets

Why it’s a favorite:  Lots of nice musical numbers and the beginning of Rachel and Kurt’s friendship.  I “shipped” Kurt and Rachel as besties from the beginning and never really bought into Kurt and Mercedes’ friendship so I love this moment.  Not to mention that the duet they sing rocks.  Other great stuff:  River Deep, Mountain High, Sing from Chorus Line and Mercedes screaming the last “sing” into Santana’s offended bitch face,  Finn and Rachel’s “outrage” over the reaction to their duet, Lucky, Brittany sadly pushing the meatball across the plate with her nose.

Never Been Kissed

Why it’s a favorite: Blaine!   ‘nuf said. I LOVE Blaine and would go so far as to say that he was one of the best things to happen to Glee.   And he gets one of the best introductions of the whole show with the Warbler’s version of Teenage Dream. The charisma, the flirty eyes….its no wonder Kurt is practically jumping up and down in his..um..glee by the end of the number.   Other stuff: Bob Marley, “I’m gonna have to stare at some wounds”

Special Education

Why it’s a favorite: This is season two’s sectional episode and as such has a lot of great drama and music.  I love the dancing in the second sectional number New Direction’s performs – Mike and Brittany can cut a serious rug.  Kurt has his first day at Dalton and has some problems adjusting to the very different atmosphere. Favorite moments:  the magic comb, Puck getting his world rocked, “If we lose we should throw opossums”, Hey Soul Sister, Tina’s zombie cheerleading uniform, Don’t cry for me Argentina, Blaine signaling Kurt to stop with the dramatic arm raising, more Rachel-Kurt Bonding, Dark Days are Over.

Silly Love Songs

Why it’s a favorite: Lots and Lots of stupid, adorable, humiliated Blaine. And the first baby steps towards Klaine – a nice turning point.    Highlights:  Kurt’s understandable misunderstanding in the initial Blaine plans, Kurt, Rachel, and Mercedes bonding over their diva-ness, two Blaine songs, Laura and Santana’s smack down ending with Bieste carrying Santana off over her shoulder, “Was it too much?”…bitch face from Kurt… “It was too much” – Yup it sure was… but AWESOME, the conversation between Blaine and Kurt in The Lima Bean, Firework,  the final scene at Breadstix. 

Original Song

Why it’s a favorite:  I’m not that crazy about the alluded to original songs (except Only Child and Trouty Mouth of course).  What I love about this episode is all the crazy wonderful shenanigans that go on at Dalton.  Misery might be my favorite Blaine/Warblers song and we learn that you better hide your homework when Blaine’s in a singing mood because he likes to toss papers about along with his furniture-jumping  fetish.  Blackbird is probably my favorite Kurt song.  And then there is of course the sweetest and possibly hottest kiss between these two adorable boys.  I’m also partial to  Raise Your Glass  Other magic moments:   Blaine’s face of dawning realization during Blackbird, Blaine’s monologue leading up to the kiss – so we know the writers can throw down some serious romance, why aren’t all the relationships on this show so heart melting?; Loser Like Me is pretty fun.

Born this Way

Why it’s a favorite: Finally an episode in season 2 that isn’t my favorite because of Blaine and Kurt.  I like this one for Emma’s storyline – the scene with the therapist is really sincere and heartfelt.  It’s one of a handful of the times this show handles a more serious theme well.  Other stuff that’s cool: Unpretty/I Feel Pretty mash-up, Santana’s intervention with Karofsky,  Kurt’s back!;  Somewhere only we know, everybody’s self love t-shirts especially Brittany’s and Puck’s. 

Funeral

Why it’s a favorite:  While I don’t particularly love the storyline about Sue’s sister dying, I love the other part of this episode:  soloist auditions and Jesse St James, reality show judge.  Favorite moments:  “You kind of sing and dance like a zombie that has to poop”; Back to Black; Some People”;  Word to Jesse’s comments to Mercedes though I do love her song (I think Jon Cryer lip-synced it better though),  My Man ...guh…; Kurt not being able to keep his seat in response to the aforementioned song, Finn breaking up with Quinn, Jesse mugging to the camera, Santana smoking cigars to get that raspy edge to her voice.

