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.

The Week of the Geek pt. 1

This weekend marked the 10th annual Emerald City Comic Con. Wow. All I can say is wow.

First up was meeting Jason Momoa and Christopher Judge. I LOVEEEEEEEEE Stargate Atlantis and SG1, so this was like...well it was fucking AWESOME. I thought Christopher was tall...but holy shit. I look like an albino hobbit compared to Momoa. That man is fucking gigantic! He also is funny. Both my friend Lilith and I were surpressing giggles after he invited us to the "man meat sandwich".

I'm a third generation Trekkie, so that alone made meeting George Takei awesome. But I also loved him on Heroes and absolutely look forward to his Facebook posts. He was running a little late to the photo shoot, but I think I know why. He made sure to take his time with every fan he met. He was unbelievably nice and for that a lone I will be a fan forever!

Day two I got to meet Jon Bernthal and Laurie Holden from The Walking Dead. I saw Jon walk into the area first and thought, "Wow, he looks like an ass." I know that just because he plays a jerk on TV doesn't mean he would be one, but he looked like he was. Then he stuck his face out from the curtain and said hi to everyone before ducking back in. He was extremely cool guy! This was the second photo...apparently the first one I had my eyes shut but this one I have the stupid grin on my face.

Last but certainly not least I got to meet James and Oliver Phelps aka the Weasley twins from HARRY FUCKING POTTER! The look on my face was due to spending the entire 45 minutes - 1 hour in line with this lady who I was pretty sure was on drugs and told me every single detail about her personal life....and I couldn't even get a word in. I was so happy to be be a lone I looked like I was unhappy to be in the picture with them. But I wasn't!

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!