Farewell One Tree Hill

It's the show I named the blog after so I had better offer comment on the series' final season, which I finished watching back in April.
One Tree Hill isn't a show that was given much air time here in Australia and I wound up watching it on the net over the final three seasons. If the many TV channels here can't find a spot for it I was always going to watch it however I could.
Now the show could have wrapped up happily after the sixth season when Lucas and Peyton, OTH's two central characters by this stage, drove off into the sunset.
But it pressed on and evolved and managed to remain fresh. Though it took a little while.
I was pleased when they finished up season 8 and announced it would return for a final season - not a lot of shows are given the chance to finish on their own terms.
We saw a few characters return during the course of season 9 - Chris Keller, who I always hated because he spoke in the third person far too much, Dan Scott had a much larger role, Deb also bobbed up and even Lucas made what I viewed as a wasted cameo for an episode.
The central plot of Nathan's kidnapping was far fetched but, then again, it is a soap and if I had a problem with that then why didn't I give up around the time of Peyton's crazy stalker who pretended to be her brother?
In a way I think the final time jump was unnecessary - I didn't need to know that Jamie would become a champion basketballer (he certainly grew a couple of feet as a teenager!) but going back to the start (with basketball the central focus) worked well all season so why not finish off the same way.
Music has always been central to the show and it was a nice touch that Gavin Degraw came back to sing I Don't Want To Be (the show's theme) in the final episode - repeating his appearance in the very first where he also performed the song.
Few shows can last nine seasons, especially the teen-type series. Look at similar shows - The OC (4 seasons), Dawson's Creek (6 seasons) - they haven't made it nearly as far and that is a credit to Mark Schwahn and how he has continually reinvented it. Sure, it did miss Lucas and Peyton in the last couple of seasons and I would have liked to have seen Rachel return one more time but I'm very glad I came across One Tree Hill.
It was time well spent.

Learn to live

'The hardest thing in this world is to live in it'.
It's a line from the musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer - it sounds so very true, doesn't it. But we all know that it shouldn't be the case.
The world is amazing place and we shouldn't let our trials crush us, and lead to the perception that life is tough. We all have troubles, we all get sick, we all get injured in some way, we all go through periods of happiness and sadness.
Yes I am being very philosophical - it probably isn't my nature which tends to be more negative I guess (to my detriment).
The challenge for me is to acknowledge that I have troubles and to do my best to deal with them. My troubles are mine and it is up to me to live the best way I can. I let them dominate my thinking and that is wrong.
Like any habit, the more you do it the easier it becomes. Cruelly, bad habits get easier very fast and good habits always tend to be harder to form. Probably because they require more effort and willpower.
I know that I am costing myself plenty of enjoyment at times by letting the negative thinking get inside the head when it does it tends to go for a pretty long run.
I am trying, but I guess not quite hard enough at this stage.

Numbness

It's amazing what a good TV show can do to you.
I felt a strange sense of numbness as I watched Packed To The Rafters tonight, in the wake of the death of a major character last week.
For quite a while I wondered what it was about the episode that felt wrong. Different. And it wasn't until the end I realised it was because I felt the same way Ben Rafter (Hugh Sheridan) did throughout the episode. Numb. It was all surreal and the producers and actors did an excellent job of portraying that. And Hugh was a standout.
It was uncomfortable to watch. I really wanted to give Ben a big hug.
From the trailer for the season finale next week it looks like the emotions are going to be running high again.
To recap, last week we had shock (albeit a predictable one as it went on), this week we had numbness, it looks like next week we're going to have an emotional explosion.

OK, I admit it

One for the 'guilty secrets' file.
I have to admit that I really enjoy the TV show Glee. It's really silly but for some reason highly enjoyable.
Perhaps it is the fact they drag out classic songs to cover each week, I don't know. But it is something I will casually flick over to from time to time.

