QNBS: The IT Crowd

As I prepare myself to say goodbye to Chuck, which is on its fifth and final season, I also embark on my Quest for the Next Best Series to search for its replacement. Many series have been recommended but today I will write about The IT Crowd.

The plot: Two geek guys from the IT Department deals with their new boss, a blonde who knows nothing about computers but is a "people person". These three deal with the everyday rigors of living and working in a company's IT department--dealing with each other, the surroundings (which is an obvious fire hazard) and their quirky boss who looks like a crazy police officer.

The IT Crowd

PROS:

1. It is a 24-minute show. To accommodate my TV show de-stressing needs, my current time concerns and short attention span, the new show I will take on after Chuck must be limited. The IT Crowd's average 24 min. 30 sec episodes fits my time constraints very well. Also, since it is a British show, each season consists of around six to seven episodes. Now on its 4th season, The IT Crowd only has 24 episodes so far--equivalent only to one season of HIMYM.

2. It's a British sitcom, and I love all things British: Rowan Atkinson, Princess Diana, John Oliver in Community, the British accent.

3. Geeks are this millenium's jocks, and I admit I get easily drawn to (or maybe I identify with) geek/nerdy characters (see Chuck Bartowski, Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Wolowitz). The IT Crowd is like the British The Big Bang Theory. The plot are a lot similar: Two geek guys meet this fairly hot blonde who knows nothing about what the geeks do, and loves only shoes. The blonde helps the geeks with their social lives and the geeks help the blonde...be funny, I guess.

Jen, Roy and Maurice

4. It's funny. The show mixes wittiness, sarcasm and a paler version of slapstick comedy. Caution: This show may not be funny for everyone. For one, I think my brothers will not find it as funny as much as HIMYM.

5. It's well-cast. Although I'm not familiar with the who's who of the British TV sitcom industry, I think Chris O'Dowd as Roy, Richard Ayoade as Maurice and Katherine Parkinson as Jen were nicely cast. Even Chris Morris' acting as Denholm Reynholm was excellent. I found his character really funny. A British-speaking, black version of Sheldon in Maurice is just amazing. I wonder if The IT Crowd and TBBT writers are open to doing a crossover featuring Sheldon (like when Abed [Danny Pudi] guest starred in Cougar Town).

Roy, Maurice, Denholm and Jen

6. In the few episodes I have watched I find the lines to be very clever.

"Hello, I was just wondering do you want me to connect up your phone?"
"No, no, no. It's working."
"But how??"

"I stole it."
"You stole it?"
"Yeah."
"But that's stealing!!!!"

"I can't go to prison, Roy! They'll rape the flip out of me!"

CONS: 

1. The active/action/slapstick-like comedy is sometimes a bit too much. Roy's always falling down on the floor and is always bleeding (in the first two episodes Roy had a head wound and and a thigh wound), Jen's always doing facial contortions to show her delight, pain, panic or disbelief, and (insert Boss character's name here) always doing his weird gestures. Yes, the HIMYM gang may be a little physical as well (with all the slapping, costume-changing, and even whipping!) but The IT Crowd is nearly over the top for me.

Chris O'Dowd (Roy) and Katherine Parkinson (Jen) are (maybe)
going overboard with their acting.

2. The chemistry and comic timing is not as effective as HIMYM's and TBBT's. In a lot of scenes, I found it too obvious that everyone is just waiting for others to finish their spiels. It looks like everyone's making an effort to make the scenes as smooth as, and the jokes as quick as, possible. Maybe they'll be perfect by Season 4...or their 24th episode.

3. I don't see a central storyline. Moreover, I see a bleak future for the show, story-wise. The question we have to ask is: what more can you do with a plot as simple as this show's? The writers of The IT Crowd may try going TBBT way (have one of the geeks date the blonde, have them break up, be really good friends and then bring in new characters). But let us put in mind that Jen, Roy and Maurice doesn't have the emotional/romantic vibe to their relationship like what Leonard and Penny had from the very start. Maybe the writers can put it in but I think it will not be a good idea to do so. Also, the show's overall feel doesn't seem to be suitable for such emotional plots. Okay, the best thing that could happen is that three of them become good friends and be better socially adaptive individuals. That's it.

