A few weeks ago I did a top 10 on my favourite movie psychopaths. This week I’ve decided to have a look at my most loved TV psycho- and sociopaths. In this case I have included some controversial choices, focusing on the manipulative aspect of characters with this particular pathology… hold on tight. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The Master
Played by: John Simm (I’m sticking with this particular incarnation)
Show: Doctor Who (2005 – )
Psycho or socio: Definitely a psychopath
Remorse: Minimal
Killer trait: Delusions of grandeur, boldness, disinhibition
“The Master: And so it came to pass that the human race fell, and the Earth was no more. And I looked down upon my new dominion as Master of all; and I thought it good.”

Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell
Played by: Robert Knepper
Show: Prison Break (2005 – 2009)
Psycho or socio: Total psycho
Remorse: Occasional
Killer traits: Violence, criminality and sexual deviation combined with glib charm
“Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell: That picture makes me look like a sociopath.”

Tate Langdon
Played by: Evan Peters
Show: American Horror Story (2011 – )
Socio or psycho: The psychopath next door
Remorse: Mostly faked
Killer traits: Criminal behaviour, violence, charm, lack of empathy
“Tate Langdon: I prepare for the noble war. I’m calm, I know the secret. I know whats coming and I know no one can stop me not even myself. I kill people I like. Some of them beg for their life. I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel anything. It’s a filthy world we live, in its a filthy goddamn world and honestly I feel like I’m helping to take them away from the shit and the piss and the vomit that run through the streets. I’m helping to take them to somewhere clean. There’s something about all that blood man i drown it.”

Sherlock Holmes
Played by: Benedict Cumberbatch
Show: Sherlock (2010 – )
Socio or psycho: Sociopath
Remorse: For a select few
Killer traits: Lack of empathy for others, heightened sense of self, disinhibition
“Sherlock Holmes: Brilliant! Yes! Ah, four serial suicides and now a note, Oh, it’s Christmas!”

Ramsay Snow/Bolton
Played by: Iwan Rheon
Show: Game of Thrones (2011 – )
Psycho or socio: Total psycho
Remorse: Zero
Killer traits: Violence, charisma
“Ramsay Snow: But you already told me everything, remember? Your daddy was mean to you. The Starks didn’t appreciate you. One can admit, the Stark boys. They’re still alive. Wouldn’t that be a hunt to remember. You failed, but I’m a better hunter than you. Now, how about your little finger? You don’t need that for much do you? No? Good! Let’s start with that. You’ve been wondering why you’re here, how many, where you are, who I am, why I’m doing this to you. So, guess! If your right, I’ll tell you, by the old gods and the new, I swear it. You win the game if you figure out who I am and why I’m torturing you, and I win the game if you beg me to cut off your finger.”

Lily Tucker-Pritchett
Played by: Aubrey Anderson-Emmons
Psycho or socio: Little sociopath in training
Killer traits: Manipulation, lack of empathy for others, charm, meanness
Remorse: Only for personal gain
“Sal: Sorry you couldn’t come to the wedding, it was no kids.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett: It’s okay, I’ll go to your next one.
Sal: Wow.
Cameron Tucker: She just means when she’s not a kid anymore.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett: She knows what I mean.
Sal: I don’t like you.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett: [whispering] I’ll get over it.”

Joffrey Baratheon
Played by: Jack Gleeson
Show: Game of Thrones (2011 – )
Psycho or socio: Psychopath
Remorse: Never
Killer traits: Sexual sadism, violence, delusions of grandeur
“Joffrey Baratheon: [announcing Eddard Stark’s sentence] My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night’s Watch. Stripped of all titles and powers, he would serve the realm in permanent exile. And my Lady Sansa has begged mercy for her father. But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your king, treason shall never go unpunished. Sir Ilyn, bring me his head! “

Dexter Morgan
Played by: Michael C. Hall
Show: Dexter (2006 – 2013)
Psycho or socio: Conscious psychopath
Remorse: Constant
Killer traits: Violence, criminal behaviour, lack of empathy
“Dexter Morgan: People fake a lot of human interactions, but I feel like I fake them all, and I fake them very well. That’s my burden, I guess.”

Madame Delphine LaLaurie
Played by: Kathy Bates
Show: American Horror Story (2011 – )
Psycho or socio: Complete psychO
Remorse: Occasional
Killer traits: Sadism, lack of empathy, violence, disinhibition, charm
“Madame Delphine LaLaurie: I fairly swoon when I see the look of terror register on a handsome face. It makes me feel young again.” 

Eric Cartman
Voiced by: Trey Parker
Show: South Park (1997 – )
Psycho or socio: Impressively sociopathic
Remorse: Only for benefit
Killer traits: lack of empathy, criminal behaviour, superficial charm, manipulation, disinhibition
“Eric Cartman: I… I can’t live like this. I have to find a place where they remove living souls from your body… “

Recently I have become a bit obsessed with The Bridge, a Swedish/Danish crime series that features a detective called Saga Noren, who may or may not have Asperger’s syndrome and is able to see connections that no one else can… but she’s also a bit of a social challenge. Watching Saga’s unusual behaviour onscreen made me think of some other genius characters I love who have… issues… and so this rather unusual list was born.

Sherlock Holmes
Played by: Benedict Cumberbatch
Show: Sherlock (2010 – )
Area of genius: Photographic memory, abilities of deduction
Flaws: Using others for his own purposes, destructive behaviour when bored, reveling in any crime he finds entertaining, complete lack of tact
“Sherlock Holmes: Dear God, what is it like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring!”

Dr Sheldon Cooper
Played by: Jim Parsons
Show: The Big Bang Theory (2007 – )
Area of genius: Physics
Flaws: Seeing himself as the centre of the universe and demanding that everyone else comply
“Sheldon: But then some poor woman is going to pin her hopes on my sperm, what if she winds up with a toddler that doesn’t know if he should use an integral or a differential to solve for the area under a curve?
Leonard: I’m sure she’ll still love him.
Sheldon: I wouldn’t.” 
Seven of Nine
Played by: Jeri Ryan
Show: Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001)
Area of genius: Astrophysics
Flaws: Relating to others, being overly literal
“B’Elanna Torres: [reading Seven’s study of her and Tom from a PADD] ‘Stardate 52647, 1400 hours: Subjects quarrel in corridor outside female’s quarters. Male returns with twelve flowering plant stems, species rosa rubifolia, effecting a cessation of hostilities. Stardate 52648, 0300 hours: Intimate relations resume.’ – How the hell do you know when we’re having intimate relations?
Seven of Nine: There is no one on deck nine, section twelve, who *doesn’t* know when you’re having intimate relations.”

Saga Noren
Played by: Sofia Helin
Show: The Bridge (2011 – )
Area of genius: Making connections between events
Flaws: Saying everything that pops into her head, ignoring social norms, being overly literal
“Saga Noren: Very few women fantisise about small penises.”

Dr Spencer Reid
Played by: Matthew Gray Gubler
Show: Criminal Minds (2005 – )
Area of genius: Photographic memory, making connections between things
Flaws: Making connections with others, being overly literal
“Special Agent Derek Morgan: So tell me, what does keep young Dr. Reid awake at night? Wait, let me guess. Memorizing some obscure textbook? No, no, no. Working on cold fusion? No, I got it, I got it, I got it. Watching Star Trek and laughing at all the physics mistakes?
Dr. Spencer Reid: Actually, there aren’t that many scientific errors in Star Trek, especially considering how long ago it was made. There are certain improbabilities, but not that many outright errors.
Special Agent Derek Morgan: Right.”

Dr Gregory House
Played by: Hugh Lawrie
Show: House M.D. (2005 – 2012)
Area of genius: Medical diagnoses
Flaws: Lack of empathy for anyone, excessive drug use
“Dr. James Wilson: Your real fear is me having a good relationship.
Dr. Gregory House: Yes, it keeps me up at night. That and the Loch Ness Monster, global warming, evolution, other fictional concepts.”

Floki
Played by: Gustaf Skarsgård
Show: Vikings (2012 – )
Area of genius: Boat building and just generally being ahead of his time
Flaws: Being away with the fairies, talking in riddles, taking crazy risks.
“King Horik: Floki, you have betrayed the gods.
Floki: No, King Horik. I only betrayed you.”

 
Walter White
Played by: Bryan Cranston
Show: Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
Area of genius: Chemistry
Flaws: No knowing when to stop, egomania
“Declan: Who the hell are you?
Walter White: You know. You all know exactly who I am. Say my name.
Declan: Do what? I don’t… I don’t have a damn clue who the hell you are.
Walter White: Yeah, you do. I’m the cook. I’m the man who killed Gus Fring.
Declan: Bullshit. Cartel got Fring.
Walter White: Are you sure?
[Declan looks at Mike and Mike shakes his head]
Walter White: That’s right. Now, say my name.
Declan: [quietly] Heisenberg.
Walter White: You’re goddamn right.”

