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Nov. 30th, 2006 05:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alexandralI have started watching the first season of “Medium” (series about the female seer helping Phoenix police department). I found it very absorbing from the first episode.
The main character, Alison is standing out among typical female characters I have been seeing recently. . For a start, she is married and happily married. She a mother of three children and is happy to be a mother. Though she has an interesting face, Alison is not magazine-cover beautiful. Plus she dares to have a normal figure and be 30-something years old. And on top of all this she can see the dead and converse with them. She is articulate in a lovely way and can stand up for herself without being even slightly bitchy. I really really really like her.
To break even more of the clichés, Alison is just “normal”, She doesn’t seem to be bothered about her weight, she dresses quite matronly but not to the usual exaggerated point.
And normal is her relationship with her husband. They have ARGUMENTS and they never speak to each other in the strange sugary way which is often adopted in the media. May be it is just me, but Alison’s relationship with her husband stands out as very interesting, and very cute too. I find that I am as much engrossed by their half-laughing “battles of words” and loving fights over the various familiar things as I usually am by the angst and longing of my favourite “doomed love” pairings.
** Digression **
There are certain types of spousal relationships in some Hollywood films which I find to be very very remote from the truth. These are the relationships when wives/husbands are forever holding hands, never argue and seem to spend their days in buying each other Christmas presents. I don’t know, but I always feel that the family relationships are more then that. They include petty complains, unwashed dishes and sometimes even hurting each other. ** end of digression **
Of course, there are weak sides in everything. In “Medium” I find the nature of the crimes to be too over the top. Ok, in three episodes in a row we had a guy who raped a six-year boy, a man who was raping corpses and a photographer who was murdering young married couples for the sake of psychological experiment.
The main character, Alison is standing out among typical female characters I have been seeing recently. . For a start, she is married and happily married. She a mother of three children and is happy to be a mother. Though she has an interesting face, Alison is not magazine-cover beautiful. Plus she dares to have a normal figure and be 30-something years old. And on top of all this she can see the dead and converse with them. She is articulate in a lovely way and can stand up for herself without being even slightly bitchy. I really really really like her.
To break even more of the clichés, Alison is just “normal”, She doesn’t seem to be bothered about her weight, she dresses quite matronly but not to the usual exaggerated point.
And normal is her relationship with her husband. They have ARGUMENTS and they never speak to each other in the strange sugary way which is often adopted in the media. May be it is just me, but Alison’s relationship with her husband stands out as very interesting, and very cute too. I find that I am as much engrossed by their half-laughing “battles of words” and loving fights over the various familiar things as I usually am by the angst and longing of my favourite “doomed love” pairings.
** Digression **
There are certain types of spousal relationships in some Hollywood films which I find to be very very remote from the truth. These are the relationships when wives/husbands are forever holding hands, never argue and seem to spend their days in buying each other Christmas presents. I don’t know, but I always feel that the family relationships are more then that. They include petty complains, unwashed dishes and sometimes even hurting each other. ** end of digression **
Of course, there are weak sides in everything. In “Medium” I find the nature of the crimes to be too over the top. Ok, in three episodes in a row we had a guy who raped a six-year boy, a man who was raping corpses and a photographer who was murdering young married couples for the sake of psychological experiment.
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Date: 2006-11-30 05:35 pm (UTC)sorry again
Date: 2006-11-30 05:45 pm (UTC)I know! I have watched about 6 episodes now and I am getting a little tired of the same thing happening again and again too. There is a terrible crime -> Alison has a theory which is difficult to believe -> Magically she is correct at the end.
But Alison and her husband a keeping me very happy!!
I also like the guy that plays her boss, the DA, I can't think of the actor's name right now
I like him very much too. He is good without being "too good".
Re: sorry again
Date: 2006-11-30 05:55 pm (UTC)Medium is like a procedural really, like a CSI or a L&O, or (even like House which is almost a medical procedural, it might be a little closer to that show as both shows do focus on characterization) so the storytelling can get redundant. it's a show I watch sometimes but never have gotten hooked on. but like I said i do really like Joe and Alison as well;)
Re: sorry again
Date: 2006-11-30 06:00 pm (UTC)I agree, it also makes it quite easy to miss an episode and pick up watching later. I never lasted through the whole episode of CSI or L&O, I always fall asleep. Though I don't dislike these shows. My husband likes to watch CSI in all it's forms, so I often do and I even find Grissom very attractive. :D
extended babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-11-30 06:44 pm (UTC)I used to watch both original CSI( I love Grissom, he's always been one the main reasons I watch the show) and the Miami one but I can't watch Miami anymore it's just gotten too melodramtic. I still watch the original CSI in reruns.
