Gossip Girl Finale

Sadly, hit series Gossip Girl, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (inspired by author Cecily Von Ziegesar’s best selling series, similarly entitled Gossip Girl), has come to an end.  After six seasons, the curtains close with the reveal of not only the infamous and anonymous characterization of “Gossip Girl”, but also the concluding fates of all the characters that we the viewers have grown to either hate, or love.  That being said, I will keep this post spoiler free, focusing my attention on my feelings rather than exposing any factual information.

Rather than critique the entire show, I want to focus this review upon the finale, which although illuminated various plot holes, was charmingly heart whelming and wonderfully executed.  Firstly, I would like to commend the writers of this show on wrapping up the series without leaving the viewers wanting more.  Everything and everyone that should have been included in this finale was there, without being out of place, or even awkward.  Secondly, the “Gossip Girl” reveal, though somewhat predictable, was done in a way that was still intriguing, while incorporating the entire series as a whole, giving the finale a bittersweet feel that fit the story nicely.  Thirdly, the vast amount of cameos was fabulous.  I personally could not stop smiling at the sight of all the past villains, friends, and lovers that appeared on my screen, even if for just a split-second.  Following that thought, I want to give major kudos for integrating Kristen Bell, the actual voice of “Gossip Girl” into the series alongside Rachel Bilson as actual characters within the story.  And lastly, I want to share my admiration for staying true to their franchise, by keeping the show entertaining, while giving us viewers what we want in mostly always-unexpected ways (even though they were often ridiculous or cheesy—but hey, it’s Gossip Girl not Law and Order).

Personally, I am sad that this show is over, as I was a true fan from it’s beginning to end.  However, I do feel that it ended in a great place, satisfying me perfectly.  There shouldn’t be a movie, adaptation, or sequel series for this show, as (in my eyes at least) it is the type of series that was done properly the first time running.

To all the Gossip Girl fans out there, I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I have.
You know you love me,
XOXO,
madcritic

A Dance with Dragons

Upon finishing the fifth installment of the A Song of Ice and Fire (also known as, Game of Thrones) series, I have myself anxiously awaiting for the next book, as author George R.R Martin does not fail to both entice and allure the reader into his fantasy world. Martin’s A Dance with Dragons showcases high levels of fantastical elements that goes beyond his previous works, twisting the story to focus itself more-so upon the dramatic environment, rather than on the separate characters.

After Martin’s fourth novel A Feast for Crows’ setting was dedicated to the main territory of Westeros, the fifth installment, taking place at the same time as the fourth, illustrates the events happening across the sea, into the newly constructed territory of Valyria. Introducing a vast amount of new characters, plot-lines, and fantastical elements, A Dance with Dragons progresses the series greatly, exposing new conflicts and strategies that all characters will and must undergo as they play their part in the game of thrones.

As a lot of this book seemed to develop the territory and the fantastical world much more than its characters, I found that some of the book was a bit boring—as I, personally am not the biggest fan of fantasy, and the characters are what I truly love about this entire series. However, that being said, A Dance with Dragons was still intriguing and advanced the story in extremely major ways, which some of the other books oft lacked to do. I still believe that the high point of this series was in its third installment, but I cannot imagine—especially with the occurrences given in A Dance with Dragons—how the sixth book would not be just as good, or even better than it. Fundamentally, I’m looking forward to The Winds of Winter, and the 3rd series of the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones.

I would recommend this series to anyone really, with the obvious suggestion that perhaps it would be best to read it from the beginning.

Game of Thrones

Recently finishing the fourth novel from the acclaimed epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire (also known as the adapted television show Game of Thrones), it is safe to proclaim writer George R.R. Martin an exceptionally talented writer.  All four books exemplified typical fantastical elements that are immersed upon a highly dramatic set of personable characters, making it highly enjoyable and intriguing to read.

From the very first chapters of Martin’s first book, entitled A Game of Thrones, readers are immediately submerged into the shockingly twisted and erratic storylines that are presented.  Whether through dismemberment, handicapping, or even murdering a vast amount of his characters, Martin showcases the cruelties of the human race, as they struggle with both humanistic matters and fantastical elements.  These characteristics are further exposed as the books continue, shedding a brighter light upon the mysterious that are hidden within the colorfully enchanting new world.  Consequently, Martin’s characters are all showcased within a harsh, yet realistic manner; where readers become conflicted as they struggle to determine whether any of them are inherently ‘good’ at all.

Personally, I am a great fan of the series A Song of Ice and Fire as of now.  I found the books to be intriguing, surprising, infuriating, and hilarious—all of which were seen with positivity.  After reading the first novel of the series, I was immediately hooked, starting the second book (A Clash of Kings) immediately.  The second novel, however, took me quite a while to read; as it had a relaxed pace that at times was extremely difficult to get into.  However, after pushing through and starting the third novel (A Storm of Swords), I was instantaneously back aboard, finishing it in less than a months time.  The fourth book (A Feast for Crows), though better than the second, also had a steady pace that was often overbearing, however prevailed to interest me, as I was overwhelmed with pleasure by one of the characters.  Fundamentally, as a complete series A Song of Ice and Fire is exceptionally written, with great details that give insight to both its unique world and diverse characters.

