Urrg, I hate myself right now. I have the worst sleeping pattern ever at the murment, I'm talking 5am drift offs here, people. Not cool. But you know what I realised today? The same thing I realise every morning when I'm extremely late for work and don't have enough time to gel my hair or groom myself whatsoever: I fucking love coffee. It's just the best. Once I OD'd on the aul coffee this morning, I was in a very happy place at work. But now I'm crashing and the world is ending and I have to go out tonight and...waaah! #firstworldsleepingprawblems.

But last night was awful. Cos on top of my generally bad sleeping habits, I had a song stuck in my head the whole fucking night. Not even the whole song, just two words: ''rich bitch''. Over and over and OVER again. Have you heard of Die Antwoord? A South-African group that, while to some (and by some I mean probably everyone else ever) they may sound like a whole lot of STFU, I can't stop listening to them. I think it mainly has to do with its female ''vocalist'', cos anyone who can pull off that haircut and still look hot has to be apart of something awesome, amiright?

The accent also really helps. Fukeeen Prawns, amiright?

And if you do go in search of this group, NONE of their videos are even remotely safe for working conditions. Or family conditions. Or any sort of situation that's not you and a friend who won't judge what you get up to online.

Hmm, meanwhile, in TV-land, I'm not really watching that much lately. I had a free trial of Netflix for a month (cos it's a shiny and new concept over here on this craggy island) and that was fun. But I ended up watching a lot of shows I had already seen instead of new ones I hadn't. Uh. But at least it's always reassuring to know that Arrested Development just never stops being funny. Tobias and Buster are just...are just...ya know?

In TV that's relevent (or not, depending on your viewpoint of Jersey Shore - eeek!) I've mainly been watching Vampire Diaries. It's like my secret Buffy. I'm kind of obsessed. Just not in the way where I let anyone I know in the real world know about it. And, sure, it's kind of lame in places and has more crappy characters than good, but I really enjoy the fandom, and the show can kick a lot of arse, as season 3 has proven (although not as of late). And I've been watching New Girl. But, like, who hasn't? It's a love or hate it type show. Quirky and cute. Kinda tryhard. I love and hate it, so shaddup. And, um, yeah Jers-ey...shore...just throwing that out there...#meatbawlprawblems.

It feels good to blog on here again. Yaaaay.

Fact of the blog: Hippo milk is pink. (And yes, I just went to funfactz.com so shaddup)

Fave person right now: homg, Kristen Bell, much? Have you SEEN it?! Of course you have. But have you SEEN it auto-tuned? You must. MUST, I say! It's the best song Disney never made.

Sloth + Disney + Bell = amazeballs.

~ Mark ;)

P.S.

Happy Valentines Day! I'm going to a kareoke bar with friends. I'll be sure to belt out a few Whitney tracks :)

Do people still frequent this place?

*crickets*

I've churned out a blog maybe once a year now...but I'm still here, sneaking about the place, like some sort of creepy ninja.

I hope everyone is having a good start to the year :)

Sincerely,

Creepy Ninja

A blog a year? That can't be right. Seriously, that is effed up!

I've actually been rather active on this site recently, I've 350 + reviews up now, so I'm catching up on my old profile where I had over 600. I guess some things never change - I still don't have a life. Clearly. :PI'm even posting on forums again. MADNESS.

But some things have changed. My TV viewing habits are all over the place -- comedies, sci-fi, cop shows, cartoons (so many cartoons), dramas, the frickin' Vampire Diaries!! (Go ahead, judge. No really. I did. Five lashings per episode that I liked. Season 2 is really good. My back is in tatters.)

So I thought I'd do a quick run-down of what I'm watching, re-watching, waiting for on DVD, and, of course, throw Joss Whedon in there somewhere. Ya know he's about direct some new indie film, right? No?