Carrie Mathison
Played by: Clare Danes
Show: Homeland (2011 – )
Area of genius: Intuition, making connections
Flaws: Mania, general lack professionalism, not knowing when to stop
“Carrie Mathison: [Saul and Estes question the validity of an asset’s intel] It’s not lost on me why people don’t trust my judgment. Why you didn’t even want me here.
Saul Berenson: Carrie…
Carrie Mathison: It’s not fair, I know, for you to have to be the one to decide.
[Carrie starts to cry]
Carrie Mathison: It fucked me up, Saul. Being wrong about Brody, it really… it fucked me up. Because I have never been so sure… and so wrong. And it’s that fact that I still can’t get my head around. It makes me unable to trust my own thoughts. Every time I think I see something clearly now… it just disappears.
[Carrie takes a moment to calm down]
Carrie Mathison: We have a chance to get Abu Nazir.
Saul Berenson: I know you want to think that. I won’t risk American lives on a hunch.
Carrie Mathison: And I would not ask you to. I recruited her, Saul, right here in this city. And it’s been eight years. I know… I know a lot of things can change. But I helped her through an abusive domestic situation. I practically saved her life. And I remember… I remember knowing at the time… that one day… she would be ready to leave here… and when that time came, she would be on my side. Look, the… the way I am now, I wouldn’t trust me, either. But the Carrie who recruited her… that one I believe. “

Maurice Moss
Played by: Richard Ayoade
Show: The IT Crowd (2006 – 2013)
Area of genius: Inventions
Flaws: Inability to actually take care of humself, understanding social conventions
“Moss: I wanna go back to being weird. I like being weird. Weird’s all I got. That, and my sweet sweet style.” 

I promise this blog is not going to become nothing but an ode to RuPaul’s Drag Race… although that would be an honour… but I do want to do one more post  about this incredibly awesome show before I move on to other topics. Since I haven’t managed to get my hands on any of the season seven episodes I am using this as a way to deal with my desperate withdrawal symptoms. While last week was all about fabulosity, this week is all about the epic battles that went on in every season, which were just as exciting as the actual competition itself.

Alyssa Edwards vs Jade Jolie
Season: 5
The beef: Initially Alyssa  and Jade bonded but when Alyssa didn’t pick Jade for a challenge, Jade very quickly turned on her… mentioning that her back rolls didn’t look too “cute” in one of her outfits.
Aggression level: 2/10
Winner: Alyssa.

Darienne Lake vs BenDeLaCreme
Season: 6
The beef: Darienne felt like Ben was a little too proud of her victories in the challenges and her bitterness soon showed. The two were forced to work together several times and it never ended well.
Aggression level: 5/10
Winner: Darienne
Tatiana vs Tyra Sanchez
Season: 2
The beef:  Both of these girls kind of had a problem with everyone but none more than each other who they constantly accused of being rude. Things came to a head during the wedding challenge and carried on all the way to reunited.
Aggression level:  8/10
Winner:  Tyra

Roxxxxy Andrews vs JInkx Monsoon
Season: 5
The beef: Roxxxy constantly accused Jinkx of playing the victim and making a joke out of drag not getting her comedy style of performance, criticising her relentlessly.
Aggression level: 4/10
Winner: Roxxxy Andrews

Rebecca Glasscock vs the World
Season: 1
The beef: Never has a queen been so universally hated by all her competitors. No one wanted to work with Rebecca who was accused of relying on pretty, looking down on everyone and being unpolished.
Aggression level: 6/10
Winner: Rebecca… she never gave two shits what anyone thought of her

Heathers vs Boogers
Season: 3
The beef: The self proclaimed “pretty girls”  (Heathers) banded together against the girls that decided were  less attractive (Boogers) and things soon became very high school. With sub feuds between different clique members breaking out all over the place. Eventually some peace was forged when winner, Raja, offered plus size queen, Stacey her Heathers necklace.
Aggression level: 7/10
Winner: Heathers

PhiPhi O’Hara vs Sharon Needles
Season: 4
The beef: Confirmed pageant girl, PhiPhi immediately hated Sharon’s unique Gothy take on drag but that didn’t stop her from taking credit for one of Sharon’s challenge wins. And Sharon certainly wasn’t afraid of criticising PhiPhi on the runway. Insults flew from start to finished and the two never developed any kind of appreciation for each other.
Aggression level: 9/10
Winner:  Sharon Needles

Laganja Estranga vs Adore Delano
Season: 6
The beef: Although Laganja and Adore arrived as friends things soon turned sour. Laganja somehow took offence to something she thought that Adore maybe said that she couldn’t remember but really it was more about the fact that the judges loved Adore and didn’t get Laganja’s bizarre way of talking. It probably didn’t help that Adore called her out on it. #yesgawd
Aggression level: 1/10
Winner:  Adore Delano

Courtney Act vs Joslyn Fox
Season: 6
The beef: Joslyn idolised Courtney until she had to work with her at which point Courtney broke Joslyn’s sweet little heart but constantly, bluntly criticising her, even referring to her as a cut price Courtney Act
Aggression level: 3/10
Winner: Courtney Act

Alyssa Edwards vs Coco Montrese
Season: 5
The beef: Coco and Alyssa go way back after Coco had to take over Alyssa’s reign as Miss Gay America when Alyssa couldn’t fulfill her obligations. They hadn’t spoken for two years and there was no love lost when they found themselves once again competing. The two constantly ended up having to work together and the fur flew on several occasions ending in an explosive lip sych for their lives.
Aggression level: 10/10
Winner:  Coco Montrese

Today is Mother’s Day in a number of countries around the world, including South Africa where my mom and several moms that I love and admire live. Although it’s not Mother’s Day in the UK I have decided to celebrate today and in honour of my mom and all the other amazing moms out there I am showcasing my most-loved TV moms.

In the past I have highlighted my favourite blue eyed actors and my favourite brown eyed actors but this time I am going a bit more controversial with m y favourite red-headed actors. For some reason the world seems to think that men with red-hair are somehow less cool. Personally I say bollocks to that (and not just because I dye my own hair red). I think red hair symbolises passion and fire and who doesn’t want that? From strawberry blonde to deep auburn red rocks, I love a bit of ginge… especially on these guys.

Domhnall Gleeson
Best role: Caleb in Ex Machina (2015)
Ginger power: 10/10
“Conventionally handsome is not really where I’m at.”

Damian Lewis
Best role: Nicholas Brody in Homeland (2011 – )
Ginger power: 9/10
“In England we burnt redheads at the stake, because we thought they were witches. There are still young redheads in Britain getting ripped for having red hair. ‘Oy, Ginger!'”

Eddie Redmayne
Best role: Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014)
Ginger power: 4/10
“I had never been to a fashion show before going to the Burberry show last month. It was an extraordinary spectacle. I was incredibly green and had no idea what an undertaking it is. I also have a new respect for models because they are so close to the front row and must be so self-conscious.”

Michael Fassbender
Best role: Edwin Epps in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Ginger power:  3/10
“I suppose the German side wants to keep everything in control, and the Irish side wants to wreak havoc.”

Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Best role: Mitchell Pritchett in Modern Family (2009 – )
Ginger power: 5/10
“Having red hair is never good when you’re a kid. I was picked on a lot and didn’t have a lot of friends. But I think that gave me a thick skin and helped make me a better person.”

Mark Gatiss
Best role: Various in The League of Gentlemen (1999 – 2002)
Ginger power:  6/10
“I grew up with low self-esteem. I didn’t think I was very pretty. I had glasses, red hair and was generally quite a spod.”

Michael C Hall
Best role: Dexter Morgan in Dexter (2006 – 2013)
Ginger power: 7/10
“I think I had a shyness about me, I think I discovered acting as a way to break out of that and as a way of belonging, a sense of being special.”

Paul Bettany
Best role: Geoffrey Chaucer in A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Ginger power: 1/10
“For some ungodly reason, I end up being naked in a lot of stuff. But there is a certain grace and kudos that come with taking your clothes off the first day, a respect that is given by the rest of the cast.”

Rupert Grint
Best role: Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets(2002), Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire(2005), Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince(2009), Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010), Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
Ginger power: 8/10
“I get a lot of people from the ginger community shaking my hand. In England. Not so much in America. It’s not the coolest thing, really, and they get hassled. It’s nice I can get some respect for the gingers. And Prince Harry Windsor is really cool, too.”

Tom Hiddleston
Best role: Adam in Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Ginger power: 2/10
“Artists instinctively want to reflect humanity, their own and each other’s, in all its intermittent virtue and vitality, frailty and fallibility.”

After my post a couple of weeks ago about excellent ginger actors, I got a request from Vinnieh for a similar actress post. Fortunately there are plenty of excellent ginger actresses because, like I mentioned before, gingers are cool so here are my favourites.

Alyson Hannigan
Best role: Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
Ginger power: 4/10
“Nerds are far more interesting human in later life.”

Amy Adams
Best role: Sydney Prosser in American Hustle (2013)
Ginger power: 5/10
“Perfect isn’t normal, nor is it interesting. I have no features without makeup. I am pale. I have blond lashes. You could just paint my face – it’s like a blank canvas. It can be great for what I do.”

