As a fan of movie mash-ups, this one might move to the top of the list. It may even be higher than the Brokeback to the Future amazing mashing of greatest. Rebellious Pixels have created a mash-up of Twilight and Buffy in which Buffy brings to light all the crazy stalkerish and creepy things that apparently all of the starstruck teenage girls don't realize. What completes and makes this mash-up awesome is when Edward says "You're like my own personal brand of heroin", Buffy responds with "What are you, 12?". Not romantic Edward. Bella should have dusted you at that point.
Yea, yea, she sorta dusts Cedric Diggory, but really, doesn't matter. Too bad Edward doesn't get all wrinkly face, but that would ruin his prestige as a sparkly vampire...ha. I do have to admit that Twilight does have an awesome soundtrack. So question, if Buffy staked Edward, then does that mean no New Moon? We can only hope...wait a second. Did Edward Cullen just get hit by a taxi cab? There is a God!
Showing posts with label Buffy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buffy. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, October 27, 2008
So you say it's Halloween TV time
Yes, it is that time of year again. The time where television shows try to amuse us with Halloween themed episodes and scary antics by our favorite television characters. It happens every year, but do you remember your most fond and cherished Halloween themed episodes, because I sure do. Here are my top ten. Enjoy!
10. "The Middle Earth Paradigm"- The Big Bang Theory
Oh to go back to the days when you couldn't figure out if it was cool to go trick-or-treating or go bash mailboxes with your friends. The great dichotomy of everyone episode is comparing the activities of the geeks to the activities of the freaks. Sam goes trick-or-treating with Bill and Neal, while Lindsey decides to go hang out with the "freaks" drive about town causing havoc. Even though the series takes place in 1980, it is the most true to the actual life as a teenager, especially when deciding if you are young enough to still go trick-or-treating which i maintain I am still young enough to do.
7. "Escape from Witch Island"- Dawson's Creek
In an effort to add excitement to a dull school project, Dawson decides to make a documentary, with the help of Joey, Pacey and Jen. The gang head to a small island near Capeside, rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of some 18th century girls, killed after being accused to witchcraft. Joey finds similarities between her own life and that of one of the dead girls. After some exploratory conversations, Jen and Pacey make the decision to become more than just good friends, albeit on a casual basis causing awkwardness and Pacey's slow realization that he is in love with Joey.
Ahh, the Slutty Pumpkin episode. Essentially the same as The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, except, the great pumpkin is a girl dressed as a pumpkin who Ted learned studies penguins and combines Kaluha and root beer to make a drink known as the Tootsie Roll because it tastes like an alcoholic Tootsie Roll whom Ted met at a Halloween Party in 2001. Ted waits around every year because he forgot to give his phone number to this girl, thus causing him to go to the same Halloween party every year awaiting the "Slutty Pumpkin".
South Park is always known for their holiday episodes, from Timmy's retarded turkey to the Christmas poo, but when you think about great South Park Halloween episodes, yes many come to mind, but everyone remembers Spookyfish. Pretty much the plot was a bunch of beings from an alternate universe (the 'other' South Park) show up in the real South Park (very Doctor Who style) and cause havoc. The "spookyvision" of the episode really did increase the scare-factor of the show, I know Barbra Streisand scares me constantly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSlzrR5iBIA&feature=related
(I couldn't embed this, so go watch it there)
10. "The Middle Earth Paradigm"- The Big Bang Theory
How do you make a group of geeks feel awkward? Invite them to a party. How do you make them feel even more awkward? Make it a Halloween costume party. In everyone else, Halloween is a holiday in which, as said in Mean Girls said, girls dress up as sluts with some sort animals ears, and others wear some sort of generic costume. In Geek world, parties don't have dancing, but they must require costumes, themes for those costumes, and then prizes for the best of those costumes. The show would not be complete without a fight for who gets to be Frodo.
9. "Halloween"- The Office
The Office wouldn't be complete without the dreaded office Halloween party in which everyone feels it is necessary to wear costumes and forget that they are working as adults and not 10 year olds in their 4th grade classroom. While everyone is having fun on Halloween, Michael tries to figure out a way to fire someone, while Pam and Jim attempt to get Dwight a position with another company. The best part of this episode is the interactions amongst the people working. It just reasserts that Halloween should not enter the workplace.
8. "Tricks and Treats"- Freaks and Geeks
Oh to go back to the days when you couldn't figure out if it was cool to go trick-or-treating or go bash mailboxes with your friends. The great dichotomy of everyone episode is comparing the activities of the geeks to the activities of the freaks. Sam goes trick-or-treating with Bill and Neal, while Lindsey decides to go hang out with the "freaks" drive about town causing havoc. Even though the series takes place in 1980, it is the most true to the actual life as a teenager, especially when deciding if you are young enough to still go trick-or-treating which i maintain I am still young enough to do.
7. "Escape from Witch Island"- Dawson's Creek
In an effort to add excitement to a dull school project, Dawson decides to make a documentary, with the help of Joey, Pacey and Jen. The gang head to a small island near Capeside, rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of some 18th century girls, killed after being accused to witchcraft. Joey finds similarities between her own life and that of one of the dead girls. After some exploratory conversations, Jen and Pacey make the decision to become more than just good friends, albeit on a casual basis causing awkwardness and Pacey's slow realization that he is in love with Joey.
6. "The Slutty Pumpkin"- How I Met Your Mother
Ahh, the Slutty Pumpkin episode. Essentially the same as The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, except, the great pumpkin is a girl dressed as a pumpkin who Ted learned studies penguins and combines Kaluha and root beer to make a drink known as the Tootsie Roll because it tastes like an alcoholic Tootsie Roll whom Ted met at a Halloween Party in 2001. Ted waits around every year because he forgot to give his phone number to this girl, thus causing him to go to the same Halloween party every year awaiting the "Slutty Pumpkin".
