Sunday, September 29, 2013

Doctor Who


The Show
 

On November 23rd, 1963, at 5:15pm, the first ever episode of an enigmatic new science fiction series was first broadcast by the BBC. Two months shy of fifty years later, the show is not only still running, but is more popular now than it ever has been before! New waves of generations continue to be enthralled by the mysteries 'Doctor', a time traveller running from his past and his people. He is alone, the last off his kind, however he always manages to find companionship amongst the friends he meets along the way. What is so unique, so special about this show are the endless possibilities. Each story can be set in any time or anywhere in the universe (and beyond). Massive international cult followings and captivating story arcs have kept this show going strong for the better part of half a century.


The Doctors
 
There is one Doctor, the man whose real name is never known but whose reputation echoes throughout all of time and space. He is a man of many faces due to his time lord ability to regenerate each time his body dies. One of the most ingenious plot devices that ever paid off, audiences have experienced the adventures of 12 different, yet the same, doctors.
 
 
 
William Hartnel (1963-1966)
 
 
 
Patrick Troughton (1966- 1969)
 
 
 
 
Jon Pertwee (1970- 1974)
 
 
 
Tom Baker (1974- 1981)
 
 
 
Peter Davison (1981- 1984)
 

 
 
Colin Baker (1984- 1986)
 
 
 
Sylvester McCoy (1987- 1989)
 
 
 
Pail McGann (1996)
 
 
 
Christopher Eccleston (2005)
 

 
David Tennant (2005- 2010)
 
 

 
Matt Smith (2010- 2013)
 
 

 
Peter Capaldi (2013- ????)
 
 
 
With the 50th anniversary and the regeneration between Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi fast approaching, anticipation among the millions of fans seems to be overwhelming. What will finally be revealed about the Doctor and his past? How will the 11th Doctor die? And how the hell does John Hurt fit in as a 'forgotten' doctor? All will be revealed, as is promised by current show runner Stephen Moffat, yet considering it has taken 50 years to reach this point where we still know so little about the Doctor and his secrets, something tells me only more questions will be asked before answered.
 
 

  Watch the current opening title sequence for series 7 part 2






Watch this fan-made tribute to 50 years of Doctor Who!
 
 
I am a shameless fanatic of this fantastic show, and can't wait to see just what happens next, it could, literally, be anything!
 
Thanks heaps!
 
Sean.
 
 


Friday, September 27, 2013

Friends

FRIENDS (1994-2004)

The moment I've been waiting for!! Friends is my all time favourite series. I have watched all the series at least six times and I laugh just as hard as I did the first time! The sereies is loved by many and if you don't believe me, the series finale of friends (236th episode) was aired on May 6 2004 and was watched by 51.1 million American viewers. This episode is the fourth most watched series finale in television history and the most watched episode of the decade. This goes to show that through their ups and downs and complicated relationships throughout the series, they are all the best 'Friends' anyone could ever have.


What a transformation - Then and Now



Full name of Characters




• Rachel Karen Green - a former popular girl in high school living off of daddy's money, became independent once she moved in with Monica in New York.







Ross Eustace Geller -  a paleontologist and over the series has had three divorces, one of which was his first wife who became a lesibian and gave birth to his son Ben and the other Rachel Green who in the last season gave birth to a daughter Emma.




Monica E. Geller (we never know what the E stands for)a chef,  a clean freak and very neurotic about it. Marries Chandler but can not have children naturally so their only option was to adopt.








Joseph Francis Tribbiani Jr.-  Joey is a not-so-bright but sweet actor who play a doctor on the series Days of our Lives. Was roomates with Chandler before moving in with Monica and later Rachel who after having the baby moved in with Ross.









Phoebe Buffay (she never knew her middle name because she never saw her birth certificate)She is a free spirited masseuse who sings crazy songs like "Smelly Cat". Is set up with Mike by Joey and marries him after realising their love for each other.







Chandler Muriel Binglaid back and uses humor as a defense mechanism, roomates with Joey and both live across the hall from Monica whom he later develops a marriage with and adopts twins - a boy and a girl.







10 Interesting Facts
1) Originally the show was going to focus on four characters Monica, Ross, Rachel and Joey. Joey and Phoebe were supporting characters.
2) Monica and Joey were intended to be the main couple of the series
3) Ellen DeGeneres turned down the role of Phoebe
4) Bruce Willis guest stared on the show for free
5) Season two is the only season without a Thanksgiving episode
6)  During the character development of Chandler, they were considering making his character gay
7) The iconic orange lounge in Central Perk was found in the basement of Warner Bros studio
8) Gunther was not an original speaking part on the show he just knew how to work an espresso machine
9) The fridge in Monica's apartment was used by the cast and workers of the show where they would keep their drinks.
10) In their early episode they were earning $22, 500 per episode, by the end of the series they were making $1million per episode.