Nurse Jackie (Currently on s2)

Oh how I love this little show! I think I love EVERYTHING about it. The cast is flawless, each with their own slice of kook. The show can juggle comedy and tragedy effortlessly, it's what really caught me off-guard. It says on the DVD case ''Scrubs meets the Sopranos'' and that's exactly what you get.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand (Just started s1)

Now, let's be real for a wee moment: this is porn. This is porn that just happens to have Lucy Lawless in it. This is porn that has really good and really bad production qualities. But, hey, who am I to pass up mainstream porn? Who am I to pass up all of those delicious bods? Mmm.

Smallville (all caught up)

The last season of the show has had some really fun crowd-pleasing moments, but it's still very much...er...ya know, Smallville. There have been a handful of cracking episodes, and I expect one or two more before the show ends. The finale will be amazing, at least. If there's one thing the show is good at, it's going out with many, many bangs!

Nikita (all caught up)

The biggest surprise for me of last year, Nikita is a slick, well-written, action-packed show! I love Maggiq Q, though she aint the best thing about it. Nikita's protege Alex is - me like!

Young Justice

This show, so far, has been nothing short of brilliant. As an absolute superhero nut, the show is already doing a nice job of replacing AND expanding upon JLU. There's a solid arc in place and each main character (as well as all of the mentors) are well-written and the voice acting is just as good.

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

While not as slickly animated as Young Justice, this is Marvels answer to Justice League: Unlimited, and it's AWESOME! Some of the story-lines have been beyond epic and the action and voice work is excellent! I love the Hulk in this - not only is fully powered, but he's also hilarious!

The Wire (Bought the complete series, only on episode 5)

Hookay, so I heard this show is a bit on the slow side, but I don't mind. It's by no means groundbreaking (yet) but it's very much watchable and the acting is as polished as you'd expect from HBO. I have a feeling coming to the show having watched the likes of Dexter may have tinged some of the ''ground-breaking'' aspects that were probably true for a show of its time? I still have a long way to go, so only time shall tell...

The Vampire Diaries (all caught up)

It was extremely difficult to get through the first season of the show. When it wasn't right out terrible, it was just boring to watch. But then a flip switched near the end of the season, and then again during the premiere of season two, transforming characters and story-lines into something worth watching! (No, really!)

----

And now for Joss! The Avengers! THE AVENGERS! I only started watching the animated series because of Joss' film (well, that's my excuse anyways ). The latest casting news: Robin from HIMYM as Maria Hall? Awesome sauce! Oooh, and we may finally be seeing Cabin in the Woods in the unforeseeable future! Mebe this year? Woo!

It's good to be back on this site!

Hope everyone (if anyone is still around this here place) is doing well :)

- Mark

Heya, folks!

As the title suggests, I'll mostly be chatting about a few games I'm looking forward to getting my grubby paws on over the coming months (or, er, next year, as the case may be).

There seem to be an awful lot of geek-worthy fighting games coming my way; to say that I'm geeking out over for them is putting it lightly! I've become a monster!

First on my list of must-buys: Mortal Kombat (9)

A back to basics approach, this new Mortal Kombat instalment is reverting back to a 2D fighting plane, with 3D characters and interactive backgrounds. All of the classic characters will be back, with new movies, an easier fighting system, but with a few neat bonus touches: X-ray Mode being one of the most salivating additions yet. Check out this video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izVZsnCiaWk

First Impression: With some amazing graphics, a slick combo system, as well as an interesting tag-team mode, this could very well be the best MK in years. The fatalities and x-ray attacks literally had picking up my jaw from the ground.

Speaking of the franchise, in case you missed out on the demo video of a proposed Mortal Kombat movie reboot, check out this bad-ass trailer; there's not an ounce of cheese in sight, and I must warn you that it's very gory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6jDcN7mcbw

Next up is Tekken X Street Fighter

Two of my favourite fighting franchises will clash for the first time ever and I seriously cannot wait to play it. I mean, can you imagine it - King taking on Ken, or Guile taking on Paul. Awesome! Check out some game-play here, where Ryu takes on Kazuya, with Chun-li and Nina waiting in the wings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6U7jZ-qMfI

First Impression: I'm not sure which version to get, as one version will use the Tekken game-engine featuring a number of Street Fighter characters, while the other will use the Street Fighter IV engine with characters from Tekken.

