Who Is The Fairest Of Them All?

            

       There will be spoilers for ALL EIGHT SERIES' of the New Doctor Who in this one. So if you are not caught up and you wish to view without my opinion clogging your perception and enjoyment, this is your warning to back out now while you still can. If you are caught up and/or don't care about spoilers, then feel free to go on and scroll down while I review the eight aired series' of NuWho from least-stellar to best. Please note that this list is subject to my personal preferences and opinions. I do not claim to be the ultimate authority. I merely give my observations.

9: Series 7b

       This series suffered from two things: bland, boring characters and dull, delusional writing. Poor Matt Smith. He did not have a good final series. The loss of the Ponds was the final nail in the coffin for this struggling series and poor Clara was never given any character development outside of 'cute' or 'feisty' or 'The Impossible Girl', so she remained very flat and one-dimensional and unable to carry a weaker plot due to emotional connection alone. I honestly cannot think of a single episode from this series that I did not either loath or look on with utter apathy. It was that bad. The supporting characters ranged from utterly boring to actively annoying and the stories only became more convoluted and pointless with every step taken towards the entirely stakeless finale. What a disappointment!

8: Series 2

         There actually are quite a few good episodes in this series, so I debated to myself for a long time as to whether or not I could put it this low on the list. But then I remembered Rose sniggering about her 'first date' with The Doctor and I said yes. Yes I could. Because that was annoying as all get out and sucked a lot of the enjoyment right out of the episodes for me. 

7: Series 7a

            I have decided to divide Series 7 up into two parts, part 7b obviously being everything post Christmas Special with Clara and part 7a being everything pre-Farewell to Ponds. Series 7a was MARGINALLY better than its successor, most likely because the emotional connection of Amy, Rory, and family could carry us through some of the weaker writing, and because all of the side characters were memorable and well-fleshed-out. But that's not to say that it didn't have its share of stinkers too. Asylum of the Daleks was a HORRIBLE piece of contradictions and stupid choices and The Sign of Three, while starting out strongly, had one of the weakest and most out-of-left-field-and-not-connected resolution/climax I have ever seen in my entire life. Dreadful!

6: Series 6

        This was the year of River Song and, depending on your opinion of her, you either loved it or hated it. Personally I really enjoy the character of Professor Song (most of the time) and so I didn't take quite as much issue with it as some others may have, but I do agree that the writing was definitely weaker than its predecessor and only became worse as the series went on, making even Dr. Song herself INTOLERABLE in a couple of places and forcibly blasting plot holes into its own hull.

5: Series 3

        Poor Martha always gets such a bad rap and, to this day, I don't understand why. She should be an absolute dream. A competent Doctor who didn't take any nonsense from anyone, but also was willing to blend in when needed, Martha did indeed suffer from her ill-fated crush on The Doctor...but in the end she did the smart thing and got out, so I think we can blame RTD instead of the natural progression of her character. What is it with females and falling in love with The Doctor anyway?! But I digress. If it weren't for the painfully melodramatic and stupid three-parter finale, this series would probably be higher on my list.

4: Series 8

         I have such mixed feelings on this. On the one hand I am very happy with Capaldi's less friendly and more prickly take on The Doctor. We've had the zany heartthrob from space for long enough. It was time for a change. I am also DELIGHTED with the character growth that was given to Clara this series. It was long overdue. Unfortunately, though, the entire series built up to an ultimately unsatisfying cop-out of a finale that did great disservice to the characters in question and literally spit on the graves of YEARS of Who lore and history. Honestly the only good thing to come out of that was Michelle Gomez as The Master.

3: Series 4

         Whenever people say that it is about time to have a companion who isn't twenty-something, willowy, and looking for The Doctor to save her, I ask if they have met Donna. Because Donna was awesome and had a great character arc. Catherine Tate and David Tennant were THE DEFINITIVE TARDIS DUO of Ten's entire run. They just clicked perfectly and, together, created some of the best comedy and chemistry ever seen on this show. Donna's entire run is chock-full of excellent episodes as well, the only real clunker being the Sontaran two-parter. True things were a bit overshadowed with the return of Rose and the series finale ultimately turned out to be painful (on SO many levels) but the rest of the episodes pretty much make up for that. Donna was awesome. Never forget that.

