Fannish Thoughts ... 2011
So. 2011 has been and gone and we've started out 2012 in brilliant style with Sherlock's "A Scandal in Bohemia". As I was in Canada over the holidays, I missed out on the series finale for Merlin and the X-Mas Doctor Who and Downton Abbey specials. However, it didn't take me long to catch up upon my return!
Where to begin?
Let's start with the shows I'm most fannish about:
Firstly, Merlin. All in all, I enjoyed most of Series 4. Although it was heartbreaking to see Anthony leave the series, it was time for Uther to go. And his death was a meaningful one; and how beautifully acted by both ASH and Bradley James. Speaking of Bradley, his performances this year were brilliant; he carried off both dramatic scenes and comedic ones with a deft hand. I really wish he would get more credit for the fabulous job he does.
As for the series overall, Agravaine had so much potential but he ended up being the one-season wonder -- manipulated by his desire for Morgana. I loved the development of the relationship between Arthur and Merlin this series -- Arthur's genuine faith in Merlin was touching. Which is going to make the magic reveal -- whenever it happens -- even more difficult. If I had more faith in the writers I'd be telling myself, it'll be fine. But I don't. However, I could be pleasantly surprised!!
As for Gwen, well, the wedding has finally taken place and I'm happy about that. Arthur's moping was getting to me -- and not very convincing moping at that. But the wedding felt so rushed! Five minutes to go in the season finale and we've got Gwen being crowned Queen when twenty minutes earlier Arthur had told her they had no future? And what happened to the love triangle TPTB kept mentioning? I'm cautiously optimistic that Lancelot will be back in Series 5 and that the real tension will appear. Now that will be interesting.
And finally, as for the Series finale -- sorry my friends, but it was all a bit meh. Morgana back in Camelot. Again. Arthur and a few of his friends seizing the castle back. Again. Knights? Who needs knights when you've got Tristan and Isolde apparently. All in all, a bit disappointing.
But, the first half of the series in particular made me gleeful!! So, my Merlin love stays strong :D.
Next: Doctor Who's Christmas Special.
Oh dear -- once again, I suspect my opinion will be unpopular but, it was all a bit dull to me. I will fully admit to enjoying his encounter with Amy and Rory but the rest of the episode ... it doesn't stay with me. If you asked me what the Xmas special was about, I'd say a mum trying to save her children.
As compared to last year's Special where the Doctor and his time travelling played such an integral part of the plot. I still vividly recall much of the plot. This year's special -- it's already faded away.
And the final Christmas Special -- Downton Abbey.
Well, let's just say that although I enjoyed this year's Downton Abbey it was definitely a marked departure from Series One. Whereas Series One was brilliant historical and emotional drama, Series Two was the soap opera version of Downton -- albeit it, in a much more condensed format. Deathbed scenes, angst to end all angst, miraculous medical recoveries -- seriously?
But I confess to fully enjoying the Christmas Special. It felt like an episode from Series One again. We had William back up to no good -- but managing to make it good; Matthew and Mary finally worked it all out; Daisy develops a backbone; the Earl of Grantham is once again a proper Earl -- actually caring about his people; and Bates was finally off screen for most of the episode -- he really has gotten rather dull.
So here's looking forward to Series Three!
As for the balance of 2011, it's been an interesting year, but very few fannish standouts.
Of the new 2011 series, I've become quite attached to Grimm and Once Upon a Time. At first I preferred Grimm, but over the past couple of episodes, Once Upon a Time has grown on me so they've got equal ranking at the moment. With respect to Grimm, I adore the side kick -- Silas Weir Mitchell as Monroe, a reformed blutbad (an animalistic, bloodlusting monster) who's essentially a big bad wolf who has chosen to remove his own teeth. He makes the show for me at the moment.
Whereas with Once Upon a Time, the ensemble does the trick here. All in all, it's still a bit too glossy for me in terms of the story, but I do like the actors. In particular, I adore Robert Carlyle as Rumpelstiltskin and Ginnifer Goodwin is brilliant as Snow White.
