Making a Blue Roast video… Or trying to. Stay tuned for it!

I already posted one over here, but it’s so fun to use to write or draw with. Try it!

 
Gifts!
My friend Carla found this little gem and gave it to me. I was super happy because I’ve never seen a license plate with my name on it (I usually end up getting ‘Samantha,’ which is my second name). So, thanks, Carla! I really love it so much, I could cry.

You could say that, at one point in my life, I was a pretty big Gleek. I can’t help it; the show has appeal. It’s like High School Musical, but with songs I already know, sung by mostly good self-deprecating teenagers and also, it has Jane Lynch. Glee has been on hiatus for months now, and will be until April, so in some weird, desperate need to get a fix, I started watching reruns. And as I watched it again, I stood by as what seemed to be the most promising show in television today crumbled right before my very eyes.

To say that Glee is a terrible show is unfair, because it does have its merits. But Glee capitalizes on the knowledge that their songs are catchy and their leads, attractive. The ensemble cast is funny enough, the milieu is safe enough (Come on, who doesn’t like a good coming-of-age setting?), and the song choices are also pretty palatable to the ear. The show is so complacent in its obvious appeal that it neglects real and solid character and plot development. The characters are caricatures that exist only to sing and make jokes, and to sometimes add in a few minor plot points, some of which seem to have no bearing, at all, to the general, encompassing story, and are not even referenced again.

The characters are vague and stereotypical, it’s easy to write in whatever sort of personality to them, making it convenient for the writers to put in whatever sort of tension that they need to keep things interesting. In “Mash-Up,” the show introduces the Rachel/Puck angle… and abandons it, completely. It makes you root for Will and Emma, because Emma is likable and Will’s conniving wife, Terry, is her complete foil and has no redeeming qualities to her, whatsoever.

This wouldn’t be such a problem, since good, well-sung songs and humor seem like sound qualities to build a show on. But because it seems that Glee is trying to make a connection with the actual, alienated teenagers that they try to portray. These characters exist for the audience to be able to relate to them. But the problem is that there is no consistency to their characters and the things that they do. The third episode, “Acafellas,” which aired prior to Kurt’s coming out to his father in “Preggers,” shows us that his father disapproves of his homosexuality (he took away his car!), but we see them bonding the episode after, and beyond, particularly in epsiode 8, “Wheels.” Jane Lynch’s character, Sue Sylvester, is portrayed as a jerkface but humanizes her in the same episode by giving her a sister with Down syndrome, and then the show steals back the humanity almost instantaneously when Sue sabotages the Glee club by leaking their set list to their competitors in “Hairography,” just because she can.

Glee is funny, and I really do admire this kind of humor, having been a fan of creator, Ryan Murphy’s previous teen-oriented series, Popular. But it seems like the show often overshoots and misses the mark. Buried in the songs and the jokes are “heartfelt” and “touching” scenes end up seeming like affectations. It seems like the show’s creators know where they want the show to go, but add so much extraneous details that cause it to look overworked, uninspired and just messy. They tackle issues such as premarital sex, disabilities, popularity and infidelity, but they take them so very lightly. These issues are usually approached humorously, and it is unnerving because there is a certain disconnect, with what it seems they are trying to do — which is communicate and connect with their audience.

There is also very little extended narrative, and it bases the progression of the story on what would likely be the most well-received stories. As if to say, “Never mind the already established relationships and backstories, we give the audience what they want.” And it’s just so messy. It feels, to me, that the awards that Glee has won are premature. There is a lot of space for Glee to grow, and I do think that it has potential, but I don’t think they deserve their awards just yet.

I’m still going to be watching, because I’m a sucker for musicals (and Lea Michele is fantastic as Rachel Berry). Hopefully things will turn up, by the time the show starts up again, because I genuinely think that Glee could be much, much better than what it is now.

———
And this scene from Community‘s 18th episode, “Basic Genealogy,” just because it’s funny and timely:

capped by JP del Mundo

Pierce: It’s okay, it’s okay. Let it out.
Jeff: We always used to watch the shows she wanted to watch. I hate Glee.
Pierce: Eh, I’m not crazy about Glee either.
Jeff: I hate it. I don’t understand the appeal at all.

