The Bad and the Blonde

Well I've missed a lot...I had promised to keep this blog up and failed miserably. I missed the opportunity to write about ECCC 2013, at which I met Kristen Bauer, Christopher Lloyd, Adam West, and PATRICK FREAKIN STEWART. It basically made my year. I don't know why a blog which I had intended to be a place I could rant and rave about all things nerdy would be such a hard thing to maintain-but alas-it has. I was wondering what would kick my butt into gear, and it took the 6th season of True Blood to do it.

Firstly, I was not a fan of season 5. Yes, it had tons of Eric goodness, but every single character-non important and vital-had their individual storyline which stretched the season too thin. I liked Terry-I love Lafayette-but they do not need their own individual tales. I know books will almost always be different than their film and television counterparts, which I am fine with. I do not mind seeing alternative storylines featuring familiar characters I have fallen in love with and I don't even mind them creating new ones, but there comes a time where if you are going to go off the path, you better make it a damn good highway and not a scattered trail you can get lost on and eaten by Big Foot. The whole Authority plotline was so dull. The only thing that kept me interested was the weird newly formed bromance between Eric and Bill. I mean, last we had saw, Sookie had told them both she was done with them, leaving them in their robes together....and then Eric is all rushing over to Bill after the car explodes in the opening episode of season 6...declaring he won't leave him and holding his hand. Um, I'm sorry, I was under the impression you two didn't like each other, and now you are all Corey and Shawn? Did you decide that since neither of you could have Sookie, you could have each other? I mean, I can see why Bill would want to climb Eric like a tree, but he himself doesn't seem like a very appealing prospect. Especially since he had nearly executed Eric on his last power trip. Then, before I had a chance to brush those little tidbits of mush as a simple alliance, the look of jealousy on Bill's face when Eric met up with his vamp-sister for the first time...not to mention his obvious dislike when they were going at it in the storage container kinda reaffirmed my suspicions. Something is up..

Then there was the piggy back ride Eric decided to give the much tinier Bill when they were high on Lilith's blood...or how miffed Eric got when he asked Bill to go to bed (yes, he asked him), but Bill was too busy turning into a vampire version of a raving Fox News loving, neo-Christian nutcase. And, to top it off, Eric seemed more horrified at the Billith transformation at the end of season 5 then Bill's former lover did. Anyways, Eric was the only thing that kept it interesting. And then I hear these rumors that they may be killing him off in season 6. WTF? Oh ya, killing off the most interesting (and not to mention SEXY) character on the series sounds like a wise idea...if you want to have a bunch of angry, vengeful fangirls destroy your show.

 I hoped (and still do) that it was a nasty rumor. Yes, we can suspect that Mr. Skarsgard would want to continue his US film career, but how freakin' hard can filming a 10 episode show be? Yes-filming is hard. I've done it. But there are actors who act in TV shows with far more episodes AND do movies. I'm sure he could suck it up, especially given how popular his character is on the show. Well, regardless, I was optimistic when season 6 started. It seemed to be more focused. No, it wasn't following the books, but we did get to meet Niall. Of course, his place in the story was very different than the books (considering Claude was killed by the mysterious Warlow) and they never mentioned any Dermott....but hey, it was a character I recognized from the books. Tara was more tolerable, and of course, we got a good dose of Eric. We saw him still show he had feelings for Sookie, that his love for Godric and Pam hadn't faded, and his weakness when his sister died. Bad wig flashback be damned (I had gotten use to it with Buffy), it was heartbreaking. It solidified why I had always preferred Eric over Bill. Looks aside, Eric IS more dynamic. Both TV and book Bill are dull. Turning into a power hungry zealot doesn't make one multi-dimensional, it just makes them a psychotic asshole that can't be trusted. Eric was never a saint-he was a vampire first and foremost, and an arrogant one at that. He always reminded me of why I loved Spike on Buffy (I went on a similar, BUT WAY SHORTER rant before, but I think this needs to be reaffirmed).