5. "And then there was Shawn"- Boy Meets World
Talk about nostalgia. When I think of halloween episodes I always think of this. Even though it didn't air as the halloween episode, it is still one of the greats from a tv series that allowed my uneventful friday nights as a young pre-teen bareable. Pretty much the entire episode is mocking typical halloween-type horror films and uses many of the themes in horror films to carry the plot of the episode. Even Jennifer Love Hewitt makes an appearance as the unforgettable Jennifer Love Fefferman.
4. "Haunted"- Dead Like Me
A crazed serial killer strikes on Halloween, and the reapers must pick up all the souls of the victims. The busy workday cuts into George and Mason's trick-or-treating, while back at home, Joy must casole Reggie into the Halloween spirit following a session with a psychologist. Can't give too much away about this episode because it is the series finale, but isn't that perfect. The halloween episode is the final episode of a tv show about reepers...awesome.
3. "Treehouse of Horror V"- The Simpsons
2. "Spookyfish"- South Park
South Park is always known for their holiday episodes, from Timmy's retarded turkey to the Christmas poo, but when you think about great South Park Halloween episodes, yes many come to mind, but everyone remembers Spookyfish. Pretty much the plot was a bunch of beings from an alternate universe (the 'other' South Park) show up in the real South Park (very Doctor Who style) and cause havoc. The "spookyvision" of the episode really did increase the scare-factor of the show, I know Barbra Streisand scares me constantly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSlzrR5iBIA&feature=related
(I couldn't embed this, so go watch it there)
1. "Halloween"- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
My all time favorite Halloween episode has to be Halloween from the second season of Buffy. It is a running joke from the series that Halloween is the safest day of the year for the slayer because Vampires think of Halloween as a day of rest and don't hunt of Halloween, but every other year Buffy had a Halloween themed episode. This episode is great because it questions they what if scenario of what if someone cast a spell on everyone to make them into the costume they are wearing. This would mean small children would turn into witches and goblins, but most importantly, adults would turn into military soldiers (Xander), Damsel in distress (Buffy), and a slutty ghost (Willow).
Happy Halloween television watching!
My all time favorite Halloween episode has to be Halloween from the second season of Buffy. It is a running joke from the series that Halloween is the safest day of the year for the slayer because Vampires think of Halloween as a day of rest and don't hunt of Halloween, but every other year Buffy had a Halloween themed episode. This episode is great because it questions they what if scenario of what if someone cast a spell on everyone to make them into the costume they are wearing. This would mean small children would turn into witches and goblins, but most importantly, adults would turn into military soldiers (Xander), Damsel in distress (Buffy), and a slutty ghost (Willow).
Happy Halloween television watching!Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Why are screenwrters so obsessed with Godot?
Ever since the creation of being funny on television or referencing obscure stuff to make either viewers seem smarter or more stupid than their friends, screenwriters for some reason believe that references to Samuel Beckett's absurdest play Waiting for Godot are necessary to make fun of why someone is late or missing. Everything from Dawson's Creek, to House, to Buffy the Vampire Slayer have made references to the play. It seems as if any time a TV show wants to remark on why a character is remotely late, Beckett's fateful play is used to make fun of the situation.
Waiting for Godot is regarded as one of the best plays of the mid 20th Century regarding people's obsessions with existential, Jungian/ Freudian, other philosophical and political thoughts of the time, and blah blah effing blah. Main point is, the play is about two guys who sit around waiting for this other guy Godot, who inevitably, never arrives. There have been many interpretations on who Godot represents, and who Vladamir and Estragon (the guys sitting around) are supposed to represent. They have ranged from Godot representing a divine power who never comes to rescue Vlad and his bud, to waiting for things we can never have, to mindless waiting for anything. The main point is, the television seems to ignore the entire interpretation of the play and have reduced it to waiting for a friend, husband, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc, who all incidentally eventually show up, unlike Godot.
To breakdown the misuse and obsession with referencing Godot, here are some examples:
Dawson's Creek:
In the season premiere of the sixth season, Joey, Pacey, Jen, Jack, and Audrey are sitting around a bar hanging out when Joey asks where Dawson is. Audrey then responds:
"You mean "Godot" Leary?"
No Audrey, we do not mean Dawson 'Godot" Leary, because Dawson shows up at the end of the show. He actually shows up well before the end of the show, which is something Godot never does. Dawson shows up after Joey, who I guess in this situation is the Vladamir, or maybe Estragon, waits around in the bar for him. He shows up, they go back to her dorm room, and history of the Joey/ Dawson relationship continues. I guess it wouldn't Dawson's Creek without obscure literature references. Some even claim that Waiting for Godot was the inspiration for the entire series of Dawson's Creek. God help us.
House:
House has made several references Waiting for Godot during its four seasons. The first references was the typical. Wilson comments on the delayed reaction by the CDC by remarking that "Godot would be faster", which really he wouldn't because again he never shows up during the first season in "Poison". The CDC does show up. They always show up. Haven't you seen Outbreak?
Waiting for Godot is referenced two seasons later during season 3 in Finding Judas, when Chase is frustrated because House wouldn't listen to him, which causes Wilson (what is with Wilson and Samuel Beckett) to reference Godot once again: "Beckett would have called his play 'Waiting for House's approval', but thought it would be too grim"
Gilmore Girls:
Keeping it in the WB family, Gilmore Girls followed in Dawson's footsteps and their incessant references with their own Godot blurb. While sitting around at Richard and Emily's dinning room table during Friday night dinner, Lorelai, in her constant need to say things that no one else understands, remarks on how they have been waiting forever for Richard to come to the dinner table. Emily in her usual manner responds that it has not been forever. When Lorelia responds: "Forever. Godot was just here. He said 'I ain't waiting for Richard,' grabbed a roll and left. It's been forever!"
