Tag Archives: Shahs of Sunset

Oct9

October 8, 2017 – The Show Goes On, the Apocalypse Makes Strange Bedfellows & Two Sides of Jesse

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

MJ wants to go skating. In the car, Reza calls Asa and tells her they want to plan a Winter Wonderland Snowflake Ball to celebrate friends and family. She’s not up for it, but in his interview, Reza thinks it’s because she doesn’t want to answer questions. The group goes to Wollman Rink. Tommy never ice skated, and feels like he’s drunk. Well, he should be good at it then. They get on the ice, where even the toddlers skate better than I do. MJ gives Reza instructions.

MJ thinks something went over GG’s head at dinner about Mike and Jessica. Mike was basically saying that if he didn’t need to worry about what his parents would say, he’d try to get her back. GG totally agrees. MJ thinks they should encourage the possibility. Adam promises that the next time Mike brings that bitch up, he’ll be polite about it.

Asa and her mother go for Asa’s sonogram. Asa is on antibiotics and miserable. Her mom, who has awesome magenta tips on her hair, agrees with the doctor that Asa should rest more. In her interview, Asa says the pregnancy has opened her eyes to the toxicity in her friends. The baby is fine and moving, and we see his tiny dool. She says her son will have much genetic input, and an incredible set-up.

In NYC, Reza says that they have a ninja concierge, who has gotten them mass quantities of take-out. They talk about GG getting engaged. She’s upstairs with Shalom, calling Shervin with the news. She talks about how effing cold it is, and how her hands are freezing, showing him the ring. He’s excited for them. He’s working, but she wishes he was there to see it in person.

GG asks where Mike was last night. MJ wants them to turn it up, but Reza says she hasn’t turned it down yet. In his interview, he says they all went back to the townhouse and to sleep last night, except for Mike. Reza says he’s been swervin’ like Shervin, but he’s on board with it. Mike says he spent the night at the Holiday Inn, and tells them that he had seven women, but GG asks if Jessica was there. He just smiles, and they know he was with her. GG tells us about seeing Jessica in the background of one of Mike’s Instagram posts. They’re going to Queens, but Reza says that all the queens are in Manhattan. This is amusing for me, because one of the titles I’ve considered for my memoirs is, There are no Queens in Queens. They’re meeting Tommy’s family, and Tommy tells MJ to leave her crocheting behind. She tells us that she’s more “in” with the relationship now, and feels like she’s coming home.

Reza takes MJ aside. He says they haven’t discussed Mike still being in love with Jessica. GG joins them, and says that she talks to Jessica from time to time. They agree that his mother is the problem. Reza says Persians live a tribal life, and she’s the tribal chieftain. Jessica has work to do to get back into her good graces.

Tommy says they’ll be meeting guys that he calls his brothers, but they’re not blood relatives. Reza tries to do a Queens accent, and fails miserably. The only New Yorkers who have exaggerated accents are on sitcoms.

GG has to stay behind for rehearsal. Shalom is leaving without seeing the play, and she wishes he could realize it’s just an acting job, and be supportive.

They get to the bar, and Reza yells, What’s up Queens? We’re here! MJ tells us that Tommy was raised by a single mom until she was diagnosed with emphysema, after which she passed quickly. He emancipated himself, and lived with the McGuire family. Reza asks what the Queens drink is and MJ tells him it’s a screwdriver and a shot of I-don’t-care. I think it might be Coors Light. Lots of food is ordered, and Tommy mingles, while Reza, Adam, and Mike eat and talk to passersby. Tommy says everyone has MJ’s back; she’s family now.

MJ and Tommy stand on the bar. MJ says nothing matters more to her than family. When she met everyone at Howard Beach, she got a connection. She says they’re her family. There’s no drama, just unconditional love. In her interview, she says it’s been a hard year for her family with Shams being ill. Tommy announces that he’s the luckiest guy in the world. MJ says that Tommy has made her appreciate the moments that make life worth living. Tommy makes a toast about friends feeling like home. Everyone chants fam-i-ly! Reza is glad that he doesn’t need to worry about MJ anymore. The guys are moving on to see the play, but MJ and Tommy decide to stay.

Back in Los Angeles, Destiney has invested in a juice bar, and Shervin goes to an event there. She spikes his juice drink with tequila. She tells us that you can take the girl out of the nightclub, but you can’t take the nightclub out of the girl. Destiney’s family is there, and she introduces Shervin around.

Destiney and Shervin go outside. She tells him that she’d wanted to rip him a new one after he confessed to his cheating on Annalise. In his interview, he says he’s been running from a serious relationship for a while. He lost faith in them after his parents’ divorce, and cheated to run away. He tells Destiney that he made a mistake, but can’t do anything other than apologize. It’s not like he can turn back the clock.

Asa shops for designer baby things in L.A. Latoya Jackson meets her at the store. She asks what Asa is looking for. The doctor told her that the baby is big, and to forget about newborn stuff. She tells us that the Jacksons are the most famous family in the world, and she’s a part of it. They look at ridiculously expensive baby clothes that the kids will grow out of in five minutes. A Versace onsie? Really? She tells Latoya that People contacted her, but Jermaine wasn’t interested. Latoya asks if she’s going to break him of his shyness and privacy, but Asa says that’s his personality. She talks about having met him when she was younger, and then meeting him again about ten years after high school. She says something about a waterfall and seeing a white fox, and how everything was an omen. The rest is history.

Shervin says that he wasn’t ready for a relationship when he met Annalise, but feelings got involved. Talking to Destiney made him think about Annalise’s feelings, and how he’s being unfair. He says it’s not right to waste anybody’s time. He drives out to the middle of nowhere, leans on his car, and video chats with her. He tells her that his friends are holding him accountable. He doesn’t know how to tell her, but he doesn’t think he’s ready. She says that she can’t hate him for being honest, but it’s completely upsetting. He says he didn’t expect to be with her; it came fast, and he wasn’t ready. He tells her that she deserves 100%, but he doesn’t want to fake it. She tells him that she would have ended it, and that it makes no sense. He even introduced her to his mom, and it’s not like she forced him. She tells him that he needs to figure himself out. In his interview, he says his experience has taught him to understand his own feelings, and he doesn’t want to be in a position like this again. Idiot.

GG arrives at the theater. The director asks if she’s ready, and she says no. He tells her that she’ll be amazing. Reza calls and says they’re on their way, and they’re excited. He tells her that MJ isn’t coming, and she tells him that Shalom left. Reza says they’ll hold it down for her, and cheer her on.

Shalom shows up anyway. In his interview, Mike wonders if it’s his idea of being romantic, but says it’s really stupid, and borderline bi-polar. He sees GG before her entrance. She says he showed up and put a ring on it, so she’ll let him get away with this. In her program bio, it says that GG trained for the Olympics. Reza wonders if she was on the space shuttle too, but we see photos of her in gymnastics training when she was younger. Funny how she never told them.

Reza says that this is the refurbished GG. She used to be effed up, but she could pop off again. If one of her co-stars touches her the wrong way, she could smack a ho. The play begins, and she’s really very good. Mike starts to fall asleep. Not because he doesn’t like it, but Reza says he’s been on a diet of no sleep, whores, and vodka sodas, and it wipes you out. Reza thinks that GG is hilarious, and he’s proud of her. Me too. In his interview, he says that she’s not curing cancer, but she started something, and finished it. It only took 35 years. He applauds.

We get to the kiss, and Reza closes his eyes. It’s really more comical than anything else. Reza doesn’t know if Shalom is bi-polar (word of the night) or what, but no one lost and arm or leg. Reza says that maybe he fine-tuned his meds. Afterward, they get champagne. GG says that she told Shalom that it wasn’t a big deal. She thanks everyone for their support. In her interview, GG says that her life was a roller coaster, going downwards, but in the past year, she’s come a long way. We flash back to her accomplishments, and she says this might be a new path for her. She never thought she’d be this happy Things are working well in her relationships with her friends and her boyfriend, and  She can hear everything better. She thanks everyone for coming, even though she saw Mike passing out.

Next time, the season finale – MJ gets angry with Vida who hasn’t seen Shams in a month, Reza tells Asa that she’s disconnected, Adam wants to pull back, and Mike says that Jessica is no one else’s concern. I love these guys, but they do get all up in each other’s business.

Fear the Walking Dead

Victor realizes that it’s the last thing Madison wants to hear, but they’re about to walk into – she knows what they’re about to walk into. She says that what happened wasn’t their fault. They’ll hand over what they have, and hope the invitation stands. Victor asks what if Daniel refuses, and she says they have Ofelia.

Ofelia passes out, and falls off the back of the truck. Crazy Dog yells for them to stop. She says she’s fine; she just lost her grip. Madison wants to talk to her for a second. Did she get bit? Yep, that looks like a bite mark near her shoulder, and she’s not looking too good. Ofelia wants to go to her father, and asks Madison for her word. Madison says she will.

Alicia has set up a little camp inside a house. She hears something outside. She looks around, and sees a guy getting out of his car. She tells him get back in or she’ll kill him. It’s Nick and Troy. Nick tells her this is; she has no idea what it’s like. He tells her there’s safety in numbers, and she says that she almost died surrounded by people. She asks if it’s him or mom talking. He says that their mom will lose her sh*t if he comes back without her. She says that she forgives him, but he doesn’t owe her – or their mom.

At the Bizarre, Victor tells Madison that if they so much think Ofelia is sick, they’ll kill her. Madison tells Ofelia to smile; her life depends on it. A guard searches Ofelia. Victor is miffed that the exchange rates aren’t as good now. Some things never change. Ofelia is burning up, and Madison asks Walker to stay with her while she gets something for the pain. She tells Walker to stay awake, and gives him a knife. Victor says that she gave away half of their rifles for what? To give Ofelia a good by? She tells him there’s no plan B. She gave her word that she’d bring Ofelia to Daniel. He says her word isn’t worth a damn; only resources are worth anything, and she’s squandered what they have. They’ll see what Daniel has to say when she shows up to pay for water they don’t need with a dead daughter and empty hands.

Nick tells Alicia, last chance. Alicia says she knows where they’ll be, and she can find them. Nick prefers that she didn’t die, and she promises she won’t. They hug good-by. Nick and Troy leave. Alicia smiles.

Troy says that Nick must have been a real treat back in the day. Nick tells him it’s old news, and none of his business. Troy asks why he stayed. Nick says that Travis was dead, and Luci was sick; his mom was falling apart, and he had to keep it together. Troy calls bullsh*t, and says that he stayed because he loves them. They’re more alike than he thinks. They’re children of violence, but Nick wishes that he wasn’t.

Ofelia is looking worse. Madison brings her something for the pain and fever, and electrolytes for dehydration. She says that Ofelia doesn’t deserve this, and neither does Daniel. Maybe he will kill them all. Walker says that yesterday, he lost everything he ever knew – home, friends, the bones of his forefathers. He was raised on loss, and thought he was good at it, but there’s such a thing as too much. Ofelia has to see her father one last time, and Madison is honoring that wish. She’s returning his daughter for him to bury, and put an end to this, even if it gets them killed. Madison thanks him.

Alicia drives around, and stops at a fast food place, and goes inside. Oh look, fries. I wonder how old those are? She leaves her gun on the counter – which is never a good move – overturns a bucket, and climbs up to see what’s above a cabinet. We see a zombie outside. She grabs a bucket of instant potatoes. The zombie is now inside, and Alicia stabs him in the head. We hear more zombies coming. No potatoes for you! Alicia looks around the inside playground, and hops into the ball pit, positioning herself to pop them off as they come in. The balls start moving behind her, and I say, no! out loud. Alicia disappears, and then pops up again, along with a little girl zombie. They struggle, and Alicia stabs it in the throat. Here come the rest. Alicia hides underneath the balls. I hope that was the only kid who was in there. A woman with a pickax comes through, dispatching the zombies. When she’s done, she steals their gold, cutting off fingers, and pulling out teeth. She takes the potatoes and leaves. Alicia is like, wow.

Nick and Troy return to the Bizarre. Walker tells him about Ofelia. Madison asks about Alicia. Nick says that they found her, and she’s okay. She’s actually happy, and he couldn’t get her to come back. She knows where to find them. She asks where Troy is, and Nick says that he’s at the bar. She says the more people they have, the safer they’ll be, and starts to cry. Nick that it’s okay. She thanks him for being there, and doesn’t know what she’d do without him. He tells her go get some fresh air, and he’ll look after Ofelia.

Nick watches Ofelia. He sees the bag of pills, thinks about it for a millisecond, takes one out, looks at it, and puts it in his mouth. I don’t blame him.

Alicia wanders around town. She finds a car, and sees the potatoes in it. She reaches in to get them, and the woman from the fast food place comes out.( I find out later on Talking Dead that her name is Diana, although I don’t think they actually said it during the episode.) Diana says that she’ll crack Alicia open like a coconut if she touches the potatoes. Alicia says that they’re her potatoes, and Diana asks why they’re in her car. Alicia tells her that she took them from the restaurant Just give them back, and she’ll be on her way. Diana says that would be a conflict of interest. She walks toward Alicia, and Alicia levels the gun at the gas tank. Diana asks what she’s going to do after it blows up, and Alicia asks why make trouble where there isn’t any. They can share them. She’s tired and hungry, and she’d prefer not to kill her.

At the Bizarre, Nick orders tequila, and asks where he can get uppers. The waitress says that he’ll have to ask the Butcher. Troy tries to discourage this idea, but Nick says that Troy owes him. He tosses back a shot, and gives Troy a pill.

Victor strolls through the back hallways, where it looks like the hookers and gambling dens are. He starts to jimmie a lock, when a man says that this is the time he should realize how deep in sh*t he is. Victor turns to face a group of guys, and says he wants to talk to the Proctor. The leader says don’t they all, and it’s better if he stays away. Victor says he has something the Proctor wants.

Madison tells Ofelia it’s time.  Walker says that Daniel is coming, and Madison says it will be worse seeing him there. Ofelia says it’s okay. Victor holds her for a moment, and Madison takes her outside. She finds a spot. I’m not crazy about Ofelia, but this is a little sad. Ofelia doesn’t want anyone to see her, and Madison says he’ll be here soon. Ofelia says to tell him that she was looking forward to getting to know him. Madison tells her that you think you can protect your kids, but somehow they know who you are and what you did. They know you; it’s in their blood. She says that Ofelia knew her father; don’t think she didn’t. Ofelia leans on Madison. Daniel’s truck pulls up, but Ofelia is dead. Madison is like, nooo. She walks out to Daniel, and tells him to wait and listen for a minute, but he walks over to where Ofelia is. He says her name, and holds her. Madison freaks a little, and we’re both waiting for Ofelia to turn. Daniel asks what kind of sick joke this is, and what happened? Madison says that the ranch was overrun. Ofelia saved them, but got bit. Daniel says, this is the price. He tells Madion to get away before he kills her, She walks past him. Behind her we see Daniel raise his gun, and we hear the shot. (Another thing I learned from Talking Dead. There were several Ofelia endings bandied about, including having her turn. Not only did the actress have a serious problem with the contacts, it was agreed that it would break the mood. Wise choice.)

Nick and Troy are high, and things are blurry and weird. This doesn’t look like much fun. Nick asks somebody something in Spanish. They go inside to a bar. The bartender asks how he can be of assistance. Nick says he’s looking for things, and the guy shows him a tray of weird stuff. Nick wants up, and the guy goes to a shelf where there’s more weird stuff in jars. Troy wants to leave. The bartender shows Nick something, and explains that it’s the nucleus of a brainstem, and pure adrenaline, enough to wake the dead. He gives them each one at no charge, putting them in glasses. Troy asks whose glands these are, and dude says we’ll call them Pete’s. Nick downs his. Everyone stares at them, and it’s freaking weird. Troy swallows his.

Alicia asks what Diana does with the teeth. Diana says that the Mexicans buy gold in bulk at the post, and some will sell the teeth and fingers for charms as protection from biters. She gives Alicia a ring with a tooth mounted on it, saying that she looks like she could use protection. Alicia says no offense, but it’s disgusting. Diana asks where she’s headed, calling her too good for good luck. She tells Alicia that she’ll just pass ghost town after ghost town, all picked clean. The potatoes were a gift. Alicia says she’ll find a way. She had to find way to do it alone or die. Diana says that’s why she doesn’t keep company with anyone, and no offense, she’s taking her things and going. She says that this is the life, and Alicia ain’t finding a way out. Not north, south, or anywhere. If she can grow accustomed to killing, she’ll get by. Alicia wonders who could get used to this, and Diana says that if a woman sets her mind to it, she can get used to anything.

