I think I will work on editing the next chapter of The Year of the Unicorn and upload it into my critique group for review next week. It looks to be a long chapter. Hopefully, I'll get it complete today.
I'm about half-way through the edits of book two of my Necromancer series. I can't wait until I have it all nice and polished, so that I could send it along to my literary agent and she can start shopping it around.
I'd like to write the next couple of chapters of Milledgeville Misfit this weekend. Perhaps I'll catch up on my sleep, be rejuvinated and have a refreshed mind to get busy.
On another note:
A prophecy was given to me that things are being lined up for me right now, and that this line is an endless one. I'm to be patient. A change is coming, for the good; a wave of peace and clear direction. It's not just for me, but through me - and will change the lives of me, my husband, my family and even my friends. When I see a direction that seems to go the wrong way, I'm not to worry - it's part of the shifting, but in line with the plan.
Here's to the journey - and to those who are ready to take it with me.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
Smallville - Superman Transition Dream
I haven't had much thoughts about Smallville for the past few weeks, at least not since I watched the season finale. However, last night I had a dream about it. It was great! I even had great special effects. I will try to be as true to the dream as possible - even the embarrassing details. LOL!
The dream starts with Clark and Chloe. They're in Clark's loft (his homemade Fortress of Solitude) and things are getting pretty steamy. Clark yeilds with concerns for Chloe's safety, but she tells him she's willing to try. They take their game of cat and mouse out into the cornfields - and let's just say that when it was over the field had a new symbol burned into it - a 'C*'. Don't know what it means. You know how dreams go - they have a life of their own. The main thing - they're happy and she survived.
But, Clark doesn't sleep very well. He starts having these dreams of chaos. Disturbed by his dreams, he visits the real FOS to speak to Jor-El. His hopes of a great life with Chloe are dashed as Jor-El speaks of the dangers of Kryptonians and humans mixing. How it is life threatening to Chloe and the product of such a union would bring disaster upon the earth (like all of Clark's other decisions).
Clark immediately tells Chloe - because he's completely honest and open with her. She is heart-broken, but says that she could love him and be with him without having relations - pointing out in her factoid way that there are hundreds of couples who live good lives together without the pleasure of sex. She reminds him of woman married to paraplegics (hint, hint Christopher Reeve) and are happy. Clark reminds her that she would never be able to have children if she remains with him. She tells him they could adopt.
They seem to be working out all of the details, but Clark still feels that they don't know enough to make a complete and final decision on the matter and asks Chloe if she's up for a little trip - and he takes her with him back to the FOS. It's a fun scene when she hops into his arms and says, "let's fly" - though he really just runs.
They reach the FOS and Jor-El repeats what he told Clark earlier, but he adds more this time - reminding Clark of the dangers of a Krytponian/Human heir and the complications that are associated with it. Clark tells Jor-El that he and Chloe have discussed that - that they made a decision to abstain from sex and adopt. Jor-El tells Clark that he doesn't know enough about his Kryptonian heritage to make such a decision. Clark concedes his lack of knowledge, as does Chloe. Jor-El tries to tell him of destiny once more and how important Clark needs to learn his origins before he could make any lifelong plans on earth - including marriage and family.
Clark tells Jor-El how much he loves Chloe and Jor-El tells him that if he truly loves her, he would not ask her to make such a commitment without all the facts. (He used her own strength of journalism and fact-finding as the premise of the conversation.) Chloe agrees with Jor-El. She tells Clark that she loves him, but she feels that this world has a bigger purpose for him than just her and that he needs to learn the truth - all of it. Jor-El tells him that his training would take 14 earth years to complete. Clark refuses, but Chloe convinces him that she'd wait for him. "Fourteen years compared to a lifetime is nothing," she said. Clark concedes.
Clark and Chloe spend a month together in various places throughout the world. Clark takes her to all the places she's always wanted to see. Tuscany, Paris, Germany, Norway, Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef, Madagascar, Istanbul, Greece, Oslo, Great Britain & Ireland. They are happy. Chloe returns to Met-U and the Daily Planet, while Clark returns to the FOS and begins his training.
Fourteen years later he re-emerges as Kal-El/Superman and flies off from the FOS. His first stop is Metropolis - to find Chloe at the DP, but as he arrives he notices a helicopter hanging off the top of the Daily Planet and so he introduces the world and Lois Lane to Superman. He saves the day, but then flies off to Smallville to see his mother - thinking he'd show back up in Metropolis as Clark Kent to find Chloe.
Clark walks into the farmhouse to find Martha sitting on the sofa watching the news. She looks up - (she's gray-headed now) and smiles when she sees her son. "I'm back, mother," he says. She embraces him and asks, "But, not home?" He hugs her tightly and responds, "This will always be home, but I'm not just Clark Kent anymore. I'm Kal-El from Krypton." Martha smiled. "I know". Clark visits his old loft, which is now dusty and dark. Martha joins him, bringing him a cup of coffee. He asks about Chloe and a pained look crosses Martha's face.
"Clark, you have to understand that Chloe was happy and she had no regrets. I was with her in the end." Clark stumbles backward and falls back onto the old, dusty sofa. "You know how fearless she was, always tackling the next big story. Well, she found a story that was a little bigger than she was. She could never let go of investigating Lex."
Clark jumped up from the couch. "What did he do, mother? Tell me!"
Martha stood by the open door of the loft. "It was during my re-election campaign. Things were getting pretty nasty and Lex was down quite a bit in the poles. Chloe wanted to make sure I was safe and that Lex wasn't planning on anything to cause me harm so that he could win, but she stumbled on a plan of his to knock me out of the race. She never told me what that plan was, but she told me she was going to stop it. I tried to convince her to let it go, that I planned on stepping down once I've gained the seat, to allow a good ally to take my place. We just had to prevent Lex from gaining the seat."
Martha turned around and stared at Clark in the face. Tears ran down her cheeks. "Chloe got caught sneaking into Lex's mansion. We don't know what happened to her and she couldn't remember, but she got sick afterward. It started off like a mild case of the flu, but it kept getting worse. I stayed with her night and day in the hospital, both Lois and I. We never left her for one moment. Toward the end, she knew she wasn't going to make it and she wanted me to tell you that she was happy, that the time she had with you was enough to fill a lifetime and that she had no regrets. She says for you to stay strong, to search for the truth and seek justice. She called you her 'Superman' and to tell you that you she loved you - she always had."
Tears ran down Clark's cheeks as he embraced his mother. After a few minutes, he pulled her away from him and asked, 'What is Lex up to, mother?"
"I think he's creating a new chemical weapon made out of the meteor rocks. I think it was this chemical weapon that killed Chloe. He's been on a campaign to rid the world of Kryptonite - at least that's what he's been telling everyone - and there is hardly any left in the world now. He's dug up most of Smallville now. Once he won the Senate seat, he's had truckloads of the rocks shipped out. He says he's destroying it, but there's no telling what he's really doing with it. It has cut down on the appearance of meteor freaks, but I worry about what he's doing with it. He thinks you're dead. He was sure you'd come back when Chloe got ill, but you didn't. He's dangerous, Clark. I'm glad you're back. The world needs you - there's no telling what Lex is capable of."
Clark flies off to Metropolis and shows up for work at the Daily Planet. He meets Lois outside of Perry White's office.
"Well, I'll be, if it ain't Smallville. You mother told me you were back and that she told you what happened to Chloe. You should have been there."
Clark looked down, pushing his black framed glasses farther up his nose. "I know," he mumbles.
Lois looks at him curiously, "You look different."
Clark points to the glasses. "I had some trouble with my vision. I'm stuck wearing these babies now."
Lois looks at him indifferently. "You do know they have a thing called Lasik surgery now that can fix those."
He laughs, "I tried that, didn't work."
Lois shrugs, "Oh, well - what ever floats your boat. So, you want to be a mild-mannered reporter, huh?"
Clark arched his eyebrows and replied, "Uh - I was doing this before I left. What I can't figure out is why YOU'RE a reporter - and for the Planet."
Lois - "Well, after Chloe died I was determined to find out what really happened to her and discovered I'm actually good at this investigative stuff. I don't spell too well, but that's what spell check is for. I find I can get to the bottom of story well enough. Which reminds me, can you believe what's going on in the world today?” Lois grabs a hamburger at 9am in the morning and walks around to her desk, which sits opposite of Clark. “ There's some alien dude flying around saving people. He just shows up out of nowhere. I tell you, Smallville, this is the story of the century.” She takes a big bit of her hamburger and with a full mouth replies, “I’m going to get the scoop on him, you watch.” After she swallows she says, “He's amazing, Smallville. I've never seen anything like him."
Clark shifts uncomfortably. "Yeah, some kind of Superman I hear."
Lois' eyes light up and she slams her burger down on her desk. "Superman! That's what I'm going to call him." She turns to Clark, not really noticing him. "What do you think, Smallville? Do you think the world is ready for a 'Superman'?"
Clark follows after her, "Well, Lois... I-"
Awe.... my heart just goes pitter patter. I'm really sad that Chloe was gone - but this makes perfect sense to me. Anyway. There's no telling how Smallville will end, but this is how it ends in my heart.
I thought I'd share my dream with you - and there it is.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
The dream starts with Clark and Chloe. They're in Clark's loft (his homemade Fortress of Solitude) and things are getting pretty steamy. Clark yeilds with concerns for Chloe's safety, but she tells him she's willing to try. They take their game of cat and mouse out into the cornfields - and let's just say that when it was over the field had a new symbol burned into it - a 'C*'. Don't know what it means. You know how dreams go - they have a life of their own. The main thing - they're happy and she survived.
But, Clark doesn't sleep very well. He starts having these dreams of chaos. Disturbed by his dreams, he visits the real FOS to speak to Jor-El. His hopes of a great life with Chloe are dashed as Jor-El speaks of the dangers of Kryptonians and humans mixing. How it is life threatening to Chloe and the product of such a union would bring disaster upon the earth (like all of Clark's other decisions).
Clark immediately tells Chloe - because he's completely honest and open with her. She is heart-broken, but says that she could love him and be with him without having relations - pointing out in her factoid way that there are hundreds of couples who live good lives together without the pleasure of sex. She reminds him of woman married to paraplegics (hint, hint Christopher Reeve) and are happy. Clark reminds her that she would never be able to have children if she remains with him. She tells him they could adopt.
They seem to be working out all of the details, but Clark still feels that they don't know enough to make a complete and final decision on the matter and asks Chloe if she's up for a little trip - and he takes her with him back to the FOS. It's a fun scene when she hops into his arms and says, "let's fly" - though he really just runs.
They reach the FOS and Jor-El repeats what he told Clark earlier, but he adds more this time - reminding Clark of the dangers of a Krytponian/Human heir and the complications that are associated with it. Clark tells Jor-El that he and Chloe have discussed that - that they made a decision to abstain from sex and adopt. Jor-El tells Clark that he doesn't know enough about his Kryptonian heritage to make such a decision. Clark concedes his lack of knowledge, as does Chloe. Jor-El tries to tell him of destiny once more and how important Clark needs to learn his origins before he could make any lifelong plans on earth - including marriage and family.
Clark tells Jor-El how much he loves Chloe and Jor-El tells him that if he truly loves her, he would not ask her to make such a commitment without all the facts. (He used her own strength of journalism and fact-finding as the premise of the conversation.) Chloe agrees with Jor-El. She tells Clark that she loves him, but she feels that this world has a bigger purpose for him than just her and that he needs to learn the truth - all of it. Jor-El tells him that his training would take 14 earth years to complete. Clark refuses, but Chloe convinces him that she'd wait for him. "Fourteen years compared to a lifetime is nothing," she said. Clark concedes.
Clark and Chloe spend a month together in various places throughout the world. Clark takes her to all the places she's always wanted to see. Tuscany, Paris, Germany, Norway, Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef, Madagascar, Istanbul, Greece, Oslo, Great Britain & Ireland. They are happy. Chloe returns to Met-U and the Daily Planet, while Clark returns to the FOS and begins his training.
Fourteen years later he re-emerges as Kal-El/Superman and flies off from the FOS. His first stop is Metropolis - to find Chloe at the DP, but as he arrives he notices a helicopter hanging off the top of the Daily Planet and so he introduces the world and Lois Lane to Superman. He saves the day, but then flies off to Smallville to see his mother - thinking he'd show back up in Metropolis as Clark Kent to find Chloe.
Clark walks into the farmhouse to find Martha sitting on the sofa watching the news. She looks up - (she's gray-headed now) and smiles when she sees her son. "I'm back, mother," he says. She embraces him and asks, "But, not home?" He hugs her tightly and responds, "This will always be home, but I'm not just Clark Kent anymore. I'm Kal-El from Krypton." Martha smiled. "I know". Clark visits his old loft, which is now dusty and dark. Martha joins him, bringing him a cup of coffee. He asks about Chloe and a pained look crosses Martha's face.
"Clark, you have to understand that Chloe was happy and she had no regrets. I was with her in the end." Clark stumbles backward and falls back onto the old, dusty sofa. "You know how fearless she was, always tackling the next big story. Well, she found a story that was a little bigger than she was. She could never let go of investigating Lex."
Clark jumped up from the couch. "What did he do, mother? Tell me!"
Martha stood by the open door of the loft. "It was during my re-election campaign. Things were getting pretty nasty and Lex was down quite a bit in the poles. Chloe wanted to make sure I was safe and that Lex wasn't planning on anything to cause me harm so that he could win, but she stumbled on a plan of his to knock me out of the race. She never told me what that plan was, but she told me she was going to stop it. I tried to convince her to let it go, that I planned on stepping down once I've gained the seat, to allow a good ally to take my place. We just had to prevent Lex from gaining the seat."
Martha turned around and stared at Clark in the face. Tears ran down her cheeks. "Chloe got caught sneaking into Lex's mansion. We don't know what happened to her and she couldn't remember, but she got sick afterward. It started off like a mild case of the flu, but it kept getting worse. I stayed with her night and day in the hospital, both Lois and I. We never left her for one moment. Toward the end, she knew she wasn't going to make it and she wanted me to tell you that she was happy, that the time she had with you was enough to fill a lifetime and that she had no regrets. She says for you to stay strong, to search for the truth and seek justice. She called you her 'Superman' and to tell you that you she loved you - she always had."
Tears ran down Clark's cheeks as he embraced his mother. After a few minutes, he pulled her away from him and asked, 'What is Lex up to, mother?"
"I think he's creating a new chemical weapon made out of the meteor rocks. I think it was this chemical weapon that killed Chloe. He's been on a campaign to rid the world of Kryptonite - at least that's what he's been telling everyone - and there is hardly any left in the world now. He's dug up most of Smallville now. Once he won the Senate seat, he's had truckloads of the rocks shipped out. He says he's destroying it, but there's no telling what he's really doing with it. It has cut down on the appearance of meteor freaks, but I worry about what he's doing with it. He thinks you're dead. He was sure you'd come back when Chloe got ill, but you didn't. He's dangerous, Clark. I'm glad you're back. The world needs you - there's no telling what Lex is capable of."
Clark flies off to Metropolis and shows up for work at the Daily Planet. He meets Lois outside of Perry White's office.
"Well, I'll be, if it ain't Smallville. You mother told me you were back and that she told you what happened to Chloe. You should have been there."
Clark looked down, pushing his black framed glasses farther up his nose. "I know," he mumbles.
Lois looks at him curiously, "You look different."
Clark points to the glasses. "I had some trouble with my vision. I'm stuck wearing these babies now."
Lois looks at him indifferently. "You do know they have a thing called Lasik surgery now that can fix those."
He laughs, "I tried that, didn't work."
Lois shrugs, "Oh, well - what ever floats your boat. So, you want to be a mild-mannered reporter, huh?"
Clark arched his eyebrows and replied, "Uh - I was doing this before I left. What I can't figure out is why YOU'RE a reporter - and for the Planet."
Lois - "Well, after Chloe died I was determined to find out what really happened to her and discovered I'm actually good at this investigative stuff. I don't spell too well, but that's what spell check is for. I find I can get to the bottom of story well enough. Which reminds me, can you believe what's going on in the world today?” Lois grabs a hamburger at 9am in the morning and walks around to her desk, which sits opposite of Clark. “ There's some alien dude flying around saving people. He just shows up out of nowhere. I tell you, Smallville, this is the story of the century.” She takes a big bit of her hamburger and with a full mouth replies, “I’m going to get the scoop on him, you watch.” After she swallows she says, “He's amazing, Smallville. I've never seen anything like him."
Clark shifts uncomfortably. "Yeah, some kind of Superman I hear."
Lois' eyes light up and she slams her burger down on her desk. "Superman! That's what I'm going to call him." She turns to Clark, not really noticing him. "What do you think, Smallville? Do you think the world is ready for a 'Superman'?"
Clark follows after her, "Well, Lois... I-"
Awe.... my heart just goes pitter patter. I'm really sad that Chloe was gone - but this makes perfect sense to me. Anyway. There's no telling how Smallville will end, but this is how it ends in my heart.
I thought I'd share my dream with you - and there it is.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Monday, May 15, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:22 Finale
Boy... they seemed to pull out all the stops, didn't they? I was on the edge of my seat the whole episode. With no word on next season's renewal yet, I'm not sure if I could live with that ending should it not be picked up. It just has to picked up!
I have to start off with Clark in the Phantom Zone - Has the boy not got super speed as one of his abilities? I suppose having it doesn't guarantee super reflexes. When it comes to Smallville, I think by this point in time no one should ever just stand and stare at any object. If you see a shiny thing in the sky... RUN! But, Clark hasn't been known to have super intelligence... yet.
So, how is Boy Wonder going to get himself out of this one? Will Daddy Dearest have to help him out again. For a dead man, Jor-El seems to be pretty handy. He might actually get to enjoy that eternal rest if his son would just learn to do what he tells him. Yet, I suppose that if Jor-El would speak a little plainer, Clark might understand. This time however, "Kill the Vessel" seemed pretty straight forward to me. It didn't sound like "Try to attack the Kryptonian computer that you've destroyed twice already... you never know... third time might be the charm." Oh, Clark's loyalties are so misguided.