As for other shows, Series 4 of Leverage has definitely picked up the pace. We're back to sharp writing and sharp acting. I'm thoroughly enjoying this season.
Glee -- they got their mojo back. Season Two was a very mixed bag but with Season Three, they've refocussed on the characters and have made me love the show again. And on that note, bringing Kurt back to New Directions, shortly followed by Blaine, was definitely a winning move.
Hawaii Five-O: Well, we knew that it was unlikely that Season Two could live up to the expectations of Season One. And sure enough, it didn't. But, after a disappointing start, the series seems to be picking up. I'm still not quite sure why they felt the need to add Lauren German as Special Agent Lori Weston and Terry O'Quinn as Lt. Commander Joe White as regulars (considering the original quartet worked just fine, thank you very much), but let's see how the rest of the season plays out.
Game of Thrones. How much did I love this mini-series -- such that I bought all of the remaining books and read them in less than six weeks.
Brilliant, brilliant cast and George R. Martin doesn't pull any punches. Do not get attached to any character; there are no guarantees. Although on that point I will say that Tyrion is literally the cat with nine lives. And Peter Dinklage is amazing as Tyrion. Hands down -- he's my favourite character in the series. And woot!!! evildrem, loreley_se and I are booked for Throne Con this year at which Mr. Dinklage is scheduled to appear :D.
And as for other series, I quite liked American Horror. I was beginning to wonder where it was going to end up, but the final episode was quite satisfying. Let's see what Season Two brings us! Ryan Murphy, as co-creator, has already said that each season will be a "standalone" season with a new house. And frankly, I'm happy to hear that because otherwise, the premise would have been difficult to sustain at the rate characters were being killed off!
And let's wrap things up with Sherlock, "A Scandal in Belgravia". Many weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing this episode at the BFI and I absolutely fell in love with it. Upon second and third viewing, my opinion hasn't changed: utterly, brilliant telly. There are some fabulous reviews out there which eloquently explain *why* this is so utterly marvellous -- you know, by the likes of The Independent, The Guardian, The Times -- wee little papers ;D.
And now, time to go watch some BBC documentaries. :D
Where to begin?
Let's start with the shows I'm most fannish about:
Firstly, Merlin. All in all, I enjoyed most of Series 4. Although it was heartbreaking to see Anthony leave the series, it was time for Uther to go. And his death was a meaningful one; and how beautifully acted by both ASH and Bradley James. Speaking of Bradley, his performances this year were brilliant; he carried off both dramatic scenes and comedic ones with a deft hand. I really wish he would get more credit for the fabulous job he does.
As for the series overall, Agravaine had so much potential but he ended up being the one-season wonder -- manipulated by his desire for Morgana. I loved the development of the relationship between Arthur and Merlin this series -- Arthur's genuine faith in Merlin was touching. Which is going to make the magic reveal -- whenever it happens -- even more difficult. If I had more faith in the writers I'd be telling myself, it'll be fine. But I don't. However, I could be pleasantly surprised!!
As for Gwen, well, the wedding has finally taken place and I'm happy about that. Arthur's moping was getting to me -- and not very convincing moping at that. But the wedding felt so rushed! Five minutes to go in the season finale and we've got Gwen being crowned Queen when twenty minutes earlier Arthur had told her they had no future? And what happened to the love triangle TPTB kept mentioning? I'm cautiously optimistic that Lancelot will be back in Series 5 and that the real tension will appear. Now that will be interesting.
And finally, as for the Series finale -- sorry my friends, but it was all a bit meh. Morgana back in Camelot. Again. Arthur and a few of his friends seizing the castle back. Again. Knights? Who needs knights when you've got Tristan and Isolde apparently. All in all, a bit disappointing.
But, the first half of the series in particular made me gleeful!! So, my Merlin love stays strong :D.
Next: Doctor Who's Christmas Special.
