Suits: Sharp, Slick, & Savvy

Media Reviews

This week I will be reviewing one of my personal favorite shows, Suits. Suits is a wonderful example of a show that makes you actually want to pay attention and invest yourself in the show. I myself am thinking about becoming a lawyer, and while I know that this show is probably not the most realistic indicator of how actual lawyers work, it is very accurate in it's use of legal terms and procedures.

The real meat & potatoes of the show is Mike and Harvey. From the genius way the unlikely duo met in the first episode (Mike is running from the cops and stumbles into a job interview , all the way down to the mid-season finale last summer, these two have played the buddy archetype to the letter and then some. The friendly and the sometimes not-so friendly banter that goes on between these two is some of the sharpest dialogue in television right now. Most shows that have the buddy archetype going on tend to get their good dialogue from the buddies interacting with others; with Suits, the best dialogue is between the two themselves. That is not to say that there isn't any good dialogue outside these two, but the best lines from the show are most definitely from Harvey and Mike.

Season One finds Mike Ross, a college dropout, taking the bar exam in exchange for cash. His drug dealer room-mate needs him to deliver some drugs, and will be in a bad situation if he does not help. This is where we first see how much of a people person Mike is. He agrees to deliver the drugs, and while en route to deliver them he notices that this delivery is a sting operation. He manages to get away by slipping into a room, which to his surprise is filled with job interviewees. He is called in, and immediately impresses Harvey with his intellect and memory skills. Harvey hires him on the spot, and thus the heart of the show is created.

The first season is mostly about Mike adjusting to life in a high-speed and high-powered law firm; the first few episodes manage to portray his nervousness well, seeing as he is someone masquerading as a lawyer, without a law degree. Though it does somewhat glaze over that process in a short amount of time, when we finally get to see Mike using his skills in a legal environment to get the win for the first time, it's a great moment. The ending to Season One was fairly stellar, with Mike and Harvey having to come together and fight for their metaphorical employment lives. The relationships developed in Season One made for a great foundation for the beginning of Season Two, my personal favorite of the two so far.

Season Two took the relationships, problems, and issues from Season One are built upon, and new problems in the form of Daniel Hardman and others, arise to add to the queue of things that Mike, Harvey, and their compatriots have to work together to overcome. The acting and emotion in the second season is something to be lauded, as the scenes between Mike, Harvey, Lewis, Jessica, and Hardman throughout the different points in the season is some of the best done for the show yet. The ending of the season was weak in the relationship area, a part of the show that doesn't usually make much sense with it's outcomes.

The new half of the second season began last Thursday, and I am looking forward to seeing more of the dynamic relationships, and some of the sharpest and wittiest dialogue on television. 

-M

Taking a Closer Look at Homeland

Media Reviews

Before the break, one of my friends and I decided that one show we really wanted to get into and catch up on was the show Homeland, starring Claire Dames and Damian Lewis (one of my favorite actors, totally coincidental that he happens to be a ginger), which comes on Showtime (another favorite of mine). I had almost forgotten about this decision, but when one becomes bored late at night, shows are the best cure. So I have worked my way through all 2 seasons of Homeland so far, and this is my review of the show.

SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!!!

One thing that I liked about Homeland was that the first episode got me hooked. There is nothing worse than being excited for a show only to have to sit through about 6 episodes of blah in order to get to the good stuff. Luckily, Homeland presented me with an intriguing story right off the bat, and I continued watching without that bad taste in my mouth with which some shows leave. The story goes that Sergeant Nicholas Brody, a prisoner of war over in the Middle East for over 8 years, has returned home to a lot of fanfare, and has earned the status of hero to most people. One of the people who are suspicious of him is CIA agent Carrie Mathison, who thinks he has been turned by Al Qaeda. The first season details the cat-and-mouse between Mathison and Brody, with their paths becoming more and more intertwined as the story deepens. With the ending of the first season with a failed suicide attack by Brody against upper echelon government agents and politicians, this is where the show got me on the hook. Not that the show is perfect by any means, but what I believe to be the biggest motivator for watching a show is: does it get your heart pounding? And the answer to that for Homeland is: yes.