Well, I'll admit that I was wrong about Lana. I had this small glimmer of hope that she had been using Lex, while all along still loving Clark, to find the answers that nobody wanted to give her. Instead, I get saddled with a misguided, selfish, moronic prude, who can't see farther than her own stuck up nose and has a huge memory problem. I'm asking the same thing, "How could she have ever loved Clark?" She's never loved herself. You can't love someone else unless you first love yourself. That's always been Lana's problem. She tries to find her identity by wrapping it up into someone else. She's dependent on the affections of others to validate her own. She's a mess and I'm glad Clark is finally moving on.
Okay... I know many of you are waiting for this part (Chloe & Clark). But, before I get into that, I have to express this one point.... THEY BETTER NOT KILL HER!!!! She's the best character on this show. She's the backbone of it... and if it weren't for her, our hero wouldn't look as good as he does. She's the most selfless character. I'll say, she's even the true hero. She's the model that Clark will use to shape his own super identity, because Chloe has spelled it all out for him. What to do, how to act, how to be selfless and diligent, how to sacrifice and serve, how to put your desires second to your call in life, how to be a hero. She doesn't have super strength in her hands, but she has strength of character. She's not faster than a speeding bullet, but have you seen anyone hack into security faster than her? She's not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but she's able to make giant leaps into whatever she's put her mind to. She's not an alien from another world, but there's no one else just like her.
It's time for Chloe to become that catalyst... but, NOT YET! Give her just a little more time with Clark. Just one more moment - to hear that validation that her sacrifice wasn't for nothing. To hear the words that she's longed to hear for years. To see his eyes finally looking back at her -with no shadows of another woman. Even if it's just a short while... it would be justice. Isn't that what Clark is for.... truth & justice? Chloe deserves both. But, then she can't stick around too long or else she'll become the shadow of the other woman to Lois.
When Clark was walking away from Chloe and he hesitated, I screamed at my television for him to turn around and kiss her. Then, Chloe did it for me and he definitely kissed back and not because of a physical attraction - because of an emotional one. He loves her and always have. He's beginning to understand what love is - and it ain't Lana Lang.
I'm hoping that Jor-El will once again use Lionel to help save Chloe - because she's going to somehow help free Clark from the Phantom Zone. She knows how to use the cave to get to the Fortress of Solitude and she'll go get help from Jor-El. Her helping... will cost her dearly -as she mentioned.
I think Lionel will die by the hands of Lex/Zod.
Okay... now to the supervillian I've waited five years to see... Lex Luthor. This is the BEST version of Lex Luthor in the history of Lex Luthor's. This is the bar for everyone else to try and live up to, but I doubt that will happen. Probably, forever in my heart - Michael Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex will be the true one for me. He does a fantastic job! How bad did Lex look on the rooftop of LuthorCorp? I know that right now he's Zod... but, before Zod took control, Lex showed his true colors. He finally let down his guard and revealed what I've known about him since the first episode. I knew his infatuation with Lana wasn't because he loved her and she fit into his profile... but that he desired her because she belonged to Clark. Lex has always wanted everything that Clark had, but he wasn't willing to be what Clark is to get it. Clark is so loved, because of the way that he loves. Lex doesn't know how to love, he knows how to take, manipulate and play mind games. You can't reap what you didn't sow. You can't have grapes if you've planted corn. It's soooo good to see him finally embracing his destiny. NOW, the story really starts.
Of course we know that Martha and Lois survive the plane - which is driven by Brainiac or is it? When Zod come through - doesn't Braniac disappear? If he does - who's flying the plane now? Hmmm? How they're going to get out of this one, I don't know. But, they must survive because of canon - unless they want to change cannon. (**Martha and Lois dies, Chloe assumes Lois' identity, etc, etc. ) Oops, sorry! Got a little carried away in land of wishful thinking.
So many questions left unanswered... and so much time to wait to find out the answers.
Well... here's to another agonizing summer of rolling theories and candid speculations.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
I have to start off with Clark in the Phantom Zone - Has the boy not got super speed as one of his abilities? I suppose having it doesn't guarantee super reflexes. When it comes to Smallville, I think by this point in time no one should ever just stand and stare at any object. If you see a shiny thing in the sky... RUN! But, Clark hasn't been known to have super intelligence... yet.
So, how is Boy Wonder going to get himself out of this one? Will Daddy Dearest have to help him out again. For a dead man, Jor-El seems to be pretty handy. He might actually get to enjoy that eternal rest if his son would just learn to do what he tells him. Yet, I suppose that if Jor-El would speak a little plainer, Clark might understand. This time however, "Kill the Vessel" seemed pretty straight forward to me. It didn't sound like "Try to attack the Kryptonian computer that you've destroyed twice already... you never know... third time might be the charm." Oh, Clark's loyalties are so misguided.
Well, I'll admit that I was wrong about Lana. I had this small glimmer of hope that she had been using Lex, while all along still loving Clark, to find the answers that nobody wanted to give her. Instead, I get saddled with a misguided, selfish, moronic prude, who can't see farther than her own stuck up nose and has a huge memory problem. I'm asking the same thing, "How could she have ever loved Clark?" She's never loved herself. You can't love someone else unless you first love yourself. That's always been Lana's problem. She tries to find her identity by wrapping it up into someone else. She's dependent on the affections of others to validate her own. She's a mess and I'm glad Clark is finally moving on.
Okay... I know many of you are waiting for this part (Chloe & Clark). But, before I get into that, I have to express this one point.... THEY BETTER NOT KILL HER!!!! She's the best character on this show. She's the backbone of it... and if it weren't for her, our hero wouldn't look as good as he does. She's the most selfless character. I'll say, she's even the true hero. She's the model that Clark will use to shape his own super identity, because Chloe has spelled it all out for him. What to do, how to act, how to be selfless and diligent, how to sacrifice and serve, how to put your desires second to your call in life, how to be a hero. She doesn't have super strength in her hands, but she has strength of character. She's not faster than a speeding bullet, but have you seen anyone hack into security faster than her? She's not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but she's able to make giant leaps into whatever she's put her mind to. She's not an alien from another world, but there's no one else just like her.
It's time for Chloe to become that catalyst... but, NOT YET! Give her just a little more time with Clark. Just one more moment - to hear that validation that her sacrifice wasn't for nothing. To hear the words that she's longed to hear for years. To see his eyes finally looking back at her -with no shadows of another woman. Even if it's just a short while... it would be justice. Isn't that what Clark is for.... truth & justice? Chloe deserves both. But, then she can't stick around too long or else she'll become the shadow of the other woman to Lois.
When Clark was walking away from Chloe and he hesitated, I screamed at my television for him to turn around and kiss her. Then, Chloe did it for me and he definitely kissed back and not because of a physical attraction - because of an emotional one. He loves her and always have. He's beginning to understand what love is - and it ain't Lana Lang.
I'm hoping that Jor-El will once again use Lionel to help save Chloe - because she's going to somehow help free Clark from the Phantom Zone. She knows how to use the cave to get to the Fortress of Solitude and she'll go get help from Jor-El. Her helping... will cost her dearly -as she mentioned.
I think Lionel will die by the hands of Lex/Zod.
Okay... now to the supervillian I've waited five years to see... Lex Luthor. This is the BEST version of Lex Luthor in the history of Lex Luthor's. This is the bar for everyone else to try and live up to, but I doubt that will happen. Probably, forever in my heart - Michael Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex will be the true one for me. He does a fantastic job! How bad did Lex look on the rooftop of LuthorCorp? I know that right now he's Zod... but, before Zod took control, Lex showed his true colors. He finally let down his guard and revealed what I've known about him since the first episode. I knew his infatuation with Lana wasn't because he loved her and she fit into his profile... but that he desired her because she belonged to Clark. Lex has always wanted everything that Clark had, but he wasn't willing to be what Clark is to get it. Clark is so loved, because of the way that he loves. Lex doesn't know how to love, he knows how to take, manipulate and play mind games. You can't reap what you didn't sow. You can't have grapes if you've planted corn. It's soooo good to see him finally embracing his destiny. NOW, the story really starts.
Of course we know that Martha and Lois survive the plane - which is driven by Brainiac or is it? When Zod come through - doesn't Braniac disappear? If he does - who's flying the plane now? Hmmm? How they're going to get out of this one, I don't know. But, they must survive because of canon - unless they want to change cannon. (**Martha and Lois dies, Chloe assumes Lois' identity, etc, etc. ) Oops, sorry! Got a little carried away in land of wishful thinking.
So many questions left unanswered... and so much time to wait to find out the answers.
Well... here's to another agonizing summer of rolling theories and candid speculations.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Friday, May 05, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:21 Oracle
**Rubs temples with eyes closed chanting to self**
"Do not think about the finale. Do not think about Lex Luthor having super powers. Do not think about General Zod. Do not think about the finale. Do not think about Lex Luthor having super powers. Do not think about General Zod. Do not think about..."
I think you get the picture.
This review isn't about the season finale, but about Oracle.
**Takes a deep breath and slowly exhales**
Okay...
Chloe Sullivan has the best lines, ever. I laughed so hard when she said something along the lines of "What, Hell froze over two hours ago and you're just now telling me?" at the sight of Clark and Lionel standing together with lots of papers written in Kryptonian, working together. When just a few hours before Clark was telling her that his dad wanted him to kill Lionel, and they suspected that Lionel was going to use Clark as a weapon. Which, BTW - Did Clark and Lionel talk about what Lionel planned to do concerning knowing Clark's secret, because Clark felt comfortable sharing what they knew about everything, when just a few hours before they had broken into Lionel's office. Lionel's not mad they were snooping through his things and their not even trying to hide the fact that they did? ODD. That was priceless. But, then when Chloe went to scan the documents to look for language patterns, I was confused. Wasn't Clark downloaded with the ability to read Kryptonian after he visited the caves back in Season 2? Why does he all of a sudden have Kryptonian illiteracy? I suppose that's one of those things the new writers forgot. Also, that Chloe line about putting on a cape and calling her "Horatio" was priceless too. Lois had a few good one-liners, as well. It must run in the family.
I knew that Jonathan was not Jonathan back at the graveyard, but I didn't think it was Milton Fine until the second appearance with Martha. Jonathan would never have been jealous like that and blaming Martha for having an inappropriate relationship with Lionel. My only question, or more-or-less comment about that scene, is that I wish that the love and adoration that she poured out concerning Jonathan would have effected Fine, visibly. He wouldn't let her touch him, but it would have been nice to see "love" being incomprehensible to a machine. By the time he showed up in the barn, I'd done made my mind up that Lionel is on the good side. I hadn't known for sure where his loyalties have lain, but by that point I knew that he's only been trying to help Clark, stop Lex and save the world. It wasn't his fault that Jonathan died, even if he played some part in it. It was essentially Jonathan's own stubborn pride that killed him. I have a feeling that Lionel will die in the next episode though - and by Lex's super-hand.
Ah, the Lex/Lana quandary. I do believe she's using the boy, masking her own feelings for Clark in order to work incognito to find out the truth about what's going on and the truth about Clark. She's still in love with Clark, she's not in love with Lex and when Lex finds out that he is yet betrayed by another brown-haired beauty, I think it will send him over the edge. I think Lana told Lois some of what she was doing, and that's why Lois was trying to talk to Clark. She wasn't really referring to Clark's emotional agenda (with the reference to motorcycles and Harley's) but to Lana's, referring to her plan of deception. But, I have a feeling that when the whole truth comes out, Clark will have really moved on and has embraced his destiny - and to go back to Lana would be to go backward.
So, Zod is coming. Well, he needs to hurry up and come on, because I'm ready to see another glimpse of my superhero. I'm getting tired of the boy. It's time he became a man. They've been talking about it all season, and especially since Jonathan died, but they've only given us small morsels. I want the whole cake (but, God please not a piece of Lois'!)
I really liked this episode and I'm really looking forward to next weeks. I don't look forward to a whole summer hanging onto another cliff hangar, but I'd be crazy to think they wouldn't do that. Especially, after the huge one with Supernatural.
There's lots more I could comment on about this episode, but I didn't want to write another book. LOL!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
"Do not think about the finale. Do not think about Lex Luthor having super powers. Do not think about General Zod. Do not think about the finale. Do not think about Lex Luthor having super powers. Do not think about General Zod. Do not think about..."
I think you get the picture.
This review isn't about the season finale, but about Oracle.
**Takes a deep breath and slowly exhales**
Okay...
Chloe Sullivan has the best lines, ever. I laughed so hard when she said something along the lines of "What, Hell froze over two hours ago and you're just now telling me?" at the sight of Clark and Lionel standing together with lots of papers written in Kryptonian, working together. When just a few hours before Clark was telling her that his dad wanted him to kill Lionel, and they suspected that Lionel was going to use Clark as a weapon. Which, BTW - Did Clark and Lionel talk about what Lionel planned to do concerning knowing Clark's secret, because Clark felt comfortable sharing what they knew about everything, when just a few hours before they had broken into Lionel's office. Lionel's not mad they were snooping through his things and their not even trying to hide the fact that they did? ODD. That was priceless. But, then when Chloe went to scan the documents to look for language patterns, I was confused. Wasn't Clark downloaded with the ability to read Kryptonian after he visited the caves back in Season 2? Why does he all of a sudden have Kryptonian illiteracy? I suppose that's one of those things the new writers forgot. Also, that Chloe line about putting on a cape and calling her "Horatio" was priceless too. Lois had a few good one-liners, as well. It must run in the family.
I knew that Jonathan was not Jonathan back at the graveyard, but I didn't think it was Milton Fine until the second appearance with Martha. Jonathan would never have been jealous like that and blaming Martha for having an inappropriate relationship with Lionel. My only question, or more-or-less comment about that scene, is that I wish that the love and adoration that she poured out concerning Jonathan would have effected Fine, visibly. He wouldn't let her touch him, but it would have been nice to see "love" being incomprehensible to a machine. By the time he showed up in the barn, I'd done made my mind up that Lionel is on the good side. I hadn't known for sure where his loyalties have lain, but by that point I knew that he's only been trying to help Clark, stop Lex and save the world. It wasn't his fault that Jonathan died, even if he played some part in it. It was essentially Jonathan's own stubborn pride that killed him. I have a feeling that Lionel will die in the next episode though - and by Lex's super-hand.
Ah, the Lex/Lana quandary. I do believe she's using the boy, masking her own feelings for Clark in order to work incognito to find out the truth about what's going on and the truth about Clark. She's still in love with Clark, she's not in love with Lex and when Lex finds out that he is yet betrayed by another brown-haired beauty, I think it will send him over the edge. I think Lana told Lois some of what she was doing, and that's why Lois was trying to talk to Clark. She wasn't really referring to Clark's emotional agenda (with the reference to motorcycles and Harley's) but to Lana's, referring to her plan of deception. But, I have a feeling that when the whole truth comes out, Clark will have really moved on and has embraced his destiny - and to go back to Lana would be to go backward.
So, Zod is coming. Well, he needs to hurry up and come on, because I'm ready to see another glimpse of my superhero. I'm getting tired of the boy. It's time he became a man. They've been talking about it all season, and especially since Jonathan died, but they've only given us small morsels. I want the whole cake (but, God please not a piece of Lois'!)
I really liked this episode and I'm really looking forward to next weeks. I don't look forward to a whole summer hanging onto another cliff hangar, but I'd be crazy to think they wouldn't do that. Especially, after the huge one with Supernatural.
There's lots more I could comment on about this episode, but I didn't want to write another book. LOL!
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Another Weird Dream
Last night I dreamt that I was visiting my agent in California and while there I met Allison Mack, Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling and Erica Durance. Now, as most of you who know me, know these names, because they are my favorite actors from Smallville.
Dreaming about them wasn't what was weird, it was what they were doing. There were also some other 'stars' there as well like Tara Reid and the guy from House.
Anyway, back to the dream. We were on a location for a movie in a small Mexican town. When I arrived, I was met by Allison and Erica and we had a blast riding around in a Jeep Wrangler with the top down, cruising the beach. We acted like three giddy high-school girls.
We arrived on the lot and I was taken to my trailer - that I was to share with my agent. She wasn't there. Obviously she was off signing some big deal with one of her other clients. Anyway, I made myself at home and was invited out to eat with the cast and crew. I changed into my favorite pair of jeans and tee-shirt, pulled my hair into a pony tail and was ready to go. I met up with everyone outside of my trailer and they were all dressed semi-casual, some with coats and ties. I felt way underdressed, but no one seemed to notice except Michael, who leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I was going to go for grundge look to, but they wouldn't let me." I laughed. He made me feel comfortable.
We are seated at the restaurant and the Hispanic waiter makes his way around the table taking everyone's order. I couldn't find anything I liked on the menu and instead of looking for something, I kept watching the waiter struggle with everyone's English. When he got to me, I simply folded my menu and began speaking to him in Spanish. "Buenos dias, Senior. Mucho Gusto....." I ordered grilled chicken w/asparagus spears and steamed rice. Everyone was speechless and impressed with my Spanish. The waiter smiled a smile of relief and walked away.
Dinner was fun, but the evening was cut short and we all returned back to our trailers. Allison, Erica, Tara and Tom came to visit me and we played a game of poker. Michael stayed in the back bedroom, studying math for his biology class he was taking. What does math have to do with biology? I don't know, you'll have to speak to the dream fairies about that. I tried to invite him to the game, but he said he really needed to study. He looked sort of depressed.
Anyway, during our poker game Tara asked what our plans were for dinner the next night, because she had to leave and wanted to catch back up. No one knew the plan and she said she'd call later, wished everyone a good night and left. Michael had walked into the room when she left and stood by the door. Tom asked Michael what he thought about Tara and he said, "Man, she's hot." Everyone laughed. I looked over to Tom and said, "Call me later and tell me what he says about me after you both leave." Everyone laughed.
Then Allison mimicked Tara about her choice in foods to eat, saying that she's just about allergic to every kind of green vegetable and is a pain to take out. I made a comment about the importance of green vegetables, backed up by our biologist in training - Michael. I told them that I loved cooking and so I ended up volunteering to cook lots of green vegetables for dinner the next night. We never spoke about it, but I'm assuming Tara wouldn't be there.
The next day at the filming location, they were shooting a water stunt. I watched Tom jump off this huge pier into this river of cold water. He had to do it several times. By lunchtime, he was exhausted I didn't blame him. He made the comment, "Some people think I'm Superman, but I'm just a regular guy." Wow, I wonder where that came from??? LOL!