Nick and Troy climb the fence, and drop down into the outside. Nick tells Troy not to fight it; he’ll never feel freer or more himself. They act all strange and goofy. A zombie is in the cab of a truck, and Nick repeatedly slams the truck door on it as it climbs out. Nick takes some of the zombie’s blood, putting it all over both his and Troy’s faces. They walk down the street into a group of zombies. Nick hesitates for a moment, and then plows in. Troy is scared, and so am I. Troy follows Nick, and the zombies keep on going past them. Nick says he can’t go back. Troy hugs him. This new bromance is way too weird.

Madison picks up the bag of pills, realizing some are missing. Daniel finds her, and says he was walking all night. He carried Ofelia to a tree, and buried her with his aunts. Madison says that she saved Alicia’s life. Daniel asks where Alicia is, and Madison tells him that Alicia left; she’s on her own now. She can’t blame her for having enough. Daniel asks about Madison being with Ofelia when she died, and if she said anything. Madison says Ofelia told her that she loved him, but I get the feeling Daniel doesn’t buy that. Madison must think so too, because she adds that Ofelia said she was looking forward to getting to know him. She told Ofelia that she already did, but she never knew man who brought her to them. Daniel says that she saw him once for a moment, and it frightened her. He tells Madison to get her things ready; this is no place for her. She tells him that she would like to bring the others, if that’s all right. He nods.

Alicia wakes up. Diana is outside, messing with the car engine. Alicia asks where she’s headed, and Diana says to more killing – teeth won’t pull themselves out. Alicia asks if she needs help. Diana says no friends, just killing. She asks if Alicia ever thought about selling her hair, but Alicia tells her don’t even think about it. They go off together. I like it. This new sisterhood is definitely not weird.

Madison sees Nick and Troy. She says that they’re heading back to the dam. Nick tells her that they’re thinking of staying behind for a couple of days. She tells him to do what he needs to. He knows where to find them. Nick and Troy walk off.

Victor asks if Madison is ready. She says she is, and asks what about him? He says, always

Next time, the two-hour season finale. Before which, there will be a marathon. I notice that Efrain is played by Jesse Borrego, who was Jesse in the 1982 TV drama Fame.

Jesse & Efrain, Yet Both Jesse…

JesseFame  JesseFWD

Oct2

October 1, 2017 – The Shahs Take Manhattan, An Overcrowded Pantry & a Classic

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

MJ tells Tommy to never call again, and she’s going to get pregnant with someone else. She is seriously out of her mind. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her. At least since I’ve been watching this show. She wakes up with him next to her though. He came back at midnight. She tells him that he was coming at her really hard. She wonders what happened to their decision, but he wants to make sure they’re ready. She asks if he sees neglect of love in her. she says they’ve been talking for a year and time is of the essence. She asks if he wants to make a commitment to being healthy, and he says yes, a commitment to being adults. Good luck with this. MJ starts to draw an affirmation board on the wall. She lists parenting class; diet and exercise; and sobriety. Tommy jokes that now she’s ruined it. She says she doesn’t want a bastard, and marriage comes before anything happens. I’m still puzzled that anyone uses that word, other than when cursing someone out, but then I remember she has Vida for a mother.

Mike goes to see his lawyer. He tells us that there’s a six-month process to end a divorce. He thanks the lawyer for making it as painless as possible. The lawyer tells Mike that everything is done, and they’re walking away with their own assets, waiving any future claims of alimony. In his interview, Mike says that for the first few years of the relationship, he and Jessica were on Cloud 9, and spent every day together. They had the wedding of their dreams, but anyone in a real relationship understands that there are trials and tribulations. We flash back to some of those, including Mike cheating. Mike says he can’t change the past; it’s done. He signs the papers. The lawyer says that it usually takes a couple of months to be finalized.

The gang travels to NYC to see GG’s play. When they get to the townhouse rental, Mike says that GG probably took the best room already, and Tommy suggests that GG has already peed in the corners to mark her territory. A concierge greets them, saying her name is Georgia. MJ asks if she can get some Chinese food. Mike says that him and this group of Persians are going to lose their sh*t in the city. GG and Shalom come downstairs. Everyone checks out their rooms. Mike breaks out the tequila. Reza and Adam are visiting a rabbi, and Mike thinks they should be married again, so it’s by an honest person. We flash back to Asa officiating at their wedding, and Mike brings up how Asa lied about her pregnancy. In his interview, he says him, GG, and MJ are on the same island; a friendship not based on trust isn’t a friendship.

GG says Shalom is supportive, but not thrilled that she’s going to kiss someone in the play, which he just found out. MJ asks if it bothers him – truth – but he’s saved by the doorbell. It’s a ton of Chinese food. Reza asks how they met, and Shalom says J-Date. Mike says that GG has dated nearly every nationality, so why not throw a Persian Jew in the mix, noting that he’s the best guy she’s dated. MJ toasts to GG being able to hear now. In his interview, Reza says she’s been trying to get her life in order, but she’s three seconds from biting someone’s head off. Mike says he’s going to drink them all under the table tonight.

Adam asks GG how she thinks Shalom is going to react. Tommy asks if he’s seen any of it, but he says he’s not going to be there. Adam thinks he should be more supportive, but he’s annoyed about her kissing another man, and decides to leave. Reza can’t believe it, and follows him upstairs, with MJ not far behind. He asks why Shalom is leaving. Shalom curses Reza and MJ out. Reza wonders why he’s freaking out, and reminds him that his name means peace. Mike says he’s jealous, and asks if GG’s ego is her amigo. He says it’s the way she protects herself, and she’s going to lose Shalom. He encourages her to talk to him. Reza asks if Shalom is crazy. Shalom gives us all the finger on his way down the stairs, and says he’s bouncing. GG can’t find her shoes. Reza wonders how the night went south so quickly.

Mike tries to get Shalom to come back in. He tells Shalom that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. GG says the entire play is about sex, and he’s known it the whole time. Shalom comes back in, and Mike says it’s just a show, but Shalom says it’s about money. He asks GG if she’s broke. She says what if she’s trying to pursue that kind of career. In her interview, MJ says that Persian men are jealous and overbearing, and a horrifying experience to try to live with. Either you have to live like a nun or don’t date a Persian. GG says it’s not about money. She found something she’s passionate about that keeps her sane. She’s been working hard at her acting; she’s not just an effing slut. Reza asks if there’s tongue involved. She says no, and Mike says maybe she should explain that. Shalom says he’s not a bitch on a leash; and he goes to bat for her. Mike says they’ve rallied behind him. Shalom says they’ve been his family, but he has family, and wants to go back to them. GG wonders why this is coming out now. He’d told her it wasn’t a problem.

Shalom says he left his family for the relationship. Reza says he’s lived it since he was a kid. His dad turned his back on his family, and he deals with sh*t like this from something that happened in Iran fifty years ago. He knows all about it. He talks privately with GG, and says it struck a chord. She says this came out of nowhere. MJ says neither one of them are being productive. This, coming from someone who was totally unreasonable just the night before. Tommy calls to MJ upstairs. She tells GG to do it the old-fashioned way, and tell him what he wants to hear. Reza calls it an old Persian trick. He suggests she tell Shalom that Saturday is her last night.

They go downstairs. Reza gets everyone else out, saying he has something to show them. GG asks what Shalom is talking about with his family. He tells her to keep his family out of it. She says there was no conversation. He won’t even look at her. In her interview, she says she’s put away her ego and stubbornness to be better for him, but he’s just another d*ck. She says he doesn’t respect her, and wonders what she did. He tells her she’s crazy right now. She tells him that he’s the person yelling at everyone and running down the street. She has a right to have a reaction. He says he does too. GG says she can turn it up, and starts getting loud, and saying bring it. She tells him that she’s better when people stand up to her. She say,s you wanna go, let’s go. Shalom heads for the door, and she tells him to do what he does best – run. She says he’s being evil, when she’s been nothing but nice. On his way out, he tells her good life. She tells him good luck with his. The door closes behind Shalom and his suitcase.

Tommy asks where they’re registering for gifts, making us all laugh. Reza asks Mike if he’s happy he’s single at moments like this. Reza thinks it’s easier dealing with another man. He won’t fight at that decibel, because he can say and do things he can’t take back. Adam sits with GG. He tells her that he’s sorry about the outcome, but applauds her for sticking up for herself. He says let’s talk about a bigger issue. What’s she going to do about the tattoo? She laughs. Everyone turns in. Reza is glad he’s not single. He says that sh*t is too much drama for anybody’s mama. Adam says so they’re going to do surrogacy, right? MJ tells Tommy that she appreciates him.

Shalom texts GG, saying they need to talk. She goes outside.

Reza says he’s a Persian alarm clock, doing that yodeling thing, and going into each room. Reza sees that GG isn’t alone, and asks what’s going on. She says she went to meet with Shalom. Adam asks if it’s him, and GG says no, it’s just a random guy. (She’s kidding.) Reza wonders how she got Shalom to come back. He says they’re seeing the rabbi, and want to lay out the plan for the day. When they gather downstairs, GG says that Shalom sent her a text to meet him in Times Square, and shows Reza her engagement ring. We see the proposal, and there were illuminated signs that says GG will you marry me? along with her photo. No surprise, it’s a gorgeous ring, a bedazzling diamond square, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Reza and MJ congratulate her. Tommy wanders downstairs, wearing red Christmas-themed pajamas. Reza demonstrates how GG should walk around with her ring prominently displayed. He tells Mike that they just went from DEFCON 5 to engagement. In his interview, Mike says this just might work. Reza says that he and Adam have to leave, but wants to meet afterwards. I would assume that Shalom planned this all along, since renting Times Square, including signage, probably has to be booked ahead. So did he stage the fight?

Reza and Adam go to the 6th Street Synagogue. They want to raise their kids Jewish, and are meeting with an orthodox rabbi. Reza wants their kids to have the structure he didn’t have. The rabbi says that life is a sacred journey. Adam asks if he has to convert. The rabbi tells him no, but it’s a different experience when shared. He says that Adam and Reza’s sensibilities are the same, and explains that a non-Jew is still given space in the community, and nothing will stop him from belonging. Reza talks about meeting with a surrogacy doctor, and the rabbi says he and his partner had children that way. It was a powerful way to be actively involved, as the body is a powerful space. Reza asks what to say when the kid asks who their mom is, and the rabbi explains says they told their children that they’d asked the biological mother to help them. He tells them a kid who’s loved is fine. Reza gets weepy, and says how grateful he is. The rabbi tells them that we care most about the things that are hardest, and difficulty shouldn’t be feared.

Everyone goes to a jewelry store. Mike wants his guy to give MJ a deal on a watch, since she’s the cheapest person ever. It’s a $10K watch, and she gets it for $7.5K. Mike says she’s valuing herself at a higher level, which means her life is progressing. She gets Tommy a watch too, and tells us she loves him more today than ever. That part of her looking for a reason not to believe in love, is gone. For lunch, they go to a restaurant called Hunt & Fish. Reza and Adam join them. MJ shows off her watch, and Reza is shocked. Mike shows them a picture of himself on his phone, where he’s loaded down with gold chains, saying he had a hip hop moment. MJ gives Tommy his gift. She says it’s symbolic of her telling him that she’ll always have time for him. Wonder how long it took for her to think that up?

Reza wants to run something by the group. He suggests hiring a party planner, and throwing a party to celebrate everything. He asks who Mike will bring, and he says his mom. He explains the different levels of having a relationship with a woman, and says that once they meet your friends, next thing is a double-date and you’re in the dating zone. It took him a year to introduce Jessica to his parents. MJ asks how she is. He says she’s cool, and GG says she saw her during her rehearsal period. Reza asks if they’re in a good place, and Mike says it’s awkward. They don’t know how to feel, but he’s always going to love her, and would always be there for her. In his interview, he says that for a year, he thought about what he would have given up to fix it. GG and MJ think that they’ll get back together. Reza tells Mike that whatever his decision is, they’ll embrace it. In his interview, Reza says that Mike is still in love with Jessica, and thinks he should try again. He can’t live with one foot in, and one foot out.

Next time, skating in the city, the Shahs go to Queens, GG performs, and Mike meets with Jessica.

Fear the Walking Dead

Everyone mills around the pantry. Alicia hands out something that looks like Gatorade. Madison tells someone to turn on the air. Alicia sees that Blake has a wound, and he quickly covers it up. Ofelia says there’s a problem. There’s no air coming through. She says they have to get out of there. I don’t know what’s up with this show, but again the background soundtrack is way too loud.

Troy buries Jake. He tells Nick that Jake was better than they are; that’s why he’s gone. Nick says that his brother is dead because of the mess brought down on them. If they die, it’s because they failed.

Alicia works on a calculation. She says they have two hours before carbon dioxide kills them. Crazy Dog says the best case is them dying from it. Alicia thinks they can buy time. Fewer people means less carbon dioxide, and some of them have been bitten. Crazy Dog suggests lice checking, but Alicia says they can’t force them. She says they’ll kill him if he tries to kill them, but he says they’re already dead.

Alicia gets everyone’s attention. She says they’re all scared. They don’t know what’s happening out there, and they’re less sure in here. The vent is broken, and their only airway is blocked. This means if they can’t fix it, they suffocate. The enemy isn’t what’s out there, but time. The more people who are in there, the less time they have. So, she’s asking for those bitten to come forward. There are no takers, and I laugh. Crazy Dog says it’s the hard way then, and stares at Blake. Blake lifts his shirt, showing the bite mark. Another guy comes forward, followed by a woman, and people start to stand up.

Nick tells Troy that there are too many of them. They need to create a way through them. Troy thinks they should blow up the fuel lines, distracting the zombies, and make a break for the pantry. Alicia gives Ofelia a gun, and asks if she’ll be okay up there. Ofelia says sure, and asks if Alicia will be okay down here. Ofelia climbs into the ventilation system.

Alicia looks at Blake, and he opens up a box of painkillers. He explains to the bitten people that it will knock them out. Alicia says, then you’ll be taken care of. Someone points out that there’s not enough ammunition. Another guy asks if they’ll be stabbed, and a woman starts crying. An older guy says he doesn’t feel so bad, and maybe the bite wasn’t that deep, reminding me of the Black Plague scene in Life of Bryan. The people start arguing, but Christine says that morphine is the best feeling in world. They’ll be in heaven before they get there. One of Walker’s men volunteers to go first. They go into another room. He lies down, and Alicia injects him. When he’s out, she stabs him. We don’t really see it, but it looks like it’s the base of his skull. She comes out crying, and drops the knife. Christine hands it back to her. She says that she knows it’s hell, but those people have done their part, and she has to do hers. They need her because she’s strong. Don’t break on them now.

Troy and Nick have decided to blow the fuel lines to distract the zombies. Nick shoots the line, and the zombies turn toward the smoke and fire, because they’re not super bright. Troy drives the truck through the horde. Heads roll, and blood drips from the windshield. Troy crashes the truck, T-boning a parked car, and he and Nick jump out, shooting and making a beeline for the helicopter. Somehow, they get inside, where Troy collapses with laughter.

Blake is last. He tells Alicia she has to do this now. He rolls up his sleeve. He tells Alicia that he’s sorry, and she says that it’s okay; it’s gonna be okay. She injects him. He slips away, and I wonder why they just didn’t let them overdose on morphine, and stab them as soon as they were dead?

Alicia comes back out, and everyone is staring at her, which I’m sure really helps things.

Ofelia crawls through the vent with Crazy Dog behind her. She tells him that they have to turn around, and go feet first. Apparently, turning around isn’t easy in a tight space, and is kind of like parallel parking in NYC. Crazy Dog starts banging on the side of the metal tunnel, and Ofelia tells him that he’s going to hyperventilate. She tells him to breathe, and counts. He begins to calm down.

Alicia says she shouldn’t have brought them there. Christine tells Alicia that her husband was in the first tower when it fell. She tied calling his cell over and over, because then there was a chance she might hear him again. Even when you’re hopeless, hope is all you have. Alicia has given them a few precious hours; there’s no shame in that. Christine says that she met her second husband in a support group; he was a first responder. He made her laugh. She says good sex is fine, but if they’re not funny, forget it. I agree. Alicia asks who brought her there, and she says it was her second husband, Jerry. Jerry was convinced the towers were the beginning of the end, and the ranch felt like a perfect fit. They spent their last years hiding from the world, when they could have been exploring it. She asks Alicia to promise her to never make decisions based on fear

Crazy Dog tells Ofelia that it hasn’t happened in a while, and he’s sorry. Ofelia says no need to be, and asks if he was in Iraq. He tells her yes, and she says her dad saw stuff that haunted him until the end. It’s the price you pay. He says his son was terrified of him, and he’d had an episode one of the last times he saw him. Ofelia asks if he’s ready.