The IT Crowd is a very straight forward show. The writers don't mince their words, the actors give their all when acting out their roles, and the show is, basically, what you see is what you get. There are no hidden meanings, slowly developing storylines, plot twists or romantic subtexts to focus on. It simply is, and does not pretend to be more than, a sitcom. The IT Crowd is good to watch when you need to watch something for the sake of watching and laughing.


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You may want to read other QNBS reviews:

Outsourced
Awkward
Community
New Girl
Rizzoli & Isles

QNBS: Rizzoli & Isles

As I prepare myself to say goodbye to Chuck, which is on its fifth and final season, I also embark on my Quest for the Next Best Series. Many series have been recommended but today I will write about Rizzoli & Isles.

Plot: A homicide detective (Det. Jane Rizzoli) and a forensics expert (Dr. Maura Isles) work together to solve crimes while juggling personal (their respective colorful family) and professional issues.

I decided to watch the show's first three episodes to be able to come to a reasonable conclusion on whether or not to adopt this series as my replacement for Chuck when it ends. After I've read/Google-d that the show has quite a following in the gay community, I took time to read all available AfterEllen.com's Subtext Reviews, as they are called, on the show's 20-episode run (as of this writing).

The plot is a lot similar to Bones or any other detective/cop movie/TV show. The only difference, though, is that both leads are women and are not romantically linked or paired with each other--or at least the writers did not intend them to.

The popular support for a Rizzoli & Isles romantic pairing has spawned videos, picspams and even Subtext Reviews. These reviews focus on each episode's subtexts (the analogy, wordplay, body language between the actors, setting) that allude to Det. Rizzoli and Dr. Isles possible attraction to, or relationship with, each other. The gay community has been itching, in the show's two-season run, to see their two favorite leads to engage in an on-screen open relationship or, simply, they want more than TGTGT action! Despite this clamor, the writers and even the actresses have openly stated that the characters are not gay. I don't know how this clamor will affect the show's story and the actresses' portrayal in the future episodes but I'm sure that it does. TV shows are, mostly, concerned about viewership and ratings.

PROS:
1. Jane and Maura's chemistry. Angie Harmon (Jane) and Sasha Alexander (Maura), whether as friends or would-be lovers, have incredible chemistry. They seem as if they are long-time friends. For me, the only duo that has the same chemistry is Chuck and Morgan.

Photo from AfterEllen.com

2. Right amount of everything. To be fair, the Pilot episode contained the right elements enough for first-time viewers to look forward  to the next episode. The Charles Hoyt story was mimical of most cop stories wherein the lead protagonist has this archenemy the lead cannot kill or defeat. Bones had Heather; Booth had that sniper; Rizzoli has Hoyt. The season finale of Season 1, wherein Jane shot through herself to shoot her hostage-taker, is just plain epic. Try to beat that, Seeley.

3. The show does not care. I liked Rizzoli & Isles because it simply does not care. It does not care that its two female lead characters have the dynamic of real-life partners yet remain friends, and that, because of this, the viewers are going bonkers. In the latter part of Season Two, one Subtext Review commented on the necessity of Subtext Reviews considering the obviousness of the whole Jane-and-Maura-love-each-other. No one from the show's writing team seemed to be in a hurry to expound on this apparent dynamic.

CONS:
1. Playing Spot-the-Subtext with myself. As I watched the second and third episodes, it became less about the story and more about spotting possible subtexts or hints. I was playing a game of Spot-the-Subtext with myself. I guess Sheldon was right when he pointed out how frustrating it is to come into something (ex: watching a new movie, listening to a new song, reading a new comic books) with your mind pre-blowed (aka someone tells you how mindblowing/great how a certain movie, song or comic books is). Once blown, the mind can never be un-blown.