And last but not least: Marvel VS Capcom 3

I am a HUGE fan of this franchise. Huge. I mean, the idea of Ryu taking on Iron Man, or the Hulk trading blows with Juggernaut is awesome, but now we can expect the likes Dante fighting Deadpool - it's stuff of dreams. Here is some awesome game-play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-VMvbKVYYs

First Impressions: The graphics look AMAZING. The voice also seems up to scratch, and Deadpool is hilarious, especially his mocking move of shoryuken! My only concern is that there seems to be too much going on in the background, even though it all looks superb!

I'll save my thoughts on DCU:ONLINE for another blog, but for DC fans everywhere, check out this stunning action sequence. Seriously, one of the coolest cut-scenes I have ever seen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Nf-m6WGl4

Oh, and the most recent issue of Geekspeak has my latest reviews of the first four episodes of True Blood: http://www.geekspeakmagazine.com/storysofar/truebloodindex.htm I'd love for yas to check 'em out if you watch the show

Catch ya on the flipside,

Mark

Hi, folks!

I know I said I'd be doing a TOP 5 Bitca list, but that will have to be for another blog. I hope everyone is doing well - enjoying the weather, and using the summer to catch up on some TV shows on DVD.

I thought I'd muster up a quick blog about an online magazine (or ezine, as the kids call 'em) that I'm writing for. I would seriously appreciate it if you lovely folk would check it out and hopefully enjoying everything we have to offer (which, let me tell ya, is frakkin LOADS).

It's a monthly mag, so we do our best to pack it with about as much geek-related stuff as possible: from the latest film reviews and TV reviews (I'll be covering a lot of True Blood next issue, YAY!), as well as some cracking interviews with some well-established authors, directors and movie writers. As you can imagine, we don't draw in the likes of James Cameron right now, but we certainly have an eye for up and coming talent, and so far we've been really lucky to interview the authors and filmmakers we have so far.

Our most recent issue is very vampire-centric: if it has fangs, is dependent on human blood to survive, and broods like there's no tomorrow, we have it covered this month.

You can check out my staff bio: http://www.geekspeakmagazine.com/staff/markritchie.htm

I have also reviewed the Smallville finale here: http://www.geekspeakmagazine.com/storysofar/smallvilleindex.htm

But enough about me, I'd really appreciate it if you would check out the main site itself. I can say, without any reservations, that there'll be something for you there.

GeekSpeakMagazine.com

Has it really been six months?

I have been so out of touch with TV-land and this website (I almost miss the glitches - are they still around?). I'm slowly, but surely, getting back into the swing of things again: posting on forums, writing TV reviews and, well, trying to get back onto that blogging bandwagon.

I thought I'd do a brief introduction since my About Me section doesn't really tell you that much about me, heh.

Also, I've noticed a few people who I used to chit chat with are back on the site (yay!), and I've had a few new fellow tvdotcommers add me (yay!). So here we go:

Name: Mark

Age: 21

Nationality: Irish

Favourite TV show evah: Hmm, it's a tie, I'm afraid. (Yes, I enjoy cop-outs.) Buffy will always hold that top spot, purely based on how amazingly fun it is and how re-watchable it is. However, if I were to choose a show that moved me like no other, I'd chose Six Feet Under. It's incredible. Just...incredible.

Favourite current TV shows: You may have heard of this little show...maybe not. It's not really well known, it's more of a cult hit: Glee. Seriously one of the best Guilty Pleasures I've ever come across, Glee is such a joy to watch that I immediately, as if under some kind of spell, ignore the questionable storytelling and almost comic-book-like character development that makes Smallville seem consistent. The music, the dialogue, the whimsy nature of it all - I'm addicted!

