Showing posts with label Television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Television. Show all posts
Charmed was the golden show of my childhood. Following the fiercest trio ever, Piper, Phoebe and Prue (Paige in later series); each episode was filled with kickass demon showdowns and the now-relatable world of 20 somethings navigating post-grad life. Seriously where are these post-teen, pre-serious-thriller shows now?! I'm having major withdrawals ...
So I'll admit when I first heard about the reboot, I was skeptical but hopeful. I loved the series and was open to seeing a new direction or expansion of the Charmed universe. But then came the trailer .... and that changed everything. Granted this is only two-minute preview, but lord ... I've seen enough. Purely based on this alone, I have no doubt that the Charmed Reboot will be cancelled after it's first season. This is why ....
Teen TV Dramas love their forbidden romances, don't they? There's something quite romantic about the idea of two young lovers, fighting against all odds for their love. Nothing can keep them apart. And what's more forbidden than a minor falling in love with an adult?
On this season of Finding Carter, Carter finds herself working illegally in a local bar at the tender age of 17. She immediately finds herself drawn towards Jared, her boss and bartender. Despite finding out the truth about her age, Jared keeps Carter on as a fellow employee and continues their ongoing relationship. If that doesn't set off warning bells from the start, I don't know what does. As we know now, this relationship isn't as fun-loving and carefree as initial thought. Carter may have fallen hard, but Jared is bad news wrapped up in pretty shiny warping paper, waiting to explode.
Dear Kate and Chris,
You may remember we meet almost two weeks ago on your UK Tour round the country. I can only imagine how many people you've seen and come across, who've gushed their happiness and delight to finally have the pleasure of meeting you. Just like I did. There was so much I didn't get to say in those short minutes with you, so I figured I would write you a letter to put everything into immortal words here on the internet.
First of all, you both performed incredibly. You took my breath away from the moment you sung with such passion and raw emotion. Gabrielle Ross was an incredible act who prep the stage for you, with her sassy vocals and glittery make-up. Tyler - I loved how you combined the old with the new. I found myself moved beyond words as you murmured the lyrics to 'This Is Where My Heart Breaks', and yet moments later, I was jiving along to Loaded Gun. The fact that you could create such an upbeat atmosphere, and alter towards a sombre mood so swiftly and gently was beautiful. One of my favourite memories during your set was singing along with you to Missing You. Never in my wildest teenage dreams did I ever think something like this could ever happen! Combining the nostalgia with a fresh hint of new flavour definitely left me in awe of your musical ability, and pretty jealous in fact. Thank you for entertaining me with your story about bouncy castles in Glasglow as well. Who doesn't love a good anecdote between songs?
Kate, I remember spending my afternoons listening religiously to your song tracks, and just falling in love with every inch of your lyrics. They were the soundtrack to my summer nights and winter walks. Your breathtaking rendition of 'Hallelujah' was the first I attached myself too, and when you play it that night - it somehow took me back to those very moments of my teen years. Then, when you sung, 'It's Only Life', I found myself moved beyond words. The emotion you portrayed just took me to another world, and moved me to tears. I will definitely treasure that video I recorded most when life hits me hard - as it usual does. Secretly, I do wish you had played 99 Times, No Good and I Don't Wanna Be - maybe you could next time?
You both were a huge part of my growing up. You are my childhood, teenhood and adulthood all rolled into one. You were part of the movement that inspired me. I can't believe I was blessed with the opportunity to see you perform live - how electric! And also to meet you. Words can't even describe how I feel about that moment. I only wish it could have been longer. There is no community like One Tree Hill - thank you for being an integral party of that. Thank gosh Tyler, you are no Chris Keller in real life. No matter how charmingly hilarious he is on screen, your lovely nature and personality are a pleasure to be around and witness.
The truth is One Tree Hill like for so many other people out there was my guide. It taught me the beauty of true friends, facing the struggles of relationships and life to get to the bright side of the rainbow. It taught me how to become stronger, when the entire world seems to be pushing you down. That night, I began to fall in love with One Tree Hill all over again as you revived those memories through your songs. As you sang 'Missing You' Tyler, Naley played in my head. As you Kate played It's Only Life, I vividly recall thinking this was the song that always encouraged me to take risks and pick myself up after the hard pitfalls of life. It was wonderful to be reminded of that message after all these years. I wish I could put into words how much that night meant. Tree Hill truly is my home, and you brought it to life centre stage.
They say that the best things in life are the most unexpected and they were right. I wasn't sure until six hours before the concert that I would get to be a part of that crowd that cheered you on, and I was. It was an absolute pleasure, and I can't wait until the next time we meet! Until then, I will keep replaying those memories through the videos on my phone, and pray that some day soon I may be blessed with the opportunity to see you again.
