I feel like this entire episode built my hopes up only to rip my heart
out. First, 'Rebound Girl' gave us hope that Robin and Barney might get
back together, or at the very least that Barney might be the baby's
father. After which we discovered that if Robin is pregnant
Barney is definitely the baby's father. Plus, we learn via apparent
flash-forward that even if Robin is not pregnant now, she and Barney
have not one, but two children someday. At which point we unfortunately
reach the downward spiral half of the episode. We learn that Robin is
not pregnant. She and Barney show no signs of getting back together. And
if that isn't bad enough we get to watch Robin being told that she can
never have a baby. She tells no one, so we watch her suffer alone. We
still hold onto the hope that she has children someday with Barney,
because we have seen the flash-forward scenes. But no, finally, at the
end of the episode we discover that all of the flash-forward scenes are
figments of present day Robin's imagination. And not only that, we hear
from future Ted's voiceover that Robin never has children. So,
basically, this episode initially gave us a future with a happy Robin
and Barney with two children, and then snatched it all back and left us exactly where we were before. Robin is with Kevin, and Barney is single (for now).
The other side-story, which involved Marshall and Lily, really wasn't much better. It certainly wasn't less depressing. Unless you think that a cruel teenage boy trapping Marshall on a roof and trashing the new Long Island house is funny. Or that pregnant Lily repeatedly talking about all the gross side-effects of pregnancy (while a depressed Robin hovered nearby) is funny. Yeah, me either.
Did you like the episode? Persuade me that I'm wrong!
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Monday, December 5, 2011
"HIMYM": Rip My Heart Out, Why Don't You?
I just finished this week's episode of "How I Met Your Mother" ('Symphony of Illumination') and I was less than impressed. Most of the time, "HIMYM" does a really good job of making me laugh. Even on the not so stellar episodes I normally laugh once or twice. During 'Symphony of Illumination' not only did I not laugh, I was actually unhappy. This is a feeling that "HIMYM" has been evoking more and more, and I truly hope they stop doing it before I stop watching.
spoilers from episode airing 12/5/11
For one thing, it was clear from that very first scene in the bathroom, when Robin told Barney that her period was one week late, that she was probably not pregnant. However, the episode continued to string us along with a voice-over from grown-up Robin talking to her future children which replaced the normal clips of Ted's future children. During these voice-overs she also insinuated that Barney was the father of her children, something which lots of pro-Barney/Robin viewers were probably ecstatic about--until the end of the episode. By the end of the episode, we learned three things:
1) Not only was Robin not pregnant, but she is apparently unable to ever have children
2) According to future Ted's voice-over at the end, she doesn't ever have children
3) The future of Robin and Barney is still just as up in the air as it was before this episode. In fact, if anything it's less likely because Robin now knows that Barney likes the idea of children, and that she can never have any. Great.
The only truly exciting thing that happened between Robin and Barney was the fact that Barney did what Robin asked and kept her potential pregnancy a secret--proving that he has grown.
The writers' of "HIMYM" are about to introduce a new love interest for Barney, Quinn (played by Becki Newton). Starting in January, she is going to be a recurring character throughout the rest of this season. My one hope is that she doesn't last must longer than Kevin (Kal Penn) does. Honestly, I just want Barney and Robin back together again. I know that many people thought that a non-playboy Barney hurt the show, but I think that if they played a little more with the sneaking around aspect, and didn't have them discovered too quickly that would help (last time they got together they weren't even secret for a whole episode).
Anyway, I'm a little concerned that not only will Barney date Quinn, but that Robin will date Ted again too. He was just a little too traditionally-Ted at the end of this episode? Hugging a vulnerable girl? Check. Big romantic gesture with Christmas tree lights and sacrifice (Ted gave up a Christmas visit with his parents/cousins to hang out with Robin)? Check.
spoilers from episode airing 12/5/11
For one thing, it was clear from that very first scene in the bathroom, when Robin told Barney that her period was one week late, that she was probably not pregnant. However, the episode continued to string us along with a voice-over from grown-up Robin talking to her future children which replaced the normal clips of Ted's future children. During these voice-overs she also insinuated that Barney was the father of her children, something which lots of pro-Barney/Robin viewers were probably ecstatic about--until the end of the episode. By the end of the episode, we learned three things:
1) Not only was Robin not pregnant, but she is apparently unable to ever have children
2) According to future Ted's voice-over at the end, she doesn't ever have children
3) The future of Robin and Barney is still just as up in the air as it was before this episode. In fact, if anything it's less likely because Robin now knows that Barney likes the idea of children, and that she can never have any. Great.
