Jelisa2230's Blog

My top 10 tv shows of the past decade

jelisa2230 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:51:08 +0000

24: The most captivating, action-packed series of the decade. In the post 911 era the catastrophic plots of anti-terrorism makes the show even more credible. The constant suspense and, the nondiscriminatory unpredictable manner in which the characters are killed make the show even more exciting to watch. I love Jack Bauer’s emotionless/gutsy character and Chloe’s dedication to him. The episodes are so action packed; it keeps the viewers engaged with each scene more shocking than the last and, always ends with a jaw dropper which leaves the viewers anxiously awaiting the next episode. No one is allowed to call our house during 24!

Curb your Enthusiasm: Adult comedy at its best! I love the fact that everyone is playing themselves and the dialogue is unscripted. I am fascinated by how much I identify with Larry David; I simply cannot leave a situation alone unless I make my point. Larry always ends up in the most hilarious “Murphy’s Law” situations which also remind me of myself. Larry is constantly doing and saying things that most people want to say but won’t because of societal standards. Larry holds his tongue for anyone and will voice his opinion regardless of the repercussions without a care in the world.

Sex and the City: Love the diversity of and the chemistry between the characters. The Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha bring out the true essence of living the glamorous life in New York. I really enjoy the colorful dialog regarding their sex life and relationship turmoil. Love the wardrobe.

Dexter: I surprised myself with liking this show, because of the graphic violence. I am fascinated by the writer’s creativity regarding the plots and twist for Dexter to elude being caught for murder. What’s even more perverse is the fact that Dexter is a murderer yet, I don’t want him to be caught. In every scene it seems like Dexter is moments away from being caught but always escapes and the episodes usually ends with another suspect who did not commit the murder but, is usually a person who committed a prior crime. Simply brilliant!

House: I am not too much into medical TV shows, but I enjoy the mysterious plot for diagnosing patients of with rare diseases. House’s sarcastic and seemingly uncaring bedside manners and, his unconventional approach to treat his patients, is truly a bit of fresh air. I like the chemistry between House and his boss Cuddy and the way he constantly defies her. I enjoy the diversity the cast members and their complex personal lives.

Girlfriends: I enjoy this show mainly because it’s one of the best representations of a group of successful classy black women (and not a show which usually includes at least one, being ghetto). Not that Joan and the others always act perfect. Enjoy the realistic story lines dealing with friendship, relationships, and interracial dating and HIV. Girlfriends, is like a black Sex in the City but not quite as glamorous.

Will & Grace: I love the unique friendship between Will and Grace as well as each of the characters. I appreciate the fact that both Will and Jack, being gay men, are portrayed totally different in character. Will, is a professional attorney and Jack, has no steady job, is as flamboyant as they come, and darn proud of his lifestyle. Moreover the self centered nature of the characters is amazingly funny. Jack and Will are like my best gay boyfriends in my head

The Daily Show: I am always amazed by the creativity of Jon Stewart reporting on events and his comedic antics. Satirical gymnastics at its best is how I would describe Jon’s comments. Remarkably funny!

Real time With Bill Mahr: Enjoy the diversity of guests who usually includes rappers to political figures who discuss controversial political and social issues, from a raw prospective.

#10

Malcolm in the Middle: What can I say; I enjoy watching shows about dysfunctional families, it gives me a sense that my family in normal. Lois and Hal are hilarious as parents and Malcolm and his brothers are just as silly. I love the background music, sound effects, and the spotlight use to add emphasis to the moment.

Suggested blog on the Tudors

jelisa2230 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:35:08 +0000

Being a first blogger, it was a bit challenging for me to refrain from summarizing, however; it did teach me to pay close attention to overall details. For instance when Henry brought Anne to live in the castle she wore purple, which is the color that symbolizes royalty. And when Queen Katherine went to her divorce hearing she wore black, the color of mourning. What I really enjoyed about the cast was the fact that they were not the usual popular Hollywood type actors, which made the show fresh and realistic. Jonathan Rhys Meyers brilliantly portrayed King Henry the VIII as a power-hungry, ruthless, womanizing, egotistical, yet passionate ruler. I truly loved and admired Queen Katherine’s performance, played by Maria Doyle Kennedy who gave an absolutely riveting performance. Katherine is a god fearing woman with nurturing instincts who adores and submits to her husband, yet firm her ideologies, she is strong, kind, and dedicated to loving everyone including her ladies but, don’t cross her, she is very straightforward and has the ability to humble the most impious, and burse a proud man’s ego with her soft yet acute words.

