Tv Shows I Watched This March

TOP 5 FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM 2022’S QUEER AS FOLK

1. Mingus’ performance to “sacrilege” by yeah yeah yeahs

my first association when i read the title of this episode was this song, so i was immediately captured when it actually started playing. mingus’ look during the performance was ethereal and mesmerizing. you could really feel the spiritual rebirth they and the audience were going through.

2. Brodie blowing up Daddius’ parents’ car to kimberly nichole’s cover of “house of the rising sun”

nothing more cathartic than getting revenge on your best friend’s homophobic parents. brodie might be impulsive but it’s admirable how much he cares and fights for his friends.

3. Brodie saving Mingus’ life in Babylon

the most memorable shot during the babylon attack, which the show flashed back to a couple of times, was brodie body-slamming mingus after he sees the terrifying look on their face and realizes what’s happening.

4. Brodie and Ruthie’s kiss in the rain

okay, so i’m not saying i ship it. but their relationship plays as the main love story of the show.

sure, at first we don’t get anything but a “platonic besties” vibe from them. yet, even in the beginning it feels like in ruthie’s relationship with shar there’s always another person aka brodie. later when we find out brodie and ruthie were each other’s first love it all starts to make sense. brodie had to stuff his feelings for ruthie after she came out to him as trans, but he never really got over them.

i wonder what direction their relationship would go, were we to get a season 2. all obvious reasons tell me they wouldn’t last long, but who knows? sexuality is fluid.

5. Brenda’s coming out

this coming out is pure camp and i live for it. it was as unexpected as my love for her, and yet completely in character. julian and brodie’s reaction to “you get it from your mama” was priceless.

shows to watch if you loved IANOWT

Desperately need another season of I Am Not Okay with This? Here’s 5 shows to enjoy while you wait for season 2 announcement!

1. The End of the F***ing World

Okay, it’s an obvious one, given that it’s the same creators behind both shows. It’s even been stated that both stories take place in the same universe. Nonetheless, if you haven’t seen TEOTFW yet, what are you waiting for? There’re a lot of resemblances between characters, many parallels, and the show overall gives off a very familiar vibe. Relatable angsty teenagers, love, friendship, blood and crime. The only thing missing is perhaps superpowers.

2. Sex education

This show can totally fill the void in your heart left by ianowt. Sex education is an homage to John Hughes’ films. That’s why just like with ianowt at first you’re not sure whether the show is set in modern times or in the 80s. You can expect to see a lot of bright clothing, high school clichés, beautiful friendships, well rounded characters. Besides, the show has amazing lgbtq+ representation, well written poc characters, actual female empowerment. This show is definitely everything our generation needs. Not to mention, it is hilarious.

3. Everything sucks

This show unfortunately won’t entertain you for long as it was canceled after one season. However, if you want to watch a wlw relationship, this one’s for you. It’s a coming of age show, set in the 90s, about nerds and theatre kids coming together, and trying to figure out themselves and their place in the world.

4. Freaks and Geeks

Well, this is an underrated classic about outcasts in the 80s, that was also unfairly canceled after one season run. The plot is right there in the title. You follow the lives of Sam and his geeky friends, and his older sister Lindsay who’s trying to fit in with cool misfits. Ultimately, it’s a story about growing up (shocker), battling social norms and searching for your identity.

5. Stranger Things

With the same people producing both shows it’s no wonder they get compared. Stranger things has the same throwback aesthetic, although that might have something to do with the fact ST is actually set in the 80s. And even though scenery is what can attract ianowt audience to this show, the most evident similarity would have to be the girl with super powers. So if you liked ianowt for the supernatural aspect, stranger things has to be first on your watch list.

thoughts on sex education season 3

two episodes in

im so here for otis & ruby, the relationship makes both characters more interesting and less unbearable, plus they are so much better than maeve & otis, i can actually ship them.

i love cal. i want to see more of them. it was heartbreaking to see the bathrooms aka their safe space being demolished.

since season one adam has been my favorite character (after maeve), and i’m so happy to see his development. he makes me go 🥺 every time he’s on screen.

