So How is 2010 Treating You?
2009 ended and 2010 began rather inauspiciously for me. Like last year, I was sound asleep when the clock struck twelve. Unlike last year, I was asleep by nine o'clock. O_o It's rather depressing to think about, although there are circumstances for it. While I had no big New Year's plans, I did have plans in place. My office closed at Noon and I had hoped to pick up something to eat, go home, do a year ending fandom post and watch more of Season 1 of Chuck followed by the Thin Man marathon on TV. Woo.
Instead, the day went something like this. I woke up at 6:30am which led me to think, "Hey, I could actually get to work by eight!" That happened, but fifteen minutes after I got out of bed I felt a twinge of pain in my neck which ended up moving down into my back. So, I was a bit uncomfortable at work. And the plan to leave work at Noon was thwarted by not unexpected year end craziness. (As an example of the crazy, one of the attorneys had surgery on Wednesday, was released from the hospital Thursday morning, and had his wife drive him to the office upon his release so he could check on collections. I kid you not.) I ended up leaving work around 3:30. This was in part due to me need to have certain things done before I left; in part because my co-worker and friend was going to have to put in nearly a full day and I didn't want to leave her there on her own.
Around 1pm I received a phone call from my friend S. We were supposed to see Sherlock Holmes today, but a family obligation come up for her. She asked about seeing the film that night instead and, even though I was uncomfortable with the back and neck pain and a bit cranky from work, I said yes since I was eager to see the film. Unfortunately, between rushing around to get to the theatre on time and the day's stresses I ended up getting a headache...which I didn't want to take anything for for fear of becoming sleepy during the movie...which happened anyway. So, when I got home I made myself some hot chocolate, took some Advil PM and settled in for the Thin Man marathon on TCM. I watched about on hour of the first film and vaguely recall moving around the chair I was in a few times before waking up to realize it was 3:30am, 2010 and The Thin Man Goes Home, the fifth film in the series, was soon to start. At that realization, I turned off the TV and headed to bed where I managed to sleep for another six hours. On the plus side, most of the pain had subsided by the time I got up.
OK, the film was not nearly as slashy as I expected it to be, given what I had read before seeing it. Yes, there were times Holmes and Watson acted like an old married couple, but it didn't cause me to think of their relationship as more than a close friendship. Color me surprised. I think the inclusion of Holmes's on-again/off-again girlfriend, Ingrid, and Watson's fiance, Mary, and the obvious affection the two men had for the women helped to negate me reading any more into their relationship than was on screen.
I do, however, think Robert Downey and Jude Law had great chemistry together. It felt as if these two men had known each for years and shared a close bond. And Jude, having once been pegged for super stardom and having, instead, starred in a series of critical and commercial clunkers, found a role that suited him nicely.
While I enjoyed aspects of the film - the Holmes/Watson relationship, the steampunk inspired visuals, an unexpected and, imho, awesome score and visually intriguing closing credits - the storyline left me rather 'meh'. The plot was both thin and overlycomplicated. And I hate when a film (or TV show) reveals how the crime (in this case, murders) took place, yet the audiance wasn't privy to half the clues. Sherlock explains how the American ambassador spontaneously burst into flames, yet we saw none of the events leading up to that moment! I also had a hard time believing that such a vast number of Londoners would believe a man, Lord Blackwood, could rise from the dead. Or is that just my 21st Century cynacism at play?
I had planned to do something more elaborate - and with visuals - to recap my 2009 TV/fandom highlights, but, as with my Christmas post, I know me and if I don't post something right now, it's just not going to happen. The whole posting now thing also helps me deal with one of my new years resolutions about procrastination.