Yes, both are sexy blond badboys, but they also had many other qualities that made them the better vamp, better man, and more interesting character than their cherry-poppin good guy but really evil counterparts. Case in point-there are people who will always love Angel and prefer him for Buffy. He was her first love, blah, blah, PUKE. First of all, he looks like a neanderthal buttwart. Bill, Sookie's first love, may be SLIGHTLY more attractive, but he was never anything impressive. But he did sweep the leading lady off her feet. Spike, like Eric, was at first the foe and major pain in the ass of the vamp lovin' blondes. They were cocky, devious, with a wicked sense of humor. They both brought something interesting to their respective shows. And they both seemed to annoy the boring dull first loves, as well as their women. But then, slowly, you can see why the chicks started to show interest in them and they in-turn started to show interest-despite themselves (both of the vamps had some sexy dreams about their future lovers). Sure, it seems so contrived and cheesy, but both Angel and Bill were much more show. Another thing that both Spike and Eric shared was their complicated history and the importance of family and the hold it continued to have on them throughout their immortal lives. Spike had loved his mom, even when his soul left him after being turned, and he was horrified when he saw what a monster she had turned into when he tried to save her by siring her. Eric spent a millenia searching for the one that killed his family. They had held on to a part of their humanity that many vamps had let go of. It would be easy to brush off your family when you've well outlived them-even if it was a coping method. Angel and Bill were always moody about their vampire status, but they never really seemed remorseful. Both Spike and Eric were far from perfect. They were vampires. They killed. They even enjoyed it-but as time went on, they would use their powers more out of necessity-like a caged bear being prodded then a tiger on the prowl. Angel and Bill always pretended they were changed-different than the other vamps, but both of them ended up being the biggest danger to both Buffy and Sookie. How many times did Angel betray Buffy? And...SPOILER...Angel killed Giles. He's a fucking evil tool. How many times did Bill almost kill Sookie? And...now how many times did Eric try to kill her? He healed Jason when he could have just glamored him and them gobbled him up. He even saved the scream-queen Ginger. Spike had saved the Scooby-gang plenty of times. Sure, he may have tried to kill Buffy, but I don't think he would have ever went through with it. And he definitely wouldn't try after his soul was given to him-as a reward. Angel's soul was a punishment. Bill wanted Lilith's blood as a reward and to gain power. For Eric, it was a punishment. The only time I ever enjoyed either Angel or Bill was when they were with their blonde buddies. They were the straight man to the funny and comical Spike and Eric, and it made their dull deadpan manner enjoyable. In the end (well hopefully not for Northman), it was obvious who the better vamps were. It wasn't the stick up their butt emo vamps, but the more complex ones. Both Spike and Eric were vulnerable at some point-Spike was dealing with the immense guilt of a life of bloodsucking when his soul was slapped into him. Buffy had to coax the nearly insane (but harmless) Spike out of the basement. Sookie took in the mind-wiped Eric who was scared she wouldn't love him once he regained his mind. 

 And now, like Spike, I hope the flames that burn them up are not the True Death. Spike sacrificed his life to save the world, and thankfully, Joss Whedon (who doesn't shy away from killing loved characters) was smart enough not to end such a wonderful and well loved character. Eric, on the other hand, was innocently (ha) sunbathing naked only to burst into flames. Such a powerful and important character can't go crispy after lounging on a mountaintop reading a freakin book! It's insulting. You don't burn a man's weiner like that. Anyways, the rest of the show was absolute garbage. I was happy that Warlow, who seemed like something Nicholas Sparks wiped his ass with, got staked by Jason. The character had the potential of being interesting, but he turned into a bad Lifetime version of Twilight. Of course, I didn't really care when he went Chris Brown on Sookie. I'd slap the bitch too. TV Sookie is annoying, weak, and pathetic. Book Sookie, although still kinda lose with the supes, was at least strong. I did enjoy Violet. She has the potential of being a very interesting character (her and Pam's brief interaction was hilarious). I think Jason needs someone like her. He makes a very good bitch. Still don't know how I feel about Willa, but she has the potential of being interesting. I was just thankful she didn't seem torn apart when they did the stupid 6 months skip. I mean, she would be falling apart if her maker and met the sun, right? Not to mention Tara seeming okay...and she wouldn't be okay if Pam wasn't, right? And Pam wouldn't be alright if Eric wasn't....Oh vampire chain of command....you give me hope that our viking may still be alive. Oh and I can't forget James....not a fan of Jessica, but I really like James. He's probably the most decent (and hippy) vampire around. He would make a good addition to the TB Scooby gang. 

