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Bravo Gabbo TV Web Log
October 8, 2005
Not quite WWII, but it's still a kind of bunker
Mood:  spacey
Now Playing: The Olivia Tremor Control
Topic: Lost
I suppose I'm truly spacey, as indicated above, because I can't think how to begin this. I overheard someone at the office on Sept. 21 (prior to the Season Premiere) say he would stop watching if some answers weren't given soon. Ah, the dreaded lesson of The Monkey's Paw! All right, it's not as perilous in this case, but if I said it outright I'd sink into cliché. The point is, as we all know, whenever the television [pixies? PTB? trickster-characters? I can't decide--you pick one] give an answer, they always raise another question.

Answer: A guy Jack had a chance encounter with several years ago is down the hatch (pardon the expression). We know this, because Jack happened to have a flashback about Desmond about 5 minutes before running into him. (I so called that, btw.)

Question: What would have happened if Desmond hadn't kept entering the code all these years?

Answer: we've found the source of the electromagnetic charge that caused the compass not to point North

Question: we still don't know what it is, and Desmond, being an accidental recruit, claims he doesn't know either, only that it makes his fillings ache.

Answer: The Raftaways have been captured by a band of
people impersonating aborigines, plus good ol' Ana Lucia (or Lucia Ana, whatever).

Question: Who are these people? (Most likely the survivors from the tail section, paranoid from their own experiences on "The Island of Mystery." Again, I so called Ana Lu's playacting and betrayal. I mean, who didn't? It was so obvious.

Answer: You can take a girl out of civilization, but you can't quench her desire for chocolate.

Question: Plain milk chocolate, or with almonds?

Awesome.

Posted by bravogabbo at 6:45 PM CDT
Updated: October 8, 2005 6:48 PM CDT
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September 10, 2005
Oh, Yeah.... I have a blog!
Mood:  surprised
Now Playing: Katrina coverage
You know, I knew it was here, I've just been so busy I haven't had time to think about it. And frankly, what's on t.v. right now? If you have cable or satellite, don't answer - I'm a low-tech television kind of gal.

Nevertheless, I'm gearing up for the new seasons of Lost and Boston Legal. The former I never doubted would return, but the latter of is a pleasant surprise because frankly I doubted it waa coming back. Not because of its own merits, but since I enjoy it, and since Desperate Housewives and Dr. Gray's Personal Anatomy supplanted it's hold on Sunday nights. But then, I don't keep up on these things as vigilantly as some do.

And, yet, I have this blog. Why? Because for all it's flaws, I do like television. It fires my imagination. Yes, it will numb your brain if you are not careful, but that is precisely why I watch it critically. You cannot be afraid to poke holes in plot points, mock commercials, or make fun of news "reporters" who ask ludicrous questions. Take, for example, the one who aksed, upon learning that volunteers were stepping up and taking Katrina victims--strangers--into their homes, "Why are people being so nice?" Because we have to be. Because that is what people are supposed to do for one another. Which is why I want to call you a fool, and worse, but I'm not going to: it wouldn't be nice.

The most interesting thing on t.v. right now is the Katrina footage. My heart went out to those people. Now it is mostly going out to the poor, abandoned pets - the dogs stuck on cars and porches, and the cats who won't let rescuers near them. I sympathize with those who wouldn't evacuate without their pets. People in other countries may not be able to, but it's nice - in a painful way - to see some of the countries the U.S. has done so much for now pledging money to help us. I understand Afghanistan is among them. Thank you. Maybe the Afghanis can tell that reporter why people are generous to those is need.