This one is actually amusing. Godot is not Richard, which makes this reference funny because they have been sitting at the dinner table so long that Godot actually showed up, but Richard still hasn't.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
Joss Whedon is known for his obscure references and witty humor. This is no different in carrying on the television legacy of referencing Godot. During season 3, we are introduced to a new slayer, Faith. She is known for being a bad ass and not for her punctuality. In one particular scene, the scooby gang: Buffy, Willow, Xander, Cordelia, Oz, Giles, and even Wesley are sitting around the library, figuring out how to save the world. Wesley tells Buffy she wait for Faith to go hunt down the demon. Buffy responds with: "That could be hours. The girl makes Godot look punctual. I'll just go myself. "
Yes, Faith shows up eventually and actually turns out to be evil, which is a weirder take on the play. But again, Joss uses Waiting for Godot to poke fun at a characters punctuality.
Joss makes another Waiting for Godot reference earlier in the series during season 1. This time it is a quote from the play and not just making fun of the fact that some is late. On the blackboard in the back of a classroom it says: "To every man his little cross. 'Til he dies. And is forgotten." This is both in reference to the play, but also the storyline which is about a girl who becomes invisible because nobody noticed her.
There have been numerous other references from names of episodes, like Home Improvement's "Go, Go, Godot" to plays on the name of the play like Red Dwarf's "Waiting for God" and the Riches' "Waiting for Dogot". Even television shows are analyzed as philosophical interpretations of the play, like South Park, yes I said South Park. They all might be a stretch, but the references and interpretations of Waiting for Godot will be forever infused into our society and the television we watch. Whether our society understands the references or not, that is something that will just need to wait for another day. My guess is no, but really who's to say. All we can do is wait until another television show decides to reference Godot because one of their characters lacks punctuality. Until then, I think I might just go hang out with Pozzo.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Buffy: The Animated Series
Courtesy of some unknown source and a bunch of Buffy nerds, a 4 minute promo of Buffy: The Animated series was leaked on youtube on Friday. Buffy: The Animated Series was supposed to be a kids television program based on the original television series. Joss Whedon had begun to work on the show to air on Fox Kids around 2001, but the show eventually fell apart. There was even an attempt to relaunch the series after the original Buffy ended in 2004, but again no greenlight. Now after the leaked promo, there has been a push for the animated series to have another try at getting the greenlight. Who knows, but apparently there is a large support group behind it, including a facebook group dedicated to convincing Joss to put his support behind this show.
Pretty much looks like the original series, well besides the fact that the main characters are cartoons and Buffy's voice is obviously not Sarah Michelle Gellar's. Who knows what will happen with this.
Pretty much looks like the original series, well besides the fact that the main characters are cartoons and Buffy's voice is obviously not Sarah Michelle Gellar's. Who knows what will happen with this.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
HBO's True Blood punches Twilight in the face
Okay, I will admit that I have read all the Twilight novels and might have the newest one on pre-order from Barnes and Noble. They aren't amazing works of literature, but they are addicting. The whole hype around the entire series is crazy though. Anyways, what I am excited for is HBO's adaptation of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Series as a television series on HBO. This no
vel series is pretty much the equivalent of Twilight except not written by a Mormon sex-phobe. Also the characters don't constantly talk about how much their life sucks and they wish it was different (blah, blah, blah). The premise of the series is about vampires that live in the south and fall in love with humans, hilarity ensues. Well the novels are also addicting (yes, Twilight style addicting), so no wonder HBO picked it up for a television series.
Vampire television series have been popular for like, ever. From Dark Shadows to Buffy/Angel to the recent deceased Moonlight (even though it was a total rip-off of Angel). There is no wonder that Harris' book series would also be picked up for a television series. True Blood is going to follow the plot of the novels about a small Louisiana town (why do vampires always live in Louisiana?) that lives in co-existence with vampires after the Japanese creation of synthetic blood. See, isn't it pulling you in immediately! The story revolves around the main character Sookie Stackhouse, a human who falls in love with Bill Compton, a vampire. I have always been a fan of vampire on vampire love, but this new obsession America has with human-vampire romance is strangely weird. I am pretty sure Twilight is taking over the world. Seriously, ask a 15 year old girl who is running for president and she might know, but ask her to name all 6 vampires in Twilight and she's all over that.
The series creator is Alan Ball who is responsible for Six Feet Under, so I have high hopes for this series. There is so much hype behind this series by HBO, they even promoted it this week at comic con with a True Blood Panel. See, vampires = popular with fantasy nerds. I am not hating, I am in that category too. What makes it great about True Blood being on HBO is that it doesn't have to shy away from issues and themes network television is scared of. It airs September 9th on HBO.
vel series is pretty much the equivalent of Twilight except not written by a Mormon sex-phobe. Also the characters don't constantly talk about how much their life sucks and they wish it was different (blah, blah, blah). The premise of the series is about vampires that live in the south and fall in love with humans, hilarity ensues. Well the novels are also addicting (yes, Twilight style addicting), so no wonder HBO picked it up for a television series.Vampire television series have been popular for like, ever. From Dark Shadows to Buffy/Angel to the recent deceased Moonlight (even though it was a total rip-off of Angel). There is no wonder that Harris' book series would also be picked up for a television series. True Blood is going to follow the plot of the novels about a small Louisiana town (why do vampires always live in Louisiana?) that lives in co-existence with vampires after the Japanese creation of synthetic blood. See, isn't it pulling you in immediately! The story revolves around the main character Sookie Stackhouse, a human who falls in love with Bill Compton, a vampire. I have always been a fan of vampire on vampire love, but this new obsession America has with human-vampire romance is strangely weird. I am pretty sure Twilight is taking over the world. Seriously, ask a 15 year old girl who is running for president and she might know, but ask her to name all 6 vampires in Twilight and she's all over that.
The series creator is Alan Ball who is responsible for Six Feet Under, so I have high hopes for this series. There is so much hype behind this series by HBO, they even promoted it this week at comic con with a True Blood Panel. See, vampires = popular with fantasy nerds. I am not hating, I am in that category too. What makes it great about True Blood being on HBO is that it doesn't have to shy away from issues and themes network television is scared of. It airs September 9th on HBO.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Lost/Forgotten Shows: Tru Calling
I just got done watching a marathon on the Sci Fi channel of Tru Calling. For a long time I refused to watch this show because it was the reason why Faith, I mean Eliza Dushku decided not to make a Faith spin-off of Buffy. Eliza wanted to try other opportunities, which apparently resulted in making this series.
