TV: Luther

Now that series 2 and its 4 episodes (? BBC!) has ended I can officially state that I loved it more than series 1. Though our introduction to John Luther and his complicated life was a memorable run (especially the final episode) there were still parts of it that felt, like too much. His anger and depression and occasional over acting overshadowed much of the detective work. But on this round the writing focussed more on the work and the people around him and only briefly touched on the despair we saw so much of before. My thoughts:

• Idris has encapsulated the role of John. Last time there was too much focus on the angst and the actor seemed to still be fleshing out the character. Now I was more convinced by John Luther. The scene in the first episode where he played Russian roulette gave us all we needed to know about his continued sadness but then we got straight into the detective work and eventually gave his personal life something  (or should I say someone) else to dwell on.
• The villains in this series were nothing short of terrifying. They didn’t walk around with I AM CRAZY tattoos on their forehead but instead while looking as calm as the man next door they carried out some gruesome acts. They seriously made my heart race a few times. Especially when you consider that psychos like that really could exist.
• The new characters just settled into the story with no lengthy introductions and old stories were very quickly tied up.
• Alice. Its not right but its OK but I like her and their little ‘love story’. Luther does care for the show’s resident psycho, that is obvious, but as he said he can never be sure that she would not wake up one day and decide to kill him.
• I was never convinced that Jenny was a teenager. Yes she had teh annoying voice but she had teh face and body of someone in their 20s!
• Finale – The face off with the killer was both gripping and unexpected. I sat there thinking “How the hell is he going to get out of this?”  The reactions on Twitter all mirrored my own. John Luther is badass!
• It is really refreshing to see a black lead detective on British television. One who is good at his job too.
• I am confused that there were only 4 episodes. Come on BBC 1 and Idris. One more series and more episodes please!
• I’ve been reading comments online about how unrealistic the show was. Forgive me but who cares? If I thought too hard about 90% of the things I watch (reality TV included) and read I would be upset about how unrealistic it is. Come on – its entertainment!!
• There is a book people. Main writer Neil Cross has penned a prequel about John Luther. How did he become the man we see today? I am curious…
• So round of applause BBC 1! I am impatiently waiting for series 3 to be commissioned and for Sherlock to return

Where in the world have you been?

Well the answer to that question is: home! Musings has been a Trini girl in Trinidad and Tobago and not good ole London. And in the process the blog has suffered Sad faces all around and a slap on the wrist for good measure. A trip home is never a  bad thing so there are stories of lovely adventures and memories. But in the midst of it all my TV and movie watching did not falter. I am after all the girl who became addicted to a soap opera in Caracas, a serial in Paris and talk show in Spain. Holidays and TV are synonymous in my mind! At home I did not have to depend on the internet for my TV fix but got to enjoy it live and direct every night. T&T, like so many of its Caribbean counterparts, has American cable like Direct TV with a mixture of local stations as well as some Spanish speaking ones (we are after all right next to Venezuela and the rest of South American continent).

I got to enjoy my favourites but while visiting friends and family homes I got to partake of their TV preferences as well. That was fun. The Food Network, that I have successful avoided in the past, proved to be a popular choice. Who can blame them? I have been avoiding the UK versions because it would just fuel my love of cooking to gigantuan portions. From Soul Food, Italian, quick meals to elaborate concoctions and local Indian delights, as I feared, you really can just keep the TV on that channel allllll dayyyy longgggg. It’s a mixture of food porn and big personalities all loving the culinary arts with gutso. It is contagious and I have indeed caught the bug.

LMN (Lifetime Movie Network) was another favorite. One true-to-life, based on a book movie after another, often with familiar TV show faces playing the lead characters is an unbeatable combination. I have heard people talk about how easy it is to spend a day in bed watching LMN and from my experience just turning to the channel and stopping for a minute can be dangerous. Before you realise what has happened you get caught up in the melodrama.

Dancing with the Stars, the US equilivant to Strictly Come Dancing, is flashier and more ‘long winded’ that its UK counterpart. Results nights are frustrating as it takes a page from the X-Factor and packs an hour with too many guest singers and fluff before they hurriedly announce the week’s elimination. I shouted at the screen every Tuesday night and texted my cousin my predictions but every week I came back for more. The dancing is the key. I love to see the ‘stars’ struggle to learn new steps, perform, then wait for the judges dodgy criticisms. Len and Bruno are more over the top in the US than they are in Strictly but they are being paid a lot to fly over every week and appeal to the American audiences. It is a winning formula because the show tops the Neilson ratings every week. I wish it would go back to a simplier formula and concentrate on the beauty of the dance instead but that, it seems, does not help their ratings. I am hoping that Brandy, Jennifer and Kyle are in the final and would be happy with any of them winning the mirror ball trophy.

