My Dream Loot Crate: Nasty Women

Have you looked longingly at subscription boxes like I have? These have boomed in popularity in recent months, and I love looking at unboxings yet haven't been able to justify shelling out the money to subscribe to one yet. One subscription service that I've heard about, namely through Kristina Horner, is Loot Crate Loot Crate, which sounds awesome for geeks and nerds like me. So when they approached me about creating my own "dream crate" I knew I had to jump aboard.

Almost right away I knew I wanted to center my box around awesome female characters, and with the crazy election, my dream box is the NASTY WOMEN box.

Nasty Women Dream Loot Crate

My first choice is this Orphan Black t-shirt because this fabulous array of female characters were the first ones that came to mind. It was hard deciding on a product that could encompass Orphan Black (and there's surprisingly little merch), but this shirt is perfect and lists most of the major kick-ass female clones (portrayed by the equally kick-ass Tatiana Maslany), as well as a few other important characters.

My second choice was another easy one. This Rey print is stunning and also shows BB-8, another favorite. I loved Rey from the moment she appeared on screen in the new Star Wars movie. She's an amazing addition to the SW universe, and Daisy Ridley is perfection. Another easy choice.

Of course no list is complete without some Harry Potter reference. I actually have two different choices because they're possibly my two favorite HP characters, and I couldn't choose which one I wanted to feature more. This is Hermione's wand. Do I even need to explain this choice? Hermione meant so much to me when I was reading Harry Potter for the first time, and she still remains close to my heart. (Also, Emma Watson is perfection.)

The other amazing female character I love in Harry Potter is none other than Luna Lovegood! Her Spectrespecs are so unique to her and everyone who knows the movies will recognize it right away. Luna stays true to herself, regardless of what others will think. She's kind and creative.

Another easy choice is Annabeth from the Percy Jackson series. She, like Hermione, is the brains of the trio. She's such a solid heroine and similarly inspiring as Hermione. I found these books in middle school and am just now realizing how great of a transition it was to find it a few years after the last Harry Potter book. It's no wonder I loved Annabeth! This is an Annabeth Chase candle. 

This one is a less obvious choice, but this Everyone Deserves Tea mug represents the ladies of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (and of Pride and Prejudice). Not only do I love tea, but this is also a reminder of sisterly bond that is so strong in the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. And I love all three sisters, the actresses who portray them, as well as the supporting female cast (Charlotte, Gigi).

I'm not sure if the image is hard to see, but this Belle shirt caught my attention right away. Belle has long been one of my favorite Disney princesses (alongside Mulan). Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved Belle. She was one of the first females I saw on screen who loved to read and comforted the bookworm in me. 

This was a bit of a late addition, but I've included it for a few reasons. For one, while I personally don't like Katniss, many people do, and this pullover partially represents her. But the other reason I included it is that it represents the thousands/millions of female ballerinas out there. Ballet has sort of been brought back to popular culture thanks to people such as Misty Copeland. As a dancer/ballet dancer myself, I had to throw something in there. Ballerinas (and all dancers) work so hard yet also work to make what they do effortless. They're often not given nearly enough credit and aren't seen as on-par with other athletes, when in many ways, we're more athletic. So I had to include this in my dream box.

I apologize that this Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan pillow isn't included in the overall graphic, but I added this after I made it. As I wrote my honorable mentions/extras below I realized I didn't have any non-white women above, which is a huge and real problem (and also why we need more diversity in popular culture). So Kamala Khan popped into my head. I wanted to pick an item that's different from the others, and this pillow fits that bill. 

Another last minute addition not included in the graphic is this Schuyler Sisters sticker. I had them in mind since the beginning, but it slipped my mind as I was finishing up this post. This is such a given. Does it even need explaining?

Extras/Honorable Mentions

There were a few items that don't fit into the popular culture category, so I've listed them here instead.

 

I absolutely love this image and think a tote would be fabulous. If we're going to talk about feminism, it should be intersectional. Unfortunately, basically all of the women above are white women, and it's important to acknowledge all types of women.

Michelle Obama is all kinds of goals, and I've fallen in love with the recent Strand merch including this quote. This is the magnet, and after the election, this is just so inspiring and lovely. I love Michelle Obama and think she's an amazing figure for all of us to look up to.