The concept is interesting. Tru Davies (played by Dushku) while working at the city morgue realizes she has the ability to talk to dead people. Not like Haley Joel Osmet talking to dead people, more like Pushing Daises talking to dead people, except no touching. The one difference between this mediocre show and Pushing Daises, is that when Tru talks to dead people (well they pretty much talk to her, she just stares at them), the dead person says a message and then Tru and everyone else restart the day. The day begins again and Tru can remember everything that happened the day before (which is technically the current day), but no one else can. Hence, we get a brand new day to prevent the person from dying. whoo!
The writing is boring and the acting is okay, but the premise kept me watching the entire day. I have watched a couple episodes here and there when ever the show has been on, but for some reason today I watched it from start to finish. Well, I pretty much watched the entire first season and all of the second season, well all of the season that was left after Sci Fi stopped airing it earlier. Yes, that means I proceeded to watch this mediocre show on my computer after sitting around watching it all day on the television.
Anyways, the reason I for some reason became invested in the show was because of Jason Priestley's sudden introduction into the series half way through the first season. SPOILER (like you care): Jason's character Jack Harper is the opposing force to Tru's calling (pu
n) of communicating with the dead. Unlike Tru who helps people live, Jack makes sure they die, ergo we get a villian. Anyone who has an obsession with Brandon Walsh from Beverly Hills 90210 (including wanting to tatoo his face to your body), will understand how crazy it is to see the beloved good guy from West Beverly as a villian. Actually he is the best part of the series. After a while I just wanted to see him screw with people's lives instead of watching Tru save them.Eliza, I have one question for you: why did you leave Joss for this? I could understand if you were never given the opportunity for your own staring show, but Joss was handing one to you. One with potentially great writing, great acting, and an active fanbase. Well luckily for you, he still thinks you have some attributes. And four years later we get Dollhouse airing January 2009 staring you and created by Joss Whedon (pictured below). In the end, Tru Calling will only be remembered by those who frequent Sci Fi channel during daytime hours or are active disciples of Zach Galifianakis (who suprisingly isn't the funny character on the show), and for that reason Tru Calling is a lost/forgotten show.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Once a teenager, not always a teenager?
As much as I hated my four years in high school, I have always had an obsession with teen melodrama television. There are the unique and creative shows like Buffy and there are the unoriginal redundant rich teens, like...well mostly every other show. Apparently there needs to be the existence of rich kids with lots of money to spend to keep viewers interested. Well I know I need them. Well what makes a great teen melodrama, first and foremost you need great characters. Depth to the characters doesn't really matter cocnerning success of the show, but I normally like depth to my rich spoiled "teen" characters. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite teen melodramas.
10. Gossip Girl
This is the newest show on the list. It is the only show still on the air with actual high school characters. Gossip Girl has it all, rich kids, with rich parents, with lots of drama. From the writing genius of Josh Schwartz of OC fame, Gossip Girl is the OC and Beverly H
ills 90210 in the mecca of the rich: Upper East Side New York City. Based on the best selling teen book series by Cecily Von Zeigler, the television show only borrows the names of the characters and the location. They are all beautiful, they are all rich, and they are all full of drama dram drama. What separates this show from the rest is its great cinematography.
9. One Tree Hill
Two brothers, the same father, different mothers. The concept pulled me in right from the start. The brother from the other side of the tracks and the brother in the hu
ge house. What brings these two obviously different characters together: basketball, oh and Nathan's suddent interest in Lucas' best friend Haley. One of the greatest showcests in teen melodrama existence. Nathan started off dating Peyton, who dumped him for Lucas, who started to date Brooke and is best friends with Haley, who dated then married Nathan. Yes married. The act that shocked all melodrama enthusiasts everywhere. Now in its 4th year, it is the only other show on this list that is still running. One Tree Hill avoided the one thing that has hurt high school melodramas everywhere. It skipped College. after taking a hiatus, it came back four years in the future. The is the best move that show could have taken. Now it is more of a Melrose Place, than a 90210.
8. The OC
This show had one of the best first seasons of any show. It had so many twists and turns, than an episode of Lost. It pulled me in immediately, my mother, my friends, even my
dad for some episodes. The first season was so good, that it tried to live up to that for the remaining 3 seasons and never really could. This is where it went wrong. When you can't live up to your first season, you won't maintain viewership. What made this show great was the character of Seth Cohen. He was the conscience of the show with his witticisms and critique of the lives of the rich and famous. Seth was the glorified nerd and had everyone wanting to listen to Death Cab for Cutie and go to the comic book store. I know I did (even though I was doing this already...yes nerd). No other character has really been able to live up to the indie status that Seth brought to audiences through the OC, but they have tried, i.e. Dan on Gossip Girl (I don't believe it).
7. Dawson's
Creek
This was one of the first successful teen shows after creation of 90210. It was about a bunch of normal kids who live in Capeside, Mass. Well when I say normal I mean not a bunch of rich kids. Yea the main characters talk older than their age with the vocabulary of a college student studying for the GRE and the knowledge base of a professor of pop culture. Some would say that is where the show lost its realistic approach, others (specifically myself) would say that is the reason why I own every season on DVD. Who cares if Dawson constantly talks about his feelings while constantly spouting out every obscure word from the thesaurus. The show fell victim to the death that is college, but we all re
member its early days of melodrama glory.
6. Beverly Hills 90210
The original. 90210 is one of those shows that needs to be on this lists because it was the one that started the phenomenon. Yes the writing was terrible, the characters had no depth, and every show I felt like morality hour, but it started the base for all the other shows that came after it. It didn't really accomplish anything or introduce anything new, but it layed the path for shows that became more than just a teen melodrama.