2: Series 1

          I have no time for those who skip Nine... (Ha! See what I did there?) Seriously. WHY would you skip Eccleston's run? It had some of the best episodes, Nine was a master of sass, and Rose was actually tolerable half of the time. It built up to an excellent series finale too that put all of the characters to the test and remains, to date, one of the best television finales I have ever seen. Really my only problem with this series is Rose's persistent abuse of Mickey and the fact that sometimes the 'Bad Wolf' arc word could feel a bit...forced. Not as bad as 'The Medusa Cascade', but pretty close.

1: Series 5

         I have noticed that, since the revival of the show, most showrunners seem to run through a pattern with their series finales. The first series that they do is just about perfect. It will be epic and funny and heartbreaking and everything that you should wish for...and then the next ones will become worse and worse as they go along. That is what happened with Russell T. Davies and that is what I see happening with Steven Moffat. Because Moffat and Smith's first series was...well...I know the word is overused, but there's no better word to use. It was epic. The characters were well-developed, the stories were intertwined perfectly, and it all culminated into a finale that managed to be both cosmic and personal on multiple levels of intrigue and emotion. I honestly don't think that it can ever be re-created or topped. It was just that good.

Brother vs. Brother

       When I get into a fandom (as opposed to casually watching something) it is because I hold a deep affection and connection to the characters in whatever piece of media the fandom is based around. To quote Charlie Bradbury: "I'm a bit obsessive...if by 'a bit' you mean completely."

       So, yes, I can rather obsessive compulsive about these sorts of thing and so, because I know myself, I know better than to leap head-first into a fandom whenever I have not yet surrendered myself heart and soul to the characters involved in the show. Because (before the actors or props or lighting or anything else) characters are the life-blood of the shows. Characters and the writing of said characters have also always been a huge interest of mine. It's fascinating! And because I spend probably more time thinking about it than I should, I've noticed something interesting.

       A lot of the big, popular fandoms thrive on bromance - a relationship between two guys that is a little bit more than friends, but presented more as a brotherly bond than a romantic interest. (Yes, yes, be quiet about shipping...I don't get into that.) In these fandoms the two characters in the relationships tend to fall into one of two categories: The Big Brother Figure and The Little Brother Figure.

Disclaimer: This is a post about personality types, trends, and tropes in the duos and BroTP's of the fandoms. This has nothing to do with shipping and everything to do with what is presented on screen. Nothing but pure, untainted CANON discussion here...which means that shipping is out of the question. This is not meant to trod on anyone's toes, but if you're here looking for an article on how John and Sherlock are MEANT to be together it would probably be best for both our sakes if you just move along. I also apologize if I have neglected to mention any duos. I am trying to stick to fandoms I actually know well, as it is hard to analyze someone if you don't know them.


The Big Brother Figure (Arthur, John, Dean, Donna, Samwise, Peter)

         This is the person who takes the visible front in the relationship. They tend to be larger than life and always have (what they think is) a witty comeback to everything. They consider themselves the more mature member of the duo, even if they really aren't, and more often than not mock the Little Brother for being too 'uptight' or 'girly'. Often they have an aversion to talking about 'feelings'  Is very stand-offish, dismissive, sarcastic, and takes the leadership role of the duo. They tend to eschew emotional display ('chick-flick moments') and generally make fun of the other for being a 'girl'. That being said...usually whenever it comes time to confess fears or worries and to 'hug and make up', they're the one to go for it. It may take a bit of coaxing from their partner, as they will always put up a show of protesting, but ultimately they will give in and utterly spill their guts. Though often categorized as the less-emotional member of the duo, they're really the most open. It just may not be in a normal way.