Christine and Alicia talk about fun things they’ve done. Christine burned her bra at Woodstock. Alicia talks about a talent show at summer camp. She was supposed to sing This Land is Your Land, but when the music started, she froze and couldn’t remember the words. She looked out, and saw Nick’s face like he was living it with her. He ran up on stage, and forgot everything too, so he blasted out this land is your land over and over. Then after the twentieth time, he took giant bow, and everyone applauded and gave him a standing ovation. She says they loved him. Christine asks if they were close, and Alicia says when they were kids, but it changed. She looked up to him when she was young, more than anyone, even her dad. She starts to nod out, and sees that Christine is asleep. She tells her to wake up. She looks around, and everyone around them is sleeping. She gets up, but she’s groggy, and finds it hard to walk. Everyone is either asleep or on their way.

Zombies surround the helicopter. Nick runs the propellers, so there’s some nice slicing action, but some break the window. Troy says it’s quite a place to die, but Nick says they’re not dying.

Alicia talks to herself, while she struggles to look around. She drags herself to some steel shelving, and pulls herself up. She sees a ranch woman turned zombie, feeding, and it comes after her. She takes out the knife, and keeps pushing the zombie back, as she tries to get a better grip. The zombie gets her down – and falls on the knife. Um… she better get to whoever that one was feeding on. Yep, they’re all starting to stand up.

Ofelia and Crazy Dog continue on. Zombie sounds can be heard from outside. They finally reach the vent, but they’re both struggling not to pass out. Ofelia tells Crazy Dog to help her up. As she climbs, the zombies get louder. Crazy Dog passes out, and Ofelia falls, a zombie falling on top of her. I guess it was stuck in the vent. She keeps him at bay, and then shoots him. She starts to climb again.

Alicia is seriously outnumbered. She pushes the now really dead woman off of her, and kicks a zombie in the head. She stabs it, and fights another off. She calls for Christina, but she’s out, so Alicia quickly drags her out of the fray. I dunno. She looks dead to me. Alicia locks the gate behind them. She grabs a gun, and puts a cartridge in. As the zombies come toward them, she shoots them.

Troy tells Nick to choose, you or me, but something starts blowing up. The lights go out in the pantry, and sparks shoot out of the fixtures.

Troy tells Nick, you or me, choose, but something starts blowing up the lights go out in the pantry and sparks are shooting out of the fixtures. Alicia runs out, and zombies crowd her, but she throws them off left and right.

There are gunshots and zombies drop. The cavalry is here. Madison and crew arrive, along with Nick and Troy. Alicia tries to get Christine to wake up, but that’s a no. Walker tells Madison that they have to go or be trapped. Alicia stabs Christine in the head.

Looking out to the range, Madison says it could have worked. Nick says they got there before he and Troy did. Madison tells him that they have fuel enough to go where they need to – the trading post. They supply up, and can be at the dam by morning. Madison asks if Walker told Ofelia, but he says she’s still in shock. Madison tells her that her father is alive, and her to bring Ofelia back. Walker confirms that it’s true. Madison says that he thought Ofelia was dead and is desperate to see her. Madison says that they have to move, the explosions are attracting more. Alicia comes out, and I wonder why she looks like she desperately needs a shower, when Madison, Victor and Walker look fresh as daisies.

Madison and Nick hug Alicia. She asks where Jake is, and Nick shakes his head. I suddenly wonder if Alicia will end up being pregnant. She asks how, and Troy says that he was bitten, and had to be put down. She asks Nick where the horde came from. He doesn’t know, and says that Troy saw it coming and tried to warn them, but it was too late. Madison tells Alicia they’re leaving soon; they found Daniel at the dam. Alicia tells her to stop pretending. No place is safe. It doesn’t exist, yet they kill and die for it. She doesn’t have to choose Madison’s way. Victor says that there’s water and walls at the dam, so it’s the best choice. Walker tells them let’s move while it’s still daylight.

Alicia asks Madison to show her where they’re going on a map. Madison says they’ll be there by morning, and Alicia says she’s not going. Madison thinks that she’s still in shock, but Alicia says she’s seeing things more clearly than ever. Madison’s way doesn’t work, and won’t. She needs to find a way to live for herself, and she can’t do it running in fear, or with any of them. She’s not asking; she’s telling. Madison can’t force her to come. With rations and a weapon, she can survive. Jake showed her a place, but she needs to go there alone.

Walker starts the truck.

Alicia drives away. Nick asks Madison if he should follow, but Madison doesn’t want to lose them both. Nick says he’ll make sure she’s safe, and meet them. She won’t lose anyone. Madison tells him to take Troy along, and promise he’ll come back.

Madison gets in the fuel truck. We hear Woody Guthrie’s This Land is Your Land, as we see the pantry full of zombies and real dead. Everyone heads toward their respective destinations, and the song continues as we see the expanse of land.

Next time a ball pit full of zombies, Alicia sees someone, and Daniel asks #WhereIsOfelia.

This Land is Your Land

Sep25

September 24, 2017 – MJ Issues an Ultimatum, Miles of Zombies & a Puppy

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Construction is happening at MJ’s condo. Since she came back from Israel, she’s been thinking about how Mike said to quit using her father’s illness as a reason not to move forward. Her designer brings in a vision board. She says it’s condo first, then baby and marriage. A little out of order, but it all needs to happen. Reza comes by. He’s shocked that his bitching didn’t fall on deaf ears. He tells us beige and messy bitches don’t go together, and tells MJ to pick a color, any color. She picks the worst one. She picks something else, and he okays it. He’s staying out of the design part, but will supply cheap labor – i.e. free. MJ says it’s probably the most responsibility she’s taken on in her life. She tells Reza that she needs some real food, and wine.

Mike brings shoes to the regional manager if Shoe Palace. I’m not familiar with that chain, but he tells us that they sell a lot of shoes, and he’s thrilled to be meeting with them. The manager tells Mike that he says no to small brands 99% of the time, but likes to keep his ear to the streets. And maybe get free advertising for his stores. In his interview, Mike always thought of himself as the breadwinner of his future family. We flash back to him talking to Jessica about creating the shoe line. It didn’t work out, and his motivating factor is gone. He shows the guy teeny tiny shoes for kids, and explains that they’re both premium and dope. The manager says he’s never seen anything like it, and thinks they can make something happen. They bro hug. Mike says it’s bittersweet, since he should be calling his wife, but he’s calling his mom.

Annalise is at Shervin’s unpacking. She says she’s getting professional at it now. She talks about moving in. In his interview, he says it’s a risk on her side, and a responsibility on his, but when they spend time together, the relationship deepens. Zzzzz… He thanks her for not believing the bullsh*t. MJ comes by, bearing a poinsettia. She hates that all her friends wake up in the morning, tell lies, go to sleep, and start over. In particular, Asa and Shervin. She needs the naked, ugly truth. She says she wants to talk to Annalise one-on-one, but Shervin is there, so fine. She just comes out and says that she thinks Shervin cheated on Annalise.

In her interview, MJ says that Shervin is controlling, and wouldn’t let her talk to Annalise privately. Since she’s about to pack up her life in Australia and move in with him, MJ wants her to know. She says he’s like a kid in a candy store when she’s not around, but Annalise says she believes him since he’s never lied to her before. She appreciates MJ saying something, but they don’t understand how open and honest he is. MJ thinks Shervin has been working on her. She hopes that Annalise isn’t being Stepford and having tunnel vision. She says that Annalise is choosing to believe Shervin is honest. Shervin says that in the end, the truth always comes out. In his interview, he thanks Tara for the rumor that brought them closer together. Oh boy, I can’t wait for the reveal, because yeah, the truth always comes out.

Reza meets with Mike at the barbershop. Reza says that Mike is more gay in the grooming department than he is. Mike tells Reza about his blind date with Pursia, a Persian rapper. He says they went dancing and had frozen yogurt, but he’s not seeing her again. He still feels guilty about not making his marriage work. Reza says talk to any of them, but don’t talk to girls he’s dating about his ex-wife. He says Mike needs to close the book, not just the chapter, so he’s not stuck in purgatory.

Shalom comes by GG’s place. She’s picking out clothing for her trip to NYC. She’s still shocked that they want her for the play. She tells Shalom that her mom is impressed with him. He says family comes first, and people need to forgive and forget. She says anyone who can put up with her family and friends is a keeper. She makes broad hints about getting a ring. She tells him that in return, he gets the MVP. Most Valuable You-Figure-It-Out. In her interview, she talks about wanting a family, and how the nannies will take care of the kids.

Reza’s new blind cat is called Miss Moo. I love it! MJ visits, and he gives her some tequila. He’s been writing a play, and hands her a copy. He says it’s a passion project based on his two grandmothers and if they had planned his wedding. He says it takes place in a gay café. He has MJ read the part of the Muslim grandmother. He says that he grew up in a household where it was like the two sides were at war with each other. Going to Israel was a life-changing experience, and he wants to share his knowledge with others to spare them the same pain. He says GG might be doing something way off-Broadway, but this is going to be better.

GG is in the city being Carrie Bradshaw. She gets to the theater and meets the director, her scene partner, and some of the crew. She’s never acted before, and says that she freaked when she saw the script since it’s half the size of the Bible, which is highly doubtful. She’s memorized her lines, gone to acting class, and gotten a hearing aid, but might still suck. She says the last time she worked this hard at an accomplishment, was when she tried stealing her parents’ car at sixteen.

MJ takes Vida to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for lunch. Vida thinks the waiter talks too much and that MJ looks tired, so we’re off to a great start. MJ tells Vida that she wants to get pregnant. Vida says maybe Tommy doesn’t want to be a father, but MJ says he won’t do it if he doesn’t want to. Vida asks if she can make sure he doesn’t ignore the baby, and if she’s willing to take that risk. MJ says that Vida is one of the reasons she kept many men at arm’s length, but now that she’s met the man she wants to make babies with and grow old beside, she has to stand up for herself. She tells Vida that it’s time to accept and support her choices. Vida says she knows what’s best for her daughter, but MJ says she thinks not.

Mike whistles for Reza. Reza says he’s not Mike’s dog, and Mike calls it a Persian doorbell. They’re going to paint MJ’s place, but Mike is only in it for the free pizza and beer. Reza says whether they like it or not design-wise, they have to be nice. He’s all about moving forward today.

When they arrive, MJ says they’re covering the floors first. Reza points out baseboard dirt. Mike pretends a crudité is his dool. Shervin walks in, and Reza asks how many friends MJ invited. MJ says she didn’t invite Asa, and Reza says they have an acquaintanceship instead of friendship. In his interview, Reza says that Asa doesn’t understand the rift, and isn’t going to change her mind or apologize. MJ says that at this point in their lives, they need to lean on each other, and there’s no point in having a friendship if they can’t be honest. Destiney comes in, and everyone has shots. Shervin messes up, and hits the ceiling with his paint roller. Then everyone starts painting weird things on the wall. Reza puts paint on the couch, and MJ tells everyone to chill.

Shervin says it’s not cool about Asa, and doesn’t want to be in the same boat. He tells them that he screwed around before. Mike says, lamest admission of guilt ever. Shervin is sorry for lying, but he’s scared of commitment. Mike asks if he told Annalise, but he says no. In her interview, MJ wonders who isn’t lying. Destiney asks if he did it in the house, and he insists he didn’t. Then he says he did, but he wonders what difference it makes. In her interview, Destiney says that Annalise is giving up her whole life for him. She thought he was a classy dude until she got to see the real Shervin.

Shervin says it’s none of their business. Mike says that for a woman, it’s like their sanctuary, where they lay their head. Vida enters the fray, and is like, omg, what a mess, and freaks over the literal writing on the wall, where Reza has added a cartoon dool. This causes everyone to actually go to work. Tommy comes home, and is surprised that it’s coming together. Reza points out the ovulation sticks lying around. Vida asks if MJ is sure about Tommy, who tells her that he’s like herpes – you can’t get rid of him. That reminds me of the dog in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She was named Herpes, because if she’s good, she’ll heal. BA-DUM-CHH! In her interview, MJ thinks once Vida is holding a baby, she’ll change her tune. MJ says she’ll buy Vida’s retirement, so she’ll be available to babysit. She writes Vida a $100K check, and says if she gets pregnant, to cash it. Vida doesn’t want anything to do with it, and MJ starts crying. Tommy says she’s an emotional nut, and kisses her. She’s also drunk as a skunk. Why do we say that anyway? She tells Tommy that he’d better get her pregnant.

Reza asks what’s going on, and MJ says everyone is making fun of her emotions. She thinks everyone should be supportive. Reza says they are, and Tommy says her mother isn’t Donna Reed. Then he has to explain who Donna Reed is. Vida leaves, since she’s done her job and made MJ cry, and MJ asks Tommy if he’s sure. He says they need to prepare, and it’s not as easy as she thinks. People typically do it at twenty, not forty. Reza tries to talk to her. Tommy tells Mike that she feels like she has a gun to her head because of Shams being ill. She tells Reza that she’s going to get pregnant, and Tommy should be begging to be the father. Tommy says neither of them have healthy lifestyles, and he doesn’t want to leave a child without a parent. In his interview, he talks about his mother dying when he was a teenager, and how he couldn’t cry. He felt like the worst person. He loves and misses her every day. MJ says it’s now or never, and she’ not allowing cold feet. Tommy says the problem isn’t cold feet.

Reza tells Tommy that he made his girl uncomfortable and upset, and please make her not that way. Tommy asks how many shots she’s had, and she says that she’ll get pregnant by another man. In her interview, MJ is also unreasonable, saying  that him not telling her that he’s sure is like he’s lying. Tommy says that he wants to make sure the baby never wants for anything. He starts crying, and so does she. He brings up his mother, and says that he felt alone growing up, and doesn’t want that for his kid.

MJ asks if Tommy has been crying, and for whom. Reza says that it’s time to exit, and tells them to make some babies. Destiney says her heart is crying. She asks Tommy what the problem is, and he says he wants to make sure they’re around for the kid. She wants to know if what he says is real, and he tells her that he’s been nothing but honest; he’s had reservations from day one. He wants to make sure they’re ready to be good parents, and live a healthy lifestyle. He grew up without anybody, and he ran his whole life from it. If he had a great day, there was no one to tell. He’s going to make me cry pretty soon. Tommy says it’s not her or him, and there’s more to it than both of them loving each other; that doesn’t mean they’re prepared. MJ says his mom died; her dad is dying. Should they not die? She starts getting loud, and he gets louder. He says that he doesn’t want to fight. She says that she’d rather have a baby with someone who doesn’t have a problem with it. She tells him now or never, and he says, then it’s never. In her interview, MJ says she needs someone stronger than this. She says she’ll be an amazing mother, and Tommy needs to be about his truth – that he’s really full of sh*t. I have empathy for her, but she needs to see that he’s telling her the truth. They aren’t ready.

Tommy says she’s right. He’s a piece of sh*t, and a liar. He’s not going to listen to this nonsense. She didn’t listen to him, and pissed on what he had to say. That doesn’t make him want to have a baby. MJ tells him if he told her that he smoked way too much or she needs to stop drinking, he’d have a leg to stand on. I think, but isn’t that what he was saying? She says he’s in a pickle now. (Really, she said that.) He has two choices, sh*t or get off the pot.

MJ tells him to get off the pot, never call her again, and just bounce. Destiney says it wasn’t supposed to go down this way. In her interview, MJ tells us that no man can hold a candle to her dad, and thank God for him; she still has him. She tells us that the lesson of the day is don’t get fooled by the weak. What MJ needs isn’t a baby. She needs therapy to help her get through this tough time. It’s heart-breaking, but she’s going about this all wrong.

Next time, Mike’s divorce is finalized, the gang goes to NYC, Adam and Reza discuss surrogacy, and GG goes nuts on Shalom.

Fear the Walking Dead

Troy kills a rattlesnake and writes in his journal. Tastes just like chicken. He must have been on the road a while, since he’s pretty grubby and has an almost beard. He thinks about the gun. He sees the scalped guy in the chair, whose name I forget, from when we first met Walker. He wanders around and goes inside a warehouse. He goes through what’s there, and finds a bunch of cans that are either cat food or I don’t know what, but it’s not deviled ham.

