Shocky Here- Nothing new to say really
This weeks episode of Terra Nova was similar to the last. I have to say, the show is improving. It not really any good, but its gotten a bit better. Things actually happen. That's always a plus. Again, its all plot and nothing else. The episode follows Protagonist Guy's son and daughter more than him, and for once his daughter gets a bit more attention. She's involved in a plot murderers and an impostor that doesn't really have anything to do with the main plot of the show, is predictable, and nothing really special. We also follow Whiny Brat in his quest to steal medicine for sixers so they can use their connections to bring his girlfriend to Terra Nova. This part, is a bit better, although they could have done alot More with it. Of course he gets caught in the end, I hope he finally gets punished for being an idiot. Along with this, we have The Commander Person(I seriously can never remember these character's names) in the jungle with that guy who got banished in that other episode. He is trying to get him to be a spy for them, offering to let him back into Terra Nova if he can find who is beinging information to the Sixers, which is actually an okay idea. Of course it could always backfire though. I'd like that.
The problem with this show, is that its bland, so writing about it, is as interesting as watching it. Hopefully the next one is terrible. Just for fun.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Terra Nova -Nightfall Review
Shocky Here- Another Review!
This is going to be short. Compared to other episodes of Terra Nova so far, this one is decent. It isn't horribly corny, or horribly stupid by my standards. Its a basic plot but instead of focusing on one or two characters, it has about 5 different plots were following. None of this is insanely interesting, but hey, something is happening right? That was a plus. Unfortunately, none of these plots all tie into one another like a good show would do, but hey, they're about flat characters and they aren't about anything as it is, what did you expect.
This would be that one unmemorable episode on another show, but for this show, its the Best they can do. Nothing really happens in the whole show, all is bland, until the end where Taylor's son shows up(who hates his father.(by the way, did I mention that we have NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE) A bit of a waste of the episode because only the part involving the sixers is really anything significant to me. I should also note that our main character guy is a horrible father. He could have just waited for people to look for him there, it not like he was in there for days, instead of putting his daughter in a potentially dangerous situation. Also:This show attempts to be funny!It is! Because its so bad!
That's really all I can say.
This is going to be short. Compared to other episodes of Terra Nova so far, this one is decent. It isn't horribly corny, or horribly stupid by my standards. Its a basic plot but instead of focusing on one or two characters, it has about 5 different plots were following. None of this is insanely interesting, but hey, something is happening right? That was a plus. Unfortunately, none of these plots all tie into one another like a good show would do, but hey, they're about flat characters and they aren't about anything as it is, what did you expect.
This would be that one unmemorable episode on another show, but for this show, its the Best they can do. Nothing really happens in the whole show, all is bland, until the end where Taylor's son shows up(who hates his father.(by the way, did I mention that we have NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE) A bit of a waste of the episode because only the part involving the sixers is really anything significant to me. I should also note that our main character guy is a horrible father. He could have just waited for people to look for him there, it not like he was in there for days, instead of putting his daughter in a potentially dangerous situation. Also:This show attempts to be funny!It is! Because its so bad!
That's really all I can say.
Friday, November 4, 2011
How to Make a Good Science Fiction Show
Shocky here- with an amazing LIST!!!
Sorry, I forgot the 1.
As someone who has watched some varieties of sci-fi television and movies, has read reviews on sci-fi television and movies and generally takes an interest in them(I am the sci-fi of the trio, after all) and I think, after some thought, I know what you need to do, to make a good one. In no particular order here are 10 steps to making a good sci-fi show.
1. Have a Goal.
Seriously, you have to know what you're doing. You can't make something great if you don't know what you're making. You'll need a concept, which is usually what gives a show its sci-fi name. You'll also need to know what its actually about. Not aliens. Not dinosaurs. Saying your show is about "Super powered Guinea pigs that explore space in a spaceship shaped like a pineapple" does not count. There needs to be themes, and issues the show deals with. Without this, the show won't work.
2. Hire the Right People
Don't get a scriptwriter known for making bad kiddie movies when you want "Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE" to be dark and edgy.
3. PLAN
Writing by the seat of your pants can work, for a while. But once you get to the ending, your twisty plot may disappoint some. You have to actually plan what going to happen in your plot, if the show is plot driven. If its episodic, don't worry too much. Every mystery you have must have a conclusion. However, planning too far ahead can be restricting. If the guinea pigs HAVE to get to the Hamtaro system by going through the sunflower seed belt and past the aliens of Sparkliness for the plot to work, it may be a problem when you find you want to write about something different when the time comes.
4. Put a focus on characters.
Whether your story is episodic in nature or serialized, characters are always important. A character driven episode can be just as interesting as another, if your characters are that strong and interesting. Ensemble are good, if you can write them. Hoards of recurring characters too. But if you only want five guinea pig super space rangers to carry your show make sure they're dynamic. And don't forget that a characters interactions and relationships with the others are just as important. Getting a good cast helps this a lot.
5. Make sure it looks good
Good on a sci-fi means many things. The effects should reflect the tone. If you want puppets, have puppets! If you want CGI go ahead. Sometimes bad effects add to the enjoyment (I'm looking at you, Star Trek) but if the guinea pigs fight with Lizardman needs to be epic, and taken seriously, try as hard for realism. Don't put value on effects over story and plot, just do your best.
6. Sounds Good
One of the best things about Firefly was its theme song. The addition of the right music can do so much.
7. And SOUNDS good
Your show isnt going to last if no one watches it.
So if Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE is written made by Joss Whedon and Ronald D. Moore (this is a show full of SUFFERING and DEATH for sure) and has a recurring character played by Mark Sheppard (because they all do. Seriously.)
TELL THE WORLD. Geeks will come.
No one will come to a show by George Lucas and Brannon Braga with a cast of Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus will they. Bunch of people geeks hate in a genre that doesn't share a demographic with its stars. This looks awful, obviously, but if you are stuck with this disastrous combination(in which you should give up and die. No one will watch this.) at least don't put those names in the advertisements.
8. Remember your Fans
I have not watched Caprica. Half the fans seem to think its too soapy. The other think its brilliant. The point is, remember who will be watching this. You should never make a show just to please others, but also not just to please yourself. Guinea Pigs in SPACE! will to attract viewers if the only real drama is when the lead can't decide what to eat for lunch. I'm not saying genre mashups are bad. They can be great, just be sure its not with two totally different things. Yes, there a people who love sci-fi. There are people who love Western There are people who love both. You have three potential demographics! You could even get people outside your range, because some just want good tel vision in general! Unfortunately, People who love sci-fi tend to hate teen drama shows, and vice versa. The problem is teen drama shows have what all call smaller conflicts, teen angst and the like. Sci-fi tends to have larger conflict, involving actual danger. These two do not mix. You don't want The Wesley Crusher Show. An epic space battle, or real moral dilemma makes teen angst look trivial. Firefly works because both Westerns and Sci-fi can have bigger conflicts. Also you can obviously mix the visual and story elements. Sci-fi can mix with many genres, but not all.
9. Aim for the Stars
You have a great concept. You've got some great ideas. Try as hard as you can to do the most you can. Don't be afraid to push the limits a bit.And if you try something new and different and its doesn't work, its okay. At least you tried. Not all shows have that honour(cough*Terra Nova *cough). It can get you some respect. And if it does work, and keeps working, you've probably got a stellar show on your hand right there. Just keep it that way. Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE! daringly explored issues of flying around the universe such as crappy uniforms, bad food and what living in close quarter with the same for people for a length of time can do to someone. You could win awards.
Now I want to go into something a bit further here. Sci-fi is generally not a very well liked genre by critics. People consider it silly, shallow or childish. When a sci-fi show, like BSG for example, comes along and manages to be just as great as any of the best normal "drama" shows are and get universal acclaim, people who don't follow the genre start acting strange and finding ways to explain why "silly science fiction" which could "NEVER be taken seriously, all that imagination, and unrealistic stuff and all, hurr hurr, none of its REAL" has risen to such heights. So they don't call ti sci-fi. Its now "not really a sci-fi" or actually a "serious business drama show".
Excuse my language for a second: BULL FRAKKING SHIT.