The Little Brother Figure (Merlin, Sherlock, Sam, The Doctor, Frodo, Edmund)

     This individual tends to be less visibly flashy than the other and, in fanon, is always interpreted as younger or seen as younger. Often they are accomplished liars and/or hold deep secrets that they hide from the other. They also normally take the 'follower' position in the relationship and usually tend to be the butt of many jokes. Usually these jokes include the dominant personality (as those dratted cop dramas put it) taking pot-shots at their emotional side, calling them 'girly' and 'emo' and everything in-between. Their senses of humor tend to be less obvious than the Big Brother and they often rely on sarcasm and being the straight, reactionary man in a comedy equation. They may empathize with others better and are always shown to be the 'little brother' in the equation. Sometimes literally. Despite the fact that they are known for being 'sensitive', they are also the culprits of the 'bottle it up, swallow it down' principle where they are always hounding their partners for never sharing feelings but always internalize things themselves.

          Now of course not all of these characteristics show up all the time and sometimes a few of the traits are a bit flip-flopped...but for the most part that is the pattern for the way these popular relationships work.

Merlin & Arthur - Merlin

      This unlikely duo of friends are practically the embodiment of the archetypes listed above. Arthur is the older brother in that he is usually the leader to tries to take charge of a situation while Merlin works quietly in the background (or trips over his own two feet). Arthur is very dismissive of emotions, having been brought up as a prince and a knight, and often makes fun of Merlin for the younger boy's sensitivity and dislike of hunting/killing. Merlin, on the other hand, is often exasperated with Arthur being 'prattish', has magic that makes him feel like a monster, and keeps his cards emotionally very close to his chest, never really talking about what is bothering him and always badgering Arthur to offload whatever emotional angst the Prince is carrying (preferably in a more healthy manner than throwing goblets, too).

Sherlock & John - Sherlock

       At first glance this duo almost seems to be flip-flopped as far as the archetypes go. John is definitely the older 'brother' in the relationship in that he is always looking after Sherlock and is often portrayed as almost parent-like in his care and worry for his friend, yet he also carries the trope of not being the more emotionally open one. As much as we like to call Sherlock 'cold' and 'emotionless', it's really John that we don't know very much about. At this point in the show we have met Sherlock's parents, brother, seen him as a child, met his childhood pet, seen him possibly fall in love (with whom is debatable), 'die', fight to come back home, and then discover that everything has changed. Sherlock is FAR from emotionless...if anything he is more emotional than ordinary people, he just has a tendency to exhibit the wrong ones at the wrong times. John is the one we don't know very much about yet. It's been mentioned that he has a sister (we have yet to meet her) and while his past in Afghanistan has been hinted at, really we don't know anything about it. Yet the fandom seems to be very confident of the dynamic: Sherlock is the Little Brother and John is the Big Brother...and I have to agree that I perceive it in that way also. Some of it, I think, comes down to the chemistry between the two actors and the way they play their characters.


Sam & Dean - Supernatural

      In this partnership the two of them really are brothers and, true to form, they fall into their roles just about perfectly. Dean is the cocky, smart-mouthed bad boy of the family who has a hidden soft, protective streak and who may not hate those 'chick-flick moments' as much as he claims to. Though he is just as smart as Sam is, he's content to play the grunt more often and regularly makes fun of his younger brother for being a 'girly geek'. Despite this fact, Dean is the one who usually ends up discussing those dreaded things called 'feelings' and offloading his worries and concerns on Sam whenever pressured about them. By contrast Sam, despite being a hunter in his own right, is perpetually seen as the more innocent younger brother of the duo. He's not the ladies' man his brother is and seems to prefer a night at the library over booze and barmaids. Sam also struggles a lot with feeling like a monster and regularly keep secrets from Dean in an effort to protect him, rarely ever giving Dean or the audience a clue into what he is thinking or feeling.


The Doctor & Donna - Doctor Who

        Okay, okay...so they're technically Big Sister, Little Brother...but as I was watching back through Donna's run (and, as luck would have it, thinking about this post) it suddenly struck me that Donna and The Doctor slot into the roles of the two archetypes just about perfectly. Donna is loud and brash and extremely vocal about what she thinks is right or just what she thinks in general. She is also always there for The Doctor either to slap him to his senses or to just offer a comforting hug after he's had a bad day. She takes up the job of being somewhere who is there for his just as a concerned friend and, in the process, becomes basically like a big sister to him. The Doctor, on the other hand, actually for once takes the part of the follower in the relationship. Donna keeps him in line and he's perfectly content to not always appear perfect in front of her. He confides in her about how much he misses Rose and Donna is there to provide support for him whenever he has his 'feeling like a monster' days.

