For Your Viewing Pleasure: Top Gear Season 10

Yes, I am reviewing Top Gear Season 10, or as they say across the pond Series 10. Since it is being realized today to the public for viewing on your television after you buy it at a lovely large retail chain, I wanted to admit that this season was pretty kick ass. Being one who watched many of the episodes because one Travis made me and also because I secretly was watching them on my own. What happened during Season 10? Well two of my fav Top Gear moments.

First we have motorhome racing. Being a child of parents who didn't realize they weren't 70 years old and dragged me around the country to motorhome rallies and taught me all about the differences between Newmar and Country Coach (yea, you don't knwo what that is), I appreciated this challenge. Richard Hammond figured that since most drivers use motorhomes as their vehicles transportation and then the drivers sleeping accommodations, life would be much easier for the driver if you just made a motorhome that could double as the accommodations and also the racecar. With this innovative idea, the guys then raced motorhomes, which really might sound like a great idea, but in the end, would a racecar driver really want to race a large home on wheels even if it does have a bathroom.

Of course, the second fav was the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment with David Tennent, I mean the Doctor, I mean the old doctor? Whatev, still lost to Billie Piper, aka Rose, aka the Doctors former companion, even if Billie cut the hammerhead corner in her episode. Maybe you should have worn a black see through top David. If only he had the TARDIS...wait a second!:

If the Captain met the Doctor

Nooo David Tennant, NOOO!

Upon hearing David Tennant's announcement that he will be done as the 10th incarnation of the Doctor after these forthcoming four specials for this year, I cried, yelled, and cried again. Apparently he had already decided going into the role in 2005 that he was only going to do it for three years. Three years? Three years for the Doctor? Seriously. You are considered one of the top actors in British television and you felt it was only suitable stay in the role for three years? I understand that you don't want to be typecasted or whatever other stupid reasons for leaving the show, but you don't understand the necessary reasons for you to stay on the television series. Here are my reasons why you, David Tennant, should rethink this stupid decision to leave Doctor Who:

1. You are my favorite Doctor. This was a hard decision for me of course. You cannot make these decisions lightly. Really, it was down between you and Tom Baker, the fourth doctor, and you. I always like Tom Baker's awesome scarf, but your sassy sense of humor totally beat him out. Besides, your incarnation's knowledge of pop culture totally won me over.

2. You made Geek Chic awesome again. Who can pull off a better skinny suit than you?

3. The Doctor can only regenerate 12 times. That means he only has two more shots at it, which also means you, David Tennant, are making the possibility of Doctor Who lasting longer than Top Gear, a slim possibility. Only three more people can become the Doctor. Maybe those people will stick around longer than three years.

4. As much as a love Doctor Who, I totally get confused whenever a regeneration occurs. I am already used to one face, character, incarnation, and then I have to suddenly get used to another face, character, incarnation. This is hard work. Super hard work. Not only will I have to get used to another Doctor, but most likely another companion, unless you pick up one in these specials that you are using as a nice gesture for your early departure.

5. I have to wait an entire year until they introduce the next Doctor, so during all of these specials I am just going to keep thinking that you are going to die or something bad is going to happen (which I guess death is also bad too, but I couldn't think of any other examples). I am also going to be thinking who the next Doctor is going to be, and then when they announce who the next Doctor is, I will just start imagining them in the role, instead of you. How does that make you feel?

David Tennant, you have made me sad.

Don't Blink. Blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't Blink. Good Luck.

When did tv shows become so partisan

When I watch television I don't think that the particular show I am watching will fulfill my partisan lining, but apparently according to the Nelson Ratings system, people of certain partying leanings watch similar television. I could understand this if it was all obvious leanings, such as Republicans watch the Bill Engvall Show and Democrats watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. These are actual television show party leanings, but there are other shows that I wouldn't think would have such leanings. Maybe that is because I watch them, and I don't understand why they would be popular amongst democrats and not republicans, and vice versa.


Looking at the Democrat leanings, I immediately look at I Love New York. What makes that show more akin to the party of the people as opposed to Rock of Love which is more akin to the Grand Ole Party. I am pretty sure I watch both and that most people I know watch both. They are both on VH1, many times would air following each other, but still have party leanings. I could stereotype here to figure out why they have their particular partisan alignment, but I will do that in my head, as you are probably doing right now. Eff it, essentially what they are saying is a show about a crazy black woman Democrats like and a show featuring an entire house full of rednecks would obviously be favorable to Republicans.

What makes this list even more interesting is aligning your television show watching with the particular partisan audience it matches up to. I like South Park, Doctor Who, The Colbert Report, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but none of the shows that are supposedly equal to both party television watchers. Does that make me a flip flopper because I don't specifically align myself with my fellow party television watchers? Should I start watching Damages because I am a Republican, because I can't stand that show? Or, should I start watching Ax men because I am a democrat because I don't particularly like any of those crazy job shows on the History Channel. I would really like someone to explain to me why a British show has a Republican leaning, that still doesn't make sense to me. Maybe it is because The Doctor wears those nice suits. Republicans like their suits.