5. Freaks and Geeks
The first of the two great one season teen shows. Freaks and Geeks was Judd Apatow's first work. The same creator of pretty much every descent comedy to come out in the last five years. Freaks an
d Geeks was about the geeky kids and the "freaks" aka the burnouts. The show was genius in that it took place in 1980 even though it debuted in 1999. It is the the only "period" teen show on the list (actually I think it is the only period teen show every created, well Avonlea doesn't count. Darn Canadian television). Even though the show takes place in 1980, it still feels like it could be in the present. It shows that life in high school is pretty much the same at any point in time. It kind of makes you feel bad that your parents had to go throught he same experience you did (crazy). The show jump started the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardenelli. The former three continuing on the Judd Apatow path. Ending only after 17 episodes, Freaks and Geeks will always remain the one career endevor that Judd Apatow wishes he put more effort into (maybe that is why he tried to do Undeclared and the Cable Guy).
4. My So-Called Life
It is 1994 and we all hate our life, well if our name is Angela Chase and Jordan Catalono will just not pay attention to us. Angela was the quintessential "'emo" kid but that was ok in the mid 90's as you listened to grunge rock and wore head to toe flannel. With its focus on the main
character Angela and her constant journal-like narration, My So-Called Life is probably one the the truest television shows to the actual life of a teenager. Angela isn't some rich popular girl with the most beautiful boyfriend, and the perfect family. She complains about her life, her best friend sleeps with her boyfriend, and her parents are constantly on the verge of a divorce (but still sleep with eachother pretty much every episode?). WIth only one season, My So-Called Life ended making viewers want more. It never really got its worth until about 5 years after its debut, but now it has a cult following and we all know Claire Danes is regretting giving up on the show so quickly. I guess we will never know who Angela chose in the end, Jordan or Brian. It still remains one of the greats in teen melodrama.
3. Gilmore Girls
Okay, this was a focus on a mom and daughter, but it had its teen attributes. Boyfriends, high school, best friends, applying for college. Since there really isn't a definition as to what a teen television show is, I
will allow it on this list because I like it. Gilmore Girls had great dialogue (even though they talk fast and make really obscure pop culture references every five seconds), great characters, and was actually successful when the show went to college. What probably kept the show together though was the second half of the show was about the life of mother and all the drama that went along with it. After 7 seasons, many boyfriends(my favorite being Jess and his literate, great music listening self), and an ending that still kept me wanting 
more, Gilmore Girls is one of the best shows WB/CW has outputted.
2. Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars is the gem that UPN/CW never really put their self behind. It was about a girl that loses her beloved place in the 09er crowd (popular kids) when her father accuses her boyfriend's father of killing her best friend and her boyfriends sister (that is the same person by the way). The first season focuses on Veronica trying to adjust to her new life and her attempt to find out who really killed her best friend. What made Veronica Mars different from most shows was its Film noir style with every episode having Veronica act like a private detective while she helps her fellow classmates solve mysteries, along with her job as her father's assistant at his job as a private detective. No other show has kept me on my toes and guessing the entire season as VM did. Every season finale made me want more. VM was cut short after three seasons leaving viewers not knowing what was going to happen next in our protagonists life. Rumors have been circling though that Rob Thomas, series creator, is planning a VM movie. We can only hope.
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The typical life of a high school student: bestfriends, boyfriends, vampires, witches, demons, and werewolves? Well that is the life of Buffy, the vampire slayer and her life at Sunnydale High. Buffy is your typical high school student dealing with life in high school, well typical being that her boyfriend is a Vampire, her best friend is a witch, she dusts vamps and slays demons. Other than that she is a pretty a typical high schooler. The show revolves around the main character Buffy and h
er destiny as the Slayer, a girl that is chosen to save the world from the evils and the demons that are in it. Buffy's slaying world and high school world intertwine often as her high school sits atop of the Hellmouth which is the entrance to hell. Creator Joss Whedon makes Buffy's world as a Vampire Slayer a metaphor for what high school actually is. Yes in real life the popular girls aren't really monsters, but in Buffy's world they actually are. The ingenius nature of Buffy makes it the best teen show of all time (according to me) and number one on my list.
New shows come out all the time including the 90210 remake coming out this fall, but really, it is going to take a lot to top these great nostaglic shows. Good luck CW, you know, the mecca of teen melodrama.
10. Gossip Girl
This is the newest show on the list. It is the only show still on the air with actual high school characters. Gossip Girl has it all, rich kids, with rich parents, with lots of drama. From the writing genius of Josh Schwartz of OC fame, Gossip Girl is the OC and Beverly H
ills 90210 in the mecca of the rich: Upper East Side New York City. Based on the best selling teen book series by Cecily Von Zeigler, the television show only borrows the names of the characters and the location. They are all beautiful, they are all rich, and they are all full of drama dram drama. What separates this show from the rest is its great cinematography.9. One Tree Hill
Two brothers, the same father, different mothers. The concept pulled me in right from the start. The brother from the other side of the tracks and the brother in the hu
ge house. What brings these two obviously different characters together: basketball, oh and Nathan's suddent interest in Lucas' best friend Haley. One of the greatest showcests in teen melodrama existence. Nathan started off dating Peyton, who dumped him for Lucas, who started to date Brooke and is best friends with Haley, who dated then married Nathan. Yes married. The act that shocked all melodrama enthusiasts everywhere. Now in its 4th year, it is the only other show on this list that is still running. One Tree Hill avoided the one thing that has hurt high school melodramas everywhere. It skipped College. after taking a hiatus, it came back four years in the future. The is the best move that show could have taken. Now it is more of a Melrose Place, than a 90210.8. The OC
This show had one of the best first seasons of any show. It had so many twists and turns, than an episode of Lost. It pulled me in immediately, my mother, my friends, even my
dad for some episodes. The first season was so good, that it tried to live up to that for the remaining 3 seasons and never really could. This is where it went wrong. When you can't live up to your first season, you won't maintain viewership. What made this show great was the character of Seth Cohen. He was the conscience of the show with his witticisms and critique of the lives of the rich and famous. Seth was the glorified nerd and had everyone wanting to listen to Death Cab for Cutie and go to the comic book store. I know I did (even though I was doing this already...yes nerd). No other character has really been able to live up to the indie status that Seth brought to audiences through the OC, but they have tried, i.e. Dan on Gossip Girl (I don't believe it).7. Dawson's
CreekThis was one of the first successful teen shows after creation of 90210. It was about a bunch of normal kids who live in Capeside, Mass. Well when I say normal I mean not a bunch of rich kids. Yea the main characters talk older than their age with the vocabulary of a college student studying for the GRE and the knowledge base of a professor of pop culture. Some would say that is where the show lost its realistic approach, others (specifically myself) would say that is the reason why I own every season on DVD. Who cares if Dawson constantly talks about his feelings while constantly spouting out every obscure word from the thesaurus. The show fell victim to the death that is college, but we all re
member its early days of melodrama glory.6. Beverly Hills 90210
The original. 90210 is one of those shows that needs to be on this lists because it was the one that started the phenomenon. Yes the writing was terrible, the characters had no depth, and every show I felt like morality hour, but it started the base for all the other shows that came after it. It didn't really accomplish anything or introduce anything new, but it layed the path for shows that became more than just a teen melodrama.