Frodo & Sam - The Lord of the Rings

       Hmmm. To be honest, I'm not sure these two even warrant analysis. There's not a whole lot I can say that hasn't already been said, but let's give it a try anyway. Sam is Frodo's servant, as his father was before him, and he is actually a good twenty years younger than his employer. At least. Yet he seems to take the role of the Big Brother because he considers it his job to take care of Mr. Frodo and make sure that the Ringbearer makes it to Mordor and back in one piece. This means that he is definitely the caretaker of the two and is also the one more open with his emotions as he tries to understand and encourage Frodo. Frodo, on the other hand, becomes more and more dependent on Sam as their journey goes on and the power of the Rings weighs him down more and more, clouding his judgement. He rarely speaks about what he feels (except when pressed by Sam) and he sees himself in the pathetic creature of Gollum, fearing that he will one day look at his reflection and see the same thing looking back.

Edmund & Peter - The Chronicles of Narnia

         I have enjoyed these two brothers ever since I first started going through the books with my mother around age six, a love that was only re-kindled with the arrival of the first reboot film and the absolute perfect casting of William Moseley and Skandar Keynes. Peter is the oldest brother of the Pevensie family (as well as the High King of Narnia) and has a very strong protective instinct over his family. He leads them, he supports them, he keeps them in line, and he is the one that their mother gives special instructions to 'look after his brother and sisters'. Edmund, on the other hand, starts the series out as a discontented little brat with a witty but malicious streak. He regularly torments his younger sister and makes trouble for his older siblings, culminating in the moment when he somewhat-unwittingly betrays them to the White Witch. Because of this Edmund's character arc is kind of reversed from what we typically see in the Little Brother figure. He doesn't fear that he is a freak or worry about becoming a monster...because he has already been there and come back. He does, however, fit the tropes of being slightly more emotionally broody and prone to sarcastic humor.

Other duos this principle may apply to:
Sean & Gus (Psyche)
Kirk & Spock (Star Trek)
J.D. & Turk (Scrubs)
House & Wilson (House, M.D.)
Jack & Will (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Etc.

The Day I Went To ComiCon (and ALMOST met Sean Astin!)

So... What is a geekblog without even ONE ComiCon post? Yes, we are but poor, penniless writers—but seriously! 

I had the opportunity to change that the day I went to my city's local con, Rose City ComiCon. A friend of mine had an extra ticket; how could I refuse?

First of all, I was late. Like, as in I missed Wil Wheaton's panel by no more than half an hour. But I was dressed as Captain Malcom Reynolds, so I made it my goal to enjoy myself anyway.

Behold.... Ironman Totoro!

I had parked about half a mile away, but if I was worried about being lost, I started to see streams of cosplayers and knew I was headed the right direction. (I even saw a Kaylee and a Jayne... But on the other side of a four-lane street, so they were too far away to wave or salute or otherwise acknowledge... *sighhhh* )

The guys at this booth actually BUILT working models of Star Wars' most famous mech-droid!
They moved around and bleeped and everything! It was awesome!

We spent about an hour people-watching. For only a small Con, there were a LOT of very legit costumes, though! The funnest part was seeing groups in coordinating costumes, like the Weeping Angel, Clockwork person (from "Girl in the Fireplace") and Cyber(wo)man (she'd made it a dress... But she had the handles!)... There were a lot of Ghostbusters...

GUYS!! IT'S A DELOREAN!! They also had the 60's-era Batmobile
(and later on a TARDIS you could pose in, but I missed that one....)

At least 2 Castiels (complete with little black wings!), a whole family where the dad was Boba Fett, the mom was Leia, and the three little kids were a scout trooper and two Jawas... Another family where the kids dressed as a Dalek, a Headless Monk, and a TARDIS... One VERY realistic Star-Lord... A few muppets (Animal and Beaker, complete with big, furry masks)... Princess Ariel, the Joker, a few Army fatigues I recognized from Stargate... One LEGIT comic-book Black Cat (complete with the white fur on her boots!)... A bunch of Hobbits and one very convincing Thranduil (except it was a girl)... And about half the crew from Spaceballs...