The only truly exciting thing that happened between Robin and Barney was the fact that Barney did what Robin asked and kept her potential pregnancy a secret--proving that he has grown.
The writers' of "HIMYM" are about to introduce a new love interest for Barney, Quinn (played by Becki Newton). Starting in January, she is going to be a recurring character throughout the rest of this season. My one hope is that she doesn't last must longer than Kevin (Kal Penn) does. Honestly, I just want Barney and Robin back together again. I know that many people thought that a non-playboy Barney hurt the show, but I think that if they played a little more with the sneaking around aspect, and didn't have them discovered too quickly that would help (last time they got together they weren't even secret for a whole episode).
Anyway, I'm a little concerned that not only will Barney date Quinn, but that Robin will date Ted again too. He was just a little too traditionally-Ted at the end of this episode? Hugging a vulnerable girl? Check. Big romantic gesture with Christmas tree lights and sacrifice (Ted gave up a Christmas visit with his parents/cousins to hang out with Robin)? Check.
'How I Met Your Mother': "Symphony of Illumination". Season 7, Episode 12.
"HIMYM": Who is the Father of Robin's Baby?
minor spoilers
Who's the father of Robin's baby? And what's the bad thing that's happening to her that "How I Met Your Mother" co-creator Craig Thomas dropped hints about? I know the answer to at least one of those questions, and I'll speculate on the other.
Craig Thomas (co-creator of "HIMYM") has dropped hints about the episode, including the fact that Robin gets bad news. I'm concerned that she'll have a miscarriage, and think it's a possibility that the writers might have decided to go that direction because: a) Lily is also trying to have a baby, and having two characters pregnant at the same time can really complicate story-lines b) "HIMYM" seems to be way more of a drama-comedy recently (the horrendous Barney/Nora break-up, Barney/Robin will-they-won't they, no she'll choose Kevin scenario comes to mind) then a true comedy. But I really, truly hope that that doesn't happen.
Other 'bad things' that could happen? Robin clearly has a lot of unresolved issues with her father, so perhaps she has to deal with him having an illness, or even dying (although that seems unlikely since we already dealt with the death of a parent last season). Or, Kevin could break-up with Robin right when she's about to tell him she's pregnant (or worse, after she tells him she's pregnant). Or, Barney could say something horrible to Robin about her pregnancy (this seems highly unlikely, but you never know). Craig Thomas has promised that the show won't deal with abortion (at least in this particular situation), so at least we know it's not going that route.
The episode will pick-up exactly where the last episode left off, and the father of the baby will be revealed very early. Want to know who it is? Watch the clip:
if you watch this it's a major spoiler
Who's the father of Robin's baby? And what's the bad thing that's happening to her that "How I Met Your Mother" co-creator Craig Thomas dropped hints about? I know the answer to at least one of those questions, and I'll speculate on the other.
Craig Thomas (co-creator of "HIMYM") has dropped hints about the episode, including the fact that Robin gets bad news. I'm concerned that she'll have a miscarriage, and think it's a possibility that the writers might have decided to go that direction because: a) Lily is also trying to have a baby, and having two characters pregnant at the same time can really complicate story-lines b) "HIMYM" seems to be way more of a drama-comedy recently (the horrendous Barney/Nora break-up, Barney/Robin will-they-won't they, no she'll choose Kevin scenario comes to mind) then a true comedy. But I really, truly hope that that doesn't happen.