Battlestar Galactica
On the day the finale aired, I posted why the series means so damn much to me. My feeling haven't changed at all. Yes, I've found another show to corrupt occupy my thoughts, but Battlestar Galactica still remains my One True Show. Yes, Lee Adama was underutilized. Laura Roslin became a corpse bride. Lee and Laura's relationship was forgotten for a season and a half. I came to hate Bill Adama. And the Opera House was much ado about nothing. Yet, the show gave me Lee Adama (and Jamie Bamber) and Laura Roslin and multiple awesome Sixes (thus proving supermodels can act) and big damn flawed heroes and spectacular space battles and joy and heartache and many complex, thought provoking arcs. So, yeah, the love far outweighs the regret.
....And Lee Adama was happy at the end, dammit! (Yes, I need to mention that whenever I can.)
White Collar
Again, I've posted on why I love this show and, at this point, I don't know that I have much more to add. It's not deep and will likely never inspire me to spend an entire weekend writing up meta, but it makes me very, very happy. Maybe after a decade spent on dark sci-fi and fantasy, from The X-Files to Buffy and Angel to Farscape to Battlestar Galactica my brain desperately needed something light and fun. There's also a very pretty face to watch on my TV every week and the thrill of my first OT3. And I was feeling a bit lost without an active fandom to participate in. So, White Collar has given me a whole bunch of new stuff to obsess about.
On a side note, while I could stare at pictures of Matt Bomer for hours and he strikes me as smart and sweet ( and, OMG!, I recently found out he sings too!) and is an actor and not just a pretty face and I am doing that thing I do when I 'discover' a new actor, work my way through his imdb listing, he is NOT replacing Jamie Bamber's special place in my heart. Just need to state that for the record. ;)
Modern Family
If you are not watching this series, you need to. It's, imho, the funniest comedy on the air right now. And it's managed a feat few other family sitcoms have. It's sweet and heartfelt without being saccharin. It's biting and snarky without being cruel. And while I wish this wasn't still an issue, it portrays a gay couple as loving and accepted and just as neurotic as any new, 'normal' parents would be.
Leverage
I initially tuned into for Christian Kane and by the 'David Job' two parter that closed out the first season, I was hooked on the series. Much like White Collar, the cons of the week often leave me rather 'meh', but I adore the characters and how this band of misfits who, individually, are deeply f***cked up, have formed a family and are better people when they are together then when they are apart and realize it. I don't think Nate and Sophie and Parker and Hardison so much fear what wiil happen if they got together, but what will happen if it all fell apart.
Southland
I don't love Southland, but I had enjoyed it's brief first season run on NBC, felt the series had potential and looked forward to where it may go. Then NBC perhaps made the worst executive decision since having Greedo shoot first announcing Jay Leno would be on the air five nights a week in prime time. Maybe Southland won't garner huge ratings and be renewed by TNT, but it's not for TNT's lack of trying and promotion. Commercials have been everywhere. Promos have been running before prints of Avatar and Sherlock Holmes. And screenings of the extended pilot episode will take place in theatres around the country with cast members in attendance. TNT, as has USA and SyFy and other cable networks, has learned to embrace their audiences and reap the rewards from that. If the Big Four want an answer to their dwindling viewership and market share, look to Twitter and the various blogging sites as the creators, cast, crew and studio marketing people reach out to fandom.
Friday Night Lights
Possibly the best damn show on TV that too few people are watching. NBC's deal with Direct TV saved the series from cancellation and 'm sure Direct TV is doing what they can to promote the show and get people to watch, but it's still a limited audience. And NBC's decision to not air the episodes until the summer? We can add that to the list of bad calls on the part of the network. Season 1 of the series is one of the best first seasons of a TV show I have ever seen (it's up there with Season 1 of BSG in terms of perfection). Season 2...well, it had it's moments here and there, but it was mostly a creative mess. Like the Phoenix, it rose from the ashes and Season 3 was nearly as spectacular as Season 1. This season I don't feel quite lives up to the excellence of Seasons 1 and 3. J.D. has turned into a spoiled little shit without explanation, his father has become nothing more than the town villian and Becky really needs to shut up (Thanks, Tim! :). But the concerns I had about the writers dealing with major cast upheaval were quickly alleviated and Eric and Tami continue to be the most awesome couple on TV. Yes, show runners, a couple can be in together, in love and happy and and it can be good!
