Archive for September, 2010
6 items.
I don’t know about you guys, but in the past I’ve been ‘turned off’ of shows and movies because Hollywood has no clue what a nerd is, or what we’re about, or how to write for a nerd, or worse: they cast some major not nerd actor to play a nerd. It’s not that it’s offensive, it’s just stupid. It would be like sending an Avon Lady to represent Time Warner at a business meeting. Everyone can tell she’s out of place.
That’s part of the reason I like the show Chuck so much. It’s got a real nerd playing a real nerd. And trust me, Zach Levi is a real nerd. Just look at his Twitter page; for status he’s got “Inside a Tauntaun.” Dude is a nerd.
But that’s what ROCKS! He’s a real, genuine nerd! Playing a nerd! And not just playing a nerd on a show, but taking the nerd to Hollywood and OWNING it! Following his twitter feed will give you pictures of him doing zany stuff with other celebrities like sharing a milkshake with Seth Green, twitcasting off his iPhone, talking about gaming parties, and a few months ago he had this huge Nerd Party with like TON of celebrities and pictures to go with it. But it’s not all nerdstock. He also shares info and pics from backstage filming of Chuck or his trip to Europe. Really, Zach is one of the most fun Tweeps I follow.
D-Wade rockin' a Nerd Shirt
So what about this whole “owning it” thing? That’s probably my favorite thing – Zachary just launched a new website called “The Nerd Machine” the other day where he’s selling exclusive nerd apparel. And it’s a hit. How do I know it’s a hit? Cause Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat is already wearing a nerd shirt. …okay, that’s not really proof that it’s a hit but it’s a great start! If nothing else, I’m getting one so he’s guaranteed 2 sales now right?
Oh, and before I forget – Zach is also doing voicework for the soon-to-release video game Fallout: New Vegas as well as the new Disney version of Rapunzel coming out later winter.
So, there you have it. If you’re a nerd, join the rest of us and add Zachary Levi to your follow list. And if you’re not a nerd, follow him anyway and maybe one day you too can be a nerd!
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So, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a big TV fan. In all truth, I’ve never once leased cable in my life. When I was a kid we had cable sometimes off and on, and I had cable when I was in college because the school provided it. Right now, where I’m rooming, there’s full on hi-def cable with a DVR and HDMI cables and the whole nine yards. But any time I’ve lived on my own I’ve all but forgotten TV even exists.
I mean, let’s be honest, most of the ‘TV’ that I watch is anime that isn’t even on TV. Football? I live in the wrong city so I listen to the Chiefs on internet radio. Basketball? Restaurants, foodcourts, bars, or ESPN3 to catch my Duke games. (National Champs baby!) Anything else is just filler. In fact, 90% of the time I watch television it’s just on in the background to make noise or distract me from getting comics done.
That’s why it got really REALLY weird when fall came around this year and I was eagerly anticipating the return of two of my favorite shows from last year: Glee and Chuck.
Now mind you, I’ve had shows that I liked in the past. Some I even managed to remember to watch all the episodes for an entire season. For me, that’s a feat. Most of the time, if I really like a show I just buy it later on DVD when the sets come out. That’s what I did with Scrubs and 24 – and sometimes I even manage to watch the DVDs after I buy them. Television has just rarely gripped me to the point that I maintain focus for an entire season – and never EEEVER has it drawn me back for a second season.
Until this year.
Yep, even weeks ago I was getting angsty for a couple of shows and it wasn’t until after that first episode that I realized it had happened. Somehow Glee and Chuck have seeped into my brain and created their own little space. Glee totally lived up to my personal hype – and I know this is true because I’m somehow still excited about the new season despite next week being a Britney Spears special. (I actually just cringed writing that, but still excited.) Chuck wasn’t great but I’m hopeful that it’ll heat up in the next few episodes.
So, since I’ve been dragged into TV watching (for now at least) I might as well check out a couple of other shows right? Sure’nuff!!
One of the first shows that caught my attention was Chase. Seemed pretty cool, US Marshall chasing down fugitives. Tough gritty girl for the main character hunting down killers and such in Texas and just miles from the “get out of jail free” line known as the border. Sadly, after the first episode I’ve lost almost all hope for this show. I was bored within fifteen minutes and talking with Rob about it made me realize there’s almost no hope of this show getting good cause as cool as the plot sounds it’s also the drawback and fatal flaw. Final verdict: FAIL.
On the other hand, CW has a new show called Hellcats. I had no idea what this even was till Rob made me watch it. I’ll admit, the original appeal was Alyson Michalka and Ashley Tinsdale in cheerleader outfits, but after a few episodes the show has actually grown on me – enough that I can even watch the silly dance routines without rolling my eyes. Mostly. The writing is still a bit stale at times, and a few of the actors are extremely raw… but it’s still a show with some promise and some fun spunk to it. Not for everyone, but worth a check if you like Disney. Or cheese.
One of the last shows I remember being really drawn into was Survivor. I don’t know that I saw every episode, but I did watch the first two seasons to the point that I remember being so upset with how season 2 went down I completely wrote the show off. I’ve seen maybe four total episodes since Colby gave away his prize money. Going into the new season I had less then no interest in the show because I was convinced having coach Jimmy Johnson on the show was stupid. Then I sat and watch the first episode. I loved Jimmy Johnson on Survivor. I don’t know why I just did. The second episode was even better – and this year’s cast has some seriously SERIOUSLY weird characters. The fights aren’t even fights they’re more like children battling over a sandbox… and I can’t get enough. At least for now I can’t. We’ll see what happens when a few of these nutcase castaways get voted off.
Some shows I’m not even giving a chance: The Event, Mike & Molly, and Hawaii Five-0. A show I gave up on within the first five minutes: Raising Hope. A couple of shows I’ve not gotten to see yet but I am willing to hold out hope for: No Ordinary Family, Boardwalk Empire, and Outsourced. A show I completely misjudged and wouldn’t suggest to anyone: The League. A show I thought had a chance five months ago but now I just think looks lame and thus will not even consider: Undercovers.
I think that pretty much covers my Fall Lineup opinions. How about you guys? What are you into, sick of, or excited about? Toss in a comment and let’s hear it!
