What Am I Watching? Ichi

                             
So I’m looking at my download folder, which is just about to burst, and I think – How many dramas/anime am I watching?
Just a fair warning – Things that I watch are usually divided into episodic and non-episodic. With the episodic ones, I take my time cause the I think the story isn’t engaging if the author has to resort to episodic events. The non-episodic ones are sometimes also called awesome!

So here’s a list:
1. Inuyasha


Anyone’s who’s even a little bit into anime would have heard of this series at least. A high school girl is transported into feudal Japan reeking of demons and slayers. Here she meets the half-demon Inuyasha who is after the sacred jewel that can turn him into a full-fledged demon.
I like the series as a whole, but it’s too episodic and lengthy.  
For more pics, go here

2. You’re Under Arrest
Another anime. This time it’s cops in a quiet Japanese city.

The series is fun. Look at what they have – two female cops and an unusual motley crew. I’ve just started this but sadly this is episodic too.

3. Fringe

Welcome to episodic land! Fringe is something I watch when I’m loading up on some other (better) serials.  The place taken by Fringe now was earlier occupied by Criminal Minds. They try to do something better, but it’s all already been done. While Fringe is worth a watch, it’s not worth a save.

4. Glass no Kamen (Glass Mask)

And now, the good stuff. Glass Mask is such an inspired story. I first picked up the 1984 version anime and am currently watching and being inspired by the 2005 version. This is such a strong story that I’m now reading the manga.
Simply told, Glass Mask is the story of a teenage girl who knows nothing but acting; a simple girl who transforms on the stage. A must-see for everyone. Also a long, passionate love story.  

5. Gungrave

This anime is a delight to see. Not only does this have a strong storyline, I’ve fallen in love with its songs. Revenge, friendship, love, honour – and guns. Dark and serious, I love the heavy angst.
Here’s the opening!
p.s. The quotes on the wall!!!

6. Gal Circle
So this was an odd one. I am following the brilliant Jdrama reviews of this guy here! And when I saw Gal Circle there, I was a bit confused. A cowboy lands in Shibuya and with his pure-hearted Japanese and heart, tries to correct the behaviour of young para-para (dance) girls!! SO Odd!
 
But fun! Even though there is a usual moral ending, it’s just fun to watch everyone making a fool of themselves! Or you can just watch it for the tons of girls including Toda Erika!

7. Luther

I’m not asking for your approval sir; just your silence.

It’s just too good to see Idris Elba back on the screen and talking in British accent. The last I saw him was in The Wire as Stringer Bell…ahh, good times. Luther is a mystery/cop show. It’s not the best show around but it’s extremely powerful and it’s good. A definite must-watch.

Okay, this is just part one of what I’m watching. I’m sure by the time I write part two, many of these will either be done or long gone. I’ll update soon.
I sorta have a life!

Pre-Emmy chatter

Listening to: Karunesh, Dr. Zeus, Punjabi MC. Sathiya

It's 3:10 a.m. and there is no sleep in sight. Michael Crichton's Terminal Man lies next to me, just ten pages or so in. Waiting for the Emmy is such a bore (NOT!)

There is no Indian award I'd wait for. Indian shows air a week or so later. There is no real-time excitement and they should realize this by now, after airing so many reality-tv programmes.

Just though I'd weigh in on my options before the drama/action/mystery begins in less than 3 hours. I'll also keep twittering in real-time HERE.

Outstanding Drama Series: I think Mad Men won this last year. There are some good nominations here, though nothing as hot as The Wire, which was never nominated. The only series I'll support here is Lost. Nothing can compare with the rush of excitement of this series.

The other one here that I've seen is Dexter, which is a pretty compelling watch, but not path-breaking stuff. House is interesting too, but only if you're interested in sado-masochistic antics of a delusional man.

The Comedies look good too. Here, I've heard 30 Rock or the Office dominates the scene (seen 5 minutes of a random episode. Don't like Tina Fey, is it? Ya her!). I'd vote for HIMYM (Go for Barney) but that has a slim chance of winning. Otherwise, Entourage. Nothing better than 4 guys with issues that we can make fun of.

Outstanding Actor (Drama): I think Hugh Laurie might take this one. He's portrayed House, MD with self-destructive accuracy and made ladies swoon with him, doc-style. But Mr. Mentalist-Baker is good too.

Outstanding Actress (Drama): I think Glenn Close from Damages is pretty good. Saw first season of the series and she was frightening.

Outstanding Actor (Comedy): Jim Parsons, Big Bang. I think it's pretty obvious to anyone who likes the series. But he has tough competition with Mr. Sheen and Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Carrell. And Mr. Tony Shaloub is also nominated this year, and this year being his last, no one knows where this will turn!

Outstanding Actress (Comedy): I'll say Julia Louis-Dreyfus cause I saw the Christine recently and she's awkward and silly but hilarious. But who knows, Tiny Fey-may-away with the booty!

OTHER OPINIONS:

Supporting actor (drama): Lost, baby! Emerson as Linus, who else! But just an observation here: But doesn't science fiction/fantasy make it to the big league? Will shows like Lost or True Blood always be sidelined?

Supporting Actor (comedy): NPH, Swarley, who else! No offense to Johny Drama, but who can play Barney better than NPH? and host the Emmy's to boot?

Speaking of which, I heard that no one watches the Emmy's anymore. Is the inclusion of NPH a strategy to pull crowds? Cause it's working mighty fine...

What the hell am I watching?

Status: Back from a long hiatus.

In the meantime, I have been watching:

1. The Wire : Exhilarating and thrilling to say the least. For more, read my new blog chroniclesofcriticism.blogspot.com

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: The story of two brothers in search of something that will make them human once again. I am watching this one rather slowly, because it is so good but has only 51 episodes.

3. Shoku-dan : Vampires are the next best thing this year and this one just adds enough taint, drama, guilt and sexual tension (with blood, of course) along with delectable figures to keep one hooked.

4. Dexter :Creepily and silently, we become part of Dexter's world. His world lies behind his air conditioner, trapped in a box, as drops of blood in slides. He is a serial killer, the one with a different agenda, but a killer nonetheless. More on him soon.

Note to self:
Update sooner!