Back at the trailer I had found this frilly, dazzling and fluffy pink skirt and gave it Allison. She went nuts over it, saying that she's been looking for that particular skirt for years. Erica scrunched her nose and shook her head, sticking out her tongue behind her. I'm sure she meant that she would drop dead before she was ever caught wearing it.
I gave Tom a directing job, because apparently I was the Executive Producer/Writer of this movie that was based on one of my books. (Don't know which one, but I'll keep my eyes open for diving into rivers while in Mexico scenes.
I asked Michael why he wanted to be a biologist and he said he wanted to have something to fall back on if this acting thing didn't work out. He asked me why I wanted to be a writer and I told him, "Why do you breathe? It's just what I am and comes natural to me."
Anyway, that was my dream in a nutshell. It's not supposed to make sense and I don't know if there was a point to it. Perhaps some of my Fruedian friends could figure it out for me. I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you while it was still fresh on my mind.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Dreaming about them wasn't what was weird, it was what they were doing. There were also some other 'stars' there as well like Tara Reid and the guy from House.
Anyway, back to the dream. We were on a location for a movie in a small Mexican town. When I arrived, I was met by Allison and Erica and we had a blast riding around in a Jeep Wrangler with the top down, cruising the beach. We acted like three giddy high-school girls.
We arrived on the lot and I was taken to my trailer - that I was to share with my agent. She wasn't there. Obviously she was off signing some big deal with one of her other clients. Anyway, I made myself at home and was invited out to eat with the cast and crew. I changed into my favorite pair of jeans and tee-shirt, pulled my hair into a pony tail and was ready to go. I met up with everyone outside of my trailer and they were all dressed semi-casual, some with coats and ties. I felt way underdressed, but no one seemed to notice except Michael, who leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I was going to go for grundge look to, but they wouldn't let me." I laughed. He made me feel comfortable.
We are seated at the restaurant and the Hispanic waiter makes his way around the table taking everyone's order. I couldn't find anything I liked on the menu and instead of looking for something, I kept watching the waiter struggle with everyone's English. When he got to me, I simply folded my menu and began speaking to him in Spanish. "Buenos dias, Senior. Mucho Gusto....." I ordered grilled chicken w/asparagus spears and steamed rice. Everyone was speechless and impressed with my Spanish. The waiter smiled a smile of relief and walked away.
Dinner was fun, but the evening was cut short and we all returned back to our trailers. Allison, Erica, Tara and Tom came to visit me and we played a game of poker. Michael stayed in the back bedroom, studying math for his biology class he was taking. What does math have to do with biology? I don't know, you'll have to speak to the dream fairies about that. I tried to invite him to the game, but he said he really needed to study. He looked sort of depressed.
Anyway, during our poker game Tara asked what our plans were for dinner the next night, because she had to leave and wanted to catch back up. No one knew the plan and she said she'd call later, wished everyone a good night and left. Michael had walked into the room when she left and stood by the door. Tom asked Michael what he thought about Tara and he said, "Man, she's hot." Everyone laughed. I looked over to Tom and said, "Call me later and tell me what he says about me after you both leave." Everyone laughed.
Then Allison mimicked Tara about her choice in foods to eat, saying that she's just about allergic to every kind of green vegetable and is a pain to take out. I made a comment about the importance of green vegetables, backed up by our biologist in training - Michael. I told them that I loved cooking and so I ended up volunteering to cook lots of green vegetables for dinner the next night. We never spoke about it, but I'm assuming Tara wouldn't be there.
The next day at the filming location, they were shooting a water stunt. I watched Tom jump off this huge pier into this river of cold water. He had to do it several times. By lunchtime, he was exhausted I didn't blame him. He made the comment, "Some people think I'm Superman, but I'm just a regular guy." Wow, I wonder where that came from??? LOL!
Back at the trailer I had found this frilly, dazzling and fluffy pink skirt and gave it Allison. She went nuts over it, saying that she's been looking for that particular skirt for years. Erica scrunched her nose and shook her head, sticking out her tongue behind her. I'm sure she meant that she would drop dead before she was ever caught wearing it.
I gave Tom a directing job, because apparently I was the Executive Producer/Writer of this movie that was based on one of my books. (Don't know which one, but I'll keep my eyes open for diving into rivers while in Mexico scenes.
I asked Michael why he wanted to be a biologist and he said he wanted to have something to fall back on if this acting thing didn't work out. He asked me why I wanted to be a writer and I told him, "Why do you breathe? It's just what I am and comes natural to me."
Anyway, that was my dream in a nutshell. It's not supposed to make sense and I don't know if there was a point to it. Perhaps some of my Fruedian friends could figure it out for me. I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you while it was still fresh on my mind.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Gunslinger Series by Stephen King
I've just completed book four Wizard & Glass in this series and I have to tell you, it's the best so far. I loved going back and revisiting Roland Deschain's past, learning about when he first became a gunslinger and experiancing his first love and loss, Susan & his mother.
I think this book was written better than the first three combined. It was more engaging and the pacing much better.
One of the things I've notice about Stephen King, is he likes to insert every little detail. I think the man has controls issues. He wants to guide your every step, create the picture for you and let you sit back and try to soak it all in. However, most of us retain more when we feel we are a part of something - not on the outside looking in. I like to form my own pictures - as the artist paints - not having him describe it to me afterwards. Anyway - this book drew me more into the story - it made me fall in love with Roland, Cuthbert and Alain. I was able to sympathize with Susan and learned to detest those who were against Roland and his ka-tet.
In the earlier books, I related more to Roland's new Ka-tet, than I did with Roland. I was drawn into the characters of Odetta/Detta/Susannah, Eddie, Jake and Oy - but Roland was hard to identify with. He was this hard edge character that kept himself closed off from the rest. But, in Wizard and Glass - he opened up and we got to finally meet the man beneath the guns.
I loved the way this story also overlapped with The Stand and the Wizard of Oz. King is a mastermind when it comes to layering a story. Though, I still think he could cut back on some of the details. I found myself skimming - and I hate to skim over anything.
Well, I'll start book five - Calla sometime this week.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I think this book was written better than the first three combined. It was more engaging and the pacing much better.
One of the things I've notice about Stephen King, is he likes to insert every little detail. I think the man has controls issues. He wants to guide your every step, create the picture for you and let you sit back and try to soak it all in. However, most of us retain more when we feel we are a part of something - not on the outside looking in. I like to form my own pictures - as the artist paints - not having him describe it to me afterwards. Anyway - this book drew me more into the story - it made me fall in love with Roland, Cuthbert and Alain. I was able to sympathize with Susan and learned to detest those who were against Roland and his ka-tet.
In the earlier books, I related more to Roland's new Ka-tet, than I did with Roland. I was drawn into the characters of Odetta/Detta/Susannah, Eddie, Jake and Oy - but Roland was hard to identify with. He was this hard edge character that kept himself closed off from the rest. But, in Wizard and Glass - he opened up and we got to finally meet the man beneath the guns.
I loved the way this story also overlapped with The Stand and the Wizard of Oz. King is a mastermind when it comes to layering a story. Though, I still think he could cut back on some of the details. I found myself skimming - and I hate to skim over anything.
Well, I'll start book five - Calla sometime this week.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, April 28, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:20 Fade
I wouldn't call this episode a 'filler', but more of a bridge. It wasn't the best, but it had it moments.
I'm not sure what's happening to me as a fan, but my feelings are changing. There is still that little girl that fell in love with Superman many years ago that jumps up and down on the inside every time she gets a little peak at her hero, but those times are few and far between. Here lately, they've come in subtle hints, which I'm not sure is a bad thing.
Then, there is the other side - the one that would like to see the story move on. Which is really out of character for me. I'm very much into characterizations. In the books that I write, I center the story around the character - not the action. My young adult series that I'm writing now is a lot like Smallville in so many ways. I'm after the story 'behind' the hero. I want the readers to identify with the metamorphosis that goes into the making of - not the actions of a superhero. It isn't their powers that make them great, it's what they choose to do with them.
So, there in-lies the problem. That's the element that I love about Smallville, yet what's been irritating me lately. I want to move on - I want to see the cape. Perhaps I believe that Clark's been through enough metamorphosis that we should be seeing our hero clearly now. Perhaps we are, but like Lois - we don't recognize what's in front of us. We need to be Chloes and see the greatness that is wrapped up in Clark and move away from his emotional issues with Lana.
I saw a few peaks of that greatness: When Clark saved the FOTW in Metropolis, then when he saved Lex & Lana without them knowing about it, when he walked away after seeing Lana & Lex together, when he apologized to Chloe for getting angry with her about her knowing about Lana's relationship and not telling him and most of all - when he confronted the FOTW by clearly showing a contrast between a selfless and selfish act.
I also saw a lot of Jonathan Kent last night, though I didn't see his face. Clark Kent is every bit his father. When he returned the gifts that (sorry, I can't remember his name) FOTW sent him, he reminded me so much of Jonathan every time Lex tried to give the Kents a gift. The younger Clark would have kept it. This more mature Clark did what was right. Clark did a lot of what was right in this episode, which is sad because I feel that it will get lost because it wasn't filled with all the bells and whistles. It will be classified as another 'filler' episode, when it was really a strong bridge.
So, my review is a little different this morning, because I wanted you to know how I was changing my view of Smallville.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I'm not sure what's happening to me as a fan, but my feelings are changing. There is still that little girl that fell in love with Superman many years ago that jumps up and down on the inside every time she gets a little peak at her hero, but those times are few and far between. Here lately, they've come in subtle hints, which I'm not sure is a bad thing.
Then, there is the other side - the one that would like to see the story move on. Which is really out of character for me. I'm very much into characterizations. In the books that I write, I center the story around the character - not the action. My young adult series that I'm writing now is a lot like Smallville in so many ways. I'm after the story 'behind' the hero. I want the readers to identify with the metamorphosis that goes into the making of - not the actions of a superhero. It isn't their powers that make them great, it's what they choose to do with them.
So, there in-lies the problem. That's the element that I love about Smallville, yet what's been irritating me lately. I want to move on - I want to see the cape. Perhaps I believe that Clark's been through enough metamorphosis that we should be seeing our hero clearly now. Perhaps we are, but like Lois - we don't recognize what's in front of us. We need to be Chloes and see the greatness that is wrapped up in Clark and move away from his emotional issues with Lana.
I saw a few peaks of that greatness: When Clark saved the FOTW in Metropolis, then when he saved Lex & Lana without them knowing about it, when he walked away after seeing Lana & Lex together, when he apologized to Chloe for getting angry with her about her knowing about Lana's relationship and not telling him and most of all - when he confronted the FOTW by clearly showing a contrast between a selfless and selfish act.
I also saw a lot of Jonathan Kent last night, though I didn't see his face. Clark Kent is every bit his father. When he returned the gifts that (sorry, I can't remember his name) FOTW sent him, he reminded me so much of Jonathan every time Lex tried to give the Kents a gift. The younger Clark would have kept it. This more mature Clark did what was right. Clark did a lot of what was right in this episode, which is sad because I feel that it will get lost because it wasn't filled with all the bells and whistles. It will be classified as another 'filler' episode, when it was really a strong bridge.
So, my review is a little different this morning, because I wanted you to know how I was changing my view of Smallville.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Friday, April 14, 2006
Smallville Review 5:18 Fragile
Crazy4Smallville’s Weekly Review
Episode 18
Season 5
"Fragile”
I don’t know if it is from the long hiatus or the fact that I’ve missed the last two episodes, but I really enjoyed last night’s episode. It was sort of nostalgic for me, like I was taken back to the early years of Smallville, yet it was mixed with all the changes of the recent events.
Watching Clark with Mattie was great. If that’s not her name, excuse me. I’m terrible with names and that’s what jumps out at me. He showed the world his soft, mild-mannered side. He’s starting to fill the shoes of his father – both of them.
I think this storyline was foreshadowing of the confusion Clark has about his own father, Jor-El. It was great to help Clark understand how important and wonderful his father, Jonathan Kent, has been in his life – but hopefully he got a clue to not be so judgmental when it comes to Jor-El. It’s clear to see that Clark doesn’t view Jor-El is a positive light, if not to the point of holding Jor-El responsible for Jonathan’s death – even though it was his choice to interfere with destiny to save Lana. This is very typical in a state of denial.
I also like the way that Clark is becoming in tune with Chloe’s feelings. He knew she was upset, yet she didn’t divulge the source of it. All he understands is that it has something to do with Lana. He wasn’t quick to jump to Lana’s defense, but showed he was worried about Chloe’s feelings. It was clear that she was hurt and he wanted to know why. He’s beginning to understand her moods. They are beginning to communicate without words. That happens with complete trust.
Lois was a little irritating at first, with the way she treated Mattie, but soon realized the error of her ways. Sometimes older siblings can be like that. But, what I loved about Lois the most was her banter with Clark about how he would have been hurt had he been there. That’s the subtle little things I love. They say so much. It shows that Lois still believes Clark to be the bumbling farm boy – who needs rescued himself – and she’s the tough one to do it. This was the magic that I loved about Superman & Lois in the movies. Superman would save the day, but Lois would think that she was the true hero – never suspecting the bumbling Clark and infatuated with the man in the cape. Not many notice that little subtlety, but I do and I love it!
Lex’s heart is getting colder and more sinister by the second it seems. His obsession is beginning to show it’s ugly face – and I’m glad. Though I understand his obsession with Lana (which is really a stem from his obsession with Clark – wanting all things that Clark has/had), I find it pathetic that Lana is yet once again going to play such a pivotal role in the legacy of our lead characters – first Clark and now Lex – and possibly Chloe too.
It’s not Lana I hate, but the power that TPTB have given her. In essence they’ve made her the true hero/villain of the story. She’s the subterfuge that everything else revolves around, when this is the story about Superman. Not only will she now be the true love of Clark’s life – the one he had to let go to save, but will also be the reason for the final breakdown and fall of our nemesis, Lex. So, in retrospect – it was Lana Lang that waved the battle flags into greatest rival of all times – apart from God vs. Satan. Somehow, they’ll try to make her the reason for the feud too.
But, aside from that – for a brief moment, I actually liked Lana in this episode. Well, now that I think about it, I take that back. I hated her righteous, or should I say unrighteous, indignation towards Chloe – for pointing out the obvious. It’s clear she can’t stand being faced with the truth. On that note, neither can Lex. I think she owes Chloe a huge apology, but I won’t hold my breath for it. Also, I hate the fact that Lana thinks she has to have somebody in her life. She jumps from one guy to the next. She’s never been alone – for very long. Usually, just long enough to make up her mind which one she wants. I feel sorry for her – because as long as she keeps latching onto one guy after the next, she’ll never figure out whom she is or what she wants. I suppose this portrayal is meant to show the ‘down side’ to being beautiful???
What did Lex mean when he told Chloe that now he understands why she’s never had a boyfriend? Was he being cruel-hearted and mean because Chloe got too close to the truth? Lex doesn’t like people to get too close – she might need to watch her back a little more closely than she’s doing right now. However, kudos to Chloe - Not only does she have the cohunes to stand up to Papa Luthor, but she doesn’t back down from Jr. either. She’s the true hero of the story.
So, now we have a new task of reading Lex’s daily blog. I wonder how long that will last. One, maybe two weeks before they pull the plug out from under us, just like the Ezra prophesies, the Classified ads of the Ledger, the Verizon emails, etc.
All in all, I think Tom did a great job. I loved the symbolism and backgrounds he used to tell the story. The glass in the background, the flowers on the porch, the fireplace in the mansion were great. Not excluding those awesome special effects when Mattie stopped her dad. The little girl who played Mattie did an excellent job and I thought the episode was great. It was the subtle things, like Mattie whispering into Shelby’s ear that won me over and told even more story than the dialogue.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Episode 18
Season 5
"Fragile”
I don’t know if it is from the long hiatus or the fact that I’ve missed the last two episodes, but I really enjoyed last night’s episode. It was sort of nostalgic for me, like I was taken back to the early years of Smallville, yet it was mixed with all the changes of the recent events.
Watching Clark with Mattie was great. If that’s not her name, excuse me. I’m terrible with names and that’s what jumps out at me. He showed the world his soft, mild-mannered side. He’s starting to fill the shoes of his father – both of them.
I think this storyline was foreshadowing of the confusion Clark has about his own father, Jor-El. It was great to help Clark understand how important and wonderful his father, Jonathan Kent, has been in his life – but hopefully he got a clue to not be so judgmental when it comes to Jor-El. It’s clear to see that Clark doesn’t view Jor-El is a positive light, if not to the point of holding Jor-El responsible for Jonathan’s death – even though it was his choice to interfere with destiny to save Lana. This is very typical in a state of denial.
I also like the way that Clark is becoming in tune with Chloe’s feelings. He knew she was upset, yet she didn’t divulge the source of it. All he understands is that it has something to do with Lana. He wasn’t quick to jump to Lana’s defense, but showed he was worried about Chloe’s feelings. It was clear that she was hurt and he wanted to know why. He’s beginning to understand her moods. They are beginning to communicate without words. That happens with complete trust.
Lois was a little irritating at first, with the way she treated Mattie, but soon realized the error of her ways. Sometimes older siblings can be like that. But, what I loved about Lois the most was her banter with Clark about how he would have been hurt had he been there. That’s the subtle little things I love. They say so much. It shows that Lois still believes Clark to be the bumbling farm boy – who needs rescued himself – and she’s the tough one to do it. This was the magic that I loved about Superman & Lois in the movies. Superman would save the day, but Lois would think that she was the true hero – never suspecting the bumbling Clark and infatuated with the man in the cape. Not many notice that little subtlety, but I do and I love it!
Lex’s heart is getting colder and more sinister by the second it seems. His obsession is beginning to show it’s ugly face – and I’m glad. Though I understand his obsession with Lana (which is really a stem from his obsession with Clark – wanting all things that Clark has/had), I find it pathetic that Lana is yet once again going to play such a pivotal role in the legacy of our lead characters – first Clark and now Lex – and possibly Chloe too.
It’s not Lana I hate, but the power that TPTB have given her. In essence they’ve made her the true hero/villain of the story. She’s the subterfuge that everything else revolves around, when this is the story about Superman. Not only will she now be the true love of Clark’s life – the one he had to let go to save, but will also be the reason for the final breakdown and fall of our nemesis, Lex. So, in retrospect – it was Lana Lang that waved the battle flags into greatest rival of all times – apart from God vs. Satan. Somehow, they’ll try to make her the reason for the feud too.