I would recommend this series to anyone who loves drama and vast character development.  Although I am not usually into fantastical elements, this book proves to break beyond the genres stereotypical viewpoints, making it enjoyable for almost anyone.

Weeds, SPOILER ALERT

Created by Jenji Kohan, “Weeds” is a television show that aired on Showtime for eight seasons.  As most fans know, the grand finale of the show was three days ago, on September 18th.  The show itself was remarkable, with some of the best characters I have ever seen on television, most notably Nancy Botwin (played by Mary-Louise Parker).  However, rather than critique the entire show, I would like to focus on a single moment in the eleventh episode of season eight, known as “God Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise” that is probably one of the best scenes I have ever seen in my lifetime.

Before going into this scene, I think it would be most appropriate to give the unknowing readers a slight background to the two characters that are showcased within it.  Nancy Botwin and Andy Botwin are sister/brother-in laws, linked by Andy’s brother Judah, who married Nancy.  After Judah’s death is exposed in the first episode, Andy appears (later on in the season) to help Nancy take care of his two nephews.  Andy, smitten by Nancy, assists in taking care of her children, while simultaneously hoping that she will one-day reciprocate to his feelings of love.  However, Nancy continuously denies him, stringing him along with all of her problems–simultaneously showcasing loving emotions towards him, leaving viewers unclear on her true feelings for him.  With this, viewers were constantly awaiting for their eventual and seemingly obvious coupling.

Now, after nearly eight full seasons of over a hundred episodes total, we are finally given what we’ve been waiting for… yet rather than receiving pleasure or happiness out of the situation, we are left with a feeling of emptiness.  Although Nancy and Andy finally hook up, the entire ordeal was cold, grim, and bitter, ending with Andy rushing away from the crying and screaming Nancy.  As Andy runs off, it is clear that he knows that Nancy is only now finally giving in to his sexual advances because she is alone and he is refusing to continue to stay with her—the sex was her tool to trying to keep him from starting his own life, and staying with her.  As she watches him run, she remains on the floor, crying and shouting for him to come back, where she undoubtedly realizes that she has lost the one man who was always there for her.  And within that moment, we can see how much she truly loved him.

The entire scene was completely intense, with a brutal and unsettling sex scene that twisted away from what was expected of Nancy and Andy’s relationship, being happier and fulfilling.  It may not be as amazing to those who have not watched these characters grow together, but it shed tears from my eyes, and I had to write about it.  It is (in my opinion) the best scene of the entire series, and one of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen.

“Weeds” is now over, and I can say that I am definitely going to miss the show, however I am completely satisfied with its finale—especially with that incredible scene that tied up the relationship between Nancy and Andy.

Sorry the quality is bad, but this is the scene.

Suburgatory

I just finished watching season one of ABC’s relatively new comedy sitcom Suburgatory, created by Emily Kapnek.  The show airs for thirty minutes per episode following two Manhattan, New York characters that are slowly but surely discovering how to live their new lives within Chatswin, a suburban small town.

As the plot is narrowly focused around the father-daughter combo of George (played by Jeremy Sisto) and Tessa (played by Jane Levy), we are depicted a life where it is seemingly clear that their rough and fast New Yorker attitude does not fit within the compounds of the tame and quiet small town of Chatswin.  Chatswin itself is a complete stereotype that revolves around the cliché small-town gossipy stepford wives and working macho men, where nannies raise their kids and the parents attend weekly festivities.  As Tessa fails to see any redeeming qualities within the town, her main goal is to get out, rather than get settled.  Her father George, on the other hand, makes the best of the situation, making friends, meeting lovers, and taking part in the town’s activities.

Suburgatory is a great show that I believe has a strong cast, both with primary and secondary characters.  That being said, I personally did not really like the main characters of Tessa and George—rather, I believe that the entire show is outshined by three of it’s secondary characters, being: Dalia Royce, Tessa’s bitchy classmate (played by Carly Chaikin), Dallas Royce, Dalia’s loud and goofy mother (played by Cheryl Hines), and lastly Lisa Shay, Tessa’s best friend (played by Allie Grant).  All the characters are likable in their own ways, however these three really hit home on the comedy aspect of the show, and if it weren’t for them, the show would be pretty boring and flat.  Besides that, the storylines are attention grabbing, weaving into each other seamlessly and interestingly.  The cinematography is good, the soundtrack to the series was impressive, and the show as a whole flows nicely.

Suburgatory is a good show that I would recommend watching for stimulating character development and interesting storylines.  However, if you want a constant laugh-out-loud comedy, perhaps it is best to look into other shows before this one—maybe Parks and Recreation, 2 Broke Girls, The IT Crowd etc., which, in my opinion, are close to the perfect comedy sitcom shows.