Christina Hendricks
Best role: Joan Harris/Joan Holloway in Mad Men (2007 – 2013)
Ginger power: 7/10
“I have faced rejection in this business because of my appearance, but that has only made me stronger and more determined.”

Ellie Kemper
Best role: Kimmy Schmidt in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015 -)
Ginger power: 8/10
“My painting teacher in high school used to say, ‘I can’t paint like I want to, but through practice I’ll get better.’ But I don’t think that’s true. I think sometimes you just can’t paint.”

Emma Stone
Best role: Skeeter Phlelan in The Help (2011)
Ginger power: 6/10
“So one day, in a fit of trying to do something different, I just dyed my hair dark brown and got my first role a week later, after which I thought: ‘People are closed-minded, man! Like a different hair colour changes everything!'”

Isla Fisher
Best role: Gloria Clearly in Wedding Crashers (2005)
Ginger power: 1/10
“When you’re younger, being a redhead is… Well, my two brothers teased me no end.”

Jessica Chastain
Best role: Maggie Beauford in Lawless (2012)
Ginger power: 9/10
“I have problems because I’m very expressive, and usually red lipstick gets on my teeth and face.”

Julianne Moore
Best role: Alice Howland in Still Alice (2014)
Ginger power: 10/10
“When I was seven, these kids in the alley behind our house in Omaha called me Freckleface Strawberry. I hated my freckles, and I hated that name. I thought it was humiliating in the way that only a seven-year-old could hate it.”

Nicole Kidman
Best role: Satine in Moulin Rouge! (2011)
Ginger power: 2/10
“I would describe myself as emotional and highly strung. If something upsets me, it really upsets me. If something makes me angry, I get really angry. But it’s all very upfront. I can’t hide it. I’m also loyal and I hope I’m fun.”

Susan Sarandon
Best role: Louise in Thelma and Louise (1991)
Ginger power: 3/10
“It’s still not easy to find roles that offer more complex images of women.”

After the success of my post about female movie characters who kick ass I decided to follow up with a TV version since TV has also given us some pretty tough female characters although I would argue that we definitely need loads more. Again I am focusing on characters who physically kick ass.

Brienne of Tarth
Show: Game of Thrones (2011 – )
Played by: Gwendoline Christie
Special skills: Swordplay, tenacity, loyalty
Ass kicking level: 7/10
“Jaime Lannister: I hope you’re pleased. If you had armed me, they would never have taken us.
Brienne of Tarth: You were armed when we were taken.
Jaime Lannister: I was in chains if you recall. Our little match would have ended quite quick if my hands weren’t bound.
Brienne of Tarth: All my life I’ve been hearing, “Jaime Lannister, what a brilliant swordsman.” You were slower than I expected. And more predictable…
Jaime Lannister: I’ve been sitting in a muddy pen wrapped in chains for the past year.
Brienne of Tarth: And I’m a woman. I was still beating you.
Jaime Lannister: You were not beating me.
Brienne of Tarth: Maybe you were as good as people said… once. Or maybe people just love to overpraise a famous name.”

Buffy Summers
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
Played by: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Special skills: Martial arts, turning anything into a weapon, speed
Ass kicking level: 10/10
“Buffy: I hate this. I hate being here. I hate that you have to be here. I hate that there’s evil and that I was chosen to fight it. I wish a whole lot of the time that I hadn’t been. I know a lot of you wish I hadn’t been, either. This isn’t about wishes. This is about choices. I believe we can beat this evil. Not when it comes. Not when its army is ready. Now. Tomorrow morning, I’m opening the seal. I’m going down into the Hellmouth and I am finishing this once and for all. Right now, you’re asking yourself what makes this different. What makes us anything more than a bunch of girls being picked off one by one? It’s true. None of you have the power that Faith and I do. So here’s the part where you make a choice.”

Gwen Cooper
Show: Torchwood (2006 – 2011)
Played by: Eve Myles
Special skills: Investigation, firearms
Ass kicking level: 5/10
“Owen Harper: Make yourself useful, sweetheart, pass us the big chisel from the toolbox.
Gwen Cooper: It’s Gwen, not sweetheart. One syllable, I’m sure you can manage it.
Owen Harper: Not sweet cheeks, then? New girl?
Gwen Cooper: Shame your tool’s not big enough for the job.”

Lagertha
Show: Vikings (2013 – )
Played by: Katheryn Winnick
Special skills: Swordplay, wielding a shield, military strategy
Ass kicking power: 8/10
“Lagertha: If any harm befalls my children, I will tear the lungs out of your body, priest.”

Martha Jones
TV Shows: Doctor Who (2005 – ), Torchwood (2006 – 2011)
Played by: Freema Agyeman
Special skills: Military training, firearms
Ass kicking power: 4/10
“Martha Jones: I travelled across the world. From the ruins of New York, to the fusion mills of China, right across the radiation pits of Europe. And everywhere I went I saw people just like you, living as slaves! But if Martha Jones became a legend then that’s wrong, because my name isn’t important. There’s someone else. The man who sent me out there, the man who told me to walk the Earth. And his name is The Doctor. He has saved your lives so many times and you never even knew he was there. He never stops. He never stays. He never asks to be thanked. But I’ve seen him, I know him… I love him… And I know what he can do.”

Max Guevara
TV Show: Dark Angel (2000 – 2002)
Special skills: Speed, strength
Ass kicking power: 8/10
“Max Guevara: I’ll take him on
AA Man: ladies and gentleman we have a new challenger
Alec: what the hell are you doing?
Max Guevara: I told you to take a dive. Now i’m gonna have to beat your ass myself.
Alec: what do you have against me making money?
AA Man: [To Max] What’s your name cupcake?
Alec: She doesn’t have a name. You know what? she’s not here. she’s not fighting.
Max Guevara: Oh, yes i am
AA Man: Ladies, and Gentlemen, in this corner, hailing from parts unknown, let’s hear it for the curvaceous killer”

Michonne
TV Show: The Walking Dead (2010 – )
Played by: Danai Gurira
Special skills: Samurai sword
Ass kicking power: 8/10
“Rick Grimes: Do you miss the sword?
Michonne: Wasn’t really mine in the first place. Found it in the very beginning.
Rick Grimes: How’d you get so good?
Michonne: It was just me and them out here all day, every day a good long time. I don’t know what that was, but it wasn’t life. Not like today. Stumbling around in three feet of slime for some peas and carrots, that’s living. I miss Andrea. I miss Hershel.
Rick Grimes: Yeah.
Michonne: I don’t miss what was before. I don’t miss that sword.”

Emily Prentiss
Show: Criminal Minds (2005 – )
Played by: Paget Brewster
Special skills: Psychological profiling, firearms, disguise
Ass kicking power: 4/10
“Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner: Prentiss, this is the job, and I need to know that you can be objective.
Emily Prentiss: And I need to know that I can be human.”

River Tam
Show: Firefly (2002 – 2003)
Played by: Summer Glau
Special skills: Hand-to-hand combat, talking in riddles
Ass kicking power: 7/10
“River: I don’t belong… dangerous like you. Can’t be controlled… can’t be trusted. Everyone could just go on without me and not have to worry. People could be who they wanted to be, could be with the people they wanted. Live simple. No secrets.
Simon: No…
River: I’ll be fine. I’ll be your bounty, Jubal Early. And I’ll just fade away.”

Xena
Show: Xena: Warrior Princess (1995 – 2001)
Played by: Lucy Lawless
Special skills: Swordplay, speed, strength
Ass kicking power: 9/10
“Gabrielle: Another one’s fallen for you.
Xena: Again? What is it?
Gabrielle: Oh, the blue eyes… the leather. Men love leather.
Xena: I think it’s time for a wardrobe change.
Gabrielle: Yeah. You could try wearing chainmail.
Xena: Nah. That’d just attract a kinkier group.”

Last month we had great TV moms in honour of mother’s day so of course today we’re honouring all the amazing dads out there on father’s day with a post about great TV dads. I am lucky to have two awesome dads in my life – my own father, Jules and my father-in-law, Alan who are both great role models while also being an enormous amount of fun. Happy father’s day to both of you and all the other great dads out there.

[MILD GOT SPOILER ALERT]: When I was preparing this list I initially had Stannis Baratheon on it. Last Monday I had to very quickly edit that for obvious reasons.

Burt Hummel
Played by: Mike O’Malley
Show: Glee (2009 – 2015)
Dad to: Kurt
Special dad skills: Understanding, overcoming his own prejudices… the Single Ladies dance
“Kurt Hummel: Dad. I have something that I want to say. I’m glad that you’re proud of me. But I don’t want to lie anymore. Being a part of the Glee Club and football has really shown me that I can be anything, and what I am, is, I’m gay.
Burt Hummel: I know.
Kurt Hummel: Really?
Burt Hummel: I’ve known since you were three. All you wanted for your birthday was a pair of sensible heels. I guess I’m not totally in love with the idea, but, if that’s who you are, there’s nothing I can do about it. And I love you just as much. Ok?
[They hug]
Burt Hummel: Thanks for telling me Kurt.
[He starts to go]
Burt Hummel: You sure, right?
Kurt Hummel: Yeah Dad, I’m sure.
Burt Hummel: I’m just checking.”

