Many, many things, but mostly about Moonlight

[alexandral]

Moonlight
- I finally watched "Moonlight" and I liked it. A LOT. First I shall get out of the way all the things that are bad in this show (only in my own opinion, of course!). I like vampire stories, I honestly do. I have been reading and watching various stories about supernatural since I was at school and first red Alexey Konstantinovich Tolstoy's (don't confuse with Lev nikolaevich Tolstoy, the author of "Anna Karenina") most excellent "Vurdalak" . Vurdalak is another word for Vampire in Russian (the word Vampire also exists in Russian) but really more in the old Slavonic legends sense. A. Tolstoy had a whole series of short stories derived from old Slavonic legends and all of them are incredible but in a very scary, no punches, no nice vampires way. All this said, I think I am coming to the end of my tether with Vampire stories on TV. I think if I see another Vampire story anywhere soon I am going to go crazy (well, this is exaggeration, of course :D) Seriously - What is it with Vampire stories nowdays? Why are there so many of them all over sudden? "Blood ties" and "Moonlight" can be twins!!!!

- But what is really wrong with "Moonlight" (apart of the whole "just another show about the same thing among a hundred of others" curse) that "Moonlight" is made in a strangely odd and "plastic" way and I wonder what sort of drugs the guy responsible for it's cinematography is taking. In this day and age students at media courses do better than this.

+ Now all the bad stuff is out of the way I get to the part where I loooooved the first episode of "Moonlight". (And I even watched it twice). Because I am totally irrational and I take it that the Vampire story line is not important in "Moonlight" but the story line about one cursed love is. And the chemistry and interaction between Alex O'Loughlin and Sophia Myles in the first episode was great and fabulous. The first time she touched him? It was so wonderful! Everything about "Moonlight" promises tons of guilty pleasure and clichés but I like it. :D And may be I will be the only person who loves "Moonlight" but I feel I'll persevere and I am with it till the end. Also Alex O'Loughlin is scrummy and how would you not like this:






Bionic woman I have watched the second episode and I am giving up on this. Michelle Ryan is as bad as she was during her "East Enders" days, Katee Sackhoff is pretty but the show is quite useless.

Supernatural Oh, how I missed you! Sam! Dean! Pretty! New long arch with the demons that escaped Hell at the end of the season two! Mysterious Ruby! I think she is a new romantic interest for Sam but what do you think? Does anyone know if Jo is returning or not?
This show wasn't my favourite when it started but it is really catching up in quality and it is so NICE to look at. I enjoy it so much and it isn't even a guilty pleasure for me anymore – I think the show that stayed good through two seasons and seems to be getting better again totally deserves all recognition it gets.

Dean is saying that he could not live with Sam being dead.





Dexter I have spoiled myself for the first two episodes of the season two, but isn't it a very, very interesting beginning? It kept me on the edge of my seat so many times!

House Hmm. I have always thought that I am in this show because of Hugh Laurie. But now I have realized that no, I wasn't .The first two episodes of "House" without Cameron, Chase and Foreman were rather quite boring for me. May be some of House's jokes are getting too old for me too but I am not sure yet – it could be that I am just missing Cameron, House and Chase.

Jorneyman Hmm. I am involved and I am bored at the same time. I find the story about Dan's family and his past interesting to watch but the stories about people from the past leave me cold yet.

Angel I am stuck on "In the dark" episode, namely on the torture scene with the "evil Nazi doctor" guy.. I feel that I have seen the exactly same scene so many times (especially in "Buffy") that it is getting quite tiring, especially considering I don't have any worries about Angel's future (he has to last 5 seasons, after all!) BUT! I love Doyle! And YAY to his REAL Irish accent!

PS Have a nice weekend, everyone! I feel a little drained – I think it must be the time to start jogging again ( I had a two –week break) .

Comments

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

Hmm..I'll have to look at the "In the Dark" ep as I don't really remember it...lovedlovedloved Doyle though.

I think TPTB are staying noncommittal about Jo...maybe because they are brinding Ellen back(or so I'm told) and want to see what fans say about Jo then?

