I've always loved history. It's memorizing datelines and taking pop quizzes that I've never learned to love. The reign of King Henry VIII is particularly fascinating. The dude beheaded two wives for goodness sakes.
Showtime's series "The Tudors" explores King Henry's life and his fast-changing relationships with his wives. The first three seasons are available on DVD and my sister let me borrow her copies (thanks, Anne).
I've been watching the show with my laptop. I love to check on the accuracy of the show's details. How does it rate? I wouldn't use it as study material for a history class, but the basic storyline is true. The most disturbing thing, to me, is the "composite character" that's supposed to represent Henry's two sisters. It doesn't. The show also takes some liberties with England's relationship with Scotland and France during that time period.
The acting is excellent and the character development is strong, if a bit fictional. I'd certainly suggest the show to friends and even history buffs. In fact, especially history buffs. Jeff (a history minor) and I have enjoyed talking (and arguing) about the show. Just keep your laptop close to settle any disputes.
Showing posts with label tv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tv. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, July 27, 2009
Dating in the Dark
Ever wonder how much appearance factors into a relationship? Stop pondering. ABC's "Dating in the Dark" seeks to answer this question.
Three men and three women meet in a completely dark room to "make a connection." They talk and touch, but they can't see. After an initial meeting each women chooses which of the three guys she wants to date. Luckily, in the first two episodes each gal had been paired off with a different guy. Hello producers' influence.
After a couple of one-on-one dates, the lights come on. Next, each person must decide whether to continue the "relationship." Those who decide to go for love, stand on a balcony. If someone decides to run from love, he or she leaves while the dumped date stands on the balcony and watches. In episode one, a girl ran for the door after the light revealed her date was slightly overweight. In episode two, a guy bailed on a girl because she was "too into her religion." Um, he didn't notice that in the dark?
Anyway, people are shallow. That's no surprise. To me, what's shocking is that anyone would rather be known as an a-hole than a person who dates someone who's not perfect. Why not just suck it up and walk out on the balcony? It's not like there's a priest and marriage license waiting. Haven't these people ever been on a blind date before?
If you're in the dark about this show, I suggest you stay there.
Three men and three women meet in a completely dark room to "make a connection." They talk and touch, but they can't see. After an initial meeting each women chooses which of the three guys she wants to date. Luckily, in the first two episodes each gal had been paired off with a different guy. Hello producers' influence.
After a couple of one-on-one dates, the lights come on. Next, each person must decide whether to continue the "relationship." Those who decide to go for love, stand on a balcony. If someone decides to run from love, he or she leaves while the dumped date stands on the balcony and watches. In episode one, a girl ran for the door after the light revealed her date was slightly overweight. In episode two, a guy bailed on a girl because she was "too into her religion." Um, he didn't notice that in the dark?
Anyway, people are shallow. That's no surprise. To me, what's shocking is that anyone would rather be known as an a-hole than a person who dates someone who's not perfect. Why not just suck it up and walk out on the balcony? It's not like there's a priest and marriage license waiting. Haven't these people ever been on a blind date before?
If you're in the dark about this show, I suggest you stay there.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Squabbling about Emmy nominations
Emmy Award nominations were announced today. I'm happy that Tina Fey's sitcom, "30 Rock," got 22 nominations. Her show is hilarious. I think I can safely call it "her" show since she stars in it and writes most of it herself.
I can't believe I've never seen "Mad Men," which had 16 bids. I keep meaning to watch it, but then I get sucked into another bad rerun of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." By the way, the Gosselin's show was ignored in the reality category. That's probably a good thing since the show seems more unrealistic than most scripted comedies.
I'm sad that "Boston Legal" was left out. Why does no one but me seem to appreciate that show? I'm not surprise that "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" missed out on best drama nods, those shows peaked year's ago and I haven't seen them since. Some TV critics are also alarmed that "ER" didn't get a best drama bid. I can't say I care. I loved that show once, but last year (its final) I just wondered "why is this still on TV?" I guess a lot of folks were wondering the same thing.
I'm most excited that HBO's "Big Love" was nominated for best drama and Jeff is likely most excited that HBO's "Entourage" was nominated for best comedy. The shows' plots have nothing in common, but both shows are well written and have compelling characters.
For more information on the Emmy noms click here
I can't believe I've never seen "Mad Men," which had 16 bids. I keep meaning to watch it, but then I get sucked into another bad rerun of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." By the way, the Gosselin's show was ignored in the reality category. That's probably a good thing since the show seems more unrealistic than most scripted comedies.
I'm sad that "Boston Legal" was left out. Why does no one but me seem to appreciate that show? I'm not surprise that "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" missed out on best drama nods, those shows peaked year's ago and I haven't seen them since. Some TV critics are also alarmed that "ER" didn't get a best drama bid. I can't say I care. I loved that show once, but last year (its final) I just wondered "why is this still on TV?" I guess a lot of folks were wondering the same thing.
I'm most excited that HBO's "Big Love" was nominated for best drama and Jeff is likely most excited that HBO's "Entourage" was nominated for best comedy. The shows' plots have nothing in common, but both shows are well written and have compelling characters.
For more information on the Emmy noms click here
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gender cakes
I was watching the Dugger family reality show "18 Kids and Counting" on Tuesday night. The show is about Jim Bob and Michelle, an Arkansas couple, who have 18 children and - God-willing - plan to have more. Who's reality is this, again?
This particular episode was about Josh, the Dugger's oldest son, and his wife Anna. They're expecting their first child and they decided to find out the baby's gender, not in a doctor's office but in a cake.
It's true, and it can happen to you. Here's how: Instead of telling the future mom and dad, an ultrasound technician calls a baker. The baker makes a cake for the expectant parents and dyes the cake batter pink or blue. When the happy couple cuts into the cake, the baby's sex is revealed.
Being a reality couple (or the kids of one, anyway) Josh and Anna chose to cut into their cake on the "Today" show. So, the show's viewers got to find out along with the couple. Reality stardom isn't for everyone.
(Warning: spoiler coming) Josh and Anna's cake was pink. It's a girl!
(Warning: bad pun ahead) Of the various ways to find out a baby's sex, learning through a delicious baked good certainly takes the cake. Though I'd probably pick a more private moment than a national TV show offers.
This particular episode was about Josh, the Dugger's oldest son, and his wife Anna. They're expecting their first child and they decided to find out the baby's gender, not in a doctor's office but in a cake.
It's true, and it can happen to you. Here's how: Instead of telling the future mom and dad, an ultrasound technician calls a baker. The baker makes a cake for the expectant parents and dyes the cake batter pink or blue. When the happy couple cuts into the cake, the baby's sex is revealed.
Being a reality couple (or the kids of one, anyway) Josh and Anna chose to cut into their cake on the "Today" show. So, the show's viewers got to find out along with the couple. Reality stardom isn't for everyone.
(Warning: spoiler coming) Josh and Anna's cake was pink. It's a girl!
(Warning: bad pun ahead) Of the various ways to find out a baby's sex, learning through a delicious baked good certainly takes the cake. Though I'd probably pick a more private moment than a national TV show offers.
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