Frank Costanza
Played by: Jerry Stiller
Show: Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)
Father to: George
Special dad skills: Shouting, weird theories
“Estelle Costanza: Georgie, would you like some Jello?
Frank Costanza: Why do you put the bananas in there?
Estelle Costanza: George likes the bananas!
Frank Costanza: SO LET HIM HAVE BANANAS ON THE SIDE!”

Martin Rohde
Played by: Kim Bodnia
Show: The Bridge (2011 – )
Father to: August and four others whose names I honestly can’t find
Special dad skills: Fighting for his kids, detective skills

Marty Crane
Played by: John Mahoney
Show: Frasier (1993 – 2004)
Dad to: Frasier and Niles
Special dad skills: Delivering earthy wisdom, bringing his sons down to earth
“Frasier: My study? You expect me to give up my study, the place where I read, where I do my most profound thinking?
Martin: Ah, use the can like the rest of the world!”

Phil Dunphy
Played by: Ty Burrell
Show: Modern Family (2009 – )
Dad to: Hayley, Alex and Luke
Special dad skills: Finding the fun in everything, making up weird sayings
“Luke Dunphy: [after Alex spills sugar on the floor] I’ll eat it for a dollar.
Phil Dunphy: Luke, what have I told you about doing things for money?
Luke Dunphy: If you charge more, they’ll think you’re worth it.
Phil Dunphy: Right. That’s worth at least five.”

Red Forman
Played by: Kurtwood Smith
Show: That 70’s Show (1998 – 2006)
Dad to: Laurie and Eric
Special dad skills: Appearing to be a total hardass but actually always being there for his kids
“Reginald “Red” Forman: What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you always so damn nervous?
Eric Forman: Oh, hmm, I don’t know, maybe it’s because you’ve been yelling at me for seventeen years?”

Rufus Humphrey
Played by: Matthew Settle
Show: Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Dad to: Dan and Jenny
Special dad skills: Making pancakes, listening
“Rufus Humphrey: Guess whos dad is cool!
Jenny Humphrey: It’s a trick-question.
Dan Humphrey: Yeah, cos it can’t be ours.”

Tony Soprano
Played by: James Gandolfini
Show: The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)
Dad to: A.J. and Meadow
Special dad skills: Trying to protect his children from his life
“Meadow Soprano: Are you in the Mafia?
Tony Soprano: Am I in the what?
Meadow Soprano: Whatever you want to call it. Organized crime.
Tony Soprano: That’s total crap, who told you that?
Meadow Soprano: Dad, I’ve lived in the house all my life. I’ve seen the police come with warrants. I’ve seen you going out at three in the morning.
Tony Soprano: So you never seen Doc Cusamano going out at three in the morning on a call?
Meadow Soprano: Did the Cusamano kids ever find $50,000 in krugerrandts and a .45 automatic while they were hunting for Easter eggs?
Tony Soprano: I’m in the waste management business. Everybody immediately assumes you’re mobbed up. It’s a stereotype. And it’s offensive. And you’re the last person I would want to perpetuate it… There is no Mafia.
Meadow Soprano: Fine.
Tony Soprano: Alright look, Mead, you’re a grown woman, almost. Some of my money comes from illegal gambling and whatnot. How does that make you feel?
Meadow Soprano: At least you don’t keep denying it, like Mom. Kids in school think it’s actually kinda neat.
Tony Soprano: They seen “The Godfather”, right?
Meadow Soprano: Not really. “Casino” we like, Sharon Stone, the 70’s clothes, pills…
Tony Soprano: I’m not asking about those bums. I’m asking about you.
Meadow Soprano: Sometimes I wish you were like other dads. But then, like… Mr. Scangarelo for example? An advertising executive for big tobacco. Or lawyers? So many dads are full of shit.
Tony Soprano: Oh, and I’m not.
Meadow Soprano: You finally told the truth about this.
Tony Soprano: Look, Mead, part of my income comes from legitimate businesses, stock market…
Meadow Soprano: Look, Dad, please, okay? Don’t start mealy-mouthing.”

Philip Banks
Played by: James Avery
Show: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990 – 1996)
Dad to: Carlton, Hilary, Ashley and Nicky
Special dad skills: Accepting others into his family, being inspiring, encouraging his kids to do great things
“Will: I’m a joker. I play around. I have fun.
Phillip Banks: Mm-hmm. Being a joker’s what’s gotten you into trouble. You may think it’s cool to be on the streets when you’re 17, but when you’re my age, it’s a waste.
Will: I-I can’t think that far ahead.
Phillip Banks: That’s your problem. You can’t take anything seriously.
Will: Hey look, man, I don’t have the problem, all right. YOU have the problem. I remind you of who you are and what you used to be. Now I don’t know, somewhere between Princeton and the office, you got soft. You forgot who you are and where you came from.
Phillip Banks: You think you’re so wise.
[Will looks away from Phillip]
Phillip Banks: Look at me when I’m talking to you. Let me tell you something, son. I grew up on the streets just like you. I encountered bigotry you could not imagine. Now you have a nice poster of Malcolm X on your wall. I heard the brother speak. I read every word he wrote. Believe me, I KNOW where I come from!
Will: You actually heard Malcolm speak?
Phillip Banks: That’s right. So before you criticize someone, you find out what he’s all about.”

Ned Stark
Played by: Sean Bean
Show: Game of Thrones (2011 – )
Dad to: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon and Jon
Special dad skills: Honour, discipline, respect
“Eddard Stark: You understand why I did it?
Bran Stark: Jon said he was a deserter.
Eddard Stark: But do you understand why I had to kill him?
Bran Stark: Our way is the old way?
Eddard Stark: The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.
Bran Stark: Is it true he saw the White Walkers?
Eddard Stark: The White Walkers have been gone for thousands of years.
Bran Stark: So he was lying.
Eddard Stark: A madman sees what he sees.”

This week is Pride Week in London, celebrating the achievements and providing a platform for the whole local LGBT . community. Every year the Pride activities culminate in a parade through London’s West End and it’s an amazingly colourful, vibrant and moving thing to behold and join in on whether you’re a member of the community or not. While many laws around the LGBT community have changed and are changing there are still a lot of social norms that need to change to provide genuine lived equality. Personally I think one of television and films’ most powerful positives is its ability to expose people to things they might not be used to and normalise them. While 20 years ago LGBT characters where almost unheard of more and more strong and interesting characters are making their way onto our screens and I’d like to believe that that’s had a lot of influence over changing attitudes. With that in mind and to show my support I bring you 10 great LGBT TV characters.

Cameron Tucker
Played by: Eric Stonestreet
Show: Modern Family (2009-)
Cameron brings an amazing juxtaposition of a football coaching, farm raised tough-guy with a show-tune loving drama queen and it’s fah-bulous!
“Cameron Tucker: I could so be a womanizer.
Mitchell Pritchett: Or you could be someone who just stepped out of a machine called the Womanizer.” 

Captain Jack Harkness
Played by: John Barrowman
Shows: Torchwood (2006 -2011), Doctor Who (2005 -)
This immortal time traveler has an eye for the ladies… and the men… and the aliens… and some plants…
“Captain Jack Harkness: How are you, Ianto?
Ianto Jones: All the better for having you back, sir.
Captain Jack Harkness: Could we maybe drop the “sir” now? I mean, while I was away, I was thinking. Maybe we could, you know, when this is all done: dinner, a movie…
Ianto Jones: Are you asking me out on a date?
Captain Jack Harkness: Interested?
Ianto Jones: [scoffs] Well, as long as it’s not in an office. Some fetishes should be kept to yourself…”

Jack McFarland
Played by: Sean Hayes
Show: Will & Grace (1998 – 2006)
Jack was the original bitchy TV queen and his crazy partnership with pill-popping, drunk Karen is comedy gold.
“Jack McFarland: You know, no one took me on vacation when I broke up with… what’s his face, uh… bleached hair, tattoo, goatee, who am I talking about?
Karen Walker: God, I don’t know honey. You just described a needle in a gaystack”

Kurt Hummel
Played by: Chris Colfer
Show: Glee (2009 – 2015)
Watching Kurt come out, accept himself, confront his bullies and grow into a strong proud man was one of the best things about Glee.
“Kurt Hummel: Hey! I am talking to you!
Dave Karofsky: Girls’ locker room is next door.
Kurt Hummel: What is your problem?
Dave Karofsky: Excuse me?
Kurt Hummel: What are you so scared of?
Dave Karofsky: Besides you sneaking in here to peek at my junk?
Kurt Hummel: Oh, yeah, every straight guy’s nightmare that all of us gays are secretly out to molest and convert you. Well, guess what, ham hock? You’re not my type!
Dave Karofsky: That right?
Kurt Hummel: Yeah, I don’t dig on chubby boys who sweat too much and are going to be bald by the time they’re thirty.
Dave Karofsky: Do not push me, Hummel.
Kurt Hummel: You going to hit me? Do it.
Dave Karofsky: Don’t push me!
Kurt Hummel: Hit me, ’cause it’s not going to change who I am. You can’t punch the gay out of me anymore than I can punch the ignoramus out of you!
Dave Karofsky: I said get out of my face!
Kurt Hummel: You are nothing but a scared little boy who can’t handle how extraordinarily ordinary you are! “

Lana Winters
Played by: Sarah Paulson
Show: American Horror Story (2011- )
Lana’s incarceration and torture in a mental institution because of her sexuality serves as a sobering reminder of the terrible way members of the LGBT community were treated in very recent history.
“Lana Winters: I’m goddamn plucky, remember?”

