Hulu, curse your sudden yet inevitable betrayal!

Finally, a justifiable reason to use that quote!

I was once completely in love with Hulu. I mean, anything that lets me watch TV episodes I missed (or just enjoy watching over and over) gets nothing but love from me. But now, I feel as though I've been stabbed in the heart.

First, they announce that they will start charging for content in 2010. That was bad enough. The whole point of Hulu is that it is FREE. Hello!

But NOW, they are only streaming the first FIVE episodes of Firefly! And only the first season of Buffy! How dare they!

People of Hulu, be warned: You have angered the Whedonverse (and probably a lot of other fandoms as well, I haven't checked). You will face the consequences.

"WHEEEEAAAATONNNN!!!!"

WARNING: HERE BE SPOILERS. IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED TONIGHT'S EPISODE OF THE BIG BANG THEORY, READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Loved TBBT tonight. True, Wil Wheaton is not much of an actor, but it was so much fun watching Sheldon do his usual crazy bit on ol' Wesley.

The Star Trek references were, as expected, plentiful. The ending was the best though (see the title of this post).

I also loved storyline involving Howard's date. I was expecting the date to go the way Howard's dates usually go, but Bernadette was a nice change: First, she was the dud date because she didn't seem to be interested in anything; then, she and Howard bonded over their shared interest in ticking off their mothers. I hope we get to see more of them together.

Fall TV mish-mash

All right, just a few notes on some of the TV shows that I'm either A) looking forward to, or B) mildly curious about this fall:

• The Jay Leno Show: After all the hype, I just had to tune in and see if all the fuss was worth it. And the verdict is: I'm not sure. Really, I think it's pretty much just the Tonight Show at a different time. Not to say that that's a bad thing: I like Jay Leno, particularly when he does Headlines like he did last night. But I'm still hoping there will be something new and exciting coming up.

• The Big Bang Theory: Ah, the show for the geek in all of us! What with the great writing, awesome characters (particularly Leonard and Sheldon) and lots of great Star Trek references, my inner geek rejoices every time I watch this show. And this fall, I'm especially looking forward to the Leonard/Penny reunion. Might they finally get together this time? Also, I'm totally rooting for Jim Parsons (Sheldon) at this year's Primetime Emmys - he's up for Best Actor in a Comedy!
  

• V: So, I don't know much about this show. In fact, I only know two things: it's a remake of an old show, and two Firefly actors - Alan Tudyk (Wash) and Morena Baccarin (Inara) - are in the cast. That last point might be enough to get me to tune in.

• Dollhouse: All hail the great Joss Whedon! I admit, it took me a while to warm up to this show, but now I see all the hallmarks of Whedon awesomeness: smart, funny writing; awesome, diverse characters; and twists that you NEVER see coming. Plus, another chance to see Alan Tudyk (!), albeit in a VERY different sort of role.
  

• Lost: OK, I admit: I kind of stopped watching this show in the middle of last season (I got busy with school or something), so I'll have to catch up before the season starts. Still, I think this is the craziest, most mind-boggling (in a good way) show on TV.
  

So, that's about it. What about the rest of you? Any new shows you're interested in? Any old shows you can't wait for? Let me know!

UPDATE: I'm also looking forward to Glee. As a former theatre kid, I know what it's like to be one of the high school losers who love to perform onstage. I saw the premiere last fall, and I loved it! The show is funny and quirky, but it also goes for the deeper things, like the very emotional reasons that the kids feel the need to perform. As I said, I've been there, and I know that everyone has a reason.

Shiny!

Today's Specials: healthsome, grenade-free apples (sliced, not whole) and a piece of molded-protein cake with chocolaty-flavored frosting.

OK, it's official: I'm in love with Firefly.

Until this week, I'd only watched the movie (which I stupidly watched before seeing the show) and half of the episodes. Now I've seen the entire series, and it is INCREDIBLE.

For those not in the know, Firefly is the totally awesome - and tragically short-lived - TV series from Joss Whedon, the storytelling genius behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The show is set 500 years in the future. Earth has long since been abandoned, and humanity has relocated to a star-system with about 70 "terra-formed" planets. The known galaxy is ruled by a totalitarian regime known as the Alliance, which took power after winning a war against the Independents.

Enter Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds, the captain of a Firefly-class ship called Serenity. He fought for the Independents during the war; now, six years later, he flies around the galaxy, finding work (legitimate and not-so-legitimate) for himself and his crew wherever he can and staying as far away as he can from Alliance control.

Now that you know the background, here's why the show rocks:

The Characters:

This show has one of the most diverse and brilliantly conceived cast of characters I have ever seen on TV. Joss Whedon once described the premise of the show as "nine people who look out into the blackness of space and see different things." These characters are led by Mal, who, despite working as a thief and a smuggler, lives his life with honor.