5. Freaks and Geeks
The first of the two great one season teen shows. Freaks and Geeks was Judd Apatow's first work. The same creator of pretty much every descent comedy to come out in the last five years. Freaks an
d Geeks was about the geeky kids and the "freaks" aka the burnouts. The show was genius in that it took place in 1980 even though it debuted in 1999. It is the the only "period" teen show on the list (actually I think it is the only period teen show every created, well Avonlea doesn't count. Darn Canadian television). Even though the show takes place in 1980, it still feels like it could be in the present. It shows that life in high school is pretty much the same at any point in time. It kind of makes you feel bad that your parents had to go throught he same experience you did (crazy). The show jump started the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardenelli. The former three continuing on the Judd Apatow path. Ending only after 17 episodes, Freaks and Geeks will always remain the one career endevor that Judd Apatow wishes he put more effort into (maybe that is why he tried to do Undeclared and the Cable Guy).4. My So-Called Life
It is 1994 and we all hate our life, well if our name is Angela Chase and Jordan Catalono will just not pay attention to us. Angela was the quintessential "'emo" kid but that was ok in the mid 90's as you listened to grunge rock and wore head to toe flannel. With its focus on the main
character Angela and her constant journal-like narration, My So-Called Life is probably one the the truest television shows to the actual life of a teenager. Angela isn't some rich popular girl with the most beautiful boyfriend, and the perfect family. She complains about her life, her best friend sleeps with her boyfriend, and her parents are constantly on the verge of a divorce (but still sleep with eachother pretty much every episode?). WIth only one season, My So-Called Life ended making viewers want more. It never really got its worth until about 5 years after its debut, but now it has a cult following and we all know Claire Danes is regretting giving up on the show so quickly. I guess we will never know who Angela chose in the end, Jordan or Brian. It still remains one of the greats in teen melodrama.3. Gilmore Girls
Okay, this was a focus on a mom and daughter, but it had its teen attributes. Boyfriends, high school, best friends, applying for college. Since there really isn't a definition as to what a teen television show is, I
will allow it on this list because I like it. Gilmore Girls had great dialogue (even though they talk fast and make really obscure pop culture references every five seconds), great characters, and was actually successful when the show went to college. What probably kept the show together though was the second half of the show was about the life of mother and all the drama that went along with it. After 7 seasons, many boyfriends(my favorite being Jess and his literate, great music listening self), and an ending that still kept me wanting 
more, Gilmore Girls is one of the best shows WB/CW has outputted.2. Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars is the gem that UPN/CW never really put their self behind. It was about a girl that loses her beloved place in the 09er crowd (popular kids) when her father accuses her boyfriend's father of killing her best friend and her boyfriends sister (that is the same person by the way). The first season focuses on Veronica trying to adjust to her new life and her attempt to find out who really killed her best friend. What made Veronica Mars different from most shows was its Film noir style with every episode having Veronica act like a private detective while she helps her fellow classmates solve mysteries, along with her job as her father's assistant at his job as a private detective. No other show has kept me on my toes and guessing the entire season as VM did. Every season finale made me want more. VM was cut short after three seasons leaving viewers not knowing what was going to happen next in our protagonists life. Rumors have been circling though that Rob Thomas, series creator, is planning a VM movie. We can only hope.
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The typical life of a high school student: bestfriends, boyfriends, vampires, witches, demons, and werewolves? Well that is the life of Buffy, the vampire slayer and her life at Sunnydale High. Buffy is your typical high school student dealing with life in high school, well typical being that her boyfriend is a Vampire, her best friend is a witch, she dusts vamps and slays demons. Other than that she is a pretty a typical high schooler. The show revolves around the main character Buffy and h
er destiny as the Slayer, a girl that is chosen to save the world from the evils and the demons that are in it. Buffy's slaying world and high school world intertwine often as her high school sits atop of the Hellmouth which is the entrance to hell. Creator Joss Whedon makes Buffy's world as a Vampire Slayer a metaphor for what high school actually is. Yes in real life the popular girls aren't really monsters, but in Buffy's world they actually are. The ingenius nature of Buffy makes it the best teen show of all time (according to me) and number one on my list.New shows come out all the time including the 90210 remake coming out this fall, but really, it is going to take a lot to top these great nostaglic shows. Good luck CW, you know, the mecca of teen melodrama.
Now this is a story...Television Opening Sequences
I have an obsession with television shows. They have everything you want from a movie: a great story that keeps on going. At the end of the show, if that show is lucky enough to get to a series finale, the viewer gets closure. The greatest part of a great television show is the in depth view into the characters portrayed on the show. In a movie, the viewer doesn't really get to understand the characters they are watching. Occasionally a film will allow the viewer to go into the depths of a single character. One might call this a character profile film, but television allows the viewer to understand multiple characters over (hopefully) a significant period of time. Television allows for an evolution of a character; a character profile plus five or six years, or seasons.