And last but not least, I had to include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists. To me, Adichie is one of the ultimate feminists, and while there are plenty of others whom I love, she speaks so eloquently and rawly and openly about transnational and intersectional feminism. She supports other women, even if she disagrees with them (see her comments on her feminism vs. Beyonce's feminism). She has been so integral in the recent pushes/fights for feminism, and she is such an important part of educating others on inclusional feminism. I just love her, and I think this (or her TED talk) should be required reading (viewing). 

~~~

Ladies, let us continue to be "nasty women." Let's continue to fight for inclusion and diversity, for equality, for respect. Let's continue to support one another and critically discuss issues important to all of us.

Be sure to check out Loot Crate Loot Crate

if you're interested in their subscription boxes!

And let me know below or on Twitter what you would include in your dream crate!

So Much Potential, But What About Execution? | Quantico Review (Episodes 1-6)

ABC Sundays @ 10 PM EST

I started this show on a Friday night after catching up on How to Get Away With Murder. The night ended with me going to sleep at 4:30, with one episode (episode 5) left to catch up on. What an intense show! While not nearly as intense as Orphan Black or even HTGAWM, there's plenty going on on this show. 

This is one of the most diverse casts on television, and I love it. It's talked about just enough without making it the focus of the show. It just is what it is. With the exception of the Simon not actually being gay plot (which just upsets me to no end), the characters are not defined by their sexuality, race, religion, or otherwise. It certainly plays into who they are, as it does for all people, but they are more than that.

The constant switching between present and future keeps me at the edge of my seat. It's a bit like the flashbacks in HTGAWM, and in both, it's done very effectively, connecting past to present (or present to future, depending on how you look at it). I look forward to seeing how the story will play out and how the show will move forward once this one mystery/case is solved. 

I love crime shows, and I love getting a look at how their training works. There's so much potential in that, and I'm so glad Quantico is taking advantage of that. There's so much tension between the characters as they come to trust one another but also compete against one another. The intensity and time constraint is reminiscent of so many of my favorite shows.

All the lies and betrayal are a bit confusing to follow, and there are so many times when I wish people would just tell one another the truth. There are so many situations where things could end so differently, but I guess that's what makes the show so addicting.

Episode 6 really opened my eyes to the soap opera quality the show was starting to lean towards. I'm hoping it'll go back to more of the FBI/espionage/intrigue soon, without so much of the cheesy romance. The show reminds me of all the best and worst parts of some of my favorite shows, and I guess that's why I keep coming back for more. But I also slowly fell out of love (and sometimes was brought back, sometimes not) with many of the shows it reminds me of. I'm hoping that the show will start to go back in the direction that will keep me interested. I really love what they're doing on the show right now, and I'd hate to see that go downhill for the sake of trying to appeal to a certain group of people. 

The show started out strong in characterization and dialogue, as well as plot. I can only hope it'll continue on an upward trend from now on. The acting is getting shaky, with some strong performances and some weak. Maybe episode 6 will be the exception or maybe it was more of a filler. Fingers crossed, and let's see where the show will take us!

Stay tuned for updates as the show progresses.

TV Tuesday (#8): Spotlight: NCIS:LA

Once a month on a Tuesday, I'll showcase a TV in some way, whether it be an episode review (or bundle), a discussion, some thoughts and reactions, Top Tens, a fan!mix, or a recommendation.

TV Show Showcase: I'll be spotlighting some of the many shows I watch. I watch so many shows, but I still haven't talked about most of them on here. I could be writing reviews, but I've been so busy that it's already been a hassle to try to keep up with one or two shows, let alone write some reviews. So this is my way of mentioning and talking about the shows I love.

(Previously spotlighted: Red Band Society, Orphan Black, How to Get Away with Murder)

When did you first start watching the show? Why did you start watching it?

I started off as a huge fan of NCIS. It used to be my absolute favorite show. When NCIS:LA first came out, I was interested but not enough to really want to watch it. Then, I kept hearing about the show, and I kept seeing edits and Tumblr posts and tweets about Densi (Deeks/Kensi), and I sort of did want to watch it. I had already seen the crossover episode with NCIS that kicked off the show, so I went back and started the show! Now, I honestly love it more than NCIS.

Who's your favorite character?