Bazinga

If you're up for a good laugh check out this clip from The Big Bang Theory featuring one of the funniest characters in a sitcom for years - Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons).
If you already watch this show then you'll know all about Sheldon. If not then let's just say he's incredibly smart yet very naive, a bit playful and a bit psycho.
The best way to describe him though came on the show, 'he's one lab accident away from being a super villain'.
Enjoy.

Road's end

Just 19 episodes were made of October Road and I finally got around to finishing off this hugely promising series that was cut down before it could get going.

What keeps me coming back to a TV show are the characters. If the characters are interesting and ones you can relate to (in some ways) it's a huge start.

October Road, set in a town in Massachusetts, was filled with 'people' you cared about and a few you despised (there always has to be villains!).

The basic plot is that Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg) returns to Knights Ridge 10 years after leaving town to go backpacking for six weeks. He left behind his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Prepon), his dad (Tom Berenger), brother Ronnie (Jonathan Murphy) and his friends.

In the 10 years since he left he has written a book, basically fictionalising his friends and family in less than a positive light.

Upon returning the reception is cold from his best friend Eddie (Geoff Stults) and he discovers that Hannah has a 10 year old son called Sam. So, the show delves into Nick's readjustment and the lingering question - is he Sam's father?

As I said the great thing about October Road is its characters. There's Physical Phil, who hasn't left his home for five years and has become the town 'crazy man' (according to the kids), the barman Rooster, the insecure Janet and the under-rated Ronnie Garrett.

I enjoyed every minute of the 13 episodes in series 2 that I watched this week and it's just sad that the show had to end abruptly. Fortunately, among the special features is a 10 minute series wrap up where we find out what happened to the characters and the identity of Sam's father.

October Road is just another example of a fine show that was well written but not given enough time to find its audience. I'm just happy that I saw it.

A story worth hearing

When someone who has battled cancer for their entire life says there's no point in being unhappy then you should listen.
When they are just 18 you can't help but pay attention.
I have to say I was taken aback by the story of Samuel Symons, which was told tonight on Australian Story on the ABC.
The story told by the teenage son of well known musician and TV personality Red Symons should serve as a wake up call to us all. Don't take life for granted and enjoy what you are given.
He said he has no time for death and never will and added that by being unhappy you are preventing yourself from living.
I won't go into his details, I'm sure they'll be well published in the coming days - if they haven't already.
But I will say that I did get a little teary-eyed near the end, such was the power of his story, his words, his courage and his outlook.
We all see Red Symons as a funny, if brutally abrupt, person largely from his years on Hey Hey It's Saturday. It's amazing that he was able to perform a comedy show while his son was battling cancers at such a young age (Hey Hey finished in 1999 or thereabouts).
If you missed this episode of Australian Story try and catch a repeat. It's worth 30 minutes of your time, believe me.

Chuck season 3 is .... awesome!

It seems like an eternity since I saw a new episode of Chuck, easily the coolest show on television.
(Well if you count the fact it is a TV show, because it's another great series that Channel 9 passed on). It is still, I have to say it, awesome!
At the end of season 2 Chuck had a new intersect downloaded and we were given a glimpse of what he's in for - and it was hilarious.
Now Chuck has been sacked by the FBI because he can't control his emotions, therefore the intersect in his head doesn't work as expected. It still works, and when it does Chuck turns into a super spy but when it doesn't he's your average schmuck.
All the great elements of the show are still there and they have cleverly changed the dynamics between Chuck and Sarah.
So I say welcome back Chuck. I'm looking forward to more of Captain Awesome in coming episodes as he was more in the background in the opener.

The Rafters controversy

There's an uproar in the papers today about an episode of Packed To The Rafters that involved fantasies and suggestive material.

After checking my calendar I remembered we are almost into 2010 and it is not in fact the prudish times of the 50s and 60s (not that I was around then).

The controversy surrounds a couple of scenes involving, ahem, masturbation. Granted it wasn't handled quite as delicately as say Seinfeld did in the classic episode The Contest but I didn't think it was that big a deal.