The Tudors was one the most fascinating series I have watched. Created and directed by Michael Hirst, and filmed in the beautiful Ireland, every aspect of the show was perfected. The costumes were the most beautiful designs I have ever seen of rich fabrics, jewels and furs; and the scenery was simply beautiful. Although some critics are claiming that the show is void of some of the actual realities that occurred during King Henry’s reign, I found it to be captivatingly entertaining. Not knowing much about the renaissance era, The Tudors, however distorted in the imagery of the characters or lack of historical accuracies, did give me a sense of the history and societal norms of that time. Loved it!

The Tudors Season Finale

jelisa2230 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:35:49 +0000

Well I have seen it all! Boy I am so happy my daughter did not watch this episode with me, I would have been embarrassed to death. The episode began with the King pleasuring himself with one hand while holding on to his male servant with the other hand for support. The servant was holding a cloth… well I don’t need to go into that much detail but you get the picture. Could anyone imagine asking a male servant to do a chore like that in these modern times!! That boss might end up six feet under and the servant on the 6 o’clock news. It’s unbelievable that the King could have any woman he wanted in England but resorted to this. I guess this was his way of committing to Anne, after all, he did promise himself to her. What a way to commit. Wolsey was not going down without a fight; his back was against a wall without support from anyone. His situation is so typical of the thinking of a selfish individual who does not realize until it’s too late that life pays an exact wage, how you treat people will eventually come full circle towards you. In a desperate attempt to regain support, Wolsey writes to Anne who refused to help him. As much as he hated her, you know he was at the heights of desperation. He then decided to seek help from Katherine who is such a saint, she agrees primarily because she was in a similar situation. Katherine’s personality exemplifies what a true lady, queen, and mother should represent. One of Wolsey’s letters to Katherine was intercepted and he was arrested. Henry sends Cromwell on a mission to go to universities to gather theories from scholars which will support his new found Lutheran doctrine which claims that the King has the power to do whatever he chooses. I cannot believe that Henry is risking being burdening himself with the risk of being politically and religious 0stracized just to marry Anne; I hope it will be all worth his troubles. I think he is this way because of his intrinsic personality to conquer everything his heart desires. Wow! I did not know Sir Thomas More had it in him. Sir Thomas is considered to be a great humanitarian and well respected by everyone even King Henry had high regards for him. He just burned a man to death for religious hierarchy. Wolsey made a sorrowful plea to god for forgiveness and then committed suicide by slitting his throat. What a coward. I truly felt sorry for him though. Upon hearing the news King Henry is visually upset dismisses everyone in his presence and cries. King Henry seems to put up this rough exterior because he believes that is hoe Kings are supposed to be but, deep down I think he has is a passionate individual. The season ended with Anne and Henry riding through the woods, the tall shaded trees only allowed little peeks of sunlight that appeared like glistening stars in the day. They both suddenly stopped got of their horses and stared passionately at each other while undressing with every footstep towards each other. I tell you, the chemistry between these two was simply spectacular. They made ravenous and passionate love for the first time but Anne pushed the king off her before the end because she envisioned her father, Thomas Boleyn saying to her “Perhaps you can imagine a way to keep his interest more prolonged” The King was enraged and furiously shouted with frustration. Anne also seems frustrated but, after all she was of a mission far more important than pleasure.

Prediction for season 2, Henry will eventually get tired of Ann and realize she was not worth his troubles.

