Category Archives: Game of Thrones

Aug14

August 13, 2017 – Shahs at the Wall, a Different Wall & Throne Quotes

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Meanwhile, back in Tel Aviv, our Shahs gather for a breakfast buffet. Mike explains how they’ve been alternating who gets to choose what they’re doing, and today is Asa’s day. She’s decided on an art project. Reza suggests someone check on MJ. She sent him a text pic, and says she looks like she was ridden hard and put away wet, but she’s really just badly hungover. Reza tells Asa that MJ isn’t having her usual fresh like a flower recovery. Asa wants to go to the city of Akko, where she says that Jews, Muslims, and Christians live in peaceful co-existence. She asks the group to film some people at the market, while she interviews three spiritual leaders, and reminds them to be respectful. Reza wants her to find a new hobby, since he got roped into being in one of her videos, shirtless and less than fit. MJ finally joins them, and Reza says it’s a miraculous makeover.

When they get to Akko, Asa goes off to do her interviews. A rabbi greets her with a virtual hug because he’s orthodox. Another rabbi, a priest, and a Muslim peacemaker (the Yoda of Palestine) are also in attendance, which totally sounds like the start of a joke.

Reza bothers some strange cats in a dumpster and on a rooftop, which mike equates with touching a gas station bathroom doorknob and eating chips without washing your hands. Asa films each of the leaders, and all promote messages of love. Rabbi number two has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and they absolutely twinkle. The others don’t have much luck in the village, as people don’t want to be interviewed or photographed. Reza gets a free falafel though. Mike is disturbed that the conversations are starting with asking what religion the person is. Reza says there’s not a yarmulke to be seen. Mike gets Reza on the side, and asks if it seems mixed to him. Reza says it’s all older Arabs, and they don’t like the Western world. Man, his face has one nervous expression.

The call to prayer happens, and Mike says he told them. Reza says he was told that Muslims and Jews lived in harmony there for centuries. Mike wants to keep it moving, and discuss it in a safe place, since everyone wonders wtf this group is doing. Reza wants to get the hell out of Dodge.

Asa is having a much better time, laughing, singing, and dancing with her worldview brethren. They break bread as the sun is setting, and rabbi number one thanks her for helping to bring unity to the world. She tells them that this is the future, and they walk into it together. She hopes the others are also having an enriching experience. Um…

Reza looks at the toy guns at the market, marked for ages three and up, and says it looks like a terrorist Christmas gift. GG isn’t feeling threatened, and thinks it’s in Mike’s head that he does. Asa joins them. She tells them it was life changing, and the future seems bright. Mike thinks she’s living in a dream world, and gets everyone to move along. Asa tells them not to emit this type of energy. Reza says that eyes are on them in a wtf are you doing here? kind of way. She suggests he be as nice to the people as he is to the cats, and tells him to open his mind. He wants to work on it in the car. In her interview, Asa thinks you get back what you give out. Reza asks how he can get a perspective from someone who hates him, and she says by understanding them and radiating love. He thinks they should have switched places, and tells Asa that the rage he has gives him all the feels. Asa hugs him, and says she hears him and understands. I love her attitude, but I agree it doesn’t work like that. At least not overnight.

Back in the bus/limo, Mike equates it to wearing a Rolex in a bad neighborhood, and then complaining about it getting stolen. He says a guy was making gun noises, and others joined in, and it was scary. He says people were walking around aggressive, but GG insists it’s safe there. She says he wants to live in a Jewish bubble, and everything outside of it is dangerous. Mike says it has nothing to do with that – they’re seen as Westerners, who the townspeople see on the news talking smack about them. They’re walking around with cameras and interrogating them, and it appears antagonistic.

Mike says the trip left a bad taste in his mouth, and he wants to make sure they experience a real Israeli Shabbat tonight.  He remembers how enlightened he was to meet Asa’s family, and hopes she gets the same from his. He doesn’t blame her for the day, knowing she just wanted them to experience things differently. MJ calls Tommy, and asks him to call her dad, but he’s planned to visit him, which makes her happy.

Shabbat is being held in a restaurant. Mike hasn’t seen his family in ten years, so he’s a little nervous. The cousins start pouring in. He says it’s important to him because the time goes by so quickly, but when they get together, they pick up where they left off like it was yesterday. His sickly great aunt arrives in a wheelchair and he’s thrilled that she came out to see him.

Cousin Yossi talks about God resting on the seventh day, and they should too. Everyone toasts, saying Shabbat Shalom. Reza is trying to get over the day’s experience, and says that being surrounded by joy and love, he’s sensing what it means to be in Israel, and it’s what he came there for. He talks about his grandmother not liking him, and how he thought it was because he was gay, but it was really because he’s half Muslim. The love he wanted from his Jewish side, he’s getting from Mike’s family. Mike says a prayer, and drinks from a huge horn. In his interview, he says he screwed up with Jessica, and hopes for another chance at having his own family.

Mike invites Reza to come speak. Reza talks about how he’d been to a city that was shocking and jarring, and it wasn’t the experience he was looking for. Now, he sees the love, and Judaism, and beauty of Israel. He thanks them, and Mike says that he’s never felt so Jewish. In her interview, GG says loving the Jewish culture doesn’t mean you have to dismiss or disrespect Islam. You can’t be for peace when all you’re doing is shaming the other side. I agree with her, but she doesn’t seem to grasp that Reza has good reason for his fear.

The next morning, Asa feels depleted. She says she’s tired all the time, and read that a pregnant woman lying down is doing more work than someone running a marathon. GG tells Destiney and Shervin about how Reza is being disrespectful. In her interview, she talks about when they were in Turkey, and Reza called the women in veils, “walking curtains.” She hopes that Reza can get over his Muslim hate for the sake of their friendship.  He arrives, and she tells him that some of the things he says can be taken as offensive. He tells her that they have different experiences, and she says they can be angry, or say it is what it is, and enjoy the other things the country has to offer. Reza says that it wasn’t a positive experience. Shervin says that he and Destiney have stepped out of their shells and been open-minded; he should do the same. Reza says that he’ll make a conscious effort not to slam Islam while they’re in Israel. He shouts that he loves all Muslims.

Mike brings out journals for everyone, so they can write down things for the Western Wall. In his interview, he says that MJ’s life is a mess. She admits that she never planned ahead, and hated the where do you see yourself in ten years? question. MJ writes an essay, and reads it out loud. She talks about fear and failure, and how she wants to create a legacy. She wants to eliminate the what-ifs. Reza thinks she should be more specific, instead of taking God on a roller coaster ride. He tears up, and tells her that he wants her to get married and have a baby. She’ll be an amazing mom, and that will be a legacy. He doesn’t want to take away from what she wrote, but that’s his wish for her.

As they’re boarding to leave, MJ and GG encourage Shervin to take the front seat reserved for Asa, but when Asa gets on the bus/limo, she doesn’t find it funny. Reza says she always magnifies whatever is going wrong. MJ says Jerusalem is like living inside a postcard. Reza marvels, knowing that Jesus walked there, chilling with his friends. Mike says it’s the heart and crown jewel of Israel. It really is gorgeous, and historic, and holy – the Biblical definition of which is, “set apart.” Reza says the Wall is where to ask for whatever you want in the universe. He tells them to tap into the energy of the Wall. Men and women are separated, and everyone cleanses themselves before approaching. Reza hopes and prays that everyone takes away a gift from the experience, clears their mind, and connects.

Mike tells Shervin that a yarmulke is a sign of respect, and Shervin asks if all religions pray at the Wall. He says he’s an outsider, and feels strongly that the people who aren’t Jewish can tells he’s not. Really? That’s some weird exaggerated thinking. Mike puts on a prayer shawl. He says the last time he prayed there, it was about the past, and he has clarity now. He wants what he saw last night – family. He wants to find the right one again.

GG sees the women being secondary, and says the men have more room at the Wall. She’s used to it from her travels, but doesn’t like it. Of course she doesn’t participate, which isn’t unusual for her. I guess her Zen is wearing off. Reza’s grandfather was on his mind, and says that when he put his face to the Wall, it was as though he was touching his grandfather, and was with him. He believes his grandfather loves him, and says Adam has his name, and the children will too. A rabbi places a tefillin – a box with parts of the Torah in it – on Reza’s head, and he, Reza, and Mike dance in a circle. Reza says he now has what he’s wanted for so long.

GG scowls in the background; Golnessa probably not far away. She says it’s just a wall. She sees a temple and mosque in the distance, and sees the wall as a blockage and barrier. She wants to tear it down. Sigh… It’s sort of sad that this girl will not grow up. I’ll really start liking her, and then she’ll be ridiculous, usually followed by  being violent. The episode was dedicated to Mike’s aunt in the wheelchair, who sadly, passed away.

Next time, GG gets insulted (bigger sigh), Asa is offended, and someone gets a tattoo. (Hint: It’s not me. Although I’d like one.)

Tonight’s Throne Game

Unfortunately, Jaime didn’t drown. I hate him right now, and can’t call him enough bad names. Tyrion surveyed the damage, and it was pretty depressing. I watch poor Drogon, and call Jaime a sh*tball. Dany sets the Casterly Rock warriors straight by saying she’s not like Cersei, and wants to offer them a choice to join her and leave the world a better place, or they can die. That’s a hard one. Drogon roared, and almost everyone bent the knee pretty quickly. Sam’s father stayed standing, and griped that Cersei should be queen, since she was born in Westeros, and called Dany an interloper. Dany respected him for not trading his honor for his life. She suggested he take The Black, but he didn’t like that idea either. So some Dothraki took him away. His son decided to come along, and Tyrion called him stupid. Well, no army needs stupid people, so bye Tarley dudes. Dracarys for you both.

Cersei thought they should hire mercenaries, but Jaime was like, um… Dany has three dragons, and we can’t win. Then she came up with the great idea of having Tyrion interve. Jaime told her about Oleanna having been the one who killed Joffrey. She said either way they were screwed.

Jon got up close and personal with Drogon, who, to the relief of millions, seems to be fine. He let Jon pet his nose, and all our hearts went pitty-pat. Dany questioned Jon about his death experience. Ser Jorah returned, and Dany was impressed that he found a cure for his greyscale.

Bran hooked up with a bunch of two-eyed ravens, and took a look around the Wall (totally different Wall than the one that the Shahs visited). He saw the army of White Walkers, and said they needed to send ravens with the news. Poor Sam continued to haul books around for the Maester. There was a Maester meeting where they took potshots at Bran’s message, but Sam gave them the low down that Bran could see beyond the Wall. Maybe it’s me, but I think Sam is starting to sound a little sarcastic when he talks to them. The head Maester said they’d look into it, which meant they were blowing off Sam. The knowledge of Sam’s brother and father becoming crispy critters was kept from him.

Varys, who I’m really starting to like, discussed Tyrion’s responsibilities with him. He thought Tyrion could do better at being the Queen’s Hand. Jon was totally freaked to find out his siblings were still alive, and even more freaked about the White Walkers. He wanted Dany’s help, but she was like, oh no, once I go to do that, Cersei will take over. Tyrion thought it would be a good idea to lasso one of the White Walkers and bring it to Cersei. I’d do that. And then tell it to bite her head off. Jorah, who’s still trying to impress Dany, volunteered. Jon insisted on going too, since he’s the one with experience. At this point, I started wondering where The Hound is these days.