YES. Sci-fi CAN be just as good, in fact it ALWAYS has the potential. Just because it explores issues with different and often more CREATIVE methods and asks more questions doesn't make it BELOW "normal" media. Yes sci-fi can be positively horrible, but it can also be brilliant. Denying that its sci-fi is just denying the fact the genre shows are getting better and better, and one day, they'll have to acknowledge this fact. Yes BSG is a drama. And a sc-ifi. The thing is, drama is sorta not really a genre. Well yes, there drama compared to comedy but a trillion different genres can go with drama. Half the shows on air aren't pure drama shows, there's no such thing. There are crime dramas and medical dramas and yes a sci-fi drama. Dramas are practically any shows that doesn't fit under Comedy. Really, all genres start with those two, than split into sci-fi and fantasy and horror and the like. The question is, is something stupid and popcorny like Transformers(Oh, another hated director!) a drama. Yup. If the plot is meant to be taken seriously, its technically an Action- Drama. You don't usually apply it because the drama half isn't much there.
This is hwy you can't say BSG is a drama. Its just an excuse.
10. Don't Overdo it
If you have a plot that isn't meant to drag on an on, DON'T. If you have a premise based shows that's getting stale, STOP. If all your cast, or crew are leaving PROBABLY NOT WORTH CONTINUING UNDER THE SAME TITLE. If your show has ran 18 years without any evolution IT IS STALE.
If super guinea pigs in space really only needs 3 seasons to wrap up everything, that's ALL IT NEEDS. The are always spin offs too, just don't clone your show.
and BONUS!
11. Don't be on FOX
You will not last....
Sorry, I forgot the 1.
As someone who has watched some varieties of sci-fi television and movies, has read reviews on sci-fi television and movies and generally takes an interest in them(I am the sci-fi of the trio, after all) and I think, after some thought, I know what you need to do, to make a good one. In no particular order here are 10 steps to making a good sci-fi show.
1. Have a Goal.
Seriously, you have to know what you're doing. You can't make something great if you don't know what you're making. You'll need a concept, which is usually what gives a show its sci-fi name. You'll also need to know what its actually about. Not aliens. Not dinosaurs. Saying your show is about "Super powered Guinea pigs that explore space in a spaceship shaped like a pineapple" does not count. There needs to be themes, and issues the show deals with. Without this, the show won't work.
2. Hire the Right People
Don't get a scriptwriter known for making bad kiddie movies when you want "Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE" to be dark and edgy.
3. PLAN
Writing by the seat of your pants can work, for a while. But once you get to the ending, your twisty plot may disappoint some. You have to actually plan what going to happen in your plot, if the show is plot driven. If its episodic, don't worry too much. Every mystery you have must have a conclusion. However, planning too far ahead can be restricting. If the guinea pigs HAVE to get to the Hamtaro system by going through the sunflower seed belt and past the aliens of Sparkliness for the plot to work, it may be a problem when you find you want to write about something different when the time comes.
4. Put a focus on characters.
Whether your story is episodic in nature or serialized, characters are always important. A character driven episode can be just as interesting as another, if your characters are that strong and interesting. Ensemble are good, if you can write them. Hoards of recurring characters too. But if you only want five guinea pig super space rangers to carry your show make sure they're dynamic. And don't forget that a characters interactions and relationships with the others are just as important. Getting a good cast helps this a lot.
5. Make sure it looks good
Good on a sci-fi means many things. The effects should reflect the tone. If you want puppets, have puppets! If you want CGI go ahead. Sometimes bad effects add to the enjoyment (I'm looking at you, Star Trek) but if the guinea pigs fight with Lizardman needs to be epic, and taken seriously, try as hard for realism. Don't put value on effects over story and plot, just do your best.
6. Sounds Good
One of the best things about Firefly was its theme song. The addition of the right music can do so much.
7. And SOUNDS good
Your show isnt going to last if no one watches it.
So if Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE is written made by Joss Whedon and Ronald D. Moore (this is a show full of SUFFERING and DEATH for sure) and has a recurring character played by Mark Sheppard (because they all do. Seriously.)
TELL THE WORLD. Geeks will come.
No one will come to a show by George Lucas and Brannon Braga with a cast of Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus will they. Bunch of people geeks hate in a genre that doesn't share a demographic with its stars. This looks awful, obviously, but if you are stuck with this disastrous combination(in which you should give up and die. No one will watch this.) at least don't put those names in the advertisements.
8. Remember your Fans
I have not watched Caprica. Half the fans seem to think its too soapy. The other think its brilliant. The point is, remember who will be watching this. You should never make a show just to please others, but also not just to please yourself. Guinea Pigs in SPACE! will to attract viewers if the only real drama is when the lead can't decide what to eat for lunch. I'm not saying genre mashups are bad. They can be great, just be sure its not with two totally different things. Yes, there a people who love sci-fi. There are people who love Western There are people who love both. You have three potential demographics! You could even get people outside your range, because some just want good tel vision in general! Unfortunately, People who love sci-fi tend to hate teen drama shows, and vice versa. The problem is teen drama shows have what all call smaller conflicts, teen angst and the like. Sci-fi tends to have larger conflict, involving actual danger. These two do not mix. You don't want The Wesley Crusher Show. An epic space battle, or real moral dilemma makes teen angst look trivial. Firefly works because both Westerns and Sci-fi can have bigger conflicts. Also you can obviously mix the visual and story elements. Sci-fi can mix with many genres, but not all.
9. Aim for the Stars
You have a great concept. You've got some great ideas. Try as hard as you can to do the most you can. Don't be afraid to push the limits a bit.And if you try something new and different and its doesn't work, its okay. At least you tried. Not all shows have that honour(cough*Terra Nova *cough). It can get you some respect. And if it does work, and keeps working, you've probably got a stellar show on your hand right there. Just keep it that way. Super Guinea Pigs in SPACE! daringly explored issues of flying around the universe such as crappy uniforms, bad food and what living in close quarter with the same for people for a length of time can do to someone. You could win awards.
Now I want to go into something a bit further here. Sci-fi is generally not a very well liked genre by critics. People consider it silly, shallow or childish. When a sci-fi show, like BSG for example, comes along and manages to be just as great as any of the best normal "drama" shows are and get universal acclaim, people who don't follow the genre start acting strange and finding ways to explain why "silly science fiction" which could "NEVER be taken seriously, all that imagination, and unrealistic stuff and all, hurr hurr, none of its REAL" has risen to such heights. So they don't call ti sci-fi. Its now "not really a sci-fi" or actually a "serious business drama show".
Excuse my language for a second: BULL FRAKKING SHIT.
YES. Sci-fi CAN be just as good, in fact it ALWAYS has the potential. Just because it explores issues with different and often more CREATIVE methods and asks more questions doesn't make it BELOW "normal" media. Yes sci-fi can be positively horrible, but it can also be brilliant. Denying that its sci-fi is just denying the fact the genre shows are getting better and better, and one day, they'll have to acknowledge this fact. Yes BSG is a drama. And a sc-ifi. The thing is, drama is sorta not really a genre. Well yes, there drama compared to comedy but a trillion different genres can go with drama. Half the shows on air aren't pure drama shows, there's no such thing. There are crime dramas and medical dramas and yes a sci-fi drama. Dramas are practically any shows that doesn't fit under Comedy. Really, all genres start with those two, than split into sci-fi and fantasy and horror and the like. The question is, is something stupid and popcorny like Transformers(Oh, another hated director!) a drama. Yup. If the plot is meant to be taken seriously, its technically an Action- Drama. You don't usually apply it because the drama half isn't much there.
This is hwy you can't say BSG is a drama. Its just an excuse.
10. Don't Overdo it
If you have a plot that isn't meant to drag on an on, DON'T. If you have a premise based shows that's getting stale, STOP. If all your cast, or crew are leaving PROBABLY NOT WORTH CONTINUING UNDER THE SAME TITLE. If your show has ran 18 years without any evolution IT IS STALE.
If super guinea pigs in space really only needs 3 seasons to wrap up everything, that's ALL IT NEEDS. The are always spin offs too, just don't clone your show.
and BONUS!
11. Don't be on FOX
You will not last....
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Terra Nova-Bylaw Review
Shocky Here-And time for another Terra Nova Review
Ah, Terra Nova. You just keep failing. But you are so fun to mock.
So, I seem to have phased myself away from Star Trek again, and I am now watching Doctor Who(as in the New). I love this show, I must admit, it is a ton of fun, and has some really good stuff so far, although I'm barely halfway through the first season. What I learnt from Doctor Who:
Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Sonic Screwdrivers fix everything.
Why creatures resembling metal garbage cans make good villains
and whole lots of other things.
Terra Nova on the other hand is AMAZING.
That is, amazing at highlighting why other shows work.
Now I can't compare it to all other shows, but based on what it aims, I can safely say it can be compared to BSG. I have read material that has pointed out the shows aims are to be more than "just sci-fi"
and accomplish actual drama and have good characters and be fairly family friendly.
Of course BSG wasn't family friendly...but otherwise, I think they have similarish goals and could have similar problems.