The first season managed to keep my attention for each episode; an accomplishment of which few other shows have been able to do. My one issue with Homeland is this: it's intro. Showtime has always been a channel that has interesting and well-put together intros to their shows; but Homeland's intro makes me just think: meh. It's not bad, but it's really not outstanding either, which is surprising given the other shows on the channel have great intros. I know this may not seem like an important critique, but if you're going to be watching something episode after episode, week after week, it better be good.

Right now, the topics that this show delves into are hot topics in our nation. Politics, intelligence agencies, terrorism, religious radicalism, and a few others are some of those hot button issues that the show seems to reflect on. The way the show reflects on these issues is in and of itself a reflection of how our society is dealing with them I believe. The way the show depicts politics is pretty accurate in that it depicts it in a way that reflects how the majority of society sees politicians and the people in Washington. The topic of religion, however, is where I think the show really shines. That first moment when Brody is in his garage, washes his hands, pulls out his prayer mat and begins to say his morning prayers was nothing short of stunning. I found myself in awe, even though I knew he was the 'antagonist' of the show and must have some kind of marker to be so, I still was just in shock at seeing that. The show portrays Muslims as real people with actual feelings and issues of their own, which I think is refreshing from the stale view which most media takes on Islam.

Now, I have not begun the second season yet; however, I have seen reviews and they seem to point to it just simply adding on to the intrigue and plot with more great twists and more outstanding acting. Damian Lewis has always been one of my favorite actors since Band of Brothers, but I think this takes the cake. That first moment when you see him start praying in Arabic in his garage was a watershed moment for me in regards to this show. That kind of jaw-dropping moment doesn't come often in television, but this show managed to really pull off it's story in a sleek, psychological, and intrigue-filled way. I will revise this review when I have finished Season 2, but I'm hoping my opinion won't be much different than it is now; which is this: this show is just simply amazing. Go watch it if you can.

-M

Clint Eastwood Reviews Breaking Bad

Media Reviews

Whats that? No, Mr. President, I can't review Breaking Bread for you. No, neither can he. I don't think anyone can do that. Unless he had a lot of butter. What did you say Mr. President? It's not called Bread Breaking? Ah, Jesus, fine, I'll watch your stupid show and type some gibberish for your dang website.

Right, so, Breaking Bad is it? Yeah, Breaking Bad. The show is about some guy named Walt. I played a guy named Walt once. I got shot. Anyway, this show reminds me of my time in Grenada. There was always so much blood...and meth. No, wait, that was '94. Grenada was in '83. Ah, jeez, I wasn't at Grenada. I only played a guy who was at Grenada. Anyways. Wait, I see some kids on my lawn...

Okay, so Clint Eastwood isn't actually going to review Breaking Bad. I think that would be hilarious though. His performance at the Republican National Committee was a personal favorite of mine. He's so gruff and irritable. I can only hope to be like him when I'm old and angry! Without further adieu, here is my review of the wonderful show that is Breaking Bad:

SPOILERS BELOW! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN ALL SEASONS!

In the opening season, we find Walter White, a meek high school chemistry teacher at a crossroads of his life. A mid-life crisis consisting of one order of cancer is on the docket for Walter, along with a heavy dose of financial & marital troubles. After seeing a news segment on a methamphetamine lab bust where the money which was seized in the raid is displayed, Walt decides that in order to pay for his cancer treatments and ensure the financial future of his family, he will begin cooking and selling meth. After doing a ride-along with his brother in law Hank who is a DEA agent on another meth lab bust, he sees one of his former students, Jesse Pinkman, escaping the scene of the raid. After finding and convincing Jesse to cook with him, they both embark on a journey into the criminal world that takes them to places they would have never imagined. This is the premise of Breaking Bad.

From the first cook that Jesse and Walt create in their crappy camper, to the most recent cook with Walt and Todd using the pest company as cover, Breaking Bad has managed to keep the art and form of making drugs fresh and interesting. The development of the main story-line and the characters within that story-line is nothing short of awesome. The actors have managed to mature the characters they play in such a way that the development of the character seems natural and real. One problem other shows seem to have is developing the characters in a way that does not seem either rushed, or too slow; however, this is not a problem that BB seems to possess. The paragon of this assertion is none other than our own Walter White himself and his slow but steady metamorphosis into Heisenberg.