Sansa got complaints from the lords that nothing is going on, but she said they had to wait for Jon to get back. Arya accused her of wanting Winterfell for herself, and Sansa ignored that. Tyrion snuck into Casterly Rock and ran into Jaime, who looked like he was having a hard time keeping a straight face, since Tyrion was his usual witty self. Davros picked up Gendry, Robert Baratheon’s bastard son. Gendry did some nice work dispatching a couple of guards with a cool weapon he’d designed, taking their faces off. Jaime told Cersei about the White Walkers. I had to laugh because she seemed hesitant to believe such a thing existed. But dragons are okay. She told Jaime never to betray her again.

Sam got tired of just reading about adventures, and decided to leave for one of his own. Arya spied on Littlefinger, who met some girl and gave her something. He then talked with two old guys while Arya kept watching. Later, one of the guys came to his room, and gave him a message. Arya saw that too. The second he was gone, she tossed his room, and found the note in a hole in the mattress. It was a letter that Cersei forced Sansa to write in some other season. When Arya came out, Littlefinger was in the shadows, so who knows what’s up his little finger. I’ll bet he goes on her list. I’d expect better sneaking around from Arya though.

Jon met with the men at Castle Black, where Tormund discouraged him, but showed him some prisoners – The Hound (they were reading my mind) and Beric. Beric said they don’t want to go beyond the Wall, but they have to. He got all philosophical, saying there was a great purpose at work, and they were all together for a reason, and blah=blah=blah about the Lord of Light. At this point, Jon was like, if you’re breathing, you’re on my side, come on, and they started off to the other side of the Wall. Winter is seriously there.

The main takeaway point? The dragon is okay!

Next time, Jon and company battle White Walkers and Arya asks Sansa what she’s scared of.

Davros wins the game of quotes…

It’s better to be a coward for a minute, than dead for the rest of your life. – Davros

Nobody glowers quite like you. – Ser Jorah, referring to Tyrion

Nothing f*cks you harder than time. – Davros

WesternWall

The Western Wall

GoT-Wall

The Wall

Aug7

August 6, 2017 – The Shahs Take On Israel, Save the Dragons & a Little Bit of Bad

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

The Shahs of Sunset

Reza and Adam fill out forms at a fertility clinic. Reza is filled with fears and questions. He notes that the doctor’s desk cost ten grand, and figures he’ll be paying personally for that. I understand this, having taken pets to the emergency vet, where they have a free latte machine and a concierge. They discuss surrogacy. The idea is to fertilize two eggs, one for each of them. Just in case you were wondering, they’d be twins. The price is between $120K and $160K. Reza nearly has apoplexy.

MJ visits Shams at the hospital. She tells him about going to Israel for a week. His advice is to find a Jewish friend. She isn’t thrilled about leaving him, but feels that life is telling her to go. She puts some pictures and handmade cards on the wall. She wants to make a baby Shams, who her father can see himself in. I hate to say this, but I’m not so sure that, even if she got pregnant tomorrow, he would be around to see the baby.

GG goes to dinner with new squeeze, and neighbor, Shalom. Her parents will be joining them. She’s so nervous she wants to fart, so only orders sake, which makes perfect sense. She tells us she rarely introduces a boyfriend to her parents, since she can’t see herself living out her life with most of them. We flash back to the losers she’s dated. She says it’s very different for Persian Jews and Persian Muslims to mix, so Shalom being Jewish is the only drawback. GG’s parents arrive. In her interview, she says she’s done a lot of things they haven’t approved of, but if they see something she doesn’t, she’ll never look back. Her mother is tickled that Shalom knows Farsi. Two seconds into the meal, GG asks her parents if it’s a yes, but some sake is spilled, taking the attention away. Her father gets all serious, and says she knows his opinion about her dating Jewish people – he doesn’t care. If she’s happy, it’s all good. Ha-ha! He reminds me of my father. When I was a teenager, I thought I’d test him by asking how he’d feel if I brought a Black boyfriend home. He didn’t miss a beat and said, it’s fine – as long as he’s Catholic. (He was kidding around. These days, I feel the necessity to point that out.)

Asa goes shopping for baby furniture. She talks about buying only organic cotton clothing for the baby – unless it’s really cute. Reza joins her. He zeros in on a crib that’s the color of a Mercedes. Asa shows him the mega-stroller she wants, and he tells her about the visit to the clinic and how babies are expensive AF. In his interview, he says he doesn’t have the need Adam does to have a biological child. He’s more interested in giving an already born child a home. He tells Asa about MJ being affected in the most unusual way with her pregnancy news. Asa says that MJ has been toxic lately, and Reza tells her that MJ thinks she puts on a façade that everything is perfect. Asa doesn’t want to focus on other people’s head trips they put on her. Far out, man.

Tommy looks up Israeli dress code for MJ, and it sounds like there isn’t one. MJ tells us they’re officially in baby-making mode, and every time she has to go to the bathroom, she uses an ovulation stick. We wait… It’s a no. She’s starting to wonder if she ovulates at all, but I think that’s a given if you haven’t been through menopause. In her interview, she says Asa got pregnant because she was supposed to have a baby, and the universe is telling her to get on that before it’s too late. She’s annoyed by the rule that when you have to do something, it doesn’t happen. I understand this, having needed to buy a dress for a wedding the day before. Any other time, I’d find a million things I liked, but not that day.

Mike’s brother, David, visits, bearing candy for the family members in Israel. Mike tells us that David is his hero, and helped him through the separation. His father told them that when he and his mother were gone, they would be all they had, and they live under the credo that family is everything. They also discuss wardrobe, and what Mike needs to bring, like a passport. In his interview, Mike says he’s been to Israel at different points in his life, and this time, he’s going as a single man seeking enlightenment. We see pictures of his various trips there.

Adam asks what kind of baby Reza wants, and he says a healthy one. Adam wants one that grows fast, so they can dress her up, and Reza tells him that it’s not a toy. I’ll bet that part is fun though. Someone is coming over to discuss adoption options. Adam wonders if he should offer them a drink, but Reza thinks advocating alcohol is a bad idea. He’s leaving for Israel the next day, but wants Adam to get a dose of reality. Reza says that Adam’s biological clock is ticking, but he’s thinking that it’s just the next phase of the relationship. The representative tells them there are 21,000 foster children, and 20% from the LGBTQ community. She says it’s especially hard to find teenagers homes. Reza tells Adam that they’ll love you just as much, and might even end up looking like you. In his interview, Reza tells us about how he knows of Persian families kicking their gay kids out, and how sometimes they end up dying on the streets. The rep tells them that the age range isn’t an issue on the agency’s end; they just want a family. Reza doesn’t want to push Adam, but wants him to understand why he prefers adoption.

Destiney has had a passport for years, but has never actually traveled, since she’s always working. She and Shervin share a limo to the airport. She asks him about Annalise, and if he’s being faithful. Shervin claims now that he’s older, he’s not as much of a playboy. Asa and GG take a car together. Asa says she misses Jermaine already. She says it might not seem prudent, flying for twenty hours, at 7½ months pregnant, but she’s going on a spiritual, peaceful pilgrimage for her and her baby. Reza and Mike also ride together. Reza says he doesn’t think there are a lot of gay terrorists, so he’s just going to go ♫ he-e-ey ♫ everywhere at the airport. In his interview, Reza gives us some travel tips – look expensive, so you don’t look like you want to die; befriend a TSA agent; and if your name is Mohammed, have your friends call you “Moe” at the airport. I’ll never understand how Reza’s stand-up act went so poorly. He’s a funny guy, and his delivery is perfection.

On the plane, Reza tells GG that whatever they went through, is behind them. I think he’s a little drunk, because he keeps repeating that he’s serious. In her interview, GG says it seems like yesterday they hated one another, and now they’re going to Israel together.

Fastest. Flight. Ever. And they’re already in the detention center. Reza calls it Argo-esque. Mike wonders how the only real Jew in the group is getting detained. MJ and Asa apparently escaped this, and are picking up their luggage. Mike is surprised they didn’t detain Asa, especially since he pointed out her “very Muslim” name. Asa tells MJ that it could be up to five hours. She thinks the two of them were friendlier. Asa points out the tons of balloons that are hitting the airport ceiling.

Destiney gets sprung, and joins Asa and MJ. She says interrogation like an MF, and they asked her about everybody – their names and what they did for a living. Shervin is next, and tells Mike to thank his people for letting him in before Mike. GG and Reza are left as Mike gets the all clear. MJ says she’d be nervous to be the last person left with GG. Reza says she’s a ticking time bomb, and he’s sitting next to the one person who could get him sent back. Geez, they don’t even have books with them, or tablets, or a magazine. Anything.

Mike says he pointed out that he’s been there many times, but they said not with these people. He jokes that he’s reached the maximum capacity of Muslims he can travel with. Reza feels like he’s been wandering the desert for forty years, when he and GG are finally let through. First stop, the hotel lounge.

Let’s just put it this way, it’s not your typical happy hour buffet. The appetizers look like something from a five-star restaurant. GG breaks a glass, and everyone yells L’chaim! In his interview, Reza tells us that Tel Aviv is someplace that Woody Allen would have hung out back in the day. I’m not sure why he comes to this conclusion, but he has a really hard time remembering Woody Allen’s name. They arrange to meet in an hour, and everyone freshens up. Adam FaceTimes with Reza, who tells him about getting detained. The gang gets into a bus/limo, and heads to a restaurant.

It’s dark and beautiful. And you can smoke. Asa is concerned about the baby, and decides to go back to the hotel. Reza asks Destiney what her type is. She says cute, which is both broad and vague. GG tells us that she loves Black guys. Mike tells us he’s not intimidated, because he has a humongous dool, but GG thinks not so much. Outside, MJ tells the girls she’s getting pregnant in a month. GG says she should get married first, but MJ claims it isn’t a bastard unless it’s born before you get married, and she’ll have that taken care of. Reza joins them, and says, who cares? MJ says that she does, and he tells her that she’s forty-four, and her chances of getting pregnant are like winning the lottery. In his interview, he says when you want to get pregnant, you do yoga, and don’t drink and smoke like prohibition starts tomorrow.

Dancing and drinking happens. MJ doesn’t care how long they flew, she doesn’t want tonight to be a dud. They bring new friend Shlomi back to the hotel. MJ keeps saying that she won’t be able to do this a month from now. Shervin has also brought a couple of girls back, and they play spin the bottle. Shlomi takes his pants off. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s part of a drinking/dare game. Reza gets out while the getting is good, and Mike also calls it a night. By the time everyone leaves, Destiny pronounces the room a pigsty. MJ says she’s all about living out her youth as far as she can; in a month, she might be stroller shopping.

Next time, a trip to the Western Wall, Asa wants to film the locals, and Reza wants to get the hell out of Dodge.

Meanwhile in Westeros…

👑 On Game of Thrones, Littlefinger whined to Bran that he wasn’t there for Bran’s mother when she needed him most, and gave him the dagger that nearly killed him as a boy. He promised to be there for Bran now, but Bran probably believed that as much as I do. Arya came back to Winterfell. She got all the feels, and OMG got a smile out of Sansa. They agreed that neither one of their stories had been pleasant ones, but it ain’t over yet. The sisters reunited with Bran, who continues to be zzzzzzzzzzzz… oh sorry, every time I say his name, I fall asleep. He gave Arya the dagger. Jon and Dany checked out the dragonglass mountain, and found hieroglyphics from the Children of the Forest, back when everyone was getting along, and they fought together. Jon told Dany that they have to do the same, because the struggle is real. She agreed to fight for the North… if he bent the knee. He explained that his people won’t accept a Southern ruler, but she said they would if he did, and asked if his survival was more important than his pride. Tyrion and Varys brought the news that Casterly Rock had been taken. Dany decided to fly her dragons to the Red Keep, but Jon told her if she used the dragons to get what she wanted, she’s no different than any of the other rulers before her.