Posted by bravogabbo at 12:57 PM CDT
Updated: September 10, 2005 6:49 PM CDT
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July 20, 2005
This really is t.v. related
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Reflections of Conestoga 9
Conestoga bills itself as Oklahoma's Largest Literary Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. Conestoga 9 took place last weekend, and it was tremendously fun AND educational. I attended panel discussions with several successful science fiction, fantasy and cross-genre authors, and learned how to make 4 really cool paper airplanes. I even bought a book by Glenn R. Sixbury called Legacy from the author, who inscribed it for me. I thought I actually recognized Mr. Sixbury, but later realized he reminded me of my last chiropractor. In any case, he is a true salesman, because although I don't usually read novels based on television shows, I bought this one. I haven't finished it yet--life intervenes--but I can say two definitive statements about it so far: 1.) It is very well-written, and 2.) All the Taelon stuff it necessarily mentions reminds me of how bad E:FC was [correction: after season one]. Sixbury told me when he wrote it he wasn't sure it would be an E:FC novel, so he wrote it around outside characters. Doubtless the acceptance by TOR was a boon to his career, but now, three years later, oh, how I wish it were an independent story.

In any case, I'm writing because of an observation I made over the weekend -- that the majority of men at Conestoga 9 resembled members of the cast of The Lone Gunmen. The Langleys don't really talk to me, and the Byerses (sans business suits) are usually kind of creepy, but overwhelmingly I tended to attract the Frohikes. One of the Frohikes told me I looked better than Lynda Carter did in her Wonder Woman outfit. Ri-i-ight. Back off, Frohike. There were a few Jimmys as well (and no, I don't think the plural of Jimmy is dropping the '-y' and adding '-ies'). The Jimmys are always A-ok in my book. There were a couple of Dr. Who types as well, from the 70's British t.v. show.

The women were harder to categorize. Who knows, maybe I'm reluctant to categorize women. I didn't really see any Yveaux there (that would be the plural of 'Yves,' I guess). The predominant characteristic of many of the women is the fact that most of those with red hair seemed to have used the same shade. I'm not trying to be catty; it's just an observation.

The Harry Potter party Friday night lasted up until 12:01 when the booksellers could officially start selling the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Really, if the contract said July 16, they should have been able to start right at midnight, since that is the start of a new day, but some people don't think it is. Some people still think the year 2000 was the beginning of the new millennium, but it wasn't because, as we all should know, there was no year 0. But as Mulder once said to Scully, "Nobody likes a math geek," so there you have it: ignorance prevails! Anyway, for future reference, when you go to a Harry Potter party, you can wear your graduation robe, and no one will look at you funny. I didn't, and I felt very underdressed.

Oddly enough, I don't remember seeing anyone dressed as Harry Potter himself. Oh, and I took 3rd place in the "Write the First Page of the Sixth Harry Potter Novel" Contest. I think I should have gotten 2nd, but I won't tell which one I thought I was better than. If I had actually voted, I might have made 2nd. Whatever.

P.S. Yard Dog Rules!

Posted by bravogabbo at 8:15 PM CDT
Updated: July 20, 2005 9:58 PM CDT
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July 18, 2005
A Dweam Wiffin a dweam
Mood:  sharp
Now Playing: Medium - but I'm not watching.
Topic: Miscellaneous
I just caught about 15 seconds of the NBC show Medium. Two boys were running along a train track. The one in front was a little taller, obviously older. The smaller one said "we're not gonna' make it!" or some other words to that effect, and the older boy shouted back some encouragement. Energetic train-chasing music plays and the locomotive does its clackety-clack business. The little boy tripped on a loose pile of straw (not hay, straw--there's a difference) which lay by the tracks for no good reason other than to trip a small boy. He fell. The older boy continued, and bounded up onto the track. Cut to the fallen boy as he watches. Cut to the train rolling over the tracks. We can't see if the running boy made it or not. Then--

cut to-
Rosanne Arquette waking up at 4:34 a.m. (or 3:43. I can't remember.) It was just a dream.

And it hits me: her dream had a music soundtrack. How cool is that? I've had some real doozies in the dream department, but, not counting the times when the radio wakes me up and music from it bleeds into my unconscious, I've never had a dream soundtrack. That is why she is the medium, I guess, and I'm just a regular dreamer.