And I have a big ass post on the show I keep meaning to get too, but, at the rate I'm going, I might as well wait until all thirteen epsiodes of this season have aired.
Glee
You might be thinking this is a strange inclusion on my list since I've been vocal about what I don't like about the show. And there is a lot I don't like about the show. However, the fact that FOX took a chance on a musical dramady and that a sizeable portion of the viewing audience has embraced watching a musical each week does my heart good. As does the fact the characters are becoming slightly less cliched and more nuanced and Teri's ridiuclous pregnancy storyline has, mercifully, ended.
Castle
Nathon Fillion had a series picked up for a second season. Let me repeat, Nathan Fillion had a series picked up for a second season! This is no small feat people! The cases of the week are uninspiring. I think we all have who did it figured out about 30 seconds after we meet them. Castle/Beckett still does nothing for me (and I find Stana merely a so-so actress). But I absolutely adore the relationship between Rick and Alexis. Teenagers do not have to be obnoxious and horrible and self-destructive! They can be good kids who do well in school and follow the rules and are, OMG, pleasant to be around! And, yes, a parent and child can be friends and want to hang out together.
I've read a lot of year end memes - and I've read all your posts even if I haven't commented on them! :) - and wisteria_ posted one that a) didn't seem too taxing nor b) too personal.
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Harassed a series creator on Twitter? My apologies, Jeff Eastin. ;) Planned a trip last minute, sort of. Usually I plan travel months in advance, but I think my trip to New York to visit beccatoria only started coming together a couple weeks before I left. Eep!
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No clue and I hate to look back. I do plan on making resolutions this year (actually, I started on some of them a couple weeks ago hoping that easing my way into them may help me be more successful), but I'm not sure how much I will post about them, if at all. I'll ponder that this weekend.
What countries did you visit?
None. I flirted with going to London, but the timing was bad for me.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Possession wise? A house, maybe. On a smaller and more manageable scale, a new laptop and new TV for the bedroom.
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm not really good with dates. My trips all provided memorable experiences.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I don't know that I had one big achievement. I started making progress on some things that have been bothering me for awhile which helped decrease my stress levels. And I have plans for the new year. Ask me again in a year. ;)
What was your biggest failure?
Mostly fandom related. I have a long list of posts I wanted to make and fic I wanted to start and none of it happened. One of my big goals for the upcoming year is to start writing again. I have the big BSG Season 4 AU I still want to write and a have a big 'White Collar' AU idea I've been pondering for a few weeks.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Huh. I'm not even sure I had a cold this year.
What was the best thing you bought?
My netbook. It's so tiny, cute and portable. And blue! Oh, and the $10 cable I bought that allows me to watch 'acquired' programs on my TV. :)
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I'm thinking I don't need to answer this, but I will - White Collar. ;-) And all my new fandom friends! ::Waves::
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I think about the same..
ii. thinner or fatter? I've put on a few pounds, but I wouldn't say I'm "fatter".
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, if I don't look at the 401k.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Been more outgoing. Written more. Drawn more. Posted more. In other words, been more creative.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinated. Not gotten so distracted at work.
What was your favorite TV program?
It's a tie: Battlestar Galactica and White Collar.
What was the best book you read?
Um, I'm not a reader.
What did you want and get?
A raise. My netbook. A new fandom. The chance to meet Beccatoria. :)
What did you want and not get?
Help at work. BSG fandom being in a happier place. Meeting more people in real life. (I love all of you, my fandom friends, but you all live so far away and I wish I had more people nearby to hang out with.)
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't recall doing anything *on* my birthday. I was 37.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Lots of things. The writing - or lack of - I lament.
What kept you sane?
My friends - online and off.