Bryan Cranston and the writers of the show have managed to develop a character that is not static or stagnant, but intense, dangerous, and believable. The situations in which the show moves the story along are not silly or inundating, but have actual weight to the end game of the show. The way that the elements are tied into one another throughout the show is more evidence of solid scripting. One of the things that I found endearing about the show is how each episode title was relevant to the content of the episode. Not only that, but some of the titles are actually related to each other: for example, in Season 2 four of the episode titles elude to the ending of the season, "747", "Down", "Over", "ABQ". 

The change that takes place in Walter is not unplanned, as the show's creator Vince Gilligan has stated that he wants the protagonist to become the antagonist, which is exactly what has taken place. In this past season, or half-season, I myself sometimes did not know who to pull for exactly because Walter committed deeds more heinous than ever before and has displayed an attitude so dark it could blot out the sun. This change is what separates Breaking Bad from other drama shows on television. Drama shows are at their core about drama, and BB does not disappoint when it comes to tension and drama. This show is one of the most refreshing additions to cable television in a long, long time. The cold opening of Season 5 that is set a year ahead from the current season was one of the most interesting and curiosity-inspiring openings of a show that I have ever seen. All that remains is to see if the show will end like it has developed.

-M

Review of Dexter- And Not the Cartoon

Media Reviews


For any of you that have been paying attention to great cable shows, I'm sure you've heard of Dexter. Just like the title says, I'm not talking about the cartoon from the 90's (awesome as it was), I'm talking about the much darker, much grittier Dexter. If you have not experienced the show, or even trailers/season summaries for the show, then you should go check it out now. I'll wait.

Back? Great. So now you've experienced the awesomeness that is Dexter, prepare yourself for my in-depth and totally awesome review of the show (as a whole) so far.  Let's begin.

The show's premise is that of Dexter Morgan, a blood splatter analyst by day who lives and works in Miami, Florida, that, due to early childhood psychological trauma, feels the need to kill other people. However, thanks to his father Harry Morgan, a Miami Metro police officer, the need is caught early and knowing that his kind of urge is not one that will go away, Harry trains Dexter on how to take a life without being caught. He also gives Dexter a "Code" to follow so that he will not murder innocent people. Throughout the show, Dexter struggles with following this "Code", from taking extra steps to ensure that the people he plans to kill are absolutely guilty of some murder of their own, to straying from the Code and attempting to come back. I know some may find this whole premise to be too dark or too far, but the show does a very good job of making sure that the violence and macabre themes are acceptable within the context of the episode or season without going over the edge into the pure, unadulterated realm of "just-too-much".

Throughout the seasons, Dexter faces other serial killers, villains, and the underbelly of society as he works to fend off the urge to kill that always seems to get in the way of other things in his life such as his job and his relationships. This is the general premise of the show, and I must say that with a few exceptions (*cough* Season 3 and Season 5, *cough*), the show does an exception job of making each and every season new, fresh, and entertaining. The close calls, the thrill of the kill, the themes of life and death/light and dark, the balance between his urge and everything else, and the interactions of the characters in response to what is happening in the story are just a few of the elements that make this show what it is, and that is one dang awesome show. Though I have yet to finish Season 6, and issue that will soon be rectified, I have seen the other 5 seasons and I can certainly say that they are some of the best seasons of television available.

As I'm sure you saw above, a couple of the seasons are not as good as the others. If I had to rank each season, this is how I would recommend them:

1. Season 1 Hands down. Nothing else compares.
2. Season 4 The acting and story of the season is just phenomenal. 
3. Season 6 The ending to this season is just too game-changing to ignore.
4. Season 7 The newest season, while very different from the others, is engaging and gripping.
5. Season 2 As much as everyone hated one character in this season, I personally enjoyed it.
6. Season 3 Much as I love Jimmy Smitts, this season wasn't the greatest, but still good.
7. Season 5 All the seasons are good, but the others are better than this one. Still loved it though.