Bylaw isn't bad like the few soapy early episodes. it's bad because if completely fails to do anything or be anything. We have the situation of a murder on the settlement, something that has never happened before, and they're questioning what to do. Some dude comes out and confesses, thus, The Commander decides punishment is banishment, without question, but Protagonist dude decides to investigate further because of s something his wife says. Then there some plot about gambling and debts and the like.
Anyhow, the problem here is it appears to have a situation looking at the moral implications. Should this guy Have a trial?Is banishment a good punishment? The problem is, IT DOESN'T. It goes off on its own way, totally destroying any opportunity for drama or anything actually interesting. I don't know what I'd put there, BUT I WOULDN'T DO THAT.
When a fifteen year old knows you've done wrong, you fail.
The second problem besides that they fail at what they're trying to accomplish, is a major flaw in the Taylor character. Here we come round to BSG. See Taylor fails at what a commander person should be. Its not that he makes horrid decisions. And his character doesn't change episode to episode like Janeway. Its flat, sure, because he gets no developments. The major problem is that no one questions him.
At the end of the episode, he mentions that he'll lose no sleep over the decision he made.
That's arrogant.
The show expects us to immediately trust his decision just because he is a commander, but ti doesn't work that way. It takes More than that for us to have faith. Yeah, we trust Captain Kirk on Star Trek, but that's after we know who he is. We do see him toil over his decisions. Taylor appears to put no thought into it.
We don't trusts him.
And at the same time, we see no one question him. Yes, at one point ti is brought up, then forgotten again.
Frak this show.
One of the great things about BSG was that it didn't takes side. You had the two opposing forces of the military against the civilians. Both sides were treated with respect. The military's decision was always questioned. It also helps that the Admiral was a developed character who DID care about doing what is right, all while dealing with all the crap and conflicts int he show.
My heart longs for you, good writing.
Ah, Terra Nova. You just keep failing. But you are so fun to mock.
So, I seem to have phased myself away from Star Trek again, and I am now watching Doctor Who(as in the New). I love this show, I must admit, it is a ton of fun, and has some really good stuff so far, although I'm barely halfway through the first season. What I learnt from Doctor Who:
Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Sonic Screwdrivers fix everything.
Why creatures resembling metal garbage cans make good villains
and whole lots of other things.
Terra Nova on the other hand is AMAZING.
That is, amazing at highlighting why other shows work.
Now I can't compare it to all other shows, but based on what it aims, I can safely say it can be compared to BSG. I have read material that has pointed out the shows aims are to be more than "just sci-fi"
and accomplish actual drama and have good characters and be fairly family friendly.
Of course BSG wasn't family friendly...but otherwise, I think they have similarish goals and could have similar problems.
Bylaw isn't bad like the few soapy early episodes. it's bad because if completely fails to do anything or be anything. We have the situation of a murder on the settlement, something that has never happened before, and they're questioning what to do. Some dude comes out and confesses, thus, The Commander decides punishment is banishment, without question, but Protagonist dude decides to investigate further because of s something his wife says. Then there some plot about gambling and debts and the like.
Anyhow, the problem here is it appears to have a situation looking at the moral implications. Should this guy Have a trial?Is banishment a good punishment? The problem is, IT DOESN'T. It goes off on its own way, totally destroying any opportunity for drama or anything actually interesting. I don't know what I'd put there, BUT I WOULDN'T DO THAT.
When a fifteen year old knows you've done wrong, you fail.
The second problem besides that they fail at what they're trying to accomplish, is a major flaw in the Taylor character. Here we come round to BSG. See Taylor fails at what a commander person should be. Its not that he makes horrid decisions. And his character doesn't change episode to episode like Janeway. Its flat, sure, because he gets no developments. The major problem is that no one questions him.
At the end of the episode, he mentions that he'll lose no sleep over the decision he made.
That's arrogant.
The show expects us to immediately trust his decision just because he is a commander, but ti doesn't work that way. It takes More than that for us to have faith. Yeah, we trust Captain Kirk on Star Trek, but that's after we know who he is. We do see him toil over his decisions. Taylor appears to put no thought into it.
We don't trusts him.
And at the same time, we see no one question him. Yes, at one point ti is brought up, then forgotten again.
Frak this show.
One of the great things about BSG was that it didn't takes side. You had the two opposing forces of the military against the civilians. Both sides were treated with respect. The military's decision was always questioned. It also helps that the Admiral was a developed character who DID care about doing what is right, all while dealing with all the crap and conflicts int he show.
My heart longs for you, good writing.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Once Upon A Time: Episode 1 Review
Well hello, it's finally time to take a whack at this reviewing thing. Jasmine here, and I have just watched the first episode of Once Upon a Time.
This show is about the fairy tale world (you know, your usual Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.) that got sent to the real world (which in this case is Storybrook, Maine) where they have no memory of their past lives and have no happy endings. This was done by the evil stepmother/witch from Snow White who wanted revenge. Snow White and her husband decided to send their daughter to safety (watch and you'll find out why) and proclaimed that she will return on her 28th birthday to save them all.
Unfortunately for the plot I really can't say much else without fear of spoiling it for you. So I recommend that you watch episode one and then tune into the next one.
Sorry for the shortness. We're experiencing scheduling issues here at 2G&O (clever acronym, eh?).
Hope to write to you soon!
Jasmine
This show is about the fairy tale world (you know, your usual Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.) that got sent to the real world (which in this case is Storybrook, Maine) where they have no memory of their past lives and have no happy endings. This was done by the evil stepmother/witch from Snow White who wanted revenge. Snow White and her husband decided to send their daughter to safety (watch and you'll find out why) and proclaimed that she will return on her 28th birthday to save them all.
Unfortunately for the plot I really can't say much else without fear of spoiling it for you. So I recommend that you watch episode one and then tune into the next one.
Sorry for the shortness. We're experiencing scheduling issues here at 2G&O (clever acronym, eh?).
Hope to write to you soon!
Jasmine
Monday, October 17, 2011
Terra Nova-The Runaway Review
Shocky here again- and its time for another reviews, but done slightly differently
I think.
Compared to the last two episodes of Terra Nova, this one holds up a bit better. The stupid love triangle is gone.Its in fact a lot better than the horrid last episode. A lot.
The biggest good things is that stuff actually happens. The 2 thirds of my fandom's nickname have returned to cause trouble and the bring back the mystery surrounding them first introduced in the pilot.All these are good things.
Whats still not good of course are the characters and their relationships, and the show isn't nearly as interesting to me as DS9 is at the moment, or even close to the how deeply into BSG I was. It also lacks either's depth. In other words, its still an average, if not below average, series.
I'd also like to point out how stupid and generic everything is.Everything.
So its time for a short comparison between DS9, BSG, Firefly and Terra Nova, so I can illustrate how the three can be different and good at the same time and Terra Nova can suck. Also because I am a fan so I must gush about them.
Lets first look at this scenario.
Problem: The little runaway girl turns out to be a spy from the Sixers trying to get some locked Case thing in the camp for their leader because she threatened to hurt the little girl's brother. Protagonists are faced with with whether to believe her or not after trusting her before was a mistake and what to do about. So, Jim is dumb and runs off to take things into his own hands, gets captured, but it all turns out ok because of luck anyways. Now obviously well developed characters also aren't this stupid, but the point is how Taylor deals with this.
Terra Nova: Oh, its okay, it all turned out alright. No problem.
DS9: Sisko is a reasonable captain. Since he'll defy starfleet when its required, he'd probably at least thank you for doing what you believed was right, but scolded for not listening. May get some punishment.
BSG: Your going in the brig, no questions asked.
Firefly: This depends. You may get a punch to the face if your just insulting to Mal or you could nearly be airlocked if your an actual threat. However if your so dumb your obviously not a threat.
See, here's the problem. In all three other shows, there'd be some sort of consequence for not listening to who's in command. In all shows whether what you've done worked or didn't, there's still scolding, or punishment, even if it was right. The problem with this show is THE CHARACTERS NEVER LEARN ANYTHING!
EVER! And I like character development, and these characters NEED development.
I love characters. Half the reason I love these shows is usually characters, if I don't like ANY of them, I'm not going to be interested for long, that's the problem. DS9 has some of the best star trek characters that DO deal with problems. BSG is chock full of characters whom by the end of the show I didn't want to let go. Firefly has some of the most original and fun characters Ive watched on screen that work together so well.
This is my biggest complaint still. These stupid, flat, static characters.
Oh and that dude from the last two episodes, I think he's thespy. Just a hunch.
I think.