My Favorite quote of this episode was by Sir Thomas More “For if a lion knows its own strength no man can control him” he was speaking of the King. *****

The Tudors S1 E 9

jelisa2230 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:05:11 +0000

Well the divorce battle continues without the Queen present at court. I it were me, I would not have gone myself; everyone was strong armed by Wolsey to favor the King’s position. Even Katherine’s attorney’s concocted a ridiculous tale of how she is conspiring to harm the King. They themselves knew they were sounding like idiots. It was so funny how the Queen shut them down in the midst of their distorted fable; they had that infamous “dumb deer caught in the headlights look”. Katherine has been offered to go a nunnery to avoid embarrassment of the trial but refused; she is standing by her position and has never returned to court since the day she walked out. She is acting like a true female of this era, liberated! Meanwhile Anne is proudly strutting around the Castle, she even wears purple (the color of royalty) to display her current and future status. I would have been so embarrassed; Lady Anne was once of the Queen’s ladies, one would think she would have at least remained low key until the divorce was finalized. I have to say the costumes and scenery seems to get better with every episode. Joan Bergin truly deserved to win the Emmy award for outstanding costumes for the 2007 and 2008 series. The King started to read Lutheran books, given to him by Anne which doctrine states that “A King and no pope have the right to rule a nation”. This pleased Henry and Anne displayed a satisfying look. Anne reminds me of Eve and how she enticed Adam eats the forbidden fruit. I guess once a man desires a woman, she can make him do almost anything. And to think she is not even a virgin. If only he knew he was going through all of this therapy for tainted goods. He will kill her! Needless to say, the divorce case was adjourned which has brought the King to the brink of anger (for tainted goods). In a thrilling scene, Lady Margaret wakes out of bed bleeding as she tries to make her way to the kitchen, she collapses in a pool of blood while her no good, inconsiderate, clueless, selfish husband, Charles Brandon, was in bed with another woman. I can’t fathom living with a husband who does not notice that I am sick because I am so invisible to him. Can anyone imagine living in the same household with someone and not noticing that they were ill? This was such an emotional scene for me because I am married and my husband is my best friend. We can easily tell when the other is not well or even having a bad day. Lady Margaret died with no loved ones around, she loved Charles so. Well it has finally happened, Wolsey was destroyed and, he has been stripped of his duties, his riches, and banished from the Kings court. The episode ends where Wolsey shouts, “Majesty” in an echoing voice. The King walks away ignoring him as though he never existed. ****

The Tudors S1 E 8

jelisa2230 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:37:16 +0000

I figured that this episode would be intense so I decided to watch first then blog. Needless to say, I was not disappointed; this was one of my favorite episodes. Queen Katherine’s performance, played by Maria Doyle Kennedy was absolutely riveting in this episode. Katherine is a god fearing woman with nurturing instincts who adores and submits to her husband, yet firm her ideologies, she is strong, kind, and dedicated to loving everyone including her ladies but, don’t cross her, she is very straightforward and has the ability to humble the most impious, and burse a proud man’s ego with her soft yet acute words. Wolsey is on his way to ruin because he cannot seem to please the King’s wishes of getting him a divorce, King Henry now has Anne Boleyn living at the castle, she even has her own maids and divorce hearings for the King and Queen is set. I was trying to think of anyone of my girlfriends who would be o.k. with this living arrangement and had a few laughs. They would wreak havoc if their husbands or boyfriends were to bring a woman around much less move the woman into their homes. Cardinal Campeggio has been appointed by the Pope to decide the divorce case between Henry and Katherine, at the legatine court. Meanwhile Lady Margaret, the Kings sister is dying unbeknownst to anyone including her selfish husband Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk played by Henry Cavill because he is too busy sleeping with other women. The day of the hearing the scenery is grand as Katherine gracefully and confidently walks into court elegantly dressed and adorned with her crown. My favorite quote in this episode was by Queen Katherine in the scene where she is at court. When it was her time to state her case, she gracefully fell at King Henry’s feet and exclaimed to him “For all the love that has been between us, let me have justice and right, for I am a poor woman, a stranger born out of your right, I have no friends here and little council. I call god and all the witness that I have been a true and humble wife…when you had me at first, I take to god as my judge, that I was a true maid without touch of men and whether or not it be true, I put it to your conscious.” I could feel the Kings guilt. He was speechless. Queen Katherine then rises and slowly walks out of court while Wolsey, Campeggio, and the whole court is shouting for her return, she continues on and never looks back. What a strong and graceful woman. *****

