Hello faithful readers,
After a little debate, and much thought, I've decided to start a new blog. This one was a little meandering, and unfocused. I want to write something with a bit more...well, focus.
I'm many things:
A wife, a mother, a Christ follower, a writer, an actress, a woman, and a geek.
So, I want to write a blog that embraces all these things, mixes them up, and serves up some good verbal food for thought, debate, laughs, tears and so on.
Sarah Laughed was necessary because after Rosalind was born I was trying to figure out who I was in the midst of this major change in my life. No longer was just my husband and I, it was he and I and this beautiful, mysterious, all consuming little person. It's been hard to figure out how to be me while being a mother because so much of my life has been turned on it's ear in service to my darling daughter. I don't begrudge her any of this, on the contrary. I feel that becoming a mother has helped me find a more authentic self than I have before. I've had to examine why I believe things, what I want to pass onto Rosalind, and why. And through the course of all that, discover things about myself that I never saw before. And it's because of this that I feel that a new, fresh blog is in order. Hopefully this will be something lasting, something that will have the elasticity to grow with me. Sarah Laughed was created to be a bit too focused on life after infertility and pregnancy, when in reality my life has such a broader scope than that.
I hope you will come along with me. We'll be discussing books, of course. Movies, TV, web series, comics, games, motherhood, wifedom, the stresses of trying to be an Indie film/web series producer, the new horizons of being an author, and hopefully so much more.
The new blog is called "Free to be a Geek" and I hope you'll venture over there when you have time. you can read any blog, I hope you feel mine has a little something for you so you'll keep coming back, and tell your friends about it.
Thanks for following, me thus far. The journey has just begun.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Swing and a miss, Buffy's back.
My plan to write a weekly segment about "Buffy" was interrupted by a horrible stomach bug and my seven year old niece coming for a visit.
But I also realize that doing recaps may be a bit boring, I mean if you're reading this you probably already like "Buffy" and have seen most, if not all, the episodes. So, I've decided instead to just talk a little about the episodes I've watched and my impressions, fun facts, etc.
One thing I've noticed about Joss Whedon is that he uses the same actors over and over. And this isn't limited to the main characters either.
The actor that played The Judge in "Surprise" and "Innocence" in season two, played a main vampire minion of The Master in the first two episodes of season one.
The actor that plays a psycho vampire in season two's episode "Helpless" also plays the infamous "Raff" in season six.
The actress that portrays William's pre-vampire crush in season five's "Fool For Love" episode plays Anya's vengeance demon gal-pal Hallie. (A fact that is played up in season six when Dawn wishes everyone won't leave the house and Spike sees her. It's a nice "Yes we know, we know" moment from the producers.)
And the one that I missed until just recently: The actor that portrays the geek Andrew in Season six and seven played one of Harmony's vampire minions in season fives "The Real Me" episode.
There's some cross overs from other Wheddon shows; such as a "Firefly" actor playing an ex classmate of Buffy's who has been sired by Spike in season seven's "Conversations With Dead People". The actor was a guest star in one of the last "Firefly" episodes and is one of my favorite Whedon supporting actors.
Season two has one of the scariest (for me anyway) episodes: "Killed By Death". I made sure to watch during the day time but I was still clutching the pillow and cringing. There's just something about that episode that's too close to my childhood nightmares and fears.
The episode "Passion" is probably one of the best in terms of how hey told the story, in my opinion, but "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" is one of my favorites in this season. And in "I Only Have Eyes For You" David Boreanaz's performace inspired Whedon to do the spinoff series "Angel".
Season two wraps up, of course, with the nearly simultaneous curing (by Willow) and killing of Angel by Buffy. It must've just KILLED anyone watching the show at the time to be faced with an entire summer of waiting to see if Buffy would return to Sunnydale and if Angel would ever come back; I know I would've been swearing at the TV if I had been a fan then.
A real quick shameless plug for the new web series I am in called "The Collectibles." You can find us on FaceBook, and since I know you'll love the show when it airs, please "like" us. More news to follow about when and where you can view this hot new show.
But I also realize that doing recaps may be a bit boring, I mean if you're reading this you probably already like "Buffy" and have seen most, if not all, the episodes. So, I've decided instead to just talk a little about the episodes I've watched and my impressions, fun facts, etc.