I am undecided about Moonlight(which I have'nt seen yet) It sounds like a concept I'd love, but doesn't seem to be executed well(I shall likely try to watch it online)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Hmm..I'll have to look at the "In the Dark" ep as I don't really remember it...lovedlovedloved Doyle though

It is at the beginning of season 1 - Angel gets captured by Spike and he calls upon some evil doctor guy to torture Angel (because Spike wants to find out where the gem of Amara is). Doyle is so lovely - and he and Cordelia? Can I hope?

I think TPTB are staying noncommittal about Jo...maybe because they are brinding Ellen back(or so I'm told) and want to see what fans say about Jo then?

Hmm. This isn't a good sign - they would have known already if she was back in the first half of the season 2. Such a pity - Dean seems to be stuck in "I am going to burn my life" and he desperately needs someone to get him out of this mood. (I am trying to be vague here as I don't know if you watched the finale of the second season.

I am undecided about Moonlight(which I have'nt seen yet) It sounds like a concept I'd love, but doesn't seem to be executed well(I shall likely try to watch it online)

I am so interested to know what you think - you have read/watched so much on the topic! Many people said it is a rip-off from "Angel". I didn't actually think it was anything like "Angel", but it was very similar to "Blood ties" and may be with a slight hint of "Dresden files" (TV).

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

Ah, now I remember the ep.

As far as Doyle and Cordelia...well, if Doyle has his way...and she does eventually reciprocate I think.

Yes, I've seen all of Supernatural S2...at the very least, Dean needs to make a phone call before the year is up. I'm hoping that maybe midseason, Jo'll get one of those last scene surprise appearances, then do more the second half of the season.

Blood Tiers, it concept and description, sound very derivative of Angel, and a few other things. But then, it's hard to have something in the genre without there being SOME similarities.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

As far as Doyle and Cordelia...well, if Doyle has his way...and she does eventually reciprocate I think.

Woo - hoo! You are awesome!

Yes, I've seen all of Supernatural S2...at the very least, Dean needs to make a phone call before the year is up. I'm hoping that maybe midseason, Jo'll get one of those last scene surprise appearances, then do more the second half of the season.

I hope too! And it is not as if I believe for a minute that Dean will die! No way! They will find a way around it!!

Blood Tiers, it concept and description, sound very derivative of Angel, and a few other things. But then, it's hard to have something in the genre without there being SOME similarities.

That is true. For me "Blood ties" is similar to "Moonlight" and "Dresden files" and "Angel" too, especially in the part where because it isn't very well made at all. You know, I love "Supernatural" because all the supernatural stuff looks quite awesome.. The rest of the shows about supernatural - hmm, it has to be about the characters and the actors because their plastic masks are rather ridiculous. "Dresden Files" picked up at the end, though, such a pity it was cancelled.. ** sigh **

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

If Dean dies, it won't last any longer than the break between seasons, barring cancelation.

I always found the cheese and such to be one of the most endearing things about Angel and Dresden Files, myself.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I always found the cheese and such to be one of the most endearing things about Angel and Dresden Files, myself.

Oh, I see! I am different on this - for me a show that looks good is almost always a winner and I find it hard to believe the story in a show about demons where I can't believe that the guy standing in front of me is a demon. This is partly why I find it hard to watch wuxia dramas - I just can't believe we are in ancient China/Korea when decorations are cheap. To speak of wuxia, "The Legend" is wonderful and still is going really strong in ratings. :D

[reen212000.livejournal.com]

I didn't hate Moonlight, but it was like every vampire show out there. I was a HUGE fan of Forever Knight and Kindred: The Embraced. This new show borrows heavily from all, and I'm hoping the whole sniffing time thing won't get kooky. It's the only unique thing about it right now. And seriously, why couldn't the actor keep his accent?

Can I just ask, why oh why, is the woman who made them always crazy? Every single vamp show, with the exception of Forever Knight, has the crazy vampiress who can't keep it under control. I enjoyed Darla's ruthlessness in Angel, Buffy, but not Druscilla.

But in my opinion, none can stand against Kindred. And I'm afraid Moonlight has to stand up to a very large yardstick. Umm, especially with that Celine Dion "video". LOL

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I didn't hate Moonlight, but it was like every vampire show out there. I was a HUGE fan of Forever Knight and Kindred: The Embraced.