eric and adam are so cute. i really hope they work out.

i’m glad isaac told maeve the truth, and while i like isaac i don’t think maeve will be with him. i don’t think maeve needs a love interest this season tbh.

i hope we get an aimee centered episode.

episode 3

sorry viv and jackson, i used to really ship you last season but now i’m cal and jackson all the way

viv is kinda annoying this season so far. it’s in character but like she used to be one of my favorites

i want to fight hope

why do i love ruby now

episode 4

okay i do like otis and ruby but why did this turn into their show? i want to see other characters more!!!

i can’t wait to see hope’s downfall. istg if she’s not gone by the end of the season i will riot.

i’m really liking maeve with isaac. their scene was so sensual and beautiful.

i just really hope otis and maeve both move on separately like they’re doing rn, and never get together. i don’t think they’re right for each other, and they’re just boring together.

ready for paris adventures yessss

episode 5

jean is a queen

jackson on a trip is hilarious

flying feces whyyy

i love adam sm

oh no the girls are fighting

not ola and lilly having a fight over aliens

oh no don’t tell me maeve and otis are gonna find some motel and there will only be one bed

i’m living for adam and rahim becoming buddies

jackson and cal 💔

maeve’s not here? kevin’s not here. KEVIN!

you tell him, maeve. otis sucked last season.

nononono. NOOO. disgusting. don’t kiss. stupid paris.

poor ruby 😭

episode 6

lilly backstory yesssss

vagina cupcakes I WANT

why is aimee the sweetest human being

i wonder if the season will end with maeve going away to the us

i’m so glad we’re seeing more of eric’s family

hope can die in a ditch. she would be a terrible parent considering how she treats her students. *me imagining violently smashing hope’s car to cope* who made this bitch an educator? is this allowed? IS THAT ALLOWED?! poor kids, they’re legit traumatized now

i’m sorry but with this crisis going on, i can’t care about some silly maeve and otis drama

otis DOES make everything worse. fuck otis. i don’t want to see him anymore either.

hell yeah viv. fuck that millennial bitch up.

no, eric, don’t just go away with some stranger. i’m scared.

why is everyone fucking cheating?! is it so hard to keep your tongue in your mouth?

episode 7

ahhh i love everyone working together

omg this bitch is absolutely unhinged

“sex free campus? people fuck in the bushes” is my favorite quote, thank you eric

ruby matthews is officially THAT bitch, she did what i wanted to do the whole season

sucking on my titties is the best anthem. i love this show.

cal and jackson are definitely my favorite ship this season, i really hope they work everything out

the way connor swindells portrays adam is incredible

i need jean to be okay

they’re each other’s mums stop i’m crying

i wish mr groff cared more about his son than about getting back with his wife, like he hasn’t even talked to adam this whole time or made any sort of effort

lmao not A RAIN KISS i can’t believe a ship i don’t care about actually get a rain kiss

the finale episode 8 let’s gooooo

lmao what is this mean girls moment

adam and rahim being besties is hilarious

i’m sad cal and jackson didn’t work out but i get it, i’m glad they’ll still be friends

the maureen and aimee goat adventures

my baby adam i’m- i can’t, why is he getting hurt

why did adam and eric have to break up

not otis building up this absolute bitch that should be in jail

SHUT UP he’s not the father?!

seeing adam happy is everything

proud of maureen for ditching michael

eric third wheeling in the tree house lmao

i feel like this season left everything disheveled, and i’m left feeling empty. it felt more like a mid season finale than a season finale. i enjoyed season 3 but i think i prefer season 2.

my favorite genre of cast photos

Reasons Why Ani’s Character Failed

     Season 3 of «13 reasons why» has been out for a long while, but with the 4th and final season approaching my thoughts circle back to one drawback that last season had. Now, this show is badmouthed enough as it is, and it’s not my intention here. I love «13 reasons why», that’s why I care so much about the subject. I’d also like to point out that there’s no hate towards the actress who portrayed Ani. If anything, this is directed at the writers as feedback from a fan of the show.