The crew includes the following eclectic group of individuals: Zoe, the first mate who fought under Mal's command during the war; Wash, ace pilot and husband to Zoe; Kaylee, resident mechanical genius; Jayne, mercenary and weapons expert; Inara, a registered companion who rents a shuttle onboard Serenity; River Tam, a young genius whose brain was experimented upon at the Alliance's Academy; Simon Tam, a young doctor on the run from the Alliance for breaking River out of the Academy; and Shepherd Book, a preacher who travels with the crew.

The Writing:

It's Joss Whedon, so of course the writing rocks. Here are some of my favorite quotes in video form. I don't know what's up with the song in the background; just ignore it and focus on the quotes:



And here's my FAVORITE monologue from the series. Pure Whedon awesomeness; just enjoy the ridiculousness:

Favorite Fictional Females Countdown #3: Captain Kathryn Janeway

Beam on in to the cafe and have cup of coffee, black, in honor of the stellar number 3 on the countdown, Captain Kathryn Janeway.




Name: Kathryn Janeway
Rank: Captain (later, Admiral)
Played by: Kate Mulgrew
Special Skills: Captain Janeway has intelligence, scientific knowledge, strategic abilities, and diplomatic skills in spades. These skills help Janeway keep her crew together (with remarkably few fatalities) throughout their journey home. Janeway also has a distinctly commanding presence and great skills as a leader. Both of these things help Janeway lead her crew through the long journey.
Why She Rocks: Of course, she is the FIRST FEMALE STAR TREK CAPTAIN EVER (in a serires, at least), so that gives her major points. But it isn't just that fact that she broke the gender barrier - she's also the best captain of them all (yes, I said it. I know the Kirk and Picard supporters will be screaming in outrage, but I stand by my opinion). Let's put it this way: If all the Star Trek captains had a winner take all, no-holds-barred fight, Janeway would wipe the floor with all of them. She combines sharp intellect with the gut instincts of a natural leader, the rational, skeptical thinking of a scientist, and fierce determination to get her crew home. Janeway is not one to second-guess herself. She is confident, strong, and determined, but she is also compassionate and caring especially when it comes to her crew. These last two traits are particularly important because Janeway is in the unique position of captaining an isolated crew that must work together and turn to one another for support and friendship. Other captains might not be up to turning a crew into a family, but Janeway is.
Of course, Janeway's awesomeness is not confined to her intellectual or emotional abilities. No, Janeway can definitely kick some ass when she needs to. Just watch the episode "Macrocosm" if you don't believe me. And Janeway's authoritative, commanding presence cannot be denied. The fact that she is able to communicate that commanding presence while still maintaining her femininity makes it even better. So what if she is a petite woman with soft blonde/brown hair? Janeway proves that women can be tough and authoritative too. There is not a moment on Voyager when it is not absolutely clear that Captain Kathryn Janeway is in charge, period.

My favorite Janeway moment, which also happens to illustrate my last point nicely - unfortunately, I don't know what episode it's from: Janeway is on the bridge, and a conversation via viewscreen with a hostile alien has just ended badly - the alien essentially hung up on the captain (baaaad move). A battle is imminent, but Janeway keeps her cool. She glares at the screen, then turns, walks in a slow, controlled manner back to her chair, and sits down very composedly. The entire bridge is silent. Then: "Battlestations." Instant action. The hostile aliens won't know what hit them. THAT is the power of Janeway, my friends.

Check out some kickass Janeway clips right here:



And this one is just for fun - it's all about the many hairstyles of Kathryn Janeway:

Favorite Fictional Females Countdown #4: Lorelai and Rory Gilmore

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Number four on the Favorite Fictional Females Countdown is a tie, because who could split up this fabulous mother/daughter duo? Let's all have a cup of STRONG coffee (so strong only a Gilmore could love it), a burger from Luke's, and some quadruple chocolate brownies to celebrate our favorite girls from Stars Hollow.

Names: Lorelai Gilmore and Lorelai (Rory) Gilmore
Featured in: Gilmore Girls
Portrayed by: Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel (respectively)
Special Skills: Both girls have a superhuman tolerance for coffee, chocolate, and junk food. They are also both blessed with brains, humor, and an unbelievable knowledge of culture, popular and otherwise.
Why They Rock: Many, many reasons. They have the sort of mother/daughter relationship that almost anyone would envy. Both women are strong, intelligent, and driven individuals who are great role models for girls today. Lorelai has an independent, rebellious spirit that has helped her go her own way and create a happy, successful life for herself even after becoming pregnant at sixteen. Rory has intelligence paired with humility and a kind heart that endears her to everyone in Stars Hollow. Plus, the girls have THE BEST QUOTES EVER. A few examples:

Lorelai: So, apparently, I'm now the Reigning Lorelai.
Rory: Huh. I guess you are.
Lorelai: It's a lot of responsibility.
Rory: Well, sure.
Lorelai: I mean, it's mostly ceremonial stuff nowadays. Declaring knighthoods, opening supermarkets. But now and then, you get to banish someone or pose for a stamp.
Rory: Neat. And coins.
Lorelai: Yeah, and coins. You know, someday you'll be the Reigning Lorelai.
Rory: I don't like that idea!
Lorelai: Why not? You get a cape.
Rory: Because if I'm the Reigning Lorelai, then that means you'll be gone.
Lorelai: Gone? No, not me. I'll step down way before that. I'm not going to pull a Queen Elizabeth on you, make you wait around forever, force you to develop interests in polo and architecture.
Rory: I am scared of horses.
Lorelai: I know that.
Rory: So there's a cape, huh?