But, aside from that – for a brief moment, I actually liked Lana in this episode. Well, now that I think about it, I take that back. I hated her righteous, or should I say unrighteous, indignation towards Chloe – for pointing out the obvious. It’s clear she can’t stand being faced with the truth. On that note, neither can Lex. I think she owes Chloe a huge apology, but I won’t hold my breath for it. Also, I hate the fact that Lana thinks she has to have somebody in her life. She jumps from one guy to the next. She’s never been alone – for very long. Usually, just long enough to make up her mind which one she wants. I feel sorry for her – because as long as she keeps latching onto one guy after the next, she’ll never figure out whom she is or what she wants. I suppose this portrayal is meant to show the ‘down side’ to being beautiful???
What did Lex mean when he told Chloe that now he understands why she’s never had a boyfriend? Was he being cruel-hearted and mean because Chloe got too close to the truth? Lex doesn’t like people to get too close – she might need to watch her back a little more closely than she’s doing right now. However, kudos to Chloe - Not only does she have the cohunes to stand up to Papa Luthor, but she doesn’t back down from Jr. either. She’s the true hero of the story.
So, now we have a new task of reading Lex’s daily blog. I wonder how long that will last. One, maybe two weeks before they pull the plug out from under us, just like the Ezra prophesies, the Classified ads of the Ledger, the Verizon emails, etc.
All in all, I think Tom did a great job. I loved the symbolism and backgrounds he used to tell the story. The glass in the background, the flowers on the porch, the fireplace in the mansion were great. Not excluding those awesome special effects when Mattie stopped her dad. The little girl who played Mattie did an excellent job and I thought the episode was great. It was the subtle things, like Mattie whispering into Shelby’s ear that won me over and told even more story than the dialogue.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Monday, February 27, 2006
"Rent" Review
I'm not sure if you've seen either the musical or the live show on Broadway, but I really hated this movie. Well... not hated, but was disturbed by its message or meaning. Maybe it was because of what I was initially led to believe it was about and what actually came across the screen.
I was under the impression that this movie was about the struggles of group of friends who had to deal with AIDS. That's not what the movie was about. It was about blaming others for the situations you've chosen for your life. It was very clear in this movie who the bad guys were - it wasn't the dope pusher, the strip club owner, the addict, the squatter, the stripper, the violent, the disrespectful, the free-loader and the lazy, etc. No, it was the restaurant owner, the police, the manager, the average family unit, the married, corporate America, the heterosexual, the religious and the educated.
I did not hear one morsel of personal responsibility in this movie. Most of the characters were living with AIDS, but they did not deal with the prevention or cause of those AIDS. It was as if the disease was the problem and the behavior was the consequence, when it was the other way around. The AIDS was a result of the lifestyle they had chosen for themselves. It was their choice to be junkies and have unprotected sex - not Corporate America.
Then they shirk their responsibility as productive citizens. They lived in this studio apartment that they haven't paid the rent on in a year, because they refuse to work a steady job in the name of squealching their creativity. Here's creativity for you - get a job, pay your rent all the while pursuing your dream. When did the Landlord become the bad guy? This was his property (regarldess how he obtained it). It didn't belong to them, yet they took advantage of his friendship and completely disrespected him. They told him that he 'used to be' an artist, but sold out. Why.... because he's got a paycheck and doesn't live off the charity of others? No, I don't think he was the sell out, they were. He still had his dreams. He wanted to build his studio. It's wasn't the squatters dream, so they call him a 'sell out'. So much for compassion and understanding. This group had none unless it dealt with themselves.
I saw them all as selfish.
Joanne - she wanted Maureen - and nothing else mattered. Maureen tried to make her feel bad because she was educated and a lawyer.
Maureen - tried to blame hormones for being a slut. "I can't help it - since puberty I've received this type of attention from both male and females". You receive the attention you seek after. Everyone controls how they behave. All dogs know when a female is in heat - so does the dog herself. Maureen was self-absorbed. Everything was about her, even Cohen's documentary, the protest and even her relationship with Joanne. Not once did I see her think about anyone else.
Yet despite their difference, lack of trust in one another or any common group, the relationship stood in the end.
Cohen - he thought himself a traitor to work a 9-5. It stifled his creativity - he was a sell out. His Jewish parents called him on Christmas and he was revolted by their happy family demeanor. A functionaly family unit was obviously disgusting to him. How selfish of him! His family called to tell them they love him - and not even an "I love you" in return! No, only selfish contempt and a resolidification that of his desire to be rid of them. He of course never got the girl - or anyone for that matter.
Mimi - a drug addict stripper who wants to be loved, yet can't love herself. She expects the guitar player to do what - hold her hand while she binges and dies? How fair is that to him? Especially since he's already buried one AIDS effective addict. What was she willing to bring to the relationship? She dies in the end, only to have experiance a near-death experiance that had Angel (who had died earlier) sending her back to 'carry on'. Carry on doing what?
The guitar player (forgot his name... I'm terrible with names). Poor guy - he can't find his song, so he does nothing. He doesn't work, doesn't try to help support his friends, but sits around wallowing in self-pity. Then, he seems to have a little bit of a backbone by refusing to give into Mimi's seduction - but then caves. He takes a little trip to New Mexico (which I haven't understood why it's so bad to go to be there), but realizes that he's just as much a bum there as he was in New York, so he heads back home. At least he wouldn't have to squat alone. He finds his song and it's all about Mimi. It was like his life didn't exist before her. He goes home to find that his girlfriend is now homeless (never knew she had a home, being as she was a squatter like the rest of them). He sings her her song, which brings her back to life.
Angel/Teacher (Can't remember his name either) - Angel just wants a thousand kisses and he'll keep his teacher financially covered. Isn't that being a sugar-daddy/prostitute? What was the other guys contribution to the relationship? He was a teacher, but never seemed to have a job. However, he was there to be with Angel in the end, which was admirable. The most functional relationship in this whole movie was between Angel and his teacher. However, what kind of message is that sending? That money solves everything? It couldn't be, because none of them thought that they needed it - and hated the world for having it and for the condition they found themselves in.
Throughout this movie they talked about the intolerance, biggotry and condemnation of the world around them... and they did all in the name of tolerance, acceptance and excuses. This movie wasn't the story about people living with AIDS - it was as much a mouthpiece of hate as any Ku Klux Klan rally or Abortion Clinic Protest. Yet, race and abortion were the only two issues that didn't come up.
Though the singers had wonderfully talented voices, this was the worst movie I've ever seen. I guess because I'm a responsible adult - I just don't get it.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
I was under the impression that this movie was about the struggles of group of friends who had to deal with AIDS. That's not what the movie was about. It was about blaming others for the situations you've chosen for your life. It was very clear in this movie who the bad guys were - it wasn't the dope pusher, the strip club owner, the addict, the squatter, the stripper, the violent, the disrespectful, the free-loader and the lazy, etc. No, it was the restaurant owner, the police, the manager, the average family unit, the married, corporate America, the heterosexual, the religious and the educated.
I did not hear one morsel of personal responsibility in this movie. Most of the characters were living with AIDS, but they did not deal with the prevention or cause of those AIDS. It was as if the disease was the problem and the behavior was the consequence, when it was the other way around. The AIDS was a result of the lifestyle they had chosen for themselves. It was their choice to be junkies and have unprotected sex - not Corporate America.
Then they shirk their responsibility as productive citizens. They lived in this studio apartment that they haven't paid the rent on in a year, because they refuse to work a steady job in the name of squealching their creativity. Here's creativity for you - get a job, pay your rent all the while pursuing your dream. When did the Landlord become the bad guy? This was his property (regarldess how he obtained it). It didn't belong to them, yet they took advantage of his friendship and completely disrespected him. They told him that he 'used to be' an artist, but sold out. Why.... because he's got a paycheck and doesn't live off the charity of others? No, I don't think he was the sell out, they were. He still had his dreams. He wanted to build his studio. It's wasn't the squatters dream, so they call him a 'sell out'. So much for compassion and understanding. This group had none unless it dealt with themselves.
I saw them all as selfish.
Joanne - she wanted Maureen - and nothing else mattered. Maureen tried to make her feel bad because she was educated and a lawyer.
Maureen - tried to blame hormones for being a slut. "I can't help it - since puberty I've received this type of attention from both male and females". You receive the attention you seek after. Everyone controls how they behave. All dogs know when a female is in heat - so does the dog herself. Maureen was self-absorbed. Everything was about her, even Cohen's documentary, the protest and even her relationship with Joanne. Not once did I see her think about anyone else.
Yet despite their difference, lack of trust in one another or any common group, the relationship stood in the end.
Cohen - he thought himself a traitor to work a 9-5. It stifled his creativity - he was a sell out. His Jewish parents called him on Christmas and he was revolted by their happy family demeanor. A functionaly family unit was obviously disgusting to him. How selfish of him! His family called to tell them they love him - and not even an "I love you" in return! No, only selfish contempt and a resolidification that of his desire to be rid of them. He of course never got the girl - or anyone for that matter.
Mimi - a drug addict stripper who wants to be loved, yet can't love herself. She expects the guitar player to do what - hold her hand while she binges and dies? How fair is that to him? Especially since he's already buried one AIDS effective addict. What was she willing to bring to the relationship? She dies in the end, only to have experiance a near-death experiance that had Angel (who had died earlier) sending her back to 'carry on'. Carry on doing what?
The guitar player (forgot his name... I'm terrible with names). Poor guy - he can't find his song, so he does nothing. He doesn't work, doesn't try to help support his friends, but sits around wallowing in self-pity. Then, he seems to have a little bit of a backbone by refusing to give into Mimi's seduction - but then caves. He takes a little trip to New Mexico (which I haven't understood why it's so bad to go to be there), but realizes that he's just as much a bum there as he was in New York, so he heads back home. At least he wouldn't have to squat alone. He finds his song and it's all about Mimi. It was like his life didn't exist before her. He goes home to find that his girlfriend is now homeless (never knew she had a home, being as she was a squatter like the rest of them). He sings her her song, which brings her back to life.
Angel/Teacher (Can't remember his name either) - Angel just wants a thousand kisses and he'll keep his teacher financially covered. Isn't that being a sugar-daddy/prostitute? What was the other guys contribution to the relationship? He was a teacher, but never seemed to have a job. However, he was there to be with Angel in the end, which was admirable. The most functional relationship in this whole movie was between Angel and his teacher. However, what kind of message is that sending? That money solves everything? It couldn't be, because none of them thought that they needed it - and hated the world for having it and for the condition they found themselves in.
Throughout this movie they talked about the intolerance, biggotry and condemnation of the world around them... and they did all in the name of tolerance, acceptance and excuses. This movie wasn't the story about people living with AIDS - it was as much a mouthpiece of hate as any Ku Klux Klan rally or Abortion Clinic Protest. Yet, race and abortion were the only two issues that didn't come up.
Though the singers had wonderfully talented voices, this was the worst movie I've ever seen. I guess because I'm a responsible adult - I just don't get it.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Friday, February 10, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:14 Tomb
Episode 14
Season 5
"Tomb”
Wow, what an episode – but what was I watching? It didn’t feel like Smallville – it was better! I actually felt like I was watching an episode of Supernatural or some motion picture thriller. It was great all over. It was filled with great writing, great acting and great visual effects. I was literally on the edge of my seat during most of the show and on the verge of tears at the end.
OMG – a Chloe shower scene! I didn’t think I’d live to see the day – and in the same shower that Lana had once used – Go figure! I thought it might have been Lois in the shower, because it was her voice I heard first, but it turned out to be Chloe. I was shocked. Did anyone see the scary face in the shower curtain? It sent chills down my spine.
I thought that something had to be wrong with Chloe. As smart as she was, I couldn’t believe she was taking a shower during a thunderstorm. I suppose since her mother left when she was younger that was one of the lessons she missed out on. Anyway, the whole scene was creepy. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw the body rush past while Chloe lit her candle. Then when she wiped the mirror and the girl, who looked like she might have been related to that freak from The Ring, popped in – I screamed! My poor fingernails are gone now!!!
Couldn’t Lois tell that Chloe wasn’t acting herself when she opened the door and saw her sitting there with her slit wrists? I mean, come on! This is Chloe Sullivan, one of the most driven girls in the world. Why would anyone just believe that she tried to kill herself? A person with goals and aspirations are not suicidal. Besides that… she was in Smallville. By this time EVERYONE should question EVERYTHING that happens in Smallville. Yet, Lois doesn’t question her cousin’s actions?
Tom Welling is getting so good at his craft. His facial expressions alone in this episode spoke more than his lines ever did or ever will. He was excellent!
Clark was the only one in Smallville who suspected that something wasn’t right. When he showed up at the hospital and Lois told him that Chloe had tried to kill herself, you saw this look on his face that screamed, “Ain’t no way… Chloe?” Then, he didn’t treat Chloe like a porcelain doll and just came right out and asked her why she did it. He knew that something wasn’t right. Also, I loved Chloe’s line about being a writer and if she wanted to kill herself she’d have one heck of a suicide note. I don’t know why anyone else wouldn’t have thought the same thing. I had been screaming for ten minutes, “This is Chloe Sullivan – if she wanted to kill herself, she’d make sure it would make the front page of the Daily Planet!” I did do the checklist as the doctor listed the symptoms of possible causes and Chloe had all of them, but Chloe’s not your typical ace reporter – she’s the best friend of Superman.
Then Lana shows up. It didn’t bother me that she showed up, I expected that. Chloe is supposed to be her best friend and her roommate. (Yet, I’ve never quite understood the friends’ thing because I’ve never thought Lana had been much of a friend to Chloe, but that’s another story.) Lana doesn’t question anything and she completely forgets everything about all the past events that have happened at Belle Reve – including what happened to Lex. But, she runs to Lex (which is understandable now that she doesn’t feel comfortable talking with Clark) and asks him to help ensure that Chloe is committed? Who the heck does she think she is? It’s obvious that Lana doesn’t know anything about Chloe. She should have run to her boyfriend and Chloe’s best friend, Clark, or at least her cousin, Lois. This moment wasn’t about her – it was about Chloe. She knew how Clark and Chloe feel about Lex and how they both feel about Belle Reve. Okay – I’ll stop there and get right onto Lex.
Lex could care less about Chloe, yet he had two alternate reasons to try and help her. 1. To win favor from Lana and be viewed as someone who cared. 2. To get Chloe into Belle Reve so that he can probe her mind and find out what she knows about Clark. I saw his stripes as plain as day when he showed contempt towards Clark outside of the dorm-room. He knew he had an opportunity to try and make Clark look bad at the same time making himself look like the mature one – in front of Lana. I hope she felt really bad and like a cheater when Clark came around the corner. She had no business involving Lex. Clark noticed her betrayal I think for the first time.
Does Clark not tell his mother what goes on anymore or does she just not care about Chloe? She acted like she didn’t know anything, not even a “How is Chloe doing?” I suppose Lionel’s appearance still had her all shook up. BTW – why was Lionel at the backdoor instead of the front? Is he a peeping Tom? I don’t know why Martha didn’t just kick his butt right back out of the door. Why does she tolerate him?
So, Lex is looking for Professor Fine? I thought he was dead? But, then again – if he was neither human nor Kryptonian, combined with the fact that his spaceship also disappeared, I think we will be seeing him again.
So, what exactly was the FOTW’s gift? To make (crazy)girls feel comfortable with him and tell them their secrets, yet he also told them his – so he had to kill them? Was it sort of like the gift of truth that Chloe once had? Could that have been the reason why only she could see the girl – or was fused because of the lightening? I don’t’ think it was the lightening, because we saw her face in the shower curtain long before the lightening strike hit. Sometimes I think its best not to try and figure out the FOTWs gifts and just go with it. I thought he did a great job acting psychotically freaky and the ghost girl did a great job of acting scary and Chloe did an excellent job of acting possessed.
And now… Chloe’s mom! I HATED that they didn’t show me her face, but am appreciative that they focused on Chloe’s. I choked up. The hard lump in my throat took at least ten minutes to go away. Clark’s facial expressions when he was talking to Chloe about her mom were excellent as well. It showed how much he cared about Chloe. It was completely selfless and had nothing to do with him. He was only concerned with her well-being and he used his own loss as a way to reach out to her. That was love. They’re comfortable together and they can be their true selves.
Like I said before, I think this was one of the best episodes I’ve ever seen. It didn’t really feel like Smallville, but it was great. Maybe this is how Smallville should be!
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Season 5
"Tomb”
Wow, what an episode – but what was I watching? It didn’t feel like Smallville – it was better! I actually felt like I was watching an episode of Supernatural or some motion picture thriller. It was great all over. It was filled with great writing, great acting and great visual effects. I was literally on the edge of my seat during most of the show and on the verge of tears at the end.
OMG – a Chloe shower scene! I didn’t think I’d live to see the day – and in the same shower that Lana had once used – Go figure! I thought it might have been Lois in the shower, because it was her voice I heard first, but it turned out to be Chloe. I was shocked. Did anyone see the scary face in the shower curtain? It sent chills down my spine.
I thought that something had to be wrong with Chloe. As smart as she was, I couldn’t believe she was taking a shower during a thunderstorm. I suppose since her mother left when she was younger that was one of the lessons she missed out on. Anyway, the whole scene was creepy. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw the body rush past while Chloe lit her candle. Then when she wiped the mirror and the girl, who looked like she might have been related to that freak from The Ring, popped in – I screamed! My poor fingernails are gone now!!!
Couldn’t Lois tell that Chloe wasn’t acting herself when she opened the door and saw her sitting there with her slit wrists? I mean, come on! This is Chloe Sullivan, one of the most driven girls in the world. Why would anyone just believe that she tried to kill herself? A person with goals and aspirations are not suicidal. Besides that… she was in Smallville. By this time EVERYONE should question EVERYTHING that happens in Smallville. Yet, Lois doesn’t question her cousin’s actions?
Tom Welling is getting so good at his craft. His facial expressions alone in this episode spoke more than his lines ever did or ever will. He was excellent!