Ever since November 2009, I have been itching to write this entry on Doctor Who. The thing is, I couldn’t because I hadn’t finished viewing all of series 1 (traditionally, series 27) through 4. I was taking a television class under Andrew Ty last semester, and before I knew it, I was hooked. We ended class, exactly, with the last episode of series 2, a two-parter that left me wanting to find an empty bathroom stall and just cry.

THE PREMISE OF THE SHOW: Doctor Who isn’t about any doctors, ironically. In case you are not in the know (which, I find, most people outside of Britain, including me, are), Doctor Who is about an unnamed character simply referred to as The Doctor. He is a Time Lord from a planet called Gallifrey, and he goes traveling in a blue Police Box called the TARDIS, or Time And Relative Dimension In Space. Essentially, it is a time machine.¹ Occasionally, the Doctor has a companion with him. The Doctor’s companions are usually there to help him “operate” the TARDIS and go traveling with him, but more often than not, they end up assisting him in, usually, saving the Universe.

If you’re going to start with Series 1, then the companion you will meet is Billie Piper. (If you don’t remember who Billie Piper is, let me refresh your memory.) The Doctor is played by Christopher Eccleston, who is brilliant in his portrayal of the Time Lord. He is menacing and endearing at the same time, simultaneously beautiful and terrible.

However, the most famous and iconic regeneration (we’ll get to this in a while) of the Doctor in recent years is played by David Tennant, who also played Barty Crouch, Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Before I prattle on and on and on, here are five reasons why you absolutely must watch Doctor Who. In list form, just because I love you.

Why you should watch Doctor Who:

1. IT’S IMPORTANT.
   This is kind of a lame reason, but it’s true. Doctor Who is a British television series that began in 1963, went on hiatus in 1989 and was resurrected in 2005 by BBC. It’s important because majority of the people who grew up in London, grew up with Doctor Who.

   Now, Reason Number One isn’t necessarily a “convincing” criterion, in terms of why you should watch it, but it’s something to be considered. Discounting 7th Heaven (because it is obviously crap but that is a different story altogether), most shows that last this long do so because they are integral to popular culture as well as society. They perpetuate some longstanding legacy, with a “character” that develops alongside the context within which it operates.

   People have been watching Doctor Who since the 1960s. There have been ten (eleven in April) reincarnations of the Doctor, by way of regenaration, which is a process Time Lords undergo in order to somehow “cheat death”. I won’t go into the specifics, but that’s a basic explanation as to the change of casting for his character. Fans have their own favorites, and have dubbed each of them, fittingly as “my Doctor.”

   There are also, in existence, several Dalek (Time Lords’ sworn enemies, basically) costumes, and cookies, as well as recreations and references to the TARDIS, like such:
   

   

   Pretty much, all I’m trying to say is: it’s a pretty big deal. And there’s a good reason why.

2. IT’S FUN.
   Come on! Time-travel. History. Aliens. Bad Guys. Good Guys. Silly Guys. Meddlesome (but somehow charming) Family Members. Running, lots of running. Chaos. Madness. Explosions. Suits. A Police Box Flying Through Space. Space! Seriously, how could you ever have resisted?

   Any way you look at it, there is really just an inherent fun element in Doctor Who. There’s usually a bunch of new characters (although sometimes they reprise bad guys and other familiar faces), new settings, and new old settings in an episode. There is also always some ridiculous element that somehow works to the advantage of the show. The TARDIS itself, when you think of it outside of the context and the developed “lore” of the show, is pretty ridiculous. However, this peculiarity gives character to the show that is so distinctly itself.

   And while Doctor Who is decidedly a science fiction show, which puts a lot of people off because they think that it is largely set in outer space (i.e. Battlestar Galactica), it actually explores and speculates already established historical events such as the fall of Pompey, Shakespeare’s lost play, the origin of werewolves and the disappearance of Agatha Christie.