Maxxie Oliver
Played by: Mitch Hewer
Show: Skins (2007 – 2013)
Sweet, sensitive Maxxie might not have had the most exciting storylines on Skins but he was always my favourite character and watching him and Anwar realise their friendship despite Anwar’s religious bias is very touching.
“Maxxie: I’m gay, Mr Kharral; I always have been.
Istiak Kharral: It’s a fucking stupid, messed up world. I’ve got my God; he speaks to me every day. Some things I just can’t work out, so I leave them be. Okay? Even if I think they’re wrong. Because I know, one day he’ll make me understand. I’ve got that trust; it’s called belief. I’m a lucky man.”

Oberyn Martell
Played by: Pedro Pascal
Show: Game of Thrones (2011- )
Like the rest of Dorne’s the ruling family, The Martells, Oberyn is a liberal who is as fiery in temperament as he is in the bedroom no matter what the gender of his partner.
“Oberyn Martell: ‘Tis a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don’t want to be most of us.”

Oscar Martinez
Played by: Oscar Nuñez
Show: The Office (2005 – 2013)
What makes Oscar different from a lot of onscreen gay characters is that he’s not stereotypically flamboyant. Watching the other characters deal with the revelation of his sexuality comes across as very realistic and by poking fun at their prejudices proves how silly they are.
“Michael Scott: [Michael has called Oscar faggy without knowing Oscar is gay] Listen, man, I am so sorry. I had no idea.
Oscar: Oh, it’s fine. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.
Michael Scott: No. No. No, it’s not. I just… I feel terrible about it. I have been calling people faggy since I was in junior high, and I have never made this mistake. If I don’t know how to behave, it is because I am just so far the opposite way. You know? I’m just… I… I can’t even imagine the thing… Maybe we could go out for a beer sometime and you could tell me how you do that to another dude.
Oscar: That sounds like a great, wonderful idea. Let’s do that.”

Pam De Beaufort
Played by: Kristin Bauer van Straten
Show: True Blood (2008 – 2014)
Lesbian vampire, Pam, is one tough cookie – a predator not only when it comes to food but also when it comes to women.
“Pam: I should have told you that lavender is my favorite color.
Sookie Stackhouse: Pam, I’m in no mood for lesbian weirdness.”

Sophia Burset
Played by: Laverne Cox
Show: Orange is the New Black (2013 –  )
As a transgender woman woman in a women’s prison Sophia already has her work cut out for her but it’s as we find out more about her past and her journey to finding herself that we come to care about and root for her.
“Sophia Burset: “I don’t do sausage on my breakfast sandwich.”

Willow Rosenberg
Played by: Alyson Hannigan
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
Watching Willow find true love with Tara was a beautiful experience as well as being a trailblazing one for a teen TV show.
” Willow: What did I have for breakfast this morning? Do you remember?
Tara Maclay: Huh?
Willow: I-I wanna say bagel, but I think that was yesterday. You had two eggs sunny side up. I remember because they were wiggling at me like little boobs.
Tara Maclay: Sassy eggs.”

With season five of Game of Thrones now behind us I have gotten to thinking about some characters who appear to have simply vanished. I realise JRR Martin has chucked about a billion characters into the mix and we can’t stick with all of them but some of these are quite major players whose fates remain a mystery to us. Are they lost forever or will they reappear in season six? I guess only time will tell… but please remember before you read any further. Here be…

Gendry
Played by: Joe Dempsie
Who is he?: The bastard son of former king Robert Baratheon as well as a one time companion of Arya Stark
Where did we see him last?: Rowing his boat to Kings Landing
Likelihood that he’s actually dead?: 5/10
Why should we care?: Gendry actually has a pretty good claim on the Iron Throne. Also he’s really quite hot.
“Davos Seaworth: If you mistrust fancy people so much, why were you in such a hurry to trust her?
Gendry: You’re me. Never been with a woman. Never talked to a woman, really. And then she comes at you – big words, no clothes. What would you have done?
Davos Seaworth: She does know her way around a man’s head, I’ll give her that.”

Hodor
Played by: Kristian Nairn
Who is he?: A former servant of the Starks who acts as Bran’s legs and helped him escape the attack on Winterfell.
Where did we last see him?: In a cave with Bran and the Children of the Forest.
Likelihood that he’s actually dead: 3/10
Why should we care?: Because… Hodor!
“Hodor: Hodor!”

Meera Reed
Played by: Ellie Kendrick
Who is she?:The daughter of Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch and a companion of Bran Stark
Where did we last see her?: With Bran and Hodor in the cave
Likelihood that she’s actually dead?: 3/10
Why should we care: The Reeds have all kinds of interesting skills and powers and could be the key to unlocking Bran’s potential.
“Jojen Reed: I’m unarmed.
Osha: That was poor planning.
Jojen Reed: My sister carries the weapons.
[Meera sneaks up behind her with a knife]
Meera Reed: I’m better with them. Drop the spear. Drop it!”

Osha
Played by: Natalie Tena
Who is she?: A wildling who came south of the wall to escape the wights and helped the youngest Starks escape Winterfell
Where did we last see her?: En route to the holdfast of Greatjohn Umber with Rickon.
Likelihood that she’s actually dead: 7/10
Why should we care?: Osha is a badass, plus she’s looking after Rickon Stark.
“Osha: I tried telling your brother, he’s marching the wrong way. All these swords, they should be going north, boy, not south. The cold winds are rising.”

Rickon Stark
Played by: Art Parkinson
Who is he?: The youngest of the Stark children
Where did we last see him?: With Osha
Likelihood that he’s actually dead: 5/10
Why should we care?: Most people think he’s  dead but he could be the future of the Stark line.
“Bran Stark: How long have you been hiding out there? Robb will be looking for you. To say goodbye.
Rickon Stark: They’ve all gone away.
Bran Stark: They’ll be back soon. Robb will free father, and come back with mother.
Rickon Stark: No, they won’t.”

Yara Greyjoy
Played by: Gemma Whelan
Who is she?: Theon Greyjoy’s sister.
Where did we last see her?: On a boat heading back to the Iron Islands after failing to rescue Theon from Ramsay Bolton
Likelihood that she’s actually dead: 6/10
Why should we care: Yara is a fierce warrior and the most likely heir of the Ironborn who might still have a part to play
“Balon Greyjoy: I’ve made my decision!
Yara Greyjoy: And I’ve made mine! I’m going to pick the fastest ship in our fleet. I’m going to choose the fifty best killers on the Iron Islands. I’m going to sail up the Narrow Sea, all the way to the Weeping Water. I’m going to march on the Dreadfort. I’m going to find my little brother. And I’m going to bring him home.”

Beric Dondarrion
Played by: Richard Dormer
Who is he?: The leader of the outlaw resistance group known as the Brotherhood Without Banners
Where did we see him last?: At Hollow Hill being repeatedly resurrected by Thoros using the power of the Lord of the Light
Why should we care?: He’s making use of some pretty impressive powers that might come in handy for revitalising certain characters who have met a sticky end
Likelihood that he’s actually dead: 0/10
“Thoros of Myr: It’s not getting any easier, you know.
Beric Dondarrion: I know. Every time I come back… I’m a bit less. Pieces of you get chipped away.
Arya Stark: Could you bring back a man without a head? Not six times. Just once.
Thoros of Myr: I don’t think it works that way, child.
Beric Dondarrion: He was a good man, Ned Stark. He’s at rest now, somewhere. I would never wish my life upon him.
Arya Stark: [sadly] I would. You’re alive.”

Benjen Stark
Played by: Joseph Mawle
Who is he?: The younger brother of Ned Stark and a former First Ranger of the Night’s Watch
Why should we care?: Well, his name came up  in the season finale of season five, which makes me think he might be back
Likelihood that he’s actually dead?: Probably depends on your definition of dead
Where did we see him last?: Ranging north of the wall
“Benjen Stark: We’ve been receiving disturbing reports.
Jon Snow: What kind of reports?
Benjen Stark: The kind I don’t want to believe.”

