Don't Be Afraid of Fuller...

When Bryan Fuller wrote for Heroes, it rocked. When he left, it fell a little from grace. When he returned, it picked back up to a high degree... and again, when he left, it didn't work as well.

His Pushing Daisies series had been an innovative masterpiece and I think it's a shame that it didn't click with more people to remain on the air.

Well, Mr. Fuller is taking a stab at a reboot.

I, for one, am very interested in what he shall do with The Munsters.

His wacky and tender sensibilities just might do wonders with this concept.

Oh... and I still think they need to go with Brad Garrett.  It doesn't take a mad doctor to figure that one out.  He does a truly impeccable impression of Fred Gwynne.
Enough said.



A Little "Munster Cheese"

Not FULLer on Board...

Well, I stuck all the way until the end of this volume of Heroes.
I can’t say I enjoyed it. But I can’t say I absolutely hated it.

I believe I’ve said before how it just seemed to creep along at a lackadaisical pace with jolts of a very cool scene, event or twist. I had figured I’d just follow along, letting it dole out story as it saw fit.

Well, now that we’ve gotten to the end, I have to say I’m not so sure it had all been worth the erratic and annoying pacing. For the last few episodes ran very slowly, with a sudden urge to make the rest fly by because there'd been no time to finish... so we have out of the blue scenarios. Not necessarily outlandish, but noticeably quick when the rest had been at such an even keel. Not very well worked out across the arc of episodes.

As for the content of the episodes and what has happened with story… again, I don’t hate it. But it did turn a bit ridiculous or “too easy” from time to time. Not to mention I’d find myself internally screaming at the characters (and therefore the writers) to use an aspect of their super power that they seem to have forgotten. In their defense, one instance of that the character (Matt Parkman) did precisely what I suggested. Of course, Peter Petrelli had to come along and screw it up to flesh out a particularly lousy episode. I also must comment on how it worked out with Hiro’s “girlfriend” Charlie. I really wanted him to “pop out” and rescue her in the 1940’s and bring her back for a life with him — but how great a bittersweet turn that took! Which is: Charlie wound up with a whole life during the time she’d been away [in the past] and Hiro saving her would have negated all of it… up to and including her grandkids. Nicely done, to make Hiro see that he cannot have the world just the way he wants it to be [which had been one of the slow story arcs.] And don't get me started with Sylar... they kind of blew up my idea for an ending. (But then, one never knows...)

So… all in all, it certainly does not have the magic it once did. But at least I am willing to watch the next season. My guess is that without Bryan Fuller, the show suffers immensely. He has one of the wackiest imaginations out there. It’s a shame that more of his stuff such as Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies (I have not yet seen Dead Like Me) don’t seem to find followings beyond a few wackos who appreciate the strange quirks of this talented guy. And yet, he obviously isn’t just wandering in a bizarre landscape (which it always seemed to me Chris Carter has done) but has a detailed map of it — able to channel and focus a crazed-out shenanigans show like Heroes into a poignant and thrilling heady adventure.

Bring on more, Bryan Fuller. Something will catch fire… and we’ll be waiting for it.

Save the Series, Praise the Creator...

Today I am wearing my Godsend pendant. For unlike the past couple of weeks, I loved last night’s episode of Heroes. For the first time in a long time, it felt “old school.” The same inviting magic and cleverness that permeated the first season showed itself again, jam packed into a satisfying adventure peppered with humor in just the right places. And plenty of unexpected turns... and what an ending. I've been wondering what happened to him!! Ok, sure. It’s still worrying me with seemingly ignoring the Butterfly Effect. Yet the insistence upon mentioning it a few times in this episode alone (even making a not butterfly…MOTHRA! joke out of it) leads me to think they might just know what they’re doing after all. I hope so, obviously.

And yeah, I do have an issue with part of the plot shenanigans… but I’m hoping it’s moot in the way they’re constructing it. For those of you who know what I’m talking about… Doesn’t Sylar need Charlie’s ability to proceed as he did the first time around? Unknown… fact is he didn’t really seem to rely on her power. Maybe it can all work this way?