Oh, is it good? "Moonlight" seems to be borrowing from everything and everywhere, I wonder where it is going to go!

And seriously, why couldn't the actor keep his accent?

He is from Australian descent, isn't he? I think I can notice that he speaks differently and this is probably one of the most appealing things about him.

Can I just ask, why oh why, is the woman who made them always crazy? Every single vamp show, with the exception of Forever Knight, has the crazy vampiress who can't keep it under control.

It seems to be one of cliché's of romantic prose, doesn't it? This said, I enjoy a cliché or two when they are done nicely and for me Alex O'Loughlin does a very good job at a "figure of protector who falls in love with his protégée". He is has indescribable vulnerability and tenderness.

[reen212000.livejournal.com]

Both Forever Knight and Kindred were both pretty good. Both a bit dated now, but good. Kindred was like a ganster soap opera, and every vampire belonged a class/clan. The ruling class, the warriors, seducers, and the nosefratu. It had a very interesting hierarchy and great plot points. They were all kind of the heart-on-sleeve types, and they just wanted to blend in as best they could. Like Jason Dohring's character in Moonlight, who I instantly liked. Maybe I'm biased.

At any rate, I am waiting for the fan fic to kick in. LOL

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Like Jason Dohring's character in Moonlight, who I instantly liked. Maybe I'm biased.

I like the character but I rather thought that Jason Dohring was EXACTLY like he was in "Veronica Mars". This made me doubt his actor qualities but after some consideration I decided to give him another chance. :D

At any rate, I am waiting for the fan fic to kick in. LOL

I am looking forward to your fan fic! YAY! On a light note - imagine all the shippings possible? I predict there will be Josef/Mick shippers!

[herself_nyc]

To my shame, I kinda liked MOONLIGHT on second viewing, and I'm ashamed I watched it twice! But yeah, gonna stick with it ….

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

For me it is like chocolate - I know it doesn't have any nutritious value but I don't really care as something in me just says "I WANT CHOCOLATE". :D

[ginger001]

I'm so glad you like Moonlight (even with its flaws) I can't help watching to see how it goes and how the characters' relationships develop.

Doyle was absolutely fantastic in Angel.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

YAY! It seems that quite few people on my friends' list like it - I am so happy! We can squee together! I loved the second episode two.

[endlessdeep.livejournal.com]

Hee. You could have taken the words right from my mouth about "Moonlight". Yes it's bad and yes it's so good. I can't help myself. Plus scrummy vampire. What's not to love? I also watched the first episode twice.

Have you ever heard of a Russian author named Sergey Lukyanenko? My daughter has been reading his books and she loves them. The first one is called "Night Watch" They are Urban Fantasy set in Moscow.

I recorded "Bionic Woman" but I haven't watched it yet. I probably won't get hooked on this show. Otherwise I would watch it no matter what. It just doesn't interest me that much.

I feel the same way you do about "Journeyman" as well. *sigh* I might become so bored with the people stories that I quit watching it.

I remember that episode of Angel. I didn't like it either, for many reasons. Did you finish watching it? It has kind of a neat ending despite it's badness.

[endlessdeep.livejournal.com]

Oh, I for got to mention. I loved Doyle as well. *sigh*

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I think I have a thing about Irish accent :D

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Hee. You could have taken the words right from my mouth about "Moonlight". Yes it's bad and yes it's so good. I can't help myself. Plus scrummy vampire. What's not to love? I also watched the first episode twice.

EEEEEEEEE! I am so glad you like it – I also hope that like "Dresden files" this show will pick up with the cinematography at the end. They need to sack their cinematography team. :D But on the other hand, the way it is filmed and the "choice" of music gives it 80s feel. I wonder if they were going for it.

Have you ever heard of a Russian author named Sergey Lukyanenko? My daughter has been reading his books and she loves them. The first one is called "Night Watch" They are Urban Fantasy set in Moscow.