Bran Stark
Played by: Isaac Hempstead Wright
Who is he?: The second youngest Stark and an especially gifted warg
Why should we care:? Bran likely has a big part to play in whatever showdown is coming between humans and the White Walkers
Likelihood that he’s actually dead: 1/10
Where did we see him last?: In a cave with The Children of the Forest
“Jojen Reed: [about Summer, Bran’s direwolf] You can get inside his head, see through his eyes.
Bran Stark: Only when I’m asleep.
Jojen Reed: Well, that’s how it begins until you learn to control it. You’re a warg.
Bran Stark: It’s not just wolves. Sometimes in my dreams, there’s a…
Jojen Reed: Three-eyed raven?
Bran Stark: You’ve seen it?
Jojen Reed: We saw him together. You haven’t forgotten?
Bran Stark: Does it have anything to do with warging?
Jojen Reed: No, the raven is something different, something deeper. The raven brings the sight.”

Edmure Tully
Played by: Tobias Menzies
Who is he?: Catelyn Stark’s brother and the man who stepped in to marry Walder Frey’s daughter after Robb reneged on his promise
Likelihood that he’s actually dead: 9/10
Where did see see him last?: Being carried to the marriage bed just before the fatal events of the Red Wedding
“Edmure Tully: Word of this can’t leave Riverrun. They were Tywin Lannister’s nephews. The Lannisters pay their debts. They never stop talking about it.
Robb Stark: Would you make me a liar as well as a murderer?
Edmure Tully: It wouldn’t be lying. We will bury them and remain silent until the war is done.
Robb Stark: I’m not fighting for justice if I don’t serve justice to murderers in my ranks, no matter how highborn. He has to die.
Catelyn Stark: The Karstarks are Northmen. They won’t forgive the killing of their lord.
Talisa Maegyr: Your mother’s right. If you do this, the Karstarks will abandon you.
Robb Stark: You tended to their wounds. You brought them supper. Now they’re dead.
Talisa Maegyr: And more boys will keep dying until this war is over. You need Karstark men to end it.
Catelyn Stark: Spare his life. Keep him as a hostage.
Edmure Tully: [nods] A hostage. Tell the Karstarks that as long as they remain loyal, he will not be harmed.”

Filed under: TV Tagged: Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones Characters who have disappeared, top 10, top tens

A while ago thepunktheory from Le Cinéma en Rose tagged me to join in a TV series blogathon adapted from a book blog tag  related to FRIENDS… I have been a bit rubbish lately at blogathons and guest posts lately so it’s taken me forever to get to this but here goes. Finally!

The One where Eddie Won’t Go – a character I wish would just go away:

I used to be a really big Doctor Who fan. Over the last three or four series my great love affair with The Doctor has died. I put that down largely to overly complex story arcs and questionable writing but one of the biggest reasons I lost interest was The Doctor’s most recent companion, Clara. Every single thing about her irritated me. I kept hoping the Tardis was going to land on her and squash her!

The One where Ross and Rachel Take a Break – favorite break up scene:

I recently rewatched a lot of Buffy and Buffy and Angel’s forbidden relationship still totally rips me apart. Watching them break up not because they had fallen out of love but because there was no other way was absolutely devastating and probably one of the most emotionally resonant scenes in the show.

The One with all the Kissing – a TV show with lots of “kissing”:

There are a lot more raunchy shows on TV now than there were when I was growing up but right now I am going to go for Game of Thrones especially Jon Snow and Ygritte those two were so hot together.

The Last One – favorite series finale:

Man, that’s a tough one but I am going to go with The Office Season 2 where Jim confesses his feelings to Pam. It was such an epic cliffhanger and it felt like everything in the previous two seasons had been building up to it.

The One with a Blackout – a show or season I’d like to forget:

Criminal Minds used to be Mr O and my go to show when we didn’t know what else to watch. It had great characters and such compelling story lines but right around season 9 the wheels fell off and by season 10 we’d given up. It just felt like things had gotten stale, they were recycling ideas and they were expecting me to believe Jennifer Love Hewitt could be a psychologist. So we stopped watching. I still miss Reid though.

The One where Chandler can’t Cry – a show that did not make you as emotional as others:

I tried to watch Supernatural but I just don’t get it. It’s the kind of thing I would normally go for but it never clicked for me and I couldn’t manage more than a few episodes here and there.

The One with the Thumb – a recent show that you would give two thumbs up to:

I heard a lot of buzz around Daredevil before I watched it and in my experience when there’s a lot of hype it’s often very unfounded and I end up disappointed but this show absolutely blew me away. It deserves all the praise it gets and I am so ready for season 2.

The One with the Ick Factor – a show with a pet peeve:

Mr O and I are big Friends fans so we recently bought ourselves the box set as a treat and then watched all nine seasons from beginning to end. It was only at this rewatch that I realised just how many homophobic and transphobic jokes there are in the series. I get that the show finished over a decade ago but it really jars for me and I wish that those jokes would just go away.

The One with the Lesbian Wedding – favorite LGBTQ character in a TV show:

I love Sophia Burset in Orange is the New Black. I think the character is teaching people so much about transgenderism and the challenges that go with it. Plus she’s a total badass ass as well as being so incredibly likable.

Recently I have become a bit obsessed with The Bridge, a Swedish/Danish crime series that features a detective called Saga Noren, who may or may not have Asperger’s syndrome and is able to see connections that no one else can… but she’s also a bit of a social challenge. Watching Saga’s unusual behaviour onscreen made me think of some other genius characters I love who have… issues… and so this rather unusual list was born.

Sherlock Holmes
Played by: Benedict Cumberbatch
Show: Sherlock (2010 – )
Area of genius: Photographic memory, abilities of deduction
Flaws: Using others for his own purposes, destructive behaviour when bored, reveling in any crime he finds entertaining, complete lack of tact
“Sherlock Holmes: Dear God, what is it like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring!”

Dr Sheldon Cooper
Played by: Jim Parsons
Show: The Big Bang Theory (2007 – )
Area of genius: Physics
Flaws: Seeing himself as the centre of the universe and demanding that everyone else comply
“Sheldon: But then some poor woman is going to pin her hopes on my sperm, what if she winds up with a toddler that doesn’t know if he should use an integral or a differential to solve for the area under a curve?
Leonard: I’m sure she’ll still love him.
Sheldon: I wouldn’t.” 
Seven of Nine
Played by: Jeri Ryan
Show: Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001)
Area of genius: Astrophysics
Flaws: Relating to others, being overly literal
“B’Elanna Torres: [reading Seven’s study of her and Tom from a PADD] ‘Stardate 52647, 1400 hours: Subjects quarrel in corridor outside female’s quarters. Male returns with twelve flowering plant stems, species rosa rubifolia, effecting a cessation of hostilities. Stardate 52648, 0300 hours: Intimate relations resume.’ – How the hell do you know when we’re having intimate relations?
Seven of Nine: There is no one on deck nine, section twelve, who *doesn’t* know when you’re having intimate relations.”

Saga Noren
Played by: Sofia Helin
Show: The Bridge (2011 – )
Area of genius: Making connections between events
Flaws: Saying everything that pops into her head, ignoring social norms, being overly literal
“Saga Noren: Very few women fantisise about small penises.”

Dr Spencer Reid
Played by: Matthew Gray Gubler
Show: Criminal Minds (2005 – )
Area of genius: Photographic memory, making connections between things
Flaws: Making connections with others, being overly literal
“Special Agent Derek Morgan: So tell me, what does keep young Dr. Reid awake at night? Wait, let me guess. Memorizing some obscure textbook? No, no, no. Working on cold fusion? No, I got it, I got it, I got it. Watching Star Trek and laughing at all the physics mistakes?
Dr. Spencer Reid: Actually, there aren’t that many scientific errors in Star Trek, especially considering how long ago it was made. There are certain improbabilities, but not that many outright errors.
Special Agent Derek Morgan: Right.”

Dr Gregory House
Played by: Hugh Lawrie
Show: House M.D. (2005 – 2012)
Area of genius: Medical diagnoses
Flaws: Lack of empathy for anyone, excessive drug use
“Dr. James Wilson: Your real fear is me having a good relationship.
Dr. Gregory House: Yes, it keeps me up at night. That and the Loch Ness Monster, global warming, evolution, other fictional concepts.”

Floki
Played by: Gustaf Skarsgård
Show: Vikings (2012 – )
Area of genius: Boat building and just generally being ahead of his time
Flaws: Being away with the fairies, talking in riddles, taking crazy risks.
“King Horik: Floki, you have betrayed the gods.
Floki: No, King Horik. I only betrayed you.”

 
Walter White
Played by: Bryan Cranston
Show: Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
Area of genius: Chemistry
Flaws: No knowing when to stop, egomania
“Declan: Who the hell are you?
Walter White: You know. You all know exactly who I am. Say my name.
Declan: Do what? I don’t… I don’t have a damn clue who the hell you are.
Walter White: Yeah, you do. I’m the cook. I’m the man who killed Gus Fring.
Declan: Bullshit. Cartel got Fring.
Walter White: Are you sure?
[Declan looks at Mike and Mike shakes his head]
Walter White: That’s right. Now, say my name.
Declan: [quietly] Heisenberg.
Walter White: You’re goddamn right.”