Oh gosh. I love all of the characters for different reasons, but I think I'd have to go with either Nell or Kensi. I love how this show has such amazing females. The show does a great job of portraying strong but also vulnerable women, and there's such a sense of empowerment. I love how both Nell and Kensi are feisty and smart and not afraid to say what they want. They're also kind and caring and totally kickass. They're such well-rounded characters, and they truly stand on their own.
(I also really loved Nate, but he's no longer on the show, so.)

Who's your least favorite character?

I don't know if I have one, at least from the main cast. I suppose if I had to choose, it'd be Granger. If it had been last season or so, I would have easily said Granger, but we're starting to see him in a different light now. His interactions with the team are different now, and he's become much more human in the eyes of viewers. We see a softer side to him despite his really hard, serious exterior, and now that he's basically another part of the team, I've begun to like him a bit more.

Favorite guest star or addition to the cast?

Either Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) or Nell (Renee Felice Smith)! They were both added after the start of the show, and they're obviously a huge part of the team now. I can't choose between them, but I'm so happy they're on for good now.

Favorite episode?

??? To be honest, I don't remember them very well, but I kind of just enjoy most episodes...I don't know if there's one episode over all the others. I'd have to have a massive marathon if I were to decide that.

What's your favorite aspect of the show?

I absolutely love the team dynamics and the banter, and I think that's what really makes the show. It's hilarious and heartwarming even in the most tense moments of the show. It sets it apart from many of the other crime shows. While many of those also have lots of banter, there's something quite different about the way this team interacts. There's this special spark.

Also, I love how they take the buildup of relationships slowly on the show but without being too slow. I think one of the problems with NCIS was that it began to drag out the inevitability of Tony/Ziva, and in the end, because Cote left the show, they couldn't finally explore the two finally getting into a romantic relationship.

What's your least favorite aspect of the show?

Sometimes there's a bit too much banter, especially from Deeks. Sometimes I wish they'd tone it down a bit during the really serious moments. I know it's in his personality, but sometimes he'll cause Kensi to shut down, and it's hard not to see why they had such issues going into their relationship and making their work relationship work. She's right; there's this gap in communication. I love it when we see Deeks as vulnerable and a bit soft, letting down his guard, which are his jokes and his banter and that whole exterior.

OTP and/or ships?

Kensi/Deeks and Nell/Eric!!! They're the best. And then there's the ten thousand different brotps with like everyone on the show.

What do you think/predict about the future of the show?

I'm not sure! I'm not sure how it's doing in terms of viewership, especially now that the day has switched to Monday and now that it doesn't follow NCIS, but I'm really hoping it'll stick around and not suffer from being too long like NCIS. I hope to see more of what I've come to love on the show, and I can't wait to see relationships (romantic, friendships, work) develop even more, as that's such a forte on the show.

Website | Twitter

Waiting on Wednesday (#13): None of the Above by I. W. Gregorio and Orphan Black Season 3

This feature is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

For more info on this feature, see my features page. My version is just adapted to include more than just books.

Once again, I'm mentioning Orphan Black on my blog. If you still haven't watched it yet, why not?! Do you not see me freaking out about it all the time? :P Anyway, I'm so pumped for Season 3, and it can't come soon enough! The last season ended with a bang, of course, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen now that there are also male clones. Also another female clone, but she's a little girl, and I still don't really understand that part. Also, I really want to see what's gonna happen with Rachel. Did she die? Does she have an eye patch? How's she going to react? Oh man, this show is just so great, and I will always need more.

None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: April 7th, 2015

A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl who discovers she was born intersex . . . and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between.

What if everything you knew about yourself changed in an instant?

When Kristin Lattimer is voted homecoming queen, it seems like another piece of her ideal life has fallen into place. She's a champion hurdler with a full scholarship to college and she's madly in love with her boyfriend. In fact, she's decided that she's ready to take things to the next level with him.

But Kristin's first time isn't the perfect moment she's planned--something is very wrong. A visit to the doctor reveals the truth: Kristin is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy "parts."