2. I worry about the ending. Like most shows, I'm uneasy with the fact that the show may have no clear, definite ending. So what if Jane and Maura realize that what the people at Afterellen.com are pointing out to are true? What if they do become a couple? Then what? Will they live happily ever after? I doubt that.

Despite the US' claim that they are tolerant of colored people, gays and women, same sex relationships are still taboo for national TV programming--more so, during prime time. I think this view plays a big factor in the writers' reluctance to jump the gun and have Jane and Maura sleep together, or just even hint at becoming something else, something more.

3. I worry about the show's following. Yes, the show has a solid following in the gay community. What I'm worried about is when these fans get tired of following Jane and Maura around and interpreting their actions. Who will watch the show? But, then again, will the Subtext Reviewers and Readers ever get tired?


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You may want to check other QNBS reviews:
QNBS: Community
QNBS: Outsourced
QNBS: Awkward
QNBS: New Girl

Getting Old, TV show-wise

When our favorite TV shows get old, no matter how much we love them, we turn into exes with unresolved issues, friends who never stayed in touch, or neighbors who moved to some far away place without leaving a contact number...we just lose the connection.

Growing up I super loved Survivor for its challenges, trivia potential and cunning-ness. But as it moved to new locations, endless castaways and numerous twists, I never saw an end, and got tired. It's a good thing to never quit but it's better to quit while you're ahead or on top. One is only as good as his/her last performance. Survivor just became, for me, one of those reality shows of the early 2000s.

Bones got old for me because of two things: (1) It took six seasons for Bones and Booth to hook up and even when they did, it was hazy (I can just imagine how longer it would have taken for them to hook up if Emily Deschanel didn't get pregnant); (2) It keeps killing off/writing off my favorite characters. It was big enough blow that they kicked out Eric Millegan (who plays the ever-lovable Dr. Zack Addy) for being unprofessional but it was just...game changing to write off intern Vincent Nigel-Murray (played by Ryan Cartwright) as well. Watch out, Elon Gold.

Another show that grew old on me, so to speak, is House. My then-nursing student Ate convinced our family to do a House marathon of seasons 1 to 4. I stayed hook up to Season 6 but the never-ending, always-going-back-to-Dr.House-being-a-Vicodin-taking-jerk storyline just sucked the interest out of me. Jennifer Morrison (Dr. Cameron) leaving permanently, Lisa Edelstein (Dr. Cuddy) decision to leave to try out new things, and Olivia Wilde's (Dr. Hadley aka Thirteen) decision to focus on her movie career are manifestations of how the actors have realized the need to move on and the writers' refusing to do so. It's a good show but it's frustrating that writers don't realize when it's time to quit. Scrubs' writers nearly missed their cue when they tried to last longer than JD and Turk, and introduced a new batch of med students in Season 9.

I laud Chuck writers, producers, actors and even its TV network for deciding not to renew Chuck after Season 5 because, really, what do you do after Chuck Bartowski becomes a real spy and gets married to the love of his life? Is there more to tell? Yes, getting the Intersect out of his head, and being an agent on his own--which is what Season 5 is all about. It's not bad that Chuck is ending with bang (read: kick-ass episodes, stunts and special effects; wonderful set of guest stars), too.

It pains me to see that a show as good as House is slowly becoming that-show-that-got-old, and Bones is becoming just plain draggy. Goodbye, Thirteen. It was fun while it lasted.

Photo from afterellen.com

Lawyered: PGMA is Lily

The "Lawyered!" series will cover topics involving the law, law school and everything in between told from the perspective of a frightened, enlightened, irritated, and engaged law student. :)

Fresh from my US case law-inspired Constitutional Law 2 class, from which I didn't finish on top of (yes, this gives you the right/basis to question/doubt my opinion), I re-visit my much-neglected blog series, Lawyered.