     The reasons why Ani’s character was brought into the story are understandable. Yes, she’s a plot device for Bryce’s storyline, and she’s the new narrator. On top of that, she’s supposed to be the audience surrogate. She’s the new girl coming into this group of kids, and just like us she tries to figure out Bryce’s murder and all the personal drama that comes along. However, this concept obviously fails (seriously, after season 3 all people could talk about was how much they hated Ani). So where did it all go wrong, exactly?

    The biggest problem with Ani’s character is by far her annoying personality. She’s nosy, spying on everyone and interfering with their lives. Surprisingly this reserved group of teenagers actually opens up to her. After everything that went on you would expect them to be more picky with who they trust. Characters don’t just confide in her, they feel obligated to justify themselves in her eyes. Like she’s some sort of angel.

Ani’s the one demanding the truth from everyone, yet she’s the one who keeps secrets. Her relationship with Bryce was meant to paint Bryce as a human being. In no way did Bryce deserve any redemption for his crimes, but it was essential to recognize him as a human, not a monster. Because once we see somebody as a monster, it becomes impossible to destroy them, they start to seem stronger than we are.

No matter how important it was to send this message, it didn’t do any favors to Ani’s character. She sleeps with Bryce knowing that he’s a rapist. She defends him in front of Clay, like a true rapist apologist. Ani with her hero complex wants to fix everyone, that’s why she’s all up in their business, that’s why she gets involved with Bryce. Unfortunately, she refuses to admit her own imperfection. She is a hypocrite. Even though at the end she acknowledges that sleeping with Bryce was the worst thing she’d ever done, it doesn’t excuse her actions.

   Introducing a new character into an existing dynamic is quite tricky. Over the seasons the audience grew to love the established characters. So when you let someone new share screen time with the beloved cast, the newbie should be captivating enough. Moreover, it is unfair for a new character to take away too much screen time from the numerous preexisting cast. It is especially irritating when this character is condescending towards the ones who’ve been there since day one and comes with no character development. That again raises the question: why would you make such a dislikable character (not presented as an antagonist) a main one?

    The significant part of Ani’s character is the narration of the season. It’s one of the reasons for introducing her character at all… But was narration even necessary in season 3?

Season 1 had Hannah’s voiceover via tapes because the plot revolved around her, we were seeing life through her eyes. She was the one telling the story. The plot couldn’t go on without it. Narration in season 2 could’ve been avoided, however that season already had a different feel to it, so the writers didn’t want to shock the audience completely by the absence of a voiceover. The narration helped to concentrate on particular parts of the story, and ramifications that the tapes left on each character. We got to see events from different perspectives, not just Clay and Hannah’s.

Nevertheless, narration in season 3 was unnecessary and poorly done. It is annoying as it is, when somebody tells the audience everything that’s going on when we can clearly see that for ourselves, but when it comes from a dislikable character it is twice as bad. Narration brings something to the story when it makes the story more interesting, when it’s revealing something new. (That’s why inner monologues actually work, when written well). On the contrary, Ani’s never-ending story, full of lies and vague pretentious phrases, is boring and distracting from the plot.

    Finally, let’s touch upon the whole – Ani being Clay’s love interest – thing. Since Hannah’s gone (and her ghost manifested by Clay as well) the main character needs another sidekick who’ll follow him around, because the audience needs Clay to communicate his feelings and theories at all times (which could be avoided, were Clay the narrator), and apparently Justin and Tony weren’t worthy enough to fit the part of his confidant.

Anyway, Clay and Ani being friends was fine, but where did this forceful romantic plotline come from? Dear writers, your main character does not always have to be in a relationship! We won’t respect Clay less just because he doesn’t get the girl. Honestly, most people will relate to him even more. Furthermore, it is important to show viewers, especially younger ones, that it is normal not to have a crush or date. The majority of teens doesn’t date in high school, and it’s frustrating to see characters always end up with somebody, like without that they can’t be complete or happy.