Dealing with her body is difficult enough, but when her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school, Kristin's entire identity is thrown into question. As her world unravels, can she come to terms with her new self?

Wow, wow, wow. This sounds like an amazing book! None of the Above is so refreshingly new and so needed, in both a sad but positive way. There are already few LGBTQ+ books, but I've never heard of any other YA book that deals with someone who's intersex (which is included in the longer abbreviation I use-LGBTQIA). This book is so important, especially since few people even understand or know what intersex means. I really need to get my hands on this book--birthday present anyone (it comes out the day after my birthday)? ;)

TV Tuesday (#7): Spotlight: How to Get Away with Murder

Once a month on a Tuesday, I'll showcase a TV in some way, whether it be an episode review (or bundle), a discussion, some thoughts and reactions, Top Tens, a fan!mix, or a recommendation.

TV Show Showcase: I'll be spotlighting some of the many shows I watch. I watch so many shows, but I still haven't talked about most of them on here. I could be writing reviews, but I've been so busy that it's already been a hassle to try to keep up with one or two shows, let alone write some reviews. So this is my way of mentioning and talking about the shows I love.

(Previously spotlighted: Red Band Society, Orphan Black)

When did you first start watching the show? Why did you start watching it?

I started it after its fourth episode or something like that. I was interested in the show because I knew Alfie Enoch was in it, but I was kind of hesitant and was like mehh because I have so many other shows. But I kept hearing how AMAZING the show is, so I gave in one day, and here we are now.

Who's your favorite character?
I think I'd have to say Connor Walsh. I mean, I love most of the cast, but Connor is just the best.

Who's your least favorite character?

Um...Sam? Bonnie? Frank? Something about Bonnie and Frank just annoy the heck out of me.

Favorite guest star or addition to the cast?
CICELY TYSON

Favorite episode?
I CAN'T DECIDE. None particularly stick out above the rest, but I've enjoyed most of the episodes. The show is SO intense!

What's your favorite aspect of the show?
I love how intense the show is, as I mentioned above. I love the cast and how the characters interact. I love Alfie Enoch and Viola Davis, and now I love Jack Falahee and Aja Naomi King. I kinda of like laughing at how stupid some of the characters are in terms of cheating; like can we talk about how almost everyone is cheating on someone or having sex with a bunch of people or whatever? I love the different relationships. I love how this is a mix of a law show and a crime show. It's sort of like the intensity of Orphan Black, the crime show-ness of NCIS and Criminal Minds and White Collar and shows like that, the law aspect of Suits, etc.

What's your least favorite aspect of the show?
I mean, there are things like how dumb some of them can be, giving me secondhand embarrassment and the like. Like how there's SO much forensic evidence that could be used against them in the house; I mean, at least they can say they're in the house all the time, but still. There's also the whole love life/sex thing. Some of the relationships I just can't get behind. Ugh.

OTP and/or ships?
My brotp is definitely Connor and Michaela. I used to ship Wes and Rebecca hard, but now I'm not so sure. (To be honest, I don't know that there are any healthy relationships in the show.) And of course Connor and Oliver!

What do you think/predict about the future of the show?

I can't even guess! It'll definitely continue to be successful as long as it keeps up with all the suspense. I don't know what they'll do once the current overarching crime/case is solved or resolved. It'll be hard to sustain it for long, and I don't think it would be realistic to have another huge, major case after this (as in another murder case they're all involved in). Anything other than that is so hard to predict because things are always changing on the show!

Website | Twitter

TV Tuesday (#6): Spotlight: Orphan Black

Once a month on a Tuesday, I'll showcase a TV in some way, whether it be an episode review (or bundle), a discussion, some thoughts and reactions, Top Tens, a fan!mix, or a recommendation.

TV Show Showcase: The other day, I had a sudden burst of inspiration. I was thinking about Red Band Society and about my favorite and least favorite character(s) when I suddenly got this idea. For the next few weeks, I'll be spotlighting some of the many shows I watch.  I watch so many shows, but I still haven't talked about most of them on here. I could be writing reviews, but I've been so busy that it's already been a hassle to try to keep up with one or two shows, let alone write some reviews. So this is my way of mentioning and talking about the shows I love.

Today's show is one that I have talked about before, but I'm just too obsessed not to talk about it. It's my favorite show at the moment, hands down.

When did you first start watching the show? Why did you start watching it?