Last night’s entry into the past (both in writing and feel as well as literal storyline) also made me think about the fact that the first time around the SpaceTime continuum had been messed with many times by Hiro in order to make Save the Cheerleader, Save the World work. I always saw the Kirby Plaza scene as having happened at least four if not five times, with only that set of people arriving at the same time for the first time. As in, every time Hiro would try to stop Sylar, something new would be added until it finally “worked.” But here’s the thing: It worked only so that it would be a “future” that’s desirable to the good guys. Hmmm….

And to think it has crossed my mind that maybe they should just end the show with dignity. I have my thoughts on that here. But if it continues in this vein, viva Heroes. And as much as I like my ending, surprise me and surprise me well!

On IMdb, only creator Tim Kring is credited with writing the episode.

BRAVO, sir!

UPDATE: I resurrected the episode on my TiVo. Allow me to give credit where credit is due.

BRAVO! to writers Aron Eli Coleite & Aury Wallington.

Sigh-lar? Nope, still ticking!

Heroes: Redemption

is moving rather slowly, I think. I don’t mean boring, not at all. It just doesn’t have the slam-rush quality seen in previous chapters. Yes, it has its “whoa!” moments, too. But I’d say there's more “Ah.” than “A-ha!” about them. Moving slowly can be a good thing, so this isn’t a complaint. Just an observation. On the whole I’ve been enjoying this season. Nice moments for sure. And the characters who I’d been getting sick of are likable and engaging again. But I’m still “worried” about Hiro’s ability (or not) to change JUST one thing of the past. Although, we also don’t yet have all the facts there. And there certainly are a lot of questions regarding the new carnival characters. Very good in that aspect. For the origins of Heroes has its basis in making us delightedly confused.

So I’ve been thinking about how I would end this series. Not that I have any desire to see the show come to a close. But if it did… what would that entail? How would it be “wrapped up,” so to speak?

Here’s my idea. It’s not a “happy ending” by a long shot. But I think it would be a cool one. And also, well, open-ended. But not in the sense of “we might make more some day.” More like “we leave it to your imagination, dear viewers.” Okay, here’s my idea:

Sylar wins. As in…he kills all the “heroes” and takes each and every power available. Thus, he’s amassed phenomenal skills and abilities. He can bend the very nature of reality, so to speak. And the END-end… in a non-cheesy fashion he takes over the world. For he’s literally unstoppable and can force his will (either with Puppet Man power, thought inducing, etc.) onto anyone and anything. And the final line, “I. AM. GOD!” (Note: This line would be used, presented and delivered with utmost care… in the same way that the so-called ‘Nightmare Man’ saying “I can seeeeeee yoouuuu….” genuinely gave us the chills when it could have been utterly laughable.)

In the meantime, I’ll look forward to Monday nights.
Thanks, Tim Kring and everyone else involved.

Some Odds and Ends...

Well, the new season of Heroes did not exactly begin with a resounding "YATTA!"
But, that does not in any way mean I didn't like it. On the contrary I liked quite a bit. It just didn't have the SuperCharge of Ando, so to speak. Fortunately, I never found myself rolling my eyes or saying "Oh COME ON!" Oh, sure, there'd been plenty of the super weird and silly. But it all fell under the umbrella of their special brand of wackiness and not the "we're going way too weird" of previous volumes. I did have one "Um, well, all right, I guess..." which would be Hiro's sudden decision to break his own rule. Then again, he's based rash judgments on chance meetings in the past, to both good and ill effect. I just didn't see how he could suddenly control and hone a singularity of his ability just by talking to a man with a moving tattoo compass. Hiro talking to his dad a long while back and suddenty mastering his skill I could buy. Then again, I don't really have all the facts on this one. Maybe he isn't screwing with the past without harmful reprecussion... and that's why I don't classify it as an eye roll. I'm eagerly awaiting what's to come. For they did give me a lot that I need to know. So glad I have the chance to be utterly confused and excited about a storyline again.

Speaking of, it seems my Anonymous commenter is now reading my novel that I've got up online, What If It's a Trick Question? Anon is enjoying it quite much. Thanks, Anon!