Posted by bravogabbo at 9:16 PM CDT
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July 14, 2005
Visible Fans
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: "Germ Theory" -- Nice Pants!
Topic: The Invisible Man (2000)
Fans of The Invisible Man (2000), known as I-Maniacs, recently gathered in Los Angeles for their third convention. Fans were treated to dinner with actors Paul Ben-Victor and Eddie Jones, and Eddie's wife, Anita.

I was unable to attend, but fans sent me thank you mementos in appreciation for my assistance, and I even got a surprise from Eddie Jones! Thank you, "'Fish!"

On the East Coast, my friends Krysalis and Emerald were a big hit, hosting a great looking table at Shore Leave, a popular SF fan convention in Baltimore. They dug deep in their hearts and wallets, fronting the cost of the table and all the goodies spread atop it, with decorations--including a life-size poster of See-Thru Boy himself, provided by IMMP. One of the things I love about I-Man fans (and the cast and crew of the show) is their generosity. Nothing at their table was for sale - they gave everything away. How can you NOT want to be a part of it?

Posted by bravogabbo at 11:14 PM CDT
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June 5, 2005
The ONE episode to watch (OK, 1 of 2)
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "In a Mirror, Darkly, Pt. 1"
Topic: Enterprise


Posted by bravogabbo at 6:01 PM CDT
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May 27, 2005
Hey, Natalie: PIRATES!
Now Playing: "Exodus" Pts. 1 and 2
Topic: Lost
My cognitive abilities must be ruined from watching too much Enterprise, because even though I considered Walt a potential commodity for The Others from the moment it became apparent they want or need children for their own nefarious reasons, when Walt was kidnapped, I just figured it was by some pirates. It wasn't until Harold Perrineau on Jimmy Kimmel Live said, "Those were The Others" that I realized that. Up until that time, I just figured since Walt is "special," he could just call killer dolphins to rise up in his defense. Slow, slow, slow.

And, boy, were they dirty. It was hard to tell in the brevity of the scene, the darkness, and with my grainy reception, but it did look like it was a woman who Molotov Cocktailed the raft. Apparently, although they can produce motor oil and boat fuel, as well as generate power for electric lights, they are a little behind on personal hygiene and the production of new clothing.

The black pillar of smoke, of course, means the island does not yet have a new Pope.

Although from the outside the hatch looks brand new, the view inside the shaft looks about fifty years old, the ladder either rusted out or someone fell from it - two or more rungs were broken. Could someone have been pulled down while trying to escape?

As far as my predictions of more Arzt next season... well, another supporting cast member bites the dust. It occurs to me that the voices insisting "We're the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815" may also have been The Others just messing with Boone's head. A science fiction explanation takes into account the presence of Madaleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time on the island as a clue: The Others could be the remnants of the castaways, thrown back in time, now meeting their younger selves and trying to save the young from some catastrophic... Nah.

The Monster appears to be, as I have maintained all along, mechanical. However, there is a mysterious black smoky presence, according to Jorge Garcia on JKL it was called a "TENDRIL OF SMOKE" on the script, which calls to mind my friend Melissa's reminder that there have been mystical occurrences on the island.

As for Anna Lucille - the importance of her flashback presence remains to be seen.

Madison, the Golden Retriever who plays Vincent, has his own page at IMDb.
I just noticed it while surfing for some cast photos.

Posted by bravogabbo at 9:36 PM CDT
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May 24, 2005
Games Pirates Play
Mood:  special
Now Playing: "Special"
Topic: Lost
The Game on ABC's official LOST web site has been updated. You still can't do much, but there's a devilish combination lock (with about a millions possible numerical solutions) I couldn't solve. It's either NOT the famous set of 6 numbers or I haven't stood on my head chanting "Don't tell me what I can't do," or whatever else I'm supposed to do. At least I have this little toy airplane to play with.

