Fringe

Are any of you following this series?  I think it is one of the best, most interesting series currently on the tube.  Take the last episode for instance.  It involves a scientist that developed a toxin to target only specific people with a certain genetic code.  It originated back during the Naxi era with Walter's father.  The toxin would attack the red blood cells so that the victim would die from the lack of oxygen in the blood. 

Now I know that there are some dramatic license taken with this series, but it has some really inventive story ideas.  Apart from the main story, the interaction between Walter Bishop and his son, Peter, is wonderful.  Each week it seems to get better -- and you learn more about the relationship  between father and son.  I also like the growing special relationship between Walter and Astrid, the person in the lab that assists him at every turn. 

I am happy to see Fringe growing in popularity.  Perhaps it is Fox finally marketing the series a bit more, that certainly can't hurt.  Going up against CSI isn't an easy task -- no matter how you look at it.

Sandy

TOP GEAR

I don't know how many of you have access to BBC America, but if you don't you can still catch TOP GEAR on DVD.  Season 11 and 12 are just coming out and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching these videos.  These three guys, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, talk cars, but also show you some of the most beautiful country in the world.  It is just FUN!

AVATAR

I went to see James Cameron's AVATAR yesterday.  I can't say enough about the movie.  It was a good story, but the graphics, animation, technology was unbelievable.  Sigourney Weaver was wonderful as Grace and Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldanda were magnificent.  I don't want to give any of the story away -- just would hate to spoil any moment for anyone of this marvelous movie.

I think this one is worth another viewing -- or two.  Like many really good movies, you don't see everything the first time through. 

Snow, Snow, SNow

Old man winter has been having a lot of fun with us -- it is snowing to beat the band.  They are talking 16-20 inches here!  It's Washington for goodness sake!  We don't get that kind of snow!  This is going to be a perfect day to stay inside, wrap Christmas gifts, iron those clothes you have been putting off doing and, of course, watch some good videos. 

Be safe,
Sandy

Sanctuary

I have been catching up a bit on some of the shows I've slept through this year.  I loved Sanctuary last year and this year it is proving to remain one of my favorite programs.  The writing is just awesome and it is a show that continues to keep you guessing.  I think Amanda Tapping is marvelous as Helen Magnus and she is finally getting to show that she can act -- which was an occasional thing over at Stargate. 

This is one show where all the main characters are good.  I particularly enjoy the interaction between the characters.  Henry has grown considerably this year, as has Will.  I hated to see Ashley go, but the new addition is a good one -- and the give-and-take between her and Henry adds another facet to the show.

Rainy Sunday Afternoon

It has been raining here for nearly for two days.  I found the perfect way to spend the day.  I pulled out the latest video from Warner Bros. SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES.  I have been a real fan of comic books for years and I have found that these animated movies are absolutely wonderful.  They have captured so much of the power and moral character that I remember from the comics I read way back when.
In this movie, Lex Luthor becomes President of he United States and has Superman and Batman declared Public Enemies because they would not work with him and some other super heroes.  This is a great story and resonates so well -- showing the economic crisis that we see in newspapers today.  This was a great movie and I'm sure everyone will enjoy it.  What you have to watch are the extras that come with the DVD.  It is such a wonderful mix of interviews and commentaries from some of the best in comic book history.  The new Justice League has a segment that is gives you a peek of that feature with some wonderful voice talent assembled.
Animated features can be just rich and exciting as a non-animated feature.  It's all in the writing -- good script usually means a good feature.  I find that the Super Heroes works on a number of levels -- kids and adults.

The Mentalist

I love weekends -- they go way too quickly -- but it gives me a chance to watch some of the programs I've missed during the week -- and DVDs that I haven't cracked the wrapper on yet!  This week I got into THE MENTALIST.  Simon Baker is SO cute -- but the show is wonderfully clever as well.  Simon Baker portrays the haunted hero extremely well.  As Patrick Jane, he assists police with an assortment of murders.  The most interesting story arc is that of Red John -- the person who killed Jane's wife and child and continues to haunt him with additional murders -- each using a similar style and disdain for life. 

I love procedural dramas like Criminal Minds, CSIs, NCIS, etc.  The Mentalist is somewhat like that but more character involvement.  I am only now getting into Criminal Minds -- now that it is on A&E, I can watch it just about anytime.  While I like CSI: Miami - David Caruso drives me nuts!!!! 

Anyway, Happy Monday -- back to work.