Compared to the last two episodes of Terra Nova, this one holds up a bit better. The stupid love triangle is gone.Its in fact a lot better than the horrid last episode. A lot.
The biggest good things is that stuff actually happens. The 2 thirds of my fandom's nickname have returned to cause trouble and the bring back the mystery surrounding them first introduced in the pilot.All these are good things.
Whats still not good of course are the characters and their relationships, and the show isn't nearly as interesting to me as DS9 is at the moment, or even close to the how deeply into BSG I was. It also lacks either's depth. In other words, its still an average, if not below average, series.
I'd also like to point out how stupid and generic everything is.Everything.
So its time for a short comparison between DS9, BSG, Firefly and Terra Nova, so I can illustrate how the three can be different and good at the same time and Terra Nova can suck. Also because I am a fan so I must gush about them.
Lets first look at this scenario.
Problem: The little runaway girl turns out to be a spy from the Sixers trying to get some locked Case thing in the camp for their leader because she threatened to hurt the little girl's brother. Protagonists are faced with with whether to believe her or not after trusting her before was a mistake and what to do about. So, Jim is dumb and runs off to take things into his own hands, gets captured, but it all turns out ok because of luck anyways. Now obviously well developed characters also aren't this stupid, but the point is how Taylor deals with this.
Terra Nova: Oh, its okay, it all turned out alright. No problem.
DS9: Sisko is a reasonable captain. Since he'll defy starfleet when its required, he'd probably at least thank you for doing what you believed was right, but scolded for not listening. May get some punishment.
BSG: Your going in the brig, no questions asked.
Firefly: This depends. You may get a punch to the face if your just insulting to Mal or you could nearly be airlocked if your an actual threat. However if your so dumb your obviously not a threat.
See, here's the problem. In all three other shows, there'd be some sort of consequence for not listening to who's in command. In all shows whether what you've done worked or didn't, there's still scolding, or punishment, even if it was right. The problem with this show is THE CHARACTERS NEVER LEARN ANYTHING!
EVER! And I like character development, and these characters NEED development.
I love characters. Half the reason I love these shows is usually characters, if I don't like ANY of them, I'm not going to be interested for long, that's the problem. DS9 has some of the best star trek characters that DO deal with problems. BSG is chock full of characters whom by the end of the show I didn't want to let go. Firefly has some of the most original and fun characters Ive watched on screen that work together so well.
This is my biggest complaint still. These stupid, flat, static characters.
Oh and that dude from the last two episodes, I think he's thespy. Just a hunch.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Terra Nova-What Remains Review
Shocky-I swear I must have made most of the posts here because I like to babble. I know your thinking I should have my own blog(or not) but this is good filler, right?
Heres some more equations for everyone.
Bad Star Trek- Corny fun=Terra Nova.
Pretty much. Terra Nova is as generic as the first season of Star Trek Voyager, this episode has proved, because when even I can predict the ending, that's pretty predictable. Sad,sad.
While Star Trek Voyager I found very little new about it, as it reused situations Id seen in TNG (Although it gets better apparently) I still had fun watching it, because it was good bad. Janeway was crazy, but amusing. The lack of logic was fun to mock. Throw in the Doctor and some general Star Trek weirdness you've got some fun times. Mostly. Excluding Neelix centred episodes.
Terra Nova is bland and blander. I like over the top, and if Worf runs around screaming "brah brah brah" and hacking limbs for a whole episode I wouldn't care because that's sounds hilarious, though stupid. Im not looking for BSG here anymore, since it obviously cant co in that direction, so Im looking for trek. No luck.
The problem is, nothing improves. It all gets worse. Corny love plots get cornier. Simple scientific solution get More boring. Stupid teen are annoying and angsty. The only bright spots were the fact ti looked like they were returning to the sixer plot line and crazy Taylor was kinda funny. Not Worf running around screaming "brah brah brah" and hacking limbs funny. Not "trouble with tribbles" funny. Not as funny as Quark can manage to be in the right time. Not as funny as Baltar in his most pitiful state. And not EVEN CLOSE to Firefly levels. I picture of Jayne Cobb would make me laugh More than anything in this show. In fact, just thinking about him is more entertaining. Easily.
Theres still hope though...please....
Heres some more equations for everyone.
Bad Star Trek- Corny fun=Terra Nova.
Pretty much. Terra Nova is as generic as the first season of Star Trek Voyager, this episode has proved, because when even I can predict the ending, that's pretty predictable. Sad,sad.
While Star Trek Voyager I found very little new about it, as it reused situations Id seen in TNG (Although it gets better apparently) I still had fun watching it, because it was good bad. Janeway was crazy, but amusing. The lack of logic was fun to mock. Throw in the Doctor and some general Star Trek weirdness you've got some fun times. Mostly. Excluding Neelix centred episodes.
Terra Nova is bland and blander. I like over the top, and if Worf runs around screaming "brah brah brah" and hacking limbs for a whole episode I wouldn't care because that's sounds hilarious, though stupid. Im not looking for BSG here anymore, since it obviously cant co in that direction, so Im looking for trek. No luck.
The problem is, nothing improves. It all gets worse. Corny love plots get cornier. Simple scientific solution get More boring. Stupid teen are annoying and angsty. The only bright spots were the fact ti looked like they were returning to the sixer plot line and crazy Taylor was kinda funny. Not Worf running around screaming "brah brah brah" and hacking limbs funny. Not "trouble with tribbles" funny. Not as funny as Quark can manage to be in the right time. Not as funny as Baltar in his most pitiful state. And not EVEN CLOSE to Firefly levels. I picture of Jayne Cobb would make me laugh More than anything in this show. In fact, just thinking about him is more entertaining. Easily.
Theres still hope though...please....
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Return
Shocky here-posting too much again, with something probably not realy worth posting but hey, its not like we have anything close to a reputation yet
Short post here. Now Iv'e finished Cowboy Bebop, and am still trying to get over BSG I have returned to the trek universe for the time being. It was kind of strange, my return, as it was spurred by watching too many of SF Debris reviews and the fact that the internet is obviously very acssesible to me. At first I was thinking of Voyager, but that lasted all of five second, as there isnt much to think about in that show
My thoughts:"Oh hey the Doctor. I love the Doctor.He's the best. I could ednlessly watch him. Oh wait he isnt featured prominenetly in every episode......OH FRAK ITS NEELIX!"
I don't remember what review it was, but an article before the show was aired was brought up comparing Neelix to the alien DS9 chaarcters. As equals. My favourite characters on DS9. Neelix. No.Just no.
WRONG!
Anyhoo, so I decided to first adjust into the trek universe again, Id start with Voyager as I cared less about it and I didnt really have to pay any attention yet still could enjoy it. Halfway through the episode, which unfortunately focused on Neelix(no one likes him. but Wesley Crusher is still worse in my books)
I was half asleep and suddenly came to my senses, wondering why the frak I was watching this crap when I wasnted to watch DS9.
Derp.
Why did I just use that word?
In other words, my plan worked.
I found, after returning to the show midway throguh season four that I did love this show. Very much. I was surprisingly happy to see them all again and return to familiar territory. Even my least favourite characters are far better than Neelix. And that kid from Terra Nova. And possibly Apollo.
Math:
D=Blandness
A=Blandness+Whining
Dax>Apollo.
Yup. Theyre both fairly bland, but Dax doesnt come off as a whiner.
There are no characters I dont like to some degree, while some could come off irritating,
(Quark)
They don't
(its called a FOIL(try it Voyager(and Terra Nova)))
I must say, conflicting characters = happiness
No annoyances= happiness
No souls crushed yet= happiness
no thoughts of BSG=HAPPINESS
Oh wait this was A RDM show too....
D:
Frak
Short post here. Now Iv'e finished Cowboy Bebop, and am still trying to get over BSG I have returned to the trek universe for the time being. It was kind of strange, my return, as it was spurred by watching too many of SF Debris reviews and the fact that the internet is obviously very acssesible to me. At first I was thinking of Voyager, but that lasted all of five second, as there isnt much to think about in that show
My thoughts:"Oh hey the Doctor. I love the Doctor.He's the best. I could ednlessly watch him. Oh wait he isnt featured prominenetly in every episode......OH FRAK ITS NEELIX!"
I don't remember what review it was, but an article before the show was aired was brought up comparing Neelix to the alien DS9 chaarcters. As equals. My favourite characters on DS9. Neelix. No.Just no.
WRONG!
Anyhoo, so I decided to first adjust into the trek universe again, Id start with Voyager as I cared less about it and I didnt really have to pay any attention yet still could enjoy it. Halfway through the episode, which unfortunately focused on Neelix(no one likes him. but Wesley Crusher is still worse in my books)
I was half asleep and suddenly came to my senses, wondering why the frak I was watching this crap when I wasnted to watch DS9.