And I will admit I had quite a laugh.

The episode of Packed To The Rafters centered on the character Nathan, an early 20s married guy who is having trouble dealing with his (female) boss coming onto him. So much so he has had the odd fantasy about her.

At one point his wife bursts in on him in the bathroom (why doesn't anybody lock the door in TV-land) doing ... that.

The other young guys the show are also having fantasy issues. Later there is another scene with the neighbour Carbo making a few noises while fantasising about a couple of girls.

There's also a wicked send up of the Jessica Simpson car wash scene in one of her film clips. Carbo has also been caught compromising himself once before in the show - but not a word was said then.

Look, I think people need to grow up a bit and stop pretending to be so offended by everything. The test will come next week to see if the themes continue. I tend to think they won't so much but there is a storyline running at the moment that needs to be continued.

The show is on at 8.30pm and does carry a warning about sexual references. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I would be more concerned if the show became lowbrow and resorted to Melrose Place-style antics. That would be a shame because it really is an outstanding Aussie show and one that has already proven that you don't need to be controversial to get people to watch.

Season 7 premiere thoughts

After last season's departure of Lucas and Peyton, the show's two central characters, I wasn't sure what season 7 of One Tree Hill would look like.
However, having now watched the new season opening I'm giving the new look OTH a tentative thumbs up.
The opening few minutes was a masterstroke, and really got me into the feel of One Tree Hill. Yes, it has a feel. Hard to describe.
I loved Haley's song and it seemed to sum everything up well (as the music always does).
The show picks up 14 months after last season and Lucas and Peyton are long in the past (though they do get the odd mention here and there). Nathan is an NBA star and his agent Clay (newcomer Robert Buckley) is working on a new contract for him.
Jamie is turning 7 and his aunt Quinn (Haley's other, not so evil, sister) arrives having, as we find out, split with her husband. Brooke and Julian are having a frustrating long distance relationship and Millicent seems to be the new Brooke, taking over a lot of the running of COB.
The best addition to the cast has been Clay, his character interested me a lot. On the surface he is a confident, womanizing guy but underneath, well we're not really sure yet. What we do find out, at the end, is that he ``doesn't believe in love''.
And then there is Dan. He can't have turned over a new leaf, that's just not him. Stay tuned there.
So far so good as far as I'm concerned. Like season 5 I think this one may take a few episodes to adjust, though I do hope the rumoured return of Lucas and Peyton (at least one off) happens.

On another, related, topic I watched the first episode of the new Melrose Place last week. In a word, meh.
Sure Sydney and Michael were in it, but like 90210 I really didn't care about the other characters. It just doesn't work.

Gary Unmarried

Just when you think there are no new shows coming through that are any good (hey, they are remaking Melrose Place!) comes Gary Unmarried.
I know this comedy has been through its first season in the States, but in keeping with Australian TV trends the executives wouldn't know a good show if it bit them.
So finally, just as season 2 is about to start in the US, Gary Unmarried premiered here on Thursday - and it's awesome!
The likeable Jay Mohr plays Gary, a recently divorced painting contractor with two kids and whose ex-wife has just announced she is marrying their old marriage counsellor.
From what I hear, this show gets better as it goes on but based on the first episodes (pretty sure we got the first two in an hour-long episode) I'm coming back again. Very funny.
In other news, I had an interesting experience while trying to purchase The Simpsons Season 12 box seat.
At Big W they advertised the 3D head box set for $39 but the normal box set is apparently still $53 despite the fact that everywhere else the two are the same price. I couldn't convince them that the two packagings contained exactly the same thing and went around to JB Hi-Fi and got the one I wanted. (I'm a stickler for continuity when collecting things).
At JB they gave me a free Simpsons DVD with the season 12 box set. So there, Big W.