One thing I've noticed about Joss Whedon is that he uses the same actors over and over. And this isn't limited to the main characters either.
The actor that played The Judge in "Surprise" and "Innocence" in season two, played a main vampire minion of The Master in the first two episodes of season one.
The actor that plays a psycho vampire in season two's episode "Helpless" also plays the infamous "Raff" in season six.
The actress that portrays William's pre-vampire crush in season five's "Fool For Love" episode plays Anya's vengeance demon gal-pal Hallie. (A fact that is played up in season six when Dawn wishes everyone won't leave the house and Spike sees her. It's a nice "Yes we know, we know" moment from the producers.)
And the one that I missed until just recently: The actor that portrays the geek Andrew in Season six and seven played one of Harmony's vampire minions in season fives "The Real Me" episode.
There's some cross overs from other Wheddon shows; such as a "Firefly" actor playing an ex classmate of Buffy's who has been sired by Spike in season seven's "Conversations With Dead People". The actor was a guest star in one of the last "Firefly" episodes and is one of my favorite Whedon supporting actors.
Season two has one of the scariest (for me anyway) episodes: "Killed By Death". I made sure to watch during the day time but I was still clutching the pillow and cringing. There's just something about that episode that's too close to my childhood nightmares and fears.
The episode "Passion" is probably one of the best in terms of how hey told the story, in my opinion, but "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" is one of my favorites in this season. And in "I Only Have Eyes For You" David Boreanaz's performace inspired Whedon to do the spinoff series "Angel".
Season two wraps up, of course, with the nearly simultaneous curing (by Willow) and killing of Angel by Buffy. It must've just KILLED anyone watching the show at the time to be faced with an entire summer of waiting to see if Buffy would return to Sunnydale and if Angel would ever come back; I know I would've been swearing at the TV if I had been a fan then.
A real quick shameless plug for the new web series I am in called "The Collectibles." You can find us on FaceBook, and since I know you'll love the show when it airs, please "like" us. More news to follow about when and where you can view this hot new show.
Friday, July 1, 2011
"Buffy" Season Two eps 7-12
It's Friday, which means it's time to talk Buffy.
"Lie to me" sees the appearance of an old friend of Buffy's from LA. Fun fact here: the actor that plays "Ford" is Jason Behr, who played tortured alien "Max" in the 1999 TV show "Roswell". But in this episode, Ford is not exactly tortured over his decision to trade Buffy to Spike for a chance at becoming a Vampire. At first this appears to be just totally insane and dickish, but he soon explains that he's dying any way, "In six months what they bury won't even look like me. It'll be bald, and it'll smell bad." I do have a moment of sympathy for the character, dying of cancer at any age is brutally unfair. Ford gets his wish, and becomes a vampire, only to have Buffy stake him the moment he's out of his grave.
"The Dark Ages" is when we see how truly dark and disturbing Giles was when he was younger. I love the reappearance of Ethan Raine, who was seriously under used in this show. He's got that "I'm diabolical and selfish, but ain't I kinda cute?" brashness about him, which is helped by the smarmy smiles and jabs at Ripper/Giles' transformation from bad ass demon raiser to tweed clad demon fighter. But the rather clumsy way they separate Jenni and Giles is pretty annoying. I mean really, would you break up with a hot English guy just because a demon he conjured like twenty years ago possess you for a couple hours?
"What's my line?" parts one and two are two of my FAVORITE episodes of this season. We've got some romantic Buffy and Angel action, with an interesting "Vampires on Ice" fight scene. Three interesting assassins, Oz and Willow FINALLY meeting and the first time Cordelia and Xander get all smoochy. The Latvian bug guy is the best assassin, and the scene of him raining his little buggy parts all over Cordy is one of the grosser things in this show. Funny moment: Xander is hosing the bugs off Cordy and there's a moment where he's pointing the hose at her chest and staring hypnotically. We also have the first appearance of slayer #2, Kendra, who accidentally helps Spike capture Angel so he can rejuvenate Drusilla. At the end of the show, the assassins are taken care of, Oz and Willow are cutely flirting over a box of animal crackers and Drusilla carries Spike out of the rubble of the burning building where they supposedly were killed.