Clark was the only one in Smallville who suspected that something wasn’t right. When he showed up at the hospital and Lois told him that Chloe had tried to kill herself, you saw this look on his face that screamed, “Ain’t no way… Chloe?” Then, he didn’t treat Chloe like a porcelain doll and just came right out and asked her why she did it. He knew that something wasn’t right. Also, I loved Chloe’s line about being a writer and if she wanted to kill herself she’d have one heck of a suicide note. I don’t know why anyone else wouldn’t have thought the same thing. I had been screaming for ten minutes, “This is Chloe Sullivan – if she wanted to kill herself, she’d make sure it would make the front page of the Daily Planet!” I did do the checklist as the doctor listed the symptoms of possible causes and Chloe had all of them, but Chloe’s not your typical ace reporter – she’s the best friend of Superman.
Then Lana shows up. It didn’t bother me that she showed up, I expected that. Chloe is supposed to be her best friend and her roommate. (Yet, I’ve never quite understood the friends’ thing because I’ve never thought Lana had been much of a friend to Chloe, but that’s another story.) Lana doesn’t question anything and she completely forgets everything about all the past events that have happened at Belle Reve – including what happened to Lex. But, she runs to Lex (which is understandable now that she doesn’t feel comfortable talking with Clark) and asks him to help ensure that Chloe is committed? Who the heck does she think she is? It’s obvious that Lana doesn’t know anything about Chloe. She should have run to her boyfriend and Chloe’s best friend, Clark, or at least her cousin, Lois. This moment wasn’t about her – it was about Chloe. She knew how Clark and Chloe feel about Lex and how they both feel about Belle Reve. Okay – I’ll stop there and get right onto Lex.
Lex could care less about Chloe, yet he had two alternate reasons to try and help her. 1. To win favor from Lana and be viewed as someone who cared. 2. To get Chloe into Belle Reve so that he can probe her mind and find out what she knows about Clark. I saw his stripes as plain as day when he showed contempt towards Clark outside of the dorm-room. He knew he had an opportunity to try and make Clark look bad at the same time making himself look like the mature one – in front of Lana. I hope she felt really bad and like a cheater when Clark came around the corner. She had no business involving Lex. Clark noticed her betrayal I think for the first time.
Does Clark not tell his mother what goes on anymore or does she just not care about Chloe? She acted like she didn’t know anything, not even a “How is Chloe doing?” I suppose Lionel’s appearance still had her all shook up. BTW – why was Lionel at the backdoor instead of the front? Is he a peeping Tom? I don’t know why Martha didn’t just kick his butt right back out of the door. Why does she tolerate him?
So, Lex is looking for Professor Fine? I thought he was dead? But, then again – if he was neither human nor Kryptonian, combined with the fact that his spaceship also disappeared, I think we will be seeing him again.
So, what exactly was the FOTW’s gift? To make (crazy)girls feel comfortable with him and tell them their secrets, yet he also told them his – so he had to kill them? Was it sort of like the gift of truth that Chloe once had? Could that have been the reason why only she could see the girl – or was fused because of the lightening? I don’t’ think it was the lightening, because we saw her face in the shower curtain long before the lightening strike hit. Sometimes I think its best not to try and figure out the FOTWs gifts and just go with it. I thought he did a great job acting psychotically freaky and the ghost girl did a great job of acting scary and Chloe did an excellent job of acting possessed.
And now… Chloe’s mom! I HATED that they didn’t show me her face, but am appreciative that they focused on Chloe’s. I choked up. The hard lump in my throat took at least ten minutes to go away. Clark’s facial expressions when he was talking to Chloe about her mom were excellent as well. It showed how much he cared about Chloe. It was completely selfless and had nothing to do with him. He was only concerned with her well-being and he used his own loss as a way to reach out to her. That was love. They’re comfortable together and they can be their true selves.
Like I said before, I think this was one of the best episodes I’ve ever seen. It didn’t really feel like Smallville, but it was great. Maybe this is how Smallville should be!
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:13 Vengence
Wow... let me wipe these tears from eyes before I get started. I was very touched in the last scene. Not only I, but the whole room was deathly muted for a whole two minutes. That was, until my sob broke the silence.
But, I don't want to start at the end.
Clark/Martha - That darn old tractor. Just about everytime we saw Jonathan, he was always repairing that tractor and now Clark has resumed his role, but he's not as good at it (or is he?) I mean, come on - can't they figure out how to fix it right the first time? Besides, Clark is Superman - why don't he just do the work that the tractor was meant to do.
This brings up another question. Clearly Martha can see that her son was not destined to be a farmer. Clearly Clark knows there's more in-store for him or else he wouldn't be off in college. So, why don't the Kent's sell the farm, now that Jonathan is gone? It takes a lot of work to run a farm and niether Martha (who runs a coffee shop) nor Clark seems inclined to do so. Perhaps this will be the next emotional struggle that Clark will face - to take his father's place on the farm or his biological father's place as a leader.
Martha getting rid of Jonathan's clothes was a sad moment in the beginning. When she offered them to Clark, in his grief and denial he refused them. Then he refused the watch. But, why would Martha take the watch with her to the community center? Anyway, I think her getting mugged was what brought Clark's anger to the surface, not just the watch. Once again one of his parents were in danger, yet he wasn't there to save them. With all these powers and gifts that he has and has used to save so many, he seems to fail with saving those closest to him.
Clark/Chloe - I love their interaction. We get to see more of the real Clark when he's with Chloe. He get's to be himself and I think the more he's free to be himself around someone he trusts, the more he'll develope into who he's supposed to be. She keeps him 'grounded'. Their fake mugging scene was hilarious and when Clark snatched that hood off of his head, I've never seen him look more sexy. Even my eleven-year old went, "Oooo".
Even though Clark didn't give heed to all of Chloe's advice, it still calmed him. Imagine the level of his anger had she not been there?
Martha/Chloe - It's about time! Chloe has known Clark's secret for how long now and without hardly any acknowledgement from the Kent's? Even though Martha went to Chloe for that support, and Chloe delivered magnificiantly, I felt there was still a wall up on Martha's end. Martha has, with open arms, accepted Lana, who has caused Clark more emotional pain than anyone,and made her feel as part of the family. She has also opened up her heart to Lois. Yet, neither of them know about Clark, nor can offer Clark the support he needs. Yet, here is Chloe, who has been Clark's best friend for years, she knows his secret and has been giving him support all this time, but she's only acknowledged when they need something. Like when Jonathan needed Kara's fingerprints and now Martha when she can't find Clark. The fact that she knew that Clark would be with Chloe should be reason enough to be accepted as much, if not more, than Lana or Lois in their life.
Clark/Lana - Okay, now I'm really confused as to the state of their relationship. The beginning of the episode was believable, given the state of Clark's anger and the separation at the funeral. When he pushed her away - it was plausible. However, her going out to find the watch (I won't talk about the plausibility of her getting to Metropolis and back to Smallville)seemed somewhat out of place. Yet, from a different angle it could make sense. In the sense that now the tables have turned. Lana was the one who walked away from Clark, because he won't be honest with her and open up to her, after all these years of him chasing after her. Now, she's the one chasing him, and he's the one walking away. Isn't that the way it was supposed to be in the first place?
Lionel/Lex - Who the heck is Lionel? I'm so confused by this character. I think he knows all about Clark's secret. Not just that he has super powers, but the whole Kryptonian history. Remember, Lionel studied the caves, he was downloaded with information concerning General Zod, he was possessed by Jor-El, etc. I think he knows everything. The reason he's against Lex, is because the son he wants right now isn't the one he's created, but the one he's discovered. I think in his deranged mind, he thinks that he can win over Clark and mold him into the son that he's always wanted. Lex has always been too weak for him (in his mind), but Clark is super. Besides the fact that he also has a thing for Martha Kent. However, Lionel doesn't realize how powerful of a son he has created.
How the heck did Lex know about Lionel and Jonathan's meeting, unless he's got camera's set up in the Kent barn. Wouldn't be a stretch, since Lex knows a lot happens in that barn. Someone Lex knows every move that Lionel takes - it makes me wonder exactly how much he truly knows about Clark. If he knows about Clark, he must also know what his father truly desires - and that is why he's able to foil his plans. It could also be the driving wedge in his heart, knowing his own father prefers Clark - much like everyone else - including Lana.
The FOTW - Angel of Vengence - She had a purpose - to show Clark that he can't let his anger rule over him. She also was a catalyst to drop some great ideas and direction for Clark in the future. But, other than that - I didn't really see a purpose for her, other than for product placement. I thought she was okay, but nothing spectacular. I think it would have been a better touch had she been the one to return the watch - as a sign of repentence and a possible future alliance with Clark.
So, overall - I liked this episode. It had a lot of elements crammed into it, but most of them were not plain and obvious to see. They were more on the subconscience level.
Till next time!
But, I don't want to start at the end.
Clark/Martha - That darn old tractor. Just about everytime we saw Jonathan, he was always repairing that tractor and now Clark has resumed his role, but he's not as good at it (or is he?) I mean, come on - can't they figure out how to fix it right the first time? Besides, Clark is Superman - why don't he just do the work that the tractor was meant to do.
This brings up another question. Clearly Martha can see that her son was not destined to be a farmer. Clearly Clark knows there's more in-store for him or else he wouldn't be off in college. So, why don't the Kent's sell the farm, now that Jonathan is gone? It takes a lot of work to run a farm and niether Martha (who runs a coffee shop) nor Clark seems inclined to do so. Perhaps this will be the next emotional struggle that Clark will face - to take his father's place on the farm or his biological father's place as a leader.
Martha getting rid of Jonathan's clothes was a sad moment in the beginning. When she offered them to Clark, in his grief and denial he refused them. Then he refused the watch. But, why would Martha take the watch with her to the community center? Anyway, I think her getting mugged was what brought Clark's anger to the surface, not just the watch. Once again one of his parents were in danger, yet he wasn't there to save them. With all these powers and gifts that he has and has used to save so many, he seems to fail with saving those closest to him.
Clark/Chloe - I love their interaction. We get to see more of the real Clark when he's with Chloe. He get's to be himself and I think the more he's free to be himself around someone he trusts, the more he'll develope into who he's supposed to be. She keeps him 'grounded'. Their fake mugging scene was hilarious and when Clark snatched that hood off of his head, I've never seen him look more sexy. Even my eleven-year old went, "Oooo".
Even though Clark didn't give heed to all of Chloe's advice, it still calmed him. Imagine the level of his anger had she not been there?
Martha/Chloe - It's about time! Chloe has known Clark's secret for how long now and without hardly any acknowledgement from the Kent's? Even though Martha went to Chloe for that support, and Chloe delivered magnificiantly, I felt there was still a wall up on Martha's end. Martha has, with open arms, accepted Lana, who has caused Clark more emotional pain than anyone,and made her feel as part of the family. She has also opened up her heart to Lois. Yet, neither of them know about Clark, nor can offer Clark the support he needs. Yet, here is Chloe, who has been Clark's best friend for years, she knows his secret and has been giving him support all this time, but she's only acknowledged when they need something. Like when Jonathan needed Kara's fingerprints and now Martha when she can't find Clark. The fact that she knew that Clark would be with Chloe should be reason enough to be accepted as much, if not more, than Lana or Lois in their life.
Clark/Lana - Okay, now I'm really confused as to the state of their relationship. The beginning of the episode was believable, given the state of Clark's anger and the separation at the funeral. When he pushed her away - it was plausible. However, her going out to find the watch (I won't talk about the plausibility of her getting to Metropolis and back to Smallville)seemed somewhat out of place. Yet, from a different angle it could make sense. In the sense that now the tables have turned. Lana was the one who walked away from Clark, because he won't be honest with her and open up to her, after all these years of him chasing after her. Now, she's the one chasing him, and he's the one walking away. Isn't that the way it was supposed to be in the first place?
Lionel/Lex - Who the heck is Lionel? I'm so confused by this character. I think he knows all about Clark's secret. Not just that he has super powers, but the whole Kryptonian history. Remember, Lionel studied the caves, he was downloaded with information concerning General Zod, he was possessed by Jor-El, etc. I think he knows everything. The reason he's against Lex, is because the son he wants right now isn't the one he's created, but the one he's discovered. I think in his deranged mind, he thinks that he can win over Clark and mold him into the son that he's always wanted. Lex has always been too weak for him (in his mind), but Clark is super. Besides the fact that he also has a thing for Martha Kent. However, Lionel doesn't realize how powerful of a son he has created.
How the heck did Lex know about Lionel and Jonathan's meeting, unless he's got camera's set up in the Kent barn. Wouldn't be a stretch, since Lex knows a lot happens in that barn. Someone Lex knows every move that Lionel takes - it makes me wonder exactly how much he truly knows about Clark. If he knows about Clark, he must also know what his father truly desires - and that is why he's able to foil his plans. It could also be the driving wedge in his heart, knowing his own father prefers Clark - much like everyone else - including Lana.
The FOTW - Angel of Vengence - She had a purpose - to show Clark that he can't let his anger rule over him. She also was a catalyst to drop some great ideas and direction for Clark in the future. But, other than that - I didn't really see a purpose for her, other than for product placement. I thought she was okay, but nothing spectacular. I think it would have been a better touch had she been the one to return the watch - as a sign of repentence and a possible future alliance with Clark.
So, overall - I liked this episode. It had a lot of elements crammed into it, but most of them were not plain and obvious to see. They were more on the subconscience level.
Till next time!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:12 Reckoning
Oh boy! I'm probably not going to get a lot of sympathy with this review, but I have to be honest about what I thought and most of it wasn't good. There were some brilliant parts and some brilliant acting, but there were also some very frustrating parts as well.
So here goes...
Clark finally opens up and tells Lana the truth, takes her to the fortress of solitude, proposes to her and she accepts.... why? Why would she do that and then turn around that very evening sneak out of the Talon and visit with Lex? Because he called, he was depressed, he needed her? So what! She had just made a decision to spend the rest of her life with Clark, who she now knows is a superman and she doesn't even tell him where she's going, discuss with him who called or ask him to go with her. Now who's keeping secrets and lies? Where was her confession of the secrets she'd been withholding from him about her killing Genevieve and Lex covering it up for her and the other stuff? I was very disappointed in her. No matter what kind of friend she considers Lex, she had no business sneaking off to see him. That was the lowest thing she'd ever done. I'm not even considering the fact that it was what got her killed, the act alone is what angered me. Where was her loyalty to Clark and the Kents? I mean, afterall, Jonathan Kent just won an election and his son's finance is sneaking off to console his rival.
At first I wondered why Jonathan Kent was at the crash scene and then I remembered that he had received a phone call while he was at the Talon, which we all know by now was from Lionel. I think Jonathan Kent was meant to die that night, that HE was the life close to Clark that was to be sacrificed for Clark's disobedience. However, I also think that Jonathan knew he was going to die soon, because of the deal he made with Jor-El earlier. I think Lana's death was a consequence of her own making and purely conincedental, yet because it happened and Jonathan stopped to console his son - he missed his own date with destiny. So, that would make the second time around, after Clark's intereference, no longer the result of destiny, but the result of Lana & Clark's decisions and both are responsible.
Look, many of you know how I feel about Lana's character. It's not Lana that I hate, but what she makes my superhero out to be. No longer will Lana be the girl that Clark outgrows, but the one who got away. Lois can never be the love of Clark's life - because Lana will always be the one he wanted. Lois has been dwindled down to the consolation prize - the one he settles with. Also, Clark's reasons for not telling Lana the second time are unfounded. How much more in danger is Lana knowing the truth as Chloe? Clark's enemies will use his best friend as much as his girlfriend against him, so what makes it more dangerous for one to know over the other? Clark knows that Lana would accept him, knowing the truth and it wasn't her knowledge of the truth that got her killed, but her reckless behavior. I don't think Clark is being honest with himself when it comes to the reasons he didn't tell her the second time. I think it was because he couldn't trust her like he had hoped. She still stole away to see Lex without him. Who knows... maybe he still has a chance to grow out of his obsession?
But, another point about this whole new angle is that it also pits Lana in the middle, between Clark and Lex. I'm sure Clark will hold Lex more responsible than Lana for his father's death. Had Lex never called Lana and caused her accident, she wouldn't have died, he wouldn't have had to go back in time to save her, lose her and then lose his father as the life in exchange for hers. Now, she has not only been elevated to the status of being the love of Clark's life, but the very reason for their ultimate rivalry. No longer can the tale of Superman be a story of mere good vs. evil on moral alone - no - now their fight will be over a woman and it just happens that one is on the good side and one is on the bad side. Though Lana lived, I think Clark will still blame Lex for her initial death. I'm not sure he'll be able to get over that, because he lived through it, though no one else did.
But, not all was a total loss in this episode. I thought that Martha was wonderful. She really portrayed a good version of a woman who lost a well-loved and well-respected man. Her speech to Clark was priceless. Now, if he'll just listen to it.
I thought Jonathan's death scene was in good taste. I sat there, almost begging for him to be able to say one last 'I love you" or "good-bye", but was glad when nothing was said. He said everything with his eyes. Also, it made it more realistic. Many times people don't get the chance to say 'good-bye' and John Schnieder did an excellent job with it. I also love the fact that he went out a hero - defending his family like he has always done. I'm frustrated that they didn't show us what was in the picture. (BTW-that's two pictures now we haven't seen. The first one was when Lionel burned that picture from Lex's hired man and now this one. WHAT IS IN THOSE PHOTOS?)
Chloe got the best line in this show. When she mentioned Clark spinning the world backwards on its axis, I nearly choked on my drink. I should learn by now not to be drinking anything when Chloe's on the scene. I also loved her reaction when she asked about her reaction the first time Clark told her about the engagement. It showed that she's trying to very considerate of Clark and not reveal to much of her own feelings. She's a hero in her own right by the support she gives her insensitive friend. She believes in him when he doesn't even believe in himself. I think the look that she gave him at the funeral was of pure compassion, because she alone understands what Clark had given up. I'm sure she noticed Lana reach for his hand, but he didn't return the affection. He stood alone, though he was surrounded by those who loved him. He didn't reach back for Lana and drew away from him - he let her go and only Chloe knows why. I think she saw how much her friend was hurting and she felt extreme compassion for him.
What I found interesting was that Lois had much the same look, but her compassion doesn't come from knowing his sacrifice, but out of her own hidden affections for him. She cares and loves Clark just as deeply as Chloe, but she also much like her cousin in keeping her feelings in check.