And here's another example of "It's not just me." Cassidy has sent me a CNN article to read. Yep, the re-make boom is not sitting right with everyone. The article talks about it from various angles, but the tone is definitely of the "Really??" variety.
Stirring the pot of controversy with film remakes


Thanks, Cassidy!

HEROES returns!

HEROES

returns tonight.

Hosah.

I know many are "so over" this show or what have you. If you read back through my posts about it, I wavered ever so often, too. But in the end I wound up still loving it. And the little I know of this season I'm thinking we still have a shot at staying cool.

I'm having a couple people (fans!) over to watch the two-hour premiere.

Lately I have been "jonesing" for more, although as I said last time, they managed to satiate me so that I've not been tortured with needing new episodes all Spring and Summer long. But now that it's back... woo-hoo!

We'll be having hot wing appetizers, with corn & black bean salad and real Philly Cheesesteaks. (There's a place in Chicago/Evanston that imports all their stuff from Philadelphia.)

BRING ON THE HEROICS.

Shhh...Heroic Writers at Work!

I've made it no secret that I'm fan of Heroes. Sure, it had its wobbles in the middle, we all know so... but it found its niche again just in time. At least for me and some friends. We're still enjoying it. Well, Heroes: Fugitives is now completed. Moira Lewelyn asked me in a recent comment how I liked the finale. I did like it. Not stellar, but not without shine either. The expected twist at the end managed to acutally be a twist - unforeseen. (At least for me.) It's quite a disturbing use of Matt Parkman's power. I applauded that... even though it seems a little gimmicky. But it's a gimmick I felt willing to accept. It's important to remember the show's arguable source material - comic books. It's even self-referential to them since the beginning with Isaac Mendez's paintings being described as a comic book. So with that notion comes a great deal of fantasticary. [Though as we learned from the sagging middle too much can spoil the brew!] What surprised me most is that I'm satiated. I imagined I'd be "jonesing" for another episode, to be tortured by needing to see what happens next. But no. I'm content. It felt completed. A chapter ended most definitely.

Yet just because it's off the air doesn't mean it's not running. The other side of the screen is abuzz... as the writers are hard at work. Info released yesterday said casting is underway for a new female character, reportedly a love interest. Speculation as to for who ensues... and I have my own theory given the info presented. I must share a snippet from the article I read on IGN. For those of you who watch Heroes, you'll understand. Ask anyone I talk to about the show... the latter is my one true concern. :)

All I'm asking is that Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) not be the one with the new girlfriend. Not until he can figure out a way not to get his girlfriends accidentally shot or trapped forever in an alternate plague-ridden future. - Matt Fowler

I found the above so true as to be hilarious. Hope you enjoyed it, too. (Poor Caitlin!)
So, along with everyone else, I will sit and wait until the Fall for Heroes: Redemption.

Tim Kring, Bryan Fuller and the rest of the team: Thanks for the fun.

Looking forward to more. Bravo.

Lil' Updates...

The novel I’m currently writing has just passed the point of no return. Okay, I just wanted to sound dramatic. All that means is I’ve completed the “big” chapter. Now comes the aftermath of the event before the big payoff, so to speak. Darn this “sequential” writing I’ve gotten myself into… it will be nice when I can skip around again in time.





The trailer for Where the Wild Things Are has shown up on the internet.




Oh. My thoughts? Looks pretty good, but I didn’t get wrapped up in it, I must admit. Perhaps it didn’t get packaged quite right? After all, a trailer can do wonders. Three cases in point: The original trailer to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder depicted it as lifeless, pointless and dull. (Watch it. IMDB does not have the original. It's on the DVD.) No justice to the movie in the least. The trailer for Superman Returns had me drooling for it to come out - only to discover it belongs in the “Wish-I’d-Never-Wasted-My-Time” category. Bravo to whoever concocted that trailer for they worked a miracle. And then there’s the famous re-cut of The Shining, which proves that you can make a movie look like anything! So…no, I am not disappointed by Where the Wild Things Are, but it could have been a little more engaging. Let’s hope it’s of the Wonka variety.