"Ted" has one of the best guest stars in the entire show: John Ritter. He's truly chilling as Ted, a robot who's obsessed with Joyce and intent on getting Buffy out of the way. There's lots of great dialogue that points to the fact that good ole Ted isn't what he appears to be, but it's hidden in everyday phrases like "I'm just not wired that way" and "Oh, you mean 'The Machine'?" I adore John Ritter, have since "Three's Company" Dan made an interesting point that John Ritter is one of those actors who never quite found the right vehicle at the right moment. I wish he had.
"Bad Eggs" is an interesting body snatcher kind of ep with a huge pulsating blob that lives in the school basement (which let's be honest, EVERYTHING lives in the frickin' school basement). It honestly looks and feels a bit more alien than demon, but throw in some cowboy vampires with an ax to grind and you've got a pretty good one.
The show really hits it's stride this season, so many good one liners, with Xander delivering most of them. I know a lot of people talk about the angsty quality of this show, but compared to other teen vampire stories like "Twilight" I honestly don't mind. I think it's because it's angst with quality story telling.
"Lie to me" sees the appearance of an old friend of Buffy's from LA. Fun fact here: the actor that plays "Ford" is Jason Behr, who played tortured alien "Max" in the 1999 TV show "Roswell". But in this episode, Ford is not exactly tortured over his decision to trade Buffy to Spike for a chance at becoming a Vampire. At first this appears to be just totally insane and dickish, but he soon explains that he's dying any way, "In six months what they bury won't even look like me. It'll be bald, and it'll smell bad." I do have a moment of sympathy for the character, dying of cancer at any age is brutally unfair. Ford gets his wish, and becomes a vampire, only to have Buffy stake him the moment he's out of his grave.
"The Dark Ages" is when we see how truly dark and disturbing Giles was when he was younger. I love the reappearance of Ethan Raine, who was seriously under used in this show. He's got that "I'm diabolical and selfish, but ain't I kinda cute?" brashness about him, which is helped by the smarmy smiles and jabs at Ripper/Giles' transformation from bad ass demon raiser to tweed clad demon fighter. But the rather clumsy way they separate Jenni and Giles is pretty annoying. I mean really, would you break up with a hot English guy just because a demon he conjured like twenty years ago possess you for a couple hours?
"What's my line?" parts one and two are two of my FAVORITE episodes of this season. We've got some romantic Buffy and Angel action, with an interesting "Vampires on Ice" fight scene. Three interesting assassins, Oz and Willow FINALLY meeting and the first time Cordelia and Xander get all smoochy. The Latvian bug guy is the best assassin, and the scene of him raining his little buggy parts all over Cordy is one of the grosser things in this show. Funny moment: Xander is hosing the bugs off Cordy and there's a moment where he's pointing the hose at her chest and staring hypnotically. We also have the first appearance of slayer #2, Kendra, who accidentally helps Spike capture Angel so he can rejuvenate Drusilla. At the end of the show, the assassins are taken care of, Oz and Willow are cutely flirting over a box of animal crackers and Drusilla carries Spike out of the rubble of the burning building where they supposedly were killed.
"Ted" has one of the best guest stars in the entire show: John Ritter. He's truly chilling as Ted, a robot who's obsessed with Joyce and intent on getting Buffy out of the way. There's lots of great dialogue that points to the fact that good ole Ted isn't what he appears to be, but it's hidden in everyday phrases like "I'm just not wired that way" and "Oh, you mean 'The Machine'?" I adore John Ritter, have since "Three's Company" Dan made an interesting point that John Ritter is one of those actors who never quite found the right vehicle at the right moment. I wish he had.
"Bad Eggs" is an interesting body snatcher kind of ep with a huge pulsating blob that lives in the school basement (which let's be honest, EVERYTHING lives in the frickin' school basement). It honestly looks and feels a bit more alien than demon, but throw in some cowboy vampires with an ax to grind and you've got a pretty good one.
The show really hits it's stride this season, so many good one liners, with Xander delivering most of them. I know a lot of people talk about the angsty quality of this show, but compared to other teen vampire stories like "Twilight" I honestly don't mind. I think it's because it's angst with quality story telling.
Friday, June 24, 2011
"Buffy" Season One, and eps 1-6 of season Two
So I'm going back and watching every episode of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" in order; even the ones I've never really liked.
I haven't done this since Rosalind was born and it feels kinda good to do it again. I was thinking recently though "Why don't I write a weekly blog post about the eps I've seen that week."