3. It’s funny.
   I’ve tried very hard, but I can’t put my finger on why Doctor Who is funny, or in what way it is. I’ve chalked it up to the fact that the Doctor is an alien. So he’s naturally funny. (Flawed logic, I know.) But, sometimes, it just really seems as though he does not mean to be funny at all.

   How to describe it? Some of the companions are funny (Donna is my favorite), and they poke fun at everything. Their mannerisms, scripts, speculations almost always have humor. The aliens are sometimes funny (The first meeting with the Ood in a series 2 episode, “The Impossible Planet,” always has me in stitches), as are some of the guest/minor/recurring characters. It’s silly, obvious fun, but never of the slapstick kind.

   If you would be so inclined as to direct your attention to this spoiler-free collection of funny clips that I did not make:
   

   And this other one, just because it makes me giggle:
   

4. It’s interesting.
   Aside from the stuff I’ve mentioned, there’s more to Doctor Who. Loads of themes are explored in the series that are dark, serious and, surprisingly relevant. Although contextualized in an often alien environment, issues like slavery, morality, ethics, existentialism, family, loneliness, technology, the abuse of power, and so on, are actually sort of illuminated very effectively. Even though they’re set in a different context, there is still some sort of familiarity present because they’re tackling issues that could very easily have been experienced by the audience.

   The program also lends two perspectives: a more removed, learned and strange one from the Doctor, and a humanized and emotional one from the companion. Because there is a certain detachment from the issues, we are given the opportunity to confront them in a much different way than we do in real life.

5. It’s not the kind of show that takes itself too seriously.
   Let’s face it: the downfall of a lot of television shows that are currently on these days is the constant pursuit of Being Taken Seriously. Good news is that Doctor Who doesn’t really care whether or not you take it seriously. While difficult themes are tackled by the show in each episode, Doctor Who is not afraid to laugh at itself.

   The show effectively combines humor, science fiction, theoretical physics², drama, adventure, and suspense (I’m looking at you, Steven Moffat) altogether, resulting in a very lovely hour each week. The scripts are well-written, the actors are brilliant, and it approaches each episode with a certain playfulness that doesn’t sugar-coat the dark stuff, but also doesn’t present them in a melodramatic manner, or as an affectation.

   In many ways, the show is like the Doctor, who bears such a heavy burden on his shoulders, has had such a dark history, and has lost a lot of what he holds dear, and yet: he manages to crack up a smile, and carry on.

If you’ve read this far into the entry (meaning, you actually finished it), it means that you are interested, even if only vaguely, in the show. Do yourself a favor and watch it already. Allons-y!³

———
¹ It is also bigger on the inside!
² I might just be making this up.
³ This is French for “Let’s go!” Ten says it all the time.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been meaning to write about something but I can’t seem to get started on it until after I get this off my non-existent chest: I love television. There’s just really something about it that “draws me in,” so to speak. I love it so much that, I took a class on Television as an elective on the last semester of my entire life as a student. (Maybe.) I love it so much that, instead of writing a paper for Political Science due tomorrow, I watched five episodes of a T.V. show that I had already seen. Thank God for afternoon classes, am I right?

I love it so much that even my e-mail seems to know, as in the process of writing this entry, this appears on my inbox:

I know, precious. I know.

I don’t even know where I’m going with this, I just felt the need to write about something that I love so much. I guess it’s partly the fact that the last season of LOST is airing tomorrow (inwardly flailing… as well as outwardly) and also partly because the last episode of Dollhouse, ever, aired last week. It’s a mixture of excitement for something I have waited for for so long, and also of sadness and relief due to the semblance of closure I was left with when Joss Whedon answered all my questions and justified (most of) the mindfrakkery that went along with watching his most recent series.

I suppose, in a way, that’s exactly what I’m setting myself up for, for the sixth and final chapter of LOST. This season is decidedly important because a) it will reveal to the world the secrets behind the island, and b) we finally get to know who (what?) Richard Alpert is. Those aren’t the only unanswered questions, obviously. I mean, considering everything that’s been happening to that show since the first season, I think the writers really have some ‘splaining to do. I only wish I had the time to list them all down.

