And the entire Hispanic fan base of Angel stands in bewilderment.

[itsallovernow]

Actually, that's a sweeping statement that I shouldn't make because I'm not at all hispanic. However, considering that Angel is a show filmed in Los Angeles, and the city is referred to repeatedly, one would think that the first real sighting of an ethnic character - who isn't black - would not come in the form of a cultural sterotype, albeit an ultra cool cultural sterotype.

I loved the premise strangely enough - because Mexican wrestlers are cool. But it made them a characterization. There was great potential there, to show underrepresented, unprotected immigrants being oppressed and suffering because no one cares, and it was a comic book, but not a particularly funny one. And an Aztec warrior. Give me a break. Wrestling and Aztecs, and that's the representation of Mexico. I know it's silly to be annoyed about this, but Los Angeles is not, in reality, a white city. And Angel rarely shows this (I think the woman in one of the early eps from first season actually was Latina, but I'm not sure about that). And it bugs me.

I wanted the storyline to not be predictable (because I really did love the opening, and liked number 5). And Spike figuring out the prophecy was also cool - and doesn't that mean that it's maybe fullfilled - save the world, get to live again - isn't that what Spike's doing?

I also want them to deal with the fallout from Connor - Angel resetting the clock, what he gave up to do that. But it pissed me off as well when Wesley said he had to have hope. Since when has that been a prerequisite for Angel? The prophecy offered a kind of hope, and maybe the twisty turny prophecies have destroyed his faith in that, but I guess the line annoyed me. And I find Wesley kind of boring. Actually, I found all of them kind of boring in this ep, although there were moments that I liked - signing contracts in blood, 5 throwing Angel through the window and the instaSpin about who did what to whom, the car scene and Spike calling shotgun, but mostly, it felt like a great concept that just got a half-assed treatment.

I have a list of things I want to nominate for the Sparkys. However, I'm having a hell of a time figuring out what categories to put them in. How do we draw the line between futurefic and AU fic - sometimes that's easy, sometimes it isn't? I guess it doesn't matter all that much, but I'm pretty specific, I like to be right, and so I'm waffling. Someone wanna offer a suggestion?

Watched Ways and Means last night (taped the actual new ep and will watch tonight). I love CJ. "Come and get us." Clever girl, getting back a little of her own. And Bartlet with the pens. Sigh.

Comments

Re: TWW

[thassalia.livejournal.com]

Actually, although it made me sad, I did like last weeks ep. I'm pleased that Wells, and the writers, haven't tried to re-create Sorkin's style, but are trying to develop their own while remaining true to the characters (I guess it's a little early to tell if they'll be successful, but I'm willing to give them a chance).

Re: TWW

[cretkid.livejournal.com]

considering I abso-frelling-lutely hated Season 4 of WW, I am glad Sorkin is out.. argh. I am immensely enjoying this season of WW so far.. not CJ's hair so much, but I like the story lines... I may even start writing WW fic again.

:-)

Re: TWW

[thassalia.livejournal.com]

Snort, not until we finish this damn crossover:) I'm currently trying desperately to get them to the damned museum. Stubbornly though, they seem to really like the White House.

Re: TWW

[raithen.livejournal.com]

Ok, perhaps I should clarify my position. Because I am FAR from hating this season. I quite like much of what they have done, and I think some of my issues with it stem from the fact that the show IS developing, and I liked the old style, A LOT. That said, I also like what they are doing. I agree with you that last week's ep was good, though sad. It dealt with issues and consequences, and that was good. Re: CJ, I have been trying to suss out whether it was true to her character to BLATANTLY ignore Leo's directions except for a small nod to him by spouting his phrase AFTER making her position quite clear in the press briefing on the EPA report. At first, I thought, no, that is not in character, but in retrospect, I think it is. I am still not sure about her capitulating on writing the mea culpa to the press, BUT, there too, she is a smart woman who understands short term pain/long term gain. And people DO change in jobs, I get this. So I am not totally unhappy with that storyline. But I DO wish she had continued to stand up for herself.

I guess my point is that I am adjusting to the show's new style, and I am hopeful they will develop into something I like as much as S1/2 TWW, but I am so far less excited about the show this season than I have been in the past. But I *AM* still gonna watch it.

Oh, do you get the sense I am avoiding work today? It is sunny, I want to go home & ride my horses. NOT work on my diss. *pout*

Re: TWW

[thassalia.livejournal.com]

I don't blame you. I think going home to ride horses would be a lovely afternoon activity.

I missed a lot of seasons 3 and 4, so all of my impressions are just kind of based on the here and now. I really loved Seasons 1 and 2 as well (even just seeing them now:) I think what I found interesting about CJ's decision was her reaction - Leo has been unbearably tense, unreasonably even, and it's probably hard to guage how to respond to him, and I think CJ was sticking by her principals the first time, and weighing her options the second time. (That being said, I'm still surprised she didn't quit).

I also agree, it's hard to make a decision about a style that's still developing, especially in a show that is so blatantly stylized, both in terms of characters and pacing:)