Oh, "Night Watch" is great! Lulyanenko also has a series of cyberpank stories, Labyrinth. I would recommend it greatly if you can find it, he is hugely popular in Russia.
Have you seen the "Night Watch" film? It was released in the UK and USA I think you can find it. It is very interesting – one of the "low budget but innovative" wonders. But the second film, "Day Watch" is even better (it is released here in cinemas right now), I loved it to no end and totally recommend it. I had a post on this, with pictures here: http://alexandral.livejournal.com/125373.html#cutid1.

I remember that episode of Angel. I didn't like it either, for many reasons. Did you finish watching it? It has kind of a neat ending despite it's badness.

Nods, the ending was wonderful! And it went on to the excellent "I fall to pieces" and "Rm with a vu" episodes. I love Cordelia!

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Those Tolstoy stories sound great. I miss how scary vampires used to be. I'll have to go see if they're available in English. Speaking of scary vampires, have you seen ads yet for a movie called 30 Days of Darkness? It's based on a graphic novel and opens here in a couple of weeks. It looks very, very scary.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I tried to find A. Tolstoy's stories in English for beleanoptera but sadly I couldn't :(

30 Days of Darkness?

It seems to be called "30 days of night" here (what is it with the different names, huh? In times of globalization?) and it will be released on 02 of November. Thank you for the rec- I'll definitely watch it. Next month seems like a good month in cinemas - "Stardust", Elizabeth", "30 days of night"..

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Know what? I think it's 30 Days of Night here, too, and I just remembered it wrong. And I'm bummed that the Tolstoy stories aren't available in English, but I'll keep an eye out, in case at some point they are.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I see! :D

Alexey Konstantinovich Tolsoy was actually from the same family as Lev Tolstoy. He is also most famous for his satirical poems, aphorisms and verses. He wrote them under a pseudonym "Kosma Prutkov" together with his cousins.

Some of my favourites:

"Throwing pebbles into the water, look at the ripples they form on the surface, otherwise, such occupation becomes an idle pastime."

"If you have a fountain, shut it up. Let even a fountain have a rest."

"If ever asked: What's more useful, the sun or the moon, respond: The moon. For the sun only shines during daytime, when it's light anyway, whereas the Moon shines at night."

"Wanna be handsome - enroll in hussars."

"When on an elephant cage you see a sign "bison" - do not trust your eyes."

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

I've done a little searching myself - could it be this one (http://shocklines.stores.yahoo.net/clvareredscb.html)?
or some translation thereof?
(I so very much want to read this story. The more you talk of it, the better it sounds. :D)

And I have no idea why vampire stories are so popular at the moment. Especially the pining, troubled vampires. Speaking of that - how is the watching of "Angel" going?

As for SPN - I watched it, and got incredibly annoyed by Dean. usually I just want to give him a hug, but now all I wanted was to hit him on the head.

(ps. I agree about Ruby. Also - I'm mentioning this because I know you don't mind spoilers, and this isn't a big one, but you know they have cast another girl as well yes?)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

EEEEEEE! It is THE ONE! I also very agree with "one of the most impressive vampire stories ever written. An atmosphere of primitive terror is sustained from beginning to end….". I am so glad you could find it!

And I have no idea why vampire stories are so popular at the moment

Angel is wonderful, especially Cordelia and Doyle. I am on the "A Rm with A Vu". Angel is really so much better then "Buffy" - I wonder why no-one told me before. :D I get a strong "Firefly" feel from it as well (and this is so welcome!). I think "Vampire love" is quickly becoming a cliche of romantic prose. Hmm. Where did it all start? "Interview with the vampire"?

As for SPN - I watched it, and got incredibly annoyed by Dean. usually I just want to give him a hug, but now all I wanted was to hit him on the head.

Agree- I did too! I hope someone will soon! On the other hand I can't really blame him - he is too much in a shock/guilt. BUT! I LOVED the seven deadly sins demons in this episode, I really appreciate how WELL this show is made.

Also - I'm mentioning this because I know you don't mind spoilers, and this isn't a big one, but you know they have cast another girl as well yes?

Oh, I didn't know this (But I am so thankful for spoilers!) But it isn't Jo? A new lady? For Dean? To hit him on the head from time to time?

