arabian: (TV)
arabian ([personal profile] arabian) wrote2008-10-12 10:21 pm

'Cold Case' ... Just knocking it out of the park this season! (+ TAR)

I think this is the first time I've written a post where Cold Case was the main subject, but this season has just been stellar so far. I know it's only three episodes in, but I've teared up and shed a tear or two at each one and just found so very much to enjoy. It is so, so much better than the last two seasons. I don't know what kick-started them into gear, but they are just doing fabulous so far.

First of all, I totally called that it was Tracie Thoms' singing "This Little Light of Mine" about three words in. Of course, I adored the movie version of Rent and have the soundtrack, thus I've listened to her sing quite a bit. Still, it was nice getting that confirmation (as opposed to having to look it up online) with the final line being sung on screen by her.

Other than that ... random thoughts:

- I really, really love the prickly relationship between Miller (Thoms) and Vera (Jeremy Ratchford). I just wish that we'd gotten to see them in Mississippi together. That? Would have been a hoot. Always bickering over stealing food, messiness, etc., they are just great together. The two have great chemistry and I love when we see them partnered up because they just have this zinging back and forth. It's great.

- I was sketchy on Bobby Carnavale as Rush's love interest when he was introduced late last season, but I've found him charming and the slow, steady and subtle build of the relationship with Rush lovely. There was some really sweet chemistry between them in tonight's episode, and it's a shame that he's shipping out. I liked them.

- It was a small thing, but it's one of the things I like about this show -- the little character touches they add. The messy refrigerator ---> Vera being forced to buy all the tupperware ---> final scene with Vera showing the cleaned up refrigerator organized with the tupperware. Seriously, I laughed aloud and clapped. It was cute.

- Yes, they used "critter" again instead of the "n" word, but, frankly, I don't blame them. If they're going to cover this aspect of history (and they do it quite well, bringing to light past injustices), they have to deal with the fact that the "n" word was used in such a way at the time, but yet, in this day and age, they can't casually use it on an 8pm network show. Thus, they work around it. I don't hold it against them, or think less of them. They're still telling the story and telling it well.

- As almost always, the casting and musical choices were superb. I don't know (and doubt) if their music people ever get nominated for, let alone win, any Emmys for their work, but they should.

- I like that they've figured out that (a) having the big guest name be the killer, (b) having the first person they always interview be the killer (c) having the victim killed by being accidentally pushed down the stairs were wearing thin. We haven't seen any of the three yet this season. I know, I know, only three episodes in, but I believe that we had one or more of all three happen in the first three episodes of the last two seasons.

- Finally! Whee! John Finn (Lieutenant) directed this episode. Nice job.

I really enjoy this show, and I'm so glad I discovered it during its second season (and that I scrounged up all of the earlier episodes online). And I'm so very glad that it's doing such a great job so far this season. Yay!

The Amazing Race: I knew the second time the geeks talked about how well they were doing that they were doomed. Damnit! Why couldn't they have been the ones to re-read the clue earlier as opposed to Terrence and whatshername? Ugh. Can't stand those two, and I liked the geeks -- but, yeah, that was a total case of hubris. Totally. Ah well.

I still like the Southern Belles. Yes, I do. They're my favorite team, now. Yes, they mention using their looks, but more in a sunny, happy, matter-of-fact way that doesn't come across as vain. Plus, I love how they're happy, go-lucky-attitude DID get the band going with them faster. They have the right attitude and I just like them. I also like the mom/son team (Dallas and Toni), and Tina and Nick (?) are also surprising me. The other teams have ups and downs, and I'm either okay or merely meh on them, other than the annoying team whom I can't stand. You know, the ones who just *NOW* came into this unexpected realization that "OHNOES! We're in a race!!! Everyone is out for themselves!!" DUH!

[identity profile] harper47.livejournal.com 2008-10-13 01:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, I saw the writing on the wall for the geeks too. Double damn it! But, I sort of knew they weren't going to win because of that earlier interview with Phil where he was sort of generally commenting on the teams and I didn't get the impression that they did well. And out of shape teams do struggle so that factor was also playing against them. Still - it's basic to read the clue so I can't really be sad. They sort of blew it.

You know, I sort of liked the southern belles too this time. I don't really see the underlying cutthroat vibe from them which you sort of need to win the race. But I don't see that from Mom and Son either who I like. So with the geeks gone, I'm kind of open to whoever wins right now EXCEPT the frat boys who I still hate.

Nick/Star and the Divorces didn't really cover themselves with glory this segment which sort of drops them down my likeable meter.

I haven't seen all of Cold Case yet as I fell asleep watching it so I'm skipping that part of your review till I see the end.

[identity profile] arabian.livejournal.com 2008-10-14 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
I don't really see the underlying cutthroat vibe from them which you sort of need to win the race.

I'd agree with that except that their attitude DID get them to come in second this week, so maybe there's hope for them yet.

Yeah, the frat boys and Terrance/Whatshername just suck.

[identity profile] boundaid.livejournal.com 2008-10-13 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Tell me if my off topic comments ever get annoying and they will be gone!

http://shannonrhodes.blogspot.com/2008/10/ladies-night-birthday-celebration.html

Scroll to the bottom and you'll see two videos. Watch the SUBG or second one. You'll see why. :)

[identity profile] arabian.livejournal.com 2008-10-14 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
I don't mind as long as they're not in my long, analytical threads because I like to go back and read those and the comments and an OT one would throw off my 'in the mode' mood.

Uhm, I watched it. She sounded good, is that it?

[identity profile] boundaid.livejournal.com 2008-10-14 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
She is back to her...high notes. I'm nervous. There was while (like 1.5 years maybe?) that her ANYMORE note from BTHE and AGAIN note from SUBG were just lower register runs. So..I was seeing how you felt that she was singing it the old way again. Or you are absolutely right and she is back in her comfort zone.

[identity profile] arabian.livejournal.com 2008-10-14 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
I think she's been resting her voice and taking care of herself. I think that Reba has been a MARVELOUS influence on her and I'm happy. I hope the new album reflects songs better suited for her voice.