Who was the best new person you met?
zegeekgirl thanks to Jamie Bamber. ;) We even got to meet in person which was something I did not anticipate doing. And White Collar fandom has led me to meet some cool new people (and even friends of friends! ;).
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
And now for a break before I try to catch up on comments. Stay on top of commenting, another goal for this year. :)
Instead, the day went something like this. I woke up at 6:30am which led me to think, "Hey, I could actually get to work by eight!" That happened, but fifteen minutes after I got out of bed I felt a twinge of pain in my neck which ended up moving down into my back. So, I was a bit uncomfortable at work. And the plan to leave work at Noon was thwarted by not unexpected year end craziness. (As an example of the crazy, one of the attorneys had surgery on Wednesday, was released from the hospital Thursday morning, and had his wife drive him to the office upon his release so he could check on collections. I kid you not.) I ended up leaving work around 3:30. This was in part due to me need to have certain things done before I left; in part because my co-worker and friend was going to have to put in nearly a full day and I didn't want to leave her there on her own.
Around 1pm I received a phone call from my friend S. We were supposed to see Sherlock Holmes today, but a family obligation come up for her. She asked about seeing the film that night instead and, even though I was uncomfortable with the back and neck pain and a bit cranky from work, I said yes since I was eager to see the film. Unfortunately, between rushing around to get to the theatre on time and the day's stresses I ended up getting a headache...which I didn't want to take anything for for fear of becoming sleepy during the movie...which happened anyway. So, when I got home I made myself some hot chocolate, took some Advil PM and settled in for the Thin Man marathon on TCM. I watched about on hour of the first film and vaguely recall moving around the chair I was in a few times before waking up to realize it was 3:30am, 2010 and The Thin Man Goes Home, the fifth film in the series, was soon to start. At that realization, I turned off the TV and headed to bed where I managed to sleep for another six hours. On the plus side, most of the pain had subsided by the time I got up.
OK, the film was not nearly as slashy as I expected it to be, given what I had read before seeing it. Yes, there were times Holmes and Watson acted like an old married couple, but it didn't cause me to think of their relationship as more than a close friendship. Color me surprised. I think the inclusion of Holmes's on-again/off-again girlfriend, Ingrid, and Watson's fiance, Mary, and the obvious affection the two men had for the women helped to negate me reading any more into their relationship than was on screen.
I do, however, think Robert Downey and Jude Law had great chemistry together. It felt as if these two men had known each for years and shared a close bond. And Jude, having once been pegged for super stardom and having, instead, starred in a series of critical and commercial clunkers, found a role that suited him nicely.
While I enjoyed aspects of the film - the Holmes/Watson relationship, the steampunk inspired visuals, an unexpected and, imho, awesome score and visually intriguing closing credits - the storyline left me rather 'meh'. The plot was both thin and overlycomplicated. And I hate when a film (or TV show) reveals how the crime (in this case, murders) took place, yet the audiance wasn't privy to half the clues. Sherlock explains how the American ambassador spontaneously burst into flames, yet we saw none of the events leading up to that moment! I also had a hard time believing that such a vast number of Londoners would believe a man, Lord Blackwood, could rise from the dead. Or is that just my 21st Century cynacism at play?
I had planned to do something more elaborate - and with visuals - to recap my 2009 TV/fandom highlights, but, as with my Christmas post, I know me and if I don't post something right now, it's just not going to happen. The whole posting now thing also helps me deal with one of my new years resolutions about procrastination.
Battlestar Galactica
On the day the finale aired, I posted why the series means so damn much to me. My feeling haven't changed at all. Yes, I've found another show to corrupt occupy my thoughts, but Battlestar Galactica still remains my One True Show. Yes, Lee Adama was underutilized. Laura Roslin became a corpse bride. Lee and Laura's relationship was forgotten for a season and a half. I came to hate Bill Adama. And the Opera House was much ado about nothing. Yet, the show gave me Lee Adama (and Jamie Bamber) and Laura Roslin and multiple awesome Sixes (thus proving supermodels can act) and big damn flawed heroes and spectacular space battles and joy and heartache and many complex, thought provoking arcs. So, yeah, the love far outweighs the regret.