Law and Order is different for me, I used to love the original version, the first eight/nine or ten years or so were quite good. while the format has always been the same, the writing used to be much better, they didn't take such obvious sources i.e. the "ripped from the headlines" approach. I do really like Special Victims Unit a lot, I usually watch that show in real time. and I like the actors on CI(especially Vincent D'onofrio)but the stories on that one kind of annoy me sometimes...
Re: extended babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-11-30 08:21 pm (UTC)Usually I prefer series which have some kind of long story arch and interesting character development. And I am shallow - I can't live without OTP. Grissom had some chemistry with Sara (?), but it sort of fizzled away.
I should probably give a try to the original Law and Order. I like Mariska Hargitay very much. And YES, Vincent D'onofrio is so beautifully passionate. :D
yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-11-30 10:58 pm (UTC)I really like Mariska too, and Chris Meloni who plays her partner on SVU, I loved him on OZ as well. Vincent D'onofrio is a really great actor, some people don't like his energy but I love how passionate and off-center he is. I really want to see the movie Steal This Movie in which he plays Abbie Hoffman, it got mixed reviews but I'm curious.
and as far as procedurals go the ones that I mentioned that I loved, all have strong characterizations and story-arcs,though NYPD Blue may have been on too long. okay, it was definitely on too long, but I watched it to the end anyway;).
Have you ever seen Homicide: Life on the Street? it was based on David Simon's(the creator/showrunner/headwriter of The Wire)nonfiction book Homicide: A Year On The Killing Streets. you might like since you like The Wire. like The Wire it's set and filmed in Baltimore. It's more of a traditional procedural and it focuses on a police homicide unit. HLOTS is more "black-and white" than The Wire, by that I mean it's more about good and evil, and the cops are by and large the "good guys." but the characterization and acting is excellent, and for most of the series the writing was quite strong. the final season was not quite as good as the first six but it still a strong show when NBC cancelled it. I wanted at least another season, but they did make a reunion movie that was pretty good and wrapped the show up well. It's currently being showed in the US on WGN with DaVinci's Inquest after it, which is a perfect combo.
oh, about and re House,(kind of from another thread in here ) I watch it primarily out of Hugh Laurie love(and also for the love of the characters of Cuddy,Wilson and Foreman)though sometimes format gets a little tiresome for me. but with House(unlike say Medium or CSI) they do push the format sometimes and have some really great episodes like Three Stories or No Reason. I think season three has been pretty strong. of course, I'll probably always watch just 'cause I love Hugh so much. the only way I'd stop watching is if they hooked him up with Cameron. I'm not sure I could handle that!
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-01 12:30 pm (UTC)I adore the style of film editing in "CSI Miami", everything is so warm-yellow and sunny. I really notice and love these things. Other CSIs are made very stylishly too, but in the different ways. This is probably my favourite thing about CSI – I can sit back and realx and just watch how beautiful everything is. (And enjoy Grissom talking :D)
Homicide: Life on the Street?
I haven’t heard about this one, and thank you very much for mentioning it – I will sure give it a try. It is the same as with “The Wire” and because these shows are not broadcasted in UK the only means to find about them is through LJ.
I think season three has been pretty strong. of course, I'll probably always watch just 'cause I love Hugh so much. the only way I'd stop watching is if they hooked him up with Cameron. I'm not sure I could handle that!
I want to watch season 2 properly, I just have seen few episodes. This is one of the shows my husband likes too, so we watch it sometimes together. The good thing about “procedural” shows is that one can start watching it in any place. Imagine doing it with “The Wire”. Or “Deadwood” – I have attempted to watch season 2 without watching season 1 and was totally lost.
I am rather fond of Cameron/House, but I must say that I can see how wrong it all can go if the creators will ever decide to bring them together. They really don’t seem to be compatible at all.
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-01 11:47 pm (UTC)the imdb link:http://imdb.com/title/tt0106028/
there's also a pretty good LJ community for the show: http://community.livejournal.com/eromitlab/profile
with House/Cam I'm just not that big a fan of Cameron. sometimes I like(generally when she is standing up for herself or holding her own against House) but often I just find her incredibly self-righteous. I do ship House couples and as always I'm a multiple shipper-House/Cuddy,House/Wilson,Wilson/Cuddy, even House/Foreman and Cameron/Chase, a little. but it really is just in fanfic, by that I mean I wouldn't actually want to see House paired with any of the regulars. I think it might spoil the show.