Oh dear -- once again, I suspect my opinion will be unpopular but, it was all a bit dull to me. I will fully admit to enjoying his encounter with Amy and Rory but the rest of the episode ... it doesn't stay with me. If you asked me what the Xmas special was about, I'd say a mum trying to save her children.
As compared to last year's Special where the Doctor and his time travelling played such an integral part of the plot. I still vividly recall much of the plot. This year's special -- it's already faded away.
And the final Christmas Special -- Downton Abbey.
Well, let's just say that although I enjoyed this year's Downton Abbey it was definitely a marked departure from Series One. Whereas Series One was brilliant historical and emotional drama, Series Two was the soap opera version of Downton -- albeit it, in a much more condensed format. Deathbed scenes, angst to end all angst, miraculous medical recoveries -- seriously?
But I confess to fully enjoying the Christmas Special. It felt like an episode from Series One again. We had William back up to no good -- but managing to make it good; Matthew and Mary finally worked it all out; Daisy develops a backbone; the Earl of Grantham is once again a proper Earl -- actually caring about his people; and Bates was finally off screen for most of the episode -- he really has gotten rather dull.
So here's looking forward to Series Three!
As for the balance of 2011, it's been an interesting year, but very few fannish standouts.
Of the new 2011 series, I've become quite attached to Grimm and Once Upon a Time. At first I preferred Grimm, but over the past couple of episodes, Once Upon a Time has grown on me so they've got equal ranking at the moment. With respect to Grimm, I adore the side kick -- Silas Weir Mitchell as Monroe, a reformed blutbad (an animalistic, bloodlusting monster) who's essentially a big bad wolf who has chosen to remove his own teeth. He makes the show for me at the moment.
Whereas with Once Upon a Time, the ensemble does the trick here. All in all, it's still a bit too glossy for me in terms of the story, but I do like the actors. In particular, I adore Robert Carlyle as Rumpelstiltskin and Ginnifer Goodwin is brilliant as Snow White.
As for other shows, Series 4 of Leverage has definitely picked up the pace. We're back to sharp writing and sharp acting. I'm thoroughly enjoying this season.
Glee -- they got their mojo back. Season Two was a very mixed bag but with Season Three, they've refocussed on the characters and have made me love the show again. And on that note, bringing Kurt back to New Directions, shortly followed by Blaine, was definitely a winning move.
Hawaii Five-O: Well, we knew that it was unlikely that Season Two could live up to the expectations of Season One. And sure enough, it didn't. But, after a disappointing start, the series seems to be picking up. I'm still not quite sure why they felt the need to add Lauren German as Special Agent Lori Weston and Terry O'Quinn as Lt. Commander Joe White as regulars (considering the original quartet worked just fine, thank you very much), but let's see how the rest of the season plays out.
Game of Thrones. How much did I love this mini-series -- such that I bought all of the remaining books and read them in less than six weeks.
Brilliant, brilliant cast and George R. Martin doesn't pull any punches. Do not get attached to any character; there are no guarantees. Although on that point I will say that Tyrion is literally the cat with nine lives. And Peter Dinklage is amazing as Tyrion. Hands down -- he's my favourite character in the series. And woot!!! evildrem, loreley_se and I are booked for Throne Con this year at which Mr. Dinklage is scheduled to appear :D.
And as for other series, I quite liked American Horror. I was beginning to wonder where it was going to end up, but the final episode was quite satisfying. Let's see what Season Two brings us! Ryan Murphy, as co-creator, has already said that each season will be a "standalone" season with a new house. And frankly, I'm happy to hear that because otherwise, the premise would have been difficult to sustain at the rate characters were being killed off!
And let's wrap things up with Sherlock, "A Scandal in Belgravia". Many weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing this episode at the BFI and I absolutely fell in love with it. Upon second and third viewing, my opinion hasn't changed: utterly, brilliant telly. There are some fabulous reviews out there which eloquently explain *why* this is so utterly marvellous -- you know, by the likes of The Independent, The Guardian, The Times -- wee little papers ;D.
And now, time to go watch some BBC documentaries. :D