Our opera season has come to an end. Last night Bart and I attended The Abduction from the Seraglio, a Mozart work. Perhaps you remember it from Amadeus. It’s the one with “too many notes.” But that certainly did not seem the case. Another memorable masterpiece of sublime aural and visual delight. Bravi, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Bravi! We were all saying what a fantastic season it has been. Not one of the productions left anything to be desired. And some rarities, too!
It also proved a twinge bit sad, as it soon became time to bid farewell to our opera friends. Doesn’t that sound pretentious? Well, it’s really not. I just mean the wonderful people who sit around us. We’ve become quite fond of each other, catching up on our lives in the minutes before our mutual love of opera begins. And we discuss the pieces at intermission and afterward, too. But for the most part, we only see them perhaps once a month, actually, more like every month and a half. An odd relationship, but one I wouldn’t trade. Fortunately, we plan to get together with a few of them after London, so we’ll have even more to talk about (at their request.) We also have been out to dinner a couple of times with our usher. If you met her, you’d want to have dinner with her, too. She wants to hear all about London as well.

And I once again want it to be Monday. Thanks, Heroes!

All right…I’m sure I have something I should be doing…

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood...

I’ve already made it known that Forbidden Planet is one of the few film do-overs that I am excited about. Well, last night I learned that the script for the remake had leaked to the internet. What is it about human nature that we have to ruin and spoil? (I, too, am guilty to a degree. But generally I have limitations on how much I am willing to uncover about a work. I certainly don’t understand leaking a whole script!) And so, the entire screenplay is being scrapped and started up from scratch.

J. Michael Straczynski had this to say:
Meanwhile, on a wholly different note…not of triumph but of annoyance….because so much of the Forbidden Planet screenplay was leaked out, Warners and I have decided to chuck the screenplay in its entirety and start over. This is the direct result of the leaks that showed up on the nets, including detailed script reviews of a project that was barely a week old, and which would effectively destroy any anticipation of the movie because by the time it finally reached the screen in 2010 or thereabouts, the story would be old news. So we're starting fresh, and we're going to keep a tight lid on the script this
time.

So to the sites that say, "Where's the harm, it's not like they're gonna toss out the script because we blew the contents of same all over the nets," well, yes, that's exactly what it's like, and it's precisely your responsibility that a year's worth of work was destroyed.

So we start anew, with the determined hope that the next draft will be even better, and far more secure, than the last one.

Let’s hope it’s for the better, eh? Come on now, InterWeb Info Stalkers, don’t cause another delay. I really want to see this movie!

Another remake with merit is A Nightmare on Elm Street. I spoke about this one briefly in this post. It’s rapidly becoming more than a dream project. The director (Samuel Bayer), script (Wesley Strick) and location (right here in Chicago!) are set. I read a little about the changes to this one. Just enough to whet my appetite, unlike those who have to devour the whole feast like FP. Elm Street is being “updated.” That can be a dirty word sometimes. Or at least hackneyed. But in this case it seems they are using their heads. For instance, in this day and age of instant access to info, it stands to reason that the likes of an event such as your parents as teenagers taking down a child molester/killer would not be a hushed up secret to the Elm Street kids. In other words, they might as well just look it up instead of dragging the riddles of the past out of their parents. One of the kids will now have a podcast. Sounds about right. Bring it on. [Currently April 16, 2010]

And the other horror remake which I guess I am on the fence about, but holding slight hopes for is Hellraiser. Recently, Gary Tunnicliffe took a stab at a redesign of Pinhead, the head honcho Cenobite. I didn’t think he did too bad a job. No, I didn’t love it, but I could “see” it. Apparently, I had been dead wrong. Hellraiser creator Clive Barker spoke out about it, citing his reasons why the new version entirely missed the point of the character. And having heard him explain, it became clear what part of it didn’t sit right. I’m not going to outline it here (nor is there a picture) for this character, his visage and details are certainly not for the faint of heart. Quite horrific. If you’re interested, it’s out there in the ‘net. I just rather enjoyed an author saying, ‘Nope. That’s not my character.’ Let’s hope they find a suitable re-design. (Or maybe Pinhead should remain the same? [It should be noted that Tunnicliffe had stated that Pinhead did not need reinvented but tried it for the sheer challenge.])