The Simpsons need to age

I don't think this idea will shock anyone, but after watching the latest episode of The Simpsons tonight I again concluded it needs to be refreshed.
The only way the writers can do this, in my view, is to let Bart, Lisa and Maggie age by a year.
I know, I know, South Park did that at one point but they also did an episode called Simpsons Already Did It so stealing from other animated shows is not new.
Heck, South Park, Family Guy and American Dad are all crude rip-offs of the Simpsons anyway.
By letting the characters age it can put them into new situations, new regular characters can be introduced and new ideas tried.
We had a glimpse in an episode where Lisa was promoted to 3rd grade and Bart demoted but they didn't go far enough.
What would happen if Bart made it to fifth grade (he could go on an episode of Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader), how would Lisa cope with third grade, Maggie might finally get to speak a bit. The possibilities are endless.
Something needs to be done to bring The Simpsons back to its former glory. Season 12 is about to be released on DVD and by this stage the show was less consistent and memorable episodes fewer and far between. The classic Pinchy episode is now over 10 years old and I don't think there has been an episode since anywhere near as funny.
So, challenge extended writers. Over to you....

How to win $1 million in style

If you haven't seen this clip it is worth a watch.
I don't know if I could be as composed, or as brazen I might add, as this guy but it makes great television.

The Listener

Every now and then you find a new TV show that's a cut above the drivel the networks serve us up.
Mostly, sadly for us Aussies, to watch the quality stuff you have to rely on the internet. So it is with the Canadian drama The Listener which although it is not a new concept caught my attention in one episode.
Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik) is a mid-20s paramedic who, through something he sees as a curse, can read minds. Only one person, his childhood counsellor, knows of his ability.
With his past somewhat cloudy, Toby starts to see his ability as a gift and seeks to help people (he really does pry quite a lot into things ambos probably don't ever go near).
It's not the concept that makes the show appealing but the characters and certainly the lead, who I have never heard of before.
So far 13 episodes have been produced and it has apparently been picked up by NBC in the States for the summer. It will be interesting to see how it goes, since I am only in the early stages at the moment.

Careful what you wish for

Tomorrow sees the beginning of what will be a fairly steep learning curve for me at work.
It's a great thing, because it is something I have wanted a crack at for a while, but the last week or so it has occurred to me that I might not be ready.
I have some experience at what I will be doing but, basically, within a month I have to know how to run the show on my own. Big step. A fair bit daunting. Totally achievable, though.
It is exciting, and does show to me that hard work is rewarded sometimes. The circumstances aren't the best, though, and that is making things a bit strange.
The important thing, I think, when I'm learning in the coming weeks is to not expect to know everything straight away. Take it a step or two at a time.
On other topics, I love rainy weekends occasionally. So this weekend was kinda nice. Although both days started with a big tease of a fine day before those hopes were dashed fairly quickly.
Aside from State Of Origin II this week the anticipation for the Transformers sequel is pretty high. It has been caned a bit in the reviews this weekend but I come to expect that from most of the critics I read.
I'm not really expecting a great storyline (hey, they are 80s ex-cartoon robots) and with 150 minutes to get through that is some concern. But if the action is as good as the trailer makes out then it should be a wild ride.
I've otherwise had a fairly good weekend. I finished reading the fourth instalment of Buffy season 8 and it is starting to lose its appeal. They should have stuck with the TV series, but then again it is a comic so I shouldn't be too harsh. I do enjoy finding out what happened next and you don't get that with a lot of TV shows.

One Tree Hill's finale that isn't

As a huge fan of One Tree Hill
(heck I named my blog after it) I have to say I very much wish the season 6 finale was the series finale.

It was easily the best episode of the season and brought the whole series together brilliantly. So why do we need a season 7?

We already know that Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton aren't returning and, seriously, how can the show be called One Tree Hill without them, particularly Murray (far left).

His character Lucas is the centre of show, it's about him and from his point of view, largely.

One Tree Hill won't be the same, and as brilliant as creator Mark Schwahn is I can't imagine it being nearly as good, without him - even though Lucas can be a bit annoying at times.