He sees a plaque that says God helps those who help themselves. The wall behind it opens to reveal a gun and some ammo. He buries the scalped dude, and writes furiously. He sits in the chair where the dude was and plays with the gun. I guess he’s thinking about killing himself, but with him, it’s hard to tell. He hears zombie noises, and shoots the gun in the air. He smiles.

Nick and Crazy Dog are out in the fields. Nick pikes a zombie. Crazy Dog says the cattle are going to die soon from lack of water. Jake tells Alicia that they had 400 head once, and it’s not even a ranch anymore. He didn’t think it would bother him so much. She says they’ll start over, and if they live long enough, she’ll get him more cows. She says it’s livable, and they can’t say that about any other place. Jake thinks there are more places like this. He tells her about a cabin near the border that would be fine for two people. Everything he fought for is gone. She says they’re lucky to have what they do, but he says it was supposed to be more.

Ofelia tells Crazy Dog that Jake is weak, but she has to gain their trust. He says that Nick is already in the middle. She asks if he trusts Nick, and he says everyone does. Nick and Alicia have a smoke on the deck. She tells him he looks like sh*t. He says he killed a man, and now he’s sleeping in his house. She says he killed an evil old man to save them, and he says he did it so Madison didn’t have to. He’s concerned about Troy, but she says he doesn’t owe Troy. They share the same self-destruction. Nick says maybe he’s just as sick.

In bed, Nick hears sounds outside the cabin. He gets his knife, and looks around. While he’s on the balcony, Troy sneaks up behind him. Nick tells him that he can’t be there, but Troy says here he is. He doesn’t want to sit down or he’ll pass out; he’s on a mission. He says Nick saved him in his own way, so he’s here to return the favor. He says there’s a beast in the desert with nothing to keep it from growing, and it’s bigger than he can imagine. Troy says there’s a third way, and locks the sliding door, leaving Nick on the balcony. He tells Nick that he needs to listen. The whole place will be obliterated. He needs to see it; it’s beautiful. Nick tries to get him to unlock the door, but he won’t, so Nick runs in the front.

Alicia suggests going outside the ranch, and pumping water in. Jake says that’s what her mom and Walker are doing. She’s concerned about not hearing from them, and Jake says they need a plan B. Everyone is always talking about a plan B on this show, but nobody ever has one. Alicia wonders how Jake can talk about leaving. She’s fighting for this place, and they’re staying. She doesn’t want to worry about him, and he tells her she’s released from her obligation. She says that’s not why she did it, and he asks who she’s actually fighting for? She seemed lost when they arrived. He thought he’d taken advantage of her, but wonders if it was really the other way around. He asks if it’s a relationship or alliance, and if that was the plan all along.

Nick comes to the door. He tells them that Troy was there. He wanted to warn them about something coming, and wanted them to see what it was. Alicia thinks he’s baiting them. Jake says he warned Troy not to come back, and now he has to face him. Nick tells Alicia that he’s responsible, and someone has to look after her boyfriend. Alicia gives Jake a gun, and says she did it for him. He’s the last good man she knows. He and Nick drive away.

Nick says that Troy could have killed him, or hurt any of them, but he didn’t. He thinks that Troy came to warn, not harm. Jake tells a story about finding a rabbit skinned alive. He put it down, because that’s what you do when something is lame or sick. He doesn’t think Troy is going to get better.

Suddenly there’s a cloud of dust rising in the distance, parallel to the road. They stop the car and get out. Nick radios Alicia. All she hears is infected. The dust clears, and there are a billion zombies crossing the desert. They see Troy walking out toward them. He looks up.

Alicia tells Ofelia that Nick and Jake are in trouble. She thinks that they came across a horde. Ofelia wonders why they were alone; there’s safety in numbers, and it’s protocol. Alicia tells her that Troy snuck in and warned Nick. She says they need to stop it, but Ofelia asks how do they know it isn’t an ambush?  Alicia says they don’t, but she trusts Nick and Jake.

Out in the desert, Nick asks for a minute with Troy. Jake doesn’t think he’s coming back, but Nick wants to try. Troy says it’s a cleansing. Nick says he’s not in his right head, and Troy agrees he’s a little punchy. He says they love loud noises, and cocks the gun. He says he loves that sound, the way some love a ball hitting a bat. This is evolution and Darwinian. Nick says it’s murder. Troy asks if he wants to go there. It’s eviction or extinction. Jake asks him not to make him do it, and points the gun at him. Troy shots the gun, and Jake throws him to the ground. He smacks Troy around, and tells Nick to go; it’s time to evacuate.

Troy says there’s one road in, and one road out. It’s time to face the monsters. Jake tells him that rabbits scream, like human beings, but he still protected Troy. Nick tells Jake if he pulls the trigger, he’ll never forget it. Troy hints about Nick having shot Jeremiah, but Jake says he doesn’t care what Nick did. Jake is about to shoot, when Nick kicks him out of the way.

The group at the ranch watches as the zombie horde approaches. Nick and Troy slide down the hill toward the horde. Some stray zombies are already close, and Jake gets bit in the arm. He asks Troy how long before it spreads, and tells him to do it, meaning cut off Jake’s arm. Troy hesitates, so Nick does it himself.

Crazy Dog asks Alicia what’s going on, and she tells him that Troy told Nick and Jake that something was coming. Crazy Dog wonders if it’s something that’s out there or something be brought. Ofelia says he’s not helping. The guy with the beard, whose name I don’t remember, says they’ll need guns and bullets. Crazy Dog gives Ofelia the keys to where the arms are stashed.

Troy holds Jake in the truck bed, while Nick drives. Troy insists that there’s no ranch to go back to. We can see zombies for miles.

Crazy Dog directs the trucks and RVs to be driven making a barricade. Ofelia asks if it will stop them. He says they’ll hunker down behind them when the zombies go past, and asks if she has a better idea. Nope. He tells everyone to move, and they all run around. The horde gets closer.

The zombies arrive, and everyone is lined up behind the vehicles with weapons. The zombies hit the barbed wire, because they’re too stupid not to run into it. No way could they kill this many. Nick watches through binoculars. The RVs start to rock, and then zombies start crawling out from underneath them. Holy! The ranch people all whack at them, and pike their heads, with various weapons as they come through. Nick is like, this isn’t good. Troy says that Jake was the one who wasn’t supposed to die. Nick tells Troy to put him down. Troy says that he wanted Jake to see what he’d done for them. Nick grabs Troy, and says, look at what you did; that’s you, and throws him down. Nick radios Alicia. Troy tell Nick to kill him, and do what his brother should have. Nick kicks the gun over to Troy, and tells him to kill himself.

One of the RVs is about to tip over. Alicia says it’s not going to hold. Once it gives, everyone will die. The RV gives way, and Ofelia says, let’s go. Yep, that’s it. The zombie horde is in. Nick looks sick, and I’ve been making noises since Jake got bit.

Everyone is slicing and dicing, and stabbing, and shooting  Alicia tells everyone to go into the pantry. Oh no! They grabbed bearded guy. Alicia tries to shoot the zombies, but can’t get a bead on them. Bearded guy has a gun and tries to shoot himself, but the gun doesn’t go off, so Alicia shoots him in the head. Then the dead feed on the dead. There’s lots of running and craziness.

Jake opens his eyes – which look really cool, more like the Night King on Game of Thrones, than the usual creepy zombie eyes.

Alicia’s gun is out of bullets, and she just goes nuts whacking at the zombie. Ofelia hammers them in the head. Omg, these guys are totally surrounded. Crazy Dog even head butts one of them. They manage to free themselves, and lock themselves in the pantry with the others. The zombies scramble around the door outside.

Troy stabs Jake in the ear. He says he needs some sleep. Nick says they need to find a way to save the people he tried to kill. He can sleep when he’s dead. Hey, that’s what I always say.

In the pantry, everyone listens to the zombie sounds from outside. Alicia looks frazzled, and hyperventilates.

Next time, Nick blows stuff up, Crazy Horse says they’re all going to die together, and Alicia is attacked.

😴 I need to call it a night, so I leave you with this…

PuppyInCrate

Waving good-by to the Weekend

Sep18

September 17, 2017 – A Shah Thanksgiving, Daniel Gives a Dam & Pick Your Monday

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Mike wants to look for a new house, but Reza thinks he should be focused on girls and dating. He thinks Mike is being shady. Mike says it’s hard to pick up the pieces after five years. Reza asks if he’s divorced, but Mike says almost. In his interview, Reza says that he circled the date on his calendar with red Sharpie, and now he finds out that Mike isn’t divorced yet. He asks if Mike is holding out hope, but Mike says no. Reza thinks he should test the waters; it’s like riding a bike and falling off. Sometimes you have to get back on, and sometimes it’s just a practice ride.

GG goes to a sex shop. She’s there for a class. In her interview, she says there are certain techniques she’s not comfortable with, and she needs some knowledge for the play she’s in. She plays a librarian who needs to unleash her passions. Adam joins her. They talk about Asa, and GG wonders why Asa wants to hang around people whom she doesn’t trust. She’s getting tired of talking about caftans. Class begins.

Hang-ups are discussed. GG is given some suggestions. Adam keeps making silly comments. In her interview, GG says that she never thought that she’d need to know these things for any job. I could make a bunch of jokes here, but it’s too easy.

MJ and Reza go to the LA Mission to help feed the homeless the day before Thanksgiving. I did a soup kitchen in NYC one Thanksgiving when I didn’t have to travel until later, and I highly recommend it. Everybody even got three cigarettes on their way out the door if they wanted. I thought that was a really cool extra, but this was the 80s and I guess people wouldn’t think so today. Reza and MJ have been doing this for years, but in the past few, Reza has gotten the others to join in. Mike laughs about the Jewish boy cutting up pork. Asa asks MJ to help with her hair, which startles MJ, since they haven’t been very friendly lately. Reza jokes about getting “crab salad” in his crotch from a hot tub (just the topic for the kitchen), and GG thinks he said he has a jacuzzi in his garage. The hearing aid isn’t coming fast enough. Destiney asks if Asa’s parents have ever pressured her to get married. She says no, but MJ thinks that’s not typical of a Persian mother.

GG tells Shervin that she’s reluctant to see her sister on Thanksgiving. Shervin commiserates, having people like that in his life. GG says she wants to make peace for her father’s sake, and wants to mend things so they can co-exist. Shervin says that she’s coming from a good place, so go for it.

Mike and Asa meet at a Persian bakery. Mike is trying to Persian the Thanksgiving holiday up a bit. He asks how Asa is feeling, and she tells him about having insomnia. She says this is the happiest thing in her life, but since she’s shared about it, they haven’t been supportive. Mike says it’s genuine concern. He thinks she’s focused so much on it, she’s projecting on to everyone else. He brings up MJ bawling in a restaurant over her father dying, while Asa was taking snaps of the food. She claims she didn’t hear it. Mike thinks she’s become the queen of deflecting. I’d like to add obliviousness to that. He tells her about the practically immaculate conception she’s having, and she asks where this is coming from. He tells her that Reza said something, and it’s messed up if she had IVF and didn’t share that. In her interview, Asa says Jermaine is private, and she keeps private out of respect for him. Their relationship is off-limits. Mike tells her that he’s just the messenger.

GG tells us that looking back, a lot of her problems in school were because she couldn’t hear. Teachers thought she was ignoring them. Her parents and MJ accompany her to get the hearing aid. Audiologist Dr. Sweet comes brings GG in to get the devices placed in her ears. GG says that when she speaks, it sounds like there’s a speaker in her ear. The doctor wants to do some tests, and this time she gets 100%. GG says she sees herself in a more accepting and loving way now. In her interview, she gets choked up about being able to hear.

On Thanksgiving at Shervin’s house, his mother demonstrates how to deal with a pomegranate. He tells us that his mom definitely approves of Annalise. In her interview, MJ says that even after her parents divorced, they still celebrated holidays with family. This is the first Thanksgiving she’ll be without her father, who’s still in the hospital. She asks Shervin if things are cool with Annalise, and he acts like he doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but suggests MJ stay out of it. In her interview, she thinks Annalise should know what’s going on, but Shervin “Corleone” thinks he’s the Godfather.

Asa says she and Thanksgiving were a match made in heaven, even though she only discovered it when she moved to America. Reza and Adam join her family for dinner. Asa says her doctor told her to stay away from negative energy and stress. She tells them her back still hurts from chopping at the Mission. In her interview, she says there’s an elephant in the room, but she still loves Reza.

GG arrives at Shervin’s. She and MJ get ready together. Mike shows up next, with Vida right behind.

Asa and Reza do some lemon picking in the backyard. She tells him about talking to Mike, and says that she’s sad. Ever since she’s been pregnant, it’s been one harassment after another. She tells Reza that Mike told him about what Reza says about IVF. He tells her about the conversation that he and MJ had. Asa says she’s hurt because he didn’t say something. He hates himself for getting twisted up in MJ’s pain, and says he never spoke about them going to IVF at the same time. He wanted to tell MJ that she could talk to Asa. Asa says sorry MJ was hurt, but it’s not her fault. Reza says he’s most upset about being forced to pick a side, and he’s damned if does, damned if he doesn’t. In her interview, Asa says that she didn’t expect this from Reza.  She says she can forgive and move on, but never forgets.

Tommy arrives bearing a covered dish. Vida discusses MJ’s bra with her, saying it’s not the one she approved. Tommy tries to deflect, saying they both look beautiful. GG talks to Annalise about Shalom out on the patio. She asks if Annalise ever feels scared. Annalise says even if things fall apart, she always thinks there’s a lesson in it. In her interview, GG says that Annalise is ready to pack her bags and move in, while Shervin is still fooling around. She tells Annalise that there are rumors going around.

MJ joins the girls outside. When he sees them talking, Shervin tells Mike that GG is disrespecting his house. Mike tells us it’s a whorehouse when Annalise isn’t around. Shervin jets outside. GG asks how the gossip doesn’t cause fear for Annalise. She asks when Annalise gets to that screw you I’m moving on point, and Annalise says that she doesn’t let anything control her life; she controls her own life.

Shalom wanders in, along with GG’s parents. GG says part of her was hoping her sister would be with them, but they tell her that Leila couldn’t make it this year. Well, that’s weird, since she just walked in.

Shervin makes a little speech, thanking everyone for sharing the day with them. GG says she’s thankful to Shervin for opening his home. She thanks Leila because it’s her father’s favorite holiday. She begged her to come, and is thankful and grateful that she did. I know I sound repetitive, but the food looks fabulous. And like no Thanksgiving I’ve been to, including the buffet at the Ocean Place hotel.

Leila goes outside for a smoke. Shervin follows, and she asks if he believed that. She says GG isn’t sane, and she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth. It’s just a show for her parents. Mike joins them, and she says she’s just doing her parents a favor by being there. Mike doesn’t think she has the right attitude, and she calls him a jerk. In his interview, he says he’s been friends with the family for 21 years. GG was always the child who got the attention, whereas Leila was self-sufficient, and that makes her jealous. Mike tries to talk to her, but she keeps calling him a jerk. He says he’s livid, and asks if she can’t put her bullsh*t aside for the day. Everyone is outside at this point. MJ says that Leila is having the conversation with Mike that she should be having with GG. GG ends up outside by herself.

Asa is getting hangry. Everyone sits down to dinner. Reza says It’s a bad ass turkey. Apparently so, since the thermometer comes flying out when he begins to carve it. In his interview, Reza says that normally, this should be a joyous occasion, but someone pulled the rug out from under their friendship. Asa doesn’t understand that her actions have affected the group. Reza feels like everything is telling him to go home. He says all that matters are the people you have in your life.

Leila points out that GG took eleven days to thank her for a ride home from rehab. GG claims that she messaged the next day. She says that she’s trying to be peaceful, so why is Leila doing this when she’s trying to make things right. Leila says that GG devastated her and her son, Jordan, when they gave her ride from rehab. It’s explained that Jordan had asked where GG’s booboo was, and mean big sister Leila said it was in her head. GG suggested Leila has the same booboo (ha!), and I guess that didn’t sit too well with her. Well, she should have kept her mouth shut. GG starts getting loud about how hard she’s trying, and says no more bullsh*t, and Leila laughs. I’m getting the real dynamics now. I used to think Leila got the short end of the stick. And she has, but she’s old enough now to stop using it as an excuse to be nasty to a younger sibling who has problems. GG is also able to hear now, which I’m sure will make a difference.

Leila starts getting weepy, and wants to leave. Outside, GG tells Shalom that this was a bad idea. He tells her that she has to be the bigger person. She says that she tried. Shervin tells her to take the high road. She’s gone through a lot to realize it’s not her problem anymore. It’s Leila.