I also found it interesting that Lionel and Lex were at the funeral. I understand Lex being there, because no matter how much Jonathan was his political rival, he has a lot of love and respect for him. He's always desired to have a father like Jonathan Kent and on many occassions had tried to latch himself to that family. They represent what is good in the world and he see's Jonathan as the father he always wanted to have. But, Lionel's presence there makes absolutely no sense. Martha would have never invited him, Clark would have never accepted his condolences - so why was he there. I think it also showed him like a roaring lion prowling around his food of prey (Martha). I don't know what Lionel is up to and I hope we find out soon.
I did find it a bit ironic that it was while Clark was saving Lois that Lana almost met her fate again. I mean, come on... if Clark was so adamant about keeping Lana from repeating history - he wouldn't have let her out of his sights for one moment. He knew she was going to get a phone call from Lex, yet he wasn't watching her like a hawk. He could have supersped to save Lois, but he didn't have to stick around to make sure she was alright and to listen to her chide about it. Maybe Lana isn't such a priority to Clark if he was so easily able to completely forget about her while he was saving Lois?
Maybe this epidode was more revealing than I initially thought?
Bottom line: It was a good episode, but very disappointing. The previews for next week leaves me with a disgusted feeling. I don't want to go through another episode of 'rebellious' Clark. I'm ready for him to grow up and get over himself. I had hoped his father's death would have done that for him, but it looks like he's still got a bit of growing up to do.
Till next time!
So here goes...
Clark finally opens up and tells Lana the truth, takes her to the fortress of solitude, proposes to her and she accepts.... why? Why would she do that and then turn around that very evening sneak out of the Talon and visit with Lex? Because he called, he was depressed, he needed her? So what! She had just made a decision to spend the rest of her life with Clark, who she now knows is a superman and she doesn't even tell him where she's going, discuss with him who called or ask him to go with her. Now who's keeping secrets and lies? Where was her confession of the secrets she'd been withholding from him about her killing Genevieve and Lex covering it up for her and the other stuff? I was very disappointed in her. No matter what kind of friend she considers Lex, she had no business sneaking off to see him. That was the lowest thing she'd ever done. I'm not even considering the fact that it was what got her killed, the act alone is what angered me. Where was her loyalty to Clark and the Kents? I mean, afterall, Jonathan Kent just won an election and his son's finance is sneaking off to console his rival.
At first I wondered why Jonathan Kent was at the crash scene and then I remembered that he had received a phone call while he was at the Talon, which we all know by now was from Lionel. I think Jonathan Kent was meant to die that night, that HE was the life close to Clark that was to be sacrificed for Clark's disobedience. However, I also think that Jonathan knew he was going to die soon, because of the deal he made with Jor-El earlier. I think Lana's death was a consequence of her own making and purely conincedental, yet because it happened and Jonathan stopped to console his son - he missed his own date with destiny. So, that would make the second time around, after Clark's intereference, no longer the result of destiny, but the result of Lana & Clark's decisions and both are responsible.
Look, many of you know how I feel about Lana's character. It's not Lana that I hate, but what she makes my superhero out to be. No longer will Lana be the girl that Clark outgrows, but the one who got away. Lois can never be the love of Clark's life - because Lana will always be the one he wanted. Lois has been dwindled down to the consolation prize - the one he settles with. Also, Clark's reasons for not telling Lana the second time are unfounded. How much more in danger is Lana knowing the truth as Chloe? Clark's enemies will use his best friend as much as his girlfriend against him, so what makes it more dangerous for one to know over the other? Clark knows that Lana would accept him, knowing the truth and it wasn't her knowledge of the truth that got her killed, but her reckless behavior. I don't think Clark is being honest with himself when it comes to the reasons he didn't tell her the second time. I think it was because he couldn't trust her like he had hoped. She still stole away to see Lex without him. Who knows... maybe he still has a chance to grow out of his obsession?
But, another point about this whole new angle is that it also pits Lana in the middle, between Clark and Lex. I'm sure Clark will hold Lex more responsible than Lana for his father's death. Had Lex never called Lana and caused her accident, she wouldn't have died, he wouldn't have had to go back in time to save her, lose her and then lose his father as the life in exchange for hers. Now, she has not only been elevated to the status of being the love of Clark's life, but the very reason for their ultimate rivalry. No longer can the tale of Superman be a story of mere good vs. evil on moral alone - no - now their fight will be over a woman and it just happens that one is on the good side and one is on the bad side. Though Lana lived, I think Clark will still blame Lex for her initial death. I'm not sure he'll be able to get over that, because he lived through it, though no one else did.
But, not all was a total loss in this episode. I thought that Martha was wonderful. She really portrayed a good version of a woman who lost a well-loved and well-respected man. Her speech to Clark was priceless. Now, if he'll just listen to it.
I thought Jonathan's death scene was in good taste. I sat there, almost begging for him to be able to say one last 'I love you" or "good-bye", but was glad when nothing was said. He said everything with his eyes. Also, it made it more realistic. Many times people don't get the chance to say 'good-bye' and John Schnieder did an excellent job with it. I also love the fact that he went out a hero - defending his family like he has always done. I'm frustrated that they didn't show us what was in the picture. (BTW-that's two pictures now we haven't seen. The first one was when Lionel burned that picture from Lex's hired man and now this one. WHAT IS IN THOSE PHOTOS?)
Chloe got the best line in this show. When she mentioned Clark spinning the world backwards on its axis, I nearly choked on my drink. I should learn by now not to be drinking anything when Chloe's on the scene. I also loved her reaction when she asked about her reaction the first time Clark told her about the engagement. It showed that she's trying to very considerate of Clark and not reveal to much of her own feelings. She's a hero in her own right by the support she gives her insensitive friend. She believes in him when he doesn't even believe in himself. I think the look that she gave him at the funeral was of pure compassion, because she alone understands what Clark had given up. I'm sure she noticed Lana reach for his hand, but he didn't return the affection. He stood alone, though he was surrounded by those who loved him. He didn't reach back for Lana and drew away from him - he let her go and only Chloe knows why. I think she saw how much her friend was hurting and she felt extreme compassion for him.
What I found interesting was that Lois had much the same look, but her compassion doesn't come from knowing his sacrifice, but out of her own hidden affections for him. She cares and loves Clark just as deeply as Chloe, but she also much like her cousin in keeping her feelings in check.
I also found it interesting that Lionel and Lex were at the funeral. I understand Lex being there, because no matter how much Jonathan was his political rival, he has a lot of love and respect for him. He's always desired to have a father like Jonathan Kent and on many occassions had tried to latch himself to that family. They represent what is good in the world and he see's Jonathan as the father he always wanted to have. But, Lionel's presence there makes absolutely no sense. Martha would have never invited him, Clark would have never accepted his condolences - so why was he there. I think it also showed him like a roaring lion prowling around his food of prey (Martha). I don't know what Lionel is up to and I hope we find out soon.
I did find it a bit ironic that it was while Clark was saving Lois that Lana almost met her fate again. I mean, come on... if Clark was so adamant about keeping Lana from repeating history - he wouldn't have let her out of his sights for one moment. He knew she was going to get a phone call from Lex, yet he wasn't watching her like a hawk. He could have supersped to save Lois, but he didn't have to stick around to make sure she was alright and to listen to her chide about it. Maybe Lana isn't such a priority to Clark if he was so easily able to completely forget about her while he was saving Lois?
Maybe this epidode was more revealing than I initially thought?
Bottom line: It was a good episode, but very disappointing. The previews for next week leaves me with a disgusted feeling. I don't want to go through another episode of 'rebellious' Clark. I'm ready for him to grow up and get over himself. I had hoped his father's death would have done that for him, but it looks like he's still got a bit of growing up to do.
Till next time!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
A Dream of Success
I had this dream last night of one incredible day on the site of a new job. Granted, I'm not at a new job, but I’ve learned that maybe dreams have more than one meaning.
Anyway, onto the dream...
It was my first day at a new job and as I walked in to the cramped office area, odd stares were given and a tension filled the air. The man who hired me was in a small office packing his belongings, a young girl sat in a chair shuffling files and I heard two voices coming from a back room. A young man came out, looked at me haughtily and then entered the small office, where shouting ensued. A few minutes later, the young man snatched the door open while the other gentleman carried his filled box and followed behind him. He turned to me as he left and said, "Good luck - with those two."
I turned back to the younger man, clearly confused as to whether I still had a job or not. He smiled at me and then looked crossly at an older woman who walked out of the back room. Her stares were piercing and invading. I knew instantly I wasn't going to get along with her, nevertheless, I squared my shoulders and met her stare. She reluctantly backed down. I turned my attention back to the younger man, who was clearly in charge now and asked, "Well, I'm here - what do I do now?"
A smiled crossed his face... a mischievous smile. He reached over to a nearby shelf and grabbed a dull blue jumper and threw it to me and said, "First thing, you need to wear your uniform... It's company policy for all new employees."
I looked around the room and sure enough the young girl who sat in the chair shuffling folders wore an identical blue uniform. I took it, went to the restroom and quickly changed. Once I emerged, I asked where I was to work. I was directed to a small desk shoved into a corner. The place was a mess. It was dirty, unorganized, the floors were uneven and it was grimy. I sat at the little dusty desk and proceeded to clean it off when the phone rang. Everyone looked at me, as if expecting me to answer it. I did and very politely said, "Hello, thank you for calling ***** this is ***** may I help you?"
There was silence on the other end for a brief moment and then the laughter of a man echoed through the receiver. "Why, you must be the new girl. Now, that is how you answer the phone! Have you settled in your new office yet?" His question surprised me. My new office? I quickly looked at the recently vacated office and then instantly to the younger man and older woman who stood huddled by the door and realized they had played a trick on me. I realized in that instant that I was their boss, not their employee.
A smile crossed my face and I replied, "Why yes sir, I was just doing some inspections and last minute cleaning before I moved it. You can never be too organized. I've also made a decision that those hideous blue uniforms won't be required for any employees." A chuckle was heard from within the phone while cringes of resentment bounced off of my back as I turned away from the huddled duo. A small giggle was heard from the girl shuffling folders.
"Well, I'll come by this afternoon to see how you've settled in," said the man. The phone went blank and I hung up. I turned back to the two nuisances. The older woman snorted and turned back towards the back room.
"Just a minute if you will. This place is a mess and I refuse to work in such conditions. Before anyone does anything else - I want this place cleared out, cleaned up and leveled off (for the floors were partially buckled and leaned to one side). I want that back wall knocked out and two desks placed here in front of my office." I unzipped the blue jumper and stepped out of it so that I stood in nothing but my panties and bra, and threw it at the younger man - whose mouth was gaped open. "I want these burned."
I walked into the cramped office and closed the door. When I walked back out a few hours later, fully dressed in my red power suite, the place didn't look the same. The room was beautifully lit, the floors were even, the space was open, there was plants and pictures and soft lit lamps. It looked warm, cozy and inviting. There was a knock and the door and a man with three other gentlemen walked in. I assumed this was the man from the phone, Mr. *****.
I greeted my boss with a warm smile and a sturdy handshake. His eyebrows raised in approval. But, then I saw him turn towards the two huddled troublemakers and smirk. I had the distinct feeling that I was payback for something. I didn't like the feeling of being part of a mind game. I must have had an odd expression on my face when he turned back to me, because his expression changed. His eyes narrowed as he studied me. I smiled.
"Sir, I had an interesting visitor just before you came. He was a man from ****, which I know is your rival company. He came to wish me well on my new position. You see, I know him from my former job - he was one of my suppliers. He made it quite clear that he could use someone like me in his company. If I happen to be some revenge hire to satisfy a personal vendetta, I will assure you that my time would be spent more wisely at your competitors."
The smile faded from his face. He stood still for a moment and then rubbed his chin and asked, "My God, you're after my job, aren't you?"
I smiled back and replied, "No sir." After a few seconds of pause I finished with, "Your boss's".
He laughed, slapped me on the back and then walked back out of the door, followed by his two cronies.
What a dream! What does it mean? Who knows? What I do know was that I was very proud of myself and my actions. Now it's time for me to get to work.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Update: The Necromancers - Orientation
For those of you who are following the progress of my Necromancer Series, I have a little treat for you today. I want to start off my giving a huge 'THANK YOU' to a friend of mine, Blake, for taking his time out of his very busy college life schedule and tackling the book. I've really put him through the ringer, asked him a slew of questions and yet, he still had only wonderful things to say about the novel.
Here is his blurb:
"In the same fun likeness of Harry Potter, T.L. Gray presents a fantastical epic of magic and the unknown with Necromancers."
There are many others who have read the manuscript already and have had wonderful things to say about it, and you are not forgotten. I've treasured every friend, Beta reader, editor, agent, critiquer and collegue who has taken their time to read this adventure. I'm hoping that the rest of the world will get that chance really soon.
Also, I've been working on my website, changing the look of the site, adding different pictures and have created a new page called NecroMysteries. It's a fun page where I put some interesting facts about hidden elements of the story.
Go check out the website: http://www.thenecromancers.com. Don't forget to visit the Necroboard and leave your comments.
Status: I am still working on going over some edits of Orientation, through the help of my friends at http://www.critiquecircle.com. Matthew, Les, Ikmar and Andrew - you have all been very helpful and wonderful.
I tried to edit both Orientation and The Year of the Unicorn at the same time, but found switching back and forth between the two timelines was a bit confusing. I've set book two down until I've completed book one. However, I only have six more chapters to write to complete book two.
I've also been working on editing a mystery novel I had written, Bitter Tea. I think its one of my greatest works to date.
Again, I want to say, "Thank You" to everyone who has been so supportive of this project. I wish my agent, http://www.booksatbulldogs.com, the best of luck in her quest for procuring a publisher and getting this adventure into the hands of everyone else.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Here is his blurb:
"In the same fun likeness of Harry Potter, T.L. Gray presents a fantastical epic of magic and the unknown with Necromancers."
There are many others who have read the manuscript already and have had wonderful things to say about it, and you are not forgotten. I've treasured every friend, Beta reader, editor, agent, critiquer and collegue who has taken their time to read this adventure. I'm hoping that the rest of the world will get that chance really soon.
Also, I've been working on my website, changing the look of the site, adding different pictures and have created a new page called NecroMysteries. It's a fun page where I put some interesting facts about hidden elements of the story.
Go check out the website: http://www.thenecromancers.com. Don't forget to visit the Necroboard and leave your comments.
Status: I am still working on going over some edits of Orientation, through the help of my friends at http://www.critiquecircle.com. Matthew, Les, Ikmar and Andrew - you have all been very helpful and wonderful.
I tried to edit both Orientation and The Year of the Unicorn at the same time, but found switching back and forth between the two timelines was a bit confusing. I've set book two down until I've completed book one. However, I only have six more chapters to write to complete book two.
I've also been working on editing a mystery novel I had written, Bitter Tea. I think its one of my greatest works to date.
Again, I want to say, "Thank You" to everyone who has been so supportive of this project. I wish my agent, http://www.booksatbulldogs.com, the best of luck in her quest for procuring a publisher and getting this adventure into the hands of everyone else.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Friday, January 20, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:11 Lockdown
I really enjoyed this episode, but it wasn't 'great'. I felt it was another one of those 'filler' episodes, leading up to the project that everybody had really put a lot into, so therefore didn't put 100% into this one. But, I did find alot of important storythreads that were touched.
There was one part I absolutely hated - the death of my dearly beloved Sheriff Nancy Adams. HOW DARE THEY! We don't often get to see her wit and strong opinions, but it was a small element that made the show humerous. She's the only person who talked to Clark like he was 'normal' like everybody else. Clark is surrounded by his parents, who know what and who he is and they have nurtured that part of him his whole life. Lana is infatuated with him. Lex is obsessed with him. Chloe is in love with him. The townspeople love and respect him. Yet, Sheriff Adams always put Clark in his place. She treated him like a friend, but also like a suspect. She rebuked yet encouraged him at the same time. She questioned, yet backed off when she knew it wouldn't do any good. The only other person on the show who treats Clark like that is Lois.
BTW - I LOVED the forshadowing scene where Clark is talking with Martha and she tells him that maybe Lana wasn't the one he was meant to be with. Clark then tells her that he couldn't imagine loving anyone else - and then Lois shows up. I can't quite remember what the first part of her line was - but I remember it was forshadowing of what's to come. I thought that was great.
I felt really bad for Chloe when Clark was pretty much telling her that he wanted to marry Lana. I give her Kudos that she was able to hold back her own hurt emotions and give an honest answer to Clark that he has to tell Lana the truth, in order to secure her, otherwise he'll continue to drive her away.
I also liked the connection between Lex and Lana. It was heart wrenching to see Lex nervously try to expose his feelings to her. Lex is a guarded person, even from Lana - yet he allowed himself a small glimmer of hope and opened himself up to her.
Everyone should know by now how much I've hated how this show has exalted Lana's status to be equal that of Lex and Clark. The story of Superman has always been about Lex and Clark. Lana was never a large part of that story, and she played no significant part in the future of Superman. However, in Smallville she's become the pinnacle of mythos. She has been exalted to a point where she's not merely the highschool sweetheart, but much more. She's now been linked to the history of Clark, by having her ancient ancestors part of Clark's history with the whole Isabelle story. Then they have her great Aunt having had an intimate relationship with Clark's father, Jor-El (making her out to be the love of Jor-El's life, which decreases the role of Lara, Clark's mother), now they've made Lana an essential part of Clark's life by portraying her as the love of his life (therfore making Lois Lane the consellation prize) and also the love of Lex's life. I have a feeling that they will soon make her the catalyst that will be the ultimate rift between Clark and Lex. The story will no longer be good verses evil, right verses wrong, compassion over power, but a power struggle of pride over a woman, and that changes who Superman truly was. While Clark fights for truth, justice and the American way - his battle against Lex won't be for those reasons. It will over Lana. So, in essence they've changed the very essence of who and what Superman is - and have lowered him to the status of an average man with a few super gifts. There would be many men who could fill his shoes had they the same gifts. I've yet to see what makes him Kryptonian. They've done a good job trying to make him Super-human.