Took this pic because of Star-Lord (at roughly center-frame),
but I can also see: Kick-Ass and Hit Girl,
Chuckie, Carmen San Diego... who else can you see in this photo?

There was also a bunch of NEAT merchandise and whatnot around the main exhibit hall... but alas, not one of my pictures of anything turned out as more than a colored blur...

As luck would have it, the same time as Sasha Roiz (Captain Renard from "Grimm") was signing autographs, Nick Brendon (Xander from "Buffy") was hosting a panel. I followed my friend's advice of "Panels are always better than standing in line for thirty seconds of conversation!" so I completely missed shaking hands with the guy from my favorite TV show to watch a discussion over a show I enjoyed, but didn't even finish. (Nick's voice sounds exactly the same as it did fifteen years ago, by the way)

That would be Nick Brendon (Xander) and Claire Kramer (Glory); SO fun!

After Nick Brendon was Sean Astin. Oh man, was that ever fun! Not only was I able to get seats in the front section for my friend and I, but partway through the panel, Joe Pantoliano (he played one of the Fratelli brothers, the villains on Goonies) came out, and we got the rare treat of listening to two fantastic actors just jawing about memories from the set that didn't necessarily make it onto any BtS features! I feel sorry for everyone waiting to ask questions (one poor kid was standing at the mic for about half an hour waiting to ask his question while Sean and Joe went on and on!)

Reminiscing about the time Spielberg shipped the Goonies
to Hawaii just to prank director Richard Donner!

Because I was having so much fun listening, I never actually got up, myself... But I wanted to! I know just what I would have said:

-------------------

Sean, I was really excited to come to Rose City ComiCon, and I will admit that out of your Big Three (Goonies, Rudy, and LOTR) Rudy was the first film I saw, and Goonies was the last. (And actually, Toy Soldiers I saw even more recently than that!)

My question is concerning your brief but spectacular appearance on the tragically short-lived show Alphas, and I wanted to know—after gaining a reputation in all these blockbusters for the "Average Joe" roles, how different was it to be invited onto a relatively small show where your character is actually one with a really neat super-power?

----------------------

(*Note: I don't have Twitter, but if anybody wanted to tweet Sean the question and comment with his answer, I would be totally ecstatic! I know the whole thing is probably longer than 140 characters, but the question is the main thing... )

We both had to leave pretty much right after that. My phone was practically dead (and of course I left the cord in the car, hence very few pictures) and I ended up deleting quite a few of the ones I took because apparently I need to improve my point-and-shoot skills with my iPhone (I swear, all you see here were the clearest pictures I had!), I had sore feet all the next day, but it was TOTALLY worth it, and I certainly hope to do it again next year! (Maybe with a whole group of friends!)

My "Captain Mal" Cosplay! (also known as "She-Mal")

Till Next Year...

Geeky Gamer Girls ("California Gurls" Parody)

We know the place

To build our fortresses on Minecraft;

Know how to ford

That crazy river on a wood raft!

Sneaking through the streets,

Of ancient Venice, so discreetly—

Break everything,

For coins and bonus points and XP!

We can play all your games,

We've got skills and mad dexterity!

Once you play against us,

You'll be finding out—

Oh! Oooooooh!

[Chorus]

Geeky Gamer Girls

We're so adorkable!

Jeans and Firefly t-shirts on top!

Smart and brainy-fun

We'll solve your paradox!

Ooooh! Oh Ooooooh!

Nerdy Gamer Girls

We love our fanfiction!

8-bit consoles, Zelda and Link!

LARP-ing, memes, oh yeah!

We rule the fandom!

Ooooooh! Oh! Ooooooh!

We binge on The Guild,

While waiting for a game on Halo;

We'll save Princess Peach,

With pals like Donkey Kong and Mario!

The Room is so still,

You can hear my Kingdom Heart beat!

We know the best guns,

For fighting mutant Nazi Zombies!

We can navigate worlds!