Missandei wondered why Jon’s last name is Snow, and the bastard thing had to be explained to her, because they don’t even have marriage where she comes from. She told them about how Dany released her from slavery, and is the queen they chose. That idiot Theon made it to Dragonstone, but instead of slapping him silly, Jon told him that the only reason he’s not killing him is because of what he did for Sansa. Theon filled them in on what happened with the Greyjoy fleet.

The Dothraki tried to kick Jaime’s ass, with Dany, riding on Drogon, as back-up. She said, Dracarys! and it was all over with. Jaime made the soldiers hold the line, but it didn’t go too well for them. The Dothraki are awesome!  So are dragons. They tried shooting arrows at Dany on the dragon’s back, but got some dracarys for their trouble. That traitor, Bron, hooked up some big catapult weapon thing, and I was hoping that he got burned alive before he had a chance to use it. I’m going to have a heart attack yet over these dragons and direwolves. He hit Drogon, and I nearly had a freaking conniption. I hate Bron now, and want to see his head on a pike. Jaime went after Dany and the wounded dragon, but someone pushed him aside before he got crispied, and he fell into the water. I swear to God, I’m not watching this anymore if that dragon dies. I am so pissed. I don’t care who dies in this show, as long as the dragon lives. I don’t even know what’s happening next week. I was too freaked out.

⚛ A tiny side note on Talking with Chris Hardwick. Since I’ve been watching the Breaking Bad Sunday AMC marathons, I wanted to see the interview with Bryan Cranston. I missed the first half, but got in on the end. He’s another funny guy, and generous with compliments to his castmates. It’s worth mentioning that Aaron Paul, who played Jesse, was only supposed to be on a few episodes before he was killed off. That’s really the sign of a good actor – when they want to keep you on past your deadline. (I’ve previously applauded both Roger Howarth an Tony Geary for the same feat on daytime TV.) Bryan also gave us an interesting quote:

🐝 If you’re wearing bees, it’s not a surprise to get stung. – while discussing a Malcolm in the Middle episode where he wore a suit of bees.

GoT-Dracarys

What happens when you say dracarys too loud.

Jul31

July 30, 2017 – Reza’s Halloween, Oleanna’s Confession & Some Hot Pie

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Reza meets Mike for lunch. They discuss Shervin’s party and their severe hangovers. They talk about Shabbat. Mike says he’d be a nutcase If he didn’t have it in his life. He’s been through a lot this year, and hasn’t seen his family in Israel for over ten years. He says the spirituality of Israel is insane, and Reza suggests they go. He connects with his Jewish side and wants to be closer to it. He shows us the mezuzah in his and Adam’s new home. I have one too. It was included with my Queens apartment, and I loved it so much, I brought it with me when I moved. MJ joins the guys. Reza asks what she thinks about the vacation, but MJ is concerned about her sick father. Reza thinks it might be good for her to get away for a while. She tells him book it before she changes her mind. In her interview, she says she needs a break, and needs to do something besides worry about her dad.

Asa is getting ready to open a boutique, since she’s keeping caftans in the freezer. The rent is $10K, but Asa says, high risk, high success. Mona, the landlord, stops by, and I’m not sure what to say. He’s a walking piece of performance art, and shows us his eyelash nipples. Asa needs permits, so she burns sage… or something. The building isn’t far from the beach, and she says obtaining a permit from the Coastal Commission is difficult.

GG is walking in a Fashion Week show, so she and her mother are meeting with the designer, Erik. He wants her to sparkle, and has her put on a sequined romper. He explains how he wants her to walk, and her mother fusses with the garment, wanting to change the design. Erik is expecting 800 to 1000 people, and this makes GG nervous, because for someone who is so loud and aggressive, she doesn’t like people looking at her.

Reza is having a peace in the Middle East inspired Halloween party. Because, why not? He breaks down his crew for us, pointing out how they represent Jews and Muslims. He says even though Mike is totally into his Jewish roots, he’ll eat a shrimp in a hot minute. Reza is half-Muslim, half-Jewish, and all gay, and tells us he’s all mixed up. The wants the guests to dress in middle eastern costume. Reza talks about how gay kids are persecuted there, and says that the way he deals with the sad part of life, is to make fun of the most painful aspect. He meets Destiney in some weird prop store that even has fake kilos of heroin and clothing for suicide bombers. He asks Destiney to come on the trip, since Adam is starting a new job and can’t make it. It must be nice to be able to afford flying half-way across the world on a moment’s notice.

Tommy and MJ go to a Korean barbecue restaurant. She’s never had it before. Omg, she’s in for a treat. They have menus on iPads, which is very Gordon Ramsay. MJ says that she and Tommy need to keep it fresh and sexy, so they continue to date. He toasts to health and happiness. MJ looks pensive, and when he asks what’s up, she tells him that she wants to get pregnant. Immediately. He thinks they have decisions to make and be responsible adults. He tells her that he needs to quit smoking, and she needs to cut back on drinking. We flash back to when MJ froze her eggs, but she thinks there’s a solid chance to do it au naturale. Each thinks the other will make a great parent, and Tommy says he’s down with it. They’re picking up ovulation sticks on their way home.

GG gets her runway makeup done, and designer Erik offers her champagne. He tells them to make her look crazy. I’m not touching that, but Reza would. GG’s makeup looks almost like a raccoon mask of black and blue. Janice Dickinson comes in with the outfit GG is supposed to wear. GG asks Erik what’s going on, and he says he’ll find another outfit. GG tells Reza that he should find that old ass bitch something else. She wonders how Janice can walk around, much less walk a runway, when she’s from the Flintstone era. I like Janice, but have to laugh. She’d probably say that about herself.

GG is like, hell no, and having a hard time not turning into her alter-ego Lochnessa. Erik gives her another outfit, and Lochnessa gets put to bed. The outfit is just as cute – a sparkly robe over a two-piece althleisure/underwear set. Reza tells Shervin about the Israel idea, saying he’s feeling “Jewy.” He wonders if Shervin would be open to it, but Shervin thinks his business interests might be a problem. Reza wonders if he’s doing business with the Sultan of Brunei. Reza invites GG. She says something about them wanting bomb Iran, and a champagne cork pops, startling all of us. GG thinks Reza is a walking oxymoron. Reza says screw Iran, and tells her that his argument isn’t with the people, but the government.

Everyone takes their seats. GG is messing with the bow on the front of the robe, wondering which way it’s supposed to go, and I’m wondering why someone isn’t helping her get dressed. She tells us that this job is the start of responsibility for her. GG looks awesome. She trips a little on her walk out, but catches herself and does well. She comes out at the end with Erik and Janice. She says that she’s never doing it again though, unless Chanel calls.

GG and Asa go to a pumpkin patch. GG tells her about the fashion show. Asa explains that she’s never bought a pumpkin for Thanksgiving, and GG corrects her, saying it’s for Halloween. I assume that Asa has never gotten a pumpkin for that holiday either, because this only confuses her. She asks if they’re died or natural. Has she never even seen a pumpkin before? Shervin joins them.

There’s a carnival game there – the one where you throw Ping-Pong balls into goldfish bowls to win a fish. What is this place? They talk about the Israel trip. Shervin says he feels weird about it. GG says even though she was born in the US, she’s still Iranian. She goes there every year, and feels creeped out about a place that she thinks is negative toward her culture. She thinks they should try to express their feelings to Reza in a way that no one gets offended. Good luck with that.

MJ makes Tommy pinky swear to be the master of his domain. (Seinfeld reference – google it.) She wants a baby now. She wants to see her bloodline continue, and says that if she gets pregnant, they have to make a list for the wedding. Tommy jokes they could get married in the delivery room, but MJ doesn’t think it’s funny. He reads the instructions for the ovulation test, which is more complicated than a pregnancy test. She’s not ovulating, and worries what if it never happens? She’s going to do everything she can to ovulate (I’m not kidding, she said that), and is willing to spend her life’s savings on diapers.

Shervin and Annalise visit GG. There was a fuel leak on the plane, so Annalise is staying in the US longer. GG wants to put all the old out, so she’s moving. She has boxes she hasn’t touched since the last move, and I identify. She has one room to go, and it’s a mish-mash of all kinds of stuff. She says hoarding isn’t a disease; it’s being smart, because everyone loves vintage. Oh yeah? Tell that to eBay. I have a store there, and they’re trying to get rid of the the small sellers who offer those things, in favor of sellers like Sears and Amazon. Mini rant. Mike joins them.

Mike has a moving company now. He says it’s one skill that robots can never take over. His guys come in, and start moving and packing things. He says that what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with hard work and being involved. GG says that after the move, she’ll be ready to go on a trip. She says she has reservations about going to Israel though. Mike understands the hesitation, since he was afraid to go to Turkey. Mike tells them that he has relatives in Israel, and family is everything; they’ll welcome his friends with open arms. GG thinks she won’t be accepted. Mike says if she doesn’t go now, she never will.

Tommy is watching sports, while MJ attends Reza’s party. He wants to get some testosterone going.

Reza wants to get everyone on board for going to Israel. It’s about peace, acceptance, and respect. He and Adam are dressed as rabbis, but Adam thinks they look Amish. GG is totally burkafied. She says Iran isn’t what people think it is when it comes to dress code. When she’s in Iran, she only wears a headscarf, and a burka isn’t a requirement, only having certain areas covered. Asa comes as world peace, where she’s decorated her expanding middle as a globe with a peace sign on it. In his interview, Reza complains that the one time he needs her to come looking like she normally does, she changes it up. Shervin is an immigrant from the 70s, and basically looks like a pimp in a 70s movie. Mike has a Moses riff going on, and MJ is a skeleton, representing the lives lost. GG’s costume is starting to annoy her, and it’s hard to drink while wearing it, so she ditches the burka. Mike waves his staff in the air like he just don’t care. Reza says they’re very United Nations, which was the vibe he was going for.

Shervin wants to go to Israel, but GG isn’t cool with the conflict with Iran. Reza asks if they’re coming. Shervin wonders if he’ll be welcome. Reza says how would they even know what religion he is? Mike insists they accept everyone, and he and GG nearly get in an argument about who wants to nuke who. GG says that she was cool until Reza said screw Iran. Reza apologizes. He says Iranian people and the land they come from is beautiful, but the government is another story. Asa says it’s bringing up feelings, and they have to respect each other, and learn from the trip. GG agrees to come.

Next time, Adam and Reza talk kids, the gang is Israel bound, and then airport detained. Mike asks how come the only real Jew is getting detained?

The Throne Game

Jon Snow finally got to Dragonstone.  Look out for that low-flying dragon! The Red Woman claimed she has brought ice and fire together, but doesn’t exactly want to run into John again. I’ve decided that while Varys does look out for himself, he’s probably the one person who wants what’s best for the kingdom.

Useless Theon claimed he tried to save Yara, who Euron took prisoner, along with Ellaria and her daughter, but no one is buying that story. Cersei told Euron that he’d have his heart’s desires when the war is won, but I’m not so sure they’re on the same page with what those desires are. Cersei did make a good point to Ellaria that Oberyn shouldn’t have taunted Ser Gregor, and would have won the match had he left him alone to die. Instead, he got his head squashed like a grape. That’s pretty much what I said at the time. Dany agreed to let Jon mine the dragonglass, and give him whatever help he needs. Sansa got her command on in Jon’s absence, and Littlefinger continued to try to get on her good side. Bran made it back, but explained to Sansa that he couldn’t be Lord of anything, since he’s now the Three-Eyed Raven and sees all. He saw her in a wedding dress, but she didn’t want to stick around to hear who the next lucky man is.