Derp.
Why did I just use that word?
In other words, my plan worked.
I found, after returning to the show midway throguh season four that I did love this show. Very much. I was surprisingly happy to see them all again and return to familiar territory. Even my least favourite characters are far better than Neelix. And that kid from Terra Nova. And possibly Apollo.
Math:
D=Blandness
A=Blandness+Whining
Dax>Apollo.
Yup. Theyre both fairly bland, but Dax doesnt come off as a whiner.
There are no characters I dont like to some degree, while some could come off irritating,
(Quark)
They don't
(its called a FOIL(try it Voyager(and Terra Nova)))
I must say, conflicting characters = happiness
No annoyances= happiness
No souls crushed yet= happiness
no thoughts of BSG=HAPPINESS
Oh wait this was A RDM show too....
D:
Frak
Thursday, October 6, 2011
On Cowboy Bebop
Shocky Here- and really happy to see that were finally all together. Now the others can edit all my typos!Awesome! I know I have a lot of random posts, but I have lots to say.
Around 3 months ago I finished Firefly. Two weeks ago I finished Battlestar Galactica. Today I completely finished Cowboy Bebop. I watched the last episode yesterday, with its wonderfully ambiguous ending.Today I watched the 2001 movie Knocking on Heaven's Door.
It was gooooooooooooood.
I have to say, I haven't watched a ton of anime so much as reading manga. I've seen a few episodes of Naruto, one of Fullmetal Alchemist, Some Ouran High School Host Club, Hamtaro when I was little and a bit of Spirited Away except I was like 7 and noface scarred me for life.
I think I should watch it again. (Jasmine thinks you should too)
But I have to say, no only did I get very attached to ALL the characters, I never knew anime could be this good. Far better than Naruto.
FAR BETTER. Well this is one of the most influential anime of all time and ever...
Quick History Of My Love for Animation
2010, May-I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas
2010 Until now- I suddenly saw what makes animation so wonderful beyond the same elements found in live action
The animation in Cowboy Bebop was great (although it didn't look so hot on a relatively small screen after being uploaded onto the web.)
But with the bigger budget the movie looked brilliant. I felt like it was last fall, when I was most interested in animation, and I'd watch disney movies on youtube, often when bored, just to WATCH it.
The thing about the series is, I cant even explain it. Everyone knows why its great. I couldn't put it in words, I know the characters are brilliant, and it does all sorts of new things, and it has deep philosophical messages underneath or something, I cant put it in words.
You just know its good from the start.
I think what made this show so popular was a lot of things. The characters, the action, the fact it is a bit more American than other anime or maybe because its just plain cool.
Id say it was the mixture of animation and music, because I very rarely sit through credits.
Anyhoo, thats my two-cents, its seems Im having a good run with television my next mission is to finish DS9
see how that turns out...
probably a lot more satisfying than Terra Nova..
Around 3 months ago I finished Firefly. Two weeks ago I finished Battlestar Galactica. Today I completely finished Cowboy Bebop. I watched the last episode yesterday, with its wonderfully ambiguous ending.Today I watched the 2001 movie Knocking on Heaven's Door.
It was gooooooooooooood.
I have to say, I haven't watched a ton of anime so much as reading manga. I've seen a few episodes of Naruto, one of Fullmetal Alchemist, Some Ouran High School Host Club, Hamtaro when I was little and a bit of Spirited Away except I was like 7 and noface scarred me for life.
I think I should watch it again. (Jasmine thinks you should too)
But I have to say, no only did I get very attached to ALL the characters, I never knew anime could be this good. Far better than Naruto.
FAR BETTER. Well this is one of the most influential anime of all time and ever...
Quick History Of My Love for Animation
2010, May-I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas
2010 Until now- I suddenly saw what makes animation so wonderful beyond the same elements found in live action
The animation in Cowboy Bebop was great (although it didn't look so hot on a relatively small screen after being uploaded onto the web.)
But with the bigger budget the movie looked brilliant. I felt like it was last fall, when I was most interested in animation, and I'd watch disney movies on youtube, often when bored, just to WATCH it.
The thing about the series is, I cant even explain it. Everyone knows why its great. I couldn't put it in words, I know the characters are brilliant, and it does all sorts of new things, and it has deep philosophical messages underneath or something, I cant put it in words.
You just know its good from the start.
I think what made this show so popular was a lot of things. The characters, the action, the fact it is a bit more American than other anime or maybe because its just plain cool.
Id say it was the mixture of animation and music, because I very rarely sit through credits.
Anyhoo, thats my two-cents, its seems Im having a good run with television my next mission is to finish DS9
see how that turns out...
probably a lot more satisfying than Terra Nova..
We're finally all together
Hello all,
You heard me right! We finally got over our illnesses and our Otaku finally joins us on this here blog! Look out! We'll be planning discussions on a variety of topics coming your way in the near future! Thanks for reading!
Jasmine
You heard me right! We finally got over our illnesses and our Otaku finally joins us on this here blog! Look out! We'll be planning discussions on a variety of topics coming your way in the near future! Thanks for reading!
Jasmine
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Awwwwww
Yeah, I'm the Otaku! And I finally got this set up! Oh YUSSSSSSS! :3 tee hee hee...
Hi everyone! B)
~Rune
Hi everyone! B)
~Rune
Monday, October 3, 2011
Terra Nova-Instinct Review and Some Other Stuff
Shocky here- sorry to anyone that this has been going rather slow, had some slight problems along the way and weve all been sick the last week, but while no group discussion posts are up yet, Ill be posting this kind of stuff
Episode 3 of Terra Nova has given me almost the same feelings as I got from the pilot. Im not really sure f I should bother watching this show but I can see some good things in it. Its good entertainment, for one, but so is Star Trek Voyager with is the kind of thing I watch when Im tired and dont want to think about when Im actually watching. Now Star Trek Voyager isnt all that bad, its just very inconsistent. VERY. Some are good, some are...bad, but Im usually entertained to some degree, afterall bad can be entertaining. Now before I go off topic, Id like to point out that Terra Nova isnt inconsistent. But it is a few other things.
Im not going to write about this episode as I did the last, because I find that boring, and I only did it because the pilot needed to setup the show, and so did I. This may be a short review if I can condense my thoughts.
The Good
-the entertainment value, hoards of small dinosaurs swooping in to mob some people are EXCITING
-ACTION!
-Taylor being a Badass, when he commands, you will LISTEN
-Main character guy(yes Ive still been too lazy to go on wikipedia and find out the names) is finally beginning to grow on me, Im actually starting to genuinely like him!A main character!Wow!
-Science that makes sense. Yes, the technobabble solution isnt made up so much of nonsense that even I can sorta get it
-REDSHIRTS!Death by small flying reptiles
-How good this show LOOKS most of the time
The Bad
-Teen Angst plays a guitar, I couldnt believe he could become more of a stereotype!
-some of the up close dino shots really didnt gel with me, and Im usually good at believing effects, but they just looked like plastic
-no true opening sequence. I LIKE COOL OPENING SEQUENCES, GIVE ME ONE!
(just not a pop song for a theme song please)
-Older Daughter gets shoved to the side for her brother, again, maybe if they tried shed be less of a stereotype and More interesting
-still not really caring...that much
The Not Able to Classify in Good or Bad
-A line.One line. Something after a question on"will it be enough" with the answer,"It had better be." Suddenly I realized I was watching sci-fi TV, and a line that appears in all those shows. Strange feeling from that one...
-being reminded of BSG. Far too many times, just small things. Or Star Trek, but that more of a happy feeling than sad.
-the realization that the reason I may not be fully satisfied with the show, and keep thinking its going to give me more is because I just finished BSG.I wasnt looking for BSG experience when I began Cowboy Bebop. Or when I started Farscape. Or when I watch Star Trek. Theyre each their own things. But this...I dont know, maybe it hasnt come out into its own...
Fortunately its still got lots of time....
or not, this is FOX afterall
Now onto something else Id like to throw in. Going over to IMDb this morning, I didnt expect anything much, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was an important time. Cult Television triumphed today.Finally. Today a show, axed by FOX, loved by a devoted fanbase ,got what it deserved. 10 new episodes and a movie. It doesnt matter whether you like this show, or have never seen it(I actually have.). It doesnt mater the content of the show, or who that fanbase is. It doesnt matter why. What matters, is that a cult show killed by the evil FOX is living and breathing again. This means something for cult TV, like Serenity meant something. Like Star Trek:TMP did back in 1979.