I'm not quite sure! I had known about it because I semi-follow BBC America, but I think I heard one of my friends praise the heck out of the show, and I decided that I needed to watch it. It was probably mid-season 1 when I started watching, possibly earlier. I've been hooked ever since, and I'm SO glad I found this show. Literally the best thing ever. I NEED MORE.

Who's your favorite character?

THIS IS THE HARDEST QUESTION. But I think I have to go with Sarah and Felix. All the clones, really, but I think Sarah edges out a tiny bit. I really love them all, and I love Delphine and Kira and Mrs. S (well, I did then didn't then did) and Paul (well, I did then didn't then did then didn't then did) and Cal.

Who's your least favorite character?

Leekie or Vic or Tomas or the Proletheans

Favorite guest star or addition to the cast?

Cal, Gracie, Doctor Marian (excited to know where the plot is going), Mark. Don't make me pick, though it's probably Cal. 

Favorite episode?

HOW ABOUT ALL OF THEM?!

What's your favorite aspect of the show?

Aren't you tired of hearing about it? It's so intense and well-paced in that it's quick but allows you to follow the plot. I love all the plot twists. I love how it explores the complexity of people and shows changing relationships and character growth. The cast is literal perfection, especially Tatiana Maslany. This show is so near perfect I hope it'll remain that way forever. 

What's your least favorite aspect of the show?

That it's so short! 10 episodes per season and per year! There are also times when some of the characters annoy me or give me second-hand embarrassment, but in the end, I still love it.

OTP and/or ships?

Conflicted between Sarah/Paul and Sarah/Cal. Delphine/Cosima. Gracie/Mark.

What do you think/predict about the future of the show?

I HOPE IT NEVER ENDS. But in all seriousness, they could take this show anywhere. I have faith that it'll remain perfect and amazing, and I hope I'm not wrong. I think there's a chance it'll become more mainstream, but it's already a cult-favorite. Sure, it's not big-big, likely because it's hard for many people, myself included, to find a place to watch the show, but there's such a large following. I can that only growing, and it makes me so excited. I hope my love never dies.

Website | Twitter

TV Tuesday (#5): Spotlight: Red Band Society

Once a month on a Tuesday, I'll showcase a TV in some way, whether it be an episode review (or bundle), a discussion, some thoughts and reactions, Top Tens, a fan!mix, or a recommendation.

So it's been a while...but the other day, I had a sudden burst of inspiration. I was thinking about Red Band Society and about my favorite and least favorite character(s) when I suddenly got this idea. For the next few weeks, I'll be spotlighting some of the many shows I watch. It'll (mostly) be the same set of questions, and I'll try to stay on top of this. I watch so many shows, but I still haven't talked about most of them on here. I could be writing reviews, but I've been so busy that it's already been a hassle to try to keep up with one or two shows (currently those two are Red Band Society and NCIS:LA).

Since Red Band Society inspired this post (and I'm really sad it's been abandoned by Fox), my first spotlight will be for the show!

When did you first start watching the show? Why did you start watching it?

I started watching it maybe the second or third week into the show because I had been hearing so much about it. Much of it was mixed, but I grew increasingly interested in the show. I've been watching it ever since! It's far from perfect, but there's something about it that leaves me wanting to watch it week after week.

Who's your favorite character?

I can't pick just one! I'd say Nurse Jackson, Leo, and Emma. I love how snarky Nurse Jackson is, but at the same time, we know just how much she cares. I've loved Leo since the very first episode; I can't pinpoint why, but I just do (there have been times when I've wanted to smack some sense into him, but he's still one of my favorites). I love Emma because I love her story-arc the most, and I can see pieces of her within myself.

Who's your least favorite character?

Definitely Jordi. Jordi has grated at my insides since he was first on the show. I'm not quite sure why, but I just don't like his attitude and the way he acts. He just seems so arrogant? Yeah, I feel bad about him and his background, but I can't stand the dude.

Favorite guest star or addition to the cast?

Hunter (Daren Kagasoff) for sure! I think Doctor Erin Grace (Mandy Moore) is a close second. Sure, the whole plot line with Hunter and Kara was pretty predictable, but I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I also love how complex his character is. I'm enjoying Doctor Erin Grace on the show, but the plot line with her and Doctor McAndrew is much more mehh for me (great for McAndrew's character development but perhaps not so much for Erin).

Favorite episode?

Either Know Thyself or How Did We Get Here? I think....I don't really know! There are positives and negatives for each episode...

What's your favorite aspect of the show?

