Top20 Fangirly Things of 2009
Yet another year is drawing to a close. It's a tradition of sorts that I compile a Top20 list of all the marvellous fangirly things that have taken place during the previous twelve months - and, of course, spam your flists with it. I hadn't realised just how many wonderful things took place this year! We got everything from exciting sports events to riveting television and catchy pop music - many of them with a femslashy twist, of course.
.: 20. The Case of Castle & Beckett
Fandom: TV - Castle
Say, what?: Castle is, sort of, the heteronormative version of Women's Murder Club. In other words, this show should be the most annoying thing you've ever seen, but it's not. The chemistry between Castle and Beckett is fantastic, the banter is second to none, and Stana Katik wielding a gun while dressed in kevlar is truly the hottest thing.
See for yourself: Season 2 Promo
.: 19. Y Otra Vez Sería la Primera Vez.
Fandom: Music - La Oreja de van Gogh
Say, what?: A las Cinco en el Astoria is, without a doubt, one of the best albums I have ever bought. I played it non-stop for a month, and "Cumplir un Año Menos" and "Jueves" are still on the most played list in my iTunes. "Jueves" is also the only song that has ever made me cry (like, really cry).
See for yourself: "El Último Vals" music video
.: 18. The Random Outfits Parade
Fandom: Music - Cheryl Cole
Say, what?: "Fight for This Love" - corny song, but a ridiculously gorgeous music video. Plethora of different outfits and Cheryl looking as hot as ever - seeing the red uniform does strange things to my insides. This video truly shows how insanely beautiful Cheryl Tweedy Cole is, even in that funky blast-from-the-past suit from the 80s.
See for yourself: "Fight for This Love" music video
.: 17. Femslash on Skiis
Fandom: Sports - X-country skiing
Say, what?: FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Liberec last spring made me ship it. Virpi Kuitunen (my fake sports!girlfriend) and Aino-Kaisa Saarinen totally OWNED their competition and did it in a very femslashy way. My lovely, new #1 sports OTP.
See for yourself: Hugging after the finish line [1:00].
.: 16. It's Only Been 10+ Years
Fandom: Sports - Ice hockey
Say, what: Ice hockey = Finnish national sport. I've been a Rauman Lukko supporter all my life (I blame my parents) and, apart from those few seasons in the mid-90s, they haven't really done that well in 30 odd years. But now they're the number one team in the league and playing downright beautifully. It has been worth the wait.
See for yourself: Lukko vs HIFK (Dec 5th)
.: 15. Character Backstory - This Is How It's Done
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: "Demonology" was one of the most anticipated episodes of the 4th season, but many Emily fans (yours truly included) were also slightly apprehensive about it beforehand. It could've been truly awful, but the writers of the show demonstrated, once again, their ability to, well, write. It wasn't OOC, it fitted the character of Emily perfectly, and it also dealt with an issue that is often very hush-hush in American network TV. Perfection all around.
See for yourself: Emily talking to Rossi (aka the best scene of the episode).
.: 14. This Year's 'Imagine Me & You'
Fandom: Movies - I Can't Think Straight
Say, what?: The gradual appearance of a lesbian romcom genre makes my heart fill with joy. I Can't Think Straight is a sweet and compelling film about multiculturalism, soul-searching and love. The romance between Leyla and Tala feels genuine, and the undeniable chemistry makes you want to invest in their story. Plus, the NEKKIDNESS of the sexy kind certainly doesn't hurt.
See for youself: Official trailer
.: 13. Patricia Vico + a Gun = Nothing but Awesomeness
Fandom: Movies - La Ira
Say, what?: Despite the awfully dark theme of this TV movie, seeing Patricia Vico playing a hardened detective with a gun attached to her hip made my frigging year. Also, as much as I adore her as Maca in Hospital Central, it was refreshing to see her playing a completely different character in a completely different setting. She made this movie worth sitting through.
See for yourself: Random scenes
.: 12. Don't Rain on my Parade!
Fandom: TV - Glee
Say, what?: This shouldn't be my type of a show at all, because I rarely find shows about teenagers interesting. But there's something about Glee that makes me want to watch it, be it the fabulousness of Jane Lynch, the femslashiness of Brittany/Santana, or the incredible vocal abilities of Lea Michele. In reality, the show is full of tired stereotypes and even a few unlikeable characters (I'm looking at you, Will), but I still keep coming back every week. It just...works.
See for yourself: Rachel singing "Don't Rain on my Parade". ♥
.: 11. The Kiss that Should've Prompted Many More
Fandom: TV - Guiding Light
Say, what?: Even though the last few months of Guiding Light were utterly eyeroll-worthy when it comes to Otalia (even by soap standards), the year-long development of their relationship (culminating in the kiss above) before that was simply beautiful. It was done well and with care, and when they finally kissed, the reaction of the fandom was insane. "Tarzan, Jane! Jane, Jane!" Huge thumbs up.