That's truly been my ought against Lana. No other reason really. I don't hate the character, I just hate how her role in this version of the tale changes the hero I've loved my whole life. Superman's not so super to me anymore. Don't get me wrong, Clark is still applaudable by his self-sacrificing duty to try and save everybody. Yet, how self-sacrificing is he really? What has he truly given up? A chance to cheat a football, a chance to fornicate and be rebellious and irresponsible as other teens. I don't see where he's really sacrificed anything. He's still rebellious, he got to play football and he's even fornicated. Seems like your typical teen life to me. His secret doesn't stop him from having a life - just like other gifted teens whose gifts carve a different path than their peers.
Well, back to the review.
I'm glad Pa Kent sold the back 40. It showed his integrity, honesty and character. He showed that you don't have to have superpowers to be a hero, that its the character of a man that makes him great. I think it will be the greatest and final lesson he'll teach his son.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
There was one part I absolutely hated - the death of my dearly beloved Sheriff Nancy Adams. HOW DARE THEY! We don't often get to see her wit and strong opinions, but it was a small element that made the show humerous. She's the only person who talked to Clark like he was 'normal' like everybody else. Clark is surrounded by his parents, who know what and who he is and they have nurtured that part of him his whole life. Lana is infatuated with him. Lex is obsessed with him. Chloe is in love with him. The townspeople love and respect him. Yet, Sheriff Adams always put Clark in his place. She treated him like a friend, but also like a suspect. She rebuked yet encouraged him at the same time. She questioned, yet backed off when she knew it wouldn't do any good. The only other person on the show who treats Clark like that is Lois.
BTW - I LOVED the forshadowing scene where Clark is talking with Martha and she tells him that maybe Lana wasn't the one he was meant to be with. Clark then tells her that he couldn't imagine loving anyone else - and then Lois shows up. I can't quite remember what the first part of her line was - but I remember it was forshadowing of what's to come. I thought that was great.
I felt really bad for Chloe when Clark was pretty much telling her that he wanted to marry Lana. I give her Kudos that she was able to hold back her own hurt emotions and give an honest answer to Clark that he has to tell Lana the truth, in order to secure her, otherwise he'll continue to drive her away.
I also liked the connection between Lex and Lana. It was heart wrenching to see Lex nervously try to expose his feelings to her. Lex is a guarded person, even from Lana - yet he allowed himself a small glimmer of hope and opened himself up to her.
Everyone should know by now how much I've hated how this show has exalted Lana's status to be equal that of Lex and Clark. The story of Superman has always been about Lex and Clark. Lana was never a large part of that story, and she played no significant part in the future of Superman. However, in Smallville she's become the pinnacle of mythos. She has been exalted to a point where she's not merely the highschool sweetheart, but much more. She's now been linked to the history of Clark, by having her ancient ancestors part of Clark's history with the whole Isabelle story. Then they have her great Aunt having had an intimate relationship with Clark's father, Jor-El (making her out to be the love of Jor-El's life, which decreases the role of Lara, Clark's mother), now they've made Lana an essential part of Clark's life by portraying her as the love of his life (therfore making Lois Lane the consellation prize) and also the love of Lex's life. I have a feeling that they will soon make her the catalyst that will be the ultimate rift between Clark and Lex. The story will no longer be good verses evil, right verses wrong, compassion over power, but a power struggle of pride over a woman, and that changes who Superman truly was. While Clark fights for truth, justice and the American way - his battle against Lex won't be for those reasons. It will over Lana. So, in essence they've changed the very essence of who and what Superman is - and have lowered him to the status of an average man with a few super gifts. There would be many men who could fill his shoes had they the same gifts. I've yet to see what makes him Kryptonian. They've done a good job trying to make him Super-human.
That's truly been my ought against Lana. No other reason really. I don't hate the character, I just hate how her role in this version of the tale changes the hero I've loved my whole life. Superman's not so super to me anymore. Don't get me wrong, Clark is still applaudable by his self-sacrificing duty to try and save everybody. Yet, how self-sacrificing is he really? What has he truly given up? A chance to cheat a football, a chance to fornicate and be rebellious and irresponsible as other teens. I don't see where he's really sacrificed anything. He's still rebellious, he got to play football and he's even fornicated. Seems like your typical teen life to me. His secret doesn't stop him from having a life - just like other gifted teens whose gifts carve a different path than their peers.
Well, back to the review.
I'm glad Pa Kent sold the back 40. It showed his integrity, honesty and character. He showed that you don't have to have superpowers to be a hero, that its the character of a man that makes him great. I think it will be the greatest and final lesson he'll teach his son.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Review of "Pride & Prejudice"
Here I sit this morning with very heavy eyelids and slow fingers, yet I'm determined to make it through the day.
Last night through the cold wet drizzle we spent a night on the town. The first leg of our evening began with the long trip into the city - during rush hour. We had smooth sailing until we reached Interstate 285 and then we hit gridlock. It wasn't that bad until we got within a five mile radius of our first destination, The Macaroni Grill. However, after a few honks and some quick manuevering and through several lanes, we finally made it to our exit. It quickly reminded me of why I hate the city and would never live within its perimetered borders or work in its congested downtown.
Dinner was great. We started with and appetizer of Calmari, Bruchetta rolls, stuffed mushrooms and bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil and bitter herbs.
The conversation was even better. My daughter was happy to be with her boyfriend and I was quite content to be with my best friend. We talked of happy and funny things. We discussed the rediculousness of some television commercials and of course I talked about my book series, The Necromancers.
The main course was served - and I barely touched my entree, because I was stuffed from the appetizers and bread. My daughter barely nibbled any of her food, as usual, and her boyfriend seemed to really enjoy himself. He was all politeness.
We left the coziness of the restuarant, back into the rain and then back into traffic. This time only after a brief time in the gridlock, we exceled onto the GA400 toll road, paid our $.50 and then travelled with relative ease until we reached our exit. Within minutes we arrived at our destination, parked and proceeded into the theatre.
The play was good, but not great. I thought they lacked on background and settings. Having known the story intimately and created my own image of each of the characters, I was a little disappointed with their 'Elizabeth Bennet'. However, I absolutely adored their 'Mr. Darcy'.
The play ended on a high note, everyone in our party was happy and we braved the cold air that had swept through the area and the strong winds, as we forged our way back to the car.
The ride home was without incident and everyone made it safe and sound into their warm beds, one of which I hated to leave this morning. I was snug and cozy and deep into an adventerous dream when the dreaded and blasted alarmclock went off and interrupted it.
So, here I sit with my coffee cup filled, my bagel half-eaten and my fingers tapping away on the keyboard. It's the beginning of yet another day.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Last night through the cold wet drizzle we spent a night on the town. The first leg of our evening began with the long trip into the city - during rush hour. We had smooth sailing until we reached Interstate 285 and then we hit gridlock. It wasn't that bad until we got within a five mile radius of our first destination, The Macaroni Grill. However, after a few honks and some quick manuevering and through several lanes, we finally made it to our exit. It quickly reminded me of why I hate the city and would never live within its perimetered borders or work in its congested downtown.
Dinner was great. We started with and appetizer of Calmari, Bruchetta rolls, stuffed mushrooms and bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil and bitter herbs.
The conversation was even better. My daughter was happy to be with her boyfriend and I was quite content to be with my best friend. We talked of happy and funny things. We discussed the rediculousness of some television commercials and of course I talked about my book series, The Necromancers.
The main course was served - and I barely touched my entree, because I was stuffed from the appetizers and bread. My daughter barely nibbled any of her food, as usual, and her boyfriend seemed to really enjoy himself. He was all politeness.
We left the coziness of the restuarant, back into the rain and then back into traffic. This time only after a brief time in the gridlock, we exceled onto the GA400 toll road, paid our $.50 and then travelled with relative ease until we reached our exit. Within minutes we arrived at our destination, parked and proceeded into the theatre.
The play was good, but not great. I thought they lacked on background and settings. Having known the story intimately and created my own image of each of the characters, I was a little disappointed with their 'Elizabeth Bennet'. However, I absolutely adored their 'Mr. Darcy'.
The play ended on a high note, everyone in our party was happy and we braved the cold air that had swept through the area and the strong winds, as we forged our way back to the car.
The ride home was without incident and everyone made it safe and sound into their warm beds, one of which I hated to leave this morning. I was snug and cozy and deep into an adventerous dream when the dreaded and blasted alarmclock went off and interrupted it.
So, here I sit with my coffee cup filled, my bagel half-eaten and my fingers tapping away on the keyboard. It's the beginning of yet another day.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Happy Birthday Meagan!
Today is my daughter's 17th birthday. Tonight I will be taking her to the theater to see Jane Austin's "Pride & Prejudice".
I'm not going to concentrate about all the negative things (she is a teenager after all) that have been going on her life, or dispel all the things that I think need to be changed or improved in her life. No, today I am going to impart blessings upon her.
I pray that she will be blessed.
I pray that she will be prosperous.
I pray that she will be blessed in her coming and going.
I pray that whatever her hands touch will be prosperous.
I pray that she grows intimate with Christ.
I pray that she will be healthy.
I pray that she finds true love.
I pray that she is filled with a love for herself.
I pray that the gifts of God in her are stirred.
I pray that she finds direction in her life.
I pray that she is protected from the snares of her enemies.
I pray that her enemies heap coals upon their own heads.
I pray that she is broken in spirit and placed upon the Potter's wheel.
I pray that she receives wisdom and understanding.
I pray that she receives joy and passion.
I pray that she receives forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Happy Birthday Meagan, and I hope that there are many, many more to come.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
I'm not going to concentrate about all the negative things (she is a teenager after all) that have been going on her life, or dispel all the things that I think need to be changed or improved in her life. No, today I am going to impart blessings upon her.
I pray that she will be blessed.
I pray that she will be prosperous.
I pray that she will be blessed in her coming and going.
I pray that whatever her hands touch will be prosperous.
I pray that she grows intimate with Christ.
I pray that she will be healthy.
I pray that she finds true love.
I pray that she is filled with a love for herself.
I pray that the gifts of God in her are stirred.
I pray that she finds direction in her life.
I pray that she is protected from the snares of her enemies.
I pray that her enemies heap coals upon their own heads.
I pray that she is broken in spirit and placed upon the Potter's wheel.
I pray that she receives wisdom and understanding.
I pray that she receives joy and passion.
I pray that she receives forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Happy Birthday Meagan, and I hope that there are many, many more to come.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Monday, January 16, 2006
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:10 Fanatic
This review is late because I missed watching Smallville on Thursday because of a scheduled meeting. My husband had bought me a new DVR - and I set it to record Smallville. It did, but not so that I could watch it. It would play only 1 minute at a time and then skip ten. But, I thought I had saved myself, because I had also set the VCR. It recorded fine - but not Smallville. Instead I got two episodes of the Simpsons. It seems that I haven't used my VCR since early fall - and the time had not been changed when we switched daylight savings time back in November. So, just as Smallville came on... the recording stopped. There is no describing how frustrated I was. I ran me a very hot bubble bath and read a book to keep my mind off of Smallville.
However, that didn't work for too long. I knew there was a copy out there and I just had to watch it. So, on Saturday afternoon I found myself sitting on someone else's couch watching this episode. Since then, my husband worked most of Saturday to find out why my DVR recorded the way it did and has set the correct time on the VCR. Yet, I'm still worried. Though we successfully recorded Desperate Housewives last night, I still worry. Because, my next scheduled appointment just happens to be the night of the 100th episode.
So, what about Fanatic? It was... okay. There was some funny parts and some moments, but it was really full of much of the 'same old' things.
How many times will Lex conviently get knocked out? Maybe his psychotic problems is not due to his fathers sadistic teachings and rantings, but of being konked over the head.
How many more times will Lex show up at the hospital showing concern for one of the Kent's and he and Clark have an angst moment? For Pete's sake... that conversation has been beat to death.
How many more psycho's are obsessed with either Lex, Clark or Lana? I suppose since the three spend more time in Metropolis - there's a whole new slew of them. Granted they've already went through the whole population of Smallville.
How many more times will Pa Kent get the crap kicked out of him? I mean - he's already taking some red pills to stay alive. Maybe he wouldn't need them if he wasn't always getting hurt. I'll reiterate what I've always said before - he's really is SuperDad. It's a miracle he's survived this long. But, I have a feeling he's only got a few more episodes until all the abuse finally catches up to him.
Prediction: Jonathan Kent will die at the hands of Lana Lang.
How many more times does Clark and Lana have to have an intense moment and then a conversation about trust and lies? That's what they're whole relationship has been based on. If Clark would just be honest with her and she with Clark - then there would be nothing left but the physical aspect of the relationship - and that might not even be possible. This see-saw has been going on for five years and yet it continues. I'm tired of loft scenes, excuses and mind games.
How many more times will Clark be completely insensitive to Chloe's feelings? It's one thing to continue in an unhealthy obsession - while your best friend sticks by you. It's another to keep rubbing that disaster into their face. As much as I found their conversation hilarious and awkward, I didn't see the purpose for it. So, Clark's having some trust issues with Lana and his abilities to commit fornication. Clark doesn't want to hear what Chloe has to say, because he knows that it wouldn't be anything he wants to do. Only one thing came to verition - He clearly shows that he doesn't trust Lana and he absolutely trusts Chloe (even with the most intimate details)- yet he's still blind as a bat.
Now, onto the good stuff in the episode:
Lionel Luthor - what is that man up to and who is he? He's playing both sides. It's like he's trying to fuel a war between the Kents and the Luthors. He takes a step to save them by destroying whatever evidence Lex's henchman discovered, yet tries to fuel a wedge between Jonathan and Martha. Also, he tries to destroy Lex's campaign and at the same time help fund Jonathan's. He's up to something - and I haven't a clue as to what it is. I love it! It's fresh, new and intriguing.
Lois saves the day on her own - so she thinks. I LOVE IT. This is the Lois Lane/Clark Kent situations that I love. The Lois I've always known thought she was the hero of the two, never knowing what Clark had done to get to the point of her coming to the rescue at the very end. I love that kind of banter.
Another prediction: Lana Lang will die at the hands of *** ******.
Granted, she's part of mythos, but this show has strayed alot from previous mythos and they could make my dreams come true. Lana's no longer important to the story - other than the possibility of being a catalyst that puts two great men on opposite poles. That would sum up her whole role in this show altogether. She would be Clark's Kryptonite and Lex's shattered mirror. However, if they remain on the cheesy path they've been on for the last few years - she'll always be the love of Clark's life and Lois the consellation prize.
Well, this has been Crazy4Smallville's review of Fanatic.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
However, that didn't work for too long. I knew there was a copy out there and I just had to watch it. So, on Saturday afternoon I found myself sitting on someone else's couch watching this episode. Since then, my husband worked most of Saturday to find out why my DVR recorded the way it did and has set the correct time on the VCR. Yet, I'm still worried. Though we successfully recorded Desperate Housewives last night, I still worry. Because, my next scheduled appointment just happens to be the night of the 100th episode.
So, what about Fanatic? It was... okay. There was some funny parts and some moments, but it was really full of much of the 'same old' things.
How many times will Lex conviently get knocked out? Maybe his psychotic problems is not due to his fathers sadistic teachings and rantings, but of being konked over the head.
How many more times will Lex show up at the hospital showing concern for one of the Kent's and he and Clark have an angst moment? For Pete's sake... that conversation has been beat to death.
How many more psycho's are obsessed with either Lex, Clark or Lana? I suppose since the three spend more time in Metropolis - there's a whole new slew of them. Granted they've already went through the whole population of Smallville.
How many more times will Pa Kent get the crap kicked out of him? I mean - he's already taking some red pills to stay alive. Maybe he wouldn't need them if he wasn't always getting hurt. I'll reiterate what I've always said before - he's really is SuperDad. It's a miracle he's survived this long. But, I have a feeling he's only got a few more episodes until all the abuse finally catches up to him.
Prediction: Jonathan Kent will die at the hands of Lana Lang.
How many more times does Clark and Lana have to have an intense moment and then a conversation about trust and lies? That's what they're whole relationship has been based on. If Clark would just be honest with her and she with Clark - then there would be nothing left but the physical aspect of the relationship - and that might not even be possible. This see-saw has been going on for five years and yet it continues. I'm tired of loft scenes, excuses and mind games.
How many more times will Clark be completely insensitive to Chloe's feelings? It's one thing to continue in an unhealthy obsession - while your best friend sticks by you. It's another to keep rubbing that disaster into their face. As much as I found their conversation hilarious and awkward, I didn't see the purpose for it. So, Clark's having some trust issues with Lana and his abilities to commit fornication. Clark doesn't want to hear what Chloe has to say, because he knows that it wouldn't be anything he wants to do. Only one thing came to verition - He clearly shows that he doesn't trust Lana and he absolutely trusts Chloe (even with the most intimate details)- yet he's still blind as a bat.
Now, onto the good stuff in the episode:
Lionel Luthor - what is that man up to and who is he? He's playing both sides. It's like he's trying to fuel a war between the Kents and the Luthors. He takes a step to save them by destroying whatever evidence Lex's henchman discovered, yet tries to fuel a wedge between Jonathan and Martha. Also, he tries to destroy Lex's campaign and at the same time help fund Jonathan's. He's up to something - and I haven't a clue as to what it is. I love it! It's fresh, new and intriguing.
Lois saves the day on her own - so she thinks. I LOVE IT. This is the Lois Lane/Clark Kent situations that I love. The Lois I've always known thought she was the hero of the two, never knowing what Clark had done to get to the point of her coming to the rescue at the very end. I love that kind of banter.
Another prediction: Lana Lang will die at the hands of *** ******.
Granted, she's part of mythos, but this show has strayed alot from previous mythos and they could make my dreams come true. Lana's no longer important to the story - other than the possibility of being a catalyst that puts two great men on opposite poles. That would sum up her whole role in this show altogether. She would be Clark's Kryptonite and Lex's shattered mirror. However, if they remain on the cheesy path they've been on for the last few years - she'll always be the love of Clark's life and Lois the consellation prize.
Well, this has been Crazy4Smallville's review of Fanatic.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Editing - Getting Into The Spirit
I didn't like the idea of editing... when I knew that it was something ahead of me and that I had to tackle. To me, it looked like a huge giant. But, I've found out that I'm a David after-all.
I'm at the half-way point of really going through and doing some major editing to my novel - The Necromancers-Orientation. I'm finding that as my writing skills improve, so too does my story. I'm also discovering that I had the tools that I needed all along to slay that huge giant; I just didn't know they were lying so near by. David found ten smooth stones in a dried-up riverbed. My stones were found hidden deep down inside and were brought to the surface by wonderful writers that I've recently met, and am proud to call my friends.