But none of them can replace Eric and trying to place Alcide with Sookie so he can be the main man isn't going to make up for it. Alcide was such a dull cranky character in the book. I didn't hate him, and I don't hate him in the show, but I don't love him either. Sam has had his ups and downs. Sometimes I love him, and see glimpses of book Sam, but other times he's kinda annoying-especially his whole mayor persona. Give me a break. Adam West is more convincing. I thought Sam was going to start preaching and speaking in tongue before dropping and rolling on the ground. And you know Michelle's friend is going to so get killed-Sam isn't allowed nice things. I'm still happy they've kept Lafayette around. I don't think he needs his own plot, but he sure can spice up any scene he is in. He's probably one of the most underestimated actors on the show. The dude wears the most flamboyant outfits like a boss. I mean, he owns that shit and it's awesome. Bill, like Angel, is such a little shit. Now he's "seen the light" and is back to normal-trust him-would he lie? Oh sure, he killed the governor, but it was only because he was momentarily a religious power hungry asshole. Now he's just a half-ass bore. Give me a break. 

If they keep that pile of poop around and carelessly toss Eric away, that show doesn't deserve to stay on the air. Yes, it would be a shame to waste such a beautiful creature such as Eric, who provides such a nice piece of eye-candy, but it would be a bigger shame to waste such an interesting character.

Feelin' the Geek

It's been awhile since I've been in full-fan girl mode...but the last few weeks I have been back in full form. Not only did I get to enjoy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but I have been enjoying the shit out of True Blood. And after tonight's episode...HOT DAMN!

I've never liked Bill. I personally never found him attractive but I did think he was completely dull and a bore. Like Angel. And like Angel, he eventually was proven to betray his "loved" one over and over. I myself fell in love with the one that wasn't at first the most obvious choice for the heroine's affections, but the one who over time showed their feelings and true self bit by bit...not to mention has a sense of humor and WAYYYYY better looking.

Ok, I know this is a TV show. But part of the fun of being a fan girl (and I'm not the "lose touch of reality" type) is rooting for the couple you want to see get together in the end. For Buffy, it was Spike. He was more complex then Angel and had way more appeal. Not to mention that he proved to be the better vamp. He fought for his soul, it wasn't a curse. He sacrificed himself for Buffy. Angel *spoiler* ends up screwing her over every time and kills Giles!

In True Blood (keep in mind this was before I knew about the storyline in the books), Eric Northman was the only choice. And as the seasons went on, I loved him more and more. I love cocky Eric and I love helpless puppy Eric. He definitely makes the show for me. The only trouble? Waiting a whole freakin week to watch Bill walk in on them.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

In all the years I have lived in the great Emerald City, this was the first time I ever attended the Emerald City Comicon, or ECCC for short. Why, I have no idea. I've never shy'd away from attending conventions or any sort of gathering (including midnight showings) that involve dressing up and a bunch of adults acting like children in kindergarten geeking out about trivia and discussing their favorate aspect of whatever the sci-fi/fantasy flavor of the day is.

A week before ECCC I didn't even know it was happening (I know, epic Nerdy Girl fail). I had just totally mind wiped it existed and amongst all my geeky friends, not one posted anything about it on Facebook. How was I to know? I found out a week before that it was happening. And to my dismay, it was almost impossible to get tickets at that point. What made it worse is when I had a moment to read the guest list. Luck had it that a friend was able to score extra passes because she works at the of the sponsors. SUH-WEET. Not only was I going, but I was going for free! Which in this economic climate is uber-sweet.

I chose to attend Saturday since it was the longest of the three day nerdfest and seemed to be the most eventful. Because I love such a wide range of sci-fi/fantasy show.s and movies, it was impossible for me to do everything I would have wanted without cloning myself or using Hermione's Time-Turner. Driving into the city near the convention center we could spot the nerds from the non-nerds. The excited looks on even the attendees not in costume distinguished them from the every day city dweller. Of course, it was obvious where Darth Vader, rebel fighters, stormtroopers, and superheroes were going. Although, for you non-Seattlites, we do have masked heroes even when ECCC isn't running. That's right. We have a team of superheroes. Leave it to Seattle. So if any of you are thinking of causing chaos in the Emerald City, beware. Phoenix Jones is here to protect the citizens! I mean, for a city that has naked bike rides does it really surprise anyone? Legend had it there was a gentleman running around one of the neighborhoods dressed like Link, hero of the game Legend of Zelda. Oh Seattle....

ANYWAYS....back to the awesome day I had. When I got inside the center with my friend it was a sight to behold. Like I mentioned before, I've been to events dedicated to either one show or movie, but never a mixture of all things I hold awesome in my geek heart. There were stormtroopers, SG1 team members, a Witch King and Gimli (odd couple), Klingons, vampires, zombies, Batmans....errr....Batmen? Every superhero was present...I mean everything was there. I even saw people pimpin' Labyrinth t-shirts and Red Dwarf shirts. AHH! I also saw a troupe who do the live action while The Rocky Horror Picture Show plays behind them in full costume!