Now, I've already watched all of season one and I'm about six episodes into season two so what I'll do is recap season one tonight and the first six of season Two, and then next friday start a recap of the ones I've seen that week.
So, here we go....Cue the theme music...Alright! (Yes, I'm a HUGE Buffy geek...so what?)
Season one is so short! Only twelve episodes since it was a mid season replacement, but a pretty good opener. Yes, the cheesiness abounds like when they play the theme music in the last episode as Buffy, Angel and Zander are walking very purposefully to find and defeat The Master. But there's also some really good moments.
Such as in the episode "The Pack" where we get to see the darker side of Zander. Now, I always thought Zander crush-worthy, but in this episode the sexy factor was turned way up. Another good one has to be "The Puppet Show". I get the creeps when I see a dummy, I think they're just all around icky, but in this episode the dummy was really a great character and made the episode funny.
"Nightmares" is probably one of the creepiest of this season, in my opinion. Here's a quick recap: A young boy is in a coma, and because of the mystical energy of the Hellmouth, his nightmares have torn the boundary between reality and the realm of nightmare, meaning everyone's nightmares are becoming reality. Not only can we all relate to the absolute horror at the thought of our worst nightmares coming true, but this episode also encourages those who've been abused to be strong, confront the monsters who've hurt them and disarm them.
My favorite for season one has to be "Angel". It's angsty, sexy and we see some awesome Darla and Angel interaction. Side note: They killed Darla off WAY too early. I mean, seriously! She was an all star villain; which I guess is why they brought her back in the TV show "Angel."
All in all, season one was a decent start. Dan points out that they did a really good job of integrating how High School can feel within the supernatural story lines. Such as in "Witch" where we see the pressure of parental expectations against the backdrop of a literal wicked witch of a mother. Or the brutality of cliques in "The Pack".
Now Season Two:
First episode is great because we see how literally dying and being revived changed Buffy; and it also gives us a sexy Zander-Buffy moment. But from a story telling standpoint I really appreciate how they weren't just glossing this over. Going through such a thing would change a person on a fundamental level.
Buffy and Angel's relationship is fits and starts the first five episodes. He doesn't want to be with her because it'll get complicate (he's a vampire after all) and she's not sure if she should have feelings for a blood sucking fiend; soul or no. I have to admit it's handled a little...clumsily. Episode five "Reptile Boy", Angel tells her their attraction isn't a fairy tale, their passion can only lead to bad things, yet by the end of it he back tracks and they're starting to kinda date. A little sudden in my opinion, although dragging it out much more would be awful.
Season two episode three is the first time we meet Spike and Drusilla...*sigh* Spike...ok, so I have a thing for bad boys. The relationship between Spike and Drusilla is awesome; dark, twisted, passionate, completely devoted. The first time Spike sees Buffy is at the Bronze, and the scene is loaded with sexual energy. She's dancing, Spike is lurking in the shadows, watching. His expression is equal parts desire to kill and desire to screw. Whether the actor and writers knew it or not, it lays the foundation for his obsession and love in the later seasons.
Giles is so cute in this season! I mean his crush on Jenny Calendar is one of my favorite storylines. He's clumsy, sexy, bookish and in episode six "Halloween" we see the first glimpse of "Ripper"....mmmmm.....I love Ripper. Seriously how many bookish, handsome guys have a burn down the world dark side. Yum! And in episode six we also see army guy Zander, who looks AMAZING in a dark green tank while he's kicking serious butt.
One more note about episode six, it's the first time we see take charge Willow. For those who don't know, there's a spell cast on some of the Halloween costumes and our heroes become their costumes. So Zander becomes an army guy, Buffy an 18th Century woman, and Willow a ghost. Willow is the only one who remembers who everyone is and what is really going on and has to take charge. It's the beginning of her major change this season.
Of the six, I have to say "Halloween" is my favorite. I just love the reversal of the world; Buffy the victim not the hero, Willow the leader, and the glimpse of Giles' dark side.
I'm not feeling well, so I may get through quite a few episodes in the next week, but I'll try to limit my future posts to just six episodes max.
Let me know which ones are your favorites of the episodes I've blogged about, I'd love to hear from some of my awesome readers!