There's a rhythm to the way

We all interact and play!

Yeah, from Portal to Pokemon—

We've gotta catch them all!
[Repeat Chorus]

©Leslie Conzatti (2014)

I Kissed a Wookie (Did I Like It?)

(A Parody on Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl".... if you didn't guess that already...)

This was never the way I planned,

Not my intention;

You ticked me off, I couldn't stand

your gross pretension!

This life's not what I'm used to, why am I to blame?

You're so scruffy I just thought it would be the same—

 

So I kissed a Wookie, did I like it?

A bit furry, but I don't mind it!

I kissed a Wookie, so what?

You're mad cause he's your co-pilot!

It wasn't love

It was more like spite,

Doesn't mean I'll forget our fight!

I kissed a Wookie, instead of you—Nerf-Herder!

 

 

You think this daredevil facade

Makes you attractive?

Man, I wish that you had

left me a captive!

Is your strength really just for show,

Don't you hate going Solo?

Maybe if you could stop, and see

Reality—

 

I kissed a Wookie, I tried it!

Just testing your reaction!

I kissed a Wookie, but honestly,

I'm wishing for retraction!

I got it wrong,

It was not so bright,

I'll be coughing fur-balls all night!

I kissed a Wookie, I'm sorry now!

Let's make up!

 

  ©Leslie Conzatti (2014)

The Feels Never Bothered Me Anyway (A Frozen Parody)

The scene pans out as the character dies,

Not a glimmer of hope to be seen--

Unless the show is cancelled,

I hope a fake-out is routine;

I'm forced to linger with this swirling storm inside--

I can't help myself, heaven knows I've tried...

Don't get attached, just let them go—

For heaven's sake, it's just a show!

They're actors, paid to make a scene—

But they're real to me!!!!!

Let it out! Let it out!

Can't hold it in any more!

Let it out! Let it out!

I don't have to be so sore!

I don't care what they have in store!

Let the show move on!

The feels never bothered me anyway!

It's funny how good scripting

Can make me feel so strong!

It's sheer manipulation,

And it's why I wrote this song!

It's time to realize my feels,

I've reached the limit, I can't deal!

You've killed him off, just for the views—

I feel so used!

Let it out! Let it out!

Let's just admit I cried!

Let it out! Let it out!

My brain and heart are fried!

Why did you make me like this guy?

How can life go on?

Emotions flurry every time I see his face;

I'm fantasizing rescues from that unfair coup de grace!

In memes and fanfiction, I've found my happy place!

I'm never going back! I've joined the Fandom Race!!
 

Let it out! Let it out!

Our freak flag's flying high!

Let it out! Let it out!

The best ones ne'er say die!!

Here I stand as the music fades

Screaming in the dark...

The feels get the best of me every time. 

© Leslie Conzatti

A Preemptive Strike By Leslie

*Comes out of the Panic Room and surveys the carnage: Jess lays, strapped to the Frankenstein table from "Monster Movie", nearly comatose; Emily is passed out at the control board, her paralyzed hands still gripping the lever; Calmly, Leslie takes her seat in an odd-looking armchair with a lightbulb attached at the top*

Well, I suppose my turn had to be coming, hadn't it? But since the two are... *ahem* indisposed for the moment, I believe this is my opportunity to conduct my own interview with impunity. Ready?

1. Primary Fandom? Off the top of my head, as far as famous fandoms go, I would certainly say Sherlock ... But really, that's a class unto itself, rooted in a long tradition with expert show runners. As far as "regular" shows that I avidly follow and have seen every episode at least twice and am deeply immersed in all the fandom and fanfiction at LEAST as ardently as Emily is devoted to Supernatural, it would be Grimm.

Why in the world would you choose that show? Bias, obviously--it's filmed and set in my area! But, aside from the setting, I am deeply a fan of the awesome writing--from the development of the protagonists and the consistency of the villains, to the inventive story arcs and the fact that it's been three seasons and there is still lore from the first season that has yet to be pursued. I am convinced that it certainly has the potential to be every bit as amazing as Supernatural.