The Tudor’s S1 E7

jelisa2230 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:02:25 +0000

Well I have finally got someone to watch with me. My daughter agreed to watch only because I bribed her. I will be blogging while I am watching. King Henry is still on his mission to marry Anne Boleyn, Cardinal Wolsey is desperately seeking ways to convince the pope to grant the King’s wishes, and Anne Boleyn’s father and his alliance are closing in on Wolsey’s demise by befriending the King. The first scene opens with Sir William Compton, one of King Henry’s men (and secretly bisexual) profusely sweating and seems to be in agony. He was the first to have caught the sweating sickness, which eventually plagued England, Oxford Cambridge, and London killing thousands. The scene of dead bodies all wrapped up was mortifying and gave me true sence of the magnitude of the devistation caused by the plague. It sent chills through me because I thought of the swine flu having the same inpact. Upon his return from one of his many journeys, the King was confronted by pandonium in his castle where a vision of people dying right before his eyes was more than he could bear. What I loved about that scene was the first words uttered by him when he saw the chaos was “Where is Queen Katherine is she o.k.” That told me that despite him wanting to divorce her, he still loved and cared for her. King Henry quarantines himself and makes provisions for the Queen an Anne Boleyn to be taken to safe havens. Oh my goodness! One of Anne’s maid’s is sick, I thing she has the sickness. Just like I thought, now Anne is sick and the King sends his doctor her. Meanwhile King Henry rushed to his chamber to take infusion to boost his immune system. This is the worst I have ever seen King Henry he is despondent but only for a while for he has gotten news that Anne is well again. This episode was o.k. ***

The Tudors s1 e6

jelisa2230 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:43:16 +0000

Ok, its Friday night and I am watching by myself. Sir Charles is banished from court for marrying the King’s sister, Princess Margaret, Queen Mary is at war with Anne Boleyn and Thomas Boleyn leaks to the king that when corrupt religious houses are closed, the f unds are diverted into Cardinal Wolsey’s private foundation in order to create the great college of Oxford. Poor Queen Katherine, I could not imagine being married to a man who flaunts his mistress in front of me. Now that is a custom that is not taken lightly in today’s society. King Henry publicly displays his love for Anne Boleyn is the middle of court. Everyone gasped in utter shock and whispers surfaced “oh that’s her” Oh! Sir Charles is back at court, he humbly apologizes to the King who challenges him to an arm wrestling match which will determing if he will be allowed back to court. Now this was a catch 22 because the King hates loosing. Needless to say, Sir Charles won and was allowed back at court. The King seemed happy to have his friend back. Now they can resume their boyish games as they did in the past. Meanwhile in Paris Cardinal Wolsey’s mission was unsuccessful, he recieves news that the meeting with the other cardinals have been cancelled. As quiet as Queen Mary was she was very influential and a silent weapon. This meant no divorce for the King. No divorce means Cardinal Wolsey was now King Henry’s bitter enemy. I think he would be put to death in the next episode. *****

The Tudors S1 e5

jelisa2230 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:11:11 +0000

I am watching alone and will blog after the episode. Henry is now on a quest to divorce Queen Katherine and marry Anne Boleyn. Cardinal Wolsey has the daunting task of convincing the pope to honor the divorce, Rome has been attacked and the pope is imprisoned by the emperor, and the King’s son died from the sweating sickness. I can’t get enough of this show. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is such a brilliant actor. His expressions of anger, passion and charm are so convincing, and his stare sexy and mesmerizing. I really enjoyed the Jekyll Hyde scene where King Henry passionately pleads with Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) to be his personal mistress and when she refuses he became so enraged. Knowing Henry, he will begin a quest to move heaven and earth to make Anne his queen. My! I am really impressed with the scenery and the cast leaves nothing to be desired in the area of perfection. The actors portray and bring to life the essence of the 16th century era, and the beautiful picture perfect landscapes that encompass the castles are absolutely gorgeous. Natalie Dormer is perfect in her role and Anne Boleyn, she has a natural innocent, yet seductive look, and the chemistry between her and the King is absolutely amazing. Now with the Pope captured Cardinal Wolsey sees this as a perfect opportunity to try to insert himself into his place. Not that I am an atheist but, Cardinal Wolsey is the reason I am skeptical about “men of the cloth” he is just like the typical religious hypocrite preaching one thing and doing evil. Reminds me of the priest who cursed at me and my friends when I was in the first grade in Catholic school for placing flowers on the church window. When we told no one believed us and we were placed on punishment for lying. I am still pissed off about that incident. Wow! I did not know Queen Mary had it in her; she confronted Anne Boleyn and told her she knows what she is doing and that Anne would never have the Kings Heart. Little did Mary know that Anne already did.****