The Maester poked and prodded at Ser Jorah, who is apparently cured of greyscale. Sam thought he was in trouble, but I thought they should capitalize on this find. Jorah said that he’s heading back to be with Dany, where he belongs. After he chided Sam for a while, the Maester gave him a pat on the back for knowing how to read instructions, and told him to be proud. But his reward is not getting kicked out and still getting to do the grunt work.

Tyrion explained that no one has ever taken Casterly Rock (I could listen to Peter Dinklage talk all day), and they’ll be ready. His father built everything, but wanted the lowest person he could find to build the sewers. That would be Tyrion, who decided to build something for himself – a passageway from the sea. The Unsullied used this information to get inside, killing a bunch of soldiers once they got there, but then they wondered where the rest were. Tyrion told Dany that Cersei’s armies fight out of fear, while hers fight for freedom and the person who gave it to them, and they’ll triumph. Meanwhile, Jaime gathered the rest of the troops, and overtook House Tyrell. Oleanna was wise to Jaime and Cersei sleeping together, and predicted that Cersei would be the end of Jaime. Jaime, being the somewhat decent dude he is, talked Cersei out of flaying Oleanna alive, and brought poison for her to drink, one that would cause her no pain. I wasn’t happy to see Oleanna leaving the canvas, but she got her last digs in.

When Jaime told her that there would be no pain, she drank the poison, saying that she’d hate to die like Joffrey, and how horrible it must have been for Jaime as a father, letting fly that she knew that too. But that wasn’t the best part. Oleanna told Jaime that it was horrible for her too; it wasn’t what she’d intended, but she’d never seen the poison work before. She told him that she wanted him to tell Cersei, that she wanted Cersei to know it was her. I swear, Jaime smiled slightly at that point, and it would make sense. He does have a lot of admiration for a clever enemy. We didn’t have to see Oleanna die, and I appreciated that. It was a fast hour and a satisfying ending.

Next time, Dany has had enough of clever plans; it’s time to release the Kraken dragons.

BTW, Hot Pie now owns a bakery called You Know Nothing John Dough.

http://ew.com/tv/2017/07/27/game-of-thrones-hot-pie-bakery/

GoT-HotPie

 

 

Jul24

July 23, 2017 – A Whole Lotta Shahs & a Little Bit of Thrones

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Asa brings lunch for two out to the pool, and floats around on a golden swan. GG arrives bearing hummus. She ironically says that Asa looks skinnier, and tries to get on the float with her, but ends up dumping her into the pool. GG realizes Asa is pregnant, and freaks out, hugging her. They laugh about GG saying she looked skinnier. Asa says the first trimester is tiring, and GG says of course – your body has another body in it. She asks how everyone else took it, and if MJ is jealous. Asa says she doesn’t think so, but she’s in such a great place, that she’s not even sure what’s going on with everyone else. In her interview, Asa tells us that Reza and Adam’s one-year anniversary is coming up, and it’s sad when they’re missing a person. GG asks if she doesn’t think that Reza was in the wrong too. Asa tells GG that she has to own her stuff, and not palm a percentage off on someone else. She says to move past something, you can’t partially blame others. Good point.

Mike cleans up after the party, and MJ visits with coffee and buttery chocolate croissants. We flash back to the party, which Mike declares dope. Mike is surprised she’d bring the croissants after the throw-down they had over them three seasons ago. He asks if she had a good time at the party, and tells her that when she started crying he felt badly, thinking it was because she wants a baby too. She says that it was about her dad, not Asa’s pregnancy. Mike says he’s open-minded, but wonders why Asa doesn’t want to get married first. MJ thinks they’re not sure if they even want to live together, and Mike wants to be enlightened. In her interview, MJ says Asa and Jermaine have been together seven years, but everything is a secret. Mike says they’ve been a couple forever, and questions why they’re not getting married and then having a child.

Asa comes by Reza’s condo. He’s writing out a card to Adam for their anniversary. MJ shows up next. Reza says they’re late already, and they join everyone at the party bus. MJ toasts to Adam and Reza’s first year. She calls Tommy, but gets voicemail. MJ asks if GG is coming, but Reza says she lies and hits people. He hopes she’s on a good path, but wants to keep the circle small tonight. They guess whether Asa is having a boy or girl, and Adam asks them to guess when they’re having kids. In his interview, Reza says that since Asa’s announcement, Adam’s uterus has been on fire. Ha-Ha! Reza cracks me up.

The bus gets to the Wildlife Way Station where they’re having dinner after checking out the animals. We flash back to the Thailand trip, when Adam and Reza were supposed to get married the first time, with Reza backing out, and Adam staying home. In his interview, Reza says that he wants to give Adam what he couldn’t give him then. Mike says Adam twitches whenever Thailand is mentioned. Two turtles are mating, and MJ encourages them. Reza tells us that Mike has a special connection to monkeys, and it’s very telling.

It’s time to eat, and a beautiful tent has been set up in the forest, decorated with tiny lights and an aquarium. Reza asks Annalise what her plan is, since she and Shervin aren’t on the same continent. In his interview, Reza says Shervin is a whore, and he thinks Shervin is fooling around no matter where Annalise is. He says the burden is on her, and wonders why Shervin is fronting. Asa asks who’s going to have a baby next. Reza says Adam brings it up every five seconds; he wants their children to grow up with Asa’s, but they’ll do their thing when it’s time. Reza thanks everyone for coming. He compares his and Adam’s relationship to a stew that gets better after it’s been around a while. He doesn’t think that anything will make Adam forget Thailand, but it’s been a great year. In his interview, he wants to know where the trophy is for being faithful a whole year.

MJ suggests that they ask questions of each other. Reza wonders who’s getting married next, and MJ asks Asa if Jermaine has proposed. Asa says no, but they’ll get married when they get married, and they practically live together now. MJ asks how her parents are taking it, and if she knows why she doesn’t want to get married. In her interview, Asa says that the questions are judgmental, and it’s her life. Mike wonders if Jermaine being of a different race is a problem with the family, and there’s a quick discussion about how progress has been made in that area. In his interview, Mike says that it’s perfect time to talk, but she’s making them feel stupid for asking. Asa says that she and Jermaine know the future they want, and they’re working toward it. MJ thinks they’re too old for that kind of vague nonsense, and in her interview, she wonders if Jermaine didn’t propose and Asa wanted him to.

Adam meets GG for coffee. She tells him that he’s always been there for her, and she misses him. She’s asked him for a face to face a couple of times, and thanks him for coming. He says he doesn’t remember ever receiving an apology from her, but she shows him a text she’d sent him the morning after she attacked him. He admits that he might have blocked her. She tells him that it was a wake-up call. She loves him, and being the most innocent in the situation, he got the worst of it. He says he told people that he was mauled by a dog when they asked what happened. She says she’d never want to hurt him, and it was a lie about the video. She tells him that time heals, people grow and learn from their mistakes. He says he never hated her, even though she upset him greatly. He accepts her apology, but can’t see her behind Reza’s back. She understands that, and thanks him again. He jokingly tells her not to run after him this time.

Reza asks Adam what happened. Adam says that GG apologized, and he felt it was sincere. Reza asks what she apologized for, and Adam gives him a list, including the things she did to Reza. Adam says he thinks she wants to be a better person, and he’d like to give her a second chance. Reza says if he made up stories or hit someone every time he had a problem, he wouldn’t get anywhere in life. He doesn’t mind if Adam has a relationship with GG, but he’s not ready to have her back in his life. Adam says he’d like for them all to move on. He doesn’t want any negativity in any aspect of their relationship.

Reza arrives at MJ’s, and she hands him a drink. Shervin has invited them to a beach house, and he knows GG has been invited. In his interview, he says Adam thinks it’s cool, but he’s not sure, so he’s speaking softly and carrying a big stick. MJ gets a call about her father being released from the hospital to rehab, and asking if she’ll be involved with physical therapy. In her interview, she says they look forward to, and expect a full recovery. She tells Reza that they should stop by before they go to the beach house. While she gets ready, he cleans up her place. Yep, it’s a mess. In his interview, he sees her moving backward and being stuck, and wants her to get it together.

Reza and MJ visit MJ’s dad, Shams. He’s not as together as he was before, and she’s concerned. He does not look well at all, and in his interview, Reza says seeing him in this frail state is something he can’t even express. Reza tries to keep from crying. MJ says every day is another curveball. She walks around with a lump in her throat and wanting to throw up, but would rather this than what her father is going through. She tells Shams to smile, and he moves his mouth a little bit. She tells him she loves him, and gives him a bunch of kisses.

The guests start arriving at the Malibu party house. No surprise, the property is stunning. GG says she no longer drinks hard liquor. Shervin suggests that he and Mike jump into the pool from the roof. They don’t do that, but Shervin jumps from a balcony, giving everyone a mini heart attack.

In the car. Reza says that was hard, and MJ says that Shams does not look okay. She claims that yesterday, he looked like Roger Moore, but Reza thinks she’s in denial. She sees Shams in a healthier state than he is, and isn’t connecting to what’s real. She talks about taking Shams to Vegas when he’s better. Reza says if anyone says anything stupid or insignificant, he’s going to take their head off.

Reza tells Shervin about the visit with Shams. In his interview, he says it puts things in perspective, like his relationship with GG. It’s been a year since GG has seen Reza, and after she arrives, she realizes everyone is watching and waiting for her reaction. Reza tells Mike and Asa that Shams was a wreck, and MJ acted like nothing was wrong. Reza says that she thinks he’ll be there to walk her down the aisle and hold the baby; Mike thinks she’s completely delusional.

The party is in full swing. Mike tells us that it’s perfect – a dope house, catered food, so much alcohol you could drown in it, and some extras, like belly dancers. You name it, and it can go down at a Persian party. GG tells Adam to be nice to her man; he’s shy. She and Shalom have been living in the same building for years, but one day she said hey, and they’ve been together ever since. MJ wants massive quantities of tequila. GG has also brought a friend to buffer things. Right now, it’s nerve-wracking. She wants to make her presence noticeable, but doesn’t know what to do exactly.

Reza tells Asa about how they have so much amazing in their lives [sic], and wonders what he’s holding on to. He calls GG and MJ over to the couch. He tells us that he had a crazy emotional thing at the hospital, and his heart is open. He tells GG that he needs to bury this. He says the hospital hit home. They were talking about what’s really important, and some sh*t needs to be done. If anything needs to be said, now’s the time. GG says she’s been waiting for this, and has something for everyone. In her interview, she says that she wants to get back to how she and Reza used to be – talking sh*t about other people and not each other. She brings out some little handmade dolls for good fortune that she bought in Belize, and has each of them pick one. She meant to give them out at the time, but… She says that she and Reza put each other through hell, and apologizes for anything she did to hurt him, his people, or husband. Reza says he accepts, apologizes to GG, and says let’s move forward. In her interview, GG is thrilled, and says they’re all best friends again. She and Reza hug it out, and everyone wants the best for each other. They stack their hands on one another’s like before you do a cheer. Unicorns and rainbows dance across the screen. Well, just about.

Next time, Reza throws a Peace-in-the-Middle-East Halloween party, MJ wants to get pregnant, GG walks the runway, and Reza suggests a trip to Israel.