True Blood, naturally, gets my vote: sex, violence, sex, terrific writing, vampires, sex, Maryann, lots of sex, so many wonderful main and supporting characters and, yep, sexual relations of the raunchy kind.

Other shows I'm watching on DVD, or simply playing catch-up with: Supernatural, Smallville, Chuck, Dexter and I just bought season 1 of Burn Notice.

I already have another blog planned - shock, horror! - and it'll focus on my top 5 evil/funny characters on TV (think Karen Walker). I'm open to suggestions (as well as bribes).

Currently reviewing: Season 2 of Medium; Season 9 of Smallville; and Season 1.5 of Glee =D

Catch ya on the flipside,

Mark.

Do you say Twenty-Ten or 2010?

I'm in an insanely good mood right now. Things are just clicking for me so far this year, and nothing especially interesting has happened. I'm just…in a very good mood these days, I guess. Continue onwards for random thoughts and pretty pictures!

How is 2010 treating you?

I've become a youtube-aholic. Seriously. I may need help.

Er, a few shows I'm looking forward to returning to my screen, and one in particular, rather surprisingly, I'm sad to see go (That's Dollhouse for the uninitiated). Although, wow, people are hating on my latest review. N00bs.

Smallville. It tickles me how much I still love this show. Season 9 has been very entertaining, and now they're going all gung-ho and bringing some JLA members into the mix! Geek-heaven. They'll somehow manage to muck it up, but I'll take anything. ANYTHING. I'm a whore for superheroes in spandex!

I've had no water in my house for the last 4 days. It's archaic. Smelly and archaic.

Been re-watching Friends like its nobodies business and I'm currently on season 9. Hottest Friend? Monica. Funniest female friend? Phoebe. Funniest Male? Ross. Hottest Male? Joey. Best couple? Phoebe and Joey (love their little innuendos and random flirtations ((ok, it's really Ross and Rachel, but the other thing is still true)))(??)

GLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

That is all.

8)

It's 2010, people! I dunno about you, but this year is going to kick major arse. I mean, the date itself looks cool, ammirght? I don't have anything major planned (apart from save, save and, yep, SAVE) but since I'm on a tight budget, I'll be watching a lot of TV and holding off on purchasing box sets, it's gonna be rough, but it'll mean more time on here. I don't do the whole resolution malarkey, cos I never stick to them, however, I will do my best to keep some form of blog going – I really miss this site and you beautiful people.

Supernatural: Season 4 Overview

Definitely the best season to date, even if I still had some gripes with the shows overall storytelling format. The staff of writers consists of some truly talented people, but their inability to transition from heavy arc-related episodes to stand-alone material felt awkward at times, although, admittedly, some of my favourite episodes are stand-alone. It was a season that didn't really need any stand-alones at all, the arc was that good. And I mean, THAT good. Nevertheless, the good most certainly outweighed the bad (not even that, more like less-good) and the main cast did an outstanding job, and some of the plot twists were truly jaw-dropping.

Top 5 Episodes

5) Family Remains 4x11

It's the only episode of the series to ever leave me contemplating sleeping with the light on. Seriously. The creep factor hits 11! The episode may not reach new heights of storytelling, but the family scenario lends a believability and likeability that Supernatural very rarely manages; you genuinely care for this family and it's because of that things genuinely become rather terrifying. The plot also has some nice parallels between Dean's time spent in hell and how primal things were for him, so it's not completely filler.

4)When the Levee Breaks - 4x21

I actually prefer this episode to the finale; it's rare for me to find Sam in anyway engrossing as a character, but watching him go into withdrawal proved to be fantastic television. The final showdown between Sam and Dean carried so much weight, with Sam telling Dean he's too weak to do anything about Lillith and then proving it by kicking the crap out of him. The series excels at family dysfunction.