A game of backgammon is going on inside. GG is a spectator, and her mom suggests that Leila sit and play. She plays a round with Shalom. In his interview, Mike says he’s seen it a thousand times. Eventually, they’ll be old, grey, and tired. They’ll look back, while they’re watching their grandkids play, and realize that they missed out, but it will be too late.

Next time, GG is worried that she’s going to ruin the play, MJ talks to Annalise, MJ’s friends renovate her apartment, and MJ and Tommy argue.

Fear the Walking Dead

Walker drives the truck down the highway toward Tijuana. He asks Victor what they’re looking for, but the background music is so loud, I can’t hear the answer, except for it’s some kind of sign. Wtf?

They see an accident with tons of zombies wandering around. Victor makes the car remote beep, and throws it out the window and the zombies follow the sound. Why is the background so effing loud? Is this just with my TV, or is it a technical issue at the network? Walker drives forward, pushing cars out of the way with the truck.

They arrive at what looks like a used car lot, with lines of vehicles everywhere. Victor closes the gate behind them just in time. He says, there she is, and Walker is like, this car won’t get us anywhere, but Victor tells then they can get to the trading post and back this way. He pushes the car over, and there’s an entrance to a sewer tunnel underneath. He suggests that they hold their breath, and goes down the ladder. Walker says he’s not following him in the dark, and Madison tells him to either trust her or go back empty-handed. She follows Victor, and Walker reluctantly follows her.

This can’t be the worst these three have smelled, even though they act like it. For Pete’s sake, there are dead people decaying everywhere, and you can’t take a sewer? Victor leads them through the tunnel. We hear zombie noises, and through a grate, see them walking above. Walker tells Madison that Victor is lost, but Madison says to trust him. I think that’s what she says, because there’s still this background noise and their voices are echoing. Were the boom people off on this day? A few zombies amble out, and they head in the other direction. Walker says they need to get out. Victor finally admits that he’s lost. They move to another tunnel, and it’s like Let’s Make a Deal, except with tunnels instead of curtains.  Victor sees the symbol he’s been looking for above one of the tunnels, and Walker states the obvious – the zombies are behind them. They move forward into the tunnel on all fours. At the next connection, Madison finds herself face-to-face with a zombie clogging up the entryway. Walker hands her a pointy tool (sorry for the technical term), and she bashes the zombie’s head in. She chops away at him, since it’s the only way they’re going to get him out of there. Walker looks all sick like he’s never seen violence before. I think back to when he was introduced, and wonder why he’s making that face. Madison passes the head to Victor, who passes it to Walker, and I laugh. Victor helps Madison get the rest of the body out, and water rushes in.

The water truck comes back to the dam. Efrain yells at Daniel for shooting first at a group of people attacking them for water. He says that Lola will hear the truth. Daniel sees someone moving and shoots, thinking it’s a zombie, but it’s Victor. Madison comes out behind him, and says thank God he’s alive. She asks if Daniel remembers what happened. He nods, saying he’s better now, and asks about Ofelia. Madison tells him that she’s still alive. He asks how he can believe her with Victor at her side. She tells him that a man found Ofelia, and saved her; now they all live on a ranch. They’re in trouble and need his help. They need water. Walker has also come out in the open, and Daniel leads them to the dam.

He tells them to wait; he needs to speak to Lola first. Wow. The three of them look out onto the lake, and there’s lotsa water here. We look through the office window, where Daniel is talking and gesturing. Madison tells Walker that she’ll handle the negotiations; they already have a relationship. Walker says that she hasn’t seen Daniel in some time, but Madison knows he’ll help. They go into the office. Madison tells Lola that their camp is running out of water, and they can offer cattle, food and guns in trade. Lola says sorry, but she has no water to spare. Madison doesn’t get it; they have a lake. Lola says no soup water for you! Madison tells her that she knows they got set upon just today, and they’re under attack. Lola says no trade, but they can stay the night.

Daniel fingers his wedding ring. Lola comes in, and Daniel tells her that Ofelia lives with them. Lola asks if he believes them, and he says that Madison has never lied to him. Lola understands if he wants to go, but needs to know now. Daniel says that Ofelia is safe, but Lola isn’t. He made a promise, and is going to fulfill it. He’ll stay. Ofelia thinks he’s dead, so maybe it’s for the best. They’re talking in Spanish, and although the sound finally evened out, I wish I’d had subtitles at the beginning.

Walker accuses Victor of thinking everything is funny. The Walking Dead could use a character like him. Abe was kinda, sorta like that, but they killed him off. Victor tells Walker that there’s no tragedy without humor. Walker says that if they can’t make a deal, the ranchers have to go. There’s not enough water for both of them, and the Nation comes first. Victor asks what about Madison and the kids. Walker hopes she doesn’t regret her decision, and they end up back in the desert. Screw this guy.

Madison tells Lola that she’s sorry that Lola is afraid because of what the people will think. Lola says it’s difficult enough. If she trades with the gringos, there will be bloodshed. Madison says that sometimes a leader has to show force to get respect. Lola says she can’t lose the trust that she’s built. Madison tells Lola that she has two kids, and a ranch full of people begging her to help. Lola says that Madison is trying to save her children, but she’s trying to save her city. She tells Madison to bring her family there. They’ll be safe as long as she’s in charge. She says it’s a rare leader who does right by everyone. Madison says that it’s impossible.

Efrain is working on a patient with a wound. Victor asks if he can help. Efrain says that Daniel calls Victor the snake. Victor asks if he thinks the Daniel’s shooting was justified, and Efrain says no. The people are thirsty and scared, and Daniel is paranoid. Dissatisfaction leads to dissent, and dissent to revolt. Victor says there are those who want chaos. Efrain says violence breeds violence, and he thinks the river should flow to the people. Victor asks what about when it dries up, and Efrain says the rains will fall again. He says it’s too much power for one person. Victor says, uneasy is the head who wears the crown.

Daniel approaches Walker in the cafeteria. He appreciates what Walker did for Ofelia. Walker says that Daniel raised a brave woman. Daniel asks what she does, and Walker says she walks as a soldier with him. Daniel says that he didn’t raise her to be a soldier, but Walker says she’s a hero to them. They were about to attack a heavily armed camp, and she gained their trust, then poisoned them. She saved their lives. Daniel says, but she did it by taking other lives. He’s not liking it, but I’m thinking the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Madison tells Victor that Lola keeps forcing everything to stay together, and keeps falling apart. Victor says maybe she wasn’t meant to stay at the ranch. She tells him about Lola’s offer, and he says she wouldn’t have to worry about water, and she’d be safe. She isn’t willing to sacrifice that part of herself, but doesn’t know what will happen if she doesn’t get the water. Victor says that she always finds a way to protect her kids. She says that they’ve already sacrificed too much. Victor asks if they were removed from the picture, what would she want? She says been too long since she thought about that, since before they were born. Victor says that would be the late 80s – what would permed Madison want? Madison says to listen to Cheap Trick in Birmingham. The ranch is closest to what she knows, and where she wants to be. He asks if she’s sure. She asks what future he sees? He says one where he doesn’t fail his friends.

Lola wants to bring the people some water. Daniel says they were attacked last time, and she says they should bring it, so there won’t be a next time. Daniel tells her that another group will take their place. Even if this group sees the good they do, they’ll always be some who are unhappy. They’ll be the ones without weapons or ammunition, who can’t defend themselves. She says they’ll be killers, like him. He says he killed for her, to guard her soul and life. Efrain says the people fear him; he wants revolution. Daniel says it’s a good thing. First, they’ll be hit in the streets, then they’ll get inside, and hang them from the walls. He says they’re not sustainable. Lola tells him that if he doesn’t believe in what she’s doing, he should leave. He says they’ll do a water run this afternoon

Victor watches as the truck is loaded. Daniel approaches. He doesn’t know what Victor is thinking, but he sees Victor’s serpent brain coiling around an idea. Victor pretends like he doesn’t know what Daniel is talking about, and Daniel says if what he’s thinking benefits both of them, he’ll look the other way. If not, he’ll be in Daniel’s sights. He sings, down with the water queen in Spanish.

Seeing him walking out, Madison asks Walker where he’s going. He asks why she has a hard time honoring her word. She lied and cons the ranchers. They have to leave the ranch. There is too little water to share. She asks if there isn’t another way, and he says they can leave in peace or be forced to go. She begs him not to do this; they won’t survive. He tells her that he’s as angry at himself as he is with her.

Daniel tells Madison that he tried convincing Lola, but it didn’t work. She saved his life, and he can’t abandon her. She’s in this position because o him. Madison asks if he can’t leave or can’t face his daughter? He tells her that Lola is in danger; Ofelia is safe. Madison tells him that she needs her father, but he says she’ll always be his daughter no matter what that man had her do.

Victor watches as zombies crowd the gate. Madison tells him to make it by nightfall. He tells her wait for it, and the water delivery truck blows up. Water for everyone! And zombies on fire.

People come running out. Madison pikes some zombies. Efrain wonders if it was an accident, and Daniel says that was no accident. Lola realizes that they’ve been trying to keep the dead out, but the next attack will be by the living. A crowd of live people is coming up the road, chanting that they want water. The gate is quickly put back up and locked.

In the office, Lola asks how many guns they need. Efrain says that violence will consume her, and accuses her of taking the devil’s deal. She says the people will still get water, but the dam will be protected; she thinks it’s the best solution. Daniel writes something on a paper and gives it to Madison like it’s a real estate deal. Lola asks if the ranch can provide it. Madison says they need ten thousand gallons of water a week, and a tanker that they’ll drive back to show good faith. They make plans to meet at the trading post.

Victor gets in the truck, and Madison thanks Daniel. He says it’s a good thing. He tells her to be careful; a friendly face can slip a knife in your back. Victor comes back, holding out his hand to Daniel, saying, adios. Daniel says no adios, he expects to see him in five days with his daughter. I say, please don’t eff this up, to no particular character.

Victor gets back in the passenger seat. He acts like he doesn’t know anything about the truck blowing up, but Madison tells him to cut the sh*t. She asked and then received. It was a little trick he learned, although he had doubts it was going to work. She thanks him. He says that she would have done the same, but she says she’s not so sure.

They see Walker on the road, walking. Madison asks if he’s thirsty. I don’t think we’ve ever seen him smile before, but he is now. He gets in.

Next time, Nick worries about being like Jeremiah, Ofelia gets in trouble, and Troy finds a stash of canned goods – and a gun.

Take Your Pick…

MondayCup  MondayHorror  MondayWeek

Sep11

September 10, 2017 – Asa’s Latest Art Project & Twice the Fear

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

Shervin goes to a cigar store. There is discussion about cigars that I don’t understand, and he joins Mike in the back for a smoke and some whiskey in mason jars. Shervin brings up Tara, saying she’s crazy, and he never touched her. He claims they just went for drinks, and he dropped her off and went home. Mike laughs. Shervin insults Tara again, asking why he should want a Ford when he can get a Ferrari. Bleh. Mike says he’s been through the same thing. In his interview, he says Shervin has it all figured out, which is exactly what he thought about himself when he cheated on Jessica. He says if you build your relationship on lies, it eventually becomes a blurred reality, and when the truth comes out, it will destroy everything he’s built.

GG has a part in an upcoming play (Sex Tips for a Straight Girl from a Gay Man), and meets with an acting coach. He says it’s good she hasn’t had classes before, since there will be no bad habits to break. She explains about having a hearing loss. She says she can hear certain pitches and not others, and sometimes everything blends in. He has her read from a scene. He tells her to take her nervousness and use it. In her interview, she says she’s looking for something that gives her a rush that isn’t drugs or sex, and has always wanted to dabble in acting.

Reza and Adam go to the fertility clinic to check out Reza’s test results. In his interview, Reza explains the procedure, and I go ♫ LA-LA-LA! ♫ The doctor brings in the results, and tells Reza he got an A+. Adam has some abnormally shaped sperm in the sample, and the doctor says that he might want a do-over. Adam claims it was hot the day before. Huh? The doctor says it’s time to think about egg donors. Reza tells him that they want to get settled in a house first.

MJ and Tommy take the dogs to the park. They check out the ducks in the lake, and MJ gets excited over seeing a turtle. She says even though it’s been full-time hospital duty, she needs Tommy to get her pregnant. He says he’s putting his hard hat on and doing his best. She says seeing the “no” come up on the ovulation stick is like a knife in her heart. She tells him about Asa freezing embryos, and insisting she didn’t use them to get pregnant, and lying by omission. She wonders what else Asa is lying about. Tommy thinks there’s no reason to be friends with her.

Asa shows her mom the footage from Israel that she’s editing. She’s excited about an event she’s planning where she’s going to share her spiritual experience. In her interview, she says it was so precious; she wishes everyone had as an enriching experience as she did, but they’re not as elevated. She does an introduction for the film about co-existing peacefully. She hopes the others will be inspired, and let go of the petty bullsh*t.

Mike is doing a photo shoot with a load of babies for his new shoe line. The way he describes what he wants sounds like the old United Colors of Benetton ads. He says he’s optimistic, but babies don’t sit still and pose. Hopefully, out of thousands of pictures, they can get ten they can use. Mike’s mom shows up to support the project. In his interview, Mike says he’s 100% a momma’s boy, and his mom’s validation means everything. He knows she’s thinking about being a grandparent. He understands that men don’t have biological clocks, but is concerned he’ll be an old man by the time he has kids.

GG goes to a hearing clinic to see an audiologist. She explains that she was born with a problem, but it wasn’t noticed until she was around ten, and she became adept at lip reading. They give GG a hearing test like we used to get in school. She hasn’t told the director about her hearing issue, and is worried about hearing the other actors’ lines. The tests show 28% hearing capacity for low to normal pitches, and the doctor suggests discussing hearing devices. In her interview, GG explains that when she was younger, she was already teased for being Middle-Eastern, so she tossed out the hearing aid she had. She tells us that everyone has pushed her to be a better person, but now she wants to do it for herself. She makes arrangements for a new hearing aid, which these days, is practically invisible.

Asa says that she’s a refugee from Iran, so by default, she’s a political artist. The venue looks beautiful – outside, with tiny white lights on the trees, small tables, flowers everywhere, and a screen up front. Hey, there’s Paris Jackson! I forgot that Asa’s boyfriend is Jermaine. She doesn’t want to complain about being pregnant, but she complains non-stop. She feels alone, and wishes her friends were more loving toward her, even though everyone keeps asking what they can do.

Tommy thinks MJ should cover more of her cleavage. He says she looks fantastic, but he doesn’t want her showing the world. She duct tapes her dress to herself. Reza comes by, since he’s going with them. In his interview, he says they’re still living in squalor and it looks like a dump. He points out some hand-painted glasses that he gave MJ, saying that she put them the dishwasher. He asks if they have any kind of plan – there’s not even a sink in the bathroom. He asks Tommy if the baby is going to sleep in the bathtub. MJ says her father is ill, and she’s not moving at micro-speed.

Shervin arrives at Asa’s event. He tells GG that he feels like she played both sides of the street with Tara. He thinks she’s twisting his words. In his interview, he brings up her history of lying, and we flash back to when she said she’d seen a sex tape with Reza in it. She tells him that she doesn’t care what he does, but it’s not cool to call her a liar. He claims he just met up with Tara at a bar. In her interview, GG says he’s backtracking, and she needs for him to be real. She tells him to say what he wants, and let God be his judge.

MJ tells Reza about freezing her eggs, but doesn’t really understand how the procedure worked. Reza explains it, and Tommy says the fact Reza knew more, probably means that MJ should pump the brakes a little. She talks about Asa going to the same doctor. Reza says Asa had confided in him that she was getting egg retrieval at the same time MJ was, and now he’s in a weird position. MJ tells him that Asa lied to her. She says she thinks that Asa is lying to everyone. Reza says from the time that Asa said she was pregnant, something didn’t sit right with him. In her interview, MJ feels it’s a deep level of deceit, and doesn’t know what could be a bigger f-u in life.

Reza says he just let the cat out of the bag. An uncomfortable situation that he was in the middle of, just turned into DEFCON WTF? He wants to respect Asa’s privacy, but she paints a façade of everything being perfect. He understands how MJ feels, since it seems deceptive. A champagne tower is poured, and there’s also a very nice spread of food. In his interview, Mike says he never knows what to expect at Asa’s art shows. Mike gives her a pair of teeny tiny shoes, and she gets baby gifts from several other friends. Reza says MJ looks glazed over, and feels like it’s his fault.

