dear...

Dear BBC's Sherlock fans,

Monday, January 14, 2013

This feature is one of the new ones I have going around on The Bucket List.  Dear... is a feature where I write a letter that is not going to be sent, but may have a slim chance of being seen by a specific person or group.  These letters are not meant to be offensive, but meant to spark discussion.  Today, I am writing a letter to BBC's Sherlock fans who refuse to watch CBS's Elementary. 


Dear BBC’s Sherlock fans who refuse to watch Elementary,         

There are a lot of you out there.  As soon as CBS’s announced a new series based off of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (not the TV show, rather the book series), BBC’s Sherlock fans were in an outrage.  I was not particularly happy with CBS at the time of the announcement either, knowing that they are only riding off BBC’s Sherlock’s popularity. 

I wasn’t planning on watching the TV show.  I was convinced that there are way too many crime shows out there.  Personally, it took me (for that exact same reason) a while to start watching BBC’s Sherlock.  A friend recommended it to me but told me that it was on hiatus and that there were only three episodes per season. I hate waiting and so I refused to watch Sherlock until I saw it in the library DVD section and thought I might as well try it out.  It was genius. 
When the pilot of Elementary released, I told myself I would try the first episode and if I didn’t like it, I would not continue.  However, the first episode caught my interest and when the second episode came out, I had to watch it.  CBS’s Elementary is fantastic! 

Now I am not here to rant to you about how great the show is (even though it is and all should check it out), this is a message to you, BBC’s Sherlock fans, refusing to watch Elementary: if you are not going to watch CBS’s Elementary (for whatever reason) than stop bashing a TV series that you don’t watch and haven’t even given a try.

For those of you who don’t know, Sherlock is actually a book series by Arthur Conan Doyle.  I haven’t read the books but I plan to.  BBC’s Sherlock is, of course, not the first to take on the series.  America has actually a few ongoing TV shows which are based on either the books or just the character, Sherlock, himself.  House is a popular crime show where the character, House, is based on Sherlock Holmes.  More recent is The Mentalist (which I watch sometimes), where Patrick Jane is a consulting detective for the police who seeks revenge on Red John for murdering his wife and daughter.  These are popular TV shows.  I think Elementary should get the popularity it deserves and BBC’s Sherlock fans, who do not watch, should stop putting down those who do.

Disclaimer: If this letter was offensive to you, it was unintentionally done.  Remember I am a BBC’s Sherlock fan as well but I actually gave Elementary a chance. 

At least watch the pilot and give it a chance.  If you won’t even give it a try then don’t say anything about it at all.

Sincerely,

Gina
What is your favorite TV show?

tv ramblings

My Final Farewell to the Ponds

Wednesday, October 17, 2012


Dear Ponds,

I know I haven't known you very long.  We only started hanging out a few years ago but it seems like ages.  Traveling the world in a blue box has always been my number one choice of travel but you made it even better.

I have watched The Angels Take Manhattan and that was a little too close to home.  I live in New York and knowing that Weeping Angels exist, not only in England, but in the States as well, it has me uneasy.  Still, it has been a fantastic time getting to know you both.

Amy: not only are you my Halloween costume this year, but your story has resonated with me, for some reason I can't explain.  The Girl Who Waited.

Rory: You are the best boyfriend, anyone could ever have.  You are cute, adorable, and have the most brilliant train-of-thought.  You, two, are the best love story I have seen in a long time.

I don't know how to put this in words because you are not truly gone.  You are just living in a different time.  A time without blogs.  A time without Doctor Who.  A time where we can't reach you.  We are never going to see your faces again.  However, I think you must be happy where you are.  You, both, are living such a full life and it may be over for you on Doctor Who, but no matter what the title of this post is, this letter will live on for you.

I'm going to miss you, Ponds.  So:

Goodbye, Ponds!

tv ramblings

Many Faces of Castiel

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

You know how I like to ramble.  And what better subject to ramble on than my favorite TV shows.  TV Ramblings may be a new feature here at The Bucket List.  I thought long and hard about what direction I want to take this site.  The Bucket List is all about books all the time, but sometimes I want to ramble about other things too.  I have decided that Wednesday, instead of participating in memes, my television will be making the calls.  On Wednesdays, The Bucket List will be open to ramblings about my favorite TV shows and yours. 