Carrie Mathison
Played by: Clare Danes
Show: Homeland (2011 – )
Area of genius: Intuition, making connections
Flaws: Mania, general lack professionalism, not knowing when to stop
“Carrie Mathison: [Saul and Estes question the validity of an asset’s intel] It’s not lost on me why people don’t trust my judgment. Why you didn’t even want me here.
Saul Berenson: Carrie…
Carrie Mathison: It’s not fair, I know, for you to have to be the one to decide.
[Carrie starts to cry]
Carrie Mathison: It fucked me up, Saul. Being wrong about Brody, it really… it fucked me up. Because I have never been so sure… and so wrong. And it’s that fact that I still can’t get my head around. It makes me unable to trust my own thoughts. Every time I think I see something clearly now… it just disappears.
[Carrie takes a moment to calm down]
Carrie Mathison: We have a chance to get Abu Nazir.
Saul Berenson: I know you want to think that. I won’t risk American lives on a hunch.
Carrie Mathison: And I would not ask you to. I recruited her, Saul, right here in this city. And it’s been eight years. I know… I know a lot of things can change. But I helped her through an abusive domestic situation. I practically saved her life. And I remember… I remember knowing at the time… that one day… she would be ready to leave here… and when that time came, she would be on my side. Look, the… the way I am now, I wouldn’t trust me, either. But the Carrie who recruited her… that one I believe. “

Maurice Moss
Played by: Richard Ayoade
Show: The IT Crowd (2006 – 2013)
Area of genius: Inventions
Flaws: Inability to actually take care of humself, understanding social conventions
“Moss: I wanna go back to being weird. I like being weird. Weird’s all I got. That, and my sweet sweet style.” 

I promise this blog is not going to become nothing but an ode to RuPaul’s Drag Race… although that would be an honour… but I do want to do one more post  about this incredibly awesome show before I move on to other topics. Since I haven’t managed to get my hands on any of the season seven episodes I am using this as a way to deal with my desperate withdrawal symptoms. While last week was all about fabulosity, this week is all about the epic battles that went on in every season, which were just as exciting as the actual competition itself.

Alyssa Edwards vs Jade Jolie
Season: 5
The beef: Initially Alyssa  and Jade bonded but when Alyssa didn’t pick Jade for a challenge, Jade very quickly turned on her… mentioning that her back rolls didn’t look too “cute” in one of her outfits.
Aggression level: 2/10
Winner: Alyssa.

Darienne Lake vs BenDeLaCreme
Season: 6
The beef: Darienne felt like Ben was a little too proud of her victories in the challenges and her bitterness soon showed. The two were forced to work together several times and it never ended well.
Aggression level: 5/10
Winner: Darienne
Tatiana vs Tyra Sanchez
Season: 2
The beef:  Both of these girls kind of had a problem with everyone but none more than each other who they constantly accused of being rude. Things came to a head during the wedding challenge and carried on all the way to reunited.
Aggression level:  8/10
Winner:  Tyra

Roxxxxy Andrews vs JInkx Monsoon
Season: 5
The beef: Roxxxy constantly accused Jinkx of playing the victim and making a joke out of drag not getting her comedy style of performance, criticising her relentlessly.
Aggression level: 4/10
Winner: Roxxxy Andrews

Rebecca Glasscock vs the World
Season: 1
The beef: Never has a queen been so universally hated by all her competitors. No one wanted to work with Rebecca who was accused of relying on pretty, looking down on everyone and being unpolished.
Aggression level: 6/10
Winner: Rebecca… she never gave two shits what anyone thought of her

Heathers vs Boogers
Season: 3
The beef: The self proclaimed “pretty girls”  (Heathers) banded together against the girls that decided were  less attractive (Boogers) and things soon became very high school. With sub feuds between different clique members breaking out all over the place. Eventually some peace was forged when winner, Raja, offered plus size queen, Stacey her Heathers necklace.
Aggression level: 7/10
Winner: Heathers

PhiPhi O’Hara vs Sharon Needles
Season: 4
The beef: Confirmed pageant girl, PhiPhi immediately hated Sharon’s unique Gothy take on drag but that didn’t stop her from taking credit for one of Sharon’s challenge wins. And Sharon certainly wasn’t afraid of criticising PhiPhi on the runway. Insults flew from start to finished and the two never developed any kind of appreciation for each other.
Aggression level: 9/10
Winner:  Sharon Needles

Laganja Estranga vs Adore Delano
Season: 6
The beef: Although Laganja and Adore arrived as friends things soon turned sour. Laganja somehow took offence to something she thought that Adore maybe said that she couldn’t remember but really it was more about the fact that the judges loved Adore and didn’t get Laganja’s bizarre way of talking. It probably didn’t help that Adore called her out on it. #yesgawd
Aggression level: 1/10
Winner:  Adore Delano

Courtney Act vs Joslyn Fox
Season: 6
The beef: Joslyn idolised Courtney until she had to work with her at which point Courtney broke Joslyn’s sweet little heart but constantly, bluntly criticising her, even referring to her as a cut price Courtney Act
Aggression level: 3/10
Winner: Courtney Act

Alyssa Edwards vs Coco Montrese
Season: 5
The beef: Coco and Alyssa go way back after Coco had to take over Alyssa’s reign as Miss Gay America when Alyssa couldn’t fulfill her obligations. They hadn’t spoken for two years and there was no love lost when they found themselves once again competing. The two constantly ended up having to work together and the fur flew on several occasions ending in an explosive lip sych for their lives.
Aggression level: 10/10
Winner:  Coco Montrese

After an anti-terrorism operation goes horribly wrong DS Arnott (Martin Compston) ends up in AC-12 an anti-corruption unit run by the irrepressible Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar). AC-12 is feared and reviled in equal parts by fellow officers but Arnott is keen to prove himself and throws himself in wholeheartedly.

I was recommended Line of Duty by some friends who thought I would enjoy it. I was a bit reluctant because I wasn’t immediately sure I fancied a police procedural. I wish I had listened immediately because boy did I get sucked in fast.

Although Line of Duty has a fascinating story line involving corruption, political intrigue, adultery and organised crime, what makes it So special is the characterisation and the way the information is drip fed. You will constantly think you have figured out what is going on and then realise there is a piece of information you didn’t know that changes your interpretation of everything you thought you knew. Every character is really human, which means that to a large extent there are no “good” or “bad” guys, just people with divided loyalties and mixed motivations trying to survive the consequences of their decisions. It’s also a great insight into some of the challenges of modern policing.

There are some very impressive performances, not least of all by Compston, who plays Arnott as a man with a strong moral core but a very hot head and a bit of an eye for the ladies. James stands out as a man slowly unravelling as everything he cares about is ripped apart by his poor decisions. All the supporting cast are great and Neil Morrissey and Craig Parkinson are stand outs as Gates’ super loyal team, who have their own secrets. 

This is an absolute banger of a first season and I challenge you to watch it and not immediately dive into season 2. 

4.5/5

A couple of years after the DI Gates controversy, AC-12 has moved on and Dot Cottan (Craig Parkinson) is now the team’s DI. When a protected witness is killed in an explosion during a transfer, it initially seems like a confusing mistake but as DS Arnott (Martin Compston) and DC Fleming (Kate McClure) start to look at the circumstances surrounding the incident, suspicion is cast on Missing Persons DI Lindsay Denton (Keeley Hawes) who was driving the vehicle.

While watching this I have never been more confused… and in a good way. At every turn I had to reassess what I knew so far and try to unpick the meaning of various events. A lot of this has to do with Keeley Hawes’ portrayal of Lindsay Denton. She is an absolutely fascinating character. She is intelligent, ruthless, manipulative and largely unlikeable. At the same time there is something pitiable about her and her obvious isolation. She both repulsed me and drew me in and I cannot imagine anyone other than Hawes playing the character.

The audience’s struggle to pick sides is reflected in Arnott’s own confusion when it comes to his dealings with Lindsay and whether she is guilty of some, all or none of the things she has been accused of and just how much she’s hiding.

Compston and Dunbar are once again excellent but McClure really comes into her own in this series. She is given some major moral issues to wrestle with and watching her attempt to bury herself in her work when everything else is a mess shows both her strength and vulnerability. Cottan also becomes a more prominent character and Parkinson is very successful at making him loathsome but strangely alluring. 

I have been purposefully vague at the plot of this season because the less you know, the more you’ll enjoy the series of shocking reveals as the conspiracy unfolds. There is a strong link back to season one, which gives the story weight and makes it that much more compelling.

I didn’t think it was possible, but season 2 is even better than season 3. You won’t be able to stop bingeing. 