The guest list also was a great representation of my favorite things. William Shatner, Wil Wheaton, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner representing my Trekkie love (and my fav is TNG just FYI). John Noble had a piece of my Lord of the Rings heart. And from one of my favorite shows Buffy: James Marsters (favorite character!) and Nicholas Brendon (named one of my cat's after Xander) were there! Also there was Felicia Day (I loved Dr. Horrible & Legend of Neil!!!). It was truly overwhelming. I think I must have had a smile on my face the entire time.

This event also marked the third time I have taken food from a stranger. Yeah...I'm one of those. Ironically, the first time was when I was in a line to go to a book reading Sean Astin was doing about his experience filming Lord of the Rings...this little girl overheard how hungry I was and when her dad came back and stated he had extra burgers from McDonalds, the girl pointed to me and said, "Daddy, she is really hungry!" It was after I had seen Supersize Me and had sworn off that place...well I guess you can see that protest didn't last long. So again, I got hungry while in line. And someone took pity. Obviously, not one to decline free food, I gladly accepted.

Despite the unorganized mess and the heat of the stuffy center, it was a blast. Wandering around was pure entertainment. I've found that attendees at these events tend to be the most friendly (my mom joked because they have no other friends LOL). You can just stop and start talking to anyone and they will gleefully chat back. I think it's because we all know we are on the same level. We love make-believe. We aren't ashamed of costumes and declaring our obsessive love for our favorite stories, characters, movies, and so on and so on.

I saw Normon Reedus walk by me and although I didn't know who he was I knew I had seen him before. I quickly exclaimed, "God that guy looks familiar! Where have I seen him?!" Apparently he had stopped right behind me waiting to see if I would figure out but I was oblivious. Later on I realized that although I didn't know him from The Boondock Saints, I did know him from The Walking Dead. Dang it! Also another miss was not knowing Felicia Day was in the bathroom with me...Ok that sounds wrong. Let me restate. She came out of the ladies room right before I did and I had been totally unaware. Double DANG IT!! Not that I would have done anything. Nothing says creepy like cornering a celebrity in the restroom. That is one boundary I wouldn't cross...maybe...

Things I did get to do:

• Get a retarded looking picture of myself with Jonathan Frakes (RIKER!) and Brent Spiner (DATA!). They talked to me so of course I got flustered and made some sort of special looking face when the camera snapped. Oh well...Regardless, I have loved Star Trek: The Next Generation since I was little. I grew up on that and my love for it and appreciation for it grew as I did. It has and will always remain one of my favorite shows of all time.
• A slightly less retarded picture with James Marsters. I absolutely loved Spike on Buffy (haha that term can be taken quite literally). He was such a sweet guy but I was shocked at how small he was. He wasn't much taller than me. I guess by comparing how much taller he was than Sarah Michelle Gellar I should have known, but since Buffy is the main character, they of course filmed it at her level. It's easy to forget film/tv does that. You lose perspective of how small/tall actors are.
• We went to the Buffy panel. It was fun to hear Nicholas Brendon and James Marsters tell stories from the set. Also there was the actress that played Glory in Season 5.
• After the convention we also got to see James Marsters perform at the Hardrock Cafe. Nice way to end the evening! It was also nice waiting in line for the concert visiting with fellow convention goers and commenting on one horror we all noticed one lady who should not be rockin' the Princess Leia slave costume.

Things I missed:

• Having more time to browse all of the stands and possibly by some items. We did stop at an interesting booth...I wasn't too sure what it was about but it had a cut-out of a boxer with Charlie Sheen's face on it...so obviously, they were WINNING! DUH!
• There were other panels I would have loved to sit in on but it was such a pain to get into the Buffy one and the others were during the times I was nerding out with the actors we just couldn't do it. Max Brooks had one, The Guild had one, and Star Trek had one. Oh well...always next year which happens to be the 10th one!
• Taking more pictures. The attendees alone were pure entertainment and some of them had quite elaborate costumes. One man looked very much like an older Ewan McGregor and yes...was dressed as a very convincing Obi-Wan.
• Of course more time to meet the other actors mentioned at the beginning of this blog. It's a hard job being such a nerd and I love way too many things to keep up with it all!