I am also catching up with season 5 of "Spooks" as season 6 starts soon (and I read some really good spoilers). I almost forgotten how much I love this show.

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't know this (But I am so thankful for spoilers!) But it isn't Jo? A new lady? For Dean? To hit him on the head from time to time?

hee. I figured you would like spoilers. Sadly it is not Jo, but then again the new girl could be interesting. The new girl is called Bela and turns up in episode three. There are pictures here (http://www.duckydoestv.com/2007/09/27/supernatural-episode-photos-bad-day-at-black-rock/).
As we've talked about before I think the show would benefit from some romance that lasted more than an episode - so once again I have my hopes up. ;)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the rec!

** nods **

Especially now - I'd love to see someone who will make Dean to want to live again. I felt for Sam here - imagine yourself in a situation like this!

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you could find it!

yay! So am I! But this edition looks like it is difficult to get a hold of, but at least we now know it has been translated! Hooray!

I think "Vampire love" is quickly becoming a cliche of romantic prose

LOL! So true. Then end result is that all vampire shows end up looking like each other. But speaking of vampire shows I cannot remember if you have seen the excellent "Ultraviolet (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169501/)" or not? With Jack Davenport and Idris Elba? It is one of the few original vampire shows out there - and there is also some romance. ;)

And "Angel" is so much better - and season two and three is mostly excellent. I see you "Firefly" point - I think they have the same ensemble vibe that "Firefly" had. Also they mock Angel's brooding pain, which I really like.

And I have only watched through season three of Spooks - but I will see the rest. it is wonderful! But right now I'm to preoccupied with Dexter.
Three episodes left there, and it just keeps getting better and better.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

But speaking of vampire shows I cannot remember if you have seen the excellent "Ultraviolet" or not? With Jack Davenport and Idris Elba? It is one of the few original vampire shows out there - and there is also some romance. ;)

OH, I really liked it – it is such a pity this show was cancelled. I felt it has influenced "28 days later" ..

Also they mock Angel's brooding pain, which I really like.

Exactly! In the same way everyone was mocking Mal's. :D

But right now I'm to preoccupied with Dexter.
Three episodes left there, and it just keeps getting better and better.

I thought the last three episodes in the season 1 were FANTASTIC, they made me chance my mind about Dexter a great deal. Before it was almost in equal dozes: pity/like/terro but after the season's finale terror subsided and pity grew.

[teh-haley.livejournal.com]

on October,11st, Italy will air Dexter...I am curious about it, but at the same time I can't understand how my flist can be so addicted to something that looks like cruel or something like that, it makes me feel a little frightened...should I start watching it, in your opinion? *thinks*

I don't have any worries about Angel's future (he has to last 5 seasons, after all!)
so right :D

I couldn't watch House without Cameron, I guess. Maybe without Chase, but not without her :D

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

on October,11st, Italy will air Dexter...I am curious about it, but at the same time I can't understand how my flist can be so addicted to something that looks like cruel or something like that, it makes me feel a little frightened...should I start watching it, in your opinion? *thinks*

I don't know - "Dexter" is definitely not a cruel show because it is not about how a serial killer (even a Robin Hood of serial killers who only kills monsters) gets away with murder but about how a very tortured individual wants to be normal. It is definitely not a black-and-white show and deserves an open mind when watching it. One doesn't have to like Dexter himself to like the show - there is so much love and human emotions in it! It is quite bloody and gruesome (though not exceptionally) . I really liked it because it is very challenging, original and it made me think. But I am as much afraid of Dexter himself as I feel pity for him..

See what YOU think - I am very interested to know!

Cameron appeared at the end of the episode two of "House" (season 4)!! About time!!!

[teh-haley.livejournal.com]

even a Robin Hood of serial killers who only kills monsters
wow! is he like that? This is something 'charming' someway... and I think I am open-minded enough to give the show a chance, I really want to know why my flist loves it and why it's something worth to watch, and as you said, it's quite a challenging thing, so okay, Dexter, we'll see ;) and of course I'll tell you my first impression!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Dexter is really quite a broken individual, I feel sorry for him as much as he scares me..