Other 'bad things' that could happen? Robin clearly has a lot of unresolved issues with her father, so perhaps she has to deal with him having an illness, or even dying (although that seems unlikely since we already dealt with the death of a parent last season). Or, Kevin could break-up with Robin right when she's about to tell him she's pregnant (or worse, after she tells him she's pregnant). Or, Barney could say something horrible to Robin about her pregnancy (this seems highly unlikely, but you never know). Craig Thomas has promised that the show won't deal with abortion (at least in this particular situation), so at least we know it's not going that route.
The episode will pick-up exactly where the last episode left off, and the father of the baby will be revealed very early. Want to know who it is? Watch the clip:
if you watch this it's a major spoiler
"HIMYM" and "Castle" Are All New
The hiatus is over! Tonight both "HIMYM" and
"Castle" are all new, and both shows are much anticipated;
"HIMYM" because of Robin's surprise announcement at the end of the
last episode ("Barney, I'm pregnant"!), and "Castle"
because we've been promised an hour of Castle and Beckett trapped in a room
together, handcuffed.
"How I Met Your Mother" airs on Mondays on CBS at 7/8C.
This is the last "Castle" episode until January, so hopefully it will be a good one!
Watch "Castle" on ABC at 9/10C.
I've dealt with "HIMYM" here (the post even includes a clip that reveals who the baby's father is!), so now it's time to talk about "Castle".
What we know for sure is that Beckett and Castle are going to wake up together in an empty room, and they're going the be handcuffed. The whole episode will revolve around them trying to escape the room, the rest of the precinct trying to find them, and presumably some sort of relationship discussion. I mean, they're literally trapped together, so there's no way for them to run away from any conversations (or fights!) that might start.
Thanks to TV Guide for the following clip:
This is the last "Castle" episode until January, so hopefully it will be a good one!
Watch "Castle" on ABC at 9/10C.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tina Fey/Liz Lemon's Hair
Since apparently I'm on a roll (hair-wise), I've also been thinking about the evolution of Tina Fey's hair. Actually, no, let me rephrase: I've been thinking about the evolution of Liz Lemon's hair (Fey's character on '30 Rock').
Fey's hairstyle has also gone through some pretty major changes (if you need confirmation of this, just check out her first appearance on Weekend Update on 'SNL'), but that's an issue for another day.
Liz Lemon's hair = major evolution. I would say that this evolution is about character development ("Liz is becoming more comfortable in her career/life and her own personality is shining through, as evidenced by her suddenly luxurious locks!"), but I think it's more likely that the network told their hair stylists that Liz needed to be more attractive so that people would "like looking at her more" or something. Ugh. I would argue with them on this point, except that I think in many ways they are right. Americans are not used to watching 'normal looking' people on television (and by that I mean people who look like us). British television is much more grounded in reality, their ordinary characters look like ordinary people, and even their scenes are less strategically lit, and the footage is less edited (more on that next time). And every time I try to get my friends to watch a British television show with me they scoff at the 'ugly people'.
Fey's hairstyle has also gone through some pretty major changes (if you need confirmation of this, just check out her first appearance on Weekend Update on 'SNL'), but that's an issue for another day.
 |
| Liz Lemon's hair in the pilot episode |
 |
| By the 3rd episode of Season 1 someone decided to style her hair |
 | |||
| By Season 2 they were placing far more effort into her hair than Liz Lemon ever would |
 |
| By Season 3 someone was going a little crazy with a curling iron |
 |
| By Season 5 the curls were far far less |
Liz Lemon's hair = major evolution. I would say that this evolution is about character development ("Liz is becoming more comfortable in her career/life and her own personality is shining through, as evidenced by her suddenly luxurious locks!"), but I think it's more likely that the network told their hair stylists that Liz needed to be more attractive so that people would "like looking at her more" or something. Ugh. I would argue with them on this point, except that I think in many ways they are right. Americans are not used to watching 'normal looking' people on television (and by that I mean people who look like us). British television is much more grounded in reality, their ordinary characters look like ordinary people, and even their scenes are less strategically lit, and the footage is less edited (more on that next time). And every time I try to get my friends to watch a British television show with me they scoff at the 'ugly people'.