👑 And they’re just warming up. On Game of Thrones, Ser Jorah wasn’t looking too good, but Sam went behind the Maester’s back to try a cure for Jorah’s spreading greyscale. The Tarlys have to make a choice between siding with the crown or house Tyrell, who Jaime pointed out have brought the Dothraki to their shores. Oleanna told Dany that it’s better to be feared than respected, but Dany said that’s not her way. Tyrion laid out a battle plan, but Oleanna encouraged Dany to be a dragon, saying Tyrion might be clever, but she’s outlived clever men by ignoring them. Greyworm and Missansdei got busy. It’s about time. Sam got word to Jon about Dragonstone being on a mountain of dragonglass, and also told him that Dany is bucking for the Iron Throne and coming with three dragons. Jon decided to meet with them because they need the dragonglass. Sansa thinks it’s a trap, but still looked mighty pleased when Jon put her in charge while he’s gone. He begs to differ, and thinks Tyrion is a good guy. Seriously, Sansa should know that.

🐺 Arya was reunited with Nymeria, but it the scene ended sadly. In the forest, Arya was surrounded by a pack of wolves, with Nymeria as their leader. Arya wanted her direwolf to come north with her, but Nymeria wanted to stay with her new pack, and she simply led them away. The ladies from Dorne were kind of a snooze, but things livened up when Ellaria started flirting with Yara, who I constantly want to call Tasha Yar (Star Trek: The Next Generation). It was all fun and games, until bombs dropped on the party. That jerk Euron showed up, destroying the Greyjoy fleet. Although the fighting was fierce, Euron came out the winner, and captured Yara. Theon totally rallied when a knife was held to his sister’s throat – not. In what could have been a glorious moment for him, Theon jumped overboard, leaving Yara to fend for herself. Most. Disappointing. Moment. Ever.

❄ And since someone had to, Lady Lyanna told Jon that winter is here.

GOT-Nymeria

Nymeria

 

Jul17

July 16, 2017 – The Shahs Bring Back the Drama, the Throne Game Begins & a Cake

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Reza can’t believe it’s been six years and he looks this good. I can’t believe it’s been six years period. We see a short preview of the coming season, including a trip to Israel where the gang is detained at the airport. I can think of a million different reasons why this might happen, and none of them have to do with any travel ban. Jessica also makes an appearance, but in what capacity, we don’t know.

MJ and Tommy are moving into a new condo. She unpacks a picture of her mom looking depressed, and Tommy says she’s probably criticizing the photographer. There are some renovations that need to be done, and MJ says she must have inherited mental problems from Vida, since she should have had it done before they moved in. I think she does have mental problems, but not for that reason – Vida also lives in the complex right upstairs. Seriously? Why? (I find out later that MJ owns four condos there, but still, why?)

Mike tells us that life changes. He’s been single for a year, and found himself “a dope pad in The Hills.” He says he’s made some major mistakes, and we flash back to some of them. He and Jessica are cordial now, and he just wants her to be happy. He had Reza decorate because “chicks love that sh*t.” His mother calls, and he tells her about his upcoming housewarming party. We also see his two dogs – a French bulldog and a Pitbull – who are both adorable. He wants his nosy Persian friends to see that everything is okay.

Asa meets Reza at a restaurant where he’s sitting in the incredible outdoor area. You could live there. She shows him some new gold pieces she’s gotten, and says that’s not all that’s new, revealing a large baby bump. Reza congratulates her. In her interview, she sings to the baby, and it moves. She tells Reza that Jermaine’s family is thrilled. She’s 21-weeks, and Reza can’t believe she waited so long to say something. In his interview, he explains that she’s always wearing caftans and eats a lot, so it’s a good way to keep a baby secret. He tells her that she just jacked up his life, because Adam wants kids and they’ve only been married a year. Asa hopes MJ will be happy for her, and we flash back to the reunion, where MJ was not happy with her. Asa says that historically, MJ is an envious person, and she doesn’t want the BS.

Vida visits MJ and Tommy. She immediately starts criticizing everything, her major focus being that they don’t have a coffee table out yet, and there are a million boxes everywhere. Tommy blows his stack, asking if she hears herself, since MJ’s father – her husband – is in the hospital, and they’ve been a little busy. In her interview, MJ tells us that he had a mild stroke, but is expected to recover completely. Vida rants and raves, and says all kinds of nasty things about Tommy. MJ reminds her that this is the father of her future grandchildren, but tells Tommy not to shout at Vida. Vida continues to fume about not setting foot in their condo again. Tommy apologizes, and in her interview, MJ says they both want a family, and she thinks, given time, he and Vida can get along. Good luck with that. I doubt Vida gets along with herself. MJ says it might not be easy, but it’s what they’re doing.

GG goes to a meditation class on forgiveness. She wants to find happiness, and says when you tell her something is hot, she’ll want to touch it. We flash back to some of her altercations. She says causing physical pain to Adam was a wake-up call, and she decided to check into a rehab. Holy! It should have been a wake-up call. We see the scratches she left on his neck. She’s lucky he didn’t press charges. She learned meditation, chanting, and tai chi, and is on a healthier path, not drinking and smoking as much. We’ll see how that goes. Everyone in the class starts wailing, reminding me of a stupid bioenergetics class I was once forced to take when I went to acting school. The instructor insisted that we all didn’t get enough love in our childhoods, and was determined that we should curl up in the fetal position, and “let the sound out.” And we did. Just to get her off of our backs. GG says it sounds like a horror film. She wants to forgive herself, let go, and learn self-love. She says it will take a while to transition to a happier person, so she hopes no one steps on her toes in the meantime.

Asa brings her mother to a sonogram appointment. The doctor says that the next time, she’s giving Asa a whooping cough vaccine, but wants to give her a flu shot now. Asa wants to wait for Jermaine to be there if she gets any injections. (♫ Got to be there! ♫ Sorry, had to.) She’s not keen on all of the vaccinations, and concerned about toxins. I’m double-minded about this issue. I understand why they’re given, but also see the viewpoint of mothers who are against it. Asa also wants the baby to be a vegan; she’s going to be more disciplined than her mother was. We hear the baby’s heartbeat, and Asa is thrilled. In her interview, she says that she considered buying an ultrasound machine, so she could listen all the time.

Adam and Reza play tennis. Reza is surprised to find out that Adam and his mother were local champs when he was growing up, since he didn’t think that there were tennis courts in Oklahoma. Sigh. Having grown up in Ohio, I get the same sort of nonsense, and my high school was more sophisticated than anyone else’s I know, even the ones who grew up in NYC. So there. Reza doesn’t really have the time for mid-day tennis, but he wants to compromise, since Adam is the best husband ever. Adam twists his ankle, and has to be helped to a bench. Reza continues the match with the instructor. Adam suggests they practice, teach their kids, and they’ll have tennis babies. He says Asa being pregnant makes him want a baby sooner – like now. Reza wants to buy a house and get settled first. He tells us that the tennis match wasn’t as much fun as he thought it was going to be.

Shervin and Mo are having a brobecue. It’s a barbecue with just bros, if you didn’t figure that out already. Shervin is still dating Annalise. In his interview, he says that he wasn’t looking for a relationship when he met her, but so far, so good. Mike and Reza arrive. Mike tells them about his housewarming party, and Reza says that Mike is a straight Persian man, so he can’t possibly plan it himself. He has a friend in the business, and offers her help. Mike tells Reza that he’s going to invite GG, but Reza says he can’t be around her. In his interview, he reminds us that she spread lies about him being in a sex tape while he was seeing Adam. He doesn’t even want to be in the same room. Mike says he won’t invite her, but insists that she’s changed. Reza looks for a flying pig. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

MJ picks Reza up, and tells him to bring a to-go libation. She says she’ll tell him where they’re going when they get there. They discuss her new place. He mentions Vida living right there, and says if he was MJ, he’d weigh 5,000 pounds, have no hair, and a nervous twitch. MJ brings Reza to a place where they bleach… um… Uranus, and Reza doesn’t want to. I don’t blame him one bit, but MJ says that they’re doing this. He asks if she’s talked to GG. MJ says she’s gotten texts, but isn’t too receptive. Reza wants to wish GG well from afar, and MJ feels the same way. She says she’s not giving GG a prize for being less than an a-hole. Speaking of which, here comes the… technician? Omg, do we really need to see this? I hope they pay this woman a lot. Reza says she’s aggressive, and starts hollering. MJ is dying laughing, and admittedly, so am I. Reza says his a-hole is perky now. MJ is next. MJ asks how often do you get to do something like this? For me, that would be never. Never is good for me.

Mike wants a great vibe for his party, for everything to be on point, and for his guests to see him happy and excited again. Reza’s party planner friend, Destiny, and her team show up to help – or as Mike puts it, give his party the gay stamp of approval. Destiny tells the girls to be flirty, but on their sh*t.

Adam is afraid that MJ is going to resent Asa’s baby bump, but Reza thinks she’ll be happy, even though after tonight, things won’t be the same. MJ goes to Reza and Adam’s place so they can arrive together to Mike’s party. Reza says that it will bring Asa and MJ closer, but also might light a fire under MJ.

The catering girls are wearing sparkly bikinis and thigh-high boots, with lampshades on their heads. Like the lampshade in A Christmas Story. Mike doesn’t want to get blamed for objectifying women. He says, not his idea, and introduces Destiny right away. MJ wants to have sex on Mike’s couch. Geez, it’s nice (mustard suede?), but it’s not that fabulous. Reza is wearing an ombre button-down shirt that I’d love to steal. MJ moves on to the bed. Shervin arrives with Annalise, and pronounces the place “dope.”

MJ says that she and Asa haven’t spoken since last year, and she has zero interest in someone who is so private about her life. We flash back to the reunion, where MJ accused Asa of not being open on the show. MJ says it’s BS, but she’s going to rise above it and be cool. She’s Fonzi. Or she could be The Countess. Asa asks if GG is coming, but Mike says no. He says that he respects Reza, but to her credit, GG looks a lot healthier. We see a clip of them at a restaurant, where Mike tells GG that he hopes she’s not doing drugs, and she tells him that she hopes he’s keeping it in his pants. Mike starts to say something about MJ holding a grudge, but before it gets heated, Asa interrupts with her good news.

Kisses all around. MJ asks if Asa wants a hug, and she does. In her interview, MJ says she never thought Asa would be the one to get pregnant first. Asa tells some story about a waterfall and knowing when she was pregnant, but I space out. MJ asks if she and Jermaine are getting married or moving in together. Asa says when the baby comes, they’ll be together, but she’s vague. MJ gets emotional, and wishes her every happiness. Asa says MJ is next. MJ says they’re working on it, but her father isn’t well, so she’s been focused on that. Asa wants some water, and I wonder if Mike has Diamond Water on hand.

MJ goes back inside. Asa says she thinks MJ is happy for the baby, but sad about her father. MJ gets a drink, and Mike asks her if she’s upset. She says no, she’s happy, but she’s always crying lately. Mike loves her for putting her life on pause for her dad, but reminds her to live for herself too. He loves her like a sister, and says when she wants to have a baby, she will. In his interview, he really thinks that she shouldn’t waste any more time if she does want a baby.

Asa talks about two psychics saying she would have two sons and then marry. MJ says FML, and continues to drink. Asa tells Adam to feel the baby, and MJ nearly knocks the bottles off the bar. Reza says this isn’t good, and says MJ needs to go home.