First, dear reader, I apologize for the one year hiatus of this blog series. Law school proved to be much more time-consuming and holistically demanding than I predicted it to be. In my first year, I incurred grades I have never gotten in my entire academic life and I had to focus on studying rather than blogging about studying. Anyway, this series is back...for now.

The topic: DOJ's ban on former Pres. GMA's travel abroad to seek medical attention

The simple, condensed facts: PGMA asked for a travel authority from the House of Representatives (note: as a Congresswoman, she needs to seek the approval of the House and the Speaker when leaving the country) due to health reasons, particularly to seek medical attention (biopsy) for her cervical spine infection. The House allowed her to leave but the DOJ, headed by Sec. Leila De Lima, has denied her request to be removed from the Watch List Order issued by the Secretary pursuant to Department Order No. 41. Now, PGMA seeks to nullify Department Order No. 41 which was issued on 7 June 2010--during her administration. Mainly, PGMA is arguing that the said Department Order curtails her constitutional right to travel based on Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution.

Photo from ellentordesillas.com

I have finished Constitutional Law 1 and 2. These subjects were taught in contrasting manners by different professors, who I shall not name, but whose techniques in teaching I will try to use here. Let's call these contrasting approaches as the Consti 1 - Legal approach and the Consti 2 - Political approach.

The Consti 1 - Legal Approach

Issue: W/N the DOJ's ban on former Pres. GMA's travel abroad to seek medical attention for her cervical spine condition is valid, considering the preliminary investigation on the electoral sabotage case against her and FG Mike Arroyo has started?

Answer: Yes because it is legally grounded on Department Order No. 18 issued on 23 April 2007 granting the DOJ Secretary the power to issue Watch List Orders prohibiting persons who have a preliminary investigation being done involving them or  in cases when a Motion for Reconsideration is pending review before the DOJ including application for "Not The Same Person" (NTSP).

The Consti 2-Political Approach

Issue: W/N PGMA's constitutional right to travel (for "pressing" medical reasons) can be curtailed by the State's interest in national security or in protecting our justice system?

Answer: No because the constitutional right to travel is one of the fundamental rights granted by the Constitution, as evidenced by it being included in the Bill of Rights. As such, it must be protected with great scrutiny, and controversies must be settled in favor of upholding the said right. In this case, what is being balanced is a citizen's right to travel (and to obtain competent medical attention for her 'pressing' medical condition) and the State's interest in protecting our justice system.

The question is, Is the State's interest in protecting the integrity of our justice system far greater than an individual's right? No. There are other ways in which the integrity of the justice system can be protected and maintained without stepping on PGMA's right. It is wrong, at least for me, to say that:  the greater good shall prevail over the interest of the few. Constitutional rights have never been, in the few cases I've read and we've discussed in class, about "majority wins". It's about protecting the interest of the minority, of the individual. This is democracy in its most fundamental level.

To help you understand this, and just to keep the How I Met Your Mother parallelism going, let me illustrate the importance democracy gives to individual liberty by using a scene from The Rough Patch (Episode 7 Season 5). Marshall and Ted are trying to convince Lily to break Robin and Barney up because their relationship is killing them.

Marshall: You've got to break them up. This relationship is killing them.

Lily: I know it is but I've learned my lesson: no more interfering; let things run their course.

Ted: It's two to one.

Lily: Yes, but the one is me.

Imagine that everyone else is Marshall and Ted, the majority, and PGMA is Lily--the individual, the minority. Even if Lily's alone she matters. I believe, no matter how crappy PGMA is as a person, she still has the right to travel whenever she pleases especially in cases when her health so demands. If she chooses to obtain medical attention abroad, no one can/should be allowed to stop her. The decision on who and how one's medical complications will be treated should be decided by the person who needs it. Having the freedom to make a choice is very fundamental, and it lies at the core of each and every constitutional right granted to each citizen of the Philippines.

The ultimate choice of which approach will apply in this case is, again, at the hands of fifteen Supreme Court Justices--twelve of which was appointed by the petitioner. I disagree with what some are saying (that this is simply a legal issue) because choosing which approach to apply, whether the legal or political approach, is political in itself.