....And Lee Adama was happy at the end, dammit! (Yes, I need to mention that whenever I can.)
White Collar
Again, I've posted on why I love this show and, at this point, I don't know that I have much more to add. It's not deep and will likely never inspire me to spend an entire weekend writing up meta, but it makes me very, very happy. Maybe after a decade spent on dark sci-fi and fantasy, from The X-Files to Buffy and Angel to Farscape to Battlestar Galactica my brain desperately needed something light and fun. There's also a very pretty face to watch on my TV every week and the thrill of my first OT3. And I was feeling a bit lost without an active fandom to participate in. So, White Collar has given me a whole bunch of new stuff to obsess about.
On a side note, while I could stare at pictures of Matt Bomer for hours and he strikes me as smart and sweet ( and, OMG!, I recently found out he sings too!) and is an actor and not just a pretty face and I am doing that thing I do when I 'discover' a new actor, work my way through his imdb listing, he is NOT replacing Jamie Bamber's special place in my heart. Just need to state that for the record. ;)
Modern Family
If you are not watching this series, you need to. It's, imho, the funniest comedy on the air right now. And it's managed a feat few other family sitcoms have. It's sweet and heartfelt without being saccharin. It's biting and snarky without being cruel. And while I wish this wasn't still an issue, it portrays a gay couple as loving and accepted and just as neurotic as any new, 'normal' parents would be.
Leverage
I initially tuned into for Christian Kane and by the 'David Job' two parter that closed out the first season, I was hooked on the series. Much like White Collar, the cons of the week often leave me rather 'meh', but I adore the characters and how this band of misfits who, individually, are deeply f***cked up, have formed a family and are better people when they are together then when they are apart and realize it. I don't think Nate and Sophie and Parker and Hardison so much fear what wiil happen if they got together, but what will happen if it all fell apart.
Southland
I don't love Southland, but I had enjoyed it's brief first season run on NBC, felt the series had potential and looked forward to where it may go. Then NBC perhaps made the worst executive decision since having Greedo shoot first announcing Jay Leno would be on the air five nights a week in prime time. Maybe Southland won't garner huge ratings and be renewed by TNT, but it's not for TNT's lack of trying and promotion. Commercials have been everywhere. Promos have been running before prints of Avatar and Sherlock Holmes. And screenings of the extended pilot episode will take place in theatres around the country with cast members in attendance. TNT, as has USA and SyFy and other cable networks, has learned to embrace their audiences and reap the rewards from that. If the Big Four want an answer to their dwindling viewership and market share, look to Twitter and the various blogging sites as the creators, cast, crew and studio marketing people reach out to fandom.
Friday Night Lights
Possibly the best damn show on TV that too few people are watching. NBC's deal with Direct TV saved the series from cancellation and 'm sure Direct TV is doing what they can to promote the show and get people to watch, but it's still a limited audience. And NBC's decision to not air the episodes until the summer? We can add that to the list of bad calls on the part of the network. Season 1 of the series is one of the best first seasons of a TV show I have ever seen (it's up there with Season 1 of BSG in terms of perfection). Season 2...well, it had it's moments here and there, but it was mostly a creative mess. Like the Phoenix, it rose from the ashes and Season 3 was nearly as spectacular as Season 1. This season I don't feel quite lives up to the excellence of Seasons 1 and 3. J.D. has turned into a spoiled little shit without explanation, his father has become nothing more than the town villian and Becky really needs to shut up (Thanks, Tim! :). But the concerns I had about the writers dealing with major cast upheaval were quickly alleviated and Eric and Tami continue to be the most awesome couple on TV. Yes, show runners, a couple can be in together, in love and happy and and it can be good!