Reza and MJ sit outside, waiting for MJ’s car. Reza wasn’t anticipating this kind of emotion. MJ says she wants to have a baby too, but she’s not ready. Reza says Adam wants to plan their kids already, and MJ says that she wants Reza to feel a little pressure too. The car arrives, and MJ gets in.

Mike thanks Destiny and congratulates Asa. He toasts to new beginnings. And to the lampshades.

In his interview, Reza says that they’re all approaching a fork in the road. Their decisions will determine whether they’re on the right path or headed for destruction, downward spirals, and God knows what.  More than ever, they need to hold each other accountable, and every one of them needs to step up. He gets in the car with Adam, and tells him enough with the kids.

Next time: MJ goes to the zoo, GG and Reza meet, MJ downs a lot of tequila, and Asa gets questioned about marriage.

♛ It was heaven to see a new episode of Game of Thrones, especially since I’ve seen them all at least three times now. This one was mostly a set-up for the season. The beginning was a bit confusing, as suddenly, Walder Frey was alive again – toasting his family at some thank you dinner he was having. I was like, was Arya’s murder of him a dream? Is this some kind of prequel? Duh. Arya can do that mask thing now. She gave everyone poisoned wine, killing all of Walder’s family, with the exception of his child bride, left to tell the story. The North remembers. Meera got Bran to Castle Black, where they were met by Bron. Try saying that three times real fast. Bran let them know that The Night’s King is coming for all of them, and he is, as evidenced by our getting to see him and his army of White Walkers. Sam did grunt work for the maester, and snuck into a restricted area to see some secret documents. Stannis told him about an underground mountain of dragonglass being under Dragonstone, and he was able to verify it by what he read. Now he has to let Jon know, but please don’t tell me that he’s going to trust a raven with this information. I’m glad they’re exploring a different side of The Hound, who has now hooked up with Beric, and perhaps will be following the Lord of Light. The Hound is like the Luke Spencer of the show. He began as a thoughtless cretin, but was probably liked by the audience (a credit to the actor), so his character was taken in a different direction. I will never stop hoping for a Arya and The Hound spin-off. Dany arrived home to Dragonstone, along with her crew. Just when we thought it would never happen, we got thrown a bone, seeing the dragons fly to their homeland. In the desolate castle, Dany perused a battle map, and asked Tyrion if they should begin. There was plenty of other stuff – they managed to squeeze in every character – but it was all just laying the foundation for the battle to come, and giving the fans what they really want to see – zombies and dragons.

A Guy Walks into a Bakery…

https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/game-of-thrones-cake-tyrion-lannister

GoT-TyrionCake

 

 

Jul15

July 14, 2017 – An All-Around Sad Day in PC, Premiere News, Quote Quartet & One for Bastille Day

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

General Hospital

Valentin meets Alexis in the park, bearing a picnic basket. He says he doesn’t get an invite to meet her often, and she tells him that they have something important to discuss.

Serena arrives at Scotty’s place. They hug and say how much they missed each other. Scotty asks Lucy if she orchestrated this. She says that she and Gail thought he deserved a good surprise. Serena says she’s glad they’re together, even though it’s because of her grandfather’s death.

Amy tells Nathan that she’ll be outside on the terrace talking him through the interview, and gives him a listening device. She says she’ll be forever grateful, and so will her brother. She asks him to take off his wedding ring, but he says it goes back on the moment the interview is done. Amy says when it’s over, he’ll never have to be Man Landers again.

Laura tells Spencer that one day Valentin will be brought to justice. He says forgive him for wanting to move it along. She says violence isn’t the answer, but he tells her that he’s not thinking about violence anymore.

Sonny tells Kiki that he has full legal custody of Avery.

Ava looks in the mirror, and appears like she did before the accident. Dante walks in, and says she’s under arrest for being an accessory to Morgan’s murder. The mirror drops and shatters. It was just a dream. Dante enters her room for real.

The blogger introduces the podcast, saying that it’s Adam’s Apple, the blog for real men. Adam asks Nathan questions, and on the balcony, Amy gives Nathan the answers. The balcony must be under a cone of silence, because she’s not even trying to be quiet. When Adam asks about Nathan’s own relationships, Nathan says he doesn’t answer questions about his personal life, but Adam wants to know what his credentials are for giving advice.

Scotty asks what happened, but Serena doesn’t know. They were going fishing, and Lee was wearing his lucky hat. She shows them pictures, and says he was fascinated with selfies. Scotty says he always had the magic touch, and Lucy adds, with pretty much everything. They look at pictures of the sunset. Serena says they were all sitting together, watching, and he said it was the most beautiful sunset he’d ever seen. It got darker. He was smiling, and squeezed her hand. Then he said that he felt strange. They noticed he was looking pale. and suddenly, he was gone. The three of them weep together.

Sonny explains to Kiki that he and Ava came to a private agreement. Kiki says she’d assumed one of them was blackmailing the other. He says after Morgan died, he wanted the old custody order off the books. Kiki says she gets it. He’s Avery’s father, but her mom has lost so much. Sonny says that he told Ava everything, and she seemed to accept it. Kiki says that she’s given up.

Ava tells Dante that she has nothing to say. Dante says she’ll feel better if she confesses. She says he hasn’t got a case, and is afraid to tell Sonny, because Sonny will take the law into his own hands. She tells him that she already asked him to put her out of her misery, and he declined. He wants her to stay alive and suffer.

Spencer tells Laura that he let his emotions get the best of him, but came to his senses. There’s no time for childish tantrums. She asks if he’s planning a move against his uncle.

Valentin tells Alexis that the charges were dropped, and his record is actually cleaner than hers. Ha-ha! He’s right. She tells him that he’s being sued. Alexis wants compensation for the death of Nicholas. Valentin says it wasn’t proven, but she says that doesn’t matter in a civil suit, and brings up OJ Simpson. He says they had forensic evidence in that case. She tells him that she’s representing Spencer.

Spencer tells Laura that a lawsuit was the solution. Laura says it will take a long time. She gets a call, and tells Spencer that she’s gotten bad news about an old friend. Spencer tells her that he’s sorry. Laura says that she has to hand him over to Chandler, who has explicit instructions for no detours. She tells Spencer no funny stuff; he wouldn’t want to get Chandler fired. He tells her that he’ll concentrate on learning his lines.

Serena gives Scotty something from Lee – a box of fishing lures. Scotty says that when Lee would disappear into the garage to make them, he knew they were going fishing. He tells them about a big fish pulling him into the lake when he was a kid, and how Lee jumped in to rescue him, but when Lee needed him, he wasn’t there.

Sonny says that he’s sorry for what Kiki is going through; she’s not responsible for what happened. She and Morgan loved each other, but no one can predict how things will end. She made Morgan happy, and Sonny doesn’t blame her for her mother’s actions. Kiki says she feels badly for her mom, but knows Avery is better off with him and Carly. Sonny says she can see Avery any time she wants. Kiki decides to go see her now.

Dante tells Sonny that he has bad news. Wow. Bad news all over the place today. He says that the evidence against Ava is all circumstantial. Sonny asks about the lithium. Dante checked with dealers, but there’s no market for it, since it’s not a drug that gets you high. Sonny thinks they might be protecting someone.

Serena says that Lee wasn’t scared of death, only growing weak and feeble, and his loved ones not knowing how much he loved them. Scotty says that when his marriage to Laura fell apart, Lee wanted him to come there and work for him. He told Scotty that he needed to move on, but Scotty refused. It took him a long time to move on. Right on cue, Laura is at the door.

Adam tells Nathan that if readers are going to take advice, they should know why he’s qualified to give it. Nathan says that he listens well, and a close female friend helps; she should really be the one giving advice. Adam reads him questions. The first one is about a couple who work far away from one another, and sounds like it’s about Nathan and Maxie’s situation.

Valentin tells Alexis that she’s the one who validated the will. She should explain things to Spencer, rather than exploiting him for financial gain. He asks if she’s really going to parade a fatherless boy in front of a jury. She doesn’t have to traumatize him with a lawsuit he can’t win.

Spencer visits Ava. He says he’s been where she is. He suffered in agony, and hated lying in a hospital bed, thinking his appearance had changed. She guesses his burns weren’t as severe as hers. He says he was just as scared, and wanted her to know his heart is with her, as was his father’s. She says that she and Nicholas weren’t close enough to talk about what was in their hearts, but he reminds her of his father.

Sonny suggests checking with pharmacists, but Dante says he did, and there was nothing missing in that timeframe. Sonny says that Ava confessed, but Dante tells him that it was only to him and Carly. He’s already tried to get the DA to file charges, but there isn’t enough evidence. They’re dropping the case.

Laura tells Scotty that she’s sorry. She says Serena is gorgeous, and it’s been a long time. Laura thanks Lucy for texting her. Lucy wanted to honor Lee’s wishes; he had a soft spot for her. Laura says she’s lucky. Scotty says he was too, but never told Lee he loved him. Laura says that Lee knew, and Scotty wonders how she can say that.

Nathan fumbles a little, and Amy tells him that it’s not about Maxie. Nathan asks the reader to think about why they fell in love in the first place, and that his partner’s ideas and knowing her place in the world are special. Give it time, and while she’s away, find ways to keep the spark alive. Respecting each other’s work, and going the distance for each other is what’s important.

Alexis tells Valentin that there was an eyewitness. Valentin says, who? Ava? She saw the gun go off, and Nicholas fall out of the window, but can’t even verify he’s dead. Alexis says she signed an affidavit, and will be a compelling witness – so will Spencer. If the verdict is big enough, Valentin might even have to sell the estate that he inherited to pay for it.

Spencer says that Ava was the last person to see his father, and being with her makes Spencer feel closer to him. He says he’s filing a civil suit, but needs her help. She can tell his father’s story, because his father can’t. Ava says one thing she can swear to is that his father was kind, brave, and was killed defending her; he died a hero.

Sonny can’t believe it. Dante says he hates it as much as Sonny does, but the worst they can do is go to court without evidence. If Ava gets acquitted, they won’t be able to bring it back to court again because of double jeopardy. In the meantime, Ava has to live with herself. Sonny says that’s not enough. Dante says he wants justice as much as Sonny does, but they have to let it go.

Amy excitedly answers the next question, but Nathan answers differently. Amy watches as he’s able to handle the interview fine without her answers. She smiles at him through the window.

Scotty asks how Laura can say that Lee knew he loved him. She says he didn’t have to say it; he showed Lee. He did the things they all hope that their kids will do with them, like confiding in him. Serena says knowing that Scotty is there for her means a lot. Laura says that’s how it was with Lee. Scotty says he hadn’t called in weeks, but Laura says that doesn’t mean he wasn’t thinking of Lee. He says he knows Lee is always with him. Laura says she’s leaving, but Scotty should listen to his daughter.

Ava tells Spencer that she and Nicholas were good together, evenly matched. There was a spark, and if they’d had a chance to pursue it, her life might have gone differently. She’s happy that he’s taking action, and his father would be proud. Spencer thanks Ava for giving his father joy in his last days, and making him feel better. He hopes she finds peace, and she hopes the same for him. He hugs her and tears run down her face.

Valentin wants to avoid the drama of a public spectacle, but if Alexis forces him to trial, he’ll bury her, and tear Nicholas apart. Spencer will hear the illusion torn away, and how his father used him. He says that she just got her license back. Is she sure she wants to start practicing law again by exploiting a small child? She thinks the jury will see it her way, but Valentin says that she doesn’t know anything. She says knows that Spencer will win. He wants justice for his father, but suing Valentin is better than nothing.