So while my opinion means little in the scheme of things I'd be tempted to ignore what happens in season 7. Any continuation shouldn't be called One Tree Hill, they should spin it off into a new show. If there's any chance season 7 can be avoided it should be done. I don't want to see One Tree Hill jump the shark as many shows do.

I'm a huge fan of TV shows ending when they should and ending well. Friends is a brilliant case in point. You left the finale satisfied and not needing to know anything more (despite this the under rated spinoff Joey was actually quite good).

That's exactly how I felt at the end of One Tree Hill's season final.

I don't need to know any more about Lucas, Peyton, Brooke, Nathan, Haley, Jamie, Mouth, Chase, Mia, Deb, Dan and Karen.

I'd be more than happy to say farewell to the show now knowing where all the characters stand and knowing it was six seasons of high class drama, but with a heart and soul.

By the way, I think it is kinda fitting that this is my 700th post.

Save Chuck week

Word has been floating around the net that the axe could be hanging over the awesome action-comedy series Chuck.

So I thought I'd add my support to Save Chuck week being staged on another web page.

I personally am sick of networks ditching shows that are popular but don't meet their unrealistic numbers (particularly in Australia) and Chuck has already been a victim of that here.

It was picked up by Fox8 after channel 9, in their wisdom, passed on it. They also passed on the weird but wonderful Pushing Daises.

I've seen all of season one and half of season two to date and I think it deserves one more year. I'm not a fan of shows going longer than they need (Prison Break is a good example) and I can't imagine Chuck running around with the Intersect in his head for another five years. NBC, give Chuck a third season and let it go out with a bang.

So if you're in the States, watch Chuck for the rest of the season - it's a great show, a good laugh and a lot of fun. You can't ask for much more for free.

Susan Boyle, take a bow

In one of the most surprising, and inspirational, videos I've come across the performance of I Dreamed A Dream, from Les Miserables. by Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent has to be seen to be believed.
If ever there was a classic `don't judge a book by its cover' case then this is it. The judges, including the notoriously picky Simon Cowley, are left close to speechless and rightly admit to this 48 year old Brit that they pre-judged her and wrongly. And they don't have any trouble in fessing up.
If you haven't seen it head here and you won't be disappointed.

Keep Lucas or end One Tree now

As far as big risks go, dropping the lead character of a series is pretty huge. For One Tree Hill the likelihood that Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) is not going to be a part of season seven is not only a huge risk it is a stupid one.

The show's premise is about two half-brothers and from day one Lucas (pictured) has been the central character. I don't see the logic in ruining what has been an excellent series by extending the show's run without its lead and one of its other major leads in Hilarie Burton (Peyton).

Why? This is a really dumb move.

What any fan of a TV series wants is for their show to go out with dignity if it can't go out with a bang. They got it right with Friends, continuity through 10 seasons with cast and they came up with an ending that makes everyone happy.

One Tree Hill has had five central characters - Lucas, Nathan, Peyton, Brooke and Haley - since the start and the show can not lose any of them and hope to keep people interested. Imagine Friends if Ross and Rachel weren't in it. That's what we are talking about here.

I can't believe Mark Schwahn would even consider letting Lucas go.

In every snippet I've seen of him talking about the show on the DVDs it's obvious that he loves it, it's his baby so to speak, and I fail to see why he could consider this. If Chad wants to come back for season 7 then let him.

Otherwise, end the show at six seasons and let it be remembered as a great show that was smart, funny, dramatic and always interesting.

Greatest TV catchphrases

TV Guide in the US has released a list of the Greatest TV catchphrases and it is an eclectic list.
No Homer Simpson but that's largely because they omitted one-word catchphrases, such as `D'oh!'. If you don't want to follow the link the top five were:
5. Holy ......, Batman
4. What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?
3. Yada, yada, yada
2. Dyn-o-mite (from Good Times)
1. How You Doin'?

I was kinda rapt that Friends has the `greatest' catchphrase on TV and Joey does it so well.