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Hair Trend
Has anyone else noticed the new trend among 'hot' women'* on television?They all have long, wavy hair. And it's rarely natural.
Case in point:
1. Sasha Alexander (Maura Isles), 'Rizzoli & Isles'
2. Angie Harmon (Jane Rizzoli), 'Rizzoli & Isles'
3. Zooey Deschanel (Jess), 'New Girl'
*I'm not contesting the fact that they are hot, but rather the fact that 'hot' is the main descriptive word we use to explain who we're talking about, which I find a little sad.
Zooey Deschanel on 'Conan'!
Zooey Deschanel appeared on 'Conan' yesterday. They barely talked about her show ('New Girl') at all, but they did touch on her recent party at the American Girl Store, childhood memories, eating raw hot dogs, and her Grammy nomination.
In related news, apparently Deschanel had at least two American Girl dolls growing up; Molly and Samantha. She doesn't mention Samantha by name, but sadly I immediately knew which doll she was referencing.
Watch her appearance on 'Conan':
In related news, apparently Deschanel had at least two American Girl dolls growing up; Molly and Samantha. She doesn't mention Samantha by name, but sadly I immediately knew which doll she was referencing.
Watch her appearance on 'Conan':
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Christmas Music!
I typically hum Christmas music year round, which rather obviously annoys a lot of people. Luckily, it's December 1st today, which means that Christmas music is once again appropriate! Apparently the media agrees with me. Ellen's 12 days of giveaways started today (if you were in the audience, I'm jealous!) and She & Him performed a song from their new-ish Christmas album.
There is a video, just give it a minute and it will appear.
There is a video, just give it a minute and it will appear.
They're back!
I hate mid-season hiatuses. Really, truly hate them. Mainly because each network seems to abide by a slightly different schedule, and that makes it almost impossible to keep track of when new episodes are airing.
Luckily, I know one thing:
Tonight there are all new episodes of 'Community', 'Parks and Rec', 'The Office', and 'Bones' (and 'Whitney' too, but that's barely worth mentioning). Thank you NBC and FOX! Other channels are airing repeats.
On 'Community' (NBC, 8/7C) it's an episode that's all about Foosball and lying. Sounds like a great combination to me.
Next is 'Parks and Rec' (NBC, 8:30/7:30C) where Leslie goes on trial--my guess is it has something to do with that kissing that happened with Ben last week.
Wrapping up Thursday's comedy line-up is 'The Office' (NBC, 9/8C) which is introducing Maura Tierney as a minor supporting character, in the role of Robert California's wife. I've loved Tierney ever since I first saw 'NewsRadio' so I'm super excited about her return to comedy.
Since I think 'Bones' works best when as little is known about the episode as possible (and I haven't seen it, so I don't want to ruin it for myself by reading an episode description or spoilers) suffice to say that it will probably deal more with Brennan's pregnancy, that pesky house Booth and Brennan are trying to agree on, and a murder. Definitely a murder.
Luckily, I know one thing:
Tonight there are all new episodes of 'Community', 'Parks and Rec', 'The Office', and 'Bones' (and 'Whitney' too, but that's barely worth mentioning). Thank you NBC and FOX! Other channels are airing repeats.
On 'Community' (NBC, 8/7C) it's an episode that's all about Foosball and lying. Sounds like a great combination to me.
Next is 'Parks and Rec' (NBC, 8:30/7:30C) where Leslie goes on trial--my guess is it has something to do with that kissing that happened with Ben last week.
Wrapping up Thursday's comedy line-up is 'The Office' (NBC, 9/8C) which is introducing Maura Tierney as a minor supporting character, in the role of Robert California's wife. I've loved Tierney ever since I first saw 'NewsRadio' so I'm super excited about her return to comedy.
Since I think 'Bones' works best when as little is known about the episode as possible (and I haven't seen it, so I don't want to ruin it for myself by reading an episode description or spoilers) suffice to say that it will probably deal more with Brennan's pregnancy, that pesky house Booth and Brennan are trying to agree on, and a murder. Definitely a murder.
 |
| please, please watch this show |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)