And I just know that when it airs tomorrow, I will be excited and frightened and also, sad, because it’s just another step bringing us closer to the end. And even though I want to watch them forever and ever on my television screen, I know it’s not going to be possible. The wonderful part of being attached to T.V. characters is that you (hopefully) get to see them grow and be the people that the writers and visionaries intended them to be. The sad part is that you really have to let go of them, eventually. (I’m talking to you, 7th Heaven.)

But I still do miss you, Topher Brink.

click the photo to view larger.

I haven’t done this in a while. And technically, it is already Friday, but who cares. (!)

(1) Free things.
(2) Finding things that are lost; friends who help you out.
(3) Breakfast with my sister.
(4) Breakfast in general.
(5) My television class. We are watching Doctor Who, series one right now.¹
(6) Angry kitties.

Also, other things that I love, although not photographed: productivity, kind & good people who are kind & good to me even if I am pretty much unworthy, television in general, learning new things, world history, art history, people on the internet (minus pervs and creepers) and references to popular culture, preferably in the course of normal dialogue.

———
¹ I love my professor. He watches the series with his one-year-old baby and he says that every time the TARDIS noise plays, the baby turns to the television screen. So frakking cute. My professor said, “I think he is growing up to be a fine young man.” True story.

For my last first day of school, ever (or I am hoping), I decided to document it every couple of hours. I missed a few ~events~ but I guess I did alright. The photo up there is the set I uploaded on Flickr, which you can see by clicking this link: Carina Santos’ Last First Day, 2009.

Today was pretty fun. I met two of my professors, saw a few friends (I didn’t see so many, due to my 3-week hibernation), met up with people regarding design stuff, met up with high school people! Among other things. I also was able to do a little bit of thesis work (which I so desperately need to be doing but am not) and I ate so much crap that my body is like, “What the hell, man?” in whatever accent that so pleases you.

Anyway, my schedule is rough, and all I want to do is both to drink this cup of coffee in front of me, and also to pass out on my bed and sleep. I’ve been wanting a nap since 11:30 this morning.

Also, I’ve said this once, but I’ll say it again: Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live is the best thing that has happened to my life. I luv this gurl~*~* I am not even joking.¹

———
¹ OK, maybe a little hyperbolic. But I love her.

In other news, I have been exercising my tablet-skills by drawing what I wore today, instead of taking photos. Because I realized that I don’t really like posting on my Lookbook (I do have one, the horror~) and I really like doing it. This is what I wore last Friday:

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS: Five Words Is Not Enough. (Or, “Daniel Brühl is Frakking Hot.”)
SPRING AWAKENING: Regret: Didn’t See On Broadway.

So, there. I am done biznatching.

Today, I actually crossed things off my to-do list, a few of which are pretty major things, so that was good. I actually haven’t been doing so well in the productivity aspect, so this was a pretty good thing. I should really stop taking so many naps, but I just get so sleepy all the time.

My weapon of choice, aside from caffeine is loads of sugar:

It seems to be working, as it is already half past three in the morning and I am still up and a-typing.

So, thesis progress is progressing, although pretty slowly. I am beginning to fathom just how tedious the work really is, and how it’s not really suited for multi-tasking ADD-ridden chumps like me. (The work involves paying attention — visually — and remembering what to watch out for. I’ve been re-watching My So-Called Life and I’ve been looking out for how many times Angela Chase wears plaid and how many times she snaps at people, and at whom. I think I might go crazy.)

Speaking of My So-Called Life, I have unearthed my old flame that is Jordan Catalano, and in the light of my own experience with jerky guys, I have come to the conclusion that Jordan Catalano is a major douche. I have no idea why I never realized this when I first watched the series, because Angela’s absolutely crushed face is practically perpetually on screen. Really, he has mastered the art of douchebaggery. And the dude can’t even “read good.” At least Jesse, from Gilmore Girls is brooding and literate. Tim Riggins, from Friday Night Lights (who has been, incidentally, dubbed the new Jordan Catalano) only hides behind his good looks, football padding and permanent drunken stupor, but “can read, you know.” Jordan’s like, a total loser. I mean, he wrote a song about his frakking car, instead of Angela Chase, who is so obviously beautiful, and so obviously in love with him, never mind that she’s been dubbed “that weird girl,” by Jordan’s similarly dumb-ass friends.