Lorelai: Mom, it's just a pretend wedding. J-Lo has them all the time.

Lorelai: [at the town meeting, when everyone is talking about the bad things that Jess has done] I hear he controls the weather and wrote the screenplay to Glitter!

Rory: [talking about Paris] Can you say crazy anal micromanager?
Lorelai: Not five times fast.

Lorelai: Can I use the fun cutter thingy?
Luke: Not if you call it the fun cutter thingy.
Lorelai: Please?
Luke: Cut the boxes, not your hands.
Lorelai: Good tip, you should teach!

Rory: So, is this party Grandma's having going to be a big deal?
Lorelai: Not really. The government will close that day. Flags will fly at half-mast. Barbra Streisand will give her final concert... again.
Rory: Uh-huh.
Lorelai: Now, the Pope has previous plans, but he's trying to get out of them. However, Elvis and Jim Morrison are coming and they're bringing chips.

Emily: You were on the phone?
Richard: Long distance.
Lorelai: God?
Richard: London.
Lorelai: God lives in London?
Richard: My mother lives in London.
Lorelai: Your mother is God?
Richard: Lorelai...
Lorelai: So, God *is* a woman.
Richard: Lorelai.
Lorelai: *And* a relative. That's so cool. I'm gonna totally ask for favors.
Richard: Make her stop.
Rory: Oh, that I could.

Lorelai: [to Rory] I have to know where you are at all times, especially when you have my shoes on.

Lorelai: Okay, I think we just found the first room in the history of the world that would've made Liberace say 'Whoa. Step back. No one's that gay.'

Lorelai: Hey, I have kind of a crazy idea.
Rory: Those are never comforting words coming from you.

Lorelai: Hey, you didn't wake me up.
Rory: I set the clock.
Lorelai: Yes, but see, the clock stops ringing once I throw it against the wall giving me ample time to fall back to sleep. You, however, never stop yapping no matter how hard I throw you, thus insuring the wake up process.

Lorelai: Heh, you know what I just realized? "Oy" is the funniest word in the entire world.
Rory: Hmm.
Lorelai: I mean think about it, you never hear the word "oy" and not smile. Impossible. Funny, funny word.
Emily: Oh dear God.
Lorelai: "Poodle" is another funny word.
Emily: Please drink your drink, Lorelai.
Lorelai: In fact, if you put "oy" and "poodle" together, in the same sentence, you'd have a great new catchphrase, you know? Like, "Oy with the poodles already."
Rory: Hehe.
Lorelai: So from now on, when the perfect circumstances arise, we will use our favorite new catchphrase:
Rory: Oy with the poodles already.
Lorelai: I'm telling you, it's knocking "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" right out of first place.

Favorite Fictional Females Countdown - #10: Willow Rosenberg

Today's special: a cup of decaf coffee and a kosher butter pecan turtle bar to celebrate my favorite member of the Scooby Gang - Willow!

Name: Willow Rosenberg
Featured in: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Played by: Alyson Hannigan
Special Abilities: Huge intellect, masterful knowledge of computers (especially when it comes to breaking into sites/computers where access is denied) and, oh yeah, she becomes a majorly powerful witch.
Why She Rocks: I think most young girls (or women who were once young girls) will agree that Willow is the character with whom it is easiest to identify. She begins the series as a teenage girl who, despite being incredibly brilliant and gifted, is very shy and insecure, particularly around guys. Despite her insecurities, Willow is always there for her friends, particularly Buffy and Xander. She (along with Giles) is the brains of the Scooby Gang, giving Buffy much needed info that helps her defeat the vamps, demons, and other beasties in Sunnydale. Through facing her fears (over and over and over again), Willow gains confidence and a sense of who she is. I love seeing Willow's growth from shy teenager to powerful witch over the course of the series. I'm also grateful to this show and to Joss Whedon for giving us a case on television where a character's homosexuality and same-sex relationship is not used for laughs but rather treated with just as much depth and attention as any other part of the show. I think Willow's brilliance, compassion, and confidence (which she gained as the show went on) make her a great role model and a worthy #10 on this countdown.

Favorite Fictional Females Countdown!

Have a cafe mocha and a chocolate chip cookie on the house, because today it is time to give those fabulous women from movies, television, and books their due!

The idea came to me after I watched the TV Guide Channel's countdown of TV's Sexiest Women of All Time. If they can do it, why can't I? I'll be counting down my top ten favorite female characters from all my favorite forms of entertainment (not just TV).

Of course, this list will be highly subjective and based solely on my own movie, TV, and book preferences. For a more objective (and strictly Disney) heroine countdown, look at this list of the Top 25 Heroines. This list is based on voting by site visitors/contributors.

I'll begin the countdown with my next post. Stay tuned!