I haven't done this since Rosalind was born and it feels kinda good to do it again. I was thinking recently though "Why don't I write a weekly blog post about the eps I've seen that week."
Now, I've already watched all of season one and I'm about six episodes into season two so what I'll do is recap season one tonight and the first six of season Two, and then next friday start a recap of the ones I've seen that week.
So, here we go....Cue the theme music...Alright! (Yes, I'm a HUGE Buffy geek...so what?)
Season one is so short! Only twelve episodes since it was a mid season replacement, but a pretty good opener. Yes, the cheesiness abounds like when they play the theme music in the last episode as Buffy, Angel and Zander are walking very purposefully to find and defeat The Master. But there's also some really good moments.
Such as in the episode "The Pack" where we get to see the darker side of Zander. Now, I always thought Zander crush-worthy, but in this episode the sexy factor was turned way up. Another good one has to be "The Puppet Show". I get the creeps when I see a dummy, I think they're just all around icky, but in this episode the dummy was really a great character and made the episode funny.
"Nightmares" is probably one of the creepiest of this season, in my opinion. Here's a quick recap: A young boy is in a coma, and because of the mystical energy of the Hellmouth, his nightmares have torn the boundary between reality and the realm of nightmare, meaning everyone's nightmares are becoming reality. Not only can we all relate to the absolute horror at the thought of our worst nightmares coming true, but this episode also encourages those who've been abused to be strong, confront the monsters who've hurt them and disarm them.
My favorite for season one has to be "Angel". It's angsty, sexy and we see some awesome Darla and Angel interaction. Side note: They killed Darla off WAY too early. I mean, seriously! She was an all star villain; which I guess is why they brought her back in the TV show "Angel."
All in all, season one was a decent start. Dan points out that they did a really good job of integrating how High School can feel within the supernatural story lines. Such as in "Witch" where we see the pressure of parental expectations against the backdrop of a literal wicked witch of a mother. Or the brutality of cliques in "The Pack".
Now Season Two:
First episode is great because we see how literally dying and being revived changed Buffy; and it also gives us a sexy Zander-Buffy moment. But from a story telling standpoint I really appreciate how they weren't just glossing this over. Going through such a thing would change a person on a fundamental level.
Buffy and Angel's relationship is fits and starts the first five episodes. He doesn't want to be with her because it'll get complicate (he's a vampire after all) and she's not sure if she should have feelings for a blood sucking fiend; soul or no. I have to admit it's handled a little...clumsily. Episode five "Reptile Boy", Angel tells her their attraction isn't a fairy tale, their passion can only lead to bad things, yet by the end of it he back tracks and they're starting to kinda date. A little sudden in my opinion, although dragging it out much more would be awful.
Season two episode three is the first time we meet Spike and Drusilla...*sigh* Spike...ok, so I have a thing for bad boys. The relationship between Spike and Drusilla is awesome; dark, twisted, passionate, completely devoted. The first time Spike sees Buffy is at the Bronze, and the scene is loaded with sexual energy. She's dancing, Spike is lurking in the shadows, watching. His expression is equal parts desire to kill and desire to screw. Whether the actor and writers knew it or not, it lays the foundation for his obsession and love in the later seasons.
Giles is so cute in this season! I mean his crush on Jenny Calendar is one of my favorite storylines. He's clumsy, sexy, bookish and in episode six "Halloween" we see the first glimpse of "Ripper"....mmmmm.....I love Ripper. Seriously how many bookish, handsome guys have a burn down the world dark side. Yum! And in episode six we also see army guy Zander, who looks AMAZING in a dark green tank while he's kicking serious butt.
One more note about episode six, it's the first time we see take charge Willow. For those who don't know, there's a spell cast on some of the Halloween costumes and our heroes become their costumes. So Zander becomes an army guy, Buffy an 18th Century woman, and Willow a ghost. Willow is the only one who remembers who everyone is and what is really going on and has to take charge. It's the beginning of her major change this season.
Of the six, I have to say "Halloween" is my favorite. I just love the reversal of the world; Buffy the victim not the hero, Willow the leader, and the glimpse of Giles' dark side.
I'm not feeling well, so I may get through quite a few episodes in the next week, but I'll try to limit my future posts to just six episodes max.
Let me know which ones are your favorites of the episodes I've blogged about, I'd love to hear from some of my awesome readers!
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