10 things you can learn from the series

1) How to pick up
2) Incorrect dating protocol
3) Telling someone they're their soulmate

4) How to feel in the real world
5) The importance of exercising
6) We all have problems
7) Men should never do your make-up
8) The importance of weddings
9) Avoiding confronation


10) True friendship lasts forever






Hope you enjoyed this post about my favourite television seires!!
Be sure to tell me your favourite bits on the show and I'll post them up!


-Amanda

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Breaking Bad

    There is a tension in the air this week. Millions of loyal fans are holding their breath in anticipation, as each day draws closer to the grand finale of AMC's Breaking Bad.  Its been an extraordinary rollercoaster ride as we have watched the rise and fall of Walter White and the chaos his journey has inflicted upon the lives of those he was close to. The "Study of Change" of Walter's character is almost complete, yet absolutely anything could happen in Monday night's epic conclusion.


****Please note, this post may contain SPOILERS.****


If you haven't seen the show yet (I'm judging you) then the premise alone should be enough to get you to want to see it:

    Introducing Mr Walter White, a mild mannered and somewhat passive high school chemistry teacher who has just been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Devastated and fearing that his family wont survive financially without him,  he recruits the street knowledge of a former student, Jesse Pinkman, who himself has become a failed meth dealer. Together they cook and distribute Crystal Meth that is of superior purity to any other competition, largely due to Walter's extensive
chemistry knowledge. What started out as a desperate last ditch attempt at making a lot of much needed money fast, Walt and Jesse find themselves in the brutal drug world of New Mexico and develop a seriously powerful reputation in the process. Walter must keep his darkest secrets from his family and also his brother in law Hank, who is a DEA agent hot on the heels of Walt's growing drug empire.

But how will it all end? In last week's penultimate episode, we saw a broken Walter, his empire crushed, his family gone and his former partner and friend held captive. Everyone has deserted him, and his work seems to have been for nothing. Jaded and broken, he tried to assume a new identity. But how can he when there his business left to attend to? Thinking back to the enigmatic flash forwards, we see Walter return home, heavily armed and with nothing to lose. But what will he do? Will his last efforts be an act of revenge, or redemption? Only time will tell!!


Its a deeply sad feeling knowing that in 5 days time, there will be no more Breaking Bad. The story will be over, and we as an audience will be left to cope with the aftershock of the concluding series of events.  Click on the link below to visit the official AMC Breaking Bad Page and don't forget to comment your thoughts on what will happen in the final episode!!


AMC Breaking Bad Official Website

Stay tuned for more blog posts from me. Up next, 50 years young, we reveal the secrets behind the global Sci-fi phenomenon Doctor Who! Until then!


Sean.


Game Of Thrones


Game of thrones

Game of Thrones is a great book that transcending well into a great on screen television show. It has three successful seasons on television sets around the world, so far, with session four being filmed now. It takes a turn on historically facts and sprinkles some fantasy, power play, kingdoms, warriors and dragons. Game of thrones is a fantasy drama has amazing actors and amazing scenery linking together the great writing of George R.R. Martin!!

What It’s About

Game of Thrones has so many characters, and so many sub-stories, but the easiest and best way to explain what Game of Thrones is about … it follows several noble houses interlocked in a war for the iron throne of the land. Between the wars and battles and forthcoming supernatural horrors such as dragons and White walkers. Game of Thrones is also renowned as a book and series that has no shame in killing main characters.

Stand Out Characters In It

The show has over 257 named characters. Even the main cast list is longer then most, however these are the stand out’s in the show:

Tyrion Lannister played by Peter Dinklage is one of the most loved characters, and is the George R.R. Martin’s favorite character is has written into the books. His wit and humor is portrayed perfectly by the actor Peter.


Jon Snow Played by Kit Harington, is the lovable Bastard son of Ned stark. His character is a young adult who joins the Black watch for honor and loyalty.


Arya Stark Played by Maisie Williams is a tomboy daughter of Ned stark, she grows and shows so much power and strength throughout the show and will most likely be one of few characters that is not killed.


Queen Cersei Played brilliantly by Lena Headey, he strong and demanding character is clever and spiteful and extremely beautiful. Though it is very clear that she is so much more then a pretty face and is a force to be reckoned with.


King Joffrey is magnificently played by Jack Gleeson, the very cruel and unforgiving young king makes viewers hate him as much as the masses in the show.


Daenerys Targaryen played by Emilia Clarke, is a beautiful rising queen, who finds strength and power within herself to gather an army to take back the crown. She also has the only three dragons in the world.




And so many more characters that bring the show to life!


Why it’s awesome

It takes fantasy kingdom dragons to a whole new level, with amazing scenery, great acting and action and mature scenes taking from a fantastic book, what could go wrong. It adapted the book very well, with direct guidance with the writer George R.R Martin. With 13 episodes per season, it is definitely worth a watch. Not only are the next few seasons going to be excited, but they will also tell us what the white walkers are going to do!