Sonny tells Dante that Ava is free to live her life, and Morgan is dead. Dante says it’s not much of a life, but Sonny says it’s more than she deserves, unless he stops her. Dante wonders what he means by that, and Sonny tells him that he promised Carly he’d change. Dante asks how, but Sonny says the less he knows, the better. He’s getting out of certain aspects of the business.

Kiki brings Ava a special surprise, guaranteed to lift her spirits. It’s Avery. She brings Avery over to the bed, but Avery turns away.

Nathan tells Amy that it wasn’t all that bad, especially now that it’s over. She says that he never has to be Man Landers again. She wanders off, and Adam comes out of the elevator. He tells Nathan that the podcast was so well received, that Man Landers will be a regular on the series, and congratulates him.

Scotty toasts to the most ethical, supportive father that anyone could have. He, Lucy, and Serena hug.

Dante asks if Sonny means it. Sonny says that he thought he did; Carly wants it, and he does too. Dante tells him not to let Ava pull him off the path.

Kiki takes Avery back out of the room, and Ava says she scared Avery. Kiki says that Avery didn’t understand. Ava appreciates what Kiki is trying to do, but says that she knows Avery is terrified. Kiki tells Ava that she just has to get used to it, but Ava says she doesn’t want to see Avery again. She tells Kiki that she’s tired, and would like to be alone. Kiki wants to stay, but Ava tells her to go be with her sister, and Kiki reluctantly leaves.

Clutching a handful of popsicles, Spencer finds Laura in the park. Alexis joins them, and he gives one to her and one to Laura. He asks if Alexis delivered the devastating blow. She says she did, but Valentin is a cool customer. They toast to their victory with the popsicles.

On the phone, Valentin says he wants the lawsuit gone before he ends up dealing with Spencer himself.

This episode was in memory of Peter Hansen (Lee Baldwin).

On Monday, Spencer tells Charlotte that Valentin killed his father, Laura says she’ll protect what’s hers, and Jason wants to know why Sam lied to him.

🌟 Haven’t caught up with The f Word yet. but waiting with bated breath for the new seasons of Game of Thrones and Shahs of Sunset to start on Sunday night. Bravo is running a Shahs marathon as we speak, and HBO will be showing GoT‘s season 6 prior to the premiere of season seven. My head might explode.

Quotes of the Week

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. – Oscar Wilde

Character – the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life – is the source from which self-respect springs. – Joan Didion

You can either be a passive victim of circumstance or you can be the active hero in your own life. – Bradley Whitford

…[By] engaging in this negativity you are allowing it to spread. I ask you to take a pledge with me to continue the change toward positivity, and to recognize that this behavior is wrong. – Lady Gaga, referring to social media

And One for Bastille Day

Not being heard is no reason for silence. – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables, 1862

PETER HANSEN

Peter Hansen (Lee Baldwin, General Hospital) 1921-2017

Jul4

July 3, 2017 – Not Much TV & Celebrating Independence

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

General Hospital was a rerun from March today, and will also be tomorrow, which is really today for some of you. I remember the days (putting on my shawl) when they actually had new episodes on holidays. Although it did give me more of a chance to get sucked into the world of Game of Thrones. I didn’t stay up all night during the marathon, but the only episodes I fully missed were when I was sleeping. It was like, wait, let me just watch this one part; oh yeah, there’s this part; that’s right, in the next episode (insert your favorite villain here) bites the dust; and before I knew it, it was the end of season six.

🗽 Have a Happy and safe Independence Day, and please, please keep your pets inside well before fireworks time. 🐱More pets are lost on this day than any other.🐶

🙌 Also, don’t forget what we’re celebrating, besides a day off from work. My favorite way to commemorate the occasion, besides a trip to Oceanfest (i.e. glorified flea market with sandcastles) and hoisting a few, is to watch 1776. If you don’t like musicals, it might not be for you, but I probably learned more about the signing of the Declaration of Independence from this film than any history class. It also gives a glimpse into the personal lives of our forefathers and humanizes them. The cast is superb – William Daniels (John Adams), Ken Howard (Thomas Jefferson), Howard Da Silva (Benjamin Franklin), and a host of others, including several actors from the original Dark Shadows. Full of humor, wittiness, and spirit, it never gets old for me.

A Few Quotes from the Film…

I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace; that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress!  – John Adams

Oh Mr. Dickinson, I’m surprised at you. You should know that rebellion is always legal in the first person, such as “our rebellion.” It is only in the third person – “their rebellion” – that it is illegal. – Benjamin Franklin

To place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent. – Thomas Jefferson, on the purpose of the Declaration

I’m concerned over the continued absence of 1/13th of this Congress. Where is New Jersey? – John Hancock, and in reply, Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania. – John Dickinson

Revolutions, Mr. Dickinson, come into this world like bastard children – half improvised and half compromised. – Benjamin Franklin

This is a revolution, dammit! We’re going to have to offend somebody! – John Adams

At a stage in life when other men prosper, I’m reduced to living in Philadelphia. – John Adams

💻 You can see the whole film here… 

Jul2

July 1, 2017 – Playing the Throne Game

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

Normally, I don’t post on a Saturday, but this is too good to miss. No recap; just opinion.

Game of Thrones

Baby dragons are now flying off the shelves at the HBO store. Even though the new season start date is July 16th, HBO is airing a Game of Thrones marathon that started from season one, episode one. (As I’m writing, they’re on the second season.) I’m guessing this is for Independence Day weekend, and they’ll have another marathon prior to the beginning of season seven. If you haven’t seen this show before, now’s the time. If you’re already a viewer, it’s a great refresher course. It’s been so long, you’ll need it.

While I love the fashion and the castles, Medieval themed stories are not my thing, but I immediately fell in love with GoT. I didn’t come to it the conventional way though. I had pretty much ignored it throughout the first three seasons, and then came “The Red Wedding” in The Rains of Castamere episode at the end of season three. It was everywhere on the internet, and I decided to see what all the hoopla was about, so I went to trusty YouTube. And I was in. Spoiler ahead.

I have to admit, the scene made me laugh the first time I saw it. Not knowing much about the show, I had absolutely no investment in the characters, and didn’t even know the plotline, so I was watching with an unbiased, figuratively detached eye. It was bing! bang! boom! bodies dropping left and right, front and back, blood flying everywhere, like a Monty Python comedy sketch. The episode was still airing, so I checked it out, and was intrigued. I resolved to read the books, even though reading fantasy set in The Middle Ages is even less appealing to me than watching it. By page two, I was hooked. It was that well-written. As I read though, I started to become frustrated trying to picture certain things like The Wall, and couldn’t wait for the series to return. Occasionally, I would catch an episode here or there, but out of context, it wasn’t working for me that well.

When the next season rolled around, which, thankfully, didn’t take a year. I was able to catch up. I also continued reading the books (George R.R. Martin, write faster! And whatever you do, don’t die.), which were just as wonderful, and gave me a better understanding of the characters. I also liked that they were loooong, unlike a lot of modern day fiction.

So even if you think it’s not for you, give it a look. The sets and costumes are spectacular, the acting and writing is superb, and the plotline follows the books for the most part. At least, up until now. (Write faster!) And it has dragons. Everybody loves dragons.

Some Thrones Quotes

Death is so boring. – Tyrion Lannister

There is only one god, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: “Not today.” — Syrio Forel

You can’t steal her. She’s a woman, not a goat. – Samwell Tarly (Not the greatest quote, but it made me laugh.)

Winter is coming. – about a hundred different characters

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground. — Cersei Lannister

If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention. — Ramsay Bolton

Hodor! – Hodor

Sort of like a Pinterest fail…

WinterIsComing

Game of Thrones promo

DSCN5406 (2)

My fireplace…

DSCN5406 (3)

…at Christmastime

Jan19

January 18. 2017 – Surprised by a GH Thanksgiving, So I’ll Just Ramble & Show You a Puppy

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

General Hospital

Not wanting to break a streak, the President’s final press conference was on at 3 p.m. I kept flipping back to see if it was over, and got excited for a millisecond when I saw Dante and Lulu. But then, Olivia came in saying, “Happy Thanksgiving,” and I realized that I was in rerunland. Here’s hoping the new administration are a bunch of early risers who hate The View more than GH.

I’m pretty certain that the rest of the week might be a bust too, with the inauguration happening and all.

So here’s a puppy picture.

julietsbabies2-2

☕ I did watch Star, which it looks like they’re also rerunning on Saturday nights. The casting is genius on this show. I was loving Miss Lawrence tonight, as well as some blue lipstick. Poor Benjamin Bratt though. He has to do all the grunt work.

👓 Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce – or is it Girlfriends’ Guide to Freedom now? or just Girlfriends’ Guide? – was also on the roster. I have the feeling that Abby is going to be sleeping with her son’s baseball coach within the next few episodes.

⚔ Game of Thrones might possibly follow their last season with a prequel. I didn’t think HBO would let go of something that makes so much money.

💀 American Horror Story has been renewed for three more seasons. Supposedly, some of the Freak Show characters will be back for the next one. That’s been my favorite season so far, so my interest is already piqued.

Jun27

June 26, 2016 – Shahs in Belize & Throne Finale

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What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

Shahs of Sunset

Meanwhile, back in Belize, GG wants to talk to Shervin. She says ever since Asa’s fashion show, he’s been trash talking her behind her back. She wonders, if he has an issue with her, why didn’t he come to her first. In his interview, Shervin says that GG continues to drink like a fish and smoke like a chimney, even though her health isn’t good. He tells her he’s genuinely concerned about her. They end up hugging it out.

MJ is still trying to get ahold of Tommy. Now his voicemail is full. Probably with messages from her. She’s trying to keep a brave face, but tells Asa that after he moved in, she started nagging and complaining, and being a turn-off in general. He told her she’s just like Vida and Asa tells her she needs to be careful with that, especially with men.

More amazing food! I gain weight just watching this show. The group has a choice of going tubing or having a massage. Why not both? Reza, Asa and MJ opt for the massage. In his interview, Mike says he has a fantasy of Jessica surprising him by showing up.

Mike’s fantasy is just a little off because Tommy shows up. Needless to say, MJ is thrilled. Instead of the massage, MJ chooses an afternoon delight of another kind. Reza, Mike and Asa take a dip in the phenomenal pool, while Shervin hangs out talking to them. Reza tells Mike that Jessica claims he cheated on her. Mike says she read a message from someone way back when and blew it out of proportion. Asa asks if he’s cheated on Jessica since they were married and he says no. In his interview, he says they’re just allegations and the entire world knows he’s married. Reza says Mike tends to flirt and Mike leaves the pool. Reza tells Asa and Shervin that Mike and Jessica’s stories don’t add up. He finds it unbelievable that Jessica would leave over an old text.

Asa and Reza decide to sneak up on a nakey Tommy and MJ. Jewel is playing in the background and in his interview, Tommy says there goes his street cred. Asa is working on a couples portrait project and wants to take photos of them in the pool. They’re nakey in the pool too, but Asa uses flowers to cover anything we shouldn’t see.

GG, Mike, Shervin and Nima are starting with a hike. They go into a cavern and Shervin freaks about the bats. In his interview, Mike says Shervin has an irrational fear of small creatures, but Shervin says he just prefers not to hang out with them. Asa and Reza get a massage. Asa thinks they should have a talk with Mike. Reza thinks Mike is in denial, but wants to at least give it a try.

Let the tubing commence! They go through the caverns and it’s very cool. Mike says the trip has given him a chance to reflect and is better than therapy.