To begin my account of televisions greatest, I will start with the top (or in my opinion, as I am writing this) opening credit sequences. One might ask, what makes a great opening credit sequence? Well first: great music. Annoying music can ruin an opening sequence. The song in Firefly always gets me and after the third or fourth episode, I skipped the One Tree Hill opening song. Music pulls the viewer in and captures their attention. It connects the introductory scene to show itself. Second: It needs to tell the story of the show. The opening sequence needs to tell me what the show is about and what I am going to learn as the show continues. If I were to just see the opening sequence, it should give me an introduction to the show. Third, and finally: the music needs to connect to the story that the opening sequence is telling. I mean, it is great that The OC takes place in California and the music that goes along with the opening credits makes it obviously for about a minute of my time, but it doesn't tell me anything about what I am going to learn from the show. It is a nice montage though.
Finally, the list of the best opening sequences
10.The Drew Carey Show
Where does the show take place? Cleveland. Why? Because it rocks. The opening sequence introduces us to the exciting lives of life in and out of the office for a one Drew Carey. First the entire cast, plus the many extras that live in the wonderful town of Cleveland, run down the street. We hear over and over that Cleveland Rocks, which the many scenes of fun activities that Drew, Lewis, Oswald, Kate, and of course, Mimi do proves their stance. From Indians games to hanging out by Lake Erie to relishing in the awe and wonder at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, why wouldn't everyone want to hang out at the Warsaw Tavern. This opening sequence wasn't introduced until episode 3 of the third season, but it finally encapsulates what the show was about: a comedy, about a bunch of friends, who live in a Cleveland.
9. My So-Called Life
What makes this opening sequence great is that it tells the story of this short lived series in about one minute and 4 seconds. Angela tells about her so-called life through her actions, interactions, and reactions through a montage of scenes from the show which is nicely paired with one of the best opening sequence music. The music is soft in the right places and climactic in others. It pulls the viewer in and reminds them what the show is about and leaves them wanting more. What makes this opening sequence difference from most is that it is the first thing the viewer sees. It doesn't have an introductory scene that can lead the viewer into the opening sequence. It must pull the viewer in right away. It is a risky move that a lot of shows fail in doing, but My S0-Called Life luckily pulls it off.
8. The West Wing
Who doesn't love the epic journey of President Bartlett and his presidential staff? Well, The West Wing is considered one of the greatest shows of the last twenty years. The opening sequence proves the epic nature of the show. Waving flags amongst the activities of the presidential cabinet, it is reminiscent of pictures and film of past presidents. There are no words that follow the tale that the sequence tells the viewer, but the words would ruin what the music telling.
7. Friends
What list of the best television opening sequences could be complete without the much beloved Friends. "I'll Be There for You" echoes throughout the sequence. It tells the viewer that not only is this show about a group of friends, which the title of the show clearly reflects, but these friends embody the words spoken by the Remembrandts. Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and of course, Joey jump around in a water fountain dancing and singing in a care free attitude to the song as the sequence progresses. The later seasons replaced the fountain dancing scene with a montage of scenes having to due with each character, but it doesn't quite tell the story the fountain opening sequence did. We all want friends like the ones on Friends, and the opening sequence reinforces this.
6. The Wonder Years
A cover of the Beatles song "A Little Help From My Friends", Joe Cocker sings amongst the perceived home video footage of Kevin, his family, and his best friend Paul. It takes the Beatles song to a whole new level and acknowledges the greatest the original held. Every time I watch the opening sequence it makes me excited to see the rest of the show, no matter how many times I have watched the particular episode.
5. Freaks and Geeks
The show was about the freaks and the geeks in high school. Two groups who really don't care about their reputation with their own show (no rich high school students in California here). Well the theme song hits the nail on the head as the chorus "I don't give a damn about my reputation" blares at you through the television. Each main character comes in front of the camera for a posed "school photo"; the freaks intertwined with the geeks representing the character they are portraying. It is definitely one of the most unique opening sequences ever made for a television series.
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Nerf Herder always gets me pumped up for some Buffy dusting vamp action. With the characters intertwined with scenes from the show, the opening sequence embodies everything of what that show is about. Joss Wheadon really knows how to make an opening sequence. Angel is also another one of my favorite sequences, but I didn't have room to give it a spot on this list. What is great about this opening sequence is that whenever you hear the music, you immediately know that Buffy is about to kick some ass in the next hour of great television viewing.
3. South Park
Ever since the first episode of South Park back in the late 90's, the theme song for the show pulls you in to the terrible animated paper doll imagery, but great television writing. The first season there was a pair of hands putting together each of the four main characters letting you know that this show was different from the others and was not going to hold anything back. The opening sequence has changed a bit since its introduction (no more hands, less paper doll-like characters), but still has the dorky song that tells you all about the great town of South Park, Colorado.
2. Veronica Mars
Not very often does the theme song and the opening sequence match-up as well as Veronica Mars' succeeded in. The show is about Veronica Mars who used to be friends with most of the main characters on the show. An outsider who is ostracized by the rest of her fellow classmates, nothing bothers Veronica. That is why these main characters "used" to be her friends. The Dandy Wharhols great song encompasses what the show is about, how Veronica feels about these characters, and what we will learn from the show. One of my favorite introductions to the opening sequence was in the third or fourth episode when Veronica is telling Wallace about the missing girl that her Dad's private detective agency is assigned to, Wallace asks how she knows so much about the girl, and Veronica responds "a long time ago, we used to be friends." It is totally ingenious by Rob Thomas and solidifies why this show has one of the best opening sequences.
1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
No other show deserves this top spot other than Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The opening sequence is a story within the story of the show. It is the background of the main character Will told to the audience before every episode. How did Will end up in Bel-Air, well he is gonna tell you in a nice little "rap" (I still don't call what Will Smith does Rap). Most people can recite it giving it that extra push for the number one spot on this list. It is a great sequence that stayed with the show throughout most of its existence. Longevity, recognition, and great music is why The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wins for best television opening sequence. Smell ya later!