Lastly, Heroes will be back for another season after Fugitives.

Well, amen.

Is It Monday Yet?

I’m glad to be able to report that the system is working once again.
No, not that one, not yet.
I’m talking about Heroes.
You might recall from these posts that I had acquired a severe disdain for the declining quality and storyline during the Heroes: Villains arc. Fortunately, the show began to redeem itself and by the end of it my fondness returned. I had also read that the writers had a meeting to discern what went wrong and how to fix it. The article outlining the issues can be found here.

Well, their summation of the problems proved correct. All the characters are no longer squeezed into every episode, allowing for better and deeper character and situation development. The characters are people we care about with real problems (who just so happen to have extraordinary abilities) once again. The heart of the show has returned.

Is it the absolute greatest? Well, no. But I’m entertained. When it’s Tuesday or Wednesday and I’m already wishing Monday would arrive, then the magic has definitely returned.

Bravo Tim Kring and associates! Perhaps I should also give a good deal of credit to Bryan Fuller, who returned to Heroes after his offbeat and wonderful Pushing Daisies had been pushed off the air.

And for those of you who are thinking “But they keep repeating certain elements” (such as some kind of agency rounding up people with powers) I say, yes, that’s a valid point. But the way I see it, it’s an aspect of Time itself. Certain scenarios will always happen, no matter how much future and past travelling (or illustrations) done. Think of Time as a house. There are certain support beams that cannot be removed or the structure will fall. You can move from room to room, build extensions or remodel and redecorate each one, but eventually walking past the major structure will occur…again. Time will always try and repair itself, just like Claire.

(Now just bring Hiro and Ando back to an episode - they’ve been gone from the screen too long. And let’s hope Hiro can restore his power. [I think I know how to do it!] The “heroes” will need it/him!)

Heroyo-yos

I didn't really intend to post about Heroes again. I really didn't.

But you see, I had joked with Sunshine about how "funny" it would be if the show especially "rocked" this time. I had said that if it did, I would make a post entitled "Heroyo-yos." Well, let me yell you, I laughed, gasped, hmmm'd, cheered, silenced and applauded. Just me. Nobody else is here, I'll freely admit, I applauded.


Season 3 has certainly been a Yo-Yo of a ride.
But fortunately this yo-yo knows how to do tricks.


I don't think I could stop watching if I tried.
Bravo Tim Kring and his writing team! Bravo to the actors and crew! Okay.
Let's hope the posts about it stop. :)

Might Be Dead...But Yet It Lives

Heroes? Well, if last night’s episode aired last week, I would have canceled my subscription. Again character choices bothered me, entire clumps seemed hackneyed in the true sense (beyond the revitalized clichés they provided before) and it lacked the lure I’d come to rely on in other seasons. There had been episodes where I could not contain my enthusiasm, crammed with satisfaction over its well-made action and information and coolness packed into it. And then… I would realize most of the episode remained. Honestly. It would seem like a full episode in 5 or 10 minutes. Not so last night. Quite the opposite. Half the show had gone and I kept waiting for the good part. However, I will not be able to stop watching at this point. Even though I once again feel like they’ve strayed from the path, I’m too far along to quit. Now there are things I must know. I have to say I’m glad this Villains arc will only last for half the season. Perhaps with the new arc they can pull themselves back out of the dirt and be as feisty as Adam Monroe had been in the same situation. I’d hate to see it remain as plastic and badly formed as these action figures.

Also, it felt like I kept seeing it everywhere, so I picked up Neil Gaiman’s latest novel, The Graveyard Book. I’m enjoying it. Gaiman invites us into a story where a little boy is raised in a graveyard with ghosts and (it would seem) a zombie or vampire as companions and teachers. [Not sure about the zombie/vampire just yet…he’s toying with us on that one so far.] After the first chapter, I wondered where in the world he could go with this premise. Leave it to Gaiman… I’m in the midst of intrigue and adventure. As always, I’ll give a report when I’ve completed it.

"Don't Know Zip"

You might recall from my last post that my feelings on Heroes: Villians had turned quite grim.

