I just started up the second season of Warehouse 13 on SYFY. Although I initially loved the premise, it was a slow go at first: it took most of its first season to find its rhythm. I'm so glad I stayed with it, because this season has it all. There were so many artifacts in the first episode that it made my head spin! The episode was peppered with betrayal, shape-shifting and masterful new takes on history's most coveted ideas and inventions.
I love how each of our heroes accepted their fates. When Claudia discovered the Warehouse she stepped up to the occasion, and found a way to stay. I am prepared for my Sookie Stackhouse moment: if I randomly encounter a supernatural being in my everyday life, then I will step into another life without missing a beat.
I'm not sure if the thimble was a big part of Season One, but I knew whose it was right away. They imbue their objects with such historical power. When they bring in a new object it's a miniature history test: can you figure it out before Pete and Micah?
They way Artie is resurrected is fantastic. This episode is a true testament to the writers' faith in their audience; they use the viewer's past knowledge to such an extreme. We knew of a way for him to survive, but they still kept us guessing. And guessing hard all throughout the summer break.
This had to be one of my favorite lines: "Welcome to the future. Let's change it. Shall we?" The writers are building a fantastic foundation for their series.
What a gender bend with the character of H.G. Wells. I am all for bending the rules and empowering women as a writer. Wells has proven to be an intelligent, capable mastermind. She ran with Tesla, Houdini’s handcuffs and escapes like the Invisible man. She’s like her own episode of Sanctuary. But I am left wondering her bigger question: what got her bronzed? I hope she doesn’t betray the Warehouse again.
Imperceptor was an ingenious idea, as was the Escher Vault. I almost felt overwhelmed by both concepts, and wished we could have spent more time with each. I would love to catch a glimpse of the agent who went into the vault “20 years ago”, because he must be mad! I bet even with Harry Potter’s map you wouldn’t be able to navigate that maze. I wonder what the name of the glasses are that Artie and Mrs. Fredrick use to navigate the Escher vault – and more importantly who designed them?!
WE FINALLY GOT OUR FIRST WHIFF OF FUDGE! When McPherson booby traps the Warehouse, it is amazing to see how the agents think on their feet, and how well they know their inventory. I hope we get more fudge moments, and perhaps more of an explanation.
A few thoughts and predictions:
H.G is going to build a time machine, and try and go back to save/get her daughter. Who knows: in the last few decades we may have created the technology we needed.
A shout out to one of my favorite cancelled shows: Valentine. Some of the strongest actors and premise I've seen for a show, except the writer didn't use everything at his disposal. I also KNEW who H.G was right away. Let’s face it: if you see a familiar face in the sci-fi genre, then they are going to be the villain, the superhero or the companion. They are never just a throw away character if they are an established SYFY author. Don’t let them trick you again.
So when did the Warehouse become The Library? They have first editions of every book ever published? I know Pete asks if that includes comic books, but does that include plays? If so, then I need an internship. Oscar Wilde and Eugene O’Neill and I are about to get a lot closer.
I would kill to know what Mrs. Fredrick knows. How long has she been working for the Warehouse? It takes confidence and vision to choke out her your employee, without evidence that they’re being controlled by a “pearl”, obviously.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Got Mai Attention
Tonight's episode got Mai attention!
I have serious love for this show; it's part Buffy, part Gilmore Girls and part something new. Tonight we felt rumblings of dissention among the Mai. Perhaps not everyone wants Chloe to fulfill her destiny and "unite" humans and Mai. CKNL does what Lost never would: answer questions! I mean they told us she was the descendent of a Goddess in the first episode, for Zordon's sake. J.J would have held that in his back pocket until the last five seconds of the finale. It's refreshing to have a show that keeps you interested because they have such a vast understanding of their mythology.
Who knew CKNL would start to battle racal tensions. I have been wondering what Mai around the world would be like, and tonight we got the answer: they're Muggle-hating, accent-free, Pussy Cat Doll back-up dancers. Props to ABC Family's casting director, though. I don't know where they find these ridiculously attractive thespians (cough, cough) but keep them coming. On a serious note, Chloe is really starting to define herself as the lead of a show. She reminds me of Sarah Michelle starting out. There is something questionably likeable there. There is a lot of room for growth but she is completely believable given the face there are supposed to be Demi-gods running the rooftops of San Francisco.
Tonight we got a better glance into Chloe's friends. Their relationships is brimming with meet cutes and snappy Gilmore-ian dialogue. And this blogger loves him some banter. That broken expectation when her friend walks out of the bathroom was hilarious. Oh how men and women define "special" differently. Especially teenagers.