I discovered the excellent Detroit 1-8-7. Cases that keep me interested with realistic detectives and outcomes. Michael Imperioli has successful put his Sopranos character to bed and created a new quirky ‘n’ crotchety persona. The Good Wife has come back stronger and with a host of new individuals who have seamlessly fit into the show. And Friday Night Lights, in its fifth and final season is again proving why it is the best drama on American TV. When will they reach to the UK shores? Will let you know when I find out!

I kept my eye on the fabulous Downton Abbey from across the ocean and I was happy to realise that it will be continuing next year. Along with the excellent Sherlock and Luther. British TV dramas are with out question the winner. It beats the gloss and fast pace formula of the US serials.

Here are a few of the shows I mentioned:

Detroit 1-8-7

The Good Wife

Friday Night Lights

Dancing with the Stars

And a new season begins…

It has been strange but fun experience  watching all the shows I love, live. Usually I have to depend on the quick uploads the next day and often not getting a chance to watch the episodes until the next night. Now I finally get  to tweet my opinions and read those of my fellow Caribbean, American and Canadian viewers all at the same time Below are my thoughts on some of the shows this season, a mixture of the brand new and old favorites…

Nikita

Considering I’ve seen the 1990 movie and the 1997 TV series, all of the  same name, I really did not expect much from the new series. I just could not understand the point of doing it again. But I was pleasantly surprised.  Maggie Q, Shane West and Lyndsy Fonseca are watchable and the story lines have been fun. Is it enough to go on for another season? I am not convinced. How many times can Shane West not capture her after a face to face confrontation? Not for much longer, but for now I take it for what it is.

Undercovers

Hart to Hart was one of my favorite television shows. Even as a child I enjoyed the mixture of mystery, romance and humor. It may have been corny for some tastes but it was just perfection for me. Undercovers is undoubtedly the 2010 version of this classic. New generation = new twists so now the lead couple are African American, ex CIA operatives and 10x more  hi-tech than the Harts. The previews made me think of’ Mr and Mrs Smith’ but the episodes are more akin to the Smiths in a Hart world. Boris Kodjoe who has always been a gorgeous face finally has the acting chops to accompany the looks.  It is great to see African American actors do more than just comedy and ghetto humor on TV. Will it last and gain a loyal following? I am doubtful. The writing needs to become edgier and viewers need a twist to really convince them to watch another season. I really hope the show gets a chance to succeed.

The Event

Wow. What can I say about this show? Nothing good I’m afraid. The first episode has all the flash and suspense that could be crammed into 45 minutes but by the last five minutes I lost all interest. I tried watching the second episode and gave up all together in ten minutes. Why? The twist is just tyoo outlandish and I honestly do not care to stick around to find out why The Event is happening. It is no Lost and definitely not 24. I expect a cancellation pretty soon.

Glee

Our singing, dancing, drama filled high schoolers are back! The first episode fills gives us the back story to an eventful summer and introduces some new characters to the mix. Story lines are back! I am an unashamed Gleek but I can admit that last season got burdened with too much singing and very little stories. It is set in a high school after all so drama should be the main part the ingredient. It’s fun and leaves you with that sunny feeling all over again. Oh yes and you can not stop singing when it done.

Modern Family

After its’ Emmy win MF comes back like an old familiar friend. Just as funny and sweet as the first season. I love this family (well except baby Lily. Sorry but that child truly is personality free!). I look forward to seeing what situations they will get themselves into and comedy that will ensue. A perfect example is the first episode. Between the princess castle and the selling of the old family car and the new girl in Manny’s life….well watch for your self and I dare you not to be tickled!

Cougar Town

I love this show. I just can not help myself. It is silly beyond repair and they spend an awful amount of time in Jules’ living room sipping red wine BUT I still love it! As I said before, the name Cougar Town is no longer appropriate and the show agrees. Season two starts with the title ‘Still Cougar Town’, lol. And complains like the lack of baby Stan is also hilariously addressed. I doubt it may get to a third season as there aren’t many more places to go story wise but I will happily enjoy what remains of the series.

Parenthood

Such a lovely show.  A family drama that has less of the historonics of Brothers and Sisters. They are far far from perfect but the love is still there. Some real life issues with the usual soap opera elements, yes, but it works. Very glad it made it to a second season.