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-02 12:39 pm (UTC)but often I just find her incredibly self-righteous
There is definitely that over-sugareness in Cameron, but I like the way she seems to bring out the best out of House. This conversation makes me watch some Hose, I am going to find season 2 this weekend. :D
I think House and Wilson have the cutest of friendships. The male friendship when played as good as this can be more interesting for me then anything. I am not sure about Chase, he seems to be slimy somehow, but this is just me. :D But all of the relationships in the group are interesting. Thinking of this, it is the other thing I really like about "House", not just doctor House himself.
I wouldn't actually want to see House paired with any of the regulars. I think it might spoil the show
To be honest, I have dropped watching "House" during the patch he had with his ex-wife, and for me it was indeed spoiling the show somehow.
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-02 06:33 pm (UTC)I love House and Wilson's friendship, and that's one of the things that I think I like best about the current season of Houseis that their friendship is under quite a strain, and it's interesting to watch it play out.
I know what you mean about Chase, he's done some questionable things. of House's ducklings, Foreman is my favorite, probably because his characterization is generally the most consistent.
and more on Homicide, at some point is has apparently been shown on ITV4, but I can't tell if they are still showing it. http://itv4.itv.com/itv4/process/programme/id=50.html
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-03 12:21 pm (UTC)I think I like best about the current season of Houseis that their friendship is under quite a strain, and it's interesting to watch it play out.
That sounds very interesting! Wilson is finally standing up to House! I really like the guy too, and the actor is so different to his persona in "Twelfth Night".
and more on Homicide, at some point is has apparently been shown on ITV4, but I can't tell if they are still showing it
Thank you very much!! but I will probably try to find DVDs, I find it so much better watch things "unrestricted" by time constraints. Also when I crave another episode, I can always watch one :D
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-03 09:02 pm (UTC)I enjoy having shows on DVD as well. besides the time thing, it's also nice to have the original cut, as shows are always edited in syndication.
I love that icon, btw. I can't believe I have not seen Casino Royale yet!
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-04 12:24 pm (UTC)Definitely. I also appreciate the subtitles VERY MUCH for shows like "The Wire" and "Deadwood". (I don't want to miss a thing!!)
I love that icon, btw. I can't believe I have not seen Casino Royale yet!
Thank you so much! It is a real simple one. Any of my icons are always free to share, BTW. And you must watch "Casino Royale", it is totally different thing to any Bond!! It has CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-05 12:05 am (UTC)character development? in a Bond movie? how strange! I think I am going to see it some time this week...
Re: yet more babbling about procedurals...
Date: 2006-12-05 11:09 am (UTC)I wasn't aware of this, was it because he had been less known in US?
character development? in a Bond movie? how strange! I think I am going to see it some time this week...
Seriously, I would have never believed if I haven't seen it with my own eyes. I am going to re-watch it today, with my friend and her teenager son. I am interested how teenager will like it.
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Date: 2006-11-30 06:02 pm (UTC)What does drive me nuts about the show is the constant not believing her when she says something is going on. After working there for two years, you'd think they'd realize she's right more often than she's not. Someone else mentioned House, and my irritation with that show (which I did drop but still read TWoP's recaps) mirrors my frustration with Medium. I hang onto Medium because I like the characters better, though. Plus it's more my genre.
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Date: 2006-11-30 06:10 pm (UTC)I like the kids, they are adorable, and again don't appear to be some crazy prodigies. Bridget is my favourite too, she is sooooooo cute. Ariel is a little like my little girl - know-it-all and lot of shouting.
What does drive me nuts about the show is the constant not believing her when she says something is going on.
I think I will get tired of this after the few episodes too. I have stopped watching "House" myself, but I never know if I start watching it again. The main thing there for me was Hugh Laurie. I can watch him making strange faces any time of the day!
eeek what a terrrible typo
Date: 2006-12-01 12:09 am (UTC)I wish they'd find someone for Detective Scanlon, my shipper within feels bad that he has no one ;)
Re: eeek what a terrrible typo
Date: 2006-12-01 09:25 am (UTC)I guess season 1 is the best?
I wish they'd find someone for Detective Scanlon, my shipper within feels bad that he has no one ;)
He must be the sad teddy-bear of detective in the photographer episode. I agree. He does need someone!! I guess "Medium" is not very shippy!!
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Date: 2006-12-01 02:16 am (UTC)PS. I think sugary is just my own word, but I hope you know what I mean, LOL.
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Date: 2006-12-01 12:33 pm (UTC)** Nods ** I definitely do!
Do you watch "Supernatural"? If there is any show with the PRETTY boys, this is the one. ** grin **
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Date: 2006-12-02 03:25 am (UTC)What's Supernatural about??