Now, as I've said, all of the seasons are good, but some are better than others. I'm sure most of you who have seen them all will probably agree with this listing of the seasons, though personal taste may lead to some differences in the later season choices. But nevertheless, I highly, highly recommend all 6 seasons, and cannot wait for the seventh season to come out in September. Rumor has it that the show will only run for two more seasons, so I recommend that you jump on the bandwagon as soon as possible!

-M

How I Met Your Mother

Media Reviews 

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce one of the best shows known to man, How I Met Your Mother. This show has been running for 7 years, but I've only been introduced to in recently. After the first episode I watched, I immediately had to watch every other episode there was. I went home over last Christmas break,  and watched four seasons straight through. The show is currently in it's seventh season, and will most likely be at least ten seasons long, so don't get caught without seeing it in action like I once was.

How I Met Your Mother. Even just typing it makes me feel all tingly. One of the best shows on television. I discovered this amazing show last semester, I was immediately hooked from the first episode to the current. The cast is perfectly put together. There is an actor for everyone on the show. From Jason Segel's laid-back and manly humor, to Neil Patrick Harris' legendary antics, down to Cobie Smulders relationship woes, these actors play their roles to the tee. They seem to fit the archetype of the characters in a smooth and natural way. From Episode One, to the current episode, the actors not only maintain their adherence to their character types, but they manage to grow their characters enough to keep it interested, but never taking it too far and straying from who their characters are at their core.

The humor in the show is some of the best humor that is on television right now. The references, the running jokes, and the timing of the interactions between the characters is impeccable. My one 'complaint' with the show is that we still don't know who the mother is, but then again that's kind of the point of the show, and just like a crime drama show with the always-tense almost-romance that never actually begins. Hopefully, there will be more information revealed in the future seasons, and hopefully the mother will be revealed soon, but then again that's just hoping. I'll be happy just to keep watching and enjoying the legendary awesomeness that is How I Met Your Mother.

-M

A Game of Thrones (Book) Review

Media Reviews

The subject of this review will be the first book in the Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones. This book, and the subsequent books have been turned into an amazing HBO show, as you may know, that does a wonderful job of portraying the characters, events, and settings that the book encompasses, but I'll review the show at a later date. For now, onto the book!

Let me begin by saying that I am a fan of the fantasy genre. The settings, the characters, the wonder and magic that accompany these types of books has always drawn me to them since I was younger. Let me state that these books are NOT for anyone 18 or younger. The language in them is sometimes very, very crude, but it is used only to enhance the setting and is never over-used in a manner that would be overkill of the language. The story is set in a land called Westeros, a fantastical realm comprised of many cities and lords of those cities, all of whom are constantly wrestling for control of resources, power, and glory in the land. Martin does a wonderful job of giving each family a strong history and a culture of their own. This is one of the things that I most enjoyed about the novel, and that is the definite differences between the various factions and families that are a part of the story. The characters are given traits that might seem honorable, disrespectful, or conniving at first, but as the story progresses, those traits either serve to be their undoing or their ticket to power. The plethora of characters and their unique perspectives that the book tells the story from was another strong point of this novel.

The novel is close to being perfect, but there were a few issues that I didn't particularly find to be the greatest. These are just my opinions, remember, so they are not anything that is grammatically or systematically wrong with the novel. Also, SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!!!

 Do not read beyond this point if you don't want to see spoilers.

Alrighty, with that out of the way, my one major complaint with the book is this: Ned Stark dies. I can't help it! He was my favorite character from the beginning, as flawed as his decisions were that lead to his death. I know, this isn't exactly a major complaint or complex critique of the book, but I'll be danged if isn't something that I still don't like about the book. His characteristics, his demeanor, and his history just appealed to me, and then as suddenly as he appears, he is gone. We'll always remember Ned.

To conclude, this book is definitely worth a read, no matter your favorite genre, but especially if you like the fantasy genre. The story, the setting, the culture, the characters, just everything about this book screams that it will be a classic for the ages. I'd go so far to say it's the best fantasy series since the Lord of the Rings, and that I'll wager it'll remain that until a new challenger approaches later on down the road.

-M