2. Secret fandom crush? What the... How the heck did that get in here? [looks between the two comatose girls, secretly suspecting that one or the other (or both) might be a poltergeist] Oh brother... I guess I had it coming, didn't I? Well guess what... It's Gabriel Vaughn, from the little-known show, Intelligence. (Don't know him? Bummer! Hey, it's not my fault a perfectly good show got cancelled by the time it got its legs under it!)

Yeah, I know... Somebody that good-looking would be an obvious choice... but I'm not the kind of girl who is a sucker for good-looking men, because there are a LOT of hot jerks out there, am I right? 

So... Why him? Because I adore his portrayal: he is chivalrous, snarky, strong, humble—and a solid team player to boot! If there is anybody I'd want to have my back in a dangerous situation, it's him.  I always love that when a protagonist is actually moral. Nothing sullies a good crush like rooting for a guy who would not be the sort of guy you would date in real life.

3. Favorite character couple? Hmm, I might have to go with Detective Kevin Ryan and his wife Jenny on Castle--even though she's only been on a few times, with him being a secondary character and all. But the relationship is fantastic. THEY ARE TOTALLY THE CUTEST COUPLE ON TV!!!

Really? What makes you say that? Well, for starters, they're a real-life couple--and the chemistry really shows. And in an era of television where it seems like so many shows ride on romantic ambiguity, the existence of a solid relationship in a show is a thing of beauty. (And considering that it's ABC--the most notorious offender for Unnecessary Romantic Angst--it's even more remarkable!)
   

4. You mentioned earlier that you write fanfiction; what kind of fanfiction do you write? Mostly it's "fan-made episodes" of shows that I really like, the ones that have plenty of lore for me to work with. So when I write a fanfiction, you're going to get a complete story.

How many fanfics have you published? I've started 25, to date. Twenty-one of them I managed to complete, and the other four are still in progress.

Holy smokes! Any of them one-shots? Nope, not a one; my shortest fic is 5K+.

Which fandoms? Well, let's see: I have Merlin, Batman, Warehouse 13, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate SG-1, Chronicles of Narnia, Intelligence, Grimm, Once Upon A Time, Eureka, A Gifted Man, Percy Jackson, Haven... and I most recently started a Supernatural/Grimm crossover.

I don't see any Sherlock or Doctor Who in there.... I am convinced I will never be good enough to write a Sherlock episode. You might as well get me to write an entire feature-length film. Nope, never gonna happen. And there is some Doctor Who... I did a Stargate SG-1/Doctor Who crossover, but it didn't really work out and it kinda got picked on a lot because I am definitely a bigger Stargate fan than a Whovian. 

HERESY! Sorry, that's just the way it is.

Do you do any shipping of different characters than the original show, just to see what happens--or maybe because you disagree with a ship that happened? No; I'm really not a fan of fluffy smut, and I don't really do any non-canon shipping in any of my fanfics. It's just good, canon fun, the "Episodes That Should Have Aired", as I like to call them.

Hmph, well okay, moving on...

5. Best finale ever? Eureka's Grand Show Finale.

Really? Yep.

Not even going to think about it? Nope.

Yeah right... I bet you'd break down crying if I mention the R-Word. What R-word?

Reichenbach. HA! Well, I'll admit, that got me pretty good... but as I said before, I regard Sherlock as a class all of its own... hence it's just Eureka versus the rest of TVLand. And Eureka wins.

Why? If you haven't seen the show, you won't get it... but believe me when I say I had the BIGGEST FREAKOUT OF MY LIFE (Pre-Sherlock, of course) when it ended... but in a good way... and no other show finale has even come close. 

Suddenly, over by the lever, an errant spark flickers at Emily's fingertips, and she drags herself upright.....

Oh boy.... here it comes....

Oh Leslie, What About Mal From Firefly/Serenity? (Also Known As Richard Castle, Captain Hammer, and Hermes?) What are your thoughts on him? Nathan Fillion? Brilliant man... absolutely stunning actor, he can deliver the most screwball lines with absolute sincerity, and evidently he's the same great guy off set and on... Richard Castle has to be his best role, though; he gets to be a father, a romantic... and I'm pretty sure he nails the "writer" psyche pretty dang well...