Arrested Development has just beaten all the stupid networks, and what an achievement that is.
Episode 3 of Terra Nova has given me almost the same feelings as I got from the pilot. Im not really sure f I should bother watching this show but I can see some good things in it. Its good entertainment, for one, but so is Star Trek Voyager with is the kind of thing I watch when Im tired and dont want to think about when Im actually watching. Now Star Trek Voyager isnt all that bad, its just very inconsistent. VERY. Some are good, some are...bad, but Im usually entertained to some degree, afterall bad can be entertaining. Now before I go off topic, Id like to point out that Terra Nova isnt inconsistent. But it is a few other things.
Im not going to write about this episode as I did the last, because I find that boring, and I only did it because the pilot needed to setup the show, and so did I. This may be a short review if I can condense my thoughts.
The Good
-the entertainment value, hoards of small dinosaurs swooping in to mob some people are EXCITING
-ACTION!
-Taylor being a Badass, when he commands, you will LISTEN
-Main character guy(yes Ive still been too lazy to go on wikipedia and find out the names) is finally beginning to grow on me, Im actually starting to genuinely like him!A main character!Wow!
-Science that makes sense. Yes, the technobabble solution isnt made up so much of nonsense that even I can sorta get it
-REDSHIRTS!Death by small flying reptiles
-How good this show LOOKS most of the time
The Bad
-Teen Angst plays a guitar, I couldnt believe he could become more of a stereotype!
-some of the up close dino shots really didnt gel with me, and Im usually good at believing effects, but they just looked like plastic
-no true opening sequence. I LIKE COOL OPENING SEQUENCES, GIVE ME ONE!
(just not a pop song for a theme song please)
-Older Daughter gets shoved to the side for her brother, again, maybe if they tried shed be less of a stereotype and More interesting
-still not really caring...that much
The Not Able to Classify in Good or Bad
-A line.One line. Something after a question on"will it be enough" with the answer,"It had better be." Suddenly I realized I was watching sci-fi TV, and a line that appears in all those shows. Strange feeling from that one...
-being reminded of BSG. Far too many times, just small things. Or Star Trek, but that more of a happy feeling than sad.
-the realization that the reason I may not be fully satisfied with the show, and keep thinking its going to give me more is because I just finished BSG.I wasnt looking for BSG experience when I began Cowboy Bebop. Or when I started Farscape. Or when I watch Star Trek. Theyre each their own things. But this...I dont know, maybe it hasnt come out into its own...
Fortunately its still got lots of time....
or not, this is FOX afterall
Now onto something else Id like to throw in. Going over to IMDb this morning, I didnt expect anything much, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was an important time. Cult Television triumphed today.Finally. Today a show, axed by FOX, loved by a devoted fanbase ,got what it deserved. 10 new episodes and a movie. It doesnt matter whether you like this show, or have never seen it(I actually have.). It doesnt mater the content of the show, or who that fanbase is. It doesnt matter why. What matters, is that a cult show killed by the evil FOX is living and breathing again. This means something for cult TV, like Serenity meant something. Like Star Trek:TMP did back in 1979.
Arrested Development has just beaten all the stupid networks, and what an achievement that is.
Jasmine says hello
Hello all,
Posts have unfortunately been slow during the past couple of days. We've been pretty busy and actually all three of us are sick!
Yes the cold bug has attacked us!
Might as well introduce myself to you all.
Hello, Jasmine here. It's short for JasmineAnnSnape. I like Harry Potter, fantasy novels, and mostly what the other two people on here like. I am opinionated but more understated than my counterpart of the geek title.
I also enjoy reading the Percy Jackson series, the Narnia series, and just about anything I can get my hands on. If anyone out there has any requests for any of us feel free to comment away!
This is pretty short but I wanted to let you all know that because of some real life stuff that is occupying us right now we may not be posting as often as we'd like.
Thank you for reading!
Jasmine
Posts have unfortunately been slow during the past couple of days. We've been pretty busy and actually all three of us are sick!
Yes the cold bug has attacked us!
Might as well introduce myself to you all.
Hello, Jasmine here. It's short for JasmineAnnSnape. I like Harry Potter, fantasy novels, and mostly what the other two people on here like. I am opinionated but more understated than my counterpart of the geek title.
I also enjoy reading the Percy Jackson series, the Narnia series, and just about anything I can get my hands on. If anyone out there has any requests for any of us feel free to comment away!
This is pretty short but I wanted to let you all know that because of some real life stuff that is occupying us right now we may not be posting as often as we'd like.
Thank you for reading!
Jasmine
Friday, September 30, 2011
Shocky Watches Terra Nova: Genesis parts 1 and 2
Shocky Here
What Is there really left to say about FOX? They have a reputation for very quickly axeing new shows if they dont get stellar ratings, especially genre shows. Geeks around the world know them as the killer of Firefly, which lasted 14 episodes, 11 of which were aired, out of order and on Fridays, yet, it still has one of the biggest cult followings of all the shows in the last decade.
When I got news of the upcoming FOX show known as Terra Nova, I had two reactions:
1. I HATE FOX!DIE!DIE!DIE!Oh hey a new show
2. R.I.P. Terra Nova...it just wasnt on the right network...
Terra Nova was something different though, when I looked closer. It was a big , ambitious production. It had money behind it, and names. Big names. Steven Spielberg. It was like a summer blockbuster, expected to draw in a crowd. By the reports, the pilot did fine, not amazing, but fine. The thing was, looking at some more articles closer to the premiere, I got the impression that the creators wanted it to be more than that. Not just Jurassic Park with some permanent residents, but a show with actual characters and drama.
This is what caught me, especially straight after watching BSG. I KNEW this thing would fail. I WANTED it to. This was my original drive to watch it.
Then I finished BSG. I needed somethign new. Something not on DVD
Thats how I came to Terra Nova with its 2 hour pilot.Now I will actually talk about the show.
The show starts in a depressing, dystopian future with grey skies, smoke, pollution, giant cities and of course, giant digital propaganda billboards.Here we are introduced to our main characters, and for your pleasure, I will give detailed descirptions of their personalities!
Main Character Guy is the protagonist of the story, and the father of the family. I believe theyre called the shannons, but unfortunately, I cant remember their first names. Main Character guy has a job as a cop in the future, but goes to jail when the police find their illegal 3rd child. Because of overpopulation families can only have two children. I find main character guy is a pretty basic protagonist. Actually he's quite bland and generic, but not annoying at least. Hopefully as the series progresses, he develops more too.
Then there is Main Character guys wife, who is a doctor. She visits him in jail to inform him that shes been chosen to travel to Terra Nova, as they needd doctors, but cant bring their third child. Like Main Character Guy, there isnt much to her yet either. Shes likable enough though. Apparently, she has hatched a plan to get him and their youngest child through the portal.
This plan works, and he meets them there with Main Character Guy's Youngest Daughter, aka plot device only there to look cute, hidden in a backpack.
After an exciting bit of excitement and some more trouble, they make it to the settlement.
Now the concept of this show is pretty good. It involves some alternate timestream they jump into so they dont disrupt the future and some plan to not make the same mistakes by being eco-friendly.
Yay!
The exposition here really made me thick of that TNG episode where Data has this complex diagram of gazillion parallel universes branching off one another(Parallels). Im guessing a different timestream is somewhat like that. Time travel plots can actaully get quite confusing if you think about.
So we see Terra Nova and its all pretty scenery(actually it is quite stunning) and everyone is all happy and stuff.
Now we meet Badass Commander Guy whos name is actually Taylor, but that seems to be his type. He is actually the coolest character ,as predicted, but how he will rank against previous badass commanders, only time will tell. So hes all like suspicious at first with Main Character Guy's criminal record, but decides hes okay with it. Unfortunately for Main Character Guy hes been assigned the job of gardener, and has some fun hacking vines of the fence.
Life is good.
Next we get some character moments inside their new home. Main Character guy connects with his youngest daughter again. Oh how cute.
Then she goes and plays with her first Dinosaur.
OMG A DINOSAURRR!!!
Unfortunately it is not a carnivorous dinosaur, and not after the one thing I wish was eaten but I know wont be:
Main Character Guys Son but we'll call him Teen ANGST. This lovely young man HATES his father, as we learn through the following dialogue:
"WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE"
Oh what fine writing.
NEVER SEEN BAD FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE,NOPE.
Did I mention I just finished BSG.
But this kid is far worse than that.
Theres also Main Character Guys Older Daughter who is the nerdy smart type I believe and only there for exposition. We'll ignore her as she does nothing for the rest of the episode besides spout something about a probe and meet her obvious love interest.