To be candid, Clay and Ani didn’t seem to have any chemistry. Both, their kiss and Ani telling her mom they’re dating, were unanticipated and out of place. There was no natural progression for them to be together at the end. After Clay finally sees Ani the way the viewers did all this time (ep 7), it’s difficult to find the moment where he starts to like her again or forgives her… Just because Ani comes up with the plan to save Alex from jail, it means Clay is in love with her? Clay? Angsty Clay who holds grudges and wants to take revenge on people (e.g. see season 1)? It’s hard to buy it.

    There was a theory that S3 was actually supposed to be narrated by Sheri. Unfortunately, Ajiona Alexus left the show. But could you imagine how much better would Sheri be instead of Ani. Sheri is a well developed character since season 1, who is liked by a lot of viewers. She has preexisting relationships with all the main characters, so it would be natural of them to confide in her. Not to mention her and Clay already had a thing in S1, so them ending up together in S3 would be logical and satisfying. Even if the concept of Sheri being the narrator couldn’t be brought to life, the next choice for that role would certainly be Clay aka the main character, not just a random new girl.

     Taking into account the upcoming season 4, what can there be done to repair the damage? Even though some may argue it’s the easiest decision, I doubt that Ani’s character will be just written off (no matter how much I want it). I see only two possible outcomes. Either her character gets way less screen time, or she gets outstanding character development, although I have no idea what there could be done for the audience to like her. At last, it is vital that the writers get rid of her narration.

I hope the flaws of the last season will be fixed, because I’m excited to see where the story takes us next, and I don’t want to suffer through Ani’s character to find out.

i did trin lovell’s list, and thought i’d post it. 

tbh i was debating to put tvd in the death row bc i hate sm about it, but it was one of the first shows i ever watched and seasons 2&3 are genuinely good.

 regarding the 100, i actually think the show itself is pretty great (seasons 1-4) but i just have too much pent up hatred towards it bc of bellarke (they literally made me wait 7 years for nothing) and b*liza (clarke and bellamy were my favorite characters and i can’t look at their faces anymore).

some of these rankings are probably gonna be surprising but i stand by them.

The Half of It (2020)

what I did like

This movie was very refreshing because it didn’t have the same cheesy glossy Netflix vibe. We all remember such “masterpieces” as Tall Girl and The Kissing Booth, and it’s nice to see that The Half of It was actually a genuine story.

I really liked the way Ellie’s culture and her family was represented in the movie. We don’t usually see families whose first language isn’t English having conversations in their native language on screen, even though it’s unrealistic. And here it wasn’t even a big deal, it just came naturally.

The meaning behind the title and the story was beautiful. In the last scene when Ellie observes other passengers on the train who are sitting alone, the realization hits that all people are a half of somebody’s story. In friendships, romantic and family relationships there’re always two halves, two people who make them up. People aren’t perfect, you can’t just meet someone who will fit you. Relationships blossom from the work that both people put in. [“Love, it’s not finding your perfect half. It’s the trying, and reaching, and falling.”]

Also having an Asian lead and lesbian representation in a mainstream movie was pretty great.

things that weren’t that great

The whole movie felt authentic but at the same time I was left with a lot of questions. Maybe the things I found problems with are nitpicks or they were meant to be that way. And honestly I might have not even noticed them, if only the movie hadn’t left me unfulfilled. You see, once I finished it, I understood that it was lacking something to make a long-lasting impression. That’s what made me go back and think about what didn’t work for me in the movie.

It was hard to understand the school dynamics. The world of the movie felt limited. And people who were on the outside of Ellie’s life — faceless. With such a tiny world, that revolved around three main characters, the football games and talent shows felt out of place because the school life wasn’t established well. I didn’t understand why those guys bullied Ellie and sabotaged her performance. Just to be mean and because they were racist I guess, but they were so absent from the story, that it felt like a plot device and nothing more. Who were those two blonde ladies Ellie kept looking at during the talent show and in church? Just some random judging women? Did I miss something? All these questions just put me out of the story and left me puzzled.

The characters were closed books as well. I didn’t feel connected to any of them.

Aster’s presented like a ‘dream girl’ type of character that we see through Ellie’s eyes. Her boredom and struggle to choose between what she should do and actually wants were mentioned but her emotions and thoughts were still an enigma. Besides, she was cheating on her boyfriend with Paul and everyone was okay with that? It’s not even addressed in the movie.