Of the people I know who watch, I met with divided reactions. Many of them said they enjoyed it and still had faith. Just as many sided with me. I dared to call them Zeroes.

Well, last night reminded me that a bunch of zeroes in the right place becomes increasingly desirable. I should have known they’d have a lot in the bank. And I confess, I am ready to invest. It is as if every bum hand they dealt turned over its next card and revealed BlackJack. A kind of symmetry amid the splattered mess. And the endearing touches returned…such as Peter Petrelli picking up the original painting of Claire in trouble.

So far I’m glad I didn’t just dismiss the show. But I’ve done so before with other programs and never regretted the decision. I had it in my mind that last night’s episode pretty much would make the decision for me.

See you next Monday.

Um…Hiro? Peter? Anyone with Time Travel? A little fast forward please?

And Season 3 Adds Up to...

Well, in my opinion, they have turned something intelligently ridiculous into something pointlessly ludicrous. My standard Monday night TiVo recording might no longer be required.

Villainous or Venomous?

Heroes: Villains
Well, I can’t say I didn’t like it. For that’s not true. Let’s just say that it felt more like an eclipse than the usual radiance shining behind it. Much of what transpired made me wonder where and why they were going with it - and not necessarily in the good sense. But it “got better” (as the saying goes) toward the end. But it just seemed all over the map, I questioned characters’ choices and it didn’t draw me in per se. And yet…I am thoroughly intrigued. So, well, I suppose I am drawn in, for I keep asking “What the HELL?” and must know. It just doesn’t feel the same to me. It’s not a “must know” because I must know. It’s an “Okay…explain yourself…and this better be good.”

Welcome to "Level 5" *

For those of you for whom the left is "important" I say Happy Viewing!

Let us hope the ride is as thrilling as the first time around.

And yes, I liked the second season as well.





Bart and I are having over two of our Heroes-watching friends. We were to have three, but one of them must tutor someone who is going out of town and can only meet with him at the most inopportune time of the Heroes season premiere. Actually, Bart is not a fan of it, though he appreciates and recognizes it as good from what he has seen. However, he is sweetly providing a meal of appetizers and is looking forward to spending time with friends.
Who knows...maybe this season will lure him into Tim Kring's world.

*Tagline from this season.

The Haitian Didn't Take My Memory After All...

I had not meant to make the lame joke toward the end of this post. I really did forget.

But I've remebered...and there were two more comments.

3) Some of the characters and their arcs are wearing on me the second time around. Since I know how they turn out, they have become lackluster. Not the case with all characters and situations...just some of them. If you know Heroes, I am talking about Ted and Maya & Alejandro.

4) Any questions that arise, such as: How did Peter Petrelli get D.L.'s power when they never met? seem to have already been pontificated and theorized ad nasuem online.

There...now are you better for having known the rest of it? Okay, fine...

Heroes of Writing

I'm re-watching Seasons 1 & 2 of Heroes before the big day of its return.

I've learned three things, not in order of importance:

1) It really is a damn good show. I take off the hat I used to wear all the time to the writers. Each scene is crafted beautifully...allowing for both important content and "throw away" entertainment. I wonder if I'd be able to compact story chunks like that episodically. Then I tell myself, Yes, I do that with book chapters. Still, I think it would require a certain amount of extra skill. And then to collaborate with other writers the way they do! It seems writers each take control of a character/arc...and check in with creator Tim Kring who has the final nudges and say.

2) My memory worries me. I forgot SO much.

3) Case in point. I've forgotten #3.

Looking forward to Heroes: Villains

Hero? No, Hiro.

You probably don't agree with me, but I, for one, have had my
FILL of superhero movies.

They've got to stop and they're not going to...

*sigh*

I'll stick with NBC's Heroes

and hope that it doesn't make a rapid decline with Villains.

YATTA! Finally More Heroics

For those of you who like NBC’s Heroes, the WEBISODES have begun. A new one will appear every Monday. I liked this one, but somehow it lacked the caliber of the actual show. Watch the first one here: A Nifty Trick

If you navigate the NBC Heroes site, you can also find a sneak peek trailer for the upcoming season: Villains. All hail the return of the show.