See for yourself: Do I need to hit you over the head with this?!
.: 10. The Character of the Year
Fandom: TV - Better off Ted
Say, what?: "What's not to like? She's gullible and slept with you on the first date. If her mom's not fat, I say throw a ring on it." Veronica is hysterical and steals every scene she's in - the others aren't even close to her level of brilliance. Also, as a whole, this show doesn't get the recognition it deserves; it's been a while since we've seen a sitcom that is fresh and doesn't underestimate the viewers. Ten out of ten.
See for yourself: Veronica = love.
.: 9. The Paring That Sounds Like a Pizza
Fandom: TV - Grey's Anatomy
Say, what?: I tried to resist it, I really did. But then Arizona opened her mouth and adorableness occurred. She has butterflies on her scrub cap, and she makes passionate speeches about how parents should accept their gay children. Then there's Callie who speaks Spanish and who has that cute frown and have you seen the delicious blonde/brunette contrast they have going on and... I swear I tried.
See for yourself: Awww, kissing.
.: 8. And Suddenly Daytime Was Gayer than Ever
Fandom: People - Portia de Rossi & Ellen DeGeneres
Say, what?: If I'd been told a few years ago that Portia would appear on her wife's talkshow, I would've laughed. These two have become the poster couple for gay marriage, and this interview was a lovely example of how far they've actually come. And, my God, how sickeningly sweet was the Newlywed Game? I'm still trying to recover from the sugar overdose.
See for yourself: The Newlywed Game - ignore the embarrassing other couple.
.: 7. The Answer to Our Prayers - Someone Finally Got the Scissors
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: And the fringe was no more. Seriously, this was the news of the summer, and suddenly Season 5 began looking better and better as well. I don't know who was responsible for the haircut of DOOM, but thank you to whoever finally talked some sense into the woman and made her get rid of it. This definitely makes the weekly drooling sessions episode viewings much more pleasurable.
See for yourself: 100th episode celebrations.
.: 6. The Ultimate Theatre Orgasm
Fandom: Theatre - Dancing at Lughnasa
Say, what?: Niamh Cusack and Andrea Corr in the same play. Need I say more? Such a fangirling overdose. There really was no way I would've allowed myself to miss this (and, luckily for me, was in the UK anyway), because a) I adored Niamh in Heartbeat, and b) no other band has affected my life the way The Corrs have. This play was important to me on a very personal level, and seeing Niamh and Andrea on stage together was, well, kind of magical.
See for yourself: -
.: 5. They Really Have never Been Looser
Fandom: TV - Loose Women
Say, what?: Although I'd watched random clips already before, it wasn't until my exchange year in Wales that I became completely addicted to this show. I don't think I could be further away from the target audience, but Loose Women makes me laugh like nothing else. You would be amazed how the most ordinary things can be turned into double entendres. In fact, I'm so infatuated with the show that I'm planning on using it as source material in my MA thesis.
See for yourself: A mouthful of the unexpected
.: 4. Después de Nueve Años, Nada
Fandom: TV - Hospital Central
Say, what?: This is one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen. It also beautifully demonstrates three things: 1) Fátima Baeza is adorable, 2) Patricia Vico has the cutest laugh, and 3) the chemistry between these two is amazing. It really is completely unjust that they're both straight!
See for yourself: ¿Con o sin preámbulos?
.: 3. The Scene of the Year
Fandom: TV - Los Hombres de Paco
Say, what?: I don't think it's necessary to elaborate much. Sweet mother of God, this scene still completely floors me. Frankly, I don't think any other scene will pass this one anytime soon, because it is simply the hottest thing ever. I keep repeating it, but OMG HANDS IN TROUSERS.
See for yourself: The scene in all its glory.
.: 2. Revolution in the Head Don't Count for Nothing
Fandom: Music - Girls Aloud
Say, what?: The tour intro to "Revolution in the Head" might just be the best thing since sliced bread. I could honestly watch it over and over again. Also, Nadine looks absolutely gorgeous in it, and the way her screen is the last one to fade to black is brilliant. This is what pop music is all about.
See for yourself: Revolution in the Head (live)
.: 1. The Gayest Agent There ever Was
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: "According to executive producer Ed Bernero[,] 'We don't even know if Prentiss is straight[.]'" Emily has always pinged my gaydar, and the fact that the people working on the show have taken that particular detail into account as well is simply the most amazing thing ever. Quite understandably, this is, by far, the #1 fangirly thing of 2009.
See for yourself: TV Guide
2009 has been quite a year!