3)I Know What You Did Last Summer - 4x09

I think this episode would have taken the top spot had Katie Cassidy still played Ruby. The actress playing her here is woeful, and it's even more evident when someone else plays Ruby for a millisecond to perfection, and then we're back to miss cardboard cut-out. Siiigh. Regardless of the hideous casting issues, so much is crammed into this hour it's literally non-stop: action, drama, suspense, intrigue, EVERYTHING. It's immensely enjoyable and introduces one of my new favourite characters, Anna. She's SO beautiful =D

2) On the Head of a Pin - 4x16

I don't think this show has ever been this dark (season 5 aside, which has just been bonkers in how dark it has gotten). Dean is ordered to torture the demon that tortured him in hell for 30 years and it's a consistently bleak hour, filled with dark revelation after revelation. Technically Dean triggered the apocalypse; the angels WANT Armageddon; Anna kills Uriel and Sam is strong enough to kill demons, even one as powerful as Alistair. My only niggle would be my disappointment in how tame Dean's methods of torture were. I realize they couldn't completely demonize him, especially since Sam is already on that path, but still, even for this show, it was rather bloodless.

1) In the Beginning - 4x03

Mythology driven like no other episode to date, this hour delves into the Winchesters' background and it's a brilliant piece of Back to the Future fun. The twist that Mary was raised a hunter was a killer reveal, and I loved that she can not only handle her own, but kick Dean's ass too. And, naturally enough, Dean thought his mom was hot, very funny. I loved seeing the YED again, and Dean's family truly is cursed: Mary's parents are slaughtered horribly, and it's made worse in knowing she will suffer a worse fate, along with the rest of her family. Magnificent stuff!

Currently reviewing S1+5 of Supernatural, S1 of Dexter, S4 of Alias and S1 of Mad Men, and maybe the rest of Eastwick – please check them out if any tickle your fancy.

I'll blog again next week .

Anyone else sick of being hassled by this site about Facebook?!**** off already!

Halloween

I'm heading to Amsterdam for Halloween, it's gonna be awesome. How many times now have I blogged about going there? =P I simply love the culture :wink:

Chuck

I am an official Chuck fan. The long, long wait for s2 to come to DVD was well-worth it, it was a treat from start to finish.

Mini-season rundown:

Favourite character

Sarah – I love this character. I love strong women. I love sexy-as-hell women. She is so bloody hot, it should be illegal. Seriously. From her tortured childhood, to her kick ass moments and tough decisions, she's the heart of the show, AND she's really hot.

Favourite Couple

Ellie and Captain Awesome – okay, it may look like there's a pattern here, but they are such a hot couple. Crazy hot. Aesthetics aside, they are the Francie and Will to Chuck's spy world, and I always enjoy the home stuff, very much like I did with Alias. Very fun characters and I'm glad they become prominent characters come season's end.

Favourite episodes

The Jill 3-parter was really fun; I'd ****them as one giant episode. I have such a crush on Jordanna Brewster, she is incredibly hot. This is a very hot show =P

Chuck VS Santa Claus – starts off as such a frivolous piece of entertainment, typical of Chuck. But then it packs in a powerful ending and the first time the show felt as though it truly carried any dramatic weight to it. Very compelling.

Chuck VS The Colonel – such unbelievable payoff for sticking with the season! Everything just hits the fan; it's an incredible hour with so many things happening at once, such a dramatic difference from the stand-alone material at the start of the season. Twists, action, humour, yeah we've seen it all before. Tension, suspense, real ohmygoddidthatjusthappen?!!?-Drama, well, it's all here for almost the entire episode. And the almost-sex scene? Hawwwwwwwt. Just brilliant.

Well, that's the closest I've gotten to a real blog in quite a while.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Play safe ;)

Thank you, higher power. Thank you.

Joss Whedon + Glee = magic.

That is all.