New York

Why it’s a favorite: Well it’s a competition episode which puts it towards the top of the pile.  I think I just really, really love Rachel and Kurt’s breakfast at Tiffany’s and Wicked adventure and the solidification of their best friend status.  Other great moments: My cup; the first group that performs in these white flowing baby dolls dresses while busting a serious hip hop move, Rachel making it right with Sunshine, Aww… Jesse loves Rachel ,  AND Jesse being so, so right about the silly kiss, Kurt’s excitement about the trip despite losing and his face when Blaine tells him he loves him.

Favorite Reads of 2012

This year has been a great reading year.  After not awarding a single 5 star review in 2011, there are 7 books for which I’ve done so this year.  I’ve revisited the list again to see if I regret any of those 5-star ratings – was I too generous? – and determined that every single last one of them earned it.  Below are my 10 favorites which were not necessarily published in 2012, just read by me in 2012.  They are in no particular order.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

This was my first read of 2012 and broke the slump of over a year with no 5-star books.  This book is not likely to inspire profound thoughts or change your life but it sure is a gigantic ball of fun.  A pure joy read.

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

The thing that struck me the most about this book was how perfectly crafted it was.  It is short with each sentence adding something to the whole.  An engrossing read about a man exploring the imperfect memory of his life.  

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This is a book about which it is best not to reveal too much but it left me feeling emotionally distraught, disturbed and depressed – i.e. this is a book that really tapped into some core emotions.  This emotional reaction is brought on slow and easy with a mystery that unspools in a perfectly paced narrative.  

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

This novel is an exploration of human nature and relationships through the lens of a long-term hostage situation in an unnamed South American Country.  Also reveals the role that art and beauty might have in being human.  I was really engrossed by this beautiful book.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller  

This book is making a lot of people’s top ten lists and rightfully so.  It is a well written retelling of the Achilles’ myth and the Trojan War from the point of view of Patroclus, a minor character from the Iliad.  A great story, well told and so enjoyable to read.

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier

This is such an enthralling novel that leads the reader with relish towards impending doom. So much about this book is perfect - the tone and atmosphere, the pacing, the narrator's voice. It all adds up to a completely satisfying read with one of the best endings I've encountered. It all seems so effortlessly choreographed.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This was the last of Jane Austen's books that I hadn't read. I think I was taking my time to get to it as I liked having one left to read. But now that I have read it, it is no surprise that I loved every bit.  I think more than any of Austen's other books, very little happens in this book. Its focus is all on the minutiae of life but also about the passion lurking underneath and the wisdom that can be gained in an ordinary life. It is what Austen does best. 

Fables Series by Bill Willingham et al.
I am cheating here including an entire series but it deserves some love because almost all of the sixteen volumes I read this year were rated 4 out of 5 stars.  This was my introduction to graphic novels and I couldn’t have asked for a better.  The focus on fairy tales but with an adult focus was perfect and the artwork is astonishing.

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

I read this in the final two days of the year and couldn’t have asked for a better final read.  It was contemplative but light and funny at the same time.  I’ve found myself talking about it with several people urging them to read it and it has stuck with me.  

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

This is another book that is just so much fun and Scott Lynch creates such a fascinating world and characters that you know you’re going to enjoy your time in their company.  

Honorable mention: Gun Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, The Children’s Book by A.S. Byatt, Doc by Mary Doria Russell, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.

TV Shows that are awesome (and dorky)

Without further ado, these are my favorite shows, on the planet, at this moment in time and in no particular order:

1)      Doctor Who

2)      Veronica Mars

3)      Firefly

4)      Buffy the Vampire Slayer

5)      X-files

6)      Farscape

7)      Deadwood

8)      Stargate SG-1

9)      The Mighty Boosh

10)   Glee

What's your top ten?