With All My Love,
Fatema
After five long years of waiting, enduring the longest dragged out mysteries in the history of television, it finally happened. The big bad A was finally revealed after all the tortuous horror Charles put little Allie and the Pretty Little Liars through. But was it really all we imagined the moment to be? Let's talk about this in glorious detail!
During my dedicated hours of television watching throughout my life, I couldn't help but notice that there are a number of songs that I would hear pretty often. Songs that are just so universally aesthetic, they can be applied to a number of situations, providing different meaning every single time. Maybe it's the fact they are pretty versatile - that they can relate and even be extracted to fit certain sequences. Through using particular parts of the song, or highlighting particular lyrics by the increasing the volume on certain aspects.
I've found these eight songs on more than one television show I've watched at least, and so here they are in their fine glory.
The Big Bang Theory has had audiences laughing for almost eight years, but behind the humour are some questionable characteristics of representations that I haven't been able to ignore. Although I have enjoyed watching the show and admit it is quite entertaining, there are some factors within The Big Bang Theory that don't sit well with me at all. So without further ado, here are the three reasons why I have a problem with The Big Bang Theory.
Disclaimer: This is a reflectively critical post about TBBT. It is not meant to offend fans or condemn the show, but illustrate the issues within the show from a critical representational perspective, and create a space for discussion on the subject matter. Please take this into account when you read this post.
Television is one the most visually engaging platforms there is. Why? Because you watch these fictional characters grow on screen through their struggles and heartaches you come to care for them. You emotionally invest in their stories and their surroundings in the comfort of your own home. You become so deeply attached and see them evolve into the person they are today. So when a particular television networks decide it's time to 'let them go', you find yourself frustrated and angry for not being able to see their story through, for not been given some kind of true conclusion to their adventures.
Sound familiar? I'm sure every single person has that one television show that they loved so dearly, cancelled way before it's time, before it reached it's climax. Over the past several years, I have found a few of my favourite TV shows ripped away from their prime glory by television executives. Here are a few of them ...
Continuing on from the fatal fall that left Oliver Queen on the brink of death, Season 3B finds itself exploring consequences of past actions and mysterious of the Arrow's future in Sterling City. Team Arrow find themselves soul searching and questioning their identity outside of Oliver, while trying to keep Starling city safe. So many mysterious and events lurk in the path of Team Arrow, as they collide against the league of assassins forces and the devil Malcolm Merlyn himself.
This season blew my mind. It's crazy that our biggest concern was about weather Oliver was truly alive. Who knew there were actually things worse than death and being imprisoned on an deserted island for five years? What started of as an identity crisis for Team Arrow turned into a fight for survival, where trust is no longer a given.
Between Olicity, a budding relationship developing between Felicity and Ray Palmer, and tension between Team Arrow and the league, this season was jam-packed and so thrilling! It's only unfortunate that the season finale rushed it's end conclusion, tying up storyline way too neatly packaged.
Spoiler Alert: Readers enter at your own risk.
I decided to start a new segment on this dear blog of mine called first impressions, where I basically talk about my initial thoughts on a television show or even an experience. This week's topic - Empire, the show everybody can not stop talking about at all!
After weeks of anticipation - and constantly hearing No Apologies on E4 this past month - , Empire finally aired last week on UK screens. I loved it - absolutely loved it. Empire is my new addiction, and I can not wait to devour every single minute that comes my way.
It's only a few weeks left until the possibly last season première of Teen Wolf, excitement is in the air! Especially as MTV released the most gripping, and absolutely terrifying teaser trailer for Season Five. The Doctor will see you now?! What the freaking hell is going on this season?! There are just so many possibilities, so many ways that this season could go. Here are a few theories of what I would love to happen on Teen Wolf...
Chuck Bass is A. That's right, Charles Bartholomew Bass is A. Tired of his mundane days in the Upper East Side, Chuck was looking for more adventure and thrill seeking fun, especially since Blair was no longer on speaking terms with him. One afternoon Chuck stumbled across an old family photo, but not with his biological father. There in the picture taken in American suburbia was the foster mother he had come to love, a young boy with dirt blonde hair and his sister with luscious golden locks and a dazing smile. Oh he had known Alison Dilaurentis for many years. His father, unable to deal with the pain of his mother's loss, had sent Chuck - or Charles as Jessica Dilaurentis use to refer to him as - to the Dilaurentis. She was kind to him - as kind as anyone could be. Her daughter however was another story.
Reign tells the story of young Mary, the Queen of Scotts, as she returns back to French Court when an assassination attempt is made on her life. Betrothed to the future king of France - Francis, Mary must attempt to secure an alliance with the nation before Scotland falls into the hands of war and the English.