And yet. I mean. I would have to agree with Angela — he leans great.

Please also take into account his face:

It is doubtless that, without a doubt, Jordan Catalano is the only reason I am forgiving Jared Leto for his real-life ways. Let’s face it — the only reason why the world lets Jared Leto get away with half of the things that he’s done in his life (admit it — he’s pretty insane) is because he played Jordan Catalano, for eighteen episodes, for one brief season, for one of the best coming-of-age television shows in existence.

And the world does not forget people like Jordan Catalano. So, you’re welcome, Jared Leto. Please tone down the crazy. For all our sakes.

The reason why I haven’t really been talking about my thesis is not because it’s top secret or because I’ve been so busy working at it that I didn’t have time or space to talk about it. The main reason why I never really talk about my thesis (save for a vague “basta, it’s about pop culture.”) is because I haven’t really gotten around to fleshing it out and actually working on it. It’s curious that I have checked out several books to help back up my very flimsy thesis statement, surrendered a couple hundred bucks in overdue fees and have had very little to say about it.

So, today, I am telling anyone who cares, and those who asked and I’ve blown off, about it. I’ve whittled the ginormous and vague ‘pop culture’ to three main focuses, all of which happen to be the main characters of television shows: Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars), Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Angela Chase (My So-Called Life). What started out as, supposedly, a collection of general commentary on films, music and television has been “reduced” to a book on three of my favorite T.V. characters. I’m going to write about how they are similar, something like that, and it’s generally going to be all in good fun. The design aspect’s going to be the general layout of the book, which will feature articles, “artistic renditions” (if I figure out how to draw in time) and informational graphics, much like these by Feltron.

I’ve recently realized how behind I really am, and I’m just writing this post as a reminder of how much I’ve been slacking off, in hopes that when I log onto the greatest/worst invention of all time (aka, the Internet), I will be reminded of how crappy my thesis is going to be if I don’t get on it and git ‘er done. I’ve only finished several article outlines — the one I’ve fleshed out the most is called “The Cons of Being a Vampire Slayer” — and yeah, wow. I’m really going to have to hustle.

So, there. Now, you know.

Pretty much loved the third episode of GLEE, which looks to be FOX’s new hit. My friend described it as “half-good, half-annoying,” which I do not get at all, because I think it is “whole-good,” to use his manner of division of traits. Second episode aside (I really think that one was kind of a miss), I do think that Glee is a show with a really promising premise and the third episode opens up a lot of the issues and possible storyline that will probably come up in the later episodes.

While I don’t agree with how some of the said issues are handled, I do think that Glee has a mostly honest and humorous take on real-life issues, especially those that often come with being one of the ‘different’ ones in school. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the season, and am mostly relieved that it is going to only be a six-day wait after each one, unlike the months-long stretch between the pilot and the second episode. To satiate our Glee deprivation during those waits in between, here are a few links:

• Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn Fabray, has a personal Tumblr, which posts personal photos of their current promotional tour, such as this one:
  
• Glee Songs hosts a few streams of songs featured on the show
• I haven’t tried listening to these yet, but two Glee-centered podcasts: Glee Podcast and Gleek Squad
• F Yeah Glee aggregates certain posts and photos on the Glee episodes and cast members. Might contain some “spoilers” (stills from unreleased episodes)
• Cory Monteith (Finn) on Twitter, just because he’s awesome. He is seriously my new favorite person.

THAT’S MOSTLY IT. I really do love this show, and I’m excited every time that Glee theme (there seems to be a constant head-boppy theme, when something’s a-brewing, or perhaps this is just my imagination?) plays. I just really want this show to be successful, and I just really hope FOX doesn’t kill it before it has any real chance of being brilliant (coughFireflycough), but if the fanbase is any indication, it looks like Glee is here to stay.