The family's first day at Terra Nova starts out pretty regular. The parents go off on their jobs, with both discovering the local flora and fauna. Seriously, Giant Slug-Leech Things are gross but it kinda just looked like a rock. The daughters go to school and get some tour of sorts while Teen Angst goes rebel and runs off with his Obvious Love Interest and her friends.
Then, another concept is introduced. The Sixers.
The Sixers
Some rogue people from the 6th pilgrimage that suggests some sort of conspiracy and makes me question the security in Terra Nova. Theyre here to provide conflict. They make me think of a name of a fandom for some scifi show thta involves a number. If there is a sci-fi show with fans known as sixers I feel genuinely sorry for them. At the moment, Im not very sure about the sixers, how theyll be portrayed when it comes to wether theyre right or wrong, we dont even know their motivation yet though so I cant really judge them.
While Main Character Guy and the Badass Commander are dealing with them and some dinosaurs whom only manage to take out one unlucky redshirt, Teen Angst and his new friends decide to go OTP... I think it was that...OT something. A stupid acronym for going outside the settlement.
This is stupid of course because THERE ARE MAN EATING DINORAURS.
Yeah we know its coming. I seriously hope they get eaten. All of them.
Your probably thinking Im cold and cruel and love seeing people die, but thats not true. I didnt love seeing people die on BSG. In fact my soul was crushed. Multiple times.
Maybe thats why I cant get attached to these people...I have no soul....
Anyhow, Teen Angst, Obvious Love interest and The Wesley Brigade of Irritating Kid Characters in Sci-Fi Shows(Honestly, the only teen character I ever liked was River. The rest of them fall under the Wesley Crusher category. They can go get eaten for all I care, I dont need them mucking up the important adults lives and stealing spotlights through stupidity and such)
(Evene though I am a teen. But I wouldnt do what the Wesley Brigade did because IM NOT STUPID.)
(I think...)
go off to enjoy scenery, dive into waterfalls, reveal secret writing things that Taylor wants no one to know about but obviously have to do with the plot, drink, and act liek theyre cool. Only one of these things is important.
Back at Terra Nova, The Sixers act all hostile and they have some trade for some ore. Then they leave. As they drive through the jungle they run into some dino trouble. One vehicle gets attacked by Slashers, some sort of dinos with blades on their tails, in around the same area as the Wesley Brigade. This all climaxes when the battery packs for The Wesley Brigade's vehicle get taken by Sixers and they end up stuck in a Sixers vehicle occupied by a half dead guy. Of course, Main Character guy and Badass Commander come and save them in the nick of time after the Wesley brigade manage to do A LOT OF STUPID THINGS.
Wait...I meant MORE STUPID THINGS.
SOMEHOW they all survive(I think) althoguh badly wounded.
Which sucks. I wantedthem to die. This si illogical they should be dead, especially the one that went running through the jungle followed by Slashers.
It ends with the family, safe back in Terra Nova, lookign at the large moon in trying-to-be special moment.
Ans some talking. Who wants to bet Teen Angst is magically good with his father again?
Whatever.
Oh and some mysterious stuff involving Taylors lost son to draw in some more viewers ...
Genesis part 1 and 2 are a decent pilot. The plot is engaging enough and the overall look of the show is great. It sets uup enough things for me to want more, and I will keep watching this show. The biggets problem is the characters, btu can you really expect a show to start with good, strong, interesting characters?(except for BSG...and Firefly...) Hopefully theyll improve with the show.
Well theres my thoughts on the show so far. Next week, Ill watch the next episode and probably have something to say about that. For now Im glad I managed to not talk about the one thing I thought about throughout this viewing:
Battelstar Galactica.
Just cant get it out of my mind.
Seriously though? An Angel? Really?
What Is there really left to say about FOX? They have a reputation for very quickly axeing new shows if they dont get stellar ratings, especially genre shows. Geeks around the world know them as the killer of Firefly, which lasted 14 episodes, 11 of which were aired, out of order and on Fridays, yet, it still has one of the biggest cult followings of all the shows in the last decade.
When I got news of the upcoming FOX show known as Terra Nova, I had two reactions:
1. I HATE FOX!DIE!DIE!DIE!Oh hey a new show
2. R.I.P. Terra Nova...it just wasnt on the right network...
Terra Nova was something different though, when I looked closer. It was a big , ambitious production. It had money behind it, and names. Big names. Steven Spielberg. It was like a summer blockbuster, expected to draw in a crowd. By the reports, the pilot did fine, not amazing, but fine. The thing was, looking at some more articles closer to the premiere, I got the impression that the creators wanted it to be more than that. Not just Jurassic Park with some permanent residents, but a show with actual characters and drama.
This is what caught me, especially straight after watching BSG. I KNEW this thing would fail. I WANTED it to. This was my original drive to watch it.
Then I finished BSG. I needed somethign new. Something not on DVD
Thats how I came to Terra Nova with its 2 hour pilot.Now I will actually talk about the show.
The show starts in a depressing, dystopian future with grey skies, smoke, pollution, giant cities and of course, giant digital propaganda billboards.Here we are introduced to our main characters, and for your pleasure, I will give detailed descirptions of their personalities!
Main Character Guy is the protagonist of the story, and the father of the family. I believe theyre called the shannons, but unfortunately, I cant remember their first names. Main Character guy has a job as a cop in the future, but goes to jail when the police find their illegal 3rd child. Because of overpopulation families can only have two children. I find main character guy is a pretty basic protagonist. Actually he's quite bland and generic, but not annoying at least. Hopefully as the series progresses, he develops more too.
Then there is Main Character guys wife, who is a doctor. She visits him in jail to inform him that shes been chosen to travel to Terra Nova, as they needd doctors, but cant bring their third child. Like Main Character Guy, there isnt much to her yet either. Shes likable enough though. Apparently, she has hatched a plan to get him and their youngest child through the portal.
This plan works, and he meets them there with Main Character Guy's Youngest Daughter, aka plot device only there to look cute, hidden in a backpack.
After an exciting bit of excitement and some more trouble, they make it to the settlement.
Now the concept of this show is pretty good. It involves some alternate timestream they jump into so they dont disrupt the future and some plan to not make the same mistakes by being eco-friendly.
Yay!
The exposition here really made me thick of that TNG episode where Data has this complex diagram of gazillion parallel universes branching off one another(Parallels). Im guessing a different timestream is somewhat like that. Time travel plots can actaully get quite confusing if you think about.
So we see Terra Nova and its all pretty scenery(actually it is quite stunning) and everyone is all happy and stuff.
Now we meet Badass Commander Guy whos name is actually Taylor, but that seems to be his type. He is actually the coolest character ,as predicted, but how he will rank against previous badass commanders, only time will tell. So hes all like suspicious at first with Main Character Guy's criminal record, but decides hes okay with it. Unfortunately for Main Character Guy hes been assigned the job of gardener, and has some fun hacking vines of the fence.
Life is good.
Next we get some character moments inside their new home. Main Character guy connects with his youngest daughter again. Oh how cute.
Then she goes and plays with her first Dinosaur.
OMG A DINOSAURRR!!!
Unfortunately it is not a carnivorous dinosaur, and not after the one thing I wish was eaten but I know wont be:
Main Character Guys Son but we'll call him Teen ANGST. This lovely young man HATES his father, as we learn through the following dialogue:
"WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE"
Oh what fine writing.
NEVER SEEN BAD FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE,NOPE.
Did I mention I just finished BSG.
But this kid is far worse than that.
Theres also Main Character Guys Older Daughter who is the nerdy smart type I believe and only there for exposition. We'll ignore her as she does nothing for the rest of the episode besides spout something about a probe and meet her obvious love interest.
The family's first day at Terra Nova starts out pretty regular. The parents go off on their jobs, with both discovering the local flora and fauna. Seriously, Giant Slug-Leech Things are gross but it kinda just looked like a rock. The daughters go to school and get some tour of sorts while Teen Angst goes rebel and runs off with his Obvious Love Interest and her friends.
Then, another concept is introduced. The Sixers.
The Sixers
Some rogue people from the 6th pilgrimage that suggests some sort of conspiracy and makes me question the security in Terra Nova. Theyre here to provide conflict. They make me think of a name of a fandom for some scifi show thta involves a number. If there is a sci-fi show with fans known as sixers I feel genuinely sorry for them. At the moment, Im not very sure about the sixers, how theyll be portrayed when it comes to wether theyre right or wrong, we dont even know their motivation yet though so I cant really judge them.