If you liked Gossip Girl and have a soft spot for period dramas like Downton Abbey, this show is so for you. Reign has the most enchanting historical elements, alongside some pretty gossip like events. It's so gripping. I literally have consumed every single episode, so curious to find out what would happen next. I see so much future potential for this show, and I can't wait to see what Season Two has to offer.
Highlights
It's been a while since I've seen something so historic, and gosh it was so wonderful to watch. I was just in such awe of it all - the set design, the costumes and dialogue. It was very enchanting and enticing. Reign has this element of old school Gossip Girl, where romance and everyday life experiences are central, but yet there is a political conflict thrown into the fold. Mary and Francis - the main leads of the show - are constantly obligated to fulfil their duties to their respective countries (England and France), which complicates things for their personal love lives and the decisions they make. I found the political aspects of this show so intriguing. I don't think I've seen a show full of such heightened emotion, depicting what it could have been like to be a royal historically before the age of democracy took over.
Now I'll admit Reign probably isn't the most authentic show around, and it also takes quite a few liberalities with the events history, but that's what I enjoy about it. It leaves room for exploration beyond history. I can only hope the producers of the show don't abuse that freedom too much in the next coming seasons.
Shortcomings
The first half of Season One was definitely the strongest part of Reign. It established the show very well, and gave it so many dimensions to progress and evolve. But as the episodes continued on, the producers focused way too much on certain romantic relationships more than they should have. I wished they'd paid more attention in those episodes to more - like the political power relationship between each character, and the English threat. There was so many dynamics that I felt didn't reach their true potential. It was definitely a lost opportunity.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed Reign. I fell in love with the historical elements of the show, and the complexity of relationships between characters - especially between Mary and Francis, when their political duties to their own countries came into play in their lives. I'm excited to see the next step this show takes as it continues to develop!
So what did you think of Reign: Season One? Hit or Miss?
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If you liked Gossip Girl and have a soft spot for period dramas like Downton Abbey, this show is so for you. Reign has the most enchanting historical elements, alongside some pretty gossip like events. It's so gripping. I literally have consumed every single episode, so curious to find out what would happen next. I see so much future potential for this show, and I can't wait to see what Season Two has to offer.
* * * *
Highlights
It's been a while since I've seen something so historic, and gosh it was so wonderful to watch. I was just in such awe of it all - the set design, the costumes and dialogue. It was very enchanting and enticing. Reign has this element of old school Gossip Girl, where romance and everyday life experiences are central, but yet there is a political conflict thrown into the fold. Mary and Francis - the main leads of the show - are constantly obligated to fulfil their duties to their respective countries (England and France), which complicates things for their personal love lives and the decisions they make. I found the political aspects of this show so intriguing. I don't think I've seen a show full of such heightened emotion, depicting what it could have been like to be a royal historically before the age of democracy took over.
Now I'll admit Reign probably isn't the most authentic show around, and it also takes quite a few liberalities with the events history, but that's what I enjoy about it. It leaves room for exploration beyond history. I can only hope the producers of the show don't abuse that freedom too much in the next coming seasons.
Shortcomings
The first half of Season One was definitely the strongest part of Reign. It established the show very well, and gave it so many dimensions to progress and evolve. But as the episodes continued on, the producers focused way too much on certain romantic relationships more than they should have. I wished they'd paid more attention in those episodes to more - like the political power relationship between each character, and the English threat. There was so many dynamics that I felt didn't reach their true potential. It was definitely a lost opportunity.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed Reign. I fell in love with the historical elements of the show, and the complexity of relationships between characters - especially between Mary and Francis, when their political duties to their own countries came into play in their lives. I'm excited to see the next step this show takes as it continues to develop!
So what did you think of Reign: Season One? Hit or Miss?
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Like many people out there, I loved One Tree Hill growing up. It had everything a successful television show should have - drama, romance and heart. From Lucas's insightful quotes, Brooke's sassy nature and the unstoppable Naley (Nathan and Haley for all you newbies!), One Tree Hill never failed to entertain me. But even after all these years, there is still one story line that I can not understand or even being to comprehend. One storyline that I will never be able to truly accept.
Robert Quinn - the father to Sophia Quinn and Callie Jacob. If you've been watching The Fosters recently, then you know exactly who I'm talking about. You'll also know about the custody war that has dominated this past season between the Fosters and the Quinns. In all honestly, I'm really disappointed with the way the producers have represented Robert Quinn's storyline in Season Two, and here's why.
Finder Carter is finally back after several months of being of the air, and there's just so much that we need to know! After leaving the show on an incredibly suspenseful cliffhanger, I'm pretty sure we'll be jumping straight back into action. I just can't wait! So without further ado, here are four things that need to happen this season on Finding Carter.
Red Band Society is a story about the lives of a group of teenagers living in the paediatric ward at Ocean View Park, struggling with their own issues. Together they form the 'Red Band Society' to stick together through the trouble life throws at them.