Honestly, it's Emma's anorexia. I think this is most well-developed story line, and it's one of the strongest ones on the show. It addresses both sides of it, the patient (Emma) and those around her, watching her suffer but not knowing what to do. I love that we got to see how it affected/affects her family, but I think it's also so important to see how it has affected her. All the destructiveness and the feeling of being lost and out of control. It's just so powerful, and I would continue watching just for her story.

What's your least favorite aspect of the show?

There are many things about each individual episode that bother me, but I guess if I had to pinpoint one, it'd be the overwhelming number of romances and romantic conflicts on the show. Not everyone needs to be involved! I think it works and makes sense for certain characters, but does everyone need to have some kind of romantic tension??? I think Hunter and Kara's relationship is important, as is Emma and Leo's and to a lesser extent Doctor McAndrew and Doctor Erin's relationship. But the others (and that horrible love triangle, which (slight spoiler) might now have shifted to a different one) are just too much. I was expecting more friendship, less romance, but alas...*pulls out hair*

OTP and/or ships?

Emma and Leo, and Hunter and Kara! But I do think, on Emma and Leo's front, that Emma really does need to first come to love herself. She's so blinded by her hate for herself and by her disorder, and it makes Leo so...awkward, but I really do love their relationship so much. I think it's a great way to get a deeper look into Emma and to her disorder, and I think it complements both of their struggles. 

What do you think/predict about the future of the show?

It's definitely not going to be continued, sadly. I think there are just not enough viewers. It's really sad for me, and I'll really miss the show. I guess in the long run, it was really the way they looked at certain aspects of the characters that will stick with me, while most of it will fade for me. It's not the best show, but it's not the worst. I'll be sad to see it go, but as long as it's not left too open-ended, I think I'll eventually be okay with it. Can another show explore eating disorders the way this show does though?

You can catch Red Band Society Wednesdays @ 9 PM EST on Fox!
Website | Twitter

(If there are any questions you'd like me to answer, I'll add them in future spotlights. :) I may add some more as they come to me as well.)

Review: Tinker Bell (Graceland)

Oh, Graceland, Graceland. What do I even do with you? Season 2 has been such a mess and a downward spiral thus far. Well, at least this last episode was somewhat better. It was painful to watch but watchful nonetheless. 

So in my last review for Graceland, I talked about the changes in the group dynamic in Graceland. Well, that has continued. The "house drama" is like a soap opera--or what I imagine soap operas to be. I really can't stand it because I used to love the character interactions on the show, and now, it's like everyone's attacking one another and nobody cares about each other. I'm not liking the whole Mike/Paige storyline because it doesn't feel real. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am/was a Charlie/Mike shipper (okay, maybe it's a little bit that), but it's really just that it feels forced. And just everyone else is bugging me. I don't like where Charlie's storyline is going, but I do hope it will lead to her (and the rest of the team) finding out the truth about Briggs. I continue to enjoy Jakes' character arc, though my heart breaks for him in so many different ways. I wish Johnny would get bigger roles and cases, but I like how they're incorporating that struggle into his character.

What made this episode far above and beyond the first two episodes of this season, however, was the fact that there was some really good action going on. First, Johnny got to "shine" (sorta) with his plot line. I enjoyed seeing how Johnny works, though I wish he could've shown them how much of a badass he is. I did enjoy seeing how much he cared about the injured man, and I think it shows a lot about his character. 

The other really well done aspect of the episode was Paige's portion of the case, which is where the episode title, "Tinker Bell," comes from. Oh my gosh. Paige just shined, and I could even see Serinda Swan's passion about the topic show through. I am always glad when a show handle tough topics and situations well, and I really like where Graceland is going with this plot arc thus far (please don't mess this up, Graceland!). Human trafficking is such an important topic for the international community to discuss, and the reality of it isn't talked about nearly as much as it should be, both in the media and beyond. The thing is, a lot of people don't know enough about the problem because it isn't in the media, and it needs to be. The episode handled the issue so well, letting viewers see the side of the story from a victim's point of view. Just so important, so pertinent, and SO well done. Thank you, Graceland, for this plot arc, which is the reality for so many girls around the world. 