Lawyered!

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You may want to check:

Lawyered: The Law-down
Lawyered: Do the Math
Lawyered: Top Reasons Why You Should Date a Law Student

Quick Change-Ups

It's fascinating how actors/actresses/characters in a series are changed after an episode or two. Some of us don't even notice the change for: 

(1) the change is made too soon in the season (like in the case of Gen. Beckman of Chuck...

(2) the change is made too far apart from the character's first appearance up to the next (Vimi in Outsourced)...

 or (3) the change involves the 'token black guy' all together (Coach was changed to Winston in New Girl)...

In all these changes, I hated the change in New Girl the most. Coach was doing great as the 'token black guy' character and I found Winston's entrance unnecessary. But, as it turned out, the change was inevitable because Damon Wayans Jr.'s series Happy Endings was renewed.

In Gen. Beckman's and Vimi's cases, better--in performance and looks--actresses replaced the former. The new Gen. Beckman played by Bonita Friedericy proved to be homelier than the former played by Wendy Makkena. I couldn't have predicted how Makkena would have played the Gen. Beckman character but as far as Friedericy is concerned, she has done a very good job. The former Vimi proved to be too dull and plain looking compared to a ravishing(!) Noureen DeWulf. It is, however, doubtful if a guy who looks like Rajiv can land a woman as good looking as the "new" Vimi.

Well, that is what TV is for.


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You may want to check, Quick Change-Ups a la Glee.

Barnman and Robin Picspam: 501 Definitions

First, what is a picspam? There's no official definition so I constructed one, the Wittgenstein way. It is a series of screencaps of characters, usually pairings, in film or TV series scenes. It's a form of channeling ones obsession over these characters. Or so I think.

How I Met Your Mother is, obviously, my favorite TV series. I started watching it in 2008. I liked Ted but when the writers paired Barney and Robin in the Season 3 episode Sandcastles in the Sand, I had a Eureka!/why-not? moment. From that point on, I was on the Barney and Robin boat. Ted who?

In my frantic quest for all things Barney and Robin, I stumbled upon these picspams (with dialogues!) of the couple made by a blogger from Italy. She has made awesome picspams  up to Season 4. For references, click below:

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4 (1/2)

Season 4 (2/2)

When she stopped making picspams for the couple in Season 5, I took it upon myself to continue the stalker-ish thing she started. I never expected how much hardwork and commitment making a picspam demands. But like any endeavor I commit myself to, I promised to continue the picspam-making up to Season 8, HIMYM's last confirmed season.

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It was tiring to make a picspam for Season 5 because 1/4 of the season was about Barney and Robin being in a relationship, and the 3/4 was about them struggling to be friends.

Season 5x01 Definitions

Barney: Yeah, Lily...
Robin: Barney's awesome.
Barney: Robin's more than just awesome. She's aw--quite a bit--hold on a lot--

Robin: We’re just not feeling it right now.

Robin: I should get going I have a date.
Barney: You're still seeing that guy.
Robin: Even better...seeing him naked.

Barney: The Talk sucks; you have to, like, talk.

Ted: I don't think that the talk is necessary.
Marshall: What?!
Ted: Because Robin is already his girlfriend.
Barney: What?!

Lily: Seriously, we're at the point of physical violence here. Now, will you please have the talk?
Barney: Because of that? Come on, that's my thing. I'm always punching guys. Girls. I'll punch a baby I don't care.

Marshall: Just hanging out.
Lily: Not good enough.
Marshall: NOT GOOD ENOUGH! (whips)

Robin: Think about it we spent the whole summer lying about being just friends.
Why not just keep lying?

Barney: She's awesome. Robin: He's awesome.
Robin: He looks nice in a suit. Barney: She can handle her scotch.
Robin: He's my boyfriend. Barney: She's my girlfriend.

Ted: You do realize they were lying, right.
Lily: No, Ted they don't realize they weren't lying.

Stay tuned for more.