All in all it was a blast and I can't wait to do it again. I am unashamed of being a nerd and have embraced it. We are the most fun, creative, and entertaining group and we like good stories and not the made up pseudo-reality show crap!

6 Years LOST

*Cracks knuckles*

Yeah this blog is pathetic, I know. I've been in the midst of changing jobs, moving, yadda yadda yadda....Anywho, ranting is a good enough reason to log back in and post something. So let's have at it!

I've said this before but I will say it again. Although I am a film student and lover of film and television, I've never been one of those snooty a-holes that turn their nose up to the summer blockbuster and will only watch and supposedly enjoy (even though I think they are pretending to make themselves appear superior) complex, boring, indie films that no one but their moron pretentious a-hole friends and themselves get. Now don't get me wrong. I love the mainstream to the bizarre. As long as I go in semi prepared for it I'm cool. I hate being lured in to what appears to be an action-packed on the edge of your seat film only to find myself dozing in and out. Or going into what appears to be a comedy but then have it be a ball-less, Lifetime special, Nicholas Sparks crap. Like when M*A*S*H, Murphy Brown, and Ellen all got too preachy. I'm all for anti-war messages, breast cancer awareness, and equal rights. But if I wanted to watch that sappy message crap, I wouldn't turn on a sitcom.

Don't get me wrong. I love being very pleasantly surprised by the little known flick that I happen to catch on IFC. That doesn't bother be a bit. I don't mind surprises like that. I welcome the far and few in between shockers that totally alter my perspective. I don't say no to films or TV shows based on popularity, normality (or lack there of). I like everything from Lord of the Rings to Velvet Goldmine. Firefly to Flight of the Conchords.

However...I don't like to be mislead. THAT pisses me off. That being said, by now the title of this post and all that I have posted up until now you should know where this is going. So in case you are one of the poor souls that missed last night's BS fest and still want to wast two hours of your life, turn back now. Otherwise, sit down and shut up. I'm about to begin my mega rant.

WHAT. THE. FUCK. First off, I think Dubya could have scribbled out a better plot line in a coked-up daze then those LOST turds. This is when I really want to have a time traveling DeLorean. Not to go back in time and stop Hitler or any other evil historical figure, but so I can go back to 2004 and warn myself not to bother with that pilot premiering on ABC with Merry in it. That it's not ever going to be fulfilling and that I will only waste hours of my precious youth with a headache trying to figure out what's going on (why watch LOST when you can go to parties for that?).

Like I said, I don't need some masterpiece theater that causes my mind do a 180. I enjoy plot twists like that, but it's not necessarily a requirement. If I enjoy the characters and if I feel like their fake lives on the show were meaningful and have come to a completion, I am happy (even when it's too soon like Stargate: Atlantis or Buffy). See, those aren't any HBO hardcore shows. They were fun. Bad guys vs the good guys with great funny yet complex characters I cared about. They win in the end even though not all make it out, and I'm still left satisfied knowing that the show came full circle. That everything they went thru was for a reason. Understandably, not all shows get the grace of time to tie in all the lose plots. Moonlight for example had a glimmer of a chance to be renewed, so they ended in a semi-cliff hanger. You got some closure, but you were still left wondering what could have been. BTW, way to go you jerk-offs at CBS. Now vampires are the extremely "In" thing and you missed out on this hot trend. AND....AND you had a way hotter vampire than that baggy-eyed bill or "I'm mister smelly with dirty hair and no emotion on my ugly limey (no offense to my UK friends) face". Now you keep tossing poor Alex O'Loughlin back and forth between stupid fails (Yeah, Hawaii 5-0 sounds like a good idea!!) because you know he can keep viewers but you failed to realize that it also takes a good story. LIKE MOONLIGHT!!! I wish he would off give a big ol "EFF YOU" to CBS and went to True Blood. He obviously doesn't shy away from raunchy scenes and we could see him nakey (instead of Bill) once a week! Woo!

Ok....As I was saying, shows like Angel, which I thought REALLY picked up season 5 (HELLO DYNAMIC DUO SPIKE AND ANGEL! Mmmmm....Spike...who's apparently really old and fat now.....so now it's really too late to do anything with him...ok so he was another hot vampire...that was better than stupid boring pointless ugly Edward) found out mid-season they were canceled. WHY DO YOU HATE JOSS SO???? He > LOST tards and a network gave them 6 years. SIX YEARS OF STUPID LIES!!!! Anyways, they had a really spiffy plot line going that you knew was going to lead up to Spike becoming human and Forehead being all pissy about it because he finally realizes he didn't chose to have his soul so he wasn't really a good guy he was just a bed buddy for Buffy until she found her true love Spike...WHO FOUGHT for his soul and was truly a good guy...and was funny and didn't have a big forehead...So yeah they didn't get to wrap that up at all and it ended in one of those "WTF?" scenes...but at least it wasn't Angel waking up to realize he's a mental patient who dreamed this all up. Regardless of how quick they had to wrap it up, they did a better job then those "writers" who knew they had a six LONG years to tie everything together. Seriously, that is some lazy ass writing.