Johnny's case and Paige's case (that's just what I'm going to call them) are what stood out about this episode. It shows the action but also characterization of the show, and that's why I love the show. These two portions of the episode were the true highlights because it was the "YES" moment for me--the moment they went back to what makes the show so great. There's heart and soul in those scenes, in different senses of the phrase. There's action, but it's balanced. It doesn't involve all that dumb house soap opera drama. If the show can get back to the heart of the show--to scenes and cases such as these two (not the overarching bus case, but the Johnny and Paige aspects of it)--then I will be glad to put my faith back into the show.

TV Tuesday (#4): Review: The Line (Graceland)

You know when there's a show you really love that you just want to see continue to do well and go in the right direction? Graceland was sort of one of those shows for me; there were a few ups and downs last season, but I had high hopes. But alas, this week's episode, The Line, didn't live up to my expectations. At all.

In my last post, which was a Waiting on Wednesday post, I mentioned how one of my favorite aspects of the show is the group dynamic and how characters interact with one another. The thing is, that has completely changed. And with very little explanation other than "well, it's been a while..." Yes, yes it has, but that doesn't mean the whole dynamic changes just because Mike is gone. I mean, I get it...but I don't. It sucks. It was my favorite part of the show. Hating Briggs, loving Johnny, being iffy on Jakes, loving Paige, loving Charlie, changing all the time on Mike. I know that things must change, but this is not a change I like. New guy isn't really introduced to us that well, so I have no idea anything about him and/or his relationship with the others. I don't have anything to say about him. Briggs? I agree, Mike, he's just acting so unlike himself. Also, still not a huge fan of his. Johnny <3 I love Johnny, and I feel SO bad for him because he's like my baby, but even he is just...so out of it. Paige is okay, though we don't see a whole lot of her in this episode. I still don't know what to make of Jakes, so I'm just leaving it here. Charlie? Gahhhh. What do I even say? I don't want to include spoilers, so I'm leaving the majority of my opinion regarding Charlie off of here. Mike has me wanting to pull my hair out a bit. The thing is, I kind of have to agree. The whole pulling rank thing? Not cool. He's gotten SO cocky, and it annoys me. I understand it, but I don't like it. It makes him less likable, and he just comes off as being incredibly reckless. Yes, it worked this time, and he's not dead, but he may not always be so lucky. And just because he's in DC doesn't make him better than the others. And yes, he is pushing everyone away. It just makes me so upset that the characters aren't who they used to be. 

In terms of the plot, I wasn't overly excited about this one. It didn't have the same pull as some of the previous episodes. I guess it's because I kind of want to get past Caza, and while it will take us away from that focus, it hasn't been resolved yet. I know Caza will come up again, but anyway. The plot just felt really lacking. Not as exciting. Not as much going on. The other characters were barely important. I don't understand, completely, what Charlie is looking into. Perhaps it's because everything else has changed that it feels like the plot is different. I'm hoping things will pick up or get more interesting soon. The whole bus line plot sounds okay, but it doesn't sound as interesting as some of the plots from Season 1. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. 

Okay, I'm just going to stop here now because those were really the main two aspects I had any comments on, and I think those are the more important aspects anyway. I'm disappointed in this episode, but I'm praying the rest of the season will be better.

Waiting on Wednesday (#12): Graceland Season 2

This feature is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

For more info on this feature, see my features page. My version is just adapted to include more than just books.

I'm so excited for Season 2!!! Actually, it airs later today, though I can't watch it for probably another two weeks. But anyway. This is such a fun but intense summer show. So many friendships and really interesting dynamics and interactions. The show is so unique from other FBI shows in that it brings together the FBI, DEA, and other agencies. But at the heart of the show, it's about the character's interactions and dynamics, and it's so great! Please check out the show if you haven't already.

Dance Appreciation Week: Dance on the Big and Small Screen

POST IS BEING UPDATED. SORRY!

Welp! I'm so sorry about this post being late and about not posting at all yesterday. The past few weeks have been crazy, and then I was studying for my AP, so I couldn't get my post up yesterday. Anyway, today's post is a combination of yesterday's and today's. I'll be sharing a few movies and TV shows that feature dance!

MOVIES

(And subsequent Step Up movies)

TV SHOWS

(Dance Academy Photo Source)                    (Breaking Pointe Photo Source)

                                                             (SYTYCD Photo Source)

(Bring It! Photo Source)

So there you have it! It's a bit of everything, and I hope there's a mix of shows/movies you've heard of and a healthy dose of those that you haven't. Enjoy!