Reza calls Jessica. He says he’s bummed that she didn’t make the trip and tells her about what Mike said. Jessica says when she investigated the text message, it turned out to be a string going back to before they were engaged, and the texts were not appropriate for a married man. Reza says he’s worried that Mike is just trying to save face and he’s going to lose her. Jessica says she’s not going back to him. Reza asks if there’s any chance, but she says no. She says if he can’t be real, there’s no point in continuing. He tells her that he’s going to try and talk some sense into Mike. He’s going to force Mike to be the man she deserves, whether they get back together or not. Before Jessica is done, he wants Mike to have a moment of clarity.

The tubers (tubists?) return, wondering how many pounds of ceviche the others have downed. Reza asks to talk to Mike. He thinks if Mike is honest, there might still be a chance for him to get back with Jessica. He tells Mike about the phone call and says Jessica was very specific about what the texts said. Mike continues to deny it and asks what Jessica wants. Reza says Jessica wants him to admit what he did. He tells Reza not to call her anymore. In his interview, he accuses Reza of schadenfreude, which is ridiculous. Reza says he’s just trying to help him save his marriage, but Mike says he’s not going to admit to something that isn’t true. Reza says Mike lies sometimes and Mike gets furious, yelling that he’s done and he’s going home. Reza says he’s going to regret it later and suggests they have a drink and tells Mike not make a decision while he’s angry.

Reza asks Asa to talk to Mike, but Mike isn’t having it. We hear Mike saying he f-ed up so bad. Asa thinks Mike doesn’t need another person who’s disappointed in him. She looks out the window and sees Mike leaving. Mike goes to Shervin’s room and Reza follows. Mike says he’s not mad at Reza. Shervin says he could hear them yelling from his room. Mike stomps off. In his interview, the producer asks Mike if he cheated. He says he’s stupid, but not that stupid.

Reza tells the others what happened with Mike and the phone call to Jessica. Mike comes by and everyone gets quiet. He asks to talk to Reza and they step outside. He tells Reza he’s not angry and realzies that Reza was just trying to help. He says because of what happened last year, he has trust issues. He says he was a bad husband and admits to the text messages. He says it’s been eating away at him. In his interview, he finally admits to cheating. He says he loves Jessica so much that he’d shoot himself if she wanted him to. He says it’s killing him. Reza says he loves Mike and isn’t against him. He says Mike is being real and all he wants is for him and Jessica to get back together. He says he’s proud of Mike being honest and says he needs to have this talk with Jessica. He says Mike is good at a lot of things, but owning his stuff takes a minute. In his interview, Reza says that Mike being accountable is a big deal.

Next time, the Shahs see the ruins, GG talks to her parents about RA, and Mike tries to get back together with Jessica.

Game of Thrones

It’s the finale already. Didn’t we just start the season? Although I don’t know how they can top last week. I watch the opening credits because I love seeing the map come to life, and realize I don’t know most of the actor’s names even though I’ve been watching this for years.

It’s time for Cersei and Loras’s trial. Everyone gathers in the courtroom or whatever they call it. The Grand Maester dismisses the call girl he was just with, and one of the children who worked for Varys shows up at his door.

High Sparrow Jonathan Pryce asks if Loras is ready to stand trial. Loras says there’s no need, as he’s confessing to everything, and lists all the stuff he’s accused of. He says he’s seen the error of his ways and will take any punishment. The Sparrow says the gods punish those who avoid justice, but the Mother gives mercy to those who kneel. Loras says he humbles himself and wishes to devote the rest of his life to the Seven. He abandons the Tyrell name, his lordship and will remain celibate. The Sparrow inducts him or whatever and Loras gets a religious symbol carved into his forehead for his trouble.

Tommen starts to leave for the trial when The Mountain stops him. Cersei hasn’t shown up yet and the Sparrow tells one of this fledglings to go get her from the Red Keep. The Grand Maester is looking for the king, but instead finds some other guy and a kid with a sword. A bunch of kids surround him. The guy says sometimes before they usher in the new, the old must be put to rest. The kids all stab the Grand Maester. What the what?

The Sparrow has sent Lancel to find Cersei, but she’s nowhere. He says the longer she waits, the worse it will be. Then he gets stabbed by a kid. What is this? Children of the Corn? Meanwhile, Cersei is staring out the window..

Margaery approaches the Sparrow. She thinks something is wrong and asks why he thinks Cersei and Tommen aren’t there. He says Cersei will be tried in absentia and Margaery says Cersei understands that, but is absent anyway, so she must be avoiding the consequences. She says they all need to leave immediately and tells Loras to stick with her. Everyone starts going toward the exits, but the guards hold Margaery back.

Wildfire in the basement is what’s happening. The stuff squirreled away by the Mad King is all over the place. Dropped in Lancel’s attack, his torch lights it and the whole sept blows up in green flames. Cersei is pleased. Tommen is shocked. A lot of actors are now out of work. Cersei has one of the accuser septas captive and tells her to confess. She says confession feels good and lists all the other things she’s done that feel good, including killing her husband and sleeping with Jaime. She says it also feels good to watch all the people burn. She says she told the septa that Cersei’s face would be the last thing she saw before she died. The septa says she’s ready to meet the gods, but Cersei says she’s not going to die today and she’s not going to die for a while. She calls The Mountain over and says he’s her god now. Cersei leaves, saying “shame,” as the septa did to her, and we hear screaming as she closes the door.

Well, that was all a surprise. And who’s going to put that fire out?

Not Tommen. He jumps out the window.

Walder is celebrating getting Riverrun back. He toasts to the alliance of the Freys and the Lannisters. Bron points out how Jaime doens’t have to do anything to get the ladies and Jaime plays wingman. Walder says his father would be pleased at how everything came together. Jaime asks Walder if he did much fighting back in the day. Walder says the one battle Jaime fought in, he got captured.He says fighting means besting your enemies and now he has Riverrun and the Starks are no more. Jaime says the Freys aren’t feared, but the Lannisters are. He wonders why the Lannisters even need them.

Cersei receives the news of Tommen’s death and wants to see the body. The messenger asks about the funeral. She tells him to burn Tommen and put his ashes where the sept was.

Sam and Gilly reach the Citadel . Sam gives the man at the desk a letter from Jon Snow. He tells him he’s to be the new maester. The man says according to his records Ser Marmont is in charge, but Sam says he’s dead. He says this is irregular and Sam says he supposes life is irregular. He says Sam will have to talk to someone else, but in the meantime he can use the library. Gilly and the baby have to stay behind. The library is humongous and Sam nearly freaks over all the books.

In the North, winter is happening. Jon talks to the Red Woman. Davos joins them, tossing Princess Shireen’s little carved horse at her. He tells the Red Woman to tell Jon what they did with Princess Shireen. She says they burned her at the stake, but she only does what the Lord commands. Davos says her Lord is evil to require a child be burned at the stake. The Red Woman says her parents went along with it. Davos says she had everyone fooled saying Stannis was the one, including Stannis. The Red Woman says she was wrong and he asks how many died because she was wrong. He asks Jon to have her executed. Jon asks if she has anything to say. She says she’s been ready to die for a while, but the war with the dead is coming and he’ll need her. Jon says she’s banished and if she ever comes back, he’ll have her killed. Davos adds that if he ever sees her again, he’ll do it himself.

Jon tells Sansa to take their parents’ bedroom. He says she’s the Lady of Winterfell and they’re here because of her. He asks if she trusts Littlefinger, but she says only a fool would. Jon says they have to trust each other because they have so many enemies now. She tells him a white raven came from the Citadel and winter is here. Jon says their father always promised that would happen.

Olenna says the last time a Tyrell came to Dorne, they were assassinated. Allaria says they invited her because they need her help. Allaria says they must be allies if they want to survive. Olenna says survival isn’t what she’s after since Cersei killed her son and grandchildren. Allaria rings a bell and Varys pops in saying “fire and blood.” Okay.

Dany says there’s finally peace in Meereen and she wants Daario to stay and keep the peace and help the people elect their own ruler. She says if she’s going to rule Westeros, she’ll have to make allies, which involves getting married and she can’t bring a lover with her. Daario says he doesn’t want the crown, he wants her. He says he loves her and he knows he makes her happy. He begs her to bring him along, but she says she can’t. She says she’ll leave him with instructions. Daario says he pities the Lords of Westeros because they don’t know what’s coming. He says he’s sure she’ll get the throne she wants.

Tyrion asks Dany how it went. She says Daario wasn’t happy. He says if it’s any consolation, sacrifice is the trait of a great ruler. He says she has everything she ever wanted and asks if she’s afraid. She nods and he says good, the only people who aren’t afraid are madmen. He says she’s in the great game now and it’s terrifying. Dany says she didn’t really feel anything when giving Daario the boot. Tyrion says he believes in her and she will always have his counsel.

She tells Tyrion she had something made for him. She puts a King’s Hand pin on him and asks him to be the Hand of the Queen.

A servant girl brings some cake to Walder. He wonders where his sons are. She says they’re already there, confusing both of us. He sees teeth in the cake. The servant girl removes her disguise and it’s Arya! She tells him the last thing he’s ever going to see is a Stark looking down at him when he dies and slits his throat. I feel double-minded, since I hate Walder, but love to hate him. Arya looks satisfied watching Walder bleed to death.

Littlefinger approaches Sansa in the weirwod. He says sorry to interrupt her praying, but she says she’s done with all that. She asks him what he wants. He says he thought she already knew. He says he always has the same picture in his mind, and whenever he makes a decision, asks himself if whatever he’s doing will help it materialize. He says he pictures himself on the Iron Throne with Sansa at his side.

Sansa says it’s a pretty picture. He says she’s the future of House Stark. He asks who should rule, a Stark or a motherless bastard. Sanda walks away.

Bran and Meera reach a weirwood tree. Benjen says he’s parting company with them now and wishes them good fortune. Meera asks if Bran if he’s ready for this and Bran says he has to be since he’s the Three-Eyed Raven now. He touches the tree and goes back to the vision of Ned going up to Lyanna’s tower. Lyanna is bloody and dying after just having given birth. She asks if it’s a dream. Ned tells her no, he’s really there. She says she wanted to be brave, but she doesn’t want to die. He says she’s not going to and calls for a maester. Leanna asks him to promise her something. The nurse hands him a Baby Jon Snow!

Jon and Sansa are having a meeting with the guys. One guy says the war is over, winter is coming and they should all go home.

Jon says the true enemy won’t wait out the storm, he brings the storm. Young Lady Mormant lists all the horror that’s happened at the hands of the other kingdoms. She says Jon is the true king and that Stark blood runs in his veins.

Lord Manderly gets up and makes a speech about how he was wrong and Jon is the White Wolf, the King of the North. A guy from House Glover commits to the cause and calls Jon the King of the North. Everyone rises and hails the King of the North. Littlefinger and Sansa lock eyes.

Jaime and Bron see the fire in King’s Landing and spur their horses on. Cersei enters the throne room with The Mountain. She is proclaimed Queen of the Seven Kingdoms while Jaime watches unnoticed. She gets a cool crown that matches her military style outfit. She and Jaime look at each other, as the people say long may she reign.

Theon and Yara stand on the deck of a ship. Dany’s fleet is ready to go. It’s pretty impressive. Even more impressive are the dragons flying above it. Dragon tease. Like the pterodactyl at the end of the second Jurassic Park movie.

Dany, Tyrion, Missandei and Varys stand on the bow of another ship. Crane shot of the ships and the dragons.

And we out.