Asa introduces the film. The project is called Our Future. Roll the video. In her interview, MJ says for the past six years, they’ve been supportive of Asa’s art. One year Asa is this, and one year Asa is that, and she’s not faking it anymore. She’s tired of pretending that Asa is a protégé, when she’s really a master bullsh*tter.

Destiney says that Asa comes from a place of healing and love. MJ says she sounds that way, but she lied to them about getting in vitro. GG thinks if someone isn’t giving you what you need, that’s not a friend. Asa realizes that something is going on. She tells MJ that to take her focus off of what she finds wrong in Asa’s life. MJ says that Asa asked a million questions when MJ was going through the process like she never went through it. Asa says she doesn’t trust MJ. In his interview, Mike says that Asa will act like you don’t know what you’re talking about to the point where you believe it. MJ says she’s never done anything to Asa to be treated this way. GG says that MJ feels hurt and tries to intervene, but MJ walks away. Tommy follows her, but she tells him to leave her alone. He says Asa is her good friend, and she tells him to STFU and keeps walking.

Next time, Reza questions Asa’s friendship, GG talks to Annalise, and GG tries to reconcile with her sister.

Fear the Walking Dead – Two Hour Premiere

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

A song, Death is Not the End, plays while zombies amble around, and everyone goes about their various chores, whether it’s pumping water or killing zombies. Jake is coughing, and Alicia asks if he’s okay. He tells her that it’s worse in the morning, and he just needs coffee. Troy and Nick go out on a mission. Madison wanders around. She goes into Jeremiah’s office, and goes through the desk.

A convoy is on the horizon. Nick and Troy head back to the ranch. It’s Walker and his people. Walker shakes hands with Jake, and brings in his trucks. Jake leads a small group to the supply area. Troy doesn’t want Ofelia coming in, since they’re in this position because of her. Jake insists they’re going to accept everyone, and Troy backs down. Walker asks how many feel like Troy, and Sam admits that most of them do. Jake shows Walker the gun inventory. He gives Walker a key, saying that he has the other one. It’s like a safe deposit box – they need both keys to get to the arsenal.

At Jeremiah’s grave, Nick asks if Troy is okay. He says no, he wants to dig him up and kill him again. Nick says he saved people, but Troy says he was a drunk. Nick tells Troy that he lost his dad too. He wrecked his truck on the freeway. The cops said he fell asleep at the wheel, but Nick thinks he chose death. Troy talks about closed caskets, so people don’t have to witness what remains.

At the dam, Daniel tells Lola it’s dangerous out there, but she says she needs to face it.

Walker’s people are patted down. The guys don’t like it, but it’s what Walker and Jake want. Madison asks Alicia about Jake, and tells her to take care of him. Alicia isn’t happy about the treaty with Walker.

Daniel and Lola give out water from a truck. Someone yells that they’re coming, and everybody runs around like crazy. Some zombies head toward them.

Jake holds a meeting. He says their path has been hard, and everyone has suffered loss, but they can’t dwell on it and need to move forward. They can’t hold grudges if they want a better future. If they share supplies and skills, they can have a future and be whole in a generation. Walker says both his people and theirs are equally afraid of one another. He says they must forgive. His grudge died when Jeremiah made his sacrifice. Fear turns into fury, and they need to give that to the outside.

Nick visits Ofelia. She’s glad he survived. He asks if she feels guilty, but she says not as much as she thought. She’s her father’s daughter. She asks what about him, and says they’re not so different.

Walker asks Madison about Troy, and if she’s really in charge. Troy accuses Jake of sleeping with the enemy, since Alicia killed Gretchen. Like there was a choice. Jake says they were at war, now they’re not, so get it right. Troy makes discontented noises to the others.

Walker buries the relics, and Alicia approaches. He says she can join him. He says he never told his people what he did, and it’s best they don’t witness it. The dead should stay buried. He tells her that he wants peace, and she tells him to look to Jake for that, not her mother. He says her mother does what’s necessary.

Madison goes through some files in Jeremiah’s office. At the canteen, Terrence pulls out a gun, and starts shooting. One of Walker’s people puts him in a headlock and squeezes the crap out of him. Walker tells him that’s enough. In the infirmary, Alicia says that Terrence’s sternum is crushed. Walker asks what if others follow his example, and wonders who spit poison in his ear. He says he doesn’t believe in guilt by association, but his people are important. He wants the other key from Jake. He tells Jake not to test him, and Jake says they’re here because of Jeremiah. Don’t test him. Madison tells Jake to give him the key. Jake says they’ll be prisoners on their own land, but she tells him that it’s better than the alternative, and he hands it over. Weapons are gathered from the people on the ranch.

Madison tells Nick that he’s not obligated, but he thinks he is. They go to Troy’s place with a few of Walker’s men. He’s told that they’re keeping the peace, and Madison says they need to search the house; they need his weapons. He says what about his safety. Nick says he doesn’t want to die on his doorstep, and Troy lets them in. He sits at the desk, saying this is where Jeremiah died, and he had to burn the blood off the wood. They’re about to search upstairs, and Troy pulls out a gun, telling them to get out. They back out, but Nick stays. Madison asks Walker to let her talk him down. She says she can fix this; it’s her son.

Troy says he’s going to do what his father should have. He says it doesn’t work like this; they’ll all regress and can’t live in harmony. Nick says everyone just wants to live. Troy shows Nick a cache of weapons, and says this is how it was always going to end. He doesn’t want to die like his father did. Nick says it’s not what Jeremiah wanted, and Troy asks why he cares. He gives Nick a gun. Madison comes to the window, and tells Troy this isn’t the way. She tells him to lay his weapons down and come out. He says it will be total surrender, but she says it’s survival. He says that she wants to save her son, and she says she wants to save him too. She wants him with her. Troy stupidly starts shooting, and gunfire is exchanged. Nick stays out of the fray.

A gunfight ensues. Lots of shooting. Troy gets hit. Some of Walker’s men enter the house. Nick tells Troy that it’s over. Troy tells him that if he can make a fist, he can fire a gun. If he can fire a gun, he can kill. He thanks Nick, saying that Nick is the last person he thought would have his back. He doesn’t mind dying, but it’s good to have company.

Daniel tells Lola that more infected have gotten in. Lola says they’ll deal with it tomorrow; he should get some rest. She says that he’s still looking for Ofelia. He says that he keeps thinking she’ll be the next one in line; hope is hard to kill. Lola says the north is overrun, and every place else is nearly as bad. Hope is one thing; waiting is another. He also made a promise to her, and she needs him. The search will break him. Daniel says nothing breaks him. He’s  immortal, remember?

The shooting continues at the ranch. Nick says he doesn’t want to die, and Troy says he might have backed the wrong horse. Nick doesn’t want Troy to die either, and Troy says he definitely backed the wrong horse. Nick tells him it’s not what his father wanted, and to throw the gun out the window; nothing good can come from this. He says Jeremiah sacrificed himself, and not to ruin it or take it from him. Troy goes bonkers, and Nick gets him down, and yells that they surrender. Troy gets the better of him, and says he’s pissed now. Nick tells him that he’s right, his father didn’t want to take his own life. Jeremiah was going to let everyone die out of spite. He’d lost his mind to drinking, but he didn’t kill himself. Nick killed him. Troy points the gun at Nick. He lowers it, and the door opens.

Walker tells Madison that peace cannot exist without justice. She tells him that Terrence will be dead soon. She says that Troy has to go, but don’t martyr him. Walker says exile, and Madison agrees. Walker says that Nick has to answer for what he did. Madison says that he got Troy to surrender. There can be consequences, but he lives, and he stays at the ranch.

The crowds for the water from the dam are getting restless. Someone yells that they killed the people who worked there, so they could keep it for themselves. Lola gets hit in the forehead with a rock. The crowd surges forward. Daniel tries to help Lola. He manages to get her into the truck, and they drive away, leaving an angry mob behind.

Jake asks Troy what happened to his hand, where he was wounded in the fray, and Troy says if he had a matching pair, he’d be Jesus, and asks if he’s going to be crucified. Jake says he’ll be tested in the wasteland, and can’t come back. Troy understands, and doesn’t blame him. He won’t fight it, but doesn’t trust Walker. Jake says he’ll take Troy to the outside, but Troy says he’s not up to it. He needs Madison to take him. She’ll protect him; he trusts her.

Troy gets one knife, one gun, and one bullet. Walker says that they chose extradition instead of execution. He’ll suffer, but maybe he’ll live. Troy gets I the bed of the truck with Claw Jackson as guard, and Madison takes the wheel.

Madison brings Troy out to the middle of nowhere. She says he’s being banished. He asks if she doesn’t think he can find his way back, and she says he won’t do that to his brother. He calls her a real Pandora. As Claw is cutting Troy’s bonds with a knife, Troy intentionally cuts his own uninjured hand, gets the knife away, and slits Claw’s throat. Wow. Madison draws her gun, and says no more killing. He asks if she’s met her quota, and he tells him to get his pack and go. She says she doesn’t want to kill him. He asks if it’s guilt; he knows what she did. She says that Jeremiah had to die, and it should have been her. He asks who stopped her, and what’s stopping her now. He knocks the gun out of her hand, and grabs her from behind. And he’s not even tired.  She says his father wanted to let everyone die, including him. Troy says that they could have fought and won, and that he doesn’t surrender. Madison backwards headbutts him, and grabs the gun. Troy says he thought she wanted him with her. He pretends like he’s getting tired, but she’s not having it. He picks up his pack and starts walking. What’s she going to do about Claw dude?

Part Two

Nick hears zombies outside his cell. It’s Troy, pretending to be a zombie. He does a somersault like Willy Wonka, and peeks in through the small window. He asks if Nick thinks he saved them, and Nick says he saved Troy, but Troy doesn’t think so. He closes the opening, and Nick begs him to open it again. Troy says he was just playing, and he has the key. He wants Nick to tell him the password. Nick says he’s dying and he owes Troy. Troy opens the cell, and holds out his hand. It’s a just a dream, or a mirage, or whatever.

Madison and Walker look out over what little water there is left. Madison tells Walker that there has to be a plan B. They agree that no one can know because the peace it too fragile. Walker tells Madison about a trading post, but she says it’s a lot to buy. They decide to ration what’s left – two gallons per person per day. Walker tells Jake that they’re giving him two guns, and to keep the peace. Madison tells Alicia that Jake seems better. Alicia says she’ll watch over Nick. Madison says that there’s only six weeks of water left, and no one can know. If word gets out, they need to get out. She gives Alicia a two-way radio if she needs to reach her, and says she’s always been the strong one.

Madison gives Nick a canteen. She says she has to go away for a couple of days, and needs to know he’s okay. She pets him on the head, and says that she loves him. She gets in a truck with Walker.

Nick is released. His bonds are cut, and Crazy Dog says he’s keeping an eye on him. Alicia comes to lead Nick away. She brings him back to the cabin, and he looks at all the bullet holes. She tells him take it easy on the water, they’re rationing. She tells him that Madison and Walker have gone to find water.

Jake talks to a group of ranch people. One woman says her horses and cattle need water, and that they don’t have to listen to outsiders. Alicia tells her to leave then, but guarantees that it’s worse out there. She tells them to trust Jake. Everyone is cool now, and they hug it out.

Madison calls Alicia on the radio. She asks about Nick, and Alicia says he’s dehydrated, but okay. She tells Madison that the people are suspicious and paranoid. Madison says if they don’t find anything tomorrow, they’ll turn around, but Alicia says don’t. She’ll call if there’s a crisis. Walker says she stands between her children and the sun. She asks if he has children, and he says he has three dogs. She says talk to her when he has children. He tells her about one of his dog’s dying in a fight with a bigger dog. When he stuck his hand in to try and save him, his dog bit him – it was the only time he ever did. Madison says thanks; she’s seeing things in a whole new light now.

Nick hears the door open, and jumps out of bed. He grabs a guy coming through the door, and holds a knife to his throat. Sam and a few other ranch guys come in, and say they’re not there to hurt him. Nick lets the guy go, and Sam says that what he did meant a lot, even though no one is saying it. They’re ready to fight, if he is. He says they need guns that they don’t have, and thinks it’s best to keep a low profile. Another guy says they brought him a gift, the last free gun on the ranch. If anyone deserves it, it’s him. They make a plan to talk tomorrow.

People line up for water at the ranch, but they’re not too happy. A little girl smacks the water out of Ofelia’s hand. A guy accuses people of double-dipping, and says that they need to do something.

Walker and Madison drive to a parking lot, past a bunch of dead (really dead) bodies. It’s a marketplace that’s inside a stadium. A guy asks for their guns before they enter, and a woman tells them. welcome to The Bizarre, a safe market in unsafe times. She asks what they have to trade, and if Madison will trade the radio. Madison tries to call Alicia, but gets no answer. She hands the radio over anyway, and gets 29 credits, less parking and security. Apparently, one of the cable companies runs this place.

They go into the market. There must still be lots to trade out there, since it’s seriously crowded. It’s like that money changer song in Jesus Christ, Superstar.

Alicia visits Ofelia. She tells Ofelia that she heard some of Walker’s people went through the water line twice. Crazy Dog gripes about her people being on their land. Alicia says she’s trying to keep the peace like Walker wanted, and thinks there should be a system. Ofelia insists that no one from the Nation went through twice. She says that she heard the militia was rebuilding, and if she really wants peace, she should control her own people first. #GoAwayAgainOfelia

The new militia is anxious to get started, but Nick says Walker’s people have the guns. If they attack first, they’ll end up like Troy, who moved too soon. He’s not suggesting they give up, but wait.

Alicia sees that Nick has a gun, and asks what if Crazy Dog finds it. I keep wanting to call him Crazy Horse. Nick says the ranch guys think he’s a hero, and I wonder where he got the regular cigarette that he’s smoking. Alicia asks what if they find out what he and Madison did? She knew the second they said Otto’s death was a suicide. She was upset that she wasn’t a part of it, but then felt relieved. What a burden it is being mom’s favorite. Nick says he didn’t do it for her. Alicia says he’s not the kind of person who would do it for the ranch. Look what killing has done to him. He says they’re alive. Alicia says that they keep trying to make Madison love them, but it’s broken.

Alicia tries to get Madison on the radio. Nothing.

Madison asks about water, and the merchant asks how thirsty they are. Walker says ten thousand gallons. She says she has half that, but it will clean her out. She asks what they have to offer. He shows her tube containing I don’t know what, but she says it’s not enough. Walker tells her there’s ten thousand more where that came from, and she thinks maybe they can work something out.

A fight starts, and surprise! Victor is involved. He’s apprehended, and Madison asks what he did. He tells her that they’ll hurt her too, and the water lady says no deal. Madison picks up a shovel and starts beating heads with it. Somebody grabs her, but Walker steps in. She, Victor, and Walker all jet, and Victor says he knows a safe place. He leads them through a tunnel to a big cement room. Madison asks how much trouble he’s in, and Walker says he’s in debt, and they should leave. Victor says he can’t leave until his debts are paid. He made a rash, stupid decision that compromised him. He tells Madison about the dam, but says they don’t want to go there. Walker says these people want to kill Victor, who tells him that people either love or hate him, but there’s a damn good reason why he’s here. Madison says they have to rest. Victor says fine, but the bed is his.

Alicia tells a woman at the well to put it back. The woman asks if Alicia is going to turn her in. Alicia starts pouring it back, and the woman starts yelling. Nick intervenes, and she says that they care more about them, than us. Nick says there is no them and us, and a fight starts. Alicia announces that they only have six weeks’ worth of water, and if they don’t work together, they’ll run out and die. It’s that simple; so stop. Everyone gets stupid, and starts fighting. Crazy Dog arrives with Ofelia, and says they’re taking the well to make sure everyone gets what they need. He tells Nick to move, and Nick takes out his gun. Ofelia makes faces. #GoSomewhereElseOfelia  Nick sits on the well, and the people gather around. Ofelia tells Crazy Dog not now. He says that he’ll keep the peace, but not at all costs. It’s the same water table, and they’ll need to get as much out as the can before the ranch people do.

Walker goes through the bizarre with his head wrapped in a scarf. Madison asks Victor where Walker went, and Victor says that he’s not much of a talker. He asks if Madison trusts him. She says they want and need the same thing. He asks if she found Nick, and she tells him she did, and Alicia. They’re safe on a ranch; her children are alive. He puts his arm around her. He says she found Nick, but lost Travis, and calls God a feckless thug.

Two guys suddenly appear with Walker.