Hawaii Five-O

Dont bother. Flashy yes put poor story telling. Hawaii is gorgeous and every characters history is plausible but together there is no sizzle. And the case was a weak one. Nothing to keep you intrigued or the desire to solve. I don’t think it will last

Blue Bloods

It has a strong cast, great setting and intriguing mystery in its midst. I have enjoyed the first two episodes of this new cop/family drama immensely. Donnie Wahlberg in particular has been very very good. Each member of the family has enough of a backstory to keep them interesting and amp up the drama for the rest of the season.

Medicine for Melancholy

Or ‘Ode to San Francisco’. Most of the hour and 28 minutes gives the viewer a literal ride through he hilly city. Its neighborhoods, the city, its art, its night life. By the end of it you feel like you have gathered a fabulous list of places to visit. The couple, Micah and Jo, are supposed to be the urban love story. A one night stand that becomes a 24 hour date. A Sunday walk and talk through the city. But their ‘love’ fails to manifest itself. The director’s love of the city remains.

But as Micah says “I love this city. I hate this city but I love it.” and his dialogue becomes the real message. Outsiders, like Jo and the viewer, get a lesson in race and the social ills of San Francisco. A misplaced scene from a meeting about the gentrification of part of the city, makes you want to do some research about the topic but makes no sense to the story itself.

What is the story? Why does Jo engage with Micah? They have little in common besides their shared night of passion and their complexions. Actress Tracey Heggins has the most beautiful smile which dots the movie often but her intial sadness is never really explained. Micah’s layers become apparent as the film progresses but at first his awkward corniness makes you wonder why Jo did not send him away from the off set.
Its not neat and tidy and that is usually OK with a film like this. Mainly because the characters and their story is often so powerful that that alone is enough. Not so with this film.

In the end Micah and Jo are just the background music. San Francisco and its many angles is the real tale. If so I am intrigued by the city, its history and its story. That I suspect is exactly what Barry Jenkins wanted.

More stamps in the passport.

Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or in modern usage, to travel and to explore the world.


It used to be Virginia, then it was Paris, now it is California. This latest fixation could well be linked to the Oscars. I am ready to start my annual all night vigil. I have been dreaming about Gabourey Sidibe and awards shows lately and overdosing on movies when I am not job hunting, so it could be the reason. Then again it could be that I have never visited before.    The problem with wanderlust is that every new holiday feeds the habit. Spain in December was beautiful but as soon as the plane landed on Christmas eve, my mind was already churning over the next possible trip. I wonder often if it will dissipate as I get older and have more responsibilities. Will I taking my children on planes, trains and automobiles to new corners of the world? I think its an expensive side-effect of having such an active imagination. But the downside is a feeling of never really being satisfied where you are. So alongside the lists in my head, on the ipod and in my diary I am always dreaming of the new places I could visit. California may not be too far away…

Falling for a retro kid.

I see him at the bus stop. High top fade, Urkel glasses, high top trainers and clothes from way back. He is fly. Makes me think of Theo Huxtable and Kid and Play and those guys in Princes Town who did their best to emulate that hair. I love it. It is a superficial attraction yes. His style makes me heart beat accelerate. Without it would I have noticed him?

I was strolling through NoHo in Manhattan about two years ago when I saw a group of teenagers chillaxing outside a store. Some dressed in 40s gear but most rocking the style of the late 80s, early 90s. A time when they were probably not even a twinkle in their parents’ eyes. It made me smile. Over the top and attracting a lot of attention but I admired them. If you’re going to do it you might as well go full blast. Embrace the era in every way. I was slightly envious of their quirky, nerdy styles. I wish I had the confidence to handle the reactions and be brave enough to be different.

It is probably why I like him so. Watching him bob his head to his Ipod music and casually wait for the bus every day. Me in my safe clothes stealing looks at him at every chance. I love the colours and the energy and memories it brings back (‘House Party’ anyone?). I have dreams of being a Retro Kid. I am already a black nerd and proud of it. Why not look the part? Then maybe one day my bus stop crush will be stealing looks at my gams instead.

The Overdue Trinidad post…

While I ate at the Breakfast Shed (I had just come off of the San’Do to POS water taxi) I watched the improvements being made on the rush job of preparations for the summit. The steps were being paved at the Breakfast shed as garbage littered the fountain nearby. I could not help but feel that this was an analogy for all Trinidad itself. Never getting it right the first time. Rush jobs or long drawn out affairs, things are never done in the right time!