Our heroine's struggle to balance a normal life with her extraordinary calling reminds me of the best qualities of Alias and Buffy. Sydney Bristow fought to maintain her relationships with Francey and Will while being the prophecy girl-- and don't even get me started on Buffy, Willow & Xander. Conflict is what keeps an audience engaged, but those rare moments when our heroine gets a brief moment to savor the life that she's constantly fighting for drives me, the audience, wild! Chloe is fighting to remain human, and that struggle is never easy for any of us. Speaking of fighting, Chloe: keep those Buffy quips coming!
A few questions I've been having about the show. May contain spoilers. If I'm right.
Do the Mai have royalty in their brides? (For those who don't know, a number of Mai are called a bride. I love this show's attention to details and etymology.) How do they scaffold their system of power: do they have monarchy or a presidency? Can't wait to find out more.
There has got to be something different about Brian. I'm not sure what. There has to be at least the possibly of hope for them! Even if it is just a glimmer. One avenue of thought I've been exploring is this: there have to be other breeds of Demigods. He will be one of them. Wait for it. If so, then they could be together forever. I think that the episode in which she tells him about her heritage should be entitled "sharing Mai secret".
Chloe's father is closer than we believe. I think he's in SF with her, watching over her. He just can't reveal himself for some reason.
If you have any thoughts, predictions or praise, then let me hear it!
You give me a reason to call television work. Thank you for reading.
-Matt.
Chloe Nine Lives 7.12
I have serious love for this show; it's part Buffy, part Gilmore Girls and part something new. Tonight we felt rumblings of dissention among the Mai. Perhaps not everyone wants Chloe to fulfill her destiny and "unite" humans and Mai. CKNL does what Lost never would: answer questions! I mean they told us she was the descendent of a Goddess in the first episode, for Zordon's sake. J.J would have held that in his back pocket until the last five seconds of the finale. It's refreshing to have a show that keeps you interested because they have such a vast understanding of their mythology.
Who knew CKNL would start to battle racal tensions. I have been wondering what Mai around the world would be like, and tonight we got the answer: they're Muggle-hating, accent-free, Pussy Cat Doll back-up dancers. Props to ABC Family's casting director, though. I don't know where they find these ridiculously attractive thespians (cough, cough) but keep them coming. On a serious note, Chloe is really starting to define herself as the lead of a show. She reminds me of Sarah Michelle starting out. There is something questionably likeable there. There is a lot of room for growth but she is completely believable given the face there are supposed to be Demi-gods running the rooftops of San Francisco.
Tonight we got a better glance into Chloe's friends. Their relationships is brimming with meet cutes and snappy Gilmore-ian dialogue. And this blogger loves him some banter. That broken expectation when her friend walks out of the bathroom was hilarious. Oh how men and women define "special" differently. Especially teenagers.
Our heroine's struggle to balance a normal life with her extraordinary calling reminds me of the best qualities of Alias and Buffy. Sydney Bristow fought to maintain her relationships with Francey and Will while being the prophecy girl-- and don't even get me started on Buffy, Willow & Xander. Conflict is what keeps an audience engaged, but those rare moments when our heroine gets a brief moment to savor the life that she's constantly fighting for drives me, the audience, wild! Chloe is fighting to remain human, and that struggle is never easy for any of us. Speaking of fighting, Chloe: keep those Buffy quips coming!
A few questions I've been having about the show. May contain spoilers. If I'm right.
Do the Mai have royalty in their brides? (For those who don't know, a number of Mai are called a bride. I love this show's attention to details and etymology.) How do they scaffold their system of power: do they have monarchy or a presidency? Can't wait to find out more.
There has got to be something different about Brian. I'm not sure what. There has to be at least the possibly of hope for them! Even if it is just a glimmer. One avenue of thought I've been exploring is this: there have to be other breeds of Demigods. He will be one of them. Wait for it. If so, then they could be together forever. I think that the episode in which she tells him about her heritage should be entitled "sharing Mai secret".
Chloe's father is closer than we believe. I think he's in SF with her, watching over her. He just can't reveal himself for some reason.
If you have any thoughts, predictions or praise, then let me hear it!
You give me a reason to call television work. Thank you for reading.
-Matt.
Chloe Nine Lives 7.12
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I'm giving away this awesome Syfy light up mouse to someone w... on Twitpic
I've never wanted anything more in my whole life. Tweet @CraigEnger or @syfy and let him know I should win this before 6/15
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Writer's Block
I strained my creativity by graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, where papers take the place of tests. Strained as in pulled, as in sore, as in recovery time needed. Since a playwriting doctor didn't yet exist (it does now, trademark), my rehabilitation time was TBD. Now, one full year after the big day, I am just getting the proverbial twitches in my fingertips. It isn't that college broke my spirit, but rather broke my need to write. I was never a graphaphobe but I've been known to have more TO-DO lists than TO-DOs. I have decided to start this blog to start to define myself as a writer, a twenty something, and as a mind in the 21st century.
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