All posts by Jenn

2010 Favorite Character

“We present Lord Rahl, the Seeker of Truth and wielder of the Sword of Truth, the bringer of death, the Master of D’Hara, the ruler of the Midlands, the commander of the gar nation, the champion of free people and bane of the wicked, and the betrothed of the Mother Confessor.”

Would Richard Rahl be my favorite character had I not read the entire Sword of Truth series twice this year? Maybe so. Is there any doubt that Richard Rahl is my favorite character since I have read the entire Sword of Truth series twice this year? Definitely not.

“Boy fulfills destiny” is a brilliant concept, and one that I have enjoyed many times (Luke, Harry, Frodo, Eragon, Percy, et al.). Richard’s fate is far more complex than the others, and that’s what makes him my favorite character. Is he perfect? Nearly, but he can be rather singleminded (a trait which often serves him well, but when it doesn’t….oh, boy.) I think the things I love most about him are the little things; the way he “calls the target” to himself, the way he dances with death, the way he subjugates himself to make others better themselves, the value he places on those around him, and I could go on and on at this point….

Craig Horner, as TV!Richard gives us a good “face to go with a name” and I wish the television series could have gone on longer if for no other reason, to touch on the EPICNESS of the novels. Terry Goodkind, who gives us Book!Richard is the true hero, however, and I can’t wait for The Omen Machine to be released so I can get even more of my favorite character.

Riese’s Pieces

Do you like princesses? Do you like wolves? Do you like head goggles? Do you like medieval stories? Do you like steampunk? Do you like the 1940’s? Do you like robotic zombie children (or zombic robot children)? Do you like ascension? Do you like religious sects? Do you like the casts of every Syfy show? Do you like sub-standard video players?

If you answered, “YES!” to any of the above questions, head over to Syfy and watch the web series Riese: Kingdom Falling. I’ve just watched the 10 available episodes online, and I’m very curious to see where this phenomenon leads. It’s intriguing to say the least. I’d not call it good or bad, though I suppose I lean toward “good” since I would like to see more. Just go check it out and let us know what you think.

I’ve Been Entertained By This?

Every year, we get list after list around this time.

This is my commentary on Entertainment Weekly’s 2010 Entertainers of the Year article. Keep in mind, that I offer only my opinion, and it is as true as I can possibly be.

[The auto-link for Affleck is for another, and better, Ben.]

1. Taylor Swift– Who?
2. Jon Hamm– Meh, ok.
3. Kanye West– Never.
4. Christopher Nolan–Tries too hard. Pass.
5. Kids of Modern Family— For about 22 seconds. Last year.
6. The Cast of The Social Network— A movie for and about people who think Facebook makes them relevant. NEWSFLASH! It doesn’t.
7. Lady Gaga– 24 years old? Reverse that, and I may believe it. Hag.
8. James Franco– Meh, maybe.
9. Katy Perry– Why does this person even exist. No.
10. Steig Larson–Author, apparently. Tagline in article reads, “Do you know anyone who hasn’t read the Millennium Trilogy?” My hand goes up.
11. Team Glee– For three episodes. Last year.
12. Ben Affleck– OK. My only positive response so far.
13. Suzanne Collins–Author. My other hand goes up.
14. The Men of The Good Wife— I’ll ask my great aunt; she’s the only person I know who would watch this.
15. Jaden and Willow Smith– CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION NOW.

Hopefully 2011 will have much more to offer.

Twin/Dual Peaks/Spires

For years, no, decades, I’ve kicked myself for missing Twin Peaks. The recent Psych episode, “Dual Spires”, finally pushed me over the edge. Shawn and Gus’ kooky interaction with the locals (some of which I knew had been on Twin Peaks) and the intriguing special opening credits (I think I have a thing for credits) convinced me to seek out Twin Peaks once and for all.

I’m halfway through the second season of Twin Peaks, and though I inadvertently spoiled myself years ago as to the identity of Laura Palmer’s killer, I assumed the reveal would signal the end of the series. Apparently, not the case. I can only hope to see more of Agent Coopers dreams, as they have been some of the most entertaining shots I’ve ever seen. I want my own giant. I really do.

[Edit: Annnnd minutes after posting, David Duchovny showed up. I had forgotten he had that role. Spectacular!]