Have you watched it?  What did you think? Did you hate it? Tell me why? Have you read the books before or after watching the series?

-Laura 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Arrow - finale tonight!


Hi again – Hannah here J

This week’s post will be focused on the new TV show “Arrow”. Arrow is an action-packed 43-minute episode that follows that life of Oliver Queen (aka, Arrow) after life deserted on an island for five years. Arrow is based on DC Comics – “Green Arrow”. I am not going to lie; I myself am a massive Superman and Smallville nerd. This is how I was introduced to Green Arrow, through watching Smallville (a show based on the life of Superman in his teenage years). When an ad came on TV advertising Arrow, I instantly remembered the character, did a bit of Google-ing, watched the pilot episode, and voila – I’m hooked to this show! This show provides its own take on the life of Oliver Queen – the bad boy yet superhero. It features an amazing cast and crew, with actors and actresses who have previously starred on The OC, Smallville, and the hit show Gossip Girl themselves (which Amanda is discussing). Aired on channel 9.

Arrow is a US show that first aired in October 2012. It is a very recent TV show, less than a year old. It is currently running its second season – receiving favourable reviews – no doubt aided by the presence of hunky actor Steve Amell taking the lead role. The show focuses on Queen’s life, his job, his friendships, relationships, family secrets, his love of crime and vengeance, and his benevolent yet extremely sexy need to keep the city safe and rid of all nasties.

Here is a video I found showing his sex appeal. ;) Seriously, how does this alone not entice you to watch the show?!?


The majority of the show’s cast is in their mid to late 20s, and therefore aims to cater for this audience. However, myself and my two younger siblings (22, 12, and 15 respectively), all love this TV show. My parents even watch it on occasion. Personally, I think what makes this show a hit is that it is based on DC Comics, a successful comic, and therefore has more legitimacy to its storyline than just a show “written” for the cameras alone. I think evolving a comic book into a TV show was a big marketable success, and is hard to do it right, as many avid readers would naturally be very critical to its take on the classic fictitious storyline.

This show contains enough drama, juice, and action to make up your night. So sit back, pour a glass of red (or white), select some crackers to nibble on when the action gets critical, and relax J

ALSO, don't forget to tune into the FINALE of season 1 Arrow tonight (in Australia: channel 9!) It's going to be a BIG hit finding out all the mysteries, secrets, and lies!

-Hannah

Friday, September 20, 2013

Gossip Girl

GOSSIP GIRL

Gossip Girl is an unforgettable series. It is an American teen drama television series featuring six seasons. In this post l will introduce my favourite characters, quotes and memes!!



Starring

The main characters of this series are Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass, Serena van der Woodsen, Nate Archibald and Dan Humphrey whom are all good friends.


Blair Waldorf
Blair Waldorf was born into high society on Manhattan's exclusive Upper East Side. Her sense of superiority is a suggested attempt to maintain social prominence. In spite of competition with her best friend Serena, Blair has a focus on her academic achievements through hard work.









Chuck Bass

Chuck Bass is a self-made billionaire who owns the New York Palace Hotel. In the first two season he known as a bad boy but in following seasons a softer side to his personality can be seen for the people he cares about, specifically his romance with Blair Waldorf.











Serena van der Woodsen

Serena is regarded as the "it" girl of the Upper East side. Serena has a complicated life. Her return back has made her realised a lot has changed and that she herself needs a change and new beginning. Serena's feelings and romance with Dan Humphery has been a rollercoaster ride adding to the complication however in the finale realise their love for each other.






Nate Archibald


Nate is considered to be the "golden boy of the Upper East Side."  Nate has a troubled family. Nate shares a deep relationship with Chuck and finds love for both his season 1 girlfriend Blair and best friend Serena. He a a numerous of romances which have been unsuccessful. He remain single at the end of the series as he aspires a future in politics.










Dan Humphrey

Dan "Lonely Boy" Humphrey is a poet who is clever, witty and patient; he works hard for what he wants and normally achieves his goals. He is enemies with Chuck Bass and becomes best friends with Nate Archibald. Since ninth grade he has longed for Serena and revealed himself as the blogger Gossip Girl to win Serena and write himself up in the Upper East Side.







Quotes

Blair: "Whoever said money doesn't but happiness didn't know where to shop"
Chuck: "If two people are meant to be together, eventually they'll find their way back"
Serena: "We make our own fairytales"
Nate: "You don't give up just because things are hard"
Dan: "Maybe you were so focused on how everyone else perceives you that you no longer know who you are"

Memes




Like what you see? It's not too late so start watching!
Get back to me about what you like and don't like!


Amanda. XO XO