Funny, you can always tell if I have a) exams to revise to, or b) essays to write, because I keep churning out top-whatever lists during those times. Oh, well. There's always tomorrow. Ahem.
.: 20. The Case of Castle & Beckett
Fandom: TV - Castle
Say, what?: Castle is, sort of, the heteronormative version of Women's Murder Club. In other words, this show should be the most annoying thing you've ever seen, but it's not. The chemistry between Castle and Beckett is fantastic, the banter is second to none, and Stana Katik wielding a gun while dressed in kevlar is truly the hottest thing.
See for yourself: Season 2 Promo
.: 19. Y Otra Vez Sería la Primera Vez.
Fandom: Music - La Oreja de van Gogh
Say, what?: A las Cinco en el Astoria is, without a doubt, one of the best albums I have ever bought. I played it non-stop for a month, and "Cumplir un Año Menos" and "Jueves" are still on the most played list in my iTunes. "Jueves" is also the only song that has ever made me cry (like, really cry).
See for yourself: "El Último Vals" music video
.: 18. The Random Outfits Parade
Fandom: Music - Cheryl Cole
Say, what?: "Fight for This Love" - corny song, but a ridiculously gorgeous music video. Plethora of different outfits and Cheryl looking as hot as ever - seeing the red uniform does strange things to my insides. This video truly shows how insanely beautiful Cheryl Tweedy Cole is, even in that funky blast-from-the-past suit from the 80s.
See for yourself: "Fight for This Love" music video
.: 17. Femslash on Skiis
Fandom: Sports - X-country skiing
Say, what?: FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Liberec last spring made me ship it. Virpi Kuitunen (my fake sports!girlfriend) and Aino-Kaisa Saarinen totally OWNED their competition and did it in a very femslashy way. My lovely, new #1 sports OTP.
See for yourself: Hugging after the finish line [1:00].
.: 16. It's Only Been 10+ Years
Fandom: Sports - Ice hockey
Say, what: Ice hockey = Finnish national sport. I've been a Rauman Lukko supporter all my life (I blame my parents) and, apart from those few seasons in the mid-90s, they haven't really done that well in 30 odd years. But now they're the number one team in the league and playing downright beautifully. It has been worth the wait.
See for yourself: Lukko vs HIFK (Dec 5th)
.: 15. Character Backstory - This Is How It's Done
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: "Demonology" was one of the most anticipated episodes of the 4th season, but many Emily fans (yours truly included) were also slightly apprehensive about it beforehand. It could've been truly awful, but the writers of the show demonstrated, once again, their ability to, well, write. It wasn't OOC, it fitted the character of Emily perfectly, and it also dealt with an issue that is often very hush-hush in American network TV. Perfection all around.
See for yourself: Emily talking to Rossi (aka the best scene of the episode).
.: 14. This Year's 'Imagine Me & You'
Fandom: Movies - I Can't Think Straight
Say, what?: The gradual appearance of a lesbian romcom genre makes my heart fill with joy. I Can't Think Straight is a sweet and compelling film about multiculturalism, soul-searching and love. The romance between Leyla and Tala feels genuine, and the undeniable chemistry makes you want to invest in their story. Plus, the NEKKIDNESS of the sexy kind certainly doesn't hurt.
See for youself: Official trailer
.: 13. Patricia Vico + a Gun = Nothing but Awesomeness
Fandom: Movies - La Ira
Say, what?: Despite the awfully dark theme of this TV movie, seeing Patricia Vico playing a hardened detective with a gun attached to her hip made my frigging year. Also, as much as I adore her as Maca in Hospital Central, it was refreshing to see her playing a completely different character in a completely different setting. She made this movie worth sitting through.
See for yourself: Random scenes
.: 12. Don't Rain on my Parade!
Fandom: TV - Glee
Say, what?: This shouldn't be my type of a show at all, because I rarely find shows about teenagers interesting. But there's something about Glee that makes me want to watch it, be it the fabulousness of Jane Lynch, the femslashiness of Brittany/Santana, or the incredible vocal abilities of Lea Michele. In reality, the show is full of tired stereotypes and even a few unlikeable characters (I'm looking at you, Will), but I still keep coming back every week. It just...works.
See for yourself: Rachel singing "Don't Rain on my Parade". ♥
.: 11. The Kiss that Should've Prompted Many More
Fandom: TV - Guiding Light
Say, what?: Even though the last few months of Guiding Light were utterly eyeroll-worthy when it comes to Otalia (even by soap standards), the year-long development of their relationship (culminating in the kiss above) before that was simply beautiful. It was done well and with care, and when they finally kissed, the reaction of the fandom was insane. "Tarzan, Jane! Jane, Jane!" Huge thumbs up.