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Date: 2006-12-02 12:16 pm (UTC)"Supernatural" is a serial about two brothers fighting with Supernatural forces of evil (demons, etc. ). It is made exceptionally cinematography-wise and the gorgeousness of the two main leads overscales everything (Some pictures Here (http://wgntv.trb.com/entertainment/network/stv-supernatural-brothers-gallery,0,7809810.photogallery?coll=).
A good one to try on the Western front, as well as "Veronica Mars" (teenage detective, noir and very clever. Plus LOGAN).
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Date: 2006-12-01 06:12 am (UTC)I agree some things on the show do not sit well with me. Like the episode Wednesday night. There was one thing in paricular that I thought was just wrong and should not have been done. But I won't say when since you probably haven't seen it yet. :)
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Date: 2006-12-01 12:37 pm (UTC)I agree some things on the show do not sit well with me.
As
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Date: 2006-12-02 02:29 am (UTC)I can't be objective about the kids because I know the girl who plays Ariel. Her mother used to work at the same dept as my mom, and our families met when she was about 3yrs old (her parents are scientists from Siberia, but she was born in the US). I still can't believe she's already a teenager, time flies so fast.
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Date: 2006-12-02 12:21 pm (UTC)Wow! This is so interesting! I thought that all young actors have their parents working in the industry. I guess I was wrong. It is interesting how they find the new talents.
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Date: 2006-12-02 10:35 pm (UTC)Her mother put a lot of time into managing her career (as is usually the case with child actors). I've read (and heard) that a lot of child actors really do come from outside the industry. For example, before they moved to Los Angeles, Sofia and her mother lived in an apartment complex which housed only child actors. All those kids and their guardians (usually one parent stays at home and one parent travels with the child) came from out of state and were not related to Hollywood in any way. Of course children with connections have an easier time getting their foot in the door.
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Date: 2006-12-03 12:09 pm (UTC)She is outstandingly beautiful, this must be why! But it is so interesting they still do it.
I don't know if what would I have done if this happened to my child , it probably depends if a child wants a career in modeling or not. But it must be difficult and good for the children-actors at the same time. Difficult because their "normal" life changes. Sorry, I am rambling!!
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Date: 2006-12-02 11:12 am (UTC)There are certain types of spousal relationships in some Hollywood films which I find to be very very remote from the truth. These are the relationships when wives/husbands are forever holding hands, never argue and seem to spend their days in buying each other Christmas presents.
Yes!Yes! This bugs me so - why is it that Hollywood films never manage to show how relationships work? If a couple is in an established relationship they are either shown to be arguing and on the edge of divorce, or they are overly sweet. I cannot relate to that at all. *sigh* I just wish they had some films or series in which the relationship felt true. I'm trying to think of examples of films that manage this, but I cannot come up with any. But there must be some?
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Date: 2006-12-02 12:31 pm (UTC)I can't think about anything too, I think this is why "Medium" feels so enjoyable for me, even with all it's faults. It is one of my favourite rants - that films/shows don't seem to have an interest in showing the life of married couples. I know why this is happening - obviously the break-ups or any other extremes are more interesting to watchi, but there is a limit for me in consuming things too sharp/too sugary. And anyways, on top of this there is an obsession with showing only young and beautiful people. Not everywhere, but the shows like "The Wire" are exceptions..
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Date: 2006-12-13 11:22 pm (UTC)On the bright side, I know that there are people who find us really annoying. ;)
(Homicide is, in case you weren't already aware, based on the book written by David Simon, the creator of The Wire. It really is a brilliant series, particularly the first few seasons)
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Date: 2006-12-14 10:16 am (UTC)YAY! I think I am a creature of balance and what is worrying me is the fact that in films the family is either portrayed very very sweet or falling completely apart. There are all the shades in between, this is all I wanted to say. I think you are great!!!
My husband and I often (read - all the time) bicker jokingly in a manner of "Medium", though we don't have many serious unconsturctive arguments. (But I admit that I am prone to dramatics as well, good job he is not taking it seriously). The funny thing was yesterday - my husband was joking with our daughter and she said "daddy, you are always joking with me". And he said "you are old enough now, we will start training". She is 7.
And thank you for Homicide rec- I will definitely check it up during these holidays.
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Date: 2006-12-14 02:55 pm (UTC)It's good that your daughter is getting a good workout in terms of sense of humor! I think that's more critical than anything else!
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Date: 2006-12-15 10:05 am (UTC)You see, I think (it is a little rant, sorry!!) that this gives a poor message that in the marriage things can't be fixed , that it is either perfect or nothing. I am a strong believer in working things out, in talking, in trying to persevere and adapt.