And I have a big ass post on the show I keep meaning to get too, but, at the rate I'm going, I might as well wait until all thirteen epsiodes of this season have aired.
Glee
You might be thinking this is a strange inclusion on my list since I've been vocal about what I don't like about the show. And there is a lot I don't like about the show. However, the fact that FOX took a chance on a musical dramady and that a sizeable portion of the viewing audience has embraced watching a musical each week does my heart good. As does the fact the characters are becoming slightly less cliched and more nuanced and Teri's ridiuclous pregnancy storyline has, mercifully, ended.
Castle
Nathon Fillion had a series picked up for a second season. Let me repeat, Nathan Fillion had a series picked up for a second season! This is no small feat people! The cases of the week are uninspiring. I think we all have who did it figured out about 30 seconds after we meet them. Castle/Beckett still does nothing for me (and I find Stana merely a so-so actress). But I absolutely adore the relationship between Rick and Alexis. Teenagers do not have to be obnoxious and horrible and self-destructive! They can be good kids who do well in school and follow the rules and are, OMG, pleasant to be around! And, yes, a parent and child can be friends and want to hang out together.
I've read a lot of year end memes - and I've read all your posts even if I haven't commented on them! :) - and wisteria_ posted one that a) didn't seem too taxing nor b) too personal.
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Harassed a series creator on Twitter? My apologies, Jeff Eastin. ;) Planned a trip last minute, sort of. Usually I plan travel months in advance, but I think my trip to New York to visit beccatoria only started coming together a couple weeks before I left. Eep!
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No clue and I hate to look back. I do plan on making resolutions this year (actually, I started on some of them a couple weeks ago hoping that easing my way into them may help me be more successful), but I'm not sure how much I will post about them, if at all. I'll ponder that this weekend.
What countries did you visit?
None. I flirted with going to London, but the timing was bad for me.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Possession wise? A house, maybe. On a smaller and more manageable scale, a new laptop and new TV for the bedroom.
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm not really good with dates. My trips all provided memorable experiences.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I don't know that I had one big achievement. I started making progress on some things that have been bothering me for awhile which helped decrease my stress levels. And I have plans for the new year. Ask me again in a year. ;)
What was your biggest failure?
Mostly fandom related. I have a long list of posts I wanted to make and fic I wanted to start and none of it happened. One of my big goals for the upcoming year is to start writing again. I have the big BSG Season 4 AU I still want to write and a have a big 'White Collar' AU idea I've been pondering for a few weeks.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Huh. I'm not even sure I had a cold this year.
What was the best thing you bought?
My netbook. It's so tiny, cute and portable. And blue! Oh, and the $10 cable I bought that allows me to watch 'acquired' programs on my TV. :)
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I'm thinking I don't need to answer this, but I will - White Collar. ;-) And all my new fandom friends! ::Waves::
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I think about the same..
ii. thinner or fatter? I've put on a few pounds, but I wouldn't say I'm "fatter".
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, if I don't look at the 401k.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Been more outgoing. Written more. Drawn more. Posted more. In other words, been more creative.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinated. Not gotten so distracted at work.
What was your favorite TV program?
It's a tie: Battlestar Galactica and White Collar.
What was the best book you read?
Um, I'm not a reader.
What did you want and get?
A raise. My netbook. A new fandom. The chance to meet Beccatoria. :)
What did you want and not get?
Help at work. BSG fandom being in a happier place. Meeting more people in real life. (I love all of you, my fandom friends, but you all live so far away and I wish I had more people nearby to hang out with.)
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't recall doing anything *on* my birthday. I was 37.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Lots of things. The writing - or lack of - I lament.
What kept you sane?
My friends - online and off.
Who was the best new person you met?
zegeekgirl thanks to Jamie Bamber. ;) We even got to meet in person which was something I did not anticipate doing. And White Collar fandom has led me to meet some cool new people (and even friends of friends! ;).
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
And now for a break before I try to catch up on comments. Stay on top of commenting, another goal for this year. :)