I could go on (another nice rant about another Joss show...), but I won't. I need to get back to the point...which is about the pointless show called LOST. After season one, everyone was speculating how it was going to end. And guess what??? Almost EVERYONE guessed that it would end up they were all dead...but then people starting scoffing because that would be copying The Six Sense, which by the way was Shyamalan's ONLY good film before he hired Mr. I'm a crazy angry man who claims to be a good Catholic but divorces his wife after getting a Russian lady pregnant and who is also anti-Semitic (all around good guy...what happened Mel? You were so sexy in Mad Max and so funny in Lethal Weapon and Maverick!). I think Shyamalan suffered the same disease the writers of LOST have-arrogance. He thought since he came up with such a mind bending ending anything he wrote after that would be pure gold because his mind was just awesome like that. He could literally take a dump on a paper and it would be magical. Nope. You poop on a page and all you have is a shitty page. LAME. SAUCE.

I can just see it now...The LOST writers sitting there all smug after Season 1, just knowing they are going to mess with everyone's mind and cause them to implode upon themselves with the totally awesome ending. And then everyone guesses the predictable ending...so they are like "Crap...I knew we shouldn't have watched The Sixth Sense that night before we wrote the pilot! Now what? We are committed!" "Oh well let's just throw in a bunch of random shit that really won't have anything to do with anything just to throw all those know-it-all viewers off. That will show them. IN YOUR FACE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMON SENSE!!!"

Sad thing is, I so wanted this to work. I wanted it to have meaning. I loved the characters and I wanted their journey to be full of purpose. We had been thru so much together. But half way thru, it started to feel like work. I felt committed and obligated to see it thru, just incase it turned around. It could, right? Turning on the show felt labored but what if this time it was different? I mean, after all the excitement, laughter, struggles, tears, and joy, I couldn't just walk away. It had to all be for something. That's why we watch (or read) anything. We want to have a meaningful experience (even if its laughing until you cry and fart jokes or being scared shitless by zombies eating brains). We open our eyes and ears to experience someone's storytelling, hoping that their characters touch us and in the end we leave with something more than we started with, whether it be a smile, tear, or a chuckle. Something that came to a completion (or at least a hint of a sequel) because we cared enough to finish it. But LOST took all of that and crapped on it. It was a wolf in sheep's clothing...or actually a sheep in a wolves clothing...pretending to be a cool and dangerous...and all you get is a white poofy wool sweater.

The whole going to heaven (or whatever) crap would have been lame no matter what (if I wanted to see that moving on to the afterlife crap I would watch Ghost Whisperer) but they could have lessened the blow. If it was about the characters like the writers claim (which you can tell is a lame excuse for lack of plot), you didn't need what appears to be some mega complex Arthur C. Clarke goes ultimate Heroes Journey-Joseph Campbell 6 year story-arch. Do individual, isolated story plots to develop the characters. I'm all for a character driven story, but don't throw in a bunch of random crazy twists you can't possibly explain if that's the case. I mean really? What was with Walt then, huh? Why was Aaron so evil?...Oh and why in the end during the "afterlife" churchy portion was he a baby? Why would he want to be back with the group as a baby? If he wanted to move on with those people, why not move on as an adult who can thank them for all their help they provided when he was an infant even though he COULDN'T REMEMBER IT SO I DOUBT HE WOULD NEED THEM! What was with the polar bear? Why did the island move around and why did Whitmore care? What was the purpose of the time traveling deal? The Darma Initiative? The whole magnetic soul of the island thing? Hell, the whole Jacob thing didn't make sense in the least bit! If it were all leading to something that would be cool, otherwise it's obvious the writers took a bunch of interesting ideas from random comics, shows, and movies and randomly crapped them out throughout the story just because it was "cool", not because it meant anything. Seriously. How did ANY of it tie together? I could go on but I need to stop. LOST already stole 6 years from me. They don't need any more!