I watched episode 14, "Special," for the first time yesterday. Previously, I had only read the recap at TWoP, which is almost the same thing as watching it. Dominic Monaghan's performance of Charlie trying not to read Claire's diary was beautiful to behold: a little bit slapstick, but completely in-character and not at all out of place.

And I'm not sure why I said I "decided" I want a pirate ship in my last post. I've always wanted one. Who hasn't?

Posted by bravogabbo at 5:48 PM CDT
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May 19, 2005
Things Change
Mood:  vegas lucky
Topic: Lost
Last night viewers saw a slight shift in the narrative structure of Lost. We still got flashbacks, but this time, they were from different characters, rather than just focusing on one for the whole episode.

We get another scene of Jack in the airport, where he meets Anna Lucille, a woman in the tail section (seat 42F). She's kicking back tequila for her own personal flight prep, and flirts with him so strongly she's practically salivating. She heard him arguing at the desk about getting his father's casket on board the plane, and she tells him, "The worst part is over." That's what you think, sister!

Back on Oahu, I mean, the island, in a pot-kettle-black moment, curmudgeonly high school science teacher Arzt calls Hurley "the fat guy." He later snottily instructs Hurley on the proper pronunciation and spelling of his name, and says high school students have no problem pronouncing it. Unflapped, Hurley says he memorized Arzt's first name from the plane's log, and he thinks Leslie is a "bitchin" first name.

According to the USA Weekend article of May 6-8, we're to expect some "shake-ups" in the regular cast next season, and I think these two moments are preparation for that. According to Arzt's expository dialogue, we can expect Michael, Walt, Sawyer (aka James), and Jin to sail north for 3 to 4 weeks, before the wind changes and blows them southward. If they don't get picked up by a ship, as they hope, they MAY drift back to the island in 6 to 8 weeks. Unless they miss it, in which case, they will end up in Antarctica. If the bamboo doesn't rot and they sink in a storm at sea. The point is, we may not see these intrepid rafters next season, except via flashback.

In "Deus Ex Machina," (Episode 19), or rather in the commercials following the episode which clear up the audio, Boone receives a radio transmission from a voice insisting "We're the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815." This immediately called the tail-section to mind - it has never been found. Could Rose be right - there are more survivors, among them her husband? [Nevermind that since the transceiver didn't work because it was blocked by Danielle Rousseau's transmission, the radio Boone found shouldn't have worked either. Maybe it was a different frequency? And by the way, Jean Jacques Rousseau tried to found a new religion called The Cult of the Supreme Being. I wrote a paper on it once. The previous link is informative and tries to remain unbiased. Read more about it, people!] I believe Season 2 will bring us another group of survivors, that Anna Lucille will be one of them and she will probably start wrestling (not literally, although you never know) with Kate for Jack's attention. Arse, er, Arzt is going to step up and take Sawyer's place as Sarcastic Nay-Sayer, Bestower of Non-Clever Nicknames, and General Pain in the Arzt. Danielle has already made a prominent appearance, and we'll be seeing more of her as well.

Oh, and I decided I want my own pirate ship.

Posted by bravogabbo at 1:04 PM CDT
Updated: May 19, 2005 5:18 PM CDT
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May 18, 2005
Enterprise Finale Lame!
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Enterprise
They took one of the most boring episodes of TNG and created a really boring companion piece to it. I'm just writing that off as another example of holodeck inaccuracy. Although Riker fit right in as "Chef," sort of a toned-down Dom DeLuise character, that did nothing to belie the fact that the premise of every major character revealing EVERYTHING, even ship's business, to Chef was ludicrous. If this was the best they could do, they should have had this earlier, and saved the surprisingly good alternative-universe episodes for last. As it is, the show ended not with a whimper or a bang; it just fizzled out.

Posted by bravogabbo at 3:08 PM CDT
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