The flyover I watched being built in 2006 still had a frenzy of activity in 2009. It was still not completed! Newspapers let me know that it had taken five years to finish and I was ‘lucky’ enough to be present to see its completion.

I squealed that sunday night we drove over it but as my cousin exclaimed,

“Well that was short!”

It was only a few minutes and I partially understood why during the first few days motorists had parked on the shoulder and preceded to have a lime, drinks included! The police soon stopped this foolishness of course but they should have expected it. Its a fact that Trinbagonians will use any reason to have a fete!

The general news when I was there centred around the activities of UNC and ‘Ramjack’; the backlash from the Summit and the President’s appointment of the Integrity Commission. The latter turned into a complete farce. The UNC accused the President of not seeking their input, even though he did send a letter asking just that! The day after the swearing in of the commission, one member resigned as he did not get the position he has been promised. Another members integrity (lol) was questioned because of his job so he also resigned. Mind you President Maxwell was on his weeks long holiday break out of the country during all the fracas!

All in all political dramas at its best (or arguably its worst).

I have always loved the 7pm news broadcast! Though 24 hour world news exists on cable it is still the same time at night to get the breakdown of Trinidad news. You hear the volume go up on televisions around the street. The editing and production still need help but it made me happy how much it has improved.

I spent my days at home watching NCC4 which plays old TTT clips. The old plays and music videos were excellent and great for reminiscing. Watching the plays from the 70s and 80s fuelled my desire to write. I got a taste of new Trinidad and WI television as well as the old.

Home is home. It is parts satisfying as well as infuriating. It see the huge changes but recognise the things that have remained constant. One blog post is not enough to capture it all.

And the beat goes on and on and on

At home I rediscovered the beauty of dusk. That time of the day when the sun has not yet gone down but the shadows become longer and the coolness replaces the sting of the sun. I had my camera with me the entire trip but I took only a few pictures. Silly really as I spent many evenings just exhaling and enjoying the dusk moments but my mind never thought to capture it in a picture. I guess that proves that I am not an instinctive photographer.
This trip was the best of times and also the worst of times. Forgive me if I don’t go into details about the worse bits but it is just not my story to share. But that last week I found myself creating great memories but being pretty cut up inside. Even now that I’m back in London I am pushing through my life and trying to be positive no matter the stresses at work or the turmoil in my heart. I had decided after a conversation with my cousins that I would try to live my life differently once I came back. To smile through the rain (literally and otherwise). How poignant that I really am doing that despite wanting to cry my eyes out and punch a hole into the non brick wall simultaneously!
I have Wales and Paris and new stories to write and great times with my family and the friends and a potential hot summer to look forward to. The beat goes on. We’re alive and our hearts keep beating so the journey continues. I feel mine going down an interesting road. Trinidad reminded me of where I have come from and why I love it so. I made me remember the dreams I dreamed at dusk and how possible they still are.
So onto to the next. And for this blog it will be me ranting about walls at the Beetham and Patrick Manning. Yes I’m back. Lol.

A Gallery, Yes!

A gallery, a verandah, a porch. Call it what you like, it is still the best place in a West Indian house. People watching, relaxing, or catching the best flow of the breeze. In the western world the breakfast table maybe the place for a family to converse but in my house the gallery was the meeting place.

My parents designed an extra large one for our house when they were building it and the result was a terrazzo floored, wood ceiling paradise with concrete banisters. Paradise to the boys and I because we would lie down or slide on the cool floor or lean over the banisters as far as our little bodies could stretch.

Sitting in my Uncle’s gallery , this holiday, watching the cars speed by or people take that slow glide walk the heat forces you to adopt, I remember the beauty of a gallery. You get the fresh air and space you lack from being inside your house. And for a people watcher like me it is heaven!

Wish I could build one in London!

Sunday is beach day.

At least it was in my house.  We used to beg my parents to go every few weeks and sometimes they gave us their wish. It’s 51km from Princes Town to Mayaro, which is my mum’s hometown and the beach we frequented. Today I lay in the shallow waters near the shore (Me and deep water? No.) and looked at Wer and Daddy diving in the water. Chutney music blared from one of the many cars parked around . A group of young people sipped from beer bottles and played water polo in the surf. I smiled watching a baby, no more than nine or ten months old, chuckle happily as he watched the waves from his father’s shoulders. When his Dad put his little feet into the water I watched his expression change from delight to curiosity to apprehension then back to delight as the water began to wet his little knees. The leaning palm trees all along the coast as far as the eye can see reminds me of all the days I spent rubbing my feet into the sand along the beautiful shore line.

There is still no better way to spend a Sunday.