Today, I miss Cas more than usual and I thought I would ramble about the many faces that this angel, I love, has.  The new season is starting up and where we left off in season 7 of Supernatural didn't make Castiel look like such a good guy.  Well even though he may play many different roles or faces, I still love him through each one.  Hey, and what are the odds is seeing one of these faces again in this upcoming season.  What face do you think Castiel will have on for season 8?

And one more thing: this is the first post that I have ever tried to use gifs.  What do you think or is it too distracting?  All of the gifs used, I found on Tumblr, go check it out.

1. Angel Castiel
This is the face that everyone remembers because no matter what face he uses, Castiel is always an angel.  Maybe not literally (especially that episode with the Pizza Man), but figuratively, he is always an angel.  I really miss seeing his wings and beautiful eye stare-downs.  This is the traditional Cas that we all know and love.

2. Drunk Castiel
Oh, Cas.  It's the end of the world, the angel got thirsty.  This was so cute and hilarious because seeing our favorite angel drunk put a new spin on things.

3. Stoned Castiel
I remember this episode just because of Castiel's hair.  Where is his comb or razor?  He looked so different that it took me by surprise.  I remember right after these girls walk out, Dean goes, "Are you stoned?" Cas: "Generally, yes." Well, something like that.  I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.  Where's my angel?

4. Castiel as God
I couldn't find any good gifs for Cas being God, but this is a pretty good one.  All I can say is: at least, he shaved.

5. Castiel as Misha
This episode is The French Mistake, which might be one of my favorite episodes of Supernatural.  Now think about this.  This is Misha Collins, who usually plays Castiel in the show, is really playing himself as a character but Sam and Dean think he is Castiel.  Confusing?  Isn't that whole episode?  It is so great.

6. Hungry Castiel
Just the idea of Castiel eating hundreds of hamburgers makes me happy.  It was so random and still so awesome.  Castiel/Jimmy has a craving for hamburgers.  Who knew?

7. Castiel as Leviathan
Castiel being taking over the Leviathans might have taken about five minutes long.  That is how long this face lasted, but it was one of my favorites.  Not because it shows how awesome Cas is, but because it shows how awesome Misha can act.  I realized in this moment that Misha can play a really good guy and a really really bad guy.  Plus, whoever did the tree-veins on his neck should get an award because all the blood on Cas was so creative.

7. Human Castiel (as Jimmy)
I miss Jimmy.  We don't really get enough of him and I think we should.  At times, I sometimes forget that Castiel is using Jimmy's body to be on earth.  See, so Cas is not even wearing his real face.

8. Crazy Castiel
I wasn't sure what else to call him.  Lately this is all I have seen of my wonderful Castiel. This one likes to be unhelpful unless you want to play a board game with him.  As much as I would love to play Twister or Sorry with my favorite angel, I don't want to play games when Sam and Dean are in the middle of something.

Which face is your favorite?

tv ramblings

TV Ramblings: My 2012-13 Show Line-Up

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

You know how I like to ramble.  And what better subject to ramble on than my favorite TV shows.  TV Ramblings may be a new feature here at The Bucket List.  I thought long and hard about what direction I want to take this site.  The Bucket List is all about books all the time, but sometimes I want to ramble about other things too.  I have decided that Wednesday, instead of participating in memes, my television will be making the calls.  On Wednesdays, The Bucket List will be open to ramblings about my favorite TV shows and yours.

Today, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite shows.  I want to let you know what shows I may be talking about within this feature this year.  If you have a favorite show that I should be watching, I definitely want to hear about it.

 Returning Shows:

 American Horror Story (created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk; returns October 17) There has only been one other season to this upcoming one and, yes, I am psyched for this one to begin.  I recently found the show and it took me just a week to get through all the episodes.  This TV show is sick, disturbing, and grotesque but it is so addicting, amazing, and fantastic!  It is like a different horror story every week and I love it.  It's a miniseries which is very saddening because I wish it was on all season.  The most surprising about this show is that it is created by Glee's finest.  Murphy and Falchuk, how do you come up with Glee and then come up with a show like this?  But that's another discussion for another time.  I'm really excited for this one to start up.  Wednesdays on FX.
If you like American Horror Story, you'll like: Project 17 by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Glee (created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan; returns September 13) I wasn't much of a fan of this series until two years ago.  Then I got the Glee bug.  I love this show for the plot, positive messages, and the music.  Murphy, Falchuk, and Ian are geniuses for coming up with a simple idea of a glee club in high school.  The show grew around that notion and now we have some of the characters branching off into different places.  I already saw the first episode and if you haven't started watching this one yet, you need to.  It is a mini musical every week and will always make you smile (and sometimes cry). Thursdays on Fox. 
If you like Glee, you'll like: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Vampire Diaries (based on the book series by L.J. Smith, created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec; returns October 11) I started off this series when it first premiered in 2009, expecting it to be just like the book series that I have loved since 2006.  It is quite different but I still love seeing how they incorporate Smith's plot with each episode.  This show will always keep you on your toes.  There is always some plot twist developing and even though, the breaks in the episodes seem longer and longer, it is definitely worth the wait.  Ian Somerholder, Damon, can hold a scene with just a look in his eyes.  If you haven't read the book series, go read them and then treat yourself to the show.  This show, even though extremely different, stands alone as a fantastic TV show that you will keep coming back for. Thursdays on The CW.
If you like Vampire Diaries, you'll like: The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
Supernatural (created by Eric Kripke; returns October 3) To say that I am a fan would be an understatement.  I am much more.  Maybe even a little obsessive.  I interact with my TV when this show is on.  Supernatural is about two brothers who go around America and hunt unexplained creatures.  Lately, the show has been much more than that but that is the basis of what you need to know.  There are some crazy episodes out now and I'm waiting to hear how Dean and Castiel will get out of their mess in the upcoming season 8.  I can't wait for this show to start!  Wednesdays on The CW.
If you like Supernatural, you'll like: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

 Doctor Who (created by Sydney Newman, Donald Wilson, and C.E. Webber; returns September 1) I would have never gotten into this show if it wasn't for such a huge following at my college.  Since then, I have been trying to catch up on all the old and new episodes.  I'm not much into science fictional things but Doctor Who is a wonderful story.  Plus, the Doctor is always awesome; he knows how to save the day.  You could read more about my awesome ramblings on Doctor Who Confessions.  Saturdays on BBC.
If you like Doctor Who, you'll like: The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Once Upon a Time (created by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis; returns September 30) This show came our last year and I wasn't sure about watching it.  I am definitely happy I started watching.  I like fairy tales and Once Upon a Time has plenty of them.  Last season, their main focus was a new tale each week.  The show is about an queen who cast a spell over fairy tale characters who forgot who they are and are now living in our world.  The world without magic.  However, this show is definitely magical!  It has a heart-stopping plot and where Season 1 left off, I am excited to see what happens next.  Sundays on ABC.
If you like Once Upon a Time, you'll like: Cloaked by Alex Flinn

 New Shows:

 Revolution (created by Eric Kripke; premieres September 17) Mondays on NBC.
Beauty and the Beast (premieres October 11) Thursdays on The CW.
Elementary (created by Robert Doherty; premieres September 27) Thursdays on CBS.

What are you going to watch this year?

tv ramblings

Doctor Who Ramblings (7x2)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

You know how I like to ramble.  And what better subject to ramble on than Doctor Who.  Doctor Who Ramblings may be a new feature here at The Bucket List.  I thought long and hard about what direction I want to take this site.  The Bucket List is all about books all the time, but sometimes I want to ramble about other things too.  I have decided that Wednesday, instead of participating in memes, my television will be making the calls.  On Wednesdays, The Bucket List will be open to ramblings about my favorite TV shows and yours.

Of course, I will not be abandoning my books.  For every ramble, I'm going to give you a book recommendation that you might enjoy if you liked the episode. Onto this new Doctor Who episode (Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, 7x2):

5 Reasons Why you Need to See this Episode
Disclaimer: I do not own any component of the show.  I am just a fan of Doctor Who and want to share the awesomeness with you.  If you haven't watched this episode and fully intend to, there are spoilers below.

1. Doctor Who is having the guest list piling up for this week's episode!  Guest stars that include Rupert Graves (BBC's Sherlock's Lestrade), David Bradley (Harry Potter's Filch), and Mark Williams (Harry Potter's Mr. Weasley).  These characters are fantastic.  Williams is playing Rory's father.  Yes, his father.  When watching the episode, I can actually see them being related.  Graves is Riddell, a game hunter, who no one has ever heard of.  Even though I can still see his police officer look seep through this one, I still enjoy him being in this episode.  Bradley is playing Solomon.  I love these cast of characters.  They seem like they wouldn't go together but, after all, it is Doctor Who.
2. Put two historical figures in a room together: flirting ensues.  Yes, I haven't much heard of Riddell; he might actually just be fiction.  But here's the scene.  In a room.  Nefertiti.  Riddell.  And Amy (but we can ignore her, for the time being).  Because here comes the flirting!