Ellie was not relatable for me because, again, we didn’t see much of her feelings. If the movie is already including a voice over, why not use it to help the audience understand the main character better? We only see what she’s going through, but we don’t see how.

While Ellie didn’t seem to play an active part in her own life, it was Paul who was moving the story forward. Usually, I enjoy a good-hearted dense jock, but not here. Trying to kiss Ellie even though he was still with Aster, and then not even caring that Aster saw them but instead saying that Ellie’s gonna end up in hell for being gay (and never apologizing for it). Where did the homophobia come from? The fact that he was religious wasn’t that focused on to expect this turn of events. Just as well, it was hard to figure out what was happening inside his head. His character just like everyone else’s felt flat.

Probably the worst scene of the movie happened in the said church. With twenty minutes left, the movie, that so cautiously avoided and reinvented romcom clichés up to this point, suddenly slips into an unrealistic and awkward speech in front of everybody (everybody being the characters that weren’t well developed nor established, so for us they’re just nobody). Can we please stop making the scenes, where characters finally have a revelation or admit their feelings, so damn public? How often is it actually considered cute? Why can’t characters just talk to each other and be open and genuine, without having an audience to clap for them at the end?

Anyway, the premise itself wasn’t groundbreaking (what is it about Netflix making movies about asian girls writing letters?). However, I enjoyed a calm tone this movie had. I wish they’d just made the plot more exciting? or not as confusing?

After watching the trailer I was under an impression that Paul was going to find out sooner that Ellie liked Aster, and the movie would be about him helping her instead, which I still think would make for a more interesting story. It’s a shame we spent so much time on a relationship between Paul and Aster, that was obviously not going to last.

In conclusion, The Half of It won’t become something I’d like to rewatch or contemplate about. With all its good parts the movie was unsatisfying for me. It felt like we weren’t following an arc but were rather seeing a chain of events in a character’s life. That sure is realistic but doesn’t make for a very entertaining story. Nonetheless, I think it was a nice refresher from all the quirky unrealistic romcoms that we’re flooded with.

6/10

On my block S3 SPOILERS

I’ve seen people complain about the finale but I loved it. It felt so suitable to flash forward, I was so hoping for it to happen, otherwise the ending wouldn’t have been satisfying. After all friends promising not to lose touch, it was only fitting to see how that worked out.

It’s not a new concept to skip a few years in the story to show how a friend group fell apart. However, OMB did it well. The “future” felt realistic and we didn’t see too much of it, so that the interest for the next season would be high. That is good storytelling.

I hope they start off the next season two years later, and maybe show a few flashbacks. I assume something will bring the ex-friends together, and it’d be cool to see their new dynamic especially since they’re older.

Monse leaving Freeridge and moving on with new girlfriends was expected and isn’t necessarily bad as she’s also away from the streets now and sh*t that no teenager should go through. Although Monse was certainly the glue of the group which could be seen even in 1x01 (with Monse away Cesar left the group), so it’s natural for everyone to stop being friends without her.

I think Jamal was looking for a place where he could release all his energy that he used to spent on conspiracies, and maybe after looking death in the eye in S3, playing football didn’t seem so scary anymore. Apparently, he even turned out to be actually good at it just like his dad.

I was surprised, yet very pleased, to see Ruby and Jasmine going strong after two years. Thank you! That’s exactly what we need: healthy long-lasting relationships!

Oscar fulfilling his dream to have a family and leave the gang was probably the most wholesome ending. It was so satisfying to see him happy. And I hope he stays that way from now on. Please don’t hurt him.

At last, Cesar also had an expected conclusion to his journey. To put aside the sad reality of his life now (like it was easy before), if we solely judge from the entertainment value this choice is great, as we’ll get to see Cesar as a leader and hopefully more mature.

fuck hbo max for canceling genera+ion

besties with the same energy

riley & chester from “genera+ion”

vada & nick from “the fallout”

dara & caleb from “three months”