To begin my account of televisions greatest, I will start with the top (or in my opinion, as I am writing this) opening credit sequences. One might ask, what makes a great opening credit sequence? Well first: great music. Annoying music can ruin an opening sequence. The song in Firefly always gets me and after the third or fourth episode, I skipped the One Tree Hill opening song. Music pulls the viewer in and captures their attention. It connects the introductory scene to show itself. Second: It needs to tell the story of the show. The opening sequence needs to tell me what the show is about and what I am going to learn as the show continues. If I were to just see the opening sequence, it should give me an introduction to the show. Third, and finally: the music needs to connect to the story that the opening sequence is telling. I mean, it is great that The OC takes place in California and the music that goes along with the opening credits makes it obviously for about a minute of my time, but it doesn't tell me anything about what I am going to learn from the show. It is a nice montage though.
Finally, the list of the best opening sequences
10.The Drew Carey Show
Where does the show take place? Cleveland. Why? Because it rocks. The opening sequence introduces us to the exciting lives of life in and out of the office for a one Drew Carey. First the entire cast, plus the many extras that live in the wonderful town of Cleveland, run down the street. We hear over and over that Cleveland Rocks, which the many scenes of fun activities that Drew, Lewis, Oswald, Kate, and of course, Mimi do proves their stance. From Indians games to hanging out by Lake Erie to relishing in the awe and wonder at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, why wouldn't everyone want to hang out at the Warsaw Tavern. This opening sequence wasn't introduced until episode 3 of the third season, but it finally encapsulates what the show was about: a comedy, about a bunch of friends, who live in a Cleveland.
9. My So-Called Life
What makes this opening sequence great is that it tells the story of this short lived series in about one minute and 4 seconds. Angela tells about her so-called life through her actions, interactions, and reactions through a montage of scenes from the show which is nicely paired with one of the best opening sequence music. The music is soft in the right places and climactic in others. It pulls the viewer in and reminds them what the show is about and leaves them wanting more. What makes this opening sequence difference from most is that it is the first thing the viewer sees. It doesn't have an introductory scene that can lead the viewer into the opening sequence. It must pull the viewer in right away. It is a risky move that a lot of shows fail in doing, but My S0-Called Life luckily pulls it off.
8. The West Wing
Who doesn't love the epic journey of President Bartlett and his presidential staff? Well, The West Wing is considered one of the greatest shows of the last twenty years. The opening sequence proves the epic nature of the show. Waving flags amongst the activities of the presidential cabinet, it is reminiscent of pictures and film of past presidents. There are no words that follow the tale that the sequence tells the viewer, but the words would ruin what the music telling.
7. Friends
What list of the best television opening sequences could be complete without the much beloved Friends. "I'll Be There for You" echoes throughout the sequence. It tells the viewer that not only is this show about a group of friends, which the title of the show clearly reflects, but these friends embody the words spoken by the Remembrandts. Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and of course, Joey jump around in a water fountain dancing and singing in a care free attitude to the song as the sequence progresses. The later seasons replaced the fountain dancing scene with a montage of scenes having to due with each character, but it doesn't quite tell the story the fountain opening sequence did. We all want friends like the ones on Friends, and the opening sequence reinforces this.
6. The Wonder Years
A cover of the Beatles song "A Little Help From My Friends", Joe Cocker sings amongst the perceived home video footage of Kevin, his family, and his best friend Paul. It takes the Beatles song to a whole new level and acknowledges the greatest the original held. Every time I watch the opening sequence it makes me excited to see the rest of the show, no matter how many times I have watched the particular episode.
5. Freaks and Geeks
The show was about the freaks and the geeks in high school. Two groups who really don't care about their reputation with their own show (no rich high school students in California here). Well the theme song hits the nail on the head as the chorus "I don't give a damn about my reputation" blares at you through the television. Each main character comes in front of the camera for a posed "school photo"; the freaks intertwined with the geeks representing the character they are portraying. It is definitely one of the most unique opening sequences ever made for a television series.
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Nerf Herder always gets me pumped up for some Buffy dusting vamp action. With the characters intertwined with scenes from the show, the opening sequence embodies everything of what that show is about. Joss Wheadon really knows how to make an opening sequence. Angel is also another one of my favorite sequences, but I didn't have room to give it a spot on this list. What is great about this opening sequence is that whenever you hear the music, you immediately know that Buffy is about to kick some ass in the next hour of great television viewing.
3. South Park
Ever since the first episode of South Park back in the late 90's, the theme song for the show pulls you in to the terrible animated paper doll imagery, but great television writing. The first season there was a pair of hands putting together each of the four main characters letting you know that this show was different from the others and was not going to hold anything back. The opening sequence has changed a bit since its introduction (no more hands, less paper doll-like characters), but still has the dorky song that tells you all about the great town of South Park, Colorado.
2. Veronica Mars
Not very often does the theme song and the opening sequence match-up as well as Veronica Mars' succeeded in. The show is about Veronica Mars who used to be friends with most of the main characters on the show. An outsider who is ostracized by the rest of her fellow classmates, nothing bothers Veronica. That is why these main characters "used" to be her friends. The Dandy Wharhols great song encompasses what the show is about, how Veronica feels about these characters, and what we will learn from the show. One of my favorite introductions to the opening sequence was in the third or fourth episode when Veronica is telling Wallace about the missing girl that her Dad's private detective agency is assigned to, Wallace asks how she knows so much about the girl, and Veronica responds "a long time ago, we used to be friends." It is totally ingenious by Rob Thomas and solidifies why this show has one of the best opening sequences.
1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
No other show deserves this top spot other than Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The opening sequence is a story within the story of the show. It is the background of the main character Will told to the audience before every episode. How did Will end up in Bel-Air, well he is gonna tell you in a nice little "rap" (I still don't call what Will Smith does Rap). Most people can recite it giving it that extra push for the number one spot on this list. It is a great sequence that stayed with the show throughout most of its existence. Longevity, recognition, and great music is why The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wins for best television opening sequence. Smell ya later!
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