Lets follow that up with some crazy Doctor Who news

Awesomes...


'Children in Need' Could United All Surviving Doctors
(stolen from Wired)

Sunday was a big day for Doctor Who news -- or at least for a fierce rumor fans hope is genuine Who news.

November's BBC Children in Need telethon made it a tradition in recent years to feature some sort of Who special as part of its fundraiser programming. Last year's show offered a Steven Moffat-written mini-episode, "Time Crash," bringing together current Doctor David Tennant and '80s version Peter Davison.

Now, reports claim the seven surviving actors who played The Doctor will reunite for this year's special. That means Tennant and Davison would join Tom Baker, Colin Baker, Sylvestor McCoy, Paul McGann and Christopher Eccleston for a reunion fans thought was impossible.

As for the 10th version of the Time Lord, Tennant is either walking away at the end of 2009's four special episodes, or he's looking to sign on through 2011. The only announcement on the situation that matters will come from the BBC and Tennant.

Now all we have to hope for is a Doctor Who movie and I am set, well not for life because that would mean that I have little to live for, but it would make things better. Veronica Mars movie might set me for life. Rob Thomas, you know you want to make it...yes, you do.

Don't mock me!

Can Cyberman get upset?... no Richard Hammond they can not

Philosophy messes with my mind

After trying to read for class tomorrow and ending up throwing my book across the room, I have decided that Quine does a very terrible job at describing space and time. Seriously, is it that hard? You are a philosopher and you think you know everything about philosophizing. You don't though because I know someone who can explain this whole space and time thing better than you effing can. Yup I do. Who you ask? Oh, he's a doctor.



Don't Blink...

Now Available for Your Viewing Pleasure: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection 3

I love this show because it makes traveling anywhere look like a fun place to party. The travel channel can be so mundane at times, but Anthony Bourdain makes sure his television show is never mundane. Whether it is trekking through Tibet to find Shangrala, hanging out in Tijuana, or wandering ruins in Turkey, Anthony knows how to have fun anywhere. Collection 3 takes you on more journeys of Anthonys as he wanders the world smoking cigarettes and drinking whenever possible. He goes to more exciting places from Moscow, to French Polynesia, to even Los Angeles. Anthony Bourdain makes Samantha Brown look like the Mister Rogers of traveling. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection 3 should be added to any Travel Channel addicts dvd collection.

Available today at dvd selling stores everywhere.

Also available:
For the whovian: Doctor Who Five Doctors 25th Anniversary Collection
For the aspiring Conservative teenager: Family Ties The Complete Fourth Season
For the Trekkie: Star Trek The Second Season REMASTERED...yea, I know you're excited

Law and Order: London?

For the past 18 years, ever since 1990, the Law and Order universe has pretty much had a monopoly over American law drama. It is played at least 5 times a day on cable and has three currently running series on NBC. Now Dick Wolf in his effort to pretty much take over the western world has decided to create a Law and Order: London. The premise of Law and Order: London will be the same as the original, except they are going to rework scripts to make them relevant to British Law. So pretty much, Dick Wolf wants to take his claim on British television along with his dominance of American television. Right now the series will air on ITV in Britain, but will most likely air on American television on Bravo or USA.


The series will be headed by Chris Chibnall, lead writer and co-producer of Torchwood. Fellow Torchwood producer, Richard Stokes will produce the series. Keeping it in the Doctor Who family, Freema Agyeman is casted to play the main prosecutor (or barrister, or whatever they call them over there), with Jamie Bamber from Battlestar Galactica as a police officer.


Not quite sure what to think of this yet, but I have watched every other series that has come out of the Law and Order universe, so this probably won't be that different. I really want to see how the writing is going to be with Chibnall as the lead writer because Law and Order and Torchwood don't really have similar writing styles. Maybe this will be an improvement for the franchise, or maybe it will just continue the creation of more mundane shows spewing from Wolf Films. I still like SVU you though, everything else just seems like the same mediocre thing.

The series is slated to premiere in Britain in 2009.

Hitler is a Torchwood fan

After watching a bunch of Comic Con clips, I found another Downfall edited video, but this time it is Hitler discussing his obsession and disappointment with the Torchwood season finale. If you are pretty well versed in the Doctor Who universe this will be hilarious, otherwise if you are a typical American who doesn't watch British science fiction television, it won't really make any sense. It is still hilarious though and should still be watched.



The best part is the Whedon slight in the middle. Seriously though, who does Russell T. Davies think he is?

"Ladies, your viewing figures just went up"

Secret Diary of a Call Girl

This show is my new addiction. It is a British show about the life and the daily activities of Belle/ Hannah, a call girl in London. Based on the blog of a real London call girl, Secret Diary of a Call Girl doesn’t shy away from the risqué nature you would expect from a show with its premise. It stars the former companion of the Doctor, Rose aka Billie Piper. What is great about this show and is probably the cause of its addicting nature, is that the show is in diary format. So along with you and Belle, it is told in first person. Belle constantly talks to the screen telling the viewer the necessary things to understand her life as a call girl, and even her life as Hannah (her everyday, non call girl, alter ego).