While Main Character Guy and the Badass Commander are dealing with them and some dinosaurs whom only manage to take out one unlucky redshirt, Teen Angst and his new friends decide to go OTP... I think it was that...OT something. A stupid acronym for going outside the settlement.
This is stupid of course because THERE ARE MAN EATING DINORAURS.
Yeah we know its coming. I seriously hope they get eaten. All of them.
Your probably thinking Im cold and cruel and love seeing people die, but thats not true. I didnt love seeing people die on BSG. In fact my soul was crushed. Multiple times.
Maybe thats why I cant get attached to these people...I have no soul....
Anyhow, Teen Angst, Obvious Love interest and The Wesley Brigade of Irritating Kid Characters in Sci-Fi Shows(Honestly, the only teen character I ever liked was River. The rest of them fall under the Wesley Crusher category. They can go get eaten for all I care, I dont need them mucking up the important adults lives and stealing spotlights through stupidity and such)
(Evene though I am a teen. But I wouldnt do what the Wesley Brigade did because IM NOT STUPID.)
(I think...)
go off to enjoy scenery, dive into waterfalls, reveal secret writing things that Taylor wants no one to know about but obviously have to do with the plot, drink, and act liek theyre cool. Only one of these things is important.
Back at Terra Nova, The Sixers act all hostile and they have some trade for some ore. Then they leave. As they drive through the jungle they run into some dino trouble. One vehicle gets attacked by Slashers, some sort of dinos with blades on their tails, in around the same area as the Wesley Brigade. This all climaxes when the battery packs for The Wesley Brigade's vehicle get taken by Sixers and they end up stuck in a Sixers vehicle occupied by a half dead guy. Of course, Main Character guy and Badass Commander come and save them in the nick of time after the Wesley brigade manage to do A LOT OF STUPID THINGS.
Wait...I meant MORE STUPID THINGS.
SOMEHOW they all survive(I think) althoguh badly wounded.
Which sucks. I wantedthem to die. This si illogical they should be dead, especially the one that went running through the jungle followed by Slashers.
It ends with the family, safe back in Terra Nova, lookign at the large moon in trying-to-be special moment.
Ans some talking. Who wants to bet Teen Angst is magically good with his father again?
Whatever.
Oh and some mysterious stuff involving Taylors lost son to draw in some more viewers ...
Genesis part 1 and 2 are a decent pilot. The plot is engaging enough and the overall look of the show is great. It sets uup enough things for me to want more, and I will keep watching this show. The biggets problem is the characters, btu can you really expect a show to start with good, strong, interesting characters?(except for BSG...and Firefly...) Hopefully theyll improve with the show.
Well theres my thoughts on the show so far. Next week, Ill watch the next episode and probably have something to say about that. For now Im glad I managed to not talk about the one thing I thought about throughout this viewing:
Battelstar Galactica.
Just cant get it out of my mind.
Seriously though? An Angel? Really?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Introducing..
ME.
Well, I doubt an introduction is very interesting to read, but I guess Ill try and make this as short as possible. Hi there. I am Shocky. Im gonna keep my name in blue at the moment because colour coding might be useful later. If your wondering, my name comes from my Warrior name from the warrirocats forums, which was my original introduction to interenet communtities and while Im not exactly proud to have started as a warrior cats fan, might as well stick with a name. Okay Ill get going now...
I am the SCI-FI part of this power trio(apparently I am "the Kirk" of the 3 of us), I watch the Trek, I watch the Wars and Im probably a bit more picky when it comes to choosing what media to consume. While I do love Fantasy, I own the extended editions of LOTR, and I have liked anime since last year when I became friends with the Otaku mentioned in the title, I know the most about this genre. I think I need to set up a few things here quickly.
a) We are all the same age, teens, so this is coming from a teenage girls point of view. Although I dont think I fit under typical as that includes those who watch Jersey Shore and spend all night and Facebook.
b)I want to defy stereotypes. Especially the one above. Specifically the one above. Actually thats kind of redundant as I just mentioned I dont consider myself to fit under it...
c)Theres still many MANY series and movies I have to watch, and things I have to learn, but I like to think my opinion matters.Even if no one reads it.
Now thats basics out of the way, people may want to know what Im into. Well, for one Im a Trekkie, so references ar epossible. Second, Im a browncoat, so I have a burning desire to avenge cancelled cult shows.(FOX I will bring you down with HATE!!)
I like to read, and was once a Potter fan at about...age 9. Now I like to read and watch internet reviews. I like to talk and discuss things I see, although sometimes its incoherent babbling...At the moment I just finished watching the Re-Imagined series of Battlestar Galactica(Lots of things to say about that) and the next thing I have planned to watch is Farscape. Just thought it should be known.
I like SCI-FI driven by characters over concepts. I loved Inception, thought it was great, but I dont like how movies like it and The Matrix feel too cold for me. One thing I loved about BSG was how much it had. It had great characters, conflicts and plot and at the same time some really good ideas woven throughout.(Although how all the buildup was eventually dealt up was...dissappointing)Inception,in the end, was about the idea,how it worked and what it does to the characters. BSG, while its not fair to compare a show to a movie, puts a lot more focus on its characters and their specific conflicts.
There are lots of things to make something good or bad to me, but overall I value characters. Thats why I love Firefly.
-Shocky
Well, I doubt an introduction is very interesting to read, but I guess Ill try and make this as short as possible. Hi there. I am Shocky. Im gonna keep my name in blue at the moment because colour coding might be useful later. If your wondering, my name comes from my Warrior name from the warrirocats forums, which was my original introduction to interenet communtities and while Im not exactly proud to have started as a warrior cats fan, might as well stick with a name. Okay Ill get going now...
I am the SCI-FI part of this power trio(apparently I am "the Kirk" of the 3 of us), I watch the Trek, I watch the Wars and Im probably a bit more picky when it comes to choosing what media to consume. While I do love Fantasy, I own the extended editions of LOTR, and I have liked anime since last year when I became friends with the Otaku mentioned in the title, I know the most about this genre. I think I need to set up a few things here quickly.
a) We are all the same age, teens, so this is coming from a teenage girls point of view. Although I dont think I fit under typical as that includes those who watch Jersey Shore and spend all night and Facebook.
b)I want to defy stereotypes. Especially the one above. Specifically the one above. Actually thats kind of redundant as I just mentioned I dont consider myself to fit under it...
c)Theres still many MANY series and movies I have to watch, and things I have to learn, but I like to think my opinion matters.Even if no one reads it.
Now thats basics out of the way, people may want to know what Im into. Well, for one Im a Trekkie, so references ar epossible. Second, Im a browncoat, so I have a burning desire to avenge cancelled cult shows.(FOX I will bring you down with HATE!!)
I like to read, and was once a Potter fan at about...age 9. Now I like to read and watch internet reviews. I like to talk and discuss things I see, although sometimes its incoherent babbling...At the moment I just finished watching the Re-Imagined series of Battlestar Galactica(Lots of things to say about that) and the next thing I have planned to watch is Farscape. Just thought it should be known.
I like SCI-FI driven by characters over concepts. I loved Inception, thought it was great, but I dont like how movies like it and The Matrix feel too cold for me. One thing I loved about BSG was how much it had. It had great characters, conflicts and plot and at the same time some really good ideas woven throughout.(Although how all the buildup was eventually dealt up was...dissappointing)Inception,in the end, was about the idea,how it worked and what it does to the characters. BSG, while its not fair to compare a show to a movie, puts a lot more focus on its characters and their specific conflicts.
There are lots of things to make something good or bad to me, but overall I value characters. Thats why I love Firefly.
-Shocky
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to our new blog! We are three teen aged girls, two of us are geeks of different genres and the other is an otaku (manga and anime super fan, basically.). We are pretty passionate about our fandoms, and we all love to write. So we decided to make a team blog where we can post our opinions, our reviews, and have group discussions about a variety of topics that we enjoy on a weekly basis. We're sure you'll find something you'll like on here.
Basically the three of us are:
A Sci-fi fan geek
A Harry Potter/Fantasy geek
A Japanese Otaku Fangirl
The three of us will take this week to introduce ourselves to you and talk about our respected fandoms a little bit. We're pretty excited to share our opinions with you! So thank you!
I'll be introducing myself later this week!
-Jasmine (Your fantasy girl)
Basically the three of us are:
A Sci-fi fan geek
A Harry Potter/Fantasy geek
A Japanese Otaku Fangirl
The three of us will take this week to introduce ourselves to you and talk about our respected fandoms a little bit. We're pretty excited to share our opinions with you! So thank you!
I'll be introducing myself later this week!
-Jasmine (Your fantasy girl)
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