Victor and some others are awaiting their fate. Madison tries talking to someone about Victor, but gets brushed off. The people are tied to the fence until their debts are paid. That’s what they saw when they came in. Victor tells her to go back to her children. He says it’s everywhere; the whole word is lost. Madison says that she found him. He says that he was named Victor because his mom knew he’d win. He kisses her, and says he’ll be fine. He’s led out with the others.

Alicia watches from a platform. She sees a few people crossing the field. A woman with a divining rod leads them.

Madison is having a drink, and Walker approaches. He made the water deal. She’ll have it at first light. He tells her to think about what the water will mean for them.

Nick and the others make plans. And spears. He says they’re outmatched. Someone suggests using the RVs as a barricade, but he says fortification is wasted energy. He tells them that if they can get the guns, this back and forth ends. Disarm them, and there’s no blood. Or there’s a lot of blood, one dude says.

Victor is brought outside, and ankle cuffed. He looks pretty scared. Sh*t! (I say this like, a dozen times real fast at the TV.) Zombies are coming. No, no, no! Not my Victor!

At least they gave Victor a pick ax. He whacks a couple of zombies in the head, but then he’s down. Suddenly, two guys come out of the gate and shoot the zombies. Madison is with them, and they let Victor come back in. When they get to the truck, Walker tells Madison that she killed off all of them for this dude. She says buying water was a temporary fix, but Victor has a permanent solution. He’s taking them to the dam.

The nu-militia goes through the fields, and comes up to Ofelia’s cabin. Someone tells Nick to get Alicia out of there – she’s digging with the divining people.

Ofelia tells Crazy Horse Dog that she can talk to him. He says no more talk. They won’t spill first blood, but if the militia attacks, Walker will understand. Nick says that Alicia is trying to save them. He hands the dude his gun and starts to walk toward the digging. Inside, Ofelia and Crazy Dog see Nick. The guys in the militia start to put their guns down, and Ofelia and Crazy Dog go outside. Nick starts to dig. More people join them, and it’s like an old Coke commercial. ♫ I’d like to teach the world to dig. ♫

Next time, Walker says his side comes first, lies have consequences, and Madison meets up with Daniel.

😏 Victor always says he’s got this, and has never gotten anything, – Yvette Nicole Brown on Talking Dead

🐅  The Walking Dead starts up again on Sunday, October 22 at 9 pm. I’m looking forward to some King Ezekiel.

TWDKingEzekiel

Aug28

August 27, 2017 – Shervin Gets Caught Swervin’ & the Iron Throne Heir

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Asa tells her parents that Israel was physically challenging. They sit down to a fabulous meal, and she says she missed her mother’s cooking. She whines that she felt alone, and like her friends weren’t looking out for her. In her interview, she says she felt like everyone turned their backs on her, but that’s not what we see from the clips. She admits that her brain is like an omelet.

Mike and Shervin are having a guy’s night out with some friends, and go to a club. Reza joins them. Mike says he had an epiphany in Israel, and thinks it’s time to go out and start meeting people. In his interview, Shervin says that Mike has a lot of guilt and shame about cheating on Jessica, and he should let it go. Reza watches how Shervin puts the moves on some women. Destiney shows up with a couple of friends. In his interview, Mike says that he and Destiney are like bros, even though she’s female.  Mike is flirting like crazy. Destiney says she loves him, but can’t believe some of the sh*t he says. She thinks he’s trying to deflect from his own hurt, and he’s saying the wrong things purposely. Mike says there’s nothing in the club he wants. He tells us about the qualities he would like in a woman, and we flash back to Jessica being all of those things.

Reza goes shopping for cabinet knobs with MJ. He thinks the knobs should lead them in the direction they want to go in, and that MJ is finally starting to move forward. He doesn’t want the condo renovation to scare her, so he’s starting with something small, but she’s already overwhelmed looking at all the knobs. She wonders why you can’t take a sample home to check it out. There are like, ten thousand knobs in this place. She finds a towel hook she likes, and Reza thinks of it as a huge victory. He has to leave, and tells the clerk not to let her back out of it.

Reza goes to a hookah restaurant where he’s meeting Mike, Shervin, and Tommy. They don’t serve alcohol, and I’m surprised he doesn’t leave immediately. MJ calls, and says he has to keep what she’s going to say between them. She tells him that Shervin has been sleeping with Tara, who’s married, and apparently she’s been booted out of the house. Reza says he’s meeting Shervin in a minute, and can’t believe she dropped this on him right now. Mike arrives, and she tells Reza not to say anything. Mike brings a bottle of liquor, and hides it under the chair. When Mike asks what’s up with MJ, Reza says he’s sworn to secrecy. Like that’s ever stopped anyone on this show.

Shervin comes in next, and Reza is saved by the waitress. Tommy follows. Mike says he had his reservations about Tommy at first, but when he saw how he took care of Shams like his own father, he loves him. Tommy asks about Annalise, and Shervin talks about how much he loves her and thinks there’s a potential future. She’s moving out to LA soon. In his interview, Reza says Shervin is a bad liar. Mike says it’s good to live together first, so you find out their neurotic habits, and mentions the proverbial toothpaste tube. I have never once had an issue with how someone deals with the toothpaste tube. I do, however, prefer toilet paper rolling down over the top.

GG goes shopping for Asa’s baby. She says being around all the baby stuff is giving her baby fever. She’s always wanted children, and would like a football team of babies. She hopes she can raise one to be better than she is. Shervin arrives at the store. He asks if she can find a gift for him to bring, but she says he’s on his own.

GG’s birthday is coming up, and she’s having an 80s themed party. Her doctor calls, and tells her after two cycles without her RA meds, she can try for getting pregnant. Shervin is worried, since he thinks they’re rushing things. She tells Shervin that MJ is suggesting he’s taking on some of Mike’s characteristics, and that he’s been hooking up with Tara. He swears there’s no truth to it. In her interview, she decides to believe him, but says if he’s lying, her foot will be so far up his ass, he’s going to be taller.

Reza and Adam go to a cat café, where the cats are all up for adoption. Reza says he’s obsessed with cats. They get coffee an Adam finds a tuxedo cat with a mustache like Reza’s. Adam brings up having a baby, and Reza says he thought they were just enjoying some lattes. Adam wants to see them moving forward with fertility tests, but Reza is still interested in adoption. He finally agrees to take the test.

Mike and business partner Eddie check out the new shoe samples. We flash back to how Kitson went bankrupt the last time Mike had a shoe line, and he wants to concentrate on baby shoes now. He thinks he’ll make more money than he would have with Kitson. Eddie asks how much more he’s willing to put in financially. Mike says it’s a gamble. He thinks it’s an amazing product, and has to have the courage to take risks. He talks about his grandfather leaving Iran, and getting involved with the Japanese stock market. He says in the not too distant future he’ll be patriarch of the family, and Eddie says that it’s time to put his money where his mouth is.

Shervin meets MJ for lunch. He tells her about shopping with GG, and how she’d repeated what MJ said about him. He says he’s disappointed and upset that she didn’t come to him first. In her interview, she says he invited her to lunch for damage control, and she’s going to practice her eyeroll. Shervin claims that he’s only seen Tara a few times, and even then, just with their mutual friends. He thinks Tara has serious problems. In her interview, MJ says that Tara has been talking about leaving her husband and moving in with Shervin, but he just wanted to be swervin’ Shervin. MJ pretends that yeah, Tara is crazy, and that she believes him.

MJ meets Tommy at a hotel room. He has flowers and a drink for her. She says she’s new at this ovulation thing, but thinks she’s ovulating. I guess this is an ovulation hook up. She says they don’t check into a five-star hotel every day, but this is important. I won’t tell you what he says. She wants her dad to see her baby, and says it’s like Nike, just do it. She tells herself it will be fine.

GG helps set up for her birthday celebration at a roller rink. She says most people feel old at 35 (really? I didn’t), but she has great plastic surgeons. Everyone arrives in 80s garb, mostly Madonna/aerobics instructor outfits. Destiney wants to introduce someone to Mike. He plays twenty questions, but she doesn’t want to give it all away. She says he needs a fine chick who’s classy and respectful, but not her. GG tells Asa that the baby factory can open in two months. Asa says that she and Shalom need to hurry it up then. Maybe she should speak with Shalom first?

In her interview, MJ says Asa is fake, and the relationship is so painful, she wants it to be done. Asa thinks the level of toxicity from MJ has gotten so high, she doesn’t want to be around her. Everyone roller skates better than I do. Which isn’t too difficult. Tara arrives. GG says Shervin finally admitted to sleeping with her. At the end of the conversation, she agreed not to say anything to anyone. Shervin shows up in a crazy wig. Tara doesn’t want to talk to him.

Omg, fifteen minutes to Game of Thrones. I’m afraid to watch. I’m still worn out from last week.

Tara decides to leave, and sneaks out the back. GG wants them to talk, and tells her to stick with the truth. GG says it’s not a comfortable position to be in, and doesn’t want either one of them to get hurt. Tara tells Reza that she was stupid, and told a couple of friends. She says that she was protecting him, and everyone agrees that’s not happening anymore. Shervin approaches, and Reza asks why he’s not keeping it real. In her interview, MJ says that Shervin has a fetish for being secretive, and likes sneaking around. Shervin calls Tara sick and crazy. What a creep! Adam explains the drama to Destiney. Mike, and Asa. Destiney doesn’t believe it.

Tara tells Shervin not to screw with her life, and he calls her delusional. It’s like when Eddie denied sleeping with Rocky on Below Deck, except Rocky is also legitimately crazy. Mike is keeping quiet unless asked for his opinion. Wise choice. He says he’s not finger-pointing, but eventually the truth comes out. Shervin says he can have whoever he wants, and insults Tara, saying why would he want her. I don’t have enough bad things to say about this dude at this moment. He tells Tara to give her speech to the Academy. We see him in his interview, denying everything, like we did Mike before his divorce. Reza asks GG if Shervin admitted it to her. In her interview, GG tells us that he slept with Tara before Annalisa came back the last time, and hopes he washed the sheets, since he cut it close. She tells Reza that Shervin admitted it, and Reza relays this to Shervin. Tara says she liked him, but now she sees the real person. MJ thinks Tara thought he would drop Annalise, and she fell for this dog. GG tells Shervin that he’ll be respected for telling the truth, and tells him about Mike. She says she can’t force him, but he says if it will make her feel better, he’ll admit to something he didn’t do. Please. Don’t embarrass yourself any further.

Reza says that he cheated on a partner of seven years, and lost him. Shervin says if it makes everyone feel better, he did it. Reza doesn’t miss a beat, and says to learn from his experience. Shervin says the truth isn’t working. GG asks if he didn’t tell her it happened, and he changes what he told her. Because everyone always forgets that they are being filmed, and we know what they said. Now he claims that they only had drinks. He says that Tara isn’t even his type. They all call him a liar. In his interview, Reza says he speaks frankly because he was like Mike and Shervin, and now he’s a self-confessed, reformed ho. He says that being honest made Mike more lovable. Tara says Shervin should own up to it, and Shervin acts stupid.

Next time, a photo shoot with babies and shoes, GG fails a hearing test miserably, and Reza thinks that Asa got pregnant in vitro.

Game that Throne

I’m was afraid to watch Game of Thrones after last week, but no way was I going to miss thefinale. I notice that there are house banner icons next to the names in the credits. Were those always there? Are the Starks online?

Cersei has her own plans for the summit, basically to kill everyone if anything goes wrong. Traitor turncoat Bron escorts everyone in. It was like old home week for Podrick and Tyrion. There were lots of furtive glances between the various characters. Dany was late, and came swooping in on Drogon. I was hoping they’d just dracarys Cersei, and be done with it, but no. Euron interrupted, wanting Theon to submit to get his sister back. Tyrion was like, that’s not what we came here for, and Cersei told Euron to sit down and shut up.

Cersei didn’t believe them about the White Walkers, even though somebody just flew down on a dragon, so, they whipped out their pet zombie. I was hoping it would eat Euron’s face off, but that didn’t happen. The Hound cut it in half, and both halves crawled around, while he cut more pieces off. Cersei actually looked sick, which was somewhat satisfying. Jon explained they can be killed by fire or dragonglass, and this was the only war that mattered. We find out the zombies can’t swim, and Euron decided to take his boats and leave. He said this was the only thing that’s ever terrified him, and he’s seen a lot of scary stuff. Cersei had a freaking moment of clarity, and accepted the truce, but on the proviso that Jon stayed in the North, and didn’t bug her anymore when it’s over. Dany wondered why she didn’t ask her, but Cersei said she knew Jon would be truthful. Jon said he couldn’t serve two queens, so thanks, but no thanks. Cersei was like, screw you then, they’ll get to you first, and then we’ll deal with what’s left of you. Brienne tried to talk sense into Jaime. Dany told Jon that she didn’t want one of her dragons to have died for nothing, and Tyron asked if he’d ever considered learning to lie just a bit. Jon said that when people make false promises it gets easier to make more lies, and pretty soon, you can’t believe anything. Tyron volunteered to talk to Cersei, and I started thinking, wait a minute, they should be able to fight these guys without Cersei. For God’s sake, Dany sits on a mountain of dragonglass and has two fire breathing dragons. This made me mourn Viserion all over again.

Tyrion goaded Cersei to kill him, but she didn’t, so he helped himself to some wine. And more wine. I note that if Cersei doesn’t stop pursing her lips the way she does, she’s going to start looking old before her time. Apparently, she’s not too old yet, because she’s going to have a baby. Elsewhere, Jon told Dany what we’ve all been thinking, that maybe the witch who told Dany she couldn’t have children was wrong.

Cersei came back out and said that when the Great War was over, she hoped they’d remember that she chose to help without any assurances or promises from them.

Sansa got all pissed about no communication from John. Littlefinger was no help, stirring the pot, saying Jon and Dany would make an alliance. When Sansa showed concern about Arya, Littlefinger tried to steer her in the direction of fear, telling her to imagine the worst thing Arya could do and the worst reason for doing it. He led her into thinking that Arya was after her position, which seemed nonsensical. Another stupid award for Sansa?

I wondered why Theon was even there when they had a strategy meeting. Theon said he risked everything to tell an enemy the truth. Jon thought it was best to be honest if they were going to fight together. Theon said that Jon was even a goody-goody back when they were kids. Jon said his dad was in Theon too, and he forgave him for being the worst person ever. Theon decided to grow a pair, and try to save Yara, like she did him.

On the beach, Euron started to go out to the boats, and I actually said out loud, ugh, this guy. He told his men that they were going to find a nice island, kill the men, and take the women, but Theon had other plans. Euron ended up fighting with him, which was probably a bad idea, since he has a lot of pent up anger and resentment. He kept kicking Theon in the cajones, which did nothing except make me laugh and puzzle Euron. Then Theon proceeded to beat the ever-living snot out of him. I liked how none of the other men got involved, and when Theon was the winner, they were like, all right! we’re with you!

Littlefinger smirked when Sansa had Arya brought to the great hall, and I wanted to wipe it off his face. Sansa said something about honor, and how stands the accused of murder and treason? – Littlefinger. Oh man, as boring as she is, this was great. Not so stupid after all, Sansa brought us back to him pushing Lysa through the moon door, among other things he’s had his little finger in. He denied everything, but Bran brought up how he’d tried to have Bran killed. Sansa played the worst game with him, saying he’s best at turning families against one another. Sansa thanked him for his many lessons, and Arya slit his throat. Alrighty then.

Omg, Cersei’s coat was the best. So so 70s and so couture and so amazing. Cersei told Jaime she wanted to pull out of the deal, and just cozy up with him. She realized there was a missing dragon, concluding that dragons must have a vulnerability, and thought they should just stay put. Jaime was like, there will still be a war, and whoever wins is going to kill us. She didn’t believe that Euron was running, but that he was going to bring the bank to them, like any of that means anything at this point, and anyway, by now he was dead. Jaime said he’d pledged to ride north, and was doing it, but Cersei said it was treason. The Mountain stopped him from leaving, and she said no one walks away from her. Jaime told her that he’s the only one she has left, and was like, go ahead and kill me. We had a moment when she nodded, and the Mountain made like he was removing his sword from its sheath, but Jaime just walked out. I guess Cersei told the Mountain to just scare him. Or maybe it wasn’t a full nod.

Sam and Gilly got to Winterfell. Bran told Sam that’s he’s the Three-Eyed Raven now, and explained how it works. Bran said that Jon needs to know the truth about himself. He’s the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Sam told Bran about what he’d read, and said that they were married in a secret ceremony. Bran saw the ceremony in this three-eyed head.