Don't get me wrong, my story was a good story to start with - even with it's mistakes. However, with the help and nurturing of my new writing friends, it's become a great, well-written story.
Now, here comes the bad part. This story has recently been submitted to five major publishers (before the latest edits). But, I'm not going to worry about it. Like I said, it was a good story already - and hopefully, that will be enough to garner interest. If it does - I'll have a better version waiting for them. If it doesn't - the next publishers will.
I'm beginning to enjoy the process of editing now. In my writing group (Critique Circle), I'm able to hone those skills by giving critiques in order to submit my own work for critique. I learn from both methods.
I love to learn. I've had a passion for the art of learning since I was a small child. Editing is learning, as well as teaching.
So, watch out giants - because I have a pocket full of stones.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
I'm at the half-way point of really going through and doing some major editing to my novel - The Necromancers-Orientation. I'm finding that as my writing skills improve, so too does my story. I'm also discovering that I had the tools that I needed all along to slay that huge giant; I just didn't know they were lying so near by. David found ten smooth stones in a dried-up riverbed. My stones were found hidden deep down inside and were brought to the surface by wonderful writers that I've recently met, and am proud to call my friends.
Don't get me wrong, my story was a good story to start with - even with it's mistakes. However, with the help and nurturing of my new writing friends, it's become a great, well-written story.
Now, here comes the bad part. This story has recently been submitted to five major publishers (before the latest edits). But, I'm not going to worry about it. Like I said, it was a good story already - and hopefully, that will be enough to garner interest. If it does - I'll have a better version waiting for them. If it doesn't - the next publishers will.
I'm beginning to enjoy the process of editing now. In my writing group (Critique Circle), I'm able to hone those skills by giving critiques in order to submit my own work for critique. I learn from both methods.
I love to learn. I've had a passion for the art of learning since I was a small child. Editing is learning, as well as teaching.
So, watch out giants - because I have a pocket full of stones.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Working Under Pressure
Have you ever noticed that you find energy you didn't know you had when you are placed under pressure.
After coming back from a little time off for the holiday's the work is piled high. The "To-Do" list just keeps getting longer and longer. Everywhere I turn someone needs something. Things are changing, yet here I go.
I feel like I'm in the middle of a battle wielding my sword, and just and the point that I don't have another swing left, another surge of adrenaline shoots out... and here I go again.
I can ruin a whole day by dreading the next, yet things work out - despite my unbelief and stress.
So, I suppose the whole point to the whole struggle is that it's vanity to worry about the messes, piles, battles and obsticles and just get busy with going through them because what you need to get through it will be there.
Well... now it's time for my afternoon power nap - and believe me, I need it!
Till next time!
After coming back from a little time off for the holiday's the work is piled high. The "To-Do" list just keeps getting longer and longer. Everywhere I turn someone needs something. Things are changing, yet here I go.
I feel like I'm in the middle of a battle wielding my sword, and just and the point that I don't have another swing left, another surge of adrenaline shoots out... and here I go again.
I can ruin a whole day by dreading the next, yet things work out - despite my unbelief and stress.
So, I suppose the whole point to the whole struggle is that it's vanity to worry about the messes, piles, battles and obsticles and just get busy with going through them because what you need to get through it will be there.
Well... now it's time for my afternoon power nap - and believe me, I need it!
Till next time!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:9 Lexmas
Crazy4Smallville’s Weekly Review
Season 5
Episode 9
"Lexmas”
This was one of the most enjoyable episodes to date. I don’t think there were many moments that I didn’t enjoy.
We have seen the last of the Lex Luthor that we had all come to know, love and have compassion for. He died tonight, along with his dream for Lana, as the real evil genius mastermind survived. Alexander now reigns supreme in Lex Luthor. This is the Lex Luthor that I’ve been waiting for. I’ve seen a glimpse of him every now and again, but we got to see his last ride tonight. Who’d a thought the dream of Lana would be the downfall of Lex Luthor? I’m telling you – it’s the Kryptonic mutant effect she has on everyone. Lex is just one of her many victims.
So, Lex was having second thoughts about spreading the dirt on Jonathan Kent? I’m surprised he even hesitated. I doubt we’ll see anymore struggles like that in the future.
Lex getting shocked surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. I’m sure I stopped breathing; waiting to see if it had been a dream, but that revelation never came. I knew he wouldn’t die – let’s face it… we know he’s in the future with Superman, but in a way he did. The good side of him had his last ride… before he disappeared into the sunset.
I loved how they used the blue/evil light in comparison to the warm gold/good light. I liked seeing Lex in the good light for a change, but not as much as I loved seeing that maniacal stare at the end. Rosenbaum plays evil really well. He’s a great actor. He did a good job playing the good, confused, loving, doting husband of Lana. Listen very carefully, because I will probably only say this once – I enjoyed Lana in this episode. Lexana didn’t gross me out. Lana actually looked happy, acted happy, and was beautiful and sensitive. Now, if she’d only act like that ALL the time. Maybe Kristin should work more with Michael, because they had great chemistry together.
I loved the whole Lex as dad, husband, friend and humanitarian. I thought they were stretching it a bit at the end, but that is what convinced me that this was his dream – not a real Christmas future experience.
I loved how they had Chloe and Clark together – but come on… this is Lex’s dream. They could have had them married. Mythos didn’t matter at this point. That would have made the episode perfect. It seemed as though they were married, though they never come out and said it. Then, when Clark was talking to Lex on the porch, he said something to the effect about maybe never being ready to settle down. I assumed that was him implying that he wasn’t married.
I don’t think I liked Chloe in long hair. It just didn’t suit her. But, I loved how Lex made her into a novelist, not just a journalist. I liked how Lex made Clark into a full fledge reporter. I guess everyone can see that one coming, huh?
I thought Jonathan (as Senator) looked handsome. He was tall, strong and dignified. I knew the words that were coming when he was giving Lex the humanitarian award. I knew he was going to say that he was proud of him like his own son. I could have almost quoted it, as he said it. I knew this was one of Lex’s most desired dreams. To be loved by Lana, have a family (Alexander and Lily), be normal, have a budget, able to celebrate Christmas, be best friends with Clark, admired by Chloe, and accepted and respected by the Kent’s. This is everything the old Lex has desired. I believe those dreamed died, along with his dream Lana.
Lex Luthor has now accepted his destiny… every evil inch of it.
Now, onto Clark, Chloe & Lana –
I loved how Clark was willing to give up his time with Lana to help Chloe. He didn’t ask what first – he sped to her aide and then asked. I LOVED how he played Santa. I thought that was very funny. Now, I can tell all the little kids I know that Santa is really a Kryptonian. That’s how he can do so much in so little of time. It’s really him that flies, not the reindeer. LOL! I liked the “It’s a Wonderful Life” theme this show had.
I didn’t fail to notice the comment Clark made to Lana when she put the (gingerbread guy?) on top of the tree. He is still lost into his obsession with her being ‘perfect’.
Chloe doesn’t spend Christmas with her dad, her uncle or her cousin, Lois? Is she really that alone? Yet, she was selfless, willing to spend her time doing something for someone else. Yes, she was also doing it to further her career, but why not? It’s the only thing she has. Lana has Clark, Lois has her dad and Chloe is all alone. But, maybe she’s not as alone as we all think. During the Christmas party at the Kent’s I noticed something. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe not. But, Lana spent her time catering, while Chloe and Clark spent their time huddled in the corner together, regaling the evening. Yes, I know they had to talk about Claus – but that could have waited for another time or done in another setting. Maybe it’s just the Chlarker in me grasping at any straw – but I found it interesting. Also, why was Lana wearing a black sleeveless shirt on Christmas Eve – when it is clearly freezing outside? I found that odd. Black usually insinuates being evil, having the desire to be invisible or having a cold heart. They could have at least put her in a red or green – make her more cheerful – but black?
Lex & Lionel – Boy, oh boy have the gloves come off. Lionel has finally got what he’s always wanted – a son of his own making. Yet, Lionel will also have to deal with the consequences of having a son of his own making. I have a feeling that papa Luthor won’t be around much longer. I believe Lex is going to retaliate against Lionel. Not just for making a life threatening decision to operate on Lex because he couldn’t deal with having a crippled son, but for the way that Lex portrayed Lionel in his dream. Lex will hold Lionel responsible for the death of his dream – in essence for the death of Lana in his life… for the death of everything that he had desired. Lionel has let loose a raging lion. That’s been his desire all this time, but its also been his biggest mistake.
This has been one of the best episodes of Smallville. The writers finally gave us some of the things we’ve always wanted, but knew we could never have. Yet – it was a good dream to have. I suppose now its time to get out of dreamland and back into Smallville reality – and watch Clark become the Superman he’s supposed to be and enjoy watching Lex as he becomes the evil genius mastermind he’s supposed to be.
I look forward to it.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Season 5
Episode 9
"Lexmas”
This was one of the most enjoyable episodes to date. I don’t think there were many moments that I didn’t enjoy.
We have seen the last of the Lex Luthor that we had all come to know, love and have compassion for. He died tonight, along with his dream for Lana, as the real evil genius mastermind survived. Alexander now reigns supreme in Lex Luthor. This is the Lex Luthor that I’ve been waiting for. I’ve seen a glimpse of him every now and again, but we got to see his last ride tonight. Who’d a thought the dream of Lana would be the downfall of Lex Luthor? I’m telling you – it’s the Kryptonic mutant effect she has on everyone. Lex is just one of her many victims.
So, Lex was having second thoughts about spreading the dirt on Jonathan Kent? I’m surprised he even hesitated. I doubt we’ll see anymore struggles like that in the future.
Lex getting shocked surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. I’m sure I stopped breathing; waiting to see if it had been a dream, but that revelation never came. I knew he wouldn’t die – let’s face it… we know he’s in the future with Superman, but in a way he did. The good side of him had his last ride… before he disappeared into the sunset.
I loved how they used the blue/evil light in comparison to the warm gold/good light. I liked seeing Lex in the good light for a change, but not as much as I loved seeing that maniacal stare at the end. Rosenbaum plays evil really well. He’s a great actor. He did a good job playing the good, confused, loving, doting husband of Lana. Listen very carefully, because I will probably only say this once – I enjoyed Lana in this episode. Lexana didn’t gross me out. Lana actually looked happy, acted happy, and was beautiful and sensitive. Now, if she’d only act like that ALL the time. Maybe Kristin should work more with Michael, because they had great chemistry together.
I loved the whole Lex as dad, husband, friend and humanitarian. I thought they were stretching it a bit at the end, but that is what convinced me that this was his dream – not a real Christmas future experience.
I loved how they had Chloe and Clark together – but come on… this is Lex’s dream. They could have had them married. Mythos didn’t matter at this point. That would have made the episode perfect. It seemed as though they were married, though they never come out and said it. Then, when Clark was talking to Lex on the porch, he said something to the effect about maybe never being ready to settle down. I assumed that was him implying that he wasn’t married.
I don’t think I liked Chloe in long hair. It just didn’t suit her. But, I loved how Lex made her into a novelist, not just a journalist. I liked how Lex made Clark into a full fledge reporter. I guess everyone can see that one coming, huh?
I thought Jonathan (as Senator) looked handsome. He was tall, strong and dignified. I knew the words that were coming when he was giving Lex the humanitarian award. I knew he was going to say that he was proud of him like his own son. I could have almost quoted it, as he said it. I knew this was one of Lex’s most desired dreams. To be loved by Lana, have a family (Alexander and Lily), be normal, have a budget, able to celebrate Christmas, be best friends with Clark, admired by Chloe, and accepted and respected by the Kent’s. This is everything the old Lex has desired. I believe those dreamed died, along with his dream Lana.
Lex Luthor has now accepted his destiny… every evil inch of it.
Now, onto Clark, Chloe & Lana –
I loved how Clark was willing to give up his time with Lana to help Chloe. He didn’t ask what first – he sped to her aide and then asked. I LOVED how he played Santa. I thought that was very funny. Now, I can tell all the little kids I know that Santa is really a Kryptonian. That’s how he can do so much in so little of time. It’s really him that flies, not the reindeer. LOL! I liked the “It’s a Wonderful Life” theme this show had.
I didn’t fail to notice the comment Clark made to Lana when she put the (gingerbread guy?) on top of the tree. He is still lost into his obsession with her being ‘perfect’.
Chloe doesn’t spend Christmas with her dad, her uncle or her cousin, Lois? Is she really that alone? Yet, she was selfless, willing to spend her time doing something for someone else. Yes, she was also doing it to further her career, but why not? It’s the only thing she has. Lana has Clark, Lois has her dad and Chloe is all alone. But, maybe she’s not as alone as we all think. During the Christmas party at the Kent’s I noticed something. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe not. But, Lana spent her time catering, while Chloe and Clark spent their time huddled in the corner together, regaling the evening. Yes, I know they had to talk about Claus – but that could have waited for another time or done in another setting. Maybe it’s just the Chlarker in me grasping at any straw – but I found it interesting. Also, why was Lana wearing a black sleeveless shirt on Christmas Eve – when it is clearly freezing outside? I found that odd. Black usually insinuates being evil, having the desire to be invisible or having a cold heart. They could have at least put her in a red or green – make her more cheerful – but black?
Lex & Lionel – Boy, oh boy have the gloves come off. Lionel has finally got what he’s always wanted – a son of his own making. Yet, Lionel will also have to deal with the consequences of having a son of his own making. I have a feeling that papa Luthor won’t be around much longer. I believe Lex is going to retaliate against Lionel. Not just for making a life threatening decision to operate on Lex because he couldn’t deal with having a crippled son, but for the way that Lex portrayed Lionel in his dream. Lex will hold Lionel responsible for the death of his dream – in essence for the death of Lana in his life… for the death of everything that he had desired. Lionel has let loose a raging lion. That’s been his desire all this time, but its also been his biggest mistake.
This has been one of the best episodes of Smallville. The writers finally gave us some of the things we’ve always wanted, but knew we could never have. Yet – it was a good dream to have. I suppose now its time to get out of dreamland and back into Smallville reality – and watch Clark become the Superman he’s supposed to be and enjoy watching Lex as he becomes the evil genius mastermind he’s supposed to be.
I look forward to it.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Magic or Supermen?
What is magic?
By definition it is: "The art that purports to control or forcasts natural events or forces by invoking the supernatural."
In short and by definition, magic is the use of supernatural power. What is so wrong about that? The greatest book in the world is full of it.
For every original there is a conterfeit, behind every action is a purpose, and the natural and supernatural co-exist with one another.
Supernatural by definition is: "Of or pertaining to an order of existence beyond the natural world. Of, pertaining to, or attributed to a devine agent."
The natural realm has been operating with the spirtitual realm since the beginning of time. For it was out of the supernatural that the natural was birthed and where it will one day return.
So, why is it strange to believe that the natural realm can interact with the supernatural realm and vice versa?
Is a prophet a prophet by his own choosing? Is a singer a singer a by his own will? Does man, who dwells in the natural, and subjected to the laws of the natural realm, choose and control what is supierior to himself? Is that not vanity? Yet, that is what man proceeds to proclaim when he tries to use the supernatural gifts that were given to him before he was even born to fulfill his own selfish desires. When man, who only knows in part, tries to control and use what he doesn't even begin to understand, then by whose power does he truly operate? If he is not superior to what he claims to control, is he really in control?
Magic, in and of itself, is not sinful and hostile to God; it came from God. However, when man tries to control, maniuplate and abuse the gifts that God has given him, that is what makes it a sin. Anything done apart from or out of the will of God is sin. The sinful nature is hostile towards God. However, when God (Creator of both the natural and supernatural realm - King of his kingdom )leads and directs his servants in all things supernatural, they (the servants) will be amazed at the magic that is displayed through them. Miracles will happen and awe will be displayed at the power of God.
Proverbs 20:24 - "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?"
Diseases are cured, tragedies are averted, hearts are mended, seas are parted, manna rains from heaven, water turns into wine, seas are calmed, fires are abated, etc. Nothing is impossible! The natural realm is subject to the supernatural. The supernatural supercedes the natural.
Yet, we in our finate wisdom try to superimpose our own will on the infinate. We want to be Supermen, but we don't recognize our own Kryptonite.
By definition it is: "The art that purports to control or forcasts natural events or forces by invoking the supernatural."
In short and by definition, magic is the use of supernatural power. What is so wrong about that? The greatest book in the world is full of it.
For every original there is a conterfeit, behind every action is a purpose, and the natural and supernatural co-exist with one another.
Supernatural by definition is: "Of or pertaining to an order of existence beyond the natural world. Of, pertaining to, or attributed to a devine agent."
The natural realm has been operating with the spirtitual realm since the beginning of time. For it was out of the supernatural that the natural was birthed and where it will one day return.
So, why is it strange to believe that the natural realm can interact with the supernatural realm and vice versa?
Is a prophet a prophet by his own choosing? Is a singer a singer a by his own will? Does man, who dwells in the natural, and subjected to the laws of the natural realm, choose and control what is supierior to himself? Is that not vanity? Yet, that is what man proceeds to proclaim when he tries to use the supernatural gifts that were given to him before he was even born to fulfill his own selfish desires. When man, who only knows in part, tries to control and use what he doesn't even begin to understand, then by whose power does he truly operate? If he is not superior to what he claims to control, is he really in control?
Magic, in and of itself, is not sinful and hostile to God; it came from God. However, when man tries to control, maniuplate and abuse the gifts that God has given him, that is what makes it a sin. Anything done apart from or out of the will of God is sin. The sinful nature is hostile towards God. However, when God (Creator of both the natural and supernatural realm - King of his kingdom )leads and directs his servants in all things supernatural, they (the servants) will be amazed at the magic that is displayed through them. Miracles will happen and awe will be displayed at the power of God.
Proverbs 20:24 - "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?"
Diseases are cured, tragedies are averted, hearts are mended, seas are parted, manna rains from heaven, water turns into wine, seas are calmed, fires are abated, etc. Nothing is impossible! The natural realm is subject to the supernatural. The supernatural supercedes the natural.
Yet, we in our finate wisdom try to superimpose our own will on the infinate. We want to be Supermen, but we don't recognize our own Kryptonite.
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