The great thing about Nathan is that he has been a part of so many big-ticket items (and he knows it) so practically every appearance since Firefly has contained some reference to another show. (Like all the Firefly references on Castle--plus some guest appearances by Zoe Washburne and Jayne!--and when Hermes assures Percy Jackson that "Hercules Busts Heads" is the "Best show on television... except Castle.") He totally does it. (Incidentally, the Richard Castle novels are jam-packed with references to the show! It's hilarious!)

Favorite SPN episode that you have seen? Gee whiz, it's always about SPN for you, isn't it? *eye roll* Well... for laughs I would have to go with The French Mistake, obviously... But as far as the dynamic between the brothers and really delving into motivations and psyche in a truly AMAZING way, I'd have to say After-School Special. Just, you know, accentuating the difference between how Dean views life outside of hunting as... really, as what he says in Slash Fiction: "I deserve something good in my life right now." He is convinced that what he does while hunting makes him such an amazing guy and a perfectly irresistible hero that it doesn't matter what he does in his "me-time." Whereas Sam, even at that young age, around people they will only see for about a month and then never again, is still looking out for kids who are getting picked on, looking for the kids who need his help. 

Favourite Buffy character and/or episode? (Haha... Told ya you'd like that series...) Spike, duh. James Marsters is the reason I started watching Buffy! (after his guest appearance on my favorite show at the time, Warehouse 13) His accent is wonderful, and he's got such a panache and flair in his delivery, and his comedic timing is dead-on. He knows how to "sail the dream-boat" without preening and making all serious fangirls gag; he's a "villain" but he's too likeable and noble to really be hated ever at all!

Bored, Emily starts fiddling with buttons on the control panel. She strikes one, and Jess stirs...

Why do you love Nathan so much? What is the thing you see in him that makes you go back for more? Geesh, excited much? No really, the thing I love most about Nathan is his impeccable delivery. He can find himself in the strangest situation and he handles it perfectly. There is not a missed beat, a dropped word--and his ad-libbing is a thing of beauty. The thing that keeps me coming back to shows like Castle is the absolute assurance he has given that he can deliver the most shoddy writing with total conviction. He's just an all-around great guy who receives marvelous roles and knows how to entertain viewers without resorting to juvenile tactics, potty humor, or nudity (except when some corn-ball writer can't help himself.... but even then, Nathan owns it without the slightest hesitation)

What are your thoughts on Caskett? Early on in the show, I remember groaning, "Oh dear sweet mother of pie, not another one!" But then... 

As it turned out, the writers managed to take "yet another romantic fling" and turn it into a thing of beauty. It starts out cliche, but--unlike so many TV relationships--it actually works out, and it's obvious that both sides are willing to do whatever it takes to stay together, instead of calling it quits and packing it in the minute the going gets tough. There is a lot to be learned from being able to write a leading couple like that!

Who is your favorite character in Grimm? Yay Grimm!! I'd have to say...

 Sean Renard... and not because of the shirtless factor... I'm actually a super-fan of the actor, Sasha Roiz. My choice of Renard is also due to the fantastic writing.

Renard served as the "Villain Enabler" for Season 1--and so of course I hated him. HATED. HIM. SO. BADLY. He was in league with all the bad guys and he was powerful, and he was able to use his authority to make things difficult for the hero.

Season 2 brought on a love triangle--which in every other show spells the kiss of death for the hero who has basically felt that he has to lie and keep his alternate ego a secret because he's afraid of losing his girl... and then of course her lack of knowledge threatens her life and their relationship... but Renard (the second man of the triangle) responds to the goings on LIKE NO OTHER MAN IN TV HISTORY and ends up on the side of the good guys, helping them out (at least so far...). Seriously, that Love Triangle Resolution is the best thing to ever happen in a TV show, and it certainly was the best thing to happen on Grimm. (That, and the hero ends up actually telling his girlfriend the truth, and SURPRISE, she accepts it!)

Leslie sees that there are no further questions.

Are we done here? Guys? Wait... no, Emily, what are you doing?

 Wat r u doin? Stahp! Get away from that lev--Jess? Help me out here!

NOOO!!!!