Belle has an interesting life. She doesn’t think of herself as a “girl’s” girl, even though she has to maintain that image for her job. She has problems making friends with other girls because they are never interested in the same things she is. Finally, the complicated relationship she has with her best friend Ben keeps you on your feet the entire first season. Her life as Hannah isn’t much different from anyone else, except for the fact that she keeps her family and friends in the dark about her occupational activities.

Showtime wanted to rewrite the show and recast it for American audiences placing Belle in an American city and all the boring things that follow in American remakes of British television series (i.e. Coupling, and soon to follow Life on Mars). Luckily Showtime execs came to their senses and decided that the show was perfect the way it was in its British capacity. They are now showing it on Showtime in the United States. The second season is in the works for British television and will, hopefully, finish by the end of the year.

My Favorite Shows Currently On Air

10. Mad Men
I am excited for the premiere of the second season starting in July. This show was an unexpected suprise last summer and carriered on being a great show all the way to the season finale. Who doesn't love the great age of constant smoking and constant drinking of the 1960s. Yes women were only secretaries and men were total douche bag misogynists, but Mad Men doesn't shy from showing the viewer exactly what life was like in the advertizing world in 1960s. I was like a show that doesn't try to avoid political incorrectness.


9. No Reservations
Anthony Bourdain I love you. Who wouldn't love a bad ass chef who travels the world and has a great time doing it. I watch a lot of shows on the travel channel (I love you too Samantha Brown), but Anthony rocks them all with his carefree attitude and constant reckless adventures. New Season starting in two weeks and I can't wait.

8. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Pretty much Seinfeld in a bar and more funny. The episodic nature of the show is what pulls you in. You don't have to watch the entire season to know what is happening in each episode (but I would still recommend watching the entire season). The writers of this show, who are also the actors, don't shy away from any issue regardless of its taboo nature. It just finished up its third season with the addition of Danny Devito joining the acting cast.





7. Top Chef
As someone who can't cook this show makes me want to get up and go make something. As much as I would like to do that, I know that isn't going to happen, but we can wish. Each season is pretty much the same, but I still love it. Bravo and their professional job shows are great. I like reality television that has actual accomplished chefs competing and not the shitty ones that are on Hell's kitchen.

6. The L Word
Ahh, who doesn't love the L Word. Probably my guilty pleasure, but the show is great. It is Sex and the City with Lesbians (what could be better?). Going into its 6th and final season I will miss the girls of West Hollywood and their sex obsessed selves. Besides, we know we will all miss Shane. From beginning to end, I think I can only name one bad season ( erm ..4).



5. Friday Night Lights
This was one of the best shows to air for the 2006 Fall lineup but still people don't watch it. It is about football, but the show is excellently written and the direction is amazing. I don't think NBC knew how to market it and that was why the show never really got the audience it deserved. The show is on hiatus write now and will air in the fall on some obscure cable channel. Then NBC is going to try to air it on regular programming again in January.

4. Torchwood
Never had a show been so unbashful about homosexuality. Yes pretty much the entire cast has had a homosexual experience, but that isn't the focus of the show. Focuses on the Doctor Who organization Torchwood that investigates alien activity on Earth. The Characters have so much depth and the writing is great. Also any show that brings in James Marsters as a guest star (aka Spike from Buffy/Angel) has my vote. Also British television is so much more risque than American, and who doesn't love a Welsh accent.





3. Battlestar Galactica
Who ever though a Military Space Show would be so addicting. Just finishing the first half of its fourth season, the show just keeps you pulled in as Galactica trys to find the mysterious Earth. Every year the Academy of Television Arts ignores BSG for its top ten drama list, but it still have one of the biggest cult followings of modern science fiction. Now going into its second half of the fourth and final season, we will all be excited to see whats in store for the crew of Galactica. After its done, what the frack are we gonna do then?

2. Flight of the Conchords
After an amazing and hilarious first season, HBO scored it big for this eccentric comedy. About two guys from New Zealand who sing in a band, Flight of the Conchords has pleased fans and critics alike. With a second season starting soon, Flight of the Conchords is still flying high after last weeks Emmy top shows list came out with Flight of the Conchords suprisingly (and well deservedl) gitting a spot on the top ten comedies of the year list.





1. Doctor Who
The fourth season finale is on Saturday and with the major cliffhanger they left me with last week, it looks like it is going to be amazing. If you haven't seen this show you are either not british or not really into sci fi. Well too bad. Because you really don't have to be into either to enjoy it and get addicted like every other whoniverse follower. Space travel had never been so much fun since the introduction of the tenth doctor. He better not be regenerated after last week's cliffhanger!