See for yourself: Do I need to hit you over the head with this?!
.: 10. The Character of the Year
Fandom: TV - Better off Ted
Say, what?: "What's not to like? She's gullible and slept with you on the first date. If her mom's not fat, I say throw a ring on it." Veronica is hysterical and steals every scene she's in - the others aren't even close to her level of brilliance. Also, as a whole, this show doesn't get the recognition it deserves; it's been a while since we've seen a sitcom that is fresh and doesn't underestimate the viewers. Ten out of ten.
See for yourself: Veronica = love.
.: 9. The Paring That Sounds Like a Pizza
Fandom: TV - Grey's Anatomy
Say, what?: I tried to resist it, I really did. But then Arizona opened her mouth and adorableness occurred. She has butterflies on her scrub cap, and she makes passionate speeches about how parents should accept their gay children. Then there's Callie who speaks Spanish and who has that cute frown and have you seen the delicious blonde/brunette contrast they have going on and... I swear I tried.
See for yourself: Awww, kissing.
.: 8. And Suddenly Daytime Was Gayer than Ever
Fandom: People - Portia de Rossi & Ellen DeGeneres
Say, what?: If I'd been told a few years ago that Portia would appear on her wife's talkshow, I would've laughed. These two have become the poster couple for gay marriage, and this interview was a lovely example of how far they've actually come. And, my God, how sickeningly sweet was the Newlywed Game? I'm still trying to recover from the sugar overdose.
See for yourself: The Newlywed Game - ignore the embarrassing other couple.
.: 7. The Answer to Our Prayers - Someone Finally Got the Scissors
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: And the fringe was no more. Seriously, this was the news of the summer, and suddenly Season 5 began looking better and better as well. I don't know who was responsible for the haircut of DOOM, but thank you to whoever finally talked some sense into the woman and made her get rid of it. This definitely makes the weekly drooling sessions episode viewings much more pleasurable.
See for yourself: 100th episode celebrations.
.: 6. The Ultimate Theatre Orgasm
Fandom: Theatre - Dancing at Lughnasa
Say, what?: Niamh Cusack and Andrea Corr in the same play. Need I say more? Such a fangirling overdose. There really was no way I would've allowed myself to miss this (and, luckily for me, was in the UK anyway), because a) I adored Niamh in Heartbeat, and b) no other band has affected my life the way The Corrs have. This play was important to me on a very personal level, and seeing Niamh and Andrea on stage together was, well, kind of magical.
See for yourself: -
.: 5. They Really Have never Been Looser
Fandom: TV - Loose Women
Say, what?: Although I'd watched random clips already before, it wasn't until my exchange year in Wales that I became completely addicted to this show. I don't think I could be further away from the target audience, but Loose Women makes me laugh like nothing else. You would be amazed how the most ordinary things can be turned into double entendres. In fact, I'm so infatuated with the show that I'm planning on using it as source material in my MA thesis.
See for yourself: A mouthful of the unexpected
.: 4. Después de Nueve Años, Nada
Fandom: TV - Hospital Central
Say, what?: This is one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen. It also beautifully demonstrates three things: 1) Fátima Baeza is adorable, 2) Patricia Vico has the cutest laugh, and 3) the chemistry between these two is amazing. It really is completely unjust that they're both straight!
See for yourself: ¿Con o sin preámbulos?
.: 3. The Scene of the Year
Fandom: TV - Los Hombres de Paco
Say, what?: I don't think it's necessary to elaborate much. Sweet mother of God, this scene still completely floors me. Frankly, I don't think any other scene will pass this one anytime soon, because it is simply the hottest thing ever. I keep repeating it, but OMG HANDS IN TROUSERS.
See for yourself: The scene in all its glory.
.: 2. Revolution in the Head Don't Count for Nothing
Fandom: Music - Girls Aloud
Say, what?: The tour intro to "Revolution in the Head" might just be the best thing since sliced bread. I could honestly watch it over and over again. Also, Nadine looks absolutely gorgeous in it, and the way her screen is the last one to fade to black is brilliant. This is what pop music is all about.
See for yourself: Revolution in the Head (live)
.: 1. The Gayest Agent There ever Was
Fandom: TV - Criminal Minds
Say, what?: "According to executive producer Ed Bernero[,] 'We don't even know if Prentiss is straight[.]'" Emily has always pinged my gaydar, and the fact that the people working on the show have taken that particular detail into account as well is simply the most amazing thing ever. Quite understandably, this is, by far, the #1 fangirly thing of 2009.
See for yourself: TV Guide
2009 has been quite a year!
Funny, you can always tell if I have a) exams to revise to, or b) essays to write, because I keep churning out top-whatever lists during those times. Oh, well. There's always tomorrow. Ahem.