The Tudors s1 e4

jelisa2230 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:17:20 +0000

Ok, again I am watching alone. The episode begins a ceremony where King Henry crowned his bastard son Duke of Richmond and Earl of Nottingham. Queen Katherine is rather upset because her daughter in now second in line for the crown. There are so many plots and story lines in this series. King Henry is named Defender of the Faith by the Pope, he is still lusting after Anne Boleyn and Sir Charles is escorting the Kings Sister’ Lady Margaret to marry the King of Portugal who is three times her age. This show is poweful, daring and sexy. The men and women of the 16^th century era were so proper, yet promiscuous so much adultery occurred. Every action seemed to be predicated on a desperate desire for power and status. It’s rather extraordinary how much society has evolved yet, so much has stayed the same. Generally, that is what goes on in our current society. You may think an individual is so proper yet you never know what they might be capable of for personal gain. Unbelievable! The emperor destroys the French army and the French King was captured King Francis his enemy is now the emperor’s prisoner. The king is delighted and calls for a celebration. Wow! Their celebrations were so lavish and elegantly presented with the finest of china and jeweled settings. Oh my! The King of Portugal is old wrinkled and ugly as hell the Princess faints when she sees him. Oh my goodness!! Princess Margaret Strangles the King of Portugal on the second night of their marriage. I’m sorry but I think I may have done the same thing if I had to marry something like that. ****

The Tudors s1 e3

jelisa2230 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:32:18 +0000

Well it’s the third episode and again, I’m watching by myself, how pathetic!! alot has gone on. King Henry wants to an alliance with the Spanish instead of the French. The pope is dead and, Cardinal Wolsey is furious because he was not appointed pope. The deal was broken because King Henry reneged on his alliance with France. The King was a really daring individual. I liked that in his character whatever was not pleasing to him he simply got rid of it, end of story. He made political and religious decisions based upon his personal feelings. It’s rather interesting how much King Henry controlled, he strong-armed whoever and whenever he could in his quest for ultimate power. I wonder how today’s England would react if it were to revert the type of governing of King Henry’s. On second thought I really don’t think that question is up for debate.

The episode begins with a chaotic yet funny scene where the some of the ladies and gentlemen are practicing for the evening’s entertainment and nothing seemed to be going right. The guest of honor was the 5^th Holy Emperor of Spain who was twenty years old and also the nephew of Queen Katherine. I was in utter dismay when Queen Mary introduced her daughter to her nephew the Emperor as his future wife. Mary was no more than seven and here they were promising to marry her off to her cousin when she turned twelve. Is that not considered incest? I’ll have to do a bit of research on the societal norms back then and how it evolved. Needless to say, at the evening entertainment King Henry who loved entertainment himself was disguised as one of the male dancers (darn! Johnathan Ryes Myers performance is absolutely superb) who was paired up with Ann Boleyn, she is absolutely georgeous!! Natalie Dormer was the perfect character for the role of Ann Boleyn, she had a natural seductress look. Ann Boleyn’s penetrating eyes under her masked face captivated King Henry’s eyes and he was instantly mesmerized by her charming stare. Hmm, that mask looks stunning, I wonder where I can get one of those? Anyway, the show was magnificent and again the costumes were simply regal. Everything was so darn formal it seems hypocritical considering all the infidelity and the way everyone seemed to be at war and with each other in order to gain social status. Ok, I have seen it all, most repulsing scene, Cardinal Wolsey being massaged by a woman in her fifties with a not so fit body, they were both naked, I’ll spare you the details, what an unpleasant sight. Great episode. *****