When I first heard about this show, I remember feeling reluctant to watch it at all. I felt torn about the way media is - in a way - exploiting stories of children with terminal illness, and almost turning them into a trend of somesort. Since The Fault In Our Stars became so successful, why not capitalise on that by creating something similar. That idea pretty much put me off. But I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
Red Band Society is a show with so much heart and emotion. It's like My Sister's Keeper meets One Tree Hill. Each character has their own journey and struggling to face, with family and relationship drama added to the mix. The way this show handles addressing cancer and other diseases is powerful. Although it falls short on truly representing characters and storylines at times - which I'll get into later - this show does a good job of representing the teenagers time at the hospital, and bringing attention the social impact illness can have on them.
Now - Time for spoilers!
After the tragedy we faced in season 2A, The 100 came back biting stronger than ever. This season was definitely much more darker and intense than the previous two, knocking them straight out the park. It's crazy how much this show continues to evolve. Season One was child's play compared to all this drama. There were so many moments that really stood out this season on The 100. Here are a favourite few.
Note: This post contains spoilers, so if you are not currently up-to-date with The 100 - come back later and check it out.

The Nine Lives of Chloe King tells the story of a young girl Chloe, whose mythological heritage is awakened on her 16th birthday. She is the uniter of the Mai, a species from ancient Eygpt - who are basically super human with cat-like reflexes. Her powers make her a target against human supernatural hunters, who have an ever-long-lasting fued with the Mai.
Though this series started off a little rocky, it was entertaining and fun to watch. Between the action of Mai universe and the family-friendship dynamics in the show, there was always something to keep you entertained. The Nine Lives of Chloe King really had the potential to grow as series. There were so many intriguing story lines to develop, between exploring the mysterious of the Mai, other mythological creatures, and their feud with supernatural bounty hunters. Unfortunately just as the show finally found it's footing, it was cancelled before all those beautiful plot lines could reach their full potential, and come to their final conclusions.
Heads up - if you don't want to get spoiled, skip to the conclusion! I can't contain my feelings for this story!
* * * * *
Highlights
What I loved about the series the most was the whole mythology between the Mai and humans - not to mention Jackals too! I was amazed how unique the whole concept was - seeing as we have vampire and werewolf story-lines running from left, right and centre these days. Out of all the characters on the show, Skyler Samuels - who played Chloe - stood out to me the most. Her acting felt natural and very quirky. She was a pleasure to watch as the show continued, which makes me so excited to see her performance in The DUFF!
My favourite moment of season one was that amazing cliffhanger! It literally set up future storylines, and gave this sneak peak at where the series could go - like exploring Zane's gurdge against the Mai even though he is Mai himself. Oh and the fact that Alek is his brother - who he might even try to kill! What truly happened to Chloe's father since Brian's grandmother was impersonating him? What was going to happen to Chloe's mother, since Brian's dad has her? If Brian survived - who would he side with? His dad or Chloe? Did his mother die at the hands of his grandma? As you can see so many questions! Oh, it's so sad knowing that they'll never be answered on the big screen.
Shortcomings
The two main flaws that I found with this series were to do with the script and casting. I found Benjamin Stone didn't hold the exact charm and charisma that the character of Alek needed. While charming on the surf, he wasn't really able to pull of that snarky, cocky but endearing attitude. I hate to say it, but he felt pretty wooden. One-dimensional. I wanted more emotion, more feeling from him! As for Brian (played by Grey Damon) - I wish he'd been been given more quality, than just his 'nice' guy role. I actually cared more about Xavier - who was only in the pilot episode - than Brian.
As for the scripting, there were times I found dialogue to be so artificial. I wish the dialogue had felt more natural, something you would hear in everyday conversation rather than scripted. Sometimes in the show dialogue felt pretty out of place, and kind of disconnected me from the story. I wonder if this may be why the series fell a little short in the first place.
* * * * *
Conclusion
All in all, The Nine Lives of Chloe King was a show with promise, which held intrigue and depth. Despite it's shortcomings, this show had potential to grow into a pretty awesome show, expanding on the Mai universe and it's origins. Unfortunately it was cancelled before everything could come to fruition.
Seen The Nine Lives of Chloe King? What did you think of the series? Let me know!
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Growing up, my parents loved to watch Indian dramas. I remember sitting down on a Friday night, watching these dramatic soaps about characters who lived in an entirely different world than I did. It also became like a tradition in our household. I'll admit they were pretty entertaining for a while - when I had no idea how utterly predictable and ridiculous they actually were! Since moving back home with my parents, I have been subjected to the world of Asian dramas again. It has literally been unavoidable. Lucky I have learnt sooo many valuable life lessons from these shows, that I decided to share them with you all today! So without further ado, let's get started!
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