3. The Doctor kisses Rory.  Whoa, what?  Matt Smith may be an affectionate Doctor but, in a fit of pure happiness, I have never expected him to start kissing everyone.  (Well, not everyone, but) Rory!  How did you feel about that?  As quick it may have been, I think it something, us, fans will not forget easily.

4. The episode in which the Doctor actually acts like a doctor.  Yeah, a lot of people who don't watch the show will always ask questions like Why is he called the Doctor; is he really a doctor?  The answer was always something like No, he's a Time Lord.  Well, in this episode, he is a doctor.  Not THE Doctor, but a doctor.  The Doctor playing a doctor.  It's fun to think about.

5. Dinosaurs!  Enough said.

If you liked this episode, you might like this book:
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

Any thoughts on the latest Doctor Who episode?

Movie Monday

Doctor Who Confessions

Monday, September 03, 2012

Before I came to college last year, I had no clue what Doctor Who was.  Sure, I was an avid fan of BBCA ever since the premiere of Robin Hood in 2006, but when Doctor Who airs sometime in the early morning, the Doctor and I never crossed paths.

Well, until I came to college.  That's when all of this Doctor Who "timey wimey stuff" really became popular.  That's when I met my future best friend, Jackie, who turned out to be a future Doctor Who fan.  She converted me into a part-time Whovian.  (Translation: Part-time Whovian- a casual watcher of Doctor Who, seeing the occasional episodes in no particular orders.  But when this watcher views any episodes of Doctor Who, believe me, she does not blink.)  The other part, or even the other full-time position, is being taken up by Sherlock and Supernatural, both, I am sure I will talk about sometime in the near future.


Today's post is being taken up by my thoughts on Doctor Who.  For those of you who do not know, Doctor Who's seventh season aired last Saturday and the entire episode was BRILLIANT.  Oh, that's right, it was fantastic!       

My first doctor happens to be Matt Smith.  I love him for three AMAZING reasons.  (1) He is crazy, awesome, and twitchy.  I realize, these are a lot of attributes to previous Doctors, but Matt Smith just does this personality in a way that makes me smile.  (2) He wears a bowtie.  I didn't know how much I loved bowties until I saw Doctor Who. (3) I am convinced he is part Nerdfighter because he definitely has some issues with his Puff Level.  Yeah, I seriously like this Doctor.

On to the episode: Doctor Who's Asylum of the Daleks (7x1)
5 Things that Made this Episode Awesome
Disclaimer: If you haven't watched this episode and fully intend to, there are spoilers below.

1. Humans can now be made into Daleks.  That was interesting, wasn't it?  Steven Moffat is definitely getting back into the swing of things, and is definitely not skipping any beats.

2. Daleks have eggs.  Rory wants to give the eggs to them.  I really thought the idea was cute and stupid at the same time.  Very nice comic relief HERE.

3. Oswin makes the Daleks forget the Doctor.  Which, of course, brings about the question we have been patiently waiting for forever.  Doctor who?  Well, Matt Smith shoves that question right back at the Daleks.  *sigh with frustration* Yeah, I wouldn't have told them either.

4. Rory and Amy work out their problems, well not really.  We finally discover the source of their problems.  After the heart-wrenching ending to adorable Pond Life, it was about time to figure out why they were fighting.  And I have one question, isn't River their child?  I realize that they didn't really get to raise her and all, but don't forget about River.  And if Rory wants kids and Amy can't have any, there is a reasonable explanation to this all.  They could always adopt.

5. Jenna-Louise Coleman, the new companion to the Doctor, shows up out of no where.  An unexpected plot twist already in the first episode of the season.  I am going to like her.  She has attitude which companions could use a lot more of (sure, Rose had attitude, but in that annoying way).  Oswin is made of awesome.  She comes on the show making souffles, terrible ones, but still that's pretty awesome.  For the rest of the episode, the Doctor kept asking about the milk for her souffles, part of me knew that there was a catch and secretly, I think the Doctor wanted to try to eat some.  Oswin seems like the best match for the Doctor and I can't wait to see her in more episodes.  And, yes, I will definitely remember her.
  
Any thoughts on the latest Doctor Who episode?