Jon knocked on Dany’s door, and I guess they’ll be replacing Cersei and Jaime as the power couple related to each other. Maybe they’ll have a baby dragon to replace Viserion. As they were getting busy, back at Winterfell, Bran said that Jon has never been a bastard. His name is Aegon Targaryen, and he’s heir to the Iron Throne.

Sansa and Arya said blah-blah-blah about surviving and missing their dad.

Bran went into a trance, and became a raven, or whatever he does, and went to the Wall. Beric and Tormund were looking out from the tower, and saw riders coming out of the woods. The army of the dead; loads of them, and that disturbing second-in-command on his horse. Someone from Castle Black blew a shofar, but it didn’t matter. Here came the spiky-headed Night King, riding zombie Viserion, who now blows ice instead of fire. He’s all spooky and tattered-looking now too. He sliced right through the wall, horizontally, as they flew next to it. It was crazy – everything falling and breaking apart, people running everywhere, and the Wall starting to come down like falling dominoes. The Night King on undead Viserion entered through the now-open Wall, along with his billion-man army, and one giant. My heart was pounding like crazy.

I am left with two thoughts – this is not good, and who’s going to clean up this mess?

I am sincerely hoping that the next book comes out to tide us over until the next season, which is God only knows when in 2018.

Three Throne Quotes

You’re still very strange and annoying. – Sansa, referring to Arya

The only one that needs protecting is the one who gets in her way. – Brienne referring to Arya

This isn’t about living in harmony; it’s just about living. – Jon

GoT-WatchEnd

 

 

 

Aug21

August 20, 2017 – The Shahs Israel Tour Continues & OMG Game of Thrones

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Meanwhile at the Western Wall, GG isn’t feeling comfortable. Shervin seems to think the Wall is for Jews only, and GG says someone said “jihad” to her, which sounds pretty stupid. It makes her think of how people in the past have said Jews and Muslims shouldn’t mix. In his interview, Mike says that GG and Shervin feel a disconnect, and he felt the same way in Turkey. He says all religions seek enlightenment, but he can’t tell them how to feel, and the Wall will stand strong for them if they should decide to come back.

MJ feels that she doesn’t have the right to ask for anything for herself. She starts to cry during her interview, thinking of praying for children in need. Reza asks if she felt a connection, and says he’s tingling. Asa says the baby was kicking against the Wall. Destiney says it drowns you in a sense of release, and can’t believe how free she feels, especially being a Muslim. GG suggests they move on.

Shopping! The Jerusalem market place is bustling. Reza says he’s shopping where Jesus shopped, and talks about how crosses and menorahs are side-by-side. It’s doubtful that the wares in Jesus’s day sported slogans like Shalom, Ya’ll though. GG says she misses her boyfriend Shalom, because she hears his name everywhere. Ha-ha! GG tells Reza that she has marriage and kids on her mind. Her only reservation is the religion thing. In his interview, Reza says her brain is like a pinball. She asks him if it’s hard being half Muslim and half Jewish. He says it’s insane. Growing up gay as well, he felt like he didn’t fit in. GG says he has anger toward Muslims because of what he went through, and she doesn’t want that for her children.

The Holy Sepulcher is next. Mike marvels about being at the holiest Jewish site in the world, and then the holiest Christian site. He’s on a crazy spiritual high. He’s been in darkness, and now the light is so bright it hurts his eyes. He says that no matter who you are, the key is to find light. If people think you can’t get along with others of different faiths, they should watch this show. Stupid as it is, the Shahs are a wonderful example of getting along. Even when they don’t, it’s never about the differences in their faiths.

Omg, MJ has her makeup laid out like a buffet in her room. A tattoo artist is coming to the hotel lounge to ink GG. Asa asks GG why the others are against it. GG says that she has a lot of tattoos, but none is of a man’s name, and she wants to brand herself with Shalom’s name in Hebrew. Destiney joins them. She says she’s down with tatts on a dude, but thank God for laser removal.

MJ, Reza, Shervin and Mike (sounds like a law firm or folk band) go out to do some drinking. Mike thinks GG is cuckoo. In his interview, Reza says she’s hesitant to come to Israel, but wants Shalom tattooed on her torso. He wonders how she reconciles things in that special head, and I laugh.

GG makes a lot of uncomfortable sounds during the procedure, but the tattoo looks good.

MJ says it’s her last hurrah. She’s getting pregnant when she gets home. Reza says it’s the last hurrah every time she has a drink, and we flash back to three last hurrahs. Reza thinks that MJ getting pregnant in a month timeframe isn’t realistic. He suggests planning a wedding, but MJ wants to get pregnant first. Reza is like, wait a second, because she’s saying Asa should get married. MJ says she’s not having a bastard child, but Asa will. (I can’t believe anyone even uses that term anymore.) She says as soon as the test is positive, they’ll do everything. If not, she’s not marrying Tommy, because he smokes around the dogs and eats hard candy at night. And likes the Mets. Reza says there will always be issues, but she has to keep moving forward in spite of what’s happening. They move on to a club that reminds me of the old Danceteria.

GG and Asa are sleeping when the partiers get to the hotel lounge. Shervin finds a hair extension hanging from a lampshade, and we both go, eww. MJ gets GG’s room key, and Reza says that they’re going in Israeli defense style. They wake her up, and want to see the tattoo. She’s surprisingly compliant. They want to be there when she tells Shalom, and she decides to Facetime with him. She shows him the tattoo, and he says omfg that’s real. Reza tells him to go buy a ring.

We’re on to the Dead Sea, beers being cracked the whole way there. Reza says people from all over the world come there to get healed. Asa asks Mike and Reza how last night was. Reza says they called MJ out, and tells Asa about the bastard child comment. Asa isn’t cool with that. They go to a restaurant and eat outside. In her interview, Asa says calling her baby a bastard child is f-ed up. Asa says that MJ is always taking jabs at her, and to use that word, no matter who you’re referring to, is ugly. MJ says that she was talking about herself. MJ says several of the friends asked about Asa getting married, and she avoided the question. She’s never met a pregnant woman so secretive, and every question is an attack. Mike says MJ is upset because Asa isn’t open and honest. Asa says she’s open about her age and weight, whereas MJ isn’t. Mike disagrees, saying that MJ is an open book, and everyone judges her. GG says weight isn’t a topic that’s very deep, and Reza says it’s awkward for him, since he’s friends with them both. GG wonders why be friends, if she doesn’t want to be open?. Asa says she doesn’t want to talk about certain things. Shervin asks if she took hormones to get pregnant, and Asa says she froze eggs years ago. MJ is shocked, wondering why she never said anything, and Asa says she doesn’t trust her. MJ says that Asa lied to her, and Asa says they froze 8 male embryos, but didn’t use them. They just started trying, and she’s shocked at how fast it happened. In his interview, Mike thinks it’s odd that she had a natural pregnancy that quickly at age 40. He’s not buying it.

Mike thinks if they can’t be open and honest, they shouldn’t be friends GG says they didn’t just come on the trip to unite Muslims and Jews, but each other. MJ wonders why Asa asked a million questions about her fertility process, but kept her own to herself. They go down to the sea. GG duct tapes her tattoo, so she can get in the water with the others. Asa stays in a chair on the beach. She feels emotionally poisoned, and doesn’t want to share, since she’s not feeling the love. Reza says that the Dead Sea is ten times saltier that any ocean, and everything floats immediately. It’s funny to watch how quickly people rise to the top. GG is grateful, saying everything is good right now. She gets salt water on the tattoo, and then it’s not so good. When they get back, Mike says that he has salt in all of his crevices.

Asa gets her neck massaged while she talks to Destiney. She’s not happy about some of the conversations. Tommy Facetimes MJ. She asks about her father, who is holding on, and he shows her one of the dogs. She says it’s not easy being so far away from her dad. They’ve been thick as thieves since she came out of the womb. Tommy puts Shams on, and says his grip is starting to feel strong. She says hello to him, and Tommy tells her not to cry; he’s good. After she hangs up, she gets a billion tissues and goes inside the shower cubicle. Mike asks if she wants a drink; he’s worried about her. Mike says his own father had told him that when he saw that Mike was okay, he’d be okay. He thinks Shams is holding on because he wants to see her happy. He tells her that Tommy is a good dude, and not to let her father’s illness to stop her from living her life. He says that Shams has lived a good life, and he should see her get married. MJ says that she has to make sure she propels herself forward and gets what Mike is saying.

The group strolls around the city, which is beautiful. They go to a restaurant where they have a private room. Reza says that the owners are a couple who decided to turn their home into a restaurant, and the food is off the chain. He tells us that Jews and Muslims don’t agree on much, but they agree on the food. It’s simple and delicious, and he’d like to go swimming in the hummus. MJ starts to make a toast, and Mike says what a great guy Tommy is, and tells her to step up or step out. He thinks she’ll lose him if she doesn’t marry him. MJ says she doesn’t mean to be unappreciative, but she has to be an activist for her father’s care. In her interview, Asa wonders if crying is MJ’s default mode for avoiding an issue. MJ says she’s dealing with a lot, but does it with pleasure. In his interview, Mike says Asa doesn’t look like she gives a flying. Mike says it’s amazing how they’re fighting for each other to achieve their goals, and be open and honest. They toast to the future.

Asa has an announcement. She found out the sex of the baby. She was waiting until the end of the trip, but now she feels alone and uncomfortable. Mike thinks she’s being insulting. Asa says there’s nothing she has to hide, and she’s not a liar. They’re welcoming a son. Reza says he called it. In her interview, MJ says that Asa got pregnant by a miracle, but happened to freeze male embryos and it’s a boy. She calls Asa a fraud. GG says she knew there was a penis in there somewhere. Mike asks about a name, but it hasn’t been decided.

Reza makes a toast, thanking everyone for sharing this journey. He grew up respecting and loving that side of his family, and talks about being with Mike’s family. He tells them about his grandmother having five sisters, and how he didn’t have that, but he gets it through them. Shervin says what Reza has gone through has made him who he is. He thanks Reza for helping them get over their fear. In his interview, Shervin he says he was scared because he looks Palestinian, but everyone was welcoming. Mike says he has gratitude for them overlooking their fears. It’s strengthened their roots. Now a massive tree can grow, and Israel has caused that to happen.

Next time, MJ thinks today might be the day, GG tells Shervin that MJ is criticizing him, and Reza calls out Shervin.

Beyond the Wall

I’ll tell you what’s beyond the Wall. Zombies. Lots of them. As Jon and his band of merry men found out on Game of Thrones tonight while on their field trip.

At Winterfell, Arya accused Sansa of having a hand in their father’s death, and showed her the note she’s swiped from Littlefinger. Sansa said she was forced to it, and was just a child. Arya told her she was a child too, but would have died first. Sansa told her that they got Winterfell back because of her, and yada-yada-yada about how much she’s suffered. She told Arya that sometimes anger makes people do unfortunate things, and Arya said fear does too, but she’ll stick with anger. I relate.

We found out that The Hound hates gingers, and I wondered wonder what Andy Cohen would have to say about that. Tormund learned what the word d*ck means, and professed his love for Brienne, and his desire to make monster babies with her. The Hound said she’d want to carve him up and eat his liver, and Tormund was like, oh, you know her. Beric told Jon that the trip wasn’t going to be any fun, like he didn’t know this already, but they’d accomplish a lot.

Dany told Tyrion he’s no hero, but she likes it that way. She knows he’s brave though, since she would never choose a coward as her Hand. Tyrion thought if they wanted to create a new and better world, mass murder and destruction wasn’t the way to go about it. He wanted to discuss who would succeed her one day, but Dany wasn’t having it until she’s sitting on the Iron Throne. Tyrion suggested she likes Jon, but she said he was too little for her, and then was like, oh, sorry.

Some guy in Jon’s group got grabbed by something and eaten right away, and this giant zombie bear thing came out of nowhere. It was not good. One of the guys set it on fire, causing The Hound to freeze. Thoros saved him, but got tossed around and mauled for his trouble. Jorah stabbed the bear thing, and made some magic to get Thoros moving again. When Beric asked if he was okay, Thoros was like, I just got bit by a dead bear, what do you think? Pointing out what a stupid question that was.

The real stupidity of the night was Sansa confiding in Littlefinger about Arya finding the note. Why Arya didn’t out him earlier for having it hidden, I’m not sure. Sansa told him that the people’s loyalty is to Jon, not her, and she’s already been married to two of their enemies. She has a point there. I just don’t understand why Sansa is trusting this dude.

Jon and his guys ambushed a group of White Walkers, made zombie brittle out of them, and kept one just in case they needed it later. Even The Hound was grossed out when he ripped the zombie’s face off, while trying to subdue it. When Jon realized a humongous zombie horde was coming, Gendry got sent back to Castle Black to send a raven to Dragonstone for help. Jon and company ran out in the middle of a frozen lake, not realizing it until it started cracking, but they had to keep moving because the horde was breathing – well, symbolically anyway – down their necks. Then in a very Z Nation type move, row by row of zombies fell through the ice and into the lake. Jon and the main characters of the scene made it to an rock formation, along with their captured zombie, with the remaining horde on the other side of the lake. Since winter is all over the place, Gendry ended up keeling over right in front of the Wall, but the Maester ran out, along with a bunch of other guys, and Gendry told him about sending the raven. Thoros ended up freezing to death, and Beric said blah-blah-blah about the Lord of Light, and they burned his body. Oh well. We learned that if you kill a White Walker, the others he’s taken to hell with him will go too.

Back at Winterfell, Sansa told Brienne to represent her at the Kings Landing summit. Brienne reminded Sansa of her oath, but Sansa said she’d by fine by herself.

There was a zombie free-for-all after The Hound threw rocks at one of them, and there were some amazing crane shots. Beric’s flaming sword was also impressive. I yelled, help him! at the TV when I was sure Tormund was a goner. The Hound came to the rescue. The guys fought the zombies, while the soundtrack got all quiet, like that scene in Snowpiercer when the Chris Evans and the tail section people battle those guys in the black masks.

Even though Tyrion had warned her to do nothing, Dany came flying in on Drogon’s back, wearing a snow queen type outfit, along with the other two dragons. There was dracarys all over the place, and then some. Dany parked, and the guys were trying to get on the Drogon, but only Jorah made it. While Jon was battling the zombies and Dany’s attention was elsewhere, that freaking, spiky-headed Night King started sneaking in on them. He threw that ice spear he carries, and hit Viserion. (I only know the name because I cheated and looked at another recap. I honestly can’t tell one dragon from another. Hey, at least I’m honest.)

Here’s where it turned into a real sh*t show. In my family room. This hideous creature killed Viserion. It was shocking and sickening and horrifying. And that was just my reaction. I burst into tears, jumped out of my chair, yelled at the TV, and my dogs thought I had gone out of my mind, my sensitive one running to comfort me. After this ruthless scene, Dany took off with Jorah and whoever the other dragon is, and Jon fell into the water. I was so freaked, I didn’t even know what happened to the others. Jon’s Uncle Benjen swooped in, like a white knight on a horse. He put Jon on the horse, but when Jon asked him to come, he said there wasn’t time. This perplexed me, because I wondered how much time it would take him to jump on, especially since he ended up getting eaten by the horde.

Next thing I knew, The Hound, Tormund, and Beric were back at the Wall. Tormund said see you later, but The Hound said probably not. Somehow, Benjen’s horse made it back to the Wall.

Sansa searched Arya’s room, and found her faces. Arya is still quiet as a cat though, and snuck up on her. Arya wanted to play a Westeros version of truth or dare, but Sansa didn’t want to, so Arya scared the crap out of her.

Once again, Jon came back to life after being pretty much frozen. He’s getting good at that resurrection thing. He awoke to Dany sitting at his bedside. He was absolutely precious, telling Dany how sorry he was, and how he wished they hadn’t gone. Dany was stoic though, saying that she needed to see it to believe it, but the dragons are the only children she’ll ever have, so she’s going to destroy the spike head king. Jon told her that he sees her for what she is, and he’d bend his knee, but can’t from a hospital bed. They held hands, and the entire viewing audience had the same thought.

Like a billion Jacob Marleys, the zombies drug Viserion  out of the ice water. Okay, I thought, maybe at least we’ll get a zombie dragon out of this. And yes, we will.

Next time, the season finale.

Best Quotes of the Night

Walking’s good; fighting’s better; f*cking’s best. – Tormund

Heroes do stupid things and they die. – Dany

This episode was brutal and exhausting. – Me

GoT-Dragon

RIP Viserion

(and Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis)

 

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

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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