5/5

When a suspect is shot during a chase the armed police team claims they were acting in self defence but the forensics recovered by AC-12 suggest that there is more to the story. The plot thickens further when the team leader, Danny (Daniel Mays) is killed in a scuffle with his other team members and another member of the squad commits suicide.

Meanwhile Lindsay Denton (Keeley Hawes) is being retried on appeal and her cases hinges on her relationship with DS Arnott (Martin Compston) and the possibility that he might have planted evidence. At the same time Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) is questioning his very black and white view of the world as he gets to know the department’s new lawyer, Gill (Polly Walker) and Cottan (Craig Parkinson) and DC Fleming (Vicky McClure) get closer.

As Arnott investigates Danny’s past he starts to suspect a terrible cover up but politics are more involved than ever before and he might have to turn to the one person he’d rather avoid. This impacts on the first serious relationship we’ve seen him in, but he’s not the only one experiencing job related relationship issues.

For the first time the members of AC-12 are forced to question their loyalty to each other and no one is free of suspicion from the lowest to the highest ranks.

Season three of Line of Duty had me at the edge of my seat. All of the threads from the previous two seasons are pulled together and the true horror of how deep and dark the corruption is in the East Midlands Constabulary comes to light. In this season Cottan’s struggle to keep his head above water is at the forefront and although he is truly a deplorable character, Parkinson does manage to ensure that there is some sympathy for the mess he has gotten himself into.

The feature length finale was so gripping that Mr O got sucked in despite the fact that he’d not watched any of the previous episodes. As always the performances are amazing, with Hawes again an absolute standout. 

This show just keeps getting better and if you’ve not watched it you need to get right on that right now!

5/5

[SPOILER ALERT] If you have not watched Season 1 of The Good Place it might be best not to read this review. While it doesn’t have spoilers for season 2, it does mention the big reveal at the end of season 1.

While he thinks his methods are genius, his fellow demons who have been playing the other neighbourhood humans and overseer, Shawn (Marc Evan Jackson) are not best pleased or on board. Shawn grants him one more chance to run his experiment but as the gang keep figuring out what is going on he is forced to keep resetting their memories with hilarious consequences. 

It’s not too long before suspicions arise and Michael ends up in the awkward position of becoming rather attached to his humans, forcing him to question his entire existence.

Season 2 of The Good Place builds on the great foundation set by the first season. I wasn’t sure where they were going to go with it but getting to experience the various different flavours of hell for the four humans is very entertaining, as is finding out how Michael ended up starting his experiment, learning more about Mindy Sinclair (Maribeth Monroe) and seeing their relationships with each other grow.

Bell continues to make Eleanor a character who is a terrible human but still endearing despite her flaws. Danson does a great job of showing Michael’s true nature but making his affection for “his” humans believable and Jamil and Harper and Jacinto are hilarious as the narcissitic Tahani, neurotic Chidi and hapless Jason. In the end it is Maya Rudolph who steals every scene she appears in as the Judge.

This is definitely one to keep watching, although I do feel like sometimes the episodes just kind of bleed into each other. That probably says more about my binge watching habits that the show though.

4/5 

After a series of young women are kidnapped and murdered, Chief Superintendent Higgins (Derek Hilton) puts pressure on DI Roz Huntley (Thandie Newton) to make a break in the case. She arrests Michael Farmer (Scott Reid) and ignores the fact that his learning difficulties suggest that he’s unlikely to be capable. Further to this, Forensic Investigator, Tim Ifield (Jason Watkins) also has questions about some of the evidence, ones that Roz dismisses.

Ifield raises his concerns to AC-12, which enrages Roz and she visits his home to tell him to back off. Not long after this his body is found. Both the evidence in the kidnap cases and the evidence in Ifield’s murder are going in circles and suggesting unexpected connections, but what is real and what has been tampered with?

As DI Fleming (Vicky McClure) infiltrates Huntley’s team, DI Arnott (Martin Compston) investigatates from the outside but as political pressure to back off mounts it looks like a bigger conspiracy is afoot.

Season 4 of Line of Duty is as much about corruption and bad decisions as it is about inbuilt prejudice in the Police Service and the impacts of this. There is a focus on gender equality but racism also comes into the equation and none of the characters’ behaviour is free from scrutiny. 

While this season once again features a fascinating conspiracy and excellent performances, I missed Dot and I missed Lindsay Denton. Thandie Newton is excellent as the ambitious, bitter Huntley but she just isn’t quite as magnetic as Keeley Hawes.

I really enjoyed this series but not quite as much as the previous three. This said it is still one of the best things on TV and I cannot wait for season five, which is due to come to the BBC next year.

4/5

The formula of American Horror Story is quite unique in that each season uses mostly the same cast but changes the characters and settings and then tells a dark and disturbing tale. Mr O and I watched the first three seasons when they came out but then somehow lost track of the show and stopped watching. A friend recently reminded me of it and as past seasons are on Netflix, I decided to catch up a bit.

The twins prove to be a disturbing influence on the regulars of the show, including Elsa’s faithful best friend, bearded lady, Ethel Darling (Kathy Bates) and her claw-handed son, Jimmy (Evan Peters). Meanwhile a sinister clown is stalking the inhabitants of the nearby town, a local wealthy mother and son have become intrigued by the twins and there’s a conman trying to sell their bodies as museum exhibits. And if that wasn’t enough Ethel’s brutish ex (Michael Chiklis) and his three-breasted wife (Angela Bassett) have rolled into town. 

American Horror Story – Freak Show has some really strong core themes. It explores what it means to be a “freak” and that in some ways we are all unusual, whether that is something easily seen on the outside or something that lurks underneath and that if we stopped trying so hard to be “normal” we’d be a lot better at accepting each other. It also looks at the nature of family and loyalty and how the family you are born into may not be the family you belong to.

As always the veteran female actors blow everyone else out of the water when it comes to performances. Jessica Lange is an absolute powerhouse as the bitter, ruthless Elsa, while Kathy Bates is a sympathetic figure as the endlessly loyal Ethel, Frances Conroy is chilling as the overprotective Gloria Mott and Angela Bassett gives Desiree Dupree true heart. Sarah Paulson does really well to give the twins very different personalities in what must have been a very challenging performance both emotionally and physically. Finn Wittrock joins the cast as supremely spoilt and very disturbed, Dandy. His performance is intense, frightening and hard to take your eyes off.

It wasn’t all great though, Emma Roberts’ character was incredibly boring and felt totally unnecessary. I’m not sure why there was a sudden influx of new characters in the last couple of episodes, especially Chester (Neil Patrick Harris) the ventriloquist. There were enough people for Dandy to massacre without adding more. Apart from the freaky clown, it was a lot more weird than it was scary, which might have been the point but I expected to be on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t.

This is a solid addition to the anthology but not my favourite season.

3.5/5 

The fifth season of American Horror Story is set in the Hotel Cortez in down town Los Angeles. Having been build in the 1930’s by a property magnate, the once glamourous hotel has become a vintage relic with some rather unusual long term occupants who are mostly on the wrong side of dead.

Central to the hotel are The Countess (Lady Gaga), a powerful vampire, her paramour, Donovan (Matt Bomer) and his mother, Iris (Kathy Bates) who works at the hotel as a way of staying close to her son. Then there’s James March (Evan Peters), the man who built the hotel and uses it as his hunting ground, Hypodermic Sally (Sarah Paulson) a junkie ghost and Liz Taylor (Denis O’Hare), its transgender receptionist.

Meanwhile Detective, John Lowe’s (Wes Bentley) marriage to his wife, Alex (Chloe Sevigny) reaches breaking point following the disappearance of their son and he moves into the hotel while he investigates a series of murders.

Soon John is seeing strange things in the hotel, including what seems to be his unchanged son and all the occupants realise their existence is at risk when a fashion designer buys the hotel and threatens to remodel.

Hotel, is a bit of a mixed bag. There are bits that are brilliantly creepy and dark and the way John’s connection to the hotel unfolds is gripping. It has an added bonus of James March’s story and his dark hotel design being loosely based on the truth and the Halloween episode where March entertains a load of serial killers is horrifying in the best way. I loved the central theme of parent-child relationships and felt like it was well explored and once again Kathy Bates, kills it. For me Hotel is O’Hare’s show though. Liz Taylor is going to go down as one of my favourite TV characters of all time. She’s bitchy and evil but also extremely sympathetic and loveable.

On the other hand there are a lot of threads that are undeveloped and don’t really tie up, for example the addiction demon and The Countess’ son. Some of the performances are a bit patchy. Lady Gaga is either brilliant or awful and Matt Bomer gets a little bit too into overacting. For the first time I didn’t feel Sarah Paulson’s character and both Chloe Sevigny and Angela Bassett are underused.

I am still undecided on whether those who die on the hotel grounds being trapped there forever is a clever nod to the mythology of Murder House or if it’s just a bit unoriginal. I get the impression though that the seasons are tying up more and more with character cross-overs so there is no doubt that it’s intentional.

I loved parts of Hotel and rolled my eyes at others. I would still recommend  it but it’s no Asylum.

3/5